On My Bookshelf (11)

(Originally by The Story Siren, as "In My Mailbox.") On My Bookshelf is used to share what books I bought, won, received for review, or got from the library this week. It's to let you know what to expect for me to read/review next. (:

WON FROM CONTESTS:

"Legacy" by Tom Sniegoski: What if you found out your deadbeat father is a superhero? Would you leave your small-town life to take up the mantle of a father you never knew? For 18-year-old Lucas, the choice is an easy one: he’s not going to leave behind his mother and his comfortable life for a father who’s never shown any interest in him. But his father—known officially as billionaire Clayton Hartwell, and secretly as the vigilante superhero The Raptor—tells Lucas that as he is dying, evil is growing, and the world needs Lucas to become the new Raptor. When Lucas’s mother is killed by mysterious warriors, he realizes that his father is right. Once in Seraph City, Lucas is stunned by the amount of poverty and crime. But after observing his father’s “heroic” behavior up close, Lucas is left wondering about the line between good and evil. And eventually, he must decide whether to take a stand against the one man who loves him in order to defend a world that desperately needs him.

"Demon Princess: Reign or Shine" by Michelle Rowen: As if trying to fit in at a new school isn't stressful enough, sixteen-year-old Nikki Donovan just found out that her long-lost father is, in fact, the demon king of the Shadowlands—the world that separates and protects us from the Underworld. When she is brought there by the mysterious—and surprisingly cute—messenger Michael, she learns that her father is dying, and he wants her to assume the throne. To complicate matters, a war is brewing between the Shadowlands and the Underworld, her half-demon qualities are manifesting, and her growing feelings for Michael are completely forbidden. Ruling a kingdom, navigating a secret crush, and still making it home by curfew—what's a teenage demon princess to do?

"Confessions of a Serial Kisser" by Wendelin Van Draanen: Evangeline Logan wants a kiss. A spectacular, heart-stopping, life changing kiss. Somehow The Crimson Kiss (a romance novel she’s become obsessed with) and Four Steps to Living Your Fantasy (a self-help book she’s reading) have fused in Evangeline’s mind and sent her on a quest for a kiss. But the path to perfection is paved with many bad kisses—the smash mouth, the ear licker, the “misser.” The phrase “I don’t kiss and tell” means nothing to the boys in her school. And worse: someone starts writing her name and number on bathroom walls. And worst of all: the boy she's just kissed turns out to be her best friend’s new crush. Kissing turns out to be way more complicated than the romance novels would have you believe...

RECEIVED FROM TRADING:

"Disenchanted Princess" by Julie Linker: Like it's not bad enough Daddy's in jail for embezzlement (he's a super-successful Hollywood agent, btw, and totally innocent), but since my fashion-model mom died when I was a baby (I'm sure you've seen the E! True Hollywood Story) I've been shipped off to Possum Grape, Arkansas, to live with relatives I've never even met. You read that right: Possum. Grape. Not only is there no Starbucks in this town, but I'm sharing a room with a six-year-old and I'm about to miss the biggest social event of the year back in L.A. I'm not sure how yet, but I will get back to civilization. Until then, I may be stuck on a farm, but no one's gonna keep me from ruling the roost!

"Blue Bloods" by Melissa De La Cruz: Schuyler Van Alen is confused about what is happening to her. Her veins are starting to turn blue, and she's starting to crave raw meat. Soon, her world is thrust into an intricate maze of secret societies and bitter intrigue. Schuyler has never been a part of the trendy crowd at her prestigious New York private school. Now, all of a sudden, Jack Force, the most popular guy in school, is showing an interest in her. And when one of the popular girls is found dead, Schuyler and Jack are determined to get to the bottom of it. Schuyler wants to find out the secrets of the mysterious Blue Bloods. But is she putting herself in danger? Melissa de la Cruz's vampire mythology, set against the glitzy backdrop of New York City, is a juicy and intoxicating read.

"Look For Me By Moonlight" by Mary Hahn: In a remote Maine inn, where Cynda is supposed to be reconnecting with her father and his new family, she is also falling in love for the first time. But this isn’t a typical teenage romance. The object of her affection, Vincent Morthanos, is older and worldly, with pale, aristocratic good looks. And he has a secret—a secret that could destroy Cynda’s family, unless she can free herself from love’s deadly embrace.

RECEIVED FOR REVIEW:

"City of Bones" by Cassandra Clare: When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Clary knows she should call the police, but it's hard to explain a murder when the body disappears into thin air and the murderers are invisible to everyone but Clary. Equally startled by her ability to see them, the murderers explain themselves as Shadowhunters: a secret tribe of warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. Within twenty-four hours, Clary's mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a grotesque demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....

Waiting On Wednesday: Chasing Brooklyn

This week's WoW book is Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder! It will be released on January 5, 2010.

Book Description:

Restless souls and empty hearts. Brooklyn can't sleep. Her boyfriend, Lucca, died only a year ago, and now her friend Gabe has just died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe's ghost is there waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn't Lucca visiting her dreams. Nico can't stop. He's always running, trying to escape the pain of losing his brother, Lucca. But when Lucca's ghost begins leaving messages, telling Nico to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface. As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they're being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest.

This one looks great, I really want to read it! PUBLISHED ON JANUARY 5, 2010!

Completely unrelated to anything bookish..

But I just wanted to say... I GOT MY LICENSE! Whoo, I am so excited. :) Now I can drive around in my blue volkswagon bug without my parents!

Best Christmas Ever!

I GOT A KINDLE!!!!! :)

Ahhh soo excited, I've been going everywhere with it - I just can't let it leave my sight! I've put about 4 or 5 e-books on it already and I'm in love. If you're iffy about getting one for yourself, YOU SHOULD. After I finish reading my first book on it I'll do a mini-review on the Kindle, ok? :)

Hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas and will have a fun New Years!
What did you guys get!?

