Book Spotlight: Arclight by Josin L. McQuein

No one crosses the wall of light . . . except for one girl who doesn’t remember who she is, where she came from, or how she survived. A harrowing, powerful debut thriller about finding yourself and protecting your future—no matter how short and uncertain it may be. 

The Arclight is the last defense. The Fade can’t get in. Outside the Arclight’s border of high-powered beams is the Dark. And between the Light and the Dark is the Grey, a narrow, barren no-man’s-land. That’s where the rescue team finds Marina, a lone teenage girl with no memory of the horrors she faced or the family she lost. Marina is the only person who has ever survived an encounter with the Fade. She’s the first hope humanity has had in generations, but she could also be the catalyst for their final destruction. Because the Fade will stop at nothing to get her back. Marina knows it. Tobin, who’s determined to take his revenge on the Fade, knows it. Anne-Marie, who just wishes it were all over, knows it.

When one of the Fade infiltrates the Arclight and Marina recognizes it, she will begin to unlock secrets she didn’t even know she had. Who will Marina become? Who can she never be again?

From goodreads.com

     Arclight is a story of a world where light is coveted and darkness is dangerous. In the first pages, we meet Marina and her classmates in a middle of a lesson. However, what starts out as any other night quickly takes a turn for the worst. The Fade have invaded the sanctuary that human society has built, and Marina seems to be right in the middle of it. Marina must figure out the secrets behind the teachings she grew up with and discover for herself what the Fade is all about. 
     Guys, I seriously enjoyed this book. Honestly, going into it I wasn't sure how I would feel about it. But once I started reading, I couldn't stop. Marina is an interesting character. She has a lot to deal with and I think she deals with it pretty well. The circumstances that surround this girl are less then pleasant, yet she continues to fight for the truth. The fact that she seems to be the only person to ever survive the Fade puts her into an uncomfortable position. The others don't exactly accept her, and that includes Tobin. 
     In the beginning, Tobin seems to dislike Marina quite a bit. That's what Marina tells us. And he does have a good reason for it being so. However, everything changes when the Fade invade. Tobin and Marina start off on rocky ground, but I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop. I love the romantic side to Tobin, the little things he does to bring a smile to Marina's face when everything seems to be going sour. I liked this kid a lot, people. A lot. 
     Overall, this book is one thrill ride. Once you get into the story, it doesn't want to let you out. Sure, I saw the "surprise" developments coming before the characters did, but it didn't really take away from the story. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and the world they live in. 
     Arclight hits the shelves on April 23, 2013! Go get your copy now! 

     Happy reading, 

     Valia 

Book Spotlight: The 13th Sign by Kristin O'Donnell Tubb

What if there was a 13th zodiac sign? 

You’re no longer Sagittarius, but Ophiuchus, the healer, the 13th sign. 

Your personality has changed. So has your mom’s and your best friend’s. 

What about the rest of the world? 

What if you were the one who accidentally unlocked the 13th sign, causing this world-altering change—and infuriating the other 12 signs?  

Jalen did it, and now she must use every ounce of her strength and cunning to send the signs back where they belong. Lives, including her own, depend on it.

From Goodreads.com

       The 13th Sign is a story about Jalen, a girl who doesn’t believe in astrology, until one day when she makes a choice that changes the world around her. She discovers the 13th sign, altering the other twelve signs and the personalities that go with them. Soon she is in a race to save the world and stop the other twelve signs from taking over.  With the help of some unlikely characters, Jalen set off on a journey like now other. 

There were two things that surprised me about this book. First of all, for some reason I did not know this was a middle grade story. For some reason, from all I heard, I thought it was a YA. Second of all, this book, being a middle grade magical adventure was way shorter than I anticipated. Everything I’ve seen about this book points to it being a stand alone and that’s why I thought I would be longer. These two things really affected the way I read the book.

The characters were nice enough but I didn’t feel connected to any of them. I think part of this was the fact that the book was just one thing after the other, without much room for development. Seriously, the way Jalen and the gang were going it was hard to keep up. They were going battle to battle, leaving no room for a breather. I personally thing this book could’ve been better if maybe divided in two, or just a lot longer. I’m a big sucker for those character developments and when those are missing, the adventure part isn’t as fun. 

It was a super quick read for me, but I really liked the story in general. Jalen and the other characters were likable and the idea behind the 13th signs was very interesting. I liked the different aspects of the astrology that were brought in. The elements of the story fit well together. 

13th Sign comes out January 8, 2013. Let me know what you think!

Happy reading, 

Valia 

Book Spotlight: Wasteland by Susan Kim & Laurence Klavan

Welcome to the Wasteland. Where all the adults are long gone, and now no one lives past the age of nineteen. Susan Kim and Laurence Klavan’s post-apocalyptic debut is the first of a trilogy in which everyone is forced to live under the looming threat of rampant disesase and brutal attacks by the Variants—hermaphroditic outcasts that live on the outskirts of Prin. 
Esther thinks there’s more to life than toiling at harvesting, gleaning, and excavating, day after day under the relentless sun, just hoping to make it to the next day. But then Caleb, a mysterious stranger, arrives in town, and Esther begins to question who she can trust. As shady pasts unravel into the present and new romances develop, Caleb and Esther realize that they must team together to fight for their lives and for the freedom of Prin.

From Goodreads.com

Wasteland is a world no one would want to live in. The constant hunt for food or fuel, the acid rain, and the fear of the attacks from the outsiders is not the most ideal place to grow up in. Esther is a rebellious kind of a soul, forgoing the jobs of the city in order to spend time with her variant best friend. Things start to happen in the town of Prin that sets everyone on edge and Esther is right in the middle of it. Then, Caleb shows up in town. This mysterious boy from another world pulls on all of Esther's heartstrings, and soon the two will face the madness of the world they live in, just to survive. 
     For me, this book is one of those books that is a bit hard to review. I liked the story idea, but I didn't have as much fun reading it as I thought I would. I think my biggest deal with this book was the fact that I couldn't really get a grasp on any of the characters. The book is written in a way that makes you sit up and pay attention to every detail or you'll miss something important. While books like that can be amazing, this time around I just wasn't really feeling it. 
     It was really hard for me to grasp the fact that these kids, fourteen and fifteen, were having children to raise. There is a character that we meet that has a drive to save a kid for most of the book and to me, I just couldn't wrap my mind around it. Because I already wasn't sure what was going on at certain parts, that part of me as a reader just didn't feel sympathetic to the character's struggles. Does that make me sound bad or what? 
     I have to mention though, the writing was good. Both Susan and Laurence write well. I read that this is their first YA endeavor and from where I stand I can see that. I think parts of the book were just written too different from the typical YA voice and maybe that's why it threw me off. 
     Wasteland is set in a world that is terrifying and real. Both authors did a wonderful job showing the horrors of a land where water is scares and the land is plagued by too many things too count. I'm very on the fence with this book, however I'm interested to see where the story goes. I'm just too curious for my own good I guess. 
     Wasteland comes out March 26th, 2013. Let me know what you think! 

     Happy reading, 
     Valia 

Book Spotlight: The Program by Suzanne Young

In Sloane’s world, true feelings are forbidden, teen suicide is an epidemic, and the only solution is The Program.

Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.
From Goodreads.com

       Sloane is your typical teenager. She has a family, she goes to school, she loves her boyfriend, and she’s not allowed to show any kinds of depressing emotion? In her world, teen suicide is an epidemic and anyone caught with slightest show of emotion is sent to the Program. Her boyfriend James and her promise to each other that they will stay strong and stay out of the program. But can promises like that are hard to keep, and when both are sent thru, the world as they knew it changes forever. 

Sloane is an interesting character. I think what I like the most about her is how real she was, how much she wasn’t perfect little package. She was the up and down of a regular human being. As the story progressed, so did Sloane. She began to realize certain things about herself and I really liked seeing her develop as a person. 

James is a darling! I really like him as a character as well. His character is one of those that I really enjoy in guys. He was the sweetest, protective boyfriend, but he was also the tough James that was needed for the story later on. I liked how Suzanne wasn’t afraid to make these characters flawed and I liked the way they came out on the other side. The relationship between these two was sweet and emotional and real. Especially toward the end of the book, after some things happened, I loved seeing these two find their way back to each other. 

