Book Review: Kings & Queens

Kings & Queens by Courtney Vail

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: Little Prince Publishing (January 27, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615469779
• ISBN-13: 978-0615469775

Seventeen-year-old Majesty Alistair wants police to look further into her father’s fatal car wreck, hopes the baseball team she manages can reclaim the state crown, aches for Derek…or, no…maybe Alec…maybe. And she mostly wishes to retract the hateful words she said to her dad right before slamming the door in his face, only to never see him again.

All her desires get sidelined, though, when she overhears two fellow students planning a church massacre. She doubts cops will follow up on her tip since they’re sick of her coming around with notions of possible crimes-in-the-works. And it’s not like she cries wolf. Not really. They’d be freaked too, but they’re not the ones suffering from bloody dreams that hint at disaster like some crazy, street guy forecasting the Apocalypse.

So, she does what any habitual winner with zero cred would do…try to I.D. the nutjobs before they act. But, when their agenda turns out to be far bigger than she ever assumed, and even friends start looking suspect, the truth and her actions threaten to haunt her forever, especially since she’s left with blood on her hands, the blood of someone she loves.

Cover: I loved the cover with its eerie way. I love the fusion of colors, the gothic text and brushes. But actually the lips did it for me. Cool!

Review: I admit, I was a bit confused reading the first pages. There was what we call information overload, like the author wanted to give us a heads-up on what was going on in the book. But after getting past it, I was confusedly hooked with the story.

The book was written with rich detail. The story itself has this complexity that makes me scratch my head. The idea/theme behind the book was also amazing and intriguing. And the characters? Well, mostly each of them has this back story that talks about their tragic and sad fates. The author wonderfully give each of them life and personality. Ms. Vail was a new, fresh, quirky voice in this genre.

Ms. Vail’s writing style was something I’ve never read before. I may not be a die-hard fan of the writing style but I truly appreciate when the characters speak the same language but they totally sounded different!

This is a fast, quick read with so many things going on at the same time.

But I felt like there was too much detail which was the drawback of this book. There would be times that if the readers hadn’t been paying too much attention, surely it would be hard to follow because somehow each detail is connected in solving the mystery.

I appreciate the author trying to incorporate a huge number of characters and giving their own stories and some (perspectives) so the reader might really think and analyze who the suspects are. But with this number, it could already be a series. Maybe that’s why some of the reviewers said, the story was a bit rushed because of the details and information given out in every turn.

What’s best about this book, is it’s truly a good mystery. The reader was confused in a good way that it seemed as if every character in the book could be the potential suspect except Maj of course. Even I, was fooled at the end!

I gave this 5 stars because even though the story takes some getting used to, but after really letting go of my imagination, I was totally into Maj’s world, guessing and analyzing the mystery with her!

King’s and Queens by Courtney Vail is a young adult mystery novel which was full of complexity, twists and turns, high school drama, conspiracies, mystery and depth. If you’re one of those who loves exciting rides with a story that would keep you guessing until the very end, then this one is for you!


Check out my interview with Courtney Vail..:)



View all my reviews

Fated (Soul Seekers, #1) by Alyson Noël Promotion!

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (May 22, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312664850
• ISBN-13: 978-0312664855

The first book in a magnificent new series about a girl who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead by #1 New York Times bestselling author Alyson Noël.

Lately strange things have been happening to Daire Santos. Animals follow her, crows mock her, and glowing people appear out of nowhere. Worried that Daire is having a nervous breakdown, her mother packs her off to stay in the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico with a grandmother she’s never met.

There she crosses paths with Dace, a gorgeous guy with unearthly blue eyes who she’s encountered before...but only in her dreams. And she’ll get to know her grandmother—a woman who recognizes Daire’s bizarre episodes for what they are. A call to her true destiny as a Soul Seeker, one who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead. Her grandmother immediately begins teaching her to harness her powers—but it’s an art that must be mastered quickly. Because Dace’s brother is an evil shape-shifter who’s out to steal her powers. Now Daire must embrace her fate as a Soul Seeker and find out if Dace is one guy she’s meant to be with...or if he’s allied with the enemy she’s destined to destroy.

