Tuesday Trailer: CLOCKWORK ANGEL by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel (Infernal Devices, #1)

by Cassandra Clare

August 31, 2010

"Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

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

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

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: Jem, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all." (from Goodreads)
 
Because today marks the release of Clockwork Angel, here is the official book trailer for CWA, which was premiered at MTV's HollywoodCrush last August 18.  This trailer was made possible by Simon & Schuster and VLC Productions (fantastic job!).  If this is not so freaking awesome, I don't know what it is anymore.  Clockwork Angel is coming!





Update 9/2/2010:  Walker Books UK have their own Clockwork Angel book trailer.  A darker and spookier approach that some of those who have read the book may find themselves approve:

Music Monday: Cassie's Playlist for Clockwork Angel

Cassie shared her playlist for Clockwork Angel with MundieMoms as part of their month-long celebration for CA's release (original post here:  Part 1 |  Part 2).

In the light of CA's release tomorrow (YEY!!!)  Music Monday features Cassie's playlist for Clockwork Angel:

All links in the playlist leads to YouTube
This is an edited image from the CA wallpaper

1. Head On - Jesus and Mary Chain
2. The Drugs Don't Work - The Verve
3. I'm a Vampire - Future Bible Heroes
4. The One I love - Greg Laswell
5. Alive Alone - The Chemical Brothers
6. London, 1888 - Momus
7. This is the Thing - Fink
8. Banquet - Bloc Party
9. Waiting for my Real Life to Begin - Colin Hay
10. Red Right Hand - Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
11. Monsters and Angels - Voice of the Beehive
12. Either Way - Guster
13. You're in my Love - Sinead Lohan
14. All the Umbrellas in London - The Magnetic Fields

Saturday Sharing: Disney Dream Portraits

I love these pictures taken by Annie Leibovitz, my ultimate favorite photographer ever.  She was commissioned (I think) by Disney to recreate fairy tale moments.

Here are some of them featuring Scarlet Johansson as Cinderella, Beyonce as Alice (in Wonderland), Jessica Biel as Pocahontas, Rachel Weisz as Snow White, Vanessa Hudgens as Aurora and Zac Efron as her prince (who else?), and more!!

Zach Efron as Prince and Vanessa Hudgens as Princess Aurora for Sleeping Beuaty

Book Blogger Hop Friday! (Aug 27-29)

It's time to hop again!  This week's question comes from Books are a Girl's Best Friend:
Do you use a rating system for your reviews and if so, what is it and why?

Yes, I do use my own rating system for reviews.  It is currently undergoing review since I am revamping the blog. It's based on how I can recommend the book or the least I could say is the preference of the book can be subjective.  :)

Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (spoiler-free)

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games, #3)

by Suzanne Collins

August 24, 2010
Buy the book:  Amazon   |   Book Depository

"Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what’s worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins’s groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year." (from Goodreads)~

Review:

I initially wanted to write a review a week after I have read the book, to allow time for me to calm down before I write.  Then again I believe the same thoughts will flow after the time has elapsed.  So as promised, this is a spoiler-free attempted review of Mockingjay.

The Games have ended and turned into a larger arena where everyone is a player.  And Katniss Everdeen is more than a player now - she's hailed as the rebel's image of hope, the Mockingjay.  Just like in every war, there are a lot of casualities, sacrifices to be made, politics and powerplay, and truths that everyone need to accept.  Feelings are raw, emotions are high, and stakes are larger than the last two books.

I had to remind myself from time to time to breathe while reading this book.  From start to finish there is no time to put your guard down.  Like in Katniss case where she needs to be always on the move to keep sane, while reading you feel that you are always on the move as well.  Heart-stopping revelations, turn of events, and realities to live by while fighting, Mockingjay is one book that is so hard to pin a review on.  All I know after is that tears start to burst out of me (thankfully I was alone) and I won't tell why.  I am just happy to be able to experience reading Hunger Games, betting on either Peeta or Gale, cheering on Katniss, waiting for the book, and now trying to get over the haunting tale that Suzanne Collins have written with a ring of truth in it.

Truly an unforgettable ending to the highly acclaimed trilogy. that will eventually turn into a classic.

