Thursday, September 30, 2010

[ARC Review] Stork by Wendy Delsol

Title: Stork
Author: Wendy Delsol
Publication: 12 October 2010
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Review Copy: ARC, won (Thanks, Rebecca!)
Pages: 355
My Rating:


Blurb from Goodreads:  
Oh baby! A hip heroine discovers that she has the ability to decide who gets pregnant in this witty YA blend of romance and the supernatural.

Sixteen-year-old Katla has just moved from Los Angeles to the sticks of Minnesota. As if it weren’t enough that her trendy fashion sense draws stares, she learns to her horror that she’s a member of an ancient order of women who decide to whom certain babies will be born.

Add to that Wade, the arrogant football star whom Katla regrettably fooled around with, and Jack, a gorgeous farm boy who initially seems to hate her. Soon Katla is having freaky dreams about a crying infant and learns that, as children, she and Jack shared a near-fatal, possibly mystical experience.

Can Katla survive this major life makeover and find a dress for the homecoming dance? Drawing from Norse mythology and inspired by The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen, debut author Wendy Delsol conceives an irreverent, highly entertaining novel about embracing change and the (baby) bumps along the way.

My thoughts: 

First off, look at that cover! Simple, but striking. Every element of the cover was made so clear to me once I'd read the novel cover to cover. I love covers that are just MADE for the book. It's not just pretty, it represents the very essence of Stork very well.

Stork won me over by introducing to me a whole different setting, concepts, characters that I had never seen or read about before. Stork is set in Minnesota, which I've only ever heard stuff about from How I Met Your Mother's Marshall Eriksen. Stork is, actually surprisingly (or not surprisingly) about a stork, or rather, a stork society. It's more than that, though. The main character, Katla, doesn't focus all her attention upon her recent discovery of being a Stork. She has a world and a life that she explores; everything is new, everything is scary. She makes friends, she finds love, she nearly dies--three times (slight spoiler if you thought Katla would die)!

The descriptions used are so easy to follow, so well-done that the whole setting - and every action - is vividly described. Delsol definitely has a way with words, and has come up with such a breath of fresh air with Stork.

The characters are interesting. While some of them were a bit eh, I liked Hulda, Jack, I hated Wade, and I disliked Grimilla. Now these names won't mean a thing to you unless you have read it already, but it's clear that this book stirred within me certain emotions towards characters! Which is definitely what an author should aim to do, because without alluring and unique characters that should be cared about, what is it doing on the market?

Now, this novel was a bit slow going at times, but the ending is brilliant. I did not put the book down for at least the last 100 pages. Let's just say that things get very heated, in more ways than one. ;)

Definitely worth a shot! Pick up a copy when you get the chance.

Buy:
Live in Australia?
Fishpond | Readings | Dymocks | Angus & Robertson | Borders | The Nile

Live elsewhere?
Amazon | The Book Depository

More reviews:
Book Crazy | A Books Blog | 25 Hour Books | The Compulsive Reader

I am in no way affiliated with the above sites, nor with Delsol or publisher. I do not receive any money for reviewing or linking.

Learn more about Stork and read more reviews at Goodreads!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

I've been tagged...again!


I have been TAGGED...again! This is an international game of tag and I've been tagged by Steph at The Thoughts of a Book Junky. While I have already done this, I guess I'll answer some questions about myself so you can get to know me even better, and tag four other bloggers so we can learn about them. 

