Hunger Games meets Graceling: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass

by Sarah J. Maas

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, High Fantasy

Release Date: August 7, 2012

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Source: Bought/Own Copy

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Author's Website

Synopsis:

In a land without magic, where the king rules with an iron hand, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She comes not to kill the king, but to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she is released from prison to serve as the king's champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien.

The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her. But something evil dwells in the castle of glass--and it's there to kill. When her competitors start dying one by one, Celaena's fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival, and a desperate quest to root out the evil before it destroys her world.

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Review: 

First and foremost, I would like to thank Sarah J. Maas for creating such a wonderful story. This book has once again rendered me speechless. It shocks me how this book have managed to grip me for the second time since not all books can do that for they usually lose their magic the second time I read them, but Maas somehow made this book compelling that it makes me want to reread it all over again. It has everything of what I look for when it comes to YA novels; strong heroine, action, mystery, romance and as always, a swoon-worthy boy, or boys, rather. Not to mention its very unique plot. 

Celaena Sardothien used to be Adarlan's most notorious assassin. Not only was she famous for her killer skills, but also for her deadly looks. But everything changed the moment she got captured. She was no longer Adarlan's most notorious assassin but a mere slave in the salty mines of Endovier. After a year of slavery, she's now greeted by the Crown Prince of Adarlan, Dorian Havilliard, and the captain of the guard, Chaol Westfall, with a chance to regain her freedom by participating in a contest which will decide who'll be the champion of the King she hates so much. 

I am completely in awe of the plot. It is so engaging to the point that I couldn't put the book down while I was reading it. There was never a dull moment in it—every moment either had romance, mystery or action in it. The way she blended those 3 aspects into one story makes me want to give this book more than five stars. Though the story did remind me of Hunger Games and Graceling, I can assure you that Throne of Glass is very different from those two. The only thing that it has in common with Graceling is the high-fantasy world and the heroine being an assassin whilst the competition in the Hunger Games being similar to the competition in this book. Asides from those and that they’re all in my all-time favorites shelf, it's safe to say that Throne of Glass has nothing more in common with those two books. 

Plot aside, the writing style of Maas is something to die for. It certainly did an excellent job in making this book even more beautiful. I love that it's written in third person pov and that she sometimes didn't immediately reveal who the narrator was, thus adding more mystique to the book.

“My name is Celaena Sardothien. But it makes no difference if my name's Celaena or Lillian or Bitch, because I'd still beat you, no matter what you call me.” 

It's no secret that I'm a sucker for strong-heroines and Celaena Sardothien is no exception. To say that I liked her is an understatement. Celaena has got to be part of my top 10 most loved heroines. I loved everything about her character. She knows she’s beautiful and she doesn't fish for compliments. Despite her being an assassin; she's feminine—she reads, dress up and play music. Though she may look strong outside, she's actually quite vulnerable. And the best part is that she’s not one of those self-pity type of character. She doesn't let other people stand on her, instead she fights back.

As for Celaena’s love interest or should I say, interests, Prince Dorian and Chaol Westfall are both handsome lads. Chaol being a cold guy on the surface, but actually sweet and protective inside. Prince Dorian, on the other hand, is kind, charming and also sweet. It was tough choosing who do I want Celaena to be with between those two, but I have to give it to the captain Chaol. I think Celaena's more fitting to be with him since she has more chemistry with Chaol than with Dorian, though I do love him. It's just that I didn't feel anything when they were together, but when Celaena is with Chaol, that's a different story.

All in all, I think that Throne of Glass is an astounding novel. It has a plot that will surely keep you awake, a clever main character who uses things to her advantage and a love triangle which, surprisingly, isn't annoying.

Rating:

Halloween Giveaway: Unbreakable by Kami Garcia

First, we would like to thank our 33 followers! Yaaaay! And with Halloween just around the corner, we are having yet another giveaway!

Finally, the perfect time to read books of the paranormal genre has arrived! To reward our awesome followers and to celebrate this year's halloween, we are giving away a copy of Unbreakable by New York Times Bestselling author Kami Garcia! Good luck and may you have a spooky halloween! 

Unbreakable (The Legion #1)
by Kami Garcia
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, High Fantasy

Release Date: October 1, 2013

Publisher: Little, Brown

Source: Bought/Own Copy

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Author's Website

Synopsis:

Supernatural meets The Da Vinci Code in this action-packed paranormal thriller, the first book in a new series from New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia.

I never believed in ghosts. Until one tried to kill me.

When Kennedy Waters finds her mother dead, her world begins to unravel. She doesn’t know that paranormal forces in a much darker world are the ones pulling the strings. Not until identical twins Jared and Lukas Lockhart break into Kennedy’s room and destroy a dangerous spirit sent to kill her. The brothers reveal that her mother was part of an ancient secret society responsible for protecting the world from a vengeful demon — a society whose five members were all murdered on the same night.

