Author Interview: Rebecca Maizel

Today I'm so lucky to have a chance to interview Rebecca Maizel here at my blog. She is author of Infinite Days and Stolen Nights, which is part of Vampire Queen Series. Stolen Nights will be released on June 22nd, 2011. And Infinite Days is available now, here's the bio for it:

“Throughout all my histories, I found no one I loved more than you...no one.”

Those were some of Rhode’s last words to me. The last time he would pronounce his love. The last time I would see his face.

It was the first time in 592 years I could take a breath. Lay in the sun. Taste.

Rhode sacrificed himself so I, Lenah Beaudonte, could be human again. So I could stop the blood lust.
I never expected to fall in love with someone else that wasn’t Rhode.
But Justin was...daring. Exciting. More beautiful than I could dream.
I never expected to be sixteen again...then again, I never expected my past to come back and haunt me...

1. Lenah is a very tormented character. She's been through a lot from her being turned into a vampire to surviving every day life as a human. But through out it all she stays a strong female character with a complicated background story. How were you able to write such a character down from what you imagined? And were their any strong, independent females that inspired Lenah??
Rebecca:Well, I think when you write about a character, you have to know their desire. You have to know what it is they want or need more than anything else in the world. Lenah is inspired from her voice and need. I just wanted her, more than anything, to show the world that she could solve her problems on her own.

2. Lenah is very multicultural in terms of languages. She knows many and in the book it seems her favorite two are Japanese and Latin. What's the story behind her learning Japanese?? And do you speak any Japanese??
Rebecca:I don't speak Japanese! I wish I did. Lenah can speak so many languages because of her age. She learned Japanese in her many travels throughout the world. Remember, there is no time to vampires, or sleep, so she can learn whatever she wants when she wants.
3. Do you have a favorite Classic Novel? If so what's your all time favorite??
Rebecca:Hmm. That's a tough question. My favorite classic is probably Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I never seem to tire of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy.
4. I love to write and would one day love to be a inspiring author. Any tips??
Rebecca:Keep writing. Don't stop. Write the best possible book you can. And the most important piece of advice: take criticism on your works in progress and take it well. It will make you a better writer.
5. Can you tell us anything about Stolen Nights?? Or any other projects you've been working on??
Rebecca:I can reveal nothing about Stolen Nights! Only that it's the second book of the Vampire Queen trilogy and you'll see a lot more of Rhode! I am also working on a realistic novel which I am hoping to finish up in the next couple weeks.

I want to Thank Rebecca Maizel so much for letting me interview her :) Be on the look for Stolen Nights and for more information go here:

Infinite Days

(Amazon/Goodreads/Barnes & Noble)

Stolen Nights

(Amazon/Goodreads/Barnes & Noble)

Rebecca Maizel
(website/blog/twitter/facebook)

Yours Truly,

In My Mailbox #23

What's In My Mailbox

-The Gathering By Kelly Armstrong

(Amazon/Goodreads/Barnes & Noble)

-Across The Universe By Beth Revis

(Amazon/Goodreads/Barnes & Noble)

-Timeless By Alexandra Monir

(Amazon/Goodreads/Barnes & Noble)

Book Trailers

Yours Truly,

WOW: Afterlife (Evernight #4) by Claudia Gray

Author:Claudia Gray
Publisher: Harperteen
Pages: 368
Release: March 8th,2011
Bianca and Lucas have always believed they could endure anything to be together. When a twist of fate not only transforms Bianca into a ghostly wraith, but also turns Lucas into a vampire—the very creature he spent his life hunting—they are left reeling.

Haunted by his powerful need to kill, Lucas can turn to only one place for help... Evernight Academy. Bianca is determined to remain with him. But with the vampire leader of Evernight waging a war against wraiths, her former home has become the most dangerous place she could be, despite the new powers her transformation has given her.

A battle between wraiths and vampires looms, and Bianca and Lucas face a terrifying new reality. They’ve overcome every obstacle life has thrown at them, but is their love strong enough to survive the challenges after life?

Claudia Gray's Evernight series is super. If you haven't read the first three books yet then I highly recommend them. They were awesome. I'm looking forward to the conclusion of the series with the fourth book,Afterlife set to release March 8th,2011. The third book left us off with a cliffhanger and I'm ecstatic to see how this all comes down in the final book.

Stylish Blogger Award

Wow it's been a long time since I've done a awards post. I'm so thankful to Sinn @ Sinnful Books for rewarding me with the Stylish Blogger Award. BTW, whoever created the icon *on the left*, it is very cool. Now onto the main event.

Here are the rules if you get awarded:

1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award
2. Share 7 things about yourself
3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers
4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award!

Seven Things About Me:

1. I'm a very determined person. Anyone who knows me personally, remarks on this. I'm so determine that I promised myself I will finish a full length manuscript novel before I die. I know that sounds morbid, but it's not suppose to be. And if you haven't already guess, I'm currently writing a novel.
2. I hate confined spaces, or spaces that feel confined. I don't why, but this is absolute fear of mine.
3. I have a choking phobia. When I was 8 years old, I swallowed a quarter by accident.
4. I'm going on a exchange (Aug 2011- Aug 2012) for a year. I will be staying in a different country, learning a new language, going to school and so on.Where I'm going? I haven't the slightest idea.
5. Whenever I go to my favorite cafe I always order a Hazel nut truffle latte.
6. I can speak English and Japanese.
7. I started book blogging in August of 2009. Over the last 2 years my site has changed drastically. Not only in design but also how I review books. I also read a lot more since I started. My book blog has help me in many ways. One of them is inspiring me to write a novel. My first review was on April 30th, 2009 and it was The Red Necklace by Sally Gardner. If you want to see my first review then just click on the book's title.

15 Great Bloggers

1.Kara @ Reading Cause I'm Addicted
2.Faye @Ramblings of A Teenage Bookworm
3.Valerie@I Should Be Writing
4.Tina@Fantastic Book Reviews
5.Ginger@Greads!
6.Alex@Electrifying Reviews
7.Linna@21 Pages
8.Jenny@Dreaming of Books
9.Lea@YA Book Queen
10.Alyssa,Jake,Gregory@Teens Read and Write
11.Natalie@Mindful Musings
12.Jenni@Falling Off The Shelf
13.Elie@Ellz Readz
14.Liz@Cleverly Inked
15.Jessica@Confessions of a Bookaholic

Yours Truly,

Fallen Angel by Heather Terrell Review #75

Author: Heather Terrell
Publisher: Harperteen
Pages: 310
Source: Chapters
Available: Now
First Line: "I watched my curtains billow in the early autumn wind that wafted through my opened bedroom window."
Rating: 3/5

Heaven-sent?

Ellie was never particularly good at talking to boys—or anyone other than her best friend and fellow outcast, Ruth. Then she met Michael.

Michael is handsome, charming, sweet. And totally into Ellie. It’s no wonder she is instantly drawn to him. But Michael has a secret. And he knows Ellie is hiding something, too. They’ve both discovered they have powers beyond their imagining. Powers that are otherworldly.

Ellie and Michael are determined to uncover what they are, and how they got this way . . . together. But the truth has repercussions neither could have imagined. Soon they find themselves center stage in an ancient conflict that threatens to destroy everything they love. And it is no longer clear whether Ellie and Michael will choose the same side.

In this electrifying novel, Heather Terrell spins a gripping supernatural tale about true love, destiny, and the battle of good versus evil.

This was an enjoyable book. Not exactly perfect, but good. Being the author's debut novel I give her credit for coming up with an interesting back story for fallen angels. Though, personally, I wouldn't have called this Fallen Angel as it makes the whole "vampire" theory unbelievable. As the readers already know what supernatural beings the characters are. The ending was intense and definitely left me wanting more. I'm excited for the second book.

The first half of the book was slow, but kept my interest. Then the second part was a real page-turner. I literally could not put the book down. My math teacher yelled at me to put the book away while in class.

Even though I love the whole idea Heather Terrell has created, including her characterization of Ellie, I couldn't help but notice a few things. Somethings that I believe could of been work on. Remember this is just my opinion. One out of a million. I thought the romance was to fast which made it unbelievable, that the characters descriptions was lacking in ways making it harder to imagine the characters. How the teenagers interacted were to cliche and unrealistic, making the dialogue drag down with it. I also thought that Ellie thoughts went back and fourth to much making it confusing of what she actually felt. Honestly I thought Ellie was a strong character at the beginning and at the end, but not during the middle.

The only thing that I really give thumbs up for, other then the angel myth, is how the villain is written. Even though he's not in it enough, in my belief, I thought he was perfectly created. You really got a eerie feeling when he was talk about or was feature in a chapter.

That's all I really have to say. Overall it's a good book. I didn't per say love it, but it was alright. Some questions and plot twists were left unanswered, so I'll definitely be looking out for Eternity.
Yours Truly,

Unearthly By Cynthia Hand Review #74

Author: Cynthia Hand
Publisher: Harperteen
Pages: 435
Source: Amazon Canada
Available: Now
Challenges: Debut
First Line: "In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees."
Rating: 3/5

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 that 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 deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

BEST PLOT TWIST EVER!!! Did not see that coming, near the end. That aside I did not hate Unearthly, but I didn't love it either. I started out loving it to death, and that emotion returned at the end, but the middle drag it all down. The main problem with this novel is it's two slow and drags a bit. Nothing exciting really happens until the end. Sure the center of the book has all the elements and hints leading to the climax, but it's still to slow. That is the only problem I see with this book. Theirs nothing wrong with the dialogue, storyline, characters and so on.

With the bad aside lets move onto the good. What did I enjoy most about this book? That the girl saves the boy in this novel. Or let me scratch that, the idea of it being a girl rescuing a boy instead of the usual cliche. I think that's what sets this book apart from so many YA paranormal romances.

Our leading lady in this novel is Clara. I give props to Cynthia Hand for making the protagonist realistic and believable(even though Clara is a rather odd situation). How the teens interact in this novel is right on. Clara has her angel problems and then she has her adolescent problems. Such as hair and the worries of what people think about her. She isn't afraid to stand up for herself and won't be treated like garbage from a boy.

My favorite character was Angela and Jeffrey!!!

BOYS!!! Tucker or Christian? Which team are you on?? I'm kind of both, but I really love Tucker. Both leading man are sexy and have unique personalities. I think this novel kind of reflected Clara's relationship with Tucker, and I have a feeling that the next novel will be more Christian Orientated.

I also have a feeling that something bigger is coming in this series. I think the first novel was kind of a lead up for the second one. A lot of questions are not answered in this book which leaves me pondering what will happen next. The ending didn't really do me any justice but it's the buildup of questions that I have that make me excited for the sequel.

Overall it's a good book. I'll definitely be looking out for the sequel, and if your looking for a good angel book then I recommend Unearthly.
Yours Truly,

What In My Mailbox #22 +300 Follower Contest News

What's In My Mailbox

VLOG EDITION!!!! Alright!! Finally I've joined in on the vlog expedition. Also if you have a youtube account and wouldn't mind being friends with me, I would love that. Or you could also subscribe *evil grin*. By the way, In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren.

Bought

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 that 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 deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

Heaven-sent?

Ellie was never particularly good at talking to boys—or anyone other than her best friend and fellow outcast, Ruth. Then she met Michael.

Michael is handsome, charming, sweet. And totally into Ellie. It’s no wonder she is instantly drawn to him. But Michael has a secret. And he knows Ellie is hiding something, too. They’ve both discovered they have powers beyond their imagining. Powers that are otherworldly.

Ellie and Michael are determined to uncover what they are, and how they got this way . . . together. But the truth has repercussions neither could have imagined. Soon they find themselves center stage in an ancient conflict that threatens to destroy everything they love. And it is no longer clear whether Ellie and Michael will choose the same side.

In this electrifying novel, Heather Terrell spins a gripping supernatural tale about true love, destiny, and the battle of good versus evil.

Amazon Kindle

On top of spending most of her time in a bunkerlike safe house and having her dates hijacked by a formidable Fae bodyguard, Faeriewalker Dana Hathaway is in for some more bad news: the Erlking and his pack of murderous minions known as the Wild Hunt have descended upon Avalon. With his homicidal appetite and immortal powers, the Erlking has long been the nightmare of the Fae realm. A fragile treaty with the Faerie Queen, sealed with a mysterious spell, is the one thing that keeps him from hunting unchecked in Avalon, the only place on Earth where humans and Fae live together. Which means Dana’s in trouble, since it’s common knowledge that the Faerie Queen wants her – and her rare Faeriewalker powers – dead. The smoldering, sexy Erlking’s got his sights set on Dana, but does he only seek to kill her, or does he have something much darker in mind?

Thoughts: Already read this one and loved it. Click Here!! To see the review :)

I had a life anyone would kill for.

Then someone did.

The worst part of being dead is that there’s nothing left to live for. No more kisses. No more secrets. No more gossip. It’s enough to kill a girl all over again. But I’m about to get something no one else does—an encore performance, thanks to Emma, the long-lost twin sister I never even got to meet.

