IN MY MAILBOX: #3

In My Mailbox is this great meme hosted by The Story Siren where you get to showcase the books you've received that week.You get to see the books people have bought, borrowed, or received for review. This week I tried to be good and only bought three books. So I know my bank account is semi-happy. Here they are:

For Review: Netgalley

 

 Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

The Magicians by Lev Grossman

Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

Legacy by Cayla Kluver 

What did you guys get?

BLOGGER HOP: #1

 "What book-to-movie adaption have you most liked?  Which have you disliked?"

I'm going to be totally cheesy and say Harry Potter! I think the movies have just gotten better and better as they go! As for which ones I disliked... I can't really think of any! I don't think there have been any that I completely disliked. EDIT: After looking over everyone's answers I realized I didn't think about this answer enough! So I'm changing it! I really loved The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and The Lord of the Rings. And the movie I disliked the most would have to be Blood & Chocolate! On it's own, it was alright but compared to the book it was horrible! Okay. End rant. :)

What are your favorite adaptations?

Let me know if you're a new follower so I can follow back! And if my GFC box still isn't working you can follow by clicking on the follow link on the bar at the top of the page! :)

FOLLOW FRIDAY: #3

EDIT: If I said I followed you but my image isn't showing up in GFC please LET ME KNOW! So I can try and follow you again. All these glitches are driving me batty. Have a great weekend!

Q. How many books do you read in a week? And in what format do you read them, or listen to them?

I read about six books at one time and finish about one or two per week. It takes me longer to get through books because I'm reading so many at one time! I read hard copies and E-books on my Kindle!

How about you?

Let me know if you're a new follower so I can follow back! And if my GFC box still isn't working you can follow by clicking on the follow link on the bar at the top of the page! :)

BOOK REVIEW: The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

I admit I initially wanted to read this book because of the cover, I mean, look at it! It’s absolutely stunning. And then I started reading… And I was pleasantly surprised. This was my first Steampunk novel and I was immediately swept away. 

Cross’ world is littered with metal contraptions and interesting characters. The main character is captivating, daring, naïve, and strong all wrapped into this little package. In other words, I LOVED this book. I don’t want to give away the entire premise because then I’d be giving away some spoilers but I’ll just let you read the synopsis from goodreads:

In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one…except the "thing" inside her.

When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch….

Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits: Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret. 

Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help—and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.

But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on—even if it seems no one believes her.

I was utterly surprised by this book, although I loved the cover, I didn’t expect to love the story as much as I did. And now I’m in love with this Victorian world filled with metal machines and robots. It’s definitely different from the books that I normally read but it kept my attention and was captivating and intriguing. 

I loved Finley because of how much she progressed as a character throughout the story. She wasn’t a one note character, she grew and changed and became stronger and I felt like I was with her during that entire journey. And although there was chemistry between Finley and Griffin, it didn’t overwhelm the story. I was more interested in the mystery that was taking place and the tension was an added bonus!

I kind of felt a bit disconnected from the rest of the characters but I think that’s because the perspectives changed so much. And although I loved the character of Jack, Finley’s attraction to him seemed a bit random. The ending definitely made me feel like I was watching “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?” So you can probably count on this being book one in a series.  I would definitely check out THE GIRL IN THE STEEL CORSET if you haven’t already. It’s such a great intro into Steampunk if you haven’t read any before!

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY: #1 - The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating! 

This week my selection is: THE PLEDGE by Kimberly Derting

Expected Publication Date: November 15, 2011

From Goodreads: In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she’s spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed.

Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can’t be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country’s only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime.

What are you eagerly anticipating?

BOOK REVIEW: Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

Favorite line: “Maybe he was afraid I had Stockholm Syndrome after all, the kind where your captor makes your arms tingle.”

(Writing this during my lunch break) I expected to like GOING TOO FAR, I even expected to enjoy it, what I didn’t expect was how much I’d love it. This is my first Echols novel and it definitely will not be my last. 

Here’s the synopsis from Goodreads: 

All Meg has ever wanted is to get away. Away from high school. Away from her backwater town. Away from her parents who seem determined to keep her imprisoned in their dead-end lives. But one crazy evening involving a dare and forbidden railroad tracks, she goes way too far...and almost doesn't make it back.

John made a choice to stay. To enforce the rules. To serve and protect. He has nothing but contempt for what he sees as childish rebellion, and he wants to teach Meg a lesson she won't soon forget. But Meg pushes him to the limit by questioning everything he learned at the police academy. And when he pushes back, demanding to know why she won't be tied down, they will drive each other to the edge -- and over.... 

I wanted to shake Meg throughout the entire story until the reason behind her outrageous behavior was eventually explained. And then I still wanted to shake her. But I still empathized with her and wanted her to make it through, even if she was kicking and screaming the entire time.

I didn’t expect to get so many laughs out of GOING TO FAR. I was laughing throughout the entire book at Meg’s antics and her quirky southern phrases. The way Echols has written GOING TOO FAR pulls you into the story so you don’t feel like a bystander but a significant part of the story, and Meg is pulling you along the entire way. 

Not to mention the incredible chemistry between Meg and John. I was rooting for them throughout the entire story until the very end. So if you haven’t read GOING TOO FAR I would definitely recommend checking it out!

                                                                                     

IN MY MAILBOX: #2

In My Mailbox is this great meme hosted by The Story Siren where you get to showcase the books you've received that week.You get to see the books people have bought, borrowed, or received for review. I was supposed to be cutting back but I couldn't help myself this week! So hopefully (fingers crossed) I won't be buying any more new books for a couple of weeks... (Like that's gonna happen) Here are my books!

Bought:

Hardcover

Paperback:

Kindle: 

For Review:

The Maze Runner and The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Warped by Melissa Guibord

Enclave by Anne Aguirre

Wither by Lauren Destefano

Pulse and Life's Blood by Kailin Gow

XVI by Julie Karr

Tiger's Quest by Colleen Houck

Forget You by Jennifer Echols

Steel by Carrie Vaughn

Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shaltz

The Girl In The Steel Corset by Kady Cross

What did you guys get this week?

BOOK REVIEW: Divergent by Veronica Roth

First Impressions: OMG! YES! 

Last Impressions: OMG! YES YES YES!

I just finished DIVERGENT during my lunch break and OMG I can’t describe the emotions that are running through me at the moment. I have this lump in the pit of my stomach and butterflies trying to fly out of my throat and my heart is so full and heavy! Indescribable!

I have to admit, I was wary going into DIVERGENT because of the hype and the synopsis. It just didn’t sound like my cup of tea (or any caffeinated beverage…). But it went above and beyond any of my expectations. This has to be the best book of the year, no, the best book EVER.

Here’s a synopsis from Goodreads:

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

I laughed, I cried, I did both at the same time and my stomach was in knots the entire time! Right when I felt relieved, something else happened, and then something else happened. I do have to warn you, there is a lot of violence, like, a lot of violence and it’s not for little kiddies to read at bedtime…

This is definitely a character driven story. Tris’ character is relatable; sometimes I wanted to scream at her and other times I couldn’t believe her bravery. She was selfish and selfless and everything in-between, she was HUMAN. And I think that’s something I find a little hard to find in YA literature lately. HUMAN characters that aren’t cut from cardboard boxes and flung into unbelievable circumstances and somehow make it out alive. Tris was believable, relatable, and I was emotionally connected with her from the first moment her voice rose from the pages. If you haven’t read DIVERGENT… What are you waiting for?? Get it YESTERDAY, yes, I said yesterday.

Random paragraph: I look at my reflection in the mirror on the back wall and see a stranger. She is blond like me, with a narrow face like mine, but that’s where the similarities stop.  I do not have a black eye, and a split lip and a bruised jaw. I am not as pale as a sheet. She can’t possibly be me, though she moves when I move.

And does anyone else think the Divergent just have ADD…?

FOLLOW FRIDAY: #2

Q. It's circle time. Time for us to open up and share. Can you tell us FIVE quirky habits or things about you? We all have them...

 

5. I have severe ADD so I have to be reading 6 or more books at a time to keep my interest.

 

4. I have a crazy weird obsession with jelly beans, they help me focus, no joke!

 

3. I eat mentos ALL THE TIME. I eat about a pack a day, it's gross, I know.

 

2. I fold my underwear and socks... does anyone else do that??

 

1. I have an obsession with Bollywood movies! They litter my room! Shhh though!  

 

What are your quirks or habits?

Giveaway Winner! Beauty Queens & Rebel Angels by Libba Bray

Congratulations to Jenny from the Supernatural Snark! You won my copy of Beauty Queens by Libba Bray as well as a copy of Rebel Angels by Libba Bray. I’ll send you an e-mail soon so I can get the books out to you asap! Thanks to everyone else for entering!
 

Winner selected by random.org

IN MY MAILBOX: #1

My first In My Mailbox meme hosted by The Story Siren is where you get to showcase the books you've received that week.

Bought:

Hardcover:

Paperback:

NetGalley:
For Review

The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher

Signed Copy of Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting

Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris

The Eternal Ones by Kristen Miller

Evernight by Claudia Gray

Stargazer by Claudia Gray

Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

Bite Me, Try Me, & Fang Me by Parker Blue

Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson

What did you get this week?

GIVEAWAY: True Blood Season #1

***Contest Closed***

EDIT: You may enter if you're under 18 as long as you have your parents permission.

I know this isn’t a book… But its series is based on some awesome books I’ve JUST started reading. I’ve been wanting to do this giveaway for awhile now and since there’s about a month until True Blood’s new season begins, I thought now would be the perfect time! This giveaway is definitely for you vampire lovers! You'll get a brand new unopened dvd set of TRUE BLOOD Season #1.

To enter: all you have to do is leave a comment with your e-mail address and be a follower of my blog

I take no responsibility for the content of this series.

Or get extra entries by tweeting, blogging, adding me as a friend on goodreads, or by following me on twitter @lo_chase.

This giveaway will end on June 16th.

This is open Internationally.

FOLLOW FRIDAY: #1

Q. The Blogger Apocalypse made me a little emotional. What is the most emotional scene in a book that you have read lately?

Can I copy Parajunkee's answer and say DELIRIUM by Lauren Oliver??  

That's all I can say at the moment, I *just* finished it this morning. 

Has anyone else read Delirium?

WRITING: Outlining Your Story…

Does anyone else have a problem with this? Because I always feel like I’m the only one who grapples with writing scene after scene in chronological order in a list-like format. It just never happens, and when it does I lose all motivation to write the story (or novel) in the first place. 

So I googled ‘Outlining Your Novel’ and came across links that I used a lot when I used to outline like crazy; and I think some of them could be useful for a few of you. Here they are: 

The Ominous Snowflake method: Snowflake Method 

This method… (Probably the most well-known) takes an astronomical amount of time (for me), which can be good, get to know your characters… But I’m impatient, very impatient. And by step 3 I’m on to the next outline website...

The Writer’s Digest Outline: Writing.com 

I really like this way of outlining but I never feel like I have enough information to use when I’m finished, but for some people this has worked miracles! 

Notecard Plotting: Notecard Plotting Under Pressure 

This one is probably one of my favorites and I love Holly Lisle so I guess I’m a bit biased. She has great articles on writing and plotting and character development; just google her name and all of her websites will pop up! 

Outline Your Novel In 30 Minutes: 30 Minute Outline 

This is another favorite, not only does it only take 30 minutes (it actually took me a little over an hour) it helps me to flesh out my characters motivations and that helps me to brainstorm more scenes. 

Do you guys have any recommendations on how to outline? Or do you not outline at all?

Giveaway Winners! DUST CITY by Robert Paul Weston

Yes, PLURAL. 

As in TWO winners. I couldn't help myself! This is such a wonderful book and it should be read by as many people as possible! So I’m giving away both of my copies of DUST CITY (Yes… I own two) to the winners:)

Congratulations Brittany Gale and Kourtney Heintz! You’ve both won a copy of DUST CITY by Robert Paul Weston! I’ll send you guys an e-mail soon so I can get the books out to you asap! Thanks to everyone else for entering!

Winners selected by random.org

BOOK GIVEAWAY: Beauty Queens ARC by Libba Bray

***Contest Closed*** 

EDIT: I'm adding another book to this giveaway! REBEL ANGELS by Libba Bray! 

Another book giveaway so soon…? Yes! I’m giving away the ARC for BEAUTY QUEENS by Libba Bray. Here’s the blurb from goodreads: 

…The story of a plane of beauty pageant contestants that crashes on a desert island.

Teen beauty queens. A "Lost"-like island. Mysteries and dangers. No access to email. And the spirit of fierce, feral competition that lives underground in girls, a savage brutality that can only be revealed by a journey into the heart of non-exfoliated darkness. Oh, the horror, the horror! Only funnier. With evening gowns. And a body count.

It’s funny! Believe me :) But I can’t post my review until it comes out, so! All you have to do is leave a comment with your e-mail address and be a follower of my blog to be entered. 

Or get extra entries by tweeting, facebook, or blogging!

This giveaway ends on May 15^th at Midnight! Happy sunny days! 
Open to US and Canada.

BOOK GIVEAWAY: Dust City by Robert Paul Weston

***Contest Closed***

This book didn’t receive ENOUGH hype. I loved it from the first lines:

“Once upon a time, fairydust came from where you’d expect. From fairies…”

To the last line. DUST CITY features a smart heartwarming main character that happens to be a wolf. This summary from Goodreads sums it up pretty well:

Who's afraid of the big bad wolf?

His son, that's who.

Ever since his father's arrest for the murder of Little Red Riding Hood, teen wolf Henry Whelp has kept a low profile in a Home for Wayward Wolves . . . until a murder at the Home leads Henry to believe his father may have been framed.

Now, with the help of his kleptomaniac roommate, Jack, and a daring she-wolf named Fiona, Henry will have to venture deep into the heart of Dust City; a rundown, gritty metropolis where fairydust is craved by everyone and controlled by a dangerous mob of Water Nixies and their crime boss leader, Skinner.

Can Henry solve the mystery of his family's sinister past? Or, like his father before him, is he destined for life as a big bad wolf?

This book was gritty and had me cringing at some moments but the mystery, the description, the way Weston easily leads you from one page to the next kept me riveted. I loved this book and I think it deserves a lot more attention than it got. So I’m giving away my copy!

All you have to do is leave a comment with your e-mail address and be a follower of my blog.

This giveaway ends on Sunday, May 8^th at Midnight!

Check out the authors website here.