Pages

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Feuds, By Avery Hastings

Title: Feuds 
Author:  Avery Hastings                  
Release: September 2, 2014
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Purchase:  Amazon / B&N 
For Davis Morrow, perfection is a daily reality. Like all Priors, Davis has spent her whole life primed to be smarter, stronger, and more graceful than the lowly Imperfects, or “Imps.” A fiercely ambitious ballerina, Davis is only a few weeks away from qualifying for the Olympiads and finally living up to her mother’s legacy when she meets Cole, a mysterious boy who leaves her with more questions each time he disappears.
Davis has no idea that Cole has his own agenda, or that he’s a rising star in the FEUDS, an underground fighting ring where Priors gamble on Imps. Cole has every reason to hate Davis—her father’s campaign hinges on the total segregation of the Imps and Priors—but despite his best efforts, Cole finds himself as drawn to Davis as she is to him.
Then Narxis, a deadly virus, takes its hold—and Davis’s friends start dying. When the Priors refuse to acknowledge the epidemic, Davis has no one to turn to but Cole. Falling in love was never part of their plan, but their love may be the only thing that can save her world...in Avery Hastings's Feuds.
A NETGALLEY REVIEW


My Thoughts

I was excited to read this book.  After reading the Synopsis, I was intrigued and optimistic that the story was going to be original and well written.  The dystopian setting and the hostility between the Priors and the Imps makes this book interesting to a wide variety of readers. This book has so much potential! However, after a few chapters I began to lose hope..... There are things that make this book disappointing, as well as, aspects that make this book good. So.... Lets get into the details.......

This book is to short. Period. The plot, characters, and setting are underdeveloped.  The story moved so quickly that I was adding in my own interpretations and ideas into the story.  Don't get me wrong, this writing style works well for some books, but not this one.  I do feel that Feuds needed to be longer.  I wanted Davis and Cole to develop more.  I wanted to know more about their families, and the history of why the world is at its current state.  I feel the book is lacking in these details.   But, there is a positive for the story being short, it's to the point.  I got the minimum amount of details to keep the story progressing. Even though I feel the story could have been developed more, I still feel like I got what I was supposed to out of the book.  

This book also has alot of plot lines going on.  There are corrupt politicians, underground fighting, Olympiad trials, and a disease.  All of these are touched upon in the book, but i feel, are not developed well.  Please keep in mind that this is the first in a series.  There is a huge possibility that these lines will be developed.   

Bottom line is this;  This book for me had some issues, but the potential is so great that I will buy the book and buy any sequel.  Why will I do this you ask??? Because, I have attached myself to these characters and this story and I will see it through.  As should anyone who reads this!!  I would recommend this book to any age group.  I will purchase this book, but I will wait till it comes out in paperback.  

2.5 out of 5 stars

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Friday Cover Reveal!!!!

Ok, it's Friday..... and that means another MONTH9 Cover Reveal!!!!  Check it out below....

Cover Reveal: The Artisans by Julie Reece and Giveaway #M9BFridayReveals

 
Welcome to the Cover Reveal for
The Artisans by Julie Reece
presented by Month9Books!
Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

Title: The Artisans
Publication date:  May 2015
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Julie Reece

