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?

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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

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In My Dreams Contest Winner

Hey guys! So today I choose who the winner of the In My Dreams contest is. The winner will win a copy of the novel sent by the author, Cameo Renae, herself.

After putting all the names on random.org, the winner is....

Linda Kish!

Congratulations to Linda Kish for winning the novel. I will email you and send your email to the author so you guys can get in contact.

I hope you enjoy the novel as I did. =D

I also have the review to put up along with another interview with the author so be sure to check that out. And now I shall go and read some so that I can catch up on my TBR pile. See ya later! =D

Contest Extended

Hey guys! Today I was supposed to choose the winner for the In My Dreams contest but since it's been my birthday week/weekend with my friends birthday week/weekend the week before, I've just been so freaking busy and haven't exactly been home. So I'm going to extend the contest until and choose a winner on the third instead, so you'll have tomorrow to enter. To enter just click this link right here and sign up.

But now I must go and try to sleep since I have to be up early tomorrow. I'll try to get daily posts up again along with reviews asap. =D