Guest Post: BRENDA PANDOS!

Brenda Pandos,the author of the absolutely amazing paranormal YA, The Emerald Talisman interviews herself in a guest post on my blog today! Such an honor to have her! Read on to find more about this wonderful author!

1. Quick! Describe The Emerald Talisman in seven words or less!

Fast-paced rollercoaster paranormal romance with a twist!

2. Okay, so how about a bit more. What's your novel The Emerald Talisman about?

After running out of gas in the evening, Julia decides to walk home through the woods and ends up running from a blood-thirsty stalker. She trips, falls, and plummets down a cliff face all to be rescued by the beguiling Nicholas, who may not be entirely mortal. But just as quickly as he appears in her life, he disappears – until Julia needs rescuing again. Once students begin to disappear, including a close friend, Julia realizes what’s causing the epidemic. But a chance encounter with a psychic informs her she alone is the key to stopping the madness, but it may require Nicholas’ life.

3. Who is your main character and what makes them unique?

Julia Parker, a sixteen-year-old high school Junior, has the unique ability to read other’s emotions. This gift presents a challenge since she’s constantly around her hormonally charged and insecure classmates, leaving her mentally exhausted. When she encounters her first vampire, the ability becomes a great asset to alert her of danger. It also helps her figure out who to trust and ultimately love.

4. What inspired this novel?

The lemons of my life inspired this novel. My oldest son, three at the time, was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder while I was pregnant with his little brother. Next to cancer, this news was just about the worst thing ever. So, after Aaron was born, we embarked on a 35-hour-a-week therapy schedule and my home became a train station of tutors. I craved a meaningful escape.

I’m a hopeless romantic and as a tween I forever pretended to be in peril so some handsome guy would come to my rescue. (Patrick Swayze in North and South rescuing Madelyn comes to mind.) Louis in Interview with a Vampire developed my love for the anguishing vampire (Buffy and Angel too). I originally didn’t want to write a vampire story, but nothing seemed as exciting to write about.

5. Your protagonist has a very unique ability. Name one unusual talent you already have, and one superpower you'd like to have.

I’m not sure if I have an unusual talent, but The Emerald Talisman was my first attempt at writing a novel. My prior life was being an IT administrator for about 250 users and I’m currently a web-designer as well as a writer. As far as superpowers, I’d love the ability to pause time. Of course, I’d probably keep aging while the world stands still allowing me to sleep, finish chores or clients sites, and write. I just never get to sleep long enough and my youngest is still getting up at least once a night.

Thank you so much Brenda! It was a real pleasure having you here.

LEMNISCATE cover revealed!

Jennifer Murgia recently revealed the cover of Lemniscate,the sequel to Angel Star(I loved the book!!)! Yay!
Here's the synopsis for Lemniscate(so can't wait to read it!):-

For Teagan, these last few months have been heaven on earth—especially now that Garreth, her boyfriend and guardian angel, is earthbound. But perhaps Garreth is becoming a little more “human” than either of them expected.
Now, Teagan must realize that her world is once again about to shift, as she questions the faith she held in others against those once considered enemies.
In this continuation of Angel Star, Lemniscate will draw you even deeper into the world of dark and light as Teagan realizes the angel who could possibly save them all is the one angel she feared the most. (taken from Jennifer's site)


You can visit Jennifer's website for more information on her books.

REVIEW:The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos

SYNOPSIS: Grade 9 Up - To be normal, sixteen-year-old Julia Parker would shed her empathic gift in a second. Life has been difficult since her mother's mysterious disappearance ten years earlier - an event she witnessed, but can't remember. Julia's situation becomes more complicated after a near death experience from a blood thirsty stalker. As high school students go missing it is clear there is a connection to her own experience--past and present. Someone has to stop the madness and a chance encounter with a creepy psychic foretells that only Julia is the key to stopping the madness, but it may require the life of the one she loves.

MY REVIEW: The Emerald Talisman was an amazing,intriguing and captivating book. I was totally hooked onto the book from the very first page and found myself wanting for more at the end.

The Emerald Talisman sucked me into the world of Julia and Nicholas and kept me on the edge,wanting to know more and more about them! I loved the way the book began with a discussion between a group of teenagers during recess on a normal school day. The transition from a world of normalcy into a paranormal world was very interesting.

Julia’s character was a very interesting portrayal of a teenager. Her character for me,went from wise to silly to maturity. She was in the beginning wise and not one to fall for guys easily or make rash decisions,unlike most other teenage girls. However,when she meets Nicholas for the first time,she is gripped by a compelling feeling of love and a strong emotions towards him. It is love at first sight. She knows that it isn’t wise to fall for a guy without knowing anything about him but some things are beyond the human control.

However,when she doesn’t get the desired reciprocation,she debates with herself and decides to forget him and move on. I like the fact that she debates and discusses with herself before taking any decision. But as Fate would have it,unknown to Julia,she is a vampire magnet(oops!) and somehow finds ways,unconsciously,to draw vampires towards herself. And here comes in Nicholas,a vampire hunter. (He was oh-so-hot!!) Nicholas was a very likeable character-dark,brooding and mysterious,any girl would want him as a protector and guardian! Nicholas’ presence in Julia’s life has a very strong effect on her and though Julia behaves in irrational ways sometimes at the beginning of their relationship,she matures at the end.

