200 Followers "Shadow Hills" Mini Contest! *CLOSED*

200 Followers!

Wow! I can't believe that I already have over 200 followers!  I have been doing the *HAPPY DANCE*  all day!!  You guys know I love to hold contests (by the way.. don't forget to enter my "Looking Glass Wars" contest here!) and what better reason to hold one than this!  If you have been keeping up with my blog, then you know that I can't wait to read Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus!  This book is on my "To Read" list for the 2010 Debut Author Challenge (hosted by The Story Siren) and is at the top of my wishlist!  So in appreciation of you (my fabulous followers) and thanks to Anastasia,  I have an awesome array of Shadow Hills swag to give away!  I LOVE swag (who doesn't?!)  I am also giving one lucky winner a handmade "book thong" made  by yours truly!  I used the beautiful cover of Shadow Hills as my inspiration!  There will be four winners.  Each winner will get a Shadow Hills bookmark signed by Anastasia Hopcus, a Shadow Hills button, and a Shadow Hills magnet!  The first winner chosen (using random.org) will also receive the bookthong that I made!  The contest ends January 24th at midnight.  This contest is open to all FOLLOWERS!

Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus
Release date: July 13, 2010
Hardcover: 400 Pages

Publisher: EgmontUSA

In My Mailbox (12)

Thanks to The Story Siren for hosting IMM!!

My mailbox wasn't overflowing this week, but what I did get was GOOD! 

• It Happened One Night by Lisa Dale - Won
• Thirst No.2 by Christopher Pike - Bought
• I also received some really cool Shadow Hills swag from author Anastasia Hopcus! I am offering some up today in a mini contest! (Check blog "home" page for updates!)

Eyes Like Stars: Theatre Illuminata, Act I by Lisa Mantchev

Eyes Like Stars, Theatre Illuminata Act I is the debut novel by Lisa Mantchev and the first book in a planned series.  I have to say that I was in love with this cover the first time I saw it!  I am such a sucker for beautiful cover art and I will buy just about any book if the cover is beautiful or eye-catching- but this story was just as beautiful as the cover!                     
Summary from Goodreads:

"Enter Stage Right

All her world's a stage.
Beatrice Shakespeare Smith is not an actress, yet she lives in a theater.
She is not an orphan, but she has no parents.
She knows every part, but has no lines of her own.
Until now.

Welcome to the Théâtre Illuminata, where the characters of every place ever written can be found behind the curtain. They were born to play their parts, and are bound to the Théâtre by The Book—an ancient and magical tome of scripts. Bertie is not one of them, but they are her family—and she is about to lose them all and the only home she has ever known.

Lisa Mantchev has written a debut novel that is dramatic, romantic, and witty, with an irresistible and irreverent cast of characters who are sure to enchant the audience.

Open Curtain"

My Thoughts:
What an interesting and unique book!  Lisa Mantchev's writing flows perfectly and is just brilliant!  The pace of the story was good and the plot was so unique, I found myself glued to the book!  The cast of characters are incredibly engaging and written with depth.  Most of us will recognize the characters in the book from famous plays throughout history, but Lisa Mantchev still managed to give them a fresh voice!  The fairies from "A Midsummer's Night Dream" add the perfect amount of humor and mischief, while the characters of Ariel from "The Tempest",  Ophelia from "Hamlet" and Nate from "The Little Mermaid" add the perfect combination of intrigue, romance and mystery.  It is truly beautiful storytelling!!   The plot is full of twists and turns and keeps the reader engaged and guessing which way the story will go next.  For readers that have an interest in theater, this book will delight and give the old characters from famous shakepearean plays new life and personality.  Readers that are unfamiliar with the theater may learn a thing or two!  I would highly recommend this book to not only the young adult audience but adult readers as well.  I am anticipating the next book in this series titled Perchance To Dream, Act II of the Theatre Illuminata which is due out in the fall of this year.  The cover was just released and it is just as beautiful as it's predecessor!

On My Wishlist (3)

"On My Wishlist" is a weekly meme hosted by Book Chick City!  If you would like to participate in this weekly mem, click on the link above.  She has a "Mr.Linky" available so we can check out everyone's wishlists!  My wishlist is loaded with books that are upcoming releases. Here are just a few:

Angel Star by Jennifer Murgia
Release Date: May 18th, 2010
published by: Lands Atlantic Publishing

Summary from Goodreads: 

"Seventeen-year-old Teagan McNeel falls for captivating Garreth Adams and soon discovers that her crush has an eight-point star etched into the palm of his right hand-the mark of an angel.
But where there is light, dark follows, and she and Garreth suddenly find themselves vulnerable to a dark angel's malicious plan that could threaten not only her life, but the lives of everyone she knows.
Divinely woven together, Angel Star takes readers on a reflective journey when one angel's sacrifice collides with another angel's vicious ambition in a way that is sure to have readers searching for their own willpower."






The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
Release Date: February 1, 2010
Published by Harlequin Teen

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."

**I can't wait for these books!  What books are you wishing for?

In My Mailbox (11)

     

*Don't forget to enter my "Looking Glass Wars" contest!  Click HERE to enter (open to everyone!).

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

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme that lets everyone explore what new books you received! This week I got a few good ones!

Trade:

• The Mark (arc) by Jen Nadol 
• Prophecy Of The Sisters by Michelle Zink

Bought:

• The Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine
  

Now you know what I got, what did you get?

Handmade Bookmarks!

Over the Christmas break I decided to get productive!  I love bookmarks and the "thong" style stays in your book perfectly!  I wanted your opinions about them.  If you guys like them and want one for yourself ($8), then I will set up a post with individual pictures of each bookmark.  Right now, I just want to see if you guys like them! 

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

The Dark Divine is the breathtaking debut novel from author Bree Despain.  I was SO excited when I received this book from Santa!  I have been lusting for it since I first caught sight of its spectacular cover!

Summary from Goodreads:
"Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared--the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in his own blood--but she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night held.

The memories her family has tried to bury resurface when Daniel returns, three years later, and enrolls in Grace and Jude's high school. Despite promising Jude she'll stay away, Grace cannot deny her attraction to Daniel's shocking artistic abilities, his way of getting her to look at the world from new angles, and the strange, hungry glint in his eyes.

The closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life, as her actions stir resentment in Jude and drive him to embrace the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind the boy's dark secret...and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it--her soul."


My Thoughts:
My favorite kind of book is one that forces you to ignore your beckoning pillow and makes you refuse to look at your clock- a book that compels you to read into the night, because if you don't find out what happens next you won't be able to sleep anyway!  The Dark Divine is that kind of book!  I was completely hooked by the end of the first chapter.  This story is a battle of Good vs. Evil - full of suspense, danger, forbidden love, and deadly secrets.  The story has a strong Christian influence that the author infused with legend and lore.  The combination of these elements worked perfectly in the plot, and it made the story seem like it could really happen!

The book maintained a quick pace throughout.  I truly had a hard time putting it down!  The characters were well developed and believable.  They felt "real" to me as I read the book.  The story is told through Grace Divine.  I really liked her character.  She is strong and smart, but she feels compelled to live up to the expectations of being Pastor Divine's daughter.  She is in a tug-a-war between her love and connection to Daniel and her deep commitment to her family.  Does she follow her heart or do what is expected of her?  Daniel's character is pretty complex.  He is the dark and mysterious guy, sure - but he also possesses a deep vulnerability and need for Grace that will make you melt!  He carries a dangerous secret that could destroy everything he has ever cared about.  Jude is Grace's brother and the "perfect guy".  He is committed to the church, helps the needy, and loves his family.  But when Daniel returns to town, Jude begins to change.  The secrets that have been kept from Grace "for her own good" since Daniel disappeared are revealed and Grace, Daniel, and Jude are plunged into a battle for their very souls!

This book has definitely made my list of favorite reads! The ending was spectacular!  There was an unexpected twist that I did not see coming and it was awesome!  I hope there is a sequel planned to this book!  There is so much more I want to know about this story!!!  Congratulations to Bree Despain for writing a phenomenal debut novel!!