tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57734629473692699742024-03-19T14:38:40.108-04:00Caught in the PagesSamanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-55886010073561433432013-05-07T16:36:00.000-04:002013-05-07T16:36:28.719-04:00Teaser Tuesday - 5/7<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAaS7eaZ0y4rNqFacpK95oPuWri6NxdmglYCMSyCs4keD9F86MOUwhlgYfdffJwQGYCbzmSkbBJbLkqGLaE_v5qPEY_Vh6JNm8WatT7q2gy7Cu5WhKdpk2pkRZDsFgg7FrMFwxmrX4itW/s1600/teasertues.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698509386321821666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAaS7eaZ0y4rNqFacpK95oPuWri6NxdmglYCMSyCs4keD9F86MOUwhlgYfdffJwQGYCbzmSkbBJbLkqGLaE_v5qPEY_Vh6JNm8WatT7q2gy7Cu5WhKdpk2pkRZDsFgg7FrMFwxmrX4itW/s400/teasertues.png" style="display: block; height: 114px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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This week's teaser comes from <span style="font-style: italic;">Book of Shadows</span> by Cate Tiernan.<br />
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I am not psychic. Life is packed with weird little coincidences. I'll just keep telling myself that until I believe it.</blockquote>
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pg. 37<br />
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<span style="font-size: 78%;">Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. You can visit her fantastic blog <a href="http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/">here</a>.<br />These are the rules (anyone can participate):<br />- Grab your current read<br />- Open to a random page<br />- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page<br />- </span><span style="font-size: 78%; font-weight: bold;">BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!</span><span style="font-size: 78%;"> (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)<br />- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!</span>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-34015206818707294392013-04-20T18:01:00.000-04:002013-04-20T18:01:11.334-04:00Back again...It is shameful, the amount of time that I have spent away from reading and blogging about what I read. Now that things in life have calmed down somewhat, I really want to try to get back into it. I have missed it a lot and have just unfortunately not had the motivation for it. So hopefully this time I will be more successful in keeping it up!Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-35232130260322623132012-10-15T00:41:00.001-04:002012-10-15T00:43:47.606-04:00Beautiful Creatures MovieSo in the midst of falling out of the reading world and blogging, I somehow missed that <i>Beautiful Creatures </i>was going to be made into a movie.<br />
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And now it is confession time...<br />
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I have had this book sitting in my Kindle for quite sometime now and have put off reading it, so now I have some catching up to do before the movie comes out!<br />
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For some reason, the embed bit isn't working so here is the link for the trailer.<br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/L1HQ5OP9E8c">Beautiful Creatures Movie Trailer</a><br />
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Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-39672928885946203902012-09-17T09:58:00.001-04:002012-09-17T09:58:53.509-04:00Yep, Bad Blogger.The past few months have been insane as far as my personal life is concerned and I have not had the motivation or energy to do much blogging or reading, but I am hoping that I can slowly get back into it. Maybe I can even catch up to my reading goal, if not, new year = new goal! So sorry for the bit of abandonment I seemed to have done.Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-21482573549490329852012-05-01T17:33:00.000-04:002012-05-01T17:33:03.026-04:00April 2012 RecapShame on me again. That's the second month I haven't gotten anything done in the book world. I want to really try to get my focus together again and get some books read!Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-19030278325443188552012-04-05T14:30:00.004-04:002012-04-05T14:59:07.933-04:00Cover Crazy - 4/5<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGfHKiqcBCxDtoZIN4xLSKlrb4PFeIRpAKaExolEVjWN6G4PjBeTD0PgenOgcyCdUxUgM_kBMMUY0z0jVXi7SB8x5HqSJd6I3YzhVzooBVBT6PJyV_oYLTCYs4R45oLvBBTsCmbIZcSCt/s1600/cover+crazy.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 114px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGfHKiqcBCxDtoZIN4xLSKlrb4PFeIRpAKaExolEVjWN6G4PjBeTD0PgenOgcyCdUxUgM_kBMMUY0z0jVXi7SB8x5HqSJd6I3YzhVzooBVBT6PJyV_oYLTCYs4R45oLvBBTsCmbIZcSCt/s400/cover+crazy.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696570150774811314" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYC8u7TLX3-cJAq8NZ6W-yuAW3KGEPwtHgu-j7laaOlpugh6oq8vcGYk1mrSD5ATZn_B6W9nAUHJfqK3ndsrjfsxLhdx99yWeoLBX87b1fkemh2OO2JqMDEQiTNXFHIjDAgq3trIbHTtbn/s1600/unspoken.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYC8u7TLX3-cJAq8NZ6W-yuAW3KGEPwtHgu-j7laaOlpugh6oq8vcGYk1mrSD5ATZn_B6W9nAUHJfqK3ndsrjfsxLhdx99yWeoLBX87b1fkemh2OO2JqMDEQiTNXFHIjDAgq3trIbHTtbn/s400/unspoken.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727993069451181010" /></a><blockquote>Kami Glass loves someone she’s never met . . . a boy she’s talked to in her head ever since she was born. She wasn’t silent about her imaginary friend during her childhood, and is thus a bit of an outsider in her sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale. Still, Kami hasn’t suffered too much from not fitting in. She has a best friend, runs the school newspaper, and is only occasionally caught talking to herself. Her life is in order, just the way she likes it, despite the voice in her head.<br /><br />But all that changes when the Lynburns return.<br /><br />The Lynburn family has owned the spectacular and sinister manor that overlooks Sorry-in-the-Vale for centuries. The mysterious twin sisters who abandoned their ancestral home a generation ago are back, along with their teenage sons, Jared and Ash, one of whom is eerily familiar to Kami. Kami is not one to shy away from the unknown—in fact, she’s determined to find answers for all the questions Sorry-in-the-Vale is suddenly posing. Who is responsible for the bloody deeds in the depths of the woods? What is her own mother hiding? And now that her imaginary friend has become a real boy, does she still love him? Does she hate him? Can she trust him?</blockquote><br /><br />I love the colors and the silhouette look. It really gives me a quirky but mysterious feel. This one is on my TBR and is to be released on Septemeber 11 of this year.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Cover Crazy is hosted by Tawni at <a href="http://thebookworms.org/">The Book Worms</a>.</span>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-91192076973115638842012-04-01T00:59:00.003-04:002012-04-01T01:04:54.356-04:00March 2012 Recap<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUu937Hs02Yd3VX2yHyLgg5VRFwRZF9-il6iOdtfGPK3RxIf8z9kFr5ycvB5ay7r9kqmFX1PD-jC3Ex4JNDTIxDZGqrrYV_4KR8NMQI11EwTVx4ZbMb_YCLrBFHhnr9nbO7t516D2fcS0/s1600/spring.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUu937Hs02Yd3VX2yHyLgg5VRFwRZF9-il6iOdtfGPK3RxIf8z9kFr5ycvB5ay7r9kqmFX1PD-jC3Ex4JNDTIxDZGqrrYV_4KR8NMQI11EwTVx4ZbMb_YCLrBFHhnr9nbO7t516D2fcS0/s400/spring.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726293319384525858" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I am sad to say I did not get any reading done in March. It has been a chaotic month for me and usually I read to relax and such but I just haven't had the energy. So, with Spring here and a new month starting (can't believe it's April already!) I am getting back to my books. This year I am determined to complete my challenges, well the 100+ challenge anyway.Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-22411860576638402952012-03-09T06:06:00.006-05:002012-03-09T06:25:31.702-05:00Follow Friday (13)This week I am getting back on the reading wagon. I have been trying to make some adjustments here at home since my sister-in-law has gone back to work I have been helping her out with babysitting and such and have had a wonky schedule to get used to, therefore turning my brain into a mush puddle.