January Recap

Reviewed:

New Girl by Paige Harbison

Th1rteen R3asons Why by Jay Asher

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Tempest by Julie Cross

Miscellaneous:

In My Mailbox (30)
In My Mailbox (31)
In My Mailbox (32)
Survey: Busting the Newbie Blues
Book Trailer: Tempest by Julie Cross
Guest Post: The Prince of Powys by Cornelia Amiri
Giveaway: Crystal Shade: Angeni, Volume 1 (Ends February 3)

Books Read:

1. The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder
2. Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton
3. Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer
4. Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler *5. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith*
6. Trial by Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
7. Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
8. Th1rteen R3asons Why by Jay Asher
9. Blood Red Road by Moira Young
10. Hallowed by Cynthia Hand*
11. A Million Suns by Beth Revis*
12. Cinder by Marissa Meyer*13. Fracture by Megan Miranda* 

14. Love & Leftovers by Sarah Tregay

15. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Currently Reading:

1. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green*

2. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi*

Debut Author Challenge = *

Contemporary Challenge = *

Sophomore Challenge = *

Review: New Girl by Paige Harbison

New Girl by Paige Harbison
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Powell's

Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Release Date: January 31, 2012
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Challenge: 2012 Contemporary & Sophomore

They call me 'New Girl'...

Ever since I arrived at exclusive, prestigious Manderly Academy, that’s who I am. New girl. Unknown. But not unnoticed—because of her.

Becca Normandy—that’s the name on everyone’s lips. The girl whose picture I see everywhere. The girl I can’t compare to. I mean, her going missing is the only reason a spot opened up for me at the academy. And everyone stares at me like it’s my fault.

Except for Max Holloway—the boy whose name shouldn’t be spoken. At least, not by me. Everyone thinks of him as Becca’s boyfriend but she’s gone, and here I am, replacing her. I wish it were that easy. Sometimes, when I think of Max, I can imagine how Becca’s life was so much better than mine could ever be.

And maybe she’s still out there, waiting to take it back.

New Girl and I had a very love hate kind of relationship.

One thing I wished I knew before I read New Girl was that it's a retelling of Daphne du Maurier's gothic novel Rebecca. I've never read Rebecca, but I was creeped out nonetheless.

I loved that through-out the whole book, the main character was always referenced as the "New Girl". This was probably something I would have known if I've read Rebecca, but I still loved that I didn't realized I finished so much of the book without knowing her name. I was up half the night trying to remember her name thinking that I missed it. I also spent the other half of the night wrapped up in the mystery of Becca.

The one thing that bothered me the most was the main character. I can understand why she thought her life was so awful. Starting senior year at a new school, living in the shadows of a girl like Becca Normandy, and falling for a guy labeled as Becca's boyfriend definitely qualifies as awful. But my sympathy for the "New Girl" only reached so far when she spent so much of her time feeling sorry for herself.

I'm not exactly sure how I feel about New Girl, but it was entertaining.

Giveaway: Crystal Shade: Angeni, Volume 1

Crystal Shade: Angeni, Volume 1
by Istvan Szabo, Ifj. & Orlanda Szabo
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Release Date: November 11, 2011

“Thousands of stars could tell thousands of stories.”

Seven year old Grace always dreamt of becoming a guardian angel; like those who guarded and guided her people and prepared to bravely fight in a dreaded mythical event, the Crystal Shade – which never came. It's not like Grace ever wanted to see Demons. Or wants to know what evil and darkness is – things that no one ever faced on her world and as the legends says, the Crystal Shade carries within –, nor does she want to die to be reborn as a guardian. But she thinks the mysterious life of angels is so noble, a fable that it sounds exciting – until it actually happens.

In My Mailbox (32)

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and inspired by Alea from Pop Culture Junkie. It gives bloggers a chance to share all the books we bought, borrowed, and received this week.

Titles that are linked go to goodreads.

Sorry, but no vlog this week either! Now I'm just being lazy, but I promise I'll be back next week.

Won: (Thank you Harmony from Radiant Reads)
Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Bought:
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
A Million Suns by Beth Revis

Library:
Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick
Love & Leftovers by Sarah Tregay
A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford

Review: (Thank you Pulse It and Anne Walls [Putnum] )
When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle
Freshman Year and other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin

Other News:

• A fellow blogger loses everything in a house fire. Please give what you can.
• Enter in this week's giveaway!

Happy New Year to those of you celebrating Tết and Chinese New Year.

Chúc mừng năm mới!

Don't forget to leave a link with your comment so I can check out what's in your mailbox! I hope those of you who went to ALA midwinter had a great time.

Mini-Review: Th1rteen R3asons Why by Jay Asher

Th1rteen R3asons Why by Jay Asher
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Powell's

Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: October 18, 2007
Format: Paperback
Source: Library

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

"weaves an intricate and heart breaking story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers."

You bet it deeply affected a teen reader.

I've never been a big contemporary reader and I've definitely not been a reader of such hard topics. Especially tough topics as suicide. I picked up Th1rteen R3asons Why without knowing what it was about. I'm glad that I didn't know before hand or I wouldn't have read it.

I can't write a full review of this book because I don't think I can form enough words to describe this book without making it sound less amazing than it is.

Bottom line, this book has changed the way I'll act and what I'll do.

Guest Post & Giveaway: The Prince of Powys by Cornelia Amiri

The Prince of Powys by Cornelia Amiri
Website | MySpace

Publisher: Eternal Press
Release Date: January 7, 2012

In an age of heroes, Branda, a Saxon princess helps Blaise, a Prince of Powys, escape her father’s stronghold. In turn, he vows to escort the princess to her sister in Scotland so she can escape an arranged marriage. Instead, he holds her captive as his hostage in the unbreachable hill fort of Dinas Bran, where she captures his heart. Will Blaise be forced to throw away his honor for love or to tear out his heart for honor?

From the pages of the Anglo Saxon Chronicles, the warrior kings of Wessex and Mercia struggled for power against each other while they both battled the welsh king of Powys. Elisedd, the king of Powys’s deeds and genealogy is recorded in a monument his great grandson Cyngen ap Cadlel erected, the Pillar of Eliseg which stands to this day. Old poems refer to a special crown of Powys which Elisedd’s wore of twisted gold links. He also is said to have adorned himself with armlets and anklets of gold. Elisedd was succeeded by his son Brochfael who is also a character in The Prince of Powys. The legend of these 8th century AD warrior kings, Celtic mythology, and the mystic hill fort of Dinas Bran where Elisedd ruled inspired me to write The Prince of Powys. It’s a young adult novel of an ancient god, a magic sword, and a brave prince named Blaise.

I created the hero and heroine of Branda, as the youngest daughter of Ethelbald of Mercia and of Blaise, as the youngest son of Elisedd of Powys. Princess Branda helps Blaise escape her father’s stronghold. In turn, he vows to escort the princess to her sister in Scotland so she can escape an arranged marriage. Instead, he holds her captive as his hostage in the unbreachable hill fort of Dinas Bran, where she captures his heart. Will Blaise be forced to throw away his honor for love or to tear out his heart for honor?

Here’s a short excerpt:

Blaise picked up a bronze mirror adorned with Celtic tracery. The image of a warrior prince painted with the magic of the old gods gazed back at him. Pride and determination filled him with a warm glowing sensation of peace and invincibility.

Before he vaulted onto his steed, Neilyn presented him with Nuada's sheathed sword of power. Blaise drew the blade from the serpent etched sheath. The gleaming bronze hilt, curved in never-ending circles of life, mesmerized him as rays of sunlight danced upon the long, powerful sword, which glistened with an ethereal luster.

Neilyn bent his head down and kissed the gleaming blade. Blaise brandished it high in the air as Brochfael, Elisedd, and all the gathered Cymry praised its power.

Read more for the giveaway!

Review: Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Powell's

Series: Unearthly #2
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: January 17, 2012
Format: ARC
Source: Harmony - Radiant Reads
Challenge: 2012 Sophomore Challenge

For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought.

Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

I've been counting the days for the release of Hallowed ever since I finished Unearthly.

Hallowed picks up not too long after Unearthly with the same great characters and a couple new people too. Clara is still left uneasy with her purpose after finding out that it wasn't what she thought it was. With this uneasiness, Clara is lost and a bit more more vulnerable. Even though there were moments when I wanted to strangle Clara, I just can't because she still has that bit of her that I can't help but like and root her on.

I had a mind-blowing moment when I realized that I was starting to fall for Christian. I was one of you gals that was all for Tucker. Tucker 4 Life. Every time I gushed about Unearthly I'd gush even more about Tucker! There's definitely still that Tucker that I loved from Unearthly, but we get a lot more of the mysterious Christian this time around.

It's now official, I'm Team Christian.

Everyone matures very quickly after finding out that someone close to Clara will die. A lot of the unanswered questions from before and answered. But when questions are answered even more questions come up along with secrets. Many more secrets. There are some shocking twists along the way and a whole lot more action. Have I mentioned there are a lot more secrets?

I'm not disappointed at all with Hallowed, but there was just something that I felt was missing. I can't put my finger on it but that didn't stop me from finishing it in one sitting. It's unputdownable with the suspense, piles of secrets and those two charming guys. ;)

Overall: 4.5 out of 5

In My Mailbox (31)

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and inspired by Alea from Pop Culture Junkie. It gives bloggers a chance to share all the books we bought, borrowed, and received this week.

Titles that are linked go to goodreads.

Sorry, but no vlog this week. I didn't get a chance to film one but still wanted an IMM for this week.

NetGalley: (Thank you Random House & HarlequinTeen)
Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown
(There is a MER-MAN in this book!!! Do you know how excited I am?!)
The Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter
Spellcaster by Cara Lynn Shultz

Library:
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith (This book is SO CUTE!!!)
Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala
Blood Red Road by Moira Young

Don't forget to leave a link with your comment so I can check out what's in your mailbox.

Book Trailer: Tempest by Julie Cross

Tempest by Julie Cross

Series: Tempest #1
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release Date: January 17, 2012

The year is 2009. Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in college, has a girlfriend… and he can travel back through time. But it’s not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps, there’s no space-time continuum issues or broken flux capacitors – it’s just harmless fun.

That is… until the day strangers burst in on Jackson and his girlfriend, Holly, and during a struggle with Jackson, Holly is fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years to 2007, but this is not like his previous time jumps. Now he’s stuck in 2007 and can’t get back to the future.

Desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly but unable to return to his rightful year, Jackson settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities.
But it’s not long before the people who shot Holly in 2009 come looking for Jackson in the past, and these “Enemies of Time” will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveler. Recruit… or kill him.

A success in the making: Pre-empted by Summit Entertainment (producers of Twilight) for feature film, with foreign rights sold in more than a dozen countries, Tempest, on sale January 17, is the first book in the buzzed about Tempest series by Julie Cross.

"Julie Cross's thrilling debut is brimming with excitement, romance, and intrigue. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough!" -Beth Revis, New York Times bestselling author of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE

If you haven't already, be sure to check out my review of TEMPEST and how much I now love time traveling! Now there's an official trailer for Tempest. Which just gets me even more excited for it's release! 

You can now read the first 4 chapters of TEMPEST by Julie Cross now at the TEMPEST facebook fan page.

Survey: Busting the Newbie Blues

The 2nd annual Busting the Newbie Blues is hosted by the amazing Small Review!

For all of us new to blogging, wether you just started or have been for a year, here's to busting those newbie blues!

There's also a sister survey, Busting the Big Blogger Blues which is hosted by Ruby Reads. 

1. When did you start your blog?

I started my blog not too long ago on February 24, 2011. Now that I'm looking back, it has almost been a year!

2. Why did you start your blog?

Originally, Vy's Blog was a music and movie's blog. Then I started wandering into the library more often and got myself introduced to YA books.

3. What has been the biggest challenge you've faced so far?

Trying to balance blogging and school!

I don't know how the other bloggers my age can do it. They are simply amazing. For me though, it's always school before blogging and that becomes hard sometimes. Especially when I'm constantly reminded that blogging is not a job, but it sure feels like it at times.

4. What do you find most discouraging about being a new blogger?

When I first became a blogger, I didn't know that there were such things as ARCs. Of course when I found out it and started seeing other people get ARCs it got to me just a bit.

ARCs are used to promote and advertise the novel and in order to do so, there would have to be a bigger audience. I would just have to wait a bit more until I feel as if I could do that too and do an author a favor and spread the word about their work. Until then, I'll have to do what I did before knowing about ARCs, BUY THEM! :)

5. What do you find most encouraging?

The people in this amazing book community!

There is an endless list of people who have been helping me out and getting me through blogging. Everyone is so nice and encouraging that I never felt un-welcomed.

6. What do you like best about the blogs you read? Have you tried to replicate this in your blog?

I love the honesty and classiness that the bloggers have whenever they post. Honesty and class is definitely something that I would want to learn from those bloggers and blogs.

7. What do you dislike about blogs you've read? Do you try to avoid this?

I would most definitely do my best to avoid drama and hurting feelings.

Also, it won't hurt if I avoid cluttering my side bars. I LOVE widgets and fun stuff, but there is such thing as having too many of all that fun stuff.

8. Any advice for other new bloggers?
I would want to say that it doesn't hurt to have a plan before they start blogging.

I went head first into the blogosphere and it has definitely been hard at times. Especially when I didn't even know how important it was to have a blog name and url set before hand.

9. Any questions you'd like to ask newbie or established bloggers?

Question for newbies: How are you dealing with starting off new?
             teen bloggers: How are you balancing school and blogging?

  established bloggers: What would you have done differently when you first started blogging?

10. Is there anything you'd like to tell us about your blog?

Yes! My blog is always open and accepting advice from all of you nice people!

Review: Tempest by Julie Cross

Tempest by Julie Cross
Blog | Twitter

Series: Tempest #1
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release Date: January 17, 2012
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley
Challenge: 2012 Debut Author
Buy It: Powell's

The year is 2009. Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in college, has a girlfriend… and he can travel back through time. But it’s not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps, there’s no space-time continuum issues or broken flux capacitors – it’s just harmless fun.
That is… until the day strangers burst in on Jackson and his girlfriend, Holly, and during a struggle with Jackson, Holly is fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years to 2007, but this is not like his previous time jumps. Now he’s stuck in 2007 and can’t get back to the future.
Desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly but unable to return to his rightful year, Jackson settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities.
But it’s not long before the people who shot Holly in 2009 come looking for Jackson in the past, and these “Enemies of Time” will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveler. Recruit… or kill him.
Piecing together the clues about his father, the Enemies of Time, and himself, Jackson must decide how far he’s willing to go to save Holly… and possibly the entire world.

Time traveling in a whole new way!

I’m not a huge time traveling fan but this was not the norm. The idea of having a secret agent dad and all this crazy stuff is just well, crazy.

When Jackson time travels, his actions won't change the future. He also always comes back to 2009. When his girlfriend, Holly, gets shot, adrenaline kicks in and he finds himself in a whole different year, and this time he can’t go back.

My favorite part throughout this whole book was Jackson’s development. He becomes this person who is willing to make sacrifices for the people he loves with no regrets. Gosh, this guy!

What happens is he starts finding out that he’s not the only one who can time travel. And the line between the good and bad guys becomes sketchy.

Jackson goes through these crazy travels trying to understand which side he belongs with. Tempest, a group of CIA agents, or what the CIA call EOT, Enemies of Time. While he’s trying to figure out what’s happening we also see this very soft side of Jackson. I have to admit that I teared up a bit whenever he was with his twin sister in different times. It really showed how much he cared even though he never showed it.

So who is this Holly? Well she’s someone that put Jackson back on track with life. She’s the one that he loves more than anything and would do anything to protect her. Holly is a big influence in Jacksons life. These two are really something special.

Overall: I never thought I would love a sci-fi. There was this perfect balance between action, romance, and science.

For those of you who love audiobooks, here's a clip of what's to come for Tempest.

In My Mailbox (30)

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren and inspired by Alea from Pop Culture Junkie. It gives bloggers a chance to share all the books we bought, borrowed, and received this week.

Titles that are linked go to goodreads and covers that are shown on my iTouch are eBooks.

Bought:
Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer
Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

Received: (Thank you Bailey from IB Book Blogging and Beth Revis)
Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon
Crossed by Ally Condie
A Godspeed Postcard (Across the Universe by Beth Revis)

Review: (Thank you Simon-Pulse)
Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler

Library:
Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton
Looking For Alaska by John Green
The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder
Th1rteen R3asons Why by Jay Asher
Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Be sure to leave a me a link with your comment so I can check out what's in your mailbox.

John Green Week

This amazing banner was made by Jeffrey West from Novel Thoughts 

I haven't read a John Green book yet, but thanks to all of you awesome book people, I'm on board for John Green Week. Which is hosted by the even more awesome ladies from I Eat Words.


Today before school starts, I will raid my school library for some of John's books. I'm hoping to pick up a copy of :

If you haven't already signed up, go to I Eat Words to sign up.

Throughout this fun John Green week, there will be reviews, posts, discussions, and giveaways leading up to John's newest release of THE FAULT IN OUR STARS!