March 31, 2011

Review: Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

Starcrossed (Starcrossed #1)
by Josephine Angelini
May 31, 2011:  HarperTeen
e-arc review via netgalley

Buy the Book:  Amazon   |   Book Depository
"How do you defy destiny?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart." (Goodreads)
Review

Helen tried to fit in her small crowd in the island of Nantucket.  Even though probably considered as one of the weird or outcast of her social group, she doesn't mind getting less of the attention of the crowd.  Everything was normal in her life until the day she laid eyes on one of the newcomers in the Island - Lucas Delos.  She just happened to try to kill him in front of the school.  And from then on, Helen knew that her life will never be the same.  Unbeknown to her, this holds true to Lucas.

Think of Twilight in reverse and in Greek style, then you have yourself a spruced up story with Starcrossed.  Helen was difficult character to begin with.  Clinging to the notion of normality, stubborn, and confused.  Well, I guess I can understand feeling confused.  Try having hallucinations of three women weeping blood and getting that blood-curling hate until it urges you to kill a beautiful boy then being confused is an understatement.  But gradually, Helen grown on me and at the same time, the story started to pick up its pace.  Then you have Lucas, who you will know in the story feels the same animosity towards Helen.  As the story progressed, they knew that they were meant for each other, but due to the role they have to play they cannot be together. 

You will also meet the rest of Delos Family who further reminded me of its similarities with the aforementioned book.  But they are more defined, and their personalities shown as the story moves on.  There's also the friends and family of Helen.  I love her best friend, Claire!  She's really adorable and quite the best friend as you will discover in the latter part of the story.  I can't wait to read more of her in the next book.  You will want to know the developments in every character, and I believe we will, in the future book/s. 

Starcrossed is a wonderful and must-read Greek-story retelling that will take you on an interesting twist (or twists?) that will leave you wanting for more.  A tale of a tragic love caught between a vicious cycle of vendetta, and a myth-old struggle between the demigods.  

March 30, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday: Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Hourglass (Hourglass #1)
by Myra McEntire
May 24, 2011: EgmontUSA

"One hour to rewrite the past . . .

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.


So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.
Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?
"
_____________________________________

I am mesmerized by the plot of the story.  And from what I have read/heard so far about the book, it's pretty, pretty good -   Just like it's cover! :)  Plus paranormal and science-fiction together?  Sounds awesome!

March 28, 2011

Music Monday: Listen to Your Heart (Cover) - D.H.T.


I'm in the mood for songs like DHT's cover of Listen To Your Heart, originally sung by Roxette.  I love how the song kinda makes your heart ache.  I love the original too, with the rockish edge to it. 






March 25, 2011

Follow Friday and Book Blogger Hop

It's time for Follow Friday and Book Hop again! :) Always nice to participate in the hops to get to discover new blogs, and know more about fellow book bloggers.


This week on Parajunkee's Follow Friday feature is Rebecca from Confessions of a Page Turner, and the feature question is:

"Inspired by the inane twitter trend of #100factsaboutme, give us five BOOK RELATED silly facts about you."

  1. I have a tendency to buy different forms of my favorite book titles.  Hardbound, paperback, UK edition, ebook, and even audiobook!  If I can get my hands on an ARC then I'll also go for it.  Haha!
  2. I sometimes hide books that I want to buy but can't buy yet in some hidden parts of the bookshelves at the bookstore.  Ha! Evil I know but I can't help it!  It's only sometimes... *evil grin*
  3. I have a list of future children's names after my favorite characters.  They will eventually read the books anyway. 
  4. I rarely read other genre of books other than YA Paranormal/Dystopian.  I'm gradually trying out YA Contemporary. 
  5. I take it as a great achievement if I go in a bookstore and come out empty handed.  Haha!


Then this week on the Book Blogger Hop from Crazy-for-Books:

Mina from Mina Burrows:

"If you could physically put yourself into a book or series…which one would it be and why?"

Oh my goodness.  Can I list three? *wink*



  1. The Lord of the Rings - I knew in my heart I am born a hobbit just without the big hairy feet.  And who wouldn't want to live in the world that JRR Tolkien created?  Amazing.
  2. Harry Potter series - Harry potter generations, are you with me?  If I would die and reincarnate in one world, please let it be in the Wizarding world.
  3. The Mortal Instruments - If the cosmos won't let me have wizarding blood, then let me kick some demon-butt as a shadowhunter. 

I'm loving this week's questions!
Previous Posts:

Reviews:

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

March 24, 2011

Review: Awakened by Ednah Walters

Awakened (The Guardian Legacy #1)
by Ednah Walters
September 2, 2010: Pill Hill Press
Buy the book:  Amazon   |   Book Depository

"Most teens turn sixteen and get the license to drive, Lil Falcon gets the license to kill demons, but no one told her she is not supposed to fall in love with one.

Orphaned as a child and raised by an eccentric grandfather, Lil is concerned with surviving high school and is unaware she's a Guardian—a being with super powers charged with killing demons and protecting humanity. But when she meets Bran, a mysterious boy with amazing abilities, his psi energy unlocks her latent powers.

But Bran has a secret that can destroy their growing relationship. He's part demon. But in her heart, Lil knows Bran is not evil. So when her grandfather is kidnapped by a powerful nature-bender and Bran is the only one who knows where he's being kept, Lil convinces the other Guardians to trust him, not knowing her grandfather is just the bait. And the truth that she discovers in the demonic enclave may just destroy everything she believes in, unless she makes the right choice—love and sacrifice." (Goodreads)
Review

Lil knew she was different from the others and made her feel a bit like an outsider - always moving from one place to another, and the other eccentricities that comes with her gypsy lineage.  But she never thought she could be more than a gypsy until she met Bran Llyr.  She discovered she is a guardian-in-training, possessing powers that she will use to fight demons that her kind have been fighting ever since the world began.

This is one cool story and greatly enjoyed reading it.  At first I was a bit confused with the terms used in the story - the different guardians, the psi, Xeniths and Coronis, but thankfully Ednah Walters provided a sort of Terminology at the beginning of the book so you can just check it for reference.  Once you're settled with the terms, you're good to go with the story.  Lil get to meet the other guardians-in-training and go training herself.  The other guardians in training are very interesting characters and I can't wait to know more about them in the next books.  Same goes with the other characters you will meet in the book.  Especially those concerned in the political or power play among the guardians.

I love Lil's grandfather, who for me is very cool.  He's the only parent-figure that Lil has and is a very strong character in the book.  His protectiveness over Lil is endearing and in the end you'll find out why.  Then there's also Bran who is very charming and sometimes can get under your skin.  He is a half-demon but determined to be otherwise and prove to others that he is worthy of being one of Lil's kind. 

Really got hooked reading this book and can't wait for the next one.    More Lil and Bran, and the other guardians-in-training too!

March 23, 2011

Review: The Lost Saint by Bree Despain

The Lost Saint (The Dark Divine #2)
by Bree Despain
December 28, 2010:  EgmontUSA

Buy the Book:  Amazon   |   Book Depository
"A family destroyed. A love threatened. An enemy returns.

Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She was infected with the werewolf curse while trying to save him, and lost her beloved brother in the process.

Desperate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot, a newcomer to town. But as the two grow closer, Grace's relationship with Daniel is put in danger - in more ways than one.

Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace begins to give into the wolf inside of her - not realizing that an enemy has returned and a deadly trap is about to be sprung."  (Goodreads)
Review

The Lost Saint is a riveting sequel to The Dark Divine. It's hard to hold on to love when it is questioned, trust when everything has changed, and believe when there is something dark stirring within you.

Things have changed for Grace Divine.  For saving the life of Daniel Kalbi, she's the one who have to live with the curse of the werewolf now.  Struggling to adjust to a life with a werewolf inside her and a family still on the edge on finding her missing brother, Jude, Grace only has Daniel in dealing with these changes.  Or is it?

Danger lurks in the corners of Grace's small town and evils of the past starts to emerge.  Grace's inner wolf threatens not only to destroy herself but everything she holds dear. 