Waiting on Wednesday: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel (Infernal Devices, #1)

by Cassandra Clare

August 31, 2010

"Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

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

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

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: Jem, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all." (from Goodreads)

Who is not waiting for this book?  Aside from the lucky, lucky leprechauns who had a copy of the ARC, many of us our waiting in torture for the release of Clockwork Angel.  This is Cassandra Clare's first book in her new trilogy, The Infernal Devices about the world of the Shadowhunters and Downworlders.  If you are not aware of the terms, it's probably because you haven't read The Mortal Instruments books.  No worries, you can read Clockwork Angel without having read the TMI books!  Fabulous, eh?  Cassie said that the two series are independent of one another so can be read separately.

I am going to bookstore-hop for this one if FB at Gateway doesn't have this.  Then I'll stay up all night until my eyes bleed out reading.  Haha!  Joke!  Waiting felt like forever but just less than 7 days and Clockwork Angel is here! Then the countdown starts for the next one and of course for City of Fallen Angels. ;-)

Tuesday Trailer: The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

Are we there yet?  Mockingjay is at hand!  Chances are I'm on lock down to avoid spoilers until further notice.  To celebrate its release, here are the trailers for the trilogy:  The Hunger Games (not the official trailer),  Catching Fire (as starting point) and Mockingjay, the much awaited book to date!

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)

Suzanne Collins

"Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with every one out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love." (Goodreads)

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

"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." (Goodreads)

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games, #3)
Suzanne Collins

"Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what’s worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins’s groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year." (Goodreads)

Here comes Mockingjay!

Today we rush to our nearest bookstore to grab the much awaited third installment of the Hunger Games series, Mockingjay!  I will be quiet for a while to spend some time with book and well, avoid spoilers (getting and even giving them).

Happy reading to all and can't wait for all the buzzing afterwards!

Review: Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink

Guardian of the Gate (Prophecy of the Sisters, #2)
Michelle Zink
August 1, 2010
Buy the Book:  Book Depository   |  Amazon

"The ultimate battle between sisters is nearing, and its outcome could have catastrophic consequences. As sixteen year-old Lia Milthorpe searches for a way to end the prophecy, her twin sister Alice hones the skills she'll need to defeat Lia. Alice will stop at nothing to reclaim her sister's role in the prophecy, and that's not the only thing she wants: There's also Lia's boyfriend James.

Lia and Alice always knew the Prophecy would turn those closest to them against them. But they didn't know what betrayal could lead them to do. In the end, only one sister will be left standing." (Goodreads)

Review:

Broken but decided, Lia is now but more than driven to put an end to prophecy once and for all.  But she acknowledges her fear of the uncertainty of her chances of defeating her now powerful sister, Alice, the souls lurking everywhere, and her own ability to fulfill her purpose.  I love how her character is strong-willed yet vulnerable.  She is like every girl at her age would be as faced with conflicts and responsibilities.  Not to mention a brewing dilemma in the love department.

In the second book, we get to see old characters and meet new ones that surely take this mystery deeper as we get closer to finding out the real score about the prophecy.  We'll see another world where the sisterhood and brotherhood resides, new conflicts arise, mystery unfolding, and darkness have never been this closer. 

Though the tone is still "formal", and we have moved from New York to London (and even to France!), it's interesting to note comparison of social norms and even ideologies.  It somehow helped define the personality of the characters and give you an insight of how they help shape the tension within the story.

In the end, only one thing is certain for Lia - only of them (Alice) will get to live after the prophecy.  I had to reread the end paragraphs because I don't want to end it yet without the third book in place.  It's just a torture to wait for the next one after this!  But nonetheless, it's worth all the wait!

Less than 24 Hours until Mockingjay!

Counting down the days until the release of Mockingjay!

from thehungergames | Tumblr

Only less than 24 hours until Mockingjay!!

Music Monday: Butterflies & Hurricanes by Muse

In honor of the release of Mockingjay (The Hunger Games, #3) this week, this is Muse's Butterflies and Hurricanes.  Performed live at the Wembley Stadium for their H.A.A.R.P tour/concert.

The "Butterflies and Hurricanes" 7" cover.

