tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15818863300721162382024-03-13T17:51:04.483-07:00xo'readsRolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-64984186611478001702013-01-03T23:49:00.001-08:002013-01-03T23:50:19.420-08:00Review: Days of Blood and Starlight<br />
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1337964452l/12812550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Days of Blood & Starlight (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, #2)" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1337964452l/12812550.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"></span><br />
<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Name: </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Days of Blood and Starlight</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Author: </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Laini Taylor</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Publication: </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">November 6th, 2012</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Source: </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">HBG Canada</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><i>Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a world free of bloodshed and war.</i><br /><br /><i>This is not that world.</i></span></b><b><span style="color: #e06666;"><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is—and </span><em style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">what</em><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed </span><em style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Daughter of Smoke & Bone</em><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, </span><em style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Days of Blood & Starlight</em><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For </span><em style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">hope</em><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?</span></span></b><br />
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I read this a little over a month ago but forgot to review it... but better late than never right?<br />
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Wow, another master piece by Taylor. It's something about the way she writes that's just so damn intriguing. The way she pieces together her words is juts so hypnotizing, I really think it makes me like her books that much more.<br />
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I'm surprised that I liked this one more than the first installment, <i>Daughter of Smoke & Bone, </i>seeing as I usually like the first book of a series the best-- but this one definitely took the cake. watching the conflicting emotions playing out on Karou & Akiva's part has a way of really putting the reader on edge. Are they going to make up? Fight? Will Akiva be able to redeem himself?<br />
He damn well tries.<br />
I also quite enjoyed that we got the chance to glimpse into his Liraz & Hazael's life and past. Along side Akiva, their intent and true feelings really surprised me, not something one could have guessed upon meeting them in the first book.<br />
This one is a lot more personal. You get to meet Akiva and Karou on a far more intimate level; their feelings, past, conflicted resolutions-- putting together and prioritizing memories from a beautiful past to a horrific present. It's truly lovely.<br />
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I almost wept for Karou the entire time. What she had to endure was just plain cruel. Ugh, I hate the stupid white wolf! It killed me even more when Akiva got the wrong idea from them... even though he's a bastard, it's heart shattering.<br />
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It's hard to do justice to such a beautiful book. it's easy to fall in love with the gorgeous writing and the lyrical phrases, and exhilarating once the book really picks up.<br />
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If you haven't read this series yet, please do so! I would definitely say that DOSAB is one of the BEST books of 2012 and a sensational read.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Rating:</span></b></div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-HYlr81SLg52YIC3ZAgXS9JHqjzEfZuj9ThdWshO4lkjztj63_ZkxkORltvebD2-YesothHG-w5DWSyYu0W_1eJ6gVEgqquIHxyh62wRUjGy9iVDvXbutF-uo-HMzCLyZAI7A_oZf_I/s200/5rating.png" /></div>
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Happy reading all!<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii537/MissDruzee/sig.png" />Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-42836832293057968442013-01-01T21:18:00.002-08:002013-01-28T13:51:21.901-08:00Review: Keeping you a Secret<br />
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344264444l/272315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Keeping You a Secret" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344264444l/272315.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Name: </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Keeping you a Secret</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Author: </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Julie Anne Peters</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Publication: </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">May 4th, 2005</span></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Source: </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Started on Kobo, Finished in PPBK</span></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b> </b><i>--------</i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #e06666; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><b><i>With a steady boyfriend, the position of Student Council President, and a chance to go to an Ivy League college, high school life is just fine for Holland Jaeger. At least it seems to be. But when Cece Goddard comes to school, everything changes. Cece and Holland have undeniable feelings for each other, but how will others react to their developing relationship? This moving love story between two girls is a worthy successor to Nancy Garden's classic young adult coming out novel, Annie on My Mind. With her characteristic humor and breezy style, Peters has captured the compelling emotions of young love.</i></b></span><br />
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Honestly, I didn't know what I was getting into when I plucked this book from the Kobo Store. I was bored last night, waiting for my sister so we can fire up our little New Year's Eve party, and decided to flip through a short book on my phone. I was feeling like a contemporary so looked up the genre and got a bunch of hits. There was no synopsis' on the kobo site, so I picked this book because the cover reminded me of <i>My Sister's Keeper </i>and the name sounded mysterious. I like mysterious.<br />
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This book is COMPLETELY different from what I expected. It wasn't what I expected when I bought it, and even after I knew what it was about, it was still nothing like what came to mind. I've read tons of books about tons of different things. Some so utterly and completely stupid and random. But I still hadn't read a book that focused on a LGBT couple. I've never actually thought about reading one before. I don't know much on the subject, and going into this (after I knew what it was actually about), wasn't quite sure how the book would play out.<br />
Would the plot be similar to all the other romances I've read? Will the Lesbian romance get in the way of a good plot, or is it just a coming out story? Will it read like a contemporary romance?<br />
What I got was a pleasant surprise.<br />
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Wow. This book is so <i style="font-weight: bold;">Strong. </i>It has so much love, so much hate. Wow.<br />
At first I was disgusted at how the school and the society treated the gays. I was filled with so much anguish for them. Does this kind of discrimination go on right under my nose? Under the roof of my school and the alleys of my city? Well Rola, you stupid bafoon, <i style="font-weight: bold;">of course it does. </i>I just never knew how much it hurt. Being a girl who is totally, 100%, against bullying, this made my heart completely flare! Why should society judge people who have no fricken control over whom they love? and even if they did choose, wanted to, why is so 'disgusting' to the world? I mean, I'm guilty of sometimes forgetting that there are Gays/Lesbians in the world around me, that when I see two people of the same gender kissing or holding hands I have to stop for a second before resuming. I don't think it's wrong, It just grasps me so suddenly sometimes. There's so much we don't know about our own world.<br />
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So then here we have a book about a girl who has her whole life together: Student Body President, A+ average student, a dedicated boyfriend, a mother who is down her throat to get her to apply to only the best universities out there.... What more could she want? She asks herself that when she first glances at a new student, Cece, from her locker mirror.<br />
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I don't think I've felt a love so.. <i style="font-weight: bold;">raw. </i>so real inside my gut. This isn't just a love story, nor a 'coming out' story. It's a story about finding yourself when you weren't even looking. That life can take you by surprise even in the most unexpected moments. I've read some books that have made me feel this way, but god. It was so real. The author really dives you into Holland's shoes. She lets you feel the confusion battling with the love. The denial yet the pure desire. I really liked Holland. She wasn't one of those crazy denial freaks. She denied it for a little bit internally, but still let the desire consume her mind. it was a constant battle; a real one. I liked that no one had to tell Holland to come out. Or notice it on her, or her confusion and help her through it. She didn't even label herself, she didn't fricken care. She was falling for that chick who ate donuts by her locker early in the morning, and jammed out to the Dixie Chicks right across from her every day. I liked that. She wasn't coming out as a lesbian, but she was discovering a love. It made all the difference.<br />
At one point when she admits that she loves Cece, she stops for a second and thinks <i>what? I'm... gay? </i>Like she had no clue that falling in love with Cece officially made her a lesbian. What a beautiful story. I felt every single emotion in my gut. It was almost unbearable.<br />
The fact that Cece didn't come on to Holland, or push her into admitting she's gay and falling for her, and that Holland went to Cece all on her own... it was moving.<br />
I think the best way to describe it is personal. It was so damn personal. You WERE Holland in between those pages. No one else. You weren't on that sofa with your family and the TV or the radio weren't on, everything else was gone when you were inside Holland's head and heart.<br />
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The most empowering part, after going through half the book and being embraced with Holland's emotions the whole time, that moment when she took the final step and finally, wholeheartedly admitted to herself and to Cece the truth, when she told Cece she wanted to kiss her, it felt like bombs going off in my stomach. because you could read the beginning over and over, and know the truth, but Holland never put it out there. She never once said inside her head <i>Okay I'm gay and I'm in love with Cece. I want her now. </i>No. Not once. It was only after that need took a hold of her and she kissed Cece, that's when it all came together.<br />
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It's hard to explain without experiencing it, so here's what I mean:<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">Swimming. Up, down, counting strokes. one, two, three, four. breathe in, breathe out. </span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">Her.</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">Everything was her. The light, the dark, the day, the night. </span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">Her. Her.</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">She was my first thought in the morning, my last thought at night. She'd taken possession of my soul. She was inside of me, consuming me, compelling me to--</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">what?</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">Drown it out. Fight the force. You can do it Holland, you're strong. Resist. You can beat the forces of nature. You have to.</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">Swim. Stroke. Count. Count.</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">Can't. Can't. Can't.</span></i></b><br />
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<b>[60 sum pages later]</b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">Then it happened. that electric current surged between us, through me, and tugged at my core. The pull was so fierce, I couldn't fight it. Didn't want to. She was close, so close, her head right next to mine. I could hear her breathing, feel her heart beating. The outside air was cold, but that's not what was making me tremble.</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">"Cece." My voice sounded raw, whispery.</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">"Hmm?"</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">I turned to face her, jamming my shoulder into the brick. "I want--" I stopped. I couldn't say it. Couldn't take that step.</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">She twisted her head and opened her eyes. 'What Holland? What do you want?"</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">I was shaking so hard. Do it. Do it. Do it now. "I want to kiss you."</span></i></b><br />
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I read this whole damn thing in one night. I couldn't stop. I read until 4 am, and gawked at the page when I was done. Then didn't sleep for another hour because I was thinking about it. I was shocked. Mostly because I wasn't expecting a Lesbian love story. Mostly because I wasn't expecting it to be so damn good and moving and heartbreaking.<br />
Believe me, believe me, believe me, you won't even remember that it's two girls falling in love once you get going. All you can feel is the pure love and utter need in your heart and gut, so much that you wont even remember what gender is. The only other book that got this kind of romance right was <i>Pushing the Limits. </i>All the other romance book seem so superficial compared to this one. I can't even explain it.<br />
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I don't think I can experience another contemporary romance without going back to this one in my head and measuring them. I still do that with Pushing the Limits, which had one of the best romances in all the books I've read. This is seriously the 'what-if-it-were-girls' version of pushing the limits, with minor changes.<br />
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If you want to feel what true love feels like, right in the pit of your stomach, read this book. I can't even begin to explain.<br />
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Happy reading, all!<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii537/MissDruzee/sig.png" />Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-37050531827819970572012-12-31T11:02:00.002-08:002012-12-31T12:20:21.801-08:00Review: Code Name Verity<br />
