Agent Colt Shore: Domino 29 by Axel Avian

AGENT COLT SHORE: DOMINO 29 by AXEL AVIAN

Movie Rating: PG-13 some content may not be suitable to younger children

Book Rating: @@@@

Swearing: couple of uses of small words like d**n and h**l and 1 use of S**t

Inappropriate Scenes: None. There is talk about human trafficking but nothing dirty

# of pages: 368 (paperback)

Genre: YA Adventure

Publisher: Arundel Publishing

Back Blurb:

Any domino can knock down another that’s one and half times larger.

Start with a domino the size of a piece of gum, and 29 dominos later,

you’re knocking down one the size of the Empire State Building.

Did that ever happen to you? Where one tiny choice

leads to another, until your whole life is crazy?

A week ago, I was a normal guy.

Not a secret agent at all.

Now if I’m not smart,

We’re all dead.

My Review:

To me, Domino 29 is the perfect beach read! (yeah, it’s still kind of chilly where I live so I’m daydreaming about the beach….*sigh*)

Plot:

      Every kid dreams about becoming a secret agent. A life full of action instead of just school. So every kid loves to read a book about a kid becoming a secret agent. A book like Domino 29. Full of tons of fights and suspenseful fights, follow 15 year old agent Colt Shore as his mission changes from protecting a international rock star to something a lot more sinister!

Characters:

     Ready for this? Okay, Colt was a very lovable character and I would be perfectly happy to read more book with main characters like Colt. He was just so nice! I did not like his mom so much. There’s no way I would forgive her as quickly as Colt did, but Colt is a much better person than me. Tayla was really super annoying. She seemed like she whined and whined and whined to get her way. I mean, if someone was with me to protect me from getting killed or kidnapped I would not treat him like he was dirt. Nu huh. I would be doing some major butt kissing.

Note to the author:

     Mr. Axel Avian,

First off, let me just say I love your name. I really liked your book! Definitely keep writing! I want more of Colton’s story! Loved your book and thank you for keeping it clean, so I don’t have to panic if my mom walks into my room.

Recommend this book to lovers of: Alex Rider

Check out Mr. Avian's website: http://www.axelavian.com/
And the Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Agent-Colt-Shore-Domino-29/dp/1933608528/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1364346077&sr=8-2&keywords=domino+29

Starflower by Anne Elizabeth Stengl

STARFLOWER by ANNE ELIZABETH STENGL

Movie Rating: G all ages admitted

Book Rating: @@@@@

Inappropriate Scenes: None

Swearing: None

# of Pages: 348 (paperback)

Genre: Fantasy

Publisher: Bethany House

Back Blurb:

THE BLACK DOGS ARE ON THE HUNT, BUT WHO IS THEIR PREY?

When a cursed dragon-witch kidnaps fairest Lady Gleamdren, the Bard Eanrin sets boldly forth on a rescue mission…and a race against his rival for Gleamdren’s favor. Intent upon his quest, the last thing the immortal Faerie needs is to become mixed up with the troubles of an insignificant mortal.

            But when he stumbles upon a maiden trapped in an enchanted sleep, he cannot leave her alone in the dangerous Wood Between. One waking kiss later, Eanrin suddenly finds his story entangled with that of young Starflower. A strange link exists between the mortal girl and the dragon-witch. Will Starflower prove the key to Lady Gleamdren’s rescue? Or will the dark power from which she flees destroy both her and her rescuer?

My Review:

AWESOME! *sigh* I loved this book. Okay, so I’m a huge fan of Heartless by Ms. Stengl. I didn’t think that any fantasy book could be better than Heartless and then I read Veiled Rose (also by Ms. Stengl) and I didn’t think any book could be better than Veiled Rose and then I read Starflower (again by Ms. Stengl) and I’m positive that no book can get better than Starflower (seriously, cannot wait to read Dragonwith so I can be proved wrong).

Starflower was UH-MAZING! Seriously, awesometastic. Immediately, I was dragged into this wonderful book and could not put it down! I liked most of the characters EXCEPT for Lady Gleamdren. She was written a little to well as a stuck-up snob. I think we all know a ‘Lady Gleamdren’ in our lives. *cough cough* But on the bright side we all probably know a ‘Starflower’ too. J

Tales of Goldstone Woods are epic books! And the best part? You don’t need to start at Book 1! :O All the books are different stories but they're stilled tied in at some point. It’s really cool. *goofy grin*

Epic book, Epic series, Epic author!

Reader out. Ciao. J

Dark Eden by Patrick Carman--Review

DARK EDEN by PATRICK CARMAN

Movie Rating: PG-13 for suspense and some language
Book Rating: @@@@@
Swearing: h***, d*** (all swear were few and far between)
Inappropriate Scenes: None
# of Pages: 316 (hardcover)
Genre: YA Thriller
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Back Blurb:

We are seven strangers
No one can find us
Six think the cure will work
Only I know the truth
This place will destroy us.

When Will Besting approaches Fort Eden for the first time, he knows something isn't right. With more terrifying secrets at every turn, he discovers a hidden fear deep inside himself, a dark mystery a thousand years in the making, and the unexpected girl of his dreams. But can he save everyone from the dangers of Fort Eden before it's too late?

