Winner: The Near Witch Giveaway

 

{ ++ } Congratulations to Marie at Ramblings of a Daydreamer!  She won the copy of The Near Witch that was up for grabs in my giveaway.  Thank you to everyone who participated, and all the wonderful bloggers who re-tweeted my constant giveaway tweets.  :)  You guys are awesome, and I can't even begin to say how much I appreciate all the support.  My little blog is so close to 300 followers, and as geeky as it is...that makes my day.  Every day.  I think y'all will understand.  :)

Review: The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

Pages: 320

Expected publication: 11.15.2011 (Margaret K McElderberry)

Series: The Pledge (1)

Rating: 3.5 stars

Source: Simon & Schuster Galley Grab e-book

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online: Twitter |  Website

In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed.

Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime.

My Review

Following a prologue that nicely sets up Kimberly Derting's first dystopian fantasy, we meet Charlaina "Charlie" Hart, citizen of Ludania.  Charlie is a loyal friend, a narrator who I felt a certain sort of kinship with, someone who cares deeply for her family and for her friends...someone who has a secret.  In the world Derting has crafted, which hints but never openly does more than pretend to be a reformed America with a revamped caste system, it's a crime one can be severely punished for to understand or speak a language your class should not know.  And Charlie can understand any language, spoken, or written. 


Charlie's world expands, becoming mysterious and undefinable when she meets Max one night at a club, illegal dens of inquity that are usually only in the same place for a night or two, calling to mind the speakeasies of the 1920's.  Max seems as drawn to Charlie as she tries to convince him she isn't, but she doesn't trust him entirely, winning her points in my favor.  There was no insta-romance here, no love-at-first-sight.  There was, however, a slow burning attraction that, although it was clear both characters felt, neither truly gave into right away. 

There is also plenty of intrigue.  Not only is Charlie's ability to interpret various languages brought into question, but Kimberly Derting also spun several twists into the fabric of The Pledge.  Some, I saw coming, while a few others caught me pleasantly by surprise.  One, I have to say, pretty much took my breath away, which in this case, was a very good thing.  Plus, Kimberly has a way of really making you care about her characters.  I found myself inexplicably attached to a few - Aron in particular - and very anxious to see further character growth and development in the coming sequels.

I do have a few issues with the book though.  One - while I really enjoyed the switching points of views, the chapters felt incredibly short, and I would have loved, really loved, to have seen more from Xander and Max's points of view.  I also feel like the ending was wrapped up a little too neatly for me.  The pacing, for me, was okay, up until the end, where I feel like things could have slowed down, instead of sped up to warp-speed.  And in the sequel, I'm hoping for a little more world-building, or rather, backstory on Ludania's true origins. 

This could easily have been a stand-alone, but the fact that it's a trilogy leaves me really hoping Kimberly Derting will be able to build on what groundwork she has laid in The Pledge.  

Disclaimer

This book was sent to me via Simon and Schuster's Galley Grab in exchange for an honest review.  No money or compensation of any kind changed hands.  I review books with no intention of monetary gain; rather, I review books out of my love of reading.

Memorable Quote

I wondered if he would say such things if he knew how badly my hands shook, if he knew that my skin felt brittle, like ice, as if it would shatter should I move too suddenly.  Or if I dared to breathe.   - Charlie

"Why I Love" Wednesday: #2

{ ++ } Why I Love Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by the fabulous Alexis at Reflections of a Bookaholic.  (If you don't know her, go follow her blog, mm'kay?!)  Each week Alexis picks a topic for book bloggers to highlight.  The only rule?  Show some MASSIVE love to the recipient of her weekly topic. 

Why I Love...a book hero/heroine

{ ++ } Is It okay if I'm a little wordy?  I want to tackle a couple different aspects of this question.  :)

First of all, I have qualities I like in my lead males/females.  (Personally I prefer stubborn, snarly alpha males and kick-ass females.  HEE.)  Seriously though, it really irks me on a deep down fundamental level when the female heroine is the type to continually doubt herself, or even worse, measures her self-worth judging by what her significant other thinks of her.  (This was one of my biggest issues with Twilight, and why it makes my skin crawl.)  I want my lead females to be self-aware and honest with themselves.  Everyone has quirks and issues, and a lot of times that can make a character feel more real.  But she needs to have a personality and a bit of spunk to her, please and thanks.  

