Delightful Reviews

Yes, I am a Secret Keeper. Are you?

2010-05-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I wanted to share the news that I received a few days ago about Pretty Little Liars. Guess what? ABC Family decided to choose me, out of the all other of people they could have chose, to be a Secret Keeper! It's a game where I have to hide all my secrets (well, all 10 of my secrets) from three of "my friends" in the game. Whoever hides the most secrets win!

And guess what was in the package? An iPhone with the charger and earphones! There was also a sticker of a house wren?! I know, I know. I have an iPhone already but the thing is I get to keep the iPhone even when the game is over! In the package, the iPhone and the other stuff were buried under a pile of DIRT. The things were protected by Ziploc bags but the idea was completely creative. About the pile of dirt (which hid the stuff) was a message saying, "Some secrets you'll have to dig for. --- A". I don't think those were the same, exact words but it's something along those lines. Wow, I sound like a little kid hehe. (In case you haven't figured out, A will be sending messages through the iPhone.)

I'll be updating the blog with news of my adventures with the game!

The Disappearance of Lucy -- where did I go?

2010-05-20T15:20:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry to disappear on you guys! I got a horrible, horrible virus that fried my computer. With the help of my computer-savvy friend, she was able to save my computer and I didn't have to pay her! I love her! The only problem was that even though she fixed it in about a week, I still didn't come back because I was thinking about whether to quit blogging or not. Blogging was becoming a hassle, not a fun hobby anymore. However, blogging was also a part of me now. To forget that part would be like erasing a huge part of my memory. I haven't been here for long (not even a year yet, though I am close to half of a year) but blogging had become a part of me in that short period of time.

Sorry for rambling on, a bad habit of mine.

Anyways, during my disappearance, I received an awesome email about Pretty Little Liars (one of my favorite book series)!

I'll post about it later as soon as I get all the details right.

Sorry for disappearing again; if you're mad at me for disappearing (for some reason) or if you're mad at me for some different reason, feel free to rant it out in the comments section!

You just got BURNED!

2010-04-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

"Things have turned black at the House of Night. Zoey Redbird’s soul has shattered. With everything she’s ever stood for falling apart, and a broken heart making her want to stay in the Otherworld forever, Zoey’s fading fast. It’s seeming more and more doubtful that she will be able pull herself back together in time to rejoin her friends and set the world to rights. As the only living person who can reach her, Stark must find a way to get to her. But how? He will have to die to do so, the Vampire High Council stipulates. And then Zoey will give up for sure. There are only 7 days left… "

The New York Times-bestselling mother-daughter writing team of P.C. and Kristin Cast again prove why they have become a major force in teen fiction. With over 3 million copies of their books in print, a well-publicized film option, an updated interactive website, daily-growing fan base, the Cast duo will command your attention with every page turn.

In that big block of white space is the Burned summary. It's filled with spoilers and who wants to read spoilers? If you're already caught up with the series, feel free to highlight the white space and read to your heart's content.

There are many fans of the House of Night series, including myself (except I didn't like that 5th book). And a lot of people are eagerly waiting for Burned, its latest novel!

Now, below this is a Burned video and a couple of awesome Burned-related links (links to read a chapter, download the free song from the trailer, etc.)

Let's read Burned chapter one!

Let's download the song from the super awesome trailer!

Let's go to the HoN website!

Raise your hand if you like Vampire Academy Spirit Bound teasers!

2010-04-26T16:03:00.000-07:00

As you all know, Vampire Academy is very popular. It's loved by many bloggers and readers (like me!) and many are awaiting the latest book in the series, which is Spirit Bound.

Now if you're like me, I am super impatient while waiting for books to come out. I really am. You're probably here because a) you're bored and you just wanted to read this out of pure boredom or b) you're dying to find out anything about Spirit Bound because you just CAN'T wait for it to come out into bookstores or c) after clicking through stuff on the internet, you randomly/magically/mysteriously got to this site. (Yes, I know you might be here for other reasons!)

Okay, I'm guessing that you don't want to read my ramblings anymore and you just want to know the teaser. Well, let me tell you something before you ditch my ramblings for the video below (or you may have already ditched me because you might not be reading this...). Every three days, a new teaser will be in a little clip on Youtube. Every time a new clip pops up, I'll present you the clip on this here blog. Simple enough right?

Well, enjoy watching/reading the clip to your heart's content! :)

In My Mailbox | April 25, 2010

2010-04-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

IMM was started by The Story Siren.

Awesome books came in the mail this week! Super excited to read some of them~

The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks (Won at Bookin' at Bingo! I read the first couple of pages and it sounds really good. Though I'm not a fan of alternating P.O.V.s, I think I'll get to this soon! Thanks, Karen!)

Fishtailing by Wendy Phillips (For review! I'm not that into poetry books but the summary sounded interesting, so I thought I'd give it a shot. Thanks, Coteau Books!)

Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus (For review! *Super squeal* I'm reading this right now and it's completely amazing so far! Thanks, Egmont and Anastasia!)

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready (For review! *squeals* I can't wait to get to this! Thanks, Simon Pulse and Jeri!)

{not pictured} Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti (For review! I've yet to receive my SLF prize from someone, but as soon as it comes, I'll either throw a contest for it or I'll trade it... Who knows? Thanks so much, Susane and Penguin!)

What did you get in your mailbox?

Boys, Bears, and A Serious Pair of Hiking Boots by Abby McDonald | Review

2010-04-24T09:11:00.001-07:00

Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots REVIEW

Summary from author's website and picture from Google Images. Book was received for review.

Jenna may hail from the ’burbs of New Jersey, but Green Teen
activism is her life, so she leaps at the chance to visit her hippie godmother,
Susie, up in rural Canada. Jenna is psyched at the chance to commune with nature
for the first time — and the cute, plaidwearing boys she’s certain must roam
there.

But after a few run-ins with local wildlife (from a grouchy old
moose, to Susie’s sullen Goth stepdaughter, to a hot but hostile boy named
Reeve), Jenna gets the idea that her long-held ideals, like vegetarianism and
conservation, don’t play so well with this population of real outdoorsmen. A
dusty survival guide offers Jenna amusing tips on navigating the wilderness —
but can she learn to navigate the turns of her heart?

BBHB (Boys, Bears and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots) was a rather delightful read. I am happy to announce that while reading this, this book did get me out of the dreadful book slump I was in.

Characters -- Jenna was an interesting main character; an environment-friendly teen who's a bit of a girly girl at heart. Jenna knew when to say "when" and she's persistent on the things she wants. To be honest, when I read the summary online, I was thinking that the plot sounded amazing but I was also thinking that a persistent, environment-friendly girl who's a little boy crazy would be the worst combination for a main character... However, after reading this book, I stand corrected. Reeve, Fiona, Grady, Ethan, and the others weren't so bad. Reeve wasn't as delicious as I thought he would be, though. { 4.7/5 Flowers }

Plot -- This was an enjoyable plot. It's not really about Jenna being boy-crazy and an eco-maniac at the same time (though this is what I thinking when I was reading the blurb online); it's actually about Jenna facing her dilemmas in life: running away from the problem that waits for her back home, making friends in an unknown environment, adapting to new changes, and finding herself. Although the twists in the book weren't so shocking, they're guaranteed to make you at least a bit surprised. The plot was addicting and it made me want to read more and more.{ 4.4/5 Flowers }

Writing -- The writing completely absorbed me from the first chapter. It's well-written and there were hardly any grammar mistakes. { 5/5 Flowers }

Ending -- In a lack of better words, this was the worst ending I have ever read. The ending would have been perfect as a chapter, but seriously? The ending leaves you hanging with a "WTF" face. { 1/5 Flowers }

The bottom line: Boys, Bears, and a Serious Pair of Hiking Boots is a refreshing read for any day, whether you're hiking on a nature trail or sitting in a comfortable chair. Though the ending may leave you completely hanging, it's the perfect book to help you escape to the wilderness when you have a book slump!

I'm baaack... with apologies.

2010-04-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

Holy crap! Where did all these followers come from? That's awesome! I'll give you guys some contest in the near future (I must do some intensive planning).

I'm very very sorry that I didn't come back sooner; I was supposed to come back on the 17th of April but I'm having Internet problems (Thank goodness my internet's fixed now)! I'm also sorry to the all those emails I've never replied to. I'm not sure if the replies for the emails ever got through and if they didn't, I'm truly sorry.

I guess I'm going to be laying off the vacations for awhile and get back into blogging. I know I haven't been doing IMM posts and other memes that I should be doing.

I'll be picking the winner for The Naughty List contest soon and I'll be posting some other stuff today. :)

Wishing on Wednesday | Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

2010-04-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

Wishing on Wednesday is exactly like WoW except you're wishing for books that have already came out! Waiting on Wednesday was started by Breaking the Spine.

I've been wanting to read Hex Hall for quite a while. It looks really good and I don't mind some witchcraft and wizardry. In fact, I love that stuff! (Which may be why I love HP...) Anyway, pay no attention to my ramblings but to this lovely summary below --

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.
By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.
As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

Current Read | Nothing

2010-04-05T14:53:00.000-07:00

I know right? I'm reading nothing at the moment. LotR is way too much for me to absorb and I need a break from it; don't get me wrong, I love it but I need some YA. All the YA books I have isn't what I want to read right now, so for now, I guess I'm trapped in reality.

I know what I want to read and I want to read it now. But I have to save some money before I splurge again :\

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick | Review

2010-04-04T17:44:00.000-07:00

Hush, Hush REVIEW

Summary and cover image was taken from Goodreads.

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Cover love -- It's absolutely scrumptious! It's not misleading and it totally fits the storyline. I love how the feathers at the top turn from red to black. When I showed my mom the book with its jacket cover, she was like "Holy crap, what books are you reading these days?". Rating: 10/10

Hush, Hush is a fast-paced book with yummy romance, a good plot, and a sexy fallen angel. I saw HH at Sam's Club a while back and I thought, "Why not?" so I bought it at its discount price. I am so glad HH did not disappoint.

Characters -- The characters were weird (in a good way) but enjoyable to read. Nora, a young woman who seems to be bipolar around Patch. Now I'm using "bipolar" loosely because one time, Nora (in a good mood) was like "Oh my gosh!! Patch looks so mysterious and sexy... " and the next time Patch is with Nora, Nora is unfortunately in a bad mood so poor Patch gets, "Fudge* off, Patch!" and the pattern repeats.... Happy Nora, Pissed Nora, Happy, Pissed. Nora is still fun to read; just... not that fun. Now Patch on the other hand, is a whole different story. He was 1000% sexy and 1000% mysterious, so it was fun to read about him, his humorous ways, and his past (which was vaguely explained). It was a little hard to get into the name, Patch, but it came through in the end! Now, Vee. I know she means well, but she's a bit of an idiot sometimes... Rating: 8.9/10

Plot -- It was good with its twists here and there. It was completely unpredictable for me! I love how the author gave her readers bits of Patch's past because it just makes you want more! I just hope Becca explains more in detail about Patch's past in the second book, Crescendo! However, the plot was a bit too fast-paced for me, so I was confused at times. Rating: 9.4/10

Writing -- The writing was good enough for me; descriptive (but not too descriptive) and no grammar mistakes. Rating: 10/10

Ending -- HH wrapped up quite nicely. It leaves you with enough questions and answers and enough room for a second book. Rating: 10/10

The bottom line: Hush, Hush is a fantastic book you will not want to hush up about!

P.S. I would like to say thanks to Shy for the lovely rating system! :) Go check out her blog and leave a comment!

Giveaway and some winners!

2010-04-02T17:32:00.000-07:00

Now, you're all probably thinking, "HEY!! What happened to The Naughty List giveaway you promised to post? What happened to the BIF winners?" Well, shut up and read because this post is devoted to the TNL giveaway and Before I Fall winners!