 
They say death can be beautiful. But after the death of her mother, seventeen-year-old RAVEN WEATHERSBY gives up her dream of becoming a fashion designer, barely surviving life in the South Carolina lowlands.
To make ends meet, Raven works after school as a seamstress creating stunning works of fashion that often rival the great names of the day.
Instead of making things easier on the high school senior, her stepdad’s drinking leads to a run in with the highly reclusive heir to the Maddox family fortune, Gideon Maddox.
But Raven’s stepdad’s drying out and in no condition to attend the meeting with Maddox. So Raven volunteers to take his place and offers to repay the debt in order to keep the only father she’s ever known out of jail, or worse.
Gideon Maddox agrees, outlining an outrageous demand: Raven must live in his home for a year while she designs for Maddox Industries’ clothing line, signing over her creative rights.
Her handsome young captor is arrogant and infuriating to the nth degree, and Raven can’t imagine working for him, let alone sharing the same space for more than five minutes.
But nothing is ever as it seems. Is Gideon Maddox the monster the world believes him to be? And can he stand to let the young seamstress see him as he really is?
The Artisans is a delectably rich, layered and dark YA Southern Gothic inspired by Jeanne Marie Leprince de Beaumont’s classic Beauty and the Beast.
“The Artisans has all the elements I love – spooky intrigue, strong friendships, and a romantic tension to be savored.” ~ Wendy Higgins, New York Times bestselling author of the Sweet Evil trilogy.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21944665-the-artisans?from_search=true 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Born in Ohio, I lived next to my grandfather’s horse farm until the fourth grade. Summers were about riding, fishing and make-believe, while winter brought sledding and ice-skating on frozen ponds. Most of life was magical, but not all.
I struggled with multiple learning disabilities, did not excel in school. I spent much of my time looking out windows and daydreaming. In the fourth grade (with the help of one very nice teacher) I fought dyslexia for my right to read, like a prince fights a dragon in order to free the princess locked in a tower, and I won.
Afterwards, I read like a fiend. I invented stories where I could be the princess… or a gifted heroine from another world who kicked bad guy butt to win the heart of a charismatic hero. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? Later, I moved to Florida where I continued to fantasize about superpowers and monsters, fabricating stories (my mother called it lying) and sharing them with my friends.
Then I thought I’d write one down…
Hooked, I’ve been writing ever since. I write historical, contemporary, urban fantasy, adventure, and young adult romances. I love strong heroines, sweeping tales of mystery and epic adventure… which must include a really hot guy. My writing is proof you can work hard to overcome any obstacle. Don’t give up. I say, if you write, write on!

Connect with the Author:  Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads



GIVEAWAY

<a id="rc-c08c9e8e228" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c08c9e8e228/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>

Direct Link:   http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/YzA4YzllOGVhNjNmZDBjNGRjZjNjYzUwYzFhNDY1OjIyOA==/



I believe this cover is simple and elegant.... I cant wait to read the story.  Good Luck everyone, and thanks for stopping by.

xoxo 
Brandi

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Friday Cover Reveal.....

Cover Reveal: VESSEL by Lisa T. Cresswell and Giveaway #M9BFridayReveals

 Welcome to the Cover Reveal for
VESSEL by Lisa T. Cresswell
presented by Month9Books!
Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!



The sun exploded on On April 18, 2112 in a Class X solar storm the likes of which humankind had never seen.
They had exactly nineteen minutes to decide what to do next.
They had nineteen minutes until a geomagnetic wave washed over the Earth, frying every electrical device created by humans, blacking out entire continents, and every satellite in their sky.
Nineteen minutes to say goodbye to the world they knew, forever, and to prepare for a new Earth, a new Sun.

Generations after solar storms destroyed nearly all human technology on Earth, humans reverted to a middle ages-like existence, books are burned as heresy, and all knowledge of the remaining technology is kept hidden by a privileged few called the Reticents.

Alana, a disfigured slave girl, and Recks, a traveling minstrel and sometimes-thief, join forces to bring knowledge and books back to the human race. But when Alana is chosen against her will to be the Vessel, the living repository for all human knowledge, she must find the strength to be what the world needs even if it’s the last thing she wants.



Title: Vessel
Publication date: May 2015
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Lisa T. Cresswell



About The Author



Lisa, like most writers, began scribbling silly notes, stories, and poems at a very young age. Born in North Carolina, the South proved fertile ground to her imagination with its beautiful white sand beaches and red earth. In fifth grade, she wrote, directed and starred in a play “The Queen of the Nile” at school, despite the fact that she is decidedly un-Egyptian looking. Perhaps that’s why she went on to become a real life archaeologist?
Unexpectedly transplanted to Idaho as a teenager, Lisa learned to love the desert and the wide open skies out West. This is where her interest in cultures, both ancient and living, really took root, and she became a Great Basin archaeologist. However, the itch to write never did leave for long. Her first books became the middle grade fantasy trilogy, The Storyteller Series. Her first traditionally published work, Hush Puppy, is now available from Featherweight Press.
Lisa still lives in Idaho with her family and a menagerie of furry critters that includes way too many llamas!

Connect with the Author: Website/ Twitter/ Facebook/ Goodreads

Giveaway!!!

<a id="rc-c08c9e8e225" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c08c9e8e225/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>

Direct link:



Sunday, August 17, 2014

Scorched by Mari Mancusi


ScorchedTitle:  Scorched
Author: Mari Mancusi                   
Release: September, 3 2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Incorporated

Purchase:  Amazon / B&N 

Save the dragon. DESTROY the world.  Trinity Foxx is used to her grandfather's crazy stories so she doesn't believe the latest treasure he brought home to their failing West Texas museum is a real dragon's egg. Not until Connor Jacks, a dragon hunter from the future, tells Trinity that the world is about to be wiped out by a fiery dragon war- unless they find a way to stop it..  SAVE the dragon. Save the world.  But Connor's not the only one after the egg.  His twin brother Caleb believes dragons have the power to save mankind and must be protected.  Caleb has seen too many dragons destroyed in the war- scorched future- he'll do whatever it takes to save this one.  With a host of enemies hot on her heels, Trinity must decide who to believe.  Connor the brace solider? Caleb the cocky rebel?  Or the baby dragon that's starting to whisper to her... saying they are destined?  The fate of the world may depend on her choice. 

My Thoughts...

Scorched was a surprise to me. After reading the synopsis of the book I was worried it would not live up to my expectations.  After reading the book I was pleasantly surprised that it surpassed my expectations.  The characters, culture, and world created by Mancusi is filled with deceit, dragons, and wonders enough to sate any reader.

 The future IS filled with fire and death as the dragons have taken over the world. Two organizations are sending representatives back in time to stop the dragon Apocalypse.  Enter, Connor and Caleb.  Twin brothers from the future fighting for opposite sides of the war.  Connor is the dragon slayer.  His mission is to go back in time and make sure the Apocalypse never occurs by killing the dragon.  Caleb's mission is to save the dragon.

Trinity is not just your typical female heroine, she is much more.  Faced with a world changing decision, she must make the correct choice or damn the world to an eternity of fire and death.  Trinity must make this decision based on the opinions and prejudices of Connor and Caleb.  What decision will she chose? Save the dragon, or kill the dragon?

This book is packed with action from cover to cover.  The dragons in this world are everything I have ever wanted.  The culture of both sides of the war is filled with prejudices that rival "real world" issues.  The deceit and double crossing will leave you wondering who to trust, and have you on the edge of your seat!  Plus....... there is some swoon-worthy romance that will have you wanting both Caleb and Connor.... :) I just cant chose!!!

Waiting on the edge for the next book.....

4.5 out of 5 stars



Saturday, August 16, 2014

I'm here!!!!

I'm here!!! And I will attempt not to fan girl!  

Julie kagawa in cincy???



On my way to Joseph Beth Booksellers in Cincinati Ohio to go to a YA book event featuring many Authors including Julie Kagawa!!!  


Thursday, August 14, 2014

I am back!!

I am back!! I have been neglecting my blog, however, I have still been reading, reading, and reading.  I have sooo many reviews to get posted! I hope to post at least 2-3 reviews each day until I get all of my reviews done and posted.  I have some Netgalley ARCs to read and review, as well as, my personal books.  Please be patient as I work to get all of these posted.  If you see a book in my library that is not reviewed, don't hesitate to ask me about it....


xoxo
Brandi

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Rain by Amanda Sun


Rain (Paper Gods Series #3)Title: Rain

Author: Amanda Sun

Release Date: 6/24/14

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Purchase:  Barnes and Noble / Amazon

