Library Lounge Wizard Blogiversary Contest!

Library Lounge Lizard just turned 1-year old!  And it's celebrating its first blogiversary with a contest!  Click here to enter!  Ends May 31 so hurry!

Mistwood: A Review

Mistwood
by Leah Cypress

 
from Goodreads:

The Shifter is an immortal creature bound by an ancient spell to protect the kings of Samorna. When the realm is peaceful, she retreats to the Mistwod.

But when she is needed she always comes.

Isabel remembers nothing. Nothing before the prince rode into her forest to take her back to the castle. Nothing about who she is supposed to be, or the powers she is supposed to have.

Prince Rokan needs Isabel to be his Shifter. He needs her ability to shift to animal form, to wind, to mist. He needs her lethal speed and superhuman strength. And he needs her loyalty--because without it, she may be his greatest threat.

Isabel knows that her prince is lying to her, but she can't help wanting to protect him from the dangers and intrigues of the court . . . until a deadly truth shatters the bond between them.

Now Isabel faces a choice that threatens her loyalty, her heart . . . and everything she thought she knew.

Review:

Past shrouded in mystery, a possibility of conspiracy, and betrayal hound the story of Mistwood.

Samorna will now have a new King in the person of Rokan.  He sought the help of the legendary immortal Shifter who served the royal family but have retreated to the Mistwood for reasons unknown.  Afflicted by memory loss, the Shifter grapples to aid Rokan in politics as well as seek out the threat that made Rokan seek her in the first place.  But she feels that isn't the same Shifter in the legends anymore.  Confused by her emotions and the flashes of memory that makes her question her loyalty to the royal family and even the truth about herself.

I like reading this one because it started out with an uncertainty that led to a mystery.  There's new a revelation or question in every chapter that left me wanting to read the next pages. I was definitely surprised by how things ended.   I was just thrown a bit off by how the love angles developed or evolved in the story that made me somehow wish there was a next book after this.

Rating:

Mockingjay at BEA with Suzanne Collins!

From On Our Minds at Scholastic:

"Last night we hosted a very special guest at Scholastic Headquarters: Suzanne Collins, bestselling author of The Hunger Games trilogy! The private event celebrated the upcoming August 24 release of the final installment in the trilogy,Mockingjay.

It was muggy outside, but inside, it was allMockingjay, with festive decorations, themed hors d'oeuvres (Mockingjay spritzers, anyone?), and even costumed caterers (they wore District 12 hardhats. Brilliant!). After a brief introduction from Scholastic CEO Dick Robinson and President of Trade Publishing Ellie Berger, Suzanne appeared.

She read a brief passage from Catching Fire and then, with a chorus of gasps from the crowd, pulled out the beginning pages of Mockingjay. I was Tweeting the event from a discreet corner of the room (find the conversation here!) so I strained my ears, forced the background noise to fade away, and closed my eyes as the opening words of Mockingjay filled the room.

While I can't share her words, I can share some incredible photos in the slideshow below:"

Beastly Movie Update

The release of Beastly movie was moved from July 30 to August 11.  Bummer.  I know.  And release dates for other countries also varies.  Check out the release dates for different regions HERE.  No USA release dates have been confirmed yet. source: alexpettyfersource.com

Cassandra Clare News from MundieMoms!

Reposted from MundieMoms:

Cassandra Clare News!!!

Cassie sent out some EXCITING news tonight!!

August 4: Signing in New York City!
I'll be signing paperback copies of City of Glass and discussing the teaser chapters of Clockwork Angel and City of Fallen Angels!

Wednesday August 04, 2010 7:00 PM
Barnes and Noble
Union Square
33 East 17th Street, New York, NY 10003,
212-253-0810

Be sure you mark your calendars now, as you don't want to miss this event!!

*Click on the City of Glass sentence to be taking to the COFA excerpt*

Crescendo Release NEWS and Exclusive Preview!!!

FallenArchangel.com just delivered fabulous news regarding Crescendo (sequel to Hush, Hush) by Becca Fitzpatrick!

"We are thrilled to announce that Simon & Schuster have moved up the US On-Sale Dates of the HUSH HUSH Paperback and CRESCENDO!!!    

AND
 

We are able to offer you your first EXCLUSIVE look at CRESCENDO which will now be available in the US on October 19!"

Head on to the MAIN PAGE to download the exclusive preview of the Prologue and Chapter 1!

Join Up now at Simon Pulse (UK)!

simonpulseUK at facebook

Join up NOW at www.simonpulse.co.uk, where you'll get all the latest news about the coolest, darkest, most thrilling teen titles publishing soon! You can enter competitions, win exclusive prizes and much more!

Fire: A Review

Fire
by Kristin Cashore

from Goodreads:

Fire, Graceling's prequel-ish companion book, takes place across the mountains to the east of the seven kingdoms, in a rocky, war-torn land called the Dells.

Beautiful creatures called monsters live in the Dells. Monsters have the shape of normal animals: mountain lions, dragonflies, horses, fish. But the hair or scales or feathers of monsters are gorgeously colored-- fuchsia, turquoise, sparkly bronze, iridescent green-- and their minds have the power to control the minds of humans.

Seventeen-year-old Fire is the last remaining human-shaped monster in the Dells. Gorgeously monstrous in body and mind but with a human appreciation of right and wrong, she is hated and mistrusted by just about everyone, and this book is her story.

Wondering what makes it a companion book/prequel? Fire takes place 30-some years before Graceling and has one cross-over character with Graceling, a small boy with strange two-colored eyes who comes from no-one-knows-where, and who has a peculiar ability that Graceling readers will find familiar and disturbing...

Review:

Interesting that the story starts with the prologue introducing a character that plays a key role in both Graceling and Fire.  It made me always expect that he will pop up anytime in the story.  I was surprised in the difference between Fire and Katsa.  And although Fire has her own personality and strength, I still prefer Katsa.  The story is also set in a a whole different background, where there are no knowledge of Graceling and the source of tension is the politics in the Dells.  Somehow Fire found herself caught between the battle for control over the kingdom and control over her life.

Things are much, much more complicated in this prequel to Graceling in terms of the characters' relationships and even in their own personalities.  Fire might be capable of immense power because of her disposition as a human monster but she has her own reasons and conflicts in avoiding it.

What I love about Kristin Cashore's writing is its power to make (me) question some moral, social, and even political issues.  Her stories somehow has a feel of mirroring social constructs and as I said, makes readers think about such issues because even though the story is fiction, there is truth in what they are experiencing. 

I do hope we'll get good news regarding Bitterblue.  I can't wait to know what happens after Graceling!  I wonder if the Dells will make an appearance in the third book.  Well, that makes me more anxious about it.

Rating:

On Beastly Movie: Vanessa and Alex on Glamour Magazine

APS just made my day by posting this!  John Russo had a shoot with Vanessa Hudgens and Alex Pettyfer for Glamour Magazine.  I agree, I want more!! Alex looks amaaaaaazing as usual. More pics please!

image from alexpettyfersource.com

Saturday Poetry: Sonnet XVII by Pablo Neruda

Pablo Neruda is one of my favorite modern poets.  His poems are the best when you are in-love or you want to reminisce about the feeling.  His writings are not so mushy but speaks of the rawness of emotion as if it's always new.

Aside from Tonight I Can Write the Saddest Lines, Sonnet XVII is among my top three of his poems.  I think it reminds me of the YA relationships that I have come to love.

photo from ~calciferflames

Sonnet XVII (I do not love you...) 
by Pablo Neruda

I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or topaz,
or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off.
I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,
in secret, between the shadow and the soul.

I love you as the plant that never blooms
but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers;
thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance,
risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;
so I love you because I know no other way

than this: where I does not exist, nor you,
so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,
so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep. ~

Updates: Torment Sneak Peak and new Eclipse Banners

Lauren Kate tweeted that a sneak peak of Torment, sequel to Fallen, is now up on her website!  Head on there and download the exclusive peek of the prologue.

On Twilight news, TwilightMoms posted the latest movie banners/posters for Twilight Saga's Eclipse, featuring the Volturis, complete Wolfpack, the Cullens, and of course - of Jacob, Bella, and Edward:

Winter's Passage Teaser #4

Julie Kagawa seems to enjoy torturing us with Winter's Passage teasers *grins*.  But I'm not complaining, it just makes me want to tug June to come faster! :D

She tweeted this morning a new and the fourth teaser for Winter's Passage.  It's going to be published as an e-book on June 1st.  

Here's the transcribed tweets with hashtag #WintersPassage:

"How long will I have to stay there?" I asked.

He shook his head slowly, and I could feel his reluctance. "I don't know, Meghan. The queen doesn't disclose her plans to me.
 
I didn't dare ask why she wanted you." He reached up, caught a strand of my pale blond hair, running it through his fingers.

"I was only supposed to bring you back," he murmured, and his voice dropped even lower. "I swore I would bring you back."
 
I understood that, but... "I want to do something before we go," I said, watching for his reaction.
 
Ash raised an eyebrow, but otherwise his expression stayed the same. I took a deep breath."I want to see Puck." (end of teaser 4)

When Moon and Venus Met

Last May 16 around 7PM, my sisters and I were surprised to see a mass of people along the side of our local shopping place.  They were staring at the sky and well, mostly holding out their phone and digital cameras shooting the sky.

Unfortunately, I only have my trusty toy film camera (whose ISO is 200, not fit for night time shooting) so I tried to just take a snap of whatever phone camera can get.

There's not much to see, right?  The moon looks like the smile of the Chesire cat in Alice in wonderland and that star (which turned out to be venus) is like a glaring mole.

Thankfully, most of my contacts in facebook are digital freaks who managed to take some awesome pictures of that night.

Comic wonder!  And rumors circulated that somehow it's a sign that it will be lucky for lovers or anyone with a significant others.  Much to my protest because it's absurd.  What if it was Mars and not Venus?  Then would it mean it's going to be lucky for warfreaks?

Just enjoy the view, people.  ^_^

Winter's Passage Teaser

Julie Kagawa tweeted an awesome teaser for Winter's Passage, novella for the Iron Fey series.  It's due June 1.  So watch out for it!  

Here's the transcribed and collated tweets of the recent teaser:

"You have to do this, don't you?" I whispered, my fingers clutched in the fabric of his white shirt.

Ash made a soft noise that might've been a sigh. "Yes." His voice, low and deep, was barely above a murmur.

I pulled back to look at him, seeing myself reflected in those silver eyes. When I'd first met him, those eyes were blank and cold, like the face of a mirror. Ash had been the enemy, once. He was the youngest son of Mab, queen of Winter and the ancient rival of my father Oberon, King of Summer. Being a faery princess in the Nevernever proved to be extremely dangerous. For one, the Winter Queen sent Ash to capture me, to use as leverage against Oberon.

That's when I made the bargain with the Winter Prince that would change my life. Help me rescue Ethan, and I'll go with you to the Winter Court.

So here I was. Ash had kept his side of the bargain. It was my turn to uphold my end and travel with him to the court of my father's ancient enemies. There was only one problem. Summer and Winter were not supposed to fall in love. (End teaser three)

click for larger image

Siren: Review (and ARC Giveaway!)

Siren
by Tricia Rayburn

Publish: July 13th 2010 by EgmontUSA

 

From Goodreads:

Seventeen-year-old Vanessa Sands is afraid of everything—the dark, heights, the ocean—but her fearless older sister, Justine, has always been there to coach her through every challenge. That is, until Justine goes cliff-diving one night near the family’s vacation house in Maine, and her lifeless body washes up on shore the next day.

Though her parents hope that they’ll be able to find closure back in Boston, Vanessa can’t help feeling that her sister’s death wasn’t an accident. After discovering that Justine was keeping a lot of secrets, Vanessa returns to Winter Harbor, hoping that Justine’s boyfriend might know more. But Caleb has been missing since Justine’s death.

