Title: Placid Girl Author: Brenna Ehrlich Publisher: All Age Press Publication Date: August 25th , 2015 Genre: YA Format: e ARC My Rating: 4.5/ 5 Pre Order link : Amazon Blurb: Punk was created for the malcontents, something that loner and aspiring drummer Hallie understands all too well. Trapped in a boring suburban life – dysfunctional parents included! – Hallie drowns her angst in the angry songs of Haze, a masked musician who has not been heard from in five years. So naturally she’s surprised – and more than a little skeptical – when someone who seems to be Haze starts flirting with her via her favorite photo-sharing app. Is he who he says he is? What does he want from her? The questions only multiply when Hallie — along with bandmate Sarah and aspiring music journalist Steve — roadtrip to Haze's comeback gig to unmask the reclusive musician once and for all. My Review: I received an e ARC copy of Placid Girl from All Age Press via Net Galley, in exchange with an honest review. One of the most thrilling books that I have ever read ! The author will keep you on your toes with every page you turn. You know how sometimes a chapter begins with a classical quote; well this one begins with a lyrics from one of Haze's songs. I wish Haze was a real artist. You know what, scratch that ! I just wish that both albums existed in real life. Brenna will make you experience the music written as if you were at a live concert. Every beat will move you, and the lyrics will change you. I really liked the concept of the story. We follow Hallie, Sarah, and Steve as they try to " unmask " Haze. The journey itself is rough. It is filled with a mixture of receiving secret messages, parent abuse, parent neglection , uncovering past events, falling in love , running away from the police......see? It is pretty awesome. There was a time when these secret messages were very creepy, and I was surprised to how Hallie reacted to them! However, after finishing the novel, I read something about how this book was somehow related to Lolita, which made me accept Hallie's actions. I wished the author explained what was happening at Sarah's house, instead of referring to it was bad over there. I was curious to know the events. I loved Stevie ! Although he could be rude at times, I totally shipped those short Stellie moments. I also never saw that Sarah-Hallie thing coming. I loved the ending ! It was just perfect. It was one of the 4 predictions that I had in mind, so I was not disappointed . To anyone who read the book, let us discuss the last sentence !!!!!! In other words, Placid girl was an original, refreshing read. I give it 4.5 stars out of 5.
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Title: Anya and the Shy Guy ( A Backstage Pass Novel #4 ) Author: Suze Winegardner Publisher: Entangled Teen Crush Publication Date: July 14th, 2015 Genre: YA , Contemporary Format: e ARC My Rating: 4.25 / 5 stars Blurb: It’s always the quiet ones… Anya Anderson doesn’t just need a big break, she needs any break. Living on the streets doesn’t leave a girl many options, so when she scores a gig reporting on the Seconds to Juliet tour, she jumps at the chance to earn enough money to sleep somewhere safe. And the paycheck will get bigger—and keep her off the streets for good—if she can dig up dirt on Will Fray, the irritatingly hot “shy guy” of the band. Problem is, Will Fray isn't who everyone thinks he is. In fact, he’s not Will at all. Matt, Will's identical twin, is actually the guy onstage, reluctantly covering for his brother while he’s in rehab. To make matters worse, Matt’s being shadowed by a cute reporter with troubled eyes determined to get the scoop. On him. And he's having trouble finding the willpower to keep his distance… But if the secret gets out, it won't just be his head on a platter—it’ll be the whole band’s. This Entangled Teen Crush book contains steamy make out scenes, graphic language, and a love story so hot your copy may spontaneously burst into flames. You’ve been warned. My Review: I received an e ARC of Anya and the Shy Guy from Entangled Crush via Net Galley in exchange with my honest review. Although I did not read any of the previous books, I was still able to keep up and enjoy the book easily. The Backstage pass is a series that follows a famous boy band as each one of them fall in love. In this fourth installation, we get to see the shy guy ,Will, fall in love, but Will isn't Will. This novel is told from 2 POV's , but in third person ! We follow Anya's story as she tries to get her story on Will to escape living on the streets, and the lies she told and hid . We also see Matt's story as he tries to charm Anya to keep her from discovering his twin's secrets, but of course they Fall In Love ! But will this love survive ? Can their secrets stay hidden? What would happen if both of their secrets