Living Dead Girl Review #47

Author: Elizabeth Scott
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 176
Rating:
When Alice was ten, Ray took her away from her family, her friends -- her life. She learned to give up all power, to endure all pain. She waited for the nightmare to be over. Now Alice is fifteen and Ray still has her, but he speaks more and more of her death. He does not know it is what she longs for. She does not know he has something more terrifying than death in mind for her. This is Alice's story. It is one you have never heard, and one you will never, ever forget.

This is a horrifying, disturbing and terrifying tale of a young girl who was abducted when she was 10. The story involves issues such as kidnapping and child abuse (sexual, verbal and physical). And the sickening thing about it, is you can't put it down. When you do, you want to read more and more. You feel yourself stuck in Alice's world, and you won't be able to escape it until Alice does. And I think that is the biggest, highest applaud I can give to Elizabeth, is that she is able to connect the readers with Alice. Even though, I'm guessing, none or pretty much all of the readers have not been in this situation. But even though the book is extremely well written, I don't think this is a memorable book. It's not a book you walk away from afterwords, and are still thinking about it a week later. I guess to me, it's easily forgettable. But you cannot look past how brave a author must be, to publish something like this.
The characters were really brought to life. Through out the whole book you feel for Alice, but you also don't understand her in some situations. And when you think about those problems, you see why her solutions or feelings are understandable. Though I still think it was stupid not to tell the police officer what was happening, but I can understand why. She has a child's thinking. Ray, the kidnapper, was so twisted that it was unbelievable. He had serious mental issues , that probably related to his child hood with his mother.
In my own opinion, I thought the beginning was a bit rushed and could of had more explanation. I wish the beginning was taken a bit slower then it was. I also thought the ending was poor in that it was confusing. I would of liked to seen the aftermath of being free. I also thought the emotion lacked in some areas.
Living Dead Girl is a beautifully written book that's message and truth will leave you unsettled. Each page will leave you wanting more, as if your Alice and all you want to do is finish this life.
Yours Truly,

Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore Review #46

Author: Jaclyn Dolamore
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children Books
Pages: 225
Rating:
Nimira is a foreign music-hall girl forced to dance for mere pennies. When wealthy sorcerer Hollin Parry hires her to sing with a piano-playing automaton, Nimira believes it is the start of a new and better life. In Parry's world, however, buried secrets are beginning to stir. Unsettling below-stairs rumors swirl about ghosts, a madwoman roaming the halls, and Parry's involvement with a league of sorcerers who torture fairies for sport. Then Nimira discovers the spirit of a fairy gentleman named Erris is trapped inside the clockwork automaton, waiting for someone to break his curse. The two fall into a love that seems hopeless, and breaking the curse becomes a race against time, as not just their love, but the fate of the entire magical world may be in peril.

Just before I get started, I would like to state *in my own opinion* I actually liked the old Magic Under Glass cover compared to this one. I understand the whole racial issue, but I felt the previous one fit the book more. Anyways moving on....

Magic Under Glass is a magical delight from debut author Jaclyn Dolamore. I've been excited for this one for a while, and happy to have finally read it. I was not really disappointed with it. It's a quick, easy read that was enjoyable. It was a bit predictable in areas, and I though Nimira's world could have been more laid out (example; a map would be nice). I also thought the love relationship between Erris and Nimira could of been more developed, it felt a bit to rush and unrealistic. Also the dialogue was a bit impractical, making the emotion lack in some areas. But even through all that, it was a amazing, interesting read. The story line was well put together and I was excited for every chapter. I loved all the characters, even the antagonist. I can't really choose a favorite, it's too hard. Maybe Nimira & Erris. I also thought it was pretty strong of how Nimira took the racism in a different country. She showed a lot of her culture in the book, by showing the difference of what is acceptable in one country and what is not in another. Which goes to show that what we take for granted, other cultures might not. I really noticed how much I take for granted in my country, when I went to Japan for two weeks.
The ending hinted at a sequel, and I'm hoping there will be one because this book would feel uncompleted without it.
Yours Truly,

It's Monday! What are you reading this week?

It's Monday! What are you reading this week? is a weekly event to celebrate what we are reading for the week as well as books completed the previous week. Feel free to pile on a little extra. If you'd like to join in this weekly event, then go to J-Kaye's Book Blog.
I didn't do this meme last week so I'm covering 2 weeks of this.

Books That I Finished Last 2 Weeks

-Finnikin of the Rock - Melina Marchetta
-Poison Study - Maria V. Snyder
-Shiver - Maggie Stiefvater
-The Iron King - Julie Kagawa
-Magic Under Glass - Jaclyn Dolamore
-Living Dead Girl - Elizabeth Scott

Books That I'm Currently Reading

-The Agency: A Spy In The House (On Page. 103) - Y.S Lee
-Arson (On Page. 103) - Estevan Vega
-The Faerie Path (On Page. 128) - Frewin Jones
-Darklight (On Page. 120) - Lesley Livingston

What I Want To Finish This Week

-The Agency: A Spy In The House - Y.S Lee
-Arson - Estevan Vega
-The Faerie Path - Frewin Jones

What are you reading this week? I'd love to hear. Yours Truly,

Whats in my Mail Box (Wk 10) + Awards

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week. There is also one book in the library pile, one in the winning pile and one in the bought pile, which aren't in the photo.

For Review

Arson - Estevan Vega

Have Won From Other Sites

Crimson Rose - R. Malone (Thanks to the author & Peace Love & Pat)

Have Bought

Some Girls Are - Courtney Summers
Magic Study - Maria V. Snyder
The Faerie Path - Frewin Jones
The Lost Queen (The Faerie Path #2) - Frewin Jones
The Sea Monsters (Percy Jackson #2) - Rick Riordan

From The Library

Living Dead Girl - Elizabeth Scott
Belle - Cameron Dokey
The Fetch - Laura Whitcomb

Book Trailers

Awards

Thanks to Jami @ YA Addict for passing me Your Blog is soooo Kewl! award. So since I'm a fan of everyone's blog and think they're all kewl!! I'd like to give this award to everyone who reads this post!!

Also thanks to Christina @ Confessions of A Book Addict for re-awarding me the One Lovely Blog award.

Thanks to Nina @ J'adore Happy Endings for awarding me the Love Your Header Award. I really love your header, Nina. It's so cute :)

1. Jamie @ The Book Junkie's Bookshelf
2. Bookalicious Ramblings

3. Faye @ Rambling Of A Teenage Bookworm

Thanks Everybody :) What do you have in your Mailbox this week??
Yours Truly,

The Iron King By Julie Kagawa Review #45

Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin; Original edition
Pages:368
Rating:
Meghan Chase has a secret destiny—one she could never have imagined…

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school…or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth—that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face…and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

If I had a dream/mind/imagination machine, and I could step into anyone's mind then I definitely choose Julie Kagawa's. For she must have a very creative mind to come up with The Iron King. I was very pleased with the outcome of this book, and very proud of the author for being a debut. This is a great book to publish, to start a career with. It's fun, witty, lovable, fast paste, adventurous and has boys *romance interests* that will have you drooling. You certainly will have a very special spot, in your heart, for this novel.

The story begins with Megan Chase finding out that her step brother, isn't her step brother. He's a changeling, and her real brother has been kidnapped and is in the fairy world (called Nevernever). Now Megan and her friend Robbie are off to save little Ethan (Megan's Step Brother). As the Journey continues Ash (Queen Mab's son) and Grimalkin (cat) join along.