In red is the original wording. I have just adjusted the wording a bit because I've already answered these before. {link} Copy only the RED text if you've been tagged, please. :)
  • 4 Things on my Bed stand (4 Things in my Purse): 
- My currently reading book
- Remote controls for my TV
- Lamp
- Drinks and/or soup cup
  • 4 Things on my Wall (4 Things in/on my Desk):
- Posters or various printed photos & fanart
- My timetable for school (next to my computer; don't need anymore since I just graduated)
- Basketball hoop (from Jump Rope for Heart)
- Dreamcatcher (and *haha* it's not above my bed, not even near!)
  • 4 Things in my Bedroom that shouldn't be there (4 Favorite Things in my Bedroom):
- My mum's camera (used for IMM and other stuff)
- All these cups & empty/half-full bottles!!
- Knitting stuff + square--it was for a charity project that I was meant to hand in last month!
- Bathroom scales (I've had it in here for years!! Also haven't used it in years!!)
  • 4 more Things I Always Wanted to Do (but haven't yet):
- Write a novel
- Go to a BEA convention in the States
- Learn a EUROPEAN language (such as...French!)
- Go bungee-jumping
  • 4 Things I Plan To Do Tomorrow (4 Things I Enjoy Very Much at the Moment):
- Make notes for study
- Going to library with some friends to STUDY, and maybe check out some books :)
- Finish reading Bright Young Things and be halfway through A Blue So Dark
- Open some packages. Yes, I'm expecting stuff in the mail!! :D
  • 4 Songs I Can't Get Out of My Head:
- Who Am I by Plumb
- What's Good for Me by Lucy Woodward (from WHAT A GIRL WANTS! <3)
- I'll Make a Man Out of You from Mulan
- Face Down (acoustic) by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
  • 4 more Things you Don't Know About Me:
- I am Chinese --> Cantonese (I have been called: Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Mexican, Half Asian+something else, oh the list goes on...such is the life of an Asian, though)
- I keep all the packages I've ever received (via online shopping or book-related thingies) in one little corner of my bedroom. One day I may show a picture. It's at least a metre tall now...
- I have worn the same watch on my left wrist since Year 7. It's a Baby G. :)
- We just got a little puppy, Maltese x ShihTzu, called Tofu. {img link}
  • 4 more Vloggers/Bloggers who I am tagging:
- Stacy & Jessica @ Chapter Chicks
- Holly Cupala, author of Tell Me a Secret
- Cindy @ Princess Bookie

Waiting on Wednesday (9)

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

For this week, I am swooning over Unearthly by Cynthia Hand, which is due for release on January 2011!



Why I'm Waiting on Unearthly:

How could I possibly not be waiting on it? Purple cover, beautiful title font, it's a book about angels, a 2011 debut novel . . . Okay, to be honest, I don't even care what the book is REALLY about. Just, damn, look at that cover. Beautiful.


I am shallow.

Synopsis (Goodreads):
In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees. . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what it is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place--and out of place, at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make--between honesty and deciet, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Links:
Goodreads page
Cynthia Hand's blog


Thanks for visiting my weekly WoW post. 2011 is continuing to look like a promising year in the YA book department. ♥


What are you waiting on this week?

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Teaser Tuesday (6)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.
Grab the book you are currently reading and randomly post a couple sentences.

"Hello mister." Astrid put a flirtatious hand on her hip and smiled at Charlie with one corner of her mouth.

"Don't try that with me," Charlie snapped as he took several long steps toward her.

"Try what?" Astrid asked innocently.

(p. 73)
  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen
Pages: 389
Release date: 12 October 2010
Genre: historical, romance, mystery
Ages: YA, 14+
Amazon | Goodreads


 Hope you enjoy this week's Teaser Tuesday! What are you reading?

Monday, September 27, 2010

Contest Craze Mini Challenge #1: Top 5 Books of 2011

Okay, so I may not be from the US, but I have my ways, and gosh darnit, I'm entering every contest of Cindy's Contest Craze!

Let me tell you, going through all the YA 2011 books that I have added in Goodreads . . . choosing only 5 really is a challenge! Gosh, this is really difficult when some of them don't have covers!

Delirium by Lauren Oliver {gr}
There was no way I couldn't include this in my top 5 books. I love Before I Fall way too much to betray Oliver like that. :P Anyway, this one sounds fabulous: controlling society (Matched), dystopic world, love is a "poison" of sorts to which there is now a cure for . . . a promised forbidden romance, or at least a difficult and tribulating one.
While I'm not exactly used to the new cover just yet, the ARC cover is just WOW. Wish I had a copy... 


 The Locket by Stacey Jay {gr}
Can you say COVER LOVE? I also really like the premise of this one: "What if you got a second chance to fix your worst mistake? . . . What if you found out that sometimes, miracles are curses in disguise" Plus, there aren't many books that feature a piece of jewellery as a main motif and driver of the narrative. Can't wait to see how this one WOWs me. :)


Rival by Sara Bennett Wealer {gr}
Love the cover, love the title, love the storyline. Being a sort of music lover, I'm sure I'll enjoy this one! Plus, Sara is such a sweet person. If you comment her on her LJ, she'll reply back, and she's definitely one of those authors you can just approach. Wish I had an ARC of this one: already asked . . . no dice. :'( Curse my Australian residency!



Where She Went (If I Stay, #2) by Gayle Forman {gr}
This one should be my #1 book, but anyway...
I loved If I Stay, so there was no way I was going to skip out on reading the sequel! Whoever hasn't read IIS already is NUTS. Gayle's characters are beautiful and realistic and likeable; her storytelling: phenomenal. Mia's story is unforgettable, and I can't wait to see what reading in Adam's POV will do for the "continuance" of the story.
Beautiful cover, do I even need to say it? *swoon*


Ripple by Mandy Hubbard {gr}
Having just finished reading You Wish (and loving it), I'm hoping for a completely different story in Ripple, and am looking forward to seeing how Mandy Hubbard allures me in this title.
This one has the makings of a huge success! 






Now, since it's too painful to part with just 5 titles, I've got a list of books that are definitely note-worthy. I couldn't just NOT mention them:


Unearthly by Cynthia Hand {gr}
Like Mandarin by Kirsten Hubbard {gr}
Entwined by Heather Dixon {gr}
Falling Under by Gwen Hayes {gr}
Between Shades of Grey by Ruta Sepetys {gr}
From Bad to Cursed (Bad Girls Don't Die, #2) by Katie Alender {gr}
Divergent by Veronica Roth {gr}
Lost Voices (Lost Voices, #1) by Sarah Porter {gr}
Hourglass by Myra McEntire {gr}
Across the Universe by Beth Revis {gr} (already own an ARC)

Sunday, September 26, 2010

[Review] You Wish by Mandy Hubbard

Title: You Wish
Author: Mandy Hubbard
Publication: 27 September 2010 (AU)
Publisher: Penguin (Razorbill)
Review Copy: Finished review copy (Thanks to Penguin Australia!)
Pages: 272
My Rating:


Blurb from Goodreads:
What if all your wishes really came true?

Kayla McHenry’s sweet sixteen sucks! Her dad left, her grades dropped, and her BFF is dating the boy Kayla’s secretly loved for years. Blowing out her candles, Kayla thinks: I wish my birthday wishes actually came true. Because they never freakin’ do.

Kayla wakes the next day to a life-sized, bright pink My Little Pony outside her window. Then a year’s supply of gumballs arrives. A boy named Ken with a disturbing resemblance to the doll of the same name stalks her. As the ghosts of Kayla’s wishes-past appear, they take her on a wild ride . . . but they MUST STOP. Because when she was fifteen? She wished Ben Mackenzie would kiss her. And Ben is her best friend’s boyfriend.

My thoughts: 

What a fun cover does You Wish have? It is so cute, and it's nice to have a little bit of pink on my bookshelf. :) So I really wanted to get a review of this one before the release date, which is tomorrow, for Australians! I'm glad I got to read it early and finish it on time, since this is such a fun and awesome book!

First off, I didn't know what I was getting into. I was only expecting a fun book, which I got, but there was more than that.

