GIVEAWAY: Raven (The Violet Jewel, #1) by Nuayma Jeggels

A girl, a coma, a Plague, and an empty grave.

When Shardaie wakes up, she doesn’t know who she is, why she can’t understand emotions, why she has been unconscious for nearly nine of her thirteen years, or why the dead just won’t stay dead. The only clue to her past is a locket, but the Plague, which finally stretches its unnatural hand to her village, forces her to leave and to learn to protect herself. But everything has a cost: the protection against the undead reveals a secret that Shardaie and her classmates just don’t want to accept, and at the end, Shardaie realises that some secrets shouldn’t be revealed. Secrets have the power to destroy, and the power to change her view on humanity for ever. 

There will be 3 international winners. The ebooks are sponsored by the author.


 How to enter:
Must be a GFC Follower
Fill out the form


Extra Entries:
(Not required)
+1 for following me on Twitter. Here: Twitter
+3 for tweeting about the giveaway


Fill out this FORM

Giveaway ends October 25th.

Want to read a short piece on the protagonist?

In My Mailbox #7

I would like to thank Elizabeth Miles for sending over a Hardcover copy of Fury, a Fury music CD and the hotly anticipated The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer.

I really liked this book and it's a must-own book because the cover is just stunning!
Check out my review Fury (The Fury Trilogy #1) by Elizabeth Miles 
And I got mine with the purple orchid/carnation or whatever the furies marked their victim with in it.

:O 

I was a little creeped out.

I started reading this book but I can't yet tell if it's worth all the hype surrounding it.

I hope it is.

The trailer is intriguing.

Have y'all read this book? Hit or Miss?

P.S- You can win Fury and 3 more books of your choice in my 100 FOLLOWERS INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY!

TUMBLR AND TV SHOWS

All Tumblr users are being called for help!
I am a little clueless and all help shall be much appreciated!
I just made an account like 3 minutes back so it's all empty but here you are:
http://wickedwhimsicalwallflower.tumblr.com/
Also, TV Shows.

Any new ones you enjoyed?
I tried Lying Games. It was okay. Could have been way better. I was expecting something similar to Pretty Little Liars.
The Secret Circle. Ditto. It was okay. I was expecting something like The Vampire Diaries. I did like the plot and it was a little similar to TVD but why isn't the cast gorgeous!?
I know thats like a shallow thing but it IS a The CW soap!! It want it to be filled with pretty people! The protagonist looked forgettable. I don't even remember her name! And the guys!? Why weren't they HOT!??????????????????????????????????

Doesn't Kevin Williamson realise half the epic-ness of TVD is the gorgeous male cast! The other half being Caroline Forbes! GO VAMPIRE BARBIE!

I loved the premiere of S3 of TVD. It was so good! I am loving Tyler-Caroline and Evil Stefan! <3


The premiere of Glee s3 sadly left me with much to be desired. I needed more of my girl Quinn Fabray! Didn't she look stunning in the new grunge-punk look! 
I just wished there had been less of Kurt-Rachel. 


Ooh I loved the 2 and a half men and How I met your mother premieres! So much fun!
Ashton Kutcher was pretty great! 
90210 was good too! I want Naomi to hook up with that cowboy hat dude!
I AM SOOOO EXCITED FOR GOSSIP GIRL!!!! PRAYING FOR SOME DAIR!
Also Dexter and Psych!
And Community and Modern Family.
And I need to catch up with The Game Of Thrones.

Ooh..Ooh..I NEED to watch Awkward. How is it?


Because I really need a super-awesome new show to watch!
I know Terra Nova would be brilliant but any other?


AND TUMBR HELP PLEASE!

And don't forget to enter my 100 FOLLOWERS INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY! to win 4 books of your choice. ^^

Waiting On Wednesday #3

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday

First I find out that my boyfriend is cheating on me. Then he’s pegged as the #1 suspect in a murder. And now he’s depending on me to clear his name. Seriously?

As much as I wouldn’t mind watching him squirm, I know that he’s innocent. So I’m brushing off my previously untapped detective skills and getting down to business. But I keep tripping over dead bodies and I’m still no closer to figuring out who did it. And what’s worse: all signs seem to point to me as the killer’s next victim.

I really need to pick a better boyfriend next time.

Okay so the cover is doing nothing for me. That chick looks a little like Nina Dobrev if she was like an alien or a robot or something. Anyhoo I AM SO FREAKING LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS BOOK! IT'S LIKE CUSTOMIZED BY MY PREFERENCES ! It's got EPIC-ness written all over the blurb.
I was searching for a YA murder mystery and here it is! Too bad I'll have to wait till October 11th!


Though it's fine I guess what with all the TV SHOWS coming back! And that has nothing to do with the fact that I haven't blogged in a while. That's purely due to my hell-on-earth college where I am struggling to NOT be a drop-out. I honestly have NO idea how so many kids do it! How can we just sit in college and STUDY while there are books to read, poetries to write, paintings to be err..painted and TV SHOWS TO BE OBSESSED OVER!


Also, I am thinking of starting a TUMBLR blog because it's so freaking pretty.
Wait. I got loads to discuss. New blog post on TV Shows premieres hits and misses and my whether or not I am suffering from Bipolar Disorder. I thought it was just Borderline Personality Disorder but sometimes I shock myself. Okay I ain't blogging on that.


And don't forget to enter my 100 FOLLOWERS INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY! to win 4 books of your choice. ^^

Why is Dystopia / Post Apocalyptic so popular? - Guest Post By Author Rhiannon Paille

I think it has something to do with 2012.

The Mayans predicted that on December 21st, 2012, the world would end.

Naturally this whole world ending phenomenon would be on the mind. And we all want to envision what the world would be like after it ended, or after some horrific impossible thing happened forcing us into this oppressed society.

Even though Dystopia has been around since the 1800’s, it hasn’t gotten as much popularity until now. Yes, we all remember Maze Runner, 1984, and the Handmaiden’s Tale, but back then we didn’t think that the possibility of our world becoming dystopian or post apocalyptic was very likely.

Basically, those books didn’t give us the same emotional impact books like The Hunger Games do now.

We don’t feel infallible to the end. The Mayans may have predicted it, but NASA confirmed that there will be an alignment with the black hole in the center of the Milky Way on the same day. Coincidence? NASA recently shut down . . . oh you didn’t catch the news on it? Yeah, even they don’t think there’s a point in knowing what’s out there anymore, it’s all going to end.

Maybe after the end we’ll live in a grim place, maybe zombies will walk the Earth (The CDC seemed to be keen on preparing us for that), maybe we’ll be sending our kids into war. Either way, the future of the human race is a mystery. We might be fighting aliens, or we’ll evolve and unicorns will begin to walk the earth again. Who knows? Anything can happen, the authors who have put their time and energy into books about what’s potentially on the other side of this big unknown end of the world are only preparing us.

I wish I could tell you it’s all just a joke, but it’s not.

My theory is that the world has already ended, it’s already as dystopian as it’s going to get and when the shift happens on 12/21/2012 the world is going to begin to become a better place. It might not shift to an automatic Utopia, but it’ll stop spinning towards this mass destruction point and begin spinning the other way, towards peace, equality and new awareness.

I only hope we’re all ready for the ride.

Namaste,

Rhi

*****

Rhi was never a normal girl. She tried, but she couldn’t get rid of the visions, the voices in her head, and the hallucinations. When she was on the edge of crazy someone pulled her back and explained it all. She wasn’t insane. She was psychic, really psychic, too psychic. Her life was an urban fantasy wrapped in a paranormal romance and served with a side of horror. To escape her everyday weirdness she began writing fantasy. She frequents twitter and facebook, but if you really want to get to know her you should visit her site: www.rhiannonpaille.com
Her book FLAME OF SURRENDER (The Ferryman and The Flame #1) Comes out November 1st, 2011. Check it out here.

In My Mailbox #6

It's been ages since I did an IMM!
Well guess what?
I now have over 300 followers! WOOHOO!
Love you guys so much!
Also my  100 FOLLOWERS INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY! is still on!
Enter to win 4 books!
So on to the books that I got for review:

Dystopian + Mystery = <3
I got HIGH expectations from this book.

Gossip Girl channeling Dexter? 
Yes Please.

Murder Mystery. I started reading it but then got distracted. Need to get back!


Book I won:

It was cute.


Books I bought:

I am almost done reading this and it's just bloody INTENSE!

I couldn't resist those illustrated-ish pages with poetry on them.
I read a little and the writing is just beautiful.


What was in your mailbox?
Let me know.
Also, expect reviews on all these books this month.
 And remember If you are here I love you.
Yay!
*offers some pretty cupcakes*

Far From The War by Jeffrey David Payne

Esther is caught in the middle, serving as a page in the United States House of Representatives when rogue politicians and military leaders stage a modern day coup d'etat. When the coup turns violent, she abandons Washington, D.C. for home. She must learn to survive on her own as transportation and financial networks fail, as the war disrupts food and water supplies. The result is a cautionary tale about political extremism and the true cost of war.Economic ruin and partisan rancor have pushed America to the brink of a new civil war.

Published July 24th 2011 by Roche Harbor Books


Ever wondered what would happen if war just broke out AND ( as if that wasn’t enough) you were far from home?

This happened with Esther. Esther is from Orcas Island and is now a page for the US House of Representatives in Washington D.C.

The novel follows her on her journey to return home once war breaks out in future dystopian United States.

I initially struggled to read this book because not being a US citizen I wasn’t aware of the politics and it just confused the hell out of me! I was clueless as to what a lot of the terms used in the book meant.

However, the story is extremely thoughtful and just so honestly written.

Once the plot moved forward I was emotionally caught up in it.

The book is extremely well researched and Jeffrey David Payne has perfectly captured the brutality and destruction in war.

I loved how honestly everything was portrayed and the author did not shy away from shocking us readers.

There is political chaos and corruption depicted. We all know corruption is extremely rampant all over the world. But do we really do anything to stop it?

There was corruption EVERYWHERE.

Corrupt government? Check

Corrupt military? Check

Corrupt politicians? Check

Sadly, I think this novel has potential to be prophetic.

The writing is crisp and the blunt voice used to describe these terrible things happening just added to the impact. It was a blow after another. I loved how the author didn’t try to make anything melodramatic but just kept it real.

The protagonist Esther is smart and witty. She is extremely mature for a seventeen year old. Most seventeen year olds don’t know a thing in politics. But Esther was really knowledgeable and at times I found it hard to believe she was so young. The supporting characters were also well-crafted.

I feel this book caters to more mature and intelligent readers.

It may not have been the most entertaining novel but it was unique and thought-provoking.

Last words:

A Heart-rending and Gut-wrenching read.

I would like to thank Roche Harbor books for proving me with a copy for review.

The Name of the Star (Shades of London #1) by Maureen Johnson

The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London marks a memorable occasion. For Rory, it's the start of a new life at a London boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.


Soon “Rippermania” takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him. Even her roommate, who was walking with her at the time, didn't notice the mysterious man. So why can only Rory see him? And more urgently, why has Rory become his next target? In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.

Publisher: Penguin Group USA

Published Date: September 29 2011


What can I say about Maureen Johnson that her twitter feed already hasn’t?

She is totally BONKERS. And in the best possible way ever.
 Her tweets often more entertaining than plenty of novels got her on "140 Best Twitter Feeds" in Time Magazine.

But that is hardly the only reason to read The Name Of The Star.

The plot is flawless. I loved the fresh spin on the Jack The Ripper plotline. The story is full of twists and surprises.

The setting is perfect. The book departs from the usual American High Schools and features a British Boarding School. Rippermania has seized London. There are a series of copycat murders taking place.

The protagonist is delightful and at times eccentric. I loved her southern ways.

Her roommates are SO RAD! They are polar opposites and yet I could identify parts of myself in both of them. Jazza was a sweetheart. She was so nice and helpful and had these insecurities that just made her more believable.
 Boo was HILARIOUS and a complete riot. Kudos to Maureen Johnson for breaking stereotype and giving us an Indian character that wasn’t nerdy but a complete contrast. She was such a fun and quirky character!

All the other secondary characters were well developed and significant in their own places.

I loved that the romance did not overshadow the rest of the plot. I look forward to it being developed in the sequel.

There mystery was light and guessable but the suspense shone through.

The only negative thing in the book was that the writing wasn’t spectacular but nevertheless it was a great book and I can’t wait to read the sequel.

Last words:

An impeccably crafted plot and brilliant characters make this an excellent start to the Shades Of London series.

IRON FEY SERIES ( THE IRON KNIGHT ) BY JULIE KAGAWA

Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Expected publication: October 25th 2011 by Harlequin (first published October 18th 2011)

 

For some really strange reason and foolish reason I never picked up the Iron Fey books though the reviews were always great. Maybe the word Iron turned me off. I am weird like that. Then I saw The Iron Knight on Netgalley and before I could say

Hottest Guy Ever

On The Cover

I had requested the book. Of Course now I had to go read the first three books before I could start with The Iron Knight and OMG am I glad I did! BEST.DECISION.EVER.

To those uninitiated in The Iron Fey series let me paint a picture of what these books are all about.

Magic. Humour. Romance. Action. And above all ADVENTURE.

Adventure that is missing in YA books these days.

JKagawa’s imagination and creativity is stupendous. Her writing is vivid and detailed and completely transported me to Nevernever. I was constantly left mesmerized by the sheer beauty of the setting she had created- be it the Wyldwood or Tir Na Nog.

For me The Iron Fey series is The Lord Of The Rings for teens. Lord Of The Rings is a book I famously tried to and could not finish reading. (Okay I am officially hiding my face now! I love the LOTR movies..okay..maybe "love" would be an exaggeration but I did like them...I mean I loved golum and his "my preciousss" and do I even need to mention Orlando Bloom!!Again however I could not finish this book.I read it when I was a kid and all I remember is that there was like A LOT of description of trees. And barely any females. Or for that matter even humans. O.o)

Now I feel like I don’t need to since The Iron Fey is just as awesome and especially tailor-made for me! :D

Iron Fey series also happens to be influenced by my favorite Shakespeare play- A Midsummer Night’s Dream. There’s the CHERRY on top.

Another thing I loved about the series were the different magical creatures. Each of them from trolls to goblins to mermaids to jack o’lanterns played an important role and were well-developed.

While the endearing Meghan Chase was the protagonist for the first 3 books, The Iron Knight is from the point of view of Prince Ash. The Ice Prince. Cold, brooding, dark and absolutely YUMMY. There is also the delightful Puck but I am hard-core TEAM ASH. The Iron Knight gets a new feel, offers glimpses of the past and answers many questions as we get into the mind of the winter prince as he embarks on an EPIC adventure along with Puck and Grimalkin.

Grimalkin- the finest and the best part of The Iron Fey books.

Grimalkin is a CAT and there totally awesome. With his snarkiness and witty one-liners he shows us exaclt why EVERYONE WANTS TO BE A CAT.

Honestly best cat in literature since the Cheshire Cat.

The Iron Fey series is gonna end up right alongside Chronicles Of Narnia, Alice Wonderland and Wizard Of Oz. It is a must read for fans of the faery and just about everyone who loves fantasy.

The ending was unexpected and breath-taking. I don’t wanna divulge the plots too much because it’s always fun discovering that on your own!

Go pre-order The Iron Knight NOW! 

And if you haven't started this series yet, What are you waiting for? Go buy The Iron King. You have a week or so to catch up!

I'd like to thank Netgalley and Harlequin teen for providing me with a galley.

You can now win The Iron King at my 100 FOLLOWERS INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY!

Follow Friday #7 & TGIF #6 & Book Blogger Hop #5

Q. If you could change the ending of any book (or series), which book would you choose? Why and to what?

Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows

Yes. I went there. Now I wouldn't wanna change anything in this book except CAN WE PLEASE HAVE DRACO MALFOY TURN ON THE GOOD SIDE AND DEFY VOLDY AND HOOK UP WITH ME?

Um Sure.

*blushes*

And that's how the book ends.

Ok So many of you might not take that answer seriously.

How about this as a change in an ending?

Making a Difference: Which book(s) would you put in the hands of 

today's teenagers in hopes of making a difference in their lives?

I am today's teenagers and what I was really glad I took in my hand was 

The Bell Jar By Sylvia Plath

It saved my life.

Other noteworthy mentions: 

Thirteen Reasons Why By Jay Asher

Before I Fall By Lauren Oliver

Speak By Laurie Halse Anderson

Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn't Have) by Sarah Mlynowsk

Book Blogger Hop: 9/2-9/5 is hosted by Crazy For Books

“What are you most looking forward to this fall/autumn season – A particular book release? Halloween? The leaves changing color? Cooler temperatures? A vacation? (If your next season is other than fall/autumn, tell us about it and what you are most looking forward to in your part of the world!)”

The Apocalypse.

No it's not a book name.

Nope not a movie/tv show either.

So wisely make use of your time before that!
How about starting with my
100 FOLLOWERS INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY!