Tiger's Quest by Colleen Houck

Tiger's Quest (tiger's Saga #2) by Colleen Houck

On shelves now!

Published by Splinter

recieved from the author for an honest review
Reviewed by: YA-Sisterhood's mom

Back in Oregon, Kelsey tries to pick up the pieces of her life and push aside her feelings for Ren. But danger lurks around the corner, forcing her to return to India where she embarks on a second quest--this time with Ren's dark, bad-boy brother Kishan, who has also fallen prey to the Tiger's Curse. Fraught with danger, spellbinding dreams, and choices of the heart, TIGER'S QUEST brings the trio one step closer to breaking the spell that binds them.

“The hunt” and all the ambiguity that surrounds the word—that’s what Colleen Houck’s Tiger’s Quest entails.  First there is the hunt for that soul mate, where two hearts can beat as one.  The reader is pulled back and forth much like Kelsey’s heartstrings as she searches for her desire, and just like her, we feel the anguish and confusion of choice.  Do we choose Ren or Kishan? Or maybe even Li, Jason, or Artie—who we definitely know are not the right choices, but with whom we also definitely know that no matter how hard we try, “if you can’t have the one you love, love the one you’re with” is not an option. 

But for those action seeking males and females who think this book is only a romance; please join Ms. Houck for the literal hunt, complete with unique weapons, real intrigue, utter world creatures, and of course stalking the prey.  However, you often find your heart beating in both terror and thrill as you are wrapped up in the mind and emotion of both the hunter and the hunted.

Furthermore, if you feel reading is more than just an escape, but a right of learning also, then you will appreciate the mythology of not just Greek and Roman culture, but an interesting sampling of known and unknown.  For those of you who believe that all religions are basically tied together in origin, her revelation of blended stories from several different cultures is quite thought provoking. 

The only thing that brought me frustration was that I really felt like Kelsey and Ren were separated for several WEEKS as the book states instead of the few hours that it took me to read the book. However, I guess we all need our hearts wrenched occasionally to wring out the excessive emotion so that we are ready to absorb more.  AND I am ready for more.  Perhaps the best part of finishing the book was knowing, as Houck reminds us, that the “story wasn’t over,” so I’m drawing this review to a close so that I can leap right into Tiger’s Voyage! 

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin ARC received from Harper Collins via Edelweiss Release Date:  4-24-2012 Reviewed by: Middle Sis Jenn The Sister’s Say:  Macabre, Mind-blowing, and Masterful Everything is in ruins. A devastating plague has decimated the population. And those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles to pieces around them. So what does Araby Worth have to live for? Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery make-up . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all. But in the depths of the club—in the depths of her own despair—Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club. And Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither boy is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does. And Araby may find something not just to live for, but to fight for—no matter what it costs her. From the first page of this novel, I was gripped, and I refused to put it down. I had been staring at the cover for weeks in awe (you have to admit, it's breathtaking). And, I was fortunate enough to get an ARC through Edelweiss Above the Treeline!!!! This is one of the first books in a while where I found myself completely stunned with all the twists and turns--I didn't see a single one of them coming! It's so great to read a book that is anything but predictable. The setting is absolutely amazin...more If anyone can rival the world of Poe, it is Bethany Griffin. From the first page of this novel, I was gripped, and I refused to put it down. I had been staring at the cover for weeks in awe (you have to admit, it's breathtaking). And, I was fortunate enough to get an ARC from Harper Collins through Edelweiss Above the Treeline!!!! This is one of the first books in a while where I found myself completely stunned with all the twists and turns--I didn't see a single one of them coming! It's so great to read a book that is anything but predictable. The setting is absolutely amazing. There were times when the action was slow, but I didn't mind at all because I got swept away in Bethany Griffin's description of the dilapidated city filled with the gorgeously dressed rich people and then the grotesquely vile plague victims. Her imagery melts onto the page, and I felt like I was plucked from my recliner and thrown right into the middle of Bethany's world. If only more people could write the way she does! Her characters are so rich with personality, even the characters with smaller roles. I felt connected to each and every one of them, but especially to Araby. She has experienced great tragedy, and as a result, she sinks into herself, trying anything and everything to escape the harsh reality into which she is thrust. I felt her pain as if it were my own-- a feat very difficult to accomplish for most writers. And then when she meets Elliott and Will--I felt her hope and guilt and indecision. I can't explain it other than I was captivated. I love Will and Elliott. Will is the mysterious tattooed proprietor of the club who Araby is instantly attracted to, and his secrets (which I won't reveal) make him even more...irresistible. And then there's Elliott--the wealthy aristocrat who is hiding his own secrets. I love these two guys because they are completely genuine, even when they are hiding things. I instantly felt like I could trust them both...but boy, did they both surprise me! READ IT!!! You won't be disappointed. Bethany builds a world where the macabre and sinister is ordinary. There is no black or white, good or evil, healthy or sick--her story is rife with everything in between. It was so good, I immediately went straight to Twitter and asked Bethany if a sequel is in the works (Yes! 2013!)--I can't wait. Finally, I will give a warning that this story is for older YA readers. I would rate it PG-13 for drug use, violence, and brief references to rape.

Destined by Aprilynne Pike

Destined
(Wings #4)
By: Aprilynne Pike
Published by: HarperTeen
Reviewed by: Sis-in-law Sarah
Release date: May 1, 2012!!!

Check out my review of the first three books in the Wings series here.

Laurel now knows the truth: Yuki is a rare Winter faerie, the most powerful—and deadly—of all, and she is working with Klea to conquer and destroy Avalon. With Tamani, David, and Chelsea by her side, Laurel prepares for a fight she never thought she would have to face. 

Filled with heart-pounding action, sweeping romance, and higher stakes at every turn, Destined is the series conclusion that readers have been clamoring for—with a twist that will leave them breathless. 


What an extraordinary conclusion to this fantastic series!!! I mean, I thought...and hoped...and wished that it would be wonderful because I have really enjoyed this series, but it FAR exceeded all my expectations! Thank you Aprilynne!!!! You have definitely finished strong and proud!

Illusions (Book #3) ended on one of the biggest cliffhangers of all time.  Seriously...that was just plain mean.  Destined picks up right where the last one left off, just as if it were the next chapter.  (So definitely refamiliarize (if that's even a word...) yourself with how book three concluded.

So we last learned that Yuki is a winter fairie.  Big problem here considering winter fairies are able to open the gates into Avalon.  Laurel, Tamani, David, and Chelsea must find out who's side Yuki is actually on to figure out if she's a threat to Avalon or not...quite the dangerous task since winter faeries are extremely powerful!!! This book begins and it just takes off with crazy scary adventures and battles.  Seriously....the whole book takes place in like one day.  It's just one thing after another the whole way through! I couldn't put it down for the life of me!!!

There's so much more to this one then any of the others! You discover more about the characters and their potential.  I especially loved watching David in this book...he was incredible! You also get to rediscover human myths and legends that actually happened in the fairyworld. I loved seeing these old stories retold! And did I mention there's action?!?! There's SO MUCH action!!!  And don't forget the love story.  This book holds the conclusion to the crazy love triangle!!! And there's even an optional ending that had me in tears it was so beautiful and realistic.

This last part of the Wings series was everything I could have wished for and more!!! Definitely pre-order your copy! And if you haven't read this fantastic series, dive in quick! Get on the bandwagon! You don't want to miss being a part of what, at least I believe, is one of the greatest fairie stories ever told!!!

The Wings Series by Aprilynne Pike

Wings
(Wings #1)
By Aprilynne Pike
Published by HarperTeen
Reviewed by Sis-in-law Sarah

Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful--too beautiful for words.

Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.

I read this book almost exactly a year ago and have been aching to read the rest of the series ever since!  I'm so excited to say I'm finally accomplishing that...and thought I'd do a little reviewing while I'm at it! Especially since long awaited book four is coming out this year! And I'm super stoked to say that I have a copy of it in my hands RIGHT NOW!!!!

What captured me about Wings was the whole new kind of faeries.  Seriously, these are nothing like I've ever seen before.  I don't want to give too much away, but these faeries are incredible! Instead of being little creatures, they are actually plants....with GORGEOUS blossoms I might add! Such a genius idea! I so enjoyed getting to know this whole new world!

This was a super fast read to me. (We had one snow day last year and I spent it curled up by the fire reading this book! Such fond memories!)  But it's not the kind of fast read where you don't really feel like you know the characters.  I LOVED these characters! Seriously, I want to BE Laurel.  And the love triangle in this one....super heart wrenching!  I love Tamani. Seriously. Like....a lot.  So, great romance in this series, yet very safe content for the younger reader.

The first book very much feels like a prequel.  It's awesome, but you really get to delve into Pike's faerie world in book #2!

Spells

(Wings #2)
By Aprilynne Pike

Published by HarperTeen

Reviewed by Sis-in-law Sarah

Six months have passed since Laurel saved the gateway to the faerie realm of Avalon. Now she must spend her summer there, honing her skills as a Fall faerie. But her human family and friends are still in mortal danger--and the gateway to Avalon is more compromised than ever. 

When it comes time to protect those she loves, will she depend on David, her human boyfriend, for help? Or will she turn to Tamani, the electrifying faerie with whom her connection is undeniable?

Wings was a great introduction book, but Spells...Spells is where it gets juicier and juicier!  I absolutely adored this book!  

In the beginning Laurel actually takes a trip to Avalon...and my-oh-my is it a wonderful place!!!! I was in love with Pike's version of fairyworld!  I love how fairies blossom at different seasons and the different roles fall, winter, spring, and summer fairies play.  I love how uncomfortable Laurel is with these divisive roles and I'm hoping the author delves more into this in future books!

Also, I loved that this book gives you a chance to know Tamani more.  Wings was very much focused on David and Laurel's story.  In this one, you get to know a little more about Tamani and Laurel's history as well as Tamani himself.  David's a great human boyfriend and all, but I just stinkin' love Tamani! Team Tam all the way!!!!

There is so much more complexity in this second book!  You've got trolls and the return of Jeremiah Barnes, Jamison and all things fairyworld, Chelsea and David getting more of a play in Laurel's life, and the introduction of a new character whom we don't know whether or not is threatening to Laurel and the other faeries.  Sometimes second books can be disappointing, but I thought Spells was most definitely a step up from the first book in this series!

Illusions

(Wings #3)

By Aprilynne Pike

Published by HarperTeen

Reviewed by Sis-in-law Sarah

Laurel hasn't seen Tamani since she begged him to let her go last year. Though her heart still aches, Laurel is confident that David was the right choice. 

But just as life is returning to normal, Laurel discovers that a hidden enemy lies in wait. Once again, Laurel must turn to Tamani to protect and guide her, for the danger that now threatens Avalon is one that no faerie thought would ever be possible. And for the first time, Laurel cannot be sure that her side will prevail.

I really am so excited to say that this series just gets better and better.  I could not put this book down!!!

This one takes on a different feeling altogether.  Laurel, who has done very well keeping her two worlds completely separate, is horrified (as well as secretly delighted) to find that Tamani is now her new classmate.  Obviously, this makes things totally complicated with David, who can't help but play the jealous boyfriend, as well as within her own heart as Laurel is forced to make a choice between the two.

So obviously, guess what, for all you Team Tam fans like me, there is SO MUCH Tamani in this book! I totally was a squee-er from start to finish.  And who doesn't love it when the two guys in the love triangle finally go at it!!! 

The action in this book is so much more involved than the others.  Wild fairies, the Unseelie court, Klea and her band of hunters, and a character who's loyalties are questioned....so much great stuff in this one! And seriously, one of the most killer cliffhanger endings EVER! Needless to say, I CANNOT WAIT to read book #4!!!!

So if you were kind of on the fence about Wings, keep with the series.  They just get better and better! I'm so looking forward to see what Pike does with book #4....Destined!!! Review to come!

Partials by Dan Wells

Partials by Dan Wells

Publication Date: February 28th, 2012

Reviewed by: Honorary Sis Beth

Sister Says: Powerful, Plotting, and Perilous

Summary from goodreads.com

Humanity is all but extinguished after a war with partials--engineered organic beings identical to humans--has decimated the world’s population. Reduced to only tens of thousands by a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island. The threat of the partials is still imminent, but, worse, no baby has been born immune to the disease in over a decade. Humanity’s time is running out.

When sixteen-year-old Kira learns of her best friend’s pregnancy, she’s determined to find a solution. Then one rash decision forces Kira to flee her community with the unlikeliest of allies. As she tries desperately to save what is left of her race, she discovers that the survival of both humans and partials rests in her attempts to answer questions of the war’s origin that she never knew to ask.

Combining the fast-paced action of The Hunger Games with the provocative themes of Battlestar Galactica, Partials is a pulse-pounding journey into a world where the very concept of what it means to be human is in question--one where our sense of humanity is both our greatest liability, and our only hope for survival.

When I first read the summary for Partials, I was immediately intrigued. I absolutely love dystopian books and it sounded a lot like something I would be interested in reading. Which is why I hate to admit, that I fell asleep multiple times while reading this book. Let me explain....as I have stated many times before, I am not a person who likes a lot of "world set-ups". Personally, I do not care how soceity became the way it is, I just want to know what the problem is and start diving into solving it. Partials, on the other hand, utilizes a substantial part of the first half of the book establishing the society and how everything works within it. So, it is just personal preference. If you like to know how and why the world fell and the structure of the current dystopian governmen, you will love this book.

All that being said, I ended up telling my friends and husband the book was really good. After I "powered through" the set-up, I was hooked. Kira, the main character, is an amazingly strong, determined, and fearless heroine. Multiple times I said to myself, if only I had her tenacity and smarts. She is spunky and rebellious; I just love her! She says many times throughout the book that she is willing to risk her life for the possibility of saving her bestfriend's baby. What a true friend!

The book takes many unexpected twists and turns. I do not want to spoil the book for anyone, but let me just say, at one point I put the book down and said to myself, "I did NOT see that coming!" Right when I thought I knew what was going to happen, BAM, a major plot twist that totally throws you off course. Any author that can keep their reader guessing until the very last page is a genius and Dan Wells did just that.

Romance is not a major theme. Kira does have a boyfriend, Marcus, but their relationship is very minor in the scope of the book. Mr. Wells does set up for more romance in the second book and possibly even a love triange; given the nature of the first book, however, I would doubt if it is a major theme. True to Kira's character, she is more concerned about saving her species than she is about boys...man, I love this girl!

All in all, I would recommend this book. It definitely is a worthwhile read and perfectly sets up for the second book without leaving you frustrated. If you are like me, "power through" the "world set-up", it is worth it. If you are not like me and like world set-ups, this is definitely the book for you. I am very excited for the second book to come out and will definitely be reading it as soon as it's released. So, go ahead and add Partials to your ever growing to-be-read pile; you will not regret it!

Buy it.....Read it.....Love it!!!

Vicious Deep by Zoraida Córdova Blog Tour & Giveaway

We are so excited to be apart of the Bloggers of the Deep Blog Tour!  We have some exciting things coming your way.  Today we are hosting a giveaway and guest post.  Later on in May, we will host another stop for a character interview and review.  Here's a little about The Vicious Deep:


The Vicious Deep by Zoraida Córdova
Published by Sourcebooks Fire
May 1, 2012

For Tristan Hart, everything changes with one crashing wave.
He was gone for three days. Sucked out to sea in a tidal wave and spit back ashore at Coney Island with no memory of what happened. Now his dreams are haunted by a terrifying silver mermaid with razor-sharp teeth.
His best friend Layla is convinced something is wrong. But how can he explain he can sense emotion like never before? How can he explain he’s heir to a kingdom he never knew existed? That he’s suddenly a pawn in a battle as ancient as the gods.
Something happened to him in those three days. He was claimed by the sea…and now it wants him back.

We are happy to host Zoraida today for Desert Island books!  We love playing Desert Island books!  Here is my Desert Island Book list from last summer.

Top Ten Books to Read when Stranded on a 

Desert Island

 If you are going to be stranded, may as well find something to pass the time. Just make sure you plan ahead…

#1 would have to be HOW TO SURVIVE ON A DESERT ISLAND. Because, really, if I don't survive, I won't get to read #2-10. 

#2 Beauty Queens by Libba Bray, obvi. 

#3 A collection of fairy tales from around the world.

#4 The Harry Potter series, because I'll need a little hope to keep me going. 

#5 Montana Sky by Nora Roberts. Don't you roll your eyes at me. Deserted islands get lonely.

#6 Still Life With Woodpecker by Tom Robbins because every word is beauty. 

#7 Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown. Partly because I'd like the company of merpeople. Partly because I'd like to read it before I get stranded. But also because I can't say I want to get stranded with my own mermaids ;) 

#8 Buffy the Vampire Slayer, season 8 graphic novels. When facing the forces of darkness (strike that), nature, I'd ask myself, What Would Buffy Do? 

#9 The Essential Neruda. Pablo Neruda was exiled to an island where he fell in love and wrote poetry. Maybe I'd get the same inspiration. 

#10 A blank notebook, to write my own stories.

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Sourcebooks Fire has kindly donated a finished copy of The Vicious Deep to giveaway here.  The giveaway is open to US and Canada entries.  We want to say a big Thank You to Sourcebooks Fire for providing this giveaway!

Encyclopedia of Erudite Elites & Ultimate Erudite Giveaway

Macgyver, one of Erudite's most famous elites, specializes in all things science related.  One of his most notorious accomplishments include creating a bomb from a turkey baster, a piece of bubble gum, and a paper clip.  He does not like violence, and his goal is to find peaceful solutions in the everyday materials most take for granted.

Macgyver's favorite quote: 

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond all measure."
--Marianne Williamson, Erudite author and peace activist

Dr. Gregory House is one of Erudite's most accomplished (and notorious) doctors.  If a medical miracle is needed, Dr. House is the one to be summoned.  Known for his eccentric diagnostic habits, Dr. House truly gives credence to the idea that genius and insanity ride the same line.  Thankfully, Dr. House continues to work on the side of  genius.

Dr. House's favorite quote:

"There is no great genius without a touch of madness."
--Aristotle, Erudite philosopher

Dr. Emmett Brown, referred to as "Doc" by his Erudite family, is another great scientist from the Erudite Faction.  Doc is currently working on a theory of time-travel, and he claims his latest invention, the Flux Capacitor, could be the key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe.  Doc chose his favorite classic vehicle, the DeLorean, in which to install the Flux Capacitor.  Beta-testing is scheduled to begin soon.

Doc's favorite quote:

"Time is an illusion.  Lunchtime doubly so."
--Douglas Adams, Erudite author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."  Socrates, former Erudite leader

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The Ultimate Erudite Giveaway

Okay Erudites!  Team Erudite has banded together, and we have a crazypants giveaway for you!  We will have 10 winners and all you have to do is click on these links and tweet about this giveaway!  The rafflecopter below will tell you what to do!  Also, you can enter via rafflecopter everyday!  If you want more entries, then feel free to click on these links more than once.  Please leave a comment EVERYTIME you click & you will get an extra entry into the giveaway!  We will pick 5 winners from the rafflecopter giveaway & 5 winners from the comments.

These are the prizes we have lined up:

1- $30 giftcard from online bookstore of choice

3- $20 Amazon giftcards

1- $20 Barnes and Noble giftcard

2- Boxes of ARCS

2- Faction Bottle Cap Pendants

1- Harry Potter ebook of choice in honor of Hermione (a great Erudite)

Link #1:  http://bit.ly/choose_erudite

Link #2:  http://Eruditefactionnews.tumblr.com

These amazing Erudite blogs contributed to this giveaway!

The Reading Lark

The Book Chic Club

The YA Sisterhood

Teaser Tuesday: Until I Die by Amy Plum

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading!

To participate all you have to do is:

•Grab your current read

•Open to a random page

•Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page

•BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

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Kate, it's not a weakness to want a normal relationship--one where you don't have to watch your boyfriend be carried home in a body bag a couple of times a year. (ARC, p. 67)

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I have barely started reading this one, but I must say that I LOVED Die for Me, book 1 in the Revenants series!  I've been so excited to start reading this!  It is wonderful to be back in the company of Vincent, Jules, Ambrose and Kate!  Until I Die will be published by HarperTeen and releases on May 8th.

Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

Hemlock by Kathleen PeacockARC received by Harper Collins via Edelweiss
Release Date:  5-8-2012
Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn
The Sisters Say: A haunting tale that adds a new dimension to the werewolf drama.


Mackenzie and Amy were best friends. Until Amy was brutally murdered.

Since then, Mac’s life has been turned upside down. She is being haunted by Amy in her dreams, and an extremist group called the Trackers has come to Mac’s hometown of Hemlock to hunt down Amy’s killer: A white werewolf.

Lupine syndrome—also known as the werewolf virus—is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control.

Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy’s murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy’s boyfriend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk.

Kathleen Peacock’s thrilling novel is the first in the Hemlock trilogy, a spellbinding urban fantasy series filled with provocative questions about prejudice, trust, lies, and love.

After reading Hemlock, I find myself stuck in Limbo, not really able to decide how I feel about it.  I am not particularly fond of werewolves, but after seeing the gorgeous cover, I was hoping that this book would change my mind.  Did it?  Hmmm....jury's still out.  I mean, if you look at my list of "likes vs. dislikes" then you would say that it definitely changed my mind, but the dislikes seemed to weigh heavier on me.  However, I do believe this book will gain a following and many people will enjoy it.  So, instead of just jumping in to the things that disappointed me, lets start with the aspects that will bring me back for the second installment.

What did I like about it?

There was great imagery in the transition from man/woman to wolf.  I found it interesting how Kathleen Peacock described the doubling over and snapping of bones (ouch!).  I really liked this idea versus Stephenie Meyer’s snap your fingers and bada bing you’re a wolf description.  This just seems so much more realistic, the fact that shapeshifting can be painful and ugly.  I think she did a great job of using this idea of the transformation to symbolize how the lupine disease can strangle you from the inside. 

I really like Kyle, one of Mac’s love interests.  He seems very genuine with a hint of I’ll-kick-your-butt if you cross me.  He was definitely the most believable of the characters, and I would probably read book 2 just to see what happens with him in the future.

Amy is haunting Mac’s dreams, and I can’t tell if it is actually a haunting or just Mac’s subconscious going wacky.  Either way, her dreams are very intense, and I think they were my favorite part of the book.  The dreams were macabre and full of gruesome foreboding which stood out from the rest of the novel.  I really think that Kathleen Peacock has a way with words when it comes to these grotesque hauntings--and I'm hoping there's more to them than meets the eye! 

I found the layers of prejudice to be very reminiscent of true human behavior, and the Literature teacher in me finds it fascinating and wants to dissect it even more.  But, I'll let you do that for yourself!

The ending….peeked my interest just enough for me to wonder what’s to come in the next installment.

What disappointed me?

The romance was very bland, and since romance is the part of books that I really LOVE to read, it disappointed me that this love triangle was so anticlimactic.  It was very wishy-washy, back and forth, and I got to the point where I wanted to thump Mac…hard.

There were parts of the plot that were slow and predictable.  I wanted something to really make me say, “No way,” but that point never came.  I still read the book in a day because it was a fast read, but it wasn't one of those books that made me want to skip lunch because I couldn't put it down.

So…I’ll leave you with a few answered q’s:

Did I enjoy reading it?  There were times I was reading because I wanted to know more and other times I was reading to get to the end.

Will I read the sequel?  Probably, especially if the cover is awesome.  Plus, I want to find out about the Amy hauntings.

Would I recommend this book?  To those who like werewolves yes, but if you are like me and even dislike Jacob, you might find this book is not for you.

Daimon Black: Winner of the Jennifer L. ArmenTOURNEY

It's official. 

You voted. 

And Daemon Black was named your favorite of all of Jennifer L. Armentrout's  amazing characters. 

Let's take a moment and celebrate everyone's favorite Alien!

Since you all LOVE Daemon so much, you'll be excited to know that starting in a few weeks, Entangled Publishing will be starting the 30 Days of Daemon blog tour in honor of the Release of Onyx!

You can also go here and ask Daemon for advice: http://www.formspring.me/DearDaemon

We at the YA Sisterhood will be hosting a tour stop on May 28th! 

So get ready for a whole lot of Daemon love! 

In the meantime, let's continue to show Jennifer L. Armentrout our love by going out and buying PURE, which is NOW ON SALE!  

We're so thankful to you all for your participation in this Tournament! And we're thankful that you all love JLA as much as we do!

Review and Giveaway: IMMORTAL RULES by Julie Kagawa

The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1) by Julie Kagawa

Reviewed by: Baby Sister Brittany

ARC received from: Media Masters Publicity

The Sisters say: Bloody, Bold, Bad A

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

Julie Kagawa is an artist. Nay, she’s a master, no a genius.

Strike all of that.

JULIE KAGAWA MUST BE A FREAKING WIZARD BECAUSE IMMORTAL RULES WAS PURE MAGIC!

Too cheesy for you guys?

Let me rephrase—Julie Kagawa’s fresh and inventive take on the flooded vampire market is nothing short of inspired. I admit—I cringe every time I open a vampire book because it’s just so overdone, but I shouldn’t have ever doubted Julie! She has a knack for taking tired, overwrought mythologies and bringing them to life in a way that is at once both a reflection of the old and a push towards the new. She did it with fairies first (Yes, by the time I read Iron Fey I was sick of Fairies and she proved me wrong), and now she’s done it with Vamps.

Dear Ms. Kagawa,

I hearby hope, NAY BEG, for you to tackle every trendy and stereotypical paranormal creature there is. I shall never again doubt your prowess and your, erm, wizardry. I will follow you into the worlds of werewolves or zombies or witches or angels or mermaids or even freaking hobbits. I’m all yours. All Hail Julie!

Sincerely,

The One Who Doubted, and Deserves a Swift Kick in the Face Because of It

Now lets get down to specifics.

IMMORTAL RULES is a combination Dystopian/Paranormal—my two favorite worlds!  Essentially—Disaster befell the Earth and humankind’s number began dwindling rapidly. This = Bloody Awful News for the Vamps who had been secretly living among us the whole time (Pun intended). So, to prevent Vamps from dying out, they had to prevent human’s from dying out.

*Julie waves her magic wand*

Vampire cities are created. Human’s are kept in walled cities, protected from the outside world in exchange for their blood.

Genius, right?

Well… then there’s Allie—chalk up another hella awesome heroine for Ms. Kagawa. She lives in the outskirts of the vampire city, and has refused to pledge herself to the vampires and give up her blood. Unfortunately, that means she’s left to fend for herself, and food is almost as scarce as safety. But she doesn’t care… she despises the vampires, and refuses to give in to them.

Then her hatred for vampires is tested by her own will to live when she is attacked and she faces a choice—die or become a vampire (which is also dead, so it’s more like die or die 2.0).

Allie’s character is fierce and complicated and loyal and naïve and flawed and above all—RIVETING. I couldn’t get enough of her world and her life.

Luckily, this first installment in the Blood of Eden series is epic—and I mean that in the sense that it is both awesome and long! Can’t get much better than that, can we?

Allie isn’t the only fascinating character.

I love me some Kanin, Allie’s sire. He has all the broody self-hatred of reformed vampires, but is simultaneously at peace with his life as a vampire and his role as predator. He’s broody and bloody. Imagine Stephan and Damon from Vampire Diaries all rolled into one fabulous character. I will admit… I was more interested in Kanin than I was in Zeke (the love interest in the book), and I can’t wait to see more of him in later books.

That’s not to say I didn’t like Zeke—son of a religious leader hell bent on destroying the vampires, who falls in love with girl who just happens to be a vampire. Now that’s some DRAMA, kids. And trust me, as a theatre teacher—I KNOW DRAMA.

EDIT: And.... I can't believe I forgot to mention this. *Bad Brittany* Thanks to Misa for reminding me in the comments. Allie is Asian! Only the second Asian MC I've seen in YA lit! Huzzah for diversity in YA lit! Huzzah for Julie! 

All in all, I loved this book. I love Julie Kagawa. Crap…. I even love vampires again (for a little while at least). So give this book a chance, maybe you’ll love again too!

In fact, we’re giving you a chance to win a copy of this book (which hits stores April 24^th)! Check out the rafflecopter below for more info! 

Julie Kagawa Weekend: Author Q & A

That's right, kids! We're celebrating the awesomeness that is Julie Kagawa this weekend! We've got a Q&A with Julie today, then come back tomorrow for our review and giveaway of Julie's latest IMMORTAL RULES. Trust me, this is one you don't want to miss! If you're unfamiliar with Julie, please check out our reviews for her other series, The Iron Fey. 

A Q&A with

New York Times Best Selling Author Julie Kagawa

After writing the Iron Fey series for so many years, how difficult was it to immerse yourself in a futuristic world filled with vampires, rabids and an enslaved human race?

            It was...very different.  I think the hardest thing for me was the fact that this story does take place in the real world -- a futuristic, vampire-infested world, but the real world nonetheless.  Things had to make sense, for example: how far can a large group walk in a single day if there were no roads, they were going through thick woods, and there were children in the group?  I had to have logical reasons for everything; I couldn't just make something work "because of faery magic," lol.

Just like Meghan Chase in the Iron Fey series, the main character in The Immortal Rules, Allison Sekemoto, is a “take charge and kick butt” kind of girl.  Is this intentional? What woman – real or fictional, alive or deceased – do you look up to or admire?

            Yes, Allison comes from a very different world than Meghan Chase.  Meghan's upbringing was pretty normal; Allison grew up among vampires and monsters, where every day was a fight to live, so she couldn't afford to be weak.  While Meghan had to learn to "take charge and kick butt," Allison's first impulse is stab first, talk later.  

            As for female role models, the first that comes to mind--when it comes to kicking vampire butt, anyway -- is Buffy Summers.  Thank you, Joss Whedon, for making me love feisty, snarky, heroines who can dust all sorts of nasties but who also look good in a cheerleading outfit. ;) 

You mention in your acknowledgements in The Immortal Rules that at the beginning of your writing career you promised yourself you wouldn’t write a vampire book.  What changed your mind?

            Well, there were already so many really good books about our favorite bloodsuckers, so many stories and ideas, I thought I didn't have anything new to add to the masses.  I was actually toying with a post-apocalyptic YA novel when my agent mentioned I might want to try writing a vampire series.  I wasn't intrigued with the idea at first, but then I thought about combining vampires with the post-apocalyptic novel and then rest sort of fell into place.   

Allison claims she hates vampires and believes they are monsters yet when faced with a choice of die or become one, she becomes a vampire.  Would you have made that same decision? 

            Me personally?  No.  I'm like Zeke in the belief that there is something better waiting for me beyond this life, and I just have to do my best until it’s time for me to go.  Besides, I love pizza and Mountain Dew too much to give it up.

Who do you think the most complex character is in The Immortal Rules?

            Probably Kanin, Allie's sire.  He's a vampire who has made his peace about being a monster, yet chooses to live by his own set of moral rules.  He warns Allison about getting too close to humans, yet he does not kill unless he absolutely has to.  He is tormented about something in his past that he refuses to share with anyone.  He is certainly the most mysterious of all the characters, if not the most complex.

How many books will be in the Blood of Eden series?  When will the next book be coming out?

            At the moment, there are three books planned, with the second coming out sometime next spring, after the release of the new Iron Fey series this fall.

Before you starting writing full time you were a professional dog trainer.  Do the professions share any similarities?

            Lol, well you have to think on your feet a lot.  And some of the small dogs could be compared to tiny snapping goblins, but writing requires less dodging skills, though perhaps the same amount of creativity and problem solving.

When starting a new series, like Blood of Eden, do you have the entire series mapped out in detail or do you let the story develop book by book?

            I have a high point that I write toward in each story; I know this and this has to happen, but getting from point A to point B usually develops as I go along.

And for the speed round:

What book have you read and re-read, and read yet again?

            Any of the Harry Potter books.

Favorite song to play when writing a fight scene?

            My "favorites" change daily.  Right now its "Awake and Alive" by Skillet.

Worst job?

            Working a kiosk in the mall during Christmas.  It sold glass figurines, and the maneuvering space around the hundreds of very breakable merchandise was quite small.  I was like a bull in a china shop.

Best vacation spot?

            Walt Disney World

Sweets or salty?

            Sweet.

One thing most people don’t know about you – and would never guess!

            I used to play the flute when I was a kid.  I was really good at it too, but my instructor stopped teaching to have a family, and I never went back to it.