Feature & Follow Friday #17

Feature and Follow Friday is hosted by two different hosts, Parajunkee and Alison Can Read! This meme is here for bloggers to gain new blogger friends and followers.

 

This weeks topic:

Describe your favorite book character death scene. Why is it your favorite? Was it a villain or a hero? What made it so good?

SPOILER ALERT FOR HP, PROXY AND HUNGER GAMES.

Sirius Black. Do I even need to descripe his death scene? It was unbelievable. I refused to believe he died, I was hoping for years he'd somehow come back (still am, I just refuse to believe he died). Nevertheless, it was so good scene. Hurt like hell and I don't want to believe it, but it was good. It had everything a good death scene needs: hurt, disbelief, drama... all of it. Rowling is the queen of death scenes (I love to hate her for that).

I have to mention Knox from Proxy, too. I loved his death scene and then I hated myself for liking it because just like with Sirius, I want him back so badly. I had to order the sequel right away and I was so sure somehow he'd be back, that he didn't really die (without saying, I'm stuck with the sequel because it's nothing I expected and that's not a good thing). Still, it was so great scene. Knox was his lovely self, he went with a blast and I just... yeah, I love dramatic scenes, what I can say?

And just to mention a book character death scene that was no way good in any sense of that word. Finnick (from The Hunger Games). Please, if you kill my favourite character in the book, could you be so kind and describe his death? Or even say it so I don't have to read same sentence twenty times and still not believe it.

 

ARC Review: Ice Massacre by Tiana Warner

Ice Massacre
by Tiana Warner
Published by Rogue Cannon Publishing
Ebook (received from Xpresso Books, thank you!)
NA, fantasy, paranormal

A mermaid’s supernatural beauty serves one purpose: to lure a sailor to his death.

The Massacre is supposed to bring peace to Eriana Kwai. Every year, the island sends its warriors to battle these hostile sea demons. Every year, the warriors fail to return. Desperate for survival, the island must decide on a new strategy. Now, the fate of Eriana Kwai lies in the hands of twenty battle-trained girls and their resistance to a mermaid’s allure.

Eighteen-year-old Meela has already lost her brother to the Massacre, and she has lived with a secret that’s haunted her since childhood. For any hope of survival, she must overcome the demons of her past and become a ruthless mermaid killer.

For the first time, Eriana Kwai’s Massacre warriors are female, and Meela must fight for her people’s freedom on the Pacific Ocean’s deadliest battleground.

Well, this one sure is different than what I've read recently. Ice Massacre seems to defy all the guidelines of its genres, and it's perfect read because of that. Badassery? You bet. Killer mermaids? Oh, you got them. Unexcepted plot twists? Definitely.

Ice Massacre has amazing variety when it comes to characters. There's Meela, the strong, righteous and intelligent main character; Dani, the mean girl who's basically mermaid killer machine (and I'm just saying, her potrayal is kind of stunning); and basically there's ship full of badass females off to fight against mermaids and it's amazing how all those girls differs from each other. Also, there was snippets about the people in their home island - their families, friends and lovers - and I can't wait to see if the sequel introduces them more.

Only downside in this book was the beginning. It started good, introducing eighteen-year-old Meela, but then there was hundred pages worth of flashback story about Meela when she was ten. I admit, I got problems to get into it and continue reading because while I'm all for flashbacks, the backstory that long felt more like a middle grade story than new adult badass adventure. It was good backstory and there was various good scenes but it was too long in my opinion. However, overall the story was so phenomenal and mind-blowing that I will still give five stars because when the backstory was over, it was all about badass adventure/mermaid massacre story with all spices that I originally came for.

Ice Massacre is unique. I don't want to spoil anyone but the subtle romance snippets took me by surprise, same goes with the character and plot developement. It's not just aimless mermaid massacre, there's so much into it and I enjoyed the little mentions of politics around the island and their mentality, and I sure hope there's more of it coming. I highly recommend this to everyone because no matter the genres or anything else, this was mind-blowing, especially how it ignored the genre guidelines. If you think this is mostly romance because of the New Adult category, you couldn't be more surprised. I'm saying, give this one go. It's definitely worth of your time even if the backstory can be dull. It gets amazing after that.

I can't wait the sequel, Ice Crypt!

5 of 5 stars.

Ice Massacre on Goodreads.

 

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

Waiting on Wednesday #19

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's cannot-wait book is:

Skyscraping by Cordelia Jensen!

