Fabulous Upcoming Stuff

So, my friends. You may or may not know of the fabulous Spellbound series by Sherry Soule but let me tell you that you're most definitely missing out on something big if you don't. A cross between Supernatural and Charmed, this series is one of the best I've read. You can read my review on Beautifully Broken, the first book here. Coming up, is the review of the revamped version of the first book. I'll have that up sometime before it's my turn in the tour. Meanwhile, here are some pretty cool banners to look at.

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GenLia

Still Waters by Emma Carlson Berne

Still Waters

by Emma Carlson Berne (Link goes to Goodreads)

Synopsis: 

Hannah can't wait to sneak off for a romantic weekend with her boyfriend, Colin. He's leaving for college soon, and Hannah wants their trip to the lake house to be one they'll never forget.

But once Hannah and Colin get there, things start to seem a bit...off. They can't find the town on any map. The house they are staying in looks as if someone's been living there, even though it's been deserted for years. And Colin doesn't seem quite himself. As he grows more unstable, Hannah worries about Colin's dark side, and her own safety.

Nothing is as perfect as it seems, and what lies beneath may haunt her forever.

My Review: 

Still Waters is unlike any other book I have read. It kept me wondering what was going on until the end. I honestly couldn’t understand why Colin was acting differently in the Pine House. I thought that he was probably possessed by an old ghost from the house, or that maybe he had multiple personalities. At the end of the book, it turned out that what had gone on at the Pine House was very different. The last chapters were very intense and they kept my attention all the way to the end. I would have never guessed the ending. It would have been better if we were given more information on Jack, though. I felt like I needed a little bit more on him at the end. However, overall I really liked the book. Hannah and Colin’s relationship felt so real. I really enjoyed reading it. It was as if I could feel everything Hannah was feeling. There were very good descriptions overall. 


Rating: 4.0

Emely

Immortal City by Scott Speer

Immortal City (Immortal City #1)

by Scott Speer

Published April 3rd 2012 by Razorbill

Synopsis: 

Jackson Godspeed is the hottest young Angel in a city filled with them.

He's days away from becoming a full Guardian, and people around the world are already competing for the chance to be watched over by him. Everyone's obsessed with the Angels and the lucky people they protect - everyone except for Madison Montgomery.

Maddy's the one girl in Angel City who doesn't breathlessly follow the Angels on TV and gossip blogs. When she meets Jackson, she doesn't recognize him. But Jackson is instantly captivated by her, and against all odds the two fall in love.

Maddy is swiftly caught up in Jackson's scene, a world of glamour, paparazzi - and murder. A serial killer is on the loose, leaving dead Angels' wings for the police to find on the Walk of Fame. Even the Guardians are powerless to protect themselves in the face of this threat & and this time it's up to Maddy to save Jackson.

My Review:

I was quite skeptical about reading this book because while I looking for a new take on Angels, making them superstars in Los Angeles sounded a tad... ridiculous. But, as it happened before, the cover drew me in. Yes, a bit shallow and all. But I wasn't wrong. It was good. I mean, there's a freaking hot guy on the cover with a tattoo peeking from his sleeve. C'mon! 

However, Immortal City had its own spin to the Angels vs Demons showdown that had me asking for something different. These angels aren't cloud-hopping warriors but rather almost normal people with seemingly altruistic motives to remain on earth. What they actually do is charge people to save them. Yes, charge them! There is no more miraculous, free save from death. God forbid, lol. The angels are bad, bad, bad. Think of Supernatural fans at a convention and multiply that by a hundred or so and you know what it's like to be an angel. They are super stars.  

Even though it was some sort of love triangle, another cliche nowadays, it wasn't the center of the story and it didn't take much space from the main couple, Maddy and Jacks. Yeah, there were the same insecurities: she's more beautiful, she's from your world and she's an angel kind of stuff. Normal stuff. 

But what I loved about the book was the fact that angels weren't glorified or anything. Yes, they were seen as otherworldly for their immortality and angelness, but they were quite human, too. 
Take Jacks for example, since he was a kid he aspired to be a guardian and he will do anything to become just that. He just wants to save people, be as great as everyone else expects him to be. But at the end of the day he's just another teenager, albeit an angel one, and so he's not any less prone to falling in love at the most inopportune of times. His life took an unexpected turn for when he met Maddy, a girl who doesn't swoon at the sight of him and isn't really an Angel fan. 
Maddy is your average girl next door who is realistic about things and doesn't expect much. She only wants to get good grades at school so she can have a chance to go to college. Maddy is smart, funny and, even though she doesn't think so, beautiful. Oh, and most importantly, she doesn't treat Jacks like he's all high and mighty. She knows better than to be bedazzled with the sparkly world that Jacks comes from. Or at least she thinks so.
The thing is that their love and passion was instant. And soon, they find themselves running for their lives and in the middle of an angelic war in which Maddy could be the key to. 
Anyway, back to the point and why I loved it so much.
It started off a bit slow but then picked up and kept my eyes glued to my Nook because I just had to finish reading it. For some reason, Jacks reminded of Jace Wayland from the Mortal Instruments series. The whole blond and god-like thing sort of really made me (metaphorically, of course) drool all over Jacks. Although, I did find that particular character flat at times. 
As for Maddy, she ran hot 'n' cold all the time. I was able to identify with her, but I found her a bit annoying. She was strong and brave, though. And she did feel real to me. So I do love her. :) The romance between her and Jacks felt real and almost tangible. The tension and passion projected and so I give the author an A+ in that department. It held my attention and all, but what I loved the most was the fact that even though I pretty much guessed who the killer is, they always give this big, meaningful speech that sounds creepy and it makes you scratch you head and go like, 'what?' but I kept second guessing myself. I was right, of course, but I did end up blaming someone else at the end just to have my first guess thrown back on my face. 
Ohh, and before I forget. Did I mention how awesome the demons were? No, uh, well. They were pretty cool. No, sexy, devil may care kind of demon that I absolutely adore, but rather the ugly horned thing that came straight from hell. Oh, yeah, it was awesome. I also give that an A+. 
The grand finale that Scott Speer wrote was explosive and tantalizing. A true epic ending. So I now sit on my chair anxiously waiting for the sequel. I just can't get enough of Jacks now, and no, I would so not be one of those screaming girls. (HA! Yeah, right. I'd so be one.) 


Trailer:

Now, I dare you to deny the fact that that dude looks just like freaking Jace Wayland. 

Rating: 4.5

GenLia

Waiting on Wednesday

Published July 10th 2012 by Katherine Tegen Books

Insignia (Insignia #1) by S.J. Kincaid

Synopsis: More than anything, Tom Raines wants to be important, though his shadowy life is anything but that. For years, Tom’s drifted from casino to casino with his unlucky gambler of a dad, gaming for their survival. Keeping a roof over their heads depends on a careful combination of skill, luck, con artistry, and staying invisible.

Then one day, Tom stops being invisible. Someone’s been watching his virtual-reality prowess, and he’s offered the incredible—a place at the Pentagonal Spire, an elite military academy. There, Tom’s instincts for combat will be put to the test, and if he passes, he’ll become a member of the Intrasolar Forces, helping to lead his country to victory in World War Three. Finally, he’ll be someone important: a superhuman war machine with the tech skills that every virtual-reality warrior dreams of. Life at the Spire holds everything that Tom’s always wanted—friends, the possibility of a girlfriend, and a life where his every action matters—but what will it cost him?

Gripping and provocative, S. J. Kincaid’s futuristic thrill ride of a debut crackles with memorable characters, tremendous wit, and a vision of the future that asks startling, timely questions about the melding of humanity and technology.

I don't know y'all, but this sort of reminds me of Captain America. Besides, I heard nothing but good praises about this book and look forward to reading from a boy's point of view. There aren't really that many out there it seems. 

Now, tell me what's your pick for this week? Link me up! 

