The Nightmarys by Dan Poblocki

Reading Level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 336 Pages

Publisher: Random House

ISBN: 978-0-375-84256-6

My Rating: 5/5

Timothy July has a secret. And it's giving him nightmares.
Abigail Tremens has a problem. Her nightmares are haunting her...while she is awake.
When they team up for a school project, they don't realize that Abigail's past and Timothy's present are making them the target of a terrible curse. A curse that turns their worst fears to reality.
But their fears are just the beginning. The curse steams from a strange artifact that gains strength by devouring a human soul. And it needs to feed again.

It's refreshing to read a book that's not part of a series. Especially one that held my interest so well and freaked me out along the way. I'm a sucker for scary things. Horror movies, books, whatever! Poblocki did an amazing job of creating a spine-chilling novel! It was completely freaky throughout. I mean, who isn't scared of creepy figures in your room at night watching you?

'The Nightmarys' is a story told through Timothy. He was partnered up with the new girl in his class, Abigail. Things seem to be normally strange for Timothy but after Abigail is in his life, it goes from strange to bizarre. They suddenly find themselves on a quest to rid themselves from these nightmares that happen whether they are sleeping or not! It was definitely creepy! Poblocki doesn't reveal too much info about the characters so it leaves a lot to imagination. And I love that! I love that I can read about a character and just being able to picture what I think they look like from head to toe.

Poblocki's other novel, 'The Stone Child' is definitely being added to my "To Buy" list. If it's half as good and creepy as 'The Nightmarys' I know I'm going to love it! Poblocki definitely delivered with 'The Nightmarys.' As usual, this was another book I was holding off from and it turns out, I loved it! haha. Can't wait to read 'The Stone Child.'

Blue Moon by Alyson Noel

Reading Level: Young Adult

Paperback: 304 Pages

Publisher: St Martin's Griffin

ISBN-13: 978-0-312-53276-5
ISBN-10: 0-312-53267-8

My Rating: 4/5

Just as Ever is learning everything she can about her new abilities as an immortal, initiated into the dark, seductive world be her beloved Damen, something terrible is happening to him. As Ever's powers increase, Damen's begin to fade after he is stricken by a mysterious illness that threatened his memory, his identity, his life.
Desperate to save him, Ever travels to the mystical dimension of Summerland, where she uncovers not only the secrets of Damen's past-the brutal, tortured history he hoped to keep hidden-but also an ancient text revealing the workings of time. With the approaching blue moon heralding her only window for travel, Ever is forced to decide between turning back the clock and saving her family from the accident that claimed them-or staying in the present and saving Damen, who grows weaker by the day...

'Blue Moon' is the second book in The Immortals series by Alyson Noel. I found that I could easily jump back into Ever and Damen's world. It was easy to get lost in the story. The beginning moved quickly and the ending was captivating, but the middle of the book left me wanting slightly more. I still love the series, so far, but 'Evermore' for me, was superior. I find that's usually the case with any series. The first book is typically the best. That's not to say, that 'Blue Moon' wasn't good. On the contrary, it was excellent! I just found 'Evermore' to be slightly better.

'Blue Moon' picks up where 'Evermore' leaves off. Ever and Damen are head over heels in love with each other, an undying bond and connection, all that. But there's a new kid at school, Roman. Ever struggles with whether or not it's he is a bad person, or if she just truly does not like new people. I don't want to give away too much, I'm sure tons of people have already read the series but for those who haven't, don't want to spoil it! I'll just say, we get to dive farther into Summerland, the Immortals, and everything else about that world. for me, book two was a learning experience. You get to learn a lot about the characters, including some back stories, and about Summerland and what being an Immortal is really about.

'Blue Moon' is definitely worth reading! Noel has a writing style that's incomparable. Although I didn't like 'Blue Moon' as much as 'Evermore' I still loved it! I will absolutely keep reading this series. I can't wait to see how Ever will overcome her newest obstacle!

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly event hosted by The Story Siren.

This week I received:
From Random Buzzers:

The Sorceress by Michael Scott


What did you get in your mailbox?

Book Blogger Hop

Friday's Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy for Books!

This week's question is:

“When did you realize reading was your passion and a truly important part of your life?”

I think I knew from the time I was little that reading was an important part of my life. I don't know if anyone remembers this but, when I was in elementary school, we had to read books and keep a journal of the books we read. We had to draw a picture for it, write what it was about, and whether or not we liked it. Sort of like a blog, right? haha. Anyways, my journal in school was HUGE! I mean, most kids read the bare minimum but I read and read and read. I went to author signings when I was little too and I actually got to meet Sylvia McNicoll and she personalized and signed a copy of 'Bringing Up Beauty' for me, which in turn became one of my favorite books! I hit a bump for a while where I gave up on reading. I'm sad that I did because now that I started reading again, I love it. I love to read books. It is now and will always be my biggest passion!

I really can't wait to read everyone's answer to this weeks Hop question!! :)

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Reading Level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 336 Pages

Publisher: Hyperion Book CH

ISBN-10: 1423121309

My Rating: 5/5

I turned to leave, but the door slammed shut inches from my face. Suddenly a wind seemed to blow through the room and the pictures on the walls rattled. When I turned back to the girls, all three of them were smiling at me, their hair rippling around their faces like they were underwater.
The one lamp in the room flickered and went out. I could just make out silvery traces of light passing under their skin, like mercury. Even their eyes were glowing. They began to levitate, the tips of their Hecate-issue loafers barely brushing the mossy carpet. Now they weren't homecoming queens or supermodels-they were witches, and very dangerous ones at that.
Even as I fought the urge to fall to my knees and throw my hands over my head, I was wondering, was this what I was capable of?

Wow. That's all I can say is wow. This book was incredible! It was so captivating and funny and I loved it! I can't wait to read Demon Glass. I'm considering breaking my book buying ban just to get it! haha. Hex Hall was especially appealing to me because I find that Sophie and I are a lot of like. Just in the sense of her sarcastic sense of humor and the way she makes jokes. And the ending! Who was expecting that!! Absolute must read!

The story is told through Sophie Mercer. A witch who has been sentenced to live at Hecate Hall (Hex Hall) until she is 18. 'Hex Hall' is jam packed with all your favorite kinds of supernatural creatures: ghosts, witches, warlocks, shape shifters, werewolves. You name it and there's a good chance it's probably in there. Sophie's sarcastic sense of humor had me laughing page after page! And, I was totally involved in her story. And I could read where her feelings came from as she developed them for Archer. I liked everything about 'Hex Hall' from beginning to end.

I honestly can't wait to buy 'Demonglass' which is the second book in the Hex Hall series. I actually just added it to my shopping cart on amazon so that I can buy it when I'm done this review haha. I would definitely break my book buying ban just to find out what happens with Jenna, Archer, and especially, Sophie. If you haven't had the opportunity to pick up 'Hex Hall' or you've been holding off on it for some reason, DON'T! It's an engaging story from cover to cover and you won't be disappointed!

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by the Story Siren.

This week I received a RAK:

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
From: Lisa @ A Life Bound By Books!
I'm so excited! I really wanted Nightshade, so thank you Lisa!

For those of you who don't know what RAK is, I suggest you hop on over to The Book Soulmates and check it out!

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Reading Level: Young Adult

Paperback: 352 Pages

Publisher: HarperCollins

ISBN:978-0-060121467-7

My Rating: 5/5

Rule #3:
Don't stare at invisible faeries.
Rule #2:
Don't speak to invisible faeries
Rule #1:
Don't ever attract their attention
Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in the mortal world. When the rules that have kept Aislinn safe from them stop working, everything is suddenly on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.
Faery intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of the ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning twenty-first century faery tale.

I put off reading 'Wicked Lovely' for a long time. I was skeptical because I had heard so many mixed things about it. People saying they loved it and people who hated it. Luckily for me, I loved it! I don't see how you couldn't. 'Wicked Lovely' is my first fairy book and it did not disappoint. It was sinfully good, and irresistible. I would have read it all in one sitting if life hadn't gotten in the way. I don't know why I always put off reading certain books but when I do, they are usually the ones I love most.

'Wicked Lovely' tells many different stories. Those being: Aislinn, Keenan, Donia, and Beira. I apologize if I missed anyone there. There's a long list of view points. Aislinn is a mortal girl who is no strangers to faeries or the absurdity of faery tales. She is one of very few unique humans born with the gift of Sight. As was her mother and her Grams. Aislinn finds herself thrust into a world of danger and excitement when she catches the eye of the King of the Summer Court. Broken down, Aislinn is one of hundreds who will partake in a test to see if she is the Summer Queen. She is supposed to love the soon-to-be King but finds herself in a bizarre love triangle when she can't suppress her love for long time friend, Seth.

There are so many amazing qualities about this book. I'm very anxious to dive into the rest of the series and see what happens with Aislinn, Seth, and Keenan. Not only is the storyline completely captivating, but it has one of the most beautiful covers I've seen to date. I'm also happy that I got a copy of 'Wicked Lovely' with extras inside. In the back of the book is a play list for each significant section in the story. As well as an author interview, six intriguing facts about Melissa Marr (Which I loved), and her reading list. Great book, even better with the extras! If you haven't had a chance to read it yet, I suggest that you do! It's amazing!

Book Blogger Hop

Friday's Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy For Books!

This weeks question is:

“How many books are currently in your To-Be-Read (TBR) Pile?”

I currently have like 14 books in my To Be Read pile. It's not a lot compared to most people but...if you think about it, it's still kind of a lot haha.
Ok, I'm adding an edit to my original post. I would absolutely have more books in my TBR pile BUT I came up with this system, for now, where I can't have more than 14 books in my pile. Sometimes I do but only by a few. If I didn't do that, I'd be broke from buying books! lol. I do have a lot of already read books though! :)

Don't forget to leave your links so I can hop on over to your blog! : )

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine.

My pick for this week is:

After Obsession
By Carrie Jones
Publication Date: September 13th 2011

From Goodreads:

Aimee and Alan have secrets. Both teens have unusual pasts and abilities they prefer to keep hidden. But when they meet each other, in a cold Maine town, they can't stop their secrets from spilling out. Strange things have been happening lately, and they both feel that something-or someone- is haunting them. They're wrong. Despite their unusual history and powers, it's neither Aimee nor Alan who is truly haunted. It's Alan's cousin Courtney who, in a desperate plea to find her missing father, has invited a demon into her life-and into her body. Only together can Aimee and Alan exorcise the ghost. And they have to move quickly, before it devours not just Courtney but everything around her.

Filled with heart-pounding romance, paranormal activity, and rich teen characters to love-and introducing an exciting new YA voice, Steven Wedel-this novel is exactly what Carrie Jones fans have been waiting for. Meet your next obsession.

What are you waiting on this week?

Like Mandarin by Kirsten Hubbard

Reading Level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 320 Pages

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 978-0-385-73935-1

My Rating: 5/5

It's hard to find beauty in the Badlands of Washokey, Wyoming. Fourteen-year-old Grace Carpenter sure knows there's nothing beautiful about her mother's pageant obsessions, or about the cowboy dances or pickup trucks adored by her small-town classmates. True beauty is wild girl Mandarin Ramey: seventeen, shameless, and utterly carefree. Studious and self-conscious. Grace would give anything to be like Mandarin.
When these girls, so utterly different from one another, are united for a school project, they embark on an unlikely, explosive friendship, packed with nights spent skinny-dipping in the canal, liberating the town's animal head trophies, and searching for someplace magic. When Mandarin suggests that they make a pact to run away, Grace goes along with the idea on a whim. Maybe it's the wildwinds that plague their badlands town the make her say yes.
After a while, however, Grace has second thoughts. It turns out that Mandarin's unique beauty hides a girl who's troubled-even dangerous. And no matter how hard Grace fights to keep their friendship alive, even the strongest relationships can't withstand betrayal.

'Like Mandarin' easily surpassed my expectations. I was completely hooked by Grace and Mandarin by the end of the Chapter 1. I love to read fantasy books with supernatural creatures and the works but every once in a while, it's good to touch ground with something as stunningly beautiful as 'Like Mandarin.' Hubbard has an amazing capability to write a captivating story that's so compelling, you can't stop reading till it's over! The worst part of this book for me, was that it had to end. I feel in love with Grace and Mandarin.

The story is told through Grace, a high school student who is advanced for her age. Being skipped up in school because she's overly smart, she comes across withdrawn and isolated. She has this...unhealthy obsession with Mandarin Ramey. They slowly become friends and the book is basically their story. Mandarin is as toxic as they come, at least for Grace. She tries to corrupt her by putting her in the most undesirable situations. In the beginning of the book, Grace is normal, good grades, tried to keep to herself. After meeting Mandarin, she's dressing a little more provocatively, and acting a little more crazy. When it comes to Mandarin, everything else is second.

Hubbard created an amazing story. 'Like Mandarin' has definitely been one of my favorite books of 2011. It's incredible! I wish that I could share a little piece of the world that she has created in 'Like Mandarin' with everyone. I can't wait to read more from Kirsten, but I have to admit, it will be hard to pass the bar set with 'Like Mandarin.'

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.

This week I received one book but I'm super excited about it!

