Saturday Spotlight - Feed Your Imagination

First off... HAPPY HALLOWEEN! I have now been married for a week! I'm still alive... hehe.

I love finding bloggers with a similar name to mine.. Kristen.. Kristin.. so similar. But, also, her blog is rockin'! So read on to find out more!

Name: Kristin
Nickname and/or blog name: Feed Your Imagination
Blog URL: http://feedyourimagination.blogspot.com

Tell me a bit about yourself.

I don't think you all want to read on for pages, so even though I love to chat, I'll try to keep this on the short side. I'm a college student from New England who loves snow and palm trees equally, so I have no idea where I'll end up in a few years. The two things I love most are books and music, though I'll admit I'm one of those people who likes to be involved in as much as possible. I've been writing reviews since middle school (I remember my first ARC - Dancing in my Nuddy Pants by Louise Rennison), and am thrilled that even after all these years have passed, I still do.

When and why did you start your blog?
I started my blog in March 2009, though I admit I didn't really get into blogging until the end of May. I've been reading/following many other book blogs for quite awhile and spent and felt like it was about time I start one and get my thoughts out. Plus, I've always been really disorganized when it comes to keeping track of the reviews I've written, and having a blog makes that so much easier.

What is your blog all about? Any cool features you want to share?

I think reading is a way to live vicariously, so on my blog I like to highlight books that really suck you in. I mainly review YA books on my blog, but sometimes I'll review an adult book that I think is a good crossover (for example, Maria V. Snyder's Storm Glass). I participate in some of the more popular memes: In My Mailbox, Teaser Tuesday, and Waiting on Wednesday. On Fridays, since I believe music and books go along so well, I have Feed Your Ears posts, where I come up with playlists to go with books. Once a month, I have the Flashback of the Month where I review a book that's not a recent publication and that doesn't receive the attention it should. I've also started hosting contests and did my first author interview in mid August.

Do you have a review system? If you do, would you like to explain it for us?
Well, generally my reviews are two to three paragraphs in length. The first paragraph will include my own summary of the book, and then one to two paragraphs of my opinion. At the end of every review, I give the book a rating between 1 and 10. If I don't like a book, I will give a negative review, but I always try to be fair in my judgments.

Any tips or advice for those starting or thinking about starting a blog?

Simple: do it for yourself. Start a blog because you love reading and want to share that love. This way you'll never (or hopefully never) be disappointed.

What are some of your favorite genres and/or books currently?

Oh boy. I'll stick with favorite genres, because favorite books would be way too long a list. So right now I'm pretty obsessed with fantasy and historical fiction, as well as anything with some romance and/or a mystery.

Thank you Kristin for sharing your blog with us today! Make sure to stop by and give her a comment or two folks!

Are you a new blogger too? Or just getting back into the swing of blogging? Do you want to be featured on my blog? Shoot me an email at bittahsweetharmony@yahoo.com.

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If I had all day to read...

So, I am now going to attack my TBR pile and find the paranormal books I would've liked to get to before Halloween. And then, if I have energy, to name my most desired wanted paranormal books.

Ah Halloween you have come so fast...

Vampire/Other Immortals Books
Pretty Dead by Francesca Lia Block
Sucks to be Me by Kimberly Pauley
Another Faust by Daniel and Dina Nayeri

Werewolves/Shapeshifters Books
Stray by Rachel Vincent
Rogue by Rachel Vincent

Ghosts and out of body experiences Books
Ghost Huntress: The Awakening by Kate Harmon and Marley Gibson
Ghost Huntress: The Guidance by Kate Harmon and Marley Gibson
Nothing but Ghosts by Beth Kephart

Demons/Curses/Prophecies
Fallen by Lauren Kate
The Demon's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda

Witches/Psychics/Other Weird Powers
Wicked series by Nancy Holder
Possessions by Nancy Holder
Witch Child by Celia Rees
The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima
My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent
War of the Witches by Maite Carranza
Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

Fairies/Pixies/other Fey creatures
Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater
Selina Penaluna by Jan Page
Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

Angels/Celestials
Evil? by Timothy Carter
School's Out-Forever by James Patterson
Meridian by Amber Kizer

Yep, all of those are sitting around, waiting to be read. *sigh* So many books, so little time...


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Link a Contest Thursday!

Nearly forgot to schedule this post! Things are hectic with moving stuff from one apartment to the next. Big move is the 14th, but I'm trying to get a few boxes over of books to start unpacking. :) New place is much better and bigger. :)

And yay for contests!

Rules (or at least STRONG suggestions):
1. Name the item being given away (instead of the blog name)
2. Give the end date in () after the name
3. Make sure to link DIRECTLY to that contest post - if you don't know how to do this - just click on the title of the contest blog and it will give a direct URL you can use.
4. If you want to post a contest you've found, make sure it isn't already posted.

Thanks!

And please steal this! Not all my followers will be following your blog, so if you spread the contest love with a Mr. Linky, all the better for contest-loving-bloggers!


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Vampires, Werewolves and Witches! Oh My!

Well, Halloween is RIGHT around the corner and we all know that I love my paranormal books. So, I wanted to share some faves with you of different books featuring different, otherworldly creatures. Been meaning to do this all month, but I'm buckling down - a few days before Halloween.

Sadly, my costume for school is a wee bit lame - I'm going to be the Cat in the Hat! I may not be brave enough to get a photo. It's a bit of a makeshift outfit due to my lack of planning...

Okay, so onto the book fun - I keep digressing. These are all YA. I do read some paranormal romance - so if you're aching for those titles - send me an email. :-D

Vampire/Other Immortals Books
Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
Raven by Alison Van Diepen
Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Evermore by Alyson Noel
Evernight by Claudia Gray
The Otherworldlies by Jennifer Anne Kogler

Werewolves/Shapeshifters Books
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Mercedes Thompson series by Patricia Briggs (adult)

Zombie Books
My Rotten Life by David Lubar
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
Generation Dead by Daniel Waters
My Swordhand is Singing by Marcus Sedgwick

Ghosts and out of body experiences Books
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe
The Other Side
ghostgirl by Tanya Hurley

Demons/Curses/Prophecies
Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink
The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan
The Princess and the Hound by Mette Ivie Harrison
The Princess and the Bear by Mette Ivie Harrison

Witches/Psychics/Other Weird Powers
Bras & Broomsticks by Sarah Mlynowski
Frogs & French Kisses by Sarah Mlynowski
The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison
Midnighters series by Scott Westerfeld

Fairies/Pixies/other Fey creatures
Violet Wings by Victoria Hanley
Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception by Maggie Stiefvater
Need by Carrie Jones
Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier
The Waters & the Wild by Francesca Lia Block
Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr

Angels/Celestials
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Eternal by Cynthia Leitich Smith (also vampires)
The Angel Experiment by James Patterson

Paranormal compilations:
Vacations from Hell
Prom Nights from Hell
Love is Hell



I could add a bazillion more, but I'm trying to restrict myself. I just love my paranormal. I'm going to try to post my list of wants to read, but couldn't get to this month - in the supernatural range.

Enjoy!



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Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Shiver
by Maggie Stiefvater

Grace has been fascinated with the wolves near her home since she was attacked by them as a child. Especially the yellow-eyed wolf who saved her - her wolf. While she's always known there is more to the wolves, it is not until Sam is shot as a wolf and turned back into a human too close to winter, that Grace has proof of the truth.

Grace and Sam have a connection years old, one that starts to flame as they spend every moment together. Sam knows his time as a human is fading fast, that he may never change again once he's a wolf that winter. Will Grace just let Sam go that easily? Or is there a way she can save him so they can be together forever?

I absolutely loved this book. There was a passion between Sam and Grace that would not have made sense - but told from both of their perspectives in alternating chapters, it simply works. I'm really looking forward to the next book because this one ended so open-ended. I had so many questions and emotions by the end of the book that I simply crave more of Sam and Grace's story.

A definite 5/5 Roses.

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Waiting on Wednesday - Forget Her Nots

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

Forget-Her-Nots
by Amy Brecount White
Release Date: March 2, 2010

When someone leaves three mystery flowers outside her dorm door, Laurel thinks that maybe the Avondale School isn't so awful after all — until her own body starts to freak out. In the middle of her English presentation on the Victorian Language of Flowers, strange words pop into her head, and her body seems to tingle and hum. Impulsively, Laurel gives the love bouquet she made to demonstrate the language to her spinster English teacher. When that teacher unexpectedly and immediately finds romance, Laurel suspects that something — something magical — is up. With her new friend, Kate, she sets out to discover the origins and breadth of her powers by experimenting on herself and others. But she can’t seem to find any living experts in the field of flower powers to guide her. And her bouquets don't always do her bidding, especially when it comes to her own crush, Justin. Rumors about Laurel and her flowers fly across campus, and she's soon besieged by requests from girls — both friends and enemies — who want their lives magically transformed — just in time for prom.

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Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side
by Beth Fantaskey

Jessica is an average farm girl. She shovels out horse stalls, flirts with the cute boy next door and tries to get by as being normal in high school. All of that changes when Lucius Vladescu shows up - her supposed vampire betrothed. Which, Lucius is hot - but Jess thinks he's crazy for saying he is a vampire.

But is Jess the crazy one for resisting the sexy Romanian young man who tries to swoon her off the bat? But how long can you push away a vampire without getting bitten?

I absolutely loved this book. Another audio for me and let me tell you, Lucius' voice was very well done and made my heart thud that much faster when his voice came on. You get the greatest view of both Jessica and Lucius and why they do what they do. Jess through the general narration and Lucius through the letters he writes to his uncle in Romania.

Lucius is my ideal picture of a vampire, with glimpses of a human soul, but also the ability to be cold in a way that he can distance himself from all emotion and attachment. And the sex appeal... well that was dead-on.

If you're looking for a good vampire read - without the flighty annoying female role - check this book out. Jessica has flaws as a character and strengths as well. I liked watching her change throughout the course of the book into more of a regal vampire than American teenage girl.

Definitely an entertaining read.

5/5 Roses

I have yet to read this myself, but to read more of the story of Jessica and Lucius - after you read this delectable book of course - go to Beth Fantaskey's website and check out the wedding!

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If I Stay by Gayle Forman

If I Stay
by Gayle Forman

Mia wakes up from an accident - a bad car accident. What she soon realizes is that she's not quite herself anymore. Her body is in a coma and she is free to roam and watch all angles of what is happening. Her parents are dead and her little brother in bad condition. What Mia has to decide is if there is a life, if she wants one, without her family.

Will her boyfriend and other family be enough to make her decide to stay. Or will she be better off with her family, on the other side. Mia must decide whether or not she stays or goes.

This mind-blowing, tear-jerking novel was an enchantment. I was immersed in the story, into Mia's character - completely and totally. I couldn't wait to finish the audiobook - performed by the marvelous Kirsten Potter.

If ever you need some deep, moving novel - this should be the one you pick up. The book left me nearly wordless and I hope I am describing it in a light that makes it so. When you read it, you'll know exactly what I mean.

5/5 Roses

For out of body experiences:

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It's Monday, What are you reading? + IMM (Mailbox Monday)

J.Kaye hosts this wonderful meme.

Read this past week: (I haven't reviewed either of them)
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Medina Hill by Trilby Keny

Currently Reading:
Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert
Jessica's Guide to Dating the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey (audio)
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Upcoming:
Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran
When the Whistle Blows by Fran Slayton




And now for my late IMM - which could be considered Mailbox Monday (but I have no clue who hosts that and am too lazy to figure it out!).




Books Mooched:
Mates, Dates, and Sleepover Secrets by Cathy Hopkins
Witch Child by Celia Rees

For Review:
Possessions by Nancy Holder
Wicked: Witch & Curse by Nancy Holder
Wicked: Legacy & Spellbound by Nancy Holder
Wicked: Resurrection by Nancy Holder
Pretty Little Devils by Nancy Holder

Books Won:
Evil? by Timothy Carter
The Hanging Hill by Chris Grabenstein

Books Bought:
Magic Lessons by Justine Larbalestier
Magic or Madness by Justine Larbalestier
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Coming home

I'm going to be heading home today - possibly checking my email tonight. I'm sure we had a great time, but please give me a week or so before begging off pictures. I'm going to work tomorrow because I'm absolutely nuts.

So, today, I wanted to do some fun love-centered stuff to deal with books. I had a ton of great suggestions from people when I asked what to do post-wise for over my wedding weekend.

So, first of all, I want to celebrate some of my favorite books that deal with love and growing up - seeing as marriage is a rite of passage.

Here's how it breaks down:
1. Bloody Jack series by L.A. Meyer
2. Dangerous Angels by Francesca Lia Block
3. Song of the Lioness series by Tamora Pierce
4. If I Stay by Gayle Forman
5. Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder
6. Aurelia by Anne Osterlund
7. Tiger Moon by Antonia Michaelis
8. Beastly by Alex Flinn
9. Reincarnation by Suzanne Weyn
10. I, Coriander by Sally Gardner

I'm very weird about my romances. I like my female characters strong and able to resist the men that love them - at least until they realize they love them back. All of these books have some satisfying romance in them - twists that make the story what it is. If you haven't heard of some of these, I suggest you look into them.


Next, I want to ask you guys some questions... we had a really nice backyard wedding, with a cake and punch reception and our honeymoon only 3 hours away in a cute historic town - staying in our own 1 bedroom villa.

If you were getting married, or were able to redo your wedding you already had...

What would be your dream wedding?

What would be your dream honeymoon?

Do you have colors in mind? (Ours were cream, burnt orange, and brown)


Also, please share your favorite books that deal with romance, love and life journeys...


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Sunday Spotlight - Book Dragon's Lair

We've got a fun book lover here, but beware, if you get near her hoard of books, she may breathe fire at you! :) I really do love her Blog name.

Name: Gina
Nickname and/or blog name: Gina Marina or Bookdragon, because books are a treasure worth protecting
Blog URL: mybookdragon.blogspot.com

Tell me a bit about yourself.
I can't remember a time when I was reading. I live in SoCal with a wonderful, and understanding, husband and the last of the kids. I read, do thread/yarn crafts, read, quilt, sew (yes, they're different), and read. :-) I like music & movies, am learning to love the gym but it is more of a love/hate relationship - Kind of like what I have with the washer and dryer.

I am not a writer but do have five works in progress. I'm much more comfortable talking about or reading books then I'm writing them but sometimes the characters won't leave me alone.

When and why did you start your blog?

My first post at the above blog was January 4, 2009. I discovered book challenges, I had several other blogs but I wanted one that would be just books. I try to limit off topic postings. Most recently it was a warning that I'd be missing in action due to my daughter's wedding, then a vacation.


What is your blog all about? Any cool features you want to share?

Books, books and more books. I'm such a book blog newbie that my paint isn't dry yet. There are several weekly events happening all over the blogosphere and I'm trying a few. One of my favorites is Teaser Tuesday - where I tease you with a taste of a current read.

I'm a new reviewer so I'm trying to get interviews from, or articles by, authors of the books sent to me.

I get so involved with the book that when I finish, I sigh, reflect and move on. Forgetting the review part! I am getting better but most of my January reads won't get reviewed, it was too long ago.

What are some of your favorite genres and/or books currently?

My profile says, "Someone once asked if I had a favorite book and I laughed. I can't even narrow it down to one favorite author..." I read almost anything but really like Romance and Young Adult. Oh, and fantasy, and cozy mysteries, and thrillers, and ... well, you get the idea.

How do you find out about the books you read?

Other blogs, emails, amazon's "you might like", just wandering around the bookstore/area, library or net. Sometimes friends & family tell me about books. Sometimes I'll see someone reading and ask about the book.


Any tips or advice for those starting or thinking about starting a blog?

Read, read, read other blogs. I may have had a different address or even not been at blogger but I had already signed up for several challenges. Visit, comment, ask questions.

Update regularly with interesting/weird/funny stuff so we have a reason to visit you. Regularly doesn't need to be daily, just don't leave us hanging for weeks at a time.

Think about your audience. Do you want to be about one specific thing, will you ramble around and touch on all the things happening in your life, or maybe a combination of the two. Your address and blog title/description should reflect that.

Visit others, and comment, and they may visit you. Be friendly but know that we're a community and there are some "neighbors" who do things we may not like. Don't be one ;-) Basically, comment nice or at least own up to it. We can disagree on each others opinion or point of view but we shouldn't attack each other. You know, general good behavior kinds of things. Do what your mom said when you were the new kid on the block, "Just get out there and play". Someone will come play with you.


It's great to see some older bloggers who love YA books! Thank you Gina for sharing your blog with us today!

Are you a new blogger too? Or just getting back into the swing of blogging? Do you want to be featured on my blog? Shoot me an email at bittahsweetharmony@yahoo.com.

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Chris' Corner - Titanicus

Today, I am featuring Chris' first review for my blog - despite his protests (he doesn't have any but this one written - what a slacker... :) ). It is our wedding weekend and I told him he must contribute to my blog posts this weekend.

So, here we go - please leave him nice, appreciative comments - he is my husband now.

Titanicus
by Dan Abnett

"Gristle-faced and lipless, the regiments of the dead howl out their awful calumny as your footfall passes. Dun smoke fills the massive cavity of space. Oh machine! Oh divine engine! Furnace hot the welter of your combustion, buckling the rancid air of heaven's arch and fusing the mould of the ground to glass. Do you ever really sleep? In the long between-times, in the silences wasted in oily holds and scaffold frames, do you sleep then? When the enginseers reduce you to dormancy, is that sleep for you? Do you dream then, great engine?
What do you dream about?"
- Dan Abnett's Titanicus

I like Dan Abnett's work. The Eisenhorn Trilogy was great. The Ravenor Trilogy, also good. But nothing could of prepared me for this book, this masterpiece of, quite possibly, the Black Library's best author. I can describe it in a word, in fact. Just one word can describe this superb bundle of printed paper:

Wow.

Now obviously this wouldn't be much of a review if it was one word, but that word carries with it everything I took away from finishing this book. I sat there, completely satisfied, no question in my mind that I had just finished the best Dan Abnett novel I have yet read. But I am getting ahead of myself... the story goes a little something like this...

The vital forge world of Orestes is under attack by chaos legions, and it looks as if nothing can stop them. But this is no ordinary Chaos horde. This is a Chaos Titan legio, the Dark Mechanicus, the heretical reflection of the noble worshippers of the Machine God. Orestes' own Titan legion, Tempestus, is in tatters, its armored divisions in flames, and its Planetary Defense Forces stretched to the limits of a war that was never meant for ordinary men. It is a dark hour indeed, as the Chaos Titans march closer and closer to Hive Principal, the planetary capital and home of the Imperial goverment.

But hope arrives in the form of Legio Invicta, a titan force returning from a war of its own. Although in need of repairs and refitting, Invicta responds to Orestes' urgent call for help, ignoring their Warmaster's summons and deploying in defense of the forge world. Spirits soar and the fighting finally turns in Orestes' favor. But this battle is just beginning, and it is far from certain if Invicta can make enough of a difference to save Orestes from certain doom. From without, Invicta and Tempestus are still outnumbered, and from within, a truth is discovered that will shake the very foundation of the Cult Mechanicus's faith. And even if they win, what will become of the planet that has felt the full fury of an Engine war that has not been seen in ten millenia? The story follows a number of different characters, from the mighty and noble Princeps Maximus Gearhart, the master of Legio Invicta, to the lowly PDF teritary reservist Cally Samsteg, who just wants to survive long enough to go home to her loving husband. And, being a Warhammer 40k novel, the action is intense, and the battles scaled to epic heights as the first novel (that I know of) that has Imperial Titans as the main focus of combat.

Titanicus does a very good job of not only giving us the full majesty of the Titan's awesome size and firepower, but of the very human crews that pilot them. And while the focus is on the Titans, Titanicus doesn't forget the little people, who have battles to fight just as tough and (often) violent as their monstrous counterparts. Details are in abundant supply, and while some of Abnett's work can feel like a grinding lesson in vocabulary, I felt more like I was walking through a living, breathing representation of a Forge world rather than struggling through it. Titanicus proves that the Mechanicus is more than just the sum of their (machine) parts, and shows us a side of them that is all too human, for better or worse.

I can't think of a single thing that could of made this book better. A few story arcs are left open (possible sequel?), but in a good way, and the plot will keep you guessing until the end, with a few surprises along the way. I finished Titanicus with a smile on my face, and I hope you will too.

Titanicus gets 5 burning enemy Chaos Reaver husks out of 5.
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Wedding Day!

Hi everyone!

Today is the most special day of my life - I'm marrying the man I met nearly 5 years ago. We were just teenagers then - he was 16 and I was 19. Now we're 21 and 24 and more in love than ever.

Cross your fingers for good weather because we're outside for the ceremony and then inside for the longer reception.

So, today, I wanted to give you a guys a bit of an inside into our lives - through a photo slideshow! I hope you enjoy this and please leave lots of comments. My laptop is staying home for our two-day honeymoon afterwards. Don't want to be distracted by you guys ;).

So, sit back and enjoy the journey I've taken over the past few years with my sweet husband. How strange and beautiful to say that word now... :)

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Link a Contest Thursday!

So... it's that time again.. where you link your contest to promote it and so others can enter!

Quick update first: The wedding is on SATURDAY! I actually have stuff scheduled for that weekend blog-wise so you will be entertained. The laptop gets a three day vacation to sleep in our apartment - but I will be bringing 2 or 3 books. Got most everything done, just praying for good weather. :-D

Okay, back to contests!

Rules (or at least STRONG suggestions):
1. Name the item being given away (instead of the blog name)
2. Give the end date in () after the name
3. Make sure to link DIRECTLY to that contest post - if you don't know how to do this - just click on the title of the contest blog and it will give a direct URL you can use.
4. If you want to post a contest you've found, make sure it isn't already posted.

Thanks!

And please steal this! Not all my followers will be following your blog, so if you spread the contest love with a Mr. Linky, all the better for contest-loving-bloggers!





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Waiting on Wednesday - Magic Under Glass

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

Magic Under Glass
by Jacyln Dolamore
Release Date: February 1, 2010

Nimira is a music-hall performer forced to dance for pennies to an audience of leering drunks. When wealthy sorcerer Hollin Parry hires her to do a special act - singing accompaniment to an exquisite piano-playing automaton, Nimira believes it is the start of a new life. In Parry's world, however, buried secrets stir. Unsettling below-stairs rumours abound about ghosts, a mad woman roaming the halls, and of Parry's involvement in a gang of ruthless sorcerers who torture fairies for sport. When Nimira discovers the spirit of a dashing young fairy gentleman is trapped inside the automaton's stiff limbs, waiting for someone to break the curse and set him free, the two fall in love. But it is a love set against a dreadful race against time to save the entire fairy realm, which is in mortal peril.

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Contest alert!

Hi guys,

I know you've seen a lot of the Vampire's Assistant giveaways out there in the blogosphere. I wanted to point out one that ends next week that only has 12 entries! So, right now your chances are pretty good at winning.

Bianca from A Place for Wicked Good Books is hosting the contest and c'mon guys.. free books! I already won a copy, otherwise I'd be entering a bunch more. :)

So, please check out the contest for this awesome 3 in 1 book!
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Mental Health Day

Since my wedding is Saturday, I decided to take a "mental health" day today. Because, frankly, I have a ton of stuff to do - most of it not wedding related, but some of it is.

So, I figured I'd post about all the stuff I need to get done today while I'm home "sick".

1. Bridal Shower thank-you cards, while watching True Blood
   
2. Package up mooch books and PotS prize
   
3. Visit the post office and mail everything out.
4. Call electric, gas, AT&T, and renters insurance companies to set up stuff for new apartment
   
5. Pack some more boxes for moving
6. Do dishes while listening to Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side
7. Run errands - need milk, door stops, stamps, pencil sharpner, snacks for trip, and my wedding band
   
8. Start packing for honeymoon - books, snacks (NO laptop...)
   
9. Scan pictures for slideshow and set that up.
10. Catch up on blog posts - 4-5 reviews, 4-5 author signings
11. Schedule remaining Spotlight posts and then wedding posts
12. Finish one of the books I'm reading - Shiver or Ballads of Suburbia
    
13. Go to Cinda Williams Chima's book signing if I get EVERYTHING done.

The question is ... I have about 9 or 10 hours.. can I get everything done and go to Cinda's signing? We shall see... Now to find my packing tape!
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It's Monday, What are you reading?

J.Kaye hosts this wonderful meme.

Click on titles for my reviews or more info on the book.

I read 3 this week, two were audiobooks.


Read this past week: (I haven't reviewed ANY of them - so bad of me)
A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban (audio)
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
The Zoo with the Empty Cage by Steve Brezenoff

Currently Reading:
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert
Jessica's Guide to Dating the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey (audio)

Upcoming:
Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran
Medina Hill by Trilby Keny
When the Whistle Blows by Fran Slayton

Updates:

• So, I'm sort of throwing the poll out this week, because I actually will be giving away two packs of books for Maria V. Snyder week! One will be her Study series and the other is her Glass series with a shiny glass-like glitter ball. Alethea from Read Now Sleep Later is helping me out with this - because she loves Maria even more than I do!
• I'm slowly working on posts for my wedding weekend. Need to scan a few more pictures.
  
• I went to three signings last week - James Dashner, John Greene, and Stephanie Kuehnert. Again, I only posted about James' - I'm WAY behind. I may catch up a bit this week.. not sure!
  
• I think I'm going to skip Cinda Williams Chima's signing on Tuesday because I'm taking a mental health day and I really think I need the whole day to do stuff for the wedding.
  
• I need to go to sleep after I schedule this post - my weekend was NUTS!
  

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My Rotten Life

My Rotten Life
(Nathan Abercrombie, Accidental Zombie)
by David Lubar

Nathan isn't the coolest kid in the class - not even close. In fact, he was having a pretty bad day until he decides to look into his friend's crazy uncle's experimental Hurt-Be-Gone - only it accidentally gets poured all over him. There was one fatal error in the concoction - instead of using the corpus flower, he had used the corpse flower, and now, Nathan is slowly becoming undead - a zombie.

But life as a zombie isn't half bad. He doesn't need to use his lungs any more so gym class is no sweat. He can't feel any pain so if a bully hits him, what does he care? Nathan has to decide if it's worth taking the cure or not.


I really enjoyed this book - it had enough gross-ness to appeal to boys, a funny enough plot to appeal to boys and girls, and great themes - friendship, bullying, and what's important in life or undead.

The characters were interesting and the plot kept you turning the page. I almost expected the ending, just because it seemed to work out a little too perfectly to be the end of the first book.

Overall, a fantastic read - right in time for Halloween.

5/5 Roses




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Sunday Spotlight - A Bookful of Thoughts

Welcome to the Sunday Spotlight! I really do love finding new blogs. Before I started this feature, I would scour the YA Blogosphere or other sites to find new YA blogs to follow.

So, today I have another new blogger. A teen that would prefer if you call her J. Listen up to what her blog is all about. :)

Name: Justine (or J)
Nickname and/or blog name: A Bookful of Thoughts
Blog URL: http://abookfulofthoughts.blogspot.com/

Tell me a bit about yourself:

My name is Justine but I prefer to be known as J (for no reason). I’m a teen who absolutely loves to read teen (obviously) and young adult novels which contain a little bit of romance. Yes, I’m a sucker for romance novels and haven’t really expanded my reading interests, which I think isn’t good because trying something new is what I should be doing. (So feel free to recommend any books you’d like!) I borrow all books I read from the library even though there’s a bit of a pressure to finish the book before the due date. It isn’t a problem, however, since most of the books are really hard to put down and before you know it, you’re reading the ending.

Not only do I love reading, I also love to write fiction stories. They’re mostly about - you guessed it! - romance. I love sitting on the porch when it rains to watch the raindrops pour onto the concrete, which is...odd. My dream is to travel the world and see its fascinating places. Disney movies are love! And lastly, I’m a hopeless romantic...if you didn’t know that already.

When and why did you start your blog?

Before 'A Bookful of Thoughts', I had a blog called 'Endless Books' (since the end of July), which was hosted by Livejournal, but then I thought of how easier it would be if it was to be hosted by Blogspot (plus, Livejournal doesn't support javascript and so on). So I had to go through all these changes that required organizing my posts. It was a lot of work...but it was worth it. It's much more fun here on Blogspot!

Anyway, to answer the 'why' part of the question...When I search for books to read, I go around many book blogs to see which recommended ones I would want to read. After months of doing that and suggesting books that I love to my friends, I suddenly became inspired. I figured that if you love reading and talking about books, why not combine them together and create a book blog? Thus, a book blog of my own was born.

What is your blog all about? Any cool features you want to share?

'A Bookful of Thoughts' is about my thoughts on the books I’ve read. Some books I review properly and the rest...well, I kind of squeal about them due to my excitement. Anyway, my blog is very new and there aren’t any new features just yet, but I am still working on that. I do, however, participate in those popular weekly features such as ‘Teaser Tuesdays’, ‘In My Mailbox’ and ‘Waiting on Wednesday’, which I think are marvellous ideas!

What are some of your favorite genres and/or books currently?

To be quite honest, I have a ton of current favorite books. One of them is The Book of Luke by Jenny O'Connell, which I really, really loved. And my only favourite genre is...romance.

How do you find out about the books you read?

As I mentioned before, I come across books that seem to capture my interest in book blogs, of course! I wouldn’t know where else to go, really.

Any tips or advice for those starting or thinking about starting a blog?

If you’re thinking about starting one, just make sure you have the time to read and blog so that you can update every other day. It’s a really good idea to keep your blog active so that people won’t disappear on you. And the most important of all, have fun while blogging! I know this is the usual advice, but it's true! Don’t think of it as work that you absolutely must do. Think of it as an exciting hobby! That’ll keep you going.

You know what's coming next. Check out her blog and let her know here or there what you thought of it! :) Comments always make people happy!

Are you a new blogger too? Or just getting back into the swing of blogging? Do you want to be featured on my blog? Shoot me an email at bittahsweetharmony@yahoo.com.

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Saturday Spotlight - Miss Danaidae

Today, I will introduce you to an awesome person who frequently is commenting on my blog and leaving me lovely messages that light up my day. Her blog is equally as awesome. :)

Name: Jazz
Nickname and/or blog name: Miss Danaidae
Blog URL: http://missdanaidae.blogspot.com


Tell me a bit about yourself.
I'm an aspiring writer who loves to read as much as I love to write. I'm a junior in college studying English Fiction Writing with a specialization in Children's Literature. When I'm not reading or blogging, I'm running around Pittsburgh finding adventure.

I call myself Miss Danaidae because I am obsessed with butterflies, and the Danaidae family includes my favorite butterfly, the gold monarch.


When and why did you start your blog?
I created my blog in June during the YA Book Carnival. I decided to start blogging because I wanted a place to talk about things that are fun and important to me in the world of literature. I also want to make friends in this amazing book blogging community and see what other bloggers and authors have to say about the books we are all reading.

What is your blog all about? Any cool features you want to share?
I read YA fantasy/sci-fi mostly so you'll see a lot of reviews from that genre, but I also read books for adults and the occasional nonfiction book as well. I've just started to post author spotlights where I talk about authors I like that I feel aren't getting good representation in the blogging world, at least from what I've seen.

As I said, I'm an aspiring writer so I will be posting some of my own fiction. This summer I'm working on the first novel, The 7 Steps to Becoming a Vampire, and will be looking for beta readers soon.

Making people laugh is very important to me so I hope I can succeed in entertaining my readers.

Do you have a review system? If you do, would you like to explain it for us?
I just finalized it. The rating changed from "bowls" of strawberries" to "wingspreads" to fit the name Danaidae.
1 wingspread = Terrible plot, terrible characters, terrible writing. Don't waste your time.
2 wingspreads = The author put some effort into this, but I don't know how anyone thought of it as publishable.
3 wingspreads = A good piece. Lots of room for improvement, though.
4 wingspreads = Wonderful piece! It gave me almost everything I want out of a narrative.
5 wingspreads = Perfect. Rich in writing style and themes.

I also give .5s to works that fall between two ratings.

Any tips or advice for those starting or thinking about starting a blog?

If you want to start a blog, make sure you have something to say other than "I like this" or "I didn't like this." We want to know why your opinions are the way they are so we can consider them in relation to our own. Then we have lots to talk about!

Don't be afraid to give a bad review, and don't say you like something when you don't. Authors and readers alike appreciate honesty.

Have fun with your blog! Taking yourself too seriously will lead to stress and stress leads to a bunch of nouns that lead to the dark side. Don't worry about updating constantly. It is good to update often, but content is more important than frequency.

What are some of your favorite genres and/or books currently?
Fantasy is my all time favorite genre! Fantasy/sci-fi stories tell us about impossible situations with themes that parallel our world's social problems.

I love vampires (scary ones, not the sparkly kind) and werewolves. But if I had my choice I would certainly become a Dracula over a werewolf.

I'm also into history, philosophy, fairy tales (traditional, retellings, and modern originals), and anything that has something to say about humanity.


Can you see why I love her blog? Well go and look closer if you're not convinced by the interview.. and leave a comment while you're there! :)

Are you a new blogger too? Or just getting back into the swing of blogging? Do you want to be featured on my blog? Shoot me an email at bittahsweetharmony@yahoo.com.

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IMM Vlog (9)

In My Mailbox is hosted by the wonderful Kristi over at The Story Siren.





People mentioned:
Erica from The Book Cellar
The Shady Glade
Mariah at A Reader's Adventure (forgot to mention in blog, but won Patterson contest from her!)

Books for Review:
Fallen by Lauren Kate

Books given:
Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
The Wizard Heir by Cinda Williams Chima
The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima
The Dragon Heir by Cinda Williams Chima

Books won:
The Angel Experiment by James Patterson
School's Out-Forever by James Patterson
Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports by James Patterson
The Final Warning by James Patterson
Max by James Patterson
The Dangerous Days of Daniel X by James Patterson
Daniel X: Watch the Skies by James Patterson
Maximum Ride 1 by James Patterson and Narae Lee
Pretty Dead by Francesca Lia Block
White is for Magic by Laurie Faria Stolarz
Karma Club by D.J. Milky

Books Mooched:
The Good, the Bad, and the Undead by Kim Harrison
A Glory of Unicorns by Bruce Coville
The Naming by Alison Croggon
Faerie Wars by Herbie Brennan
Selina Penaluna by Jan Page

Books Bought:
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier
Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier
Pagan's Crusade by Catherine Jinks
Magic's Child by Justine Larbalestier
Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn & David Leviathan
Evermore by Alyson Noel
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Giving up on Hero-Type

Hero-Type

by Barry Lyga

From the author's website:

Maybe it's courage, the kind Kevin Ross (Kross to his friends) showed when he saved Leah Muldoon's life.

Maybe it's living with your own guilt so someone else doesn't have to...

Maybe it's the way Kross was in the right place at the right time...

Or the way he wouldn't back down when everything that mattered to him was called into question.

Maybe it's keeping your friends close--like the Council of Fools, a motley collection of goofballs and whacked-out teenage jesters--even when they don't really understand you.

Or maybe it's striving to do the right thing...

Or figure out what the right thing is in the first place.

Maybe it's trying to figure out how to live with a father who barely speaks, a father who guards a dark secret from his past.

Maybe it's all of this.

Or none of this.

Kross saved someone's life. Maybe that's enough to make him a hero, regardless of his own terrible secret.

Then again...

Maybe not.

Review:

Okay, I am going to try my best to be fair with this book. Try is the key word in that sentence. You know how you come on my blog and sort of expect happy 5 rose rate reviews? Well, here you go, I am human - I'm giving this book 1/5 roses.

What drove me to turn this audiobook off half-way through it? (I am the type that usually plugs through a book at this point...)

I'm going to list them because it makes me feel better.

1. Main character is a hero because he is a stalker. And I really just would have been satisfied if he had admitted that very frankly. But no, he has to beat around the bush.

2. Point of View - I'm sorry, when you have a completely dull pimpled teenage boy who is a stalker and constantly talks down to himself in his head... I just can't handle that.

3. The only interesting parts were left out. Like, why was his dad discharged from the army? Just leaves you hanging and not in the way that keeps you reading to find out. No, the information just seems drop out. The main character finds out, but you don't.

4. The distraction plot. I felt like there was this weird separation between Kevin's obsession with videotaping Leah and his newer obsession with freedom of speech - started to impress Leah and then turning into a monster of its own.

5. The lack of positive female characters. Leah is an object, not a young woman in Kevin's mind. Flip's girlfriend is only around because Flip likes having sex with her. She has some better qualities but Kevin thinks of her as Flip's girlfriend, not as a person. Kevin's mom divorces Kevin's dad, loses weight, becomes a lesbian and forces Kevin to choose who he should live with - his dad or his mom and little brother. Kevin chooses his dad - and his mother and brother move states away to California. She doesn't call him unless he calls first.


Any redeeming qualities?
Not for me, but I can see guys getting into this book. As a girl it just didn't appeal and I often yelled at the CD player in the car for Kevin to admit his stalker-ness. To quote me "You're a stalker, repeat after me - STALKER". But no, there can be cursing, drugs and references to sex but he can't bloody call himself a stalker - he's just "a bad person". Lame.

I think it's also Lyga's style that I just can't get into. I could barely get through Fanboy and Gothgirl by him - and I could relate to some of the issues in that book.

So, sorry Barry, but I had to give up on this one or I might have damaged library materials pushing through the last 4 discs.

1/5 Roses
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The Maze Runner + Author signing!

The Maze Runner
by James Dashner

Thomas wakes up in a community of boys - called the Glade. He has no memories of who he is besides his name and any real memories. The things around him seem familiar, but he's not sure why.

What he does find out though is that their community is surrounded by a maze. One which the boys have been trying to crack for two years. And not only that but there are creatures called Grievers out there - one of the reasons the doors to the maze close at night. If one of these creatures pricks you with a needle, you become different and can only survive with the supply of antidote. Only it doesn't completely cure the boys - it makes them change and remember a bit of their past lives.

Thomas is still trying to figure out why he feels a need to become one of the maze runners - a job not often given to newbies, when something strange happens. The day after he arrives, another person is on the way and when the contraption carrying that person opens, it's a girl. A girl he recognizes.

The girl brings a message to all of the boys - she is the last one to be sent to help them and things are about to change. And then she goes into a comatose state. Will the Maze be solved in time or will something horrible happen to keep the boys from discovering the real purpose behind it?

I just ate this novel up. I couldn't put it down. I actually had to go online and make sure it was a series when I finished.

Why did I love it? The suspense, the not knowing everything up front, the mystery behind where the Maze came from and what it's purpose is. The reader is thrown into the world just like Thomas is - except the reader will probably panic more than Thomas does. He seems unreasonably calm, even when meeting his first Griever. There's something more to Thomas and some of the boys begin to mistrust him while others make him their champion.

This book ended with a billion questions in my head and a want, no - a need - to learn more behind the world in which these characters come from. The purpose behind the Maze is only slightly revealed, with some seriously huge gaps in backstory that absolutely make you need the next book in the series.

I loved this book so much, I may have to beg an ARC from Random House in May. I never ask, but I may have to for this one.

This book deserves a fabulous 5/5 Roses


Author signing!

So, Monday evening I went to small little indie bookstore called The Magic Tree House Book Store to see James Dashner. I hit some yucky traffic and parked too far down the street, so I was about 20 or so minutes late. I come in and there's James Dashner and 3 other people. I learn that two of them are the booksellers and one is his media guide.

Well, call me selfish, but it was really freakin' awesome to just chat with James and the booksellers and even his media guide had some great questions and comments. I like that intimate feeling where you're not just hunting for questions to ask to participate but being asked questions yourself.

They got me talking about book blogging and the effect of author's having an online blog and being on twitter. It was a ton of fun. One great thing that I learned from James is that he most likely, when the trilogy is published, start working on a prequel to answer even more of the backstory. I think that would be absolutely fantastic!

We talked about giving books a soundtrack to read to versus one that an author wrote a book to and tons of other things. As the night was closing and my eyes were going all bloodshot from the contest... I had him sign my books - an ARC (giveaway soon!), a finished copy, and then his first book in the 13th Reality series - which he told me is being taken on by.. umm... I can't remember which BIG publisher - but they're being republished in paperback and really pushed this time around. I still have to read that series, but I will get to it!

So, I had a great time. Got a hug at the end from James for coming - he really is AMAZING, but I did forget to take a picture. We were just talking so much that it slipped my mind.

Anyways. . . Check out James' blog The Dashner Dude and the Maze Runner website which has this hard but addictive Maze Runner game on it. Also, you can chat with James on twitter @jamesdashner.

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Link a Contest Thursday!

So... it's that time again.. where you link your contest to promote it and so others can enter!

Sorry for being a little late this week! I usually post this for 12:01 AM CST.

Rules (or at least STRONG suggestions):
1. Name the item being given away (instead of the blog name)
2. Give the end date in () after the name
3. Make sure to link DIRECTLY to that contest post - if you don't know how to do this - just click on the title of the contest blog and it will give a direct URL you can use.
4. If you want to post a contest you've found, make sure it isn't already posted.

Thanks!

And please steal this! Not all my followers will be following your blog, so if you spread the contest love with a Mr. Linky, all the better for contest-loving-bloggers!



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Waiting on Wednesday - The Poison Eaters

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

The Poison Eaters and other stories
by Holly Black
Release Date: February 1, 2010

In her debut collection, New York Times best-selling author Holly Black returns to the world of Tithe in two darkly exquisite new tales. Then Black takes readers on a tour of a faerie market and introduces a girl poisonous to the touch and another who challenges the devil to a competitive eating match. These stories have been published in anthologies such as 21 Proms, The Faery Reel, and The Restless Dead, and have been reprinted in many “Best of” anthologies. The Poison Eaters is Holly Black’s much-anticipated first collection of stories, and her ability to stare into the void—and to find humanity and humor there—will speak to young adult and adult readers alike.


Oh Holly Black, how I love your books.

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It's Monday, What are you reading?

J.Kaye hosts this wonderful meme.

Click on titles for my reviews or more info on the book.

Okay, so I did better this week! 6 books, 3 are reviewed! (The other three I'm working on, promise!)


Read this past week:
Anastasia's Secret by Susanne Dunlap
Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink
Give Up the Ghost by Megan Crewe
Hero-Type by Barry Lyga (review to come)
The Maze Runner by James Dashner (review to come)
My Rotten Life by David Lubar (review to come)

Currently Reading:
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert
A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban (audio)

Upcoming:
Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran
Medina Hill by Trilby Keny
When the Whistle Blows by Fran Slayton
If I Stay by Gayle Forman

News:

• The countdown has begun! I'm getting married in 12 days! Does anyone know where I can find a counter for my blog?
• I still haven't posted about my last two author events - *cough* Yes, I'm terrible. But, today I am going to go see James Dashner. Tomorrow (Tues) I am seeing John Greene, and then Saturday I'm going to go see Stephanie Kuehnert. So maybe I'll try to catch up during this week sometime! Now that Borders has Wi-Fi - thank you Wi-Fi gods! - I may be able to blog while waiting for some of these signings.
  

Poll Results:
I asked you: What type of post should I schedule for my wedding day?
21% said: My fiance's first book review
18% said: Wedding themes in books I've read.
55% said: Some sort of backstory/picture slideshow of my fiance and me.
5% said: Just do a normal spotlight since it's a Saturday.

What I think I'm going to do is schedule three posts... One for Sat., Sun., Mon. for the top three choices. So, hopefully I'll start working on that this week!

Also, I asked: When is a good time to hold Maria V. Snyder week?
30% said: November 1-7
26% said: November 8-14
13% said: November 15-21
13% said: November 22-28
16% said: November 29-December 5

So, I'm pretty much going with the top one I think- first week in November. And that weekend after I will be in Monroe, MI to actually SEE Maria V. Snyder which will wrap up Maria V. Snyder week nicely.

I will have some sort of contest for some of her books and I WILL get them personalized for whoever wins that week. Also, I plan on rereading/reading ALL of her books. I may start the week before, but I'm going to post a review of one of her books Mon-Friday (seeing as she has 5 books). I'm going to work on a post where you guys can sign up to participate - whether it's reading one of her books, just simply borrowing a book from the library and posting about it.. or even WoWing her book that is up and coming.

Oh and I'll definitely have an interview with Maria - which I need to work on. Anyone have some good questions they want me to ask?

Another great week coming up - one where I'm trying NOT to stress out about wedding stuff. :-D

So, what are YOU reading?
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