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfL1dZs0tN7Wr9T-JfXkcCb7MGu6VpCOrDDCrJbMqdhaGq-sBoyf6xpkL5LJPKrPbmRb0lD3iVHdKXvkqDUtdq5nHh19_EaHNnwjyMVv8eC-k5oyi0Yrfuj-PkP8KkOv_bA0gkyxwEbPW/s1600/FF_2012.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 169px; height: 205px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfL1dZs0tN7Wr9T-JfXkcCb7MGu6VpCOrDDCrJbMqdhaGq-sBoyf6xpkL5LJPKrPbmRb0lD3iVHdKXvkqDUtdq5nHh19_EaHNnwjyMVv8eC-k5oyi0Yrfuj-PkP8KkOv_bA0gkyxwEbPW/s320/FF_2012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717855626322754322" border="0" /></a><br /><blockquote>Have you ever looked at book’s cover and thought, This is going to horrible? But, was instead pleasantly surprised? Show us the cover and tell us about the book.</blockquote> I really was not a huge fan of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Name of the Star</span>'s cover, but I ended up really loving the book.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnc_KGQFU35WnEA8Np7oMQP2VmqaK_9O8hQDpGJPHktXwXIiLw72q6DNJ7ywThOxjFp0e0qgN_gnzizOCQX5ERSe-HLdZ7B9e4IjAvaRzo-gBjvYfg1efnNNPM_rYQBg7NrJLp61Avm7Nl/s1600/nameofthestar.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnc_KGQFU35WnEA8Np7oMQP2VmqaK_9O8hQDpGJPHktXwXIiLw72q6DNJ7ywThOxjFp0e0qgN_gnzizOCQX5ERSe-HLdZ7B9e4IjAvaRzo-gBjvYfg1efnNNPM_rYQBg7NrJLp61Avm7Nl/s320/nameofthestar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717856228074775906" border="0" /></a><br />This week's features: <a href="http://www.hesperialovesbooks.com/">Hesperia Loves Books</a> & <a href="http://novelday.blogspot.com/">Novel Days</a>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-20603070601509430692012-02-29T17:24:00.009-05:002012-03-02T00:40:30.892-05:00February 2012 Recap<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAJBff7g1hifeTCp9WS2IOPKEWGHNYEOGW8QqvLDHe5Nj_2GIIZTcqrZIVt3LXcd1mu8Y7iZEjKU5Wf__3gI2SOQKVkDjpJmAGva2d-27r0x8IvmvRHLv7iEQ-MSj5Pn21Sw3EBNmbH5j/s1600/acrossuniv.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAJBff7g1hifeTCp9WS2IOPKEWGHNYEOGW8QqvLDHe5Nj_2GIIZTcqrZIVt3LXcd1mu8Y7iZEjKU5Wf__3gI2SOQKVkDjpJmAGva2d-27r0x8IvmvRHLv7iEQ-MSj5Pn21Sw3EBNmbH5j/s320/acrossuniv.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714691100046464898" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /><br /><blockquote>So here is another month that has just flown by. I don't know about you, but there is a nasty bug going around and my whole house has had it... some of us twice! Unfortunately it has slowed down my blogging the past few days, but I'm finally starting to get rid of it I think, thank goodness!</blockquote></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Books read this month:</span><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheId778Ud5gLM9u3zGdlKE399DRY0p4PgI1zY_ed8t1tx7YdVnsCGBGbgD5PiQLOedrRXyCW7PkiysKO9FEGsdU4zZRQeBqYr2Y6AvgDg03ClJCCXvxlFy93qzXuzsk_knGJO7jkYdPMBS/s1600/incarnate.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheId778Ud5gLM9u3zGdlKE399DRY0p4PgI1zY_ed8t1tx7YdVnsCGBGbgD5PiQLOedrRXyCW7PkiysKO9FEGsdU4zZRQeBqYr2Y6AvgDg03ClJCCXvxlFy93qzXuzsk_knGJO7jkYdPMBS/s320/incarnate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714691426913590418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://caughtinthepages.blogspot.com/2012/01/iron-witch-karen-mahoney.html">The Iron Witch - Karen Mahoney</a></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://caughtinthepages.blogspot.com/2012/02/across-universe-beth-revis.html">Across the Universe - Beth Revis</a></span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://caughtinthepages.blogspot.com/2012/02/statistical-probability-of-love-at.html">The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight - Jennifer E. Smith</a></span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://caughtinthepages.blogspot.com/2012/02/hush-hush-becca-fitzpatrick.html">Hush, Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick</a></span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://caughtinthepages.blogspot.com/2012/02/cryers-cross-lisa-mcmann.html">Cryer's Cross - Lisa McMann</a></span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://caughtinthepages.blogspot.com/2012/02/incarnate-jodi-meadows.html">Incarnate - Jodi Meadows</a></span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://caughtinthepages.blogspot.com/2012/02/everneath-brodi-ashton.html">Everneath - Brodi Ashton</a></span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://caughtinthepages.blogspot.com/2012/02/croak-gina-damico.html">Croak - Gina Damico</a></span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://caughtinthepages.blogspot.com/2012/02/million-suns-beth-revis.html">A Million Suns - Beth Revis</a></span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://caughtinthepages.blogspot.com/2012/02/two-way-street-lauren-barnholdt.html">Two Way Street - Lauren Barnholdt</a></span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://caughtinthepages.blogspot.com/2012/02/clockwork-angel-cassandra-clare.html">Clockwork Angel - Cassandra Clare</a></span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://caughtinthepages.blogspot.com/2012/02/born-wicked-jessica-spotswood.html">Born Wicked - Jessica Spotswood</a></span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://caughtinthepages.blogspot.com/2012/02/title-firelight-author-kristen-callihan.html">Firelight - Kristen Callihan</a></span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://caughtinthepages.blogspot.com/2012/02/if-i-stay-gayle-forman.html">If I Stay - Gayle Forman</a></span><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://caughtinthepages.blogspot.com/2012/02/nightmare-garden-caitlin-kittredge.html">The Nightmare Garden - Caitlin Kittredge</a></span><br /></div></div><br /><br />I didn't do too badly with getting my books in for the month and I have completed 25 for the year so far for my 100+ goal. I am hoping to squeeze in 20 this month, if I can find the time.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Books I'm dying to read in March:</span></span><br /><br />Illuminate - Aimee Agresti<br />Dark Eyes - William Richter<br />A Temptation of Angels - Michelle ZinkSamanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-24015323942485102852012-02-28T08:26:00.004-05:002012-02-28T08:52:50.667-05:00The Nightmare Garden - Caitlin Kittredge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfw45MCz0godf8OSpoQtFXTnywBT1gZvPrshnHLS3zM8LBHz9WKgqU1pZbnZhhYTVzBwl8-gmXwnB4rQWIBLFNNGm72Hg4MvLXbCeayKsYLjJAjV3lps__aCvnsDe_LvsewPvjp3sXcNI/s1600/nightmaregarden.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfw45MCz0godf8OSpoQtFXTnywBT1gZvPrshnHLS3zM8LBHz9WKgqU1pZbnZhhYTVzBwl8-gmXwnB4rQWIBLFNNGm72Hg4MvLXbCeayKsYLjJAjV3lps__aCvnsDe_LvsewPvjp3sXcNI/s400/nightmaregarden.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714184040017675794" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Title: The Nightmare Garden<br />Author: Caitlin Kittredge<br />Pages: 417<br />Genre: Young Adult|Steampunk|Fantasy </span><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">(eARC provided by NetGalley/Delacorte)</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Publication Date: 2/14/2012<br />Rating: ****</span><br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">Everything Aoife thought she knew about the world was a lie. There is no Necrovirus. And Aoife isn't going to succumb to madness because of a latent strain—she will lose her faculties because she is allergic to iron. Aoife isn't human. She is a changeling—half human and half from the land of Thorn. And time is running out for her.<br /><br />When Aoife destroyed the Lovecraft engine she released the monsters from the Thorn Lands into the Iron Lands and now she must find a way to seal the gates and reverse the destruction she's ravaged on the world that's about to poison her.</span></blockquote><br />*<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">May Contain Spoilers from</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> The Iron Thorn</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">*</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span><br /><br />The Nightmare Garden </span>picks up where <span style="font-style: italic;">The Iron Thorn </span>left off, after Aoife destroyed the engine of Lovecraft. Aoife now knows that she is half fae and that the madness that overtook her mother was not the necrovirus, but iron poisoning. By destroying the engine, she has broken the gates of the Thorn lands and now is set out to fix them -- to keep the creatures of Thorn away.<br /><br />I really love the world created by Ms. Kittredge. I feel like it is unique and original and so vividly described. The supernatural elements mixed in with the steampunk setting is fantastic.<br /><br />I really enjoyed reading this one and I feel like it did not lack the adventure the first one had. The only real issue I had was with Aoife. While I still feel that she was a great heroine, her attitude nipped at me a bit. She started out so strong and courageous in <span style="font-style: italic;">The Iron Thorn</span> whereas her I feel like she reverted in maturity a bit. While acting brave and mature in the last book, here she acted more of the sixteen year old girl that she was - sassy, rebellious and hard headed. With that said, I think some of it could very well be due to some of the events that occurred throughout the book. In the end, she did redeem herself, so it was incredibly disappointing and I hope her attitude in the end continues in book three, which I am impatiently waiting for.<br /><br />This one has the same dark, foreboding feel that the first had and I was excited to continue unraveling mysteries and learning more of the Thorn lands, Lovecraft and Aoife. If you enjoyed the first installment, I really think you will love this one too and you will be eagerly awaiting the third.Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-22607122059505195902012-02-24T23:18:00.006-05:002012-02-26T19:52:20.417-05:00In My Mailbox - 2/25<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnTAEjZR6tZ1BbzMe_HY2v6CaNY3xTVqe7fr8OgvLrUma2w9KoI0zJGvv6PYD6NWDbTPk-1F6bCYyB4Kl5K-rRmdLX-c8cQeIepmUkbwpBHvHN1LriDdzJvLDweVH7b2NZxy-NF0kbDWB/s1600/mailbox1-300x277.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnTAEjZR6tZ1BbzMe_HY2v6CaNY3xTVqe7fr8OgvLrUma2w9KoI0zJGvv6PYD6NWDbTPk-1F6bCYyB4Kl5K-rRmdLX-c8cQeIepmUkbwpBHvHN1LriDdzJvLDweVH7b2NZxy-NF0kbDWB/s320/mailbox1-300x277.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698085755860130066" border="0" /></a><br /><blockquote>In My MailBox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at <a href="http://www.thestorysiren.com/">The Story Siren</a> to show off what books you've gotten over the past week.</blockquote><br />I managed to get quite a bit this week. I really need to catch up on my NetGalley books as well!<br /><br /><br />Won through a giveaway at <a href="http://www.talesofwhimsy.com/">Tales of Whimsy</a>:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPABtyoCyAXst3l7sAKTdorEDYhUtlKwJ7F6jY2b4o-__L-eMhFiiUIel2se08ckCBTcDrYzYZ_eRFZ_u4AQpsTibhkrLbUKhgzY5EOzqmklIav3X7fx0mfLeYLaJfqXlv-1I6wF_66cbm/s1600/tempest.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPABtyoCyAXst3l7sAKTdorEDYhUtlKwJ7F6jY2b4o-__L-eMhFiiUIel2se08ckCBTcDrYzYZ_eRFZ_u4AQpsTibhkrLbUKhgzY5EOzqmklIav3X7fx0mfLeYLaJfqXlv-1I6wF_66cbm/s320/tempest.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712923722160165778" border="0" /></a>Thanks again for the giveaway!!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">From the library:</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/?action=view&current=graceling.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 144px; height: 219px;" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/graceling.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/?action=view&current=ifistay.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 147px; height: 219px;" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/ifistay.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/?action=view&current=incarceron.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 149px; height: 218px;" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/incarceron.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/?action=view&current=pastperfect.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 144px; height: 215px;" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/pastperfect.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/?action=view&current=amyandroger.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 147px; height: 217px;" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/amyandroger.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">NetGalley:</span></span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/?action=view&current=barefootseason.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 145px; height: 226px;" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/barefootseason.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/?action=view&current=piecesofus.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 146px; height: 225px;" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/piecesofus.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/?action=view&current=ripper.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 146px; height: 225px;" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/ripper.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/?action=view&current=shootingstars.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 146px; height: 223px;" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/shootingstars.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/?action=view&current=thegillysaltsisters.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 146px; height: 221px;" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/thegillysaltsisters.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/?action=view&current=thehunt.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 146px; height: 232px;" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/thehunt.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/?action=view&current=transcendence.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 147px; height: 231px;" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/transcendence.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/?action=view&current=unbreakmyheart.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 146px; height: 231px;" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/unbreakmyheart.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Yeah, I think it is time to get crackin' on all of those NetGalley books. I have more from previous weeks collecting virtual dust that I need to read. I should probably go on some kind of book buying/borrowing/requesting ban or something. Perhaps even a 12-step book program of some sort... but it is so incredibly addicting when I see all these books screaming read me!Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-88891180325751768122012-02-22T22:28:00.003-05:002012-02-22T22:50:03.688-05:00If I Stay - Gayle Forman<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8zffEE-IIzeIpQrT8VEoTiUhDAoOZeDX6BJ3COiVfe9aWxB773iPg_awXxU42q2bpIFNCaCSNRjAD1-ygj0Z0wNPc4E09CdlQe4QsCak9spsQK-h-Ytvgfr45moQxuE_feXCjkonc9wT/s1600/ifistay.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8zffEE-IIzeIpQrT8VEoTiUhDAoOZeDX6BJ3COiVfe9aWxB773iPg_awXxU42q2bpIFNCaCSNRjAD1-ygj0Z0wNPc4E09CdlQe4QsCak9spsQK-h-Ytvgfr45moQxuE_feXCjkonc9wT/s400/ifistay.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712173294371948146" /></a>Title: If I Stay<br />Author: Gayle Forman<br />Pages: 199<br />Genre: Young Adult|Contemporary<br />Publication Date: 4/9/2009<br />Rating: *****<br /><blockquote>In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen year- old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...<br /><br />A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make -and the ultimate choice Mia commands.</blockquote><br />I have never read something so emotional in so few pages. While a quick read, it was a difficult one because it is so heart wrenching. There were several times throughout reading this that I found myself with tears in my eyes and the feeling of my heart breaking. This is such a poignant read that it will grip you by the heart and drag you in, leaving you with no other choice but to devour it.<br /><br />I thought I knew what to expect going in and I have heard a lot of readers gushing about it but I really had no idea that it would be this good. Could you imagine being in such a tragic situation while you are only an outsider, a witness to all that is going on around you while you can do nothing but think and reflect? There were some incredibly painful moments to read but I couldn't tear myself away from it.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If I Stay </span>has such an intense emotional impact that it will leave you breathless and linger in your mind well after you have finished it. It contains so many emotions - helplessness, despair, unimaginable pain, yet it is surrounded by happiness and so much love you can feel every bit of it. The characters are realistic and you will find yourself hurting for them, laughing with them, and above all, wanting to reach out to them in their darkest moments.<br /><br />This is one that I feel is unforgettable. I am eager to get my hands on the sequel, <span style="font-style: italic;">Where She Went</span>. I highly recommend this one and I urge you to get a copy ASAP, buy, borrow, what have you, it's a must read!Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-37882424148494600762012-02-22T16:08:00.004-05:002012-02-22T16:33:46.453-05:00Waiting on Wednesday - 2/22<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcx5LEJ63HkKi4Y-fa2N-F9o7-r9bZu4E2jpljU5ggeWbT0DVZs3Xo1IwBthi33YbSsHWrCscuZlD0c72bfRWDb89oJyfRni2lb5eap4tkXgzctz_A-9sNOIOSrlJIaY-34Q7MzdrwCyZ/s1600/waitingw.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 114px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcx5LEJ63HkKi4Y-fa2N-F9o7-r9bZu4E2jpljU5ggeWbT0DVZs3Xo1IwBthi33YbSsHWrCscuZlD0c72bfRWDb89oJyfRni2lb5eap4tkXgzctz_A-9sNOIOSrlJIaY-34Q7MzdrwCyZ/s400/waitingw.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698824578152897570" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Waiting On Wednesdays shows books that I am stoked about and can't wait to read!<br /><br />Here are some that I am drooling over this week...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cVhnCxarii0oof3ixQ44ZhvYzzAbB4FT0TP9E_EtMYi_NeRye7ms_q2J9NHpuQZPhuuQsDTClZQKRxoWXik_8ig90y0IFRea6bbDySOxQVgmN6W0rJlIeNul69vS3FSmsNmSGl_V8es_/s1600/killmesoftly.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1cVhnCxarii0oof3ixQ44ZhvYzzAbB4FT0TP9E_EtMYi_NeRye7ms_q2J9NHpuQZPhuuQsDTClZQKRxoWXik_8ig90y0IFRea6bbDySOxQVgmN6W0rJlIeNul69vS3FSmsNmSGl_V8es_/s320/killmesoftly.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712075126772881170" /></a>Kill Me Softly<br />Sarah Cross<br />4/10/2012<br /><blockquote>True love’s kiss just may prove deadly....<br /><br />Mirabelle’s past is shrouded in secrecy, from her parents’ tragic deaths to her guardians’ half-truths about why she can’t return to her birthplace, Beau Rivage. Desperate to see the town, Mira runs away a week before her sixteenth birthday—and discovers a world she never could have imagined.<br /><br />In Beau Rivage, nothing is what it seems—the strangely pale girl with a morbid interest in apples, the obnoxious playboy who’s a beast to everyone he meets, and the chivalrous guy who has a thing for damsels in distress. Here, fairy tales come to life, curses are awakened, and ancient stories are played out again and again.<br /><br />But fairy tales aren’t pretty things, and they don’t always end in happily ever after. Mira has a role to play, a fairy-tale destiny to embrace or resist. As she struggles to take control of her fate, Mira is drawn into the lives of two brothers with fairy-tale curses of their own ... brothers who share a dark secret. And she’ll find that love, just like fairy tales, can have sharp edges and hidden thorns.</blockquote><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCs1O-DGJwgDugX7w5bhgMiqq4GxfSiqeXF7DusTi5RWyh5qTx5krGnaDchxbXodL9QhaSdCZ45W0rgfZWnP62qntsoxuys4o5RnYGWeqTjH4KtnKKgtNRVckBCIe4WhgVoAPFxIsd-rE/s1600/fordarknessshows.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCs1O-DGJwgDugX7w5bhgMiqq4GxfSiqeXF7DusTi5RWyh5qTx5krGnaDchxbXodL9QhaSdCZ45W0rgfZWnP62qntsoxuys4o5RnYGWeqTjH4KtnKKgtNRVckBCIe4WhgVoAPFxIsd-rE/s320/fordarknessshows.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712075121552921602" /></a>For Darkness Shows the Stars<br />Diana Peterfreund <br />6/12/2012<br /><blockquote>Generations ago, a genetic experiment gone wrong—the Reduction—decimated humanity, giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.<br /><br />Eighteen-year-old Luddite Elliot North has always known her place in this caste system. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family’s estate over love. But now the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress and threatening Luddite control; Elliot’s estate is floundering; and she’s forced to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth—an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliott wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she abandoned him.<br /><br />But Elliot soon discovers her childhood friend carries a secret—-one that could change the society in which they live…or bring it to its knees. And again, she’s faced with a choice: cling to what she’s been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she’s ever loved, even if she has lost him forever.<br /><br />Inspired by Jane Austen’s PERSUASION, FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.</blockquote><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8HDGFspW2ySXTKAjzthbOJ9ZXCNfY0Rh9GAHKyf1EdoduRVV_OZUJpuHgtMCdlcB9m6qqj-jMBAW_Fv4q2a0OeDp9k0PfLp2lLqJ0RYlvAyV_sbGXwU9nnC_qfRM6XgrU9oJePvMzQlm/s1600/gravity.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8HDGFspW2ySXTKAjzthbOJ9ZXCNfY0Rh9GAHKyf1EdoduRVV_OZUJpuHgtMCdlcB9m6qqj-jMBAW_Fv4q2a0OeDp9k0PfLp2lLqJ0RYlvAyV_sbGXwU9nnC_qfRM6XgrU9oJePvMzQlm/s320/gravity.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712075121589618402" /></a>Gravity<br />Melissa West<br />October 2012<br /><blockquote>In the future, only one rule will matter: Don’t. Ever. Peek.<br /><br />Seventeen-year-old Ari Alexander just broke that rule and saw the last person she expected hovering above her bed--arrogant Jackson Locke, the most popular boy in her school. She expects instant execution or some kind of freak alien punishment, but instead, Jackson issues a challenge: help him, or everyone on Earth will die.<br /><br />Ari knows she should report him, but everything about Jackson makes her question what she’s been taught about his kind. And against her instincts, she’s falling for him. But Ari isn’t just any girl, and Jackson wants more than her attention. She’s a military legacy who’s been trained by her father and exposed to war strategies and societal information no one can know--especially an alien spy, like Jackson. Giving Jackson the information he needs will betray her father and her country, but keeping silent will start a war.</blockquote>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-3375633248186835472012-02-20T16:09:00.005-05:002012-02-22T11:08:22.600-05:00Firelight - Kristen Callihan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHNO8h5HzQngb_RGGYncGmNFGwHwu_fpvmFa6mOpvTxFcKm5EHOCrWaSJG4NQB1SEYV27odOgeWb_PMlDD3oQJlTCgWzIXUze3fsHE_QKRptqdm4htMnjM6HFABpOPBouYRelRejK0Vaj/s1600/firelight.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 248px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHNO8h5HzQngb_RGGYncGmNFGwHwu_fpvmFa6mOpvTxFcKm5EHOCrWaSJG4NQB1SEYV27odOgeWb_PMlDD3oQJlTCgWzIXUze3fsHE_QKRptqdm4htMnjM6HFABpOPBouYRelRejK0Vaj/s400/firelight.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711334887738296226" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Title: Firelight<br />Author: Kristen Callihan<br />Pages: 372<br />Genre: Historical Fiction|Paranormal Romance<br />Publication Date: 1/31/2012 </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">(eARC provided by NetGalley/Grand Central Publishing)<br />Rating: ****</span><br /></span><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">London, 1881</span><br style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Once the flames are ignited . . .</span><br />Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">They will burn for eternity . . .</span><br />Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.</span></blockquote><br />A masked man and a woman with a fiery secret equals mystery, lies, smoky-steamy tension, and an exciting romantic adventure in <span style="font-style:italic;">Firelight</span>.<br /><br />I must confess that I had a lot of trouble putting this one down. It pulled me in and kept me hooked until the last words. Miranda was a strong, snarky heroine who had no trouble defending herself. Meanwhile, Archer is a mysterious, brooding man behind a mask. Put these two together and it makes for one steamy romance!<br /><br />There were a couple of predictable things, but I enjoyed this and was hooked nonetheless. I felt that these two had a great chemistry and I liked watching their relationship develop and grow into love. It was a thrilling adventure unlocking their secrets and finding out what Archer really hid behind his mask. The whole time I am wondering, what on earth is going on with this dude?! Tell me NOW! And did I mention, this character is definitely sexy! You can tell what he feels for Miranda is genuine and their relationship didn't feel forced.<br /><br />One complaint is that I wish we could have seen more of Miranda's fire powers. I thought it was a great aspect and was only a bit disappointed in the lack of its use. Most of focus was found in their relationship (which I knew was coming since it is a romance) and revealing Archer's secret (which I also knew was to be expected). Still, I couldn't put it down except by force.<br /><br />In the end, it was exciting, fun, gritty, and darkly sexy! I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good, steamy paranormal romance.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Note: I would suggest this for those 18+ for the more steamy scenes</span>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-27290760226655132702012-02-19T13:02:00.004-05:002012-02-19T13:19:33.975-05:00Sunday Recap - 2/19<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Read this week:<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitykfeG-vWbzhYToLiIW4FMhOZMnwUsb54tYbxGq8ppzFFQtiQEI0M35NptS1yqtwLQ9OeD4l5w7SpmMu9vhs6BvexQyOZOL7xDqmTk8RcQ2CYHqTb5FL9vGP5Ghtc8CCCd3BkilgQ9eJu/s1600/clockworkangel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitykfeG-vWbzhYToLiIW4FMhOZMnwUsb54tYbxGq8ppzFFQtiQEI0M35NptS1yqtwLQ9OeD4l5w7SpmMu9vhs6BvexQyOZOL7xDqmTk8RcQ2CYHqTb5FL9vGP5Ghtc8CCCd3BkilgQ9eJu/s320/clockworkangel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710911166843394002" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3Wxm8glND7S4poJgkD_hYllXVNhWEXXE2ac703rBC7PKrXypnjsHqI2JijWbozlN999qYsOarggq_rg2o30R3SCY0iMkuMqNXUuicM5R5ewqes4uyJw_ndDntXMpIe5dWXKhSjMfnZ8r/s1600/twowaystreet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3Wxm8glND7S4poJgkD_hYllXVNhWEXXE2ac703rBC7PKrXypnjsHqI2JijWbozlN999qYsOarggq_rg2o30R3SCY0iMkuMqNXUuicM5R5ewqes4uyJw_ndDntXMpIe5dWXKhSjMfnZ8r/s320/twowaystreet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710911160081219698" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVjOFaY7ezzurIEDhEUx-2DB1Q3UN8QyM3AS8MQj7Y4g4MGG_6Zoa33kg2SMOYGXY9apvXemXOeu8GagycBE8dxac8LK3KLQMAliHTgFootMhX6qPVT4fZG47R7h0XabV-qabS0NyJQTx/s1600/bornwicked.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVjOFaY7ezzurIEDhEUx-2DB1Q3UN8QyM3AS8MQj7Y4g4MGG_6Zoa33kg2SMOYGXY9apvXemXOeu8GagycBE8dxac8LK3KLQMAliHTgFootMhX6qPVT4fZG47R7h0XabV-qabS0NyJQTx/s320/bornwicked.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710911168407711826" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reviews:</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://caughtinthepages.blogspot.com/2012/02/two-way-street-lauren-barnholdt.html">Two Way Street</a><br /><a href="http://caughtinthepages.blogspot.com/2012/02/clockwork-angel-cassandra-clare.html">Clockwork Angel</a><br /><a href="http://caughtinthepages.blogspot.com/2012/02/born-wicked-jessica-spotswood.html">Born Wicked<br /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Currently Reading:</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSB_2WVqXZWWoT_HU7DILuce171HCHrVGVbsG6pqFdK21SmNR0e1aH4pgTlotRGOY_ZT6jfYEqcv_8WvJry7oGe9vzvVUcp8HbfuqOztXnY9qU-Rj1lZEnj-KqPs0SYMt9QpSm_I3pc1Vy/s1600/firelight.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSB_2WVqXZWWoT_HU7DILuce171HCHrVGVbsG6pqFdK21SmNR0e1aH4pgTlotRGOY_ZT6jfYEqcv_8WvJry7oGe9vzvVUcp8HbfuqOztXnY9qU-Rj1lZEnj-KqPs0SYMt9QpSm_I3pc1Vy/s320/firelight.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710911877259639586" border="0" /></a></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-25207375253997466222012-02-17T23:40:00.006-05:002012-02-18T00:16:38.946-05:00Born Wicked - Jessica Spotswood<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaNnOhlrERLWi5XJpTXNprBz7mRvC1ex31F4mNTB3TaEsYHQGgOfiPVO1r4MzWqcvg7OgQfPf0TJu8Md-lj0XDeLJLKoAUvjKIbSUeelMgvFwDtaKiHrHIE2xvD8WG2XWi1ktHYPGmRVW/s1600/bornwicked.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaNnOhlrERLWi5XJpTXNprBz7mRvC1ex31F4mNTB3TaEsYHQGgOfiPVO1r4MzWqcvg7OgQfPf0TJu8Md-lj0XDeLJLKoAUvjKIbSUeelMgvFwDtaKiHrHIE2xvD8WG2XWi1ktHYPGmRVW/s400/bornwicked.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710339275792353938" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Title: Born Wicked<br />Author: Jessica Spotswood<br />Pages: 326<br />Genre: Young Adult|Paranormal|Historical<br />Publication Date: 2/7/2012<br />Rating: *****<br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">"Blessed with a gift..."cursed" with a secret."<br />Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship - or an early grave. Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word . . . especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra. If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood - not even from each other.</span></blockquote></div>I would like just a moment to totally gush over the cover of this book! It is so gorgeous!<br /><br />Having just finished <span style="font-style:italic;">Born Wicked</span>, I'm not sure how I will make it until I find out what happens in the next books! This was written wonderfully, being set in the late 20th century in an alternate New England. It has the historical aspect, witches, forbidden love, secrets, mystery, danger, excitement!<br /><br />Cate Cahill and her sisters, Maura and Tess, are witches -- a dangerous secret that must be kept, otherwise could result in being sent to a prison or asylum by the Brotherhood. After their mothers' death, Cate is left responsible for her younger sisters and it is up to her to care for them and to keep what they are a secret. Things really begin to unfold when Cate learns of a prophecy, one that will change their lives forever. With Cate's seventeenth birthday quickly approaching, meaning she will have to announce an engagement for marriage or an oath to the sisterhood, she is running out of time to put together the pieces of the puzzle.<br /><br />Most of this one was exciting and I loved unlocking the secrets of the Cahill sisters and their little town. Some of it was a tad slow, but it didn't discourage me from reading on. The Brotherhood gave me the creeps a little, their rules and governing gave it almost a *slight* dystopian feel, though this is not a dystopian novel. While their is the wonderful forbidden love, it is not the center point of the story. I think it focused more on Cate and her sisters than it did with her relationships with Finn and her childhood friend, Paul (not that I would have minded a little more Finn!). I do, however, wish there was just a little more magic and witchery, though I can understand since the point was that it was supposed to a closely kept secret.<br /><br />I feel that Cate was a great character. Some might view her as hard or harsh, but given the position she was put in to, I felt that she was strong and brave. In the end, no matter what her decisions were or what choices she was having to make, she did everything with her sisters in mind. Protecting them is what mattered the most to her and to me that makes her incredibly selfless. Whether she was dealing with the fiery Maura or sweet Tess, she did what she did to keep them safe.<br /><br />Finn. Wow! I have been developing some major fictional crushes as of late! So let's go right on ahead and add Finn Belastra to that list.<br /><br />And for your viewing pleasure, here is the book trailer:<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/sLKv1zsU7U4" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-75332286397332762912012-02-17T01:46:00.003-05:002012-02-17T01:57:47.477-05:00Follow Friday (12)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2csN516_P3I_zLfG5NAZ2NeFZfOOzFlir2mB3tSNi8PKNCOsDw4X9pmKVIBrmaP2Fji5_ejceVKEpH7TMcv2z69VG45tM1yj2qBtRVU5eUMGkZzkWcTpbk5BTCsXEQRISX8dA7StLkpPU/s1600/FF_2012.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2csN516_P3I_zLfG5NAZ2NeFZfOOzFlir2mB3tSNi8PKNCOsDw4X9pmKVIBrmaP2Fji5_ejceVKEpH7TMcv2z69VG45tM1yj2qBtRVU5eUMGkZzkWcTpbk5BTCsXEQRISX8dA7StLkpPU/s400/FF_2012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702175738861231986" border="0" /></a><br /><blockquote>BeefcakeandBabes Asks:I like unique names for characters and am looking forward to coming up with some when I start writing. What’s the most unique character name you’ve come across?</blockquote>I really liked the name Aoife from <span style="font-style:italic;">The Iron Thorn</span> and another was Anais, who was the older sister of Virginia in <span style="font-style:italic;">The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things</span>.<br /><br /><br /><br />Friday Features: <a href="http://beefcakeandbabes.com/">Beefacke and Babes</a> & <a href="http://le-grande-codex.blogspot.com/">Le' Grande Codex</a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">To add your link to the list, go to Parajunkee's site <a href="http://parajunkee.com/">here</a>.<br /></span>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-25249130274311665842012-02-16T14:07:00.004-05:002012-02-16T15:02:04.276-05:00Clockwork Angel - Cassandra Clare<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymQNcxzD8fxpKYbITWjQBC4XEBAOZqX5rTrpvFD0AUSJPbhBLrhhHez4mjgQ2rNQ7nF0lcH-6K00XzWByAwtDHu4-3JIyMfNQAs_OZNHjG4WkLNikpZvjHpHlI_UoV-D74M826Wx6WSml/s1600/clockworkangel.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiymQNcxzD8fxpKYbITWjQBC4XEBAOZqX5rTrpvFD0AUSJPbhBLrhhHez4mjgQ2rNQ7nF0lcH-6K00XzWByAwtDHu4-3JIyMfNQAs_OZNHjG4WkLNikpZvjHpHlI_UoV-D74M826Wx6WSml/s400/clockworkangel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709825820360654898" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Title: Clockwork Angel<br />Author: Cassandra Clare<br />Pages: 476<br />Genre: Young Adult|Steampunk|Urban Fantasy<br />Publication Date:<br />Rating: ****<br /></span><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still.<br /><br />When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.<br /><br />Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.<br /><br />Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.</span></blockquote><br />I have to say that I enjoyed this one more than <span style="font-style: italic;">City of Bones</span> and it was a lot easier for me to get in to. However, after gaining a little more knowledge of what exactly is going on, I do want to go back and try to read <span style="font-style: italic;">The Mortal Instruments</span> again.<br /><br />This was a slowly progressing read to me, until the last 100-150 pages, where it did finally pick up. I did really enjoy reading about the world Ms. Clare created, but I felt like it could have been a little more fast paced. It would pick up a bit, then slow down, then pick up, etc. I still enjoyed it, however.<br /><br />There were dark bits and humorous bits. There were secrets to reveal and mysteries to unravel. I know there were things I didn't see coming and it was exciting at those times. I was disappointed in the lack of romance. There is a little, but not like I had hoped for. I liked the steampunk and historical aspects and the paranormal parts that were intertwined were good as well. Really the only complaint I have is the slow pace of the story/plot.<br /><br />Would I recommend this? Sure. It's a great story if you don't mind the slowness of it. I feel like it had good, strong characters, although I know some readers have compared them to the characters from <span style="font-style: italic;">The Mortal Instruments</span>, which I haven't really read, but if you have that's a possibility. <br /><br />There is a huge cliffhanger ending, just so you can be prepared, and I already want to get the next book, <span style="font-style: italic;">Clockwork Prince</span>, to find out what is going to happen! I am hoping that now that a lot of the details and explanations of things are kind of out of the way the next book will be a little faster paced. I truly am excited to see what is going to happen next (and to read more about Will, who is one of my new story crushes *girly squee!*).Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-43415179101439590072012-02-16T12:03:00.003-05:002012-02-16T12:45:44.535-05:00Cover Crazy - 2/16<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGfHKiqcBCxDtoZIN4xLSKlrb4PFeIRpAKaExolEVjWN6G4PjBeTD0PgenOgcyCdUxUgM_kBMMUY0z0jVXi7SB8x5HqSJd6I3YzhVzooBVBT6PJyV_oYLTCYs4R45oLvBBTsCmbIZcSCt/s1600/cover+crazy.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 114px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGfHKiqcBCxDtoZIN4xLSKlrb4PFeIRpAKaExolEVjWN6G4PjBeTD0PgenOgcyCdUxUgM_kBMMUY0z0jVXi7SB8x5HqSJd6I3YzhVzooBVBT6PJyV_oYLTCYs4R45oLvBBTsCmbIZcSCt/s400/cover+crazy.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696570150774811314" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeiG0I8_weJlUEEZDkAwei-AYV5QsM6eE_YG83MtzqPXu5eg_Ks3UimgscguTpCmBCf5rKDwxv719VloWUgvhRGlBcW4f78TCYmu914sGnnG2Lyuosls5AKfsxyqUKDgBHDkfX9jA-9fd/s1600/exiled.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeiG0I8_weJlUEEZDkAwei-AYV5QsM6eE_YG83MtzqPXu5eg_Ks3UimgscguTpCmBCf5rKDwxv719VloWUgvhRGlBcW4f78TCYmu914sGnnG2Lyuosls5AKfsxyqUKDgBHDkfX9jA-9fd/s400/exiled.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709786803445247234" /></a><blockquote>Worlds divided them. Chance brought them together. Only love will save them.<br /><br />An alien princess exiled to Earth.<br />An arrogant boy.<br />One week to get back to her planet or she'll die.<br />And, her only chance for survival? She must help the boy find his soul mate.<br />Piece of cake!<br /><br /><br />Stubborn, sixteen-year-old Princess Venus of Kelari wants one thing, to become immortal, that is, until someone exiles her to Earth, kills her irrihunter and takes her family.<br /><br />Now she wants revenge.<br /><br />First she’s got to get home. But before she can return to Kelari, the Gods have commanded her to help an arrogant boy named Michael find his soul mate.<br /><br />Only she doesn't know the first thing about love.<br /><br />Rather quickly, her inexperience with human emotion is obscured by other matters--alien-controlled psychotic teens that are out to kill her, and a government group that is set on capturing and dissecting her.<br /><br />Worst of all, Venus will suffer a painful death-by-poisoning, thanks to Earth’s atmosphere, if she remains on the planet longer than one week.<br /><br />Still, Venus is a Princess and she's got a plan. Surely, with her help, Michael will fall in love with a human.<br /><br />But time is running out and Michael is falling for the wrong girl--her.</blockquote><br /><br />This cover is spectacular! I love the crazy big too-much-hairspray hair and of course the tons of butterflies. It is girly but cosmic. Overall, I think this cover if just flat out gorgeous and I do want to grab this one based on the synopsis. What are your thoughts on this beautiful cover?<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Cover Crazy is hosted by Tawni at <a href="http://thebookworms.org/">The Book Worms</a>.</span>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-82462683340050811872012-02-15T01:25:00.006-05:002012-02-15T01:34:11.520-05:00Waiting on Wednesday - 2/15<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcx5LEJ63HkKi4Y-fa2N-F9o7-r9bZu4E2jpljU5ggeWbT0DVZs3Xo1IwBthi33YbSsHWrCscuZlD0c72bfRWDb89oJyfRni2lb5eap4tkXgzctz_A-9sNOIOSrlJIaY-34Q7MzdrwCyZ/s1600/waitingw.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 114px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcx5LEJ63HkKi4Y-fa2N-F9o7-r9bZu4E2jpljU5ggeWbT0DVZs3Xo1IwBthi33YbSsHWrCscuZlD0c72bfRWDb89oJyfRni2lb5eap4tkXgzctz_A-9sNOIOSrlJIaY-34Q7MzdrwCyZ/s400/waitingw.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698824578152897570" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Waiting On Wednesdays shows books that I am stoked about and can't wait to read!<br /><br />Here are some that I am drooling over this week...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggACvbRaRq2QrLsTj3Bkd7TmbbHyeM4bB9N2bCniaxxgAbQ-nJDR5A8c-L7IzqJ7JhsS0UTksfvlbWZy6tdS9oMdjycR7mUa1_dwJfTSDgZ_SC0KxriPitC6lh8rvnFx4ytOhjsNyZgJFY/s1600/above.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggACvbRaRq2QrLsTj3Bkd7TmbbHyeM4bB9N2bCniaxxgAbQ-nJDR5A8c-L7IzqJ7JhsS0UTksfvlbWZy6tdS9oMdjycR7mUa1_dwJfTSDgZ_SC0KxriPitC6lh8rvnFx4ytOhjsNyZgJFY/s320/above.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709246149842027074" border="0" /></a>Above<br />Leah Bobet<br />4/1/2012<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>Matthew has loved Ariel from the moment he found her in the tunnels, her bee's wings falling away. They live in Safe, an underground refuge for those fleeing the city Above—like Whisper, who speaks to ghosts, and Jack Flash, who can shoot lightning from his fingers.<br /><br />But one terrifying night, an old enemy invades Safe with an army of shadows, and only Matthew, Ariel, and a few friends escape Above. As Matthew unravels the mystery of Safe's history and the shadows' attack, he realizes he must find a way to remake his home—not just for himself, but for Ariel, who needs him more than ever before.</blockquote></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0GlO-IvLh-0aHiKnCe2SL1AfUKpvE_S1Rwowbb36EJYHKzpwNhpgTlIZXupYj-8mRWfXxbatMZhM8ZwgYLbz97t5wZrmnfUCHnQFrmvIb4H_dAvAiMbbvfB2Tij-nQXzbwXU3koJ38pl/s1600/glitch.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0GlO-IvLh-0aHiKnCe2SL1AfUKpvE_S1Rwowbb36EJYHKzpwNhpgTlIZXupYj-8mRWfXxbatMZhM8ZwgYLbz97t5wZrmnfUCHnQFrmvIb4H_dAvAiMbbvfB2Tij-nQXzbwXU3koJ38pl/s320/glitch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709246284378475874" border="0" /></a>Glitch<br />Heather Anastasiu<br />8/7/2012<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.<br /><br />When Zoe starts to malfunction (or "glitch"), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.<br /><br />As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.<br /><br />In this action-packed debut, <span style="font-style: italic;">Glitch</span> begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.</blockquote></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBH5XG4JWxjcnCqEF6gmT5pWOMkmdaqQ5HOn2YY0XZkAyUraSQh3CPpcL9uppRoac9q9O4S7bnismzmE1y2bPb5xrsJEH_u5voNzhxa2FeppxrohRj8W16FurhIfeoC0-ShBPMK6YCo7U/s1600/ironskin.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBH5XG4JWxjcnCqEF6gmT5pWOMkmdaqQ5HOn2YY0XZkAyUraSQh3CPpcL9uppRoac9q9O4S7bnismzmE1y2bPb5xrsJEH_u5voNzhxa2FeppxrohRj8W16FurhIfeoC0-ShBPMK6YCo7U/s320/ironskin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709246403001936898" border="0" /></a>Ironskin<br />Tina Connolly<br />Oct. 2012<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote>Jane Eliot wears an iron mask.<br /><br />It's the only way to contain the fey curse that scars her cheek. The Great War is five years gone, but its scattered victims remain -- the ironskin.<br /><br />Now Jane returns to the war-torn country to help a fey-cursed child. Helping the unruly Dorie suppress her curse is hard enough -- she certainly didn't expect to fall for the girl's father, the enigmatic artist Mr. Rochart. But her blossoming crush is stifled by her own scars, and by his parade of women. Ugly women, who enter his closed studio -- and come out as beautiful as the fey.<br /><br />Jane knows he cannot love her, just as she knows that she must wear iron for the rest of her life. But what if neither of these things are true? Step by step Jane must unlock the secrets of her new life -- and discover just how far she will go to become whole again.</blockquote></div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-82214750688601746132012-02-14T00:28:00.003-05:002012-02-14T00:34:01.579-05:00Teaser Tuesday - 2/14<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAaS7eaZ0y4rNqFacpK95oPuWri6NxdmglYCMSyCs4keD9F86MOUwhlgYfdffJwQGYCbzmSkbBJbLkqGLaE_v5qPEY_Vh6JNm8WatT7q2gy7Cu5WhKdpk2pkRZDsFgg7FrMFwxmrX4itW/s1600/teasertues.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 114px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAaS7eaZ0y4rNqFacpK95oPuWri6NxdmglYCMSyCs4keD9F86MOUwhlgYfdffJwQGYCbzmSkbBJbLkqGLaE_v5qPEY_Vh6JNm8WatT7q2gy7Cu5WhKdpk2pkRZDsFgg7FrMFwxmrX4itW/s400/teasertues.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698509386321821666" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This week's teaser comes from <span style="font-style:italic;">Clockwork Angel</span> by Cassandra Clare.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aju5_4Dyw4D30bhQhPjkche0EYWfM9kqiBRwtts5rB9-5rEC0wlnkMjTyOQhiQv1JRol7s8rW58XheFfAwVaDm6-HsIFcYj8t4T6SHoVlTtgEqTyvzz-5B_js5sgqtG3iWpguBk9yedT/s1600/clockworkangel.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aju5_4Dyw4D30bhQhPjkche0EYWfM9kqiBRwtts5rB9-5rEC0wlnkMjTyOQhiQv1JRol7s8rW58XheFfAwVaDm6-HsIFcYj8t4T6SHoVlTtgEqTyvzz-5B_js5sgqtG3iWpguBk9yedT/s320/clockworkangel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708860321878076354" /></a><br /><br /><br /><blockquote>It took her a moment to realize that the word, her name, hadn't been spoken out loud. Instead, like a snatch of a half-forgotten song, it had echoed inside her own head - but not in the voice of her own thoughts. This thought was alien, inimical -<span style="font-style: italic;">other</span>.</blockquote><br />pg. 277<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. You can visit her fantastic blog <a href="http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/">here</a>.<br />These are the rules (anyone can participate):<br />- Grab your current read<br />- Open to a random page<br />- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page<br />- </span><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:78%;" >BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!</span><span style="font-size:78%;"> (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)<br />- Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!</span>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-48883059023921925532012-02-13T02:24:00.003-05:002012-02-13T02:45:07.697-05:00Two Way Street - Lauren Barnholdt<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzFKt6BT_ryBi7flwb2EIm5UdseKY4pplak-hVvlelBAD1ylIQnxO0__AGeJZWGJL1u0QMu8uZI_jAr2wO_qgHVb9nIA6O-B6Zw5rexEvlg5JwnsTbO5JqgbFhojsLSZV1-vVBPkBe_AU/s1600/twowaystreet.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzFKt6BT_ryBi7flwb2EIm5UdseKY4pplak-hVvlelBAD1ylIQnxO0__AGeJZWGJL1u0QMu8uZI_jAr2wO_qgHVb9nIA6O-B6Zw5rexEvlg5JwnsTbO5JqgbFhojsLSZV1-vVBPkBe_AU/s400/twowaystreet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708522994029657202" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Title: Two Way Street<br />Author: Lauren Barnholdt<br />Pages: 288<br />Genre: Young Adult|Contemporary<br />Publication Date: 6/26/2007<br />Rating: ****<br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">There are two sides to every breakup.<br /><br />This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They're even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation.<br /><br />Then Jordan dumps Courtney -- for a girl he met on the Internet.<br /><br />It's too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney's heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la -- this is Courtney pretending not to care.<br /><br />But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot.<br /><br />Turns out, he's got a secret or two that he's not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can't get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other.</span></blockquote></div><br />Courtney and Jordan are on a road trip to Boston to go to college. You know this is going to a super-uncomfortable-awkward situation since they are broken up. They had a great relationship before, until Jordan dumps her for some internet bimbo, thus making things far more uncomfortable for them.<br /><br />Except for one thing: Jordan has a huge secret behind the truth of why he really broke up with her.<br /><br />I found it to be deeper than I expected. There were laugh-out-loud moments and such, but I felt like Courtney and Jordan were pretty realistic in their thinking and actions. I think it being told from both of their perspectives added to this. I really liked reading about how the other felt/thought and I must add that there were plenty of funny moments even through the more serious times. One of the better parts for me was how Courtney imagined his 'new internet girlfriend'. One negative was the amount of cursing. Some I really don't mind, most of the time it doesn't bother me, but I think there are times when it can be over used and this is one of those times.<br /><br />I know that novels like this can be pretty predictable, but in this genre, you know what you're getting into most of the time, so in all honesty I can't complain about that too much. It didn't make it any less enjoyable and I still found myself wrapped up in their story.<br /><br />I recommend this to anyone looking for a semi-light read (some of it is a good bit sad, or it was for me anyway) and a love story.Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-68260496213039117512012-02-12T10:54:00.007-05:002012-02-12T11:26:02.721-05:00Sunday Recap - 2/12<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqI-oYPbYefy75DJH2a2Gy7EG0R5U_GlMvZzd08kOw6Usn7eZjrlZ5s9mDE5B9RM-9h7PzkGKBEcEL_S_BkhohX-mRLFsbrMnq2bF8Ka5aQH6YMrFz_mn8cDvQd0YfkDyuTLzKSvmWUFO0/s1600/wd2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 271px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqI-oYPbYefy75DJH2a2Gy7EG0R5U_GlMvZzd08kOw6Usn7eZjrlZ5s9mDE5B9RM-9h7PzkGKBEcEL_S_BkhohX-mRLFsbrMnq2bF8Ka5aQH6YMrFz_mn8cDvQd0YfkDyuTLzKSvmWUFO0/s400/wd2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708279651154753906" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />So I'm SUPER excited that The Walking Dead is coming back on tonight! I can't wait to see what is going to happen now. As you know, this show is just full of surprises. I was disappointed when they said they were splitting up the season, but now I am kind of glad they did. After this, I will have A Game of Thrones coming back (April 1), then True Blood (this summer).<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anyway... yay for zombies!!! This show definitely has me hooked and I can't wait for it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UshEdF0cYB8HV-7Y_78yjw-i81nlpiivmyVhy3lA3Ga3qmYUagCBGnAbslYHAzIZjeRBJyaeA2fjP8CkSCb8LFMwuZz-5cABKYwXKv8XFKTLtiydf_HBs8DpEcur0_cxBLBz0wdi-K7R/s1600/wd1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UshEdF0cYB8HV-7Y_78yjw-i81nlpiivmyVhy3lA3Ga3qmYUagCBGnAbslYHAzIZjeRBJyaeA2fjP8CkSCb8LFMwuZz-5cABKYwXKv8XFKTLtiydf_HBs8DpEcur0_cxBLBz0wdi-K7R/s400/wd1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708281999351359234" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">What I have read this past week:</div><br /><br /><a href="http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/?action=view&current=incarnate-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 151px; height: 229px;" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/incarnate-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/?action=view&current=everneath-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 160px; height: 242px;" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/everneath-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/?action=view&current=croak-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 165px; height: 246px;" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/croak-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/?action=view&current=amillionsuns-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="width: 158px; height: 245px;" src="http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb159/samantha_8390/Book%20Covers/amillionsuns-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.caughtinthepages.blogspot.com/2012/02/incarnate-jodi-meadows.html">Incarnate</a> - Jodi Meadows<br /><a href="http://www.caughtinthepages.blogspot.com/2012/02/everneath-brodi-ashton.html">Everneath</a> - Brodi Ashton<br /><a href="http://www.caughtinthepages.blogspot.com/2012/02/croak-gina-damico.html">Croak</a> - Gina Damico<br /><a href="http://www.caughtinthepages.blogspot.com/2012/02/million-suns-beth-revis.html">A Million Suns</a> - Beth Revis</div>Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-71566575587719369762012-02-12T02:53:00.004-05:002012-02-12T03:10:25.897-05:00A Million Suns - Beth Revis<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2JiXBYuZgGFwFd-0WwE2g4V58eMnm-gAi-migQLeEf4tQzTXv2snI2XpE37H0WEDRHw4O7NzQLaqdCXbZlv8BOQhR_13Qv2Hqiuu7FxTqtV6tZKqshNN_BdAAM4D9mZjbUeYQ-5YLn_I/s1600/amillionsuns.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2JiXBYuZgGFwFd-0WwE2g4V58eMnm-gAi-migQLeEf4tQzTXv2snI2XpE37H0WEDRHw4O7NzQLaqdCXbZlv8BOQhR_13Qv2Hqiuu7FxTqtV6tZKqshNN_BdAAM4D9mZjbUeYQ-5YLn_I/s400/amillionsuns.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708158110003367906" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Title: A Million Suns<br />Author: Beth Revis<br />Pages: 386<br />Genre: Young Adult|Science Fiction|Dystopia<br />Publication Date: 1/10/2012<br />Rating: *****<br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">Godspeed was fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.<br />It's been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to enact his vision - no more Phydus, no more lies. But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that's growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart. In book two of the Across the Universe trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis mesmerizes us again with a brilliantly crafted mystery filled with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.</span></blockquote></div><br />So you know how most second books tend to be fillers or mediocre compared to the great start of a first in a series? This is <span style="font-weight:bold;">SO</span> not the case here! <span style="font-style: italic;">A Million Suns</span> was such a great read, I'm still in shock from everything my brain has just absorbed. The <span style="font-style: italic;">Across the Universe</span> series just keeps getting better and I honestly don't know what I am going to do while I'm waiting for the last book to be released (mind you it's going to be <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">almost a year</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">!</span>). Ultimately, this was an amazing follow-up to <span style="font-style: italic;">Across the Universe</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">A Million Suns</span> takes place three months after the end of the first book. We still have many, many more secrets, lies and mysteries to unravel aboard Godspeed. This book had me on the edge my seat, squirming about in nervousness and I think my eyes my have been bulging just a bit at some points. I know there were times I even gasped aloud in surprise/shock.<br /><br />Yeah, it was that good.<br /><br />If you enjoyed <span style="font-style: italic;">Across the Universe</span>, you will definitely enjoy this. I feel like I can't rave enough about this trilogy and the last book is even close to being out yet (unfortunately). So, with that said -- go get this now!!Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5773462947369269974.post-75331905924800270142012-02-11T22:38:00.004-05:002012-02-11T22:53:46.289-05:00In My Mailbox - 2/12<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnTAEjZR6tZ1BbzMe_HY2v6CaNY3xTVqe7fr8OgvLrUma2w9KoI0zJGvv6PYD6NWDbTPk-1F6bCYyB4Kl5K-rRmdLX-c8cQeIepmUkbwpBHvHN1LriDdzJvLDweVH7b2NZxy-NF0kbDWB/s1600/mailbox1-300x277.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnTAEjZR6tZ1BbzMe_HY2v6CaNY3xTVqe7fr8OgvLrUma2w9KoI0zJGvv6PYD6NWDbTPk-1F6bCYyB4Kl5K-rRmdLX-c8cQeIepmUkbwpBHvHN1LriDdzJvLDweVH7b2NZxy-NF0kbDWB/s320/mailbox1-300x277.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698085755860130066" border="0" /></a><br /><blockquote>In My MailBox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at <a href="http://www.thestorysiren.com/">The Story Siren</a> to show off what books you've gotten over the past week.</blockquote><br /><br />So this week I actually decided to not be lazy and I took pictures. I'm going to try to do that more often, assuming I'm not being lazy that is. I went <s>a little</s> totally crazy on book buying this week, so here they are:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QfGK0SlT0leN4nyO4cVkprrrIOntt__SfmNFLc9eKjrOE5sJbMPIyFWu2vJe0HGrvLoDHtMWKFvXPj1tMTwqQI3uF6GPJe-_ujllfLIretA0poNhJ47zR50aBE2a-bGtQ4ZJhyN8l9f9/s1600/DSCN0314+%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QfGK0SlT0leN4nyO4cVkprrrIOntt__SfmNFLc9eKjrOE5sJbMPIyFWu2vJe0HGrvLoDHtMWKFvXPj1tMTwqQI3uF6GPJe-_ujllfLIretA0poNhJ47zR50aBE2a-bGtQ4ZJhyN8l9f9/s320/DSCN0314+%25282%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708091309240385522" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8CWRXpGgbZPTvTQxiOlL7GBuByaSgClW3ZoS8Q9TalpZ9lypdwOEvVFDA4XlH7I4bJDgifeTZGuMEC4nl2TxdrEpE88VgLwUstkWYLQRs8uCl3qMUp3M0pKLsfrw2RoXy5JKk_bcOdUs/s1600/DSCN0313+%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8CWRXpGgbZPTvTQxiOlL7GBuByaSgClW3ZoS8Q9TalpZ9lypdwOEvVFDA4XlH7I4bJDgifeTZGuMEC4nl2TxdrEpE88VgLwUstkWYLQRs8uCl3qMUp3M0pKLsfrw2RoXy5JKk_bcOdUs/s320/DSCN0313+%25282%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708091316880974690" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I can now scratch a few off of my TBR list! Hoorah!Samanthahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11414090262774219702noreply@blogger.com0