I loved how the story came out in The Lost Saint.  The inner conflict of Grace brought out her strength and vulnerability.  She is juggling her responsibility as a daughter, friend, friend, and now a werewolf.  As she tries to take hold of her powers as a werewolf, she tries to make meaning out of it by finding its purpose.  But it's not as easy as it seems because the werewolf curse is dark in origin.

Tension rises in her relationship with Daniel especially when another character, Talbot enters the picture.  Look out for this character because he is hot.  Hot enough to bring tension in more ways than one.  We also see Daniel in a more vulnerable light since he is no longer cursed.  Another interesting character enters the picture, who will bring to light some troubled past and help Daniel and Grace see that their love is stronger than the curse.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Demon's Surrender by Sarah Rees Brennan

The Demon's Surrender (The Demon's Lexicon #3)
by Sarah Rees Brennan
June 14, 2011: Margaret K. McElderry
Pre-order book:  Amazon   |   Book Depository

"The Demon's Surrender is the thrilling and suspenseful conclusion to the Demon's Lexicon trilogy."

I opted not to post the full synopsis to avoid spoilery for those who haven't read the first two books yet.  It's better to have you in the dark when you plunge into Sarah Rees Brennan's wicked books. :D

I have to be honest and say that is June is tooooooo faaaaaaarrr away still and I'm dying to get my hands on Demon's Surrender already.  The last book really had me hanging to dear life.  And when Sarah unveiled the cover where one of my book fantasy, Alan Ryves is on the cover.  I dreamt of spending the night with the book beside me. Ha!

This is one series I really would recommend for reading!  You can read my review of the first two books here:  The Demon's Lexicon   |  The Demon's Covenant (possible spoilers here for those who haven't read the first book!)

The UK cover is also here!  Take a looky it's pretty!



March 22, 2011

Review: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

The Goddess Test
by Aimee Carter
April 19, 2011:  Harlequin Teen

Buy the book:  Amazon   |   Book Depository
"It's always been just Kate and her mom--and now her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld--and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy--until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess."
(Goodreads)
Review

Dealing with death is never easy. Especially if the only parent you ever knew was dying. Kate would do anything to save her mother even if it means bargaining with the god of the underworld himself.

The character of Kate comes to me as headstrong but emotionally compromised since her mother was dying and she cannot even deal with the idea of having her gone from her life. She also has this slight messianic-complex where she feels responsible for saving others. Maybe that stems from her desire to save her mother. That complex is what brought him to Henry's arm. Henry is Hades, god of the underworld personified. Dark, brooding, and still in-love with Persephone, Kate cannot help but fall for Henry's cause.

I liked the story and how Hades was portrayed here - soft and affectionate type and not a cunning and terrifying sort though he still gives off that vibe once in a while. I was just a bit confused with the motivation/s of Kate, starting with her mother, then moving with her friend, then ending up with her Henry. I just think it wasn't the glue that bound Kate to her deal with Henry, but instead it was the catapult that led her to make that deal and eventually helping her find a life without her mother. Though it is worthy to note Kate's journey to acceptance of her mother's condition. It is never easy to know someone you love the most is dying. You'll do anything to buy some time and it is never easy to say goodbye.

One thing about greek gods is that they are just like humans. Though being immortal and powerful, they still feel jealous, insecure and that all too familiar love just like humans do. It's also one aspect in the story that I find fascinating is how Hades (and the other gods) here are presented with human qualities. And just like in the classics, they are not short of being manipulative too!

A fascinating take on the greek gods and perspective on Hades, and a story of how a girl try to look at death and the afterlife while learning what it means to fall in love. This is a promising novel from Aimee Carter full of twists and turns.

Tuesday Trailer: Lemniscate by Jennifer Murgia (Extended Ed)


Happy Book Birthday to Lemniscate (Angel Star #2) by Jennifer Murgia!  We've been celebrating the release with the quote hop, exclusive sneak peek at chapter one, and giveaway!  Now, we have the extended trailer of the book created by Tom Xander:





PhotobucketLemniscate (Angel Star, #2)
by Jennifer Murgia
March 21, 2011
"For Teagan, these last few months have been heaven on earth- especially now that Garreth, her boyfriend and guardian angel, is earthbound. But perhaps Garreth is becoming a little more human than either of them expected. 

