Book Review: World Enough and Time by Emma C Williams

Title: World Enough and Time
Author: Emma C Williams
Links: Blog | Twitter | Shelfari
Publication Date: July 1st 2012
Format: Paperback
Pages: 158
Add it: Goodreads | Shelfari
Buy it: Amazon
Summary from Goodreads;
Anna Jones is an intelligent and spirited girl of 15, whose everyday experiences of growing up are overshadowed by a rare condition called Goldenhar syndrome. While Anna approaches her life with humour and determination, she is haunted by the inescapable fact that she looks a little different from other girls.
Despite the support of her friends and family, she remains convinced she will never be loved – especially not by the gorgeous and intelligent Michael.
Anna’s life is regularly interrupted by a variety of hospital visits, each one of which seems designed to make her feel even more different from the other girls. As she counts down the days until the major surgery that will change the course of her life forever, Anna becomes increasingly doubtful as to whether she will ever be truly normal.
Rating:
4.5/5 : Really enjoyed it, would recommend to a lot of people.
Thoughts:
First of all, the cover. It's so simple! I know it looks nice and simple on screen but once in your hands, the colors are so gorgeous and the detail is truly eye catching! 
Going into this book, I honestly didn't know what to expect besides what was on the synopsis. I was completely surprised by this novel and am truly glad I had the chance to read it. I got this book off my shelves and sat down in my living room, expecting to get through a part of it and then continue it later on but I found myself engulfed by the plot and writing that I finished it in one sitting. 
World Enough and Time is narrated in the voice of a teenager named Anna who has a condition called the Goldenhar syndrome which I didn't know a thing about until I started reading it. I really feel as though I learned a lot during this book. Anna is a very realistic character as are the others in the novel. She was a very complex character due to all that's been going on in her life since her birth yet you can understand her reasoning and logic. She was honest to herself and others most of the time yet she was really understanding of others and their actions. Ashley, Anna's best friend was a great character. Yes, Anna and her had some disagreements but those things were what made her such a realistic best friend. Nevertheless, she always had
Anna's back and was a true friend to her. The other characters had significantly good roles but I wish I'd seen more of Tim.
The romance was really realistic for once. I've come to realize once again just how predictable most, if not all, YA romances are at the moment but the romance in this novel was something much less predictable and more toward the realistic side. I was shocked at how events turned out in Anna's love life but really enjoyed the end results. The pacing of this book is consistent yet it's a quick read. The writing was simple and easy to understand. The novel is set in the UK which I really enjoyed because I love their slang and way of speaking. A couple of places in London were also mentioned which was really intriguing. 
Another interesting thing about this novel is that the main character, Anna has a blog which you can visit by clicking here. I thought I'd include that because you can connect to the story more.
First Sentence:

" "And bend to the right." "

Quotes:

"So, Anna. You know the drill. Are the headphones comfy?"

"What?!" I shouted, pointing to both of my ears simultaneously and tapping the side of my head. "I can't hear you! I've got headphones on!" 

"Very amusing, Anna." - Page 49

W .. W .. W .. Wednesday ( 1 )

This meme is hosted by Should Be Reading.
To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…
• What are you currently reading?
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ARC Book Review: Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen

Title: Dark Kiss
Author: Michelle Rowen
Series: Nightwatchers #1
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter
Publisher: Harlequin
Expected Publication Date: May 22, 2012
Summary from Goodreads;
I don't do DANGEROUS. 

Smart, über-careful, ordinary Samantha—that’s me. But I just couldn’t pass up a surprise kiss from my number-one unattainable crush. A kiss that did something to me...something strange. Now I feel hungry all the time, but not for food. It’s like part of me is missing—and I don’t know if I can get it back. 
Then there’s Bishop. At first I thought he was just a street kid, but the secrets he’s keeping are as intense as his unearthly blue eyes. If he’s what I think he is, he may be the only one who can help me. But something terrifying is closing in, and the one chance Bishop and I have to stop it means losing everything I ever wanted and embracing the darkness inside me.... 
Nightwatchers: When angels and demons must work together, something beyond evil is rising...
Review:
3 stars, enjoyable but lacked some things.
I requested this book because I liked the synopsis and the cover looked awesome, I mean, look at his wings! They look so cool!

Angels and Demons working together, definetly an enjoyable and interesting story. Michelle managed to keep a consistent pace throughout the whole book but some parts were definitely action-filled. The characters were interesting to read about, but I didn't really like the main character. I mean, yeah, she gets all this crazy overload of information but I wanted to grab her by the shoulders, tell her to calm down and take a deep breath.
Now, the other characters I loved. Bishop has to find others like him to fix something that's going on in the city, and since Sam is the only one who can guide him, he drags her into the action. I liked the people they had to find, although I wished I'd gotten to know them more. I definitely want to read the next book to find out more about what happens to Bishop and Sam. I really enjoyed the ending though, that was my favorite part. It's one of those books that satisfies yet has you yearning for more.

Dark Kiss is an action-filled, suspenseful read that will have you gripping the edge of your seats to know what happens next. A novel that will have you anticipating the next book in Michelle's Nightwatchers series.

Book Review: Au Revior, Crazy European Chick by Joe Scheiber

Title: Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick
Author: Joe Schreiber
Author Links: Twitter | Blog
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

Publication Date: October 25th 2011

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 192

Summary from Goodreads;
Perry Stormaire is a normal high school senior– he is busy applying to college and rehearsing with his band –until he agrees to go to the prom with the Lithuanian exchange student who is staying with his family. It turns out that Gobi Zaksauskas is not the mousy teenager that she seems but rather an attractive, confident trained assassin. Instead of going to the prom, Perry finds himself on a wild ride through the streets of New York City as Gobi commandeers the Jaguar his father lent him for the prom in order to take out her targets. Perry learns a lot about himself – and ends up with some amazing material for his college application essays.
Review:
4 stars, really enjoyed it.
The cover is really gorgeous, I want that girl's jacket! On hardcovers if you take the dust jacket off, you can see where the Gobi's targets are on a map of New York City. The title was hilarious and really unique.
Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick was a really enjoyable read. The pacing was quick and the novel itself was full of action from the first page to the last page. It was also laugh-out-loud funny, I couldn't stop laughing at the sarcasm and retorts dripping from Gobi and Perry's characters. I really wish I got to get to know the characters a tad more though. The fact that the book was set in New York City added a feel of action around the already filled with action plot. Gobi's mission not only unfolds secrets that Perry never knew about, it also opened his eyes and made him realize some things along their adventure making him grow as a character. The ending was absolutely genius, although I wanted more because it seemed like a cliffhanger to me. I totally wish I could have read his essay even though it hinted to what it was about.
Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick is an action filled page turner that readers won't want to put down. Secrets unfold in this hilarious novel which will have readers shocked and surprised.
Book Trailer: I love this narrator's voice! ^-^ The trailer is simple yet amazing.

Ethos Blog Tour: Guest Post, Self vs Small Press by Desiree Finkbeiner

Self Publish vs Small Press, my 2 cents (Desiree Finkbeiner) 

It hard to choose for a lot of people, self publish or take a chance with a small press? I am a very independent woman and love to do things for myself. But for new authors I really do recommend starting with a small press. (if you can find one that is good to you). Not only will they have experience in an area that is new territory for you, but the friendships that you will form with other authors on the press, is priceless. Building your network is vital for book sales and if you rely on your own small network, you’re not going to sell many books.

There is also sort of a stigma to being ‘self published’. Some people might view your book as unworthy of their time since a publisher wouldn’t even touch it. But there are some very successful self-published authors out there. If you’re lucky enough to find a hard working small press, they are awesome! Let them plow the way for your writing career, but always keep in mind that no matter what press you’re with, you will have to do your part to market or sell your book.

I’ve seen a lot of authors blame the press for poor book sales. But the fact is, there is a market for virtually every book. If you’re not out there actively trying to locate your readers, it doesn’t matter how good your book is. No one will buy it if no one knows about it. Since most presses have small budgets, they can’t really afford high tech marketing campaigns, but the very least they can do for you is give your image a boost and get you in touch with a network of authors, that hopefully, will be like extended family… a place to go to for encouragement and advice.

Summary from Goodreads;
Title: Morning Star
Series: Ethos #1
Author:  Desiree Finkbeiner
It started with a mushroom, from another world... never before touched by a human hand, until Brianna... but life continued as normal... until a near fatal accident almost a decade later, reveals to Brianna... she's... different...
Unexplained lab results, unusually fast healing, and recent sightings of Jurassic sized dragonflies... What is happening to her?
When a peculiar man delivers her from a violent assault, she becomes enchanted by his heroism and inhuman abilities. Her rescuer, Kalen, is sworn to protect the powerful secret she has yet to realize, from an ancient foe with evil designs...
With the secret exposed, our world is no longer safe. Kalen takes Brianna to Ethos, his home, unprepared for what happens next... An ancient prophecy unfolds and they must make make a choice... Give into their forbidden love, or sacrifice their heart's desire for a chance to save their worlds.


About The Author:
I am a published author and licensed artist with my art appearing on products across the nation. My original works are collected world-wide.
Please check out my website and LIKE me on facebook to see more about my urban fantasy series ETHOS coming spring 2012. http://www.facebook.com/finkartstudio

Book Review: Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday

Title: Deadly Cool
Author: Gemma Halliday
Series: Deadly Cool #1
Author Links: Website | Facebook
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: October 11th 2011
Format: Paperback
Pages: 303
Summary from Goodreads;
Hartley Grace Featherstone is having a very bad day. First she finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her with the president of the Herbert Hoover High School Chastity Club. Then he’s pegged as the #1 suspect in a murder. And if that weren’t enough, now he’s depending on Hartley to clear his name. 
But as much as Hartley wouldn’t mind seeing him squirm, she knows he’s innocent, and she’s the only one who can help him. Along with her best friend, Sam, and the school’s resident Bad Boy, Chase, Hartley starts investigating on her own. But as the dead bodies begin to pile up, the mystery deepens, the suspects multiply, and Hartley begins to fear that she may be the killer’s next victim.
Review:
5 stars, recommend to everyone
I am in love with the cover! Well, not like the whole cover, more like the eyes, they're striking! Also the title, creative. I really had no clue what this novel was about, I really just got it because of the cover. Bad, I know, but it worked out anyway. This book was so hilarious, fast paced, and just wonderful overall.
There was character development throughout the book, which I really enjoyed because I really liked the way the characters turned out. Hartley's character was wonderful! She was sarcastic, hilarious, and strong at the same time. Chase was nothing like I thought he'd be. Yes, he was a bad boy but he was also caring and sweet. You can really relate to the characters because they act and deal with issues readers deal with. The only character I wish I'd seen more of were Josh considering he was always in hiding and well, not with Hartley. The romance didn't take over the novel, which I enjoyed considering she was trying to find out who was the murderer and had just dumped Josh but I do want to see a bit more romance in the next book and get to know Chase more.

Gemma manages to keep the sense of mystery in the air but adds some humor throughout the book which will have readers laughing and relating to the characters.Deadly Cool is a fast paced mystery novel that readers won't want to put down.

Book Review: Gone By Michael Grant

Title: Gone
Series: "Gone" series, book #1
Author: Michael Grant
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication date: June 24, 2008
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Youtube
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 558
Summary from Goodreads;
From the co-creator of the bestselling "Animorphs" comes a gripping new series in which everyone disappears in an flash on their 14th birthday. It's a terrifying new world, and time is running out. 
Review;
4.5 stars, recommend it.
What would you do if all the people under the age of fifteen just disappeared?
Why, oh why haven't I read this before? I should have listened to everyone and bought it when it came out, but no.

Where should I start? Well the plot was fantastic. It got straight into the point from the first pages. I loved the characters, even though I wish that in the next books in the series, Grant will introduce the extra characters a bit more. I really like how Michael wrote this book in a way where you can experience what each character is feeling and doing. I have to admit I felt like some parts were a bit slow and repeated from before. Overall though, I felt a tad like TheBookTuber, who loves these books. He was one of the reasons I picked up this series. I figured if he loved the series, I would at least like them and I was right! I loved this series, I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Gone is a dystopian, suspense-filled book that will capture your attention from the first few pages. It will have you on the edge of your seat, anticipating the character's next move.


Trailer;

 “Welcome to Perdido beach, where our motto is: Radiation, what radiation?”
                                                                                        ― Michael Grant, Gone

Book Review: The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder

Title: The Probability of Miracles
Author: Wendy Wunder
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: December 8th 2011
Format: Hardback
Pages: 360
Summary from Goodreads;
Dry, sarcastic, sixteen-year-old Cam Cooper has spent the last seven years in and out hospitals. The last thing she wants to do in the short life she has left is move 1,500 miles away to Promise, Maine - a place known for the miraculous events that occur there. But it's undeniable that strange things happen in Promise: everlasting sunsets; purple dandelions; flamingoes in the frigid Atlantic; an elusive boy named Asher; and finally, a mysterious envelope containing a list of things for Cam to do before she dies. As Cam checks each item off the list, she finally learns to believe - in love, in herself, and even in miracles.
Review:
5+ stars, new favorite.
I -- how do I word this -- devoured this book. Yup, all 360 pages of it. This is one of those books that like, calls your name from your bookshelf. So, of course I picked it up. I loved the author's name too, Wendy Wunder. 

I was expecting a slow, detailed novel considering it's about the big C, but I was taken by surprise when I couldn't put the book down. I found myself laughing at Asher's cheekiness and Cam's dry and sarcastic humor. It was fast paced and had lots of details, but they weren't overdone. The only thing I wish the author had done was to introduce her little sister, Perry, into the story. Now, the place Cam and her family moved to? It wasn't that realistic, I mean, purple dandelions, everlasting sunsets, and flamingos when it's not their time of the year to be there? I really liked the place though. The girl in the cover is not what I imagined Cam to look like, but the cover in general was pretty.

The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder is a fast paced book that you won't want to put down. Wunder manages to capture the perfect place with her detailed yet simple writing that will capture your attention and make you want to read on.

Trailer: This trailer is probably one of my favorites because of how simple it is. Also, the feathers were blue yet gorgeous. How can you not buy a copy after seeing the trailer? haha

Book Review: Babe in Boyland by Jody Gehrman

Title: Babe In Boyland
Author: Jody Gehrman
Author links: Website
Publisher: Dial
Publication Date: February 17th 2011 
Format: Hardback
Summary from Goodreads;
When high school junior Natalie - or Dr. Aphrodite, as she calls herself when writing the relationship column for her school paper - is accused of knowing nothing about guys and giving girls bad relationship advice, she decides to investigate what guys really think and want. But the guys in her class won't give her straight or serious answers. The only solution? Disguising herself as a guy and spending a week at Underwood Academy, the private all-boy boarding school in town. There she learns a lot about guys and girls in ways she never expected - especially when she falls for her dreamy roommate, Emilio. How can she show him she likes him without blowing her cover?
Five stars.
Quote:
“I sometimes suspect they don't take Dr. Aphrodite very seriously. Which is sad, really. Because what's more serious than love?” 
― Jody Gehrman, Babe in Boyland
Review;
I have to admit I didn't really like the cover, however I like how the girl in the picture has a mustache as a disguise. Considering how the main character goes undercover in the story, I thought that was rather clever and unique.

Onto the story line, I admit to never reading about this sort of thing before. A girl undercover, to find out answers to girl's everyday questions. This book was so astounding and phenomenal and awesome, and I'm nowhere done with adjectives to describe this book. I read this in one day, not even a day, probably an hour or two. Gehrman's writing made me feel like I was in the book, just like J.K. Rowling did with her Harry Potter series. I literally felt myself feeling for the character, whatever she felt, I felt. "Nat's" attitude was great, she was sarcastic and hilarious. Oh, let's talk boys. Emilio is probably one of my favorite male characters this year. He's funny, cute, adorably, and totally swoon worthy. I loved how fast paced this book was and I must get my own copy soon since I borrowed this copy.


Babe in Boyland by Jody Gehrman is a fast-paced, romance filled novel that will make you feel for the character and swoon over the cuteness. If you're looking for a fast, cute read, this is the book for you.

Book Review: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter

Title: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You
Author: Ally Carter
Series: Gallagher Girls #1
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Tumblr | Facebook
Publication Date: April 25th 2006
Publisher: Hyperion
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 284
Summary from Goodreads;
Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a fairly typical all-girls school-that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE and the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes in computer class. The Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses but it's really a school for spies. Even though Cammie is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways, she has no idea what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she's an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, or track him through town with the skill of a real "pavement artist"-but can she maneuver a relationship with someone who can never know the truth about her? 
Cammie Morgan may be an elite spy-in-training, but in her sophomore year, she's on her most dangerous mission-falling in love.
Quote:

“I suppose a lot of teenage girls feel invisible sometimes, like they just disappear. Well, that's me—Cammie the Chameleon. But I'm luckier than most because, at my school, that's considered cool. 
I go to a school for spies.” 
-Ally Carter, I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You.
Rate: 5/5 stars
Review:
So many people have recommended this, and raved about it but I got to it just now. When I read the summary, I was so excited to read it because I love reading about people in "spy" jobs, like Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider series and I also enjoy watching NCIS. Also, the title caught my attention.. as well as my friends who couldn't believe a book could have such a title, and had to get a copy themselves to figure out why the title was what it was.

I'd tell you I love you but then I'd have to kill you transported me into Carter's world from the first page. It had enough detail to draw a picture in your mind but not as much as to bore you into skipping pages.  I really liked how Cammie seemed like a real life girl, you know, beside all the spy things she can do. Cammie was a somewhat normal girl, she likes this guy but she doesn't know how to "speak boy." The plot line was amazing, and I can't wait to read the second book in the series,  Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy.
Also, I found this other cover for this book, which I have to admit I like more;

I'd tell you I love you but then I'd have to kill you is a fast paced book, with such detail that you'll feel like you're there. Carter will pull you into her world from the first page, and not let go until the last page, leaving you with anticipation to read the second installment to her series.

Book Review: Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

Title: Tiger's Curse
Author: Colleen Houck
Series: The Tiger Saga #1
Publisher: Sterling
Publication Date: January 11th 2011
Author Info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 402
Summary from Goodreads;
The last thing teenager Kelsey Hayes thought she'd be doing over the summer was meeting Ren, a mysterious white tiger and cursed Indian prince when she learns she alone can break the Tiger's curse, Kelsey's life is turned upside-down. The unlikely duo journeys halfway around the world to piece together an Indian prophecy, find a way to free the man trapped by a centuries-old spell, and discover the path to their true destiny.

Passion. Fate. Loyalty.


Would you risk it all to change your destiny?
Review:
The gorgeous and well designed cover was obviously what drew me into getting this book, and the synopsis helped too.

Tiger's Curse captured my attention completely after the first few pages into reading it. The writing was unique and seemed to flow straight out of the book. Colleen seemed to cast a spell on me through the writing, because I couldn't seem to put the book down. I loved the very idea of Indian legends and myths, any type of myths really. The characters were hilarious, really. There would be a time when they were in a dangerous situation and someone would crack a joke or do something completely hilarious.

“He seemed very pleased with himself for surviving a near-death experience. I could practically hear him chanting to himself: I overcame. I conquered. I’m a man etc etc.” 
― Colleen Houck, Tiger's Curse
The romance was totally swoon-worthy. Scoot over Anna and St. Clair, cause Ren and Kelsey are taking over. This book captures the type of romance every young adult person wants, or anyone else, really. I Can't wait to read Tiger's Curse, whose cover holds Ren's brother,Kishan, right?
Tiger's Curse was captivating, hilarious, and had the perfect touch of romance.
You can go on the website and see official music playlists and book trailers for all of the books.
Trailer;

Barnes&Nobles interview w/ author;

ARC Book Review: The List by Siobhan Vivian

Title: The List
Author: Siobhan Vivian
Publisher: Push
Release Date: April 1, 2012
Summary from Goodreads;
An intense look at the rules of high school attraction—and the price that’s paid for them. 

It happens every year. A list is posted, and one girl from each grade is chosen as the prettiest, and another is chosen as the ugliest. Nobody knows who makes the list. It almost doesn’t matter. The damage is done the minute it goes up. 

This is the story of eight girls, freshman to senior, “pretty” and “ugly.” And it’s also the story of how we see ourselves, and how other people see us, and the tangled connection of the two.


Review: 
I'd been patiently waiting for the release of this book and totally pining for it and I could have waited, but fortunately a fellow friend/ reviewer of mine lend it to me. I was so happy I read it and forgot to read the release date, which was rather ironic, considering the fact that I'd been so excited for it's release date.  


Anyway, The List tells the story of a couple of girls whose names have gone up on the list that year and their experiences on being either the prettiest girl in school for her year or the ugliest. This book was so intriguing to read although I wish I'd known that it was in first person. I've grown used to third person POV, it appears. I completely loved the development of the characters and plot( s ) throughout the story. Each girl has a different experience as they see the effects of the list impact their lives and emotions.  Their lives are completely different but due to the list their paths inter cross and you realize that they're as different as they are similar.


I adored Siobhan's The List. It was a quick read, filled with teenage angst and romance. 

ARC Book Review: The Girl in The Park by Mariah Fredericks

Title: The Girl In The Girl
Author: Mariah Fredericks

Publisher: Random House Children's books

Expected Publication: April 24, 2012

Author Info: Website

Format: Arc/ Random Buzzers

Pages: 224 

Review from Goodreads;

When Wendy Geller's body is found in Central Park after the night of a rager, newspaper headlines scream,"Death in the Park: Party Girl Found Strangled." But shy Rain, once Wendy's best friend, knows there was more to Wendy than just "party girl." As she struggles to separate the friend she knew from the tangle of gossip and headlines, Rain becomes determined to discover the truth about the murder. 

Review;

4 stars- really liked it. 

This is by far the best mystery book I've read in ages.I don't normally read mystery, but I gave this a chance and am I glad for it.