Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Prophecy Of The Sisters by Michelle Zink


Prophecy Of The Sisters by Michelle Zink
Released: August 1st 2009
Published by:  Little Brown for Young Readers
Series:  Prophecy Of The Sisters, Book One
Page Amount:  343 (USA Hardcover edition)


" In Michelle Zink's debut novel, orphaned twin sister Lia and Alice Milthorpe are yoked together in an ancient prophecy that makes them enemies and could destroy them both. If Lia can break this familial curse, she can not only save her relationship with her beloved boyfriend; she can finally resolve the mystery behind her parents' death. A teen author to watch."
-Information from Goodreads.com








My Overall Thoughts:
I thought Prophecy Of The Sisters by Michelle Zink was a good book. I wasn't hooked from the start. But I did enjoy learning about Lia and Alice, the roles they played in the prophecy. Lia was definitely my favorite ot the twined sisters. Alice is a very twisted character. 

I am looking forward to reading the next installment in this series. If you're looking for something with some love, a prophecy and good vs. evil this is the story for you.


Hope you enjoyed my review,
Ashley

Saturday, December 18, 2010

As You Wish by Jackson Pearce



As You Wish by Jackson Pearce
Released: September 1st 2009
Published by: HarperTeen
Page Amount: 298 (USA Paperback Edition)





"Ever since Viola's boyfriend broke up with her, she has spent her days silently wishing—to have someone love her again and, more importantly, to belong again—until one day she inadvertently summons a young genie out of his world and into her own. He will remain until she makes three wishes.


      Jinn is anxious to return home, but Viola is terrified of wishing, afraid she will not wish for the right thing, the thing that will make her truly happy. As the two spend time together, the lines between master and servant begin to blur, and soon Jinn can't deny that he's falling for Viola. But it's only after Viola makes her first wish that she realizes she's in love with Jinn as well . . . and that if she wishes twice more, he will disappear from her life—and her world—forever.

Jackson Pearce spins a magical tale about star-crossed lovers, what it means to belong . . . and how important it is to be careful what you wish for."
-Information from Goodreads.com.

Overall Thoughts:

I found As You Wish Jackson Pearce, to be a very charming and sweet novel. Her writing style is amazing.
I related to Viola and what she was going through. Dealing with the aftermath of a bad break-up with Lawrence who is also her best friend.

She is sitting in her English class wishing to not feel so broken anymore. That she could feel the way she did before the break-up. In doing so she summons a Genie to grant her three wishes. When she firsts spot Jinn she doesn't know who he is or why he's there. Not till going home does she found out why she's seeing him.
Viola finds it hard to come up with three wishes on the spot because of feeling invisible.

She does make her wishes. But while spending time with Jinn. They develop feelings for one another. I loved how their feelings came to be.

All and all I loved this story, and I'm glad I read it. As You Wish was Jackson's debutant novel in 2009. I'm looking forward to reading more from her.

So go and pick it up now. Gave it 5/5 stars!! I love the cover as well!!

Hope you enjoyed my review, Ashley

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Library Haul and 2 Books I Bought




Books From The Library:

Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
As You Wish by Jackson Pearce
Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
Witch Child by Celia Rees
Shade by Jeri Smith- Ready
Rampant by Diana Peterfreund
Dead Beautiful by Yvonne Woon
Prophecy Of The Sisters by Michelle Zink

Bought:
Betrayed by P.C. and Kirsten Cast
Chosen by P.C. and Kirsten Cast

Happy Reading, Ashley

Bitten:Dangerous Girls and The Taste Of Night by R.L. Stine


Bitten: Dangerous Girls & The The Taste Of Night by R.L. Stine

Released: September 1st 2010
Published by: HarperCollins
Page Amount: 484 (USA Paperback edition)


You’ll love them to Death

“Twin sisters Destiny and Livvy Weller return home from summer vacation with a dark secret… and an inhuman desire to drink blood. What have the become?
 

Can they ever turn back? As their deadly secret becomes harder to keep, more questions arise and loyalties are tested.
 

And as one sister descends into darkness, the other must find a way to save her and herself. Who will live to see the glow of the next full moon? Which sister will survive?
   

 In DANGEROUS GIRLS and DANGEROUS GIRLS #2 : THE TASTE OF NIGHT, published together in BITTEN, bestselling author R.L. Stine explores the dark creatures of the night.”
-Information from Goodreads.com


My Overall Thoughts:
R.L. Stine has put his spin on the vampire world with Dangerous Girls and The Taste Of Night. I loved the characters, the storyline. R.L. Stine's writing style just gets better and better after every book I read by him. R.L. Stine had the vampires be traditional in the sense that the daylight bothered them and they could shape-shifter into animals.

They drank both animal and human blood in this vampire world. I loved how Destiny overcame everything and tried her best to save her sister.


If there is anymore books in this series. I will be getting them.

5/5 stars!!

Hope you enjoyed this review, Ashley



Sunday, November 28, 2010

The Burning by R.L. Stine

The Burning by R.L. Stine
Released: October 1st 1993
Published by: Simon and Pulse
Series:  The Fear Street Saga, Book Three
Page Amount: 179

"How did Fear Street gain its chilling reputation? Find out in the blood-chilling conclusion to R.L. Stine's terrifying trilogy. Journey back in time to when the Fear family first became evil, and Fear Street became a place of unspeakable terror." 
-Information from Goodreads.com



Over All Thoughts:
I fully enjoyed this novel. R.L. Stine is very creative with the stories in this series. I love the curse, the creepy setting to the novel, and the fact that I wasn't sure how it was all going to be in the end. 

