Book Spotlight: The Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke

Ananna of the Tanarau abandons ship when her parents try to marry her off to an allying pirate clan: she wants to captain her own boat, not serve as second-in-command to her handsome yet clueless fiance. But her escape has dire consequences when she learns the scorned clan has sent an assassin after her. 

And when the assassin, Naji, finally catches up with her, things get even worse. Ananna inadvertently triggers a nasty curse — with a life-altering result. Now Ananna and Naji are forced to become uneasy allies as they work together to break the curse and return their lives back to normal. Or at least as normal as the lives of a pirate and an assassin can be.
From Goodreads.com

Born and raised in the world of pirates, Ananna is not your typical girl. In the first pages, Ananna is being set to marry a son from an allying pirate clan. But being who she is, Ananna doesn’t want to be a wife to a pirate, she wants to run her own ship. So instead of being pulled into a life she doesn’t want, she runs away. However, there are consequences to her actions and the pirate clan will have none of it. They send an assassin after her, but he is not what she expects.
Naji has a job to do. He must bring the runaway back to the clan, but everything changes when he meets Ananna. Together they embark on a journey neither one of them ever expected. And that’s where the fun begins.
To tell you the truth, I had no idea what to expect from this story. I was going through (and still kind of am) a fantasy kick, and I was desperatly searching for a book that would help with my slight obsession. Well, this book kind of intensified that obsession just a bit.
The story blew me away. I was pulled in from the first pages, eagerly reading each word. Ananna is one of my favorite heroine’s right now. She’s strong, smart, and knows exactly what she wants. I loved how from the very beginning she stood up for her own beliefs. I was routing for her to win the whole deal! Then comes in Naji. And let me tell you, Naji? A-freaking-mazing. I adore him to pieces and I’m not ashamed to say it. He was a fabulous character to read. Not only is he swoon worthy, he’s smart and super skilled to kick anyone’s butt that stands in his way. And once Ananna is in his life, he’s also super protective.
The chemistry between these two is fabulous. I loved how we get to see their necessity turn to friendship and then...that’s right I just left that blank. Don’t assume anything by those dots people. Trust me, this whole book, make no assumptions.
I have to mention the ending. The ENDING! Seriously, I was very unhappy. There were lots of words spoken in fast succession. At work. With people staring. I want the next book RIGHT now. I’m not even kidding. That is all.
Seriously though, Cassandra created a beautiful picture of a world that is ruled by magic. Her characters are real, intense, and just plain amazing. I really felt like Cassandra had a good grip on her story and she showed it in this wonderful debut. This book comes out October 2, 2012. Buy it, read it, love it!

Happy reading, 
Valia

Road Trip Wednesday: Best Book I've Read in September

Hello lovelies, 
So I decided to participate in this weeks theme over at YA Highway. I really do love these Road Trip Wednesdays. Just a quick note or two and I feel like I'm blogging more often. (No, this is not cheating). 
Anyway, on to the topic for today: Best Book You've Read in September.
For me, it's a book I just finished and it's called Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger. 
Road Trip Song of the Week: Bullet by Jesse James (Click the link. Do it)

First of all, look at that cover. No, seriously, look at it. Isn't it gorgeous? I just love how different it is from the frontal close up that's been going around for a while now. Not that I don't adore those covers either, I do, but this one just took my breath away a little. 

Second of all, read the synopsis. Go ahead, I'll wait. 

Seventeen-year-old Vane Weston has no idea how he survived the category five tornado that killed his parents. And he has no idea if the beautiful, dark-haired girl who’s swept through his dreams every night since the storm is real. But he hopes she is.

Seventeen-year-old Audra is a sylph, an air elemental. She walks on the wind, can translate its alluring songs, and can even coax it into a weapon with a simple string of commands. She’s also a guardian—Vane’s guardian—and has sworn an oath to protect Vane at all costs. Even if it means sacrificing her own life.

