Friday, July 29, 2011

Holidays



I'm leaving for Denmark today and I havn't prepared any posts.  I'm finally through with all my exams and I simply didn't have the time to prepare posts for three whole weeks. I'm leaving with a huge pile of printed books (including most of the review copies I still need to read and review) and an e-reader with many many more books in tow. And you know I can't wait to hit the beach and let the reading and relaxing begin!


I hope you have a fantastic summer and great holidays. Even if you don't have holidays right now, promise me to take the time and read one cool summer read! I really want to share all my summery reads with you when I'm back again and of course collect some new recs from you all. 

xoxo,
Sarah

PS: Because it's all about books. My most anticipated summer reads? Jellicoe Road & Saving June.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Book Review: Stay by Deb Caletti




Title: Stay
Author: Deb Caletti
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publishing Date: April 2011
Length: 320 pages
Genre: YA, romance
Source: Simon & Schuster Galley Grab

~ The Story ~

Clara's relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it's almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is—and what he's willing to do to make her stay.
Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won't let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough....

Summary by Goodreads 





STAY is a contemporary novel that is different to many other YA prototypes. It has romance and at the same time suspenseful elements.

The title STAY is really appropriate, because this story is all about the balance of right and wrong decisions, leaving and staying (safe), being with someone or leaving that one you once loved so you can become the person you really are.

This novel talks about the serious topic of a love that turns into an obsession and the consequences of making the decision to end it. Chapters of real-time actions alternate with flashbacks, so that the origin to our current situation is revealed piece by piece. We are given the info that our heroine is headed to a place she shouldn't leave unless she doesn’t want to stay safe. It are mostly the flashbacks that keep feeding us with more background information about characters and story.

It's a fast read thanks to this narrative technique and a really good writing. STAY is made up of only a few relevant characters, which was totally ok since this type of story doesn't need that many to convey meaning.

Caletti did a good job in constructing the characters, because they appear real. I noticed that I didn't care that much about the characters itself, but more about the outcome of the story in general. I was surprised how easily Clara, our protagonist, throws herself into another romance, considering that she is still followed by her ex-boyfriend. Still I liked to see her opening up for a new love. Clara was ok, but her dad was just a bit rough and with his cussing all the time very inconvenient.

Caletti also included footnotes to mention some random extra facts, further ideas and explanations. What could be a funny and original idea, really bothered me, because the additional notes were often useless blather and reminded me too much of a scientific work.





1) living in a light-house can be fun
2) we love the sea
3) sailors are sexy
4) of a good mix between current situation and flashbacks
5) of that cute little Roger




 
3,5/5 ***/* STAY offers a frighteningly realistic concept of a young love whose end reveals the deeply hidden and dark feelings accompanying it!

This is a serious novel about the delicate balance between love and hate, staying and leaving. STAY is a book that definitely promises a high emotional involvement. 





 * Have a look at Deb’s other books. Lovely covers! 
 


* Read an excerpt of STAY here

* Visit www.debcaletti.com for more information about the author and her books.

* Thanks to Simon & Schuster and their Galley Grab programme for allowing me access to the galley of STAY.
 

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Teaser Tuesday #35

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading and it asks us to...

The Duff by Kody Keplinger 


""That sounds sexy," he said, getting to his feet and handing me the stack of Spanish work he'd swept together. "What's it mean?"
"The sound of your voice makes me want to strangle myself."


~ p. 17

Monday, July 25, 2011

New Releases July 25th– July 31st



July 26th


Supernaturally (Paranormalcy #2) by Kiersten White (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Wolfsbane (Nightshade #2) by Andrea Cremer (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Love and Other Things I’m Bad At by Catherine Clark (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Wildefire (Wildfire #1) by Karsten Knight (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

The Babysitter Murders by Janet Ruth Young (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Putting Makeup on the Fat Boy by Bil Wright (Goodreads ~ Amazon)


WOLFSBANE was a really good read and I'm currently trying to finish my Simon& Schuster WILDEFIRE galley before it expires tomorrow morning. Did you pre-order one of the new releases?

