{ Teaser Tuesday - May 31, 2011 }

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Mizb over at Shouldbereading. Anyone can play along, just do the following:

* 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 that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

* Share the author and title, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teaser!

My teaser this week:

"Somehow I'm able to fly. I rush up and twist in the air, then torpedo down and speed along the river's surface."

Pg 57 - I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

What's your teaser this week?

{ It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - May 30, 2011 }

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila over at BookJourney. This is where participants share what they read last week, what they are currently reading and what's up next. Here are mine for this week:

Read last week:

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Currently Reading:

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

Up next:

Feed by M T Anderson

XVI by Julia Karr

What are you reading?

{ Divergent by Veronica Roth }

Divergent by Veronica Roth

May 3, 2011 by HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Ebook

From Goodreads:

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue - Candor(the honest), Abnegation(the selfless), Dauntless(the brave), Amity(the peaceful) and Erudite(the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is - she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are - and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves...or it might destroy her.

My Review:

One of the biggest draws to a book is how it makes me feel. Strong characters are also a deal breaker. If I can not relate to the main characters there is nothing holding me there. Divergent came through on all levels and more. I love this book! OMG! I mean I really loved this book! This is most definitely my favorite read of 2011 thus far.

These characters are amazing. I think of Tris as my secret inner self. Or I should say my secret alternate universe self. You know. The one where I am brave and strong and adventurous. She is small, yet strong, focused, brave, loving, selfless and she has some pretty cool tattoos. Through her rigorous and often terrifying Dauntless training, we see her grown and blossom into this kick-butt heroine. Then there is Four. Four...Four...Four. My heart belongs to Four. I am a 40yr old mother of two and I am not ashamed to admit it! Four is this amazing, strong, brave, intense, damaged, loving, intelligent, funny, sexy and fearless...almost...man...okay, young man. But yes. He really is all that and so much more.

There is so much intensity within the pages of this book and so much I could talk about. However, I don't like to include spoilers in my reviews. I will say this though? One of my favorite moments, is the knife throwing scene. The intensity of that stare between Tris and Four was brilliantly brought to life by Veronica Roth. I was inside Tris's head. I could feel the air, the looks and the inner realization of what her selflessness had brought her to. Brilliant! This is where my love of Four and Tris was born.

While Tris and Four are amazing, there are many other characters who deserve just as much praise. There are always those characters that we love to hate. Eric...the main Dauntless trainer...and Peter...one of Tris's fellow initiates...are the perfect villains. These two have evil running through their veins. Tris's two closest friends, Christina and Will were also among my favorites. These two provided many funny, touching and heartbreaking moments for me.

This dystopian world created by Veronica Roth, really worked for me. It was believable as were these characters. If you are a fan of YA Dystopian and are tired of the mind numbing love triangles? Then grab a copy today! Go! Now! I plan to read this one over and over again until book #2 comes out!

Rating: 5+!!

{ Teaser Tuesday - May 24, 2011 }

Teaser Tuesday is a week bookish meme hosted by Mizb over at Shouldbereading. Anyone can play along just do the following:

* 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 that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

* Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teaser!

Here's mine for this week:

"What's your name?" he asks quietly.

"Christina," she squeaks.

"Well, Christina, if I wanted to put up with Candor smart-mouths, I would have joined their faction," he hisses. "The first lesson you will learn from me is to keep your mouth shut. Got that?"

pg 45-46 Divergent by Veronica Roth

{ It's Monday! What are you reading? - May 23, 2011 }

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly book meme hosted by Sheila over at BookJourney. This is where participants share what they read last week, what they are currently reading and what is up next. Here is mine for this week:

Read Last Week:

Ranger's Apprentice - Book One - The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan
Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Currently Reading:

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Up Next:

Ranger's Apprentice - Book Two - The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan
Ranger's Apprentice - Book Three - The Icebound Land by John Flanagan

What are you reading?