The story will grasp you from the first page and won't let you go until your done. I almost read this in one sitting. The characters are amazing, you can't help but fall in love with all of them (including the villains). Meghan is a typical teenager, who the readers can relate to. She's not cool (though she wishes to fit in). My favorite character of the whole book (besides Meghan) was Puck and Ash. When you put those two boys together, they made witty dialogue that will have you laughing. Also Ash is sexy, I mean I would certainly want him as my boyfriend *even if he is deadly*. Though Puck is cute to, in the best friend sort of way. I also thought the little pack rats were adorable. I seriously think that this book should be made into a movie or a video game. I would love to see that!!

The idea of the book takes a common theme, (faeries) and turns it into something new and extraordinary. I really didn't think when I picked up the book, that it would go in the direction that it did. But I'm happy that it went that way. The writing is very well done, and easy to follow and imagine. The dialogue can be very witty and quirky, which was a beautiful experience. Examples are: -"I'm a...an otaku faery,' I said, drawing a confused scowl from the chief and bewildered looks from the rest of the camp. Whispers began to erupt from the crowd, gaining strength like wildfire. 'A what?' 'Ain't never 'erd of that before.' 'Is it tasty?' 'Can we eat it?" -"So.' I turned back to the cat. '.....Congratulations. What do I owe you for this one? Another favor or life debt? My firstborn child?"

Some things that I thought of, while reading this book is that Oberon's Knights reminded me of the game Kingdom Hearts for some odd reason. And the antagonist, I imagined, looked like Draco Malfoy's dad from The Harry Potter series. A younger version though.

When I was thinking of things that could be developed in this book, I came to a dead end. But by the end I figured something that I thought needed more work. The relationship between Ash & Meghan is to rushed, especially there first kiss. I also, in my own complaint, was sad to see Ash enter so late in the book. But when he did enter, he gave me full fan-girl satisfaction.

I'm very excited and anticipating the sequel, The Iron Daughter which will be released August 1st, 2010. So if your in for a entertaining ride, then hop onto the Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa.

Yours Truly,

Poison Study By Maria V. Snyder Review #44

Author: Maria V. Snyder
Publisher: Mira; Original edition
Pages: 416
Rating:
About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She'll eat the best meals, have a room in the palace--and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.

And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust--and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.

As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear...

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!!!Who said it was bad to date a assassin?? They can be good to, sort of. They're real sexy though *chuckles to self*. If you don't understand what I'm saying then read Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder. I promise you, you won't be disappointed. The story follows Yelena, a young women who is about to be executed because of a murder she has committed. But a young man, named Valek (who is a assassin) gives her a second chance. He lets her become the Commander of Ixia's food taster. The job is deadly, but Yelena humbly accepts. But even though Yelena has a chance to live, others want to see her dead and will stop at nothing to achieve this.

Your in for a roller coaster, that will leave you wanting to re-ride it over and over again. The novel is very different from others book that I have read lately, and I enjoyed that. It was fast paste and intriguing. Maria V. Snyder has created a world that is easy to follow along, as well as fully enjoy without to much info. The characters are all very well develop and it is easy to see the differences in personalities. I didn't find any characters that I hated, other then the antagonists who were down right evil. Yelena (protagonist) is a very strong, female character who was a joy to read about and imagine. But even though she's strong, she has a lot of obstacles to face in the present and in her past. I loved how the author made Yelena not weak after every obstacle, but more stronger as the story goes on. The writing is very well done, and flows nicely. You're easily attached to this book after the very first few pages, and you won't be able to put it down. The dialogue and Yelena's thinking are very catchy at times. The emotion and imagery is nicely done, and you really feel sorry for Yelena when you read about her past and all the horrific abuse she had to go through. You can clearly see and understand why she killed somebody.

Valek (love interest) is probably the hottest guy I have ever read about. He was so cool, and deadly. He was a really good guy, which you wouldn't suspect in the beginning but after reading for a while you kind of see it. Basically any reader will fall for him. The ending was very satisfy, and will have you craving for more. Which is lucky for you since there is a sequel, Magic Study.

The only thing I didn't like was the whole Commander's gender thing was introduce to late and it was unbelievable, and some chapters weren't needed, in my opinion.

So in the end, I can't say enough about how I recommend this book to you guys. I don't even think my review does the book justice, because it's so great. This is one of those books that you can read over and over again. You also keep imagining it, even after it's over. Certainly a pick that I would recommend to you.

Yours Truly,

WOW: Hourglass By Claudia Gray

Author: Claudia Gray
Publisher: Harperteen
Release Date: March 9th, 2010
Pages:352
Bio: Bianca will risk everything to be with Lucas.

After escaping from Evernight Academy, the vampire boarding school where they met, Bianca and Lucas take refuge with Black Cross, a fanatical group of vampire hunters. Bianca must hide her supernatural heritage or risk certain death at their hands. But when Black Cross captures her friend—the vampire Balthazar—hiding is no longer an option.

Soon, Bianca and Lucas are on the run again, pursued not only by Black Cross, but by the powerful leaders of Evernight. Yet no matter how far they travel, Bianca can't escape her destiny.

Bianca has always believed their love could survive anything . . . but can it survive what's to come?

So I saw Natalie's @ Mindful Musings review of Hourglass and it just got me thinking about the Evernight series. I really love this series, and now I am very excited for the third book to come out. I loved Evernight, Stargazer surpassed Evernight and to hear that Hourglass is even better, makes me happy. So it's no wonder why this is on my Waiting on Wednesday post. Waiting on Wednesday is a meme created by Jill @ Breaking The Spines

Teaser Tuesday - All My Current Reads

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"As we approached the doors, Hollin took my arm again. I suppressed a grin of pride. I would enter in a gown, on a man's arm, like a lady." (Page.107)

"Bob shook his head. 'I wasn't the only one. When we got back to town, all the guys had the same story--- shadows, faces, the whole deal. We definitely need an explanation, and until we have it we're not going to rest. So now four of us plan to head back out there later today.' (Page.116)


I didn't include Darklight because I'm not really reading that a whole lot, as I am with these two books.
Yours Truly,

Whats in My Mail Box (Wk 9)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.
Bought

Freaksville - Kitty Keswick
Magic Under Glass - Jaclyn Dolamore

Library

Magic Study- Maria Snyder

Book Trailer

Yours Truly,

Weekly Gobble Fest (Wk. 6) + Blog Awards

Weekly Gobble Fest

Monster Of Books Related News

After a bit of hiatus I am back :) And Currently running 2 contests. One is international, and one is for US/Canadians. The first one is the 100 Followers Giveaway , where you can win A copy of The Dark Divine & a Dark Divine inspired notebook. The second contest,The Iron King Giveaway is open to only Canadians & U.S people, and you can win a copy of Julie Kagawa's The Iron King.

This Week I reviewed Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta and Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater. Up next will be Poison Study by Maria Snyder & The Iron King by Julia Kagawa.

Currently I'm reading The Iron King by Julia Kagawa & Beautiful Dead by Eden Maguire.

YA Blogging Community

Contests

The Book Cellar is having a Blogaversary giveaway!! This Week Is A Vampire Pack. To Check it out, Click Here!!

Pure Imagination is having a V-Day Book Giveaway. To enter, then Check It Out Here!!

Author Kelly Morgan is giving away a Free Copy Of Larissa's Book. To Check It Out, Click Here!!

Reviews

Princess Bookie did a review of Robin Palmer's Little Miss Red. To Check It Out, Click Here!!

The Under Cover Book Lover did a review of Jillian Cantor's The Life Of Glass. To Check It Out, Click Here!!

Squeaky Books did a review of Rachel Vincent's My Soul To Save. To Check It Out, Click Here!!

Interviews

Eleni @ La Femme Readers interviewed Brian Katcher, author of almost perfect. To Check It Out, Click Here!!

