Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Waiting On Wednesday

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill from Breaking The Spine,  that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.  It is always so hard to decide which books I want to feature on Wednesdays.  There are so many wonderful books coming out this year.  Waiting is such torture!  Here is what I am waiting for this week:

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: an Eclipse Novella
Written by Stephenie Meyer
Release Date: June 5, 2010
Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers


The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: an Eclipse NovellaSummary from Goodreads:

"Fans of The Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner, a character first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the newborn vampire world she inhabits. In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery, and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of Bree and the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion."

*I was so surprised yesterday when I saw this announcement!  If you are excited about this and would like to find out more information,  you can check out (http://breetanner.com) or go to Stephenie Meyer's website.  The really cool part is that Stephenie is offering this novella as a free ebook download as a gift to her fans!  It is also being released in a hardcover edition so fans can add it to their collections.  One dollar from the proceeds of the sale of the hardcover will be donated to The Red Cross!


The Mockingbirds
Written by Daisy Whitney
Release Date: November 2, 2010
Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

The MockingbirdsSummary from Goodreads:

"Some schools have honor codes.
Others have handbooks.
Themis Academy has the Mocking
birds.

Themis Academy is a quiet boarding school with an exceptional student body that the administration trusts to always behave the honorable way--the Themis Way. So when Alex is date raped during her junior year, she has two options: stay silent and hope someone helps her, or enlist the Mockingbirds--a secret society of students dedicated to righting the wrongs of their fellow peers.

In this honest, page-turning account of a teen girl's struggle to stand up for herself, debut author Daisy Whitney reminds readers that if you love something or someone--especially yourself--you fight for it."


*I am really looking forward to this book!  It sounds like one of those books that once you read it - you never forget it!

Now you know what I am waiting for!  What are you waiting for?

Monday, March 29, 2010

Review: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

The Iron King
Written by Julie Kagawa
Available Now!
Published by Harlequin Teen                                     

The Iron King (Iron Fey, #1)
               

  [5stars.jpg]

If you follow my blog regularly you probably know that I am a big fan of all that is faery!  That is why I couldn't wait to read The Iron King by Julie Kagawa!  This is her debut novel and the first book in a planned series.

Summary from Goodreads:
"Meghan Chase has never fit in at her small-town high school, and now, on the eve of her 16th birthday, she discovers why. When her half brother is kidnapped, Meghan is drawn into a fantastical world she never imagined--the world of Faery, where anything you see may try to eat you, and Meghan is the daughter of the summer faery king. Now she will journey into the depths of Faery to face an unknown enemy . . . and beg the help of a winter prince who might as soon kill her as let her touch his icy heart. The Iron King is the first book in the Iron Fey series."

My Thoughts:
This was a truly amazing book! I am awed by Julie Kagawa's talent! Her writing flowed beautifully and the pace of the book was perfect!  This story sank it's hooks into me right away and  refused to release me until the last page!  It is rare to read a book and enjoy every character in it.  Each character really brought something interesting to the story.  I loved Grimalkin!  This cheeky feline fey is clever, humorous, and mysterious.  He popped up during Meghan's journey through NeverNever at just the right times and always seemed to know exactly what needed to be done or exactly where they needed to go.  I hope that as this series progresses we learn more about this mysterious cat!  I also really enjoyed Puck.  I loved his banter with the rest of the characters and his devotion to Meghan was heartwarming.  Meghan is the kind of strong female character that I like seeing in YA books.  At the beginning of the story she was an 'outsider'.  She was invisible at school and even in her home at times.  After learning her true heritage, she began to grow into a strong, confident, and brave young woman.  She preservered against outrageous odds for the ones that she loved and showed amazing loyalty.  Lastly, there is Ash.  ICY HOT!!!  I fall for the bad boys everytime and Ash is definitely worthy!!  He is sexy and brooding, yet you are given small glimpses of vunerablilty as his icy heart begins to warm.  The ending left me screaming for the next book, The Iron Daughter, which is due to release on August 10th!!  I really can't express how much I loved this book!  If you haven't read it, then I highly suggest that you go get it now!  You won't regret it!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

In My Mailbox (23)

http://www.kidprintables.com/coloring/misc/mailbox.gif
**Thanks to The Story Siren for hosting IMM**

"In My Mailbox" is a weekly meme that spotlights the new books you received for review, swapped, or bought!  I promised myself that I would slow down on buying books for a little while, so this week I only have one book to show you!

Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Volume 1
Twilight - The Graphic Novel Volume 1 
Written by Stephenie Meyer
Art and Adaptation by Young Kim






**Now you know what I got!  What did you get?

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Waiting On Wednesday

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill from Breaking The Spine,  that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.  It is always so hard to decide which books I want to feature on Wednesdays.  There are so many wonderful books coming out this year.  Waiting is such torture!  Here is what I am waiting for this week:

The Knight Angels (Book 1: Book of Love)
Written by Abra Ebner
Release date: April 2010

The Knight Angels (Book 1: Book of Love)Summary from Goodreads:

"When seventeen-year-old Jane Taylor witnessed her father's death at age seven, something happened to her. Ever since, her thoughts have been consumed by death, going so far as to foresee the ever-changing deaths of those around her.

Sixteen-year-old Emily Taylor always resented her sister’s closeness with their father, who died when she w
as only six. Ever since she can remember, she’s had the strange ability to read minds, something her father held the key to. Left helpless, she drowns herself in a world of prescription drugs, sending her responsible older sister Jane – who acted as the mother her real mother refused to be – over the edge.

Seventeen-year-old Wes Green was adopted as a baby, left carelessly by parents that clearly did not love him. He moved in next door to Jane, sharing an alleyway window and finding in her a childhood friend that soon turned into his high-school crush. All summer, though, the pain that’s been wracking his body seemed to come with no explanation. He was done growing, was plenty healthy, and worked out regularly as a member of the wrestling team. When senior year starts, though, and the pain gets worse, the changes ahead of him are anything but what he expected, and far to animal for his taste.

When Max Gordon, doomed to be a teenager for the next thousand years, found himself standing above her dying body, he saw in her bright eyes something he hadn’t seen in the nearly one-hundred-years he’d spent roaming Earth. Her father was already dead, but there was a chance he could still save her from the wreck. Jane was her name, and she was only seven, but already she was all he ever wanted. It was his job to bring her back, but it was an act that could have been the biggest mistake of his life.

When four teens enter Glenwood High on an unseasonably cool day in September, no one but Max could understand the future that was ahead of them. Drawn together by blood and friendship, they each hide a dark secret that will soon help to bind them even closer. 


When the one face Max hoped to never see again shows up on school grounds – his evil twin brother, Greg – he knows that coming back for Jane was the wrong thing to do. Finding that Greg already knows about Max’s attraction for Jane, Max finds he can no longer hope to leave again, afraid of what Greg will do. 


Max has to protect Jane, Jane wants to be normal, Wes wants Jane to love him, and Emily just wants the voices to stop… 


And Greg… he just wants everyone dead." 



Firelight (Draki Series, #1)
Written by Sophie Jordan
Release Date: September 7, 2010
Published by HarperCollins Publishers

Firelight (Draki Series, #1)Summary from Goodreads:

"With her rare ability to breathe fire, Jacinda is special even among the draki—the descendants of dragons who can shift between human and dragon forms. But when Jacinda’s rebelliousness leads her family to flee into the human world, she struggles to adapt, even as her draki spirit fades. The one thing that revives it is Will, whose family hunts her kind. Jacinda can’t resist getting closer to him, even though she knows she’s risking not only her life but the draki’s most closely guarded secret.

This YA debut by bestselling romance writer Sophie Jordan is a unique and fresh offering for paranormal fans. Between the main characters' fiery, instant connection, the dire consequences at stake, the pressures of fitting in at a regular high school, and the threat of the draki community tracking them down, Firelight is sure to make your skin tingle and your heart race."


*Now you know what I am waiting for! What you are waiting for?

Sunday, March 21, 2010

In My Mailbox (22)

**Thanks to The Story Siren for hosting IMM**

"In My Mailbox" is a weekly meme that spotlights the new books you received for review, swapped, or bought!  Here are the books I got this week!



