Giveaway:Remembrance by Michelle Madow

I am participating in the Summer Giveaway Hop which is hosted by I am a Reader, Not a Writer. My giveaway is a Kindle edition of Remembrance by Michelle Madow. Happy hopping and good luck!

Goodreads Description:
"New Hampshire high school junior Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England ... but she doesn't know it yet.

Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's school at the beginning of the year, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she seem to get him out of her mind?

Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, the pair of them soon find that fighting fate isn't going to be easy."


Contest Rules: 

• Open to US Only
• Must be 13+ to enter 
• Everyone may enter, even if you are not a follower 
• Extra entries to the contest will be given for:
• Followers 
• Tweeting about the contest and providing a link (clicking the time stamp on the tweet will give you the link)
• Winners will be notified via email 
• A new winner will be chosen if a response is not received within 48 hours 
• Contest ends August 7, 2011

Winner: Melissa V.

In My Mailbox: July 31, 2011

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren.

"New Hampshire high school junior Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England ... but she doesn't know it yet.

Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's school at the beginning of the year, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she seem to get him out of her mind?

Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, the pair of them soon find that fighting fate isn't going to be easy."

Purchased:

Remembrance by Michelle Madow

Half-Blood

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Release Date: October 18, 2011
Source: BEA
Format: ARC

Goodreads Description:

"The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden.Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck."

***

I really enjoyed Half-Blood. I wasn’t sure if I liked the main character, Alex, at first, but she is spunky, strong-willed, and funny. This novel has a well-paced plot, but the characters are what make the book stand out for me. Alex’s friendship with Caleb was really genuine and touching. I absolutely loved Aiden and I can’t wait to read more about him in the next book. As much as I loved Aiden though, Seth will clearly be playing a bigger role in the future books and I sense a love triangle developing.  I believe that as the series progresses, the plot will become much more interesting because Armentrout has put quite a few pieces into this novel that will have ramifications in the future.

Even though I enjoyed Half-Blood, it felt like it was really there to set up the plot for the next books in the series. There are also several similarities to Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy, which irked me. The daimon’s survive by draining pures of the aether in their blood and have the ability to turn pures into daimons. Additionally, there are a few parellels between Alex’s relationship with Aiden and Dimitri’s relationship with Rose in Vampire Academy. Alex and Aiden’s relationship is different enough though that I still really enjoyed it and can’t wait to see how it develops.

I also wish more classical mythology had been incorporated into the story. Since the characters in the story were descended from the Greek gods, I expected them to play a fairly large role in the story, but they are barely mentioned. I am hoping that as we delve further into the story, the gods will play a more prominent role. 

Daimon

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Release Date: May 10, 2011
Source: Purchased
Format: E-book

Goodreads Description:

"For three years, Alexandria has lived among mortals—pretending to be like them and trying to forget the duty she'd been trained to fulfill as a child of a mortal and a demigod. At seventeen, she's pretty much accepted that she's a freak by mortal standards... and that she'll never be prepared for that duty. 

According to her mother, that’s a good thing.

But as every descendant of the gods knows, Fate has a way of rearing her ugly head. A horrifying attack forces Alex to flee Miami and try to find her way back to the very place her mother had warned her she should never return—the Covenant. Every step that brings her closer to safety is one more step toward death… because she's being hunted by the very creatures she'd once trained to kill."

***

Daimon is the rather short prequel to Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout. The book is approximately 11 chapters long, but felt more like a primer to me than a prequel because there is a significant amount of world building.

I haven’t really decided if I like the main character, Alex, yet, but she is certainly spunky. Alex is descended from a demi-god mother and a mortal father, and as a result has super-human strength that allows her to defend herself from mortal dangers rather easily. Unfortunately, her occasional exhibitions of strength cause people to view her as a freak and make it difficult for Alex to fully become part of the mortal realm. Alex, as with other half-bloods, has always been raised among other descendants of the gods and is only mingling with mortals because her mother fled from their community.

Alex has no idea why her mother decided they needed to leave the other descendants of the gods, but she does no that she is not safe in the mortal realm, and must try to live a normal life despite the risks she is constantly facing.

The mythology in Daimon is nothing like what I expected it to be. Rather than the traditional Greek mythology that I am used to, Armentrout has created unique elements of mythology to add to the story. Whether or not I will like this new take on Greek mythology remains to be seen. There simply wasn’t enough in the prequel for me to decide if this is a series I will enjoy.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Mephisto Covenant

Waiting On Wednesday is hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. This week I am waiting on The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen. I've actually already read this book on NetGalley, but I need a finished copy when the book comes out. Both the cover and the story are beautiful, and I really hope Trinity Faegen will have an author event somewhere near me!

Goodreads Description:
"Sasha is desperate to find out who murdered her father. When getting the answer means pledging her soul to Eryx, she unlocks a secret that puts her in grave danger—Sasha is Anabo, a daughter of Eve, and Eryx’s biggest threat. 

A son of Hell, immortal, and bound to Earth forever, Jax looks for redemption in the Mephisto Covenant—God’s promise he will find peace in the love of an Anabo. After a thousand years, he’s finally found the girl he’s been searching for: Sasha.

With the threat of Eryx looming, Jax has to keep Sasha safe and win her over. But can he? Will Sasha love him and give up her mortal life?"

Giveaway: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

In honor of YA Bachelor Month I am giving away a pre-order of Bloodlinesby Richelle Mead. Visit Down the Rabbit Hole to vote for your favorite YA Bachelor!

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

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

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


Contest Rules:

• USA only
• Must be 13+ to enter
• Everyone may enter, even if you are not a follower
• Extra entries to the contest will be given for:
• Followers
• Tweeting about the contest and providing a link (clicking the time stamp on the tweet will give you the link)
• Winners will be notified via email
• A new winner will be chosen if a response is not received within 48 hours
• Contest ends August 19, 2011

Winner: Kara

I am participating in YA Bachelor Month, which is hosted by Amber from Down the Rabbit Hole. Below is the guest post that I wrote for her blog. Head over to Down the Rabbit Hole to vote for your favorite YA bachelor!

Love Triangles in YA Literature

I am in love with love—and suspense—which is why love triangles are one of my favorite parts of YA literature. There are many types of love triangles in literature, all of which are fantastic in their own way.

The Bad Boy v. The Nice Guy

Who doesn’t love reading about a bad boy? They’re usually complex, dynamic, and fascinating. When it comes to a love triangle between a bad boy and a nice guy though, I usually want the heroine to end up with the nice guy and I want to read a spin-off series about the bad boy.

The boys in this type of love triangle are so different, however, that I think it makes it easier for readers to decide which boy they like best.

The Soul Mate v. The Charming Friend

Triangles between soul mates and charming friends are always very easy for me. Date the soulmate! Why waste your time on the charming friend? However, many people do favor the friend over the clearly destined soul mate. An example of this is the Edward-Bella-Jacob triangle from the Twilight saga.

Personally, I think that Edward and Bella are clearly destined to be together, so Bella should just leave Jacob alone. However, there are many people out there who would completely disagree with me on this. I think this type of triangle really allows the reader to pick which character they like best. Oftentimes, both men are good matches for the heroine, and she will usually be very happy either way.

The Safe Choice v. The Forbidden Love

Forbidden love is just delightful. Society has been in love with these stories for ages: Romeo and Juliet, Tristan and Isolde, and Helen and Paris are just a few of the couples whose romances have captured the imagination of readers for centuries. What makes these romances so much fun to read?

I think it’s that the love between the couples who are forbidden to be together is usually really pure, and you just can’t help rooting for them to overcome the odds and be together. Part of me always feels bad for the safe choice because he is usually such a nice guy! However, the safe choice never sparks the same kind of passion that the forbidden love does.

The Same-species v. The Other-species

This type of love triangle just seems to be popping up everywhere. Unfortunately, it usually ends up with someone changing species to make their chance love more realistic. I don’t think that I have a generalization for how I feel about these types of love triangles because the circumstances that these come about are usually very different. However, I will say that this type of triangle exists in Aprilynne Pike’s Wings series, and I will be heart-broken if the heroine choses the other-species guy!

No matter what type of love triangle you’re reading about though, it adds a great element to the story. There is the mystery of who will end up with who, the inner turmoil as the character sorts out their feelings, and the emotional investment that the reader feels towards a specific couple. I think love triangles really capture the hearts of romantics and non-romantics alike and add a layer to the story that wouldn’t be there otherwise.

Love Triangles: Undercurrent by Tricia Rayburn

Love Triangles is a feature I created to discuss how I feel about love triangles in the novels I read. I am assuming that those reading the love triangles posts have already read the books. Please be aware that these posts may contain spoilers.

Simon-Vanessa-Parker

I like Parker, I really do. I love that he wasn’t fazed by Vanessa’s powers in the beginning, and he seems like a really nice guy (with the exception of his tendency to make out with almost everyone in the school). I think he and Vanessa can bond in a way that she can’t with Simon because Parker understands how lost she is. He understands what it’s like to not want to go to college and to be unsure of what you want for your future.

On the other hand, I really do think Simon and Vanessa are made for each other. Their romance is really sweet because they grew up together, but at the same time it’s still passionate. You can see how attracted they are to each other and their chemistry is just undeniable. If only she wasn’t so unsure of his feelings! She also needs to trust Simon more and to explain everything she was going through if he is ever going to forgive her for what she did.

Even though I think that Vanessa and Simon are a wonderful couple, I’m not sure if she can overcome her true nature as a siren. She needs to flirt with other men in order to survive. I don’t think Simon can deal with that—especially after everything that has happened with Parker. I really hope that Vanessa and Simon are able to work everything out though, I’m rooting for them!

Have an Opinion on this Love Triangle? Link Up Below!

*Please link back to abouttoread.com in your post

In My Mailbox: July 23, 2011

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren.

Purchased:
Shadow Spell by Jenna Black

From NetGalley:
Vanish by Sophie Jordan

Destruction From Twins

Author: L. Carroll

Publisher: Realtime Publishing

Release Date: February 17, 2010

Source: For Review

Format: Paperback

Goodreads Description:

"Part I (Destruction From Twins)

When a selfish enchantress seeks to steal mystical powers from her twin sister, she sentences the world of Lor Mandela and its inhabitants to death. In an effort to preserve itself, the soul of the planet appoints a Child of Balance named Audril Borloc who must solve a prophetic riddle known as the Advantiere. All hope seems lost, however, when shortly after her fourth birthday, Audril disappears without a trace. Desperate to save their world, Lor Mandelan spies travel to Earth in search of the little girl with black hair and bright blue eyes-traits that on Lor Mandela are exclusive to the ruling family, Borloc. Instead, they find seventeen-year-old Maggie. While the age difference between the girls is obvious, Maggie has the Borloc traits-evidence enough for the eager spies. They devise a plan to get Maggie to Lor Mandela, but will their scheme be successful? And what if they have the wrong girl? Who will save Lor Mandela then?

Part II (And So It Must End)
Maggie Baker has always wished for a more eventful life. Unfortunately, she is about to get it. Following an earthquake that no one seems to have felt but her, her mundane existence is thrown into a roller-coaster ride of twists and turns as she suddenly finds herself bouncing back and forth between her hometown of Glenhill, Iowa and the distant world of Lor Mandela. On this strange planet, Maggie must learn who to trust, and who to fear. More importantly, she must find a way to convince the Lor Mandelans that she is not the Child of Balance, and her family and friends in Iowa (and herself for that matter) that she is not going insane.
Amid fighting a two-headed creature, being captured by a lawless band of Shadow Dwellers, and falling head-over-heels for the enchanting son of an evil warlord, Maggie sees the lines of the Advantiere unfold around her. It isn't long before she discovers that her blasé reality could be the real fantasy, and that the fate of an entire world may actually depend on her."

***

Destruction from Twins is an engaging, fast-paced high fantasy novel. From the very first chapter the reader is enveloped with scandal and intrigue, and the plot just kept getting better. There really wasn’t a dull moment in the novel.

The best part, however, was definitely the characters. They were well-developed and many of their interactions just felt real. Jonathan was my favorite character because he always made me laugh and his love for his family really shined through in the novel.

The only thing I did not like was how the romantic pairings turned up. I do not want to say any more than that for those who have not read the book yet because I do not want to spoil the ending. If you have read this book already, please check out my love triangles post: Love Triangles: Destruction from Twins.

Giveaway: Blogfest 2011 Winner

And the Winner is...

Shiela!

Thank you for participating everyone, and congratulations to Shiela!

TGIF at GReads

TGIFis hosted by Ginger grom GReads. This weeks question is "Bookshelf Tour: Where do you keep your books at home? Are they organized?" 

I keep my books in two different places. My to-read pile is in my room, and as you can see from the picture above, it is huge! 

The books I have read go on my bookshelf. I don't have a picture of that, but I did just buy a new bookshelf. The picture above is from the actual website because mine isn't really set up yet.

Book Blogger Hop

Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy for Books. This week's question is: “What's the one genere that you wish you could get into, but just can't?”

As much as I want to, I just can't seem to get into contemporary novels. I have to be in a certain mood to read them, so I don't read very many.

Follow Friday

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee. This week's question is: "Name 3 authors that you would love to sit down and spend an hour or a meal with just talking about either their books or get advice on writing from."

                                                        

There are so many authors I'd love to sit down with, but here are my top three in no particular order:

1. Melanie Rawn, author of Dragon Prince

2. Anna Godnerson, author of The Luxe

3. J.K. Rowling, author of Harry Potter

I absolutely loved all of their books, and their stories stayed with me long after I had finished turning the pages.

Love Triangles: Destruction from Twins

Love Triangles is a feature I created to discuss how I feel about love triangles in the novels I read. I am assuming that those reading the love triangles posts have already read the books. Please be aware that these posts may contain spoilers.

There weren’t really any love triangles in Destruction from Twins, but I wanted to talk to about how the romantic pairings worked out.

Gracielle-Jonathan-Kahlie

I thought Gracielle and Jonathon were one of the cutest couples ever. After Gracielle’s untimely death, Jonathon and Audril are transported to Earth where there memories are altered. When they come back, Jonathon ends up falling in love with Kahlie. Kahlie was just a child when Jonathon first had Audril, and she is also Gracielle’s long-lost niece. I just can’t help feeling that there is something wrong with Jonathan marrying Kahlie given the age difference and her relation to his former wife. There was also no chemistry developed between the two what-so-ever because there were so many things going on in the book, that we hardly saw them together.

Ryannon-Audril-Dallin

Dallin had feelings for Audril’s mother and part of his fascination with Audril stems from her similar appearance to her mother—I think that this is really weird! I wouldn’t want to be with someone who had a crush on my mother. As with Jonathan and Kahlie, there was no chemistry developed between Dallin and Audril because they did not spend much time together due to all the events that were occurring in the novel. Additionally, Audril’s cousin Ryannon wants to date her. One word: incest.

Have an Opinion on This Love Triangle? Link Up Below:

Waiting on Wednesday: Iluminated

Waiting On Wednesday is hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. This week I am waiting on Illuminated by Erica Orloff. Isn't the cover beautiful?

Publisher: Speak
Author: Erica Orloff

Release Date: December 8, 2011

Goodreads Description:

"Some loves are not made to last . . . Like Romeo and Juliet, Heloise and Abelard were doomed from the start, and their romance was destined to pass into history. Yet when sixteen-year-old Callie Martin discovers a diary hidden within an antique book, their story - and hers - takes on another life. For the diary leads Callie to the brilliant and handsome August, who is just as mysterious as the secret the diary hides. Their attraction is undeniable. As the two hunt down the truth behind the diary - and that of Heloise and Abelard's ancient romance - their romance becomes all-consuming. But Callie knows it can't last . . . love never does. Will their love that burns as bright as a shooting star flame out, or will these star-crossed lovers be able to defy history?"

Top Ten Tuesdays: Top Ten Books You Believe Should Be Required Reading for Teens

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. This week is Top Ten Books You Believe Should Be Required Reading for Teens. Here is my list:

1.       Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

2.       The Luxe by Anna Godberson

3.       Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

4.       Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan

5.       Siren by Tricia Rayburn

6.       Wings by Aprilynne Pike

7.       Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

8.       Twilight by Stephanie Myer

9.       Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce

10.   Dragon Prince by Melanie Rawn (this one isn’t a YA book, but it is fantastic!)

Firelight

Author: Sophie Jordan

Publisher: Harper Teen

Release Date: September 7, 2010

Source: Purchased

Format: Hardcover

Goodreads Description:

"A hidden truth.
Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide."

***

Firelight was a really exciting, fast-paced novel about draki. Draki are descendants of dragons that can appear in either human or dragon form. The main character, Jacinda, is free-spirited and strong-willed—unfortunately everyone is trying to decide her future for her. Never one to accept what she is told, Jacinda constantly challenges the rules of her community, which leads to Jacinda’s mother forcing her to flee their home with her family for her own safety.

Even though her mother wants to protect her, Jacinda needs to stay close to other drakis or a part of her will die. There is nothing in the human world for Jacinda and she desperately longs to go home—especially because she is unaware of the dangers that await her in the home she fled. The only thing that may keep her with her family is a boy that Jacinda knows she should avoid at all costs—but he is irresistible and she just can’t seem to stay away.

The romance, action, adventure, and suspense in this novel are fantastic! As exciting as the plot is, the interactions between the characters are really what make this book stand out. From beginning to end, I was anxiously turning the pages to find out if certain romances would develop and if Jacinda’s secrets would be discovered by the wrong people. I’m really looking forward to Vanish, the next book in the series.