I'm looking forward to picking up the rest of this series. I totally recommend this novel to those that loved R.L. Stine as a kid and to those that haven't read his work yet. Pick up The Betrayal and The Secret first. 

Hope you enjoyed this review, Ashley  


 

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

The Secret by R.L. Stine


The Secret by R.L. Stine
Released: September 1st 1993
Published by: Simon and Pulse
Series: The Fear Street, Book Two
Page Amount: 147


"In this terrifying new trilogy, R.L. Stine takes readers back in time, telling them finally the awful truth of what happened to the cursed Fear family and why their evil lives on. 

  Simon Fier meets an old gypsy who tells him his family will all die in a terrible fire. Terrified, he changes the family name to Fear, but he can't escape the curse."


-Information from Goodreads.com



Over All Thoughts: 
R.L. Stine is one of my favorite authors from my childhood. I had know idea he wrote books for young adults. I'm so glad to have found this series. The Fear Street Series is a good old spooky series from Stine. I felt myself going through the fear and loss with the characters. Also believing in the curse. R.L. Stine never lets me down when it comes to the creepiness. 

I totally recommend this novel to all the readers out there that love a good scary story. And who loved Goosebumps as a child. 

Gave it 5/5 stars!!

Hope you enjoyed my review, Ashley!! 

Friday, November 19, 2010

The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries;Vol. 1 Origins Based on Novels by L.J. Smith and the TV series developed by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec


The Vampire Diaries:Stefan's Diaries Vol. 1 Origins

Released: November 2nd 2010
Published by: HarperTeen
Series: The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries Book One
Page Amount: 256


"Set during the Civil War, against a backdrop of grand estates, unimaginable riches, and deadly secrets, three teenagers in Mystic Falls, Virginia enter a torrid love triangle that will span eternity.
Brothers Stefan and Damon Salvatore are inseparable until they meet Katherine, a stunning, mysterious woman who turns their world upside down. Siblings turned rivals, the Salvatores compete for Katherine's affection, only to discover that her sumptuous silk dresses and glittering gems hide a terrible secret: Katherine is a vampire. And she is intent on turning them into vampires so they can live together-forever."
 -Information from Goodreads.com 



My Review: 
  I won Origins from First Reads on Goodreads.com. I haven't watched the TV show yet and I only read the first 2 books in the series. So my knowledge on the series is limited. But I did find Stefan's Diaries interesting. Even though I have heard L.J. Smith didn't have any in put into this novel.


I did like the book and learning about Stefan's live. Even though it is different from what I read in The Awakening and The Struggle. I will be reading Bloodlust when it comes out in January 2011.


So if you like the show and the books.  You should check it out.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Update

I just wanted to update you guys. I stopped reading Wings because its due back to the library. And at this time I just don't want to renew it because I have The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries, Vol.1 Origin to read that  I won from Goodreads.com. I will try and get Wings again and the other 2 books in the future. Look for a review on The Vampire Diaries:Stefan's Diaries, Vol. 1 Origin soon.

Happy Reading, Ashley

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

In Dreams Begin by Skyler White


In Dreams Begin by Skyler White
Released: November 2nd 2010
Published by: Berkley Trade
Series:  Harrowing
Page Amount: 375




“Close your eyes tightly—tightly—and keep them closed . . .”

From a Victorian Ireland of magic, poetry and rebellion, Ida Jameson, an amateur occultist, reaches out for power, but captures Laura Armstrong, a modern-day graphic artist instead. Now, for the man or demon she loves, each woman must span a bridge through Hell and across history . . . or destroy it.

“Every passionate man is linked with another age, historical or imaginary, where alone he finds images that rouse his energy.” W. B. Yeats

Anchored in fact on both sides of history, Laura and Ida, modern rationalist and fin de siècle occultist, are linked from the moment Ida channels Laura into the body of celebrated beauty and Irish freedom-fighter Maud Gonne. When Laura falls—from an ocean and a hundred years away—passionately, Victorianly in love with the young poet W. B. Yeats, their love affair entwines with Irish history and weaves through Yeats’s poetry until Ida discovers something she wants more than magic in the subterranean spaces in between.

With her Irish past threatening her orderly present and the man she loves in it, Laura and Yeats—the practical materialist and the poet magus—must find a way to make love last over time, in changing bodies, through modern damnation, and into the mythic past to link their pilgrim souls . . . or lose them forever."

-Information on Goodreads




Overall Thoughts:
I received In Dreams Begin for review from Skyler White. I was totally excited and looking forward to reading this novel. However I wasn't expecting to not like the book and not understanding what was going on. I had to force myself to pick it up just to read a few pages and i had to put it down.  I got to page 148 and decided I just could not finish it. My reasoning for not liking In Dreams Begin are as followed, 1. I could not figure out what was going on 2. The chapters were too long for my liking   and 3. The wording was hard to understand. 

I'm disappointed that  I did not like or could finish In Dreams Begin. Maybe Dark Urban Fantasy isn't my reading genre. If you want to check out this book and see if its for you do so. Maybe you'll understand for more better than me. 