Now, Teagan must realize that her world is once again about to shift, as she questions the faith she held in others against those once considered enemies. 


In this continuation of Angel Star, Lemniscate will draw you even deeper into the world of dark and light as Teagan realizes the angel who could possibly save them all is the one angel she feared the most."
(Goodreads)

The Hunt is on for DSAS!

The hunt is on for the DSAS outtake!  What is DSAS?  Some TMI fans might already be familiar with DSAS or Dirty Sexy Alley SceneThat was the last teaser/cookie from Cassie for City of Fallen Angels.

Now Cassie arranged a fun hunt where you just need to follow the links from authors' blog to the next.  They will be giving out letters for the password so you can view the video. After you have all the letters, you just need to unscramble the words to get the password.  HINT:  It's in Cassie's books. :)

Yes, I'm a smut hunter and I've seen the video.  Haha! I need to be in front of a cooler while watching it. :p


From Cassie:
Now nothing happens in the DSAS that would be inappropriate in a PG-13 movie. It’s just . . . a bit passionate. But to make sure you really want to see it we decided to create a little treasure hunt across the blogosphere, featuring some of today’s top YA writers and their unwavering commitment to “makey-outy scenes.”

March 21, 2011

Lemniscate Release Treat: Read the first chapter!

Happy Book Release to 
Lemniscate (Angel Star #2) by Jennifer Murgia! 


To celebrate the release of Lemniscate, here is the exclusive first chapter from the book.  

Don't forget to visit the other participating blogs for Lemniscate Blog Hop, follow, and comment on both quote hop and chapter one sneak peek to up your chances to win signed books by Jennifer Murgia and a beautiful double wings necklace!

Music Monday: Be Mine by Kristina & the Dolls (Beastly OST)


From the official soundtrack of Beastly movie:



Be Mine by Kristina and the Dolls


Beastly (Songs From The Motion Picture)
01. Regina Spektor – On The Radio
02. Hanover Swain – Vanity
03. Toby Martin – Garden of Exile
04. The Vines – Get Free
05. Raney Shockne – Boys & Girls (feat. Jessie Mann)
06. Gersey – Crashing
07. Wenzel Templeton & Robert Pegg – Transatlanticism
08. Tim Myers – Today Is the Day
09. Army Navy – The Long Goodbye
10. Mat Kearney – Breathe In, Breathe Out
11. Fire Theft – Heaven
12. Raney Shockne – Broken Arrow (feat. Jessie Mann)
13. Kristina & The Dolls – Be Mine

March 19, 2011

The Lemniscate Quote Hop!


We're counting down to the release of Angel Star's sequel.  Catch the exclusive glimpse to Jennifer Murgia's Lemniscate in The Lemniscate Quote Hop.

And on March 21, we will celebrate the release of Lemniscate with a giveaway and an exclusive peek at the first chapter of the book.

Hop through the participating blogs, follow, and just leave a comment to get a chance to a signed copy of both Angel Star and Lemniscate from Jennifer Murgia and a double wings necklace!



The quote for this hop:



"Oh but the stain I’m leaving can’t be seen with the eye, and she giggled nervously to herself."



Want to read more? Go to http://shusky20.blogspot.com tomorrow!


Missed a quote or want to know the other blogs participating?  Head on to Jennifer Murgia's blog to see the complete listing.

March 18, 2011

Follow Friday and Book Blogger Hop

It's time for Follow Friday and Book Hop again! :) Always nice to participate in the hops to get to discover new blogs, and know more about fellow book bloggers.

This week on Parajunkee's Follow Friday feature is Jess from Gone with the Words, and the feature question is:

"How did you come up with your blog name?"

My blog name is kind of long if you ask me.  Haha! My first blog name was actually Maidenveil's Musings but changed it to something that says about reading.  I retained Musings and added Reader Happy (from the term trigger happy in photography/shooting) because that's what I do, I read nonstop when I get the chance.
 
So that's a gist of how I came up with my blog name! :) 



Then this week on the Book Blogger Hop from Crazy-for-Books:

Somer from the A Bird's Eye Reviews asked:

"Do you read only one book at a time, or do you have several going at once?"

I tried to read two to three books at once, alternating depending on mood but I got confused and felt mixed emotions whilst reading.  So I guess it didn't worked for me so I reverted to reading one book at a time.  So I get to enjoy a book fully and I don't get things mixed up. :)  I treat it like a date, one book at a time. :p

I am participating in the Lemniscate Quote Blog Hop!  Mine's schedule tomorrow so check back to see my teaser quote for Lemniscate by Jennifer Murgia!  Then on the 21st, we will be posting the exclusive sneak peek of the Chapter 1 of the book.  And I almost forgot to say there's a giveaway to celebrate the release of Lemniscate!

Lemnicate is the second book of Angel Star.  We follow the story of Teagan and Garreth after the events in Angel Star.  I'm so excited for this one!  I loved the first book and you can read my spoiler-free review here.

Previous Posts:

Reviews:

Matched by Ally Condie
Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Mini-review:
Remedial Magic by Jenna Black

Cover Love

Confirmed: Jennifer Lawrence lands coveted role of Katniss in The Hunger Games

Lionsgate confirmed thru MTV Movies Blog that Jennifer Lawrence will be the Katniss in the movie adaptation of The Hunger Games.  Jennifer Lawrence recently was nominated in the Oscars for her performance in Winter's Bone.
"Jennifer’s just an incredible actress. So powerful, vulnerable, beautiful, unforgiving and brave," Collins said of the casting in an official statement. "I never thought we’d find somebody this perfect for the role. And I can’t wait for everyone to see her play it.”

"I’m so excited work with Jen and see her bring this character to life," added Ross. "Katniss requires a young actress with strength, depth, complexity, tenderness, and power. There are very few people alive who can bring that to a role. Jen brings it in spades. She’s going to be an amazing Katniss.” MTV
Lawrence will have to prepare for the role of Katniss, the strong and independent girl from District 12 of the nation of Panem.  She becomes one of the 24 tributes in the annual Hunger Games, a brutal and violent reality TV spectacle for nation, where everyone will try to outdone each other and kill to win. 

I really can't see Jennifer as Katniss.  Maybe I just can't see her yet as Katniss.  I still have my reservations.  Then again if Suzanne Collins says she's good for the part then maybe it's not so bad. 

They have yet to cast who will be movie Peeta and Gale.   Fan favorite Hunter Parrish confirmed that he has met with the producers and is thankful for the fans show of support for it.  He have previously said that he would be more than happy to work with Jennifer Lawrence if she lands the role of Katniss.

The movie adaptation is scheduled for release March 23 next year (2012).

March 17, 2011

Review: Matched by Ally Condie

Matched
by Allie Condie
November 30, 2010:  Duton Juvenile
Buy the Book:  Amazon  |  Book Depository
"Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.
The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow."  (Goodreads)

Review

"Perfection or Passion?"

Cassia couldn't hoped for a perfect life that the Society has promised them. She has been matched with her best friend, Xander, and she has a good track record with her work for a better career. But one fateful glitch changed her life.

Matched is a beautiful story of falling in-love against your own expectations, and the fight for freedom to choose. But its hard if you're going against everything you believed in and sacrificing a future of perfection and stability.

I love everything about the story - the characters, the love triangle of Cassia, Xander and Ky developed, then of Ky's story, how their current Society works, and the twisted schemes of the society unfolded. There is enough air of mystery, comic, and tension to make this book a perfect page turner!

After reading, I can't help but feel for the characters because they were made to believe that life is perfect as long as they obey, but sometimes happiness is not just about things being perfect but it can also be brought by life's surprises those that we cannot control - like love.