Now Kennedy has to take her mother’s place in the Legion if she wants to uncover the truth and stay alive. Along with new Legion members Priest and Alara, the teens race to find the only weapon that might be able to destroy the demon — battling the deadly spirits he controls every step of the way.

Suspense, romance, and the paranormal meet in this chilling urban fantasy, the first book in a new series from Kami Garcia, bestselling coauthor of the Beautiful Creatures novels.

GIVEAWAY:

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The giveaway is open to residents of the Philippines only. Also, you must be 14 years or older, or have parents' permission to enter. And please remember that we are not responsible for items lost or damaged in the mail. Thank you and wish you luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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Kami Garcia is the #1 New York Times & international bestselling coauthor of the Beautiful Creatures Series and DANGEROUS CREATURES (May 2014) & the author of UNBREAKABLE, the first book in the Legion Series, releasing on October 1, 2013.

BEAUTIFUL CREATURES has been published in 50 countries and translated in 39 languages. The film adaptation of Beautiful Creatures released in theaters on February 14, 2013, from Warner Brothers, starring: Viola Davis, Jeremy Irons, Emma Thompson, Emmy Rossum, Alice Englert, and Alden Ehrenreich.

Kami is fascinated by the paranormal, and she’s very superstitious. When she isn’t writing, Kami can usually be found watching disaster movies, listening to Soundgarden, or drinking Diet Coke. She lives in Maryland with her family, and their dogs Spike and Oz (named after characters from the TV showBuffy the Vampire Slayer).

Kami elsewhere:
Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Pinterest

We do hope that you enjoy our giveaway. And thank you for stopping by! :-)

(Book Blitz) Interview + Excerpts + Giveaway: Unbreathable by Hafsah Laziaf

*Click banner for host's blog

Hi! Welcome to my stop in Unbreathable's release week blitz hosted by Momo of Books Over Boys. A giveaway awaits you below. 

Unbreathable (Unbreathable #1)
by Hafsah Laziaf

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy

Release Date: October 29, 2013

Publisher: Self

Links: Goodreads | Barnes & Noble  | Amazon | Kobo | iBooks | Author's Website

Synopsis:   

One hundred and fifty years ago, Earth was destroyed, and the remaining humans fled to the dusty red planet of Jutaire, where the only oxygen is manufactured, food is scarce, and death strikes often.

When Lissa's father discovers Earth still exists, she accidentally inhales the toxic air of Jutaire, and in one breath, discovers she isn't quite human.

Her father hangs for his discovery, and Lissa knows the Chancellors will come for her, for she saw the Earth that night too. With nothing to lose, she sets out to expose the truth. It isn't long before she meets Julian, a beautiful boy who can breathe the toxic air like she can - and shows her that the Jute, the original inhabitants of the planet, are more tangled in their lives than she knows.

But the Chancellors are only pawns in a greater game - one where the Jute control everything. Worse, the Jute plan to leave Jutaire for Earth, but to get there, they need her. And they'll stop at nothing until Lissa is in their clutches, even if they kill every human in the process.

The race for Earth has begun.

Unbreathable is a tale of love, redemption, and sacrifice, and one girl's struggle to find her place in a world where she doesn't belong.

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GIVEAWAY:

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpts:

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EXCERPT 1

If Julian notices my confusion, he doesn’t let on. In fact, he swiftly switches topic. “Did you really see the Earth?”

“Yes.” The word flies free from my lips. The outburst between Julian and Slate disappears from my mind. I’m light-headed, filled with a giddy happiness, at the thought of having another person to trust, despite the tendrils of warning fear.

“What’s it like?” For a moment, I think he's asking about trust. But when I meet his eyes, I know. Only one thing in our dwindling world can lighten and brighten a person's eyes to full awe.

“Earth?” I ask anyway. He nods and excitement builds in my chest. I've never spoken to anyone about Earth. It’s a secret that could take me straight to the gallows. But right now, I don’t care. “It really is green and blue and white, but different. Alive, almost.”

His eyes light up and I want to grab his hand and push away the sun, entice the moon into the sky so I can show him Earth. But I don’t have a scope. I don't have the courage to reach for his hand.

“It’s a perfect round thing floating in a universe of darkness. When you've heard all your life that it doesn't exist, that it isn't real, seeing it for the first time shatters everything else. Everything you thought you knew is a lie.”

“Seeing it in the sky for barely a heartbeat is all you need. Nothing else matters, you know?”

My question echoes in awkward silence. I finger the hem of my shirt and when I meet his eyes, he's staring at me with an expression I can't place. His eyes are a mixture of dark and light and I can't bring myself to look away.

Heat creeps up my cheeks. With a jolt, I realize I'm sitting alone in a room, too close to a boy.

“What?” My voice is barely a whisper.

“Nothing.” He shakes his head. His voice is even softer, close to my whisper. Despite his answer, I can see the words waiting to be said.

“It’s so many millions of miles away”—he pauses and searches my face—“and look what it’s done to you.”

He's right. I can feel it, like a beacon of light inside me, spreading all the way to the tips of my fingers. Even before I saw the Earth, I felt it.

Only Earth could do that to me. At least, that’s what I thought when I saw it that night. But when he looks at me, I think… I think I feel it too. When he speaks, he seems to understand. I’ve been isolated for seventeen years, knowing no one but Father, who knew me all my life, who never truly understood me. Julian has known me for less than a day and he knows. I'm a person in his eyes. Not a shadow who became a criminal’s daughter.

EXCERPT 2

I’m drenched in sweat and embarrassment. Julian doesn't seem to notice when he guides my arm back behind my neck.

My hand trembles beneath his touch. My heart races so fast, I’m afraid it will explode from overheating like the motors I’ve read about. Julian notices. My breath catches at the intensity in his gaze.

“Clear your head, Lissa,” he says softly. I swallow. His hand closes around mine again and my whole body pulses with my heart.

“Pull your hand back, like this.” He pulls my hand back toward my shoulder.

“Focus on the target and nothing else. Then throw.” His voice is lulling. I can't focus on anything but my thrumming heart, my hand pulsing beneath his, and my body, slick with sweat. How can I focus when he is so close?

But when my breathing synchronizes with his, my pulse slows. My mind clears. Julian releases my arm.

And the faded red and white target is all I see. I think of all the physics Gage taught me. The rules of trajectory paths. I close my eyes for a brief heartbeat, expecting to hear his voice and see his face, but all I see is the target. I open my eyes and throw. My arm swings forward and my fingers release the knife. I hold my breath.

And watch as it sticks into the cushioned wall between two targets.

Just as the door opens. And Dena laughs.

I think I might die from humiliation.

“You did good for your first try,” Julian says, but his voice is tight. I could have done better. Especially because she was here to see it.

Dena pulls the dagger from the wall and twirls it her hand.

“I bet you need a break, Jules.” Her voice is suggestive.

Julian's eyes dart to me. “No, I don't. Just leave, Dena.”

She scoffs. “Can't you see how pathetic she is? Why bother? Let the Jute do whatever they want with her. At least they’re good-looking. Better than good, I should say.”

Julian clenches his jaw. His voice drops. “Dena. Leave.”

Dena looks at me for the first time. She opens her mouth.

And I can’t take it anymore. Because anger is stronger than fear. Because I finally snap. “Did anyone ever tell you to take a hike? On Earth, that meant shut up and leave, no one wants your condescension.”

I clamp my mouth shut, heat exploding across my face. Julian snorts and barely covers it with a cough. Dena turns bright red and glares at him.

“You don't want to die anymore, do you, Julian?” She takes in his stricken face before she storms out, slamming the door behind her.

My hands shake when I retrieve the dagger from the floor.

“I'm sorry,” I can barely say.

He scoffs. “Sorry? That was—I didn't think you had it in you. And besides, Dena deserved it.”

I struggle to change the subject. “Can I keep this with me?”

He doesn't answer right away. Finally, he blinks. “Oh yeah, sure. Tomorrow then?”

“Tomorrow,” I say.

He hurries out, leaving me surrounded by a multitude of weapons I can't even use. I stare at the knife in my hand.

We learn as fast as they heal, Julian said.

Pathetic, Dena said.

I'm not. I step back and angle my arm. I'll show her I'm not. I throw the knife. It lands an embarrassing length away from target, worse than before. I pull it free and release a shuddering breath. Anger still pulses through my veins. It is new to me, this anger.

I let it stay, fuel me. And I throw the knife again.

And again and again.

Interview:

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If you had to describe yourself using three words, they would be…

Ambitious, self-conscious, shy

ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE. *it happens* Which literary characters would you want by your side?

Can I choose a character from my own book? Julian. Or Rowan. Not both, though. Eesh.

I am a slogan and it says…

Hafsah - Blogger, Designer, Author

What about writing captivates you the most? 

More than an incredible plot (though it depends on the book), a beautiful writing style. Poetic prose - though not to the extent where I start yawning.

Unbreathable is your upcoming release. How would you describe it in one sentence?

Unbreathable is a tale of love, redemption, and sacrifice, and one girl's struggle to find her place in a world where she doesn't belong.

What was the hardest part of writing Unbreathable?

Figuring out the conflict. I’m the girl who can’t plot, so when Unbreathable was sparked by the line mentioned above, I had no idea how to continue the story. When I was halfway through, there were so many possibilities and directions the story could take. I loved that, but it was terrifying as well. 

What’s one thing that readers would be surprised to find out about you?

Hmm, I’m not sure! That everything about Unbreathable - the cover, the trailer, the marketing - was done by me.

What book are you currently reading?

Perfect Ruin by Lauren DeStefano

Can you share anything about what you’re working on at this time or what’s next?

I’m just getting started on the sequel to Unbreathable, though I’ll probably alternate between that and a new YA fantasy that I am so excited to share with you all.

If Lissa and Julian were superheroes, what would their names be?

Oh. Julian is a little like Captain America, I guess, serious, quiet, and always thinking. Lissa… I’m not sure! You can decide for me ;)

About the author:

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Hafsah Laziaf was born on the east coast on a hot summer day in 1993, raised on the west coast and is now stuck in the middle – in Texas – with more books than she can read. She’s the designer behind IceyDesigns and the blogger behind IceyBooks.

UNBREATHABLE is her debut novel.

Hafsah elsewhere:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Waiting on Wednesday: Champion by Marie Lu

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's Waiting on Wednesday:

Champion (Legend #3)

by Marie Lu

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Dystopia, Science Fiction

Expected Publication Date: November 5, 2013

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Author's Website

The explosive finale to Marie Lu’s New York Times bestselling LEGEND trilogy—perfect for fans of THE HUNGER GAMES and DIVERGENT!

He is a Legend.

She is a Prodigy.

Who will be Champion? 

June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps Elect while Day has been assigned a high level military position. But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them once again. Just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything he has. With heart-pounding action and suspense,
Marie Lu’s bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion.

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As stated above, the release date's on November 5th, which means we're only 123 hours and 4,140 minutes away from getting our hands on this explosive finale to Marie Lu's debut series, Legend. I have been waiting and waiting and waiting for a long time for this book to be released the second I finished Legend's second installment, Prodigy. I mean, I was surprised that I was able to wait this long because (if you have read Prodigy, you'll be nodding with me) Prodigy's ending is one of the most gut-wrenching endings I have read this year!

 I wouldn't want to devour this book in one sitting, but I don't know if my hold on myself's that great, so I might, but I really, really don't want to! As much as possible, I would like to cherish each and every moment I have left with these amazing characters because I don't want them to become a distant memory from my teenage years!

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About the Author:

I write young adult novels, and have a special love for dystopian books. Ironically, I was born in 1984. I like food, fighter jets, afternoon tea, happy people, electronics, the interwebz, cupcakes, pianos, bright colors, rain, Christmas lights, sketches, animation, dogs, farmers' markets, video games, and of course, books. I suck at working out. I also get lost very easily, but am a halfway decent driver. At least, I like to think so. :)

I left Beijing for the States in 1989 and went off to college at the University of Southern California. California weather sweet-talked me into sticking around, so I'm currently in Pasadena with my boyfriend, two Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and a chihuahua mix. In my past life, I was an art director in the video game industry, but now I write full-time.

Marie elsewhere: Twitter | Website | Deviantart

(Sentinel Blog Tour) Interview + Review + Giveaway: Deity by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Click banner for the tour schedule.

Thanks for stopping by my little stop in the Sentinel tour, hosted by Valerie of
Stuck In Books. Be sure to go over the post because a giveaway's waiting for you below.

Deity (Covenant #3)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Genre: Young Adult, Mythology, Romance

Release Date: October 31, 2012

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

Source: Bought/Own Copy

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis:
"History is on repeat, and things didn't go so well the last time. "

Alexandria isn't sure she's going to make it to her eighteenth birthday--to her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she's a goner... and so is Aiden.

If that's not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time "training"--which really is just Seth's code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time--she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome.

But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she's caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed... and destroyed.

Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate...

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Review: 

"I'm afraid of never being allowed to feel what I do."

When I began reading Young Adult fiction, I remember thinking that everything was a huge revelation. Whether I was reading Suzanne Collins, John Green, or James Dashner, every story and its twists were unique and I was immediately hooked, so hooked that, apparently, I can say that I've, to a certain degree, learned the twists of this genre like the back of my hand. Too much that, honestly, the major plot twists that have other readers gripping their armrests come out to me like a plain piece of orange, or maybe a new bromance for a certain band. And It's sad, really, because, way back, I remember plot twists used to make me want to tear my hair out, but now not so. The same indifference to plot twists apply to this book, but it was kick-ass nonetheless.

In Jennifer L. Armentrout's third installment in the Covenant Series, nothing is short of splendour, and Deity is no exception. The success of Jennifer Armentrout's novels comes as no surprise to those of us who have been reading her first series, Lux. I don't know about you, but there is something distinctly amazing about Armentrout's novels that makes readers go gaga over her creations. When I first read Covenant, I immediately thought wrong of the amount of its correspondence with the critically acclaimed series, Vampire Academy. The plot was sort of the same, but when you read all of the series's books, it turns out that really isn't. I was so pleased that this series finally has its own spotlight and is now out of Vampire Academy's shadow because, if you forget about Vampire Academy for a while and give this series a chance, it'll take you on a roller coaster of emotions and blow your mind.

Jennifer's writing is, as expected, just flawless! And every bit as ravishing and addictive. You just can't help but turn the pages, even when you whisper to yourself 'just one more chapter', you ended up finishing the whole book in a day, and just staring at the ceiling, thinking about how wounded her endings have left you (she writes the most gut-wrenching ones, I swear). This book just proves that Jennifer is, in fact, a GODDESS! (I love you, woman!) She just amazes me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. There's really nothing I could add that anybody hasn't said before.

For the characters, I really loved Alex, right from the very start, I worshipped the ground she walked on and was her number 1 fan. She was just so kick-ass and brave and amazing! Her development all throughout the series was just remarkable and totally relevant. Her recklessness and her tendency to just do things were the two most distinctive characters about her before, but now I have noticed that she weighs the consequences of an action which makes me like her even more because, let's be honest, who likes a protagonist who's always walking right into the traps? Certainly not me! Haha. Moving on, I also commend her newfound ability of decisiveness. She now acknowledges her feelings and expresses them unlike before. Though I ship her 10000000x stronger with Seth than with Aiden, I have to say that the step they took, and not to mention who she took it with, have to be worth it and permanent because, if not, I may have to strangle the life out of her when her heart decides that she really wants to be with Seth. But I badly wan't her to end up with Seth, so I don't know.

Hmmm, now onto Aiden.. As stated on the paragraph above, I am not a big fan of his. I do have to commend for the risk he has taken for Alex. It was sweet. Buuuuut nooooo! He's too cheesy for my liking. Sorry, Aiden lovers!

On the other side of the ring, there's Seth, the Appolyon. He was described to be manipulative, a liar, and a power-hungry traitor, and I think otherwise. Haha. I REFUSE TO THINK THAT HE IS A LIAR BECAUSE HE IS PERFECT OKAY? I just ship him with Alex because everything's as easy as breathing with him. Unlike with Alex and Aiden's case, they could be together without restrictions. And a plus is that he isn't too sweet, he jokes around and he doesn't think of Alex as a fragile little daisy. He treats her as his equal. And I really, really like his humour too! *wink wink*

Jennifer's third installment in the Covenant series was a surge of pure adrenaline, and, like all her novels, has Jennifer Armentrout written all over it—wit, humour, action, romance, and suspense. With the most plot twists and the gut-wrenching ending, this sure is the best book of the series so far! It brought some of the secrets out in the open, and toyed with my emotions. One minute I'm laughing and swooning, then in the next I'm thinking about throwing the book across the room! And the romance, oh the romance! Love triangles are always tough ones and this is no exception! I was a solid Alex x Seth shipper, but upon reading the recent novella, I'm not so sure. It just pulled my strings, and I was glad it did. Because I've been blinded by Seth! Hahaha, but seriously, though, I'm still confused as to who to ship with Alex. Help me out by releasing Sentinel sooner lol.

Armentrout's take on the mythology genre is sure one to watch out for because, in terms of writing and pacing, it is the best among the series! Keep up the good work, Jen! And please bring more swoon-worthy guys into my life! More power to you!

Rating:

Interview with the Author

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For JLA:

Deity lets the Gods out of the bag.  Who’s your favorite God to write and why?  

Apollo. I just really enjoyed writing his character because of his personality.

For Alex:

The vanishing act of Apollo is sorta fun but his timing can be annoying.  If he wasn’t a God and still pulled that trick, what would you do to him?  

Oh, I would kick his ass.  I’m tempted to try it, God or not.

For Aiden:

What was your reaction to finding out the truth about Leon? 

I was surprised, but given the situation in which I found out, I couldn’t even focus on Leon.  I was too focused on Alex at that moment.

For Apollo: 

Were there ever any times that you wanted to intervene but didn’t to protect your identity?  

Yes, that girl needs a full time babysitter. I tried to be around, especially when I knew Aiden wasn’t with her, and I did intervene a few times without revealing my identity.

Giveaway

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

# 1 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer L. Armentrout Lives in West Virginia. 

All the rumors you heard about her state aren’t true. 

Well, mostly. When she's not hard at work writing, she spends her time, reading, working out, watching zombie movies, and pretending to write.

She is the author of the Covenant Series (Spencer Hill Press), the Lux Series (Entangled Teen), Don't Look Back (Disney/Hyperion) and a yet untitled novel (Disney/Hyperion), and new YA paranormal series with Harlequin Teen. 

Jennifer also writes New Adult and Adult romance under the pen name J. Lynn. The Gamble Brothers Series (Tempting the Best Man/Tempting the Player) and Wait for You. Under her pen name, she is published with Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Jennifer elsewehere:

Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Blog

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Scariest Looking Book Covers

Each week, particularly every tuesday, The Broke and Bookish host a Top Ten Tuesday based on a specific bibliophilic topic. Other bloggers are able to participate and post their own top ten list based on the topic of the week.

October 29, 2013: Top Ten Scariest Looking Book Covers

1. Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

You probably might be wondering why I think the cover is scary. Well, let me explain: first, the girl looks hauntingly creepy, second, her face is covered by a cloth which made the cover even scarier since those reminds me of nuns in scary movies and lastly, if you look closely at the face, you'll notice that the girl's face is black. DOWN RIGHT CREEPY.

2. Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry

Need I say more? I think the cover speaks for me, so to speak.

3. The Fury by Alexander Gordon Smith
I remember seeing this book on our local bookstore and I was like 'WOAH'. The cover just scared me. Not to mention its thickness. Very scary, indeed.

4. Substitute Creature by Charles Gillian

Probably one of the most scariest covers of all-time. Just imagine seeing your teacher with that expression, I would most probably scream.

5. Bedlam Stories by Christine Converse
I get scared every time I see this cover because I wouldn't want my mother to offer me up to some demon like what is implied on the cover!

6. Tales of the Undead - Suffer Eternal by Nathan J.D.L. Rowark 

Don't make fun of me, but this cover had me running to my parents' room!

7. Tales of the Undead - Hell Whore by Nathan J.D.L. Rowark

This cover just screams blood and gore. What more the content?

8. Tales of the Undead - Suffer Eternal: Volume II by Nathan J.D.L. Rowark 

I AM AFRAID OF THE APOCALYPSE. Enough said.

9. Annabelle by Ruby Jean Jensen
I would most probably sell this book if I ever have one. Why? The title is Annabelle and the cover is a doll. Well, that just reminds me a lot of Annabelle from The Conjuring which is why I find the cover scary.

10. It  by Stephen King

It's very hard to not find this cover scary considering the fact that its cover has a creepy clown who looks like he's about to murder you in it.

*This list is of no particular order. 

That's it for this week's Top Ten Tuesday! Hope I gave you a good scare. 

Kick-ass and Sentimental: All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill

All Our Yesterdays (All Our Yesterdays #1)

by Cristin Terrill

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Science Fiction

Release Date: September 3, 2013

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Source: Bought/Own Copy

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Author's Website

Synopsis:

"You have to kill him." Imprisoned in the heart of a secret military base, Em has nothing except the voice of the boy in the cell next door and the list of instructions she finds taped inside the drain.

Only Em can complete the final instruction. She’s tried everything to prevent the creation of a time machine that will tear the world apart. She holds the proof: a list she has never seen before, written in her own hand. Each failed attempt in the past has led her to the same terrible present—imprisoned and tortured by a sadistic man called the doctor while war rages outside.

Marina has loved her best friend James since the day he moved next door when they were children. A gorgeous, introverted science prodigy from one of America’s most famous families, James finally seems to be seeing Marina in a new way, too. But on one disastrous night, James’s life crumbles apart, and with it, Marina’s hopes for their future. Now someone is trying to kill him. Marina will protect James, no matter what. Even if it means opening her eyes to a truth so terrible that she may not survive it. At least not as the girl she once was. 

All Our Yesterdays is a wrenching, brilliantly plotted story of fierce love, unthinkable sacrifice, and the infinite implications of our every choice.

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Review: 

“There are risks, but progress is always dangerous, isn't it? Most of the time, walls don't get dismantled brick by brick. Someone has to crash through them.”

I often remember saying that Time travel isn't a subject to write about because one, it's impossible improbable, and two, one can't possibly write a consuming book with a subject like that. But I was wrong, in fact, All Our Yesterdays really does deserve an award when talking about the best take on time travel.

When I first saw the premise, my curiosity was at once piqued. Fast paced and filled with blood pumping action, shell-shocking suspense, and tangled romance, Cristin Terrill's debut novel, All Our Yesterdays will leave you on the edge of your seat. The time travel concept introduced, unlike others that are a pain while reading because their explanation was for nerds, was well explained and can easily be understood. The concept of how paradoxes fix itself was utterly fascinating. Terrill's first novel's a great read because it has everything to look for in a novel—complications of friendships, romance, and a hot villain all woven together so perfectly by hands of a wonderful author. 

In the other present, Em and Finn are contained in a prison with their cells just adjacent to each other. In the other other present, Marina Marchetti lives next door to James Shaw, the genius, the guy who she's smitten with and her best friend. Im not going to explain further because you guys might hate me for spoiling you. But here's an introductory thing that you should know: Em and Marina are linked by Cassandra, who is a time machine and not a person. With Finn, a list, and a gun, Em is set off to destroy the very thing responsible for her imprisonment—Cassandra. 

This is the first book I've read by Cristin Terrill, but one thing's for sure: It wouldn't be my last. She wrote a story which easily sucked me in and had me reading for hours and hours—non-stop. I never thought about finishing the book in just a day, but then I'd tell myself 'Just one more chapter..' and, in no time at all, I was done with the book! It was mind-blowing. I don't have any of her previous works to compare her writing then and now, but right now, Her writing style is amazing! She attacked our shelves with her dashingly written debut novel and may her works continue to be praised!

As for the characters, They were all so dear to me, well except for the Older James. They were very remarkable because each of them has undergone a huge personality transformation,—James, Marina, and Finn—others for the better, others for the worst.

As for Marina, she's probably my second most loathed character—I think we all agree that the first one's The Doctor—because she doesn't have a backbone! She's the typical trying-my-best-to-fit-in-and-completely-forgetting-all-about-my-personality character. And that's just the half of it. She's completely smitten with James though it's clear that his feelings for her were out of pity, out of the idea of her staying in his life. At first, I really, really loathed her but towards the end, she proved to be a likeable character. I think Cristin, who has a master of the arts degree in Shakespeare Studies, used Ophelia (from Shakespeare's Hamlet) as an archetype. Marina was so blinded that she lets her feelings for James dictate her actions, in short, her life was ruled by men. It's just a theory, though. 

My thoughts on Em are almost all positive. She's really bad-ass and tough as nails on the outside, but inside, after many chances, she can't quite accomplish what she has to do because of that emotional baggage form the past. (I won't tell you more though, I don't want to spoil others)

As for James, you, sir, are a genius but please, just please don't toy with Marina's heart. Thank you.

I can't write for the other characters because the review's already long as it is, sorry!

I think the plot was amazing! It was fast paced—just perfect for all action novels. The narration was flawless as well. There was just one thing that I didn't like: At first I was confused as to who were the narrators, who or what was Cassandra, why are Em and Finn imprisoned, but as I read on, things got clearer.

This book is the perfect embodiment of how a person could do a 180 in just a short amount of time. How revenge can drive people to do unspeakable things. How friendship doesn't matter to people hell-bent on getting what they want. And lastly, how much a person would go to protect people he loves.

This story is about heroism, coming of age, and about mental development and I recommend you to read it! 

Rating:

Funny yet realistic: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Fangirl

by Rainbow Rowell

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Release Date: September 10, 2013

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Source: Bought/Own Copy

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Author's Website

Synopsis:   

Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan . . .

But for Cath, being a fan is her life — and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this
Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

___________________________________________________

Review: 

You know there are some books that once you see the title, you already know it’s a must-read. Well, I consider Fangirl as one of those books. Why? Because, if you don’t know yet, I am a fangirl, and if there’s a book out there that I sure can relate to, I’m sure it would be this book.

And it surely was. 

Cath is what most people call a fangirl. She loves The Simon Snow series to death. She has read it, watched it, collected things about it, and she even writes about it in this page called Fanfixx. And for her, being with her dad and sister, Wren, is enough. Then the unexpected happened. Wren decided that they’ll have to go meet other people, leaving Cath clueless on what to do....

“Look at you. You've got your shit together, you're not scared of anything. I'm scared of everything. And I'm crazy. Like maybe you think I'm a little crazy, but I only ever let people see the tip of my crazy iceberg. Underneath this veneer of slightly crazy and mildly socially retarded, I'm a complete disaster.”

Cath’s probably one of the most relatable characters ever. I knew from the beginning that she would be easy to relate, but I never expected it to be that easy. I must admit, she was a bit of an awkward character at first, but as the story progressed, I started liking her more and more. It was as if she grew on me. She can be very funny and geeky at the same time. There were times when she was stubborn, but,  surprisingly, I didn't find her annoying at all. With the help of her clever tongue and witty mind, I found myself enjoying the story more. 

On the other hand, there is Levi. Oh sweet Levi! I abso-freaking-lutely loved everything about Levi. I loved him from beginning until the end. I want to praise Rainbow Rowell for making Levi nothing like those usual contemporary guys–6 pack abs, oozes sex, etc. He is perfectly flawed to the point it made him perfect. He's the exact opposite of Cath, because, unlike her, Levi is outgoing, friendly and very optimistic. It is very impossible not to fall for him, considering the fact that he's like a ball of sunshine, always there to light you up. 

“You’re never going to find a guy who’s exactly like you—first of all, because that guy never leaves his dorm room.…”

Though Cath and Levi may be very different, they fit each other like it’s the most natural thing in the world. They were just so delightful to watch together! Don’t get me wrong, their relationship wasn’t insta-love. They started out as friends which slowly evolved into something more. To be honest, I actually had no idea that Levi will be Cath’s romantic interest, probably because of Cath’s relationship with Nick, her writing partner. I thought they were just going to be friends, but as Cath and Levi started spending more time together, I slowly realized that Cath has more chemistry with Levi than with Nick. I loved the way Levi handled Cath throughout their relationship, he annoyed Cath at times, but I'm pretty sure Cath enjoyed it. I also loved how their first kiss happened which is one of the most adorable moments in this book. It wasn't cheesy like how most kisses happens in contemporary books—it had just the right amount of sweetness. And when they started seeing each other—oh my Levi-Cath shipping heart—they were like bunnies with Cath always sitting on Levi’s lap. I swear! No human being is capable of not getting smitten by their relationship.

Just like any other book, Fangirl also has its flaws. I feel like the ending could have been better. I expected more from it, but, sadly, it lacks. Nonetheless,  I still think Fangirl is a must-read. It's humor-packed, yet realistic. It made me smiles in many ways, though it also made me cry because of the reality hidden within it. The characters Rainbow Rowell written were perfect for this type of story, and with the help of her writing style, this book is a page-turner.

Rating:

Thrilling and Passionate: Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Just One Day

by Gayle Forman

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Release Date: January 8, 2012

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Source: Bought/Own Copy

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Author's Website

Synopsis:   

When sheltered American good girl Allyson "LuLu" Healey first meets laid-back Dutch actor Willem De Ruiter at an underground performance of Twelfth Night in England, there’s an undeniable spark. After just one day together, that spark bursts into a flame, or so it seems to Allyson, until the following morning, when she wakes up after a whirlwind day in Paris to discover that Willem has left. Over the next year, Allyson embarks on a journey to come to terms with the narrow confines of her life, and through Shakespeare, travel, and a quest for her almost-true-love, to break free of those confines.

___________________________________________________ Review:

“We are born in one day. We die in one day. We can change in one day. And we can fall in love in one day. Anything can happen in just one day.”

A daydreaming bibliophile or an aspiring fanfiction writer will often develop a kind of obsession over  a book—that kind of time-consuming obsession that you wish it were your work. To be in that position, I assure you, is not an uncommon reverie. For me, if asked, that certain book would definitely be this one. Because who's idea was it to cram Shakespeare, Paris, a hot guy, and Macarons in less than 300 pages? Me, most probably, but Gayle beat me to it!

Isn't it ironic how easily hard-built walls come down in a span of just one day? How, by one action, we can make or break our entire future? How, in one day, you can both lose and find yourself, coming back a changed person? If you say otherwise, then you would have to read this book, because remember, anything, and I mean anything, can happen in just a day.

The general proclamation echoed all over Paris is it's the city of love. Well, in this story, it truly is, and it isn't.

Allyson is almost to the end of her graduation present, a three week trip touring Europe, which is supposedly the best trip of her life. Or so she'd thought. She's spent the time traveling all of Europe, and now is in London for their last stop. In a fortunate twist of events, she meets Dutch actor Willem and they embark on an unforgettable journey. Under normal circumstances, Allyson would never, ever do such thing, but the past weeks have been a total let-down, and she's ready to take the first risk she's taken in weeks—take Paris, hand in hand with a total stranger.

Perhaps there is one introductory thing I should impart to you right away; I absolutely love the works of the wonderful Gayle Forman. Her past books, If I Stay and Where She Went, were absolutely stunning—both in style and pacing. That being said, I expected nothing less from her, and nothing less was what I got. A thing I love about Gayle is that she can make you feel as though you're wearing the shoes of the character, making you feel what they're feeling as if you've felt that way before (even if you haven't). This is the perfect coming of age novel for those who are in the midst of finding their selves, because their day spent in Paris proved to be a summary of life: unforeseen and continually altering.

Admittedly, the last time I felt such love for a character was when I read Markus Zusak's The Book Thief. Both female protagonists were fragile, and witty. It was really an enjoyable experience, reading from her perspective. She made me laugh at times when she was jealous of girls talking to Willem although having only known him for a day. I am definitely in awe of her character and her growth throughout the novel. From who was left broken from her past experiences, she sure recovered smoothly and became up and running in a period of time, albeit a long one.

Delightful and often times sharp-witted, Willem's character sure attracted many eyes of women both mine and my mom's age. He's the perfect amateur actor who thinks of himself less than what he really is, and that kind of humility is what's hard to find in men nowadays. Although he had his way with women before, Allyson sure changed him for the better. I loved his metaphor with stains because I  totally agree with him. Stains, according to him, cannot be removed.

This is where the beauty of it all lies; everything happening in just one day. The details, the moments of sweetness, and the way Willem sees Allyson's imperfections as perfect. I totally admire the concept of falling in love, finding, and losing yourself all in one day because if she didn't cram it all in 24 hours, the story would have been long and excruciating to read. Call me rude, but I actually would like to experience that than to die and not experience them at all.

Just One Day will make you swoon, cry, laugh hysterically, and cuss. It'll make you feel like you've just had the most expensive gadget in the world, only to have it snatched the second you take it outside of the store. It is the perfect coming of age novel complete with swoon-worthy characters and events that'll make your heart flutter, scream, and break into smithereens. Just One Year will take you on a roller coaster you'll surely enjoy. And with it's ending, you'll be craving for the new book in no time!

Rating: