Trilogy Thursday!

Day four? Already? Well I better polish off all those reviews and giveaways! Anyways, today is Trilogy Thursday where I give you three trilogies and three reasons why I like them. Of course, since I can't find a trilogy where ALL THREE books are out, I'm doing a trilogy where only 1 or 2 books have been released.

Sweet Trilogy by Wendy Higgins

• This book (book one only has been released) was absolutely breathtaking and beautiful.
• The writing was wonderful and the senteces flowed into each other; there was never an akward moment.
• The characters! They fit perfectly in their roles...expecially Kaidan!

Hereafter Series by Tara Hudson

• The ghost story was original--at least to me, but I havne't read many ghost stories.
• I loved the character of Amelia, and the ghostly part of this story made a lot of sense unlike others
• The plot was interesting although I have to admit, most of it was based on the romance of this stor.

Tempest Series by Tracy Deebs

• I love mermaid stories so much! Might have something to do with the fact that the Little Mermaid was one of my favorite Disney princesses ever!
• I loved that Tracy Deebs added in selkies. Another one of my favorite creatures, but they aren't used as much as I like.
• Kona.

Other Participants' Blogs:

http://justabooklover.blogspot.co.uk/
http://kissedbittenbybooks.blogspot.co.uk/
http://yalitwit.blogspot.com/
http://thebeaucoupreview.blogspot.com/

http://www.danasquare.blogspot.com/
http://donniedarkogirl.blogspot.com

Author Interview: Shannon Duffy

Another author interview, this time with the author of the original book, Spectral! Spectral is an amazing book so you should definitely check it out.

Fiction Freak: What inspired Spectral?

Shannon Duffy: What inspired SPECTRAL, was I guess first wanting to write a book about witches. I like to write what I like to read and after reading some witch books and loving them, I decided to give it a try. Then when I couldn’t sleep one night, the idea was born.

FF: What is your funniest moment?

SD:One of my funniest moments when looking back on it was when my sister and I were kids. We were on a family vacation in Florida and decided to make up a fake language. Completely random, gibberish, but we totally believed it sounded real. We actually went around “talking” to people and each other, pretending we were these foreigners with a fancy language. The people kindly went along pretending we weren’t insane faking, and we thought it was the funniest thing. I still laugh about it today.

FF:Spectral is a parnormal/romance, correct? What made you want to write this kind of genre?

SD: SPECTRAL is paranormal romance. I wanted to write this genre because it is one of my favorite genres. I tend to read a lot of paranormal and dystopian. When I was a kid, I read tons of fantasy. So, those genres are what I’ve been writing. It just seems natural to write what you love to read.

FF:Where do you find yourself 5 years in the future?

SD: In five years I’ll probably still be writing. Sometimes I think I’ll stop, but I just like to take a couple months off in between books, and then the itch creeps in. I’ll playing it by ear though, and as long as my muse stays alive, I’ll continue to write.

FF: Why write YA fiction?

SD:Why Ya fiction? Again, because I love to read it. I love the angsty-ness of the teen years. It’s fun to read and write. I remember those days well myself. J

FF:What do you, as the writer, gain?

SD:I gain first of all an adrenaline rush when I write. There’s nothing like it really when you get on a roll. Also, if even one person loves what I wrote, it makes me smile. It’s a great feeling to create something that others can enjoy. It’s a real sense of satisfaction.

FF: What is one YA book you'd recommend?

SD: Only one? Well, one of my favorite YA books is Delirium by Lauren Oliver

FF: Favourite scene in Spectral and why?

SD: Ooh, Favorite scene in SPECTRAL? Wow, that’s a good one. Hmmm, I think one of them is a scene at a party at Taylor’s house, where something interesting happens to Jewel, and she’s able to get some revenge. Also, the tension at the end of that chapter is intense. I can’t give details cause it would be a spoiler alert! Haha

FF: What do you think of the tour so far?

SD: I’m enjoying the tour so far. You guys have lots of questions and enquiring minds. It’s humbling that people want to host me and my book on their blogs. I’m very thankful.