Guys, guys I really do think there is something oh-so-appealing about alpha males.  I just generally like guy characters who are good at heart if a little tortured, but again, they need to have a personality and some strength of character.  And to me, hero/heroine well, those terms imply (to me) that the male/female has some courage to them, some grit, and is able to, at some point in the book, act heroically. 

Now.  As for why I love certain heroes/heroines in particular, I'll talk about one or two, then I'll stop rambling.  Promise.  :)

Favorite heroines: Katniss Everdeen.  Gemma Doyle.  Hermione Granger.  Why I love them: they're different.  They're rebels in their own way, even if it means acting beyond the restraints of their time (in Gemma's case), starting a rebellion (Katniss), or daring to be unique (Hermione).  

Favorite heroes: Kvothe.  Rand al'Thor.  Dirk Provin.  Why I love them: they're all badass in their own ways; some of them know it (Kvothe), some don't (Rand) and some know it and use it (Dirk.)  But it's more than that.  They all have a desire to right a wrong done either to them or to those that they love.  I get all swoon-y over Kvothe, especially.  He's a smartass but I just adore him.  

{ ++ } What about y'all?  I'm forgetting so many I love, but I had to find a way of limiting myself...or we'd be here all day.  :D  What about you guys?  Who are your favorite heroes and heroines?

Top Ten Tuesday - #4

{ ++ } Hosted by the girls over at The Broke and the Bookish, this meme features a different theme every week, and hey, it's Tuesday - we've got the rest of the week ahead of us.  We all need a little fun, and who doesn't love the challenge of ranking their top 10 anything...especially when it comes to books?!  I know I do, hence why I thought it'd be fun to participate, and spice things up a little!

Top Ten Books I Had VERY Strong Emotions About

(cry, laugh, hurl across the room, etc.)

{ 1 } Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews.  |  I read this book for the first time when I was fifteen and it...changed me.  I'd never read anything like it before, a haunting story of betrayal and abuse.  It was HARD to read, but worth it, because it led me to discover several other amazing books by the VCA.  But wow.  I cried so many times reading this book.  I haven't re-read it in years because I'm still not ready to take that journey again.

{ 2 } The Dark Tower by Stephen King. |  One of the most gut-wrenching character deaths I've ever read.  This one hit me the hardest.  I can't even open the book without seeing the scenes playing out.  And that death soured me on this whole book, which really was beautiful in its own way, and quite awesome, but...I threw this book at one point, literally threw it across the room.  I loved some parts, and loathed others vehemently.  That hasn't changed.  I don't think I could ever reread it, which is really kind of awful considering how much this series means to me. 

{ 3 } My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. |  Just...the ending.  This is a terrific book.  Jodi knows how to tell a story, how to rip your heart out, and how to put it back together.  But this book did the former and not the latter.  It was one of the most difficult books I've ever read in my entire life - good, don't get me wrong.  Just very draining and emotional to read. 

{ 4 } Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling.  |  Ahhh.  This one was beautiful.  Haunting, brought our HP gang full circle.  Only thing I didn't like about it was the epilogue; otherwise, I thought it was JK Rowling's finest book.  :)  But it was VERY emotional being that it was the last one, and some of the events that unfolded. 

{ 5 } The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.  |  One of the few books I've ever bought truly off of hype; I'd heard a lot about it, walked into a bookstore, and bought it.  I finished the book several years ago and I'm still thinking about Henry and Clare from time to time.  There were many tears during the course of reading this book but it's always going to be one of my favorites...and one of the few books that was SO good, I haven't yet felt the urge to re-read it. 

{ 6 } Queen of the Darkness by Anne Bishop.  |  I can still walk past my bookshelf, look at this book sitting there, and tear up - and I read this trilogy in 2006.  I can open any of the three books, but especially this one, and laugh, or cry happy tears, and sometimes, heart-wrenching ones.  I keep wanting to re-read this trilogy, but the author has continued it, and I know what happens to the characters down the road, and I'm afraid my re-read experience wouldn't be as magical as my first or second reading was.  This series is one of the most important ones in my life, because it changed me - the way I read, the sort of books I'm drawn to, and the way I write.  But dear god, Anne Bishop knows how to tell a story. 

{ 7 } The Sweet, Far Thing by Libba Bray.  | Tears.  Tears for this one.  I cried out of joy and out of sadness.  The main characters are/were so brave, and I admire them, especially Gemma, so very, very much.  If you haven't read this trilogy...please...do so. 

{ 8 } Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer.  |  I can't go into great detail about this one, except to say that it was one of the most disappointing books I have ever read.  I threw it several times vowing never to finish it, and finally did, and well.  In my mind, the series ended with Eclipse. 

{ 9 } Black House by Stephen King.  |  The man knows how to tell a story.  Just...read The Talisman then read this one.  Or even read just The Talisman.  But you need to meet Jack Sawyer.  And I hope you'll decide to read this book and meet Henry Leydon, and Sophie, and Beezer, and all the others.  This is the ONLY book I have EVER stayed up all night to read.  It also hosts a character death that really messed me up, and this book was just SO emotional, really hit me hard.  I'll definitely re-read it some day though!

{ 10 } Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins.  Mockingjay broke my heart.  What was left of it after the first two books, this one did in the rest.  Gale.  And...and so much else.  A lot that I can't/won't go into because I DO want everyone to read this trilogy and so I don't want to spoil.  In some ways, this book healed all the hurt the first two books caused (for a "YA" series they were HARD to read) but in a lot of ways, the more I look back, the more difficult I know a re-read is going to be.  I got really, really attached to the characters.  I loved most of them.  Finnick made it into my (unofficial) "top 5 favorite male literary characters EVER" list.  I laughed and sobbed over these books, especially Mockingjay.  Suzanne Collins didn't pull any punches with this one, showing that no one is safe, and she truly, I expect, told the story she set out to tell, which I greatly admire.  I just wish it hadn't broken my heart on quite so many levels.

{ ++ } Okay that's it for me this week.  What about y'all?

Follow Friday - #18

++ } Follow Me Friday, aka "Follow My Book Blog" is probably the coolest meme I've come across in awhile.  It's hosted over at Parajunkee's View and also now at Alison Can Read, and us amazing book-a-holics get the chance to answer a reading-related question, as well as make new friends over the weekend.  It's a great way to kick off said weekend, and a really fun and easy way of stealing our way into the hearts of fellow book blogger's.

{ ++ } Each week, Rachel and Alison each feature one lucky blogger and the feature this week is Ems at Ems Reviews Books; Alison's is Jessi at Reading in the Corner. Everyone please head on over to their blogs, follow, and show them some love!  It's a huge honor (I think!) to be featured.

Question of the Week

Q:  If you could have dinner with your favorite book character, who would you eat with and what would you serve?

{ ++ } My favorite book character is Daemon Sadi from Anne Bishop's Black Jewells trilogy, and frankly, were I to have him over to dinner, I'm not sure I would be able to concentrate on eating dinner.  Reason being is Daemon exudes sexuality like whoa, and I'd (hopefully) fall prey to that. However, were we to eat, I imagine it'd be something home-cooked, a meat-and-veggies deal. 

Until We Meet Again

Please check out my author interview with Victoria Schwab and giveaway of her debut novel, The Near Witch.  It's a spooky, romantic, awesome read, and what's even cooler is that if I reach 300 GFC followers by the time the giveaway ends, I'll give away a SECOND copy!  So follow me here or on Twitter, or go for any of the other extra entries available!  

Everyone have a fantastic weekend! 

Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Expected publication: 11.15.2011 (Harper Collins)

Pages: 432

Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Shatter Me (1)

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online: Blog | Twitter 

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

My Review

Tahereh Mafi's debut novel opens by introducing us to Juliette, locked away from society and a dying civilization for 264 days, because Juliette has a secret, a gift, a curse: her touch is dangerous, possibly lethal to others.  Deprived of human contact, Juliette believes she is every foul thing anyone has ever called her.  Right away, my heart went out to her, because for every time she's been kicked, everyone who has called her a freak, even through being shunned by her own family, Juliette still has a good heart, and a lot of compassion.  She has spirit, and a genuine desire to reach out to others, which makes her ability all the more crushing.  And Juliette is stubborn, too, in a way that made me applaud her throughout the book: she will not let herself be used, and she will not allow herself to become the weapon others wants her to be.  She has morals and she has spunk, and a fierceness that I wish I had.  Over the course of Shatter Me, I fell head over heels for our tortured, uncertain, heroine.  I wanted to hold her so many times, and I wanted to grin triumphantly with her on a few other occasions. 

As superbly fleshed out as Juliette is, so are the other supporting characters, especially Adam, Kenji, and Warner.  I like my villains with a side of charming, the sort of evil you hate, but also find yourself kind of wishing they were in more scenes, and Warner was exactly that.  And although I loved Adam (more on him in a minute) Kenji was my absolute favorite secondary character.  I found him fascinating, and can't wait to find out more about him, as well as a few other characters who were introduced closer to the end of Shatter Me. 

Something else I really adored about Shatter Me was the relationship between Adam and Juliette.  I think at some point last year, I hit the plateau of thinking I'd seen it all in novels as far as romance; romance, for me, was starting to feel tired.  I've read a few books this year where I really connected with the couples, and Adam and Juliette are probably one of my absolute favorites.  I am tempted to go back and re-read the book just to read their scenes.  They were steamy when they needed to be, tender and sweet when they needed to be, and overall they felt so genuine, to me.  I loved what they each brought out in the other.  I think readers are really going to fall in love with these two! 

And I can't do the book justice without mentioning the Tahareh's writing style.  I could get lost in passages from Shatter Me, and I could post examples here, but all I'm going to do instead is just say...please read this book.  Please give it a chance.  There are a lot of disjointed or choppy passages, but there is a good reason behind them.   The structure is used to represent Juliette's fractured state of mind, and her feelings for the Reestablishment.  (I found the whole reasoning behind the Reestablishment scary and also totally possible, which made the story all the more gritty and realistic for me.)  Plus there is a fantastic set-up for the sequel, which I feel totally confident will only build on the fantastic, heart-wrenching, and poignant Shatter Me. 

Disclaimer

This book was sent to me via the author in exchange for an honest review.  No money or compensation of any sort changed hands.  I read and review books purely for the love of doing so.  

Memorable Quote

“All I ever wanted was to reach out and touch another human being not just with my hands but with my heart.” - Juliette

Review: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Published: 10.13.2009 (Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing)

Pages: 391

Series: Hush, Hush (1)

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online: website | twitter

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.

My Review

When I started Hush, Hush, I wasn't sure at first if this was the book for me.  With several parallels to Twilight, I was a little wary of the story; luckily, Becca Fitzpatrick quickly put all my fears to rest as she crafted a darkly thrilling novel that ended on a satisfying note, yet left me anxious for the sequel, to see if it answered the questions Hush, Hush, raised.  Yes, there is a lead female who is inexperienced when it comes to romance; yes, there is an instant attraction between the lead characters, and yes; there is the supernatural element with a threatening undercurrent.  But in no way does any of this detract from the story as the talented Ms Fitzpatrick waltzes toward a stunning finish.


While there were some areas I felt could use improvement, I found the story so enjoyable, and it definitely held my attention.  (I read most of it in one sitting.)  Nora and Patch's relationship was definitely what really hooked me.  From the start, Patch just exudes that "stay-away-from-me-I'm-not-good-for-you" vibe that I find appealing.  Added to that is the tortured side he reveals as the book unfolds.  That's pretty much a knock-out punch for me - bad-boy-with-a-good-heart is always going to make me swoon.  And Patch does have a heart though Becca Fitzpatrick had me wondering at points!  I love what Nora brings out in him, as well as what he makes her feel.  And I especially loved that their relationship was not unorthodox, that despite that instant spark of attraction, Nora fights it.  (Which led to some HOT moments!)


I was also a huge fan of the fact that Nora was a little more outgoing and confident than some YA heroines.  All too often authors just don't take the time to truly flesh out their lead female.  Nora wasn't quite as fierce as I wanted her to be (there were a couple moments I wanted her to punch Patch!) but she was pretty cool, and easily sympathetic.  I loved that she is able to keep a clear head about her own self-worth, and that even when she's falling for Patch, she is still able to make decision (good or bad) and that she remains her own person.  


I also loved all the humor in the book, especially Patch's darker humor.  All the characters had some good one-liners, even in unexpected moments.  Nora and Patch's banter had me cracking up at times.  And while I really dug the history and the reasoning behind what was happening to Nora, I also wished Becca Fitzpatrick had given us a little more depth.  I hope there will be more in Crescendo!  And this is really picky but some of the wording, like descriptive phrases and such seemed redundant.  Other than that, my only other gripe is that the prologue felt totally out of place.  I get why it was what it was, but I was hoping for more pay-off from what was begun there!  


Otherwise, I'm starting Crescendo soon, and for anyone who hasn't read Hush, Hush...why haven't you?  

Memorable Quote

“...I'm not good," he said, piercing me with eyes that absorbed all light but reflected none, "but I was worse.”- Patch

Author Interview + (Halloween) Giveaway: The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

{ ++ } Victoria Schwab was kind enough to answer a few of my burning questions about her writing as well as about her novel, The Near Witch.  I finished this book and then kept thinking about it, and with Halloween around the corner, I knew I wanted to host a giveaway of this fantastic book.

About the Author

Victoria is the product of a British mother, a Beverly Hills father, and a southern upbringing. Because of this, she has been known to say "tom-ah-toes," "like," and "y'all."

She also tells stories.

She loves fairy tales, and folklore, and stories that make her wonder if the world is really as it seems. 

(author bio taken from the author's Goodreads page)

The Interview

{++} What inspired you to write The Near Witch?

NW was actually inspired by my love of fairy tale, and two sentences thought up six months apart.

1. There are no strangers in the town of Near.

and

2. The wind on the moors is a tricky thing.

{++} Do you have a favorite memory of writing The Near Witch?

There was something so intensely comfortable about the rhythm of writing this book. I carved out two hours every single night for two months, and would leave my senior art studio and walk to this coffee shop on the edge of campus and write from 9pm until the coffee shop closed at 11pm. By the time I sat down at one of the tables, tea in hand, I was ready. It was a kind of transformation, the way everything else fell away.

{++} Was there any certain point you realized you were a writer, or have you always known?

No. Or rather, not exactly. I always WANTED to be a writer, but at no point did I feel certain I would become one. At least, not a published one. I knew I would WRITE, because it makes me happy and whole, but I still don't believe I've become a publisher author. I find it best not to let myself believe it, and that way I keep slaving in the hopes of one day achieving that mantel. I don't know if I'll ever believe I've made it.

{++} Do you have a favorite fictional character or book? What about a book or series you wish you could visit?

I'm a big fan of Kristin Cashore's books, as well as Neil Gaiman's. But to visit, I'd probably choose The Mortal Instruments, especially if I could be a Shadowhunter, or Harry Potter, if I could get into Hogwarts :)

{++} What is your favorite part of the writing process? Is there any certain point that makes you giddy, or is the whole thing too awesome for words?

The beginning, embarking on a new idea, and the thrill and potential of it, and then the end. There is no greater high than completing a book, and looking back over the pages and marveling at the fact that somehow this tangled thing in your head is now outside of your head. As for the part between the beginning and end, well, that's a bit harder.

{++} If you weren't a writer, is there another career that would make you happy?

 I think I would be a baker. I really love working with my hands. And sugar. And I've always wanted to have a bakery where everything is named after a fairy tale character. But to be honest, I'd probably still write, even if it weren't a "career," especially because it doesn't FEEL like a career. It feels like a dream.

{++} Do you listen to music while you write, create playlists or anything, or prefer silence?

When I'm writing, I need ambient noise (the kind found in cafes) but I can't listen to music with lyrics, because I find it too distracting.

{++} How would you summarize The Near Witch, tweet-style?

 A fairy tale about a town called Near, where a stranger appears one night, and the following night the children vanish one by one by one.

{++} Can we expect more of the same type of prose (very haunting and almost poetic) from you in the future? Can you talk up your next project?

 My next project is as different as it can be, while still being me. There's a huge shift in the nature of the prose (a modern narrator) but I can't get away from my lyricism. I like the way words go together too much.

That next book is called THE ARCHIVED and I'm sickeningly excited about it, but because it doesn't come out for awhile, I'm not supposed to say much. I will say that it's a bit like Buffy meets The Shining meets If I Stay meets a library :)

Up for Grabs...

 The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab 

Why this book: It drew me in immediately.  (Check out my review.)  The writing was so lyrical and haunting, and perfectly matched the eerie plot.  I read the book about a month ago and now I'm wishing I had waited.  It's spooky and perfect for reading right now around Halloween!

The Giveaway...

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment!  But there are all sorts of opportunities for extra entries!