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Hope everyone is having a fantastic Christmas celebrating Jesus' birth and spending time with friends and family! Here's a little holiday humor I'll leave you guys with. :)

Debut Author Cover: Carol

Haha I just had to make another fake book cover like I did a few months ago - click here to see!

Haha I like how this turned out; it's so different! And here is my made up summary:

A funny, modern retelling of "A Christmas Carol". Everyone hates Mr. Parketh. The neighbors, the mailman, the cashier at the grocery store, even his own pet dog! Mr. Parketh is bossy, mean, selfish, and just plain rude. So on Christmas Eve, when a strange man in chains shows up outside his apartment, Mr. Parketh doesn't hesitate to slam the door in the stranger's face. That is, until he realizes it's a ghost...made of Lego's! For the rest of the night, Mr. Parketh must re-live his past at the factory he was made at, see the present, and take a look in the future, of a little boy making him live in a dollhouse! What Mr. Parketh experiences just may change life as he knows it. Bah-humbug!

-------------------------------------

Okay so maybe it doesn't sound that intriguing, haha but at least I had fun writing it! A re-telling of a classic story - except that the people are made out of Lego's. :)

Awesome Book Trailers!

Just thought I'd share some of these neat book trailers I came across!

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Hearts at Stake: The Drake Chronicles by Alyxandra Harvey




All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab




Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe




The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong

Waiting On Wednesday: Tangled

This week's WoW book is Tangled by Carolyn Mackler! It will be released on December 29, 2009.

Book Description:

Paradise wasn't supposed to suck. Not the state of being, but a resort in the Caribbean. Jena, Dakota, Skye, and Owen are all there for different reasons, but at Paradise their lives become tangled together in ways none of them can predict. Paradise will change them all. It will change Jena, whose first brush with romance takes her that much closer to having a life, and not just reading about those infinitely cooler and more exciting. It will change Dakota, who needs the devastating truth about his past to make him realize that he doesn't have to be a jerk just because people think he's one. It will change Skye, a heartbreakingly beautiful actress, who must come to terms with the fact that for once she has to stop playing a role or face the consequences. And it will change Owen, who has never risked anything before and who will take the leap from his online life to a real one all because of a girl he met at Paradise. . . . From confused to confident and back again, one thing's certain: Four months after it all begins, none of them will ever be the same.

I've been wanting to read this one ever since I first laid eyes on that adorable cover! :) PUBLISHED ON DECEMBER 29, 2009!

Interview with author Janni Simner

Today I'd love to welcome author Janni Lee Simner to Books Obsession for an interview! She has written the young-adult book "Bones of Faerie" and the soon-to-be-released novel "Thief Eyes".


Can you start off by telling us a little bit about your book “Bones of Faerie”?

Bones of Faerie is a post-apocalyptic faerie tale. It's set almost 20 years after the War between the human and faerie realms destroyed most of the world. Nothing has been seen or heard from Faerie since then, but the world is filled with the deadly magic the War left behind: trees that seek out human blood, glowing stones that burn with cold fire, forests whose shadows can swallow a person whole. The few surviving humans search for magic and cast it out wherever they find it, because they know magic destroyed the world. The story's main character, Liza, pretty much accepts this--until her father sets her infant sister out on a hillside to die for showing signs of magic.

What inspired you to write the novel?

Bones of Faerie very much began with its opening scene, in which Liza talks about her sister. ( http://www.simner.com/bonesoffaerie/excerpt.html) I'm not entirely sure where that scene came from, but it haunted me for years. It also terrified me, because I had no idea what happened next! It took more than a decade--during which I wrote other things and slowly became a better and better writer--for me to finish the story.

What are the best perks of being an author?

Wait, there were supposed to be perks? (Looks around, wondering where to sign up.) :-)

Actually, it sounds a little cliche, but the best thing about being a published writer is knowing that other people are reading the stories I've written. Writing is a way of being heard, and a way of reaching out and touching lives that aren't our own, in ways the writer never fully gets to see.

Also, there's something heartening about--after living alone with the world of a story for so long--getting to share that world and that story with others.

What’s your solution to prevent writer’s block? Or what do you do when you have it?

I think calling it "writer's block" gives it more power than it deserves. I think of it as "writer's burnout," which makes it less overwhelming--everyone, in every job, feels a burned out at times.

When I'm feeling burned out, I try to step away from the book, do something else, go for a walk or meet a friend or read a book or just get out a little, if I can. Not only does this make me feel a little more balanced--and remind me that my story is not, in fact, my entire world--but often along the way I figure out what was making me feel blocked in the first place, what the thing was that I wasn't even aware of that was keeping the story from moving forward.

Have any favorite must-read books or authors?

Since high school I've been deeply fond of Madeleine L'Engle's books, and remain a fan of Meg Murray, Calvin O'Keefe, Adam Eddington, and Joshua Archer. I also adore Robin McKinley's The Blue Sword, which I first read around the same time.

More recently I've really enjoyed Kristin Cashore's Graceling and Fire, Bruce Coville's Dark Whispers (book 3 of the Unicorn Chronicles--I cannot wait for the final book), and Megan Whelan Turner's Attolia books. And I think Elizabeth Knox's Dreamhunter duet is some of the most inventive fantasy I've read in years.

Do you have any writing rituals or a certain writing process?

My writing process is extremely messy, and I try to give it permission to be! I accept that my first draft may be entirely the wrong story, and that I'll move closer and closer to the right story in the many drafts after that. I don't worry too much about the small details in my early drafts--I wait until the story feels right, and then I focus in on polishing the language and imagery.

If you could be any paranormal creature, what would it be and why?

A shapeshifter of some sort, but I keep changing my mind about what kind. I think something that could fly--so today I'll say a raven shifter. But that's subject to change on a moment's notice!

What projects are you currently working on that you’d like to share?

I'm excited about my next YA fantasy, Thief Eyes, which is due out this April. The main character, Haley, goes to Iceland looking for her mother--who disappeared there a year before--and gets caught up in a spell cast by her thousand-year-old ancestor. I love the Icelandic sagas (as a fantasy reader, I find them familiar and not-familiar at once), and ever since my first visit I've loved Iceland (with its geology and its history both so close to the surface). Thief Eyes draws on both these fascinations.

I'm also currently working on a sequel to Bones of Faerie, which will likely be out sometime in 2011.

Thanks so much for spending the time to answer my questions, Janni!

Thanks for having me here, Ashley!

The Espressologist by Kristina Springer

Title: The Espressologist
Author: Kristina Springer
Published: October 2009 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux

My Rating: 3 stars
Tags: YA | Romance | Girls | Realistic
Includes: Sexuality

First Lines: Large Nonfat Four-shot Caffe Latte: Cocky sex-deprived butthead guy drink. Expect only the utmost stupidity to come out of his mouth. So-so body, could stand to work out more. Crappy dresser.

[From the book jacket]: Seventeen-year-old barista Jane Turner has this theory that you can tell a lot about a person by their regular coffee drink. She scribbles it all down in a notebook and calls it Espressology. So it's not a totally crazy idea when Jane starts hooking up some of her friends based on their drink orders. Like her best friend, Em, a medium hot chocolate, and Cam, a toffee nut latte. But when her boss, Derek, gets wind of Jane's Espressology, he makes it an in-store holiday promotion, promising customers their perfect matches for the price of their favorite coffee. Things are going better than Derek could ever have hoped, so why is Jane so freaked out? Does it have anything to do with Em dating Cam? She's the one who set them up! She should be happy for them...right?

This was a cute and fun read, with some originality thrown in and a couple of adorable boys. It was a sweet book with realistic characters, but wasn't very deep. More of a "pass the time" light read, and making you thirsty for some hot chocolate that's for sure! The details the author included in the story were great - I had a whole visualization in my head of what the coffee shop looked like.

From Page 142
The blue velvet chairs are gone and now there are several big velvety red loveseats with silver heart-shaped throw pillows. Every table is covered in a beautiful red tablecloth. Silver candelabras with red taper candles are set up on some of the shelves, and small canvases with quotes from famous love poems are spread throughout the store.

I really wish that the characters were more developed, because truthfully I really liked each and every one of them! Jane reminded me a lot of myself, but I would've connected better with her if she was more emotionally or deeply written. A lot of the book was dialogue, and not enough of her thinking to herself - which is the best way to get to know the main character.

I absolutely adored reading about all of the never-ending drink choices and possibilities thrown into the book! This would be the most perfect book to read while sitting in Starbucks! I was introduced to many coffee drinks I had never heard about, and am now interested to try. The drink match-making was an extremely cute and creative idea.

I loved how there was absolutely no profanity in the book. That's right, not a single bad word! There were other ways for the "mean girl" in the story, Melissa, to tease Jane rather than use vulgar. Even though it's sort of unrealistic since they're college drama queens, I still liked reading a book that finally doesn't use curse words in each chapter.

The overall story was extremely predictable, and I'll admit that I was starting to get restless with the plot. I was ready for something new to happen or a big twist in the novel, but unfortunately that wish never came true. But the ending was really cute and sweet! I saw it coming, but I'm still happy with the way things turned out. Also, basically the whole book is based inside the coffee shop that Jane works at, and it would have been nice to have some other settings in the book, too. But in general, it was a cute read to get you in the mood for coffee!

Book Supplied by: Author for review!

Winner of Let It Snow!

Thanks for entering everyone! There were 149 entries and the winner of a signed copy of "Let It Snow" is...

Brizmus!!

Congrats! I just emailed her and she has 4 days to respond or I'll pick another winner. Check back at the beginning of January for a biiiiig New Years Extravaganza Giveaway! :)

Just a friendly reminder

Today is the last day to enter my Christmas Contest for a signed copy of "Let It Snow"! I'll post the winner tomorrow.

Also, I have a contest for a copy of Explorer X-Alpha and a poster which ends on Dec. 27th - however I might change that date because no one has entered!!

Lastly, you can submit an interview question for an author and get extra entries for my upcoming HUGE new years giveaway! :)

For the Future (2)

This is a new weekly/monthly meme of mine that I made up! :) It's similar to my "Waiting on Wednesday" posts, but highlights many books, not just one. And doesn't include summaries. If you'd like to do it too, you can! But could you link the idea credit to me? Thanks!

Here's a list of some young adult books that are still in-the-making or will be published in the future. This can range from being released tomorrow, to two years from now! (These covers and release dates might not be permanent, it's just what I saw on Amazon, Goodreads, or the author's website.) Hope this will be efficient to expand your reading pile!

Fallen by Lauren Kate (December 2009)
Of All The Stupid Things by Alexandra Diaz (December 2009)
Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey (April 2010)



My Love Lies Bleeding by Alyxandra Harvey (January 2010)
The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan (March 2010)
Darklight (Wondrous Strange) by Lesley Livingston (December 2009)



Possessed by Kate Cann (February 2010)
Wish by Alexandra Bullen (January 2010)
The Snowball Effect by Holly Nicole Hoxter (March 2010)

Waiting On Wednesday: The Lonely Hearts Club

This week's WoW book is The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg! It will be released on December 29, 2009.

Book Description:

Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. So she vows: no more. It's a personal choice. . .and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. And a few other girls are inspired. A movement is born: The Lonely Hearts Club (named after the band from Sgt. Pepper). Penny is suddenly known for her nondating ways . . . which is too bad, because there's this certain boy she can't help but like. . . .

Looks really cute, I'm adding this to my list of books I want to read. :) PUBLISHED ON DECEMBER 29, 2009!

Prada and Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard

Title: Prada and Prejudice
Author: Mandy Hubbard
Published: June 2009 by Razorbill

My Rating: 3 stars
Tags: YA | Romance | Historical
Includes: Sensuality

First Lines: It is a truth, universally acknowledged, that a teen girl on a class trip to England should be having the time of her life. At least, that's what I thought.

Insecure Callie is on a school trip touring London, with a group of other teenagers. After buying an expensive pair of red Prada heels (to impress a group of girls), she trips and bonks her head. After waking up, Callie finds herself in the 1800's of England! She's quickly mistaken by the Duke of Harksbury's family of a friend named Rebecca, who they're expecting from America. From there, Callie must keep up the charade of being Rebecca, while lying to her new friend, Emily; and as she tries to understand the strange attraction she feels for the arrogant duke, Alex.

From Page 100
I stop in the hall, taking the opportunity to stare at him, even though I'm sure Emily will tease me about it later. She's insane if she thinks I actually like him. I just like looking at him. The second he opens his mouth, the appeal is gone. And the more I learn about him, the more I despise him.

Hmm I have mixed feelings about this book. It's my first real historical-fiction young adult book, so I wasn't really sure what to expect. The whole novel was cute, sassy, and fun. It's a quick and easy read, but doesn't go that far in depth. Cassie's insecurities and lack of confidence showed during the beginning of the novel, but seemed to fade throughout the story. Overall I liked her character, it felt realistic and girly, but I didn't really step into her shoes. I kept waiting for a part in the book when I'd feel connected with her, but unfortunately that never happened.

The whole storyline is really creative and cute! I liked reading about how different Callie's world was during the 1800's, compared to the twenty-first century. Little details about her surroundings, clothes, and dialect made it seem more real.

From Page 23
The elderly man staring back at me is thin and frail, with a sneer and a hard glare that makes me want to step back. My stomach twists. He doesn't look very friendly. He's dressed in a really old fashioned way, wearing a starched white shirt and black jacket, and get this - he's wearing a powdered wig like George Washington or something.

I do have a big complaint about the book though - and that's the fact that it's never explained why Callie even "went back in time" in the first place. She frequently asks herself this, if maybe she's supposed to change the outcome of something, in order to go back to the twenty first century. I kept waiting to read why tripping on Prada heels transported her back in time but the author never explained. Also, it's never clarified whether it was just a dream/her imagination, or if it really happened. Ugh, that's bothering me so much!

I guess the overall book is a cute and funny read, that will hold your attention. The characters all have a strong and diverse personality, and the time period descriptions were fairly accurate. (Minus the time Callie calls the Duke by his first name, Alex. Yeah right!) I'm glad I read this book but I can probably live without reading it again. If the ending actually made sense, I'd like this book a whole lot more.

Book Supplied by: Won in a blogger's contest!

My thoughts on New Moon

What can I say? IT WAS PURELY AMAZING.

I went with my friend last night to see New Moon, the second movie of the Twilight series. I didn't really like the first one all that much basically due to the fact that I thought it was horrible acting and Kristen Stewart annoys me. Plus...Edward's expressions always look like he's in pain; which isn't quite cute.

However. New Moon has a breath of fresh air. With a different director, new characters, and a more thrilling and enjoyable plot; it really lived past my expectations. The special effects were really good, and I loved seeing the werewolves change form! I can not wait for Eclipse to come out June 30th!! and better yet for New Moon to come out on DVD. I'll be sure to be the first in line ready to buy it. :)

TAYLOR LAUTNER. Geez, is it really possible for someone to be that gorgeous? Haha I don't mean to sound like a little star-struck girl, but the truth is I am! That scene with him shirtless in the rain with his hair cut? EVERYONE in the theater gasped, it was hilarious. I think I even saw some men staring.... awkward.

But down to the point. Even if you didn't like Twilight, New Moon is a must-see. (If you're a fan of Taylor that is, who takes up half the movie with his adorable buff self.) Sigh...well I could go on forever, so if you'll excuse me I have some reading to do and need to go look up some pictures of a certain someone on Google Images. :)

Firelight

Hahahah so as much as I loved the Twilight saga, the first movie was well....eh, not so great. (I'll be seeing New Moon tomorrow though! Hopefully the acting will be way better. *crosses fingers*)

Anyways - I came across this video, and it is HILARIOUS. Oh how I love Saturday Night Live. :) Oh but make this full-screen to see it better!

Contest for Explorer X - Alpha

Here's your chance to win the book "Explorer X - Alpha" by LM Preston, which comes out in February 2010! You can also win a poster with it, too.

[Book Description]:

For most kids, a trip to space camp is the trip of a lifetime for Aadi it was life altering. After receiving a camp immunization needed for travel to Mars, Aadi finds that the immunization is the catalyst of an insidious experiment. He realizes what is happening too late for a change of fate. The full experiment is set in motion when he and his co-pilot, Eirena, crash in a distant galaxy called Shrenas, where they change and realize the full extent of their power. This turn of events forces him to grow up quickly, accept his change, and to decide to save a world, or to do what he was trained to do dominate it. His power is coveted by the warring leaders of Shrenas, and he is forced to choose sides a decision that may prove just how much humanity he has left.

Contest Rules:
-Open to USA only.
-I'll use Random.org to pick the lucky winner.
-Ends on December 27 at midnight. The winner will be chosen and posted/emailed the following day. Good luck! :)

How to Enter:
-Just leave a comment with your email address saying you want to be entered. This will count as one entry.

Extra Entries:
+3 Old follower. (Thanks!)
+2 New follower.
+2 Be a follower of LM Preston's blog.
+3 Put on your sidebar, tweet, blogroll, etc. Include links!
+5 Blog about this contest. Include link!
+2 Advertise this contest by linking to it on myspace, facebook, or any other social networking site. Include links!

Saturday Spotlight - Wicked Good Books

Saturday Spotlight is where I feature another book blogger, for you to check out! You should take a look at their site and leave a comment. (: [I got this meme from Kristen.]

Name: Bianca

Age: 15

Blog Name: Wicked Good Books

URL: http://wickedgoodbooks.blogspot.com

Share a little about yourself

I'm a 15 year old girl. I really enjoy sports, I'm on the XC, swimming, and soccer team. I like watching baseball and other sports on TV. I'm passionate for theatre, although I don't have much time to really do a lot of theatre stuff at school anymore. Music is my life. I want to shoot Algebra II Honors in the face. I think I want to be a teacher or a psychologist when I get older. I love reading, especially YA books!...and I happen to be really horrible at describing myself.

How long have you been blogging and what made you want to start?

I've been blogging since 2005, I believe. Back then I usually only blogged about my personal life or events that were happening. I could never blog regularly those days, and then about a year and half ago I really started getting into it and this past summer I created my book blog. Basically, I started blogging as a way to remember things. So, I thought it would be cool if I started a book blog because I wanted to remember the books that I've read.

What does your site have?

My blog is only a couple of months old so I don't have a whole lot. I do host contests, interviews, I do weekly memes such as WOW and IMM. I plan on doing some more nice features soon.

What is your favorite thing about book blogging?

My favorite thing about book blogging is getting to meet other bookworms and talking with authors. If I had not started my blog, I would be missing out on a lot of these wonderful things. I love being able to know news about books that haven't even come yet!

What are your favorite books and/or authors? What about genre in general?

Hmmm. This is a hard one for me, so I'll give you the books that pop up in my head. My most favorite series of all time is Harry Potter by JK Rowling. Some of my favorite books are: The Perks of Being A Wallflower, Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld. I love reading Sarah Dessen and other YA romance type books. Lately, I've somewhat been getting into fantasy.

What's your favorite cartoon character?

Actually, you know, I never really got into cartoons. I watched them, of course, but I preferred watching shows with real people, like One Life To Live and General Hospital. I guess if I had to pick, I enjoyed watching As Told By Ginger and Hey Arnold on Nick!

Best way to spend a Friday night?

I think the best way to spend a Friday night is coming home, change into something comfortable and get under the covers and read a nice book. Or if I actually have some money and my mother lets me, I might go to a movie or spend time with a friend. Definitely something relaxing after that long week of school!

What's your favorite meal to order at a restaurant?

It kinda just depends. Usually, I'll just order their hamburger and fries and ALWAYS a raspberry lemonade! Can't go wrong with that, can you?

Thank you so much for interviewing me! Nice questions.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions! Any of you who aren't followers of her site yet - what are you waiting for!?

If you would like to be featured on a Saturday Spotlight post, shoot me an email at booksobsession(at)gmail(dot)com

It doesn't matter how long you've been blogging - I'll interview anyone!

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Hush, Hush
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Published: October 2009 by Simon & Schuster

My Rating: 5 stars
Tags: YA | Suspense | Romance | Fantasy
Includes: Very brief profanity, Sexuality

First Lines: Chauncey was with a farmer's daughter on the grassy banks of the Loire River when the storm rolled in, and having let his gelding wander in the meadow, was left to his own two feet to carry him back to the chateau.

[Description from Amazon] : For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment. But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Wow, I'm still speechless to how terrific this book was. One of the best I've ever read? YES.

This novel is filled to the brim with creativity, and a summary that will hold your attention even past the last page. I was really absorbed in Nora's story and her character felt so alive and real to me. Even by the first few sentences in the book, I was already hooked. And unlike some books that start out great, and eventually lose my interest, this one did the opposite. I was craving more of the story the closer I got to the end. And I actually read the last chapter extremely slow, just so I could savor it that much more.

The twist at the end was GREAT. I was definitely not expecting it. Throughout the book I kept making mental predictions of who could be the "bad guy" or villain, and I was way off the whole time, ha! But oh man, the suspense in this book was killer. With Nora being stalked by a stranger in a ski mask, out to deliberately murder her? Creepy! But addicting to know what would happen next.

From Page 47
He was dressed in total black and blended with the night, making it hard to tell what he looked like. At first I couldn't distinguish any facial features, and then I realized he was wearing a ski mask. He rose to his feet, closing the distance between us. He flattened his palms to the driver's side window. Our eyes connected through the holes in the mask. A lethal smile seemed to rise in them.

Patch. The mysterious, sexy, bad-boy. He was one of the best male fictional characters - and I'd choose him over Edward any day! I loved how the author portrayed him, and kept him secretive. It made me long to know about his past, which he purposely tried to avoid talking about with Nora. Which brings me to my next point - their relationship. Wow the chemistry between them was so believable! Nora's a very smart girl with self-control, which I liked. She didn't throw herself at Patch, even though she wanted to, and tried logical thinking to stay away from him.

From Page 113
I didn't move. There was a glint to his eye that made me think I should be frightened of him...and I was. But that fright was equal parts allure. There was something extremely unsettling about being near him. In his presence, I didn't trust myself.

This cover...incredible. It is seriously hypnotic and I wish it could have been on the ARC! I'll be sure to buy my own hardcover copy just so I can look at the gorgeous cover to my heart's desire. :)

*The only thing I don't understand is the title. To someone who's read the book can you explain to me why it's called "Hush, Hush"? Thanks! I'd love to know.

Book Supplied by: ARC I won in a blogger's contest!

Complete List of Interviews

This is my list of all interviews I've had with authors. It's organized alphabetically by last name, and lists a book or two that they have written. This will be continuously added on to.
Last updated: 9/1/11

Regular Author Interviews:

Josephine Angelini - Starcrossed
Hilari Bell - Trickster's Girl
Libba Bray - Beauty Queens, Going Bovine
Jennifer Brown - Hate List, Bitter End
Joshua Cohen - Leverage
Ally Condie - Matched
Eileen Cook - The Education of Hailey Kendrick
Lili St. Crow - The Strange Angels Series
Holly Cupala - Tell Me A Secret
Leah Cypess - Mistwood, Nightspell
Lois Duncan - Killing Mr. Griffin, The Twisted Window
Jennifer Echols - Going Too Far, Endless Summer
Thomas Fahy - Sleepless
Adele Griffin - Tighter
Mandy Hubbard - Prada & Prejudice
Antony John - Five Flavors of Dumb
Christine Johnson - Claire de Lune
Daniel Kraus - The Monster Variations
CK Kelly Martin - I Know It's Over, One Lonely Degree
Morgan Matson - Amy & Roger's Epic Detour
Angela Morrison - Sing Me to Sleep, Taken By Storm
Jenny Moss - Taking Off
Alyson Noel - The Immortals Series
Sarah Ockler - Twenty Boy Summer
LM Preston - Explorer X-Alpha
Janette Rallison - Just One Wish, My Fair Godmother
Beth Revis - Across the Universe
Lorraine Zago Rosenthal - Other Words For Love
Suzanne Selfors - Mad Love
Alyssa B. Sheinmel - The Lucky Kind
Janni Lee Simner - Bones of Faerie
Caissie St. Onge - Jane Jones: Worst. Vampire. Ever.
Laurie Stolarz - The Touch Series, Project 17
Estevan Vega - Arson
Allen Zadoff - My Life, the Theater, and Other Tragedies

"Growing Up With Authors" Interviews:

Heidi Ayarbe - Compulsion
Jennifer Hubbard - The Secret Year
Gae Polisner - The Pull of Gravity
Kiersten White - Paranormalcy

"Deb of the Month" Interviews:

Victoria Schwab - The Near Witch

Kiki Hamilton - The Faerie Ring

Author Guest Posts:

Katie Alender - Bad Girls Don't Die - writes about "being the character" for her Halloween costumes. *My favorite guest post on my blog!*
Amanda Ashby - Zombie Queen of Newbury High - talks about the scariest book she's ever read.
Jen Bryant - The Fortune of Carmen Navarro - with a Christmas mad lib.
Susane Colasanti - So Much Closer - shares the inspiration behind her novel.
Kim Culbertson - Instructions for a Broken Heart - top 5 things she brings with her when she travels.
Rebecca Davis - Chasing AllieCat - writes what winter is like in Minnesota.
Allison Van Diepen - Raven - with a Halloween mad lib.
Beth Fantaskey - Jessica's Guide to Dating On The Dark Side - rewrote a chapter from her book from a different character's perspective. *Must read!*
Marley Gibson - Ghost Huntress series - discusses the role Halloween has played through her life.
Tessa Gratton - Blood Magic - writes about Jurassic Park.
Marissa Guibord - Warped - shares holidays in Maine with no electricity.
Brendan Halpin - Jenna & Jonah's Fauxmance - talks about appreciating snow days.
Nancy Holder - Wicked series - writes about her inspiration: Edgar Allan Poe.
Jessi Kirby - Moonglass - gives a photo tour about the setting of her book.
Christina Mandelski - The Sweetest Thing - shares the myths about being a new author.
Alexa Martin - Girl Wonder - lets readers plays a game of "I Never".
Brian Meehl - You Don't Know About Me - shares the inspiration behind his book.
Saundra Mitchell - Shadowed Summer - discusses ghosts around the world.
Michael Northrop - Trapped - tells us about the worst job he's ever had.
Amy Plum - Die For Me - writes about diversity.
Dia Reeves - Slice of Cherry - shares her favorite creepy Christmas short stories.
A. M. Robinson - Vampire Crush - shares her writing adventure on a snowy mountain.
Ty Roth - So Shelly - wrote a short story based on the characters in his novel.
Jessica Verday - The Hollow - talks about her favorite Halloween movies.
Lynn Viehl - After Midnight - tells us what life in the country is like.

Waiting On Wednesday: Magic Under Glass

This week's WoW book is Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore! It will be released on December 22, 2009.

Book Description:

Nimira is a foreign music-hall girl forced to dance for mere pennies. When wealthy sorcerer Hollin Parry hires her to sing with a piano-playing automaton, Nimira believes it is the start of a new and better life. In Parry's world, however, buried secrets are beginning to stir. Unsettling below-stairs rumors swirl about ghosts, a madwoman roaming the halls, and Parry's involvement with a league of sorcerers who torture fairies for sport. Then Nimira discovers the spirit of a fairy gentleman named Erris is trapped inside the clockwork automaton, waiting for someone to break his curse. The two fall into a love that seems hopeless, and breaking the curse becomes a race against time, as not just their love, but the fate of the entire magical world may be in peril.

This one looks great! I haven't heard much talk about it, which is surprising. Can't wait for its release! PUBLISHED ON DECEMBER 22, 2009!

Guest Post with author LM Preston

Here's a guest post with sci-fi/young adult author LM Preston! Her book "Explorer X - Alpha" will be published this February, 2010! LM decided to talk about her finest Christmas memory.

A Christmas Gift To Remember

Christmas has always been a bitter sweet occasion for me. I love Christmas now because I have four active kids and a husband of which to create traditions. However, prior to getting married, Christmas would sadden me because it was around Christmas time that I lost my grandmother of whom I was extremely attached.

Now, life has a funny way of rejuvenating you and allowing you to grow up. Hence, I will share a Christmas memory that still touches my heart.

About five years ago, my husband and I decided to do something different for Christmas. We decided to take that time to travel with our family. Our most memorable trip was a trip we took to Vermont. This particular Christmas, we experienced the Christmas Spirit of goodwill towards men first hand.

After packing our car to the hilt with presents, snowboarding equipment, and luggage, we took off. We drove there from our home, and it was a long drive. We sang songs, played car games, and watched movies. Finally, we arrived at Smuggler’s Notch, a resort in Vermont that had tons of stuff to do onsite. We had planned to never have to leave the resort.

Once we got settled into our three room condo, we realized that we needed to go to the grocery store. My husband took my older two kids with him to the store. After they left, I started putting all of our socks into sock bombs. My husband and I had planned to have a hide and go seek, sock bomb attack game with the kids once they returned from the grocery store.

Several hours later, I started to get concerned. I got no call from my husband, because there was no cellphone reception in the area. All I could do is to wait.

A knock came on the door, and my husband and two kids stood there with this gentleman. The kids looked shaken and my husband just hugged me. They had been in an accident, which my husband said could have been fatal. They were driving back from the store and drove over black ice, which slammed them into the guard rail of the bridge.

The angels that made my Christmas one of the most precious holidays ever, were the kind people I met in Vermont. The nice gentleman that was standing there with my husband was a mechanic who owned a local shop. He towed our car, and gave my husband a ride to our resort. He also helped us bring up our grocery. His wife came and picked me up several times to run errands, and the resort staff treated us at a local restaurant to dinner. It ended up taking the mechanic several additional days to fix our car, and the resort allowed us to stay free of charge.

It’s times like these where I am just humbled by the kindness of people. This particular trip is looked upon fondly by all of us, since we had angels posing as humans that made our Christmas in Vermont one of the most inspiring holiday’s ever.

by: LM Preston, www.lmpreston.com Author of "Explorer X - Alpha"

Interview with author LM Preston

Today I'm pleased to welcome debut author LM Preston of "Explorer X - Alpha", for an interview here at Books Obsession. Her book will be out in February 2010!

Can you start off by telling us a little bit about your book “Explorer X-Alpha” and if there will be a sequel?

Explorer X - Alpha is about a boy who struggles to stay true to himself in the midst of turmoil. He realizes that being a leader doesn't always mean that you win. It means never giving up. His entire world is shaken, but he stays true to himself while encouraging Eirena, his co-pilot, to do the same.

There will be a sequel. It's called EXPLORER X - Beta and if comes out in fall 2011. I am finishing up editing on THE PACK a two book series that comes out in fall 2010. It is an upper YA novel about a girl who goes on a mission to save the missing kids of her planet while struggling to trust Valens her connection to the underworld of her enemy.

What motivated you to write your sci-fi novel?

Unlike most fictional novels the writer's boundaries are clearly defined. In science fiction and fantasy the author is free to really use their imagination and create their own boundaries. I have always had a vivid imagination, and writing within the confines of the real world rather bored me. It was hard for me to get excited enough to finish work that required that I stay in the confines of Earth as we know it today. Therefore sci-fi was a good fit for me.

Who is your favorite character in the book and why?

Well, I love them all. However, Aadi is my first character, and my favorite. He is definitely the one I am most in tuned to because he responds to his struggles and challenges much the way my husband had. I knew my husband since I was fifteen, and as his friend I observed many of his actions. He had a difficult childhood, yet he was always positive, and never gave up - even when things crumbled around him. Now, I also have to admit I like Eirena a lot. She makes herself appear to be a lot stronger than she really is. However, she gets stronger through the support and encouragement of Aadi.

How did you come up with many of the sci-fi electronics and inventions written in your book?

I have been an engineer for over seventeen years. I have always dreamed of creating cool stuff that I mention in my books, and writing gives me another creative outlet for that talent.

You travel a lot; what’s been the best place you visited?

I love Hawaii. The island is so plush, beautiful and amazing. Live volcanoes, gorgeous beaches, exotic people, and the list goes on and on. I have based a lot of aspects of my writing on some of the wonders there. Look for them in my upcoming novels.

You mentioned you had four kids. What creative games and activities do you like to play with them?

Okay, I admit it, I am a big kid. My husband is also. We play hide and go bombs. Where we play hide and seek in the house and my husband or I chase and bomb the kids with our socks. We do candy hunts. I act out stories that I read to them, and make the older kids join in as actors. We also play capture the flag, a family favorite.

Do you have any favorite books, authors, or genres?

Yes I do. I read horror, romance, and science fiction mostly. Sometimes I try mysteries, but it's got to be one that is action packed. Several books I loved are THE CHILD THEIF, UGLIES, and MAXIMUM RIDE (fugitive series). My daughter and I usually trade books and talk about them. She has become a major inspiration and beta reader of all of my work, and she is very opinionated (smile) just like I like my teens.

Any other projects you’re working on that you’d like to share?

I am finishing up THE PACK about 16yr old Shamira, who kicks butt and takes names as she and her friend Valens destroy the crime organization kidnapping kids on Mars. Stay tuned for a teaser on my website for that in Mar. 2010. I am currently working on BANDITS, which is a futuristic novel about 17yr Daniel and his friends, which includes his best friend's sister who has a crush on him. They set out to find a treasure in which his father has stolen, while running from his father's killers in the process.

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions!

No, thank you for giving me the opportunity to visit. To all you YA readers out there, realize that you have a voice and that you are valuable. Never ever give up, even when you think things are bad. I am an example that if you fight through problems you can attain the impossible. I write about characters that do this, because I have. You can too!

Submit an interview question!

Oh have I got a great surprise up my sleeve... ;) I'm planning something big, and I mean HUGE to start the new year off. Three words:

New. Years. Extravaganza.

Excited yet? Well you should be! It's going to be my biggest giveaway I've ever had on Books Obsession, with loads of awesome prizes and winners, with only the best authors. Maybe a little bit of of the Mortal Instruments series? Or maybe you prefer something by C. K. Kelly Martin? Hmm, how about the book "Swoon"? The list is LONG, and you won't be disappointed; you'll see! :)

So, here is where I need YOUR help.

Since many fantastic authors are helping me out with this giveaway, I decided why stop there? Why not include some guest posts and interviews! However, instead of me asking my normal author questions...I'm gonna let YOU guys do the interview! :)

Just leave a comment with a question (as many as you want!) and the name of the author it is directed to. The more questions the better, and make them good! You can ask whatever you want; regarding a specific book of the author's, a question about their writing, their personal life (well...not too personal ;] ), any upcoming books of theirs, etc. Don't hold back! For right now, the authors to ask questions for are:

Aimee Friedman
("Sea Change")

C.K. Kelly Martin
("One Lonely Degree" and "I Know It's Over")

**For each question you submit, you'll get +1 to the contest once it's posted in January! +2 for each question I use!**

On My Bookshelf (10)

(Originally by The Story Siren, as "In My Mailbox.") On My Bookshelf is used to share what books I bought, won, received for review, or got from the library this week. It's to let you know what to expect for me to read/review next. (:

BOUGHT FROM BOOKSTORES:

"Wild Roses" by Deb Caletti: Seventeen-year-old Cassie Morgan lives with a time bomb (a.k.a. her stepfather, Dino Cavalli). To the public, Dino is a world-renowned violin player and composer. To Cassie, he's an erratic, self-centered bully. And he's getting worse: He no longer sleeps, and he grows increasingly paranoid. Before, Cassie was angry. Now she is afraid. Enter Ian Waters: a brilliant young violinist, and Dino's first-ever student. The minute Cassie lays eyes on Ian she knows she's doomed. Cassie thought she understood that love could bring pain, but this union will have consequences she could not have imagined. In the end, only one thing becomes clear: In the world of insanity, nothing is sacred....

"Hate List" by Jennifer Brown: Five months ago, Valerie Leftman's boyfriend, Nick, opened fire on their school cafeteria. Shot trying to stop him, Valerie inadvertently saved the life of a classmate, but was implicated in the shootings because of the list she helped create. A list of people and things she and Nick hated. The list he used to pick his targets. Now, after a summer of seclusion, Val is forced to confront her guilt as she returns to school to complete her senior year. Haunted by the memory of the boyfriend she still loves and navigating rocky relationships with her family, former friends and the girl whose life she saved, Val must come to grips with the tragedy that took place and her role in it, in order to make amends and move on with her life.

WON FROM CONTESTS:

"Beautiful" by Amy Reed: When Cassie moves from the tiny town where she has always lived to a suburb of Seattle, she is determined to leave her boring, good-girl existence behind. This is Cassie's chance to stop being invisible and become the kind of girl who's worth noticing. Stepping into her new identity turns out to be easier than Cassie could have ever imagined...one moment, one choice, will change everything. Cassie's new existence both thrills and terrifies her. Swept into a world of illicit parties and social landmines, she sheds her virginity, embraces the numbness she feels from the drugs, and floats through it all, knowing that she is now called beautiful. She ignores the dangers of her fast-paced life but she can't sidestep the secrets and the cruelty. Cassie is trapped in a swift downward spiral tinged with violence and abuse, and no one—not even the one person she thought she could trust—can help her now.

"Mad Apple" by Christina Meldrum: The secrets of the past meet the shocks of the present. Aslaug is an unusual young woman. Her mother has brought her up in near isolation, teaching her about plants and nature and language—but not about life. Especially not how she came to have her own life, and who her father might be. When Aslaug’s mother dies unexpectedly, everything changes. For Aslaug is a suspect in her mother’s death. And the more her story unravels, the more questions unfold. About the nature of Aslaug’s birth. About what she should do next. About whether divine miracles have truly happened. And whether, when all other explanations are impossible, they might still happen this very day.

"Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse" by Kaleb Nation: In a bustling metropolis where magic is outlawed, a six-year-old child is found inside a locked bank vault. A scrap of paper reveals his name: Bran Hambric. The child remembers nothing of his life before the vault. Only magic could have done this. But why would any mage risk breaking the law to place a child in a bank vault? Eight years later the City of Dunce has forgotten about Bran. Even his foster parents don't seem to know he exists. But there are those who have been watching, biding their time, waiting to strike, people who know where Bran came from and why he was sent away. And they will do anything to get Bran back, dead or alive.

RECEIVED FROM TRADING:

"When It Happens" by Susane Colasanti: Sara and Tobey couldn’t be more different. She is focused on getting into her first-choice college; he wants to win Battle of the Bands. Sara’s other goal is to find true love, so when Dave, a popular jock, asks her out, she’s thrilled. But then there’s Tobey. His amazing blue eyes and quirky wit always creep into her thoughts. It just so happens that one of Tobey’s goals is also to make Sara fall in love with him. Told in alternating points of view, Sara and Tobey’s real connection will have everyone rooting for them from the minute they meet!