The Friday 56 - The White Oak Edition

The Friday 56 is a fun Friday meme from Freda @ Freda's Voice.
Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56.
*Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grabs you.
*Post it.

***

I haven't done a Friday 56 in quite a while. Fridays in March were dedicated to the Review Copy Cleanup and last Friday was Good Friday, but now I'm back to it! This week's Friday 56 comes from The White Oak by Kim White.



"We choose our fate, Cora. Nothing is an accident." She examines her fingernails, and the ruby ring glows deep red in the gray twilight. The jewel is mesmerizing, and we both admire it for a moment.

Teaser Tuesday - Socialpunk Edition

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of 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 doesn’t 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!

This week my teaser comes from Socialpunk by Monica Leonelle.

"What?" Cinder didn't understand, couldn't interpret her words, even with a lightning fast computer chip hooked into her brain. 

Greta and the Goblin King - Cover Reveal

I'm super excited to announce the cover reveal of Greta and the Goblin King by Chloe Jacobs, which will be released November 13, 2012. Also, stay tuned for an excerpt sometime in September!

While trying to save her brother four years ago, Greta was thrown into the witch’s fire herself, falling through a portal to a dangerous world where humans are the enemy, and every ogre, goblin, and ghoul has a dark side that comes out with the full moon.


To survive, seventeen-year-old Greta has hidden her humanity and taken the job of bounty hunter—and she’s good at what she does. So good, she’s caught the attention of Mylena’s young Goblin King, the darkly enticing Isaac, who invades her dreams and undermines her determination to escape.


But Greta’s not the only one looking to get out of Mylena. The full moon is mere days away, and an ancient evil knows she’s the key to opening the portal. If Greta fails, she and the lost boys of Mylena will die. If she succeeds, no world will be safe from what follows her back…



Find out more about GRETA & THE GOBLIN KING:

Goodreads | Barnes and Noble pre-order

Additional links to Chloe’s pages:

Twitter | Facebook | Website:

Review: The Crystal Shard (Icewind Dale #1) by R. A. Salvatore

Goodreads Blurb:

Akar Kessel, a weak-willed apprentice mage sets in motion events leading to the rediscovery of the magical device, the crystal shard. But is it merely an inanimate device... or is it capable of directing the defeat of Ten-Towns?

Or have the barbarians already arranged for that themselves? Their brutal attack on the villages of Ten-Towns seals their fate, and that of the youn barbarian Wulfgar. Left for dead, Wulfgar is rescued by the dwarf, Bruenor, in exchange for five years of service... and friendship. With the help of the dark elf, Drizzt, Bruenor reshapes Wulfgar into a warrior with both brawn and brains.

But is Wulfgar strong enough to reunite the barbarian tribes? Can an unorthodox dwarf and renegade dark elf persuade the people of Ten-Towns to put aside their petty differences in time to stave off the forces of the crystal shard?

My Thoughts:

Like all the other books about Drizzt, The Crystal Shard is great epic fantasy. Drizzt spends more time on the surface, with his great friends like Bruenor. Can I just say I love Bruenor and Regis and often they stole the show for me! Bruenor with his gruff, unwavering loyalty and bloodthirsty fighting spirit and Regis, well, he sure knows how to live!

Drizzt is subject a lot of prejudice from the people of Ten Towns. I don't blame them, Drow are generally evil, but Drizzt is an exception. Drizzt and his friends must work against the evil wizard Kessel and his source of power, the crystal shard. But don't worry, there's battles aplenty (and a dragon)!

My biggest qualm with this book is at times it was a bit too violent. Some of the battle sequences bothered me a little, but I think I'm just a bit sensitive.

Also, my boyfriend, who rarely reads, devoured the Drizzt books and fell in love with them. I believe there's over twenty books about this adventurous dark elf now!

On the Cover:

The cover is very 'epic fantasy' to me and kind of boring.


My Favourite Character:

Guenhwyvar, Drizzt's best friend and magical companion. I love her, she is so loyal and kick-butt!

Rating: 4 Hearts

Source: Purchased from Amazon.

Find It: Goodreads | Amazon | Kindle | The Book Depository

Stalk the Author: Website | Facebook

Bonus:
Drizzt and Guenhwyyar have their own statue. True story.

Review - Take the Reins

Goodreads Blurb:

When Sasha Silver and her horse, Charm, arrive on the campus of the elite Canterwood Crest Academy, Sasha knows that she's in trouble. She's not exactly welcomed with open arms. One group of girls in particular is used to being the best, the brightest, and the prettiest on the team, and when Sasha shows her skills in the arena, the girls' claws come out. Sasha is determined to prove that she belongs at Canterwood. Will she rise to the occasion and make the advanced riding team by the end of her first semester? Or will the pressure send Sasha packing?

My Thoughts:

For the most part, I really liked this book. It was a fun, enjoyable read; sort of a cross between Pony Pals and Gossip Girl. The main character, Sasha, was very likeable as she navigated boring classes, mean girls, a first crush, not to mention crazy pressure at the super intense riding school!

Sasha and Charm had a great relationship. Charm was portrayed as a very loving horse and I enjoyed reading about the bond between the two. A couple times I noticed a mistake in Jessica's horse knowledge, but those were very small, nit-picky things I learned in a university course of horses and are not generally common knowledge (For example, as one point Sasha comments on how Charms lower legs are looking more muscular, but horses have no muscles below the knee, only tendons. Little things). Overall, I thought it was very well researched and I wouldn't be surprised in Jessica was a rider herself.

One thing that bothered me (mini-spoiler alert!) was when Sasha goes to a regional show and gets a clear round, but only ends up 2nd in the jump-off. She is so angry and upset and I just wanted to shake her. Charm was a good boy for her and 2nd is actually pretty darn good. She really acted like a spoiled brat in that instance and I don't think it sends a good message to young readers. Winning isn't nearly as important as having a good ride you can be proud of.

On the Cover:

This cover isn't mind blowing, but I like it. The only thing I would change would be to make Sasha look a little less snobby.

Favourite Character:

I loved Paige, she was the best roommate ever. I was a bit worried at first, since she wasn't a rider and at first she sounded like a neat freak, but in the end she was a perfect roommate for Sasha. I also liked Callie a lot, mostly because of her insane work ethic.

Favourite Scene:

The show, of course! Competitions are always exciting!

Rating: 4 Hearts

Source: Public Library

Where to Find It: Goodreads | Amazon | The Book Depository

Bonus: Book Trailer

Marked Blog Tour

Today the Marked Blog Tour is stopping at Megan Likes Books with an exciting excerpt! You can see all the blogs participating here!

About the Book:

A mysterious stranger she can’t stay away from. A birthmark with a hidden meaning and one bite that changes seventeen-year-old Tessa Morganton’s destiny forever…

Life for Tessa had been steady and calm—with the exception of her overly jealous boyfriend—until the moment Jace Fowler walked into her life.

Jace—incredibly charming with boy band good looks—is someone whom Tessa can’t seem to stay away from… no matter how much she knows she should.

After surviving a strange animal attack, Tessa learns just how mysterious and secretive Jace really is and that his secrets not only involve himself…but her as well, making Tessa question everything she’s ever believed regarding her life and those around her.



And now for the excerpt!

Chapter One

I noticed him the first moment he stepped into the diner, along with every other female both young and old. There was something about him that made it hard to look away. Maybe it was the smooth confidence in his stride, or his boy band good looks. Whatever the reason, I found it nearly impossible to not stare, even in the presence of my boyfriend.

His eyes shifted to mine and lingered long enough to make my heart flutter. There was something in their glint that struck me as lonely, but it was overshadowed by something else swirling beneath the surface of the rich honey color, something intriguing I couldn’t name.

“Is it love at first sight, Tessa? Because it sure looks like it to me and I’m not the only one noticing. Sam seems like he could crumble the table with his bare hands right now,” Rachel said, refilling a sweet tea pitcher.

I glanced over my shoulder at Sam. Rachel was right; he didn’t seem happy. I’d better get a grip on myself or else we were bound to have another argument.

“Hardly,” I muttered, grabbing out a menu and tucking it under my arm before picking up Sam and Kyle’s tray of food.

“He is eye candy, though, don’t deny it,” she said with a shit-eating grin.

I rolled my eyes. “I’m not, but I’m not about to go there either.”

“Oh, I would.” She glanced over at Kyle. “Well, maybe just a little, not full force or anything.”

“Yeah, well not everyone can be as bold as you.”

“And what’s that supposed to mean?” she demanded.

“Nothing.” I winked and headed toward Sam’s table.

During the length of space from behind the counter to Sam and Kyle’s table, I allowed myself one glance in Mr. Dreamy’s direction and that was all it took to make my heart start racing again. Golden blond hair, tanned skin, a muscular build—he was the total package.

I fumbled setting their tray of food down, nearly dumping crinkle-cut fries in Sam’s lap.

“What’s up, Tessa, pretty boy over there got you all flustered?” Sam asked with a slight chuckle, but I could see the seriousness pooling in his baby-blue eyes.

“Whatever.” I grinned, attempting to seem nonchalant. “You guys need anything else?”

“Nah, we’re good,” Kyle answered, glancing between Sam and me nervously.

“I need you to stop staring at Prince Charming over there,” Sam muttered under his breath.

I put a hand on my hip. “Really, Sam? Are you seriously that jealous?”

“Maybe,” he said firmly.

“It’s part of my job to notice when people come in and where they sit,” I snapped. “I’m gonna go hand him this menu; don’t have a heart attack.”

Maybe I was being slightly defensive, the guilty always are, but Sam’s jealousy had been way out of control lately and for no good reason. We’d had one conversation where I’d told him I didn’t plan on staying in this tiny town after graduation and he’d been going bonkers since. At this point, Sam had become more like a bad habit I found hard to break than a boyfriend.

I slowed my pace and relaxed the muscles in my face, attempting to look friendlier before I reached Dream Guy’s table.

“Hey. I’m Tessa; I’ll be your waitress tonight. Can I get you something to drink?” I asked with a smile, sliding the laminated menu across the tabletop.

His amber eyes met mine as he returned my smile with a pearly white one of his own. “Hi, sure. I’ll take a sweet tea, please,” he answered, his voice sultry and hypnotic sounding.

“Sweet tea,” I repeated unnecessarily as I walked away.

What was wrong with me? I didn’t normally act so stupefied and giddy because of a guy.

Buy the Book: Amazon | Kindle | Smashwords

Stalk the author: Blog | Twitter | Goodreads

There is also a tour-wide giveaway for a signed paperback copy of Marked and a $10 Amazon gift card. Awesome right? It is open to U.S. readers only (sorry to the internationals like me).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Frost Launch Party!

Frost by Kate Avery Ellison is released today! I have a special guest post today from Kate Avery Ellison to celebrate! Check out the rest of the blogs taking part in the launch party here!

Book description:

In the icy, monster-plagued world of the Frost, one wrong move and a person might end up dead—and Lia Weaver knows this better than anyone. After monsters kill her parents, she must keep the family farm running despite the freezing weather and threat of monster attacks, or risk losing her siblings to reassignment by the village Elders. With dangers on all sides and treachery just one wrong step away, she can’t afford to let her emotions lead her astray. So when her sister finds a fugitive bleeding to death in the forest, a young man from beyond the Frost named Gabe, Lia surprises herself and does the unthinkable. 

She saves his life. 

Giving shelter to the fugitive could get her in serious trouble. The Elders have always described the advanced society of people beyond the Frost, the “Farthers,” as ruthless and cruel, and her village has nothing to do with them. But Lia is startled to find that Gabe is empathetic and intelligent…and handsome. She might even be falling in love with him. 

But time is running out. The monsters from the forest circle her farm at night. The village leader is starting to ask questions. Farther soldiers are searching for Gabe. Lia must locate a secret organization called the Thorns to help Gabe escape to safety, but each move she makes puts her in greater danger. Is compassion—and love—worth the risk?

Top Ten List From Kate Avery Ellison

1. Favorite movie/actor/actress? I’m a total sci fi geek, so of course I love the Star Wars trilogy. Another one of my favorites is The Man from Snowy River. It’s an old horse movie filmed in Australia. Finally, just saw The Hunger Games last weekend and it was incredible! I think they did a marvelous job adapting the book to the big screen. It’s probably in my top 5 favorite movies now.

2. Favorite song/singer? “Carnival of Rust” by Poets of the Fall is one of my favorite songs. I’ve also recently fallen in love with the song “Give Me Love” by Ed Sheeran.

3. Favorite place you would love to visit? Either New Zealand (Middle Earth!!) or this really cool place in Scotland called The Garden of Cosmic Speculation. It’s only open to the public one day of the year, and it looks like something out of Alice in Wonderland. It’s on my bucket list.

4. One item you cannot live without? Currently, my laptop! I do all of my writing, all of my business-related stuff, and most of my socializing with it. It holds all my manuscripts, music, and pictures.

5. Who would you like to meet? (dead or alive) Hmm. I would love to meet Flannery O’Connor (dead), since her magnificent stories inspired me to be a writer back when I was a teen. But I’d also love to hang out with author Maureen Johnson (alive) for a day. She is HILARIOUS.

6. Favorite hobby? Piano. I play by ear and make up songs. I can’t read music to save my life, though.

7. Guilty pleasure? I like to dance to incredibly cheesy pop songs while singing loudly. Also, I spend way too much time on social networking sites.

8. Favorite author and/book? Tough one! I am torn between naming Robin McKinley or Megan Whalen Turner as my favorite author (at least in the YA category). They’ve both had such an influence on my writing. I’ll go with both, and name a book from each—The Blue Sword by RM and The King of Attolia by MWT.

9. Do you collect anything? Dust, because I rarely clean my house. I’m too busy writing (or let’s be honest, tweeting).

10. Favorite color? The teal-blue color of tropical water, closely followed orange or dark purple.

About the author:

I've been making up stories since I was five years old, and now I'm thrilled to be able to do it as a full-time job. I have an obsession with dark fantasy, dystopian futures, and Pride and Prejudice-style love stories full of witty banter and sizzling, unspoken feelings. When I'm not writing, I spend my time gardening, composing music, and... look, who am I kidding? I spend most of my time tweeting, reading funny blogs, and watching TV. I live with my geeky husband and our two bad cats in Atlanta, GA. 

Links to find the author:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Katiewriting
Blog: http://thesouthernscrawl.blogspot.com/
Goodreads profile: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4863270.Kate_Avery_Ellison