Valia Lind's Blog, page 36

Book Spotlight: Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought. Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning. 
From Goodreads.com


Review:
Let me start out by saying that I wasn't exactly sure what to expect from this book. Unearthly was one of those books that I liked on some days, but not all. So when I received Hallowed for review I was excited to see the possibilities in book two. I was pleasantly surprised.
Hallowed starts off a few months after the fire. Clara and Tucker are still going strong, with Christian now a bigger mystery than he was before. This book is filled with emotion and anguish as Clara tries to figure out exactly where her destiny lies. The boys are just part of the equation. This part of Clara's story is a lot more emotional then what we saw in Unearthly. Things come her way that require her to grow up fast. I enjoyed this aspect of the story because it showed how important it was for Clara to understand the life she will be living. Also, I'm probably the only person out there who is Team Christian and there was a lot of him in this story. He is there for Clara in a way Tucker will never be able to understand. Their friendship develops beautifully with well placed words and genuine comradeship. I cannot dive too much into the aspects of the book because it's something you will have to discover yourself. It was definitely different from what I thought it would be, which can be a good or a bad thing depending on the reader. This is something that you will have to decide for yourself.
Overall, Cynthia gives as a full emotional ride in the follow up to Unearthly. She paints the world and its characters with the colors of love, friendship, and the real challenges of life. I think if you enjoyed Unearthly, this is a book worth reading.
Hallowed comes out January 17!

Much love,
Valia

Book Spotlight: Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

NEWSOUL 
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why. 

NOSOUL 
Even Ana's own mother thinks she's a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she'll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are suspicious and afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame? 

HEART 
Sam believes Ana's new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana's enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else's life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all? 
From Goodreads.com


Review:
Incarnate is a story of Ana, a Newsoul. Ana was born into a world where she should not exist. Newsouls are not part of the rotation, until she comes along. Everyone, including her own mother, looks at Ana as if she's a mistake, as if she's the enemy. After all if one soul didn't return, how many are next?
So Ana decides to find some answers. Enter Sam, a handsome stranger who saves her and welcomes her in when no one else would. Their relationship blossoms in a beautiful and sweet way that makes your heart smile. I very much enjoyed watching their relationship develop because it felt real and heartwarming. Ana is a fabulous character who has to overcome many obstacles, while her love for music keeps her grounded. Sam the guy every girl wants. He's real, kind, and looks beyond the obvious into what is truly important.
If being the "new kid on the block" isn't enough, dangers lurk on every corner. When sylph and dragons attack, no one is safe. Opposition follows Ana on every side whether it is human or creature. Yet, thru it all, Ana learns, fights, and develops in a way that makes for a great story.
Jodi creates a world full of wonder, lovable characters, dangerous creatures, and a love that breaks all barriers. This world is just as magical as it is real. I cannot wait to see what happens next! This book will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you wanting for more.
Incarnate comes out January 31, 2012! Get it, read it, love it! Also, I'll be posting a very special interview with Jodi on Monday. Look for that (and maybe even a giveaway).

Much love,
Valia

YA Warehouse Shout out!

Hey lovelies!
I'm blogging over at YA Warehouse today! http://yawarehouse.blogspot.com/2012/01/on-getting-involved.html
Come give me some love!!! ;-)

Hugs,
Valia

Book Spotlight: Destined by Jessie Harrell - Interview & Giveaway!

Hello minions!
Today I have a very special guest on the blog. Everyone please welcome Jessie Harrell! *round of applause* 
Now, before we get into all the goodies Jessie has for us, let's talk about her book Destined. 

When Psyche receives a prophecy gone horribly wrong, she learns that even the most beautiful girl in Greece can have a hideous future. Her fate? Fall in love with the one creature even the gods fear. 

As she feels herself slipping closer into the arms of the prophecy, Psyche must choose between the terrifyingly tender touch she feels almost powerless to resist and the one constant she's come to expect out of life: you cannot escape what is destined.


Review:
I found Jessie through the blogosphere during the cover reveal for her book. I fell in love with the cover and had to get my hands on the book. I was not disappointed.
I love Greek mythology. It has always been a fascination of mine and if you know me at all, you know I mention writing a mythology book one day. Destined was a beautifully crafted re-telling of Psyche and Eros. I loved how accurate it stayed to the true story. Many of the aspects of Greece were brought into the story and told from the historical view point. It was a wonderful way to bring in the parts of history and make it interesting.
Psyche is a great character. She's high strong and opinionated, but she also has a heart that wants to be loved. Eros has been hurt before. Even as a god of love, he refuses to put his heart out for anyone. But then he sees something in Psyche that changes his mind, and his heart.
Their story is beautiful and heartwarming. I love the stories that deal with falling in love with something beside good looks. Like Beauty and the Beast. Those are the stories that touch the heart and Jessie has done so in Destined.
If you love mythology and romance, Destined is a book for you.


Fire Questions Round with Jessie Harrell:

Coffee or tea? Coffee & lots of flavored creamer (Me too!)
Favorite name of all time!I don't know if I can pick just one. I really wanted to name my daughters Rowan and Reegan. (FWIW - they ended up Morgan and Samantha) (Nice)
One person who inspires you mostMy mom. She's awesome and so positive and upbeat. (Woohoo for moms!)
If you could live in any world, who's and where would you live?If the move didn't have to be permanent, I'd love to be Karou from Daughter of Smoke and Bones. I'd love to be able to have a mastery of any foreign language (let alone all the ones she had) and to be able to draw so well -- and fly -- all of that would be awesome too. (That book is awesome)
Favorite part about writing Psyche and ErosTheir romance and conjuring up all the fun ways Eros could be romantic with someone who didn't trust him very much was great.  The epilogue, though, is probably my favorite piece of writing in the book. (Le sigh on the epilogue.)
What inspired you to become a writer?My husband said that we should write children's picture books, because "how hard can that be?" Turns out, it was too hard for me, so I started writing YA and never looked back. (Good choice)
One interesting not well known fact about youI bit my nails my entire life, right up until my oldest daughter was born. For some inexplicable reason, I just quit once she came along. Poor thing bites her nails now though. Maybe I gave the habit to her upon birth??  Who knows. ( :-D)

Special sneak peak into Before, Eros story coming in February as part of the anthology In His Eyes.


Hunkered down in a rough wool cloak, I'd snuck in to watch the religious ceremony. I stayed against the perimeter, hoping to enjoy the spectacle anonymously. But the flames cast these creepy-seductive shadows against the walls, making me feel watched. And present in the moment of the dance.The longer I watched, the more I wanted to join the swirling crowd. The movements of those performing the ritual were hypnotic, reminding me of the way Maenads twirl for Dionysus. But one figure dancing before the firelight stood out from the rest.Her slender hips pulsed with the rhythm of the drums.  Soft, brown curls swirled down her back, caressing her shoulders and barely tickling her waist. I watched her move, entranced by the way motion flowed from her.When she turned her head and caught my prying gaze, her eyes were as emerald as any gem. Finding my stare, she narrowed her lids for a moment. Then she smirked, shot me a wink, and went back to her dance. That was all the invitation I needed.The rest of the night was a blur of sour wine, too much smoke from the bonfire, and lust so consuming I thought it might swallow me whole. There I was, the god of Love, but she held all the power without even realizing it. Or maybe she did know. Maybe that was part of what intoxicated me too. In Greece, no mortal girl could bend me. None dared. But in Media, I was anonymous in a way that gave me a freedom to just exist. Here, I could be anyone. No pressures. No expectations. No women holding back in reverence to a god. 


Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13331838-in-his-eyes-anthology

Giveaway:
Jessie was sweet enough to donate some awesomeness to all of you wonderful people! Go ahead and enter! :-)



a Rafflecopter giveaway
<a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&am... need javascript enabled to see this giveaway</a>.


Thank you, Jessie for stopping by my blog and for sharing with us Psyche and Eros story. Minions, you have your orders!


Much love,
Valia

Cover Reveal: Untouched by Jus Accardo

Guys, 
Do you remember that cover reveal for Toxic I did last week? (See below) Well, here is the fabulous cover for Untouched, the Denazen novella that comes out February 21st!


Ready for all the Kale goodness? 


TA-DA!!!!So, what do you think? 
Jus website: http://www.jusaccardo.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13353503-untouched


Have a fabulous day everyone!!!
Much love, 
Valia 

In My Mailbox #25: The One FULL of WIN!

So I have to apologize for all my excitement and dorkiness in this video. Wait, on the other hand, I do NOT apologize!!! Im EXCITED and you guys love me anyway so enjoy! :-)





What's in your mailbox???


Much love, 
Valia 

Book Spotlight: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl. . . . 

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future. 


From Goodreads.com



When I first heard about this book, I was intrigued but not exactly sold on the concept. Sure, I like my super awesome technology just like any other girl and Cyborgs are definitely part of that list. However, I just wasn't sure how it was going to look on paper. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised!
Cinder is a story about a girl mechanic, part Cyborg, part something else. She is harassed by her step mother, hated by her step sister, and looked down on for being who she is. Yet, she stands tall and works against all odds. I loved Cinder as the main character. I felt myself cheering "You go girl!" more than once during the book. Then, enters Prince Kai. Well, hello gorgeous! Right away, I enjoyed the relationship weaving between the two. It wasn't just your ordinary "love at first swoon", it was a real working relationship. Marissa takes two characters and makes them their own. Doom hangs over them at every step and they are forced to make tough decisions, and yet, they keep coming back to each other. That is real love story in the making. And that ending, oh. my. goodness. that ending!!! What a cliffhanger! Book 2 is going to be fabulous, I can see it already! The writing is beautiful, with just enough heart to keep you up at nights. Marissa weaves all aspects of a good fairy tale and makes it her own. The world Cinder lives in is painted with the best colors of words. The setting and the people are so real you can almost reach out and touch them. Cinder will grip your heart and leave you gasping for more. You are going to fall in love!  Cinder hits the shelfs January 3, 2012! I highly recommend this book to anyone!  Happy Reading,  Valia PS. Let me know what you think! 

Cover Reveal: Toxic by Jus Accardo

Guys!! I have a special little treat for you! Here is the official cover and blurb from Jus Accardo's second book Toxic. How freaking awesome is it? 


When a Six saved Kale's life the night of Sumrun, she warned there would be consequences. A trade-off. Something taken for the life they gained. But Dez never imagined she'd lose the one thing she'd give anything to keep… And as if it's not enough Dez finds her immunity to Kale fading, the Six brought in to help Kale learn to control his killer touch starts drooling on him the moment they meet. Worse than that? Jade can touch Kale. But bimbo Barbie is the least of Dez's problems. 
After Dez and Kale got away at Sumrun, her father lost not only his most powerful weapon but an important piece of the Supremacy project. Forced by Denazen to remedy the situation, he poisons Dez and offers her a choice—surrender to Denazen for the cure…or die. Determined to find a solution that doesn't involve being bagged and tagged—or losing someone she loves—Dez keeps the poison a secret.  But when a rash of Denazen attacks hit a little too close to home, Dez is convinced there's a traitor among them. Jade. 
Sacrifices, broken promises, and secrets. Dez will have to lay it all on the line if there's any hope of proving Jade's guilt before they all end up Residents of Denazen. