Waiting on Wednesday: Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Wither (Chemical Garden #1)

by Lauren DeStefano

March 22, 2011; Simon & Schuster

"What if you knew exactly when you would die?

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limted time she has left." (Goodreads)

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Pre-order the book:   Amazon   |   Book Depository

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Another interesting and promising dystopian tale that has been recommended by those who have read and reviewed it.  I'm excited to read this one because it somehow reminds me of The Giver.  :D

Winner of the Iron Queen Giveaway!

So at last!  I got things sorted out.  But before I announce the winner, The Iron Queen is out now so I know most of you will run out and get it.  If you still need a little push, then I'm giving you the nudge.  It is AWESOME.  Go, go, go!

So the lucky leprechaun who won the my Iron Queen giveaway is...

#114 - latishajean

Congratulations! I'm going to email the winner and has 48 hours to respond or another leprechaun will be drawn. :)  

Other Iron Queen giveaways are around the blogosphere especially since it's the release week of the book! :) I know there is an Court tour happening. Check out Julie's blog for more update. :)  

Part 2 of my giveaway is still ongoing until February 8.  :)

Tuesday Trailer: Happy Book Release Day to Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa!

 Happy Book Release Day to Julie Kagawa's The Iron Queen! 

This is really a highly recommended read for those who love YA.  :)  For those who are new to it, here's the book trailer for the series:

Then later today I will post who won in my Iron Queen giveaway.  

I'm still stuck sorting the entries. *sorry*  

I think Grimalkin would nag be into doing it faster. haha!

Music Monday

Yey!  Chris Colfer won the Best Supporting Actor for Series, Miniseries or TV Film in the recent Golden Globe awards!  His moment is not only testament to his talent but also to how his character inspires others.  Check out his acceptance speech because it was awesome too.

This is one of my favorite acts in season two of Glee.  I think I cried like weeeeee while watching this one. 

Alex Offered the role of Jace!!!

The moment I heard this one I almost spilled my coffee and burn myself.  But that is not important.

Casting gods may have heard the dire prayers of the people, HollywoodCrush reported, from Vulture exclusive, that Alex Pettyfer has been offered the role of Jace Wayland, the sarcastic gorgeous kick-ass anti-hero from the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare.

[cue the cheers, faints and even apprehensions from the fans]  We done?  Ah, now for some complications.  Vulture also reported that Screen Gems chief, Clint Culpepper, wants Alex on board as Jace Wayland or the project will not push thru at all!  I understand where Chief is coming from.  He must have heard the loud calls and have seen the online clamor and petition to have Alex getting the part of Jace.  He must have also seen the uncanny similarities the two have.  HollywoodCrush thinks that it's better to find a replacement rather than nix the film.

Sorry but thinking about another Jace seems to be unimaginable to me.  And nix the film?  Not having Alex as Jace, I think, heightens the risk of nixing it.

Edit:  They are negotiating within the week and hope to be able to make announcement(s) by next week  (So I'm going to be saying a lot of prayers and incantations until then..).  And here's what's Cassie's say on the news roundup.

"I wanted to wait till I could have an official chat with the studio folks before I said anything, so my small contribution is: I know Alex has met with the director, Scott Stewart, several times; I know he screened Scott's movie, Priest, and loved it; I know he read the TMI books over the holidays and really liked them and liked Jace, and his representatives are negotiating making a deal for the role of Jace. At this point it's all about the deal, which really doesn't have anything to do with me, so I stand back and wait for news like the rest of you." - Cassandra Clare

What do you guys think of this glorious development?  Do you want Alex to play Jace? 

I can't think outside the box so I would love to hear your thoughts about this. :)

Edit:  Alex Pettyfer will guest on Ellen this January 28!  (source)

Review: Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Beautiful Darkness (Caster Chronicles #2)
by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
October 12, 2010
Buy book thru: Book Depository (Paperback) (Hardbound)   |   Amazon

"Ethan Wate used to think of Gatlin, the small Southern town he had always called home, as a place where nothing ever changed. Then he met mysterious newcomer Lena Duchannes, who revealed a secret world that had been hidden in plain sight all along. A Gatlin that harbored ancient secrets beneath its moss-covered oaks and cracked sidewalks. A Gatlin where a curse has marked Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals for generations. A Gatlin where impossible, magical, life-altering events happen.

Sometimes life-ending.

Together they can face anything Gatlin throws at them, but after suffering a tragic loss, Lena starts to pull away, keeping secrets that test their relationship. And now that Ethan's eyes have been opened to the darker side of Gatlin, there's no going back. Haunted by strange visions only he can see, Ethan is pulled deeper into his town's tangled history and finds himself caught up in the dangerous network of underground passageways endlessly crisscrossing the South, where nothing is as it seems."(Goodreads)

Review

"Because the second I fell in love with a Caster girl, no one I loved was safe.  Lena thought she was the only one cursed, but she was wrong. 

It was our curse now."

-Ethan Wate

The follow-up to Beautiful Creatures, the story starts off after the events that happened in Lena's 16th Birthday.  Clearly distraught from her loss, Ethan tries as much to be her anchor.  But he finds it rather difficult when she doesn't talk straight with him and then all of a sudden realizes that there is more that Lena is not telling him.

New characters are ushered here which makes the story even more intriguing.  More secrets are unveiled, darkness beneath Gaitlin that Ethan never expected, and everything that he knew will change.  Because there's so much more to Gaitlin's past and the claiming of Lena will soon come - and darkness will not stop to have her choose their side.  And Ethan will soon find their love his strength in making Lena see sense in her grief.

This enthralling sequel to Beautiful Creatures, Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl really weaves a beautiful story about the mystery that hounds a small town, love that transcends boundaries, and the truth that there is darkness in each of us.  Though such darkness exist, we also have the strength to conquer it and live differently.

I'm adoring Amma.  She is a strong woman who also translate to her cooking skills.  No other book makes my tummy tumble while reading.  I was off to search Amma's recipes after reading this book and had to try my hands on them.  Ethan subtly matured in this book, holding his on against Lena's confused state.  We now get to know his part in the Caster world.  And you will love Ethan's quirky best-friend Link that makes me want to hug him.  I love how he "fears" Amma and has a soft spot for her pies. 

I surely can't wait for the third book to come.  Though it took me some time to finally get to this book, it was sure worth the wait and surely saw that this the story is indeed beautifully unfolding.

Waiting on Wednesday: Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr

Darkest Mercy (Wicked Lovely #5)
by Melissa Marr
February 22, 2011: HarperCollins

"The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey.
Aislinn tends to the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.
Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the Faery Courts, and in the final conflict, some will win . . . and some will lose everything.
The thrilling conclusion to Melissa Marr's New York Times bestselling Wicked Lovely series will leave readers breathless." (Goodreads)

Pre-order the book:   Amazon   |   Book Depository

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One of the book series I love!  Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely comes to a conlcusion with Darkest Mercy.  I'm excited to know what will happen to everyone.

Music Monday

This Music Monday is dedicated in the light of the recent tragedies across the globe.




We may not have the same name for what we believe and have faith in, but you can never underestimate the the strength of the human heart.  Things may get a little shitty but you are never alone. 

Notable Quotables

I got this meme from Bewitched Bookworms.
Join the fun! We all love quotes, something to remind us of a good read.. :)

"Every lover is, in his heart, a madman, and, in his head, a minstrel."
— Neil Gaiman (Stardust)

In short, when it comes to love, we are also craaaazy. Period!  And love does inspire us to form words, to be artist, etc. One cannot easily understand the heart of that who loves. *_*

And I confess.  I watched the movie first before reading the book.  Ha!  I really loved the movie that I got interested in reading the book.  I was not actually aware that the film was based on a Neil Gaiman's book.  I just found out about while researching about the movie.  Teehee.

If you haven't watched the movie, you might want to because it's super nice.  And you can catch an appearance of Ben Barnes there *wink-wink*.  The book is also a good read, a bit different from the movie, but works well too.
I always seem to think that Neil Gaiman's stories works best as films.
I loved his stories for children better, and his short stories are the bomb!

