First Book Haul of 2013!

Hello lovelies,

Here are some book awesomeness for you! Please bear with me on the whole video focus and such. Still trying to figure out. I can take pictures like nobody's business, but the video is a bit new for me.




What is in your mailbox?

Have a wonderful day!

Hugs, 

Valia 

So I feel like having a Giveaway...MG Style

Hello lovelies,
As you may have deduced from my clever title, this post is about a giveaway. Recently, I realized that while I adore you all a bunch, I haven't really taken the time to reward you for your awesomeness. I cannot tell you how thankful I am for all your support and encouragement, blogeverse! You guys are seriously amazing!
It's only a few days till the end of NaNo and I've been bombarded with things from every side, but you my dear internet friends, are still there for me! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
So basically, how many of you want a book, raise your hand? I decided to do two giveaways, one YA and one MG. The first one starts today and it's for this awesome-sauce book, Keeper of the Lost Cities. If you don't know what it's about, read below:

Twelve-year-old Sophie Foster has a secret. She’s a Telepath—someone who hears the thoughts of everyone around her. It’s a talent she’s never known how to explain.

Everything changes the day she meets Fitz, a mysterious boy who appears out of nowhere and also reads minds. She discovers there’s a place she does belong, and that staying with her family will place her in grave danger. In the blink of an eye, Sophie is forced to leave behind everything and start a new life in a place that is vastly different from anything she has ever known.

Sophie has new rules to learn and new skills to master, and not everyone is thrilled that she has come “home.” There are secrets buried deep in Sophie’s memory—secrets about who she really is and why she was hidden among humans—that other people desperately want. Would even kill for.


Pretty sweet right? Thanks to my amazing local store, Changing Hands, I have a pretty new copy to give away. By the way, I pretty much adore Shannon's writing so you don't want to miss this one. Just saying. 
So what are you waiting for? Go enter!
a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Much love, Valia

P.S. Giveaway is open to US and Canada. Sorry my lovely international peeps! I'll have something up for you soon! :-)

Book Spotlight: Shadows in the Silence by Courtney Allison Moulton

Your strength in heart and hand will fall. . . .
Ellie knows that the darkest moments are still to come, and she has everything to fight for:

She must fight for Will.
The demonic have resorted to their cruelest weapons to put Will in mortal danger, and Ellie makes an unlikely alliance to save him and to stop Lilith and Sammael, who seek to drown the world in blood and tear a hole into Heaven.

She must fight for humanity.
As the armies of Hell rise and gather for the looming End of Days, Ellie and her band of allies travel to the world’s darkest and most ancient regions in her quest to come into her full glory as the archangel Gabriel.

And Ellie must save herself.
Her humanity withers beneath the weight of her cold archangel power, but Ellie must hold tight to who she is and who she loves as she prepares for the ultimate battle for Heaven and Earth.

In this final installment in the Angelfire trilogy, Courtney Allison Moulton brings her dark world of epic battles and blistering romance to a blazing bright conclusion.
From goodreads.com

This is book three, so there might be tiny spoilers, but I'll do my best.

I can’t believe I’m writing a review for the last book in the Angelfire series. I have the most bittersweet feelings about this. If you’ve been following me for a while you know my love for Courtney’s writing and these particular characters. 

Shadows in the Silence picks up where Wings of the Wicked left off. If you’ve read my review of Wings of the Wicked you know how many feels I had for that book. There was SO MUCH going on. It broke my heart, it really did. Ellie is on a mission to find a cure for Will and she goes to one person she knows will be able to help, Cadan. Ellie will stop at nothing to save the one she loves, even dealing with forces of the evil. But is Cadan really evil? In order to save the world, Ellie will have to push herself beyond anything she could’ve imagined. Is she strong enough? 

Guys, I don’t even know where to start. I’m so conflicted about this review because I want to say so much but at the same time I can’t. 

I loved this book to pieces. Ellie stands as one of my favorite heroines in young adult literature right now. She’s strong and fierce. Real and emotional. She’s every girl and yet she’s not. I think Courtney created a persona that inspires and really pushes you beyond the norm. 

Will. *le sigh* I can’t even talk about this boy without swooning. He’s everything a girl needs. Strong, capable, a hopeless romantic. I just want to hug him to pieces. I loved watching Ellie and Will together, their relationship so sweet and real. They are so not your typical YA couple. You should’ve heard Courtney and I discuss this particular topic *snickers*

I have the utmost love for this series and these characters. I adored Cadan, Katie, Marcus and every other character Courtney penned on that paper. Seriously, it’s hard to pick just one thing that I enjoyed about this series. I can’t wait to see what Courtney will come up with next. I recommend these books to anyone who loves good writing coupled with a strong breathtaking romance and action that keeps you on the corner of your seat. You did well Courtney, you did well! 

Shadows in the Silence comes out January 29th, 2013. 

Happy reading, 

Valia 

Book Haul: 10-19-12

Hello darlings,
I know it's been a while, but look what I have for you today. A video! And I'm in it! Hope you enjoy, but I warn you. Proceed at your own caution. I'm a bit delirious.



What's in your mailbox?

Happy reading, 
Valia 

Book Spotlight: Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger

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.
From goodreads.com

This story is about Vane, a seventeen-year-old orphan who finds out there is more to him than meets the eye. As a child, Vane survives a category five tornado that killed his parents. Ever since that day, he’s been dreaming (and sometimes possibly seeing) a girl. The girl, Audra, is not a figment of his imagination, but a mystical creature who is his guardian. As events take place, Vane and Audra meet face to face. He discovers the truth of his nature, and together they will have to fight in order to save themselves and those depending on them. 

This is pretty much how I feel throughout the book.

Now, let’s talk about this book. No, seriously, I have no idea where to start. Do I begin with the fabulous storyline? Can we talk about swoon-worthy Vane? or kick butt Audra? Or how about the beautiful writing? See my problem here? Too much of good stuff just overwhelming the brain. 

Yes, I needed two swoony pictures here :)

Vane. Oh, Vane *le sigh* I really enjoyed watching this boy grow. I really liked how he really started out as a typical teenage boy, full on with his laziness (I’m a pro at teenage boys, I have brothers). Yet, as the story went on, I really felt like he worked at becoming a better version of himself. I have to say, I’m a sucker for those unlikely heroes. 

Audra. Well, she was just a ball of laughs, that one (feel the sarcasm?) I actually really enjoyed Audra as a character. Her strict, take no nonsense was refreshing. I like me a good heroine and Audra really portrayed that to me. She had to work through some personal issues, make a teenage boy listen to her, and kick butt in the process. It’s a win all around. And together these two are just too freaking adorable! Just saying. 

The writing here was amazing. I’ve stated previously that I really enjoy dual point of view. Especially when it’s done properly. I have to say, Shannon nailed it. Both of the characters were given new depths through her use of interchangeable point of views, taking the story to a whole new level. There are no many things out there (in literature) that haven’t been tried, yet I felt that Shannon introduced a new side to the story. The world she created was realistic, enchanting, and right outside our front doors. 

For you, Shannon

There is one sad thing about this book. It doesn’t release until March of 2013. Yes, that is along time, and even longer for me waiting for that second one. Seriously, I might be in tears over here with the waiting. But I highly recommend everyone to pre-order this book. You won’t be sorry. And go ahead, come back and thank me for sharing the awesome! :)

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 

Book Haul & Bloopers (watch at your own risk)

Hello lovelies,
So just like I mentioned in the video, I don't know if this middle of the night vlogging is a good idea. Am I scary?
Anyway, enjoy all the goodies I got!




People I mentioned:

http://www.youtube.com/user/thereadables
Amber - http://www.youtube.com/user/AmberPepper
Appraising Pages - http://appraisingpages.com

IF you're still with me, leave me suggestions below! 

What did you get in your mailbox? 

Hugs and Happy reading!!! 
Valia

Book Spotlight: Defiance by C.J. Redwine

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.

As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.
From Goodreads.com


       I read this book in March. I was the lucky winner of the first ever ARC and I couldn't wait to read it. The story sounds so amazing and I couldn't wait to hear what happens.
       So now I’m writing a review of Defiance. Oh My Goodness!!!! 

I devoured this book. *Jumps up and down in happiness* It's soooo good! A total win!

Thank you for sharing my enthusiasm! :)

(Sorry, I just had to take a moment and freak out a little bit. )

Rachel is so broken and real and powerful. I loved reading her struggle to keep herself from losing all that she is and discovering what makes her the kind of person she needs and wants to be. C.J. describes her journey very well. I loved the action scenes! She's definitely kick butt kind of a girl!

Logan is *swoons* *faints* *passes out from awesome*
        LOGAN!!!! (by the way, I adore that name).
 I’m sorry I just can’t help myself. His voice is so raw and beautiful! I loved his character, his mind, his everything. 

Their relationship is officially one of my favorites. 

Sometimes I feel there are too many "love at first sight" "omw he's so cute, I just met him but he's my soulmate" kind of relationships. Not that I don’t appreciate those once in a while, but Rachel and Logan are not prince and princess, they're real, powerful, blow your mind characters that have the chemistry that will pull you in and won’t let you go.

The world C.J. created is full of beautiful real people struggling to survive. They live behind walls, protecting themselves not only from the harsh rulers but the creatures threatening to destroy their existence. The story is full of twists and turns, and characters who will grip your heart and leave you breathless.  

This book comes out September of 2012 and I can’t wait for you all to read it! I’ll definitely be reposting this review closer to the release date just so you can ooh and aww over it and run and buy the book! 

So Many Emotions!!! I can't handle it!!!!
        Much love, 

Valia 

Book Haul Galore with Lots of Awesome!

Hello lovelies,
I'm back!!! I know, I feel like I keep saying that about everything, but it's true! It's been awhile! Not to worry though, it was worth the way. Now without any farther wait, I present to you, the books I got since my last mailbox!


Thanks to: 
Around the World ARC Tours 
Tor Books 
Sourcebooks Fire 
Harper Teen 
Penguin Books 
And random people I don't know! 
Now, that was a lot of books! 


What's in your mailbox? 


Happy reading! 
Valia