Book Spotlight: Poison Princess by Kresley Cole

Sixteen year old Evangeline “Evie” Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future—and they’re still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

But she can’t do either alone.

With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can’t totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

Who can Evie trust?

As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it’s not always clear who is on which side….
From Goodreads.com

Poison Princess starts out two hundred and some days after the Flash. The world is not what it used to be and Evie is searching for a way to survive. When she stumbles into an occupied house, she sits down and tells her story. She takes us back to her high school, introduces us to her friends, and then tells us what happened before and after the Flash. Through the story we find out exactly who she is and what role she’ll play in the world. Set off to find her grandmother after the Flash, Evie is joined by an unlikely ally in the form of her old high school nemesis Jack. Together they begin a journey that will change their lives forever. 

This was my first Kresley Cole book. I know she writes a well loved adult series and while I’ve wanted to read it, I just haven’t gotten around to it. Poison Princess was a different read for me. There was so much going on throughout the whole book that I had to stop and reread parts just to keep up with the story. Kresley is very talented in creating a realistic and terrifying world. Her imagination definitely takes you on a ride!

Evie wasn’t my favorite character. I know usually the main character is the one you love, but I didn’t really feel much for Evie. Well, I wanted to slap her a few times. I liked her well enough, especially when she tried to become more than she already was. I have to give her props for all the things she did for her mom, and how she tried to learn to be a better person. Once she started maturing a little bit, I starting cheering her on. 

Jack is not a typical hero of the story, which I kind of enjoyed. I can’t say that I loved him either but he had some interesting qualities about him and I liked how Kresley portrayed him. His whole fascination of us against them when it came to money kind of annoyed me a lot though. I mean after the Flash, does it really freaking matter Jack? Does it? You’re all just trying to survive! Get over it already and go kiss some Evie face or something. I really did enjoy parts of their relationship, especially when they got over themselves and became a little more like the characters I knew them to be!

Overall, while I didn’t love Poison Princess, I did enjoy it. It was a crazy read, with a world created to blow you away. I’d be interested to see where this goes. The last few pages really kept me glued to the book, and that ending? THAT ENDING! I can’t believe I’m going to have to wait forever for book 2! 

Poison Princess comes out October 2, 2012! I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading, 

Valia

Road Trip Wednesday: Favorite Required Reading Book

Hello darlings, 

So this week I decided that I'm going to participate in the Road Trip Wednesday over at YA Highway blog. There's some talented people over there, so I highly suggest you head over there and check them out. But wait, you have to read this post first! 

This Week's Topic is: Back to school time! What's your favorite book that you had to read for a class?

My Road Trip Song of the Week: Here With You by Asher Monroe 

Honestly, this is kind of a hard question because I loved many of the books I had to read. While Jane Austen remains my favorite, I have to say that she wasn't the favorite I read in high school. If I had to choose one book I think I have to go with 1984 by George Orwell (either that or Catcher in the Rye). 

Most people wouldn't choose 1984 as a favorite book read, but for me it was definitely an experience. Besides steampunk of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, 1984 was probably the first book I read that had dystopian attributes. I know Verne and Wells are not dystopian, but they wrote about worlds that were different and I read pretty much everything by them. 1984 was a different experience. it was a book that opened up a world that very well could be outside my doors. It's creepy to read about cameras on the streets as Big Brother watching and realize that there are places around here that have that. 
I'm not going to lie, it was a hard book to read. At times, I wanted to put it down and never come back to it. But in the 
end, I was thankful it was part of my reading list. 


Now, what about you? Do you have a favorite book you had to read in class?

Until next time! Have a great day!
Valia 

Book Spotlight: Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally

Parker Shelton pretty much has the perfect life. She’s on her way to becoming valedictorian at Hundred Oaks High, she’s made the all-star softball team, and she has plenty of friends. Then her mother’s scandal rocks their small town and suddenly no one will talk to her.

Now Parker wants a new life.

So she quits softball. Drops twenty pounds. And she figures why kiss one guy when she can kiss three? Or four. Why limit herself to high school boys when the majorly cute new baseball coach seems especially flirty?

But how far is too far before she loses herself completely?

From Goodreads.com

Parker is your average girl. She goes to high school, she goes out with boys, she loves sports. Softball to be exact. But when her life is turned upside down, she turns herself upside down. She quits softball, drops weight, and becomes a little friendly with the boys. Then, a new baseball coach steps into her life, and she’s more than happy to add him to her kissing list. She thinks this is what she wants, but is it really?

I read Catching Jordan a while back and fell in love with Miranda’s writing. You know I’m not big on contemporary at the moment, so I’m super picky about the stories I read. At the beginning of the book, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this one, but it took me by surprise. Stealing Parker was a definite win for me. 

I loved Parker as a character. She was real and personal from the very beginning. She could’ve been any girl from my high school or even college. I love when a character makes you sit up and pay attention and Parker was that for me. Sure, there were parts where I kind of wanted to strangle her a little, but that just makes her more human.

Yep, pretty much this :)

While I loved Parker, I was insta-love-beyond-all-love with Will! Seriously, the moment he stepped into the pages, I was a gonner. This boy was a gorgeous, smart, caring specimen of amazingness. His relationship with Parker and those around him was great. I got a feel for his character right off the bat, and I couldn’t help but cheer him on in everything throughout the book. 

Miranda discusses some important issues in this book, woven into the sweet romance. I really didn’t expect the story to talk about religious issues. As a Christian myself, it’s hard to read something that may not bring Christianity into the best light. It saddens me to see that people view Christians as judges, because there are a select few who take on that job themselves. I loved Miranda for showing a contrast to people who gave Christians a bad light versus those of us who try their best to live their lives according to His Word. (Not all Christians are bad. Some of us may even surprise you :)

Overall, I loved this book. The chemistry between the characters Miranda created was outstanding. The tension, the longing, the perfectly placed little phrases, all of that made the book just that much more. This high school is one I wish I could’ve gone to, just so I could meet all these fabulous people. I can’t wait to see what Miranda has for us next! Stealing Parker comes out October 1, 2012! Get it, read it, love it!

Happy reading, 

Valia 

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Evergreen (Mer Tales #2) by Brenda Pandos

Book Title: Evergreen

Series name and #: Mer Tales, Book #2

Publisher: Obsidian Mountain Publishing

Release date: 7/29/2012

A kingdom on the brink of war.
A king on the fringes of insanity.
A family running for their lives.

Ash and Fin’s only desire is to be together and dive into their happily ever after, though their conflicting worlds work to pull them apart. Neither is ready to convert to the other’s life: become a human or a mer. Little do they know that somewhere in Natatoria a secret holds the fine fabric of everyone’s lives together. If the truth is discovered, Ash and Fin will no longer have the luxury of waiting. They’ll be forced to choose. But will it be for loyalty or love? Or will someone else make the choice for them if they can’t decide?

Enter the watery world of treachery, greed, and the binding mer kiss as the story continues with Evergreen, book two of Mer Tales.

My Review:

This book picks up where Everblue left us almost a year ago. Ash and Fin are in love, but their lives are set on keeping them apart. Fin is now across the states, on a trip that’s taking him farther and farther away, while Ash is trying desperately to keep some kind of normalcy to her life. With Tatchi, her best friend, gone and now losing Fin, she tries to get back to the human way of life. But the Mer world is never too far behind, and on the brink of war, Ash and Fin’s love for each other is tested like it’s never been tested before. 

I can’t begin to tell you how much I love this story. Evergreen is a perfect book two in this Mer saga. Ash is learning so much about herself, and the world that she is pulled into, but she’s staying strong through it all. Sure, she girl was driving up the wall with her keeping things from Fin and in the end making more work for him, but I can understand her a little. She’s navigating troubled waters. I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt. 

As for Fin, can I have one please? The handsome and amazing one, not the one for swimming :-) Fin is one of my favorite characters. I did kind of wish there was more of Fin and his awesomeness in this book, but since he was away and trying to figure out what in the world was going on, I forgive him. Sure, I was mad at him a few times, but in the end, he’s still Fin. (I always need more Fin) 

I have to say, more than anything, I love Fin and Ash together. This is one part of the book that was missing for me. I know that the storyline called for them being apart like this, but Brenda does such a fabulous job at creating Fin and Ash relationship that I just want them together all the time. They make each other a better version of themselves, and that is the best love possible. 

Evergreen is a full on hurricane ride. There is so much going on in every page, with twists and turns to take you on a real journey. Brenda has created a world full of wonder, love and adventure. I can’t wait to see where the next book takes us and how my beloved characters come out in the end.

PS. Did you guys see my blurb in the back? Brenda is a sweetheart :-D Also, LEAVE A COMMENT for a chance to WIN an E-copy of the book!!!

Purchase Evergreen:

Amazon Print: http://www.amazon.com/Evergreen-Mer-Tales-Brenda-Pandos/dp/098498352X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343763924&sr=8-1&keywords=evergreen

Amazon ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Evergreen-Mer-Tales-Book-ebook/dp/B008F06J0M/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1343763924&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble Print: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/evergreen-brenda-pandos/1111828531?ean=9780984983520&itm=1&usri=evergreen

Barnes & Noble ebook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/evergreen-brenda-pandos/1111828531?ean=2940014637312&format=nook-book&itm=1&usri=evergreen

Brenda’s Links:

Brenda Pandos’ Website: http://www.brendapandos.com/

Blog: http://brendapandos.blogspot.com

Goodreads Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3449368

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/brendapandos

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/brendapandos

Author Picture: http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1290382037p8/3449368.jpg

Brenda Pandos lives in California with her husband and two boys. She attempts to balance her busy life filled with writing, being a mother and wife, and spending time with friends and family. Working formerly as an I.T. Administrator, she never believed her imagination would be put to good use. After her son was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder her life completely changed. Writing paranormal romance became something she could do at home while tending to the new needs of her family, household, and herself.

Three years later, Brenda now has five books published, The Talisman Trilogy: The Emerald Talisman, The Sapphire Talisman, and The Onyx Talisman, and Mer Tales: Everblue and Evergreen. She is currently working on the third book of Mer Tales, Everlost, coming February 2013.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Yes, there are two ways to win! Enter in the Rafflecopter for a chance to win lots of goodies from Brenda and Enter in the Comments section to win an E-Copy!

So have you guys read this? What do you think? 

Happy reading, 

Valia

Outlines Are Scary

Hello lovelies, 

Today I'm throwing a little bit of Shop Talk your way. I'm thinking I might do that a little. Anyone up for a Shop Talk Thursdays? 

        I’m not an outliner. Even in high school and college, when we were asked to turn in an outline with our papers, I wrote them after I was already finished with the whole thing. I don’t know what it is about outlines, but they scare me. I’m serious here people. If you tell me to sit down and write an outline for my new project I’d probably run from the room screaming.

The thing is, I can’t seem to get all my thoughts in a line for an outline. I discovered that in order for me to finish a book, I need to write it out instead of outlining it. I tried it once or twice and each time I ended up spending hours on an outline that I throw out in the end. It was no help for me at all. 

I find this a little bit funny since I’m a big organizer outside of my writing. I like to carry a planner with me, I like to write things down on a calendar handing on a wall. I put reminders in my phone all the time. Yet, my writing is this part of me that’s against all things organized. 

So how dow I write? 

When I start a new project, I have a pretty clear idea of what I want my story to be. I may not have every little aspect figured out, but all my main ideas are in a row. When I sit down to write I start wherever the muse inspires me. I write out of order, out of sequence, and sometimes in different points of view just to get to know my characters. Once I finish the basic skeleton of the story, I go back and create a timeline/outline of my book to make sure I covered everything. It works for me. 

The awesome part about being a writer and giving out writing advice is that I can tell you anything. It all depends on the person. Find what works for you and go with it. You can never go wrong with doing what you love. 

Now, this is my story. What about you? Do you outline before or after? Do you write in sequence? 

Happy writing, 

Valia

Disclaimer: There are always exceptions to the rules. I feel like I need to point out again that this is how I work. If it doesn’t work for you, than it doesn’t work for you. Find your own style and go with it. 

Book Spotlight: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

From Maggie Stiefvater, the bestselling and acclaimed author of theShiver trilogy and The Scorpio Races, comes a spellbinding new series where the inevitability of death and the nature of love lead us to a place we’ve never been before.
From goodreads.com

Raven Boys takes off from the first pages. Right away, we are pulled into the life of Blue, a girl who’s family is psychic. Everyone but her that is. Every year, her mother and Blue go to the cemetery and write down the names of those who are about to pass. Blue can’t see the people at the cemetery, no does she possess any special powers. Until that night. This year, she goes with her aunt and this year she sees someone for the first time. He’s one of the Raven Boys, and he’s either her one true love or someone she kills. When the Raven Boys walk into her life, everything changes. 

Honestly, I don’t even know where to start! This book is so much, too much. Maggie is fabulous at creating stories that pull you in and take your mind on a journey. Blue is a great character. She’s strong and smart, pushing herself beyond the comfortable to discover what lies beyond. Enter Gansey. I was very interested in how Maggie will introduce Gansey to the readers and let me tell you, it wasn’t what I expected. We see a lot of Gansey and his friends, because Maggie tell their stories along side of Blue’s. I really enjoyed this aspect. 

Oh Raven Boys. You have stolen my heart. Seriously, these guys are great! I love their intensity, I love their different personalities, I love their quirks and dynamics. Maggie did such a great job making them real and complex and lovable (even while you want to strangle them). My only concern is that...no I can’t do it. I can’t be spoilery and can’t go crazy and talk about the romance in this book. I won’t do it. (ugh)

When you read this book, you need to read it. There is so much going on, you don’t want to miss anything. This book, this whole story was not what I expected. This is definitely a set up for the next books and I can’t wait to see where Maggie takes these characters. Honestly, that ending left me quite frustrated because I needed the next book right now! This book comes out September 18th, 2012! I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading, 

Valia

Book Spotlight: Hidden (Firelight #3) by Sophie Jordan

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS BOOK 3 IN A SERIES! MIGHT BE SPOILERY! READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Jacinda was supposed to bond with Cassian, the "prince" of their pride. But she resisted long before she fell in love with Will—a human and, worse, a hunter. When she ran away with Will, it ended in disaster, with Cassian's sister, Miram, captured. Weighed down by guilt, Jacinda knows she must rescue her to set things right. Yet to do so she will have to venture deep into the heart of enemy territory.

The only way Jacinda can reach Miram is by posing as a prisoner herself, though once she assumes that disguise, things quickly spiral out of her control. As she learns more about her captors, she realizes that even if Will and Cassian can carry out their part of the plan, there's no guarantee they'll all make it out alive. But what Jacinda never could have foreseen is that escaping would be only the beginning....

Loyalties are tested and sacrifices made in the explosive conclusion to Sophie Jordan's Firelight trilogy.
From goodreads.com

The book starts out pretty much where the second book left off. Jacinda, Will, Cassian, and Tamra are setting up to rescue Cassian’s sister Miriam. She was captured by the ekros when Jacinda and Will tried to escape. Now, Jacinda must right the wrong before disappearing with Will into the sunset. To penetrate the stronghold of Miriam’s captors Jacinda must be captured herself. While at the facility, Jacinda meets other draki who’ve been held hostage. When the time for the rescue comes, all hell breaks lose and the gang must fight to survive. The chase is on, and no one will be the same when the dust settles. 

Hidden is a third and final book in Sophie Jordan’s Firelight series. I have truly enjoyed reading about Jacinda’s journey and Firelight is one of my favorite series. I really enjoyed the characters as individuals. Jacinda and Will’s love is one of my favorites, because no matter what they go through, they stay true to each other. Cassian is one of my favorite characters throughout the book. I like his complexity, I like his love for Jacinda, I like his heart. I have to say though I felt like Cassian didn’t get an ending in Hidden. There’s this part in the book where the characters discover something of Cassian’s and I honestly think the only reason he had was for Jacinda and that broke my heart. While I hated and loved him throughout the books, I wanted some kind of a happy ending for him. I didn’t feel like I got it. 

Tamra’s character was a fun one to read because she was so different in each book. I really enjoyed where Tamra ended up and her decisions in the end of the book. She really grew as a person and a draki throughout. 

Overall, Hidden was a great book, but like I mentioned earlier I wanted a better closer for the characters and I didn’t feel like I got it. I’m sad to say goodbye to a series, but I'm glad I got to read it!

Sophie is one of my favorite authors, and I really can’t wait to read more of her stories! 

Hidden comes out September 11th, 2012! Get it, read it, love it! And let me know your thoughts!

Happy reading, 

Valia