There were other characters and aspects in the story as well that I enjoyed, but talking about each one is going to take too long. The world Suzanne created is chilly with its relativity of today. It’s not hard to image these types of outcomes right outside your door. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. Sure, parts of it were a bit slow, but that was needed in order to set up the world Sloane and James live in. The Program was my first book by Suzanne and I can truly say I wasn’t disappointed. 

The Program comes out April 30th, 2013! 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 

Book Spotlight: The Believing Game by Eireann Corrigan

A private academy. A cult leader. A girl caught in the middle.

After Greer Cannon discovers that shoplifting can be a sport and sex can be a superpower, her parents pack her up and send her off to McCracken Hill-a cloistered academy for troubled teens. At McCracken, Greer chafes under the elaborate systems and self-help lingo of therapeutic education. Then Greer meets Addison Bradley. A handsome, charismatic local, Addison seems almost as devoted to Greer as he is to the 12 steps. When he introduces Greer to his mentor Joshua, she finds herself captivated by the older man's calm wisdom. Finally, Greer feels understood.

But Greer starts to question: Where has Joshua come from? What does he want in return for his guidance? The more she digs, the more his lies are exposed. When Joshua's influence over Addison edges them all closer to danger, Greer decides to confront them both. Suddenly, she finds herself on the outside of Joshua's circle. And swiftly, she discovers it's not safe there.
From Goodreads.com

      At the beginning of the book, Greer Cannon gets caught for shoplifting. Tired of their daughters antics, Greer’s parents send her off to a “reform school” or school for troubled teens. In this place, everything you own has to be earned, and Greer works at keeping a low profile just so she can return home. Then she meets Addison. 

Addison comes with his own problems. While he may look menacing and ready to take on the world, he has the kindest heart. Especially around Greer. Soon, the two are inseparable and Addison introduces Greer to Joshua, his mentor. From here, the book takes a spin, and Greer and Addison will never be the same. 

Honestly, I’m not sure how I feel about this book. I’ve never read anything by Eireann before and I was definitely excited by the premise. I think it was a very different kind of a story for me to read so it took me a while to get through it. The story is so complex, so real it makes you stop and think. I work a lot of people and their problems, and it amazed me in this book how Joshua didn’t really have to lie, he just had to say something in a particular way to make it something it wasn’t (if that makes sense). Joshua is so twisted, so bent on controlling these children, that it leaves goosebumps running up and down your arms. 

As a main character, Greer was a good one. Even from the very beginning, she kept to her standards, keeping Joshua and his ideas at an arm length. Yes, I wasn’t happy with her making decisions based on what Addison would think or how she would affect him, but in the end, she took a stand and that’s what’s important. I think that’s the part I most enjoyed about the book. In the end, Greer and her friends thought for themselves and that’s winning. 

Addison was a good character, so was Sophie and the other kids. Overall, the story was a web of thoughts and emotions and it was definitely an interesting read. If you like psychological thrillers, this book is for you! 

The Believing Game is out this December!!! Let me know your thoughts! 

Happy reading, 

Valia 

Book Spotlight: Heaven by Alexandra Ardornetto

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS BOOK 3! IT WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!

Bethany, an angel sent to Earth, and her mortal boyfriend, Xavier, have been to Hell and back. But now their love will be put to its highest test yet, as they defy Heavenly law and marry. They don’t tell Beth’s archangel siblings, Gabriel and Ivy, but the angels know soon enough, and punishment comes in a terrifying form: the Sevens, who are rogue angels bent on keeping Beth and Xavier apart, destroying Gabriel and Ivy, and darkening angelic power in the heavens.

The only way Bethany and Xavier can elude the Sevens is to hide in the open, and blend in with other mortals their own age. Gabriel and Ivy set them up at college, where they can’t reveal their relationship, and where there is still danger around each corner. Will Bethany be called back to Heaven – forever – and face leaving the love of her life?

From goodreads.com
Thanks ATWAT for the book!

Heaven picks up where Hades left off. Xavier and Bethany are deeply in love, and Xavier proposes. The world around Bethany and Xavier’s relationship begins to fall apart because of the decision they made and they have to go into hiding. Now married, they go to a college where they have to pretend to be brother and sister to stay safe. The characters from previous books make appearances along side of the Seven, the new “force to be reckoned with.” Bethany and Xavier have to overcome the odds in order to stay together.  

Let me start out by saying that I enjoyed Halo greatly. I thought it was a sweet story, and I had my favorite characters for sure. Heaven is the third and final book of the Halo series and I was excited to get my hands on it! I’m sad to say it didn’t live up to my expectations. 

I always hate writing reviews that come from books that have disappointed me, but it wouldn’t be right for me not to share with you exactly what I think. I felt like nothing happened in Heaven. Bethany, as a character, seemed to go the opposite way of developing. She acted like a kid at times, disregarding everything she believes in just to have her way. Xavier was one of my favorites from the beginning. I really enjoyed his character in Halo, but in Heaven it seemed like he was just a presence. I don’t know if that makes sense, but that’s how I felt reading it. 

  For me, Seven weren’t the scary force trying to keep Bethany and Xavier apart. Jake was far better villain than the Seven and that’s kind of sad in itself. While I liked having a book that brought out some Christian values, Heaven wasn’t the best example of that. At least not to me. Xavier was a better example of a Christian than Bethany and that’s sad all on its own. She was the one to drag him down and I didn't like that.

In the end, there was no resolution. Gabriel and Ivy, who I enjoyed throughout the books, were just mentioned as a second thought in the end. It was as if the author forgot about them and had to throw them in. Also, some of the timing in the scenes were off and a lot of conversations were repeated unnecessarily. 

I read Heaven because I needed to have closure for this series. In the end, I ended up with more questions then answers. It saddens me to say so, but I try to be an honest reviewer because I would want the same for my books. If you’ve read Heaven, let me know what you think!

Happy reading, 

Valia 

Book Haul of Diversity (& Tiredness)

Hello lovely people,
Here's a book haul for you! I know, it's a video and everything! Although, be afraid, be very afraid. I'm a rambler in this one. And as you'll see (and hear) I'm tired so I have an excuse! Enjoy!





Special thanks to: 
ATWA Tours 
Tor books 
http:///minaburrows.blogspot.com 
Brenda Pandos - http://brendapandos.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Laurens - http://jenniferlaurens.com/


What's in your mailbox??? 


Happy reading, 
Valia

Book Spotlight: Rootless by Chris Howard

Seventeen-year-old Banyan is a tree builder. Using scrap metal and salvaged junk, he creates forests for rich patrons who seek a reprieve from the desolate landscape. Although Banyan’s never seen a real tree—they were destroyed more than a century ago—his father used to tell him stories about the Old World. But that was before his father was taken . . .

Everything changes when Banyan meets a mysterious woman with a strange tattoo—a clue to the whereabouts of the last living trees on earth, and he sets off across a wasteland from which few return. Those who make it past the pirates and poachers can’t escape the locusts—the locusts that now feed on human flesh.

But Banyan isn't the only one looking for the trees, and he’s running out of time. Unsure of whom to trust, he’s forced to make an uneasy alliance with Alpha, an alluring, dangerous pirate with an agenda of her own. As they race towards a promised land that might only be a myth, Banyan makes shocking discoveries about his family, his past, and how far people will go to bring back the trees.

In this dazzling debut, Howard presents a disturbing world with some uncanny similarities to our own. Like the forests Banyan seeks to rebuild, this visionary novel is both beautiful and haunting—full of stunning images that will take permanent root in your mind . . . and forever change the way you think about nature.
From Goodreads.com

The book starts out with Banyan getting hired to build a forest for a wealthy man. The world has been torn apart by Darkness, and trees are something of the past. The landscape is destroyed, the locusts eat humans, and the constant dust storms make it hard to breathe. That is the world that Banyan lives in. His father was taken a year ago, and now Banyan is on his own. He’s a skilled builder, able to survive on the hard work he does. This seemed like a routine assignment, but it wasn’t. Banyan didn’t expect to meet a mysterious woman with a strange tattoo, or her daughter. Now it’s Banyan’s mission to find the place where the last trees exist and that’s where the fun begins. 

This whole book was one big mess of crazy! And I mean that in a good way. Banyan is a great character, a surviver, who makes decisions much better than I would’ve expected. I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this book. Every page had me guessing on what’s going to happen next. I like watching Banyan grow as a character and he really had to do that in this book. 

I also really enjoyed Alpha. Although, I swear, every page I felt like she was going to die. Everyone around Banyan just seem to and I kind of wanted her to survive (You’re going to have to read the book to find out what happened). She was definitely a kick butt kind of a girl, who didn’t take any crap from anyone. I liked her chemistry with Banyan, how she balanced him. 

Howard paints a picture of a world that is so realistic it makes you think twice about the one outside your own window. Every page is full of imagination and description that leaps out of the story. It did take me a little bit to get into it, I just wasn’t sure about the whole idea at first. But once I got through the beginning, the story takes off. Rootless comes out November 1st, 2012. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading, 

Valia  

Book Spotlight: Burning Blue by Paul Griffin

How far would you go for love, beauty, and jealousy? 
When Nicole Castro, the most beautiful girl in her wealthy New Jersey high school, is splashed with acid on the left side of her perfect face, the whole world takes notice. But quiet loner Jay Nazarro does more than that--he decides to find out who did it. Jay understands how it feels to be treated like a freak, and he also has a secret: He's a brilliant hacker. But the deeper he digs, the more danger he's in--and the more he falls for Nicole. Too bad everyone is turning into a suspect, including Nicole herself. 
Award-winning author Paul Griffin has written a high-stakes, soulful mystery about the meaning--and dangers--of love and beauty.
From goodreads.com
Thanks ATWAT for the copy!

The book starts out with Nicole's attack. She’s at school, trying to get to a class, when someone steps out in front of her and sprays her face with acid. In that moment, the beauty queen’s life changes forever. Jay is an outsider at school, plagued by his own problems, but when Nicole is attacked, Jay can’t just sit by and do nothing. Nicole and Jay become friends, and Jay becomes determined to find out what really happened to Nicole. This is the beginning of their story. 

This was my first Paul Griffin book and I have to be honest, it did not disappoint. I’m always cautious when reading new to me authors, but I’m also cautious when it comes to these types of mysteries. For me, it’s either hit or miss, there’s no in between when it comes to these stories. Well, Burning Blue is a definite hit!

Jay is a strong complicated character, who has a lot of problems in his life. Despite everything, he stands true to his convictions and fights for those who can’t fight for themselves. I loved Jay because he was so dysfunctional! I know it sounds funny, but whatever problems he had, he didn’t let them define him and that’s what I loved about him. He pushed through his own insecurities, his own mishaps, to help someone he didn’t really know. In my eyes, that makes him a great hero.

Nicole was an interesting character as well. I loved that she wasn’t just some airhead beauty queen who had her beauty taken from her and THEN she discovers who she truly is. No, Nicole has always had a soft heart, and she’s been searching for her own identity long before the attack. Nicole was a steady character throughout the book, growing just like a real person would, fighting through the adversaries of life. 

Jay and Nicole’s relationship was sweet and up front. I loved how real their interactions were, how personal their growth seemed. These characters leaped off the pages and spoke to you. 

Paul created an emotional, raw and real story folded in the pages of mystery. I had a few things figured out but some took me by surprise. I love when that happens in a book! I flew through this book and I’d recommend it to everyone, even if you’re not big on contemporary! Burning Blue comes out October 25th, 2012! Buy it, read it, love it! 

Happy reading, 

Valia 

Book Spotlight: Innocent Darkness by Suzanne Lazear

Noli Braddock and her best friend V’s incident with a flying auto have landed them in a heap of trouble. And when Noli is sent to a spirit-squelching reform school in San Francisco, she’s sure that her rebellious adventures are over.
Meanwhile, Kevighn Silver has been ordered by the Faerie Queen to bring a mortal girl back to the Otherworld. The magic requires a blood sacrifice every seven years, and only a mortal girl who shines with the Spark—a girl like Noli—will keep the Otherworld from complete destruction.
When an ill-timed wish sends Noli tumbling into the Otherworld, she’s more homesick than ever . . . until V arrives to save her from an untimely demise. But who exactly is V? And if he helps Noli escape, who will save the realm of Faerie from utter annihilation?


From Amazon.com


Thanks ATWAT for the book!

Innocent Darkness is a story about a girl named Noli, who is nothing like the proper lady of her time. She is rebellious, fun seeker, who rather tinker under a flying car than wear pretty dresses. Despite her social status she is best friends with Steven Darrow, otherwise known as V and she constantly gets him in trouble. When a joyride is caught by the police Noli is sent to a boarding school to “fix” her ways. Separated from her best friend and her mother, Noli must fight the pressures of the boarding school and discover for herself who she truly is. The boarding school is not what it seems and for Noli that’s where the adventure begins. 

There is so much to say about this book. I’m still in the beginning stages of loving steampunk and I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this book but I really wanted to give it a try. I wasn’t disappointed!!! 

I loved Noli as a character. She has a lot of growing to do, and she constantly has to prove to the world that staying true to herself is the best option. She goes through many changes throughout the book but she continues to portray her strength and never giving up. It takes her a while to figure out her feelings on some matters which in itself is sweet and realistic. Speaking of feelings, there’s V. 

I adore V’s character to pieces! From the beginning, I knew there was something about him that’s going to capture my heart. Sure, I felt for Kevighn at times but V has truly won my heart. He is such a sweet, unexpected hero that it makes me squee with happiness anytime he comes across the pages. I love his friendship with Noli and how he makes her a better version of herself. 

The ending took me by surprise! I literally grunted at some things in the last pages. The aspects of Noli that I loved so much are taken to the highest test and I’m really curious to see how book two and three are going to play out. Nervous? Yes. Excited? Most definitely!

Suzanne creates a world that is so real it could be the one we read about in history books. Full of memorable characters, fascinating plots, and flying contraptions (yes, I had to throw that in) Innocent Darkness is a beautiful debut! It comes out August 8th, 2012! I would love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading, 

Valia

"Much Anticipated Books" - Book Haul!

Hello darlings,
      So I wasn't going to do a book haul this week because I simply ran out of time to film a video, but then I thought about it and realized that I really need to. These books need to be shown off in all of their wonderful glory so here they are!!! (No video this week. I know you're sad, but it's okay. *hug* Now, isn't that better? :)

      I've finished Innocent Darkness and reading Burning Blue at the moment!!! Make sure to look for reviews soon because I'm seriously loving these books!!! Thanks so much to ATWAT for letting me be part of the tours and sending me these awesome goodies!! Now, 


What's in your mailbox? 


Happy reading, 
Valia 

Book Spotlight: Enshadowed by Kelly Creagh

Varen Nethers is trapped in a perilous dream world -- a treacherous and desolate realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life. Isobel Lanley, plagued by strange visions and haunted by the nightmares of Varen's creation, is the only one who can save him.
Isobel knows that her only hope lies within a Baltimore cemetery. There, in the early morning hours of Edgar Allan Poe's birthday, a mysterious stranger known as the "Poe Toaster" will make his annual homage at the legendary poet's grave.
Only the Poe Toaster holds the key to the way between worlds. But even greater dangers lie ahead for Isobel. An ancient evil, draped in veils of white, is watching, challenging her for Varen's affections. When Isobel finally finds Varen, he is no longer the quiet and brooding boy who once captivated her, but a dark force, powerful and malevolent.
From Goodreads.com


Thanks ATWAT for the book!

The story picks up three months after the happenings of Nevermore. Isobel is struggling to adjust to a world without Varen, desperately searching for a way to get him back. He was left in a world that is full of deepest and darkest nightmares, created by Edgar Allan Poe himself. Isobel knows what goes on in that world, but who will believe her? Plagued by visions and dreams she can’t explain, she fights to stay normal. She is determined to save Varen and for that she needs to go to Baltimore on Edgar Allan Poe’s birthday and meet the masked “Poe Toaster.” Gwen, her best friend and the only person who knows what happened, helps her and together they work at getting Varen out of that place and keeping Isobel sane. 

I really enjoyed Nevermore when I read it and I was looking forward to Enshadowed for sure. However, it has been far too long since I’ve read Nevermore so I had a little bit of trouble getting into this one. I couldn’t remember some of the details and happenings in book one so it took me some time to actually figure out what was happening. Kelly is so good at her descriptions, and she gives so much of them that sometimes I was getting lost. She creates her world so intensely that sometimes it overpowers your senses and you don’t know what’s going on. 

Overall, I enjoyed Enshadowed in that it was a great book two in the story. I was enjoyed watching Isobel grow as an individual, adjusting to her life without Varen. Kelly explored Isobel as an individual character in the way that portrayed her well. What I missed about this book is Varen. I really loved the dynamic between Isobel and Varen and book one and this book had pretty much nothing. It was so focused on Isobel that I felt like the book missed the whole reason behind Isobel’s actions. I think I would’ve like a little more reminder on why Isobel was doing what she was doing. 

If you enjoy Edgar Allan Poe and if you love stories that keep your mind working, Enshadowed is a book for you! It comes out August 28th!!! Can’t wait to hear what you think!

Happy reading, 

Valia 

Book Spotlight: Amber House by Kelly Moore, Tucker Reed, Larkin Reed

"I was sixteen the first time my grandmother died . . ."

Sarah Parsons has never been to Amber House, the grand Maryland estate that's been in her family for three centuries. She's never wandered its hedge maze or explored its secret attics; she's never danced in its ballroom, or hunted for the diamonds said to be hidden in its walls.

But as Sarah, her brother, and their icy mother settle into Amber House, she finds herself drawn to both handsome Richard, who introduces her to a world of wealth and privilege, and intriguing Jackson, who dares her to find the diamonds. She discovers she can see visions of the mansion’s history—like her mother as a young girl, unimaginably warm and happy, or the cruel sea captain who lost the jewels long ago. Piece by piece, she uncovers the secrets of Amber House: its ancient crimes, and its fresh betrayals.

Where are the diamonds? Who caused her mother’s unhappiness? And what tragic act still echoes through Amber House? Sarah needs answers soon. Because when her visions threaten the person she holds most dear, she must untangle the web of the past before it traps them all forever.
From goodreads.com
Thanks ATWAT for the copy!

Amber House starts out with a funeral and Sarah coming to the house for the first time. Her grandmother has just died and Sarah, her little brother Sam, and their mother are there to take care of last minute details and sell the house. Sarah quickly meets Jackson, a boy who tells her about the Amber House treasure and together they start on a journey of the house itself. Sarah also meets Richard, the handsome rich boy next door who takes an interest in her. The story unravels in dozens of twists and turns, full of mystery and family history.

  I have to be honest, I fell in love with the premise of the story the moment I read it.  I thought it sounded like a wonderful story, just up my alley, and the cover blew me away. It was exactly how I pictured it. Nice package right? Sadly, the story itself wasn’t what I expected. For me, sometimes, it was difficult to get into what was going on because the scene changes were almost every other paragraph. It read a little bit choppy and some part didn’t seem to finish before a new section was introduced. I think that was my biggest struggle with this story. 

Overall the characters were interesting. Sarah is a nice enough character, even while she seems a little lost a lot of the time. She discovers some things throughout the book and it seemed that she didn’t freak out as much as I would’ve thought a normal person would (I know that may sound weird, but I think you’ll see what I mean after you read the book). The two boys in the story, Jackson and Richard, were interesting enough as well. However, it seemed that there could’ve been a bit more development of their characters. Like I said, most chapters didn’t seem finished to me, Jackson and Richard felt the same. My favorite part of Sarah’s relationships was her relationship with her little brother Sam. I thought that was very well written and I loved having Sammy there to kind of give Sarah that aspect of her personality. 

Honestly, this book was an interesting read. The last few pages were very involved and I loved that more then the rest, I think. The ending definitely left me wondering about book two, which is always a good thing. I very much enjoyed the entwining of family history and the relationship that Sarah developed with her past. I thought it was clearly written and beautifully told. While I didn't love it as much as I hoped, I think this book deserves to be read at least once! It comes out September 1st, 2012!

Happy reading, 

Valia


PS Would love to hear your thoughts!

Sequels Book Spotlight: Once by Anna Carey & Spark by Amy Kathleen Ryan

When you're being hunted, who can you trust?

For the first time since she escaped from her school many months ago, Eve can sleep soundly. She's living in Califia, a haven for women, protected from the terrifying fate that awaits orphaned girls in The New America.

But her safety came at a price: She was forced to abandon Caleb, the boy she loves, wounded and alone at the city gates. When Eve gets word that Caleb is in trouble, she sets out into the wild again to rescue him, only to be captured and brought to the City of Sand, the capital of The New America.

Trapped inside the City walls, Eve uncovers a shocking secret about her past--and is forced to confront the harsh reality of her future. When she discovers Caleb is alive, Eve attempts to flee her prison so they can be together--but the consequences could be deadly. She must make a desperate choice to save the ones she loves . . . or risk losing Caleb forever.

In this breathless sequel to "Eve," Anna Carey returns to her tale of romance, adventure, and sacrifice in a world that is both wonderfully strange and chillingly familiar.
From Goodreads.com
Summary:

Once starts out three months after Eve ends. Eve has been living in Califia, the city filled with women, and missing Caleb. He sacrificed himself in order to get Eve to safety, and she hasn’t stopped thinking about him since. The story takes off from the first pages when an unexpected friend shows up and Eve is once again on an adventure.

Honestly, I think I enjoyed Once more than I enjoyed Eve. This book opened up a lot of doors for Eve and her story. We discover some things about herself that she couldn’t have even imagined. She meets Caleb again and together they make plans, once more, to get out from where they are. I love Caleb’s character to pieces and I really wish there was more of him in the story. That was one part that I loved about Eve. Seriously though, the end of that book made me so angry (in a good way). That cliffhanger is (Oh. My. Goodness.) I pretty much can’t wait for book three! (More Caleb). :-) Once is out now!

Waverly and Kieran are finally reunited on the Empyrean. Kieran has led the boys safely up to this point, and now that the girls are back, their mission seems slightly less impossible: to chase down the New Horizon, and save their parents from the enemy ship. But nothing is truly as it seems…Kieran’s leadership methods have raised Seth’s hackles— and Waverly’s suspicions. Is this really her fiancé? The handsome, loving boy she was torn from just a short time before? More and more, she finds her thoughts aligned with Seth’s. But if Seth is Kieran’s Enemy No. 1, what does that make her?

In one night, a strange explosion rocks the Empyrean—shooting them off course and delaying their pursuit of the New Horizon—and Seth is mysteriously released from the brig. Seth is the most obvious suspect for the explosion, and Waverly the most obvious suspect for releasing him. As the tension reaches a boiling point, will Seth be able to find the true culprit before Kieran locks them both away—or worse? Will Waverly follow her heart, even if it puts lives at risk? With the balance of power precarious and the clock ticking, every decision counts… every step brings them closer to a new beginning, or a sudden end...
From goodreads.com
Summary:

Spark is book two in Sky Chasers series. The girls have been reunited with the boys, their mission now is to chase down the New Horizon and get their parents back. Waverly is still recovering from what happened to her on New Horizon. Kieran is still trying to keep the ship from falling apart. Seth is still being blamed for everything. Book two is told in three different points of view, which I enjoyed a lot. We get to see a bit more Seth in this book which made me happy. 

Confession, I’m a big Seth fan. I know, I know, thats crazy considering he’s a total crazy person in book one but there’s just something about him. Before his crazy stage I really enjoyed his character and I didn’t feel like giving up on him. Good thing I didn’t! I really liked him in this book! I also enjoyed Waverly’s character growing and Kieran’s. They have to make some tough decisions and both become better for it. I’m excited to read what happens next. Spark comes out July 17th!

Let me know what you think!

Happy reading, 

Valia