For review:
A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

From Goodreads:

Skye never questioned the story of her life. Her Aunt Jo adopted her after the death of her parents when she was just a child, and together they flip through memories the way some people flip through photo albums.

She never questioned if the stories were true.

Until the night of her 17th birthday, when the arrival of two strangers intrudes on her cozy life. Polar opposites, like fire and ice, Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair, cold, and aloof. Skye has no idea what they want—only that their presence coincides with the beginning of some shockingly strange events. Events that Skye, if she dares to think it, might be responsible for causing.

High up in the mountains of Boulder, Colorado, Skye finds herself caught in the middle of an ancient battle, one that began untold millennia ago. Torn between unpredictable Asher, whom she loves, and the infuriating Devin, who she can’t stay away from, her fate is murky as a starless night. And as the secrets of her true identity are revealed, Skye realizes that her destiny may reside in the Heavens—or somewhere darker.

What did you receive in your mailbox? : )

Friday Book Blogger Hop!

Friday's Book Blogger Hop is normally hosted Crazy for Books, but this week Lori's reading corner is guest hosting it so hop on over and check it out! :)


This week's question is:

“WHO IS THE ONE AUTHOR THAT YOU ARE DYING TO MEET?

Oh man, I can only pick one?!?! There are SO many. I really want to meet B.Pine who wrote 'Familiar Origins' because she is amazingly awesome and super nice. I want to meet Richelle Mead because she wrote one of my favorite series, 'Vampire Academy' and Melissa De La Cruz, Charlaine Harris, Stephen King, shall I continue? lol. I really can't just pick one...it's too hard. Especially since there are so many incredible authors! I'm very interested to read every ones answers though!

I also have to apologize that I couldn't get the picture to work for the book blogger hop. I tried a few times and it kept just saying it was a broken link. I'll try again later to figure it out! : )

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Reading Level: Young Adult

Paperback: 544 Pages

Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers

ISBN-13: 978-0316015844

My Rating: 5/5

About three things I was absolutely positive.
First, Edward was a vampire.
Second, there was a part of him-and I didn't know how potent that part might be-that thirsted for my blood.
And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.

I need to start off this review by saying that I read 'Twilight' a long time ago. However, I didn't have my book blog then. If I did, I can assure you that it would have been fulled with me swooning over Edward Cullen and just gushing about the book in general. I thought that, since it's been a little while since I've read (or reread) 'Twilight,' it was safe to write a fair and accurate review without having heart palpitations every time I mention a certain sparkling vampire. I fully intend to write a review for all 4 books in the Twilight Saga but for now, let's just start with Twilight.

'Twilight' is the story of Bella Swan. Not that I feel the need to reiterate the story to you as I am sure we are all VERY aware of who Bella and the Cullens are. Bella moves to Forks, Washington, meets an incredibly beautiful boy named Edward who turns out to be a vampire. And a sparkling one at that! I think that Stephenie Meyer has a very...unique writing style. I do love 'Twilight'-the book-even to this day. But Stephenie Meyers book is unbelievable. I am not ashamed to say, I was obsessed when I read 'Twilight.' From the first page on, I was hooked. I was "irrevocably" in love with it lol. I do highly recommend that everyone at least try 'Twilight' out, it may not exactly be your cup of tea but I love it.

I don't think I've ever read through anything as quickly as I read through the 'Twilight Saga.' It completely consumed my life for a long time. It's so...compelling that I've heard of women leaving their boyfriends, heck even their husbands, because they can't compare to Edward Cullen from 'Twilight.' I won't comment on that but I will say, I almost loved 'Twilight' that much lol. However, my love for the 'Twilight Saga' has faded, I'll never have a bookshelf that doesn't have the entire Saga on it. It rekindled my love for reading and brought me back into a world I had given up on! I haven't stopped since so I am forever thankful to Stephenie Meyer and the 'Twilight Saga.'

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine.

My Waiting on Wednesday pick for this week is:

Bloodlines
by Richelle Mead
Publication Date: August 23, 2011

From Amazon:

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

What's your Waiting on Wednesday pick this week?