 ******************************************************************************

Hey, everyone!  I just wanted to let you know about a new and exciting promotion from St. Martin's Press, publisher of the bestselling Immortals series and upcoming Soul Seekers series by Alyson Noël.  When fans pre-order Fated (Soul Seekers, #1) in any format (print, e-book or audiobook) and submit their receipt, they will receive a pair of Soul Seeker inspired earrings–while supplies last! 

St. Martin's Press will be mailing out the earrings approximately 4-6 weeks after Fated goes on-sale (5/22).

If you want to read more about Fated, you can read an excerpt and a special bonus scene on the St. Martin's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/soulseekersseries.

For more information and a complete set of rules, please visit http://stmartins.com/fatedpreorder.

Here's how the earrings look.>:D Pretty!

Author Interview +Giveaway: Georgia Coates of Going Under

Today I have an interview with Author of Going Under, Georgia Coates! Thanks so much for being here with us today :)

(Originally appeared on Book Briefs)

Thank you having me as a guest. It is a pleasure to be featured today.

1.  Describe Going Under in a tweet. (140 characters or less)

Intense romance between an ambitious boy from the wrong side of the tracks and a girl struggling to find herself outside her perfect world.

To read the full interview, click here!

 Georgia Cates Links:

Georgia Cates Blog

Georgia Cates on Facebook

Georgia Cates on Twitter

Going Under on goodreads

Going Under at Amazon

Going Under at Barnes & Noble

Going Under at Smashwords

-- 

Author Georgia Cates

www.GeorgiaCates.com

Jessie Boone is a self proclaimed bad boy and doesn’t march to the beat of anyone’s drum, but his own. Growing up in less than desirable circumstances has made him no stranger to the hard knock life and his determination to leave it behind is fierce. When he finds himself transferred to East Franklin High School, he sees his opportunity to use his athletic ability to snag a college football scholarship, but Forbes Henderson, the player Jessie means to replace isn’t giving up his spot willingly. In fact, Forbes is willing to go to extreme measures to retain his place as first string quarterback. When Forbes’ malicious plan to injure his replacement fails, Jessie is furious and determined to show him he messed with the wrong person; not only is he going to take the position of first string quarterback, he’s going to take his girl, too.

Claire Deveraux is perfection at it’s best. She is beautiful, intelligent and unaware she just became Jessie Boone’s conquest as revenge against her boyfriend, Forbes Henderson. Like her flawless performance as the perfect daughter and student, Claire’s production of being the perfect girlfriend has everyone fooled, except Jessie Boone, and she fears this tattooed bad boy will see her secret desire to explore his crude threats and promises to rock her perfect world. If she decides to give in to one uninhibited moment with Jessie, will she learn too late that it was all an act of vengeance or will Jessie learn the taste of first love is sweeter than that of revenge?

***Giveaway***

And now, the beautiful Georgia has agreed to provide an ecopy of Going Under to someone! This is international :) 

Rules: 

-must be 13+

-open internationally

-contest policy rules apply

To enter the giveaway click here!

Feature and Follow #5

Hosted by: Alison Can Read and Parajunkee

I love meeting new blogger friends, visiting old ones, and of course my readers too:D! 

Please leave your links and I will visit your FF post as well and follow you back .If you’re a reader without an FF post just answer in my comment box and I will reply as soon as I can.. . I would love to hear from you! 

You could follow me via GFC... if you'd like to get updates with latest giveaways and reviews... Follow me by email>.:)

Anyway, the question for this Friday's Feature and Follow is:

 

Have you had a character that disappointed you? One that you fell in love with and then "broke up" with later on in either the......series or a stand-alone book? Tell us about him or her.

hmmph.. this is a tough question.. I usually loved all the characters of the book I read, even at their down times. It's not as if I was disappointed, maybe I was just kind of expecting that just like humans, characters are imperfect..:D

Anyway, if asked to give an example.. Maybe Zoe from the House of Night Series by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast. I love Zoe, she was strong, stands up for her friends and the truth. and she was also powerful. But at the 3rd book and so on, I admit I'm not a big fan of her changing boyfriends. Much worse sleeping with her teacher.. I was a bit tired of her at that time too when she refused to tell her friends what's going on, like she could actually defeat darkness incarnate all by herself. I was actually loving it, when her friends started ignoring her...

That said, I still want to read Hidden, the 10th book in the series and find out Zoey's and her friend's adventures.

How about you?

Cover Unveiled: Redheads are Soulless by Heather M. White

        Title: Redheads are Soulless

Author: Heather M. White

Release Date: May 25 2012

High School senior, Sofia Black, has had a very hard life. Since her father's death 7 years ago, she has had to look after her drug addicted, alcoholic mother. School isn't any better for her either. The other kids constantly tease, and ridicule her. All she wants is to get out of her small hometown in Alabama.

When new student, Jason, shows up, Sofia's world is turned upside down. She doesn't understand why he wants to befriend her so badly... And, just when she thinks she can trust him, trouble appears.

Jason's twin brother, Robbie, moves into town, and things go haywire. Sofia is now running for her life - and Jason is forced to share hidden secrets with her. She learns the truth about her father's death, and finds out that she may not be as "human" as she once thought. She struggles to accept her fate, while fighting for her life.

For Information Check out these links! 

Link to Heather M White Blog 

Cover Design by: 

SupaGurl Books Blog

I absolutely loved the cover and the blurb? It makes want to get the book and find out for myself what the story is about.>:D

So What do you think? 

Author Interview: Courtney Vail (Kings&Queens)

I am very honored today to interview Courtney Vail, the author of Kings & Queens.. Thanks so much Ms. Vail for giving us your time.>:)

First, here's something about the book: 

Kings & Queens Synopsis

   Seventeen-year-old Majesty Alistair wants police to look further into her father's fatal car wreck, hopes the baseball team she manages can reclaim the state crown, aches for Derek...or, no...maybe Alec...maybe. And she mostly wishes to retract the hateful words she said to her dad right before slamming the door in his face, only to never see him again. 
 

   All her desires get sidelined, though, when she overhears two fellow students planning a church massacre. She doubts cops will follow up on her tip since they're sick of her coming around with notions of possible crimes-in-the-works. And it's not like she cries wolf. Not really. They'd be freaked too, but they're not the ones suffering from bloody dreams that hint at disaster like some crazy, street guy forecasting the Apocalypse. 
 

   So, she does what any habitual winner with zero cred would do...try to I.D. the nutjobs before they act. But, when their agenda turns out to be far bigger than she ever assumed, and even friends start looking suspect, the truth and her actions threaten to haunt her forever, especially since she's left with blood on her hands, the blood of someone she loves.

Check out my interview of Kings & Queens. And tell me what you think!..:)


Now onto the interview!

Reason behind the title "Kings & Queens"? 
 

The title Kings & Queens relates directly to events and people in the book. My novel is like live chess in a way, where there’s manipulation and conspiracy at every turn, and every move made affects what others do or don’t do. The roles of King, Queen and Pawn are constantly in flux, so even those who think they’re in control may not be at all. And there are deeper royal things beyond that. After reading it, readers will know and understand exactly why it’s called that. There’s really nothing else my book could be called. Kings & Queens is IT to a T.

If you would become one of the characters of your book, who would it be?

Skye: she’s only four so she hasn’t been corrupted yet. She has issues, like night terrors, but overall, has so much sparkle and joy. So many of my early readers loved her to bits, so, I made her one of the main characters in Sapphire Reign, the sequel to Kings & Queens that’s coming out this summer. She’s 15 in it.

If this would turn into a movie, who would be the main cast?

Majesty: It’s hard to pick Majesty, but on my website I picked Lucy Hale. I could see her in a more kick-butt, tomboy role, just to break out of the type she normally plays. She’s so pretty and she’s usually glammed up on Pretty Little Liars, but I’ll bet she can also rock a more low-maintenance style too and look really girl-next-door.

Lucy Hale

Derek: So easy. No contest. Matt Lanter. Drool. Back when I was still editing the book, I saw him on this episode of CSI, and that was way before his more notable roles in 90210 and Vampires Suck, and I was like, uh, Oh! My! Gosh! That’s him! That is totally Derek. I didn’t know his name and had never seen him before, so I had to hunt down the episode and I finally found his name. There were some pics of him already in IMBD and I was nodding and nodding. I’m like, yes, that is Derek all the way.

Matt Lanter

Alec: Tim Urban. Yes, the American Idol contestant who got trashed at nearly every turn, but is actually very talented, in case you don’t know. You must check out his youtube channel to see what I mean. He is too flippin’ adorable and his cover tunes on iTunes are melt worthy. Not only does this dude look like Alec, his personality is an exact match. It’s very creepy. Alec has golden brown hair, and that’s really the only difference. But, the charm, the smile, the muscles, the sweetness … that’s Alec in the flesh.

Tim Urban

Preston: I have Erik Von detten on my site, but he’s really too tall in reality, but if we’re going on face looks and body, yeah, him. He needs to look more cute-faced than typical, cocky jerk, but someone wh could swing either way, and I think Erik is a good match for that.

Erik Von detten

Blake: I’m going to go with Kellan Lutz. He has the steely eyes. I don’t really describe Blake more than that, but he’s a close match to what I see in my mind’s eye.

Kellan Lutz

Warren: It’s hard to find a goth who is cool, intense and nerd all at the same time, but I think Michael Pitt is a pretty good combination of that.

Michael Pitt

One/Two word/s that describe your book?

quirky, complex

One sentence: Why we should read your book? Because there’s nothing else in all of bookdom like it.

Music or Book?
You’re making me choose between my two favorite passions? Seriously? Hmm, I guess music. I could live without books much longer than music.

Love or Life?
Love. Because life isn’t life without love.

Reality or Fantasy? Why? Fantasy. There’s no limit to the imagination.


<Complete the sentence>


If I can’t sleep, I would: work.

The craziest thing I did: was getting a blank parking ticket from campus security and tricking my college roommate into thinking she owed a $150 fine for under-pressurized tires and litter near her car. She flipped out, tears and everything. She was going home for Easter weekend, so she stormed off and left one of our friends there who was supposed to hitch a ride. It was classic!


My greatest dream is: to have fan girls create a page for me on Facebook or to land in the Wiki


The place I’d like to go someday is: Heaven


One thing people don’t know about me is: I’m petrified of large knives. I have a hard time watching them even be in a scene on some show. I like to watch cook-off shows sometimes, for instance, and I’m always cringing and peering through a squint when someone is chopping wildly with a chef’s knife.


I wish I had written: The Hunger Games trilogy, only because I would’ve ended it differently.


Anything else you'd want to say? The eBook of Kings & Queens is currently on sale for $0.99, yay, and is available in all formats at most online stores.

If you like weird books, you can follow me:

Twitter @cvwriter | Facebook | Goodreads

Thanks so much for having me! This was an awesome and fun interview. I really enjoyed it.

AUTHOR BIO: COURTNEY VAIL writes totally twisted YA and adult suspense. She enjoys braiding mystery, suspense & romance with some kind of weirdness. Her addictions to crazy coffee concoctions, Funny Bones, Ben & Jerry's, and bacon keep her running and writing. She currently lives in New England with a comedian stud and a wild gang of kidlets.

Thanks so much Ms. Vail.. I had fun doing this.>:D


Stay tuned for the book review!

