Book Review: Birthmarked by Caradh M. O'Brien

Title: Birthmarked
Author: Caradh M. O'Brien
Number of Pages: 361

Published: March 30th 2010 by Roaring Brook Press

Source: Library (Hardcopy)
Genre:  Science Fiction > Dystopia

Reading Level: YA 
Star Rating: ★★★★★ 
Goodreads | Purchase

In the future, in a world baked dry by the harsh sun, there are those who live inside the walled Enclave and those, like sixteen-year-old Gaia Stone, who live outside. Following in her mother’s footsteps Gaia has become a midwife, delivering babies in the world outside the wall and handing a quota over to be "advanced" into the privileged society of the Enclave. Gaia has always believed this is her duty, until the night her mother and father are arrested by the very people they so loyally serve.

Now Gaia is forced to question everything she has been taught, but her choice is simple: enter the world of the Enclave to rescue her parents, or die trying.

A stunning adventure brought to life by a memorable heroine, this dystopian debut will have readers racing all the way to the dramatic finish.

 My Review: I read Birthmarked some time ago but waited to do my review because I wanted to read the next books in the series before hand. I really have trouble finding the words to describe my feeling for this book. Why? Well because I find it hard to tell other of it's sheer perfection. I know that some of my book friends have told me how amazing the book truly is but I have also heard other say they did not care for it so I was somewhat apprehensive to try it but WOW. I am super glad I did. I have read a number of Dystopian novel in the past couple year but Birthmarked is by far the most unique and inspiring one. There was never a dull moment; such a total page-turner to the very end. 

Birthmark takes place in the distant future where the world as we know it is quite different from our own. The population is slowing dying in this post apocalyptic setting. Gaia and her parents live among outer wall of the city of Enclave. Both Gaia and her Mother are midwifes. Gaia mother has taught her everything she knows. Including the harsh protocol in which they must give the three newborn babies each month of the woman outside the wall to the families which dwell inside Enclave. Gaia and her family must do this to survive life on the outside, until one day her parents are taken and put under arrest in Enclave. Now Gaia must find away inside to rescue her parents and fight to understand what strange events that are taking place in Enclave. Her world will soon be turned upside down with the knowledge she finds and will question everything she knew to be right and safe. As the story progresses she will not only come to find everything she once new is wrong but also finds true love on this unexpected journey for the truth.

I just adored everything bit of Birthmarked. The world building was amazing, the character's are so real and beautiful. The story itself was wow, just WOW! I mean I must have cried at least 5 times while reading it. Gaia is a strong heroin with such passion and she really makes the book come alive. I so totally feel head or heels in love with Leon (he is Gaia's love interest in the book). I just could have not asked for a more perfect story. The ending was sublime and I was thinking about Birthmarked days after I read it. Caradh M. O'Brien is a most brilliant writer and she really knows how to take the reader and make the fall in love with with her story. To anyone who has been debating on reading this book and the series. I would so yes please do so. I can not stress this enough, go now and borrow or buy Birthmarked. You will be glad you did. 

Book Blog Tour: Solstice by Donna Burgess [Promo + Character Interview]

Hello my awesome readers! Today is my stop on Solstice book blog tour hosted by Bewitching Book Tours. I am so pleased to share with everyone today a fun promo piece and a Character Interview. Donna Burgess is the author of Solstice as well as many other great novels - found here. I hope everyone will enjoy reading more about the book and the author. Thank you and Happy Reading!

Solstice: A Novel of the Zombie Apocalypseby Donna Burgess

On the eve of winter Solstice, a massive flash envelopes the Earth and then there is nothing. The sun no longer shines and civilization is plunged into unending darkness. Those exposed to the mysterious flash have changed—they have become bloodthirsty, cunning, and determined to devour anyone who is not infected. They are Ragers.
In Sweden, a group of uneasy travelers hears a broken broadcast. There is hope. Something called Sanctuary waits, but it is thousands of miles away, somewhere on the shores of the British Isles.
Meanwhile, in a London supermarket, a high school English teacher from the States finds himself stranded along with a handful of students on a senior trip. Outside, hoards of hungry Ragers await, ready to tear them limb from limb. Their only hope is to find Sanctuary.
Solstice is a tale of hope, terror, survival, and finding love at the end of the World.

I’m Donna Burgess and I want to welcome Melanie from my new novel Solstice. We’re going tolearn a little bit about survival in a post-apocalyptic world.
DB: Hi, Melanie. Tell me a little about yourself.
M: Before the world ended, I was a university student, majoring in Psychology. My parents diedin an accident when I was seventeen years-old and I ended up living with my father’s best friendand his family.
DB: How did that work out?
M: It was rocky to say the least. Tomas, my father’s friend was (and is) wonderful. I’ve alwaysloved Tomas. His wife, on the other hand, was a queen bitch.
DB: Discuss your situation in Solstice for the readers. What is the post-apocalyptic world of thenovel like?
M: Dark! Imagine living in a world without sunlight. It’s terrible to never feel the sun on yourface. Even worse are Ragers, who make life incredibly difficult.
DB: Ragers?
M: If you’ve seen zombies, you have a pretty good idea of what a Rager is. Except Ragers haveretained some degree of consciousness. They can talk. They remember where home is. They’refairly cunning. And they’re quick!
DB: How has trying to survive the end of the world changed you?
M: Obviously, a girl as to change her priorities. Things like electricity and warmth are luxuries.Staying alive is all that matters. I’ve learned to use a gun—something I would have neverimagined. I’ve seen some terrible, terrible things, but I’ve gotten through them. I’m a muchstronger person than I realized.
DB: Is there any more to your story?
M: Maybe. I guess it depends on the readers and if they want to see more or Melanie and Tomasand the Ragers.

Find Donna @ Website | Facebook | Twitter

BUY Solstice @ Amazon | B&N 

Donna Burgess lives with her husband, daughter, son, many cats and one goofy Golden Retriever in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. When she is not writing, she can be found on her longboard, behind a good book or on the soccer field. She is the president of E­Volve Books. She holds a B.A. in English and a B.A. in Journalism and is currently pursuing her M.F.A. in Creative Writing.

Well, I don't know about you guys but this book sounds amazing! I so added it to my TBR pile. :) I hope you all enjoyed learning more about Donna Burgess and her newest novel, Solstice.

Moa by Tricia Stewart Shiu Whirlwind Tour! Interview + Giveaway!

Welcome to Moa Book blog tour hosted by Novel Publicity and co. I hope everyone will enjoy this post and will learn more about Tricia Stewart Shiu novels. Be sure to enter in the amazing giveaway below to win prizes and amazon GC's.   

- Happy Reading! 

Please enjoy this interview with Tricia Stewart Shiu, author of the paranormal YA novel with a literary bent Moa. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including $6000 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, 5 autographed copies of Moa, and 5 autographed copies of its sequel, Statue of Ku.

1. The Moa Book series has a metaphysical theme. Do you have any expertise in this area?


I am an energetic intuitive and have a talent for creating powerful healing essential oil blends and gem elixirs. The unearthing of these talents occurred as I embarked on a metaphysical journey, which included studies in mediumship, pagan and Huna rituals as well as an energy healing technique called “Crystalline Consciousness Technique.” I also studied a variety of shamanic clearing methods and healing rituals.


2. You get pretty heavy into the metaphysical. Are you, in fact, a witch?


Like, Hillary, I question who I am on a daily, sometimes hourly, basis. For centuries, women have been persecuted and even killed for being labeled a witch. I have studied many forms of healing rituals and magic and discovered that I have talents for using essential oils and crystals for the highest good. Others, who have witnessed the results of my practices, have called me many things: healer, shaman, and yes, witch. I choose not to accept any of these names but to embrace all of them as one growing changing name—wishealer or heshitch—to coin a phrase...or maybe not. As I discover more talents, gifts and unique parts to myself, this unusual word is sure to undergo a metamorphosis and may grow to the size of Moa's real, and quite lengthy, Hawaiian name.


3. What are your favorite books and how have they touched you as a reader?

Albert Einstein said, "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” The books/stories that touch me most echo the theme of humanity and self discovery and include a sense of adventure and wonder. Ray Bradbury's short story, Frost and Fire is a shocking, but tender story about a boy's journey into a world where people only live eight days. James Joyce's Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man inspired me to unleash my inner censor and allow my truth to shine though my writing. If I could wish anything for those who read my books, it would be the gift of self acceptance and self acknowledgement.

4. How long does it take you to write a book from start to finish?


Good question. I went back into my notes and discovered that it took me exactly three months and ten days to write Moa from beginning to end. That seems to be my average writing speed, three months. My aunt Rebecca Gummere is my editor extraordinaire. We have developed a comfortable and productive working rhythm that balances creativity and structure and brings such joy and enrichment to the work.


5. Who designs the covers for your books?


The brilliant and talented Sydney Shiu took the cover photos when she was six during a trip to Hawaii. Scott Torrance brought his years of experience in photographic art and design to the layouts.


6. What was the hardest part of writing your book?


The time between stories is the most challenging for me. When I am inside a story and writing I am filled with peace and joy. When I finish and have to leave that world, I mourn the loss of this comforting place--the same is true when I finish reading a great book. Nevertheless, I believe that this sadness brings with it a great opportunity and depth of creativity and I wouldn’t change a thing about the process.


7. Any take-away message you want readers to grasp?


Each of us has at least one divine gift to remember. The moment we wake up and retrieve the memory of who we are and what we are here to do, that's when the adventure begins.


8. When did you first consider yourself an author?


I was in middle school and read James Joyce’s Portrait of an Artist for the first time. About an hour later, I was overcome by an urge to write, an impulse I readily indulged. Time stood still, I still can't quite remember what happened during that frenzied period of first creation. All I remember is coming to with pages upon pages filled with words in front of me. It felt incredible to express myself so freely. I've never looked back.


9. Did you start out writing novels?


No. I started out writing short stories when I was young. Then when I began acting, I wrote one-woman shows and plays, eventually combining my efforts of performance and writing in a piece called Doing Lunch which made it’s way into a short film trilogy directed by Hal Trussel. That film won “Best Dramatic Short” at the Houston Film Festival.


10. What was your main source of inspiration for the Moa book series?


When I was five, I was visited by a vision. I'll never forget it, I was running down the stairs and the entity, a girl with dark hair, stopped me in my tracks. The spirit said that I would go through a deeply challenging time in my life, but would resurface, later in life, with unimaginable joy and fulfillment. That vision stayed with me. In middle school, I would sit quietly at my desk adding up the years to figure out exactly when my life would turn around.


And then I forgot. I got busy, my work and the stress of family life took over and I was completely overwhelmed and in desperate need of a vacation. My husband, daughter and I decided to go to Hawaii.


When the plane landed in Honolulu, I remember feeling the difference in the atmosphere as I disembarked. The air made me somehow, remember that there was a part of me that knew…something…what was it?


Never mind, I was in Hawaii it was time to see the sights! So, I sped off to see Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach and then headed home for an afternoon nap before an evening luau. As I drifted toward sleep, I heard my name being called. In my mind's eye, I saw a beautiful young woman with dark hair, who said her name was Moaahuulikkiaaakea’o Haanaapeekuluueehuehakipuunahe’e—Moa for short.


And then I remembered.

As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Moa and Statue of Ku eBook editions have both been dropped to just 99 cents this week. What’s more, by purchasing either of these fantastic books at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes. The prizes include $600 in Amazon gift cards, a Kindle Fire, and 5 autographed copies of each book.


All the info you need to win one of these amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE. Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment--easy to enter; easy to win!


To win the prizes:

1. Purchase your copies of Moa and Statue of Ku for just 99 cents


2. Enter the Rafflecopter contest on Novel Publicity


3. Visit today’s featured social media event

About Moa: Eighteen-year-old, Hillary, anticipates adventure as she embarks for trip to Honolulu, but gets more than she bargained for when Moa, an ancient Hawaiian spirit, pays her an unexpected visit. Get it on Amazon.  About Statue of Ku:  The second book in the Moa Book Series, "The Statue of Ku" follows Hillary and Moa as they jet to Egypt on the Prince’s private plane to reclaim Moa’s family heirloom, the inimitable statue of Ku. Get it on Amazon.

About the author: Tricia Stewart Shiu combines her addiction to the written word with her avid interest in the healing arts and all things metaphysical in her novels Moa and Statue of Ku and looks forward to finding new ways to unite her two loves. Visit Tricia on her website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.

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Sick!

Yes, I am sick. I have the flu. I rarely get sick with a flu or cold but this one is a doozy. I really need to get things done on my blog and I had every intention of doing so but these things can't be helped. I went to my doctor yesterday who told me to stay in bed and get better. I will try to be back asap but my goal is Monday (if I feel better). 

I will have up my scheduled blog tour post this week so no worries about that. Everyone gets sick and book bloggers are with no exception. I dearly hope I feel better soon.

Thank you all for understanding. :)

- Beckie

The Catalyst Book Tour | Excerpt + Giveaway!

Hi everyone! How are all my lovely reading this Monday morning? I have the perfect way to start this week off right, with a fun book blog tour. I am the first stop on The Catalyst Tour brought to you by Dark Mind Book Tours and I am very pleased to take part. I will be sharing with you all some wonderful info about Zoe Winters new novel as well as a excerpt from The Catalyst. This book is the 3rd in the Preternaturals series. If you have not heard of the first two then check them out here and here. So enjoy and please stick around for a chance to win a free copy of the book. 

The Catalyst Book Trailer:

[ hehe, I just adore this book trailer. ^_^ ]

The Catalyst

by Zoe Winters

Book 3 ( Preternaturals series )

Goodreads | Purchase

It started with one lost, shivering pup; it may end in a war... 

Panthers don’t do responsibility. They don’t do long-term relationships. They definitely don’t raise kids. But when Z discovers a young wolf in the forest, he takes him in, unaware of the powerful beings hunting the pup.

Fiona is a witch who can’t leave her house; the birds have told her something bad will happen. The mailbox is as far as she’ll go, but even that may provide more danger than she’s bargained for. When a wolf pup stumbles into her garden, her safe, wrapped-up world heads for a free fall. 

But along with danger, the pup brings a chance at love—a chance an agoraphobic witch and a bachelor panther shifter aren’t likely to find on their own.  

