A Maze Of Books

Contest Winner!

2011-05-02T18:11:00.000-07:00

The winner of Abandon and Between Here and Forever is....

Vampires and Tofu!

I will be emailing you shortly!

-Senfaye

Beauty Queens

2011-04-28T21:58:00.000-07:00

Title: Beauty Queens
Author: Libba Bray
Publisher: Scholastic
Number of Pages: 400
Publication Date: May 24^th, 2011

Synopsis: Survival of the fittest.
The fifty contestants in the Miss Teen Dream Pageant thought this was going to be a fun trip to the beach, where they could parade in their state-appropriate costumes and compete in front of the cameras. But sadly, their airplane had another idea, crashing on a desert island and leaving the survivors stranded with little food, little water, and practically no eyeliner.
What’s a beauty queen to do? Continue to practice for the talent portion of the program—or wrestle snakes to the ground? Get a perfect tan—or learn to run wild? And what should happen when the sexy pirates show up?
Welcome to the heart of the non-exfoliated darkness. Your tour guide? None other than Libba Bray, the hilarious, sensational, Printz Award-winning author of A Great and Terrible Beauty and Going Bovine. The result is a novel that will make you laugh, make you think, and make you never see beauty the same way again.

Review: Beauty Queens is one of the most hilarious books I have ever read. I didn’t want to read it in front of other people because I was giggling so hard most of the time.

I never knew what was going to happen next, everything was unexpected. And while the plot was fantastic, it was the characters that made it even better. Their personalities were so distinct, which is really important since there were lots of characters.

The way the beauty queens dealt with things was really amusing, and I could see them growing and changing as people. When the book ended I was really sad because I had grown attached to certain characters. Although, I loved the ending SO much. It wrapped everything up so nicely.

Libba Bray wrote a touching, comical, and down right crazy desert island novel, and I adored every minute of it. Overall, if you are a fan of Libba Bray’s other works, or aren’t sure about them read Beauty Queens because it is awesome.
FTC: Received for review from publisher

Contest: Abandon & Between Here and Forever

2011-04-26T17:39:00.000-07:00

I am going to be giving away ARCs of Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott as well as Abandon by Meg Cabot to one lucky person!

All you have to do is comment below with your email address! Unfortunately, this contest will only be open to US residents. The last day to enter will be May 1st.

Perchance to Dream

2011-04-25T21:48:00.000-07:00

Title: Perchance to Dream

Author: Lisa Mantchev
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Number of Pages: 333
Publication Date: May 25^th, 2010

Synopsis: Brava! Encore!
Growing up in the enchanted Thèâtre Illuminata, Beatrice Shakespeare Smith learned all about every play ever written, but she didn’t know that she, too, had magic. Now, she is the Mistress of Revels, the Teller of Tales, and is determined to follow her stars. Bertie can make things happen by writing them, but outside the walls of the Thèâtre, they don’t go as planned. And her magic cannot help her make a decision between Nate, her suave pirate, and Ariel, a seductive air spirit.
When Nate is taken prisoner by the Sea Goddess, only Bertie can free him, and she and her fairy sidekicks embark on a journey, using Bertie’s word magic to guide them. Bertie’s dreams are haunted by Nate, whose love for Bertie is keeping him alive, but in the daytime, it’s Ariel who is tantalizingly close, and the one she is falling for. Who does Bertie love most? And will her magic be powerful enough to save her once she enters the Sea Goddess’s lair?

Review: Perchance to Dream is just as magical as Eyes Like Stars. It had everything a book should have; romance, magic, cupcake loving faeries, and a great protagonist.

I was worried I wouldn’t enjoy Perchance to Dream nearly as much as I enjoyed Eyes Like Stars. Soon after starting it, all my worries were gone. I was once again swept up in the world Lisa had created. Instead of it taking place at the Thèâtre, Bertie explored the world. Which, while it was different, was quite a nice change.

I sped through this book, and at the time I just didn’t have time to read. With Perchance to Dream though, I made sure to sit down and read every possible time I could. I hadn’t sped through a book that quickly in a long time. (It got me out of my reading slump!)

I must mention, as well, that I love Bertie & Co. Bertie is awesome, the faeries are amusing, and I cannot decide between Ariel and Nate. I don’t think I will be too upset if she ends up with one of them and not the other.

Overall, I absolutely adored this book. And if you loved the first one, you should definitely pick this one up! I highly recommend this series.
FTC: Received for review from publisher

Late Blog-o-versary Post!

2011-02-19T12:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my 2 year blog-o-versary!!! I ended up not writing a post about it yesterday because I'm sick and I needed rest. I thought today though, I would write a little post today because I'm feeling a bit better. I'm really excited that I've had my blog for 2 years! And, I want to thank each and every one of you who take the time to read my blog.

-Senfaye
P.S. I'm really going to start blogging again soon, I promise!

Ascendant Contest Winner!

2010-07-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

Sorry that this post is a few days late!

ANYWAY, the winner of my Ascendant contest is.....

MannaB

An email has been sent to you.

Thanks everyone for entering! (I have another contest coming up in the near future.)

-Senfaye

Ascendant Contest!

2010-07-16T23:13:00.000-07:00

Recently, I got an extra ARC of Ascendant by Diana Peterfreund. And since I love you all very much, I think one of you lovely blog readers should have it.

Rules to enter:
Follow my blog and comment below saying you follow!
That is all you have to do. Simple, right?

The contest ends July 24th! Oh, and you have to live in the US or have a US address.

-Senfaye

Things I Know About Love

2010-07-15T22:39:00.000-07:00

Title: Things I Know About Love
Author: Kate Le Vann
Publisher: Egmont USA
Number of Pages: 153
Publication Date: June 22nd, 2010

Synopsis: Livia's experience of love has been disappointing to say the least. But all that is about to change. After years of illness, she's off to spend the summer with her brother in America. She's making up for lost time, and she's writing it all down in her private blog. America is everything she ever dreamed of - and then she meets Adam. Can Livia put the past behind her and risk falling in love again?

Review: Things I Know About Love... wasn't what I expected AT ALL. I expected a light, romance novel. Instead, it was so much more.

Livia was a quirky main character, and her blog was quirky as well. Her idea was to write down all the things she knows about love in a blog. And she would tell all, even if it made her embarrassed. And since I love blogs, it made the book really awesome!

One of my only complaints is that the book needed to be a bit longer, so the characters would be a bit more fleshed out. Livia was the most developed, with a heartbreaking background.

The relationships in the book were portrayed very well, especially the relationship Livia had with her brother. I loved that they were so close. The only relationship that really had a downfall was Livia & Adam's relationship. I felt it all moved a little too quickly. Though, it was probably because of the ending.

The ending was a total shock. I really didn't expect it, and it left me heartbroken. And since the ending was such a shock, I can't stop thinking about it. I can't tell if that is a good thing or a bad thing, since it was so sad.

Overall, it was a really great novel about experiencing new things. I will definitely read more of Kate Le Vann's books in the future!

I recommend this book if you want a contemporary novel that is a tad bittersweet but awesome nonetheless.
FTC: Got for review from Goodman Media

The Unwritten Rule

2010-05-25T21:29:00.001-07:00

Title: The Unwritten Rule Author: Elizabeth Scott Publisher: Simon Pulse Number of Pages: 210 Publication Date: March 16^th, 2010

Synopsis from Jacket Flap: Everyone knows the unwritten rule: You don't like your best friend's boyfriend.
Sarah has had a crush on Ryan for years. He's easy to talk to, supersmart, and totally gets her. Lately it even seems like he's paying extra attention to her. Everything would be perfect except for two things: Ryan is Brianna's boyfriend, and Brianna is Sarah's best friend.
Sarah forces herself to avoid Ryan and tries to convince herself not to like him. She feels so guilty for wanting him, and the last thing she wants is to hurt her best friend. But when she's thrown together with Ryan one night, something happens. It's wonderful...and awful.
Sarah is torn apart by guilt, but what she feels is nothing short of addiction, and she can't stop herself from wanting more...
Review: The Unwritten Rule was just as eloquent as Elizabeth Scott’s previous works. I jumped up and down when I got it, and then sped through it.

It was painful to read at times, because I really hated how Sarah treated Brianna. (I have had friends like that before.) I really disliked Brianna… yet I felt myself sympathizing with her at times. I couldn’t help it. While some authors wouldn’t be able to pull a book like this off (mainly because I wasn’t sure if I could identify with Sarah at first, but I reallyreally did), Elizabeth Scott DID pull it off. Sarah’s character was so quirky and different, and I loved her obsession with Chucks. While all the characters were great, they weren't as remarkable as Sarah--she jumped off the page more than anyone else in the story.

Ryan was a great character too. He isn’t a cheating jerk as you would have expected. He is really sweet and cares about Sarah. Anyway, the pacing of the book was pleasant. And the characters developed more as the story went on. The ending… was shocking, but really wrapped the book up.

I thoroughly enjoyed Elizabeth’s new novel. I cannot wait to read more of her novels in the future.

I recommend this book if you have either really enjoyed Elizabeth’s previous novels or if you are looking for a really good contemporary young adult novel.

FTC: Got for review from Simon Pulse

Why I've Been Away + BEA!

2010-05-23T23:22:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone,
It's been a while, and I feel horrible about my lack of posts. I've been really overwhelmed with school, and everything else going on in my life. Thankfully, it is almost time for my summer vacation!

I will be attending BEA this year, and I am SO ecstatic to be going. I am flying out to New York on Monday and will be leaving that Friday. Words cannot even describe my excitement. Seriously.

Anyway, expect tons of reviews and posts on my journey in New York!

-Senfaye

1 Year Blog-O-Versary!

2010-02-18T23:56:00.000-08:00

Today is my 1 year blog-o-versary!!!! Yaaay! I am really proud of myself for keeping up with a blog. I know I have failed as a blogger lately, but I PROMISE I will be back soon! Anyway, thank you SOSOSOSO much for following and keeping up with my blog. It means so much to me. <3

-Senfaye

Books Read In 2009!

2010-02-06T19:25:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,
First off, I am SOSOSOSOSO sorry for not posting much lately. I have been really busy. I promise to post more soon!

Anyway, here are the books I read in 2009:
January:
1.Fairest by Gail Carson Levine
2.The Fairies Return by Gail Carson Levine
3.Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston
4.The Two Princesses Of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine
5.Pretty Monsters by Kelly Link
6.How To Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier
7.Lily B. On The Brink Of Love by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
8.Into The Wild by Sara Beth Durst
9.A Girl Like Moi by Lisa Barham
10.The Nobodies by N.E. Bode
11.Olivia Kidney And The Secret Beneath The City by Ellen Potter
12.Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
13.Graceling by Kristin Cashore
14.The Devouring by Simon Holt
15.Prom Nights From Hell by Various Authors
16.Bliss by Lauren Myracle
February:
17.Love Is Hell by Various Authors
18.Coraline by Neil Gaiman
19.Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
20.Willa By Heart by Coleen Murtagh Paratore
21.Bras & Broomsticks by Sarah Mlynowski
22.TTYL by Lauren Myracle
23.Let It Snow by Various Authors
24.Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception by Maggie Stiefvater
25.The Dust Of 100 Dogs by A.S. King
26.Betwixt by Tara Bray Smith
27.Dream Girl by Lauren Mechling
28.The Luxe by Anna Godbersen
29.The Faerie Path by Frewin Jones
30.City Of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
31.Bones Of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner
March:
32.The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
33.Kin by Holly Black
34.Zombie Blondes by Brian James
35.Girlwood by Claire Dean
36.3 Willows by Ann Brashares
37.You Are So Undead To Me by Stacey Jay
38.Cycler by Lauren McLaughlin
39.Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev
40.Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott
41.City Of Glass by Cassandra Clare
April:
42.Wake by Lisa McMann
43.Fade by Lisa McMann
44.Sleepaway Girls by Jen Calonita
45.Prophecy Of The Sisters by Michelle Zink
46.GoldenGirl by Micol Ostow
47.NEED by Carrie Jones
48.Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter by RJ Anderson
49.Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott
50.One Butt Cheek At A Time by Amber Kizer
51.Sea Change by Aimee Friedman
52.Prada & Prejudice by Many Hubbard
53.Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman
54.Generation Dead by Daniel Waters
May:
55.Wings by Aprilynne Pike
56.Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
57.Fairy Tale by Cyn Balog
58.Lovestruck Summer by Melissa Walker
59.Exclusively Chloe by J.A. Yang
60.Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison
61.Darkwood by M.E. Breen
62.Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
63.My Big Nose & Other Natural Disasters by Sydney Salter
64.Switch by Carol Snow
65.Fortune's Folly by Deva Fagan
66.Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margie Stohl
67.Destroy All Cars by Blake Nelson
68.Soulstice by Simon Holt
69.Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
70.Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
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
July:
85.Undead Much? by Stacey Jay
86.Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
87.Rampant by Diana Peterfreund
88.Once A Witch by Carolyn McCullough
89.Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors
90.Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
91.I Can't Keep My Own Secrets: Six-Word Memoirs by Teens Famous & Obscure
92.I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder
93.Boyology by Sarah O'Leary Burningham
94.The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart
95.The Hollow by Jessica Verday
96.Behind Every Illusion by Christina Harner
97.The Comeback by Marlene Perez
98.Fashionista by Micol Ostow
99.Jennifer's Body by Audrey Nixon
100.Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley
101.Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
102.Sloane Sisters by Annabelle Vestry
103.Pretty Dead by Francesca Lia Block
August:
104.The Cupcake Queen by Heather Hepler
105.Immortal by Gillian Shields
106.The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
107.The Naughty List by Suzanne Young
108.Give Up The Ghost by Megan Crewe
109.Kiss Of Life by Daniel Waters
110.My Soul To Take by Rachel Vincent
111.Evermore by Alyson Noel
112.Another Faust by Daniel & Dina Nayeri
113.Crank by Ellen Hopkins
114.The Realm Of Possibility by David Levithan
115.The Boy Book by E. Lockhart
116.The Treasure Map of Boys by E. Lockhart
117.The Eternal Kiss by Various Authors
118.Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon

119.The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

120.The Bermudez Triangle by Maureen Johnson

121.Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis
September:
122.School Of Fear by Gitty Daneshvari
123.The Waking: Dreams Of The Dead by Thomas Randall
124.Fade To Blue by Sean Beaudoin
125.The Tear Collector by Patrick Jones

126.Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin

127.I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter
128.Memoirs Of A Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin
129.Liar by Justine Larbalestier

130.Beyond The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Worm King by Holly Black & Tony DiTerlizzi

131.Tattoo by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

132.Break by Hannah Moskowitz

133.The Sky Always Hears Me And The Hills Don't Mind by Kirstin Cronn-Mills

134.The Everafter by Amy Huntley

October:

135.Snap by Carol Snow

136.Impulse by Ellen Hopkins

137.Ash by Malinda Lo

138.Whip It! by Shauna Cross

139.The Magykal Papers by Angie Sage

140.Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Faria Stolarz

141.Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

142.Dark Secrets 1 by Elizabeth Chandler

143.Dawn by Kevin Brooks

144.Stupid Cupid by Rhonda Stapleton

145.Lips Touch: Three Times by Laini Taylor

146.The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

November:

147.Demon Princess: Reign Or Shine by Michelle Rowan

148.The Dead Girls' Dance by Rachel Caine

149.Midnight Alley by Rachel Caine

150.Feast Of Fools by Rachel Caine

151.Lord Of Misrule by Rachel Caine

152.Carpe Corpus by Rachel Caine

153.Fade Out by Rachel Caine

154.Bran Hambric: The Farfield Curse by Kaleb Nation

155.Captivate by Carrie Jones

156.Top Ten Uses For An Unworn Prom Dress by Tina Ferraro

157.Little Black Lies by Tish Cohen

158.Confession Of A Triple Shot Betty by Jody Gehrman

159.Triple Shot Bettys In Love by Jody Gehrman

160.The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott

161.The Adoration Of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson

December:

162.Psych Major Syndrome by Alicia Thompson

163.Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

164.The Off Season by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

165.Front And Center by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

166.Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen

167.My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison

168.Lock And Key by Sarah Dessen

169.Frogs & French Kisses by Sarah Mlynowski

170.Spells & Sleeping Bags by Sarah Mlynowski

171.Penelope by Marilyn Kaye

172.The Key To The Golden Firebird by Maureen Johnson

173.Ex-Mas by Kate Brian

174.Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen

175.Naomi & Ely's No Kiss List by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

I am really happy I was able to read so many last year!

-Senfaye

Happy Birthday Emma!

2010-01-13T18:11:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,
Today is a very special day. Today happens to be one of my best friend’s birthdays! Her name is Emma and you might know her as Emmyreader from Don’t Lose My Place. She is seriously one of the most amazing people I have ever talked to.
Emma, let me just say, HAPPY 14^th BIRTHDAY! You are getting old. You will be wrinkly soon (TOTALLY kidding!) Anyway, I love you Emma. You are like a sister. I cannot believe how long its been since I first talked to you. I remember exactly what we did. We played animal crossing and I was THRILLED because someone so cool was playing with me. (I know. I was a weirdo child.)
I hope you have the best day ever because you deserve it. Anyway there are some other people who wish to say something to you:

Happy Birthday, Emma! You’re 14 now. Doesn’t it feel GREAT? Well, it should NOT feel great. Cause there is NOTHING great about 14. Trust me, I would know. It’s almost EXACTLY the same as 13. But don’t let that concern you. While there is nothing awesome about 14, there are certainly MANY awesome things about you. I hope you believe me. You DO know I never lie, right?
For example, you are one of the KINDEST people I know. You sent me a package after only knowing me for like a month. I was like “Surely this must be a JOKE. Nobody is THIS nice.” But I was WRONG. And you like reading awesome books! Like WAKE. And SHIVER, the sequel of which you will be reading in a few weeks time (SO JEALOUS).
And finally, you like LADY GAGA. If that doesn’t make you awesome, then PLEASE tell me what does.
I hope this last year went well for you. Your first year as a TEENAGER, exciting! But I also hope that it wasn’t even CLOSE to as fun as this next year is gonna be. Cause’s that’s what someone as great as you deserves. <3 -- Michael

I want to wish a very happy, happy birthday to Emma! Although I’ve just gotten close to her—not even THAT close, but still, it counts!—she is a wonderful friend who can cheer me up from her blurbs about a certain baby to just books, books, and books. If I were to choose 10 people I’ve met online that are the nicest since I’ve been blogging, I would SO pick her.
You are 14 years young like me now, although I’ll grow older in a few months. Anyway, 14 is a great year in your life, and I hope every second of it is better than when you were 13 (BOOO). If there’s any moment today that you are down, just remember—today is a special day because YOU were born. –Kimmie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMA HARRISON! i <3 you so much you are awesomeundo Emma Harrison. –Elise

Today is awesome. You know why? Someone incredibly, mind-blowingly awesome was born today. And that incredily, mind-blowingly awesome person is (get ready to be gobsmacked) the lovely EMMA! You hear that faint noise? That's the millions of people cheering because that's just how awesome she is. Emma is always sweet and she's my my other half and I'm GAGA for her (inside joke... be jealous ;D). So happy birthday, Emma. May your wishes always come true and may your birthday cakes never blow up.

Love,
Your Favorite GaGa Luva
--Catt

Emma, I'm so glad we met this year. You are an awesome young lady. I had the best Halloween I have had in years acting like a crazy kid at your house. I know there are many wonderful and exciting things in your future! I hope your birthday was awesome. Can't wait to see you on Saturday. Stay sweet! Lovely, Korianne

And last but not least..

For my dearest Emma, who is a bright spot in every day, may this birthday be just the beginning of all things bright and wonderful!
Love,
Michelle Zink

So, I hope you had an awesometastical birthday Emma!

-Senfaye

Interview: Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl!

2009-12-06T01:12:00.000-08:00

Favorites:
Favorite fictional couple?
Kami: Tristan & Isolde
Margie: Jace & Clary

Favorite color?
Kami: Black
Margie: Why does she get to go first? She says all my answers. *sulks*

Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
Kami: Read & take pictures of my kids.
Margie: Read. Travel. Write. Hang out with my girls.

Favorite band/music artist?

Kami: Favorite Band – Guns & Roses, The White Stripes / Artist – Robert Rauschenberg, Kara Walker

Margie: Regina Spektor, Lily Allen, Ingrid Michaelson, Death Cab for Cutie, Vampire Weekend, the soundtracks to Glee & Spring Awakening.

Favorite book(s)?

Kami: To Kill a Mockingbird, Fahrenheit 451, Lord of the Flies, I Capture the Castle, The Giver & The Golden Compass.

Margie: TKAM, A Wrinkle in Time, The Dark is Rising, The Chronicles of Chrestomancii, Sunshine, Graceling and Tender is the Night.

Favorite unusual animal?
Kami: Tapir or Marmoset
Margie: My unusually bad beagles, Kirby and Zelda.

Favorite drink?
Kami: Seriously – you know this. Diet Coke.
Margie: *raises can*

Questions about writing:

Why did you decide to write from a boy’s POV?

Kami: We both have brothers, and we wanted readers to experience BC from a boy’s perspective. The magic, the danger, the choices Ethan and Lena face. So few girls get a window into the mind of a guy.

Margie: We also wanted to write about a powerful, mysterious, magical girl, and unravel that secret along with Ethan. And it was interesting to fall for the guy actually telling the story. Ethan is a sweetheart!

After the Beautiful Creatures books, do you think you will write together? Or write books by yourself?

Kami: I hope we’ll do both. We’re world-builders, so we’ll create another universe to work on together. But some day it would also be fun to write some smaller things & work as critique partners, at the same time.

Margie: Which was of course how this all began; we were fans of each other’s writing long before we started collaborating on BC. But we work together so well, I’m sure you’ll see more of us as a team…

How long did it take you to write Beautiful Creatures?

Kami: Twelve weeks.

Margie: It was like a fever dream. It all came rushing out and just sort of took over our lives. It’s still sort of like that.

What do you do when you get writer’s block?

Kami: This sounds annoying, but we don’t get writer’s block. We LOVE to draft.

Margie: We get revision block!

What made you decide to write about a Southern town?

Kami: Both of our families come from small town, mine from the South and Margie’s from the West. The South has a certain charm and magic about it that you don’t find anywhere else.

Margie: The South is a place where, to us, magic still happens. And pie. And family and community—all of which we wanted for BC.

Questions about the authors:
Why Milk Duds & Popcorn?
Kami: We write about what we like to eat.

Margie: Our friend Kerri introduced us to the combo. You should try it. We’re addicts now.

If you could choose a Caster power what would it be?

Kami: I would be a Cataclyst or a Sybil. I think it would be crazy to be able to control the elements or read people’s faces.

Margie: I would be a Palimpsest. I would love to be able to walk into some old Southern house and see everything that ever had or would happen there.

What are 3 things that most people don’t know about you?

Kami: I love disaster movies and if The Day After Tomorrow is on cable, I literally can’t turn it off. I’m incredibly superstitious.

Margie: I was so shy I didn’t speak to anyone outside of my family until third grade. I can still recite the poem from the front of the Dark is Rising books. I can live entirely on cheese.

Thanks so much Kami & Margie!
(Author Photo Credit goes to Alex Hoerner)

Halloween Costume Contest Winners!

2009-11-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

First off I would like to thank everybody who entered! All of your entries made the contest special! :)

And the winners are...

1st place winner:

Lisa Heuer as Princess Leia (Best Princess Leia costume I have ever seen!)

2nd Place Winner:

Devyn Burton as "Sprout The Vampire" (This entry made me laugh!)

3rd Place Winner:

Christina as a kitty cat (Cutest entry!!)

Congrats winners, I will be sending out your prizes soon!

-Senfaye

Hold Still Winner!

2009-11-06T17:09:00.000-08:00

And the winner of the Hold Still contest is.....

Arielle of B.A.M. Book Reviews!

Congrats Arielle! I am emailing you now!

-Senfaye

Halloween Costume Contest!

2009-10-31T11:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween everyone!

I have been meaning to have a contest for a while and I have decided to turn my contest into a costume contest!!!

How to enter:

Send me a picture of you in your Halloween costume to my email address annieluvsmuffin@Gmail.com. I will take entries until November 6th and the winners will be announced November 12th! There will be three winners.

The Prizes:

1^st Place Winner will receive:

- An ARC of As You Wish by Jackson Pearce

- An audiobook of Swoon by Nina Malkin

- A signed ARC of Prophecy Of The Sisters by Michelle Zink

- A hardcover copy of Darkwood by M.E. Breen

- A Beautiful Creatures bracelet

- A Fairy Tale Bookmark

- A signed Chasing Brooklyn bookmark

- Angel N' Devil duckies

- A rose pin (that actually smells like roses!)

- A signed Prophecy Of The Sisters poster

- A signed Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side bookplate

- A signed Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side bookmark

- A Prophecy Of The Sisters bookmark

- A Beautiful Creatures sticker

- An eyepillow made by Katie Alender (author of Bad Girls Don't Die)

- Halloween stickers

1st place gets 16 prizes!!!

2nd Place Winner will receive:

- A signed Prophecy Of The Sisters poster

- Angel N' Devil duckies

- A signed Beautiful Creatures bookplate

- Crazy dips (candy)

- An eyepillow made by Katie Alender (author of Bad Girls Don't Die)

- A signed Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side bookmark

- A signed ARC of Secret Society by Tom Dolby

- A signed ARC of Sea Change by Aimee Friedman

2nd place gets 9 prizes!!!

3rd Place Winner will receive:

- A hardcover copy of Radiant Darkness

- An ARC of Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors
- Angel N' Devil duckies

- A signed Chasing Brooklyn bookmark

- A Fairy Tale bookmark

- A signed Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side bookmark

- A Castergirl sticker

- A blowpop

3rd place gets 8 prizes!!

I will have a group of judges help me decide who wins the prizes! ;)

Have fun! And US only, sorry!

-Senfaye

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? #3

2009-10-26T20:25:00.000-07:00

Read This Past Week:

Dark Secrets 1 by Elizabeth Chandler

Dawn by Kevin Brooks

Stupid Cupid by Rhonda Stapleton

Currently Reading:

Lips Touch by Laini Taylor

Fire by Kristin Cashore

Bran Hambric: The Farfeld Curse by Kaleb Nation

Little Black Lies by Tish Cohen

Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman

To Read This Week:

Finish Lips Touch by Laini Taylor (Going to try to finish it tonight!)

Finish Bran Hambric by Kaleb Nation

Finish Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman

-Senfaye

Princess Bookie Cover Contest!

2009-10-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

Here is my contest entry for Princess Bookie's AMAZING 9 ARC contest!

-Senfaye

24 Hour Read-a-thon Wrap Up Post!

2009-10-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

Books Read: Dawn by Kevin Brooks
Books I Got Semi Through: Lips Touch by Laini Taylor (Page 147) and Stupid Cupid by Rhonda Stapleton (Page 124)

I get distracted easily so, if I hadn't gotten distracted I would have done wayyy better!

-Senfaye

24 Hour Read-a-thon Update #1

2009-10-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

Books Finished:
Dawn by Kevin Brooks

Goals For This Hour:
- Finish Lips Touch by Laini Taylor (on page 117)

I think I did pretty good. :)

-Senfaye

24 Hour Read-a-thon!

2009-10-24T11:21:00.000-07:00

So, I have been planning on doing the 24 hour read-a-thon all week!

And, I had to try and get up at 5 this morning.. and didn't; I got up at 6. And then I read for an hour, and I was so tired I fell asleep.. so I kind of suck.

Anyway, now that I am up I can start reading again! :D

Goals for this hour:
- Finish Dawn by Kevin Brooks

-Senfaye
PS I am so sorry Emma that I was not up at 5 like I said I would be!

Hold Still Contest!

2009-10-21T16:42:00.000-07:00

So, Penguin kindly offered to let me give away a hardcover copy of Hold Still by Nina Lacour!

The book was released yesterday, and I cannot wait to read it!

How to enter:
Leave a comment below with your email address
You must be a follower

Extra Entries:
+1 Link to the contest on twitter, your blog sidebar, or anywhere else and leave a link below.

This contest is open to the US and Canada only!

It ends on November 1st and the winner will be announced November 2nd!

-Senfaye

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? #2

2009-10-19T19:19:00.000-07:00

Read The Past Two Weeks:

Whip It by Shauna Cross

Septimus Heap: The Magykal Papers by Angie Sage

Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

Currently Reading:

Lips Touch by Laini Taylor (still!)

Bran Hambric: The Farfeld Curse by Kaleb Nation (still!)

Fire by Kristin Cashore (still!)

Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman (still!)

Little Black Lies by Tish Cohen

Dark Secrets 1 by Elizabeth Chandler

To Read This Week:

Finish Bran Hambric: The Farfeld Curse by Kaleb Nation

Finish Lips Touch by Laini Taylor

Finish Dark Secrets 1 by Elizabeth Chandler

-Senfaye

P.S. Sorry for not posting much, school is taking a lot out of me. Reviews coming later this week or this weekend!

The Tear Collector

2009-10-09T17:12:00.000-07:00

Title: The Tear Collector Author: Patrick Jones Publisher: Walker (Bloomsbury) Number Of Pages: 263 Publication Date: September 1st, 2009

Synopsis From Jacket Flap: Between hookups, makeups, and breakups, there isn't a day at Lapeer High School without drama turning into tears.
And tears are just essential as air for Cassandra Gray. She and her family are vampires who thirst for human sorrow, and the energy that they soak in from a good crying jag can keep them fueled up for days.

Anytime a friend needs a shoulder to cry on, Cass is there. Anytime a boyfriend gets too secure, she breaks his heart. Cass's work as a school peer counselor and hospital volunteer also provides the perfect cover and access to get her family's energy source. But she is getting tired of all the lies and manipulation--especially now that she's actually fallen in love with a human. Can she bear to betray her family for a chance at happiness and a life filled with joy?

A perfect blend of romance and the supernatural, this unique kind of vampire story will hook readers.

Review: The Tear Collector was good, certainly not the best book but good. It was different, and intriguing.

The premise was nothing like I have ever seen before--I mean vampires that need tears instead of blood to survive is very original. My biggest problem was the characters, Cass was just a little cold for my taste, but as the story goes along I liked her better. Cass's family was terrible, and made the book not as good, because they made me so frustrated! Cass is their family and to let her not have happiness is just insane. I know that they are vampires but they could show a little compassion. (Although, I do have a favorite character, Sam! She is really awesome.)

I did really like the writing though! Patrick Jones is very good at keeping up pace, and there were really no slow parts. I really enjoyed his writing, and I will be reading more of his books in the future.

Overall, The Tear Collector was a captivating read that had a few problems.

I recommend this book if you like young adult novels, romance, and the supernatural.
----------------------------------------------------------

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? #1

2009-10-05T20:58:00.000-07:00

Read This Past Week:
Impulse by Ellen Hopkins
Ash by Malinda Lo
Currently Reading:
Bran Hambric: The Farfeld Curse by Kaleb Nation
Fire by Kristin Cashore
Lips Touch: Three Times by Laini Taylor
Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman
To Read This Week:
Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater
Sleepless by Thomas Fahy
Whip It by Shauna Cross (If it comes this week!)

Books Read In September!

2009-10-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

122. School Of Fear by Gitty Daneshvari
123. The Waking: Dreams Of The Dead by Thomas Randall
124. Fade To Blue by Sean Beaudoin
125. The Tear Collector by Patrick Jones
126. Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin
127. I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter
128. Memoirs Of A Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin
129. Liar by Justine Larbalestier
130. Beyond The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Worm King by Holly Black & Tony Di Terlizzi
131. Tattoo by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
132. Break by Hannah Moskowitz
133. The Sky Always Hears Me And The Hills Don't Mind by Kirstin Cronn-Mills
134. The Everafter by Amy Huntley

13 books read last month!

-Senfaye
PS I am so sorry for not posting lately, I have been really busy with my school, and other stuff.

Silver Phoenix Cover, Synopsis, & Trailer!

2009-09-26T21:04:00.000-07:00

Synopsis/blurb for Silver Phoenix:
On the day of her first betrothal meeting--and rejection--Ai Ling discovers a power welling deep within her. She can reach into other people's spirits, hear their thoughts, see their dreams...and that's just the beginning.

Ai Ling has been marked by the immortals; her destiny lies in the emperor's palace, where a terrible evil has lived, stealing souls, for centuries. She must conquer this enemy and rescue her captive father, while mythical demons track her every step. And then she meets Chen Yong, a young man with a quest of his own, whose fate is intertwined with hers. Here is a heart-stopping, breathtaking tale for fans of action, fantasy, and romance--of anything with the making of legend.

The amazing trailer for the Silver Phoenix:

-Senfaye
PS If you add Cindy Pon as a friend on Facebook or Myspace and tell her (or email me at annieluvsmuffin@gmail.com) that I told you to add her as a friend, I would greatly appreciate it!!!

The Cupcake Queen

2009-09-25T23:04:00.000-07:00

Title: The Cupcake Queen Author: Heather Hepler Publisher: Dutton (Penguin) Number Of Pages: 242 Publication Date: September 17^th, 2009

Synopsis from back of book: When her mom moves them from the City to Hog’s Hollow, Penny’s life isn’t at all what she expected. Instead of running an art gallery, Penny’s mother is now running a bakery that only sells cupcakes—and guess who has to help. Actually, that part isn’t bad. The bad parts are leaving her father and friends behind in the City. Penny’s parents have separated, but neither one will tell her what the future holds for them. And then there’s Charity, the girl at her new school who’s out to get Penny for some unknown reason.

Penny finds some bright spots in the small seaside town that is obsessed with its annual Hog’s Hollow pageant and parade. There’s Tally, and expert in playing Rock Paper Scissors, and Tally’s friend Blake, who can make even tomato picking fun. Best of all, there’s Marcus, the boy who runs on the beach with his dog every night—and has a knack for running into Penny.

Just when it looks as though Penny is settling into her role as Cupcake Queen, her parents ask her to make a choice that will turn everything upside down again. Will her life ever be the way it should be?

This confection of a novel has enough city sophistication and small town charm to appeal to anyone who has ever wished for a sweet and happy life.

Review: The Cupcake Queen was simply cute. I read it in a day, and everything about this book is completely adorable. One of the cutest books I have read this year!

The characters were all quirky, and different. You really get to know them all by the end of the book, especially Penny! Penny is relatable, and fun to read about. Tally is a Rock Paper Scissors extraordinaire and someone I would like to be friends with in real life. But, I could go on and on about the characters.

The writing was superb, and the way Heather describes the small town of Hogs Hollow made me feel like I WAS there. The plot may not seem super original but the execution made it original, if that made sense. Also, Heather’s descriptions of the cupcakes were amazing, I totally craved cupcakes while reading it.

Overall, The Cupcake Queen is not to be missed if you like cute, sweet novels, and romance. And of course CUPCAKES!!!

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

Vote for me!

2009-09-12T19:18:00.000-07:00

Hi,

So, Lisa Mantchev author of Eyes Like Stars & Michelle Zink author of Prophecy Of The Sisters had this contest a few months ago called Fairies vs. Demons. And.. I had an entry. Yesterday, Lisa posted all the entries and the entry with the most votes wins. SO, I would love if you all went here

and vote for me! ;)

Thanks!

-Senfaye

To Be Reviewed...

2009-09-09T19:16:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone,

I am so sorry that I haven't posted much! School started yesterday, and I am just too tired to write a review tonight. BUT, I want to write some reviews this weekend, and I would like your help! (I have over 30-40 reviews to write, so this list will not have all the books I need to review on here.)

Here are the choices:

The Hollow by Jessica Verday
Pretty Dead by Francesca Lia Block
DupliKate by Cherry Cheva
Bedeviled: Daddy's Little Angel by Shani Petroff
Once A Witch by Carolyn McCullough
The Cupcake Queen by Heather Hepler
Give Up The Ghost by Megan Crewe
Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis
Fade To Blue by Sean Beaudoin
Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin
Memoirs Of A Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin
Switch by Carol Snow
Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler
I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter
Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon

So, please pick 1 or 2 and the books with the most votes will be reviewed first!

-Senfaye

Catching Fire

2009-09-01T22:11:00.000-07:00

Title: Catching Fire Author: Suzanne Collins Publisher: Scholastic Number Of Pages: 391 Publication: September 1^st, 2009

(NOTE: DON’T READ THE SYNOPSIS IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE HUNGER GAMES!)

Synopsis from back of book: SPARKS ARE IGNITING.

FLAMES ARE SPREADING.

AND THE CAPITOL WANTS REVENGE.

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and her longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol—a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she’s afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she’s not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol’s cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can’t prove, without a shadow of doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

In Catching Fire, the second novel of The Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before…and surprising readers at every turn.

Review: Catching Fire was one of the best books I have read this year. It was so fantastically amazing and unputdownable.

The book starts off a few months after the Hunger Games are over, and let’s just say Katniss’s life isn’t going as expected. The Capitol is keeping a very close eye on her, Gale won’t tell her how he really feels about her, and Peeta is barely talking to her. As the book goes on it gets better and better and soon I never wanted it to end. Ever.

If I had to describe Catching Fire in three words I would say: Suspenseful, AMAZING, and riveting. So, you know when you are reading a really exciting book are you are saying in your head, “I will just finish this chapter then I will go do something productive”? Well, I kept saying that and I would finish a chapter and then… the end of the chapter would take my breath away and I had to continue reading. The night I started reading it I read until 2AM then when I saw the clock I sadly went to bed.

There were so many twists and turns in Catching Fire, and I never once knew what to expect to happen next. And, the ending well.. the ending made me gasp. It was so completely unexpected. Oh, and I wasn’t sure if I would like this one as much as The Hunger Games and I thought it was as good or better than The Hunger Games.

Overall, I absolutely loved Catching Fire. And, I need the third one. Right. NOW!

I recommend this book if you like The Hunger Games, romance, drama, suspense, and young adult novels.

Books Read In August!

2009-09-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

104. The Cupcake Queen by Heather Hepler

105. Immortal by Gillian Shields

106. The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

107. The Naughty List by Suzanne Young

108. Give Up The Ghost by Megan Crewe

109. Kiss Of Life by Daniel Waters

110. My Soul To Take by Rachel Vincent

111. Evermore by Alyson Noel

112. Another Faust by Daniel & Dina Nayeri

113. Crank by Ellen Hopkins

114. The Realm Of Possibility by David Levithan

115. The Boy Book by E. Lockhart

116. The Treasure Map of Boys by E. Lockhart

117. The Eternal Kiss by Various Authors

118. Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon

119. The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

120. The Bermudez Triangle by Maureen Johnson

121. Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis

18 books read in August! :D

-Senfaye

Update!

2009-08-31T12:23:00.000-07:00

Hola everyone,

I have thankfully recovered. So.. I found out I wasn't sick with a nasty virus.. I was sick with swine flu. And so is my little sister (and possibly my older sister.) Anyway, I am feeling great so expect reviews of...

The Hollow by Jessica Verday
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Bedeviled: Daddy's Little Angel by Shani Petroff
The Bermudez Triangle by Maureen Johnson
Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis
And TONS more.

very soon.

Hopefully everyone is doing well!

-Senfaye

Sick.

2009-08-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Sorry I haven't posted anything since Friday, but I am sick. I have a nasty virus and I am too tired to try and write reviews. I will hopefully be better by the end of the week. So, see you then. :)

-Senfaye

Harmony's Awesomeness...

2009-08-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday! This post is going to be about Harmony from Harmony Book Reviews‘ awesomeness!

The reason for this post is because we have a little competition to see who could write the most reviews in a 2 week period. And, she won. So, the loser, had to write a post about the other one’s awesomeness.

Harmony is awesome for many reasons.

· Reason #1: She writes amazing reviews, and she writes them FAST!

· Reason #2: Harmony is nice, and as we all know niceness = supreme awesomeness!!

· Reason #3: She tweets a LOT, as do I, so tweeting is awesome.

· Reason #4: She has read Hush, Hush, Beautiful Creatures, and Prophecy Of The Sisters, and just by that, you KNOW she is awesome.

So, as you can tell, Harmony is very awesome. Go read her awesome blog!!

-Senfaye

P.S. I use the word awesome or awesomeness a lot in this post. :D

Traveling To Teens: Jackson Pearce

2009-08-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

Jackson Pearce is twenty-five years old and currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with a slightly cross-eyed cat and a lot of secondhand furniture. She recently graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and a minor in Philosophy. She auditioned for the circus once, but didn't make it; other jobs she’s had include obituaries writer, biker bar waitress, and receptionist. In addition, Jackson coaches both colorguard and winterguard at a local high school.

Jackson began writing when she got angry that the school librarian couldn’t tell her of a book that contained a smart girl, horses, baby animals, and magic. Her solution was to write the book herself when she was twelve. Her parents thought it was cute at first, but have grown steadily more concerned for her ever since.

________________________________________________________

My As You Wish review is here.

As You Wish

2009-08-21T12:07:00.001-07:00

Title: As You Wish Author: Jackson Pearce Publisher: Harper Teen Number Of Pages: 300 Publication Date: August 25^th, 2009

Synopsis from back of book: A MAGICAL TALE ABOUT STAR-CROSSED LOVERS, WHAT IT MEANS TO BELONG… And HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR.

Ever since Viola’s boyfriend broke up with her, she has spent her days silently wishing—for someone to love her again and most importantly, to belong again—until her wishes inadvertently summon a genie out of his world and into her own. But it’s only after Viola makes her first wish that she realizes she is in love with Jinn. . . and that if she wishes twice more, he will disappear from her life—and her world—forever.

Review: As You Wish was such a fast paced, romantic, witty, and all around incredible story! I loved every minute of it.

The story starts out with Viola, who’s ex-boyfriend is also her best friend. Their relationship, is sort of awkward at first, but as the story progresses you see how much Lawrence and Viola care for each other. Viola and Jinn’s relationship, was something you would see in a movie, they slowly fall for each other, and then something or someone is trying to keep them apart.

As You Wish for my was un-putdownable! I had to keep reading to find out what happened next!! Another thing I enjoyed, was how Viola liked to paint, since I love painting, so by adding that in Jackson made Viola more relatable.

Near the end of the book I got anxious to see what would happen to Jinn and Viola, and I almost cried, (for two reasons, that if I shared would spoil the ending!) and it had one of the best endings.

Overall, Jackson wrote a story with characters that seem real and relatable. As You Wish is truly unforgettable.

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

Book Blogger Appreciation Week Nomination!

2009-08-20T21:36:00.000-07:00

Wow, just wow. I was notified yesterday that I have been nominated for not one, but two BBAW awards!! Thank you! The awards are 'Best New Blog' & 'Best YA Blog'! So, crazy that I was nominated! Again, thanks so much!! Now to figure out which posts to send in.

Good luck and congrats to all the nominees!

-Senfaye

Crank

2009-08-15T22:11:00.000-07:00

Title: Crank Author: Ellen Hopkins Publisher: Simon Pulse Number Of Pages: 537 Publication Date: October 5^th, 2004

Synopsis from back of book: Life was good

before I

met

the monster

After,

life

was great

least

for a little while.

Kristina is the perfect daughter: gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. Then she meets the monster: crank. And what begins as a wild ride turns into a struggle for her mind, her soul—her life.

Review: Crank was one of the most horrifying, heartbreaking books I have ever read. But, it was totally and completely amazing. It took me only a few hours to finish it, and even though I wanted to put it down because it was so terribly true (which scared me.) but, it captured my attention and I just couldn’t put it down. Ellen takes you on a ride you will never forget, and shows you the reasons why you never want to do drugs.

Kristina/Bree, is captured in Crank’s clutches and becomes an addict, and I so badly wanted to tell her through the whole book, that she is being an idiot for doing Crank. (Hehehe.) Ellen, states at the beginning of the book how this story is based on her daughter Kristina’s experience with Crank, and she was able to depict her daughter so well.

Overall, Ellen has true talent and I look forward to reading the rest of her books.

I recommend this book if you like prose novels, Ellen Hopkin’s other books, and young adult novels.

CAPTIVATE Cover!!!

2009-08-12T13:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Carrie Jones posted the cover for Captivate the sequel to NEED.

Isn't it just gorgeous?! It has totally captivated me. :P

I love it, and cannot wait to read it! :D

-Senfaye

P.S. What are your thoughts on the cover?

Tenner Tuesday with Dia Reeves!

2009-08-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

1. Where did you get the inspiration for Bleeding Violet?

What is this inspiration? I was just thinking about insane asylums one day and decided it would be neat to write a novel about a crazy girl--one who hallucinates, cuz I dig hallucinations--who moves to a town with lots of monsters. Monsters are

also digable.

2. What was the writing process like for you?

Dreadful. It took two and a half years to write BV. Of course, I was goofing around half the time so that might have made a difference. I wrote over thirty different drafts trying to get the thing to make sense. I finally whipped it into shape though--I'm nothing if not persistent.

3. When did you start writing Bleeding Violet?

I started it during National Novel Writing Month in 2005. Can't wait until November so I can sign up again!

4. How did you pick your main characters' names?

Hanna Järvinen is the main character. She's Finnish, on her dad's side, which is why her name looks like that. I can't remember why I named her mother Rosalee--I think Rosalee named herself--but Hanna's love interest is named Wyatt Ortiga. Ortiga is Spanish for stinging nettle, which I thought was cool as Wyatt is not to be handled lightly.

5. Is there going to be a sequel or prequel?

Nah. I'm not into sequels, but the book I'm working on now takes place in the same world as BV. It's a disturbing world--lots of scope for the imagination.

6. When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I started writing when I was nine or ten. I used to write stories about Fantastica from The Neverending Story--loved that book! But when I was thirteen, I read It by Stephen King. It's about a million pages long, and I cried at the end of it because it ended too soon. Even after that millionth page, I wanted to know what happened next. I felt so attached to those characters that I didn't want to leave them, and I remember thinking how cool it would be to make someone feel that way about something *I'd* written.

7. What song best fits Bleeding Violet?

It's a tie between "Gloomy Sunday" by Billie Holiday and "I'll Stay"

by Funkadelic. "Gloomy Sunday" is this old jazz song about a woman who dreams about killing herself after her man dies. Hanna feels like the woman in the song, only about her mother Rosalee because, except for her mother, Hanna is all alone in the world.

I also like "I'll Stay" though, because of these lyrics: "I'll stay, for she'll be coming back. You know her head went out to play--she'll get over that." Sometimes Hanna's not all there in the head, but she always snaps out of it. Eventually.

8. Which writer influenced you the most?

Stephen King, for sure. With a little Anne Rice and Laura Kinsale thrown in for good measure.

9. Are you writing anything right now?

Yep. This book called Strange Fruit (I stole the title from another Billie Holiday song.) Here's the logline if you're curious: two outcast sisters--daughters of a notorious serial killer--decide to put their murderous genes, and latent powers, to good use by only killing people who deserve it. I'm hoping to be finished with it before the next nanowrimo. *fingers crossed*

10. Any advice for future writers?

Unless you're slightly insane, unafraid of rejection, and love finding new ways to describe people's smiles, I would suggest that all you future writers go to medical school.

Thanks so much Dia!

Destroy All Cars

2009-08-08T14:49:00.000-07:00

Title: Destroy All Cars Author: Blake Nelson Publisher: Scholastic Number Of Pages: 218 Publication Date: May 1^st, 2009

Synopsis from back of book: IT’S TIME.

It’s time to destroy all cars.

It’s time to own up to the fact that we’re completely screwing over the planet.

It’s time to yell at the world.

And it’s time to deal with the ex that won’t go away.

James Hoff likes to rail against America’s consumerist culture. He also likes to rail against his ex-girlfriend, Sadie, who he feels isn’t doing enough to change the world. She wants to build bike paths. He wants to overthrow the oil companies.

But just like James can’t avoid buying things, he also can’t avoid Sadie for long. They’re in for another crash – and whether you see them coming or not, crashes always hurt.

This is a fantastic, funny, sexy, cool masterpiece from Blake Nelson, acclaimed author of Girl and Paranoid Park.

Review: Destroy All Cars was HILARIOUS. One of the funniest books I have read. James, was a humorous main character who wrote essays about Destroying All Cars, and the Lameness of People. I read Destroy All Cars in a day, because it made me laugh and I couldn’t help but turn to the next page.

While, Destroy All Cars is incredibly funny, it also shows that we do need to take better care of our planet. Blake Nelson is able to tell a story so short, with a lot of meaning and uproariously funny. Overall, I really, really enjoyed this book, and cannot wait to see what Blake Nelson writes next.

I recommend this book if you like hilarious novels, Blake Nelson’s previous books, and young adult novels.

The Naughty List Widget!

2009-08-06T19:32:00.000-07:00

I made a The Naughty List by Suzanne Young widget. Suzanne needed a widget, so I volunteered. It is a little too big though, but still feel free to take it. :)

Tenner Tuesday with Heidi R. Kling!

2009-08-04T13:16:00.001-07:00

Tenner Tuesday is a new feature, where almost every week there will be a new interview (10 questions) with a Tenner.

To start off Tenner Tuesday, I am going to interview Heidi R. Kling author of Sea.

1. Where did you get the inspiration for Sea?
My husband was a young psychiatrist straight out of residency and volunteered for two separate two-weeks trips to Indonesia after the tsunami. He came back totally altered by the experience. Went into solely non-profit work and is now an expert in cross-cultural trauma mental health and works with anti-torture organizations. So I thought, if this 30-something year old man was this inspired by an experience, what would happen to a 15 year old girl? So I imagined the characters and built the story around that first inspiration.

2. What was the writing process like for you? I'm a pretty fast first-drafter--getting the story down, --then I go back and fix my many, many mistakes. I also build story AS I write as opposed to thinking of everything before hand. I get some of my best AHA moments while I'm out walking or doing yoga, or lying in bed trying to fall asleep, then I go add them into the manuscript. I also smooth out the writing in later drafts. Getting story down is my first, main goal. I've never had writers block. Wood: knock, knock, knock. ;)

3. When did you start writing Sea? Three years before I sold it. I wrote three mornings a week while my son was in preschool. If I had eight hours a day to write it would have taken about a year me thinks.

4. How did you pick the main characters' names? Oh they picked me! Spider came out of nowhere. I was writing dialog and suddenly he was Spider. His real name is Jesse and I don't think that ever appears in the version of SEA now. There was this big back story about Spider and his twin sister Bev, which I had to cut, about how he got his nickname. Vera and Bev also came out of nowhere. Vera fits Vera perfectly (IMHO). Deni was from a list of Acehnese names my Acehnese friend Usul sent me. It was my favorite one and is pronounced like Denny (rhymes with Lenny). While I was writing the book, Denny was a beloved character on Grey's Anatomy, so that worked well. SEA is short for Sienna, which my main character's name.

5. Is there going to be a sequel or prequel? OOOH! I just got chills when I read that. I would love to do either or both! Knock on Putnam's door and say WANT! and see what happens. =) If there is demand, I would for sure write. SEA is a complete book in itself but I have fantasized about the futures of my characters and I would love to meet up with them again. (I really miss them when I'm not working on revision. Seriously.)

6. When did you know you wanted to be a writer? I used to write songs when I was a little girl. And then plays. And finally screenplays and my first novel in high school. I would entertain my sisters with my chapters. I think I've always been writing in one way or another.

7. What is the most difficult thing about writing? Now, honestly, it's finding the time. I have two little kids and I stay home with them, which I love--but sometimes it's tough to balance everything. I guess the hardest part of writing is making my editor happy while staying true to my original vision of the story. Does that make sense?

8. What is your favorite thing about writing? Everything! I love it when I feel like my characters are speaking through my fingers as I type. I love writing something that makes me misty eyed. I love the idea that people want to read my words and hear my stories. I love it all!

9. Thinking ahead, if a movie studio was going to make a movie about Sea who would you want them to cast as the characters? Dude! You keep elevating my heart rate! Okay, oh boy. So, I really really like the cast of Friday Night Light's. I adore Tim Riggins in a major big way. I would love for him to play any

one, but he would be particularly cute as Spider. I would love Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie to get on board as Sienna's parents (Angie would have to play a ghost, but that's cool.) I would like a real Indonesian boy to play Deni. I went to an Indonesian film festival and there was the hottest boy in one of the films. I want him. Sienna is pretty, but in a very natural way. Julie from Friday Night Lights would do a nice job portraying her. (Great question!)

10. Are you writing anything right now? Yes and no. I WAS writing. But now I'm finished! I wrote a whole manuscript called JADE this past year. It's in with my editor now. JADE is the first novel in a proposed contemporary fantasy series about teenaged witchez and warlox. It features swordfighting and surfing. Good combinations. I had so much fun writing it. Hope to hear good news soon!

Thanks for participating in Tenner Tuesday Heidi!
Thanks for having me! You're awesome. =))

-Senfaye :)

*Photo by Anne Knudsen.

Immortal

2009-08-03T17:15:00.001-07:00

Title: Immortal Author: Gillian Shields Publisher: Harper Teen Number Of Pages: 360 Publication Date: August 4^th, 2009

Synopsis from back of book: The electrifying debut in a paranormal-romance series about a mystical teen.

As the elite Wyldcliffe Abbey School for Young Ladies’ newest student, Evie Johnson is lonelier than she could have dreamed. Evie’s only lifeline is Sebastian, a dangerously attractive young man she meets by chance. But as Evie’s feelings for Sebastian grow, she suspects he has a secret. And there’s something sinister about Wyldcliffe and its strict, unfriendly teachers. Then there’s a ghostly girl so eerily like Evie she could be a sister. In an extraordinary battle between past and present, Evie is faced with an astounding truth about Sebastian and her own incredible fate.

Immortal will dazzle readers with suspense, mysticism, and the power of friendship and first love.

Review: Immortal was a satisfactory read. I had problems reading the first 100+ pages; I wanted to put it down at times because it had no action, suspense, or anything interesting. But, it was worth reading past the first 100+ pages, because then it quickly became a page turner.

Evie and Sebastian relationship, was nothing very different from most books, but it was a beautiful relationship nonetheless. The plot was complex, and had a few predictable moments, and a few very unpredictable moments. The characters were also really complex and striking. Another pleasurable thing about Immortal was Lady Agnes’ journal entries, they explained many things that wouldn’t have been explained very well if it hadn’t been in the book.

Overall, Immortal had a good story line and characters but took a little too long to get into the story, but worth reading!

I recommend this book if you like paranormal/fantasy novels, romance, and young adult novels.

What is happening today...

2009-08-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, so today many special things are happening.

1. Today is my older sister's 20th birthday! Happy birthday Meilani! I love you!

2. Prophecy Of The Sisters by Michelle Zink officially comes out! Yay, congrats Michelle. Review here.

3. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater comes out! Congrats Maggie! Review here.

4. The Comeback by Marlene Perez comes out, review to come.

5. Ruined: A Ghost Story by Paula Morris comes out, review to come also.

-Senfaye :)

Books Read in July!

2009-08-01T10:31:00.000-07:00

85. Undead Much? by Stacey Jay

86. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

87. Rampant by Diana Peterfreund

88. Once A Witch by Carolyn McCullough

89. Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors

90. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

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

92. I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder

93. Boyology by Sarah O'Leary Burningham

94. The Boyfriend List by E. Lockhart

95. The Hollow by Jessica Verday

96. Behind Every Illusion by Christina Harner

97. The Comeback by Marlene Perez

98. Fashionista by Micol Ostow

99. Jennifer's Body by Diablo Cody

100. Lipstick Apology by Jennifer Jabaley

101. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

102. Sloane Sisters by Annabelle Vestry

103. Pretty Dead by Francesca Lia Block

YAY!! I passed 100 books!! :D Now, I am going to try and read up to 150-200 books by the end of the year!!

-Senfaye :)

Behind Every Illusion

2009-07-30T22:12:00.000-07:00

____________________________________________________________________

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.)
____________________________________________________________________

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.

2009-07-29T11:39:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-27T22:19:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-25T19:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-25T17:21:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-23T20:29:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

Enjoy! :)

In My Mailbox #15

2009-07-19T12:55:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2009-07-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-13T15:39:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-13T11:02:00.000-07:00

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

Enjoy!

The Hollow Contest!

2009-07-13T08:43:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-11T16:38:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-07-10T20:43:00.000-07:00

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

What do you think of them?

-Senfaye :)

Fortune's Folly

2009-07-10T09:31:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-07T14:01:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-07-07T12:26:00.001-07:00

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:

Tales of A Ravenous Reader

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

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!

2009-07-06T20:40:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-07-06T08:52:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-02T13:43:00.001-07:00

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..

2009-07-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-01T16:08:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

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 :)

Books I Need NOW #2

2009-06-30T17:26:00.000-07:00

Without further ado, I present to you more books that I need RIGHT now!!

Enjoy~