Thursday 22 December 2016

Review - The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon




Title: The Sun is Also a Star
Author: Nicola Yoon
Pages: 388
Publisher: RHCP Digital
Release date: 3rd November 2016

Blurb from Goodreads: 

Natasha: I’m a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I’m definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won’t be my story.

Daniel: I’ve always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents’ high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store—for both of us.

The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?

 








 My Review:

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Penguin Random House UK Children's and NetGalley*




Natasha and her family are being deported back to Jamaica. Determined to do everything she can to stay in America, Natasha spends her last day in New York trying to stop the deportation. Events lead to her meeting Daniel who wants to be a poet but must follow the future that his parents want for him.
Can Daniel convince the scientifically minded Natasha that the universe has brought them together?
Will Natasha stay in America?
Will Daniel remain on the path that his parents have set for him?


The essence of The Sun is Also a Star is coincidences - they bring Natasha and Daniel together not just once but several times. I liked the idea of this and it did feel as if the universe was trying to bring Natasha and Daniel together.
The duo were relatable, realistic characters and I liked both of them. They were different and yet they complimented each other. The romance was sweet but it was rather instalovey.
The plot was interesting and along with the writing style it held my attention but I wasn't gripped.


Overall this was an enjoyable read.



Tuesday 20 December 2016

Top Ten Tuesday - Ten Books I Wouldn't Mind Santa Leaving Under My Tree




Top Ten Tuesday is a feature created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.



This week the topic is...
Ten Books I Wouldn't Mind Santa Leaving Under My Tree.





Here are my picks:


1. The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab


Miss Schwab can do no wrong and I would LOVE to have a copy of The Near Witch.





2. Winter by Marissa Meyer


I really need to read this!




3. Avalon by Mindee Arnett


 This sounds really good.




4. Yes Please by Amy Poehler

I loved Amy as Leslie Knope in Parks and Recreation.
I would like to find out more about her.




5. Heartless by Marissa Meyer

 I'm interested to see Marissa Meyer's take on Wonderland.




6. Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake


The premise for this sounds really intriguing.
I loved Antigoddess but wasn't as keen on the Anna Dressed in Blood books. Hopefully I like TDC more.




7. Girl Against the Universe by Paula Stokes


I've heard really good things about this and I love the cover.





8. When We Collided by Emery Lord


 This is another book that I've heard really good things about.




9. Goldenhand by Garth Nix

I still need to read Clariel but I LOVE this series. 
I'm so glad Garth Nix has continued with this series.




10. The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West


I really enjoyed The Distance Between Us.





What books do you want Santa to bring you?

Saturday 17 December 2016

Dark Faerie Giveaway



 Author and blogger E.J. Stevens is giving away a dark faerie themed prize pack.

The prizes include a coloring book, faerie necklace, book, earbuds, and more!


  • Gothic Dark Fantasy Coloring Book
  • Faerie Necklace
  • Amy Brown Faerie Greeting Card
  • Ivy Granger LED Keychain Flashlight
  • Ivy Granger Button
  • Shadow Sight (Ivy Granger #1) Ebook
  • Signed Ivy Granger Postcard
  • Custom Purple Earbuds


Dark Faerie Prize Pack EJ Stevens Ivy Granger Fantasy Purple


Enter via the Rafflecopter form below.  
This giveaway is open to the US, UK, and Canada.  
Giveaway begins December 15, 2016 and ends December 31, 2016.





Friday 16 December 2016

Month9Books Friday Cover + Chapter Reveal + Giveaway - Embers in the Sea (Fire in the Woods, #3) by Jennifer M. Eaton




Today Jennifer M. Eaton and Month9Books are revealing the cover and first chapter for EMBERS IN THE SEA, the third book in the FIRE IN THE WOODS series which releases January 31, 2017! Check out the gorgeous cover and enter to be one of the first readers to receive a eGalley!!



A quick note from the author:


Fire in the Woods has been an incredible journey for me. In book one, Jess and David raced through the woods of New Jersey. In book two, they raced through space, and spent some time on an alien planet. For book three, I needed a brand new frontier, and Earth’s vast oceans seemed the perfect setting for a new alien adventure. I really hope everyone enjoys Jess and David’s race through the sea, because the ocean has secrets, and some secrets don’t want to be found.



On to the reveal!





