25 September, 2010

In My Mailbox (IMM14)





In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. (Inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.)





For Review:
Revolution
Nightshade




Cate of the Lost Colony
from
Good Golly Miss Holly ARC tours




I enjoyed this book so much. Since I don't specialize in historical for Read My Mind, I tend not to read too much of it. But, every once in a while I come across a book (like Beth Kephart's Dangerous Neighbors or M.L. Malcolm's Heart of Lies) that sounds so compelling. Cate of the Lost Colony was one that I really wanted to read, and that makes me glad I decided to change up my comfort zone. I'll be reviewing it on the blog later next week!



Undertow
from
Moira Rogers



I'm so excited to get a chance to read this! I heart Moira Rogers, and I was hoping that I would get chosen as one of the people to get an advance digital copy.




Won in Contest:
Mockingjay
from
Tynga in a second-chance giveaway



I got this stamped by Suzanne Collins when she visited Children's Book World in Haverford, PA. Look for a giveaway in October of my copy!


Where The Rain Is Made
from
Diva's Bookcase





From the Library:
Deadtown
Cross Your Heart





Living Dead Girl
North of Beautiful




I'm hoping that everyone else had a mailbox full of goodies, and a great week of reading!

Welcome the Fall: Giveaway #3





Fall is here, and so is this fabulous giveaway sponsored by Good Choice Reading! I'm taking part, and I have three separate giveaways to satisfy almost every type of reader.

Giveaway #1 has a US/CAN and an INTERNATIONAL prize pack.
Giveaway #2 is US/CAN only, with the winner choosing one book prize pack from TWO available.

Here's the final giveaway:



Great YA Authors
One international winner can choose a book from the following three available:
Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins (HC), Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson (PB), or Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr (UK PB).




Rules:
Be a blog follower or RSS subscriber
This is an INTERNATIONAL giveaway, so anyone can enter, even those that have entered my previous fall giveaways
Click to fill out the form or use the embedded version below





And remember to check out Good Choice Reading's post to see the full list of giveaway participants. Over 50 blogs are taking part, so there's plenty of prizes up for grabs, and plenty of chances to win!

23 September, 2010

Welcome The Fall: Giveaway #2






Fall is here, and so is this fabulous giveaway sponsored by Good Choice Reading! Here's the second of three giveaways that I am doing at Read My Mind. This is a US/CAN only giveaway, but make sure to check out my FIRST POST, which includes an international giveaway. I'll also let slip that my third giveaway will be international, too.





The Be-Deviled Collection
Includes the first two books in the Calliope Reaper-Jones series:
Death's Daughter and Cat's Claw by Amber Benson






The Kilted Collection
Includes three books in Allie MacKay's Highlander series:
Tall, Dark, and Kilted, Highlander in Her Bed and Some Like it Kilted




Rules:
Be a blog follower or RSS subscriber
If you live in the US/CAN and entered my first giveaway, you are welcome to enter this one also.
Click to fill out the form or use the embedded version below.







And remember to check out Good Choice Reading's post to see the full list of giveaway participants. Over 50 blogs are taking part, so there's plenty of prizes up for grabs, and plenty of chances to win!

22 September, 2010

Welcome the Fall: Giveaway #1






Fall is here, and so is this fabulous giveaway sponsored by Dee and the other great bloggers at Good Choice Reading! I'm taking part, so make sure that you enter my giveaways. Here's a peek at the first set of giveaways that I am having!





KICK-ASS GRAPHICS
Limited edition The First Death; two-book series Anita Blake graphic novels. INTERNATIONAL









PARANORMAL AUTHOR FAVORITES
One winner chooses two of the following three books: The Missing by Shiloh Walker, The Demon King and I by Candace Havens, or Accidentally Dead by Dakota Cassidy. US AND CAN ONLY




Rules:

Be a blog/RSS follower

Click to fill out the form or use the embedded version below.






Here's a couple of other blogs to check out next:

Reading Angel

Avid Reader's Musings

Diva's Bookcase

IB Book Blogging

Skyla11377


Go to Good Choice Reading's post to see the full list. Over 50 blogs are taking part, so there's plenty of prizes up for grabs, and plenty of chances to win!

21 September, 2010

Book Review: Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus

Book: SHADOW HILLS
Author: ANASTASIA HOPCUS
Genre: YA MYSTERY/ SUSPENSE



I received this book for review through Star Book Tours


Review
Bad dreams have haunted Phe Archer since her sister's death, and she feels compelled to find the school her sister spoke about before the "accident". Once she arrives at Devenish Prep School, Phe finds even more mystery, and no new answers. An epedemic swept through the school and town two centuries ago, and now some of those people are different.

The mysterious guy that Phe meets, Zach, may be one of those people. But, he may also be one of the few people that could help her... and protect her. Phe can't stop herself from digging deeper into the history of Shadow Hills, Massachusetts and Devenish. Even if her quest might put her life in danger.

I had been anticipating SHADOW HILLS for some months now, and was so excited to get the chance to read it. I admit, when I first read of Phe's quest, I thought, really? She's just going to up sticks to a strange school because of an entry in her sister's diary? But, I found that I liked that Phe had that kind of loyalty and drive to need to find out what her sister had been after, as well as trying to interpret the dreams that Phe herself had been experiencing.

I did feel that I didn't have a chance to connect as well with any of the characters outside of Phe and Zach. Because of this I really wanted their connection and budding romance to have more of a starring role. While the romance between Phe and Zach was a bit of a non-starter, in my eyes, I understand that there is more to come in their story, so perhaps there is more to come in their story. Overall, I think that Anastasia Hopcus wrote an engaging mystery in SHADOW HILLS. I'd definitely like more of the BVs and their history!

3/5 for plot
3/5 for characters
4/5 for language

My Rating: 10/15 Recommend

Advance Review: The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

Book: THE REPLACEMENT
Author: BRENNA YOVANOFF
Genre: YA FANTASY



I received this book for review through Star Book Tours


Review
Mackie Doyle is not like most of the other teens in Gentry. He's a replacement, left in the crib to take the place of a human child. Everyone knows that these things happen. No one tries to stop it. The people under the hill are grotesque creatures in a parody of human form, and the town of Gentry can only sit by and watch as their children are taken.

Until Tate's sister becomes one of those children. Mackie feels a connection to Tate, and he feels moved to help her. Standing up against his own people may seem like the worst thing he could do, but he's the only one willing to put a stop to the monsters... despite maybe being one himself.

I had to take a breath when I finished THE REPLACEMENT. It was spooky and eerie, and though I wouldn't classify it as horror, there were elements in the novel that left me with a shiver of fear and revulsion. The people under the hill were shrouded in mystery until Mackie rips the lid off of their society. It wasn't just the act of stealing the human children that they committed. It was that they felt it was their due, and were unrepentant.

Though his involvement in the story was negligible (up until the end), I really liked the character, Roswell. As Mackie's best friend, it was clear that he knew Mackie was different. But, he was a true friend. When Mackie needed him, he was there. As was Emma, Mackie's sister. One of the greatest moments in the book for me, was when the realization dawned on Mackie why he hadn't perished in the human world yet, as so many of the replacement children do.

While the story line meandered a bit, I was really captured by Brenna Yovanoff's language. At first, I wanted to be horrified by the kind of town that would let their children be taken to an unknown fate- one that probably involved a painful death- but then I realized that their willful blindness and acceptance of what was happening made the monsters stronger. And by the monsters being strong, they robbed the Gentry residents of their will. It was totally circular, and perhaps the perfect example of how bad things happen.

3/5 for plot
3.5/5 for characters
4/5 for language

My Rating: 10.5/15 Recommend
Bonus Cover Points: 4/5 (ARC copy)

17 September, 2010

Book Porn: September 17

No, not books about porn. More like cover art that has me adding the book to my wishlist and/or to-be-bought list with all due haste. What are the books about? Uhh... Well, I've included the Good Reads synopsis for that. The cover alone is worth me considering reading the book. While I would usually not rule out a book because of its cover, I certainly rule them in.

YA
The same questions whirl round and round in my head:
What does he want from me?
How could I have let this happen?
AM I GOING TO DIE?

17-year-old Grace wakes up in a white room, with table, pens and paper - and no clue how she got here.

As Grace pours her tangled life onto the page, she is forced to remember everything she's tried to forget. There's falling hopelessly in love with the gorgeous Nat, and the unravelling of her relationship with her best friend Sal. But there's something missing. As hard as she's trying to remember, is there something she just can't see?

Grace must face the most important question of all. Why is she here?

A story of dark secrets, intense friendship and electrifying attraction.

January 6th 2011 by Quercus Publishing Plc


You can't always run from danger...

Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, Han Alister journeys south to begin his schooling at Mystwerk House in Oden’s Ford. But leaving the Fells doesn’t mean danger isn’t far behind. Han is hunted every step of the way by the Bayars, a powerful wizarding family set on reclaiming the amulet Han stole from them. And Mystwerk House has dangers of its own. There, Han meets Crow, a mysterious wizard who agrees to tutor Han in the darker parts of sorcery—but the bargain they make is one Han may regret.

Meanwhile, Princess Raisa ana’Marianna runs from a forced marriage in the Fells, accompanied by her friend Amon and his triple of cadets. Now, the safest place for Raisa is Wein House, the military academy at Oden's Ford. If Raisa can pass as a regular student, Wein House will offer both sanctuary and the education Raisa needs to succeed as the next Gray Wolf queen.

The Exiled Queen is an epic tale of uncertain friendships, cut-throat politics, and the irresistible power of attraction.

September 28th 2010 by Hyperion Book



Sixteen-year-old Jack gets drunk and is in the wrong place at the wrong time. He is kidnapped. He escapes, narrowly. The only person he tells is his best friend, Conner. When they arrive in London as planned for summer break, a stranger hands Jack a pair of glasses. Through the lenses, he sees another world called Marbury.
There is war in Marbury. It is a desolate and murderous place where Jack is responsible for the survival of two younger boys. Conner is there, too. But he’s trying to kill them.
Meanwhile, Jack is falling in love with an English girl, and afraid he’s losing his mind.
Conner tells Jack it’s going to be okay.
But it’s not.

November 9th 2010 by Feiwel & Friends



FANTASY/URBAN FANTASY/PNR

Car mechanic Mercy Thompson has always known there was something different about her, and not just the way she can make a VW engine sit up and beg. Mercy is a shapeshifter, a talent she inherited from her long-gone father. She’s never known any others of her kind. Until now.

An evil is stirring in the depths of the Columbia River—one that her father’s people may know something about. And to have any hope of surviving, Mercy and her mate, the Alpha werewolf Adam, will need their help…

January 25th 2011 by Ace Hardcover





If only a broken heart were all she had to deal with…

…but there are Viking ghosts, gods, werebeings, and one sexy as sin vampire on Francesca’s case. And her biggest trouble is Loki, the trickster god.

When Fran arrives at Goth-Faire to deal with him, things go from bad to worse, for her immortal ex, Benedikt, is there…with a new girlfriend.

Shapesifters, Vikings, and a town filled with deranged opera fans…it’s a good thing Fran’s no ordinary mortal…

November 2nd 2010 by Signet





ROMANCE

It’s been one year since ex-Navy SEAL Ethan Kelly last saw his wife Rachel alive. Overwhelmed by grief and guilt over his failures as a husband, Ethan shuts himself off from everything and everyone.

His brothers have tried to bring Ethan into the KGI fold, tried to break through the barriers he’s built around himself, but Ethan refuses to respond …until he receives an anonymous phone call claiming Rachel is alive.

To save her, Ethan will have to dodge bullets, cross a jungle, and risk falling captive to a deadly drug cartel that threatens his own demise. And even if he succeeds, he’ll have to force Rachel to recover memories she can’t and doesn’t want to relive—the minute by minute terror of her darkest hour—for their love, and their lives, may depend on it.

September 7th 2010 by Berkley Sensation



I'm being lazy about writing the 7 reviews that I should get done, but I couldn't resist sharing these. And, I'll get on those reviews in a bit. There'll be some new content on the blog this weekend, I swear!

Meanwhile, let me know what you think of the covers that I have posted. Agree? Disagree? Have one you want to add? Leave a comment, and I'll choose a random winner to receive a Clockwork Angel bookmark and a sample of Cassandra Clare's submission in Zombies vs. Unicorns. Ends Tuesday, Sept. 21 (noon, est).

14 September, 2010

Teaser Tuesday (TT12)



Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  •  Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!



Book: Cate of the Lost Colony
Author: Lisa Klein



"Sir Walter gave it to me," I said, forgetting Emme's advice to deny everything. What was the point in lying now? And those letters are mine, too," I added.

For a moment the queen was silent. I think she expected me to deny the letters. "Everything is mine, she said coldly. "Get up." (page 111, ARC copy -- highly subject to change)










Book: Torment
Author: Lauren Kate



She was a horrible fake of a daughter, a liar of a friend. And what had she been thinking? These were the blandest, most red-flag-worthy emails ever written. They were only going to freak people out. (page 89, ARC copy -- highly subject to change)




Review on both books to be posted next week!

11 September, 2010

In My Mailbox (IMM13)









In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. (Inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.)








For Review (ebooks)





Of Crimson and Collars by Stella and Audra Price

To Collar and Keep by Stella and Audra Price

To Kill A Warlock by H.P. Mallory

Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble by H.P. Mallory







Bought




Sparks by Laura Bickle

Blameless by Gail Carriger







From The Library





Bitten by Kelley Armstrong

Stolen by Kelley Armstrong

Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon

Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb



So, not to brag, but I feel like my mailbox is pretty awesome this week!

Last week, I visited some of the blogs that I follow, and one of them (I can't quite remember which one. I've come to rely totally on my Google reader, but the downside is that I lose the individuality of blog designs that stand out in my head. It's like instead of remember phone numbers, I just hit a speed dial.) had an author interview and contest with H.P. Mallory. I loved the covers for her books, and they sounded like a good read. I entered the contest. And lost. Then, a few days later, I had an email in my inbox from the author, with a review request. *happy dance*

And, look at that cover on
Silver Phoenix! I might be late to discovering the work of Cindy Pon, but there is no way to deny that this cover art is georgeous! I spotted it in my library, and I had to pick it up, despite the towering TBR I already have. I might have to consider instituting a cap on my library outtake, as well as my book-buying ban.

Speaking of: Yes, I do have two bought books there. I cheated, sort of. Blameless and Sparks have been on my auto-buy list since I've been reading their respective series'. But, in my defense, I used a B&N gift card that I received for my birthday, so no actual money left my wallet. Woohoo for loopholes!

How's your mailbox look?

10 September, 2010

Book Review: Switched by Amanda Hocking

Book: SWITCHED
Author: AMANDA HOCKING
Genre: YA FANTASY



I received this book for review, from the author, Amanda Hocking


Review:
Wendy Everly's childhood has been defined by the incident that happened when she was six years old. The incident where her mother tried to kill her, certain that Wendy was not her child. And, as she grows older, her mother holds onto that certainty, even when deemed "insane".

Wendy's world is upended when she finds out that her mother somehow knew the real truth. She isn't an Everly. She was switched at birth by the mysterious Trylle. Now, she must return to them, and with the help of Finn, take her rightful place amongst her own people.

Wendy has to repatriate herself among people where she supposedly belonged, but has no knowledge how to be one of them. The Trylle are far from human, and she has a hard time relinquishing the idea that she is one of them. I liked the more low-key aspect of SWITCHED. Most of the fantasy that I read has ramped-up danger, death threats, and a higher octane romantic feature to it. But, this novel has more intrigue, political machinations and hidden secrets, and in less pages than the average YA print book.

As a princess of the group, much is expected of Wendy, and Finn is supposed to be her guide in these matters. However, it did seem that she missed out on many of the undercurrents of silent communication that ran from Trylle to Trylle, and definitely that of Elora, the queen. This could be attributed to her recent arrival, and her more important place in the Trylle hierarchy, but I felt as if she was being a little willfully ignorant.

Closer to the end, it's more clear that the tension between Finn and Wendy could actually amount to some action, in this part of the trilogy. The tipping point of their relationship is written well, and though Wendy's story itself doesn't end, Hocking writes a good completion to this part of the story, while keeping me on the hook for the rest of the series.

3.5/5 for plot
3.5/5 for characters
4/5 for language

My Rating: 11/15 Recommend

09 September, 2010

Winners, Winners!




Using Random.org, these three lucky people are the winners of the books I had up for grabs:



Angela Messer --- Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly


Yvonne Burgess --- Halo by Alexandra Adornetto


Jessica Estep --- White Cat by Holly Black




Congrats to the winners! I wanted to expedite the whole getting addresses and shipping out process, so since you all filled that part in (thank you, thank you), I will not be emailing the winners. Your prizes will be mailed out in 3-5 days.

Happy Weekend to all!

Book Review: Ordeal by T.K.Varenko

Book: ORDEAL
Author: T.K. VARENKO
Genre: PARANORMAL ROMANCE, VERSE



I received this e-book for review from the author, T.K. Varenko

Review:
An ages-old vampire, finds herself living a mortal life, with only dreams to remind herself of her past. These dreams include her birth, and the mysterious love who was the start of her downfall as a vampire. But, as a mortal her memories are disturbing, and not much else.

Derek is real. Derek is the person who saves her from drowning. And, Derek is who she falls in love with. Despite the fact that she is prey to him, and should know nothing of his secret world, the two form a bond. A bond that could be stronger than either could have imagined.

ORDEAL is a book told completely in verse. Though, I have never attempted to read a whole novel in verse before, I wanted to take a chance on ORDEAL, if only to prove that I have begun to widen my outlook since I started blogging and reviewing books. And, I'm really glad that it was the world of T.K. Varenko's creation that I chose.

The verse, and the language that Varenko uses reminded me of a more old-fashioned kind of vampire story. Actually, it reminded of a more old-fashioned story altogether. The paranormal element that drove the plot was almost secondary in my mind when I was reading. The pacing, the rhythm, the word choice were the things that kept me reading. I was enthralled, and I hardly noticed that I wasn't reading a traditional novel. Putting aside the verse aspect, ORDEAL was a solid love story that had a good ending, and kept me reading until that ending could be revealed.

3/5 for plot
3.5/5 characters
4/5 for language

My Rating: 10.5/15 Recommend

06 September, 2010

Teaser Tuesday (TT11)



Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  •  Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!




Book: Clockwork Angel
Author: Cassandra Clare


"So you are saying I am right. This is what is real, and the life I had before was the dream."

"That is correct." Gently Charlotte patted Tessa's shoulder; Tessa almost jumped at the contact. It had been a long time, she thought, since anyone had touched her in a motherly fashion; she thought of Aunt Harriet, and her throat hurt. "And now it is time to wake up." (page 197)

04 September, 2010

In My Mailbox (IMM12)





In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. (Inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie.)









For Review:
Jane by April Lindner





From BooksFree (book lending service):
Rumor Has It by Jill Mansell
Hunting Season by Shelly Laurenston





From The Library:
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
Generation Dead by Daniel Winters


Swap:
Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters
Winter Longing by Tricia Mills






From Cassie Clare's book signing for Clockwork Angel:
Bought:
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Swag:
Clockwork Angel poster/book cover
bookmarks
sampler from Cassandra Clare's submission in ZOMBIES VS. UNICORNS
Clockwork Angel purple mini-journal

Advance Review: Healer's Choice by Jory Strong

Book: HEALER'S CHOICE
Author: JORY STRONG
Genre: URBAN FANTASY/PARANORMAL ROMANCE



I received this ARC from the author, Jory Strong
Picture courtesy of Good Reads


Review
Rebekka is born into violence, where outcast Weres, who have only a mixed human-animal form, are used for depraved and torturous purposes. Human herself, she can move among the two worlds, as a healer. Her talent allowing for even more atrocities to be perpetrated, she is used to keep the outcast in line for their masters. But, a prophesy looms over Rebekka, and now her own life in in danger.

She must enter the world of the Jaguar weres. Those who have dangerous views on the outcasts, and whose leader has a dangerous need for Rebekka. She will have to face the dead ancestors that have power over the living and the dead. She will have to reconcile her feelings for Aryck, the next leader of the Jaguars. But, most of all, she will have to stop a plague that threatens the lives of all Weres, and is masterminded by one of the most evil humans to walk in her world.

HEALER'S CHOICE is the third installment in Jory Strong's GHOSTLAND WORLD series. Though, the world is the same throughout the novels, each one focuses on a different aspect, and has different main characters that take the helm. HEALER'S CHOICE focuses on Rebekka and Aryck. There is a chance to see both of them in their own native environment, before their paths end up joining. And, I think it helped me to get inside the heads of both characters and understand their motivations more, instead of only seeing them as part of a couple or a team.

I was blown away by how involved I got in the story line, while I was reading. Even when bringing to the forefront the really brutal realities of living in Rebekka's world, I never wanted to put the book down. Strong took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. In just the first few chapters, my heart beat faster with anxiety for the outcasts that were trying to escape their horrific lives, the outrage at how Weres were treated, and the pride at how Rebekka risks her own life to help them.

The changing point of view between Rebekka, Aryck, and even the villians of the novel ratcheted up the suspense and sense of danger really well, and kept me turning the pages until the very last page. HEALER'S CHOICE can be read as a stand-alone novel, but when I finished, I wanted to immediately go out and find the two previous installments, GHOSTLAND and SPIDER-TOUCHED. Strong delivers a tense novel that is sure to be a hit with fans of darker fantasy or urban fantasy.

5/5 for plot
4.5/5 for characters
4.5/5 for language

My Rating: 14/15 Must Read
Bonus Cover Points: 3.5/5 (finished cover)

Advance Review: Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Book: FIRELIGHT
Author: SOPHIE JORDAN
Genre: YA FANTASY



I received this ARC at BEA, from the author, Sophie Jordan


Review
Jacinda is a Draki; a dragon. She has the ability to breathe fire, which makes her a hot commodity in her community. But, her disobedience for the rules lands her in an untenable situation, and Jacinda is forced to leave the only home she's ever known, and the only place where she can be herself.

Trying to fit into the human world is hard for Jacinda, and her mother and sister can't understand her need to hold onto her Draki side, no matter how dangerous it might be for the three of them. The only person that Jacinda feels a connection to is Will. A hunter of her kind. And, the time is coming when she won't be able to hide from him any longer.

FIRELIGHT is the first book in Sophie Jordan's new paranormal YA series. It's an emotional tale about a girl who wants to preserve the one part of herself that could destroy her. It's not just that the other Draki in her community want to use her, but Will, the boy she has such strong feelings for is part of a family of Draki hunters. He becomes the dangerous addiction because he brings out the Draki side of Jacinda that she desperately needs.

The struggle between Jacinda and her family was one of the plot points that really stuck in my head. Her sister doesn't transform, and her mother had voluntarily let her Draki die years earlier. So, Jacinda is on her own trying to reconcile her need to keep her Draki alive, against the inherent danger this decision would bring. And, though her mother is seen as an adversary, it's clear that she cares for her daughter. I very much enjoyed reading about a parent who was not neglectful, and felt the need to hold some importance in her children's lives.

The relationship that Jacinda has with Will does seem to develop very quickly. Though, I don't feel that it developed too quickly, I'm also curious as to how it will progress over the next books in the series. I finished FIRELIGHT with a sense of anticipation for the second novel, and an appreciation for how well Jordan's writing drew me into this story.

4/5 for plot
4/5 for characters
4/5 for language

My Rating: 12/15 Highly Recommend
Bonus Cover Points 4.5/5 (ARC cover)

01 September, 2010

Cassandra Clare in Exton, PA (or how I got my Clockwork Angel)

I'll pretty much let my pictures do the talking, but I gotta get a little fangirl SQUEEE! out of the way. Cassandra Clare is such a nice person in real life, AND she actually does signings in my area. (This is the third time that she's been to Pennsylvania this year!) I picked up my copy this morning, got my swatch that identified where I'd be in line, and the rest is history.


Cassie answered questions, and talked a little about the research that she did for CLOCKWORK ANGEL, including visiting London six times!












Kindly posing for a photo with me.




And once more. This time including Michelle (left) awesome bookseller and blogger over at Michelle's Minions, and minus my glasses. (Books are a priority, contacts sadly, aren't.)












Lovely to look at; lovely to eat. And close up - the book cover in icing.







The Book. And Swag. (Including a lovely purple journal that Cassie gave me when I mentioned the blog!) Which will all be given away here, next week. Stay tuned!

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