House of Dance by Beth Kephart

House of Dance by Beth Kephart 4 of 5 stars.

Rosie and her mother coexist in the same house as near strangers. Since Rosie's father abandoned them years ago, her mother has accomplished her own disappearing act, spending more time with her boss that with Rosie. Now faced with losing her grandfather too, Rosie begins to visit him every day, traveling across town to his house where she helps him place the things that matter most to him "In Trust." As Rosie learns her grandfather's story, she discovers the role music and motion have played in it. But like colors, memories fade. When Rosie stumbles on the House of Dance, she finds a way at last to restore the source of her grandfather's greatest joy. (book blurb)

House of Dance is a quiet, whisper of a story best read in the silent evening hours or under a blue sky with the wind creating a lulling backgrund. Its a story of love and life told from the far recesses of the mind with careful attention to detail, specifically of color

I enjoyed House of Dance as a rather relaxed read. Beth Kephart's writing style is very soft spoken. It deals with a lot of flashbacks and memories, the dialogue is fairly slim. Her details are always exquisite but I can't help lament the lack of action. The emotions are strong but they are portrayed by a character I feel I barely know. The story spends so much time on the people around her, Rosie turns into a bit of a blur. I kept hoping the story would build up to something more, but sadly, I never felt it get to that point. The characters, Rosie and her friend Nick in particular reminded me of the characters in one of Kephart's other books The Heart is not a Size to a point I could barely tell them apart.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that from the point of view of someone who loves the fastpaced high stake novels, this just felt awkward. Others might really enjoy it, but its not something I have any inclination to read again.

For fans of: Beth Kephart

To order this book from Amazon.com please click here.

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This blog is an Amazon Associates Affiliate when you buy an item from Amazon.com after following one of our links to the site, we gain a small commission. However, this does NOT effect our opinion of the books. Thank you.
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Waiting on Wednesday!

This week I'm anxiously awaiting Nightshade by Andrea Cremer which will be released October 19, 2010. Despite its long away release, some kind publicist managed to send a copy to me. Why is this a bad thing? Because. I've been trying to not read/review books until closer to the pub date (even waited like three months to read Perchance to Dream! Torture!) Anyway its sitting on my shelf and we all know my obsession with werewolves...and shiny covers! And there is no way I'm going to be able to last until anywhere near October.



"While other teenage girls daydream about boys, Calla Tor imagines ripping out her enemies’ throats. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Calla was born a warrior and on her eighteenth-birthday she’ll become the alpha female of the next generation of Guardian wolves. But Calla’s predestined path veers off course the moment she saves the life of a wayward hiker, a boy her own age. This human boy’s secret will turn the young pack's world upside down and forever alter the outcome of the centuries-old Witches' War that surrounds them all."-Goodreads.com

To pre-order Nightshade from Amazon.com please click here

Happy Release Day Mistwood!

Hey, everybody! Today is Tuesday, April 26. Do you know what that means? Its the release day for one of the most awesome high fantasy novels of this year, Mistwood by debut author Leah Cypess! I'm so excited to see how this book does. I wouldn't be surprized to see it on one of the various bestseller lists (*cough cough* New York Times, maybe?) I hope all of you fantasy junkies will go out and buy a copy this week, I promise, you won't be disappointed. =) So, here's some links to other Mistwood-y stuffs. Enjoy!



My Mistwood Review!
My Interview with Leah Cypess!
Leah Cypess's Website!

Click here to order Mistwood from Amazon.com.

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This blog is an Amazon Associates Affiliate when you buy an item from Amazon.com after following one of our links to the site, we gain a small commission. However, this does NOT effect our opinion of the books. Thank you.
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1 Year Blogoversary Giveaway!!

Ah... How I have enjoyed this past year getting to know all of you wonderful bookish peeps! =) In honor of my 1 year blogoversary (May 27)*SQUEE!*, I'm hosting a MONSTER of a contest to give back to you guys. Information is below as well as the form you can fill out to enter. BEST OF LUCK!!


Prizes Packs: ((Actual Prize Pack pictures coming soon!))
Fantasy Lovers
A *SIGNED* HARDBACK copy of The Enchanted Quest by Frewin Jones!
4 *SIGNED* Forget-Her-Nots bookmarks!
4 Forget-Her-Nots Postcards!
4 Forget-Her-Nots Buttons!
4 Forget-Her-Nots Tattoos!


Vampire Chick
An ARC copy of Little Vampire Women!
A "VAMPIRE GIRL" New Moon T-shirt (Size M)!
5 Vampire Academy Tattoos!
1 Vladimir Tod Button!


Chick-Lit Lovers
An ARC copy of Paisley Hanover Kisses and Tells
4 *SIGNED* Forget-Her-Nots bookmarks!
4 Forget-Her-Nots Postcards!
4 Forget-Her-Nots Buttons!
4 Forget-Her-Nots Tattoos!

(Different cover-Picture coming soon!)

I also have a whole stack of books I'm willing to give away (either to different winners or added to the prize packs listed above, depending on the number)! I'll be adding ONE more book for every 25 followers I get, so SPREAD THE WORD!! =)

RULES;
Must be a blog follower! (New or Old)
Must be a legal US or Canadian resident! (I LOVE my International friends, but I just can't afford to include you guys just yet.)
Must be 13 years or older to enter!

Contest ends June 1st!!!!

To enter please fill out the form below. *Let me know if you were refered by someone so they can recieve an extra entry*

Thanks!

The Evil Within by Nancy Holder

The Evil Within A Possessions Novel by Nancy Holder 5 of 5 stars.
To be released June 10, 2010

When Lindsay returns to eerie Marlwood Academy she is haunted by the past, literally. The ghosts of those done wrong in the time when Marlwood was a reformatory for willful girls are breathing down her neck. Those that are very real to her seem just as malevolent as the spirits who haunt them, but when Celia, the girl now possessing Lindsay, tells her what she must do to extricate herself and the others from these spirits, she isn't sure she can go through with it.

Doubt and simple human nature crowd her at every turn as she struggles to decide what is right, who is and who isn't possessed, and better yet; who is trying to kill who. It isn't the nineteenth century anymore and Lindsay must find a way to set the past to rest--one way or another.

The Evil Within is a thrilling modern gothic full of surprises and chills on every page. Nancy Holder depicts a ghostly tale with a remarkable heroine. If you're a fan of gothic fantasies like the Gemma Doyle Trilogy and Michelle Zink's Prophecy of the Sisters you'll love this!

I could barely put the book down once I picked it up. I haven't even read the first Possessions Novel and I was still thoroughly engrossed. Nancy Holder has a fascinating way of writing that draws you into a story right from the start. The main character Lindsay's struggle to understand all of the past circumstances that are now shaping her life was completely unpredictable. Just as soon as I thought I had it all figured out, things would change. I enjoyed the other characters and how there ended up being more to them than I had originally expected--even the ghosts. I honestly don't think there is a single bad thing I can say about this book, though I do wish the ending hadn't been quite so abrupt.

From the characters to the writing style this delicious modern gothic is sure to be a favorite with most all dark fantasy lovers. Whether you're like me, and can't stand the music they play on shows like Unsolved Mysteries and have never picked up a "ghost like" book in your life, or are a real horror junky, I think you'll adore this book just the same.

For fans of: Nancy Holder, Gemma Doyle Trilogy, Prohpecy of the Sisters, Devil's Kiss

To pre-order The Evil Within from Amazon.com please click here

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This blog is an Amazon Associates Affiliate when you buy an item from Amazon.com after following one of our links to the site, we gain a small commission. However, this does NOT effect our opinion of the books. Thank you.
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The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Trailer

Its out, its out, its out! Yup. The trailer for Eclipse from the bestselling Twilight Saga has been released. I have got to say that it looks awesome! Eclipse is probably my favorite, it was kind of the turning point of the books for me. By the end I really despised Bella. I'm a total Team Jacob girl, but I'm still not the biggest fan of the books. As far as the movies go... LOVE! But that's just me. One thing I'm really hoping to see in Eclipse--other than the werewolves kick some vampire butt--is the "Tent Scene". If you've read the books you know what I'm talking about. ;)

Anyway, here's the trailer. Enjoy!

Perchance to Dream by Lisa Mantchev

Perchance to Dream by Lisa Mantchev 5 of 5 stars.
To be released May 25, 2010

Growing up in the enchanted Theatre Illuminata, Beatric Shakespeare Smith learned all about every play ever written, but she didn't know that she, too, had magic. Now, she is the Mistress of Revels, the Teller of Tales, and is determined to follow her stars. Bertie can make things happen by writing them, but outside the walls of the Theatre, they don't go as planned. And her magic cannot help her make a decision between Nate, her suave pirate, and Ariel, a seductive air spirit.

When Nate is taken prisoner by the Sea Goddess, only Bertie can free him, and she and her fairy sidekicks embark on a journey, using Bertie's word magic to guide them. Bertie's dreams are haunted by Nate, whose love for Bertie is keeping him alive, but in the daytime, it's Ariel who is tantalizingly close, and the one she is falling for. Who does Bertie love the most? And will her magic be powerful enough to save her once she enters the Sea Goddess's lair?(Book blurb)

Perchance to Dream has proved itself just as wonderful, if not better, than Lisa Mantchev's first book Eyes Like Stars. And this, my friends, is saying quite alot. Everything is a brilliant and beautiful surprise as Bertie discovers who she is, and the power her magic actually possesses.

I continue to be surprised by Lisa Mantchev's absolutely amazing way of telling a story. You never can really place the time period. Things go from Medieval, to modern, and back in the blink of an eye. What's so great about that? You never even realize it! Nothing is confusing. It simply flows together to make a hilarious and beautiful story with the characters we love.

I have a feeling everyone is going to be intensely surprised to find out who--or what!--Bertie's father is. And as for the love triangle that is Nate, Bertie, and Ariel, its actually a great layer to add to the already thick story. It becomes something to add intensity to the laughter. As the story progresses we get to see deeper into the characters that we did in the first book. I found myself even swooning over Ariel, who completely creeped me out in Eyes Like Stars.

All in all, Perchance to Dream is a book more tasty than any pie the fairies could find, and I don't think there's is a single soul in the world who wouldn't love this tale young or old! I can't wait for the next book!!

For fans of: Lisa Mantchev, Gail Carson Levine, theatre

To pre-order Perchance to Dream: Theatre Illuminata #2 from Amazon.com click here.

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This blog is an Amazon Associates Affiliate when you buy an item from Amazon.com after following one of our links to the site, we gain a small commission. However, this does NOT effect our opinion of the books. Thank you.

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Waiting on Wednesday!

This week I'm waiting on Wicked Girls: A Novel of the Salem Witch Trials by Stephanie Hemphill which will be released July 1, 2010. I've been interested in the Salem Witch Trials since I read The Sacrifice by Kathleen Benner Duble years ago. Plus, I found out a while back that my ancestors were involved in a witch trial in another part of New England. They were the accusors in the case, having said another woman cursed them and their ship. After she was excecuted they were drown when the ship sank... *Eerie music* Yeah, I know, right? Anyway here's a look at this awesome book;



"Wicked Girls is a fictionalized account of the Salem witch trials based on the real historical characters, told from the perspective of three young women living in Salem in 1692—Mercy Lewis, Margaret Walcott, and Ann Putnam Jr.

When Ann’s father suggests that a spate of illnesses within the village is the result of witchcraft, Ann sees an opportunity and starts manifesting the symptoms of affliction. Ann looks up to Mercy, the beautiful servant in her parents' house. She shows Mercy the power that a young girl is capable of in a time when women were completely powerless. Mercy, who suffered abuse at the hands of past masters, seizes her only chance at safety. And Ann’s cousin Margaret, anxious to win the attention of a boy in her sights, follows suit. As the accusations mount against men and women in the community, the girls start to see the deadly ramifications of their actions. Should they finally tell the truth? Or is it too late to save this small New England town?" Goodreads.com

To pre-order Wicked Girls: A Novel of the Salem Witch Trials from Amazon.com click here.

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This blog is an Amazon Associates Affiliate when you buy an item from Amazon.com after following one of our links to the site, we gain a small commission. However, this does NOT effect our opinion of the books. Thank you.
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The Snowball Effect by Holly Nicole Hoxter

The Snowball Effect by Holly Nicole Hoxter 2 of 5 stars.

Lainey Pike can tell you everything you need to know about the people in her family just by letting you know how they died. Her reckless stepfather drove his motorcycle off the highway and caused the biggest traffic jam in years. Her long-suffering grandmother lived through cancer and a heart attack before finally succumbing to a stroke. And Lainey's mother--well, Lainey's mother hanged herself in the basement just days after Lainey's high school graduation.

Now Lainey's fine-year-old brother is an orphan and her estranged older sister is moving back home to be his gaurdian. Meanwhile, Lainey's boyfriend is thinking about having a family of their own, and her best friends are always asking the wrong sorts of questions and giving advice Lainey doesn't want to hear. As she tries to pull away from everything familiar, Lainey meets an intriguing new guy who, through a series of Slurpees, burgers, and snowballs, helps her to make peace with a parent she never understood. (Book blurb)

Despite the fact that this is twenty thousand miles away from the books I generally love, I thought this would be a good read. By the time I made it to the middle I was hating it, then in the end... it surprised me.

Hoxter's prose isn't lyric or spectacular, but she does have a very consistent voice for Lainey that makes you really want to like her. Unfortunately, I was a bit annoyed with her throughout the book. Her attitude and irritaiton with her family was a bit tiring, and her treatment of the boyfriend who would quite obviously jump off a cliff for her was far from understandable. The characters were well pieced together, though, even if Lainey was severely lacking something throughout the majority of the book.

As far as whether I would suggest this book to someone... probably not. I'm sure there are going to be people who enjoy it immensely but I just don't think you would be missing out on anything by not reading it. But that's my opinion.

A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner

A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner 5 of 5 stars.

Sophos, under the guidance of yet another tutor, practices his swordplay and strategizes escape scenarios should his father's villa come under attack. How would he save his mother? His sisters? Himself? Could he reach the horses in time? Where would he go? But nothing prepares him for the day armed men, silent as thieves, swarm the villa courtyard ready to kill, to capture, to kidnap. Sophos, the heir to the throne of Sounis, disappears without a trace.

In Attolia, Eugenides, the new and unlikely king, has never stopped wondering what happened to Sophos. Nor has the Queen of Eddis. They send spies. They pay informants. They appeal to the gods. But as time goes by, it becomes less and less certain that they will ever see their friend alive again.

Across the small peninsula battles are fought, bribes are offered, and conspiracies are set in motion. Darkening the horizon, the Mede Empire threatens, always, from across the sea. And Sophos, anonymous and alone, bides his time. Sophos, drawing on his memories of Gen, Pol, the magus--and Eddis--sets out on an adventure that will change all of their lives forever. (Book blurb)

A Conspiracy of Kings is a fast paced, eloquently written novel about the political upheaval in the mythical lands of Sounis, Attolia, and Eddis. The narrator's switch seamlessly from time to time, by our main orator is Sophos, the young man who is the heir of Sounis, who has always--or so he though--disappointed everyone who knew him. But here we see a young man with his nose forever in a book of poetry grow into a rightful king. But whether or not he can secure his throne is the biggest question of all.

I greatly enjoyed A Conspiracy of Kings, though at the beginning I had some trouble keeping up with the political intrigue. This is probably my own fault for not having read the previous three books, but by the end of the novel I had a pretty good understanding of what was going on. Megan Whalen Turner is a wonderful writer who always keeps you guessing. The plot line was so full of twists and turns that knotted back around before being lost again, I never could find the end of it, and I don't believe this story is over yet.

The characters were all well rounded and alive. My favorite was probably Attolis, though at first he got on my nerves. He was funny in his dialog with Sounis and seemed like a good man, but at the same time he was that one ally you can never really trust. Eddis was a bit the same way, whilst Sounis was wholesome and outright. Watching his character develop was my absolutely favorite part of the story. I was truly in love with him by the end.

If you're looking for a faced-paced adventure, I would definitely suggest you check this out. Or if you haven't read the first three, try them. I know I will!

To order A Conspiracy of Kings from Amazon.com please click here.

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This blog is an Amazon Associates Affiliate when you buy an item from Amazon.com after following one of our links to the site, we gain a small commission. However, this does NOT effect our opinion of the books. Thank you.
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Waiting on Wednesday!

This Wednesday, I'm waiting on Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink. I adored Prophecy of the Sisters and am so excited for the second book in Zink's trilogy. She left it at such a cliffhanger, its torture waiting on this next book. Luckily we won't have too much longer to wait, as its being released August 1, 2010!



"The ultimate battle between sisters is nearing, and its outcome could have catastrophic consequences. As sixteen year-old Lia Milthorpe searches for a way to end the prophecy, her twin sister Alice hones the skills she'll need to defeat Lia. Alice will stop at nothing to reclaim her sister's role in the prophecy, and that's not the only thing she wants: There's also Lia's boyfriend James.


Lia and Alice always knew the Prophecy would turn those closest to them against them. But they didn't know what betrayal could lead them to do. In the end, only one sister will be left standing." Goodreads.com

Click here to pre-order Guardian of the Gate from Amazon.com

Happy Wednesday,
Arya
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This blog is an Amazon Associates Affiliate when you buy an item from Amazon.com after following one of our links to the site, we gain a small commission. However, this does NOT effect our opinion of the books. Thank you.
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Tuesday's Adventure!

I apologize for not being here last week. I'm a horrible friend. Please forgive me. I hope you all had a great Easter! Now... What adventures are all you beautiful people having this week?

I'm ecstatic for those of you who have things planned to get out and do in the wide wonderful, spring filled world. But for those of you like me, who are stuck inside for the majority of your days, fighting down the horrid effects of spring pollen, I thought I would share some awesome adventure book suggestions. This way we can all have a little piece of adventure, even while lounging around with a stuffy nose! =)

Click book image see them on Amazon.com.

(Recently released April 6th)
"Alessandra is desperate to escape—from her stepmother, who’s locked her away for a year; from the cloister that awaits her if she refuses the marriage plans that have been made for her; from the expectations that limit her and every other girl in fourteenth-century Italy. There’s no tolerance in her village for her keen intelligence and her unconventional ideas.



In defiant pursuit of her dreams, Alessandra undertakes an audacious quest, her bravery equaled only by the dangers she faces. Disguised and alone in a city of spies and scholars, Alessandra will find a love she could not foresee—and an enduring fame." Goodreads.com
Click here to read my interview with the author, Barbara Quick!
Click here to read my review of A Golden Web.



"Branwen refuses to take orders from anyone--even the Shining Ones, the ancient gods whose power is feared throughout the land. They want her as their Chosen One, destined to save her country from the Saxons. But Branwen doubts she's truly ready to be a leader.

Then a messenger from the skies shows her a vision of a bleak and violent future--a future in which Branwen has abandoned her destiny, and those most dear to her suffer unspeakable horrors. There's a blurry line between good and evil, and those Branwen trusts the most are capable of the greatest betrayal. The Shining Ones have spoken. Will Branwen answer their call?"
Click here to read my review of Destiny's Path.



" Ian Wigby is about to find out that he is a very special boy.

Along the southern coast of England, atop the White Cliffs of Dover, stands a castle. And at that castle’s old keep is an orphanage. Delphi Keep has seen many youngsters come and go through its gates, and Ian Wigby and his sister, Theodosia, are happy to call it home. Life has always been simple at the Keep, and the orphanage safe, until one day, Ian and Theo find a silver treasure box. And within the box, a prophesy. Three thousand years ago a great Greek oracle wrote of a quest. A quest on which the fate of the world depends. A quest that names two children—Ian and Theodosia. Suddenly Delphi Keep is no longer safe. And Ian and Theo, along with a very special group of friends, realize they must unravel the meaning behind the scroll of Dover cavern before darkness falls on the world. And before an unfathomable evil catches up with them." Goodreads.com

Click here to read my review of Oracles of Delphi Keep.

I hope you enjoy these suggestions and will let me know if you get around to reading them. Happy Tuesday!

This blog is and Amazon Associates Affiliate when you buy and item from Amazon.com after following one of our links to the site, we gain a small commission. However, this does NOT effect our opinion of the books. Thank you.

News

Hey, people! No, I haven't died or forgotten about you. Its been really busy here with the holiday and spring... stuff. I'm currently reading A Conspiracy of Kings and its great. I can't wait to share the review with you. I've also made a fan forum for Frewin Jones and his Faerie Path and Warrior Princess series. I would love it if you checked it out: http://faerieroom.proboards.com. I'm hoping I'll be on a more regular schedule by next week.

Blog with you soon,
Arya

The Heart is Not a Size by Beth Kephart

The Heart is Not a Size by Beth Kephart 4 of 5 stars.

Georgia knows what it means to keep secrets. She knows how to ignore things. She knows that some things are better left unsaid. . . Or are they?
When Georgia and her best friend, Riley, travel along with nine other suburban Pennsylvania kids to Anapra, a squatters' village in the heat-flattened border city of Juarez, Mexico, secrets seem to percolate and threaten both a friendship and a life. Certainties unravel. Reality changes. And Georgia is left to figure out who she is outside the world she's always known. (book blurb)

The Heart is Not a Size is a book about one girl's struggle with acceptance. Accepting the fact that her best friend has a serious problem, accepting the fact the the panic attacks aren't going away on their own, and accepting the responsibility of being a good friend, even if it means risking a long-lived friendship in the process.
When Georgia sees the flier for a trip to help a community near Juarez, Mexico, she sees an escape. An escape from the many truths she is hiding from herself, denying. She sees it as a chance for her and her best friend Riley to get away from their problems, to bury them, once and for all. What she doesn't expect is being forced to face the truth in the arid desert of Mexico, where reality is survival--not perfection.

In her writing, Beth Kephart was able to capture the soft cadences of the mind, she was able to put brilliant words to indescribable sensations. One of the many parts of this book I found amazingly well written was when Kephart describes Georgia's panic attacks. She says: "Panic, I'm telling you, begins in the heart. Panic is big buzzard wings banging wretched and trapped against the bones of your ribs, knocking your windpipe loose, swiping your logic."
The two places I believe Kephart failed in her writing was in the passage of time and in the plot. There are places throughout the story where I'm not quite sure Georgia was narrating from. It seemed to skip alot from senior year to sophomore year and other times, without my being fully aware of it. The plot was also a bit strange. While I adore the story and the plot that is there, I felt there were alot of loose ends left untied, subplots not fully filled out. The book seemed to end rather abruptly. I didn't really feel like the conclusion summed up Georgia's experiences in Mexico. I also felt like just when I was getting to know the characters, she took them away.
But on the good side of things, The Heart is Not a Size, was a beautifully narrated story that moved along at a nice pace with plenty for you to think about. I enjoyed all of the descriptions and the characters. Georgia was a wonderful heroine and I think many girls will be able to relate to her relationship with Riley and both of their struggles. All in all, this is a very good novel that I strongly suggest to everyone!

For fans of: Beth Kephart, Tom Dolby, Catherine Banner
To order a copy of The Heart is Not a Size by Beth Kephart from Amazon.com click here.