{ARC Review} Indisputable Proof by Gary Williams and Vicky Knerly

From Goodreads: When the Sudarium of Oviedo—the venerable cloth that once covered Jesus Christ’s face on the cross—is stolen from a cathedral in Spain, it sparks a series of grisly murders. Each victim is killed in a manner resembling the form of execution of one of the Apostles.

Now, with five days until the Sudarium is to be displayed at the start of the Feast of the Cross, and with the blame of the theft pointed at the United States, CIA operative Samuel Tolen, Spanish inspector Pascal Diaz, and British archaeologist Dr. Jade Mollur embark on a journey to reclaim the Sudarium. Their search takes a surprising turn when a 2,000-year-old clue suggests a far greater secret is within reach, a startling discovery that would forever change humanity, but there are others after the treasure. A rogue group called “The True Sons of Light” are determined to destroy the archaeological evidence before they can reach it.

In a deadly race against time spanning four continents, Samuel Tolen’s search for the truth will uncover unspeakable deception…and the chance to answer mankind’s greatest question: Is there life after death?

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The more I read by Williams and Knerly, the more I fall in love with their writing style, genre, characters, and most of all, their solid plotline.  It amazes me how seamlessly everything falls into place in their novels, especially in Indisputable Proof, and it’s obvious that Williams and Knerly put in a great deal of time and effort researching Biblical history while writing this amazing novel.  Not only are the authors historically accurate and able to work in even the smallest of historical details, but they also use historical accounts to their advantage, filling in holes with their own added imaginings that cause the reader to stop and wonder, “what if?”  It’s an age old mystery unfolding before the reader’s eyes, giving a different perspective based on recordings and findings of the past, and the way Williams and Knerly present their novel, pulling the reader into the story and causing them to question all they know, is amazing.

I really enjoyed the character of Samuel Tolen, who I first met in Williams’ and Knerly’s short story “Before the Proof,” and I’m ecstatic to note that he’s going to become a series character! Tolen is extremely bright and well rounded, and his pristine demeanor throughout the novel made him one of my favorite characters out of any Williams and Knerly have created so far.  His ingenuity and sheer willpower endeared him to my heart from the very beginning, and I really loved reading about his exploits.

One of the other things I love about Williams’ and Knerly’s characters is that most are not who or what they seem to be.  I found myself second-guessing many of the characters as I read Indisputable Proof, and I honestly couldn’t pinpoint the true antagonist until it was revealed within the novel.  And, in my opinion, any novel that is able to keep me second guessing all the characters is well worth the read, and let me say, Indisputable Proof is just that! Well.  Worth.  The. Read.

If you’ve enjoyed any of the Dan Brown’s books, or the movies The Da Vinci Code or Angels and Demons, then you’ll love Indisputable Proof (and all Williams’ and Knerly’s other novels as well).

I received an ARC of this novel from the authors, prior to its release on September 4, in exchange for an honest review.

Check out Williams’ and Knerly’s other novels:

Death in the Beginning

Three Keys to Murder

“Before the Proof”

{Review} Before the Proof by Gary Williams and Vicky Knerly

From Goodreads: In Colombo, Sri Lanka, CIA operative Samuel Tolen arrives to reconnoiter a meeting between a North Korean illegal arms dealer and the personal assistant of an American millionaire. The meeting is not what Tolen expects when he uncovers a nefarious plot: a murder for hire which will occur that night in Colombo with a $100 million payout. The problem is, he does not know who is being targeted or where the assassination will take place. During a night when clues lead only to questions, Samuel Tolen will learn that nothing is quite as it seems. It is a mission that may require the ultimate sacrifice.
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I have really enjoyed reading Williams’ and Knerly’s novels over the past year, so of course I was excited when I saw they had written a short story as well!  “Before the Proof” introduces us to the new series character, Samuel Tolen, that Williams and Knerly have created and will be featuring in their next novel, Indisputable Proof, which releases early September.  And, although this was only a very short introduction (too short, I need more!), I can already tell that I’m going to really like Tolen.  He is very smart and good at his job, and I’m excited to read more about him.

This is a really well written short story, but it sort of leaves you hanging at the end.  Thank heavens the first novel in the series is almost out, though, because I am dying to know so much more about Tolen.  Rest assured, this is another great, and short, read by Williams and Knerly… I just wish it was a full-length novel—I never feel like I get enough information out of short stories. Three stars.

I received a copy of this short story from the authors in exchange for an honest review.

R.J. Sullivan and Bonnie Wasson Interview: The Haunting Obsession Blog Tour

Today we have a real treat on the blog, an audio conversation/interview between R.J. Sullivan, the author of Haunting Blue and Haunting Obsession, and Bonnie Wasson, the creator of the cover art and illustrations for his Rebecca Burton novels/novellas!  Check out what R.J. had to say about the interview:

“My Artist. She Rocks.

Today on the Haunting Obsession Blog Tour I’m interviewing an All-Star player on Team R.J., Bonnie Wasson, staff artist at Seventh Star Press and now attached to the Rebecca Burton Series and the Adventures of Blue Shaefer. Thanks to A Book Vacation for hosting this entry of the tour.

Needless to say, I’m almost unreasonably happy with the results of this first collaboration. Who wouldn’t want their name and title attached to an awesome cover like that? And there’s even more amazing stuff inside the book. Take a listen to our interview held Saturday afternoon, August 25, as we talk about our experiences collaborating so far. I hope you enjoy learning more about Bonnie as I did.”

Also Link:

Bonnie’s page on Seventh Star Press

http://www.seventhstarpress.com/bonnie-wasson

Check out the audio below:

R.J. Sullivan and Bonnie Wasson

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Author Bio:

R. J. Sullivan resides with his family in Heartland Crossing, Indiana. His first novel, Haunting Blue, is an edgy paranormal thriller about punk girl loner Fiona “Blue” Shaefer and her boyfriend Chip Farren. R.J. is hard at work on the next chapter in Fiona’s story, Virtual Blue, coming soon from Seventh Star Press.  R.J. is a member of the Indiana Horror Writers. Learn all about R.J. at www.rjsullivanfiction.com.

Website: http://www.rjsullivanfiction.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/R.J.SullivanAuthor

Twitter: @RJSullivanAuthr

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Haunting Obsession Synopsis:

“She wants to be loved by you…alone!”

Daryl Beasley collects all things Maxine Marie, whose famous curves and fast lifestyle made her a Hollywood icon for decades after her tragic death. Daryl’s girlfriend, Loretta Stevens, knew about his geeky lifestyle when they started dating, but she loves him, quirks and all.

Then one day Daryl chooses to buy a particularly tacky piece of memorabilia instead of Loretta’s birthday present. Daryl ends up in the doghouse, not only with Loretta, but with Maxine Marie herself. The legendary blonde returns from the dead to give Daryl a piece of her mind—and a haunting obsession he’ll never forge.

{ARC Review} Blink Once by Cylin Busby

From Goodreads: West is a high school senior who has everything going for him until an accident leaves him paralyzed. Strapped down in his hospital bed, slipping in and out of consciousness, West is terrified and alone. Until he meets Olivia.

She’s the girl next door—sort of. A patient in the room next to his, only Olivia can tell what West is thinking, and only Olivia seems to know that the terrible dreams he’s been having are not just a result of his medication. Yet as West comes to rely on Olivia—to love her, even—certain questions pull at him: Why has Olivia been in the hospital for so long? And what does it mean that she is at the center of his nightmares? But the biggest question of all comes when West begins to recover and learns that the mysterious girl he’s fallen in love with has a secret he could never have seen coming.

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This was fantastic!  It was exactly what I expected it to be, and then some, throwing in a huge twist near the end that I just ate up—it was too cool and explained away all the questions I had concerning Olivia’s interesting appearances.  To be honest, until the twist was revealed (which I never saw coming), I kept wondering why Busby decided to make Olivia’s appearances a bit clipped, unfinished, even, but once the secret was out, I just about died in my chair.  It’s a fabulous twist and I absolutely loved it, especially as I was able to begin piecing things together that had irked me throughout the novel and left me wondering…

West is a great character, as is Olivia.  I loved their interactions, especially as West has to learn to communicate through blinking and it seems that Olivia is the only one who can truly figure him out.  I’ll admit, I was very angry at West’s parents, girlfriend, and even his best friend as the story unfolded—how they could treat West the way they did while he was in the hospital was really jarring, but again… there’s a twist people, and it’s sooooooooooo good…

Watching West slowly begin to recover was extremely life-like and I felt like I was a fly on the wall, seeing it all first hand.  I can’t imagine waking up in the hospital only to find that weeks have passed and I’m paralyzed, unable to speak or communicate, yet West remains strong, stronger than I ever would, and as he recovers his revelations and choices about how to handle them are astounding.  I truly enjoyed this novel, though on occasion parts of it did seem a bit long winded, but that aside, it was phenomenal and I highly recommend it!  Four and a half stars.

Bloomsbury Children’s Books has been extremely gracious in allowing my to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on September 4, 2012.

{ARC Review} Confessions of an Angry Girl by Louise Rozett

From Goodreads: Rose Zarelli, self-proclaimed word geek and angry girl, has some confessions to make:

…1. I’m livid all the time. Why? My dad died. My mom barely talks. My brother abandoned us. I think I’m allowed to be irate, don’t you?

2. I make people furious regularly. Want an example? I kissed Jamie Forta, a badass guy who might be dating a cheerleader. She is now enraged, seeing red and out for blood. Mine.

3. High school might as well be Mars. My best friend has been replaced by an alien, and I see red all the time. (Mars is red and “seeing red” means being angry—get it?)

Here are some other vocab words that describe my life: Inadequate. Insufferable. Intolerable.

(Don’t know what they mean? Look them up yourself.)

(Sorry. That was rude.)

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I love the way this story is told.  Rose is so candid and straight forward that it’s impossible not to fall in love with her character right away.  Her situation, as she tells it, is gut wrenching and humorous at the same time, and the reader is able to instantly make connections with her, because even if we haven’t had the same experiences, we know exactly what she means due to her honest nature.

Rose has it tough.  Her father recently died and she’s looking for someone to blame aside from herself.  Her brother just left for college and is distant, her mom is dealing with her own issues and doesn’t acknowledge Rose’s pain, she just began high school and it’s nothing like middle school, and her best friend wants to be popular to the point she’s willing to sacrifice their friendship.  I don’t know about you, but if all those things were going on at once in my life, I’m pretty sure I’d be in the same boat as Rose.  Angry.  Confused. Lashing out. Clamming up.  But as Rose works through her issues and her character develops, we begin to see the upside of things, and I just loved how it all came together.  Sure, I was angry at tons of the characters myself based on their actions and treatment of Rose, and this reminds me a lot of what my students are going through in high school right now, but on the upside, the constant reminder that everything can and will get better as time heals is amazing, and I really, really enjoyed this novel.  If you enjoy YA novels and great character development, then this novel is definitely for you. Four stars.

Harlequin Teen has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on August 28, 2012.

Announcing the Winners of Stained and Stolen by Ella James

The giveaway of Stained and Stolen by Ella James has just concluded, and I’m excited to say that the winner has been chosen using random.org!

And the winner is…

Jennifer Hood Calahan

An email will be sent off to the winner shortly! If I don’t hear from her within 48 hours, I will select a new winner using Rafflecopter. Thanks to everyone who participated, and congratulations to the winner… but don’t despair if you didn’t win this round!

 Enter to win my other great giveaways:

Win a book of your choice:

{ARC Review} Undead by Kristy McKay

From Goodreads: Out of sight, out of their minds: It’s a school-trip splatter fest and completely not cool when the other kids in her class go all braindead on new girl Bobby.

The day of the ski trip, when the bus comes to a stop at a roadside restaurant, everyone gets off and heads in for lunch. Everyone, that is, except Bobby, the new girl, who stays behind with rebel-without-a-clue Smitty.

Then hours pass. Snow piles up. Sun goes down. Bobby and Smitty start to flirt. Start to stress. Till finally they see the other kids stumbling back.

But they’ve changed. And not in a good way. Straight up, they’re zombies. So the wheels on the bus better go round and round freakin’ fast, because that’s the only thing keeping Bobby and Smitty from becoming their classmates’ next meal. It’s kill or be killed in these hunger games, heads are gonna roll, and homework is most definitely gonna be late.

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I really like the cover of this novel, and I was truly looking forward to reading this story, especially because I enjoy zombie books and I’m always looking for new books to push on my high school students.  But, while I liked the novel for the most part, I felt like it was a little too fast paced, too convenient, and too middle grade for me, personally.  The novel starts off with Bobby sulking in the back of her school bus, refusing to get off and use the bathroom. She watches students pile into the restaurant and wishes for friends, to be home, etc. Soon after, she finds herself stuck on the bus with a particularly arrogant student who makes too many jokes, and soon after that, all hell breaks loose.

I felt like the novel went from 0 to 60 in a matter of pages, and while some readers may like jumping right into the midst of a story, I felt left behind.  The characters were suddenly running around trying to figure things out, stay away from the zombies, all while trying to get to safety and I just felt like I missed something.  I think it’s because I didn’t have any time to make connections with the characters before they found themselves in peril.  I never did feel anything for the characters as I read—no sadness over deaths, no fear for their safety.  Instead, I found the plot a bit too convenient.  Here the survivors are, surrounded by zombies, driving a school bus through blizzard like conditions, and suddenly they find themselves at a castle that holds all the secrets.  Too perfect for me, but honestly, I think this would be a great read for middle schoolers.  I teach high school, and I don’t see most of my students being enthralled by this novel, but I think it’s perfect for the younger crowd.  The writing, especially, lends itself to youngsters.  Just take a look at the synopsis.  The entire novel is written in the same type of format as the synopsis, and while I knew that was probably the case going in, I didn’t think it would actually affect my reading of the novel.  It did.  Things that would have come across as funny to younger readers just made me roll my eyes, and the characters began to test my nerves after a while.  Of course, having no connection with them could be another reason behind that, but I just found that this novel never really drew me in past enjoying the mayhem.  I liked it, but I wasn’t in love with it, like I sometimes am with MG novels, but that doesn’t mean others won’t enjoy it!  If you like really fast paced novels and the way the synopsis is written (or if your kids do), then I highly suggest checking this one out.  Otherwise, I’m not sure how you’ll feel about it.  Three stars.

Scholastic and Chicken House have been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on September 1, 2012.

The 99 Cent Club–Feature 8–Ten Books for Ten Bucks

Every Saturday I run a feature for the 99 Cent Club, and below are the eBook picks for this week that caught my eye and are (currently) ONLY 99 Cents (Both on Amazon and Barnes and Nobel–I checked). I don’t know if these are permanent prices, so please don’t shoot the messenger, and double check pricing before pressing the buy button. Enjoy!

Fate Fixed by Bonnie Wheeler

When Lexie’s mother announces she is marrying a Romanian immigrant, Lexie leaves behind her life in Connecticut for her penance in “The Moose Capital of the World.” Small town living is strange enough, now Lexie must cope with her overbearing stepfamily monitoring her every move. They disappear into the woods and keep a secret locked in their shed.

Her calm mother is now having violent outbursts and Lexie’s sister is hearing sinister sounds coming from the forest behind their home. She soon discovers the boy she has been dreaming about is living in Maine. Despite Torin’s reputations, Lexie cannot resist the attraction pulsating between them. Animals and people are turning up dead and Lexie learns the strange, new world she lives in has real-life monsters.

When she decides she wants to be with Torin forever, she must fight to protect her family from a formidable evil.

Find it at AMAZON or BARNES AND NOBEL.

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Broken by DM McDaniel

Solomon is broken. Well, that is what her ex-husband told her numerous times after discovering she could not conceive. After catching her husband in bed with another woman, she returns to her hometown, Rock Hill, SC, and starts her life over as a medical biller hell bent to remain in her safe little bubble, ruled by her Siamese cat, Izzy.

Everything is smooth sailing in her protective bubble. Solomon is content to cut off her man-dar switch and live a life without worrying about a man breaking her heart…until a mysterious new neighbor moves into the house that has been vacant since her elderly neighbor passed away four years ago. Then a new physician starting at her office has his sights on her.

Both men know the secret behind Solomon’s broken life. Will she be able to handle the news? 

Find it at AMAZON or BARNES AND NOBEL.

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Reveal by Brina Courtney

Shay could be the key to ending a war that humans don’t know exist. Of a race of beings that aren’t real, or are they?

Shay Tafford’s childhood has been fatherless, filled instead with memories of speaking to the dead. She is forced to hide her unique ability from those living around her. That’s why it’s been comforting to have Jeremy, a child ghost, as her confidante. But recently he’s been absent, perhaps lost as her father is. When Shay meets Hugh, the guy she’s had a crush on for weeks, and finds he can speak to ghosts too she’s just starting to find a normalcy in her life.

But as Hugh reveals the truth to Shay, about who she really is and about what it is she can do, he erases all chances she had at a normal existence. Turns out talking to ghosts is just scratching the surface of her genetically engineered gifts. Shay learns she may be part of an age old prophecy that could save the entire race of cryptids. But can she?

Find it at AMAZON or BARNES AND NOBEL.

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Camille by Tess Oliver

At a time when society conforms to the strictest rules and most proper etiquette, sixteen-year-old Camille Kennecott and her guardian, Dr. Bennett, live a most unconventional life. They hunt werewolves.When unwitting victim, Nathaniel Strider, wanders into one of their full moon pursuits, Camille and Dr. Bennett believe they have found a specimen for their study. Finding a scientific key to unlocking the mystery of lycanthropy would end their late night excursions. Yet beneath the irresistible exterior, Nathaniel is transforming into a flesh-tearing monster, and as each experiment fails, Camille loses another inch of her soul to him. In a month’s time, she must face the prospect of destroying the boy who has stolen her heart.

Find it at AMAZON or BARNES AND NOBEL.

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The Domino Effect by Andrew Cotto

The Domino Effect is the story of Danny Rorro, a charismatic kid from Queens poisoned by the past. A series of painful defeats have left him scarred and isolated from his neighborhood, his parents, and, most significantly, the benevolent ways of his childhood when he was known as “Domino.” With great insight, imagery and wit, Danny recalls his past in Queens and his coming-of-age at Hamden Academy. This fast paced and powerful story is rich with conflict, humor, tenderness and music—just like life, especially when coming-of-age.

Find it at AMAZON or BARNES AND NOBEL.

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Riley’s Journey by P.L. Parker

The research project was only for an “extended period.” No one said anything about forever! Deceived and betrayed, Riley is sent back 40,000 years to be the mate of a man she’d never before met. Her journey will take her into a world fraught with dangers—a world made more treacherous by savage beasts, primitive Neanderthals, and the incursion of the aggressive Cro-Magnon man.

Surviving alone for five years in this vast wilderness, Nathan, along with his enormous dog, Demon, carve out a life in the perilous environment. Though thrown together by forces beyond their control, Riley and Nathan nevertheless find love—but can these two lost souls survive against such overwhelming odds?

Find it at AMAZON or BARNES AND NOBEL.

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Project ELE by Courtney Nuckels & Rebecca Gober

Millions have already died, and thousands more are perishing daily. As a last ditch effort to preserve the human race, the government implements Project ELE. With the earth heating at rapid speeds, all remaining survivors are forced to turn to F.E.M.A. shelters to wait out ELE’s wrath.

Fifteen-year-old Willow Mosby’s life, as she knows it, ends the moment she walks through the shelter’s door. Willow has to quickly adapt to the new challenges that shelter life demands, which includes making new friends and working a full time job.

Soon after making an interesting discovery, Willow and her friends start exhibiting strange abilities. Seeking answers, they embark on a mission to find out what these new abilities mean and whether they are a gift or a curse.

This new adventure can send her world crashing down around her. The question is: Can Willow survive the fall?

Find it at AMAZON or BARNES AND NOBEL.

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Scent of a White Rose (The Rose Trilogy) by Tish Thawer

A paranormal romance that entices with a heroine that isn’t quite what she seems, a vampire whose love story is filled with dark surprises, and a vampire clan whose Sire has lost the ability to inflict “the change”.

A vampire’s love…

An innocent’s guilt…

A secret no one could’ve imagined.

~ ROSE ~

I’m Rose Reynolds. I have recently lost my Mom in a “freak accident”. Now everyone sees me as an innocent girl…a “white Rose”. But I have a secret that no one can imagine. I’m not as innocent as everyone thinks…

~ CHRISTIAN ~

I’m Christian and I’m in love with Rose. I also have a secret as old as time. I’m a vampire. No, she doesn’t know…yet. But when our new Sire is revealed, I’ll be petitioning them to change her. Because truly, I can’t live without her…

Find it at AMAZON or BARNES AND NOBEL.

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The Bedeviled Heart by Carmen Caine

Cameron Malcolm Stewart, Earl of Lennox, had made his peace with destiny. It was not his fate to love as other men.

Each of his politically arranged marriages had ended in disaster. And though he had never touched a one of his wives, he had come to believe that sharing his name would consign a woman to an early grave.

So, on the sunny spring day Cameron encounters a delightfully devious, bright-eyed lass selling charmed stones in one of Stirling’s alehouses, he tosses her a shilling, thinking only to steal a kiss. But it is a kiss that will change his life forever.

To care for her ailing father, the precocious Kate Ferguson has resorted to swindling the drunkards of Stirling. But a chance meeting with a handsome and seductively mysterious outlaw named Cameron ends with a kiss that changes the course of her destiny.

Find it at AMAZON or BARNES AND NOBEL.

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A Lot Like A Lady by Kay Springsteen and Kim Bowman

Ladies’ maid, Juliet Baines has gotten herself into a pickle by agreeing to go to London and taking the place of her mistress and best friend, Annabella Price, stepsister to the Duke of Wyndham. After all, what does a servant know about being a lady? But Juliet soon finds that pretending to be a lady isn’t nearly as hard as guarding her heart against the folly of wanting a man who’s completely out of reach.

Graeme “Grey” Roland Dominick Markwythe, Sixth Duke of Wyndham, approaches his duties as a nobleman with great dedication and meticulous care. And he’s a man who is not easily fooled…except when he tries to convince himself he’s not utterly and madly in love with the beautiful imposter who has turned his life upside down. Will society and his responsibilities to his noble status keep him from opening his heart to the woman he loves?

Find it at AMAZON or BARNES AND NOBEL.

{ARC Review} Every Day by David Levithan

From Goodreads: Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl.

Every morning, A wakes in a different person’s body, a different person’s life. There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.

It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.
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I’m really drawn to Levithan’s writing due to the fact that his stories are so fresh and original.  It boggles my mind to think how he comes up with such amazing, untraditional plotlines, and this is such a beautiful novel that it left me in Levithan withdrawal as soon as I turned the last page.

A is unique.  S/he resides in a different body every day, and if barely being able to process all the thoughts and feelings of his/her new body each day isn’t hard enough, A also has to live with the thoughts and feelings of all the past lives s/he has lived as well.  I can’t even begin to imagine how hard such a life would be, and yet Levithan takes the reader there, showing us in depth images of how others view life.  He takes the reader across all spectrums: male, female, wealthy, poor, beautiful, unattractive, popular, reclusive, content, suicidal… and these glimpses into these lives have such long lasting effects on both A and the reader that I feel it’s impossible not to feel connected to this book in some way, shape, or form.  I mean, honestly, I found that this was a very powerful read, and I was stuck like Rhiannon—can we love someone destined to change every day?  It’s just so mind boggling, and I loved every minute of this, especially the fact that, though there is a solid conclusion, the door is open for a sequel (and I’m really hoping that Levithan is planning one!).

I thought A’s life was really cool, especially as everything began to unravel and A began to learn s/he wasn’t necessarily alone.  The idea of tracking emails, religious uprisings/cults and all the mystery surrounding A’s dilemma of switching bodies daily was really intriguing, but even more so was the idea of A not knowing love and relationships like Levithan’s readers do.  Hearing how A yearned for those connections that I, as the reader, take for granted seeing as I wake up as the same person every day, was really eye opening, and I loved being able to understand his/her feelings while at the same time wondering how s/he could live a life so devoid of lasting contact.  It just amazes me.

Obviously, I highly recommend this novel.  It was such a great, fun read, and I think readers of all ages will enjoy it, so definitely check it out!  Five stars.

Random House Children’s Books has been extremely gracious is allowing me to read and ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on August 28, 2012.

{Review} The Truth about Lilly Barnes by Kimberly Russell

From Goodreads: “Today is the day it is going to happen. I’m not melancholy or nervous. I just want to get it over with more than anything. Today is the day that I, Lilly Barnes, die.”

Lilly Barnes doesn’t want to live anymore. She is prepared to leave her life, family, and more importantly, her best friend Buddy behind for good. But, why? What could be so horrible that it makes a young girl want to end her life? Find out in The Truth about Lilly Barnes.

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This is a very powerful novel that looks into the life of a teenage girl facing a dark secret that leaves her feeling helpless and alone, choosing death over facing her fears day in and day out.  With such heavy topics at hand, it feels almost wrong to say this is a great novel, but it is; it touches on topics that makes people uncomfortable, it deals with sadness and abuse, love and hate, redemption and, of course, suicide, and I think it’s one of those novels that could do more than just touch a life, but possibly change one too.

Lilly has had it rough, but if you meet her on the street, or sit with her is school, you wouldn’t necessarily know it, because she’s hidden her deep secret, but it’s eating her up inside.  Now, for the reader it’s obvious what’s happening, but those around Lilly don’t see it because it’s not something she alludes to, it’s only the text that does that.  Thankfully, Lilly does have a constant in her life, Buddy and his wonderful family, who have always been there for her and who are able to positively influence her, especially after everything comes to the forefront and the secret is out.  And, while this is a heavy read, full of heartache and sadness, it does have a happy ending, proving that we can get through anything with the right amount of support and love.  Definitely check this one out.  Four stars.

I purchased a copy of this novel from Amazon after receiving a recommendation for it from Disincentive/Feta on Goodreads.

Announcing the Winner of Seranfyll and Eligere from Christina Daley

The giveaway for Seranfyll and Eligere, by Christina Daley, has just concluded, and I’m excited to say that the winner has been chosen using Random.org.

And the winner is…

Ro Whit

A tweet has been sent to the winner, with an email to follow shortly! If I don’t hear from her within 48 hours, I will select a new winner using Rafflecopter. Thanks to everyone who participated, and congratulations to the winner… but don’t despair if you didn’t win this round!

Enter to win my other great giveaways:

Win Ella James’ Stained and Stolen ebooks!

Win a book of your choice:

{Review} Junked by Boyd Brent

From Goodreads:  No one over the age of 13 is safe. Everyone is junked eventually: made neurotic, insecure, or fanatical. Mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends. And they’re the lucky ones: those who resist are terminated in seemingly random accidents and killings.

Thomas Sheepsbane and Edward Wolf are teenage psychopaths. It’s their job to orchestrate these ‘accidents’. When they deviate from their list of sanctioned methods with 17-year-old Red Phoenix, they trigger something so macabre that the world believes it’s witnessing a genuine miracle.

Red is convinced he’s losing his mind … until he gets to know Penny Lane. Penny may be the town freak but she’s the only one who seems to have an inkling into the horrifying ‘event’ that keeps on happening to him. Red and Penny go on the run from the police, the media and supernatural forces that want them both dead. And the future of humanity’s sanity depends upon them surviving long enough to unravel the mystery of Penny’s grandmother Erin Bow. Erin was abducted from Stonehenge in 1969 … leaving only her tambourine behind … through which, Penny alone is able to see…

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I love, love, love this cover!  In fact, the reason I bought this book is because of the cover.  While the premise was intriguing, I couldn’t get over the awesomeness of the artwork and I just had to have it. However, I found that, for me, the story itself was a little difficult to follow—hence the saying, never judge a book by its cover.  And yet… it was definitely interesting, though strange as well.

I found it a bit odd that all the names were basically literally symbolic to the characters, which I feel made some of the plot predictable, but at the same time, it was still intriguing. Penny Lane is our main character, and she has a terrible life.  Surrounded by crazy people she’s termed “junked,” Penny is the lone sane figure in her world, forced to pretend to be neurotic and deemed the craziest of them all.  But then she meets Red and begins to understand what is really happening to her world, and it’s outside the realms of the natural.

I enjoyed the novel, though at times found it to be a bit disorganized.  There were definitely times that I had to re-read sections in order to understand what was happening, and I felt that there were too many shifts between the plot line—as if Brent was trying to keep the story fast paced, but accidentally made parts of it hard to follow, at least for me.

Some of the elements of the novel I really enjoyed, such as the idea of being junked and being controlled by outside beings, but other aspects I wasn’t really a fan of, such as the magical tambourine.  However, since there are evil beings from another world trying to take over and kill all resisters, I guess a magical tambourine makes sense. Overall, I enjoyed this novel, but would have liked it to be a little bit tighter.  Three stars.

I purchased this novel from Amazon.

{Review} The Forest of Adventures by Katie M. John

From Goodreads: For Mina Singer, falling in love with a knight on a white horse was never part of the plan. 

Finding herself catapulted into fairyland she discovers that the Real World is not quite what she thought and fairyland is not quite what she imagined. 

The question is… who will come out alive?

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This was an interesting novel that combines the fairytale world with the “real” world, complete with knights, duels to the death, and evil sorceresses.  I liked the novel, though I am rarely a fan of “instant love” stories.  And, for our characters, Mina and Blake, instant love is a huge portion of this story.  However, I was pleasantly surprised because John does a great job showing all the other characters’ abhorrence to such a quick budding relationship, which I thought was great because I rarely see that in novels.  Usually all the characters are rooting for the new couple that’s “so in love,” but in John’s novel, that isn’t the case at all, mainly due to the fact that, before Blake, there was someone else in Mina’s life… but no spoilers.  I would have liked a lot more character development to show the budding love, but as this is a series, I’m sure we’ll get more of that in the next few installments.

I liked the inner conflict that Mina felt throughout the story as well.  I know that probably sounds strange, but I was 100% with Mina as she contemplated her decisions, and while I was on her side, I was also conflicted myself, and for me, that’s the makings of a great writer—being able to connect the reader to the fictional characters.  This is a novel that I enjoyed and hope to see continue developing.  Three stars.

I won a copy of this novel from Katie M. John through a giveaway sponsored by Angel Haze.

Congratulations to Tim O’Rourke!!

The amazing Tim O’Rourke has just signed a book and movie deal with agent Barry Cunningham (the man who discovered J.K. Rowling), and O’Rourke’s novel, Flashes, should be out next year!! The cover to the right is tentative, but so, so pretty!!!  Once again, I’m in awe of O’Rourke, and I just can’t wait!

So, while we all wait for this next book, definitely check out O’Rourke’s other 13 books that he’s published this past year. They’re inexpensive and I’ve LOVED every single one.

{ARC Review} The Sweetest Spell by Suzanne Selfors

From Goodreads: Emmeline Thistle, a dirt-scratcher’s daughter, has escaped death twice-first, on the night she was born, and second, on the day her entire village was swept away by flood. Left with nothing and no one, Emmeline discovers her rare and mysterious ability-she can churn milk into chocolate, a delicacy more precious than gold.

Suddenly, the most unwanted girl in Anglund finds herself desired by all. But Emmeline only wants one-Owen Oak, a dairyman’s son, whose slow smiles and lingering glances once tempted her to believe she might someday be loved for herself. But others will stop at nothing to use her gift for their own gains-no matter what the cost to Emmeline.

Magic and romance entwine in this fantastical world where true love and chocolate conquer all.

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This novel is a masterpiece.  A beautiful fairytale that is a must read.  It’s so well written, so absorbing, that I had a very hard time disengaging; it permeated my thoughts and dreams for many a day afterward—it’s that good.

I am really glad I read this novel, and equally as glad that the synopsis you see above is the true one that reflects the great writing of the story.  Originally the synopsis on all major book sites (except Netgalley, which is where I first came across this novel) stated this: “Emmeline Thistle has always had a mysterious bond with cows, beginning on the night of her birth, when the local bovines saved the infant cast aside to die in the forest. But Emmeline was unaware that this bond has also given her a magical ability to transform milk into chocolate, a very valuable gift in a kingdom where chocolate is more rare and more precious than gold or jewels…” And that’s as much as I’m going to quote.  Honestly, that synopsis made me not want to read this book—it seemed more of a joke than a true fairytale, and hence, I am very glad it was changed.  If you check out Goodreads, you’ll see some reviews that make fun of this original synopsis, and rightfully so… it just sounds… dumb.  Thus, I am very happy that most major book sites have now gotten the new/real synopsis up on their site, save Barnes and Nobel, which still states the original… So, if you’re one of the ones who saw the original synopsis and laughed, like me, then rest assured, this book is so much better than it was originally made out to be, and the new synopsis now reflects that.

I fell in love with this story almost immediately.  Emmeline is a true heroine; she is an all around great person who looks adversity in the face and refuses to give up.  She’s very strong, even though her foot is curled and people look down on her with extreme disgust.  But not only does this novel have a strong heroine, it is also has a strong hero and some amazing morals.  This novel deals with racism, slavery, self-respect and self-esteem, honesty, forgiveness, understanding, greed, and optimism, to name a few, and it’s such an uplifting read, even though some of what happens within the story isn’t necessarily cheery.  But, like all fairytales, it has a happy ending that truly makes the reader smile, and Emmeline’s influence on those around her, and the world in general, is astounding.  Thus, I think this is a great novel for both young and older generations, and I’d love to see this made into a movie.  It’s such a great book, and a must read.  Five stars.

Bloomsbury Children’s Books has been extremely gracious is allowing me to read and ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on August 21, 2012.