The Summoning - Kelley Armstrong

This book was so good I read it from yesterday til about an hour ago, putting it down a few times here and there and am now beginning number 2... The Awakening.  =)  

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


So I don't do the whole plot spoilers but I was hooked from the beginning. It starts off a bit creepy with a small child who sees scary ghosts and there is a little creepy throughout this entire book. But it still totally hooked me, it goes from creepy, to totally normal, to creepy again.

The heroine is Chloe a 15 year old who sees ghosts and is put in a the Lyle House a home for crazy kids. She lives with a few other crazy kids and soon finds out that maybe they aren't all actually "crazy" and there could be something supernatural or paranormal to each of the kids in the home.

This book is great, there is little to zero romance, the characters are very well developed, you have characters you will instantly like, some you will grow to love, some you will instantly hate, and some you will grow to hate.

The author is very dynamic and great with the mind tricks. She had me so confused I felt mentally unstable at times just reading parts of the story. Read it in less than 24 hours. Ends with an amazing cliffhanger too, glad I waited to read this until there were 3 books out!

Amazing work and I'm going to start book 2 now...




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Took me awhile to finish The Lost Saint #2 in The Dark Divine series due to the Holidays.  But I did it!  I posted my review below.  Haven't decided which of my books I'll read next.  I'm feeling extremely sick to my stomach which is no good with kids.  Hope everyone got what they wanted for the Holidays.  I'm going to lay in bed and read for 10 mins before my kids wake up...  that's how long I get when I do decide to rest.  Happy Holidays!!!

The Lost Saint by Bree Despain

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I read this sequel with high expectations and wasn't let down.  I wasn't sure where the author could or would go from her first book which ended on a pretty good note.  She left this one on more of a cliffhanger which is too bad because there's a bit of a wait for the next one!  I really enjoyed watching Grace grow into herself as a heroine.

There wasn't as much romance between Grace & Daniel so that was a disappointment but they were both doing their own things.  There was still romance and action, lots and lots of action and I felt myself cringing and actually visualizing what the author was writing about.  The descriptions were so good I could smell the smells she was describing.

The twists were good, kept me on my toes when I thought I had everything figured out I was wrong which made me happy, I can't stand when I figure out a book right away.  This was an excellent sequel, when doing a trilogy or more, the sequel can either make or break a series and in this case it really held together nicely. 

I love the characters!  I enjoyed getting to see more of April and meeting a few new characters along the way.  All in all I highly recommend this sequel to those who have read book 1 in the series and are on the fence about buying book number 2.  =) 4 Stars!



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I need to make a January read list, which I'll add to obviously as time goes on... but these are the two I've been waiting for as they are parts of series or by authors I enjoy.  I'm excited for both to come out.  Most of my other favorites don't have any books coming out for quite some time. 
1. Hallowed (Unearthly) -  Cynthia Hand
2. Fallen In Love - Lauren Kate

My review on Amazon/Goodreads...  Finished last night.  Now I'm definitely going to have to read book 2.  It had crazy twists at the end.  Definitely a fantastic book!!!  I have a musical to attend today for my preschooler for his Christmas presentation then hopefully some reading to be had - which I'll start now!

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book was written really well. I bought it as a recommendation by some girls at the used bookstore, I had never heard of it because it hadn't ever showed up in my recommended reading list on my kindle. I'm glad it was recommended to me. I originally picked it up because there was a review in the back by Becca Fitzpatrick who is one of my favorite authors who said the book was great and mysterious, two of my favorite qualities in a book, I dislike knowing what is going to happen or figuring it out right away!

I don't give away spoilers just bits of information to help you decide if you want to read the book. This book is about the Divine family, with a name like that of course the dad is a Pastor. Mostly about Grace Divine and her brother Jude. (Grace is our heroine) Once a few years ago Jude's best friend Daniel lived with them and then his mother took him away. Well Daniel is back and wants to be around the Divine family again (mostly Grace), and Daniel is our hero, or is he?

Grace is convinced Daniel is a hero but someone is murdering people or at least mauling them like a dog and Jude is convinced it is Daniel. This book leaves you wondering what is going on, there are cooky characters like crazy Don Mooney, and there are normal family arguments. It's a great mixture of normal, family love, and paranormal. I really enjoyed this book from front to back and am now going to be purchasing book 2 on my Kindle today to find out what happens next as luckily for me this is one book I found after the sequel had already come out!!!

I would recommend this for teens on up. There isn't much as far as graphic scenes when it comes to kissing but there is some blood and dead body scenes that might be inappropriate for younger than teens.



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I've got some books picked out to read, next on my list is Betrayed from the Guardian Legacy Series by Ednah Walters obviously because it was a gift and I'm excited to read it after months of searching.  It's only my second signed book.  Most of my books are in Kindle format nowadays and it's nice going back to books.

Then I have quite a few I would like to read, the next in The Dark Divine series first... but I have a few sitting here I got at a book discount store while out including: The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong Darkest Powers which I bought 1-3 because they were only $3.99 each so I hope they are good because I've never heard of them and I also bought Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann because someone at the bookstore recommended it.  I am still and always looking for more and suggestions are always welcome. 

As far as Betrayed, I have the original version and the old album cover which I posted first, I found a copy of the new album cover and I must admit, it looks a lot better in my opinion.  I'll be curious as to how much the actual book changes due to her change in publishers.  

I keep all suggestions on my Goodreads list or as samples in my kindle as to not forget.  =)

New Reads and Books

I got my book from Ednah Walters it's called Betrayed book 2 in the Guardian Series. She also signed it and sent me a t-shirt an some bookmarks. Very cool! I promised to review it on Amazon, here, and Goodreads. I have a good response on the other websites. I'm excited to read it.

Currently I'm reading The Dark Divine! I should be done by lunchtime, it was recommended to me by some girls at the bookstore. It's written really well in my opinion so far and has a sequel! I'm enjoying it and about 2/3's of the way done. It's almost time for Christmas and I hope all are having a lovely Christmas season!!!

Great News & Reviews!!!

My reviews on Amazon are doing really well so I'm starting reviews on Goodreads! I still have no blog followers. But that's okay. I got even better news the other day... I am a reader of many and all YA Paranormal and there is a series called The Guardian Series by Ednah Walters and you can get the first book on your kindle or other places but the second was pulled off the shelves and kindle. I tried to get it, I ordered it over a month ago and have had e-mails from the bookstore saying my shipments been delayed repeatedly... And finally I mentioned on Ednah Walter's page that the only copies available are from people trying to make money selling the book for 185-300 dollars!!! OUTRAGEOUS! So she ended up e-mailing me and offered to send me the book! Apparently the second book in the series was pulled due to her new publisher asking for some changes in the book as well as a new cover and there will be a new debut in June-July or later... I feel like I won an award!!! Super excited!

Here's my Goodreads review and I also have the review on Amazon as well:
Crave by Melissa Darnell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book was very well written. I'm surprised we have not heard of Melissa Darnell earlier. The main character or heroine Savannah had a strong sense of self and personality. She was a really strong heroine who had the capability to take care of her own problems. She did not need a knight in shining armor to save herself from every situation. That's the ideal female lead.



Tristan the hero or male lead was also a strong male lead. The story went back and forth between the two characters feelings and thoughts and he was a strong male with wonderful characteristics. I loved that he wanted to take care of Savannah and he respected her at the same time. He made me smile and I really wished at times my husband was a little more like Tristan. Both characters had a strong sense of maturity.



The story was brilliantly written, the images the author put in your imagination were vivid and beautiful. I adored this story and was upset there was a cliffhanger. The ending was good but I am now waiting in the wind for more! I am surprised this book hasn't had more reads and reviews. It is absolutely fantastic.



I felt what she felt and I think a lot of people can understand the feelings that were shared in the story between Savannah and her friends, boyfriends, and her childhood memories. It brought me back to high school and elementary school. This is a great read for teens on up to young adults and even adults like myself.



There's magic, romance, lots of action, and a perfect balance of everything wrapped into a book. I had a hard time putting it down and tried to make it last as long as possible. I still finished it in 2 days. Great book, I cannot wait for the next one!!! I'd love an update as to when to expect the next one so I can put it in my wishlist!!!



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Also one on Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare:
Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I always worry when an author writes a lot of books at once that they might start lacking character or a good plot line. Clockwork Prince did not disappoint in any way. I do not put any huge spoilers in any reviews. Magnus Bane never disappoints in giving me a few good laughs in every single one of Cassandra Clare's books. There was also some fun from the Lightwoods I will not expose. There is an equal amount of danger and romance which to me makes for a really enjoyable read. I tried to make this book last because there isn't another one coming out for awhile.



I loved that all of our favorite characters are back, Will, Jem, Tessa, Magnus, Sophie, Jessamine, Charlotte, Henry, and even some of our not so favorite characters including the Lightwoods, Mortmain, and even Nate (Tessa's brother.) This story really was written out extremely well. I really enjoy reading about the earlier generation of shadowhunters.



The love triangle deepens so much further in this story and it becomes extremely complicated and we also get to know much more about Will's personal and emotional life. Jem is a gentlemen as always and we learn more about his emotional side as well.



Tessa seems to really strengthen in herself in this book and she stands up for herself better. She still needs help saving but she is not as strong as a shadowhunter so that is not necessarily unreasonable. She does hold her own and put up a good fight when she needs to. I really enjoyed watching her stand up for her beliefs and not back down and felt what she felt through the writing. She puts others feelings first and is a very likable heroine yet again.



I did like that this book ended with more left to be found out but not on one of those OMG cliffhangers in which all you think about for months is the next book and would love to thank Cassandra Clare for not doing that to us this time. There was a happy yet unfinished ending. Definitely ready for more. 5 Stars. I really enjoy this series and think it's great for all ages teens on up! A must read for any fan of the series.



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First Person or Third Person?

What do YA readers prefer? I've noticed most write 1st person but there's a pretty good combination or 3rd person narration as well. For instance the Fallen series, The Mortal Instruments, and The Infernal Devices. But 1st person there is Beautiful Creatures, Hush Hush Saga, and many more. I just can't decide which is more popular and which readers prefer. I like all of them differently. I just believe I can relate differently and better to 1st person even though I thoroughly enjoyed the other series written in 3rd person.

My editor is just more used to adult romance novels and not familiar with anything YA Paranormal or 1st person and has said it confuses her and I'm unsure if I should change it or not. It's very frustrating. I would like a perspective of someone who likes the type of books I am currently writing.

How Frustrating! My kids are SUPER SICK so I need sleep. Strep throat, ear infections, and Upper Respiratory Infections really suck when you have a 3 year old and a 6 month old.

Laryngitis, Ear Infections, Viruses, and Redecorating...

We went to the Football game this weekend which rocked! But I felt sick the night before knowing I caught whatever my son caught at school. My 6 month old had been acting sick too. I went to the pharmacy and asked for something to help me make it through the football game and by the end of first quarter I felt like garbage and my voice was gone. We beat the number 13 ranked team though!!! Woo Hoo!!! So today we go to the Walk-In and I have laryngitis and my 6 month old has an ear infection (her second in 2 months). My son just had tubes for that and adenoids out. So this is starting to feel real familiar. I feel like crap.

Anways, my editor problem is fixed, she was just waiting on me to send her a few chapters to get started. No I'm going to edit them, then send them to her. =)

I have to figure out what to buy for Christmas gifts and my son's birthday next week. Plus an anniversary gift. But my biggest problem is I can't write because I lost my ipod charger... and it's driving me insane. I need it to write.

Writing...Reviewing...Editing...Repeat.

So I'm on page 110ish on my book and thought I found an editor that I could actually count on and trust since I've shown NO ONE my work... but she seems to have flaked out. It was a family member who edits magazines so I figured perfect right?

I'm still stuck on Chapter 2 on the book I'm reading even though I know it will bet better I am just not fond of Bran as a name yet of the main hot guy. I just have so much going on, I am reading one and then have 2 more in line. Morganville Vampires book 10 came out yesterday and I badly want to cut out and skip to that one. I've been with that series for awhile and the last book was a letdown but so far the reviews on number 10 are really good. Hoping for a revival!!!

Finished the last of my son's peanut M&M's from trick 0r treat night so that's a bummer.

