Life is Complicated...

So I've been Über busy and blogging has been on the back burner these last few months. I really don't like that it has been, but there is nothing that I can really do about it. Am I leaving the blogosphere for good? No! I am however going to get back to it as soon as I can.

So where have I been all this time? Well, I met someone new and we've been spending so much time together that I'm forgetting about the real world every now and then.

Beyond that? A lot of tragedy and comedy. I had to put my Uncle to rest in October, the exact same weekend I started dating the new boyfriend. Then I had to help say goodbye and bury my boyfriend's best friend last week and that was a hard time. We buried him the day of the Sandy Hook school shooting, so needless to say it was just a whirlwind of emotions.

As of right now, I'm just trying to get focused back on the good in life, which for me includes books, blogging, friends, family, and my wonderful new boyfriend!

I'm hoping everyone is having a safe and festive time right now and keep on reading :)

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My 10 Apps That I Love!

So I recently just upgraded (finally! lol) to a new phone. The iPhone 4S in white! Now after a week of using it, I've come to realize what applications I really adore. These are my top 10 apps I use all the time. Also 9 out of the 10 apps are FREE!

1. Facebook: Who doesn't use this app!? It's probably on everyone's phone and their mother's as well.

2. Instagram: Since day one I've been using this app just to document my life left and right. I'm also a geek when it comes to photo editing, so it was thrilling to add my own little touches to each and every photo I shared.

3. Swackett: Even before my iPhone, I was using this app on my MackBook desktop. Its a weather app! Its really cool and you can either get the free version or the paid one. But it has so many amazing features for one little app that you won't look at weather the same anymore.

4. Everyme: It's a social networking app, but it's a lot more private. You can choose to share information with people by putting them into circles (kind of like Google+) and they can comment on what you share with them. The people you add? They don't even have to have a smart phone to comment! Just a cell number and the ability to text back without hassle. Also the easiest way to share life's wonderful moments without even having to broadcast it on FB!

5. Timehop: I LOVE this app! It collects information from Facebook since the day I've started using it (October 2005!) and lets me see on that exact same day what I posted on my page! Whether it be pictures, status update, etc... it lets me know what was going on. How cool is that? And you can even share it if it's something that you really fancy.

6. Cuptakes: It costs $0.99, but it's worth it! It has some of the coolest and most visually pretty backgrounds for your screen! Whether you want to get a different shelf for your apps or for your lock screen or both, it has many to choose from!

7. Foursquare: The ultimate app for letting friends/family know where you are. The more places you check-in that are a certain categories (ie - diners, movie theaters, bars, etc..) the more badges and level of badges you get! Also you can then be mayor of that place and also some local places offer coupons, discounts, or rewards to their loyal customers that always check-in to the place! This is great if you are a college student eating on a budget.

8. Spotify: The top app for music. Stream your favorite artists/bands at the drop of a hat (virtual or not!). This also lets you create playlists and more! Also you can add friends from FB who use the app and see what music they are listening to as well. You can also share music to listen to together through the phone or online! Great way to do this if you live far away from someone you love.

9. Words with Friends: I'm more of a Scrabble person, but this game is almost identical to the Hasbro version. Almost all my friends and family on are on this and its fun to see who has a knack for spelling. Also great to use when you are bored and have nothing to do! Also check out SongPop if you are a fan of music and are really good at identifying bands/artists easily!

10. Path: Sort of like Everyme, but just as cool! You can share what song, movie, book you are reading, you can check-in to places you are located at, you can let people know what time you are going to bed and what time you woke up, you can share pictures, updates of your life, when you've arrived at the airport, etc... it's full of possibilities. Now the only issue is that some people have left complaining comments on the iTunes app's page, due to access to their information like contacts, pictures, and location without permission. But they have fixed that.

So readers, what apps do you need 24/7 on your phone? Does it make life easier or more fun? What app have you found out about that you want to share with your friends? Voice your thought below with the rest of the readers!

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Tune in Tuesday (#20)

A weekly meme by Ginger of GReads!, but until further notice you can find it over at Kate’s Tales of Books and Bands. In the meme I'll talk about music and showcase it here each week. And this week, I'm going to talk about... music that has caught my attention!

I'm really digging AWOLNATION's, "Kill Your Heroes" and Passion Pits, "Take a Walk". These two songs are awesome! The lyrics alone really are different and I love the beat that is paired with the songs. For instance, I'm digging how the chorus sounds when it chimes in from each verse. It has a good flow to it.



So readers, what song(s) have grabbed your attention lately? Is it a new hit on the radio? Is it something that you came across while searching through iTunes? Did you stumble upon it on Youtube? Voice it below and share it with other readers. Who knows, your new favorite song could wind up inspiring someone to love it too!

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Tune in Tuesday (#19)

A weekly meme by Ginger of GReads!, but until further notice you can find it over at Kate’s Tales of Books and Bands. In the meme I'll talk about music and showcase it here each week. And this week, I'm going to talk about... real life.

End of September was one of my more difficult moments I've had in the last few years. My boyfriend of 2 1/2 years broke up with me by text message on Monday (September 24th) and then Sunday (September 30th) I found out he cheated that prior weekend with a girl I know. Hence one of the reasons why I've checked out of blogging lately. So I wanted to take some time, clear my head, and figure out what I need to move on and make things better for myself. I found out that many people were on my side and very supportive for me. It reminded me how much love there is out there in the world when you least expect it.

So this is dedicated to all the readers who have ever been lied to, cheated on, and broken up in a horrible way by an ex... these songs are for those people who did us wrong.




Now even with everything, I've had time to reflect... I've learned that I don't hate HIM, I hate what he did. It's a very long story as to why, but I've risen about the issue and decided to forgive him and just move on. It was hard, but it was for the best. I also saw the silver lining, without him doing what he did, I wouldn't have landed my second job as a make-up special effects artist! So I'm thankful for the screwed up situation lol So there is always some good that comes out of the bad folks.

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Updates!

"Oh my gosh, where has she been!?" "Has anyone seen her!?" "Nope... I think she fell off the face of the planet!", lol probably something like that, maybe not quit, but maybe you might have wondered in that context where the heck I've been! Well over the course of the week, I'll be getting back to the blog, not as quickly as I'd like due to Halloween creeping closer.

Anyway, I've mentioned in a prior post that I've been working. And not just any job... a haunted house job! I get to do special effects make-up and also work as an actor in one of the three houses! WOOHOO! It's loads of fun, not for everyone cause you work in crazy conditions. Worked in 30 degree weather and raining one sunday! I ended up getting sick and on top of that loosing my voice left and right... I've got bruises like a real horror movie victim cause I'm literally running around a room and screaming!

Now below are some pictures from my job... the first one I'm on the right in the corner, with the white shirt on and ripped blue jeans. You can't see my face, but its all kinds of twisted makeup lol The second is one of my co-workers who is in the same room as I am. He uses a chainsaw to scare the crap out of people!

(This is me, in a real vintage 1800's shirt that I own, which I bloody up. Make-up done by one of the head make-up guys! Yes, that blood is really in my hair lol)

(This is my handy-dandy job of painting this creepy clown face. That is also blood dripping down her face. She is a ticket taker at the clown house. Yeah, we got some scary clowns!)

So as you can see I've been SUPER busy. I'm running around friday-sunday with no time to spare and starting this thursday we are doing it too! So four days of crazy fun for moi... plus add in school and trying to keep up with the rest of my life... books and the blog have taken a back seat for the month of October. I'll fill you all in on the rest of what has been happening this week. So stick around readers... I'm not going anywhere :)

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Busy as a Bee!

The reason I've been absent from blogging is because I'm working AND going to school. But also because this past monday I've been dealing with some personal stuff that took a real toll on my focusing on books, let alone read required stuff for the blog. I miss you all and reading amazing books. But hopefully, I'll be back next week refreshed.

On a side note here is a sneak peak at what I'm doing Thursday - Sunday. Don't click the link if horror movies scare you! Pure Terror Scream Park

*(10/1/12) Update: I might be gone longer due to finding out more information from my personal life that just turned it upside down yesterday afternoon. I wish it was a different outcome with all my heart, but with these unforeseen circumstances, my blogging is being put on hold for all of next week and possible the week after that.

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Winter 2013 Penguin Teen Releases!

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District 13: Does It Exist on the Net?

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Book Review: 'Eve'

The year is 2032, sixteen years after a deadly virus—and the vaccine intended to protect against it—wiped out most of the earth’s population. The night before eighteen-year-old Eve’s graduation from her all-girls school she discovers what really happens to new graduates, and the horrifying fate that awaits her.

Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust...and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life. - Goodreads

Title: Eve
Author: Anna Carey
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: October 4th 2011
Finished Reading: July 19th 2012
Format: eBook
Pages: 336
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Dystopia
Sub-Genre(s): Science Fiction
Other Titles in the Series: Once (Eve #2) and Rise (Eve #3)
Rating: ❤❤❤❤
Where to Buy: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository

The story of a young girl set 20-21 years from now in the future after a plague, riding on the hopes for a better life, is a little orphan annie meets I Am Legend.

Eve has been sheltered her entire life, away from all the males of the world and only a distant memory or her mother when everything was ending. Her need to survive is tested by nature and its elements, but mostly by one boy who proves to her that what she learned isn't 100% correct.

The protagonist is sort of a meek girl in the beginning. She has never seen water outside of a faucet/shower, let alone been outside the walls of her school. The girl is forced to make a choice when she discovers the truth about what really happens after they graduate. This is where the real story begins for Eve, out in New America, located on the west coast.

When Eve meets Caleb, it changes everything. She learns how to swim and how to use a weapon. She learns what love is beyond the love of a parent. It takes time, but Caleb is her saving grace in all of this hellish world. Some would think he holds her back, but I believe he helps her push forward for a better tomorrow for all the children in peril. As for Arden, the girl who went to school with Eve, she pushes Eve's buttons in ways that wakes her up and forces her to make choices. Some of which are life altering. This character is truly stone cold outside exterior, while when you get to the heart of her, is really just a sad little girl who feels all alone. Eve is the only one so far to break through to her.

As for the darker side of the story, the character Lief is a prime example of what I despise in men: ruthless, misogynist, assaulting, teenage boy. He didn't like nor understood women, let alone tried to rape Eve after a night of drinking. Situations like that are scary and do happen to women, 90% know their attacker. So to add that realism to the book is a wake-up call for the heroine. Another set of characters I do not enjoy was the King and all the soldiers that roamed the land. The king alone was a pain in my bum! He had such devilish ideas for the women and in how to rebuild society. People like that tend to be dripping with power and abuse it in horrid ways that makes your skin crawl!

Anyway, it was interesting to read about the scenery that was presented in the story. The way San Francisco looked to the Golden Gate Bridge, was eery in many ways. It was as though you could drop a pin and hear it a mile away from the absolute quiet that swept the city.

Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot. I'm very excited to read the sequel Once and see what happens to the lovely Eve and her beloved Caleb as they overcome their biggest hurdles yet.

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Tune in Tuesday (#18): Epic Movie Scores

A weekly meme by Ginger of GReads!, but until further notice you can find it over at Kate’s Tales of Books and Bands. In the meme I'll talk about music and showcase it here each week. And this week, I'm going to talk about... epic movie scores!

Oh you know those scene where the hair on the back of your neck stands at attention or where your heart strings are tugged at or your can't look away from a glorious battle scene that has you at the edge of your seat. Those scores that are masterfully put to those scenes, is what I'm talking about!

So a few of those great scores were from my childhood, some of which are Disney related. And as for the rest are from movies within the last 10 years. The first one on my list is called "Remember" from the Lion King. It's from the scene where Simba is out in the African planes and Rafiki gets him to remember his father, Mufasa, and what it meant to be a king of the land. Such a great piece that was scored for the movie!





So what are your most memorable scores of a movie? Was it a movie from your childhood? Was it something you saw within the last 5 years? Share below your story in the comment section.

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GoodReads Confessions Tumblr

Oh I found out about this tumblr from Radiant Shadows and I simple adore this blog! It's called the GoodReads Confessions. I've always had some of my own confessions, but that's not what this post is about. It's about the over confessions I've found that have fascinated me from the Tumblr itself. So I'm here to share a few that have either rang true or are mind boggling. So if you have some confessions of yourself from GR and want to stay anonymous, but also have a Tumblr account, go on over and maybe submit a few to share to the world.

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Catching Fire: Official 1st Glimpse!

First official glimpse of Jennifer, Josh, and Sam Claflin as Finnick Odair!

For more information, head on over to MoviePilot.com

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Book Review: 'Devine Intervention'

There is a great legend of the guardian angel who traveled across time and space for the human girl he loved, slaying those who would threaten her with a gleaming sword made of heavenly light.

This is not that story.

Jerome Hancock is Heidi Devine's guardian angel. Sort of. He's more of an angel trainee, in heaven's soul-rehabilitation program for wayward teens. And he's just about to get kicked out for having too many absences and for violating too many of the Ten Commandments for the Dead.

Heidi, meanwhile, is a high school junior who dreams of being an artist, but has been drafted onto her basketball team because she's taller than many a grown man. For as long as she can remember, she's heard a voice in her head - one that sings Lynyrd Skynyrd, offers up bad advice, and yet is company during those hours she feels most alone.

When the unthinkable happens, these two lost souls must figure out where they went wrong and whether they can make things right before Heidi's time is up and her soul is lost forever.

Martha Brockenbrough's debut novel is hilarious, heartbreaking, and hopeful, with a sense of humor that's wicked as hell, and writing that's just heavenly. - Goodreads

Title: Devine Intervention
Author: Martha Brockenbrough
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
Release Date: June 1st, 2012
Finished Reading: July 31st, 2012
Format: Advance Reader Copy
Pages: 297
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Sub-Genre(s): Romance, Angels
Source: BEA
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge
Rating: ❤❤❤ ½
Where to Buy: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository

Devine Intervention is different in that not all that is good can be seen, at first. The two main characters, Heidi and Jerome, are an odd-couple pairing. Jerome breaks the rules, while Heidi obeys them 24/7. There was also something real in the characters portrayal and heartfelt at times, more so from Heidi's end.

From the insane moments of Jerome not thinking before speaking/doing to the scared nonsenses from Heidi, it was a true revelation from the characters as they grew up. They finally understood by the end what life means to them, why humanity is important, and why love can conquer.

I enjoyed the scenes where Jerome took Heidi all over town and explored it from his side of things. She was able to smell delicious treats and people watch like never before. However, I thought it was crazy how Jerome just kept talking in her head for over 15 years of her life!

The novel did some lagging a little bit. But by chapter 21 all the way to the end, it improved volumes. The way it played out was fantastic and had a really great twist at the end.

Overall, this book wasn't one of my favorite books, but it wasn't horrible either. I did enjoy a good ⅓ of it. Some books are not for everyone, but some are worth a read at least once. And this is one of those novels. So if you get the chance, give this one a shot just once. Then make the decision afterwards. And I would recommend this to teens and young adults, more so than adults.

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'Harry Potter' producer to make 'Shadow and Bone' fantasy for DreamWorks

"DreamWorks has picked up the movie rights to Leigh Bardugo’s bestseller Shadow and Bone, about an orphan girl whose ability to harness a rare magic makes her one of her nation’s most coveted warriors.

Holly Bario, DreamWorks’ president of production, will announce the acquisition later today, and although every studio would like to grab a fresh YA book series in the hope that it can be turned into the next Harry Potter-style film franchise, not every film has the actual producer of the Potter movies overseeing it.
Shadow and Bone would be the exception.

David Heyman, who in the late ’90s had the wise instinct to secure the film rights to J.K. Rowling’s wizard-verse, will produce Shadow and Bone, along with Jeffrey Clifford (Up in the Air), who is president of his Heymaker Films.

The book, which debuted in June, is set in a fantasy version of Russia called Ravka, which is bisected by a territory called the Shadow Fold, brimming with a breed of flying fiends who feast on human flesh. The leadership of Ravka studies children to find those who can wield the power of the elements — fire, wind, water — or can mystically heal, then recruits these powerful young ones into the elite monster-fighting squad known as The Grisha, while all others are conscripted into brutal life in the regular army.

Alina Starkov is one of the latter — a seeming nobody who serves as a mere cartographer until her best friend, Mal, is wounded in an attack, triggering her latent ability to harness the power of light. Not many others in Ravka can do that, and Alina becomes both a prize and a target due to her rare abilities.

It’s not clear yet who would direct the project, or adapt the screenplay, and since the deal just closed there’s not yet a firm timeline for getting the film into production and out into theaters.

Shadow and Bone is the first installment in Bardugo’s planned “Grisha Trilogy,” so DreamWorks could have a whole series on its hands if the film finds an audience.

Bardugo’s next book in the series will be called Siege and Storm, with a planned release date of June 2013, while an as-yet-untitled third installment is due out in summer 2014." - EW

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Book Review: 'The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer'

Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love.

She’s wrong. - Goodreads

Title: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
Author: Michelle Hodkin
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Release Date: September 27th, 2011
Finished Reading: June 12th, 2012
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 452
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal
Sub-Genre(s): Suspense, Romance
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Where to Buy: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, is an ever twisting road of acid-tripping moments that keep you on the edge of your seat. From the insane hallucinations to the mystery surrounding all the deaths, it leaves a hangover for the reader, but in a good way (I know contradiction since hangovers a a beast! lol)

This is just one of those books that I do believe lived up to the hype. Not everyone would agree, but for myself it did. Not many books can impress nor leave me thinking the way this novel did. I can see this not only being a movie series, but more importantly would rather see this be made into a television series if the rights were ever bought for the book.

Anyway... Noah and Mara have this bizarre chemistry together. From the moment they lock eyes across the quad till the last chapter, you know they belong together; even if you think other wise throughout reading it. I don't know why but there seems to be a trend lately in the books I'm reading of the boys are all broody. And as it was said on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, "he's all Mr. Billowy-coat, king of pain," something of which Noah easily brings to the table when it comes to his past. The one thing Mara keeps on trying to figure out. Luckily but the end she understand a lot about him and why they are drawn together. It's also very dangerous for them to be together. Something of which I won't reveal, but it's an important aspect in the story.

Now for the insanity that swept the book: Jude. That character really has a pivotal role throughout Mara's journey. Everywhere she goes, when her mind starts to slip, he will almost likely be there. The strange part? He's dead! But at the end something is revealed, BIG spoiler that I won't spill, but it changes everything about Jude, in a creepy way. Something that is sure to be explained in the sequel.

Now there were passages in the book that caught my attention. Not sure if Hodkin was trying to make certain references, but I felt that on page 17, the black crows were foreshadowing the many deaths in Mara's future. This reference has been used in other pop culture situations (i.e. - One Tree Hill's pilot episode. Lucas tells Haley that it's a murder of crows.)

Overall, TUMD (aka - The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer), left me feeling baffled by the cliffhanger and desperate for the next installment of Mara's world. This isn't for everyone, but it's worth a go at least once, especially with Halloween just around the corner.

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Tune in Tuesday (#17): Theme Songs

A weekly meme by Ginger of GReads!, but until further notice you can find it over at Kate’s Tales of Books and Bands. In the meme I'll talk about music and showcase it here each week. And this week, I'm going to talk about... Television Theme Songs!

I love music, especially when the music department of a television show picks an amazing number to set the tone of the season or even the entire show (if it makes it past it's first year of course.)

Now there are some that just stick with you. Whether it was from your childhood or from this past spring, some songs are just awesome. A few examples of that are:

"I Don't Wanna to Be" - Gavin DeGraw (One Tree Hill)
"We Used To Be Friends" - The Dandy Warhols (Veronica Mars)
"I'll Be There For You" - The Rembrandts (FRIENDS)
"Here with Me" - Dido (Roswell)

Now onto the ones that made the cut on my list. Some of which may not have actually lyrics, but are certainly memorable in their own why by their fan base. A chunk of these are either from the 80's and early 90's. But there is at least one from this past decade.

So readers, what television theme song(s) are your favorite(s)? Which ones can't you get enough of? Share your's below in the comment section of this post! Happy reading everyone!

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Book Review: 'Sweet Evil'

Embrace the Forbidden

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?

This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.

Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She's aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn't until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He's the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns? - Goodreads

Title: Sweet Evil
Author: Wendy Higgins
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: May 1st, 2012
Finished Reading: June 3rd, 2012
Format: Paperback
Pages: 453
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal
Sub-Genre(s): Romance, Fantasy
Challenge: Debut Author Challenge
Rating: ❤❤❤❤❤
Where to Buy: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository

Sweet Evil is a truly twitter-patted roller coaster of a ride, not just with the way Anna feels, but the emotions she sees in humans around her everyday. The journey alone for her in for the thirst to have questions answered is intoxicating.

The level of disturbing graphic detail is maddening to the scene of the characters at their age was like witnessing those movie moments (i.e. - Saw). All you needed was jigsaw and it would have been a gruesome situation by the end of the story.

I commend Anna with her vibrant integrity to say "no" at certain points. Not many teens can get up that kind of courage, but I found such a reflection of myself at her age, that it made me root for her even more. She is also truly confused at best, but as she grows up, I feel she'll know more in what she needs to keep fighting the insanity of the dark side in her bloodline.

Kaidan at best, is her weakness and ultimately is her strength; a double edge sword. He is a contradiction as well. He plays on Anna's desires, tries to lure her in, yet at the same time tries to push her away. He does however warn her from the start, but that doesn't last long by the time they get towards the end of the novel. I've got high hopes for him the sequel and intrigued by how things will play out between him and the choices he makes in regards to the second to last chapter of the book.

Patti was as typical, if not a little overbearing, of a mother. I do like that they kept a few of the southern hospitality traditions, like offering a beverage/sweet tea to guests. She also was really relaxed about Anna's father coming in and teaching her the ways of his life: drugs, alcohol, and excessive use.

The culture is important to add to the story, it's a character within itself. So major points to Higgins for not missing that part.

I've enjoyed the chaos that comes from Anna meeting her father, Belial, and knowing the other Nep. children, and the training she endures to prove herself. Seeing her with Kopano was thrilling and a good change to the story. Knowing he was different than the other Nep's was nice. Let alone when she meets the others in New York. Now that was quit a scene being played out! The cruel jokes and forcing choices on the Nep's like it was everyday stuff, just seemed inhuman to none other than humans, but to them, was part of their lifestyle. It was most certainly one of those worlds I would never ever want to be apart of for those reasons and more. But it was fun to venture into for reading fun.

I love the scene when they are in New Mexico and exploring the little rest stop area. You got to see another side to Kaidan with Anna.

One fact about the book I loved is that Higgins was found on the site Figment (originally was from Inkpop, but they closed down and moved everything to Figment.) If you wish to see more about her Figment page, head on over here to see it! Anyway, on a side note this should encourage other reader/bloggers out there to maybe start writing and publishing their work over at the website. Maybe someday they can get the chance just like Wendy Higgins and Katie McGarry.

Anyway, back to the book.... I'm also dying to know how the story continues with Anna and Kaidan. It left it with such an interesting, yet simple way, that you can't help but crave more. Overall, I've really enjoyed it! Not many straight up paranormal romance books hook me, but Sweet Evil most certainly was worth every page.

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Waiting on "Catching Fire"...

While the world waits on sneak peaks and exclusive content to drop about the film around the net, I'm here to deliver some fan made film posters. Also one exclusive picture of cool wigs that are going to be used in the movie!

*click on the picture to read the article!*

Also the crew has been spotted in Atlanta this past week getting ready to possible shoot on location for the movie sequel. So if you live down in the Southeastern part of the United States, then you'll probably be able to see the cast filming on location!

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Nook eBook Deals: $2.99 or Less!

$0.99 eBooks

Ember (Death Collectors) by Jessica Sorensen

Agartha's Castaway by Chrissy Peebles

Branded (Fall of Angels #1) by Keary Taylor

$2.99 eBooks

The One by Heather Self

Poser by Marley Gibson

Partials by Dan Wells

Insanity by Lauren Hammond

White Walls by Lauren Hammond

Collide: The Secret Life of Trystan Scott by H.M. Ward

Masque of the Read Death by Bethany Griffin
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Eve by Anna Carey
Enclave by Ann Aguirre

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Book Review: 'A Million Suns'

Godspeed was fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.

It's been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to enact his vision - no more Phydus, no more lies.

But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that's growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart.

In book two of the Across the Universe trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis mesmerizes us again with a brilliantly crafted mystery filled with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship. - Amazon

Title: A Million Suns
Series: Across the Universe
Author: Beth Revis
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: January 10th 2012
Finished Reading: May 31th 2012
Format: Advance Readers Copy
Pages: 387
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-Fi
Sub-Genre(s): Mystery
Rating: ❤❤❤❤
Where to Buy: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository

When the first novel left off, Amy and Elder were faced with questions, new unknown struggles, and uncertaintly to when Godspeed will reach its final destination.

A handful of questions from Across the Universe are answered, while new ones popped up for the readers. But for myself, the biggest questions was about the next set of challenges beyond Godspeed.

*SPOILERS!*
From Orion's cryptic messages to the truth about the stand still of the ship, it was any wonder if hope existed for everyone aboard. So much was at stake and obstacles kept getting thrown in Elders way. Riots, death, murder, mayhem... it was the hidden themes for the book. And it works.

I was thrilled by the progression of the story. By chapter 53, I felt twitter-patted and couldn't put the book down. The tory ended on a cliffhanger that left me dying to know the next part of the journey for the two main characters. Revis had not only sucked me into the world, she made me want to be apart of this adventure that exists only in the world of Doctor Who or some other Sci-Fi media.

And speaking of Sci-Fi, all those mysterious deaths with the black patches was truly genuis in a mad man way. Love will make people do some pretty crazy stuff! Especially more so when trapped on a space ship.

Anyway, now let me dive into the parts of the book that fascinated the reader in me...

There were some considerablly wonderful literature references placed through the novel. I was intrigued by how it was all used and the puzzle that was laid out before Amy and Elder.

"Abandon all hope." - Dante's Inferno

"Follow me down the rabbit hole." - Alice in Wonderland

These two quotes alone represent something bigger, almost foreshadowing the coming events to play out in the last half of the book. Dante's Inferno is a dark look into humanity and more. So seeing those exact words already tells of how disturbed everyone will become on the ship before the end. Then Alice in Wonderland points to how both characters may not know everything about the Godspeed and that they may in fact have to follow the trail to the truth or just like Alice herself, follow the white rabbit to wonderland and explore beyond her wildest imagination.

I also was thrilled about the mystery behind the motives of each antagonist; whether they were part of the big picture or not. From the start of the riots to the peculiar realization of their "library", no stone was unturned; except at the end (another cliffhanger!).

And lastly, each fantasy bubble that was popped to make room for reality, truly helped keep the novel at a great pace that surely surpassed the first novel. 

Anyway... onto something fun. Now for those that are curious about maybe the year Amy was born in Across the Universe, I did some math from the dates that were in both books. Found out that she would have been born in 2005. This puts Amy in the beginning of her world in the year 2022 at the age of 17.  And currently in 2012 she would only be seven years old! Amazing, huh?

I would most certainly recommend this book if you read the first in the series. It answers a lot of questions, but leaves you with more in place of the ones that are answered.

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Tune in Tuesday (#16): Glastonbury 2011

A weekly meme by Ginger of GReads!, but until further notice you can find it over at Kate’s Tales of Books and Bands. In the meme I'll talk about music and showcase it here each week. And this week, I'm going to talk about... Glastonbury 2011!

So with DishNetwork they give out free viewings of certain channels each month. So for the month of August we got the Palladia channel which is all music concerts and more 24/7! So with this I was able to see some amazing performances of world renowned bands/artists playing live. From Coldplay, Mumford & Sons, The Gaslight Anthem, Jimmy Eat World, U2, Paul Simon, B.B. King, OK Go, and so much more.

If there is ever a concert to attend or watch on the tv/computer, this is one of the many not to miss! They have been doing it for years and the 2005 concert was awesome! They had almost everyone that was big in 2004/2005, which included The Kills, The Whie Stripes and so on. Below are some videos from the 2011 concert, enjoy readers and music lovers of the world!

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Sneak Peak: 'The Edge of Nowhere'

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My Blogging Confessional

So after reading a posting from Radiant Shadows blog on a post by the blog by The Perpetual Page Turner who saw it on the blog of Jess Lively, I decided to jump on the wagon as well. The main reason being, it's different. You have to be willing to be kind of vulnerable and real some truths.

So I'm going to confess 11 truths about me and what really goes on behind my computer screen in the real world....

My Eleven Confessions
1. I tend to not really read reviews on books I haven't read yet. I don't like finding out beforehand because then I tend to not read the book. Same thing with seeing a movie before reading a book. So its hard for me to read all book reviews.

2. I speed read most reviews. Especially if they are long-winded and don't really explain what the reader thought of the book in the first two paragraphs. If it stretches down past the side bars I tend to skip the review.

3. Pretty blogs. I'm like a moth to a flame when I see a creatively elegant blog. Also can't stand the ones that are very disorganized, no matter how pretty it is, it's a HUGE turn off. Mostly cause it confuses the heck out of me when I try to navigate around it. Keep it simple and original folks.

4. Reading every single "it" book. I haven't and I probably won't because I've got so many books to begin with that I own. Some I will due to having the sequels and not the first in the series. One to name would be Divergent. Haven't read but I will cause I have Insurgent. I just don't have the money to buy the book yet.

5. Writing Reviews. I'm good at that, but sometimes I just want to bang my head against a wall. Even with the ones that I loved, sometimes I can't even think of one sentence to wrap it up in a pretty bow to tell the world. After taking my 101 and 102 English classes last year, it taught me a few things about writing, but still after all that I tend to get bogged down by how to simple describe certain moments. The thesaurus is my best friend lol

6. I get bummed when some people get to read a book I've been dying to get my hands on for more than 6 months. For instance Everbound. I've been wanting to read that since I finished Everneath back in January. Now I'm seeing it around the book blogging world and I'm a smudge bit jealous to be honest. I typically don't get green eyed over stuff. But this kind of got me a little. Then again it's also hard to get a copy of something that is in hot demand by the reviewers. So I try to stay positive and look on the bright side of things instead.

7. I have a pet peeve about not staying on top of release dates. I hate when I miss them and more so put pressure on myself to get it done. This just drives me crazy cause I see so many people able to do just that and think, "I'm a capable human being going to college, why can't I just roll it out?"... I just have to keep telling myself not everyone is super human.

8. I have A.D.D. people. Oh that pesky thing that causes my mind to go a little off course every now and then. I was diagnosed as a child and now at the age of 25, I've found my niche on how to handle it and stick to as close of a routine as possible. But the down side? I need books to keep my attention from beginning to end. If they don't I tend to take forever reading them. The more variety and fresh a story is, the more I'm drawn in. Also when I'm not on my medication, I tend to not really read as much because I have to re-read all the time. My mind wonders during reading and then I just give up and go do something else. Hence why I feel the pressure to put out reviews sometimes.

9. Twitter. I've been using twitter since 2008, have another handle that I use to use, so twitter isn't foreign in to me. I just don't really use it as much as I should. I know it's a great way to build a good following, but I find it time consuming and a big distraction in general. I just have it for blogging due to contests and that all the other book bloggers have one.

10. Just like Jamie, I do not read everyday. I've got a life outside of blogging and not just school. On top of that my computer crashed back on May 15th, so I'm catching up on my HULU and Netflix queued stuff. I wish I could read everyday, but I also don't always have the urge to do that.

11. I don't do giveaways. Mostly cause I can't afford it. I would love to save up oodles of money and give something away but I also see it as a way for people to get numerous followers who may never read the blog. And I don't want that. I want people who truly enjoy what I've written.

There is so much more that is on the list, but I don't want to bother posting an hour long reading bit to everyone that comes here. Hopefully i won't piss anyone off or cause drama over here.

And with that, if you have any confessions you would like to make about your own blogging experiences and more, post them below! I would love to read about 'em!

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Beyond Books (#1): Reading More Than Once?

Beyond books will be a random posting on my blog about anything beyond reviewing a book. I'll post a question and answer it. And this week its about reading a book more than once.

*Photo by Celeste
I rarely do this. Why? Because once I've read a book, especially if it is one that I love, I tend to remember 80-85% of what had happened. When I was a kid, it was a different story. There wasn't many books out there to choose from, so I just read the books over an over again.

But as I've gotten older, I do not do this with books, unless its for school. The only way I've come to the potential of doing this is with Harry Potter. Reasons being I haven't read The Sorcerers Stone in about 11-12 years. I vaguely remember the story, plus I haven't read the last two in the series.

I think its cool though for others that do re-read a book. More power to you. It's just for myself, my memory is pretty outstanding for reading something for enjoyment.

Then there is the flip side to all this. Waiting. If the book is in a series and I've read the first or the second, I can't wait and re-read. I've got to go dive into another world or get distracted with something else. So it kind of sets me up like a kid on christmas, waiting for that special book to come in the mail.

But then there is the other good part about all this: I can save my money. That's right... I get to be a little frugal, which helps with this economy at the moment.

So in the end, not re-reading a book has its benefits, but also it's cons. Maybe when I'm much older, I'll have to re-read some books haha, till then my memory is awesome :)

So what about you readers, do you re-read the books you love? Or do you have the same perdicament as myself? Let me know what you do by commenting below!

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Sneak Peak: 'The Indigo Spell'

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Penguin Teen Sampler: Comic Con Edition!

If you haven't been to Comic Con San Diego, just like myself, than it's something everyone needs to do. I'm hoping to attend next summer (kind of broke *boo!*). Even though it's pasted the event, here is a sneak peak into a Penguin Teen Sampler! Enjoy readers!

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Book Review: 'Across the Universe'

A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming. - Goodreads

Title: Across the Universe
Author: Beth Revis
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: January 11th 2011
Finished Reading: May 29th 2012
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 416
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-Fi
Sub-Genre(s): Mystery
Rating: ❤❤❤❤
Where to Buy: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository

Across the Universe, is a fascinating sci-fi journey that explores the haunting question: what would mankind become if isolated on a spaceship?

Amy is the only original survivor from Earth (aka: Sol-Earth) aboard Godspeed. Along with Elder and the secrets surrounding random reanimated cryogenic murders, what is the real truth that keeps the voyage going and everyone acting like the movie characters from "Pleasentville".

First off I like to say that I love the cover of the book! Duelside = awesome! I adore the architectural design of Godspeed and fascinated by the amount of time and energy that went into making the blueprint. That alone made me want to read the novel even more.

The opening chapter. It is intensely detailed and not for the faint of heart. From the preparation, to the vulnerability from Amy and her parents, it is a scary scenario, yet leaves the reader dying to know how it turns out for those aboard the ship.

The parts of the book that really shocked me was what they call "the season". The gripping moment when amy is fighting for her survival against another young man on the ship. It left me distrurbed for awhile and it was a little to real, because most women/young girls know their attacker.

But what made it really fearful was the way everyone but those in the hospital were behaving. The drone like thinking to the pattenrs of behavior it reminded me of such horror classics as, "Children of the Corn" and "Invasion of the Body Snatchers", those horrowing empty eyes say it all with the people on the ship.

As for the characters, I really enjoyed the unraveling of Amy and Elder. It was odd, yet intriguing at the same time. Sort of like she was the yin to his yang as they say. For every new age moment that was placed in the book, really made for conversation with Amy and Elder. She was always confused and a little freaked out by how much had changed in 300 or more years since she was frozen.

Beyond the book, I'm a big fan of sci-fi stories and this one is surely amazing. I can see why the hype of the novel existed.

Overall, this spine-tingling adventure in a futuristic environment is a read not to be missed.

(FYI: It had the vibe of the movie "Alien" written all over the beginning chapter of the book.)

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Tune in Tuesday (#15)

A weekly meme by Ginger of GReads! In the meme I'll talk about music and showcase it here each week. And this week, I'm going to talk about... Summerland Tour 2012!

Now if you haven't been i the loop of the music world, than you missed some big news about 5 bands from the 90's (Everclear, Sugar Ray, Gin Blossoms, Lit, & Marcy Playground) all went on tour this summer, across the United States, and played to sold out venues all thei hit songs and more. I was fortune enough to attened with my best friend, her mother, and my boyfriend on July 20th up at Bethel Woods.

Underneath are some photos from the concert.

And below are five songs, all from the five bands, I believe everyone will recognize each one of them. Enjoy readers!

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Book Review: 'Juliet Immortal'

Fans of Maggie Stiefvater's "Shiver" and Becca Fitzpatrick's "Hush" will relish this intense paranormal love story featuring Romeo and Juliet, literary history's most tragic couple, who meet again, not as true lovers, but truly as enemies.

The most tragic love story in history . . .

Juliet Capulet didn't take her own life. She was murdered by the person she trusted most, her new husband, Romeo Montague, a sacrifice made to ensure his own immortality. But what Romeo didn't anticipate was that Juliet would be granted eternity, as well, and would become an agent for the Ambassadors of Light. For 700 years, she's fought Romeo for the souls of true lovers, struggling to preserve romantic love and the lives of the innocent. Until the day she meets someone she's forbidden to love, and Romeo, oh Romeo, will do everything in his power to destroy that love.

"These violent delights have violent ends
And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,
Which as they kiss consume."--Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare - Goodreads

Title: Juliet Immortal
Author: Stacey Jay
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: August 9th 2011
Finished Reading: May 20th 2012
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 307
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Sub-Genre(s): Romance
Rating: ❤❤❤❤
Where to Buy: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository

Juliet Immortal, is a new take on a classic piece of literature there has ever been known for over 500 years. The forbiden love, the sacrifice, the death, everyone and their grandparents knows this tale. But this novel, it begs the question: what really happened to the two love birds?

Something Stacy Jay decidely answers for her readers...

Decite, lies, heartbreak, and immortality... the ingredients that make up the backbone of the story with its main characters, Juliet Capulet and Romeo Montegue. 700 years and the two hate each other; well Juliet has a loathsome anger towards Romeo, but who can blame her. She is still made about the way she died, for how Romeo betrayed her, and the twisted way he took their suppose "love story" to Shakespeare and changed the outcome of it's original ending. Changing the beloved tale and painting it to be this heart stopping tragedy of love, is one piece of the puzzle in Juliet's anger towards Romeo.

I adore the very jouney of this tale. The backstory alone is rivetimng and left me mezmerized by the details. It even had me believing a 'what if' scenario for the actual story that we all know and love.

Now for the chacracters...

Juliet Capulet, everyone knows her; everyone loves her. Yet does anyone truly know this protagonist? That's what the story does, makes the reader really question the original story. I do have to say though that I enjoyed how it played out for Juliet. It was a little insane at first, the way it flooded in the emotions of Romeo with Juliet, but it worked. It had me hooked on her side of the story.

Now as for Romeo Montague, a real antagonist for the story. You just wanted to dispise this fellow and his ways. But then as I read further, I started to realize Romeo's motives and his side of the story every so often. It really made me understand the level of anger and such from this young man.

Then we have Ariel Dragland, who is a timid girl. 75% of her life, she has lived feeling like a freak show due to her face having scar tissue from being burned as a little girl. Then one day everything changes Juliet's soul takes over Ariel's body and finds a way to mend fences with Ariel's friends and family. She also helps Ariel learn to stand up for herself and fall in love too.

Beyond the characters, the details of the landscape and the atmosphere that Stacey Jay had written was superb! I loved every ounce of it and made it feel more real. I could picture the old world of Italy and the delicacies of it's time.

But besides all the historial aspects of the story and the love struck teens, it's truly a great piece of literature that really puts a new spin on the classic tale. I recomment this book to anyone that wishes to read about the timeless piece but in a modern way that is sure to make the reader wonder, "Hmmm, did this happen? Could it happen? I wonder..."

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