Becca Fitzpatrick Skype Session - Perth, WA

Hi all,

Just wanted to let you know that if you live in Perth, Western Australia and are a fan of Becca Fitzpatrick you might be interested to attend a special Skype session with Becca herself! If you want to find out more click here! Limited number of places available so be quick to RSVP!

Getting To Know You: Books for All Seasons

For this week's Getting To Know You interview, please welcome:
Sam from Books For All Seasons!

How long have you been blogging?
I've been blogging since September 2011. I used to read a lot and wanted to do something more than just reading. Writing book reviews is a great way to share my thoughts.

Why did you decide to create a blog?
Reading has been part of my life, it's like living with the characters while I'm reading the books. It helps me to keep track of books I've and will be reading. I figured if I create a blog, I can post all my book reviews on it. So whenever I want to read them, I know where to go.

How did your blog name originate?
I created the name Books For All Seasons when I thought about how much I love reading. It represents each season I buy, read, and review books. It means books have become part of my life, and I can't live without them.

How did you get into reading? Have you always been a reader?
I got into reading during my final year of college. I majored in English, so I read tons of books. When I was in middle school, I've always gotten into trouble by reading lots and lots of Middle Grade books. One of my teachers was like 'Sam, please put your book away.' I have always been a reader for as long as I can remember.

What was the last book you read that made you feel like shouting from the rooftops because it was that good?
Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen. I always reread it all the time.

Fave Literal Book Crush…
Mia from Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (surprise right?).

Favourite TV Show(s)…
I don't watch TV. I read and blog everyday. Hehe.

Favorite Authors...
Sarah Dessen, Elizabeth Scott, Alyson Noel, and Richelle Mead.

Hardback or Ebook?
Hardback.

Quote that you live by (or simply like)…
"Things end. People leave. And you know what? Life goes on. Besides, if bad things didn't happen, how would you be able to feel the good ones?" ~Elizabeth Scott

When your not reading, what do you like to do?
When I'm not reading, I blog, go to the bookstore, and visit and comment on other people's blog.

Thank you for having me, Rebecca!

No worries Sam, I hope you enjoyed answering the questions and taking part!

Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson

Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson

17-year-old Lila has two secrets she's prepared to take to the grave. The first is that she can move things just by looking at them. The second is that she's been in love with her brother's best friend, Alex, since forever. Or thereabouts. After a mugging on the streets of South London goes horribly wrong and exposes her unique ability, Lila decides to run to the only people she can trust - her brother and Alex. They live in Southern California where they work for a secret organisation called The Unit, and Lila discovers that the two of them are hunting down the men who murdered her mother five years before. And that they've found them. Trying to uncover the truth of why her mother was killed, and the real remit of The Unit, Lila becomes a pawn in a dangerous game. Struggling to keep her secrets in a world where nothing and no one is quite as they seem, Lila quickly realises that she is not alone - there are others out there just like her - people with special powers -and her mother's killer is one of them...

Review:
When Hunting Lila first came out, I wasn’t planning on reading it. Not because it didn’t sound good, but because I’ve only just started reading and getting into the Paranormal genre. But here I am with a review, after staring this book only a couple days ago. And here it is!

Even when I wasn’t reading this book, I was thinking about it. Thinking about what had happened so far and what might be going to happen just around the corner. The storyline gradually heats up, easing you into it, turning up a few notches or so as I read on further into the story.  

I loved how Alderson described the setting, atmosphere and characters, as it was picture perfect to imagine and lovely to read. You can’t help but fall in love with her addictive and charming prose!

I adored Lila – she was such an original character! I can’t help count the times she made my lips curl into a big grin, especially when it came to talking about Alex. ;D I also couldn’t help but love her feisty brother, Jack.

Alex was a dream! I could see why Lila was in love with him – not only is he attractive, he’s nice and genuine too. Hey, by the end of this book, I was head over heels as well!

I can’t wait to see what happens next! I definitely will be checking out the second instalment!

P.S  - What a stunning cover!