Book Review: Blood Feud

Blood Feud by Steven A. Roman

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: STARWARP CONCEPTS (June 15, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0984174109
• ISBN-13: 978-0984174102

Book Depository  Amazon

Sixteen-year-old Goth girl Pandora Zwieback has a major problem: she’s just discovered that her New York City hometown is the stalking ground for every monster and ghoul out to raise a little hell (literally!) . . . BUT she’s apparently the only one who can see them. That means she can’t tell her friends or family about the dangers around them—not unless she wants to spend the rest of her life locked up in a psychiatric ward.

But before Pan has a chance to make sense of her increasingly weird life, she finds herself in the middle of a war among rival vampire clans. Elegant Gothic Lolitas from Japan on one side, silk-suited London vamps on the other, leather-clad hunters from Eastern Europe in the middle, and all after the same prize: a mysterious crate recently delivered to the horror-themed museum owned by Pan’s father.

What is the terrifying secret of Item #179? How do its contents tie into an incident from the blood-drenched past of Pan’s new friend, a 400-year-old, shape-shifting monster hunter named Annie? And, more important, will Pan survive long enough to get any answers?

First off, let’s talk about the cover. I know some people had some negative say on it, but hey the book is set to look like comics, and I for one loved the art. From Pandora’s hair to her nails, everything was well-thought of. It makes her unique from all other heroines out there. So if you’re not so into the cover, just don’t mind it but let yourself be transported into Pandora’s story.


I admit the book was a little bit slow at the beginning, but later I realized the author was just giving us a backstory so that we would not get confused, by the fast-paced story awaiting us in the next chapters. From there, there’s action almost everywhere.

I loved the pop-cultured dialogues, descriptions of New York City and the different monsters that lurks hidden behind the shadows and I especially loved Pan and her 400-year-old, shape-shifting monster hunter friend named Annie. Whoa!, yup she’s 400-year-old but still beautiful and hot and there’s more stuffs awaiting to be revealed in the book.

I really liked Pan, forget about her gothic look but this chic is someone that is easy to relate to and loved. She is the best personification of a good friend. I would never mind being friends with someone who has “monster-vision” if they are as good, loyal and helpful as Pan..:) Also her relationship with her parents and friends makes reading this book outstanding from others.

There are also those supporting characters who made a life of their own that I was instantly rooting for. And hey, there’s little on the romance department, but it’s not a letdown, since the book doesn’t need it anyway..:).. maybe more to see on romance with the next book. And there’s actually little violence, so safe for younger teens.

This is one of those books that didn’t really end up in a cliffhanger, in fact it gives nothing away; the ending was simply amazing. And for the first time, I realize that if the book is good enough, it doesn’t need to have a cliffhanger or a teaser at the end to make you buy the next one. Instead, it would make use of the story as what it is and let the reader decide whether he should forget about reading the book or beg for the next one. And “Blood Feud” is one of these books.

“Blood Feud” is packed with comedy, horror, romance, paranormal urban fantasy, gothic themes and lots of hunting adventure that would surely bury its story on your mind. One of the best books I’ve read in paranormal urban fantasy.

Entertaining, Engaging, full of action and twist, Blood Feud gives me an emotional roller coaster ride, that left me breathless and wanting for more. I could easily picture Blood Feud being turned into a TV series or even a movie..:D

Can’t wait for “Blood Reign”- the 2nd book in The Saga of Pandora Zwieback. Highly Recommended for mature teens and young adult readers!





View all my reviews

Giveaway: Team Abnegation: Do Something Selfless!

Today's TeamAbnegation Giveaway is for a finished copy of Insurgent or a $10 Amazon Gift Card (winner's choice).




If you choose a copy of Insurgent you will be contacted on May 1st.  As soon as your mailing address is received a copy will be ordered from either Amazon or The Book Depository.  If you choose the Amazon Gift Card it will be emailed to you.

There are several ways to enter.  You can enter daily between now and April 30th to increase your chances of winning.  There are 3 different messages you can tweet.  Choose to tweet 1, 2 or all 3 each day.

 Contest open to anyone who can legally enter.
 Ends 4/30/12

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Interview and Giveaway: Kelsey Miller

Today, I have the honor of interviewing author Kelsey Miller of Retribution. Thanks so much Kelsey for giving us your time. I was really having fun with this interview..:).. but first let's have a peak in her book.

Not all Vampires drink blood...

More cunning and intuitive than the other wolves in his Family, Faolan has never had a problem killing their Vampire enemies. Yet even he is unprepared for the two Changelings—newly turned Vampires—who attack him one day during his patrol. The Changelings make no move to kill Faolan, and puzzled by their strange behavior, he flees. Before the wolves can determine the cause, Faolan is attacked again.

Faolan barely has time to parry the Vampire’s blows before he is ripped from his wolf form. Cowering as a human, Faolan waits for death, yet the Vampire inexplicably spares his life—but her action comes with a price.

The Vampire claims she does not drink blood. Instead, she has vowed to kill her nemesis, Hunter, an elusive vampyre with special abilities responsible for a tragedy the Vampire refuses to disclose. She compels Faolan into joining her on a week-long journey to acquire information from Hunter’s retired executioner. Faolan’s father forces him into going, and after the Vampire saves his life, Faolan realizes that the two of them will be partners for much longer than seven days.

Faolan and the Vampire are bound together by a force older than any of them can imagine, and only they can hope to defeat Hunter. However, the Vampire has not been entirely truthful. What is she keeping from Faolan? And will he be able to learn her secret before both of them are killed?

Check out my review on Retribution.and tell me what you think..:)

 Now onto the interview:

If you would become one of the characters of your book, who would it be?
Oh, the Vampire. Definitely. She just has this sassy energy. She really doesn't let anyone push her around. I love that. I think we need more strong females like her.

If this would turn into a movie, who would be the main cast?
I LOVE this question (because what author doesn't want to see their creation come to life one day). It's actually pretty funny, because when I wrote this book, I had a strong picture in my mind of what Faolan looked like, and a few years later I discovered Alex Pettyfer. OHMYGAWD that guy is attractive. And he pretty much fits Faolan perfectly.

Alex Pettyfer

Teresa Palmer

For the Vampire, it's a little harder, because she has such a strong personality in my mind. But I really liked the spunk Teresa Palmer brought to the Number 6 character in I Am Number Four (which Alex just so happened to star in...).

One/Two word/s that describe your book? Hmm...I would have to say "twisted". There's lots of surprises in my book. One sentence: Why we should read your book?
My book has actually terrifying vampires and werewolves.
Music or Book? Why?
Jeez. Hard question. I love music, but I'd die without books. Love or Life? Why?
Uh, probably life. I don't think I'd ever die for someone I (romantically) loved. Then again, I've never been in love, so I can't really say... Reality or Fantasy? Why?
Fantasy. Way more opportunities. 




(Please complete the sentences)
If I can’t sleep, I would probably read. If I didn't die, that is. The craziest thing I did was literally write out my book. I'm never doing that again. My greatest dream is to be an author sustained by her writing. ;) The place I’d like to go someday is the Maldives, since they're sinking. But that's just one of many, many places I'd like to visit. One thing people don’t know about me is that I am a business student, which seems paradoxical, but yeah, it's true. I wish I had written the Hunger Games. And Harry Potter, of course.

Is there anything else you'd like to say?
I want to mention that I am participating in the No Strings Attached Giveaway Hop, which starts on the 17th, so if anyone is interested, they'll be able to enter to win a copy of Retribution. The link to that is: http://kelseymillerbooks.blogspot.com/2012/04/no-strings-attached-giveaway-hop-us.html

Thanks!

 Kelsey Miller began RETRIBUTION when she was fourteen. Now, five years later, the book is finally completed.

She is finishing up her year as a college freshman, and plans to continue writing. RETRIBUTION is her first novel, and she is set to begin work on the sequel this summer.

You can keep up with her at  kelseymillerbooks.blogspot.com.

Find Kelsey on: 

|   Amazon   |  Facebook  |   Twitter   |  Blog  |  Goodreads  |  Tumbler

****Giveaway****
Read the Interview to find out!