New England Witch Chronicles by Chelsea Bellingeri

Reading Level: Young Adult

Paperback: 356 Pages

Publisher: CreateSpace

ISBN-10: 1463648979
ISBN-13: 978-14636978

My Rating: 5/5

From Amazon:
The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 were an embarrassing stain on America’s revered past. Innocent people were persecuted at the hands of a few over-zealous puritans. But what if there were real witches during those colonial hunts? What if there are witches in present day New England? That is what Alexandria Ramsey’s crazy grandmother believes. Grandma Claudia claims Alex descends from a long line of New England witches. Modern day witches in Hazel Cove, Massachusetts? Unlikely, but strange things are occurring in the weeks preceding Alex’s seventeenth birthday, which also coincides with her family’s annual Halloween party. Alex is haunted by bizarre reoccurring nightmares of a man chasing her through the Hazel Cove Cemetery. On a few occasions, when her emotions have spiraled out of control, inanimate objects have shattered around her. But that’s just a coincidence, right? Alex isn’t so sure, especially after a local girl, who supposedly dabbled in witchcraft, was killed in the nearby forest. Alex knows something strange is happening to her. With the arrival of a new boy in town, the mischievous James Van Curen, who is making her life difficult and causing problems between Alex and her best friend, Peter, Alex feels like her entire world is on the verge of chaos. Could Alex really be a witch? Is it possible Hazel Cove will become a battleground for modern day witches and witch hunters?

The first word that comes to mind when I think about 'New England Witch Chronicles' is WOW! I didn't really know what to expect when I started reading it. I read the description for the book, thought it sounded interesting so I agreed to review it. I never knew what I was getting into or that I would love it this much! I mean, I'm totally blown away! I can't believe that this book has not gotten more recognition than what it has, it's incredible! I also can't believe that I haven't heard of it before. I would have completely devoured this entire book in one sitting if I didn't have other things to do. Even now, I'm anxious to read more but there isn't more. There will be a book 2 and I can not wait to get my hands on it.

The story is that of Alex Ramsey. She lives in Hazel Cove, Massachusetts in an area known as the Hallows. Her father, Victor, is an attorney and her mother a drunk. She has a lifelong best friend named Peter. I really don't want to say too much about the book...because I want everyone to read it. I insist! But, Alex notices weird things going on around her. And most of them start with the arrival of a new kid at school, James, and his father. These events almost tear apart the one relationship she cherishes most out of them all, her lifelong friendship with Peter.

'New England Witch Chronicles' surpassed my expectations in a drastic way. I couldn't imagine loving this book as much as I do. And the ending was to die for! I mean, it's a cliffhanger and I practically got goosebumps! I'm not sure right now when the next book comes out, but I can assure you, the day it's out, I'll be first in line to buy it. This book deserves WAY more attention that what it's currently getting and I think everyone should read it. It was simply amazing!

In My Mailbox

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

I haven't done IMM in a couple weeks so this is from all of those weeks! hehe.
For review:
New England Witch Chronicles by Chelsea Bellingeri

From RAK:
Bones of Faerie by Jamie Lee Simner-from Sara @ Urban Fantasy Reader
Torment by Lauren Kate-from Lacey @ Owl Love You Books
       Thank you both!!! :)
Won:
Still Missing by Chevy Stevens

Bought:
The Secret Garden
Alice in Wonderland

Friday Book Blogger Hop!

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

This weeks question is:

“Non-book-related this week!! Do you have pets?”

Yes I do!! I love animals haha. But I have one cat right now. She is a cross but looks like a Norwegian Forest Cat. This isn't a picture of her, she's WAY cuter hehe, but that's what she looks like:

Well...she looks similar to that. And her name is Bella, but not because of Twilight. haha.

I hope everyone post's pictures of their pets. I can't wait to see them! I love animals! :)

Oriana's Eyes by Celeste Simone

Reading Level: Young Adult

Paperback: 268 Pages

Publisher: iUniverse

ISBN-10: 144018724X
ISBN-13: 978-1440187247

My Rating: 4/5

As a pure-blood Winglet, Oriana isn't supposed to look at a half-blood much less speak to one. Half-bloods are the lowest of all races at Odon's University, because they are half Winglet and half Finlet. But when the half-blood, Dorian, locks eyes with her in the hallway, Oriana can't help becoming intrigued by his daring nature.
After sneaking out to the garden in the middle of the night to talk to him, Oriana knows she can't let her feelings go. She fears not following Odon's rules, but the more she sees Dorian the more she wants to break them all.
As Oriana's idea of perfection beings to crumble she seeks a way out of the imprisoning University that threatens not only her happiness, but her very life.
Dorian promises he has a plan to take her far away, but Oriana doubts they can escape Odon's all-seeing eye. She isn't sure what she fears more, being stuck in the University or finding out what lies beyond.

I was immediately drawn to 'Oriana's Eyes' after being contacted by the author and reading the synopsis. I hadn't heard of it before but I'm glad to have had the chance to read it because I really liked it. Oriana's story, and everyone else in the world Simone has created, is sad and beautiful at the same time. There is so much raw emotion in 'Oriana's Eyes' and it leaves you thinking about it long after you finish reading.

'Oriana's Eyes' is the story of Oriana. She is a Winglet at the University under the reign of Odon. Odon is like....a godly figure in the story. He controls everything, sets all the rules, and he has a group of Odonians to carry out his demands. Oriana has always been different. She always thinks outside the box and has never fully fallen under the same spell as everyone else. The Winglets and Finlets look down on the Half-Bloods and Part-Bloods but she doesn't. She stands out and it's her willingness to embrace that which is different and the fact that she isn't necessarily afraid that makes her stick out to Dorian. But because Dorian is a half-blood, they can't be together.

'Oriana's Eyes' is the first book in the 'Great Oak Trilogy' and I honestly can't wait to read the rest. Although 'Oriana's Eyes' ended on a final note that it could be one conclusive book, there is still so much possibility for a further story. I can't wait to find out what happens with Dorian. Will the power get to his head and he'll become like Odon? Or will he always find that safety and strength in Oriana to keep him level headed and in control? I will definitely be on the lookout for book number 2.

Micheal Grant's New Series 'Go BZRK'

I have to share this awesome new thing I was contacted about. It's a "transmedia" type of thing. It's definitely a book but there are SO many other aspects to it so, I had to share! I'm super excited about it! So, here is, pretty much, everything you need to know about it and I hope you will all check it out:


The missing son of a U.N. diplomat... the reemergence of a strange organization... a pair of society twins caught in the middle... this is just the beginning of "Go BZRK," a new transmedia experience from author Michael Grant.

If you're ready to take the plunge in an interactive story like you've never experienced before, visit societytwins.com and register with nexushumanus.com to take your first steps in a strange and compelling universe.Filled with video, puzzles, community collaboration, and more, "Go BZRK" put YOU the player right in the middle of the action as you join Nexus Humanus and unravel a mystery that may hold the key to the fate of all mankind.

A Q&A with author Michael Grant.

What is “Go BZRK”? Is this a book or some kind of interactive story?

Both. The book comes out this winter, but the interactive part starts now.  One leads up to the other, but they're part of a complete package.

Why “transmedia”?

There are different approaches to transmedia.  Most people take a single story and reproduce it on various platforms.  My philosophy has been to make each element - ARG, app, web, book - a thing unto itself, each revealing some aspect of the world of BZRK.  I've been fascinated with this is as a new way to tell stories.  The book remains central, but now I can reach beyond the book and create a much more complete world.  I can tell stories that enhance the book, and stories that parallel the book, and stories that are offshoots of backstory.  I guess the answer to "why" is "because it's fun."

Is this the future of publishing?

I began a few years ago reaching out to publishers and saying we collectively needed to understand that the old models were dead or dying.  I want publishing to survive, and of course I'd like my own career to thrive.  So Egmont Publishing and my partners and I certainly hope this is a part of the future of publishing. 

How long is this running? Is this part of a larger picture?

We'll be running this in several chunks between now and the book release this winter. Because these things have a hard start/stop point, August is a ramp-up phase. There'll be a lot of content coming out, but the experience really gets underway at the end of the month… just in time to distract the kids from their schoolwork.

What if someone wants to follow the story but doesn’t want to participate?

You don't have to do anything.  You can do one thing and not another.  But the deeper you plunge the wetter you get.  I think every part of this is fun, I think people will enjoy the ARG, the app, the site and the books. 

App? You've mentioned that a couple times now.

Just wait and see.

What can you tell us about the story? What is “BZRK”?

It's a battle for the soul and freedom of the human race carried out simultaneously in the world we know, and in a world that you're not going to expect. It's a world where if you make a false move, you're going to lose your mind.

Insanity… is this something you have a personal familiarity with?

The line between writer and crazy person is very thin.  Both go around holding long, involved conversations with people who aren't there.

What’s this other world thing all about?

Do you really want spoilers? I'll tell you this. We'll be going "down in the meat." It's going to be vast, bloody, and beautiful.

Wait… isn’t this supposed to be for kids?

Adults like to flatter themselves that kids won't get, won't understand, won't be able to handle, more intense, more complex stories. That's nonsense.  It's the adults who are easy to creep out or scare.  Say the word "biopsy" in a room full of adults. Or "audit."  See?  Easy to scare.  Kids are a tougher audience because kids think they're immortal. 

I hope that answers many of the questions people have about 'Go BZRK.' To me, it sounds incredible and I can't wait to dive into it!

Friday Book Blogger Hop!

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

This week's question is:

“What’s the LONGEST book you’ve ever read?”
(Note: I’m putting one caveat on this question. You aren’t allowed to say the Bible, Torah, Qur’an, or other religious/spiritual text.)

I honestly have no idea what the longest single book I've read is. I've read a lot. But, I have to also say it was probably a Stephen King novel. I own practically every Stephen King novel and I've read them all. So I'm sure one of them had to have been the longest haha.

Released by Megan Duncan

Reading Level: Young Adult

Paperback: 260 Pages

Publisher: CreateSpace

ISBN-10: 1461017726
ISBN-13: 978-1461017721

My Rating: 5/5

After a demon apocalypse kills their parents and everyone they know, 17-year old Abby Phillips, her brother Carter, and friend, Max flee their home to travel through what has become the wastelands of America. When radio transmissions of a resistance offering shelter and safety cease, Abby is tempted to give up. Struggling to overcome life-threatening obstacles in their dangerous journey, Abby and her companions quickly discover there are much worse things lurking in the dark than they could have ever imagined.

I've been wanting to read 'Released' by Megan Duncan for a long time. So I'm happy I was finally able to. 'Released' is an incredible book. It was a lot better than I even thought it was going to be! I not only fell in love with the characters, but I fell in love with the story. I connected with the characters very easily, which was a bit shocking, and the relationships between the characters is easy to believe. I've read a few books lately where I felt either disconnected from the characters or the characters were disconnected from the story. I'm happy to say, this was not one of those times! Duncan does an amazing job of showing the emotions of all the characters in 'Released.' You can feel their pain as you read, or their happiness. Their success' and failures.

'Released' tells the story of Abby, her brother Carter, and her long time crush (and Carter's best friend) Max. They lost both of their parents, mom when they were younger, and dad from the demon apocalypse. 'Released' is basically their struggle for survival against the thousands of demons, hell hounds, gremlins, and completely insane people while they travel to a military safe zone in New Mexico. They have to travel across the Country but, luckily for them, they have some experience. Along the way they meet some....interesting people. They rescue a girl named Taya and she quickly becomes a part of their group.

Duncan did an amazing job writing 'Released.' It's one of those books that you can feel as you're reading it. When they are being attacked by a demon, you can feel their fear just from the way Duncan writes. I'm definitely in love with character Abby and I can't wait to read book 2 in the series! I will definitely be keeping an eye out for that especially with the way things ended in 'Released.'

Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan

Reading Level: Young Adult

Paperback (ARC): 320 Pages

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date: September 27, 2011

ISBN: 978-0-312-59056-7

My Rating: 4/5

In this thrilling first installment, a violent battle separates two young lovers on a ship bound for New Earth. Will they find a way back to their ship-and each other? And most importantly, will the survive and preserve the future of the human race?

When I first started reading 'Glow' I thought it was similar to 'Across The Universe' by Beth Revis. However, the more I read, the more I realized how entirely different the two books are. 'Glow' jumps right into action within the first couple of chapters. And it's one of those books that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire book! The book never really dragged for me but my opinion started to change a little towards the end.

'Glow' is the story of Keiran and Waverly. Two children on the spaceship Empyrean on a route to New Earth. That's why I felt it was similar to 'Across The Universe' and for those reasons alone. 'Glow' quickly distinguishes itself as an action packed, enticing read, that is unlike any other. I literally have not read a book even remotely close to 'Glow.'

Ryan sets herself apart from her competition in a fierce way. She is a notable up and coming and I'm very interested to read the rest of the series. I was completely enthralled in 'Glow' from about a third of the way in and couldn't put it down after. I quickly jumped into Ryan's world and loved every minute of it! It's a fantastic story with awesome characters and an incredible story line. And her ability to make you anxious to keep reading and building suspense, incredible! I will definitely be on the look out for the next book in the series and I think everyone should check out 'Glow' on September 27th.