The Magician by Michael Scott

Reading Level: Young Adult

Paperback: 496 Pages

Publisher: Delcarote Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 978-0-385-73728-9

My Rating: 4/5

California:
In the hands of Dr. John Dee and the Dark Elders, the book of Abraham the Mage could mean the destruction of the world as we know it. The most powerful book of all time, it holds the secret of eternal life-a secret more dangerous than any one man should ever possess. And Dee is two pages away from the knowledge that would bring the Dark Elders into ultimate power.
His only obstacle? Josh and Sophie Newman-who are eight thousand miles away.
Paris:
After fleeing Ojai, Nicholas, Sophie, Josh, and Scatty emerge in Paris. The City of Light. Home to Nicholas Flamel. Only, this homecoming is anything but sweet.
Niccolo Machiavelli, immortal author and celebrated are collector, lives in Paris and is working for Dee. He's in hot pursuit, and time is running out for Nicholas and Perenelle. Every day they spend without the book, they age one year: their magic becomes weaker and their bodies more frail. For Flamel, the Prophecy is clearer and clearer. It's time for Sophie to learn the second elemental magic.
Fir Magic.
And there's only one man who can teach her: Flamel's old student the Comte de Saint-Germain-alchemist, magician, and rock star.
Josh and Sophie Newman are the world's only hope. If they don't turn on each other first.

When I first started reading 'The Magician' by Michael Scott, I was completely confused. I could barely remember anything from the first one. But, after reading for a little bit, I quickly caught on to what was going on and everything that lead up to it. 'The Magician' is written very well, just like I've come to expect from Scott. It picks up exactly where 'The Alchmyst' leaves off and there is something going on from beginning to end.

'The Magician' is the continuing story of Sophie and Josh Newman, alongside Nicholas, Perenelle, and some new and very memorable characters. At the end of 'The Alchemyst' Sophie, Josh, the Shadow, and Nicholas were escaping to Paris from Dr. John Dee. But, when in Paris, they face a new opponent, Niccolo Machiavelli. Sophie has been 'awakened' but Josh hasn't, so he struggles with that as does Sophie. They are constantly on the run from Niccolo, Nidhogg, Disir, Dr. Dee, Golems, animated statues, you name it, and they are being chased by it or fighting it!

The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel has been, and continues to be, one of my favorite series. I'm looking forward to reading 'The Sorceress' and then, the newest book in the series, 'The Warlock'. Scott has a very distinct writing style and his combination of fiction with non-fiction makes this series completely captivating and leaves you thinking about it for days!

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly event hosted by The Story Siren.

The books I got this week are:

Thirst No. 1 by Christopher Pike

Strange Angles by Lili St.Crow

The Demon Trappers Daughter by Jana Oliver

The Body Finder by Kimberely Derting

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

What did you receive in your mailbox?

R.A.K.

Apparently, it's June! lol. I didn't even realize. So, since it's the end of the month, I need to post my huge thanks to the lovely ladies over at Book Soulmates for having the RAK. I think it's one of the best things I've seen so far, for those of you who don't know what RAK is, I highly suggest that you check it out. It's incredible!
Another HUGE thanks to Cialina over at Muggle Born. She sent me a copy of 'Across the Universe' by Beth Revis! I'm so excited and I can't wait to read it. Thank you so much Cialina! : )

I can't wait to see what everyone else's RAK's were! And make sure you hop on over to Cialina's blog and check it out! : )

Never Knowing by Chevy Stevens

Hardcover: 416 Pages

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

ISBN: 978-0-312-59568-5

Release Date: July 5, 2011

My Rating: 5/5

At Thirty-Three, Sara Gallagher is finally happy. Her antique furniture restoration business is taking off and she's engaged to a wonderful man. But there's one big question that still haunts her-who are her birth parents? Sara is finally ready to find out.
When her birth mother rejects her, she discovers her biological father is an infamous killer who's been hunting woman every summer for more than thirty years.
Soon she realizes the only thing worse than finding out your father is a killer is him finding out about you.

'Never Knowing' is an action packed thriller from start to finish. There is never a dull moment in the book. I really loved this book. Maybe because I found that I could relate to Sara in more way than one, or maybe because it was written beautifully. Either way, it's an incredible story! I was hooked from the beginning and it just kept getting more and more intense. I'm going to be going out and picking up 'Still Missing' which is Stevens debut novel. I honestly can't wait to read more from her, I loved this book so much! I don't know why I waited so long to read it.

The story is told by Sara. Her story is tragic in so many ways...my heart just kept breaking and breaking for her. I was attached. I'm still attached. Just like Sara, I'm obsessed. I wish that it didn't have to end! I don't want to say too much about the story because the book is not out yet BUT I will say, in one word, incredible! It held my interest from start to finish.

'Never Knowing' is empowering. One of the things I loved about it, is that it's so believable. I was explaining the book to someone and they though it was a "true story" book. It's suspenseful and engaging from beginning to end. I highly recommend it. I can't wait to read more from Chevy Stevens.