Sneak a Peek Saturday is a feature that lets "peek" into an upcoming book. Sometimes it is a chapter or two or maybe more.

This week's selection is I AM NUMBER FOUR. A novel written by Pitticus Lore and this book is currently being produced into a movie due for release in February, 2011. It looks amazing and will hit the bookstores on August 3rd. If your not convinced of it's awesomeness just click on the book cover for a sneek peak and check it out.

Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books—but we are real.
Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. we have lived among you without you knowing.
But they know.

They caught Number One in Malaysia.Number Two in England.

And Number Three in Kenya.

They killed them all.

I am Number Four.

I am next.

GLIMMERGLASS by Jenna Black

Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 304 pages

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (May 25, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0312575939

ISBN-13: 978-0312575939

Cover: Beautiful

Series: Yes

Author Website: Jenna Black

REVIEW YYY1/2

At first I was hesitant to read another faery novel due to the currently over saturated market, but I was pleasantly surprised but how much I was pulled into this new and intriguing story.

Glimmerglass is Jenna Black's debut YA genre novel and she has done a exceptional job of putting a new spin on the customary faery tale.

Dana Hathaway may be sixteen but she has always had to be an adult ever since she was a mere child due to the fact that her mother was an alcoholic hot mess. One day Dana reaches her crap quota and decides to locate her father whom is an important faery and lives in Avalon--a place where the faery and human world overlap and thrive. One Google search and she has her information and she goes overseas in search of a life where she can act like a teenager instead of the adult she was tired of being, but she soon regrets what she so desperately was seeking for. Once in Avalon Dana finds out that her father is in jail and she is immediately taken away by her Aunt, only to be kidnapped by a brother and sister duo that have another agenda for her well-being. In their charge Dana finds out that she is a Faery Walker--one that can bring magic into the human world and technology into the Faery realm. She soon realizes why she is so sought after and when she finally meets her father and finds out how terrifying that concept is and her father has no plans of letting her go. Now she is a practically a prisoner in her father's home and sorely wishing she was with her mother again.

The combination of fae tradition and human technology in the world of Avalon is intriguing and original. Glimmerglass has much promise, for I felt that it had a good basic structure while exhibiting a few plot points that I was not totally sold on. Yet, It was enough to whet my appetite and keep me interested. I am hopeful that the storyline will improve with subsequent novels because Dana Hathaway is a force to be recognized and I cannot wait to witness her ultimate potential. I am also eager to see whom her romantic interest will be, she has several options that are both yummy and dangerous.

Glimmerglass is a fun read with great action moments that will keep you engaged and ultimately wanting more.

Hello Everyone.

Next Wednesday, August 4 at 5 pm ET, author Cassandra Clare will be making a major announcement about The Mortal Instruments series and taking questions during a video chat. If you interested and how could you not be just click on the banner above and RSVP for this special event.

See you there :)

Hey everyone!! Please don't forget to enter my Clockwork Angel contest for the opportunity to win the ARC. The contest is to be judged by Cassandra Clare herself. Just click on the book cover and enter.

GOOD LUCK!!

Jill over at Breaking the Spine started this and I believe that it's awesome" This blog post is to alert those that visit about "the" book that we cannot wait to get our hands on.

This week I have selected TIMELESS by Alexandra Monir. The cover is beautiful and that immediately got my attention and then the romantic edge to the story synopisis left me salivating for it.

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (January 11, 2011)
Hardcover: 288 pages

When her mother is killed in a car accident, Michele Windsor has no choice but to move in with the wealthy grandparents she's never met in New York. Disillusioned by their coldness, Michele retreats into her room, where she discovers her great-great-aunt's journal--and, once she touches its pages, finds herself hurtled back in time.

In the glamorous Gilded Age, Michele learns that a wedding is coming up between the Windsors and another prominent family, the Walkers. But when Michele attends a party, something miraculous happens: while almost no one can see her in this era, one gorgeous young man with sparkling blue eyes can. Drawn together by mutual attraction, the two bond over music and the parents they've recently lost. But when the party is over, Michele learns the truth--the man she just fell for is Phillip Walker. And she, unknowingly, has just inspired him to call off his wedding to her great-great-aunt, prompting a family feud that will last for generations.

