With the high anticipation of the movie in just 23 days (yes 23!), many are making fan-made dedication videos from the movie trailers, tv spots, etc... that are on the web. Here are a few that I've found to be entertaining, really cool, and most of all shows how much these video creators love these books!
Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?Exclusive 2-Day Galley Download for NetGalley members only! Monday, February 27 (9:00 A.M. EST) through Wednesday, February 29 (9:00 A.M. EST)
Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.
Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart? - Goodreads
Hurry up and grab your copy of this amazing book --> NetGalley Copy of Grave Mercy!
Will Besting and six other teens were cured of their phobias at Fort Eden by the mysterious—and often quietly terrifying—Rainsford. But while the cure took away their phobias, it left them with other ailments: headaches, loss of hearing, fatigue. It also left Will with an intense need to know more about their supposed savior and his twisted methods. Now Will has discovered a file he was never supposed to see, and the story contained within involves characters he never expected to see together. What will the phantom file reveal about Rainsford's ghoulish ways? - Goodreads
Will Besting and the other teens who were “cured” at Fort Eden are still experiencing the strange signs of aging that were a part of their recovery. Now they are being called back to Fort Eden because Mrs. Goring is dying, and for some reason she wants to see the seven teens together again. But once Will and the others arrive at Fort Eden, they find themselves ensnared in a dangerous plan to finally end the reign of Rainsford. Will must lead the group through a perilous underground trap masterminded by two devious souls. Can he outwit both Rainsford and Goring and find a new cure? Patrick Carman’s Dark Eden 2: Eve of Destruction is another terrifying journey into the depths of fear, love, revenge, and—ultimately—redemption. - Goodreads
These are the official "The Hunger Games" television spots used to help promote the movie. This is getting me more excited each day we grow closer to the premiere! Plus the added bonus of seeing more footage doesn't hurt too. Also last but not least here is one of the biggest sneak peaks for the movie I can give to the fans...
It's a movie still of the main headquarters of the control room for the Hunger Games! And that big disc in the middle? That would be the arena that the tributes are forced into for the games!
The year is 2009. Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in college, has a girlfriend… and he can travel back through time. But it’s not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps, there’s no space-time continuum issues or broken flux capacitors – it’s just harmless fun.Title: Tempest
That is… until the day strangers burst in on Jackson and his girlfriend, Holly, and during a struggle with Jackson, Holly is fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years to 2007, but this is not like his previous time jumps. Now he’s stuck in 2007 and can’t get back to the future.
Desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly but unable to return to his rightful year, Jackson settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities.But it’s not long before the people who shot Holly in 2009 come looking for Jackson in the past, and these “Enemies of Time” will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveler. Recruit… or kill him.
Piecing together the clues about his father, the Enemies of Time, and himself, Jackson must decide how far he’s willing to go to save Holly… and possibly the entire world. - Goodreads
Series: Tempest Trilogy
Author: Julie Cross
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release Date: January 17th 2012
Format: Paperback (ARC)
Pages: 334
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-Fi
Sub-Genre: Fantasy
Source: From the Publishing Company
Challenge: Debute Author Challenge
Rating: ❤❤❤❤
Where to Buy: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository
Julie Cross has taken the idea of time travel to another level in fiction. Showing how one minute Jackson Meyer is living everyday life, the next he is thrown back two years into the past like a leaf being lifted on a breeze in fall.
So the story starts out with Jackson doing theories about his abilities with his research side-kick named Adam. They both have so many and Adam is kind of a genius kid in the book, so he is all about the logical mathematics in time-travel. Then again most scientists are logical. Anyway, after the first few chapters you learn Jackson is in college, 19 years old, is a english major doubling in french poetry, all the while living in manhattan and involved with his girlfriend Holly.
What really got me going character wise was the banter between Holly and Jackson. There was something enticing between them. I would have loved to seen more of it, but because of the storyline there was only so much available. It was more interesting seeing the two versions of Holly interact with Jackson. The younger version (aka - 007) is way more carefree and Jackson seems to fumble around trying to figure her out. All the while the current day version (aka - 009) is more level-headed and secure about herself. It's interesting seeing it play. I do admire him for being a gentleman toward the younger Holly. It's a breath of fresh air if you ask me.
Next for characters that intrigued me was Jackson's father. He had some layers going on there throughout the book. At first nothing was let on about him, just that he was a very important business man and was always traveling. By chapter 20, it was switched up and the story grew complexed for the father. Knowing what was true and what wasn't led to some interesting theories that Jackson and Adam come up with. I also think it was funny at one point that Jackson even thought that his father was involved with Russian Spies and such.
My favorite part so far is how the character Courtney, Jackson's sister in the year 2004 makes note in how his abilities and what's currently going on, is like the movie Groundhog's Day, with Bill Murray (awesome movie from the 80's. See it if you haven't, it'll make the book more fun!). This totally made me smile and really did make reading this more interesting. Major kudos to Julie Cross for adding that pop culture reference. I also love how Jackson is about his sister. It's something so amazing and pure about the bond they have as siblings. You can tell her truly loved his sister.
I do however love the secrets that get reveled in the book! It's a nice twist and can lead the story for the next book into great unknown territories for the character(s) involved with the first book. There is so much that I want to know and so much that still makes my head spin. For instance the historical back-story of time travelers… I wish there was more, like important dates in history that show these type of characters have been there and were somehow a part of this history. That would have built a bigger story and so much more.
I will applaud Cross for getting the details right about Manhattan. I love it when authors really incorporate that part of the story, because the location is as much of a character as well. From the way the atmosphere is depicted to the sounds of the buzzing streets, it transported me back to those many times I've walks through downtown and central park in warm weather, even in the cold. Manhattan is beautiful and it's one of the perks that made me enjoy the story more.
I do however love the secrets that get reveled in the book! It's a nice twist and can lead the story for the next book into great unknown territories for the character(s) involved with the first book. There is so much that I want to know and so much that still makes my head spin. For instance the historical back-story of time travelers… I wish there was more, like important dates in history that show these type of characters have been there and were somehow a part of this history. That would have built a bigger story and so much more. I do however, enjoy that one bit about the little red-headed girl running around, the mysterious girl you see in the beginning and a few times throughout the book. She looks like Courtney, Jackson's sister, but she isn't. This is one spoiler I can not ever place in this review, because it's a huge piece of information that will lead into the next book and why Jackson is determined about certain things in regarding time travelers.
Beyond that there isn't much I would change about this book. I think that in context I've noticed some people getting up in arms about is the "feminists" thing being stereotyped. This is more so in the very beginning with Holly's roommate who is being type-casted as this type of person, mostly because she is preaching for Holly to be strong and not give into Jackson, etc… Well to make things clear, there are two types of feminists: there are ones that are about equal rights for women and sexual revolution. The other type is more of what people think is stereotypical of ALL feminists, which isn't true. The 1970's brought in feminists revolution, but it's branched off since then into many different definitions of what makes a feminists. I know it's a little off topic, but I wanted to clear that up so that everyone who is reading this understands that whole issue.
Anyway, now a lot of people in reviews have mentioned that it has been hard to keep track, felt lost, or just didn't get the whole time-travel jump around during the book. I mean at first it made sense but I think one chapter kind of threw me for a loop. Yet so far I'm able to keep track. I can even picture in my head the kid just popping up like those scenes in the movie Jumper, where Hayden Christensen can randomly appear anywhere in the world at the drop of a hat (literally in that movie!). Plus I'm a huge geek about time-travel (I love the Back to the Future series, a LOT! lol)
All in all, this book has been fun for me to read. It wasn't my all time favorite, but I did enjoy the aspects of how the story was woven from beginning to end. I will be reading the sequel when it comes out and cannot wait to find out how the story continues for the protagonist in his journey. © 2012
So I've decided with everything that is going on right now, I need to take a vacation from blogging in general. I was sick for two weeks straight during January to the point that I was coughing so hard I couldn't hold a book to read! (I was coughing once for an hour straight! Not fun at all.)
So right now I'm about two weeks behind on reading, so I'm trying to get caught up. I won't be gone long but I do have tests and quizzes this week, plus a few other things going on right now. I'll be back hopefully by next weekend. Till then happy adventures in reading
So the website College Fashion did a really cool article on Sylvia Plath. Now they did facts and history about her, but they also put together this cool style board of three different outfits that are inspiration just like her. Being that she is an author, I figured it counted as something book related, but also cool idea because it has fashion.
DISTRICT TWELVE’S OTHER VOLUNTEER?*This is posted on the Capitol Couture website and is something cool they are doing for the movie. So far this is the second character they have featured on the web page. There is so much to explore for this movie in terms of online. They have ID badges that you can now order and own of the district you assigned to on capitol.pn, there is a capitol tour of panem that is to open with in the coming days/weeks before the movie, and so much more! Make sure to keep tabs on their pages for insights into the latest for what may show up in the movie!
By now, avid Hunger Games fans are well aware that Katniss Everdeen is District 12’s first volunteer Tribute in decades - but she won’t be the only volunteer on Team 12 at the 74th Hunger Games! Meet Cinna, the hotly-tipped young stylist who — get this — actually requested to work with the D12 Tributes. We have to say, this brave if not odd entreaty has been paying off — everyone from Mayor Luna to Seneca Crane has been clamoring to see what Cinna’s got in store for 12!
But is it really that surprising? After all, Cinna is no rookie Tribute when it comes to the arena of Haute Couture. After a number of years studying under revered Capitol designer and fashion fixture Judianna Makovsky, he was able to open his own downtown atelier. From there, he has been designing everything from gowns and headpieces to club-collar shirts and ultra-sleek anoraks for our city’s elite under an eponymous label for almost a decade. He is known to go deep conceptually - constantly breaking new ground with innovative textiles, materials and even chemical compounds - applying them to everything from gowns and headpieces to club-collar shirts and ultra-sleek anoraks. His designs and ensembles have been described by many as elaborate, unique to their wearer and awash with emotion.
For such a calm and collected guy, we find the effusiveness of Cinna’s design captivating. He told us, “For as long as I can remember, I have always channeled my emotions into my work.” With a wink, he quietly added, “I think it’s safest that way.”
Speaking of safe, if you haven’t been glued to your TV set like a normal person this time of year, Cinna can almost always be seen in the simplest of all-black ensembles accented exclusively by his signature Liquid Skyliner eyeliner (which, we might add, totally brings out the adorable gold flecks in his eyes). His minimalism makes even President Snow’s execu-chic style seem outrageous. When asked about his personal, visibly understated wardrobe and disregard for Capitol fads, Cinna said, “I put so much passion and creativity into my work that sometimes there’s not much leftover for myself.”
And of course we couldn’t sit down with Cinna without asking him the questions on every Hunger Games fan’s mind: What does he have in store for the D12’s Tributes at the Opening Ceremonies? True to form, a sly smile crept coyly across his face as he said, “Let’s just say, when you play with fire, you don’t always get burned.”
Sounds like Katniss and Peeta are going to be looking hot at the Opening Ceremonies. What do you think, Citizens? - Capitol Couture
Indiana‚ 1818. Moonlight falls through the dense woods that surround a one-room cabin where a nine-year-old Abraham Lincoln kneels at his dying mother's bedside. Only later will the grieving Abe learn that his mother's fatal affliction was actually the work of a vampire. Gifted with his legendary height‚ strength‚ and skill with an ax‚ Abe sets out on a path of vengeance that will lead him all the way to the White House. - AmazonHere are some of the production stills from the movie that is set to release on June 22nd later this year in the summer.
Update: This book is no longer free to the public via MTV. It expired before February 28th, 2012.
Lauren Oliver's riveting, original digital story set in the world of her New York Times bestseller Delirium.Now I found out about this being free to read today from the blog A Backwards Story, there she listed that you can head on over to the MTV Link and get a chance to read this short story which is only available till February 17th (it was posted yesterday). So here is your chance to get the craving read for her till Lauren's next installment if you haven't read Pandemonium or are waiting for the Requiem if you have gotten your chance to read the first two. In the meantime, enjoy readers!
The summer before they're supposed to be cured of the ability to love, best friends Lena and Hana begin to drift apart. While Lena shies away from underground music and parties with boys, Hana jumps at her last chance to experience the forbidden. For her, the summer is full of wild music, dancing—and even her first kiss.
But on the surface, Hana must be a model of perfect behavior. She meets her approved match, Fred Hargrove, and glimpses the safe, comfortable life she’ll have with him once they marry. As the date for her cure draws ever closer, Hana desperately misses Lena, wonders how it feels to truly be in love, and is simultaneously terrified of rebelling and of falling into line.
In this digital story that will appeal to fans of Delirium and welcome new admirers to its world, readers will come to understand scenes from Delirium through Hana's perspective. Hana is a touching and revealing look at a life-changing and tumultuous summer. - Goodreads
As we reach the date of the release into theater, I'll be posting a lot more in regards to "The Hunger Games" (something I started doing a few months back). I won't say what exactly I'll be adding to this blog because new stuff keeps leaking out all across the internet. Yet it will be new and exclusive stuff that I'm sure all fans will enjoy. So in the meantime here are some sneak peak pictures below that I've posted for all you Hunger Game fans out there, enjoy! (For a larger version of the picture, make sure to click on the one you wish to view.)
When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. She’s not the person she’s always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel—all because of Finn Holmes.Title: Switched
Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her. Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken…though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she’d ever admit. But it isn’t long before he reveals the truth: Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth—and he’s come to take her home.
Now Wendy’s about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that’s both beautiful and frightening. And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she’s meant to become…As a special gift to readers, this book contains a new, never-before-published bonus story, “The Vittra Attacks,” set in the magical world of the Trylle. - Goodreads
Series: Trylle Trilogy
Author: Amanda Hocking
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release Date: January 3rd 2012
Format: Paperback (ARC)
Pages: 293
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Other Titles in the Series: Torn (#2) & Ascend (#3)
Rating: ❤❤❤❤½
Where to Buy: Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository
Amanda Hocking has taken an un tapped world of fantasy and made it into reality with her novel, Switched. Here you've entered a world full of Trylle or as it's coined in the world by most: trolls.
From the moment you meet the protagonist named Wendy Everly, you know her life isn't normal. Her mother tried to kill her before the age of 10 and she ends up moving around to almost 10 different schools by the time she is 15. Her brother Matt and aunt Maggie are what keep her grounded because they love her unconditionally, no matter the mood Wendy is in. Although, throughout the book she was truly just a child in the way she acted which is explained as a trait in those of the Trylle; having a short temper. I did find it annoying at times, but luckily some of the other Trylle were worst in character than Wendy, so she was a sign of relief throughout the novel. I do however love how passionate she is about her family and the bond that was created.
Along the way you meet Finn, mysterious and also comes off at first as arrogant. But once you get to know him, you realize his secret and his ways for this attitude. Behind those brown earthy-tone eyes, lies a someone who has been through a lot and mastered the importance of a strong-will. I admired him for that but at times I kind of wanted to shake the poor boy because he was so convinced he wouldn't let his emotions get in the way of his job. Something that can be hard no just in a fictional world, but in the real world too.
Beyond that, the bond of Wendy and Finn is very much alive in this book. I love how the tension is there, so enriched with fire that keeps on burning through the novel. The love/hate dynamic is engaging for a reader and kept me intrigued. The dialogue interactions between the two was alive and kicking, sometimes kicking: "A foolish man thinks he knows everything. A wise man knows he doesn't," Finn replied absently, still looking down at the book. "That's such a fortune-cookie answer," I said with a laugh, and even he smirked at me. (Hocking, 184)
This novel has kept me engaged. It's a rare thing and amazing at the same time when this happens and I highly praise books that can do this easily. The world of the Trylle has been very fascinating. From the way the scenery is described to the characters that live in this community, it's no secret that it's filled with magic and adventure.
The real intensity comes in around Chapter 22, when the plot takes on a big twist that later will help lead into an ending that is hard to forget, let alone into the sequel of the trilogy. Hands down this book has been excited, interesting, even fun to read. It took me longer because for two weeks straight I was sick and had a cough that left be unable to read (I once coughed for an hour straight!)
Anyway, all in all, I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves stories about mythological creatures in a new twist and light. The way that Amanda Hocking used trolls and took it to a place that hasn't been tapped into yet for young adult literature is fantastic and really well thought out. I'm excited to read the next installment and the final book in the trilogy as well! © 2012
"Here's some advice. Stay alive." - Haymitch AbernathyWhen I heard about this book, I was curious and also because the idea was interesting. If you want a sneak peak you should go on over to the Amazon page because they have supplied 10 free recipes from the book! Cool, right?
When it comes to The Hunger Games, staying alive means finding food any way possible. Katniss and Gale hunt live game, Peeta's family survives on the bread they make, and the inhabitants of the Seam work twelve-hour days for a few handfuls of grain--all while the residents of the Capitol gorge themselves on delicacies and desserts to the heart's desire.
For the first time, you will be able to create delicious recipes from the humble District 12 to the extravagant Capital, including:
- French Bread from the Mellark Family Bakery
- Katniss's Favorite Lamb Stew with Dried Plums
- Rue's Roasted Parsnips
- Gale's Bone-Pickin' Big Game Soup
- Capitol-Grade Dark Chocolate Cake
If you're starving for more from Katniss, Peeta, and Gale, this cookbook is sure to whet your appetite! - Amazon
Anyway, on the youtube channel Schemestresses, she has supplied videos of a few recipes from the cook book. She has a total of six videos so far, so make sure to check out her channel each week to see what dish she creates next from the book! Here are a few of those videos which I've posted below. Enjoy!
In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren. It's a great way to showcase the books you've gotten over the week, whether they are bought, borrowed or you got them for free from a contest or the library. Either way, it's to show your love for books and how excited you are to received them!
(Won the books and received last weekend from Michelle of The Passionate Bookworm. Thank you so much Michelle, you are awesome and can't wait to read these books!)
Bought
Then I received this in the mail friday. I didn't even know it was being sent to me by St. Martin's Press! I'm beyond excited to read this because I'm about to finish the first book! Thank you so very much for sending me this book!
So now that I've shared my mailbox, what did you receive this week? Let me know with a comment below and I'll stop by to check it out! Happy reading everyone!
