How to Deal: Writing Vlog #1

Hello lovelies,

So, I decided to film these vlog videos to talk a bit more about my writing process and such. I really hope you enjoy this one. If you do, make sure to let me know, so that I know to make more.




If you don't subscribe to my YouTube channel, I would really love you if you did! 

Hugs and kisses,

Valia 

Unboxing #2: In which I go a little bit slaphappy...

Hello there lovelies,

So in case you don't follow me on YouTube, I decided I'll share my randomness with you on here.



*giggles* I may have been a bit tired in this video. And super excited. 

Love and comments are welcome!

Hugs, 

Valia 

Book Spotlight: Marie Antoinette Serial Killer by Katie Alender

Colette Iselin is excited to go to Paris on a class trip. She’ll get to soak up the beauty and culture, and maybe even learn something about her family’s French roots.

But a series of gruesome murders are taking place across the city, putting everyone on edge. And as she tours museums and palaces, Colette keeps seeing a strange vision: a pale woman in a ball gown and powdered wig, who looks suspiciously like Marie Antoinette.

Colette knows her popular, status-obsessed friends won’t believe her, so she seeks out the help of a charming French boy. Together, they uncover a shocking secret involving a dark, hidden history. When Colette realizes she herself may hold the key to the mystery, her own life is suddenly in danger . . .

Acclaimed author Katie Alender brings heart-stopping suspense to this story of revenge, betrayal, intrigue — and one killer queen.

From Goodreads.com

     Colette is beyond excited to go to Paris. Recently, her life hasn't been all that she'd hope it would be. Her family is going through some changes, and she's ready to get away. But Paris isn't all that it's cracked out to be either. There is a murderer on the lose and whether she likes it or not, Colette is pulled into that world of trouble. Together with a few unlikely friends, she must solve the puzzle of her past before it's too late. 
     This is my first Katie Alender book. I feel like I should mention that from the start. I do own book one in her other series, but I've never read it. So for me, this book was a completely new experience. I also should mention that even now, I'm not sure how I'm feeling about it. But I'm getting ahead of myself. 
     Colette is the main character in this story and she is one confused little girl. I feel like that's the best way I can describe her for most of the story. She makes decisions that drive me insane and she is pretty shallow over all. Now, I know that's the way she is written for a reason, but I just couldn't get behind her for most of the book. There were times where I thought "Oh yes, finally!" and then, "Oh never mind." 
     The other characters in this book drove me right up the wall as well. Most of them are annoying and shallow and say and do things that are really frustrating. I did enjoy Jules character. He's the tour guide that comes into the picture and I really like it when he's involved. I also really liked Ashley :) That's all I'm saying about that, because you'll just have to read it. 
      Now, after saying all that, I did enjoy the book. The historical aspect was wonderful and the imagery of all the places Colette went was great. If I wanted to go to Paris before, I definitely want to go now. I also really enjoyed the murder aspect. I think it was a neat idea overall, and I really liked the way it all came together in the end. 
     Basically, you can see my struggles with this book. While I wasn't sold on the writing style, I like the overall idea. I'm curios enough to read other books by Ms Alender and I think that says a lot. I hope you guys go out and pick up your copy on September 24th, 2013. I think a lot of you will enjoy it! Plus, did I mention it's about Paris? :)

     Happy reading, 

     Valia 

TRYING NEW THINGS: BRAIDS

Remember how I said I'm making my blog a little bit more personal? 
Today, we shall talk about hair. 

I'm one of those strange people who does not like putting her hair up. Seriously, I will curl it, scrunch it, straighten it. But when it comes to ponytails or heaven forbid, braids, I'm a definite no go.

This is my hair, pretty much 99% of the time. --------------> 

I love it. I really do. But I've been trying to fix that lately. Trying new things. And I kind of fell in love with braids again. 
So below, are a few hairstyles I've been donning lately. 
(I'm sorry for the lack of personal pictures. I will work on posting those) 

Pinterest is my friend in this sense, so thank you all of the wonderful people for posting these tutorials. 

     This one is probably my favorite go-to right now. Since Arizona is an extremely hot place to live, this hair style allows for a little cooling off. If I'm outside at all, working on something, or even swimming, this is great way to keep your bangs from being plastered on your forehead. 
     Sometimes, I'll leave my hair down, curling the tips. Other times, I'll pull it back, to keep off my neck. Either way, it looks great and is easy and practical.
                             
     
    This is another cute way to spice up your hair a little. Just braid your hair on one side, then pull it back into a ponytail. I've done this keeping my bangs down and pulling them back. I like it both ways. 

    And last but now least, the side braid. What I did here was take one of the three parts of the braid and braid it into a smaller one. Then using that braid as part of the three, I braided them into the side. Then, I pulled the braid apart a bit, making it fuller around my head. You can even add a scarf or a band to the hair, making it more dressed up. 

Well, these are my top three go-to hairstyles right now. They take just a few minutes and make life so much easier. 


What kind of hairstyles do you prefer? Let me know what you think of these. 

XOXO, 

Valia 

A few new things.

     
     I decided I needed some change in my life. 

     Change is good right? I mean, change is what makes us grow, what gets us to that next level. There are some changes brewing in all aspects of my life right now and as soon as I can, I'll be sharing those with you. In leu of all the changes, I decided this blog needed some extra love as well. 

     I've been seriously obsessed with beauty and fashion blogs lately. Pinterest is, of course, my daily stop in my Internet adventures. And while some of you might follow me on Pinterest, a lot of you don't. There are a lot of awesome out there that I would love to share with you. And hey, it's September. Why nt start something, right? 
     I know when I first started this blog I shared a lot more of personal type of posts. I'm not sure when I got away from that, or if I actually made a conscious decision to do so. But I want to get back to that. Kind of. A little. 

This blog is about me. 
My writing life. 
My reading life. 

     Those last two are predominant. The first one, I kind of forget about. 

     So, no more of that. Starting today, you get all kinds of random posts about things that interest me. I'm hoping this way, you'll get to know me a bit better and we can be friends :) 

     Are you ready? 

  
     XOXO - Valia 

Book Spotlight: Through the Zombie Glass (White Rabbit Chronicles #2) by Gena Showalter

     Inspired by the childhood classic Alice in Wonderland, this harrowing and romantic story features teen zombie slayer Alice Bell who has lost so much—family, friends, her home. After a strange new zombie attack, Alice fears she may be losing her mind as well. A terrible darkness blooms inside her, urging her to do wicked things. The whispers of the dead assault her ears and mirrors seem to come frighteningly to life. She’s never needed her team of zombie slayers more—including her boyfriend, Cole—than she does now. But as Cole strangely withdraws and the zombies gain new strength, Ali knows one false step may doom them all.

From Goodreads.com

     Through the Zombie Glass picks up a bit after Alice in Zombieland ends. Ali is still recovering from the events of the previous book, while trying to figure out how to balance her normal life with her secret life. It may not be easy, but she's not alone. Cole, the gorgeous slayer and now Ali's boyfriend, is making sure she stays out of trouble. However, after a particular accident, Ali starts to experience things no one has experienced before. Trying to battle the forces of darkness is bad enough. Now, Ali must battle the forces within herself as well. 
     This book. THIS BOOK. If you remember my absolute love for book one, you'll be happy to know that love has intensified. I can't even begin to tell you how much I loved this one. I don't even know where to start. 
     Ali is seriously one of my favorite heroines. There's just something about her that you can totally relate to. However, she's still supernatural enough to make the storyline believable. I love her character, her struggles, her friendships, and of course, her relationship. I like how she pushes herself, how she strives to be better and protect those she loves. No matter the cost. Sure, just like any realistic character, she makes mistakes and drives you insane, but I think that just marks a well written story. She grew so much in this book, discovered things about herself and the world around her. And after all that, came out on top. 
     Now, let's talk about Cole. Oh dear goodness gracious, I really wanted to punch that boy in the face in this book. In a good way (yes, there is such a thing). I love him as the bad boy turned all protective and loyal. But seriously, dude, he really made me frustrated in the beginning. However, just like Ali, he grows into the kind of a person he ought to be and it was beautiful. I love those two together. They push each other. They make each other a better version of themselves. One of my favorite romances in YA right now. 
     The story in this book is amazing. Sure, some of it I kind of expected but I really believe Ms Showalter really delivered. Honestly guys, this book held none of the typical book two mediocrity that sometimes hits in the midst of a series. It was exciting and hilarious. Frustrating and unique. I love the characters, I love the storyline, I love the covers. I wish book three was out right now so I can re-read the whole series through. Seriously, if you haven't checked out these books yet, do it now! You won't regret it!
     Through the Zombie Glass is out September 24th, 2013! I'd love to hear your thoughts!

     Happy reading, 

     Valia 

Book Spotlight: Across a Star-Swept Sea by Diana Peterfreund

Centuries after wars nearly destroyed civilization, the two islands of New Pacifica stand alone, a terraformed paradise where even the Reduction—the devastating brain disorder that sparked the wars—is a distant memory. Yet on the isle of Galatea, an uprising against the ruling aristocrats has turned deadly. The revolutionaries’ weapon is a drug that damages their enemies’ brains, and the only hope is rescue by a mysterious spy known as the Wild Poppy.

On the neighboring island of Albion, no one suspects that the Wild Poppy is actually famously frivolous aristocrat Persis Blake. The teenager uses her shallow, socialite trappings to hide her true purpose: her gossipy flutternotes are encrypted plans, her pampered sea mink is genetically engineered for spying, and her well-publicized new romance with handsome Galatean medic Justen Helo… is her most dangerous mission ever.

Though Persis is falling for Justen, she can’t risk showing him her true self, especially once she learns he’s hiding far more than simply his disenchantment with his country’s revolution and his undeniable attraction to the silly socialite he’s pretending to love. His darkest secret could plunge both islands into a new dark age, and Persis realizes that when it comes to Justen Helo, she’s not only risking her heart, she’s risking the world she’s sworn to protect.

In this thrilling adventure inspired by The Scarlet Pimpernel, Diana Peterfreund creates an exquisitely rendered world where nothing is as it seems and two teens with very different pasts fight for a future only they dare to imagine.

From Goodreads.com

     Across a Star-Swept Sea is set in the same world as For Darkness Shows the Stars. If you remember my review of that book, you'll remember that I really enjoyed the world Diana created. Persuasion is one of my all time favorite books and I really enjoyed the retelling, set in this future society. When I found out there is a companion novel, I was very excited. Not sure what to expect from The Scarlet Pimpernel retelling, I have to be honest and admit I really enjoyed it.
     Persis is a rich spoiled girl, living life to the fullest away from the apprising on the island of Galetea. What the rest of the world doesn't know is that Persis is actually the infamous Wild Poppy, rebel and spy. Along with a group of trusted confidants, she battles the injustices that are brought on by those in power. When a handsome Galatean medic comes to her rescue on a mission gone not as well as she planned it, her world changes. Now, they are to play a loving couple in the eyes of everyone and Persis finds out that saving innocents is not the hardest job she could have. Keeping herself from really falling for Justen is. 
     Persis is an interesting character. I loved seeing the two sides of her, the rebel and the spoiled brat, battling each other. She is a brilliant girl who has to hide that aspect of her at every turn. I liked seeing the kind of a person she was with her friends and family. She had the smarts and the confidence to pull of being Wild Poppy, but she also had the compassion that set her apart from others. Sure, at times, I wanted to scream at her, but that was mostly when it came to Justen. 
     Now, Justen. Oh, Justen. He has just as many secrets as Persis, and he carries them close to his heart. I like that Justen has a conscience, that he wants to do something to right the wrongs of the society. He has a good heart and the love for his sister is adorable. It's fun seeing Persis and Justen together. She tries so hard to keep up her charade, yet he ends up seeing through it anyway. On the other hand, she has to forgive him for many things. I think that's what I like best about their relationship. It's not all beds of roses, they really have to work at it. 
     The world Diana created is powerful and unique. The characters that live in this world are fresh and intriguing. The combination of the two makes for an interesting tale. I really enjoyed how the first book tied in to the second, and it was nice seeing the characters from the other book. If you enjoyed book one, I highly recommend Across a Star-Swept Sea. The book hits shelves on October 15th, 2013. I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

     Happy reading, 

     Valia