Skyscraping

by Cordelia Jensen

Expected publication: June 2nd 2015

YA, LGBT, contemporary

 

A heartrending, bold novel in verse about family, identity, and  forgiveness

Mira is just beginning her senior year of high school when she discovers her father with his male lover. Her world–and everything she thought she knew about her family–is shattered instantly. Unable to comprehend the lies, betrayal, and secrets that–unbeknownst to Mira–have come to define and keep intact her family’s existence, Mira distances herself from her sister and closest friends as a means of coping. But her father’s sexual orientation isn’t all he's kept hidden. A shocking health scare brings to light his battle with HIV. As Mira struggles to make sense of the many fractures in her family's fabric and redefine her wavering sense of self, she must find a way to reconnect with her dad–while there is still time. 
 Told in raw, exposed free verse, Skyscraping reminds us that there is no one way to be a family.

 

Skyscraping on Goodreads.

 

Skyscraping sounds really emotional ride and I'm waiting for this almost desperately. I need to read it now but it's not published until June? Seriously, I'm sure they enjoy our suffering way too much.

 

What are you waiting on this week?

Feature & Follow Friday #16

Feature and Follow Friday is hosted by two different hosts, Parajunkee and Alison Can Read! This meme is here for bloggers to gain new blogger friends and followers.

 

This weeks topic:

Create an ad listing all the qualities and qualifications of your perfect co-blogger.

I really haven't thought this at all. Mostly because I'm okay on my own - and way too control freak to work with anyone else when it comes to run my blog. I mean, I have the way to write reviews, format posts and all that jazz to be truly comfortable with someone else bringing their way in the mix. However, if I'd ever need/want co-blogger, I'd want someone who had a similar way to write reviews or even so that our reviews wouldn't look like from different planets. Also, I'd like a person who could plan posts ahead because honestly, I suck at that. I can plan them but posting them on time? Yeah, not happening often. Also, it would be perfect if the person would write reviews more often than me. I mean, way too often I have half-written or reviews not even started sitting on my desk and I'm just not on right mood writing them. So, I'd want a person who could ace those things I lack the most.

 

Waiting on Wednesday #18

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's cannot-wait book is:

I Heart Robot by Suzanne van Rooyen!

 

I Heart Robot

by Suzanne van Rooyen

Expected publication: March 31st 2015

YA, sci-fi

 

Sixteen-year-old Tyri wants to be a musician and wants to be with someone who won't belittle her musical aspirations.

Q-I-99 aka 'Quinn' lives in a scrap metal sanctuary with other rogue droids. While some use violence to make their voices heard, demanding equal rights for AI enhanced robots, Quinn just wants a moment on stage with his violin to show the humans that androids like him have more to offer than their processing power.

Tyri and Quinn's worlds collide when they're accepted by the Baldur Junior Philharmonic Orchestra. As the rift between robots and humans deepens, Tyri and Quinn's love of music brings them closer together, making Tyri question where her loyalties lie and Quinn question his place in the world. With the city on the brink of civil war, Tyri and Quinn make a shocking discovery that turns their world inside out. Will their passion for music be enough to hold them together while everything else crumbles down around them, or will the truth of who they are tear them apart?

 

I Heart Robot on Goodreads.

 

I loved Obscura Burning by her and since then I've been keeping eye on her books and when I first heard about I Heart Robot I knew I needed it. But it seems to be so long away. I mean end of March! Patience is not my virtue. And oh, that cover is amazing! So yeah, I definitely will be waiting for this one.

 

What are you waiting for this week?

Review: Sweet Oblivion by Bailey Ardisone

Sweet Oblivion (Sweet Series, #1)
by Bailey Ardisone
Self-published
Paperback (received from author, thank you!)
YA, fantasy, romance

When two worlds collide, nightmares become reality. And some secrets...are best kept in Oblivion.
...Until there is hope.

Have you ever wanted to forget? Nariella Woodlinn has. Many times. Especially when her already frustrating life gets turned upside down by a mysterious boy who randomly shows up in her small town. And she can't seem to understand anything about him, despite how much she tries.
​Nari hates everything about her life, except for her best friend Rydan, but now that they've been separated during their senior year of high school, she has to learn to make new friends without him. When strange, unexplainable phenomena start becoming an every day part of her life, Nari struggles to come to grips with reality. And with love.

~
​
Naminé has responsibilities. Duties. It is her obligation to fulfill all that is asked of her by their King. But when a glimmer of hope is introduced to her by a prisoner she tends to, it means life or death for her and her people. She does all that she can to turn that hope into reality, and finally end the vicious war that has been ensuing since she was born. Even if that means keeping it secret from her King. Even if it means carrying out the biggest betrayal against the King ever seen during her time.
​
She has hope. She will fulfill her duty. She will not let her people down.

I had high expectations when I started reading Sweet Oblivion and I was really excited. My expectations and all I thought I knew about the book turned upside down but in this case it wasn't a bad thing. I enjoyed reading the story and especially towards the end it got really intriguing and I was left yearning for more.

 

There's two different point of views in Sweet Oblivion. Even though every other chapter is narrated by Naminé, they're extremely short when compared to chapters narrated by Nariella. That's the main reason why I won't give all the stars to this book. Nariella was good, solid character and I liked her chapters but Naminé's chapters weren't that good - mainly because they were so short. First I yearned for those chapters so I could learn more about Naminé and her world but eventually I became dreading them, because I couldn't follow what happened there and they seemed more like snippets than chapters. It felt like Sweet Oblivion was more of Nariella's story than Naminé's and I have high hopes for the sequel - I do want to learn more about Naminé and her story.

As character, Nariella was really different from other YA female main characters and I was glad because of it. She wasn't afraid to cry or show emotions. Her life wasn't easy but she wasn't hardened because of that and she wasn't trying to be stoic and unemotional. It was great! Besides these two main characters there sure was swoon worthy characters, especially Mycah and yes, even Rydan stole my heart. They were both wonderful in a different ways and the big reveal in the end of the book, let me just say, it was mind-blowing!

 

Sweet Oblivion was a great start for series but at times it was a little bit too slow paced. There was a lot happening there and getting to know Nariella, her friends, Mycah and Rydan, and there even was some serious action but overall there happened very little in almost four hundred pages. It was kind fresh for a book because the big secrets weren't revealed until the very end instead of middle of the book like many YA stories do, but at times I got a little bit bored with all the contemporary stuff. I wanted the fantasy stuff to happen! Hopefully there'll be lots of fantasy elements and action during the sequel, at least Sweet Oblivion's ending suggest it.

 

Overall Sweet Oblivion was a great story but Naminé's small role and a little too slow pace at times eats away some stars from my rating. I'll still recommend highly this book if the synopsis sounds even a little bit intriguing because it's a good book. And I'll definitely dive in the sequel with pleasure and hope for more of Naminé!

 

3 of 5 stars.

 

Sweet Oblivion on Goodreads.

(A copy of this book was provided in return for an honest review.)

Top Ten Tuesday: Sequels I Can't Wait To Get

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week participating bloggers can create lists of topic given by the host, and share them with others!
In no particular order:

 

1. Half Wild by Sally Green

I'm dying to get this one. Actually, I pre-ordered the exclusive and signed copy but it's still March-April until I get it and I need it know. Like immedialy. I worship Half Bad and I just need to know what happens next to Nathan, Gabriel and everyone else. Though, the novella Half Lies was published last week and I'll probably read it very soon but it's not enough.

 

It'll be my happy happy day when I get my pre-order on mail.

 

2. The Lovely and the Lost by Page Morgan

I know, technically this was published last summer. But I want it to match my The Beautiful and the Cursed copy so I want the US paperback and it won't be published until May. You see my problem? And of course, library doesn't have it so I can't borrow it and I'm not going to buy the hardcover when I really want the paperback. Why they can't just publish the paperbacks same time as the hardcovers? Or paperbacks first.

 

3. Reborn by Jennifer Rush

January doesn't only bring my birthday but Nick's story from the Altered series. I've waited for this ten long months and there's still two to go and I need this. I need more of this world and the boys and everything. Rush is so amazing author and I can't wait for January.

 

4. Between the Spark and the Burn by April Genevieve Tucholke

Well, it was published last August but I don't have it yet. And I have a book buying ban. Let's hope Santa will bring it to me (if not then I'm definitely buying it after Christmas). I need this one in my life. I loved the first one and I was so glad there was actual bad boys there and not just good-guys-who-just-look-like-bad-boys.

 

5. Battle Angel by Scott Speer

I was disappointed with the Natural Born Angel but I still need this final installement of the series. Especially since there's supposed to be that final showdown (which I was waiting for the whole damn Natural Born Angel but didn't get). And I need to know what happens to my ship and my precious little Jackson. (And yes, this is published but yet again, I don't own it yet).

