Book Review: Mistwood

Mistwood by Leah Cypess
Release Date: April 2010
Publisher:  Harperteen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 304
Overall: ♥♥♥♥
Source: Publisher

The Shifter is an immortal creature bound by an ancient spell to protect the kings of Samorna. When the realm is peaceful, she retreats to the Mistwod.

But when she is needed she always comes.

Isabel remembers nothing. Nothing before the prince rode into her forest to take her back to the castle. Nothing about who she is supposed to be, or the powers she is supposed to have.

Prince Rokan needs Isabel to be his Shifter. He needs her ability to shift to animal form, to wind, to mist. He needs her lethal speed and superhuman strength. And he needs her loyalty--because without it, she may be his greatest threat.

Isabel knows that her prince is lying to her, but she can't help wanting to protect him from the dangers and intrigues of the court . . . until a deadly truth shatters the bond between them.

Now Isabel faces a choice that threatens her loyalty, her heart . . . and everything she thought she knew. 

My thoughts:

Mistwood will grab the readers attention with its mystical story and captivating writing.

Every chapter had its own mystery which lead to more twist and turns. Sometimes i would get confused. But what made this book awesome was Cypress, i mean she rocked this debut.

Although sometimes i was confused i enjoyed reading about Isabel, at first i wanted her to break out of her shell. Everything she would say revolved around being a Shifter. Never thinking about herself only the loyalty of her King. She a strong character and just bold! Rokan...he is a good guy but he has his secrets. A BIG one at that. A character i did want to know more about is Ven, he was there for Isabel when she was confused. He helped her learn more about being a Shifter. 

My favorite parts of the book was when Isabel went back to the Mistwood to find her inner Shifter. It was amazing being lead into the woods full of magic and mystery...

Isabel broke out of her shell in the end. She followed her heart. Throughout it all i just didn’t want this book to end.Fans of Tamora Pierce and Kristin Cashore will definitely enjoy this book. I can't wait 2 see what Cypress has planned for the future. 

In My Mailbox(39)

Hi Everybody!So In My Mailbox is where I post the books/swag I won, received for review, bought, borrowed, or ect.* *The book titles are linked to their goodreads pages**IMM is hosted by The Story Siren  / Inspired by Alea from Pop Culture Junkie

So this is what i got this week...

For Review:

 

 Insatiable by Meg Cabot

The Cardturner by Louis Sachar

Gimme a Call by Sarah Mlynowski 

Thief Eyes by Janni Lee Simner

Bought:

(these are books i checked out from the library but wanted my own copy) 

The Hunger Games  by Suzanne Collins(finally)

Sleepless by Thomas Fahy 

Oh and Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

xo

~Faye

Book Review: Shade

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

Release Date: May 2010
Publisher:  Simon Pulse
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 309
Overall: ♥♥♥♥.5
Source: Publisher

Love ties them together. Death can't tear them apart.

Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.

Well, sort of.

 

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.

It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding--and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit

As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart...and clues to the secret of the Shift.

My Thoughts:

After reading Shade...I enjoyed it but i think i wanted more. It kind of reminded me of the movie Ghost, you know the one with Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in it. Minus the whole ghost can touch/move things thing.

Like in the movie Ghost there are some mean ones, Jeri's mean ghost are called Shades. Only post Shifters can see them(violet ghost/shades) This book is unlike any book I've read. From shades to shifters, it's a great start to a new series. With all the angels and vampire books out there its definitely refreshing.

After Logan dies Aura is spending more time with (ex)Logan. She finds comfort in knowing Logan is there. It kills him to know her can never touch her again but just because his died doesn't mean he does have emotions. Through out the story Aura has to choose between reality and this dreamworld. Or you can say her past and future. Logan being her dreamworld and Zach her reality. Both pretty much hold a piece of her heart.I like how she never gives up on Logan and how Zach is so patient with her.

The characters are brilliant! My favorite part of this book are the well depth characters: I fell in love with Aura, Logan and Zach. Aura has an open heart, she is easy to like. Logan... he's outgoing and talented. His love for Aura is sweet.Zach... he's Scottish*accent* and a understanding friend. Towards the end its what Aura needed, Zach never thrown his feelings at her but he lets her know. I can't choose between Logan or Zach because their both great guys...This love triangle is "Twilight proof" LoL.In the end Aura finds out, Time doesn't stand still, you can't change the past but you can make a better future.

I enjoyed Shade but there are somethings left unsaid, like the drama with Brian and the mystery of Aura's mother that i'm still wanting to know more about. I'm sure it will all be told in the next book Shift.


Shade is fast paced, great cast of characters and it wouldn't be been created with out the fabulous writer Jeri Smith-Ready! Watch out vamps and were's the Ghost are in town!

Book Blogger Hop(4)

Book Blogger Hop is a fun meme hosted by Crazy For Books. Enter your link and go hop around other blogs that are out there to read! You never know what great blogs you can find!

If you're visiting from the hop make sure you leave your link and I'll make sure to visit/follow your blog! Have fun! :D

Waiting on Wednesday(36)

Crave by Laura J. Burns, Melinda Metz

Shay has had a rare blood disorder since she was born. In fact, her mother married one of Shay’s doctors, Martin, who left his world-renowned leukemia research to try and figure out exactly what the disorder is and how to cure it. When she turns seventeen, Martin begins to give her new blood transfusions that make her feel the strongest she has ever felt. But she also has odd visions where she sees through the eyes of a vampire. At first, she thinks she must be imagining the visions, but when she begins to see Martin’s office in them, she knows she has to check it out. That’s when she finds Gabriel, a sexy, teenaged vampire, imprisoned in Martin’s office. The connection she has built with Gabriel compels her to set him free. But when he kidnaps her in an attempt at revenge on Martin, their lives become deeply intertwined. She doesn’t know the half of it.

My Thoughts:*Happy Dance* looky at this one! it sounds awesome looks awesome! gotta have!

ARMCHAIR BEA(Topic 1)

Hi Everyone! THIS THE SECOND DAY OF ARMCHAIR BEA! Yay! I know it's the same as being at BEA but I think it's a great alternative for those who couldn't go to NYC(like me). I really wanted to go! I'm soo jealous of the people who got to go. But i guess its for the best seeing that i'm new to this whole BEA stuff. Maybe next year....or i should just go live there that way i would never miss BEA! LoL :D

Okay first topic is: What are your most anticipated upcoming releases that you are just so darn excited about(choose only five books please)? If you could get only one of these books signed at BEA which one would it be? *that's easy, but i bet there would be LONG lines for these*

my the five books i'd be cutting people in line for, jk:

1. Firelight by Sophie Jordan

2. The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

3.Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

4.Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

5.Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

What to learn more about BEA? Go to Armchair BEA Central and join in on the fun:)

Okay if I could only get one signed at BEA it would be Cassandra Clare!Definitely! I love all of her books, in fact if ever see her i think i'll embarrass myself*fan girl*LOL. So what are your choices?

Late IMM(38)

Hi Everybody! So In My Mailbox is where I post the books/swag I won, received for review, bought, borrowed, or ect.**The book titles are linked to goodreads pages**IMM is hosted by The Story Siren / Inspired by Alea from Pop Culture Junkie

Update on Me: So i haven't been around much due to my Graduation! I'm glad it's over but i'm going to miss some of my teachers and friends.... The good thing is I DIDN"T FALL PEOPLE! Woot! LoL! but i lose my tassel....yeah i'm the clumsy one.

Anyways so this is what i got in the past weeks... :D

For Review:

 

Deception by Lee Nichols(ARC/ Blog Tour)

This Gorgeous Game by Donna Freitas(ARC)

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Glass (Crank, #2) by Ellen Hopkins
 

Book Spotlight: Infinity by Sherilyn Kenyon

Sherilyn Kenyon's Young Adult, Infinity: Chronicles of Nick is releasing tomorrow*happy Dance* 

I mean she definitely  is the Queen of PNR, i remember reading Fantasy Lover.... I'm excited for her new YA series!

**Note to Dark-Hunter fans. The Chronicles of Nick *is* Nick?s real and true past.

"At fourteen, Nick Gautier thinks he knows everything about the world around him. Streetwise, tough and savvy, his quick sarcasm is the stuff of legends. . .until the night when his best friends try to kill him."

The New York Times-bestselling with over 19 million books in print, Sherrilyn Kenyon is renowned the world over as "the reigning queen of the paranormal genre that she pioneered long before the world had heard of Twilight."**

To celebrate tomorrow's release of Infinity: Chronicles of Nick, here is the trailer, and links to read and excerpt and download the song on the trailer.

DOWNLOAD THE SONG FEATURED IN THE TRAILER

READ AN EXCERPT & INTERVIEW

Book Review: Radiant Shadows

Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr
Release Date: April 20, 2010
Publisher: Harper Teen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 352
Overall:♥♥♥♥.5
Source: Publisher

Hunger for nourishment.
Hunger for touch.
Hunger to belong.

Half-human and half-faery, Ani is driven by her hungers.

Those same appetites also attract powerful enemies and uncertain allies, including Devlin. He was created as an assassin and is brother to the faeries' coolly logical High Queen and to her chaotic twin, the embodiment of War. Devlin wants to keep Ani safe from his sisters, knowing that if he fails, he will be the instrument of Ani's death.

Ani isn't one to be guarded while others fight battles for her, though. She has the courage to protect herself and the ability to alter Devlin's plans—and his life. The two are drawn together, each with reason to fear the other and to fear for one another. But as they grow closer, a larger threat imperils the whole of Faerie. Will saving the faery realm mean losing each other?

Book Trailer:

My Thoughts:

I have to say i enjoyed Radiant Shadows way more than Fragile Eternity. It was like any other Melissa Marr book only better! I have to say now that i finished Radiant Shadows i miss Melissa Marr's writing, the next book is Darkest Mercy.Now for the long wait LoL.

Plot: Boy are you guys in for alot of surprises and get ready for the almost whole sha-bang! I mean it really goes there in this book. Order becomes Disorder. War has found a way to kill the High Queen. Secrets are reveal. Forbidden Love blooms. Love ones are in danger.

Characters: We met the old characters*Irial*. Things pretty much pick up where they left off.The two main characters... are Ani and Devlin,i didn't remember them at first but then i was like "Oh!". We were introduced to Ani in i believe Wicked Lovely(maybe it's Ink Exchanged). Devlin in Fragile Eternity.

Ani, she is now one of my favorite heroines. She's strong, independent and just a kick ass character. She gets all those traits for her dad, Gab. Who happens to be the leader of The Hunt. He's always "belittled" her in a way,Treated her like a baby. I mean he wouldn't even let her have a boyfriend let alone go out without a body guard of some sort.Devlin on the other hand is just like Ani. But more reserved. He never really let his emotions show until he met Ani. She changes everything he has known. He Broke the rules for her. I really like them two together. I have to say they are my favorite couple in the WL series.

I can't wait to read the next book! Melissa Marr always leave me craving more. She is such an awesome writer. Radiant Shadows is must read, twisting plot, great characters(of course!) Things have only begin in this book. I wonder how it's going to end...

Round 1 Winner-Debut Book Battle

These past two weeks My partner and I have been participating as a judge in the YA Bloggers Debut Book Battle, making the decision between Hearts at Stake  and Your So Undead to Me. Which will go on to the next round?

For me,it was easy to decide, because...well Heats at Stake was kick ass! I mean both of these books had great plot; and come to think of it their kind of similar in the paranormal department.Minus the whole He's a Zombie and He's a vampire thing. However, Your So Undead To Me didn't match up to Hearts at Stake, which is more complex, has alot of great characters and action going on. While You So Undead to Me, had just basically two main characters and alot of develop in the character to go on. don't it me wrong it was good but just didn't compare to the awesomeness in Hearts at Stake. All in all, both were fun reads, but I found Hearts at Stake more enjoyable to read (not just for my love of Vamps*Nick*, zombies are awesome 2!)

Our Final Decision: Heats at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey

I could go on for days, but i don't thing you'll all want to here it  lol. Go see what the next round is and more... over @  The Shady Glade to read more about the book battle!

xo

~Faye

Debut Bookies to look forward to in MAY....

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready(4)

The Beautiful Between by Alyssa B. Sheinmel(11)

The Red Umbrella by Christina Gonzalez(11)

The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea Campbell(11)

Faithful by Janet Fox(12)

Restoring Harmony by Joëlle Anthony(13)

Wolves, Boys and Other Things That Might Kill Me by Kristen Chandler(13) 

Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson(18) 

Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly(25)

The Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride(25)  

Waiting on Wedsday(35)

Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

 

In her dreams he’s irresistible—seductive, charming, and undoubtedly dangerous. But when he appears to her when she’s awake—and captivates her just the same—she’s not sure which way is up and which is down.

Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life, not allowed the same freedoms as the rest of the teenagers in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, she feels every urge she’s ever denied burning through her at the slightest glance from Haden Black. Theia knows she’s seen Haden before—not around town, but in her dreams.

Theia doesn’t understand how she dreamed of Haden before they ever met, but every night has them joined in a haunting world of eerie fantasy. And as the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her forward one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear. And as she slowly discovers what Haden truly is, Theia’s not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul.

My Thoughts: Drop Dead Gorgeous!...

Radom.org has spoken..Contest Winners!!...

The winner of Hand Me Down by Lee Nichols is...

Aik!

The Winners of Morpheus Road: The Light are....

Elizabeth!

Alison Ng!

Ong!

Gregory Kirk!

Christine Hirth!

CONGRATS! Thank you all for participating! 
(you all have 72 hours to contact me, or I'll have to pick another winner)

xo

-Faye

Book Review: Fishtailing

Fishtailing by Wendy Phillips

Release Date: April 2010

Publisher: Coteau Books.

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 196

Overall: ♥♥♥♥

Source: Publisher

High School. Four lives caught up in a game. The problem with games is that there are always winners. And losers.

Teen violence, bullying and the burning quest to fit in are presented in the poems of four unforgettable high school students: Natalie, Kyle, Tricia, Miguel. Their stories unfold in this explosive new book, told in free verse. A story of teen angst like no other, it is based on fictional characters but is rooted in the realities of the teen experience.

When Natalie moves to a new high school she befriends 3 unwitting victims into her spider-web of manipulations, lies and deceit. Through the poetry and assignments of an English class we glimpse the world of the 4 teens. Natalie, whose alcoholic parents, years of neglect and ultimate rape by her father’s friend has shaped her into a cruel and manipulative teen; Tricia, dealing with her blended family is drawn into Natalies’ forbidden world of partying and rebellion; Kyle, a would-be musician is in love with Tricia and Miguel who lusts for Natalie while hiding the secrets of his family.

The story weaves us through their poetry, their lives and culminates at a party where the four lives fishtail out of control. English class will never be the same.

My thoughts: 
Fishtailing is poetic and eye opening. It took me a few pages to understand what was going on. But then when i got into it, the page just keep on a turnin'. I love books in verse! I think it makes the story more intense and dramatic.

In Fishtailing, it almost seems like i read it/watch it before. This young innocent girl(Tricia) meets the influential bad girl( Natalie). Drugs, sex, and self mutilation lead from there. I hated Natalie, she was so manipulative. Honesty she made me sick! Now Tricia...you know it makes me so mad how these girls can just get swept away and be manipulated by some crazy chick. Tricia has alot going for her then Natalie comes along. Kyle and Miguel...boy were they fooled and vulnerable.The problem i had was just how easy all these characters were easy manipulated and played by Natalie. Where are the smart people! But they were written beautifully(in verse!) I can understand, you know High School, you want to be different yet belong.


All in all, I really enjoy reading book like these. Innocence can be lost in many ways. Phillips created a great story and good characters. 

In My Mailbox(37)

Hi Everybody! So In My Mailbox is where I post the books/swag I won, received for review, bought, borrowed, or ect.**The book titles are linked to goodreads pages**IMM is hosted by The Story Siren 

I know i haven't been around much due to school. It's sad because thought i would be happy graduating out of High school... I am, but it's still sad. I have soo many regrets....i can't look back now...College here i come!! :D

Anyway this is what i got this week(s)... :D

For Review:
 

Everlasting by Angie Frazier

The Owl Keeper by Christine Brodien-Jones 

i can't remember the other 1!

Being M.I.A...

Hey my lovelies! Sorry for not being around. I'm in crazy lady mode until...May 24th, Which is my GRADUATiON! YAY! but as of now i'm swamped with projects and school work. Seriously math is kicking my butt! not to mention I'm sick again!*sucks* i mean, who gets sick in the springtime. ME! there is seriously something wrong with that.LoL :D

I have a little bit of posts, Mainly Book reviews and the winners for my contests.*sorry meme's* I hope you guys understand. wish me luck! hopefully i won't fall off the stage and embarrass myself at graduation!

Xo

~Faye