In My Mailbox #8

** In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a great way to showcase the books you've gotten over the week, whether they are bought, borrowed or free. **

These past two weeks I've gotten 2 books for review and I bought 1 book.

I got from Barnes and Noble The Iliad and The Odyssey collection book.

They also had a lot of others such as Grimm's fairytale, Alice in Wonderland and The Chronicles of Narnia. My English class just finished up our Greek Mythology unit and I've always wanted to read the Odyssey.

Review Books:

 Notes to Self by Avery Sawyer

Contemporary!!!

Happy Birthday to You by Brian Rowe

Final book in birthday trilogy!

Review: The Start-Up and Anti-Social Network

The Start-Up&The Anti-Social Network

by Sadie Hayes

Published by:Backlit Fiction, LLC

Released on:October 17th,2011

Pages:

Buy here

When a college freshman's breakthrough software program catapults her into the limelight, she and her twin brother must navigate a treacherous world of money, power, and envy: Silicon Valley.

In a world of tweets, apps, and mobile games, The Start-Up is a fast-paced and exciting serial story with a new episode released each month.

 The Dory twins grew up with nothing. Now on the verge of having everything, their fledgling company—built on Amelia’s intellect and Adam’s ambition—threatens to be torn apart by new, powerful enemies and old, malicious ones.

The Anti-Social Network is the second episode in The Start-Up series, a fast-paced and exciting serial story.

* The author sent me copies to review these books but opinions are all my own*

                Since these both are short novellas I thought I might just combine the reviews together. Basically this is about two siblings in college who are trying to make it big in the world while still living the normal college life. I liked Adam and Amelia they were independent and somewhat driven. They came from very hard backgrounds; foster homes and never having much money to do and buy things. When they get the scholarship to attend one of the most prestigious schools in the US you can't help but be happy that the bad days are over. Its hard for these young CEO's to make their mark but we all know they can. These books were good I rate them 3.5 out of 5 stars!

Happy Reading!

Ashlinn

Review:Tallen

Tallen by M.L. Saywer

(Quest of the Demon Aftermath)

Published by:Equilibrium Books

Released on:December 1st,2011

Pages:251

Buy here

Growing up not far from the road to Chinta on the edge of the Jungle Dragon, Tallen is excited to have her two brothers home. Recent times have been hard, Tallen herself barely surviving an attack by a derelict stranger in their very own barn.

The war that never was has relieved them of their duty at Chinta, so much so, that her father, the Sergeant of the Guard, is able to return for a visit, bringing news of a possible suitor for Tallen, given that she is almost of that age.

Tallen is not sure what she wants, and the man her father brings home is not what anyone expected. But at least she knows that her family has her best interests at heart when the pompous, self-interested merchant's son is sent back to Chinta.

The aftermath of the Offworlder's quest remains uncertain, the battle apparently lost. But for a reluctant Tallen, the journey is only just beginning, upon a path from which there may be no return.

Thank you Ms.Sawyer for a copy!

 I reviewed Quest of the Demon the first book a while back here is the link. I liked Quest of the Demon and I think I liked Tallen even more. We were introduced to Tallen in Quest of the Demon when Darby and her were attacked by a man in Tallen's barn. I like Tallen a lot. In QOD I thought she was very young and naive but she really is a strong young lady. I just want to say that Ms.Sawyers writing has improved since her first novel! If your looking for a fun and adventurous read this is your calling....I rate this 4 out of 5 stars!Check it out.

Review:Spirits of Glory

Spirits of Glory 

by Emily Devenport

Published by:Smashwords

Released on:October 24th,2010

Pages:

Buy here

One morning the people of the North woke up and the people of the South were gone. That s the first thing every child learns on the colony world of Jigsaw. But for one girl, knowing about The Disappearance is not enough. Hawkeye wants to know why.

That's why she spent half her life researching The Disappearance. And that's also why eight Neighbors show up on her doorstep, demanding that she accompany them into the Forbidden Cities ruled by the Southern gods to speak with the Spirits of Glory. Everyone thinks Hawkeye is an expert on Neighbors, these almost-humans who move, talk, and think as if they were born inside one of the Time Fractures. But she can't imagine what they want to ask the ghosts of their ancestors, or why they need her to go along. The Southern gods caused every human inhabitant of the Southern cities to disappear overnight : what else might they do?