Butterflies and Hurricanes
Muse
Absolution (2003)

change,
everything you are
and everything you were
your number has been called
fights, battles have begun
revenge will surely come
your hard times are ahead

best,
you've got to be the best
you've got to change the world
and you use this chance to be heard
your time is now

change,
everything you are
and everything you were
your number has been called
fights and battles have begun
revenge will surely come
your hard times are ahead

best,
you've got to be the best
you've got to change the world
and you use this chance to be heard
your time is now

don't,
let yourself down

don't let yourself go

your last chance has arrived



best,

you've got to be the best

you've got to change the world

and you use this chance to be heard

your time is now

Review: Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink

Prophecy of the Sisters (Prophecy of the Sisters, #1)
by Michelle Zink
August 1, 2009
Buy the Book:  Book Depository   |   Amazon

"Sixteen-year-old Lia Milthorpe and her twin sister Alice have just become orphans, and, as Lia discovers, they have also become enemies. The twins are part of an ancient prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other. To escape from a dark fate and to remain in the arms of her beloved boyfriend James, Lia must end the prophecy before her sister does. Only then will she understand the mysterious circumstances of her parents' deaths, the true meaning of the strange mark branded on her wrist, and the lengths to which her sister will go to defeat her. Debut novelist Michelle Zink takes readers on an unforgettable journey where one sister's fateful decision could have an impact of Biblical proportions." (Goodreads)

Review:

I love, love, love the way the story was written.  The way it unfolded the mystery, the characters introduced, and even the way it ended.  I was lucky that I read The Prophecy of the Sisters with Guardian of the Gate at hand or else this book is another addition to those who makes me go mental with the wait.

There is the stark contrast between Lia and Alice is despite being identical twins.  The mood is set in the beginning and if not maintained, goes to set the mood for the sequel, Guardian of the Gate.

Though there is the "formal" tone used to match the setting (1800s New York), there is nothing short of fantastic in Michelle Zink's writing.  It's enough to transport you back in time and into the supernatural prophecy of the battle between good and evil.

This is an absolute must-read that will leave you wanting for the next one as soon as you finish reading!

1 Day until Mockingjay

Counting down the days until the release of Mockingjay!

from thehungergames | Tumblr

1 Day until Mockingjay

2 Days until Mockingjay

Counting down the days until the release of Mockingjay!

from thehungergames | Tumblr

2 Days until Mockingjay

Saturday Sharing: True Blood Vamps on Rolling Stones (bloody hot!)

Rolling Stones:  True Blood

Warning:  The following picture may illicit bloody curses due to severe hotness and sensory overload. :D 

This is True Blood madness.  Rolling Stones have featured True Blood's hunky vampires, Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) and Eric Northman (Alexander Skarsgard) with their lady love, Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin).  This September 2, 2010 issue of Rolling Stone will surely light up the magazine stands.

Rolling Stones

The current season (3) of True Blood is bloodier, sexier, and more interesting than ever.  Wolves have come out to play (Alcide, anyone?), and other supernaturals are making their presence felt, as vampires go against each other and humans are caught in between.

I'm still waiting for Sookie to wake up to her senses and make her way into Eric's arms!

Book Blogger Hop Friday (20-23)

It's Friday and time to hop again!  I've been delayed in posting my Friday Hop Post.  I have to catch up with the hop later. :)

This week's question is, "How many blogs do you follow?"

Hmm..technically I follow around 227 blogs. :)  I don't know if it's the same with the Google Reader because I rarely use it. :)  Most of it are book bloggers, authors, and some others.  I accumulated them initially through random chance, recommendations, contests, and of course the book hop/follow friday!

3 Days until Mockingjay

Counting down the days until the release of Mockingjay!

from thehungergames | Tumblr

3 Days until Mockingjay

Arcs Arcs Arcs Contest over at Babbling Flow (and other contests)

Sara McClung is giving away a LOT of ARCs over at Babbling Flow!  What's up for grabs?  BEAUTIFUL CREATURES and BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS
NIGHTSHADE
ROT & RUIN,
THE UNIDENTIFIED
HALT'S PERIL,
THE GOBLIN GATE
JANE
THE WINDS OF HEAVEN

Not much eh? :D  Go head over to her blog and enter the contest!  It's open INTERNATIONALLY and runs until September 8.

In Which a Girl Reads also has a Humongous Blogoversary Giveaway!  Check out all the fab books up for grabs. It's international folks and ends September 19.

Carol in Print is holding another awesome giveaway! This is open internationally and runs until September 6.

Top Ten Picks: Favorite Book Quotes

Top Ten Picks is a weekly meme I got from Random Ramblings.  For this week, we have our Favorite Book Quotes for our Top 10.

