January Random Reads 2015

This is where we pick a random book from our shelf to read within the month. Feel free to do more than one, but since a lot of people have a lot of books to read, only one is “required” for the meme.

How to join on Random Reads?

You can either use Random.org, eeny, meeny, miny, moe or you can simply close your eyes and point randomly at a book in your shelf. Easy Peasy 😀

Welcome to my first feature for Random Reads this 2015! If you haven’t read or heard about this, I’ve been doing this since October last year and this helped a lot to clear my unread pile without picking my favorites first. I tend to choose my most awaited books so a huge number are left unread on my pile. So for this feature, I’ve chosen to close my eyes and pointed randomly at a book in my shelf. I love that way in choosing (Nah. I’m just lazy! LOL)! Here’s what I got:

Name: The Burning Sky
(The Elemental Trilogy #1)
Author: Sherry Thomas
Number of Pages: 376 pages in Hardcover
Published: September 17th 2013
by Balzer + Bray
Genre: High Fantasy, Young Adult,
Romance, Adventure

It all began with a ruined elixir and a bolt of lightning.
Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she’s been told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of The Realm. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the most powerful tyrant and mage the world has ever known. This would be a suicide task for anyone, let alone a reluctant sixteen-year-old girl with no training.
Guided by his mother’s visions and committed to avenging his family, Prince Titus has sworn to protect Iolanthe even as he prepares her for their battle with the Bane. But he makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the tyrant closing in, Titus must choose between his mission—and her life.

I’ve heard a lot of wonderful stuff about this series and I’m very much excited to read it. I’ll probably read this after Tear You Apart since I got an ARC of it from NetGalley and it will be released on the 27th. So they’re expecting a review of Tear You Apart not later than the end of the month, I think.

I’ll try my best to squeeze the book this month for the sake of this meme. Wish me luck! Hey if you do have a Random Reads post, comment your link. I’ll try to check it out. 😀

Waiting on Wednesday #32

was started by Breaking the Spine and serves to showcase those books
that aren’t released yet, but that we’re eagerly awaiting.

Name: When My Heart Was Wicked
Author: Tricia Stirling
Number of Pages: 192 in Kindle
Published: February 24th 2015
by Scholastic Press
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal

I used to be one of those girls. The kind who loved to deliver bad news. When I colored my hair, I imagined it seeping into my scalp, black dye pooling into my veins. But that was the old Lacy. Now, when I cast spells, they are always for good. 16-year-old Lacy believes that magic and science can work side by side. She’s a botanist who knows how to harness the healing power of plants. So when her father dies, Lacy tries to stay with her step-mother in Chico, where her magic is good and healing. She fears the darkness that her real mother, Cheyenne, brings out, stripping away everything that is light and kind. Yet Cheyenne never stays away for long. Beautiful, bewitching, unstable Cheyenne who will stop at nothing, not even black magic, to keep control of her daughter’s heart. She forces Lacy to accompany her to Sacramento, and before long, the “old” Lacy starts to resurface. But when Lacy survives a traumatic encounter, she finds herself faced with a choice. Will she use her powers to exact revenge and spiral into the darkness forever? Or will she find the strength to embrace the light?

I’ve stumbled upon this on Goodreads and I was caught by how enchanting the blurb was written. Plus, I love those lead characters that could be the villain/heroine at the same time. I find it quite enthralling. It tends to be tiring to read about goody goody, perfectly made characters right? I must admit that I’m really excited about this book’s released date. I saw a couple of friends who rated the book a five and they’ve confirmed that the book is indeed fascinating.

I’ve done my research about the book a couple of days ago and just earlier, but I’m left empty-handed. Not really sure why. The author, Tricia Stirling, doesn’t have a blog that I could check so I didn’t find any interesting updates. As well as launch parties, blog and book tours. I saw her Twitter account though, but still nothing. I’m kind of a stalker pretty much. Lol! No. Seriously, of course I want to know more about the authors I like. 😉 Anyway, I found a book giveaway on Goodreads. Jaraaaaaaaannn!

The thing is.. the book giveaway is for US book lovers only. Argh. Life’s unfair. Haha! 😀
Click “Enter To Win” so you guys in the US can join the giveaway! ♥

I think I’ve covered everything. I’ll update this whenever I’ll find something new until this will be released. So always check back when you’re free. Okay? By the way, care to share the books you’re dying to read? Comment and I’ll check on it. 😀

Teaser Tuesday #26

I’ve decided to join this ’cause I think it’s pretty fun and easy. Plus I really want to quote smart retorts, full blown bullying, words of wisdom, swoon worthy lines and the like without giving much to readers about the entire book. A quote or two won’t hurt I guess.

So here’s how it works:
1. Grab your current read.
2. Randomly open a page.
3. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences.
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
4. Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists.

Name: Princess of Thorns
Author: Stacey Jay
Number of Pages: 400 pages in Hardcover
Published: December 9th 2014
by DelaCorte Press
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Retellings, Romance

Game of Thrones meets the Grimm’s fairy tales in this twisted, fast-paced romantic fantasy-adventure about Sleeping Beauty’s daughter, a warrior princess who must fight to reclaim her throne.  […]

Here’s the Teasers 😀

My Week in a Wrapped #15

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

This is my first Sunday Post for 2015! Yay! Well, our New Year celebration was a blast. Spent it with the whole family again and it was a lot of fun. A lot of firecrackers, confetti, food, laughter and a whole lot of hugs and kisses from a lot of visiting relatives. Reunited with a bunch of childhood friends too since we spent the New Year’s eve at my parents’ place where I grow up. Partied till two in the morning and got up so late the following day. Lol! Also keeping my fingers crossed so I can keep my resolutions this year. How did you celebrate your New Year’s Eve? Was it fun and do you have any New Year’s Resolutions to keep too? I’ve also changed my blog’s header and background. How do you find it? 😀 Oh hey, I’ll keep this short for now since I’m off to buy a new mobile phone. I’m so excited!

Last Week On The Blog

• My Week in a Wrapped #14
• Teaser Tuesday #25: Imitation (Clone Chronicles #1)
• Waiting on Wednesday #31: The Sin Eater’s Daughter
• Currently Reading│Book Beginning : Princess of Thorns by Stacey Jay
• Book Blogger Hop: January 2nd – 8th
• Weekly Photo Challenge: New
• Book Review: Imitation (Clone Chronicles #1)
• Book Review: Deviation (Clone Chronicles #2)

Book Review: Deviation (Clone Chronicles #2)

Name: Deviation (Clone Chronicles #2)
Author: Heather Hildenbrand
Number of Pages: 173 pages in eBook
Published: December 30th 2014
by Alloy Powered by Amazon
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance

Until a month ago, eighteen-year-old Ven had never set foot outside the windowless warehouse where she was created. An Imitation of Raven Rogen, Ven spent her days confined in the lab, studying videos of her Authentic, all so she could step into Raven’s life at a moment’s notice.
Now, Ven lives in Raven’s penthouse apartment, kisses Raven’s boyfriend, and obeys every order from Raven’s dad, Titus Rogen—the very man who created her. But Ven has a secret plan. She doesn’t want Raven’s life. She wants her own.

I’ve tried to finish the book before it was actually released 30th of December, but failed. Since I was busy during the holiday season then, I’ve only finished the book Friday. This is a bit short than the first book so I’ve decided to post the review for both of them this week. Anyway, thanks for NetGalley for approving me an ARC. It will be frustrating for me not to read this after Imitation since Imitation ended without further resolution and answers for a ton of questions in my head.

The writing of this book is as easy as the first one. Both gripping and thrilling. There were a lot of parts that I’ve stopped breathing for a second because of the excitement. I’ve mentioned from my review of the Imitation that there are a lot going on around the characters and I can say that in Deviation, there are bigger things at stake. Like everything is much more complicated since the characters are learning that what they’ve known about Titus’ plan is only the tip of the iceberg. To be honest, Deviation is indeed a book that’s so unpredictable. It never fails to surprise me with every page I’ve turned. I’m so surprised by the truth with Obadiah, Josephine and a lot more. Truly a book that would make you feel in the verge of a heart attack. Titus’ plan is getting far more cunning and desperate. Pushing for the replacement of almost all the people in the government so he can be unstoppable. Ven and her friends would need to get their counter plans check so they can stop him or delay him at least. Well, basically that’s where everything went downhill. I was expecting that things will get ugly, but not what the book has presented and I like it. Death. Betrayal. And possibly death again. The million dollar question of this year, I think is..

Book Review: Imitation (Clone Chronicles #1)

Name: Imitation (Clone Chronicles #1)
Author: Heather Hildenbrand
Number of Pages: 272 pages in eBook
Published: July 29th 2014
by Alloy Powered by Amazon
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance

Everyone is exactly like me. There is no one like me. Ven wrestles with these contradicting truths every day. A clone of wealthy eighteen-year-old Raven Rogen, Ven knows everything about the girl she was created to serve: the clothes she wears, the boys she loves, the friends she loves to hate. Yet she’s never met the Authentic Raven face-to-face. Imitations like Ven only get to leave the lab when they’re needed—to replace a dead Authentic, donate an organ, or complete a specific mission. And Raven has never needed Ven . . . until now. When there is an attack on Raven’s life, Ven is thrust into the real world, posing as Raven to draw out the people who tried to harm her. But as Ven dives deeper into Raven’s world, she begins to question everything she was ever told. She exists for Raven, but is she prepared to sacrifice herself for a girl she’s never met?

This book review is long overdue. This should have been posted last week, but I didn’t get to pick up a book to read during the Christmas celebration so here’s for my friends who have waited for this book review to be posted. 😀 A few already sent me a private message on Twitter. Asking where in the heck is my Imitation and Deviation book review. Lol! Sorry, I’m almost done with Deviation too. 😀

The writing is quite easy. Nothing really spectacular, but I like it. Actually, the book’s premise alone is appealing. The book cover is equally intriguing as the plot. Don’t you think? It is striking and I love it. Remember when I’ve thought that this is somehow the same as the movie The Island? Well, it is. Sort of, but the twist on the book is in fact new. Since I’ve watched The Island, I’ve pretty much got the idea of how things work or the general idea of the plot. Apart from the fact that Imitations are created for “organ harvesting” (Eww.) when they’re Authentics need them, they also go on missions. Let’s say your Authentic has assailants and they want to ensnare them. You’ll be thrown out in the open to lure them in. Pretty disturbing right? Like your some kind of a dummy devoid of feelings. Basically, that’s where the story spun.

Currently Reading│Book Beginning : Princess of Thorns by Stacey Jay

Currently Reading #39

Name: Princess of Thorns
Author: Stacey Jay
Number of Pages: 400 pages in Hardcover
Published: December 9th 2014
by DelaCorte Press
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Retellings, Romance

Game of Thrones meets the Grimm’s fairy tales in this twisted, fast-paced romantic fantasy-adventure about Sleeping Beauty’s daughter, a warrior princess who must fight to reclaim her throne. Though she looks like a mere mortal, Princess Aurora is a fairy blessed with enhanced strength, bravery, and mercy yet cursed to destroy the free will of any male who kisses her. Disguised as a boy, she enlists the help of the handsome but also cursed Prince Niklaas to fight legions of evil and free her brother from the ogre queen who stole Aurora’s throne ten years ago. Will Aurora triumph over evil and reach her brother before it’s too late? Can Aurora and Niklaas break the curses that will otherwise forever keep them from finding their one true love?

Hopefully, I’ll post two reviews (Imitation & Deviation. Finally.) before Sunday so I’ve decided to start reading this since I can’t wait any longer. I really love retellings so this would be a treat indeed. A lot of my friends have already read the book and they’ve found it so good. Anyway, here’s a five star, three star and one star review respectively. Got them from book lovers on Goodreads.

PRINCESS OF THORNS is a compelling read for any fairytale fan. It stitches several together (including Little Red Riding Hood) while still managing to do its own thing. Jay isn’t so devoted to nodding to tales that she forgets the story she wants to tell. It helps that her characters are not the half-sketched things of fairytales. Aurora, Niklaas, and the Ogre Queen are all forceful characters.
— Liviania of In Bed with Books

Waiting on Wednesday #31

was started by Breaking the Spine and serves to showcase those books
that aren’t released yet, but that we’re eagerly awaiting.

Name: The Sin Eater’s Daughter
Author: Melinda Salisbury
Number of Pages: 336 in Ebook
Published: February 24th 2015
by Scholastic Press
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance

Seventeen-year-old Twylla lives in the castle. But although she’s engaged to the prince, Twylla isn’t exactly a member of the court. She’s the executioner. As the Goddess embodied, Twylla instantly kills anyone she touches. Each month she’s taken to the prison and forced to lay her hands on those accused of treason. No one will ever love a girl with murder in her veins. Even the prince, whose royal blood supposedly makes him immune to Twylla’s fatal touch, avoids her company. But then a new guard arrives, a boy whose easy smile belies his deadly swordsmanship. And unlike the others, he’s able to look past Twylla’s executioner robes and see the girl, not the Goddess. Yet Twylla’s been promised to the prince, and knows what happens to people who cross the queen. However, a treasonous secret is the least of Twylla’s problems. The queen has a plan to destroy her enemies, a plan that requires a stomach-churning, unthinkable sacrifice. Will Twylla do what it takes to protect her kingdom? Or will she abandon her duty in favor of a doomed love?

I’ve been seeing this a lot lately and I can’t wait to feature this on my Waiting on Wednesday. I so love the book cover. So beautiful and knowing me to be a sucker for gorgeous covers, there’s no way I’ve let this book not to be featured on my blog. The blurb is equally appealing though I’ve read that this is so much like Graceling. To be honest, I have Graceling, but I haven’t read it so I can’t be sure if the rumors are true. I’m planning to read it, probably early next year though.

I’ve tried to look for giveaways, but can’t find any. The only giveaway that I’ve found is on Goodreads, but the winners were already selected. So busy with a lot of things of late so I’ve missed it. Too bad 😦

Would you let me know if you stumble into one? Hihi! 😀

I did research for any events related to the book like where and when the launch party is, but didn’t find any too. Haven’t found anything about book tours as well, perhaps it’s too early, but I did find this:

Teaser Tuesday #25

I’ve decided to join this ’cause I think it’s pretty fun and easy. Plus I really want to quote smart retorts, full blown bullying, words of wisdom, swoon worthy lines and the like without giving much to readers about the entire book. A quote or two won’t hurt I guess.

So here’s how it works:
1. Grab your current read.
2. Randomly open a page.
3. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences.
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
4. Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists.

Name: Imitation (Clone Chronicles #1)
Author: Heather Hildenbrand
Number of Pages: 372 pages in Ebook
Published: July 29th 2014 by
Alloy Powered by Amazon
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult,
Science Fiction, Romance

Everyone is exactly like me. There is no one like me. Ven wrestles with these contradicting truths every day. A clone of wealthy eighteen-year-old Raven Rogen, Ven knows everything about the girl she was created to serve: the clothes she wears, the boys she loves, the friends she loves to hate. Yet she’s never met the Authentic Raven face-to-face. […]

Here’s the Teasers 😀

My Week in a Wrapped #14

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

I was with the whole family to celebrate Christmas and it was so much fun. We spent Christmas morning with my family and the evening was spent with Hubby’s. We played games, exchanged gifts of course, had beers (Yes. BEERS. I was drunk. Lol) and sing the videoke. If you’re not familiar with videoke, well it’s pretty much the karaoke. Filipinos loves to sing FYI. 😀 I didn’t get the chance to pick up a book this Christmas week so I’m still not done with Imitation and I’m afraid I’ll be able to post my review for Deviation after its released date on the 30th. Oh well. How’s your Christmas celebration? And hey, this is also my chance of greeting you all a Happy New Year! 😀

Last Week On The Blog

• My Week in a Wrapped #13
• Teaser Tuesday #24: A Thousand Pieces of You (Firebird #1)
• Waiting on Wednesday #30: Invaded (Alienated #2)
• Currently Reading│Book Beginning : Deviation
  (Clone Chronicles #2) by Heather Hildenbrand
• Book Blogger Hop: December 26th – January 1st
• Weekly Photo Challenge: Warmth
• Book Review: A Thousand Pieces of You (Firebird #1) by Claudia Gray
• Reading Bingo│2014