The secondary characters were also very well sketched out. Phil,for one was a very interesting character. Brenda Pandos shows the transitions in a normal teenage boy when he has been ‘vampirised’ in a very skillful manner giving attention to every detail. I also loved Julia’s relationships with her father and brother.

The Emerald Talisman is a superbly written fast paced book that is sure to enchant all. The book involves a perfect blend of romance,action,paranormal and relationships. Twilight fans or not(like me),you are sure to enjoy this book! Though the ending satisfied me well,I want to read more about Julia and Nicholas and their world! Cant wait for the sequel! I highly recommend this book!

MY RATING: 5/5

Author Interview: DANIELLE JOSEPH!

Today I have with me the amazing author of Shrinking Violet and Indigo Blues-Danielle Joseph! Thank you so much for doing this interview!
Where and how did the plot of Indigo Blues strike you?

After listening to the song, Hey There Delilah by the Plain White T's countless amounts of time, I thought what it would be like to suddenly become famous because someone wrote a song about you. From there Adam and Indigo were born.

Since Indigo Blues so largely revolves around a band,which is your
favorite band/song?

I don't have a favorite but some of my favorite musicians and bands are: Bob Marley, Wyclef, Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Cure.

If Indigo Blues is made into a movie(congrats!),whom will you cast in the roles of Indigo and Adam?

That woul be awesome! Well, I just saw the Sorcerer's Apprentice yesteray and just loved Jay Baruchel and Teresa Palmer so I think I'd steal them!

How difficult was the path of publishing? How does it feel to see your name printed on book covers? How excited are you about the release of Indigo Blues?

Publishing is not for those that are easily discouraged. I enjoyed the journey but I definitely worked hard to get here! I am very happy to see my name on the covers of my books and I was super excited when Indigo Blues released!

Disclose a secret/your most embarrassing moment for us!

I just disclosed on another interview that I split my pants skateboaring once in high school. That was pretty embarrassing since there were a bunch of my guy friends with us.

Words of advice to budding authors.

Follow your heart. Write for yourself and never give up!

Tell us about Pure Red(so excited about it!).

Thanks! Pure Red is the story of the daughter of a locally famous Miami artist. She gives herself one summer to find her passion, overcome her mother's death and snag her dad's hot apprentice.

--

Danielle Joseph

Shrinking Violet, MTV/Pocket Books
Indigo Blues, Flux (July 1, 2010)

Pure Red, Flux (Fall 2011)

www.daniellejoseph.com

Linna's Gorgeous giveaway!

Linna is giving away hot titles for her giveaway! The titles are CLOCKWORK ANGEL, PARANORMALCY, DELIRIUM, LINGER, FIRELIGHT, THE IVY and LINGER!
These are all ARCs....so what are you waiting for?Head over to her blog at

http://21pages.x10hosting.com/2010/07/arc-giveaway-clockwork-angel-paranormalcy-and-more/

and enter!

REVIEW: Angel Star by Jennifer Murgia

SYNOPSIS: Seventeen-year-old Teagan McNeel falls for captivating Garreth Adams and soon discovers that her crush has an eight-point star etched into the palm of his right hand-the mark of an angel.

But where there is light, dark follows, and she and Garreth suddenly find themselves vulnerable to a dark angel's malicious plan that could threaten not only her life, but the lives of everyone she knows, and now, she is torn between one angel's sacrifice and another angel's vicious ambition.

Divinely woven together, Angel Star takes readers on a reflective journey when one angel's sacrifice collides with another angel's vicious ambition in a way that is sure to have readers searching for their own willpower.

REVIEW: This is a book I have totally and completely fallen in love with. I kept telling my sister and friends- You got to read this book! You got to read this book!- until it made them mad! LOL!

Angel Star is a book that will draw you in from the very first page and preoccupy your mind and sort of even monitor your actions(you may spill the milk while thinking about it,lose track of what you are otherwise talking about and only want to wander in your Angel Star world,etc) until you are finished with it!

Jennifer Murgia has most skillfully united the worlds of mythology,fiction,fantasy,fact and the Holy Bible. Her extensive research has made the book even more interesting to read,easier to love and more delectable to devour! She has written a brilliant novel-one that will stay with you for a long time.

I loved the characters of Teagan,Garreth and Hadrian. The transformation in Teagan is dealt with carefully and with a lot of care. Garreth is such a calming presence in the book. Hadrian is a more complex character,but so effortless in his charms! Generally preferring the ‘good’,Jennifer Murgia had the power to sway even me towards the ‘dark’ side with her writing! I was torn between Garreth and Hadrian. Now I know how difficult it must have been and is going to be for Teagan! *empathizes*

Another thing I must mention is the relationship between Teagan and her mother. I adored the mother-daughter bond. So deep,loving and caring. I rarely read about such a bond in YAs. It’s more about neglecting mothers and abused and tortured daughters! *not a fan*

The book will take you through such a glorious journey replete with bullying,love,action,romance and surprises,that you will be praying for more and more. I certainly felt a void in me after I was done with the book! I agree that Angel Star ends with a cliffhanger but its one which for once,didn’t bother me much. Firstly,I want to read more and more of Jennifer Murgia and secondly,the book granted me an extremely satisfactory ending. Its an ending which will leave you complete and incomplete,wanting for more.

Get over Patch! There are two hotter,sexier and more mysterious and more gorgeous angels waiting for you in Angel Star. Go grab your copies today! Read it! You can never be disappointed with this one. I am totally and completely smitten! I so cant wait to read the sequel Lemniscate! 2011 is ages away!! :(

MY RATING: 10/5 :)

*off to dream about Garreth and Hadrian*

REVIEW: The Julian Game by Adele Griffin

SYNOPSIS: New girl Raye Archer is desperate for a way into the In crowd, so when ice-queen Ella Parker chooses her to get back at her ex, the gorgeous Julian Kilgarry, Raye is more than game. Even if it means creating a fake Facebook identity as “Elizabeth” so that she can learn enough about Julian to sabotage him. While a fun and dangerous thrill at first, what Raye hadn’t counted on was falling for Julian herself—and igniting Ella’s rage.

As Raye works to reconcile the temptress Elizabeth with her real-life self, Ella serves up her own revenge. Now it’s Raye who falls victim, as Ella creates an online smear campaign of nasty rumors and trashy photographs. Suddenly notorious, Raye has to find a way out of the web of deceit that she’s helped to build, and back to the relationships that matter.

Adele Griffin’s riveting novel explores the issues of generation Facebook: the desire to be someone else, real versus online friends, and the pitfalls and fallouts of posting your personal life online for all the world to judge.

-from Goodreads

MY REVIEW:
Note:This review is based off on an ARC I was blessed enough to receive from Adele Griffin(THANK YOU SO MUCH!!). Publishing Date: August 26th 2010

OK..I don’t usually start my reviews discussing about the book cover but I have to make an exception in this case. I L.O.V.E. the cover of The Julian Game. Could go on raving about it till eternity! It’s gorgeous-so simple,unique,striking and chic!

Now onto the book. The Julian Game is a book I enjoyed a lot. It presents to the readers the dangers of social networking and the harm that can be caused using such public forums like Facebook by malicious teens out to seek revenge! The book showed to me the psyche of teens nowadays who don’t scruple to extract revenge even in the most horrible way possible!

What I most loved about the book is the friendship between Raye and Natalya. Raye is the weaker among the two and it is interesting to read how Tal guides her throughout the story. Tal can go to any extent if it can guarantee a better life,free from bullies,for her friend. Raye and Natalya are like each other’s alter egos-they understand each other’s every emotion and problems. Raye strengthened and matured somewhat towards the end of the book.

The issue of bullying has been most deftly dealt with in the book along with the pathetic attempts of Raye to go to any extent just to grab the attention of the school’s most popular girl,Ella. Sometimes I felt that Raye would even cut herself up if Ella commanded her to. But the problem of teens without backbones is very common now. How many times have we seen,heard of or met teens who would lie,suffer silently and even manipulate just so they could mingle with the popular crowd?! Also,Raye got so pathetic around Julian,no matter what happened! I almost felt like screaming “Get a life girl!” But I am so glad that Adele showed what is true of many teens now. Please girls,there is a life beyond guys! Have the courage to ditch that awful casanova dude even if you have had a crush on him for an unbearably long time! It will buy you happiness in the long run! I really wish all teens read this book and learn for themselves and to stand up for themselves even if it means you are standing alone!

Easy,fast and interesting,The Julian Game taught me a lot of things and kept me hooked till the end. I loved this book!

MY RATING: 4.5/5

Book REVIEW: The Alpha Bet by Stephanie Hale

I was prepared to do just about anything to go from geek to Greek.

Some teenagers use drugs or sex to escape overbearing parents. I used books. All m

...more

SYNOPSIS: I was prepared to do just about anything to go from geek to Greek.

Some teenagers use drugs or sex to escape overbearing parents. I used books. All my life my mother has been hovering over me, afraid to let me experience ANYTHING. So I got really good grades, graduated from high school when I was sixteen, and escaped to a new life—my own life—at college.

To jump-start my social life, I decided to rush the Alphas, the most exclusive sorority on campus. And that's when things started to get complicated.
One of the Alphas invoked the Alpha Bet, a super-secret set of alphabetical tasks that have to be completed for a sister's bid to become active. Now, completing the tasks of the Alpha Bet has taken over my life. And one of the tasks involves deceiving my roommate and only real friend, Jentry.

Can you spell B-E-T-R-A-Y-A-L?

REVIEW: Grace Kelly or GK graduated from high school at sixteen and starts attending her college. She is very excited about it because she will now be able to break away from the clutches of her overprotective mother. It is here, in the college of her dreams, does she decide to turn geek to Greek and she is determined to do anything to become Greek, even to the extent of telling a huge lie. She rushes the Alphas, gets selected(after lying) but in order to become a sister she has to complete a number of tasks. Enter the bets.

I really loved the bets. I felt that the bets were the highlight of the book. They were so much fun and I had a blast reading them. They were so interesting and creative! But sadly the rest of the book was not-so-good. I did not like GK’s character at all. She kept on whining throughout the book. She put the blame for her own lack of personality on her mother(though she later realizes her mistake). She was so confused. I understand that she is a teenager and teens are generally confused but she was a little too much to bear. I like that everyone is sweet in the book but again they are too sweet. Her best friend, the Alphas,her boyfriend…they were all so sweet. I liked her relationship with her best friend-they were so loyal to each other-but their friendship sort of sprouted out of the blue moon! I was not satisfied with the ending of the book. Seemed a little silly and improbable to me. I really wanted the author to concentrate more on the bets. I wanted to read more of them. But the plot kept meandering. What could have been the most gorgeous summer read turned out to be a mediocre one.