When a hasty mistake reveals their location to the enemy who murdered both of their families, Audra’s forced to help Vane remember who he is. He has a power to claim—the secret language of the West Wind, which only he can understand. But unlocking his heritage will also unlock the memory Audra needs him to forget. And their greatest danger is not the warriors coming to destroy them—but the forbidden romance that’s grown between them.

Now take a breath. Or two. It really is as awesome as it sounds. I'll be doing a full blown review within a week, so please come back and gush over the characters with me. 
I'm sad to report that this book is not out until March of 2013, but you MUST add it to your TBR list anyway. You won't be disappointed. Scouts honor (or something). 

What's the best book you've read in September?

Much love, 
Valia 

Book Spotlight: Breathe by Sarah Crossan

Inhale. Exhale. 
Breathe. 
Breathe. 
Breathe . . .
The world is dead. 
The survivors live under the protection of Breathe, the corporation that found a way to manufacture oxygen-rich air.

Alina
has been stealing for a long time. She's a little jittery, but not terrified. All she knows is that she's never been caught before. If she's careful, it'll be easy. If she's careful.

Quinn
should be worried about Alina and a bit afraid for himself, too, but even though this is dangerous, it's also the most interesting thing to happen to him in ages. It isn't every day that the girl of your dreams asks you to rescue her.

Bea
wants to tell him that none of this is fair; they'd planned a trip together, the two of them, and she'd hoped he'd discover her out here, not another girl.

And as they walk into the Outlands with two days' worth of oxygen in their tanks, everything they believe will be shattered. Will they be able to make it back? Will they want to?
From goodreads.com

       The world is not like it used to be. All the trees are dead, and with their death came chaos. The world has no oxygen. The cities are built within a dome, with oxygen regulated by the Breathe officials. The people are divided into three groups of social standings, and freedom is a foreign word. 

Alina is a rebel, set on bringing back the right way of life, the freedom that was taken from the people when Breathe came into power. Bea is a girl from the lowest class, where anything but regular breathing costs more than she can afford. She can’t dance or sing, simply because she doesn’t have enough oxygen. Her best friend Quinn, is from the rich class, so he puts together a trip for the two of them into the Outlands. Then Alina comes along, and that’s where the real story begins. 

I loved everything about this book. I’m a huge fan of dual points of view, when it’s done right, and having three points of view was even better. I felt like Sarah did a great job with all three voices, brining the story to a whole new level. Alina is a tough girl. I liked her character and her no nonsense attitude. The only thing that I was a little put off of is the fact that every guy she met wanted to get with her. It was a bit of “Really? Again?” 

Bea was a great character. I think she may be my favorite. I felt like we really saw her grow throughout the book. She’s the girl anyone can relate her, especially in her love life. She pushes thru the challenges, and takes on the role of protector and fighter. I loved this girl!

As for Quinn, oh Quinn! He’s a handful of emotions. He starts out like any other rich boy. However, he doesn’t end like it, which I loved. I enjoyed seeing him grow as a character, and I loved seeing his relationship with Bea. Those two has amazing chemistry, and they complimented each other in a way that made my heart smile. 

The world of Breathe is both frightening and real. The journey the three must make in order to discover the truth behind the lies Breathe has been feeding them is beautiful and powerful. They have to learn things about themselves and each other, fighting for their right to breathe. After my little reading slump, this was just the book to excite me about stories again. Breathe comes out October 2, 2012. Buy it, read it, love it! 

Happy reading, 

Valia 

On New Projects: How to Make Your Creative Juices Flow

Hello Darlings!

       I know you’ve all heard about my new project by now (because I keep mentioning it, consistently. I'm excited so sue me!) Well, you’ve heard I’ve started one because really, that’s all I can tell you. That and a little more. 

It seems that every time I begin something new, I do it in a different way. My first book ever was more of just sit down and write. Then, I started doing a little more research. And then a little more. With book number 3, I saved pictures and documents to my Scrivener project. With the last book I wrote, I utilized Pinterest a lot for visual aids. To date, I have completed four books and each one was a completely different journey for me. 

Book number five is a whole new ball game. 

Remember when I shared a little bit about SmashBooking? I’m slightly in love with arts and crafts, and I’m getting back into that aspect of my life. SmashBooks are the best way to restart your creative flow and record some memories. 

So with Secret Turtle on a Journey book number 5 I decided to create a SmashBook entirely dedicated to my story. Basically, it’s like having a Pinterest board along with all your documents in a printed, tangible version. I’m in LOVE with this idea! I can’t share my “Secret Turtle on a Journey” Smash, but here are some examples of Smash pages I’m talking about. 

(All pictures taken from Pinterest and Smashaholics group on facebook! These ladies are fabulous!)

So tell me, is there anything that helps you write? Any special things you do before, during, or after you start your projects? 

Hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into my writing world. If you’d like to see more of these, or have any questions, let me know! 

Much love, 

Valia

A Tiny Book Haul of Huge Happiness

Hey lovelies, 

Sorry to say, no video for you this week. But I did get these two amazing books that I'll be diving into this weekend (even though I work). 

That's right! You see the wonderful beautiful copy of Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi! *SQUEE* I can't wait to see what happens next in that particular series. More Adam! Need. More. Adam. 

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13104080-unravel-me

And did you see the puurty copy of Let The Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger? I'm in love! I've been itching to read this book from the moment I heard about it. So far, I'm in awe. Loving the dual points of view (you know I'm a huge fan) and the story! Will be posting a review for sure!

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13445306-let-the-sky-fall

Guys, add these two to your TBR list! :-)

What's in your mailbox?

Happy reading, 
Valia 

Book Spotlight: Level 2 by Lenore Appelhans

In this gripping exploration of a futuristic afterlife, a teen discovers that death is just the beginning.Since her untimely death the day before her eighteenth birthday, Felicia Ward has been trapped in Level 2, a stark white afterlife located between our world and the next. Along with her fellow drones, Felicia passes the endless hours reliving memories of her time on Earth and mourning what she’s lost—family, friends, and Neil, the boy she loved.

Then a girl in a neighboring chamber is found dead, and nobody but Felicia recalls that she existed in the first place. When Julian—a dangerously charming guy Felicia knew in life—comes to offer Felicia a way out, Felicia learns the truth: If she joins the rebellion to overthrow the Morati, the angel guardians of Level 2, she can be with Neil again.

Suspended between Heaven and Earth, Felicia finds herself at the center of an age-old struggle between good and evil. As memories from her life come back to haunt her, and as the Morati hunt her down, Felicia will discover it’s not just her own redemption at stake… but the salvation of all mankind.
From goodreads.com

Felicia is in the pods. Dead at an early age, she is suspended in a place where memories are a constant companion. She spends hours upon hours plugged in, reliving all of the things that she lost on earth. Then, things start happening. When a friend disappears and a old flame returns, Felicia must chose if she wants to spend eternity plugged into a machine or if she’s ready to fight the battle against the Morati, the angel guardians. Felicia must learn to trust herself, and her unlikely allies, if she is to ever leave Level 2. 

I have to say I have heard a million things about this book. The huge hype this book received is quite the envy of a fellow author. The whole concept of the story, I think, is pretty amazing. The unique world Lenore created is fascinating. It’s the whole purgatory concept taken to a whole new level. I liked the imagery in this book, the way I could see the hive and the pods as if I was looking straight at them. 

However, while I loved the world created, I didn’t love the characters as much as I wanted to. Felicia had a lot of challenges to meet throughout the book. She grew as an individual, finally making decisions for herself in the end. Yet, I didn’t feel connected to her the way I wanted to. She simply wasn’t my favorite heroine and there’s nothing wrong with that. 

Julian was probably my favorite character throughout the book. However, I didn’t feel too connected to him either. I guess I was just looking for a little more depth to the both of them, maybe something to make me want them to survive, if that makes sense? I think I liked Julian the best because he’s the one who had some personality to his actions. I didn’t feel much for Neil, because I didn’t feel like we got to know him through Felicia’s memories. He wasn’t really a driving force behind Felicia’s actions, for me. 

Overall, I think Level 2 is a good book, worthy of reading. The world is beautiful and haunting, and the characters ignite your interest enough for the second book. I’m really intrigued to see where Lenore takes the series next and will be looking forward to reading book two. 

Level 2 comes out January 15th, 2013! I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading, 

Valia 

Inspiration: On being scared of fighting for your dreams...

Hello darlings, 

See that right there --> 

My life right now. 

      It's amazing how one little change in your schedule makes the rest of it go into haywire. Work has been more than kicking my butt lately, and needless to say I haven't been doing as much writing. *Insert the SADDEST face ever* 

     I've started a new project, which is totally different from anything I've ever written and it's a bit scary. Scary and exciting. 

I love new beginnings. It's like the smell of a new car or freshly baked cookies (which I now kind of want). Yet, at the same time, I'm terrified of not being able to deliver the way I'd like to deliver. Obviously, I don't want to be a failure. No one strives to be that right? 

On the other hand, I'm still querying agents and yes, this is pretty much how I feel about it. It's a crazy competitive world out there, and the journey to get your work out there is very hard. I've been watching The Voice (pretty much the best voice competition ever) and it really makes me stop and think of the way I react to rejection. At least my tears are in private, can you imagine getting over being rejected on national television?

     There is a lesson in that which I wanted to share with you. When you fall down, get back up. When you feel like a failure, keep on going. There is nothing standing between you and your dreams but your own self-doubt. This is a lesson that I have to keep reminding myself of, because I am one of the worst self-critics out there. My challenge to you, and to myself, is not to give up. You never know if your success was in the next query letter, or the next audition, or the next interview. Everything is a battle, it's up to us if we're willing to fight it. 

Much love, 

Valia 

Blog Tour: The Book of the Night by Pearl North

Hello lovelies, 

Today, I have a special treat for you! Pearl North, the author of Libyrinth series is sharing her writing journey with us! Please give her a warm welcome :-D

Thank you for having me on your blog Valia! I noticed that you seem to like gifs a bit, and so do I, so I thought I'd borrow a meme circulating the internet these days and tell the story of how I wrote the Libyrinth trilogy, in .gifs.

So, first, I had this idea about a girl who can hear the voices of books. She lives in a library so vast that sometimes people get lost in it an never come out again. 

I liked it.

So I wrote Libyrinth.

Then I sent it to my agent and editor and I waited.

And waited.

But then it turned out they liked it!

And I was all

Then my editor said, "I want you to write two more."

Then I panicked.

There were a lot of cookies involved.

Eventually, I got some ideas.

And I was back to 

but this world I'd created was getting more and more complicated and my brain was all like

But eventually, I gave in and embraced the complexity

And then there was more

And finally, some

And now, here we are and the whole trilogy is finished and out in the world and I feel like

Thank you for accompanying me on this brief journey in time. Here's some more info about me and my books:

Libyrinth follows the story of Haly a Libyrarian dedicated to preserving and protecting the knowledge passed down from the Ancients and stored in the endless maze of books known as the Libyrinth. But Haly has a secret: the books speak to her. When she is captured by the Singers, a group of people hostile to the Libyrinth who believe the written word to be evil, Haly learns that things are not at all as they seem. Haly must mend the rift between the two groups before their war for knowledge destroys them all.

In The Boy from Ilysies, the Libyrinth is quickly running out of food, and the survival of the ancient edifice and those who serve it may depend on Po, a young man raised in the female dominant society of Ilysia. Po is having trouble adjusting to life in the egalitarian Libyrinth. Caught between his longings for acceptance and the Machiavellian tactics of his queen, Po is tricked into a crime that causes him to be cast out. He may return only if he retrieves Endymion's Pen, an enormously powerful ancient artifact capable of rewriting reality. It may be the answer to all of the libyrinth’s problems, but in the wrong hands, it could turn the world into a barren, lifeless ruin.

The Libyrinth trilogy concludes with The Book of the Night. The world of the Libyrinth has experienced a series of wrenching changes. Behind the mysteries of their shrouded past has always been the legendary Book of the Night. Sought for generations, both feared and revered, it is the key to this world of wonders. When Queen Thela imperils the very reality of the world, only the Book can heal what she has rent asunder. An epic journey through strange lands, a perilous encounter in a clockwork city, and the revelation of the truth beyond reality will lead those who find the Book to a moment when their world will either be saved...or cease to exist.

My thoughts: 

The books are complex and interesting. The whole concept of a giant library as a world blew me away at first. I have to admit that these books won't be for everyone. However, those of you who are brave enough to take on the world of Libyrinth may be taken by surprise. The third book can be read along, but you'll miss the story that came before and much of the world building. I always enjoy seeing how others create their characters and worlds. Science fiction is one of those places where anything is possible, and The Book of Night is that kind of a book. If you enjoy a good science fiction/fantasy, this book is definitely something you should read. The third book is out now!

A firm believer in the basic goodness of human beings, Pearl North loves writing and reading about characters that transcend the limits of who they think they are and what they think is possible. She mentors graduate students in Seton Hill University’s Writing Popular Fiction MFA program, and writes in other genres under different names. A native of the Detroit area, she has never lived more than two miles from Woodward Avenue in her life.

Find Pearl at:

http://anneharris.typepad.com/pearl_north/

Thank you so much Pearl for joining me on the blog and sharing your stories with us! 

Much love, 

Valia 

Book Spotlight: Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulson

Nothing ever happens in Norway. But at least Ellie knows what to expect when she visits her grandmother: a tranquil fishing village and long, slow summer days. And maybe she’ll finally get out from under the shadow of her way-too-perfect big brother, Graham, while she’s there. 

What Ellie doesn’t anticipate is Graham’s infuriating best friend, Tuck, tagging along for the trip. Nor did she imagine boys going missing amid rumors of impossible kidnappings. Least of all does she expect something powerful and ancient to awaken in her and that strange whispers would urge Ellie to claim her place among mythological warriors. Instead of peace and quiet, there’s suddenly a lot for a girl from L.A. to handle on a summer sojourn in Norway! And when Graham vanishes, it’s up to Ellie—and the ever-sarcastic, if undeniably alluring Tuck—to uncover the truth about all the disappearances and thwart the nefarious plan behind them.

Deadly legends, hidden identities, and tentative romance swirl together in one girl’s unexpectedly-epic coming of age.
From goodreads. com

Valkyrie Rising starts off with a party. Here we meet Ellie, the main character, along with her brother Graham and his best friend Tucker. Ellie lives her life in the shadow of her brother. She’s coddled and protected from the world and she hates it. When she is sent to Norway to visit her grandmother, she takes it as a chance to have a few days away from Graham and his ways. Little does she know, you should be careful what you wish for. Graham arrives, and he brings Tucker with him. Then, the real adventure begins. 

I loved the premise of this book the moment I read it. Girl power all the way, right? Ellie is the main character here, she’s the girl who is desperate to be her own person only to discover she is actually a Valkyrie (as far as being your own person as you can be). To be honest, I’m not sure how I feel about Ellie. As a main character, she wasn’t my favorite. Especially in the fact that she was supposed to be this kick butt of a character. The times I loved her the most? When she was with Tucker. He seemed to bring out the best in her, versus the little girl whiny that she put off in the beginning. 

Ah, Tucker! Seriously, for me, the whole book is on this character. He was my absolute favorite. Sure, parts of him and his relationship with Ellie were predictable, but still. He’s definitely swoon worthy! I mean, who doesn’t want a guy who will push you to be the best part of yourself and risk his life to save yours. Did I mention he was gorgeous? And his sarcastic banter with Ellie was hilarious. Right? The deal people. My point exactly. 

The secondary characters introduces to the story were interesting enough, but didn’t shout excitement like I wanted them to. It was a bit fun seeing grandma kick butt tho. I did enjoy the different aspects of the mythology brought out, even though I wish there were more of it throughout the story. I’m interested to see where Ingrid takes the characters next, because the ending wasn’t your typical ending. Overall, I enjoyed the book and look forward to see what happens next. Valkyrie Rising comes out October 9th, 2012! Love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading, 

Valia 

Book Spotlight: The Sweetest Dark by Shana Abe

“With every fiber of my being, I yearned to be normal. To glide through my days at Iverson without incident. But I’d have to face the fact that my life was about to unfold in a very, very different way than I’d ever envisioned. Normal would become forever out of reach.” 
 
Lora Jones has always known that she’s different. On the outside, she appears to be an ordinary sixteen-year-old girl. Yet Lora’s been keeping a heartful of secrets: She hears songs that no one else can hear, dreams vividly of smoke and flight, and lives with a mysterious voice inside her that insists she’s far more than what she seems.
 
England, 1915. Raised in an orphanage in a rough corner of London, Lora quickly learns to hide her unique abilities and avoid attention. Then, much to her surprise, she is selected as the new charity student at Iverson, an elite boarding school on England’s southern coast. Iverson’s eerie, gothic castle is like nothing Lora has ever seen. And the two boys she meets there will open her eyes and forever change her destiny.
 
Jesse is the school’s groundskeeper—a beautiful boy who recognizes Lora for who and what she truly is. Armand is a darkly handsome and arrogant aristocrat who harbors a few closely guarded secrets of his own. Both hold the answers to her past. One is the key to her future. And both will aim to win her heart. As danger descends upon Iverson, Lora must harness the powers she’s only just begun to understand, or else lose everything she dearly loves.
 
Filled with lush atmosphere, thrilling romance, and ancient magic, The Sweetest Dark brilliantly captures a rich historical era while unfolding an enchanting love story that defies time.
From goodreads.com

The Sweetest Dark is a story about Lora, a girl who’s life hasn’t been a bed of roses. As an orphan, she’s been placed in a home that doesn’t understand who or what she is, making that much harder for her to discover that for herself. When the war strikes, she is sent away to a private school for girls, away from the dangers of invading troops. There she meets sweet Jesse and the mysterious Armand, both boys who push her beyond the limits of herself and help her find the true meaning behind her existence. 

Truthfully, it took me a moment to get into the book. The beginning is so all over the place, trying to set up the story, that I wasn’t sure what exactly was going on. I know that beginning was needed to explain who Lora was as a character, but it left me a bit baffled. However, once Lora makes it to the school, it becomes a little bit clearer.

Lora is an interesting character. Honestly, at times I wondered if she was a bit crazy. She’s not your typical heroine that’s for sure. She comes off a bit aloof in the beginning, but once she starts discovering more about herself, her characters starts to develop as well. I liked her best when she had to interact with Armand. It seemed that he brought out the real her, pushing her beyond the comfort zones she’s created for herself. 

Ah, Armand! If I had to pick teams, I’d be team Armand. I try so hard now days to keep myself from choosing one guy over the other, because it seems my guy always looses, but I couldn’t help myself. While Jesse was an interesting addition to the cast of characters, his relationship with Lora just didn’t do it for me. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed having Jesse in the picture and he’s such a sweetie. But when it came to which male character I enjoyed more, Armand took the top. The relationship that Lora and Armand had felt more real, something that I can imagine happening at any time. However, this is not a typical love triangle, which is why there really is no teams. You have to read it and discover it for yourself. 

The world Shana created is interesting and enchanting. This was my first book by her, and I was drawn in by the flow of her words and descriptions. Her story is almost poetic in a way, which was a different read for me. The supernatural elements will take you by surprise, and the ending will leave you breathless!The Sweetest Dark comes out April 3, 2013! I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading, 

Valia 

Book Haul: 7 September 2012

Hello darlings,
Look what I got for you!! I know, it's been a while! Enjoy all these awesome books and my late night babblings.



Special thanks to:
Tor.com
Joy Preble - http://www.joypreble.com/index.htm
Brenda Padons - http://www.brendapandos.com/
Jennifer Archer - http://www.jenniferarcher.com/
Paper Lantern Lit - http://www.paperlanternlit.com/
Brigid Kemmerer - http://www.brigidkemmerer.com/

What did you get in your mailbox?

Much love, 
Valia