Thanks You Guys!

S, I just wanted to make a post thanking my 50!!!!!!!!!! followers! Fifty! It may say 51, but I followed myself, so I don't count one follower. But anyways, for me, 50 is a huge accomplishment! I am so happy to have awesome followers who comment and find my posts interesting! I just wanted to thank each and every one of you for following. An remember, once I reach 150 followers, I am going to have an awesome contest! Lots of awesome swag and a book or two! I also wanted to mention awards. I am accepting rewards, so far I have 2, and I have not been very good on passing them on. I need to find people to pass them on to still and link to their blogs, and everything else. I promise, I will put up the post and pass on the awards soon hopefully! Just wanted to make sure I wasn't hurting anyones feeling about not passing on the award. ANd remember, I love all of your blogs! If I don't pass the award onto you, don't take it personally. I would give you all an award if I could! So, thanks you guys!

I aslo wanted to thank all the authors who have sent me swag! I am still waiting on a little more, but when it arrives, it is going in my prize box that I am saving for the giveaway!

This week I am trying to multitask while I read:
XVI by Julia Karr
Die For Me By AMy Plum
Darkfever By Karen Marie Moning (adult book, first I have read)
The Hot Zone bY RIchard Preston (For Biology class)


Ok, bye you guys!

Starcrossed By Josephine Angelini

How do you defy destiny?
Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.
As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart. (from goodreads)

I recieved this ARC free of charge from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review. That has not changed my opinion of the book in any way.

So, Starcrossed is the debut novel of author Josephine Angelini. I have been looking forward to reading this, and when I finally did, I was highly rewarded!

So, the story centers mostly around 17 year old Helen Hamilton. She does not really fit in at school, and she always feels different. She just doesn't know why. But then Lucas Delos moves into town. Someinteresting interactions happen between them before Helen learns anything, but soon enough, she begins to learn who and what she really is. The story takes you on a great adventure as you keep trying to solve the mystery Mrs. Angelini has put together. It is great and completely entertaining. And she sure knows how create a completely twisted ending! 5/5

In the begininng, my only complaint about the characters was that Helen seemed somewhat... unrelatable to me. As the story progressed however, Helen became completely relatable and I began to really enjoy her character. I also really liked Claire, she was funny and seemed the way a real friend would. When the Delos family moves in, there are certain characters you really want to hate becuase of their attitudes, even though you realize its for the better of Helen. But the longer you are with them, the more they begin to seem nicer and friendlier. I'm not complaining, as they were designed to look like the mean characters they were at first. I think Creon, the main antagonist, was really evil, which is great! They were all great characters and can't wait to read more of them. 4.5/5

The writing was great for a debut author! I usually don't enjoy 3rd person view as much as 1st person (I think that is what it is called), but I really enjoyed it this time, as you get to follow from the point of view of all characters. The writing is desriptive and engaging and you just want to kep reading to find out the next twist that is thrown into the story. 5/5

I loved the setting! I absolutely love Cape Cod, but have never had a chance to visit the island of Nantucket off of Cape Cod. I want to visit there even more now! I think it was the perfect setting for the story! It's isolated besides the ferry, and that contributes hugely to the story. It was just a perfect setting! 5/5

So, 19.5/20. This book was awesome! Plenty of action and romance! The worst part is waiting until May 31st to grab a finished copy! (Its also awesome cause it comes out on my birthday!) (But its awesome anyways) So, mark you calendars and add it to your lists, becuase this is a great book that you don't want to miss out on!

Waiting on Wednesday Video

So, here is another video!

Waiting On Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine

I'm waiting on:

Possess By Gretchen McNeil

Anna Dressed In Blood By Kendare Blake

Divergent By Veronica Roth

Another Future Read

The Lost Saint Future Read

BOOKS AND FRIENDS

INTRO VIDEO

MY FACE!!!

This is finally an image of me and a book. I had to use my friends computer but I finally got a picture!