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1337032941l/12954231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Code Name Verity" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1337032941l/12954231.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Name:</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> Code Name Verity</span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Author:</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> Elizabeth Wein</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Publication: </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">February 6th, 2012 </span></b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Source</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">: Indigo's bookstore</span></b></span><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I have two weeks. You’ll shoot me at the end no matter what I do.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">That’s what you do to enemy agents. It’s what we do to enemy agents. But I look at all the dark and twisted roads ahead and cooperation is the easy way out. Possibly the only way out for a girl caught red-handed doing dirty work like mine — and I will do anything, anything, to avoid SS-Hauptsturmführer von Linden interrogating me again.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">He has said that I can have as much paper as I need. All I have to do is cough up everything I can remember about the British War Effort. And I’m going to. But the story of how I came to be here starts with my friend Maddie. She is the pilot who flew me into France — an Allied Invasion of Two.</span></span></i></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">We are a sensational team.</span></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Holy Mother Eff. It has been 3 days since I finished reading this, and my heart still throbs for Maddie and Verity. I still find myself reading those memorized excerpts to myself. I still find it hard to breathe when I think of my favorite lines and the ending. What perfection, oh, complete and utter perfection.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">One of my favorite bloggers Lauren from </span><a href="http://losetimereading.com/" style="line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">Lose Time Reading</a><span style="line-height: 19px;"> and I decided to do a fun little read along for </span><i style="line-height: 19px;">Code Name Verity . </i><span style="line-height: 19px;">It was my first read along and I must say, it was fun to have someone to freak out with that was experiencing the fresh wound like I was. </span><span style="line-height: 19px;">Oh boy. We were both done for. It's seriously all we can talk about. We raped our twitter news feeds and bombarded Ms.Wein.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><b><i>I literally CANNOT tell you how phenomenal this book really is.</i></b></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">It's going to be hard enough to write this review, but to actually explain how I feel about it is impossible. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #0b5394; line-height: 19px;">Let me just say: It's one of those books (along with the Gemma Doyle Trilogy, Beautiful Creatures and the Night Circus ) that left me stunned by the end and made my heart throb with emotion. It's one of those books that haunts you and possess you, and doesn't leave you for a very very long time. It's one of those books where you feel changed, even if no one else notices-- the tiniest bit of change that only you can put your finger on. It's spectacular. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #0b5394; line-height: 19px;">Whoever said that books don't change people is lying. I came out a different person by the end of the book, and I also learned about a tons of new things that happened in history: The battle of Trafalgar, the S.O.E agents and the ATA/RAF, women's rights within the organizations-- and how strong friendship can be. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Basically this book is about a British spy, Verity, caught in Nazi-occupied France. She has been told to spill whatever she knows about the British war efforts to avoid being tortured any further, and she does just that by telling a heart-breaking story of how she first came to be in France and an Agent. It all began with her best friend Maddie, a ferry pilot for the ATA, and their allied invasion into France.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">One of the most beautifully written and heart-breaking reads out there. It starts off slow, but the reader is quickly thrown into a whirlwind of a plot as Verity unravels the truth about her life and friendship with Maddie.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">This Book is <b style="font-style: italic;">P.E.R.F.E.C.T. </b>Nothing any reviewer does/says can do it any justice.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Wein does a spectacular job making sure her readers can feel the pain and the desperation in what Verity is writing and experiencing. Her pain and love and everything else is so strong. How desperate she is to finish her story, stop her torture, but most of all, write down the story of her best friend, because of how important it is for her. Imagine: You're captured by the enemy, and you know you're going to die. Only the most important thing would be on your mind at this point. And Verity chose to tell the story of herself and Maddie, and their journey together.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">People have raved about this book, and I think part of it has to do with all the emotion that Wein is able to integrate, and still tell a precise story with real historical facts. It's a history lesson and a heart break all in one.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Some people may be put off by all the technical talk of piloting, but it really makes you feel like you're in the RAF in that time, and about to go off into enemy territory. Plus it all comes into play later in the novel. A beautiful beautiful historical fiction.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>
<b><i><span style="color: #e06666;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“I am no longer afraid of getting old. Indeed I can't believe I ever said anything so stupid. So childish. So offensive and </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">arrogant</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">But mainly, so very, very stupid. I desperately want to grow old.” </span></span></i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
The most astounding thing about this book is the emotion hidden between it all. It gushes through the pages and you can almost <i>grasp </i>it. I felt it in my heart while I was reading, and THAT my friends, is when you know that you're reading a hell of a good story. And not only because I'm a sucker for historical fiction, but because when I opened the book I was instantly transported to Nazi-Occupied France, and I was sitting there with Verity and Maddie as they experienced all that they did.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #e06666;">"<b><i>Don't cry. We're still alive and we make a sensational team."</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">The author is easily able to switch between perspectives and moments in time smoothly, and knows how to put it all together. She does a wonderful job of blurring the lines of lies and truths, until you aren't sure which is what anymore. That is the fricken point! This story is a huge Lie. A huge Truth and a Secret. A huge Misconception. What Maddie and Verity figure out in the end is that true friendship and love is even stronger than fate. It is a reflection on their not-so-innocent war days, when they thought that they had it bad then, and the now, in their worst possible situations. That's why it's such a damn good story. Even when they are both dead to each other (or are they?) they <i><b>still </b></i>make a <i>sensational </i>team. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394;">A story about love and friendship, and the ultimate price of war and mercy.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">It's almost impossible to reflect on every detail, because like I had said before, it's all truths and lies and secrets, one thing leading to another. I almost have to hint at things in code to avoid giving it away!</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">All that there is left to say is please please please please please read this. Don't get thrown off by the technical mumbo-jumbo in the beginning. Stick with it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>This </i>is the true meaning of historical fiction and utterly perfect writing. This is the true art of literature and the basis of what all great novels should be: Somewhat life changing, even if a little, moving and disoriented, yet perfect. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">A <b><i>perfect</i></b> ending that you will <b><i>absolutely</i></b> hate.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Don't forget to check out <a href="http://losetimereading.com/review-code-name-verity-by-elizabeth-wein/" target="_blank">Lauren's review today, too!</a></span></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">KISS ME HARDY! Kiss me, QUICK! xx</span></i></b></div>
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<img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii537/MissDruzee/sig.png" />Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-85181927735020497212012-12-30T20:23:00.001-08:002012-12-30T20:23:54.263-08:00DON'T KILL ME! I SWEAR I'M BACK! (Happy New Years!)<b>HELLO MY FAVORITE BOOK-LOVIN' READERS!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I cannot say how terribly sorry I am for being so absent. I just haven't been in the blogging mood lately in all honestly (and I've been slightly busy, as well), but now even with Diploma exams next month (gun anyone?) I still promise to post AT LEAST one post each week. I can't promise that it will be a review (how can I read when I have 382049032 hormones waiting to be memorized?), but then again I do have some older reviews I have to catch up on, as well as some cover reveals and blog tours.<br />
AND tomorrow I'll post an exciting review of <b>Code Name Verity </b>which I read along with <b>Lauren </b>from <b><a href="http://losetimereading.com/" target="_blank">Lose Time Reading</a> . </b>She's one of my favorite bloggers, and it was a fun read along. We had quite the spasm over the book on twitter because it was so good, So i'm totally looking forward to our review's tomorrow.<br />
I also feel like doing something exciting on the blog... I don't know what yet, but I wan't it to be within the first week of January (Think Quick, Rola!). Hm, We'll see.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Reviews This Week</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">-Code Name Verity </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">-Days of Blood & Starlight</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">-The Devil's Metal</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><u>Books To Be Read This Week</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">- Venom</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">- The Things They Carried</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I also wanted to take this time to wish all my followers and readers a Happy New Year. I wouldn't have been here without your constant support-- especially the blogging community. I have made some forever friends from the Edmonton Book Bloggers, to some of my favorite online Bloggers miles and miles away. i hope to continue blogging and reviewing books for more years to come (and not be as inactive as I was this month) and continue growing with this amazing community!<br />
<br />
I hope you have a year filled with bookish cheer and prosperity!<br />
<br />
<u><b>Rola's New Years Resolution List</b> (</u>Kept as realistic as possible... I want to achieve all of these!)<br />
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- Read a minimum of 100 books (150 if I can manage)<br />
- Build my home library to 200 books<br />
- (cliche, but i'm serious) Get more fit and have a healthier diet<br />
- quit playing with my hair (impossible but...)<br />
- finish high school without murdering anyone<br />
- reach 500 blog followers<br />
-save up some $$ (I'm a spender)<br />
<br />
Okay, I think that's a pretty decent list for now. Share your lists with me people!<br />
<br />
Love you all xxx<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii537/MissDruzee/sig.png" />Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-12717643962970248432012-12-09T20:18:00.000-08:002012-12-09T20:25:02.306-08:0012 Days of Magic Blog Stop: Spell Bound by Nikki Jefford<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJW86oQt6RdP9_-ltz-3g6G0wtjcJVhGJV5cgFT6fCR-zj37eXORaQCog4_L5__WwtK5cfghp-gwZlCagqO8ytiZuYVGBeKMtY8DB1EdcSxEyNEvlS83d2hgFeHi-wo_H_rxDznt-Vr8/s1600/SpellboundBlitzBanner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJW86oQt6RdP9_-ltz-3g6G0wtjcJVhGJV5cgFT6fCR-zj37eXORaQCog4_L5__WwtK5cfghp-gwZlCagqO8ytiZuYVGBeKMtY8DB1EdcSxEyNEvlS83d2hgFeHi-wo_H_rxDznt-Vr8/s1600/SpellboundBlitzBanner.png" /></a></div>
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Hi all!<br />
<br />
The <i>Spell Bound </i>Blog Tour is making a stop here, which is super exciting! If you're a fan of anything with witches in it like myself, then you will seriously need to check this series out!<br />
Twin Witch sisters, One good & One Evil, and a Resurrection spell gone horribly wrong... the two witches are now stuck sharing one body, where Graylee faces the threat of being erased from existence if she can't find a way back into her own body... and soon. Three Warlocks offer her assistance: One Is rebellious, One is Dangerous, & One is after her heart. Will Graylee survive before her sister destroys her forever?<br />
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<b> Spell Bound Book 1: Entangled</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzzhirE3Gp-lcL59K9KzgV0mSt8WBfmgKlWOkZpUg0oABVr70jTUokK1DZrfl-GgqNKypV28g0H9uZ3mwWAKQmITQDKQb2ymbX_WgbHzsT9RWf7QQlHYlgRaImw5QlRMVzWb7d5SvmAw/s1600/Entangled.v4.GRAYBLUE.v2-FINAL+(WEB).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzzhirE3Gp-lcL59K9KzgV0mSt8WBfmgKlWOkZpUg0oABVr70jTUokK1DZrfl-GgqNKypV28g0H9uZ3mwWAKQmITQDKQb2ymbX_WgbHzsT9RWf7QQlHYlgRaImw5QlRMVzWb7d5SvmAw/s320/Entangled.v4.GRAYBLUE.v2-FINAL+(WEB).jpg" width="214" /></a><br />
<i><span style="color: #e06666;">Two months after dying, seventeen-year-old witch Graylee Perez wakes up in her twin sister Charlene’s body.<br /><br />Until Gray finds a way back inside her own body, she’s stuck being Charlene every twenty-hour hours. Her sister has left precise instructions on how Gray should dress and behave. Looking like a prep isn’t half as bad as hanging out with Charlene’s snotty friends and gropey boyfriend.<br /><br />The “normals” of McKinley High might be quick to write her behavior off as post-traumatic stress, but warlock Raj McKenna is the only person who suspects Gray has returned from the dead.<br /><br />Now Gray has to solve the mystery of her death and resurrection and disentangle herself from Charlene’s body before she disappears for good.</span></i><br />
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<b>Spellbound Book 2: Duplicity </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvN7CI6kFb6xdQoXDUbLsyc5GmArNysaTOVArNg9MBuVK08RyZwWcEI1jU9YfDlpQmMLKmkzz3FL9ONr_eeyz_t7xiZb9n6eKmXynQ8IiOjM9PnS7GnyxPz0uo66SseC9bmOHNAr364o/s1600/Duplicity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvN7CI6kFb6xdQoXDUbLsyc5GmArNysaTOVArNg9MBuVK08RyZwWcEI1jU9YfDlpQmMLKmkzz3FL9ONr_eeyz_t7xiZb9n6eKmXynQ8IiOjM9PnS7GnyxPz0uo66SseC9bmOHNAr364o/s320/Duplicity.jpg" width="214" /></a><i><span style="color: #e06666;">If Graylee Perez thought sharing a body with her twin sister was bad, dealing with a duplicate of herself is two times worse. Gray the second doesn’t seem to get that Lee’s boyfriend, Raj McKenna, is off limits. Then there’s the problem of Adrian Montez. He expects one of the Grays to be his.<br /><br />Nearly a year later, the council is onto them for past misdeeds; Lee, along with the rest of the coven, has lost control of her powers; and Gray is being stalked by what looks like the Grim Reaper. <br /><br />If they work together, they may stand a chance of setting things right and making it out alive</span>.</i></div>
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<b>Spellbound Book 3: Enchantment ( </b><i><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">To come this April!</span><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span>)</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacRdoDuc7y7WisZI-vSxaHmBry58jBqzprtBtkoxTQKhX2QT7COr5RXaaa-fo6-QVXx4PF6wK2yp7lv8VvaLR_SBJ6zZzIyfcC6ugWzYMO83mIS_FwNUOE3Q959jg92V82aa44JvTDog/s1600/Enchantment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacRdoDuc7y7WisZI-vSxaHmBry58jBqzprtBtkoxTQKhX2QT7COr5RXaaa-fo6-QVXx4PF6wK2yp7lv8VvaLR_SBJ6zZzIyfcC6ugWzYMO83mIS_FwNUOE3Q959jg92V82aa44JvTDog/s320/Enchantment.jpg" width="214" /></a><i><span style="color: #e06666;">In the third and final installment of the Spellbound series, Graylee Perez (the duplicate), goes to Spain for a summer of escape. There she meets new friends and comes face to face with her old adversary, Adrian Montez. <br /><br />When Gray tries to setup a spell that will banish Adrian from her life, she inadvertently falls under a love spell instead.<br /><br />Charlene returns, having hijacked a new body, for one final battle between the twins.</span></i></div>
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<b>Aren't they just beautiful?</b><br />
<br />
<b>Here's an excerpt for your curious minds from Entangled!</b><br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #e06666;">IN THIS SCENE: <i>After
Graylee Perez is brought back to life she must pretend to be her twin sister
Charlene while she’s stuck sharing her body. To “help” her out, Charlene has
started a communications notebook instructing Gray on ‘How to be Charlene.’</i></span>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“…for now I’m supposed to pretend to be
Charlene?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mom brought a notebook over. “Yes, and
your sister left some notes to help you out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Gray stared at the notebook a moment
before taking it. She flipped it open.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">NO
MORE PIZZA, YOU PIG!!! I GAINED <u>2 POUNDS</u> BECAUSE OF YOU!</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">No
wearing your clothes in public. I will choose an outfit for you to wear to
school on the days you’re me.</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hair
must be worn down. No pig tails, pony tails, hair clips or goofy Princess Leia
style buns on the side of your head.</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">No
leaving the house without makeup. I have taped examples and tips in the
following pages on how to create a smoky eye.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Gray flipped back to several pages of
magazine print and step-by-step illustrated guides for creating a smoldering
look. She flipped back to the front page.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">No
speaking to anyone at McKinley who isn’t on the approved list (see the
following pages). Don’t even think about trying to visit with your old friends
unless you want to get us committed to an insane asylum.</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Absolutely
no—UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES—having sex with Blake.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ewwww!</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Gray looked up, her face still
contorted. “Did you read this?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mom was putting away the brown sugar.