But the Northern gods say Hawkeye should go and her curiosity won't let her refuse, even though she's going into more danger than she can imagine. Pain and puzzlement wait along the broken interstate, along with scavengers who want to kill them all. Hawkeye's questions only generate more questions as they move farther and farther into the South, right into the heart of the Disappearance, until Hawkeye's questions have all been answered.

Even the ones she was afraid to ask.
*I received a copy for review, thank you Ms.Devenport!*


The main character is Hawkeye as everyone calls her. The one thing I admire about her is her selflessness. I love that she looks out for her animal friends and I thought it was incredibly adorable. There was also some romance and I approve of the guy Hawkeye likes. I also liked the spiritual aspect.The Neighbors are a huge role in the story. And no they're not actually like next door neighbors. They're kind of like messengers for the gods.  Anyways this story was really good and I rate it 4 out of 5 stars! Ms.Devenport has a nice writing style where you don't have to add in 10 words to a sentence to be more descriptive.Check it out on smashwords.

Review: Anna and the French Kiss

Anna and the French Kiss

by Stephanie Perkins

Published by:Dutton

Released on:December 2nd,2010

Pages:372 Hardcover

Buy here

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

     Ok so I know it took me about a year to read this but I finally have, and boy was it fantastic! Anna and the French Kiss was the perfect mixture of romance,comedy,and finding yourself story. Anna was a charming main character. I found a couple of similar qualities between us.Let me just say I loved the tiny snippets of french history and the words! I seriously wanted to jump on the next plane and read the story while walking through the Paris streets to get the feel! And St.Clair.....what else do I need to say? He was just a ball full of hotness! Some production company should pick this up because it would be a fantastic movie! The bottom line here, I rate this 5 out of 5 stars!It was so great and  I will at least need to read this book once a year!

Have a fantastic week!

~Ashlinn

Review: A Creature Most Foul

Nikolas and Company:

A Creature Most Foul by Kevin McGill

Published by:Aero Studios

Released on:September 26th,2011

Pages:394 e-book

Buy here

"The Rones lie about their true intent. They enter the city of Huron at the peril of us all. Save me."
Every steward has a city and every steward hears the voice of the city. Fourteen-year-old Nikolas Lyons has heard the voice of Huron and she will change his life forever.
Nikolas and company are transported to a time when Earth is tethered to the fantastic world of Mon – or as we have come to call her, the Moon. He learns that Mon is filled with fire-breathing winged lions and volcano born nymphs and magic so thick you can breathe it. But not all things are grand and beautiful. While aboard the Mottled Craw and in route to Huron, Xanthus is infected by a mysterious creature. It is not long after Nikolas understands that his friend's infection and the evil brought on by the Rones are one and the same. Never one for responsibility, Nikolas finds himself tasked with finding a cure for a dying Xanthus, while protecting the city of Huron from the mysterious creature most foul.

First 100 Page review here.

*I received this copy from the author but that does not affect my opinion.*

  Nikolas is an adventurous 14 year old boy who goes on the adventure of a lifetime with his friends,brother and grandfather. Their mission is to find Huron and help the people but along the way find themselves sidetracked by various events. Nikolas was a likable character as well as his friends. I liked the idea of the book as well but it wasn't what I had expected even though I reviewed the first 100 pages, some things were changed.

 If I were to describe the story I would say it's a little Zathura(movie with Josh Hutcherson) with some Avatar and Greek mythology and a lot of other original factors. If you have read my first 100 page review you know that Caroline(one of Nikolas's friends) was my favorite character and still is. I rate this 3.5 out of 5 stars. It's a lot of adventure but it was a little to sci-fi much for me, but still at least check it out! Thank you Kevin and Aero Studios!

Have a great day and have a happy holiday!

Ashlinn

Review: Happy Birthday To Me Again

Happy Birthday To Me Again by Brian Rowe

(#2 Birthday Trilogy)

Published by: CreateSpace

Released:September 22nd,2011

Pages:291 PDF Form

Buy here

Cameron Martin has a huge problem: he’s aging a whole year of his life with each passing day… again. And this time... he's going backward!

When Cameron proposes to his beloved witch of a girlfriend Liesel, he thinks life can’t get any better. But when he reluctantly breaks off the engagement just days before the wedding, Liesel angrily unleashes another curse on the unlucky guy, this time making him age backward, from eighteen, all the way to zero.

Making matters worse, Liesel mysteriously disappears, leaving Cameron with no options, except watching himself rapidly shrink into a helpless child. Will Liesel be able to save his life again? Or will Cameron ultimately fall prey to his girlfriend's wicked spell? 

Happy Birthday to Me Review here

   Cameron is back again ,but with another problem, instead of aging to 80 he's aging back to 1 years old. Lisel, his girlfriend has to once again save him but with her haunting past and Cameron's own mistakes its going to be hard. I liked this book probably more than the first one. For a couple reasons; 1.Cameron has matured as well as other characters. 2.We get to learn about Lisel's past. And 3.Love story! There's not much to say about this book because I don't want to spoil it but it was a very good read and try and check out the first book!I rate this 4 out of 5 stars!

Have a great week!

~Ashlinn

Review: Twisted

Twisted by Sara Shepard

(#9 Pretty Little Liars Series)

Published by:Harper Teen

Released on:July 5th 2011

Pages:305 Hardcover

Buy here

It’s been a year since the torturous notes from A stopped and the mystery of Alison DiLaurentis’s disappearance was finally put to rest. Now seniors in high school, Aria, Spencer, Hanna and Emily are older, but they’re not any wiser. The Pretty Little Liars have more secrets than ever - twisted secrets that could destroy the perfect lives they’ve worked so hard to rebuild.

Aria’s jealous of her boyfriend’s new exchange student. Spencer’s getting a little too cozy with her soon-to-be-stepbrother. Hanna’s one scandalous photo away from ruining her dad’s Senate campaign. And Emily will do anything to get a swim scholarship.

Worst of all: Last spring break in Jamaica, they did something unforgivable. The girls are desperate to forget that fateful night, but they should know better than anyone that all secrets wash ashore … eventually.

*I Would not recommend reading this review if you have not read the first eight books my review of the first eight can be found here.*
  
  I'm so glad that I finally got to Twisted. I was kind of waiting to read it when the show came back on but I decided to just read it! As many of you know I am a big PLL fan and I was excited to see new books but like many others the question is why?And what will it be about, but Sara Shepard created a great story.


  Basically after a trip to Jamaica the girls have made a huge mistake that for me was also a shocker. Twisted is set in the present but with the flashbacks from Jamaica which are really important. The more I read, the more I loved the girls. Each one of them have their own individual story and mistakes which makes it interesting. Bottom line; loved it!I rate this 5 out of 5 stars! Ruthless(#10) will be out December 6th 2011! I can't wait!

Thanks for reading and have a great day!

Ashlinn

I made a Twitter!!Link here

 

   

Review: Happy Birthday To Me

Happy Birthday To Me
by Brian Rowe

(#1 Birthday Trilogy)

Released by:CreateSpace

Published:April 11th,2011

Pages:322 Paperback

Buy here

Seventeen-year-old Cameron Martin has a huge problem: he’s aging a whole year of his life with each passing day. High school is hard enough; imagine rapidly aging from seventeen to seventy in a matter of weeks, with no logical explanation, and with prom, graduation, and the state championship basketball game on the horizon. That’s what happens to Cameron, a mischievous pretty boy who has never had to face a day looking anything but perfect. It starts with a slowing metabolism, followed by gray hair, wrinkles, and heart palpitations. Within days his girlfriend dumps him, his plastic surgeon father forces him to get a facelift, and his terrifying high school librarian seduces him to have sex with her. All he wants to do is go back to normal, but no one, not even the best doctors, can diagnose his condition. When he finds love with a young woman who may or may not be an all-powerful witch, he realizes that the only hope for his survival might be with the one person who instigated his condition in the first place...
  
WOW!!!Such a great book with a great storyline. I didn't know exactly what this book would be like. It kinda reminds me of 17 Again with Zac Efron which I liked so that's not a bad thing! Anyways Cameron was a likable main character; he's outgoing, funny, arrogant, like many teenage boys.But he doesn't stay like that the whole story and I was impressed with the character he became. I also really like Lissel the young woman who puts the curse on him. I really am happy that they're together because I always am a fan for happy endings and this book has one. Bottom line I rate this 4 out of 5 stars!Check it out and make sure to check out my review on Happy Birthday to Me Again when I post it! Thank you Mr.Rowe for the opportunity!

Have a great day,

Ashlinn

In My Mailbox #7 and Week Recap!

** In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a great way to showcase the books you've gotten over the week, whether they are bought, borrowed or free. **

This week I got 2 books from the library. 

Yay for Anna and the French Kiss!!!

 Yay!

I'm going to do a recap of this week(and part of lasts.)

Starting with what I read:

Mockinjay by Suzanne Collins

Farsighted by Emelyn Chand

If I Stay by Gayle Forman 

Happy Birthday To Me by Brian Rowe

Twisted by Sara Shepard
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Reviews:

Farsighted by Emelyn Chand

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Coming Soon:

Review for Twisted, Happy Birthday to Me Again,and Anna and the French Kiss.

Have a great week!!

Ashlinn

Review: If I Stay

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Published by:Dutton Juvenile

Released:April 9th,2009

Pages:199 paperback

Buy here

In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen year- old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make -and the ultimate choice Mia commands.
 Review
   Coming into this book I didn't know what to expect. I thought it would be depressing and talk about her recovery but it wasn't....at all...this book has it's own special quality.

   Mia loves her family so much and she has so many other great things in life; a caring boyfriend, a best friend, and a ride to Julliard with her cello. But all of it is taken away in an instant and Mia is left to figure if she wants to stay with the other great people in life or go somewhere else. Mia was such a lovable character and truly one of my favorites out of all the books I've ever read. I think I love her so much because I find similar qualities between us. It's heartbreaking to know that what happened to her can happen to any of us at any time especially at times where we don't want to go. I thought it was interesting the way the author explained where Mia was. Catholics believe you have heaven, purgatory, and hell. But the way the author described was different and enjoyable. You could call it an out of body experience for Mia. She was floating in between all of it. 


  This book was beautiful and one of my new favorites I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. It's a sad story but filled with happiness, comedy,and love. I'm very excited to see what Where She Went is like.

Have a great day and always tell your loved ones you love them!

~Ashlinn

  

Review: Farsighted Blog Tour

Farsighted by Emlyn Chand

Published by:Blue Crown Press

Released on:October 24th,2011

Pages:218 ebook

Buy here

Alex Kosmitoras’s life has never been easy. The only other student who will talk to him is the school bully, his parents are dead-broke and insanely overprotective, and to complicate matters even more, he's blind. Just when he thinks he'll never have a shot at a normal life, a new girl from India moves into town. Simmi is smart, nice, and actually wants to be friends with Alex. Plus she smells like an Almond Joy bar. Yes, sophomore year might not be so bad after all.

Unfortunately, Alex is in store for another new arrival—an unexpected and often embarrassing ability to “see” the future. Try as he may, Alex is unable to ignore his visions, especially when they begin to suggest that Simmi is in danger. With the help of the mysterious psychic next door and new friends who come bearing gifts of their own, Alex must embark on a journey to change his future

*The author did send me this to review but opinions are all my own*

Blog Tour Notes-

THE BOOK:  Alex Kosmitoras may be blind, but he can still “see” things others can’t.  When his unwanted visions of the future begin to suggest that the girl he likes could be in danger, he has no choice but to take on destiny and demand it reconsider. Get your copy today by visiting Amazon.com’s Kindle store or the eBook retailer of your choice. The paperback edition will be available on November 24 (for the author’s birthday).
THE CASH PRIZES:  Guess what? You could win a $100 Amazon gift card as part of this special blog tour. That’s right! Just leave a comment below saying something about the post you just read, and you’ll be entered into the raffle. I could win $100 too! Please help by voting for my blog in the traffic-breaker poll. To cast your vote, visit the official Farsighted blog tour page and scroll all the way to the bottom. Thank you for your help with that.
THE GIVEAWAYS:  Win 1 of 10 autographed copies of Farsighted before its paperback release by entering the giveaway on GoodReads. Perhaps you’d like an autographed postcard from the author; you can request one on her site.
THE AUTHOR:  Emlyn Chand has always loved to hear and tell stories, having emerged from the womb with a fountain pen grasped firmly in her left hand (true story). When she’s not writing, she runs a large book club in Ann Arbor and is the president of author PR firm, Novel Publicity. Emlyn loves to connect with readers and is available throughout the social media interweb. Visit www.emlynchand.com for more info. Don’t forget to say “hi” to her sun conure Ducky!
MORE FUN: There’s more fun below. Watch the live action Farsighted book trailer and take the quiz to find out which character is most like you!

Book Trailer

Review-

  As the summary explains above, Alex the main character, is blind and has supernatural "abilities."  Alex was an interesting type of character, I liked him at times and at others I didn't. The one quality I admired was that he didn't just want to mope around all day, he went out, and he made friends. Simmi is the love interest of the story and I really like her personality. I also thought it was really sweet that she didn't care if Alex was blind, she still liked him.

  The conflict in the story is that Alex has a vision that Simmi might die. Alex is scared out of his mind and has to put together all the pieces to figure out who the killer is and when it will happen. About half the story is about putting the pieces together and when they finally did it ended in a way I didn't think it would. What I mean by that is that I thought the book was going to end and we don't know if Simmi really does die, but  they found the guy and it really was a mistaken identity. It's very hard to explain for those who haven't read it. 

  Overall I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. Check it out for yourself because its a story you've never heard before! Thank you Ms.Chand for the opportunity and check out all the info above for a chance to win a prize of $100!!

    

 Have a great day!
Ashlinn
P.s. More reviews will be coming!

Review: Mockingjay

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

(#3 Hunger Games Series)

Published by:Scholastic Press

Released:August 24th,2010

Pages:390 Hardcover

Buy here

My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead.

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans -- except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay -- no matter what the personal cost.

*Spoiler ALERT!*

  So this book has taken me months to finish and I'm so glad I finished it.(And I'm also sick so I thought I should just finish it!) All I can say is WOW it was such a sad but yet good ending. I'm still trying to collect all my thoughts on how I feel about it. Ok so now onto what I disliked and liked.

   The reason it took so long for me was because it was soooo slow in the beginning and I couldn't get into it. Second problem with the book; what is with all of the deaths? I mean Prim, and Finnick!! I was so upset about their deaths because she kind of just said well Finnick dies because of the crazy mutants end. of. story. I was like what....all I gotta say is Collins dismissed many of the deaths in the story.


  Now onto a positive note. I was truly surprised in a good way that she ended up with Peeta. It really was a nice ending to know that everything turned out well. But do I think Katniss truly deserves Peeta, no I really don't. But they make each other happy and balance each other. I feel like Katniss and Gales relationship would have been very toxic and chaotic. I don't know, just my opinion but it would have been interesting to see what would have happened if she ended up with Gale?


  Overall I love this series and am sad to have it end for me but I think it ended perfect.I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I won't be forgetting Katniss's story anytime soon. It taught me to never take anything I have for granted and to always spend time with my loved ones, to always have strength in the toughest times, fight for your beliefs, and to never take life for granted.ever. 

Happy Reading,

Ashlinn

In My Mailbox #6!

** In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a great way to showcase the books you've gotten over the week, whether they are bought, borrowed or free. **

This week I received four e-books for review: 

Nikolas&Company:

A Creature Most Foul by Kevin McGill

(I reviewed the first 100 pages earlier this year here it is)

Tallen by M L Sawyer(Quest of the Demon Aftermath)

Already reviewed Quest of the Demon

 The Start-Up by Sadie Hayes

The Anti-Social Network 
By Sadie Hayes


Have a great week and Happy Halloween!
~Ashlinn

In My Mailbox #5

** In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's a great way to showcase the books you've gotten over the week, whether they are bought, borrowed or free. **

I got two e-books for review. The first is Farsighted by Emlyn Chand.

Second is Spirits of Glory by Emily Devenport

Happy Reading!

Ashlinn

Review: Hopeless Magic

Hopeless Magic by Rachel Higginson

(#2 Star-Crossed Series)

Published by:Rachel Higginson via Smashwords

Released:August 10th,2011

Pages:Ebook

Buy here

After returning home from Romania, and successfully saving her best friend Lilly, Eden Matthews must now come to terms with her future as an Immortal. She is in love with the Crowned Prince, but he is betrothed to someone else. Her family desperately wants her to join their rebellion, but that would mean fighting against her one, true love, Kiran Kendrick. She must fight off assassins that want her dead, an Immortal rite of passage that takes her to India and a deadly disease that no one has thus far survived. Danger seems to lurk around every corner as Eden struggles to keep her true identity a secret and protect those that she loves. Eden must find a way to be with Kiran, or turn her back on him forever and fight to save her people. Hopeless Magic is the second installment of the Star-Crossed series.

*This was sent to me but that does not effect my review*
 Here is the first book Reckless Magic review.
 I was so excited to start this because I had high expectations from the first one and let me say this totally went above and beyond! 
    
     As I said above this was even better than Reckless Magic! Ms. Higginson has a wonderful and vivid writing style that I love. Seriously she should be more recognized. Eden, the main character is one of the most realest characters ever. Don't get me wrong her friends are wonderful as well. Eden is seriously just like a teenage girl; she complains, falls in love to easily, and is still trying to find herself, like many other teenagers. If you read my review on Reckless Magic you will see I left the book liking Kiran a lot but I have changed my mind and don't like him for various reasons which I won't reveal.Hahaha anyways there's not much more to say except that I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars! Seriosley go check out Reckless Magic and for that matter Hopeless Magic as well.

Happy Reading!!

Ashlinn

In My Mailbox #4

Hey everyone this week I got two books for review 

both by Brian Powe and both are from the Birthday Trilogy!

Seventeen-year-old Cameron Martin has a huge problem: he’s aging a whole year of his life with each passing day. High school is hard enough; imagine rapidly aging from seventeen to seventy in a matter of weeks, with no logical explanation, and with prom, graduation, and the state championship basketball game on the horizon. That’s what happens to Cameron, a mischievous pretty boy who has never had to face a day looking anything but perfect. It starts with a slowing metabolism, followed by gray hair, wrinkles, and heart palpitations. Within days his girlfriend dumps him, his plastic surgeon father forces him to get a facelift, and his terrifying high school librarian seduces him to have sex with her. All he wants to do is go back to normal, but no one, not even the best doctors, can diagnose his condition. When he finds love with a young woman who may or may not be an all-powerful witch, he realizes that the only hope for his survival might be with the one person who instigated his condition in the first place...

Cameron Martin has a huge problem: he’s aging a whole year of his life with each passing day… again. And this time... he's going backward!

When Cameron proposes to his beloved witch of a girlfriend Liesel, he thinks life can’t get any better. But when he reluctantly breaks off the engagement just days before the wedding, Liesel angrily unleashes another curse on the unlucky guy, this time making him age backward, from eighteen, all the way to zero.

Making matters worse, Liesel mysteriously disappears, leaving Cameron with no options, except watching himself rapidly shrink into a helpless child. Will Liesel be able to save his life again? Or will Cameron ultimately fall prey to his girlfriend's wicked spell?  

Have a wonderful week!

Ashlinn :) 

Waiting On Wednesday #8!

A Million Suns by Beth Revis

(#2 Across the Universe)

When Elder learns harrowing news about the space ship Godspeed, he and Amy must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, all the while dealing with the romance that’s growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart. It all boils down to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.

So I liked the first enough book to want to read the second one :). This comes out January 10th,2012!Check out Across the Universe if you haven't!

Review: Heist Society

Heist Society by Ally Carter

Published by: Hyperion Book CH

Released:February 9th,2010

Pages:287 Paperback

Buy here

When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a trip to the Louvre…to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria…to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own—scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving “the life” for a normal life proves harder than she’d expected.

Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring Kat back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has a good reason: a powerful mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat’s dad needs her help.

For Kat, there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it's a spectacularly impossible job? She's got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in her family's history--and, with any luck, steal her life back along the way.

My Review:

    Katarina Bishop has a life that many have never heard of; shes a con artist. It's a family business that has been going on too long to remember. She leaves the business to try and lead as normal of a life as she can have. But the handsome Hale brings here back and it's a good reason to. Her father is in trouble because an evil man named Arturo Taccone who says that her father stole his paintings. But how? That's what Kat and her team have to figure out otherwise something bad could happen to her father.....


   Let me tell you all I was so excited to start this book. I mean come on a heist society how awesome is that, it's a very original idea which is what drew me in. (This is going to be kind of a short review fyi.) Kat was an interesting character and Ms.Carter has an interesting writing style. To be honest I wasn't particularly fond of it, she added so much that didn't have to be used. Regardless I didn't have problems reading the rest of the book its just it dragged on and was confusing. 


   I thought the characters worked really great with one another and I'm glad that I saw growth in them. Hale swoon was amazing seriously I would love to hear that story from his point of view! I liked Kat but I felt like I wasn't being told everything which I know cons are supposed to hide stuff but come on, its a book! Overall it was a great book I rate it 4 out of 5 stars. I will read the next one but will most likely check it out from the library. I still recommend you all to read it and if you have share with me your thoughts in the comments!