Title: EMBERS IN THE SEA (Fire in The Woods #3)
Author: JenniferM. Eaton
Pub. Date: January 31, 2017
Publisher: Month9Books
Format: Paperback, eBook
Pages: 300

Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | TBD



Alien scientist David has dealt with disappointment his entire life, but failing to breathe life into the planet Mars is his greatest regret. Out of options and in need of a new home for their people, the alien Caretakers rekindle their plan to inhabit Earth. First they will have to eliminate the human race, including Jess, the only human David
holds dear.

Humanity has one final chance at survival. David needs to emulate Earth’s precipitation on Mars. But the catalyst to make it rain lies in the fathomless depths of Earth’s ocean.

The clock is ticking down to humanity’s last hours as Jess and David face a world more alien than either of them can imagine. The sea hides secrets, but some secrets don’t want to be found.






Excerpt




1




Homework Sucked.




I tucked back the dark bang that flew in my face, shifted my seating, and balanced Philosophers of the Pre-modern World on my crossed legs.




Squinting in the morning sunshine, I forced my eyes to read the passage from Colton’s Lacon one more time:




“Time is the most undefinable yet paradoxical of things; the past is gone, the future is not come, and the present becomes the past, even while we attempt to define it.”




I closed the textbook and tossed it on the grass. “Why should I even care about what some old cleric guy said two hundred years ago?”




“Because he’s a famous old cleric guy.” Matt plucked the book from the lawn and dusted a few stray grass clippings from the cover.




“I came to college to study photography, not to be confused beyond reason by dead philosophers.”




Matt handed my book back as we stood. “Philosophy is supposed to broaden your mind.”




“Yeah, well, I’m broad enough.” I could sense a witty retort forming on his lips. “Don’t say it.”




He held up his hands. “I wouldn’t think of it.”




A group of people pointed at us from across the courtyard, and my fingers twined around my necklace, pressing the charm into my palm.




Here we go again.




When I first came to Columbia University, this was one of my favorite places to relax. The grass was like a hug from home, despite the New York skyline looming just over the trees. But each semester I had to dodge more and more Jess-watchers. Why they were still interested in me after all this time, I didn’t know.




It had been nearly two years since David left Earth to help his people populate Mars, and there’d been no impromptu spaceship sightings yet. But alien chasers still flocked to Columbia University thinking today might be the lucky day.




“How about we go this way.” Matt tugged me away from the wide-eyed group. Several of them raised camera phones, then looked at the sky.




It was always the same, as if just because Jessica Martinez walked outside, a spaceship would magically pop out of nowhere and whisk her away.




“You know, it wouldn’t hurt you to smile once in a while.” Matt waved at a guy holding a late model Nikon camera with a cheap lens attached to the front. “You always look ticked on the tabloid covers.”




I left the walkway and stomped across the grass. “These aren’t paparazzi. They’re just gawkers, and they’re driving me crazy. I wish they’d just let it go.”




Matt laughed. “Let it go? You’re Jess Martinez: the girl who saved the world from Armageddon. Twice. I think you need to cut people some slack.”




I stopped by the oak trees beside the library and watched a bird hop back and forth from the grass to the cement walkway. “I just want to be normal again. I want people to stop staring at me all the time.”




“Then you better stop wearing those tight jeans because, damn, girl, I’d snap a few pictures too if I thought I could get away with it.”




I smacked his shoulder, like I always did when he complimented me in his own, Matt-like way. It felt like we were back in New Jersey, back when I was “just Jess” and friendships weren’t so much a luxury.




“So, when is your cancer conference over?” I asked.




“It’s a symposium, and I’ll be here for a few more days.”




A few more days. It wasn’t enough. “Thanks for coming to see me. I missed you.”




Red stained his cheeks. “Yeah, I missed you too.” His gaze drifted to the tree. “Bobby says hi, by the way.”




I cringed and tried to hide my sneer. “I can’t believe you guys ended up friends after what he did to you in high school. He’s such a jerk.”




“Yeah, but he’s a connected jerk.”




“You don’t need him, Matt. You’re brilliant.”




He shrugged. “Brilliant only gets you so far. Bobby has the charm and means to get my work noticed.”




“And in return, you get him good grades?”




“I can’t take his exams for him, but yeah, I help with the other stuff.” We walked to the library steps, where he reclined against the marble. “He quit McGuire for you, you know?”




“That doesn’t change anything. He and I are never getting back together.”




“He’s trying to get back in your good graces … change the world so you see him differently.”




I eased down beside him. “Did he ask you to say that?”




Matt’s eyes opened like saucers. “Am I that transparent?”




“I can’t believe he’s pretending to care about cancer research just to impress me. When will he learn to take no for an answer?”




