Contest Winner!!

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest! Unfortunately not everyone could win but there will be more chances for everyone to everyone to enter and try to win. This current contest has come to a close and the winner is....


Amanda W! 
Check out her blog over at; Tales and Treats  and be sure to follow her!


Congratulations on winning a book of your choice. I will email you shortly. If you entered any of the other contests, check out Can't Find A Bookmark to see if you have won or not. 
Again thank you everyone for joining. Hope you had a nice Holiday and bought some epic stuff on Black Friday. I will see you all later and I'm already thinking about doing a Christmas Themed Giveaway. =D 

Can't Find A Bookmark's 2nd Anniversary Giveaway

I am back once again and this time I am giving away a novel!
What novel you ask? Well a novel of your choice. Any novel you want and I'll give it away to you. For free.


You might be wondering what the rules are, but there really aren't any. Except I trust that you go follow Can't Find A Bookmark and even though you don't have to, it would be cool to get some new followers.
But really, all you have to do is fill out this form here and you're done. You might be wondering why I'm having you add your mailing address, but that's only so I know no one will cheat. But otherwise it will get deleted when the contest is done.


But before you leave, I'll just leave some links for you from other giveaways being held. 


Tyger Tyger & In The Forests Of The Night
Infinite Days 


All giveaways end on November 25th, 2011 which is enough time for you to spread the word around and join them. So check back and good luck to you all! 

A Birthday Bash!

Congratulations to Ky over at Can't Find A Bookmark! Her blog turned 2 Years Old this week and in celebration she's hosting giveaways on her blog. Along with that though, I'll also being giving away a book to whoever follows her and wishes her blog a Happy Birthday and stuff. But if you go to her post right now, you'll see how she has an interview with the wonderful Kersten Hamilton along with a giveaway of her two novels, Tyger Tyger and In The Forests Of The Night. 


So click her blog and check it out. And also, stick around to see what book I'll be giving away for you readers! 


But before that, I just want to wish Ky luck with her many years to come on her blog and hopefully we'll make it big and be on top in the future. It's just an amazing experience owning a blog and getting to meet such amazing people. 

Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (32)

Today is the best day ever! Why? Because new books have been released into our wonderful world. Today though marks a kind of crazy event. Today, the fourth and final book in the Inheritance Series by Christopher Paolini has been released.

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini


For years, fans have wondered how the series would end. How Eragon's journey would conclude and finally we can now see how. It's kind of sad, I got into Eragon in 2005 when Eldest was released. Although I read up to the beginning of Eldest and then stopped because I wasn't feeling the story, it is the 3rd Series I got into while reading. The 2nd Series that I bought for keeps. So it is one of the oldest series I own on my shelf. I will buy this book and I do hope that one day I can read from the beginning and finish until the end. Hopefully I can and hopefully I will. But to everyone who is reading the novel today at this moment, congratulations on making it this far. It's been a long road and today an amazing chapter in our Eragon lives have finished. 

Sé onr sverdar sitja hvass! 

Monday's Novel Talk (44)

Hello my wonderful followers! You have no idea how much I freaking miss you guys! I miss you all oh so much! But I am back now and hopefully better than ever. 


To start off I have some news. I bought a Nook Color. I know, I know. I hate e-readers but I have a reason to buy this. A lot of authors offer their books for review but only in e-book format and I've missing out on some great novels really. So I figured that now that I have money and a job I could buy one so I did. Only problem is, I kind of don't like the Nook Color because of the backlit screen. So I'm going back on Saturday and switching for the Nook Simple Touch which is better and in e-ink. Me gusta.


But anyway! 


I'm currently reading Hunger by Michael Grant which is Book 2 of the Gone Series. So far it's great and amazing and has such an amazing cast of characters. I seriously don't know what's going to happen and it's not predictable at all! I made a list with the names of the characters we meet and I'm crossing them out whenever someone dies just to see who makes it and who doesn't. That way I won't forget anyone =P I'm currently on Page 88 of 590 but it's just awesome and I can't wait to dig into it more tonight.


For review I'm reading The Magi by Kevin M. Turner. I'm currently on Page 12 of 255 and it's an e-book only so bam, Nook is useful! It's good, a very fast read and definitely interesting and intriguing. I'll dig into it more later on when I'm going somewhere or take a break from Hunger.


Also, I won't be buying an e-books for pleasure reading. Unless, they're special e-book novellas like the one from Beautiful Creatures or The Iron Daughter. Those aren't in print but if I had a way of getting them and then downloading it on my Nook, I would.


But I'm so glad to be back! I have so much planned, hopefully a new meme that will take place. Some giveaways and all that good stuff. So I'll see you all later and again thank you to my followers for sticking around!

