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Friday, April 30, 2010

Book Review: Stargazer

Title: Stargazer
Series: Evernight (Book 2)
Author: Claudia Gray
Published: March 2009

Evernight Academy: an exclusive boarding school for the most beautiful, dangerous students of all—vampires. Bianca, born to two vampires, has always been told her destiny is to become one of them.

But Bianca fell in love with Lucas—a vampire hunter sworn to destroy her kind. They were torn apart when his true identity was revealed, forcing him to flee the school.

Although they may be separated, Bianca and Lucas will not give each other up. She will risk anything for the chance to see him again, even if it means coming face-to-face with the vampire hunters of Black Cross—or deceiving the powerful vampires of Evernight. Bianca's secrets will force her to live a life of lies.

Yet Bianca isn't the only one keeping secrets. When Evernight is attacked by an evil force that seems to target her, she discovers the truth she thought she knew is only the beginning...

My Review:
Can Bianca and Lucas' secret realationship survive the distance and the human/vampire problems? Or will Bianca give into temptation when she's forced to spend time with the nice and present vampire Baltazar?

In this book Bianca's relationships to both Lucas and her parents are placed under high pressure. Are they strong enough to survive?
Bianca is also dealing with her increased blood lust, and trying to find out why certain humans are allowed into Evernight. There were a lot of sub-plots and mysteries going on at the same time, but it was never confusing - just fun.

If you have read my review of Evernight, the first book in the series, you might remember that I disliked the plot twist midway through the book. This book had a small twist too, but one I was expecting so it didn't bug me at all ;)

In this book we were presented to a new threat, the wraiths. I loved the mythology behind those, and the well-written and vivid scenes about them.

The ending was very dramatic, and I loved the way this story took. It's going to be fun to read about the next part of Bianca's life!

Favorite sentence:
“Lucas, didn’t anyone tell you the emergency number isn’t to alert us to
your booty calls?”

Rating: 4 of 5

Goodreads|Book Depository

Previous books in this series:
Evernight

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Contests around the Blogosphere (Week 17)



1. Win
The Secret Year, The Forest of Hands and Teeth & As You Wish @ Rachel Bateman's blog
Ends April 30th, so hurry up!

2. Pick your genre giveaway @ Ex Libris
Ends May 2nd.

3. Win Hex Hall @ Daisy Chain Book Reviews!
Contest ends May 3rd.

4. Win The Last Olympian @ Imagination in Focus
Ends May 3rd.

5. 100 Followers Giveaway @ Bewitched Bookworms
Win books, jewelry, make-up and more! Ends May 3rd.

6. Win a signed ARC of Sing Me To Sleep @ Books Obsession
Ends May 5th.

7. And don't forget that tomorrow (April 30) is Blogmania day! One day full of contests :)

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday (4/28)

Titel: Endless Summer
Series: Boys Next Door #2
Author: Jennifer Echols
Release Date: May 25
Lori should have known better than to date a pirate.

After finally getting together and going out on their first real date, only Lori and Adam could manage to fall asleep—and wake up seven hours past Lori’s curfew. Their parents forbid them to see each other. So Lori takes it upon herself to date boys scarier than Adam until her dad gives in.

But Adam won’t play along. He’s afraid Lori might fall for these scary boys. And when she goes out with the scariest boy of all—Adam’s own brother and her ex-crush—even the threat of being sent away to military school can’t keep Adam from swashbuckling his way back into Lori’s heart.
Can this forbidden love stay afloat, or will it sink in the watery deep?

Endless Summer is the sequel to Boys Next Door, which I loved! If you're looking for great romantic comedies, you should read Jennifer's books! And don't worry if you haven't read Boys Next Door, this book contains both books!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Mini Reviews (V)

* Mini Reviews of non-vampire books I've read lately.


The Naughty List - Suzanne Young
My expectations on this book were very high, sadly I didn't like it as much as I wanted to. I didn't connect with the characters at all. Tessa, the main character, was described as 'always perky, always purrrfect'. In my opinion she was a bit too perky, priss and clinging. Her relationship with her boyfriend, Aiden, was very physical and seemed very cozy. I couldn't see any sparks between them though! I instantly depreated Christian, the new boy in town. He fell in love with Tessa the minute he saw her and immediately started to tuch her (inappropriately) , and suck up to her. Eww, he was a cloying person! If I would have reviewed this book midway through it, it would have gotten a lower score. BUT I liked the way the story turned around and I loved the ending - it was like taken from a high school movie (and those who know me, know that I loove high school movies!). So the ending saved the rating to: 3.5 of 5



Breathing - Cheryl Renee Herbsman
Breathing is about Savannah, a 15 year old girl suffering from asthma. When she meets Jackson she's convinced that he is her true love and soul mate. They sneak around her mama's strict rules and hang out together. Savannah is convinced that her asthma has improved since she met Jackson, and that it will be worse once he leaves her. So when Jackson is called away to help his family, Savannah has no choice than to learn to breath on her own - both literally and figuratively.
This story is set in Savannah, and written from Savannah's PoW. It is therefore written in a Southern dialect - which I found a bit hard to read. Savannah was a bit immature and insecure, but she was only 15 so that might be reasonable. I still think that she acted a bit childish from time to time. Read this one if you like books set in the south, or books about first love/summer love. You might like it, I had a hard time finishing it.
Rating: 2 of 5


The Espressologist - Kristina Springer
What's your drink of choice? 17-year-old barista Jane Turner has this theory that you can tell a lot about a person by their regular coffee drink. Jane starts hooking up some of her friends based on their coffee orders - and it's a success! Soon everyone knows about Jane's 'Espressology' and wants her to find their perfect matches. But why does it feel so strange to watch her best friend, Em, and the cute Cam dating? She was the one who set them up after all! Shouldn't she be happy for them?
The Espressologist was a cute, but somewhat predictable read. The idea of 'Espressology' was very clever and original, and I'm curious to see if it works in real life! I wonder what Jane would say about a Vanilla Bean drinker. . .
Rating: 3.75 of 5

You can now find all mini reviews here!

Monday, April 26, 2010

Vampire of the Week

I know, I know, I haven't done a Vampire of the Week post in ages! But, after weeks of waiting it's finally time again. And which vampire is better to kick off the re-launch of VoW than:

Drusilla!

Drusilla is known from both Buffy the Vampire Slayer & Angel. "Dru" grew up in London, England with her parents and two sisters. For her whole life, Dru had been able to foretelling the future, along with other physic abilities. She didn't see her talents as a gift though, no she believed it to be an evil affliction, and therefor entered a nunnery to cleanse herself.
In 1860, Angel, who by the time still was Angelus, met Drusilla. He sensed her purity and her potential for sainthood, and became obsessed with destroying her. He tortured and killed Drusilla's entire family, along with everyone else she was close to. And he made Drusilla watch him do it, then he turned her. No wonder she turned insane. . .



As a vampire Drusilla still has her foretelling abilities, along with the ability of being able to hypnotize people. Her temper changes from one minute to the next. When she's happy she is laughing and dancing, and singing to herself. She loves to torture and kill humans, and to watch other people do it.



Why does Drusilla deserve to be the Vampire of the Week?
Well, she is such a great character! She's mad, funny and talks the funniest way. She is also an incredible quote machine! Take a look at some of her best sayings:


To her doll: "Miss Edith speaks out of turn. She's a bad example and will have no cakes today."

"The King of Cups expects a picnic. But it's not his birthday."

"It's not nice to change a game mid-play, Spike. You've taken my chair and the music hasn't stopped."

"Didn't like the barkeeper. Mm...can't get his eyes off my fingers."

"Run and Catch. Run and catch. The lamb is caught in the blackberry patch.



Drusilla is played by Juliet Landau.



Sources:
IMDb
Wikipedia

To see previous Vampires of the Week, click here.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Book Review: The Dead Girl's Dance

Title: The Dead Girl's Dance
Series: Morganville Vampires (Book 2)
Author: Rachel Caine
Published: 2007

Claire has her share of challenges. Like being a genius in a school that favors beauty over brains; homicidal girls in her dorm, and finding out that her college town is overrun with the living dead. On the up side, she has a new boyfriend with a vampire-hunting dad. But when a local fraternity throws the Dead Girls' Dance, hell is really going to break loose.

My Review: The Dead Girl's Dance picks up just where Glass Houses left of.

What can I say, it was nice to meet the characters in Morganville again, especially the youths in the Glass House. All of them are such great, likable characters! Shane's my favorite of course; he's a bad boy with a hot temper. If it was up to him, he'd go out killing vampires all day. But Claire brings out a softer, gentler side of him, and he even cries in public. Claire is the main character, a young brainiac. Claire is probably the person that has grown the most in this series; she started up as a shy, insecure girl, but the life in Morganville forced her to grow a tougher side. Michael is probably the most responsible person in the house, he's caring and protective. Eve is a tough goth girl who refuses o let anybody hurt her friends. Together they make an incredible group of friends that I would love to be a part of!

This book wasn't as fast-paced or action packed as Glass Houses, but it was still a pretty good book! For once the vampires in Morganville wasn't the main treath, no Shane's dad and his motorcycle gang were. In a war between vampires and criminals, who's side are you going to take? Your heart and your brain might say to different things. . .

Rating: 4 of 5

Previous books in this series:
Glass Houses

Goodreads|Book Depository

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Mini Reviews (IV)

Wild Heart by Lori Brighton
This book is marked as a historical romance - but it's so much more than that! This book contains a mystery that kept me guessing until the very last pages, fascinating life stories, some paranormal bits, and great character development. The story is told from the two main characters', Leo & Ella's (love their names), point of view, which offers a great insight in these two strong characters hearts and minds. An impressing debut book, I got so much more than I expected!
Rating: 4.5 of 5




The Year of Secret Assignments by Jaclyn Moriarty
Three female students from Ashbury High write to three male students from rival Brookfield High as part of a pen pal program, leading to romance, humiliation, revenge plots, and war between the schools. This story was told in letters, e-mails, diary excerpt etc. An interesting, but not great format in my opinion. I would have loved to see some "real" dialogue, instead of reading about events retrospectively. The premise of this book sounded really good, but sadly I was a bit disappointed, as I expected another kind of novel. It did have some funny parts though!
Rating: 2.75 of 5




3 Willows: The Sisterhood Grows by Ann Brashares
I was a big fan of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (also written by Ann Brashares), but sadly 3 Willows felt a little bit like an insequre little sister, trying to walk in her older sister's shoes. The book wasn't amazing, but it was still very enjoyable, and another great book about the importance of friendship. Probably more suitable and enjoyable for younger teens!
Rating: 3.75 of5

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday (4/21)

Title: Jump
Author: Elisa Carbone
Release Date: May 13

Jump. That is what P.K. has done. A totally wild, crazy jump from a restrictive life with her family into a life of total adventure—rock-climbing out west with a guy she barely knows. At first, everything’s amazing. Not only are they climbing in awesomely beautiful national parks like Yosemite but they seem awesomely made for one another. P.K. is in heaven. And then the cops show up . . . with an arrest warrant. And P.K. has to decide who to believe: this amazing guy whom she trusts with her life—or the cops, who want her to believe that he may take her life. . .

Doesn't this book sound awesome? I want to read it right now to find out the answer!

Goodreads|Book Depository

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Contests around the Blogosphere (Week 16)

This week's list of International Contests:

1. Penitence Kick off Contest @ Jennifersmusings!
4 winners get Heavenly + an ARC of Penitence! Ends in the end of this week!

2 Sherry from Flipping Pages For All Ages & Susan from Wastepaper Prose are teaming up and hosting a MASSIVE CONTEST! Deadline to enter is April 30.

3 What's your Fortune Cookie? contest @ Amy Holder
Come up with your own fortunes! Ends May 1st.

4 Win
Beautiful Creatures @ L. J. Boldyrev!
Contest ends May 7.

5 Birthday Phenomenon @ Cleverly Inked!
Nine winners! Grand prize winner gets to choose 10 Books + a Mega Swag Pack! Ends May 13.

6 Win a signed copy of Silver Phoenix @ Lesleysays!
Ends May 15.

7 Bloody Bookaholic is extending her Ridicously Awesome Contest until May 14! Take a look at the prizes:

TV: Ultraviolet

Ultraviolet is an British Sci-Fi/Drama miniseries from 1998. Starring Jack Davenport (FlashForward, Pirates of the Caribbean), Susannah Harker, Idris Elba (The Wire) and Philip Quast. Starring in two episodes is also Stephen Moyer, know from his role as "Bill" in True Blood.



CJD. AIDS. Global warming. For the first time in history, mankind has the ability to destroy itself. So now vampires need to take control of their food source. Against this enemy, religion is no defence but folklore has some truth. Not wooden stakes but carbon bullets. Not garlic but the chemical allicin. Not simply daylight. Ultraviolet....



Ultraviolet revolves around a government-funded paramilitary police unit, which may have connections to the Roman Catholic Church fighting a secret war against a worldwide vampire conspiracy.

Reasons to watch this show:
+ This show is just 6 episodes long, and you can watch all episodes on YouTube!
+ Even though it was cancelled after just six episodes, the show has a rating of 8.3 on IMDb.
+ It's British - British accent = cozy
+ You've get to see Stephen Moyer in long curly hair.



Watch the first part of the first episode:



Read more:
Official Home Page
Wikipedia
IMDB

Sunday, April 18, 2010

In My Mailbox (week 15)

* IN MY MAILBOX *
Created by The Story Siren


The Choice by Nicholas Sparks

Set amid the austere beauty of the North Carolina coast, Nicholas Sparks tells the story of Travis Parker, a small-town veterinarian who's perfectly content with the active and exciting life he leads. Since he uses his spare time bungee jumping and swimming with the dolphins, he can't shake the belief that a woman would simply slow him down. That is, until Gabby Holland enters his life.

Gabby, Travis's new neighbor, is in love with her boyfriend of three years, and wants nothing more than to start planning the wedding she's always dreamed about. However, there is a story within a story and the connection between Travis and Gabby is just a beginning. As their tale unfolds, their relationship becomes something different--with much higher stakes. With echoes of THE NOTE BOOK abound, listeners everywhere will fall in love.

I've never read anything by Nicholas Sparks, but I have heard great stuff about his books. So this is going to be an interesting read! I won this one from I Just Wanna Sit Here And Read!

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Book Review: All Together Dead

Title: All Together Dead
Series: Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse (Book 7)
Author: Charlaine Harris
Published: 2006

Betrayed by her longtime vampire love, Louisiana cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse must now not only deal with a possible new man in her life-the oh-so-handsome shapeshifter Quinn-but also contend with a long-planned vampire summit. With her power base weakened by hurricane damage to New Orleans, the local vampire queen is vulnerable to those hungry for a takeover. Soon, Sookie must decide what side she'll stand with. And her choice may mean the difference between survival and all-out catastrophe.

My Review: Just like the previous Sookie book (Definitely Dead), this book isn't set in Bon Temps. That, along with Quinn still being Sookies boyfriend (though he wasn't a big part of this novel) made this book just an "okay" read for me. The story didn't pace up or get exciting until the very last pages. One of my least favorite books in the Sookie Stackhouse series!

Rating: 3 of 5

Friday, April 16, 2010

Book Review: City of Bones

Title: City of Bones
Series: Mortal Instruments (Book 1)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Published: 2005

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy? This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....

My Review:
This book has it all! Great characters, originality - Clare did a great job when she created the Shadowhunter world, it all seemed very realistic -, mystery, fantasy, romance and great dialogues. The plot was filled with non-stop action, and there were never a dull moment. This book was addictive and I devoured it in less than a day!

One of my favorite parts of this book were the characters, they were all well-developed and I instantly connected with the three young shadowhunters; Jace, Alec and Isabel. It took me a bit longer to get to know Clary's character, but when I did I found her surprisingly cool! In this kind of stories, when a girl suddenly enters a whole new world (of demons/vampires/faeries) she is usually a bit afraid, careful or wimpish. Clary, however, was determined, cocky and not afraid to fight. (I love when she slapped Jace! So cool and unexpected)

At first I thought that it was a bit strange that Clary all of sudden could see demons, but that was explained later and then didn't seem odd at all. Cassandra Clare did a great job in tying up this story, and all sub-plots within it, during the last chapters. All my questions were answered and we weren't left with a major cliff-hanger.

One thing I didn't enjoy though, was the twist in Jace & Clare's relationship, I wasn't completely satisfied with the road Clare chose. But I am curious to find out how this is going to affect coming books!

If you have read this book you probably remember a character named Magnus Bane. I was sure that I had heard that name before, and I tried to figure out when. Could it be an old Swedish king? It still didn't add up. And then it hit me - I was thinking about the Finnish soccer goaltender Magnus Bahne! (I know - this is totally random and has nothing to do with the book - but I thought it was fun :P)

So overall - a great book set in a great world with great characters! (Did I mention it was great?)

Rating: 4.5 of 5

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Mini Reviews (III)

Mini Reviews of a few non-vampire books I've read recently:


The Clearing by Heather Davies
Amy, a sixteen-year-old recovering from an abusive relationship, moves to the country to start a new life with her aunt. In the clearing at the back of Aunt Mae’s property, she makes an amazing discovery—Henry, a boy stuck in the endless summer of 1944. But when the past and present come crashing together, both of them must find the courage to face what is meant to be, even if it means losing each other forever. . .
This is the magical story of Amy, an insecure and abused girl, and Henry, a boy who are afraid to let go of the past. I love how this story was told from both Amy and Henry's point of view, and how they grew as persons throughout the book. The ending perhaps wasn't what I had wished for, but it felt realistic and I do believe that it was "meant to be".
Rating: 4 of 5


Gone by Michael Grant
In the blink of an eye, everyone over the age of 15 disapperars. Left are children - no cops, no doctors, no adults. And no way to get help. Hunger threatens, sides are being chosen and the world, and those within it, are changing. And on your 15th birthday, you'll disappear, just as everyone else.
This book reminded me a lot of Lord of the Flies, where each children is coping in it's own way. Some children are using threats and violence to become leaders, some worry about the toddlers and food, and some are looking for answers and a way out. Just as Lord of the Flies, this is a creepy story in a horrible new world. The characters in this book are all under 15, and therefor I believe that this book is more suitable for younger teens. But prepare for a violent, sometimes scary story, with both good and bad characters. Enjoyable for both boys and girls.
Rating: 3 of 5


The Ex Games by Jennifer Echols
Hayden and Nick used to be a hot item, but their brief affair ended with a highly publicized breakup. When Hayden wins the girls' division of a local snowboarding competition, Nick is unimpressed, claiming that Hayden wouldn't have a chance against a guy. Hayden calls Nick's bluff and challenges him to a head-to-head boarding contest. Their mutual friends quickly take sides, the girls on Hayden's and the boys on Nick's, making for an all-out battle of the sexes. This friendly competition is bound to get heated - and they might end up igniting some old flames. . .
If you love romantic comedies, this book is for you! This is a laugh-out-loud funny book filled with romance, friendship, adventure and snowboarding. Hayden & Nick were two fearless, stubborn and fun characters - one minute they're flirting, the other minute they're fighting, and they're constantly pissing each other off, both by mistake and on purpose. Who's going to win the battle of the (s)exes?
Rating: 4.5 of 5

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday (4/14)

Title: Jekel Loves Hyde
Author: Beth Fantaskey
Release Date: May 3

Jill Jekel has always obeyed her parents’ rules—especially the one about never opening the mysterious, old box in her father’s office. But when her dad is murdered, and her college savings disappear, she’s tempted to peek inside, as the contents might be the key to a lucrative chemistry scholarship.
To improve her odds, Jill enlists the help of gorgeous, brooding Tristen Hyde, who has his own dark secrets locked away. As the team of Jekel and Hyde, they recreate experiments based on the classic novel, hoping not only to win a prize, but to save Tristen’s sanity. Maybe his life. But Jill’s accidental taste of a formula unleashes her darkest nature and compels her to risk everything—even Tristen’s love—just for the thrill of being . . . bad.

I've heard great stuff about Beth Fantaskey's writing, and the synopsis of this book sounds really good!

Easy for a good girl to go bad. And once we gone, There's belief, we've gone forever. . .

Waiting on Wednesday was created by Jill

Preorder from the Book Depository

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Happy 101 Award

The Happy 101 Award was given to me from Tuning Into YA Books and from Reversing the Monotony! Thank you so much!


The rules are that I should list ten things that make me happy and then pass it on to 10 other bloggers. Here's my list:
  1. Traveling
  2. The Ocean
  3. The Beach
  4. Icecream
  5. Summer
  6. Laughing
  7. Watching hockey & soccer
  8. Watching hockey & soccer players (there are some seriously hot dudes!)
  9. Adventure parks
  10. Great books/movies/music
I would like to pass this award along to:

1 Morgan from Smitten With Books
2 dArLyN from dArLyN&bOoKs
3 Jenn from Book-Crazy
4 Bere from *Sueños En La Luna*
5. Nina from J'adore Happy Endings
6. Melissa from I Swim For Oceans
7. Ladybug from Escape In a Book
8. Heather from Beside the Norm

Monday, April 12, 2010

Book Review: Peeps

Title: Peeps
Author: Scott Westerfeld
Published: 2006

In Westerfeld's latest smart, urbane fantasy, parasite positives, or "peeps," are maniacal cannibals that cause illness. College freshman Cal was lucky: he contracted the sexually transmitted disease during a one-night stand, but it never developed into its full-blown form. Now he works for an underground bureau in Manhattan that tracks down peeps. Apart from the cravings for rare meat and enforced celibacy (turning lovers into monsters is "not an uplifting thing"), life is okay--until a hip, cute journalism student intensifies Cal's yearnings for companionship. Complicating matters are indications that peeps have an urgent evolutionary purpose. . .

My Review: In Peeps, Westerfeld creates a brand new kind of vampires.
Vampyrism is a disease spread by parasites, and you get infected through body fluids. Most people who are infected become vampires; wild, inhuman and deadly creatures. But some end up like Cal, a carrier who has the virus and infects others - but doesn't turn into a vampire himself. The parasite also infects creatures who feast on the leftovers of the "Peeps" (Parasite Positives), so hoards of bats and rats are likely to follow every step they take.

This book is definitely not for the easily disgusted! In every even numbered chapter of this book Cal acquaints us in the world of parasitology - stories about real-world biological parasites, where they live, how they spread and how they affect us. If you're interested in biology, parasites and diseases you will love these chapters! But if you rather not know about parasites that lives in your stomach or eats their way into your legs, I suggest that you skip these chapters. Truth be told, I skipped a few chapters, they were a bit to icky even for me!

If you like Westerfeld's writing or want a different take on vampyrism, I suggest that you pick this book up. It's quite a quick, interesting and adventure-filled book, suitable for both male and female readers.

Rating: 3 of 5

Goodreads|Book Depository

Sunday, April 11, 2010

In My Mailbox (week 14)

* IN MY MAILBOX *
Created by The Story Siren

Won:

Princess For Hire by Lindsey Leavitt
When a well-dressed woman steps out of a bubble and wants to know if you'd like to become a substitute princess, do you
A) run
B) faint
C) say yes?
For Desi Bascomb, who's been longing for some glamour in her Idaho life, the choice is a definite C). Desi has a rare ability: with the help of "Royal Rouge," she can temporarily transform into the exact look-alike of any princess who needs her subbing services. Dream come true, right?
Well, Desi soon discovers that subbing involves a lot more than wearing a tiara and waving at cameras.... In this winning debut, one girl's dream of glamour transforms into the desire to make a positive impact. And an impact Desi makes, one royal fiasco at a time.


The Naughty List by Suzanne Young
As if being a purrfect cheerleader isn’t enough responsibility!

Tessa Crimson’s the sweet and spunky leader of the SOS (Society of Smitten Kittens), a cheer squad–turned–spy society dedicated to bringing dastardly boyfriends to justice, one cheater at a time. Boyfriend-busting wouldn’t be so bad . . . except that so far, every suspect on the Naughty List has been proven 100% guilty!

When Tessa’s own boyfriend shows up on the List, she turns her sleuthing skills on him. Is Aiden just as naughty as all the rest, or will Tessa’s sneaky ways end in catastrophe?

The Naughty List. Is your boyfriend on it?

Both from Kathrin @ Secret Dreamworld of a Bookaholic


The Book of Tomorrow by Cecelia Ahern
The magical new novel from number one bestseller Cecelia Ahern. Tamara Goodwin has always got everything she's ever wanted. Born into a family of wealth, she grew up in a mansion with its own private beach, a wardrobe full of designer clothes and all that a girl could ever wish for. She's always lived in the here and now, never giving a second thought to tomorrow. But then suddenly her dad is gone and life for Tamara and her mother changes forever. Left with a mountain of debt, they have no choice but to sell everything they own and move to the country. Nestled next to Kilsaney Castle, their gatehouse is a world away from Tamara's childhood. With her mother shut away with grief, and her aunt busy tending to her, Tamara is lonely and bored and longs to return to Dublin.When a travelling library passes through Kilsaney Demesne, Tamara is intrigued. Her eyes rest on a mysterious large leather bound tome locked with a gold clasp and padlock. What she discovers within the pages takes her breath away and shakes her world to its core.

From Rhiana @ Rhiana Reads

e-books:

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....


The Dead Girl's Dance by Rachel Caine
Claire Danvers faces more challenges from both college and the undead in this second entry in the Morganville Vampires series.

All in all, a fabulous book week for me! What did you get?

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Friday, April 9, 2010

Cover Combat: 1-800-Where-R-U?

I don't know about you, but I do judge books by their covers.
In Cover Combat I compare US covers with the Swedish covers of the same books, to see which covers I like the most!

This week the covers of the 1-800-Where-R-U? series by Meg Cabot are being judged.

US COVERS:






SWEDISH COVERS:






I can't say that I love neither the US nor the Swedish covers - none of them does the series justice. This is one of my favorite series, so if you thinking about picking it up - don't judge the books by their cover! ;)

Do you prefer the US or the Swedish covers?

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Mini Reviews (II)

I've decided to try a new thing on my blog. I have only reviewed vampire books so far, and I want to keep it that way. BUT I feel bad about not sharing my thoughts about non-vampire books I've won in contests, or great books that I've borrowed from the library. That's why I'm going to do posts like this one every once in a while, so I can share some thoughts on non-vampire related books I've read recently. Hope you'll enjoy my mini reviews :)

How To Hook a Hottie by Tina Ferraro
A cute and fun read - perfect for a day at the beach! This is my least favorite Tina Ferraro book; I like Top Ten Uses For an Unworn Prom Dress and The ABCs of Kissing Boys better, but it's still a good book. Be sure to check out Tina's books if you haven't already - they're fun and fast reads!
Rating: 3,5 of 5




Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella
I'm a big fan of Kinsella's stand-alone books (much better than the Shopaholic series), and this book is just as good as it's antecedents. This book is full of both laughs and tears, and of course romance. I love the relationship that develops between Lara, the main character, and her great-aunt Sadie, and I really liked how this book ended, thought I have to admit that I shed a few tears. . .
Another great chic-lit book by Sophie Kinsella!
Rating: 4,5 of 5

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
It took me months to finish this book. I'm usually a fast reader, but this book moved too slow for me. Sure, the love story was cute, but I didn't feel much for the characters, and the plot was too tedious to grab me. This book did get a bit better in the end though, but I still think that the plot moved to slow, and that the characters were too dull ad unilateral.
Rating: 3 of 5

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Contests around the Blogosphere (week 14)

You know you can always trust me to find great international contests ;)
Here is the latest list:

1. Win Heavenly, an ARC of Penitence, a tee and a notebook @ Jennifersmusings!
Visit Jennifer Lauren's blog for a photo of the very cool prize pack! Contest ends April 9th.

2. Win Papertowns @ Holes In My Brain!
Contest ends April 11th.

3. Win a signed copy or photo of Heist Society @ Written Word Review Blog!
Contest is open until April 12th.

4. Win an e-book of Alone by Marissa Farrar @ Storywings!
Contest ends April 16th.

5. 600 Followers Contest @ In Which a Girl Reads!
One person wins Before I Fall & Willow. Contest ends April 17th.

6. 666 Giveaway @ Parajunkee's View!
Contest ends April 20th.

7. 75 Followers Contest @ Stories & Sweeties!
Win The Reckoning, Whisper or The Clearing! Contest ends April 20th.

8. Pick Your Publisher Contest @ The Undercover Book Lover!
7 boxes from different publishers - 3 books in each box!
Contest ends April 22nd.

9. 113 Followers Contest @ Not-Really-Southern Vamp Chick!
You can for example win books in the Boys That Bite series, and lots of bookmarks! Ends April 25th.

10. 300 Followers Contest @ Escape In a Book!
Win The Body Finder or Rising Shadow! Contest ends April 30th.

11. Blogoversary Giveaway @ Today's Adventure!
Winners from the US and Canada can pick books from the prize bin + get a book of their choice from the Book Depository, international winners are only eligible to win the Book Depository prizes. Ends April 30th.

12. MEGA Giveaway @ 21 Pages!
With over 30 (great) books to chose from! For every 50 new followers, another winner will be added! (Currently 4 winners) Contest ends May 1st.

13. 140 Followers Contest @ Book Faery!
Lots of books to choose from! Ends May 14th.

Waiting on Wednesday (4/7)

Title: Caleb + Kate
Author: Cindy Martinusen-Coloma
Release Day: May 4th, 2010

Private school, rich friends, vacations in France--Kate has it all, except a belief in love.

When Kate's family purchases a hotel in the Pacific Northwest, she enters a world that is wholly unknown to her. She never has any privacy because of the constant flow of guests. And as the hotel owner's daughter, she struggles to make friends.

Then she meets Caleb, a strange combination of working-class, Hawaiian culture, and Christian bad boy. He talks about love in an all new way that she finds so alluring. But the two have nothing in common. He rarely smiles, rides a motorcycle with a rough crowd from town, and worst of all, he totally ignores Kate. But Kate has something that he needs and she resolves to prove to him that what she has doesn't define who she is.

Oh, this one sounds really good! I have a feeling that I will love Caleb ;)

* Waiting on Wednesday was created by Jill *


Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Honest Scrap Award

Honest Scrap Award:

Thank you so much Morgan at Smitten With Books for passing this award onto me!

Rules:

List ten things about yourself that not a lot of people know and then pass it along to seven other bloggers.

Ten Random Things About Me:

1. I used to have three different driver's licenses: One American, one Swedish and on International! I passed both tests on the first try :)

2. I love to travel, and I have been to 13 countries so far. I'm hoping for at least two new countries this summer!

3. I hate the two questions "What do you want to be when you grow up" and "What are you going to study". People have asked me this for 15 years and I still can't give them an answer.

4. I'm freaking out because I have to decide SOON, since I'm going to the university this fall. Any suggestions?

5. When I was little I had a poster of Gwen Stefani in my room. I thought, and still think, that she should be named Stefani (as in Stephanie) Gwen instead. Much better, don't you think?
Stefani Gwen? How dare you!

6. I love to read lists of random facts by other people, they're always so funny. It turns out that it isn't that easy to do my own list though...

7. If I had to be an animal, I would like to be a penguin. Aren't they cute?

8. I always wanted to learn how to skateboard. I wouldn't mind if Ryan Scheckler came by my house one day to teach me ;)

9. I use my cell phone as a note pad by writing down shopping lists, notes, addresses and short stories in new text messages and then saving them as "drafts".

10. As a matter of fact I wrote this list in my cell phone one night at 2 am when I couldn't sleep. . .

Bloggers I'm passing this onto:

1. dArLyN from dArLyN&bOoKs
2. Tuning Into YA Books
3. Aye Me? from Reversing the Monotony
4. Brizmus from Brizmus Blogs Books
5. Lea from YA Book Queen
6. Bere from *Sueños En La Luna*
7. Nina from J'adore Happy Endings