FEAR IS THE CURE

My Review:

If you like YA thriller: Get. Your. Copy. NOW! This book is amazing! Seriously, the first time I read this book it thrilled me so bad I couldn't sleep. Rainsford was very well-written. So was Mrs. Goring. And Will. And, well, all the characters... :) I did get confused with Davis and Rainsford, and Mrs. Goring was really funny in her snarky way. (she reminded me so much of my grandmother :)  The book was phenomenal  Please don't miss it! Check it out now! And it's sequel. Recommend to people who read The House at the End of Street. (the book version of Jennifer Lawrence's new movie)

Check out the trailer:

Defiance by C.J. Redwine-Review

DEFIANCE by C.J. REDWINE

Book Rating: @@@@@
Movie Rating: PG-13 some material may not be suitable for young kids
Swearing: None-if there was any if was there wasn't a lot of them and they were small
Inappropriate Scenes: None
# of Pages: 403 (hardcover)
Genre: Dystopian
Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Back Blurb:
Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city's brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is
declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father's apprentice, Logan--the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same one who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but a fierce belief in her father's survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But
treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.
At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city's top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor's impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but
when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.
As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can't be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.

My Review:

Contents of this book are UHMAZING! A tyrannical leader, forbidden love, and a pinch of Defiance made this book soooo good! AH! I'm literally Dying to read the sequel Deception. I luved all the characters. Rachel Adams did bug me a few times but for the most part she was a good, well-written character and Logan was such a sweetheart. :)
And the cover. The cover is just astounding. Apparently I'm blind because I didn't see the fortress at the very bottom of the cover. (duh)
And the leader (argh, I forgot his name) really irritated me. I really wanted to stab him with a knife myself. Well, first give him a good whipping and then stab him. Gosh, he reminded so much of our current government rolled into one huge, evil, tyrannical character. *shudders*
I totally recommend this book to readers who loved The Hunger Games and Enclave. Loved this book. Great job, Ms. RedWine! Fan 4ever.

Check out the trailer:

The Selection by Keira Cass

THE SELECTION BY KEIRA CASS

Movie Rating: PG-13 for brief sensuality
Book Rating: @@
Swearing: i really don't remember any swearing but if there was they were small
Inappropriate Scenes: there was like 3 make out scenes. it didn't go into detail it just said they kissed. a lot. but still....
# of Pages: 327 (hardcover)
Genre: YA Dystopian
Publisher: HaperTeen

Back Blurb:

35 GIRLS. 1 CROWN. THE COMPETITION OF A LIFETIME.

For 35 girls the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The oppurtunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
The America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to the future she never imagined.

My Review:

Okay, so I was so eager to get my hands on this book. But I was really disappointed. For one thing this book reminded of a very aristocratic Hunger Games. Just about everything was identical to The Hunger Games (except for where the contestants kill each other)....right down to the contestant interviews in front of the whole nation! It was really distracting. And it didn't seem very original.
Another reason I didn't care for the book was.........................ASPEN! Gosh, I hate him so much. He was such an idiot. He reallly reallllly reallllly bugged me. I really liked Maxon though. He was such a sweetheart. I really hope America picks him over Aspen. I cannot describe how much I HATE Aspen. Probably because of what he told America to do at the beginning of the book and then got mad when she did it and it worked out the way he wanted it too. Duh, idiot alert.
I really liked America. She was such a little fireball. She's one of my favorite characters ever in the world of YA because she doesn't let anyone change her but I do with she would just tell Aspen NO.
But I'll probably read the next one in the series just to see how it ends and check out the GORGEOUS cover:

Check out The Selection trailer:

WinterHaven Sleigh Tour!!! Event #1--Book Review and Giveaway

Well, it's December! Snow is falling or getting ready to fall or already has fell (depends on where you live), everyone's going Christmas shopping, and all the book lovers are curled up with a book and a cup of hot chocolate. Right? :-) And to kick off the month of December today is my turn for the very first Event for the WinterHaven Sleigh Tour! And what I have to do is post a book review with either Winter in the title, a Christmas book, or a winter setting. So I'm going to post a review about Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson. (yes, I know it's not a Christmas book but it does have winter in its title. :) 

If you would like to see who else is on this tour you can go to this super duper awesome blog: WinterHaven Books and check 'em out! : )
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Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Movie Rating: PG-13 for strong language
Book Rating: @@@
Swearing: multiple uses of S**t, H**; and D**n, and one use of the f-bomb
Inappropriate Scenes: None
# of Pages: 288 (paperback)
Genre: YA something. (i have no idea what)
Publisher: Speak
LLFTB: Your choice not only affects you it can affect others too

Back Blurb:

Lia and Cassie are best friends, wintergirls frozen in fragile bodies, competitors in a deadly contest to see who can be the thinnest. But then Cassie suffers the ultimate loss-her life-and Lia is left behind, haunted by her friend's memory and racked with guilt for not being able to help save her. In her most powerfully moving novel since Speak, award-winning author Laurie Halse Anderson explores Lia's struggle, her painful path to recovery, and her desperate attempts to hold on to the most important thing of all: hope. 

