Paranormal Wastelands' Year in Review 2011

Hello Wastelanders and Happy New Year!

Have you made your resolution?

Have you reflected on your past year?

Are you trying to read a book before midnight?

Today we would like to share with your our fondest booky wook memories of 2011.

Enjoy...

Darkfallen's Top New Books to 2011

Saving June
Where She Went
Sweetly
Angel Burn
Silence

Greta's Top New Books of 2011 Dreams of a Dark Warrior
These Things Hidden

Forever

How to Save a Life

Warm Bodies

Greta's Top 5 Reads in 2011 Published in Another The Blue Mirror
How it Ends
Candy
A Certain Slant of Light
Room

Darkfallen's Top 5 Reads in 2011 Published in Another

Sister's Red
Leftovers
A Hunger Like No Other
Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night
If I Stay

Paranormal Wastelands' Top 5 Indie Books Silas
Vampire Wake
A Whisper to a Scream
Fate Fixed
Miss World

Paranormal Wasteland's
King of Books that will Make you Rape your Husband 2011

Backstage Pass
Hunger Like No Other

Here's hoping that each and every one of you has a safe and happy New Year's. Keep on reading and we'll keep on giving you the best blog that we can. Wastelander fans rock! We roll! And we love each one of you!

Asphodel by Lauren Hammond: Review

Asphodel (The Underworld Trilogy 1)
By Lauren Hammond
Published December 20th by S.B. Addison Books
Pick up your copy at Amazon today!
Synopsis borrowed from Goodreads:

Persephone has been running for her entire life. Running from the humans to keep her immortality a secret. And running from a man who haunts her dreams. Not a man but a god, who will stop at nothing until he gets what he wants. And what he wants most, is her.

Trapped in the realm of the dead, Persephone plans to return to the land of the living. The underworld is a terrifying place where ghosts roam freely, three headed dogs patrol the gates, and it’s a living grave where the rules of earth and the warmth of the sun no longer apply. But then, something unexpected happens. Persephone finds herself falling for the god who abducted her, the god who has chased her for five thousand years, a god who is none other than death himself, Hades.
Ripped out of the underworld by Zeus, Persephone must find a pomegranate to return to the realm of the dead and to her beloved. Consuming only a seed of the fruit of the dead would bind Persephone to spend her life beneath the earth’s core with Hades. But Zeus has reduced every pomegranate tree in the world to ash. Except one. Persephone must locate that one remaining pomegranate tree, a quest that could ignite a war between the two mightiest of the god’s. A war that could cause Persephone to lose the only family she’s ever known or give up a love that comes only once every five thousand years.

Darkfallen's thoughts:

YAY another Lauren Hammond book!
That's exactly what I said when I found out about this book. Lauren Hammond and Greek mythology? What more can you ask for?!

Now I know you see those 3 stars up there and are wondering why. First off let me state that I enjoyed this book. I was intrigued by the take on Hades & Persephone's story...but I just felt that it was lacking that Lauren Hammond sparkle. Or should I say dark intrigue?

Here let me go on...

There were several parts that felt slightly rushed, and while I really REALLY wanted to feel all school girl squee/swoon of Hades I just wasn't given the chance. Which led to the relationship between Hades and Persephone feeling forced and rush. Now it wasn't like in most books when the relationship is rushed and you just aren't buying any of it...because I was so buying it. I wanted them to be together and love each other. But there just wasn't enough build time there for me to get so attached that my heart would be ripped out when it all fell apart. And as Nine Inch Nails says...In the end everything all falls apart. I just wished there would have been a little more feeling and building there so when the time came it would break me. YES that's right I'm complaining that I didn't cry or have my heart broken. Wow what a masochist am I?

In the end I still can't wait for the next book in the series. I need more of this story I need more of the love I saw starting to bloom, and I hope I get it. A part of me wishes this wasn't a YA series so I could get EVEN more. *waggles eyebrows* Still my previous statement stands...Lauren Hammond is an author to look out for. If you haven't read her stuff yet you have no idea what your missing! Start my picking up A Whisper To A Scream, then He Loves Me, He Loves You Not, and then find your way to Asphodel. You'll be glad you met this author.

Lymi...





Leap Into Indie!

<a href="http://paranormalwastelands.blogspot.com/2011/12/leap-into-indie.html" title="Paranormal Wastelands"><img src="http://i1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb479/Paranormalwasteland/leapnow21-1.jpg"alt ="Paranormal Wastelands" title="Paranormal Wastelands"/></a><br />

Welcome to Leap Into Idie!

What is Leap Into Indie, you ask?

Simple! It's a giveaway hop dedicated to indie authors and their fabulous books:) Through blogging we meet some pretty awesome indie authors that we might not have met otherwise, so lets share the love out in the book blogging world by hosting a giveaway dedicated just to them!

Now I know you have other questions like...What's a giveaway hop? And How do I sign up? Well first let us introduce you to our top five indie finds this year....and then we will move on to the details!

Paranormal Wastelands' Top 5 Indie Books Silas

Vampire Wake

A Whisper to a Scream

Fate Fixed

Miss World

Now back to the details...

What is a giveaway hop?

A giveaway hop is an event hosted where bloggers across the blogg-o-sphere link up and each host a giveaway on their site. There is a linky list so hoppers can easily hop from one giveaway to the next! It helps generate a lot of blog traffic for your blog and helps you meet some pretty awesome bloggers:)

How do you sign up?

That's easy peasy! All you have to do to sign up and join in the fun is fill out the linky form below. Please make sure that you type your web address and email correctly.

Rules shmules...

1.)This event is hosted by Paranormal Wastelands & Jen from Can't Put It Down. You can sign up on either blog but please only sign up once. Once you sign up grad the badge above and place it in your sidebar so other people can sign up!

2.)Each blog is responsible for providing their own giveaway for this event. The giveaway must be either an indie book, or a gift card to a book store to buy indie books.

3.) Each blogger can set their own rules for entering their giveaway. (Example: International, US Only, Must follow on GFC, Follow on Twitter, Leave a comment, ect.) Just remember to keep it simply. No Jumping through hoops for the intial entry.

4.) Each post should have the Leap Into Indie logo at the top of their post and the linky list for the rest of the giveaways at the bottom. This allows for hoppers to easily hop from one blog to the next.

That's it! Easy Peasy;-)

Now fill out the linky here to sign up! Just Click the botton:)

As I Wake

Title: As I Wake
Author: Elizabeth Scott
Published: September 15th 2011
Synopsis from Goodreads

Ava is welcomed home from the hospital by a doting mother, lively friends, and a crush finally beginning to show interest. There's only one problem: Ava can't remember any of them - and can't shake the eerie feeling that she's not who they say she is.

Ava struggles to break through her amnesiac haze as she goes through the motions of high-school life, but the memories that surface take place in a very different world, where Ava and familiar-faced friends are under constant scrutiny and no one can be trusted. Ava doesn't know what to make of these visions, or of the boy who is at the center of them all, until he reappears in her life and offers answers . . . but only in exchange for her trust.

This book was AWESOME!!!

I have NEVER EVER EVER read anything like it and I loved it!!

In the beginning I kind of thought this book was going to be written in verse (with the way things are worded) but once you get to the middle it totally makes sense and made me love the book even more.

I totally recommend this book!! Super loves!

The Plot:
Ava wakes up in a room that isn't her own. She is surrounded by people she has met but not in this world. She's not the Ava everyone thinks she is. They all think she has lost her memory but Ava starts to remember... it's not her memories... it's her world.

The characters:
Ava: Main character who the story is told by. She can't remember who she is but knows that the woman who says she is her Mom is not her real Mom. She keeps having flashbacks of a harder time in an attic watching a boy and taking notes.

Jane: Ava's Mom... or is she? Wants Ava to remember who she is... as long as the person she remember is HER Ava.

Clementine: One of Jane's neighbors who works at the hospital where Ava is getting tests done to figure out where her memory has gone to. Keeps saying little cryptic things to Ava. Is she trying to remind her of something?

Ethan: Ava loves him. This Ava has met him before. Why doesn't she feel the same way she used to. Is he the same boy? Or is she not the same girl?

Morgan: The boy from the attic. The boy from Ava's memories. Or is it dreams? He wants her to come home. Ava thought she was home.

Olivia, Greer, and Sophy: Ava's best friends from school who this Ava can remember but differently.

What did this book remind me of?
It kind of reminded me of Quantum Leap, Fringe, X-Files, and a bit of Eerie Indiana. If you like Sci-fi and a good mystery then this book is for you!

Boy or Girl?
Well, I personally think that a girl would like this book more but that's only because boy's don't tend to read too many books with girl heroines. But I really think that if this book was to land in the right boy's hands then he would love it. He just has to give it a try.

Lyrical?
Zomg!! This book is soo lyrical!! If you like lyrical books or verse books or books full of metaphors then this book is for you!! It's brilliant!

Would you like a sequel?
Yes please!! Or a pre-quel!! Either one I would be fine with. I'm sure this book is meant to stand alone but there are so many things that could be added. WANTS MORE!!

What was the most interesting part of the book?
Mainly the flashbacks. I loved learning what Ava was remembering from her time as herself and not the girl everyone thinks she is.

Would you buy this book?
Tough question. I got this book from the library and it took me about 5 or 6 hours to read. It's a real easy book which I love but i don't know if I could spend $20 on it. I could see spending say $6 on it. Maybe rent it from the library first and then see what you think. I personally wouldn't spend that kind of cash on it. But don't take my word for it... I'm cheap.

The Cover:
The cover, while very pretty and extremely cool, kind of confuses me. If you look at it, it is clearly AVA, but what is she doing? Is her head exploding? Is she catching things on fire? Is she vaporizing? None of that happens. So, what is it? I figure it's her having her memories from when she sleeps. Not shifting, literally, but more metaphysical... maybe? Or perhaps it's her shadow (you'll understand that later). For those of you who have read the book... what did you think?

Parents Guide:
No descriptive hanky panky in this book but there are 2 scenes or really sentences that talk about masturbation. It's not descriptive at all. Beavis and Butt-head would do worse ;P. I think an 8th grader would be fine with this book.

What I took from this book:
No matter what... you are always going to be the same person. You might have different mannerisms but they can't take the YOU out of yourself.

Overall:
This book is great! I enjoyed it! Not a dull minute!

Get ready to Swear...

Top 10 Tips for a

Magical New Year’s Eve

By Sin & Dice

Candice Regan Moskow (AKA Dice) and Sinclair Youngblood Powers (AKA Sin) are the star-crossed, tumult-tossed couple from Nina Malkin’s SWOON and SWEAR. These two have been through a lot together, and despite all the drama—or maybe because of it—their love has never been so strong and strange and true. You can seek their counsel anytime via their amorous advice column Here! But with one of the most potentially romantic nights on the calendar coming up, we thought we’d tap the paranormal pair for some guidance on how to have magical New Year’s Eve. Here are their top 10 tips for a magical kick out of 2011.

SIN: As fully documented in SWEAR, 2011 was challenging—treachery, abduction, insanity, betrayal. Yet this is the year that you and I reunited, Dice—it was our fate to endure all that so that we can be here, now. That makes me somewhat ambivalent about bidding the year farewell.

DICE: Yeah, well, Sin, for once it’s not all about us. We’re here, now, to help other people have the best—and most romantic—New Year’s Eve ever.

SIN: Indeed. New Year’s Eve is an opportunity to spark new love, intensify true love, even rekindle past love. Yet it can also be fraught, whether you’re romantically involved or not: What to do, whom to do it with, date or no date, and all the concerns about kissing when the clock strikes 12.

DICE: Right. So my first tip goes out to anyone fiending hard right now: Ask. Him/Her. Out. It may seem counterintuitive to go for it on a special occasion, but actually it’s easier than asking out your crush at random, since you can bring it up casually in conversation. Like, “So what are you doing for New Year’s?”

SIN: Precisely. That way, you’re at no risk of embarrassment if the object of your affection happens to have previous plans. Take note, however, that having a date isn’t the only route to an enchanting New Year’s Eve.

DICE: So true, Sin. What would you prefer: a so-so date with someone you’re not that into, or the freedom to meet the most amazing person ever?

SIN: On this night, the whole world on the brink of future, our minds and hearts and souls are ideally open to possibility. Who knows who might be out there for you?

DICE: It’s the sort of night when best friends can look at each other and finally realize they belong together. Or when a stranger who’s a full 180 from what you think is your “type” will seem beautiful and wonderful and sexy and sweet and…perfect. So go out believing that anything can happen.

SIN: When that’s your attitude, it will show in your smile, your carriage; your very being will shine. You’ll attract and interest more people, and you’ll find more people attractive and interesting.

DICE: Dress the part, too—dress for delight! Just be sure to dress for comfort, too. NYE is a loooong night. So if your clothes are so tight you can’t breathe or your shoes too high for dancing, you’ll cramp your own style.

SIN: A long night ought mean plenty of options, as well. Why limit yourself to one party; find out about several and make the rounds. Do not succumb to snobbery. Your best time might not be at the biggest party, or the one with the “coolest” host. You might have the most fun and meet the most fascinating people out on the street going from one to another.

DICE: That's right—talk to strangers! NYE is a great excuse to drop any shyness and step out of your zone a little. Just be careful about liquid or chemical courage. Because let’s be real, some people act like it’s a law: You must get wasted on NYE. And there will be a lot of stuff out there. So all I’m saying is, if you do partake, pace yourself. My rule of thumb is for every glass of champagne—sipped, not guzzled!—have a glass of water…or seltzer if you’re partial to bubbles.

SIN: Sage advice, my lady. No one wants to be caught in the throes of regurgitation or passed out on a pile of coats. And do keep an eye out for your companions. Friends don’t let friends behave foolishly under the influence. But so far our counsel has been for the single ladies and gentlemen. Let us not forget couples. Let us not forget us…

DICE: Ooh. Yeah. Right. We never even discussed what we’re doing for NYE, Sin—and it’s our first! I mean, are we going to be in Swoon…or NYC…or…

SIN: As long as we’re together I don’t care where we are. Moreover, on a special night, I’m less inclined to share you with the world. How would you feel about a private party?

DICE: You mean, skip the whole scene, the whole hustle-bustle New Year’s mania? Have a quiet dinner a deux? A cuddle in front of the fire? An intimate game of truth or dare? Bundle up, go outside and stare at the stars? Come back and indulge in…chocolate-covered strawberries…or something.

SIN: Yes. Or something. Yes…

So, to recap, here are our Top 10 Tips for New Year’s Romance

1)      Dare to ask your crush out — casually

2)      Don’t settle for just any date

3)      Be open to amorous possibility — everywhere

4)      Believe in amorous magic

5)      Dress for fun — and for comfort

6)      Party hop

7)      Talk to strangers

8)      Pace yourself

9)      Keep an eye on your friends

10)  Skip the scene if you feel like it — but still make it special

Now are you ready to Swear?

One lucky winner will get their own copy of Swear! All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

This contest is open to US residents only.

Laddertop

Title: Laddertop
Authors: Orson Scott Card
Emily Janice Card
Artist: Honoel A. Ibardolaza
Published: September 27th 2011
Synopsis from GoodReads


Twenty-five years ago, the alien Givers came to Earth. They gave the human race the greatest technology ever seen— four giant towers known as Ladders that rise 36,000 miles into space and culminate in space stations that power the entire planet. Then, for reasons unknown, the Givers disappeared. Due to the unique alien construction of the Laddertop space stations, only a skilled crew of children can perform the maintenance necessary to keep the stations up and running.

Back on Earth, competition is fierce to enter Laddertop Academy. It is an honor few students will achieve. Robbi and Azure, two eleven-year-old girls who are the best of friends, are candidates for the Academy. They will become entangled in a dangerous mystery that may help them solve the riddle of the Givers...if it doesn’t destroy the Earth first!

It's unclear to me if "LADDERTOP" is based in the future or not. But 25 years ago this alien race that we call the GIVERS gave it to us.

Laddertop consists of four big towers (ladders) that go up to the Space Station that is called 'Laddertop'. Clever, huh? Cuz you get to the top of the Ladder.

So, think of a primitive Deep Space 9, maybe. That's what I was thinking of. Or maybe a more advanced MIR.

11 year old girl, AZURE really wants to be picked to go to Laddertop. It's been her dream for like ever. That's right... ELEVEN YEAR OLD. You see, they need short kids to do something on Laddertop. I don't really know why. That wasn't explained in this book.

Azure is the comic relief girl. The story is really based around, Robbi (also an 11 year old girl). She doesn't want to go to Laddertop because that's Azure's dream but she really really does which is kinda confusing... First she doesn't, then she does... blah blah blah.

Robbi gets picked to go and Azure is squee diddles for her.

Really kids.... I don't see how an eleven year old girl would like this comic. It just doesn't seem to be what they are into.

Space, girls, playing by the rules. Are girls into this kind of stuff?

I asked my 14 year old son what he thought a middle grade comic should have and he told me: Lots of Action.

Action? Wait... but he's a boy.

The book does have a lot of action but it's not like sword fighting. It's more like "I pushed you on the soccer field. Ha Ha Ha Ha." And then "We are in spinny thing that will make us go spew. Hooray Team USA!"

I dunno.... It seems to be missing something....

LIKE HUMOR!!

That is what I would want in a middle grade comic book if I was 11 years old. Sure there are two comic relief characters but in all honesty I found them annoying. I actually found the boy to be racially stereo-typed. More of a "What are you talkin' 'bout, Willis?" kind of kid which just made me go, "WHAT?!! Really?!!"

Then there was the dialogue. Ummm.... it was kinda lame. I read some of it to my son and he agreed with me.

For example: There is this one part in the book where Robbi tells Azure if she's going to do something crazy that she should give her a code word so she can get out of the way. And Azure says, "GRAMPA!". And Robbi is like "WHY GRAMPA?" And Azure says, "Cuz GRAMPA IS COOL!"

Uhhh..... at eleven years old I think you would get smacked for saying that. Nothing against GRAMPAS of the world... just for using that as your secret word for butt-kicking.

Another thing that I found annoying with "Laddertop" is that none of the characters had boobs. No really.... WHERE'S THE BOOBS? All the "WOMEN" characters (adult!!) had no boobies at all!! None!! I actually found it hard distinguishing if they were male or female. I was convinced throughout the book that one character was a man (a flamboyantly dressed one that reminded me of the vampire Lestat) but turned out he was a Chick. ZOMG! I showed this character to my son and he also thought it was a Man.

So, that needs worked on.

Also, all the characters have great conditioned hair and I had one hell of a time distinguishing the boys from the girls. Even their eyebrows are the same.

The cool thing is there is a CHARACTER glossary with drawing in the back with their names by each picture. I found that to be very nice and helpful.

Now, the cool thing about "Laddertop" is that it is short and while it started out as a 2 Star Flop it did end in a 4 Star I'm Curious What Will Happen kind of book.

I guess the first one in a series kind of has to suckle a bit before it gets any good.

I am looking forward to the next.

I do kinda feel that this is a Grandparent Approved comic book. Think wholesome ARCHIE. So, if you are looking for a grandparent friendly book to get your little darling... pick up LADDERTOP! They might be disappointed but you won't ;)

Super Zombie Juice Mega Bomb

Note: This book was sent to me by the author for an honest review. Because this book is a Children's book about 14 year olds, I decided to have my 14 year old son read it and give me his review. The things he says and suggests are his opinion and not mine. LOLZ! That means if you let your 7 year old child read this book and it gives them nightmares... just remember - Mickey said it was ok... not me ;)


Title: Super Zombie Juice Mega Bomb
Author: M.J.A. Ware
Published: September 5th 2011
Synopsis from Goodreads

When life gives you lemons, kill zombies -- turns out lemon juice neutralizes the undead.

After a failed attempt at running away, best friends Nathan and Misty return home expecting to face angry parents. Instead, they discover the military has destroyed the bridges out of their rural town and everyone's fled--except a small horde of the living dead. The stress of flesh-eating zombies may be more than their already strained relationship can handle.

Even with the help of the town geek and lemonade-powered Super-Soakers, there's not enough time to squeeze their way out of this sticky mess. Unless the trio eradicates the zombie infestation, while avoiding the deadly zombie snot, the military will blow the town, and them, to pulp.

Their only shot is something with a lot more punch. Something like the Super Zombie Juice Mega Bomb. But even if their friendship survives, there's another problem: Someone has to lure the undead into the trap.

A Review from a fourteen year old
It was about a zombie outbreak that infects the tri-county area that Nate and Misty live in.

Nate and Misty sneak out the house to go camping and they see the mayor and he's apparently infected and they don't know it. And the mayor is about to bite Misty and Nate stops him but the mayor bites Nate in the leg but doesn't get infected which in my opinion was kind of stupid.

They go back to town to see if it's evacuated then they go to all these other places and then the go to Nate's house to get the Mustang that his Dad has and then they drive to a strip mall for supplies and then they go to Wal-mart.

While in Wal-mart they stay there for a couple days and find Cali who is a boy which is weird, and he joins them and tells them that the government has plans to bomb the place.

Mickey's Thoughts

How did you like the story?
There were no funny parts at all? I did like it but it would have been better with some funny parts. Younger people might think that it is funny but I didn't think so.

How old of a kid do you think you have to be to enjoy this book?
I would think at least a seven year old.

Were there any cuss words?
No cuss words, they say things like HOLY COW and stuff.

Does the cover make sense to the story?
They were never trapped at a cemetery. And Cali isn't there and you only see a bit of Nate. THey only went to a cemetery once to get a fire truck.

Was there any romance?
Some kissing on a cheek and crying on a shoulder

Do you think that the author was able to depict the average 14 year old?
I felt the characters were more dumb than a 14 year old, at times. I think they acted more like 6th graders.

Do you think this book is more of a boy book or a girl book?
More boy but it could be for both.

If a sequel is written would you read it?
Maybe

Were there any scary parts?
No, I thought it would be scarier but it wasn't very detailed at all when 'scary' parts happened.

Do you think this kind of zombie outbreak could happen in real life?
No, this kind of stuff only happens in stories.

Would you watch a cartoon about this book?
Probably not a cartoon series but I would a movie.

Explain what a super zombie juice mega bomb is.
It's the thing that kills the zombies... like big time. If I told you then that would wreck the book.

Tribute by J.R. Pearsen Nelson: Review

Tribute (Children of the Sidhe 1)
By J.R. Pearse Nelson
Published August 8th 2011
Pick up your copy at Amazon today!
Synopsis borrowed from Goodreads:

The first novella in the Children of the Sidhe series.

Hazel Fintan is the reluctant daughter of the Irish love god, Aengus. As much as she loves the Sidhe lifestyle, with baubles and leisure galore, she’s never cared for her father’s world. So who could expect her to be happy when she’s drawn into a conflict with a legendary race over an impossible tribute?

The tribute may be what brought them together, but Ian MacIlroy knows destiny when it stares him in the face with stunning green eyes and a gorgeous smile. Now he has a new mission. Hazel will be his, at any cost.

Darkfallen's thoughts:

I think this book has a lot, LOT of potential. I loved where the story was going. The lore and the worlds involved were great...

Unfortunately it just needed a bit more.

You know how you read a good romantic novella and it grips you from the from the first page? The romantic tension builds and builds? The plot thickens to a point that you don't think you can take much more, and you're standing there at 75% read wondering how on Earth this book can possible wrap up in the next 25%? But then it takes a twist and BAM your left seeing stars. Everything comes together, and FINALLY we get some smexy fun time to ease your sexual frustrating that has been building all this time, and then the only complaint you have is that you want MORE!

Well that's not how this book was written. It's written more like a outline to a full length novel. Now don't get me wrong I did enjoy it and found it interesting enough, hence the 3 stars. But overall it felt choppy and rushed. The love interest didn't really build to make you feel it leaving it feeling a bit two dimensional. With the way this story is written I think that if it was flushed out, characters rounded a bit, and polished up, it would make for a great full length novel. I might just venture to say a 5 star novel, but as a novella it just falls flat a little.        



Vampire Breed by Tim O'Rourke: Review

Vampire Breed (Kiera Hudson Series #4)
By Tim O'Rourke
Published Dec 6th 2011
Pick up your copy at Amazon today!

Synopsis borrowed from Goodreads:

Kiera Hudson wakes to find herself imprisoned. Experiencing nightmares and visions, she slowly realises that she has been subjected to a series of sinister tests and operations. Addicted to blood and in pain, Kiera knows that if she is to survive she will need to escape from her cage. But who is the werewolf that secretly visits her during the night and can Kiera trust him? Where are her friends and why hasn’t Potter come to rescue her as he promised? With no word or message from Luke and Potter, she fears that they might be dead.

But with only a chair and a book for comfort in her cage, can Kiera escape? And even if she does, what will she find on the other side of her cell walls?

‘Vampire Breed’ Book Four in the Kiera Hudson Series.
'Vampire Holllows' Book Five in the Kiera Hudson Series coming January 2012!

Darkfallen's thoughts:

What can I say? This is a series that I can never get enough of!

Seriously why hasn't a publishing company scooped this up yet? It just doesn't make sense to me! But enough of my little fit throwing, lets get on with the review shall we?

Kiera Hudson is by far the worlds UNLUCKIEST twenty year old ever...and it just gets worse, and then worse.

Waking up in a zoo turned prison, where the animals are the ones that run free and the humans live in cages, things can't get much worse. She's filthy and worst of all...hungry. But it's what she hungers for that makes this prison cell only half the problem. While Kiera tries to fight the craving for flesh and blood she has to find a way out of her cell, because not only does her life depend on it, the entire human race is counting on her. Every minute she's here is another city wiped from the map as vampyrus, vampires, and werewolves take over. With blinding pain due to a werewolf bite, cravings for blood, and no tools to aid her she just might be in over her head this time.

Will Kiera be able to see her way out of this? Or is this the end of her humanity forever?

This series has been jam packed full of action, suspense, and the right amount romance, and this installment is no different. Can I just say Potter...swoon...sighs.? OMG I love this man! I can't get enough of him. I need more Kiera & Potter! LOL

No seriously I could go on and on and on about this book, but I don't want to give anything away. So I'll leave you with this...

You ever have one of those books that you pick up on a whim, not really expected much, and then it turns out to be one of the best books you've read? Well this entire series has been that way. And that is hard to do considering that I've read over 100 books this year alone. Since book one I have been hooked. After each book I think there is no way for the next book to be better but it always is! If you haven't picked this up by now do yourself a favor, you have no idea what your missing!    

Lymi...



     

Triangles

Title: Triangles
Author: Ellen Hopkins
Published: October 18th 2011
Synopsis from Goodreads

In this first adult novel by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the unforgettable Crank trilogy, three female friends face midlife crises in a no holds-barred exploration of sex, marriage, and the fragility of life.

Ellen Hopkins has made her mark as the wildly popular author of several novels for young adults—every one of them a New York Times bestseller, and every one a hard-hitting exploration of tough-to-tackle topics. Now, in Triangles, Hopkins brings her storytelling mastery and fearlessness to take on the challenges of adult dramas.

In this emotionally powerful novel, three women face the age-old midlife question: If I’m halfway to death, is this all I’ve got to show for it? Holly, filled with regret for being a stay-at-home mom, sheds sixty pounds and loses herself in the world of extramarital sex. Andrea, a single mom and avowed celibate, watches her friend Holly’s meltdown with a mixture of concern and contempt. Holly is throwing away what Andrea has spent her whole life searching for—a committed relationship with a decent guy. So what if Andrea picks up Holly’s castaway husband? Then there’s Marissa. She has more than her fair share of challenges—a gay teenage son, a terminally ill daughter, and a husband who buries himself in his work rather than face the facts. As one woman’s marriage unravels, another one’s rekindles. As one woman’s family comes apart at the seams, another’s is reconfigured into something bigger and better. In this story of connections and disconnections, one woman’s up is another one’s down, and all three of them will learn the meaning of friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness before it is through.

Wow! This book was awesome, confusing, shocking, sad, happy, and totally woman.

Sounds like a mood-swing, right?

Triangles is a book about three middle-aged women who all link up in one way or another. Kind of like a love triangle but without Switzerland, and the wooing, and you know... sparkles. I'm guessing that's why it's called TRIANGLES. My husband looked at the cover and thought it was referring to boobs.

I found it really confusing as we went through each woman's pov. Each one done in 1st person. That really screwed me up. After about 100 pages or so, I came up with the idea of writing each name down on a post-it and moving the correct name to the front of each section when the pov changed. This helped out a lot. If you are having trouble keeping up I highly recommend doing that.

~~CHARACTERS~~

Holly
Husband: Jace
Kids: Mikayla
Trace
Brianna
Best Friend: Andrea
Main thought about her: Wants to spice things up but really doesn't want her husband involved. In my opinion, kind of a slut. Ok.... totally a slut.

Andrea
Husband: Divorced
Kids: Harley
Sister: Marissa
Main thought about her: Kind of wishy washy in the beginning but really finds her voice near the end. I believe she would be a loyal friend even if she does make some mistakes.

Marissa
Husband: Christian
Kids: Shane
Shelby
Sister: Andrea
Main thought about her: A trapped woman in a living hell as she watches her life go down the toilet and there isn't anything she can do about it.

~~PLOT~~

Holly
Holly is in a funk. She decides that she'd like to try her hand at writing. She'd like to write an erotic novel. After joining a writing group she discovers that infidelity is a spice of life she has yet to sample. But one has to wonder, is the new partner(s) or maybe the rush she gets from keeping it her own little secret.

Andrea
Andrea is the voice of reason in the book. She kind of reminded me of Jackie off "Roseanne". In the beginning she seems to do whatever anyone asks of her but by the end she is making choices that benefit her.

Marissa
Marissa's daughter is dying at only four years old and there's nothing that can be done to stop it. Her husband sleeps in a separate bedroom and her gay son isn't helping matters. Feeling trapped in a loveless marriage what is a woman to do when there isn't anything that can be done?

~~HOW THE CHARACTERS LINK UP~~
In the first 100 to 200 pages it is hard to see how on earth the characters link up, but once you get past the introductions then watch out because you are going to feel like you are reading a soap opera. THE GOOD KIND! I couldn't wait to hear what so and so thought about that and what so and so was going to do about that. It will all make sense but you do have to give it time. If you have a little patience then you'll understand what I mean.

~~VERSE~~
I'm guessing that all Ellen Hopkins books are done in verse. There are a couple of poetic parts and each POV ends in a poem which is very neatly done because the moral of it stands out. But I guess I just don't get how you consider such simple writing VERSE. Is it because of the way the words are designed? Does Ellen Hopkins arrange them or does she have someone do that for her? I guess what I'm saying is, if this book was just written in straight lines it still would have made just as much sense.

~~WHO SHOULD READ THIS?~~
The ladies in the story are all either close to 40 or over. I don't think that anyone under 30 would enjoy this book. It's defiantly a book for Moms with teenagers.

~~OVERALL~~
I don't think that I would buy this book, but I would recommend it. It's well written, the story is very interesting, and as long as you do the post-it method of have a killer memory then I'm pretty sure you will enjoy it.

How to Save a Life

Title: How to Save a Life
Author: Sara Zarr
Published: October 18th 2011
Synopsis from GoodReads

Jill MacSweeney just wants everything to go back to normal. But ever since her dad died, she's been isolating herself from her boyfriend, her best friends--everyone who wants to support her. You can't lose one family member and simply replace him with a new one, and when her mom decides to adopt a baby, that's exactly what it feels like she's trying to do. And that's decidedly not normal. With her world crumbling around her, can Jill come to embrace a new member of the family?

Mandy Kalinowski knows what it's like to grow up unwanted--to be raised by a mother who never intended to have a child. So when Mandy becomes pregnant, she knows she wants a better life for her baby. But can giving up a child be as easy as it seems? And will she ever be able to find someone to care for her, too?

Critically acclaimed author and National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr delivers a heart-wrenching story, told from dual perspectives, about what it means to be a family and the many roads we can take to become one.

This book was amazing!!

It was an emotional, heartbreaking, on the edge of my seat super roller coaster of super duper Loves!!

Have you ever read a book that you didn't want to end?

For me... THIS WAS ONE OF THEM!!

I wanted to savor every page, every word, ever punctuation mark... It was just so delicious that I could read it over and over again without feeling full.

The Plot:
Mandy is a simple 18 year old girl who is pregnant. She wants her baby to have a better life than what she has now. Going on an open-adoption website she finds a woman who seems just perfect to give her child the life it deserves. Anything that's better than Mandy's will do.

Jill is a well-to-do girl with a job at a book store, her own car, and a nice boyfriend... but since her Dad died she hasn't felt the same. Neither has her Mom. Especially her Mom. Because Mom just dropped a bomb on her. She wants to adopt a baby.

Throughout:
We learn Mandy's story and more and more about Jill opening up after she closed herself off from the world when her Dad died. You get a feeling for both girls. The story is told in both of their pov's and each one has their own voice. You know how some can sound the same? In this book you are actually able to distinguish one girl from the next. Even the fonts are different, which in my opinion, was really cool.

Greta's favorite Character:
My favorite girl would have to be Mandy. I felt for her so deeply. In a way she was so simple but when you got inside her head you find out the complexity thought that goes through the making of every one of her decisions. What looks like she's staring off into space is actually her calculating the right thing she feels will help her get through to the next day or the next minute.

I really related to her in several ways.

Who should read this book:
This is definitely a mother/daughter/best friend book. It's a girl/woman book. Young or old, it doesn't matter! It's just brilliant.

For the Moms and Dads:
Since this is a book about pregnancy then you should assume that sex is involved. There isn't any graphic detail sex and when there is anything sexual it all fades to black. I say if your child knows where babies come from then this book will be 'A OK' for them to read. Also, there aren't many cuss words but there are a few. It would not bother me at all if a 13 year old was to pick up this book. I wouldn't even think twice.

What made me fall in Love
Cinnamon flavored boys
Fairground Loves
A girl looking for a Mom
Told in 2 very different povs
The Ending.... enough said.....

Trust me kids... Go get this book.

And here's the reason why....

IT MADE ME CRY!!

That's right!! This book gets a TEARDROP AWARD from the never sobbing GRETA. It's that good!!

Want to know what makes me cry?

Then go get this book and find out!!

You'll be happy that you did!

Doorways

Title: Doorways
Author: Tim O'Rourke
Also known to PW as: The Hobbit
Published: March 8th 2011
Synopsis from Goodreads

When Zachary Black discovers a door set between two giant cliffs, he realises he has never seen anything so peculiar. Unable to resist the doorway, Zach opens it to find that he is looking into Endra.

Have you ever had someone say to you that they have seen your double? Well, that is your 'reflection' from Endra who has sneaked through one of the doorways. Not usually a problem if they go back, but what if they decided to stay? What if they decided to change something? What if they were trying to kill the person you love?

With the help of a beautiful Vampire named Neanna and a werewolf called William, Zachary's journey takes him across the vast plains of Endra, through the streets of London and across the Atlantic Ocean as they pass back and forth through the doorways in a race against time. But the doorways have the power to change you - altering your appearance and abilities as you pass between the two worlds.

The adventures of Zachary Black will be a trilogy of books; 'Zachary Black & The Doorways to Endra', 'Zachary Black & The League of Doorways' and 'Zachary Black and The Heart of Endra'.

This book brought me back to my middle school years when I read adventures about young kids having to take on rather large responsibilities because the adults couldn't handle the job.

This is one of those.

'Doorways' is an amazing tale of extraordinary friendships between a boy, a vampire, and a werewolf set out to save the world of Endra and thus save Zach's sister's life.

Told in a marvelous 3rd pov, you get to adventure into the world of Endra and then back into our own through Doorways that are housed in the oddest of spots. Through the eyes of Zach you get to see the colorful creatures that inhabit the reflection world and through the eyes of Neanna and William you get to see just how dark and scary our wold can be to beings that we would consider monstrous.

I really did love this tale. It reminded me of Lemoney Snicket and The Spiderwick Chronicles with the detail of a Neil Gaimen novel. It has all the aspects to become the next great classic.

I do feel that it should be made into a middle grade book instead of a YA. Maybe a little more humor tossed here and there. But otherwise that, this story is surely one to treasure.

If I was a little kid, I would definitely want to be a Peacekeeper when I grew up :)

Wintertown by Stephen Emond: Review

Wintertown
By Stephen Edmond
Published Dec 5th 2011 by Little Brown Books
Pick up your copy at B&N, Amazon, or your local indie today!

Synopsis borrowed from Goodreads:

Every winter, straight-laced, Ivy League bound Evan looks forward to a visit from Lucy, a childhood pal who moved away after her parent's divorce. But when Lucy arrives this year, she's changed. The former "girl next door" now has chopped dyed black hair, a nose stud, and a scowl. But Evan knows that somewhere beneath the Goth, "Old Lucy" still exists, and he's determined to find her... even if it means pissing her off.


Garden State meets Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist in this funny and poignant illustrated novel about opposites who fall in love.

Darkfallen's thoughts:

Ok so this is more like 2.5 stars so I just slapped a two on it.

Anyways...

This book just didn't turn out quite how I expected it. I mean when I read the premise I was so excited to be offered and ARC from Little Brown Books for review. Straight laced boy meets up with an old childhood friend that happens to be heavy on the black hair dye, and and she's even got a nose ring? Yes Please!

Unfortunately that's about where it stopped for me. I really wanted to like this book. So much so that I stuck by it and read it until the very end hoping that there would be this big Ta Da moment, but that never came. I think the worst part for me was that the story itself wasn't bad...it had potential to be really good, but it was the writing style. It just felt bland and choppy and slow and dry.

Did you notice how many times I use AND in that sentence? Yea that's how this book it written. That alone drove me bananas. The run-on sentences was a big part of the bland. I kept imagining a very monotone voice the entire time. Still I couldn't help but keep reading, waiting for it to all turn around...and while it did get slightly better there towards the end it flat lined again. It had a very Dear John kind of ending which drove me nuts.

So sadly I have to say this book wasn't for me:(

Lymi...



The Best of Me

Title: The Best of Me
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Published: October 11th 2011
Synopsis from Goodreads

THE BEST OF ME is the heart-rending story of two small-town former high school sweethearts from opposite sides of the tracks. Now middle-aged, they've taken wildly divergent paths, but neither has lived the life they imagined . . . and neither can forget the passionate first love that forever altered their world. When they are both called back to their hometown for the funeral of the mentor who once gave them shelter, they will be forced to confront the choices each has made, and ask whether love can truly rewrite the past.

I have never in my life read a Nicholas Sparks book but after reading "The Best of Me" that will change.

I always thought that these books would be full of gags and eyerolls and me making fun of every little thing. I mean, how can a dude write swoon? It just doesn't seem possible. I always figured that the girl would cry too much and the dude would be all hulk smash and I just wouldn't dig it. Well, I'm happy to say that not only did I dig this book I can't wait to read another one. This guy really does have a fantastic storytelling ability and I just adored how we were able to get inside everyone's head. In most books that I read they are either one sided or maybe you get to hear from 2 or three characters. But in this book you were able to hear what EVERYONE was thinking. And I really enjoyed that. It made the story more real. Super loves.

"The Best of Me" is a story about first love and last chances. It's about two forty-somethings that have a past together. Back when they were kids they were inseparable even though her family hated him and his family hated everyone. It was a forbidden love in a small town where everyone talked. Their only sanctuary was Tuck's house, the town's mechanic who kept to himself.

Years later, Dawson and Amanda are called back to the town of Oriental. They haven't seen each other for at least 20 years but because of Tuck's death they once again are by each other's side. It's the way Tuck wanted it, at least for his funeral.

It's a story of forbidden love once again even after they have grown up. Amanda is now a married woman in a marriage she is too scared to get out of. And Dawson still has the last name that makes the townsfolk cringe.

What would you do if you had one more chance? Would you take it? Would you just remember the past? Or would you walk away from your one true love in hopes that the life you picked is the right one?

Honestly, this is a very good book. Like I said, it's my first Nicholas Sparks book so I don't know any different. To me, this book was awesome ;)

I loved the small town feel, the way it was told, and the lack of unneeded dialogue. I also dug how I couldn't wait to read more of this book.

While the end was kind of predictable that still didn't lower the way I felt about the story.

I can't wait to read more!