Waiting on Wednesday (2)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. About what books you can't wait to get your hands on. 

Both the UK and US covers!!

Release Date: July 12 2011

Authors: P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

The first in an enthralling new mini-series of novellas from the #1 bestselling authors of the House of Night, Dragon's Oath tells the story behind the House of Night's formidable fencing instructor- the love that will transform him, and the Promise that will haunt him. In early 19th century England, long before he's a professor at the Tulsa House of Night, Bryan Lankford is a troublesome yet talented human teen who thinks he can get away with anything....

Until his father, a wealthy nobleman, has finally had enough, and banishes him to America. When Bryan is Marked on the docks and given the choice between the London House of Night and the dragon-prowled ship to America he chooses the Dragon- and a brand new fate. Becoming a fledgling may be exciting, but it opens a door to a dangerous world.....

In 1830's St. Louis the Gateway to the west, Dragon Lankford becomes a Sword Master, and soon realizes there are both frightening challenges and beautiful perks. Like Anastasia, the captivating young Professor of Spells and Rituals at the Tower Grave House of Night, who really should have nothing to do with a fledgling....

But when a dark power threatens, Dragon is caught in its focus. Though his uncanny fighting skills make him a powerful fledgling. Is he strong enough to ward off evil, while protecting Anastasia as well? Will his choices save her- or destroy them all.

--Barnes & Nobel Description

I am really looking forward to this book. I have read all of the House of Night books, and I am so happy that P. C. Cast has decided to do this mini-series to give us the back ground of all the characters we only briefly know. Super excited for its release which isn't that far away, and can't wait to see who will be next in the series.

Twilight: The Graphic Novel Volume 1 :

Twilight The Graphic Novel Vol. 1 :
 By Stephenie Meyer; Art and Adaptation by Young Kim

Release Date: March 16 2010
Publisher: Yen Press
Reading Level: Young Adult
Pages: 224
Type: Hardcover
Source: Bought

When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring, Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts. Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret.......
--Amazon Description

Ok so everyone has heard about Twilight, and if you haven't, you must have been living under a rock. The story is amazing! A relatable main character, forbidden love, romance, werewolves and vampires what else could you want? Twilight is the book and series that made me fall back in love with books, and especially YA. If you haven't read the series it's a must! (I mean it! You must go out right now, after you read this, and read it!)

Anyway, this isn't about the book, but about the graphic novel vol. 1. I absolutely love this book. Young Kim is an amazing, amazing, did I say amazing artist. I love the fact that most of it is in black and white with a little color in places. The meadow scene is especially beautiful and colorful. Young Kim just captured the characters' beauty and uniqueness, and brings them to life in his illustrations. The Twilight Graphic Novel Vol. 1 is a unique way to read and enjoy the story, and it is a must have for any twilight fan.

-Overall Rating: A+

The Twilight Graphic Novel Volume 2 comes out

October 11, 2011

These covers are just amazing, and look how the two go together to complete the picture of Bella and Edward in the meadow. AMAZING!!!

I would also like to mention that I love the facet that many of my favorite authors' books are being adapted to graphic novels. I love this because you can enjoy your favorite books again in illustrated form.

A Few That Have Came Out or Are Coming Out:

 - True Blood Vol. 1: All Together Now- David Tischman (Out Now)

- Hush, Hush Graphic Novel- Becca Fitzpatrick (Oct. 18 2011 -Amazon date)

- Blue Bloods Graphic Novel- Melissa de la Cruz (Aug. 21 2012 -Amazon date)

Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs

 

Release Date:  June 1, 2010
Publisher:  Katherine Tegen Books
Reading Level:  Young Adult
Pages:  293
Type:  Hardcover
Source:  Library checkout

Lily Sanderson has a secret, and it's not that she has a huge crush on gorgeous swimming god Brody Bennett, who makes her heart beat flipper-fast. Unrequited love is hard enough when you're a normal teenage girl, but when you're half human, half mermaid, like Lily, there's no such thing as a simple crush.