The book made me feel like I want to experience falling in-love again, and appreciate the simple right of being able to live life spontaneously.  Certainly can't wait for its sequel, Crossed!  I do hope that the cover is not a foreshadowing of breaking hearts.  *fingers-crossed!*

March 16, 2011

Review: Across the Universe by Beth Revis

by Beth Revis
January 11, 2011
Buy the Book:  Amazon   |   Book Depository
"A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone—one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship—tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn’t do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now, Amy must race to unlock Godspeed’s hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there’s only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming." (Goodreads)
Review

You are given the plot that there is a murderer aboard the Godspeed - the ship that is currently traveling in Space towards a new planet for more than two centuries now. So when I started to read the book, I can't help but be suspicious of everyone. This is also what's running in the minds of Elder and Amy. Elder, the next leader of the ship, and Amy, who was unfrozen out of schedule. They both discover that nothing is what it seems in Godspeed, and it is built on lies.

One of my twilight zone fears is that being sucked into space or death by space walking. Anything that involves the idea of infinite space and no escape scenario. So just imagine me conquering such fear while reading this book. Not to mention I'm claustrophobic. Book about a manmade ship in space with a murderer on the loose? Throw it my way! In the end, what left me breathless is the kind of society in the story that is created in Godspeed; manipulated, controlled, and devoid traces of humanity such as emotions.

At one point whilst reading I remembered a part in Paolo Coelho's Veronika Decides to Die that there was a story of king who remained sane because he didn't drink the water from the well that caused his kingdom to go mental. But because he was the only person who was sane, he was the one considered mental by everyone else.

I loved the mystery vibe of the story. As I have mentioned before, everyone is suspicious - anyone can be the murderer. In a society of devoid of emotions, the way the characters expressed their emotions are heartbreaking. It's like seeing a multitude of colors, strewn across a black and white canvas.

Beth Revis takes on a story of love, friendship, what makes us human, and that twisted topic of truth and lies. And if you think murder is just the thing here, well...it is only the beginning.

Waiting on Wednesday: Chime by Franny Billingsley

by Franny Billingsley
March 17, 2011:  Dial
Buy the Book:  Amazon   |  Book Depository

"Before Briony's stepmother died, she made sure Briony blamed herself for all the family's hardships. Now Briony has worn her guilt for so long it's become a second skin. She often escapes to the swamp, where she tells stories to the Old Ones, the spirits who haunt the marshes. But only witches can see the Old Ones, and in her village, witches are sentenced to death. Briony lives in fear her secret will be found out, even as she believes she deserves the worst kind of punishment.

Then Eldric comes along with his golden lion eyes and mane of tawny hair. He's as natural as the sun, and treats her as if she's extraordinary. And everything starts to change. As many secrets as Briony has been holding, there are secrets even she doesn't know." (Goodreads)
____________________

It's been a while since I read something of witches and/or magic.  This seems like an interesting read.  And it will come out tomorrow! Weeee!

March 15, 2011

Tuesday Trailer: Wither by Lauren DeStefano

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)





Watch the trailer of Wither and see why it's one of the must reads of the releases this March.  The trailer is simple but beautifully edited to give us a glimpse of what Wither offers.

Mini Review: Remedial Magic by Jenna Black

Remedial Magic (Glimmerglass 0.5)
by Jenna Black
December 17, 2010
(free) Kindle edition

Remedial Magic is a short story that follows, Kim and her attempt to train in magic.  We met Kim in Glimmerglass (Faeriewalker #1).  She is Ethan's sister.  Ethan just happened to be a a faery-prodigy - young faery able to call on magic effortlessly.  While Kim, despite being a faery, happens to have difficulty doing magic even the simplest one.  That fact made her seek help, which eventually turned into a disaster.

This is a good side story of Kim - a brief glance into her attempt to do magic and her feelings towards her family or what's left of it for her.  For what she will play in the next books we are yet to find out.

March 14, 2011

Music Monday: Sister Wife by Alex Winston


This track is from Alex Winston's upcoming mini-LP.  I happened to catch this tune in our local radio station and got hooked in it's cute catchy tune.  I'm loving this song right now.  Something a bit laid back but still have a kick in it. :)



Click on the link if you liked it and want to buy the mp3! 


Related Posts with Thumbnails
 
Blog designed by Dreamy Blog Designs using Lorie Davison’s Flying Dreams kit