Review: The Nightmare Affair by Mindee Arnett

Title: The Nightmare Affair

Author: Mindee Arnett
Publisher: Tor Teen

Publishing Date: March 5, 2013

Pages/Format: 367, ARC
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Sixteen-year-old Dusty Everhart breaks into houses late at night, but not because she’s a criminal. No, she’s a Nightmare.

Literally.

Being the only Nightmare at Arkwell Academy, a boarding school for magickind, and living in the shadow of her mother’s infamy, is hard enough. But when Dusty sneaks into Eli Booker’s house, things get a whole lot more complicated. He’s hot, which means sitting on his chest and invading his dreams couldn’t get much more embarrassing. But it does. Eli is dreaming of a murder.

Then Eli’s dream comes true.

Now Dusty has to follow the clues—both within Eli’s dreams and out of them—to stop the killer before more people turn up dead. And before the killer learns what she’s up to and marks her as the next target.

Initial Reaction of Book in One Word: FUN

Waiting on Wednesday (22)

Waiting on Wednesday

is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that showcases

upcoming releases that people are very much anticipating.

This book just sounds awesome--it's not set on Earth, and there's some awesome romance. (Or so I'm guessing.) It just recently ended up on my radar, and while it's not out for quite some time, I still want it. And I LOVE the cover. This week I'm waiting on...

Top Ten Tuesday (22)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature meme created by The Broke and the Bookish.

This Tuesday's theme is...

Top Ten Authors That I'd Put On My Auto-Buy List

Review: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Eleanor & Park

Author: Rainbow Rowell
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Publishing Date: February 26, 2013

Pages/Format: 320, ARC

"Bono met his wife in high school," Park says.
"So did Jerry Lee Lewis," Eleanor answers.
"I’m not kidding," he says.
"You should be," she says, "we’re sixteen."
"What about Romeo and Juliet?"
"Shallow, confused, then dead."
''I love you," Park says.
"Wherefore art thou," Eleanor answers.
"I’m not kidding," he says.
"You should be."

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, Eleanor & Park is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under.

Initial Reaction of Book in One Word: LOVELOVELOVE

Waiting on Wednesday (21)

Waiting on Wednesday

is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that showcases

upcoming releases that people are very much anticipating.

After reading the following author's most recent novel--which totally freaked me out as I read it in the middle of night--I'm definitely looking forward to her next novel, especially since it has such an interesting concept (and a cool title!). Please set your alarms for...

Top Ten Tuesday (21)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature meme created by The Broke and the Bookish.

This Tuesday's theme is...

Top Ten Favorite Characters in X Genre

Review: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Title: Beautiful Creatures

Author: Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Publishing Date: December 1, 2009

Pages/Format: 563, Hardcover

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

Initial Reaction of Book in One Word: Okay

Review: A Million Suns by Beth Revis

Title: A Million Suns

Author: Beth Revis
Publisher: Razorbill

Publishing Date: January 10, 2012

Pages/Format: 386, Hardcover

Godspeed was once fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos. 

It’s been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. Everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed.

But there may be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to act on his vision—no more Phydus, no more lies.

But when Elder learns shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a mystery that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier. Their success—or failure—will determine the fate of the 2,298 passengers aboard Godspeed. But with each step, the journey becomes more perilous, the ship more chaotic, and the love between them more impossible to fight.

Beth Revis catapulted readers into the far reaches of space with her New York Times bestselling debut, Across the Universe. In A Million Suns, Beth deepens the mystery with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.

Initial Reaction of Book in One Word: Disappointing

Unfortunately for me, the Across the Universe trilogy is a lot like the Matched trilogy--lots of hype, but it just doesn't do much for me. And it's such a shame, because I love astronomy, and this series is set in outer space. I really hoped that A Million Suns would be better than Across the Universe, but it was probably just the same--okay. 

I don't think the writing style is the problem--I don't remember any problems with it when reading the book. Although there were some repeat phrases, which annoys me. I think the book just doesn't give me many feels. When something big happens, I rarely had much of a reaction. I barely connected with the characters. I liked Elder but never really fell for him. As for Amy--I don't know, she seemed to annoy me on more than one occasion. She was kind of all over the place, and while I wanted her and Elder to be together, something was off. The synopsis mentions romance, but there really wasn't much at all--it was disappointing.

A Million Suns was kind of like a scavenger hunt, with Amy and Elder finding clues which led to more clues, hoping to find answers about some pretty big things that were happening. (I'd tell you more, but I don't want to spoil it.) They wanted to land on Sol-Earth, but first they had to get there. After the death of Eldest in Across the Universe and the loss of Phydus (basically, a calming, controlling drug) the people went crazy and started to rebel. Godspeed was in chaos, and Elder was, as Amy put it, holding the weight of his world on his shoulders. Sure, there were some shockers and interesting turn of events, but not enough to make me be all "OHMYGOSH THIS BOOK." That said, I was engrossed in this book, turning page after page, wanting to finish it.

In the end, I'm not sure how to put forth my feelings of this book. I'll definitely be reading Shades of Earth, for I (SPOILER ALERT) want to know what's going to happen since they're set to land on Sol-Earth. Who will they find? What will they find? What's going to happen to everyone? How will this series end? The concept with these books is interesting, but it just doesn't come across in a way that pulls me in. Hopefully Shades of Earth, with it's new change in setting, will be much better. 


Did I like it? Sorta.

Did I love it? No.
Would I reread it? Doubt it.

Would I purchase it? Probably not.
Would I recommend it? Depends on the person--some people really like this series, and it's set in space.

Trailer Reveal: The Dollhouse Asylum by Mary Gray

Won't you come on a date with me? Please?

A virus that had once been contained has returned, and soon no place will be left untouched by its destruction. But when Cheyenne wakes up in Elysian Fields--a subdivision cut off from the world and its monster-creating virus--she is thrilled to have a chance at survival.

At first, Elysian Fields, with its beautiful houses and manicured lawns, is perfect. Teo Richardson, the older man who stole Cheyenne's heart, built it so they could be together. But when Teo tells Cheyenne there are tests that she and seven other couples must pass to be worthy of salvation, Cheyenne begins to question the perfection of his world.

The people they were before are gone. Cheyenne is now "Persephone," and each couple has been re-named to reflect the most tragic romances ever told. Everyone is fighting to pass the test, to remain in Elysian Fields. Teo dresses them up, tells them when to move and how to act, and in order to pass the test, they must play along.

If they play it right, then they'll be safe.

But if they play it wrong, they'll die.

Welcome, prisoners my friends, to The Dollhouse Asylum.

The Puppeteer

Mary Gray has a fascination with all things creepy. That’s why all her favorite stories usually involve panic attacks and hyperventilating. In real life, she prefers to type away on her computer, ogle over her favorite TV shows, and savor fiction. When she’s not immersed in other worlds, she and her husband get their exercise by chasing after their three children. The Dollhouse Asylum is her first novel. To stalk learn more about Mary, check out her website, Twitter, and Facebook.

The Cult

Have you ever wanted to be part of a cult, one that probably wouldn't involve crazy rituals or possibly fatal experiences? (Note: I said probably.) Then Cult Dollhouse Asylum is just for you! By helping spread the word about The Dollhouse Asylum, you can earn blessings, which add up to prizes! To learn more or join the cult, just click here.

The Trailer

You've read the chills-up-your-spine, creepy yet fantastic synopsis and seen the stunning cover. You've learned about the mastermind behind the story, Mary Gray. What's next? The trailer!

The Giveaway

You could win a super cool bone charm necklace! All you have to do is add The Dollhouse Asylum on Goodreads and tweet about the giveaway. That's it! In the meantime, try not to die to be patient as you wait for The Dollhouse Asylum to release in October. It's one of my most anticipated books of the year--couples acting as famous, tragic literary couples? I NEED THIS BOOK. But for now, I wait. Good luck in the contest, and I hope The Dollhouse Asylum grabs your interest! Or else...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday (20)

Waiting on Wednesday

is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that showcases

upcoming releases that people are very much anticipating.

I wasn't a big fan of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, so I'm hoping this is better. It sounds like it's kind of sort of like You've Got Mail, plus the guy has a PET PIG! That right there has me sold. Can't wait to read it!

Title: This Is What Happy Looks Like

Author: Jennifer E. Smith

Publisher: Poppy

Publishing Date: April 2, 2013

Pages: 416

If fate sent you an email, would you answer?

When teenage movie star Graham Larkin accidentally sends small town girl Ellie O'Neill an email about his pet pig, the two seventeen-year-olds strike up a witty and unforgettable correspondence, discussing everything under the sun, except for their names or backgrounds. 

Then Graham finds out that Ellie's Maine hometown is the perfect location for his latest film, and he decides to take their relationship from online to in-person. But can a star as famous as Graham really start a relationship with an ordinary girl like Ellie? And why does Ellie want to avoid the media's spotlight at all costs? 

What book are you pining for this week? Share with me!

Top Ten Tuesday (20)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature meme created by The Broke and the Bookish.

This Tuesday's theme is...

Top Ten Favorite Romances

A Touch Menacing by Leah Clifford

It’s nearly time to say good bye to Eden and her friends with the 

conclusion of the A Touch Trilogy from author Leah Clifford.

Whether you’ve been there from the beginning when Eden first met Az in A Touch Mortal, spent countless hours contemplating with other A Touch Trilogy fans over the fate of the kitten from A Touch Morbid, or are just joining us now, the conclusion to Leah Clifford’s A Touch Trilogy promises to be heart stopping and well worth the wait! Pick up whichever novel you need to catch up before A Touch Menacing's March 5th release date. You don’t want to be the only one not talking about this book!

Title: A Touch Menacing (A Touch Trilogy #3)

Author: Leah Clifford
Release Date: March 5th

Eden is dying. For real, this time.
She is crumbling to ash, and an unnatural plague is ravaging mortals and immortals alike. With both Heaven and Hell out to destroy her, Eden can no longer tell the difference between good and evil.
Friends become enemies. And enemies are everywhere.
But don't underestimate Eden. She'll fight for her life, for the lives of those she loves, and for every life she has ever touched.
She'll fight for revenge. For redemption. For—just maybe—the chance to be mortal again.
Everything began with forbidden love.
What will be sacrificed at the bitter end?
The dramatic conclusion to Leah Clifford's dark, alluring trilogy of life, death, and epic love.

PRE-ORDER A TOUCH MENACING NOW FOR ONLY $11.98

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

Pick Up The Whole Series!

A TOUCH MORTAL (A Touch Trilogy #1) AMAZON | B&N

A TOUCH MORBID (A Touch Trilogy #2) AMAZON | B&N

---

GIVEAWAY

Help us spread the word about the final installment of the A Touch Trilogy

and you could win one of these amazing prizes!

Grand Prize 
30 Minute Skype Chat with Leah Clifford. Talk about writing, talk about THE KITTEN, talk about her books! Talk about almost anything!

2nd Place 
Get’s to name a character in Leah’s next published book

2 Lucky Bonus Winners Will get 1 Paperback of A Touch Mortal and 1 Hardcover of 

A Touch Morbid signed to the winner!

THE RULES
- Open Internationally for the Skype Chat and Character Name
- Books will only be mailed in the US
- Pre Order for A Touch Menacing can be from any date
- Order for Mortal or Morbid MUST be dated between 2/1 and 2/22
*we reserve the right to deny any receipt for entry if it appears to be altered or manipulated in anyway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Leah Clifford currently lives in Ohio, but frequently dreams of finding an abandoned mansion in the south that she can restore. In her spare time she loves to travel and has been known to drive over two hours to get kickass quesadillas. So far for jobs she's sold corn at a roadside stand, been a pizza delivery girl, a camp counselor, an extreme cave tour guide, a flight attendant, a waitress (x3), a grocery store clerk and a writer. Out of all of them, writing has been the most fun. She's pretty sure she's gonna stick with it.

STALK LEAH CLIFFORD

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS | TUMBLR | WEBSITE | BLOG

Love Leah’s A TOUCH TRILOGY?
Check out the CafePress store dedicated to the series.

THE MORTAL PORTAL 
Just click to visit The Mortal Portal!

A Touch Menacing items coming soon!

Review: Asunder by Jodi Meadows

Title: Asunder

Author: Jodi Meadows
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Publishing Date: January 29, 2013

Pages/Format: 416, ARC

DARKSOULS
Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.

SHADOWS
Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

LOVE
Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.

In this second book in the Incarnate trilogy, Ana discovers the truth about reincarnation and will have to find a way to embrace love and make her young life meaningful. Once again, Jodi Meadows explores the extraordinary beauty and shadowed depths of the soul in a story equal parts epic romance and captivating fantasy.

Initial Reaction of Book in One Word: Good

Asunder bummed me out just a little bit, for it wasn't as good as the first book in the series, Incarnate. I feel like it's missing something, but it's that something that you don't know how to classify. (Also, I made the huge mistake of not writing this review right after reading the book, so my mind is coming up completely blank.) While Asunder wasn't great, it wasn't bad, and I'm still in like with this series.

I like the concept of this series. Everyone is a soul that's been reincarnated over and over for five thousand years--that is, until Ana shows up, and she's a newsoul. (Or as some call her, a nosoul, someone who doesn't even have a soul.) In the first book, Incarnate, she kind of made a life for herself, found a place in the world, even if she was unwelcome to others. Now, after Templedark and the loss of souls forever, people are even more rude to Ana, blaming her for things she cannot and does not control. Weird things start to happen, some of which include Sylph. (SPOILER) And then, when another newsoul is born, things take a turn for the worst. Murders are attempted, and Heart is a mess. 

Besides the drama and craziness, there's more sexual tension. (Not saying that's a bad thing.) I just want a little more kissing--I really like Sam, and him and Ana are just so cute together. More kissing, please! But of course it's not that simple, and their relationship hits some bumpy roads. Like I felt in Incarnate as well, there was some confusion, as in I didn't always understand what was going on and how some things worked. However, a lot happened in this book--it's a quick read and fast-paced, but in a way that pretty much works. I like the main characters, even if some of them got in the way of making things happen. I think the world is interesting--it seems like a contemporary world in parts, but with things like dragons and unicorns and phoenixes, all of which I want to see much more of. And Jodi Meadows is a really good writer--I like her attention to detail, and for the most part it didn't ever bother me. (Good writing is good!)

In the end, while Asunder didn't match up to its predecessor, it was still good. I very much look forward to the final book in the trilogy--I want to know what's going to happen, especially with how things ended. Also, can we take a moment to appreciate how pretty this book is? The cover, front of the hardback, the chapter headings--I just want to pet the pretty. Overall, an okay book I liked but was just missing something.


Did I like it? Yes.

Did I love it? Not quite.
Would I reread it? Maybe.

Would I purchase it? Probably.
Would I recommend it? Yes.

Follower Appreciation + Valentine's Day Giveaway

Once upon a time, Beauty and the Bookshelf had a few followers. Then 50. Then 100. Then 150. Last I checked, it was 155 followers. To add to that, I have over 700 followers on Twitter.

Where did all you people come from? I'm going to assume half of you are aliens from another planet, and you only care what I have to say because you're spying on planet Earth. Nevertheless, to celebrate I'm hosting a giveaway in honor of Valentine's Day and my appreciation of my followers and all the bookish people ever. Why? Because you're awesome and I want to share my love of books with you. (Note: I'm not sure if this gif fits, but look at Joey's face! How could I not use it?)

What can you win? Besides the following ARCs, I'll through in some swag, and maybe even some duplicate finished copies I have of books! The books up for grabs are...

The third and final book in Anna Carey's Eve Trilogy--we all love finales, don't we?

The late Bridget Zinn's debut, which features a "too-cute pig." I love pigs!

And last but not least, a book with a prince and a few elite girls, because I love Maxon.

Do you want?

You can have! One person will metaphorically walk away with all these books! Just follow the rules below and fill out the Rafflecopter--that's it! And because I wouldn't be here without you,

THANK YOU

and

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Rules
-No cheating! One entry per person.
-US ONLY. (However, if you're not US and you're willing to pay shipping and handling, then go for it.)
-There will be only one winner.
-I, nor any of the authors/publishers/etc. of these books, are responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged packages.
-Winner will have 48 hours to respond or else a new winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Mind Games by Kiersten White

Title: Mind Games

Author: Kiersten White
Publisher: HarperTeen

Publishing Date: February 19, 2013

Pages/Format: 256, ARC

Fia was born with flawless instincts. Her first impulse, her gut feeling, is always exactly right. Her sister, Annie, is blind to the world around her—except when her mind is gripped by strange visions of the future. 

Trapped in a school that uses girls with extraordinary powers as tools for corporate espionage, Annie and Fia are forced to choose over and over between using their abilities in twisted, unthinkable ways… or risking each other’s lives by refusing to obey.

In a stunning departure from her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy, Kiersten White delivers a slick, edgy, heartstoppingly intense psychological thriller about two sisters determined to protect each other—no matter the cost.

Initial Reaction of Book in One Word: Eh

I was really hoping I'd fall into a great like or love with this book. Kiersten White is so nice and fun on Twitter and Tumblr, but I just can't seem to love her books. Besides Mind Games, I've only read Paranormalcy, which I wasn't a huge fan of either. I wish I could say I loved this book, or even liked it a lot, but that would be a lie. It just completely fell short.

I don't think I connected with any of the characters. The chapters alternate POV and time--for two chapters it's Fia in the past and present, the next it's the same but from Annie's POV. While it was interesting to see what was happening in the past and to get answers, I was constantly still lost, wondering why this was this and that was that. The build-up took too long, and when I finally did get answers, there was no bam or crazy reaction to it--it was just like, here's the answer, take it, be done. Sure, I wanted to know what would happen, but I was never dying to know.

Fia and Annie are sisters who, after their parents die, go to a school that's not all it's cracked out to be. Really, I'm still not sure what that school does. Annie is the older sister, blind, and has visions. Fia is broken, and often comes off as crazy. (Although I probably would be, too, given what she's done.) Even if it was a little psychotic sometimes, I preferred Fia's POV over Annie's. Most of the other characters were just blah for me, and I didn't have much interest in them. James was kind of a douche, even if he did care for Fia. And Adam--I liked him, but some of his reactions weren't normal. (SPOILER) I mean, he sees Fia fight three grown men and then he still follows her? And she thinks of how nice it would be to date him, yada yada yada. Talk about insta-love. Even though I like romance, it just wasn't very believable--James was more believable, but I never really swooned over him.

The idea of using people with powers--Seers, Feelers, etc.--for espionage and such isn't a bad idea; however, I just don't think it was executed very well. While I know Fia has her issues--tap tap tap--I still had some problems with how things were written. The girls' voices showed their differences, but they could've been stronger. Things happened too quickly and, in some cases, unrealistically. It needed more substance, needed to take longer than the snap of some fingers. Will I read the sequel? Probably. I do want to know what will happen. However, I don't think I'll rush to get it or anything. In the end, Mind Games was simply okay, probably forgettable, and not a game I'd be interested in playing.


Did I like it? Not really.

Did I love it? No.
Would I reread it? No.

Would I purchase it? No. (Although I'd snag it up at Goodwill, like I do with any books I've heard of.)
Would I recommend it? Maybe to Kiersten White fans.

Trailer Reveal: The Watcher by Lisa Voisin

Author Lisa Voisin’s The Watcher will be releasing in just under a month on March 4th, 2013 and I'm super excited to be able to share with you a short excerpt from the book and to be a part of the book’s awesome trailer reveal!

There is also a giveaway for a pre-order copy of The Watcher for US/Canada residents, so be sure to enter!

The Watcher is author Lisa Voisin’s debut novel and is a book Eileen Cook says, “…is sure to keep readers turning the pages late into the night.”

The Book

Title: The Watcher
Author: Lisa Voisin
Publisher: InkSpell Publishing
Publication Date: March 4, 2013
Pages: 508
Format: Available to pre-order in Paperback
Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Inkspell | Kobo

Millennia ago, he fell from heaven for her.
Can he face her without falling again?

Fascinated with ancient civilizations, seventeen-year-old Mia Crawford dreams of becoming an archaeologist. She also dreams of wings—soft and silent like snow—and somebody trying to steal them.

When a horrible creature appears out of thin air and attacks her, she knows Michael Fontaine is involved, though he claims to know nothing about it. Secretive and aloof, Michael evokes feelings in Mia that she doesn’t understand. Images of another time and place haunt her. She recognizes them—but not from any textbook.

The Author
A Canadian-born author, Lisa Voisin spent her childhood daydreaming and making up stories, but it was her love of reading and writing in her teens that drew her to Young Adult fiction.

When she's not writing, you'll find her meditating or hiking in the mountains to counter the side effects of drinking too much coffee.

She lives in Vancouver, B.C. with her fiance and their two cats.

Find her: Twitter | Facebook | Website | Blog

Instead of saying more, he brushed his fingertips along my cheek, and his halo glimmered. I could hear the waves slapping the rocks behind us, the wind driving them in. That same wind whipped against my skin, but the touch of his hand on my face was all I could think about. It sent a current through both of us and filled me with longing for something I wasn’t sure I understood.
“I’m sorry.” He stepped back and shoved his hands into his pockets as the light around him faded. “You don’t know what it’s like. Being near you now, remembering those moments we had…” His hair blew into his eyes, but this time he didn’t move. I wanted to brush it back, but I didn’t know how he’d react. Would touching him be bad?
“You want to know who you were?” he asked. “You may look different, but you’re the same. I look into your eyes and see you.” He took in a deep breath, fixing his attention on the horizon. I’d seen and heard so much now that the logical part of my brain had long since given up arguing with me. I could feel what he was saying was true. All of it.

• ONE pre-order copy of The Watcher by Lisa Voisin open to US/Canada.
• Must be 13 or older to enter.
• ONE entry per household.
• Winner will be announced in the Rafflecopter and contacted by email.
• Winner will have 48 hours after notification to respond or another winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday (19)

Waiting on Wednesday
is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that showcases
upcoming releases that people are very much anticipating.

I JUST DISCOVERED that this book has a synopsis, and I about died when I read it. (My heart. It pitters a sad a patter.) This is one of my most favorite series ever! Can it never end? PLEASE?!

Title: Fall of Night

Author: Rachel Caine

Publisher: New American Library

Publishing Date: May 7, 2013

Pages: 352

Thanks to its unique combination of human and vampire residents, Morganville, Texas, is a small college town with big-time problems. When student Claire Danvers gets the chance to experience life on the outside, she takes it. But Morganville isn’t the only town with vampire trouble...

Claire never thought she’d leave Morganville, but when she gets accepted into the graduate program at MIT, she can’t pass up the opportunity. Saying good-bye to her friends is bittersweet, especially since things are still raw and unsettled between Claire and her boyfriend, Shane. 

Her new life at MIT is scary and exciting, but Morganville is never really far from Claire’s mind. Enrolled in a special advanced study program with Professor Irene Anderson, a former Morganville native, Claire is able to work on her machine, which is designed to cancel the mental abilities of vampires. 

But when she begins testing her machine on live subjects, things quickly spiral out of control, and Claire starts to wonder whether leaving Morganville was the last mistake she’ll ever make...

Strike 1: "Saying good-bye to her friends." What do you mean, say goodbye? She'll be coming back, right? RIGHT? And does this mean no Michael, no Eve, no Myrnin, no Oliver for a whole book? 

Strike 2: "...things are still raw and unsettled between Claire and her boyfriend, Shane." Don't you do this to me. Don't you dare. They have to stay together. And if Shane doesn't go with Claire...ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh.

Strike 3: This is the second to last book in the Morganville Vampires series.

And now I'm dead.

What book is killing you are you waiting on this week? Tell me in the comments!

Top Ten Tuesday (19)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature meme created by The Broke and the Bookish.

This Tuesday's theme is...

Top Ten Best Bookish Memories

I'm not sure if you can call some of these "memories," but I didn't know what else to say. This topic was kind of hard. Sure, I could just list ten authors I met, but that'd be no fun. Sooo, here are some "memories" I have in the bookish world.


Meeting People: Seriously, I've made so many friends and met so many people through all the things in this bookish world, and it's awesome! I love knowing everyone, and I love how most of us can easily discuss one topic: books.

Reading All the Books: Okay, so I haven't read all of them. But I've read so many and heard about so many through the blogging community and bookish people, and that's awesome! I've read some amazing books that I might not have heard otherwise, and I'm grateful for that.

ALA Midwinter 2013: Meeting authors, publishers, people I knew from Twitter and blogging...it was awesome! Not to mention ALL THE BOOKS! Seriously, that weekend rocked.

The Twilight Saga: I read Twilight and became a bookworm. Since then, I've been a total Twihard, reading the books over and over, going to all the movies at midnight, owning all the movies, and a bunch of memorabilia. The Twilight Saga is my life, my inspiration, what made me want to read and write.

For the Love of Reading: For my senior project in high school I put together an author signing called For the Love of Reading, featuring Holly Cupula, Kimberly Derting, Mandy Hubbard, and Lisa Schroeder. It was awesome (and what got me to start a blog).

Meeting Stephenie Meyer: *insert fangirl moment here*

YA Crush Tourney: It's one thing to watch from the sidelines; it's another to be adovcating a crush. (Go Sam!) The whole experience was just awesome and crazy, especially in the 11th hours! But it was SO FUN! I can't wait for the next Tourney!

My First ARC: I won Kendare Blake's Girl of Nightmares from Mindee Arnett, and it was just so cool to have an unfinished, advance copy in my hands.

Followers: One, two, fifty, one hundred, one hundred fifty--look at all the followers! Where did you come from? And thanks for caring about what I have to say.

Becoming a Polygamist: Being bookish has also introduced me to millions of several hot fictional boys, and call dibs on want them all.

What are some of your favorite bookish memories? Tell me in the comments!

Review: Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Unravel Me

Author: Tahereh Mafi
Publisher: Harper Collins

Publishing Date: February 5, 2013

Pages/Format: 465, ARC

tick, tick, tick, tick, tick
it's almost
time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.

Initial Reaction of Book in One Word: THRILLING

Review: Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Destroy Me

Author: Tahereh Mafi
Publisher: Harper

Publishing Date: October 2, 2012

Pages/Format: 103, eBook

Perfect for the fans of Shatter Me who are desperately awaiting the release of Unravel Me, this novella-length digital original will bridge the gap between these two novels from the perspective of the villain we all love to hate, Warner, the ruthless leader of Sector 45.

In Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me, Juliette escaped from The Reestablishment by seducing Warner—and then putting a bullet in his shoulder. But as she’ll learn in Destroy Me, Warner is not that easy to get rid of. . .

Back at the base and recovering from his near-fatal wound, Warner must do everything in his power to keep his soldiers in check and suppress any mention of a rebellion in the sector. Still as obsessed with Juliette as ever, his first priority is to find her, bring her back, and dispose of Adam and Kenji, the two traitors who helped her escape. But when Warner’s father, The Supreme Commander of The Reestablishment, arrives to correct his son’s mistakes, it’s clear that he has much different plans for Juliette. Plans Warner simply cannot allow.

Set after Shatter Me and before its forthcoming sequel, Unravel Me, Destroy Me is a novella told from the perspective of Warner, the ruthless leader of Sector 45.

Initial Reaction of Book in One Word: DAMN

Yes, damn. Not like "damn, he's fine." No. Damn, as in, "damn, I having feelings for Warner." Dammit.

I wasn't quite sure what I'd get from Destroy Me; it's hard to discuss something so short. I thought I'd see more of the ruthless leader behind Sector 45, get more reasons to dislike him, the man that so many people like over Adam. (Team Adam Forever!) While I'm still all for Adam, I don't hate Warner. I can't. I feel bad for him. I feel for him. And I hate that, because I should really hate Warner.

For one, his father is a complete and utter asshole. Warner times a bajillion. One of the reason's Warner is the way he is has to do with the treatment his father gives him. Horrible. Still, Warner has done some terrible things, and I can't just look past that. But.

I don't really know what to say. (I'm trying not to let Unravel Me opinions leak into this review.) There's something about Warner, and I can't just push him aside. Really, the title of this novella is perfect, because it did just that: it destroyed me. It made me feel for the person I shouldn't feel for at all, and that destroys me. 

What I'm saying is this: read Destroy Me, and do it before you read Unravel Me. You may be surprised about how reading from someone else's point-of-view--someone you never thought you'd like so much--can change your opinion of them. And try not to get too destroyed. (Unlike me.)


Did I like it? Yes.

Did I love it? No. (It's so short, it's hard to say!)
Would I reread it? Yes.

Would I purchase it? Got it!
Would I recommend it? You should really read it before Unravel Me.