Book Journal interviewed Susan Beth, author of Moon Crash series. To Check It Out, Click Here!!

Ellz Readz interviewed Dakota Cassidy, author of The Accidental Romance series. To Check It Out, Click Here!!

Book Trailers & Book Covers

This is the sequel to Immortal by Gillian Shields. I didn't like the first one, but am hoping the sequel will be better or surpass it :)

I have not read the first book of this series yet, but it's on my TBR list. I love the cover, it's so pretty.

Again, I have not read Hunger Games but I'm looking forward to. I love the cover of this one, and probably half the book community has seen this cover already.

Awards

Thanks to Lisette @T.V And Book Addict !! So I have to say 7 things about myself & then pass it on to 7 Kreativ Bloggers.

1. I can speak, read, and write in Japanese. I'm not fluent, but at a advance level. I do enjoy translating some of my favorites books in English, from Japanese to English.
2. I have been to Japan, Hawaii, Los Angelas, and a few places in Canada.
3. I'm working hard in School so I can go on a exchange in 2011.
4. I'm in love with Logan Lerman who played Percy in Percy Jackson Movie.
5. I had a real vivid dream, and I'm currently writing out as a story. I tried not writing it out, and I had another dream of my characters getting mad at me.
6. My First Kiss came from my best guy friend, who still my best guy friend.
7. When I'm sad, I write poetry...on my wall. No joke.

Now I will pass this on to....

1. Stephanie @ Juicilliciousss
2.Nayu's Reading Corner
3. Faye @ Ramblings Of A Teenage Bookworm
4. Dahlia @ The Book Shopaholic
5. Reggie @ The Undercover Book Lover
6. Rundpinne
7. Cheryl @ Just Your Typical Book Blog

If anyone has any reviews, contests, interesting ideas, interviews they want me to post up here then just e-mail me at monsterofbooks@gmail.com ! Remember that it has to do with book related material (book to movie adaptions count). I hope every enjoyed my weekly gobble.

Your Truly,

Shiver By Maggie Stiefvater Review #43

Author:Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 400
Rating:
For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf - her wolf - is a haunting presence she can’t seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human -- until the cold makes him shift back again. Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It’s her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears and the temperature drops, Sam must fight to stay human or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

I'm stumped!! And utterly baffled. I seriously do not know how to review this one. It's probably the hardest review I have written. When I was reading it I was uncertain what to rate it as. I really wanted to, give it 5 stars for it is a piece of art. A classic literature to me. The writing is beautiful, and the dialogue is the most realistic thing I have ever seen. I can imagine myself saying some of the things that were said. The emotion was dead on, and it was a beautiful story. If I were a director, I would certainly want to direct this movie. I can imagine it how it could be visually done. The characters were nicely put, and I could actually picture Olivia or Rachel as my best friend. I don't usually like two different POV's, in a story between the male and female lead, but it worked for Shiver. Even if there was no Grace or Sam (indicating point of view) on top of each new chapter, I could easily tell who was narrating. It worked beautifully! Maggie Stiefvater takes a realistic romance between two people and turns it into a believable supernatural tale. But I felt that if I gave it 5 stars, I would be lying to you. It is a piece of art, but it isn't my thing. Or I thought so, for 300 pages. Then by the ending, I started liking it. And I enjoyed it, and was eager to read Linger. Then the last page came, and it was ok. Could of been better, was a bit of downer after reading Finnikin of the Rock's ending. In the end, I decided to rate it 3 stars. I thought that was balanced. I originally was not going to rate it at all, then I was going to rate it 5 stars and now it 3. I think why I didn't like Shiver was it was too slow, had little action and too much romance. Usually when I read Paranormal/supernatural romance, it's balance. A little bit of the (insert creature your in love with) and a little bit of romance. 50/50 you would say. But this book was unbalance, and mainly romance. Too much of it for my taste. I mean it was pretty in terms of imagery, but just not me. Also it felt weird for a book to admit so quickly to what the supernatural thing was and having the female protagonist believe it so fast, and that unsettling on my tongue. But the love between Sam & Grace was real, how they acted and cared for each was truthfully. I thought it was a bit to fast at first, and a bit unbelievable that Grace's parents were that disconnected from her. I mean how do you not notice a boy sleeping in your teenager's room after a long period of time.
Sometimes I though Grace resembled Bella (Twilight) in some ways. Both were to clingy to there boyfriends, and both didn't really have lives after they left.
So in the end, Shiver was an amazing book that is fascinating in so many ways, but it was not my cup of tea. It took me through a roller coaster though. And if your wondering if I'll be reading Linger, well the answer to that is yes. I'm a sucker for series, and feel left out if I don't read all of them. Even if I didn't like there predecessor.
Yours Truly,

Finnikin of the Rock By Melina Marchetta Review #42

Author: Melina Marchetta
Publisher: Candlewick; 1 edition
Release Date: February 9th, 2010 (out now)
Pages: 399
Thanks To: Jessica @ Random House Canada
Rating:
Bio: Finnikin was only a child during the five days of the unspeakable, when the royal family of Lumatere were brutally murdered, and an imposter seized the throne. Now a curse binds all who remain inside Lumatere’s walls, and those who escaped roam the surrounding lands as exiles, persecuted and despairing, dying by the thousands in fever camps. In a narrative crackling with the tension of an imminent storm, Finnikin, now on the cusp of manhood, is compelled to join forces with an arrogant and enigmatic young novice named Evanjalin, who claims that her dark dreams will lead the exiles to a surviving royal child and a way to pierce the cursed barrier and regain the land of Lumatere. But Evanjalin’s unpredictable behavior suggests that she is not what she seems — and the startling truth will test Finnikin’s faith not only in her, but in all he knows to be true about himself and his destiny.

You know when you see something truly breathtaking and your in awe over how beautiful it is, well I think that is the right thing to say about Finnikin of the Rock. It is everything that makes a story perfect, but the book talks about a dystopian world. Melina Marchetta creates a story that has hauntingly real imagery, with words that flow nicely like a calm lake. She gives enough description to easily understand the situation and the word, and won't have readers falling asleep. The maps in the book are easy to follow, and I found myself looking at it quite a few times. The world is well built and it's easy to picture, it is also unique in the fact that you can see the cultural difference between each land as the characters travel through it. The emotion is strong and well put and will have readers at lost for words. The readers can really feel sad, angry and horrified as they read about the exile and fever camps, and hear of the five days of the unspeakable. But you will also feel hope that maybe, by the end of the book the people will regain hold of Lumatere. The characters are developed nicely, in a way that will have you make a soft spot for each one of them in your heart. Evanjalin and Froi were probably my favorite two characters. Evanjalin was such a strong, passionate and hopeful women/girl in the story. Anybody would envy that, and I certainly was proud to read about a strong women lead. Froi was someone who you hate at first, but then after hearing his POV you really feel for him. He's just a mischievous s little boy who envies people around him and wants to belong. Something that anyone can relate to. A lot of the situations were truthful, and how they were dealt with was faithful to how I can imagine them being laid out. Example of this is Trevanion's & Lady Beatriss relationship.
The story's narration, which was from different characters POV, was amazingly well crafted. The romance in the story (between Evanjalin & Finnikin) was really well developed. Probably the first real romance that I truly enjoyed the development of. It wasn't to slow and it wasn't to fast, it was just right. It felt honest and good.
Some of the plot twists were a bit obvious. What I would of liked to seen developed more was more knowledge of the impostor king. Who was he? I also think the battle to regain Lumatere should of been more descriptive and longer. It was a bit short, and was sort of a downer as it was what the whole book was leading up to.

Usually I don't read fantasy, I find it to confusing. I enjoyed Eragon but found it confusing. It might of been because I was young when I read it. But this novel wasn't confusing and probably the first fantasy I actually really enjoyed. I really hope there is a sequel, though this book does work as a stand-alone to. So when I was reading the author's bio, I was very surprised to find that this was her first fantasy: "I was told often that I couldn't write fantasy unless I had read all the greats and knew the conventions well, but I think the first step to writing good fantasy is knowing this world we live in well. I wanted to look closely at that---where loss of faith, loss of homeland and identity, displacement of spirit, and breakdown of community are common--- because these are the scenes in today's media that affect me most. In this sense, the book is a search for identity in the same way that my other novels are." -Melina Marchetta. You wouldn't think after reading this book, that this was her first fantasy. And if this review doesn't intrigue you enough, well then take it from Kristin Cashore: "The world of this book is dark and beautiful and utterly believable; and, as I’ve come to expect of Marchetta’s work, the characters are wonderfully complex. Here is an author who writes fantasy as well as she writes realism — and in the case of Melina Marchetta, that’s high praise, indeed!"

The last thing I want to talk about is the ending. BEST ENDING EVER. I mean I've read endings that are satisfying and good, but never really the best. This ending is the first that I really enjoyed and couldn't stop thinking about afterwords. It was romantic, funny and ends the book in a way that wants me to give it 10 stars. The last impression I had of this book, was brilliant. And I know my review probably won't sum up how amazing this book was, but I hope everyone gives this one a try.

-To Know More about Finnikin of The Rock , then check out Random House Canada. Click Here!!

-Or Check Out Amazon: Click Here!! Barnes & Noble: Click Here!! Book Depository : Click Here!!

Yours Truly,

It's Monday! What are you reading this week?

It's Monday! What are you reading this week? is a weekly event to celebrate what we are reading for the week as well as books completed the previous week. Feel free to pile on a little extra. If you'd like to join in this weekly event, then go to J-Kaye's Book Blog.

Books That I Finished Last Week

None :(

Books That I'm Currently Reading

- Finnikin Of The Rock (On Page 216) - Melina Marchetta
-Poison Study (On Page 326) - Maria V. Snyder
-Shiver (On Page 284) - Maggie Stiefvater
-The Iron King (On Page 140) - Julie Kagawa

What I Want To Finish This Week

-Finnikin Of The Rock - Melina Marchetta
-Poison Study - Maria V. Snyder
-Shiver - Maggie Stiefvater

Yours Truly,

Whats in my Mail Box (Wk 8)

Whats In My Mailbox is a weekly meme created by The Story Siren .

For Review

Finnikin of the Rock - Melina Marchetta
The Agency: A Spy in The House - Y.S Lee

I'm currently on page 200 of Finnikin of the Rock and I'm really enjoying it. I read the first bit of The Agency and it looks to be a good read from what I've read. So what did you guys get in your mailbox??

I Must Apologize + Contest

I have officially done one week without the computer & blogging. I feel proud of myself, knowing that if the world ever exploded and there was no more computers that I would survive without it. I did check my e-mails occasionally this week, but not much.

The reason for my absence is because I've been going through many personal changes in my life. Examples of changes are:

• New School (more academic so I've been spending the week figuring out how to balance everything)
  
• New Host Sister (who loves the internet as much as I do,lol)
• A lot of review copies that I'm reading.

The last one isn't really a change. During my absence I've been reading a lot. I guess this week was a week that I needed to figure things out a routine that can balance my blogging and life.

So after a week, I'm officially back and I'm happy about that. To celebrate, I'm going to do a contest. 1 winner will win a Copy Of The Iron King By Julie Kagawa. Here's the rules:

• Contest is for USA & CANADIANS only
  
• Must Fill out forum below
• Contest runs till February 28
• Must leave a comment
  

I'm not doing any extra entries this time, but I would love it if you want to follow me on my blog.