Too good to pass up: Vampire Academy LOVE, Australian Style

Today while on Twitter the lovely Richelle Mead posted a link to the Australian web site of Vampire Academy. Once I clicked on the LINK I was left drooling. The site is really cool and it has cool extra's. Check it on out!!!

Why can't Blood Promise be on the shelves now? Me wants...me wants....my precious, my pretty.

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Waiting on Wednesday: Tombstone Tea by Joanne Dahme

Jill over at Breaking the Spine started this and I believe that it's awesome" This blog post is to alert those that visit about "the" book that we cannot wait to get our hands on. I have decided to participate because I have a list that can go on forever and ever and it is interesting to see what else others are "waiting" for also

My choice this week is Tombstone Tea by Joanne Dahme. I found this book the other day on the net and once I saw the cover, Yes!!!!! the cover looks awesome. I was drawn to it and had to check it out. Then the synopsis got me.

Tombstone Tea by Joanne Dahme

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Running Press Kids (August 24, 2009)

This title features a page-turning tale in which a young girl accidentally discovers her ability to communicate with the spirits of the dead - she must use this newfound power to bring peace to a cemetery full of disgruntled ghosts. In order to fit in at her new high school and be accepted in the 'in crowd', Amy accepts a dare to spend one night in a local cemetery. Once inside the gate of the dark and frightening burial ground, Amy meets Paul, a handsome boy who works as a caretaker at the cemetery. Paul explains to Amy about Tombstone Tea: a performance in which actors impersonate the people buried in the cemetery. The actors are supposedly rehearsing on this particular evening, but Amy discovers that they are actually ghosts of the deceased. Will Amy be able to settle the ancient dispute that creates danger and unrest within the cemetery walls?

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Trailer Tuesdays: The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong

Hello!! It is Trailer Tuesday and I have got the new trailer for The Awakening, the newest novel by Kelley Armstrong.
I read and reviewed this awesome book last week and think that you should go to the book store today and purchase it, because it surpasses its predecessor, The Summoning.




Awesome!!! stuff, makes me want to read it all over again :)
THE AWAKENING
If you had met me a few weeks ago, you probably would have described me as an average teenage girl—someone normal. Now my life has changed forever and I'm as far away from normal as it gets. A living science experiment—not only can I see ghosts, but I was genetically altered by a sinister organization called the Edison Group. What does that mean? For starters, I'm a teenage necromancer whose powers are out of control; I raise the dead without even trying. Trust me, that is not a power you want to have. Ever.
Now I'm running for my life with three of my supernatural friends—a charming sorcerer, a cynical werewolf, and a disgruntled witch—and we have to find someone who can help us before the Edison Group finds us first. Or die trying.

If you need some more convincing you can come HERE and get a sneak peak

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Author Interview with Aprilynne Pike of Wings and Contest

Hello! Today I am very happy to present my interview with the wonderfully kind and talented Aprilynne Pike. I was fortunate to have read her debut novel WINGS and instantly fell in love with it's story and engaging characters.

WINGS makes it's big debut on Tuesday May 5, 2009 (Happy Cinco de Mayo) Aprilynne. I also have a copy that I am giving away. Details at the end of this interview.

WINGS by Aprilynne Pike
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen (May 5, 2009)

Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful--too beautiful for words.
Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

Here is my interview:

RR: Thank you so much for letting me interview you. I've read and reviewed Wings and instantly fell in love with Laurel's story. Since then I cannot stop recommending it to all of my friends and fellow bloggers. I find it fascinating that although Wings is a faery themed novel it does not fall into the typical faery stereotype, in return making it unique and fascinating. Where did you get the inspiration for this amazing tale of faery myth and legend?
AP:It was kind of interesting, actually. I sat down and consciously decided that I wanted to write a faerie book. But I didn't want to write faeries that were like anything else anyone had ever seen before. So I knew I had to come up with something completely different, but recognizable enough that it would still fit with the the traditional myths and legends. I'm not sure how exactly I came up with the idea, but it was after a long, mostly sleepless night (I was eight months pregnant besides!) in which I came up with a lot of strange ideas including this Cinderella/Faerie hybrid in which faeries couldn't go outside after midnight. It was very strange. But by the time morning came, I had hit up the basic premise for my mythos, and everything built from there.

RR: Laurel is a shy character who finds herself in a peculiar situation. She manages to thrive because she is surrounded by a wonderful support system of family and friends. Who is your favorite character and why?
AP:I have to admit, I think my favorite character is Chelsea. She is so forthright and honest and never, ever fake. She also is not easitly offended when other people are honest with her. If everyone were both more honest, and less easily offended, our world would be a much happier place! Also, she's just so dang cute!

RR: I like the fact that Laurel's Wings are uniquely different. What gave you the idea for the nature of her wings? and what research did you have to do for it?
AP:One of the things about a lot of magical creatures is that their magic of just for the sake of having magic. I liked the idea of Laurel's "wings" being useful; having a purpose. Honestly, once the idea of the "wings" fell into place, the rest of the mythology just fit.
I have done a ton of research on botany as well as research on traditional faerie lore. I am contantly thinking of new ways in which my mythos affects Laurel's daily life. And when I come up against a questioable situation, I generally have to go back to Wikepedia (my research site of choice!) and figure out the most logical answer. The Wings series is a contant research project!


RR: I am equally torn between Tamini and David. Both of them are amazing and each represent the two different worlds that laurel is a part of. If you were Laurel, which one would you choose and why?
AP:I can't tell you that! (I tried...DARN!!)I know what happens at the end.:) One of the things that I did when I created Tamani and David was that I tried to take a bunch of ideal characteristics for the perfect guy, and parcel them out evenly between the two. The hardest choices that we ever make in this world are not between a good choice and a bad choice, but between two equally good choices. I wasnt this to be a hard choice for Laurel, so I try to make both of the guys equally wonderful, but at the same time, very different.

RR: Is Wings the original title for your debut novel?
AP:Almost! I orginally called it Autumn Wings, and then had a title for each book that began with one of the seasons. But marketing suggested that having a season in the tile would make the books less appealing during the non-title seasons. So we dropped Autumn, and that left us with Wings.:)

RR: How many books do you plan for the series?
AP:There are four books in this series. And I have been lucky enough that they are all contracted, so the whole series will come out over the next four years! RR: What can we expect from next book in the series and what will it be named?
The second book is called SPELLS . . . well tentatively . . . well, not all that tentatively, but until I see it on the book cover, it's not written in stone.:D In it you can plan on seeing more of Chelsea, more of Tamani, and readers will get to accompany Laurel on a very exciting adventure right at the beginning of book two!

RR: This question is for fun, peanut or plain M&M's?
AP:Plain. I actually am a big fan of peanuts, but I like my chocolate unadulterated. In fact, my favorite candy bar is a plain, old Hershey bar. Give me chocolate or give me death!!!;)

Thank you so much for having me!!

and Thank you very much for the interview and I am sure many more will read and enjoy Wings as much as I have. I wish you very much success on your debut novel and look forward to reading more about Laurel and her fascinating world.

If your interested in finding out more about this amazing book and author, and how could you not, please go to Aprilynne Pike's website HERE and get all the information about tour dates, author information and extra's

Now for the contest. I have a copy of WINGS to give away, and this is all you have to do...it is really easy and keep returning to this post because there can be more chances to win. The contest ends on Sunday May 3rd, 9 PM PST.

A) +1 follow me or if you do already, just let me know

B) +1 post this contest on your blog or sidebar

C) Bonus!!! +3 tell me, If you had Wings that were made from something that came from nature what would they be made of and why?

D) Keep checking back for updates....

