Review: Firelight - Sophie Jordan

Release Date - September 7, 2010

Publisher - HarperTeen

Age Group - Young Adult

Hardcover - 323 pages

(From Goodreads)

A hidden truth.

Mortal enemies.

Doomed love.


Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.


Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

*****Spoiler Alert*****

I loved everything about this novel. From the cover, to the characters, to the romance. I loved how action packed it was but had its super romantic moments. I had a very hard time putting this one down and when I was at work I would tell everyone around about it and how I needed to know what was gonna happen next.

I love the characters and all the relationships between the characters. When I started reading Firelight I had no idea it would take the turn that it did.

When Will walked into the school and Jacinda could sense him, my mouth dropped and I gasped. The book did that to me many, many times. If I could use two words to describe this novel they would be gripping and jaw-dropping.

Thats also how the ending left me. I had to know what was gonna happen next and I was sad that I had to put it down.

I would recommend it to many people, and in fact have. The people that I work with and have told, now want to read it so head on out and get yourself a copy because this one is a MUST - READ!!!!

Cover - 5 stars

Plot - 5 stars

Chracters - 5 stars

Ending - 5 stars

Guest Post: Lisa Cach

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Wake Unto Me

By Lisa Cach

Coming March 31, 2011

From Penguin Books
ISBN-10: 0142414360


Caitlyn Monahan knows she belongs somewhere else. It’s what her dead mother’s note suggested, and it’s what her recurring nightmares allude to. Desperate to flee these terrifying dreams—and her small town—she accepts a spot at a boarding school in France. Only, when she arrives, her nightmares get worse.

But then there are her amazing dreams, so vivid and so real, with visits from an alluring, mysterious, and gorgeous Italian boy from the 1500s. Caitlyn knows they are soul mates, but how can she be in love with someone who exists only in her dreams?

Then, as her reality and dream world collide, Caitlyn searches for the real reason why she was brought to this school. And what she discovers will change her life forever.

_________________________________________________________

On Book Cover Art

 People often ask me if I get any say about the cover art for my books. Sure I do! But does anything I say end up on the cover? Rarely, which may be for the best. Here’s the story of the cover to Wake Unto Me.

My editor asked me, “Can you tell me any sort of ‘icons’ that will be in the book? If you can let me know of a few themes/images that you think of when writing the book, we can work with those to come up with a design.”

In response, I said and sent this:

“This is the portrait that was my inspiration for the de’ Medici woman burned as a witch, whose portrait hangs in the office of the headmistress:

Portrait of Lucrezia Panciatichi, by Bronzino. Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy (Right)

The castle in which the school is housed will play a major role in the story:

Chateau de Beynac, photo by Luc Viatour(Left)

Perhaps something with tarot cards? The Wheel of Fortune card is important:
“Wheel of Fortune” from the Rider-Waite tarot deck (Right)



I also said:

“The heroine has long, straight black hair and pale skin. Themes I think of are sisterhood, ancient feminine powers, alienation, longing. Longing to escape one’s origins, longing for love, longing for a sense of one’s own identity. A lot of the heroine’s experiences take place at night, so darkness, mist, and moonlight are good.”

And I also sent this because I thought it was spooky:
Detail of “Lady MacBeth” by Henry Fuseli (Right)

And this because I love Art Nouveau:

“Evening Star” by Alphonse Mucha( Left)

Many months later, my editor sent me the concept art that they’d come up with:

Of course, it looks nothing like any images I sent them, except maybe the smoky/ghosty bit is reminiscent of the Fuseli painting. It does capture ‘longing, mist, darkness,’ though.

The heroine’s hair is the wrong color, but oh well; you wouldn’t have been able to see black hair on a black background. Despite that, I loved the concept. My editor promised me that it would be ‘finessed’ – which I took to mean they’d fix it so the heroine didn’t look like she was wearing a big nasty wig.

The next version of the cover I saw was supposed to be the final version, the version that would appear in stores. I had two issues with it, the first of which had to do with her hands:

Can you see the problem?

Her hands are on the wrong arms!!!!



My other problem was that the heroine is obviously naked. Given that this is a YA novel, it seemed a wee bit too sexy.

They reattached the hands to the correct arms, and put a tiny little black tank top on the heroine, and here’s the final version:

And that’s the story – from the author’s point of view, at least! – of how the cover to Wake Unto Me was created.

___________________________________________________

Lisa's Bio: Lisa Cach is the award-winning author of more than twenty romantic novels and novellas, ranging across sub-genres from Paranormal, Historical, Contemporary, and Chick Lit, to Young Adult. Her novel “Dating Without Novocaine” was named one of Waldenbooks’ “Best Books of 2002,” and she is a two-time finalist for the prestigious RITA Award from the Romance Writers of America.

Lisa Cach was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, where she still lives today. Her professional background includes teaching conversational English in Japan, and several years working the graveyard shift on a mental health crisis line. She has traveled to the foothills of the Himalaya, the jungles of Borneo, the Carpathian Mountains of Romania, and the painted caves of the Perigord Noir, in France. She has sailed the Caribbean as a working crew member of a research schooner, and the Bering Sea as a guest on a small ship.

Review- The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade

Release Date - June 29, 2010
Publisher - Hyperion Books
Age Group - Young Adult
Hardcover - 288

(From the Book Jacket)  Alona Dare–Senior in high school, co-captain of the cheerleading squad, Homecoming Queen three years in a row, voted most likely to marry a movie star…and newly dead.

I’m the girl you hated in high school. Is it my fault I was born with it all-good looks, silky blond hair, a hot bod, and a keen sense of what everyone else should not be wearing? But my life isn’t perfect, especially since I died. Run over by a bus of band geeks—is there anything more humiliating? As it turns out, yes—watching your boyfriend and friends move on with life, only days after your funeral. And you wouldn’t believe what they’re saying about me now that they think I can’t hear them. To top it off, I’m starting to disappear, flickering in and out of existence. I don’t know where I go when I’m gone, but it’s not good. Where is that freaking white light already?

Will Killian–Senior in high school, outcast, dubbed “Will Kill” by the popular crowd for the unearthly aura around him, voted most likely to rob a bank…and a ghost-talker.

I can see, hear, and touch the dead. Unfortunately, they can also see, hear and touch me. Yeah, because surviving high school isn’t hard enough already. I’ve done my best to hide my “gift.” After all, my dad, who shared my ability, killed himself because of it when I was fifteen. But lately, pretending to be normal has gotten a lot harder. A new ghost—an anonymous, seething cloud of negative energy with the capacity to throw me around—is pursuing me with a vengeance. My mom, who knows nothing about what I can do, is worrying about the increase in odd incidents, my shrink is tossing around terms like “temporary confinement for psychiatric evaluation,” and my principal, who thinks I’m a disruption and a faker, is searching for every way possible to get rid of me. How many weeks until graduation?

What words can I use to desribe this novel...? Cute, funny, but my favorite word would be.... unoutdownable. Is that even a word?!?! Well I just made it one if not. The only time I wasn't reading this book, was when I was sleeping, working, or cooking. I wouldn't say it was suspensful but it kept my interests. It had its serious moments and then there were the others where I was laughing out loud!

At first I would have thought of this one as just super-natural but it is so much more. It has its supernatural aspects as well as a  little chick-lit (to me), comedy and romance. I loved all the characters. They were all unique and if not likeable, loveable! So mant characters changed in this novel and it was great!

I loved everything about this novel and I would recommend running out and getting a copy right now!

Cover - 5 stars

Plot - 5 stars

Characters - 5 stars

Writing - 5 stars

Ending - 5 stars

Review - Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Release date : March 2, 2010
Publisher: Hyperion
Age Group: Young Adult
Hardcover - 336 pages

(From Amazon) Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.
By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect. As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

When I first read the description for this book I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Then after I bought it, I read about half and had to put it down so that I could read something else. Finally, I picked it back up and was unable to put it down. I kept finding myself wanting to  know what was gonna happen next but I felt it didnt hit its climax til the very end and the dropped. Which I am not saying is a bad thing. If I hadn't know there was going to be another, though, I probably would have been more disappointed, but knowing about the next, I am VERY excited.

I really loved everything about this novel. There were many unique characters and many did things that you never would have expected. That was one aspect of Rachel's writing that I really enjoyed. She could make you really dislike a character all through out the book and them make them do something so shocking that you never would have seen coming.Which for me made me see the character in a whole new light.

Although I thouroughly enjoyed this novel there were somethings that did bother me. There were a few times that Rachel would touch on a subject, that I felt was important to the story and then never went further with it. Which later made me think a lot about it once I had finished the novel.

Overall I really enjoyed Hex Hall. I loved that it included many fantasy creatures and had an original storyline. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys paranormal novels, but with a hint of romance.

Cover - 5 stars

Plot - 5 stars

Characters - 5 stars

Writing - 5 stars

Ending - 4 stars

Amazing Covers

Hey everyone I ran across these amazing covers over at The Compulsive Reader and thought I would share them with all of you. As she stated she judges book by their covers and I have to admit 99% of the time I do to :P But anywho here are the covers for you all to aww over as I have done :)

Ok, so I haven't quite finished Hex Hall yet, But I adore the cover for that one and love how they did the same with this one. I have to say It is absolutely GORGEOUS! (click the picture for description)



This one is by the lovely Lisa McMann. I own Wake and Fade, no gone sadly, but also sadly have not gotten to read them all the way yet. But look at this cover and if you read what The Compulsive Reader (linked above), you will definitely be intruiged to read it. 

I have not read this series, but I know most of you have, but if you haven't just look at this cover and tell me that you are not intruiged! I know I am.

Loved book one, Loving book two, love all the cover and am sure I am going to love this one too! Go check it out!



My Review of 4-Tier Bookshelf in Natural Wood Grain

Originally submitted at CSN Stores

Features:

• Bookshelf
• Natural wood grain finish
• Stainless steel poles won't rust
• Three shelves
• Fits easy with any Decor
• Will provide years of enjoyment

4-Tier Bookshelf in Natural Wood Grain

4 tier bookshelf

By Happy Book Blogger from Missouri on 10/4/2010

 

4out of 5

Pros: Supports Weight, Sturdy, Displays Books Well

Best Uses: Shelving & Storage, Space Saver

Describe Yourself: Midrange Shopper

I actually use this shelf for books that I review on my blog. It was big enough for the books that I currently have which is near a hundred but I will be needing another soon. when it came in the mail I was super excited and put it together right away. It was super super easy to put together and took me less than ten minutes.

(legalese)

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.2

New Blog Design and upcoming Reviews

Hey guys, as you all can see there has been a change to the blog. I wanted something more relaxig and it just so happens to include my favorite color. So let me know what you guys think.

Also there are many reviews on the way. I would tell you what they are but I think I'll make you wait. Tee hee. Also doesnt help that im in a bit of a hurry.

So let me know what you guys think and look forward to some new reviews.

Review - Along for the Ride - Sara Dessen (Audio Book)

It’s been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parents’ divorce—or since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a c...more It’s been so long since Auden slept at night. Ever since her parents’ divorce—or since the fighting started. Now she has the chance to spend a carefree summer with her dad and his new family in the charming beach town where they live.

A job in a clothes boutique introduces Auden to the world of girls: their talk, their friendship, their crushes. She missed out on all that, too busy being the perfect daughter to her demanding mother. Then she meets Eli, an intriguing loner and a fellow insomniac who becomes her guide to the nocturnal world of the town. Together they embark on parallel quests: for Auden, to experience the carefree teenage life she’s been denied; for Eli, to come to terms with the guilt he feels for the death of a friend.

(Description taken from Goodreads) 


Review- This book I would say would be for those who enjoy a light read. There wasn't any suspense or mystery. It was a great chick-lit novel. Personally I don't think it is something that I would read again but only because I am not much of a check-lit reader. 
I listened to this at work and I have to say I found myself at times laughing my butt off. And other times just enjoying the fact that there was not a lot of detail to be distracted with. If I was reading it I think I would not have been able to finish it. I know I would have put it down but I did enjoy listening to it. 
My sister-in-law bought me This Lullaby for Christmas last year and I do plan to read it, and honestly I think I might end up reading all of her others. I would recommend this for chick-lit lovers.

Cover - 3 stars
Plot - 3 stars
Characters - 4 stars
Writing - 4 stars
Ending - 4 stars

2011 YA Releases Giveaway!!!

Can you believe it!!! I am so excited about many of these titles that are being released in 2011. I don't wanna tell you what they are so you are just gonna have to go look for yourself but I can tell you that they are from some amazing authors. Like I mean completely amazing. My favorite author, who shall remain nameless has a new book on there. Well obviously since they are 2011 releases but anyways, what are you still doing reading go check it out!!!!

 La Femme Readers - 2011 YA Releases

EEEKKKKKK! Go look :)

Review - Sweet Potato Queens' Book of Love (Audio Cassette)

To know the Sweet Potato Queens is to love them, and if you haven't heard about them yet, you will. Since the early 1980s, this group of belles gone bad has been the toast of Jackson, Mississippi, with their glorious annual appearance in the St. Patrick's Day parade. In The Sweet Potato Queens' Book of Love, their royal ringleader, Jill Conner Browne, introduces the Queens to the world with this sly, hilarious manifesto about love, life, men, and the importance of being prepared. Chapters include:
The True Magic Words Guaranteed to Get Any Man to Do Your Bidding
The Five Men You Must Have in Your Life at All Times
Men Who May Need Killing, Quite Frankly
What to Eat When Tragedy Strikes, or Just for Entertainment

And, of course:
The Best Advice Ever Given in the Entire History of the World

From tales of the infamous Sweet Potato Queens' Promise to the joys of Chocolate Stuff and Fat Mama's Knock You Naked Margaritas, this irreverent, shamelessly funny book is the gen-u-wine article.

Visit the Sweet potato Queens Web site at www.sweetpotatoqueens.com

(Taken from Goodreads)

Review - I loved this book!!!! This isn't something I would normally pick up but my sister-in-law suggested it to me to listen to at work. It was a hilarious book and it is great to listen to because the woman who wrote it is southern and well the book is written exactly how it is spoke. Its sometimes serious, but for the most part HILARIOUS! I dont know how many times I busted out laughing. I would suggest this to ANY woman, its too funny! I know i have said that a lot but I can't stress enough how funny it is.

Cover - 5 stars
Plot - (There really isnt one but) 5 stars 
Characters - 5 stars
Writing - 5 stars
Ending - 4 stars 


 

In My Mailbox 32

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.

Here are the books that I have received in the last few weeks.

• Emma and the Vampires - Jane Austen and Wayne Josephson
• Songs for a Teenage Nomad - Kim Culbertson
•  The Death (and further adventures) if Silas Winterbottom: The Body Thief - Stephen M. Giles

Sorry I didnt include pictures but if the titles intrigues you you can go ahead and click on it and it will take you on over to Goodreads

Summer Saradise 7 RC Giveaway!!!

You guys have to go check out this awesome giveaway from Sara over at Babbling Flow. She is giving away not 1, not 2, but 7 ARC's and they are all amazing titles. You should go check it out!! It will definitely be worth your while!

Guest Post with Sean McCartney

First off I would like to welcome Sean to Inside the Mind! He is the first author to do a guest post on my blog. He is here to talk about his new young adult series entitled THE TREASURE HUNTERS CLUB: SECRETS OF THE MAGICAL MEDALLIONS which comes out July 6^{th.
So without further ado..... Sean McCartney!
______________________________________________________________________}

Let me first thank Jordan for allowing me to talk with all of you today. Since this is the first guest blog post I do feel very honored.

My name is Sean McCartney and I am the author of the new young adult action adventure series entitled THE TREASURE HUNTERS CLUB: SECRETS OF THE MAGICAL MEDALLIONS which comes out July 6^th and is available for preorder on my website www.treasurehuntersclubbook.com and Amazon.

My road to publication is probably like many others. I started getting serious about writing novels in 2001. I wrote my first, THE 65^th TEAM in the summer of 2001 and sent it out waiting for all the offers to come in. The only thing that came through the mail was…

REJECTION! And lots of it.

I was stunned. Didn’t these publishers know that every word I put down was gold? That every thought must be perfect because I took the time? So I wrote another novel and another and the same thing kept happening.

REJECTION! What I didn’t understand at the time and after years of working on novels I see now was that I did not respect the words, the sentences or the paragraphs. I left story lines hanging. I assumed the reader would get it. The truth was I didn’t get it.

A friend of mine pointed out something that Mark Twain said and I have used as my guideline for the rest of my novels. “The difference between the right word and the wrong word is like the difference between lightening and a lightening bug.”

With that idea in mind I wrote a fantasy novel called BLACK KNIGHT CHRONICLES: RISE OF EVIL and sent it out. I was able to land an agent with that book and we embarked on looking for a publisher.

My agent sent the manuscript to all the big time publishers and some took a look but nothing came of it. They seemed to like the idea but I was told the market was saturated with fantasy books about knights and dragons and another wasn’t needed.

This was frustrating because during this time I mapped out a five book series and even wrote the second book to BLACK KNIGHT CHRONICLES called SHADOW WARS.

Finally after eight years I decided to write something I would have found myself reading as a kid. I went back to my youth and remembered all the friends I had and what we liked to do and thus THE TREASURE HUNTERS CLUB was born.

I really liked it. Of course I liked the other ones too but I decided to take a new approach with sending the book out for publication. I only queried small publishers. No agent this time, just me.

The rejections still came but there was a different tone to what came back. The publishers liked the ideas and read some of the story but with the economy tanking at the time they didn’t feel they could do TREASURE HUNTERS CLUB justice.

They say when you win the lottery it only takes one time to play. When I received the email from Mountainland Publishing wanting to publish my book I felt like I’d won the lottery.

It happened on July 17^th, 2009 and for the next year I went through the ups and downs of working with a small, relatively new publisher to get to this point: My book’s release on July 6^th, 2010.

Now the story turns to promotion and getting the word out, but that is for another time.

I would encourage, because begging is undignified, to get yourself a copy of THE TREASURE HUNTERS CLUB: SECRETS OF THE MAGICAL MEDALLIONS and kick back and enjoy a fun, fast paced and exciting adventure.

Thanks again for the opportunity and I hope to hear from all of you.

Sean

_______________________________________________________________

Here is a trailer for the book, watch and let me know what you think.

CSN Review

Alright so I am sure that many of you have seen the reviews people have done through out the blogosphere well ladies and gents I am about to join them. I have recently be approached about doing a review on my blog from the lovely people at CSN Stores. If you don't know who I am talking about they are a company that sells all different kinds of furniture from bedroom furniture, to dining room, to office furniture.
Now as for what I will be reviewing.... Lets see if you guys can guess.


Ding, Ding, Ding you are correct lol. Seeing as I am a book reviewer, why not review a BOOKSHELF.



I am looking forward to seeing how well this works and gives my books a beautiful home. So be looking forward to that in the near future.

In My Mailbox.... Way over due!

My Ultimate Sister Disaster - Jane Mendle
13 to Life - Shannon Delany
Manifest - Artist Arthur
Middleworld - J&P Voelkel
Tell me a Secret - Holly Cupala

Booking Through Thursday (January)

January 7 -


Barbara wants to know:

What books did you get for Christmas (or whichever holiday you may have celebrated last month)?

Do you usually ask for books on gift-giving occasions or do you prefer to buy them yourself?


I actuall received one book for Christmas and that was This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen.

Sometimes if there is a book that I really really want and there is a gifting holiday coming up I might ask for it or hint at it but most of the time I buy books myself.

January 14 -


Suggested by Prairie Progressive:

Do you read the inside flaps that describe a book before or while reading it?

I read the inside flap before I read a book that way I can get a feel for whether I think I would like the book or not. In my opinion why read a book if I am not going to enjoy it. I am not saying that every book I read I enjoy because that is not the case. There have been many that I got and thought I would really like. Then after finishing it I find myself relieved that it is done becuase I was not enjoying it.

January 21 -

Who’s your favorite author that other people are NOT reading? The one you want to evangelize for, the one you would run popularity campaigns for? The author that, so far as you’re concerned, everyone should be reading–but that nobody seems to have heard of. You know, not JK Rowling, not Jane Austen, not Hemingway–everybody’s heard of them. The author that you think should be that famous and can’t understand why they’re not…

I honestly do not think I have an author that I like that others are not reading at the moment. There are many many amazing authors out there and I think people are starting to discover them as I have.


January 28 -

Jackie says, “I love books with complicated plots and unexpected endings. What is your favourite book with a fantastic twist at the end?”

So, today’s question is in two parts.

1. Do YOU like books with complicated plots and unexpected endings?

Absolutely. Those are usually my favorites. When I read a book like that I usually go running around the house and find the first person I can to gush to, even though they usually have no idea what I am talking about.

2. What book with a surprise ending is your favorite? Or your least favorite?

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong.

Booking Through Thursday (December)

December 17 -


Suggested by Barbara H:

What do you think of speed-reading? Is it a good way to get through a lot of books, or does the speed-reader miss depth and nuance? Do you speed-read? Is some material better suited to speed-reading than others?

I think speed reading can be good but ultimately depends on a persons preference. I do think that it can be a good way to get through many books but at the same time I think that if you are not a good speed reader and you are more skimming than anything you can miss some important meanings behind things. I do speed read sometimes but it depends on my mood and what it is that I am reading.


December 24 -

Given the choice, which do you prefer? Real history? Or historical fiction? (Assume, for the purposes of this discussion that they are equally well-written and engaging.)

I actually do not have a preference. I love to read about history, mainly the wars and egyptians and things like that, but at the same time I love reading historical fiction books. I like reading from a different period and putting myself into that period. I do say that I tend to read historical fiction more that real history but I dont really think that I have a preference on the matter.

December 31 -

It’s the last day of the year, and you know what that means … nostalgia and looking back.

What were your favorite books of the year? (Books that were new to you in 2009, if not necessarily published this year.)

I had quite a few in 2009. The Blue Bloods Series, I thought was absolutely amazing. The Luxe Series by Anna Godbersen. The House of Night series by the amazing Cast Duo. The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong was probably my favorite over all of them but not by much. They were all about equal. Need by Carrie Jones as also a favorite read from 2009.

In My Mailbox (30)

I am not doing a vlog this week because my brother took the laptop to work but here are the books that I have received for review since my last IMM post.

For Review -

MagicKeepers: The Pyramid of Souls - Erica Kirov

This is book two and I have not yet read book one, so if anyone has it and would be willing to let me borrow it, please let me know.

Glimmerglass - Jenna Black
Siren - Tricia Rayburn
Forgive my Fins - Tera Lynn Childs


Bought -

Evernight - Claudia Gray
If I Stay - Gayle Forman

Stuff stuff and more stuff that just happens to be about books......

Alright guys so this post is going to contain some random things but all are related to the blog. Mainly this is a post summing up some things that I have going on and some things that you will be seeing on the blog within the next week or two.

First off.. I would like to talk about a book that I just recently was reading. Notice I did not say a book that I had read..... Reason being I was unable to finish it. That book would be Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White. Let me start off by saying that this book was not bad by any means. I thought the concept was great. It was definitely something unique, just for some reason I was unable to get into it. It took me quite a LONG time to attempt to read it and one day I finally said I can't. It sounded good and I know others have enjoyed it but I was not one of those.

Also because I am SO far behind on my Booking through Thursday posts. I will be answering them in a vlog form a month at a time, until I am caught up.

Hopefully that is everything that needs to be done, but if I come up with anything else I will be sure to add it to the post.

In My Mailbox (29)

In my mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren and is a weekly meme to discuss the books that we get each week.




For Review -



The Summer of Skinny Dipping - Amanda Howells

The Pack - LM Preston

(This one by the way, made me squeal when I opened it beacause I didnt know that I was getting it and am super excited about reading it!)

Shadow Hills - Anastasia Hopcus

The Turning: What Curiosity Kills - Helen Ellis

We Hear the Dead - Dianne K. Salerni

Picture the Dead - Adele Griffin



For the 1 ARC Tours -



Whisper - Phoebe Kitanidis

My Invented Life - Lauren Bjorkman



Bought -



Hex Hall - Rachel Hawkins

The Book Blogger Hop

SO I just found this on another site.... that unfortunately I forgot where.... But anywho I think it is amazing and everyone should go check it out! It is basically a great way for everyone to get out there and look at some new material, so if you are intrigued head on over to Crazy for Books and see what it is all about!

In My Mailbox (28)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.

So this is what I have gotten since the last time that I posted. I do realize that it is Thursday, but I planned on doing it Sunday and totally spaced.

For Review -

This one made me squeal! I do not have a photo of it because it is at my friends house that I use to live with, but..........

The Ghost and The Goth - Stacey Kade

1 ARC Tours -

The Line - Teri Hall

The Library -

Splendor - Anna Godbersen
The Van Alen Legacy - Melissa de la Cruz
The Awakening - Kelley Armstrong

Borrowed (From my sister) -

Fallen - Lauren Kate

Beautiful Dead and Merlin's Harp Reviews

Hey everyone I was scheduled to post my reviews of Beautiful Dead and Merlin's Harp today but sadly I got very behind. I am hoping to have the reviews up soon, but it might take some time, unfortunately. Im still adjusting to actually having a job and now a social life. I am hoping to get back into a routine with blogging and keeping up with it, which if you couldn't tell I have found very difficult since starting work.

So if you all would, give me some time and hopefully the blog will be better than ever :)


♥ Jordan

Chasing Brooklyn - Lisa Shroeder (1 ARC Tours)

Summary - Restless souls and empty hearts.

Brooklyn can’t sleep. Her boyfriend, Lucca died a year ago, and now their friend Gabe has died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe's ghost is there, waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn't Lucca chasing her through her dreams.

Nico can’t stop. He’s always running, trying so hard not to feel the pain of missing Lucca. But when he begins receiving messages from his dead brother, telling him to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface.

As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they're being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest

Review - There is only one word to describe how I thought about this book..... AMAZING. When I first received the book I didnt not realize that it was written in verse form, and to be honest almost all other books that i had read in verse were not exactly my favorites. Once I picked this one up though I had a hard time putting it down. I loved that you knew exactly how Brooklyn was feeling without needing a lot of detail. I loved everything about this book. All of the characters were amazing. The plot was good, somewhat predictable but at the same time you didn't know what was coming next.

This was the first novel I have read by Lisa and it has inspired me to read her others and any more to come in the future. The ways that she was able to capture all of the emotions of the characters in such few words, I found absolutely amazing. This is definitely one I would recommend to anyone!

Cover - 4
Plot - 4
Character - 5
Writing - 5
Ending -4

In my Mailbox (27)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.

So this is the books I have gotten since the last time I posted an IMM post. A lot has been going on and I am hoping to get back into the groove. So with further ado here are the books.

For Review:

Poetry Speaks: Who I Am
Everlasting - Angie Frazier

For the 1 ARC Tours:

Something Maybe - Elizabeth Scott

Bought -

Sweep - Cate Tiernan

The Dark Divine Giveaway!

Hey everyone, I was recently approached to do a giveaway for The Dark Divine. The cool thing is though that it isn't for the book, its for the nail polish!! There will be five winners. Originally there were only going to be four, but I am being sent five and already have one of my own.

This will not be like other contests I have held though... I thought we might get creative with this one. Since forgiveness is a theme in The Dark Divine, I thought that might be the theme for the contest. There are two options.

1. You can write about a time it was hard for you to forgive someone or it was hard for someone to forgive you.

OR

2. You can write about forgiveness and why it is important to you.

Then when the contest is over i will decide who I thought had the best response. You can either share your stories or opinions here or you can e-mail me at jmoose09@gmail.com . Either one will work. Since the month is just beginning and I have something special coming up along with St. Patricks day I will end this on St.Patty's DAY :)

This is unfortunately for U.S Residents because I currently dont have the funds to send it internationally. Now if you know someone who is willing to mail it to you from the U.S. I will do that.

Thanks and I hope you all enjoy :D

Review Policy

First off I would like to start by saying that reading is probably my number one passion in life and as such is the reason that I started my blog. When I first started blogging I didnt realize that this blogging community was out there. I had just brought home some books from the library and wanted to discuss them and my feelings about them. It wasnt until later on that I realized what all there was to blogging. The longer I had it the more I learned and now almost a year later you have what "Inside the Mind" is today.

When it comes to accepting books for reivew I try to keep an open mind. Granted there are genres that I prefer to read and ones that I dont I will not turn your book away if it doesnt fall into the category of genres that I do prefer. Although, I am not saying that I will automatically accept every request. If it looks interesting to me and strikes my interest then there is a good chance that I will accept it for review. Also I have no problem participating in blog tour or hosting contest and author interviews.


How do I write reviews? Well there is only one way. Honestly
I believe that everyone is going to have the own opinion and that is a good thing. If everyone agreed on everything all the time it wouldn't make anything interesting. If I read your novel and reall enjoy it my reviews will show that. If I happen to not enjoy it I will not bash it but simply point out the things that caused me not to enjoy it. I do, although, have a hard time writing a completely negetive review and if it is the case that I didn't entirely enjoy your novel I will try and point out the good aspects of the novel.

What types of books (genres) do I prefer to read? First and foremost I prefer to read Young Adult Fiction. I do sometimes read adult novels but not very often. Also I do not prefer to read non-fiction but as stated above I will consider it if I find the topic interesting. The types that I do prefer to read vary from historical fiction to paranormal to chic-lit and romance.

How long will it take to get a review? This really depends on how busy I am and how many books I have in the pile before the newly requested ones. I try to get reviews back out as soon as possible or as close to the release date as possible but sometimes this is hard. There are instances where it may take longer to get a review back out but I will always post a review.

Disclosure - The majority of the books that I receive for review come from either the author or the publisher. I do not accept or receive any kind of compensation for my reviews.

1 ARC TOUR Review - Troubadour by Mary Hoffman

Summary - A story of persecution and poetry, love and war set in 13th century Southern France. As crusaders sweep through the country, destroying all those who do not follow their religion, Bertrand risks his life to warn others of the invasion. As a troubadour, Bertrand can travel without suspicion from castle to castle, passing word about the coming danger. In the meantime Elinor, a young noblewoman, in love with Bertrand, leaves her comfortable home and family and becomes a troubadour herself. Danger encircles them both, as the rising tide of bloodshed threatens the fabric of the society in which they live

(Summary taken from Goodreads)

Review - Alright so I have to start off by saying that i have mixed feelings about this one. Up until the last two to three chapters I had every intention of writing a negative review. The only thing that I didnt like about the book though is that I felt like it drug on and on. The last few chapters were the best part of the book to me. I never would have guessed the way that it ended. Though I enjoyed the outcome I did not enjoy the way that it ended. I felt that it ended too abrubptly. It is hard to explain a lot of the way I felt about this book. It was good at first got very boring in the middle and the ending was okay. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genre's but I did not enjoy this one as much as I have others. I do not know if it was the way that it was written or simply the time period. Overall I would say it was an ok read.

Cover - 3 stars

Plot - 4 stars

Characters - 5 stars

Writing - 3 stars

Ending - 3 stars

Updates!!

Ciao!!

So I thought that it was about time that you guys got another update.. I am moving yet again, which I have to say I am kind of happy about. It is closer to job opportunities and I am moving in with family so it will be a lot easier! I have been getting a lot more reading done but the next few days I have to spend the next couple days packing all of my stuff back up. One good thing, I never un-packed my things before. lol

But on a more serious note, I think things are gonna start getting better for the blog. I should get a lot more reading done, the only thing that might get in the way of that is my two year old niece :P I'll just read when she is napping and at night time, which is more than I am able to do now.

Well that is all that I can think of at the moment.

1 ARC Tour Review : When the Whistle Blows

Summary - Jimmy lives in Rowlesburg, West Virginia, during the 1940s. He does all the things boys do in the small mountain town: plays a mean game of football, pulls the unforgettable Halloween prank with his friends in “the Platoon,” and promises to head off into the woods on the first day of hunting season— no matter what. He also knows his father belongs to a secret society, and is determined to uncover the mysteries behind it! But it is a midnight encounter with a train that shows Jimmy the man his father really is.

Newcomer Fran Cannon Slayton’s powerful first novel captures the serendipity of boyhood by shining a spotlight on the peak adventures of Jimmy’s life. But at its heart, this is a story about a boy and his father in a time when trains reigned supreme.

(Taken from Goodreads)

Review - I am finding it hard to put my feelings for this book into words. I thought it was an a amazing book! One thing that I can point out that I absolutely adored was the way that the book was written. The story takes place in West Virginia many years ago and I am not sure if they still talk that way now but back then they had some improper language. And Im not talking about cursing, though I am sure they did that too, but it was just the way they talked. For instance they say dagburn a WHOLE lot through out the story and I loved it. I thought that it gave the story character. I also loved the characters in this story. Again it is hard to say why without giving away too much of the story but all the characters are amazing and have personalities that you see from a small town. (I would know I live in one :)) But back to the story, I thought it was an amazing coming-of-age story that any one would enjoy.

Cover - 4 stars

Plot - 3 stars

Characters - 5 stars

Writing - 5 stars

Ending - 5 stars

Have a been a horrible blogger lately??

Hey everyone I feel like I owe you all an explanation. I have noticed that I have only been posting my IMM posts and feel like I have been neglecting the blog and you all deserve to know why.

I have recently moved out of my parents house and its not as easy as many think it would be. I have been dealing with a lot of roommate drama lately and its making a lot of things difficult. Also I have no job at the moment and trying to find one is what is taking up most of my time.

If many of you dont already know this I participate in the 1 ARC Tours and not having a job has made that even harder. I currently have a few of the tours books and are unable to get them out to the next people right now, which is making me feel horrible.

I am moving again soon with my brother and his wife so that I can be within walking distance of a job. Right now the town that I am living in has NOTHING! I know that may seem hard but my town population is either 407 or 704 cant remember but either way its very small and there are really no job opportunities here.

I am hoping that this posts helps people to understand why the blog has been so empty lately. But as soon as I am done writing this post and updating my Goodreads and what not I am locking myself in my room and reading! There is nothing to distract me tonight and I am determined to finish one if not both of the books that I am reading.

I also want to give a big thanks to everyone out there that has been very supportive and told me that if I ever need someone to talk to they are there. You guys are all amazing!

♥ Jordan

Nicholas Sparks Challenge...?

Hey everyone,

So I have been thinking, Nicholas Sparks is freaking amazing but I have not read any of his novels.... I have seen all of the movies and I want to read his books so bad! I am thinking about making a challenge to read all of his books. The only thing is I dont know if such a challenge already exists.... If so can some one let me know.

Also let me know if you would be interested in participating. If I can get enough people that would be interested I think I might start it in a few months and let it run for about a year or so...

Anyways, if you have any thoughts on this, please let me know..

You can comment or you can send me an email at : jmoose09@gmail.com

In My Mailbox (26)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.


A Match Made in High School

When the principal announces that every senior must participate in a mandatory year-long Marriage Education program, Fiona Sheehan believes that her life can’t get any worse. Then she marries her “husband”: Jerky jock Todd, whose cheerleader girlfriend, Amanda, has had it in for Fiona since day one of second grade. Even worse? Amanda is paired with Fiona’s long-term crush, Gabe. At least Fiona is doing better than her best friend, Marcie, who is paired up with the very quiet, very mysterious Johnny Mercer. Pranks, fights, misunderstandings, and reconciliations ensue in an almost Shakespearean comedy of errors about mistaken first impressions, convoluted coupling, and hidden crushes.


The Mark

Cassandra Renfield has always seen the mark—a glow around certain people reminiscent of candlelight. But the one time she mentioned it, it was dismissed as a trick of the light. Until the day she watches a man awash in the mark die. After searching her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person’s imminent death. Not how or where, only when: today.

Armed with a vague understanding of the light, Cassie begins to explore her “gift,” seeking those marked for death and probing the line between decision and destiny. Though she’s careful to hide her secret—even from her new philosophy-obsessed boyfriend—with each impending death comes the temptation to test fate. But so many questions remain. How does the mark work? Why is she the only one who sees it? And finally, the most important of all: If you know today is someone’s last, should you tell them?

Beautiful Dead

Something strange is happening in Ellerton High. Phoenix is the fourth teenager to die within a year. His street fight stabbing follows the deaths of Jonas, Summer andArizona in equally strange and sudden circumstances. Rumours of ghosts and strange happenings rip through the small community as it comes to terms with shock and loss. Darina,Phoenix's grief-stricken girlfriend, is on the verge. She can't escape her intense heartache, or the impossible apparitions of those that are meant to be dead. And all the while the sound of beating wings echo inside her head ! And then one dayPhoenix appears to Darina. Ecstatic to be reunited, he tells her about the Beautiful Dead. Souls in limbo, they have been chosen to return to the world to set right a wrong linked to their deaths and bring about justice. Beautiful, superhuman and powerful, they are marked by a 'death mark' -- a small tattoo of angel's wings.Phoenix tells her that the sound of invisible wings beating are the millions of souls in limbo, desperate to return to earth.Darina's mission is clear: she must help Jonas, Summer,Arizona, and impossibly, her belovedPhoenix, right the wrong linked to their deaths to set them free from limbo so that they can finally rest in peace. Will love conquer death? And if it does, can Darina set it free?

Merlin's Harp

Among the towering trees of magical Avalon, where humans dare not tread, lives Niviene, daughter of the Lady of the Lake and apprentice to Merlin the mage. Her people, the Fey, are folk of the wood and avoid the violence and avarice of man. But the strife of King Arthur's realm threatens even Avalon's peace, and Merlin needs his apprentice to thwart the chaos devouring Camelot. And so Niviene must use her special talents to help save a kingdom and discover the treachery of men and the beauty of love. A mystical love story, now back in print, sure to become a modern teen classic.

In My Mailbox (25)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.



This week I only got three books for review but I have to tell you that I screamed when I opened all of them.. I have decided not to post the descriptions this week so if you would like to know what these books are about I will link them to Goodreads below. Leave me a comment and let me know what you got :)

Tangled - Carolyn Mackler
Possessed - Kate Cann
Princess for Hire - Lindsey Leavitt

In My Mailbox (24)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.

For Review :

Summary - Jill Jekel has always obeyed her parents’ rules – especially the one about never opening the mysterious, old box in her father’s office. But when her dad is murdered, and her college savings disappear, she's tempted to peek inside, as the contents might be key to a lucrative chemistry scholarship.

To better her odds, Jill enlists the help of gorgeous, brooding Tristen Hyde, who has his own dark secrets locked away. As the team of Jekel and Hyde, they recreate experiments based on the classic novel, hoping not only to win a prize, but to save Tristen’s sanity. Maybe his life. But Jill’s accidental taste of a formula unleashes her darkest nature and compels her to risk everything – even Tristen’s love – just for the thrill of being… bad.


Summary - In a time of kings, queens, and conspiracy, it's impossible to know whom one can trust. . . .

In a kingdom far away and long ago, it was prophesied at her birth that the queen would die before her sixteenth birthday. So Shadow, an orphan girl the same age as the young queen, was given the duty to watch her every move. And as prophesies do tend to come true, the queen is poisoned days before her birthday. When the castle is thrown into chaos, Shadow escapes with a young knight, whom she believes was betrothed to the queen.

Unsure of why she is following Sir Kenway, but determined to escape as far as possible from the castle, her long-time prison, Shadow sets off on an adventure with the handsome knight who has been charged with protecting her. As mystery builds, and romantic tension does, too, Shadow begins to wonder what her role in the kingdom truly is. Soon, she learns, it is up to her to save her land.

Jenny Moss's novel is a lyrical, fast-paced adventure filled with mystery, magic, honor, and romance that will lead readers on an incredible journey.

For 1 ARC Tours :

Summary - I am unable to find a summary right now, I will post the description from the book cover later on...









Swag:

Review : Faketastic - Alexa Young

Summary -

From besties to worsties and back again . . .

Team Avalon:

For Avalon, staying on top of trends has never been a problem—until her fellow cheerleaders decide that her BFF Halley is definitely out this season. Now Avalon must choose between the frenemy who embarrassed her in front of everyone or the new friends who stood by her.

vs.

Team Halley:

Halley thinks she's got it all: her forever-friend Avalon, her new bestie Sofee, and the hottest fall wardrobe at Seaview Middle School. Her life is a total YES. But when Sofee spies Avalon flirting with Halley's crush, will it be World War Halvalon all over again?

Review - Faketastic was a great sequal to Young's first novel "Frenemies". It was another cute and "fluffy" novel. I would have to say that there was more drama in this one than the last but I liked it. I felt there were more things that girls could also relate to in this novel.

The plot I thought wasnt all too unique but I still liked it.. I knew what was coming and for once I liked that. I didnt want to be kept in suspense, though there some things that I honestly can say I didnt see coming.

If anyone has read the first one and enjoyed it I would recommend reading this one too. Although some have said that you can read this without the first I wouldnt recommend it.

Cover - 3 stars

Plot - 3 stars

Characters - 4 stars

Writing - 4 stars

Ending - 4 stars