Behind Every Illusion

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Okay, this is a day late, I suck. I had a rough week and I completley forgot about this tour. Sorry!! (The Author Q&A will be delayed, I never got the answers.)
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Title: Behind Every Illusion Author: Christina Harner Publisher: Two Tree Books Number Of Pages: 495 Publication Date: June 6^th, 2009

Synopsis from back of book: All creatures born of human parents must be

human and therefore must be ordinary.

Even the soft-spoken eighteen-year-old Tatiana Lewis wholeheartedly accepts this logic. So when she begins to experience unusual changes, she has no clue where to turn and instead keeps her new abilities a secret. But her best friend and brother, Isaac, sees past her illusions and together they explore the significance of her differences and search out the meaning behind them.

Amidst tragedy, unimaginable transformations and an unexpected friendship, Tatiana has to learn to reveal the girl hidden behind her illusions and what it means to face the world in order to preserve not only the forest but her own existence.

Behind Every Illusion is the first book in an exciting series about the extraordinary ways the earth has evolved in a desperate attempt to save itself from the destruction caused by humankind.

Review: Behind Every Illusion was an alright read. I think it would have been better had the author not made some certain plot decisions.

Anyway, I did like certain aspects of it though. I liked Christina’s writing, it was very well done. I also enjoyed, Tatiana’s siblings, Isaac and Bethany, I found them to be a bit more interesting than the protagonist. Another thing well done, was how the book was mainly about saving the planet, it shows how badly we need to save the earth, but occasionally the message got repeated a little TOO often.

I didn’t enjoy, how everyone Tatiana met she seemed to say “I’m an introvert,” it got very annoying. The plot length was another problem, thankfully Christina emailed me and told me how she is cutting a good 25,000 words.

The ending of the book was a little cheesy, but it made me want to read the next installment. All in all, Behind Every Illusion satisfactory read but tedious to read.

I recommend this book if you like faeries, romance, and young adult novels.

Taking A Break.

Hi Everyone,

For the rest of the week I will not really be posting. You might see one or two more reviews, but that is it. I am going to be reading a lot so next week there will be LOTS of reviews.

-Senfaye

Lipstick Apology

Title: Lipstick Apology Author: Jennifer Jabaley Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin) Number of pages: 285 Publication Date: August 6^th, 2009

Synopsis from back of book: Four little words written in lipstick mean Emily must say goodbye to everything she knows.

Emily Carson has always been a good girl. So when she throws a party the night her parents leave for vacation, she’s sure she’ll be busted. What Emily doesn’t know is that her parents will never return. That their plane will go down. And the only thing amidst the wreckage will be a tray table with the words: EMILY PLEASE FORGIVE ME scrawled in lipstick—her mother’s last words.

Now it’s fall in New York City and Emily’s trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Her public tragedy captures the attention of more than just the media—and soon two very different boys at her new school are pursuing her: the cute, popular Owen, and her quirky chemistry partner slash pastry-baker-by-night, Anthony. But even with such delicious distractions, Emily can’t let go of her mother’s mysterious apology. Does she have the courage to face the truth?

With the help of a whole new kind of family—one that includes a make-up artist to the stars, a teen hand model, and a wacky hairdresser—Emily must choose between the boy who makes her forget it all, and the one who encourages her to remember, and ultimately heal.

Review: I really liked Lipstick Apology. It was definitely not the best book I have ever read, but an enjoyable read.

I am just going to start this review off by saying what I really enjoyed. The creative plot was new, and interesting; her mother writing her last words/apology to Emily in lipstick is not something you read about everyday. The characters were really memorable, Trent (a hilarious hairdresser/Emily’s aunt’s best friend.), Jolie (Emily’s famous makeup artist aunt, who is just learning how to be a parent.), Georgia (Emily’s wacky best friend.), and tons of other characters I could name off. I also really enjoyed, the shocking plot twist before the end, I was not expecting it at all, and it was a nice surprise you could say.

I disliked Emily’s random tantrums throughout the book, I understand she lost her parents, and has been through a lot…but she didn’t need to throw things against the wall and yell at people like a five-year-old. Another thing, I didn’t quite see why Emily liked Owen so much, he may be rich and good looking, but he was very superficial.

Overall, Lipstick Apology was a pleasurable read, with a few minor problems.

I recommend this book if you like romance, humor, and young adult novels.

Carrie Ryan Interview!

Favorites:

Favorite color? Changes daily – I can never choose just one!

Favorite animal? Also changes daily depending on whether the cats or the dog woke me up in the morning :)

Favorite YA author? Not fair, I can’t choose just one — there are way too many awesome YA authors out there.

Favorite book? Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

Favorite beverage? Diet coke right now (am trying to kick the habit)

Favorite mythical creature? Do zombies count? If not then unicorns!

Favorite vacation spot? Anywhere with a warm beach

Favorite store? bookstore

Favorite flower? daffodil

Favorite website? wikipedia

Favorite character from a book? The Lorax

Questions about writing:

Do you listen to music while you write? No, I actually get too distracted (I wish I could.)

Who would you cast as your characters if they make a movie? Keeping silent on this one since I have inside information :)

How did you get the idea for The Forest Of Hands And Teeth? Actually, I’d been thinking about a post apocalyptic zombie world but wasn’t planning on doing anything with it when a first line popped into my head. On a lark I kept writing and it became the book!

Are you writing anything right now? I just finished line edits for The Dead-Tossed Waves, the companion to The Forest of Hands and Teeth and am diving into the third book in the trilogy.

If you could give a specific color to describe each of your main character's personalities, what would the colors be? Wow, that’s a tough question. Gabrielle would be red for sure. As for the others... I don’t know!

Questions about the author:

If you could be any mythical creature, what would you be? Dragon I think. Something that flies for sure.

What is your weirdest work experience ever? I was a translator on a Mayan archeological dig in Guatemala and ended up spending a stormy afternoon translating bawdy jokes for the local workers — that was a little weird.

What YA book are you most looking forward to? There are a ton of awesome books coming out this fall that I can’t wait for! Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan, Libba Bray’s Going Bovine, Justine Larbalestier’s Liar! Also, Hush Hush, The Maze Runner, Holly Black’s latest! There are so many that I know I’m forgetting a ton!

If you could go any place in the world, where would you go? First? I’d probably go to Australia, I’ve always wanted to visit there.

If you could own any animal what would you own? I’m pretty content with my cats and dog. But if I could own anything? Probably a quokka!

Do you like the beach or the mountains better? Both?

If you could live in any book, what book would you live in? Not mine!

Thanks so much!

-Senfaye :)

In My Mailbox #16

From Kay Cassidy (I won her contest!):

The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy

A keychain thingy

A $25 Barnes & Noble giftcard that i spent on...

From Dalton Bookstore (Owned by Barnes & Noble so I could use my giftcard there!)

Jennifer's Body by Diablo Cody

The Geek Girl's Guide To Cheerleading by Charity Tahmaseb & Darcy Vance

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Night World Volume 1 by LJ Smith

From Harlequin Teen:

My Soul To Take by Rachel Vincent

Intertwined by Gena Showalter

From Simon Pulse:

Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

From Penguin:

Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley

Ranger's Apprentice: The Siege Macindaw #6 by John Flanagan (I haven't read the other books in the series yet.)

Hold Still by Nina LaCour

Mischief Maker's Manual by Sir John Hargrave

I Am A Genius Of Unspeakable Evil And I Want To Be Your Class President by Josh Lieb

And, tons of swag from Michelle Zink author of Prophecy Of The Sisters

-Senfaye :)

Comic-Con!

Hey everyone!

Sorry, that I haven't posted much this week. I have been reading up a storm.. I finished the following:

• The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart
• The Hollow by Jessica Verday
• Behind Every Illusion by Christina Harner
• Fashionista by Micol Ostow

I have tons of reviews to write!!!

Anyway, tomorrow I probably won't be posting because I am going to the Comic-Con!

I am going to take tons of pictures, and dedicate a whole post on the Comic-Con! :D

I am going to meet up with Khy, Kami Garcia, Margie Stohl, and a few other people.

So, ciao for now!

-Senfaye :)

New Videos!

Enjoy! :)

In My Mailbox #15

From a friend: (I am just borrowing it!)

The Hollow by Jessica Verday (I still want my own copy!!!)

From Harper Teen:

I Can't Keep My Own Secrets: Six-Word Memoirs by Teens Famous & Obscure

From Sarah O'Leary Burningham:

Boyology by Sarah O'Leary Burningham

From Jennifer Allison:

Gilda Joyce: The Drop Dead by Jennifer Allison (Signed & Came with postcards & a letter!)

Books I Bought:

Evermore by Alyson Noel (Signed!!!)

Blue Moon by Alyson Noel (Signed!!!)

Unclaimed Heart by Kim Wilkins

The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart

I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder

-Senfaye :)

I Can't Keep My Own Secrets: Six Word Memoirs

Title: I Can’t Keep My Own Secrets: Six Word Memoirs Authors: Teens Famous and Obscure Publisher: Harper Teen Pages: 182 Publication Date: September 1^st, 2009

Synopsis from back of book: A life story. In six words. What would yours be?

True tales of love, loss, good friends, and bad hair days filled Not What I Was Planning, the international phenomenon and the New York Times bestselling first book in the Six-Word Memoirs series. Some of the very best were by teens, so the editors decided to create a book written entirely told by those bold, brash, truth-tellers. From cancer to creativity, prom dates to promiscuity, and breaking hearts to breaking laws, the memoirs in this collection reveal that often the youngest writers have the most fascinating stories to tell.

Review: I Can’t Keep My Own Secrets was good. I would actually say it was really good. I had never heard of it before I got it. In the package of books this one caught my attention and I immediately began reading. It took me less than an hour to read. Some of the memoirs made me laugh and others made me want to cry. Most of the memoirs though, were just very depressing and it is sooo sad to see that a lot of teens go through things like getting engaged at a very young age, or someone they love does drugs. And, that stuck out to me.

I would say that my memoir would be: Daughter, sister, friend, reader and writer. I know, not the best memoir ever, but the first thing that popped into my head.

Here are a few of my favorite memoirs:

“Aspiration: Colonize Mars. You’re not invited. “

“Told you I’d be published someday!”

“Finally learned “weird” is a compliment.”

“I never got my Hogwarts letter.”

Truthfully, I don’t know how to recommend this, but you do need to read it!!

(Well If you are a teen or if you are interested in stuff like that!)

Coffeehouse Angel

Title: Coffeehouse Angel Author: Suzanne Selfors Publisher: Walker Books For Young Readers Number of Pages: 276 Publication Date: July 21^st, 2009

Synopsis from back of book: This new romantic comedy from the author of Saving Juliet is good to the last drop.

When Katrina spots a homeless guy sleeping in the alley behind her grandmother’s coffee shop, she leaves him a cup of coffee, a bag of chocolate-covered coffee beans, and some pastries to tide him over, never expecting this random act of kindness to turn her life upside down. The adorable vagrant, Malcolm, is actually a real guardian on a break between missions, and now he won’t leave until he can reward Katrina’s selflessness by fulfilling her deepest desire. Fame and fortune seem like the obvious requests, but after two botched wishes, Malcolm knows Katrina is hiding something from him. But how can she tell him the truth, when her heart’s desire has become Malcolm himself?

Review: Coffeehouse Angel was soooo cute! It was the perfect romantic comedy. Katrina was such a likeable and relatable character that it made the story come alive. The plot was not the most original plot ever, but Suzanne’s writing made the book a little more original.

The supporting characters were really fun too, I really loved the old men who were at Katrina’s grandmother’s coffeehouse all the time, they were funny and interesting. I also liked the whole incorporation of mythology weaved in here and there. (In case you haven’t figured out yet, I loooooove mythology!)

Another thing I quite enjoyed, was how Suzanne seemed to effortlessly write in funny lines throughout the novel. I haven’t yet read Suzanne’s other book, but after reading Coffeehouse Angel I am excited to read it! Overall, it was a cute, short read, that I really enjoyed!

I recommend this book if you like comedy, romance, and young adult novels.

Suite Scarlett Winners!!!

So, last night I put all the names in a hat and had my mom draw a name..

She chose:

anotherpageisused

Then I had my little sister (Bear) choose a name out of the hat..

She chose:

amanda

Then it was my turn to take a name out of the hat..

And I chose:

Emmyreader

I about died laughing when Emmyreader won by the way, I had expected that she wouldn't win. :P

Honorable mention goes to Robin_Titan because I think she had the best hotel name: Hotel Awesomeness

I am going to email you winners in a minute unless you email me first!

Congrats!

Winners you have until midnight tomorrow to email me your address or I am going to pick a new winner!

-Senfaye :)

Contest Reminder!

Tomorrow I will be annoucing the winners of the three paperback copies of Suite Scarlett, if you haven't entered, go here.

-Senfaye :)

Books I Need NOW #3

Once again, here are some of the books I need right now!

Enjoy!

The Hollow Contest!

Lee is having an amazing contest, where he is giving away a signed ARC of The Hollow. Click here. Tell him in the comments that I sent you! :) (Lee's example " Spread the word about this contest and tell your readers to add '"insert the name of your blog" Sent Me' to the bottom of their comments(i.e. ReviewerX Sent me- plus a link to the blog)" )

In My Mailbox #14

From contest:

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

From Harper Teen:

The Everafter by Amy Huntley

Snap by Carol Snow

From Candlewick:

Another Faust by Daniel & Dina Nayeri

From Randomhouse:

The Treasure Map of Boys by E. Lockhart

-Senfaye :)

Two New Widgets!

Here are two new widgets I made! Feel free to take them!

What do you think of them?

-Senfaye :)

Fortune's Folly

Title: Fortune’s Folly Author: Deva Fagan Publisher: Henry Holt Number Of Pages:257 Publication Date: April 14^th, 2009

Synopsis from back of book: Fortunata can tell a fake prophecy – but can she make one come true?

Ever since her mother died and her father lost his shoemaking skills, Fortunata has survived by telling fake fortunes. Her sharp eye and inventive mind can create the most wonderful future for even the humblest farmer. But when she’s tricked into telling a grand fortune for a prince, she is faced with the impossible task of fulfilling her wild prophecy—or her father will be put to death.

Not Fortunata has to help Prince Leonato secure a magic sword, vanquish a wicked witch, discover a long-lost golden shoe, and rescue the princess who fits it. If only she hadn’t fallen in love with the prince herself…

Review: Fortune’s Folly was SOOO cute! If I had to describe it in one word I would say ADORABLE! I wasn’t sure what I would think of it, but I ended up loving it. Fortunata, Prince Leonato, and the rest of the characters were charming and a lot of fun to read about. I wouldn’t recommend this to older teens, but it might appeal to younger teens or middle grade audiences. I didn’t really have any problems with this book, which is good! Overall, this was a darling, quick read!

I recommend this book if you like fairy tales, middle grade books, and a touch of romance.

The Waters & The Wild

Title: The Waters & The Wild Author: Francesca Lia Block Publisher: Harper Teen Number Of Pages: 111 Publication Date: June 2^nd, 2009

Synopsis from back of book: When Bee woke up, there was a girl standing in her room. “You are me,” the girl said. Then she was gone.

Thus begins thirteen-year-old Bee’s discovery that her life is not what she thought it was. In this compellingly eerie new teen novel from critically acclaimed writer Francesca Lia Block, Bee’s never felt like she really belongs in this world. When she encounters her dark and ethereal double, she realizes she may be right…

Review: The Waters & The Wild was okay. I didn’t enjoy it all that much. I felt like I was always missing something important. It took me a few hours to finish The Waters & The Wild and it was not something I will read again. One thing I did like was the supporting characters Haze & Sarah. They were a lot more interesting to read about than the main character Bee.

I think that the length of this was a downfall. Maybe, if it was longer I would have enjoyed it more? I am not totally sure. I felt there wasn’t enough depth. Another problem, I felt confused through the novel. All in all, this was a minor disappointment.

I recommend this novel if you like faery changelings, Francesca Lia Block books, and young adult novels.

Awards Galore!

Note: You may take all the blog awards, as many as you want, or none at all! :)

Thanks Donna & Library Lounge Lizard!

The rules are simple -

* Post 7 things you love

* Give award to 7 other bloggers who are creative.

This is in no particular order:

1. My family- they are all very awesome people! (that includes my pets!)

2. Books- well seen as I am a book lover that is a given

3. My best friend and my other blogger friends- they are awesome people too!

4. Authors- without them there would be no books

5. My laptop- there would be no blog without my pink laptop

6. Chocolate- It is amazingness

7. Swimming- I would live in the water if I could :)

Thanks Kate for all of these awards: (awards below!)

The Lemonade Award

One Lovely Blog award

You Don’t Say? Award

Splash Award

Literary Blogger Award

#1 Blogger Award

Me-To-You Award

Let’s Be Friends Award

2009 Friendly Blogger Award

The Enchanted Blog Award

From Ella Press: (Thanks Ella!)

Let’s be Friends Award

From Alley, Thanks Alley!

One Lovely Blog Award

From Cassandra, Thanks so much Cassandra!

Proximidade Award

Thanks everyone! Since I got sooo many awards I am going to give them to:

Addicted To Books

50 For Jen

A Flight Of Minds

A Garden of Books

Tales of A Ravenous Reader

Alley Of Books

Caster Girls

Kami Garcia

Margie Stohl

Don’t Lose My Place

B.A.M. Book Reviews

AyeCaptain Reviews

Book Reviews By Jess

Bookluver-Carol

Books By Their Cover

Bookworm Readers

Books Make Great Lovers

Carrie’s YA Bookshelf

Cupcake Witch

Frenetic Reader

Garden Of Books (For Teens)

Hope’s Bookshelf

I Heart Monster

Juicilliciouss Reviews

Korianne Speaks

Laura’s Review Bookshelf

Lauren’s Crammed Bookshelf

Lee A Verday’s Book/Writing Blog

Jibberings

Pop Culture Junkie

Presenting Lenore

Reviewer X

Shalonda’s Blog

Sharon Loves Books And Cats

The Dreamer Reader

Backstage at the Theatre Illuminata

Boy With Books

Thanks everyone for awarding me with all these amazing awards. I am sooo honored! I really appreciate that you take the time to read what I have to say!

-Senfaye :)

Kay Cassidy's New Blog!

Kay Cassidy author of The Cinderella Soicety coming out in 2010 (Oh yes, she is a Tenner!) has a new blog! Go check it out! Click here.

-Senfaye :)

Traveling To Teens: Interview with Lisa Mantchev!

1. Where did you get the inspiration for Eyes Like Stars?

ELS started as a short story entitled "All Her World's A Stage," and that began with the name "Beatrice Shakespeare Smith." I was working on a different short story at the time, but I'm pretty sure I shoved it aside to write the first draft. I wish I could figure out where the name came from, since everyone has been asking me this question!

2. How long did it take you to write Eyes Like Stars?

The first draft took three months, then it took about a year and a half to get it through edits, revisions, copyedits and page proofs

3. Are any of the characters like anyone you know?

The fairies are my rude inner voices, and I end up having conversations with friends that sound EXACTLY like something the fairies would say to each other. Bits of the fairies are also my four-year-old daughter.

Otherwise, I don't really base characters off people I know, for fear they might sue me...

4. What is the writing process like for you?

Simultaneously the most frustrating and rewarding thing possible. There's a lot of hair-pulling, slumping over the desk, scowling at the ceiling followed immediately by grinning, happy dancing, and celebratory cake.

5. What do you hope people get from reading Eyes Like Stars?

The burning need to go see live theater. If it's any other kind of burning, I refuse to accept credit or responsibility.

Thanks Lisa!

Click here to see my review of the lovely Eyes Like Stars.

In My Mailbox #13

From Razorbill:

Undead Much? by Stacey Jay (Finished it, soo good!!)

From Simon Pulse:

Fashionista by Micol Ostow

From Rachel Hawkins:

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins (No cover yet. It is signed!! Hex Hall was AMAZING!!)

From Bloomsbury:

GirlForce by Nikki Goldstein

Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors

Oathbreaker: Assassin's Apprentice by S.R. Vaught & J.B. Redmond

-Senfaye :)

P.S. I handed my mom Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater on Friday and she is in love with it! Yay! :D

Dead Is The New Black

Title: Dead Is The New Black Author: Marlene Perez Publisher: Harcourt Number Of Pages: 190 Publication Date: September 1^st, 2008

Synopsis from back of book: Fashion fad…or something freakier?

Everyone in the Giordano family is psychic—except for Daisy. When her mother, who uses her powers to solve crimes, enlists Daisy’s older sister to investigate a teenage girl’s mysterious death, Daisy feels utterly useless. But she takes matters into her own hands when she learns the victim has lots of company—teenage girls are being attacked all over town, including at Nightshade High School, where Daisy is a junior. And when she discovers a vampire maybe be the culprit, Daisy suspects head cheerleader Samantha Devereaux, who returned from summer break with a new “look.” She looks a little…well dead.

Is looking dead just another fashion trend for pretty, popular Samantha, or is there something more sinister afoot? Daisy will stop at nothing to find out—she even joins the cheerleading squad. And with a little sleuthing help from Ryan, an old friend (who may be turning into something more), Daisy not only reveals the identity of the vamp, she also discovers the powers that she never knew she had.

Review: Dead Is The New Black was a great book! It was the first book I have read my Marlene Perez and I will definitely read more of her work. First off, I want to talk about the characters..I loved them all. They all had great personalities. The story was great—it included most things paranormal, and I loved that. The setting was great, I wish I lived in Nightshade! Dead Is The New Black is only 190 pages, but from page 1 I was hooked. The whole book was really awesome and I cannot wait to go back to Nightshade in the next two books!

I recommend this book if you like mysteries, paranormal novels, and young adult novels.

If..

If you gave me a blog award recently can you please give me a link to the post where you gave it to me? I would like to pass them along! Sorry for not doing this sooner!

Thanks!

-Senfaye :)

Win one of three copies of Suite Scarlett!

Want to win a paperback copy of Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson?

Well, enter below and you might win a copy!!

All you have to do to enter:

Tell me what you would name a hotel if you owned one!

Yes it is as simple as that!

But you MUST include your email addresses! (Or you will be counted out)

Extra entries:

+1 Blog about this contest!

+1 Tweet about it

+2 Follow me

US ONLY!!

The winners will be annouced and emailed on July 14th!

-Senfaye :)

Books Read in June!

71. Devoured by Amanda Marrone

72. It's Not You, It's Me by Kerry Cohen Hoffmann

73. Fairest Of Them All by Jan Blazanin

74. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

75. Bedeviled: Daddy's Little Angel by Shani Petroff

76. Dead Is The New Black by Marlene Perez

77. The Waters & The Wild by Francesca Lia Block

78. The Stolen One by Suzanne Crowley

79. As You Wish by Jackson Pearce

80. DupliKate by Cherry Cheva

81. Emily The Strange: The Lost Days by Rob Reger & Jessica Gruner

82. Suddenly Supernatural: Scaredy kat by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

83. Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender

84. GirlForce by Nikki Goldstein

14 books read in June!!

-Senfaye :)