The Liebster Award Ü

I GOT NOMINATED! 😀
Thanks for nominating me Camille of TheGirlMeetsBooks

The Liebster Award is a great way to feature new blogs and to get to know new book bloggers in the process. There are variations as to the guidelines of how to proceed with this award but here are the basics:
1. Link back to the person/blog who nominated you.
2. Answer the questions they set for the blogs they nominated.
3. List 11 facts about yourself.
4. Nominate 10 blogs (preferably those with less than 200 followers)
and be sure to let them know with a link to your post.
5. Create 10 questions for your nominees to answer.

1. Who’s your current book boyfriend? — This would definitely be Prince Theron of Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch. I still can’t find any fan art of him, but this is most likely how he looks like..

“Same tall build, same golden hair, same dark-brown eyes. But this man isn’t old enough to have gray in his hair; he’s only a few years older than me, and his skin is smooth, sporting just a patch pf stubble on his chin. He’s much more handsome than Noam too, not quite as harsh, like he’s more apt to sing a ballad than lead a kingdom.”
–Lady Meira of the Winter Kingdom
(Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch)

 

 

2. What was your favorite read for 2014? — I can’t pick one so I’ve listed the first eight books that came to mind. I love love love these books! Let the photo do the talking. 🙂

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. 😀

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.

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:

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

Book Review: A Thousand Pieces of You (Firebird #1) by Claudia Gray

Name: A Thousand Pieces of You (Firebird #1)
Author: Claudia Gray
Number of Pages: 368 pages in Hardcover
Published: November 4th 2014 by Harper Teen
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance

Marguerite Caine’s physicist parents are known for their radical scientific achievements. Their most astonishing invention: the Firebird, which allows users to jump into parallel universes, some vastly altered from our own. But when Marguerite’s father is murdered, the killer—her parent’s handsome and enigmatic assistant Paul—escapes into another dimension before the law can touch him. Marguerite can’t let the man who destroyed her family go free, and she races after Paul through different universes, where their lives entangle in increasingly familiar ways. With each encounter she begins to question Paul’s guilt—and her own heart. Soon she discovers the truth behind her father’s death is more sinister than she ever could have imagined.

I’ve waited long enough before I’ve had the book to read and I’m so freaking excited the moment I had it. I so love the book cover. Felt love at first sight. Even voted it somewhere for The Most Beautiful Covers of 2014. I’ve noted the rundown as appealing too. Though I’ve read negative reviews, I was so certain that I would love this, but then I think I’m mistaken. I want to love the book or like it at least. Unfortunately, my feelings for the book only included “I’m bored!”, “Does it have to be that complicated?” and “I don’t care anymore.” moments. I recalled a friend commenting on one of my post (Last Teaser Tuesday) about me ranting that I’ve only read up until Chapter Four of this because I can’t find time to read due to the Christmas preparations and stuff and I quote:

Is it because you’re busy or because you’re not enjoying the book
that you’ve only read to the fourth chapter?
– Jan of Notes of A Readaholic

 

 

When I’m halfway done reading the book, I come to realized that she’s kind of spot-on. Now. Let’s get to the specifics because I can’t wait to spill thoughts out of my head and to probably rant more. 😀

The writing is somehow ordinary, but confusing at the same time. I’m bombarded with jargons from the first couple of chapters about science and stuff I’m really not familiar with. Do I have to be some kind of a science genius so I would be interested or I’m just stupid to not know what multiverse and dimensional resonance are? Do tell. Perhaps “These dimensions aren’t off in faraway outer space.” would be a simpler explanation. NO.

Waiting on Wednesday #30

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

Name: Invaded (Alienated #2)
Author: Melissa Landers
Number of Pages: 368 in Hardcover
Published: February 3rd 2015
by Disney-Hyperion
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance

Cara always knew life on planet L’eihr would be an adjustment. With Aelyx, her L’eihr boyfriend, back on Earth, working to mend the broken alliance between their two planets, Cara is left to fend for herself at a new school, surrounded by hostile alien clones. Even the weird dorm pet hates her.
Things look up when Cara is appointed as human representative to a panel preparing for a human colony on L’eihr. A society melding their two cultures is a place where Cara and Aelyx could one day make a life together. But with L’eihr leaders balking at granting even the most basic freedoms, Cara begins to wonder if she could ever be happy on this planet, even with Aelyx by her side.
Meanwhile, on Earth, Aelyx, finds himself thrown into a full-scale PR campaign to improve human-L’eihr relations. Humans don’t know that their very survival depends on this alliance: only Aelyx’s people have the technology to fix the deadly contamination in the global water supply that human governments are hiding. Yet despite their upper hand, the leaders of his world suddenly seem desperate to get humans on their side, and hardly bat an eye at extremists’ multiple attempts on Aelyx’s life. The Way clearly needs humans’ help . . . but with what? And what will they ask for in return?

I believe I’ve already waited for ages to have this book and yet it’s only December. This book will be released February next year though. Still two months away more or less. I really want this since I enjoyed its first book which is Alienated despite of negative reviews I’ve read. Enjoyed the cuteness and the humor so I’m definitely waiting for Invaded. Can’t look it up on Netgalley though.

I recalled joining a giveaway last October and I’m pretty sure I didn’t win (Too Bad!) so I’ve looked for a new giveaway. Luckily they have released a new giveaway and as I’ve read, this would be the last. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope I’ll win this time. 😀 Click the book cover to join!