The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
The Fallen 1: The Fallen and Leviathan by Thomas E. Sniegoski

*The AWESOME Angel Star swag was graciously donated by Jennifer Murgia for my 'MEGA-Swag and More Giveaway'!  I love the angel feather that was inside the envelope! I also received signed book plates, 2 types of bookmarks, stickers, Octagram cards, Jennifer Murgia business cards, and business cards with the book's info on it!  Yeah! More Swag!! 

*If you haven't entered my 'MEGA Swag and More Giveaway' then you might miss out on winning this Angel Star swag and the incredible signed books, posters, and more that is up for grabs!!  If you want your name in the draw, then simply go to the top of the page and click on the picture of the swag under the nav bar.  That will take you to the giveaway post.  Just fill out the form and leave me a comment- that's it!!


Now you know what I got!  What did you get?


Saturday, March 20, 2010

Cover Reveal!! (Cover Love!)

I am a HUGE fan of Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl!  Beautiful Creatures is definitely one of the best books I have ever read and GUESS WHAT???  They just revealed the cover to the second book in The Caster Chronicles titled Beautiful Darkness!!  It is gorgeous and it holds the same gothic feel as Beautiful Creatures!  This title is set for release on October 26, 2010.  I can't WAIT!!!!  What do you think of the cover?

Beautiful Creatures

Friday, March 19, 2010

Friday Finds!

**Thanks to MizB from Should Be Reading for hosting Friday Finds!**
[ff2_md1.jpg]


Nightshade (Nightshade, #1)
Written by Andrea Cremer
Release Date: October 14, 2010
Published by Philomel/Penguin

Nightshade (Nightshade, #1)Summary from Goodreads:
"While other teenage girls daydream about boys, Calla Tor imagines ripping out her enemies’ throats. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Calla was born a warrior and on her eighteenth-birthday she’ll become the alpha female of the next generation of Guardian wolves. But Calla’s predestined path veers off course the moment she saves the life of a wayward hiker, a boy her own age. This human boy’s secret will turn the young pack's world upside down and forever alter the outcome of the centuries-old Witches' War that surrounds them all."

*Is this a gorgeous cover or what?! The blood splattered flowers is a little creepy though!


Almost to Die For
(A Vampire Princess of St. Paul, #1)
Written by Tate Hallaway
Release Date: August 3, 2010
Published by NAL Trade

Almost to Die For (A Vampire Princess of St. Paul, #1)Summary from Goodreads:
"On her sixteenth birthday, Anastasija Parker's present winds up being the shock of a lifetime. When her mom referred to her absentee dad as a deadbeat it was actually half true -- he's a vampire. And a king, no less. A king who wants his daughter to assume her rightful position at his side. But, thanks to Ana's mother, the blood of a witch also runs through her veins....

Too bad vampires and witches are mortal enemies.

With her parents gearing up for an all out brawl over her destiny, Ana's about ready to scream. But things get even crazier when a male witch and a brooding bad boy vampire start vying for her affection. Then the barely leashed tension between the vampires and the witches starts to boil over, and Ana has to figure out once and for all if she wants to become heir to her dad's throne. And deciding your eternal destiny is a pretty big deal for a girl who just wants to get through high school."


* This is what I found while surfing around the internet!  Did you find anything good? 

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Author Appreciation Week (March 18, 2010)

Heidi Kling, author of the highly anticipated book Sea, came up with this wonderful idea!  You may be asking, "What do you have to do to participate?"  Well, there are no set guidelines, just write a blog post everyday this week that spotlights the authors that you appreciate!  You can spotlight as many as you want each day.  If you would like to join in this week full of author love, then stop by Heidi's site (Click Here) and get more info, avatars, and graphics that you can use in your posts.   Also, thanks to Sara @ Novel Novice for making the great graphics!  So here are today's appreciated author:

