Follow Friday #13

Follow Friday! Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee. It's a great way to meet new blogger friends!

This weeks featured blog is ME!!! Let's talk about books

Q: ACK! Your favorite book/movie character (example Hermione Granger played by the Emma chick) just walked into the room! Who is it and what would be your first reaction?

A: I have many favorite characters but the one I would love to spend some time with would have to be Henry from The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter. I imagine him looking like a younger version of Ian Somerhalder. Not exactly how he is described but that's how I imagine him. :) If he appeared in my room, ( Yes, I imagine him appearing instead of walking. It just seems like a better entrance.) My first reaction would be to scream of happiness and probably freak him out. After I was a little more settled I would ask to be transported or shimmered or whatever it is he does to different places. It just sounded amazing in the book. I would also love to go to Eden Manor and get to know all of its interesting inhabitants. I just finished reading this book and absolutely loved the characters and the story.

How about you, who is it and what would be your first reaction?

Please leave a comment with a link to your blog so that I can follow back. Thanks!

{Review}: Entwined by Heather Dixon

Title: Entwined
Author: Heather Dixon
Genre: YA Fiction/Fairy Tale Retelling
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Hardcover: 480 pages
ISBN: 9780062001030
Source: Library
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

My Rating: 4/5

Description from GoodReads:

Azalea is trapped. Just when she should feel that everything is before her . . . beautiful gowns, dashing suitors, balls filled with dancing . . . it's taken away. All of it.
The Keeper understands. He's trapped, too, held for centuries within the walls of the palace. And so he extends an invitation.
Every night, Azalea and her eleven sisters may step through the enchanted passage in their room to dance in his silver forest.
But there is a cost.
The Keeper likes to keep things.
Azalea may not realize how tangled she is in his web until it is too late.

My Review:
I have not read the Twelve Dancing Princesses but I enjoyed this retelling of it. Azalea is the oldest of 12 sisters. Azalea is of age and should be looking for a suitable husband to become king. Yet, her world is turned upside down when her mother dies and her distant father, the king, is not there to help. It is up to her to help her sisters overcome the pain and move on. They stumble across an enchanted passage in their room where they can dance and laugh, things that are prohibited in their home because they are in mourning. They escape every night to their magical place but all is not what it seems.

Entwined had very likable characters. The twelve sisters were amazing they each had their own personality. The girls were very innocent and naive because they never wonder what Mr. Keeper would ask in return. They just cared about dancing and having fun. Mr. Keeper, who likes to keep things, was also a great character. He really added a lot to the story. Lord Bramdford was also great because he was not the perfect incredible handsome prince charming. If I understood correctly he had a huge nose. :)

I liked that this book was about family relationship. Azalea and her strong need to protect her sisters. Azalea and her suitors, trying to find someone that is both good for her and the kingdom. The growth in the girls relationship with their father was what made this story a great one for me.

Overall, a very enjoyable story. I was a little disturbed in certain parts because for the most part it is a sweet fairy tale and then some not so sweet parts occur and it's just disturbing but still enjoyable. I recommend this book to those who enjoy fairy tale retelling and stories about the power of family.

{Review}: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Title: The Goddess Test
Author: Aimee Carter
Genre: YA Fiction/Mythology
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
E-ARC
ISBN: 9780373210268
Source: NetGalley*
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

My Rating: 4.5/5

Description from GoodReads:

It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.
Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.
Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

My Review


Wow! Sorry, just had to get that out of the way. I need to read more book with gods in them. I truly enjoyed The Goddess Test. Kate is going through a very hard time in her life. Her mother is dying and she is putting her life on hold to make sure that she spends quality time with her. She is in a new place with no friends or family and the constant fear that she will not be able to survive without her mother.

Then Henry comes into her life and offers to give her more time with her mother if she decides to spend six months with him and pass & tests. He will give her the time she needs to prepare for her mothers death. The scary part is that no other girl has been able to pass the tests and has ended up dead or insane.

What I liked about this book. I liked the character of Henry. I can't really picture the god of the underworld as a happy cheerful guy so to me he was perfect. The relationship between Kate and Henry was also nice because it took time and effort to nurture it. Kate was also a fantastic character. She was caring and selfless. She was dedicated to taking care of her mother. She confronts her fears to save someone that minutes before tried to hurt her. She gives her all in an effort to make Henry happy and give him a reason to live.

What I didn't like as much. The ending. I don't want to ruin it because I recommend you read this book but to me it left me a little empty. The revelation in the end was just a little strange and not believable (if you can claim that in a fiction story). I expected Kate to act a little more surprised or a little upset but she just took it all in. I cannot wait to read the next of this series and see what Kate does and see how she interacts with the rest of the gods, especially Henry.

I recommend this book to those that enjoy paranormal romance and Greek mythology. This is a great book to read this summer.


*Disclosure: This e-ARC was provided by the publisher (Harlequin Teen via NetGalley) for free in exchange for an honest review.

{Review}: Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

Title: Spellbound
Author: Cara Lynn Shultz
Genre: YA Fiction
Publisher: Harlequin Teen (June 28th 2011)
Paperback: 384 pages
ISBN: 9780373210305
Source: NetGalley*
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

My Rating: 4/5

Description from GoodReads:

What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death?Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Conner, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.
But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.

My Review:


If you enjoy YA paranormal romance then I recommend reading this book. It has the basic elements of this genre. We have Emma, the new girl. Brendan, the god-like/mysterious love interest. Then add the paranormal, Emma's twin brother that died keeps telling her, in dreams, to stay away from Brendan . The mystery. Why is her brother so adamant about warning her about Brennan? Why does she feel like is supposed to be with him and has known him forever? As you can see not extremely original but it still managed to keep my interest until the end.

I liked the character of Emma, she was a strong character that tried to help those she loves. She was not the smartest especially on who she decides to pick fights with but she was courageous. Her relationship with Brendan was interesting to read. I was happy that Spellbound explained the instant attraction between the characters. Yes, there is a reason behind her love at first sight. The magic aspect of the story was the only part that felt a little weird to me, like an added element to enhance the paranormal.

Definitely recommend adding this to your summer reading list.

*Disclosure: This e-ARC was provided by the publisher (Harlequin Teen via NetGalley) for free in exchange for an honest review.

In My Mailbox (8)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by The Story Siren, held usually on Sundays that encourages bloggers to share what they bought, borrowed, or begged for this week.

Borrowed From Library

Title: Insatiable
Author: Meg Cabot
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: William Morrow (June, 2010)
ISBN: 9780061735066
Source: Library
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

Description from GoodReads:

Sick of vampires? So is Meena Harper.

But her boss is making her write about them anyway, even though Meena doesn’t believe in them.

Not that Meena isn’t familiar with the supernatural. See, Meena Harper knows how you’re going to die (not that you’re going to believe her; no one ever does).

But not even Meena’s precognition can prepare her for what happens when she meets—then makes the mistake of falling in love with—Lucien Antonescu, a modern-day prince with a bit of a dark side . . . a dark side a lot of people, like an ancient society of vampire-hunters, would prefer to see him dead for.

The problem is, he already is dead. Maybe that’s why he’s the first guy Meena’s ever met that she could see herself having a future with. See, while Meena’s always been able to see everyone else’s future, she’s never been able look into her own.

And while Lucien seems like everything Meena has ever dreamed of in a boyfriend, he might turn out to be more like a nightmare.

Now might be a good time for Meena to start learning to predict her own future . . .

If she even has one.

Title: Darkest  Mercy

Author: Melissa Marr

Genre: YA Fiction/Fantasy

Publisher: HarperCollins (Feb, 2011)

ISBN: 9780061659256

Source: Library

Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

Description from GoodReads:

The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey.
Aislinn tends to the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.
Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the Faery Courts, and in the final conflict, some will win . . . and some will lose everything.
The thrilling conclusion to Melissa Marr's New York Times bestselling Wicked Lovely series will leave readers breathless.

Title: Exposure
Author: Therese Fowler
Genre: Romance
Publisher: Ballantine Books (May,2011)
ISBN: 9780345515537
Source: Library
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

Description from GoodReads:

Amelia Wilkes’s strict father does not allow her to date, but that doesn’t stop the talented, winsome high school senior from carrying on a secret romance with her classmate Anthony Winter. Desperately in love, the two envision a life together and plan to tell Amelia’s parents only after she turns eighteen and is legally an adult. Anthony’s mother, Kim, who teaches at their school, knows—and keeps—their secret. But the couple’s passion is exposed sooner than planned: Amelia’s father, Harlan, is shocked and infuriated to find naked pictures of Anthony on his daughter’s computer. Just hours later, Anthony is arrested.
Despite Amelia’s frantic protests, Harlan uses his wealth and influence with local law enforcement and the media to label Anthony a deviant who preyed on his innocent daughter. Spearheaded by a zealous prosecutor anxious to turn the case into a public crusade against “sexting,” the investigation soon takes an even more disturbing and destructive turn.
As events spiral wildly out of control and the scandalous story makes national news, Amelia and Anthony risk everything in a bold and dangerous attempt to clear their names and end the madness once and for all.

Title: Dead Beautiful

Author: Yvonne Woon

Genre: YA Fiction/Fantasy

Publisher: Hyperion Book CH (September, 2010)

ISBN: 9781423119562

Source: Library

Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

Description from GoodReads:

On the morning of her sixteenth birthday, Renée Winters was still an ordinary girl. She spent her summers at the beach, had the perfect best friend, and had just started dating the cutest guy at school. No one she'd ever known had died. But all that changes when she finds her parents dead in the Redwood Forest, in what appears to be a strange double murder.
After the funeral Renée’s wealthy grandfather sends her to Gottfried Academy, a remote and mysterious boarding school in Maine, where she finds herself studying subjects like Philosophy, Latin, and the “Crude Sciences.”
It’s there that she meets Dante Berlin, a handsome and elusive boy to whom she feels inexplicably drawn. As they grow closer, unexplainable things begin to happen, but Renée can’t stop herself from falling in love. It’s only when she discovers a dark tragedy in Gottfried’s past that she begins to wonder if the Academy is everything it seems.
Little does she know, Dante is the one hiding a dangerous secret, one that has him fearing for her life.

Title: Anna and the French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Genre: YA Fiction
Publisher: Dutton (Dec, 2010)
ISBN: 9780525423270
Source: Library
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

Description from GoodReads:

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.
As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited?

Begged for Review from NetGalley 

Title: The Mephisto Covenant

Author: Trinity Faegen

Genre: YA Fiction/Fantasy

Publisher: EgmontUSA 

Expected Publishing Date: September 27, 2011

ISBN: 9781606841709

Source: NetGalley

Pre-Order on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

Description from GoodReads:

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?

Title: Out In Blue
Author: Sarah Gilman
Genre: Romance
Expected Publication Date: September 6, 2011
ISBN: 9781937044275
Source: NetGalley

Description from GoodReads:

In a violent world where fallen archangels are hunted for their valuable plumage, Wren knows one thing for certain: the human woman who saved him from a poacher attack will die if she stays with him. The demon responsible for his parents’ gruesome deaths two decades ago pines for the chance to rip apart any woman who stands under Wren’s wing.

Wren doesn’t expect Ginger to stay by his side once she discovers his ability to drain life with a mere touch, yet she lingers. When an unusual talent of her own reveals the location of Wren’s father, Wren’s isolated world implodes. With the help of the demon protectors he’s sworn never to trust again, Wren risks everything to rescue his father, confront the demon who stalks his and Ginger’s every step, and claim his eternity with the most courageous woman he’s ever known.

Title: Ashes

Author: Ilsa J. Bick

Genre: YA Fiction/Dystopian

Publisher: EgmontUSA 

Expected Publication Date: September 6, 2011

ISBN: 9781606841754

Source: NetGalley

Pre-Order: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

Description from GoodReads:

It could happen tomorrow...

A cataclysmic event. An army of "The Changed."
Can one teen really survive on her own?

An electromagnetic pulse sweeps through the sky, destroying every electronic device and killing billions. For those spared, it's a question of who can be trusted and who is no longer human...

Desperate to find out what happened and to avoid the Changed, Alex meets up with Tom---a young army veteran---and Ellie, a young girl whose grandfather was killed by the electromagnetic pulse.

This improvised family will have to use every ounce of courage they have just to survive.

Title: Ashfall
Author: Mike Mullin
Genre: YA Fiction/ Dystopian
Publisher: Tanglewood Press
Expected Publication Date: Oct 11, 2011
ISBN: 9781933718552
Source: NetGalley
Pre-Order: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

Description from GoodReads:

Under the bubbling hot springs and geysers of Yellowstone National Park is a supervolcano. Most people don't know it's there. The caldera is so large that it can only be seen from a plane or satellite. It just could be overdue for an eruption, which would change the landscape and climate of our planet.
Ashfall is the story of Alex, a teenage boy left alone for the weekend while his parents visit relatives. When the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts unexpectedly, Alex is determined to reach his parents. He must travel over a hundred miles in a landscape transformed by a foot of ash and the destruction of every modern convenience that he has ever known, and through a new world in which disaster has brought out both the best and worst in people desperate for food, water, and warmth. With a combination of nonstop action, a little romance, and very real science, this is a story that is difficult to stop reading and even more difficult to forget.

Title: Ward Against Death

Author: Melanie Card

Genre: YA Fiction/Fantasy

Publisher: Entangled Publishing (August 2, 2011)

ISBN: 9781937044084

Source: NetGalley

Description from GoodReads:

Twenty-year-old Ward de’Ath expected this to be a simple job—bring a nobleman’s daughter back from the dead for fifteen minutes, let her family say good-bye, and launch his fledgling career as a necromancer. Goddess knows he can’t be a surgeon—the Quayestri already branded him a criminal for trying—so bringing people back from the dead it is.
But when Ward wakes the beautiful Celia Carlyle, he gets more than he bargained for. Insistent that she’s been murdered, Celia begs Ward to keep her alive and help her find justice. By the time she drags him out her bedroom window and into the sewers, Ward can’t bring himself to break his damned physician’s Oath and desert her.
However, nothing is as it seems—including Celia. One second, she’s treating Ward like sewage, the next she’s kissing him. And for a nobleman’s daughter, she sure has a lot of enemies. If he could just convince his heart to give up on the infuriating beauty, he might get out of this alive…

WON!

Title: Everlasting
Author: Alyson Noel
Genre: YA Fiction/ Fantasy
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (June, 2010)
ISBN: 9780312642075
Source: Lucky Winner of Smart Girls Read 's Giveaway! Thank You!
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

Description from GoodReads:

Their epic love story has captured the hearts of millions and enchanted readers across the world. In this beautiful finale, their journey draws to a spectacular conclusion—where all will be revealed.

Their darkest enemies now defeated, Damen and Ever are free to embark upon their final quest—to free Damen from the poison lingering in his body. If they can just find the antidote, they’ll finally be able to feel each other’s touch—and experience the passionate night they’ve been longing for. But their fight to be together will lead them into the most formidable terrain yet…into the dark heart of Summerland.

Here in a land of scorched earth and endless rain, Ever and Damen will discover their relationship’s hidden origins, expose a secret history they never imagined…and come face to face with the true reason fate keeps tearing them apart. Only then, when the final mystery is unraveled and the last secret revealed, Ever and Damen’s future will hinge on one ultimate decision that will put everything at stake….even eternity.

What's in your mailbox?

{Review}: Cat's Tale: A Fairy Tale Retold by Betty Sharpe

Title: Cat's Tale: A Fairy Tale Retold
Author: Betty Sharpe
Genre: Romance, Fairy Tale
Publisher: Carina Press (June 27th 2011)
Kindle Edition: 272 KB
ASIN: B004XVTS14
Source: NetGalley*
Available on: Amazon

My Rating: 3.5/5

Description from GoodReads:

Once upon a time there was a scheming, lying tart who cared for nothing but her own pleasures and her shoe collection.Once the peerlessly beautiful Lady Catriona, consort to the king, Cat's fortunes fall far when her aged husband dies. The king's wizard turns her into a cat and tries to drown her in the mill pond. Fortunately Cat is a clever survivor and enlists the help of Julian, the miller's youngest son, in her plan for revenge.
She originally sees Julian as a mere pawn for her plans to break her curse, but as they work together Cat comes to know and care for him. Even if the curse can be broken, can a good-hearted man love a woman who has been as vain and selfish as Cat?

My Review
Not what I was expecting. I was expecting a sweet romantic retelling of The Puss'N Boots. Instead I got a explicit take on it. This book is a bit explicit since it is a romance book. Since I am warning you, you will not be surprised like I was when the first love making seen appears.

Even though it was not what I expected I still enjoyed it. I really liked Lady Catriona, she was selfish, and smart, and shameless. It's great when an author can make you like a horrible character.

A light fast read that is sure to keep you entertained.

*Disclosure: This e-ARC was provided by the publisher (Carina Press via NetGalley) for free in exchange for an honest review.

Follow Friday #12

Follow Friday! Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee. It's a great way to meet new blogger friends!

This weeks featured blog is I'm a Book Shark

Q: In light of the Summer Solstice. Also known as Midsummer...let's talk about fairies. What is your favorite fairy tale or story that revolves around the fae?

A: My favorite fairy tale is Beauty and the Beast. I like the Disney version better than the original. There is just something about a troubled prince and a smart book loving girl that makes a perfect fairy tale for me.

My favorite story about the fae is The Wicked Lovely Series by Melissa Marr.


What is your favorite fairy tale?

{Review}: The Betrayal of Maggie Blair by Elizabeth Laird

Title: The Betrayal of Maggie Blair
Author: Elizabeth Laird
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (April, 2011)
E-ARC
ISBN: 9780547341262
Source: NetGalley*
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

My Rating: 3/5

Description from GoodReads:

In seventeenth-century Scotland, saying the wrong thing can lead to banishment—or worse. Accused of being a witch, sixteen-year-old Maggie Blair is sentenced to be hanged. She escapes, but instead of finding shelter with her principled, patriotic uncle, she brings disaster to his door.

Betrayed by one of her own accusers, Maggie must try to save her uncle and his family from the king’s men, even if she has to risk her own life in the process.

My Review
From the description I was expecting Maggie to be a witch and this book to be a paranormal story. It was not. Do not read this book expecting Maggie to escape persecution by flying of in a broom stick.

The Betrayal of Maggie Blair is mostly a story about the struggle to practice one's religion. Maggie is accused of being a witch because of her grandmothers eccentricities and because others want their land. Then after her escape she goes to live with her uncle. A religious man that is fighting for his right to follow his beliefs. Trouble arrives in the form of people trying to get Maggie, her grandmother and her uncle's family to conform to what others believe to be the way to worship. What will one sacrifice for religion? One's life? How about the life of the one's we love?

Maggie was a very likable character. She was innocent and sweet. She loved her cold grandmother and just wanted to fit in. It is life and its unjust ways that make her strong and deteremined to fight for what she believes is right. It was great to see this growth in the character and experience along with her.

The pace is a bit slow because it doesn't build to a culminating part where everything is solved. It is more like different obstacles that Maggie has to overcome to shape who she becomes in the end.

I recommend it to those who like reading historical fiction. It takes place in 17th century Scotland.


*Disclosure: This e-ARC was provided by the publisher (Houghton Mifflin Books for Children via NetGalley) for free in exchange for an honest review.

The Winner of the 100 Followers Giveaway is...

JoAnn 

You have won a copy of Divergent by Veronica Roth!

An email has been sent to you. You have 48 hours to reply or another winner will be chosen.

The Winner was picked via Random.org

 Thank you all for entering the 100 followers giveaway. 

Congratulations to the winner!

"Waiting On" Wednesday (6): Ripple by Mandy Hubbard

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: Ripple
Author: Mandy Hubbard
Genre: YA Fiction, Fantasy
Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin July 21st, 2011
ISBN: 9781595144232
Pre-Order: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

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

What are you waiting on?

{Review}: Legacy by Cayla Kluver

Title: Legacy
Author: Cayla Kluver
Genre: YA Fiction, Fantasy
Publisher: HarlequinTeen ( June 21st 2011)
E-ARC
ISBN: 9780373210343
Source: NetGalley*
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

My Rating: 4/5

Description from GoodReads:

The first boy disappeared on the day of his birth, on a night when the pale yellow moon of the nighttime sky turned red and bathed the heavens in the ghastly color of blood, on the same night the Kingdom of Cokyri abruptly ceased its merciless attack.Across the land of Hytanica, under the shadow of the crimson moon, infant boys continued to vanish. Not until the blood had faded from the sky did the disappearances stop and the bodies of the murdered infants were found outside the gates of the city, a final word from the greatest enemy Hytanica had ever known. For the next sixteen years, peace reigned, but one mystery remained unsolved. The Cokyrians had abducted forty-nine newborns, but returned only forty-eight bodies.
Now, as seventeen-year-old Princess Alera of Hytanica is besieged from all sides by suitors vying for the Throne, a teenage Cokyrian boy, Narian, is encountered within the walls of her Kingdom, a boy who will show Alera a world where women serve a purpose and not just a husband. As Narian helps Alera find her voice, she struggles against an arranged marriage that will shatter the life she has scarcely begun to live. And when Narian's shocking past is uncovered, and war with Cokyri looms once more, he must fight to defy a fate ordained at his birth. 

My Review:
Princess Alera has to choose the next King of Hytanica by deciding who to marry. Not only does she have to worry about her happiness but the future of her kingdom. Like dating isn't hard enough? Her decision seems simple to everyone, she should choose Lord Steldor because he is of a good family, strong military background, and her father's favorite. The only problem is that everything about him repulses her. She believes she might find a solution to her problem when Narian comes into her life and she finally seems to find someone that sees her for who she is not as a way to the throne. Or does he? Is he worth her trust? Why is he in Hyatanica? Where does his loyalty lie? This is what Alera has to struggle in Legacy.

I cannot believe that the author was 14 years old when she wrote this story. The action was a little slow but overall it was a very enjoyable read. I am looking forward to see where this story takes us in Allegiance.


*Disclosure: This e-ARC was provided by the publisher (Harlequin Teen via NetGalley) for free in exchange for an honest review.

Follow Friday #11

Follow Friday! Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee. It's a great way to meet new blogger friends!

This weeks featured blog is Rhiannon Paille

Q. Genre Wars! What's your favorite genre and which book in that genre made it your favorite?

A: My favorite genre would have to be paranormal romance. It all began with a book named Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. I know, lame but 100% true. I used to read mostly psychology, sociology, and classics before I stumbled across paranormal romance. It is kind of strange but when I was in high school I would read only non-fiction books and now that I am an adult I can't get enough YA books. Strange how life works. :)

What's your favorite genre?

Let's talk about: Books about writing a YA book

I am still in the brainstorming phase of my book. Naturally my first thought was to find a book about it. :)

Here are two books that I found very helpful. If you are thinking about writing a book or in the process of writing, you should definitely check these books out.

Title: Writing Great Books for Young Adults
Author: Regina Brooks
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc. (September, 2009)
Paperback: 191 pages
ISBN: 9781402226618
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble

Title: Writing & Selling the YA Novel

Author: K.L Going

Publisher: Writers Digest Books (April, 2008)

Paperback: 250 pages

ISBN: 9781582975153

Available on: Amazon  | Barnes&Noble

Follow Friday #10

Follow Friday! Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee. It's a great way to meet new blogger friends!

This week featured blog is Nicky J Markus

Q: The magic book fairy pops out of your cereal box and says "you and your favorite character (from a book of course) can switch places!" Who are you going to switch with?

A: First of all, I would be a little hesitant because usually the toys in cereal boxes are not the best quality. I would hate for my wish to end up bad. As for character I would probably switch places with Lila from the Curse Workers by Holly Black. Of course I wouldn't want to be stuck as a cat but it would be interesting to live in their world. Being able to enter others dreams and being Cassel's love interest definitely sounds like fun to me.

If you are a new follower please leave a comment so that I can follow back. :)  

{Review}: Red Glove by Holly Black

Title: Red Glove
Author: Holly Black
Genre: YA Fiction
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry (April, 2011)
Hardcover: 325 pages
ISBN: 9781442403390
Source: Library
Available on: Amazon | Barnes&Noble | TheBookDepository

My Rating: 5/5

Description from GoodReads:

Curses and cons. Magic and the mob. In Cassel Sharpe's world, they go together. Cassel always thought he was an ordinary guy, until he realized his memories were being manipulated by his brothers. Now he knows the truth—he’s the most powerful curse worker around. A touch of his hand can transform anything—or anyone—into something else. 
That was how Lila, the girl he loved, became a white cat. Cassel was tricked into thinking he killed her, when actually he tried to save her. Now that she's human again, he should be overjoyed. Trouble is, Lila's been cursed to love him, a little gift from his emotion worker mom. And if Lila's love is as phony as Cassel's made-up memories, then he can't believe anything she says or does. 
When Cassel's oldest brother is murdered, the Feds recruit Cassel to help make sense of the only clue—crime-scene images of a woman in red gloves. But the mob is after Cassel too—they know how valuable he could be to them. Cassel is going to have to stay one step ahead of both sides just to survive. But where can he turn when he can't trust anyone—least of all, himself? 
Love is a curse and the con is the only answer in a game too dangerous to lose.

My Review:


Wow! I enjoyed White Cat but Red Glove was phenomenal. I am going to attempt to review this book without many spoilers about White Cat. I highly recommend reading this series if you have not.

Cassel has a crazy, fresh out of prison, mother who makes Lila, the girl he loves, fall in love with him. A brother who only gets along with Cassel because he was conned. He lives in a world where he has to hide who he is to attempt to live a normal life. Despite all, he is always trying to do whats right. Cassel always has to stay a step ahead of everyone or things could end up really bad for him and those he loves.

In Red Glove we get to see a little more about the worker world. A world where certain people have the power to erase memories, change luck, control dreams, manipulate emotions, transform objects and even kill with the touch of a finger. If you are looking for mystery, a little romance, and a book where you cannot guess the next twist in the plot then Red Glove is the book for you. I love books where I can't figure out what is going to happen next. I can't wait to read the next installment of the Curse Wokers.

Let's talk about: Judging a Blog by Its Cover

We have already discussed judging a book by its cover but how about blogs. 

This is a prompt from Jenny @ New Books for New Bloggers. 

Do you feel how your blog looks affects whether people follow you or not? Do you sometimes decide not to follow blogs that don't look a certain way to you?

When I was designing my blog I tried to make it easy to read and not over crowded. I lack the designing skills to make it look amazing so I focused on content. Do I feel it affects whether people follow me? Probably, because it doesn't look as professional as other well established blogs.

Do I decide not to follow blogs because of how they look? There has been a few blogs that I could not follow because of their disorganized design. For the most part, content is what I focus on when deciding to follow a blog. I usually read a few posts to see if it is a blog I want to keep up with and see if we have similar taste in books. Just like a cover of a book the design of a blog does affect the followers. I believe that a blog should be organized and designed to make reading easy and enjoyable. I usually do not follow blogs that are all over the place and cause my eyes to bleed as I try to decipher what they wrote. I know I probably shouldn't but I usually make the assumption that a clean, organized blog is created by a person that puts more time and care into it. I understand that people have different opinions about what is organized and clean but I can't help it. It just happens. I also have a problem with blogs with sounds in the background. Don't get me wrong, it's their blog and I understand if they want their favorite song playing in the background but to me it is distracting.

How about you, do you judge a blog by its cover?

Top Ten Tuesday (4) - Favorite Book Settings

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by the The Broke and the Bookish

1. Panem - The Hunger Games by Suzzane Collins

The Capitol, The Arena and the different districts. Obviously I don't want to participate because I would be the first tribute dead. I can't wait to see it in the upcoming movie.

2. Hogwarts - Harry Potter Series by J.K Rowling

Who wouldn't want to see this amazing castle.

3.  The Curse Workers by Holly Black

A world were people have to wear gloves to protect themselves from curse workers, people with abilities to kill, change emotions, and erase memory with a touch of a finger. 

4. The Seven Kingdoms- Graceling by Kristin Cashore

A world were people are born with different colored eyes that marks them as having graces, or unnatural ability for something.

5. Bon Temp - Sookie Stalkhouse Series by Charlaine Harris

A southern town   full of supernatural creatures. That for some strange reason are great looking.

6. Avalon-Wings Series by Aprilynn Pike

Fairies and flowers and Tamani. Need I say more?

7.   The 4 courts- Wicked Lovely Series by Melissa Marr

I would love to see the Summer, Winter, Dark and High Courts.  

8. Idris- The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

A city of glass where most of the shadow hunters live. 

9. Thornfield Hall- Jayne Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

A gothic place full of mystery.

10. Italy- Juliet by Anne Fortier

I have always loved Romeo and Juliet so I would love to see their Italy. Yes, I know it was a hard time to live in but I can't help but be intrigued by it.

What are your favorite book settings?