There was CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. There were characters that were relatable and interesting and likeable. I love the main character. I love Ben, her counterpart. I loved her best friend...and I was sad to finish the novel and know that that's where their story ends. Each new "wish", each new day brought on more laughter and chaos in Kayla's life. In particular, Ken was unbelievably hilarious! I found myself laughing out loud several times as a result of his actions. (check out my quote)

The writing, while a bit choppy or awkward at times, was so so suitable for the subject matter and voice of the book. In memory, there weren't any big words or hard to understand passages. Everything was so straight forward and easy to read. Part of why I love reading YA, actually. Also, this book would be suitable for pretty much all ages; for a YA, there is no violence, no swearing, no sexual references or scenes, no drugs or other riff-raff. Very safe, very cute; sweet.

Premise? I haven't seen anything like it before. I liked the way the story moved along. For the most part there was always something going on. There wasn't much time for dull moments, with its short length and all.

I think a sequel would be so cool (I don't want to let go of the characters!) but it's probably not going to happen, right?

Cute, fun, sweet--You Wish is definitely a novel that will satisfy and entertain all ages. I don't want to let go of the characters just yet! I grew to love them all more than I ever thought I could love characters within a novel.


Quote:
   There's no way I can miss messing with the Ken.
   "Have you seen my zebra lately?" I ask, turning to Ken in all seriousness. One of my favorite Barbie play sets had been the safari one, where Barbie is wearing khaki shorts and hiking boots and she comes with a slew of animals. I imagined myself going on all kinds of African adventures. "She seems to have wandered off. With my . . . lion cub. And panda bear." I'm actually not entirely sure Barbie has a panda bear, but the zebra and the lion cub ring a bell. "Those three, I swear . . . "
   I wag my finger like a stern librarian or something.
   Ken wrinkles his brow. "That's terrible. Do you know where they went?"
   I shake my head. It's getting harder and harder not to laugh. (p. 145)

Buy:
Live in Australia?
Fishpond | Readings | Dymocks | Angus & Robertson | Borders | The Nile

Live elsewhere?
Amazon | The Book Depository

MOVIE: It's official! Mandy Hubbard blogged about it. So far it's only optioned, and hopefully it'll go through, but it's still possible it won't. More news on that in future, I hope!

More from Mandy Hubbard: Prada and Prejudice, Ripple (Razorbill, July 2011)

I am in no way affiliated with the above sites, nor with Hubbard or publisher. I do not receive any money for reviewing or linking.

Learn more about You Wish and read more reviews at Goodreads!

In My Mailbox (10)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren.

After my 19 book intake last week {}, this week has been considerably slower in terms of books. But what this weeks' intake lacks in quantity, I believe makes up in quality! I got 3 books this week, but since I won't review one (as it is not YA), technically I only got 2 books. And I'm really excited about both!

The photos include the "general" fiction novel. If anyone is interested, you'll have to search it yourself. :P (Pretty in Plaid by Jen Lancaster)

How pretty are the covers?!?!
For Review {1}
You Wish by Mandy Hubbard
Thanks to Penguin Australia for the review copy!

Won {1}
Crossing the Tracks by Barbara Stuber Debut novel!
Thanks to Elizabeth C. Bunce (author of Starcrossed & A Curse Dark as Gold)! {link}

Bought {0}

Bookmooch {0}

Library {0}

Swag
2 Elizabeth C. Bunce bookmarks
(One will be given away for a swag giveaway in November)

Easter egg! Guess what that green thing is in the background.



~~~

Note: eBooks will only be counted in here if they are for review/won. Netgalley is NOT included in this.

Packages (3)


What did you get in your mailbox?

NEWS: 
  • Currently Reading: You Wish by Mandy Hubbard
  • Next up: Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen (author of The Luxe series)
  • September Spectacular! Reading Challenge: Book 4 (Minder) has been read and reviewed already. :) {review}
  • I was tagged! {link}
  • For all you Melbournians--win a trip to Penguin HQ in Victoria! {link}
For more "whats up" check out my Waiting on Wednesday posts. :)


Thursday, September 23, 2010

I've been tagged!!

This is an international game of tag and I've been tagged by YA Bookie Monster. I must answer some questions about myself so you can get to know me better and then I will tag four other bloggers so we can learn about them.

4 Things in my Purse Handbag:
- Phone (Samsung)
- MP4 Player (Samsung YP-T10)
- My keys
- My currently-reading book, if it fits.

4 Things in on my Desk:
- Computer (screen--my actually computer is on the ground)
- Bookshelf (it is actually ON my desk! Here is a photo!)
- My school stuff, for the most part; right now, a lot of it is just everywhere!!
- Tissues. Lots and lots of tissues.

4 Favorite Things in my Bedroom:
- My computer
- My books
- My bed
- My TV

4 Things I Always Wanted to Do (but haven't yet):
- Get into university with a course that I want!! and then have somewhere to go from there.
- Travel around the world, especially to Japan
- Get married and have children
- Make some sort of video/vlog and post it on Youtube

4 Things I Enjoy Very Much at the Moment:
- Reading and blogging--I love it so much I'd do it all day if I could!
- Checking my e-mail (always something good for me there), and mail :D
- Just relaxing at home, watching TV, or reading a good book in bed.
- The fact that HIGH SCHOOL is finally finished! WOO!!! Don't talk about the exams just yet... :(

4 Songs I Can't Get Out of My Head:
- Run Joey Run (cover from Glee--hilarious video!)
- Total Eclipse of the Heart (cover also from Glee, beautiful and emotional)
- Cut by Plumb (I found this song from a fellow YA book blogger, who heard the song via The Vampire Diaries)
- King of Anything by Sara Bareilles (Heard this the first time during one of Enna's IMM vlogs--love it!)

4 Things you Don't Know About Me:
- I began reading, like REALLY reading, around May this year (2010)
- I have only ever worn makeup during special events, such as dance performances & formals
- My favourite movies over the years: What a Girl Wants, Good Burger, Spirited Away, Whisper of the Heart, and a few others.
- I learnt HTML when I was in the 6th grade, and was also once knowledgable about CSS, PHP; using MYSQL. I've had several websites, mostly of the personal variety, but none of them lasted past a month or two. :P

And the four people I am gonna tag are: Romy (Lost in Stories), Holly (Good Golly Miss Holly), Naomi (inkcrush) and Lisa (Badass Bookie)

Yes, it's an Aussie YA Book Blogger feat!



Wednesday, September 22, 2010

[Review] Minder by Kate Kaynak

Title: Minder
Author: Kate Kaynak
Publication: June 2010
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Review Copy: Paperback, won (Thanks, Cari!)
Pages: 250
My Rating:


Blurb from Goodreads:  
Sixteen-year-old Maddie Dunn is special, but she needs to figure out how to use her new abilities before somebody else gets hurt. Ganzfield is a secret training facility full of people like her, but it's not exactly a nurturing place. Every social interaction carries the threat of mind-control. A stray thought can burn a building to the ground. And people's nightmares don't always stay in their own heads. But it's still better than New Jersey--especially once she meets the man of her dreams...

My thoughts: 

When I won this one at Cari Blogs, I didn't exactly know how Minder was going to fare with me. Fortunately for me, this one was pretty good. :)

Kaynak illustrates in her novel a world (within our world), Ganzfield, full of superheroes. The superpowered groups mentioned include:  
- minders (can read others' minds) 
- charms (can manipulate others through their charming words) 
- "pyros" (can make fires) 
- "movers" (can move objects with their minds)
(I don't remember the official names of the last 2).

The main character, Maddie, believed she was an ordinary person -- until she blasts out the brains of 3 (?) guys from school who were up to no good. Thus, her normal life is over and she is shipped off to Ganzfield, where she is introduced to a whole other environment. She quickly builds a close relationship with Trevor, the only "mover" in Ganzfield, as her minder powers grow ever-stronger. But trouble is afoot, and outsider forces (threatened by the powers of those at Ganzfield) get in the way...

The descriptions used to paint each scene was so well done and elaborate, but, to me, necessary and not excessively used. I mean, the story is a TAD slow going at the beginning, but as most novels are for me, I tore through the second-half of the novel.

The plot and premise are unlike anything I've ever seen before. After reading Minder, I was left wondering Damn, wish there were a real Ganzfield around here...I came to like the many relationships that Maddie forms with many other characters, such as with her and her mentor (another minder)-- the mentor becomes something of a father figure to which filled that void of her absentee father. I liked her relationship with Grace, a newcomer, a charm, there's that innocent glow of a fragile budding friendship . . . you know the type. Grace appears to be, in Maddie's POV, the only good charm that is worth mentioning individually. The charms are kind of like Ganzfield's version of "the jocks" in high school, though these "students" don't really get to choose their powers.

However, one problem I did have with Minder was that the relationship between Trevor and Maddie was, well, where do I start? It was a bit repetitive in that Maddie's mind continually fills with thoughts of What is Trevor thinking/doing? or Where's Trevor? or I can't hear Trevor's thoughts . . . Also, the justification behind their relationship, the reasoning, it didn't ring through for me. It seemed a bit silly or fabricated. I needed a bit more of an oomph on that part, but that may just be me.

I'd definitely re-read Minder in the future, and I definitely recommend it!!

Quotes:
[One quote for page 50, and another for halfway mark page.]
I considered getting a snack or something to drink, but the idea of going back to the dining hall made my appetite vanish. Perhaps I'd discovered a new form of weight loss: the humiliation-avoidance diet. (p.50)
 The sickly, orange glow from the near-dead batteries faded further when I jostled the casing. I sat on my cot, alone with the dim light and my turbulent thoughts. Without the touch of Trevor's mind, I started to feel exposed and insecure. What had happened between us? I'd never experienced anything like it.
My heart caught when I felt him returning. (p.125)
Trailer:




Amazon | The Book Depository

I am in no way affiliated with the above sites, nor with Kaynak or publisher. I do not receive any money for reviewing or linking.

Learn more about Minder and read more reviews at Goodreads!

Waiting on Wednesday (8)

What's happened last week (16-22 Sep)?
- I'm currently reading Stork by Wendy Delsol
- The contest for Nightshade by Andrea Cremer is ending! Well, by the time you read this, you may already be too late. :/ Good luck all who entered!! Hosting for Squeaky Books!
- Another giveaway for SWAG!! 2 winners, international. Ends 1st of October.
- Last giveaway of September, for The Dead by David Gatward (ARC) + The Crescent signed bookmark. International. Ends 1st of October, too.
- I'm taking part of the ARC Tour for Daughter of Xanadu {link}, Nightshade {link}, Secondhand Charm {link}, Aces Up {link}, Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters {link}, Fixing Delilah Hanniford {link} thanks to Good Golly Miss Holly ARC Tours!, as well as A Blue so Dark {link} thanks to International Book Tours
- Review: One Night that Changes Everything by Lauren Barnholdt {link}
- Check out my 19 book intake for the week! {IMM}
- Teaser Tuesday: Stork by Wendy Delsol {link}

Anyway...

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

For this week, I am swooning over Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys, which is due for release on March 2011! It's a YA debut historical novel; one with heart and truth, sadness and despair of the Soviet union Nazi uproar of the 1940s.


Why I'm Waiting on Between Shades of Gray:

Look at the beautiful, simple, symbolic and so so suitable cover? It takes a little bit of close examination to full appreciate it in its simplicity. There is a pretty cool author video which explores all, or a lot, of the inner-workings of the novel. There are really heartfelt stories of people who have had to experience these events first-hand, and you must watch the video, and read the book. It sounds like my kind of book--historical, drama, tear-shedding, war & destruction, more tears...I hope the novel ends on a hopeful note.

Synopsis (Goodreads):
In 1941, fifteen-year-old Lina, her mother, and brother are pulled from their Lithuanian home by Soviet guards and sent to Siberia, where her father is sentenced to death in a prison camp while she fights for her life, vowing to honor her family and the thousands like hers by burying her story in a jar on Lithuanian soil. Based on the author’s family, includes a historical note.

Links:
Goodreads page


Thanks for visiting my weekly WoW post. 2011 is continuing to look like a promising year in the YA book department. ♥


What are you waiting on this week?

Mice by Gordon Reece -- a new Aussie YA thriller!!

Mice - the provacative new suspense thriller
Mice by Gordon Reece - OUT NOW

The Story
Shelley and her mum have been bullied long enough. When they retreat to an isolated cottage in the country, they think their troubles are over, and they revel in their cosy, secure life. But one night, an intruder disturbs their peace and something inside Shelley snaps. What happens next will shatter all their certainties.



This is an Australian YA thriller--I hope you guys will check it out. It sounds pretty good!


For any Aussies who wish to score a free copy, just spread the word about Mice: facebook it, tweet it, blog it . . . Email them back (teen@allenandunwin.com) to let them know how you helped spread the word (weblink, screenshot, etc). There are 30 copies available, so get cracking! You have to be a subscriber of Allen & Unwin to be eligible!

CLOSED The Dead by David Gatward

The Dead Giveaway (International)

So, what's up for grabs?

* An ARC copy of The Dead by David Gatward + Signed The Crescent (by Jordan Deen) bookmark

Blurb (from ARC): 
Lazarus Stone is about to turn sixteen when, one night, his normal life is ripped to shreds by a skinless figure drenched in blood.

He has a message: The Dead are coming.

Now Lazarus is all that stands in their way. To fulfil his destiny, he must confront not only the dark past of his family, but horrors more gruesome than even Hell could invent. And it all begins with the reek of rotting flesh ...
The Dead was the first horror YA novel I'd read before, so I didn't really know what I was going to say about this one. I thought it was good, and I'd love to read the second book, since this book ends in a cliffhanger of sorts.

I recommend any horror lover to give this one a whirl!

{my review}

Ends October 1st, at 22:00 GMT +10. Winners to be announced by October 2nd. International.

You don't need to be a follower, but you'll have a better shot at winning! Winners to be chosen via random.org! Good luck!

To enter: fill in the form below, or click here for the form!


Remember my other contest for a bunch of cool YA swag (2 winners), which also ends on the 1st of October! {giveaway}

Please do go ahead and advertise my giveaway; though I can't give you extra entries, I'd very much appreciate it!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Teaser Tuesday (5) STORK BY WENDY DELSOL ;; 2010 YA DEBUT

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.
Grab the book you are currently reading and randomly post a couple sentences.

I haven't done one in a while. But since I really like the writing style of my currently-reading, I'm thinking Why the hell not? . . . so let's get on with it!

Here is a teaser for Stork by Wendy Delsol (ARC) -- which is MUCH, MUCH longer than 2 sentences for the very purpose of whetting your appetites; Stork releases in a few weeks' time!
"Jaelle," I call. She can't hear me. "Jaelle, it's me, Kat." No reply. "Jaelle!" My voice increases in volume and intensity, yet Jaelle still does not respond.

She takes a few steps farther into the ring. She approaches one of the stumps, runs her hands along its rough-hewn surface, and lowers herself into the chiseled seat.

She then reaches behind this forest bench and pulls what appears to be an orange cape over her shoulders. She settles it comfortably about her shoulders, so I am at first fooled into thinking that it's a cloak of sorts. As I watch, though, flames lick up the back and onto Jaelle's neck.

She doesn't seem to notice. Terrified for her safety, I call to her: "Jaelle, be careful!" She still doesn't hear me, nor does she appear burned or even aware of the heat. She adjusts the fire cape, seemingly luxuriating in its warmth.

She sits back, crosses her legs languidly, settles her gaze upon the newborn, and falls into a pleasant, sleeplike, sentry of the beautiful child. (pp. 79-80)
  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stork by Wendy Delsol
Pages: 355
Release date: 12 October 2010
Genre: fantasy, mystery, romance
Ages: YA, 14+
Amazon | Goodreads


 Hope you enjoy this week's Teaser Tuesday! What are you reading?

Saturday, September 18, 2010

In My Mailbox (9) // WARNING: IMAGE HEAVY

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren.

This is a special week this week:--
1, because I received 19 books in one week &
2, because I've got PHOTOS!!! *throws confetti*

This one will be formatted differently... I have 4 piles of books, and so I'll have 4 "headings" . . . So, let's get started!

For Review {5} 


- I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
- Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen
- The Eternal Ones by Kierstan Miller
- Across the Universe by Beth Revis (ARC! Super super excited and ecstatic that I get to read this one early~~)
- Siren by Tricia Rayburn

I'm so excited to read these ones! I've heard great things about each of these books, so I hope I enjoy them as well. I love the shiny parts of each book cover; they're all really pretty. It's really cool that Penguin Aus receives the books a month~ in advance, which is something I never really ever contemplated before. I've requested for four more titles, though only 1 of them is available right now (?).

Thank you thank you thank you Penguin Australia for these books!


Won {15}
Thanks a lot, everyone for the great books!

Contemporary Love
Hosted by Nancy at Ravenous Reader


- Hold Still by Nina LaCour Signed
- The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson Signed
- If I Stay by Gayle Forman Signed
- Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
- Party Girl by Sabrina James (ARC)

My first boxed up package! Seriously, such beautiful books and I'm excited to read HOLD STILL, for I had already read the other three (but have not received that same cover before). I will no doubt re-read, though.

Clockwork Angel
Hosted by Zoë Marriott, author of The Swan Kingdom, Daughter of Flames, and upcoming Shadows on the Moon!


- Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
- Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
- Daughter of the Flames by Zoë Marriott Signed
- Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
- 2 bookplates signed by Zoë, as well as a magnet (both not in picture) and a note. :)

I was only expecting to receive CA, but Zoe got all sneaky and threw in a whole lot more! I've been wanting to read Shiver for a while, and I'm so happy that I get to read Daughter of the Flames while I wait for Shadows of the Moon to release, in 2011.

Winter Flings
Hosted by Steph Bowe, through Hachette Children books!



- The Silver Blade by Sally Gardner (a historical YA fiction, French revolution!!)
- Skins: The Novel by Ali Cronin
- Night World by L.J. Smith
- I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You (#1, Gallagher Girls) by Ally Carter
- The Last Vampire by Christopher Pike

Now, with this one I'm disappointed. I was not meant to end up with Night World. I do not want it, to be honest. I want my copy of Ash by Malinda Lo!!! Deceptive advertising? On Steph's part? On Hachette's part? Not sure. I'm still trying to get this sorted out. I emailed Steph, but she hasn't responded yet -- I guess I'll just be patient for now and hope for the best. In other words, I'm stoked to get to read Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls! :D

Bought {0}

Bookmooch {0}

Library {0}

Swag {1}
- 2 bookplates signed by Zoë, as well as a magnet (both not in picture) and a note. :)

Signed books! :D


~~~

Note: eBooks will only be counted in here if they are for review/won. Netgalley is NOT included in this.
That is one beautiful bunch of books!


My bookshelf is officially full, now. I anticipate that the coming week will be quiet in terms of new book arrivals, which suits me just fine. Erin @ Penguin will be sending some more books in the coming months, titles which I am so so so excited to receive, read and review!


What did you get in your mailbox?

NEWS: 
  • Currently Reading: Stork by Wendy Delsol (releases in October)
  • September Spectacular! Reading Challenge: Book 3 (One Night that Changes Everything) has been read and reviewed. :) {review}
  • Remember the giveaway for Nightshade by Andrea Cremer is still running! {link} Ends September 21st
  • New giveaway at my blog! 2 winners will walk away with some swag. :) {link} Ends October 1st
  • I was featured on see scoot read as part of Blogger Appreciation Week! Thanks a lot, Scoot! :) {link}
  • HOLLY CUPALA will be featuring me (along with many other bloggers) in October! Look out for that -- I just sent in my little paragraph earlier today.



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