Review: Damage by Anya Parrish

DAMAGE by Anya Parrish
Pub. Date: September 2011

Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd.
Format: Paperback , 288pp
Age Range: Young Adult
Source: Publisher (PB)

When Dani was eight, she fell from a building. No one believed her claim that she was pushed by Rachel, her imaginary friend. It took years of therapy to convince Dani that Rachel was a product of her own mind.

Now fifteen, Dani wants to make it as a dancer. But a deadly freak accident sends her a terrifying message: Rachel is back, she's real, and she'll stop at nothing to kill Dani. Complicating matters is Jesse, the school bad boy who's being stalked by his own invisible childhood monster.

When Dani and Jesse join forces to learn why their tormenters are back, their investigation leads to a horrifying discovery—and the secret that binds them to each other.

DAMAGE packs a major punch on the speedometer factor. This action packed nonstop plot keeps you wired into the pages. We're introduced to Dani, who's in treatment for diabetes. To shut out the negative effects of her sickness, Rachel, her imaginary friend comforts her. That is, until Dani's stay at the hospital comes to an end. Things go awry real quick after that then Dani has a stay of executions of sorts when Rachel just disappears. Now seven years later, let the chaos begin!

DAMAGE alternates between Dani's and Jesse’s experiences. These two have lived one helluva nightmare that continues to plagues them. I would definitely not want any part of their "imaginary" friends. Talk about a nightmare come to life. As the pieces of their pasts start to fall together after a deadly crash ties them together, things get explosive as Dani and Jesse run for their lives. This book takes you on a ride and never let's up. There's no time to catch your breath as you follow along while the characters try to unravel the mystery behind their pasts. This was a really quick read and before I knew it, I was at the last page.

Overall, the plot moves quickly as events span over a day. This book packs a lot as one event unfolds after another which just pulled me right alongside Dani and Jesse on a roller coaster ride. It kept me entertained that's for sure!

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Waiting on Wednesday: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

INSURGENT (Divergent, #2) by Veronica Roth
Pub. Date: May 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Format: Hardcover , 496pp
Age Range: Young Adult
Series: Divergent Series #2

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

I was left on the edge of my seat after reading DIVERGENT! I loved the action, danger, and secrets surrounding the factions. I can't wait to see what the next installment holds for Tris. So this is my pick. What are you waiting for?

The Winner of TUOMD!

The Winner is...

THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER (ARC) by Michelle Hodkin

Renee

Thanks to everyone for participating!

Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE by Laini Taylor
Pub. Date: September 2011
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Format: Hardcover , 432pp
Age Range: Young Adult
Source: Publisher (HC)

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.
And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

Daughter of Smoke and Bones pulls readers into a lush and vivid world full of fantastical characters. I was immediately drawn into Karou's world. The setting was magical and I loved the duality of worlds and the different beliefs that ruled them. I haven't read a book like this in some time. The writing is superb and the concept behind the plot is so unique that I found myself in awe the entire time I was reading.

The characters are rich and so full of life that I couldn't help but be drawn into the complexities of their lives. Karou and the creatures in her life brought so much intrigue and mystery within the pages. These characters are so well thought out and because their backgrounds are shrouded in dark secrets, I wanted to unlock every mystery this book held within. I love how the present and past entertwined in this book. Everything came together effortlessly as the story switched back and forth to give readers a glimpse into the characters' past and present.

This is one of those books that you don't want to put down. I fell in love with Karou and Akiva. The forbidden love aspect is always welcome as far as I'm concerned. It just ratchets the tension up even more for me. I didn't want this book to end and I'm looking forward to the next installmet. If you are looking for something different, this is a book I highly recommend. Check it out! You won't be disappointed!

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Favorite September reads...need suggestions

I've read a few books this month and I've come to a point where I'm looking for the next best read. I was in a book slump and thankfully the following books pulled me out.

THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER by Michelle Hodkin - review

ANNA DRESSED IN BLOOD by Kendare Blake - review

DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE by Laini Taylor - review will be up tomorrow.

I'm currently reading DAMAGE by Anya Parrish and it's a nonstop read. I'm almost finished with this book and now I'm looking for something different. I would love suggestions!

What are some of your favorite August or September reads?

In My Mailbox (87)

FOR REVIEW

Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst

Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi @ The Story Siren and inspired by Alea @ Pop Culture Junkie

Review: Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

ANNA DRESSED IN BLOOD by Kendare Blake
Pub. Date: August 2011
Publisher: Doherty, Tom Associates, LLC
Format: Hardcover , 320pp
Age Range: Young Adult
Source: Publisher (HC)

Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead.

So did his father before him, until he was gruesomely murdered by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father's mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.

When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn't expect anything outside of the ordinary: track, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he's never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, now stained red and dripping with blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.

But she, for whatever reason, spares Cas's life.

Anna Dressed in Blood is a nonstop page turner magnified by ghostly showdowns that will keep you glued to its pages. This book is a mixture of scary encounters, gory endings, and continuous suspense mixed in with a bit of horror. There wasn’t a moment while reading this book that I wanted to put this book down. I was infatuated from the beginning to the end.

Cas, the ghost hunter is the type of character I would love to see more of in books. He's confident, witty, and has an interesting past. His ghost hunts leads him to Anna, the local killer ghost. She's the one that's supposed to help him make a full circle and avenge his father’s gruesome murder. But, their grisly encounter leads to something neither of them expected...an unlikely connection. I love the conflicting sides that war with these two characters. They're complex and I couldn’t get enough of their struggles and triumphs. I enjoyed the secondary cast too. I kept laughing at the ghostbusters term that was thrown around. I loved everything about this book; the plot, the characters, and the writing.

I was sitting on the edge of my seat while reading this book. Long into the wee hours of the night, this book bewitched me. I couldn’t sleep without knowing what would happen next. So, I picked the book back up and dove back in. Anna Dressed in Blood packs a punch and I can't wait to see what happens in the next installment. This was a fantastic start to a series that I have a feeling will be one of my favorites.


Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

---

Check out the book trailer!

Sneak Peek Snippet of The Iron Knight book trailer!

Check out a Sneak Peek of the Book Trailer!

---

THE IRON KNIGHT (Iron Fey #4) by Julie Kagawa
Pub. Date: October 2011

Publisher: Harlequin
Format: Paperback, 304pp
Age Range: Young Adult
Series: Iron Fey Series

Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice

Waiting on Wednesday: Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

CARRIER OF THE MARK by Leigh Fallon
Pub. Date: October 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Format: Paperback , 352pp
Age Range: Young Adult

Their love was meant to be.

When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRís.

But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction.

I love the cover of this book! The setting in Ireland is enticing and the possibility of doomed love always gets my attention! So this is my pick. What are you waiting for?

Win The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

**CONTEST CLOSED**
This is your chance to Win...

THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER (ARC) by Michelle Hodkin

Rules 1 Winner!

For your chances to win FILL OUT THIS FORM!

Additional Entries

Comment on my review of TUOMD here

Contest ends @ 11:59pm (CST) September 27, 2011. U.S. & Canada Residents Only (Sorry!)

**If you are an international resident and have someone in the states that I could mail the prize to, then you can enter the contest**

Review: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER by Michelle Hodkin
Pub. Date: September 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Format: Hardcover , 464pp
Age Range: Young Adult
Source: Publisher ARC

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.
It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.
There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong.

THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER is filled with witty characters, mystery, and a sizzling romance that will leave you begging for more. I was in a book slump and this book brought life back into my endless days of book gloom. Once I started reading this book, I couldn't stop. The chemistry between Mara & Noah sent sparks off the pages. I knew this book had elements of paranormal abilities and mystery but I found myself not caring about that at all. I just wanted more and more Mara and Noah scenes. I now have a favorite new couple!

I love Hodkin’s writing. She totally seduced me with her words. There were so many scenes that I adored in this book that I found myself sighing or writing down some of my favorite quotes. Mara's journey to find out what happened to her the night her friends died became quite an addictive page turner. There were some events that came to light that were unpredictable which is always good when you can keep me guessing. However, I want to point out that I did wonder a couple of times about how one event/incident correlated to another. The ending was quite the shocker. I did not see that coming and yet I'm still trying to put all the pieces together to find out what was really real and what was not.

I can’t wait to read more about Mara and Noah. Perhaps, a bit of light will be shed in the next installment on how it really went down. Plus, I really want to know more about what's going on inside of Mara's head. I seriously can't stop thinking about Noah. I think I have a bit of a crush on him now. Can't wait for more!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

---

Check out the book trailer!

Get More: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog

Book Chatter (9): Characters I would like to meet

Pull up a chair, relax, and let’s discuss the wonderful world of books.

Do you enjoy discussing anything and everything pertaining to books? YES!

Well, you’ve come to the right place. Every week, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on various book topics and offering prizes that pertain to the topic at hand. That’s not all – You will get to choose the weekly topic by voting on which topic to discuss for the following week. You will also be able to suggest topics by clicking on this FORM.

Characters I would like to meet.

One of the great things about books is falling in love with the characters. Being able to read about so many different worlds and the characters that bring these books to life can be quite addicting. With so many popular books toping the bestseller’s list, it’s no wonder the buzz has readers itching to bring their favorite characters to the big screen. 

It would be amazing or a dream/fantasy comes true if I could meet some of my favorite characters. Well, it’s just as I said, “A Dream” but I’ll settle for them coming to the big screen just to get me a bit closer to reality. But this topic is about the characters that I would love to meet, so who cares if they’re not real. When I’m immersed in a book and I’m crying my eyes out or I’m all goo-goo eyed over a swoon worthy character – to me that’s as real as it gets. With that being said, here’s a list of characters that I would love to meet. 

Young Adult 

Ø Rose & Dimitri (Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead) – They’re one of my favorite YA couples and I would love to see them spar with each other. 

Ø Patch (Hush, Hush Series by Becca Fitzpatrick) – I’d want to meet him just to swoon. 

Ø Jace & Magnus (Mortal Instrument Series by Cassandra Clare) – Put these two in a room together and I just may die from laughing. 

Ø Nicholas & Lucy (The Drake Chronicles by Alyxandra Harvey) – I love these two! They are just unforgettable to me. 

Ø Puck (Iron Fey Series by Julie Kagawa) – Yes, I know I would literally die being in the same room with Puck. Maybe he can teach me some magic tricks too. 

Ø Cobweb, Moth, Mustard Seed, and Peaseblossom (Theatre Illuminata by Lisa Mantchev) – I’d want to hang with them so they can point me out to the best desserts, plus we could make some mischief while we’re at it. 

Adult 

Ø Mac & Jericho (Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning) – Probably one of my favorite couples of all time now. I’d probably pee in my pants or just faint from setting eyes on Jericho Barrons. I’d kick it with Mac so we can shop. I love pink too! 

Ø Cat & Bones (Night Huntress Series by Jeaniene Frost) – I wouldn’t know what to expect with this couple. But both Cat & Bones are hilarious. So, I’m sure I’d have a great time. 

Ø Faythe & Marc (Shifters Series by Rachel Vincent) – Both kick ass and down to earth characters. I feel so connected to these two. 

Ø Merit (Chicagoland Vampires by Chloe Neill) – I could paint the town red with Merit. She just seems like a fun person to be around. Plus, she loves chocolate! 

Ø Dageus & Drustan (Highlander Series by Karen Marie Moning) – I would love to be a sandwich just for a day with these two tall gorgeous men. *sigh* 

Ø Cassie (Cassie Palmer Series by Karen Chance) –I’d want to kick it with Cassie for the inside scoop on t her powers. Plus, you never know what’s about to go down when Cassie is around. Just keep your seatbelts locked!

So, which characters would you like to meet? Why?

---

*CONTEST* 

Winner will receive his/her choice of book of character that they would like to meet - pre-orders included!

Rules: 1 Winner! 

Please fill out this FORM!

Contest ends @ 11:59pm (CST) October 3, 2011. US & Canadian Residents only.

In My Mailbox (86)

FOR REVIEW

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor 

Shut Out by Kody Keplinger

This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel

Damage by Anya Parrish

 

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi @ The Story Siren and inspired by Alea @ Pop Culture Junkie

Waiting on Wednesday: Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

TOUCH OF POWER by Maria V. Snyder
Pub. Date: December 2011
Publisher: Mira
Format: Paperback , 400pp

(GOODREADS SUMMARY)

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life

I love Maria's books! I'm so excited to dive back into her fantastical world! So this is my pick. What are you waiting for?

Winner of Blood Bound!

The Winner is...

BLOOD BOUND (Signed ARC) by Rachel Vincent

Sarah

I've contacted the winner, thanks to everyone for participating!

Winner of Book Chatter's Standalone vs Series Contest!

Standalone VS Series Winner!


KAYLA


Thanks to everyone for participating!

Interview: Sarah Beth Durst (Author of Drink, Slay, Love)

I'm thrilled to have Sarah Beth Durst on my blog to today where she talks about her latest novel.

Sarah Beth Durst is the author of young adult novels ENCHANTED IVY and ICE, as well as middle grade novels INTO THE WILD and OUT OF THE WILD. She has twice been a finalist for SFWA's Andre Norton Award, for both ICE and INTO THE WILD. She is a graduate of Princeton University, where she spent four years studying English, writing about dragons, and wondering what the campus gargoyles would say if they could talk. Sarah lives in Stony Brook, New York, with her husband and children. For more information, visit her at www.sarahbethdurst.com

Drink, Slay, Love hits shelves September 13, 2011!

I love the settings of your previous books, how does the setting in this novel differ?
Thanks! So happy you liked them!

DRINK, SLAY, LOVE is set in a fictional town in Connecticut. Here's a snippet of what it's like:

"Do you know how to drive?" Jadrien asked.

"Sure," Pearl said. "This one is the gas."

The wheels squealed as Pearl spun the steering wheel to the left and zoomed out onto the street. She rolled down her window and let the wind whip into the car. At near dawn, Greenbridge, CT, was nearly dead. Street lamps (every other one out) lit the sidewalks in circles of yellow. Trash rolled down the streets like tumbleweeds. Storefronts -- a deli, a dry cleaner, an antique store -- were dark. The local homeless man slept under a pile of filthy blankets with his shopping cart close beside him. Pearl loved this time of night: just before the cusp of day, when the humans were still caught in their last dream of the night and her kind had one final moment of delicious darkness to drink down.

Your last two previous novels have been standalones, have you considered writing another series?
My first two novels (INTO THE WILD and OUT OF THE WILD) were a duology, but ICE, ENCHANTED IVY, and DRINK, SLAY, LOVE are all standalones. I love both series and standalones, and I plan to write plenty more of each!

What can readers expect from your version of vampires?

My vampires are beautiful, immortal, and deadly. They lack morals, and they love to drink blood. And they don't know that they are being hunted by were-unicorns. (Unicorns are natural vampire hunters, of course. Look at their horns! Built-in stakes!)

Favorite Vampire book? Favorite Vampire Movie?
Favorite vampire book... ooh, how to choose? I adored Bloodshot by Cherie Priest. I also recently read and loved Soulless by Gail Carriger. And I devour the Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris.

Favorite vampire movie... I love Buffy the Vampire Slayer (the TV series, though, not the movie).

Is there anything else that you would like to share with your readers? What's next for you?

I'd like to share this box of Raisinets... *holds out box*

DRINK, SLAY, LOVE will be out on September 13th. And I am currently working on a new standalone YA fantasy novel called VESSEL, which will be out in fall 2012 from Simon & Schuster.

Thanks for stopping by Sarah!

For more information about Sarah Beth Durst and her books, please visit her website here.

You can also click here to read an excerpt of Drink, Slay, Love!

Win After Obsession by Carrie Jones & Steven E. Wedel

This is your chance to Win...

AFTER OBSESSION (ARC) by Carrie Jones & Steven Wedel

Rules 1 Winner!

For your chances to win FILL OUT THIS FORM!

Additional Entries

Comment on my review of After Obsession here

Contest ends @ 11:59pm (CST) September 22, 2011. U.S. & Canada Residents Only (Sorry!)

**If you are an international resident and have someone in the states that I could mail the prize to, then you can enter the contest**

Blog Tour: Review: After Obsession by Carrie Jones & Steven E. Wedel

AFTER OBSESSSION by Carrie Jones & Steven E. Wedel

Pub. Date: September 2011

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA

Format: Hardcover , 320pp

Age Range: Young Adult
Source: Publisher ARC

Aimee and Alan have secrets. Both teens have unusual pasts and abilities they prefer to keep hidden. But when they meet each other, in a cold Maine town, they can't stop their secrets from spilling out. Strange things have been happening lately, and they both feel that something-or someone- is haunting them. They're wrong. Despite their unusual history and powers, it's neither Aimee nor Alan who is truly haunted. It's Alan's cousin Courtney who, in a desperate plea to find her missing father, has invited a demon into her life-and into her body. Only together can Aimee and Alan exorcise the ghost. And they have to move quickly, before it devours not just Courtney but everything around her.

Filled with heart-pounding romance, paranormal activity, and rich teen characters to love-and introducing an exciting new YA voice, Steven Wedel-this novel is exactly what Carrie Jones fans have been waiting for. Meet your next obsession.

The cover caught my attention and the summary lured me into wanting to read the about the mystery of what happens in After Obsession. Told in alternating POVs from Aimee and Alan, who both have abilities that manifest in relation to their dreams, their dreams set the stage for the creepy factor. What could they mean and how will everyone survive the aftermath? These are the questions that continued to nag me.

We get to see what goes on inside the characters’ heads and I thought it was interesting seeing how their abilities affected each one of them differently. Aimee's experiences were more frightening and I found myself wanting to get to her POV more so than Alan's. The one thing that gave me a few pauses while reading this book, stemmed from a bit of disjoinment in linking the character's POVs together. This was more evident in Alan's POV to me. There were also quite a few scenes that jumped around in both POVs to the point that, to me, it would have been better if the scenes were left out completely.

AFTER OBSESSION, Intriguing in mystery and the plot surrounding demon possession was overall, a satisfying read. I think that the little things that bothered me weren't big enough to distract me from the overall plot. I think readers will be pleased in the end.

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

---

Check out the Book Trailer!