Sunday, July 31, 2011

Iceberg, Right Ahead! The Tragedy Of The Titanic by Stephanie Sammartino McPherson


Iceberg, Right Ahead! The Tragedy Of The Titanic by Stephanie Sammartino McPherson
Released: November 1st 2011 (expected date)
Publisher:Lerner Publishing
Page Amount: 112


"Iceberg, Right Ahead!"
Only 160 minutes passed between the time a sailor on lookout duty uttered these chilling words and the moment when the mighty ocean liner Titanic totally disappeared into the cold, dark waters of the North Atlantic. This century-old tragedy, which took more than 1,500 lives, still captivates people in the twenty-first century.
Seventy-three years separate the two major Titanic events—the 1912 sinking of the vessel and the dramatic 1985 discovery of the wreck by Robert Ballard. But additional stories about the victims, survivors, rescuers, reporters, investigators, and many others show the far-reaching effects this tragedy had on society. Award-winning author Stephanie Sammartino McPherson has collected numerous personal accounts of the event, including the knighted man who spent the rest of his life in seclusion because he was accused of dishonorable behavior in a lifeboat, the stewardess who survived two shipwrecks and a mid-ocean collision, and the New York Times executive who sent multiple reporters to meet the rescue ship, thus earning a national reputation for his newspaper. She also links the Titanic tragedy to changes in regulations worldwide. After a Senate Inquiry and a British trial attempted to assign blame for the disaster, new laws on ship safety were put in place. A group of nations also banded together to form an ice patrol, eventually leading to the formation of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Even the most avid Titanic fans will learn something new as McPherson brings the reader up to date on the politics and intrigue still surrounding the wreck—including what modern science can reveal about what really happened to the ship and who was at fault. Prepare to follow the never-ending story of the Titanic into its second century."
-Information from netGalley.


My Thoughts:
For as long as I can remember I have always been obsessed with the story of the Titanic. I've seen most of the movies and documentaries on this amazing ship and the stories. So to have seen this on Netgalley and been given the chance to read it. I was amazing for me. I learned things I did not know about the Titanic. Anyone who is a history buff on all things Titanic should pick this up in November. I loved it!! 

5/5 stars!! 

Happy Reading, Ashley  

Saturday, July 30, 2011

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa


The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa
Released:  October 25th 2011
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Series: The Iron Fey, Book Four
Page Amount: 386 (US Paperback Edition)

*Warning do not continue reading the following blurb and review for it may contain spoilers if you have not read the following, The Iron King, The Iron Daughter and The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa.


"Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.



To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice."

-Information from Goodreads.com


My Thoughts: 
I have loved every single moment and each installment in this enchanting series. The Iron Knight for me did not disappoint. I loved the fact that it was from Ash’s point of view. And how he chose to do whatever it took to be with Meghan. Yes even though I’m Team Puck, I have to say I think Ash kind of got a piece of my heart as well. He was very determined to see himself at Meghan’s side. No matter the risk or task he had to take on. Along for the journey was of course my favorite guy Puck and my favorite cat Grimalkin.

I am so sad to see this series come to an end. I absolutely loved these characters and the stories. I hope you all go out and give this series a chance. You will not be disappointed. Its definitely one of favorite series of all time!!

So when October 25th comes around, go out and buy this novel, or if you haven’t got the first three do so now.

I was able to read and review thanks to NetGalley

5/5 diamonds

Hope you enjoyed my review, Happy Reading,

Ashley

Sunday, July 24, 2011

In My Mailbox (12)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Krisit at The Story Siren. The purpose of the In My Mailbox is to share with book bloggers and readers what you books you have purchased, borrowed, or received for review each week.

For Review via NetGalley:
The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa
Iceberg, Right Ahead! The Tragedy Of The Titanic by Stephanie Sammartino McPherson
Misfit by Jon Skovron



Bought:
The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa
Sweep: Volume 4; Seeker/Origins/ Eclipse by Cate Tiernan

Signed Bookplates from I Read Banned Books blog,

Let me know what you guys got in your mailbox's. Happy Reading, Ashley

Saturday, July 23, 2011

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa
Released: January 25th 2011
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Series: The Iron Fey, Book Three
Page Amount: 358 (US Paperback Edition)

*This is a third book in Julie Kagawa's The Iron Fey series. Although it is not my intention for any spoilers in my review, please do not continue to reading this review unless you have read The Iron King by Julie Kagawa and The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa.


"My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back."
-Information from  Goodreads


My Thoughts:
What is there to say about The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa? Other than the third installment in the ever breath taking and magically charming The Iron Fey series. The Iron Queen does not disappointment readers in the slightest bit. From the first chapter you are pulled back into the world of the faery.

I felt as if I was there with Megan in the mist of the action and romance. True to the format Julie Kagawa has started in The Iron King. This novel is such an amazing story line and is a roller coaster.

I wasn’t sure if I would love these series or not. I am so glad to have given a chance. Looking forward to The Iron Knight.

I recommend this book to you all!! There is romance, action and faeries. What more could you want?

5/5 diamonds!!

Happy Reading, Ashley

Friday, July 15, 2011

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore


I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
Released: August 3rd 2010
Publisher: HarperCollins
Series: Lorien Legacies, Book One
Page Amount: 440, US Hardcover Edition

"In the beginning they were a group of nine. Nine aliens who left their home planet of Lorien when it fell under attack by the evil Mogadorian. Nine aliens who scattered on Earth. Nine aliens who look like ordinary teenagers living ordinary lives, but who have extraordinary, paranormal skills. Nine aliens who might be sitting next to you now.

The Nine had to separate and go into hiding. The Mogadorian caught Number One in Malaysia, Number Two in England, and Number Three in Kenya. All of them were killed. John Smith, of Paradise, Ohio, is Number Four. He knows that he is next.

I Am Number Four is the thrilling launch of a series about an exceptional group of teens as they struggle to outrun their past, discover their future—and live a normal life on Earth.

I AM NUMBER FOUR.
I AM NEXT."

-Information from Goodreads.com


My Thoughts:
To be honest I am not one for aliens books. The only ever alien book I've read is The Host by Stephenie Meyer. So I wasn't sure if I would like I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore. I have heard mixed reviews on this novel. I had those opinions in my head before I read it.   To my amazement I fell in love with  the story and with John, Number Four. I loved how even though he was an alien and from a different planet he still went through the human emotions. I really enjoyed the flash backs to the planet. 

I am looking forward to The Power Of Six, which is set to come out next month. Hehe!! 

5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley  

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Plague by Michael Grant


Plague by Michael Grant
Released: April 5th 2011
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books imprint of HarperCollins
Series: Gone, Book Four
Page Amount: 497, US Hardcover edition


*Warning the following sypnosis and review may contain spoilers if you haven't read the following Gone, Hunger, and Lies.*

"It's been eight months since all the adults disappeared. GONE.

They've survived hunger. They've survived lies. But the stakes keep rising, and the dystopian horror keeps building. Yet despite the simmering unrest left behind by so many battles, power struggles, and angry divides, there is a momentary calm in Perdido Beach.

But enemies in the FAYZ don't just fade away, and in the quiet, deadly things are stirring, mutating, and finding their way free. The Darkness has found its way into the mind of its Nemesis at last and is controlling it through a haze of delirium and confusion. A highly contagious, fatal illness spreads at an alarming rate. Sinister, predatory insects terrorize Perdido Beach. And Sam, Astrid, Diana, and Caine are plagued by a growing doubt that they'll escape - or even survive - life in the FAYZ. With so much turmoil surrounding them, what desperate choices will they make when it comes to saving themselves and those they love?

Plague, Michale Grant's fourth book in the bestselling Gone series, will satisfy dystopian fans of all ages."

-Information from Goodreads.com

 My Thoughts: 
I truly love this series. It shows what could happen when kids are left on their own and how and what they do to survive. In Plague, the kids of the FAYZ (Fallout Alley Youth Zone) are dealing with limited food and water supplies and also a ever bad case of the stomach flu virus. 


You should check out this series, its awesome!! 5/5 stars


Happy Reading, Ashley