Hope you enjoyed my review, Ashley  

Hearts At Stake by Alyxandra Harvey

Hearts At Stake by Alyxandra Harvey

Released:  December 22nd 2009
Published by: Walker
Series: The Drake Chronicles ,Book One
Page Amount: 248
Edition: Hardcover




"On Solange’s sixteenth birthday, she is going to wake up dead. As if that’s not bad enough, she also has to outwit her seven overprotective older brothers, avoid the politics involved with being the only daughter born to an ancient vampire dynasty, and elude Kieran Black—agent of an anti-vampire league who is searching for his father’s killer and is intent on staking Solange and her entire family.
Luckily she has her own secret weapon—her human best friend Lucy—who is willing to defend Solange’s right to a normal life, whether she’s being smothered by her well-intentioned brothers or abducted by a power-hungry queen. Two unlikely alliances are formed in a race to save Solange’s eternal life—Lucy and Solange’s brother Nicholas, and Solange and Kieran Black—in a dual romance that is guaranteed to jump start any romance-lover’s heart."

-Information from GoodReads.com.



Over All Thoughts:
Hearts At Stake by Alyxandra Harvey is told by the two point of views of Solange Drake and her best friend Lucy Hamilton. Solange is the only female vampire born not made in the Drake family ever. Problems arise because of these fact. There is a prophecy about Solange taking over Lady Natasha’s crown, Queen of the vampires. However Solange wants nothing to with the crown or the royal court. She just wants to live through her blood change in one piece. All of her brothers have survived but being the only female born as a vampire could make her change worse.




Without giving too much away, I loved Hearts At Stake, I think it would be loved by non-vampire fans. There is a ton of action and romance.

Gave 4/5 stars. I liked it but  I wasn't hooked.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis


Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis
 Released: April 27th 2010
Published by: Balzer + Bray
Series:  Whisper, Book One
Page Amount: 281


"I’d love a cup of coffee. I wish she knew how pretty she was. I wish I could drop this kid in the dryer sometimes. I just want her to be happy. I hope she didn’t find out what Ben said about her. I wish I knew how many calories were in a bite of muffin…

Joy is used to hearing Whispers. She’s used to walking down the street and instantly knowing people’s deepest, darkest desires. She uses this talent for good, to make people happy and give them what they want. But for her older sister, Jessica, the family gift is a curse, and she uses it to make people’s lives—especially Joy’s—miserable. Still, when Joy Hears a frightening whisper from Jessica's own mind, she knows she has to save her sister, even if it means deserting her friends, stealing a car and running away with a boy she barely knows—a boy who may have a dark secret of his own."
-Information from Goodreads.com.


Overall Thoughts:  Phoebe Kitanidis' Whisper is an amazing debut novel. That  I really, really loved!!I wasn't bored at all while reading this book. Between Joy Hearing people's Whispers to Jessica's attitude towards the family gift. While Jessica sees it more as a curse. She tends to make others life's around her miserable because of Hearing their Whispers. But when things go sour between the sisters, and Joy uses her power to find her sister it brings them closer together. Brings a new understanding between Jessica and her mother. Joy finds a true friend to be the real Joy around. Jamie, who has a secret power of his own.

All and all an awesome read, there is some swearing in it. 

Hope you enjoyed my review, Ashley

Thursday, November 4, 2010

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and The Struggle by L.J. Smith

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and The Struggle by L.J. Smith



Released:  July 1st 2007 (first released 1991)
Published by:  HarperTeen
Series:   # 1-2 (Bind up)
Page Amount:  492
Edition: Paperback (borrowed from the library)

 



“Elena: the golden girl, the leader, the one who can have any boy she wants.

Stefan: brooding and mysterious, he seems to be the only one who can resist Elena, even as he struggles to protect her from the horrors that haunt his past.

Damon: sexy, dangerous, and driven by an urge for revenge against Stefan, the brother who betrayed him. Determined to have Elena, he'd kill to possess her.

Collected here in one volume for the first time, volumes one and two of The Vampire Diaries, the tale of two vampire brothers and the beautiful girl torn between them. “

- Information from Goodreads.com



 Over All Thoughts:

First off I’m really unhappy with myself that I put off reading this series. So with that being said, I loved The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and The Struggle by L.J. Smith. I loved the romance, the drama, and the action. Elena is a strong female character, she can handle herself.  And her friends Meredith and Bonnie are amazing best friends a girl could ask for.

When Stefan Salvatore comes to Fell's Church, Virgina, the once peaceful town quickly has some murders happen. Everyone suspects Stefan because when he comes to Fell's Church he's very mystery to all the students and parents. The only one that knows his secret his Elena.

I don't want to give to much away. I really loved this book and cannot wait to read the rest of the series. I recommend you picking up this book soon.

Hope you enjoyed my review, Ashley


Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Teaser Tuesday (6)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.


Here are the rules:

* Grab your current read

* Open to a random page

* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)


* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! 




"Suddenly it was all too much for Elena. Nobody believed her, not even her friends and family. " -p. 270 The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and The Struggle by L. J. Smith 
 

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Just Some Info

Hello My Book Peeps, I just wanted to you's know that I'm still reading In Dreams Begin by Skyler White which I got for review from the author. I'm just taking a break because I couldn't get into the book. I do plan on finishing it and posting a review on here and on my Youtube channel. Also I want to thank you all for following me I truly appreciate it and it means alot to me. I hope you'll look me up on Youtube and sub and also look for me on Goodreads .

Until next time, Happy Reading, Ashley!!

In My Mailbox (7)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme by Kristi at The Story Siren.







Review:
None

Bought: None

Borrowed From The Library:
The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and The Struggle by L.J. Smith
Wings by Aprilynne Pike
Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis (Debut Novel for 2010)
Hearts At Stake by Alyxandra Harvey (Debut Novel for 2010)
Memoirs Of A Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin
Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King


That's all for In My Mailbox this week, let me know what you guys got!! Hope you all had a safe and Happy Halloween!!

Love ya, Ashley!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Monday, October 11, 2010

An Update

Sorry I haven't posted anything in a week. I'm still battling this horrible cold that has decide to stay with me for 3 months now. So I haven't really been into reading alot. I am expecting a book in the mail. When I finally get I'll be posting a video on youtube.com about it. So go to my channel and look for it and I'll post it up on here as well!! I want to thank you all for you're patience and for following me. I truly grateful for it. I'm still new at this blogging thing so if you have any advice as to make it more interesting for you all let me know. 

I promise to post more often. Even if its just what's going on with me.

Happy Reading!! Ashley!!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson


The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Released:  March 9th 2010
Published by:  Dial
Page Amount:  272
Edition:  hardcover


"Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey
dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life—and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey’s boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie’s own. Joe is the new boy in
town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they’re the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can’t collide without the whole wide world exploding.

This remarkable debut is perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Francesca Lia Block. Just as much a celebration of love as it is a portrait of loss, Lennie’s struggle to sort her own melody out of the noise around her is always honest, often hilarious, and ultimately unforgettable."
-Information and picture from www.goodreads.com.



My Overall Thoughts:
The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson is her debut novel. I found this novel to be very heart touching. The Sky Is Everywhere is about Lennie a 17 year old girl who just lost her sister Bailey, While deal with the loss of Bailey, Lennie also finds herself involved with 2 guys, one being her sister's boyfriend Toby and the other Joe Fontaine. Before her sister's death Lennie never really liked boys, so she finds it odd when two of them all notice her all of the sudden.

Throughout the book Lennie, thinks of how she has a future and that Bailey never will. She doesn't think its fair. In the end its her love for Joe that helps her believe in herself and that life doesn't end when you lose someone.

All in all I very heart touching novel. I gave it 4/5 stars because I don't think this novel would be for everyone and there is some swearing in it.

So if you're looking for something without fantasy and more real life, you should check this out!

Later, Ashley

Friday, October 1, 2010

The Christmas Chronicles: The Legend of Santa Claus by Tim Slover

The Christmas Chronicles: The Legend of Santa Claus
by Tim Slover

Released:  November 2nd 2010
Published by: Bantam
Page Amount: 176



" In this new holiday classic, Tim Slover crafts a marvelous, magical novel about how Santa Claus became the man he is today. After reading The Christmas Chronicles, you’ll believe all over again in the magic of the season.
 
Snow is falling, and the clock ticks toward midnight on Christmas Eve while countless children, too excited to sleep, anticipate the arrival of Santa Claus. But in Tim Slover’s deeply charming and utterly thrilling new novel, that’s the end rather than the beginning of the story. In this richly imagined tale of Santa’s origins, the man in full finally emerges. The Christmas Chronicles is at once an action-packed adventure, an inspiring story of commitment and faith, and a moving love story.

It all starts in 1343, when the child Klaus is orphaned and adopted by a craftsmen’s guild. The boy will grow to become a master woodworker with an infectious laugh and an unparalleled gift for making toys. His talent and generosity uniquely equip him to bestow hundreds of gifts on children at Christmas—and to court the delightful Anna, who enters his life on a sleigh driven by the reindeer Dasher and becomes his beloved wife.

Still, all is not snowfall and presents. Klaus will be shadowed by the envious Rolf Eckhof, who will stop at nothing to subvert him. But in the end, Santa’s magic is at last unleashed, flying reindeer come to his aid, and an epic battle between good and evil is waged in the frosty Christmas skies.

By turns enchanting, hair-raising, and inspirational, The Christmas Chronicles is a beguiling tale destined to become a holiday favorite for the ages."

-Information and picture from goodreads.com

My Overall Thoughts:
 I won The Christmas Chronicles: The Legend of Santa Claus by Tim Slover, from First Reads (Goodreads.com).

To my surprise I feel in love with this book. I'll be honest I wasn't thrilled about reading a book about Santa Claus.  For this wasn't like all the stories about this magical man. The Christmas Chronicles: The Legend of Santa Claus by Tim Slover, informs you about his life before coming the man we all know and love.

Without spoiling this for you my followers, I recommend you picking this book up when it comes out. For you'll be reading it every Christmas years to come!!

5/5 stars!!


Hope you enjoyed my review, Ashley 







  

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

The Betrayal by R.L. Stine


The Betrayal by R.L. Stine

Released:  August 1st 1993
Published by:  Simon Pulse
Series:  # 1(The Fear Street Saga)
Page Amount:  161





“ Nora knows the secrets behind the horrifying things happening on Fear Street and reveals the dark legacy that marked the start of the terror three hundred years earlier, when a young girl was burned at the stake. “
-Information and picture from goodreads.com




My Overall Thoughts:

The Betrayal by R. L. Stine is a young-adult thriller filled with romance, action and of course horror.

The year is 1900, Nora Fier is writing the story about her family and the cursed placed on them. We travel back in time to 1692, where we met Susannah Goode and Edward Fier, secretly meeting the forest to spend some time together. Before parting ways they decided to tell their families about their love for one another. Susannah goes home and tell her mother all about her and Edward. Her mother doesn’t believe they will end up together because their from different lifestyles. Meanwhile Edward is telling his father Benjamin. Benjamin tells him, he and Susannah will never be for Edward has been arranged to marry a girl from a near by village. Edward cannot expect this order he decides to disobey his father’s command. Edward informs his father he intends to marry Susannah. Benjamin will not have it so the next day he goes to her parents home. Benjamin is the towns magistrate. He knocks on the door, enters find a bag with a chicken’s foot and other objects and accusations Susannah and her mother of witchcraft. The mother and daughter are taken to the prison and are to be burned at the stake the next day. William the father and husband goes and begs Benjamin to release his family that they’re not guilt of practicing witchcraft. His pleads are ignored by him. The night before the execution Matthew the brother of Benjamin comes to the Goodes home and informs  William if he pays Matthew he’ll change his brother conviction so his wife and daughter will not be burned. However this is a scram the Fier’s leave early in the morning before the execution is set to take place. William witnessing the death of his beloved wife and daughter makes a vow that the Fiers will pay for what they did to his family.







18 years later he finds the Fier's and takes his revenge. 

all in all a great read. If you're looking for horror, I recommend this one!! Looking forward to continuing this series!

5/5stars!!


Hope you enjoyed my book review, Ashley



Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Teaser Tuesday (5)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.


Here are the rules:

* Grab your current read


* Open to a random page


* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page


* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)


* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! 



"Saint Klaus sat in his sleigh on Christmas Eve and worried. The Eight Flyers stood in their traces." 
- p. 98 The Christmas Chronicles:The Legend of Santa Claus by Tim Slover 
won this on goodreads.com

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White


Paranormacly by Kiersten White

Released:  August 31st 2010
Published by:  HarperTeen
Series:  #1 (Paranormalcy)
Page Amount: 352







"Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie's always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal.

Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal."

-Information and picture from Goodreads.com


My Overall Thoughts:
Paranormalcy by Kiersten White, is her debut novel. A fast paced novel teens will love. I know for me I was glued into this story from the first page.

Evie has been at the International Paranormal Containment Agency she was 8 years old. She works for them because of her unique ability to see through Paranormal's glamours.  Its actually how the agency was started is because of her. 

However things aren't as well as Evie believes them to be. There has been attacks on pararnormals and they're being killed. Lend a shape-shifter, breaks into IPCA to find out who is responsible. He is the first to have ever broken into the agency. He and Evie form a friendship.

I don't want to spoil this book. I totally recommend buying and reading this one!! I can't wait for the rest of the series!!

Love ya, Ashley





Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Sweep: Volume 2( Dark Magick;Awakening;Spellbound) by Cate Tiernan


Sweep:Volume 2 (Dark Magick;Awakening;Spellbound) by Cate Tiernan

Released:  November 11th 2010
Published by:   Speak
Series:   4,5,6 (Sweep Series)
Page Amount: 564

*Warning book review and information might contain spoliers if you have not read; Book Of Shadows, The Coven and Blood Witch*

"Morgan Rowlands is a blood witch,the last of ancient and poweful witches and the holder of an unfathomable power. With the help of her love, her soul mate, Cal, she has realized her true self-but at a price. For Morgan and Cal share a terrible, dark secret, one that binds them together even as they are rent apart/ Yet there is something about Cal's hunger for magick that frigetns Morgan... And now there is another, one who can bring Morgan clarity, truth...love. Morgan must decide who is her true love, and who is out to destory her forever..."
-Information on the back of the book


My Overall Thoughts:

Sweep: Volume 2, picks up right where Blood Witch ends. The series just gets better and better in each story. Without giving to much away, Dark Magick, Awakening, and Spellbound, has Morgan going through losing her love, gaining a new one and gaining knowledge of herself and her powers.

If you have read the first bind up or the first three books you should definietly carry on with the series. I cannot wait for the next bind up.

By the way I love the covers so far!!

Hope you enjoyed my review,

Ashley

Sweep: Volume 1 (Book Of Shadows;The Coven;Blood Witch) by Cate Tiernan



Sweep Volume 1 (Book Of Shadows;The Coven; Blood Witch) by Cate Tiernan

Released:  September 2nd 2010 (first released 2001)
Published by:  Speak
Series:  1,2,3 (Swep Series)
Page Amount:  592

"The first three Sweep books bound into one gorgeous edition at a fabulous price! Morgan Rowlands never thought she was anything other than a typical sixteen-year-old girl. But when she meets Cal, a captivatingly handsome coven leader, she makes a discover that turns her whole world upside down: she is a witch, descended from an ancient and powerful line. And so is Cal. Their connection is immediate and unbreakable; Cal teases out Morgan's power, her love, her magick. But Morgan discovers too soon that her powers are strong-- almost too powerful to control. And she begins to suspect that Cal may be keeping secrets from her . . . secrets that could destroy them both."
-Information and picture from Goodreads.com


My Overall Thoughts:

I loved this book. I bought this book due to Jessica from the ChapterChicks, she talked about how wonderful Book Of Shadows is.

The bind up of the first 3 books in the series, is truly an remarkable read. Cate Tiernan has a good writing style. I love books on witches and magic. She definitely has put her on twist on this subject. I loved the characters and the world they live in.

I recommend picking up Sweep: Volume 1 (Book Of Shadows; The Coven; Blood Witch) Cate Tiernan today!!

Hope you enjoyed my review,

Ashley

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Scribbler to Scribe: Special Contest: The Thirteenth Chime Giveaway

On the blog Scribbler to Scribe, is having an awesome giveaway of the book The Thirteenth Chime by Emma Michaels.

The Thirteenth Chime is a debut novel by Emma Michaels. The contest deadline is September 15th and the winner will be chosen at random and announced on September 16th.



The Thirteenth Chime by Emma Michaels

Released:  August 13th 2010
Published by: Bokheim Publishing
Series:  # 1, Sense Of Truth
Page Amount:  246


" No one knew of its existence until it was removed from the attic upstairs.







In a beautiful house that overlooks the sea, an antique clock has the power to change the course of their lives.






The power the clock resonates will not only force Destiny and ex-boyfriend David on a journey into the depths of one man's mind long dead, but into the mind of a man filled with hatred and bent on revenge.






With the only clues to the nature of the clock having disappeared into the sea, Destiny and David must retrace the steps the man had taken into the darkness, before they fall prey to the trap he had set in motion over half a century ago.






Hatred never dies."
 
-Information and picture from Goodreads.com
 
I recommend you all going to Scribbler to Scribe . and enter the contest at this link:
http://mesmerix.blogspot.com/2010/09/special-contest-thirteenth-chime.html.
 
Good luck to all and thanks to Scribbler to Scribe and Emma Michaels for the awesome contest!!

Saturday, September 4, 2010

In My Mailbox (6)

In My Mailbox (6)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.










No books for review or from the library.

Bought:
Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
Sweep Series Bind Up 2 with
Dark Magick
Awakening
Spellbound
by Cate Tiernan

















Let me know what you guys got in you're mailbox!!
Happy Reading!! Ashley.

What's Going On 2

Hello My Book Peeps, I am still sick. But I am finally starting to get better!!! So I haven't been reading alot. I actually try to read Beautiful Creatures, just wasnt moving along with it. So I decided to stop reading it for now and maybe try again another time. I'm going to the book store today!!! I'll show you what I get tomorrow.

Later, Ashley

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins



Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Released: March 2nd 2010
Published by:  Hyperion Book CH
Series:  #1 (Hex Hall)
Page Amount:  336, hardcover edition


"Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.



By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.






As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her."
-Information from Goodreads.com.

My Overall Thoughts:

Rachel Hawkins' Hex Hall, is an amazing tale of Sophie Mercer, a teenage girl who finds out she's a witch. She's been to 19 different schools, one account of her mother's job, who is a mortal by the way. Anway and second because Sophie, using her powers to help benefit her classmates, though it always turns into a disaster. In which case they always move. Finally after being in so much trouble and risking her exist to the mortals, she is sent to Hex Hall, a school for trouble Prodigium.

At Hecate Hall, or better known as Hex Hall to the student population. Sophie learns she isn't as powerful of a witch, as she thought she was. She befriends her roomate Jenna, a vampire. There has been a death and everyone in the school believes Jenna had something do with it. However Sophie believes in her friend's inncoent.

I believe those that love the Harry Potter series would love Rachel Hawkins' Hex Hall!! I totally recommand everyone reading this novel!!

5/5 stars!!

Hope you enjoyed my review!

Love ya, Ashley

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday


Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.


Here are the rules:

* Grab your current read

* Open to a random page

* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
 
 
 
"As usual my mouth opened before my brain had a chane to stop it, and I yelped, "what? that's totally unfair!"
"And now you may exit my class. When you come back, kindly have your essay and an apology in hand."
-Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, page 197
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott



Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott

Released: June 1st 2009
Published By: HarperTeen
Page Amount:  276, hardcover edition
Borrowed from the library


"You know, I always thought I told you everything, but there are some things I should have said but never did. I should have told you about the time I lost your new sunglasses. I know you really liked them. I should have apologized the time I ruined your brand-new skirt, the one with the beading. I should have apologized for a lot of stuff.







I’m sorry. I’m sorry for everything.






It's been seventy five days. Amy's sick of her parents suddenly taking an interest in her, and she's really sick of people asking her about Julia. Julia's gone, and Amy doesn't want to talk about it. No one knew Julia like she did. No one gets what life is without her.




No one understands what it's like to know that it's all your fault.






Amy's shrink thinks she should keep a journal but instead, Amy starts writing letters to Julia. As she writes letter after letter, she begins to realize that the past holds its own secrets--and that the present deserves a chance."
-Infromation from Goodreads.com
 
 
My Overall Thoughts:
 
I loved it!!! This a story about a girl named Amy. Who loses her best friend Juila in a car accident and is left to pick up the pieces of her life. Through out the book she is always blaming herself for Juila's death even though Juila is the one who drove. In the end Amy realizes as much as she's to blame Juila is too. She also realizes as much as she misses her best friend she has to remember life is still worth living for.




Amazing story!!  Everyone should definitely keep out this novel!!
 
Elizabeth Scott is becoming one of my favorite authors!!
5/5stars!!
 
Younger teens should not read this due to adult situtations.
 
Hope you enjoyed my review!!
Love ya, Ashley

Saturday, August 28, 2010

An Update

Hello My Book Peeps, Just wanted to give you all an update. I'm currently reading three books, the first is the one shown on here, Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, the second is Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott and lastly Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. I'm totally loving Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott. So look for a review on that soon!!

Love ya, Ashley

Friday, August 27, 2010

Lies by Michael Grant



Micahel Grant- Lies

Released: May 4th 2010
Published by:  Harper Collins
Series:  # 3, (Gone Series)
Page Amount:  447, hardback edition


*If you have not read Gone and Hunger in the series, do not read the following synopsis, as it may contain spoilers, as well as the review*



"It happens in one night: a girl who died now walks among the living, Zil and the Human Crew set fire to Perdido Beach, and amid the flames and smoke, Sam sees the figure of the boy he fears the most - Drake. But Sam and Caine defeated him along with the Darkness - or so they thought. As Perdido Beach burns, battles rage: Astrid against the Town Council; the Human Crew versus the mutants; and Sam against Drake. And the prophetess Orsay and her companion, Nerezza, are preaching that death will set them all free. As life in the FAYZ becomes more desperate, no one knows who they can trust."
-Information from Goodreads.com

This book was amazing, I was hooked right from the start.  I did not think this series could get any better, well I was wrong because it did. Lies by Michael Grant picks up right where Hunger ended. The children of the FAYZ ( Fallout Alley Youth Zone), are still dealing with a limited food supply, battels with the Freaks and Normals, verus Caine and the others at Coates Academy.

I believe you should definitely pick up this book if you have read Gone and Hunger.

5/5 stars!!!

Later, Ashley

Sunday, August 22, 2010

What's Going On

This is a posted on What's Going On with me. I'm sorry I haven't been posting alot. I just haven't been reading like I use to. I've been getting sick, and also taking care of my house. I hope you all understand. I do intend on being better on my reviews and such. So thank you for being patient with me.

In My Mailbox (5)

In My Mailbox is a weekley meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Didn't buy or get any books for review this week. I did however take a trip to the library!!

Michael Grant- Lies
Elizabeth Scott- Love You, Hate  You, Miss You
Kim Harrison- Once Dead, Twice Shy
Beth Fantaskey- Jekel Loves Hyde
Rachel Hawkins- Hex Hall
Kami Garcia&Maragaret Stohl- Beautiful Creatures

Let me know you guys got in your mailbox!!









The Last Song By Nicholas Sparks



The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
Released:  September 8th, 2009
Published By: Grand Central Publishing
Page Amount:  390


"Seventeen-year-old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller's life was turned upside down when her parents divorced her father moved from New York City to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alienated from her parents, particularly her father ... until her mother decides it would be in everyone's best interest if she and her younger brother spent the summer with him in North Carolina.



Ronnie's father, a former concert pianist, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will be the centerpiece of a local church. Resentful and rebellious, Ronnie rejects all of his attempts to reach out to her and threatens to return to New York before the summer's end. But soon Ronnie meets Will. the town's local heartthrob, and the last person she thought she'd ever be attracted to. As Ronnie slowly lets her guard down, she finds herself falling deeply in love, opening herself up to the greatest happiness-and pain-that she has ever known.


An unforgettable story of love in all its myriads forms-first love, love between parents and children-THE LAST SONG demonstrates, as only a Nicholas Sparks novel can, the many ways that love can break our hearts...and heal them."
-Information from GoodReads.com
 
 
Overall Thoughts On The Last Song:
Another amazing story by my favorite author Nicholas Sparks. The Last Song is a sweet and heart touching story. A story on the power of love can fix anything. You can never truly give up on your loved ones. For they never give up on you.
 
I loved Ronnie and Will. Even though there were times, that tested their love it worked out.
 
All and all a great read!! I recommend reading it.
 
Love ya, Ashley!!!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Revelations by Melissa de la Cruz


Revelations by Melissa De La Cruz
Released:  October 8th 2008
Published by:  Hyperion
Series:  # 3 Blue Bloods
Page Amount:  264

"Have you ever wondered what secrets lurk behind the closed doors of New York City's wealthiest families? They're powerful, they're famous... they're undead.



Schuyler Van Alen's blood legacy has just been called into question--is the young vampire in fact a Blue Blood, or is it the sinister Silver Blood that runs through her veins? As controversy swirls, Schuyler is left stranded in the Force household, trapped under the same roof as her cunning nemesis, Mimi Force, and her forbidden crush, Jack Force.






When one of the Gates of Hell is breached by Silver Bloods in Rio de Janeiro, however, the Blue Bloods will need Schuyler on their side. The stakes are high; the battle is bloody; and through it all, Carnavale rages on. And in the end, one vampire's secret identity will be exposed in a revelation that shocks everyone."



I loved the first 2 books in the Blue Blood Series by Melissa De La Cruz, so I was anticipating Revelations. However it wasn’t as addicting as Blue Bloods and Masquerade. I didn’t get hooked into the story until towards the end.

Maybe I shouldn't have waited so long to read Revelations and I might love it just as much as Blue Bloods and Masquerade. However I did love the story. I'm hoping Schulyer and Oliver get together. And that she stops messing around with Jack.

All in all I think you should pick this up after reading the first and second in the series!
Hope you enjoy my review!
Love, Ashley!!


Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by, Miz Should Be Reading.

  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share twp (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOLIERS!  (make sure what you share doesn't give too much away!  You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
My Teasers:
"You knew exactly how I felt about you, and you used me anyway:
                                              ~p. 186 "Revelations" by Melissa De La Cruz
                           ( I just started this lastnight, I'm not even past page 50 yet)

Living Dead Girl By Elizabeth Scott



Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott

Released: September 2nd 2008
Published by:  Simon Pulse
Page Amount:  170



"Once upon a time, I was a little girl who disappeared.
Once upon a time, my name was not Alice.
Once upon a time, I didn't know how lucky I was.


When Alice was ten, Ray took her away from her family, her friends- her life. She learned to give up all power, to endure all pain. She waited for the nightmare to be over.

Now Alice is fifteen and Ray still has her, but he speaks more and more of her death. He does not know it is waht she longs for. She does not know he has something more terrying than death in mind for her.

This is Alice's story. It it one you have never heard, and one you will never,ever forget."
-Information from the inside the book.

Elizabeth Scott's Living Dead Girl, is a heart-wrenching story of a little girl taken by a sexual predator. Who keeps her for 5 years molding her into his perfect little girl.  Until one day Ray decides its time for "Alice" to find a younger version of herself for him to mold all over again.

This was my first Elizabeth Scott novel. I loved it even though the subject is a morbid and horrorifying story. Living Dead Girl was an eye-opener of how easily it is for someone to take a child and harm them, make them believe harm will come to their loved ones if they don't do all that the kidnapper says.

Since its only 170 pages, it was a quick read. The ending wasn't happy. although in a story like this there isn't such a thing as a happy ending.

5/5 stars!

Love, Ashley

Monday, August 9, 2010

How To Be A Vampire Review



How To Be A Vampire: A Fangs-On Guide For The Newly Dead By Amy Gray

Released:  November 10th 2009
Published by: Candlewick Press
Page Amount:  144




Welcome to the world of the undead! A comprehensive guide to the vampire lifestyle quenches newcomers’ thirst for lore and tasteful tips.



For those who join the decadent realm of the vampire, eternal life holds juicy perks charm and strength, shape-shifting and flying, telepathy and super-powered senses. But then again, one becomes . . . so terribly hungry. Is there an etiquette for feeding without causing a scene? How do you set up your crypt? What supernatural foes will make your blood run colder? In this elegant, edgy resource, the newly immortal will find everything they need to know, including:


- a quiz to determine your true vampire persona


- ways to turn into a vampire — or when a kiss is not just a kiss; and why you should take a look at your family tree


- a transformation checklist, including canine teeth and UV sensitivity


- a makeup and fashion guide to looking damned good (or just damned)


- knowing your weaknesses, from garlic, stakes, and sunlight to a n obsession with counting


- 10 signs that your boyfriend is a vampire, including super coolness (body temperature-wise) and a habit of sleeping in


- a field guide to vampiric variations around the world and through history
 
 
What drew me to the book is the amazing cover. Now granted How To Be A Vampire: A Fangs-On Guide For Newly Dead by Amt Gray, is directed towards teens and recently immortalized or those already immortalized just looking for some fun vampire factoids.




I still found it to be a good and light read. Which is what I was looking for. In this guide on vampires I learned what music to listen, how to dress, and even how to decorate my pad for a more immortal lifestyle. There’s also history stories in here.



This isn’t a too serious guide so if that’s what you’re looking for you can check it out. I thought it was good but not really great.
 
3/5 stars.
 
Love ya, Ashley

Saturday, August 7, 2010

In My Mailbox (4)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at the The Story Siren.



In My Mailbox# 4/Book Haul






For Review: None
Bought: None
Borrowed from the library:

The Eternal Kiss: 13 Vapmire Tales of Blood and Desire
Authors:
Kelley Armstrong
Holly Black
Libba Bray
Sarah Rees Brennan
Rachel Caine
Cecil Castellucci
Cassandra Clare
Meliss de la Cruz
Nancy Holder
 & Debbie Viguie
Dina James
Karen Mahoney
Maria V. Snyder
Lili St. Crow

Amy Gray- How To Be A Vampire
Nicholas Sparks- The Last Song
Melissa de la Cruz- Revelations
Elizabeth Scott- Living Dead Girl
Michael Grant- Lies

That's what I got this week. Let me know what you guys got!
Love ya, Ashley!

Friday, August 6, 2010

Burned By P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast



Burned By P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast


Released: April 27th 2010
Published by: St. Martin’s Griffin
Series: House Of Night, # 7
Page Amount: 323

*Please note that this is the seventh book in the series, therefore the following synopsis and review may contain spoilers or information that could be considered spoilers for those not completed with: Marked, Betrayed, Chosen, Untamed, Hunted, and Tempted.*



“Zoey Redbird is the youngest High Priestess in House of Night history and is the only person – vamp or fledgling – that can stop the evil Neferet from raising all kinds of immortal trouble. And she might just have a chance if she wasn’t so busy being dead.



Well, dead is too strong a word. Stevie Rae knows she can bring her BFF back from her unscheduled va-cay in the Otherworld. But it’s going to take a lot more than hoping to bring Zoey back. Stevie Rae will have to give up a few secrets of her own…”
- Information from Goodreads.com
I am totally and completely addicted to this series and Burned did not disappoint me.


What I loved is how everyone came together to help Zoey get her soul back together. Even Heath let go of his love for her. Which just proves there is nothing true love won’t do. Its sad that him and Zoey don’t get to be together. But I’m liking Zoey and Stark and wish they could have had more time in this book. Maybe in the next one.




I definitely recommend picking up this installment of the House Of Night series, for everything you’ve come to love is in it and more! And unlike Tempted its not left with you going what the heck just happened? It’s a perfect ending that leaves you having questions for the next book, which comes out next year, January 4th 2011.






Hope you enjoyed this review!!


Love ya, Ashley!

5/5 stars!!

Thursday, July 29, 2010

What I've Been Doing

So I know its been a while since I've posted a book review. I was reading Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr. I couldn't get into this book. I had to force myself just to pick it up and read it. I gave up on it. I was almost done with it. I learned that Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely Series is not for me. Maybe from reading all the vampires novels I'm more in love with that. I do like romance novels as well. I own most of Nicholas Sparks' novels. Also I love to read about the past.

That's all for now. I will be posting a review for Burned by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast as soon as I finish it.

Happy Reading, Ashley

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Teaser Tuesday (2)

Teaser Tuedsays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:


 
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

 

 
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!



 
My Teaser: "She bit his chin, drawing blood with her sharp caines. He sighed and pushed her away."
-p. 204, "Ink Exchange" By Melissa Marr