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December 5, 2012
Review: The Possession of Cassie Quinn
Rating:
Goodreads Summary:
A long, dark driveway towards an old farmhouse. A new stepsister with a nasty streak. A little sister who runs off. Something sinister lurking in the woods. Cassie Mays new home comes with . . . complications.Cassie never believed in ghosts before. But now she is receiving strange messages, telling her to stay out of the woods. Are the messages just a ploy by her stepsister? Or are they warning her of an evil that stalks the shadows of the woods beyond her home?
My Reveiew:
Sequel? Seriously, I need the sequel! I'm sure if I look hard enough there were flaws, but Ms. Knutson created such a surprising thrill that I don't even want to try.
When I first started the book, I was in a camper, in the woods, at night, during a bad storm. It was the perfect setting to be reading this horror (light according to the author but perfect in my opinion) book. Usually I don't read "ghost" stories, but when the author asked, I thought "what the heck?! why not?!" I found myself leaning in close to read in a whisper (which by the way, added to the suspense). The suspense grows throughout the novel and ends with such a thrill that there is no way to not finish the book. There were times I had to put the book down just to catch my breath and remind myself where I was. Geez, I scare easily! :)
When I first started the book, I was in a camper, in the woods, at night, during a bad storm. It was the perfect setting to be reading this horror (light according to the author but perfect in my opinion) book. Usually I don't read "ghost" stories, but when the author asked, I thought "what the heck?! why not?!" I found myself leaning in close to read in a whisper (which by the way, added to the suspense). The suspense grows throughout the novel and ends with such a thrill that there is no way to not finish the book. There were times I had to put the book down just to catch my breath and remind myself where I was. Geez, I scare easily! :)
Honestly, I felt the book was better than some horror films released in the last couple of years. So if you are looking for a short but ghostly read, definitely pick up the debut novel!
BONUS!
I let one of the teens at the library to read and review the book as well. Below is her guest review:
"The Possession of Cassie Quinn was well an absolute thrill ride. There were parts that made me jump in my chair and look and in fright while others kept my eyes glued to the page. Honestly I love the fact that throughout the book, I kept on thinking one way and all of sudden everything changes! Talk about a plot twister! This novel is short and easy and perfect for anyone who is looking for a book with a good plot and plenty of scares. I am highly anticipating even scarier novels from Kathryn Knutson. I absolutely loved this book and the scares that came with it! 4 out of five!" - R. Jani
I probably won't have many guest reviews, but keep a look for the occasional surprise.
Next review is in the works :)
I'm baa-aack!
Oh how I've missed you all! It's been so long since I've even looked at my blog that I almost forgot what it looked like. Dang, that's just way too long!
I try not to put too much of my personal information on here, but since I kept posting about the wedding at the beginning of the year, I need to update that information. The reason for my hiatus revolves around my recent divorce. Yes, it was a quick marriage. No, I don't regret it. Sometimes you think you're ready, they're the one, you know everything about them yadayada, when really you just got swept away by the ideals and promises.
Unfortunately, I haven't been reading very much at all, but I have gotten a bit carried away with my current read -- As I Wake by Elizabeth Scott. She has become one of my favorite authors just from the couple books of hers that I have read. Great author, great reads! If you enjoy free verse style writing, then add her to your must-read list.
As for returning to the blogging world, there will be a few changes to how I run Peace, Love, and YA.
1) Probably the biggest change stems from time and pleasure. I will no longer be accepting review requests. Although I found a few authors and books that I loved and became quick favorites, I lost the enjoyment of reading the books I wanted to. So from now on my reviews will be based on books that I check out, buy, trade, etc.
2) I will try to update as frequently as I can, but with current activities I am unable to set a specific posting schedule.
I'm so glad to be back on here :)
August 16, 2012
Hiatus
To my lovely followers,
I know I'm not the most consistant person out, but I want to let you all know that I will be taking a break for awhile. There is quite alot going on in my personal life that would affect my reviews. That is something I don't want to bring to you. Hopefully I will be back in a month or two. Love you guys!
I know I'm not the most consistant person out, but I want to let you all know that I will be taking a break for awhile. There is quite alot going on in my personal life that would affect my reviews. That is something I don't want to bring to you. Hopefully I will be back in a month or two. Love you guys!
August 3, 2012
Review: The Accidental Siren
Have I got a treat for you! If you didn't know already, I'm a huge fan of Jake Vander Ark's Lighthouse Nights. See my review here. Sooooo, when he contacted me about reviewing The Accidental Siren for him, of course I jumped on the opportunity! Plus, I have the second ever published copy!!! :) Okay, okay, I won't keep you waiting.
(click on image to buy)
(from Goodreads)
Mara Lynn is the most beautiful girl in the world. James Parker is the ordinary boy who discovers her power.
The Accidental Siren depicts the joys and consequences of young love as Mara and James meet, shoot a movie, fend off bullies, and explore the potential of infinite beauty.
The Accidental Siren depicts the joys and consequences of young love as Mara and James meet, shoot a movie, fend off bullies, and explore the potential of infinite beauty.
My thoughts:
Honestly, I didn't find it as good as Lighthouse Nights, but I absolutely enjoyed the story of James and Mara from beginning to end. It's kind of like reading the book and then watching the movie expecting it to live up to the book. The details of the story are released at precisely the right moment, and you'll quickly fall in love with Jake's style of writing. Oh, and his characters are always so relatable. I promise if you pick this up you will not be disappointed!
I've been behind this week due to medical issues with my mom, so hopefully I will get caught up this weekend. I have two reviews just waiting to be posted!
July 31, 2012
Top Ten Tuesday: July 31, 2012
Well it's the last day of July and the perfect day for a Top Ten Tuesday!
This week the meme was "Top Ten Characters I’d Like To Switch Places With For 24 Hours." I didn't quite reach ten but I chose characters that I would love to experience one day of the most. This was more difficult than I thought, mostly because if I switched with the character, I would have to face the difficulties as much as the pleasure. Let's dive in!
1. Cassia from Matched by Ally Condie - Okay so maybe I'm a bit obsessed with this trilogy like a Twilight fan is hardcore Team whatever. Now, I'm not sure which 24 hours I would love to experience because there are so many moments that I just yearn to know. But, this is a dystopian novel, so there are plenty of times I want to miss.
2. Nina from XVI by Julia Karr - Well...maybe I'm just a dystopian freak! I absolutely love them, especially this trilogy! Nina faces a tremendous amount of problems, both physical and emotional. Yet, I can't help to want to trade places to experience her world, our possible future.
3. Zoey from House of Night by PC&Kristen Cast - Okay, so if I'm going to be a kickass vampyre, why not switch places with Nix's own protege?! And the tattoos??? Enough said.
4. Cassie from The Possession of Cassie Quinn by Kathryn Knutson - so I don't want to give any spoilers since my review has not been posted yet, but I loved this book and this character. I don't want to switch the last few hours of the book that is for sure! but I would love to experience the woods :)
5. Lily from Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn - Who doesn't want to spend Christmas break running around Manhattan doing dares left by a stranger in your notebook? Best Christmas ever!
6. Bella from Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer - Before you start griping or giving me those looks, let me explain. I want to experience Meyer's world not the Summit created one (not that its too shabby) but I want to see Edward and Jacob as she dreamed them. See Edward sparkle? I would not pass that up! (don't picture the movie)
7. Wanderer from The Host by Stephenie Meyer - Maybe I should say Mel because technically it is her body that Wanderer (or Wanda) the Soul is placed inside. It's Wanda I would want to exchange with. To have her memories of the Worlds she has travelled and to see Earth as a visitor not as a human. I just totally loved this book.
