Monday, October 31, 2011

Crossed Book Trailer

This book is out tomorrow November 1st.  I have played this trailer so many times now I don't want to stop.


Unearthly Book Review

Unearthly - by: Cynthia Hand

Where to buy this book
http://www.amazon.com/Unearthly-Cynthia-Hand/dp/B005Q5PIGU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320023003&sr=8-1

  • Pub. Date: January 2011
  • Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers





(Goodreads Summary)
In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.
Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.
As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?
Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

My Review

This is a must read.  Unearthly is about part-angel Clara who moves from California to Wyoming to follow her purpose (destiny)  She begins to have these visions about her destiny in which she has to save a boy from a fire.

Clara along with her brother Jeffrey and mother try to find out what her purpose is and when it will happen. Along the way she will meet new friends and love.  But what happens if she does not follows her purpose?

All of the characters in Unearthly are very interesting and unique. Her best friends Wendy and Angela are very different from her but they are critical in her life both in different ways.  Wendy's twin brother Tucker is by far my absolute favorite.  Funny type and sports kind of guy.  While Christian the boy from Clara's vision is the picture perfect boy.  Kind, humble and super hot.

I strongly recommend this book.  I give it five hearts and cannot wait for more about Clara.


If you want to follow the author you may do so at
http://www.cynthiahand.blogspot.com/ 


YA Book Inspired Costumes for Halloween

It is very interesting to find that many costumes out there today will be inspired by YA Books.  I have found many but will post five top costumes that are inspired by our beloved books.


 
1.  Twilight
Here comes the glitter, fangs and hair.  I have seen more inspired accessories in stores especially Edward Cullen's hairstyle.  I am sure we will have our share of vampire Edwards tonight.

 


2.  Harry Potter
This wizard has been a costume inspiration for quite a while.  My now 12 year old son was harry potter five years ago.  He has grown to read the books and enjoy the movies.  Of course there are also sexy Hermione versions of the costume now.

3.  Mortal Instruments
Movie Buzz anyone!  this series is coming up on the big screen and new fans are being born as you read this.  People that were not aware of the books have know been enveloped by the story. I have told friends and they have told friends who are now reading the books and fallen in love with our favorite shadow hunters.

Based on the books I have noticed online people getting tattoos of the runes.  For Halloween you can pretend you are a shadow hunter and paint some runes yourself.  This picture is fan art I found online and I love it!  Oh Please let me see at least movie posters!


4.  Greek Mythology
Starcrossed is one of my favorite books.  Forbidden love! oh the pain.  You can become a Greek Goddess in training tonight and portray your inner Diva.







5. Hunger Games

I love me some Peeta!!!  Another Movie Buzz!! with the posters out and the costume reveal we are sure to see many Katniss Everdeen's and other characters from the books and now movie.

Is it next year yet!


 


I hope you have some last minute inspiration for your costume.

Tammy





Sunday, October 30, 2011

The Scorpio Races Book Review

The Scorpio Races by: Maggie Stiefvater

Where to buy this book
http://www.amazon.com/Scorpio-Races-Maggie-Stiefvater/dp/054522490X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320023400&sr=1-1

  • Pub. Date: October 2011
  • Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.


(Good Reads Review)
It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.


My Review

There's something magical about Maggie Stiefvater's writing. She has this ability to capture my attention with her beautiful lyrical writing, relatable characters and creative story telling. Much like her fey and wolf series, Maggie has a talent for taking a well known lore and making it her own. She does this by taking a mythology that's been around for ages and gives it a fresh, unique, engaging re-telling that's all her own.

The Scorpio Races rich mythology is based on water horses, also known as the capall uisce in this story. This deadly water horse is most active in November, which the races are set around each year on the island of Thisby, a prized thing to capture, if it's captured at all. It's during this time that the men gather their best horses, some of which they've captured from the ocean and learned to control, in hopes of being crowned the winner. This race is one that not only requires great strength, but a keen understanding of your surroundings, as the stakes are high and not everyone lives to tell about it. One of the unique things about Maggie's water horses is their ability to attack and often time kill those who enter their waters.

Along with a heart pounding race is two alternating story lines from four time Scorpio Race winner Sean Kendrick and Puck, also called Kate who's the first girl to ever take part in these races. I really liked the way Maggie not only brought these two characters together, but I loved the way their relationship developed. Sean is the quiet, full of wisdom type. He's also extremely intelligent when it comes to horses and the water horses. He's not just a racer, but a horse trainer and the partnership he has with his wildly tamed horse Corr was my favorite relationship from this story. High fives to Kate! I loved this stubborn girl who didn't let others phase her in her decision to take part in what's known as a man's race. This girl can hold her own, despite the crap she takes from some of the guys and her own personal reasons for entering the race. It takes more than two great main characters to tell a story and Maggie's included some fantastic secondary characters as well.

This is s story that's truly unique, I know I keep saying that, but I can't compare it to anything else I've read. Maggie does such a suburb job with her fantasy. She brings a story to life that has this timeless feel to it. I love it when a story feels that way. I also like that she wasn't afraid to tackle the issues of gender, class structure and I loved the theme of loyalty which went for both the human friendships and the relationships they had with their horses. This story has a lot of great elements to it and it's truly a great fantasy read. There's danger, adventure, family relationships, friendships, a subtle romance, mild violence, a breath taking setting and an element of magic to it. This is a story I'd definitely recommend to readers 13 years and older.





Hunger Game Quotes

“Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor!”
-Effie Trinket

“Here’s some advice. Stay alive.”
-Haymitch Abernathy

“The more likable he is, the more deadly he is.”
-Katniss Everdeen

“She has no idea. The effect she can have”
-Peeta Mellark

“Scores only matter if they’re very good, no one pays much attention to the bad or mediocre ones.”
-Portia

“Katniss, the girl who was on fire”
-Cinna





“It’s not a fair comparison really. Gale and I were thrown together by a mutual need to survive. Peeta and I know the other’s survival means our own death.”
-Katniss Everdeen

“Panic begins to set in. I can’t stay here. Flight is essential.”…”But I can’t let my fear show”.
-Katniss Everdeen

“Here your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them true. Here is the place where I love you.”
-Katniss Everdeen

“Only I keep wishing I could think of a way to…to show the Capitol they don’t own me. That I’m more than just a piece in their Games”
-Peeta Mellark

The Hunger Games

In my recent near obsession with the hunger games I decided to post some of my favorite quotes from the books.  This series are so addictive it is incredibly hard to stop at book one.

Trust me if you have not read the series please do so, you won't be disappointed.

The Hunger Games - By Suzanne Collins
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

At the park...

Don't you love this Florida weather?  Here I am sitting at the park reading while my girls play. Love it!


Saturday, October 29, 2011

Spooky Readings

One day away from Halloween I would like to list my top spooky reads. 


1. Beautiful Creatures by: Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl 

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.
Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.
In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.


I know the book is at times scary to read but I choose to listen to the audio book narrated by Kevin T. Collins.  The audio book makes it ten times scarier.  The sixteen moons song is the creepiest song ever but yet I am fascinated at the same time.  There is lightning and other sound effects that help bring this book to life.

This is by far one of my favorite audio books and I strongly recommend you either read or listen to this book.  Add it to your spooky list.



2.  Bloodlines by Richelle Mead.

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood


In the supernatural World there are super heroes or humans that act to control the supernatural.  This book is amazing and I guarantee you will not put it away until you finish. 


3.  Past Midnight by: Mara Purnhagen

Let me set the record straight. My name is Charlotte Silver and I'm not one of those paranormal-obsessed freaks you see on TV…no, those would be my parents, who have their own ghost-hunting reality show. And while I'm usually roped into the behind-the-scenes work, it turns out that I haven't gone unnoticed. Something happened on my parents' research trip in Charleston—and now I'm being stalked by some truly frightening other beings. Trying to fit into a new school and keeping my parents' creepy occupation a secret from my friends—and potential boyfriends—is hard enough without having angry spirits whispering in my ear.

All I ever wanted was to be normal, but with ghosts of my past and present colliding, now I just want to make it out of high school alive….


This story is a bit creepy and I'm sure anyone would like it.   Charlotte is being haunted and not by her parents.  This book would be a great read to add to your Halloween Spooky list.




My weekend readings

The scorpio races by Maggie Stiefvater and Uneartly by Cynthia Hand.  Cant wait to finish both.



Monday, October 24, 2011

It's Finally here - The Iron Knight Letter from Ash

I just attended the twitter party for the Iron Knight book launch.  Harper teen and Julie Kagawa have presented the ling to the letter from Ash to Meaghan.

http://www.facebook.com/HarlequinTEEN?sk=app_100527483349677

Enjoy! 

Tammy stay tuned for the #IronKnightparty  more giveaways coming

Friday, October 21, 2011

Friday Read

Hooray for Friday!  What book will you read today.  Im reading Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick.


Thursday, October 13, 2011

Dark Days

Do you crave the dark world of paranormal romance, supernatural thrillers, and otherworldly mysteries?

Get ready for the latest season of Dark Days books!
9/10/11

Dark Day: Exclusive giveaways, sneak peeks and the announcement of our Fall '11 author from Harper Collins.  Visit the website for more information.

http://www.facebook.com/PitchDarkBooks?sk=app_156202014412124

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Aprilynne Pike / Wings & Spells

I have just finished reading these two books.  I am just amazed at this Disney style fairy story.  I will soon post my reviews.   Absolutely adored the series!

Win a Query or First Chapter Critique by the Incomparable Suzie Townsend Contest

This would be an AMAZING opportunity for any aspiring writer.  All you have to do is go to Lisa Desrochers blog and fill out the query. 


http://lisadesrochers.blogspot.com/



Hurry your entry must be done by 10/14/11

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Blogging away

Okay... So blogging everyday has been hard for me this week.  I am trying very hard to finish my novel and researching.  Stay tuned I have great posts coming up and a great contest you will love.

Tammy

Monday, October 3, 2011

Book Review - Wolbsbane by Andrea Cremer


Author: Andrea Cremer
Release Date: July 26, 2011
Pages: 390 (ARC)
Publisher: Philomel
Most Appropriate For Ages: 14+
Where I Got It: For review through tour site
Other titles in series: Nightshade





Goodreads Summary: When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she’s certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer—one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack—and the man—she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

My opinion

Once again Andrea Cremer surprises me.  This captivating world that I need to find out more about is exciting and very different from other books out there.  This book will keep you reading all the way to the end.

It begins right where the first book ended.  In this book we see the romance blossom between Calla and Shay, and there are many heated moments between the two. But Calla finds herself thinking over and over about Ren and how he lied to help her escape, she fights against her feelings for the pack alpha and what they might mean.

Calla will need to fight along with the Searchers to save her old pack and rescue them from what she now knows as a lie.  The book has a lot of important background on her story at the beginning it is a little slow to get into the action.  But all the information Andrea Cremer provides is vital for the story.

Once you get to the action is NON STOP crazy.  Everything happens at once and it is heart stopping, heart breaking and jut plain amazing Andrea Cremer.

And the ending ... it left me wanting more and of course I had a peek at Bloodrose first pages. I wish I wouldn't have because I want to find out more about what will happen.

I give this book 5/5 hearts
  
 If you would like to follow Andrea Cremer please do so at

http://www.andreacremer.com/
@andreacremer in twitter


Hasta Pronto!

Tammy


If you would like to buy this book you can do so at
http://www.amazon.com/Wolfsbane-Nightshade-Book-Andrea-Cremer/dp/0399254838


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Saturday, October 1, 2011

Writing Contests Coming Up ...

As an aspiring writer (crossing my fingers) I am always on the look out for writing contests.

1.  Seventeen Magazine has an amazing contest open for anyone that can submit a 500 word story.  This contest is called 2012 Fiction Contest and you can enter by going to the magazine website or figment.com.  The prize is no other than $5,000.00 and the best part is the winner will get a call from Maggie Stiefvater.  The author of the Wolves of mercy Falls Trilogy. (Scream).  Can you imagine just having a few minutes to talk to her.  My first question would be where can i find Cole?  I am so obsessed with him.

Here is a link to the contest rules.
Seventeen.com
http://figment.com/

2.  National Novel Writing Month is coming up November 1st through the 30.  This contest will not only help write your book, novel or short story.  You will find a local chapter with people that have your same goal.  You can establish professional relationships and get advice on what to do in order to get published.

The prize consists of a free proof copy of your novel from CreateSpace


To find out more about this pleas visit

http://www.nanowrimo.org/


If you would like to find out more about Maggie Stiefvater please visit her at:

http://maggiestiefvater.com/

Hasta Luego,

Tammy











Top Ten Books

According to Harper Teen the top ten books for this year are the following;

Top Books


I Am Number Four: The Lost Files: Six's Legacy

The Power of Six

Pretty Little Liars #10: Ruthless

The Lying Game
  1. I Am Number Four: The Lost Files: Six's Legacy
    By Pittacus Lore
  2. The Power of Six
    By Pittacus Lore
  3. Pretty Little Liars #10: Ruthless
    By Sara Shepard
  4. The Lying Game
    By Sara Shepard
  5. The Lying Game #3: Two Truths and a Lie
    By Sara Shepard
  6. The Vampire Diaries: The Hunters: Phantom
    By L. J. Smith
  7. Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn't Have)
    By Sarah Mlynowski
  8. Starcrossed
    By Josephine Angelini
  9. Fateful
    By Claudia Gray
  10. Cold Kiss
    By Amy Garve