Picking my top ten was hard!  In Harry Potter alone there's like hundreds quotes that are worth noting.  Then there's the TMI trilogy and the classics.  My oh my.  Nonetheless, this top 10 is not in any particular order and I picked them because they still move me like the first time I've read them. :)


1. "Sometimes I want to be human for you." - The Demon's Covenant, Sarah Rees Brennan

2. "I'm not going to wear a red dress," she said.
"It would look stunning, My Lady," she called.
She spoke to the bubbles gathered on the surface of the water. "If there's anyone I wish to stun at dinner, I'll hit him in the face." - Graceling, Kristin Cashore

3. "Where there is love, there is often also hate. They can exist side by side." - City of Bones, Cassandra Clare

4.  "Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure." - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, J.K. Rowling

5. "There is no pretending," Jace said with absolute clarity. "I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there is life after that, I'll love you then." - City of Glass, Cassandra Clare

6. "All this time I've hated myself for it. I thought I'd given it up for nothing. But if I hadn't fallen, I wouldn't have met you." - Hush Hush, Becca Fitzpatrick

7. It is our choices, Harry, that show us who we truly are, far more than our abilities."  - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, J.K. Rowling

8. "So I only say, "So what should we do with our last few days?" 

"I just want to spend every possible minute of the rest of my life with you," Peeta replies." - Catching Fire, Suzanne Collins

9. "I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo. 
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us." - Fellowship of the Ring, JRR Tolkien

10. "I don't want to be a man,' said Jace. 'I want to be an angst-ridden teenager who can't confront his own inner demons and takes it out verbally on other people instead.' - City of Ashes, Cassandra Clare

4 Days until Mockingjay

Counting down the days until the release of Mockingjay!

from thehungergames | Tumblr

4 Days until Mockingjay

You all want (and need) to see this: Clockwork Angel trailer

The official trailer for the Clockwork Angel debuted Wednesday, 2PM (EST) at MTV's HollywoodCrush.  Now who couldn't resist the pull of sharing it with everyone else when it is so freaking amazing?!  Just less than 12 days and we'll meet Tessa Grey and the Shadowhunters of Victorian London.  We'll get to see what Magnus is like back then (and Church!!).

For now, as we agonizingly wait for a few more days for CA's release here is the official book trailer for Clockwork Angel by VLC Productions:

You can head on to MTV's HollywoodCrush and make a comment on why you love and or looking forward to  the book!  Cassie said she would appreciate it.  Go, go, go!

Taking Cover: White Cat (PB) and Red Glove by Holly Black

Aren't they pretty?  I love the red/black/white theme of the covers. 

This is the cover for the paperback edition of Holly Black's White Cat, featuring who else, but our favorite unlikely hero, Cassel!

The final cover for its sequel, Red Glove has also been released.  For those who have read White Cat, you might have an idea who is on the cover. :)  The book is due to be released on April 2011.

Review: Angel Star by Jennifer Murgia

Angel Star
by Jennifer Murgia
May 18, 2010
Buy the book:  Amazon   |   Book Depository

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

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

Review:

"Angels have no philosophy but love." - Anonymous

Everything happened so fast for Teagan McNeel.  She just met a gorgeous boy named Garreth Adams and the next thing she knows, she's caught between a struggle between good and evil.

Angel Star delved into symbolism, of angels and humans, and the emotions that seem to cut across divinity and humanity:  love.  Then there is also seeing the two sides of the truth, acceptance, and hope.  In just a short time, how can you pack all of that?  I can't blame Teagan for feeling she's going to go mental at one point in the book if you had to go thru a lot with nothing more than yourself and an angel that looks to good to be true.

I often times caught myself smiling or almost on the brink of crying as I was reading this one.  You can't help but feel for Garreth and Teagan.  I don't know maybe I'm just emotional at that time.  But I am certain that this was one of the best books I have read in a while.  It was so worth the wait (baby, I've been waiting for you since May and have searched every bookstore there is in the city!), and I think I can wait for the next one, Lemniscate to come out.  I'm just a bit amazed that I bought this book August 8, and turns out it's in the book.  Lovely.

Rating:

5 Days until Mockingjay

Counting down the days until the release of Mockingjay!

 from thehungergames | Tumblr

5 Days until Mockingjay

Waiting on Wednesday: Halo by Alexandra Ardonetto

Halo

by Alexandra Ardonetto

August 31, 2010

Nothing much happens in the sleepy town of Venus Cove. But everything changes when three angels are sent from heaven to protect the town against the gathering forces of darkness: Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, a teenage girl who is the least experienced of the trio. They work hard to conceal their true identity and, most of all, their wings. But the mission is threatened when the youngest angel, Bethany, is sent to high school and falls in love with the handsome school captain, Xavier Woods. Will she defy the laws of Heaven by loving him? Things come to a head when the angels realize they are not the only supernatural power in Venus Cove. There′s a new kid in town and he′s charming, seductive and deadly. Worst of all, he′s after Beth.~  (from Goodreads)

This is one of the books that the cover is beautiful,  it makes you want to pick up the book and see what it's all about.  Then you'll notice that the guy has features similar to that of Ben Barnes.  That get things starting and you're won over by the story of an angel falling in-love with a mortal.  Divine.  I included this is my TBR list!  So many books are releasing on end of August it's going to be a blast!