Now, the order of the winners in which who won what:

1st place: Raila

- She wins a copy of Before I Fall!

2nd place: Heather

- She wins a copy of Before I Fall!

3rd place: Shy

- She wins Before I Fall bookmarks!

I'll be emailing these three sometime tonight or tomorrow because... I'm tired. If I don't email you guys by tomorrow evening, please email me at delightfulreviews[at]gmail[dot]com.

Now, here is the contest for a signed copy of The Naughty List!

The rules:

You must make up your own alternative swear word.
You must live in the U.S.
You must be thirteen [13] years old.
You must fill out the form below or the form in this LINK.

A Very Faery Interview with Delightful Reviews

2010-04-02T10:58:00.000-07:00

Hiya everyone! I recently had an interview with the characters from TIK! *squeals* This was one of the most fun interviews I ever had! Though the interview does get a little... long, please enjoy this to your heart's content!

A Very Faery Interview with Delightful Reviews

For this special post, Lucy has very graciously agreed to be interviewed by the characters from The Iron King; Meghan Chase, Ash, and Puck. Thanks so much, Lucy. Take it away, you three.

Meghan: Hi Lucy! Tell us a little about yourself and your blog. When did you first get into blogging, and why?

Well, I love to read YA books and I love to watch anime! I got into blogging around early December and I had some time to kill so why not?

Puck: So, you like anime, eh? What’s your favorite anime/manga, and who’s your

favorite bishounen?

*squeals* This would have to be a toughie... My favorite anime would have to be Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood, Fairy Tail, InuYasha, Bokura Ga Ita (We Were There), Vampire Knight, Vampire Knight Guilty, Code Geass R1, Code Geass R2, Shakugan no Shana (This and its sequel!), Zero no Tsukaima, Romeo x Juliet, Lovely Complex, Kimi ni Todoke, and such. If I went on about my favorite anime, the list would probably never end. Kare Kano and Crescent Moon are my top two favorite manga, no doubt about it!

Favorite bishounen? Puck, why why why this question? There are too many to choose from! My topz would have to say Kuran Kaname (from VK) and Gray Fullbuster (Fairy Tail) ♥♥ I lovelovelove Xerxes Break from Pandora Hearts though some people don't consider him a bishie.

Ash: The Zombie Apocalypse has come. The undead are beating down your doors and you must flee to safety, but you can only take three things. What are they?

*thinks* A ginormous gun (that has ammo inside it), a box that multiplies stuff (like when you put one sock in it, close the box, and open it, you get a gazillion socks), and an assortment of berries (acts as food AND juice!).

Meghan: What are some of your favorite authors and/or books?

Now, I'm not trying to kiss up but one of my favorite authors would have to be Julie Kagawa and her book, The Iron King. Couple of favorite books: Life as We Knew It and the VA Series!

Puck: So, Lucy. I have this cake that says “Eat me” and this bottle that says “Drink me.” Which one do you want?

Julie K: Where did you get those?!? Give me that! *Grabs cake and bottle* No shrinking or blowing up the guests, Puck, you know better.

Puck: I can’t have any fun. Fine then. If you were invited to tea with a Mad Hatter, a March Hare, and a Dormouse, what would you take to the party?

I would leave my logical brain and take my mad brain so I can talk easily with the Mad Hate, March Hare, and a Dormouse!

Ash: What would be your weapon of choice when facing a hoard of hungry zombies?

A spoon that can transform into a rocket launcher!

Meghan: Apologies for Ash; he’s been reading a lot of zombie books lately, and tends to obsess. Anyway, what has been the best and worst parts about blogging?

It's alright! I like zombie questions. Best: Meeting new people who have the same interests I do! Worst: Seeing people compete to have more followers than the other blogger (It's not a race, people!)

Puck: Okay, Lucy; theoretically, who would you like better? A handsome, funny, easygoing guy (like yours truly), or a dark, brooding, “I’ll kill you with this sword” prince? Oops, hey ice-boy, put that away. This is a theoretical question.

Darn it, Puck! It seems impossible to choose. Theoretically, I would choose the handsome, funny, easygoing guy! Though, if you are talking about who would I choose between you or Ash, it might just be Ash.

Ash: I do not obsess. And Lucy, Team Zombie, or Team Unicorn?

Team Zombie, for sure! Unicorns? Pfft. They can't match the superiority of zombies! And Ash, the first step to know you have an obsession is when you deny that you have an obsession when someone says that you do! :)

Thank you, Lucy, for your patience, I mean participation. And thank you for having us.

-Julie Kagawa,

-Meghan

-Ash

-Master Prankster

No problem, Julie! This is one of the most fun interviews I ever had! You, Puck, Meghan, and Zombie-Obsessed Boy rock! :)

Flawless by Sara Shepard | Review

2010-04-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

Flawless Review

Summary from Goodreads. Warning: Summary contains spoilers. For your safety, summary has been whited out. If you would like to read the summary, highlight it.

Spencer stole her sister's boyfriend. Aria is brokenhearted over her English teacher. Emily likes her new friend Maya . . . as much more than a friend. Hanna's obsession with looking flawless is making her sick. And their most horrible secret yet is so scandalous that the truth would ruin them forever.
And why shouldn't I tell? They deserve to lose it all. With every crumpled note, wicked IM, and vindictive text message I send, I'll be taking these pretty little liars down. Trust me, I've got enough dirt to bury them alive.
-A

Flawless is the sequel to Pretty Little Liars and this book does not disappoint. Flawless is an absolutely thrilling book; I wasn't able to stop reading it.

Let's check off Lucy's GOOD book checklist:

Characters: Fun to read about, interesting. CHECK!
Plot: A suspenseful page-turner that leaves me shocked (in a good way) with its twists surprising me when I don't expect it. CHECK!
Writing: No grammar mistakes; not written in a sloppy manner. CHECK!
Ending: Good enough to make you want the next book in the series, Perfect. CHECK!

The bottom line: All in all, this book was fantastic and I sincerely cannot wait to read Perfect.

The rating: 5+ Hearts

P.S. How do you like the new review system? Is it too short or is it too boring? Should I go back to paragraphs with more detail about the book? Let me know :)

Waiting on Wednesday | The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

2010-03-31T06:30:00.000-07:00

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Breaking the Spine. All information about TST is from Amazon.

This week, I'm waiting on The Scorch Trials by James Dashner! There isn't a summary yet, but the cover looks just as awesome as The Maze Runner.

The Scorch Trials comes out October 12, 2010, which is kind of a long time to wait.. However, if you hadn't read TMR yet, you should! In fact, if you want, you should read my review on TMR while waiting for TST to come out!

Hehe, just a thought to read the review...

Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard | Review

2010-03-29T10:39:00.000-07:00

Pretty Little Liars REVIEW

Book was bought and summary came from Goodreads.

Everyone has something to hide—especially high school juniors Spencer, Aria, Emily, and Hanna. Spencer covets her sister's boyfriend. Aria's fantasizing about her English teacher. Emily's crushing on the new girl at school. Hanna uses some ugly tricks to stay beautiful. But they've all kept an even bigger secret since their friend Alison vanished. How do I know? Because I know everything about the bad girls they were, the naughty girls they are, and all the dirty secrets they've kept. And guess what? I'm telling.
- A

Cover love -- Nice, but a little creepy and misleading. It makes me think that this book is like The Clique; pretty, interesting, but all about boys, sex, makeup, drama, and did I mention boys? NOT my kind of book. I judged this book by its cover before; I regret doing so. It's nothing like those Clique books; it's rather interesting if I should say.

Ever since I read the summary on Goodreads, I wanted this book so bad. When I got the chance to buy it, I bought it with no doubts. What to say about this book? This book was like a drug; once I started, I couldn't stop.

The writing, the plot, and the characters were amazingly well-done. The writing was good, no grammar mistakes and it flowed quite nicely. The plot was extremely suspenseful and unpredictable; at night when I'd read this, I'd be a bit scared thinking someone like A is watching my every move. The main characters were real female dogs that you would see in the average lives of us people. Though I'm pretty sure you can't waltz into a bar underage like in this book, these girls were alive; Sara's writing had breathed life into them.

I've already read Flawless (review coming soon) and I really want to read Perfect. Thing is that My local bookstore has all the PLL books except Perfect. What's up with that?

The bottom line: If you're into suspense, mystery, and drama, this book is for you! Warning -- It does contain situations that are aimed towards the age of 14+.

Rating: 5+ Hearts!

Current Read | The Lord of the Rings

2010-03-29T07:07:00.000-07:00

Current Read is the baby of It's Monday! What Are You Reading? meme.

The Lord of the Rings info:

Paperback; 1,216 pages

A fantastic starter set for new Tolkien fans or readers interested in rediscovering the magic of Middle-earth, this three-volume box set features paperback editions of the complete trilogy -- The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King -- each with art from the New Line Productions feature film on the cover. J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy is a genuine masterpiece. The most widely read and influential fantasy epic of all time, it is also quite simply one of the most memorable and beloved tales ever told. Originally published in 1954, The Lord of the Rings set the framework upon which all epic/quest fantasy since has been built. Through the urgings of the enigmatic wizard Gandalf, young hobbit Frodo Baggins embarks on an urgent, incredibly treacherous journey to destroy the One Ring. This ring -- created and then lost by the Dark Lord, Sauron, centuries earlier -- is a weapon of evil, one that Sauron desperately wants returned to him. With the power of the ring once again his own, the Dark Lord will unleash his wrath upon all of Middle-earth. The only way to prevent this horrible fate from becoming reality is to return the Ring to Mordor, the only place it can be destroyed. Unfortunately for our heroes, Mordor is also Sauron's lair. The Lord of the Rings trilogy is essential reading not only for fans of fantasy but for lovers of classic literature as well.

Thoughts:

This week, I'm reading The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien. It's pretty good so far, though I am reading unusually slow for this book. It's over 1,000 pages, so I am not sure when I'll finish. Though, while reading, I do plan to watch the movies!

My new customized layout has arrived!

2010-03-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

Hello! What you are looking at now is my [current] dream blog design. I've been wanting this design for a long long long time! I hope you all like it and I hope it's more organized than my other layouts. If possible, it would be nice if you could switch the buttons you currently have for me. However, you don't have to. If you like my old book heart button rather than my new button, you can just keep it that way :)

Anyways, I must thank the ever-lovely Taylor at Byutatortot Designs! It's a new design blog and it's pretty cool! I encourage you all to follow that blog because it has some cool stuff like FAQ Fridays (how to tweak up your blog)! Also, one more follower on her blog = newsletter! So run and follow her blog!

Also, excuse my absence during this week. Life is a very busy occupation for me and blogging was a no-no because of the busy-ness. However, I do want to catch up with the blogging and reviews and giveaways and picking winners and such, so please wait for me! Hopefully by next week, I'll have an interview & giveaway, a Saturday Shin-dig, and at least two reviews :)

By the way, today or tomorrow or Monday, I'll be posting the contest form for the signed The Naughty List by Suzanne Young; however, it's only open to US :\ At the same time I'm posting the contest form, I'll be posting the winnahs of the Before I Fall! And if you're wondering what happened to the winners of all my other contests in the past that I didn't do a post for, I'm sorry for not posting. I am a bit lazy and I just wanted to email the winners telling them they won. Sometimes, I do announce winners on Twitter (feel free to check out my tweets from time to time, @lovelymisslucy) In no way am I strongly recommending you to FOLLOW me, this is optional.

Hopefully, I cleared up some stuff that were confusing, hehe.

Blog Buddies Updates

2010-03-27T07:29:00.001-07:00

Larissa's Life has recently reviewed an ARC of The Darkest Passion (Lords of the Underworld #5) and she has her Wolfie Giveaway going on till March 29th!

Flipping Pages for All Ages just started a blog called Arsonists Anonymous, a blog dedicated to Arson by Estevan Vega, with some other blogging buddies! She's recently reviewed The Ghost and The Goth by Stacey Kade!

Bookalicious Ramblings just did her IMM and reviewed Frozen in Time by Ali Sparkles.

La Femme Readers just did her IMM and posted about the trailer for Pretty Little Liars! *squeals for trailer*

i swim for oceans just reviewed Wintergirls and had a fail Friday Fix!

Book Crazy has just posted about the schedule for the start of her birthday bash! She's recently reviewed Chasing Brooklyn.

Books at Midnight has just done her Saturday Network (12) and she did some affiliate news!

That's all for now, folks :)

MY Saturday Shindig!

2010-03-27T07:14:00.000-07:00

Saturday Shin-dig was inspired by i swim for oceans and Shut Up! I'm Reading.

This week, I'm featuring... myself! :)

..........................................................................................................................................................................

1. Who are you?!

Lucy, I am. Blogger, I am. Male, I am NOT. Reading, I love. Anime, I love to watch. Crazy, I am. Funny, I like to think I am.

2. What the heck is your blog about?

It's a YA book review blog that has reviews, interviews, giveaways, and more! I like to showcase a blogger once in awhile.

3. Aliens came to your house and demanded a human sacrifice in exchange that they wouldn't destroy earth. Who would you sacrifice?

I'd sacrifice... a human dummy. That way, no one gets sacrificed! Then if the aliens come back and try to destroy earth, the government would have built a secret hideout to protect ourselves from the angry aliens!

4. What kind of pet would you want?

A platypus!

5. Chickens became chicken zombies at this moment. Imagine if you had a pet chicken. Would you let the chicken go before it becomes infected or would you keep it?

I'd... let it go, probably. It can be a chicken zombie with the rest of its kind.

6. Vegetarian or meat eater!?

Meat eater! I liek veggies (yes, I just said liek) but I really cannot live without meat..

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If you want a Saturday Shin-dig, email me at delightfulreviews[at]gmail[dot]com!

Waiting on Wednesday | The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

2010-03-24T16:01:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Sorry for the disappearances; though, I can't promise you this won't happen again. This week's WoW (which was started by Breaking the Spine) is The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa. I loved TIK (an amazing read!) and I cannot wait to read this gorgeous looking book! This book is going to be released in August 2010. All information about this book (cover, summary, release date, etc.) was from NetGalley.

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron Fey, iron-bound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her. Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's alone in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

Blog Buddies Updates

2010-03-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

Wow. I haven't done this for a long time. Anyways, on with the updates!

La Femme Readers is currently at 910+ followers (!!) and she's having four contests, two international and two for U.S. and Canada! She recently did an IMM post, so go and check out her blog! (To find the contests, they'll be located at the tippy top of her page :)

i swim for oceans is currently at 180+ followers, nearing at 200 (!!) She has recently reviewed Claire de Lune and she's recently done a Friday Fix with Cate from Sparrow Review! So what are you waiting for? Check it out :)

Book Crazy is currently at 490+ followers, so close to reaching 500 (!!) She has recently reviewed Still Sucks to Be Me and she's currently planning out her upcoming birthday bash which sounds great! Why are you still reading this update? Click those links already!

Books at Midnight is currently at 545+ followers, getting closer to 550 (!!) She has recently done her Saturday Network and she's currently having a contest to win one of THREE copies of NUM8ERS! Her contest ends on March 22, 2010 at 11:59 EST! So hurry on up and check out her blog!

Larissa's Life is currently at 540+ followers, nearing at 500 (!!) She's currently having a Wolfie Weekend, which contains some adult lit! Even though it has some adult lit, I advise you to check out her blog! It's pretty cool :)

Flipping Pages for All Ages is currently at 330+ followers, nearing 350 (!!) She has recently reviewed Hex Hall and she's done some Author Appreciation Week posts :) Well, aren't you gonna go and check out this blog?

Last but not least, Bookalicious Ramblings is currently at 295 followers, very very close to 300 (!!) She's recently interviewed Tara Hyland, the author of Daughters of Fortune AND she's having a giveaway to win one of FIVE trade paperback copies of Daughters of Fortune! She's also reviewed DoF, so I implore you to check out her blog!

That's it for now folks!

O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell | Mini-Review

2010-03-19T22:25:00.001-07:00

O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell | Mini-Review

Book was received for review.

Before Juliet Capelletti lie two futures: a traditionally loveless marriage to her father's business partner, or the fulfillment of her poetic dreams, inspired by the great Dante. Unlike her beloved friend Lucrezia, who looks forward to her arranged marriage, Juliet has a wild, romantic imagination that knows not the bounds of her great family's stalwart keep.

The latter path is hers for the taking when Juliet meets Romeo Monticecco, a soulful young man seeking peace between their warring families. A dreamer himself, Romeo is unstoppable, once he determines to capture the heart of the remarkable woman foretold in his stars. The breathless intrigue that ensues is the stuff of beloved legend. But those familiar with Shakespeare's muse know only half the story...

I was a bit iffy before reading this book. I don't really read anything that had to do with Shakespeare but I decided to just read this book and give it a try.

After page one, all my iffy-ness had melted away.

O, Juliet is a fantastic twist on Romeo and Juliet. The writing flowed beautifully; the characters well-developed; the plot intriguing. The writing made me visualize this beautiful world in which Juliet and Romeo lived in; a world filled with the beauty of nature, friendship, and life. You may be thinking, "Aww. I don't want to read words like 'where art thou?' and stuff..." Well, think again people because the writing is a bit of Shakespearean, but modern enough to keep your interest. The characters were written well. Juliet, a young woman who writes poetry, has a wild imagination of romance, and isn't afraid to speak her mind; while Romeo, a sweet young man who is a scholar and shares with Juliet's love of Dante and poetry. Lucrezia was the sisterly best friend of Juliet; Jacopo was a sinisterly man who would do unbelievable things just to get what he wants. For me, the plot wasn't as slow as I thought it would be; it actually moved at the right pace. There were a few scenes that were mature content but then again, it's Romeo and Juliet. Many conflicts arose which tried to keep Romeo and Juliet from each other but it always failed. The ending wrapped up together quite nicely; a sad but happy ending.

The bottom line: O, Juliet is a wonderfully-written book that will not leave you disappointed; a perfect read for a rainy day or for a perfect getaway from modern life.

The rating: 5 Hearts

The Great International Contest That Will Blow You Away!

2010-03-19T06:39:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Did you miss me? I'm sure you did 'cause I missed you :) Having this vacation made me relax a bit more and now, I'm back to blog!

Anyways, two of my great blog buddies, Kari and Eleni, are hosting a fantastic contest! It's super-duper freakin' amazing. I usually don't post about contests but Kari and Eleni asked very nicely and so I posted! :D

The prizes?

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead, Linger by Maggie Stiefvater, Shadows: A Dark Touch Novel by Amy Meredith, The Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride, Sea by Heidi R. Kling, and Rules of Attractions by Simone Elkeles!

Rules below (copied directly from the contest page and it was edited!)

**CONTEST RULES**

You MUST be a follower for BOTH Eleni's blog - La Femme Readers - and also Kari's blog - A Good Addiction. So make sure you press the follow button located on their sidebars that look like this:

There will be 6 Winners who will be picked by random.org and first place gets first grab, second place chooses next and on down the line.
This is a joint contest and not individual - please don't try entering in the comment field on both of their websites as it is linked to the same form.
The contest will run through Thursday, April 15 at midnight EST time, at which point all prizes will be ordered or pre-ordered for you from The Book Depository. These are not ARC's but finished, released copies. And yes, this is INTERNATIONAL.

For more INFORMATION, please click on this LINK

In which I finally take a vacation.

2010-03-13T19:46:00.001-08:00

Yes, people, I am very tired from blogging but I still love it. I was supposed to take a week off from two (or was it one) weeks before but the countdown party for BEFORE I FALL was calling me. So now, I'm going to relax and read :)

I'm always reachable on Twitter and email so don't go crying your heart out when I got on vacation ;) I'm a blogaholic, so I find it hard to not do anything blog-related. I suppose I'll be gone for a minimum of three days or a maximum of seven days. Maybe somewhere between.

Ciao!

--Lucy

The Guest Post of Suzanne Young: How to Keep Writing

2010-03-12T17:51:00.000-08:00

HOW TO KEEP WRITING

As an author, there are several things I’m asked about: How I came up with my idea? Did you always want to be a writer? But no one ever asks: How do you keep writing? When everything is staring you in the face telling you to stop, take a break, or get a life—how do you just. Keep. Going?

Despite what some people may think, writing didn’t afford me the opportunity to sit around in my pajamas all day, acting all artsy and eccentric. Nope, when I first started writing I was doing it on my lunch breaks at work, I was writing while stopped at red lights in my car, and I was even getting up at 3a.m. with new ideas. It wasn’t just that I had “I want to get published" fever. It was: WRITING IS MY PASSION.

And that is exactly what it is for me—a passion. An obsession. If I weren’t published I’d still be writing stories for my friends and making obnoxious blog posts about traveling around Oregon. If I didn’t love it, and I mean LOVE, I couldn’t have spend all that time writing a manuscript. I would have given up after losing my first agent. I would have put down the pen (figuratively) after my first editor rejection. But I didn’t. Because I needed a writing fix. I kept writing.

My life is hectic. I have children, dogs, and a chaotic household. And yes, writing does take away from those things (I can’t remember the last time I cooked dinner). But I had to make peace with what I wanted and needed in my life. And I need writing. And I also needed that late night run to Burger King.

It’s a balancing act, but if you can do it, if you can put aside the time to write because you WANT to, then you’ll be successful. Write a good book, something you’re willing to fight for. And if something pops up in your way: Just. Keep. Writing.

Suzanne Young
Author of The Naughty List series from Razorbill/Penguin (Available now)

Now, wasn't that a pretty guest post? Give her a round of applause! Later today, I'll be hosting a signed The Naughty List contest so stay tuned!

Bones of Faerie by Janni Simner | Mini-Review

2010-03-11T16:28:00.001-08:00

Bones of Faerie Review

Summary is from Goodreads.

The war between humanity and Faerie devastated both sides. Or so 15-year-old Liza has been told. Nothing has been seen or heard from Faerie since, and Liza’s world bears the scars of its encounter with magic. Trees move with sinister intention, and the town Liza calls home is surrounded by a forest that threatens to harm all those who wander into it. Then Liza discovers she has the Faerie ability to see—into the past, into the future—and she has no choice but to flee her town. Liza’s quest will take her into Faerie and back again, and what she finds along the way may be the key to healing both worlds.

Janni Lee Simner’s first novel for young adults is a dark fairy-tale twist on apocalyptic fiction—as familiar as a nightmare, yet altogether unique.

I was truly excited to read this book. The synopsis sounded amazing and I was hearing some mixed reviews about it. However, after getting 60 pages into this book, I could NOT connect with this book. Now, not to be mean, I didn't like it because the characters were flat and some parts of the story were confusing for me and I had to go back and re-read that part over and over until I understood it. I MIGHT try to read this book in the future when it sounds better. I think the writing was simplistic and pretty; easy to understand. The plot, however, wasn't that easy to understand...

And now you may be wondering why this mini-review? Well, it's because I promised this book a review. If I didn't give it a review, I would be a BAD blogger! Also, this mini-review is just my opinion; just because I am not interested in this book, doesn't mean it's going to suck for you so go try it out! (NOTE: Not all my mini-reviews will be negative reviews.)

The bottom line: Bones of Faerie has an interesting synopsis and it was quite amazing for some other bloggers; rent the book at your local library!

Rating: 2.7 Hearts!

Waiting on Wednesday | Plain Kate by Erin Bow

2010-03-10T06:33:00.000-08:00

Waiting on Wednesday was started at Breaking the Spine! Summary was from from Erin Bow's website!

This week's WoW is Plain Kate by Erin Bow! It comes out in September 2010 (My birthday month! :) and I really can't wait for it! It has a talking cat (♥) and it's Russian flavored! I'm totally up for some Russian flavored historical fantasy books! *raises hand*

In a market town by a looping river there lived an orphan girl called Plain Kate ….
Kate’s is a colorful world of brokenhearted magicians, wandering gypsy clans, carved charms and stolen shadows. It’s a dark world of ghosts, fog and questions. It’s a dangerous world of witch burnings, persecution and plague. Her story is a coming-of-age story, a story about family and belonging, trust and betrayal, bravery and sacrifice, death and what lies beyond. Also, there’s a talking cat in it.
A Russian-flavored historical fantasy for readers twelve and up.

Current Read | Pretty Little Liars [03.08.10]

2010-03-08T17:34:00.000-08:00

Okay, I am in L-O-V-E with this book :) It's pretty awesome and I just bought it yesterday. And guess what? I'm already on page 201! *squeals* I usually don't do that with a book unless it's really good and I'm in love! I've been in such a book slump lately. Only good books I've read lately is The Maze Runner and The Iron King. Also, I got glasses today... They're CONVERSE branded! I luff CONVERSE and my glasses are super comfortable! It's not that I have trouble reading a book; I just have trouble seeing far.

I also got accepted :) Can't say what or where but what I can tell you is that I am excited!

Jessica's Vision has a shin-dig!

2010-03-06T16:46:00.000-08:00

I haven't had a shin-dig with you people for awhile. Anywho, please welcome the lovely Jessica from the fantastic blog, Jessica's Vision!

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1. In less than 140 characters, who are you?

Who am I well My name is Jessica, I'm a 24 year old mother of two who has a dream of writing some creepy Romance vampire novels in my spare time and loves to blog the rest of it.. or read either or.. My Blog is Jessica's Vision.

2. If you could choose one word to describe your blog, what would it be?

Crazy, I think because I'm not set on one thing I love a blog to be sorta about everything that interest that person.

3. What is your greatest fear?

Losing My Family I would have to say they are definitely my rock in life.

4. If zombies ruled the world and you were the last human, would you turn into a zombie and join the crowd or fight till the end?

Fight till the End of Course I wanna kick some major zombie ass before they take me down, grab me a shotgun and go with it.. Maybe have one of those Celebrity Look-Alike Sniper Games like Dawn of the Dead.

5. What's the weirdest thing you've ever seen?

Ha.. umm.. I would have to say the scene from Clerks II with the donkey
that trumps everything.

6. Cupcakes or cookies?

cupcakes and with out the frosting right out the oven ..yummy

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Thanks for joining me, Jessica!

If you're interested in having a shin-dig, please email me at delightfulreviews[at]gmail[dot]com

The Interrogation of Estevan Vega

2010-03-05T18:52:00.000-08:00

Today I have a very awesome author with me. He's the author of Arson, which a few of my blogger friends who have read it says it's awesome! I've yet to read it due to schoolwork, but I will get started on it soon!

Please welcome Estevan Vega!

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1. In a one line, what is Arson about?

ARSON is about the fire that burns within all of us, that small spark, that if pushed to a point, can become a raging flame.

2. Where did you come up with the idea of Arson?

I actually got the idea for the book several years ago, when I was a senior in high school and was visiting colleges. I had always been in love, literally, with superheroes. Now, Arson is definitely not a superhero, but I think the concept behind this story stemmed from this alternate reality filled with a perceived flaw that becomes something powerful. I love that, you know. I was going through some messed-up things with my parents' divorce and the regular final year of high school stuff. I wanted to get all these emotions out. I had to. ARSON let me.

3. Do you have any favorite characters from Arson?

Yes, Arson is definitely the one I had the most fun writing. He's my favorite character, not just in this book, but the best character I've ever written. Other than him, though, it's a toss-up between Emery and Grandma.

4. If you can choose one fantasy world to live in (ex: Harry Potter, City of Bones) which would it be?

I'd probably be chilling with Gandalf in Middle Earth. Although, they don't shower too much, huh? And I wonder if chicks shaved. Not sure how I feel about all this.

5. Do you have any must-haves while writing (like cofee or tea)?

In all honesty, just a working mind. Haven't acquired my addiction for coffee just yet, and tea still kinda grosses me out. But I've have plenty experience with writer's block or writer's inability-to-flow (it's a cousin). I just sit down and force myself to keep chugging.

6. Are you working on any projects right now?

I most definitely am. The ARSON sequel. It's gonna rock. Get stoked!

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Thanks for letting me interview you, Estevan!

Anyways, if you guys do not know what Arson is about, you are all silly people (and doesn't this summary sound freakin' awesome?):

ARSON GABLE FEELS LIKE A FREAK. HE CAN CREATE FIRE. HE NEVER ASKED FOR IT. HE NEVER WANTED IT. BUT HE CAN'T SHUT IT OFF.

Before now, three things were true: he both loved and despised his grandmother; his life was going nowhere; and he was alone. But when a strange girl-who feels more normal behind a mask than inside her own skin-moves in next door, Arson hopes to find something he's never had: purpose. Using what he fears the most about himself, Arson must face his consuming past and confront the nightmare that is present as he walks the fine line between boy and monster. Dark, moody, and breathtakingly relevant, Arson, the chilling chronicle of an isolated boy with unimaginable ability, is sure to ignite the hearts and minds of a new generation.

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver | Review

2010-03-03T18:02:00.001-08:00

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver REVIEW

Book was received for review - Summary is from Goodreads.

What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all—looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12th should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it’s her last. The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. In fact, she re-lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she had ever imagined.

There are really no words to describe how great this book was. If I just wrote them out all right now, they would come out in jumbles of words that wouldn't make sense.

Before I Fall is one of the best books I've read in my whole life. In all 470 pages of it, not one moment was I bored or was I able to put this book down. From the first page, I was already hooked and I knew that there was no going back. For each day Sam relives her life, it was anything but repetitive. Each day was new and interesting; Not one moment was it dull for me, "I kid you not" (Kari's words).

The writing was simply lovely. It's one of the great things that keeps you hooked to this book. The way Lauren describes Samantha's world is amazing. You actually feel as if you were in Sam's position, appreciating those small things like a smile or the smell of a certain coffee shop.

Lauren had done an amazing job in making the high school students seem real. People who smoke weed, drink, do drugs; people who gossip and cheat on one another; people who are perverted and have dirty thoughts; people who party non-stop. I never felt hate for any of these characters; they were all just like everyday humans if you think about it. Sure, some of them are real "female dogs" and some of them just don't give a crap, but that's the beauty of these characters. They are real human beings. They have conflicts within their lives just like US.

The ending wrapped up wonderfully; just enough answers and very little questions.

The bottom line: Before I Fall was delightful and heart breaking. It makes you realize all the little things in life and how beautiful they are. If you miss out on this read, you may just regret it.

The rating: 5+ Hearts

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

2010-03-02T21:47:00.001-08:00

The Maze Runner Review

{Book was borrowed from library}

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. He has no recollection of his parents, his home, or how he got where he is. His memory is black. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade, a large expanse enclosed by stone walls. Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning, for as long as they could remember, the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night, they’ve closed tight. Every thirty days a new boy is delivered in the lift. And no one wants to be stuck in the maze after dark. The Gladers were expecting Thomas’s arrival. But the next day, a girl springs up—the first girl ever to arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. The Gladers have always been convinced that if they can solve the maze that surrounds the Glade, they might be able to find their way home . . . wherever that may be. But it’s looking more and more as if the maze is unsolvable. And something about the girl’s arrival is starting to make Thomas feel different. Something is telling him that he just might have some answers—if he can only find a way to retrieve the dark secrets locked within his own mind.

Wow. Just wow. I saw this book at the library and I grabbed it on a whim. Little did I know that this book would be one of my favorite reads of 2010.

The book started off slow for me. After reading 30 pages, I was still a bit "iffy" on the book because nothing was happening which made it boring. However, the story started to pick up after 80 pages and so, and from there on, it was smooth sailing. The plot was interesting and fresh; it had originality which is nice to see every once in awhile. Also if YOU have read this book, tell me right now that you WEREN'T wondering when they talked about stuff like WICKED. (You know you were wondering; you know you were!) "What does WICKED mean?" and "Who are these Creators" are some of the few questions that the plot leaves you wondering till you turn the page!

The characters were likeable and easy to understand; just because they were Gladers doesn't mean that they're not human beings like us. They can be scared, happy, sad, angry, just like us. I think that's where James excelled in writing; his characters. James weaved these characters so beautifully and realistic, which is a nice big plus for me. The Gladers' slang (like shuck-face and shuck) was a bit hard to understand at first. But bit by bit in reading this story, you get so used to it, you can practically use it in everyday language if you'd want!

I'm eagerly waiting for its sequel, The Scorch Trials, which comes out later this year.

The bottom line: If you're looking for some adventurous, suspensful, dystopian type of book, this one's for you! Those who love those categories will finish this in no time at all; the perfect read to just get away from the world.

The rating: 4.5 Hearts!

Before I Fall Countdown PW Day 7 - My thoughts so far.

2010-03-01T16:18:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! Today's the last today of the Countdown Party Week and I hoped you had fun. I unfortunately couldn't finish Before I Fall yesterday. However, I'm now on page 286 (about halfway through the book) and let me tell you four words; It's. Amazing. So. Far. I think I'll finish the book by tonight or by tomorrow. So if you're in doubt when deciding whether or not to by Before I Fall, don't be! Besides, if you hate it (which is a VERY HIGH chance of not happening!) you can check out Lauren's guest post and see what you can do with the book.

Now tomorrow, my friends, is the day of Before I Fall. I want you all to do a small favor for me. In some form of communication, wish Lauren a happy book birthday! Think you can do that for me? :)

Before I Fall Countdown PW Day 6 - The Before I Fall Contest!

2010-02-28T15:55:00.001-08:00

Yes, I know you've all been waiting for this moment; a chance to win a copy of Before I Fall! I have decided to go with 3 winners (4 people wanted three winners, 4 people wanted two winners, so I had Random Number Generator pick a number between 2 or 3 and it picked 3) which means 2 people win a copy of Before I Fall and 1 person will receive Before I Fall bookmarks.

This contest IS international and this contest runs from today till 11:59 p.m. PST on 3/14/10. You must be at least 13 years old to enter. If you're not 13, get an adult to enter for you. Winners will be notified by email and they would have 72 hours to respond.

Here is the FORM! Good luck! COMMENT ENTRIES DO NOT COUNT; THEY DO NOT COUNT.

Before I Fall Countdown PW Day 5 - News!

2010-02-27T15:19:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! No contest today; I decided to do something else.

I was wondering if you guys would like to do a quiz game or a scavenger game for the contest. I want this to be as much fun as possible for everyone :)

Also for the winners, do you guys want to have THREE winnahs or two winnahs?

Three winnahs -

Grand prize - A copy of Before I Fall
Runner-up prize - Before I Fall bookmarks

Of course, there would be TWO grand prize winners and one runner-up.

Now for the two winnahs -

Grand prize - A copy of Before I Fall and bookmarks
Runner up - A copy of Before I Fall

Which do you guys prefer? Let me know in the comments! And yes, this WILL be INTERNATIONAL. This is going to be international, people, international. (See international viewers, I told you I would make it up to ya!)

Before I Fall Countdown PW Day 4 - The Interrogation of Lauren Oliver

2010-02-26T16:39:00.000-08:00

Hi (again)! Lucy here. Today at BIF Countdown Party Week, I have an interview all set up. Yes, I know I put interrogation in the post-title. I deliberately put it there. The word "interview" is starting to get boring and interrogation sounds waaay more interesting. Agreed?

Anyways, here's the interview!

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1. Can you give us a brief summary (no copying from the book! :) of Before I Fall that's in YOUR words?

Before I Fall tells the story of Samantha Kingston, a pretty, popular high school senior who believes she has everything she wants: great friends, a hot boyfriend, the rule of her school. Then one day, on her way home from a party, she gets into a car accident and dies.
But she gets stuck in a kind of time loop: she continues to wake up and relive the day of her death again and again. Throughout the book she is struggling to change the outcome of the day, and break out of whatever strange time bubble seems to be constraining her—and at the same time she is discovering new truths about herself, her friends, and her connection to the world.

2. Where did the idea of BIF come from?

The idea came from a bunch of different places. When I was younger and couldn’t sleep, I would often try to envision in as much detail as possible the “perfect day”: the kind of day I wouldn’t mind reliving again and again. So I’ve always had the idea of a twenty-four hour redo in my mind.

Also, just as I was starting to think about a novel I got back in touch with a boy from my high school. I’d actually known him since I was five, although we never really knew each other—we knew each other’s reputations, and the rumors and stories that inevitably attach themselves to people in a small, gossip-y community. I was shocked to find out that he was the exact opposite of the person I’d always believed him to be. And it struck me how easy it is to be mistaken about people; to see a part of them and confuse it for the whole.

I began to wonder what set of circumstances would enable a self-consumed, vain, petty girl to question her assumptions about the people in her life and the world around her. And I returned to the idea of the redo.

There were other issues I wanted to explore—like the possibility of change, and the interrelatedness of people—and from all of those rough ideas came Before I Fall.

3. List four words that describe Before I Fall.

Sad, redemptive, life-affirming. (At least, I like to think so!)

4. Do you have any must-haves while writing a book (like some authors need green tea when writing a book)?

Actually, no. I pretty much can and do write wherever and with whatever—by hand, on napkins, typing on my phone. I do, however, need buckets of coffee to be able to think clearly and (semi-) lucidly!

5. Say you were in Sam's position. If you could re-live the last day of your life seven times, what would you do?

Host enormous dinners every night with all of my friends and family. Laugh as much as possible. On one of the days I would fly or drive some place where I could be close to the ocean. And I would spend every last penny in my bank account on caviar and champagne and beautiful dresses and shoes, to wear out to nightclubs where I would dance and dance and dance until the heels of my new shoes snapped off! There are definitely some people I would kiss, too.

6. Are you working on any projects right now?

Yes! My second book is called DELIRIUM and it will be released in 2011. I am trying not to say too much about it but I am super excited about it. It is very different from BEFORE I FALL but I love it equally; it’s a kind of dystopian Romeo-and-Juliet story.

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And there you have it! I hoped you enjoyed the interview! Don't forget to grab a button for your blog on your way out of my blog. Plus, I'm thinking of doing a scavenger hunt or something like that for tomorrow. What do you guys think?

Before I Fall Countdown PW Day 3 - Trailer Time!

2010-02-25T16:32:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone (again)! Welcome to the Before I Fall Countdown Party Week Day 3! It's trailer time! (Get it? It's clobberin' time from Fantastic Four!) I hope you all enjoy the trailer! Plus, don't forget to grab the button for your blog :)

And tomorrow, me thinks there may be a contest? Raise your hand if you want a copy of Before I Fall!

{B.I.F CPW Day 2} The Message of Lauren Oliver!

2010-02-24T16:41:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone! Wassup? Welcome to the countdown party week (CPW) of Before I Fall Day 2! In my hands (not literally of course) is a message from Lauren. You KNOW you want to read this; you know you do. And here... it is.

Top Ten Reasons You Should Buy My Book on March 2:

10. Because it will keep you off the streets!
9. Because everyone wants to be a trendsetter…and you can be one of the first people to own a finished copy—ever!
8. Because books are better than brussel sprouts. Depending on the book. And the brussel sprout.
7. Because if you hate it, you can tell me so at @OliverBooks on twitter.
6. Because at 480 pages, in hardcover, if you hate it, you can also use it to smack somebody upside the head. (Not that I’m recommending violence. I’m a lover, not a fighter, people.)
5. Because it doubles as a coaster, an arm rest, and possibly as a cake stand.
4. Because even though it doesn’t feature vampires, I promise it’s romantic.
3. Because you want to make me happy.
2. Because what else will you do on March 2? School? Homework? Chores? Yawn.
1. Because you just might discover a new favorite book. Or at the very least, a book with a very, very pretty cover.

Hehe. How funny! Well, I hope this message brightened your day! Anywho, if you want to learn more about the ever-charming Lauren, you can check out her blog, website, Facebook, and Twitter!

I have also made a button for this week! It's on the LEFT sidebar :) If you post the button on your sidebar in its own little space (meaning it cannot be with other buttons! You see my blog button slideshow? Yeah, it can't be like that. It must have its own space in your sidebar[s]) you WILL get extra entries for the upcoming BEFORE I FALL contest(s?) this week. And FYI, I'm giving away TWO copies! So go grab the button!

Tune in tomorrow for some more Before I Fall cool stuff! :)

Welcome to the countdown party of... (Day 1)

2010-02-23T17:05:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Welcome to the countdown party of... Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver! Now I know a bunch of you are psyched to read this and I knew I just had to this so everyone could have some fun! :)

Anyways, if you have not heard of BIF, you must be completely NUTS. Here's a bit about Before I Fall and its prologue!

What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all—looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12th should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it’s her last. The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. In fact, she re-lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she had ever imagined.

And here's your very own prologue of Before I Fall:

They say that just before you die your whole life flashes before your eyes, but that's not how it happened for me.
To be honest, I'd always thought the whole final-moment, mental life-scan-thing sounded pretty awful. Some things are better left buried and forgotten, as my mom would say. I'd be happy to forget all of fifth grade, for example (the glasses-and-pink-braces period), and does anybody want to relive the first day of middle school? Add in all of the boring family vacations, pointless algebra classes, period cramps and bad kisses I barely lived through the first time around...
The truth is, though, I wouldn't have minded reliving my greatest hits: when Rob Cokran and I first hooked up in the middle of the dance floor at homecoming, so everyone saw and knew we were together; when Lindsay, Elody, Ally and I got drunk and tried to make snow angels in May, leaving person-sized imprints in Ally's lawn; my sweet sixteenth party, when we set out a hundred tea lights and we all danced on the table in the backyard; the time Lindsay and I pranked Clara Seuse on Halloween, got chased down by the cops, and laughed so hard we almost threw up. The things I wanted to remember; the things I wanted to be remembered for.
But before I died I didn't think of Rob, or any other guy. I didn't think of all the outrageous things I'd done with my friends. I didn't even think of my family, or the way the morning light turns the walls in my bedroom the color of cream, or the way the azaleas outside of my window smell in July, a mixture of honey and cinnamon. Instead, I though of Vicky Hallinan.

To read the rest of the excerpt, check it out here! Anywho, come back tomorrow where I'll have some more goodies laid out for ya!

all information about BIF is not mine. I don't claim any of it.

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

2010-02-22T19:06:00.000-08:00

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa REVIEW

{No spoilers}

Meghan Chase has never fit in at her small-town high school, and now, on the eve of her 16th birthday, she discovers why. When her half brother is kidnapped, Meghan is drawn into a fantastical world she never imagined--the world of Faery, where anything you see may try to eat you, and Meghan is the daughter of the summer faery king. Now she will journey into the depths of Faery to face an unknown enemy . . . and beg the help of a winter prince who might as soon kill her as let her touch his icy heart. The Iron King is the first book in the Iron Fey series.

I had HIGH expectations for this book. Very high expectations considering the rave reviews on other book bloggers. And you know what? I have to announce that I, Lucy, did NOT think this book sucked. I, Lucy, thought this book was made of awesome. It's THAT good. Just after reading the first page, Julie already captures your attention, making you want to find out what happens next. Then once you grasp the answer to the mystery, another mystery forms. The plot is like Alice and the rabbit from Alice in Wonderland. Alice is always chasing the white rabbit. Once she finds it, it runs away making Alice ever more curious. You, of course, is Alice; the amazing, well-written plot is the white rabbit. The romance was pretty good; not overwhelming awesome, but it just keeps you satisfied.

The way Julie writes and describes the Nevernever (the world of the Fey) is completely mesmerizing. You will WANT to re-read the way she wrote the Nevernever; not out of confusion, but to flee to its beautiful fantasy-like place and imagine yourself in Meghan's place. Now, you may be thinking that Julie OVER-describes this alluring world but that is NOT the case. She puts in enough delightful details to give you a visual of the place and make it seem like you're there. Some (not ALL) authors just describe on and on and on and on until the reader practically forgets what the storyline; not that description isn't good (it's GREAT!) but no author would want their reader trapped in a place where they forget the main storyline of the book. Luckily, Julie isn't one of those people!

The dazzling writing, the addicting storyline, and of course, the kick-ass characters. Meghan is frickin' awesome. I LOVE her. Julie weaved this character beautifully and successfully breathed life into her. She wasn't those people who whined about their crappy-ass life; she could take care of herself. Though she tends to be a bit shy at times (which makes is a human quality. This is another sign of the great writing) she has a voice and is not afraid to speak it. Grimalkin. Gosh, I just love this furry dude. He is completely funny and I just love the way Julie made him. He reminds me of the Cheshire Cat, but less crazier. Of course, Meghan is our little Alice, though I'm not quite sure where to place Ash and Puck in the Wonderland world.

And congratulations to Grim and the gang (Meghan, Puck (♥ ♥), Ash (♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥) They have all made it to the favorite characters list! To also state the obvious, Puck stole a piece of my heart but Ash hauled the rest away. Ash, I'm coming to save you from all those crazy girls (Sherry, Erica, and more!!) with Laina's zombie bunnehs!

The ending was quite satisfying too! It left enough questions for room for a sequel, but enough information for a standalone. Thankfully, it has a sequel called The Iron Daughter. It comes out in August, which I believe is waaaaaay too long for me to wait. ;)

The verdict: This book is MAGNIFICENT and I recommend it to everyone who's looking for a delightful read! It's reminiscent ofAlice in Wonderland (which is great for me!) which makes this book all the more wonderful.

The rating: 5+ Hearts.

Note: This will be the first book to ever get 5+ Hearts. 5+ Hearts = This book was too amazing. I can't even describe how delightful this one is. If a zombie apocalypse ever comes, be sure to save THIS book for reading in your zombie-proof hideout!

All summary info from Goodreads.

I know, I know. What am I doing here!? {BIG NEWS ALERT}

2010-02-21T15:22:00.000-08:00

You have the right to have the WTF look on your face. I know; what the heck is Lucy doing here? Well anyways, I have BIG NEWS. I totally forgot about this and I can't believe that I actually set up my vacation this week lol. Anywho, my vacation is going to have to be cut short. Why?

I have a countdown party week for a very special book! Can you guess what it is? Well, keep guessin' because I'm not telling ya till tomorrow ;)

I'm gonna have a bunch of stuff set up for each day of the week till the day it's released into stores. Yes, there will be a giveaway, yes, there will be an interview, and yes, this week will be awesome.

Spread the news, people, spread the news because Lucy's gonna have a par-tay x)

I'll also be posting a review(s?) today, so be on the lookout for that.

Pause.

2010-02-18T20:08:00.000-08:00

Lucy's on hiatus. I know; shocker right? Well, I'm just going on pause. I won't be updating so frequently for the next one (or two weeks?) because of school work and such. Maybe I will update, maybe I won't. Blogging has taken a big chunk outta my reading, social life, anime life, and tv life x)

I love you guys [My audience and blogging friends!] but I'm just so darn busy. I'll try to comment sometimes on other blogs and I'll be more active on my social networks (Twitter: @lovelymisslucy and Goodreads: Lucy Arabella) so feel free to chat with me :)

Think of this as a vacation guys! I'll miss you and your comments, so bye!

Waiting on Wednesday [02.17.10]

2010-02-17T17:59:00.000-08:00

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill @ Breaking the Spine!

Feed synopsis:

The year was 2014. We had cured cancer. We had beat the common cold. But in doing so we created something new, something terrible that no one could stop. The infection spread, virus blocks taking over bodies and minds with one, unstoppable command: FEED. NOW, twenty years after the Rising, Georgia and Shaun Mason are on the trail of the biggest story of their lives - the dark conspiracy behind the infected. The truth will out, even if it kills them.

You know this sounds awesome. You know it does. ADMIT IT! :)

A little rant and a current read.

2010-02-16T17:04:00.001-08:00

Sorry for not doing a current read yesterday. I totally forgot about it! I had to do this project yesterday (I didn't finish till midnight!) since my so-called "best friend" was acting like a female dog and bailed on me saying that she couldn't edit the project because it was too late so she dumps the *bleep*ing project on me! Thanks friend thanks. The least she could have done was TRY to edit it. I practically did the whole project with her! I brought the supplies, I did a LOT of work, and my dad and I had to edit the project together till midnight (and yes, I did have school the next day, which is today!!) Again, thank you friend for not doing shit and just complaining and saying "I need to get a good grade", "did the project come out good?" BOO HOO Friend. Life's tough, and you're not making any of our lives better by bitching about your bad grades and bitching other people around. You know what? I'm not even sure if she's even a friend anymore. She calls me idiot in Spanish, she holds on to grudges for me, and she bitches me around.

Okay, sorry again for ranting about my life. (Maybe I should create a personal blog?) I know my life may not be the most interesting thing you'll ever know about but I'm glad I got my feelings out.

Anyways, my current read is Hate List (I've put this book on hiatus, and I need to start reading into it again! :) Hate List is REALLY good, but because of this darn schoolwork, I can't get any reading done! (However, I did finish The Iron King. I can't describe how awesome it is in words. THAT is how awesome it is.)

In My Mailbox [02.15.10]

2010-02-15T08:31:00.000-08:00

In My Mailbox is a lovely meme in which I feature what books I bought/won/borrowed/that came in my mailbox. This meme was started by The Story Siren!

Last week, I got a lovely V-day prize pack from Jennifer Laurens! It includes a cute bear, her four books, two suckers, a pretty pen, and Trident LAYERS gum :)

Thanks so much Jenn! You ROCK!

I also got Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson and Arson by Estevan Vega for review. I didn't buy anything nor did I borrow anything last week :(

So sorry for being MIA (Missing In Action) yesterday! I was at Knotts' Berry Farm with the family :) I'll post pictures later! Now if you excuse me, I have some things to do! ;)

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

2010-02-13T20:27:00.001-08:00

Shadow Kiss Review

Is Rose's fate to kill the person she loves most? It's springtime at St. Vladimir's Academy, and Rose Hathaway is this close to graduation. Since Mason's death, Rose hasn't been feeling quite right. She has dark flashbacks in the middle of practice, can't concentrate in class, and has terrifying dreams about Lissa. But Rose has an even bigger secret .... She's in love with Dimitri. And this time, it’s way more than a crush. Then Strigoi target the academy in the deadliest attack in Moroi history, and Dimitri is taken. Rose must protect Lissa at all costs, but keeping her best friend safe could mean losing Dimitri forever...

Um, wow. This book was BOMB :)

The addicting writing style, the well-developed characters, and the suspenseful plot were all so intriguing that I could NOT stop reading. The world that Richelle has created is just fascinating. I am completely in love with its Moroi and dhampirs! Richelle also does a great job in refreshing the reader's memory with terms we may have forgotten in the world of VA (I love it when an author does that!) However, although I could not stop reading, I found it a bit hard to connect with the book and its characters (unlike the other books) and enjoy it. I don't know why; it's weird.

Rose and Dimitri's romance was written in such a delicious way; I also love the way how Richelle writes sexual content without making it too explicit but enough for the reader to interpret what the characters are doing. Christian also kicked ASS in this book (Yay for more Christian!) which was flippin' awesome. The action scenes were packed with awesomeness as always!

I'm really sad though. What happens in this book is so sad you will CRY. (Maybe you won't cry but it is sad.) Then again, this shocking twists here and there makes Shadow Kiss and its predecessors really good.

The verdict: 4 Hearts!

all summary information was copied and pasted from Goodreads.

The Affiliate Updates

2010-02-13T08:39:00.000-08:00

The Affiliate Updates

As you all know, I now have blog sistas (affiliates)! Now every week, I'll be giving you guys updates on what's happening at their blog :)

My first affiliate is Eleni @ La Femme Readers :)

Eleni is currently having two giveaways: one for Bleeding Violet and one for a book of choice that must be a 2010 release! She recently did an IMM, so I suggest you check out her blog and see all the lovely books she has! Eleni is a great reviewer and she recently had her pretty blog designed!

My second affiliate would be Melissa @ i swim for oceans :)

Melissa is currently having a birthday bash giveaway and she just had her Friday Fix with Justine and Steff @ A Bookful of Thoughts! She recently reviewed Need (which I still need to read) so go and check out her blog! She's super creative with her blog and posts and she's so fun to talk to!

My third affiliate is Jenn @ Book Crazy :)

Jenn has a contest for Undead Much right now and she's recently reviewed I Heart You, You Haunt Me! I love her blog design; it has a "Alice-in-wonderland" feel to it! Her reviews are interesting and fun to read, so don't count on her reviews being boring!

My fourth affiliate is Sherry @ Flipping Pages for All Ages :)

Sherry is having a bunch load of contests to celebrate her 100 followers! Check her blog out because she writes amazing reviews and she's a load of fun to be around!

My fifth affiliate is Jenn @ Books at Midnight!

Jenn is having a contest for Some Girls Are and for Lights Beneath Ferns! She also did a interview with the lovely author, Kristin Walker, and she also is having a swag contest for A Match Made in High School!

My sixth affiliate is Bookalicious Ramblings!

My girl over there at Bookalicious Ramblings just got a new blog design and she has a new button :) Go check out her pretty blog!

My seventh affiliate is Larissa @ Larissa's Life!

Larissa is currently having a 350 Followers Giveaway which is effin' awesome :) She also has a new meme called New Blogs on the Block (catchy title, right?) and it features bloggers and, of course, their blogs!

That's it for the updates of my blog sistas :) G'bye, darlings!

Kari's Saturday Shin-dig!

2010-02-13T07:17:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone! Welcome to another Saturday Shin-dig! Today I have a lovely blogger who's ready to shin-dig. Can you guess what her name is?

It's Kari from A Good Addiction!

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1. Explain yourself! (In other words, who are you?)

I'm a 24 year old aspiring writer... working like crazy on a novel to try and get published. I finished the first draft in just a month- all 25 chaps + epilogue, 110332 words of it... This weekend, I am starting on the work shopping/revising/redrafting/wondering what the heck I was doing of it. There will be blood, sweat and tears when my beta readers tell me to cut stuff that I think is important and will fight to the death on it. Eventually, I'm sure they will win. After a few mental breakdowns on my part. Yep, its gonna be fun. Otherwise, I work for a radiology group and hang out with my dog and friends. I have a Bachelor's in neuroscience and always said I was going to go to med school- I wanted to be a medical examiner but then I discovered I had a passion for writing, and med school is a lot of work and the MCAT is a horrible test that my mind doesn't work for so I kind of gave up on that idea. I'm stubborn and opinionated, bordering on neurotic I'm sure. I set high standards and know what I want and don't tend to settle for anything less but I see these as good things. =)

2. In less than 140 characters (I will be checking if it's less than 140 characters) describe your blog.

My blog is mostly YA with some adult. I whore out my dog on there too even if he hates it. I also give updates about my writing adventure.

3. Like your blog title, A Good Addiction, what are your addictions?

Reading, obviously. And writing- I can get pretty one track minded when a character is raging in my head. I am also mildly obsessed with my dog and am pretty well addicted to hot chocolate and coffee.

4. What's your favorite reads of 2010 so far?

Of ones published in 2010- The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard. Of ones read- Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols, Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles, The Maze Runner by James Dashner and Diary of a Witness by Catherine Ryan Hyde.

5. Team Zombie or Team Unicorn? (Thanks to @jkagawa for the question!)

Team Zombie, most definitely.

6. If you could buy ONE thing right now, what would it be?

A new car. I've had mine for 6 years now and while it's still going strong, I really just want a new one.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thanks Kari for being here at Delightful Reviews! This was fun :)

Kari currently has two giveaways: one for the first three Percy Jackson books (I loved that series!) and the other for one of Jodi Picoult's books (I really want to win this!). Do me a favor and just go enter them now!

If YOU want to have a Saturday Shin-dig, email me at delightfulreviews[at]gmail[dot]com! If you prefer, you can also leave a comment with your email saying you want to have a Saturday Shin-dig; it's all up to you :)

Lucy's Interviewing Lyn Miller-Lachmann!

2010-02-12T08:21:00.001-08:00

Hey hey hey everyone :) Today I have a fantastic author who wrote the highly-praised book, Gringolandia. I was excited when she agreed to do this interview and so happy to see her answers to my questions. Here she is, your very own...

Lyn Miller-Lachmann!

____________________________________________________________________

1. Can you give us a one-liner on what Gringolandia is about?

A 17-year-old refugee from Chile in the 1980s and his girlfriend in the United States get involved in battling the brutal dictatorship in his former country after his father is released from prison and rejoins the family.

2. What is your favorite book of all time?

To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. I read it when I was 13—my mother read it first and said I’d really like it—and she was right. Another book, more recent, that I love is Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.

3. Do you have any projects that you're working on?

I just finished a companion to Gringolandia, told from the point of view of the protagonist’s younger sister, three years later. I’m looking for a new publisher since my editor at Curbstone Press passed away while Gringolandia was still in production. I’ve also started a new novel, which takes place in the present day and deals with environmental issues along with themes of friendship and first love. I find that I get more done when I work on several things at one time.

4. Do you have any authors that inspire you or authors you admire?

The ones I’ve mentioned here—Sherman Alexie, Edwidge Danticat, Zetta Elliott, and Phillip Hoose—are among those who’ve inspired me through their work. A new author who I also admire, both because of her writing and because of her commitment to nurturing young activists for social justice, is Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich. Her debut novel, 8th Grade Superzero, is definitely worth reading. And I’ve learned a lot from Cynthia Leitich-Smith, Neesha Meminger, and Mitali Perkins, who have authored wonderful books and also write insightful commentary about books and writing.

5. If you had to choose between a dog and a cat, which would you choose?

I’ve had both, but I’d have to say I’m closer to my dog. He looks out for me and makes sure I don’t sit around too long, that I get up and play with him and take him for a long walk. Some of my best story ideas have come to me while walking my dog.

6. Can you give us any book recommendations to read?

Behind the Mountains, by Edwidge Danticat, which portrays life in Haiti today and helps us to understand the people affected by the tragic earthquake. I also really liked Danticat’s adult novel set in Haiti and the Dominican Republic in 1937, The Farming of Bones, and her memoir of her father and her uncle, Brother, I’m Dying.

Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice, by Phillip Hoose, a biography of the 15-year-old girl whose resistance to segregation helped spark Rosa Parks’s act of civil disobedience and the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

A Wish After Midnight, by Zetta Elliott, a time travel novel set in Brooklyn, New York today and at the time of the Civil War.

Thanks for letting me interview you, Lyn!

Thank you for inviting me to your blog. And if readers would like to find out more about Gringolandia, please visit my web site at web.mac.com/lynml. You can read the first chapter of the novel as well as news, reviews, and a teacher’s guide. While you’re there, check out my blog, where this year I’ve signed up for the Social Justice Challenge and also offer commentary and reading lists on topics in the news such as the earthquake in Haiti.

____________________________________________________________________

Now here's your chance to win Gringolandia! Fill out this form and you're entered :) The contest ends 2/24/10, meaning you have until the 23rd at midnight to enter!

It's only open to U.S. (sorry!) and you MUST be at least 13 to enter. Please read my contest policy to ensure you follow the rules.

Don't forget to leave some comment love for Lyn! (It's NOT required, but it's much appreciated :)

Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood by Eileen Cook

2010-02-11T15:19:00.000-08:00

Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood REVIEW

This book was received for review.

In the final weeks of eighth grade, Lauren Wood made a choice. She betrayed her best friend, Helen, in a manner so publicly humiliating that Helen had to move to a new town just to save face. Ditching Helen was worth it, though, because Lauren started high school as one of the It Girls–and now, at the start of her senior year, she’s the cheerleading captain, the quarterback’s girlfriend, and the undisputed queen bee. Lauren has everything she’s ever wanted, and she has forgotten all about her ex-best friend. But Helen could never forget Lauren. After three years of obsessing, she’s moving back to her old town. She has a new name and a new look, but she hasn’t dropped her old grudges. She has a detailed plan to bring down her former BFF by taking away everything that’s ever been important to Lauren—starting with her boyfriend. Watch out, Lauren Wood. Things are about to get bitchy.

I have one word for this book. WOW!

This book was a really delightful and fun read. Eileen's style of writing immediately draws you in from the first page and the characters were just awesome! Helen's methods of getting revenge were laugh-out-loud funny; I would have never ever ever been able to think like Helen, but then again, revenge does make you a bit cuckoo! I adored all the characters, especially Helen and Christopher. Brenda's unique in her own special way, but I didn't like her as much as I did for the others. Even though Lauren can be a "female dog", I do feel sorry for her. Her mom is a total "female dog" (which is where I'm guessing Lauren got that from) and makes Lauren feel bad. No "comforting mother" look. NADA. It's just "you stupid girl" look. I would cry if I was in Lauren's place.

Anyways, I recommend to everyone who's looking for a quick, light, fun read that's laugh-out-loud funny! :)

The verdict: 5 Hearts!

all summary information was copied and pasted from Eileen Cook's blog

Wishing on Wednesday [02.10.10]

2010-02-10T20:09:00.000-08:00

Wishing on Wednesday (or if I must say, On My Wishlist) was started by the lovely blog, Book Chick City. It's when you get to blog about the books you've been craving for! This week, I'm wishing on...

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Choose: A quick death and hell or slow poison and hell.
About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She'll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.
And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.
As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear.

Affiliate News!

2010-02-08T19:46:00.001-08:00

Since it looks fun, Delightful Reviews has decided to have its own affiliates :)

If you become an affiliate of Delightful Reviews, you will:

have your button (if you have a button) in my new affiliates section. If you don't have a button, I will mark you as an affiliate in my blog roll for affiliates.
have a blog post on what's going around in your blog at the end of each week (Note: you won't have your very own blog post, you will be sharing it with other affiliates)
be my blog sista/brotha :)

If you do end up being my affiliate, I expect:

you update your book blog. Now, I don't think you should update every day! If you just stop updating your blog for about a month, I'll have to take you off my affiliates list.
you to be a YA book blog. For me, this means you regularly review YA books, but once in awhile, you would/could review adult/MG books.

I'm going to cap the number of affiliates at 10 for now. Who knows? I might change the number in the future.

NOTE: If you want to be an affiliate, it doesn't mean that you'll be an affiliate. I don't mean to sound harsh or anything. I just really don't see any point being affiliates with blogs that hardly have any original content or blogs that rarely update.

If you want to be an affiliate, please comment in the posts with your email so I can contact you. If you prefer, you can also email me that you want to be an affiliate at delightfulreviews[at]gmail[dot]com.

I will stop accepting affiliates in 3/13/10.

Current Read Monday [02.08.10]

2010-02-08T18:13:00.000-08:00

Current Read Monday is the short & sweet version of It's Monday! What Are You Reading?, which was started by J. Kaye's Book Blog.

This week, I am currently reading Twenty Boy Summer, Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood, and Hate List.

GRoWL is really good so far. I've been cracking up on what Helen does to Lauren!

The verdict? So far, it's 5 Hearts!

TBS is really good. Now when I say really good, I mean it. It's addicting and it's nothing like what I've read before. It's always nice to add some variety in my book diet.

The verdict: 5 Hearts for sure!

I love HL! Like TBS, I haven't read anything like this. I can't really relate to Valerie in some situations, but some I can.

The verdict? I'm guessing 5 Hearts.

Now, all my verdicts are 5 Hearts. Let's just hope it stays this way for the rest of the reading! :) Also, I'll be doing reviews every Tuesday and Friday. Sound good?

What are you guys reading?

In My Mailbox [02.07.10]

2010-02-07T12:55:00.000-08:00

In My Mailbox is a meme where I feature the books that I got in the mail/bought/borrowed. This was started by The Story Siren!

This was a pretty good week, if I must say. I am still waiting on books from December though :(

In the mail, I got Leaving Gee's Bend, Hearts at Stake, Bones of Faerie, Bleeding Violet, and BV swag. I'm super excited to start on all of them (especially HAS and BV!)

From the library, I borrowed Hate List and Leviathan. HL is really good so far. I haven't really read much of Leviathan yet, but it's good so far.

From the bookstore, I bought Twenty Boy Summer. I've been wanting this book since... forever, so I can't wait to read it!

BAM! I have a whole picture dedicated to what my BV package looked like. I got a signed finished copy of BV to review, plus signed bookmarks with a bookplate! The swag and bookplate will be used in a contest. I can't say that I'll be able to ship out a BLEEDING VIOLET package, but I'll sure try! (Parents don't like me sending out big books for some reason O_o) Anyways, I want to say SPECIAL thanks to the fantastic Dia Reeves! She sent this whole she-bang to me, and I cannot thank her enough :)

Other special thanks go to Anna for sending HAS, to Liyana @ LiyanaLand and Irene for Leaving Gee's Bend, and to Meg and Janni for sending over BoF.

What was in your mailbox? Leave a link and I'll be sure to check it out :)

Win BEFORE I FALL!

2010-02-07T11:51:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! My good friend, Lauren, is having a giveaway of Before I Fall at her blog. Now, we all know that everyone loves FREE things (especially free books)! So why don't you head on over to her blog and enter for a chance to win a SIGNED FINISHED copy of Before I Fall! And don't fret if you don't win her giveaway! I too shall be having a giveaway for Before I Fall in the near future, so be on the look out for that! :)

Lauren's giveaway ends on 2/14/10 (Valentine's Day), so be sure to spread the word till then!

(And also, don't forget to congratulate her on choosing a title for her new book, DELIRIUM, which comes out in 2011!)

Click HERE to enter!

Sherry's Saturday Shin-dig!

2010-02-06T16:28:00.000-08:00

Name and idea was inspired by Jessica @ Shut Up! I'm Reading and Melissa from i swim for oceans!

Hello everyone! Welcome to Sherry from Flipping Pages for All Ages' Saturday Shin-dig!

She's a pretty awesome blogger, and I definitely suggest you check out her blog. Now... ON WITH THE SHIN-DIG!

Please welcome her by giving her a round of applause!

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1. First of all, who are you?

Well, how does one respond to that. I'm me, but if you want to know the details then continues on. :P My name is Sherry, I am an avid reader when I have the time to be. I just got my Associates Degree (Liberal Arts: Humanities and Social Science) and I will start working on my Bachelors (Criminal Justice) in the fall. I work at the same job I have been at for the past 4 years, it's a retail store and I hate it but they work around my school schedule there so I'll stay until I'm done learning! I used to be a competitive swimmer, but stopped once High School ended. I still live at home with my rents, which is pretty cool because my mom is my best friend! My dad is in Iraq and I miss him terribly but he'll be home in July so can't wait for that! Um... let's see, my boyfriend and I have been together for over 5 years and we have a beautiful... dog together. Gotcha! No kids for me right now! :) That's about it but feel free to ask me anything on here and I'll answer you or you can always shoot me an email! :)

2. So... what's your blog about?

I started my blog when I realized there were other people out there that had a love of reading similar to mine. I review the books that I read and I love sharing author interviews with everyone. I just started participating in memes and I'm just getting the feel for them but I enjoy them a lot too!

3. Pick seven words describing your blog!

Okay I suck at this.. let's see. colorful, informative, fun, enjoyable, friendly, um I'm not sure Lucy so why don't you pick two more! :)

4. Imagine if you won the lottery and the prize was 933,284.89. What would you spend it on?

First and foremost I would pay off my parents mortgage, then I would buy my mom everything she could possibly need for her own horse stables. I would buy my dad a gym filled with concept 2 rowers(hes a huge fan), and I would buy myself some stuff (books.. II know I'm terrible) and I would save the rest. Probably start a college fund for my niece too.

5. Would you rather have the power to fly or the power to read minds?

Power to fly definitely. I sometimes wish I could read minds, but thoughts should be personal, I wouldn't want someone reading my mind. And because flying would just be so much darn fun!

6. What is the scariest movie you've ever seen?

Okay, don't laugh because I forbid to watch scary movies, which of course means I have seen some but I absolutely hate them. Probably The Hills have Eyes. When I was really young, like a little, little kid, my brother and sister(both older) watched Mars Attacks! which is some dumb alien invasion movie. Well it scared the crap outta me, like nightmares for weeks of stupid aliens, with helmets that had lasers that would kill me. Yea turns out its just some parody movie but I was too young to understand. I wish I did tho...

Well that's me! I hope you all enjoyed learning a little more about me and my blog! Forgive the over excessive use of exclamation points and smiley faces, I'm a happy person! :)

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Haha, you aren't the only one who is scared of horror movies Sherry, because I am too! And there is nothing wrong with smiley faces and exclamation points :)

Anyways, check out Sherry's blog because she has FOUR contests going on. That's right; FOUR!

Here is the LINK to the contests she's having!

Tune in on next Saturday where I'll have another shin-dig!

If you want to have your own Saturday Shin-dig, please email me at delightfulreviews[at]gmail[dot]com

Interview Today! Please welcome... Jennifer Hubbard!

2010-02-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

I have a very special author with me. She is a fantastic YA author who wrote The Secret Year. Now do you know who it is? It's Jennifer Hubbard!

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1. In a brief, spoiler free summary that's in your own words, can you tell us what The Secret Year is about?

After his secret girlfriend’s death, seventeen-year-old Colt finds the notebook she left behind, but he is unprepared for the truths he discovers about their intense relationship.

2. Is there any reason as to why you wrote TSY?

I had an idea and wrote to find out where it led. I wanted to know why secrecy was so powerful for these characters.

3. Do you have any characters that you simply adore?

I have a thing for sidekicks and secondary characters: The Colonel in Looking for Alaska and Ben Cassidy in Jellicoe Road, for example.

4. Say we all lived in a world of superpowers. What would your superpower be?

Telekinesis. Or, I might like to be able to see the future. Then again—sometimes we’re probably lucky we can’t! I’ll stick with telekinesis.

5. What are five words that describe YOU?

Down to earth; good listener. I would hope!

6. Are you working on any projects?

Yes, I’m always writing something. I plan to stay with contemporary YA for quite a while, but I can’t talk about specific projects just yet.

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Yay for interviews! Now that this first interview is over, be sure to tune in for the second interview with Lyn Miller-Lachmann, the author of Gringolandia. Later today, I'll try to post the giveaways :)

Some interviews, giveaways, and news.

2010-02-05T13:15:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! I. am. BACK! :)

I have interviews, giveaways, and some news!

[NOTE: This post is not the post that has the interviews & giveaways.]

Did you notice that I didn't say interview, but interviews? That's right! TWO interviews at Delightful Reviews, which means total awesomeness right? (Well, I hope it means total awesomeness..)

Now you must be wondering right now who the authors for the interviews are...

It's Lyn Miller-Lachmann (Gringolandia) and another surprise author! *the crowd goes wild* I'm also having some more giveaways for the interviews, so stay tuned!

Have you noticed the new blog layout? The other one had its bandwidth exceeded (something like that) and you could HARDLY read the blog. This layout is not permanent and I am currently waiting for my new custom designed one to come.

I don't think I have any other news, but I'll keep you guys updated if anything happens!

hello&goodbye.

2010-02-01T15:20:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone! Since stuff, stuff, and more stuff is happening, I'm not going to be updating the blog till this Wednesday or until my Friday author interview :(

I'm as busy as a bumblebee and this blog stuff is a LOT of work (but I love it)! Anyways, I'll be gone for awhile, but I'll still be around on Twitter and Goodreads. You can always email me too!

Bye everyone!

And while you're waiting for my arrival, enjoy the fabulous cupcakes [sadly, I didn't make this].

And the winner of the BoF postcards is...

2010-01-31T11:13:00.000-08:00

And the winner of the Bones of Faerie postcards is...

drum roll please! *drum roll*

miss cindy @ simple life and reading...

Cindy, you have three days to get back to my email! If you don't reply back, you will have forfeited your prize and a new winner shall be chosen!

Thanks for coming everyone! And don't be sad if you didn't win! I'll have more giveaways soon! :)

In My Mailbox [01.31.10]

2010-01-31T10:13:00.000-08:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme that was started by The Story Siren! It's the time when you get to show all the neat books you got in the mail/bought/traded/borrowed :)

This week, I only got three books (It was a very slow book week. I'm still waiting for some other books to come!)

I bought Blood Promise at Target, so that when I finish Shadow Kiss, I can start on it immediately :)

For a review, I got Merlin's Harp (I love all that King Arthur stuff and it has to do with the Fey! I've been meaning to check out some faerie books, and here is my chance to read one!)

From a contest win, I got The Iron King (Thanks Kristen @ Bookworming in the 21st Century!) Kristen ordered the book as soon as I told her what I wanted and in two days, BAM! The book was sitting in the mail, waiting to be opened!

Hopefully, this week will be better... But, I am very excited to start on these books! :)

Leave a link to your IMM and I'll be sure to check it out ;)

all links for books lead to Goodreads

Interview Today! Please welcome... Julie Anne Peters!

2010-01-29T18:05:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Today I have a FANTASTIC author, whom I have had the pleasure of interviewing. She has written several books, and her latest book is... By The Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead. That book was the first book I reviewed on this blog, and I LOVED it! But enough about that; let's get on with the show! :)

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1. In a short & sweet summary that is in your own words, what is By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead about?

It’s a book about how the effects of bullying can push a person to the very edge; how too many young people wake up every day feeling their only hope is to end it all.

2. What is your favorite part about BTTYRTIBD?

It has to be Santana. I love everything about him. I love Daelyn, too, because she lives so much of her life in her head, the way I do. She’s what I’d call a cyber isolate, the way a writer is a hermit. I truly enjoyed creating those idiotic romance novels that were such a misrepresentation of love. And inventing the Web site for suicide completers was a trip.

3. Did something or someone inspire you to write this or was

this just a spur of the moment?

In October of 2006, I was invited to speak at the ALAN Workshops. ALAN is the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents, an offshoot of the National Council of Teachers of English. C.J. Bott, a former educator and strong voice in the field of bullying, had assembled a panel of authors to address the issue of bullying in literature. A few months before she sent me the presentation title: Don’t Look and It Will Go Away: YA Books—A Key to Uncovering the Invisible Problem of Bullying. I spent a long time with that title. How easy it is to turn a blind eye to the ugliness in life, the parts we don’t want to see. For my part I planned to read letters from young readers who described the harassment they’d been subjected to at school and at home for coming out as gay. For them bullying ranged from years of taunting and verbal abuse to physical assault to family disownment. Self-injury is high among gay youth, and suicide is mentioned so often in the letters I receive it’s agonizing to know gay youth feel it’s their only way out. During that same time, there was a special report on TV about kids who’d been so severely bullied in school from kindergarten on that they’d either dropped out or were forced into home schooling. Even if they had pleaded for help, they’d received little or no adult intervention to stop the abuse. Several parents talked about their bullied kids who in the end committed suicide. Later, I’d learn the term for it: bullycide. I came home from that conference with a thousand questions swirling in my brain. Why do some children survive bullying while others can’t? Are we born with an overarching sense of self-preservation? If we’re given free will at birth, when and why and how do we begin to exercise it in self-destructive ways? If an overly sensitive child is constantly bullied and teased with no relief in sight, how long does it take before she or he loses hope? Why are eight-year-olds cutting? How can we not know our children are hurting?

In this age of technology, where so many kids live their lives as invisible isolates in cyber communities, it wasn’t difficult to invent a site of suicide completers. I do know that many young people who kill themselves act on impulse, and I think that’s why Daelyn, my main character, was forced to wait, to count down the days, to consider all the options and alternatives. I gave her loving parents, trained professionals, God, the possibility of romantic love, a new friend and a fresh beginning. Then I left it up to her to decide her future.

4. Say you found yourself in a situation where a dog was actually talking (by actually talking, I mean english!) to you. What would you do?

I’d go, “Woof.”

5. Pick 5 words to describe yourself.

Self-disciplined
Driven
Fun-loving
Loyal
Content

6. Are you working on any projects right now?

Yes, I have three books in the works. Two are young adult novels and the other is a middle-grade. One YA novel, She Loves You, She Loves You Not… is at my publisher, going through the process of revision and copyediting. It’s due for release in 2011. My other YA novel is resting for a couple of weeks until I feel it’s ready to send to my agent. The middle-grade novel may come to pass or not. I haven’t written for younger readers in quite a while, so I’m hoping I haven’t lost my touch.

Thanks so much for being here Julie!

You’re welcome!

Julie

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Now since you all were such good people, I will have a giveaway for By The Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead ;) I'll post the form and schmazz later tonight or tomorrow, so keep yourself on the lookout! While you're waiting, you can read my review on By The Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead or you could check out my other giveaway (50 Followers Bash) which has 3 new MORE prizes including BTTYRTIBD!

Wishing on Wednesday [01.27.10]

2010-01-27T17:52:00.000-08:00

This week, I'm wishing on...

Gone by Michael Grant! I've been wanting this for sooo long :)

Anybody have reviews or any Gone stuff they want to share?

Link them in the comment section :)

Frostbite by Richelle Mead

2010-01-27T16:27:00.001-08:00

Frostbite by Richelle Mead REVIEW

{ Pages: 327 }

{ Source: I bought the paperback }

So what's Frostbite about?

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 handto- 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...

Richelle Mead did it for me once again! Although this book was quite shorter than VA, it still packed a punch!

Rose is still in love with Dimitri, she's still getting absorbed into Lissa's head, and her good friend, Mason has a crush on her. BIG TIME. And, if things weren't that bad for her already, there has been major Strigoi attacks!

The cover was "meh" again, looking cliche like its predecessor. However, its contents is anything but cliche!

Richelle had done a great follow-up to VA, with its magnificent writing and unique plot. The characters were well-developed, though none were perfect. Everything was described in a thrilling, "making-you-want-to-read-more" way.

And, as usual, Christian had found his way to my heart again (*sighs*) just like Dimitri has done for some of you (Right, Sandy? ;)

Spoilers (Highlight to read): I was crying when Mason died. Just like Rose, I was in shock. Seriously. I was crying and screaming, "Mason, you stupid idiot!! Why did you go to the Strigoi?! WHY?!" Mason was so sweet to Rose. He helped clear up the Jesse and Ralf incident (the one where Mia had spread rumors about Rose doing *explicit* things) and he was there for her!

--END OF SPOILER--

The verdict: A fantastic follow-up to VA. If you have read VA and have not read Frostbite, drop what you're doing and BUY IT NOW.

The rating: 5 Hearts

(Currently reading Shadow Kiss!)

All info was copied and pasted from Goodreads. I don't own the summary or any of this book's contents.

101 Followers = More prizes!

2010-01-26T18:10:00.000-08:00

Yay! I have 101 followers! Now that Delightful Reviews has hit the triple digit, it's time to add some more books to the fifty followers bash!

The books that are coming for sure:

Gringolandia by Lyn Miller-Lachmann

3 a.m. by Dallas Woodburn

Possible (meaning these books might NOT be added into the prize bucket) books that might be added into:

The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

By The Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead by Julie Anne Peters

So now that there's more books, that means more winners :O

I'll update the details later.. MUST READ :)

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

2010-01-26T16:54:00.001-08:00

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead REVIEW

{ Pages: 332 }

{ Source: I bought the paperback }

So what's Vampire Academy about?

St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger. . . Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

What are my thoughts?

Before I begin, I want to tell you something. I was actually a little "iffy" on buying this book because:

The cover isn't that great. It just looks like those books that are cliche, and the title wasn't helping either.
The summary didn't hook me the first time I read it.

However, my good book-recommending friend Sandy @ Pirate Penguin's Reads told me about it, and I thought, "Why not?" and bought it.

Now after reading this, I have only five words.

I. Don't. Regret. Buying. This.

The world Richelle created was unique. I love the idea of Moroi and Strigoi. It gives a whole new twist, which is awesome! The plot flowed smoothly for me, and it was easy to follow along. The characters were fantastic. (Rose Hathaway, congratulations. You have just made it to the top favorite characters list of Lucy!) Lissa and Dimitri, whom I've had the pleasure of reading, were pretty cool! Lissa didn't make it to fave characters, nor did Dimitri, but you can totally feel their emotions literally jumping off the page and flowing into you (same goes for other characters).

Dimitri just didn't click with me though.. I can totally see him and Rose as a cute couple, so I am a Rose x Dimitri fan! However, Christian Ozera (YES Christian Ozera) did CLICK with me! I am practically in love with him! The way he talks and acts is just mmm! Christian [although he's with Lissa] is the kind of guys in books that I simply adore ♥ (Don't judge me lol)

The verdict: A great book! If you are having "iffy" thoughts, forget them! BUY THIS BOOK NOW!

The rating: 5 Hearts

(Expect the Frostbite review soon!)

Current Read: Frostbite by Richelle Mead [01.25.10]

2010-01-25T17:22:00.000-08:00

Instead of doing the What Are You Doing on Monday meme, I decided to do the current read meme since it's much much more easier :) (And no, I didn't start this. I don't know where the idea had originated from, so I can't give credit. If you do know, please notify me!)

Since I am reading a bunch of books, I just chose one. This week's current read is Frostbite by Richelle Mead.

My thoughts on it so far? I love love love it! Though I do find it just a tad similar to the House of Night Series, it is very hard to put it down.

The verdict? So far, it's 5 hearts.

See? Current Reads is sweet and short :D