My Review:

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

   First off let me say that this book is really super sad, but it has a good moral lesson. "If you make a choice that will hurt you it will also hurt others." That's the lesson I got out of this book. So it did have some good points. 
   It wasn't a horrible book but it was good either. I found the main character very annoying. She was so stupid. She couldn't tell that her mother loved her? That her step-mom loved her? That her dad loved her? That her step-sister loved her? That her whole family loved her and that's why they wanted her to get over her anorexia? I mean, come on now. 
   Also, when her family punished her for what she did to herself instead of facing everybody and saying she's sorry she decides to run away with a scum-bag?!? Seriously? Is she dumb? 
   And the writing was also really hard to follow sometimes. It didn't make any sense at all and I would re-read the same sentence over and over I would re-read the same sentence over and over I would re-read the sentence over and over and still be like, "WHAT?!?" But I really liked the calorie counts after the food mentioned in the book. That was just really interesting. 
   This book has a very good lesson that should not be missed. Anorexia is a horrible thing. And no one should feel worthless enough to starve themselves to be skinny. 

PS--I found a special way to fix swearing in a book. WHITE OUT!!! >:)
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Also, as part of this blog tour WinterHaven Books is hosting a giveaway! The prizes? A copy of Dash & Lily's Book of Dares and Let it Snow. Enter below:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e615b433/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

ENCLAVE by ANN AGUIRRE

Movie Rating: PG-13 for violence, peril, graphic images, and suggestive content
Book Rating: @@@@
Swearing: None
Inappropriate Scenes: None
# of Pages: 259
Genre: YA Dystopian/Sci-fi
Publisher: Square Fish

Back Blurb:

WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE.

In Deuce's world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unamed 'brat' has trained into one of three groups--Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.
As a Huntress, her purpose is clear--to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She's worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing's going to stop her, not even a beautiful brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce's troubles are just beginning. When she and Fade discover that the neighboring enclave has been destroyed by Freaks, who seem to be growing more organized, the elders refuse to listen to their warnings and exile Deuce and Fade. As the two are guided out of the dead city by Fade's long-ago memories, they face dangers, and feelings, unlike any they've ever known.

My Review:

I've heard so much about Enclave that I decided to read it myself. I was expecting something great and I wasn't disappointed. At all. Enclave shows people that there can be a book with no swearing and no inappropriate scenes and still be really really good. (Although there was a little to much talk of Breeders and breeding for me, that was the suggestive content.)
Enclave is like the sci-fi version of The Hunger Games. (I say sci-fi because it deals with disease and to me, that's science fiction.) The main character is a hunter. The government is out of control and won't listen to the people. The Freaks (which are THG equivalent of Mutants). A really awesome love triangle. (am I  supposed to describe them as awesome or something else? because awesome was the only word I could think of) But similar as Enclave is to THG it's still unique in its own way.
I can't wait to read Outpost. (If my library will ever get it in) And the love triangle? I'm not sure who I like better. Probably Fade because his background is better than Stalker's, but I'm not sure. Anyway, Enclave was a really good book and I recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the following: The Hunger Games, Divergent, The Maze Runner, Incarceron.

Check out the movie trailer:

Wake by Amanda Hocking::Review

WAKE by AMANDA HOCKING

Movie Rating: PG-13 for language and sensuality
Book Rating: @@@
Swearing: nothing really major, like H**l, D**n, and B**ch
Inappropriate Scenes: Two teens make out but that's it. No detail.
# of Pages: 309 (hardcover)
Genre: YA Fantasy? (i dunno)
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Back Blurb:

Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy, the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi, and Thea have caught every one's attention--but it's Gemma who's attracted theirs. She's the one they've chosen to be a part of their group.
Gemma Fisher seems to have it all--she's carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He's always been just a friend, but this summer they've taken their relationship to the next level.
Then one night, Gemma's ordinary life changes forever. Penn, Lexi, and Thea invite her to party with them at the cove, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.
Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she's forced to choose between staying with those she loves--or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.

My Review:

I have wanted to get my hands on an Amanda Hocking book for forever. (just ask my mom i tell her that at least once a day) Wake was the first one available. So I snatched it up. Mainly, the cover. I mean, in when you see it in real life (not on a computer screen) the water looks so very real. It's really cool. So anyway. I can see  now why Amanda Hocking is a popular teen writer. She's really good!
What I liked about Wake was that instead of focusing on just one character, Hocking introduces
you to the whole family! And then has a second story going about another family character. So Wake felt like two books in one. One about Gemma and one about her sister. 
The character-development was really good. Like Really good. I did think that the romance between Alex and Gemma was a little rushed. You're introduced to Alex (nearly as soon as the book starts) as 'the boy next door'. They're just friends. And then by Chapter 2 or 3 he's not 'the boy next door' anymore. It was like
Hocking was afraid that if she didn't have any romance between Gemma and Alex by page such and such that it wouldn't sell as many copies. For that reason I enjoyed Gemma's sister's romantic experience a LOT more. :)
And, thanks to the major cliff-hanging at the end, I am impatiently waiting before book 2, Lullaby, is released to the public! This is a mermaid, I mean, siren book that is a major addiction! 