Review: Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Sisters Red
by Jackson Pearce
June 7, 2010
Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Buy Book thru Book Depository   |  Amazon

"Scarlet 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 ferociously alongside her. But even as more girls' bodies pile up in the city and the Fenris seem to be gaining power, Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves. She finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax and Scarlett's only friend--but does loving him mean betraying her sister and all that they've worked for?" (Goodreads)

Review

"My sister has the heart of an artist with a hatchet and an eye patch. And I, we both now know, have a heart that is undeniably, irreparably different." 
- Rosie, Sisters Red

This is a beautiful spin on Little Red Riding Hood, where the wolves are dangerous and the Scarlett sisters are devoted into keeping other girls free from the wolves - one Fenris at a time.

It is dark, sexy and moving.  Scarlett is a kick-ass heroine, whose scars run deep.  Her hunting strength and skills are matched by Rosie's love and will to be like her sister.  Together with their childhood friend and hunter, Silas, they hunt down the Fenris into the city when they discovered something about them.

I fell in-love with how Jackson Pearce developed the story between the two Scarlett sisters, how they contrast one another and make you feel the struggle that they are undergoing.  Scarlett's strength masks her silent insecurity about herself.  Rosie is unscarred half of the March sisters.  She is the heart to Scarlett's strength, and sees the other side of life without the hunt.  The perspective shifts from Scarlett to Rosie, which further help the readers delve into the character's persona. 

Maybe because I am also close to my younger sister that I was deeply moved by this one and somehow can relate to Scarlett.  The Fenris are alluring and deceiving.  And the way the plot unfolded later on is just good it's hard to put down.

Iron Queen Twitter Chat and some more news!

So I'm going to pack some recent news and updates that you don't want to miss!

(Click here for the last news round-up)

The Iron Queen Twitter Party

Launch of Godspeed!

Sarah Rees Brennan's Big News

Lily Collins on playing Clay and favorite City of Bones scene

The Mobster Fairy Tale by Holly Black (fairy tale that inspired White Cat)

Sir Ian McKellen is going back as Gandalf! And more!

Tragic flood in Australia

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Iron Fey fans! Join Julie Kagawa on a Twitter chat party on January 13, 8PM EST.  This is in honor of the nearing release of The Iron Queen.

"..we'll be discussing The Iron Queen, all things Ash and Puck, and giving out some cool prizes (Signed books, chibi drawings, and a Grimalkin rock sound good?)."  - Julie

Cheer for your team (Team ASHHHHH!!),  pick your court, and join the fun!  Use the the hashtag, #IronQueen for the chat.  You can also follow the Iron goddess herself, @JKagawa.

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Yesterday, we welcomed the launch of the Godspeed with the release of Beth Revis' Across the Universe!  I can't wait to have my own copy of the book (hellloooo, Fully Booked...) and discover the mysteries that lie inside Godspeed.  Cheers to to those who have read the book (or have their copies),

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Then Sarah Rees Brennan broke the news yesterday! 

"Film rights to Sarah Rees Brennan’s THE DEMON’S LEXICON, about two brothers hunted by a powerful magician's circle after their mother steals a charm and when the eldest is marked by a demon, the younger must save him but unwittingly uncovers the darkest of secrets, optioned to Parallel films.."

Waiting on Wednesday: The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney

The Iron Witch (The Iron Witch Saga #1)
by Karen Mahoney
February 8, 2011
Flux

"Freak. That's what her classmates call seventeen-year-old Donna Underwood. When she was seven, a horrific fey attack killed her father and drove her mother mad. Donna's own nearly fatal injuries from the assault were fixed by magic—the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. The child of alchemists, Donna feels cursed by the magical heritage that destroyed her parents and any chance she had for a normal life. The only thing that keeps her sane and grounded is her relationship with her best friend, Navin Sharma.

When the darkest outcasts of Faerie—the vicious wood elves—abduct Navin, Donna finally has to accept her role in the centuries old war between the humans and the fey. Assisted by Xan, a gorgeous half-fey dropout with secrets of his own, Donna races to save her friend—even if it means betraying everything her parents and the alchemist community fought to the death to protect." Goodreads

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Another promising story about faeries with a dark edge to it. 

Tuesday Trailer: Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

Angelfire
by Courtney Allison Moulton
February 15, 2011
Read my review here

"When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul.

A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her - an assassin who has already killed her once.

While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie's soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives - including truths that may be too frightening to remember." (Goodreads)

Bits of This and That: Helloooo, January

Wow, the first week of January passed by already.  I hope the new year's been good for everyone.  Things are looking pretty good as well for this month's book releases:

January Releases:

(1/1) The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher
(1/3) Entice (Need #3) by Carrie Jones
(1/4) Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
(1/4) Awakened (House of Night #8) by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast
(1/4) My Soul to Steal (Soul Screamers #4) by Rachel Vincent
(1/4) Bloodlust (The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries #2) by L.J. Smith
(1/4) Shadowspell by Jenna Black
(1/4) Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves
(1/4) Mad Love by Suzanne Selfors
(1/6) Entangled by Cat Clarke
(1/6) XVI by Julia Karr
(1/7) Forsaken (Demon Trappers #1) by Jana Oliver
(1/7) Warped by Maurissa Guibord 
(1/11) Timeless by Alexandra Monir
(1/11) Across the Universe by Beth Revis
(1/18) Shadowfever (Fever #5) by Karen Marie Moning
(1/25) Vesper by Jeff Sampson
(1/25) Blessed by Cynthia Leitich Smith
(1/25 or 2/1) The Iron Queen (The Iron Fey #3) by Julie Kagawa

My first review of the year is Cynthia Hand's Unearthly.  Read my review to see why I would recommend you to read it (Yes, you angel lover.  You'll love it).

Other than book reviews, hopefully I can get to review some movies as well.  It's been a while since I did one.  And I can't really call my post for Merlin and Sherlock a review because clearly, I'm addicted to them. :D


The fabulous Mundie Moms and Fallen Archangel will be hosting a live chat with Becca Fitzpatrick (Hush, Hush series) this Tuesday, January 25 9PM EST.  So better have this one marked on your calendar!

photo source

In other news, one of my favorite authors, Neil Gaiman tied the knot with his fiancée, Amanda Palmer (of the Dresden Dolls) last January 2.  Who better to tell you about it than Mr. Sandman himself in his journal:

"Amanda and I married on Sunday night (actually and legally, this time) almost on the spur of the moment. The handful of people who were at the wedding were the people we were going to have dinner with on the Second of January anyway. They just got a little more than they were expecting." - Neil Gaiman, "Yes"

COFA cast

And for those who have been closely following Cassandra Clare's twitter, you know that fans are all excited for the shoot of City of Fallen Angels book trailer, with Vania Stoyanova of VLC Productions at its helm.  All we know now is the cast is complete - Jace, Clary, Simon, Izzy, Maia, Alec, Magnus and even Sebastian (flashback only) .  To see more pics, here's is MM's slideshow I borrowed (wink-wink) as shared also by Cassie to her fans.

To follow the crazy, sexiness of the book trailer shoot, just use the hashtag, #CoFAshoot.  The release of the trailer is not yet finalized since it's still in the production stage and would need time for the post-production stage.  Final say would come from Simon and Schuster, and Cassie and the rest of the gang have no idea when would that be. But one thing's definite:  we are all EXCITED for this one.  Especially now we know that this hot teaser from COFA should be in the trailer...

Don't forget that my 1st Blogoversary Treat is happening now!  You can win The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa (until 1/24) or enter the $10 Amazon giftcard or Book Depository Giveaway (until 2/8).  Open to followers and international as long you qualify. :)

Cheers!

Music Monday

I'm rocking this song,  Evermore's Hey Boys and Girls.  They are a band from New Zealand.  So got to give some love to these kiwis!  I really need to save up and travel there.  Just one stuffs from my bucket list there.

I first heard this song in one of the firsts trailers for Beastly.  It's where Kyle (Alex Pettyfer) was on stage sort of campaigning and working the audience.  Loved it ever since.  The video is pretty wicked too if you ask me.  Grunged-up nicely.

City of Fallen Angels Playlist from Cassie!