“No, Charlene told me not to.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“And you listened to her?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mom looked directly at Gray. “She said
it was private.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">More
like psychotic.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">***</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">AUTHOR BIO</span></b></div>
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Nikki Jefford is a third generation Alaskan who loves fictional bad boys and heroines who kick butt. She writes edgy teen fiction, including the Spellbound Trilogy and Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter.<br />
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Nikki married Sébastien, the love of her life, while working as a teaching assistant in France. They now reside in the not-so-tropical San Juan Islands, 70 miles northeast of Forks, Washington<br />
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<b>Visit Nikki</b><br />
<a href="http://www.nikkijefford.com/" target="_blank">On Her Site</a><br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5424286.Nikki_Jefford" target="_blank">Goodreads</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/authornikkijefford?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/NikkiJefford" target="_blank">Twitter</a><br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Liked what you've seen? </span></b><br />
<b>Buy the SpellBound Trilogy: </b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=Nikki+jefford+spellbound" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/nikki-jefford?store=allproducts&keyword=nikki+jefford" target="_blank">B&N</a></b><br />
<b><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=nikki+jefford" target="_blank">Smash Words</a></b><br />
<a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/search?searchTerm=nikki+jefford&search=Find+book?a_aid=xreads" target="_blank"><b>Book Depository </b></a><br />
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<br />Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-27485566337012839682012-12-08T22:45:00.002-08:002012-12-08T22:45:54.291-08:00Review: Girl with the Dragon Tattoo<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327868566l/2429135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium, #1)" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327868566l/2429135.jpg" /></a><br />
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Name:</span><span style="color: #e06666;"> The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Series:</span><span style="color: #e06666;"> Millennium, #1</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Author:</span><span style="color: #e06666;"> Stieg Larsson</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Publication:</span><span style="color: #e06666;"> September 2008, by Knopf</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Source:</span><span style="color: #e06666;"> Indigo's </span></b><br />
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<i><span style="color: #e06666;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Once you start The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, there's no turning back. This debut thriller--the first in a trilogy from the late Stieg Larsson--is a serious page-turner rivaling the best of Charlie Huston and Michael Connelly. Mikael Blomkvist, a once-respected financial journalist, watches his professional life rapidly crumble around him. Prospects appear bleak until an unexpected (and unsettling) offer to resurrect his name is extended by an old-school titan of Swedish industry. The catch--and there's always a catch--is that Blomkvist must first spend a year researching a mysterious disappearance that has remained unsolved for nearly four decades. With few other options, he accepts and enlists the help of investigator Lisbeth Salander, a misunderstood genius with a cache of authority issues. Little is as it seems in Larsson's novel, but there is at least one constant: you really don't want to mess with the girl with the dragon tattoo.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"> </span></span></i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">This book took me a <i>littleee </i>longer than expected, but I did very much enjoy it. It was a slow paced story with great detail (which we could have done without at times), and a rapid page turner once you hit the middle. It's one of those books where you have to really think about & stick with to truly appreciate. I really loved Blomkvist & Salandar, and they definitely make a sensational team. This book is an exellent mystery, romance, page turner and nerve gritter all in one. A must read.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">It was interesting to watch Blomkvist grow and struggle as he attempted to solve the mystery. His life was already hectic, and getting inside his head really made the story so much better. How he felt about the mystery, His relationship with Berger-- and when he meets her-- Salander. I loved how the story progressed at the same pace that Blomkvist & Salander's relationship did... it really put them on the same level, and added bonus points to the ending. I just wanted to tear the damn pages out after reading the last line! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I would get a little pissy at Salander for being so self conscious & stubborn, and Blomkvist for being so damn oblivious! But it adds to their character overall, which i'm sure will pay a major role in the next installment. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I did love the atmosphere that came up with the conflicting personalities of Salander & Blomkvist. She was dark and brooding, while he was all smiles and brains while solving the crime. She definitely made the story more kick ass.... the fact that she beat up the bad guy at the end, and did so much in the book yet gave off such little emotions. Although she was constantly sexually abused, which was quite disturbing, she is a head strong girl that likes nothing more than vengeance to the men who harm her. Feminists will love her!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">There were definitely some details that the story could have done without, and would have lessened the bore factor in some scenes, but I definitely felt the suspense and surprise near the end when all was revealed. This is one mystery you wont wan't to out down until it's solved!!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">I heard that the next book is totally kick ass, can't wait to read it!</span></span><br />
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Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-43178705159582889442012-12-07T18:15:00.002-08:002012-12-07T18:16:34.154-08:00Stacking the Shelves [11]<div style="text-align: center;">
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Hi, Friends!</div>
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What a great bookish week! Having Finished <b>" </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" </i>last week, I had started <b style="font-style: italic;">"Days of Blood & Starlight" </b>Shortly after, and finished it yesterday. Holy mothers, what more can I say than WHAT GREAT BOOKS THEY BOTH ARE! I'm officially <i>in love </i>with Taylor's writing style, it just kills me. I seriously can't get enough of it... i'm in the need for a serious re-read of the Smoke & Bone series. I'll be posting reviews for both the books within the next day or two. </div>
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Apparently i'm not reading books fast enough, because last I recalled I had 28 unread books or so, now I have 39..... hmm. This is not good. Of course, that is including the KICK-ASS books I purchased today!</div>
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I was on twitter in a extremely boring math class, learning about radical functions or something rather, and came across a post for <a href="http://www.theatlanticwire.com/entertainment/2012/12/best-young-adult-books-2012/59641/" target="_blank">'The YA awards, 2012 Edition'</a>. Scrolling through the list, I recognized most of the books from some place or another. I had only read one or two of them, but most were high acclaimed books, or unique ones with either a total love or total hate factor. So I decided to go out and purchase a couple of them that I have been waiting to read anyways. </div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Without Further Ado...</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan</span></b></div>
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What a gorgeous cover & Mysterious Synopsis! I can't lie, I was drawn to this book a little while back with it's elegant cover, without having even read the synopsis. And after seeing it on the list, I just had to purchase it right away!</div>
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It's always the ones that are out of the ordinary that are the most fun to get lost in!</div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/73093_4138626703693_1274863815_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/73093_4138626703693_1274863815_n.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> <b>Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein</b></span></div>
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This book has been ALL the hype for the past couple of months. Arc reviewers loved it, and the vibe continued to climb when it was released and readers fell in love with it as well. I've been seeing it everywhere, but never read the synopsis until today before I bought it. The cover looks appealing-- It drove me to the conclusion that it was about abuse or something-- but I was DEFINITELY intrigued after reading the little excerpt in the back. Holy mothers, this is totally my type of book. Definitely my next read after <i>The Devil's Metal.</i></div>
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Now, although this wasn't on the list, I've been meaning to get this book since it came out. I'm in love with historical fiction & Victorian books, and all though this may not be classified as so, it takes place in an old, classy setting, with a headstrong female character that trades her proper courtesy with some adventure. Reminds me a little of <i>A Great & Terrible Beauty, </i>But that book is a work of art-- so let's not push it. I just want it to be as good as I'm expecting!</div>
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<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">That's it for me this week! What's new on your shelf? Let me know! (:</span></b></div>
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Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-45236763115907292392012-12-04T19:18:00.003-08:002012-12-04T19:28:11.463-08:00Bookish Christmas Wishlist!<b>Hi all!</b><br />
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Can you feel the Christmasy season? I know they say 'It's not about the gifts', which is true, it's about the family, the giving and all the gracious things one can do, BUT I can't help but think about all the wonderful gifts I would like to get this season. What can I say? It's a reflex.<br />
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<b>What has my eye this Christmas?</b><br />
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<b>1. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness</b><br />
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I've heard SUCH amazing things about the <i>All Souls </i>series, and I've been dying to read them but never got around to buying them. And I just recently found out (Thanks, Tammy!) That you can actually go to <a href="http://deborahharkness.com/all-souls-trilogy/all-souls-trilogy-shop/">Deborah's site</a> and order signed copies of the book, for no extra cost (Just the cost of the book + Shipping)!!! How cool is that?! Definitely a must have.<br />
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<b><br /></b><b>2. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta</b><br />
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<b>3. Touching the Surface by Kimberly Sabatini</b><b><br /></b><br />
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<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1334690788l/10560849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1334690788l/10560849.jpg" /></a>This book has been one of <i>Waiting on</i>'s since forever! It says that Indigo sells it but none of the stores have it, so I guess it needs to be ordered in as well. Again, this makes me forget and I get lazy!<br />
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<b>4. Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuxvkgIumJEqhmOjPOOi8PQs_ATCNo4lsguxS5Zsc6-i9aroW6SFMLAlFZHPFLPBFYaQWMYy9MXvHoT9Pe4e9XwwO7BiC-nCzggNFuaQqG2s_2bzRavXr7-F9he5hhi6unVirErxH65c/s1600/Graffiti+Moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibuxvkgIumJEqhmOjPOOi8PQs_ATCNo4lsguxS5Zsc6-i9aroW6SFMLAlFZHPFLPBFYaQWMYy9MXvHoT9Pe4e9XwwO7BiC-nCzggNFuaQqG2s_2bzRavXr7-F9he5hhi6unVirErxH65c/s1600/Graffiti+Moon.jpg" /></a>I can't believe I've put off reading this book for so long! I have so many TBR books I guess that I just forget to hunt them all down. Again, this book is available through Indigo but isn't in stores, so it needs to be ordered in (apparently I like very rare books...). I've read some of the BEST reviews for this one!<br />
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<b>5. Scarlet by A.C.Gaughen</b><br />
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<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1326772588l/11983940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Scarlet (Scarlet #1)" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1326772588l/11983940.jpg" /></a><b>OK. </b>don't kill me but this isn't avaliable in stores either.... THERE'S A REASON THESE ARE ON MY WISH LIST!!! It's hard for me to order everything, so I just stick them on this wishlist in hopes that someone else will! Anyways, I love a good twist up of a classic tale, and nothing like a hero robin-hood, that is (WAIT FOR IT) actually a chick!!!<br />
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<b><br /></b><b>6. A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb</b><br />
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<a href="http://collider.com/wp-content/uploads/a-certain-slant-of-light-book-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://collider.com/wp-content/uploads/a-certain-slant-of-light-book-cover.jpg" width="262" /></a>I heard this was a difficult and unique book, and it is for that reason that I want to read it. I like challanges and love reading something against the tide of what I have on my shelf,-- and this book would be it. And for one, it's available in Indigo stores! *My Family Cheers*<br />
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<b><br /></b><b>7. Going too Far by Jennifer Echols</b><br />
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<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1276962788l/4570679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Going Too Far" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1276962788l/4570679.jpg" /></a>Great reviews. I've had my eye on this one for a while now!<br />
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<b><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></b><b>8. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare</b><br />
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<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327137475l/7171637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, #1)" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327137475l/7171637.jpg" /></a>I <i>like </i>the Mortal Instruments-- not a HUGE fan, but I have read them all and I've enjoyed them-- but I did hear that the Infernal Devices is way better. Plus, I'm a HUGE HUGE HUGE Victorian England Fan girl, and if a book is set in that time period, I will usually read it, no questions asked. Hopefully it lives up to my expectations!<br />
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<b>9. A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly</b><br />
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<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1257539114l/64481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Northern Light" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1257539114l/64481.jpg" /></a>A Historical Fiction that is supposed to be great, but hasn't caught much hype.<br />
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<b><br /></b><b>10. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher</b><br />
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<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1333822506l/1217100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Thirteen Reasons Why" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1333822506l/1217100.jpg" /></a>A supposed heart-wretching book that deals with the truth of bullying... defenitely been on my must reads for a while now. it's about time I read it!<br />
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<b>Honestly, I could think of a thousand more. </b>But those are what stood out the most for me right now. Personally, I love surprises. I love tearing open a gift & seeing something I never would have guessed to be gifted! That's the fun part.<br />
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<b>Let me know what YOUR Bookish Wishlist is!</b><br />
