Hex: A Witch And Angel Tale by Ramona Wray

Book:  Hex: A Witch And Angel Tale
Author:  Ramona Wray
Release date: February 1, 2011
Publisher:  CreateSpace
Pages:  254
Source:  Author

Like most girls at Rosemound High School, seventeen-year-old Lily Crane is acutely aware of Ryder Kingscott. Hands down the cutest guy in school, Ryder is cool, mysterious, and utterly untouchable…especially for Lily. For when she touches someone, Lily instantly learns all about their lives. And while such a skill might seem nifty, in truth it is wrecking Lily’s life. So she is shocked when Ryder asks her out — and even more shocked to discover he has a rival. Lucian Bell is the gorgeous new kid who can’t take his eyes off of Lily. Being pursued by two hotties should make a girl happy, but Lily is skeptical. The boys act as if they’ve met before, hating each other with a passion that could only be rooted in a dark, dangerous past. A past full of terrible secrets. The kind of secrets that could get a girl killed.

Hex is not at all what I expected.  Ramona Wray has crafted a wonderful story full of romance, mystery, and best of all, witchcraft.

Lily Crane has never been normal.  Sure she has wanted to be normal but not until she meets Ryder Kingscott does she really want it.  For once in her life Lily wants to be able to touch someone without pain.  She wants a relationship with Ryder.  It seems like things might actually work when Lucian Bell shows up.  Lucian and Ryder seem to know each other from way back and they seem to want the same thing:  Lily.  The only question is: why do they want her?  And what will they do to get her?

I'm going to start with what I didn't like about Hex because there wasn't a whole lot.  My main problem was with the characters.  They sometimes acted unrealistically and they confused me.  Don't get me wrong, I liked them but Ryder was a little too lovey dovey sometimes and Lily was morbid at times.  Other than that they were actually pretty well-developed.

The writing is what hooked me though.  Ramona Wray is a beautiful writer and she completely captivated me with her story.  I had a hard time putting this one down and I was reading it every chance I got.  Her story is very unique and fun to read but the writing made it even better.

Overall, Hex: A Witch And Angel Tale is a great book that I would definitely recommend.  It was cute, funny, and wonderfully written.  Plus, isn't that the cutest cover ever?  I love it!

First line:  The sun was well past the zenith when a black-cloaked rider came into view from behind the scenic green hillock.

Rating:  B+

Cover:  A

Waiting On Wednesday: Crossed (Matched #2)

Book:  Crossed (Matched #2) by Ally Condie
Release date:  November 1, 2011
Publisher:  Penguin

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky — taken by the Society to his certain death — only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia’s quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander — who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia’s heart — change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

Matched was fabulous and I am dying to read Crossed.  The cover was just recently released and it makes me want to read the book even more.  November seems so far away right now.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Giveaway: Signed Nightshade ARC!

A couple months ago I got the opportunity to go to one of the stops on Penguin's Breathless Reads tour.  While I was there I got an extra signed ARC of Nightshade by Andrea Cremer to give to one of you lucky reader!

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers.

But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

One winner will receive:
-A signed ARC of Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
-Some super awesome swag from the Breathless Reads tour

Requirements:
-You must have a US or CA mailing address.
-You must fill out the form to enter.

Fill out the form here!

This contest will end on April 25!

In My Mailbox 104 (week of March 26)

In My Mailbox is a meme created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! It is a list of what books you have received over the previous week, either for review, from the library, from the bookstore, or from trades. =]

For review:

-Fire World (Last Dragon Chronicles #6) by Chris D'Lacey

-The Hourglass Door by Lisa Mangum

-The Golden Spiral (Hourglass Door #2) by Lisa Mangum

-The Dark And Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan

-Seven Kinds Of Ordinary Catastrophes by Amber Kizer

-The FitzOsbornes In Exile by Michelle Cooper

-The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

-Open Wounds by Joseph Lunievicz

-Entwined by Heather Dixon

Bought:

-Wicked by Gregory Maguire

-Bratfest At Tiffany's by Lisi Harrison

-Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith

-Witch Season:  Summer And Fall by Jeff Mariotte

-Lucky T by Kate Brian

-The Golden Spiral (Hourglass Door #2) by Lisa Mangum

-To Die For by Christopher Pike

-Lamplighter by D.M. Cornish

-The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey

-Old Magic by Marianne Curley

-Eon by Alison Goodman

-Meridian by Amber Kizer

-Virals by Kathy Reichs

Yes I know I have two copies of The Golden Spiral this week.  I bought one and two days later I got it for review.  I also have another copy of the first book so look for a giveaway for those two very soon.  

I bought a ton of books this week but they were either from the thrift store or from my closing Borders.  I can't seem to stay away.  And some of them were actually gifts from my mommy so I didn't have to spend my own money on them.  =)

What was in your mailbox this week? Oh and which of these do you want me to read and review next?

Book Inspired Jewelry! (2)

So my first book inspired jewelry post went really well so I decided to post another.  I don't know if this will become something I do regularly but I do find it really fun to share some of the things I have found.

First up I have a pair of wing earrings made by fellow book blogger, Briana.  Briana reviews books over at The Book Pixie and she is just now beginning to try her hand at jewelry making.  Technically these earrings don't go with one particular book but I think they remind me of Hush, Hush the most.  What do you think?

Next, I saw this awesome Twilight pendant set on Etsy.  I am not the biggest fan of Twilight but I do love these pendants.  I could definitely see myself wearing these!

This one might be my favorite.  If you can't tell, it's the sorting hat from Harry Potter.  These books hold a special place in my heart so any jewelry inspired by them is at the top of my wishlist.  

 

Last but definitely not least, I have a necklace inspired by The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare.  I think this is fitting seeing as City Of Fallen Angels is going to be released in 11 DAYS!  I can't wait to read it and while this necklace is a little more expensive than all the others, I think it's worth it.

What do you guys think?  What's your favorite? 

Bookish Finds! (3)

I haven't posted any bookish finds lately but today seems like the perfect day to do so.  There is some seriously exciting news for book lovers!

First off, Lenore of Presenting Lenore has a book and film deal.  Here is the Publishers Weekly blurb:

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers has acquired a YA novel called Level Two by Lenore Appelhans, in a joint acquisition with CBS Films. According to S&S, this is the first time the company has coordinated a deal so that an author received a simultaneous book and film offer. In Level Two, the liminal place between our world (Level One) and heaven, Felicia spends her days reliving her memories from the security of her pod—until she gets broken out by Julian, a boy she met on Earth. Appelhans writes the popular YA blog Presenting Lenore. Level Two will be published in either fall 2012 or spring 2013, with a 200,000-copy first printing.

I am so happy for Lenore.  I can't wait to read her book.

Next up, the final book in the Inheritance series by Christopher Paolini has a title, cover, and release date!

Title:  Inheritance

Release date:  November 8, 2011

Last but definitely not least, the sequel to Nevermore by Kelly Creagh has a cover, title, and summary.  I found this over at Squeaky Books so thanks so much for sharing!

Title:  Enshadowed

Release date:  January 24, 2012 (SO FAR AWAY!)

Summary:

CONTAINS SPOILERS FROM NEVERMORE!!!!

While Varen remains a prisoner in the dream-world, Isobel is haunted by his memory. He appears to her in her dreams and soon, even in her waking life. But is she just imagining it? Isobel knows she must find a way back to Varen. She makes plans to go to Baltimore. There, she confronts the figure known throughout the world as the Poe Toaster—the same dark man who once appeared to Isobel in her dreams, calling himself "Reynolds."

Isobel succeeds in interrupting the Toaster's ritual and, in doing so, discovers a way to return to the dream-world. Soon, she finds herself swept up in a realm which not only holds remnants of Poe's presence, but has also now taken on the characteristics of Varen's innermost self. It is a dark world comprised of fear, terror, and anger.

When Isobel once more encounters Varen, she finds him changed. With his mind poisoned by the dream world, he becomes a malevolent force, bent on destroying all—even himself. Now Isobel must face a new adversary, one who also happens to be her greatest love.

 Who else is as excited as I am?  Love these covers and all the books sound amazing!  What do you think?

Waiting On Wednesday: Juliet Immortal

Book:  Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay
Release date:  September 13, 2011
Publisher:  Random House

The most tragic love story in history . . .

Juliet Capulet didn't take her own life. She was murdered by the person she trusted most, her new husband, Romeo Montague, a sacrifice made to ensure his own immortality. But what Romeo didn't anticipate was that Juliet would be granted eternity, as well, and would become an agent for the Ambassadors of Light. For 700 years, she's fought Romeo for the souls of true lovers, struggling to preserve romantic love and the lives of the innocent. Until the day she meets someone she's forbidden to love, and Romeo, oh Romeo, will do everything in his power to destroy that love.

I adore Stacey Jay.  She is one of my favorite authors.  So far I have not read a book by her that I didn't like.  This one sounds like it will be another favorite for me.  I love this cover and anything Shakespeare is awesome.  I can't wait until September for this one!

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Blog Tour: Sean Griswold's Head by Lindsey Leavitt

Book:  Sean Griswold's Head
Author:  Lindsey Leavitt
Release date:  March 1, 2011
Publisher:  Bloomsbury
Pages:  288
Source:  Publisher

According to her guidance counselor, fifteen-year-old Payton Gritas needs a focus object—an item to concentrate her emotions on. It's supposed to be something inanimate, but Payton decides to use the thing she stares at during class: Sean Griswold's head. They've been linked since third grade (Griswold-Gritas—it's an alphabetical order thing), but she's never really known him.

The focus object is intended to help Payton deal with her father's newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis. And it's working. With the help of her boy-crazy best friend Jac, Payton starts stalking—er, focusing on—Sean Griswold . . . all of him! He's cute, he shares her Seinfeld obsession (nobody else gets it!) and he may have a secret or two of his own.

I am going to review this book but I'll start off with a disclaimer:  I will not do it justice.  Sean Griswold's Head is one of the cutest books I have ever read but it was so much more than that.  I didn't think Lindsey Leavitt could weave it all together and not have too much going on but she definitely did.  The book was perfect!

Payton Gritas is having a hard time handling her father's multiple sclerosis.  In fact, she's not handling it at all.  That's how she ends up in the guidance counselor's office with a new assignment:  find a focus object.  Payton has the perfect idea, something that is right in front of her face for multiple class periods:  Sean Griswold's huge head.  It's probably not what the counselor had in mind but now Payton is focused.  But when will Payton finally realize that maybe there is another reason she chose Sean Griswold's head?

First off, this book was hilarious.  I was expecting something a little deeper but that's not really what I got.  Sure there were some deep moments but not enough to take away from the lightheartedness of the book.  Payton and Sean's growing romance was so funny and so TRUE.  Lindsey Leavitt nailed this one.  I don't think I have ever read a YA romance that so accurately displays a real teen romance.

But, like I said, there were deeper parts to this story.  Payton's dad's MS was something that came out of nowhere and she had no clue how to deal.  She was angry and afraid.  All her emotions were portrayed exactly as how I would expect someone to react.  Lindsey Leavitt did a great job incorporating the illness into the story and really making it mean something. 

Overall, Sean Griswold's Head is a book for all ages.  I absolutely adored this one and Lindsey Leavitt has just earned herself a spot on my all-time favorites shelf!

First line:  Nothing creates a buzz like an Executive Deluxe day planner.

Rating:  A++

Cover:  A++

I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies #1) by Pittacus Lore

Book:  I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies #1)
Author:  Pittacus Lore
Release date:  August 3, 2010
Publisher:  HarperTeen
Pages:  440
Source:  Bookstore

Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books—but we are real.

Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. we have lived among you without you knowing.

But they know.

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They killed them all.

I am Number Four.

I am next.

I know there has been a lot of controversy surrounding this book but completely forget that.  If the story sounds like something you will like, read it.  It is an awesome book and I am dying to read The Power Of Six.

This review is going to be a little different because this is also a movie and I don't want to give anything away.  After reading this though I am even more excited to see the movie.  I want to see if they can do it justice.

First off, the characters are fantastic.  John (Four) is very easy to like.  He may be an alien but he has the same problems as a human teenager.  He is scared, vulnerable,and insecure, but also amazingly brave.  There isn't anything not to like about him.  Henri, his guardian, was also fabulous.  He was rather funny at times but also deadly serious about keeping John safe.  Sarah and Sam were rather minor characters in the overall scheme of things but I loved them still.  There had great personalities.

The plot is what really kept me reading.  There were quite a few twists and turns thrown into this book.  I couldn't really guess what was coming next and it kept me up late into the night trying to figure things out.

Overall, I Am Number Four is just a great book.  I would especially recommend this one for teen guys looking for something to read but girls will love it too.  The sequel can't get here fast enough.

First line:  The door starts shaking.

Rating:  A++

Cover:  B+

In My Mailbox 103 (week of March 19)

In My Mailbox is a meme created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! It is a list of what books you have received over the previous week, either for review, from the library, from the bookstore, or from trades. =]

For review:

-Stay by Deb Caletti

-Between Here And Forever by Elizabeth Scott

-Sometimes It Happens by Lauren Barnholdt

-The Dark City (Relic Master #1) by Catherine Fisher

-Instructions For A Broken Heart by Kim Culbertson

-Percival's Angel by Anne Elliot Crompton

-Kindred by Tammar Stein

-From Bad To Cursed (Bad Girls Don't Die #2) by Katie Alender

-Girl Wonder by Alexa Martin

-Putting Makeup On Dead People by Jennifer Violi

-Queen Of The Dead (Ghost & The Goth #2) by Stacey Kade

-The Royal Treatment (Princess For Hire #2) by Lindsey Leavitt

-Tortall And Other Lands by Tamora Pierce

-The Hunt Of The Unicorn by C.C. Humphreys

-The Iron Thorn (The Iron Codex #1) by Caitlin Kittredge

Bought:

-Gawain And Lady Green by Anne Elliot Crompton

-Battle Dress by Amy Efaw

-When The Stars Go Blue by Caridad Ferrer

-Wolves, Boys, And Other Things That Might Kill Me by Kristen Chandler

-Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride

-I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend by Cora Harrison

-Once In A Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber

-Poison by Sara Poole

-Bloody Valentine by Melissa de la Cruz

Yeah I know.  I went seriously overboard this week.  I couldn't help myself.  Borders was closing and they still had all these books.  Of course I bought them. 

New thing though.  What do you want me to read next from this list?  I will read it and review it this week.  Leave it in the comments and whichever gets the most votes wins.  =]

What was in your mailbox this week?