Book Spotlight: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Mass

DISCLAIMER: PLEASE PROCEED WITH CAUTION. FULL ON FANGIRLING AHEAD! (also, probably the longest review I've ever written because I simply couldn't shut up about it)

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.

Her opponents are men—thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the kings council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she’ll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.

Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she’s bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it’s the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.
From Goodreads.com

This book takes off from the first pages. We are introduced to Celaena, an eighteen year old assassin who has been in prison within the salt mines of Endovier. The crown prince Dorian comes to give her the freedom she so desperately needs in exchange for becoming his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. She travels to the Castle of Glass with prince and captain of the guard Westfall. The castle becomes a battleground, with random killings and people out to see Celaena fail. There her new life begins and what an adventure it is. 

I cannot even tell you how amazing this book truly is! Honestly, I’ve been wondering on how to write this review without being all mushy and spoilery for months! There is so much to the story, and it’s written in such an excellent way that it keeps you up at night, begging you to turn just one more page. 

Celaena is a wonderful, complex character who works hard at becoming the best version of herself. She is thrown into the den of the wolves so to speak when she comes face to face with the men - “thieves, assassins, and warriors” - to battle. I loved watching her grow as an individual, discovering parts of herself that made her who she is. She is most definitely a kick butt kind of a character that movies are made about (*nudge nudge*). 

On the other side of Celaena are Prince Dorian and Captain Westfall. Both are there to help her grown and train so that she can win the battle. However, both are also there to teach her things about herself she didn’t think she was capable of feeling. Both Prince Dorian and Captain Westfall are exquisite characters that I loved to pieces (maybe Captain Westfall a bit more) :-D I am partial to Captain (can I get one somewhere please?) because I feel like I can relate to him more, and I loved seeing his character a lot more (please let there be more of him in the coming books) than Dorian (although Dorian is plenty interesting as well). 

The battle scenes and the training in this book were amazing! I loved how well Sarah writes these, almost making it seem like you’re watching a movie! The scenes are so smooth, so realistic, they made ma gasp a few times, worried that one of my beloved characters will get hurt! Celaena can kick some serious butt though! I especially loved Celaena and Westfall dynamic in training and the final battle! Aww, Westfall! :-D

What I’m trying to say with all of these ramblings is that August 7th should be the day everyone, and I mean everyone, goes to the closes bookstore and buys this book! Throne of Glass has rekindled my love for fantasy and I cannot thank Sarah enough for that. She has created a world so full of wonder, complexity, and self discovery I don’t know how you cannot love this book! Throne of Glass is a full ride, filled with action, adventure, and characters you dream about at night! 

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!

Book Spotlight: Erasing Time by C.J. Hill

In this high-action and romantic futuristic adventure, there is no escape from the future for two contemporary girls pulled out of their own time.

When twins Sheridan and Taylor wake up 400 years in the future, they find a changed world: domed cities, no animals, and a language that’s so different, it barely sounds like English. And the worst news: They can’t go back home.

The twenty-fifth-century government transported the girls to their city hoping to find a famous scientist to help perfect a devastating new weapon. The moblike Dakine fights against the government, and somehow Taylor and Sheridan find themselves in the middle. The only way to elude them all is to trust Echo, a guy with secrets of his own. The trio must put their faith in the unknown to make a harrowing escape into the wilds beyond the city.

Full of adrenaline-injected chases and heartbreaking confessions, Erasing Time explores the strength of the bonds between twins, the risks and rewards of trust, and the hard road to finding the courage to fight for what you believe in.
From goodreads.com

Thank you ATWAT for the copy!

Let me start out by saying that I had no idea what to expect from this book. I ended up reading two books having to do with twins back to back, and honestly I wasn’t sure how well that was going to work for me. The other side of this is the fact that I was a little nervous about the whole 400 years in the future aspect. I adore science fiction, when its written well, and sometimes when its not I just want to cry myself to sleep at night. Now, after all that, I just like you to know that I enjoyed Erasing Time. Tremendously. 

Literally, I flew through this book in one sitting (with lots of stops because I was at work, but still). 

Erasing Time follows the story of two girls, who are twins, and get stuck 400 years in the future. Apparently, the world is falling apart and only someone from our time can save it (Or help destroy it. You know them political types). Sheridan and Taylor are both likable characters. They’re twins and sisters, but different like night and day. I really enjoyed the writing of them together, it was a nice contrast. Personally, I felt more drawn to Sheldon, the reserved twin. I felt like her character was one I could relate to more and I was rooting for her the whole book.Then, there is Echo. Oh Echo, the broken hero of the story. His character has a lot of potential behind it. There is depth, there is warrior, and there is the romantic. This maybe a little spoilery but there is no love triangle in this book, which made me insanely happy. I can’t say if that will change or not in the next one, it might, but as of right now, I’m glad its just one girl and one boy. Sometimes I just get so tired of the whole triangle thing, its nice to read something without it. 

Overall, this book was an interesting read! C.J. created a very realistic futuristic world, full of twists and turns. While I would have like a bit more character and relationship development (seriously, they just fall into the whole relationship thing) this is a good beginning to a series. C.J.’s use of words and descriptions will transport you 400 years in the future and take you on a journey like no other!

Erasing Time comes out August 28th! Let me know what you think!

Happy reading, 

Valia 

Book Spotlight: Secret Letters by Leah Scheier

Inquisitive and observant, Dora dreams of escaping her aristocratic country life to solve mysteries alongside Sherlock Holmes. So when she learns that the legendary detective might be her biological father, Dora jumps on the opportunity to travel to London and enlist his help in solving the mystery of her cousin's ransomed love letters. But Dora arrives in London to devastating news: Sherlock Holmes is dead. Her dreams dashed, Dora is left to rely on her wits--and the assistance of an attractive yet enigmatic young detective--to save her cousin's reputation and help rescue a kidnapped heiress along the way. 
Steeped in Victorian atmosphere and intrigue, this gripping novel heralds the arrival of a fresh new voice in young adult literature.


From Goodreads.com

Thank you Around the World ARC Tours for the book!

I was very interested in reading this book because I love mysteries and Sherlock Holmes. Recently, I haven't read a lot of historical fiction so this was a bit new for me. Secret Letters follow the story of Dora, a girl living in the country, dreaming of becoming a detective. When she learns that Sherlock Holmes is her biological father, she can't wait to go to London and meet him. However, her plans don't turn out quite like she hopes they would. 

Instead of Sherlock Holmes, Dora meets Peter, a young detective who takes it on  himself to help Dora and her cousin with their little blackmailing problem. I liked Dora as a character. I enjoyed watching her try to prove herself in the male dominated world. She took risks and she used her head, and I always love that in a heroine. 

Peter, however, was probably my favorite aspect of the story. He was fun and dominated the story even though he wasn't the main character. I just loved him. A lot. I wish there was more of him in the story, and I wish there was more of him and Dora in the story. 

Overall, this was a good read for anyone interested in Sherlock Holmes-esque stories. The ending left an opening for another book, so I'm looking forward to other adventures by Dora and Peter. This debut comes out June 26th. 


Happy Reading, 
Valia

Book Spotlight: Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown

Calder White lives in the cold, clear waters of Lake Superior, the only brother in a family of murderous mermaids. To survive, Calder and his sisters prey on humans, killing them to absorb their energy. But this summer the underwater clan targets Jason Hancock out of pure revenge. They blame Hancock for their mother's death and have been waiting a long time for him to return to his family's homestead on the lake. Hancock has a fear of water, so to lure him in, Calder sets out to seduce Hancock's daughter, Lily. Easy enough—especially as Calder has lots of practice using his irresistable good looks and charm on ususpecting girls. Only this time Calder screws everything up: he falls for Lily—just as Lily starts to suspect that there's more to the monsters-in-the-lake legends than she ever imagined. And just as his sisters are losing patience with him.


From Goodreads.com

Lies Beneath is not just another mermaid story. Right away, I knew this book would be different, and the different surprised me. 

The story is told from Calder’s point of view, a brother to three mermaids seeking revenge. Calder’s job is to get close to Lily, the daughter of a man who is responsible for  their mother’s death. While Calder is a merman who needs to kill humans in order to absorb their energy, he is not a cold hearted killer. He’s different and that difference brings him into Lily’s world and her heart. 

