Thursday, June 30, 2011

Winners!

I picked winners for my two contests for the month of June and I just want to say WOW!  I have never had so many entries for any of my giveaways in the past.  =)

The winner of The Unbecoming Of Mara Dyer is:

Lindsey

The winner of the HarperTeen prize pack is:

Jennifer

Both of the winners have been emailed and they have 48 hours to get back to me before I pick new winners.

New contests will be posted this weekend!

Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Book:  Forgotten
Author:  Cat Patrick
Release date:  June 7, 2011
Publisher:  Little, Brown
Pages:  288
Source:  Publisher
Each night when 16 year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her whole world disappears. In the morning, all that's left is a note telling her about a day she can't remember. The whole scenario doesn't exactly make high school or dating that hot guy whose name she can't seem to recall any easier. But when London starts experiencing disturbing visions she can't make sense of, she realizes it's time to learn a little more about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.
Wow!  Cat Patrick's debut novel is even more amazing than I thought it would be. It was not at all what I expected and I was hooked from the very first page.  I read the whole book in one sitting and now I am just wondering what Cat Patrick has planned next so I can add it to my wishlist!

London Lane remembers the future but not the past.  Every night she must leave herself notes of things she must remember for the next day.  Life is not easy for her and it gets even harder when new guy Luke Henry shows up.  London starts getting very disturbing memories the day of Luke's appearance.  They all have to do with a funeral but London doesn't know anything about it.  Whose is it?  When is it?  And why is Luke the only person not in her memories from the future?

Forgotten is such a unique story.  I was drawn to it from the summary but even that isn't a good enough description of what the book really is about. It's a love story, a psychological drama, a very gripping mystery, and so much more.  I think it holds great appeal for readers of all age and genre.  =)

London was a great character but I felt horrible for what she had to go through. All the notes and things seemed like so much work but otherwise she wouldn't remember anything.  Seeing her go through the not knowing if she knew someone or already had a certain conversation was sad.  She was strong though and luckily she had a pretty great mom and a wonderful guy to help her through things. Her mom actually had a pretty big role which I greatly enjoyed.  I would love to see more parents like London's mom in YA books.  And Luke!  Oh boy!  Don't even get me started.  He was amazing.  Their first date...so cute.  I couldn't get enough of him.

Overall, Forgotten is one of my favorite debuts so far this year.  I know this one will be going to the top of my list of recommendations!

First line:  Aren't Fridays supposed to be good?

Rating:  A++

Cover:  A

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

The Map Of Time by Felix J. Palma

Book:  The Map Of Time
Author:  Felix J. Palma
Release date:  June 28, 2011
Publisher:  Atria
Pages:  612
Source: Publisher
Set in Victorian London with characters real and imagined, The Map of Time is a page-turner that boasts a triple play of intertwined plots in which a skeptical H.G. Wells is called upon to investigage purported incidents of time travel and to save lives and literary classics, including Dracula and The Time Machine, from being wiped from existence. What happens if we change history?
DISCLAIMER FOR MY READERS:  This is not a young adult book.  There is some very graphic content in this book and I would not recommend this for young readers.

When I first heard about The Map Of Time I was intrigued.  It is fiction but it incorporates real people and real events into that.  It sounded really interesting and I wasn't too daunted by the 612 pages.  That all changed once I actually started reading it.  I could not get into the story and 612 pages was about 500 too many for me.

The Map Of Time is split into 3 separate stories.  Each story focuses on one character but jumps around a lot to introduce new characters and show what is going on in their lives.  The first story is that of Andrew Harrington's but as soon as H.G. Wells was introduced he stole the show.  Andrew became not as important to me and I was more interested in H.G. Wells' story.  The second part of the book was a little better but once again the main character did not seem to have that big of a role in his own story.  The third part was the worst though because I started reading it thinking it was about Inspector Colin Garrett.  After about 20 pages H.G. Wells came into that story as well and the third part quickly became about him.  I felt like I was left hanging about Inspector Colin Garrett because I really wanted to know more about him and how his story ended.