I honestly could keep going but these are the characters that I would want to change places with. There are so many characters that I do love more and admire but I would not want to switch with. Hope you enjoyed :)
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the ladies at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week a new Top Ten list is created for others to enjoy and join.
This week the meme was "Top Ten Characters I’d Like To Switch Places With For 24 Hours." I didn't quite reach ten but I chose characters that I would love to experience one day of the most. This was more difficult than I thought, mostly because if I switched with the character, I would have to face the difficulties as much as the pleasure. Let's dive in!
1. Cassia from Matched by Ally Condie - Okay so maybe I'm a bit obsessed with this trilogy like a Twilight fan is hardcore Team whatever. Now, I'm not sure which 24 hours I would love to experience because there are so many moments that I just yearn to know. But, this is a dystopian novel, so there are plenty of times I want to miss.
2. Nina from XVI by Julia Karr - Well...maybe I'm just a dystopian freak! I absolutely love them, especially this trilogy! Nina faces a tremendous amount of problems, both physical and emotional. Yet, I can't help to want to trade places to experience her world, our possible future.
3. Zoey from House of Night by PC&Kristen Cast - Okay, so if I'm going to be a kickass vampyre, why not switch places with Nix's own protege?! And the tattoos??? Enough said.
4. Cassie from The Possession of Cassie Quinn by Kathryn Knutson - so I don't want to give any spoilers since my review has not been posted yet, but I loved this book and this character. I don't want to switch the last few hours of the book that is for sure! but I would love to experience the woods :)
5. Lily from Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn - Who doesn't want to spend Christmas break running around Manhattan doing dares left by a stranger in your notebook? Best Christmas ever!
6. Bella from Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer - Before you start griping or giving me those looks, let me explain. I want to experience Meyer's world not the Summit created one (not that its too shabby) but I want to see Edward and Jacob as she dreamed them. See Edward sparkle? I would not pass that up! (don't picture the movie)
7. Wanderer from The Host by Stephenie Meyer - Maybe I should say Mel because technically it is her body that Wanderer (or Wanda) the Soul is placed inside. It's Wanda I would want to exchange with. To have her memories of the Worlds she has travelled and to see Earth as a visitor not as a human. I just totally loved this book.
I honestly could keep going but these are the characters that I would want to change places with. There are so many characters that I do love more and admire but I would not want to switch with. Hope you enjoyed :)
July 17, 2012
Top Ten Tuesday
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the ladies at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week a new Top Ten list is created for others to enjoy and join.
This week I am suggesting TEN BOOKS FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE ___ BOOK. I quickly decided on Hunger Games, even though I'm sure it will be popular this week.
Without further ado, here are ten books to check out if you liked Hunger Games. (You'll notice a few books are practically always on my list :) what can I say?!)
*click on image for Goodreads synopsis*
*click on image for Goodreads synopsis*
These two are some of my favorite series. You can find more about them in my other posts.
I haven't read this one but it sounds a lot like Hunger Games. Not sure if I want to read this one or not, but it could possibly be a good book to read after HG.
Another of my favorites :)
So this has been on my watch list for awhile and I'm super curious to find out what it is about. Unfortunately other reads are at the top. One day I will get there.
A book about survival? Yes, I think this is a perfect read for the HG fan! One of my favorite classics and a reason why I love Maze Runner so much.
Supposedly this is a good book and I'm interested to read this....one day.
Does this need an explanation?
Another to-be-read but really wanting to start this series, but goodness there are so many THICK books!
Okay, so it's a short story, but if you haven't read this yet, then you should be right now! Such a look at the psyche that leaves you in awe! Great, great, great story!
Well that is my list for this week guys. What would you recommend?
July 10, 2012
Top Ten Tuesday
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the ladies at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week a new Top Ten list is created for others to enjoy and join.
This week was a Freebie, which meant the possibilities were endless --which also meant I started more than 5 Top Ten lists and not sure which to use. All were great ideas, but I decided to save them for another Freebie. So this week I'm sharing about myself by providing my Top Ten Favorite Books/Series.
I have to admit, it was much harder to choose my favorite books, but this list is always changing to include new and old favorites. Below are the books that have captured my heart. Enoy :)
In no particular order:
(all summaries are from goodreads except lighthouse nights)
1. Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier.
On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.
Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers
2. 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.
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.
3. When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse enclosed by stone walls.
Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them, open. Every night they are closed tight. And that every 30 days a new boy is delivered in the lift.
Thomas was expected. Only the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.
Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets that are buried within his mind.
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5.Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.
When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans, is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too-vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.
Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves - Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love.
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6. jules and trevor take advantage of potential suicide victims by encouraging them and profiting off their deaths. when jules falls in love with their seventh target, she’s forced to make a series of life-or-death decisions and a single, impossible change.
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9. “I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”
So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?
Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.
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Once upon a time, I didn't know how lucky I was."
When Alice was ten, Ray took her away from her family, her friends -- her life. She learned to give up all power, to endure all pain. She waited for the nightmare to be over.
Now Alice is fifteen and Ray still has her, but he speaks more and more of her death. He does not know it is what she longs for. She does not know he has something more terrifying than death in mind for her.
This is Alice's story. It is one you have never heard, and one you will never, ever forget.
Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them, open. Every night they are closed tight. And that every 30 days a new boy is delivered in the lift.
Thomas was expected. Only the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.
Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets that are buried within his mind.
4.Every girl gets one.
An XVI tattoo on the wrist--sixteen.
Some girls can't wait to be sixteen, to be legal. Nina is not one of them. Even though she has no choice in the matter, she knows that so long as her life continues as normal, everything will be okay.
Then, with one brutal strike, Nina's normal is shattered; and she discovers that nothing that she believed about her life is true. But there's one boy who can help--and he just may hold the key to her past.
But with the line between attraction and danger as thin as a whisper, one thing is for sure...
For Nina, turning sixteen promises to be anything but sweet
An XVI tattoo on the wrist--sixteen.
Some girls can't wait to be sixteen, to be legal. Nina is not one of them. Even though she has no choice in the matter, she knows that so long as her life continues as normal, everything will be okay.
Then, with one brutal strike, Nina's normal is shattered; and she discovers that nothing that she believed about her life is true. But there's one boy who can help--and he just may hold the key to her past.
But with the line between attraction and danger as thin as a whisper, one thing is for sure...
For Nina, turning sixteen promises to be anything but sweet
5.Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.
When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans, is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too-vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.
Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves - Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love.
6. jules and trevor take advantage of potential suicide victims by encouraging them and profiting off their deaths. when jules falls in love with their seventh target, she’s forced to make a series of life-or-death decisions and a single, impossible change.
lighthouse nights is a frightening fairytale about haunting regret, maniacal hatred, the longing to create, and ultimate redemption. this fast-paced story is as touching as it is twisted, and highlights a disturbing new trend among american teens.
7. Written in 1948, 1984 was George Orwell's chilling prophecy about the future. And while 1984 has come and gone, Orwell's narrative is timelier than ever. 1984 presents a startling and haunting vision of the world, so powerful that it is completely convincing from start to finish. No one can deny the power of this novel, its hold on the imaginations of multiple generations of readers, or the resiliency of its admonitions a legacy that seems only to grow with the passage of time.
8. Susanna desperately wants to join the circle of girls who meet every week at the parsonage. What she doesn't realize is that the girls are about to set off a torrent of false accusations leading to the imprisonment and execution of countless innocent people. Susanna faces a painful choice. Should she keep quiet and let the witch-hunt panic continue, or should she "break charity" with the group--and risk having her own family members named as witches?
9. “I’ve left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”
So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?
Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.
10. "Once upon a time, I was a little girl who disappeared.
Once upon a time, my name was not Alice.
Most of these are from the last few years. The only classic on my list is 1984 -- I guess we can see where my love for dystopians started. Hopefully you discovered a few of your favorites above.
Once upon a time, I didn't know how lucky I was."
When Alice was ten, Ray took her away from her family, her friends -- her life. She learned to give up all power, to endure all pain. She waited for the nightmare to be over.
Now Alice is fifteen and Ray still has her, but he speaks more and more of her death. He does not know it is what she longs for. She does not know he has something more terrifying than death in mind for her.
This is Alice's story. It is one you have never heard, and one you will never, ever forget.
July 4, 2012
Super excited to share this one with you guys! Why? Because it is my first review request! :) Now that these are coming in, I'm going to have to spend more time reading. Which is totally possible now that we got rid of cable and rely on DVDs that I checkout from work. *Side note- Did you know you can check out movies from your local library? If you didn't, you do now! Why spend extra money on movie rentals when you can get them for free at the library?! And it's new releases too! okay, back to the review*
Mr. Craske emailed me at the end of May (yes, yes I know it took a long time to get to it) and I finished it Monday night. Now that I have Kindle for WP7 and the Freda app on my phone, I will definitely be reading more ebooks. Anywho, to the review!
Summary: A princess (Castria) and a stable-boy (Finch) steal a magical lamp from Rufus Lightfoot, a spell-crafter. Little did they know the lamp held the soul of D'Monica Grace, a powerful witch that once brought great chaos to the land. When the Limbo Lamp is taken from the two teenagers, the three set out on a quest to destroy the with before she can resurrect herself and destroy the Wold. Along the way, Finch learns more about who he is than he ever could have imagined.
Goodreads Summary: (only because it gives more detail than mine) Princess Castria is a hurricane in a tiara that pushes her royal powers (and her best friend Finch Balfour’s nerves) to their absolute limits with her pranks. But when she steals a dusty old lantern belonging to a one-eyed wizard, not only has she put the kingdom of Fanthia at risk, there’s a distinct possibility that the Wold itself might be in danger…
Castria has no idea that the lantern contains the incarcerated soul of D’Monica Grace: the witch single-handedly responsible for the darkest period in the Wold’s history – and now it has fallen into Fanthia’s most hated enemies’ hands, with plans to reconstitute the ultimate evil into flesh, blood and bone once more.
Along with Fanthia’s resident spell-crafter, Rufus Lightfoot, the troublesome princess (with Finch swept up in her wake) must set forth on a race against time to retrieve the lantern before D’Monica’s soul is reborn and the Wold is plunged into despair. It’s going to be an impossible journey with danger and betrayal at every turn, and many factions conspiring against Finch and Castria, determined to see them fail…
My thoughts: I'm not big on fantasy novels, usually because there are so many irregular names and places. But I was surprised with the ease of Craske's writing. There were a few times, mostly in the first few chapters, that I wanted to give up on the novel; however, I am glad I continued on. The novel quickly caught up to the adventure that was at hand. I doubt I will fall in love with the fantasy genre as I have with others, but The Lantern Menace was a welcoming novel to the genre and a pleasurable break from my normal reads.
My only problem with the novel, besides a few blatant typos but that is not Craske's fault, was that some phrases he used seemed out of place with the time and location. Although I understood them, I don't think there were appropriate for the setting and characters. BUT there were only a few, so I could easily look past them to enjoy the novel.
Mr. Craske emailed me at the end of May (yes, yes I know it took a long time to get to it) and I finished it Monday night. Now that I have Kindle for WP7 and the Freda app on my phone, I will definitely be reading more ebooks. Anywho, to the review!
THE LANTERN MENACE BY DARREN CRASKE
Summary: A princess (Castria) and a stable-boy (Finch) steal a magical lamp from Rufus Lightfoot, a spell-crafter. Little did they know the lamp held the soul of D'Monica Grace, a powerful witch that once brought great chaos to the land. When the Limbo Lamp is taken from the two teenagers, the three set out on a quest to destroy the with before she can resurrect herself and destroy the Wold. Along the way, Finch learns more about who he is than he ever could have imagined.
Goodreads Summary: (only because it gives more detail than mine) Princess Castria is a hurricane in a tiara that pushes her royal powers (and her best friend Finch Balfour’s nerves) to their absolute limits with her pranks. But when she steals a dusty old lantern belonging to a one-eyed wizard, not only has she put the kingdom of Fanthia at risk, there’s a distinct possibility that the Wold itself might be in danger…
Castria has no idea that the lantern contains the incarcerated soul of D’Monica Grace: the witch single-handedly responsible for the darkest period in the Wold’s history – and now it has fallen into Fanthia’s most hated enemies’ hands, with plans to reconstitute the ultimate evil into flesh, blood and bone once more.
Along with Fanthia’s resident spell-crafter, Rufus Lightfoot, the troublesome princess (with Finch swept up in her wake) must set forth on a race against time to retrieve the lantern before D’Monica’s soul is reborn and the Wold is plunged into despair. It’s going to be an impossible journey with danger and betrayal at every turn, and many factions conspiring against Finch and Castria, determined to see them fail…
My thoughts: I'm not big on fantasy novels, usually because there are so many irregular names and places. But I was surprised with the ease of Craske's writing. There were a few times, mostly in the first few chapters, that I wanted to give up on the novel; however, I am glad I continued on. The novel quickly caught up to the adventure that was at hand. I doubt I will fall in love with the fantasy genre as I have with others, but The Lantern Menace was a welcoming novel to the genre and a pleasurable break from my normal reads.
My only problem with the novel, besides a few blatant typos but that is not Craske's fault, was that some phrases he used seemed out of place with the time and location. Although I understood them, I don't think there were appropriate for the setting and characters. BUT there were only a few, so I could easily look past them to enjoy the novel.
Rating: 3/5
July 3, 2012
Top Ten Tuesdays
Well, I'm finally jumping on the bandwagon! I have secretly been stalking Top Ten Tuesday for a few weeks now and I'm excited to finally step into the sunlight. I love the topic for this week, and I'm excited to create my first Top Ten Tuesday list.
Peeps - Another one I have not read, but if it is anything like the rest of his novels, it will be worth the read. Besides, Scott Westerfield + Vampires = *swoon*
Blue Bloods - more vampires! but not just every other vampire, these are high society vampires! I started the series, but wasn't madly in love with it. But if you love vampire books this is definitely a must read.
Shiver - okay, for all you Team Jacob gals, here is a wolf book for you. This has been on my to-be-read for awhile but I haven't gotten around to it. One day, one day soon.
Matched (find my review here) - is the first in Condie's trilogy that concluded this November. I quickly fell in love with this dystopian as it offered a highly believable glimpse of the future. Very Ray Bradbury like!
XVI (review) - another of my new favorites! If you like Matched and The Host, then you'll probably like this too!
The Maze Runner (review) - most of the novels I read have a female main character or at least split the spotlight with one. This is one book that blew my mind! It is similar to The Host in that it deals with a group trying to survive and overcome. Dashner did a brilliant job here!
The Hunger Games - is it sad that I have not read this yet? I want to read it, but I don't want to feel like a sell-out reading it merely because it is popular and became a movie (like many Twilight fans - no offence). I still haven't seen the movie, either. From what I've read about it, if you like sci-fi/dystopian novels, you'll love this!
I Am Number Four - basically all they really have in common is that they are sci-fi/alien based, although The Host features Souls that are like aliens taking over Earth. It is another popular YA novel that is a good read.
Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and The Bookish.
This week we are recommending books by a particular author. Quickly I chose Stephenie Meyer, mostly because you either like her or you don't.