Bits of This And That: Clockwork Angel Trailer News and more!

Cassie just announced that the trailer for Clockwork Angel will be premiered at MTV's Hollywood Crush August 18 (Wednesday) at 2PM EST (NY). 

You don't want to miss this one!  Mark it down:  tomorrow, 2PM EST at Hollywood Crush.

 I guess the trailer will spread like wildfire once it's available for embedding.  hehe. :D

In other news, Novel Novice is throwing a virtual wedding shower for Cassie and Josh.  You can leave a message for them, make a fan art, poem, music, video, etc.  All entries should be in by September 15 because they will have to collect everything and give them as a gift for Cassie and Josh.  Novel Novice also has special bookmarks to commemorate this event and have a special game in their site!

And less than 6 days to go before Mockingjay!  

No to Mockingjay Spoilers!

6 Days until Mockingjay

Counting down the days until the release of Mockingjay!

from thehungergames | Tumblr

6 Days until Mockingjay

Tuesday Trailer: Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Sisters Red (Sisters Red, #1)
by Jackson Pearce
June 7, 2010

"Scarlett March lives to hunt the Fenris-- the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.

Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts fiercely alongside her. Now Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves and finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax-- but loving him means betraying her sister and has the potential to destroy all they've worked for.

Twenty-five-year-old Jackson Pearce delivers a dark, taut fairy tale with heart-pounding action, fierce sisterly love, and a romance that will leave readers breathless."  (Goodreads)

I am always fascinated with stories that involve love and family (especially on siblings).  They are certainty that we cannot live without and the conflicts that arises from these two can be seemingly familiar and worthwhile exploring.  I'm so excited to read Sisters Red now I have copy! 

Check out the book trailer:

Bits of This And That: Lisbeth Salander Casted and Robsten Lip-locked

The role of Lisbeth Salander in the film adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was given to Rooney Mara.  After speculations of casting big names in the title role (like Ellen Page, Natalie Portman and even Mia Wasikowska), this promising actress bagged the role.  To know some facts about Rooney Mara, head on here to view the original article.

On the other hand, Robsten fans should have something to celebrate.  The Twilight couple was finally caught in a lip-lock in Montreal when Rob went to visit Kristen on the set of On the Road, which Kristen is filming.  View the grainy yet passable evidence here.

Source:  EOnline

7 Days until Mockingjay

Counting down the days until the release of Mockingjay!

from thehungergames | Tumblr

7 Days until Mockingjay

Music Monday: 30 Seconds to Mars - This is War

This is War
30 Seconds to Mars
December 2009
Buy at Amazon:  Album     |   MP3

    1.    Escape
    2.    Night of the Hunter
    3.    Kings and Queens
    4.    This is War 
    5.    100 Suns
    6.    Hurricane
    7.    Closer to the Edge 
    8.    Vox Populi 
    9.    Search and Destroy
    10.  Alibi 
    11.  Stranger in a Strange Land 
    12.  L490

30 Seconds to Mars consists of brothers Jared Leto and Shanon Leto, and Tomo Miličević.  This is War is their third studio album released last December 2009.

If you haven't seen the video for Kings and Queens or even hear it, then you better do it now.  The lyrics are strong and beautiful.  I even added it already for my TMI playlist!  The video is as beautiful as the lyrics and creative with how they portrayed the youth as strong and united despite their individual differences.  That's my take on it but love is really what I have for it.

Closer to the Edge is another strong song in the album with an anthem like feel for the youth.  Even the video has snippets of young individuals giving out messages or just speaking out loud.

The album does not only holds songs that evoke social or even political messages like This is War or Vox Populi.  I personally love their song, 100 Suns, which felt like a ballad escape from the tumultuous reality that we face, and believing in our selves.  There's also L490, which is a fine instrumental track to end the album.

Show your love and support for 30 Seconds to Mars by voting for them at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards.  They are up for Best Rock Video and Video of the Year.

30 Seconds to Mars

Official Website   |   Facebook   |   Twitter