I really appreciate... Cassandra Clare

Cassandra Clarebooks
Cassandra Clare is the talented author responsible for writing one of the best YA series ever published!  I am talking about The Mortal Instruments- City of Bones, City of Ashes, and City of Glass.  These books are wonderful! The world that she created for The Mortal Instruments is vivid, beautiful, dark, dangerous, magical, and exciting all mixed together! Her characters are definitely one of my favorite aspects of her books. I fell in love with Jace while reading the series and I can't wait to find out the rest of Simon's story in the fourth installment of The Mortal Instruments series titled City of Fallen Angels. This book is due out March 31, 2011! Yeah!! But that is not all that lurks on the horizon for Cassandra Clare!! The Infernal Devices Trilogy is the highly anticipated series of prequels to The Mortal Instruments that will be debuting soon. The cover for the first book, Clockwork Angel, was released today! I love it!!! This book is set for release on September 7, 2010.  If you haven't read City of Bones, City of Ashes, or City of Glass then I HIGHLY recommend you do so! You won't regret it- I promise! If you would like to learn more about The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices, or Cassandra Clare then click the links below:

The Mortal Instruments (Official Site) 
cassandraclare.com (Official Author Site) 
The Infernal Devices (Official Site) 
The Mortal Instruments Trailer!! 


Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Review: The Pace by Shelena Shorts

 [4stars.jpg]

The Pace is the debut novel by young adult author, Shelena Shorts.  This title has been on my list of books that I wanted to read for awhile now, and I am so glad that I finally read it!  How refreshing to read a story about immortality that was completely different than anything I have read before.  Her take on this popular YA trend is so original and clever!

 Summary from Goodreads:
"Weston Wilson is not immortal and he is of this world. But, aging is not part of his existence, and eighteen-year-old Sophie Slone is determined to find out why. In doing so, she could also uncover something about her own life expectancy that she may not want to know. Suddenly, immortality will mean everything and nothing all at the same time.
Intensely fascinating and rich with determination, The Pace brings together romance, mystery, and suspense in a compelling bond that is sure to have readers asking for more."

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book!  Unfortunately, I have been in one of those dreaded reading funks of late.  You know, the ones that cause your tbr pile to grow far too high!!  I am happy to say that The Pace was just what I needed to get me back on track.  I really love stories featuring immortals.  However, the reason for the character immortality is usually not very original.  Shelena Shorts was able to breath new life into this common YA theme with a clever, original, and interesting take on immortality!  I enjoyed her characters (especially Weston!) and felt that she did a good job developing them.  Sophie did get on my nerves from time to time, but I think her character was a pretty accurate portrayal of a 17/18 year old teenage girl in love.  Her relationship with Weston was the central theme of the book and the development of this relationship was interesting and romantic.  Weston definitely had an air of maturity that Sophie lacked, but as you read the book you do see that this is a necessary dynamic to the story.  Weston, Weston, Weston.... My new fictional boyfriend (sorry Travis of The Forest of Hands and Teeth- you have been replaced)!!!  Weston was so very swoon-worthy!  His confidence radiated from the page, and he always said the perfect things to Sophie.  Gorgeous, wealthy, confident, and romantic- that is a serious total package!  I do feel that there is more to Weston's character and past that wasn't covered and I hope that the next book in the series will further explore this.  The ending was a nail biter and completely unexpected!  It was a cliff hanger that leaves you turning the remaining white pages at the back of the book in hopes of a sneak peak at the sequel (no luck unfortunately!).

Overall, this was a fun book with an original storyline.  It was fast paced for the most part and left me wanting more!  I would recommend The Pace to any reader that enjoys a good romance with a twist!  The next book in The Pace Series is titled The Broken Lake and is due for release on August 19, 2010.  If you haven't checked out my 'MEGA Swag and More' giveaway, you need to do it now!  Shelena was very generous and donated some awesome goodies.  I have a SIGNED copy of The Pace, a cute koala stuffed animal (relevant to the book), signed bookplate, 2 'Weston' pins, and signed The Pace bookmarks!! Just go up to the picture under my nav bar and click and it will take you to the giveaway post!!  Now take a look at The Pace book trailer:

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Author Appreciation Week (March 16, 2010)



I am so excited to be participating in 'Author Appreciation Week'!  Heidi Kling, author of the highly anticipated book Sea, came up with this wonderful idea!  You may be asking, "What do you have to do to participate?"  Well, there are no set guidelines, just write a blog post everyday this week that spotlights the authors that you appreciate!  You can spotlight as many as you want each day.  If you would like to join in this week full of author love, then stop by Heidi's site (Click Here) and get more info, avatars, and graphics that you can use in your posts.  I am planning on spotlighting two to three authors a day.  In truth, I appreciate all authors!  I admire what they do and aspire to do it myself.  But unfortunately, I would be blogging forever, so I will limit it to some of the authors that have written stories that have touched me in some way, or made a strong impression on me.


I really appreciate... Suzanne Collins


She is the author of the INSANELY popular Hunger Games Trilogy as well as The Underland Chronciles, and a picture book titled When Charlie McButton Lost Power.  I am a huge fan of The Hunger Games and Catching Fire.  Both books are in my top ten reads of ALL-TIME!  She created such a vivid world in these books that enabled me, as a reader, to completely envision it in my mind.  I felt like I knew exaclty what the arena looked like, how the characters looked, and this is what connects me to a story!   I felt like I was inside of it (my favorite kind of book!).  I am anxiously awaiting Mockingjay, which is the final book in this incredible series.  It is due for release on August 24, 2010!  If you would like to find out more about Suzanne Collins or her books click here.  This will take you to her official website.  
Mockingjay (Hunger Games, #3)The Hunger Games (Hunger Games, #1)Catching Fire (Hunger Games, #2)



I really appreciate... Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

(Margaret Stohl, Me, and Kami Garcia at a booksigning event in Charlotte, NC)

These extremely talented ladies are the co-authors of Beautiful Creatures.  This book took my breath away!  It is the first book in the Caster Chronicles Series.  I had the pleasure of meeting the authors at a book signing event in January.  They were SO nice!  After reading the book you can hardly believe that this is a debut novel.  It is hauntingly beautiful, epic, and compelling, with a good dose of southern charm to boot!  A definite stay up all night kinda book!!  I  cannot wait for the next in this series which is titled Beautiful Darkness and is scheduled for release on October 26, 2010.  If you would like to learn more about Kami and Margaret or The Caster Chronicle Series click on the links below!

Official Beautiful Creatures Website 
Some Loves Are Cursed (Little Brown Official BC Site)
Caster Girls (Fansite for BC) 

*There are so many wonderful authors out there in the YA genre!  I look forward to spotlighting some of my favorites this week.  Join in the fun and show your favorite authors how much their hard work means to you!



 

Monday, March 15, 2010

Award Time!

I am so honored to be the recipient of a new award.  It is always humbling to be recognized by fellow bloggers!  The award was given to me by Dazzling Mage at A Reading Kabocha and Yzhabella at Yzhabella's Bookshelf .  They gave me the 'Beautiful Blogger Award'!  Thanks so much ladies!



Here are the rules:
•Thank and link to the person that gave you the award.
•Pass this award onto 5 bloggers you’ve recently discovered and think are fantastic.
•Contact said Blogs and let them know they’ve won
•State 7 things about yourself
 
  Here are 7 things about me:
  1. I have way to many hobbies!
  2. I am beginning my attempt at writing a YA book.
  3. I buy books way faster than I can read them!
  4. I am a major procrastinator.
  5. My 'sweet tooth' is out of control!
  6. I HATE getting up early.
  7. I have a 5 year old son who is the coolest guy I know!
I am passing this award along to the following blogs:
Thanks again to Yzhabella at Yzhabella's Bookshelf and Dazzling Mage at A Reading Kabocha.

    Author Appreciation Week (March 15, 2010)


    I am so excited to be participating in 'Author Appreciation Week'!  Heidi Kling, author of the highly anticipated book Sea, came up with this wonderful idea!  You may be asking, "What do you have to do to participate?"  Well, there are no set guidelines, just write a blog post everyday this week that spotlights the authors that you appreciate!  You can spotlight as many as you want each day.  If you would like to join in this week full of author love, then stop by Heidi's site (Click Here) and get more info, avatars, and graphics that you can use in your posts.  I am planning on spotlighting two to three authors a day.  In truth, I appreciate all authors!  I admire what they do and aspire to do it myself.  But unfortunately, I would be blogging forever, so I will limit it to some of the authors that have written stories that have touched me in some way, or made a strong impression on me.  So without further ado here is my first batch of 'appreciated authors'!!!

    I really appreciate... Melissa Marr
    Melissa MarrWicked LovelyInk ExchangeFragile EternityRadiant Shadows (Wicked Lovely...

    She is the fabulous author of The Wicked Lovely Series.  The books in the series (Wicked Lovely, Ink Exchange, and Fragile Eternity) are some of my all-time favorite YA reads!  I truly enjoy reading her books!  Her writing style is beautiful, yet edgy and her characters are so well developed that you feel like they are real!  Thank you Melissa- for writing some of the most amazing books I have ever read!  If you would like to learn more about Melissa or her books just click here and you can visit her official website!  Don't miss the next book in the series...Radiant Shadows is set to release April 10, 2010!!  I have already read and reviewed it and it is AWESOME!!  Check out my review HERE.

    I really appreciate... Scott Westerfeld

    He is the AMAZING author of Peeps, The Last Days, The Midnighters Series, The Uglies Series, So Yesterday, and Leviathan.  I LOVE every Scott Westerfeld book I have read!  His writing is so original and creative.  I always have a hard time putting one of his books down! I cannot even count the number of times I have recommended one of his books. The cool thing is that you can recommend his books to guys, girls, teens, and adults!  If you are interested in learning more about Scott Westerfeld or his books, then click here to go to his official website.
    books-leviathanbooks-ugliesbooks-peeps


    books-midnightersbooks-yesterday


    *There are so many wonderful authors out there in the YA genre!  I look forward to spotlighting some of my favorites this week.  Join in the fun and show your favorite authors how much their hard work means to you!

    Saturday, March 13, 2010

    In My Mailbox (21)

    **Thanks to The Story Siren for hosting IMM**

    "In My Mailbox" is a weekly meme that spotlights the new books you received for review, swapped, or bought!  Here are the books I got this week!




    Bought:
    Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White
    Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
    The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan
    Jonas (Beautiful Dead #1) by Eden Maguire

    *Carrie Ryan sent me some goodies along with the swag for my contest!  I got a bookplate that she personalized for me, along with a The Dead-Tossed Waves postcard that she wrote a little note on,  a DTW sticker, bookmark, magnet and business card.  She also signed my book and a copy of The Forest of Hands and Teeth for my giveaway.  Thanks Carrie!  She just went on tour for the release of her book, so go to her website (www.carrieryan.com) and see if she is going to be near you!

    Swapped:
    Witch and Wizard by James Patterson


    **Now you know what I got!  What did you get?

    Friday, March 12, 2010

    The Friday 56

    Rules:
    * Grab the book nearest you. Right now.
    * Turn to page 56.
    * Find the fifth sentence.
    * Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
    *Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
    * Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

    I followed the rules and grabbed the CLOSEST book to me while typing this.  I have stacks of books on my table right now because I am doing research for a book (I am taking the leap!).  I am brushing up on my ancient Egyptian mythology and archaeological history.  Sounds pretty serious...huh!  Aside from my teaching degree, I do have a degree in anthropology/archaeology and I figured that I could use that part of my past as the back drop for an adventure through the Great Pyramids that will include Egyptian Gods and Goddesses, romance, danger, and who knows what else!  I am still trying to figure everything out plot-wise and I am so afraid that it's going to take me ten years to write it- but I am gonna do it!!!  Anyway.. here is my Friday 56!

    "All of this meant to Carter that Tutankhamun (King Tut)  had not vanished off the face of the Earth, but had never been found."

    Taken from page 56 of Tutankhamun: The Untold Story by Thomas Hoving

    Wednesday, March 10, 2010

    MEGA Swag and More Giveaway!!

    I am SO excited about FINALLY being able to get this giveaway up and running!  I wanted to wait until I had received most of the goodies I was expecting.  That way I could entice you with pictures of bright, shiny bookmarks, stickers, pins, magnets, and other various swaggish items! Oh yeah... did I forget to mention there are also brand spanking new SIGNED books too!!  I am still expecting some items that haven't arrived to me at post time, but I will list them below and add pictures later.  I am also happy to add new items to the prize pile if any authors want to join in the fun!  Just go to "Contact" in the nav bar and let me know that you are interested!  Now on to the goodies!!

    So here is what's in the 'prize pile':
    • ** Contest has been updated and will now include a "Vampire Academy"  prize pack that contains the first two books in this incredible series by Richelle Mead!** 
    • Signed paperback copy of The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan!! 
    • Bookmarks featuring the new paperback cover of The Forest of Hands and Teeth and bookmarks featuring the original hardback cover (1 signed!)
    • Bookmarks, stickers, magnet, calendar magnet, business card featuring The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan
    • Bookplates signed by Carrie Ryan
    • Signed paperback copy of The Pace by Shelena Shorts, adorable stuffed koala bear (you have to read the book to find out why it is significant!),  signed bookplate, 2 cute 'Weston' pins, and signed bookmarks
    • Two exclusive preview booklets of FANG by James Patterson and FANG temporary tattoos
    • Two exclusive preview booklet of Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, Reading Group Guides, and Beautiful Creatures 'dogtag' necklace
    • Soccer stress balls featuring Change Of Heart by Shari Maurer
    • Signed audiobook of Prophecy Of The Sisters by Michelle Zink and bookmarks!
    • Paperback copy of Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr with Summer and Winter 'Court Bands' (bracelets) 
    • Paperback copy of Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr with Ink Exchange temporary tattoo and a Solitary 'Court Band'
    • The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting signed posters and bookmarks, stickers(2 styles), and tote bag
    • Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus bookmarks (some are signed), magnets and pins
    • Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White bookmarks (signed and unsigned), temporary tattoos, postcards, and pins
    • Arson by Estevan Vega signed poster (full-size)
    • Mistwood by Leah Cypess bookmarks
    • Nice And Mean by Jessica Leader signed bookmarks
    • The Mark by Jen Nadol signed bookmarks
    • Everlasting by Angie Frazier signed bookmarks and pins (2 styles)
    • Angel Star by Jennifer Murgia bookmarks, stickers, bookplate, business cards, Octagram card
    • Sea by Heidi Kling swag goodies (on the way.. post pics soon!)

      So that's what I have so far!  Pretty swagalicious contest... right?!!  You may be wondering how I plan to break down the prize pile?  Well.... prizes will fall into one of two categories (swag bag or prize pack).  Swag bags will contain a mixture of various swag items from the pile.  Near the close of the giveaway I will update this post and give specific contents of each swag bag.  I figured that since I haven't received everything yet and more authors may add to the pile, it would be easier to wait!  The second type of prize will be a "Prize Pack".  So far these are the prize packs (subject to change if more goodies come in!):
      1. The Forest of Hands and Teeth Prize Pack - contents: Signed paperback copy of The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan, 1 bookmark featuring hardback cover, 1 bookmark featuring new paperback cover, 1 The Dead-Tossed Waves sticker and 1 The Dead-Tossed Waves bookmark, 1 author business card featuring image of The Dead-Tossed Waves
      2. The Pace Prize Pack- contents: Signed paperback copy of The Pace by Shelena Shorts, stuffed koala bear, 'Weston' pin and signed bookmark
      3. Ink Exchange Prize Pack- contents: Paperback copy of Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr,  Ink Exchange temporary tattoo, "Solitary" court band (bracelet)
      4. Wicked Lovely Prize Pack- contents: Paperback copy of Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr, "Summer Court" court band and "Winter Court" court band (bracelets)
      5. Prophecy Of The Sisters Prize Pack- contents: Signed audiobook of The Prophecy Of The Sisters by Michelle Zink, bookmark

        A BIG thank you to all of the awesome authors that contributed to the giveaway!  You guys are the best!!  Entering the giveaway is easy! Just fill out the form below and then leave a comment on this post.  You must be a follower to enter.  This giveaway is open internationally and will end on May 1st at 12:00pm (noon).  Thanks everyone!!!