{ Wither by Lauren DeStefano }

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

March 22, 2011 by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Source: Ebook

From GoodReads:

Obviously, something went terribly wrong. Genetic mutations have festered, reducing human longevity to twenty-five years, even less for most women. To prevent extinction, young girls are kidnapped, mated in polygamous marriages with men eager to procreate. Sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery, a recent victim of this breeding farm mentality, has vowed to break loose from its fetters; but finding allies and a safe way out is a challenge she can only hope she will survive.

Review:

After reading that blurb off of Goodreads again...well, I am not sure why I have read this. It is not something I would normally pick up. However, there has been so much hype on this one, I caved and decided to give it a read. I will start off by saying that I will not get into the 'morality' issue of this one. Everyone has their own belief system and own morals in which they live by. I will say though, that I am not sure that I would recommend this book for younger teens. I just feel the subject matter is not really appropriate for the younger YA reader. That aside...

The overall storyline is different. However, this book has been put out there as a YA Dystopian series. I kind of have issues with that. While there are certainly Dystopian elements to it, I would definitely not class this a true Dystopian. The majority of the story takes place within the walls of

The House Governor's mansion. Yes, there are elements within the compound that are futuristic, but we never really get a feel for how the world outside the compound exists. There are glimpses, but I never felt fully introduced to the world on a whole.

Our main character Rhine, is a 16 yr old girl who has been kidnapped and separated from her twin brother Rowan. She is one of three girls chosen to be one of the next sister wives of the House Governor, Linden. I really enjoyed getting to know Rhine and her sister wives. Rhine is forced into this marriage along with 13 yr old Cecily and 18 yr old Jenna. Both Rhine and Jenna know that what has happened to them is so very wrong, while Cecily is very young and has been easily tainted into thinking that this is the best thing to happen to her. The things that have happened to each of these girls before and during their 'captivity' is truly heartbreaking. I know many reviewers have had issues with Cecily being too whiny. But I think you have to realize that this is a 13 year-old girl. She has been married and now expected to have a child for this man...well actually many children. It is a very delicate situation to say the least. And that would be why I find it hard to review this one. I did enjoy the characters on a whole and also the developing friendship/love between Rhine and Gabriel. I guess just the overall feel and heart of this story is just something I am having a hard time relating to and believing. There are just too many holes in this world for me to really connect with it.

This is the first book in a series, but I honestly do not know that I will be waiting for the second installment. Would I recommend it? Only if you want to see for yourself what all the hype is about.

Rating: 2.5/3 stars

{ Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan }

Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan

June 8, 2006 by Penguin Group US

Source: Library ebook

From Goodreads:

He had always wanted to be a warrior. The Rangers, with their dark cloaks and shadowy ways, made him nervous. The villagers believe the Rangers practice magic that makes them invisible to ordinary people. And now fifteen year-old Will, always small for his age, has been chosen as a Ranger's apprentice. What he doesn't realize yet is that the Rangers are the protectors of the kingdom. Highly trained in skills of battle and surveillance, they fight the battles before the battles reach the people. And as Will is about to learn, there is a large battle brewing. The exiled Morgarath, lord of the Mountains of Rain and Night, is gathering his forces for an attack on the kingdom. This time, he will not be denied.

Review: May Contain Spoilers!

I discovered this book and series through author Darby Karchut. She told me this was one of her favorite series. So I thought, I must give it a read! I am very glad I did.

What I mainly enjoyed about this book, was the relationship between the two main characters, Will and Halt. When we first meet Will he is about to find out if his life long ambition of becoming a warrior apprentice is finally going to come true. But unfortunately, his wish is not to be and he learns that he has been chosen by, Halt, to become his Ranger apprentice. As the story unfolds, we see Will grow into himself and develop into a strong and more confident young man and Ranger apprentice. On the other side is Halt. I adore Halt. He is full of strength, love, humour and loyalty, but all wrapped up in a very understated small stature of a man.

I love that one of the main messages author, John Flanagan, portrays in this story is that not all heroes are big strong warrior types. Sometimes a hero can be an ordinary boy. Sometimes all it takes is courage and faith in yourself. I also love the fact that John Flanagan originally wrote this story for his son, Michael, as a way to get the reluctant reader excited about books. How cool is that?

Another aspect of this book, which stands out for me, is the bullying issue. I know that I have seen a few reviews in which readers were a bit disappointed in how Halt encouraged Horace to deal the same punishment back onto his tormentors. I for one did not have issues with this at all. This poor kid has been beaten, tormented and belittled for months. The final beating was extremely harsh and terrifying. A person can only be expected to endure so much! I don't agree with violence solving anything, but sometimes? Well, it is, what it is and they were beaten fairly.

I will admit to being left with a few unanswered questions, but this is only the first book of many in this series. I am sure all will come together for me in the following books. I look forward to diving into the next one.

If you are a fan of Fantasy, Adventure, endearing male protagonists and loving fatherly/son relationships? Then go pick up the Ranger's Apprentice series.

Rating: 4 stars!

{ Teaser Tuesday }

Teaser Tuesday is a bookish meme hosted by Mizb over at Should be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do the following:

* 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 that what you share does not give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

* Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add it to their TBR lists if they like your teaser!

Here's mine for this week:

We'll finish this another time, the angry look in Horace's eyes said.

Any time you like, the apprentice Ranger's eyes replied.

pg 101 The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

{ Stylish Blogger Award }

I was so very surprised today to receive this award from Darby - author of the soon to be released Griffin Rising. And now I would like to pass this along to these 7 book bloggers - who I stalk regularly!

* Jen @ I Read Banned Books

* Michelle @ Hooked to Books

* Kristin @ My Bookish Ways

* Sonia @ The Story Queen - a new find - and she's here in Alberta too!

* Pixie/Stacey/MammaFox/Lauralee/Sopie @ Page Turners

* Pamela @ At Home Between the Pages

* Jules @ The Great, The Good and The Bad

And as requested? Here are seven things you might like to know about ME!

* I am a mother of 2 girls, 1 dog(evil Rudy - as we like to call him), 1 cat (Jasper) and 1 hubby ;0)

* I hated reading as a kid and did not read for enjoyment until my early 20s and even then it did not last long. I only really started enjoying reading within the past few years. And now? I devour books!! Better late than never, I guess.

* I am a tea-holic! Iced or hot. A day does not go by without at least 1 glass/cup...usually many more than that.

* I am a HUGH Disney fan! Most of my favorite movies of all time are Disney Animations. And I love both Disneyland and DisneyWorld!

* I was married in Maui, on the beach. Just myself, hubby, minister and his photographer/videographer. It was awesome!

* I am a big crafter - although, reading is starting to takeover! I do mostly papercrafting, but NOT really into scrapbooking. I have been a crocheter since I was about 5 and am enjoying teaching my girls. Although, their attention span for it goes in spurts. ;0)

* Hubby and I would love to sell the house and go RVing when we are old and retired!

Okay ladies. Your turn to tell us about yourselves!

{ It's Monday! What are you reading? }

It's Monday! What are you reading? Is a weekly book meme hosted by Sheila over at

Book Journey This is where participants share what they read last week, what they are currently reading and what is up next. Here is mine for this week:

Read Last Week:

The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

Currently Reading:

The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

Up Next:

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

The Fey by Claudia Hall Christian

What are you reading?

{ Enclave by Ann Aguirre }

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

April 12, 2011 by Feiwel & Friends

Source - ebook

Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian YA Fiction

From Goodreads:

New York City has been decimated by war and plague, and most of civilization has migrated to underground enclaves, where life expectancy is no more than the early 20's. When Deuce turns 15, she takes on her role as a Huntress, and is paired with Fade, a teenage Hunter who lived Topside as a young boy. When she and Fade discover that the neighboring enclave has been decimated by the tunnel monsters - or Freaks - who seem to be growing more organized, the elders refuse to listen to warnings. And when Deuce and Fade are exiled from the enclave, the girl born in darkness must survive in daylight, in the ruins of a city who's population has dwindled to a few dangerous gangs. As the two are guided by Fade's long ago memories, they face dangers, and feelings, unlike any they've ever known.

My review:

I have had this one on my TBR list for awhile now and I have read some good reviews. But I really had no idea what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised! I really, really enjoyed this one! The world that Ann Aguirre has created is everything that this genre should be, but without being cheesy and predictable. The first half of the book takes place in the underground
tunnels where we meet the inhabitants of the College Enclave. I found the everyday living and governing of the enclave to be fascinating. Along with the other inhabitants of the tunnels, the Freaks. I guess some would call them the 'zombies' of this story, but I liked that they were more of the mutant species. Ann Aguirre did a great job of creating a picture of these grotesque, scary, bone chilling creatures! I loved them!

The main character and voice of the story, Deuce, is such a great character. She is a strong, kick-ass, yet believable girl...which I love! She has dreamed of becoming a Huntress and has watched the other Hunters with admiration her whole life. It is what she was meant to do, and she is good at it. Once she is branded as a Huntress she is teamed up with Fade. He is the outcast of the enclave. Yes, he has proven that he is one of the best of the Hunters, but he is an outsider and not considered one of them. Fade is a very strong, sexy, yet understated character. I loved the dynamics between these two. As a fighting duo they are tops. But I also loved the understated chemistry between them. There was none of the unrealistic 'love at first sight' or love triangle nonsense involved here. As a reader you are definitely rooting for these two and become very invested in their lives.

The other secondary characters in this book are all well developed as well. Some of them may not play Hugh roles, but they most definitely make their own impacts on the story as a whole. I really loved the Burrowers and Jengu. I would have loved more of them and who knows maybe they survived and they will make an appearance in the next book.

The second half of the book takes place after Deuce and Fade are banished Topside. I enjoyed this other dimension to the story and the addition of some new characters. Not only do they have the Freaks to contend with but the gangs of 'wolves' were added to the mix. During this conflict we are introduced two other important characters in the story, Tegan and Stalker. Tegan provides a kinda of sisterhood for Deuce, which she is in need of considering how alone they all are. Although, Stalker starts off as the strong villain? I really do like him and look forward to seeing where Ann Aguirre takes this character in the next book.

If you are a fan of YA Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian or just looking for something different? I highly recommend this book. I am eagerly awaiting book 2...Outpost...due out September of 2012!

Rating: 5 stars!

{ The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan }

The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan

March 22, 2011 by Random House Children's Books

Source - ebook

From Goodreads:

There are many things that Annah would like to forget: the look on her sister's face before Annah left her behind in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, her first glimpse of the Horde as they swarmed the Dark City, the sear of the barbed wire that would scar her for life. But most of all, Annah would like to forget the morning Elias left her for the Recruiters. Annah's world stopped that day, and she's been waiting for Elias to come home ever since. Somehow, without him, her life doesn't feel much different than the dead that roam the wasted city around her. Until she meets Catcher, and everything feels alive again.

But Catcher has his own secrets. Dark, terrifying truths that link him to a past Annah has longed to forget, and to a future too deadly to consider. And now it's up to Annah: can she continue to live in a world covered in the blood of the living? Or is death the only escape from the Return's destruction?

My Review:

What are my first thoughts on this final installment of The Forest of Hands and Teeth Trilogy? I adored it! This was by far my favorite of the three. Not only is the story well developed but these characters? Incredible!

Move over Jace and Clary! Annah and Catcher are amazing. These two have become one of my favorite YA couples. Not only are they great together, but on their own they are strong, sensitive, loving and believable! I was brought to tears many times during this story. Carrie Ryan has a gift for delving into the human soul and getting to the core of her characters. As a reader you truly get the sense of how much inner turmoil these two struggle with. Catcher is on the brink between the living and the dead. We feel his loneliness as a result of being an Immune. We truly get a glimpse at his inner rage and fear of becoming a monster and turning those he loves into the unconsecrated. On the other side we see Annah's loneliness and the inner hatred and shame as a result of her scars.

This book is also filled with those great characters that we love to hate. Ox, Conall and all the Recruiters on the Island are true, true evil. Some of the things that take place are bone chilling and heartbreaking.

However, aside from all the death and destruction? A message of love and hope. Carrie Ryan has earned a spot at the top of my favorite author list. I can not wait to devour everything she writes in the future. My only complaint? I ache for more of Annah and Catcher!

You could read this as a stand alone, however, you would be missing out. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and this series!

Rating: 5 stars!!

{ Teaser Tuesday - May 10, 2011 }

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly book meme hosted by Mizb over at Shouldbereading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

* 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 that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

* share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can add it to the TBR lists if they like your teaser!

Here's mine for this week:

"Is. There. A. Bite!"

His eyes go wide and then he takes my arm lightly in his scalding fingers, running them along the contours of my muscles as goose bumps spring to life in the path of this touch.

pg 63 The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan ( Lovin' it!!)

What's your teaser this week?

{ It's Monday! What Are You Reading? }

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly book meme hosted by Sheila over at BookJourney. Participants share what they read last week, what they are currently reading and what is up next. Anyone can play along! Here is mine for this week...

Read Last Week:

The Charmer by Autumn Dawn
The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

Currently Reading:

The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan

Up Next:

Wither by Lauren DeStefano
Enclave by Ann Aguirre

What are you reading?

{ The Scorch Trials by James Dashner }

The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

October 12, 2010 by Random House Children's Books

Source: Library Ebook

From GoodReads:

Solving the Maze was suppose to be the end. No more puzzles. No more variables. And no more running. Thomas was sure that escape meant he and the Gladers would get their lives back. But no one really knew what sort of life they were going back to.

In the Maze, life was easy. They had food, and shelter, and safety ... until Teresa triggered the end. In the world outside the Maze, however, the end was triggered long ago.

Burned by sun flares and baked by a new, brutal climate, the earth is a wasteland. Government has disintegrated - and with it, order - and now Cranks, people covered in festering wounds and driven to murderous insanity by the infectious disease known as the Flare, roam the crumbling cities hunting for their next victim ... and meal.

The Gladers are far from finished with running. Instead of freedom, they find themselves faced with another trial. They must cross the Scorch, the most burned-out section of the world, and arrive at the safe haven in two weeks. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.

Thomas can only wonder - does he hold the secret of freedom somewhere in his mind? Or will he forever be at the mercy of WICKED?

My review:

I have to say, I loved this second installment of the Maze Runner Trilogy! It is such a refreshing change from all the Paranormal and Dystopian Romance out there right now in the YA genre. I think this really has something for everyone. I love the fact that the main character is a strong male as well. There really is not a lot of books out there for boys and this one is definitely something teen boys could sink their teeth into.

James Dashner has an amazing, amazing creative mind. Where does he come up with this stuff? Truly mind bending. I found myself constantly having to reminding myself that these are kids. They are constantly being lured into a false sense of security in knowing that these horrific things are finally at an end, only to be thrown back into an even more horrific nightmare. Again and again. James Dashner has such an amazing ability to immerse you into this unbelievable world, yet make it completely and utterly believable. There is so much mystery surrounding these characters and why they are being put through these horrific trials. There are constantly more questions being raised with every turn of the page. Yet the pace and development of story and characters is so totally enthralling you never feel as though you are going to drown in the mystery.

All of these characters are amazing in their own right. Thomas is still very much a strong and believable character in this second book. We definitely see him grow throughout this book, but he still stays very true to who he was in The Maze Runner. All the returning characters like, Minho, Newt and Teresa are great, but the addition of Brenda and Jorge added another dimension to the story that was needed. Just that little something to keep the story development and character development moving. Something that sometimes is severely lacking with a middle book in a Trilogy. I also loved the addition of the Crank. I am starting to become a fan of a little Zombie action here and there.

There are so many twists and turns in this book, that you never have to worry about anything becoming predictable or boring. Okay, yes. I guess the ending in a way is predictable. We know that nothing is going to be resolved as there is another book. I am just glad that I don't have to wait a whole year for The Death Cure!

Yes, this is a YA Sci-fi, but it truly is a book...and series...that will be enjoyed by YA and Adults alike. I highly recommend this book and this series.

Rating: 5 stars!

{ The Charmer by Autumn Dawn }

The Charmer by Autumn Dawn

Smashwords Eddition by Autumn Dawn

2011

Source: Free Ebook from The Sony Reader Store

From Goodreads:

Jasmine didn't realize her friend Wiley was special until they were drawn into another world. Here Wiley is betrothed to the ruler of the Haunt, a wererace both dangerous and proud.

Keilor is the master of soldiers, a man few would cross, yet he never met a menace like the little brunette his princess calls friend. Will Jasmine find the portal home, or will she find a werewolf of her own?

My review:

I was browsing through the free ebooks available at the Sony Reader Store and came across this one. It sounded like something I might enjoy and it had a fairly high Goodreads rating on it, so why not. I had no idea what I was in store for. I did not realize this was an 'Adult' fantasy, but thought why not give it a read.

A few things first that I did not enjoy about this book. The editing, or lack of was a Hugh distraction at times for me. I am no literary scholar, but seriously this one had a ton of grammatical errors and typing errors that really bothered me. The overall story line was interesting, but I just found many times in the beginning the story line was rushed just to get to the 'nasty' stuff. And the ending? Very rushed and a real disappointment. This world that Autumn Dawn has created is interesting, but there are many aspects that need further explanation and development to fully understand this world. I would have enjoyed it more had there been more story development with in their world.

What I did love about this book though. The two main characters Jasmine and Keilor. Yes, their chemistry was...well hot and steamy, but I just loved these two. Their relationship and their overall being were just characters that I totally got. Jasmine is this headstrong, no holds bar, sarcastic and funny kinda girl. Keilor? Strong, sexy, sarcastic and funny in his own right. But also very loving and caring. These two are definitely what saved this book in my opinion. Apparently there are more books in this series, but they do not include Jasmine and Keilor, so I think I will pass.

If you are fan of hot and steamy adult fantasy/sci-fi then you might enjoy this one. As I said it is worth it just to get to know Jasmine and Keilor.

Rating: 3 stars

{ Teaser Tuesday - May 3, 2011 }

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly book meme hosted by Mizb over at Shouldbereading. Anyone can play along, just do the following:

* 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 that what you are share does not give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!

Mine for this week:

Keilor barely spared him a glance before returning to savor the view. His vision fogged as he inhaled her scent. It was all he could do not to act on the fantasy playing out in his head.

pg 50 The Charmer by Autumn Dawn

What's your teaser this week?

{ It's Monday! What are you reading? - May 1, 2011 }

It's Monday! What are you reading? Is a weekly book meme hosted by Sheila over at BookJourney. It is where participants share what they read last week, what they are currently reading and what is up next. Here is mine for this week.

Read Last Week:

The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Hare Moon by Carrie Ryan

The New World by Patrick Ness

Currently Reading:

The Charmer by Autumn Dawn

Up Next:

The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

What are you reading?

{ Giant Forever Trailer Contest! }

As many of you know. I am a HUGH fan of Maggie Stiefvater. Maggie has an awesome contest going on right now. So if you are a fan...and why would not be...head on over and check it out. And check out Maggie's new trailer for Forever with the awesome soundtrack with Jonas & Plunkett singing Summer Girl.

Be sure to check out Forever HERE!

{ The New World by Patrick Ness }

The New World by Patrick Ness

November 18, 2010 by Candlewick Press

Source: free ebook download from Sony Reader Store

From Goodreads:

In this dramatic prequel to the award-winning Chaos Walking Trilogy, author Patrick Ness gives us the story of Viola's journey to the New World. Whether you are new to Chaos Walking or an established fan, this prequel serves as a fascinating introduction to the series that Publishers Weekly called 'one of most important works of young adult science fiction in recent years'.

My review:

I loved this little look into Viola's journey that brought her into Todd's life. This is definitely a great intro into this series and reading it made me want to revisit Todd and Viola again. If you have not read the Chaos Walking series I Highly recommend that you do and maybe start off with this little story. Trust me. It will leave you wanting more!

Rating: 5 stars!

{ Hare Moon by Carrie Ryan }

Hare Moon by Carrie Ryan

April 5, 2011 by Random House Children's Books

Source: purchased ebook

From Goodreads:

Tabitha can't shake the feeling that something exists beyond the fences of her village. And when she sneaks out, past the gates and down the path into the Forest of Hands and Teeth, she meets a boy who teaches her heart things she never knew. But love in a world surrounded by so much death doesn't come without its sacrifices, and Tabitha gradually realizes just how much she'll have to give up to live among the Unconsecrated.

From New York Times best selling author Carrie Ryan comes an original story of love after the Return.

My Review:

This was my first short story and it was really exciting to see where Sister Tabitha came from. What made her into the wonderfully, terrifying woman she is in The Forest of Hands and Teeth. This is a great companion to the trilogy. My only complaint? I would love more of this story and even farther back. I want to learn everything there is to know about this world and what occurred during the moment of the Return. This whole world that Carrie Ryan has created is so very fascinating and I just want more!

If you are fan of this series it is a great little addition. You really could start with it or even read it during the middle, as I have. I have not read the finale installment The Dark and Hollow Places yet, but plan to very soon.

Rating: 4 stars

{ City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare }

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

April 5, 2011 by Margaret K McElderry Books

Source: My bookshelf!

From Goodreads:

City of Fallen Angels takes place two months after the events of the City of Glass. In it, a mysterious someones killing the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine's Circle and displaying their bodies around New York City in a manner designed to provoke hostility between Downworlders and Shadowhunters, leaving tensions running high in the city and disrupting Clary's plan to live as normal a life as she can - training to be a Shadowhunter, and pursuing her relationship with Jace. As Jace and Clary delve into the issue of the murdered Shadowhunters, they discover a mystery that is deeply personsonal consiquences for them - concequences that may strengthen their relationship, or rip it apart forever.

Meanwhile, internecine warfare among Vampires is tearing the Downworlders community apart, and only Simon - the Daylighter that everyone wants on their side - can decide the outcome; to bad he wants nothing to do with Downworlder politics. Love, blood, betrayal and revenge: the stakes are higher than ever in the City of Fallen Angels.

My review:

I am a HUGH fan of this series and this 4th installment did not disappoint. I was a bit nervous going into it as I had seen a very large mix of reviews. I did not read too many because I did not want to be influenced at all. But seriously. People out there either LOVED it or HATED it. I am one of those that LOVED it. I will be honest and say that the whole Clary and Jace thing was on the verge of being quite annoying. I am so glad that this book seemed to mainly focus on Simon. I love Simon. I always did, but now I REALLY love Simon! Seeing how Simon goes through the process of dealing with becoming a Vampire and what that really will mean to his life and his relationships with his family, friends, the Downworlder community and Mundane community is fascinating. Simon is such a great character. I absolutely love the relationship that is developing between him and Isabelle. We get to see the true essence of Izzy and I am bouncing to see where the road leads for these two!

I am definitely still on team Jace. However, I did feel that his self loathing at times was a little drawn out. Cassandra Clare definitely was close to drowning Jace in it. I understand where it was coming from. Jace has a lot to work through and that in turn results in a ton of internal struggles, but Cassandra Clare needs to be very, very careful.

There were a few new characters that were introduced into this book and I really look forward to seeing if they continue on with the next one. Although, Maureen made a small appearance in this one, it was a HUGH appearance. I really hope we see more of her in the next book. She could definitely add even more dimension to Simon's life! I really loved the addition of Jordan to the story as well. He definitely has added another dimension to the male dynamics of the story and another great character full of humour and sarcasm...which I always love!

Overall this book was amazing, especially the last 150 pages or so. Talk about intense! And what a cliffhanger! Are you kidding me? You are killing me! Must I really wait a whole year? Really?

If you are already a fan of the Immortal Instrument Series, you will not be disappointed in this one. If you have not entered into this world yet? What are you waiting for.

Rating: 5 stars!!