Lily's mermaid identity is a secret that can't get out, since she's not just any mermaid- she's a Thalassinian princess. When Lily found out three years ago that her mother was actually a human, she finally realized why she didn't feel quite at home in Thalassinia, and she's been living on land and going to Seaview High School ever since, hoping to find where she truly belongs. Sure, land has its problems- like her obnoxious biker-boy neighbor Quince Fletcher- but it has that once major perk, Brody. The problem is, mermaids aren't really the casual dating type- the instant they "bond" it's for life.

When Lily's attempt to win Brody's love leads to a tsunami- sized case of mistaken identity, she is in for a tidal wave of relationship drama, and she finds out quick as a tailfin flick, that happily ever after never sails quite smoothly as you planned.

--Inside Sleeve Description

Move over Ariel! There is a new mer-princess in town !!
Ok so this is the first book about mermaids I have read since I was real little, and I was totally missing out. This book was so vivid in its imagery I could picture myself in Thalassinia. I love how Tera Lynn Childs' mind works. She came up with this whole other world and way of life down to every detail. Even a whole other language with fishy terminology!

At first the fishy terminology was a little much, and it took me a little while to really get into the story, but once I did I couldn't put it down. As I was reading though I was yelling at Lily the whole time. She is so blind and naive I wanted to slap her! Ok not really, she's sweet, but she drove me crazy. She is in love with this guy named Brody, and has been for three years. He is one of the reasons she is on land in the first place. However, he doesn’t even notice her; not really, not until she acts like she is with someone else. I was like he is not worth your love or your devotion!

Then there's Quince, ok so he drives her crazy, and is at times annoying, but he gives her attention. Sometimes to much attention, and don't boys pick on girls they like? Plus love is supposed to drive you crazy. Its supposed to rile you up, and be passionate. She is just to blind to see what's in front of her. Ok so I'm a little bias towards Quince. He reminds me a lot of my husband; blonde hair, blue eyes, is cocky and annoying, and I totally love him! To be honest I hated him at first. He drove me nuts in high school.

All in all Lily is forced to face the truth when a kiss changes her world completely. I was still yelling at her right up to the end. In the end, things work out for the best. Not quiet the ending I was hoping for, but it is a good one. Looking forward to what comes next in Fins are Forever. Release Date: June 28th 2011

Overall Rating: B

In My Mailbox (2)

In my mailbox is a weekly post hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren about what new books we got this week.

From the Library:

-Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson; Read by Mandy Siegfried    

 (audio book)

Bought:

-Frannie in Pieces by Delia Ephron (From Library for $1 !!!)

-Witches of East End by Melissa de la Cruz

(From Barnes & Noble)

-My Blood Approves by Amanda Hocking

(Downloaded e-book on Nook)

-Daimon (The Prequel to Half-Blood) by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Downloaded e-book on Nook)
-The Forest of Adventures by Katie M. John
 (Downloaded e-book on Nook) (YAY!!)

Savory Saturday (2)

A meal in honor of Summer Love!!!!

Summer Steaks, Rosemary Garlic Potatoes, and Fresh Broccoli:

(Got recipe from Ucrop's which is now Martins)

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lb boneless NY strip steaks
• 12oz. fresh broccoli florets
• 1 lemon (for juice)
• 2 teaspoons roasted garlic
• 1 (20oz.) pk. refrigerated red potato wedges
• 1/2 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup Italian dressing with cheese
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 4 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon Montreal Steak seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
• Large zip lock bag
• 1 sheet aluminum foil

Steaks:

• Preheat grill.
• Combine Italian dressing, worcesterhire sauce, and dried rosemary in zip lock bag; shake to mix.
• Add steaks (wash hands), seal tightly and knead bag to coat steaks.
• Let stand 10-20 mins.
• Place steaks on grill, closed grill. (wash hands)
• Grill 4-7 mins. on each side or until internal temp. is 145 degrees F.
• Slice steaks or cut into portions and serve.

Potatoes:

• Preheat grill.
• Combine olive oil, rosemary, montreal steak seasoning, and roasted garlic in large bowl.
• Spoon potatos into center of bowl; mix together.
• Spoon potatos into center of foil; bring up foil sides, then double fold top and ends to seal the package.
• Grill 20-25 mins; turning  once, or until potatos are tender when pierced with fork.
• Serve with steaks.

Broccoli:

• Break broccoli into bite size pieces.
• Place in microwave safe bowl.
• Add water, cover, and microwave on HIGH for 4 mins.
• Stirring once or until desired tenderness.
• Drain, squeeze juice of one-half lemon over broccoli.
• Stir and season with salt and butter.

(You can use a bag of broccoli steamers, to save time if you want, works just the same.)

I recommend salad and bread with olive oil and parm dip for starters, and something chocolate for dessert !!!!!

TGIF and Weekly Recap:

TGIF is hosted by Ginger at Greads. Its bout recapping on what we posted for the week and also asking our readers a book related question. The question posted by Ginger today is?

Summer Love: Where is your Ideal place to take a vacation and get lost in a book?

I would have to pick Sarasota Florida.
I know, not that exotic, but I haven't had the pleasure to go many places yet. I went to Maui, Hawaii once, but it was when I was real little. Sarasota Florida is my favorite beach in Florida. White sands, clear waters, diving for sand dollars right of the shore line, and if you get hungry there are shops and food in walking distance. I recommend eating at Little Italy a cute little Italian place. It was amazing. I would just set up my umbrella and chair or a towel and lay on the beach, smelling like coconut suntan lotion, reading for hours with the ocean waves as my back ground music. HEAVEN!!!
O how I miss Florida. I would love to go somewhere in the Caribbean though or even back to Hawaii to enjoy it more, but when I think of my favorite place so far it is there in Sarasota Florida.

Monday:  Need by Carrie Jones, Read by Julia Whelan Review
Tuesday:   Witches of East End by Melissa Marr Release!!
Wednesday:  Waiting on Wednesday: Forever by Maggie Stiefvater
Thursday:   Mercy by Rebecca Lim Review      and                  Diversify your reading Summer Challenge.

Diversify Your Reading!!!

This Summer they are challenging readers to read books that feature different worlds, and that take reader's beyond their comfort zones.

Details:


1.) They want librarians to incorporate diverse young adult and middle grade novels into Summer Reading programs. Either a book display, list, or book club event. Please share pictures or video with them.


2.) They invite readers and book bloggers to read diverse young adult and middle grades, of their choice, throughout the summer. Then right an essay (at least 500 words) about the experience. It can be posted on your website, Blogger, LiveJournal, Facebook, or Tumblr; but must be publicly readable.


3.) What books to read?
Any diverse books you want. Diverse means 1. Main character or major secondary characters who are of color, or are LGBT or 2. Written by a person of color or LGBT author.


4.)  Judging will be done by Cindy Pon and Malinda Lo. A grand prize winner in each category will be selected and given a giant collection of YA and MG books. (Checkout the list of prizes on their website)

5.) Deadline for all entries is September 1, 2011.

They also have a great Book Giveaway!!! Deadline is July 31 2011.

Check this out and all details at http://www.diversityinya.com/2011/06/diversify-your-reading/

Mercy by Rebecca Lim

Release Date: May 17th 2011

Publisher: Hyperion Books

Reading Level: Young Adult

Pages: 269

Type: Arc

Source: I actually bought this from a used book store. Didn't know at the time they were not supposed to sell it.


Mercy is an exile from heaven with shattered memories of who and what she used to be. She's doomed to "wake" repeatedly on earth in a new body, assuming a new life each time, only to move on again and again. During the day she survives in the human world on instinct, and at night her dreams are haunted by her lost love, who pleads with her to find him. Mercy's heart would know him anywhere. But her memory refuses to cooperate.

But this time is different. When Mercy wakes up she meets Ryan, an eighteen-year old reeling from the loss of his twin sister, Lauren, who was kidnapped two years ago. Only Mercy and Ryan believe his sister is still alive. For the first time since she can remember, Mercy has a purpose: she can help. So she doesn't understand why the man in her dreams cautions her not to interfere. But as Ryan and Mercy come closer to saving the mystery of Laurens disappearance, danger looms just one step behind. When another girl goes missing Mercy knows they must act before time runs out, will she be able to harness her extraordinary power in time?

--Back Cover Description



Yes, another fallen angel book. But its definitely worth the read. Its got to be frustrating not remembering who and what you are. Not only that but to constantly wake up in different people's bodies pretty much possessing them is freaky right? That is what happens with Mercy, and she isn't guaranteed when she will switch bodies or where. It can happen anytime. In the past people's lives she possessed were nothing truly extraordinary, at least not until she wakes up as Carmen.

Carmen is on a school concert get together in the town of Paradise ( I know right Paradise) where many schools come together to put on a huge concert. It is in the town of Paradise she is thrown into a world of secrets and sorrow and it all surrounds the family she is staying with. When she meets Ryan Daley (A boy who's twin sister went missing two years ago because she was taken from her room in the middle of the night) she tries to help him find her. She believes like he does that she is still alive. They are thrown into a dangerous, crazy adventure were the bad guy might be closer to home then they expected.

If you like mystery, danger, secrets, and a bit of the supernatural this is a great read for you. I adored it and can't wait for Exile the next book in the series. I hope it can answer some of the questions I am left with after reading Mercy.

Overall Rating: B+

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. About what books you can't wait to get your hands on.



Forever by Maggie Stiefvater:

• This is book 3 in the Wolves of Mercy Falls Series!
• Release date: July 12th 2011  (YAY!!! Soon)

The Thrilling conclusion to #1 Bestselling Shiver Trilogy from Maggie Stiefvater.

In Maggie Stiefvater's SHIVER, Grace and Sam found each other. In LINGER, they fought to be together. Now in FOREVER the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in.

--Barnes & Nobel Description


I Super dupter can't wait for this book to come out. I can't wait to see if Grace and Sam get to be together, and what happens to the wolves. If you live in VA you should come to Maggie's Signing on Tuesday July 12th -7pm
@ Barnes & Noble 2238: Tyson’s Corner
7851 L Tyson's Corner Center
McLean, VA 22102
For more infomation on the signing call: (703) 506-2937
She will be raffling a Sharpie Guitar at this event and also there will be live music by Sulaiman Azimi !!!

WITCHES of EAST END RELEASE!!!!!

 Witches of East End by Melissa de la Cruz was released today!

So I rushed out and got my copy from Barnes & Noble. When I arrived I was unhappy to see no cute display for its release. (Sad face)  So I made my own, and yes it is a one book display but I believe it deserves one.

The three Beauchamp women-Joanna and her daughters Freya and Ingrid- live in North Hampton out on the top of Long Island. Their beautiful, mist-shrouded town seems almost suck in time, and all three women lead seemingly quiet, uneventful lives. But they are harboring a mighty secret- they are powerful witches banned from using their magic. Joanna can resurrect people from the dead and heal the most serious of injuries. Ingrid, her bookish daughter, has the ability to predict the future and weave knots that can solve anything from infertility to infidelity. And finally, there's Freya, the wild child, who has a charm or a potion that can cure most any heartache.

For centuries, all three women have been forced to suppress their abilities. But then Freya, who is about to get married to the wealthy and mysterious Bran Gardiner, finds that her increasingly complicated romantic life makes it more difficult than ever to hide her secret. Soon Ingrid and Joanna confront similar dilemmas, and the Beauchamp women realize they can no longer conceal their true selves. They unearth their wands from the attic, dust off their broomsticks, and begin casting spells on the townspeople. It all seems like a bit of good-natured, innocent magic, but then mysterious, violent attacks begin to plague the town. When a young girl disappears over the Fourth of July weekend, they realize it's time to uncover who and what dark forces are working against them.

With a brand-new cast of characters, and fascinating and fresh world to discover, and a few surprise appearances from some of the Blue Blood fan favorites, this is a page-turning, deliciously fun, magical summer read fraught with love affairs, witchcraft, and an unforgettable battle between good and evil.

--Description from the books inside sleeve.         

OMG!!!! I can't wait to read this story. Its her first adult novel, and Im super excited. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading any of Melissa de la Cruz's books, I recommend running to the library or bookstore and getting her Blue Blood series.  Can't wait to read, look for review to come soon.

Need by Carrie Jones (Read by Julia Whelan)

Release Date: August 2009

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Reading Level: Young Adult

Discs: 7

Type: Audio book

Source: Library checkout

Zara collects phobias the way other girls collect Facebook friends. Little wonder, since life's been pretty rough so far. Her father left, her stepfather just died, and her mother's pretty much checked out. Now Zara's living with her grandmother in sleepy, cold Maine so that she stays "safe." Zara doesn't think she's in danger, she thinks her mother can't deal.

Wrong turns out that the guy she sees everywhere, the one leaving trails of gold glitter, isn't a figment of her imagination. He's a pixie- and not the cute, lovable kind with wings. He's the kind who has dreadful, uncontrollable needs. And he's trailing Zara.

--Barnes & Noble Description


Let me just say instead of reading this book I listened to it. This was the first audio book for me, and  I am hooked now to both audio books and this series. Not saying that I'm going strait to audio books now, but I am now in the process of listening to books I have already read. If you saw my IMM I got Torment by Lauren Kate, Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer, and Awakened by P. C. Cast. All of which I have already read and can't wait to listen to!

Well, back to the book at hand. I totally loved, loved, loved this book!!! It is read so well by Julia Whelan. She is amazing and does all the voices of each character so they all sound different from her narrator voice. She also does the accents which are great. My favorite character voice she does would have to be Betty, Zara's grandmother. Totally love her accent.

The beginning of the book starts off with phobias (fears). Zara the main character collects them like some people collect stamps or books (big smile). She isn't really sure why she does it. It maybe because naming the object you fear allows you to try to overcome it. Either way the book is filled with many of them. The phobias are a little strange at first, but as you read you get used to them and they are very interesting. I was so intrigued by them I had to look some up myself.

My Phobias Include:
1. Arachnephobia: The fear of spiders,
2. Autophobia: The fear of being alone, or of oneself  
(Mine is the being alone part),
3. Frigophobia or Cheimaphobia: The fear of the cold  
(I hate the cold),
4. Atychiphobia: The fear of failure,
5. And I'm also afraid of getting stuck in elevators, but couldn't find this one.

Some other interesting and funny ones I found are:
1. Ambulophobia: The fear of walking,
2. Bibliophobia: The fear of books,   (YIKES)
3. Chaetophobia: The fear of hair,
4. Ephebiphobia: The fear of teenagers.

If you want to check these out, and more phobias go to:  http://www.phobialist.com/

WHAT ARE YOUR PHOBIAS????

Ok so I went on a little phobia tangent. Back to the book. So Zara the main character is shipped off to her grandmother's in Maine after her stepfather dies of a heart attack. Her mother sends her there to keep her safe, and also to bring some life back into her. After her stepfather dies Zara goes numb. Nothing matters anymore. And everything reminds her of his death and that he is gone forever. She isn't happy bout being shipped to super cold, snow covered Maine, and doesn't understand why her mother sent her away.
Its there that she is introduced to some very interesting people. The sweet, protective Nick Colt; the adorable, bundle of energy, Izzy; The strange overly-helpful, Ian; and the pain in the butt, mean Megan, among many others.

After she arrives in Maine, she sees a man on the side of the road, whom she has seen at the airport, when her stepfather died, and outside her school pointing at her. After seeing this guy Zara's world is turned upside-down. Boys disappear, no one is whom or what they seem, and she is in the middle of a supernatural world where were-animals and pixies are real. She thought she had problems before, now the king; of the vicious need-driven pixies, is after her, and she doesn't know why.

Like I said before I totally loved this book. It was also super special listening to it because I could just close my eyes and imagine I was there. This book is full of surprises and loveable characters. My two favorite ones are Zara's grandmother, Betty. She had me laughing out loud a few times, and Izzy is just the sweetest, adorable character I’ve seen so far. I wish I had a friend just like her. I also could relate to Zara in her heartbreak and loss. It's hard losing someone close to you. I lost my uncle not to long ago, and I can tell you that Zara's feelings are not far off from what you feel. I felt for her.

All in all I would rate this book as a A+ , and can't wait to read the next one. (I will not be listening to it unfortunately because my library doesn't have a audio book of Captivate, sigh)
If you like drama, romance, secrets, and loveable characters I recommend this series.

In My Mailbox

"In My Mailbox" is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren, about what new books we got this week.

From the Library:

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

The Dead Tossed Waves (Forest of Hands and Teeth Series #2) by Carrie Ryan

Bought:

Would You by Marthe Jocelyn (From the Library for $1 !!!!)

Goose Chase by Patrice Kindl (From the Library for $1 !!!!)

Maybe by Brent Runyon (From the Library for $1 !!!!)

Passion by Lauren Kate (Barnes & Noble Exclusive Ed.)

The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove (Barnes & Noble)



Audiobooks from the Library:

Awakened by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast (I have already read this one but not listened to yet)

Torment by Lauren Kate (I have already read this one but not listened to yet)

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer (I have read this one twice but not listen to yet)

Need by Carrie Jones (Never read, and just started listening to)

Savory Saturday

Savory Saturday is about giving everyone a chance to share something that goes hand in hand together.
Food and Books.

You can either post about a new recipe you read in a book this week, a great restaurant you went to that reminds you of a book, or a great new cookbook or recipe you want to share with others.

(For all you sweet-tooth's out there)

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball:

Ingredients:

• 1 pk (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter (no substitutes), softened
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup confectioners sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3/4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
• graham crackers (recommend the cinnamon ones)

 In mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until fluffy.
Gradually add sugar, beat just until combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hrs.
Place cream cheese mixture on a large piece of plastic wrap, shape into a ball. Refrigerate for at least 1 hr.
Just before serving, roll cheese ball into pecans and serve with graham crackers.
(I recommend serving it with cinnamon graham crackers.)

Totally love this recipe. Good for parties, kids, or for a unique dessert.
Overall rating:  A+

Midnight : (Vampire Diaries: The Return Series # 3)

Release Date: March 15, 2010
Publisher: HarperCollins

Reading Level: Young Adult

Pages: 567

Type: Hardcover
Source: Bought from Barnes & Noble

THE DEVIL YOU KNOW.....

With the help of charming and devious Damon, Elena rescued her vampire love, Stefan, from the depths of the Dark Dimension. But neither brother returned unscathed. Stefan is weak from his long imprisonment and needs more blood than Elena alone can give him., while a strange magic has turned Damon into a human. Savage and desperate Damon will do anything to become a vampire  again- even travel back to hell. But what will happen  when he accidentally takes Bonnie with him?
Stefan and Elena hurry to rescue their innocent friend from the Dark Dimension, leaving Matt and Meredith to save their hometown from the dangerous spirits that have taken hold of Fell's Church.  One by one, children are succumbing to demonic designs. But Matt and Meredith soon discover that the source of the evil is darker- and closer- than they ever could have imagined............

Dear Diary,
I don't know what to do. Matt is in prison. Damon has taken Bonnie to the Dark Dimension. And Meredith.... of all people, Meredith turns out to have more secrets than all of us combined. How could I not have guessed so much about her? All Stefan and I can do is hold each other and pray. The end is coming soon-and I'm afraid.

--The inside sleeve and back cover descriptions.


Warning a few spoilers ahead:

Dear Diary,
Vampire Diaries Midnight was great. I can never get enough of Damon or Stefan. YUM! If I had to choose though, I am more of a Damon sort of girl. Always falling for the bad guys. He isn't really all that bad, though. Deep in his heart he is good, and Elena brings that goodness to the surface.

 In Midnight his normal arrogant, deviant self is rattled because he is now human. He is losing his mind with fear and paranoia. Afraid that all his enemies will find out he is now human and come after him. Afraid so much so that he is desperate, and is willing to put the people who care about him into danger to get what he wants. He goes so far, as to drug poor, sweet innocent Bonnie into telling him where the power ball is. (The one they got from Misao, the female kitsune, in Vampire Diaries, The Return: Shadow Souls.) He uses it to make a door to the dark dimension, but accidentally brings sweet Bonnie with him. After they get there I can't believe how Damon treats her, and she gets into some trouble.Still he makes it up to her in the end, but shame on him.

While all that is going on the evil Kitsune twins are at it again. They have all but decapitated the town of Fell’s Church. The children are completely demonic and creepy, and the parents and authority figures just don't know what to do. Its up to Elena and her friends again to save the day, but their ranks are not as strong as they used to be. Damon is human and in the Dark Dimension with Bonnie, Stefan is weakened from his time in prison, Matt is being pursued by the police, Meredith reveals major secrets that rocks their worlds, and Elena is just trying to hold it together.

Elena and Stefan are forced to go to the Dark Dimension to save Bonnie and lecture Damon. This takes them on a dangerous and unexpected journey. While leaving Matt and Meredith to deal with the growing threat in Fell’s church, which is even more dark and evil then they could ever have imagined.

O Diary,
All in all this was a very entertaining and dramatic ending to the Vampire Diaries: Return Series. At times I openly laughed and cried. This book actually had me crying big crocodile size tears for at least 20 mins. I would have to say I absolutely loved it and recommend it to anyone who has or hasn't begun reading the Vampire Diaries by L. J. Smith. If you haven't Please Do!!!

Over all Rating: A+

Also, I just have to say that when I heard the news that L. J. Smith was no longer able to finish her seires, I was totally bummed and upset. I'm upset because she started these wonderful characters, she knows them personally, and  knows what path they would choose and not. The next books, starting with Phantom will be written by a ghost writer and not by L. J. Smith. I will still be reading them and reviewing them on this blog; however, they will not be the same without her touch.

If you like the Vampire Diaries books, I recommend Vampire Diaires the show on The CW. The story does not follow the books, but its a wonderful story of its own. LOVE IT!!!

Season three begins September 15, 2011

Torment by Lauren Kate

Release Date: September 28, 2010

Publisher:

Delacorte Press

Reading Level: Young Adult

Pages: 464

Type: Hardcover

Source: Bought from Barnes & Nobel

How many lives do you need to Live before you find someone worth dying for?


Hell on earth.
That's what its like for Luce to be apart from her fallen angel boyfriend, Daniel. It took them an eternity to find one another, but now he has told her he must go away.
Just long enough to hunt down the Outcasts- immortals who want to kill Luce. Daniel hides Luce at Shoreline, a school on the rocky California coast with unusually gifted students: Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans. At Shoreline, Luce learns what the shadows are, and how she can use them  as windows to her previous lives. Yet the more Luce learns, the more she suspects that Daniel hasn't told her everything. He's hiding something---something dangerous. What if Daniel's version of the past isn't actually true? What if Luce is really meant to be with someone else?

-- Back Cover Description

Warning: Spoilers Alert !!!
If you have not read; Fallen, the first book in the series do not proceed !




Ok so WOW! Lauren Kate never disappoints.
First of all I absolutely love this cover art as well. Though you don't get to see Luce's face on the covers of either Fallen or Torment, the art is just beautiful. It totally draws you to these books. Makes you pick them up to see what they are all about.

Ok, so lets recap a bit. In the last book (Fallen) Luce figures out that Daniel (the totally gorgeous guy that kept blowing her off and giving her mixed signals) is a fallen angel. Not only is he an angel, but he has been her beloved through many of her lives and over many, many years. However, every time Luce begins to remember him when they meet up again she can't take it and dies. She is then re-born. Despite many attempts from Daniel to get away from her they always find each other. Not only is Daniel a fallen angel, but many of her class mates at Sword & Cross are. Including her friend Arriane, and the dark and handsome Cam. She finds out that there are two sides and she is in the middle of a battle, with Daniel on one and Cam on the other. During an epic battle her sweet friend Penn dies in a devastating way, and Luce barely makes it out with her own life.

Torment starts out with Daniel and Cam working together to figure out who is after Luce, and to get rid of that threat before it gets to her. The reason they are working together is because this time something is different about Luce and if she dies this time she might not come back. I understand why this book is called Torment, because Luce has to deal with so much in a short period of time. While dealing with the death of a very close friend, knowing she has past lives, but can't remember them, trying to juggle a relationship with her angel boyfriend, she is shipped of to another school. I mean come on lets just give this girl a break huh? If this all happened to me I'm not sure if I could handle all the things she is going through without completely breaking apart. She is one tough girl. Lauren Kate has made a very strong loveable character in Luce.
Not only is she dealing with all of that, but her love (Daniel), whom she just found again, is gone. Of course he is gone to keep her safe, but she just found him again.

 In Torment you are introduced to many new characters including the adorable Miles, who is a sweet charming boy. I feel bad for him because you know he has a thing for Luce but he has no chance when compared to Daniel. Also you are introduced to Shelby her very interesting roommate. She takes a little getting used to but once you do she is really a great friend to have. Both these two friends are important in the story because they give Luce something to hang on to in all the unknown and ciaos.

This book was a rollercoaster of emotions for me cause she is going through so much, and at times she feels completely alone. Many of us have been there at times. She is fighting with Daniel because she knows he is keeping stuff from her. It seems like everyone is keeping some epic thing from her, and she is frustrated that no one with shed some light on her past or her present situation. Sometimes when it seems that no one wants to let you know what’s going on you just have to take things into your own hands, and that’s just what Luce does.

This book was great, just like the first. Action, drama, romance, and hot supernatural guys, what more could you ask for? Torment has a surprise ending that keeps you on the edge and makes you wanting more. It gives you answers to questions you had in Fallen, but leaves you with more. Just hope that Passion the next in the series sheds some light onto who Luce really is, and why she is so important.

Overall I loved it: A

PASSION CAME OUT TODAY !!!!!!

Well Everyone,           

As if you didn't know already, Passion the third in the Fallen series by Lauren Kate came out today! I was super excited bout this, and have been waiting on it all year. I bought mine today along with The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove (the new paperback cover is awesome!) from Barnes & Noble.


The Barnes & Noble Passion Exclusive Edition has a small Passion poster in the back that is amazing, and a story in the poster. When I bought Torment it had this as well. I defiantly recommend the Exclusive editions from Barnes & Noble.

I hope everyone had a chance to go out and get their copy today. The cover is amazing just like the other ones in the series. Can't wait to read it. Be looking for the reviews of both books soon.
Also tomorrow I will be posting my review on Torment the second in the Fallen series.

My darling cat Amari likes Lauren Kate's Passion too!

The cat has good taste.

Fallen by Lauren Kate

September 28. 2010

Delacorte Press, 452 pages

What if the person you were meant to be with could never be yours?

There's something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori. Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price's attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at Sword & Cross boarding school in Savannah. He's the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are screwups, and security cameras watch every move.

Except Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce-he goes out of his way to make that very clear. But she can't let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, Luce has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret........even if it kills her.

-Inside Cover sleeve description



First of all let me say I was drawn to this book by the cover. The cover is really amazing! I absolutely love the colors, and it had me wondering why the girl on the front was so upset. Honestly it was the reason I bought and read it in the first place. In the first couple of pages you are introduced to a guy and a girl. The guy is put off and in pain; you can feel it in the writing, but you don't know why. And who is this girl? Then it ends as they are swallowed by shadows, yes shadows. Then it goes into telling you about Luce this really nervous girl as she is starting her year at Sword & Cross which is a totally scary boarding school. You can't talk to your family except at certain times, your observed by "the reds" cameras all the time, the students are weird and dangerous, and there is a cemetery in the back.
As I first began this book I was totally lost and had many, many questions. However, as I continued to read I saw there is a connection between this totally hot blonde guy (Daniel) and Luce. Despite the connection she feels she is put off by his rudeness and avoidance, and doesn't understand why he treats her the way he does. Despite starting at a new school, she begins to make friends. I totally love both Arriane and Penn. Arriane is weird and seems crazy but she has Luce's back when it counts, and Penn is a strange girl who wears tons of layers of clothing, but she is totally super sweet, and is there for Luce right of the bat to help her figure out Sword & Cross and its secrets.
Add in drama, secrets, another dark and handsome guy (Cam), and some weird stuff you have a great book.
It took me a little while to really figure out what was going on, but once you do it is action and suspense. I couldn't put it down. I read it in a day! I recommend if you are a little confused in the beginning continue to the end. Questions will be answered; however, you will be left with more at the end. I didn't want to put any spoilers in here so you will have to read it for yourself to figure out what Fallen is all about.

I also recommend reading Torment the second book in the series.
Also Passion the third book in the series comes out TOMARROW !!!!!!
All in all totally loved the book: A