Rating 4/5

Christmas Giveaway - Winner Picked!

Yes, that’s right it’s already time to announce the winners for my Christmas Giveaway! When I started this giveaway, there was only one winner but I said if I reached 100 followers I’d add another winner – well I reached 100 and did just that, so thank you so much. I was so very happy!

This is only my second giveaway and last time picked the winner by using random.org. This time around I thought I’d give it ago the old fashion way – by pulling the names out of a hat! To supervise mum watched on as the names were drawn and here are the two winners:

- Ange @ Moonlight Reader

- Dani @ Pen to Paper

Congrats you two! You will be emailed shortly and have 48 hours to reply.

Getting To Know You: Chimneys and Magic

Welcome to this week's Getting To Know You. Please give a warm welcome to:

Arielle from Chimneys and Magic!

How long have you been blogging?

I have a pretty extensive blogging history – it’s quite insane to think back on it! I think I started in Year 8 (age 13), using those Windows Live Spaces type blogs. I also had a livejournal blog around that time when I was in Year 8/9/10, dedicated to my poetry. As of right now I only use Blogger, and have 3 ongoing blogs – including my book blog Chimneys and Magic which I only started in June this year. So in regards to book-blogging, I think I’m still a newbie. J Oh, and I have a tumblr and twitter too, obviously... ;)

Why did you decide to create a blog?
Before I started my own bookish blog, I had been avidly reading many other blogs (life, fashion, book blogs) and I loved book blogs especially because books and stories had always held a special place in my heart J. My friends told me I should start my own blog, for book reviews and that sorta stuff, and eventually – after a long while of being a simple lurker of the book-blogosphere, I finally became a book blogger!

How did your blog name originate?

I came up with the name Chimneys and Magic because I was watching an interview with musician/singer/artist Oh Land, and she mentioned something along the lines of magic and chimneys, so I have to credit her for that title – that interview was pretty inspiring.

But the name definitely has a Mary Poppins-esque quality to it which has been mentioned to me a couple times, and I love that allusion. I also think of Alice in Wonderland, maybe because of the children’s story, magical, fairytale feeling it brings.

How did you get into reading? Have you always been a reader?

Yes! In fact, in my highschool for Year 8, 9 and 10 English classes, we had a ‘reading period’ where the class spent one period of English class in the library, sitting silently, reading books. It was one of the things I was really sad about when starting upper-school (Year 11/12) because I branched off into English Lit and we didn’t get to have reading periods anymore and I missed them terribly.

One time in reading period, in year 9, our English teacher was reading To Kill a Mockingbird, and she was literally crying! Tears spilling down her face and all! It was awkward, but funny because the teacher has to sit in front of the semi-circle of chairs that the class sits in, facing us! Good times. J

What was the last book you read, that made you feel like shouting from the rooftops, ‘cause it was that good!

Game of Thrones by George RR Martin! I’m actually only one eighth of the way through the novel, but I already know it is that good. Every single thing about this story is fascinating and ingenious and alluring and captivating.

Bookish and Random...

Fave Literal Book Crush...
I would have to go with Mr Darcy, for sure. The whole Jane-Austen-style Regency period is so alluring to me - the lifestyle, the social culture, even the fashion culture... I’m definitely an escapist sort of gal like that.

Favourite TV Show(s)...
I have too many to list! At the moment, I am loving Merlin, The Lying Game, The Secret Circle, The Vampire Diaries, 90210, Glee, Hart of Dixie, Nikita, Australia’s Next Top Model, Awkward, New Girl, 2 Broke Girls, How I Met Your Mother, Modern Family, Desperate Housewives...

I’m looking forward to the return of Chuck, True Blood, and Game of Thrones, and I am definitely going to fall in love with the upcoming new series Once Upon a Time (based on fairytales!)

Favourite authors...

In random order: C.S. Lewis, JK Rowling, Suzanne Collins, Sophie Kinsella, Jaclyn Moriarty, Markus Zusak... I have so many more but those are just a few.

Hardback or Ebook?
‘I pledge to read the printed word’! Ink and paper will always feel more authentic to me. But I do read e-books when they are free ;)

Quote that you live by (or simply like)...

I don’t really live by any quotes or mottos but I like this one:

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” (Dr Seuss)

When you’re not reading, what do you like to do?

Watch TV shows, listen to and play music/sing, blog/read blogs, and Youtube!

Thanks Arielle for letting us get to know you a bit better! I hope you enjoyed participating! :D

Getting To Know You: Bookends (& Beginnings)

Welcome to a feature I host called, Getting To Know You. Please welcome:

Kristen from Bookends (& Beginnings)

How long have you been blogging?
Since October 10^th, 2011! I’m a newbie.

Why did you decide to create a blog?
I love writing, and I wanted a place where I could connect with other readers/writers.

How did your blog name originate?
Well, I originally wanted to call it My Uber Awesome Blog That Everyone Should Read! But, I thought that might be a tad desperate, so in the end I went with Bookends (& Beginnings) because, you know, it’s about books, and I like play on words type things.

How did you get into reading? Have you always been a reader?

When I was little we had this tape/follow along book called Alphabet Island about animals who travel to an island that has a monster on it, and whatever word they spell (like stop, mad, etc) the monster acts like the word. I think that’s where my love of reading really began, and after that it was only a matter of time before I was reading Dostoevsky.

What was the last book you read, that made you feel like shouting from the rooftops, ‘cause it was that good!

Wow, I feel really lucky cuz’ the last THREE books I read made me feel like that. Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson, Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, and Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen.

Bookish and Random...

Fave Literal Book Crush...

The Beast/Prince from Beauty and the Beast in any version I’ve ever read (and trust me, I’ve read a lot of Beauty and the Beast). Also, Spiller from The Borrowers. Le sigh.

Favourite TV Show(s)...

My newest obsessiong is this Canadian drama starring Alexz Johnson called Instant Star. She sings a different song each episode, and it’s just amazing and incredibly dramatic and ridiculous. Addicting.
Also, Ugly Betty, Veronica Mars, Firefly, and Fullmetal Alchemist. This is what I do when I’m procrastinating from writing.

Favourite authors...

William Goldman, Dostoevsky, Robin McKinley, Lemony Snicket, Madeleine L’Engle – These are the authors that keep me going back book after book.

Hardback or Ebook?

REAL book for sure. I know ebooks save trees and all that, but there’s something incredibly romantic about bound paper with black lines inching across the pages.

Quote that you live by (or simply like)...

"Caffeine only burns a wounded heart." From the anime Last Exile. I have no idea what it means, but it makes me laugh.

When you’re not reading, what do you like to do?

Feed my unicorns (they get cranky when they’re not fed), Pretend I’m a rock star with my air guitar and invisible microphone.

Thank you Rebecca! This was fun.

No worries Kristen! Thank you for participating! :)

Hush, Hush by Becca Fizpatrick

Hush, Hush by Becca Fizpatrick

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Review:

As soon as I opened Hush, Hush I was intrigued. Becca Fizpatrick’s writing grabbed me from the start and was delightful to read.

The characters interested me from the get go and I liked them instantly. Tall, dark, mysterious, Patch – what a swoon and Nora, well you can’t help but like her! I also loved Vee – she’s wacky, fun, a bit crazy and also a great friend.

This book kept me on my toes and I didn’t know what to expect next! It was full of surprises and had me guessing at what was around the corner!

Hush, Hush, reminded me quite a bit of, Hex: A Witch and Angel Tale, except with this book I didn’t gradually love it – I loved it right from the start. :)

I was absolutely glued to this book and finished it in less than a day! I can’t wait to see what happens in the next installment!

A fantastic debut! I can see why everyone loves this series!

Rating 4/5

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Review:

I had heard rave reviews about this book and decided I better check it out, especially since I heard they were making it into a movie. I can now see what all the fuss is about!

