Sydney/Adrian Scene from The Golden Lily

I'm a huge Sydney Sage and Adrian Ivashkov fan! They are from the Bloodlines series by Richelle Mead. I love that series, and I love the Sydney/Adrian pairing! The Bloodlines page on Facebook has issued a challenge for fans! You can listen to the message from the actors who will be playing Sydney and Adrian in the upcoming Indigo Spell teaser trailers:

Basically once the Bloodlines page reaches 40,000 likes, they will film a Sydney/Adrian scene from The Golden Lily! How awesome is that? I'm so excited! I am obsessed with Sydrian, and I desperately want to see a scene filmed! If you have Facebook and love Vampire Academy and Bloodlines, then please like the Bloodlines page. Thanks! :)

Mini-Reviews: The Forever Contract by Avery Sawyer & Molasses by Kirsty Eagar

The Forever Contract by Avery Sawyer
Released: August 1, 2012 / Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

I have to admit that the cover is what made me want to read this novella. It's very eye-catching and hot. Now, as for the actual story, it's a quick and easy read. I do think some of the things that happened in this novella would have been better in a full-length novel because I felt some things needed to be fleshed out more. And I didn't quite feel connected with the main characters Casey and James. Honestly, they aren't a pair that really stood out to me.

Even though it basically had what's typically found in stories with dystopian settings, The Forever Contract was pretty good for a short story. There were a couple of moments that I wasn't expecting at all, so it was nice being surprised like that. If you love dystopian stories and want a fast read, I recommend The Forever Contract.

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Molasses by Kirsty Eagar
Released: August 7, 2012 / Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Molasses is a short story featured in Review of Australian Fiction: Volume 3, Issue 4, and I was really curious about it because I loved the author's first novel Raw Blue. I wondered what genre it was going to be, and it ended up being a contemporary with one particular scene that seemed almost magical.

I love the author's writing, and for a short story, this was really good. I didn't want it to end. I think it would have been even better if it were a full-length novel though! I was just very interested in knowing more about the main group of characters and their relationships with each other. When it was over, I was left craving more and more.

Fans of Kirsty Eagar and Australian YA fiction shouldn't miss out on Molasses. It'll be enough to satisfy you, if you can't get enough of stories set in Australia.

Review: Passion Blue by Victoria Strauss

Title: Passion Blue
Author: Victoria Strauss
Pages: 352
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Children's Books
Release Date: November 6, 2012

When seventeen-year-old Giulia, the orphaned, illegitimate daughter of a Milanese nobleman, learns she's to be packed off to a life behind convent walls, she begs an astrologer-sorcerer for a talisman that will secure what she's certain is her heart's desire: true love and a place where she belongs. But does she really know the compass of her heart? The convent of Santa Marta is full of surprises, including a workshop of nuns who are creating paintings of astonishing beauty using a luminous blue mixed from a secret formula: Passion Blue. As Giulia's own artistic self is awakened she's torn: should she follow the young man who promises to help her escape? Or stay and satisfy her growing desire to paint?

My Thoughts: Historical fiction usually isn't a genre I seek out to read, but after finding out that Megan Whalen Turner, the author of The Queen's Thief fantasy series, praised it as a "lovely read," I knew I had to give Passion Blue a chance. I'm so glad I did because it was such a beautiful and vivid story.

Passion Blue centered around a young woman named Giulia, who desperately wanted a family of her own so that she could be cherished and loved. It was easy to root for Giulia. She was a wonderful character and very relatable. Who wouldn't want to be loved? And why would you deny anyone that? After she was forced to go to Santa Marta to become a nun, I loved that she didn't lose hope and did whatever she could to reach her dream. Her bravery and determination were inspiring. She wasn't perfect, though. She made naive decisions, but I really appreciate characters who are strong enough to own up to their choices and admit when they are wrong. It was great seeing her learn from her mistakes and grow tremendously as a person.

I also loved how passionate Giulia was about both having a family and creating artwork. I'm glad she didn't focus completely on one of those things. In the beginning I was all for Giulia finding love. I felt she deserved that kind of happiness because she had been alone for a long time. Plus, I love romance. It's what I always want in the books I read. But as the story progressed, I began to realize how much she deeply loved drawing and painting. Seeing as this book was set hundreds of years ago in Italy, and having an idea of what was expected of women back then, I knew she wouldn't be able to seriously continue doing artwork if she left the convent. Still, I couldn't help but hope that somehow Giulia would be able to have both things in her life.

That's another thing I liked about this book. Giulia may have wanted a family and she may have wanted to paint, but in the end, she couldn't have both. She had to sacrifice one thing in order to gain the other. It was a hard choice, but it made the story much more realistic. It probably doesn't seem like it would result in a happy ending, but I truly believe the choice Giulia made at the end is what will bring her the most joy in her life. I was in complete support of the path she chose.

Passion Blue was a vibrant story about yearning and sacrifice and discovering what is the heart's true desire. It was a very satisfying read. I think readers who love a passionate and determined heroine and who appreciate realistic stories with a touch of fantasy in a historical setting will greatly enjoy Passion Blue.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Thanks to Amazon Children's Publishing for the ARC!

Review: Deviants by Maureen McGowan

Title: Deviants (The Dust Chronicles, #1)
Author: Maureen McGowan
Pages: 319
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Children's Books
Release Date: October 30, 2012

In a post-apocalyptic world, where the earth is buried by asteroid dust that’s mutated the DNA of some humans, orphaned, sixteen-year-old Glory must protect her younger brother and escape the domed city that’s been her entire world.

Outside in the ruins, they’re pursued by the authorities and by sadistic, scab-covered Shredders who are addicted to the lethal-to-humans dust now covering the planet. Glory’s quests to transport herself and her brother to safety make up the thrilling and fascinating first volume of The Dust Chronicles.

My Thoughts: Three years ago Glory's father murdered her mother and paralyzed her younger brother Drake. Her father turned out to be a Deviant, which are humans with powerful and usually dangerous abilities. He was thrown out of the domed city of Haven and perished in the hands of the Shredders, psychotic creatures that enjoy torturing and killing humans. Since then, Glory has been taking care of her brother in secret. Because after the death of their parents, Glory and Drake have discovered that they are Deviants as well. And Deviants aren't welcomed in Haven.

With its fast pace and intriguing setting, Deviants was a book I found myself easily getting sucked into. The story was unique, yet familiar at the same time. For instance, the people in charge of Haven aren't that different from other authority figures found in most post-apocalyptic novels. They are strict, controlling, and keeping many secrets from the citizens. But I think that's to be expected in a world that was nearly destroyed. What stood out for me in this book was the world outside Haven. The Deviants and Shredders and how they came to be. I can't get into much detail, otherwise it would be a spoiler, but I wasn't expecting some of the things that happened and were revealed in this book. It made some moments pretty shocking and exciting.

Then there's the main character Glory. She's a determined girl who basically had to grow up quickly and become the parent to her younger brother. I like that she loves Drake and will do anything and everything to protect him. I did get frustrated with her a lot though. She had a tendency to not trust people and jump to conclusions quickly. It made sense that she would be that way, considering the betrayal she felt after what her father did, but there were instances where I felt she could have sought out answers first. There's also some romance in this book, a bit of a love-triangle involving Glory and two very different guys. I'm normally not a fan of love-triangles; however, while I think it's obvious who Glory will end up with, it doesn't seem like it's going to be easy. I'm actually really curious how this one is going to work out.

Deviants was an adventurous and thrilling start to a new series. As I mentioned before, it was a fast-paced read and very easy to become pulled into the story. I recommend it to those who can't get enough of the post-apocalyptic and dystopia genres.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Thanks to Amazon Children's Publishing for the ARC!

ARCs Giveaway: The Last Victim & Overseas

I have ARCs of two adult titles to give away! The first is a mystery/romantic suspense and the other is a time-travel/historical romance.

The Last Victim by Karen Robards

Overseas by Beatriz Williams

(Note: The ARC covers look nothing like the final covers pictured above.)

Both books will go to one winner. This giveaway is US only and ends August 31. Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter and be sure to read my giveaway policy.

In My Mailbox #69

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

Gift:
Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta [Thanks to Rachel @ The Reader's Den!]

For Review:
Deviants ARC by Maureen McGowan [Thanks to Amazon Children's Publishing!]
The Forever Contract by Avery Sawyer [Thanks to the author & LibraryThing!]
The Last Victim ARC by Karen Robards [Thanks to Random House & Goodreads!]
Liquid Lies by Hanna Martine [Thanks to the author & Goodreads!]
Otherkin by Nina Berry [Thanks to Kensington & LibraryThing!]
Passion Blue ARC by Victoria Strauss [Thanks to Amazon Children's Publishing!]
Sanctum ARC by Sarah Fine [Thanks to Amazon Children's Publishing!]
Stitch by Samantha Durante [Thanks to the author!]
Review of Australian Fiction - Vol. 3, Issue 4 [Thanks to Review of Australian Fiction!]

Tour:
Holier Than Thou by Laura Buzo [Thanks to Arlene @ WinterHaven Books!]

This IMM features the books I've received in the past 5 weeks. Huge thanks to the lovely Rachel for surprising me with a signed copy of one of my fave books Froi of the Exiles! She was able to see Melina Marchetta at an event in Los Angeles a few weeks ago, which sounded completely awesome. Thank you so much, Rachel! Froi is now on my super special shelf. :)

Some of the review books featured in this post I have already reviewed: Sanctum, Liquid Lies, and Ferragost. I completely loved Sanctum! I highly recommend it, especially if you're interested in YA urban fantasy with a kickass heroine and romance. Ferragost is a short story in Review of Australian Fiction, and if you love Melina Marchetta's Lumatere Chronicles, you should definitely read it!

I'm almost done with Deviants so expect a review soonish. And I can't wait to get started on Otherkin, Passion Blue, and Stitch! Stitch is actually for a blog tour I'm participating in. The blog tour has already begun (full schedule here), and my tour post will be posted on October 21.

That's about it for now. Have a great weekend! :D

Book Trailer: Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

It's no secret Jennifer L. Armentrout is one of my favorite authors ever! Her novels are just extremely addicting. Book two in her Lux series, ONYX, will be officially released in a few days on August 14 by Entangled Publishing. ONYX was amazing! You can read my review here. Today the book trailer was released and you can watch all the hotness between Katy & Daemon it now:

The book trailer for book 1, OBSIDIAN, can be watched here.

Review: Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Cursed
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Pages: 312
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Release Date: September 18, 2012

Dying sucks--and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows.

Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he’s a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she’s more than interested. There’s just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. However, she’s willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't?

But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not've been an accident at all, she’s not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time.

My Thoughts: I admit it took me more than half the novel until I was hooked. While I was reading, I noticed other reviewers mention how it felt different from Armentrout's other novels, and I was totally nodding my head in agreement. I think it might have been because Cursed is a stand-alone. Stand-alones aren't a bad thing at all, but having read two series by JLA, I don't think one book for this story was enough to make me feel a strong connection. There were plenty of characters and so much more to explore that I felt like I only got a teaser.

Ember and Hayden are the main characters in Cursed, and although I like them both, they aren't quite as memorable as Katy and Daemon from the Lux series or Alex, Aiden, and Seth from the Covenant series. I didn't swoon over Hayden nearly as much as I wanted to. Plus, if you've read JLA's other books, you know how hot the romance can get. The romance between Ember and Hayden had it's intense moments, but I did find it a lot tamer than JLA's other romances. It's understandable why though, considering Ember's gift. I just couldn't help wanting more.

I know it may seem like I didn't enjoy Cursed. I was expecting to like it a lot more, yes. However, even though I found the first half to be only okay, the last chapters definitely made up for the beginning. It's why I decided to rate it four stars. The ending was satisfying. I wouldn't mind a sequel, though, since there's enough unanswered questions left at the end. Hopefully JLA decides to write a second book. I would love to read it, especially knowing how much she has grown as an author.

Cursed is like a sneak peek of the awesomeness that is a Jennifer L. Armentrout novel. If you're a huge JLA fan like me, reading this book is a good fix while you wait for her next novels.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Thanks to Spencer Hill Press for the ARC!

Review: Ferragost by Melina Marchetta

Title: Ferragost (short story in the Lumatere Chronicles)
Author: Melina Marchetta
Published by: Review of Australian Fiction
Release Date: August 7, 2012

Lady Celie of the Lumateran Flatlands is visiting the Belegonian spring castle on the isle of Ferragost. Cut off from the rest of Belegonia by poor weather, she is confined to the island with four others, including the mysterious castellan of the castle. When the body of one of the guests is discovered on the rocks outside the east tower, Celie is not only considered a suspect, but finds herself embroiled in events that are entwined with her own kingdom's cursed history, as well as the future of the entire land of Skuldenore.

My Thoughts: Every spring the King of Belegonia and his family stay at the Ferragost castle located off the coast of Belegonia. This year they invite Lady Celie of the Lumatere Flatlands to join them at Ferragost. While the arrival of the royal family is delayed by the weather, someone is murdered at Ferragost Castle and Celie decides to help the Castellan of the isle, Banyon, solve the murder. But it becomes tricky when Banyon suspects her of the murder and accuses her of being a spy for Lumatere.

Although it's a short story, Ferragost pretty much has everything I love to find in a Melina Marchetta story! There's always a surprise (or two or three!), something I never see coming. Even when I think I have the mystery solved, I never would have guessed the real reasons behind the characters' motives and actions. It tends to leave me in awe with my mouth hanging open and wondering how Melina Marchetta always manages to do this to her readers.

Melina's characters and the relationships in her stories are some of my favorites ever. Celie and her relationship with Banyon is no exception. On the outside Celie looks frail, but on the inside she's a total badass. I adored her! I also loved Banyon and Celie's interactions with him. Banyon doesn't seem to trust her and comes off as really rude, but there's an attraction there between them. So you can imagine the tension that builds whenever they're around each other. Celie will play a role in Quintana of Charyn, and I'm really really hoping Banyon will too! Even if it's a minor one, I don't care. He is up there with how I feel about the other male leads in the series. It amazes me how quickly and easily I can fall in love with Melina Marchetta characters. They are just that awesome.

According to Melina, Ferragost takes place around the same time as events in Quintana of Charyn but doesn't spoil anything. If you're a fan of the Lumatere Chronicles, I highly recommend you read Ferragost! It'll make you want the final book in the series even more, but at the same time it'll satisfy you and be the fix you need while you wait for QoC's release.

(Ferragost is featured in an issue of the online journal Review of Australlian Fiction. More info here. And it can be purchased here!)

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Onyx (Lux, #2)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Pages: 416
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Release Date: August 14, 2012

Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarre connection. I’ve sworn him off even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But against all common sense, I’m falling for him. Hard.

Our relationship issues aren’t out biggest problem…

The Department of Defense is here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we’re linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And when a new boy shows up a school with a secret of his own, things get complicated fast. I need to choose between my own instincts and Daemon’s.

But then everything changes…

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. Daemon’s never going to stop searching until gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies.

My Thoughts: It's been two months since I've read Onyx. I can't remember all the things I wanted to say in my review, but I still remember all the strong emotions I felt while reading the book. Before I get to that, though, I want to start off with some happy things!

I pretty much stalked Jennifer L. Armentrout's Twitter and Facebook through the entire month of June, especially the first two weeks. It was during the time when she went on tour with the LUX cover models, Pepe and Sztella! I wish I could have made it to one of the events, but seeing pictures were enough. All the pictures JLA posted put a HUGE stupid smile on my face. I was fangirling like crazy; I couldn't get enough of Sztella and Pepe! It was almost like Katy and Daemon were real. haha I'm glad the tour happened when I started reading Onyx because after I was done with Onyx... I was left feeling a bit drained. There was so many devastating moments near the end. It broke my heart. Thankfully, there were lots of fun and adorable Sztella/Pepe pictures being tweeted and posted. Looking at those pictures cheered me up! I know it sounds weird, but it made me feel like Katy and Daemon were safe and happy.

Now for my thoughts on the book. While I was reading the first half, I wasn't quite sure what to expect next. Nothing extremely major had happened yet. But it was like the calm before the storm. I knew something big was going to be revealed. I just didn't realize how insane things were going to get and how emotionally draining it was going to be for me and the characters. One second I'm feeling calm, and then BAM! The next second I'm freaking the heck out! And then there was the ending. Wow. I was stunned. I couldn't decide if I wanted to cry tears of joy or sadness. It was extremely bittersweet. Onyx had plenty of moments that made laugh and smile and and swoon like a fangirl, but at the end, it left me with this deep feeling of sadness.

I really felt for the characters. (I even felt sorry for Blake! Now that's saying something.) They kept having to go through all these heartbreaking and dangerous situations. I'm not sure I would have been able to survive, so I'm proud of these characters for staying strong and never giving up. And because of these life-changing events, the characters grow and change tremendously. In Obsidian, I think we all can agree that Daemon was a real asshole to Katy, but we did see glimpses of his softer and kinder side. We got so much more of that in Onyx. Daemon has so much depth to him, and I loved that he's allowing Katy to see that side of him. I cannot wait to continue with this series, to find out what happens with these characters. I know things aren't going to go smoothly in Opal with the way things ended in this book; however, I really hope that Katy and Daemon and the rest of their group stay strong and eventually find happiness.

If you loved Obsidian, I don't see how you won't love Onyx. Onyx takes the series to a higher level and pretty much owns the first book! It's going to make you wish the third book was already out. Good thing we only have to wait till December for more.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Giveaway: Deity ARC + Swag

In honor of Jennifer L. Armentrout's boys AIDEN and DAEMON being in the YA Crush Tourney, I'm giving away my ARC of Deity! It has been read and loved. Deity is book 3 in the Covenant series, and it is by far my favorite JLA book! It was freaking amazing! Keep an eye out for my review in October. :D If you have not started the Covenant series or her Lux series, you should seriously consider reading them now!

So, giveaway details: One lucky person will win an ARC of Deity and JLA swag, and another lucky person will win JLA swag. This giveaway is US only. To enter, just fill out the Rafflecopter form below and be sure to read my giveaway policy. I haven't yet decided when I will end this giveaway. Good luck! :)