As you can probably tell, I have been doing a poor job contributing to the blog in the past few months. I haven't quit blogging. I will get back into book blogging one day. Maybe even as soon as this summer. But not right now, and I'm sorry for not being a consistent blogger.
-Brynne
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Review: Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Allison Moulton
Title: Wings of the Wicked
Author: Courtney Allison Moulton
Release Date: January 31, 2o12
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Source: ARC Tour hosted by Momo (thank you!)
Synopsis (via Goodreads): Life as the Preliator is harder than Ellie ever imagined.
Balancing real life with the responsibility of being Heaven’s warrior is a challenge for Ellie. Her relationship with Will has become all business, though they both long for each other. And now that the secret of who she really is has come out, so have Hell’s strongest reapers. Grown bold and more vicious, the demonic threaten her in the light of day and stalk her in the night. She’s been warned.
Cadan, a demonic reaper, comes to her with information about Bastian’s new plan to destroy Ellie’s soul and use an ancient relic to wake all the souls of the damned and unleash them upon humanity. As she fights to stay ahead of Bastian’s schemes , the revelations about those closest to her awaken a dark power within Ellie that threatens to destroy everything—including herself.
She’ll be betrayed.
Treachery comes even from those whom she loves, and Ellie is broken by the deaths of those who stood beside her in this Heavenly war. Still, she must find a way to save the world, herself, and her love for Will. If she fails, there will be hell to pay.
Review:
Woah. I'm at loss for words to describe this book. It was absolutely amazing, and I loved it more than Angelfire.
Wings of the Wicked is over 500 pages but it flies by so quickly. I'd sit down to read some of it, and in no time 150 pages had flown by. As soon as I started Wings I realized how much I missed Ellie's narrating (and Will). I loved being back in her world and the whole time I was reading I was fully invested in the story.
There's much more character and plot development in Wings. Ellie is remembering more of her past lives and learns more about her archangel self. Ellie is still as badass (if not more) as she was in Angelfire. She goes through so many more life changing events in Wings and struggles with a lot. And Will... throughout the novel I desperately wanted Will and Ellie to be together. It was heartbreaking that it was forbidden for Will to love Ellie. All of the side characters each had unique and memorable qualities, and were just as complex and the main characters.
Wings was unpredictable. There was so much that I did not see coming. There were many plot twists and shocking events, and let's not forget the action scenes. They were written so vividly and clearly; I felt like I was fighting with Ellie. The writing was fantastic throughout the whole novel and I wanted to savor each word.
My heart broke for Ellie so many times throughout this book. She goes through so many horrible things and I felt so bad for her. She was so strong about everything, and I admired her ability to keep up with a complicated (to say the least) double life.
The ending.... WOW. I need to know what happens next. I couldn't believe that I was left with such a cliffhanger. I need the third book now! I'm not exactly sure how I'm going to make it to 2013 without finding out what happens next.
Wings of the Wicked is over 500 pages but it flies by so quickly. I'd sit down to read some of it, and in no time 150 pages had flown by. As soon as I started Wings I realized how much I missed Ellie's narrating (and Will). I loved being back in her world and the whole time I was reading I was fully invested in the story.
There's much more character and plot development in Wings. Ellie is remembering more of her past lives and learns more about her archangel self. Ellie is still as badass (if not more) as she was in Angelfire. She goes through so many more life changing events in Wings and struggles with a lot. And Will... throughout the novel I desperately wanted Will and Ellie to be together. It was heartbreaking that it was forbidden for Will to love Ellie. All of the side characters each had unique and memorable qualities, and were just as complex and the main characters.
Wings was unpredictable. There was so much that I did not see coming. There were many plot twists and shocking events, and let's not forget the action scenes. They were written so vividly and clearly; I felt like I was fighting with Ellie. The writing was fantastic throughout the whole novel and I wanted to savor each word.
My heart broke for Ellie so many times throughout this book. She goes through so many horrible things and I felt so bad for her. She was so strong about everything, and I admired her ability to keep up with a complicated (to say the least) double life.
The ending.... WOW. I need to know what happens next. I couldn't believe that I was left with such a cliffhanger. I need the third book now! I'm not exactly sure how I'm going to make it to 2013 without finding out what happens next.
✰✰✰✰✰
➎ STARS
Cover Thoughts: 5/5 I really like the Khopesh swords and the background.-Brynne
Monday, January 16, 2012
Forbidden Tour: Character Interview: Levi
Forbidden by Megan CurdPublished: October 22nd, 2011 Series: The Guardian Chronicles #1Pink or Blue?
Levi's job is to protect his human until it's their time to go. That's what a Guard does. He's done it for years on end, and he'll spend his eternity doing the same, mundane thing, following the same, mundane rules.
...Watch from afar....Never share your name....And above all, never touch a human.
What Levi doesn't know is that his newest human to protect, Hannah, just might be the catalyst to tipping the scales between good and evil, and he will be forced to decide which side he belongs to. Which friends will he side with, and who will he ultimately protect: his human, or the delicate balance that hangs on stopping the heartbeat of the person he has sworn to protect?
And, when you're already condemned, what's there to lose by breaking the rules?
Definitely blue. Do I really look like a pink sort of guy? I hope not!
Chocolate or Vanilla?
I’d take either, if I could taste them. I wish I could feel anything. One of the many perks of being a Guard is the fact we don’t feel anything – the sun, taste, touch, nothing. Only pain. But now that I’ve met Hannah, I don’t know what’s going on…I feel…something. She’s different. J
Sandals or Sneakers?
I love a good pair of Nikes. Running is my favorite thing to do, and having a great pair of shoes is awesome.
Schoolwork or Homework?
I only go to school to be with Hannah, but I’d go with schoolwork. I hate having to try to focus on something when I’ve got Fallens running around trying to kill my Call. Puts a little damper on the situation, and teachers never seem to believe me when I say I’m trying to save humanity as we know it. They say I’m a little dramatic. ::grins::
Lethal Virus or Nuclear Explosion?
You’re just a ray of sunshine, aren’t you? ::smiles:: You’re making me feel right at home. Either way, I can’t feel it, but I’d vote for an option that doesn’t result in everyone turning into zombies. That just makes my job way messier. ::shudders::
Vampire or Werewolf?
Really? You think those things exist? ::smiles::
Coke or Pepsi?
Well, I can’t taste either, but Coke has good commercials around Christmastime, so let’s go with Coke.
Noise or Silence?
As long as it’s not Ethan talking, I’m all for noise…but Ethan never shuts up, so when he’s around, let’s go with silence. J
Fantasy or Reality?
Depends on the situation, but I like fantasy. Sometimes reality just sucks, and being that people think I don’t exist, I’m kind of like fantasy anyway. I get the best of both worlds, I guess. ::laughs::
Call or Text?
I don’t do either, but I would rather hear Hannah’s voice than get a text. You can take texts too many different ways…well, girls do. We guys just get in trouble. ::shakes heads:: girls are crazy, man!
Pancake or Waffle?
Can we do crepes? I’d love to taste a crepe!
Cat or Dog?
Dogs. They’re way more loyal, and I need some people in my corner besides Ethan. He’s a bit much sometimes.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
The Star-Crossed Saga: Protostar By Braxton A. Cosby
The Star-Crossed Saga: ProtostarBy Braxton A. CosbyPublisher: Firefly Publishing & Entertainment Published: September 25, 2011Genre: YA Science FictionPage Count: 378 pages
On the brink of Civil War, the Torrian Alliance continues with its mission to obliterate Star-children across the universe in order to suppress an intergalactic evil. Following the recommendations of his Council, King Gregorio Derry has agreed to send his only son William, on a mission to restore honor to his family. What starts out routine, becomes a lot more complicated as an inopportune crash landing delays the assassination. During this time, William begins to form a 'connection' with Sydney that challenges his inner being. But this conflict is the least of his problems, as a conspiracy back on his home planet Fabricius threatens the lives of those he loves and his father's royal legacy. Along with that, he must unravel a hidden threat here on Earth that seeks to secure a vested interest that threatens both his and Sydney's safety. Will William be able to complete his mission or will he choose love, sacrificing everything he stands for?
Review:
YA readers, be on the lookout for this exhilarating read, cause it's going to blow you and anyone else away! At first, I was a little hesitant on Protostar, because of the somewhat familiar storyline but, the book, characters, and everything else about it was uniquely different and very special. This made the book, Protostar, worth reading.
The main character, William, is a teenage prince from the future. He is sent on a mission to kill a star-child in our time Earth, Sidney. William was a strong main character that pressed the whole story forward. Sidney also was a very likable character.
The main plot of the book like I said before is a bit predictable, but the book also has its fair share of amazing plot twists and a killer cliff-hanger ending. The whole book proved to be very interesting with all the great elements thrown into it. I applaud Mr. Cosby for writing such a great book. Though the book is targeted towards young-adult readers, other readers would probably like it as well. Protostar is an attention catching book that really did blow me away. I'm hoping that the books in the rest of the series will be a great as this one, once they are out.
Rating:
4.5/5 Stars
Braxton A. Cosby
Braxton’s fascination of science grew into an obsession for creating and exploring the untapped potential of the human spirit. On one unassuming Sunday in church, this self-proclaimed romantic heard the voice of God speak and decided to pursue a ‘calling’ to create a new genre of writing called “Sci-Fance”; merging the two genres of Romance and Science Fiction. Braxton lives in Georgia with his wife and two children. Braxton A. Cosby is a dreamer with a vision of continuously evolving and maximizing the untapped potential of the human genome. He believes that everyone should pursue joy that surpasses understanding and live each day as if it were the last. Braxton received a lot of his inspiration from watching the accomplishments and exploits of his famous uncle, comedic legend Bill Cosby.You can visit his website at www.braxtonacosbygodson.com.
This post is a part of a tour by Pump Up Your Book Promotion.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
2011 YA Scavenger Hunt
I'm today's hunt stop for the 2011 YA Story Scavenger Hunt!
Follow the hunt every day during the month of December! Answer the daily trivia questions from MG and YA books published during 2011 to be entered into the YA book giveaway.
Today's question is from We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han.
Question #44: What appalling thing does Jeremiah do after he apologizes to Belly for his mistake?
Remember to fill out your answer in the form at Most Important Letter here!
Follow the hunt every day during the month of December! Answer the daily trivia questions from MG and YA books published during 2011 to be entered into the YA book giveaway.
Today's question is from We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han.
Question #44: What appalling thing does Jeremiah do after he apologizes to Belly for his mistake?
Remember to fill out your answer in the form at Most Important Letter here!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Remembrance Tour: Author This or That
Remembrance Tour: Author This or That
New Hampshire high school junior Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England ... but she doesn't know it yet.
Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's school at the beginning of the year, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she seem to get him out of her mind?
Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, the pair of them soon find that fighting fate isn't going to be easy
Dancing or singing?
I love both, but I’m better at dancing than at singing!
Ocean or pool?
Ocean! I love being on the beach J
Snow or rain?
Rain, because I don’t like the cold weather, and if it’s raining then it isn’t cold enough to snow. Snow is prettier to look at though.
Pencil or pen?
I usually/pretty much always use pens. Although I rarely write anything longhand anymore, because I type on my computer.
Night or day?
Day because I love the sunshine! I tend to be more of a nightowl though, because there are less distractions so it’s easier to get work done.
White or dark chocolate?
Get ready for my strange answer … I don’t like chocolate! If I had to pick between the two it would be white chocolate, because it has less of that chocolate taste.
Summer or winter?
I’ve lived in Florida for the past five years, and in Florida I choose winter because it’s too hot/humid to go outside in the summer. But in a place with “real seasons,” I would pick summer because I don’t like cold weather.
Vanilla or chocolate?
Vanilla!
Truth or Dare?
Truth. I’m always very upfront and honest with my friends, so being asked “truth questions” was never hard. I hated being dared to do things though, because I don’t like doing crazy things if I don’t want to do them.
Read or Watch?
READ! (I’m an author though, so that answer was kind of a given ;)
Past or Future?
Future, because it’s full of possibilities.
One giveaway tthat runs for the whole tour:
Michelle will pick the winner herself. US Only, ends December 27.
Prize Pack:
1 signed copy of Remembrance
1 mask that resembles the one on the cover of Remembrance
3 signed Remembrance bookmarks
2 Remembrance Stickers
. 
Michelle Madow
Michelle Madowa Rafflecopter giveaway
Next Stop:
Tuesday, December 13: Trisha at YA Bound (Character This or That: Drew)
Monday, December 5, 2011
2011 YA Story Scavenger Hunt Stop
I'm today's hunt stop for the
2011 YA Story Scavenger Hunt !
Follow the hunt every day during the month of December! Answer the daily trivia questions from MG and YA books published during 2011 to be entered into the YA book giveaway.
Today's question is from Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout.
Question #12: What is the punishment for failing in one’s duty as a Sentinel?
Remember to fill out your answer in the form at Most Important Letter
2011 YA Story Scavenger Hunt !
Follow the hunt every day during the month of December! Answer the daily trivia questions from MG and YA books published during 2011 to be entered into the YA book giveaway.
Today's question is from Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout.
Question #12: What is the punishment for failing in one’s duty as a Sentinel?
Remember to fill out your answer in the form at Most Important Letter
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Review: Fracture by Megan Miranda
Title: Fracture
Authors: Megan Miranda
Release Date: January 17, 2o12
Publisher: Walker
Source: Good Choice Reading ARC Tours
Synopsis (via Goodreads): By the time Delaney Maxwell was pulled from a Maine lake’s icy waters by her best friend, Decker Phillips, her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead. But somehow Delaney survived—despite the brain scans that show irreparable damage. Everyone wants Delaney to be fine, but she knows she’s far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can’t control or explain, Delaney now finds herself drawn to the dying, and when she meets Troy Varga, a boy who recently emerged from a coma with the same abilities, she is relieved to share this strange new existence. Unsure if her altered brain is predicting death or causing it, Delaney must figure out if their gift is a miracle, a freak of nature—or something else much more frightening…
In a Sentence: Dark and fast paced, Fracture is a fantastic psychological thriller.
Review: Fracture was very compelling. This book had me in its grasp from the first page until the last.
Fracture had a great plot. It was thrilling and creepy and suspenseful. I liked how it was based on the question of "If you had one day left to live, what would you do?" And the ending... wow.
I wasn't a huge fan of Troy. Even when he was first introduced in the story I knew there was something off about him, and throughout the book I trusted Troy less and less. He just seemed kind of creepy to me from the start. But I can see why Delaney was interested in him. I was definitely rooting for Delaney to end up with Decker. Decker seemed like he'd do pretty much anything for Delaney. I mean, he saved her from an icy death in the first place.
I liked the winter setting. It helped set the tone of the book.
Honestly I hope that Fracture doesn't become a series. Fracture was a great stand alone, but if there does end up being a future sequel, I would read it because Fracture was so amazing.
I think if you enjoyed Before I Fall then you'll like Fracture.
-Brynne
✰✰✰✰✰
➎ STARS
Cover Thoughts: 5/5 I think the cover represents the book perfectly.-Brynne
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