In My Mailbox #4

So, it has been a while since I've been able to do an IMM, since I haven't really gotten anything until this week. SO, In My Mailbox is brought to you by Kristi over at The Story Siren. She is awesome, go check her out. SO, here is what I got.


Starting with books,

Nightworld #3 By L.J. Smith

Untamed By P.C. and Kristen Cast

Vampire Acedemy By Richelle Mead

Frostbite By Richelle Mead


SO, I got those when my library teen book club (which was my creation!) had a books swap, you could bring in books and trade. So, I brought in some old ones I was never gonna read anyways, and traded for some new? looking copies of the books I DID want to read. So those are the books I traded for.

So, as you all know, Borders is closing some stores. My store is closing. I'm sad. So I begged my parents for money and went to buy books on sale. They had horrible sales. I thought the books would be more than 20% off butthey weren't. Anyways, I still got three books.

XVI By Julia Karr (which I started, it is pretty good ao far!)

White Cat By Holly Black

The Lying Game By Sarah Shepard


And then I got some of the swag authors are sending me for my future giveaway!

Three SIGNED! bookmarks for Amy Dominy's book OyMG! from AMy Dominy. THANK YOU!

Three Class Of 2011 Bookmarks, also from AMy Dominy! Thank You!

Two COMPLETE sets of Dead Rules pinback buttons from Randy Russell! THANK YOU!


So, that is what I got this week. What did you guys get?

Elixir By Hilary Duff

So, I figured I would do a review of a book I have read somewhat recently, becuase I haven't posted a review in a bit and I feel that the blog is kind of boring right now. I hope to finish Starcrossed really soon. I am about halfway through. (It is really good!) So, I am going to review Elixir By Hialry Duff.



Clea Raymond has felt the glare of the spotlight her entire life. The daughter of a renowned surgeon and a prominent Washington DC politician, she has grown to be a talented photojournalist who takes refuge in a career that allows her to travel to the most exotic parts of the world. But after Clea’s father disappears while on a humanitarian mission, Clea’s photos begin to feature eerie, shadowy images of a strange and beautiful man—a man she has never seen before. When fate brings Clea and this man together, she is stunned by the immediate and powerful connection she feels with him. As they grow closer, they are drawn deep into the mystery behind her father’s disappearance, and they discover the centuries old truth behind their intense bond. Torn by a dangerous love triangle and haunted by a powerful secret that holds their fates, together they race against time to unravel their pasts in order to save their lives—and their futures. (From Goodreads)


So, Elixir is the debut book by actress/singer Hilary Duff along with her co-author Elise Allen. Knowing that Ms. Duff was an actress made me question the truth of whether or not she really wrote the book. There are some celebrities out there who have ghost writers who write the book but the celebrity recieves the credit. I think that is wrong. But, I honestly think Hilary actually wrote the book along with Elise Allen. What makes me think this is that she actually acknowledges the co-author. I also think Hilary is a nice and truthful person and I give her credit. Anyways, on to the book.

The story in this bok was great. It was wel developed and I really enjoyed it. It tells of Clea, who's father recently went missing. She desprately wants to find him. And then a man starts showing up in her pictures, a man she had never seen before and who was never really there when the picture was taken. The story drew you in with the mystery, making you want to know why these things are happening and what really happened to her father. I really liked how the story went into the past lives of certain characters, though I won't say who. My only complaint is that some things aren't really resolved in the end (sequel?) and I think there was a somewhat lacking of action. There is action, just not a whole lot. So overall, I rate the story 4/5.

The setting of the stroy was all over the place. I really enjoyed it. Clea visits so many places for her job and vacations and to places where the story connects. It was constantly changing with her travels. I really don't think one place was used more than another. The setting chosen were really great and i can't wait to see where the characters go in the possible sequel. 5/5

The characters were great. You learn a lot about each of them and they were all really funny and interesting. I like how for certain characters we get to go back and experience their past lives, which I think was a really great aspect of the book. My favorite character was Rayna, she was really funny and was the comic relief of the story. Clea was also strong and independent, which I always like in a character. 5/5

The writing is very good for a debut novel. Both authors joined together to write the book, and it came out great. I never found myself going back to reread anything and everything made sense. For a celebrity, I think Hilary Duff's writng is very good and so is Elise Allen, who is also a debut co-author. I can see the possible relations between Duff's life and Cleas's, though you never think you are following Hilary's life, it is always Clea's. (That is kind of confusing but that how I thought of describing it, I think you guys get what I mean.) 5/5

So, overall, 24/25. It was really good. I am honestly really excited for the possible sequel to the book. So many questions are left unanswered and it is a major cliffhanger. I definetely will also be reading Elise Allen's debut Populazzi, which I believe comes out this summer. So, I recommend picking this book up sometime soon, as it is very good.

Also, if you liked this book or like the premise, I recommend checking out Evermore By Alyson Noel, which is the first in the Immortals series, which is pretty much bout the same thing, but it is also very good. I believe the first review I ever wrote was for Evermore, so check it out!

So, you guys, leave a comment and thanks for reading! And don't forget to let me know some of the books you would like to see in a future contest that I will have! Thanks!

What Books Would You Like To See In A COntest?

So, I am planning on having a contest once I reach 150 followers ( I decided on this due to me being jobless, and therefore having no money, now I'll have some time to earn some) SO, I figured I would ask my current followers- What books would you like to see in a contest? My decision for the contest as of now is the winner can either pick two paperback books or one hardcover to win. (This might change, I have not fully decided) I want to have a list to post with the contest for the winner to choose from. That way I can go out and buy the book from the store and send it along with some other things :) So, assuming this cotest happens in the next month or so, considering my following has been rapidly rising, I have put together a little list of some newly released books or books released in the next few months.



Falling Under By Qwen Hayes
The Iron Witch By Karen Mahoney
Unearthly By Cynthia Hand
A Touch Mortal By Leah Clifford
Angelfire By Courtney Allison Moulton
Wither By Lauren Destefano
Delirium By Lauren Oliver
Darkness Becomes Her By Kelly Keaton
Haven By Kristi Cook
Demonglass By Rachel Hawkins


So, anyways, these are just a few of the awesome books I can think of off the top of my head, so let me know in the comments some books you would like to see on the list for the winner to choose from! Can't wait to see!

Future Contest?

So, everyone, when I reach 100 followers, I might do a contest! Yay! Well, a contest for my followers! SO, if you guys would like a contest, let people know, spread the word about my blog! If I do a contest it will probably be a preorder one for an upcoming book or maybe books, not sure what I can afford yet. So, spread the word and look forward to a contest.

P.S. I am only 14, I don't have a job- maybe I will be able to send out one book, at most two. This contest (if it happens) will probably be US only. I'm not made of money. Haha. Anyways, I might end up changing the contest to when I get maybe 150 followers depending on what I can afford when I reach 100. Just wanted to let you guys know! So follow and help reach the contest number!

Waiting On Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking The Spine http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/ Where we share upcoming releases that we are excited to read.

So, this week I am waiting on:

Angelfire By Courtney Allison Moulton

When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul. A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her - an assassin who has already killed her once. While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie's soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives - including truths that may be too frightening to remember. (taken from goodreads)



A Touch Mortal By Leah Clifford

Eden didn't expect Az.
Not his saunter down the beach toward her. Not his unbelievable pick-up line. Not the instant, undeniable connection. And not his wings.
Yeah.
So long, happily-ever-after.
Now trapped between life and death, cursed to spread chaos with her every touch, Eden could be the key in the eternal struggle between heaven and hell. All because she gave her heart to one of the Fallen, an angel cast out of heaven.
She may lose everything she ever had. She may be betrayed by those she loves most. But Eden will not be a pawn in anyone else's game. Her heart is her own. (taken from goodreads)
And that's only the beginning of the end.

Delirium By Lauren Oliver

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love - the deliria - blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy. But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love. (summary taken from goodreads, thanks!)


I'm sorry it took me so long to post this review, I had to finish the book and then I had to finish crying. (Its so sad!)


Alos, I am doing this review as a part of the Dystopian February Challenge over at Presenting Lenore http://presentinglenore.blogspot.com/2011/02/dystopian-february-kick-off.html
(I recieved this ARC free from HarperCollins, and that in no way changes my opinion of the book)

So, Delirium is Lauren Oliver's second novel, following Before I Fall. I loved Before I Fall, it was raw and emotional, which must be Ms. Oliver's specialty- making you cry. But this novel was completely different from Before I Fall, as that was contemporary, and this was dystopian. Having loved Before I Fall, I had very high expectations for Delirium.

So, let me start off by talking about the storyline. I will say this- the beginning had me wanting so much more. I was just reading like "when is this gonna really start?" Well, it starts aroud page 200. But don't take that as a bad thing. The second half is amazing and you will not regret continuing. Even those 200 pages will keep you reading, I just didn't find much to be happening. As I said, the last 250 pages are brilliant. The story for this book is just... wow. It is amazing. It grabs you and brings you into a world where love is a disease, the deliria. The concept is terrifying and amazing. The story is so emotional and just makes you want to cry. So, (only becuase, for me, the begining was slightly slow) 4/5

I absolutely loved the characters in Delirium. They are all amazing. Related to my earlier 'complaint' in the beginning, lena seemed kind of uneven as a character, but i believe it just they way I read it, and then I had to consider the situation she is in, and I think I began to relate to her more. After that beginning part though, I loved Lena. She is an amazing Main Character. She developed so muchthrough the novel. She went from naive and sheltered to realizing the truth about the society. (minor spoiler) She almost reminded me of Katniss Everdeen in the way that she begins to oppose the government like Katniss, and then how she begins to oppose eerything she has ever known and discovers the truth. (spoiler over). Alex was a great match to Lena and it is amazing what he leads her into. I loved the supprting characters. Hana was my favorite. She seemed to be the one who had the rebellious feelings in the beginning and she seemed strong. I loved Gracie, even though she wasn't around much, she played a major role in the end. 5/5

I loved the setting of the novel. Most happened in Portland, Maine. I won't say where else. The setting was great for the novel. I saw an interview with Lauren Oliver as to why she chose the setting and what she said made complete sense, she said that Portland is kind of surrounded by water, and just seemed right. I agree. It was also a dystopian society. Cities are sealed off from the Wilds, the lands that are 'uninhabited', or so they tell the people. The US in this novel has been disconnected from the rest of the world, as in they no longer interact. The setting was amazing and believable. 5/5

Lastly, the writing of the book. Oh, if only I could give a bazillion points. Ever since I read Before i Fall, I have loved her writing. This was no exception. Lauren Oliver is a genius at describing things perfectly so that you can see them and feel as if you are there. She makes the world seem so real. Her writing is beautiful and emotional and I love it! It is to great for words! Honestly, it is some of the best writing, ever! (in my opinion)! 5/5

Also, I want to make a not on the cover, considering I no longer rate based on covers since they don't change the content of the book. But i loved this cover! It is simple and perfect. I love the way the face is shown from behind the writing. I believe the hardcover flap opens and shows the whole face, though I am not sure...

Overall, 19/20. This book was great! It is out today! Go grab a copy, you won't regret it!

So, anyways, now I have to wait a while (maybe a year) before the sequel is released! Its called Pandemonium. Ah! I hate waiting so long, especially with the book ending the way it did! Anyways, I can't wait!

You might also like Lauren Oliver's debut Before I Fall.

Also, you guys, I am not sure how to add pictures of the book to the post. If you know, can you tell me how and where to find the pictures to add? Leave a comment, thanks! And I also figured I would mention a somewhat sad song that I listened to after reading Delirium, which made me cry more, and I think the song kind of relates to the novel in a little way. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHYhErv_fWQ&feature=fvw