Sunday, February 5, 2012

In My Mailbox (17)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @TheStorySiren. In My Mailbox is a way for book reviewers to show what books they got for review, bought or borrowed from the library.


Borrowed From The Library:
Fracture by Megan Miranda
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
Jessica Rules The Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
A Kiss In Time by Alex Flinn
Toads And Diamonds by Heather Tomlinson







That's what I got In My Mailbox this week!! Please let me know what wonderful books you guys got!! Happy Reading and remember A book can sparkle all the time, do to the love we book readers have for them!!
~Ashley

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

A Million Suns by Beth Revis

A Million Suns by Beth Revis

Released: January 10th 2012
Publisher: Razorbill
Series: Across The Universe, Book Two
Page Amount: 386 (US hardcover edition)

"In book two of the Across the Universe trilogy, "New York Times"-bestselling author Revis mesmerizes readers again with a brilliantly crafted mystery filled with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship."




My Thoughts:
I didn't think A Million Suns would be any more amazing than Across The Universe. Boy was I proven wrong. I will admit I got off to a rocky start with A Million Suns by towards the middle I was hooked and had to read straight through till the end. This series is amazing and I wish I would be time for the next book to come out. If you loved Across The Universe than you truly need to get your hands on A Million Suns. Beth Revis, I bow down to you. You did it again!  

5/5 stars, happy reading, Ashley  

A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

Released: June 1st 2011
Publisher: Balzer&Bray
Series: A Need So Beautiful, Book One
Page Amount: 267 (US hardcover edition)


"We all want to be remembered. Charlotte's destiny is to be Forgotten...

Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.

But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend's arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become--her mark on this earth, her very existence--is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.

Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny--no matter how dark the consequences."


My Thoughts:
I felt A Need So Beautiful was the touching story about a teenage girl being selfless and willing to lose her life to save others and give the light of love.  For as long as Charlotte can remember she has felt this "need" that makes her go to help someone make a decision in their life. 

As time goes on she starts to notice she is losing herself more and more. She's then left to decided to stay or light the of love shine. 

4/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley  

Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey

Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey 

Released: January 17th 2012 (first released January 5th 2012)
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Page Amount: 288 (US hardcover edition)

"For seventeen years, Eloise Hart had no idea the world of Faery even existed. Now she has been abducted and trapped in the Rath of Lord Strahan, King of Faery. Strahan was only meant to rule for seven years, as Faery tradition dictates, and then give up his crown to another. But he won't comply, and now chaos threatens both worlds.

The only one who can break his stranglehold on the Faery court is his wife. . . Eloise's aunt Antonia. Using Eloise to lure Antonia, Strahan captures his wife, desperate to end the only threat to his reign. Now Eloise must become the rescuer. Together with her best friends Jo and Devin, she must forge alliances with other Fae, including a gorgeous protector named Lucas, and Strahan's mysterious son, Eldric-who may or may not betray them"




My Thoughts:
I received this from NetGalley for review.  Stolen Away is told from the point of views from the 2 main female characters Eloise and Jo. Eloise has always lived a normal life, never knowing her aunts weird past. She is kidnapped by the faery king in order for her aunt to give back the king's crown.  Its always the classic tale of good versus evil. I loved the characters.

It reminded me of The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa.

4/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley

Escaping Titanic:A Young Girl's True Story Of Survival

Escaping Titanic: A Young Girl's True Story Of Survival by Marybeth Lorbiecki Illustrated by Korey S. Heinzen

Released Feb. 1st 2012
Publisher: Picture Window Books/ Capstone
Edition: Paperback 32, pages
Received For Review From Net Galley (e-book)

"Commemorate the Titanic's disastrous voyage with this harrowing tale of survival. Follow the true story of young Ruth Elizabeth Becker as her awe of the mighty Titanic turns to horror when she is separated from her mother and siblings. Ages 5-10"





My Thoughts:
I received this for review from NetGalley. Everyone is well aware of the stories told about the Titanic. This particular point of view is from a young girl Ruth Becker. Whom was aboard the luxurious ship with her mother,little brother and sister. Ruth is enchanted by the beauty of the Titanic. She loves dinning room, the cabin she and her family are in and the library as well. Everyone on aboard is lovely towards her.

I love anything on Titanic. This particular story is just amazing. Because this is a real person that was on the ship. Whom had walked around the decks, had eaten in the dinning hall. Something I've only dreamed about. Ruth never told anyone about her time aboard the ship until its 70th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.

For all those Titanic buffs out there should get this book. Yes its for a younger audience. But the pictures are wonderful. At the end of the book is more information on Ruth after her life on the Titanic.

5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley
 

Revealing Eden by Victoria Foyt

Revealing Eden by Victoria Eden

Released: January 10th 2012
Publisher: Sand Dollar Press Inc.
Series: Save The Pearls, Book One
Page Amount: 320 (US Hardcover Edition)


"Eden Newman must mate before her 18th birthday in six months or she'll be left outside to die in a burning world. But who will pick up her mate-option when she's cursed with white skin and a tragically low mate-rate of 15%? In a post-apocalyptic, totalitarian, underground world where class and beauty are defined by resistance to an overheated environment, Eden's coloring brands her as a member of the lowest class, a weak and ugly Pearl. If only she can mate with a dark-skinned Coal from the ruling class, she'll be safe. Just maybe one Coal sees the Real Eden and will be her salvation her co-worker Jamal has begun secretly dating her. But when Eden unwittingly compromises her father's secret biological experiment, she finds herself in the eye of a storm and thrown into the last area of rainforest, a strange and dangerous land. Eden must fight to save her father, who may be humanity's last hope, while standing up to a powerful beast-man she believes is her enemy, despite her overwhelming attraction. Eden must change to survive but only if she can redefine her ideas of beauty and of love, along with a little help from her "adopted aunt" Emily Dickinson."

My Thoughts:
I’m not sure how to describe my thoughts and feelings on Revealing Eden by Victoria Eden. It is a world I could see happening in the near future. If we as the human race don’t start respecting the earth more. Being more respectful towards one another as well.

Eden is a Pearl, which is not a good thing in this society. Coals, dark-skinned humans are the well to do. Eden puts this dark coating that hides her light skin so she can find a mate. She believes finding a mate will keep her safe and her future will be safe as well. However things go haywire when the experiment her father is keeping under lock and key is discover by the FFP (Federation of Free People).

She, her father and Ronson Bramford her boss, all leave the world they’ve known. In order to keep the experiment safe. Throughout the time spent where they are. Eden discovers she has feelings for Bramford and is willing to do anything for him.

The ending has left me wondering where the rest of this series is heading. I look forward to learning more about this world and the characters.

4/5 stars, for those who are big dystopian fans should check out this book!!

Happy Reading, Ashley!!
 

Monday, January 9, 2012

Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen

Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen
Released: April 5th 2011 (first released June 11th 2009)
Publisher: Speak
Page Amount: 399 (US Paperback edition)
Source: Owned

"It’s been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parents’ divorce—or since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in the charming beach town where they live.

A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she’s been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend."

-Information from Goodreads.com


My Thoughts:
Auden is a recent high school graduate, going on a summer vacation to spend time with her father, new step-mother and half-sister. Although at first she isn't fond of being around Heidi, her father, and her half-sister. She begins to fall in love with the little town, the friends she makes along the way.And even her step-mother. She discovers it isn't too late for a second chance. So get on the bike and ride. If you fall off get back on. No matter the scraps, bruises and cuts you get.I loved this book!! I also loved the beachy vibe to this book. Perfect for summer time reading or in the winter when you're craving a warm, light summery read!!

5/5 stars, Happy Reading,Ashley