Follow Friday #18

Hey, everyone!

For those who don't know, Follow Friday is a blog hop hosted by the super-duper awesome Parajunkee & Alison Can Read! It's a great way to meet new people and expand your list of friends over Blogger, and it's really easy to join, too! :)

All you have to do is:

1. (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Hosts (Parajunkee & Alison Can Read)
2. (Required) Follow the featured blogger of the week. 
3. Put your blog name and URL in the Linky thing. 
4. Grab the the button up there and place it in a post (so people can say hi in the comments!).
5. Follow, follow, follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just only a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs! Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI!"
6. If someone comments and follows you, share the love! Follow them back ;)
7. If you're new to the Follow Friday hop, comment and let Parajunkee & Alison know, so they can stop by and check out your blog!

Q. What book that hasn't been turned into a movie (yet) would you most like to see make it to the big screen, and who would you like cast as your favorite character?

A: A book I want turned into movie? I have to say that's a hard one! Whenever I read a book, I always picture it as a movie in my mind — so I'm always afraid that a real movie adaptation wouldn't live up to my expectations!

But I'll admit that there are tons I'd love to be adapted onto the big screen, like Julie Kagawa's The Iron Fey series or Divergent by Veronica Roth! Not sure who I'd choose as actors, though — I'm pretty picky with that kind of stuff! x)

What about you? :)

HAPPY FOLLOW FRIDAY! 

-Mimi 

P.S.: You can enter my 300 Followers Giveaway if you haven't already! There are tons of awesome books to choose from! :)

Review: Devoured

Book: Devoured
Author: Amanda Marrone
Release Date: September 22, 2009
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 306
Source: borrowed from Lexie
Stars: 4/5

Megan’s twin sister Remy died in an accident nine years ago, and she’s been haunting her ever since. Knowing how crazy that sounds, Megan keeps this secret to herself and tries to lead a normal life.

But when she takes a summer job at Land of Enchantment to keep an eye on her new boyfriend and his lovesick best friend, Samantha, she meets fellow employee Luke who can see Remy, too. Things get even twistier because Megan’s new friend Ari is sporting a massive crush on Luke, who seems to be developing a massive crush on Megan…making for a love triangle that’s positively possessed.

Megan wants to keep her distance from Luke, but when Remy’s visions get crazy violent; she knows she needs his help. Because someone’s definitely in danger...the only question is who?

(summary taken from Goodreads)  

MY THOUGHTS:

Three words to describe this book? Dark, fairytale-esque, and yet unfairytale-esque at the exact same time! 

Devoured put an edgy and unique twist on the fairytale, Snow White (which I love), and I enjoyed it so much more than I expected to! I'm actually a huge fan of fairy tails and such. I'll admit that this was a little strange at first, but once I got into it, I couldn't put it down!

I just adored the characters in this book. Megan was the perfect heroine, Luke was the perfect guy, and Remy was the perfect ghostly twin sister. I couldn't think up a more fitting cast for this story! The way Amanda Marrone crafted the mystery aspect of the plot was fantastic, and I was on the edge of my seat for several scenes.

Fun yet creepy, light yet dark — Devoured was a roller coaster ride that was full of contradictions! It gave me chills in some parts and butterflies in others. Part fairytale, part suspenseful mystery, and part super-sweet romance, this is a book you should definitely put on your radar! :) 

BUY or BORROW?: If you love fairytales and their counterparts, you should definitely add this one to your collection!

-Mimi

Waiting on Wednesday: The Pledge

 

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

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: 

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

Words are the most dangerous weapon of all.

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.

(summary taken from Goodreads)

Release Date: November 15, 2011

A dystopian book with a little bit of fantasy in it? Count me in! Plus, I adored Kimberly Derting's The Body Finder series and I can't wait to read something more from her! :)

And doesn't that cover look incredibly cool??

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU WAITING FOR? 

-Mimi

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I Want to Re-read

Today, for the first time ever, I decided to participate in Top Ten Tuesday! It's a meme hosted by the awesome girls at The Broke and the Bookish, where they post a different Top Ten list each week and we list our corresponding books! :)

This week's list is:

Top Ten Books I Want to Re-read

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins : I was just re-reading these the other day and I still can't believe how amazing they are!
   
2. The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare : This series is pure awesome! Enough said. ;)
3. Wither by Lauren DeStefano : This book has some of the most beautiful prose I've read in a while! It's dark and different and one of my favourites ever!
4. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand : So sweet! I love everything about it!
5. Soul Screamers series by Rachel Vincent : I ♥ TOD. Plus, snarky characters and super-cool plots are definitely worth re-reading!
6. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins : J'adore Anna! This book is magic!
7. Nevermore by Kelly Creagh : Oh my gosh, this book is a nightmare and a dream rolled into one! I just love it!
8. Hex Hall series by Rachel Hawkins : I have a weakness for books with knee-slappingly hilarious sarcastic characters, and Hex Hall is no exception!
9. The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa : This series is seriously amazing! Every time I pick up one of these books, I feel more like I'm watching an awesome movie!
10. If I Stay and Where She Went by Gayle Forman : I still cry whenever I read these books! They're so sweet and sad and heartwarming!

And that's my list! I'm a HUGE sucker for re-reading — I do it all the time! — so I wish my list could be longer, but these are some I love to re-read the most. :) 

WHAT'S YOUR TOP TEN? 

-Mimi 

P.S.: You can enter my 300 Followers Giveaway if you haven't already! There are tons of awesome books to choose from! :)

Review: Dear Bully: 70 Authors Tell Their Stories

Book: Dear Bully: 70 Authors Tell Their Stories
Editors: Megan Kelley Hall, Carrie Jones
Contributors: Claudia Gabel, Courtney Sheinmel, Crissa-Jean Chappell, Cyn Balog, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Daniel Waters, more...Dawn Metcalf, Debbie Rigaud, Deborah Kerbel, Diana Rodriguez Wallach, A.S. King, Eric Luper, Erin Dionne, Alyson Noel, Amy Goldman Koss, Amy Reed, Aprilynne Pike, Carolyn Mackler, Carrie Ryan, Cecil Castellucci, Heather Brewer, Holly Cupala, Janni Lee Simner, Jeannine Garsee, Jessica Brody, Jo Knowles, Jocelyn Maeve Kelley, Jon Scieszka, Kieran Scott, Kiersten White, Kristin Harmel, Kurtis Scaletta, Lara Zeises, Laura Kasischke, Lauren Kate, Lauren Oliver, Linda Gerber, Lisa McMann, Lisa Schroeder, Lisa Yee, Lucienne Diver, Marina Cohen, Marlene Perez, Maryrose Wood, Megan McCafferty, R.L. Stine, Melissa Schorr, Ellen Hopkins, Laurie Faria Stolarz, Melodye Shore
Release Date: September 1, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 354
Source: won from publisher
Stars: 5/5

You are not alone.

Discover how Lauren Kate transformed the feeling of that one mean girl getting under her skin into her first novel, how Lauren Oliver learned to celebrate ambiguity in her classmates and in herself, and how R.L. Stine turned being the “funny guy” into the best defense against the bullies in his class. 

Today’s top authors for teens come together to share their stories about bullying—as silent observers on the sidelines of high school, as victims, and as perpetrators—in a collection at turns moving and self-effacing, but always deeply personal.

(summary taken from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS:

If there's one thing in the world I feel strongly against, it's bullying. I hate that there are wars and hunger and conflicts and stereotypes, yet I know that some of those things are inevitable. But bullying? I really, truly, honestly believe that there isn't ANY reason why bullying should happen! 

Dear Bully is a collection of stories from 70 authors who have either been bullied, a bully, or a bystander. And they're all so powerful in their own way — it blows my mind away how much these authors have been through! Some of the stories literally made me want to cry.  

I'm usually not a big fan of anthologies, but I loved everything about Dear Bully! It was heart-breaking and moving and powerful. Each and every one of the stories made me think. I can't even pick a favourite because there are so many that just stuck with me.

Whether you have experienced bullying or have been a bully or are even faintly aware of this HUGE issue, you should definitely pick up Dear Bully! I'm so glad that so many of these authors are putting their heartbreaking stories out there to bring awareness to this!

BUY or BORROW?: This is definitely a book you have to buy! Plus, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Stomp Out Bullying, which I think is just amazing! :) 

-Mimi

Review: The Hunger Games

Book: The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Release Date: December 14, 2009
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Pages: 374
Source: purchased from Chapters
Stars: 5/5

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

(summary taken from Goodreads) 

MY THOUGHTS:

READ THIS BOOK.

I'm SO tempted to leave my review as that single sentence, because that basically sums up the gist of my thoughts without getting into the gushing "this book is so amazing that I can't even find words for it" part! But I decided you guys deserve more than that. Just be forewarned: major gushing ahead.  

The Hunger Games has to be one of the best books in history! Definitely a favourite of mine! It's interesting and deep and romantic and original and realistic and I could use up all the positive adjectives in the world and it still wouldn't be enough!

EVERYTHING about this book is amazing! Katniss is one of my favourite heroines; the side characters are all great; the romance is perfectly done; the action is heart-pounding; the premise is unforgettable; and the complex plot always keeps me on the edge of my seat — sometimes in tears and most times without breathing!

I seriously can't believe that I ever had a doubt before reading this book. The cover didn't really catch my eye and the synopsis sounded strange when I first saw it, but now I want to buy a copy for every person in the world just so they'll read it! It's THAT good. 

So the verdict? Read this book. Love this book. And get ready to have The Hunger Games always lingering in the back of your mind, because that's what it's like for me! :)

BUY or BORROW?: Has there ever been a more pointless question??? Buy it for sure! I've already read this book more times than I can keep track, and it still gets to me every single time!

-Mimi

Follow Friday #17

Hi, everyone!

For those who don't know, Follow Friday is a blog hop hosted by the super-duper awesome Parajunkee & Alison Can Read! It's a great way to meet new people and expand your list of friends over Blogger, and it's really easy to join, too! :)

All you have to do is:

1. (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Hosts (Parajunkee & Alison Can Read)
2. (Required) Follow the featured blogger of the week. (Obsession with Books)
3. Put your blog name and URL in the Linky thing. 
4. Grab the the button up there and place it in a post (so people can say hi in the comments!).
5. Follow, follow, follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just only a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs! Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI!"
6. If someone comments and follows you, share the love! Follow them back ;)
7. If you're new to the Follow Friday hop, comment and let Parajunkee & Alison know, so they can stop by and check out your blog!

Q: Do you have a favourite series that you read over and over again? Tell us a bit about it and why you keep revisiting it!  

A: A series that I keep reading over and over again? I have so many that I love to re-read that it's so hard to pick just one! Here are five that I just can't get enough of:

1. The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare : This series is pure awesome! Enough said. ;)
2. Wither by Lauren DeStefano : This book has some of the most beautiful prose I've read in a while! It's dark and different and one of my favourites ever!
3. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand : So sweet! I love everything about it!
4. Soul Screamers series by Rachel Vincent : I ♥ TOD. Plus, snarky characters and super-cool plots are definitely worth re-reading!
5. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins : Oh my gosh, this book just gives me the giggles by looking at it! I looooove Anna!

What about you? :) 

HAPPY FOLLOW FRIDAY! 

-Mimi 

P.S.: You can enter my 300 Followers Giveaway if you haven't already! There are tons of awesome books to choose from! :)

Review: Moonlight

Book: Moonlight
Author: Rachel Hawthorne
Release Date: March 3, 2009
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 263
Source: borrowed from Lexie
Stars: 4.5/5

I see him and I know what this turmoil inside of me means: He's the one. My forever.

KAYLA is the nature lover, the all-American beauty who can't understand why she's so drawn to distant, brooding Lucas. Adopted as a young child, she has no way of knowing that she's inherited a terrifying-and thrilling-gene that will change her life forever.

LUCAS is dangerous, gorgeous ... and a werewolf. As leader of the Dark Guardians, shape-shifters who gather deep within the state park, he has sworn to protect his pack. But when Lucas finds his true soul mate, his love could put them all in harm's way.

As Lucas and Kayla struggle with their feelings for each other, a greater danger lurks: Humans have discovered the Dark Guardians and are planning their destruction. Kayla must choose between the life she knows and the love she feels certain is her destiny.

(summary taken from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS:  

Ever get that giggly feeling in your stomach when you read a really, really cute book? That's what I got from reading Moonlight. I love this book with all my heart!  

Werewolf (or shape-shifter) books are easy to find nowadays, but there are only few that actually pull you into the story and refuse to let go — for me, Moonlight was one of them! The synopsis doesn't do this book justice because I started it with a hesitant mind and ended up loving it. 

I can't ask for a more perfect voice for this novel! Kayla is such a sweet, nature-loving character who I adored from page one. And Lucas is the leader of the Dark Guardians who made me sigh every time he was around. There's nothing hotter than a bad-ass shape-shifter, and there's nothing sweeter than Kayla and Lucas's relationship!  

The plot, although admittedly a little predictable, is always fun to read because of the awesome way it's written and the fast-paced plot. Moonlight is so much lighter and more enjoyable than I ever could've imagined, and I would recommend it to everyone without a doubt! :) 

BUY or BORROW?: This is the kind of book I wish I had on my shelf, because the first thing I want to do is go back and read it again! It's all the sweetness and fun without being cheesy!

-Mimi

Waiting on Wednesday: Everneath

 

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

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: 

Everneath by Brodi Aston

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

(summary taken from Goodreads) 

Release Date: January 3, 2012 

I don't know why, but I've been really into books that deal with post-death scenarios lately! Plus, the cover for Everneath? Absolutely GORGEOUS!  