The one good thing, in my opinion, about The Map Of Time was the writing.  It is some of the most beautiful writing I have ever read.  It is really the only reason I kept reading the book when I didn't really enjoy the story.  If the story sounds at all interesting to you, you will enjoy the book a lot more than I did because it really is wonderfully written and I know that others will like the story a lot more than I did.  I just could not get into this one.

Overall, The Map Of Time was just not for me.  I have read some other bad reviews but I have also read some amazing reviews.  I think it is up to you guys to figure out if this one appeals to you.  =)

Rating:  C

Cover:  A

Monday, June 27, 2011

Amazing New Covers (Harper Edition)

After seeing these new covers I just had to share! (click the titles to check out the Goodreads page)

Release date: January 3, 2012

Release date:  February 21, 2012

Release date:  April 17, 2012

Release date: January 31, 2012

Release date:  December 8, 2011

Release date:  February 7, 2012

So what do you guys think?  I love them all!

Blog Tour: Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

Book:  Haunting Violet
Author:  Alyxandra Harvey
Release date:  June 21, 2011
Publisher:  Walker Books
Pages:  352
Source:  Publisher
Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts. But they believe in her. After spending years participating in her mother's elaborate ruse as a fraudulent medium, Violet is about as skeptical as they come in all matters supernatural. Now that she is being visited by a very persistent ghost, one who suffered a violent death, Violet can no longer ignore her unique ability. She must figure out what this ghost is trying to communicate, and quickly because the killer is still on the loose.

Afraid of ruining her chance to escape her mother's scheming through an advantageous marriage, Violet must keep her ability secret. The only person who can help her is Colin, a friend she's known since childhood, and whom she has grown to love. He understands the true Violet, but helping her on this path means they might never be together. Can Violet find a way to help this ghost without ruining her own chance at a future free of lies?
Alyxandra Harvey is officially one of my favorite authors. I loved Hearts At Stake (book one of the Drake Chronicles) but I didn't think that was enough to make her a favorite of mine.  Haunting Violet was more than enough.  Historical setting, ghosts, AND a cute boy?  What more do you need?

Violet Willoughby has never liked scamming people but she has never had a choice.  Ever since she was nine years old she has been forced to go along with her mother for all of her seances.  She knows her mother can't see ghosts but she helps because it is the only way for them to make money.  Everything changes though when Violet really does start seeing ghosts and the one ghost that keeps popping up is not a happy one.  Can Violet figure out her mysterious new powers and solve a murder?  And all while falling in love?

Haunting Violet was a lot creepier than I thought it would be.  The ghosts involved were not all happy.  In fact, most of the ghosts were mean.  I did like some of them though and I liked their stories.  I just learned not to read this one alone at night.  =)

The setting was one of my favorite parts.  I adore historicals and this is probably one of the best I have ever read.  I liked reading about the grittier side of London and the nasty side of the peerage.  It made the story very real.

Another favorite for me was Violet.  She was funny, smart, brave, and unique. She hunted down a murderer with the help of a ghost.  I could not do that.  But she also had her quirky best friend Elizabeth by her side as well as a very cute guy with an Irish accent.  Colin was such a sweetheart.  He was also very honest when Violet was being dumb!

Overall, I can't possibly write a review that does justice to this book.  I definitely recommend getting a copy of this one as soon as possible.  If you are like me at all you will be up all night reading it, trying to guess the murderer (which I never saw coming!)

First line: I was nine years old when my mother decided it was time I took part in the family business.