Normally as I’m reading a book, I take some notes, but found it really hard to do so, whilst reading this book. Finally, I was able to take some notes, but in the beginning couldn’t do so because I was overwhelmed and flabbergasted (in a good way)!

I was so infatuated - this book had me in a page flipping frenzy. Suzanne Collins has created a smart and clever story, that is very well thought out and will simply amaze you. The writing is simple yet effective and a breeze to read.

I hate killing (bet your wondering why I picked this up then) but this book was so good I tried not to concentrate on that and focused on the wonderfully weaved story at hand.

All the characters were great! Especially Katniss – brave, smart and a fighter, you can’t help but fall in love with her and wish her all the best. Peeta – what a sweetheart. :) I liked Gale so far, but can’t wait to get to know him better in Catching Fire.

I wish I had of read this book sooner, but I’m glad I didn’t, because I’ve just started to read outside my comfort zone and don’t think I would of appreciated it!

Bad Bits? No. But the goriest bit I didn’t care for were those wolves.

This is so not my type of book – I mean I’m mostly a contemp girl! The Hunger Games is the first dystopian book I’ve ever read and I can honestly say I really enjoyed it! So if you have yet to check this out, I really suggest you do so – even if it’s not what you normally read, you might just surprise yourself!

Capturing, Riverting, Creative, Gripping – The Hunger Games is all that and so much more!

Rating 5/5

Christmas Giveaway!

 

I know, I know, I promised a giveaway and here it finally is! Since my computers not working, I am making this simpler than I originally planned on doing, but also very fun! There will be 1 winner who will win 1 book off their wishlist, which I will pick and will be a suprise! I may add more if it goes really well (or I reach 100 followers).

So how do you enter? Simple.

~Fill out the entry form and give me your book wishlist.  (preferably from Goodreads if you have an account or the like. Otherwise if you don’t have a wish list, name 5 titles within $15).

~Must be a follower.

~Make sure that the Book Depository ships to you, cause that’s who I’ll be using to send off the book!

~The winner will have 48 hours to respond, if I don't hear from them, I will pick a new winner!

~Once I've sent the book off, I am not responsible for any loss or damage.

Giveaway runs from the 9^th – 23^rd of November.

Click HERE to enter!

Getting To Know You: l'amour Books

Welcome to another wonderful, Getting To Know You Interview. Please welcome:

Becky from l'amour Books!

How long have you been blogging?

I haven’t been blogging; I actually just started my blog in September of this year. But I have loved every minute of my blogging experience so far.

Why did you decide to create a blog?

I realized that my friends and family weren’t interested in reading like I was; therefore they didn’t care about my opinions on the books that I have read. I wanted to be able to share my opinions with others that were interested in reading.

How did your blog name originate?

I love the French culture and I love books. So it was a no brainer naming my blog L’amour Books, which translate to Love Books.

How did you get into reading? Have you always been a reader?

When I was younger I had a reading problem and when I saw my classmates understanding words and being able to read books, I was jealous. So I got a tutor, faced my reading problem, and learned to read. Since then I have had my nose stuck in a book.

What was the last book you read, that made you feel like shouting from the rooftops, ‘cause it was that good!

I loved Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. It had me giggling and smiling on every page. I also recently read and loved City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. That was an awesome book.

Bookish and Random...

Fave Literal Book Crush... Jace from the Mortal Instrument Series and Adam from If I Stay and Where She Went.

Favourite TV Show(s)... Vampire Diaries.

Favourite authors... Stephanie Perkins, Gayle Forman, Cassandra Clare, Kimberly Derting and so many more that I could write a book.

Hardback or Ebook? Ebook. I love having a bookstore at my fingertips.

Quote that you live by (or simply like)... “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”- Mahatma Gandhi

When your not reading, what do you like to do?

I love spending time with my friends and family. I also love to play tennis and shop. 

  

Thanks for stopping by and participating in the interview Becky. I hope you've enjoyed another Getting To Know You!

Joel and Cat Set the Story Straight by Nick Earls and Rebecca Sparrow

Joel and Cat Set the Story Straight by Nick Earls and Rebecca Sparrow

Joel and Cat Set the Story Straight is two weeks in the life of Joel Hedges and Cat Davis. Joel would prefer to get through his final year of high school without Cat Davis or his mother's faux Spanish boyfriend and just hang-out with his best-friend Luke. Cat Davis has an annoying best-friend, and even more annoying little brother, and a deep abiding hatred of Joel Hedges.

Due to an unfortunate incident involving a leaking pen and suspected outbreak of Bird Flu, Joel and Cat are forced to sit next to each other in Extension English. To make matters worse, and to their mutual horror, they are paired together for a tandem story writing assignment.

Review:

 I picked this book up, intrigued by the blurb and interested to read by two well known Aussie authors. I’m glad I picked this up, cause now that I know I like Miss Sparrow’s prose, I’m looking forward to reading more by her!

As soon as I started reading from Cat’s POV (Rebecca Sparrow) I instantly liked her writing style. However, I didn’t really connect with the other author, Nick Earls, who wrote from Joel’s perspective. 

This book was quite a roller coaster – one minute I was really enjoying it and the next minute it was going down hill and I found myself skimming parts. :(

I don’t really know what to say for the characters. To me, they were okay, but didn’t really stand out. Except for her little brother – What a cute, out-of-control, obsessive lolly eater, rascal! As said by Mark “Whatever Trevor!” :]

The El Salvador cooking scene, was hilarious! A little cringing to watch unravel, but it made me laugh-out-loud and had me shaking my head at just what was happening. I laughed that loud, my dad asked me what I was watching. I then had to persuade him, that yes, you really can laugh that much at a book! He still didn’t seem sure…

Sometimes this book was so random…like seriously! One minute I was reading and the next minute, I came to a screeching stop wondering what had just happened!

Even though some parts were enjoyable and very fun to read, sometimes I found myself losing interest.

Rating – 2/5

Getting To Know You: YA Infatuation

Welcome back to our second Getting To Know You Interview! Please give a big warm welcome to:

Sky from YA Infatuation!

 

How long have you been blogging?

I have been blogging since May of this year so about 5 months.

Why did you decide to create a blog?

If you knew me you would soon know that I am a very opinionated person. I always have to get my part in the discussion in. I guess I started the blog to get my ideas and opinions about books out there.

How did your blog name originate?

I'm infatuated with YA literature!

How did you get into reading? Have you always been a reader?

I actually got into YA because of Twilight. Before that when I was in about 4th grade and under I read middle grade. My favorite was probably Junie B. Jones! I've always been a reader because my mother taught be to read when I was 3. I can't believe I still remember this but my uncle used to make fun of me because I couldn't read and I would just guess what the words said from the pictures. So actually its kind of his fault that I'm a bookworm now! Thanks uncle Chris!

What was the last book you read that made you feel like shouting from the rooftops because it was that good?

I feel that way about a lot of books but currently it is Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake. It was so original and horrific!

Fave Literal Book Crush

JACE JACE JACE JACE JACE JACE JACE JACE JACE JACE JACE JACE JACE JACE!

Jackass (but he's my jackass!)

Abs

Cool

Especially Sexy

Favourite TV Show(s)

Really bad question for me! I'll try to downsize!

The Vampire Diaries, The Secret Circle, Pretty Little Liars, Switched at Birth, The Lying Game, Toddlers and Tiaras, Dance Moms, Project Runway

Favorite Authors

mmm can I skip this? I have way too many but my favorite contemporary author is Sarah Dessen.

Hardback or Ebook

Hardback

Quote that you live by (or simply like)

"Life sucks and then you die" Jacob Black from The Twilight Saga!

When your not reading,what do you like to do?

Dance, Gymnastics, Play Guitar and sing a bit, Draw, Sew, Watch tv and movies, Write poems and stories

Thanks Sky for letting us get to know you! What do you guys think of the interviews so far...enjoying them? Comment below!