Waiting on Wednesday (7/27)

Title: Ripple
Author: Mandy Hubbard
Release Date: July 21

Lexi is cursed with a dark secret. Each day she goes to school like a normal teenager, and each night she must swim, or the pain will be unbearable. She is a siren - a deadly mermaid destined to lure men to their watery deaths. After a terrible tragedy, Lexi shut herself off from the world, vowing to protect the ones she loves. But she soon finds herself caught between a new boy at school who may have the power to melt her icy exterior, and a handsome water spirit who says he can break Lexi's curse if she gives up everything else. Lexi is faced with the hardest decision she's ever had to make: the life she's always longed for - or the love she can't live without.

All Hubbard's books sound really good, and the newest is no exception. An original and interesting idea!

Book Review: Beautifully Broken

Title: Beautifully Broken
Series: Spellbound #1
Author: Sherry Soule
Published: June 2011

They say every town has its secrets, but that doesn’t even begin to describe Whispering Pines. The townsfolk are a superstitious lot and the mystical disappearance of a local teen has everyone murmuring about a centuries old witch’s curse.

Sixteen-year-old Shiloh Ravenwolf is a heritage witch from the Broussard family, a family both destined and cursed. When she takes a summer job at Ravenhurst Manor, she discovers a ghost with an agenda. That’s where she meets the new town hottie, Trent Donovan, and immediately becomes spellbound by his charms. Yet she is determined to discover the connection between them before it’s too late.

Finally, Shiloh's met someone who is supercute and totally into her, but Trent may be the next victim on the supernatural hit list. And Shiloh is the only person with the power to save him. Complicated much?

It sucks to have a destiny, especially since Shiloh would rather spend her summer being a normal girl who worries about clothes and boys, not the supernatural. But she’s never been
normal and the stranger things become the more her own magical senses awaken.

With cryptic messages from a pesky wraith, she will begin to understand the mysterious significance of the strange mark branded on her wrist, and decide how much she's willing to sacrifice to protect the other teenagers in town.

Unfortunately, for Shiloh, not all ghosts want help crossing over. Some want vengeance.

My Thoughts: This book started out a bit creepy with ghosts, demons and shadowy figures, only to get even more creepy and redoubtable near the ending! Some parts really gave me the creeps! (Madison especially, for those of you that have read the book)

This book had every ingredient to make a great and thrilling paranormal read; ghosts, witches, demons, white and back magic, dysfunctional families, a haunted house and a cursed city. I just wished that the writing would have been a bit more polished and structured. There were some jumps between contexts that were a bit confusing. But since Soule is a fairly new and young author with great talent and imagination, there is certainly a promise of even better books to come!

As for Shiloh and Trent's relationship, it developed a bit to quickly for my taste. They met rarely during the first months, but Shiloh still developed strong feelings for him almost immediately. But I couldn't feel an attraction or spark between them.

Rating: 3.75 of 5

Read my interview with author Sherry Soule here.

Mini Reviews: Succubus Blues & Succubus On Top

Succubus Blues

Georgina Kinkaid #1
Richelle Mead
2007

Succubus On Top
Georgina Kinkaid #2

Richelle Mead
2008



When it comes to jobs in hell, being a succubus seems pretty glamorous. A girl can be anything she wants, the wardrobe is killer, and mortal men will do anything just for a touch. Granted, they often pay with their souls, but why get technical?

But Seattle succubus Georgina Kincaid's life is far less exotic. At least there's her day job at a local bookstore—free books; all the white chocolate mochas she can drink; and easy access to bestselling, sexy writer, Seth Mortensen, aka He Whom She Would Give Anything to Touch but Can't.

But dreaming about Seth will have to wait. Something wicked is at work in Seattle's demon underground. And for once, all of her hot charms and drop-dead one-liners won't help because Georgina's about to discover there are some creatures out there that both heaven and hell want to deny...

Since I absolutely love the Vampire Academy series, I've been wanting to try Mead's other books for a long time.

A while ago I got the chance to read Succubues Blues, the first book in her Georgina Kinkaid series. And while it didn't "wow" me as Vampire Academy did, it was still an enjoyable read. Even though the book was okay, I was a bit disappointed - I had expected another amazing series from Mead!

All characters in the book were very likeable, especially Georgina's friends (both humans and supernatural beings - but all of them male). Georgina herself were quite likeable too; down to earth, spunky and spirited.

I did figure out who the killer in Succubus Blues was, but not until the very end (just before Georgina did). And I have to say that Succubus Blues was a fun mix of mystery, suspense, attraction and comedy.

I think the mystery in Succubus On Top was tamer, and didn't feel as serious. The focus were more on Georgina's personal life and carrier, than on her supernatural nature.

I have to admit that I didn't see Seth's appeal at first, but my understandance grew while reading Succubus On Top. He really is a sweet, normal and down-to earth guy. Just what Georgina needs in her extraordinary life!

Lastly, I have to say that there is several differences between Mead's Vampire Academy and Georgina Kinkaid series, these books are marketed as adult books for a reason!
Just because you love the VA books doesn't mean that you will like the Georgina books, and vice versa. I suggest that you borrow the first book from the library, before you buy the whole series on a whim! :)

Rating: 3 of 5

Author Interview: Sherry Soule

Hi Sherry, and welcome to YA Vampire Books!

1. Please tell us about your newest release, Beautifully Broken!

Quirky, Shiloh Ravenwolf is a sixteen-year-old heritage witch that lives in the gloomy town of Whispering Pines, where teenagers have mystically disappeared for years. When construction on Ravenhurst Manor unleashes a sinister evil, the body count rises. And Shiloh's would-be boyfriend is next on the supernatural hit list. Shiloh decides it's her duty and Destiny (Yes, with a capital "D") to find out what is causing the unexplained phenomena before it claims another life...

2. Shiloh Ravenwolf, the main character in Beautifully Broken discovers that she is a witch, and that she can see ghosts, demons and other creatures from the underworld. Shiloh's experiences are so well written, that I have to ask: Have you, or anyone you know, ever experienced an unexplainable event, or felt the presence of a spirit or ghost?

No. But I’ve always had a morbid fascination with ghosts and haunted houses.

3. If no, would you like to be able to see ghosts? (Personally, I would freak out!)

No way!

4. Talking about Shiloh Ravenwolf, I just love her name! Was it hard to come up with, or was it an easy match?

Good question. I changed her name three times. Actually, I loved the name that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt picked for their daughter—Shiloh. And then I just made up a last name, since Sioux Indians didn’t usually have surnames.

5. Shiloh is very interested in architecture, is that anything that interests you as well? How much of “you” are there in her character and personality?

I love victorian architecture. I dream about victorian homes. It’s weird. Lol
As for my personality, well, I do tend to blurt stuff out without thinking sometimes and I can be snarky.

6. Beautifully Broken is the first book in the Spellbound Series, do you already know how many books you are going to write, and the primary storyline of each book?

About 5, I think. The books are already written, just need to be edited and polished.

7. Lastly, the name Sherry Soule is probably new to most readers, please share some interesting facts about yourself!

I have won numerous awards for my short stories and now write fulltime. I live in San Francisco Bay Area with my family and my black cat, Charm who long ago accepted the fact that I’m not a morning person, rarely cook, and love all things supernatural. Currently I am hard at work on the next book in the Spellbound Series.



'This or That':
Winter or Summer
Reading or Writing
Humans or Supernatural beings


Three favorites:
-Author: Rachel Vincent
-Book: The Iron Hunt
-Movie: Insidious

Three Dreams:
-Job: bestselling novelest
-Vacation: Disneyland
-Meeting: James Marsters

If any of my readers would like to find out more about you or your writing, where can they find the information?

Official website: http://sherrysoule.com/
Blog: http://www.sherrysoule.blogspot.com/
Book Trailer on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uqVXKygvUs&feature=youtu.be
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11634793-beautifully-broken

Thanks for stopping by my blog, and good luck with your Spellbound series!

Stop by the blog later this week, to read my review of Beautifully Broken!

Author Interview: Linda Hawley (Dreams Unleashed)

Hi Linda, and welcome to YA Vampire Books!

1. Please tell us about your upcoming read Dreams Unleashed!
Dreams Unleashed synopsis:
It’s the near-future year of 2015, where technology governs life. In this dystopian world, governments control their citizens by tracking them with RFID. The right to personal privacy does not exist. The heroine, Ann Torgeson, having been trained by the CIA as a paranormal spy at nineteen years old, has enhanced abilities. Twenty-five years later, she lives a double life: first, as a technical writer for a tidal energy company in the Pacific Northwest, and second, as a member of the worldwide anti-government subversive organization, called GOG. When Ann’s vivid dreams turn real, she questions whether the doorway between her subconscious and reality has been permanently altered. When she starts to dig into her past, her present begins to unravel, leading the reader through events that twist and turn everything upside down. Question everything you know is essential in this trilogy.

