Interview: Kiera Cass

Kiera Cass is the author of the YA novel The Siren. The Siren is now available for purchase on: Amazon.

Questions about The Siren:

Tainted Poet: First off, could you give us a brief summery of The Siren?
Kiera Cass: The Siren is an update on the Greek mythology of sirens, who were beautiful bird-women that sang to sailors and made them crash their boats into rocks and sink. In my version, they're just regular girls who end up living as servants to the Ocean. The hero of our story, Kahlen, has a hard time adjusting to the lifestyle, particularly when she meets a human boy, Akinli, and falls in love with him. It's hard because she can't even tell him anything about herself; her voice would make him want to drown! So it's about her trying to make it work and what happens when she starts breaking the Ocean's very strict rules.


TP: Was there anything in particular that inspired you to write this book?
KC: I woke up from a nap. I must have been dreaming about water or mermaids or something, because the idea of sirens came into my head. I thought "That would be fun to write about if they had some sort of purpose." I just didn't think there was any point to their world; why would they exist? And then, like a bolt of lightening, I got it. The Ocean eats people! I jumped up and wrote down four tiny paragraphs that were the beginning of the story, though I didn't know where it would go at the time. And I think only one line from that seed ended up in the final version. Yay editing!

TP: The characters in The Siren had a lot of personality. Did you put anything of yourself in any of them?
KC: I think most writers put themselves somewhere in there, whether they mean to or not. Kahlen wears a lot of my worries about life and death and what's best for others, and, of course, my undying love for cake. And it's pretty common knowledge that Elizabeth is an extreme version of my best friend Liz. There are bits of my husband and other friends stuck in there as well, but it's not so obvious.

TP: A story about a Siren is such a breath of fresh air. What is your favorite mythical creature?
KC: The chupacabra! Mostly because it's fun to say. Chupacabra!

TP: Your names are very unique-- How did you come up with Kahlen and Akinli?
KC: Kahlen and Akinli were both names I wanted to use for my kids, but my hubby vetoed them! Kahlen I heard for the first time on America's Next Top Model years ago. And Akinli was a surname on a mailbox here in Blacksburg that I just adored. I have pictures of both the inspirations on my website, kieracass.com

TP: Will you ever write a companion novel to The Siren?
KC: I've certainly thought about it, and I know absolutely how and why Kahlen would go back to that world. If you're a really analytical reader, you may catch the open door I left for her. But I'm not sure it would be as satisfying for the fans. Most of the love story has developed, and it would be more of a life story than a love story, though I can say from experience that so much of what love is really happens after you're married.

Other Questions:

TP: Was there a point in your life when you decided you were going to be a writer?
KC: No. But I've always loved writing, and now it seems stupid that I haven't been doing it all along. I did major in History in college, and I would say that that is a much better major for writers than English. All you do is listen to stories. No wonder I was so happy.


TP: Are there any particular foods or drinks that you like to eat or drink while writing?
KC: Ohhh! That's a good question. Umm, in pretty much every circumstance, I like to have sugar around. The summer I wrote The Siren, I would sit at a cookie store called Crumb and Get It. It smelled good and the cookies were great and it wasn't very busy, so it was easy to write. But they ended up closing down, so I write at home or at Bollo's, a local coffee shop, usually. I prefer local businesses.

TP: Could you share one interesting fact about yourself?
KC: I wrecked a car when I was four. I pulled it out of park and backed my baby brother and myself into a tree. I remember trying to crawl out the open window because I was sure I was going to die, but it wasn't a big enough gap. At the time, all I had seen were cars hitting things and blowing up on TV, so it was pretty scary.


TP: What is your favorite book? And what is one book you think people should read before they die?
KC: I guess I'll always love The Little Prince by Antione de Saint-Exupery. It's a children's book, but it's full of good things no matter how old you are. And, currently, I think everyone needs to read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. DO IT!

TP: Do you have any projects you are working on right now?
KC: Absolutely! I have a rough draft of what I guess will be my next project done, as well as several half-finished drafts of other things. As soon as I get some time, there have been requests for me to rewrite the last three chapters of The Siren from a different perspective, and I'd like to be able to present something, since it was pretty much impossible to do in the actual story.


TP: What is one question you wish readers would ask, but they never do?
KC: I've had so much fun with people asking things like "What movie were Kahlen and Akinli watching?" and "What song was playing here?" Those little details are fun for me. The one that I'm surprised no one has asked (and have been dreading) is about how Ifama ended up as a siren. And, the thing is, I totally know and can't tell. In the original version, her whole story was in there, but as I reworked it over and over, I heard her saying "Please don't tell that to everyone." She's a very proud person, and her secret is one I'll keep. Which stinks, because I hate keeping secrets.

TP: Any last statements?
KC: I just hope people enjoy the book! And if you do, please spread the word. You can talk about The Siren, contact me, and keep up with upcoming projects at kieracass.com!

END

Thank you so much Kiera for the interview!! I greatly enjoyed your book The Siren and I hope to read more from you in the future!

In My MailBox -13

So here is what I got this week! Sorry this is late, I got really sick yesterday and kinda just slept.

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder (Paperback)

Synopsis:

Locked in a coffin-like darkness, there is nothing to distract me from my memories of killing Reyad. He deserved to die—but according to the law, so do I. Here in Ixia, the punishment for murder is death. And now I wait for the hangman's noose.

But the same law that condemns me may also save me. Ixia's food taster—chosen to ensure that the Commander's food is not poisoned—has died. And by law, the next prisoner who is scheduled to be executed—me—must be offered the position.

Rampant by Diana Peterfreund (Hardcover)
Synopsis:

Forget everything you ever knew about unicorns . . .

Real unicorns are venomous, man-eating monsters with huge fangs and razor-sharp horns. Fortunately, they've been extinct for a hundred and fifty years.

Or not.

Astrid had always scoffed at her eccentric mother's stories about killer unicorns. But when one of the monsters attacks her boyfriend—thereby ruining any chance of him taking her to the prom—Astrid finds herself headed to Rome to train as a unicorn hunter at the ancient cloisters the hunters have used for centuries.

However, at the cloisters all is not what it seems. Outside, the unicorns wait to attack. And within, Astrid faces other, unexpected threats: from the crumbling, bone-covered walls that vibrate with a terrible power to the hidden agendas of her fellow hunters to—perhaps most dangerously of all—her growing attraction to a handsome art student . . . an attraction that could jeopardize everything.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (Hardcover)

Yes, I got another one. The other was an ARC, but I saw the hardcover in stores and I just had to get it! SO pretty! x)

Synopsis:

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

Cross My Heart And Hope To Spy by Ally Carter (Hardback)

Again, this is a second copy I just bought. The difference is that it is a hardback, and since Ally Carter will be at the Decatur Book Festival, I thought I would get a hardback to get signed! :)

Synopsis:

After staking out, obtaining, and then being forced to give up her first boyfriend, Josh, all Cammie Morgan wants is a peaceful semester. But that's easier said than done when you're a CIA legacy and go to the premier school in the world . . . for spies.

Cammie may have a genius I.Q., but there are still a lot of things she doesn't know. Like, will her ex-boyfriend even remember she exists? And how much trouble is she really in after what happened last semester? And most of all, why is her mother acting so strangely?

Despite Cammie's best intentions to be a normal student, danger seems to follow her. She and her friends learn that their school is going to play host to some mysterious guests--code name: Blackthorne. Then she's blamed for a security breach that leaves the school's top secret status at risk.

Soon, Cammie and her friends are crawling through walls and surveilling the school to learn the truth about Blackthorne and clear Cammie's name. Even though they have confidence in their spy skills, this time the targets are tougher (and hotter), and the stakes for Cammie's heart--and her beloved school--are higher than ever.

In My MailBox was created by: The Story Siren.

Hush, Hush Book Trailer

Wow. Just watch this. Really.


I have to say I love this book trailer! Want a chance to win Hush, Hush? Check out my contest: Here!!

Are You Haunted?

Waiting on Wednesday -12

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

Release Date: December 22, 2009

Publisher: EgmontUSA

Synopsis:

A prodigal son

A dangerous love

A deadly secret . . .

I stood back and watched his movements. Daniel had that way about him that could shut me down in an instant. . . . I kicked the gravel a couple of times and worked up my courage again. “Tell me . . . I mean . . . why did you come back? Why now, after all this time?”

Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared—the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in blood. But she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night really held. And when Daniel returns three years later, Grace can no longer deny her attraction to him, despite promising Jude she’ll stay away.

As Grace gets closer to Daniel, her actions stir the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind Jude and Daniel's dark secret . . . and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it—her soul.

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I've actually been really looking forward to this book since I first heard about it. Looks pretty good, right? Love that cover. x)

Waiting on Wednesday is brought to us by: Breaking The Spine.

Trailers and More!

I have recently stumbled upon a few of these Book-becoming-movie trailers and I thought they were worth a post! Enjoy!

The Lovely Bones (December 2009)



The Lightning Thief (February 2010)



Dorian Gray (September 2009)

The Siren by Kiera Cass

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Re-Read? Yes! I can definitely re-read this several times.

Recommend? I recommend this to anyone. There is a bit for everyone in this book.

Release Date: July 7th, 2009
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 276

Synopsis:

"You must never do anything that might expose our secret. This means that, in general, you cannot form close bonds with humans. You can speak to us, and you can always commune with the Ocean, but you are deadly to humans. You are, essentially, a weapon. A very beautiful weapon. I won't lie to you, it can be a lonely existence, but once you are done, you get to live. All you have to give, for now, is obedience and time..."

The same speech has been given hundreds of times to hundreds of beautiful girls who enter the sisterhood of sirens. Kahlen has lived by these rules for years now, patiently waiting for the life she can call her own. But when Akinli, a human, enters her world, she can't bring herself to live by the rules anymore. Suddenly the life she's been waiting for doesn't seem nearly as important as the one she's living now.

My Thoughts:

If you could have another chance at life, would you take it? No matter the price? The Siren is a unique tale about a girl named Kahlen who is a part of a small group of Sirens that live in the servitude of the Ocean. Throughout the novel, love and loss are introduced and Kahlen, who has the ability to love so thoroughly, is tossed and torn with both emotions constantly. Kahlen's life is like the Ocean-- rough and drowning, but also equally calm and soothing.

The Siren had such a clever storyline that I couldn't begin to guess what would happen next. It was a breath of fresh air-- it was the first time I have ever read a story on Sirens. And I wasn't disappointed. Kiera Cass's concepts on sirens was interesting and her story really unique. The pace was set just right and there was never any confusion with what was happening. Her writing style was very clear and easy to read.

What I found really interesting about the book, were the names. Kahlen, Akinli, Aisling were all names of her characters and I really liked them. I read so many books-- characters start to blend together since I hear their names reused again and again. It's refreshing to see one-of-a-kind names that uniquely belong to this novel.

The Siren just blew me away, and I cannot wait to read another book by Kiera Cass.

Details:

Cover: 3.5
Plot: 5.0
Characters: 5.0
Writing: 4.5

Giggling with Vania, Kelsey and Eli!

Here is more silliness from three of us ATL bloggers! Haha! More to come! (Left-Kelsey, Middle-Vania, and Right-Eli (me!))



I know, we're weird! For those of you who have no idea where this is coming from, check out Vania's post about: Books you should read.

Vania from: Reverie Book Reviews.
Kelsey from: Just Blinded Book Reviews.

In My MailBox -12

So this week has been extremely hectic!! School started and I have been just a mess trying to keep up with everything. Well! Here is what I got in my mailbox (and through other sources!) this week!

Graceling by Kristin Cashore (Paperback)

Synopsis:

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug.

When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

Impulse by Ellen Hopkins (Paperback)

Synopsis:

Sometimes you don't wake up. But if you happen to, you know things will never be the same.

Three lives, three different paths to the same destination: Aspen Springs, a psychiatric hospital for those who have attempted the ultimate act -- suicide.

Vanessa is beautiful and smart, but her secrets keep her answering the call of the blade.

Tony, after suffering a painful childhood, can only find peace through pills.

And Conner, outwardly, has the perfect life. But dig a little deeper and find a boy who is in constant battle with his parents, his life, himself.

In one instant each of these young people decided enough was enough. They grabbed the blade, the bottle, the gun -- and tried to end it all. Now they have a second chance, and just maybe, with each other's help, they can find their way to a better life -- but only if they're strong and can fight the demons that brought them here in the first place.

Crank by Ellen Hopkins (Paperback)

Synopsis:

Kristina Georgia Snow is the perfect daughter: gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. But on a trip to visit her absentee father, Kristina disappears and Bree takes her place. Bree is the exact opposite of Kristina -- she's fearless.

Through a boy, Bree meets the monster: crank. And what begins as a wild, ecstatic ride turns into a struggle through hell for her mind, her soul -- her life.


Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley (Paperback)

Synopsis:

Four Little Words Written in Lipstick...
mean Emily must say goodbye to everything she knows.

Emily Carson has always been a good girl. So when she throws a party the night her parents leave for vacation, she's sure she'll get busted.

What Emily doesn't know is that her parents will never return.



Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Synopsis:

"Don't worry, Anna. I'll tell her, okay? Just let me think about the best way to do it."
"Okay."
"Promise me? Promise you won't say anything?"
"Don't worry." I laughed. "It's our secret, right?"

According to her best friend Frankie, twenty days in ZanzibarBay is the perfect opportunity to have a summer fling, and if they meet one boy ever day, there's a pretty good chance Anna will find her first summer romance. Anna lightheartedly agrees to the game, but there's something she hasn't told Frankie---she's already had that kind of romance, and it was with Frankie's older brother, Matt, just before his tragic death one year ago.

Beautifully written and emotionally honest, this is a debut novel that explores what it truly means to love someone and what it means to grieve, and ultimately, how to make the most of every single moment this world has to offer.

The Hollow by Jessica Verday

Synopsis:

When Abbey's best friend, Kristen, vanishes at the bridge near Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, everyone else is all too quick to accept that Kristen is dead?and rumors fly that her death was no accident. Abbey goes through the motions of mourning her best friend, but privately, she refuses to believe that Kristen is really gone. Then she meets Caspian, the gorgeous and mysterious boy who shows up out of nowhere at Kristen's funeral, and keeps reappearing in Abbey's life. Caspian clearly has secrets of his own, but he's the only person who makes Abbey feel normal again...but also special.

Just when Abbey starts to feel that she might survive all this, she learns a secret that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her best friend. How could Kristen have kept silent about so much? And could this secret have led to her death? As Abbey struggles to understand Kristen's betrayal, she uncovers a frightening truth that nearly unravels her—one that will challenge her emerging love for Caspian, as well as her own sanity.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Synopsis:

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion.

The Capitol is angry.

The Capitol wants revenge.

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I also want to put out a reminder for a Contest I am running! Win Hush, Hush and more: HERE.

In My MailBox was created by: The Story Siren.

Contest: Win Hush, Hush and More

-100 Followers Giveaway-

I have recently gotten to 100 followers and have been meaning to post a contest to celebrate! :)

The first place winner will be receiving an ARC of Hush, Hush and some swag.
However, if I am able to get 50 entries in this contest, I will add an additional book (which will be announced when it happens) that will go to a second place winner.
If I am able to get up to 200 followers in the duration of this contest, I will add another book into the mix--which will be awarded to a third place winner .
If I get 150 entries, an additional book will be added into the pot and given to the first place winner. Thus, the first place winner could win up to two books and some fun swag.

Cool huh? Here are the rules!
-Open only to the U.S.A. Sorry, but I just don't have the kind of money to send internationally.
-Post everything in ONE entry.
-Post your EMAIL. No email, no entry.
-Potentially three winners, See above. All will be chosen randomly.
-Contest open until Midnight of September 22th, 2009.
(Midnight whatever your time is. I won't post the winner till a day afterward.)

To Enter:
-Since this is my 100 Followers Contest, you MUST be a follower to enter. New followers are welcome. :)
+1 Tell me your favorite book Bad Boy and why or something unique about you (Both for +2).

Extra Entries:
+1 for commenting on any of my reviews (must be dated today and after to count).
+1 for everywhere you post this contest or link my blog (ex: Sidebar+1, Tweet +1, post+1, Blog Roll+1 so that would be 4 entries-- make sure to leave a link).
+1 for every referral you make. They must tell me you referred them.
+1 for being referred to this contest. Must tell me who referred you.
+2 for following me on Twitter: Here.
+3 for Subscribing to my Blog (see right sidebar).
+3 for becoming a follower.
+5 if you were already a follower.

Make sure you tell me what you do and leave links or you won't get the extra entries!

Ends September 22th, 2009 at Midnight your time.

Eli's Weekly Post -4

Hello everyone!! I apologize for being MIA this week- just started my second year of college!! This week has been hectic, and I'm STILL not unpacked yet (and I moved in on Sunday!). But I have a few things that are definitely coming up next week, so lemme give you guys some info on what I have coming up.

First off, I am so happy to announce that I was nominated for the Best Speculative Fiction Blog Award (i.e. Fantasy, Horror, Sci-fi, Spec-fic) for Book Blogger Appreciation Week (BBAW). You have no idea how thrilled I am to even be nominated! I was just going to humbly watch this years BBAW and maybe try to participate next year-- so you should have seen my surprise when I received my nomination email!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I know my chances of winning are not the highest, since I am a relatively new blogger, but the thought means so much to me.

Another really awesome subject I want to touch is a vlog Vania, Kelsey and I did last weekend when we had a little get together. It was basically a Books We Recommend vlog, which we had bouts of laughter and silly giggling jumbled in with a few of our favorite books. It was fabulous, and if you are looking for a few recommendations, I would check it out! Click here to check out the vlog.
Last but not least, Little Shop of Stories is hosting a signing for Jennifer Jabaley (author of Lipstick Apology) which I will be attending (with Kelsey, Vania, and Shalonda). It is sure to be awesome, so if you live in the Decatur, GA area, I would definitely check this one out. Ginger Rue, Author of Brand New Emily, will also be there signing copies of her book. There will be a lot to do, including a visit from Justine magazine's Spark Book Club, raffles and of course, meeting Jennifer! So now you know what I am up to.

Besides everything above, this week expect a review, interview and my very first (0fficial) Vlog. And maybe a contest for a signed copy of the pretty book above? We'll see!

In My MailBox -11

So now that I am finally home, everything should be going back to normal. I actually was able to hit up a really great sale and got a Sarah Dessen book for only two dollars. I was really excited! Well, here is what I got!

The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen (Paperback)

Synopsis:
Sixteen-year-old Macy Queen is looking forward to a long, boring summer. Her boyfriend is going away. She’s stuck with a dull-asdishwater job at the library. And she’ll spend all of her free time studying for the SATs or grieving silently with her mother over her father’s recent unexpected death. But everything changes when Macy is corralled into helping out at one of her mother’s open house events, and she meets the chaotic Wish Catering crew. Before long, Macy joins the Wish team. She loves everything about the work and the people. But the best thing about Wish is Wes—artistic, insightful, and understanding Wes—who gets Macy to look at life in a whole new way, and really start living it….

Once Was Lost by Sara Zarr (Arc)

Synopsis:

Samara Taylor used to believe in miracles. She used to believe in a lot of things. As a pastor's kid, it's hard not to buy in to the idea of the perfect family, a loving God, and amazing grace. But lately, Sam has a lot of reason to doubt. Her mother lands in rehab after a DUI and her father seems more interested in his congregation than his family. When a young girl in her small town is kidnapped, the local tragedy overlaps with Sam's personal one, and the already-worn thread of faith holding her together begins to unravel. In her third novel, acclaimed author Sara Zarr examines the coexistence of affliction and hope, and what happens when everything you thought you believed---about God, about your family, about yourself---is transformed.

The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong (Hardback)

Synopsis:
If you had met me a few weeks ago, you probably would have described me as an average teenage girl—someone normal. Now my life has changed forever and I'm as far away from normal as it gets. A living science experiment—not only can I see ghosts, but I was genetically altered by a sinister organization called the Edison Group. What does that mean? For starters, I'm a teenage necromancer whose powers are out of control; I raise the dead without even trying. Trust me, that is not a power you want to have. Ever.

Now I'm running for my life with three of my supernatural friends—a charming sorcerer, a cynical werewolf, and a disgruntled witch—and we have to find someone who can help us before the Edison Group finds us first. Or die trying.

In My MailBox was created by: The Story Siren.

Scott Westerfeld is Awesome

Visit Scott Westerfeld’s website!

Haha, love my title? But really. Scott Westerfeld has recently posted some pretty neat things on his Westerblog. Things like... a free download of Uglies, the first book in the Uglies "trilogy". And a really cool countdown for Leviathan (which I am sporting at the bottom of my page!)

So everyone! Off you go and check out these awesome things. Whether you are a Scott Westerfeld fan or not, (download Uglies and find out!) he has an awesome blog and it is definitely worth a read. You can also oggle the awesome art for his new book Levianthan, which I would KILL (or kiss?) to get a copy of. Hehe.

To Download Uglies, Go: HERE

Get the Levianthan countdown: HERE

To check out his Blog, Go: HERE

Ash by Malinda Lo

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Re-Read? Definitely. Like a fairy tale, this is a book that can be read many times over.
Recommend? I recommend this to anyone who enjoyed Cinderella and anyone who is a fan of Faeries-- Anyone who has an open mind.

Release Date: September 1st, 2009
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers
Pages: 272

Synopsis:

Cinderella retold

In the wake of her father's death, Ash is left at the mercy of her cruel stepmother. Consumed with grief, her only joy comes by the light of the dying hearth fire, rereading the fairy tales her mother once told her. In her dreams, someday the fairies will steal her away, as they are said to do. When she meets the dark and dangerous fairy Sidhean, she believes that her wish may be granted.

The day that Ash meets Kaisa, the King's Huntress, her heart begins to change. Instead of chasing fairies, Ash learns to hunt with Kaisa. Though their friendship is as delicate as a new bloom, it reawakens Ash's capacity for love-and her desire to live. But Sidhean has already claimed Ash for his own, and she must make a choice between fairy tale dreams and true love.

Entrancing, empowering, and romantic, Ash is about the connection between life and love, and solitude and death, where transformation can come from even the deepest grief.

My Thoughts:

In this stunning version of Cinderella, Ash was truly a creative retelling of a story that everyone thought they were familiar with. With many small twists and surprises, Ash revealed itself to be an enchanting love story that was so much more then just a retold fairy tale.

Ash not only was beautifully written, but the intrigue that it held with the twist being Ash falls in love with a Huntress and not a Prince, kept me reading. Watching her fall in love and their relationship bud was something charming, yet at the same time private. The pace was set very evenly, which worked really well with the story.

I would have to say my favorite character was Sidhean and I would have liked to see a bit more of him. I also think it would have been interesting to get to know Clara, the youngest stepsister. She was the person that surprised me the most. I had her coined as heartless and petty, like her mother and elder sister, but she showed a side to herself that completely separated her from the rest of her family. She was cruel at points, but there is more to her then meets the eye.

Another thing that I really enjoyed about Ash, were all the fairy tales told throughout the book. They were all quite interesting and I am glad they were included. It gave a lot of presence to the book, that it would have otherwise been missing. It gave the setting a history-- a past that wasn't always pleasant. This made the setting real for me.

Ash was a charming read and a well crafted story that leaves the reader satisfied. Ash hits bookstores September 1st, so keep and eye out for it!

Details:

Cover: 5.0
Plot: 4.0
Characters: 4.5
Writing: 4.0

Waiting on Wednesday -11

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Release Date: December 1st, 2009

Publisher: Little, Brown

Synopsis:

There were no surprises in Gatlin County.
We were pretty much the epicenter of the middle of nowhere.
At least, that's what I thought.
Turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong.
There was a curse.
There was a girl.
And in the end, there was a grave.

Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.

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This is a book I've been really wanting to read!! Kami and Marge are awesome, and their book seems to be getting great reviews. Can't wait! So what did everyone else choose?

Waiting on Wednesday is brought to us by: Breaking The Spine.

Teaser Tuesday -7

This weeks Teaser Tuesday is an experpt from ASH by Malinda Lo. Teaser Tuesday is brought to us by Should Be Reading.

My Teaser

"Ash could hear her breath in the dark: quick, frightened, like a rabbit fleeing from hunting hounds. She put her hands out in front of herself and felt only cold air." Page 73 by Malinda Lo

This is from the ARC, so it is tentative to change! You have a chance to Win your very own copy of ASH from Shayla, at The Book Explorer. Kristin from Bookworming In The 21st Century is also giving away a copy!

Rules:
1) Grab your current read
2) Open to a random page
3) Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
4) BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
5) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Eli's Weekly Post -3

Hello!! So in this weeks update, I decided to give away a few awards that I have recently been nominated for!! These are long over due and I believe everyone deserves them.

I was nominated for the Kreativ Award by Everything To Do With Books! Thank you so much! I don't know the rules for this one, so I'll nominated five people for it.



I nominate:

1) Taschima at Bloody Bookaholic
2) Shayla at The Book Explorer
3) Laina at Laina Has Too Much Spare Time
4) Kelsey at Just Blinded Book Reviews
5) Sandy at Pirate Penguin's Reads

Taschima nominated me for the Heartfelt Award. It's adorable, right?? Thank you Taschima-chaaan!

Do you reach for a cup of cocoa or tea when your relaxing, seeking comfort, sharing a plate of cookies with family and friends? You know the feeling you get when you drink a yummy cup of cocoa, tea, or a hot toddy? That is what the Heartfelt Award is all about, feeling warm inside.

Rules:

Put the logo on your blog/post.

Nominate up to to 9 blogs which make you feel comfy or warm inside.

Be sure to link your nominees within your post.

Let them know that they have been nominated by commenting on their blog.

Remember to link to the person from whom you received your award.

I Nominate:

1) Taschima
2) Shayla at The Book Explorer
3) Danni at Romantic Harbor
4) Sandy at Pirate Penguin's Reads
5) Shalonda at Shalonda's Blog
6) Brooke Reviews
7) B. A. M. Book Reviews
8) Tina at Fantastic Book Reviews
9) Crakin' Spines and Takin' Names

Thank you everyone for these awards. Everyone I nominated deserves them beyond belief. I love all of your blogs! Enjoy!

In My MailBox -10

Ahh! So I have been outta town for the past few weeks and I haven't really posted anything I have been getting! Well, here is about 2 1/2 weeks worth of books that I have received!

Candor by Pam Bachorz (ARC)

Synopsis:

Oscar Banks has everything under control. In a town where his father brainwashes everyone, he's found a way to secretly fight the subliminal Messages.
He's got them all fooled: Oscar's the top student and the best-behaved teen in town. Nobody knows he's made his own Messages to deprogram his brain. Oscar has even found a way to get rich. For a hefty price, he helps new kids escape Candor, Florida before they're transformed into cookie-cutter teens.
But then Nia Silva moves to Candor, and Oscar's carefully-controlled world crumbles.

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick (ARC)
I actually received two of these, so expect a contest!

Synopsis:
Falling in love was never so easy . . .
or so deadly. For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Ash by Malinda Lo (ARC)

Synopsis:

Cinderella retold
In the wake of her father's death, Ash is left at the mercy of her cruel stepmother. Consumed with grief, her only joy comes by the light of the dying hearth fire, rereading the fairy tales her mother once told her. In her dreams, someday the fairies will steal her away, as they are said to do. When she meets the dark and dangerous fairy Sidhean, she believes that her wish may be granted.

The day that Ash meets Kaisa, the King's Huntress, her heart begins to change. Instead of chasing fairies, Ash

learns to hunt with Kaisa. Though their friendship is as delicate as a new bloom, it reawakens Ash's capacity for love-and her desire to live. But Sidhean has already claimed Ash for his own, and she must make a choice between fairy tale dreams and true love.
Entrancing, empowering, and romantic, Ash is about the connection between life and love, and solitude and death, where transformation can come from even the deepest grief.

The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan (Paperback)

Ok, So I loved the UK cover of this so much, I bought it. x)

Synopsis:

Nick and his brother, Alan, have

spent their lives on the run from magic. Their father was murdered, and their mother was driven mad by magicians and the demons who give them power. The magicians are hunting the Ryves family for a charm that Nick's mother stole -- a charm that keeps her alive -- and they want it badly enough to kill again.

Danger draws even closer when a brother and sister come to the Ryves family for help. The boy wears a demon's mark, a sign of death that almost nothing can erase...and when Alan also gets marked by a demon, Nick is des-perate to save him. The only way to do that is to kill one of the magicians they have been hiding from for so long.

Ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse, Nick st

arts to suspect that his brother is telling him lie after lie about their past. As the magicians' Circle closes in on their family, Nick uncovers the secret that could destroy them all.

This is the Demon's Lexicon. Turn the page.

Evernight by Claudia Gray (Hardback)

Synopsis:

Bianca wants to escape.

She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.

Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful—even when it comes to caring about him."I couldn't stand it if they took it out on you," he tells Bianca, "and eventually they would."

But the connection between Bianca and Lucas can't be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear the

m apart . . . and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed.

Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson (Paperback)

Synopsis:

Her new summer job comes with baggage.

Scarlett Martin has gro

wn up in a most unusual way. Her family owns the Hopewell, a small hotel in the heart of New York City, and Scarlett lives there with her four siblings - Spencer, Lola, and Marlene.

When each of the Martins turns fifteen, they are expected to take over the care of a suite in the once elegant, now shabby Art Deco hotel. For Scarlett's fifteenth birthday, she gets both a room called the Empire Suite, and a permanent guest called Mrs. Amberson.

Scarlett doesn't quite know what to make of this C-list starlet, world traveler, and aspiring autobiographer who wants to take over her life. And when she meets Eric, an astonishingly gorgeous actor who has just moved to the city, her summer takes a second unexpected turn.

Before the summer is over, Scarlett will have to survive a whirlwind of thievery, B

roadway glamour, romantic missteps, and theatrical deceptions. But in the city where anything can happen, she just might be able to pull it off.

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson (Paperback)

Synopsis:

Inside little blue envelope 1 are $1,000 and instructions to buy a plane ticket.

In envelope 2 are directions to a specific London flat.

The note in envelope 3 tells Ginny: Find a starving artist.

Because of envelope 4, Ginny and a playwright/thief/ bloke–about–town called Keith go to Scotland together, with somewhat disastrous–though utterly romantic–results. But will she ever see him again?

Everything about Ginny will change this summer, and it's all because of the 13 little blue envelopes.

Cathy's Book: If Found Call 650-266-8233 by Sean Stewart (Hardcover)

Synopsis:

This stunning debut combines reading with the world of internet gaming to create a masterful new genre that will allow teens to take the story from the page into the world of cyberspace and beyond.

Things weren’t so peachy in Cathy’s life before Victor broke up with her. Her father died unexpectedly, she’s failing school, and her best friend is mad at her. But when Cathy decides to investigate Victor’s reasons for ending their relationship, things suddenly go from bad to very, very, very bad as her findings produce more questions than answers. For instance, what does the death of Victor’s co-worker, the strange mark that appeared on Cathy’s arm, and the surreal behavior of several Chinese elders have to do with it?

Through Cathy’s unique and irresistible voice—and lots of proof in the form of letters, photographs, date book entries, telephone numbers readers can call, websites they can access, as well as secrets only a careful reader will be able to decipher—readers will enter a strange and fascinating world where things often aren’t how they appear.

Circle of Souls by Preetham Grandhi (ARC)

Synopsis:

The sleepy town of Newbury, Connecticut, is shocked when a little girl is found brutally murdered. With the murderer on the loose, the police desperately look for any clues to lead to his identy. Meanwhile, a psychiatrist in a nearby hospital is also in a desperate search to find the cause of seven-year-old Naya Hastings s devastating nightmares. Afraid that she might hurt herself in the midst of a torturous episode, Naya s parents have turned to the bright young doctor as their only hope. When these two situations converge, they set off an alarming chain of events. In this stunning psychological thriller, innocence gives way to evil, and trust lies forgotten in a web of deceit, fear, and murder.

The Great God Pan by Donna Jo Napoli (Paperback)

Synopsis:

Pan, both goat and god, is a curious being who roams nature searching, wondering, and frolicking with maenads and satyrs. He plays melodies on his reed flute, wooing animals to listen. He is a creature of mystery and delight. One day in his travels, Pan meets Iphigenia, a human raised as the daughter of King Agamemnon and Queen Clytemnestra. Pan is captivated by the young princess. Set against a landscape of myth and legend, Napoli’s latest tale is a love story wrought with sincere emotion and all that is great about the Gods.

Harry Potter and The Deadthly Hallows by JK Rowling (Paperback)

I Love this book and I'm glad I won this in a contest! Looks pretty next to my Hardback. x) No need for a synopsis for this one!

In My MailBox was created by: The Story Siren.