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In My Mailbox 4/26/09

In My Mailbox lets you peek into the contents of my mailbox on a weekly basis. I am listing all the lovely books that I have aquired this week. If you would like to participate and have your own “In My Mailbox” post, you can find more information here on the Story Siren's blog, where it all began..(This post was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.)

I am very happy this week due to the great books I recieved. I am beyond happy, like stick a fork in me I am done... because my friend sent me her copy of Lover Avenged. I am deep in the brotherhood and am loving it. This book is definately NOT YA, but it is one of my very favorite series and I could not pass up this opportunity. Another book recieved is Fragile Eternity (an Amazon wishlist christmas pressie). Once you pull back the dust jacked a most amazing picture of a woman is on the cover.



Lover Avenged by J. R. Ward (ARC)
Hardcover: 544 pages
Publisher: NAL Hardcover (April 28, 2009)

Rehvenge has always kept his distance from the Brotherhood—even though his sister is married to a member, for he harbors a deadly secret that could make him a huge liability in their war against the lessers. As plots within and outside of the Brotherhood threaten to reveal the truth about Rehvenge, he turns to the only source of light in his darkening world, Ehlena, a vampire untouched by the corruption that has its hold on him—and the only thing standing between him and eternal destruction. THUD!! so happy!!


Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (April 21, 2009)
CHECK OUT THE ACTUAL BOOK COVER

Seth never expected he would want to settle down with anyone—but that was before Aislinn. She is everything he'd ever dreamed of, and he wants to be with her forever. Forever takes on new meaning, though, when your girlfriend is an immortal faery queen.
Aislinn never expected to rule the very creatures who'd always terrified her—but that was before Keenan. He stole her mortality to make her a monarch, and now she faces challenges and enticements beyond any she'd ever imagined.
In Melissa Marr's third mesmerizing tale of Faerie, Seth and Aislinn struggle to stay true to themselves and each other in a milieu of shadowy rules and shifting allegiances, where old friends become new enemies and one wrong move could plunge the Earth into chaos.

So that was my week of which I am very grateful for. What was in your mailbox?

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Review: The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong

The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (April 28, 2009)

Book Synopsis:

If you had met me a few weeks ago, you probably would have described me as an average teenage girl—someone normal. Now my life has changed forever and I'm as far away from normal as it gets. A living science experiment—not only can I see ghosts, but I was genetically altered by a sinister organization called the Edison Group. What does that mean? For starters, I'm a teenage necromancer whose powers are out of control; I raise the dead without even trying. Trust me, that is not a power you want to have. Ever.


My Review:
As a recap of The Summoning. Chloe Saunders had the surprise of her life when she began seeing ghosts and found herself locked up inside Lyle House, a home for troubled teens. She and her new roommates made an effort by trying to escape, but Chloe and Rae were caught and brought to a larger facility controlled by the Edison Group. She became aware in the toughest of circumstances, that she’s a necromancer--a person that can raise and control the dead. And that fact brought us to the Summoning's oh so good, no you didn't cliff hanger ending.

As the story begins Chloe quickly discovers that the Edison Group plays a frightening role in her life and that of her roommates. It seem that those living at Lyle House have all been targeted for their "special" gifts. Chloe soon knows that she must escape as a new character informs her of things that she knows deep in heart is true, but does not want to believe. She gains assistance from an unlikely allie and together they find the other roomies on the run. Together they join forces as they struggle to control their gifts and track down the one man who may be able to help them.

Their journey to find Simon and Derek's father is filled with twists and unexpected turns. They barely escape one action filled supernatural injected situation to only embroil themselves in another. Then as the group is finally making progress they must separate as an old problem resurfaces and makes an appearance at the worst moment possible. A deeper friendship is formed and a hint of romance blooms, but it is soon squelched as the pair is on the run again and facing even bigger problems.

Chloe's necromancer abilities are truly tested as she realizes that even sleep cannot save her from her fate. It proves to be an issue that blurs the lines of reality and she knows that they must find help soon so that she can control her powers before it controls her...

I loved this book because I did not want to EVER put it down. Kelley Armstrong outdid herself with this book because It surpasses it predecessor, and you will not be disappointed. The Awakening has action sequences that are fast paced and edged with supernatural mojo. The characters are wonderfully believable, the scenes are well visualized and detailed, and the hint of romance adds to the overall appeal of the story, only making me want more. This is a young adult read that should attract teens as well as adults who enjoy the genre. I cannot wait to read the next book in this trilogy, because I am hooked.

Here is one of my favorite bits from the book:

"Three conditions. One, whatever your problem is with Chloe, get over it. Go after her again, you're gone."

"Understood," Tori said.

"Two, get over Simon. He's not interested."

She flushed and snapped, "I think I've figured that out. And number three?"

"Get over yourself."

Gotta love that werewolf.

You can visit Kelley Armstrong site HERE

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Thank you for the blog love :)

Hello everybody!! Today I made it a point to stop and address those awards that were given to me over the past few weeks. I know there is no excuse for my bad manners, because it is truly and honestly an honor to have my blog acknowledged. I adore my books and enjoy reading and this blog is an extension of that love and I hope that my posts continue to be fun and informative and that you'll continue to come by and visit.

Here are the awards that were given to me and I wanted to thank those wonderful people that blessed me with them. THANK YOU!!

My Dear freind Christine at the happily ever after gave me this cool award. Not only do I adore the name but the whole Zombie Zen idea is pretty darn awesome.

Here are the Rules:

The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken - excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all..

This was given to me by Ladidadida blog

The Rules:

1) Put the logo on your blog/post.

2) Nominate up to 9 blogs which allure, amuse, bewitch, impress or inspire you.

3) Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.

4) Let them know that they have been splashed by commenting on their blog.

5) Remember to link to the person from whom your received your Splash award.

6) Have F~U~N"

I recieved this "lovely" award from Liyana and her great blog LIYANALAND I also recieved this award from Donna at the BITES blog

Here are the rules:

1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link

2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered.

3) Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Ok!! I am so diggin' the love and it has given me a bit of bright spot in a day that has been overwrougt with bad mojo. I won't go into details but I am very sad and because of certain events that are now on my mind I wanted to give each award to the same 5 bloggers that I am going to chose and list. I am sorry for not doing this on an individual award basis, but I hope you can understand the reasons why :)

1) The Letter Garden: I love going over to her blog because it is visually stunning and fun. The love she has for her books is universal. I also adore her IMMB posts.

2)The Optimistic Pessimist: She is always my sounding board and she truly loves all her books, just as much as do mine. Not a day goes by that I don't talk to her. She is my dearest friend.

3)Reverie Media: Vania has an energy and we can talk for hours about the books we are reading. I don't know how it happened but we became fast friends, blog mates and ninja's......muhahahahaha.

4)BookGeek: A true friend and lover of books and whose blog is coming along every day. I always enjoy visiting and It is part of one of my favorite independent books stores in the bay area. Check it out. You will not be dissappointed.

5)Karin's Book Nook: A wonderful blog, full of fabulous reviews, great book information and Karin is a great friend. Her site was one of the first blog's I visited and continued to lurk on for months before I decided to pursue my own blog.

4/23/09 **A correction, I also recieved the lovely blog award from Donna on the BITES blog** .Geesh *smacks head* if my head was not attached to my neck, I would be in serious trouble. Thank you Donna!!

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Waiting on Wednesday: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Jill over at Breaking the Spine started this and I believe that it's awesome" This blog post is to alert those that visit about "the" book that we cannot wait to get our hands on. I have decided to participate because I have a list that can go on forever and ever and it is interesting to see what else others are "waiting" for also.

This week was a tough one because there are so many wonderful books out there that I am totally jonesing for. I finally chose Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater. I really enjoyed Lament: A Fairie Queen's Deception and am eager to see her take on werewolves. After reading the synopsis, I was hooked.

Shiver by Maggie Steifvater

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf--her wolf--is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human . . . until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

Maggie Stiefvater
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press (August 1, 2009)

That was my choice for this week. What is yours?

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Teaser Tuesdays: Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

(1) Grab your current read
(2) Open to a random page
(3) Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
(4) BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
(5) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!



My choice today is from my current read Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog.



"And yet, when he looks up and meets my eyes, I have to turn away. Is dream cheating really cheating?"





I am soo loving this book. So what are you reading?

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Author Tours: Richelle Mead

Hello Everyone!!!! Today's Author Tours is on the lovely Richelle Mead. She had just issued some dates for future signings on her newsletter. Also included is her information in regards to these signings.

I will be attending the event in San Francisco and hope to see you there :)

If you're in any of these areas, I hope you can make it and say hello! I'd love to meet you.

Saturday, April 25 - Orlando, FL - 11am-2pm Romantic Times Book Fair Wyndham Orlando Resort 8001 International Drive Note: There's a $5 admission to get into this event, but there are over a hundred other authors at this book fair, so you can see lots of people at the same time.
Sunday, May 3 - Scottsdale, AZ - 2pm Borders Signing 7000 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85054
Tuesday, May 5 - Los Angeles (Torrance), CA - 7pm Borders Signing 3700 Torrance Blvd Torrance, CA 90503
Wednesday, May 6 - San Francisco (El Cerrito), CA - 7pm Barnes and Noble Signing El Cerrito Plaza 6050 El Cerrito Plaza, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Thursday, May 7 - Portland, OR - 7pm Barnes and Noble Signing 9078 SE Sunnyside Rd Clackamas, OR 97015
Friday, May 8 - Lynnwood, WA - 7pm Barnes and Noble Signing 19401 Alderwood Mall Parkway Lynnwood, WA 98036
Wednesday, September 2 - Atlanta, GA - 7pm Barnes and Noble Signing Mansell Crossings 7660 Northpoint Parkway Ste 200, Alpharetta, GA 30022
September 4-7 - Atlanta, GA DragonCon - Panels and signing times to be announced

Note: I have no limit on the number of books I'll sign at these events. If there are books of mine you plan on buying just for the signing, please wait and buy them from the store I'm at. It's a great way to help them since they put so much work into signings. I will also take pictures with readers, if time permits.

Thanks again for reading, and I hope I'll see you soon.

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In My Mailbox: 4/19/09

In My Mailbox lets you peek into the contents of my mailbox on a weekly basis. I am listing all the lovely books that I have aquired this week. If you would like to participate and have your own “In My Mailbox” post, you can find more information here on the Story Siren's blog, where it all began..(This post was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.)

I got a greeeeeeeeeat book this week, the one I have been waiting on and so far. I am lovingggg it. I also recieved some book markers and magnets from Cyn this week and will use them for a contest in the future.

Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog

A captivating and witty dark fantasy that will have girls lusting after it.

Morgan Sparks has always known that she and her boyfriend, Cam, are made for each other. But when Cam’s cousin Pip comes to stay with the family, Cam seems depressed. Finally Cam confesses to Morgan what’s going on: Cam is a fairy. The night he was born, fairies came down and switched him with a healthy human boy. Nobody expected Cam to live, and nobody expected his biological brother, heir to the fairy throne, to die. But both things happened, and now the fairies want Cam back to take his rightful place as Fairy King.

Even as Cam physically changes, becoming more miserable each day, he and Morgan pledge to fool the fairies and stay together forever. But by the time Cam has to decide once and for all what to do, Morgan’s no longer sure what’s best for everyone, or whether her and Cam’s love can weather an uncertain future.

So, what is in your mailbox this week?

As per Lenore's request I have pictures of the magnets and book markers. I am sorry that they are crappy images, but it was taken with my phone due to the fact the I cannot find my camera...arrrrrrg!!

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True Awesomeness

My dear friend Vania over at Reverie Media is supremely talented. She is an amazing photographer and had a really good Idea. WHAT IF....She created a book cover and let the audience tell her what the book is about based on what they got from that cover look. I know that I am a true cover hog. It is like that shiny light bug syndrome......I am drawn to it. I will walk into a book store and gravitate to the most awesome cover, mindless of what it is about. I have to hold it, touch it... THEN I read the blurb and that is what finally gets me.

Vania has created this gorgeous cover and has penned it as

FOREVER NIGHT....WHEN DAYLIGHT ISN'T NEEDED ANYMORE...

So she has asked that you go over to her blog and tell her what you think the book should be based on what you see. This was my take on it. I have this great Idea. This book can be about a girl that falls in love with a fairie prince but, the Fae are at war with the vampires of the land so drama insues...... here goes

When Aegle laid her eyes on Conall she knew that something had changed in her universe. From that moment on she was compelled to follow him

But Conall had enemies--dark ones and they were not going to let him have any happiness

Caught in the middle of their worlds, between Fang and Fae, Aegle will become a pawn and realize that being "in love' is a dangerous place to be

What is your take on the cover and what do you think it should be about? Just click on the book cover and give her your thoughts on it.

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Sneek A Peak Saturday: Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Yeay!!! It is Saturday and it is time for a Sneak Peek at an upcoming novel that I am totally in love with. Today's choice is Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler. Sarah is part of the debut deb's of 2009 and if you go HERE you can get a sneak peek of the first few chapters of this amazing book.

Coming June 1, 2009!

“Don’t worry, Anna. I’ll tell her, okay? Just let me think about the best way to do it.”

“Okay.”

“Promise me? Promise you won’t say anything?”

“Don’t worry.” I laughed. “It’s our secret, right?”

For Anna Reiley and Frankie Perino, the ingredients for the Absolute Best Summer Ever are simple: Two girls. Two bikinis. And twenty days in Zanzibar Bay, California. The best part? According to Frankie, if they meet one boy every day, there’s a good chance Anna will find her first summer romance.
Anna lightheartedly agrees to the fun, but there’s something she hasn’t told Frankie… she’s already had her romance, and it was with Frankie’s older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death last year.

TWENTY BOY SUMMER explores what it truly means to love someone, what it means to grieve, and ultimately, how to make the most of every beautiful moment life has to offer.

"I promised him our secret would stay locked up for all eternity. And it will..."

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Waiting on Wednesday: Meridian by Amber Kizer

Jill over at Breaking the Spine started this and I believe that it's awesome" This blog post is to alert those that visit about "the" book that we cannot wait to get our hands on. I have decided to participate because I have a list that can go on forever and ever and it is interesting to see what else others are "waiting" for also.

My WOW choice this week was a suggestion from my buddy Vania whom I have much in common with and I have to give her kudos for a great suggestion.

Meridian by Amber Kizer
www.amberkizer.com
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (August 11, 2009)

My name is Meridian Sozu. I am a Fenestra. I have always shared my world with the dead and the dying. But I really didn't understand what that meant until I turned sixteen and glimpsed my own mortality. . .

Half-human, half-angel, Meridian Sozu has a dark responsibility.

Sixteen-year-old Meridian has been surrounded by death ever since she can remember. As a child, insects, mice, and salamanders would burrow into her bedclothes and die. At her elementary school, she was blamed for a classmate’s tragic accident. And on her sixteenth birthday, a car crashes in front of her family home—and Meridian’s body explodes in pain.

Before she can fully recover, Meridian is told that she’s a danger to her family and hustled off to her great-aunt’s house in Revelation, Colorado. It’s there that she learns that she is a Fenestra—the half-angel, half-human link between the living and the dead. But Meridian and her sworn protector and love, Tens, face great danger from the Aternocti, a band of dark forces who capture vulnerable souls on the brink of death and cause chaos.

COMING SUMMER 2009
Life. Death. And the in between.

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Trailer Tuesdays: Kim Harrison on Once Dead, Twice Shy

Today I have a special treat. Author Kim Harrison and Harper Teen made this teaser "preview" trailer about her upcoming YA novel Once Dead, Twice Shy. I first became familiar with Madison Avery's story in the book novella Prom Nights From Hell and once I read it I knew I wanted more. So imagine my happiness when I found out that Kim was creating a series on this character.

In this trailer Kim talks about her upcoming debut YA novel Once Dead, Twice Shy. Please watch the video and tell me what you think?

Kim Harrison and Harper Teen on Once Dead, Twice Shy


Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (May 26, 2009)


Madison Avery's junior prom killed her-literally. She doesn't know why a Dark Reaper came after her‚ but that didn't stop her from stealing his amulet‚ which she discovered allows her soul to continue living on in a temporary body. But now she's being babysat by a disgruntled Light Reaper who's supposed to be training her‚ while angels try to figure out what's supposed to happen to her next. But Madison can't stay out of trouble for long‚ so along with her prom date Josh (who is getting cuter by the minute) and her guardian angel Grace‚ Madison takes matters into her own hands-only to discover that she is fated to become one of the most powerful leaders in the realm of the dark and light reapers. Well‚ if she believed in that stuff.

This book sounds wicked, killer good :)

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News Flash! Fragile Eternity Winner and Cover for My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent

Hiya!! yes it is that time to announce the winner of the Fragile Eternity contest. I have to admit I had so much fun with this contest, because I enjoyed reading what "FREEZER" books that other bloggers had. I have started a few books that I have put aside recently, but I am sure I will get thru it. So, the winner is........

Not So Closet Geeks

AND....

I also wanted to post the cover for My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent. It is the new YA series that she has written and it will be released August 1, 2009. It is simply G O R G E O U S! You can pre-order this book by clicking on the book cover.

Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Harlequin (August 1, 2009)



Kaylee Cavanaugh is a high school junior who thinks she’s losing her mind when she’s struck by the grim certainty that someone near her is going to die–and by the irresistible urge to shriek in response. But when it turns out that she’s not crazy and people are dying, Kaylee becomes determined to stop the deaths she foresees. Especially when they begin to hit close to home…

Sounds amazing and I cannot wait to read it. I will be Interviewing Rachel later on this summer so keep looking out for it in a few months.

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In My Mailbox: 4/12/09

In My Mailbox lets you peek into the contents of my mailbox on a weekly basis. I am listing all the lovely books that I have aquired this week. If you would like to participate and have your own “In My Mailbox” post, you can find more information here on the Story Siren's blog, where it all began..(This post was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.)

This week I aquired some really wonderful books and a signed copy of D100D from a contest by A.S. King herself. I am very happy and cannot wait to get into them, especially willow.

Willow by Julia Hoban
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Dial (April 2, 2009)

Seven months ago, on a rainy March night, sixteen year- old Willow’s parents died in a horrible car accident. Willow was driving. Now her older brother barely speaks to her, her new classmates know her as the killer orphan girl, and Willow is blocking the pain by secretly cutting herself. But when one boy —one sensitive, soulful boy—discovers Willow’s secret, it sparks an intense relationship that turns the “safe” world Willow has created for herself upside down.
Breathing by Cheryl Renée Herbsman
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Viking Juvenile (April 16, 2009)

Savannah would be happy to spend the summer in her coastal Carolina town working at the library and lying in a hammock reading her beloved romance novels. But then she meets Jackson. Once they lock eyes, she’s convinced he’s the one—her true love, her soul mate, a boy different from all the rest. And at first it looks like Savannah is right. Jackson abides by her mama’s strict rules, and stays by her side during a hospitalization for severe asthma, which Savannah becomes convinced is only improving because Jackson is there. But when he’s called away to help his family—and seems uncertain about returning—Savannah has to learn to breathe on her own, both literally and figuratively.
The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King (signed) Thank you!!

Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Flux (January 13, 2009)

In the late seventeenth century, famed teenage pirate Emer Morrisey was on the cusp of escaping the pirate life with her one true love and unfathomable riches when she was slain and cursed with "the dust of one hundred dogs," dooming her to one hundred lives as a dog before returning to a human body-with her memories intact.
Now she's a contemporary American teenager and all she needs is a shovel and a ride to Jamaica.

So that was my week. What was in your mailbox this week? Don't forget that my Fragile Eternity contest ends today 4/12/09 at midnight PST.

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Don't Forget!!!

Don't forget to enter my Fragile Eternity Give-a-way. It ends on Sunday 4/12/09 at midnight PST. It is an amazing book and you don't want to miss out on this opportunity :)




Enter HERE
Seth never expected he would want to settle down with anyone—but that was before Aislinn. She is everything he'd ever dreamed of, and he wants to be with her forever. Forever takes on new meaning, though, when your girlfriend is an immortal faery queen.
Aislinn never expected to rule the very creatures who'd always terrified her—but that was before Keenan. He stole her mortality to make her a monarch, and now she faces challenges and enticements beyond any she'd ever imagined.
In Melissa Marr's third mesmerizing tale of Faerie, Seth and Aislinn struggle to stay true to themselves and each other in a milieu of shadowy rules and shifting allegiances, where old friends become new enemies and one wrong move could plunge the Earth into chaos.

****NEWS FLASH!!! If you interested in seeing what the inside cover of Fragile Eternity looks come HERE because it is awesssssssssome****

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Author Tours: Aprilynne Pike

Aprilynne Pike author of the amazingly fantastic debut novel, WINGS is going on tour to promote her book. She is going solo for some dates and then will be part of the Supernatural Summer Tour featuring other outstanding authors such as Melissa Marr, Claudia Gray, Kelley Armstrong and Kim Harrsion. WOW!

Just click HERE and you will be guided to Aprilynne's calendar with all the information that you will need.


Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen (May 5, 2009)

Aprilynne Pike's Wings is the first of four books about a seemingly ordinary girl named Laurel who discovers she is a faerie sent among humans to guard the gateway to Avalon. When Laurel is thrust into the midst of a centuries-old battle between faeries and trolls, she's torn between a human and a faerie love, as well as her loyalties to each world. In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever. Coming from HarperTeen May 5, 2009!

Keep your eyes open for my author interview with Aprilynne Pike later this month. There will be a cool surprise that you will not want to miss.

Preorder at Amazon (US) (Canada) (UK)
Preorder at Barnes & Noble
Preorder at Borders
Preorder at an Independent Bookstore Near You

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Waiting on Wednesday: Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog

Jill over at Breaking the Spine started this and I believe that it's awesome" This blog post is to alert those that visit about "the" book that we cannot wait to get our hands on. I have decided to participate because I have a list that can go on forever and ever and it is interesting to see what else others are "waiting" for also.

My choice this week is the much awaited book Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog. The cover is gorgeous and the blurb leaves me wanting for more.

Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (June 23, 2009)

Morgan Sparks has always known that she and her boyfriend, Cam, are made for each other. But when Cam’s cousin Pip comes to stay with the family, Cam seems depressed. Finally Cam confesses to Morgan what’s going on: Cam is a fairy. The night he was born, fairies came down and switched him with a healthy human boy. Nobody expected Cam to live, and nobody expected his biological brother, heir to the fairy throne, to die. But both things happened, and now the fairies want Cam back to take his rightful place as Fairy King.Even as Cam physically changes, becoming more miserable each day, he and Morgan pledge to fool the fairies and stay together forever. But by the time Cam has to decide once and for all what to do, Morgan’s no longer sure what’s best for everyone, or whether her and Cam’s love can weather an uncertain future.

So...what are you waiting for?

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