I wrote this trilogy for the “thinking man or woman.” What do I mean? It’s a book that makes connections; everything means something. It’s not a mindless read. If you want to read a trilogy once, then re-read it again and gleen something new, this series is for you. It’s the trilogy that keeps giving. : ) I wrote these books as an “open trilogy,” which means that the reader needs to start the series at book one, because a lot of background for the whole trilogy is in book one. The books are not intended to be stand-alone. Since Dreams Unleashed is book one, and book two and three will also be published this year, it’s a good time to start the series.

Here are some quotes from book reviewers (after reading Dreams Unleashed):
“Ann is one of the most complex characters I’ve ever read…. The world is dystopian: the government is the evil Big Brother keeping people safe even against their will. Yet, the characters aren’t depressed or desperate. They try to live their normal lives which includes laughter, too.”

“The book really pushed me out of my comfort zone as I’ve never read any other book similar to this…. From the very beginning, the book kept me intrigued by its mystifying plot and excellent narration. I must laud the author for her ability to write her story in the finest detail, which makes the story sound somewhat believable. Everything was described superbly…. Overall, this novel is a real and pure page-turner.”

“The book has some references to current political figures and situations that make it very easy to get sucked into the story. The book is extremely well written and had my attention from the beginning to the end.”

“It's like a present that you are slowly unwrapping layer by layer.”

“If you put Dana Scully and Fox Mulder into a blender and hit puree, they’d make a mean Ann Torgeson. Dreams Unleashed was a great start to what I’m sure will be a fantastic book series. It poked fun at the TSA, and gave a frightful vision into a not-too-distant world where privacy truly is a thing of the past.”

“Linda Hawley blends science and metaphysics well together and creates a thinking story that kept me turning the pages. Action and suspense combined with philosophical discussion makes this book a winner.”

The print version and eBook versions of Dreams Unleashed were just published, and area available at Amazon.com.
print book link: http://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Unleashed-Book-Prophecies-Trilogy/dp/1463517912/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1310087825&sr=8-2
eBook link: http://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Unleashed-The-Prophecies-ebook/dp/B0051VDGJK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310087825&sr=8-1

Lulu, Ann's sidekick in Dreams Unleashed

2. Where did you get your inspiration for Dreams Unleashed? And why dystopian?
I wrote the final chapter of Dreams Unleashed first, based upon an experience I had. Once I wrote down the experience (in story format), my protagonist, Ann Torgeson, came alive. It was as though she was itching to live on the pages of a book. So much so that I don’t know if I can possibly let her go after the end of the trilogy!
Some of my favorite books are dystopian, as are my favorite movies. I love how the genre is dramatic, usually takes place in the future (like my novel), yet delivers hope. I like the action too.

3. The name Linda Hawley is probably new to most readers, please share some interesting facts about yourself!
I've sailed the San Juan Islands (which I wrote about in Dreams Unleashed).
I've kayaked from one island to another in the Carribean.
I've been to a Christmas party at the White House, and on Air Force One.
I am wild about organic gardening, have a huge garden, and even make my own hardneck garlic powder.

4. Dreams Unleashed is your first book, have you always known that you wanted to become an author?
It all started with a bookmobile! No kidding. Our family didn’t have much money (and zero allocated towards spending gas money to drive to the library, or buying books), so I would borrow books from the bookmobile that would regularly visit our neighborhood. I fell in love with Nancy Drew, and I bet I read most of the books in that bookmobile! I think that was when I really started to appreciate the written word.
I have been writing, however, since I was about five. I started by writing poems. (Early next year ten volumes of my poetry will be published.)
I have been a storyteller my whole life, and to be an author was my dream. It just took me a while to get published!

5. Dreams Unleashed is a dystopian book, set in 2015. How do you think the world will look like in say 2050?
I am a writer of the near-future, because I like to take current technology and apply it several years into the future. I cannot possibly imagine 2050! : /

'This or That':
Summer or Winter – Summer (I love the sun, plus it makes things grow!)
Reading or Writing – I love both equally, and cannot choose. : /
Past or Future – Future (I love to have hope)
Lady Gaga or Rihanna – Neither (Can I gag now?)

Three favorites:
-Author: Justin Cronin
-Book: The Passage
-Movie: I Am Legend

Two Dreams:
-Job: Honestly, I’m living it as a published author. If I can still publish my stories when I’m 80, I’ll be very grateful.
-Vacation: Next year we’re heading to Paris as a celebratory trip (and research for a new book).

6. If any of my readers would like to find out more about you or your writing, where can they find the information?
You can read a free sample of Dreams Unleashed at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051VDGJK
The print version of Dreams Unleashed was just published, and is available at Amazon.com.
link: http://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Unleashed-Book-Prophecies-Trilogy/dp/1463517912/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1310087825&sr=8-2

The eBook version of Dreams Unleashed is available for purchase now at $2.99 (for all eBook readers) at:
Smashwords, link: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/61373
Amazon, link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051VDGJK
Barnes & Noble, link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dreams-unleashed-linda-hawley/1031408704

Linda’s website is: http://lindahawley.com/

Linda’s blog is: http://lindahawley.com/b2e/blog5.php

Thanks for stopping Linda, and good luck with your new release!

Waiting on Wednesday (7/13)

Title: Bloodlines
Author: Richelle Mead
Release Date: August 23, 2011


The first book in Richelle Mead's brand-new teen fiction series - set in the same world as Vampire Academy.

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

What kind of Vampire Academy fan would I be if I wasn't dying to read this one?
Even though I feel that Sydney might be a weaker protagonist than Rose, I'm excited to learn more about her, and meet my beloved VA characters again!

Cover Combat: Blood Red Road

Today I am comparing the covers of Blood Red Road by Moira Young.

US cover:

Swedish cover:

The US cover is a bit too grey for me, but the Swedish cover looks powerful. It's a tough choice between the two of them! Which cover is your favorite?

Author Interview: Jacob Jones

Hi Jacob, and welcome to YA Vampire Books!

1.Please tell us about your upcoming read The Septavalent Stone!
The Septavalent Stone is a young adult novel set in two countries, Nigeria and Ukraine. It's about a boy called Andrew, who has a mother who is paranoid about almost everything including her brother Uncle Jeffery, and who is also not as normal as other mothers are. He gains admission into a medical school in Ukraine but on getting there, he discovers it's not just a medical school, it's actually a medico-magical school where all sorts of creatures are treated, ghosts are kept dead and healthy. As the story unfolds, Andrew discovers new secrets about his family and himself, he also discovers a cousin he never knew existed, and realizes that there is more to his mother's lies and paranoia than meets the eyes.

2.The name Jacob Jones is probably new to most readers, share some facts about yourself!
I am a humble Nigerian boy just looking to have a good time doing what I can and like, writing. While I am not writing though, I am studying to become a medical doctor. I am obsessed with anything magic related, mythology related and superstitious beliefs, folk-tales paranormal stufffs without the romance bit. I am also a good Christian.

3. You just graduated from college, and are pretty young for being a writer. Have you always known that you wanted to become an author?
I have always loved writing, it was only recently though that I knew that anyone could get published, I mean I always thought that to get your book in print, you must have done something extraordinary or you needed to be really rich and know a lot of top people.

4. The Septavalent Stone is filled with magic and supernatural beings, do you belive in any supernatural creatures like ghosts or vampires?
1.Yes, as a matter of fact I do believe in the supernatural but in a moderate kind of way. I don't believe in ghosts however, or vampires, and if I ever see any of them, I seriously think it'll be the scariest day for them. I do believe in angels on the other hand.

5. If any of my readers would like to find out more about you or your writing, where can they find the information?
I am on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/jacobolisajones, I have a blog: http://theseven-piecestone.blogspot.com/, and finally a face book fan page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/JO-Jones/185381468163807.

Four 'This or That':
Summer or Winter
Reading or Writing
Coca-Cola or Pepsi
Europe or Africa

Three favorites:
-Author: Chimaamanda Adichie
-Book: Half Of a Yellow Sun
-Movie: Pirates of the Caribean 4, I had to rewrite a water scene in one of my novels (not sure if it will ever be published) because they were almost identical and lets face it who are you going to believe thought of it first, seriously, and it was very weird.

Two Dreams:
-Job: A fulfilled write and part-time doctor.
-Vacation: Hanging out with real friends, there aren't many nowadays.

Thanks for stopping by my blog, and good luck with your writing!

Jacob Jones is the author of The Septavalent Stone (August 1, 2011)

2011: BEST SO FAR

Six months of 2011 have already past by, and it's time to sum up the best books I've read so far! But first, some stats:

47 read books,

7 of them were written by debut authors.

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins
Die For Me by Amy Plum
Odd Girl In by Jo Whittemore
Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
The Goddess Test by Aimée Carter
Wither by Lauren DeStefano
Sometimes It Happens by Lauren Barnholdt

Waiting on Wednesday (7/6)

Title: Bad Taste In Boys
Author: Carrie Harris
Release Date: July 12, 2011

Kate Grable is horrified to find out that the football coach has given the team steroids. Worse yet, the steroids are having an unexpected effect, turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless flesh-eating zombies. No one is safe--not her cute crush Aaron, not her dorky brother, Jonah . . . not even Kate!

She's got to find an antidote--before her entire high school ends up eating each other. So Kate, her best girlfriend, Rocky, and Aaron stage a frantic battle to save their town. . . and stay hormonally human.

I admit it, the reason I want to read this book is because of its gorgeous cover!

Top Ten Tuesday: Rebels in Literature

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish

Today's topic:

Top Ten Rebels In Literature

1. Katniss Everdeen - The Hunger Games
Katniss is not only a rebel, she is the rebel and the face of the revolution.

2. Ellie Linton - Tomorrow When The War Began
When her home country is invaded Ellie and her friends decide to fight back...

3. Rose Hathaway - Vampire Academy

Rose has never been a big fan of following the rules!

4. Jessica Mastriani - 1-800-Where-R-U?

5. Robin Hood - Robin Hood
Take from the rich, and give to the poor.

6. Pippi Longstocking - Pippi Longstocking
The girl who didn't want to grow up

7. Carlisle Cullen
Even though Carlisle is a vampire, he helps humans in his work as a doctor. And he also helps vampires to give up their hunger for human blood.

In My Mailbox (week 26)

Bought:

Forgive My Fins - Tera Lynn Childs

Lily Sanderson has a secret, and it’s not that she has a huge crush on gorgeous swimming god Brody Bennett, who makes her heart beat flipper-fast. Unrequited love is hard enough when you’re a normal teenage girl, but when you’re half human, half mermaid like Lily, there’s no such thing as a simple crush.

Lily’s mermaid identity is a secret that can’t get out, since she’s not just any mermaid – she’s a Thalassinian princess. When Lily found out three years ago that her mother was actually a human, she finally realized why she didn’t feel quite at home in Thalassinia, and she’s been living on land and going to Seaview high school ever since, hoping to find where she truly belongs. Sure, land has its problems – like her obnoxious, biker boy neighbor Quince Fletcher – but it has that one major perk – Brody. The problem is, mermaids aren’t really the casual dating type – when they “bond,” it’s for life.

When Lily’s attempt to win Brody’s love leads to a tsunami-sized case of mistaken identity, she is in for a tidal wave of relationship drama, and she finds out, quick as a tailfin flick, that happily-ever-after never sails quite as smoothly as you planned.

Won from Nina at J'adore Happy Endings:

Spellsinger, Avalon: Web of Magic book 5

The first benefit concert for Ravenswood Wildlife Preserve is on! Kara is on the case she's booked two mega rock acts a girl band and singer Johnny Conrad. One of the singers may be hiding a dangerous secret that threatens the animals, Ravenswood, and the girls themselves. This time, the magic is in the music, and if Emily, Adriane, and Kara don't figure out how to play it, their chance to find Avalon may be gone forever.

Trial By Fire, Avalon: Web of Magic book 6

Fairmentals, made of Earth, Water, and Air have tried to help Emily, Kara, and Adriane find Avalon. In the thrilling conclusion to the sic-book arc, the Fire Fairmental finally appears - but is unpredictable and potentially destructive. Will it light the way to Avalon or turn all hope to ashes?

Cover Combat: Love Is the Higher Law

In Cover Combat a US/UK cover is competing against the Swedish cover of the same book. It's up to you, the readers, to decide which the best cover is!
Today I am comparing the covers of Love is the Higher Law by David Levithan.

US cover:
Swedish cover:

Swedish title: A Piece of Me is Missing

My Thoughts: This was one of the easiest choices yet! The beautiful US cover wins!

Which cover is your favorite, and why? Leave a comment!

Read & Watched in June

Books:

1. Don't Judge a Girl by her Cover - Ally Carter
2. Succubus on Top - Richelle Mead
3. Only The Good Spy Young - Ally Carter
4. Sometimes It Happens - Lauren Barnholdt (Mini Review)
5. A Perfect Proposal - Katie Fforde
6. Heist Society - Ally Carter
7. Claire de Lune - Christine Johnson
8. Nyx in the House of Night - P.C. Cast and more (Review)

Movies:
1. Life As We Know It
2. Remember Me?
3. Beastly