Little Pep Talk

I see that I haven't posted in the longest. And it really does upset me that I haven't blogged or been around for long. I don't want to quit or give up or anything, I mean I love this. I will forever love this and it will always be something I enjoy doing. But with full time work and full time classes, it's just hard finding the time to blog. I mean, I do read everyday but the blogging is the tough spot. I mean even if I was working full time for another job I could do it, but when your schedule changed everyday and every week, it's hard finding a set time to blog. But, I've been getting in the mood and I just need to get back.


So starting very soon, be on the look out for more review, more posts and even better, more giveaways. With this job comes money and with that money comes books for me to give away to you guys. Which I just can't wait to do! And! I've also been looking into buying my domain name so it's .com instead of .blogspot.com but I kind of want to reach a number of followers first. But it would be awesome to have an official site! 


So keep checking back for that. I thank you all who have followed me and continued to follow me. I love you all and I can't wait to be back!

Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (31)

Hey guys! Happy Book Release Day! Or Tuesday for all you boring people. Anyway, today some books have been released with one of them being;

The Death Cure by James Dashner! The conclusion to The Maze Runner Trilogy! I would give out the synopsis but I don't want to spoil anyone so I'll just say to go check it out online somewhere else if you want to be spoiled. I still haven't received my copy yet as B&N only ships out the day of release unlike Amazon which ships out so you get it release day. But I seriously can't read it, I expect to get it on Thursday and THEN I will read and finish the story.

But for now I am off to go read and try to finish this book I'm reading. So I'll see you all later! =D (and yes I'm too tired to actually think of a post to write.)

Book Review: The Hidden Sun

Title: The Hidden Sun

Author: J. Lloyd Morgan

Pages: 345

Rating: E for Exceeds Expectations

Review: If I ever pick up a book that involves royalty, it always involves fantasy as well. Any sort of element from fantasy and I’ll be good. But this time the one I picked up was just royalty and politics. And oddly enough, I really enjoyed it. Getting straight to the point here, The Hidden Sun is a story that spans through a couple of years and shows what happens when the wrong person takes charge. When love becomes forbidden and a secret. What happens when your home is now the worst place to be. It’s a story that shows how challenges are met.

The reason I’m getting straight to the point is because it’s what the novel does itself. It gives us these breaks every few paragraphs skipping from one scene to another, reminding me of a television show. While at times it distracted me from the reading and made me wish that certain scenes played out longer, it kept me going, knowing that just on the next page something new and crazy was about to happen. Aside from that, the novel does span through a few years, which made me want the book to be longer. I just wanted to know the characters more, know the story and the places a bit more deeply. Keeping it short and sweet had its advantages but also disadvantages.

The characters, although, were brilliantly written out. I found them all interesting and began to love a couple of them which tore my heart as a few died. And let me warn you, J. Lloyd Morgan isn’t afraid of killing off a few characters. But the fact that they were written out so well made it all the better in the end. They brought out real emotions and care which as a reader I was happy about. His writing was also pretty good. It was easy to read and the way he played with words made it bearable.

Overall the whole book itself was epic and kept me interested enough to want to read what comes next. But I was also surprised at the fact that I fell for this story pretty hard. Not only did I enjoy it like I said above, I wanted more by the end. I wanted to know what happens next with all of the characters. I know that their stories haven’t ended and that there’s so many things that can go wrong. And even though it didn’t have any magic or dragons or wizards or whatever, it still had that magical spark to it. It was magical without the magic.

Tyger Tyger Out In Paperback

Hello everybody! I just wanted to take this time to introduce to you a novel that just came out in Paperback a while ago. A while ago I wrote a review for Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton for the ARC that I read. It was then released in paperback not long ago.

If you haven't read this novel, I suggest you go ahead and buy it right here and read it asap!

If you haven't heard about it, check out my review here.

Trust me, you need to read this. It's different, it's exciting and it's freaking awesome! So yea check it out and if anything just leave me a comment with whatever you think xD

See you all later. Got some homework to finish and some shows to watch! =D

Monday's Novel Talk (43)

Wow! It's been a very long time since I've posted but between work and school and some epic events, I've just been busy. Oh and reading which I haven't stopped.

Lately, some amazing books have come out or I bought that I just couldn't wait and had to read them even though I was reading something else.

To begin;

The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima. I'm on Chapter 14, Page 188 of 517. Other books got in the way but I will make sure I finish it before anything else gets in the way. I love Chima so I'm kinda bummed out that I haven't finished it yet.

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins. I'm on Page 170 of 625. I love, love, love Ellen Hopkins, so this is one of the books I stopped the first one for. I would've been done reading because I love all of her books but another one got in the way.

Flirtin' With The Monster by Ellen Hopkins (and others). This is the one I'm trying to finish right now. Currently on Page 56 of 180 I'll finish this soon enough. It's a collection of essays by authors and Ellen and her kids and family about Crank and Glass so it's a fast interesting read that's pretty crazy.

That's really all I've been doing though. Just had to post something up to let you guys know I'm alive. I got some interesting things coming out this week so make sure to check back for that! =D

The Worst Luck

Hey guys! I haven't posted in a while and I miss it D=

But I've just been super busy and with work and school and some epic events which I'll post about it later on. But to top it all off, my laptop charger broke so I have to buy a new one. Hopefully tomorrow because I would like to start posting again Sunday because I have a blog tour thing coming up.

I'm currently on my computer which sucks because everything is on my laptop. But if this comes out the same as on there then I can do it here but if not then I'm in deep crap.

So thank you all for sticking around! See you all later! =D

Book Review: Triangles

Title: Triangles

Author: Ellen Hopkins

Pages: 533

Rating: O for Outstanding

Review: We all know what it feels like to be a teenager. Most of us are still going through that awkward moment. The moment where we get our first kiss, our first love, our first drink, our first everything for the rest of our lives. But what happens when our teenage years are over; when we finally leave our teenage years behind. What happens when you find yourself a middle-aged person with kids and a cheating spouse? With a child you know won’t make it past the age of four. With a son who is experiencing his firsts. What happens when you can’t take it anymore? Do you allow yourself to collapse?

Triangles follows the lives of three middle-aged women as they go through their day-to-day life. Holly is a stay at home mom and wife who wants to experience a new life. Marissa is a mother of two who has to take care of her daughter with SMA and deal with her husband being at work all day, everyday. Andrea is a single mother who ties the two together and handles everyone’s problems but her own. With the lives of these three women, we get to experience how different situations affect different people and just how hard they take it. We get to see their reactions and have our hearts broken at the same time as theirs. We get to see how life is after the fun.

This is the first adult novel by Ellen Hopkins, famous author of the Crank Trilogy and many other Young Adult novels about teens. I didn’t quite know what to expect from this to be honest. I was a bit afraid that it wouldn’t match up to her other novels that have such power in them to make a person cry with a single phrase. I was scared that because it was about middle-aged women, I wouldn’t connect and that I would drop the book at only a few pages. I was excited when I received the book for review, but the fear didn‘t go away. It lingered on around my mind.

I immediately dropped the book I was reading at the time just to read this and I am beyond glad that I did. Not only did I connect with the characters, I loved them. In this one book, I became the imaginary son of these three women and saw their lives unfold before my eyes. It was a bit uncomfortable seeing their pain as if I were seeing my own mother in pain. I’m the type of person who is very reserved about my feelings around my family. I tend to keep them inside of me and not let them out. Why? I don’t exactly know, but I just do. Whether it’s a death or sadness or pain, I don’t show it. But when I read this book, I showed my emotions with ease. When a character cried, yes I felt awkward but I cried along with them. When they were happy, I smiled from ear to ear. And by the end of the novel, my eyes were red and puffy from all the tears I shed. By the end of the novel, I opened myself up to these characters. I became comfortable.

You might think that it helped me open up to my family in real life and made me realize that I‘m missing out on a big happy family, but it didn’t. That’s not the point of the book. It showed me that what I’ve been doing is normal and could even be the right thing for one to do. Your family can be your best of friend, but they can also be your worst enemy. But this isn’t about my feelings, it’s about the three ladies. I gained so much respect for women, more than I already had, now that I got to see their inside lives and secrets. I was able to go into their heads and see how they have this connection with us, their kids, and how they actually feel for us despite what they show on the outside. We might think they love us, but they do more than love. There is no word to describe the higher power. It’s just there.

But while I did gain respect for women, I lost some for others. While women have the power to do more than love, they also have the power to do more than destroy. Women are what hold everything together. They are these powerful people who can pick you up and bring you down in the snap of a finger. Triangles showed that they can destroy not only a person, but a whole entire family. It left me broken-hearted and afraid that one woman can destroy everything. It made me think that the symbol of purity and peacefulness and gentleness and everything else that I can think of that makes them who they are, wasn’t something that should be broken. As harsh as it sounds, I was disgusted by the actions of one particular woman in Triangles.

But many might be wondering how this novel is compared to Hopkins’ Young Adult novels. The truth is, it is the Young Adult novels but for adults. I love them equally and would not be able to choose between the two. Perhaps the Young Adult novels since I’m still connected to my teenage years. But beware. While Triangles is for adults and can be read by Young Adults who are over 18 or close, it is a bit raw and shouldn’t be read by those who can’t take mature situations. And no I don’t mean all of the emotions part. I mean all of the sex parts which are more like Erotica at times. I won’t be a man about it and say, “Yea! Sex!” But I will say that it makes one fan themselves.

Author Interview - Ellen Hopkins

Well to be honest it's more of a one question ordeal than an interview. Why one question you ask? Because, anything you want to find out by Ellen Hopkins can be found online and it would just be a bother to her to be asked things we already know. So I chose one question that really got me thinking and really got inside of her.

Not only that but she's busy writing more novels, attending her family and going on tour really soon. (She'll be in Princeton, NJ twice and in NY once which I need to attend at least one!) So I just asked her one question and hoped she would answer. Which she did!

I sent her an email saying how I was doing a novel spotlight week on her new adult novel,Triangles, and the process of what I would do on the blog and hoped she would answer a question. The question was;

Are you ever afraid that people will think your books are becoming repetitive or that you're running out of ideas?

Her actual response;

Hey Mike,

It will be great to get some buzz out about Triangles. As for your question, my answer is I don't worry about what people might think when I choose subject matter or build characters. I write the stories that speak to my heart. So far, I believe, my characters are all very different, and they are the ones telling me their stories. The book I'm writing now, Tilt, is a young adult companion to Triangles, so looks at the Triangles story lines, only from the POVs of three of the teens you meet in Triangles. They started insistign they had stories of their own to tell. Three very different characters than the mothers in the book, and three very different stories.

I hope that helps!

Ellen

So you heard it here! I'm super excited for Tilt and now we know what it has to do! A companion novel seems freaking awesome especially since we get to see how the teens are dealing with all of this, especially since we don't really get to see them all.

But I think Ellen is right, her characters are different and although they might relate to the same problems, they're all very different and I think that's freaking amazing!

I want to thank Ellen Hopkins for taking the time to respond back to me through Twitter all the time and through email. She's an amazing person both writer and personal and I hope she never gives up writing.

Check back tomorrow for my review on Triangles!

Hottest Female Characters (10)

Hello everyone and welcome to;

This week I'm following the course of the novel of the week theme and doing Triangles by Ellen Hopkins!

Now for those of you who don't know what this is, I choose the women of novels, and choose the actress' who would portray them in a movie. This of course is based on my opinion and doesn't reflect everyone else's. The reason I do this is because all around the blogging community, girls talk about how amazing male characters are and how hot they are and for the few males that are here, we're just like, .... So I decided to portray these females in a respectable way. So let's start off!

First we got Holly. A stay a housewife and mother who wants to experience new life outside of home. The reason I chose Courtney Cox for Holly is because she has that oomph factor that I was looking for. Holly wants to be fit, she wants to be sexy, she wants to be it. And Courtney has all of that, just looking at the picture we're like damn. She looks like the type of person who would go out in the morning and jog for all the boys in the yard and come home all sweaty and such and flaunt off to her husband. But I don't want to spoil the novel, so you'll have to read it to see why I pictured her. I had help from my friend in choosing these women and it was pretty hard. Some other choices for Holly were Sofia Vergara and Eva Longoria. But Courtney won out!

For Marissa it took a bit longer than Holly to find the perfect one. We went from Dana Delaney to Kirsten Dunst before reaching Debra Messing. The reason I went with Debra is because she has this sort of warm feeling to her. Someone who looks amazing on the outside but once you look into her eyes, you see a lost soul. Someone who has to deal with things like a daughter who has a deadly disease and a son who doesn't want to be around his family. I can seriously imagine Debra running towards her daughter as she cries in the middle of the night, calm her down to sleep and return to the kitchen and throw a cup because her husband hasn't done a damn thing. It was just a scene that hit me with such power that I had to decide Debra Messing was the one.

Now Andrea. Oh Andrea. We went from again Dana Delaney, to Kristen Dunst, to Cynthia Nixon, JoAnna Garcia and everyone else in between until my friend said the magic word. Adele. I stopped everything I was doing and praised the books that he said this word. I don't know why I was going only for actress' when there's talent out there that goes beyond that. And now that I look at Adele I see her. I pictured Andrea a plump red-head, pretty like her sister and maybe even in her own way, but brought down by her weight, a single mother and someone who is struggling for life. Adele already has the emotion which we can see through her songs to bring out this power and this rawness of pain and sorrow. Andrea is what brings both Marissa and Holly together and I completely see Adele as the one now. Perfect match, my friend is a genius for this. THANK YOU BRIAN!

Again, like I said these view my choices (and my friend also who helped) and maybe you might agree or disagree. But I would still love to hear your thoughts. So leave the comments down below on what you think and I'd love to hear what you have to say! Give your own suggestions to who should play who!

Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (30)

Hello everybody and welcome to Tuesday's Novel Spotlight. I know books are released today and I usually talk about them, BUT! This week I'm doing a Novel Week based on;

Triangles by Ellen Hopkins! I had the liberty of reading an ARC of this novel way back in June and I was so stoked when I opened the package and saw this that I dropped everything and began reading this novel. But to see what I thought about it, you'll have to wait until Friday when I put my review up! But let's see the synopsis. Synopsis! I summon thee!

In this emotionally powerful novel, three women face the age-old midlife question: If I'm halfway to death, is this all I've got to show for it?

Holly, filled with regret for being a stay-at-home mom, sheds sixty pounds and loses herself in the world of extramarital sex. Andrea, a single mom and avowed celibate, watches her friend Holly's meltdown with a mixture of concern and contempt. Holly is throwing away what Andrea has spent her whole life searching for-a committed relationship with a decent guy. So what if Andrea picks up Holly's castaway husband?

Then there's Marissa. She has more than her fair share of challenges-a gay teenage son, a terminally ill daughter, and a husband who buries himself in his work rather than face the facts. As one woman's marriage unravels, another one's rekindles. As one woman's family comes apart at the seams, another's is reconfigured into something bigger and better. In this story of connections and disconnections, one woman's up is another one's down, and all three of them will learn the meaning of friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness before it is through.

*This synopsis was taken from goodreads.com

So what do you guys think? Does it sound good, because it sure is! Check back tomorrow to see who I cast as Marissa, Holly and Andrea and then Friday to see my review of the novel. See you all later! =D

In My Mailbox/Book Haul (14)

Hello everybody and welcome to another day of In My Mailbox which is hosted by The Story Siren where we show you what we got this week and hope that you share your haul also! This week I didn't get many books. Only 2 which I'm still happy about because I'm trying to lower my To Be Read Pile so I can make way for more books.

Review:

Far From The War by Jeffrey David Payne (Paperback)

A dystopian novel set in today's world, sounds pretty interesting so we'll see how it goes.

Bought:

The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima (Hardcover)

Pre-Ordered this in July, finally got it. Super excited as I love Chima's work and this series is freaking epic! Can't wait to read it.

And that's basically all I got. One I bought one, I received for review. But I have a few books I want to buy and a couple that I already pre-ordered and so I'm waiting to receive them. I hope your haul was just as good as I think mine was. Leave a link down below and I'll go check it out!

Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (30)

Happy Tuesday! I hope you are all enjoying your day and for most of us, our last week of summer vacation! But even with school nothing will stop us from enjoying our Tuesday's as more and more books are released. Today two wonderful books were set in the world. One being The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima. But because that is a sequel I want to introduce you guys about a debut novel!

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann.

Every year in Quill, thirteen-year-olds are sorted into categories: the strong, intelligent Wanteds go to university, and the artistic Unwanteds are sent to their deaths.

Thirteen-year-old Alex tries his hardest to be stoic when his fate is announced as Unwanted, even while leaving behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted. Upon arrival at the destination where he expected to be eliminated, however, Alex discovers a stunning secret- -behind the mirage of the "death farm" there is instead a place called Artime.

In Artime, each child is taught to cultivate their creative abilities and learn how to use them magically, weaving spells through paintbrushes and musical instruments. Everything Alex has ever known changes before his eyes, and it's a wondrous transformation.

But it's a rare, unique occurrence for twins to be separated between Wanted and Unwanted, and as Alex and Aaron's bond stretches across their separation, a threat arises for the survival of Artime that will pit brother against brother in an ultimate, magical battle.

*Synopsis taken from barnesandnoble.com

I had the chance of reading an ARC of this book a while ago but I want to know if you guys have read this or want to read this and your thoughts on it! =) Now I will go and get ready to watch some Pretty Little Liars and read my book =D See ya later!

In My Mailbox/Book Haul (13)

Hey guys! I'm back, even though it is kind of late. As you may or may not know, the East Coast got hit with a Hurricane called Hurricane Irene this weekend and it was bad. Not as bad as we expected but still bad nonetheless. I still had work though and it was horrible! Anyway, I've gotten 3 books in the past two weeks. The first book was from the week before last. And the next two are from last week.

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Because I was sent the new cover for the first book I bought the second right after so now it matches on my shelf. It's smaller than I thought it would be but I'm excited to read it.

Burned by Ellen Hopkins

We all know how I love Ellen Hopkins so I had to order this as soon as I had the chance. Can't wait to read this as I keep hearing good things about it from people who don't like to read.

Em Chamas by Suzanne Collins

This is Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins in Portuguese. I have the first one which is Os Jogos Da Fome which stands for The Games of Hunger and this one is In Ashes. This is mostly for my dad who read the first one and is now reading this one and loving it. The third one is supposed to come out this November so can't wait.

All of the books here I bought, the third bought in Portugal by a family friend. I can't wait to read the first two (and I already read the third in English) so I thought it was a good two weeks. I have 3 books on pre-order one which is released tomorrow so I'll get it possibly Thursday!

And that's all really. I will see you tomorrow and get to reading! =D

Back To The Stacks - Winner

Hello everybody and welcome to today's post! In this post I will reveal the winner who will win one of the books down below! =O

First, I would like to apologize to not be able to give all three out. While I do have a job, my first paycheck isn't until next week so I'm still kind of broke right now.

Second, because I do have a job and will be getting paid, I will be doing more contests in the future. From choose your own book to themed contests. It'll be freaking fun and awesome and I can't wait!

Last, I would love to thank everyone who followed me and to my old followers thank you for sticking around. I'm so close to 350 followers which is crazy and I'm reaching for 500 next!

With the many people who entered, I would like to thank you for entering and hope that you will join my future giveaways!

Using random.org, I got one name who is the winner...

The person who won....

A book of their choice from the three on top....

Is...

Brianna G.!

Congratulations Brianna, I will email you shortly and hope you enjoy your book!

To those who didn't win, it does kinda suck not getting free books but I promise you that I'll have more contests coming up soon.

The next one I think I want to do is an Ellen Hopkins themed giveaway. Where I can give out one or two of her books, to two people, one for each. So I can't wait for that.

I hope you are all are doing well and still get a chance to read those three books up there. =D

Back To The Stacks - Late Giveaway

I'm a bad person. At least my work made me a bad person. Saturday was the Back To The Stacks Giveaway hosted by Loud Words & Sounds and because of work and all, I literally forgot all about it until I got home at night and saw an email reminding me to post. But because I said I would join in, I'm still hosting the giveaway! There will be a winner! I will make sure of that!

So what will I be giving away?

1 Person will win a Hardcover copy of one of the books between the three.

Either; The Hunger Games

The Maze Runner

or

Divergent

Why did I choose these three? Because I'm all about Dystopian and so I wanted to introduce people to one of the series and get more people to love them like I do.

What are the rules though?

All you have to do is fill out this form (right over here) add everything it tells you to, along with mailing address which I promise I won't stalk you unless you want me to, and bam you are in!

The contest will run until 11:59 PM tomorrow (Tuesday), and the winner will be announced on Wednesday. And that's really it, there's no multiple entries or anything like that and it's very easy. So start filling out the form and hope to win a book.

And now that I have a job I'll be able to do more giveaways which will be freaking epic!!!!

So I shall see you all later with more posts as I enjoy my day off. Good luck!

Book Review: In My Dreams

Title: In My Dreams

Author: Cameo Renae

Pages: 242

Rating: A for Acceptable

Review: Let me just start off by saying that this novel is a love story. There is no denying that and if you are heading into it thinking there isn't any, you are highly mistaken. But because it is a love novel, I seemed to have read it in a sort of biased way. And as much as I tried ignoring the love moments and focusing on what was going on, there were parts where I groaned and sighed because I couldn't take it. So for that I am not going to review it as a love novel and take a different route and focus more on the story and what revolved around it.

In My Dreams is about a girl named Lizzy who has this strange occurrence of dreaming about death. The strange part about it is that she is seeing the death play out as it happens in real life. It begins with Lizzy in a dream witnessing the death of her boyfriend Michael and from their it unfolds. The premise of the story really caught my attention, I wanted to see how Lizzy dealt with these “premonitions” you would say, and how she reacted towards them. Unfortunately we don’t get to see much of these premonitions as it begins with her boyfriends death and continues from there.

The novel continues with Lizzy trying to find out what happened to her boyfriend and who murdered him. Through-out the novel her boyfriend seems to contact her in her dreams where they get to experience things they could not while he was alive. He also warns her and helps her survive against this murderer who is now coming after her. The love moments seem to come during these dreams, such as going to an island, an flying and going down mountains of snow and such. Things that any couple would want to do together. Especially the flying part. Who wouldn’t want to fly? I kind of found myself rushing through these moments just so I wouldn’t have to deal with them. But, if you love romance, then it would be good for you.

Towards the end of the novel we are introduced to a couple of ideas that I thought could have been brought in the beginning or even the middle to make the novel longer and just even more interesting. One involves Lizzy’s talent with death and sets up for future novels that could introduce us to a nice mystery/paranormal series. The other part was this supernatural part that to me seemed a bit out of the ordinary for this type of book, but it could’ve set up for a darker novel in the future.

The writing style was good. It wasn’t at its best, but you often get that when novels aren’t published with high publishing companies. It wasn’t horrible to the point where you couldn’t read it, but if you have read a lot of novels, you can notice one or two mistakes here or there. But they seemed to add to the atmosphere of what the book was and didn‘t cause a disturbance. The characters were interesting, although I thought Lizzy could have been a stronger female character and not so dependant on her boyfriend. Some of her actions made me question her character, and one in particular seemed to throw her intelligence out the window. This part is towards the end of the book where this fight happens. Michael seemed like every girl’s dream but it took away from the reality. He was good for a book but not so much for the real world.

The supporting characters were interesting if I do say so myself. I wished some had bigger roles and more book time, just to add to their character and who they were. I also wish we could have seen more of the history behind the murderer seeing as I love to get inside their minds and find out why do the things they do. These couple of things could have helped make the novel longer and possibly much more complex. Although I think the author just wanted a regular run-through novel which worked.

All in all, I found this book entertaining. It is definitely a light, easy read that is good between heavier books. It’s fast, it’s intriguing, there is a lot of mystery going on. The love did throw me off a bit, but I am an adult male who much rather read action, and explosions and such, but everything else I felt was good enough to keep me reading and recommend it to people who just want something fun. So if your brain is tired of thick books with multiple complex plot-lines, check out In My Dreams by Cameo Ranae. Also, I have to say that these are my opinions on the book itself, not on the author or her as a writer in a whole. For all I know, she could write a new novel that’s about 500 pages long and it’ll blow my socks off.

Author Interview - Cameo Renae

Hey guys! Today I have an author interview, which is more like Part 2 of the interview. The author is Cameo Renae and if you don't remember I interviewed her a week or so ago which you can check out right here. Now I would type some other stuff but I'm just really freaking tired and can't even think. Started working on Monday so I'm basically scheduling this post so I don't forget. So let's get it started!

The Novel

Let's start off by being honest. After your book was published, did you ever look at it and go, "Man, I wish I took this out or added this!" And if so which part the most?

For the most part, I was happy with the published copy. However, after I first published, there were some errors that a few friends picked out. BUT, the beauty of self-publishing is that I could go in and make those changes. :) So... I did. I know there are still a few errors that I didn't catch, but all in all, I can say that I am very pleased with In My Dreams. It's my baby and I'm very proud.

Are there any deleted scenes from the book? Parts that you took out for whatever reason?

Oh yes. I did delete a lot from the book. There were parts that, as I did my final editing, were long and drawn out. I was like... jeeze... this is so boo-ring! So, I deleted those wordy parts, and think it made the book much better.

And onto the book itself, do you see yourself returning to Lizzy's character and writing more stories about her?

I do...eventually. I'd definitely like to write another story about Lizzy. One where she's trying to cope on her own, and learning about her new gift. Right now, my mind is on vacation from In My Dreams, so I'll have to come back to it... when and if the time is right.

Did you base any of the characters off of anyone in your real life?

I'd have to say that Michael's character is a lot like my husband. He is just a great, lovable person. (But, don't get on his bad side! Lol) If you ever meet him, you'll love him, and feel like you've known him forever. He has a heart of gold, and would give the shirt off his back if he saw a need.

Do you think that Michael would ever contact Lizzy again? (For those who haven't read the book, go read it to see what I mean!)

Hmmmm... Reader's are asking the same question, and I'd have to say... yes. But, of course... there will be a twist or two. ;) I've contemplated it, but right now I'm near the completion of my next novel (which is book 1 in a trilogy). A YA Paranormal - it will have some romance, but there's a lot more to it. I'm really excited about this next one. So... Lizzy and Michael will have to wait until another day. They know I love them. :)

Future Novels

Can we expect any more novels about Lizzy and her "new job" shall we say?

I think so, but if I do, it will probably be only one more. I haven't decided yet.

Do you have any other plans for novels? IF so could you tell us some basic ideas or something like a teaser?

Yes. Oh boy! Okay... here we go... a very short, not too descriptive teaser... ;)

If you've read In My Dreams, then you know about the Guardians. I really liked the idea and carried it into my new novels, but there is a whole lot more going on... much more complex. This next novel has evil creatures (assassins), Fallen Angels, Guardians, Nephilim's, humans, and a girl who's been thrown into the middle of it all. :)

Have you ever thought about writing more novels set in the same universe as In My Dreams? Perhaps a whole series of alternating characters who may or may not mention each other or even show up.

That's a great question. If I did, it'd probably end up something like Ghost Whisperer, and I don't think I wanna go there.

But most importantly, now that you have one novel out, how do you feel knowing you can have more on the way for the public to read?

I'm overwhelmed at the wonderful responses In My Dreams has been getting. For the future novels, I am both excited and anxious. Excited because I love the concept, plot, and characters, and anxious because I hope that people will love them as much as I do.

A special thanks to Michael for letting me raid his awesome blog. ;)

And that is all folks! It was awesome getting to chat to Cameo who is just freaking epic and again awesome. I hope to work with her again in the near future and can't wait to read her other books. Check out tomorrow when a review of her novel comes up! =) I hope you guys are having a wonderful day, (as much as mine sucks for being at work but I get home at 4!) and again a special thanks to Cameo for being epic!

Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (29)

Hello everybody! It's Tuesday and this week is actually pretty special! This week it is an author dedication week. What that means is that I'll be talking about one book and one author for this week. Today I'll introduce you guys to the book, Thursday I'll put up an Interview (which is Part 2 and I'll attach Part 1 also) and then Friday I will put up the book review! The author really is an awesome person and it's just pretty epic that she allowed me to read her novel!

In My Dreams by Cameo Renae!

It was happening again. The dreams. The nightmares. It was something seventeen-year-old Elizabeth "Lizzy" Hayes thought she'd outgrown; dreams that would come true; detailed premonitions of how people would die. This time she dreams about her boyfriend, Michael Young, and soon discovers that he's been found... dead. Michael hasn't crossed over because he was murdered, and now his murderer is coming for Lizzy. His spirit won't rest until she is safe, and as a newbie spirit, the easiest way for him to make contact is through Lizzy's dreams. When she dreams, it's as if he hasn't died. Lizzy must learn to pull on her inner strength to survive horrifying events. Meanwhile, in the spirit world, Michael learns everything he can about his supernatural gifts to help. But will it be enough to save her?

*Synopsis taken from amazon.com

So that's what the novel is about. If you read it, leave your comments down below. Make sure you come back Thursday and Friday for the Interview and Review on the novel. I'll see you all later! =D

In My Mailbox/Book Haul (12)

Hey guys! It's Sunday which means I can show you what I got this week. Before we start, In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren, this awesome book blogger. We show what we got that was book related, not to show off, but just to introduce stuff to people. So let's get started. This week I didn't really get much of anything. Two things and one isn't even a book.

Nightshade Jacket Cover

This isn't the book, the publishers made jacket covers for our old Nightshade books and sent it to people who emailed them so that it can match with the next two. I think that was smart and nice of them to do even though I'm still furious at them changing covers mid-series. They could have made it just the paperback. Or waited until all the books were out and THEN remake the covers to introduce more people. But eh.

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Got this for review and it comes out August 16th, 2011. Haven't heard much about this one but we shall see how it is. The final cover is different and I'm not exactly sure which I like most. Kinda don't like any of them but it's about the story!

So that's all I got in my mailbox. What did you get in yours?

Check out these links!

50 States Book Challenge Post

50 States Book Challenge: My Progress

Follow my Twitter: @SubtleChronicle

Like my Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler

Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (28)

Hello everybody! Today is Tuesday which means books have been released! I actually haven't heard of any books being released today until I realized I did for one but I wanted to find something else. So after going on Google for a while, I found this book and went on Barnes and Noble to find out what it's about. Also I have 25 minutes left until tonight's episode of Pretty Little Liars so I will do this quickly.

Siren's Storm by Lisa Papademetrio. Epic last name by the way.

Nothing has been the same for Will ever since what happened last summer. One day, on an ordinary sailing trip with his brother, there is a strange accident. When Will wakes up, he learns his brother has disappeared, presumed drowned. Worst of all, Will can't remember what happened-his family finds him unconscious, with no memory of the accident.

Now Will and his best friend and neighbor, Gretchen, are starting a new summer. Gretchen seems troubled-her sleepwalking habit is getting worse, and she keeps waking up closer and closer to the water. Will is drawn to Asia, the exotic new girl in town. Nobody knows where she's from-all Will knows is that her beauty and her mesmerizing voice has a powerful effect on people.

Then there is another mysterious drowning, and Will and Gretchen begin to wonder; Is Asia just another beautiful, wealthy summer resident? Or is she something entirely more sinister . . . and inhuman?

It seems interesting, not sure if I'll get it though but if you have read it tell me what your thoughts on it are! I'd love to hear it. Now I'm going to have a quick bite to eat before watching my show. I'll see you all later! Bye! =D

Monday's Novel Talk (42)

Hey guys! I'm kinda gonna have to do this quickly because I don't know how much longer my laptop will allow me to stay on. The charger is messed up has to be twisted and turned certain ways to charge if it does charge. The screen is opening up again and the moral of the story is HP sucks.

Anyway, I'm about 1 page away from finishing Shadow's Edge by Brent Weeks which is really intense and so good. But after I finish that I'll have 40 books to choose from to read next.

So I'm thinking either;

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann (arc)
Identical by Ellen Hopkins

Impulse by Ellen Hopkins

or

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Leave your comments down below with what I should read next =D

In My Mailbox/Book Haul (11)

Hello everybody! I haven't done one of these in the longest. For months basically. But I have been getting books just really busy on Sundays to post. But I can post now! In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by the wonderful The Story Siren where we show the books we got this week.

This week I got most of my books I ordered for my birthday. I'm pretty excited to read all of these. One was for review which is the last one. So let's get started.

Identical by Ellen Hopkins

Impulse by Ellen Hopkins

Gone Series #1-4

Gone by Michael Grant

Hunger by Michael Grant

Lies by Michael Grant

Plague by Michael Grant

Escape from Furnace Series #1 & 2

Lockdown by Alexander Gordon Smith

Solitary by Alexander Gordon Smith

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Volume #2 by Various Authors

Christopher Golden

Nancy Holder

Diana G. Gallagher

Pierce Askegren

For Review:

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

I'm pretty excited for them all. I also pre-ordered books like The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima and Perfect by Ellen Hopkins (signed by the way which you can buy on amazon.) I can't wait to start reading them, I have to see which I should read first and such but I'll get to them eventually.

If you've read any of these books let me know what you thought spoiler-free down in the comments below. And leave a link to your In My Mailbox! See you later =D

Don't forget to click the following links.

50 States Book Challenge Post
50 States Book Challenge: My Progress

Follow me on Twitter: @SubtleChronicle

Like me on Facebook: The Subtle Chronicler