Thru the fab, MundieMoms, Cassandra Clare just gave us the sweetest gift for the new year!  It's her playlist for The City of Fallen Angels! Weeee!! Cassie also have an awesome taste in music to match her killer writing prowess. So check it out:
 

1) "If my Heart was a House" Owl City

2) "While We Were Dreaming" Pink Mountaintops

3) Carousel, Paper Route

4) "This is My City" Timothy Victor

5) Sweet and Low, Augustana

6) No Better, Sherwood

7) Fall Hard, Shout Out Louds

8) Marry Song, Brand of Horses

9) Degausser, Brand New

10) Wolves, the Accidental

11) "It's in Your Blood" Lydia

12) Angels on the Moon — Thriving Ivory

13) "Love Like This" The Summer Set

14) Parachute, Ingrid Michaelson

15) "In my Veins", Andrew Belle

Degausser rocks and I swoon over Lydia's song, It's in your blood.  Owl City's If I was a house is a swoon-worthy love song too. And I guess you know for whom...

For more information regarding why Cassie picked the songs for the books, head on to MundieMoms to read all about it.

Just another addiction..

SHERLOCK!!!  Really, BBC.  You are fueling my TV addictions/obsession.  If you haven't tried getting into this series, I really recommend watching it.  Especially if you enjoyed the movie, Sherlock Holmes and are into detective works and smart banters.

Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) portrayal of Sherlock is awesome.  Not to mention he's so fine, he's rocking his coat.  And where would Sherlock be without John Watson (Martin Freeman)?  He's adorable as Watson.

The series might just be three episodes but it runs for an hour half at least per episode.  It might sound a bit long, but you'll want the second season after the third episode.  And the episodes are not boring, they're nasty fun! How could you get bored with Sherlock and Watson? I literally spent my Christmas watching it.

After finishing both Merlin and Sherlock last holiday, I have now a British killer cheekbone syndrome. Not to mention I think I'm currently in a British-diet mode (aka. if-you're-hungry-just-look-at-British-guys). Good thing they will start shooting for the next season this May. *clap-clap-clap*

To give you something from the show.  This is from Episode 3 -  The Great Game:

Notable Quotables

 

I got this meme from Bewitched Bookworms.  Join the fun! We all love quotes, something to remind us of a good read.. :)

"Sometimes I want to be human for you."

- Sarah Rees Brennan's The Demon's Covenant

Ok, I won't tell who said this one to avoid spoilery for those who haven't gone thru book 1, The Demon's Lexicon.  I sooooo love this quote because it's simple but with such an emotional impact to me as a reader.  It makes you see an emotional struggle of a character, especially if you know which one.  If you're curious then you better pick up the book!  You can read my review of the books here:

The Demon's Lexicon   |   The Demon's Covenant (spoiler alert)

The third book of the trilogy, The Demon's Surrender is scheduled for release this May 2011, so you still have time to get into the series.  If you're a fan of Cassandra Clare and Holly Black, you sure will  love this series as well.

Cover Love: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, Original Sin, Passion, Circle of Fire, The Power of Six

Some round-up of the book cover releases.  Check them out, they are all gorgeous!  We have The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin, Original Sin by Lisa Desrochers, Passion by Lauren Kate, Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink, and The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore.

1st Blogoversary Treat Part 2

Amazing, I just celebrated my 1st year of blogging.  This has been an amazing experience for me.  All I wanted was to read good books and share the experience with other readers.  I'm still a newbie in all of this and much as I want to do more, my school work is hogging my time.  Fortunately, just a few more months of legwork and I can go be a reader happy again *evil grin*.

So as a small way of celebrating my first blogoversary, I have two part treat:

Part 1 is where I'm pre-ordering Julie Kagawa's The Iron Queen for the winner.  Click here to know how to enter the giveaway.

Part 2 of my blogoversary treat:

One winner will get to choose either a $10 Amazon e-giftcard or $10 Book Depository book.

This is open to followers only; International
The giveaway will end February 8, 2011 11:59 EST

All you have to do is fillout the FORM

Because I love The Iron Fey series...

Just a few more weeks until the release of the Iron Queen (Iron Fey #3) by Julie Kagawa.  And to show my love for one of my fav fictional couples in YA:

"You are my heart, my life, my entire existence."
-Ash (The Iron Queen)

I blame Julie Kagawa for making me the Ash Effect a reality.  And everytime I see BinBons, I would want to scream, ASH like any normal fangirl would. :D

This is what love can do.  Haha! I always wanted a Meghan and Ash pic.  What you think?  I'm not that good in this stuff but I think I can get by..

And this just came in time for Julie's Show your love for the Iron Fey series contest.  Send in your artwork, any thing that shows your love for her books.  Head on to her blog to know more and enter the contest.  What's in it for you?  Well, just a signed set of her books.  Fabulous!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa (+ Giveaway)

The Iron Queen (The Iron Fey, #3)
Julie Kagawa
February 1, 2011
Read my review here

"My name is Meaghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stay by my side. Drag me into the core of a conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back." (Goodreads)

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I love, love Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series (all books making it to my 10 Best Reads of 2010).  I am all thanks to HarperTeens and NetGalley for sharing the e-arc of The Iron Queen for review.  Nonetheless, it is one of the most awaited books this 2011.  I want this baby in my shelf no matter what.

And as a part of my 1st Blogoversary Treat and celebration of my almost but not quite 500 followers, I will be (pre) ordering a copy The Iron Queen to one lucky follower!

What you have to do to enter:

it's a treat for followers so you have to be a following via GFC

comment on my review of The Iron Queen

and then leave your email address in the comment in this post.

If you like extra entries, you may do so by following: 

old followers automatic have +1

Following me or Julie on Twitter

Liking The Iron Fey page

Spreading the contest anywhere would also be lovely.

Just link the extra entries in this FORM.

This ends January 23 11:59 PM EST

please make sure Book Depository ships to your country (check here)

Stay tune for Part 2 of my 1st blogoversary treat.

Cheers!

Contest is now closed.
Winner will be announced soon.
Thank you for everyone who participated. :D

Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Unearthly

by Cynthia Hand

January 4, 2011
egalley from HarperTeen thru NetGalley 
Buy Book:  Book Depository   |   Amazon

"In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees. . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what it is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place--and out of place, at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make--between honesty and deciet, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?" (Goodreads)


Review

Purpose is a very important thing for the likes of Clara - beings with angel blood.  It is literally life changing for her because as soon as she gets a glimpse of hers, they had to move to a new town where her purpose (as visioned in a dream) led her. 

Having a purpose sounds neat, but it doesn't come out clear for Clara because her mother is tight-lipped about it and her purpose only comes thru visions that comes even in her waking moments.  Not to mention mixing personal stuffs with business, because Christian, who is part of her purpose is downright gorgeous making Clara a giddy guardian angel-in-training.   

As the day of the fulfillment of her purpose nears, events trickled down that makes her question her purpose and inadvertently changing the course of perhaps her destiny.

At first I had a difficulty getting into the story.  Maybe it's my fault because I was trying to read as much as I can.  But thankfully I took my time and everything fell into place.  Patience is the key here since you are journeying with Clara as she slowly make her way to her purpose with only the following elements in place:  there's a forest fire and a boy she needs to save. 

Maybe Clara was destined to fall in-love with the boy.  Then again, I believe that we are the one who makes our destiny.  So we alone could say who we love even though it's not in the plans to fall in-love with.

And if you think there's only good angels and romance here, think again.  Because somehow, Clara's destiny seems to be far more complex than just saving someone.  I fell in-love with the book in the later part and was surprised in how things turned out. 

You love angels a good fashioned falling in-love story, and a little mystery? Then Unearthly is for you.

Music Monday

I just realized it's my first blogoeversary yesterday. :D  So I find it fitting to make Florence + The Machine, my first music monday for 2011 since it was my first featured music last year. :)  

I just wanted something upbeat to start our year!  Cheers!

Stay tune later this week for my small blogoversary treat.  I still have a holiday hangover and reading marathon on. :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! ^_^

HERE COMES 2011!!! 

Happy New Year, everyone! Wishing you all a promising year ahead. :)
Thank you for making my blogging experience an awesome one.  Looking forward to more books, music, etc., sharing, and interaction with you all.

image from ~kodomodo

Cheers to our family, friends, and a good life!