Book Lovers Life

Friday, 30 January 2015

The Woodlands by Lauren Nicolle Taylor Audiobook Review!

Written by: Lauren Nicolle Taylor
Narrated by: Ali Ahn
Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins
Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:09-26-14

Purchase : Amazon/ iTunes/ Book Depository/ Audible

When being unique puts you in danger and speaking your mind can be punishable by death, you might find yourself fighting to survive. Sixteen-year-old Rosa lives in one of the eight enclosed cities of The Woodlands. Where the lone survivors of a devastating race war have settled in the Russian wilderness because it’s the only scrap of land left habitable on the planet. In these circular cities, everyone must abide by the law or face harsh punishment. Rosa's inability to conform and obey the rules brands her a leper and no one wants to be within two feet of her, until she meets Joseph. He's blonde, fair-skinned, green-eyed, and the laid-back complete opposite of Rosa. She's never met anyone quite like him, and she knows that spells danger.

But differences weren't always a bad thing. People used to think being unique was one of the most treasured of traits to have. Now, the Superiors, who ruthlessly control the concrete cities with an iron fist, are obsessed with creating a 'raceless' race. They are convinced this is the only way to avoid another war. Any anomalies must be destroyed.

The Superiors are unstoppable and can do anything they want. After all, they are considered superheroes by the general public. But not everyone sees them this way. When they continue to abuse their power by collecting young girls for use in their secret, high-tech breeding program, they have no idea that one of those girls has somehow managed to make friends even she didn't know she had. And one man will stop at nothing to save her.

My Thoughts :

This book has been on my kindle since it came out but I was holding off reading till the rest had published. When I was asked to review the audio though I jumped at the chance! The books sounded amazing and were getting great reviews. Well I loved it!!

The blurb above sums it up enough so I'll get straight into what I thought.

I liked Rosa for the most part, she was brave, strong and wasn't afraid to take chances. My heart broke for her so many many times! She lives in a house where her stepfather loathes her and her mother shows her no love. She is then sent off at 16 to try to conform to the way others want her to be. She doesn't and ends up in a prison, pregnant with no idea how she got there or how she became pregnant. Her life now is a small cell, a little exercise and no idea of where she is. She has had such a crappy life but she still fights with everything she is!

Joseph met Rosa in her old town and both went to training together. He tells her that he can't have these feelings for her because people from the same town are not allowed to marry! He tells her they have no future and that she isn't to talk to him again, she is shattered but he has no choice. Joseph was awesome and I loved watching their friendship grow. He does all he can for Rosa and loves her totally.

This book deals with tough subjects but the author handles it really well. You feel for Rosa even when she hates the "thing" inside her. My heart broke for her! She is trust into things beyond her control and its hard not to feel for her. Its a dark and dangerous world with a smattering of joy and love.

This isn't a happy ever after book, it is a Dystopian after all!! It's tough, it's gritty and it's harsh but it makes for excellent reading. There is a lot of questions unanswered and even more questions added but being the first in a series it was expected. It was action packed, with a few twists thrown in. With it's well written story and well developed characters, The Woodlands is a must read. I can not wait to read the next book to see what happens!

Anyway, The Woodlands was amazing and I loved it. It's everything a great Dystopian is and more! I listened to the audio and I'm so glad I did. The narrator really puts her all into Rosa and when the bad things were happening she made me want to give Rosa a big hug! She really brought her to life! I really need to read the next books but I'm tempted to wait till they come to audio because it was so good!! Highly highly recommend!!

Thursday, 29 January 2015

52 Likes by Medeia Sharif Blog Tour and Giveaway!

52 LIKES

Medeia Sharif

YA Paranormal/Evernight Teen/@ 47K

*Editor's Pick*

After a brutal rape and near-murder, Valerie wants to get past feelings of victimhood from both the assault and her history of being bullied. Not knowing the identity of her masked rapist and dealing with the nasty rumors about that night are two things that plague her daily.   Valerie will have to follow ghostly entities, past victims of the rapist-murderer, contacting her through a social media site. Why do all of their eerie photos have 52 likes under them? Their messages are leading her to the mystery man, although he’ll put up a fight to remain hidden.

14+ due to adult situations

Buy Links: Evernight Teen / Amazon / Omni Lit / BookStrand

Excerpt:

With the girls closest to me, I see their Picomatic profile page, which is a reminder that I have a direct message on there. “Did you DM me on Picomatic?” I whisper to Cookie.

She shakes her head, briefly looking up from her notebook. I should be writing too, but can’t concentrate on the five questions Ms. Garland wrote on the board. She’s seated behind her desk as a student approaches her to ask a question. The student is blocking her face, so she can’t see me at all. During times like these, when teachers are busy, I whip out my phone.

I slide my phone out of my pocket and into my lap. It used to be a wonderful distraction that entertained me during boring lectures and educational videos. Seeing others on Picomatic, I’m now dying to know what the DM is about. Even if it’s an inappropriate or harassing one, I need to see it. If it upsets me, I’ll report it as spam. If it's extremely bad, pertaining to that night, I have to tell someone, even though last year the school didn't do much in the way of protecting me from the trio, which was the quartet back then since Hector would play their vicious games.

I open my Picomatic page. Selfies abound, some from a few seconds ago. Most pictures are from P.E. or some other class where teachers don't supervise as much. Some people are taking pictures of work that has been graded, bragging about A's or criticizing teachers who gave them F's. I tap the corner, where the direct messages are. If it’s a graphic with THOT or some other message on it, I need to know that’s not who I am. I never was. Be brave, I urge myself.

There’s a DM from someone named 2beautiful. I can’t recall any friends who use that handle. Where the profile pic should be, there’s a close-up of an eye. The eye is lined, with heavy mascara and purple and blue eye shadow. It’s an attractive picture, although eye pics can be deceiving. Sometimes the rest of the person isn’t as pretty. I don’t recognize this eye, although anyone’s eye can be transformed like this with the right makeup.

I scroll down to see the picture message she sent me. I frown, unsure of what this is, who this is. It’s almost pornographic, but not really since it’s just a sliver of skin, although there’s a hint of the girl’s V between her legs.

The picture is of a slender, yet curvaceous naked hip. The bone protrudes slightly and I can tell the girl is pear-shaped. I’m also pear-shaped, which is especially noticeable around Christmas time when I gain five pounds from eating too much during winter break.

This photo of a girl’s hip has 52 likes. I gasp. Is it a photo of me? Did someone take a picture of me at home or in the shower? Then I think back to the rape, of the flashes of light…I thought it was lightning, but I could be wrong. He had pulled me down to the floor and knocked me around. The room was dark. Maybe I didn’t notice every single thing he had done to me. Had the rapist photographed me?

Author Bio:

I’m a Kurdish-American author who was born in New York City, and I presently call Miami my home. I received my master’s degree in psychology from Florida Atlantic University. After becoming a voracious reader in high school and a relentless writer dabbling in many genres in college, I found my niche writing for young people. Today I'm a MG and YA writer published through various presses. In addition to being a writer, I'm a middle school English teacher. My memberships include Mensa, ALAN, and SCBWI.

Website: http://www.medeiasharif.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sharifwrites

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sharifwrites

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4086531.Medeia_Sharif

Giveaway: $25 Amazon Gift Card

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Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson Audiobook Review!

Steelheart: Reckoners, Book 1 | [Brandon Sanderson]

Written by: Brandon Sanderson
Narrated by: MacLeod Andrews
Length: 12 hrs and 14 mins
- Series: Reckoners, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:09-24-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Purchase : Book Depository/ Amazon/ iTunes/

Ten years ago, Calamity came. It was a burst in the sky that gave ordinary men and women extraordinary powers. The awed public started calling them Epics.

But Epics are no friend of man. With incredible gifts came the desire to rule. And to rule man you must crush his wills.

Nobody fights the Epics...nobody but the Reckoners. A shadowy group of ordinary humans, they spend their lives studying Epics, finding their weaknesses, and then assassinating them.

And David wants in. He wants Steelheart — the Epic who is said to be invincible. The Epic who killed David's father. For years, like the Reckoners, David's been studying, and planning—and he has something they need. Not an object, but an experience.

He's seen Steelheart bleed. And he wants revenge.

My Thoughts :

I can sum up this book in one word and that's phenomenal! I flew through this and loved every single word. This book right here is why I love reading, it grabs you and takes you on a journey. It's rare that you find a book that will blow your mind and make you love reading all over again. This is such a book, its not just a book, it's a masterpiece!!

Life for David changed when he was a child. His father was murdered by an Epic and David has made it his lifes work to kill that Epic. The only thing is, the Epic who killed him is Steelheart, the epic of all epics, the seemingly untouchable and invincible Epic, but David has a secret, he is the only one left alive who has seen Steelheart bleed. He thinks he knows Steelhearts weakness and is hell bent on revenge. He wants to join the only group that will stand up for humanity, the Reckoners, and get their help. Can David hurt someone that is impervious to everything? How is he going to kill the unkillable?

I loved David. He is smart, kind, funny and brave. He has been studying Epics since his father was killed, he has documented all he knows about them and has made it his lifes work to get revenge. David is determined to try to rid the world of as many Epics as he can but his ultimate goal is Steelheart. I loved his character and wanted him to succeed! He was funny as well as brave! His interactions with the Reckoners was hilarious sometimes, especially with Megan, the newest Reckoners recruit. He bumbles a lot when around her and often puts his foot in his mouth. It's adorable!!

Megan was kickass. She is the newest Reckoner and gets stuck right into fights. She is aloof and mysterious but opens up a little for David. I loved reading their interactions!!

Then we have Prof, the leader and founder of the Reckoners. He has invented some technology to help fight the Epics and is the heart of the gang. He has the final say on targets and if David can join or not. He is brave and a smart leader.

I loved the world building in the book. Its such a unique and cool concept. The idea that the ALL the people who got the superpowers are evil was awesome. Usually you have a superhero who has the same, if not better powers come to the rescue, not so here. Everyone who got the power turned evil. It's up to the humans to fight back!

I also loved the powers that the Epics had. So many different ones and all used for nefarious purposes!!

Anyway, Steelheart was such an action packed, edge of your seat, breathless rollercoaster. So much happens but you cant see where it's going. There are so many twists and turns that it's impossible not to gasp at most of them. This book has it all, epic fights, heroes, super super villains, a touch of humour and plenty of breathless action. The pacing and flow were perfect and it never let up. I flew through the book and didn't want it to end. From it's amazing characters to its superb writing, Steelheart is a must read. It's a riveting, fun and enjoyable story. Brandon Sanderson is a master story teller and I highly highly recommend this book!!

I listened to the audio and I loved it. MacLeod Andrews is very talented and he really knows how to tell the story. He did an amazing David and Prof and I loved how we knew the different characters with his tone. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it and can not wait for book 2.

I could keep gushing about this but better wrap it up, it's such an amazing book and everyone should read it!! My favourite book by far in a long long time and if I had an Epic rating for an Epic book I'd give it that!! Brilliant.

Ever Darkening by Janeal Falor Book Blitz and Giveaway!

Ever Darkening

by Janeal Falor

Release Date: 01/28/15

Summary from Goodreads:

Perfection. Goodness. Elimination of evil. It's what seventeen-year-old Kaylyn has trained her entire life to achieve. But no one is prepared for the consequences of her actually defeating all evil people on the planet. Finally successful in her mission, Kaylyn faces an unfamiliar world, full of good people doing good things, in which she no longer has purpose.
When the skies grow dark, and a stranger from another village pleads for her help, her instincts roar to life. It turns out their perfect world isn't exactly what it seems. Kaylyn's new quest, harder than any she's been on before, will rip apart her friendships, her life, and her soul more than any evil man ever managed to.

Buy Links:
Amazon | Kobo | Smashwords | Barnes and Noble | CreateSpace

Excerpt:

The darkness is filled with a silence so thick and unnatural, I want to draw my sword and slice through it. I don’t want to think what that could mean. But it’s the whole reason we are here. To figure it out, this slimy, oily thing that sticks to my Zophasken like tar. My power burns even as I keep it tightly wrapped inside me. Malryx no longer exist. Except no one told this forest.

About the Author
Janeal Falor lives in Utah where she’s finally managed to live in the same house for more than five years without moving. In her spare time she reads books like they’re nuts covered in caramel and chocolate, cooks whatever strikes her fancy, and enjoys the outdoors. Her husband and three children try to keep up with her overactive imagination. Usually they settle for having dinner on the table, even if she’s still going on about the voices in her head.

Author Links:

photo iconfacebook-32x32_zps64a79d4a.png

GIVEAWAY:
$50 Amazon Gift Card (INT)

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Book Blitz Organized by:

Courtlight and Crown Service by Terah Edun Book Blitz and Giveaway!

Courtlight and Crown Service by Terah Edun Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

The Courtlight Series
When peasant girl Ciardis is chosen for a position at court, she travels across the empire to begin a new life. To survive, she’ll need to master intrigue, befriend a crown prince, and learn to control magical abilities she never knew existed

The Crown Service Series
As an unstoppable war breaks out between the mages of the Algardis Empire, young Sara Fairchild enlists in the empress’s army to find out exactly what everyone’s trying to hide. But there are secrets on both sides of the battle that will make her question everything…

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/series/90699-courtlight
https://www.goodreads.com/series/123676-crown-service

Purchase:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Terah-Edun/e/B00A45ZH0Y/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1422280747&sr=1-1

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/terah-edun?store=allproducts&keyword=terah+edun

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/terah-edun/id634533819?mt=11

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/Search?query=Terah%20Edun&fcsearchfield=Author

Excerpt:

Ten minutes passed, then twenty, and suddenly a cloaked figure emerged out of the evening fog. Walking toward Ciardis with a confident stride, the figure pulled the hood back and Ciardis could see her clearly. It was Stephanie in tight pants, a white shirt, and, oddly enough, with a sword at her waist. “Thank you for coming,” said Ciardis. “Let’s go inside,” said Stephanie, looking around the street quickly. Going in, the two grabbed the nearest table. A waitress came up immediately and asked for their order. As she was preparing to go back to the kitchens, the waitress snapped her fingers at Stephanie to get her attention, “No hidden magical weapons. Tavern rule.”

AUTHOR BIO

Terah Edun's next YA Fantasy novel, BLADES OF MAGIC - Crown Service Book #1 (set in the Algardis Universe), will release on March 31, 2014. Book Five of Courtlight, SWORN TO DEFIANCE, will release in April 2014.

Her favorite writers include Mercedes Lackey, Tamora Pierce, Kristin Cashore, Robin Hobb and Maria Snyder.

Check out Terah's author website (teedun.com) for more information about her books, find her online @TEdunWrites and subscribe to her newsletter (bit.ly/SubscribetoTerahsNewsletter) to be notified of upcoming releases.

Author links:

http://teedun.com/

https://twitter.com/tedunwrites

https://www.facebook.com/TerahEdunAuthor

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6517970.Terah_Edun

GIVEAWAY

Blitz-wide giveaway (INTL)

Kindle Fire HD 6
PLUS every person who enters will get a FREE copy of BLADES OF MAGIC and SWORN TO RAISE audiobooks fromAudible.com

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Wednesday, 28 January 2015

Deviation by Heather Hildenbrand Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway!

Title : Deviation

Author : Heather Hildenbrand

Purchase on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1wXxNHZ

Until a month ago, eighteen-year-old Ven had never set foot outside the windowless warehouse where she was created. An Imitation of Raven Rogen, Ven spent her days confined in the lab, studying videos of her Authentic, all so she could step into Raven’s life at a moment’s notice.
Now, Ven lives in Raven’s penthouse apartment, kisses Raven’s boyfriend, and obeys every order from Raven’s dad, Titus Rogen—the very man who created her. But Ven has a secret plan. She doesn’t want Raven’s life. She wants her own. In the action-packed sequel of Imitation, Ven wages a dangerous war against Titus. First she’ll free herself, then she’ll free every last Imitation. . . .

My Thoughts :

OMG, you guys. THIS book!!! I loved book one of this and impatiently waited for Deviation to come out. When I got an eArc of it, I dived straight in and I honestly didn't want to leave the book down. My poor heart!

After what happened in Imitation, Ven is trying to bide her time and make Titus trust her. She is trying to be the best Raven she can. Appearances are everything but Ven has a secret agenda and is trying to free every Imitation from the lab. Can she pull it off from the all seeing Titus?? Just who can she trust?

What can I say about this amazing book!! Character wise, Ven is as awesome as always. She puts on a brave face but underneath is so strong yet so broken. She longs to free her Imitation friends and does everything she can to try, but Titus always seems to be one step ahead of her. She just wants to be free, free to live and love who she pleases.

Linc is as adorable as well. He is Vens rock and he has stolen some of my heart. He is such a sweetheart and exactly what Ven needs.

The plot of Deviation is fast paced and action packed. Titus is such an evil power hungry person. He is swapping people for their Imitations just to further his goals. Could you imagine living in a world where you don't know who is real and who is an Imitation? If you don't agree with Titus then you can be pretty sure you will be replaced!!

Anyway, Deviation was amazing. So much happens in such a small length of time that you are left reeling. Heather Hildenbrand is not afraid to toy with your emotions and believe me when I say that Deviation will do just that. My heart broke and I was left gasping at certain parts. I cant say much more because I will spoil it but suffice it to say that Heather is evil!!!! Lol. She put me through the wringer with Deviation and has left a gaping hole in my heart. I need book 3 like yesterday!!!! That ending was killer.

So yes, I adored Deviation and can not recommend this series highly enough!!! It was such a roller coaster but one I wish I could read again for the first time. Ven, Linc and the gang are firmly in my favourite list and I can not wait for more from them. An amazing book from an even more amazing writer. She puts so much into her writing and characters, that you cant help but love them. I can sum up Deviation in a sentence, Its a NEED to read book!! If you haven't tried the series yet then what are you waiting for?? Go grab Imitation now and join Ven and Linc on their journey. You won't regret it.

Haven't started the Clone Chronicles yet? Start it out with Imitation!

Everyone is exactly like me. There is no one like me.

Ven wrestles with these contradicting truths every day. A clone of wealthy eighteen-year-old Raven Rogen, Ven knows everything about the girl she was created to serve: the clothes she wears, the boys she loves, the friends she loves to hate. Yet she’s never met the Authentic Raven face-to-face. Imitations like Ven only get to leave the lab when they’re needed—to replace a dead Authentic, donate an organ, or complete a specific mission. And Raven has never needed Ven . . . until now. When there is an attack on Raven’s life, Ven is thrust into the real world, posing as Raven to draw out the people who tried to harm her. But as Ven dives deeper into Raven’s world, she begins to question everything she was ever told. She exists for Raven, but is she prepared to sacrifice herself for a girl she’s never met? Fans of Cinder, The Selection and Sara Shepard’s Lying Game series will love Imitation, a thrilling, action-packed novel sure to keep readers guessing until the very last page.

Purchase on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1AO8UlO

PAPERBACK GIVEAWAY

Want to win a paperback copy of Dirty Blood by Heather Hildenbrand along with Clone Chronicles swag? Sign up for her mailing list at http://mad.ly/signups/106230/join. One lucky subscriber will be chosen on 2/7/15 to win the prize!

About Heather Hildenbrand

Heather Hildenbrand was born and raised in a small town in northern Virginia where she was homeschooled through high school. (She’s only slightly socially awkward as a result.) Since 2011, she’s published more than eight YA & NA novels including the bestselling Dirty Blood series. She splits her time between coastal Virginia and the island of Guam and loves having a mobile career and outrageous lifestyle of living in two places. Her most frequent hobbies are riding motorcycles and avoiding killer slugs. Heather is also a publishing and success coach bent on equipping and educating artists who call themselves authors. She loves teaching fellow writers how to create the same freedom-based lifestyle she enjoys. For more information visit www.phoenixauthorink.com and find out how to create your own Outrageous Life. She is represented by Rebecca Friedman.