Doesn't this book sound so cool? :) 

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU WAITING FOR? 

-Mimi

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I Feel Everyone Has Read Except Me

Today, for the first time ever, I decided to participate in Top Ten Tuesday! It's a meme hosted by the awesome girls at The Broke and the Bookish, where they post a different Top Ten list each week and we list our corresponding books! :)

This week's list is:

Top Ten Books I Feel Everyone Has Read Except Me

1. Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling : These books are so popular, but I still haven't read any of the books or watched one movie! I know — sad, huh? x)
2. Vanish by Sophie Jordan : I adored Firelight so I really, really need to get my hands on this sequel! 
3. Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake : I'm seeing this one EVERYWHERE in the blogosphere! I know it just came out, but it sounds so good!
4. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins : This book hasn't even been released yet, and I already feel like half the world has read, loved, and reviewed it! 
5. Vampire Diaries series by L.J. Smith : I love the TV show, but I've never picked up the books!
6. Bloodlines by Richelle Mead : I love, love, love the Vampire Academy series and it seems like everyone is ten steps ahead of me with starting this new, spin-off series. I've heard mixed things about this book so I'm not so sure...
7. I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore : Another loved-the-movie-but-should-I-read-the-books?
8. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles : I've had this recommended to me by so many people, but I'm worried I won't like it!
9. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater : Everyone either loves it or hates it — but practically everyone has read it!
10. The Near Witch by Victorie Schwab : I love books about witches and there are tons of people who liked this one. I want to pick it up soon!

And that's my list! :)

WHAT'S YOUR TOP TEN?

-Mimi

P.S.: You can enter my 300 Followers Giveaway if you haven't already! There are tons of awesome books to choose from! :)

Review: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You

Book: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You
Author: Ally Carter
Release Date: May 1, 2006
Publisher: Hyperion
Pages: 284
Source: purchased from Chapters
Stars: 5/5

The Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women lives up to its name. Not only does this exclusive boarding school teach advanced language skills and correct deportment; its students also master the arts of tapping phones, hacking into computers, and spying in public places. 

At school, second-generation Gallagher Girl Cammie Morgan has impeccable credentials: She is fluent in 14 languages and able to kill an assailant in seven different ways. But recently life has dealt Cammie a card that she never anticipated: She has fallen in love with an ordinary boy who knows nothing about her exotic double life. A truly covert romance.

(summary taken from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS:  

An all girls boarding school for spies? Heck yes! How amazing does that sound?? I can't even tell you how much I adore this entire series but I guess reviewing this first book is a start! :) 

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (abbreviated LYKY because, as cool as that title is, it's a little long) is so much fun to read! Everything about it just makes me smile. It has an awesome cast of characters, an amazingly original premise, and a romance that is so, so sweet.

Cammie "The Chameleon" is the perfect voice for this novel! The way she tells her story is always so much fun to follow, and some things just make me laugh out loud. And I adore all of the other characters, too! From her headmaster mother to her two hilarious best friends to the sweetest boy in the entire world (Josh!! ♥), I could read about them all day and never stop smiling.

So what are you waiting for? If you haven't started the Gallagher Girls series yet, you definitely need to! LYKY is such a blast to read! It's the perfect first novel to an awesome, giggle-inducing series! 

BUY or BORROW?: Buy it! I love having LYKY on my shelf! :)

-Mimi

Review: Angel Burn

Book: Angel Burn
Author: L.A. Weatherly
Release Date: May 24, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 336
Source: KPL
Stars: 4/5

Willow knows she’s different from other girls, and not just because she loves tinkering with cars. Willow has a gift. She can look into the future and know people’s dreams and hopes, their sorrows and regrets, just by touching them. She has no idea where this power comes from. 

But the assassin, Alex, does. Gorgeous, mysterious Alex knows more about Willow than Willow herself. He knows that her powers link to dark and dangerous forces, and that he’s one of the few humans left who can fight them. When Alex finds himself falling in love with his sworn enemy, he discovers that nothing is as it seems, least of all good and evil. 

In the first book in an action-packed, romantic trilogy, L..A. Weatherly sends readers on a thrill-ride of a road trip - and depicts the human race at the brink of a future as catastrophic as it is deceptively beautiful. 

They’re out for your soul . . . and they don’t have heaven in mind.

(summary taken from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS: 

Angel Burn is unlike any other angel book I've ever read! Instead of the perfect, good, and pure angels we all know and love, L.A. Weatherly writes about angels that are — more or less — evil. They feed on human souls to survive. It's twisted and wrong and goes against everything I believe in... and I love it!

Everything about this book takes my breath away! From the original premise to the perfectly crafted characters to the amazing romance. Because, despite the insta-love between Willow and Alex, every time they're together gives me tingly feelings. They're just so darn sweet!

I adore Willow. There isn't a moment in the book where I dislike her at all. She's caring and strong at the same time — and she also fixes cars (which is so cool!). And Alex is just pure amazingness! He's hotter than any AK (Angel Killer) has a right to be!

At first, you might find the switching narratives (from Willow's first person to someone else's third person) a little weird, but you'll quickly find that it works for this book! It helps you connect with Willow a whole lot more. Plus, the scenes in Alex's point of view? Oh, God. ♥

Overall, I love Angel Burn! You should definitely read this book, whether you're a fan of angels or not!

BUY or BORROW?: You hear that pounding in your ears? It's telling you to go and get your hands on a copy of this book right now! :)

-Mimi

Follow Friday #16

Hi, everyone!

For those who don't know, Follow Friday is a blog hop hosted by the super-duper awesome Parajunkee & Alison Can Read! It's a great way to meet new people and expand your list of friends over Blogger, and it's really easy to join, too! :)

All you have to do is:

1. (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Hosts (Parajunkee & Alison Can Read)
2. (Required) Follow the featured blogger of the week. (Drying Ink)
3. Put your blog name and URL in the Linky thing. 
4. Grab the the button up there and place it in a post (so people can say hi in the comments!).
5. Follow, follow, follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just only a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs! Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI!"
6. If someone comments and follows you, share the love! Follow them back ;)
7. If you're new to the Follow Friday hop, comment and let Parajunkee & Alison know, so they can stop by and check out your blog!

Q: It's that pesky magic book fairy again! She has another wish: what imaginary book world would you like to make a reality?

A: Oh my gosh, almost every single book I read makes me want to step into their reality — which always sounds so much cooler than our boring ever day life!

But I guess, if I had to choose, it'd be The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare! Because it's one of my favourites of all time and the world is just so compelling with all of the Shadowhunters, warlocks, werewolves, faeries and vamps — oh, and Jace! :)

What about you?

HAPPY FOLLOW FRIDAY! 

-Mimi

P.S.: You can enter my 300 Followers Giveaway if you haven't already! There are tons of awesome books to choose from! :)

Waiting on Wednesday:

 

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

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: 

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought. 

Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

Described by Richelle Mead as “utterly captivating,” Unearthly received outstanding reviews, garnered accolades from New York Times bestselling authors, and was named an Indie Next Pick. In this heart-wrenching sequel, Cynthia Hand expertly captures the all-consuming joy of first love—and the agony of loss. This beautifully woven tale will appeal to fans of Lauren Kate, Becca Fitzpatrick, and Aprilynne Pike.

(summary taken from Goodreads) 

Release Date: January 24, 2012 

Oh my gosh, I love, love, loved Unearthly (read my review here) and the wait for Hallowed to come out seems so long!  

TEAM TUCKER FOREVER! ♥

Have you read Unearthly yet? If not, what are you waiting for? It was probably one of my favourite angel books ever! :)

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU WAITING FOR? 

-Mimi

Cover Reveal: Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

And in case you can't see Daemon's gorgeous eyes...

Book: Obsidian
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Release Date: December 6, 2011
Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Goodreads . Blog . Twitter

Starting over sucks.

 

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, outhouses, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring. Until I spotted my hot neighbor with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up. 

And then he opened his mouth.

 

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens.

 

The hot alien living next door marked me.

 

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and the mark he left on me has me lit up like Las Vegas strip to the bad guys. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. If I don't kill him first, that is. 

And then things got really bad…

 Hot alien neighbors? If that doesn't sound amazing, I don't know what does!

Obsidian comes out this December, written by the amazing Jennifer L. Armentrout (who is also the author of Half-Blood, which I recently read, loved, and reviewed here)!

And another super-cool thing is that the main character is just your regular book blogger, just like the rest of us! How fun is that?

What do you think? :)

-Mimi

Review: Supernaturally

Book: Supernaturally
Author: Kiersten White
Release Date: July 26, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 336
Source: KPL
Stars: 4/5

Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be . . . kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees. 

But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself. 

So much for normal. 

(summary taken from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS:  

I love, love, love the first book, Paranormalcy (read my review here), so I just knew I had to get my hands on a copy of Supernaturally when it came out! 

And it's awesome! Evie is back in all her witty glory, and so are the rest of the hilarious cast. I adore all of the old characters (like Lend!), but I also fall hard for the new characters too (like Jack, who — despite being annoying sometimes — is always funny). 

Supernaturally is so, so different from Paranormalcy, but not at all in a bad way! We get to see a whole new side of Evie, explore more of the Faerie Realms, and discover more about her mysterious past. The only thing I regret is that we don't see much of Tasey in this book. Or Evie's crazy-awesome boots.  

But I guess that just adds to the realism, something this series definitely has! 

All in all, Supernaturally is a great sequel! I don't adore it as much as I did with book one, but I still recommend that you pick this one up! Can't wait until Endlessly comes out! :) 

BUY or BORROW?: With the hilarious one-liners and witty remarks, you should definitely add this book to your collection!  

-Mimi

Review: Half-Blood

Book: Half-Blood
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Release Date: October 18, 2011
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Pages: 281
Source: ARC (Thank you so much, SHP!) 
Stars: 5/5

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures.

Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:

Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden.

Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. 

And that would kind of suck.

(summary taken from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS:  

Oh my gods, I can't even tell you how much I love this book! 

After reading and loving the prequel novella, Daimon (you can read my review here or download it for free here), I was so excited to get my hands on an ARC of Half-Blood — and it surpasses every high expectation I had! It's everything you could ever want in an awesome novel: a breathtaking plot, an amazingly original premise, and Aiden St. Delphi.   

(Am I swooning? I feel like I'm swooning.) 

Alex has to be one of my favourite heroines ever. As a totally kick-ass and hilarious half-blood, she's the kind of girl you definitely want on your side at all times. But even with all the complications of the Covenant and the action-packed plot, Jennifer L. Armentrout writes her in a way that makes her so easy to connect with. I adored how strong Alex was, but she was also vulnerable and real.  

Completely entertaining and utterly compelling, Half-Blood has definitely earned its place high up on my favourites list! Even if you're not a fan of Greek Mythology, I recommend this book wholeheartedly. It's the kind of book you want to go back and read again immediately.

BUY or BORROW?: Do you even have to ask? Buy it! I'm definitely going out to get my hands on a finished copy as soon as it comes out! It's that good! :)

-Mimi

Winner!

As promised, it's time to announce the winner of my Happy Labor Day Giveaway! The prize is any book choice from The Book Depository with a limit of $25 USD.

The winner, chosen by random.org, is:

Kaylee M.

Congratulations! I've already emailed you for your address and book choice! :)

For those of you who didn't win, there's still time to enter my 300 Followers Giveaway if you want to! And I'll definitely be holding more small giveaways like this one soon, as well as another big one to celebrate my birthday in a month!

Have an awesome weekend, you guys! ♥

-Mimi

Follow Friday #15

Hey, everyone!

For those who don't know, Follow Friday is a blog hop hosted by the super-duper awesome Parajunkee & Alison Can Read! It's a great way to meet new people and expand your list of friends over Blogger, and it's really easy to join, too! :)

All you have to do is:

1. (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Hosts (Parajunkee & Alison Can Read)
2. (Required) Follow the featured blogger of the week. (Drying Ink)
3. Put your blog name and URL in the Linky thing. 
4. Grab the the button up there and place it in a post (so people can say hi in the comments!).
5. Follow, follow, follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just only a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs! Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI!"
6. If someone comments and follows you, share the love! Follow them back ;)
7. If you're new to the Follow Friday hop, comment and let Parajunkee & Alison know, so they can stop by and check out your blog!

Q: Have you ever wanted a villain to win at the end of a story? If so, which one?

A: Have I ever mentioned how awful I am at thinking of examples on the spot? Because I really am! I'm pretty sure there was at least one super-awesome villain I loved before, but I just can't remember one right now.

Then again, I think it really depends. Sometimes I want to have everything work out for the main protagonist, yet other times I just can't hate the bad guy (writer's intention or otherwise). And the villain winning in the end? How often does that happen? Pretty twisted! I'm a "happy endings" sort of person, but I definitely like my fair share of surprising twists! :)

What about you? 

HAPPY FOLLOW FRIDAY! 

-Mimi

P.S.: I have a brand new 300 Followers Giveaway going on with a list of awesome books to choose from! And my Happy Labor Day Giveaway ends tomorrow, so don't forget to drop by and enter! :)

Review: Juliet Immortal

Book: Juliet Immortal
Author: Stacey Jay
Release Date: August 9, 2011
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Pages: 304
Source: KPL
Stars: 4/5

The greatest love story ever told, is a lie.

Juliet Capulet didn't take her own life. She was murdered by the person she trusted most, her new husband, Romeo Montague, a sacrifice made to ensure his own immortality. But what Romeo didn't anticipate was that Juliet would be granted eternity, as well, and would become an agent for the Ambassadors of Light. For 700 years, she's fought Romeo for the souls of true lovers, struggling to preserve romantic love and the lives of the innocent. Until the day she meets someone she's forbidden to love, and Romeo, oh Romeo, will do everything in his power to destroy that love.

(summary taken from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS:  

I actually love all things Shakespeare, so I was really excited to read this book. And it was completely original in every way!  

Juliet Immortal was nothing like I thought it would be, but that wasn't a bad thing! Although a little confusing at first, Stacey Jay quickly sucked you into Juliet's world where Romeo was to be hated, her very existence was for saving other soul mates, and falling in love with the super-awesome new boy (Ben) was impossible.  

I just adored everything about Juliet. She was sweet, caring, incredibly intelligent, yet she had a fire in her that was hard not to admire. And I expected to hate Romeo way more than I did, but I just couldn't dislike a boy who was obviously suffering from his past decisions every single day.  

Overall, I really enjoyed Juliet Immortal! I felt that some things were simply breathtaking while others were a little unbelievable, but that didn't lessen the enjoyment factor one bit. Even if you haven't read Romeo and Juliet before, you should still pick up this book! :) 

BUY or BORROW?: Definitely a book for any Shakespeare-lover's bookshelf!  

-Mimi

Waiting on Wednesday: As I Wake

 

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

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is: 

As I Wake by Elizabeth Scott

Ava is welcomed home from the hospital by a doting mother, lively friends, and a crush finally beginning to show interest. There's only one problem: Ava can't remember any of them - and can't shake the eerie feeling that she's not who they say she is.

Ava struggles to break through her amnesiac haze as she goes through the motions of high-school life, but the memories that surface take place in a very different world, where Ava and familiar-faced friends are under constant scrutiny and no one can be trusted. Ava doesn't know what to make of these visions, or of the boy who is at the center of them all, until he reappears in her life and offers answers . . . but only in exchange for her trust.

(summary taken from Goodreads)

Release Date: September 15, 2011

I've heard so many amazing things about Elizabeth Scott, and I just adored the one book of hers that I read before. I can't get enough! Plus, the synopsis for this one sounds so cool!

What do you think about the cover? Personally, I like it! :)

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU WAITING FOR?  

-Mimi

Happy Labor Day Giveaway!

Hi, guys! You know what today is, right?

Since today is Labor Day, that means school starts tomorrow! Well, at least for me. I'm going to officially be in tenth grade tomorrow! What about you? :)

But school means I'll be busier and my blog might be a little slower (and my mom might limit my hours on the computer because that's what moms do ♥), but I'll still do my best to blog as often as possible!

So I decided to celebrate the beginning of school and end of summer with a quick giveaway for my followers! What's the prize?

ANY BOOK OF YOUR CHOICE FROM THE BOOK DEPOSITORY

The only limit is that it has to be under $25 (USD). You have to be a follower. I'll choose a winner on Saturday, September 10. Just leave a comment with a way to contact you below and you'll be entered to win! :)

Happy Labor Day!

-Mimi

Review: Shift

Book: Shift
Author: Jeri Smith-Ready
Release Date: May 3, 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 367
Source: KPL
Stars: 5/5

Aura’s life is anything but easy. Her boyfriend, Logan, died, and his slides between ghost and shade have left her reeling. Aura knows he needs her now more than ever. She loves Logan, but she can’t deny her connection with the totally supportive, totally gorgeous Zachary. And she’s not sure that she wants to.  

Logan and Zachary will fight to be the one by her side, but Aura needs them both to uncover the mystery of her past—the mystery of the Shift. 

As Aura’s search uncovers new truths, she must decide whom to trust with her secrets…and her heart.

(summary taken from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS: 

Even though I finished this book a few days ago, I still can't get it out of my head! It's one of those rare sequels that are so much better than the first.

I can't even tell you how much I adore the first book, Shade (except if you read my review here, I guess), and it's so hard to believe that Shift can beat that! I became even more attached to all the characters in this book because they're all so real and well-developed.

This series is home to one of the most fascinating worlds I've ever read about — where anyone born after the Shift (which occurred sixteen years ago) can see violet-hued ghosts. And this book just takes world-building to a whole new captivating level! We're finally getting into the mystery of the Shift, and I have to say that my mind was literally reeling.

Completely original and utterly compelling, Shift was a book that caught me hook, line, and sinker. Jeri Smith-Ready has a literal skill for creating awesome (albeit very steamy) novels. I honestly started to cry at one point — it was that intense! This series is a must-read!

BUY or BORROW?: This is a book you should definitely have on your shelf! :)

-Mimi

Review: Frostbite

Book: Frostbite
Author: Richelle Mead
Release Date: April 10, 2008
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 327
Source: KPL
Stars: 5/5

Rose loves Dimitri, Dimitri might love Tasha, and Mason would die to be with Rose…

It's winter break at St. Vladimir's, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academy's crawling with Guardians—including Rose's hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if hand-to-hand combat with her mom wasn't bad enough, Rose's tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason's got a huge crush on her, and Rose keeps getting stuck in Lissa's head while she's making out with her boyfriend, Christian! The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy's not taking any risks… This year, St. Vlad's annual holiday ski trip is mandatory.

But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When three friends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a price…

(summary taken from Goodreads) 

MY THOUGHTS:  

Have I ever mentioned how much I love this series? Because I do, I really do!

Sequels are rarely as good as the first book, but I felt that Frostbite was better than Vampire Academy (read my review here) in nearly every way. Everything about this book was awesome. I just couldn't put it down! There were so many twists and turns, and I swear I cried at one point. It was so intense.

As much as I liked Rose in the first book, I loved her in this one. She's still reckless and bad-ass and incredibly snarky, but she also evolved to be a much better person. I think I grew to love every character much more after the events of this book, especially Christian (♥), Eddie, Mia — and, of course, Dimitri.

(I honestly never thought Russian accents could be so hot.)

Fast-paced, fun, and heart-pounding, Frostbite was an amazing second book in a series that is quickly becoming one of my favourites! 

BUY or BORROW?: Buy it, for sure! I loved this book! :) 

-Mimi

Follow Friday #14

Hi, guys!

For those who don't know, Follow Friday is a blog hop hosted by the super-duper awesome Parajunkee & Alison Can Read! It's a great way to meet new people and expand your list of friends over Blogger, and it's really easy to join, too! :)

All you have to do is:

1. (Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Hosts (Parajunkee & Alison Can Read)
2. (Required) Follow the featured blogger of the week. (Once Upon A Prologue)
3. Put your blog name and URL in the Linky thing. 
4. Grab the the button up there and place it in a post (so people can say hi in the comments!).
5. Follow, follow, follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just only a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs! Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI!"
6. If someone comments and follows you, share the love! Follow them back ;)
7. If you're new to the Follow Friday hop, comment and let Parajunkee & Alison know, so they can stop by and check out your blog!

Q: If you could change the ending of any book (or series), which book would you choose? Why and to what?

A: This is a really hard question! Even though there are times where I really want to change a character's bad decision (or when I want the heroine to end up with the other guy in a love triangle), I can't really think of a book where an ending bugged me enough that I'd want to completely change it.

But one thing that makes me really anxious is a cliffhanger ending. Because then we have to wait so long for the next book to come out, and it always feels like a lifetime!

What about you? :) 

HAPPY FOLLOW FRIDAY! 

-Mimi

P.S.: I have a brand new 300 Followers Giveaway going on with a list of awesome books to choose from! Don't forget to drop by and enter! :)

300 Followers Giveaway!

You guys are the most amazing followers ever, you know that? I have no clue how I managed to get from 100 to 300 followers in just one month — all I know is that I never could have done it with each and every one of you guys!

THANK YOU SO MUCH! 

But you guys deserve way more than just an ordinary thanks, right? Drumroll please...

<center><a href=" http://diminutivemimi.blogspot.com/2011/09/300-followers-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Mimi Valentine" src=" http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j359/Mimi-Vee/300FollowersGiveaway.jpg "/></a></center>

Ta da! All you have to do is be a follower to enter, and you have to have US/Canada mailing address.

(I'm so sorry to my international followers — for a fourteen-year-old girl, shipping costs take out a huge chunk out of my babysitting money! I'll try to make it international again next time!)

For the prize, ONE lucky winner will get to choose a book from this awesome list of YA novels that are going to be released this fall (all of which I'm super excited for!):

Vanish by Sophie Jordan

As I Wake by Elizabeth Scott

If I Die by Rachel Vincent

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Crossed by Ally Condie

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

*Since these are all released later this year, you'll have to wait until your choice is released in stores before I can ship it to you. 

Extra entries (not required):

+1 : Tweet about this giveaway.

+1 : Create a Facebook post about this giveaway.

+3 : Comment on this post. 

+5 : Add me as a friend on Goodreads.

+5 : Post the button or a link on your sidebar.

+10 : Blog about this giveaway.

Fill out this FORM to enter. The giveaway closes on October 2, 2011 at 11:59 p.m.

You guys are awesome and don't you forget it! I love you all! <3 :)

-Mimi