GenLia

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Unlike the first two books I didn't find myself so into this one. The first hundred pages were kind of boring with all the moping around and emo side of Sam. It wasn't until later that the action picked up and I began to get into it. Mostly because of Cole and Isabel's POVs, they brought some spice and humor. They're romance kind of overlapped Sam and Grace because the latter were most of the time moping around.
I found myself more in love with Cole than Sam. Cole seemed alive and he brought action into the story. While Sam was too sad most of the time. Grace seemed off too, but I guess that turning into a wolf does that to you.
The plot revolved around how to get the rest of the wolves into safety because Isabel's father had organized a hunt to kill the wolves after another girl was found dead. It was a good plot and, as always, the writing was lyrical and awesome. My problem was Sam and Grace. They weren't nearly as... well, important as before. They didn't go with the flow. It took me a while to finish the book but when I finally did, I didn't feel satisfied. This series was too awesome to have such ending and so I was left disappointed.


View all my reviews

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It took me a while to get into this book but when I finally did I found myself in love with this book. Or rather with one particular character: Tucker. Seriously, you would have thought that I would like Christian better, but no.
Clara has visions of her upcoming mission that involve certain hottie from school, who she happens to feel attracted to even though he has a girlfriend. She's a very good girl, to the point that she blindly follows her mother's instructions. You'll know what I'm talking about if you read the book. Because I'm sure anyone would love to read a new intake on angels, such as this.
As for the rest of the characters, they all had a voice of their own. Clara's two best friends are really awesome. And also totally opposites given the fact that Wendy is human and Angela is part fallen angel. Fallen angels are called Black Wings and they are your equivalent of depression walking around.
The love triangle, even though very much used in the YA genre, I didn't mind that much. Tucker is in love with Clara and she loves him back but she also has feelings for Christian. I honestly think that Tucker is best for her. At times Clara behaved like, well, silly just because Christian wasn't there for her or something like that. I hated it when she was whiny. Other than that I loved the book.


View all my reviews

Where She Went by Gayle Forman

Where She Went by Gayle Forman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This sequel was most definitely amazing and just as emotional as the one before. I felt for Adam, he was devastated that Mia had left him without a reason why and not even fame and fun, or all the money in the world, made him happy. Mia and Adam find each other again and decided to talk about stuff. Adam has flashback from his time moping around after Mia broke up with him and how he got to where he was now. He was miserable and wanted answers but didn't dare ask because he was too mad. When he finally does... well, her answer kind of made sense.
I didn't want to cry nearly as much as in the first book but this one was sad nonetheless. Still, I thought it was stupid of Mia to leave just like that without saying anything. For the first time I got to know how Adam felt about things. He'd been worried about Mia so much. He loved her. So it was extremely sad when she left.
Still, I loved the book. And greatly recommend it.


View all my reviews

Tiger's Quest by Collen Houck

Tittle: Tiger's Quest 
Author: Collen Houck
Series: Tiger's Saga 2


Author's Website
Twitter
Blog


Synopsis:
Back in Oregon, Kelsey tries to pick up the pieces of her life and push aside her feelings for Ren. But danger lurks around the corner, forcing her to return to India where she embarks on a second quest-this time with Ren's dark, bad-boy brother Kishan, who has also fallen prey to the Tiger's Curse. Fraught with danger, spellbinding dreams, and choices of the heart, TIGER'S QUEST brings the trio one step closer to breaking the spell that binds them.


My Review:
I loved this book so much! It had everything I loved in a book: Romance, Problems and lots of action. In that same order. Amazing! But before I say anything else I want to make sure we understand each other and you know that since the beginning I was a Ren girl (are there teams yet? If not, there should be) and so I was extremely unhappy with what happened in the last books. How could Kelsey leave? But I understood why. I didn't like it, though.
The book picks up right where it left off in the last one, which is really awesome, and Kelsey is back in Oregon. She starts college with Money that Mr. Kadam gives her for her help with breaking the curse that binds Ren and Kishan to become tigers, but she still longs for Ren's company and love. Now, the funny thing is that she starts 'dating' other guys and not all of her dates go according to plan.
Anyhow, Ren comes back and they also start 'dating' so Kelsey can be sure she wants to be with him. Keshan also makes an appearance and just when they think things are going ok, they are attacked and Ren is kidnapped. I was so mad when this happened. Hated every single moment that Kelsey was away from Ren. He doesn't make an appearance until later, which gives Kishan an opportunity to be with Kelsey.
From then on the action starts.
Kelsey and Kishan go through some more tests and get closer to breaking the curse, which brings them closer to each other than I thought.
the second installment in this series had me so captivated that I read it in one day and half. I couldn't put it down any more that I could stop thinking about the characters. Ms. Collen did it again, and much better. The plot evolved and moved on easily. The characters grew up a bit more and I felt like they were more real since last time. Because last time Kelsey didn't interest me as much as this one, I actually felt she was more alive and that I wasn't just reading some tourist guide's POV.
I wasn't disappointed with the ending at all but I was left thirsting for more. I can't wait for the next book.

Book Trailer

A Season Of Eden by Jennifer Laurens

Title: A Season of Eden

Author: Jennifer Laurens

Published October 20th 2008 by Grove Creek Publishing

Author's Website

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Rating: 5.0

Synopsis:

He's my teacher. I shouldn't be alone with him. But I can't help that he's irresistible. I let the door silently close at my back. He stared at me, and a taut quiet stretched between us. "I like hearing you play," I said, moving toward him. He turned, in sync with my slow approach. He looked up at me but didn't say anything. I rested my clammy hand on the cold, slick body of the baby grand. "May I?" The muscles in his throat shifted, then he swallowed. "Eden." My knees weakened, like a soft tickling kiss had just been blown against the backs of them. "Is it okay?" I asked. His gaze held mine like two hands joined. He understood what I was really asking. "Let me stay," I said. "Please." "You're going to get me in trouble," he said.

My review

OK,so I am going to tell you the truth.......I haven't read in long time and when Gen insisted I read this book I was a bit hesitant.Now all I can say is that I'm glad she persisted. First of all, The apple in the cover is so ironic since wouldn't that be the correct thing you would offer a teacher? An apple to say that you appreciate them teaching you. Yet it is also the symbol of the forbidden fruit in Adam and Eve's sin. Hmm ,just think about that for a second. This book was heart pounding at times and sweet at others. But it was most definitely charged with sexual tension. You could feel the chemistry between Eden and Mr.Christian. I don't know how the others couldn't feel it sizzling in the air. I mean, come on, you got to admit that you have had a crush on at least one of your teachers before. 
Eden the protagonist in this book is a rich girl who has it all, friends and a boyfriend who seems to love her. But all that becomes childish when she meets her new choir teacher, Mr. Christian. The instant they meet sparks fly and from then on it's impossible for them to stay apart. Eden begins to like him more and more as time goes on and she gets to know him better. 
This book was so good because it kept you one the edge of your seat thinking, "When are they going to hook up?" and then "Oh man!." The whole book revolved around Mr. Christian and Eden as they struggled to have a relationship even though it's forbidden because she's his student. It was one of the sexiest books I've ever read without the sex part. That's exactly what keeps you reading the book. It's sweet and just perfect. 
Now, the music. Oh, the classical music. Who doesn't like a guy with good taste in music and magic hands? Uh? Ahem. Yeah. That's what I loved the most about Mr. Christian, his sweetness, good manners and passion for Music. He was the perfect man, yeah, a man and not a boy, which is the only thing Eden knows. 
So, what are you waiting for? Do you need more to go to the store and buy the book or something? Have I not given you enough reasons yet?
Love. Sexual tension. Sweetness. And amazing music! Not to mention a man worth putting make up on! Swoon. :D 

Book Trailer

This second video contains a lot of spoilers! I just posted it for those of you who would love to see it AFTER reading the book. 

Personally, I like both videos but there's something about the guy who plays Mr. Christian in the second video that I liked better than the first one. The second video has dialogue and lines from the book, you can watch it but it will probably give a lot away. Still, don't say I didn't warn you. 

My question is, which guy looks more like Mr. Christian to you? Which video do you prefer?