Just have to make it to the mailbox. Everything will be okay. Fiona Patrone stared out the window at the lonely box at the end of the driveway. Her house was surrounded by trees in a heavily wooded area of Golatha Falls—so far out it was amazing the mailman delivered. And yet it felt so open and unknown out there. It was safer inside. There probably isn’t any mail. Just check it tomorrow. Nothing important. Not worth going out. The thoughts tunneled through her mind like vicious moles. If she didn’t venture out, she’d be even more a prisoner of her own mind and fears. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d gone past the mailbox. If she got to the point where she couldn’t even get that far… The birds outside screeched then, chattering warnings, screaming the same awful things they screamed at her every day. If you go out there, something bad will happen. She believed them. Birds had no reason to lie. They were excellent seers, so much so, that for centuries people had read bird entrails, not realizing that you needed a live bird to get any knowledge of value. Something bad. They could at least give her a little detail, some clue as to what she should fear, but the threat remained the same—vague and foreboding as ever. Fiona had been able to understand the language of animals before she could understand that of humans—a rare and special gift for a witch to inherit. Though she’d always seen it as a curse. If not for those damned birds, she’d be outside living her life. Maybe she would have found love, a job, something. Well, she had a job—on the Internet. Her money was direct-deposited. She ordered her clothes online and had her groceries delivered. Thanks to the web, agoraphobia had never been so easy. At least from a logistics standpoint. She took in a slow, measured breath, her hand poised over the doorknob. You can do this. You can do this. You can do this. Fiona mentally repeated it like a subliminal message she prayed would take hold. The doorknob clicked in her hand. She moved through what felt like invisible molasses as she forced herself out the door and into the throng of screeching, angry birds. The wind had a new crispness. Almost Halloween. As a witch, shouldn’t she be in her element right about now? But the idea of ghosts and goblins and veils thinning served to make the whole ordeal seem more dangerous. Fifty-five steps. She counted them every day because counting them was the only way she could make herself get there. It wasn’t far. She could run back into her house if the birds were right. The mailbox held nothing of interest: an electric bill that could have waited until tomorrow. On her way back, step twenty-four, she became aware of the eerie silence. The birds had stopped their squawking, and a stillness blanketed the yard. She would have run straight for the front door except for the plaintive cry coming from somewhere nearby. Ignore it. It’s not your concern, she told herself. Thirty-five. But the noise happened again. So sad, scared. Her heart softened at the sound. She’d want someone to help her if she were in distress. Fiona tucked the electric bill into the waistband of her jeans and struggled through the wild growth of the front yard. She hadn’t worked on the garden in five years, and it showed. When she reached the side of the house, she found a wolf pup with wide, brown eyes, crying. He was old enough that he should have started learning the language of his kind, but he hadn’t. There were no words she could pick up and decipher. She could still get emotions and basic information, especially if those emotions were strong. In some circles, this made Fiona dangerous; in others, it would make her a pawn of those who might want to capitalize on such information. The pup was lost, hungry, scared. She didn’t sense a mother wolf nearby. Had he been abandoned? Her mind screamed at her to leave him there. But he was so hungry and pathetic. She couldn’t stop herself from scooping him up and taking him inside. She sat him on the kitchen counter, and he stared curiously at her, turning his little wolf head to the side. He was reddish-brown and white, the cutest thing she’d seen in forever. At least he seemed old enough to be weaned. She’d made a roast the previous night and wasn’t sure how that would fly with the little guy, but it was what she had. She cut some meat up and put it on the counter. The pup’s tail wagged as he gobbled up the food. She placed a bowl of water down, and he took care of that, too. He stared at her from the top of the counter as if to say What next? Oh wow, yeah. She hadn’t thought through that part. If he was just lost, his mother would be coming soon. If he was all alone, she couldn’t have a wolf in her house. Even understanding what he needed, it was just insane. And probably illegal. He positioned himself on the edge of the counter, shifting his weight from paw to paw, negotiating the drop to the ground. His full concentration was on the jump. When he made it to the linoleum floor, he looked up at her, all pleased with himself, and she melted. So cute. “Well, maybe you can stay for a little while. Until I figure out what to do with you.” Those words had barely tumbled past her lips when the window over the breakfast nook shattered, and a large ball of black fur leaped into her kitchen. It must be the mother. But no. As her confusion cleared, she could see it was a large, angry black panther. Fiona edged back, afraid he’d pounce if she made any sudden moves. What she wouldn’t give right now to have a few handy incantations at the ready. For spells, she needed all the proper tools: sage stick, herbs, candles, salt, etc. She could incant a little if she was very focused, but now, with her heart pounding so fast, wasn’t one of those times. Her own name was a blank—forget coming up with a snappy protection chant. She grabbed at stray pots and pans and emptied a whole drawer of utensils as she threw everything she had at him. But he batted the objects away, prowling closer, his growl low and menacing. Within seconds, he had her backed into a corner, claws out, swiping at her. She screamed and grabbed her arm, which was starting to bleed. Her side burned as well. All at once, her brain snapped into sharp focus. She was going to die in a matter of seconds if she didn’t figure something out right now. He’d stopped clawing at her for a minute and was growling, something about her taking the pup, wanting to hurt him, people after him. Oh, wait. Wait! She could feel the magic crackling around the panther. Therian! That meant there was a person in there. Somewhere. She called on every reserve of courage she had to form words. “I wasn’t trying to hurt him. He was lost and hungry. I brought him in to feed him. That’s all. I’m not whoever you think I am.” The panther stared at her hard and growled again. “Yes, I understand you.” How is that possible? He growled. “Rare gift. I meant the pup no harm. I swear.” She held her hands out defensively, hoping he believed her. An insane panther therian in her house wasn’t how she wanted to go out. Blood dripped in a steady flow down her arm; her shirt was torn near her ribcage where more blood was pooling. Oh God. That swipe alone could have killed her. Breathe, Fiona. He’s calm now. Everything will be fine. Thank God he was a therian and could understand her as well as she understood him. She still couldn’t figure out what a panther’s concern with a wolf pup was. But really, all she wanted was to get the both of them out of her house and call a window repairman. She was trying to forget the bleeding part. She vowed she’d listen to the birds next time. So you can understand him? The panther’s gaze shifted to the pup who gingerly stepped around the broken glass, sniffing things. “Well, he doesn’t have language like you have yet, but I know what he needs. My gift runs a little deeper than just speech.” Not to toot her horn or anything. He shifted—–right in the middle of her kitchen. Her eyes didn’t know where to go. Tanned, muscular legs. And… oh dear, skip that, skip that! But her brain had already processed parts of a man she’d never seen outside of television or the Internet, due to her phobia. There weren’t a lot of opportunities to hook up with men when you never left your house. Farther up, there were very nice abs and pecs—–and those arms. Oh boy. She swiped the back of the hand that wasn’t bleeding across her face, afraid she might be drooling. She wanted to lick him, but under the circumstances that seemed a little weird. Her arm and side burned like fiery hell, but damn, he was pretty. So sleek and lithe, just like what he shifted into. When her gaze made it up to his face, a boyish smirk graced his lips. There was a twinkle in his brown eyes. His dark hair was longish, but somehow still masculine. Oh yes, there wasn’t an unmanly bone in his body. “So,” he drawled, moving closer by mere centimeters, “should we just get it on now?” Her mouth dropped open. He couldn’t have just said that. A strange look crossed his face. “Sorry. Wild animal here. A little amped up. That was inappropriate.” He extended a hand, attempting to move past the new awkwardness. “Let me look at you.” The pain in her arm and side flared fully to life as she processed everything that had just happened in her kitchen. When she didn’t respond to his request, he pulled her toward him and lifted her shirt to inspect her side. He frowned. “Not as bad as it could have been. Nothing major harmed.” She was about to get angry and indignant about his flippant attitude toward what he’d just done, but then his eyes met hers, warm and honest. “I’m very sorry about your injuries. I was afraid for the pup and sensed the magic on you. I thought you were one of the ones who tried to take him. I’m all he’s got.” The pup, as if sensing he was being talked about, clomped through the kitchen debris to sit between them, his little wolf gaze going back and forth. Fiona looked back at the man standing in front of her, so sincere and intense… and attractive, and then the waterworks started. “Oh, no, don’t cry,” he said, almost in a panic over the concept of female tears. It wasn’t pain that had brought forth the tears; it was the fact that this was what it took to get near a hot guy for her: a near-death experience, and him breaking into her kitchen: the idea that he was going to take the pup and go on his merry way, and she’d have the memory of him emblazoned on her brain, but that would be all. Her close brush with maleness. Inches from her, but no dice. It wasn’t that she wanted to take him up on his carnal offer. He was a stranger. And, as he said, a wild animal. And she wished he’d cover himself with something, because judging from outward signs, he was all raring and ready to go. Like most therians, he was unaffected by his own nudity or arousal. Something she wished humans shared in common with them, so she wouldn’t feel so freaked out by his nearness… or so much longing for something she wasn’t going to ever have since she couldn’t make it past her own mailbox. His smooth, deep voice interrupted her mental hysteria. “Do you have bandages?” “Bathroom, down the hall,” she said absently, feeling stupid for going all blubbery on him. Thank God he couldn’t read her mind and know why she’d been crying. That would have been too mortifying for words. Better for him to think she was just a big wimp who couldn’t take surface abrasions than to know the truth. Copyright 2012, Zoe Winters.  

Please use rafflecopter form below to enter to win a free ecopy of The Catalyst.

OPEN to everyone!

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Cover Reveals: YA Books // 6-22-2012

Hi guys! 

Are you ready for some more A-M-A-Z-I-N-G new book covers reveals? ^__^

Yes? Well your in luck because I have found some beautiful new covers that have been recently revealed. So if your like me and LOVE *Swooning* over them than feast your eyes below.

 I personally am in love them all and so very excited to read these new books once they are released. 

Enjoy! ❤

Everbound
by Brodi Ashton

Two months ago, the Tunnels of the underworld came for Nikki Beckett. That night, Nikki's boyfriend, Jack, made the ultimate sacrifice. All Nikki wants is to save Jack before it's too late. All Cole wants is to find his queen - and he thinks Nikki is the one. Both determined, both desperate, Nikki and Cole form a tense alliance, leading them on a dangerous journey to The Heart of The Everneath.

---> Love Love Love this cover!!! I can't wait to read it! <--- 

 Blood Song (Blood Series, #2)

by Tamara Rose Blodgett

Julia has been ripped from the escape she'd planned for herself. When she awakens to discover that her reality has shifted to include a supposed soul-meld with a man she hates... and who hates her, she rebels. Julia doesn't want to be Queen of the Blood Singers if it means captivity in a gilded cage.
Broken from the horrific events surrounding her friends, Cynthia migrates to the very city that Julia resides in and determines to find her as the police follow the bread crumbs she left in her wake. Detective Truman's discovery at her apartment exposed her departure for the escape it was.
The Feral has come full circle and must begin a new life from the shadow of the old. His placement in the hierarchy of the pack is uncertain when he finds that he has an integral enemy already in place and a pack member to protect. While he desperately seeks answers to what had been... what could be.
Can the vestiges of Julia's former life be restored so she might reunite with her one true love or has that door closed forever because of supernatural circumstances beyond their control?

---> I really like the model used in the image and her hair is pretty! Although if you look closely you can see she is nude from the waist up. 0_o <---

Imaginary Girls

by Nova Ren Suma

Chloe's older sister, Ruby, is the girl everyone looks to and longs for, who can't be contained or caged. When a night with Ruby's friends goes horribly wrong and Chloe discovers the body of her classmate London Hayes left floating in the reservoir, Chloe is sent away from town and away from Ruby. But Ruby will do anything to get her sister back, and when Chloe returns to town two years later, deadly surprises await. As Chloe flirts with the truth that Ruby has deeply hidden away, the fragile line between life and death is redrawn by the complex bonds of sisterhood.

---> I do like the new cover but I LOVED the older one. Besides that Imaginary Girls is one of my favortie books. A MUST read! <---

Rise (Eve Series #3)

Anna Carey

When you're being hunted, who can you trust?

For the first time since she escaped from her school many months ago, Eve can sleep soundly. She's living in Califia, a haven for women, protected from the terrifying fate that awaits orphaned girls in The New America.

But her safety came at a price: She was forced to abandon Caleb, the boy she loves, wounded and alone at the city gates. When Eve gets word that Caleb is in trouble, she sets out into the wild again to rescue him, only to be captured and brought to the City of Sand, the capital of The New America.

Trapped inside the City walls, Eve uncovers a shocking secret about her past--and is forced to confront the harsh reality of her future. When she discovers Caleb is alive, Eve attempts to flee her prison so they can be together--but the consequences could be deadly. She must make a desperate choice to save the ones she loves . . . or risk losing Caleb forever.

In this breathless sequel to "Eve," Anna Carey returns to her tale of romance, adventure, and sacrifice in a world that is both wonderfully strange and chillingly familiar.

---> I have really adores all of Anna Carey's book covers. They are so stunningly beautiful. Rise is amazing and I love the purple and blue hues. <---

Which covers do you enjoy? 

Thank you for reading!

Wicked Wildfire Read-A-Thon: Goals & Updates

 Hosted by: Rebecca @ Kindle Fever & April @ My Shelf Confessions

What it's time for?! Yep, another read-a-thon! Yay! I so happy to be able to join the Wicked Wildfire read-a-thon. I always have a lot of fun with these. Reading more book in my TBR pile, making friends and doing some awesome challenges for some wonderful prizes. Sound like fun? Well everyone is still welcome to join. Come on by and check out the details - HERE.

Time Devoted to Reading

• I will be reading from the 20-24th (off and on - not continuously )

Goals:

• Read 1-3 Books
• Do mini-challenges.
• Work on reviews for the books I will be reading.
• Meets new people, make friends but most of all have fun!
• Do not get stressed out if I can not read all I would like to. 

Books I will be reading - ( This may be subject to chance )

Reading now = ★

Finished reading = ♥

To-Be Read = ☺

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink - ★

Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

My Updates will be displayed below for each day as well as found here -->

@SyCo4Twilight  You can use the hashtag: #WWReadathon to find them.

Day One Updates: June 20th, 2012

Number of books read today: 
Number of books read in Total: 

Total Pages Read today: 

Total Time Spent Reading:
Mini Challenges Completed Today: 

Day Two Updates: June 21st, 2012

Number of books read today: 0
Number of books read in Total: 0

Total Pages Read today: 230

Total Time Spent Reading: 4 hours
Mini Challenges Completed Today: Cover Lover Challenge @ Ramblings of a Daydreamer

Day Three Updates: June 21st, 2012

Number of books read today: 
Number of books read in Total: 

Total Pages Read today: 

Total Time Spent Reading:
Mini Challenges Completed Today: