Don't Lose My Place!

A Million Suns!

2011-10-22T14:55:00.000-07:00

The 2nd installment in the Across the Universe Trilogy

I was so stoked to receive 'A Million Suns' yesterday. I've been trying to get this book for months! I will be posting as review of it as the release date (January 10, 2012) comes closer. Visit my Waiting on Wednesday post here to learn more about the book and read the synopsis.

Follow Beth on Twitter (@bethrevis) here or visit her websites:

http://www.bethrevis.com/

http://acrosstheuniversebook.com/

"Ruling Passion" Bindup ~ Alyxandra Harvey

2011-09-12T17:34:00.000-07:00

A haunting, humorous saga, now gathered into one juicy volume! Alyxandra Harvey is re-releasing her Drake Chronicles series in a brand new bindup entitled Ruling Passion. It will include: Hearts At Stake, Blood Feud and Out For Blood. It's being released directly to paperback and being sold for $9.99! Hello, bargain. You can pre-order now on Amazon.

Synopsis':

Hearts at Stake: Being a vampire princess really bites. Everyone’s after Solange Drake, the soon-to-be undead sixteen-year-old who is prophesized to rule the vampire world. Not that she wants to rule. She’d rather be doing ceramics ortalking to Kieran Black, the mysterious vampire hunter that keeps showing up. Luckily, her best friend Lucy is on her side, plus her seven vampire brothers. Together, they must take on a royal court,an anti-vamp league, and rival tribes of the undead, just to make sure Solange survives. By the stroke of midnight, herf ate will be sealed, one way or another.

Blood Feud: Love is the best revenge. Between playing nice with the vampire court and keeping his sister safe from wannabe vampire kings, Logan Drake has his hands full. He has no time for complications from the most unlikely of vampires—a girl from a distant clan with scars on her arms and a haunted look in her eye. Isabeau St. Croix is a warrior with a purpose: to kill the man who turned her into a vampire and left her buried for 200 years. To her, Logan is a distraction. A charming, caring, very good-looking distraction…But some ties are too strong to be severed and some connections are too important to ignore. In their journey from the Drake homestead, to the caves of Isabeau’s tribe, and into thejaws of the enemy, Logan and Isabeau face a choice: their love, or an ancient blood feud.

Out For Blood: The Drake Chronicles continue with a glimpse inside the world of a vampire hunter. Hunter Wild is the youngest in a long line of elite vampire hunters, a legacy that is both a blessing and a curse at the secret Helios-Ra Academy, where she excels at just about everything. Thanks to her friendship with Kieran Black, Hunter receives a special invitation to attend the coronation of Helena Drake, and for the first time, she sees the difference between vampires that must be hunted and vampires that can become friends—or even more. When students at the academy fall victim to a mysterious illness, Hunter suspects they are under attack from within. She will need someone she can trust to help her save the future of Helios-Ra . . . help that shockingly comes in the form of Quinn Drake, a drop-dead gorgeous vampire. Who said senior year would be easy?

Waiting on Wednesday!

2011-08-31T19:53:00.000-07:00

"It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen."

This seems like something totally different than anything Maggie has ever done before. I'm stoked for it.

Actually, stoked is an understatement. Is it October yet?

Gateway Readers Award & How I'm a Part of It

2011-08-30T17:56:00.000-07:00

The Gateway Readers Award is, to quote their site, "A way to promote literature, literacy and reading in Missouri high schools, and to recognize authors and illustrators of books that are favorites of Missouri students in these grades."

Each year, Missouri students in grades 9-12 vote for their favorite book from a list of nominated titles. The award is then given to the author of the book by the Missouri Association of School Libraries.

I was so so excited when I heard I could be a part of the group that would be voting on the nominees. There are 26 titles (17, if you don't count the ones I've already read) that I get to read and then give my input on whether or not the book should be awarded. And luckily my librarian is going to buy the titles I don't have so I can read them and then proceed to put them in the library at my school.

The nominees this year are:

Split: Swati Avasthi
Ship Breaker: Paolo Bacigalupi
A Dog's Purpose: Bruce Cameron
Matched: Ally Condie
Mistwood: Leah Cypess
Magic Under Glass: Jaclyn Dolamore
Revolution: Jennifer Donnelly
Rules of Attraction: Simone Elkeles
Blank Confessions: Pete Hautman
All Unquiet Things: Anna Jarzab
Five Flavors of Dumb: Anthony John
Please Ignore Vera Dietz: A.S King
Sea: Heidi Kling
Rot and Ruin: Jonathan Maberry
I Now Pronounce You Someone Else: Erin McCahan
Lockdown: Walter Myers
The Mark: Jen Nadol
The Sky is Everywhere: Jandy Nelson
Before I Fall: Lauren Oliver
Sorta Like a Rockstar: Matthew Quick
The Deadly Sister: Eliot Schrefer
Chasing Brooklyn: Lisa Schroeder
Bruiser: Neil Shusterman
The Other Side of Dark: Sarah Smith
The Last Summer of the Death Warriors: Francisco Stork

I'm so excited to critique these and see who the winners are!

Abandon: Meg Cabot

2011-08-28T14:23:00.000-07:00

Though she tries returning to the life she knew before the accident, Pierce can't help but feel at once a part of this world, and apart from it. Yet she's never alone . . . because someone is always watching her. Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.

But now she's moved to a new town. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. Maybe she can stop feeling so afraid.

Only she can't. Because even here, he finds her. That's how desperately he wants her back. She knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly heaven, yet she can't stay away... especially since he always appears when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most.
But if she lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself back in the one place she most fears: the Underworld.

Although I haven't read much from Meg Cabot, I know what she is capable of. I've read her Princess Diaries and Mediator series for young adults. Also her new adult series, Insatiable. All were very enjoyable reads. I also recently met Meg and had a good conversation with her. She's an awesome person.

As for Abandon, even though I don't think it was Meg's best work so far, I did really enjoy it. Mostly, I admire how much thought and research went into the Greek mythology aspect of the book. For history nerds like myself, you seem to relate to the book better than someone who hasn't done much research on such mythologies.

In the beginning, the book was super slow and I found myself taking a lot of breaks and forcing myself to read until about the 200 page mark.

But once the climax hits, wow. It gets fantastic.

In a strange way, this book made me want to have a near death experience, just so that I could attach to Pierce more. It made me want to know what exactly "seeing the light" feels like when you're about to die and what it would be like to be able to explain it to someone, or relate to someone else telling me how it felt for them.

I feel like this book could've used more characters. It seemed like the whole book concentrated on two people and didn't have many background characters that may have made the story more interesting.

Overall, this is a great book with an awesome mythological background that I would recommend to anyone. Can't wait for the sequel. :)

200 Follower Dystopian Contest Preview

2011-08-25T19:00:00.000-07:00

Since I am back into full swing of blogging, I figured I'd do a contest to try and get myself noticed... again. There have been so many great dystopian novels published lately, and I am going to be holding a contest featuring some of them.

So far I have gathered:

Across the Universe: Beth Revis

Inside Out: Maria Snyder

Outside In: Maria Snyder

Matched: Ally Condie

The Way We Fall: Megan Crewe
The Scorch Trials: James Dashner

I have a few more in mind, but they aren't permanent.
I'll post them as I hear about them.
US ONLY

Even though all of the books aren't set in stone yet,
you can still start receiving 5 entries for each of the following:

Following my blog
Tweeting about my contest
Posting about my contest

Leave links to posts and tweets please!

Thank you!

Waiting on Wednesday!

2011-08-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

Lauren Oliver captivated readers with Delirium, the first book in a thrilling dystopian trilogy in which Lena Haloway dared to fall in love with Alex and escape the cure, the government-mandated procedure that renders a person immune to the disease of love. Lena and Alex staked their lives on leaving their oppressive society, but only Lena broke free.
Pandemonium continues Lena’s gripping story. After escaping from Portland, Maine, Lena makes it to the Wilds and becomes part of an Invalid community, where she transforms herself into a warrior for the resistance. A future without Alex is unimaginable, but Lena pushes forward and fights, both for him and for a world in which love is no longer considered a disease. Swept up in a volatile mix of revolutionaries and counterinsurgents, Lena struggles to survive—and wonders if she may be falling in love again.

Full of danger, forbidden romance, and exquisite writing, Lauren Oliver’s sequel to Delirium races forward at a breathtaking pace and is sure to appeal to fans who crave the high-stakes action of The Hunger Games and the bittersweet love story of Romeo & Juliet.

NetGalley ~ What It Is And Why I Love It

2011-08-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

NetGalley is one of my new favorite obsessions. It's a simple and quick way for Kindle, Nook, Kobo, and Sony Reader users to get ARC's on their eReader.

There are tons of different publishers who have joined with NetGalley. Some of the more popular publishers include Disney-Hyperion, Dutton Books, Egmont USA, HarperCollins, Little Brown & Co, Penguin Group USA, and Random House. You can find a complete list of affiliated publishers here.

To get access to all of these awesome books all you have to do is register on their site and look through the books and simply hit the request button. You'll get an email email saying whether or not you were accepted to download the ARC onto your eReader. Most of the time you'll get accepted.

If you're using a Kindle, you'll get the book directly emailed to you through your Kindle email address and will instantly appear on the Kindle. I'm not quite sure how it works with the other eReaders, because I only use a Kindle.

Anyway, I just thought I'd share yet another way to receive advanced copies of books without having to have access to publisher contact emails. :)

Bloodlines: Richelle Mead... Release!

2011-08-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow (September 23), Richelle Mead releases Bloodlines. It is the first book in her new chain of novels.

Here is the jacket synopsis:

"Sydney's blood is special. that's because she's an alchemist- one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets and- and human lives. But the last encounter Sydney had with vampires got her in deep trouble with other alchemists. And now with her allegiances in question, her future is on the line.

When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir- the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir- is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing her as her roommate in the unlikeliest of places: a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. The last thing Sydney wants to be accused of sympathizing with vampires. And now she has to live with one.

The Moroi court believe Jill an Sydney will be safe at Amberwood Prep, but threats, distractions, and forbidden romance lurk both outside- and within- the school grounds. now that they're in hiding, the drama is only just beginning."

It sounds pretty amazing! I got it for review last week and I will be reviewing it sometime this week!

Choker: Elizabeth Woods

2011-08-21T20:15:00.000-07:00

"Sixteen-year-old Cara Lange has been a loner ever since she moved away from her best and only friend, Zoe, years ago. She eats lunch with the other girls from the track team, but they're not really her friends. Mostly she spends her time watching Ethan Gray from a distance, wishing he would finally notice her, and avoiding the popular girls who call her "Choker" after a humiliating incident in the cafeteria.

Then one day Cara comes home to find Zoe waiting for her. Zoe's on the run from problems at home, and Cara agrees to help her hide. With her best friend back, Cara's life changes overnight. Zoe gives her a new look and new confidence, and next thing she knows, she's getting invited to parties and flirting with Ethan. Best of all, she has her BFF there to confide in.

But just as quickly as Cara's life came together, it starts to unravel. A girl goes missing in her town, and everyone is a suspect—including Ethan. Worse still, Zoe starts behaving strangely, and Cara begins to wonder what exactly her friend does all day when she's at school. You're supposed to trust your best friend no matter what, but what if she turns into a total stranger?"

Choker was a novel different from many that I've read before. In both good and unsatisfactory means. Let's get started.

The friendship between Cara and Zoe is a bit TOO unequal. Cara is really shy and quiet and at most times, independent. Even though sometimes she doesn't want to be alone. Zoe on the other hand is rebellious, care free, and fearless. She has a really high self esteem that helps her through the problems in her life, and give advice to Cara that she desperately needs. In certain occasions throughout the book, the personalities of the two seemed to clash and make awkward scenes at times.

Talking specifically about Cara, her personality was a bit too abstract for the story-line of the novel. The situations the author has put Cara in should require her to be a stronger person. Someone who doesn't have to have a shoulder to lean on every single second. Though the author probably intended for her character to have those qualities, I personally don't think they fit the book well.

I hated how predictable most of this book was. It seemed as though there was no suspense to it, even though I know it's not supposed to be a suspense novel. I could just tell what was going to happen and the surprise factor seemed to be missing.

The plot idea was great in itself. The way the author wrote it though, moved a bit too quick for me and with saying that, it didn't get into much detail. It seemed as soon as a major event started and had you captivated, it was over before it really began. I think I would've liked this book a lot more if it were longer.

Woods does a fantastic job at giving readers who are bullied encouragement to step up for themselves and work harder to change what people think of them. This novel shows readers that even the slightest manifestation of a new you can change the most common sterotypes people may have of you.

Even though the friendship in this book was not written with the full capacity I think the author has, she does show how much of an impact friends make on your life and how you'll always need them there. I think that this is where most of the authors voice shines through. She writes about friendships and bullying and loss so well that it makes you conclude that the author has gone through some of the same experiences that her characters have and I think that being able to write from that perspective really paid off in the end.

Borders Closeout Haul!

2011-08-20T16:07:00.000-07:00

I went to Borders today and got over 20 books! There is a slideshow of the to the left, and if you don't feel like watching the whole thing, here is a list of them:

Jekel Loves Hyde: Beth Fantaskey
Delirium: Lauren Oliver (I have this on my Kindle, but it was so cheap I figured I'd get an IRL copy)
Choker: Elizabeth Woods
So Much Closer: Susan Colasanti
The Haunted: Jessica Verday
Tangled: Carolyn Mackler
Cryer's Cross: Lisa McMann
It's Not Summer Without You: Jenny Han
Nightshade: Andrea Cremer (I have an ARC, but wanted a finished copy)
Girl at Sea: Maureen Johnson
Clockwork Angel: Cassandra Clare
Crash Into Me: Albert Borris
The Lost Saint: Bree Despain
Bleeding Violet: Dia Reeves
Across the Univers: Beth Revis (Got a finished copy cause I LOVE Beth)
An Abundance of Katherines: John Green
The Dead-Tossed Waves: Carrie Ryan
The Iron Daughter: Julie Kagawa
Swoon: Nina Malkin
Paranormalcy: Kiersten White (Finished copy)
Cresendo: Becca Fitzpatrick
Beautiful Dead ~ Jonas: Eden Maguire
Kiss of Life: Daniel Waters
Abandon: Meg Cabot
Red Glove: Holly Black

Can't wait to dive in and read 'em!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Vacation Photos

2011-08-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

Hogwarts sits on a hill that you can see all throughout Universal. It looks like it came right from the movie set.

Just another view of it, with the street signs. :)

Complete view of Hogsmeade. Feels like you're looking at the movies, eh?

This was the neatest display. The big huge one at the bottom opened and closed.

I couldn't resist buying it.

Butterbeer. One of the tastiest things that has ever passed my lips. *nom*

Owl Post!

These are all I'm posting on the blog, because I don't want to post to be too terribly long. I'll be posting the other photos on my twitpic page. Go check 'em out!

Waiting on Wednesday!

2011-08-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

"When Elder learns harrowing news about the space ship Godspeed, he and Amy must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, all the while dealing with the romance that’s growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart. It all boils down to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship."

My anticipated release this week is Beth Revis' A Million Suns. Across the Universe is one of my favorite books and I can't wait to see what happens next!

Cracked Up To Be: Courtney Summers

2011-08-17T13:01:00.000-07:00

When “Perfect” Parker Fadley starts drinking at school and failing her classes, all of St. Peter’s High goes on alert. How has the cheerleading captain, girlfriend of the most popular guy in school, consummate teacher’s pet, and future valedictorian fallen so far from grace?
Parker doesn’t want to talk about it. She’d just like to be left alone, to disappear, to be ignored. But her parents have placed her on suicide watch and her counselors are demanding the truth. Worse, there’s a nice guy falling in love with her and he’s making her feel things again when she’d really rather not be feeling anything at all.
Nobody would have guessed she’d turn out like this. But nobody knows the truth.
Something horrible has happened, and it just might be her fault.

I loved this book. I wasn't expecting much, judging by how small it was, but I was pleasantly surprised. Courtney has created unforgettable characters. The way she portrays them is unique to her writing style. I loved the way you were able to connect with them.

All throughout the book, that reader is dying to know what exactly is was that Parker did that leaves her on suicide watch. You slowly learn little pieces of the puzzle through chunks of italicized text every so often in the book. By doing this, Summers made a book that no one would want to put down because you crave to know the next sequence of the horrible event that occurred.

As for the cover, I don't really understand how it relates to the book or if it's even supposed to. Either way, I think it's really pretty and simple.

Short review, I know. But I think this is one of the best debut novels ever. Courtney will continue to go far. :)

Matched: Ally Condie

2011-08-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

Dystopian. Something I personally don't read all that often, cause it's hard to come across on that keeps my attention for more than 50 pages. Matched is an exception. It has a little of everything you'd want and isn't purely dystopian.

The cover isn't the only thing beautiful about this book. The writing is beautiful as well. I especially loved the way Ally wrote some of the more intense romance and action scenes. You really got a vivid mental picture of what was going on.

Cassia is blessed, yet cursed with the Society matching her with people she knows. It's kind of like she's in her own little love triangle even though the Society has ultimately chosen who she is intended to be matched with. All through the book you're on edge and trying to figure out who she is going to pick and whether or not she'd going to try and go against the Society and risk everything to be with someone else.

Even thought I loved this book, I'm not quite sure to expect from the sequel. By time you get to the end, it feels like you've already completed the story. I just hope that the sequel doesn't stray far from the plot and idea of the first one. Though if it is quite a bit different, I'm sure Ally won't let me down and create another masterpiece.

Generally speaking, this is a great debut dystopian novel and I think it has a little something that everyone will enjoy. Not many things to critique about this one. Matched definitely has a chance to become a modern classic.

Hex Hall: Rachel Hawkins

2011-08-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It’s gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie’s estranged father—an elusive European warlock—only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it’s her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

I know all the hype about Hex Hall is probably all over by now and everyone is focusing on Demonglass, BUT I just recently read it and I adored it. I got an ARC for Christmas from a close friend and just now decided to pick it up.

Rachael does a great job at keeping you on the edge of your seat the whole book by putting most of the details you've been dying to know at the end of each chapter and it seems you can't read quickly enough to get to them. By time I got to the end it felt like I had been reading it for only a little while then I looked at the clock and realized it had been a few hours. Time flies by when you're having fun, right?

This book is an awesome combination of witchcraft, romance, action, humor, and a bit of sadness. The first chapter (or maybe it was a prologue, I don't remember) I was a bit scared of cause it was on the border of really cheesy and I feared the whole book was going to be like that. I was pleasantly wrong.

There are characters in the book you learn to love, learn to hate, and some you learn to down right despise. And of course, the one guy that everyone swoons over that you secretly love as well. ;) Though I don't think Sophie is the most relateable (if that's even a word) character ever, I think she was really well sought out and had a great personality that made her a fun character to read about throughout the book.

Rachael was very smart, yet very cruel, about how she ended Hex Hall and made a terrific opportunity to start the sequel in a spot where the readers will be dying to get to Demonglass. I know I definitely was.

I also love the cover art on this book because after you finish Hex Hall, the cover makes a lot of sense and helps you visualize some of the scenes in the book. Awesome job to whomever created it. Overall, a very enjoyable and thrilling read. Completely unputdownable.

The Probability of Miracles: Wendy Wunder

2011-08-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

Dry, sarcastic, sixteen-year-old Cam Cooper has spent the last seven years in and out hospitals. The last thing she wants to do in the short life she has left is move 1,500 miles away to Promise, Maine - a place known for the miraculous events that occur there. But it's undeniable that strange things happen in Promise: everlasting sunsets; purple dandelions; flamingoes in the frigid Atlantic; an elusive boy named Asher; and finally, a mysterious envelope containing a list of things for Cam to do before she dies. As Cam checks each item off the list, she finally learns to believe - in love, in herself, and even in miracles.

First of all, I want to note that this debut author has some great writing talent. Wendy is really skilled at making a really depressing plot witty and enjoyable. During the saddest moments, you can still find something that'll make you smile. Even with this being said, I had some very mixed feelings about her book. I feel like the first half of the book did not mix well with the last half. To me, it felt like I flipped the page and I was introduced with a different main character. For a while I was questioning myself and wondering if I had forgotten a part of the story or if it was the authors intentions to make the change in Cam so abrupt and fast. In some ways, I'm glad the change in her beliefs didn't drag on and on for 100 pages, but then again I felt like I needed a little more transition. I can't decide on how I feel about it.

The book was a bit slow in the beginning like most books, but once it takes off, I found myself not being able to put it down. The end, particularly the last three pages, was not the best writing to me. I think the wording and events could've been said in a lot more detail in a way you can really understand what's going on. I had trouble deciphering what the final ending was. Maybe the was be just being illiterate for the moment or if it was just written hard to understand.

The relationship Cam has in this book moved a bit too quickly for me and I felt like I didn't have enough time to connect with them as a couple as I would've liked. But the time you do get to spend reading about them is filled with love and happiness.

Overall, even though the book is almost 400 pages, I feel like the book could've been a little longer so the story could've stretched a bit so the reader has more time to connect with the characters. I think this is a great story line for a debut author and everyone that reads Wendy's book will remember her for her talent to make something so tragic an enjoyable read.

Despite some of my questionable feelings about the book, I thought the majority of the book was written really well. It's not a book to read on a rainy day or when you want a mood lifter, but it is definitely worth your time.

Review- Across the Universe by Beth Revis

2011-02-04T08:03:00.000-08:00

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

This is the first sci-fi book that I have ever read that was unputdownable and that I enjoyed greatly. It was not anything I expected it to be. I was predicting more romance than action. I was happily surprised.

The gist of the book is about people that volunteer to have their bodies frozen and put on a ship that will land on a new planet in 300 years. Once they land, they will unfreeze and use their knowledge to help the new planet evolve. Along the way, one girl gets unfrozen early and she is not like everyone else in terms of appearance. She unhappily adjusts to the ways of the ship and helps the others solve murders that occur on board.

Once you read the ending of this book, you realize that there was a lot of strategy and thought put into the whole plot. I found it very creative.

Also at the end, you will find that there are some unanswered questions which makes you completely crave the sequel, which we will have to wait a while for unfortunately. I hope to get an ARC of the sequel like I did the first.

The book is really original and extremely enjoyable. I'd recommend it to anyone. Across the Universe puts the wow in wow factor.

Review- Hold Still by Nina LaCour

2011-02-02T08:02:00.000-08:00

Synopsis:
After losing her best friend, Ingrid, to suicide, Caitlin is completely immobilized. Unable to function, and refusing to visit a therapist, she begins the long journey to wellness alone. During this year of heart-wrenching, raw emotion, Caitlin finds Ingrid's journal, which not only reveals her descent into irreversible depression, but also serves as Caitlin's vehicle for renewed hope in the future. The book is written with honesty, revealing one's pain after the loss of a loved one. Caitlin learns, with the help of new friends and her parents, that there is life after Ingrid.

Review:

I really really enjoyed this book after I realized it wasn't going to be like many other suicide novels. My personality is a lot like Caitlin's in the sense that she wants to be left alone and is very independent. In the beginning (Aside from the synopsis saying it) you don't know what exactly has happened to Ingrid until farther along in the book. I loved and hated that aspect.

Characters

The author did a really good job at making Ingrid a solid part of the book. She didn't focus all on her, but she didn't leave her out at all. Caitlin doesn't reveal herself and her feeling to others hardly at all. She keeps them inside and lets them out when she reads Ingrid's journal. Though you will see that she bonds with an unexpected character.

Plot

Plotting was perfect. Sometimes you feel like you can predict what will happen, but then you go in a completely different direction. I love how the author includes Ingrid in Caitlin's life by giving Caitlin access to Ingrid's journal which reveal her true feelings. The ending was not what I expected, and I still haven't decided if I like it.

Covers

I prefer the paperback cover (blue). It definitely reflects the mood of the book and the colors fit well too. The tag line on the front is one of my favorites (How does your life move forward when all you want to do is...hold still?)

This book isn't exactly a pick-me-up type of book, so I wouldn't not recommend reading it on a rainy day. Hold Still portrays a great story of growing stronger with loss and learning to go on with everyday life even when something important is missing.

Review- Story of a Girl: Sara Zarr

2011-02-01T13:32:00.000-08:00

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (March 1, 2008)
Print Length: 208 pages

Synopsis: When Deanna's father catches her having sex in a car when she is 13, her life is drastically changed. Two years later, he still can't look her in the eye, and though Tommy is the only boy she's been with, she is branded the school slut. Her entire family watches her as though she is likely to sleep with anyone she sees, and Tommy still smirks at and torments her when she sees him. Her two best friends have recently begun dating, and Deanna feels like an intruder. She tries to maintain a close relationship with her older brother, but Darren and his girlfriend are struggling as teenage parents. Deanna learns to protect herself by becoming outwardly tough, but feels her isolation acutely. Her only outlet is her journal in which she writes the story of an anonymous girl who has the same experiences and feelings that she does.

You know from the very beginning of this book that Deanna is very strong and well rounded. She is dealing with more than the normal high school drama, and handling it better than most would. The beginning of the book was a little uneventful for me. I read it chapter by chapter at the beginning, but once you get a little into it, it takes off quickly.

Deanna and her brother Darren have a really good brother-sister relationship, which is sometimes hard to find in books because authors tend to focus more on the more intimate relationships than the family ones. Darren and his girlfriend play a big role in Deanna becoming a stronger person and helping her get her life changed around. Though this greatly helps Deanna, it tears Darren and his family apart.

Deanna is supposed to rely on her journal for keeping track of everything that is going in her life. To me, it didn't seem like she wrote in it near as much as she should have for being a key part of the book according to the description. Even if the author told us that she was going to write in it more often but didn't tell what she wrote in it that it would've improved that problem.

Overall, the book was good and very quick to read. It wouldn't be my first recommendation for someone, but it is worth your time.

Linger Trailer!

2010-02-15T21:22:00.001-08:00

This is a wonderful trailer made by my friend Lauren from The Here. The Now. And the Books.

It's 99.9% DONE

2010-02-15T17:49:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I got most everything done today!! WOOT WOOT. All I have to do is copy all my reviews to the review page, post some book trailers, and add some contests to my contest page! I will still be continuing working on it, but I want you to tell me if this sucks before I do anything else..HIT ME WITH YO THOUGHTS. Thanks! :D

Blog Reconstruction

2010-02-15T13:03:00.000-08:00

As you can see, I have been making some changes to the blog. And it still needs tons of work! I know that the sidebars going off the edge is annoying. I am working really hard to get that fixed. It's kinda hard. HTML stuff sucks. Lots of new things will be appearing over the next few days! Bear with me on the sidebar problem for now! By time I am done dealing with all of the HTML crap, the blog will look SO much better! Oh, are there any features that you would like to see featured on Don't Lose My Place? I'd love to hear what you think! :D

The Lovely Bones: Alice Sebold

2010-02-15T12:36:00.000-08:00

Adult
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Release: June 1, 2002

Synopsis (from Borders):

When we first meet 14-year-old Susie Salmon, she is already in heaven. This was before milk carton photos and public service announcements, she tells us; back in 1973, when Susie mysteriously disappeared, people still believed these things didn't happen.

In the sweet, untroubled voice of a precocious teenage girl, Susie relates the awful events of her death, and her own adjustment to the strange new place she finds herself. (It looks a lot like her school playground, with the good kind of swingset.)

With love, longing, and a growing understanding, Susie watches her family as they cope with their grief--her father embarks on a search for the killer, her sister undertakes a feat of amazing daring, her little brother builds a fort in her honor--and begin the difficult process of healing.

In the hands of a brilliant new novelist, and through the eyes of her winning young heroine, this story of seemingly unbearable tragedy is transformed into a suspenseful, touching, even funny novel about family, memory, love, heaven, and living.

My Review:

I want to start off saying that I read this book long before the movie came out. Although, I did re-read it once I heard the movie was coming out. I enjoyed this book, but I did not think it was outstanding. It is a very depressing book, and can get kind of confusing at times.

This was the first book I read by Alice. It took me awhile to get into it. Once the story took off tho, I was done with it in no time. I really enjoy connecting with characters in books. In Lovely Bones, I couldn't connect with any of the characters. At points it was fine, but in some parts of the story you really wish you were connected with Susie or her father. Mr. Harvey was a very interesting character with a twisted personality. I hated him as a character in the book, but I saw the movie and was glad to see that they had changed some of the quirks in him that made me mad at times.

The main plot of the book was very well done. The sequence was great, and things just seemed to fall into place. I admit, there were a few parts where I had to go back and re-read because it was getting confusing, but nothing that set you back too badly.

The ending of this book was very good. I was pretty disappointed with the ending of the movie. They didn't explain anything. It just kind of stopped. It would eb hard for someone who hadn't read the book to understand exactly what happened in the end. Overall, I thought the book was good. Again, not outstanding, but a good read!

3/5 stars

Hate List: Jennifer Brown

2010-01-19T16:24:00.000-08:00

Young Adult
Hardcover: 416 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown
Release: September 1, 2009

Synopsis (from Amazon):

Five months ago, Valerie Leftman's boyfriend, Nick, opened fire on their school cafeteria. Shot trying to stop him, Valerie inadvertently saved the life of a classmate, but was implicated in the shootings because of the list she helped create. A list of people and things she and Nick hated. The list he used to pick his targets.

Now, after a summer of seclusion, Val is forced to confront her guilt as she returns to school to complete her senior year. Haunted by the memory of the boyfriend she still loves and navigating rocky relationships with her family, former friends and the girl whose life she saved, Val must come to grips with the tragedy that took place and her role in it, in order to make amends and move on with her life.

My review:

I was drawn to this book by the cover and the great reviews I have read. I knew the book would be sad just by the details of the cover, but I didn't realize just how sad it would be. I was definitely looking for a happy book after this one was finished. Even with saying that, this book was incredible. In fact, I have read it twice because it was SO good.

I connected with Valerie from the first page. I just felt so sorry and worried for her. Within the first few pages you can see how much she is going through and you start to feel her emotions.

This is a story I think everyone should read. It really shows what can happen and how people handle it. The ending is very unexpected and very moving. Hate List is a story of tragedy, truth, hurt, and togetherness. A great read!

5/5 stars

Let it Snow: Lauren Myracle, John Green, Maureen Johnson

2009-12-20T14:11:00.000-08:00

From Amazon:

Sparkling white snowdrifts...

Beautiful presents wrapped in ribbons, and multicolored lights glittering in the night through the falling snow. A Christmas Eve snowstorm transforms one small town into a romantic haven, the kind you only see in movies. Well, kinda. After all, a cold and wet hike from a stranded train through the middle of nowhere would normally end with a delicious kiss with a charming stranger. and no one would think that a trip to the Waffle House through four feet of snow would lead to love with an old friend. Or that the way back to true love begins with a painfully early morning shift at Starbucks.
Thanks to three of today's best-selling teen authors- John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle- the magic of the holidays shine on these hilarious and charming interconnected tales of love, romance, and breathtaking kisses.

Review:

To start off I would like to say that I am a sucker for a good love story. This is a fabulous winter read. Although I do have to say that I liked Maureen's story the best! But who doesn't love Maureen, right? Maureen's had the best story in my opinion. But John's and Lauren's were great as well!

I loved how all of the stories were so different from each other, but then in the end all of the stories mend. I would have like to have seen some more emotions out of the background characters in some parts but the main characters were spot on. It's amazing how three different stories from three different authors go together so nicely.

I would like to have seen Maureen's and John's stories go on longer. I really enjoyed them! Lauren's story was a great and creative way to end the story!

Overall I would recommend this story to someone who is looking for a winter romance, and some humor! I would love to read another book written by the three of them together! Very unique!

Love You Hate You Miss You Contest!

2009-12-20T07:59:00.000-08:00

I was organizing my books the other day, and I found that I have two hardcover copies of this book. So I'm gonna give one away to get it out of my way! lol.

You must be a follower to enter! Contest is open to US only this time! Contest will end January 13 (my birthday:D)!

Extra Entries:

+5 if you already follow
+7 if you are a new follower
+5 if you tweet/RT
+5 send someone over to the blog
+2 put contest in sidebar/post

Give links to tweet and posts please!

Enjoy
-Emma

CONTEST WINNERS :D

2009-12-19T19:26:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for helping me reach 100 followers! It means so much to me!

Winner of Prize #1...

Michael!

Winner of Prize #2...

The Book Pixie! :D

Winner of Prize #3...

J. Lee! Enjoy!

Congratulations to all of the winners! I had 32 people enter and over 280 entries! I am so happy for the great turn out! The top three highest number of entries were 21, 14, and 12!

If you didn't win this time, I will be posting contest very soon for Love You Hate You Miss You and Secret Society!

I will be emailing the winners within no time!

-Emma

Two-Way Street: Lauren Barnholdt

2009-12-17T16:35:00.000-08:00

Back of the book:

there are two sides to every breakup.

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.

Then Jordan dumps Courtney -- for a girl he met on the Internet.

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.

But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot.

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.

Review:

Two Way Street is a book that I have seen around a lot, but hadn't thought to pick it up and read it. Amazon recommended it to me, so I ordered it and I couldn't put it down.

The characters in this book were well described, but I did think that maybe the author could have given the readers more of the feelings in some parts. Courtney was a very relateable character. She finds herself herself going through things that many teenage girls go through at some point in their life. Jordan at first seemed like a player. But in the end, you find the other side of him.

I love the cover of this book! It fits the story so well! The plot and story line were great! The questions in my head were answered at great timing and you weren't waiting til the end for answers! Two-Way Street was an all around good and quick read!

Happy Belated Birthday to Michelle Zink w/ Review

2009-12-01T18:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the birthday of one of my all time favorite authors. Her name is Michelle Zink. She is the author of Prophecy of the Sisters, and the sequels Guardian and the Gate, and The Beast which are still to be released. She is such a nice person, and has a wonderful motherly feel around everyone. Michelle's book is very special/important to me because it was my first ARC as a YA blogger. I will always remember receiving this book in the mail and being so excited! I feel terrible for not posting a review to this book. It is so original, and a fabulous debut novel!

Review of Prophecy:

Prophecy of the Sisters has a phenomenal way of captivating the reader within the first chapter. Right from the very beginning, you are immediately wanting to know more. This is a dark, compelling, and overwhelming novel.

The characters are all different in their own ways, but to me, Lia and Alices relationship struck me as the most interesting. Lia and Alice are twins, and they are total opposites, but then they figure out that they may not be seeing each other at all after they figure out what their lives have in store for them. Now onto Edmund. He is dark, and at times mysterious, and keeps things to himself. He finds himself falling for someone, and it is very neat seeing the relationship unfold.

It takes true imagination to come up with a story line this Prophecy has. I would never in my wildest dreams even think of coming up with something so amazing. When I was in the process of reading this book, I couldn't help but thing about all of the thought, and research and work was put into this plot and story line to all make sense. Well let me tell you, Michelle nailed it.

I also thought I would like to add that it so so hard to tell someone about this book without giving spoilers to me. I feel like it is one of those books where you just want to spill your guts to anyone around you. I find that I have to hold back on how much I tell people about this book. Which to me, is a good thing. :)

The cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous. I represents the book so well! And I also think it describes Michelle in a way. The pages, and the art under the dust cover are very unique, and you won't quite understand what they mean until you read the book.

I hope I did not give any spoilers in this review. I tried so hard not to. Sorry if I may have. Anyway, I would recommend this book to anyone. To conclude I want to send Michelle more birthday wishes, and luck while writing and editing the next to books! I cannot wait!

-Emma

100 Follower Contest!

2009-11-28T18:36:00.001-08:00

I'm am trying to get to 100 followers before Christmas, and I thought I would have a contest to make it a little more interesting! Thank you so much to the people who already follow me! I really appreciate it!

Extra Entries:

+5 If you already follow
+7 if you are a new follower (thanks!!!)
+5 If you tweet/retweet about this contest (give a link)
+5 if you send someone over to my blog (have the person mention you in comment, and I'll give you each one more entry)
+2 post or put in sidebar about this contest (give a link)

Contest winners (there will be 3) will be posted on December 20, even if I don't have 100 followers. I still really appreciate everyone who helped me try and reach my goal.

Winner 1 will receive:

A signed copy of Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner
A signed copy of Exclusively Chloe by J.A Yang
A Get the Goods Pack donated by Lee and Jessica Verday

Winner 2 will receive:

A copy of Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman
A Get the Goods Pack donated by Lee and Jessica Verday
The Mark signed bookmark
Paris Pan Takes the Dare postcard
The Great Call of China by Cynthea Liu bookplate
The Great Call of China by Cynthea Liu bookmark

Winner 3 will receive:

A signed copy of Swoon by Nina Malkin
Signed Eternal bookmark
A Get the Goods Pack donated by Lee and Jessica Verday
My Big Nose and other Natural Disasters signed postcard
Signed Silver Phoenix bookmark

Thanks again! Please spread the word! US and Canada only!

-Emma

Rex's Reading Robot Reviews Contest

2009-11-11T09:21:00.000-08:00

Rex from Rex's Reading Robot Reviews is having a contest! Books include: Fade Out by Rachel Caine, Bite with stories from Charlaine Harris, Laurell K Hamilton & others, Unusual Suspects with stories from Charlaine Harris & others, Dead After Dark with stories by JR Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon & others, Embrace the Night by Karen Chance and Powers of Detection with stories by Charlaine Harris & others!

Go check it out: http://rexrobotreviews.blogspot.com/2009/11/giveaway-ends-december-1-2009.html

Tricks: Ellen Hopkins

2009-11-11T08:49:00.000-08:00

"When all choice is taken from you, life becomes a game of survival."

Five teenagers from different parts of the country. Three girls. Two guys. Four straight. One gay. Some rich. Some poor. Some from great families. Some with no one at all. All living their lives as best they can, but all searching...for freedom, safety, community, family, love. What they don't expect, though, is all that can happen when those powerful little words "I love you" are said for all the wrong reasons.

Five moving stories remain separate at first, then interweave to tell a larger, powerful story -- a story about making choices, taking leaps of faith, falling down, and growing up. A story about kids figuring out what sex and love are all about, at all costs, while asking themselves, "Can I ever feel okay about myself?"

First off I would like to say how much I love Ellen Hopkins. She has been called "the bestselling living poet in the country" and I don't doubt that one bit! Ellen's work with poetry, is simply breathtaking. Tricks does not let that quote go to waste!

Tricks is pretty different than Ellen's previous novels. All of Ellen's novels show how dangerous, and scary the real world can be. Tricks truly shows what terrible things can happen, if you aren't careful.

Tricks changes perspective between multiple characters, who are facing battles in their lives. Some are facing problems with their sexuality, and some are facing problems with being abused. These problems are very serious, and these characters have to learn to face them.

Ellen's books are very descriptive, and you have to have the right taste to understand them. They are very quick reads, and make you realize what can happen in an instant in life. If you are interested in reading Ellen's novels, I would suggest reading Crank first! It is a good starter. Tricks gets a 4/5 star rating.

Shiver: Maggie Steifvater

2009-11-11T08:16:00.000-08:00

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

Shiver is an awesome book! One of my new favorites! Sam is probably the best boyfriend in the history of boyfriends! I love him. Grace has a fantastic personality, and isn't afraid to show it. The way Sam and Grace work in unison is astounding. They are always there for each other, and have an impeccable love.

Maggie Steifvator's writing skills are beyond anything I have ever seen! The way her words and feelings are described, it makes you feel like you are standing right in the story. The use of descriptions of her characters gives you a great mental picture of how the characters look, which I think is a very important part of the book.

My absolute favorite thing about this book (besides Sam), is the way this book captivates your mind. As soon as you read the first page, there is no turning back! Every time you turn the page of this captivating novel, your mind is constantly asking for more! I have nothing bad to say about Shiver, except for the fact that it made me want the sequel SO badly! This is defiantly a 5-star rating novel!

Evermore by Alyson Noël

2009-10-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

After a horrible accident claims the lives of her family, sixteen year old Ever Bloom can see people's auras, hear thoughts, and know someone's entire story by touching them. Going out of her way to avoid human contact and suppress her abilities, she has been branded a freak at her new high school-but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste.
Damen is gorgeous, exotic, and wealthy. He's the only one who can silence the noise and random energy in her head-wielding a magic so intense, it's as though he can peer straight into her soul. As ever is drawn deeper into his enticing world of secrets and mystery, she's left with more questions then answers. and she has no idea who he really is- or what he is. The only thing she knows to be true is that she's falling deeply and helplessly in love with him.

Review:

In my opinion Evermore was a great novel. It had characters with great personalities, the story line was great, overall a very good book.

The characters in Evermore were very well rounded. You always knew what each character was thinking and how they felt, and you were never left wondering.

Story line was really well composed! While I was reading, I was wondering how changing perspectives in the book would change the story line. (Anyone that has any thoughts on that leave a comment)! :)

I absolutely loved the ending! I was suspenseful, yet it satisfied me! It left me hanging enough where I want to read Blue Moon!

This book was very unique and intriguing! Antone who knows me well, knows that I am a sucker for a good love story. This was a very good and compelling love story!

I complement Alyson for her descriptive writing and great story line!

-Emma

The Hollow: Jessica Verday

2009-09-08T15:56:00.000-07:00

When Abbey's best friend, Kristen, vanishes at the bridge near Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, everyone else is all too quick to accept that Kristen is dead?and rumors fly that her death was no accident. Abbey goes through the motions of mourning her best friend, but privately, she refuses to believe that Kristen is really gone. Then she meets Caspian, the gorgeous and mysterious boy who shows up out of nowhere at Kristen's funeral, and keeps reappearing in Abbey's life. Caspian clearly has secrets of his own, but he's the only person who makes Abbey feel normal again...but also special.

Just when Abbey starts to feel that she might survive all this, she learns a secret that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her best friend. How could Kristen have kept silent about so much? And could this secret have led to her death? As Abbey struggles to understand Kristen's betrayal, she uncovers a frightening truth that nearly unravels her—one that will challenge her emerging love for Caspian, as well as her own sanity.

Review:

First off this book is one of the best books I have ever read! Jessica’s writing is so unique! She has a great imagination, and knows how to express her feelings through her characters! This is a book that can captivate readers of all kinds! The cover of this book is amazing, and I once questioned if they story beneath it was just as good! I never should have questioned it!

The characters in this book are phenomenal. They have such great personalities! I connected with them immediately. Abbey’s feelings are so realistic, you feel like she could be sitting right next to you. Caspian is a very unique character, and is unmistakable, when mentioned. He is dark, mysterious, and gorgeous. Abbey can’t help but fall in love with him, after they end up meeting in the strangest places. Both Caspian and Abbey know that there is something fishy about Kristen’s disappearance, and this only brings them closer.

Jessica’s plot for The Hollow is different. Most stories don’t use real historic places, like the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. I love the way Jessica describes the little things, that some people may not think matter. These little details Jess puts in make the story so much more realistic. I love this feature in The Hollow.

Now onto the cover! I can’t say enough about this cover. It’s mesmerizing. It’s gorgeous. It’s one of the best, if not the best cover on a book. I would love to meet the designer! I also would love to walk into a tattoo shop, and get this cover tattooed on my back! Wow.

This book has mad me want to make perfume! Abbey loves making perfume, and I would love to learn how after reading this book! I also would love to visit The Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, and take it all in, and pretend I am a character in The Hollow!

The story line is great! I found that sometimes you think you know for sure what is going to happen in the next chapter, and then suddenly you are hit with something new and unexpected! Then in a couple of chapters you find out the answer to the lingering event you thought was going to happen! This sometime mad me aggravated, but in the best way possibly! No offense there at all!

Well I cold go on and on and on, but this is all I can say without giving away and spoilers!

Rating: 6/5 (If you think I’m over exaggerating, go get your copy and read it ASAP, and you’ll see why I give The Hollow this rating!

Awesome job Jess! You are a fantastic author, and you have a rockin’ husband! Can’t wait for the sequel!!

-Emma

Catch Up Post

2009-08-31T17:22:00.000-07:00

Well, my week/weekend has been crazy. I have gotten tons of books in the mail, and I have been to weddings, and ball games. So I guess I will start with the wedding. I wore a dress for the first time since I was like 5. I wore jewelery, make-up, heels, and everything girly. I am NOT the definition of girly. Ask Senfaye, she knows me all to well. At the Cardinals game, we had great seats, we had free unlimited food, and we were on TV. Are there any baseball fans out there? I <3 baseball. School started on the 20th, so that always makes things hectic, the first weeks of school. I'm happy cause Korianne says that she would go to the bookstore with me! I'm so excited! :) I may be getting nominated for the Honor Band at school (yes, I am a band geek). I play the clarinet. Wanna know the books I got in the mail this week? Here ya go:

Fade to Blue
Ash
Intertwined
113 things to do before 13
Lady MacBeth's Daughter
The Waking: Dreams of the Dead
Pastworld
Prophecy of the Sisters (another copy)
Hate List

Also, I bought Blue Moon.

Along with my week, I have discovered, that my computer won't read my hard drive anymore, so I had to order another hard drive for it. It has become a huge mess. x-(

Anyway, I just wanted to update you guys and let you know I am still alive, and I have not fallen off of the face of the Earth!

-Emma :]

The Most Amazing Commercial Ever!!!

2009-08-22T18:41:00.000-07:00

I cannot stop watching this!!!!

Jennifer's Body

2009-08-14T10:50:00.001-07:00

Author: Audrey Nixon
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: May 26, 2009
Pages: 194

Synopsis:

Someone needed to put a stop payment on Jennifer Check.

The sign says Welcome to Devil's Kettle, Pop. 7,036. Come See What's Cookin'! No, seriously . . . that's what it says.

Some people find it hard to believe that a babe like Jennifer Check would associate with a dork like me, Needy Lesnicki. But we had history. We'd been the Wonder Twins since we were preverbal, and sandbox love never dies. Or at least that's what I thought.

But after that night in the woods, Jennifer was different. She looked different. And then the killings began. . . .

A lot of people ask me if I'm sorry I did it. I'm only sorry I didn't do it sooner.

Review:

I really enjoyed Jennifer's Body. The author used great details, and she reveal certain details in places where you wouldn't expected them. I also liked how the cover is very different from the book!

Characters:

Jennifer's personality is very unpredictable. In some parts she is there for her friends, and in some parts, she is the snobby popular girl at school. Needy on the other hand is a person who knows that Jennifer is different. Needy says, that she has one thing that belongs to her, and that is her boyfriend Chip. Needy lives with whatever comes her way, and takes care of it when it comes.

Story Line:

The story line of this book was my favorite part! The author did a great job of creating a great sequence of events. Everything fell into place, and I think that is part of what makes a great book!

Mood:

The mood of this book changes often, in some parts the mood is very suspenseful, and it some parts it is calm and relaxing.

Overall rating:

Characters: 5/5
Story Line: 5/5
Mood: 4/5

Total: 14/15

Emma :]

Princess Bookie Contest

2009-08-12T18:05:00.000-07:00

Cindy is have a contest!

Here are her rules:

You must leave some way to contact you to be entered. No way to email you, I will draw another name.

Her entry choices:

+1 for Leaving A Comment
+3 for becoming a follower or already being a follower
+5 For Promoting this contest on your blog, sidebars do not count, must be a entry
+1 For Promoting This contest on your sidebar
+1 Telling me the name of the person who referred you and the person who does the referring also gets an extra point (just include in your comment)
+6 Including your Link to Your Latest Waiting On Wednesday Post in My Linky (we all like looking at them, LOL)
(since this is two weeks long, if you come back and include it again next week, You will get 6 more entries.)

Books Being Given Away:

1. Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick ARC
2. Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen ARC
3. Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters ARC
4. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater ARC
5. Troy High by Shana Norris ARC
6. Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott ARC
7. Reincarnation by Suzanne Weyn ARC
8. Lovestruck Summer by Melissa Walker
9. Death by Series by Linda Gerber (3 books total)
10. a 5 dollar giftcard from Walmart (you can buy yourself half of a book with it, lol)
11. 3 Sarah Dessen books ( Just Listen, This Lullaby, Someone Like You)
12. Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson
13. Fire By Kristin Cashmore ARC
14. Last but not least, I have some extra amazon cards, so I will also include a preorder for CATCHING FIRE BY SUZANNE COLLINS. It will be shipped to on or around Sept 1st (whenever they ship it)
AND a book of your choice (under $15.00 please and it can be a preorder as long as it comes out in September-so many good books get released)

Prophecy of the Sisters Swag Contest Winner!

2009-08-10T20:58:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all of the entries! I really appreciate it!

Alley had 4 entries
Reggie had 3 entries
Cassandra had 3 entries
Shawna had 4 entries
Blair had 4 entries
Bianca had 3 entries

And the winner is... Reggie!

Congratulations! I'll email you ASAP for your mailing address!

Thanks Again,
Emma :]

Prophecy of the Sisters Swag Contest!!

2009-07-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

Prophecy of the Sisters is debuting on August 1st, 2009! Michelle Zink (author) has very kindly donated some swag for me to giveaway to spread the word about Prophecy! This book is an amazing novel, and I am very grateful that I got a chance to get to know Michelle! You can follow her on Twitter, and friend her on MySpace, and Facebook! You can check out her blog here! She is a great person, and she is VERY funny and entertaining! Now on to the contest! Below is a picture of the swag Michelle has donated!

In the picture:

1)Signed Prophecy poster
2)Prophecy tatoos
3)Prophecy bookmark
4)Prophecy magnet
5)Prophecy folder
6)Rose pin
7)Rose bracelet
8)Silver pom-poms

+2 Become a follower
+1 Tweet about contest (with a link)
+1 Link to contest on Facebook
+1 Link to me on your sidebar
+1 Link to your review of Prophecy of the Sisters in your comment!

Contest ends August 10th!

One person wins all of the swag! :)

US and Canada only!

-Emma :]

Penguin Book Trailers!

2009-07-20T12:47:00.000-07:00

Story Sirens Contest

2009-07-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

Story Siren is holding a contest! http://tinyurl.com/ktnzon
Tons of books are being given away! Go enter for your chance to win!

Bones of Faerie

2009-07-13T17:21:00.000-07:00

Jacket Synopsis:
The war between humanity and Faerie devastated both sides. Or so fifteen-year-old Liza has been told. Nothing has been seen or heard from Faerie since, and Liza's world bears the sacrs of its encounter with magic. Corn resists being harvested; dandelions have thorns. Trees move with sinister intention, and the town Liza calls home is surrounded by a forest that threatens to harm all those who wander into it. Still, Liza feels safe. Her father is strong and has protected their by laying down strict rules. Among them: Any trace of magic must be destroyed, no matter where it is found. Then Liza's sister is born with faerie-pale hair, clear as glass, and Liza's father leaves the baby on a hillside to die. When her mother disappears into the forest and Liza herself discovers she has the faerie ability to see-into the past, into the future- she has no choice but to flee. Liza's quest will take her into Faerie and back again, and what she finds along the way may be the key to healing both worlds. Janni Lee Simner's first novel for young adults is a dark fairy-tale twist on apocalyptic fiction- as familiar as a nightmare yet altogether unique.

Review:

Characters: I felt that you could really connect with the characters in Bones of Faerie! Liza has a different personality than most of the other characters in the book! Karen is a very sweet and caring person, and is always trying to tell you what is right! Overall, the characters in Bones of Faerie were well described, and you could connect with them!

Story Line: I found that the story line of this book was a bit confusing in the beginning, but once the story started to unfold, the beginning begins to make more sense! There are some important details in the book, that make the book start of unfold.

Mood: The mood of this book is very active! You have so many different characters, with their own personalities! Some characters are very different from the main characters, and each of them have their different moods!

Pages: 247
Characters: 4/5
Story Line: 3/5
Mood: 5/5
Overall: 12/15

The Hollow ARC Contest

2009-07-13T14:37:00.001-07:00

Lee Verday is the husband of Jessica Verday (author of The Hollow), and he is holding a contest, for an ARC The Hollow!

Here are the rules:
1) Go go Lee's blog, and post a comment saying, 'Don't Lose My Place' sent me here
2) In the same comment put that you would like to be entered in the contest.
3) If you would like more entries in the contest post about it on your blog, and put the same rules, but put your blog name in place of mine! :D

If these rules don't make sense, Lee explains them on his blog! lol.

Click Here to get to Lee's blog!

Have fun!
Emma

Dear Don't Lose My Place Followers

2009-07-10T22:39:00.000-07:00

Emma & Senfaye: Dearest Followers of Don't Lose my place,
Emma: I am wearing a sticky tack mustache.
Senfaye: You guys rock!
Emma: It is late. 12:44 to be exact.
Senfaye: We are hyper this is why it is random!
Senfaye: Actually it is 12:45 emma's time.
Emma: I'm probably going to get in trouble in the morning.
Senfaye: I have TOLD her to go to bed but she refuses
Emma: true
Senfaye: Here we go go go again--lyrics by Demi Lovato
Emma: Something about Senfaye is so addictive! Parody of Here We Go Again: Demi Lovato
Senfaye: My mom is funny & so is emma
Emma: nefaerious is amazing
Senfaye: I suck at singing
Emma: so do i
Senfaye: Emma & I are a lot alike
Emma: we have our own song: One in the Same: Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato
Senfaye: It describes us EXACTLY
Emma: yup
Senfaye: Should we end the post or keep writing?
Emma: end for now
Senfaye: Aww, we never go to the point
Emma: WE ARE BUDS 4EVA
Senfaye & Emma: In conclusion, we were trying to thank you all.
Senfaye's conclusion: You all are amazing
Emma's conclusion: thanks for following me!! Blog makeover soon to come

Ciao for now,

Oh & peace out!

-Senfaye & EMMA!

Senfaye

2009-07-10T22:34:00.000-07:00

Senfaye thinks that the post previous was weird, so i shall delete it, :'(

emma

W-O-W

2009-07-10T22:21:00.000-07:00

You come up with the best ideas.

Guest review: Fairy Tale

2009-07-10T22:14:00.000-07:00

Title: Fairy Tale Author: Cyn Balog Publisher: Delacorte Press Number Of Pages: 248 Publication Date: June 23rd, 2009

Synopsis from back of book: Morgan Sparks and Cam Browne are a match made in heaven. They’ve been best friends since birth, they tell each other everything, and oh yeah—they’re totally hot for each other.
But a week before their joint sweet sixteen birthday bash, everything changes. Cam’s awkward cousin Pip comes to stay, and Cam starts acting distant. Morgan is stunned when her formerly perfect boyfriend seems to be drifting away.
When Morgan demands answers, she’s shocked to discover the reason for Cam’s distance. It isn’t another girl—it’s another world. Pip claims Cam is a fairy. No seriously. A fairy. And now his people want Cam to return to their world and take his rightful place as Fairy King.
Determined to keep Cam with her, Morgan plots to fool the fairies. But as Cam continues to change, she has to decide once and for all if he really is her destiny, and their “perfect” love can weather an uncertain future.
Witty, original, and unexpectedly touching, Fairy Tale is a remarkable debut by Cyn Balog that will captivate fans of Twilight and Wicked Lovely.

Review: Fairy Tale is in one word—wonderful! I liked that instead of the protagonist being the fairy, someone she loves dearly is. And, it shows her struggle and her watching what happens on the sidelines. She really can’t do anything to help him and you can tell that it makes her very, very upset. Considering, that Morgan’s boyfriend/best friend is turning into a fairy she is still able to be sarcastic and all around hilarious. The other main characters, Cam (the one being turned into the fairy) and Pip (basically Cam’s replacement) were awesome too. I really, didn’t expect this book to be touching, and boy it was. I almost cried at the end, it was sad and happy at the same time. All in all, this book is a superb debut. I can’t wait to read more from Cyn!
I recommend this book if you like fairies, romance, humor, and YA novels.

-Senfaye :)

Yup

2009-07-10T22:08:00.000-07:00

So guess what....

I need the Hollow. Seriously. It's official.

emma

nefaerious

2009-07-10T22:02:00.000-07:00

she is the bomb. she is also senfayes mother. she likes looking at $300 shoes. she is always wearing a tanktop. she always calls her dog 'dude'. she loves me....i think.

emma

Doesn't Know What to say.

2009-07-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

Emma is awesome.

Here is a great pic of here:

Emma, yo pics. (That is an inside joke.)

-Senfaye

Mushy Stuff

2009-07-10T21:56:00.001-07:00

I <3 <3 <3 your mushy stuff,

She is the better friend
She actually has time to read and review things
She has the best family EVER
yup

emma

Response Back!

2009-07-10T21:53:00.000-07:00

Awwww, Emma..you are the bestestestest if that is even a word.

Facts about Emma:

She loves reading if that isn't obvious
She doesn't get much time to read. :(
She is HILARIOUS!!!
She is the best friend anyone could have

I am thankful to have Emma as a friend.

Sorry for the mushy stuff!

-Senfaye :D

Responce

2009-07-10T21:47:00.000-07:00

You will be posting on here more! You are the bestestest. Look at how many followers you have! :D:D:D I will enjoy writing reviews, when I actually get time to read the books I have!

A MAZE OF BOOKS: http://amazeofbooks.blogspot.com
FOLLOW IT!!

It actually has stuff to read on it!

emma

Sadness...

2009-07-10T21:45:00.001-07:00

Emma just wrote in the previous post that she hates writing reviews. That makes me sad. It shouldn't. But, it does.

I hope she writes posts, and reviews in the future. This will probably be the last time I post on here.

So, Emma you are the best. Followers to Emma's blog, you rock for following my best friend.

-Senfaye

Strongly Worded Post

2009-07-10T21:39:00.000-07:00

I told you I would send you $20!! And i wasn't kidding! You know how busy I am all the time, and when I am not busy, I am talking to you! :) And I have already told my followers, that my blog isn't worth reading, and that it sucks, so they can't say that they weren't warned! Once I get some time to read, there will be reviews, I HATE writing the reviews, and I am very lazy person as you know! I need some motivation, and a couple extra hours added to a day! I have almost 20 books for review. That is a lot for a slow reader like me. I have a job now, and that takes up my time! :]

NOTE: I give permission to all of my followers to yell and scream and kill me, and feel free to come and steal me.

Thanks
Emma

OH NO!

2009-07-10T21:34:00.002-07:00

Ok, I am running & hiding now. (Emma is a MANIAC!!)

But, before I go please comment below telling her not to kill me and to post reviews. (She really needs to post some, last night she bet me $20 that her reviews would be up this morning but they weren't!)

I am definitely running and hiding now, so I guess this is bye!

-Senfaye :)

Well..

2009-07-10T21:34:00.001-07:00

I might now.

-Emmyreader

Yay for not killing me!

2009-07-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

Yay!

Emma isn't going to kill me!

-Senfaye :)

Taking Over My Blog

2009-07-10T21:30:00.000-07:00

Senfaye will be taking over my blog more often.

I'm not going to kill her.

The background is awesome.

-Emmyreader

New Layout Coming Soon!

2009-07-10T21:27:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

This is Senfaye (I am taking over Emma's blog for a minute!)

I made Emma a new background and it should be up soon!

Hopefully it looks good!

Sorry for taking over your blog Emma!

-Senfaye :)

SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE

2009-07-07T07:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Release Day to Jennifer Banash with her new YA novel SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE!! SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE is the third book in 'The Elite' series! Go out and show your support for Jennifer! :]

Suite Scarlet Contest at A Maze Of Books!!

2009-07-01T19:38:00.001-07:00

Go check out A Maze of Books created by the awesome Senfaye! Click Here to find rules, and details, on how to win your paperback copy of Suite Scarlett!

-Emmyreader

In My Mailbox #8

2009-06-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

Books for Review:

1)Darkwood by: M.E Breen
2)Immortal by: Gillian Sheilds
3)Bad Apple by: Laura Ruby
4)Peaches by: Jodi Lynn Anderson
5)Evernight by: Claudia Gray
6)Stargazer by: Claudia Gray
7)Touch: Francine Prose
8)Never Cry Werewolf by: Heather Davis
9)Wings by: Aprilynne Pike
10)The Waters and the Wild by: Francesca Lia Block

Books for upcoming contest hosted by Senfaye & I:

1)Signed Bones of Faerie by: Janni Lee Simner
2)Radiant Darkness: Emily Whitman
3)Signed Swoon by: Nina Malkin

<3~Happy Birthday Senfaye~ <3

2009-06-24T16:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Senfaye! During the four months I have known, you have been nothing less of perfect! You are the best friend I have ever had, and I really appreciate everything you do for me! I want to thank you for dealing with me everyday, and including me in your life! I love you and your family with great depth! I don't know how I lived my life for so many years without knowing you! All of these great opportunities I have had the past months, are from your help and kindness! All of greatest thanks, and appreciation I have goes to you! I hope you have the best and rockingest birthday of your life!

<3 ya lots!
-Emma

12 Hour Reading Challenge Update

2009-06-20T09:53:00.001-07:00

Lunch took up a lot of my time, so I only got to page 55, so I am keeping the same goals s last time, but minus the lunch! :]

12 Hour Reading Challenge Update

2009-06-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

I am on page 49 of You Are So Undead To Me by Stacey Jay.

I am a terribly slow reader, so I tend to finish books slower than others.

Goals for the next hour:
1) get to page 125
2) eat some sort of lunch
3) enjoy the book

More updates on Twitter, and blog will be updated each hour.

12 Hour Reading Challenge

2009-06-19T19:14:00.000-07:00

Starting @ 7 am Pacific tomorrow, I am participating in a 12 hour reading challenge, to catch up on my reading. :) The challenge will end @ 7 pm Pacific. The challenge was started by Stargirlreads. It is a great idea! Anyone who wants to join, needs to email Ashley @ princessashley9@gmail.com!

Goals that I have for the Challenge:

1) The Tales of Beetle the Bard by J.K Rowling- pgs: 107
2) Exclusively Chloe by J.A Yang pgs: 245
3) Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logsted pgs: 191
4) Dead is the New Black by Marlene Perez pgs: 190
5) The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot pgs: 238
6) Uglies by Scott Westerfield pgs: 425
7) The Hunger Games by Suzzane Collins pgs: 374
8) Magyk by Angie Sage pgs: 562
9) The Alchemyst by Michael Scott pgs: 375
10) Fablehaven by Brandon Mull pgs: 351
11) Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizbeth Scott pgs: 276
12) A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray pgs: 403
13) Generation Dead by Daniel Waters pgs: 392
14) You are so Undead to Me by Stacey Jay pgs: 263
15) City of Bones by Cassandra Clare pgs: 485

Everyone knows I could never finish all of these in 12 hours, but I like to have variety!

Janni Lee Simner Interview!

2009-06-16T15:33:00.001-07:00

1) When did you know you wanted to become a writer/author?

I think I've been telling stories since before I even knew how to write them down. By high school I knew I wanted to have my stories published so that others could read them, too -- but it wasn't until I got out of college that I spent the last of my student loan money on a computer, started writing for publication, and began sending my stories out into the world!

2) Were the characters in Bones of Faerie inspired by anyone in your life?

I don't think my characters are directly based on anyone, but in every story I write, I tend to find small pieces of myself in the characters afterwards--something I should be used to by now, but which still surprises me. But when I'm stuck with a character, I'll sometimes try to find that thing in them that I can understand to help me get unstuck. I did that with Liza in Bones of Faerie--I had trouble understanding her at first (because I knew she was so much more worthy than she herself thought she was!), but then I realized that one of Liza's big fears was of not being good enough. I know that fear a little bit too, of course--we all do--and once I realized that, Liza became easier to write.

3) How long did it take you to write Bones of Faerie?

Either two years or twelve, depending how you count. :-) I wrote the opening chapter when I still lived in St. Louis. I loved that opening, but once I had it down, I stopped cold--because I had no idea what happened next, and because I wasn't sure how to write a story worthy of the first two pages. So I went off and worked on other stories--and on becoming a better writer. It took me ten years to really feel ready to tell the rest of Bones of Faerie. Once I sat down to seriously write it at last, it took me another couple years to get a book I felt comfortable sending out.

4) Were you turned down by any publishers before Random House?

I signed on with my agent shortly after finishing Bones of Faerie, and she sent it to several publishers at once, and of course some of them decided the book wasn't right for them. I think publishing is sort of like matchmaking--it's less about all the rejections (though it doesn't always feel that way at the time!) than about finding that one right person who's the perfect fit for your book--who's both enthusiastic and knows how to make your story better.

5) Left or Right handed?

Right-handed. Pretty strongly so--my left-hand scribbles are mostly illegible!

6) Was the Arch an inspiration to you?

I remember my first view of the Arch--I was thirteen, on a cross-country Girl Scout camping trip, and I could see it from miles and miles away. I'd grown up in New York, and had never been west of the Mississippi River before, and when I saw the Arch, it really did feel like the gateway to the west--exciting!

I eventually returned to St. Louis for college, partly because of that trip, and stayed there for a while afterwards. I love the Arch, the way you can see it towering above the city, the way if you get under it in just the right place, you can look up and up and up at it.

I didn't know when I started writing Bones of Faerie that my characters would have to journey to St. Louis--but once I did realize that, I realized soon afterwards that of course they'd have to visit the Arch, and of course the Arch would have to play a role in the story.

7) Are there any personal connections to the book? (stories, personalities, etc.)

I think the biggest connection is actually to the landscape--the book in many ways is an homage to the time I spent living in the St. Louis area. Though moving to Arizona and the desert--where I still live--also played a role, because I quickly learned that the plants here really do bite, that dandelions (or things that look like dandelions but technically aren't) have thorns, that if you brush against the wrong cactus it will seem to jump at you, thorns digging through clothes and skin. (I love it here, but it's not a good place to walk around barefoot!) In a sense I took the midwestern Missouri plants, and gave them with a dose (a really large dose :-)) of desert defensiveness!

8) Which character do you think you would connect to the most?

Allie--from the moment Allie appeared on stage, I loved her, and her character has always been the easiest to write.

It took me longer to understand Liza, actually, like I said above. I admire her tremendously, and she's had to be strong in ways that sometimes I think even now I can barely imagine--but because of this, she has more defenses than Allie did, and so it took a lot more work to understand her and her story.

Summer Reading List

2009-06-15T17:36:00.000-07:00

Here are some and most of the books I plan to read over the summer!

1) City of Bones
2) City of Ashes
3) Generation Dead
4) Bliss
5) The Hunger Games
6) A Great and Terrible Beauty
7) Exclusively Chloe
8) The Forest of Hands and Teeth
9) Blue Bloods
10) Masquerade
11) Revelations
12) Twilight
13) New Moon
14) Zombie Queen of Newbury High
15) You Know You Love Me
16) Speak
17) The Lovely Bones
18) Dead Girl Walking
19) Kissed by an Angel
20) The Vampire Diaries
21) Crazy Beautiful
22) The Princess Diaries
23) You Are So Undead to Me
24) Fade

If you have read any of these please give your rating, or leave a comment! If you want to you can link me to your review of one of these books!

-Emmyreader

Interview and Conest!

2009-06-12T14:27:00.000-07:00

Within the next couple of days, I will have a interview posted with Janni Lee Simner! Also, there will be a contest for an ARC of Crazy Beautiful! The rules and details will either be posted or I may do a vlog for my IMM, so I might give the details on there, or post them. I don't know yet. Either way they will be spread!

-Emmyreader

Kick Off Summer Giveaway!

2009-06-11T11:51:00.000-07:00

Kathleen Elizabeth at All The World's a Stage is having a HUGE Kick Off Summer Giveaway! There is 3 sets of 3 books, and 3 ways to win them! Go check it out! It sounds like a great contest! Click on the 'Kick Off Summer Giveaway', to go straight to the contest, and click on the 'All The World's a Stage' link to go to the blog home page!

Also: Become a follower and support Kathleen Elizabeth even if you aren't entering the contest! I'm sure she would really appreciate it!

Hope you enjoy the blog, and the contest!

-Emmyreader

Room & Bookshelf Tour

2009-06-10T14:11:00.000-07:00

In My Mailbox #6

2009-06-05T12:52:00.001-07:00

This week in my mailbox I got the following:

1) City of Bones
2) City of Ashes
3) The Hunger Games
4) Crazy Beautiful
5) Generation Dead
6) Bliss
7) A Great and Terrible Beauty
8) New Moon
9) Zombie Queen of Newbury High

Contests Galore!

2009-06-05T11:22:00.001-07:00

I have been running across some pretty good contests lately, and thought I would let you guys know about them!

One of them is at Cynsations. The contest includes:

Enter to win Bones of Faerie (Random House, 2009) and autographed copies of both Secret of the Three Treasures (Holiday House, 2006)(hard copy) and Gothic! Ten Original Dark Tales, edited by Deborah Noyes (Candlewick, 2006)(paperback).

These are some very good books and a great giveaway.

Another is at The Epic Rat's blog! She is playing a monthly game, and it seems very fun! I still have to check it out myself, but the rules sound like it should be fun! Click here to see the rules and details!

I hope some more will run across, so I can let you guys know what is out there! :-]

Hope you have fun checking out some of these contests!

-Emmyreader

Michelle Zink is having a GINORMOUS contest!

2009-06-05T07:49:00.000-07:00

Michelle Zink is the author of Prophecy of the Sisters! She is an amzing author and is a wonderful person as well! Her novel will be debuting on August 1, 2009!

Her contest has some amazing stuff!! Including:

A $25 Hot Topic gift card
A $15 iTunes gift card
A $25 gift card to the bookstore of your choice (not pictured for obvious reasons!)
A specially-wrapped first-round Prophecy ARC (sent to booksellers for Pre-publication)
A Prophecy mini-poster signed by both my son, Kenneth (a musician who is composing the Prophecy score), and I
A rose necklace
A chocolate bar
A Nerds Rope
A t-shirt that says “I’d Trade My Boyfriend for a Super Hero”
Temporary black hair dye
Nail polish
Victorian Gothic lace fingerless gloves
The movie August Rush (DVD)
A heart and key pendant (read the book!)
A Gardenia-scented candle
A rose-scented pin

Head over to Michelle's blog and check out the comments and the rules and also a picture of the swag! This is a great way to get acquainted with Michelle and POTS!

-Emmyreader

Happy Birthday Reid!!

2009-06-04T13:12:00.000-07:00

Have a great and wonderful 6th birthday Reid! Hope you enjoy it!

In My Mailbox #5

2009-05-24T20:55:00.000-07:00

This week in my mail box, I have:
Forever... Judy Blume
Blue Bloods- Melissa De La Cruz
Masquerade- Melissa De La Cruz
Revelations- Melissa De La Cruz

Senfaye

2009-05-24T20:38:00.000-07:00

My awesome friend Senfaye at A Maze of Books created a GREAT header for me, and unfortunately it didn't work. Well, now you all can see my new header because Senfaye came to the rescue and fixed it! Go check out her blog (that is much better than mine!!!) at: http://amazeofbooks.blogspot.com!! Thanks Senfaye!

-Emmyreader

P.S- I have 3 more days of school left, and I promise I will catch up on my reading and post some reviews! I feel really bad for not posting as much as I should. It kind of puts a bad impression on me! But I have tons of books planned to read over the summer!

Presenting Lenore!

2009-05-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

Lenore at Presenting Lenore is hosting a WONDERFUL contest! It is a 9 Penguin pack of books! The books include: 1. Dull Boy by Sarah Cross 2. Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
3. Goddess Boot Camp by Tera Lynn
4. Possessions by Nancy Holder
5. Dreamdark: Silksinger by Laini Taylor
6. Fire by Kristin Cashore
7. Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove by Lauren Kate
8. A Random Mystery Book Chosen By Penguin
9. A Random Mystery Book Chosen By Penguin

There is also another chance at a contest listed below the most recent post. Be sure to enter!

-Emmyreader

In My Mailbox #4

2009-05-20T17:40:00.001-07:00

This week in my mailbox is: Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
Uglies by Scott Westerfield

These reviews will be up shortly! Thank You
-Emmyreader!

Your Hero Is Coming....

2009-05-14T14:42:00.000-07:00

The release of Sarah Cross's Dull Boy novel is debuting tomorrow! Show you support and go and get your copy at your nearest book store!! Happy Reading!

WAKE

2009-05-13T17:37:00.001-07:00

When Janie discovers at a young age that she can be sucked into peoples dreams so doesn't know what to think of it. By the time she is 17 it is getting really old! Nobody knows about this secret Janie has. Soon this 'special' secret is turning dangerous when she is getting these vision while she is driving and around her friends. This so called talent is making Janie's life turn upside down, and she is discovering things about people past that she doesn't want to know! Does Janie posses some special power, or is she just a freak?

Characters: I loved every bit of every character! They all have their own very different personality, and you get to dig down deep in their minds and thoughts!

Story Line: The story line of this book, was set up really well and gives very descriptive details that are very important to the story. The overall story line was great!

Mood: The mood of this book is very overwhelming. You get so many senses from so many people it blows your mind that you can even keep track of them!

Characters: 5/5
Story Line: 5/5
Mood: 4/5
Overall: 14/15
Pages: 210

I Heart You, You Haunt Me

2009-05-12T14:33:00.001-07:00

I was looking for a quick reader last night, and found this! I absolutely loved it!

When Ava' s boyfriend Jackson dies, Ava believes her life will never be the same again, nor will she ever see Jackson again. It comes to a complete shock to her when she does see Jackson again, but not in a normal form. His new appearance is ghostly. Though most people would never want to endure a ghostly encounter, Ava is delighted to see Jackson again! She feels as if he is there all the time, and every now and then she gets to see him and get notes written by the new Jackson. Will Ava ever get over the tragic death of Jackson? Find out in Lisa Schroeder's: I Heart You, You Haunt Me.

Characters: The characters aren't described in detail, but you get a great image of Ava and her friends, and even the ghostly figure of Jackson. Each character has their own individual personality!

Story Line: The story line of this book was great. It might sound at first like a sappy love story, but it defiantly isn't! This probably isn't something that would happen in real life, but it isn't completely fiction either. It is a great mix between fiction and non-fiction.

Mood: The mood of this story is sad. That is all there is to it! This book may be upsetting to some people.

Characters: 4/5
Story Line: 5/5
Mood: 3/5
Overall: 12/15

In My Mailbox! #2

2009-05-11T14:20:00.000-07:00

In my Mailbox:

Eyes Like Stars by: Lisa Mantchev
Code Orange by: Caroline B. Cooney
Where The Red Fern Grows by: Wilson Rawls

Weekend Plans

2009-05-08T18:09:00.000-07:00

I will not be home this weekend due to the holidays, and that means no computer. :-[ Once the holidays are complete the blog will be up and moving regularly again. I have already broken my BEDM due to a very large schedule with school, chores, and friends. My blogging life as really occupied my blank time and now I realize how much work it is to keep your followers happy! LOL. My blog defiantly lacks posts, and could use greatly needed improvement! It makes me grateful for my followers! Thank you guys! See ya on Monday!! :-]

One Lovely Blog Award!

2009-05-05T08:39:00.000-07:00

Jess from Find the Time to Read awarded me with the One Lovely Blog Award!

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

I'm awarding:
1) Polo.Pony
2) Catt
3) epic rat
4) Senfaye
5) Bookworm
6) Lenore
7) Danielle
8) Liyana
9) Iryna
10) Alley
11) The Book Resort
12) Laura
13) GreenBeanTeenQueen
14) Hope
15) Jenny C
16) Alea
17) dazdnconfusd
18) Kate
19) Llehn

Some of the links wouldn't work, so I apologize to those whose blogs aren't getting links!

PaperBack Swap

2009-05-04T04:38:00.000-07:00

I am hooked on this website called PaperBack Swap. Some of you have probably heard of it, or are members. For those of you who don't it is a website that allows you to trade books, with only the cost of shipping! You post the books just by entering the ISBN code on the back of the book, and the website does all the rest. Once people have requested your book, you send them out and receive credits and you use the credits to request the books you choose! More information can be found @ www.paperbackswap.com!

If you are already a member, let me know and I will friend you!

Heaps of Books

2009-05-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! I want your opinion on what to do with all of these books that I have sitting around that have been read by me and countless other people. There are probably 50+ books, and I don't feel like posting all of them for giveaway. I will be more than happy to give them away to anybody who wants one. The books include: Almost the whole Goosebumps series, the Who Was series, and some odd ball YA titles. If anyone has any suggestions or comments please give them!!

Thanks!
-Emmyreader

BEDM

2009-05-02T18:53:00.000-07:00

Blog Every Day in May (BEDM) is something you cana do to make sure your blog is up to par, nd make sure your followers are pleased!! I started BEDM because my blog kind of lacks posts regularly. Anyone want to do BEDM with me? :)

In My Mailbox #1

2009-05-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

This week I have received: A goodies pack from Jessica Verday, the author of The Hollow. In the package was: Two tattoos, Stickers, 2 post card (one of them signed!), and a Hollow book mark!

Also in my mailbox, is a review copy of Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner! I will be posting about it shortly, so be looking for my review! :)

New in my mailbox next week! :)

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

2009-05-02T17:48:00.000-07:00

Back of book:

There is a door at the end of a silent corridor. And it's haunting Harry Potter's dreams. Why else would he be waking in the middle of the night, screaming in terror?
Harry has a lot on his mind for this, his fifth year at Hogwarts: a Defense Against the Dar Arts teacher with the personality of poisoned honey; a big surprise on the Gryffindor Quidditch team;and the looming terror of the Ordinary Wizarding Level exams. But all of these things pale next to the growing threat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named- a threat that neither the magical government nor the authorities at Hogwarts can stop.
As the group of darkness tightens, Harry must discover the true depth and strength of friends, the importance of boundless loyalty, and the shocking price of unbearable sacrifice.
His fate depends upon them all.

This is a fantasic book filled with brave, willing, and unforgetable characters. The events that take place in this book are breath taking, and really make you think. So many things in this book are so unexpected, and so different than all of the others!! I would definatley reccomend this book to ANYONE! One of my very favorites in the series!

Rating: 5/5

Let's Be Friends Award!

2009-05-01T16:48:00.000-07:00

I received my third blog award today from Kate at Another Book Blog Whore! Thank You!

"Blogs that received the Let’s Be Friends Award are exceedingly charming. These kind of bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers."

My nominees:

1) Senfaye at A Maze Of Books
2) the epic rat
3) Polo.Pony at A Garden of Books
4) Carrie at Carrie's YA Bookshelf
5) Stephanie at Juiciliciousss Reviews
6) Lenore at Presenting Lenore
7) My Favorite Author
8) Eternal and Irrepressible Freshness

Congrats Guys!

Giveaway Update.

2009-05-01T04:21:00.000-07:00

So far my trial has gone really well, and I want to thank all that have and will participate. Here is a list of books that have not been taken and are still up for grabs:

1) The Watsons Got To Birmingham-1963
2)Brian's Winter
3)Brian's Hunt

If interested, the rules and descriptions are posted in the Trial Giveaway post!

Thanks to everyone!

-Emmyreader

2009-04-29T16:23:00.000-07:00

Back of the book:

Harry Potter is midway through both his training as a wizard and his coming of age. Harry wants to get away from the pernicious Dursleys and go to the International Quidditch Cup with Hermione, Ron, and the Weasleys. He wants to dream about Cho Chang, his crush (and maybe do more than dream). He wants to find out about the mysterious event that's supposed to take place at Hogwarts this year, an event involving two other rival schools of magic, nd a competition that hasn't happended for hundreds of years. He wants to be a normal, fourteen-yeaar-old wizard. But unfortunatly for Harry Potter, he's not normal-even my wizarding standards.
And in his case, different could be deadly.

My review: I thought this is one of the best books so far in the Harry Potter series. This book is so much different than all of the others, but in a very good way! This mysterious event is filled with plenty of exciting events, and some serious thinking. Tons of very unexpected turns pop up randomly in this book, and that is what makes this book so good and fun!!

This book is for people who like Harry Potter (of course), people who like mythical things, and lots of excitement!

Rating: 5/5

Trial Book Giveaway!

2009-04-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

I'm hosting a trial book giveaway! I'm doing this to see how well it goes over and to help me decide if I should do giveaways regularly. Books are free of charge, and I will cover shipping! The only rules I ask are:

1) If you are not a follower and you want a book, please become a follower and I'll be happy to send you a book!

2) Whoever responds to wanting a book first, that person will receive the book! I have some doubles, so if you are interested, ask and I'll see if I have any extras.

3) Enjoy the books!

I do not expect you to review them or anything, but you are welcome to! I am happy to get as much positive and constructive responses as I can, so I can see if this will be a regular thing! I have read all of these and liked almost all of them! I will give the synopsis from the back of the books for each book.

List of Books:

1) Do You Know The Monkey Man? : Dori Hillestad Butler. Synopsis: For thirteen-year-old Samantha, life consists of too many unanswered questions. Why has her father not tried to contact her all of these years? How could he have allowed her twin sister to drown in the old Clearwater quarry when they were only three? And how can Samantha's mother expect her to accept some man she hardly knows as her new father? Samantha already has a father out there. Somewhere.

A fateful decision sets into motion a chain of events and confrontations that will change Samantha's and her family's life forever. As she sets out to find her father and discover what really the day her sisyer was presumed drowned, Samantha uncovers painful secrets that threaten to destrpy her family all over again.

Great condition!

2) Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great: Judy Blume- Synopsis: Sheila can do no wrong. Sheila Tubman is not quite sure who she is. Sometimes she feels like confident, brilliant Sheila the Great and other times she is secret Sheila, who's afraid of spiders, the dark, swimming, and maost of all, dogs. When her family decides to leave the city for a summer in the country, Sheila will have to suffer everything from long-eared dogs to swimming lessonsto creepy spiders. That's enoughto drive any city girl nuts! If she can survive summer at all , Sheila may be forced to admit that she's no super girl.

Perfect condition!

3) Kringle: Tony Abbott- Synopsis: Deep in the land of ghosts and frost, back in the days of long ago, when elves and goblins still roamed the earth, there was a bot named Kringle. He lived a quiet, solitary existance... until his twelfth winter, when goblins attacked his home and cast the boy out into the wilderness.
Now Kringle finds himself adrift in a strange and frightening world. But fate soon intervenes. Through encounterswiht his elves, pirates, the ancient magic of time, and the dark threat of goblins massing for an epic battle, Kringle begins to realizethat he has a destiny to fill-and that even a lone boy can wield the power to chnge the world forever.

Perfect condition!

4) The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane: Kate DiCamillo- Synopsis: Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. The rabbit was very pleased with himself, and for a good reason: he was owned by a girl named Abilene, who treated him with the most utmost care and adored him completely.

And then, one day, he was lost.

Perfect Hardcover Condition!

5) The School Story: Andrew Clements- Synopsis: Natalie's best friend Zoe, is sure that the novel Natalie's written is good enough to be published. But how can a twelve-year-old girl publish a book? Natalie's mother is an editor for a big children's publisher, but Natalie doesn't want to ask for any favors.
Then Zoe has a brilliant idea: Natalie can submit her manuscript under a oen name, with Zoe acting as her literary agent. But it's not easy for two sixth graders to put them selves over as grown -ups, even with the help of a couple of real grown-ups who are supportive, but skeptical. The next bestselling school story may be in there hands- but can Natalie and Zoe pull off their masquerade?

6) Hatchet: Gary Paulsen- Synopsis: Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson is on his way to visit his father when the single-engine plane which he is flying crashes. Suddenly, Brian finds himself alone in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but a tattered Windbreaker and a hatchet his mother gave him as a present-and the dreadful secret that has been tearing him apart since his parents' divorce. But now Brian has no time for anger, self-pity, or dispair-it will take all his know-how and determination, and more courage than he knew he possesed, to survive.

Perfect Condition!

7) Brian's Winter (Sequel to Hatchet): Gary Paulsen-Synopsis: In Gary Paulsen's classic novel Hatchet, thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson is straned in the Canadian wilderness. To survive, he must rely on his intelligence, his instincts, and one tool: a hatchet. !*Spoiler*! Finally, as millions of readers know, he is rescued at the end of the summer.

But what if Brian hadn't been rescued? What if Brian had been left to confront his deadliest enemy-winter?

Perfect condition!

8) Brian's Hunt (Third Sequel): Gary Paulsen-Synopsis: Brian paused. Something made him reach out and take a broadhead out of the quiver and lay it across the bow, even though the moment without paddling cast him his forward motion. He thought, This silly, I'm being worrywart, but positioned the bow close to him just the same.
Then duf with the paddle again, pulling hard for the island, the dog whimpering and growling.

Perfect condition!

9) The Watson Go To Birmingham-1963: Christopher Paul Curtis-Synopsis: Enter the hilarious world of ten-year0old Kenny and his family, the Weird Watsons of Flint, Michigan. There's Momma, Dad , little sister Joettea, and brother Byron, who's thirteen and an "official juvenile deliquent." When Momma and Dad decide it's time for a visit to Grandma, Dad comes home with the amazing Ultra-Glide, and the Wastsons set out on a trip like no other. They're going to Birmingham, Alabama, toward one of the darkest moments in America's history.

Perfect condition!

Enjoy!! :)

Awards!

2009-04-26T15:10:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! I wanted to thank Senfaye at A Maze Of Books for giving me my first two blog awards in the same day! She nominated me for the Splash Award, and the Lovely Blog Award! She is a great person and has a WONDERFUL blog! Thanks so much Senfaye!

Splash award; Rules:

Post the logo on your blog/post.

2) Nominate up to 9 blogs which allure, amuse, bewitch, impress or inspire you.

3) Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.

4) Let them know they have been splashed by commenting on their blog.

5) Remember to link to the person from whom you received your Splash award.

Have F~U~N!

My nominees:

1) My first nominee is The Epic Rat! She has a really fun and really informal blog! She leaves great constructive criticism and tells you exactly what she is feeling! :)

2) My second nominee is Alley! She to has a really fun and creative blog! I haven't really gotten in touch with her but she seems like a really nice person, and I am a big fan of her blog! :)

3) The next nominee is Jen. Just take a look at her blog and you will know why she makes the requirements for a nominee! :)

4) Liyana is another nominee! Her blog is new to me but from what I have seen it looks like a phenomenal blog, and she also seems like a great person! :)

5) Next is Green Bean Teen Queen! (btw- love the name!) Her blog is really cool and she seems to have a great personality! Congratulations GBTQ! :)

6) My next nominee is Michelle Zink she is an amazing author and is having a wonderful novel - Prophecy of the Sisters-debuting on August 1st! I'm so glad I was lucky enough to receive an ARC! :)

7) Polo Pony is up next! She not only has a great blog for teens, but she also makes headers for blogs! If you need a new header go cjeck out her blog for the details! :)

8) The Dreamer Reader has one of the best blogs I have seen in my short time in the blogosphere! Her header is AMAZING! I needed to say that! Her blog lets everyone know about some of the unknown books that are out there! Congratulations! :)

9) This next and last person I am nominating has already recieved this award but I could not go without giving it to her because she deserves every bit of it! Senfaye is one of my best friends in the whole enitire world! She has the best blog I will probably ever see, and that is because she puts a lot of time and effort into her blog! It would make both of us happy if you would (if your not already!) follow her blog! Thanks for nominating me Senfaye! :)

Awards, Interviews, and Giveways!

2009-04-25T18:49:00.000-07:00

Bloggers and Followers:

A couple of things to tell you guys! First, I have won 2 blog awards and haven't posted them yet because I am having computer difficulties! :( I also wanted to let you guys know that I am interviewing Janni Lee Simner! Author of Bones of Faerie! Lastly, I am having a book giveaway! I will be posting a list of books I will be giving away! Anybody can have any of the books so tell your friends! More details will be posted soon!