Here is the brand new book trailer for the upcoming book Descended by Blood by Angeline Kace. USE GOOGLE to add it to Goodreads. It will be released August 26th, 2011.
To celebrate the book trailer, and upcoming release, Angeline is having 2 wonderful giveaways! Each blog posted the book trailer (listed below) will be giving away an ARC ebook copy of Descended by Blood. In addition, you can enter below to win an ereader skin.
Descended by Blood by Angeline Kace Publisher: Accendo Press (August 26th, 2011) Reading Level: Young Adult Series: Vampire Born #1 Brooke Keller is a high school junior who has never spent much time living in one place. She is finally in a town long enough to almost snag the boy of her dreams, until her life is threatened after killing a fanged man in his attempt to kidnap her. Brooke begins a dangerous journey in an effort to find out who is after her and how to stop them. In a world with powerful and prejudiced vampires, Brooke must tap into the side of her that she never knew existed at the risk of losing her life in order to save it. Prize:
1 winner will receive an ARC ebook of Descended by Blood by Angeline Kace.
Rules:
You must be at least 13 to enter.
Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
Contest is International and ends June 23rd.
Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
The form must be filled out to enter.
*NOTE: The ebook will not be sent to the winner until it is ready--in late July or early August.
What's cooler than winning and reading the ARC? Reading the ARC on your Kindle while it's wearing the Descended by Blood skin! The winner will get the choice of having the skin for their Kindle, Nook, Nook Color, iPad, or Kobo.
Here are the benefits of the Skin:
Kindle skins cover the front and back of the Kindle
3M technology for easy application and clean removal
Super-thin (less than 1mm) tough scratch protection
Contest is open to US residents only. Contest ends Thursday, June 9th. Note: This is the same form that will be seen on all blogs hosting the book trailer. Please only enter once! USE GOOGLE TO ENTER TO WIN THE EREADER SKIN
Find Angeline Kace Website | Blog | Goodreads | Twitter Read chapter one of Descended by Blood. Other blogs hosting the book trailer Kristen @ Seeing Night Book Reviews Ashley @ The Bookish Burnette Amber @ Me, Myshelf, and I Jessica @ Confessions of a Bookaholic <-- You are here! Kara @ Great Imaginations Jaime @ Two Chicks on Books Check out all of these blogs for additional chances to win the ARC ebook!
Cheri Lasota is here today to share with us who she thinks would be perfect to play the characters in her book Artemis Rising.
Movie Casting for Artemis Rising
Who would I cast for my characters if Artemis Rising were made into a movie?
Nelly Furtado as Eva Maré I always make electronic photo collages for my characters. It's just a part of my process. I had picked singer Nelly Furtado as my main character, because she had the blue eyes and olive skin I needed. When I learned that her family originates from the Azores Islands and she is full-blooded Azorean, just like my main character, I was thrilled! She has a beautiful face and stunning blue eyes. When I lived among the Azoreans for a time, one of the things that surprised me most was just how amazing their skin was. Smooth and glowing and naturally tan. Nelly's skin is like that, and she was a great model for my character.
Tyler Nordby as Tristan Vazante Along with my Director Bill Thoma and several other of my filmmaker friends, I made a book trailer for Artemis Rising that looks very much like a movie trailer. We hired on local actors, so my two leading male characters are the two featured in my book trailer. I spent a lot of time poring through images and talking with actors. I wanted to get as close to the image I'd had in my mind through the years that I spent writing the novel. Tyler Nordby just had that sweet face and the kind eyes I was looking for. Tristan's blue eyes are a central element of my novel, so it was important that I choose an actor who had the right eye color. Tyler's personality was very similar to Tristan's, so that made it quite easy for me to see him in the role. Tyler is an up and coming actor, who played a high schooler in Twilight and starred in a short film called Deviation.
Montetré as Diogo Cheia Montetré is a theater actor, film actor and director. He probably wears more hats than that, but I'm losing count! He's intense, naturally talented, and riveting to watch. And I was privileged to have him in my book trailer as the driven and obsessed Diogo Cheia.
Elisha Cuthbert as Isabel Infante
Isabel is a selfish but attractive girl. Eva even calls her the most beautiful girl she'd ever seen. Elisha Cuthbert, while beautiful, can have that kind of haughty look to her when she's showing emotion. She'd probably nail this character in a film version of Artemis Rising. Joaquim De Almeida as Conde Estrela
The first time I saw this actor, he was the villain in Clear and Present Danger with Harrison Ford. He had a mesmerizing voice and unusual but compelling eyes. He makes a good fit for Conde Fernando Estrela, Eva and Tristan's adoptive father. Conde Estrela is known in the story as a mysterious and melancholy man. Joaquim's facial expressions definitely play into that tone. The actor is also from Lisbon, Portugal.
Penelope Cruz as Maria Maré Penelope Cruz has a sort of playful mouth and nose, but her eyes can be very serious. This combination fits Maria, Eva's mother, completely. She would have had a lighthearted personality if life and hard circumstances hadn't stolen her joy. She is a woman of many secrets. Anthony Hopkins as Padre Salvador
Anthony is one of my favorite actors and Padre Salvador is one of my favorite characters, so he seems like the perfect fit for this character. One of the first films I saw him in was Legends of the Fall. Interestingly, my novel would not exist without this film. I first heard the name Tristan and learned about the Legend of Tristan and Isolde from this film. That led me to research it further and the rest is history. Anthony has a commanding presence and piercing eyes, and I imagine Conde Estrela to be blessed with both of those traits, despite his ill health.
Author Bio: Cheri Lasota’s first novel, Artemis Rising, is a YA historical fantasy based on mythology and set in the exotic Azores Islands. Currently, Cheri is writing and researching her second novel, a YA set on the Oregon Coast. Over the course of her sixteen-year career, she has edited fiction, nonfiction, screenplays, and short stories for publication. Cheri also has twenty-four years of experience writing poetry and fiction. Learn more about the novel or contact Cheri at http://www.cherilasota.com . The book is available in all digital formats and can be purchased at SpireHouseBooks.com, iTunes, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and KoboBooks.com.
Artemis Rising by Cheri Lasota Publisher: Spirehouse Books (September 13, 2011) Reading Level: Young Adult Format: ebook On the voyage home to the Azores Islands, Eva accepts the pagan name of Arethusa but learns too late that her life will mirror the Greek nymph’s tragic end. Her mother reveals that her destiny lies with Diogo, the shipowner’s volatile son. But Eva has a vision of another…
When the ship founders in a storm off the coast, Tristan, a local boy, saves her life and steals her heart. Destined to be with Diogo yet aching for Tristan’s forbidden love, Eva must somehow choose between them, or fate will choose for her.
This is an engrossing novel in which several strands of myth combine to create a complex yet beautifully simple romance. It is at its highest level an exploration of fundamental philosophical questions—the debate between fate and choice, the nature of love and desire, the tenacious and often dangerous hold of belief on the human psyche. At bottom, and the reason why you will love it, this is a bildungsroman about a girl finding her way to adulthood and a story about two lovers both separated and entwined by their beliefs.
I'm new to the world of book trailers, but the first book trailer to absolutely SELL me on a book is Jessica Brody's "The Karma Club." After watching this trailer I knew I needed to read the book as soon as it came out. Definitely check out this trailer and read the book (out now!).
It has, literally, been forever since I have done an IMM. I've been swamped with homework and last week we took my daughter to her first concert (post on that to come later). It was a blast! Here are the books I have received over the past month. Special thanks to Random House, HarperTeen, Bloomsbury, Simon & Schuster, Penguin/Speak, Shelley Workinger, Janenifer Echols, and Ednah Walters.
Review Every Little Thing in the World by Nina de Gramont She's So Dead to Us by Kieran Scott Promises to Keep by Charles De Lint The Forever Crush (Pink Locker Society) by Debra Moffitt Dark Eden (ARC) by Patrick Carman Flawless (ARC) by Lara Chapman Tighter (ARC) by Adele Griffin Wake Unto Me (ARC) by Lisa Cach Moonglass by Jessi Kirby Bitter End by Janenifer Brown The Lucky Kind (ARC) by Alyssa B. Sheinmel Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn't Have) (ARC) by Sarah Mlynowski Wildefire (ARC) by Karsten Knight The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (ARC) by Michelle Hodkins We'll Always Have Summer by Janeny Han Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood by Eileen Cook Bite Club by Rachel Caine Ordinary Beauty by Laura Weiss (2 copies- one for giveaway) Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky (2 copies- one for giveaway) Forgiven (ARC) by Janet Fox Nocturne (ARC) by Christine Johnson Just Like Heaven by Julia Quinn Betrayed (signed) by Ednah Walters Everfound by Neil Shusterman Kiss of Death by Lauren Henderson Tighter by Adele Griffin (2nd copy) The Education of Hailey Kendrick by Eileen Cook Passion by Lauren Kate
Swag Betrayed by Ednah Walters(signed) bookmarks Sabine and Kisri by Moira Rogers (signed) bookplates Bitter End by Janenifer Brown (signed) bookplate and bookmark, plus bracelet (not pictured)
Gift Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Signed Love Story by Janenifer Echols Settling by Shelley Workinger (NOTE: I'm blurbed!!)
Other Goodies The Sisters Brothers by Patrick Dewitt (book and signed poster) A giveaway is going on now for a poster just like this one!
Starcrossed Book Trailer
And I just had to share a brand new book trailer I saw yesterday. I just read Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini and it was beyond amazing!! If you haven't added this book to your goodreads list, do it NOW! This book just jumped into my top 3 of this year so far. Check out the UK book trailer!
What did you get in your mailbox this week?
*IMM is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren and it was inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.
4. In what ways do you feel bloggers make a difference in the book community? Have you ever been surprised by their influence?
It feels like they make a big difference, or at least I’d like to think so. They definitely can help make an author look good to their publisher, which is always nice.
I’m not sure how much they affect book sales on a grand scale, because I see some books adored by bloggers that don’t sell well, and some huge bestsellers that bloggers give very mixed or negative reviews. I guess that’s the case with anything, though—like movies that do great at the box office despite really bad reviews.
That being said! If a reader sees ten good reviews for a certain book, even if they just glance at them and don’t follow the links to read more or buy, that tenth good review might be the one that makes them pick up that book when they see it in the store or library. So even though Reviews 1-9 didn’t directly result in a sale, that doesn’t mean they weren’t necessary.
I would love to hear readers talk about what it is about certain reviews that puts them over the edge between, “Hmm, that sounds good, I might want to read that some time,” and “I must buy that book now!” — Jeri Smith-Ready
It was a little difficult for me to realize how many people are reviewing my books, and keeping track of my publications. I was a bit self-conscious for a while, but I've gotten used to it over the years. I'm delighted that bloggers have so much influence. They help me get the word out about what I'm doing, and what's coming up soon. — Nancy Holder
Bloggers have found a way to bridge the ravine between author and reader. Professional reviewers who write for the big newspapers and magazines are at arm’s length of both writer and reader. They serve a purpose, but they’re just talking heads giving a static opinion. Bloggers make the connection and create the personal relationships. They are real readers who read for fun, get excited about authors and books and enjoy sharing their passion with others. Instead of getting the opinion of some person sitting in a sky-rise office, we’re getting the opinion of a friend whose tastes we know and usually tend to agree with.
Bloggers also provide a way for authors to reach out to readers through interviews and guest posts. They help to make authors feel more like real people to readers, as well as the opposite – give authors names and faces of their fans. A good blogger can have such a positive influence on the book community. I can’t say that I’m surprised by their influence, but I’m glad for them to have it. Actual readers deserve to have a say in what they want to read instead of choices being dictated by a handful of decision-makers. Bloggers represent the readers and serve as their voice. It’s really an awesome position to be in and one bloggers shouldn’t take lightly. — Kristie Cook
I’m still amazed by the truly global nature of many of these blogs. People from many nations all gather in one location to share their words, their stories and talk about what’s important to them, be it real life, books, movies, whatever. Wow. Talk about shrinking the world to fit on the head of a pin. I have met many new friends via blogs from as far away as Israel and Australia. They share with me books they enjoy and I do the same. That global community of readers is truly awe inspiring, at least for me. — Jana Oliver
Bloggers open up a completely new avenue for communication with readers. They’re like friends telling you their opinions of things. I think the whole internet is like that. We’ve fallen in love with judging things, which I think comes pretty naturally to us. I’m not sure bloggers always realize how powerful they are. — Julie Chibbaro
Bloggers, in so many ways, are more focused on good books… not necessarily highly commercialized ones. I've seen many an indie author being recognized for their work thanks to bloggers, and I absolutely know they impact other readers. I think people can relate well to how real bloggers feel about a story more than anyone else, and these bloggers are right there in the thick of novels, reading like it's going out of style. They're some majorly dedicated people. — Janenifer DeLucy
Definitely. After Kristi blogged about Tell Me a Secret, suddenly it was everywhere. Bloggers helped spread the word about the book launch and later the trailer launch party, which spread like wildfire in just a couple of days. I often read my favorite blogs to find out about the latest book obsessions, what interests readers, and their thoughts about the future of YA. — Holly Cupala
I think bloggers do a fantastic job about getting the word out about books. I've found countless books from bloggers, some of my favorite reads. The blogs I like best are the ones that really embrace books. I'm not at all surprised by their effect because really, the best thing you can do for a book is tell a friend about it. Blogging is telling a friend--and the rest of the online world. — Beth Revis
I think that bloggers make a huge difference in the book community. I honestly have no idea how people knew about new novels before book bloggers came along! The internet is an efficient way of spreading information, and bloggers do a phenomenal job of publicizing literature. The book blogging community is filled with intelligent people who love reading and writing, and their passion for books is evident. It’s fantastic that there is a thriving community of people who enjoy discussing and promoting books in a productive and positive way. The existence of this community is also great for young people, especially high school and college students. Reading and writing used to be such a solitary activity—it wasn’t as if young people could join a team of readers and writers. But now they can, because book bloggers provide the same support and synergy as a team, which is fabulous! — Lorraine Zago Rosenthal
Book bloggers are the cornerstone of the book community. It's not an accident that the biggest fans of any book are usually bloggers, because they're the ones who are most interested in spreading the word about great, new stories and most eager to get their hands on new ones. There's an interesting kind of trust in the relationship between bloggers and other readers. It's more like hearing from a friend who liked a book rather than reading a review published in a newspaper somewhere by someone whose tastes might be completely different than yours and who you'll never meet. Most bloggers are very accessible and eager to talk. That's where the community feel comes from. — Jason Letts
Totally. They create such a great buzz and tell their friends, it's really helped my sales tremendously! — Brenda Pandos
* The fifth and final question for the bloggers will be posted tomorrow in 3 parts. USE GOOGLE if you want to know more about the blogoversary celebration.
Wow — I'm slowly but surely getting back on track to being a better blogger. Check out my last Sunday Salon.
This week I put up my very first ever book trailer — I am extremely proud of it. I am hosting another contest — make sure to check it out, "Thanksgiving at the Inn" is the perfect book to come out of the Halloween season with. I loved it! I reviewed a GREAT book — really, it is phenomenal -"The First Thirty Seconds." And to make the week complete, I received an award from Sheila at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books.
Speaking of Sheila, she was also this week's Guest Reviewer — donating her review of Dreaming Anastasia. Please share some book love and visit her at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books.
I still have not touched "Mr. Darcy's Dream," I may have to give up on it. There's no point in reading a book that I don't find compelling or interesting. But I'll give it one more day. Last Sunday I started "A Duty to the Dead" and I finished it yesterday, GREAT book. I would have finished it earlier if I didn't have this whole school thing to devote myself too. This week I want to either finish or give up "Mr. Darcy's Dream" and start another book — TBA.
Still at 30 amazing followers.:)
This week I have a lot fun things planned! On Monday check back to see a book trailer that I created for an education class. I have never done anything like this before so it took me a lot of time and I'm very proud of it! On Tuesday look for a contest! Ohhh exciting!
My goal for this week is to finish "A Duty to the Dead" and "Mr. Darcy's Dream".
Also, each week I'm going to start making a "To Do" list for blog related things — not just reading. It's soon to be the time of year when I'll be sending the HTML address for Miss Remmers' Review out to prospective school districts and I want to make sure it is "spot on". if you have any ideas as to how to make this blog more awesome — please let me know.
Rewrite/hone my Guest Reviewer 's post.
Rewrite/hone my Mission post.
Proofread/Professionalize Review: "A Circle of Souls "
Proofread/Professionalize Review: "A Vengeful Spirit "
Proofread/Professionalize Review: "Audrey, Wait "
If you read my In My Mailbox post yesterday, you know that I had a slight computer malfunction. One of the Techfellows (people who fix students computers on campus for free) called on Thursday to tell me that thus far he had deleted 836 viruses or malware from my poor computer (I know, right!). I very much miss my computer, but overall, I got lucky. I didn't have any crazy papers or assignments do this week. But I would still appreciate them getting it fixed and back to me as soon as possible. Said friend also told me that I have 27 GB of photos and 17GB of music on poor computer. He suggested I invest in an external harddrive so that should my poor computer crash and be unsavable — all is not lost. When I was freaking out about poor computer and whether or not it would be saved, I was most freaking out about all the years of pictures and music that I have stored — so I think that I WILL invest in an external harddrive. Anyone have any ideas? I'm fairly new to this concept. So please, keep in your prayers my poor computer.
I found out this week that a new professor (the one teaching the Harry Potter course) is planning a Harry Potter trip to England for this Spring break. I really want to go, but I'll be student teaching.: ( So to make myself feel better I am determined to remind myself that if i do go abroad I don't want to only see Harry Potter things — I want to Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Chaucer things (among others). I know — it's a sad substitution, still.
This weekend I participated in the Haunted Forest as a guide. I walked over 24 miles and lost three pounds (also sad). But overall, I just love it. I love Halloween and I wish that I would have planned further ahead and had fun Halloween reviews — but I didn't have time this year. Hopefully next year I'll be more on the ball. What am I going to be for Halloween you ask. Oh, I have no idea. I really want to go as Little Red Riding Hood (here in the midwest we have to plan our costumes around the weather, and a hood would be nice next weekend). But I've yet to find the costume — not that I've gone out looking yet.
Whew — this was a long post. I miss you all! Don't forget about my awesome giveaway!
"'Cryer's Cross' is definitely a book I'll need to put on my classroom shelves." — Miss Remmers
From Amazon.com...
"The small town of Cryer’s Cross is rocked by tragedy when an unassuming freshman disappears without a trace. Kendall Fletcher wasn’t that friendly with the missing girl, but the angst wreaks havoc on her OCD-addled brain.
When a second student goes missing—someone close to Kendall’s heart—the community is in an uproar. Caught in a downward spiral of fear and anxiety, Kendall’s not sure she can hold it together. When she starts hearing the voices of the missing, calling out to her and pleading for help, she fears she’s losing her grip on reality. But when she finds messages scratched in a desk at school—messages that could only be from the missing student who used to sit there—Kendall decides that crazy or not, she’d never forgive herself if she didn’t act on her suspicions.
Something’s not right in Cryer’s Cross—and Kendall’s about to find out just how far the townspeople will go to keep their secrets buried."
Book Trailer
After reading "Wake" by Lisa McMann, I knew I needed to read more of Lisa McMann (but no, I haven't gotten my hands on "Fade" or "Gone" yet).
The premise of "Cryer's Cross" is fantastically mysterious (just view the above Book Trailer). It's a perfect combination when the premise and the cover are equally intriguing and "grab worthy."
I'll admit that the beginning of the novel is a bit slow and I didn't feel the "need" to continue reading until I was a third through it. I didn't understand how everything fit together and (again, I'll admit) I became a bit frustrated. But then all of a sudden "weird" happenings appeared and the plot began to escalate.With this escalation my anticipation and "need to read" grew exponentially.
Something completely different about this suspenseful novel that I haven't come across in a YA book before was the main character, Kendall, dealt with OCD. At first the constant reminder of the meticulous actions seemed repetitive and unnecessary, but as the plot evolved I saw the purpose in the detailed OCD mannerisms.
While reading this book I realized I had a few OCD tendencies of my own — not necessarily straightening desks or markers, but more in my travels. For instance, in college I drove the same route to school and to Walmart as I did the first time, even though after living in Aberdeen for a while I found a shorter less congested route; I always say I'm a habitual creature. It almost pains me to switch that part of my route up. Another "for instance" of this behavior is when I fly out of the cities I always stay at the same hotel. It's near the airport, they let you park your car and shuttle you for free, and they have an epic continental breakfast! Yes, I could probably find a cheaper place to stay, but this is less that $100 and it's familiar.
Okay, back to the book. After getting through the exposition of the book, "Cryer's Cross" was perfectly timed and flawlessly executed. The suspense and mystery kept me guessing and thinking the entire time. The ending was "wrapped" up perfectly; yes, it was a quicker ending but it fit the story well. The romance was intriguing but not over done and didn't take away from the story (although at the end, I won't lie, my heart fluttered a bit).
The thriller part of the story was creepy and mysterious but the actuality of it was completely perfectly disturbing but believable at the same time — well, as believable as it could be. I was impressed with McMann's ability to write a thriller with a realistic end (see spoiler at the end). I will say that the romance between Kendall and Nico, I thought, could have been left out. He could have just been her best friend. I thought it was a bit over-dramatic how all of a sudden she had "feelings" for him once he had gone missing. Overall, "Cryer's Cross" is definitely a book I'll need to put on my classroom shelves.
SPOILER: I loved how the kids who went missing didn't just magically appear at the end — it was morbid but it was a "real" ending.
Originality: 10/10 Ending: 10/10 Characters: 10/10 Plot: 9/10 My reaction/enjoyment: 10/10 Cover: 10/10 Overall: 59/60 A
To the FTC, with love: Received for Review (eBook)
To find out more about this series and author, visit the following links: -Visit Lisa around the web here: Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | GoodReads -BUY THE BOOK on February 8th!: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Real quick, another OCD thing — I have 229 followers, I'd love to have 230. Just to make it even:)
"'Across the Universe' was woven so intricately and beautifully that this plot driven novel is definitely on my 'OMG! I need the next book!' list." — Miss Remmers
From Amazon.com...
"Amy is a cryogenically frozen passenger aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed. She expects to wake up on a new planet, 300 years in the future. But fifty years before Godspeed's scheduled landing, Amy's cryo chamber is unplugged, and she is nearly killed.Now, Amy is caught inside an enclosed world where nothing makes sense. Godspeed's passengers have forfeited all control to Eldest, a tyrannical and frightening leader, and Elder, his rebellious and brilliant teenage heir.Amy desperately wants to trust Elder. But should she? All she knows is that she must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets before whoever woke her tries to kill again."
True Story: Before reading "Across the Universe," I was a complete stuck up snob towards the book — find out why and read my apology to Beth Revis. Book Trailer Besides me being snobby, once I got into this book I couldn't put it down. The concept at first reminded me of Battlestar Gallactica (LOVE) but once you get past the whole "space station" thing and the substitution of "frex" for that other four letter f-word and "chutz" for... well, you'll just have to read the book to get that allusion.
"Across the Universe" begins a bit slow and confusing; I did struggle with grasping the concept of the plot at first. But once the exposition was laid out and the complication was introduced (Amy waking up), I couldn't put this book down. The plot became fast-paced with endless twists; the last couple of chapters... let me just say, I never saw THAT coming. Yes I had my predications, but nothing came even close.
Revis created this multi-dimensional and multi-faceted world with layers of character and plot that all came together in the end. Besides the metaphorical dimensions of character and plot, she created such a ship, Godspeed, that even without the map it was real and "touch-able" that I felt like I was the one exploring. I highly suggest checking out the official website to check out a 3D map of the ship.
Revis wrote with such raw emotion and feeling that throughout much of the book, when describing the Season, I couldn't help but be horrified for Amy. I can't imagine as an outsider seeing everyone going at it like bunnies without reservation or intelligence. The scene with Amy in the cornfield — I won't lie, I cried. As I read I saw everything that transpired and couldn't help but feel the emotion and shudder away from it.
I did struggle with the alternating perspectives. I feel like at the end of the novel, while I was extremely attached to the plot, I didn't know either of the characters particularly well. Their personalities became blurred due to the alternating chapters and a result I feel like I missed out on two great characters. Often times I would forget half way through a chapter whose perspective it was written in because neither of the characters, I thought, were very strong. Yes, I loved Elder and Amy — but do I feel like I know them as characters, as people? No.
Besides characterization, the only thing I would have liked to see more of was some romance. From Elder's POV I saw how much he was in love with Amy, but with Amy's POV she didn't even seem attracted to Elder. But this, I'm glad, will hopefully be explored more in the next book.
Overall, "Across the Universe" was woven so intricately and beautifully that this plot driven novel is definitely on my "OMG! I need the next book!" list.
I just gotta say: Harley (LOVE him) reminded me so much so of Hurley (LOST). Also, I came across this line — "I never thought about how important the sky was until I didn't have one" (125) and couldn't help but grab my copy of "To Kill a Mockingbird " and find my favorite quote: "Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing" (23).
Originality: 10/10 Ending: 10/10 Characters: 8/10 Plot: 10/10 My reaction/enjoyment: 9/10 Cover: 8/10 Overall: 55/60 A
To find out more about this author, visit the following links: -Visit Beth around the web: Website | Blog | Twitter -BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Nook | Kindle
1. Can you explain how you first got the idea for Dreaming Anastasia?
The kernel of the idea for DA came one afternoon when it was raining to hard for me to get to my car after school and I was hanging around my classroom waiting for it let up. This girl characters came to me. She was funny and smart and sarcastic – and she was sitting in history class writing a note to her friend. I loved her voice. So I kept writing. And somehow a story unfolded. Because when the bell rang and I wrote her leaving the class, I knew she was about to bump into a mysterious and handsome stranger. The rest is history!
2. I read that the original title was Spark, did you consider any other titles for this book, and what caused the change? Ha! You’ve done your research! Basically Dreaming Ansatasia was called Spark for a very long time. But somewhere around the time we entered copy edits, my editor decided that the title didn’t sufficiently brand the book. He wanted readers to pick up the novel and immediately have some sense as to what it’s about. And Spark really didn’t cut it in that regard. Interestingly, Haunted has always been the title of Book 2! So in publishing, anything can happen.
3. What has been the most shocking thing to happen to you since becoming a debut author? Well, the most shocking thing was having my dream of being a published novelist come true and then getting diagnosed with thyroid cancer this past February. That definitely knocked me around for a bit.
4. I love the covers of Dreaming Anastasia, and book 2, Haunted, what did you think when you first saw the covers, and the book in print? I fell in huge love with both covers as soon as I saw them. Although I loved the HAUNTED cover more immediately because it was so absolutely what I’d seen in my head that it was uncanny. The DA cover actually evolved some; Ethan was not originally on the cover! But we’re all glad that the art department decided he needed to be added.
5. Can you tell us a little more about where this series will go, how many books, and what you are currently working on? Well, I hope to be able to do a third book in the relatively near future. Here’s the blurb for book 2, HAUNTED: Anne Michaelson’s world turned upside down last year when handsome, blue-eyed and temporarily immortal Russian Ethan Kozninsky showed up. Now six months later, Anne still has powers she doesn’t fully understand. She’s still dreaming about Baba Yaga’s forest. And she’s definitely still got feelings for Ethan, even though she’s got a new boyfriend—the very normal and very sweet lifeguard Ben Logan. But things are about to get even more complicated. There’s a wicked Russian folklore mermaid stalking Anne. With her heart torn between Ben and Ethan, Anne’s search for the rusalka’s identity reveals deep and startling secrets — including the true source of Anne’s powers. As the romance heats up, so does the danger. Will Anne’s powers be enough to help the rusalka get what she wants? Or will the longings of her own heart get in the way?
Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble Publisher: Sourcebooks Reading Level: Young Adult Paperback: 310 pages Series: Dreaming Anastasia, book #1 What really happened to Anastasia Romanov? Anastasia Romanov thought she would never feel more alone than when the gunfire started and her family began to fall around her. Surely the bullets would come for her next. But they didn't. Instead, two gnarled old hands reached for her. When she wakes up she discovers that she is in the ancient hut of the witch Baba Yaga, and that some things are worse than being dead. In modern-day Chicago, Anne doesn't know much about Russian history. She is more concerned about getting into a good college—until the dreams start. She is somewhere else. She is someone else. And she is sharing a small room with a very old woman. The vivid dreams startle her, but not until a handsome stranger offers to explain them does she realize her life is going to change forever. She is the only one who can save Anastasia. But, Anastasia is having her own dreams…
Find out more about Joy Preble Joy Preble / Blog / Twitter
Purchase Dreaming Anastasia Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository
Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini Publisher: HarperTeen (May 31st, 2011) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 496 pages Source: Author (Thank You!) Series: Starcrossed #1 Rating: 5 of 5 stars
How do you defy destiny? Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood.. and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history. As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart. Review: I L-O-V-E-D this book! No really, loved it so much that I kept re-reading parts a day after finishing it. This will be one of my top books of 2011. I'm sure of it! I've been a complete fan-girl over this book all week and I will try to get my head together enough to write a review. But first, I must get all of the random, crazy, fan-girly thoughts out of my head.
Lucus *swoon*… HOT! Other hot boys with kick butt powers.*le sigh*. Must plot strategy for how to get book 2 from Josie's house.Hmm… will think of that later.
Okay, here goes. Helen Hamilton is beautiful. She tries to stay as closed off as possible because she hates attention. She has an adorable best friend named Claire who keeps her sane throughout the high school experience. Then one day she sees the new boy in school and can't seem to figure out why she wants to rip his hot little head off. I couldn't help but crack up at some of their first interactions. Josephine really brought some creativity to their struggles with each other.
From that point on Helen is only focused on Lucus and his family, no matter how hard she tried to go on with her daily life. She's not normally a violent person but she knows she wants them all dead. Spooky hallucinations seem to appear when they are close to her and she is sure she has gone insane. The more Helen tries to avoid Lucus, the more fate brings them together until one night all heck breaks loose and she finds out way more about her history than she would have ever thought possible.
Josephine's writing is beyond explanation. I experienced a full range of emotions while reading this book. From giddiness, to fear, to heart-pounding anxiety due to the intense action and passionate romance. I was hooked from the start! Helen was a wonderful character. I enjoyed seeing her spunk come out as the story progressed. She had a lot of power behind the cute face.
I am new to books that involve Gods and Greek mythology but Josephine did an amazing job weaving it into this book. It didn't feel forced or"too much" at one time. All the pieces slowly came together. Along with that, she introduces us to so many secondary characters that will steal your heart. Even though we don't get to learn everything about each of them, they were all so critical to the story and they really help bring everything together. It's rare to see a story with a"big family" and still know what is going on and who's who. Each family member had a distinct personality and after reading the book, I couldn't imagine even one of them not being part of this story. Starcrossed is a book where I could picture everything in detail as I read it. The beauty of the Delos house, the view from the water, the sky, each character; everything was picture-perfect. It was like watching a movie.
Josephine Angelini was a master at presenting this new YA story that is sure to capture the hearts of many and only get more fantastic as the series continues. Starcrossed was much more than a"boy meets girl" type of story. The flow of the writing, action-packed plot, and outstanding characters make this book impossible to put down. A brilliant read with a captivating romance and a nice dose of mythology. It is a must read!
Find Josephine Angelini Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads Purchase Starcrossed Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository Book Trailer (UK)
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Janeny Han Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (May 5th, 2009) Hardcover: 276 pages Reading Level: Young Adult Series: Summer, book #1 Rating: 4 of 5 stars Some summers are just destined to be pretty Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer — they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one wonderful and terrible summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along. Review: This is a really great summer read. It's quick but has some deeper aspects than what the title and cover hint to. Belly is the happiest during the summers she spends with her moms friend Suzanne and her family at the beach house. They spend their days swimming and soaking up the sun without a care in the world. But this summer is different for a few reasons. Belly has grown up and isn't the same little girl, and the boys (Jeremiah and Conrad) both notice. Plus there is a deeper secret that can't stay hidden beneath the glow of summer for long.
I really enjoyed this book. It made me long for the beach and a carefree summer. Belly takes us through her past summer experiences that brought her to get to know Jeremiah and Conrad. Her friendship with Jeremiah, her growing love for Conrad, and the way they each treated her like a little kid. Now she is more adventurous and they take notice.
As Belly enjoys the summer and tries to figure out why Conrad seems to be more distant and angry, she connects more with Jeremiah than she expected. But her mother and Suzanne are also keeping a secret, one that the boys are already aware of, and one that turns Belly's world upside down.
Character: Belly (I admit, the nickname drove me nuts!) is sweet and ready to take chances after crushing on Conrad after all these summers. Jeremiah is funny, sweet, and adorable. He is very easy to like. Conrad is the older brother so he is more"grown up" in this activities and he seems to be more reserved and hard to read. Belly's mother and Suzanne were quite the pair. I think that most people would love to have a mom as cool as they are.
Cover: This cover does fit in well with the story but it comes off a little more fluffy than what the moral of the story seems to be. Either way, the cover was what first made me really take notice of the book.
This is a book that makes you imagine being young and in the heat of summer. How relationships form and change over 3 months, and how the hard parts of life don't go away over summer break.
It's Not Summer Without You (Summer, book #2) Released April 5th, 2010
We'll Always Have Summer (Summer, book #3) To be released May 3rd, 2011
Find Janeny Han Janeny Han / Blog / Twitter Purchase The Summer I Turned Pretty Amazon / The Book Depository / Barnes & Noble
Book Trailer
*If you purchase from Amazon or The Book Depository through the links provided a small percentage of the sales will go to me. Any money from this is used for shipping costs during giveaways.
Amy Plum, author of the new book Die for Me, is here today to discuss the book and her writing. Die for Me will be released tomorrow!
Check out the bottom for a link to follow the rest of the tour stops.
1. From reading some of the background of Die For Me, it's easy to see how much thought you put into the story long before you began writing. Can you share with us 3 things that you were determined to achieve with this story?
1. I wanted to write a book that would be as much a love letter to Paris as a love story between a boy and girl. 2. I wanted to create a brand new paranormal mythology where I could let my imagination roam and have the freedom to form my own little universe.
3. And thirdly: redemption. Kate is strong and independent in a way that I wasn’t at her age. And I gave her a family I would have loved to have had.
So, although I hadn’t thought about it ahead of time, as I wrote the book (especially figuring out Kate’s past, although much of it isn’t spelled out) I was aware that I was rewriting my own past. In a small way, the book is a sort of redemption for a childhood and adolescence that included lots of not-very-nice things. And although Kate’s parents die when she is sixteen, up until then her life is what I wish mine had been.
2. Many of the locations in Die For Me were ones from your past. What made you decide to do that and is there any other place special to you that you wish you could include in a book? I am very visual, so places are important to me. And dropping my characters into locations I myself have known is—again—like recreating my past. I loved putting Jules’s art studio in my old apartment, placing a lot of the action in my old neighborhood, the Marais, and then there’s the Pont des Arts… *sigh*. So perhaps it’s a bit of a crutch. I know these places so well that I can easily go to them in my mind when I’m writing a scene. It might just facilitate the action to be able to close my eyes and be right back there.
Although… I made up the interior of Jean-Baptiste’s house from my imagination (dropping in a few elements that I knew: the staircase, Charlotte’s heart-shaped windows… ). BUT even though I’ve never been there, I know every room in that place like it was my own house. And yes – I would write a book that takes place, at least partly, in New York City, my other urban love besides Paris. It is just as magical as Paris, but in a completely different way.
3. What is the hardest part of juggling family time and writing? Do you have any tips for anyone who may be struggling with the same thing?
I can’t write if my children are in the house with me. (Unless they’re asleep, and by that time I’m usually too exhausted to write.) They’re only three and five, and if I am around they want to be rightnexttome. I’m lucky enough to have an office outside of my home. It’s a little building that’s just across the yard from our house. And when I go there I know that no one is going to bother me. I can immerse myself completely in my writing without my concentration being broken.
So my advice would be to find a place where you know you can let your mind reign supreme. Without listening for that next knock on the door or ringing phone. In Stephen King’s book ON WRITING, he spoke of writing his first two published novels “in the laundry room of a doublewide trailer, pounding away on my wife’s portable Olivetti typewriter and balancing a child’s desk on my thighs.” He says that John Cheever wrote in the basement of his Park Avenue apartment building, near the furnace. It doesn’t matter where it is or if it is even comfortable. If it is YOURS AND ONLY YOURS—for the time you are writing—that is what matters.
4. What has been the biggest adjustment for you since you started writing? What is your favorite thing to do that helps you relax after a long day of writing?
The biggest adjustment has been having a project that is long-term. When I was an art dealer or a professor or wrote articles for magazines, I had short-term projects that I could work hard on and then be done with in a relatively short amount of time. Now, writing the draft of a book usually takes me a few months. I’ve had to learn to chop that up into short-term goals. One day will be just for planning. The next I will write one chapter. I can’t stop until I finish it, but once I do I’m done for the day. Or if I’m editing, I have to finish two chapters per day. Whatever it is, I have to look at it as small tasks, because seeing it as a whole is too overwhelming for my impatient, impulsive personality.
And favorite thing to do at the end of a long day of writing? Usually after writing, I am busy splitting parenting activities with my husband: making dinner, getting the kids’ bath, pajamas, bedtime books, etc. So it’s not until the kids are in bed that I have time to relax. At that point, I’m usually so exhausted that I flop into bed with a book or my New Yorker magazine, or bring my laptop with me and read scandalous celebrity gossip! (Shhh… shameful confession!) When my husband offers to do all the kiddie stuff himself (when he sees that I’m falling over), I take a one-hour bath with a book and a glass of wine.
5. Can you tell us something that people would find surprising about you? I don’t have a television connection… by choice. My tv set is only used for DVDs! So when people talk about different television series or personalities, I don’t have a clue what they’re talking about. (Except for True Blood – my friend Kim sent me the series on DVD. Which I LOVE.)
6. What else can people expect from the Revenants series? Do you know how many books will be in the series?
DIE FOR ME is a trilogy. But I certainly have enough of a story to write another book or maybe spinoff books. I also have another series I’d like to write however, so who knows what will happen! So as far as the actual books go—your guess is as good as mine.
However, as for the story line, you can expect to discover more about the revenant mythology. You will learn more about the other characters. And you will see how Kate and Vincent respond to new challenges posed both by their relationship and by this dangerous supernatural world that Kate is just beginning to discover.
Die for Me by Amy Plum Publisher: HarperTeen (May 10th, 2011) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardback: 341 pages Series: Revenants, book #1 My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything. Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent. Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen. Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies.. immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind. While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart—as well as my life and my family's—in jeopardy for a chance at love?
Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters by Barack Obama Illustrated by Loren Long Publisher: Random House Children's Books Date: November 16th, 2010 Hardcover: 40 pages In this tender, beautiful letter to his daughters, President Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation. From the artistry of Georgia O'Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, President Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all of America's children.
Breathtaking, evocative illustrations by award-winning artist Loren Long at once capture the personalities and achievements of these great Americans and the innocence and promise of childhood.
This beautiful book celebrates the characteristics that unite all Americans, from our nation's founders to generations to come. It is about the potential within each of us to pursue our dreams and forge our own paths. It is a treasure to cherish with your family forever. Inside Look:
Donation information:
The President will donate after-tax proceeds from his children’s book to a scholarship program run by the Fisher House Foundation dedicated to providing scholarships to the children of fallen and disabled service members. This scholarship fund will be a subset of the Fisher House Foundation’s current Scholarship for Military Children Program. Please visit www.fisherhouse.org for additional details. Under the Scholarship for Military Children Program, Fisher House Foundation has provided more than $8.3 million in scholarships over the past ten years. This program will enable Fisher House Foundation to provide additional scholarships dedicated to those children whose parents have died or become disabled in the service of our country. Book Trailer:
Purchasing Information: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Borders | The Book Depository | Random House
My Thoughts: This is a beautifully-simple book that delivers a powerful message. The illustrations are uncomplicated and represent children from all different backgrounds. Each page focuses on a child with the sentence"Have I told you that you are _____?" Then the right side depicts a historical figure and some of what they did that represented that trait. There are examples posted above. This will be a book I read to my daughter often. As she gets older and learns more about herself, I hope to introduce her to these characters that each had enormous strength and courage to follow their dreams. The last page has additional information about each historical figure so older children can learn more. Regardless of political thoughts or differences, this book is an amazing resource for children. The most important thing is for kids to know they are special and can achieve whatever they set their minds to. Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters gave me chills and represented that message throughout the book. I'm excited to explain each character to my daughter someday so she will know how important it is to have dreams.
"The world that Kagawa created in 'The Iron King' fit every setting desire I remember wanting to read." — Miss Remmers
From Amazon.com...
"Meghan Chase has a secret destiny—one she could never have imagined… Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school…or at home.
When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.
But she could never have guessed the truth—that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face…and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart."
Book Trailer:
This was a great read that I wish I had read at another time; two weeks ago when I read this book I developed the bad habit of "rushing" through books by skimming the pages. I'm not sure why I felt the need to rush an activity I loved with a great book, but I think it may be due to the responsibility of posting reviews and the need to "produce" — but that's a whole other post. The point is: I skimmed this book. I was so excited to reach the end that I forgot that it's the journey that makes a book great. Consequently as a fault 100% my own, I missed out on the characterization and the plot subtleties of this magnificent book.
Even with this lack of knowledge (again, completely my fault) and "skimming" the book, I fell in love with the plot and the setting. It reminded me of everything I had hoped existed as a child — faeries, kings, queens, princesses, knights, and magic. The world that Kagawa created in "The Iron King" fit every setting desire I remember wanting to read. So many times as a pre-teen I remember sitting down and trying to write this world that Kagawa has written so flawlessly; but each time I got caught up in all the who(s) and the what(s) that writing became less of an art and more of a encyclopedia of fantasy knowledge. With "The Iron King," I now have that world and all the work has been done for me.
I'm so thankful that I "The Iron Daughter" and "The Iron Queen" to read and to read right. Has anyone else ever gotten so caught up in the blogosphere that the ends just don't justify the means? That the need to produce so many reviews a week etc made reading a chore and pages a nuisance? I definitely need to reevaluate and practice slowing down — next time I rush through a novel I may not be so lucky as to have another chance to fully throw myself into the world, plot, and characters.
Originality: 10/10 Ending: 9/10 Characters: 8/10 Plot: 9/10 My reaction/enjoyment: 9/10 Cover: 10/10 Overall: 55/60 A
To find out more about this series and author, visit the following links: -Visit Julie around the web here: Website | Blog | Twitter -BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kindle | Nook
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins Publisher: Scholastic Press (August 24th, 2010) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 390 pages Series: The Hunger Games book #3 Rating: 4 of 5 stars Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what’s worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins’s groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year. Review: This is late but I did want to share my thoughts on the last book of The Hunger Games trilogy. I normally try to stay away from spoilers in reviews but with this one it was pretty difficult to do that. Suzanne Collins created a world that many could have never imagined, but through her words she painted a picture of Panem, its districts, and the characters that live there. This series captured so many who fell in love with Katniss, Peeta, Gale and the others who make up this incredible story.
The way Suzanne Collins tells a story blows me away. She isn't afraid to talk about difficult topics or show the hard facts of violence. The depth and heartache of her characters can be felt on each page. Mockingjay continued with the pattern we saw in the previous books and carried on with the story of Katniss as she struggles with everything going on around her.
* Spoilers * Mockingjay, like the other books in The Hunger Games series, deals with war, violence, and loss. These difficult topics are handled in a way that I can only describe as"real". I did completely enjoy this book and it kept me gripped to the pages but I don't feel totally satisfied after reading it. Even with that, I gave it 4 stars because it goes so far beyond typical books and the story is still one of the best I have ever read.
First, the characters seemed more"disconnected" to me. They had very little interaction, and when they did, it was awkward or seemed forced. I missed the love Katniss had for Peeta and Gale. I didn't see the passion, the commitment, the fire that was in the previous books. I think the main reason for that was Katniss. She seemed depressed (which was completely understandable after all she had been through); however, I thought it made things a little more difficult to follow. At times the book skipped entire parts because she was gone or unconscious. She just seemed on autopilot.
The only spark of enjoyment I saw was with her interaction with Finnick. I truly enjoyed Finnick's character and the life he gave to the story. Mockingjay was so focused on the war and violence, I felt it lacked in personal enjoyment. I do understand that in Katniss's case little can be enjoyed, but for me, I needed something to hope for throughout the book.
Now, for the ending. I didn't mind the story of the Epilogue and thought it ended nicely, however, where was Gale? It was like they said"oh, he works somewhere else now." and POOF he was forgotten. I am Team Peeta all the way but c'mon, Gale was Katniss's best friend for years! He can't just be forgotten like that. Where's the Gale love?
Now, don't get me wrong, I truly loved the book! I just felt that The Hunger Games and Catching Fire created a story that just didn't seem to go as well with this one. Plus, final books carry a certain expectation and it can be difficult to find closure at the end of any series. I'm still a total Hunger Games fan and would read anything Suzanne Collins wrote. This story portrays many harsh realities that are not seen in other YA books and she did this with an incredible grace. Katniss is one of my favorite characters of all time and her fire and courage is beyond comparison.
USE GOOGLE to read a guest post by Leah Cypess on the Mockingjay Epilogue.
Find out more on Suzanne Collins and her books Suzanne Collins / Scholastic The Hunger Games
Buy from: Amazon / The Book Depository / Barnes & Noble
This weekend I had to drag my BFF Button to see Beastly. She hadn't read the book yet so I had to bribe her by paying for her ticket — but I just couldn't wait to see it! Plus, I watched Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" earlier that day and was on a one way track.
I loved the book by Alex Flinn — check out my review of "Beastly. " And in case you haven't seen the trailer, here you go:
If you haven't read the book yet (or don't plan to), you can still see the movie. The movie did leave something rather big out at the end that they alluded to with the cinematography throughout — but you wouldn't know it was missing.
I thought that Alex Pettyfer (Kyle) did a fantastic job and he was great to look at (scarred or not). I know that Alex Flinn (the author of Beastly) has talked to the press recently about the change in the "Beast" from her novel to the screen — most notably the loss of hair and claws. To be honest, when I was reading "Beastly" I didn't really like the hair and claws bit; it felt like it was straight from the Disney movie. I really like how Kyle looked in the film because it seemed more modern and even plausible. There were a few parts where Kyle was "stalking" Lindy (same as in the book) — but he's so good to look at I didn't mind.
I really believed Pettyfer's portrayal of Kyle — it was fantastic acting on his part (albeit a bit of bad writing). I felt his pain and his heart break and, despite my feelings toward Vanessa Hudgens, I couldn't help but sit at the edge of my seat saying "KISS HER!" several times.
Vanessa Hudgens. Vanessa Hudgens made this movie awkward — almost like Kirsten Stewart awkward. Yes, at times Pettyfer was also awkward (see the trailer) but that's just bad writing. I don't know — I just didn't buy into Hudgen's portrayal of Lindy at all.
Random: I'm really glad they left out the chat room bit.
What really made this movie for me was Neil Patrick Harris as the tutor. He did a fantastic job (as always!). I found myself looking for him on screen to be the source of witty banter and conversation. He lightened the mood without taking away from the seriousness of the story. Seriously, if for no other reason — see this movie for NPH!
This movie was well paced and the ending was perfect! I don't quite remember exactly how the book ended — but the movie ending was flawless. Again, I was on the edge of my seat the last five minutes. I liked how they didn't shy away from the fact that the story is a bit cliche: "We've all heard that story." But they did it in such a way that it was new and exciting. I never doubted the ending, but I still willed it to happen.
If you didn't like the book because of the cliches — see the movie. The movie somehow eliminates the awful "nail on a chalkboard" feelings I had when I read the book. If you haven't read the book yet, go ahead and read the book or see the movie first — it's a great story with an amazing actor (Harris) and some great eye candy (Pettyfer — okay, he's a good actor too).
"The characters were all fantastically real to me... I found myself rooting for them and thinking of them well after the book was closed and finished. The plot was extremely fast paced, suspenseful, and down-right addicting." — Miss Remmers From Amazon.com... "Not all dreams are sweet. For seventeen-year-old Janie, getting sucked into other people's dreams is getting old. Especially the falling dreams, the naked-but-nobody — notices dreams, and the sex-crazed dreams. Janie's seen enough fantasy booty to last her a lifetime.She can't tell anybody about what she does — they'd never believe her, or worse, they'd think she's a freak. So Janie lives on the fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn't want and can't control. Then she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone. For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's twisted psyche. She is a participant... "
Book Trailer I picked this book up simply because it looked good. Then I read the premise and that sounded interesting too. So I put it with the five other "these look good" books at the used bookstore; when I got home I put them on my shelf. Less than 24 hours later I felt drawn to this book, there were loads of other books I needed to get to first but I found myself looking on the shelf for this book in particular after finishing Delirium. Upon first opening "Wake," I realized that the writing is extremely choppy — and that I liked it that way. The sentences are short and to the point; it's a type of writing style I would normally discourage with my freshmen, but with "Wake" I found that it drew me in and added both mystery and suspense. The choppy writing made the story seem to move faster and with a sense of urgency. Lisa's writing style otherwise was unique and different. The different font for the dreams and the reality were helpful; the dream writing was done so in a way that I felt like I was actually seeing it. I pitied Janie for her ability, I can't imagine getting pulled into people's dreams without warning. It'd be one thing if she were sleeping too, but that she can be driving, studying, talking, and all of a sudden pass out — not cool. But speaking of cool... Cabel is hot. I've been lucky enough to read two books in a row with fantastically drool worthy male protagonists ("Wake" and "Delirium"). Even when Cabel was being sketchy, I couldn't help but hope he had a plan. On the bus with the McDonalds when he came to her rescue — I almost died of romance! The Snickers bar and the skateboard! This boy has moves and if I weren't engaged to the most romantic man I know (nonfiction wise), I'd let him put his moves on me! Cabel's "alternate" life was a little hard to buy — but it didn't deter me from reading. Lisa's characters were all fantastically real to me, even with their flaws (especially Janie's a bit unbelievable best friend). I found myself rooting for them and thinking of them well after the book was closed and finished. The plot, like I said, was extremely fast paced, suspenseful, and down-right addicting. I can't wait to pick up "Fade" and "Gone" from the library today! Originality: 10/10 Ending: 10/10 Characters: 8/10 Plot: 10/10 My reaction/enjoyment: 9/10 Theme: 10/10 Imagery: 10/10 Setting: 5/5 Voice: 5/5 Style: 5/5 Tone: 5/5 Cover: 10/10 Overall: 97/100 A To the FTC, with love: Loved and Bought To find out more about this series and author, visit the following links: -Visit Lisa around the web here: Website | Blog -BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Random bit of information: Last night I had to extremely awful nightmares that I'm sure Janie is happy she didn't have to witness. Not the kind of nightmare where I'm naked — but the kind where both my parents have died and I didn't get to say good bye. I just remember wallowing in my dream pity. I'm pretty sure my face was contorted to my "crying face" while I was sleeping because now my cheeks hurt. I also dreamt that I was in a play with my three best friends (all drama majors) and I screwed around the whole time and then didn't know my lines when it came to the opening night and I let them all down. /End Rant
Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin Publisher: Bloomsbury (September 14th, 2010) Reading Level: Young Adult Hardcover: 256 pages Source: ARC from Publisher for honest review Rating: 4 of 5 stars Avery Hood is reeling from the loss of her parents--and the fact that she can't remember what happened to them even though she was there.
She's struggling to adjust to life without them, and to living with her grandmother, when she meets Ben, who isn't like any guy she's ever met before.
It turns out there's a reason why, and Ben's secret may hold the key to Avery finding out what happened to her parents…
But what if that secret changes everything she knows about--and feels for--Ben? Review: Low Red Moon put an interesting spin on the typical werewolf tale. The first page tosses the reader directly into the action of the book — Avery's parents were murdered and she can't remember what happened. She recalls seeing a flash of silver but that's all, and the mystery surrounding their murder brings up ancient legends that some in Woodlake have long forgotten. The myth that Avery's father had refused to believe- that werewolves lived deep in the forest that he loved so much. Avery tries to go to school and deal with her grief but soon she meets Ben. He's new and they seem to be instantly drawn to each other. Over time her and Ben discover they are connected on a deeper level than simple lust. Avery can sense Ben's emotions and he can sense hers. Their quick romance brings some magical moments to this story. But, of course, Ben has a secret that Avery soon discovers and her trust with him is put into question. I love werewolf stories and this one was an enjoyable read. It was quick and easy to read, and the mystery surrounding the death's may have been a little predictable but I still enjoyed this book overall. The setting, a small town with a mysterious forest, was the perfect place for this story. Characters: My only real complaint is that Avery seemed a little flat to me. I wanted to know more about her. Although she was grieving, I missed out on truly understanding her personality. By the end of the book, I still didn't know much about her. Ben, on the other hand, was a more fascinating character. I could see his desire to protect Avery and his overall emotions with more clarity. I also enjoyed Avery's grandmother- Renee. She came off as being so loving and nurturing towards Avery. Cover: I love this cover because it is different. Plus, I have heard that the actual book has a beautiful embossed, foil cover. The trees add a wonderful touch that is very relevant to the story. Also, not sure how the final product looks but the ARC version had some extras that I hope are in the finished hardcover. The tree on the chapter pages (for chapters 1 and 2) were red, and the word"moon" was also red. The bottom of each page had trees as well and chapter 1 had them red. Ivy posted some pictures of the book here --Low Red Moon--. The mystery surrounding this small town, full of secrets that exist deep within the forest, will have you imagining the endless possibilities of where this story could go.
Find Ivy Devlin Ivy Devlin / Goodreads / Twitter Purchase Low Red Moon Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository Book Trailer
"Fantastically timed writing along with perfectly developed characters and a seamlessly exciting plot makes "Delirium" an instant favorite and a story not likely forgotten anytime soon." — Miss Remmers
From Barnes and Noble...
"Ninety-five days, and then I'll be safe. I wonder whether the procedure will hurt. I want to get it over with. It's hard to be patient. It's hard not to be afraid while I'm still uncured, though so far the deliria hasn't touched me yet. Still, I worry. They say that in the old days, love drove people to madness. The deadliest of all deadly things: It kills you both when you have it and when you don't."
Book Trailer: Much like "Before I Fall, " this was a book I had been itching to read. The premise and beautiful cover were eye catching already, but nothing, not even my love for "Before I Fall," prepared me for "Delirium."
Written fantastically well with characters who were so real to me that even when I took a reading break for much needed groceries I found myself thinking back to them.
I laughed out loud, I blushed, I gasped, and I cried while reading "Delirium" — no other book has had me so emotionally invested in it. Lena was fantastic character whose transformation was flawless from government follower to all out rule-breaking rebel. But it was Alex who tugged at my heart in every way. I could see him, I could feel him, I could hear him — I knew him in every way. Besides the amazing plot, it is Alex's return that I am anxiously awaiting with the next installment of this series.
Just as strong as the characters, the plot of "Delirium" was excellently executed. Really, if there was one thing that I could say in regards to the plot that I kept coming back to was its' timing. Timing. It's not something that I think about when reading very often and it's not an element of a book like plot, characters, etc. But this novel demonstrates how vital timing is to a novel. Excuse me while I go teacher for a moment: the exposition of the novel "hooked" me from the first page but didn't drag on, in fact it blended perfectly with the complication of the novel. From there on the rising action was flawlessly constant and the intensity and excitement didn't recede until the book was closed. Every time I thought I knew where the story was headed there would be a new twist, or complication, introduced that would have me gasping out loud (true story). These twists were perfectly timed and executed.
One last thing... the ending. Oh. My. Gosh. I was reading so fast, as if I were watching it unfold or even living it. This book will make a fantastic movie someday. Fantastically timed writing along with perfectly developed characters and a seamlessly exciting plot makes "Delirium" an instant favorite and a story not likely forgotten anytime soon.
To find out more about this series and author, visit the following links: -Visit Laurenaround the web here: Website -BUY THE BOOK: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
"Every free moment I found myself drawn to this book! My planning period, my study hall, my lunch — all I wanted was to read this book." — Miss Remmers
From Amazon.com...
"I am a beast. A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright—a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster. You think I'm talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It's no deformity, no disease. And I'll stay this way forever—ruined—unless I can break the spell. Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I'll tell you. I'll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I'll tell you how I became perfectly... beastly."
Oh. My. Goodness! This was an absolutely fantastic novel! It's been on my list for a while, but it wasn't until this weekend that I saw the movie trailer (released in June) that I decided I had to read it NOW! I drove all over town (so I basically went to Walmart and Target) and was so bummed that I couldn't find it. But everything happens for a reason; the next day this book came in the mail! Turns out I had purchased it from Bookcloseouts.com! (Whoops!) I started reading it the next day and could not put it down!
I finished this book on the second day of reading it while at school. Every free moment I found myself drawn to this book! My planning period, my study hall, my lunch — all I wanted was to read! I finished a few minutes before school was out with this huge sigh. A sigh filled with happiness and with regret that it was over.
The only thing that bothered me about this book were the predictability and obvious cliches. I knew going into this novel it was going to be predictable and full of cliches, but Flinn laid them on pretty hard. Throughout the novel there these online chat dialogues. I thought these could have been left out completely. The other chatters depicted other famous fairy tales such as "The Little Mermaid" and "The Frog Prince." The story was already a cliche that everyone is familiar with, why add these minute ones? They didn't add anything to the story; they just seemed silly. Other than that, I think Flinn did a okay job of making the story as "un-cliche" and predictable as possible when retelling a fairy tale. There were only a few lines that were awkward and "sappy" (p.282), for instance. These small annoyances were noticeable when reading, but when looking at the novel as a whole these are small, minute details that don't distract from the wonderful, modern, retelling of "Beauty and the Beast."
This book is fast paced and is a real "hook, line, and sinker." I'm so excited to add this book to my classroom shelves. I think all readers would love this book, but it is aimed more towards middle school or early high school.