In My Mailbox

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

This week I received:
For Review:


Oriana's Eyes by Celeste Simone

Released by Megan Duncan

RAK:
The Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck-thank you Lacey @ Owl Love You Books! :)

Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow

Reading Level: Young Adult

 Paperback: 304 Pages

Publisher: Razorbill

ISBN-10: 1595142517
ISBN-13: 978-1595142511

My Rating: 3/5

The Real World is a frightening place. Just ask sixteen-year-old Dru Anderson, a tough girl who has taken down her fair share of bad guys. She's armed, dangerous, and ready to kill first and ask questions later. So it's gonna take her a while to figure out who she can trust...
Dru Anderson has been "strange" for as long as she can remember, traveling from town to town with her father to hunt the things that go bump in the night. It's a weird life, but a good one-until it all explodes in an icy, broken-down Dakota town, when a hungry zombie bursts through her kitchen door. Alone, terrified, and trapped, Dru's going to need every inch of her wit and training to stay alive. The monsters have decided to hunt back-and this time, Dru's on their menu. Chances oh survival? Slim to none.

'Strange Angels' by Lili St. Crow was really slow for me. I didn't get into it right away and at times, it felt like it really dragged. I thought I'd check it out because I saw it advertised in the back of one of my 'Vampire Academy' books. So, I checked it out but I didn't think it was really a series for me. I love the show 'Supernatural' which is what this book sort of reminds me of. It's like a mix of 'Supernatural,' 'Twilight' and 'Vampire Academy.' The ending of 'Strange Angels' changed my opinion of the book though. I was contemplating giving this book a lower rating but I liked the ending. And it's because of it, that I'll be getting the next book in the series.

'Strange Angels' is the story of Dru Anderson. Her mother died when she was very young, and her father is a hunter of the supernatural. He goes after all things from Suckers to Zombies. Dru is used to moving so, when her father moves her from Florida to Dakota, it's no surprise. What is a surprise, is that her father doesn't come home one night. While Dru is at school, she meets a boy named Graves. Graves becomes her savior in many ways. And he is always a strong point for her. He gives up and does a lot for her. It's a good story but I felt that it was a little slow for me. The end of the book had a lot going on but for me, everything else was a little slow.

I really didn't think that the ending would have changed the way I felt about the book. While I liked the characters, I couldn't really connect with them. It was difficult. However, they were interesting and all have very distinct qualities that set them apart. There is good character development, and in the end you are left with questions. Now that I've finished reading 'Strange Angels' I want to know what happens next. How tough will Dru really be? What happens with Christophe? Will we learn more about Dru's mom? I have lots of questions. And it's because of that, that I will definitely be getting book 2, 'Betrayals.'

And I'm back!

Just wanted to let everyone know that, I'm home from vacation. I got in really late last night but I'm home. I have some awesome stuff going on in the next few weeks and a couple of those things will be giveaways. I hope to have an author interview or two! And some reviews, of course. But, I'd like to take today to recuperate and do some laundry! Just wanted to let everyone know I'm back! : )

Vacation!

Hey guys, I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm going on vacation for a week. I'll be camping in Canada and I won't be back until next Thursday! So I won't be able to post anything until I get back on Thursday.
But, when I get back I'm planning on having a giveaway because I just realized that I didn't have my 200 follower giveaway yet! AH! And I'm SO excited to be over 200 followers, thank you! :)
So, next Thursday, watch out for an awesome giveaway! See you all then! :)

A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

Reading Level: Young Adult

Paperback (ARC): 400 Pages

Publisher: HarperTeen

Release Date: September 27, 2011

ISBN: 978-0-06-199056-6

My Rating: 5/5

Skye first sees dark, charming Asher and golden, reserved Devin on the night of her seventeenth birthday. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move. They even know things about her that strangers could never know. Soon she begins to question not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.
Skye's torn between the one she can't help falling for and the one she can't stay away from. The consequences of her choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine.

'A Beautiful Dark' by Jocelyn Davies is one of the most amazing reads that I've experienced in a long time. I literally just finished reading it and I jumped right on the computer to write this review. It catches your interest from the start and holds it. And the ending, WOW! 'A Beautiful Dark' is incredible and I can definitely see myself reading it again and again! Jocelyn Davies delivered with 'A Beautiful Dark,' I'm still trying to stop reeling from all the excitement!

I won't say much about 'A Beautiful Dark' because it's an ARC. But, I will say, it was fantastic. I haven't been so in love with a book since Twilight, or The Hunger Games! 'A Beautiful Dark' is about a teenage girl named Skye. She has a very tragic story. She doesn't really doesn't date much, but she doesn't have that typical "average teenage girl" thing that you see in so many books lately. She's opinionated, thinks logically, and is all around, an amazing character!

I think that everyone should put 'A Beautiful Dark' by Jocelyn Davies on their wish list. For me, it's an absolute must have! I was completely captivated by it through the entire read. Davies has an incredible writing style that hooks into you and makes you want to read more and more! This is her debut novel, and wow, did she make an entrance onto the YA scene. Everyone will love 'A Beautiful Dark' especially fans of 'Fallen' and 'Twilight.'