Bloody Bookaholic

Good Bye 2011 Contest- Win 40 Books!!!!

Paperback, 384 pages

Expected publication: June 26th 2012

by HarperCollins

She’s a mortal with dark powers...

After a tragic accident scarred her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a person’s darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of solitude... until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out with a telepathic distress call to the world’s most infamous vampire...

He’s the Prince of Night...

Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all — but whatever you do, don’t call him Dracula. Vlad’s ability to control fire makes him one of the most feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against him – a beautiful mortal with powers to match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them, threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames.

It has a cover and the cover model is hot as hell. Hmmm I can certainly imagine him being Vlad, actually not so far off from what I had in my mind anyways ;)

I can also imagine him being Dimitri Belikov (Vampire Academy) for some strange reason.

So what do you think? Does he pass the test?

Giveaways Going on At Bloody Bookaholic

2012-01-30T16:23:00.000-08:00

I have been posting a lot of giveaways lately, I just wanted to group them together in one post to show you guys whats going on, just so you won't miss anything that might interest you.

The Girl Who Was on Fire: Your Favorite Atuhors on The Hunger Games

Pandemonium (Delirium #2) by Lauren Oliver

Fracture by Megan Miranda

4 giveaways going on at the moment, good luck!

Review + Giveaway: Fracture by Megan Miranda

2012-01-30T12:58:00.000-08:00

Title: Fracture
Author: Megan Miranda
Series: Nope
Book #: 1

Pages: 262
Reading Level: YA

Book Rating: .7

Goodreads Rating: 4.02

Published: Jan. 17, 2012
by Walker Childrens

Eleven minutes passed before Delaney Maxwell was pulled from the icy waters of a Maine lake by her best friend Decker Phillips. By then her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead. And yet she somehow defied medical precedent to come back seemingly fine—despite the scans that showed significant brain damage. Everyone wants Delaney to be all right, but she knows she's far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can't control or explain, Delaney finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her altered brain now predicting death, or causing it?

Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who recently emerged from a coma with similar abilities.

At first she's reassured to find someone who understands the strangeness of her new existence, but Delaney soon discovers that Troy's motives aren't quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature-or something much more frightening?

For fans of best-sellers like Before I Fall and If I Stay, this is a fascinating and heart-rending story about love and friendship and the fine line between life and death.

Taschima's POV:

Fracture was a nice welcoming surprise, and though I have some problems with it, these problems didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of this fantastic tale. What is this tale driven by? The characters, and the author wrote the type of character you can feel connected to and will care about, even if sometimes they don't really make the smartest choice.

Delaney is this great girl, who has some commitment issues. She is friends with oh so dreamy Decker. One day they were out with their other friends and they decide to cross the solid lake to spare some time. Delaney falls, the lake breaks, and then she is pulled under for eleven minutes. Most people would be seriously dead by now, but she miraculously survives, and through the book we watch as she deals with the aftermath of surviving, and this whole new sort of power she gets.

What I most enjoyed out of the book was the relationship between Delaney and Decker. It was spark driven, and so interesting. The whole 'will they' or 'won't they' of their relationship had me on the edge of my seat. There's also this other guy that comes into Delaney's life, but I just thought he was so creepy most of the time that I didn't pay him much attention- Decker really catched my heart in the first few pages of the story.

Problems with the novel, well to be completely honest the whole "power" Delaney seemed to have wasn't entirely explained. You never know where it comes from, or how it manifested. If everybody who had a near death experience or was dead for a little bit and then came back to life could potentially have this power, then that doesn't make it that much special. Also why did Delaney survive? I still don't know! And sure they call it a miracle, but I need something more than just giving it the miracle stamp and moving on from it. I am just the kind of girl that needs cold hard evidence.

But again this did not detract from the overall enjoyment. The novel is driven by its characters anyways. I really enjoyed it, and I bet you will too. Plus that lovely covers certainly helps. I sadly have the ARC non pretty cover, but I can always buy it when it comes out!

Rules of the Giveaway:

1. Be a Bloody Follower.

2. Leave an email so I can contact you silly!

Extra Points:

1. Refer a friend. If a person tells me you referred them to this blog, or to this review in particular, you get +1.

2. Link to this contest on sidebar. +2

3. Tweet it (@TaschimaCullen) (+1), Facebook it (Bloody Bookaholic Page) (+1), add me on Goodreads (+1), follow on Tumblr (+1) .

Leave the nicknames you use on these sites so I can verify.

Don't forget to sign up for my other giveaways!

Good Bye 2011 Contest

Girl Who Was on Fire Giveaway,
Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver Giveaway

Number of winners: 1

This contest will end February 20th. US only. Good luck!

Review: Unraveling The Mysteries of The Big Bang Theory by George Beahm

2012-01-29T18:46:00.000-08:00

Title: Unraveling the Mysteries of The Big Bang Theory

Author: George Beahm

Series: Nope

Book #: 1

Pages: 312

Reading Level: For Everybody

Book Rating:

Published: Dec. 6th 2011

by Smart Pop Books

You don’t have to be a theoretical physicist to understand why The Big Bang Theory is one of the most popular shows on television. Brains meet beauty in a calculus of comedy that always adds up to smart and hilarious results.

Unraveling the Mysteries of The Big Bang Theory: An Unabashedly Unauthorized TV Show Companion is a quantum leap beyond the typical TV show guidebook. Exploring every nook and cranny of the Big Bang Theory universe, it provides a wealth of information about our favorite television show:

A profile of “intelligent designers” Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady
A detailed look at what went wrong with the unaired original pilot—and what went right in the reboot
In-depth background on the principle actors and the characters they play
A photo-illustrated breakdown of the Sheldonian universe, from couch to cosmos (including the show locations you can visit in real life)
How to get your geek on, Big Bang—style
A primer on the show’s key scientific concepts, plus its galaxy of guest star scientists
A concise guide to every episode and the meaning behind each title, organized by season
An A-Z guide to the pop culture miscellanea mentioned in the show
And more!

Pull up a seat—just not Sheldon’s, which is in a state of eternal dibs—and get ready to unravel the mysteries of The Big Bang Theory.

Taschima's POV:

Usually I love all Smart Pop books- well, at least those which I have read (The Girl Who Was on Fire, A New Dawn...)- but this one is different from the ones I usually read. This novel was more of a companion to the series. It does not give you essays on the characters or the inside that I was craving. When I usually pick up Smart Pop books is because I am looking for another person's opinion on whatever is it I like, and usually the authors are wonderful, clever and funny. I have to say that this companion was not what I was looking for, I only pretty much only enjoyed the first part of the book since I wasn't interested in the rest, but if you are a die hard Big Bang Theory fan then I would recommend this book for you.

What I truly enjoyed out of this book was reading about the unaired pilot. It was such a freaking mess. I am so glad the people high up had the sense to veto that pilot but encouraged the writers to go back and keep playing with the idea. Because it gave us what we watch now, The Big Bang Theory. Believe me, the other one was... a disaster. In this book it tells you all about it, it explains how and why the pilot sucked, and it tells you details on the past characters.

I also like the part on the description of the characters. As to the rest of it, I wasn't really interested on the real places in Cali that play a role in the Big Bang Theory, or a detailed summary of the extra characters, or even the glossary at the back of the book. It was just a bunch of extra info that I personally wasn't interested in, but I know of a lot of other people who would love the book in its entirety. It's a great addition the Big Bang Collection that's for sure.

Review + Giveaway: Pandemonium (Delirium #2) by Lauren Oliver

2012-01-26T21:45:00.000-08:00

Title: Pandemonium

Author: Lauren Oliver

Series: Delirium

Book #: 2

Pages: 375

Reading Level: Young Adult

Book Rating:

Published: Feb.28th, 2012

by HarperTeen

Lauren Oliver's Official Website

The old Lena is dead.

The old lena remains with Alex in Portland, Maine, behind a wall of some and flame, but the new Lena was born in the Wilds, transformed by hardship, deprivation, and loss.

Now an active member of the resistance, Lena fights for a world in which love will no longer be considered a dangerous disease. Her inner life is as turbulent as the world around her... Although consumed with grief for Alex, might she be falling in love with someone else?

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.

Taschima's POV:

You know how sometimes authors get a little, am, lazy on the second book of the series? It never seems to live up to the hype? Ends up kind of sucking? Yeah... (*cough*Crossed*cough*)... I know all about it and somewhere along the way you have learned this too.

I am proud to announce that Pandemonium was AMAZING, it LIVES UP TO THE HYPE, and it won't let you down at all. Such a freaking revelation. Why aren't books more like this?!

The thing that saved this book from being a downer was this: the author didn't just write a straight tale where Lena gets to the wild and then keeps growing, keeps getting strong, blah blah same thing we have read about a hundred times. There is some of this in there for sure, but it's given to us in small doses, in between larger sections that are pack full of adventure and "edge of your seat" kind of moments. This is what made the book shine. Going between the past and the present is what saved the book from being pretty slow, and instead it makes it a book worthy of being Delirium's second book.

Something I can add to this is that Delirium while it focuses on love, your first love to be specific, I thought Pandemonium focused a little bit more on hate, anger and healing. It certainly showed us a new side to Lena that we never saw before. The combination of her new life and losing Alex has made her get in touch with emotions that would have been closed up to her before, and it is very interesting to see how she manages navigates through her new life.

I couldn't leave without a note on the new male interest. He is, something else. He is not going away any time soon, and sure you might hate him at first, but believe he is going to grow on you so much. Plus those sexy scenes between him and Lena certainly helped. I swear my breath literally caught on some passages. I felt like I was there, and it was happening to me.

I think that anything more that I say will be too much, a revelation. I don't wanna spoil this story for you because it's a fantastic story. So just know this. If the book sucked, I would tell you flat out why, but it doesn't. It's pretty freaking amazing, and I can't believe I have to wait till 2013 to read the sequel. This is heart breaking, because the book is left on a HUGE cliff hanger that made you want to pull out your hair. I squealed. I really did, people looked at me weird, I kept doing this sort of crazy giggle. You had to be there.

My Review on Delirium:

Rules of the Giveaway:

1. Be a Bloody Follower.

2. Leave an email so I can contact you silly!

Extra Points:

1. Refer a friend. If a person tells me you referred them to this blog, or to this review in particular, you get +1.

2. Link to this contest on sidebar. +2

3. Tweet it (@TaschimaCullen) (+1), Facebook it (Bloody Bookaholic Page) (+1), add me on Goodreads (+1), follow on Tumblr (+1) .
4. Sign up for my Good Bye 2011 Contest (+1) and/or my Girl Who Was on Fire Giveaway (+1).

Leave the nicknames you use on these sites so I can verify.

Number of winners: 1

This contest will end February 22nd, few days before the publication date. US only. Good luck!