Spectral Summary:

Convinced she’s a part of the witness protection program, sixteen-year-old Jewel Rose is shuffled around the globe with her family like a pack of traveling gypsies. After arriving at lucky home twenty-seven, she stumbles upon a mysterious boy with magical powers claiming to be her guardian . . . and warning of imminent danger. Despite the obvious sparks between them, Jewel discovers a relationship is forbidden, and the more she learns about dark, brooding Roman, she begins to question who she can even believe — the family who raised her, or the supposed sworn protector who claims they’ve been lying to her all along.

As she struggles to uncover who her family has really been running from, she is forced to hide her birthmark that reveals who she is. With new realities surfacing, unexplained powers appearing, and two tempting boys vying for her heart, Jewel battles to learn who she can trust in an ever growing sea of lies, hoping she’ll make it through her seventeenth birthday alive.

Short Author Bio:

Shannon Duffy writes young adult and middle grade fiction. She grew up on the beautiful east coast of Canada and now lives in Ontario, Canada. She is the mom of one boy, Gabriel, her angel. She loves writing, reading, working out, soccer, and the sport of champions-shopping. She is the author of the young adult paranormal romance, SPECTRAL. Her upcoming middle grade fantasy novel, GABRIEL STONE AND THE DIVINITY OF VALTA is scheduled for a January 2013 release.

Contact Info:

Spectral Website

Shannon Duffy's Facebook

Shannon Duffy's Twitter

Shannon Duffy's Website

Shannon Duffy's Blog

Shannon Duffy's Goodreads

Tribute Books Website

Tribute Books Facebook

Tribute Books Twitter

What? Wednesday

Day three of the Fun or None? Fun Hop! Today? Three books that shocked me and why! (SPOILER POST!)

• Hallowed by Cynthia Hand (Already Released)

Her mom died!? What? And she's not with Tucker anymore? I'm heartbroken! I was always rooting for Tucker, so when Clara (stupid girl) broke up with him...to say I was shocked is an understatement. And the fact that her dad was an angel? Just shoot me. Wait, it gets even better. Christian is a 3/4 angel too? So that's why they belong together? Pshhh....

• Rapture by Lauren Kate (Not Yet Released)

Absolutely beautiful. Since this isn't released, I won't spoil anything too big...but read this line here (By the way, I don't have the book with me at the moment, so this is what I remmebe.r It's not exactly correct): "...as they fell in love for the first--and last--time." GUESS WHAT THAT MEANS. And the other shocker didn't surprise me much since I guessed it. BUT Luce loved Lucifer? Well. That changes things. And we never did find out who broke Cam's heart...

• Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

What surprised me? Daemon never admitted to liking Kat! Or, at least, not hating her. They never got together! That was basically what shocke dme. And how good it was! But that's besides the point.  Of course, Daemon is still one of my favorite love interests.

Other Participants':

http://justabooklover.blogspot.co.uk/
http://kissedbittenbybooks.blogspot.co.uk/
http://yalitwit.blogspot.com/
http://thebeaucoupreview.blogspot.com/

http://www.danasquare.blogspot.com/
http://donniedarkogirl.blogspot.com

 

Top Tuesday

Welcome to day three of the Fun or None? Fun Hop! Today is basically where I'll give you my Top 5 in anything. Topic? Think classic:

Top 5 2012 YA Debuts

1. Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
An absolutely amazing debut filled with lust, love, and suspense.

2. Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris
An absolutely amazing sci-fi read!

3. The Selection by Kiera Cass
The dystopian version of The Bachelor!

4. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Another dystopia filled with more action than romance. But whose complaining?

5. Of Poseidon by Anna Banks
Mermaids? Romance? Powers? Fighting? Princes? Love it!

Participants:

http://kissedbittenbybooks.blogspot.co.uk/
http://yalitwit.blogspot.com/
http://thebeaucoupreview.blogspot.com/
http://www.danasquare.blogspot.co.uk/
http://donniedarkogirl.blogspot.com

Mash Up Monday

Welcome to Day two of The Fun or None? Fun Hop! Today is Mash Up Monday where I'll be giving you characters from two different books I'd love to see in a book.
                           +          

I'd love to see Nora and Patch from Hush Hush and Daemon and Kat from Obsidian to be in a book? Why? Because, especially if their girls were with them, Patch and Daemon would be at each other's throats. After all, both of these guys absolutely love to irritate others to the point where they want to kill each other. My prediction? These two would either be best friends or deadly enemies. And when i say deadly...well neither are human are they? Kat and Nora I just threw in because those two would definitely be friends if not a little jealous at first. So there's my mash-up! What do you think would happen?

Other Participants':

http://justabooklover.blogspot.co.uk/
http://kissedbittenbybooks.blogspot.co.uk/
http://yalitwit.blogspot.com/
http://thebeaucoupreview.blogspot.com/

http://www.danasquare.blogspot.com/
http://donniedarkogirl.blogspot.com

Salutation Sunday!

If you didn't know, since exams are this week, there will be no reviews or memes, except for my Author Interview with Shannon Duffy for the blog tour! Expect that soon! So the first day is Salutation Sunday where we introduce ourselves. Or, if you already know me, then give you a little more insight on my life.

I'm Nikki and I started blogging 6-7 months ago! I honestly never anticipated any more than 10 followers, my friends and family. And now about 200? You're kidding! I'm so thankful and can't wait to get to know all of y'all! Here's some info!

• If you can't tell, I'm from Texas where all I do is burn away in the hot sun.
• I'm a Pisces and I'm addicted to astrology and legends/myths
• I love it when people are random and say hilarious things! Maybe because I'm one of them!
• I type LOL way too much
• I get embarrassed easily
• I day dream way too much and somehow maintain A's.
• I'm Asian, so think of an 85 as a 50 when it comes to grades...
• I hate stereotypes even though I kind of contradicted myself up there
• One of my favorite quotes. From a book of course: "Every person makes a difference. And the things we do--do matter...And now I believe in fate, especially the kind we make ourselves" -Warped
• I'm rereading this and think it's eerily like my Wattpad account info...
• I write a little on the side, but I don't think I have the patience to continue writing. Blogging is so much better!

Here are the links to other participants' blogs!

http://justabooklover.blogspot.co.uk/
http://kissedbittenbybooks.blogspot.co.uk/
http://yalitwit.blogspot.com/
http://thebeaucoupreview.blogspot.com/

http://www.danasquare.blogspot.com/
http://donniedarkogirl.blogspot.com

Lies Beneath by Ann Greenwood Brown

Goodreads Blurb

Calder White lives in the cold, clear waters of Lake Superior, the only brother in a family of murderous mermaids. To survive, Calder and his sisters prey on humans, killing them to absorb their energy. But this summer the underwater clan targets Jason Hancock out of pure revenge. They blame Hancock for their mother's death and have been waiting a long time for him to return to his family's homestead on the lake. Hancock has a fear of water, so to lure him in, Calder sets out to seduce Hancock's daughter, Lily. Easy enough—especially as Calder has lots of practice using his irresistable good looks and charm on ususpecting girls. Only this time Calder screws everything up: he falls for Lily—just as Lily starts to suspect that there's more to the monsters-in-the-lake legends than she ever imagined. And just as his sisters are losing patience with him

So I felt kind of bored this week and decided to write a surprise review! Happy Readings!



Calder is a mermaid. Or, a merman I should say. Along with his three sisters, he’s bent on revenge. And the chance for it comes in the form of Lily and Sophie Hancock, the daughters of the one man who should’ve died in place of their mother. And, they decide, the best way to get to the father is through his daughters. And that’s where Calder steps in. He’s to seduce Lily, gaining their father’s trust slowly, until they lure him to the water. And make sure he never wakes again. Calder’s up to it. He knows he can do it; after all, he’s been waiting all his life for this chance. But what happens when he falls in love with his prey? What happens when feelings that he can’t understand develops? What happens when secrets tumble out in a shocking wave? And what happens when it’s him against the world?

I’ve always liked mermaids, more so than angels or demons. Especially twisted ones. They just seemed all the more dangerous and even as a little girl I remember reading stories online about mermaids, sirens, and selkies. All sea creatures who lured and killed. I’m starting to think I had a few crazy genes. Anyways, when I heard of Lies Beneath, I was hooked. Evil mermaids, predator-falls-for-prey romance, and revenge all mixed into one? I’m there.

Anne Greenwood Brown really does know how to weave an edgy underwater story. And in a male’s POV? Talk about different. I really wasn’t sure if I would enjoy a male’s perspective simply because other books I’ve read with those haven’t exactly turned out great. I really shouldn’t have doubted. Lies Beneath does have some overused ideas, and yet, the way that they’re used makes it seem new and refreshing. Does that even make sense? I mean, Ms. Brown doesn’t really create her own species of mermaids, but instead uses the ones of myths and legends already there, and yet, they just feel even more vile (old word) than usual.

This book was fast paced and action packed, leaving me stunned and giddy. There were twists and turns, a really big one that I guessed, and I absolutely fell in love with our narrator. He was full of stubbornness, cockiness, and he was dangerous and knew it. I loved Lily, the love interest, because of her persistence and stubborn as well. Even better (spoiler)? She was smart enough to figure things out. Not many characters actually figure it out until someone tells them the big fat juicy (almost always) dangerous, life threatening secret.

After three paragraphs of fan girl sentences, here are some things I didn’t like:

·         The secondary characters.  There was no way I could actually imagine them as actually people. They were just a tad stereotypical, a bit too good to be true (or too bad to be true).

·         The ending. The book just leaves you hanging, and I get that there will be a sequel, but some things just didn’t tie up right, even for a first book.

·         Sophie suddenly just went from important supporting character to barely there at all. She was one of my favorites.

 Pages: 303

Series: Lies Beneath #1

Genre: Fantasy/Romance

Rating:  5 stars

 "Forget everything you think you know about merpeople. Forget that freaking Ariel, think Silence of the Lambs, think Friday the Thirteenth."



Wake Giveaway

Goodreads Blurb

Beautiful. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Thea, and Lexi have caught everyone's attention, including the eye of practical Harper. But it's her sister, Gemma, they've chosen to be part of their group.

Sixteen-year-old Gemma seems to have it all - carefree, pretty, and falling in love with the boy next door. But her greatest passion has always been the water. She craves late night swims under the stars, where she can be alone yet belong to the sea. Lately she's had company. Penn, Thea, and Lexi spend their nights dancing, singing, and partying on the cove--and one night Gemma joins them. When she wakes up groggy on the beach the next morning, she knows something has changed.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. As she uncovers the truth about her new mythical powers, Gemma is forced to choose between staying with those she loves or entering a dark world brimming with unimaginable secrets.

Wake was a fantastic waterside read! I thourougly enjoyed it although there were some bad parts. Once again (and I promise this time!) the review will be only be three paragraphs long.

The good: The characters were 3D and I could imagine them as actualy people. Gemma and Harper were like actualy sisters, fighting all the time, but loving each other anyways. The guys were awesome in the story, both dreamy in their own way. My favorite? I'm sorry Harper, but he's mine! I loved the romance and Amanda Hocking twists a new Greek myth to fit her siren story which I loved! The three sirens were definitely evil and I'd hate to ever meet them

The bad: Unfortunately, I felt like the plot of Wake was a bit slow and there wasn't much climax. That's pretty much it! The rest I loved.

Ok, I kept this incredibly short because we all know that you're mainly here for the giveaway! Just fill out the Rafflecopter and hope you win! US only, sorry!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Breenan

Goodreads Blurb

Kami Glass loves someone she’s never met . . . a boy she’s talked to in her head ever since she was born. She wasn’t silent about her imaginary friend during her childhood, and is thus a bit of an outsider in her sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale. Still, Kami hasn’t suffered too much from not fitting in. She has a best friend, runs the school newspaper, and is only occasionally caught talking to herself. Her life is in order, just the way she likes it, despite the voice in her head.

But all that changes when the Lynburns return.

The Lynburn family has owned the spectacular and sinister manor that overlooks Sorry-in-the-Vale for centuries. The mysterious twin sisters who abandoned their ancestral home a generation ago are back, along with their teenage sons, Jared and Ash, one of whom is eerily familiar to Kami. Kami is not one to shy away from the unknown—in fact, she’s determined to find answers for all the questions Sorry-in-the-Vale is suddenly posing. Who is responsible for the bloody deeds in the depths of the woods? What is her own mother hiding? And now that her imaginary friend has become a real boy, does she still love him? Does she hate him? Can she trust him?

Some authors can think of a completely new and original book even when you think every idea has been exhausted and reused too many times. Sarah Rees Breenan is definitely one of those authors.

I’m going to be using a different kind of “review format” instead of my usual, non-planned ramblings.

Character Rundown: I disliked Kami. Immensely. It seemed she only cared about news. Articles. Information. As if the event, the person, the creature, didn’t matter at all. As if they were just meaningless things. It was seriously so annoying that it got to the point where I wanted to rip her head off. Ugh.  And when some things just seemed so obvious, or at least a bit suspicious, she literally blew it all off and didn’t think to ask about it. Of course, she kind of had to believe it…but read it and see what I mean. I have to admit, though, it was entertaining to see things from her point of view because of her witty and sarcastic remarks which definitely made me laugh more than they should. Other times, she just makes me laugh unintentionally. For example: “Well. Yes. Someone’s trying to kill me. But you don’t have to make such a big deal about it.”  She did grow on me half way in like all characters do, though. I guess when you spend a while in someone’s head, you kind of have to end up liking them. Wow, this is actually a long paragraph.

Jared and Angela were definitely my absolute favorites in this book. Angela was just hilarious to read about and Jared was the same: hilarious. And I loved the connection he had with Kami. It was beautiful and the friend connection Jared and Kami had initially made made me like him even more.

The story: The plot was actually pretty good, although it did have some predictable twists. The magic and so-called “soulmates” had a definite twist on it, giving you an actual explanation instead of just putting it out there. The antagonists were people you could clearly identify, people who were the obvious suspects and that made you all the more frustrated (in a good way). There were a few giant turn of events that I could not predict and to say I was shocked would be an understatement.

The romance: It wasn’t Bam! I’m attracted to you, but I can’t. One week later: let’s get together! To hell what others say. Ugh. I’m so happy this wasn’t like that. Think “slow and steady” instead. Which definitely made everything way better because of all the instaromance stories going around. There was a sort of love triangle with the Lynburn cousins, Jared and Ash, and I think it’s safe to say I’m Team Jared.

The ending: The ending wasn’t how I hoped it would be and was incredibly disappointing, but the 50 pages before the plummet definitely made up for it.

All in all: This is actually one of my firsts gothic novels and I’m happy start off with this one! This is one novel you should definitely read. If you get through the first 50 pages, Kami’s reporter attitude gradually decreases (thankfully), so after that checkpoint, there’s not much to complain about!

Pages: 370
Series: Lynburn Legacy #1
Genre: Gothic Literature/Paranormal/Romance
Rating: 4 stars

"'I have a system where when I stop, I lean casually against something,' Jared told her. 'It makes people think I’m a bad boy. Or possibly that I have a bad back.'"

Showcase Sunday

This week, I think, will only have two reviews because of the major studying I have to do. Bleh. Anyways, I got three books from trades, and honestly, besides those three, didn't receive many. Which is great since I have to catch up on a lot. As in a lot.

All credit goes to Books, Biscuits, and Tea for coming up with this meme where bloggers show you what books or book-related swag we got, no matter how we got it. The question is what, now how this time!

For Review

        

Bought

N/A

Traded

         

Borrowed

 N/A

NetGalley

     

Given

I did get some swag along with the boks I traded for. My camera is currently broekn so I couldn't take a picture, although hopefully I can borrow a friend's and get a picture to y'all ASAP. I also got some swag of Fracture from the author.

I may or may not have a giveaway for Wake with a short review since I'm not quite sure what to think of it. I loved it, but the plot was kind of slow. I'm currently reading Unspoken, and it's pretty good so far, but the main character's getting on my nerves at the moment. I think the stress of finals are getting to me.

I can't wait to get started on Masque and Unraveling! Arise isn't at the top of my reading pile since I haven't actually read Hereafter...oops.

I found out about Meant to Be from the YAmazing Race and when I found out that NetGalley had it, I had to reques tit! It sounds like a fun, light contemporary and definitely something I'd enjoy. Rapture is the final installment and I can't wait to see how Lauren Kate will tie the strings. So many different ways this story could go, expecially after Passion!

What's in your reading pile?

Winner!

And the winner of the LDS Giveaway (winner of a hardback copy of My Double Life by Jannette Raillison) is Rena! I've emailed her and she has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Thanks to everyone for entering!

Random Musings

Is it just me or are there a lot of paranormal/dystopia going on? Immortal Rules, The Hunt, Darkness Before Dawn, Black City...they all sound original on their ways, but I was wondering: Has anyone else noticed this? I've read half of the ones I've named so I'm excited to read the other two, and yet is it funny that no one thought of this, then all at once we have 4 in one year?! And there's no way they stole ideas since it takes a while to get a manuscript into a book. As in, 2 years. Talk about coincidence! Is it because of Hunger Games and Twilight?

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Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins + Author Interview!

Goodreads Blurb

What if there were teens whose lives depended on being bad influences?
This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels in Sweet Evil.

Tenderhearted Southern girl, Anna Whitt, was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage, and her will-power is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

If the beautiful cover and the blurb didn't catch your interest...you're crazy. 100% crazy, no doubt about it. This book was absolutely beautiful, enchanting, and dark at the same time. It captured my heart and kept breaking it over and over and over. There is no happy ending, let's just say that now. And I say that with 100% because Wendy Higgins herself said that! (Check the author interview below) I'm going to be cutting this review short, only about three paragraphs, including this, since I do have an author interview to add!

Anyways, I loved Anna so much and I'm thinking a lot of readers can relate to her. We're all pulled in both directions: good and evil. We never really know which to pick, balancing between the two. Anna's the perfect good girl, thanks to her light angel mom. She knows when enough is enough, when too much is too much. But she also has to deal with the pulls of sins from her father's side. Something that makes her almost exactly like your typical human. And that is the main reason I loved Anna so much. Kaidan was....wow. Just wow. HELLO!? You have to love him! He's enticing, alluring, and has that dangerous edge that you guys know I love! I really can't think about other characters with these two fresh on my mind. However, Wendy Higgins did fit each character to their role as the spawn of a Duke.

Sweet Evil had a wonderful plot that made me wiggle in my seat and scream out loud. It made me laugh, cry, and smile behind my tears! The pacing was quick enough that you never get bored, yet slow enough that nothing ever just dashes by without you noticing. The world was beautiful, complicated, and so, so, wonderful. Readers will definitely line up and fight over copies (if they haven't already) and will be drawn into Sweet Evil's world.

Ok, I lied. Four paragraphs because I need to rant about this book! I have absolutely no negative thoughts. Which honestly? Is surprising. Hold on. I just remembered one thing I absolutely hated with all my heart: Sweet Evil ended! It ended! I am outraged by that. Just...just...no. There has to be more Kaidan! And another sequel! But mainly more Kaidan...If you still aren't convinced, I dare you to read it and tell me you don't absolutely love it!

Pages: 464

Series: Sweet #1

Genre: Paranormal/Romance

Rating: ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I'm making a new rating just for this book. An absolute 7 stars.

"He would never have the freedom to let himself be loved."

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

I got the opportunity to interview Wendy Higgins, author of the amazing debut Sweet Evil! Eek! Major fan girl moment!

Fiction Freak: What inspired Sweet Evil? (The inevitable question)

Wendy Higgins: I know it sounds corny, but I think my whole life lead up to writing this story. Every experience, heartbreak, family issue, friendship, book, my schooling, my time teaching...everything contributed to my mind being ready for this. Once I decided I was ready to write, the story came to me like a rush. It was a crazy, exhilarating time.

FF: There's no happy ending in Sweet Evil, is there?

WH: Nope. Sorry.  :(

FF: Did you plan for it to end that way, or did the story just pull you that way?

WH: Well, in my mind it’s not the end - it’s just the end of part 1. There is still much that will happen before the story really wraps up.  I hated not having a happy ending, but it wasn’t time for that - it just wouldn’t realistically work as is.

FF: Can you tell us a few things that were changed from the original Inkie version to the newly published version?

WH: The original Inkpop version, Angel Prophecy, was a stand-alone single story. I ended up cutting the story down the middle and extending it into a trilogy.

FF: Kaidan or Kopano?

WH: I love both my K-boys to pieces!!!  They’re both very different, but they both hold an intense allure for me.  I’ve spent more time in Kaidan’s head, so I do feel closest to him.

FF: How much of Sweet Evil was researched? How much was prior knowledge?

WH: I had to map out the cross country trip, and read a lot of fallen angel lore to see what other people were saying, but mostly I just made stuff up, lol.

FF: How did it feel to see your work go from online story to published book? (And HarperTeen no less!)

WH: It’s STILL sort of unbelievable, even after two years. When HarperTeen tweets about me I get all sorts of giddy. I feel like an inkpopper still - deep down I’ll always just be a writer who needs feedback and values the give & take partnership of critiquing that I came to love as an Inkie.

FF: What's one of your favorite debuts of 2012?

WH: Unraveling by Liz Norris

FF: What's one thing you love and hate about writing?

WH: I love, love, love when the story invades my mind and takes over my thoughts. Even though it turns me into a total ditz because I can’t concentrate on “real life,” there’s just no cooler feeling. What I hate is writer’s block - and for me it has more to do with feeling intimidated about moving forward, which sucks. I’m actually working through that right now.

FF: In Sweet Evil, a certain someone tells Anna the meaning of life; is that what you yourself think it is?

WH: Haha, well, kind of but not exactly.  I had to make it work for their particular story world. I am a spiritual person, so I do believe in a higher meaning and having a purpose and all that good stuff. But the way that certain someone breaks it down for Anna is extremely simplified.

FF: What's the funniest moment of your life?

WH: Hm...for some reason this is really hard for me. All the instances that come to mind are either too gross, too humiliating, or just plain inappropriate! Stuff about my parents keep coming to mind - like when my dad walked into the glass at a store in the mall and left a faceprint. Or when we scared my mom to death with these fake rattlesnake eggs in an envelope that “buzzed.” Both of those times about made me pee my pants.

Sweet Evil Blurb:

What if there were teens whose lives depended on being bad influences?
This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels in Sweet Evil.
Tenderhearted Southern girl, Anna Whitt, was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage, and her will-power is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.
Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

Short Author Bio:

After earning a Creative Writing degree from George Mason University and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Radford, she taught high school English until becoming a mommy. She’s always had a heart for teens, and writing YA stories gives her the opportunity to delve into the ambiguities of those pivotal years before adulthood.
She live in the D.C. area with my husband, daughter, and son.

Contact Info:

Sweet Evil Facebook

Wendy Higgins’s Blog

Wendy Higgins’s Goodreads

Wendy Higgins’s Twitter

Fated by Alyson Noel

Goodreads Blurb

Lately strange things have been happening to Daire Santos. Animals follow her, crows mock her, and glowing people appear out of nowhere. Worried that Daire is having a nervous breakdown, her mother packs her off to stay in the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico with a grandmother she’s never met.

There she crosses paths with Dace, a gorgeous guy with unearthly blue eyes who she’s encountered before...but only in her dreams. And she’ll get to know her grandmother—a woman who recognizes Daire’s bizarre episodes for what they are. A call to her true destiny as a Soul Seeker, one who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead. Her grandmother immediately begins teaching her to harness her powers—but it’s an art that must be mastered quickly. Because Dace’s brother is an evil shape-shifter who’s out to steal her powers. Now Daire must embrace her fate as a Soul Seeker and find out if Dace is one guy she’s meant to be with...or if he’s allied with the enemy she’s destined to destroy.

Whew! So sorry, peoples! I know, first review in, like, 12 days! Blasphemy!
I enjoyed the first books in The Immortals, Alyson Noel's other paranormal series, so when I heard of Fated and read the enticing blur above, I was interested, and maybe a bit wary. No matter how much I loved the plot of the books(at least, the first three) I absolutely hated Ever's personality. Good thing I was prepared.
the book starts off during a time freeze, something Daire is used to y now. What she isn't used to are the glowing people and the crows attacking her in the middle of them. Marked as crazy almost immediately, Daire only has two choices and decides to choose the lesser evil and is shipped off to her grandmother's home--a woman she didn't even know was alive. Quickly she learns about her powers as a Soul Seeker and learns to eventually accept it, to control them. Making things even more interesting is Dace, the boy Daire's literally been dreaming about, and someone who she's immensely attracted to. The problem? Dace is part of a family called Le Coyotes, a family that has tried o control the Lowerworld, an event that will, eventually, kill humanity. Should she trust him? Or is her truly the one she will be forced, someone she's fated to, kill?

The book lacked the edge I had been anticipating, I'm afraid. Nothing really seemed as dangerous as this type of story required in order to make you excited. In short--Fated seemed seemed just a bit too innocent at times. Especially with the things we encounter. On the other hand, I enjoyed reading it and the story was as original as you can get in the paranormal genre.

What I did fully love, was the fact that Alyson Noel could create wonderful worlds that honestly didn't sound that farfetched, the way she wrote it! I could honestly believe in the Lower, Middle, and Upperworld if I knew it was fiction. It's just the way that Alyson Noel pieced together the words and sentences that made you convinced of everything.
Onto characters, I honestly hated Daire the first few chapters. She seemed as shallow as Ever was sometimes, but later on, you did see her (hopefully) real side, one that's caring and not as whiny. Dace wasn't at all as dangerous as his brother, Cole, and that was one thing I didn't exactly like. In real life, a sweet, caring guy is wonderful! In books, I know a lot of readers prefer the dark and dangerous ones. A seemingly innocent boy didn't fit with the blurb, exactly. I thought at first that Dace would be all cocky and a bit sweet, still dangerous. That way you honestly wouldn't know if he was friend or foe. But even though I was skeptical at first, I Dace did eventually grow on me and I grew to like him more and more. Cade is your typical antagonist, although even more evil in my eyes. I mean, he ate...well, read it and find out!

I do think Fated lacked a plot, though. It as more of an introduction than an actually completed book. honestly, the only action there truly was, was near the end. The romance was barely there. It seemed more as if Dace and Daire had already fallen in love through their dreams, rather in real life which is the only part we fully experience along with her.

For people who are interested in shamanism and loved the Immortals like I did, I definitely think you'll love it! The story and setting were different from all the others we see and the way that Noel approaches things definitely makes you fall in love with a few key factors. Fated was a satisfying read and I did enjoy it. I just didn't love it as much as I hoped, and perhaps that has something to do with this review: too high hopes.
There were many moments that made me laugh, cringe, and look around nervously and that's all thanks to Daire, so I'd definitely give this book a try!

Shelf Awareness also gave me some interesting insight to the making and publicity of the novel. click here to read the article. Just scroll down after the review.

Pages: 306
Series: Soul Seekers #1
Genre: Paranormal/Romance

Rating: 3 stars

"That after I attacked Vane, a host of innocent bystanders, and myself, I babbled like a crazy person, going on and on about crows, severed talking heads hanging on spikes, and a tribe of scary glowing people intent on capturing me for purposes unknown."

Fun or Not?

<center><a href="http://fiction-freak.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Fun or None?" src="http://i1156.photobucket.com/albums/p566/Nikki_Wang/untitled-41.jpg" /></a></center>

Fun or None? That is the question. This will be a blog hop type thing (I don't feel like calling it a blog hop since that feels too professional--this is purely fun) from May 27-June 2. Basically, since I'm thinking that a lot of other teens will have the same schedule, during the week of exams, me and about (hopefully) 15 other bloggers will post something that will correspond to that day's post. The posts are a secret, so if you're interested, then please e-mail me for more information!

I just came up with the idea because I don't think I can study and review books at the same time and, obviously, final exams are at the time, more important than bloging. I'm sorry! I do love all my followers, but I have parents breathing down my back here! Again, if you're interested, please email me (piscesgirl1688@gmail.com)! Happy Readings!

Showcase Sunday

This week I got a lot of amazing books, both bought, borrowed, traded, and given! And I really should start taking pictures, but I find that my camera is unbelievably slow when updating pictures to my computer, so I may just stick with cover-only pictures from Goodreads.

All credit goes to Books, Biscuits, and Tea for coming up with this meme where bloggers show you what books or book-related swag we got, no matter how we got it. The question is what, now how this time!

For Review

                   

Bought

              

Given

               

Borrowed

    

NetGalley

    

Traded

N/A

Fated was one I was going to review two weeks ago, but I never got the time. No worries, I may just skip reviewing Forgiven (although 4 stars for that one) and just review Fated! Wake I got from St. Martin's (man, they have some really amazing books!) and I bought Sweet Evil. Eeek!

I bought Crave and Exile from my local Half Price Bookstore! I can't believe they had such amazing books for such low prices. But I'm definitely glad they do. I bought Hereafter and Sweet Evil from Barnes and Nobles. I know: I haven't read Hereafter yet? Shame on me.

You already know I got Wake from the pub, and the rest my friend Jessica from Blog Eared Books gave them to me! She's super nice for giving me all these books.

I got Hourglass and Blood Red Road from the library. I'm starting a lot of new series this year. And amazing ones, all of them!

My laptop is officially fixed! Yay! More books for me...

I should be getting around...4-5 books next week! Wooh! I love trading.