are spilled? Tada da dan ! Read to know how this story ends I like that we got see both POV, and I like it more that it is written in 3rd person. I also liked how the characters developed, in a "what matters to me more "sort of way. My only problem was something that happened in the ending. Spoiler Alert Spoiler Alert !! I am not convinced that their manager agreed to back off so easily. He seemed like a person who would risk anything to get what he wants, isn't that why Will is not Will, but backed off too easily at the end. I wished that there was more into what happened when the band stood up for what they want. Spoiler Ended Spoiler Ended !! The novel was a bit graphic, so I don't recommend it to very young readers. You know what, get it and read it when you are older! I think that Suze did a good job with her debut novel.I am defiantly looking forward to read more of her books. Anya and the Shy Guy is the perfect summer read! With all of the fluffiness, swoon, and interesting events, I was not able to put it down. I give Anya and the Shy Guy 4.25 /5 stars . Title: Perchance to Dream Authors: Lyssa Chiavari (Editor), T. Damon, Allan Davis, Heather Dixon, Jon Garett, Alex Irwin, Alicia Michaels , Selenia Paz , Megan Reynolds, Patricia Scott, Jane Watson, Richard Walsh Publisher: Self-Published Publication Date: June 3oth, 2015 Genre: YA, Shakespeare, Anthology Purchase Links: Amazon Blurb : Romeo and Juliet. Hamlet. Macbeth. Everyone has heard their names. Everyone knows their stories. But you've never seen them like this. In this collection, some of the hottest names in YA today reimagine ten of Shakespeare's best-known plays and sonnets for a new audience. From sci-fi adventures on distant moons to modern magic found in everyday places, these updated myths pay homage to the Bard's timeless storytelling while spinning fresh and original tales that will captivate readers all over again. Blogger's Note: I just started reading this Anthology yesterday, and I am loving it so far! It is also no 1 in Amazon's New Release ( YA & Anthologies ) ! Title: Seriously Wicked ( The Seriously #1) Author: Tina Connolly Publisher: Tor Teen Publication Date: May 5th, 2015 Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal Format: e ARC My Rating: 4/5 stars Blurb: The only thing worse than being a witch is living with one. Camellia’s adopted mother wants Cam to grow up to be just like her. Problem is, Mom’s a seriously wicked witch. Cam’s used to stopping the witch’s crazy schemes for world domination. But when the witch summons a demon, he gets loose—and into Devon, the cute new boy at school. Now Cam’s suddenly got bigger problems than passing Algebra. Her friends are getting zombiefied. Their dragon is tired of hiding in the RV garage. For being a shy boy-band boy, Devon is sure kissing a bunch of girls. And a phoenix hidden in the school is going to explode on the night of the Halloween Dance. To stop the demon before he destroys Devon’s soul, Cam might have to try a spell of her own. But if she’s willing to work spells like the witch...will that mean she’s wicked too? My Review: I received a review copy of Seriously Wicked from Teen Tor via Net Galley, in exchange with an honest review . You will be taken on a journey filled with magic and wicked Witches ; you will absolutely enjoy it . Tina's creativity is endless ! From her weird spell components , to the description of demons, this author will leave you amazed ! This is a story where the girl saves the day, and her crush ! #Finally My only problem was that the story seemed to be aimed for a more juvenile readers. In other words, it felt more like a MG , rather than a YA, with characters in their mid Teens . This is not such a negative thing at all ! I just was prepared fora more YAish feel. I did not realize that this is a part of the series until the end, which made me excited to read more of this series.I can't wait to see what Tina has to show us with her outstanding imagination. I give Seriously Wicked 4/5 stars. Title: Modern Monsters Author: Kelly York Publisher: Entangled Teen Publication Date : June 2nd, 2015 Genre: YA, Contemporary Format: e ARC My Rating : 3.75 stars Blurb: Vic Howard never wanted to go to the party. He’s the Invisible Guy at school, a special kind of hell for quiet, nice guys. But because his best friend is as popular as Vic is ignored, he went… And wished he hadn’t. Because something happened to a girl that night. Something terrible, unimaginable, and Callie Wheeler’s life will never be the same. Plus, now Callie has told the police that Vic is responsible. Suddenly, Invisible Vic is painfully visible, on trial both literally, with the police, and figuratively, with the angry kids at school. As the whispers and violence escalate, he becomes determined to clear his name, even if it means an uneasy alliance with Callie's best friend, the beautiful but aloof Autumn Dixon. But as Autumn and Vic slowly peel back the layers of what happened at the party, they realize that while the truth can set Vic free, it can also shatter everything he thought he knew about his life. My Review: I received an e ARC of Modern Monsters from Entangled Teen via Net Galley , in exchange with my honest review . An applause for Kelly York because this my favorite contemporary book that I have read so far ! Thanks for reviving my faith in this genre; now I can go and read more contemporaries ! I liked how there is diversity in this book. In case you are wondering what is diverse in this book, it was a character with (I think) an Arabic Origin . He might be a Muslim, but I am not sure about that. Anyway, it was great to have a character with a different background who wasn't just added to make the book "Diverse", but because it actually serves a purpose to the story; no matter how small that purpose was ! I also appreciate the fact that such a serious scenario was discussed in a story. Not many people make rape the main plot of their story, and focus the lens on how everyone's life gets turned upside down. My only problem with this book was the writing style. It was way too simple to what I usually read. I also kind of knew knew who did it from the start,so it wasn't a shocking revealing at the end of the story. However, the romance development between Vic and Autumn is extremly adorable, and the events that happen through out the book will made me read the book in less than three days. Did anyone notice how if you try to ship Vic and Autumn , you get a word that sounds like Victim ???? :) Also, the ending nevertheless was still shocking . I enjoyed reading Modern Monsters, and I give it 3.75 stars out of 5.
Title: Awakening (Awakening #1)
Author: Shannon Duffy Publisher: Entangled teen Publication Date: April 7th Genre: Dystopia,YA,Sci-Fi My Rating:4/5 stars (B+) Purchase Links: Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo Books Blurb: A thrilling, futuristic sci-fi novel set in a unique and thought-provoking world, from author Shannon Duffy. Desiree Six (because she was born on a Friday) believes in everything the Protectorate stands for. She likes the safety and security of having her entire life planned out—her career, her mate, even the date of her death. She doesn't even think to question when Darian, her childhood friend and neighbor, is convicted of murdering his parents. They had seemed like such a loving family. But if he was convicted, then he must have done it. Then Darian shows up in her room late one night. He has escaped from the Terrorscape—a nightmare machine used to punish all Noncompliants—and needs Desiree's help. What he tells her rocks her world to its core and makes her doubt everything she's ever been told. With this new information, will Desiree and Darian be able to escape the Protectorate before it's too late? My Review: I received an eARC of Awakening in exchange with my honest review during the Awakening Blog Tour hosted by YA Blog tours. Shannon Duffy mixes several popular aspects from the YA culture, and adds her own touch of individuality when she speculates the concepts of sleep,dreams,and nightmares to come with such an entertaining novel to read. In a world where the protectorate use Fate to decide everything for you, from how many years you live to who you marry ,the so called Utopian world becomes Dystopian ! I absolutely enjoyed reading Awakening. It was a fast read with many elements such as sci-fi technology and romance in it. The beginning of the book is dedicated to describe the world and a briefing on why has it evolved to become this way. We also follow Desiree, who believes that the system is right no matter what. Things become more interesting when Darian is added to the picture . What I really like about the romance that it wasn't rushed or overdone . It was just perfect. My favorite line is " I love it when you owe me" ! Tell me if you agree ! I really enjoyed visualizing the Terrorscape ; it was one of my favorite chapters to read. It displayed the author's creativity in the best way possible. There are some gaps in the story that may or may not be answered in the next book.I also thought that the character building and the ending was a bit rushed. A bit more elaboration would have served the story more justice, but it does not change how this story is a must read. The world building and the story Awakening has to tell is so thrilling that it might keep you up too late to finish it. Unfortunately, it ends with a cliffhanger. A very good cliffhanger that I hope will elaborate on the points that were not thoroughly discussed in Awakened! I really enjoyed Awakened ,and I can't wait to read the next book. I give it 4/5 stars and a B+ according to my own rating scale.
About the Author
Author of MG and YA books full of adventure. I grew up on the east coast of Canada in the province of Newfoundland and now live in Ontario. I love writing, reading, fashion, fitness, and traveling. Title: The Taking ( The Painted Maidens #3 ) Author: Terra Harmony Publisher: Patchwork Press Publication Date: February 27, 2015 Genre: YA, Paranormal,Fantasy Purchase Links: Amazon, iTunes, Kobo, Smashwords. Blurb: Eighteen-year-old Serena reigns as queen of both the Undine of The Deep and the wolves of The Dry. The alliance between her maidens and the werewolves is shaky when all at once the basic necessities of food and shelter are taken away and both their worlds fall apart. After decades of war, the two societies must work together to face what lies ahead. A promised land is theirs for the taking, but first, they must survive each other. About the Author: Terra is author of the eco-fantasy novels in the Akasha Series, 'Water', 'Air', 'Fire' and 'Earth', as well as the Painted Maidens Trilogy. Terra was born and raised in Colorado but has since lived in California, Texas, Utah, North Carolina, and Virginia. Terra has served a 5½ year enlistment in the Marine Corp, has earned her bachelor's and master's degree and presently runs the language services division of a small business. Terra currently lives in a suburb of Washington, DC with her husband of sixteen years and three children. Title: Greta and the Glass kingdom ( Mylena Chronicles #2) Author: Chloe Jacobs Publisher: Entangled Teen Publication Date: February 9th, 2015 Genre: YA, Fantasy, Romance Blurb: Once upon a dark time… Greta the human bounty hunter never quite fit into the shadowed, icy world of Mylena. Yet she's managed to defeat the demon Agramon and win the love of the darkly intense Goblin King, Isaac. Now Isaac wants her to rule by his side—a human queen. And the very announcement is enough to incite rebellion… To make matters worse, defeating Agramon left Greta tainted with a dark magick. Its unclean power threatens to destroy her and everything she loves. With the Goblin King's life and the very peace of Mylena at stake, Greta must find a cure and fast. Her only hope lies with the strange, elusive faeries in the Glass Kingdom…if she can get there before the evil within her destroys everything. An Interview with the Characters of Greta and the Glass Kingdom Hi friends! Today I was asked to bring Greta, Isaac, Siona, and Wyatt with me for this visit. That’s a little harder than you might think, especially when it means having to deal with one stubborn human, one arrogant goblin king, one incommunicative bounty hunter, and another wise-ass human. But I got them here, so let’s get this done with. I don’t know how long I can stay in control of this circus. Greta: *snort* It won’t be a circus until the moons are full, author lady. Isaac: *turns to Greta with a raised brow* Are you suggesting that the curse Mylena suffers from is akin to a group of freaks whose purpose is to amuse you? Greta: *grins* You mean it’s not? Wyatt: Uh, should you be so cheeky with him? Siona: *huff* You obviously haven’t spent much time with the two of them. Wyatt: *glares* Thank goodness for small favors. Chloe (ie. Me, the author): *worried already* Ahem. Why don’t we focus on the interview questions I’ve been asked to ask you all, okay? Isaac: *crossing arms* I am not here for the entertainment of the masses. Wyatt: Sure you are, big guy. Just like the rest of us. Why else did you think you were here? Isaac: *knowing grin* Greta: He was bribed. That’s why he’s here. Wyatt: Bribed with what? *shaking head* Nevermind, I don’t really want to know, do I? Chloe: Please, let’s get back on topic. The blog host is going to kick us all out before I’ve even asked the first of her questions! Siona: *throws warning glance at the others* Danem author, we will behave. What is the question you wish to ask? Chloe: *looks down at crumpled sheet of paper* Whose fault was it that Greta and the Glass Kingdom took SO long to be released after the first book? *squirms* Uh, maybe we should skip that one… Greta: *laughs* Are you getting some flack, author lady? Chloe: Um…well… Isaac: I will take responsibility for this. Greta: Nope. It’s my fault. Wyatt: Actually… Siona: It’s MY fault. Chloe: Oh stop, all of you. Of course, it’s my own fault. Siona: But you had trouble because we weren’t…cooperating. Greta: *jaw set* I’m not sorry about that. I never wanted this story to be told in the first place. Wyatt: That’s because it’s a story about you, and you hate being the center of attention. Greta: What I hate is people getting in the way of my work. How am I supposed to do my job with-- Chloe: *exasperation* How about we just move onto the next question? Book 1 was about Greta’s romance with the goblin king, and their efforts to defeat the demon, Agramon. Can you tell us a little bit about Book 2? *pause* Maybe I should just answer this? Wyatt: You think just because you wrote it, you know it best? We lived it. I think we’re just as qualified. Chloe: Oh sure. Go ahead. Who wants to field this one? Isaac: *silence* Greta: *silence* Siona: *silence* Wyatt: *silence* Chloe: Oh, come on. *turns to Wyatt* You just said-- Wyatt: I said we were qualified, not that we wanted to do it. *sigh* Okay, I guess the second book is more about the Wyatt character. He’s got to rescue Greta and save everyone from-- Isaac: *chuckle* The second book is about the goblin king. It explores his moral journey to do right by his people, and make Mylena a better place for all to-- Siona: Excuse me, but if weren’t for Siona, there wouldn’t be a second book. It’s because of her challenges, her divided loyalties, her sacrifices that-- Greta: Oh for goodness sake, they don’t call it Greta and the Glass Kindom for NO reason. Book 2 is about Greta’s battle with her…uh…inner demons, and her various failures. Chloe: *patting Greta’s hand* Don’t be so hard on yourself. Isaac: *Fierce scowl* She hasn’t had much choice. As the author, that’s your fault, is it not? You are the one who tore her from the human world as a child. *Leans forward, fist clenched on table* You are the one who forced her to learn to kill, who almost got her killed by a demon, who almost lost her to a portal of darkness, who subjected her to an environment of hate. And that wasn’t enough. You continue the torture in your second book, and now I hear that there will also be a third. *growls* I should-- Greta: Damn it, Isaac. You can’t kill the author. She’s only doing her job. Isaac: You’re too soft-hearted. I can do exactly what I like. Am I not the goblin king? Greta: Hey! I take exception to that. I am not soft-hearted. I’m a freaking kickass bounty hunter. Wyatt: You are kind of soft-hearted. Siona: *nods* Greta: I’ve got a sword and I know how to use it! Chloe: *claps hands nervously* That went well, didn’t it? *cough* Is it time to go home yet? Thank you for inviting us. My apologies if it wasn’t what you expected. Unfortunately, these characters have a way of taking control. Something I ought to know very well by now. Enter the awesome Giveaway: About the Author: Chloe Jacobs is a native of nowhere and everywhere, having jumped around to practically every Province of Canada before finally settling in Ontario where she has now been living for a respectable number of years. Her husband and son are the two best people in the entire world, but they also make her wish she'd at least gotten a female cat. No such luck. And although the day job keeps her busy, she carves out as much time as possible to write. Bringing new characters to life and finding out what makes them tick and how badly she can make them suffer is one of her greatest pleasures, almost better than chocolate and fuzzy pink bunny slippers.
Title: Incite
Author: Erica Crouch Publisher: Patchwork Press Publication Date: February 17, 2015 Genre: Paranormal, YA Format: e ARC My Rating: 5/5 ( A) Blurb: Earth is in ruins, and the war of Heaven and Hell has spilled over into the mortal world. In the frozen wasteland of the apocalypse, Azael and his band of cohorts search for Pen and Michael with orders to kill. Little does he know that his sister has incited a rebel army of her own. Angels and demons alike stand side by side, ready and willing to fight for a future they didn’t realize they could have. Change doesn't come easy, though. Pen is wary of joining New Genesis's revolution, but when Azael shows his hand and Pen learns all that he holds over them, she chooses to fight back, no matter the risk. She only has to survive, one hour at a time. My Review: I received an e Arc copy of Incite from Netgalley via Patchwork Press in exchange with an honest review. I am also reviewing it as a part of the Incite Blog Tour. Incite begins with a prologue from Azael's POV that opens a portal to his mind where I witnessed some emotions I thought he had already buried. This book was written from both POV of Pen and Azaeal, which is really interesting. The reader gets to learn more about both characters. More about what they are becoming, and not what they were. The imagery was very impressive; I shuddered every time the author described a torture scene . It was like I was standing there, next to the victim. New characters are added to the story; each of them add a little of something unique to the story.I definitely want Kala to be my Guardian Angel . I love the way she is always bubbly even if the world is crumbling down. I am also interested in knowing more about Eli because I am sure that he has a great history/back story. Like the first book, Ignite, Incite is filled with amazing quotes from plays and poetry .These include the works of Shakespeare and Robert Frost. We also get more action and fighting scenes. The element of darkness is explored in ways that will leave you terrified, breathless,and amazed all at once. i found myself writing down many quotes from Incite because not only is the story thrilling, but also the writing is absolutely beautiful. This is one of the books that tortures you because it is really good, but now you have to wait longer than anyone to read the next book. You know, since this is an ARC and the book is not released yet. I don't know what is driving me mad more, the cliffhanger or the epilogue !!!! I really enjoyed reading Incite , and I can't wait to read the final book in this epic series. I give it 5/5 stars and an A according to my own rating scale. Read an Excerpt! From Chapter 4 | Azael I enjoy destruction. I like the sound of glass shattering, of paper tearing apart and fabric ripping at its seams. I savor the groan of bending metal and the snap of splintered wood. The smell of ashes and smoke and blood and sweat soothes me, so when I get back to my extravagant room, I destroy everything. The thick, four-poster bed sitting in the middle of the room clothed in heavy, gold-and-red drapery is the first to go. I claw at the sheets and scatter them across the floor in ribbons, pull apart the intricate headboard with my fingernails until the wood is soaked black with my blood. The gold spindles that extend to the ceiling are pliable under my angry hands, and I twist them into a knot so sharp that I cut my forearm. Then I toss the mattress across the room and kick up the chairs that bookend a small side table. My blood spills across the room as I continue my path of destruction. I barely feel the piercing burn of the shrapnel from the wooden wardrobe in my abdomen through my rage, hardly notice the small shards of glass that stick into my leg from the cart of drinks I requested be delivered earlier this morning. I crave mayhem and terror and devastation, but I can’t gather enough composure to inflict it on anyone but myself. A tall mirror sits wide and proud on the floor next to the washroom. I throw my fist into the glossy reflection with a snarl and watch as the fissures spiral out from my bleeding hand. I’m shattered in the reflection, both one being and dozens of smaller, angry images. There’s a large gash across my forehead that dribbles black blood over half of my face, wetting my hair down to stick to my scraped cheeks. My eyes are furious and feral, deep purple and black swallowing up the whites of my eyes. I pull my hand back from the mirror and flex my fingers, lavishing in the agony of my broken knuckles before they begin to heal. The loud thud of my bedroom door closing grabs my attention, and when I look up, Lilith is reflected in miniature all around me. She stays standing by the door, wearing a grin and a short, white dress in silk so smooth that it looks like liquid. “What a mess you’ve made,” she says, curling her lips around every word. “Leave me alone, Lilith.” Don't miss out on this awesome giveaway !
About the Author:
Erica Crouch is a young adult and new adult author from Baltimore, Maryland. She has a strange blended aesthetic of cute and spooky, and her books reflect her ever changing mood. (You may find romance, you may find gore--sometimes both in the same book, but probably not at the same time. Probably.) Erica is the cofounder of Patchwork Press, an author-powered publisher of middle grade, young adult, and new adult titles. She is the head of editorial services and design, with nearly fifty projects to her name. Find a complete list of Erica’s books at ericacrouch.com. Awakening Release Date: 04/07/15 Entangled Teen Summary from Goodreads: A thrilling, futuristic sci-fi novel set in a unique and thought-provoking world, from author Shannon Duffy. Desiree Six (because she was born on a Friday) believes in everything the Protectorate stands for. She likes the safety and security of having her entire life planned outâher career, her mate, even the date of her death. She doesn't even think to question when Darien, her childhood friend and neighbor, is convicted of murdering his parents. They had seemed like such a loving family. But if he was convicted, then he must have done it. Then Darien shows up in her room late one night. He has escaped from the Terrorscapeâa nightmare machine used to punish all Noncompliantsâand needs Desiree's help. What he tells her rocks her world to its core and makes her doubt everything she's ever been told. With this new information, will Desiree and Darien be able to escape the Protectorate before it's too late? Pre-Order Links: |
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