Pages

Monday 31 October 2011

Upcoming The Frankincense Trail Blog Tour

 
Over November 1st-10th, The Frankincense Trail by Jody Kihara will be touring the blogosphere.  I adored this one, an Arabian Nights era book that just took me back in time!
 
Anyway, besides the blog tour, Jody (the author) will be holding a massive giveaway on her Facebook Page.  She will give away 5 Copies!! of The Frankincense Trail, the winners being able to choose between print or digital copies.  For more information, go to Jody's FB Page!
 
And if you want more information go to The Frankincense Trail Website, or to buy the book to read yourself, go to either Amazon or Barnes and Noble.
 
Now, this bit has got to be one of the coolest things ever...  At the end of the blog tour, there's going to be a massive Twitter-View, or a Twitter Interview.  To go check it out, follow either @ladystorm33 or @JodyKihara, or type in #TFT.  I, for one, can't wait to see how that one turns out!
 
Holding this tour is Lightning Book Promotions, who also have some other pretty good tours coming up.  So keep an eye out!  :D
 
TFT book trailer (I am including this in case you want to add it to your review, but you don't have too.)
 
 
 
Here's the lineup!  :D
 
        2nd Freda @ Freda's Voice
        3rd Jude @ In between Writing and Reading
        4th Jennifer @ Fictitious Musing
        5th Orchid @ The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia
        6th Stormi @ Books, Movies, Reviews. Oh my!
        7th Mary @ Sweeping Me
        8th Jennifer G @ Can't Put It Down
        9th Laura @ Library of Clean Reads
       10th Megan @ The Book Addicted Girl

Weekly Round-Up (#6)

So, I've decided to create a little meme to show all reviews I've done this week, all memes posted, reviews coming up, etc.  I hope it's useful or makes everything easier to find.  :)


I'm quite impressed by what I got up to this week.  I think I did pretty good.  :D  Anyway, this is what I did...

Book Reviews:
Memes:

Extras:
A Spooky Giveaway
Upcoming Review:
Kill All Enemies by Melvin Burgess

 

Sunday 30 October 2011

Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Publisher: Egmont
Format: Paperback
Published: 6th June 2011
Number of Pages: 228
Book: Bought
Genre: Realistic-Fiction, Paranormal, Romance, Mystery, Contempory, YA
Recommended Age: 11+
Contains: Kissing, Mild Swearing
No Alcohol, Drug References
Author's Website: Cat Patrick

Here’s the thing about me: I can see the future in flashes, like memories.  But my past is a blank.
I remember what I’ll wear tomorrow, and an argument that won’t happen until this afternoon.  But I don’t know what I ate for dinner last night.  I get by with the help of notes, my mom and my best friend Jamie, and the system works…
Until now.  Everything’s falling apart.
Jamie’s going off the rails.
My mom is lying to me.
And I can’t see the boy I adore in my future.
But today, I love him.  And I never want to forget how much…


Forgotten                                                                   Review:
London Lane gets up, foe to school, hangs out, just like a normal girl.  But what makes London different is that, every night at 4:33am, her memory resets itself.  She can’t remember her past, only her future.  She just about manages to get through each day.  Until it all starts to collapse around her.  Suddenly, the ones she trust the most are lying or falling to pieces.  In fact, even London isn’t telling herself the truth.  And the boy she loves… she doesn’t remember him.  Which means he isn’t in her future.  Or that, one day, he will do something to hurt her…  But right now, right at this moment?  London loves him more than she thought was possible.  And then a memory emerges that changes her world forever…
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked this book up.  Definitely not the emotional rollercoaster, the epic love story, the intriguing mystery and the wonderfully strong characters.  It was just a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful story that had me in its grip from start to finish.  And once I’d finished, all I wanted to do was pick it back up and read it again.
ForgottenLondon Lane was someone I just instantly liked.  She knew so much, had so much to deal with.  She could see all the worst things, and she had to cope with it all.  And, God, I felt so sorry for her.  Even better: She was funny.  In a wonderfully snarky way.  And she had this habit of looking at shoes and guessing who was wearing them, something I found way too cute.  London had a worryingly active imagination, and was very clever.  This helped, ‘cause she was also scheming, a real evil genius.  But, what really hit me about London was that, if she had to remember something –wanted to remember something – painful, she had to re-remember it over and over.  Every.single.morning. How could do that?  She was just so strong, choosing to remember some things.  I know I would have taken the cowards’ route and forgotten…
Luke was sweet.  He seemed like he kinda wanted to avoid attention and was a little awkward at first.  And he was interested in ears – something that made me go: “Um.  Ooookkk.”  But he was just so cute!  He adored his family, his little sisters, and he was really romantic, cute, gorgeous. And he really loved London, so much.  I loved him! 
Jamie Connor, London’s best friend.  She was sweet and super protective towards London.  But why, why, why didn’t she listen to London?! 
London’s Mom was great, helping London deal with everything.  She was the perfect mother – supportive and completely devoted to her daughter.
I just loved the whole future-seeing thing: it was intriguing.  I did drive myself half mad by wondering why London was as she was.  A strange psychological quirk?  Or just plain psychic…ness?  And the way London got to fall in love over and over and over again?  So new and incredible.  So beautiful.  It was just such a perfect love story.  Plus, I think the two of them were just too cute!
I loved every moment of Forgotten.  I was completely thrown by the twists in the plot, glued to the page with suspense.  I adored the light romantic side – the one that was way too sweet to be real.  And I loved how it was written: London’s POV, present tense, with London’s notes, used to remember.  The writing was just beautiful; raw and emotional, wonderfully lyrical, full of suspense and love.  It was just perfect.  And: sequel potential – I am so, so, so hoping for a sequel!  I’m not ready to let these characters go!

Star Rating:
4½ Out of 5



Read this book if you liked:
Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson
If I Stay by Gayle Forman


Challenges It's Taking Part In:
Megan
Happy Reading

In My Mailbox (#34)

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren.  It's a perfect way to see who's reading and review what.  Awesome! 



I may have - ah-hem - neglected my IMM last week.  I was all tired, and just couldn't force myself to do one: still don't feel great and am currently hating all winter bugs.  But, I have had an awesome two weeks!  Last week I got a package with the gorgwous dragon book below - one I am seriously excited about.  And this Friday - another package!  It was a box, done up with gorgeous butterfly tape, and was from Sammee, I Want To Read That, so thank you, thank you, thank you!  Anyhoo, this is what I got...
For Review:

Yoshiko and the Gift of Charms (The Land of Dragor)Ignite (Midnight Fire Series)

Yoshiko and the Gift of Charms (The Land of Dragor, Book One) by Julia Suzuki (Goodreads | Amazon)
Here Be Dragons
I am so excited about this one!  The author was described as "the next JK", so I'm double excited!  And, c'mon!  Who doesn't love dragons?  Plus, the hardback copy I recieved is just beautiful.  Thank you to Steve Brookes/Sociabull for sending it to me!
Ignite (Midnight Fire Series, Book One) by Kaitlyn Davis (Goodreads | Amazon)
A very spooky-looking read here!  Again, very excited!  Thanks Julia!
Bloomsbury Children's Books New Titles: January - June 2012
This is a little catalogue with all of Bloomsbury's upcoming childrens/YA books in.  From pages 18-37, I am fairly certain I want, well, everything! ;)


A Gift!:

Daughter of Smoke and BoneIn the Sea there are CrocodilesThis Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein

Daughter of Smoke and Bones (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Book One) by Laini Taylor (Goodreads | Amazon)
The Doors To The Elsewhere Are Closing
From the first time I saw this book, I wanted it!  So when Sammee (I Want To Read That) offered it to me, as she had 3 copies, I just jumped at the chance!  I am so so so excited about it!  Thank you Sammee!!!
In the Sea there Are Crocodiles by Fabio Geda  (Goodreads | Amazon)
The True Story of Enaiatollah Akbari
This has been on one of my favourite websites (Red House) for ages, and I kept meaning to buy it.  Little did I know that Sammee would also send me a copy of this as well!  Again, thank you!!
This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel (Goodreads | Amazon)
The Apprenticeship Of Victor Frankenstein
Now, who doesn't love Frankenstein?  And The Dark Endeavor just sounds fantastic!  Thank you again Sammee!!




Bought:

Heist SocietyThe Scorpio RacesBeautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicles, #1)

Heist Society (Heist Society, Book One) by Ally Carter (Goodreads | Amazon)
I adored the first of Ally's other series: The Gallagher Girls, and so just couldn't resist buying this as it was on Buy-One-Get-One-For-£1!  Plus: super theif heroine?  Should be awesome!!
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Steifvater (Goodreads | Amazon)
Again, it was on Buy-One-Get-One-For-£1 and I couldn't resist.  Linger is one of my favourite books, and so I just had to buy this one!  Plus, how gorgeous is this cover?!
Beautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicles, Book One) by Kami Garcia (Goodreads | Amazon)
Is Falling In Love The Beginning....
Or The End?
I've wanted this one for ageees.  So I - obviously - had to buy it!  It looks amazing!


Well, that's me!  I did pretty good over the past two week!  I did get some NetGalley books too, but I can't be bothered to add them!  I am feeling lazy!  ;)

What was in your mailbox this week?

Saturday 29 October 2011

On My Wishlist (#18)

On My Wishlist is an awesome weekly meme hosted by Book Chick City that runs every Saturday.  It's a place where you can put up all the books you're desperate to read, but haven't actually bought them yet.  They can be old, new or forthcoming.    And, even better, everyone can join in with too, because there's a Mr Linky so you can put your post up.  All you have to do is click on the link below:

I am hoping for two books this week.  When I find the funds, I am sure they will pop up on an IMM!  Anyhoo, this is what I'm wishing for...

Cherry Crush (The Chocolate Box Girls, #1)Cherry Crush
Series: The Chocolate Box Girls, Book One
By: Cathy Cassidy
Published: 3rd October 2011
Published By: Indigo
Found: On Redhouse
Synopsis From Goodreads:
Cherry Costello's life is about to change forever. She and Dad are moving to Somerset where a new mum and a bunch of brand-new sisters await. And on Cherry's first day there she meets Shay Fletcher; with suntanned skin and sea-green eyes he's the kind of boy who should carry a government health warning.
After reading Marshmallow Skye (see my review: here), I've been left desperate for more Cassidy!  I soo badly want this one now!  I just loved the whole Chocolate side of the story, and I want to know the backstory!  Plus, how cute is that cover?!  :D
Bleeding Hearts (Drake Chronicles)Bleeding Hearts
Series: Drake Chronicles, Book Four
By: Alyxandra Harvey
Published: 5th3rd October 2011
Published By: Bloomsbury
Found: On Goodreads
Synopsis From Goodreads:
Lucy's cousin Christabel has come to live in Violet Hill, and adjusting to the difference between life in a small mountain town and her home in the city is difficult enough. The strict curfew that Lucy's parents enforce is the worst part. Something really dangerous couldn't possibly happen in this tiny town. But Christabel has noticed some mysterious happenings, and it seems like Lucy, her boyfriend Nicholas and his brother Connor are all in on a secret that Christabel doesn't understand - one that seems deadly serious. Although she won't admit it, Christabel would love to be in on any secret with Connor Drake. But after Christabel is kidnapped by the ruthless Hel-Blar vampires, Lucy and Connor finally fill her in on all the undead drama. Together, they must find a way to stamp out the Hel-Blar for good.
Ohh, how I love this series!   I love all those Drake boys, and I need more Lucy and Nicholas!  I must, must, must buy this one - ASAP!!
Well, those are the ones I'm a-wishing for.
What's on your wishlist this week?

Friday 28 October 2011

Marshmallow Skye by Cathy Cassidy

Series: The Chocolate Box Girls, Book Two
Publisher: Puffin
Format: Hardcover
Published: 1st September 2011
Number of Pages: 256
Book: For Review From Penguin*
Genre: Realistic-Fiction, Chick-Lit, Humour, Coming-of-Age, Ghosty, Children’s-YA-Crossover, YA
Recommended Age: 9+
Contains: Nothing Unsuitable
No Alcohol, Drug References
Author's Website: Cathy Cassidy

The Chocolate Box Girls
Each sister has a different story to tell, which one will be your favourite?
Skye
Wavy blonde hair, blue eyes, smiley, individual, eccentric, kind…

Skye and Summer Tanberry are identical twins, and Skye loves her sister Summer more than anyone else in the world.  They do everything together, but lately Skye’s been feeling like second-best – it’s the story of her life.  And when her friend Alfie confesses he’s fallen for Summer, not her, it hurts.
Skye wants to be her own person, but with an effortlessly cool twin, how can she?  Will Skye ever step out of Summer’s shadow and find her own chance to shine?


                                                                   Review:
Skye Tanberry feels like she’s constantly living in her identical twin’s shadow.  Skye loves Summer more than anything… But she’s tired of feeling second best, like a mirror girl.  So when Skye finds a trunk full of beautiful old clothes, belonging to a long-dead relative, she sees an opportunity to be different.  Only, when she tries the dresses on, she has dreams.  Dreams that feel real.  Dreams in which she doesn’t feel herself…  Dreams in which she is Clara Travers, her dead relative, dead by suicide….  And then she finds herself falling in love with an equally long-dead gypsy boy – a boy who probably is just a figment of her imagination…  But is he?  After all, Clara did love a young gypsy boy…
Marshmallow Skye was a beautiful, heart-warming, chocolate-filled story about finding yourself – with a scrummy side of an impossible romance, a tragic death, finding freedom – whether from a cage or your family – and a wonderful supernatural twist.  And I was lift feeling all warm and squidgy inside – much like the namesake sweeties, marshmallows.  I loved this book.  I’m now desperate for Cherry Crush and Book Three.  Whoever’s story it may be, I know – I know – it will be fantastic.  (Fingers crossed for Honey, by-the-way.)  Plus… Too Cute!
Skye Tanberry was wonderful, rather mature and really sweet.  I just instantly fell in love with her voice, her kindness, how devoted she was to her twin.  She was addicted to history, something I loved – plus her fashion sense was awesome: history inspired!  She was kind of a realist, but she was so supportive and caring.  But poor Skye felt like she was living in Summer’s shadow, like she was second best and always would be.  How wonderful she thought her twin was just ate away her confidence.  She was sometimes jealous of Summer – I mean, she felt like the “shadow twin”, useless and dull compared to Summer.  I felt so sorry for her.  Because she wasn’t.  She was wonderful.  I loved Skye! 
Her twin Summer was quiet, confident and addicted to ballet.  She was also a real feminist – woman power means that boys and romance equals trouble.  But she wasn’t nearly as supportive of Skye as Skye was for her.  She just didn’t understand that some things were as important to Skye as ballet was to her.  I think she thought that identical twins were identical in all ways, and she struggled when she realises that wasn’t true.  At one point, I wanted to just yell at Summer and shake her, like: “can’t you see how much you are hurting Skye?!”  But then, she just changed in my eyes.  I love characters that do that – that become so strong you just can never tell where they’re going. 
Skye and Summer were identical twins.  The first thing they did when they were born was hold hands (how cute?).  They finished one another’s sentences, felt what the other felt.  But recently, everything had changed.  It had always been “we”; now there was “you” and “me”.  It was so interesting seeing how the twin whole twin-thing works and how their relationship developed,
The rest of the sisters were vastly different from one another – each felt like they had their own distinct personality.  Fourteen-year-old Honey, who used to be the “coolest sister” ever, but since the whole Cherry-Shay and Dad-moving-to-Australia, had been “off the rails”.  Even though she wasn’t always ‘likeable’, I really liked how she said what she thought.  Cherry Costello, the new sister, was really sweet and really worried about fitting it.  Cherry was super smart and wise and cool.  I loved her!  Eleven-year-old Coco was cute: all hyper and rather funny.  She was really excitable, bouncy, cheerful, and full of life.  Plus: animal mad – I like this kid!
Finally, Alfie Anderso: the class clown – cheerful, a joker, who played – bad – practical jokes.  Gotta give it to the boy: he was darn determined.  Stubborn bordering on stupidity.  And he was so, so cute – and hilarious!  Love him! 
The whole story was just wonderfully writing.  It really felt like a teen – I could feel Skye, if that makes any sense.  Sometimes it did feel a little formal.  But, in my opinion, that was Skye.  She wasn’t your average teen.  She’s special and unique and the writing was her.  It was so beautiful.  And I just loved the supernatural aspects to the story.  The dreams of Skye’s: ghostly memories or the imaginings of an overactive imagination?  Either way, so cool and really interesting.  Personally?  Leanin’ towards the paranormal.  Call me a Mulder but… some of the things?  Real spooky and way too coincidental…
I have no clue what it was, but I was addicted to Marshmallow Skye.  I didn’t want to put it down.  It was heart-warming, sad, hauntingly beautiful, perfect and super moreish.  It didn’t have me on the edge of my seat; I wasn’t scared out of my mind.  It was a sweet, 100% addictive story, with some pretty great psychological suspense woven in there, that had just left me wanting more Cathy, more Skye, Summer, Cherry…  I can see why Cassidy is a “Queen of Teen”.
P.S. I loved the little pictures at the start of each chapter.  So cute, and really pretty!


Star Rating:
4½ Out of 5



Read this book if you liked:
Cherry Crush by Cassie Cassidy (Or Anything By Cassidy, Really)
My Sister Jodie by Jacqueline Wilson
Afterlife by Tamsyn Murray


Challenges It's Taking Part In:
Happy Reading
Megan
* This book was received from Penguin in exchange for an honest review