Sunday, July 24, 2011

In My Mailbox #33

The idea of In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and is to bring books to the attention of our blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs.


 For Review 
Invisible Fiends: Doc Mortis by Barry Hutchinson (Thank you HarperCollins UK!)



One book this week, which is pretty good, because my TBR pile is huge!

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Book Review: The Dark Divine (The Dark Divine #1) by Bree Despain




Title: The Dark Divine (The Dark Divine #1)
Author: Bree Despain
Publisher: Egmont Childrens Books
Publishing Date: July 2010
Length: 384 pages
Genre: YA, fantasy, paranormal romance
Source: Bought

A Prodigal Son

A Dangerous Love

A Deadly Secret


Grace Divine—daughter of the local pastor—always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared and her brother Jude came home covered in his own blood.

Now that Daniel's returned, Grace must choose between her growing attraction to him and her loyalty to her brother.

As Grace gets closer to Daniel, she learns the truth about that mysterious night and how to save the ones she loves, but it might cost her the one thing she cherishes most: her soul. 

Summary by Goodreads





The story of THE DARK DIVINE is based on past happenings between protagonist Grace, her brother, Jude, and their friend Daniel.

Only after a few pages we meet Daniel, who has definitely changed since Grace has seen him the last time. I really like that Grace has to discover a completely different Daniel. He's got a bad boy flair and at the same time is still caring and very vulnerable, just like I like my fantasy male protagonists.

THE DARK DIVINE has nothing like a love triangle, the story is more about former versus present relationship between the three teenagers and the hostility between Jude and Daniel. And at one point Grace can't avoid choosing one side over the other anymore.

When it comes to exploring the past, Despain involves letters to provide Grace and the reader with hints to solve the mystery behind the incidents happening in this small town. These letters were totally slowing down my reading pace, not only because they were written in a horribly curly font, but beause their content was not necessary to solve the „mystery“.

I was worried that I wouldn't like Grace's family or Grace because I always associated her being a pastor's daughter with the image of an always-behaving and a prude little girl, but this female protagonist is religious and rocks!
Each chapter or paragraph is provided with a short info about time and setting so one can follow the story and characters easily. The story flows well, especially the end was really exciting. You have to expect several surprises!
The paranormal elements were expected, but really fitting.





1) of an atmospheric and creepy small town setting
2) of drawing in trees
3) of a long-overdue reunion
4) of secondary characters that  are not just decoration, but have their own mysteries
5) some names should be understood literally




4/5 **** THE DARK DIVINE- Another young and forbidden love between human and otherworldy being and yet another I don't want to miss.

Grace and Daniel convince with their belief in love. Bitter and sweet moments intermingle in times of war between the dark and divine.




 
* Make sure to read the sequel to THE DARK DIVINE- THE LOST SAINT

* You can read the first chapter of THE DARK DIVINE here!  

* Watch the book trailer here.

* Make sure to visit www.breedespain.com

* Have a minute? Check out the THE DARK DIVINE soundtrack here.


Friday, July 22, 2011

Book Blogger Hop #8

Book Blogger Hop

Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy-for-Books and is an awesome way to for book bloggers to interact and find each other. This week's question is: 


What's the ONE GENRE that you wish you could get into, but just can't?


That's a touch one, because I read many genres like paranormal, fantasy, contemporary romance, historical fiction, classics and chick lit.  So which genre is left? That might be scifi or horror. And because I'm too afraid of the horror genre, I wish that I could get more into the scifi genre. I've got ACROSS THE UNIVERSE on my TBR pile and hope that this will be a step in the right direction to enjoy and get into the scifi genre.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Coveresque feat. Mercy by Rebecca Lim (AUS vs. UK vs. German)


I haven't read MERCY yet. I like the AUS and German covers, but the UK would be my favourite. I  heard MERCY is about angels so I'd say the UK cover is the most fitting and beautiful. It looks like the girl is wearing a skirt made of feathers and the white and blue harmonise perfectly. Have you read MERCY. Which cover fits the story best?

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

I Am Number Four: The Lost Files


Who hasn't read I AM NUMBER FOUR by Pittacus Lore or watched the movie? You? Ok, then get the book or movie now, because it's great (Review)! 

We already spent 440 pages reading about John Smith, his fear about being found by the Mogadorians, him falling for Sarah and meeting another of the hunted kids, Number Six.

In only a few weeks THE POWER OF SIX will be released and we'll get to learn more about John, Number Six and also Number Seven. But before THE POWER OF SIX is released, you should have a look at THE LOST FILES: SIX'S LEGACY! It comes out as an ebook. For more information visit Harper Teen.





Number Six—when John meets her in I Am Number Four she’s strong, powerful, and ready to fight. But who is she? Where has she been living? How has she been training? When did she develop her legacies? And how does she know so much about the Mogadorians?
In I Am Number Four: The Lost Files: Six’s Legacy, discover the story behind Six. Before Paradise, Ohio, before John Smith, Six was traveling through West Texas with her CÊpan, Katarina. What happened there would change Six forever….

Summary by Goodreads 


Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Teaser Tuesday #34

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading and it asks us to...


 Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer



"I didn't bother turning on the light; instead I collapsed on the bed and stared at the dark sky above, my mind too frantic for sleep to be a real possibility. Nonetheless, I still felt sapped, weary. But the ache was deeper than that. I'm lonely. "



~ p. 173

Monday, July 18, 2011

New Releases July 18th– July 24th



July 19th


Small Town Sinners by Melissa Walker (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Love Story by Jennifer Echols (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Pearl by Johanna Knowles ( Amazon)


July 21st


Ripple by Mandy Hubbard (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Sunday, July 17, 2011

In My Mailbox #32

The idea of In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and is to bring books to the attention of our blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs.
 
 
 E-ARC
 
 

Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.


To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought. 

Summary by Goodreads
 
 
 

Bought



Return to Paradise by Simone Elkeles

Maine Squeeze by Catherine Clark

Where She Went by Gayle Forman

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Freefall by Mindi Scott

Saving June by Hannah Harrington (This super pretty copy made its way from Australia to my doorstep and I can't wait to read it in my holidays!!)


 For Review
 
 
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor + some mysterious postcards (Thank you so much Hodder & Stoughton!!)  

Always On My Mind by Colette Caddle + some cute swag (Thank you Simon & Schuster UK!!)
 
 
 You see my holidays in Denmark are going to promise an epic reading experience! :)

Friday, July 15, 2011

Book Blogger Hop #7

Book Blogger Hop

Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy-for-Books and is an awesome way to for book bloggers to interact and find each other. This week's question is: 


How/Where do you get your books? Do you buy them or go to the library? Is there a certain website you use like paperbackswap?

I get most of my books from Netgalley or the Simon & Schuster Galley Grab. Then I purchase some from online booksellers or am lucky enough to get review copies from UK publishers:) Wish I could get more from the library, but mine doesn't have English YA books...

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Teaser Tuesday #33

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading and it asks us to...


Swim The Fly by Don Calame



" It's like an open fire hydrant plugged directly into hell. Lifeguard whistles blow like crazy and girls start screeching and all the swimmers step away from the pool as Gregg backstrokes right through the floating psychedelic afghan. " 

~ p. 123

Monday, July 11, 2011

New Releases July 11th– July 17th



July 12th


Sass & Serendipity by Jennifer Ziegler (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Undercurrent (Siren #2) by Tricia Rayburn (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3) by Maggie Stiefvater (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Sleepless by Cyn Balog (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Starstruck by Cyn Balog (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Sometimes It Happens by Lauren Barnholdt (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

Dreams of Significant Girls by Cristina García (Goodreads ~ Amazon)

The Summer I Learned to Fly by Dana Reinhardt (Goodreads ~ Amazon)


FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!! Do I need to say more?

Sunday, July 10, 2011

In My Mailbox #31

The idea of In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren and is to bring books to the attention of our blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs.
 
 E-ARCs 

Vanish by Sophie Jordan (Netgalley) 

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson (Netgalley)

Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey (Netgalley)

A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies (Netgalley)

Past Perfect by Leila Sales (S&S Galley Grab)




For Review: 
 
 
Forgive my Fins by Tera Lynn Childs (Thank you Templar Publishing)

Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver (Thank you Hodder & Stoughton)
 
 
Bought:

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer (From The Strand NY, yay!)


Saturday, July 9, 2011

Book Review: Psych Major Syndrome by Alicia Thompson




Title: Psych Major Syndrome
Author: Alicia Thompson
Publisher: Hyperion Book
Publishing Date: August 2009
Length: 336
Genre: YA, contemporary romance
Source: Bought

Using the skills you've learned so far in Introduction to Psychology, please write a brief self-assessment describing how things are going in your freshman year.

Presenting Concerns:

The Patient, Leigh Nolan (that would be me), has just started her first year at Stiles College. She has decided to major in psychology (even though her parents would rather she study Tarot cards, not Rorschach blots).
Patient has always been very good at helping her friends with their problems, but when it comes to solving her own...not so much.
Patient has a tendency to overanalyze things, particularly when the opposite sex is involved. Like why doesn't Andrew, her boyfriend of over a year, ever invite her to spend the night? Or why can't she commit to taking the next step in their relationship? And why does his roommate Nathan dislike her so much? More importantly, why did Nathan have a starring role in a much-more-than-friendly dream?
Aggravating factors include hyper-competitive fellow psych majors, a professor who’s badly in need of her own psychoanalysis, and mentoring a middle-school-aged girl who thinks Patient is, in a word, naive.

Diagnosis:

Psych Major Syndrome

Summary by Goodreads 

 When I saw that Nic @ Irresistible Reads chose the male protagonist Nate as one of her book boyfriends, I immediately felt the need to read PSYCH MAYJOR SYNDROME.
And the character of Nate does definitely not disappoint! He is a sexy nerd! Nate studies math, is an open-minded creative artist and always there for you when you need him.
Our female protagonist, Leigh, is a crazy psychology student who tends to overanalyse every situation and person she comes across. What an irony that the psych major girl who analyses everyone doesn't know her own feelings.

When it comes to the part where both get to know each other,  I was hooked. I enjoyed how clumsy these two were interacting and  how hilarious the moments they often ended in were. I hoped for much more interaction between Leigh and Nate and I wouldn't mind to spend some more time with them in a sequel.
Each chapter begins with a psychology related term and explanation functioning as a kind of headline. I am not that interested in psychology and its techniques or theories, but Alicia Thompson used it in a funny and anything but dry way.

I really liked that the story of PSYCH MAJOR SYNDROME was set at uni. The writing is good and the overall plot sweet and funny. I want to read more of that!





1) college doesn't need to be all about making plans and mapping out your future
2) of the most sexy bookish B-A-N-A-N-A-S shout-out
3) boys should always respect a girl's car
4) we know all about the cat doodles
5) filling in the blanks often helps 



4/5 PSYCH  MAJOR SYNDROME- A funny, contemporary read about college life, lessons and love!

PSYCH MAJOR SYNDROME is a novel about the bright and not so bright sides of being a student and the odds of finding love as a psych major. Sign up as psych major yourselves for a chance to meet gorgeous Nate!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Coveresque feat. Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma (US vs. UK vs. German)


Very smiliar, yet different. FORBIDDEN is, together with DIVERGENT, my favourite book 2011 so far. I like all the covers (still have to decide if I buy the UK or US copy), because they fit the story very well. Every time I look at the barbwire heart, I fell like crying, again! Tell me, which is your favourite?