If you liked the Twilight Saga, then try:
The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner - To be honest I have not read this one. I'm really stuck between reading it and not because it's been awhile since I've visited Meyer's vampire world. I'm afraid that it won't live up to the other books. And I don't want to visualize her as they cast her in Eclipse the movie. However, I also loved the others in the series and want more. This being a novella, would be a quick trip to world of the Cullens, Quijotes, and Bella.
House of Night series - I've only read Marked and Lenobia's Vow, but I'm already in love with the House of Night! It is more adult than Twilight, but still YA.
Peeps - Another one I have not read, but if it is anything like the rest of his novels, it will be worth the read. Besides, Scott Westerfield + Vampires = *swoon*
Blue Bloods - more vampires! but not just every other vampire, these are high society vampires! I started the series, but wasn't madly in love with it. But if you love vampire books this is definitely a must read.
The Twilight Saga is so popular that Meyer's The Host has been lost in the shadow. Although written for adults it is appealing to teens as well.
If you liked The Host, then try:
Matched (find my review here) - is the first in Condie's trilogy that concluded this November. I quickly fell in love with this dystopian as it offered a highly believable glimpse of the future. Very Ray Bradbury like!
XVI (review) - another of my new favorites! If you like Matched and The Host, then you'll probably like this too!
The Maze Runner (review) - most of the novels I read have a female main character or at least split the spotlight with one. This is one book that blew my mind! It is similar to The Host in that it deals with a group trying to survive and overcome. Dashner did a brilliant job here!
The Hunger Games - is it sad that I have not read this yet? I want to read it, but I don't want to feel like a sell-out reading it merely because it is popular and became a movie (like many Twilight fans - no offence). I still haven't seen the movie, either. From what I've read about it, if you like sci-fi/dystopian novels, you'll love this!
I Am Number Four - basically all they really have in common is that they are sci-fi/alien based, although The Host features Souls that are like aliens taking over Earth. It is another popular YA novel that is a good read.
Well, that is my completed list! Whew, that took forever it seems like! Hopefully, you found a new read.
June 16, 2012
Guest Post: #MMBlogTour with Sherry Soule
Oh my goodness!!! Do you know what today is???? My first (ever) guest post and blog tour!!!! I'm super excited (if it's not obvious by the excessive use of exclamation marks) to welcome Sherry Soule to ☮ ❤ & YA! Thank you Sherry for allowing me to be a part of Moonlight Mayhem Blog Tour (#MMblogtour). Okay enough of me; let's get to the reason you are here!
This giveaway is open internationally! So let’s tell the blogging world!
*SPELLBOUND SERIES TRIVIA QUIZ*
Hi everybody, I’m author, Sherry Soule—waving from the SF Bay Area, where it can get pretty foggy. And I can’t believe that summer’s finally here, and even with the fog burning off by afternoon, I’m cranking the air conditioner and chatting on Twitter about my love of reading.
Thanks for letting me visit today as part of my epic Moonlight Mayhem Blog Tour. It’s an honor to be a guest and meet all of these awesome booklovers—like me!
Thus far, my tour has been a blast for me and the readers that participated. It is nice seeing familiar names in the comments at each stop. For those of you who haven’t heard of my super fun blog tour it’s not too late to join!
To celebrate the release of author, Sherry Soule’s new paranormal novel, MOONLIGHT MAYHEM, take this super fun quiz to see how savvy you are about the first two books in this unforgettable YA series, and score a Kindle or Nook version of the first book in the series, BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN! (Hint: you can most of these answers on the Spellbound Universe blog and Sherry’s blog.)
Now, let’s see how well you think you know this series (even if you’ve never read the books, you can find all the answers online) and be sure to check the bottom of the post for the details regarding this random giveaway.
1. In the Moonlight Mayhem book trailer what is Shiloh’s epic problem?
a. Ferocious wolves
b. Deadly necromancers
c. Shambling zombies
d. Fear of the dark
2. Where did Shiloh and Trent first see each other?
a. At school
b. In the gym
c. Luna Pizza
d. At church
3. What remote coastal town is the series located?
a. Castro Valley
b. Larkspur
c. Madrone Woodlands
d. Whispering Pines
4. Which paranormal(s) tormented Shiloh in the first book?
a. Wraith
b. Shades
c. Shadow People (demon)
d. a, b, and c
5. What is Shiloh’s freakishness?
a. She has a severe limp
b. She is missing an ear
c. She has six toes on her right foot
d. She has a jagged scar on her wrist
6. Which fictional demon hunter(s) does Shiloh must admire?
a. Sam Winchester
b. Salvatore brothers
c. Buffy
d. Charmed Ones
7. What is Shiloh’s heritage?
a. Heritage Witch
b. Half Asian and Half Caucasian
c. Hispanic
d. Half American Indian and half French
8. What type of magick does Shiloh’s mother, Jillian practice?
a. White Magick
b. Voodoo
c. Wiccan
d. Dark Arts
9. What is a Sheol ? (*Hint: Google Sheol for the answer)
a. A ride at Disneyland
b. A town in Marin County
c. A contagious rash
d. A gateway to the Underworld
10. What are Shiloh’s supernatural pet(s)?
a. Phoenix (exotic bird)
b. Siamese cat (familiar)
c. Fairies
d. Shades
11. What type of paranormal is Mrs. Baylock?
a. Vampire
b. Necromancer
c. Witch
d. Ghost
12. Who was the first owner of Ravenhurst Manor? (*Hint: Google Owner of Ravenhurst for the answer)
a. Michele Broussard
b. Wealthy unknown family
c. Maxwell Donavon
d. Rowan Broussard
13. What significance does the number “13” have in the series?
a. Nothing it’s just a stupid number
b. It’s the number of rooms in Ravenhurst Manor
c. It’s the number of times that Shiloh sees a ghost
d. It is part of an ancient prophecy foretelling of a girl who will break a curse
If you answered...
Mostly a's: You need to reread BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN and MOONLIGHT MAYHEM
Mostly b's: You should become a follower of the Spellbound Universe blog
Mostly c's: You need to recheck your facts, and then retake this quiz
Mostly d's: Congrats! You’re an impressive expert on all things Spellbound!
MOONLIGHT MAYHEM Synopsis:
Otherworldly Creatures. Dazzling Magic. Fiery Romance.
Shiloh Ravenwolf thought she was getting used to the strange events in Whispering Pines, until the full moon brings another surge of supernatural threats to her coastal town. Ferocious wolves, deadly necromancers, and shambling zombies have descended upon the neighborhood, so Shiloh needs to gain control of her magical abilities—fast!
It sucks that she has a crippling fear of the dark, which for a demon hunter can be an epic problem.
When her classmates are attacked by a mysterious creature and her father is murdered, Shiloh vows vengeance. Forcing her phobias aside, she forms an unlikely coven of supernaturally gifted teens to help her eradicate this menace. Except that's not all Shiloh has to worry about. She’s battling a different monster within herself and struggling not to become the very thing she fights: evil.
But with demon blood inside her—anything can happen…
Moonlight Mayhem is the second novel in the unforgettably epic Spellbound series
By Sherry Soule
Twitter hashtag #MMBlogTour
Places you can cyberstalk Sherry Soule:
Official Blog: http://www.sherrysoule.blogspot.com
Official Spellbound Series Universe: http://thespellboundseries.blogspot.com
Twitter @WriterSherry: http://twitter.com/writersherry
Awesome Book Trailers/YouTube: http://youtu.be/5uqVXKygvUs
A random US winner will be picked on 6/30/2012 and be posted at the top of this quiz, please check back on that day to find out if you’re the lucky winner.
Giveaway details for an eBook of BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN:
1.) You must comment with your quiz results
2.) Be a follower of the Spellbound Series Universe Blog
3.) Be a follower of this blog
Good luck!
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