The relationship between the two develops past the hunter/hunted. Calder makes himself appealing to Lily, trying to win her over and as a result ends up with an outcome he didn’t see coming. Calder is the perfect wounded hero, trying to survive and do the right thing at the same time. I loved watching him struggle and grow through the challenges his quest (and his sisters) presented. Lily was a fun character to read as well. She’s a take no prisoners kind of a girl with a love for poetry. When she finally opens her heart to Calder, she doesn’t back down. They’re adorable together!

I loved the more realistic take on the mermaid lore. It was nice to see the monster aspect of beloved creatures. Anne explores that in the most profound way that is very appealing. I really enjoyed this book and I really can’t wait to read what happens next. Lies Beneath comes out June 12th! 

Happy reading, 

Valia 

Book Spotlight: Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig (Debut)

Willa’s secret plan seems all too simple: take from the rich kids at Valley Prep and give to the poor ones. 

Yet Willa’s turn as Robin Hood at her ultra-exclusive high school is anything but. Bilking her “friends”-known to everyone as the Glitterati-without them suspecting a thing, is far from easy. Learning how to pick pockets and break into lockers is as difficult as she’d thought it’d be. Delivering care packages to the scholarship girls, who are ostracized just for being from the “wrong” side of town, is way more fun than she’d expected. 

The complication Willa didn’t expect, though, is Aidan Murphy, Valley Prep’s most notorious (and gorgeous) ace-degenerate. His mere existence is distracting Willa from what matters most to her-evening the social playing field between the have and have-nots. There’s no time for crushes and flirting with boys, especially conceited and obnoxious trust-funders like Aidan. 

But when the cops start investigating the string of burglaries at Valley Prep and the Glitterati begin to seek revenge, could he wind up being the person that Willa trusts most?
From Goodreads.com
Review:

As soon as I saw the cover and synopsis for Pretty Crooked I had to get my hands on it. I love Robin Hood type of stories and Pretty Crooked didn’t disappoint. 

The story starts out with Willa running for her life and thinking about everything she’s done. Then we flashback to her first day of school and that’s where the story begins. Willa is a fun character to read and explore with. She has many tough decisions in front of her and she tackles them one at a time. She meets lots of interesting people at her school, including a trio of mean girls, a rich bad boy with a bad reputation and a gorgeous prankster Aiden. I liked Willa’s development throughout the story. She decides on the whole Robin Hood ploy and she runs with it. I also like Aiden, a lot! That boy can make anyone blush. Their relationship is sweet and fun, loaded with obstacles. The last chapter is probably one of my favorites in the whole book. We’re left with so many unanswered questions I was mad at the end of the book. Well, maybe not mad mad, but no, you know what yes, mad mad! I turned the page and “NO! You cannot do that to me you evil author!” 

Overall, Pretty Crooked is a fun interesting YA Debut. Elisa crafted a story that is entertaining and meaningful. I really enjoyed reading it and I cannot wait to see what happens next. Pretty Crooked is out today!

PS. Would love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading, 

Valia 

A Walk in the Park with Veronica Rossi

Hello lovelies, 
Welcome to another Walk in the Park with your favorite author! I have to say I'm super excited about today's guest. Veronica Rossi is the debut author of Under the Never Sky (Review here). I absolutely and completely loved that book and Veronica is quickly turning out to be one of my favorite people! Everyone, please welcome Veronica Rossi!


*round of applause*

Welcome Veronica! Thank you so much for taking the time to take a little “walk” with me.

Under the Never Sky is a fabulous story. (I’m seriously in love with the story. I couldn’t put it down. But you’ll see that in my review lol) The world building is truly fascinating. What was the inspiration behind the world you created?

Thank you, Valia! The world came out of a desire to compare past and future, technological advancement with something primitive. I read a lot and spent time brainstorming for a few weeks and it began to come together.

Aria is a strong character who overcomes a lot challenges before her. (I really liked how she struggles to overcome the prejudice of the world she grew up in.) What was the hardest part in writing her? 

Well, to be honest, the hardest part was staying true to her prejudices! In the beginning of the story, she had to be terrified, and a little cruel. Her exile into the outer world wouldn't ring true otherwise.

Perry is a very complex individual. (and fascinating, and *le sigh* I love me some tortured heroes.) His struggles are very compelling within the story.  What was the best part in writing him? 

I love writing Perry because he's quiet on the surface but there's a lot going on underneath. He's very loyal and incredibly kind, once you get through his walls. He's just a blast to write.

I know you’ve mentioned this before but who was your favorite character to write and why? 

This question is practically unanswerable! Of course, the two leads. I also adore writing Roar and Marron. Soren was quite fun, as is Hess. See? I'm just naming them all....

What can you tell us about the rest of the series? (CANNOT wait!!! :-) 

: ) Thank you! Well, I'm working on it now, and I'll say that the stakes really climb. The Aether ramps up, and people start to panic and make some surprising--and sometimes poor--decisions. The Still Blue goes from being a rumor, to the only chance for survival.

What is one thing you wish you knew before beginning writing? 

How much patience it takes! And that revision is the best part of the process. I could revise endlessly and be happy.

Do you think being an artist helped you as a writer? (Sometimes I feel it helps me to take a break from writing and just paint or have a photo shoot.) 

That's great to hear! And I do think my art background brought something to my writing. I'm extremely visual. I need to be able to see the things I write. 

Coffee or Tea (I always seem to ask this question) :) 

Coffee in the morning. Tea in the afternoon.

Favorite Desert

Not much for dessert, but I'll say anything chocolate!

One world you wish you could live in

Whatever world my sons and husband are in :D 

Favorite book growing up

Anything Judy Blume, and then later, anything Tolkein or Arthurian.

Thank you so much for joining me on my “Walk in the Park”!!! 

Thanks so much for having me, Valia!

So, what are you guys waiting for? Have you checked out Under the Never Sky? What do you think? 

Much love, 

Valia

Book Spotlight: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

WORLDS KEPT THEM APART. 

DESTINY BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER. 

Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she's never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim. 

Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He's searching for someone too. He's also wild - a savage - but might be her best hope at staying alive. 

If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answer.


From Goodreads.com


Aria is a Dweller. Perry is an Outsider. One night, their paths are brought together and then everything changes. This book pulled me right in. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed Aria and Perry's characters (along with everyone else). There is so much truth in these pages, written with excellence that will leave you wanting more. But I digress. 


Aria is a wonderful character. From the beginning of the book she is growing and developing. When she is kicked out of her home, she's in despair. Yet, she doesn't give up, she becomes a fighter.
Perry has always been a fighter. After all, his life requires him to kill or be killed. When his world crashes around him, he must make decisions he never thought he would. These two become allies.
I loved Aria and Perry's characters and their relationship. Nothing about their world is easy, including the alliance they develop, and that is the beauty of the book. Veronica created a place of pain, brought two characters together, and taught them that not everything is how it seems. Even though I wouldn't want to live in a world filled with Aether and storms that burn your flesh, I wouldn't mind finding myself a Perry. This book is filled with twists and turns, beautiful characters, and a lesson we all must learn. Beauty is found in the deepest hearts of people. I sat, stunned after reading the last page of the book and I cannot wait for more. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves dystopian genre and characters that stay with you long after the pages are read.


Veronica is a sweetheart and she will be stopping by a "Walk in the Park" in the near future. I hope you guys get your hands on Under the Never Sky and come back to hear a few insides about the story. 


Have you guys read this book? What are your thoughts? 


Much love, 
Valia 

Book Spotlight: Ditched: A Love Story by Robin Mellom

High school senior Justina Griffith was never the girl who dreamed of going to prom. Designer dresses and strappy heels? Not her thing. So she never expected her best friend, Ian Clark, to ask her.

Ian, who always passed her the baseball bat handle first.

Ian, who knew exactly when she needed red licorice.

Ian, who promised her the most amazing night at prom.

And then ditched her.

Now, as the sun rises over her small town, and with only the help of some opinionated ladies at the 7-Eleven, Justina must piece together — stain by stain on her thrift-store dress — exactly how she ended up dateless. A three-legged Chihuahua was involved. Along with a demolition derby-ready Cadillac. And there was that incident at the tattoo parlor. Plus the flying leap from Brian Sontag's moving car...

But to get the whole story, Justina will have to face the boy who ditched her. And discover if losing out at prom can ultimately lead to true love.

From Goodreads.com

Ditched is a story of Justina and her prom night. Her dream came true when best friend (and hopefully something more and soon) Ian asked her to prom. We meet Justina in the early morning as she is pushed out of a car and lands in a ditch. Her dress torn and stained, she walks to the closest gas station for some help. What she finds is a place and people who want to hear her story. So she takes us back to the beginning and tells us what happened.
From the first pages this book captured and held my attention. Justina is a fun, real character who has a problem with assuming things which leads her into a lot of trouble. Following the journey on her prom night, we discover how she sees the world and people around her. It was intriguing getting to know the characters as she sees them, and it added a special touch to the story.
Enter Ian. He was such a epitome of a perfect teenage boy I just need to take a moment to fan myself here. He's kind, energetic, and with a heart of gold. They really should make more of them like it, just saying. His relationship with Justina is heartwarming and sweet. Above all else, he is her best friend, and isn't that how the best love stories start?
Robin created a prom night that made me wish I actually went to mine. She tells the story in a delightful way that leaves you laughing and crying right along with the characters. If you enjoy movies like Pretty in Pink or Sixteen Candles, Ditched is a story for you. Ditched will make you fall in love and leave you smiling long after you read the last pages.

Ditched is a fabulous debut from Robin Mellom, so go out and get it now! Also, make sure to check back for a little "Walk in the Park" with Robin sometime next week! 

Much love, 

Valia 

Book Spotlight: Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

NEWSOUL 
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why. 

NOSOUL 
Even Ana’s own mother thinks she’s a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she’ll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are suspicious and afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame? 

HEART 
Sam believes Ana’s new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana’s enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else’s life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all? 
From Goodreads.com


Review:
Incarnate is a story of Ana, a Newsoul. Ana was born into a world where she should not exist. Newsouls are not part of the rotation, until she comes along. Everyone, including her own mother, looks at Ana as if she's a mistake, as if she's the enemy. After all if one soul didn't return, how many are next?
So Ana decides to find some answers. Enter Sam, a handsome stranger who saves her and welcomes her in when no one else would. Their relationship blossoms in a beautiful and sweet way that makes your heart smile. I very much enjoyed watching their relationship develop because it felt real and heartwarming. Ana is a fabulous character who has to overcome many obstacles, while her love for music keeps her grounded. Sam the guy every girl wants. He's real, kind, and looks beyond the obvious into what is truly important.
If being the "new kid on the block" isn't enough, dangers lurk on every corner. When sylph and dragons attack, no one is safe. Opposition follows Ana on every side whether it is human or creature. Yet, thru it all, Ana learns, fights, and develops in a way that makes for a great story.
Jodi creates a world full of wonder, lovable characters, dangerous creatures, and a love that breaks all barriers. This world is just as magical as it is real. I cannot wait to see what happens next! This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you wanting for more.
Incarnate comes out January 31, 2012! Get it, read it, love it! Also, I'll be posting a very special interview with Jodi on Monday. Look for that (and maybe even a giveaway).

Much love,
Valia

Book Spotlight: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . . 

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future. 


From Goodreads.com

When I first heard about this book, I was intrigued but not exactly sold on the concept. Sure, I like my super awesome technology just like any other girl and Cyborgs are definitely part of that list. However, I just wasn’t sure how it was going to look on paper. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised!

Cinder is a story about a girl mechanic, part Cyborg, part something else. She is harassed by her step mother, hated by her step sister, and looked down on for being who she is. Yet, she stands tall and works against all odds. I loved Cinder as the main character. I felt myself cheering “You go girl!” more than once during the book. Then, enters Prince Kai. Well, hello gorgeous! Right away, I enjoyed the relationship weaving between the two. It wasn’t just your ordinary “love at first swoon”, it was a real working relationship. Marissa takes two characters and makes them their own. Doom hangs over them at every step and they are forced to make tough decisions, and yet, they keep coming back to each other. That is real love story in the making.

And that ending, oh. my. goodness. that ending!!! What a cliffhanger! Book 2 is going to be fabulous, I can see it already!

The writing is beautiful, with just enough heart to keep you up at nights. Marissa weaves all aspects of a good fairy tale and makes it her own. The world Cinder lives in is painted with the best colors of words. The setting and the people are so real you can almost reach out and touch them. Cinder will grip your heart and leave you gasping for more. You are going to fall in love! 

Cinder hits the shelfs January 3, 2012! I highly recommend this book to anyone! 

Happy Reading, 

Valia 

PS. Let me know what you think! 

Book Spotlight: Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallow

Their love was meant to be.

When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRís.

But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction.

From goodreads.com

Seriously, I don’t even know where to begin. I guess I can sum it up with a few sentences. Carrier is Fabulous. Yes, with a capital F. The characters are fun, real, and intense. Leigh is brilliant. Alright, I’m done.

But seriously. I loved Carrier so very much. The characters in this book have a definite pull to them. Megan is a girl who had a trouble past but she still looks at life through rose colored glasses. When she moves to a new place, she meets people who help her discover a bit about herself. She learns about her destiny, and takes charge of it. Megan is a strong character who doesn’t run away from things she wants. Such as Adam. Oh Adam. Insert swoon fest right there. I swear people need to stop writing all these wonderful guys into my life. He’s a definite pull to the story. He is also not afraid to fight for what he wants and I find that drool worthy in a man. 

I loved Megan and Adam’s relationship. They are pulled together by something outside of their control and yet they make sure that what they have is real. That was a special touch in their relationship that made me sigh more than once. 

Also, I enjoyed all of the characters in the story. Megan’s best friend and her girly problems kept Megan grounded. Then there was Adam’s family who are all very interesting individuals. The whole element of the story was unique and pulled me right in. 

Carrier is a wonderfully written debut. Leigh’s words pull you in from the first pages and keep you addicted for more. Entertaining, intriguing, and passionate Carrier will take you to a world like none before, leaving you breathless. The magic of this book will stay with you long after you read the last page. 

Carrier of the Mark is out October 4th. Get it, read it, love it!!! 


PS. Special thanks to Alex Bennet for sending me the ARC!! *Hugs and kisses* 
PSS. Let me know what you think!!!

Book Spotlight: Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey

“It seemed so right. Danny was mine, I was his, and that wasn’t going to work if he was dead. So I would make him not dead, not anymore. I didn’t think any further than what it would feel like to kiss him again, to wrap my arms around him and bury my head against his shoulder.
That was my first mistake. It also turned out to be the biggest.” 

When her boyfriend, Danny, is killed in a car accident, Wren can’t imagine living without him. Wild with grief, she uses the untamed powers she’s inherited to bring him back. But the Danny who returns is just a shell of the boy she once loved. 

Wren has spent four months keeping Danny hidden, while her life slowly unravels around her. Then Gabriel DeMarnes transfers to her school and somehow, inexplicably, he can sense her secret. Wren finds herself drawn to Gabriel, who is so much more alive than the ghost of the boy she loved. But Wren can’t turn her back on Danny or the choice she made for him—and she realizes she must find a way to make things right, even if it means breaking her own heart. 
From Goodreads.com

      I have to begin by saying that this story will take your breath away. When I first heard about the concept I wasn’t sure what to expect. There are various way this story could’ve played out. However, nothing prepared me to the spectacular way Amy delivers Wren’s story. 

When Wren loses her boyfriend in a car accident, she loses her first love. She is a special girl, with powers living within her that she doesn’t quite understand. She reaches out to that power in a moment of grief and brings Danny back to life. Or more accurately to the land of the living. Danny is not the same boy she fell in love with. Wren spends most of her time hiding Danny and trying to figure out what the future will hold.

Then Gabriel walks into her life, and he knows her secret. Yes, even the deepest and darkest secret of her power. Gabriel and Wren draw closer together. Their relationship is beautiful and difficult because Wren is still trying to make things right with Danny. Danny is a broken shell of a boy she once knew. Gabriel is a gorgeous complication. How do you chose between your first love and a boy who seems to see down to your soul? 

This book was one of the best books I’ve read all year. The writing is charming, full of heart. I have to be honest and say that I’ve shed a few tears reading this story. Alright, maybe a bit more than few. I wouldn’t call it an ocean per say. :)

I can’t begin to explain the decisions that Wren has to make in this book. Even though this story incorporates supernatural, the life Wren lives can be related to every day situations. We all make decisions that may break our hearts. Some things, some people, stay with you to your very soul. How do you let go of that? Do you let go at all? This book is elegantly written. It touches the heart, speaks to the soul, and teaches you that life is beautiful, even with pain and heartache. Amy weaves the words together in a way that brings us close to the characters and shows us the ways of life. You don’t just read this book, you feel it. 

Cold Kiss hits the shelfs September 20th! I highly recommend it!!! 

Happy Reading,

Valia