Scary School by Derek the Ghost Review!

SCARY SCHOOL by DEREK THE GHOST

Movie Rating: G all ages admitted
Book Rating: @@@@
Swearing: None
Inappropriate Scenes: None
# of Pages:
Genre: Middle Grade Paranormal
Publisher: Harper

Back Blurb:

You think your school's scary?

Get a load of these teachers:

Ms. Fang, an 850-year-old vampire

Dr. Dragonbreath, who just might eat you before recess

Mrs. T—break the rules and spend your detention with a hungry Tyrannosaurus rex!

Plus

• Gargoyles, goblins, and Frankenstein's monster on the loose
• The world's most frighteningly delicious school lunch

And

• The narrator's an eleven-year-old ghost!

Join Charles "New Kid" Nukid as he makes some very Scary friends—including Petunia, Johnny, and Peter the Wolf—and figures out that Scary School can be just as funny as it is spooky!

My Review:

This book is something that all kids in school of all ages should read. It has some very valuable lessons that a lot of people should know about and it also gives you a sense of thankfulness for how dull your school really is.

Scary School:
-makes you appreciate you normal everyday life a little more
-makes you appreciate your classmates a little more (even if they do bully you and torment you relentlessly)
-makes you appreciate your everyday teacher a lot more (even if he or she does pick their nose from time to time at least they don't eat you!)
-gives a whole new sense of the word 'ghost writer
-shows the real meaning of popular people (i had to throw that in because they way Derek the Ghost explains is really and honestly true)

Scary School is a book that kids of all ages will enjoy. It did seem a little more explanatory than necessary if you look in depth to this book you'll see a lot of lessons that need to be learned by children now. There were so many little thing lying just under the surface of the book that if you looked really hard you could pick up. I
really enjoyed the form of 'ghost writing' it was really funny. Oh, and speaking of funny, if you love to laugh......pick this book up okay? It is pretty humorous. :-) I'm very excited to read the next one.

PS--we all know how much of a bookworm my brother is (ha) well, he grabbed this book before I could and read it for 2 days straight. (meaning, he loved it because my brother, sadly, is not a reader and if he reads a book nonstop for 2 days then you know how good that book is)

Check out Scary School's website: Scary School

*this book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review*

Matched by Ally Condie Review!

MATCHED by ALLY CONDIE

Movie Rating: G
Book Rating: @@@@@
Swearing: None
Inappropriate Scenes: None
# of Pages: 366 (paperback)
Genre: YA dystopian
Publisher: Speak
LLFTB: Love is worth fighting for.

Back Blurb: 

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate... until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between 
the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

My Review: 

Okay, so I've talked a bit about Matched on here but I've never done a review on it. *facepalm* My bad. Those rumors who hear about Matched being really slow at the beginning are true. In fact, I was really considering putting it down, but I guess I really wanted to love this book so I just kept reading. I'm so glad I did. I'm now a permanent Matched fan! : ) Matched is a book that I will read over and over and over. It has been compared to Lois Lowry's book, The Giver, I personally thought it was 10x better than The Giver even though I did enjoy The Giver. Matched has the romantic aspect to it that The Giver didn't have. I'm not usually a romance reader but I made an exception for Matched and Crossed and I'll make an exception for Reached too! : ) I am now a permanent Matched fan! Don't miss out on this book if you like Dystopian books like The Giver! 

Dead To You by Lisa McMann

DEAD TO YOU by LISA MCMANN

-based on content between pages 1 and 180-

Movie Rating: R--read at your own expense! You will come out of your experience with this book shaken to the core. Oh and did I mention that you should probably lower your standards to almost nothing to complete this book?
Book Rating: I don't give this book any stars. It was even worth the poop stuck to my dog's butt (yeah, it's gross but so's the book)
Swearing: Omg. Think of every possible swear word out there and then just keep repeating them to yourself inside your head over and over and over and you'll probably get the picture of how many times every swear word was said and just how many there were in the book
Inappropriate Scenes: Again, Omg. I learned a lot more than I ever ever ever ever wanted to about what goes on inside a pervert's head.
# of Pages: TOO MANY!!
Genre: I dunno. YA Porn?
Publisher: Simon Pulse--I hate you

Back Blurb:

Ethan was abducted from his front yard when he was just seven years old. Now, at sixteen, he has returned to his family. It's a miracle... at first. Then the tensions start to build. His reintroduction to his old life isn't going smoothly, and his family is tearing apart all over again. If only Ethan could remember something, anything, about his life before, he'd be able to put the pieces back together. But there's something that's keeping his memory blocked. Something unspeakable....

My Review:

(because i'm on a rant it might be a rather long review...)

Okay, so let me just start off by asking you know that little nagging feeling you get when you pick up a book that you really want to read and you just know that it's going to be a flop but you don't listen to your little six sense and go ahead and get the book anyway, does anybody else get that six-sense and ignore it? Because that is exactly what I did with this book. (i will always listen to my six-sense from now on.)