But I will not totally trash the book. It was a pretty cute and fast read. Just that it could have done better.

MY RATING: 3/5

Author Interview: JENNIFER MURGIA!

Today I have with me the wonderful author of ANGEL STAR! She is an amazing human being and I am so glad I had the great luck to connect with her.
Taken from 'Author Bio' from her site http://www.jennifermurgia.com/
"Jennifer Murgia has been writing since she was nine years old. After receiving recognition for her poetry, she went on to use her talents to bring characters to life in fiction novels that are authentic, intriguing, and personal. She currently resides in Pennsylvania with her husband and two children. "


Moving onto the interview(THANK YOU so much Jennifer!)...

Describe Angel Star in 5 words.

~Girl and Guardian battle darkness.

From where did the idea of Angel Star pop into your head?

~The idea struck me late one night two summers ago. I was playing around with the idea of unconditional love and immediately I thought of a guardian angel and the story branched out from there.

What are the best and worst parts of being an author?

~ The best parts are of course being able to sit down and create a whole new world with amazing characters in it, and do it without others raising an eyebrow that I make up stories all day in my head! I’ve also met some incredible people since Angel Star was released – other YA authors, bloggers, fans!

I would say that the worst part is reading a review from someone who didn’t quite connect with the story. It’s going to happen, not every book can satisfy.

What kind of research did you do to write the book?

~ Well of course the story is fiction, so much of it came from me, but I did do some research to lend some plausibility to my plot. I did a lot of online research and read a few books on the mythology of angels and the octagram symbol, then I took it all and meshed it together as best as I could to fit it in to my story.

Teagan is such an unusual and lovely name.How did you light upon this name?

~ Honestly, I heard it somewhere and it struck me as pretty and unusual. I sort of kept it filed away in my head for a use someday and then when I began writing Angel Star, voila!

My favorite question-Do you have a writing ritual?

~ Yes I do! I happen to write best during the early morning with my coffee of course. Then I take a break, edit what I wrote earlier and begin again with more coffee, maybe a candle, maybe some incense….

Quickies!!-

Favorite book(this one is really difficult)

~A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray (but The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfeld and The Blood Confession by Alisa M. Libby take runner up)

Favorite band(again difficult)

~Breaking Benjamin

Tea or coffee?

~ coffee but I do enjoy tea

Angels or Demons?

~angels

Vampires or werewolves?

~ both

Reading or Writing?

~ is this a trick question?

Any advice to the budding authors out there?

~ Write your story for yourself – don’t think about who you’re writing for yet, who’s going to buy it, who you’re going to submit the story to …. Do it for yourself. If you clog up your head about all the what-if’s then you’re writing for someone else – and enjoy it!

How important is it for an author to have a strong web presence?

~Very important! You need to create a means for others to find you and your work. It’s a frustrating thing to Google someone and come up empty especially if they have a book out so making yourself accessible is smart.

What next can we expect from you?

~ Lemniscate, the sequel to Angel Star will be released March 21, 2011 by Lands Atlantic Publishing.

Grab your copies of Angel Star today! I so can't wait for Lemniscate too!

Michelle Hodkin: Win The Replacement and DUFF!

You have a great opportunity to win The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff and also DUFF by Kody Keplinger at http://michellehodkin.blogspot.com/2010/07/you-want-replacement-by-brenna-yovanoff.html!!

These are two books I have been dying to read! I so badly want to win this giveaway!
You cant miss the chance either! Go enter now!

INTERVIEW: Hannah Moskowitz

Today I have with me the awesome author of Break and Invincible Summer, Hannah Moskowitz. Her book, Invincible Summer is due on April 19th, 2011 but everyone is so eagerly anticipating it already!!! I am so glad that she could fit in the interview in her busy schedule. Thanks so much Hannah! I truly had a blast while doing this interview!

1. Tell us something about your forthcoming novel The Invincible Summer in a poem of four lines!

I am hideously hideously horrible at poetry.

When he is fourteen, Chase plays warrior in the sand.
When he is fifteen, he falls into bed with his biggest problem.
When he is sixteen, he dives into philosophy.
On his seventeenth birthday, he breaks his world.

2. Invincible Summer or Break-which was more interesting/challenging to write?

Invincible Summer was absolutely more interesting. It's more
(though obviously not entirely) autobiographical than Break, so I got
to delve into some of my memories and stuff I loved (like Camus) in a
new way. Break was probably harder only because Invincible Summer was
one of the easiest books I've ever written.

3. Did you have any say in the creation of the cover of Invincible Summer(which I love BTW!)?

Not really. My editor asked if I had some suggestions, and I did,
but they all sucked. So I can't take any credit for the final version.

4. What else do you love to do except writing?

I'm very, very fond of television. I've decided I'm at the point
where I can stop being embarrassed and start considering myself myself
some kind of connoisseur. I love movies, too. I sing. I was a drama
keep in high school. My boyfriend wants to be a chef, so he takes me
out to some very nice restaurants sometimes. But really, nothing very
interesting. My characters live much more fascinating lives than I do.

5. What are some of your favorite books/novels?

I'm almost scared to start listing because I know I'll leave
something out, but I love Sins of the Fathers by Chris Lynch, My
Heartbeat by Garret Freymann-Weyr, It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned
Vizzini, The Boyfriend List series by E. Lockhart, The Year of Secret
Assignments by Jaclyn Moriarty, The Hotel New Hampshire by John Irving
(which was a major source of inspiration for Invincible Summer), Will
Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan, The Casson
family series by Hilary McKay, A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway,
The Kiss of the Spider Woman by Manuel Puig, Love is the Higher Law by
David Levithan, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky,
Looking for Alaska by John Green, Maybe by Brent Runyon. A million
more.

6. The hottest/sexiest literary male? What would you do and say if you met him?

Noel in E. Lockhart's The Boyfriend List series. I'd just want to
write notes with him like Roo does.

7. Do you want to experiment with any other genre? Like paranormal or dystopian?

I do some magical realism, but I'm not sure I'm ever going to do
straight-up speculative fiction. I don't know. We'll see. I don't want
to rule anything out.

8. Why did you choose YA as a medium to execute your ideas?

YA and MG are my favorite genres, by far, because your readers are
smart and they know what they want. And I think adult novels can, a
lot of times, get bogged down in unnecessary details and backstory. YA
and MG just want your story, raw, and I love that. You just have to
bring it. You can't hide behind anything.

9. What are you working on currently?

Nothing! I'm having No-Write July. I need a break this month. I
just finished edits on a YA, and I'll probably start another MG soon.

10. Any parting words of wisdom?

Keep plowing on. Always.

Invincible Summer is being released by Simon Pulse on April 19th,2011. Watch out for it!

REVIEW:The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells

SYNOPSIS: "Sometimes I still wake up shivering in the early hours of the morning, drowning in dreams of being out there in the ocean that summer, of looking up at the moon and feeling as invisible and free as a fish. But I'm jumping ahead, and to tell the story right I have to go back to the very beginning. To a place called Indigo Beach. To a boy with pale skin that glowed against the dark waves. To the start of something neither of us could have predicted, and which would mark us forever, making everything that came after and before seem like it belonged to another life.

My name is Mia Gordon: I was sixteen years old, and I remember everything...."

After getting dumped by her boyfriend, Mia is looking forward to spending a relaxing summer in the Hamptons with her glamorous cousins. But when she arrives she find her cousins distant, moody, and caught up with a fast crowd. Mia finds herself lonelier than ever, until she meets her next-door-neighbor, Simon Ross. And from the very first time he encourages her to go skinny dipping, she's caught in a current impossible to resist.

Timeless in feel, The Summer of Skinny-Dipping is a poignant, literary coming-of-age romance that will live on long after summer has ended.

-From Goodreads

MY REVIEW: This is a book I will recommend to readers of all ages. I am particularly fond of summer romance novels and beach reads. The Summer Of Skinny Dipping surely tops my list of delectable beach reads!

Why everyone should read The Summer Of Skinny Dipping?

1) This book is not only a book about summer romance but is so much more. This is a book about family,relationships,friendship,romance,heartbreaks,love,loss,epiphany and so many other things!

2) It traces the journey of the MC as she grows in maturity and fortitude. But it also shows the development in the secondary characters. The book shows a parallel development of every character,contributing skillfully to the growth of the novel as a whole.

3) The book above all teaches us that life is transient and so it must be led to the fullest. Happiness once achieved must be guarded as it is such a fragile abstraction. The book very beautifully expounds the philosophy of carpe diem.

4) However the book propagates against a rash approach to life. On one hand it tells us to enjoy life but on the other it tells us to be cautious and sensible. One should not be reckless but should be easy going and fun-loving-a very sensible and useful advice according to me.

5) The book is full of surprises,pleasant and unpleasant. I love books which have the potential to surprise a reader. Banality and predictability do not go very well with me. I love this book because it was ‘filled with unexpected surprises’! Along with Mia,I learned to distinguish between what I thought was true and what is actually true,between appearance and reality and also that ‘all that glitters is not gold’!

6) The book taught me to dream,to believe in those dreams and to stand up for them against all adversities and find ways to fulfill them.

7) The extremely relateable characters. i could connect with the feelings and emotions of each and every character. I was practically with Mia on her journey which was an incredible feeling. Also,Amanda Howells beach descriptions are so beautiful,precise and graphic,that I actually found myself walking on them with the characters!

This book is a great read! Go pick your copy today!! Heart breaking and beautiful,this is a perfect companion for readers of all ages and seasons! Can't wait to read whatever Amanda Howells churns up next!

MY RATING: 5/5

REVIEW: Invisible Girl by Mary Hanlon Stone

SYNOPSIS: When poor Boston girl Stephanie is abandoned by her abusive mother and taken in by Annie’s Beverly Hills family, she feels anything but home. Her dark complexion and accent stick out like a sore thumb in the golden-hued world of blondes and extravagance. These are girls who seem to live life in fastforward, while Stephanie is stuck on pause. Yet when a new rival moves to town, threatening Annie’s queen-bee status, Stephanie finds herself taking sides in a battle she never even knew existed, and that feeling invisible is a wound that can only be healed by standing up for who she is.

Brilliant newcomer Mary Hanlon Stone delivers a compulsively readable insider’s view of growing up in a world where money and privilege don’t always glitter.

REVIEW: I love how the story begins. It has a strong and direct impact on the readers. The reader is immediately thrown into the abused and tortured world of Stephanie and feels her emotions through her. I was immediately pulled into Stephanie’s world of chaos,loneliness and fears. I almost had goosebumps while reading the first chapter!

Mary Hanlon Stone does a great job in portraying Stephanie’s feelings and voices her thoughts in a way that made my heart go out to her.

Naturally when Stephanie is removed from her home and transported to Beverly Hills,she reacts in a certain kind of way. She wants to fit in. She wants to be loved. She wants to be a part of a ‘normal’ family,have ‘normal’ doting parents. She wants to be a part of a group of rich and popular kids. But in her efforts to achieve all this for herself,she actually messes up everything.

However,Stephanie grows in maturity and becomes more sensible at the end of the book. She learns to stand up for herself,her own thoughts,beliefs and learns to voice her opinions not considering the fact that she might be ousted from the ‘elite clique’ if she does so.

I liked this book a lot. It shows in a very poignant,sensitive way the angst of a teenager and the issue of a drinker and neglecting mother. Every teenage girl does not have a drinker mother but can surely relate to Stephanie’s problems. Her desperate attempts to fit in,inability to distinguish between reality and superficiality and inability to make decisions for herself at the beginning are some things that I think every teenager has gone through and will for the ages to come. This book had me thinking for a long time after I was done with it. Certainly a great read!

MY RATING: 4.5/5

Interview: Tera Lynn Childs!!

Today I have with me the most awesome author of Oh. My. Gods. ,Goddess Boot Camp and the recent Forgive My Fins! Yeah you guessed it right! It's Tera Lynn Childs! I am so excited to have her on my blog!



Why did you choose to write about mermaids among so many other paranormal creatures?

I'm a water baby, and I've wanted to be a mermaid since I was a little girl. But I didn't specifically decide to write about mermaids. I didn't think, "Oh, I want to write about mermaids." I was sitting on a beach, wishing I could be a mermaid, when the premise for Forgive My Fins came to me.

Mermaids(Forgive My Fins) or Greek Mythology(Oh. My. Gods.)?Which was more interesting/challenging to write about?

Hmmm, I think mermaids are harder. For the Greek gods, it was just a matter of adding a little magic to ordinary humans, giving them some supernatural powers. For the mermaids, I had to not only imagine what would be weird/different for a mermaid living on land, but also think about what a mer kingdom would really be like. I had to create an entire world instead of just adapting the one I live in.

Why choose to name your protagonist of Forgive My Fins,Lily?

I wanted her name to have some sort of water significance, a little exotic while still being fairly human sounding. I named her Waterlily (partly because I love Monet's Water Lilies) because they are a water flower and she could go by Lily while on land.

What later plans do you have for Lily?

She's getting a sequel next summer called Fins Are Forever. The story starts just a few days after Forgive My Fins. And, as anyone who's read the epilogue knows, Lily's bratty cousin Dosinia plays a big part. After that? We'll have to wait and see.

Quickies:

If you were given a chance to indulge in a water sport,what would it be? Swimming
If you were to meet a handsome merboy,you would... Make sure he was nice and then kiss him before he could change his mind
Favorite color? Turquoise
Favorite quote- The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter--it's the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning. ~ Mark Twain

Favorite food- Avocado
Favorite animal- My dog Daisy

Finally,a word of advice for all aspiring authors please.
Read as much as you can, write as much as you can, become an observer of life, and finish the book!

-TLC

Oh. My. Gods. and Goddess Boot Camp (Greek gods are more than myth!)

Forgive My Fins (What happens when a mermaid kisses a human?)

A Most Improper Magick book trailer

Check out the amazing trailer of A Most Improper Magick by Stephanie Burgis! I am so excited about this MG book!! But the worst part of it all is that the book doesn't release till 2011!! Have to please myself now with the video only!! Check it out! Quick!

WINNER of CSN Giveaway!!

And the WINNER chosen by random.org is....




Cheryl!!

Congrats! Please get back to me within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen. Thank you all so much for all your support!

Some Books I Am Dying To Read(and their STELLAR BOOK TRAILERS!)

I love the trailer of SHADOW HILLS by Anastasia Hopcus! The way the pictures have been put together one after another just makes the trailer more perfect for me. The shift from a colorless world to a world filled with the color,only to sink again in a dark world of monocolor is extremely striking! Here's the trailer. See and judge for yourself. I am sure there is no one who will not love it!






You just cannot miss the trailer of THE EMERALD TALISMAN by Brenda Pandos! It's mesmerising how the trailer begins with great waves crashing into the waters. For me,it kinda foretells the crashing of the world of 'normalcy'... I love the way the colors are used in the trailer...it well highlights the change from a world of darkness into a very busy one. But the crowd and the hullabaloo seems to me even more perfect to highlight the loneliness and poignancy of the situation. The music is also so haunting. The Check out this trailer guys:






I love the trailer of ANGEL STAR by Jennifer Murgia because it is takes me into a world so serene and soothing. It makes me want to believe in guardian angels and that there is light in a world of darkness. The change from the clear blue skies to one overcast with clouds is so ominous! The short and simple trailer speaks volumes. See for yourself!





Finally,THE DARK DIVINE by Bree Despain trailer. Though I am waiting for it's sequel The Lost Saint,the trailer of The Dark Divine is one that I can see again and again. I know I have posted this once,but I would like to do it again because its awesome!








What are some books that you cant wait for or have for long wanted to read? I would also love to of know any book trailer that you find amazing!

Review: The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

SYNOPSIS: Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life—and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey’s boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie’s own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they’re the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can’t collide without the whole wide world exploding.

This remarkable debut is perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Francesca Lia Block. Just as much a celebration of love as it is a portrait of loss, Lennie’s struggle to sort her own melody out of the noise around her is always honest, often hilarious, and ultimately unforgettable.

REVIEW: I am yet to read a book as heart rendering and profound on one hand and magical and fun on the other hand as The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson! Though on the cover it says that the target readers are YA,the implications of the story are too profound to be restricted to a particular age group. The book is meant for younger(above 17 in my opinion) and older readers alike.

Lennie’s grief at losing her only sister and friend Bailey has been so beautifully captured in the book,that I had tears in my eyes and a smile on my face together at the same time throughout the book…is that even possible?! Bailey vents out her grief through writing. She writes little poems,scraps of conversation,and jots down little incidents from her memories on whatever she gets-paper cups,branches of trees,crumpled paper,etc. These little notes,she believes will reach Bailey someday. This was so beautifully pathetic. Lennie finds her sole companion in grief in Toby,Bailey’s boyfriend and they,due to the mutual grief they share,get into a complicated relationship. I personally felt that it was not like they wanted each other as much as they wanted to fill up the void that Bailey left by diverting their minds to sex as a casual and passionate alternative to the passionate grief they felt. And people do have their own different ways of handling with loneliness,may it be drinks,drugs or seeking comfort in someone whom ethically they should not have got involved with. So I guess I was not much offended by Toby and Lennie’s relationship though it certainly felt wrong.

Joe brought a fresh air into the story everytime he appeared! His charm,honesty,sincerity,his passion for music and love for Lennie got across to me so well through the pages of the book that I myself fell in love with him instantly!

Jandy Nelson doesn’t need any extraneous aid,nor any dramatic interjections to evoke a motley emotions in her readers. She has written a story which is perfect in every sphere and with which every person can connect and empathize. It is the best respite for someone who has lost a loved one. Every living human should read this book! I love Jandy Nelson’s writing. She has captured my heart with this very beautiful and heartbreaking tale of tragedy and romance.

Shadow Hills Contest of Awesomeness!!

A chance to win Shadow Hills at Anastasia Hopcus's blog here- http://www.hopcusblog.com/news-and-events/2010/7/1/finished-copies-contest.html

Also check out the awesome Shadow Hills trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIE370HpfrE&feature=youtu.be&a
I love it!!!

And OMG! You get a chance to read an excerpt of the first chapter of Shadow Hills here- http://www.scribd.com/doc/28991037/Shadow-Hills-CH1
It's so interesting!

I have been interviewed!(+GIVEAWAY update)

Trisha,the awesome blogger of Trisha's Book Blog has interviewed me for her regular Tuesday feature Book Blogger Tuesday! Please check it out here- http://trishasbookshelf.blogspot.com/2010/07/book-blogger-tuesday-bookaholic.html
She has the most amazing blog!

Also,my $40 CSN Gift Card giveaway is still on. It will end on the 8th of July. U.S. and Canadian bloggers are most welcome to enter! You can buy anything from CSN from any of their stores! Please enter here- http://bookaholicsoye.blogspot.com/2010/06/csn-40-gc-giveaway.html

Author Interview: Wendy Toliver!

Today I have with me the immensely talented WENDY TOLIVER,author of fun novels like Miss Match and The Secret Life Of A Teenage Siren and the recent edgy novel Lifted !! Yay! I loved Lifted(review below this post) and her answers were absolutely great to read through!






Lifted deals with a very unique theme…that of the psychology of a girl who shoplifts. How did the idea come to you?
I was watching a show on TV about how shoplifting is a huge problem, especially with teens, and thought it would make an interesting topic for a book. Most people have either shoplifted themselves, have been tempted to try it, or know someone who has, so I think it's something we can all relate to. I knew it would be a difficult topic and require quite a bit of research, but I was up for the challenge.


What kind of research did you do for Lifted?
I read a lot about addiction and realized that the emotions are very similar whether people are addicted to gambling, alcohol, sex, drugs, or shoplifting. One of the closest comparisons is being addicted to adrenaline rushes, like firefighters sometimes become, for example, and shoplifting. I also had to research the techniques people use to shoplift,which included casual interviews with people I know as well as how-to's posted on the internet. As you can imagine, I couldn't shoplift something in the name of research! :) Other things I researched were laws (for example, what would happen legally to a minor who's caught shoplifting?), private Baptist high schools, and details of the East Texas setting. Though Pleasant Acres is fictional, I based it on a couple of East Texas towns I'm familiar with because some of my family lives there.

Poppy’s clique influences her heavily… were you ever influenced by any clique?
Not so much, but I do recall a phase in 7th grade when I thought I was a "head banger" and wore ripped, bleached jeans, long earrings, and black eyeliner, ha ha!

Did you consciously set out to write about an edgy topic?
Yes. I loved writing both of my Simon Pulse Romantic Comedies (The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren and Miss Match), which have been described as "sweet" and "fun," but I wanted to try my hand at something grittier. I wanted to challenge myself, as well as (hopefully) give my readers something to think about and talk about long after they finish reading it.

Suppose Lifted was to become a movie (Congratulations!) whom would you cast as Poppy Browne and David Hillcrest (I loved him!)?
I think AnnaSophia Robb would make a great Poppy, and as for David (I'm so glad you loved him! Me too!), how about Logan Lerman, who plays Percy Jackson in "The Lightning Thief" movie?

Does your mood affect your writing?
I definitely have creative highs, when I just can't type fast enough (and I'm a fast typer!) to get everything onto the page. And if I'm tired I tend to just stare at my computer screen. However, whether I'm happy or sad doesn't really affect my writing because once I'm into my story, I leave those moods behind me.

What are you currently working on?
I have a couple of paranormal ideas and a middle grade fairy tale idea but they're still in the very beginning stages.

Finally…what message do you want the teens to draw from Lifted?
I believe there are quite a few different messages that can be drawn from Lifted, but one that is broad and very important in my opinion is that everybody makes mistakes, and it's up to you (and no one else) to get back up, dust off your rear, and become the person you want to be.


Wendy Toliver
Author of Teen Fiction
visit me at www.wendytoliver.com

REVIEW: Lifted by Wendy Toliver

SYNOPSIS: Poppy Browne had never stolen anything in her life before moving to Pleasant Acres and meeting Mary Jane and Whitney. But when Poppy walks out of the mall with her two new friends and her first pair of stolen jeans, she’s hooked.
Before long, Poppy is lifting whenever she gets the urge- it’s never about the merchandise, it’s always about thrill. But when her secret gets out, the girls in Poppy’s clique turn on one another. As she watches her life collapse around her, Poppy must decide where her loyalties lie…and how far she’ll go to protect herself.


REVIEW: Lifted is one of the most thought provoking books that I have read in the recent past. It’s a beautiful book. The protagonist Poppy is a most likeable character. She is fun, independent, smart, a no-nonsense character and I could easily connect with her. The first person narrative is so fluid that I could almost get into Poppy’s head. The book in based on a very serious issue of shoplifting. Poppy and her friends just shoplifts because of the excitement and fun that they get out of it and not because they really need to.
Wendy Toliver writes about a subject that is rarely written about and she treats it in a most realistic manner. I loved the way in which Poppy feels about shoplifting. First she is thrilled about it and then, after doing it feels terribly guilty about it .Toliver also questions about the difference between appearance and reality and the real definition of the term ‘good’. She even deals with peer pressure and how easily we succumb to it. All these things were treated in the most interesting manner and I loved every bit of the book. Even Poppy’s relationship with her professor mother has been sketched beautifully. What I really like is that there is no high drama in their relationship and her mom behaves in the most rational manner when she gets to know about her bad habit.
Lifted is a book about decisions,choices,the lure of evil and the ramifications of it. It is a coming-of-age book where the protagonist has to make decisions (and of course she struggles with them) about doing the right things and any teenager will be able to relate with the character. Toliver re-instills in me the fact that there is forgiveness once one realizes the mistakes that he or she has made. I loved every single page of the book and can’t wait for Wendy Toliver’s next book!

My Rating:5/5 because it was unique,interesting,surprising and thought provoking at the same time.

REVIEW: Feeling Sorry For Celia by Jacyln Moriarty

SYNOPSIS: Life is pretty complicated for Elizabeth Clarry. Her best friend Celia keeps disappearing, her absent father suddenly reappears, and her communication with her mother consists entirely of wacky notes left on the fridge. On top of everything else, because her English teacher wants to rekindle the "Joy of the Envelope," a Complete and Utter Stranger knows more about Elizabeth than anyone else.
But Elizabeth is on the verge of some major changes. She may lose her best friend, find a wonderful new friend, kiss the sexiest guy alive, and run in a marathon.
So much can happen in the time it takes to write a letter...


REVIEW: This is my first Jacyln Moriarty book and I must admit that she has totally touched my heart with it. I also have a soft spot for epistolary novels and thus the narrative style of the book was an added bonus. With many e-mails and letters, I was almost living in the minds of the characters, which made the book so much more interesting.
This was Jacyln Moriarty’s very first book and no wonder she had captured so many hearts with it! It is undoubtedly the best book I have read in till now in this year. I am yet to read another sweet and simple tale of friendship as this. I loved the friendship between Elizabeth and Christina!
An interesting tale of Elizabeth Clarry trying to figure out the various changing relationships in her life, Feeling Sorry For Celia combines joy and sadness in a poignant way. Moriarty’s writing made the book so much fun. She has incredible panache in her writing. She so incredibly and smoothly combined issues like teenage sex, pangs of first love, teenage friendship and impulsive teen attitude with clever narrative in this beautiful tale of friendship.
I recommend this book highly. It’s for everyone-teens and older readers alike. This is a great way to relive your teens. I could totally connect with Elizabeth and her emotions(or rather the changing emotions towards her relations).You cannot miss out on this book! It’s a great summer read! If I were an author, I would have surely wished that I had written a book like this!

My Rating: 5/5

The Dark Divine Book Trailer!!

Okay people....The Dark Divine Book Trailer is out!!! And here is the trailer...So PLAY ON!!




Plus Bree is giving away the sequel of The Dark Divine and lots of other books!!So head over to her blog for more fun!

Win E-reader

You can win an E-reader at http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com/2010/05/here-we-go-again.html

So go ahead and enter and if you first see this giveaway on my blog can you please say 'bookaholic' sent you?