Now Emma’s desperate to know what happened to me. And the only way to figure it out is to be me—to slip into my old life and piece it all together. But can she laugh at inside jokes with my best friends? Convince my boyfriend she’s the girl he fell in love with? Pretend to be a happy, carefree daughter when she hugs my parents good night? And can she keep up the charade, even after she realizes my murderer is watching her every move?

From Sara Shepard, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Pretty Little Liars books, comes a riveting new series about secrets, lies, and killer consequences.

Let the lying game begin.

Library

Incarceron -- a futuristic prison, sealed from view, where the descendants of the original prisoners live in a dark world torn by rivalry and savagery. It is a terrifying mix of high technology -- a living building which pervades the novel as an ever-watchful, ever-vengeful character, and a typical medieval torture chamber -- chains, great halls, dungeons. A young prisoner, Finn, has haunting visions of an earlier life, and cannot believe he was born here and has always been here. In the outer world, Claudia, daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, is trapped in her own form of prison -- a futuristic world constructed beautifully to look like a past era, an imminent marriage she dreads. She knows nothing of Incarceron, except that it exists. But there comes a moment when Finn, inside Incarceron, and Claudia, outside, simultaneously find a device -- a crystal key, through which they can talk to each other. And so the plan for Finn's escape is born ...

Contest News

So I decided to kick off 2011 with a followers contest. But not just yet. You see I only have 227 followers. To start this contest I need 300. So once I reach that the contest will begin, and it will be a big one :)

Yours Truly,

Shadowspells by Jenna Black Review #73

Author: Jenna Black
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pages: 304
Source: Amazon Kindle Store
Available: Now
First Line: "Going on a date with a bodyguard hanging over your shoulder sucks."
Rating:5/5

On top of spending most of her time in a bunkerlike safe house and having her dates hijacked by a formidable Fae bodyguard, Faeriewalker Dana Hathaway is in for some more bad news: the Erlking and his pack of murderous minions known as the Wild Hunt have descended upon Avalon. With his homicidal appetite and immortal powers, the Erlking has long been the nightmare of the Fae realm. A fragile treaty with the Faerie Queen, sealed with a mysterious spell, is the one thing that keeps him from hunting unchecked in Avalon, the only place on Earth where humans and Fae live together. Which means Dana’s in trouble, since it’s common knowledge that the Faerie Queen wants her – and her rare Faeriewalker powers – dead. The smoldering, sexy Erlking’s got his sights set on Dana, but does he only seek to kill her, or does he have something much darker in mind?

If I haven't made myself clear with "The Top 3 Books of 2010" and "Glimmerglass Review 5/5", then I don't know how to express my love for Jenna Black's Faeriewalker series. This is already the second book in the series and I'm still feeling the love and joy I had for the first one. The only sad thing to tell everyone is I was not able to get a actual paperback copy of the book from the store or amazon. The store hasn't had it in for a week and I'm to impatient to wait and I didn't want to spend extra money, for shipping, from amazon Canada. So in the end, in dire desperation, I used the kindle. I only use the kindle in extreme needs as I enjoy reading paperback/hardbacks more. In the end I was able to complete Shadowspells in less then a day and I'm already sadden by the fact that the next book doesn't come out till July 2011.

Shadowspell picks up right where Glimmerglass ended. We're given good background info on what happened in the previous novel and reunited with our favorite characters: Dana, Ethan (the playboy), Kimber, Finnm Keane, Mom and Dad. New characters such as Connor, The Hunt and The Erlking appear.

I must admit admit Dana got a tad bit rebellious in this novel. A part of me wants to yell at her and complain, saying that if she just listened then none of the bad stuff would of happened. And since she didn't listen that this should be a life's lesson for her. But in the end she is a teenager and I would have done the same thing.

Ethan's playboy attitude becomes problematic in Shaowspell and with all that occur in the book it will certainly test his ability to be non-player in the third book.

Ok this is not really a spoiler but I'm seriously wondering: Will Dana and Keane ever hook up? Or will they just fighting with each other? It was nice to see a bit of Keane's soft side and more to his character in this novel but I'm seriously wondering if will ever see more Dana/Keane.

My favorite character, who made me swoon, was the Erlking. I definitely can't wait to see how his character further develops in the third story.

In the previous novel I had troubles picturing Avalon, luckily in Shadowspell that wasn't the case. I really, honestly, can't find anything wrong with this book. I know a book is never perfect, but I can't find one single thing that bother me. I thought the plot was well crafted and gave the perfect twist. I only figured there was something more to the Erlking's deal when he mention what he wanted. I was surprised that Dana didn't question further before making the sacrifice.
But now that, that's happened it will give more drama to the third book.

I think the Erlking like's Dana. I really think he does. He may be tricky and like everyone else in Avalon uses Dana for her powers. But he always got more planned then he lets on. He plays his cards right. And everything he does in return protects Dana. Though I could be totally wrong about this.

Overall Shadowspell was FANTASTIC, MESMERIZING, A PAGE TURNER & will have the readers on the edge of their seats wondering what will happen next.
Yours Truly,

WOW: Wither By Lauren DeStefano

Author: Lauren Destefano
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Pages: 356
Release: March 22nd, 2011

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.

Why did I choose this?? What's not to love?? The Bio is simply intriguing as well as the cover. I hope March comes soon because I can't wait to did my hands into this one. What do you guys thing???

The Lost Saint by Bree Despain Review #72

Author: Bree Despain
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Pages: 404
Source: Chapters
Available: Now
First Line: "Do what he wants, and you might survive,' a harsh voice said into the boy's ear before he felt a sharp blow to the kidneys."
Rating:5/5

The non-stop sequel to The Dark Divine delivers an even hotter romance and more thrilling action than Bree Despain's first novel. Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She gave her soul to the wolf to save him and lost her beloved mother. When Grace receives a haunting phone call from Jude, she knows what she must do. She must become a Hound of Heaven. Desparate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot - a newcomer to town who promises her that he can help her be a hero. But as the two grow closer, the wolf grows in Grace, and her relationship with Daniel begins to crumble. Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace becomes prideful in her new abilities - not realizing that an old enemy has returned and deadly trap is about to be sprung. Readers, raveous for more Grace and Daniel, will be itching to sink their teeth into The Lost Saint.

This is a sequel that surpassed it's predecessor. I don't know if I've ever credited Ms. Despain for this but she dead on with dialogue and interpreting teenagers.

I loved the sequel more then the first one. The Lost Saint has everything The Dark Divine has but more. New Characters, more action and a riskier Grace Divine.

Grace will do anything to find her brother, even if it means unleashing the demon inside. You really felt Grace's pain, confusion and her misunderstanding of being unwanted. Even though everyone around her was trying to protect her, she translate it differently. She feels unwanted, unspecial. And like a lot of people would do she find someone who cares for her and will make her feel special and that person is Talbot. Talbot makes Grace feel good about herself but at the same time is unleashing what everyone around her has been trying to protect.

The Lost Saint, though a adventure packed book, is a bit predictable in areas and plot twisty in others. As a reader I always felt one step ahead of Grace, and sometimes I wondered how she didn't realize that when I did so simply. Other bits of this novel were confusing. I really wished the author would have put more back info in the novel. It's been a year since I read the first book and the whole Gabriel thing escaped me.

All the new and old characters are fun to read about. The book ends in a cliffhanger and if your like me then you'll be dying for more. I enjoyed reading The Lost Saint and am glad I picked it up.
Yours Truly,

Death Cloud (Young Sherlock Holmes) By Andrew Lane Review #71

Author: Andrew Lane
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Pages:306
Source: Publisher
Available: February 1st, 2011
First Line: "The first time Matthew Arnatt saw the cloud of death, it was floating out of the first-floor window of a house near where he was living."
Rating: 4/5

It is the summer of 1868, and Sherlock Holmes is fourteen. On break from boarding school, he is staying with eccentric strangers—his uncle and aunt—in their vast house in Hampshire. When two local people die from symptoms that resemble the plague, Holmes begins to investigate what really killed them, helped by his new tutor, an American named Amyus Crowe. So begins Sherlock’s true education in detection, as he discovers the dastardly crimes of a brilliantly sinister villain of exquisitely malign intent.

When I was first ask to review this I was really hesistant. I love Sherlock Holmes (though I haven't read the original books)--especially the latest film, but mystery and murder isn't my usual cup of tea. So when I said yes I was taking a big risk, but I wanted to see how Sherlock Holmes would act as a young teenager. And in the end it was worth the risk, I loved it.

At the age of fourteen, Sherlock must spend the summer with his estrange aunt and uncle. What he thinks will be a boring holiday turns into a adventure of a life time. Along side him is Matty (a friend he met coincidentally), Amyus Crowe (tutor) and Virgina (tutor's daughter, Sherlock's crush).

Andrew Lane has made the book so their is never a dull moment at hand. As a reader you'll be able to quickly jump into it and even spend most of the book trying to solve the mystery.

The characters in the book are all lovable, though I enjoyed Virgina the most. She represented a strong female lead, and was not at all a damsel-in-distress. I was saddened that she didn't have a lot of spotlight in the book, and hope that in the next she will.

My thoughts on Sherlock's young self compared to his older self are purely based on how Robert Downey Jr portrayed him. I haven't read the original Sherlock Holmes novels so I can't really get a complete grasp on his older self. In this book Sherlock is at the beginning of his journeys. He's smart but not mega smart. I kind of like that because it shows that Sherlock gained his knowledge through education and experience, not having it naturally. I think Sherlock Holmes (whether young or old) is a great role model because he shows that with hard work and dedication you can achieve a level of knowledge that can help make the world a better place. Most young adults think school is a waste, maybe even me a bit, and Sherlock shows that he needed education and experience to become the great hero he became when he was older.

The only down side to this book was some of the description was foggy and hard to understand. As well as by the end of the book it kind of dragged. The antagonist of the book was simple to figure out, it was the mystery and actions of the villain that were hard to solve.

Overall I enjoyed Death Cloud and will definitely be keeping an eye out for it's sequel.

Yours Truly,

What's In My Mailbox #21

What's In My Mailbox

The non-stop sequel to The Dark Divine delivers an even hotter romance and more thrilling action than Bree Despain's first novel. Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She gave her soul to the wolf to save him and lost her beloved mother. When Grace receives a haunting phone call from Jude, she knows what she must do. She must become a Hound of Heaven. Desparate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot - a newcomer to town who promises her that he can help her be a hero. But as the two grow closer, the wolf grows in Grace, and her relationship with Daniel begins to crumble. Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace becomes prideful in her new abilities - not realizing that an old enemy has returned and deadly trap is about to be sprung. Readers, raveous for more Grace and Daniel, will be itching to sink their teeth into The Lost Saint.

I only bought one book this week and that was The Lost Saint by Bree Despain. I've been dying to read this ever since I finished The Dark Divine. I don't know if I ever commended Ms. Despain on her writing style before, but I'm absolutely in love with how she writes. She has a good perception of how teenagers talk and stuff. And, no surprise, I'm enjoying this book just as much as I enjoyed The Dark Divine.

You know what else inspired and got me motivated to read The Lost Saint? The Book Trailer. It's most definitely the coolest book trailer I've seen so far. It reminds me of a movie trailer almost. The instrumentals is well done as well.


What did you get this week in your mailbox???? The Mailbox was started by The Story Siren.
Yours Truly,

NightShade by Andrea Cremer Review # 70

Author: Andrea Cremer
Publisher: Philomel Books
Pages: 452
Source: Chapters
Available: Now
First Line: "I'd always welcomed war, but in battle my passion rose unbidden."
Rating: 4/5

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

Who doesn't love this cover?? I think the little computer image can't do the actual cover-in-hand justice. It's absolutely fantastic and beautiful. I had bought this book back in October in one of the airport book stores mainly out of the love of the cover. Luckily the story doesn't fail to impress me either.

The story follow Calla on her journey to finding out who she loves and testing all her cultural beliefs along the way. Told in first person the reader gets the insight of Calla and her life. Calla is a pretty interesting, rebellious character and she is hard not to love. Same with a lot of the other characters. I won't talk much about the boys but I'm definitely Team Ren :)

What I enjoyed the most of Nightshade was the writing. Andrea Cremer is a wonderful story teller. How she writes just comes, literally, to life. After a while you'll wonder if Calla and her pack is fictional or not. Ms. Cremer was able to make every dialogue and description is enjoyable and easy to imagine.

The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars was the length. I thought it could of been a hundred or two hundred pages shorter. At about three hundred it started to drag a bit. The ending was confusing as well, but I think that was intentional for the next book in the series.

Overall Nightshade was a great 2010 debut and a dazzling start to a series.
Yours Truly,

Hello 2011 !!!! Best Books of 2010!!!

HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE!!!

Currently in Canada it's 2011 and is New Years Day. Right now, as I write this, it's 4:30A.M. I must sleep soon, ASAP really. But before I do that I want to wish and welcome everyone to a new year. I know this year of book blogging will be just as fun as 2010's. Maybe even more fun. I'm looking forward to reading many new books by both debut and old favorite YA authors. The line up of new books this year seems awesome and exciting. It will truly be a great year XD

I apologize to everyone for my lack of posts. I spent most of 2010 with my family and host sister. I was very distracted with showing my host sister Canada. But now she has return to Japan and I'm free to run my book blog again :) I'm making a promise to myself to post a post every day. I hope I can accomplish this. I also wish to have read 12 debut authors books by August 2011.

Sadly I will be shutting down my blog from August 2011 to August 2012 as I will be away for a year on a exchange program. But lets not go that far yet.

Before I move on to 2011, I like to share with you my favorite 3 books of 2010.

1

Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Pages: 476
Available: Now
Source: Chapters
Rating: 5 stars

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

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

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

I LOVED Clockwork Angels. It was absolutely brilliant. It's the sort of book the em blazes itself in your mind. I read this in September and still every chapter is burned into my mind. I'm so ecstatic for the sequel.

2

Author: Jenna Black
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pages: 304
Available: Now
Source: Chapters
Rating: 5 stars

It’s all she’s ever wanted to be, but it couldn’t be further from her grasp…

Dana Hathaway doesn’t know it yet, but she’s in big trouble. When her alcoholic mom shows up at her voice recital drunk, again, Dana decides she’s had enough and runs away to find her mysterious father in Avalon: the only place on Earth where the regular, everyday world and the captivating, magical world of Faerie intersect. But from the moment Dana sets foot in Avalon, everything goes wrong, for it turns out she isn’t just an ordinary teenage girl—she’s a Faeriewalker, a rare individual who can travel between both worlds, and the only person who can bring magic into the human world and technology into Faerie.

Soon, Dana finds herself tangled up in a cutthroat game of Fae politics. Someone’s trying to kill her, and everyone seems to want something from her, from her newfound friends and family to Ethan, the hot Fae guy Dana figures she’ll never have a chance with… until she does. Caught between two worlds, Dana isn’t sure where she’ll ever fit in and who can be trusted, not to mention if her world will ever be normal again…

Honestly I don't know what to say about Jenna's Black Young Adult Debut. It was freakin fabulous. I loved everyone moment of it. I'm very excited for it's sequel which comes out this Tuesday :)

3

Author: Kirsten Miller
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages:411
Available: Now
Source: Chapters
Rating: 5 stars
Haven Moore cannot control her visions of a past with a boy called Ethan and a life in New York that ended in fiery tragedy. In our present, she designs beautiful dresses for her classmates with her best friend Beau. Dressmaking keeps her sane, since she lives with her widowed and heartbroken mother in her tyrannical grandmother's house in Snope City, a tiny town in Tennessee. Then an impossible group of coincidences conspire to force her to flee to New York, to discover who she is, and who she was.

In New York, Haven meets Iain Morrow and is swept into an epic love affair that feels both deeply fated and terribly dangerous. Iain is suspected of murdering a rock star and Haven wonders, could he have murdered her in a past life? She visits the Ouroboros Society and discovers a murky world of reincarnation that stretches across millennia. Haven must discover the secrets hidden in her past lives, and loves, before all is lost and the cycle begins again.

This was a book that many people had mixed reviews on. I was one of the: "I absolutely love this book" side. For some odd reason the idea of reincarnation and the devil make a good storyline. I didn't find this book boring and would recommend it to anyone for a read.


I hope you enjoyed hearing what my favorites of 2010 are. And I can't wait to see how 2011 turns out :)
Yours Truly,

2011 Debut Author Challenge

2011 Debut author challenge is here!!! Last year I read 9 debut author book (the 9th book I haven't reviewed yet). This year I want to read at least 12 before August. As some of you might know I'm going away for a year, on a exchange, next August.

In 2010 I had a host sister from Japan. Most of my time was spent with her, meaning my blog slacked off a lot. My goal for 2011 is to post a post every day (whether it's a review, contest, IMMB or something else). Of course some days I might miss, but I want to stick to this goal 90% of the time.

I want to spend from here to August reading lots and lots and mange to complete 12 debut author books.

I wasn't able to in 2010, but 2011 is a fresh start.

I won't be posting a list :( But I will be participating. I hope you guys will too XD To enter go to The Story Siren Debut Author 2011 Page

Yours Truly,