<img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii537/MissDruzee/sig.png" />Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-18380048005865012842012-12-01T23:02:00.001-08:002012-12-01T23:02:27.277-08:00Stacking the Shelves [10]Hey everyone!<br />
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I've missed a ton of STS's with my little break, and oddly enough, I didn't buy many books either!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">This is my disappointing STS of the week....</span></b><br />
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<img height="480" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/320615_171403279650621_387435915_n.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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<b>The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson</b><br />
<b>The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson</b><br />
<b>The Devil's Metal by Karina Halle</b><br />
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As well as...<br />
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<img src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1309288316l/77203.jpg" /><br />
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I've already read the <i>Kite Runner </i>, but my library gave it to me for free because the book depo sent them one too many copies, so yay for free books!<br />
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Hopefully ill get more soon. Nothing too amazing, but I am excited to get started with these. Plus my lack of current reading has left me SO behind in books. its crazy.<br />
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<b>What's on your shelf this week?</b><br />
<img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii537/MissDruzee/sig.png" />Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-68299838009047825202012-11-30T19:35:00.001-08:002012-11-30T21:44:47.696-08:00Welcome Back, ME!Hello Pretty People!<br />
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I am terribly sorry for disappearing like that for two weeks. I have missed my blog [and the readers] dearly! *Hugs blog*, I've been doing a little catch up in school, and with the diploma exams quickly approaching in two months, I wont be able to post as often. I'm sure students can relate, but I'll be trying my best to keep the blog up-to-date!<br />
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<b>What's New?</b><br />
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Hmmmm, What has been going on these past two weeks? Well. I bought a couple books, [see stacking the shelves tomorrow], and Finished reading <b>The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo </b>! Darn, it was so good. had to go out and buy the next two in the series! I'm currently reading <b>Days of Blood & Starlight</b>, but at a super slow pace because math has been on my butt lately.<br />
I watched Breaking Dawn Part 2 as well, and HOLY COW! It was AMAZING. A perfect ending, in my opinion. And my I also say that my Jacob was also very babe like? ;)<br />
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<img height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKheQNfNCWWhOZLpmEIgbuEXXvveQK4erZQc1r_xz-uFPZw_wR95Y6WnltMpxZJva8TA0Oqu6gKNT8VGGWxMnSebWUswBXbhjCJxtJFkh7oC_7La2k3nr113xmyak3Gq0X5ujZNxrZ5DI/s400/559242_447185171988624_2129588860_n.jpg" width="285" /><br />
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<b>Lets Just All Take A Moment.</b><br />
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There were also some great new characters introduced, and it makes me sad to think that the journey is all over.<br />
Like how beautiful is this?<br />
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<img height="400" src="http://entertainista.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/american-nomad-garret.jpeg" width="285" /><br />
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I think we can all agree that twilight should not be over. I'm pretty sure I had a dream where my husband looked something like Garret.<br />
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and can we all agree that Emmett is ADORABLE?<br />
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<img alt="Cullen Coven - Emmett" height="400" src="http://entertainista.com/wp-content/gallery/breaking-dawn-coven-posters/cullen-coven-emmett.jpg" width="285" /><br />
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Okay I think my twilight rant is over.<br />
Other than that, I did an early admission into the University of Alberta and got in (unless my marks drop by the end of the year... which they wont. I hope) Which is pretty exciting. But that's about it!<br />
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What have you all been up two these past 2 weeks?<br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii537/MissDruzee/sig.png" />Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-66381842330629657332012-11-18T18:53:00.003-08:002012-11-18T18:55:05.972-08:00Stacking the Shelves [9]Hello Bookish Friends!<br />
I didn't actually have a stacking the shelves until today... so better late than never, right?<br />
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It was a horribly loooong day at work, so my new books definitely makes me feel much better ;)<br />
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<b><span style="color: #f6b26b;">This Week I Have:</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/66037_4061910665840_1978760885_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/66037_4061910665840_1978760885_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><b>Days Of Blood & Starlight: </b>I've been dying to read this since it came out! Special Thanks to HBG Canada for sending it to me. definitely my next read.<br />
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<b>Iron Legends: </b>I've been meaning to get this for a while. I love the Iron fey, and these short stories were only available on ebook for the longest time, but I love that I could finally get it in paperback!<br />
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<b>The Lost Prince: </b>A continuation of the Iron Fey... but with the little brother Ethan all grown up! Can't wait to dig into this one!<br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/601580_4061911425859_1932700973_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/601580_4061911425859_1932700973_n.jpg" width="400" /></a> <b>The Great Gatsby: </b>What a pretty cover! I couldn't help but pick this collectors edition up... plus it includes exclusive short stories!<br />
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<b>Now, this isn't a book but it's <i>bookish </i>, so that counts, right?!</b><br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/533537_4061909265805_138926202_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/533537_4061909265805_138926202_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><b> Book Lovers Scrabble!! </b>I'm so excited to play this!!! My sister isn't a bookish person, but i'm making her play this with me anyways. I love Scrabble... I love Books... TADA! It helps that it was on sale as well. Made my day so much better.<br />
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<b style="color: #e69138;">That's it for this week. What did you guys get on your shelf this week? </b><span style="color: #e69138;"> </span><br />
<img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii537/MissDruzee/sig.png" />Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-65025221603807926932012-11-16T11:17:00.002-08:002012-11-16T11:17:49.456-08:00Beautiful Creatures Movie Thoughts & Trailer #2 <a href="http://static.hypable.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/beautiful-creatures-movie-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://static.hypable.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/beautiful-creatures-movie-poster.jpg" width="270" /></a>On Thursday, November 15 at 7:30 they released the Beautiful Creatures Trailer #2. My break at work was at 7:45.... I ran.<br />
After I watched it... I was too stunned for words. It was magical, spell binding, dark, mysterious.... oh god help us all. It was PHENOMENAL.<br />
Although I've been criticizing the cast since they started filming, I think I'm starting to accept them. I'm still against Alice Englert as Lena, but I'll live. Books and Movies will most likely never be the same, which is something I've now learned. ALTHOUGH I will say that it wouldn't have taken too much effort to dye Englert's hair black and curl it... and possibly dress her in all black? and Some green contacts wouldn't have hurt? <br />
And Seriously, Rossum's hair should be blonde with the pink streak! It's the minor things that they've missed (which have pissed me off the most), BUT EVEN SO, I got the goosebumps watching the trailer all over again. I think I've watched it over 50 times since last night.<br />
I don't even know what I'm writing because it was so good and I'm still in such shock!<br />
I don't think anyone could understand my excitement until their favorite book EVER is made into a movie. It's all those surfacing feelings that just overwhelm you.<br />
The entire series is like my baby, and I've probably gotten a dozen of my friends to read them. Talk about peer pressure? So naturally I'm excited to see it all on the big screen!<br />
But a little part of me is upset that they made it into a movie, because now... It becomes mainstream. Is it rude that I don't <i>want </i>to share my favorite book with the world? I'm getting the sick feeling that it's going to be like the <i>Hunger Games</i> all over again: The book fans went insane, everyone else wanted to join in the excitement so they went out and read the book, then went crazy for the movie.<br />
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. It's my special book. For instance, Now when I say "My Favorite Book Is Beautiful Creatures" people are like "WHATS THAT?!" and we can have an entire conversation of me explaining the plot and how amazing the characters are. But from now on... I won't be able to do that anymore because everyone will know what it is.<br />
I mean, how do tell the long time fans apart from the 'hey-it's-popular-i'm-jumping-aboard' ones? Other than word of mouth, you wouldn't be able to tell. Which is slightly depressing when you've considered yourself so original all this time. hmph.<br />
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*sigh* Even so, I can't help but be ecstatic for the movie, and even more so to the amazing authors, Margie & Kami.<br />
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For anyone who hasn't seen the trailer.....<br />
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I know, I know... You've just died and been reborn. I feel ya pretty people, I feel ya.<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii537/MissDruzee/sig.png" /><br />
<br />Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-90589257135148750522012-11-13T23:10:00.003-08:002012-11-13T23:10:56.565-08:00Waiting On Wednesday [10]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbVto6i6ttDHnWu1hEMdz5uFP_OvCdR5JmJTyg6aJLIO9J94otfaNi0J74FCliwYsHBknTGcdHSpL1iuOA_mDOmliwYKWg1-B9rG3lgiudY65Nakn86SNhsQ2OMlCj5u_87oOczupkYM/s1600/waiting+on+wed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbVto6i6ttDHnWu1hEMdz5uFP_OvCdR5JmJTyg6aJLIO9J94otfaNi0J74FCliwYsHBknTGcdHSpL1iuOA_mDOmliwYKWg1-B9rG3lgiudY65Nakn86SNhsQ2OMlCj5u_87oOczupkYM/s1600/waiting+on+wed.png" /></a></div>
Hello pretty peeps!<br />
What a year for excellent books. So many phenomenal ones have been released, and so many more to come.<br />
This week for WoW I have this beauty.....<br />
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<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1350335466l/12109772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Paper Valentine" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1350335466l/12109772.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Name:</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> Paper Valentine</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Author:</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> Brenna Yovanoff</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Expected Publication:</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> January 8th 2013</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">The city of Ludlow is gripped by the hottest July on record. The asphalt is melting, the birds are dying, petty crime is on the rise, and someone in Hannah Wagnor’s peaceful suburban community is killing girls.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">For Hannah, the summer is a complicated one. Her best friend Lillian died six months ago, and Hannah just wants her life to go back to normal. But how can things be normal when Lillian’s ghost is haunting her bedroom, pushing her to investigate the mysterious string of murders? Hannah’s just trying to understand why her friend self-destructed, and where she fits now that Lillian isn’t there to save her a place among the social elite. And she must stop thinking about Finny Boone, the big, enigmatic delinquent whose main hobbies seem to include petty larceny and surprising acts of kindness.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">With the entire city in a panic, Hannah soon finds herself drawn into a world of ghost girls and horrifying secrets. She realizes that only by confronting the Valentine Killer will she be able move on with her life—and it’s up to her to put together the pieces before he strikes again.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">That Cover, The Synopsis..... *drools* CANNOT.WAIT. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">What's YOUR <i>Waiting On </i>this week?</span><br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii537/MissDruzee/sig.png" />Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-67466110031823141332012-11-13T22:34:00.005-08:002012-11-13T22:34:53.840-08:00Holiday Bookish Tip #1: What to buy a book loverFunny thing, when someone hears the word 'book lover', they would think 'Hey! I ought to just buy them some books'! Which isn't <i>wrong </i>, books are always a safe gift, but I can honestly say that any book hoarder like myself has a ever-so-growing mountain of TBR books, and the chances of them getting to enjoy your gift ASAP is <i>probably </i>non-existent. We'll read them eventually... just not right now.<br />
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So if you've started to panic and think "Oh no, What can I buy my Book-Lover now?!" , Here's a few Ideas that you can never go wrong with and can be enjoyed right away!<br />
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1) <b>Memorable Bookshelf </b><br />
What Book lover wouldn't want one of <i>these </i>in their Room or Home?!<br />
<img height="240" src="http://www.designyourway.net/diverse/bookshelves/bookshelf33.jpg" width="320" /><img src="http://curledupwithabook.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/kartell-bookworm-at-unica.jpg" /><br />
<img height="245" src="http://thinkoutsidetheboxtoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/unique-bookshelf-weird.jpg" width="320" /> <img height="146" src="http://homedesign2you.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/unique-wall-bookshelf-by-sebastian-errazuriz.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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Inexpensive to make if you're handy with some wood and nails. They can also be bought online from Ebay & Amazon, as well as some furniture stored! Talk about a gift that lasts!<br />
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2) <b>If your Book Lover is a drinker, you can't go wrong with....</b><br />
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<img height="320" src="http://flavorwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/il_fullxfull-4.jpeg" width="400" /><br />
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Hah! You would forever be the apple of their eye.<br />
(55$ from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75298445/hollow-book-safe-flask-hemingways-under">Etsy</a> )<br />
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3) <b>Bookish Mugs!</b><br />
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Really, who wouldn't love their morning coffee in one of those?<br />
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4)<b> Geeky T-Shirts!</b><br />
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<img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtb8B1KeksmT8eVvrwV_xAkNMW9rO3EPP8rlDnz0R9EwJ8bVB5FEqf3CaQlhBfDvTPnMv6fNqCWNdd32N9yhZ-7l-iJX1Ut3fKhXodJZ7URmk052ZiS849XyWcGsiCEpjhi7Phd7u7yQQ/s320/709_one_book_down_Sleep_Shirt.jpg" width="279" /><img height="320" src="http://rlv.zcache.com/banned_books_dark_shirt-p235886370728668612a9o8h_325.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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<b>5) Book Ends:</b><br />
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Steampunk?<br />
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<img height="290" src="http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/201907/slide_201907_560608_large.jpg?1324488090" width="400" /><br />
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This is also available in other styles, such as...<br />
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<img alt="Olivia Owl Bookends" src="http://www.theliterarygiftcompany.com/ekmps/shops/danihall/images/olivia-owl-bookends-3284-p[ekm]249x249[ekm].jpg" /><br />
<b>6) Literary Jewelry!</b><br />
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<img alt="Woven Words Bangle - Christina Rossetti" src="http://www.theliterarygiftcompany.com/ekmps/shops/danihall/images/woven-words-bangle-christina-rossetti-8129-p[ekm]249x249[ekm].jpg" /> <img alt="John Steinbeck Typewriter Earrings" src="http://www.theliterarygiftcompany.com/ekmps/shops/danihall/images/john-steinbeck-typewriter-earrings-4097-p[ekm]249x249[ekm].jpg" /> <img alt="Macbeth Bracelet" src="http://www.theliterarygiftcompany.com/ekmps/shops/danihall/images/macbeth-bracelet-9614-p[ekm]250x250[ekm].jpg" /><br />
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7) <b>Collecters Copy of Their Favorite Book!</b><br />
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Find out what their favorite book is, and get them a special edition. Be it Signed, A collectors, an older print, whatever! They'll appreciate it and treasure it all the same.<br />
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<img height="320" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/180880000/180887903.JPG" width="211" /> <img height="320" src="http://careysbookproject.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/blogger-tkam2.jpg" width="291" /><br />
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<b>8) Gift Card</b><br />
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Whether they Shop in store or Online, a gift card will always be the perfect gift. There will always (ALWAYS) be a book that they 'need' no matter how many books they on the TBR pile. A gift card will definitely get the job done!<br />
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<img height="264" src="http://inkygirl.com/resource/KoboGiftcard-2010-12-28-09-37.jpg?fileId=9978635" width="320" /><br />
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<b>9) The greatest bookmark ever</b><br />
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I received a special engraved book mark from my best friend for my birthday last year, and I'll tell you, it's a special gift that lasts!<br />
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<img height="320" src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2006Q2/msl_jun06_bookmark_xl.jpg" width="256" /><img height="320" src="http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/web/goodthings/gt039_ribbonbook1_xl.jpg" width="256" /><br />
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<b>10) Modern life meets literature</b><br />
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You could never go wrong with mixing modern and classic. The book charger is SO cool, and an ereader for your virtually glued friend would be perfect!<br />
<img alt="Yellow Pride & Prejudice Charging Dock for iPhone and iPod" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0093/8252/products/P_PClothCharger1_medium.jpg?142" /> <img src="http://images.chapters.indigo.ca/allegria/kobo/Glo/glo_details_01.jpg" /><br />
Pride & Prejudice Iphone Charger ( <a href="http://www.bookloversgifts.net/">from BookLovers Gifts</a> )<br />
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Yay for bookish things!!!<br />
Did I miss something? Let me know!<br />
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<img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii537/MissDruzee/sig.png" />Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-90312140168283778932012-11-11T23:44:00.000-08:002012-11-12T13:32:27.697-08:00Pre-Christmas Giveaway: Any Two Books!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlojPQU1lrzzOWy4jb7p5J1-3Xs94KXI9qezcSEDDy890WtEFFhd8KlqYoshP_8MNiPvuXN7WSDzSRAOI_rSixxOjpCIoEiKD-nUYP1jLXUqnmgSXUt1ZNFXQfHxJwwnha3JEDXGtHaYI/s1600/prexmas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlojPQU1lrzzOWy4jb7p5J1-3Xs94KXI9qezcSEDDy890WtEFFhd8KlqYoshP_8MNiPvuXN7WSDzSRAOI_rSixxOjpCIoEiKD-nUYP1jLXUqnmgSXUt1ZNFXQfHxJwwnha3JEDXGtHaYI/s1600/prexmas.png" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Hello Pretty People!</span></b><br />
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Do you feel that Christmas spirit around you? I know I do!<br />
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To Celebrate, I decided that it's time for a giveaway!<br />
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Also, I'm feeling kind because I've been away from my blog for a little while due to school-- and I'll be gone again in January to study, so hopefully this will make up for it!<br />
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I have a list of WONDERFUL books for you all to oggle at, and one winner will receive two (2) books of their choice from this lovely list!. A secondary winner will also receive one of them. <br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">See anything you like?</span></b><br />
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<img height="320" src="http://experimentinterror.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/dM3.jpg" width="204" /><img height="320" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1337964452l/12812550.jpg" width="213" /><img height="320" src="http://www.ptpamedia.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Girl-with-the-Dragon-Tattoo.jpg" width="214" /><br />
<img height="320" src="http://jacketupload.macmillanusa.com/jackets/high_res/jpgs/9780312551513.jpg" width="192" /><img height="320" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/180880000/180887903.JPG" width="211" /><img height="320" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1335463790l/12614410.jpg" width="208" /><br />
<img height="320" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1326311073l/13042154.jpg" width="210" /><img height="320" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1331049809l/7930335.jpg" width="211" /><img height="320" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1338990879l/12751687.jpg" width="212" /><br />
<img height="320" src="http://thelibrarianreads.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Rapture-Lauren-Kate.jpg" width="209" /><img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLSaeQKwYShl3OB0yGKmjoZOM9Vr1l5383gjqQlHpJr2GSRPof6vOkCzRl80nuN6FRk_90x6bpMZIXf39ZIgQIK9M_qFDdyAbhYoAAHptwNGtxOYxgNJycLfM4kBFsdjEagk_V7G3z1Rh/s320/UnderTheNeverSky.jpg" width="211" /><img height="320" src="http://astormofwords.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/mcneil-ten.jpg" width="211" /><br />
<img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2k6TwFNHs0ntix-2pDVwKHPf7IIC6RaxsrzM-QhOGaMMAeL4T698rwNL99XRvgaVHqvDhnpNJVtkYJvXDf21HunVSHBCpGMWy3rXevx6hJxQi4A9r-jrF1jfL8_Q0Y6mmNT2R6Uwsx0/s320/rot-and-ruin.jpg" width="216" /><img height="320" src="http://thebooksmugglers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Dark-Inside.jpg" width="213" /><img height="320" src="http://thebooksmugglers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Ashfall.jpg" width="208" /><br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Not too shabby, yes? ;)</span></b><br />
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I have read some of these books, and others I've been just dying to read. Maybe the winners and I can work out some kind of read-a-long just for the heck of it!<br />
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The contest is open Internationally and the books will be shipped to the winner via The Book Depo.<br />
It starts now, and ends on the 24th of this month. The winners will be drawn on the 25th, and they'll have 48 hours to reply to my email.<br />
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<b>Now click away!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2abdca7/" id="rc-2abdca7" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
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<img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii537/MissDruzee/sig.png" />Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-14260434921482350612012-11-10T21:13:00.001-08:002012-11-11T16:41:05.429-08:00Review: Hooked<div>
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1342119240l/12369649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hooked" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1342119240l/12369649.jpg" /></a><b><i><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Name:</span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Hooked</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Author:</span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Liz Fichera</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Expected Publication:</span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> January 31st 2013, Harlequin Teen</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Source:</span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Ebook from the Author</span></i></b><br />
<i><b> ------</b></i><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>Ge</b></i><em style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><strong>t hooked on a girl named Fred...</strong> </em></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"></strong></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><strong><br /></strong></strong></i></span></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">
HE said:</strong><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"> Fred Oday is a girl? Why is a girl taking my best friends spot on the boy's varsity golf team?</span><br /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">SHE said:</strong><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"> Can I seriously do this? Can I join the boys' team? Everyone will hate me - especially Ryan Berenger.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">HE said:</strong><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"> Coach expects me to partner with Fred on the green? That is crazy bad. Fred's got to go - especially now that I can't get her out of my head. So not happening.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">SHE said:</strong><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"> Ryan can be nice, when he's not being a jerk. Like the time he carried my golf bag. But the girl from the rez and the spoiled rich boy from the suburbs? So not happening.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">But there's no denying that things are happening as the girl with the killer swing takes on the boy with the killer smile...</span></i></span></div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBMzfeA6uvlH-rFjcIb9Mqs6MbWjC-HrFOkPB_nnc81opyZ5pKuXcGw2sgCkMQHPuLK_tmnq9K8FwUxkCFVDxiBi8GiCJb2svwzFGlgT3DRsVXF6AT1BgFr8qsKTc5Uo3PUQWCJ2diPo/s1600/break.png" /></div>
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Fred takes on Ryan on the Boys Varsity golf team in a game of love and war. </div>
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A Rich white boy with the not-so-perfect life, and an outcast Native American with nothing but her swing to keep her company... what might bring them together, you ask? A couple of golf balls, some green grass and an attraction that shatters both of their beliefs. </div>
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I enjoyed Fichera's portrayal of the two protagonists. She makes it clear as water that Fred and Ryan are on opposite sides of the planet... Yet watching them come together by the end was strikingly beautiful. I also loved the fact that the plot revolved around golf. golf! Not hockey or football, but golf. It's original and definitely keeps you tuned in. </div>
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This book is definitely intriguing, and had me wondering what the hell was going to happen next until I was on the last page.</div>
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Fred doesn't believe that she belongs anywhere-- and definitely not with Ryan. It was almost heart breaking to witness her on the sidelines. She was discriminated against just because she was Indian, which made me shake my head in reality because I know that it unfortunately does happen in our world today. </div>
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But then there were times when my chest would swell with pride, because the chick kicks some serious ass! She showed up all the boys on the team, especially Ryan, even while she was falling for him. She wasn't a petty little girl that needed a boy to save her, but strong and independent ,with a killer swing that was feared on the course. Go Fred!</div>
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It was also interesting to get into both of their heads at the same time. I appreciated the scene replay's from the different perspectives, which didn't leave me wondering what the other was thinking at a particular moment. I could practically feel their emotions seeping through my IPhone screen! When you feel it in your gut, then it's a good story guys. </div>
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Also throwing the families into the plot made it so much better. You have the golf, a bittersweet romance, crumbling families and the drama in between to keep your mind reeling while you greedily anticipate what's going to happen on the next page. It was hard to get to work!</div>
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<i>However, </i>I would have to say that Fichera did tend to over or under play certain emotional scenes that left me wondering why that would actually happen. They would either overreact or under react to certain situations that almost made it unbelievable or childish. </div>
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Overall This book was a great read. For me, It wasn't a gawker, but it kept me intrigued. I would say it falls somewhere between <i>Pushing the Limits </i>& <i>Perfect Chemistry, </i>which are very similar to Hooked. When you're used to big series' like me, a tiny stand alone book like this seems so bare, without the world building, character building etc. But like I said, this is a stand alone. It isn't meant to have a huge back story or enormous world building-- it is what it is: a light, fun read. You'll awe at the romance and your heart may speed up a little at the climax. You'll shout at the book a few times and sigh in relief at the ending. that's exactly what this book is, which makes it great in it's own way.</div>
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It's definitely a book that was worth the read!</div>
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Watch out for <b>HOOKED </b>from HarlequinTEEN this January wherever books are sold!<br />
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Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-88214074692713728492012-11-03T22:44:00.005-07:002012-11-03T22:44:42.281-07:00Stacking the Shelves [8]<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="STSmall_thumb[2]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xRYOk0zIv1M/T6RLOUEZ2LI/AAAAAAAAFKw/7qJhumSkSxY/STSmall_thumb%25255B2%25255D_thumb.png?imgmax=800" /></div>
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Hi guys! Sorry for my mini absence. I've been off studying [again], and I will be for a long while now, so I may be slow on these posts from now on.</div>
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I had a great book week, so feast your eyes on my new babies.</div>
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<b>Bought late last week/ early this week</b></div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/65397_3956033858986_308112964_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/65397_3956033858986_308112964_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Beautiful Redemption </span><span style="color: #a64d79;">by Margaret Stohl & Kami Garcia</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Finale </span><span style="color: #a64d79;">by Becca Fitzpatrick</span></b></div>
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The Beauties I've been waiting for since FOREVER. Especially Beatiful Redemption-- the final installment of my favorite series.<br />
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I devoured these babies quick-- and unfortunatly I hated finale. LOVED BR to death. But finale... well.. read the review</div>
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<a href="http://xoreads.blogspot.ca/2012/10/review-finale.html">Finale Review</a></div>
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<a href="http://xoreads.blogspot.ca/2012/10/review-beautiful-redemption.html">Beautiful Redemption Review</a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Rebel Heart </span><span style="color: #a64d79;">by Miora Young</span></b></div>
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One of my most anticipated books. I ADORED it. </div>
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<a href="http://xoreads.blogspot.ca/2012/11/review-rebel-heart.html">Review</a></div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/602411_4004068779829_506738681_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/602411_4004068779829_506738681_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> I've heard such great things about Ruby Read, that I just had to get it. Hopefully I'll be impressed!</div>
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I've been wanting to read The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo for a long while now, and after I just recently watched the movie, I knew that I just HAD to get the book. Can't wait to read it!</div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/318854_4004068699827_2059056569_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/318854_4004068699827_2059056569_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> I've been eyeing this one for a while, It looks just SO awesome. I have Pride & Prejudice but I haven't read it yet... so I have a feeling if I read this first, the original P&P will be a huge disappointment. GO ZOMBIES! </div>
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[Special thanks to <a href="http://megantalksbooks.blogspot.ca/">Megan</a> for this book!]</div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/622_4004068739828_2002293161_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/622_4004068739828_2002293161_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> I've heard mixed reviews about blessed, and I've never even heard about Fury before, so these are kind of interesting. hopefully I'll enjoy them!</div>
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[Special thanks to <a href="http://recoveringpotteraddict.blogspot.ca/">Aylee</a> for these books!]</div>
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Great stack, I know! What'd you get this week?</div>
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Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-34699270429953020232012-11-03T21:50:00.000-07:002012-11-03T21:50:03.345-07:00Review: Rebel Heart<br />
<a href="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1326311073l/13042154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rebel Heart (Dust Lands, #2)" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1326311073l/13042154.jpg" /></a><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Name: </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Rebel Heart [Dustlands, #2]</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Author:</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> Miora Young</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Publication:</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f; line-height: 18px;">October 30th 2012 by Margaret K. McElderry</span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Source:</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> Indigos</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">It seemed so simple: Defeat the Tonton, rescue her kidnapped brother, Lugh, and then order would be restored to Saba’s world. Simplicity, however, has proved to be elusive. Now, Saba and her family travel west, headed for a better life and a longed-for reunion with Jack. But the fight for Lugh’s freedom has unleashed a new power in the dust lands, and a formidable new enemy is on the rise.</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">What is the truth about Jack? And how far will Saba go to get what she wants? In this much-anticipated follow-up to the riveting </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Blood Red Road</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">, a fierce heroine finds herself at the crossroads of</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">danger and destiny, betrayal and passion</span></i></span><br />
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Love, Love, Love.<br />
I don't know what else to say! I love Jack, I love Saba, I love Emmi, I love the damn crow, Nero, I love almost every character, the entire plot-- EVERYTHING IS SO DAMN GOOD.<br />
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Except Lugh. I hate Lugh.<br />
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I couldn't help wishing that Saba never saved Lugh in the first book. Even though that was the whole point of <i>Blood Red Road</i>, the story could still go on if she didn't. He's so damn annoying, it makes me angry. Those people you stand there yelling at and dissing saved your damn life. Especially Saba & Jack. Yet all he does is whine and boss them all around. I'd get the twitchy eye every time he'd speak.<br />
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Saba's character was perfect. Young did an EXCELLENT job keeping that Saba's savvy fire alive. You know it's a good book when you can feel what the main character feels-- and I felt every desire, fear & heart break of Saba's. A Perfect main character. Definitely one of my favorite's of all time.<br />
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I just love Jack. I can't even begin to explain my love for him. I hate that he wasn't there through most of the thing. It seems like all the second installments in the current YA books make the lovers part. Although, Jack did play a big role even while he was absent. When he <i>was </i>in the book, it was like a cosmic boom. I love the chemistry between Saba & Jack. I can almost feel it radiating off of the pages. One of the greatest, truest, most meaningful relationships I've ever read about. I've always loved the idea of the heart stone, and I felt my heart beat a little faster when it would get hot against Saba's neck for Jack. I'll stop swooning now...I just love them.<br />
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I enjoyed the plot and the way it progressed. I wasn't a huge fan of the ending, other than the Jack-Saba romance. I was in shock that M__ died, but I have a feeling it's going to have a HUGE impact on the next book. I could just tell by the last lines. I wanted Jack & Saba to be together in the end, and all though they were, it's made clear that it's temporary and that jack has to go back to stop the Pathfinder. NO. I don't want that :( Jacccckkkkk.<br />
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Overall, this book was phenomenal. Miora Young is truly a literary master. She has a way of capturing a heart-breaking story with action, betrayal, kick-ass characters & a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Almost every word, whether descriptive or moving, is utterly engrossing and leaves you in awe at the end of each sentence. The characters push perfection to a new level, with the perfect combinations of warrior blood & 'red-hot', achingly beautiful loyalty and love & a torn up world that swallows it all in it's red sands.<br />
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You'll be aching for more.<br />
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I promise.<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii537/MissDruzee/sig.png" />Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-57966776035144016052012-10-29T21:28:00.002-07:002012-10-29T21:30:19.692-07:00Review: Rot & Ruin<br />
<a href="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1264898635l/7157310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rot & Ruin (Benny Imura, #1)" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1264898635l/7157310.jpg" /></a><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Name:</span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Rot & Ruin</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Author:</span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Jonathan Maberry</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Publication:</span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> September 14th, 2010</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Resource:</span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Purchased, Indigo's</span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>In the zombie-infested, post-apocalyptic America where Benny Imura lives, every teenager must find a job by the time they turn fifteen or get their rations cut in half. Benny doesn't want to apprentice as a zombie hunter with his boring older brother Tom, but he has no choice. He expects a tedious job whacking zoms for cash, but what he gets is a vocation that will teach him what it means to be human.</i></span></span><br />
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I'm impressed. I've had a little Zombie frenzy lately-- including my Halloween costume which will be Zombie Corpse Bride, so this book fit the occasional perfectly.<br />
I really did love every minute of <i>Rot & Ruin. </i>There's a great back story behind the Zombies, and I LOVE how they're portrayed throughout. I could easily picture them in my head and had no trouble believing that a Zombie really was going to come knocking on my door!<br />
The best part about books like this is watching the main character really grow. Benny Imura was naive and childish in the beginning, and often came to his own silly conclusions without half of the story even solved. Until he is forced work with his older brother Tom as a bounty hunter-- then The Rot & Ruin changes his life forever. He realized what it really means to live, trust & love, and how one single persons actions can impact & ruin thousands of people.<br />
I really grew to like Benny when he started to grow up. In the beginning I did find him annoying, but it didn't last long. You can't really help but feel compassionate towards the Imura brothers, as well as Nix & Lilah.<br />
It was interesting that Benny could be such a... <i>guy </i>, as well as be sensitive and brave at the same time. His relationship with Nix is ADORABLE. The romance is slowly built up to and not cheesy. In that Zombie infested world where they need to depend on each other to survive, there love almost seemed essential. And I did not see it coming. The entire time I thought Benny was going to go for Lilah.<br />
Although it was easy to tell he had feelings for both kick-ass girls, I'm pleased with the ending and the relationship between the characters.<br />
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The action was jam-packed & fast-paced, and I loved it! I loved picturing the gore in my head when Lilah chopped those men down. Combined with the action, the characters fit into this phenomenal world perfectly. They were tough and determined, yet human. They didn't have some supernatural heart that kept them from feeling emotions and made them super human. No. They had strong wills ad the right motivation, yet they felt the heart break after the deadly deed was done. The characters would hesitate before going for the kill, which I loved Maburry for doing as YA authors seem to think that every human is a killing machine, and it was easy to travel into the heart of each one. The characters were all complex and had different personalities.. I really felt like this book was realistic. Except for the Zombies (Have you checked your back yard?), all the characters acted like normal human beings-- They loved, cried, felt anger & betrayal, got confused and lost-- they were real, which made the story so easy to get in to.<br />
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I am SO excited for the next book in the series, <i style="font-weight: bold;">Dust & Decay, </i>which I will hopefully be purchasing soon. Hm, I wonder what will happen.....<br />
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What are YOUR favorite Zombie books?<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii537/MissDruzee/sig.png" />Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-69617586520890859752012-10-28T22:42:00.005-07:002012-10-28T22:45:32.763-07:00Review: Finale<br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"></strong><br />
<a href="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1338990879l/12751687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Finale (Hush, Hush, #4)" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1338990879l/12751687.jpg" /></a><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Name:</span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Finale</span></strong></strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Author: </span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Becca Fitzpatrick</span></strong></strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Publication: </span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">October 23, 2012</span></strong></strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Resource: </span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Purchased at Indigo's</span></strong></strong><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Fates unfurl in the gripping conclusion to the <em>New York Times</em> bestselling Hush, Hush saga.</strong><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Nora is more certain than ever that she is in love with Patch. Fallen angel or no, he is the one for her. Her heritage and destiny may mean they are fated to be enemies, but there is no turning her back on him. Now Nora and Patch must gather their strength to face one last, perilous trial. Old enemies return, new enemies are made, and a friend's ultimate betrayal threatens the peace Patch and Nora so desperately want. The battle lines are drawn—but which sides are they on? And in the end, are there some obstacles even love can't conquer?</span></span><br />
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Why did you do this Fitzpatrick, Why?<br />
I ADORED the Hush, Hush series. It was one of the first series' I read that got me into the hardcore reading that I do now, and I'll always have a special place in my heart for this story. I <b>WISH </b>Fitzpatrick ended the series with Silence like she originally was. This book sucked big time.<br />
Now, I'm not sure if it was because she got lazy while writing this book, or put all her amazing writing mojo into the other three books and didn't have much to offer this one... I don't know, but her writing was horrific in this one.<br />
It's almost like she couldn't decide what to do with Patch and Nora. They'll be arguing, or talking about something, then Nora will suddenly go " OH PATCH!!" and throw herself at him, and then he'll say something cheesy. WTF FITZPATRICK? The first three books were written wonderfully. I mean, Patch and Nora have always been cheesy, but a cute kind of cheesy that makes your heart bubble, not something that makes your eyes roll indefinitely. There was almost NO romance between them, and I was expecting way more Patch-Nora time since it's the last book. Espcially since the book trailer showed some hot moments. Yeah, no. Don't be fooled. The book had NO romance what so ever. Other than the usual "OH I LOVE YOU." moments. ugh.<br />
Shall I show you?<br />
<b>"Patch drew my head against his chest, gently kneading the muscles at the back of my neck that were clenched so tight I thought they'd snap. "Do you think I'm going to let them lay a single hand on you?" he said in that same soft voice.</b><br />
<b>"Oh Patch!" I flung my arms around his neck, tears warming my face. "What are we going to do?"</b><br />
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Ugh, seriously. That's disguising. I also find it unbelievably stupid the way Patch acts towards Nora. He wont let her do anything, they argue every to seconds then hug, because Nora needs his approval or else she can't sleep at night. I can't even express how flipppen' annoying their relationship was. compared to the first three which were unbelievably romantic and cute, this book is a huge disappointment.<br />
Also, NOTHING is explained. literally nothing. I'm pretty sure when you spring a new concept on the reader in the last 60 pages of the book, you should at least explain how it came to be, and include some of the hints you would have supposed to have dropped throughout the story. Some proof would be cool too. You can't just say that "so and so" [ Keeping it Spoil-free] is nephilim , without having spilled some kind of hints throughout the three books that it'd turn out this way. even the tiniest of hints. Just stating the fact to the reader doesn't make it believable. It's almost like fitz got close to the end and thought "Meh... I'll make them a nephilim for the heck of it." NO. NOOOO. It doesn't make any flippin' sense!<br />
Another thing that doesn't get explained, and sorry I will have to spoil it since there is no other way to speak about it.<br />
[[<b>SPOILER START]]] </b>How the heck does Nora cutting her Nephilim scar make patch feel again?! What the hell?! Sure they mixed their blood. but what does HER scar have to do with PATCH feeling? It doesn't even give the slightest explanation!!! all it says was that it was basco's gift, and now patch can feel all of her kisses. Wooptie-do, wanna share how this feat came to be? At this point I was fricken annoyed. <b>[[SPOILER END]]</b><br />
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Another thing that Fitz messed up writing wise-- When one of your close friends die, you don't just get angry and think about revenge... you scream and cry. That's what you do. I actually found that most of the time emotions were missing from the characters voices. it's almost like they were robotic when they wanted to express any feelings. that ruined the story BIG TIME. If i can't feel it in my heart, and feel the loss myself... then the author didn't do a good job.<br />
Also, can Fallen angels posses each other? Can Nephilim? I don't recall that being possible; only Fallens possesing Nephil and vice-versa. See, I shouldn't have all these questions at the end of a series. Also, since the series stresses so much that a person can feel when they're being possesed, how the heck did Patch possess Rixon, yet Rixon still thought that Patch was in hell? Wouldn't he have known? Patch & Nora's reunion lacked major emotion. I liked the ring part-- that was cute. But it was so rushed and .... pointless. ____ Just died. Your best friend is lost somewhere in this mess of killings... shouldn't you get to the bottom of that first. What the hell happened to Vee anyways? Did she fight? Where'd she hide? UGH, I can't believe Fitzpatrick did this. Ruined a perfectly crafted series with this crappy installment.<br />
The ending was mind boggling. I HATE when authors do this to their final books. Ugh, it makes me so angry. No one wants to watch ANY character get married at the end of the book. It's not Nora, don't worry I didn't spoil anything, but someone does end up getting married and you're sitting there thinking... <i>What the hell just happened here? </i>I swear, that was the worst ending in the history of bad endings.<br />