Rating:  A++

Cover:  A++

Saturday, June 25, 2011

In My Mailbox 115 (week of June 25)

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. =]


Awesome bloggers mentioned:
-Savannah from Books With Bite
-Ivy from Ivy Reads
-Steph Su from Steph Su Reads

For review:
-Blood Red Road by Moira Young
-The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
-Sharks & Boys by Kristen Tracy

From trades:
-Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma
-The Gathering (Darkness Rising #1) by Kelley Armstrong
-Shine by Lauren Myracle

From Paperbackswap:
-The Absolute Value of -1 by Steve Brezenoff

Gifted:
-At Face Value by Emily Franklin
-The September Sisters by Jillian Cantor
-Waiting To Score by J.E. MacLeod
-Somebody Everybody Listens To by Suzanne Supplee
-Stranded by J.T. Dutton
-The Demon's Covenant (The Demon's Lexicon #2) by Sarah Rees Brennan
-How It Ends by Laura Wiess
-Reckless by Cornelia Funke

Bought:
-Dark Heart Forever (Dark Heart Forever #1) by Lee Monroe
-Dark Heart Rising (Dark Heart Forever #2) by Lee Monroe
-The Pale Assassin by Patricia Elliott
-Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
-Bling Addiction (Fast Girls, Hot Boys #2) by Kylie Adams
-Nightmare Academy (Veritas Project #2) by Frank Peretti
-The City Of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
-Heart Of Valor (Night Of The Solstice #2) by L.J. Smith
-Absolute Brightness by James Lecesne
-Surrender To Me by Sophie Jordan

Friday, June 24, 2011

From The Back Of My Shelf Feature!

(image courtesy of Katie from KD Creates)
Today I am super excited to introduce a new feature here at Katie's Book Blog.  This is a feature that Erica from The Book Cellar and I came up with and we are going to be doing it biweekly on Fridays!

The whole idea behind the feature came about when we were chatting on AIM one day.  Both of us were complaining about how we never get to read the books that we buy and that we have some super old books sitting on our shelves that have yet to be read.  This feature is meant to help us read at least a couple of those books and review them on our blogs.  

Rules:
-Books must be published before 2009 (the year that Erica and I both started our blogs)
-Reviews must be posted for all books read

There aren't very many rules to this new feature.  It is more just for fun and a good way to clear off our shelves.  Throughout the year I will also be hosting some giveaways to go along with this feature so be on the lookout for From The Back Of My Shelf giveaways! 

The actual feature will start on July 8!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Waiting, Wanting, Wishing: Harper Teen Edition (12)

Waiting, Wanting, Wishing is a meme based off of The Story Siren's Books To Pine For and other posts such as that one. There are so many books out there that I want to read and this is a good way to spotlight some of them.  This weeks theme is books being published by Harper Teen this year!

Click on the books title to be taken to the Goodreads page.

Title:  Don't Breathe A Word
Author:  Holly Cupala
Release date:  October 18, 2011
Joy Delamere is suffocating.

From asthma, from her parents, and from her boyfriend, delectably dangerous Asher, who is smothering her from the inside out.

Joy can take his words—tender words, cruel words—until the night they go too far.

Now, Joy will leave everything behind to find the one who has offered his help, a homeless boy called Creed. She will become someone else. She will learn to survive. She will breathe...if only she can get to Creed before it’s too late.
Title:  Eve
Author:  Anna Carey
Release date: October 4, 2011
The year is 2032, sixteen years after a deadly virus—and the vaccine intended to protect against it—wiped out most of the earth’s population. The night before eighteen-year-old Eve’s graduation from her all-girls school she discovers what really happens to new graduates, and the horrifying fate that awaits her.

Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust...and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.
Title:  Fateful
Author:  Claudia Gray
Release date:  September 13, 2011
It's about a servant girl named Tess in 1912, who wants to escape from the house where she works, and most particularly the lecherous young lord of the manor. But that's not her biggest problem. While on a voyage to America, where she plans to escape and start a new life, she meets Alec, who's ruggedly handsome, fabulously wealthy, intelligent and yet so clearly troubled that she'd rather not fall for him, but she does. That also is not her biggest problem. Alec, it turns out, is a werewolf ... one cursed to change every night, unless and until he surrenders his independence and joins the Brotherhood, a pack of violently misogynistic werewolves who have been tracking him for months. You'd think that would be their biggest problem, wouldn't you?

But no. Their biggest problem -- though they don't know it yet -- is that they're aboard the RMS Titanic.
Title:  Beautiful Days (Bright Young Things #2)
Author:  Anna Godbersen
Release date:  September 20, 2011
In this must-have sequel to Bright Young Things, Cordelia and Letty are small-town girls no longer. Letty is ready at last to chase her Broadway dreams. Cordelia thought she lost her true love, but a chance meeting will change her fortune—and her future. The unflappable flapper Astrid Donal has promised herself to Charlie Grey, Cordelia’s half-brother, but isn’t sure their love is true enough to survive. And a bitter rivalry will ensnare them all in a dangerous feud played out in the speakeasies of Manhattan and on the great lawns of Long Island. As these bright young things live out their beautiful days in the summer of 1929, they find romance and heartbreak, adventure and intrigue, new friends and unexpected rivals.
Title:  The Power Of Six (Lorien Legacies #2)
Author:  Pittacus Lore
Release date:  August 23, 2011
I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he's a mystery. But to me . . . he's one of us.

Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We're hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we'll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I've been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together?

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed.

I am Number Seven. One of six still alive.

And I'm ready to fight.
Title:  Twisted (Pretty Little Liars #9)
Author:  Sara Shepard
Release date:  July 5, 2011
It’s been a year since the torturous notes from A stopped and the mystery of Alison DiLaurentis’s disappearance was finally put to rest. Now seniors in high school, Aria, Spencer, Hanna and Emily are older, but they’re not any wiser. The Pretty Little Liars have more secrets than ever - twisted secrets that could destroy the perfect lives they’ve worked so hard to rebuild.

Aria’s jealous of her boyfriend’s new exchange student. Spencer’s getting a little too cozy with her soon-to-be-stepbrother. Hanna’s one scandalous photo away from ruining her dad’s Senate campaign. And Emily will do anything to get a swim scholarship.

Worst of all: Last spring break in Jamaica, they did something unforgivable. The girls are desperate to forget that fateful night, but they should know better than anyone that all secrets wash ashore … eventually.
What are you waiting, wanting, wishing for this week?

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Blog Tour: Settling (Solid #2) by Shelley Workinger

Book:  Settling (Solid #2)
Author:  Shelley Workinger
Release date:  July 4, 2011
Publisher:  CreateSpace
Pages:  242
Source:  Author
At the beginning of the summer, Clio Kaid was one of a hundred teens brought to a secret Army installation. But it was no ordinary camp and they weren’t ordinary kids…

Soon after learning they were the products of a secret genetic experiment, the teens began developing super-abilities ranging from bounding lightness to blocking heaviness; blinding brilliance and the ability to vanish. These same gifts made them targets of a psychopath in officer’s clothing, and they found themselves fighting for their lives.

Picking up where “Solid” left off, Clio and her friends realize that they aren’t ready to go home; they’re determined to stay on campus and continue their journey of self- discovery. But someone doesn’t feel the same way and will do anything to drive them away – even kill.

Friendships will be tested, abilities will evolve, and more secrets will come out as the teens race to stop the killer before he sets his sights on one of them…
A couple months ago I read Solid by Shelley Workinger.  I had no clue what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised.  When I was asked to be a part of the blog tour for the sequel, I, of course, said yes.  I thought Solid was good but Settling was awesome! I can't believe the third book doesn't come out until next summer!

Clio Kaid has finally found the place where she belongs.  She has a great group of friends and maybe even a boyfriend.  Too bad things can't stay that way forever especially when there is a murder on campus.  The attacks keep happening and Clio has no clue how to make campus safe again.  Worst of all she seems to be pushing all her friends away and she doesn't quite know why. Will Clio figure out what is going on with her abilities and the murderer before its too late?

The story picks up right after the ending of Solid and it does not take long to be drawn back into the story.  The first attack doesn't happen until about sixty pages in but those first sixty pages are by no means slow. I was hooked just reading about the friendships, romance, and new characters.  The attack just added to the already interesting story.

Clio was very easy to like in this book.  She did some very stupid things but those things actually made me like her more.  Her mistakes made her seem more human, more real. The rest of the cast of characters didn't seem to change much throughout the book but I still loved them.  Garrett cracked me up and Jack was such a sweetheart.  I can't wait for more of everybody!  Well except maybe the psycho killer!  =)

Overall, Settling is a great follow-up to Solid and if you haven't checked out this series already, do it now!  It's kind of like the book version of X-Men.  I think it will really appeal to all teens (and adults who love YA too.)

First line:  Why rush?

Rating:  B+

Cover:  B-

Find more info about Shelley Workinger and her books in these places:
-Facebook (www.facebook.com/SolidSeries)
-Twitter (twitter.com/#!/SWorkinger)
-Website (solidnovel.com/)
-Blog (bookfare.blogspot.com/) (currently holding a giveaway for Solid!)

Monday, June 20, 2011

Red Glove (Curse Workers #2) by Holly Black

Book:  Red Glove (Curse Workers #2)
Author:  Holly Black
Release date:  April 5, 2011
Publisher:  Margaret K. McElderry
Pages: 325
Source:  Publisher
Curses and cons. Magic and the mob. In Cassel Sharpe's world, they go together. Cassel always thought he was an ordinary guy, until he realized his memories were being manipulated by his brothers. Now he knows the truth—he’s the most powerful curse worker around. A touch of his hand can transform anything—or anyone—into something else.

That was how Lila, the girl he loved, became a white cat. Cassel was tricked into thinking he killed her, when actually he tried to save her. Now that she's human again, he should be overjoyed. Trouble is, Lila's been cursed to love him, a little gift from his emotion worker mom. And if Lila's love is as phony as Cassel's made-up memories, then he can't believe anything she says or does.

When Cassel's oldest brother is murdered, the Feds recruit Cassel to help make sense of the only clue—crime-scene images of a woman in red gloves. But the mob is after Cassel too—they know how valuable he could be to them. Cassel is going to have to stay one step ahead of both sides just to survive. But where can he turn when he can't trust anyone—least of all, himself?

Love is a curse and the con is the only answer in a game too dangerous to lose.
SPOILER ALERT:   If you have not read the first book in this series, do not read this review!

Red Glove is probably one of the best sequels I have read.  Normally I feel really let down after reading a sequel to a book that I loved. That was not the case with this one. I loved it and I am dying to see what happens in Black Heart.

Cassel Sharpe has some problems in his life.  The girl he loves is cursed to love him, his mom is going to get thrown back in jail if she keeps up the way she is, and now the feds want him to help find his brothers killer.  And they really want his help.  Enough to blackmail him into doing what they want.  Now that he has that to worry about it's hard to focus on anything else.  Until Lila shows up at Wallingford.  Cassel is pretty sure things can't get any worse but boy is he wrong.

I love Cassel. He is so funny, in a self-deprecating way.  Red Glove has a lot of things going on in it but I never felt overwhelmed when reading it because of Cassel.  The way he tells the story is very easy to get into and very hard to stop reading. He is a great main character and it's hard not to like him.  His story is a very interesting one and while a lot was revealed about his past in this book I feel like there is still a lot more to come.

The rest of the characters kind of paled in comparison to Cassel. I did not like most of them.  I only really liked Sam and Daneca.  The rest of the characters seemed very cold-hearted and just wanted to use Cassel. I hope I grow to like them more in the next book.

Overall, Red Glove is a fantastic follow-up to White Cat.  Holly Black has crafted a wonderful world of curseworkers and I can't wait to see what she has in store for them next.

First line:  I don't know whether it's day or night when the girl gets up to leave.

Rating:  A

Cover:  A

Saturday, June 18, 2011

In My Mailbox 114 (week of June 17)

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. =]

Awesome bloggers mentioned:
-Alex from More Than Just A Book
-Lena from Addicted 2 Novels

For review:
-A Closer Look by Karen DelleCava
-The Power Of Six (Lorien Legacies #2) by Pittacus Lore
-Don't Breathe A Word by Holly Cupala
-Fateful by Claudia Gray
-Sleight (Avra-K #1) by Jennifer Sommersby
-Mercy by Rebecca Lim

From trades:
-Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari
-I'll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan
-Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Bought:
-The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson