Wednesday, May 30, 2012

30 Days of Daemon Tour: What to Watch While You Wait for Onyx & Daemon

Complete list of tour stops here.

ONYX's release date is all the way on August 14. I know, such a long ways away! Well, if you have no idea how you're going to pass the time between now and then, I have some suggestions for alien and sci-fi shows and movies that you can watch while you wait for ONYX and Daemon! My suggestions may or may not be the most popular suggestions, but they are all ones that I really enjoyed. There will also be some quick suggestions from fellow book blogger Brie @ Confessions of the Reading Housewife!

TV Show - Roswell
Roswell is probably the best suggestion on my list for fans of the Lux series. It's set in high school and there's hot aliens! Liz, the main character, is saved by a mysterious boy from her school named Max after being shot while working at the local diner. That one act changes and intertwines their lives forever as Liz soon finds out Max isn't from this world.

I love this show so much. It's filled with plenty of alien drama, action, and romance! It's three seasons long with a total of 61 episodes, which should keep you busy if you decide to watch it! And this show is actually based on the YA series Roswell High by Melinda Metz. I admit, I didn't particularly like the books, but hey, you could always add those books to your 'What I Should Do While I Wait for Daemon--I mean, Onyx!' list.

Max vs Daemon - About the only thing Max and Daemon have in common is that they're hot aliens with powers. Because their personalities are way different! Max is nice and sweet and a good guy. And we all know how Daemon is. hehe So, I would say Max is a bit more like Dawson. There is a bad boy alien in Roswell though! Max's best friend Michael. Michael's relationship with Liz's friend Maria was my favorite in the series, although it was very frustrating at times, but sometimes it's all worth it in the end!

Brie's suggestions: Battlestar Galactica and Stargate SG-1



Movie - Contact
Contact has way less aliens than Obsidian and Roswell. But it does ask the question, "Is there life on other planets?" The movie follows Dr. Ellie Arroway as she tries to prove that there's extraterrestrial life. She makes a breakthrough once she discovers a radio transmission sent from somewhere out of this world and gets the opportunity to make contact.

There are so many things I loved about this movie. It reminded me how I still wonder if there's aliens out there and if we'll ever know. I have watched this movie three times already, and I'll most likely watch it again in the future. The movie is based on a book, Contact by Carl Sagan, which I have not read, BUT maybe you can add it to your list as well.

Palmer vs Daemon -  Palmer Joss isn't an alien and his personality is vastly different from Daemon's. But both have this in common: they are very pleasing to the eyes! Palmer has great chemistry with Ellie, even though their views on certain subjects seem to differ greatly. Just like with Daemon and Katy's relationship, I loved how Palmer and Ellie's relationship was so well done. It was definitely one of my favorite aspects of the movie! Oh yeah, I also couldn't help but to swoon over Palmer's accent. I never got tired of hearing him talk.

Brie's suggestions: Men in Black and War of the Worlds



Anime - Outlaw Star
Outlaw Star takes place in outer space. I'm not even sure if they're in the same galaxy as Earth! So I think it's safe to say that every character is an alien. The series centers on the outlaw Gene Starwind, and with the help of the spaceship Outlaw Star and his crew, Gene journeys across space to find the elusive Galactic Leyline in hopes of finding answers for one of his crew members, the bio-android Melflina.

This is my favorite anime of all time! It has a total of 26 episodes, so it's not too long or too short. It may not be the most unique story in the sci-fi world, but I still think it's an awesome series. It's full of action (spaceship battles!) and lots of hilarious moments mixed in with serious moments. I highly recommend it to anime fans!

Gene vs Daemon - It's strange comparing Gene and Daemon. If they were to ever meet, I can't imagine they would best buds. Gene is reckless at times and likes doing things his way. He's a bit of a ladies man (and he's pervy!). But he's determined and has a vulnerable side, which usually comes out when he thinks about his dead father. He tends to show his soft and caring side to Melfina. I guess that could be something he has in common with Daemon. Gene's relationship with Melfina was developed gradually, and it was perfect to me! Love them together!

Brie's suggestions: Tenchi Muyo and Crest of the Stars


That's it for my alien/sci-fi suggestions. Thanks to Brie for hers! Have you watched any of these?

Which alien shows or movies would you suggest to those waiting for Onyx?

For the complete list of Daemon blog stops, check out the schedule on Entangled's site here.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Review: Angelfall by Susan Ee

Title: Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days, #1)
Author: Susan Ee
Pages: 254
Publisher: Feral Dream
Release Date: May 21, 2011
It’s been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back.

Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.

Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl.

Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels’ stronghold in San Francisco where she’ll risk everything to rescue her sister and he’ll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.

My Thoughts: Jesus. Christ. For months I had heard about how good of a read Angelfall was, and I had no doubt that I would like it once I got around to reading it. But hearing all the praise is different from actually experiencing the book. Because man... It wasn't just good. It was INSANELY good. At some points while I was reading, the pages were flying by so quickly that I had to force myself to put it down so that I wouldn't get closer to the last page. I didn't want it to ever end.

I loved every single thing about this book, especially the main characters Penryn and Raffe. Penryn was one of those rare teenage girls in young adult novels who is vulnerable yet mature, smart, resourceful, and kickass! She knows how to take charge and how to take care of herself and others. She does all this without having a personality and attitude that's loud, frustrating, or annoying. She also doesn't allow herself to get distracted by Raffe, no matter how attractive he is. Raffe was a bit of a mystery at times, but what we did see of him revealed how much of a quiet badass he is and how, for an angel, he actually has a caring and protective side. At least for Penryn. He's the type of male character I love to root for. Honestly, how could I not adore these two characters? They're amazing! And when they're together? Whoa. The connection they shared left me breathless. It's something I look forward to seeing more of in the next book.

Another aspect I loved about Angelfall was that it was a book about survival. Surviving a world that has been damaged and overtaken by angels, angels that aren't nice and cute. Before I started reading, I didn't realize how dark the book was going to be. It had non-stop action, and there were many terrifying and disturbing scenes throughout. It made the book more heart-pounding and exciting, and I really appreciate books that can manage to put some fear in me. Not only that, the story was addicting! Susan Ee's writing was wonderful, and I loved how easy it was to visualize the world she created. (I also loved that her fight scenes weren't cheesy. They were solid and fluid!) Angelfall didn't feel like the typical read about angels at all. It's a definite stand-out that I found quite impressive and refreshing.

I seriously need the next book in my life. I WISH it were out already. Angelfall has taken its place in a top position of my favorite 2012 reads. It definitely deserves and lives up to all the hype. It's the type of book I always hope to come across, and I'm so happy I finally got around to reading it. If you have not yet read Angelfall, what are you waiting for? You won't be disappointed. It's such a stunning and badass read that I can't recommend enough.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Saturday, May 19, 2012

In My Mailbox #66

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren, inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.


Bought:
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy, #5) by Richelle Mead

For Review:
Cold Fury ARC by T.M. Goeglein [Thanks to Penguin & LibraryThing!]
Onyx (Lux, #2) eARC by Jennifer L. Armentrout [Thanks to Entangled Publishing!]

Tour:
The Brides of Rollrock Island by Margo Lanagan [Thanks to Crystal @ WinterHaven Books!]
Insurgent (Divergent, #2) ARC by Veronica Roth
Shadow and Bone ARC by Leigh Bardugo [Thanks to Crystal again!]
The Syndicate ARC by Shelena Shorts [Thanks to Amber @ WinterHaven Books!]

Won:
The Calling (Darkness Rising, #2) by Kelly Armstrong [Thanks to @HarperTeen!]
Hunted by Cheryl Rainfield [Thanks to Cheryl Rainfield!]
Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard [Thanks to Savannah @ Books With Bite!]

I have a lot of reading to do! @_@ Second Chance Summer is one that I especially want to start reading, but first I have about 5 other books to get through. I wish I could read faster! I think Onyx will take some time, since I have to be in the right mood to read on the computer, but I'm looking forward to it. I love Jennifer L. Armentrout's books!

Hope you all had a great book week! :) And before I end this, I just wanted to mention that I currently have an ARC giveaway going on for US residents. You can enter here, if you're interested.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Various ARCs Giveaway #3

I'm giving away the following ARCs...


Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan
The Lost Saint by Bree Despain
Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

...to ONE winner! This giveaway is US only and ends June 3. Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter. :)

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Mini-Reviews #6

The following mini-reviews are for books I read during the past couple of months. Even though I wish I had, I didn't write full reviews for these, but I hope I managed to get my feelings across in each of these mini-reviews.

Insurgent by Veronica Roth / Released: May 1, 2012
I have to admit that Tris and Tobias, especially Tris, were really frustrating me throughout the book. And I didn't feel a connection towards the other characters (I got REALLY tired of hearing about Will) or the story till the last page of chapter 30. That's when things started getting good, in my opinion. Tris was finally making sense. But then! Sadly, I felt it went back to the way it was before once Tris started acting pretty much the same way she was acting in the beginning of the book. Keeping secrets, like she's the only who can do or understand things. Plus, ALL the adults annoyed me. UGH. I guess I'll read the last book, but I'm not feeling much for it right now. Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Pan's Whisper by Sue Lawson / Releases: Oct. 1, 2011
This book was so heartbreaking and beautiful. The summary makes it seem like it would be all about Pan's relationship with a guy named Hunter, but it's more than that. It's about her desperately trying to remember her past through the memories she has of her sister Morgan. Morgan was such an amazing person, and their relationship was precious, yet gut-wrenching because of their circumstance. Hunter was also a wonderful character. Sometimes a damaged girl like Pan needs a perfect guy who is patient and understanding. This book was another example of how great Australian YA fiction is, and I would highly recommend it to contemporary fans. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols / Releases: July 10, 2012
Before I had read this book, my expectations were a bit high. Going Too Far was the only Echols novel I had read, and it happened to be one of my favorite books! Thankfully this book was good too. The story felt believable to me. I loved that it was set in South Carolina. (That's where I live!) I really liked Leah and Grayson, although Grayson did frustrate me at times. Whenever they were around each other I could feel the tension between them and could tell they had some sizzling chemistry. I don't think I felt as connected to Grayon's twin and Leah's best friend, but at least the sparks between Leah and Grayson made up for it. I think Echols fans will really enjoy this one! Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Saturday, May 5, 2012

In My Mailbox #65

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren, inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.


Bought:
Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days, #1) by Susan Ee
Dragon Bound (Elder Races, #1) by Thea Harrison
Untraceable (The Nature of Grace, #1) by S.R. Johannes

Gift:
The Piper's Son audio by Melina Marchetta [Thanks to Melina Marchetta!!]
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi [Also thanks to Olivia!]

Tour:
Preloved by Shirley Marr [Thanks to Flannery @ The Readventurer!]
Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols [Thanks to Tina!]

Won / Received:
Slice: Juicy Moments from My Impossible Life by Steven Herrick [Thanks to Olivia]
Wonder by R.J. Palacio [Thanks to Random House!]

See the photo on the right? You are not hallucinating. That really is The Piper's Son signed to me. I know! Huge big thanks to my favorite author in the world Melina Marchetta! It's a dream come true. *tears* :') By the way, if you don't know, I have a MM fan page called 132 Minutes. Check it out!

Also thank you to my BFF Brie @ Confessions of the Reading Housewife for gifting me with a B&N gift-card! *glomps* I bought three books: Angelfall, Dragon Bound, and Untraceable. I've heard so many good things about Angelfall, so I'm especially excited to read that one!

That's all I have to say for this IMM. Hope everyone had a great book week! :)

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Cover Reveal: Unchained by J. Lynn

Looks like I have another J. Lynn post to share! Unchained is book one in Lynn's new ADULT series called Nephilim Rising. I love her YA novels, and I cannot wait to read this one. It sounds awesome! I'm happy to be part of the cover and official blurb reveal. :)


"Between the pissed off creatures that want demon-hunter Lily Marks dead and the fallen angel who just...wants her, Lily is about ready to trade in forever for a comfy job in a cubicle farm.

The fact that she and Julian are civil to one another is enough to have her thrown out of the Sanctuary, but she can't shake her not-so-angelic stalker or how he brings her dangerously close to ecstasy.

Her forbidden relationship with Julian provides the perfect fuel for suspicion when a traitor is discovered to be working within the Sanctuary. Lily quickly finds herself hunted by well, everyone.

Her only hope is to discover the real traitor before she loses everything--and she'll need Julian's help. That is, if Julian is really there to help her...and not destroy her.

Yeah, being a Nephilim isn't everything it's cracked up to be."

Unchained will be available in mass trade size wherever books are sold on October 16, 2012 and you can pre-order your copies at Amazon, B&N, Book Depository, and BAM.

Want a taste of J. Lynn’s adult work and can’t wait till October? You can purchase her contemporary romance, Tempting the Best Man, which is available on B&N and Amazon. Please note that this is an adult romance, which does contain scenes that could be perceived as naughty, naughty and you should be an adult if reading!

Or you can always check out her Young Adult series, The Covenant (Half-Blood) and Lux Series (Obsidian) under the name Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Blurb: Tempting the Best Man by J. Lynn

Did you know Jennifer L. Armentrout, the author of OBSIDIAN and HALF-BLOOD, is writing adult novels under the pen name J. Lynn? No? Well, now you do! About a week ago her first contemporary romance was released through Entangled Publishing's Indulgence line. Read the cover and the summary now:

Tempting the Best Man
by J. Lynn (aka Jennifer L. Armentrout)
Release Date: April 23, 2012
Page Count: 172
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Madison Daniels has worshiped her brother's best friend since they were kids. Everyone thinks she and Chase Gamble would make the perfect couple, but there are two major flaws in their logic. 1) Chase has sworn off relationships of any kind, and 2) after blurring the line between friends and lovers for one night four years ago, they can't stop bickering.

Forced together for her brother's wedding getaway, Chase and Madison decide to call a truce for the happy couple. Except all bets are off when they're forced to shack up in a tacky 70’s honeymoon suite and survive a multitude of "accidents" as the family tries to prove their "spark" can be used than for more than fighting. That is, if they don't strangle each other first…

Curious? I know I am! You can read an excerpt from chapter one of Tempting the Best Man on Entangled Publishing's website here. The novel is available on Kindle and Nook for purchase at the awesome and low price of $2.99! Just click the buttons below to buy your copy today!