Showing posts with label YA book. Show all posts
Showing posts with label YA book. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday (2/8/2012) Red World

Author: Clover Donovon
Expected Release Date: 2013 (I know this one is really far but it looks so good I couldn't wait!)
Summary from Goodreads:


"Blood Red Road" smacked by "Zombieland" with a kick of "Constantine" In this gory, action packed YA novel from Clover Donovon. 

Elena Carmel is an eighteen year old survivor of the underworld crossover and with the help of a thirteen year old boy and a ghost named Bronze, she fights Demons, Zombies, and blood thirsty ghosts to stay alive in her hometown. But when an army of Red Souls invade her city, she must switch on her hunter/survival mode and rid the city of the undead. (PART 1 in the RED WORLD duology.)





Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we (bloggers) are anxiously awaiting. So what book are you excited about right now?


Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday (2/1/2012) Night Sky

Author: Jolene B. Perry
Expected Release Date: March 1, 2012
Summary from Goodreads:


After losing Sarah, the friend he’s loved, to some other guy, Jameson meets Sky. Her Native American roots, fluid movements, and need for brutal honesty become addictive fast. This is good. Jameson needs distraction – his dad leaves for another woman, his mom’s walking around like a zombie, and Sarah’s new boyfriend can’t keep his hands off of her. 

As he spends time with Sky and learns about her village, her totems, and her friends with drums - she's way more than distraction. Jameson's falling for her fast. 

But Sky’s need for honestly somehow doesn’t extend to her life story – and Jameson just may need more than his new girl to keep him distracted from the disaster of his senior year.



I'm excited about Night Sky because it sounds like a pretty original YA romance!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we (bloggers) are anxiously awaiting. So what book are you excited about right now?

Monday, December 12, 2011

Neurotic Thoughts on Lola and the Boy Next Door

Lola and the Boy Next Door
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Released: September 29, 2011
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Published by: Dutton
Source: My wonderful local library
Pages: 338
ISBN: 0525423281

Summary from Goodreads:
Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood. 

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.



Stephanie Perkins has done it again!  I don't know how Perkins writes in such a way that I swear I feel whatever her character is feeling (as silly as it sounds). Lola feels breathless and I can't seem to breathe. Her heart is racing and I feel like mine is too (even though it wasn't really). More than Anna, Lola and the Boy Next Door have captured my heart. 

The characters in this book are simply amazing. From Lola with her costumes, wigs, and eyelashes everyday to Max and his bad-boy tattooed self, all the way to her wonderfully amazing  dads. To top off a great cast of characters we have Cricket, possibly my favorite book boy ever! Oh wow! He is just want I would want in a boy (if I were 16 again and not married!) Sweet, thoughtful, respectful, and of course super easy on the eyes,. 

The pace of this book was perfect. I couldn't put the book down, and I don't think there was one moment that my thoughts strayed from the story. OK, yes, I realize that I am gushing but really.... I LOVED THIS BOOK! 

There is one scene where Anna mentions (yes! Anna and St. Claire are in this book) how it is so much easier to write a movie review for a movie that she doesn't like than it is to write one for a movie you love. I find this to be very true. When I love a book I have a hard time articulating what it was that made me love it, I just love it! However, when I don't like a book I have no trouble picking every apart every little thing that I didn't like. All this just to say "I LOVE THIS BOOK!" End gush. 

Obviously I highly recommend this book!








Monday, November 21, 2011

Blog Tour - Unnatural Law Review and Character Interview


I am really excited today to bring you this guest post by the amazing author and all around wonderful person, Natasha Larry. I'm so glad that she picked Matt to "interview" he is my favorite character as well.


Hi, Natasha Larry here. Today I’d like to share a character interview with the lovely Matthew Carter, my favorite Unnatural Law character. In this interview, I am asking the questions and my lovely fiancé, Dave, is answering as Matt. Enjoy! 

Q: So, Matthew… how are you today?


A: Well, first of all, Matt, please. And, I’m fantastic. Miraculous as always.

Q: (Laughs) A bit conceited, are we?


A: Absolutely not. Being conceited is thinking you’re better than you really are. I really am this good. (Winks at interviewer)

Q: (Laughs) Wow, you are just adorable. Okay, moving on. Tick off a few of your hobbies.


A: Well, I love building computers. I always find advanced quantum physics relaxing. I love to play and watch football as well.

Q: I’m sorry; did you just say that advanced quantum physics relaxes you? And you play football? That’s a wide assortment of hobbies.


A: Well, I’ve always been a bit of a natural athlete. I find it exhilarating, and it helps stop the racing thoughts. And as far as the quantum physics is concerned, it’s like a lot of people with crossword puzzles. It’s just a way for me to exercise my brain and relax a bit.

Q: Okay, well I guess that makes sense. Now, on to what everyone wants to know. Why did you break up with Jaycie Lerner?  I mean, how could you just leave someone you claimed to love so much? 


A: I do love Jay. There was obviously something going on with her that she wasn’t ready to tell me. And I wanted to give her some space to figure that out. Plus, no one likes to be lied to by the person they love. And I knew-I knew each and every time she lied to me. How would that make you feel?

Q: Well, I can’t imagine that would feel good. Maybe we should move on.


A: (smiles) I think that’s a fantastic idea.

Q: What did it feel like when you found out about Jaycie and her family? Were you freaked out?

A: Well, of course I was a little freaked out. But, after I had time to wrap my head around it, it made perfect sense. I always knew something was up with them; I just didn’t have enough information to figure out exactly what that was yet. You have to remember, I grew up with these people, so being afraid simply wasn’t an option.

Q: Is it weird working for Jaycie’s godfather, John Gramm? What exactly did he hire you to do?

A: Johnny? Weird? Never! John and I have a special relationship. *smiles* It’s a mutual intellectual respect and a great appreciation for each other’s humor. He hired me to help transcribe his files, extrapolate on his theories, and to help figure out the key to Jay controlling her powers.

Q: Speaking of powers. Whose power do you think is the coolest? 


A: Definitely Haylee’s. It amazes me that she has the ability to use the evil in someone’s soul as a weapon and also to use the good in someone to heal. It’s incredibly impressive. Plus, as a momma’s boy-I’m kind of biased. I respect the hell out of what she did to help my mother.

Q:  What’s it like dating a telepath? What’s it like dating a girl whose father is the most powerful telepath in the world?

A: I don’t worry too much about it with Jay. I know she doesn’t eavesdrop on my thoughts. But, the idea that Dr. Lerner might overhear some of the things I’m thinking… *shudders visibly* Next question please, sweetheart
.
Q: Okay. When John Gramm refers to you as “the alpha,” what exactly does that mean? What does being macho have to do with being perfect, as you are so often described? 

A: What he means by “the alpha,” is that I am literally the beginning of human evolution. So, the term alpha here has nothing to do with masculinity . Alpha here means that I am genetically perfect. Designed to be the most attractive to women and, by my nature, dominant over most other men.

Q: Very interesting. So, of all the paranormal and fantasy creatures you have been exposed to, which race is your favorite and least favorite?

A: The vampires are my favorite. Only because they make the most sense to me, as a man of science. Plus, they all seem ridiculously polite. My least favorite are definitely those fairies. They kind of look like giant, creepy butterflies. So not cool.

Q: *laughs* Okay, can you shed some light on what this elusive Core business is? Are you a part of it? 

A: I can in the next book. *smiles*

Q: Last question because we’re almost out of time. Are you still angry with John for the pink hot pants situation?

A: *laughs* Well, no I’m not. I understand why he did it. But, let’s never talk about the pink hot pants…ever again.

What an amazing character interview Natasha, thank you so much!!



Author Bio
Natasha Larry resides in Huntsville, Alabama with her daughter and fiancé. She
graduated from Tusculum College with a B.A. in History and is currently working
on getting her certificate in education. Apart from writing, she is a self-proclaimed
comic book nerd and urban fantasy junkie. Her poetry and short fiction has appeared in publications such as Writing Edge magazine and Escaping Elsewhere. Darwin’s Children is her first work of novel length fiction.


Author Web Site:
          http://www.paranormalwire.blogspot.com
          http://natashalarrybooks.com/

Books by Natasha Larry
          Darwin's Children ( Book 1 of Series: Darwin's Children )
 
Unnatural Law Book 2 Darwin’s Children Series

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Darwins-Children-Series/145755472156223

Twitter: @natashalarry

e-mail: Natasha@natashalarrybooks.com




Unnatural Law
Author: Natasha Larry
Released: October 26, 2011
Genre: YA Paranormal
Publisher: Penumbra Publishing
Source: Bewitching Book Tours
Pages: according to my ereader 283
ASIN: B005ZZJO20

Summary from Goodreads:
Seventeen-year-old Jaycie Lerner’s psychokinetic power surge is over, and her astounding powers are under control for the time being – sort of. As she struggles to maintain her humanity in the face of the awesome terror and responsibility of her abilities, she also yearns for the chance at a normal life – and a relationship with Matt Carter, the best friend she had to leave behind. But Matt’s got a few tricks up his sleeve, and he’s not about to give up on his feelings for Jaycie.

As Jaycie and her family grapple with the day-to-day routine of trying to keep their world together, Jaycie’s mother figure, Allison Young, endures a personal crisis of her own. The superhuman blonde possesses the physical equivalent of Jaycie’s awesome psychic power. So evolved, at ninety-two she still looks twenty. But what good is extended life when everyone else around her is so fragile? With no one to share her unusual life, she’s a uniquely lonely woman yearning for the romantic love she sees all around her. But in a dream she gets her wish – and it quickly turns to a nightmare for everyone else in her life. The memory of a rose is all she can hold onto in the storm of obsession that nearly sweeps her away.

Things quickly turn deadly for the vampires, but the Dey-Vah Guard fairies refuse to acknowledge there’s an imbalance in the nature they protect. As the danger gets ever closer to Jaycie and her family, the race is on to find answers before a secret plot can destroy them all.


My thoughts:


I am a huge fan of Natasha's book Darwin's Children, so I was super excited to read Unnatural Law. Natasha has really brought something totally new and exciting to the YA paranormal book scene. Yeah, there are vampires and even fairies, but not like any I've ever read about before.


Once again I was quickly drawn in to the character's lives. They are written in such a way that they seem very real. While I was reading Unnatural Law it felt more like I was hearing their voices in my head rather than just reading about them in a book. For me that is a huge deal because I really love reading books that are primarily character driven. 


While Jaycie is struggling to learn control after her power surge a lot is going on in the lives of her family. Allison isn't feeling quite right, and doesn't really understand why. Haylee is learning more about her powers, and her family. Matt is learning that there is more to him than meets the eye, and dealing with not one but two protective "dads". While Mason and Johnny are trying to hold everything together in the midst of a weakening Dey-Vah guard. 


Some of the highlights in Unnatural Law for me were meeting a few of the new characters, Sylvia Nash is probably my favorite new character. She is one of those women that you hope to get to know one day because you just know she will always make you laugh. Steven and Alonzo were both adorable and I'm hoping we will get to know them better in the next book.  What I was really excited about as well was my favorite character from Darwin's Children returning. Matt! Oh how I love thee, and now I know why!  I really enjoyed how Matt's character evolves in this book. I think Natasha nailed character development so completely in this book. I feel like I know all these characters personally. 

The writing is fast paced, easy to read and witty as hell. The characters are lovable and their interactions are some of the best I've read. The heat between Matt and Jaycie is scorching hot! A book sure to be added to my favorites of 2011 list.


You can find Darwin's Children and Unnatural Law at the following:







Friday, November 18, 2011

Pyxis Review and Giveaway!

Pyxis: The Discovery (Pyxis Series Book 1)
Author: K.C. Neal
Released: November 4, 2011
Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy
Published by: StoneHouse Ink
Source: I received this book from the author for an honest review.
ISBN: 9780615549

Summary from Goodreads:
Two worlds... one 16-year-old girl must learn to protect them both. 

The nightmares haunting Corinne and her friend Mason hint at a universe that exists beyond the one they know. Her destiny is to protect a weakness between the two worlds, but her mentor is dead. As Corinne and Mason search for answers, she tries to ignore the sparks igniting between them, but can't deny she feels safe only when he's nearby. Will they find help before their nightmares break free? 

My thoughts:

K.C. Neal has done a fabulous job of writing a young adult novel that is completely unique from all of the other young adult novels that I've read. From the first page I was smiling, and knew that I was going to like this book. 

I think that the opening scene in Pyxis is one of my favorite. It immediately gives the reader insight into Corinne and her friendship with Angeline and her rivalry if you will with Sophie. Without saying that Corinne isn't a part of the "popular crowd" you knew just by how all of the characters interacted. I love it when an author doesn't have to tell you what's going on because they show you through the story. I didn't want to stop reading once I had started, luckily Pyxis is only 178 pages so I didn't have to stop until I was finished. 

This book is full of friendship, mystery and first love. K.C. Neal has definitely earned a new reader in me with Pyxis. Needless to say I am anxious to find out what's in store for Corninne in Alight:The Peril book 2 in the Pyxis series. 



You can connect with K.C. Neal at the following sites:
My blog | Twitter (@KCNealTweets) | Facebook | Goodreads | Google+ 

Pyxis is available at the following: 

OK, now on to the fun stuff. K.C. Neal would like to give one of my very lucky readers an ecopy of Pyxis. Just follow the directions on the ralfecopter below for your chance. The contest will be open for entries for one week. Also be sure to check out K.C. Neal's blog for a chance to win your very own KINDLE.


Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Waiting On Wednesday (11/9/2011) Drowning Instinct by Ilsa J. Bick

There are stories where the girl gets her prince, and they live happily ever after. (This is not one of those stories.) 

Jenna Lord's first sixteen years were not exactly a fairytale. Her father is a controlling psycho and her mother is a drunk. She used to count on her older brother—until he shipped off to Afghanistan. And then, of course, there was the time she almost died in a fire. 

There are stories where the monster gets the girl, and we all shed tears for his innocent victim. (This is not one of those stories either.) 

Mitch Anderson is many things: A dedicated teacher and coach. A caring husband. A man with a certain...magnetism. 

And there are stories where it's hard to be sure who's a prince and who's a monster, who is a victim and who should live happily ever after. (These are the most interesting stories of all.) 

Drowning Instinct is a novel of pain, deception, desperation, and love against the odds—and the rules.


Expected Publication: January 28, 2012




Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we (bloggers) are anxiously awaiting. So what book are you excited about right now?

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Teaser Tuesday (11/8/2011) Pyxis: The Discovery

Pyxis: The Discovery (Pyxis series #1)
Author: K.C. Neal
Teaser from page 5

He lingered with the cake, staring at me as if my face held the answers to the great questions of the universe. I waited, eyebrows raised, thinking he might say something else, but he just stood there. Awkward.


I loved the first chapter of Pyxis! Really enjoying this book.


Miz B hosts Teaser Tuesday every week, check her out for the official rules.  I never seem to be able to stick to the rule about only 2 sentences.
I love reading teasers so let me know where I can view yours in the comments. Have a great day!

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Cover Reveal - Betrayed by Ednah Walters


BETRAYED
Lil isn't just an average teenager. She's one of the Nephilim--the descendants of humans and angels--which gives her some serious psi skills and a mission for redemption. Just when Lil thinks she's found a balance between her normal life with human friends and her training to become a Guardian, she's warned that someone close to her will betray her. When the boy she loves starts acting strangely and one of her human friends acquires a supernatural ability, Lil begins to realize that someone is manipulating the people she loves... and won't stop until she's been lured to the dark side.

Congratulations to Ednah Walters!!! The Guardian Legacy Books will now be published by Spencer Hill Press!

Title: Betrayed
Series: Guardian Legacy
Author: Ednah Walters
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press, www.SpencerHillPress.com
ISBN: 978-1-937053-18-5 (Trade Paper), 978-1-937053-19-2 (e-book)
Release Date: June, 2012

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (9/28/2011) Savor By Megan Duncan

Savor (Warm Delicacy #1)
Author: Megan Duncan
Expected Release Date: October 1, 2011
Summary from Goodreads:

When Claire Miller turned eighteen all she wanted to do was celebrate her birthday, but after a night on the town with her best friend she awakes to a visitor she never expected. The rulers of her region, a vampire royal family, have chosen her to be turned as their new heir and vampire princess. Claire quickly discovers the royal family is not what they seem and that she has secrets in her past, she never knew existed.
Click here to add this book to your goodreads to be read list!



Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we (bloggers) are anxiously awaiting. So what book are you excited about right now?

 

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (8/31/2011) Sweet Venom

Sweet Venom
Author: Tera Lynn Childs
Expected Release Date: September 6, 2011
Summary from Goodreads:

Grace just moved to San Francisco and is excited to start over at a new school. The change is full of fresh possibilities, but it’s also a tiny bit scary. It gets scarier when a minotaur walks in the door. And even more shocking when a girl who looks just like her shows up to fight the monster.

Gretchen is tired of monsters pulling her out into the wee hours, especially on a school night, but what can she do? Sending the minotaur back to his bleak home is just another notch on her combat belt. She never expected to run into this girl who could be her double, though.

Greer has her life pretty well put together, thank you very much. But that all tilts sideways when two girls who look eerily like her appear on her doorstep and claim they're triplets, supernatural descendants of some hideous creature from Greek myth, destined to spend their lives hunting monsters.

These three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful gorgon maligned by myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in this unique paranormal world where monsters lurk in plain sight.



Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we (bloggers) are anxiously awaiting. So what book are you excited about right now?

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (8/24/2011) Shifting

Shifting
Author: Bethany Wiggins
Expected Release Date: September 27, 2011
Summary from Goodreads:

After bouncing from foster home to foster home, Magdalene Mae is transferred to what should be her last foster home in the tiny town of Silver City, New Mexico. Now that she's eighteen and has only a year left in high school, she's determined to stay out of trouble and just be normal. Agreeing to go to the prom with Bridger O'Connell is a good first step. Fitting in has never been her strong suit, but it's not for the reasons most people would expect-it all has to do with the deep secret that she is a shape shifter. But even in her new home danger lurks, waiting in the shadows to pounce. They are the Skinwalkers of Navajo legend, who have traded their souls to become the animal whose skin they wear-and Maggie is their next target. 


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we (bloggers) are anxiously awaiting. So what book are you excited about right now?

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Teaser Tuesday (7/05/2011) Crossroads

Crossroads
Author: Mary Ting
Teaser from page 124


"Thou shall not touch," he muttered. "I'm sorry. I don't know what's gotten into me. Please forgive me. It won't happen again." He was serious and sorrowful.



Miz B hosts Teaser Tuesday every week, check her out for the official rules.  I never seem to be able to stick to the rule about only 2 sentences.
I love reading teasers so let me know where I can view yours in the comments.