Toddles for now!

<3Ashlinn

P.s. I'm reading Hopeless Magic by Rachel Higginson

P.s.s If you have a a kindle and want an amazing free book here is the

link.

 

Reckless Magic On Sale $0!

 Hey guys I know I haven't posted in a while well I really haven't posted in the last 3 months, but anyways I have a really great deal for my kindle owners! A couple months ago I was sent a book called Reckless Magic by Rachel Higginson, right now it is on sale for $0!!!!It is such an amazing book and here is the link to my review. Seriously you all should at least download it to your kindle and just a disclaimer I am not being paid or sponsored to promote this I just think she is an awesome author and she should get more credit!

   Another thing I'm reading Heist Society by Ally Carter and its amazing so I hope I will be able to finish the book by Friday and post the review Saturday or Sunday!Anyways hope you all have an amazing week!

 :) Ashlinn

Review:New England Witch Chronicles

New England Witch Chronicles

by Chelsea Bellingeri

Published by:Create Space

Released:Jun 25th,2011

Pages:356 Paperback

Buy here

The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 were an embarrassing stain on America’s revered past. Innocent people were persecuted at the hands of a few over-zealous puritans. But what if there were real witches during those colonial hunts? What if there are witches in present day New England? That is what Alexandria Ramsey’s crazy grandmother believes. Grandma Claudia claims Alex descends from a long line of New England witches.

Modern day witches in Hazel Cove, Massachusetts? Unlikely, but strange things are occurring in the weeks preceding Alex’s seventeenth birthday, which also coincides with her family’s annual Halloween party. Alex is haunted by bizarre reoccurring nightmares of a man chasing her through the Hazel Cove Cemetery. On a few occasions, when her emotions have spiraled out of control, inanimate objects have shattered around her. But that’s just a coincidence, right? Alex isn’t so sure, especially after a local girl, who supposedly dabbled in witchcraft, was killed in the nearby forest.

Alex knows something strange is happening to her. With the arrival of a new boy in town, the mischievous James Van Curen, who is making her life difficult and causing problems between Alex and her best friend, Peter, Alex feels like her entire world is on the verge of chaos. Could Alex really be a witch? Is it possible Hazel Cove will become a battleground for modern day witches and witch hunters?

*Thank you Ms.Bellingeri for the copy*


My Thoughts-

   The book takes place in modern day Massachusetts in a town very close to Salem, Massachusetts home of the 1692 Witch Trials. Alex's life has always been pretty normal she has a best friend named Peter who she's know since they were babies, supportive friends, but the one thing different is her family situation. She's never been close to her parents Emma and Victor Ramsey, in fact Victor and Alex almost hate each other. Her mother Emma is a drunk but the only supportive family member she has is her grandmother Claudia. Peter and Alex often visit her in Salem but lately things have been getting strange for Alex especially after her 17th birthday. Her Grandma Claudia tells her there's a family secret but can Alex really believe what Grandma Claudia tells her. After all weren't all witches in Salem persecuted.....?


   Overall this book was well written and was a definite page turner. Even though it took me a while to finish the book when I could sit down and read it I read a lot! I absolutely loved Peter and Alex's relationship. I think every girl needs a guy like Peter to watch out for them. Unfortunately when James Van Curen walks in the picture things change. Characters start to change and Alex is stuck in the middle with some of it. As the story progresses you can't help but gasp in awe at some of the outcomes. I am still in shock at the outcome of the book.


  My only problem with this book was the religious aspect I should have seen it coming but I really didn't. Anyways I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars you should check it out but just be aware that there are some religious points in there. The second book will be Conjured which should be ready December of this year for more information check out Chelsea Bellingeri's site.

Happy Reading!

Ashlinn

Top Ten Tuesday 8/23

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish.

Every week there is a new top ten list. This weeks is Top Ten Books You Loved But Never Wrote A Review For (either books you loved and couldn't bring yourself to write a review for or books that you read long before blogging...time to give them a shout out!)Oh and this is in no particular order.

1. The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan. I talk about this book constantly and yet I have never posted a review but don't worry I am planning to re-read the series and reviews will definitely be up!

2.Hate List by Jennifer Brown. This book was truly an eye opener and I just loved every second of it.

3.The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. I read this in seventh grade for a unit in class and I LOVED IT!It's fun while also having a serious side to it.

4.Dark Secrets #1 by Elizabeth Chandler. This was my first paranormal young adult book and it was amazing. Not to scary but enough to get little goosebumps.

5.Night by Elie Wiesel. What can you say about this book?It's touching and absolutely heart breaking I think everyone should read this at least once in their lifetime.

6.For Keeps by Natasha Friend. I could not put this book down. It was funny and it is mainly a love story.

7.The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I read it....loved it...but never reviewed it!It's The Hunger Games what else do I need to say? :)

8.The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan. Last book in Percy Jackson series, I loved all of the books but I think this one deserves credit!

9.Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard. Again loved the series but never actually wrote a review for this specific book and it was one of my favorites!

10.Wanted by Sara Shepard. Last book in the series(not anymore!) but it was amazing!

So that was my Top Ten List!I hope you all enjoyed and tell me your Top Ten List as well!:)
Happy Reading,
Ashlinn

Waiting on Wednesday #7!

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights an upcoming release that I am eagerly awaiting. This week's is Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf.

Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.
When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.

I am so excited for this one!It's a mystery of course and I love mysteries!This is set to release April 24,2012 so quite a while now. One more thing I am so sorry I haven't posted in a while school just resumed and I'm in high school now so more work....boo!But I am trying to finish my review books so if I promised to review one of your books I am so sorry it is taking a while!

Have a wonderful week,

Ashlinn

In My Mailbox #3

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren 

sharing what books we have either received, bought or from the library.

I just got one book this week...and it's from *sob* Borders. D: It's just to sad. But anyways I got Wildfire by Karsten Knight for like $12. *Sigh*

Every flame begins with a spark.
Ashline Wilde is having a rough sophomore year. She’s struggling to find her place as the only Polynesian girl in school, her boyfriend just cheated on her, and now her runaway sister, Eve, has decided to barge back into her life. When Eve’s violent behavior escalates and she does the unthinkable, Ash transfers to a remote private school nestled in California’s redwoods, hoping to put the tragedy behind her. But her fresh start at Blackwood Academy doesn’t go as planned. Just as Ash is beginning to enjoy the perks of her new school—being captain of the tennis team, a steamy romance with a hot, local park ranger—Ash discovers that a group of gods and goddesses have mysteriously enrolled at Blackwood…and she’s one of them. To make matters worse, Eve has resurfaced to haunt Ash, and she’s got some strange abilities of her own. With a war between the gods looming over campus, Ash must master the new fire smoldering within before she clashes with her sister one more time… And when warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm.
This book has and is being talked about all over the blogging community so I decided what the heck I might as well read it because it does involve mythology. Another awesome thing is the main characters name Ashline, my name is Ashlinn so  we have very similar names, but what I'm wondering is her name pronounced Ash-Leen or Ash-Lynn like mine?Anyone know?

Author Interview: Karl Fields

 Please welcome Karl Fields author of The Odd Job Squad!






 goodreads | Blog | twitter
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Did you incorporate any personal experiences in your book?

Ander, the story’s main character, and I share a fondness for fortune cookies. When most people go out for Chinese food, they might have one fortune cookie and that’s mainly to get the fortune inside. I’m the opposite; I like the cookies. It’s not uncommon for me to grab a small handful (if no one’s looking, that is).

How did you come up with the idea for a "revenge business?"

It started with a news article I read a couple years ago about a school that had instituted a program to cut down on bullying. That got me to thinking, how might kids solve this problem if left to their own device?

If you could meet one of your characters who would it be?

That’s a tough one, but I’d have to say Joe. I love the combination of his laid-back, “What, me worry?” attitude and his knowledge of all things tech.

 I also have to tell you that last year I was in a bookstore and saw a girl who looked exactly what I imagine Shooter looks like. That was weird. I had to resist the urge to start talking to her like I knew her.

What are your future projects and do you plan on making a sequel?

This fall, I’m hoping to release my second book, “Instant Preplay,” the story of a boy who discovers that his DVR records TV shows before they air. It’s also for mid-grade readers, but with a different set of characters. And yes, I’m kicking around ideas for a sequel to “The Odd Job Squad.” I’m going to be very busy!

Lastly, what are you reading right now?

“The Throne of Fire” by Rick Riordan

Great answers Karl and thank you for the interview!

Happy Reading!

Ashlinn