Soon, it’s not just Vanessa who’s afraid. All of Winter Harbor is abuzz with anxiety when another body washes ashore, and panic sets in when the small town becomes host to a string of fatal, water-related accidents in which all the victims are found, horrifically, grinning from ear to ear.

Vanessa turns to Caleb’s brother, Simon, for help, and begins to find herself drawn to him. As the pair try to understand the sudden rash of creepy drownings, Vanessa uncovers a secret that threatens her new romance—and will change her life forever.

Review:

An emotional supernatural mystery with a soft spot for family.

It began establishing the relationship between Justine and Vanessa and how important the setting will be for the story.  And then melts away into the incident that will change their lives forever.

The story revolves around Vanessa's search for answers surrounding her sister's death, uncovering hidden secrets along the way that eventually reveals something that would or could call for a second book.

After reading the book I realize that I'm mistaking sirens for mermaids.  I mean, they're both water creatures and I just read Sea Change.  I'm getting them mixed up.

The psych major in me wanted to write up a genealogy of the family and make a family therapy thing drafted.  Then again, information is short.  And what the, I'm reading for recreation and my study is creeping up again.  Well, the issues involving family members are prominent in the book so if you're ok with that then the book will be a fine read.

Rating:

------------------------------------------

In line with my birthday this month, I'm trying my luck with having my first ever giveaway!  Since I was fortunate to get my hands on a Siren ARC, I decided to give it as prize. 

Being in the Philippines, our chances of actually getting an ARC of not-yet-published books are slim to none.  We only have online contests or international giveaways as our chance.  :( So I would love to share it with my fellow Philippine residents to get a chance to read Siren before it hits the shelves.  And I don't know if we'll get it roughly the same time it gets publish.

To enter the giveaway, just fill out the FORM here.  You need not be a blog or twitter follower but extra entries are available there in the form.  You just need to have an address in the Philippines where I can have it shipped.  Sorry, I'm broke and if I ship international, I'm going to starve the people waiting for my birthday treat.

Giveaway ends at June 1, 9PM and will email the winner the following day.  :D

Mortal Instruments Graphic Novel Update: Preview!

Cassandra Clare shared in her blog a snippet from the upcoming TMI graphic novel adaptation of City of Bones.

Can you guess what the scene?  (Eeeeeek!)  Even in black and white, Jace looks...wicked. :D

She also noted that Nik Virella posted in her blog some sketches where you can see the evolution of Jace from rough sketch to finish sketch.

Reposted from Cassandra Clare's LJ:

"In further news, I did an interview over at Shelf Awareness, about the ways in which Clockwork Angel and the Infernal Devices are similar to The Mortal Instruments, and the ways in which they are not. Anyone with questions about Clockwork Angel, I'm always happy to answer them. [About City of Fallen Angels, I can't say much — I just got back from a meeting at Simon and Schuster and found out just how heavily embargoed this book is going to be. No ARCs, no teasers, not even a description of the plot in the catalogue. Although the answer to the most popular question I got on tour — "Is City of Fallen Angels from Simon's point of view only?" I can answer: the answer is no. The book's POV is split between Simon and Clary, with some Jace and Isabelle and even some Alec. More on that later.)]"

If you're craving for some info about the upcoming books, better head on and read the interview.  It's going to mess a little with your head! lol.

Book Release Day: The Demon's Covenant by Sarah Rees Brennan

Weee!  Today is the release day of Sarah Rees Brennan's The Demon's Covenant. Go grab your copy if you see one. I do hope our bookstores have their stocks within the week.

The Demon's Covenant
(The Demon's Lexicon Trilogy, #2)
by Sarah Rees Brennan

Mae always thought she was in control, but in the past few weeks control has turned into chaos. She’s learned that her brother Jamie has magical powers and that Gerald, the new leader of the Obsidian Circle, is trying to persuade Jamie to join the magicians. The same magicians who tried to kill Mae and Jamie last month in London. The magicians who get their power by feeding people to demons.

Mae turns to brothers Nick and Alan to help her rescue Jamie, but they are in danger themselves. Every magician in England now knows what Nick really is—and they all want him dead.

Nick’s new power has also caused a rift between the brothers. In the weeks they were gone something terrible happened, something that haunts them both. With Nick as unreadable as ever and Alan making secret bargains with a demon, Mae finds herself attracted to both brothers—though she knows she can’t trust either of them. The magicians are closing in on one side and the dangerous, seductive Goblin Market is tempting her on the other, and Mae has to form her own plan to save them all. She’s going to find that the price she must pay is more than she ever imagined.

The covenant is binding. There is no escape.

A Very Vampire May Giveaway

There's a very vampire may giveaway happening over at Babbling Flow!  What's up for grabs?  Oh, not much really... just a signed Twilight and collectible journals, signed Anne Rice's Vampire Armand, signed Charlaine Harris books, signed Christopher Moore books, and a Vampire Books: Encyclopedia of the Undead.

Crazy, right?  Open to US and Canada residents only.  Contest runs until June 2.  Want to know how to join?  go to main page and get bitten!

Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception: Review

Lament
Maggie Steifvater

from Goodreads:

From the author of the New York Times bestselling novel Shiver...

Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan is a prodigiously gifted musician. She's about to find out she's also a cloverhand - one who can see faeries.

Unexpectedly, Deirdre finds herself infatuated with a mysterious boy named Luke, who enters her ordinary life, seemingly out of thin air. But his interest in her might be something darker than summer romance. When a sinister faerie named Aodhan shows up with deadly orders from the Faerie Queen, it forces Dee right into the midst of Faerie. Caught in the crossfire with Deirdre is James, her wisecracking but loyal best friend.

Deirdre had been wishing her summer weren't so dull, but taking on a centuries-old Faerie Queen isn't exactly what she had in mind.

Review:

A love story set in a musical fairy tale where love binds and sets you free. 

Deirdre Monaghan was an ordinary girl whose introvert personality gives her stage fright whenever she will play her harp in front of an audience.  It all changes one day when handsome, Luke Dillon came to play his flute with her. 

Thrust in a dangerous game where her death is the ultimate goal, Dierdre will uncover secrets of the past as she tries to survive and save those she loves.





I felt that this has a mature-feel of a read for me.  Recommended for young adults who are looking for a refreshing perspective in the supernatural romance department.  Lyrically written and emotionally empowered.

Rating:

10 Romantic Quotes from Movies

 I got this from a friend who also loves movies and books.  And of course being the hopeless romantic that I am, I wanted to share them as well. :)

1. I'm scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I'm with you—Jennifer Gray, Dirty Dancing

2. You make me want to be a better man—Jack Nicholson, As Good As It Gets

3. I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone. I choose a mortal life—Liv Tyler, Lord of the Rings

4. The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return—Ewan McGregor, Moulin Rouge

5. You had me at hello—Renee Zellweger, Jerry Maguire

6. I want to tell you with my last breath that I have always loved you—Chow Yun-Fat, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

7. We'll always have Paris—Humphrey Bogart, Casablanca

8. When they ask me what I liked best, I'll say it was you—Meg Ryan, City of Angels

9. I promise I'll come back for you. I promise I'll never leave you—Ralph Fiennes,The English Patient

10. Love means never having to say you're sorry—Ryan O'Neal, Love Story

Bibiliophilic Book Blog Ebook reader Giveaway!

Want to win an ebook reader?  Bibliophilic Book Blog is giving away ereaders!

Sony Pocket (color of your choice) Ebook

RCA Reader Ebook

Aluratek Libre Ebook Pro

Kobo Ereader

The guidelines of the giveaway:

- International Welcome
- If you don't want an ereader, you can win a 100$ Amazon GC.
- Must be a follower
- Head on to main post to click on the button and sign-up the form!
- Contest is until July 15. 

White Cat: Review

White Cat
by Holly Black

from Goodreads:

Cassel comes from a family of curse workers -- people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they're all mobsters, or con artists. Except for Cassel. He hasn't got the magic touch, so he's an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail -- he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.

Ever since, Cassel has carefully built up a façade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his façade starts crumbling when he starts sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He's noticing other disturbing things, too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him, caught up in a mysterious plot. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of a huge con game, he also wonders what really happened to Lila. Could she still be alive? To find that out, Cassel will have to out-con the conmen.

Holly Black has created a gripping tale of mobsters and dark magic where a single touch can bring love -- or death -- and your dreams might be more real than your memories.

Review:

This is something new.  A refreshing look at con-men and criminal minds, Holly Black crafted a tale of cursed workers who have skills (or magic) that made them valuable to powerful criminal families.

Set in a world like that of True Blood, where workers are discriminated and everyone wears glove as protection to curses, and bills are being pushed through for or against them.

There are a lot of twists in this story.  I felt like I was in a criminalist-type tv series where there is a mystery to be solved and it's not just set in a linear solution but rather in a complicated way and ends in an unexpected awesome way.

As usual, I was left feeling hanging after reading it.  Really, this is the end???  Watch out for the twist, it's going to be fun.

Rating:

Massive Birthday Extravaganza at I Should Be Writing!

I Should Be Writing is holding a Massive Birthday Extravaganza where fabulous prizes await her followers.  This contest is international and will end on June 10, 2010.  Prizes and rules are the following:

Reader's Grand Prize Pack
My Favorite Books So Far This Year:

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
The Secret Year by Jennifer R. Hubbard
The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea M. Campbell
Some Girls Are by Courtney Summer

2nd Reader's Prize
Choice of ANY Pre-Order from my Wish List:

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
The Replacement by Brenna Yovannoff
Glimmerglass by Jenna Black
Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick
Sister's Red by Jackson Pearce
Fixing Delilah Hannaford by Sarah Ockler

Writer's Grand Prize Pack
Choice of:

A 30 page critique
Writing The Breakout Novel by Donald Maass
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Brown and Dave King

OR if you don't want a critique

Writing The Breakout Novel by Donald Maass
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Brown and Dave King
The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler
Write or Die - Desktop Edition (works on both PC and Mac)

2nd Writer's Prize
The You Can Write A Novel Kit


If I reach 400 followers I will throw in a prize of a choice of ONE book from my favorite books of 2009 (see list here)

If I reach 450 followers before the end of the contest, I will add in a mystery grab bag of at least 3 books for a US/Canada winner OR if the winner is International a choice of either one of my faves of 2009 or 2010 !

If I reach 500 followers my mind will be blown and I'll have to come up with something amazing to give away!

RULES
- You MUST be a follower to win a prize.
- Contest is open to anyone who lives in any country the Book Depository delivers to. (See list here.)
- Contest ends at 11:59 pm ET on June 10, 2010
- Winners will be announced around June 17, 2010

Head on the main post to enter the contest!

True Blood Season 3 Preview

HBO.com has recently posted a 32-sec preview for season 3 of True Blood.  And it looks amazing  It's really hard to wait especially when you know there will be a lot of Eric-Sookie action, plus hot werewolves are coming our way!  Alan Ball really knows how to rock the house.

30 seconds preview of Neutron Star Collision (Love is Forever)

A preview of Muse's track for the upcoming soundtrack of Twilight Saga, Eclipse is now posted on MTV.com.  Click here to go there and not only hear but also see the preview of the music video.  It looks promising and awesome as well. 

You can pre-order the track HERE when the soundtrack comes out on June 8. 

Valiant: A Review

Valiant
by Holly Black

from Goodreads:

When seventeen-year-old Valerie runs away to New York City, she's trying to escape a life that has utterly betrayed her. Sporting a new identity, she takes up with a gang of squatters who live in the city's labyrinthine subway system.

But there's something eerily beguiling about Val's new friends. And when one talks Val into tracking down the lair of a mysterious creature with whom they are all involved, Val finds herself torn between her newfound affection for an honorable monster and her fear of what her new friends are becoming.

Review:

Holly Black continues to weave faery stories with dark taste in Valiant. 

I love the girls in Holly Black stories, how they embody resilience and strength no matter how f****d up things may get.  Mistakes happen but they get it, especially when you're a teenager, you're bound to make your own.  As what happened with Val, she got broken and hurt, and ended up finding her own strength amidst the dark situation she got caught up with.

I pretty felt hanged up in the end.  I wish there was more since everything was a mess mostly in the story.  Then again this is no ordinary fairy tale.  This is Holly Black's Modern Faery Tale, where nothing is what it seems.

Rating:

Twilight News: Eclipse Soundtrack Revealed!

TwilightMoms have posted the track list for Eclipse Soundtrack.  To know more about the artists, they have included the backlinks towards each artist's MySpace page.

1. Metric – “Eclipse (All Yours)”
2. Muse – “Neutron Star Collision (Love Is Forever)”
3. The Bravery – “Ours”
4. Florence + The Machine – “Heavy In Your Arms”
5. Sia – “My Love”
6. Fanfarlo – “Atlas”
7. The Black Keys – “Chop And Change”
8. The Dead Weather – “Rolling In On A Burning Tree”
9. Beck and Bat For Lashes – “Let’s Get Lost”
10. Vampire Weekend – “Jonathan Low”
11. UNKLE – “With You In My Head (featuring The Black Angels)”
12. Eastern Conference Champions – “A Million Miles An Hour”
13. Band Of Horses – “Life On Earth”
14. Cee-Lo Green – “What Part Of Forever”
15. Howard Shore – “Jacob’s Theme”

Muse!  The staple in the Twilight soundtracks.  I'm excited to hear their song again!  But this new line-up, I was particularly excited to see Florence + the Machine, Metric, Sia, and Vampire Weekend in the line-up!  I love Florence + the Machine!  And Sia, wonderful choice!  I can't wait what track she will be contributing.  The Bravery's sound is also promising to deliver something new in the album.  I have been listening to them since the Burnout days.  And Howard Shore?  I love his work at the Lord of the Rings.  I'll particularly look out for "Jacob's Theme" in the album.

Music Wednesday: Cosmic Love by Florence + The Machine

I absolutely adore this song since I first heard it from a friend's playlist last year.  The only song I knew then by Florence + the Machine was Dog Days Are Over (my end-of-school anthem :p).  Now Cosmic Love is a staple on my ipod and iTunes and always reminds me of Clary and Jace from the Mortal Instrument.

Now the video looks amazing too!  It was just released today at their official website, Florence + The Machine.

Tuesday Trailer: White Cat

 
released May 4, 2010.  Grab a copy of White Cat by Holly Black.  It's a must read!  (It's my currently read!).  And check out its back image, one of the brother looks hot!   

Written Word Angel Star Giveaway!

Written Word is giving away a copy of Angel Star by Jennifer Murgia.

 The 1st place winner will receive-

1- Angel Star book

1- author signed bookplate

1- Bookmark encased in plastic

1- author card

1- bookmark

1- octagram card and sticker

1- white feather

1- piece of Angel jewelry 

Head on to Written Word to enter the contest.  This is open internationally and will end on May 16, 2010.

Happy Mother's Day!!

Because mothers rock.  

Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's day by *lestoilesdaz on deviantART

Catching Fire (Hunger Games #2): A Review

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2)
by Suzanne Collins

from Goodreads:

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge

Review:

"I really can't think about kissing when I've got a rebellion to incite."

I almost forgot to sleep when I started reading Catching Fire.  Pieces are starting to move immediately at the start of the book and the fast-paced approach of delivering the story adds to the thrill and breathtaking follow-up to Hunger Games.

Suddenly, Katniss found herself caught in-between the unrest brewing amongst the District and trying to live as a Victor back in District 12.  Her feelings for both Gale and Peeta doesn't make it any easier as well.  When things get an unexpected twist in the Capitol, Katniss is now viewed as an image of an uprising against the Capitol.

What will hold for Katniss, Gale, Peeta and the rest of District 12?  Will the Capitol prevail in the end or something else will happen?  Awesome combination of political ideas, social issues, and personal conflicts; surely, Catching Fire will not disappoint you and will leave you eagerly wait for Mockingjay. 

Rating:

Jessica's Guide to Dating the Dark Side: A Review

Jessica's Guide to Dating the Dark Side
by Beth Fantaskey

from Goodreads:

The undead can really screw up your senior year ...

Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction.

Review:

Suitable for teenagers who are caught in search for identity and embracing oneself in spite of uniqueness.

Jessica knew she was adopted from the start.  She grew up loving her sometimes kooky adoptive parents and still manage to be head strong rational in everything.  Then one day a creepy guy appears to say she was long betrothed to him and drops the bomb, she's a vampire!  And so was he.

Interweaving usual teenager/puberty stuffs (e.g. emotional rollercoaster, identity crises, parents-children conflict, relationships, etc) into the whole vampire myth, Beth Fantaskey wrote something that teens would most likely relate to.

AFTER Finishing the book, head on HERE to read the online sequel of the book.


Rating:

Stop Motion Trailer for Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

Stop Motion Trailer for Linger (by Maggie Stiefvater), sequel to the bestselling novel Shiver

The video is absolutely beautiful!  Watch it to believe it!  I can't wait to get my hands on Linger when it comes out on July 20, 2010!

Alaine (Queen of Happy Endings) May GIVEAWAY!

Alaine (Queen of Happy Endings) is giving away four of her April reads this May! 

To enter, go to her BLOG and follow the steps.  This is international and will end on May 31.

At the King's Command (Tudor Rose Trilogy #1) by Susan WiggsFrustrated by his own failures at matrimony, King Henry VIII punishes an insolent nobleman by commanding him to marry the vagabond woman caught stealing his horse. Stephen de Lacey is a cold and bitter widower, long accustomed to the sovereign's capricious and malicious whims. He regards his new bride as utterly inconvenient…though undeniably fetching.

But Juliana Romanov is no ordinary thief—she is a Russian princess forced into hiding by the traitorous cabal who slaughtered her family. One day she hopes to return to Muscovy to seek vengeance.

What begins as a mockery of a marriage ultimately blossoms into deepest love.

Need by Carrie JonesZara White suspects there's a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She's also obsessed with phobias. And it's true, she hasn't exactly been herself since her stepfather died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is supposed to help her stay sane...but Zara's pretty sure her mom just can't deal with her right now.

She couldn't be more wrong. Turns out the semi-stalker is not a figment of Zara's overactive imagination. In fact, he's still following her, leaving behind an eerie trail of gold dust. There's something not right - not human - in this sleepy Maine town, and all signs point to Zara.
In this creepy, compelling breakout novel, Carrie Jones delivers romance, suspense, and a creature you never thought you"d have to fear.

Shade by Jeri Smith-ReadyAura can see ghosts. Born after the Shift, a little-understood event that enables younger generations to communicate with the dead, Aura is relentlessly pursued by these violet-hued spirits. They need help to pass out of this world and into the next. And some are so angry they are on the verge of becoming Shades, dark vortexes of energy. But Aura just wants the ghosts to leave her alone so she can spend time with her boyfriend, Logan.

When Aura is paired with a new foreign-exchange student to research the Shift for a class project, she is determined to ignore her partner’s sexy Scottish accent and discover the cause of the Shift so she can reverse it.

Then Logan dies a most untimely death. Forced to reconsider her relationship with the living and the dead, Aura is caught in a love triangle with her violet-hued boyfriend and her hot research partner…one of whom may hold the key to reversing the Shift.
Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy #4) by Richelle MeadDimitri gave Rose the ultimate choice. But she chose wrong…

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri’s birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s—and to her best friend, Lissa. It is nearly graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives beyond the Academy’s iron gates to begin. But Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri, and he's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and she knows in her heart that he is hunting her. And if Rose won't join him, he won't rest until he's silenced her...forever.