Confession: I don't read books like this! I do not! I'm very embarrassed that I even got as far as I did in this book. In fact, this book was so embarrassing that I wasn't go to review it but then I got to thinking: I don't want someone else to make the same horrible mistake I did. So without further ado I give to you my review:

To read this book if you are sensitive to 'content' in a book let me tell you your best friend: Bic Whiteout. In fact, why don't you just go buy stock in Bic? I went through almost my whole bottle of Whiteout. (i should have just quite it right there but i kept telling myself that it would get better, my mistake) I finally stopped reading this book because I was so SICK AND TIRED of hearing about it was so hard for Ethan to 'control' himself around this girl and that he really really really wanted to have sex with her. I mean, gosh, come on now! And then it was very graphic about it.
It was very graphic and very gross and disturbing that the author could actually write something like this. And not only that but that a publisher, marketing agents, editors, and reviewers stood behind this book. So I say this, "To everyone that stood behind Dead To You I blame you for the low standards of America. I hope you're happy that you had a part in that. You should be proud. (end sarcasm)"
I could easily have stabbed Ethan. Easily. He made me so mad. I probably would have cheered if he died. And the only thing that saved this book from being burned in our fire pit was the fact that it was library book.
This book was pathetic. And I have to ask myself: How many girls suffered at the hands of their boyfriends because of this book? It was nothing short of porn for teens. It was disgusting. And I feel sorry for Mrs. Lisa (yeah, you heard me right) because she now has to be judged at the Throne of God for all the smut she wrote. I'm so disappointed and embarrassed. Very ashamed of myself.

The New Recruit--Review and Author Interview!

With me on this fine and fabulous day of October is YA author Jill Williamson! If you're wondering where you heard that name before just check out this link: Replication Review also Ms. Williamson can be found at her website http://www.jillwilliamson.com/ where she'll give you updates on events, book news, and she has awesome giveaways!!!

GIVE IT UP FOR..........MS. WILLIAMSON!!!! *people start clapping their hands and jumping up and down*

1: What are your 5 favorite songs?

I have so many favorite songs, there is no way to rank my top five. But here are five I really like:
1. Our God by Chris Tomlin
2. How to Save a Life by The Fray
3. By Your Side by Tenth Avenue North
4. Im Am by Nicole Nordeman
5. Shackles by Mary Mary

2: What is the worst movie of all time?
I'm sure there is a worse one, but what comes to mind is Eragon. Talk about a disapointment all around.

3: What is the worst song of all time?
Again, I'm sure there is something I hate more that this, but all that's coming to mind at the moment is "Macarena" by Los Del Rio. I never liked that song.

4: What is your earliest memory?
I remember going to pick blueberries in the woods with my family.

5: What was your favorite school subject?
Art.

6: What was you least favorite subject?
Math.

7: What is your favorite color?
Blue.

8: You're walking down the road and a big dog cuts you off, raises his hackles, and starts barking at you. You try to run but he bite's at your ankles. You have nothing to defend yourself except and empty water bottle, a squashed Skittle, and a stretchy sweat band. How do you get away?
I use the stretch band as a slingshot, shoot the dog with the Skittle, then run, and once I'm safe, I've got the water to quench my thirst.

9: What or Who was your inspiration to write The New Recruit?
This was the very first book I ever wrote. I pieced it together in a very backwards way. I was trying to write a story about teens going out into the world like missionaries, but since teen fiction books about missionaries weren't getting the attention of agents and editors, I thought, let's tweak the story and turn them into undercover agents.

10:  Tell us a little about your newest book.
Forced to choose between military school and a Christian spy organization, skeptic Spencer Garmond signs on with the Bible geeks. But before he even boards the plane for Moscow, Spencer realizes this is no Bible club.

These guys mean business.
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And there you have it. Let's give a big round of applause and thanks for Ms. Williamson for visiting us today!

Here is my review for Ms. Williamson's newest book The New Recruit!!

THE NEW RECRUIT by JILL WILLIAMSON

Movie Rating: PG-13 for some sequences of peril
Book Rating: @@@@@
Swearing: None
Inappropriate Scenes: None
# of Pages: 399 (paperback)
Genre: YA Action/Adventure
Publisher: Marcher Lord Press

Back Blurb:

Forced to choose between military school and a Christian spy organization, skeptic Spencer Garmond signs on with the Bible geeks. But before he even boards the
plane for Moscow, Spencer realizes this is no Bible club.

These guys mean business.

Stumbling onto a case involving a gang of homeless boys, a chilling tattoo, and the always beautiful Anya Vseveloda, Spencer struggles to find the faith needed to save
the Mission League from enemy infiltration.

My Review:

O-M-G! I'm so excited to finally have another Jill Williamson book in my greedy hands! :-) Let's just say I love love loved this book! It was sooooo good. (the editing mistakes were a little distracting but they didn't slow me down much)
I really enjoyed how most of the kids weren't holier-than-thou. I said most because Arianna was VERY holier-than-thou. I really could have slapped her a couple of times. She had to be my least favorite character of the whole book. Yeah, you can be proud of being saved but to be oh so holier-than-thou is just plain annoying and  I was totally on Spencer's side because I probably would have been the same way if I was Spencer. (most of the time)
This book was very intriguing  It put a very fun twist on being a Christian. I mean, I've never looked at being a Christian as becoming a spy and an agent for God but now that Ms. Williamson put that thought of Christianity out there I can see a lot of similarities.

Guardian by Heather Burch

GUARDIAN by HEATER BURCH

Movie Rating: PG for some scary images
Book Rating: @@@@@
Swearing: None
Inappropriate Scenes: None
# of Pages: 309 (hardcover)
Genre: YA Paranormal
Publisher: Zondervan

Back Blurb:

VIGILANCE

The mission to safeguard Nikki Youngblood depends on the fragile alliance of two half-angel, half-human guardians, both struggling with intense feelings for the girl who
has been assigned to their care. Mace, steadfast and deeply in love, wants to protect Nikki at all costs, while Raven's loyalty to Nikki finds him advocating for her 
independence and battling his own darker inclinations. At the same time Nikki finds it harder and harder to choose between the two heavenly beings she may never
have.

Dangers intensify, and tensions between Mace and Raven flare as the purpose of their mission becomes clear. Can their defense hold up to master manipulator Damon
Vessler and the powerful secret he holds regarding Nikki's heritage? Can anyone protect Nikki from her true purpose and destiny?

They chose to protect her but forgot to guard their hearts.

My Review:

*may contain minor spoilers*


Ba-da boom Ba-da bang Firepower..... (what movie? :) Has anyone heard that song by Jeanelle (i think that's how you spell her name....) You're so Amazing? (if you haven't you totally need to!) Well, I've been going around my house singing my own version of that song. It goes something like this: This book's Amazing. :-) Better than the first! (if you can believe it) I was so happy to get this book. I've been waiting for it to release for, like, 4ever. The Halflings series has to be the only paranormal book about angels I have ever enjoyed. And boy am I hooked. Have you ever finished a book and loved it so much you were depressed because you finished it?  Well, that's exactly how I felt. I was so disappointed I didn't have anymore of Guardian to read I moped around the house for a couple of days desperately wishing
that an extra 400 pages would magically appear at the end of the book. And the super duper surprising twist!!!! It was awesome!
And now on to more tricky matters, I'm in serious denial about Nikki's parents being alive. They can't be. (I'm going to sound like a jerk) But I really hope they're not alive. I think that would just take away from the reality factor a little. It would make it to happy, I think. But I'm warped that way)
And now I'm torn. In Halflings I was desperately hoping that Nikki would dump Mace and get together with Raven but now I'm not so sure. I think I'm warming up to the idea of Nikki&Mace. (although if I was Nikki I would totally go for Raven.....)
Guardian is the long-awaited sequel to the awesometastic book Halflings! Do NOT Miss This Series!!! I am just tickled pink (and well, every other color of the color spectrum too) to have this awesome book on my shelf! Thank you very very very very much Ms. Burch! You ROCK! <3 p="p">
I spy with my little eye something Green, Awesome, and On My Bookshelf:

Everneath by Brodi Ashton Review

EVERNEATH by BRODI ASHTON

Movie Rating: PG-13 for language, sequences of peril, and suggestive content
Book Rating: @@@@
Swearing: couple uses of H**l and D**n and one use of s**t
Inappropriate Scenes: None
# of Pages: 370 (hardcover)
Genre: YA Paranormal
Publisher: Balzer+Bray
LLFTB: Be thankful for what you have because you never know when it's going to be taken away.

Back Blurb:

SIX MONTHS AGO

Nikki Beckett vanished into an underworld known as the Everneath.

Now she's returned--to her old life, her family, her boyfriend--for another SIX MONTHS before she leaves again.

This time forever.

She has SIX MONTHS before Everneath

comes to claim her.

SIX MONTHS for good-byes she can't find the words for.

SIX MONTHS to find redemption,

IF IT EXISTS.

My Review:

I'm not one into paranormal if you haven't noticed. But I decided to be daring a pick up this book focused on the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone. I'm glad I did.
First off what I liked about this book was the title: E-ver-neath. It just sounds mystical and mysterious, you know? :P I guess I'm weird that way. Oh well.
Second, this was one of the bestest love triangles I have read! Seriously, I'm still not sure which I prefer. Jack was her previous boyfriend but he just seemed like your typical high school quarterback. But he did act like he loved her. Still, his background makes him a little untrustworthy. Same thing with Cole. Except Cole was always there when Nikki needed him and he acted like he really loved her too. And don't forget Nikki ran to Cole so he could take away her pain, so she kind of asked for Cole to feed off her. So she really can't blame him for that. I guess I'm hoping that Nikki will go for Cole. Although if Will wasn't such a bum I'd say she should ditch both Jack and Cole and run off with Will.
Third, the characters were very well-written. Really lovable. The only thing I had a problem with was Nikki speech. She seemed to use 3 words over and over and over. In the same coversation. (yes, i've caught myself doing that too. oops)
Everneath (still like saying that) was a really good book and should not be missed by anybody who loves Greek myth and paranormal!

