Cassie Clare Mega Giveaway!

A mega Cassie Clare books giveaway is going on at http://paperbackdolls.blogspot.com/2010/08/cassandra-clare-mega-giveaway.html
Up for grabs are signed copies of-
City Of Bones
City Of Ashes
City Of Glass
and
Clockwork Angel!!

Tempting enough? Wait! There is more!
Among the prizes are also A Viviane Hebel's Infernal Devices Clockwork Angel wings Necklace! The very same Tessa will be wearing in Clockwork Angel!
Viviane Hebel's Mortal Instruments warlock Magnus Bane rainbow cuff!
Viviane Hebel's Mortal Instrument Bookmarks! These babies are made from metal and are engraved with real TMI ruins!

I so insanely and desperately want to win this giveaway!!
Check it out at http://paperbackdolls.blogspot.com/2010/08/cassandra-clare-mega-giveaway.html

Win Radiance

Win a copy of Radiance by Alyson Noel at http://book-mac13.blogspot.com/2010/08/radiance-contest.html
I so want to win this giveaway! Have been waiting for Radiance for ages! Do enter the giveaway please...

Two awesome books Giveaway

Win copies of Eternal Ones and Infinite Days at http://book-mac13.blogspot.com/2010/08/august-contest.html
I would so love to win this giveaway! Go hurry! Enter the giveaway now!

Clockwork Angel giveaway

A chance to win Clockwork Angel at http://michellehodkin.blogspot.com/2010/08/this-contest-is-going-to-be-so-fast.html


And this is probably your last chance to get your hands on it before the book comes out on August 31st. Since the pub date is super soon, this contest is going to be SUPERFAST.

Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: Jem, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa.

As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

REVIEW:Sand In My Eyes by Christine Lemmon

SUMMARY:An older woman growing flowers, a younger woman caught up in the weeds, and the seasons of life.

Twenty years ago, Anna Hott thought she co ...more An older woman growing flowers, a younger woman caught up in the weeds, and the seasons of life.

Twenty years ago, Anna Hott thought she could control everything – her crumbling marriage, her demanding children, her hectic life – by quitting her high-paced job in New York City and moving her family to tranquil Sanibel Island, Florida. But she brought her untamed emotions, her rage toward her cheating husband, and her yearning to write a novel with her. When her husband and children left the house for a week, Anna thought at last she would get her household, her novel, and her mind in order. Instead, her elderly neighbor Fedelina Aurelio knocked on her door bearing flowers and homespun wisdom, and when Fedelina’s recently divorced son arrived, Anna had a test of passions and a test of truth. Now, at 56 with an empty nest, Anna Holt pulls out the incomplete manuscript she started that memorable week and – to find closure for her life and a conclusion for her novel – travels to Indiana to visit Fedelina who lives in a nursing home.

A novel framed within a novel, Sand in My Eyes is both a story about the tension between motherhood and personal dreams as well as a story about women across generations inspiring one another to let beauty persist despite ugly circumstances.

MY REVIEW:As you probably have already guessed that this is the first Adult Women’s fiction that I am reviewing on my blog.I had been reviewing Young Adult’s fiction so far.Sand In My Eyes came to me at a perfect time when I was craving for Adult Women’s fiction.It is a story about the toils and hardships of a woman in her mid-life,struggling with raising her children as well as coping with the infidelity of her husband.But this book does not just simply deal with the complications of marriage and motherhood but rather it shows how a woman realizes her dreams and ambitions despite all this.Sand In My Eyes inspired me.I found Cora’s letter extremely encouraging,soothing and inspiring.All the characters in the book are practical and realistic.The writing by itself is so powerful and yet so smooth that I was hooked to the book from the very first page.The writing could have been choppy,what with a number of layers to the story and also the narration flits between past and present,but it is surprisingly easy and lucid.The friendship between between Anna and Fedelina has been weaved most beautifully.This is simply the kind of book that will make you think and think hard,long after you have finished the book.I am so happy that I actually own this book and it is not a borrowed copy because I am sure I will be going back and reading it again and again.The book has a soothing and calming effect which I absolutely cherish.It is a beautiful book.The ending took me by surprise though.I did not imagine that one coming!I recommend this book to all those who have a liking for Adult Women’s fiction.

MY RATING:5/5

August Competitions

The Eclectic Reader is giving away awesome books at her blog for her August Competition.To enter head over to
http://teddyree-theeclecticreader.blogspot.com/2010/08/august-competition.html


Alaine is having her August competition and is giving away 1 book from a choice of three totally awesome books.Enter here
http://alainereading.blogspot.com/2010/08/august-competition.html

Contest alert:Lisa's August Contest

Lisa Desrochers is holding her August Competition on her blog.She is the author of the recently released Personal Demons!You can win a copy of her book signed by her!WOW!So head over right now to win a book from these freakin' awesome titles:

a signed Personal Demons ARC by her!
Freak Observer Blythe Woolston
Nevermore Kelly Creagh
Wildfire Run Dee Garretson
Paranormalcy Kiersten White

at
http://lisadesrochers.blogspot.com/2010/08/august-debut-contest.html

Michelle Hodkin is giving away awesome books!

Michelle Hodkin is giving away awesome books at
http://michellehodkin.blogspot.com/2010/08/whos-your-match.html
Up for grabs are these:
First, MATCHED
Second is I AM NUMBER FOUR

Third is LOW RED MOON
Fourth is DUST
...and more!

Win Nightshade at Frankie Writes

Frankie is giving away her ARC of Nightshade!*squees*So what are you waiting for?Enter right away!
http://frankiediane.blogspot.com/2010/08/nightshade-arc-giveaway.html

Reading Clean Spotlight:Paranormalcy

Reading Teen is giving away Paranormalcy by Kiersten White!So what are you waiting for?Head over there right now to join!
http://www.readingteen.net/2010/08/clean-read-spotlight-paranormalcy.html

Thanks!

Shannon's Epic Giveaway!

You have to check out Shannon's epic giveaway at http://ramblingsofawannabescribe.blogspot.com/2010/08/mega-epic-contest-of-awesome-part-one.html ! It is 'one of its kind'! Up for grabs are Pegasus,Matched,Virals,The Search for Wondla and The Kneebone Boy! Doesn't that sound just mega-awesome? You just cannot miss it! Go enter now!
And please mention me when you are entering. Please

REVIEW: Picture The Dead by Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown

SYNOPSIS: Jennie’s connection with her twin brother, Toby, grew stronger after he died in 1864. Now Jennie must rely on her ability to communicate with the dead to find out what has happened to her beloved fiance, Will, while he was off at war. The army says he died honorably in battle. His brother confides that he became a violent criminal and died in a prison camp. Jennie begins to doubt that anyone is telling her the truth.

This intriguing combination of historical romance, paranormal thriller, and clever mystery is illustrated by bestselling artist Lisa Brown. The unique visuals originated from real Civil War daguerreotypes that were transformed into eerie mementos for Jennie’s scrapbook.

With the help of a spiritualist photographer, the spirit of her dead fiance, and the clues she discovers and keeps in her scrapbook, Jennie must put together the pieces of this mystery before she loses her home, her fortune, and possibly her life.

-from Goodreads

MY REVIEW: Picture The Dead,written by Adele Griffin and illustrated by Lisa Brown,sketches a very realistic picture of the society during the American Civil War. The book intertwines the evil of war with interest in spiritualism. The bereaved families who had suffered the losses of their loved ones naturally sought for any and every method by which they could connect with their loved ones. And that many times meant searching for answers beyond the world,beyond the adamantine chains of life and death in the world. Thus came in spiritualism which proposed methods like séance to connect with those who had passed beyond the bounds and claims of the world. Photography,a recently developed and much popular art was much helpful with its tricks to create illusions of angels and ghosts so as to provide some or a little solace to the bereaved families who were ready to believe in anything and trust anyone if they could only have a glimpse of their lost beloveds.

Adele Griffin’s writing is absolutely brilliant. She successfully transported me to Jennie’s world and I smoothly sailed through the book,as if a close confidant to Jennie. Needless to say,I loved Jennie’s character. Though delicate and fragile,Jennie was extremely mature for her age and capable of enduring severe complexity of emotions which could break even the tried and tested ones. Solving the mysteries and putting together the pieces of puzzle with Jennie was a wonderful adventure. Adele Griffin also successfully and very interestingly also portrays the precarious position of women during those times,who had to depend on the male members in their lives if they were to live a respectable life. Jennie however empowers herself throughout the book and overcomes the restraints of the society as she finds a way to support herself at the end. Adele Griffin kept me hooked till the end. The twists and turns in the book were so intriguing. I could never guess what would come after and that for me was a delightful experience. The unpredictability of the book combined with the sinister atmosphere,made it a star for me,unlike anything I have ever read.

Lisa Brown’s illustrations were extremely interesting and Jennie’s scrapbook came alive due to her wonderful artwork. Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown worked together to architecture an innovative and mellifluous ride for us readers.

A magnanimous attempt to weave together literature and art,Picture The Dead for me is a phenomenal book replete with the right amount of mystery and romance,presenting to the readers a very living picture of the contemporary society. ‘Embrace the unexpected’ folks!

MY RATING: 5/5 undoubtedly! Grab your copies today!!

REVIEW:A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler

SYNOPSIS: Terrified that her mother, a schizophrenic and an artist, is a mirror that reflects her own future, sixteen-year-old Aura struggles with her overwhelming desires to both chase artistic pursuits and keep madness at bay.

As her mother sinks deeper into the darkness of mental illness, the hunger for a creative outlet keeps drawing Aura toward the depths of her own imagination—the shadows of make-believe that she finds frighteningly similar to her mother’s hallucinations.

Convinced that creative equals crazy, Aura shuns her art, and her life unravels in the process.

MY REVIEW: I don’t know how I am supposed to start writing a review for this book...to describe it in one word,I would say ‘WOW’!

To say ‘I loved A Blue So Dark’ would certainly be an understatement! Holly Schindler did a swell job on the book. From providing knowledge about schizophrenia to rooting the reader’s interest in the book from the very first page,Holly has been impeccable! From the synopsis itself,I was aware that A Blue So Dark is a different kind of book-a kind of book I am not used to reading or to be more precise,not used to liking. But Holly proved me so wrong. I not only liked it,but loved it! I can now undoubtedly say that A Blue So Dark is one of my all time favorites!
Aura(such a beautiful name) was a very loveable and relatable character. My heart went out to Aura(and her mother) as she tried single handedly to nurse her mother back to health with her love alone. Her father has long abandoned them and has moved on with a younger and prettier wife and now,even refuses to help Aura when her mother lapses into one of her ‘episodes’. Aura tries to juggle school,her mother,friend and crush at the same time but in vain. She at last has to break her promise to her mother and get her admitted into a mental hospital,something which she had sincerely avoided for a very long time. To be true,almost felt like shaking Aura and infusing some sense in her. She should have got her mother admitted to the hospital a long time ago. But her love for her mother and fear that she would be taken away from her(also her promise to her mother) kept her from doing so. But isn’t that how teenagers behave? Aura’s conflict between her passion for art and fear of it was also extremely touching. Though on one hand I felt a little tired of Aura’s lack of perspective,on the other hand I wanted to hug her and tell her that it will be all right. She was such a strong girl,a very courageous one,one a reader can’t help but admire.

The ‘episodes’ Grace lapses in gave me goosebumps. I really found myself with Aura in her efforts to reason with her mother and take care of her. The episodes were so vividly described,they were almost spooky!

Another thing I adored about the book was Aura’s poems. Her poems felt like a plunge into the depths of Aura’s emotions. The poems,beautifully written,gave me a deep insight into Aura’s every feeling and fear.

The book also deals with the issue of teenage pregnancy and the cons of it through the character of Aura’s best friend. Holly Schindler has been unique in the topics she choose to discuss in the book through the medium of YA. Her contribution to YA is huge. She is an awesome author!
Holly Schindler’s writing is beautiful,lyrical,poetic and almost magical. The strikingly beautiful writing was in sharp contrast for me to the mental illness the book proposed to discuss-and that is one thing I admire about this book. The way Holly has juxtaposed the much feared mental illness with her lyrical prose struck me as very interesting.

A Blue So Dark is a must read for everyone! I love this book! One of the best books I have read till date! You just can NOT miss out on this absolutely stunning book!


MY RATING: 10/5

REVIEW:The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

SUMMARY:Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. So she vows: no more. It's a personal choice. . .and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. And a...more Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. So she vows: no more. It's a personal choice. . .and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. And a few other girls are inspired. A movement is born: The Lonely Hearts Club (named after the band from Sgt. Pepper). Penny is suddenly known for her nondating ways . . . which is too bad, because there's this certain boy she can't help but like. . . .

MY REVIEW:First of all I really felt that the title of the book is very catchy. I really liked the name of the book and also the Beatles’ reference. The protagonist is named Penny Lane but the Beatles’ reference does not stop at this.The book is light,easy and a fun read. I enjoyed the beginning of the book but I as I progressed,disappointment set in. There were a few flaws in the book. I felt Penny was confused and quite a boring sort of character.Even her friends,Tracy and Diane were pretty tame characters.Everyone and everything in the book was honey-dripping sweet.There was never a high point in the book.Sure there were nice points but never a high point for me.

But what I like about the book is the message that Elizabeth Eulberg is trying to get across to the young readers-to be the girls that they are and not try and change themselves for guys with their ever-changing whims and fancies.I also appreciate the female bonding that the author showed in the book and Penny and the rest of The Lonely Hearts Club supporting each other,sticking with each other through all the rough patches.Also Eulberg mentions how we should be strong enough to pursue our dreams and pursue something just for the heck of it.

The Lonely Hearts Club is a nice,light,quick,fun read which made me smile quite often.I love the cover of the book and the many Beatles’ references.But it disappointed me too because of the lame characters,non-existing high point and sugar-coated characters and situations.

MY RATING: 3.5/5

Sara's ARC contest!

Sara is giving away awesome ARCs on her blog.They are such awesome ones that you would not want to miss!Here's a list of what's up for grabs...

1.Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
2.Firelight by Sophie Jordan
3.Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
4.Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
4.Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers
5.The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
6.Torment by Lauren Kate

I am leaving the link to enter this awesome contest HERE.

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!