When she first moved to Japan, American Katie Green had no idea she would get caught in a battle between the Japanese mafia and the supernatural forces that have governed Japan for most of its history.  Despite the danger, Katie is determined to stay put.  She's started to build a life in the city of Shizuoka, and she can't imagine leaving behind her friends, her aunt and especially Tomohiro, the guy she's fallen in love with. 
But the decision to stay is not as simple as she thought.  She's flunking out of Japanese school and committing cultural faux pas wherever she goes.  Tomohiro is also struggling- as a Kami, his connection to the ancient gods of Japan and his power to bring drawings to life have begun to spiral out of control.
When Tomo decides to stop drawing, the ink finds other ways to seep into his life- blackouts, threatening messages and the appearance of unexplained sketches.  Unsure how to help Tomo, Katie turns to an unexpected source for help- Jun, her former friend and a Kami with an agenda of his own.  But is Jun really the ally he claims to be? In order to save themselves, Katie and Tomohiro must unravel the truth about Tomo's dark ancestry, as well as Katie's, and confront one of the darkest gods in Japanese legend. 

My Thoughts:

The legend behind the Kami is tragic and beautiful, just as the love between Katie and Tomohiro is dangerous and electric. 

I could not wait for this book to come out so I could get my hands on it, and I was not disappointed.  Amanda Sun does an amazing job of pulling the reader into the book and dropping them off in the middle of Shizuoka, Japan.  I could not put this book down!  I felt as if I was traveling with Katie through all her struggles and discoveries.  I felt her pain and her joy as I read this book.
This book answers questions about who Katie, Tomohiro, and Jun really are.  This book leaves readers wanting more, more, more.
Katie and Tomohiro's relationship heats up and cools down.  When you throw a dash of Jun into the mix the temperature turns up and the tensions rise.  You'll get alot of mystery, romance, and an amazing story in this second edition.   I cant wait for the third!!!

5 out of 5 Stars!!!

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Cover Reveal

Cover reveal for Beth Revis' Body Electric

This cover is so amazing!  I cannot wait for this book to come out.  Beth describes the book as "
Blade Runner meets Total Recall in this exciting new sci fi adventure!

Ella Shepherd can slip into other people’s minds. Using technology invented by her parents, Ella has the ability to experience–and influence–the memories of others. She’s used this ability to help ensure the safety of the world from a dangerous terrorist group, but not all is as it seems…because someone’s been inside Ella’s head, too.
(This description was copied from her news letter). 

As you can see this book sounds like an awesome adventure!! I can't wait. You can sign up for Beth Revis' news letter using the link below.. 
http://blogspot.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=c186ae7fe9877e5f251e75e66&id=564c85d6fa

Friday, August 1, 2014

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout


Obsidian (Lux Series #1)Title: Obsidian
Author:  Jennifer L. Armentrout                
Release: 5/8/2012
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Purchase:  B&N / Amazon

There's an alien next door. And with his looming height and eerie green eyes, he's hot...until he opens his mouth. He's infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, he marks me. Turns out he has a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal his abilities and the only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to him until my alien mojo fades. If I don't kill him first, that is. 

My Thoughts:

Jennifer Armentrout does a hell of a job creating original and plausible stories, and Obsidian does NOT disappoint.  Katy is a lover of books, smart, and is strong and determined.  She doesn't take any shit and is determined to try and not show Daemon that she wants him.  Well, she tries hard but fails.  As any normal girl would.  I mean really, Daemon is a book boyfriend that you love to hate.  And did I mention he is Drool-worthy????
Daemon is an ASS.  That's right, I said it.  He is an ass to Katy from the start, but as the book progresses his "true" self begins to shine through.  Daemon is a complex being.  His past, and present are riddled with rules and worries. He will do anything to protect his sister and his way of life.  He is tall, dark, gorgeous, and with his shirt off you will lose your words........ Enough about the guy... lets get to the story.
The story is original and very well written.This book is packed with mystery and secrets, pain and pleasure, danger and attraction.... This book has everything.  Battles are fought, friends are made, worlds turned upside down.  I need not go on.
This is the start to an Amazing series!  After you read this, you will run out to buy the next one immediately. 
   

5 out of 5 stars