Cannot wait for Everbound:

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen=Review

WHAT HAPPENED TO GOODBYE by SARAH DESSEN

Movie Rating: PG-13 for language and questionable material
Book Rating: @@@
Swearing: lots of uses of small words, and about 5 uses of s**t
Inappropriate Scenes: the author says that they make out but that's it
# of Pages: 402 (hardcover)
Genre: YA Romance
Publisher: Viking Juvenile

Back Blurb:

Who is the real McLean?

Since her parents' bitter divorce, McLean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move-four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother's new family, McLean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from 
cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, McLean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself, whoever that is. Perhaps Dave, the guy next door, can help her find out. 

My Review:

Let me clear this up: I didn't care for Sarah Dessen's other book, Along for the Ride. At all. I had to force myself to read it. BUT this book, What Happened to Goodbye, was 100x better! I really enjoyed this book. I gave it 3 stars because there was somethings in there I didn't care for. Like the author saying they made out. It wasn't necessary. But I love the title. I can relate to the title. :/ And of course the cover, if it's a Sarah Dessen book, I love the cover. : ) Mclean's mom really bugged me. And I agreed with everything that Mclean did to her mother. I would be the exact same way. But her mother didn't see what she did wrong.....And I liked how Dessen brought in Heidi and Thisbe (from Along for the Ride) and put them in this book. (Even if they had a small part) I like it when authors do that. What Happened to Goodbye made me want to read another Sarah Dessen. 

The Last Seal by Richard Denning Review

THE LAST SEAL by RICHARD DENNING

Movie Rating: PG-13 for sequences of peril and some language
Book Rating: @@@@
Swearing: multiple uses of B***ard, D**n, etc. (nothing to horrible)
Inappropriate Scenes: None
# of Pages: 388 (paperback)
Genre: YA Historical Fantasy
Publisher: Mercia

Back Blurb:

17th century London - two rival secret societies are caught in a battle that threatens to destroy the city and beyond. When a truant schoolboy, Ben, finds a scroll revealing the location of magical seals that binds a powerful demon beneath the city, he is thrown into the centre of a dangerous plot that leads to the Great Fire of 1666. 

My Review:

The Last Seal was very good book! It was a little hard to get into at first but that could have been because I had so much going on that day I couldn't concentrate. :) It was very well-written although at one point one of the main characters was described in two different ways. My favorite character would have to be Freya. She was a kick-butt girl not one of those faint-every time-something-scares-me girls.... :-) And I was kind of hoping that her and the Doctor would get together because they would be just perfect for each other. : ) My absolute favorite part of the book was the very last fight scene. I was reading so fast just so I could see what would happen at the end I started going cross-eyed! The Last Seal was a very good, well-written book! Don't miss it if you love YA Historical Fantasy. Recommend to people who loved The Healer's Apprentice or The Merchant's Daughter. 

*this book was provided by the author in exchange for my honest review. this does not affect my review in way*

Here's some links to follow if you have time:

Richard Denning's website
The Last Seal on Amazon
The Last Seal Kindle Edition

Check out the book trailer:

Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry::Zombie Review

ROT & RUIN by JONATHAN MABERRY

Movie Rating: R for graphic images, violence, sequences of peril, and language
Book Rating: @@@@@
Swearing: there was quite a bit of laguage at the beginning but thanks to Tom it quieted down. :)
Inappropriate Scenes: 3 boys were talking about a girl's chest
# of Pages: 458 (hardcover)
Genre: YA Thriller/Dystopian (is total awesomeness a genre?)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Back Blurb:

In the zombie-infested, post-apocalyptic America where Benny Imura lives, every teenager must find a job by the time they turn fifteen or get their rations cut in half. Benny doesn't want to apprentice as a zombie hunter with his boring older brother Tom, but he has no choice. He expects a tedious job whacking zoms for cash, but what he gets is a vocation that will teach him what it means to be human.

My Review:

I decided I would prepare for the zombie apocalypse by read the Benny Imura series because what other way am I going to prepare except by read a book about zombies? : ) But because I had previously read a different zombie book before I read Rot & Ruin and didn't like it I was leery about reading this one. However, I quickly got over my leeriness and am now a HUGE R&R fan! If you love gore, and blood, and gross stuff then R&R is for you. (obviously, I do because I rated this book 5 stars) I really liked how there was all the action but still just a touch of romance not to much but not to little either. Just enough to make the book more realistic. And the brotherly relationship between Benny and his older brother Tom was very humorous because that exactly how me and my younger brother would be like. I cannot stress enough how A-W-E-S-O-M-E this book is. I devoured this book and it's sequel and am anxiously awaiting the release of the third book Flesh and Bone (which has an awesome cover, btw) and the fourth book (which has an awesome title!) Jonathan Maberry is a very talented writer and I am a forever fan.  For all you zombie lovers out there: DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK!

PS--This book was awesometastic. ; )

The Rise of Nine Review

I can't even bring myself to put an exclamation mark after the title of this post because, let's face it, this book sucked and I'm not excited to review it. If you, dear reader, suffer from bad cases of book annoyance and irritation (BAI-it's where the book really irritates you or annoys you so much your vision goes red) then I DO NOT suggest this book. Why would I do that to you? So without further ado, I give to you, The Rise of Nine Review:

THE RISE OF NINE by PITTACUS LORE

Movie Rating: PG-13 for language, violence, and gory images
Book Rating: @
Swearing: LOTS of big swear words. (Please don't make me write them all down)
Inappropriate Scenes: None
# of Pages: 416 (hardcover)
Genre: YA sci-fi
Publisher: Harper Collins

Back Blurb:
Until the day I met John Smith, Number Four, I'd been on the run alone, hiding and fighting to stay alive.

Together, we are much more powerful. But it could only last so long before we had to separate to find the others. . . .

I went to Spain to find Seven, and I found even more, including a tenth member of the Garde who escaped from Lorien alive. Ella is younger than the rest of us, but just as brave. Now we're looking for the others—including John.

But so are they.

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They caught me in New York—but I escaped.
I am Number Six.
They want to finish what they started.

But they'll have to fight us first.

My Review: 

Okay, um, first off let me get a cup of coffee to wake myself up because I fell asleep reading this book and I'm (yawn) really tired. The hype about The Rise of Nine releasing was HUGE. And I'll admit it, I was part of it. I couldn't wait to pick this book because I wanted to know the end. Because for some reason I thought (ha) that this was going to be the end. It's not. Instead, Pittacus decides to prolong your agony by writing another book to this going-down hill series. And only God knows how many more he's going to make us suffer through before he puts us out of our misery. There was no plot. I repeat. No Plot at all! It was just a bunch of thrown together fight scenes that showed off the group's 'awesome' powers. *SPOILER ALERT* And guess what, predictably, Sarah's back in the picture. Oh joy. Yippee. (sarcastic) Pittacus Lore has two big, bad habits that I've discovered:

1: He's soooo predictable. You know what going to happen.

2: He'll throw a twist into the story and then forgets all about it in the next book. Doesn't even mention it.

So, in short, I don't recommend this book to anyone who severely suffers from BAI. Sad, really, but there it is.

SNEAK blog tour and giveaway!

Sneak! It's Swipe sibling! It's back a better than ever!!! : P So because this is a book tour I'm going to post as much about the Swipe series and the author Evan Angler as I can. Not to mention that I'm linking to all the other awesome blogs on this tour, because each post has something different and I'm pretty sure some even have *whispers* giveaways.

First off, here are some places that you really need to visit:

Evan Angler.com
Buy Swipe on Amazon!
Buy Sneak on Amazon
Evan Angler's guest post
Swipe Review

Okay, now that your computer has shut down because you had to open all these windows.... : )
Here's Swipe's cover and trailer:

And here's the second book in the Swipe series and its trailer:

Here is my review for Sneak:

SNEAK by EVAN ANGLER

Movie Rating: G all ages permitted

Book Rating: @@@@@

Swearing: None

Inappropriate Scenes: None

# of Pages: 274 (paperback)

Genre: YA Sci-fi/Dystopian

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

LLFTB: Never Give Up!

Back Blurb:

When Logan Langly backed out of getting the Mark and went on the run, no one thought he could survive on his own. Without the Mark, you can't buy food, go to the doctor, or use a tablet-you aren't even a citizen.

But when he discovers that his sister is being held in a mysterious hidden prison named Acheron, Logan risks everything to travel through and underground network of the Markless to rescue her.

Logan arrives only to find that Acheron holds more secrets than anyone could have guessed and that all his careful planning is worthless against a government that will do anything to gain absolute control. It seems there is only one place to turn.

But can a banned book with whisper-this pages and warnings about the real meaning of the Mark really hold the Answer?

My Review:

Most of the time a sequel is not as good as the first in the series let alone better. Such is not the case with Sneak. Basically, everything I enjoyed and loved about Swipe was twice as better in Sneak: the cover, the back blurb, the author's bio (however, weird that may sound), the action, and even the story. I loved the sciencey twist to Sneak. Yeah, deadly little viruses are my sort of thing...... While reading Sneak it made me wonder exactly how Angler came up with some of this stuff.Not plot-wise but like their gadgets that they have and stuff. It was so complex and so detailed. Sneak is a really really awesometastic (yes, it's a new word i made up) addition to the Swipe series and I cannot wait to read the next installment this fall! :D Oh, and some certain characters better get together! Otherwise, I will be a very bummed reader. Have I mentioned that Peck reminds me so much of myself? Maybe that's why I like the books so much! : )

*this book was provided by Thomas Nelson publishers. this does not affect my review in any way*

And now onto the giveaway.

What you get: A paperback copy of Sneak.

Rules:

-must be live in US or Canada

-be 13 years or older or have parental/guardian permission

-only enter this giveaway if you really want this book

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out the other totally fantastic blogs and bloggers participating in the blog tour!

1. Blooming With Books
2. The Book Fae
3. Book Nook 4 You
4. Bookworm Reading
5. Books I Recommend
6. Christian Book Review Blog
7. Labor Not in Vain
8. The Maniacal Bookworm
9. Oh, Restless Bird
10. The Pen and Parchment
11. Reviews by Jane
12. Shadow Writer World
13. Jill Williamson