I did, however, like the plot. I really did. Not all of the things were executed badly. If only transitions between situations could have been done properly, I may have liked it a little more. There's more bad things to this book than good things, but I did still enjoy reading it. I wouldn't give it less than 3 stars even though it deserves it, just because I love this series so much. I think I'll pretend like the last book isn't a part of a series, and continue to speak highly of it and recommend it.<br />
It was interesting to watch Nora take on a huge responsibility like the Nephilim army, and try to balance it with her love for Patch. I loved how Nora grew throughout the series. She's tough and doesn't let Patch control her (which got unbelievably annoying), and liked to take manners into her own hand. She quickly got used to her Nephil powers and kicked some Fallen angel Butt. It was better than watching Patch have to save her from everything. If only Patch wouldn't have been that up tight, I would have loved to see them both fighting side by side. Fitz played it too safe.<br />
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Don't get discouraged from reading it. I've noticed a lot of people have liked it, all though I don't know why. It is worth the read... just not worth loving it as a final book. It was interesting to read another story about Patch & Nora, I was just extremely disappointed in how it was executed. There should NEVER be that any unanswered questions at the ending of a series. And this series basically runs on romance. There was virtually none.<br />
*sigh* I guess I'll continue to sit here and mop about how Fitz ruined this series for me, and wonder what it would have been like if the last book was actually phenomenal like I was expecting.<br />
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What'd you think?<br />
<img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii537/MissDruzee/sig.png" />Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-85317795226184791432012-10-26T21:32:00.002-07:002012-10-26T21:32:36.291-07:00Nights of Fright: Scariest Childhood Tale [Guest Post]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi all! Thanks for coming back for another Nights of Fright!</div>
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Today, I shall tell you a tale... a spooky tale....-- well actually, I have Megan from <a href="http://megantalksbooks.blogspot.ca/">Megan Likes Books</a> here to tell you about HER favorite spooky childhood tale. I'm sure it'll be better than any story I'd tell you ;)</div>
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I love childhood tales. Like the Grimm Fairtytales, or maybe a story that you've heard over some s'mores at a campfire-- they all have a special place in our hearts, and we tend to carry them with us as we grow. No childhood is complete without a scare, of course!</div>
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Lets see what Megan has to say....</div>
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<span lang="EN-US">First of all, a big thanks to Rola for
having me on her blog today! This is my first guest post, so thanks Rola for
trusting me with your blog!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">My Scariest Childhood Tale:</span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Believe it or not, my scariest childhood
tale didn’t come from a book. Instead, it was told to me by my older cousin,
Jeff. And it wasn’t told to me in the dark of night in late October. Instead,
it was woven in the bright July sunshine. But it still scared the heck of out
me!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I think I was around 8 years old and my
cousin was 14. He was staying with my family on the farm for a few weeks and
was probably getting a little sick of being in the middle of nowhere. So one
day he started telling me stories about the bogeyman. And it wasn’t just one
simple story. Jeff did some serious world-building! He wove a tale of the nine
evil bogeymen that ate children in the night and the single good bogeyman, who
would bring you presents like Santa Clause. As if that wasn’t enough to scare a
sheltered eight-year-old, he also told me that he was friends with the evil
bogeymen and was going to send them to eat me in the night! This lasted for
days and I even started carrying a “bogeyman stick” with me whenever I went out
at night. Finally, my family got sick of me dragging this stick with me
everywhere and forced him to tell me there weren’t really bogeymen after all.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">But, since this is a book blog, I feel like
I should include a scary childhood tale that came from books. And for that I
need to turn to my trusty copy of “ Favorite Tales From Grimm and Anderson”<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a>. Growing up my most memorable story was “The Tinderbox” by
Hans Christian Anderson. It has a witch and a dog with eyes as big as saucers
and all kinds of creepy stuff!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Thanks again to Rola for having me on her
blog for a guess post and be sure to let us know about your scariest childhood
tales!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Thanks for stopping by, Megan! Seems like you've been carrying the ghouls with you since your tiny days ;)</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">What's YOUR favorite spooky childhood tale?</span></b></span></div>
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Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-16252073521753995692012-10-24T21:22:00.000-07:002012-10-24T22:03:01.825-07:00Review: Beautiful Redemption<br />
<a href="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1331049809l/7930335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Beautiful Redemption (Caster Chronicles, #4)" border="0" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1331049809l/7930335.jpg" /></a><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Name:</span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Beautiful Redemption</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Author: </span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Publication:</span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Oct. 23, 2012</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Received:</span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> HBG Canada</span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Is death the end . . . or only the beginning?</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Ethan Wate always dreamed of leaving the stifling Southern town of Gatlin.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">But he never dreamt that finding love with Lena Duchannes would drive him away. Lena is a Caster girl whose supernatural powers unveiled a secretive and cursed side of Gatlin, so powerful it forced him to make a terrible sacrifice.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Now Ethan must find a way to return to Lena - and Gatlin - as she vows to do whatever it takes to get him back. Even if it means trusting old enemies or risking their loved ones' lives.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Can Ethan and Lena rewrite their fate and their spellbinding love story in this stunning finale to the Beautiful Creatures series?</span></span></i><br />
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</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span> <img src="http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii537/MissDruzee/lips-2.png" /><img src="http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii537/MissDruzee/lips-2.png" /><img src="http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii537/MissDruzee/lips-2.png" /><img src="http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii537/MissDruzee/lips-2.png" /><img src="http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii537/MissDruzee/lips-2.png" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yBijWTW1cFLs9uKy49Gjn1XXzMSTJwbgtzfzUUTrWIpkwm2ghyf5KbhKpmIDl2gFxDHsBZWk4nL3MNZyp22KSzrDsyxCBKvIyokFLiYLDZDxl_nAOLVJlioadKqL7Ue8MRbYKSD1U5E/s320/5rating.png" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3j7CaVoCE7U4yzY0kgLQQwRP75oORkBr5kwReRNRVvhYa64wt5y11GS1UzQaI7cq6Eq3WT9tBYrwNzfIK4RT6Nokgs8Xsnmd0aDM5Yv7_Zfj2D5HmwbeItykYpaDdcP_KHlrEB8kW3s/s1600/break.png" /></div><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: inherit;"><b>On the Caster Chronicles (ending, feelings towards the series as a whole etc.) for BR review, keep scrolling: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br />
</b></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;">I'm officially dead on the inside. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;">I can't believe it's over. The Caster Chronicles will forever be my favorite book series. My journey with the series has been a roller coaster ride-- but one I never want to forget. Throughout all four books I teared up, smiled, screamed, got frustrated and felt my heart melt or burn as the character continued their journey. I felt like I was with Ethan and Lena throughout the entire series, and never lost the feeling that only special books can bring you; the feeling that all those good & bad things are happening to you. You're the one falling in love or experiencing the heart break. Dying & coming back to life.... twice. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;">Stohl & Garcia really know how to create a hell of a complex plot (just the way that I like it) with Layers, and layers and LAYERS of details and secrets and complexity that slowly unravel as you progress. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;">I love books like this because they feel real. Despite the magic and all the unworldly things going on, there's an atmosphere to the story that creates that day by day, real life feeling. The plot is complex with lots of twist and turns, ups and downs. Nothing is as you think. Trust me. Things that are revealed in the first book, dont actually get solved until the last. It's layers upon layers of a true story that means to hold the reader long after they've closed the book. It's had that affect on me and many others. I've heard people complain that the books are 'too long', but they aren't at all! I love that I can sit there and read the books, and feel like I've just spent 1-2 years with the characters. Nothing is rushed and the climax is slowly built up to with little details that can mean the world by the end, and a relationship so beautiful that it can set your heart on fire. It grows and the reader really gets a feel about how and why Ethan & Lena feel the way they do about each other. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;">I wouldn't have this series any other way. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;">I love Margaret & Kami for being two of the greatest authors. Not only did they write a series that means the world to me & many others, but also they make their readers feel welcome and loved. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;">They always Chat on twitter and make sure to reply & RT when they can. They're so thankful to all their readers and they make sure that they show them that. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;">I also met Margaret at the Edmonton "Smart Chicks Kick It!" tour, and loved how thankful she seemed when I told her the impact Beautiful Creatures had on me. I mean, I'm a blogger. I've read tons of books before I started & I'll probably read tons & tons more, but there will always be for any blogger (in my <span style="font-family: inherit;">opinion) those few special books that altered a litttleee something inside of them to make them the person they are today. It wont be a gravity-defying difference, but enough of a difference that you'll notice. Maybe ONLY you will notice. But isn't that all that matters? </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">I wont get into what little (or big) thing the Caster Chronicles changed in me (that's a story for a different post), but I would just like to say to everyone reading this who hasn't read the series yet: Please do. Don't read this review & spoil it for yourself. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Go buy Beautiful Creatures & get ready for your journey to begin.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 19px;"><b>BEAUTIFUL REDEMPTION REVIEW</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">I'm seriously heart broken. I can't believe that it ended like that. I mean, it's a GREAT ending. I don't have any major questions or any doubts. But... But... Amma :( </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">I can't say much without spoiling it, but keep in mind while reading that Amma still has to pay her debt to the bokor of New Orleans. *zips lips*</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">This novel was seriously heart breaking. My little itsy-bitsy heart throbbed for Lena & Ethan every time they talked about how much they missed one another. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Actually, everything was heartbreaking. Not one little part of the story was normal.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">After Ethan threw himself off the Summerville water tower to restore the order of things and save his friends & family, he ends up in the otherworld. He finds out that very much like myths, his soul cannot pass when he has unfinished business in the mortal world.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"> There, Ethan reunites with his mother. It's such a beautiful moment to see their reunion unfold. Since we never <i>really </i>get a sense of Ethan's mother and him throughout the series, other than flashbacks and sheer versions of her, it was such a moment to watch. </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">my ONLY ONLY issue is that once Ethan & Aunt Prue (whom he reunites with in the otherworld) got to see Obidias, and Ethan finds out that Obidias is the one that wrote in Ethan's death into the Caster Chronicles..... It doesn't make sense that Ethan just let it go. He was angry.. but wouldn't he want to know <i>why </i>a man he doesn't even know wanted to kill him enough to change his fate? I might have missed it since so much was going on... but I really doubt it. It just says that Obidias changed Ethan's page, and then when he tried to get his page he was caught. Wouldn't he want to get <i>his </i>page before worrying about Ethan's future? Like i said, I may have missed something huge here, but I don't know what it is right now.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Also, I thought that the mortal world was supposed to end. Lilium was supposed to condemn Ethan and he wasn't supposed to jump, so all the mortals would die. that's what Angelus wanted. So then why did Obidias write Ethan's page? Although these points are important, I loved the book too much to lower the rating. </span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span><span style="line-height: 19px;">It was still extremely well written and heart breaking, every detail making a huge impact on the story. I disliked how far apart Ethan & Lena were from one another. I just WISH that the book could have been longer so we get more Ethan/Lena time. It seemed so short lived. They just got back together and BAM, it's over. I love how they can be so far form one another, yet SO close. They don't need to be intimate in order to love each other, which I truly adore about this series. They emotionally love each other so much, that nothing else matters. It gives me hope that their are really relationships like that out there and man kind isn't truly lost in lust. And if you can find any book out there to top their relationship... message me. And I know that I won't be getting any messages tonight because they're relationship is UNTOPABLE! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span><span style="line-height: 19px;">Also... RIDLEY AND LINK!!!! I wanted them to get together so badly. Although they were only play fighting by the end and it does say that they love each other but they don't admit it... I wanted them to! It would have been an even perfect<i>er </i>ending! But it's good enough to know that they love each other. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span><span style="line-height: 19px;">Although Ethan's journey was heart breaking, watching him go through the struggle & think about giving up.. and then thinking about Lena just to get buy. He endured all the pain and the risk of losing his soul to eternal darkness just because he couldn't leave her. It was so damn beautiful. There reunion was the saddest moment. They should never be apart. NEVER. :'(</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><b style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</b><b style="line-height: 19px;">"<i>I love you, Ethan. I won't forget you. I'll never forget you, and I'll never stop loving you."</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><b style="line-height: 19px;"><i><br />
</i></b><span style="line-height: 19px;">I LOVED reading from Lena's perspective. She's my favorite character, and getting inside her head made the story phenomenal. I love the way she thinks and feels, and it was just HEARTBREAKING watching her heart tear into two when John & Liv would get all cuddly. I felt like my heart was tearing too, every time she thought about how much she loved Ethan.</span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><b><i>the missing piece</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><b><i>my breath</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><b><i>my heart</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><b><i>my memory</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><b><i>me</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><b><i>the other half</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><b><i>the missing half</i></b></span></div><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Everything was just so delicate and beautiful... I don't want it to end! :(</span></span><br />
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</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><b><i>A Seer's moons, a Siren's tears,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><b><i>Ninteen Mortal, Wayward fears,</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><b><i>Incubus graves and Caster rivers, </i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><b><i>The final page the End delivers.</i></b></span></div><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><i><b><br />
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</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Overall, this is my favorite series EVER. Nothing will EVER be better than the Caster Chronicles. Although this last book has some flaws and I do have some questions, It doesn't change how attatched I have grown to the characters and the books. Just read it. Please.</span></span><br />
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</span><span style="line-height: 19px;">Now, I'm off to re-read the entire series....</span></span><br />
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</span>Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-82484899971849111652012-10-22T20:56:00.005-07:002012-10-22T20:58:45.324-07:00Nights of Fright: Spell Casters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thanks for coming back for another day of Nights of Fright! With all the craziness I've had going on this week, I haven't been able to post for 4 days. BUT, that's okay, as today is the day to Celebrate the<b><span style="color: #e69138;"> SPELL CASTERS! </span></b><br />
<a href="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1331049809l/7930335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Beautiful Redemption (Caster Chronicles, #4)" border="0" height="320" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1331049809l/7930335.jpg" width="209" /></a><br />
And what a better day to do so than on the day of the release date of <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Beautiful Redemption</span></b>-- the fourth and final book in the <b>Caster Chronicles. </b><br />
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Probably the highlight of the month for me, as the Caster Chronicles is one of my favorite series of all time! I absolutely ADORE this series. It's the very first to obsess me with reading, and pushed me on the road of book reviewing & blogging. I definitely owe it a big one, and it is still, to this day, one of the greatest series' I've ever read.<br />
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1. <b>Beautiful Creatures (The Caster Chronicles)</b><br />
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<a href="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327873282l/6304335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Beautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicles, #1)" border="0" height="320" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327873282l/6304335.jpg" width="212" /></a>As I had just stated above, this series really does mean a lot to me. It was one of the first books to fill me with so many mixed emotions that I just didn't know what to do with myself once I finished it. There such a story behind this series... it has one of the best developed story lines I've ever read.<br />
The magical aspect is PHENOMENAL! A gothic tale with ancient magic of all sorts, it will really pulls you into the story & makes you feel like you live in this southern town crawling with Casters.<br />
The idea that there's this whole other world, with powers not like one's you'd commonly read in other novels, lives within and parallel to the world of our own, it's quite intriguing to see how Garcia & Stohl paste it all together.<br />
It's truly a beautifully written, magical-filled Story.<br />
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<b>2. A Great & Terrible Beauty (The Gemma Doyle Trilogy)</b></div>
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<a href="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1284558475l/3682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Great and Terrible Beauty (Gemma Doyle, #1)" border="0" height="320" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1284558475l/3682.jpg" width="209" /></a>My second favorite book ever-- more Magic & more Beauty!<br />
What I love about this series is that you have a story that perfectly combines the Victorian era & the magic together, with a complex plot & fully developed characters, and it all fits together beautifully. Nothing feels like it's missing. Nothing feels like it's out of place. Libba Bray makes them seem like they were meant to be together.<br />
I love that the magical aspect is easy to follow, yet plays a huge role in the story. You don't get lost in all this worthless paranormal stuff that doesn't advance the plot, but rather, you have little dabs of all the right aspects to create a perfect paranormal/supernatural + historical fiction story. READ IT.<br />
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<b>3. The Secret Circle</b><br />
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<a href="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1341591862l/3099780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Secret Circle: The Initiation and The Captive Part I (The Secret Circle, #1-2)" border="0" height="320" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1341591862l/3099780.jpg" width="211" /></a>I love the Secret Circle. It's a story about friends and first loves that are brought together by magic, and almost lose everything because of magic. A power that they've inherited from their parents, the friends fight to stay together when secrets threaten to tear them apart and external forces attack for the power that they posses.<br />
L.J. Smith is a phenomenal writer-- A must read!<br />
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Those are my top 3 Spell casters! I have a ton more, but those would definitely be my most recommended.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">Which are YOUR top 3? </span></b></div>
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<img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii537/MissDruzee/sig.png" />Ni</div>
Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com522tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-85666469146871633282012-10-18T21:36:00.002-07:002012-10-18T21:36:29.886-07:00Nights of Fright: Otherworldy [Guest Post]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Lets talk about a world where the paranormals come alive.<br />
Every Paranormal book has a special world or atmosphere where it's paranormal creatures reside, and most of the times (for me, anyways) this is extremely important, because if I hate the world that's been created.... than I won't like the book. It's like the fudge to the chocolate fudge sundae... and lets face it: A sundae isn't a sundae without it's fudge.<br />
There are SO many great paranormal worlds out there that I just love. Personally, my favorite kind of books are the ones with a fully developed atmosphere and surroundings. It really helps drag you in the book and makes you feel like you're the one living there.<br />
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Today I have Lauren from <a href="http://losetimereading.com/">Losing Time Reading</a> here to chat with you all about her favorite Otherworldly place! What a hard choice that is... I can think of hundreds that I adore!<br />
Without Further Ado..<br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">Hi Everyone :) I'm Lauren from Lose Time Reading and for Rola's awesome event, Night's of Fright I'm going to be talking to you about the best paranormal world !</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;">I have to admit, when trying to think of the best paranormal world I was almost in panic mode. First I couldn't decide what my favorite world was and then I started to rethink what paranormal was. I realized that most of my favorite paranormals are actually fantasy...but after some quick Google research I realized crossovers are common and paranormal can cover just about anything in fiction from vampires to physics. Phew. After that was confirmed I then had to tackle the hard task of choosing the best. That's a huge title to just dish out - there is so much amazing world building on the genre. I went over and over the books I read and reread chapters and scenes and I couldn't decide. Obviously I love a lot of the common favorites - The Mortal Instruments, Harry Potter and Vampire Academy but I kept thinking there was something else I wasn't quite putting my finger on. And then I had it..</span><br />
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<a href="http://losetimereading.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/adiscoveryofwitches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://losetimereading.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/adiscoveryofwitches.jpg" width="264" /></a><b> The All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness. </b><br />
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Right now only the first two books in the series are published A Discovery of Witches & Shadow of Night. The series revolves around two main characters, Diana-a witch and alchemist and Matthew-a vampire. The meet in England while Diana is doing research and puts a call at the library for an ancient manuscript. Little does she know is that no one has been able to call up this manuscript and it holds the key to the creation of all creatures. Matthew is there to get his hands on the manuscript but his plans quickly change, he falls and love with Diana. The first book is set in present day with a lot of travel between England, France & America and the second book involves a lot of time travel-they go back into the 1500's. The best word I could use to describe this would be enchanting... I felt like I was under a spell when I read this, especially the first one. </div>
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<a href="http://losetimereading.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/shadowofnight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://losetimereading.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/shadowofnight.jpg" width="266" /></a>I guess you could say this is essentially paranormal historical fiction. There is a lot of history in this book, and it's clear that the author put a lot of time and research into that aspect of the book. The world this takes place in is interesting. Daemons, Witches & Vampires exist and humans more or less know they exist but prefer not to draw attention or acknowledge the existence but essentially everything else is the same as the world we live in today. I think I love this world the best because you could almost believe for a second it could be real. Nothing is different in the world, except for the magic that exists. I can certainly say that some days I wish we lived in a world with witches, vampires & daemons... it would be so interesting ;) Vampires and witches are my two favorite paranormal creatures so it makes sense that I would choose a series that has both. </div>
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There are so many elements to this series, the world that Deborah Harkness has created and built upon just enchants you and leaves you wondering if this could be real. To sum it up, I guess MY best paranormal world is one that is so simple but so complex in the same. </div>
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Thank you so much Rola for having me as a guest in your awesome Halloween series <3</div>
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I haven't read the series yet, but that does sound intriguing! ahhhh, A world with paranormals.... Why is reality so lame?! hah!<br />
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Thanks for popping by Lauren, it was great to catch a glimpse into your favorite paranormal world! I do love a perfectly crafted world... maybe i'll just have to pick these up ;)<br />
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<b>Lauren & I want to know.... What's YOUR favorite Otherworldy Place</b><br />
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<br />Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1581886330072116238.post-77711937129990475312012-10-18T10:53:00.000-07:002012-10-19T18:53:46.077-07:00Nights of Fright: My Top Blood-Suckers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey everyone!<br />
Keeping up with our beloved vamps, today I'll be discussing MY favorite vampires.<br />
I haven't read too many Vampire books, but there are a couple that I adore and no other leeches can live up to. Here we go!<br />
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1. <strong>Vampires of the <span style="color: #b45f06;">Night World</span> Series, By L.J. Smith- But specifically.... </strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Delos Redfern</span></strong><br />
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<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lz0dzhUjNh1rnx5tco1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lz0dzhUjNh1rnx5tco1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a>The hotti totti himself! Delos is the unknown prince of the Dark Kingdom and completely bad-ass. He is powerful (what else could you expect from Hunter Redfern's great- great grandson?) & the second wildpower in the Nightworld Series.<br />
Although he first comes off as selfish, unlike the other Wildpowers, he figured out his powers as a child, which caused his father to use him as a weapon rather than a son. poor baby :(<br />
He hides his true nature, which is damaged and vulnerable, and attempts to be stronger person to overcome the tough times he has lived with his father. He hates humans and mixing with others... until he meets his human soul mate, Maggie, of course ;)<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jezebel Redfern</span></strong><br />
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Stubborn & hot-headed, Jez is the empowerment of women Vampires. She is the leader of the Night World group that hunts humans, but once she realizes that she's only half vampire & half human, she sets out on a journey of self-discovery and finding where she truly belongs. She is the first wildpower in the story and I just adore her!<br />
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<strong>2. <span style="color: #b45f06;">Simon Lewis</span>, The Mortal Instruments</strong><br />
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<a href="http://themortalinstrumentssource.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/tumblr_lp664i1qcs1qbxie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://themortalinstrumentssource.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/tumblr_lp664i1qcs1qbxie2.jpg" width="320" /></a>Simon is so cute! I'm not a <strong>Huge </strong>fan of the Mortal Instruments, but Simon is definitely my favorite character. He got turned into a vampire all because he wanted to protect Clary, and now he has to suffer with it for life. And Clary doesn't even love him back. Everything about him makes me want to cry. Poor Simon :(<br />
Although, he makes a fine vampire and he's strong-willed. Although it was never in his nature to fight, he protected all of his friends and loved ones when he needed to, and wont hesitate to sacrifice all he has to protect all those he holds dear.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">3. Adrian Ivashkov, Vampire Academy</span></strong><br />
<a href="http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs44/f/2009/093/a/6/Adrian_Ivashkov_by_xXSweetSurrenderXx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs44/f/2009/093/a/6/Adrian_Ivashkov_by_xXSweetSurrenderXx.jpg" width="254" /></a>One of the greatest Vampires in the Vampire Academy series. He handles Rose, even when she plays him, but still stays loyal and sacrifices everything for her. He's strong & a great con-man, but he also has a sweet and romantic side.<br />
He doesn't hesitate to protect his loved ones, even the ones that have hurt him in the past!<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">4. Rose Hathaway, Vampire Academy</span></strong><br />
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Kick-ass Female vampire chick that never backs down from a challange. I love her because she can kick any guy's ass, and isn't easily intimidated. She will put her life on the line for thos she cares about (much like Adrian), and always keeps her eyes on the prize. The only thing I don't like about her is her 'player-side' that comes to life when Dimitri leaves her. Poor adrian, I wanted to cry for him :(<br />
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<strong>Those are my top 4 blood suckers! Who are YOUR favorite vampires?</strong><br />
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Rolahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10563172471773588721noreply@blogger.com0