“So, you’re serious? You’re really not into him anymore?”




“Not. At. All. Not if he were the last guy on the planet.”




A smile spread across Matt’s face. “Good. You can do better. He’s a weasel.” He cleared his throat. “Just don’t tell him I said that. He’s still bigger than me.”




I mustered half a grin when three people jumped in front of the steps and tried to pretend they weren’t taking pictures of me.




“Wow,” Matt said. “They really don’t let up, do they?”




“Not too much, no.”




He stood and helped me to my feet. “How about we go inside somewhere? Is there anywhere around here we can catch an early lunch?”




I folded my arms. “Seriously? We’re in New York City. Name your poison.”




His grin made me forget about the roving photographers. “Anywhere quiet, where we can kinda be alone.”




I straightened. “Alone?”




He slipped his cold fingers around mine. “I meant it when I said I missed you.”




Whoa. I slid my hand away. “Weren’t you just rooting for team Bobby?”




“Yeah, well, I figure if the referee has banned Bobby from the game permanently, that kinda makes room for team Matt to swoop in and maybe win one for the eggheads of the world.”




A flash of seventeen-year-old Matt, bruised and bleeding on the sidewalk after Bobby beat him up for taking me to a movie flashed through my mind, before my vision refocused on the brilliant med student Matt had become. I’d saved the world from aliens, but Matt was going to save the world from cancer. He believed it. I believed it. Matt was one of those guys who could do anything.




As long as he could avoid getting beat up again.




And with me at his side, he would get beat up again. Going to college hadn’t changed Bobby that much, even if Bobby was riding on Matt’s gravy train.




Matt just put himself way out on a limb. But did I want to go out on that skinny little branch with him?




A smile burst across my face. Maybe I did. “How about something a little more casual, like ice cream.”




He held up his hands. “Whoa there. I don’t know. Ice cream sparks of commitment. We’ve only known each other for what, eight years? I think you’re moving a little fast for me. I thought I was pushing it with lunch.”




I punched him in the arm.




He punched me back. I loved that. No airs. No games. No attitude. Just Matt.




Maybe, just maybe, I could get my life back. Maybe I could be happy again.




A startled cry echoed through the courtyard.




“What is that?” a man yelled.




Matt grabbed my hand and we followed the throng away from the steps and onto the South Lawn. A huge hole had formed in the clouds, widening into a shimmering circle of crystal blue.




I plucked my camera out of my backpack and joined the amateurs clicking away with their cell phones. I hid my amusement behind the lens of Old Reliable.




These people had no idea what a picture could be, how to focus in just the right place, how to find tone in the simplest of images, and catch the perfect light to evoke the exact mood. I hit the shutter four times as the anomaly widened, expanding past several city blocks. Nature never ceased to astound me.




A few more photography students added their lenses to the crowd. There’d be no deficit of pictures for the papers to choose from, that was for sure.




I snapped seven more shots. The race was on. Click. Who would take the best shot? Click. Who would be the first to get their work into the papers?




Me. That’s who. Click. Click.




The shape shifted and elongated, swirling until it settled over the courtyard and froze as if someone pressed the pause button.




The crowd grew silent. I lowered my camera. WTF?




The air in the middle of the circle formed a nearly transparent, shimmering bubble. A rainbow formed across its surface; the stripes brilliant, clear, and defined. Dozens of breaths hitched as an iridescent flicker blasted across the apparition. The form pinched and molded into a colorful, swirling tube that slowly dropped from the sky.




Oh. Crap.




Matt tightened his grip on my hand as the other spectators stepped away. Half their gazes staring up, the remainder staring at me.




“Friends of yours?” Matt asked.




I shivered. “No. That’s not Erescopian technology.” At least I didn’t think it was. Erescopian ships were liquid metal … shiny opal or silver. “That just looks like … ”




“Water,” Matt whispered.




Water hanging in the sky. Or more like a lake … a huge lake with a giant elevator tube dropping out of it. So. Not. Good.




The cylinder fell in short, billowing waves before settling on the middle of the South Lawn. It was there, but it also wasn’t—like it took a picture of what was on the other side and played it like a video, hiding the tube like a chameleon. Wicked cool—if I wasn’t standing so close to it.




Matt inched back, glanced at me, then returned to my side. If I wasn’t riveted to my little patch of grass, I wonder if he’d have run.




Camera shutters triggered like crazy. Everyone gawked at me, like I was supposed to know what to do.




Yeah, cause Jess Martinez knows all there is to know about spaceships.




A whoosh echoed through the open area, like the Jolly Green Giant had blown out a candle, but without the wind. The people on the other side of the cylinder lit up as if a hundred suns flooded them. They stepped back, shielding their eyes.




My fingers tightened on the strap of my camera. I’d seen that light before, on the tarmac two years ago, as hundreds of Erescopian soldiers left their liquescent spaceships and stepped on Earth for the first time.




A siren blaring from behind the buildings broke my frozen stance. I raised Old Reliable, clicking off shots that probably would amount to nothing, until a human form materialized within the cylinder’s hazy brilliance.









Jennifer M. Eaton hails from the eastern shore of the North American Continent on planet Earth. Yes, regrettably, she is human, but please don’t hold that against her.
While not traipsing through the galaxy looking for specimens for her space moth collection, she lives with her wonderfully supportive husband and three energetic offspring. (And a poodle who runs the spaceport when she’s not around.)

During infrequent excursions to her home planet of Earth, Jennifer enjoys long hikes in the woods, bicycling, swimming, snorkeling, and snuggling up by the fire with a great book; but great adventures are always a short shuttle ride away.

Who knows where we’ll end up next?










3 winners will receive eBooks of FIRE IN THE WOODS, ASHES IN THE SKY, & an eGalley of EMBERS IN THE SEA,
International.





Thursday 15 December 2016

Blog Tour + Top Ten List + Giveaway - Incandescently by Sylvie Parizeau



Find the tour schedule here.

 







Incandescently by Sylvie Parizeau
Publication date: October 22nd 2016
Genres: New Adult, Romance


LIAM O’SHEA, bestseller author of the SciFi saga, Eiloe.

All I knew was pain – a childhood filled with cruelty and villains who used and abused.

Until Éolie.

I first heard her sweet, angelical voice in the dark of night, when I lay bathed in my own impending death. Seventeen years later, it’s not the nightmare she pulled me out of that haunts me, but the glimpse of Happily Ever After she revealed just before disappearing.

They said she was a figment of my boundless imagination. A wish. A dream. Until I had no choice but to believe them, cherishing my imaginary savior the only way I knew how – in fiction and lore.
But fantasy has a way of transforming reality. When I finally tire of being a citizen of the world, I take an impromptu sabbatical as a professor at a small college on the coast of Maine. And there I see her, the girl with the sea-green eyes and angelic voice.

My world turns upside down. Turns out my girl is for real, and the pull between us is anything but imaginary.

Happily Ever After has a story … and this one is mine.












 Top Ten Favourite Films


It’s always difficult for me to boil down anything to only ten favorites whenever I’m asked, but I’ll go with TOP 10 FAVORITE FILMS as the Holidays are upon us. It’s the perfect time for me to snuggle up in front of the fireplace and enjoy watching these anew as I never tire, so it seems, of doing so over and over again.

Let’s see. 10... (can I bargain for a baker’s dozen? :-D)

Pêle-mêle, in no particular order :

A walk to Remember (2002) (had to concoct three alternate endings for that one)
Endless Love (2014)
Maleficent (2014)
Jane Eyre (BBC 2006)
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
An Enchanted April (1992)
Out of Africa (1985)
And so many others…
Les Choristes
La Gloire de mon Père / le Château de ma Mère
Manon des Sources
The Lord of the Rings
Les Aventures de Tintin (2011)
And less I forget, all of Pixar animated movies as well as pretty much all of Walt Disney’s animated ones. Magic. Wonder. Laughter.

Oh, and if you wonder what’s my Top 10 Disney one? Beauty and the Beast, hands down, and I can hardly wait for the new movie to come out. I can’t seem to resist any book based on it either, come to think of it...

Feel free to visit my ‘About Me’ tab and peek under The Favorites? Toggle for more favorites of mine.

Season greetings from my winter wonderland, and happy reading holidays everyone!
Sylvie xo






Author Bio
 
A paralegal by day and incurable romantic by night, Sylvie is a cross-genre, and she takes Happily Ever After very seriously. The End just isn’t in her vocabulary.

An incorrigible daydreamer, she now feeds her obsession with epilogues by concocting stories in which heroes deal with the happy from the get-go. Ready, or not. And she confesses under oath to loving every minute of it.

Sylvie lives her own Happily Ever After in the beautiful mountains of Les Laurentides in Northern Quebec, alongside her whole set of characters.

In between treks in their backyard wilderness, you can find them hanging out at www.sylvieparizeau.com










  Tour-wide giveaway

Open INT



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