Teaser Tuesday: Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

2012-01-24T16:20:00.000-08:00

Why I Didn't Grow Up to Be Marvel Girl

Hardcover, 375 pages

Expected publication: February 28th 2012

by HarperTeen

"The next morning I wrap my toes in cloth, stuff my feet into my shoes, and run again. If you can... just a little bit farther... just a little bit faster... you'll see, you'll see, you'll see. Alex is alive.

I'm not crazy. I knew he isn't, not really. As soon as my runs are done and I'm hobbling back to the church basement, it hits me like a wall: the stupidity of it all, the pointlessness. Alex is gone, and no amount of running or pushing or bleeding will bring him back."

Pg. 75

I was so happy when this book made it into my hands, I squealed a little. I was at work. People looked at me funny. I didn't care. To hell with all of it, I've been waiting too long to read this one!!

Now my question is, is Alex alive, or is Alex really dead? I don't know! And I'm keeping myself from looking forward into the story. I don't wanna spoil my reading. Not knowing for now suits me fine, it adds to the excitement.

What was your teaser today about?

Review: My Soul to Save by Rachel Vincent

2012-01-22T11:01:00.000-08:00

Title: My Soul to Save

Author: Rachel Vincent

Series: Soul Screamers

Book #: 2

Pages: 279

Reading Level: YA

Book Rating:

Goodreads Rating: 4.00

Published: Aug. 01, 2009

by Harlequin

When Kaylee Cavanaugh screams, someone dies.

So when teen pop star Eden croaks onstage and Kaylee doesn't wail, she knows something is dead wrong. She can't cry for someone who has no soul.

The last thing Kaylee needs right now is to be skipping school, breaking her dad's ironclad curfew and putting her too-hot-to-be-real boyfriend's loyalty to the test. But starry-eyed teens are trading their souls: a flickering lifetime of fame and fortune in exchange for eternity in the Netherworld—a consequence they can't possibly understand.
Kaylee can't let that happen, even if trying to save their souls means putting her own at risk…

Taschima's POV:

My Soul to Save was an interesting sequel to My Soul to Take for many reasons. One, it shows us how the series will be progressing from now on, two, it showed us a new side to Tod (pretty sure Nash and Kaylee are the same people they were when they came in) and three we got to see more into the Netherworld.

The series has this vibe of being pretty adult while still maintaining everything it needs to remain Young Adult. I like this, because the characters all seem more interesting and not so childish. I guess the whole 'adult' vibe comes from the author being an adult novelist first and foremost (I seem to like when adult novelists turn to YA -Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy, Georgina Kincaid), Sherrilyn Kenyon (Chronicles of Nick, Dark Hunter)... Imagine the possibilities if Jeaniene Frost (Night Huntress Series) turned YA *.*). That affects the character, and it also affects the plot. How The Soul Screamers series seem to be going it's going to be one adventure after the other with no 'one' clear path easily sketched. The future of the series could go anywhere the author wishes. Good because it keeps us on our toes, bad because sometimes I just like to read with a definite goal in mind.

Tod. Oh Tod. You were a little shit, for what you almost did. But, somehow, I still forgive you. Because I know why you did it. I know what was going on in that little head of yours, and it was all mostly good intentions. Tod is just a complicated character all around. You want to read about Tod, because sometimes he does some things you might not necessary like, but you still want to forgive him and see him do better. Nash on the other hand didn't seem to grow (lost a few cool points with me when he wasn't on board with helping the girl recover her soul) much, he is just the same know-it-all horny dude of the first book. He has his moments true (there was this particular scene where he spoke more than his few share of words and was angry as all hell where I looked at him and went 'there's where your balls went!') but they aren't enough to make me switch teams.

The Netherworld. Kaylee is taking Banshee classes with Nash and Tod's mother (yeah if you have read the first book then you already know they are brothers) that will potentially help her control her scream and accidentally the mother lets slip how to get into the Netherworld. The whole mechanics are a little boring, but once you get there? Oh lordie, the grass would be able to kill you. That's how hardcore the place seems to be, nature is even out to get you. The thing that keeps amazing me is how Kaylee is still alive. She keeps being my favourite (she has spunk) but her powers? Other than being a bridge between here and there they are pretty much worthless. The only thing that has kept her head above water is being a VERY clever girl. The powers are there to help her get to her goal, but everything else is inside her brain. She can think under stress and come up with the most clever plans (that one one else seems to think of, idiots).

All in all, great sequel. It is still missing that thing it needs for me to give it 5 stars, but it is a solid 4. I have the third book, and will start reading it as soon as humanly possible.

Remember to enter my Good Bye 2011 contest! The Link is on the top, but you can also just click here and it will take you to the post. I have about 40 books to give away, who wants them?!

Smart Pop Books: This Week's Smart Pop Essays

2012-01-22T09:48:00.000-08:00

What is Smart Pop? Smart Pop is this totally awesome website where they make, mostly, unathorized books that are full of hilarious essays that have to do with today's pop culture, books, movies, T.V. Shows, etc. They are the ones who made The Girl Who Was on Fire (on The Hunger Games), A New Dawn (on The Twilight series- terrific book), Demigods and Monsters (on Percy Jackson Series), The Psychology of Harry Potter (no further explanation needed I pressume?)... Just to mention a few of my favorites.

From their About Page: Smart Pop is a line of smart, fresh, funny books on the best of pop culture tv, books, and film, with a particular focus on science fiction and fantasy television and literature.

Our writers are New York Times bestselling authors, television writers, psychologists, philosophers . . . anyone with a love of pop culture and something worth sharing about it.

Anyways, I thought that you guys should be aware of the weekly essays they post online. Why? Cause they are freaking great and you should have the chance to try it out for yourself.

These are some of this week's essays:

Jane Austen and the Masturbating Critic
BY ADAM ROBERTS // ON PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

CONSTANCE READER: And let me begin by saying that I do not merely like Jane Austen’s books. No, I love Jane Austen. I know all of her novels, and I reread them regularly. Indeed, reading is one of my chief pastimes. I have many favorite authors, but Jane occupies a special place in my affections.

PROFESSOR ACADEMICUS: I am pleased to hear it, madam. As a salaried university professor of English Literature, I have built my reputation as a scholar of the early years of the nineteenth century, with a number of articles and monographs on Austen’s novels. I share… READ MORE »

Available until next Monday

Beauty Smackdown

BY JANETTE RALLISON // ON THE UGLIES SERIES

I belong to a book club. We generally spend fifteen minutes talking about the month’s book and the rest of the two hours talking about our kids and husbands. (Plus we consume large amounts of chocolate. This is why I go.) When we read Uglies, we spent the entire time talking not only about the book, but about the series as well. Like many of the women in the book club, I couldn’t stop at just one book. I had to find out what happened to Tally, David, Shay, and Zane. I also had to see who ended up… READ MORE »

Available until next Wednesday

"There's My Boy..."

BY JOY DAVIDSON // ON SHOWS CREATED BY JOSS WHEDON

Since the first episode of Buffy, I’ve been a captivated fan, easily losing myself in the alternate universe where every dark remnant of the psyche lives vibrantly in the flesh. Perhaps that’s because as a psychologist and sex therapist, I come from what some might consider an alternative universe, too, where passions are living creatures, both wanted and feared, and the demons of shame, guilt, and regret can keep us chained for a lifetime. In my universe, curses are often self-made, knitted from the wool of our own histories: our families, our lovers, and our beliefs about ourselves. To… READ MORE »

Available until next Friday

I received in the mail the following titles:

(Click on the picture and learn more about the book)

All these are on series I basically LOVE. I can't wait to read them all and tell you guys all about them.

I am in no way affiliated with Smart Pop Books, I just thought you guys might enjoy all this and I get their newsletter so =]

Remember to enter my Good Bye 2011 contest! The Link is on the top, but you can also just click here and it will take you to the post. I have about 40 books to give away, who wants them?!

Review: The Girl Who Was on Fire: Your Favorite Authors on Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games Trilogy MOVIE EDITION GIVEAWAY!!

2012-01-20T21:45:00.000-08:00

Title: The Girl Who Was on Fire

Author: Various

Series: Nope

Book #: 1

Pages: 194

Reading Level: For Everybody

Book Rating: .7

Published April 5th 2011

by Smart Pop Books

Praised by writers from Stephen King to Stephenie Meyer, Suzanne Collins’ New York Times bestselling Hunger Games trilogy is dark, captivating, and deeply thought-provoking. Part straight-up survivalist adventure, part rich allegory, and part political thriller, the series has become a new YA favorite.

The Girl Who Was On Fire offers even more to think about for teen readers already engrossed by the Hunger Games. From the trilogy's darker themes of violence and social control to reality television, fashion, and weaponry, the collection's exploration of the Hunger Games by other YA writers reveals exactly how rich, and how perilous, protagonist Katniss’ world really is.

The Girl Who Was On Fire covers all three books in the Hunger Games trilogy.

Taschima's POV:

I reviewed this book back on April 2011, when it was first brought into my attention. Recently though I received the new movie edition which includes 3 new essays that pretty much rocked my world so I naturally needed to add something more. Here is my original review, along with the new paragraphs on the new content.

April, 2011:

These kinds of books are awesome, and specifically this one is amazing! The essays are so good! There are 13 essays (for 13 districts?) in total, some have to do with fashion, psychology, PSTD among the winners of The Hunger Games, Team Katniss, and so much more. Theres something for everybody.

When the people at Smart Pop contacted me about reviewing this one I was so psyched!!! Any fan of The Hunger Games would be. I first learnt about Smart Pop when I bought their essays on A New Dawn, I was soo into Twilight and this book was a life saver. I read it before I got Breaking Dawn because it wasn't out yet. Anyways this book is as good as A New Dawn was, if not better (let me think about it... definitely better). The authors talk about various parts of The Hunger Games with such insight that it make you think "holly crap how did I not see it? Why wasn't this clear to me from the get go?"

After I reads this book I immediately picked up The Hunger Games and started re reading it. Cinna is by far one of my favourite characters in the book, before reading The Girl Who Was on Fire I didn't paid much attention to him, but after reading the essay on fashion I got to say that he is one of the bravest most creative characters ever. Also after re reading The Hunger Games (and reading an essay that talked about the love triangle thing in The Girl Who Was on Fire) is hard to see where anyone got the idea that Katniss could ever end up with Gale, Peeta is such a sweet heart and clearly the right choice. Oh and also, I'm Team Katniss, she is the best. You will understand if you read The Girl Who Was on Fire, it really is an eye opener. Not to say that that all the essays will appeal to just everybody, there was one heavily on the science part that didn't interest me at all, but for the most part is so good.

January 2012:

All that I have said above? Completely true. Nonetheless, I have to add a bit more due to the new essays that the Movie Edition brings.

The essays are written by Diana Peterfreud (author of the killer unicorn series Rampant), Brent Hartinger (author of Geography Club) and Jackson Pearce (author of Sisters Red, Sweetly and Purity).

The one written by Diana is about Game Theory, and how it applies to The Hunger Games. It is very informative and interesting that is for sure. Maybe if my teachers taught me about the Game Theory with Hunger Games examples I would have learnt a bit more about it, or been more interested.

"Game Theory is not about games. It's about politics and psychology, war and strategy. For Katniss Everdeen, it is life and death, and in the end, everyone in Panem comes to learn that the only way to truly win the game is not to play at all."

Brent Hartinger's essay is basically on the simple question: "does the Mockingjay book suck or not?". It is his personal belief that the book wasn't as good as the others, it is my personal belief that I loved it. So it was interesting reading the other side of the coin. Brent does a very fine job indeed. He not only puts forward why he beliefs the book sucked and where he thinks things could have been done better, but he also speaks up for the people who loved the book and gives various reasons on why he would understand why the book would be loved (something about cynicism in his essay struck a cord with me).

"...there are two sides to the question of whether or not the book sucks. But there's also a third point of view to be considered: that there is some truth to both arguments. That Mockingjay might be flawed in some respects, but it's a bold and challenging work of fiction in others, specially the ending."

Last but not least is Jackson Pearce's essay. Her essay has to do with Gale, surprisingly. It has to do with how Gale is the knight, or cowboy if you prefer the men with boots and hats, of the series. He is willing to do whatever is necessary for the greater good, even if it interferes with what he wants the most as an individual (in this case this would be Katniss' love). To some degree I would agree with Jackson. Gale was never going to end with Katniss, we all knew that deep inside. Why? Well, you will have to read the essay to figure that out.

"All this time, Gale has been fighting not just for Katniss' heart, but for her safety, to create a world in which she and everyone else can be happy. And he wins -only he can't live in that world with her, because she can't forgive him for what he has done, things she has deemed to be evil."

This book is as close to the Hunger Games inner workings as you are going to get. It's like getting together with your friends and discussing the Hunger Games in great detail- only your friends in this case are inside the pages. You will enjoy every single second of the conversation, and after it is finished you will ask for seconds. That's when you get up, go to your best friend, and put this book in their hands. Only then will they be able to understand this love we have deep inside for The Hunger Games and why we keep trying to keep the world alive even though the series as long ended.

Long live The Hunger Games.

And now, for the giveaway...

Rules of the Giveaway:

1. Tell me if you are going to watch The Humger Games movie the very first day it is released and if you have read the book prior.

2. Be a Bloody Follower.

3. Leave an email so I can contact you silly!

Extra Points:

1. Refer a friend. If a person tells me you referred them to this blog, or to this review in particular, you get +1.

2. Link to this contest on sidebar. +2

3. Tweet it (@TaschimaCullen) (+1), Facebook it (Bloody Bookaholic Page) (+1), add me on Goodreads (+1), spread the word about this awesome book The Girl Who Was on Fire by Smart Pop Books!! (+1)

Number of winners: 1

This contest will end February 5th. US only. Good luck!

Have fun and don't kill each other kids.

The Hunger Games: New Promo Poster!

2012-01-19T16:49:00.000-08:00

IT LOOKS AMAZING!!

Who likes it?

Remember to enter my Good Bye 2011 contest! The Link is on the top, but you can also just click here and it will take you to the post. I have about 40 books to give away, who wants them?!

Review: My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent

2012-01-19T16:36:00.000-08:00

Title: My Soul to Take

Author: Rachel Vincent

Series: Soul Screamers

Book #: 1

Pages: 279

Reading Level: YA

Book Rating:

Goodreads Rating: 4.00

Published: Aug. 01, 2009

by Harlequin

She doesn't see dead people. She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next.

Taschima's POV:

I started this series because well everybody seem to fricking love it. I figured I should give it a shot.

I started with doubts because I didn't seem to get what would be interesting about a banshee, who's only power was to scream. Seriously. But I read it and while I didn't fall madly in love with it I can say that I picked up the second book right after, already finished it, and am in the process of reading the third. Holy cow. So yeah, it's addicting.

Kaylee, the main girl, is a pistol. She is strong and speaks her mind since the first few pages. She is my kind of girl. Nash is the main luve character. He is the athletic super star who seems to be inexplicably attracted to Kaylee. There's a good reason, don't worry. Also there is Tod, the dark reaper who doesn't give a shit about basically anything. Or so he makes you think. I liked Tod a lot in this book, he is just so much fun. The relationship between Tod and Nash is a... special kind of relationship. You'll see by the end of this book and I will discuss it further when I review My Soul to Save.

Overall I am still not impressed with the whole Banshee character thing. She screams!! Woohoo? I can't get over it still, but I do enjoy the adventure, the characters, and the overall plot. Plus the conversations between characters, specially when Tod is involved, are hilarious. Some people say the story gets even better after the third book, and I'm about to read that one right now. Maybe Kaylee will develop an awesome ability out of the fricking blue. Or she can leave Nash and go to Tod like any rational woman would... One can only hope.

Remember to enter my Good Bye 2011 contest! The Link is on the top, but you can also just click here and it will take you to the post. I have about 40 books to give away, who wants them?!

Book Expo America 2012 Registration as Editorial Media is now OPEN!!

2012-01-19T11:42:00.000-08:00

I registered! Can't wait for this year's Book Expo America! Who is registering? Go now!

More Info on BEA.

BEA is basically the most amazing book event of the year. Almost everybody is going to be there, including bloggers. This blogger is going with other blogger friends, who else is? Maybe we can meet.

Remember to enter my Good Bye 2011 contest! The Link is on the top, but you can also just click here and it will take you to the post. I have about 40 books to give away, who wants them?!

Review: The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton

2012-01-19T08:18:00.000-08:00

Title: The Faerie Ring

Author: Kiki Hamilton

Series: The Faerie Ring

Book #: 1

Pages: 352

Reading Level: YA

Book Rating: .3

Goodreads Rating: 4.00

Published: Sept. 27th, 2011

by Tor Teen

The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood—Tiki’s blood.

Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched—and protected—by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold, the Queen’s son, who is driven to know more about the mysterious mark that encircles her wrist.

Prince, pauper, and thief—all must work together to secure the treaty…

Taschima's POV:

This is really a book to read and a series to look out for. It was gripping, in the sense that I just really couldn't put it down. It's big, almost 400 pages, but they go by so quickly you wont see the ending coming. And the ending? Pretty all over the place for a minute there, but it seemed to work out. In my opinion anything that has faeries involved has to be a bit all over the place hehe

What I most enjoyed about this book was Tiki really. She is an orphan that can be a thieve in one moment and the next convert into this Cinderella kind of character. She is strong and she takes takes of herself, plus all her orphan brothers and sisters. The side characters were fine, though we don't get to see much of their past. The main three characters are Tiki, Prince Leo and Rieker. Rieker was a surprise! Everything that happened in his past... well I wasn't expecting it that's for sure. Prince Leo is this rich kid who has been in the dark for his whole life, and then when the ring goes missing he starts believing and starts searching for answers, at some times screwing some of the plans of our main characters.

Romance: It's there, it's sure there, I just wasn't a big fan. Kieker, Leo... Don't really care in that way for neither.

The faeries in The Faerie Ring aren't the nice faeries you find in places like The Iron King and other YA novels (I LOVE the Iron King, it's just an example). In this book the faeries basically want to take over our world and want us all dead. YAY! Basically as our world keeps growing and evolving theirs continues to shrink, and the only reason they haven't attacked before is because of the power of the ring. A ring Kiki stole by accident, not knowing who it belonged to, or the repercussions of never giving it back. Basically, Kiki starts being in mortal danger as soon as she touches that ring. Not that she knows it...

It was just such an enjoyable book. It had a lot of different aspects that anybody would be able to enjoy, I think you should all pick it up and give it a shot.

Remember to enter my Good Bye 2011 contest! The Link is on the top, but you can also just click here and it will take you to the post. I have about 40 books to give away, who wants them?!

13 Movies I Can't Wait For in 2012

2012-01-16T00:03:00.000-08:00

So I got the last issue of Entretainment Weekly and in it it had the "42 Movies We Can't Wait For". Out of those 42 movies I hand picked 12 movies I can't bloody wait for to come out this year. Then I added one that wasn't on the list (The Vow). I usually don't go to the cinema (who has the money these days?) but for these movies I would break the piggy bank and let the cinema rob me blind.

13. Great Expectations

No Trailer yet
Coming Out: Don't Know

One name. Helena Bonham Carter. That's enough for me to want to watch this movie. Helena is an amazing actress.

12. Mirror Mirror

Trailer
Coming Out: March 16th

I want to watch this one because I want to see how good Lily Collins is since she is going to be playing Clary in the movie adaptation of The City of Bones. Other than that I really think the other Snow White movie is going to kick more ass than this one- even if it has Kristen Stewart as Snow White.

11. Les Miserables

No Trailer Yet
Coming Out: December 7th

Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman in one movie. YES. Plus I've been interested in Les Miserables since I read Fracture by Megan Miranda (The characters go and see the play in the book).

10. The Perks of Being a Wallflower

No Trailer Yet
Coming Out: Don't Know

Emma Watson playing a character that is not Hermione Granger. I love Emma, I think she is a terrific actress, and so I shall watch this movie. I am really hoping its good.

09. Brave

Trailer
Coming Out: June 22nd

It's a new Disney film. The girl is a red head, she can work a bow and arrow, I believe there is also a horse involved.

08. Snow White & the Huntsman

Trailer
Coming Out: June 1st

The trailer looks KICK ASS. Just watch the trailer.

07. Dark Shadows

No Trailer Yet
Coming Out: May 11th

Tim Burton and Johnny Depp come together again. There's a vampire involved as well... but you had me at Tim Burton.

06. The Woman in Black

Trailer
Coming Out: February 3rd

Daniel Radcliffe trying something new. Not only that, but the movie looks like it will truly be creepy and worth my while! Been waiting for this one since last year. Watch the trailer please.

05. Men in Black 3

Trailer
Coming Out: May 25th

Men in Black is a classic. When I saw the title alone I was like "No, please don't fuck with this series, it's too good!" but then I saw the trailer and went "Holy sweet baby Jesus Batman I have to watch it!"

04. Underworld IV

Trailer
Coming Out: January 20

Same as with Men In Black. You see the IV and it's like Noooooo, but then I thought "At least I'll get to see Selene kick some more ass, and the premise seems interesting." The only thing worrying me about it is that I don't think Michael is going to be in this film. Where the fuck is Michael!?

03. The Vow

Trailer
Coming Out: February 10th

Rachel McAdams is my favorite actress. I loved her on mean Girls, on The Notebook, on Morning Glory, The Time Traveler's Wife... She plays a lot of different characters and she nails them every single time. The guy is also pretty hot, I liked him in Step Up. But I'm mostly watching it for her and the story.

02. The Hobbit

Trailer
Coming Out: December 14

Who, who isn't waiting for this amazing movie? I could watch and re watch Lord of the Rings about a hundred times. When I saw the trailer for this movie... It was the happiest day of my life. Can't wait to see my old pal Magneto again =D

01. The Hunger Games

Trailer
Coming Out: March 23

Shall I go on? I think I shall. When I read The Hunger Games I basically thought it was the best dystopian novel I have ever read. It still is. The movie had me worried, it really did, because let's be honest not many movies made out of books give them justice. But this movie? Holy crap. For once the casting was dead on (my only complaint was Cinna), the trailer looked amazing, and I really think they are going to do the book justice! It's like a dream coming true in theaters near you.

There you have it, the 13 movies I can't wait to watch (by number of importance). I probably left off some other major ones, but this list seems to sum it up pretty well I believe. Which ones are your "can't wait for" films? Out of this list? Out of your own list? Tell me it, I may add some other titles to my gold list.

Remember to enter my Good Bye 2011 contest! The Link is on the top, but you can also just click here and it will take you to the post. I have about 40 books to give away, who wants them?!

I started reading My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent

2012-01-14T17:21:00.000-08:00

And I have decided I already like this main girl (Kaylee). This is what made me like her:

"What do you want from me?" I spat it out before I could change my mind.

Nash's eyes changed in surprise, and he sat back hard against the passenger's side door, as if I'd shoved him. "I just... Nothing."

"You want nothing?" I wanted to see the deep greens and browns of his irises, but the beam from the nearest streetlight didn't reach my car, so only the dim light from my dashboard shone on him, and it wasn't enough to illuminate his face. To let me truly read his expression. "I can count the number of times we've really spoken before tonight on one hand." I held that hand up for empahsis. "Then you come out of nowhere and play white knight to my distressed damsel, and I'm Supposed to believe you want nothing in return? Nothing to tell your friends about on Monday?"

He tried to laugh, but the sound was stilted, and he shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I wouldn't -"

"Save it. Rumor has it you've conquered more territory than Ghenghis Khgan."

A single dark brow rose in the shadows, challenging me. "You believe everything you hear?"
My eyebrow shot up to mirror his. "You denyin' it?"

She was at a club with her best friend just dancing and stuff and Nash decides to talk to her for some reason I am sure we will find out soon enough, and as she was giving him a ride back home this convo occurred. I like her because she didn't just count her lucky stars that the popular guy in school decided to finally pay attention to her, she just flat out confronted him. Which is in my book pretty awesome cause I was just expecting her to be all "woohooo and I don't really care why he finally decided to talk to me lalalalala".

Remember to enter my Good Bye 2011 contest! The Link is on the top, but you can also just click here and it will take you to the post. I have about 40 books to give away, who wants them?!

Smart Pop Books: This Week's Smart Pop Essays

2012-01-14T09:31:00.000-08:00

My Three Dads
By Miellyn Fitzwater // on Gilmore Girls

Who's your daddy? The guy who cheers you on at your soccer games? The man who helps you with your homework? Your mother’s boyfriend? The sperm donor? TV doesn’t have just one answer anymore.

No way does Rory Gilmore need a dad to make her single parent home any sweeter. She’s got a kick-ass mom who can be her best friend one minute, watching classic movies and eating junk food, and seamlessly switching to the super cool, understanding, and supportive parent the next. At first glance this family unit of two is a perfect little insulated world. But upon closer… read more »

Available until next Monday

Lisbeth Salander, Hacker

By Bernadette Schell // on the Millennium Trilogy

The word hacker has taken on many different meanings ranging from a person who enjoys learning the details of computer systems and how to stretch their capabilities to a malicious or inquisitive meddler who tries to discover information by poking around, possible by deceptive or illegal means.

—Steele et al,The Hacker Dictionary1

I became interested in hackers in 2000, when I was part of a university research team determined to summarize the personality and social behavioral traits of computer hackers and separate the myths from reality. Our team, consisting of two professors and two students, wanted to understand whether… read more »

Available until next Tuesday

A View From the Bench

By Judge John Tatro // on Crank and Glass

I’ve been a judge for fourteen years and I’ve presided over both civil and criminal cases. Since I started, I have seen the number of methamphetamine-related criminal cases rise dramatically. In the beginning, I would see one or two cases a month. Now, there isn’t a day that goes by when I’m not dealing with at least one person, typically between eighteen and twenty-five years old, who is addicted to methamphetamine.… read more »

Available until next Wednesday

By Christy Marx // on the X-Men

Before the X-Men came along, I wanted to grow up to be the Batman. I was devouring DC Comics at the time, the only large publisher around. My parents worried about me. It was the era of Fredric Wertham and his anti-comics crusade, the original blame-the-fillinthemediahere scapegoater. Worse yet, I was a girl, a little Midwestern girl in an average Midwestern town in an average middle-class family, and I had this … obsession.

I was obsessed with comic books. Not only comics, actually, but the entire sequential storytelling medium, a big name for what I only knew as comics and… read more »

Available until next Friday

I am in no way affiliated with Smart Pop Books, I just thought you guys might enjoy all this and I get their newsletter so =]

Remember to enter my Good Bye 2011 contest! The Link is on the top, but you can also just click here and it will take you to the post. I have about 40 books to give away, who wants them?!

The Best cover of 2011 Was...

2012-01-14T09:06:00.000-08:00

I am surprised! I thought that for sure Across the Universe, Clockwork Prince, or The Iron Knight were going to win. But Wither one, it's a very pretty cover though... Why do you think this one won over the others?

Anyways, remember to vote on the poll to the left for January's best cover!

Remember to enter my Good Bye 2011 contest! The Link is on the top, but you can also just click here and it will take you to the post. I have about 40 books to give away, who wants them?!

What is YOUR opinion? On...

2012-01-13T08:14:00.000-08:00

The Soul Screamers series.

My Soul to Take

I kind of started reading it today because I finished Fracture by Megan Miranda (waiting for January 30th for the review, part of the tour and I will also be giving the book away -you want the book BELIEVE ME, SO GOOD). I think I have the entire series and I have been shying away from reading for a long time because:

1. A girl that screams when she is close to death? Whats the lure in that? What is so awesome about screaming your head off when you are near death? Lacks the allure for me.

2. It is a very popular series. That means I am afraid of being all dissapointed by it. What if it isn't as good as everybody makes it to be?

3. Again, the premise, seriously? What exactly is supposed to make me excited about a GIRL SCREAMING!?

Anyways, those are my points. The first book has a beautiful reddish cover (my favorite color) so the cover isn't the problem. I just want to know what you guys, the people who have read it, what do you like about the series? Is it good? And to the people who want to read it, why do you want to read it? What is so awesome about The Soul Screamers series?

If you have any reviews on My Soul to Take feel free to shamelessly post your reviews on comments. I think reviews would be very good indeed.

Remember to enter my Good Bye 2011 contest! The Link is on the top, but you can also just click here and it will take you to the post. I have about 40 books to give away, who wants them?!

Would You Read Me? Don't Judge a Book By It's Cover (6)

2012-01-12T16:21:00.000-08:00

Starting fresh on 2012!

Last Year's Book Was...

A marvelous and dangerous looking cover. Not pretty, but strong and imposing in a sense. I love it. I think it plays on the "red-riding-hood" story a bit, or that is what I think of when I see this girl in red with a cross bow anyways.

After seeing this cover, how many of you have changed your minds? Would you read it?

On to the next one then!

Let's play another little game shall we? I am going to give you guys a summary of a book that may or may not sound good (you be the judge) but I am not going to give you an image to accompany the book. This way we can find out if you would read it or not even if the image of the book sucks a lot.

In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.

When Zoe starts to malfunction (or "glitch"), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.

As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

So, now, all you have to do is say if you would read it or not!

(Yes or no will suffice if you don't wanna write a lot)

Next Wednesday I will post a new summary with no image,

I will also post the cover and book information of this week.

PS; If you know the name, image or whatever of this book do not say anything. Don't give any sort of information away please.

PPS; Remember to enter my Good Bye 2011 contest! The Link is on the top, but you can also just click here and it will take you to the post. I have about 40 books to give away, who wants them?!

Teaser Tuesday: Fracture by Megan Miranda

2012-01-10T18:15:00.000-08:00

Hardcover, 264 pages
Expected publication: January 17th 2012
by Walker & Company

"Decker's dark hair hung in his eyes, and purple circles stretched down toward his cheekbones. I'd never seen him so pale, so hollow. His gaze finally landed on me.

"You look like crap," I said, trying to smile.

He didn't smile back. He collapsed on the other side of my bed and sobbed. Big, body-shaking sobs. His bandaged fingers clutched at my sheets with every sharp intake of breath.

Decker was not a crier. In fact, the only time I'd seen him cry since it became socially unacceptable for a boy to be seen crying was when he broke his arm sliding into home plate freshman year. And that was borderline acceptable. He did, after all, have a bone jutting out of his skin. And he did, after all, score the winning run, which cancelled out the crying."

That's it. I am on page 89 right now, the plot is advancing slowly, but the relationship between Decker and Delaney is keeping me well entertained. There seems to be a secret where Delaney is concerned, something that has to do with why she survived under water for 11 minutes but alas we haven't find out that yet (not like I would tell you anyways, no spoilers!). I am really liking this read, wish it advanced a bit faster, but I still really like it!

PS;Remember to enter my Good Bye 2011 contest! The Link is on the top, but you can also just click here and it will take you to the post. I have about 40 books to give away, who wants them?!

I started reading Fracture by Megan Miranda

2012-01-08T20:47:00.000-08:00

...and I already love the main character's best friend, Decker. I don't care is he doesn't turn out to be the main love interest, he stole my heart in the first 10 pages. It's pretty early on so I think I will share. Basically the main character girl, Delaney, goes under the freezing water, and has been in a coma for 6 days from which everybody thought she would never wake up, but then she does and the first thing she basically says is "Where's Decker?" because the last thing she saw was Decker running over to her to help her. She was under the water for 11 minutes, under the freezing lake water. And once she awakes Decker runs over to the room, sees she is awake, and just starts sobbing next to her. This big athletic guy just sobs his ass off. This is where I decided that I absolutely loved him. I love when you feel instant connections with your characters, don't you? Has this ever happened to you? Like, you instantly love a character? Fictional love at first read?

PS;Remember to enter my Good Bye 2011 contest! The Link is on the top, but you can also just click here and it will take you to the post. I have about 40 books to give away, who wants them?!

The Hunger Games: Predictions: Song Placement.

2012-01-08T09:36:00.000-08:00

*Potential Spoiler zone for those who have yet to read The Hunger Games, first book, if such a person actually exists*

If it were up to you where would you place the song Safe & Sound in the movie? Two scenes that seem to be pretty big where this song could be put on are the scene where Rue dies, and the, you guessed it, cave scene where Katniss is trying to nurse Peeta back to life. Both seem to be pretty good places to put the song, but they both also have their problems...

In the scene where Rue dies Katniss sings her own song to Rue, a song that is then picked up by the Mockingjays because let's face it Katniss' singing is amazing. On the other hand the lyrics of this song seem to be perfect for the scene:

Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be alright
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound

But I know for a fact that Jennifer Lawrence is actually singing Rue's Lullaby. The article is here and here. So yeah, that's that.

The scene with Peeta also seems to be a good place to put it on, if not the best since Jennifer is actually singing Rue's Lullaby. The only wrong with it though is that the song seems very hopeful, and I don't know about that. But yeah, if I were to place it anywhere, it would be on the cave scene.

What do you think? Is there any other scene that this song would most likely be placed on? I'd love to hear your predictions!

Here's the song again for your enjoyment.

PS;Remember to enter my Good Bye 2011 contest! The Link is on the top, but you can also just click here and it will take you to the post. I have about 40 books to give away, who wants them?!

Question of the Day: What's With the .5 Book Trend?

2012-01-07T08:58:00.000-08:00

Lately I have seen so many 3.5, 5.5, 1.5, or just plain .5 books. They don't even called them novellas any more, it's just a small book between books. It's the new trend. I think the first of saw of these was Winter's Passage by Julie Kagawa. This was the 1.5 book between The iron King and The Iron Daughter, but that one I could completely understand. It made sense, it showed the journey back to the Winter Court and it wasn't put on The Iron Daughter cause then the later book would have been too freaking long.

But right now it just seems like something to do, not a necessary thing. Everybody is doing it because, well, everybody is doing it. Some examples of the .5 books:

5.5

3.5

2.5

There are many, many more where these came from.

My question is,

Do you think these books are necessary?

PS;Remember to enter my Good Bye 2011 contest! The Link is on the top, but you can also just click here and it will take you to the post. I have about 40 books to give away, who wants them?!

Cover Winner of December; New covers for January

2012-01-04T16:24:00.000-08:00

The votes are in, and our winner is...

You all already know that this one won, it's just how the post goes. Bear, with me. This is a fantastic cover, of the likes of City of Bones, she really hit the jackpot with her covers. Have you guys seen the cover reveal of City of Lost Souls? You probably have, but I'm still revealing it!

I think this is my favorite cover of the entire series, both the old series and new series.

Breakdown Time:

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare - 60 (49%)

Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey - 26 (21%)

Illuminated by Erica Orloff - 21 (17%)

The Secret Sisterhood of Heatbreakers by Lynn Weingarten - 10 (8%)

Kiss Crush Collide by Christina Meredith - 4 (3%)

Votes so far: 121

January Contenders

Click on the cover and it will send you to it's Goodreads page.

As always the voting in on the left sidebar, remember to vote! I have Incarnate and Fracture on my possession right now, can't wait to start them! I also made a slideshow (it's on the top of the page) with only January 2012 releases. It shows the date the books are released as well. You welcome.

PS; All of these covers, and many many more, you can find at Bloody Bookaholic's Facebook Page. Check it out and you are welcome to "like" it.

Remember to enter my Good Bye 2011 contest! The Link is on the top, but you can also just click here and it will take you to the post. I have about 40 books to give away, who wants them?!

Top 10 "Must-Have-Read" Books of 2011

2011-12-30T08:33:00.000-08:00

These are books I really should have read in 2011!

1. Divergent by Veronica Roth

Everybody keeps saying how ridiculously good it is, and I just about had it. I must get it NOW.

2. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

3. Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

4. The Pledge by Kimberly Deting

5. Supernaturally by Kiersten White

6. Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst

Goodreads page

7. Beautiful Days by Anna Godbersen

8. Lost Voices by Sarah Porter

9. Dearly Departed by Lia Habel

10. The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark, Carol Goodman

So there they are, some of the books I wished I'd read on 2011. Which are yours?

Remember to enter my Good Bye 2011 contest! The Link is on the top, but you can also just click here and it will take you to the post. I have about 40 books to give away, who wants them?!

Top 10 Books of 2011

2011-12-29T12:02:00.000-08:00

You know what I just noticed? I didn't read as many books as I would have liked this year. I have like 55 reviews, I read about one book a week, and I re-read some favourites (Like The Hunger Games series, Harry Potter, and Vampire Academy) but when it comes to brand new books? I'm falling short. I will try to change that next year. I will make myself a self challenge. I want to read 100 books next year. Hopefully, I will be able to do this. Maybe for next year the goal can be 2 books per week. 2 reviews a week. That sounds fair.

Anyways, this is my Top 10 YA Books, that I read, of 2011 list!

1. Delirium by Lauren Oliver

"I love Delirium. Page after page I became entranced with the story, captivated by the characters, stupefied by the society, and baffled that anybody would prefer to live a life full of emptiness instead of living a life that although at times its sure to be painful it also holds the key to a world of wonderful possibilities like never before."

Let's make it simple, I absolutely loved this book. It was everything I didn't know I needed at the time.

2. Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

"I don't want to give too much away, last thing I'm going to add is Vampire Academy fans don't be scared!!! Richelle delivered!!! Bloodlines passed all fire tests with flying colors. You will all enjoy it!"

Bloodlines was a bit terrifying to go into. Being a fan of Vampire Academy, I really didn't want it to bomb... and it didn't!! Everything was good, specially the ending :P

3. The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

"The Iron Knight was the cherry on top of the sublime journey that was The Iron Fey series. The Iron Queen is one of the most perfect and heart breaking endings. I loved how everything went down, but we all knew it couldn't end like that. We are romantics and while a sad ending like that might have been poetic we are all deep inside looking for that happy ending. That is what The Iron Knight is for, to give us closure and make us live happily ever after along with our favourite characters."

The Iron Knight!! A much needed happily ever after.

4. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

"Shatter Me was definitely addicting. The novel was, new and refreshing and great. The writing was my favourite part!"

This was the year for Dystopian novels. I swear, I read more Dystopian novels than Vampire novels, something needs to be done. I miss vampires.

5. Legend by Marie Lu

"You know, there have been a heck of a lot of dystopian novels out there these days. It seems like every single last book I've read is a dystopian novel (don't blame me, blame my TBR pile). And out of all of them, I think Legend was my absolute favourite, and that is all thanks to the characters (I am a character driven girl, if I like the characters, and the plot line is decent, you have me)."

Another dystopian ;)

6. One Grave at a Time by Jeaniene Frost

"I love this series, and this book was as great as the last one. Even though it looked, sounded, and read as a special Halloween episode it still served a purpose on the grand scheme of the series. It laid a base for a future new plot. It was needed, it's not one of those books written for the sake of selling it and prolonging the series, it is needed in order to move ON the series into better greener and deadlier pastures. And hey, you get to see Cat, Bones, Spades, Ian, the kitty, and the whole gang one more time, so who's complaining?!"

Jeaniene Frost is one of my favourite authors ever. The first novel in the series is Halfway to the Grave, it's an amazing series and don't really know how to stress how good it is. Read it, you'll thank me later.

7. Glow by Amy Ryan

"Glow... was amazing. It captures your attention in the first page and before you know it you are on page 50!! I got so freaking frustrated with their circumstances at times! It was like how are they going to survive? What is going to happen? So you just keep reading, and reading... It definitely did NOT disappoint."

I am surprised that I enjoyed Glow more than Across the Universe, but alas I did. Across the Universe made the Top 12 YA Covers of the year, but it did not make this list.

8. The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

"I would like to say that this book SURPRISED the hell out of me. I ENJOYED THIS BOOK. And I am not afraid to admit it."

I'm surprised this book made it to the top 10, but after looking at my list of books I read I figured that this one is one of the ones I most enjoyed. So be it.

9. Lover Unleashed by J. R. Ward

I haven't even reviewed this one yet, but I read it a long time ago. the Black Dagger Brotherhood series is one of my favourite adult series, and Lover Unleashed did not disappoint.

10. Bunheads by Sophie Flack

"I thought that Bunheads was an extraordinary ride through the real world of ballet. You get to see the ups and downs, and by the end there seemed to be no way for a normal, simple, perfect happy ever after. I liked that, it made the novel that much real because I wanted the main character to be a star, but I also wanted her to live her life. I really liked that the novel had a realistic ring to it! It seemed a little autobiographical, and after I finished the novel I just wanted to talk to the author about her real life experience."

Bunheads was very unexpected. I usually don't go for books that have no supernatural or dystopian qualities, but this one surprised me. It's really enjoyable!

Well, that is my list of my top 10 books I read in 2011. Which are yours?

Top 12 YA Covers of 2011

2011-12-28T07:52:00.000-08:00

Through the year I did a monthly poll asking you guys which was the best cover of that month. Well, the numbers are in and so now we have all 12 BEST YA covers of 2011! According to you, my dear awesome followers :)

Top YA Covers of 2011

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

It's like one amazing image after the next! So, which one is THE BEST? Well, I do not know, so in order to find out which one is the very best I will make a poll to the left and YOU can choose the very Best Cover of 2011.

Is there any other cover, not shown here, that you think should be mentioned? Leave it in a comment! I don't know, but I have a feeling that 2012 is going to have even better covers, which will make it far more difficult for us readers to choose just one. But I guess if all the covers are gorgeous, then we could spend more time looking at the summaries, yes?

Also, remember to enter my Good Bye 2011 contest! The Link is on the top, but you can also just click here and it will take you to the post. I have about 40 books to give away, who wants them?!

Good Bye 2011 Contest- Win 40 Books!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-12-27T09:06:00.000-08:00

Last year I did the end of the year contest, and so I decided to go at it again! This is becoming a tradition here at Bloody Bookaholic, holding end of the year contests. I will most likely also do it next year, and it always involves big wins. I have 40 books o give away, anybody want to give them a home?

Saying Good Bye To 2011

They are all up for grabs! Who wants them!!??

I was thinking of doing 3 winners, winner number 1 will get 20 books, winner number 2 will get 15 books, and winner number 3 will get 5 books. Not too shabby I may say. The winner will be chosen by Randomizer, the more points you get though the more entries you get, and the more possibility you have to be the winner!

In order to enter, required:

1. You must love books.

2. You must be a follower. Please make sure that the Show Sites I Follow is checked on your Blogger Profile so I can make sure that you are following.

3. You must fill out *The Form*Don't leave me comments with links to your posts or your emails, the form takes care of all of that! Remember, You must to fill out the from in order to be entered in the contest!!

4. Leave a comment on this post, perhaps your opinion on which was the best book of 2011 and/or any books you are looking forward to in 2012.

-Extra Ways to Win Points-

1. Follow me at Twitter (@TaschimaCullen), or Tumblr (bloodybookaholic.tumblr.com/), you can also friend me at Goodreads (www.goodreads.com/taschimacullen), or subscribe to my blog!

If there are any other ways that I forgot mention it =] (+1 for each)

2. Tweet about the contest +1

3. Contest Link on Sidebar +2

6. Put the awesome Bloody Bookaholic Button on your sidebar! +3

7. Community Service = Make a post and let others know +5

8. Comment on posts from here onward. (+1 for each comment)

I do not accept SPAM.

Some of these extra entries are available when you fill out the form, the other ones (the comments) I will keep a notebook and add the extra points there.

*You will get points for commenting* This little idea was first introduced at my fellow affiliate's blog Teens Read and Write. Since I really enjoy reading what you guys gotta say I decided to do this too. It gives you more chances to win so why not? You will get +1 point for each comment, and I do not appreciate SPAM. Refer to #8 on the Extra Points.

You have till February 3rd at 11:59 to sign up and win.

International!! GO FOR IT! And above all, have fun!!

PS; On the left bar there is a poll going on for The Best cover of 2011. Please vote for the best cover! Good Luck!

*May be subject to change

The Hunger Games Movie Official Soundtrack!!! Taylor Swift's Song: Safe and Sound

2011-12-23T09:14:00.000-08:00

I love The Hunger Games, and I love Taylor Swift, so put those two things together and what comes out?

Complete awesomeness!!!!

Listen to Taylor, just listen to her... OMG IT's REALLY AWESOME!!! I mean, it's very different from what Taylor usually does, but I think it totally goes with the tone of the movie, and the books. It just makes sense, and the way they deliver the song is so heartfelt... I can't wait for the full soundtrack.

The song also features The Civil Wars.

Here's the Facebook Page for the music.

Did you like it?!

Here are the lyrics:

I remember tears streaming down your face
When I said, I'll never let you go
When all those shadows almost killed your light
I remember you said, Don't leave me here alone
But all that's dead and gone and passed tonight

Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be alright
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound

Everything's on fire
The war outside our door keeps raging on
Hold onto this lullaby
Even when the music's gone

Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be alright
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound

Just close your eyes
You'll be alright
Come morning light,
You and I'll be safe and sound...

PS; My repeat button is going to HATE me today...

Summary and Back of The Girl in the Clockwork Collar Novel has been revealed, as well as who the mysterious girl in the cover is...

2011-12-22T12:01:00.000-08:00

I now know who the girl in the Clockwork Collar cover is! Harlequin Teen just released an exclusive look at the back cover and inside flap of the novel The Girl in the Clockwork Collar for their Facebook fans, and I happen to be one of them *grins*

Here's the summary:

So I am guessing...

This is Mei! And the clockwork collar around her neck isn't an accessory, nor is it a fashion statement, it's just what's slowly killing her! And here I thought Jasper was starting to have the hots for Emily...

Enjoy the summary :) And if you wish to become one of Harlequin Teen's fans just click here and "like" their page!

Would You Read Me? Don't Judge a Book By It's Cover (5)

2011-12-21T14:15:00.000-08:00

Last Last Week's Book Was...

Here's a post by Beth Ravis on the title.

Hardcover, 336 pages

Expected publication: April 24th 2012

by HarperTeen

Beautiful cover!!!! Love love love it! And the summary sounds very interesting as well. Most of you said that you would read it, and just some were unsure. After seeing this cover, how many of you have changed your minds? Would you read it?

On to the next one then!

I have a very good one this Wednesday...

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

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?

So, now, all you have to do is say if you would read it or not!

(Yes or no will suffice if you don't wanna write a lot)

Next Wednesday I will post a new summary with no image,

I will also post the cover and book information of this week.

PS; If you know the name, image or whatever of this book do not say anything. Don't give any sort of information away please.

PPS; Please vote on the poll to your left, they only have about 5 days left! Thank you ^^

US VS Germany; Hourglass by Myra McEntire

2011-12-21T10:25:00.000-08:00

Myra McEntire just showed us the german cover for Hourglass, and I instantly liked it, even though If I had to choose I would choose the U.S. one. I was wondering which one would you prefer?

US - GERMAN

Goodreads page

Hardcover, 400 pages

Published June 14th 2011

by Egmont USA

Things I like about the U.S. cover:

The "defying gravity" quality. Look at her hair!
The girl they choose; she is blonde as the main character in the story is.
The purple wallpaper and hard wood floors!!! (Interior Design junkie)
The font Hourglass is written in.
Did I mention the girl is freaking defying gravity?!

Things I like about the German cover:

How white it looks, it's very peaceful and captures your eyes.
The butterflies flying away!
The girl's dress; I kind of want it.
The pose of the girl; plus the girl is very pretty ^^

And even though I like these things about the German cover I still think the U.S. one represents the story better. My eyes still can't look away from those butterflies though...

What about you? Which one do you prefer?

Cover Revealed!!! The Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross

2011-12-21T09:50:00.000-08:00

There's definitely a different girl in the cover, wonder why they changed the girl, and who exactly is this one supposed to be? I don't know, but I really like the purple and the Steampunk collar (my favourite thing about the cover). After the beautiful cover of The Girl in the Steel Corset it was going to be pretty hard to top that one off, but this one didn't do half bad.

Do you like it? Are you excited about this novel? =D

PS; Hello! Could you do me a favor? Vote on the poll to your left, Which Book Shall I Read next? Thank you!

The Hobbit has a Trailerrrr!!!

2011-12-20T21:09:00.000-08:00

I am so totally interrupting the normal broadcast to bring you some AMAZING news. The Hobbit has a trailer!! AND WE SHALL ALL WATCH IT. Why Taschima? Because Lord of the Rings is the best Trilogy this world has ever seen and will ever see, yes in my eyes is better than Star Wars. STAR fricking WARS! SO yeah, if you want me to have even an ounce of respect towards your persona and your taste in awesome movies I suggest you watch this trailer. I would prefer if you did it now.

I am totally geeking out right now, I know it, you know it. I think my neighbors a few buildings down knows it. Can't help it!

Review: Fateful by Claudia Gray

2011-12-20T20:57:00.000-08:00

Title: Fateful
Author: Claudia Gray
Series: STAND ALONE
Book #: Only One :')
Pages: 356
Reading Level: YA
Book Rating: .5
Goodreads Rating: 4.01
Published: Sept. 13th, 2011
by Harper Collins

In Fateful, eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, overbearing family she works for. Once the ship they’re sailing on reaches the United States, she’ll strike out on her own. Then she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets...

Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec’s past truly is. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves are real and they’re stalking him—and now Tess, too. Her growing love for Alec will put Tess in mortal peril, and fate will do the same before their journey on the Titanic is over.

Featuring the opulent backdrop of the Titanic, Fateful’s publication is poised to coincide with the 100-year anniversary of the ship’s doomed maiden voyage. It is sure to be a hit among Titanic buffs and fans of paranormal romance alike.

Taschima's POV:

While containing no real substance this novel serves as a guilty pleasure who lets you further explore the danger and allure of the Titanic in a never before attempted setting- through a supernatural scope. Who knew werewolves and housemaids were battling for their lives long before the ship ever dared to sink?

While everything in the book isn't strictly true to reality (there's an author's note at the end of the novel that says as much; she might have created some personnel and stuff like that; it's based on the historical moment but the characters and some of the things in the ship are a bit made up) the novel is still enjoyable and you can intensely feel the desperation of those last few hours on the ship, which really is the big allure from a story that shows such a terrible historical moment. Just as the main character was running around all over trying to save the people she loved the most I was clutching my pillow, biting into it, and hoping like hell she at least get so save a few of them(fair warning though, the sinking part of the story doesn't last as much as you might otherwise prefer; It's no Titanic -the movie-).

As for the characters, I was not impressed. The main guy (Alec; love this name) was okay, interesting, but nothing really out of the ordinary. He is rich, he is cute, and he is a werewolf. The main girl (Tess), is poor, a house-maiden to a rich in status yet poor family, and a little too bland for my taste. I only really started taking a liking to her in the last few pages, when she finally started showing some spunk, but by then it was a little more than half the novel. The two character's romance though was very enjoyable, and is what made me keep reading through the first part of the novel. It may have been a little cliched, but it still pulls at the heart strings all the same. Even the dialogue at times made me roll my eyes a little (believe in yourself; you can do this; etc etc- the message felt like it was being fed down our throats). Overall the stories of the characters we're a bit too cliched and expected, nothing really caught you off guard, but you still manage to care a bit about the likable characters all the same- well, enough not to want them dead at least *grins*.

There was also some other things, something about an evil Brotherhood who wants to rule the world with it's werewolf members -wasn't fully developed, all we really know from it is what we know from the main evil guy (Mikhail) who is really annoying, and kind of scary -I dislike him very much.

I read the book in two sittings, so I really did enjoy it, I just think that it could have been better, the werewolf part of the story could have been more developed, and the Tess could have grown a spine a little bit earlier in the story. That's all.

PS; It is a stand alone, but there were a lot of questions left unanswered, things to do with the Brotherhood, the main characters' future... I think the book works as a stand alone though, I guess the rest is left to the readers imagination.

Status Update

Cover Revealed: Once (Eve #2) by Anna Carey

2011-12-19T17:40:00.000-08:00

Once by Anna Carey

Hardcover, 320 pages

Expected publication: July 3rd 2012

by HarperCollins

Sixteen years have passed since a deadly virus wiped out most of the Earth’s population. After learning of the terrifying part she and her classmates were fated to play in the rebuilding of New America, eighteen-year-old Eve fled to the wilds and Califia, a haven for women determined to live outside the oppressive rule of the king of New America. However, her freedom came at a price: she was forced to leave Caleb, the boy she loves, wounded and alone at the city gates. Eve quickly learns that Califia may not be as safe as it seems and soon finds herself in the City of Sand and the palace of the king. There she uncovers the real reason he was so intent on her capture, and the unbelievable role he intends her to fill. When she is finally reunited with Caleb, they will enact a plan as daring as it is dangerous. But will Eve once again risk everything—her freedom, her life—for love?

Brimming with danger and star-crossed romance, and featuring a vivid dystopian landscape, this electrifying follow-up to Eve, which bestselling author Lauren Kate called “a gripping, unforgettable adventure—and a fresh look at what it means to love” is sure to appeal to fans who crave the high-stakes adventure of The Hunger Games and the irresistible love story of Romeo and Juliet.

Pretty cover, I really like the colors, as to the story agh, I don't know. Sounds... Blah. The first one was a bit disappointing, but I just gotta read this one to know if it will get better or just plain worse. What I really want to know is why the king wants Eve, some special reason with her DNA? Or does he just want her cause he thinks she is some kind of a hot piece of ass?

Oh us readers, we gotta do what we gotta do; the lengths we have to go to find the truth!

Review: Legend by Marie Lu

2011-12-19T07:03:00.000-08:00

Title: Legend
Author: Marie Lu
Series: Legend
Book #: 1
Pages: 305
Reading Level: YA
Book Rating:
Goodreads Rating: 4.12
Published: Nov. 29th, 2011
by Putnam Juvenile

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

Taschima's POV:

The only thing I am not completely positive about that summary is the romance part, cause the book definitely has the romance, but it isn't the main thing about it, nor is it what makes it so awesome.

You know, there have been a heck of a lot of dystopian novels out there these days. It seems like every single last book I've read is a dystopian novel (don't blame me, blame my TBR pile). And out of all of them, I think Legend was my absolute favourite, and that is all thanks to the characters (I am a character driven girl, if I like the characters, and the plot line is decent, you have me).

I was a little weary going in because of all the "buzz" this novel has had. But it seems the buzz was well deserved. There were times when I actually had to step away from the novel to digest what had just happened, to say it didn't go the way I was expecting is to put it mildly. I think in the whole novel I only guessed one thing of the outcome, and it hurt.

Day. Oh Day. I love you Day. I haven't been able to say this to any other boy character in a while, they have just been lacking. But Day is something else. He is the most wanted criminal, not the most dangerous, the most wanted. June thinks that this distinction is very important, and I do too. Because Day is not wanted because he is evil and just kills at a whim, he likes to mess with the society and make them look stupid. That is why he is the most wanted. He is also so very cocky, in this department he reminds me of Jace in The Mortal Instruments, he just knows the effect he can have on the ladies, and he ain't shy about it. But he is just the right amount of cocky that doesn't make you want to puke but you find charming. He also would do just about anything for his family, and a little orphan girl he picked up in the street, her name is Tess. He is also very very smart, and funny on his own way, and strong, and agile, and and and... I love him!! I think I have a crush guys.

June is the girl main character. The chapters go from June to Day, and how they switch the voices is pretty clever. June and Day are very much alike in how they think and stuff because they are both very very smart, even though they come about it in different ways, so when yo go from one chapter to the next the colours of the words change, June's chapters are black words and Day's are golden words. It's pretty cool. More than this differentiates the characters though, as you will learn when you read the novel.
Anyways, I like June because she is a very calculating, very smart, and clever girl. Even though she isn't very warm, but she knows what she wants and who she is. Also in the beginning she took the government's word, but by the middle you can see her hesitation in doing this and so she starts investigating on her own accord. Plus she is like 15 and the smartest kid around in this book (besides Day) so it's kind of intimidating. Her and Day make a great team, but will they make a great couple? That's up to the next novel to decide, I'm still not positive. In my mind I think Day should just come home to me and I'll make him happy, but oh well *sigh*

The extra characters I liked where Metia's (I was so so sad when he died), June's brother, and Tess, Day's orphan girl. They just brought something else into the mix, they made pieces of the main characters personalities shine, and I appreciate them for that.

Let's see, let's come up with at least one annoying thing about the novel... Oh, the names. I had to get used to June and Day (the names not the characters). It just didn't click for me at first, such mundane names for two very special teenagers, but I got used to it.

I could say so much more lovely things about Day, and the setting of the story. The government, as always in dystopian novels, has something up it's sleeves, and in this novel we uncover this fact, we don't know what exactly they have planned though, not yet, left to the next novel (which I will buy and read and take to the nearest church so I can marry Day, you can marry a fictional character in the U.S. right?). It's worth it, so worth it, read it!

Status Update

Because I just Can't get Enough of The Hunger Games...

2011-12-16T14:31:00.000-08:00

These are a bunch of Hunger Games related images I found while on Tumblr. I believe they are amazing, so I had to show you guys!!

Soooo true!! Why Prim? WHY?!

"I'm sexy and I know it"

I am officially on a Hunger Games hiiiiigh.

If you guys would like more Hunger Games images I made this new Tumblr for this blog actually in where I will be posting images related to books, and quotes from books I read at the time.

Check it out.

OH, and the most amazing YET is this next one:

How has this scene been even done yet? I mean, I dont think it's from another movie, as I said I found these images on Tumblr so I have no idea where they come from, but it just looks so freaking real. It's too dead on!

Reblogged the images from here, and here.

Which is your favorite?

The Hunger Games: An Even Better Poster!!

2011-12-16T11:40:00.000-08:00

IMDB page

Facebook Page

You thought it couldn't get any better, but then they somehow seem to manage to make even more amazing posters!!

This will be my new background image until they make another poster that rocks even more.

News of the Day: Beth Revis: Across the Universe book 3 title revealed!

2011-12-15T09:12:00.000-08:00

It seems the title was going to be revealed on the A Million Suns book, but for some reason they also revealed it on their Facebook page. Thus kind of killing the surprise, but oh well, helped us know the title!

Link to their Facebook page.

Are you anxiously waiting for A Million Suns? What do you think of the series?

It's CRUNCH time!

2011-12-13T18:18:00.000-08:00

There's 18 days left of December, and I only have 1 final left. It's this friday. After that I have until January 4th before classes start yet again.

So it's CRUNCH TIME! I shall read 10 books before the end of the year, I have 2 weeks and 4 days, anybody want to join me?

My list -not in order, subject to change on a whim-

Legend by Marie Lu - 305 pages
Frost by Marianna Baer - 400 pages
Fateful by Claudia Gray - 356 pages
The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton - 352 pages
Dark Eden by Patrick Carman - 336 pages
The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen - 439 pages
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor - 418 Pages
Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves - 505 pages
All You Desire by Kirsten Miller - 423 pages
Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl - 518 pages

It's only for these two upcoming week though, the challenge ends on Jan.1st, you are all totally invited to participate!!

If you want to get in on this leave a comment with a link to your 10 or more books!

Review: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

2011-12-12T19:29:00.000-08:00

Title: The Goddess Test
Author: Aimee Carter
Series: The Goddess Test
Book #: 1
Pages: 293
Reading Level: YA
Book Rating: -.5
Goodreads Rating: 3.89
Published: April 19th, 2011
by Harlequin

It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

Taschima's POV:

I received this book from Harlequin Teen as part of a YA panel thing. I had always been interested in it because, let's be honest, look at that cover. Oh, and also the story of Hades and Persephone, right. So I picked it up expecting nothing really, not even to finish it in less than a week. I would like to say that this book SURPRISED the hell out of me. I ENJOYED THIS BOOK. And I am not afraid to admit it. I've read reviews that call the book "badly written", "a joke", "fucks up Greek Mythology", etc etc (it appears you either really enjoy it or hate it). And you know what, not every book is for everyone, true. But this one is for me, and if you have read my reviews you know I have strong opinions when it comes to books I did not like. I read it in no freaking time. Why did I enjoy it so? I shall tell you.

The story was new, a real breath of fresh air from all the dystopian novels I've been reading lately (not that I don't love them). I wasn't expecting the book to follow the Greek Mythology to the letter, so I wasn't bothered when the author gave new personalities to the gods and went her own way. Like for example, Henry. He was Hades, and if you have ever watched Hercules (Disney movie) then you would expect a very temperamental pissed off God who doesn't want to rule the Underworld. But on this book Henry, after years of being alone ruling the vast Underworld, is just tired and kind of lonely and wants to give the reins to someone else for a change. If he does this though, he vanishes. Unless he finds a partner first though, someone to rule the Underworld with side by side. That's where our Kate comes in. I really enjoyed the portrayal of the Gods, and of Henry. I wasn't expecting Percy Jackson and The Olympians, and I was happy with the direction the author choose for her own world.

**EDIT ADD* How could I not tell you guys about Kate? She seemed a bit bitchy at the beginning. She pretty much ignored everyone and kept to herself (but I could understand where she was coming from really, with her mother being so sick and her circumstances and all) but once she lets you in, she really lets you in. Because if you had made it that far, that means you have some merit to your character. She doesn't just let everybody be her friend. And well, she is just so willing to help people, but when she gets pissed is when you see the Underworld ruler coming out and biting heads. Don't piss her off, you will really regret it, she really has a fun imagination when it comes to punishment. Can't wait to read more from her POV in the next novel Goddess Interrupted.

The relationship between Kate and Henry. Aaaaam, yeah, this one IS a weird one. The relationship is realistic as it isn't "Oh-my-god-he-is-just-so-perfect-I-must-have-him-now!", they start out as friends, if anything, and then it keeps growing from there. Truth be told I wanted to smack Henry a couple of times for being so oblivious. He seems to be totally in love with Persephone still, and so that makes the whole thing a bit awkward...

The ending was just so unexpected. It really caught me off guard (though the evil villain and some other things did not). When you really think about it, it's a little f up that ending, but I enjoyed it.

I liked the characters, the story, the progression... It all just seem to come together. I read this book super fast, and by the end was a bit sad when it ended (though it could have been a stand alone novel easily it appears it has a sequel, I shall read it). This book pretty much has it all!

I recommend it, read it!

Cover Winner of November; New Covers for December!!!

2011-12-10T14:57:00.000-08:00

The votes are in, and our winner is...

I am throughly surprised that Crossed didn't win! Crossed is very popular (though not as good -in any way- as Matched), but Pledge is indeed a beauty, and it was a fair (and close) fight. I can't wait to read this book, have any of you read it? Any good? Leave any reviews of yours in comments if you have written one for this book.

Anyways, I am doing this 10 days late, I know, I am so sorry, but finals are in and they are kicking my ass. It seems college doesn't get eaiser with the passing of the years, who would have known?! But they are in now, and I would greatly appreciate it if you guys could vote for me here k? I will make another poll at the end of December where I will put all the best covers agasn't each other, see which one wins!

Breakdown Time:

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting - 33 (33%)

Crossed by Allie Condie - 30 (30%)

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi - 18 (18%)

The Sharp Time by Mary O'Connell - 13 (13%)

Last Breathe (Morganville Vampires #11) by Rachel Caine - 5 (5%)

Total Votes: 99

Shatter Me has an amazing cover as well, ugh who knew Crossed would surpase it?

December Contenders:

Good luck to all the contenders, but I think we all know which cover is winning this round don't we?

As always the voting in on the left sidebar, remember to vote! I want to read all of these =]

**The poll will only be opened till December 25th.

PS; All of these covers, and many many more, you can find at Bloody Bookaholic's Facebook Page. Check it out and you are welcome to "like" it.

Julie Kagawa: The Immortal Rules Cover Revealed!!!

2011-12-08T07:43:00.000-08:00

Julie Kagawa teased us yesterday about the soon to be revealed cover of The Immortal Rules, my most anticipated book of 2012, and I thought she was going to reveal it... But she didn't, she just said that Hollywood Crush at MTV was going to be the ones to reveal it today. And guess what? They DID!!!

One...two...three...

Hardcover, 304 pages

Expected publication: April 24th 2012

by Harlequin Teen

You will kill. The only question is when.

In the dark days since the insidious Red Lung virus decimated the human population, vampires have risen to rule the crumbling cities and suburbs. Uncontested Princes hold sway over diminished ranks of humans: their "pets." In exchange for their labor, loyalty and of course, their blood, these pets are registered, given food and shelter, permitted to survive.

Unregistered humans cling to fringes, scavenging for survival. Allison Sekemoto and her fellow Unregistereds are hunted, not only by vampires, but by rabids, the unholy result of Red Lung-infected vampires feeding on unwary humans. One night, Allie is attacked by a pack of rabids, saved by an unlikely hero...and turned vampire.

Uncomfortable in her undead skin, Allie falls in with a ragtag crew of humans seeking a cure, or cures: for Rabidism and for Vampirism. She's passing for human...for now. But the hunger is growing and will not be denied. Not for friendship—not even for love.

It is CREEPY and by Creepy I mean AWESOME!!! It's different, not a girl with a pretty dress which I like! And well it is not like The Iron Fey covers, but I think it can grow on it's own. It's very dark, and sure I may be biased cause I love Julie Kagawa and can't wait for this series to come out but whatever!

What do you think? Do you like it?

Would You Read Me? Don't Judge a Book By It's Cover (4)

2011-12-07T07:26:00.000-08:00

Last Week's Book Was...

Paperback, 272 pages

Expected publication: May 29th 2012

by HarperTeen

I have major issues with this book (and it isn't even out yet).

Okay, why do you have to essentially copy the cover of the Fallen series? When I look at this book I can only think "The Fallen Series" and that ain't a compliment. Originality is also highly valued by customers.

ALSO HOLD YOUR HORSES, is this summary strangely alike Julie Kagawa's new vampire series, The Immortal Rules? Dystopian world where vampires have control over the humans and humans have to give them their blood to survive?

I. AM. WATCHING. YOU... And I'm not amused.

After seeing the cover, and hearing my thoughts, how many of your minds have changed?

On to the next one then!

For thirty-five girls, the selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined

So, now, all you have to do is say if you would read it or not!

(Yes or no will suffice if you don't wanna write a lot)

Next Wednesday I will post a new summary with no image,

I will also post the cover and book information of this week.

PS; If you know the name, image or whatever of this book do not say anything. Don't give any sort of information away please.

Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

2011-12-05T14:21:00.000-08:00

Title: Shatter Me
Author: Tehereh Mafi
Series: Shatter Me
Book #: 1
Pages: 338
Reading Level: YA
Book Rating:
Goodreads Rating: 4.18
Published: Nov 15th, 2011
by HarperCollins

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

Taschima's POV:

Shatter Me was definitely addicting. The novel was, new and refreshing and great. The writing was my favorite part! The repeated words, the stricken words ~~like this~~, it all made sense since Juliette has a very fractured mind. At times the writing was very poetic, I really like it, though it could also be its downfall if used unwisely or if you get tired too quickly of all the pretty writing (the constant metaphors at times were a bit much, I kept thinking "I get it, you perfected the trick, I'm proud of you, now move on") and just want something coming straight at you. Juliette is an interesting character to read. She is so different from my usual type (sarcastic, kick ass chick) but she still works and I am looking forward to her controlling her abilities and making sense of her life and her persona. She is more crazy than sane for most of the novel and to be quite honest kind of needy, though it's understood when no one in your life has never even dared to touch you or showed you any kind of affection. But still girl, keep it in your pants. By the end she redeems herself by standing on her own two feet though, so kudos Juliette you have made it into my "Heroines to look out for in 2012" list.

Adam, the male flame in this f-up world, is a guy with a lot of mystery. He is a guy with a lot of questions that have been left unanswered (also, he is so sweeeeet). He doesn't intend to be so mysterious all the time, but by the end of the novels I was left with more questions about Adam than answers. Like, for example... how can he touch Juliette? How is it that he is immune? Luck? Also the other guys in the book are something to look out for. Warner for example, though he is the bad guy he is a very complex character. At times I felt bad for him, and wanted to help him out, but then he'd do something like put a bullet through someone's head and I'd reconsider. Kenji is introduced pretty far ahead in the story, but he is the Puck of the story, the funny comic relief that we all need.

The world the author has created is all her own. She didn't take from any other dystopian novels, it's the same background but with different flavor. She took the superhero formula and combined it with the dystopian one to create a whole new super kick ass flavor (more importantly she didn't fed either of these down out throats). This book is all about the Reestablishment and getting to know your characters and enemies, the next one will hopefully show us a bit more of the "hero" side of the world since it was cut short in the end there (not a cliffhanger, but it still leaves you hanging) and answer some unanswered questions that are burning deep within my soul.

Oh and, careful cause this book is HOT. I have nothing against it, hell bring more of it on, but in every other scene it seemed like Juliette and Adam were having a pretty intense make out section. The sections are pretty hot, and only remain PG-13 cause nothing other than making out actually happens (though it is not due to a lack of trying). Beware, be warned, and above all enjoy.

PS; such a shame I don't have that striking cover T_T

Goodreads Process:

Julie Kagawa's Iron fey Series: I Cast The Iron Few Winter Court - Home Tour

2011-12-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

As I was tumblr-ing around at my job, I found these pictures of a hotel named Hôtel de Glace, located just outside of downtown Quebec City in Quebec, Canada, and as soon as I saw them I instantly thought "This is how the Winter Court must look like" more specifically Ash's home and were Meghan had to hang out for the beginning of The Iron Daughter.

I gotta visit Canada sometime, they have the coolest stuff. Anyways, how did you imagine the Winter Court to look like? That last picture is for when the faeries are having the bedroom parties, all the lights and stuff lolz I could imagine Ash sleeping in that room though (second picture).

The Hunger Games, Movie Tie In Covers

2011-12-01T16:53:00.000-08:00

Not a big shock, I mean they do it for almost every movie that turns into a book, and the cover does look great! I am curious about the next two books though... Anyways, thought you guys should see the covers =]

Would You Read Me? Don't Judge a Book By It's Cover (3)

2011-11-30T15:27:00.000-08:00

Gosh, it's been an entire week since I last posted... well guys, because you are so awesome and patient this is what I am going to do to reward you, I'm going to throw a contest, a "end-of-the-school-year contest" because my classes end in a week and a half, and then I'm all yours. Will post everything tomorrow (promise) today I shall count my box full of books I plan to giveaway...

On to last week's book! It was...

Something Strange and Deadly

For Darkness Shows the Stars

Hardcover, 400 pages

Expected publication: July 24th 2012

by HarperTeen

I like the title, I like the font, I like the dark feel of the cover, I am just not sure I like the model. Strange...

Here's how it went, the grand majority said maybe, still on the fence, probably waiting for the cover to reveal itself (I get you) but when it came to yeses or nos it was mostly no. Why? It seems this blog following is not a fan of the zombies! (or at least the people who commented) I understand though, I'm not a fan of ZOmbies myself. And one follower pointed out that the summary had her right until it describes how "hawt" the guy crush was, and then she ran to the hills. That part of the summary also made me cringe, like we would only read something if you could imagine the guy being gorgeous... *sigh*

After seeing the cover, how many of your minds have changed?

On to the next one then!

This electrifying new trilogy blends the best of paranormal and dystopian storytelling in a world where the war is over. And the vampires won.

Humans huddle in their walled cities, supplying blood in exchange for safety. But not even that is guaranteed. Dawn has lost her entire family and now reluctantly serves as the delegate to Lord Valentine, the most powerful vampire for miles. It isn’t until she meets Victor, Valentine’s son, that she realizes not all vampires are monsters....

This week's I have to let you know, it's a little troublesome all on itself. Just read the summary... It sounds a lot like another book on my to-read list, by a very loved author... I shall not give my opinion on it till next week though because I don't want to dissuade your opinion on the matter. But next week you shall get an earful!

So, now, all you have to do is say if you would read it or not!

(Yes or no will suffice if you don't wanna write a lot)

Next Wednesday I will post a new summary with no image,

I will also post the cover and book information of this week.

PS; If you know the name, image or whatever of this book do not say anything. Don't give any sort of information away please.

Would You Read Me? Don't Judge a Book By It's Cover (2)

2011-11-23T12:33:00.000-08:00

Last week's book was... For Darkness Shows the Stars

by Diana Peterfreund

Hardcover, 384 pages

Expected publication: June 12th 2012

by Balzer + Bray

It is a jaw dropping cover, very a la Across the Universe. I specially like the font, and how the colors come together.

So, here is how it went:

-11- said "hell's yeah I'll read it!"

-8- said "Maybe..."

-6- "Nah, not my style/ Nah"

After seeing the cover, how many of your minds have changed?

On to the next one then!

There’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.
Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.

So, now, all you have to do is say if you would read it or not!

(Yes or no will suffice if you don't wanna write a lot)

Next Wednesday I will post a new summary with no image,

I will also post the cover and book information of this week.

PS; If you know the name, image or whatever of this book do not say anything. Don't give any sort of information away please.

I have a thing for...Covers that look cartoonish. (Plus: Deadlocked; Sookie Stackhouse #12)

2011-11-22T20:36:00.000-08:00

They are just plain delightful. Some people hate them to no end, I just happen to love them, and any book I see with a cover like this I have the irresistible urge to pick up and read, which is how I ended up reading Charlaine Harris, Nicole Peeler, Tate Hallaway (yes, she doesn't just write Young Adult Vampire Novels, she also writes Adult)...

(Any cover of any book by Charlaine Harris essentially)

I can't freaking wait to get my hands on one or two of Dakota Cassidy's books,

they sound like so much freaking fun!

Speaking of such covers, the new cover for the new Sookie Stackhouse novel is out (finally, this book is taking forever) and here it is:

The summary, unfortunately, is minuscule at the moment...

"From Charlaine's blog, Sookie gets kidnapped and a character (a man) that Charlaine thought was dead, isn't."

But at least some process is being done! Hallelujah!

Anyways, what is really funny about this type of covers is that they are all essentially Adult books! In YA they use flashy amazingly done covers, and in Adult they use silly type girls-just-want-to-have-fun covers. Maybe some YA books should catch on to this trend, I would so pick up any YA book with a fun cartoonish cover!

Would you pick up any of these books basing your judgement solely on the cover and title (which is often hilarious as well)? That's how I picked up Dead Until Dark, and I thank my lucky stars for that!

PS; Little late on posting right? Oh well, content over quantity I say!

PPS; please, ladies and gentlemen, don't forget to vote.to.your.left. on the polls! It would really be so nice of you, extra brownie points to anyone who has done so and everyone that will do so!

Birthday coming up... and so I will be busy for the next couple of days.

2011-11-18T12:15:00.000-08:00

I will most likely post tomorrow about Harry Potter world, cause I'm going there as part of my b day present!!! But for today I got nothing, zip, zero. I have a sort of review on Fahrenheit 451if you are interested, but is more like a comment on the classic.