As Michele travels back and forth in time, she and Phillip meet over and over, always frustrated by their inability to have more than a few hours together. Michele knows she should try to make a life in the present, but none of the boys at school can hold a candle to Phillip. Finally, Michele tries to end their romance altogether--spurring a tragedy that transcends generations. Has Michele destroyed her chances for happiness? Or is her love for Phillip . . . timeless?

DEAR DYLAN by Siobhan Curham

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Paperback: 208 pages

Publisher: AuthorHouse (March 24, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 144909869X

ISBN-13: 978-1449098698

Cover: Attention grabing and colorful

Author Website: Siobhan Curham

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

Review
I did not know what to expect from this novel and I was curious about the story concept because I had not read a book in an email response format and found that I was happily surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

Siobhan Curnham has penned a heartwarming story that explores the social media of emails and how a most unlikely relationship can be formed via the Internet.

Dear Dylan is a story about fourteen-year-old Georgie Harris and her six weeks of summer vacation...well not so vacation, since she is forced to babysit her younger sister Michaela and unable to attend the local drama workshop that she longs to join. To ease her pain that is inflicted by her cruel step-dad, Georgie begins to email her favorite TV star Dylan Curtland and much to her surprise he responds. Georgie is so happy that she begins to spill her everyday happenings to him and a warm correspondence begins, but one day a confession is made and the circumstances of Dylan Curtland's emails come to light. Georgie is hurt but she continues on with her emails and makes an e-mate from some one that she never envisioned corresponding with. What transpires is a telling of truths, hopes, dreams, fears and a bond of friendship that is endearing to behold. A story to lighten the soul.

I adored reading this book and witnessing the relationship that blossomed between Georgie and her new e-mate and seeing how things transpired before my very eyes. Georgie has some very troubling issues at home that she finds the courage to face them while her e-mate realizes that it is time for a change in their life and heads off in a new yet old direction. They both came from different places in life yet together they help each other break out of their inner shells and thrive and that is the heart of this story and how you never know where your next great friendship can come from. I laughed and cried and only wanted more. Siohban has done an amazing job and I cannot wait to read more from her, Bravo!

If you in the mood for a great read that will entertain and delight you while making you smile then you need not look any further. This is the book for you.

I wanted to Congratulate Tiffany from Tiffany's Bookshelf blog (throws confetti and streamers) YEAY!! for winning the Maggie Stiefvater select your series contest. She has made it known that she wants the Wolves of Mercy Falls series and when I go to see Maggie on Friday I will get that series signed for her in her name :)

To all the other entrants, Thank you for entering and keep posted for I have other contests coming :)

Jill over at Breaking the Spine started this and I believe that it's awesome" This blog post is to alert those that visit about "the" book that we cannot wait to get our hands on.

This week's selection is Fallen Angel by Heather Terrell. I found this book selection while perusing good reads and knew that it had to be my next WOW. It has a gorgeous cover and as usual the snynopsis stood out for me. I know that Angel themed novels are on the rise, but this one is too good to resist.

When Ellie Faneuil first sees Michael Chase, she feels an instant connection. They soon learn that they share more than a powerful attraction: They have powers that are otherworldly. Together they go in search of what they are...and find themselves center stage in an ancient conflict. But will they choose the same side?

Heather Terrell spins a gripping tale of soul mates, supernatural powers, and the battle between good and evil.

What is your WOW for this week?

On Sale: 12/28/2010

Pb 9780061965708 $8.99 ($11.99)

Ages: 12 up

SHE's SO DEAD TO US by Kieran Scott

Reading level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 288 page

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children Publishing 1 edition (May 25, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1416999515

ISBN-13: 978-1416999515

Cover: Simple yet effective

Author Website: Kieran Scott

Rating: YYYY

REVIEW

When I read the premise of She's So Dead to Us I was instantly intrigued and knew I had to read it. This book was just too good to pass up with it's socially relevant subject matter, emotionally charged nature and forbidden romance that made my spine tingle and I was NOT disappointed.

Kieran Scott has done a fantastic job demonstrating the worst and best in humanity while having the keen ability to present some of the most honest and believable dialogue around.

She's So Dead to Us centers on Ally Ryan, a teen and her return to her home town of Orchard Hill. It was the place where she grew up, had many long life friends, starred on the basketball team and also the "scene of the crime" where she left in the dead of night with her family because her father made a bad deal that cost people a lot of money. Ally would have never believed that less than two year later she would return Orchard Hill and face all of the people that she had left behind, especially now that she was a NORM aka (not so wealthy individual) and no longer a CRESTIE aka (very wealthy). On her first night back she cannot help but visit the old neighborhood and is pulled straight to her former house where she meets Jake Graydon, resident hottie and new best buddy to her old BFF Shannen. She finds him irresistible and when an opportunity to see him again comes up she takes the opportunity to see him and her old friends only to find out that they all dislike her, nay HATE her...because of what her father had done. Ally had no idea of the ramifications that her fathers' bad decision had created and she was mortified on top of the hurt that she had no idea where her father was, for soon after they moved out of town he had left her and her mother. The only thing that Ally could do was hold her head high and move forward with her life and ignore her former friends, but that was next to impossible because all she wants is Jake and he is a Crestie and her old friends would do anything to make sure that will never happen. Does Ally stand a chance with all the drama that is sure to come her way? Only reading this story will tell...

It did not take me long, maybe ten pages and I knew that I adored this book. Those that know me, understand my love for paranormal fiction but once in a while a contemporary novel comes around that completely floors me and She's So Dead to Us is one of those novels. I was wholly intrigued with this story concept and how money can change friendships especially during the current economic upheavel in today's society. The fact that Ally no longer had the silver spoon that she was born with but a plastic fork and that she did not let that prohibit her from doing what she wanted made me admire her all the more. I also admired her heart for trying to forgive those former friends of hers time and time again. As for Jake Graydon while at times I feel like throttling him for being so "baa baa" sheep like in his crestie membership I am glad that he proves himself as they story moves along. I also wanted to thank Kieran for creating a Nemesis so hateful that I had no idea that I could dislike somebody that much...uggg. I love it when a book can do that to me, now I have to wait until next year for the sequel in this trilogy and I don't think I can make it. HELP! The cliffhanger in the novel is killing me.

This story will take you on a roller-coaster ride of emotions and it will make you think about the power friendship and if you can ever put a price on it. Read it now and be forewarned, once you begin reading you will not be able to stop. Enjoy.

Hello! I just wanted to remind anyone that has not entered the Maggie Stiefvater contest that there is only one day left. Who doesn't want a personally signed copy of one of Maggie's series and if your unable to see her on tour then this is a perfect opportunity for you. Just click HERE and enter. Good Luck!!

THE PRINCE OF MIST by Carlos Luiz Safron
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; First American Edition edition (May 4, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316044776
ISBN-13: 978-0316044776
Format: Audio bookBook Cover: eerie and beautiful
Rating: YYYY


REVIEW

The Prince of Mist by Carlos Luiz Safron is spine-chilling story telling at it's best. I could not believe how much this eerie by not horrifying tale held me captivated between it's pages. At times I was so spooked that I was gripping my book for dear life and kept jumping at every little sound, but I could not stop until I read the very last page.

Carlos Luiz Safron has penned a story that has perfect suspenseful pitch with a twist of noire and seductive tones. A read that is eerie yet enticing while showcasing a diabolical character that you cannot forget.

The Prince of Mist is set in the WWII era and begins as Maximillian Carver and his family leave their city residence to live in a small coastal village to escape the threat of war. Yet, once they enter it's boundaries a sense of unease overcomes Max; the only boy and middle child of the Carver family. These feelings intensify for Max once the history of his new home comes to light and strange events begin to take place. Then Max takes a ride into town where he meets a new friend named Roland, whom becomes enchanted by Max's older sister Alicia. After a tragic event occurs the trio soon become inseparable and together they explore a sunken ship and eerie stone garden that seems to house many secrets that Roland's grandfather reveals to them. Little do they realize how that ship, garden and the Carver's new residence are irrevocably and horrendously intertwined and how the prince of mist will not rest until all debts are paid.

I had the unique pleasure of listening to The Prince of Mist and was amazed at how much I enjoyed this novel. Not only was the story incredible but the production of this audio book included a wonderful musical score and sound bits that kicked it up to another level. This story had such an eerie and ominous feel to it that it distinctively reminded me of a noire films of the 1940's with it's shadows of suspense, whispers of mist and sinister bad guy. I could not have asked for a better read to keep me on the edge of my seat. And believe me you will want to keep the lights on long after your are finished. I enjoyed the well fleshed out characters that where presented, especially Max because he was so intelligent and honest. I also wanted to give a nod of approval to one of the most horrible villains ever created as with The Prince Of Mist himself. He was such a diabolical bad ass that I will not forget him, ever.

The only complaint I have is that it took a bit to get rolling but once the end of the first chapter was reached I was hooked. I do have another mild issue but will not reveal it because it would give too much away.

So, if you in the mood for a wicked good adventure read that will leave you scared but wanting for more, then this is the read for you.

THE PRINCE OF MIST

Look at what was just revealed by Carrie Ryan. The Dark and Hollow Places is my much awaited book for next year and I cannot wait to finally read it. The cover is creepy, ominious and fitting for the series. What do you think?

THE DARK AND HOLLOW PLACES

3rd March 2011

There are many things that Annah would like to forget: the look on her sister's face when she and Elias left her behind in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, her first glimpse of the horde as they found their way to the Dark City, the sear of the barbed wire that would scar her for life. But most of all, Annah would like to forget the morning Elias left her for the Recruiters.Annah's world stopped that day and she's been waiting for him to come home ever since.Without him, her life doesn't feel much different from that of the dead that roam the wasted city around her. Then she meets Catcher and everything feels alive again. Except, Catcher has his own secrets dark, terrifying truths that link him to a past Annah's longed to forget, and to a future too deadly to consider. And now it's up to Annah can she continue to live in a world drenched in the blood of the living? Or is death the only escape from the Return's destruction?

Jill over at Breaking the Spine started this and I believe that it's awesome" This blog post is to alert those that visit about "the" book that we cannot wait to get our hands on.

This week I have selected the final installment to Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely series, THE DARKEST MERCY. Melissa's books are some of my favorite reads and I am going to be very sad knowning that it is the last installment. Yet, I still cannot wait to get my hands on it and we have to wait until next year.

So, what is your WOW for this week?

DARKEST MERCY

“Send the messengers for the faery courts. This is the end.”

The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of powerful fey.

Aislinn tends the Summer Court, searching for her absent king and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.

Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the faery courts, and in the final conflict, some will win…and some will lose everything.

The exhilarating conclusion to Melissa Marr’s New York Times bestselling Wicked Lovely series will leave readers breathless

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that pageBE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here is my treasured find with Dear Dylan by Siobhan Curham: Page 97

"OH MY GOD. YOU ARE SITTING ON A BED WITH JAMIE PHELPS. YOU ARE SITTING ON JAMIE PHELPS' BED." And then, "OH MY GOD, WE'RE SO CLOSE WE'RE ALMOST TOUCHING."

Ah! innocent romance :) If your further interested here is more about Dear Dylan

“I’m so tired of feeling sad. And waiting for other people to make me happy and they don’t. And if no-one else is going to make you happy, well maybe you just have to do it for yourself?”

Fourteen year old Georgie Harris feels as if the summer holidays are over before they have even begun. Banned from going to the local drama workshop by her bully of a step-dad and her increasingly fragile mum, she is consigned to six long weeks of looking after her tooth-fairy obsessed kid sister. Sick of feeling like the outsider at home and at school, she starts emailing the one person she thinks might understand; Dylan Curtland, star of the popular soap opera Jessop Close. And when Dylan starts emailing back, Georgie finally feels a spark of hope. At last she has someone who really gets her, someone who really wants to help. But in the faceless world of email all is not as it seems…

HUNGER by Jackie Morse Kessler

Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 180 pages

Publisher: Graphia (October 18, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0547341245

ISBN-13: 978-0547341248

Cover: Simple but effective

Author Website: Jackie Morse Kessler

Favorite Line: "Thou art famine, yo," Death said. "Time to make with the starvation."

