Tuesday, September 25, 2012
TBP: 3.12.13 by Disney Hyperion
Sixteen-year-old Kyra, a highly-skilled potions master, is the only one who knows her kingdom is on the verge of destruction--which means she's the only one who can save it. Faced with no other choice, Kyra decides to do what she does best: poison the kingdom's future ruler, who also happens to be her former best friend. But, for the first time ever, her poisoned dart...misses. Now a fugitive instead of a hero, Kyra is caught in a game of hide-and-seek with the king's army and her potioner ex-boyfriend, Hal. At least she's not alone. She's armed with her vital potions, a too-cute pig, and Fred, the charming adventurer she can't stop thinking about. Kyra is determined to get herself a second chance (at murder), but will she be able to find and defeat the princess before Hal and the army find her? Kyra is not your typical murderer, and she's certainly no damsel-in-distress--she's the lovable and quick-witted hero of this romantic novel that has all the right ingredients to make teen girls swoon.
Why I'm Hyperventilating This Wednesday......
AHEM. *clears throat* Before we being this hyperventilating session please make sure you have thoroughly read your lesson. It is posted above you in the green box. Also make sure you have studied our session image. It is also in the green box.
Have you completed your homework? Okay then. We may begin.
OH MY FREAKING POISON!!!! That book likes like it's gonna be the best thing to hit stores this march. Poison? WHAT NOW? The cover is BEE-YOO-TI-FULLLL! And that synopsis. Holy Crap. -excuse me- I know we just met but let me just say..... I think I LURV you! Talk about a recipe for AWESOME-SAUCE! Eeeek!
This session is now ended.
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Are you hyperventilating on anything AWESOME-TASTIC this week? Leave me a link and I'll go hyperventilate with you!
Published: 3.30.12 by Pagan Writers Press
Pages: 262
The “Phantom” was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses “Phantom” as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card. Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars—Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist.
Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty first century phantom finally be revealed.
Inky's Blurbings:Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty first century phantom finally be revealed.
I got a copy of this from the author and I was really excited. Phantom of the Opera has kind of taken over my life. So naturally I was very excited by the prospect of this Teen retelling of the classic tale. It was a very enjoyable read and I went through it in about a day.
We start off with the main character Becca, about to audition for Christine in her school's upcoming performance of Phantom of the Opera. Becca is that rare talent hidden in the body of a girl with a very shy, somewhat awkward character. But she lands the part of her dream, since...she's pretty much obsessed with the story as well. From there on we have the book playing out with mysterious threats and murders from their own Phantom as well as a love triangle with her co-stars, the actors who play Raoul and Phantom ironically.
It's quite obvious who Becca is drawn to from the start so I found it a little annoying that she doesn't just stand up for herself. But then, of course, all romance needs a little hesitation to make things interesting. Honestly, Justyn has not competition with Tom. :D He's the best, and coolest even if he is kinda Gothic. :D And he can sing.
I liked Laura's writing. It was clear and to the point most of the time. But I found there were a couple moments when it was just a little too-descriptive. Like the sunset or the colors of a storm. Then there were times I wanted some description. In regards to character development and romantic relationships. But it wasn't botched. It was still a very enjoyable and smooth read for the most part. One thing I found interesting is that the play is never really specifically called Phantom of the Opera. Most of the time it's called Phantom. And I didn't really recognize any of the lyrics in the book! Probably because I only know the main songs though and she didn't pull from them. But I did love how the music was fit in.
Aside a few cheesy moments, I could connect well and I enjoyed this thrilling tale of the Phantom! I'd suggest this for fans of the story.
Content: Mild
(Some language and a bit of innuendo. A gay character/kiss. Kissing.)
3.5 Stars
Do you like the story of the Phantom? Have you read the book? Seen the play? Would you like to? Do you want to read this? I'd love to hear any thoughts you have! Happy Wednesday!
Published: 8.28.12 by Katherine Tegan
Pages: 368
When twins Sheridan and Taylor wake up 400 years in the future, they find a changed world: domed cities, no animals, and a language that’s so different, it barely sounds like English. And the worst news: They can’t go back home.
The twenty-fifth-century government transported the girls to their city hoping to find a famous scientist to help perfect a devastating new weapon. The moblike Dakine fights against the government, and somehow Taylor and Sheridan find themselves in the middle. The only way to elude them all is to trust Echo, a guy with secrets of his own. The trio must put their faith in the unknown to make a harrowing escape into the wilds beyond the city.
Inky's Blurbings:The twenty-fifth-century government transported the girls to their city hoping to find a famous scientist to help perfect a devastating new weapon. The moblike Dakine fights against the government, and somehow Taylor and Sheridan find themselves in the middle. The only way to elude them all is to trust Echo, a guy with secrets of his own. The trio must put their faith in the unknown to make a harrowing escape into the wilds beyond the city.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE anything by Janette Rallison/C.J.Hill. She takes very cool ideas and makes them unique, funny and a totally joyride. So naturally I was very excited to hear about this new dystopia novel, let alone win a copy from CJ. (Thank You!)
I totally loved the society. It had many of the familiar Dystopian elements while having a unique trend and feel to it! It wasn't overdone either. It was right and good and awesome. :) YAY dystopia. So we have these twins with two different personalities and all of a sudden they are whisked away into the future. Then they learn they can't get back. YIKES. Panic time. Sheridan and Taylor find themselves in a pretty twisty predicament with no easy way out.
I wish I could spill my guts about things, but alas, no. Let me just say that I liked the realistical reaction of the girls, and thatI was easy to connect with Sheridan. I really wish Taylor had gotten her own POV moments, because she'd have a CRAZY GENIUS voice. YAY! But even without her, I still loved her character and getting to know her.
Echo..you are the riddle, wrapped in a mystery.You're hot, and full of secrets. You've got an interesting voice. Yet, as a romantic interest...you move to fast! That was my main issue with the romance. Obv, it's Insta-Attraction. But it was still fast to when they Kiss. After that I didn't feel as much development or their characters and relationship, something I totally love. So while that could've been showed more, I don't condemn them. They're gonna be so great in the next book!
The plot was MAGNIFIQUE! Secrets, logic, genius brains, smart problem solving, BETRAYAL, ack ack ack. YES. One thing I found really interesting was how she used Religious phrases/names as a Code. No, I'm not telling you anything else. But it was really neat how she did that without pinpointing any specific beliefs. Okay, so this was another great book full of adventure, futuristic bad-guys and some sweet romance. If you like all the above, this is a book for you! PLUS, it's a Clean Read!
WATCH THE AWESOME TRAILER:
4.5 Stars
Monday, September 24, 2012
- I like to put my feet up: I don't know what it is about sitting at a formal desk that makes me feel not particularly creative and kind of trapped. Although sometimes I end up working at my desk, when it comes to fiction and even non-fiction writing, I'm much happier on a laptop, somewhere where I can sit back put my feet up. My favorite writing spots are the living room couch and the comfy chair in my little reading nook (a glorified alcove in the stairs!). If it's warm enough to write without shoes on, so much the better
- Nighttime isn't the right time: Right or wrong, I'm just not a night person and it's very rare that I feel even remotely inspired to do anything creative after the sun goes down. Yes, I know it's downright weird, but my most productive writing hours are in the late morning to early afternoon. For me, nighttime is the time to hang out with my family, curl up with my dog and, well, sleep!
- An open window helps: Bright outdoor skies make it challenging to see the screen on my laptop. So even though I'd love to write outdoors, I usually don't. The next best thing is to sit by an open window where I can still see the sky and feel the air. (Hmm, with a backlit screen, perhaps I should rethink the whole night thing and consider writing under the moonlight…)
- Having my dog around helps too: Strange as it sounds, when my dog comes to sit with me, I enjoy the writing process even more. I love how she can be so close to me and still allow me my personal space…if only humans could learn to do that…
- I like things quiet: Even though I love music, I've found trying to mix it with the writing process just doesn't work for me. I'm happiest writing when I'm only listening to the sounds of nature through an open window.
As part of the tour, Roberta is offering an ebook of one of her other novels, Monster Tears. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thanks for stopping by! Have a fantastical Tuesday!
Friday, September 21, 2012
I have a special introduction to make today! Meet.....Mackenzie! She is my fantastical little sis who also loves books. And guess what? She's gonna guest review on the blog. *cheering and applause ensues* I'm so excited that she's gonna show up every little while! It'll add a fun line of MG books to the blog! Anyway, I thought I'd let you get to know her a little first. Without further ado...I bring you, my little sis!
Mackenzie is in 6th grade and full of fun and spunk! She loves to read just like the next bibliophile and can be found tucked away in corners of the house plowing through one adventure or another. She loves life and learning. She loves to play on the piano as well as draw and do crafts. Like her big sister she's a writer and can be found scribbling, er, typing away.
Introducing Mackenzie
Mackenzie is in 6th grade and full of fun and spunk! She loves to read just like the next bibliophile and can be found tucked away in corners of the house plowing through one adventure or another. She loves life and learning. She loves to play on the piano as well as draw and do crafts. Like her big sister she's a writer and can be found scribbling, er, typing away.
She doesn't have a favorite color but she loves chocolate. At least she knows her priorities! :D She loves to spend time with her friends, goofing off with her big sis or gaze longingly at Inky's bookshelves for the day when she can read her YA novels. But for now she's quite content it a book series and a wizard or two. She's very excited to make her blog debut and her big sis is delighted to have her! Love you Mackenzie!
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Welcome to the blog Mackenzie! I hope you have fun and I hope you guys like the new voice she brings. It's gonna be great fun. Happy Weekend everyone!
I hope you all had a fabulous week as well! Leave me a link to your Book Hauls/Stacking the Shelves/In My Mailbox or whatever you use! I'd love to see how your week went! TOODLES!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
BOOKS YOU CAN ENTER TO WIN:
Make sure you don't miss Enna's party! She's so fun and her blog is fabulous
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