Queries

Has anyone seen that Lisa DesRochers agent is having a contest and accepting queries on November 1st during 9AM-10AM EDT Only. There is a list of rules on her blog. Too bad I can't figure out how to post the link on here.

Finished Beautiful Chaos

I finished Beautiful Chaos in the car on my way home today, it was pretty much fantastic. I'll have to post a link to my reviews on Amazon or start posting reviews on here. I think the best part of the book was the cliffhanger, those are what hook you. Either that or amazing writing... I just finished my review on that book.

Now I am trying to decide if I want to read, sleep, write, or download new music to read, sleep, and write to. It's early but feels so late. My kids don't feel like sleeping so guess I'll be up awhile, even though I've been up since 445 AM. I'm so TIRED. UGH. I notice when I write tired I make silly editing mistakes.

Crack of Dawn

It's the Crack of Dawn where I am but I'm up and ready to go! We have a LONG car ride ahead today, we're die hard football fans for our college team. So I will be spending a lot of well deserved time with my kindle as well as my Ipod. I'm excited, I bought 2 new books this morning to try out. I have just a few pages left of Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia so I bought:
Awakened (The Guardian Legency) by Ednah Walters
Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

I'm excited about Carrier of the Mark I've read good things about it. If you aren't a member which is rare these days, you should be of goodreads.com and if you are an aspiring writer I found a website for those too, there's artists and editors and other writers who can help you along the way. I haven't really added any of my stuff on there because I'm unsure of all the copyrights and such that go along with it but if I learn more I'll definitely let you know.

Of to go see some Football!

Reading...

So I've been thinking, I cannot believe Becca Fitzpatrick was rejected 100 times before being published. The author of The Help had an article out recently saying something very similar. I hate thinking that reading is a dying art. Did you know there is a book called, It's a Book? It's for Children. It's crazy ridiculous. Check it out if you can. Teaching children what a book is?

I've finally been asked to check out an unpublished author's work. I think it's a start. Hopefully I can get back into the groove of my book as well. My husband has no faith I could handle 100 rejection letters. If I chose to go with an actual publishing company.

I love reviewing and reading as much as I love writing so either way I'm happy. If I could read all day I would. I think escaping into a different world than your own can be fantastic especially when you really need a break.

Anyone have any good series to recommend???

I met BECCA FITZPATRICK

So I met Becca Fitzpatrick and she was so down to earth, I loved it. I was 5th in Line and I almost peed my pants (I'm almost 30). Her talk before the signing was so great she was funny and had great advice. I just loved everything she said. Then when it was my turn to go up and meet her she asked if my name was Sarah and I froze and all I could muster up was a nod and a cheesy grin. That's it, no questions, no praises, nothing to help her remember me... I wanted to impress her and say, "HEY, my review of Silence is #1 on Amazon." But nothing came out.

I started reading Kami Garcia's latest installment Beautiful Disaster yesterday. I haven't had any time to read though since our car died Saturday, we had plumbing issues Sunday and dealt with most of them yesterday. So I plan on reading today... I've already read the first little tidbits from the short story she wrote about Link so I'm just catching up right now. I believe I'm in Chapter 3. I plan on reading after lunch when my kids nap.

Other than that, I love my new car and I can't wait to read. Morganville Vampires book 10 or 11 is it? Comes out November 1st so that's exciting. Anyone know is the House of Night books are any good?

It Started Christmas

My husband regrets last Christmas. He bought me a Kindle. All I do is read and when I'm not reading I'm writing. I've read so many series, Beautiful Creatures, Personal Demons, Hush Hush, Morganville Vampires, Unearthly, Providence, Fallen, The Mortal Instruments, Infernal Devices... The list continues to grow, I've read more that weren't involved in series. He blames a lot of our problems on my addiction to reading and writing. I compare it to his addiction to PlayStation. We've got kids which I care for so in my free time I want to do what I want.

By the WAY, Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia book 3 comes out on Tuesday...
And if you missed it 2 Tuesdays ago Silence from Becca Fitzpatrick came out and was completely amazing... I'm going to a book signing for her this week!

I'm hoping that this blog can help me connect with other readers, reviewers, and writers. I'd love to find people who can point me to other books to read, give me pointers on my book, and grow my network of people in this part of my life!