Castle Waiting Vol. 1 by Linda Medley

Castle Waiting, Vol.1 by Linda Medley
Released: June 17th 2006
Publisher: Fantagraphics Books
Series: Castle Waiting Omnibus Collection,Book One
Page Amount: 457, US Hardcover Edition
Source: Library

"Castle Waiting graphic novel tells the story of an isolated, abandoned castle, and the eccentric inhabitants who bring it back to life. A fable for modern times, Castle Waiting is a fairy tale that's not about rescuing the princess, saving the kingdom, or fighting the ultimate war between Good and Evil, but about being a hero in your own home.

The opening story, "The Brambly Hedge," tells the origin of the castle itself, which is abandoned by its princess in a comic twist on "Sleeping Beauty" when she rides off into the sunset with her Prince Charming. The castle becomes a refuge for misfits, outcasts, and others seeking sanctuary, playing host to a lively and colorful cast of characters that inhabits the subsequent stories, including a talking anthropomorphic horse, a mysteriously pregnant Lady on the run, and a bearded nun." -Information from Goodreads.com

My Thoughts:
This is an interesting take on the story of Sleeping Beauty. With some other colorful stories. This is the second graphic novel I read. I really did like the story. And I'm glad  I picked it up. I might carry on with the series. 

Thanks to Misty at The Book Rat, for recommending this one. 

3/5 starts, Happy Reading, Ashley

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Released: July 10th 2012
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Series: Seraphina, Book One
Page Amount: 467, US Hardcover Edition
Source:Library

"Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.

Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

In her exquisitely written fantasy debut, Rachel Hartman creates a rich, complex, and utterly original world. Seraphina's tortuous journey to self-acceptance is one readers will remember long after they've turned the final page." -Information from Goodreads.com

My Thoughts:

 Not going to lie, I wasn't in love with this one at first. The medieval wording and all the terms to remember made it difficult for me to understand. However I found myself not able to put this down.Rachel did a fantastic job with this debut novel!! Its only the second dragon book I've read. I really loved Seraphina, Prince Lucian and Princess Glisselda, Orma. The whole dragon storyline.

Truly amazing!!! You should read this, right now!!

I want the sequel admittedly!!

5/5 stars, READ IT NOW!! Happy Reading, Ashley

In My Mailbox (24)

In My Mailbox (24)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. The purpose of In My Mailbox is to promote books you have received for review, bought or simply borrowed from the library.   








Review:
Speechless by Hannah Harrington
Inbetween by Tara A. Fuller

Borrowed:
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Castle Waiting by Linda Medley
Dreamland Social Club by Tara Altebrando
Everneath by Brodi Ashton
I Capture The Castle by Dodie Smith
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
Tempest by Julie Cross
What Happened To Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

That's all for In My Mailbox this week. Let me know what you think of the books I got. Have you read any of them> Were they good or bad? Also let me know what books you got!!

Until next time, Happy Reading, Ashley

Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry

Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry

Released: July 31st 2012

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Page Amount: 384, US Hardcover

Source: Netgalley 

 "I won't tell anyone, Echo. I promise." Noah tucked a curl behind my ear. It had been so long since someone touched me like he did. Why did it have to be Noah Hutchins? His dark brown eyes shifted to my covered arms. "You didn't do that-did you? It was done to you?" No one ever asked that question. They stared. They whispered. They laughed. But they never asked.

So wrong for each other...and yet so right.

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again."

-Information from Goodreads.com 

My Thoughts:

 Pushing The Limits is in told alternating chapters from main characters Echo Emersion and Noah Hutchins. Both dealing with their tormented pasts and trying to make the present and futures better. A chance meeting in the office, and after an rude comment about her name by Noah. Echo and Noah start up an unlikely friendship. They both start to open up about why they are seeing the school counselor Mrs.Collins. Echo is seeing her to help deal with the loss of her brother Aires, and a night she can’t remember due to the dramatic events.

They hatch a plan to distract Mrs. Collins to look into each other’s files. To gain the information they both need in order to have things change. Will scheming together they each discover they have developed feelings for one another. Although they are both scared to say something to the other one. They do start dating and things become out of control.

However at the end everything gets turned around. Echo learns more about the night her mother attacked her and is dealing with aftermath of learning the truth. Noah learns his brothers are in a good home and that he can have a role in their lives as well have the future he wants for himself and with Echo.

There are sad moments, happy moments, sweet moments, you will be in for quite a ride with this one. I loved Echo and Noah. I felt the pain for both of them. All the things they both overcame is amazing and inspiring.

What an amazing debut from Katie!! I look forward to reading more of her work in the future!!

5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley

Cover Reveal

I have the honor of revealing the cover to Shadow Of The Blood Moon by Robin P. Waldrop, the sequel to Ties Of The Blood Moon. The expected publication date is August 10th 2012. I really loved Ties Of The Blood Moon and I'm looking forward to getting my hands on this.


For more information on Robin or any of her books you can visit her website , Goodreads and Facebook.


Here is the blurb for Shadow Of The Blood Moon:

"Genevieve Labreck is back with a score to settle. Her mom has been kidnapped by Zane, hybrid and all-around monster.  Rumors fly that Gen’s mom is holed away in Prague, a city recognized by humans for its serene beauty and intense culture, but Gen and Will know something humans don’t. Prague is haunted by dark, evil forces.

Can Gen and Will save her mom, or will they be too late?

Some will live, others will fall. At what price do you walk away from those you love?"

NOW THE MOMENT YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING...........

I have to say I'm sooo in love with this cover!! Its breathtaking, dark and mysterious. I love the purple incandescent affect. I want this book in my hands right now!!


Hope you love the cover as well, thank you to Robin for letting me share this beautiful cover with you all!!


Happy Reading, Ashley

Book Haul E-book Edition

These are the ebooks I've gotten the past few months

Review via Netgalley:
Temptation In A Kilt by Victoria Roberts (adult historical fiction)
The Brides Of Rollrock Island by Margo Lanagan
Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry
Meant To Be by Lauren Morrill
Goosebumps Most Wanted #1: Planet Of The Lawn Gnomes by R.L. Stine
Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword by Barry Deutsch
Confessions of An Angry Girl by Louise Rozett
Burn For Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

Review:
Yesterday's Daughter by Sallie Lundy- Frommer

Amazon Kindle P.C.:
The Fallen Stars by Jessica Sorensen
The Ultimate Sacrifice by Talia Jager
11:15 The Making Of Halfling by Heather Burch
My Familiar Stranger by Victoria Danann


That's it for this book haul e-book edition, Let me know what books you have gotten, Happy Reading, Ashley

P.S. I do have book reviews coming up, just waiting for the books to be released. So there's something to look forward to.


  

Once Upon A Read-a-thon Last Update

I didn't finish the read-a-thon. Late Monday night I got sick. And have been battling it even since. So I didn't get as much reading done as I wanted to. But there is always next read-a-thon to do so.

I had fun with this one!! Happy Reading, Ashley!!