REVIEW YYY1/2

When I first sat down to read HUNGER I did not know what to expect. I only know that I was intrigued with the idea of this novel: A anorexic girl that now has an amazing power connected to her food issues. The story concept is imaginative and daring because it encompasses a very touchy topic while introducing us to a new world.

Jackie Morse Kessler has written several paranormal novels but HUNGER is her debut YA effort. With HUNGER, Jackie has done a great job of presenting a girl with an eating disorder that now harnesses the power of one of the Four Horsemen of the apocalypse.

Lisabeth Lewis is consumed by Hunger, it rules her life and it provides her with the ammunition for control. She is an anorexic seventeen-year-old that constantly feels empty and cold, and one night when she takes measures to fill the never ending void she is visited by Death: one of the Four Horsemen of the apocalypse whom presents her with a set of scales and a new job. Lisa does not remember much from the encounter until the next night when Death returns and explains that she is now Famine: a black rider of the Four Horsemen (Famine, War, Death and Pestilence) and she must go out unto the world. As Famine, she is able to forget her personal life and constant hunger and marvel at the disturbing power that she now possesses as she roams the earth. Yet, with this horrifying gift Lisa must balance learn to balance her new life with her eating disorder and make sense of it all.

HUNGER starts off bursting forth out of the gate and continues it's face-paced gallop until the very end and although I enjoy a quick read I would have preferred a bit more build up prior to the inception of Lisa as Famine. Lisa's inner struggle was well visualized and demonstrated and I could understand her character. Yet the character that I enjoyed the most was Death for he was Sexy and mysterious and had some of the best lines in this dark story. I commend Jackie for an inventive new story while interweaving a young girl's eating disorder for it is original, terrifying and honest and I cannot wait for the next story.

For those fans of Wintergirls that may want a story with a supernatural edge then you need look no further.

PARANORMALCY by Kiersten White
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen (August 31, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061985848
ISBN-13: 978-0061985843
Cover: Beautifully haunting with excellent use of color
Author Website: Kiersten White



REVIEW YYY

Being a fan of Paranormal stories I knew that I had to read PARANORMALCY: a novel that promised to be original and fun. Upon reading it I was intrigued enough to finish the story but found that It did not completely grab me, although I know many will enjoy it.

Kirsten White has penned a novel that is cute while flirting on the edge of mischief and danger. Paranormalcy is a good read for tween and younger teen readers with it's pacing and unique storyline.

Paranormalcy is a story about Evie, a unique teenager that has the ability to see through any paranormals glamour. Evie and her sidekick "tasey" (her pink bedazzled taser gun) work and reside at the International Paranormal Containment Agency and together they bag and tag paranormals. Despite Evie's dangerous job she tries to live like a normal teen and that includes watching her favorite tv show Easton Heights, but it is small compensation for a girl that is sheltered. Despite her unusual secluded circumstances she has an ex-boyfriend that comes in the form of a faery named Reth and although they are no longer an item she cannot help the emotions he elicits within her. Then one day the IPCA brings in a new paranormal, someone unlike any of them have ever seen but Evie is intrigued by him and soon they become friends, despite all of the warnings against it. Through their conversations, Lend informs her of this horrible prophecy that predicts the destruction of all paranormal creatures and it's cryptic message points to Evie. Yet, before they can investigate this prophecy, paranormal massacres begin and soon Evie and Lend are on the run from a force greater than anything they have ever seen. While in exile Evie finally learns what it is like to live life as a normal teen and she begins to fall for Lend but she knows that she cannot keep up the facade when the source of the recent massacres wants to find her, but it's all in a days work for a girl like her.

I enjoy a good paranormal story especially one that has romance and loads of originality. So, while PARANORMALCY has touches of these elements it does not totally deliver as I would have liked. I found the narrative to run towards a more juvenile vein then I prefer, while showcasing a storyline that is different. I enjoyed the character diversity that this story presented and found Lend to be one of my favorite characters for his ability was a bit cool and unique, more so than Evie's.

I wanted to enjoy it more than I did and hope that I am not being too harsh because I would like to read more from Kiersten for I feel that she has great potential. If you looking for a paranormal read with a youthful edge then this story is a good choice.

OMG!! WHAT IS NOT TO LOVE ABOUT THIS COVER. Lisa Desrochers just revealed her cover to PERSONAL DEMONS and I am in LURVE with it. What do you think? If you love it than you have to pre-order it now

If you had to choose between Heaven and Hell, which would it be? Are you sure about that...? September 14, 2010

Look at the hottie winged Gabe and smokin' evil Luc. I DIE.

Jill over at Breaking the Spine started this and I believe that it's awesome" This blog post is to alert those that visit about "the" book that we cannot wait to get our hands on.

This week I have selected a book that once the synopsis was read I could not get it out of my mind. It sounds great and I love photography so it calls to me.

That is my wow for this week. What is yours?

April 5, 2011

The last thing Tansy wants to do is move with her family to middle-of-nowhere Texas. But once there, she is immediately drawn into her new home’s disturbing history. Through the lens of her camera, Tansy enters a surreal black-and-white time and finds her life linked to mysterious, troubled Henry, who lived in the very same house and died as a teenager decades earlier. But the more time she spends in the past, the more her present world starts to fade away, and Tansy must untangle herself from Henry’s dangerous reality before her own life disappears completely.

A supernatural tale of ghosts, love, and destiny—perfect for fans of novels with an unearthly twist, such as Lauren Oliver's Before I Fall and Lisa McMann's Wake—Jennifer Archer has crafted a dark and romantic ghost story that will haunt teen readers long after the last page has been turned.

THE REPLACEMENT by Brenna Yovanoff
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Razorbill (September 21, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1595143378
ISBN-13: 978-1595143372
Cover: Magnificently Creeeeepy
Author Website: Brenna Yovanoff

REVIEW YYYY


Remember reading a story that made you want to turn on all the lights and hide under your blankets? and although you know it's just a tale you cannot shake the unease that suddenly plagues you. That is how I felt while reading THE REPLACEMENT by Brenna Yovanoff, and yet I did not want to stop, I couldn't, because as the story unfolded before my eyes I only wanted more.

Brenna Yovanoff has composed a story that is wickedly creepy by creating a world that is filled with unusual characters set amongst a backdrop of a mysterious and waterlogged town. She also showcases Mackie Doyle: the most unlikely of heroes.

THE REPLACEMENT is set in the small town of Gentry and Mackie Doyle comes from what lies beneath it's murky depths, but he was raised above ground because he was the replacement for the human baby that was taken many years before. Mackie knows that he looks peculiar to everyone around him, and his body has limits, but as a minister's son and high school student he tries to live his life totally under the radar because he knows that to stand out could mean his own demise. Then a tragedy occurs and his classmate Tate, feels that Mackie is the only one that understands what she knows. Mackie is not only too afraid to help Tate, he is also too weak and is only getting weaker with each passing day a fact that is becoming painfully obvious. One night a stranger informs Mackie that he is slowly dying because of his existence above ground and while Mackie is stunned but he knows that it all makes sense. So when he receives a reprieve he takes a chance but he must face the creatures of the Slag Heaps and enter their twisted world of Mayhem. There in Mayhem, Mackie encounters a terrifying place but he knows that he comes from it's eerie depths and that they can help him, but at what price. Can Mackie learn to exist in both worlds? and pay the ultimate price to save Gentry? To find out you must read THE REPLACEMENT.

With THE REPLACEMENT, Benna Yovanoff has done a magnificent job of creating this new world of disturbing and ugly things that are visually chilling and hair raising. I was intrigued and scared at the same time and it proved to be a winsome combination because I only wanted to keep reading. The music infused moments that were crucial to the storyline were so well done that I could close my eyes and imagine that I was there among the cacophony of musical harmony and lyrics, it was a welcome surprise that I did not expect from this story. I truly enjoyed Mackie Doyle, because he was the most unlikely of heroes, torn between two worlds and trying his best to manage them both. His interactions with Tate and the Morrigan are some of my favorite moments mainly because I find them both to be such strong characters. The other memorable characters in this story are what nicely rounds everything out for they provide the added depth and warmth that keeps everything from becoming too dark. Brenna has done an excellent job with this debut novel.

My only issue is that I find the story a bit scary for a twelve-year old, but maybe I am wrong. I only know that my godchild will not come anywhere near this book. I myself could not read it at night, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

If you enjoy a reading a book that will give you the chills and make you look under your bed then go ahead and read it after dark if you dare.

THE REPLACEMENT

It's Saturday and time for a Sneak Peek: A feature that allows you see a chapter or two of an upcoming book.

This week I have selected BANISHED by Sophie Littlefield. After reading this excerpt I knew I had to have this book. It sounds wicked cool and the cover just sucks you in.

Just click on the book cover and enjoy your excerpt.There isn’t much worth living for in Gypsum, Missouri—or Trashtown, as the rich kids call the run-down neighborhood where sixteen-year-old Hailey Tarbell lives. Hailey figures she’ll never belong—not with the popular kids at school, not with the rejects, not even with her cruel, sickly grandmother, who deals drugs out of their basement. Hailey never knew her dead mother, and she has no idea who her father was, but at least she has her four-year-old foster brother, Chub. Once she turns eighteen, Hailey plans to take Chub far from Gypsum and start a new life where no one can find them.

But when a classmate is injured in gym class, Hailey discovers a gift for healing that she never knew she possessed—and that she cannot ignore. Not only can she heal, she can bring the dying back to life. Confused by her powers, Hailey searches for answers but finds only more questions, until a mysterious visitor shows up at Gram’s house, claiming to be Hailey’s aunt Prairie.

There are people who will stop at nothing to keep Hailey in Trashtown, living out a legacy of despair and suffering. But when Prairie saves both Hailey and Chub from armed attackers who invade Gram’s house in the middle of the night, Hailey must decide where to place her trust. Will Prairie’s past, and the long-buried secret that caused her to leave Gypsum years earlier, ruin them all? Because as Hailey will soon find out, their power to heal is just the beginning.

Visit her online
www.sophielittlefield.com

Fantastic author and all around artistic genius, Maggie Stiefvater. She will go on tour this summer. I am extremely happy that she will be in my SF area (happy snoopy dance) for several events. I hope that if your close to any of her book signing events that you will attend and support her awesomeness.

July 20th: Barnes & Noble, Williamsburg, VA, launch event where a Sharpie guitar will be given away.
July 23rd: Keplers, Menlo Park, CA. (SQUEEEEEE!!!)
July 24th: Copperfield's, Santa Rosa, CA
July 25th: Barnes & Noble, El Cerrito, CA
July 26th: Borders, Glendale, CA
July 27th: Once Upon a Time, Montrose, CA
July 28th: Barnes & Noble, The Woodlands, TX
July 28th: Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
July 29th: Book People, Austin, TX
(and not officially part of the tour, but August 13th: Williamsburg Public Library)
For full details, go here. (And yes, I will be in Florida and also the UK, Germany, and France and probably other countries this fall, details to come).

I believe in good fortune and being generous especially after the tumultuous year I have endured. So I am hosting a contest featuring CLOCKWORK ANGEL by Cassandra Clare. I know this book has been a much awaited read and I want to make this contest a great opportunity for someone that really wants it. So I have an awesome idea. I want to see how creative you can be for something that you really want. Let's get started

1st place Winner to receive an ARC of Clockwork Angel

2nd place winner to receive a copy of White Cat

3rd place winner to receive a copy of Radiant Shadows

CONTEST RULES:
1) Create your own book cover for CLOCKWORK ANGEL, using any medium you wish to use i.e. photoshop, paint, noodles, crayon, pudding...that's right! Let your creative groove loose and wow me. Then send an image of the finished product to me at curlyshoe@gmail.com (with the subject title of Clockwork Angel) or you can respond directly to this post.

2) Post this contest on your blog, sidebar, twitter, facebook, my space. Ya get it, so spread the word.

3) Maximum of two entries per person.

4) This contest will run for the entire month of July, beginning July 1st and ending on July 31st at midnight PST.

5) Winner to be selected by the most awesome Cassandra Clare. (Thank you)

6) Contest open internationally and you must be over 13 years of age to enter.

GOOD LUCK and GOOD FORTUNE to all