 

6. Evertrue by Brodi Ashton

As usual (and it is usual, I'm so bad with the series) this one's published but I don't have it. I still yearn to read it. Kind of. I mean, I want to know what happens them, especially to Cole, but at the same time I'm dreading to finish it. I always feel the last book will disappoint me (valid fear, so many good series have been flattened by the last book which wasn't as good as others).

 

7. Resist by Sarah Crossan

As far as I was able to research, this dystopia series has only two books which is kind of amazing. Dystopias seems always to be trilogys (as everything else nowadays) so I'm pretty excited to see how Crossan does with this sequel. Breathe was pretty amazing and yeah, I really want to read this one. I even have it. I'm hoping that maybe I could read it during Christmas break.

 

That's all I have this time. What sequels you need to get right now?

Book Blitz + Giveaway: The Expatriates by Corinne O’Flynn

 

The Expatriates (Song of the Sending, #1)

by Corinne O’Flynn
Publication date: October 15th 2014
YA, fantasy
 

They told him his world was destroyed.
And they were the last to escape.
They thought he was safe.
They were wrong.

Jim Wales can communicate with animals, but that’s not why he lives with a traveling carnival. Turns out his family’s been hiding him there since he was little, since someone started hunting all the scholars. Jim is a scholar—someone who can manipulate energy using magic—and he has no idea.

When a message arrives from Jim’s father—who supposedly died twelve years ago—Jim’s whereabouts are discovered, their carnival is attacked, and his mother is kidnapped. On the run with a strange glass map and a single coin, Jim finds himself racing to reclaim the father he thought he’d lost, plotting to save his mother, and discovering the truth about who he is.

But going home isn’t the same as being safe, and trust is everything.

The Expetriates on Goodreads.

 

Purchase your copy!

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

 

Author bio

Corinne O'Flynn is a native New Yorker who now lives in Colorado and wouldn't trade life in the Rockies for anything. She loves writing flash and experimenting with short fiction. Her novel, THE EXPATRIATES (Oct. 2014) is a YA fantasy adventure with magic and creatures and lots of creepy stuff. She is a scone aficionado, has an entire section of her kitchen devoted to tea, and is always on the lookout for the elusive Peanut Chews candy.

When she isn’t writing or hanging with her family, Corinne works as the executive director of a nonprofit. She is a member of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, Mystery Writers of America, and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. You can find her online at her website, Facebook, or Twitter @CorinneOFlynn.

 

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Newsletter

Goodreads

 

A short interview with Corinne O’Flynn, author of THE EXPATRIATES. 

Tell us about your book.

THE EXPATRIATES is the first book in a new YA fantasy series about a teenage boy, Jim Wales, who discovers his family’s been hiding him in a traveling carnival because he’s being hunted for his powers. 

What inspired you to write THE EXPATRIATES? 

This is such a cliché!! But, the truth is the book was inspired by a dream I had almost 14 years ago. It was a little scene where this dark-haired kid is walking through a meadow of golden grass with a tiger and there’s a falcon hovering in the air over him. He’s communicating with the animals telepathically. The whole thing is still so vivid, all these years later.

What can you tell us about the main character?

The main character in THE EXPATRIATES is a seventeen year old named James Wales. His friends call him Jim. He has the ability to communicate with animals telepathically, which comes in handy living with a traveling carnival! The story opens with him training a tiger to do some new moves for their carnival act. It doesn’t go well, and Jim’s concerned the tiger can understand the insults coming from Jim’s best friend, Sam.

Your cover is fantastic! Who designed it and do you think a good cover is important part of publishing?

My cover was designed by Steven Novak at www.novakillustsration.com. He’s super to work with, and I can’t wait to see what he does with my next cover. I think a good cover is absolutely vital to capturing a reader’s attention. I learned something important while working on the cover, and that is to focus on the concept and the theme you want to portray, and not get stuck trying to be too literal in showing an actual scene from the story. Keeping that in mind really helped me get my head around what we needed to do.

Giveaway!

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Stacking the Shelves (22)

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews, and is all about sharing the book you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

This one includes my haul from last couple of weeks since I haven't gotten that many. Just few review copies - which I'm so overly happy to receive so it's almost like Christmas for me! Also, my book buying ban is still going strong, so.

 

ARCs/Review copies

 

 

The Body Electric by Beth Revis

Sand and Ruin and Gold by Alexis Hall
The Stolen Dragon of Quanx by Becca Mann

Thank you, Scripturient Books, Riptide Publishing and Becca Mann, for all these wonderful review copies!

Waiting on Wednesday #17

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's cannot-wait book is:

The Weight of Destiny by Nyrae Dawn!

 

The Weight of Destiny

by Nyrae Dawn

Publication: November 18th 2014

NA, contemporary

 

When “crazy” runs in your family and your namesake is known for walking into a river with a pocket full of rocks, a girl kind of wants to avoid tempting fate at all costs. For Virginia Nichols, the only way to dodge that bullet is to be perfect at everything: school, student council, life. Too bad it’s all a lie, and underneath the perfection...Virginia is lost.

Ryder Blackstock knows a thing or two about being born into fate. The talents passed down from his father aren't exactly normal; instead of learning how to throw a fastball, he was taught to hot-wire a car like a pro and pick any pocket in sight. He’s got criminal blood, just like his old man. And as soon as he turns eighteen, he’ll be living life on the run with his dad.

When Ryder and Virginia meet on the beach, it seems they couldn't be more different. Soon they discover they’re both trapped in their lives—Virginia denying her fate, Ryder embracing his. Like the rocks in Virginia Woolf’s pockets, the weight of their destinies will pull them under. But being together brings out pieces of themselves they didn't know existed—pieces that make them want to take fate into their own hands and rewrite their destinies...if it’s not too late.

 

The Weight of Destiny on Goodreads.

 

It sounds so good! I loved Dawn's Rush, and this sounds sinfully good. Criminal blood? You got me on there. Luckily, it's not even a full week before this is published!

 

(Oh my, it's been a long time since I did this meme. But I'm back on board with this now.)

Top Ten Tuesday: Characters I Wish Would Get Their OWN Book

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week participating bloggers can create lists of topic given by the host, and share them with others!

Now we're getting somewhere. I love, adore, worship, most of secondary characters in books I love. It's no secret that I'm often having a hard time with narrators and main characters, that they annoy me - sometimes I even end up disliking the book mainly because the main character and I didn't click on. But secondary characters, let me tell you, without few exceptions I love them. Authors usually do them so much better and maybe it's because the book isn't narrated by them so they're a little bit mysterious and yeah. It's no secret I love the badass characters, the villains, bad boys and jaded ones. So there'll be a quite few of them on this list.

And now, we get to the point. In no particular order, I'd give these ten divine secondary characters their own book.

1. Draco Malfoy from Harry Potter.

Is it even a surprise? Draco's my favourite. He's bad boy, he made the wrong choices and all that, and I loved him because of it. Harry was a good, solid main character and even though I love him to pieces, too, Draco stole my heart and soul. I'd love to hear what kind of childhood he had, how his studies went, how he acted with his friends. All of that.

(And if I can't have book from Draco point of view, I'd settle with Lucius.)

2. Nico from Percy Jackson.

First I adored him. Who didn't? He's son of Hades, his live hasn't been excatly easy and he lost so much. Nico had struggles I'd love to read and all his trips to the Underworld and how his and Hades relationship formed and... I'd just read a book about him. Or two.

5. Finnick from The Hunger Games.

I bet I'd love The Hunger Games more than anything else if Finnick narrated it. His life was tragic but he still smiled and had Annie and their son. I want Finnick back and have a book from his point of view. Pretty please?

4. Warner from Shatter Me.

Adam left me cold but Warner? Oh, he's the villanous bad boy I love to love. Yes, he's not excatly good, is shady and all of that but he was interesting. I've only read Shatter Me so I don't know what we get to know more during the later books but I want to know it all. I want him to narrate.

5. Gabriel from Half Bad.

He's such a lovely lad. Nathan is one of my favourite narrators but I'd love to read more about Gabriel from Gabriel's point of view. What his childhood was like? Present? Future? Anything? I hope we'll get tons of more Gabriel on Half Wild but I'd read a whole book about him if possible.

6. Murtagh from Eragon.

I love Eragon, I do, but Murtagh was interesting. His childhood was pretty much one giant tradegy and his life didn't get much better when he grew up but yeah, I love tradegies, I love broken and flawed characters. While I want everything to be good for Eragon, I hope same for Murtagh. It would just be so intriguing to read about his childhood and how he grew up and how he struggled and everything.

7. Haymitch from The Hunger Games.

He was there during all of the books but a book narrated by him? That would be fantastic. I bet I'd laugh through half of the book and cried the rest - and I'd love every second of it.

8. Marcus from Half Bad.

I'm not obsessed with Half Bad. Not at all. But yeah, Marcus is the ultimate bad, the one everyone is afraid or hate, and he's the absend father of Nathan. What wouldn't I give to hear his side of the story? We got some during Half Bad but I wasn't satisfied. He's powerful, bad, dark and yet, he loved Nathan's mother and I refuse to believe he doesn't care about Nathan. 

9 & 10. Sirius and James from Harry Potter.

Okay, okay, all of marauders. Their childhood, years in Hogwards and their lives before James and Lily was murdered. But especially Sirius and James's friendship and how Sirius managed after his best friend died and yeah, you get the idea.



Book Blitz: Hurricane Butterfly by MeChelle Vermeulen

 

Hurricane Butterfly

by MeChelle Vermeulen
Publication date: November 21st 2014
NA, romance
 

Twenty-year-old Sophie Blake, is trying her best to get her life back after a horrific dog attack ten months ago. However, this proves to be more difficult than she anticipated. With the help of her best friend Ben Slone, it seems as if she’s making progress, but the truth is that she can feel herself sinking deeper into a black hole…until a tall dark stranger comes knocking, looking for Ben.

Joshua Roxwell has been drowning his demons with Whiskey and woman in an attempt to deal with his guilt after the tragic death of his sister. When he finds an envelope addressed to Ben Slone, written by his sister before her death, he decides to track him down. Instead of resolving their differences, he meets the one girl who silences his demons…but redemption comes at a price.

This is a story of heartache, friendship and love, with a wicked twist…

Hurricane Butterfly on Goodreads.

 

Purchase your copy!

Amazon

 

Author bio

Author of the soon to be released new adult novel Hurricane Butterfly.

Daydreaming about ideas for my next book. Baking treats that's no good for the hips. I love thunderstorms, rainy days, sweet tea and spending time with my wonderful hubby and two boys.

 

Twitter

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Goodreads

 

 

 

Excerpt

Sophie~

“Just listen to me,” Josh pleads, but suddenly I feel like the room is starting to spin. My words caught in my throat as my heart starts to race and the tears sting in my eyes.

“What is this?’ I walk around but he holds onto me. 

I look up at him though blurred eyes “Let go of me.” I accentuate every word.

He throws his head back, working his jaw. “I don’t know what‘s in there baby, please, just leave it, I can explain.”

… His eyes are black as he looks at me, chest heaving. For the first time, Ben’s warnings are starting to make more sense. This is clearly only the tip of the iceberg. The secrets locked up in these files have their claws so deep inside of him, and now, it’s threatening to tear us apart. How did this happen? All I want is to be with him, but …I don’t know how to deal with this. I’m beginning to understand why Ben decided to break away. This family and its secrets are toxic. 

Feature & Follow Friday #15

Feature and Follow Friday is hosted by two different hosts, Parajunkee and Alison Can Read! This meme is here for bloggers to gain new blogger friends and followers.

 

This weeks topic:

 

Craziest thing you'd be willing to do for an ARC you are dying to read?

 

Sell my soul. I'm not even kidding (or am I?) I don't know. Anything that's possible to do, honestly. I've been lucky and gotten some really great eARCs but the downsides of living in Finland is that yeah, you don't really get physical ARCs. It would cost way too much to travel USA for BEA or any book conventions and most people won't send ARCs outside USA because of the shipping cost. It's okay, I understand it but of course I wish I'd someday get a physical ARC of a book I'm dying to read. I'd be willing to do some crazy stuff for it.

 

 

 

Or you can add me on Google+!

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Want To Re-Read (Someday, I will, I swear!)

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week participating bloggers can create lists of topic given by the host, and share them with others!

 

Once upon a time I re-read over and over again those books I held dear. Then happened Goodreads, book blogs and mountains of new books found me. You can guess that now on I basically read new books and have no time to re-read. However, there's some books that I will, I swear. Why? Because I want to. I love to re-read but hectic life and tons of new books keeps happening.

 

So yeah. In middle school and even in high school I re-read books and series all the time. Harry Potter, Inheritance Cycle, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Wuthering Heights... if it was my favourite, I re-read it at least two to three times. Sometimes more.

 

During last couple of years I haven't re-read books. But now I'm going to tell you, what books I'd love to re-read and what I try to re-read when I finally allow myself put down the new books.

 

1. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

I'm not even sure how many times I've read Wuthering Heights but I still want to re-read it. Mostly because I've only read translation so I'd love to read it in English (I've a beautiful Splintered Classic Line edition, now all I need it to re-read it. Someday.)

 

2. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

I fell in love with the series and unlike most of the trilogies I've read, UTNS was stunning through all three books. I'd love to read all of them again but I'd settle with the first one because it's my favourite. I just love reading how people meet and how their journey begins.

 

3. Hushed by Kelley York

Hushed is probably my favourite of all my favourites. It also was first Kelley York book I read. I loved it, it broke me and yeah, after two years I'm still not over it. Maybe I'm a masochist but I want to re-read this one badly.

 

 

4. Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

I think I've read the whole five book series two or three times already. But in Finnish so now that I've copies of these in English I'd like to read them. And maybe after that finally dive in Heroes of Olympos series.

5. Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini

Mainly Brisingr. I've read Eragon and Eldest multiple times when I was younger but Brisingr only once. I still need to read Inheritance but I don't remember where Brisingr left that good, so yeah, re-read would be perfect before diving into Inheritance.

 

6. That Was Then, This Is Now by S.E. Hinton

We had to read The Outsiders for school in middle school. While I wasn't that big fan of it, I still read all other Hinton's books I could find - and surprise, I loved them all (and more than The Outsiders)! I've read Tex multiple times, it's so magnificent but That Was Then This Is Now is the one I loved most of them all, and what hurt the most. I will re-read it, I just... I know I'm going to cry and it's going to hurt so much all over again. And give me a huge book hangover.

 

7. Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr 

I've re-read Wicked Lovely maybe three times but Ink Exchange only once. I loved it more but it was also so raw and hurt so much that I've been unable to read it again. I'd love to and then finish the series because I've still yet to read Fragile Eternity, Radiant Shadows and Darkest Mercy.

 

8. Atonement by Ian McEwan

Why it seems that I want to re-read only books that make me cry or feel like hell? Why I love those that crush my heart without mercy? I don't know but Atonement is one of them. It's been a couple of years since I last re-read it and I think it's time to read it again. Even though the first fifty pages is quite boring, no matter how many times I read it.

 

9. Escape From Hell! by Hal Duncan

Hal Duncan is genious (and I have met him in person!) and this is his masterpiece. It's bloody and pure Hell with twists like no other. It's pure perfection. I need to re-read this (and now that I have the feeling give it to me now, of course the book is at home and I'm on campus).

 

10. Half Bad by Sally Green

I read Half Bad last summer but I have itch to read it again. It was brilliant, no matter what people say. I mean, I'm not huge fan of witches and wizards (apart from HP I don't read books with witches because... well, I just don't like them) so loving Half Bad is huge for me. I pre-ordered Half Wild and I'm so happy in a couple of days there will be a novella, Half Lies, coming out so I can read it. But I'd love to re-read Half Bad nonentheless.

ARC Review: The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky by David Litwack

The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky

by David Litwack

Published by Evolved Publishing

Ebook (received from publisher via NetGalley, thank you!)

Adult, contemporary dystopia (?)

 

After centuries of religiously motivated war, the world has been split in two. Now the Blessed Lands are ruled by pure faith, while in the Republic, reason is the guiding light—two different realms, kept apart and at peace by a treaty and an ocean.

Children of the Republic, Helena and Jason were inseparable in their youth, until fate sent them down different paths. Grief and duty sidetracked Helena’s plans, and Jason came to detest the hollowness of his ambitions.

These two damaged souls are reunited when a tiny boat from the Blessed Lands crashes onto the rocks near Helena’s home after an impossible journey across the forbidden ocean. On board is a single passenger, a nine-year-old girl named Kailani, who calls herself “the Daughter of the Sea and the Sky.” A new and perilous purpose binds Jason and Helena together again, as they vow to protect the lost innocent from the wrath of the authorities, no matter the risk to their future and freedom.

But is the mysterious child simply a troubled little girl longing to return home? Or is she a powerful prophet sent to unravel the fabric of a godless Republic, as the outlaw leader of an illegal religious sect would have them believe? Whatever the answer, it will change them all forever… and perhaps their world as well.

I requested The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky because I wanted to read something different and it sounded good story and something I wouldn't usually pick up immedialy. I had some expectations like mature characters as they're older than what I usually read and I think, a different kind of perspektive. Also, it has really good ratings on Goodreads, the average is 4.26 and I don't think I've seen so high before. So yes, I had expectations. Sadly, the book didn't meet them.

Firstly, I got the image that this was supposed to be fantasy. While I'm flexible with the genres and read from different genres, it was a little disappointing that this had no fantasy elements. Mostly it felt like contemporary dystopia set in time that wasn't defined - if it makes anything sense. I could deal with that but I had difficulties with the religious aspect. The synopsis revealed that there will be some religious aspects but not the majority of it. The story took mostly place in the Republic which was place for rational thinking but mostly the story contained people who believed and yes, even preached about it. They also talked about it all the time. What was almost disturbing was that the child, Kailani, talked and preached basically all the time about the Spirit and yeah, it felt more like a preach book than literature. A fair warning would have been nice, especially since nowhere was said that it'll have this much religious aspects.

However, what I had most problems with was the characters. They were bland, especially Helena and Jason. And there was no chemistry, no spark, between them. People told them they were good together but they didn't do anything about it. It was just all about how they had walked together from school as children. There was no building between them, no romance and no chemistry, it just felt like it was given to reader: that hey, here's the romantic couple but I'm not giving you any build up or passion. Also, they were supposed to be adults. All of them, if Kailani wasn't included, but they didn't act like it. Helena and Jason basically didn't listen the government officials, the officials didn't communicate with each other and all they had left was a huge misunderstanding and it could've all been avoided if they had communicated. And it was quite, how I could say it, disturbing how most of the adults did what the kid, Kailani, said. What she wanted, she got - that was the basic feeling behind the story and it felt so unrealistic.

Maybe I'm being too critical here. There was nothing wrong with the writing style, some aspects in the story were enjoyable and last twenty pages saved so much because everything was explained and Kailani's actions made finally sense. But it was too late. I was so close giving up this one and my stubborness was only thing that kept me going. The ending saved a lot and the story would have been so much better if builded a little differently. Mainly explained some things earlier and actually builded a solid relationship between Helena and Jason - oh, and been a little less preachy.

So, I'm not saying The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky was horrible read but it just wasn't for me. If your interest pikes up, then give it a go but do your research first. As I said, it has really good rating on Goodreads and maybe I'm just a odd one in the mainstream. It wasn't for me but it could be for you.

2 of 5 stars.

The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky on Goodreads.

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

Cover Reveal: Disturbingly Beautiful by J & L Wells

Disturbingly Beautiful (A Paradox in Time, #1)

by J & L Wells
Publication date: November 2014
NA, romance, time-travel

“I find you disturbingly beautiful,” are the contradictory words bestowed upon the governess by her master.

 

Mr Buchannan’s infatuation is a shadow from which Nell cannot escape. The feelings he holds for her are not reciprocated, and though his lust soon turns to love, Nell’s feelings towards him turn to hatred. Dreams and a love of literature are Nell’s only escapism from the downtrodden life she leads as a governess in the nineteenth century.

 

One night, an intruder on the estate catches Nell off guard, but she gives chase; a decision that leads her through an opening in time between the centuries, where she finds equality, true friendship and a completely different outlook on life.

 

Despite using this to her advantage to escape the advances of her unwanted suitor, she is somewhat perturbed when she unexpectedly finds him at her side in the twenty-first century. Will love conquer all, or will time always stand in their way?

 

Disturbingly Beautiful on Goodreads.

 

And now, look at this beautiful cover!

 

 

 

Author bios 

Laura Wells is a swimming teacher, with a love of books, animals and, of course, Jane Austen. Once a national swimmer, she now runs three swim schools of her own. She enjoys spending her spare time with her family and two mad Shiba Inus. She lives in Staffordshire, England.

Judy Wells works at a school; in her spare time she enjoys writing poetry and novels, and spending time with her animals. She also lives in Staffordshire, England.

Laura and Judy are a mother and daughter duo; with Judy's love of poetry and writing and Laura's ideas, they work extremely well together. Time-travel and historical romance novels are their passion, and they hope that after you have read their books, you will feel the same.

Our website is: www.jandlwells.com
Why not come and say hello to us on Facebook - J & L Wells -

and have a look at our novels on Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23298081-disturbingly-beautiful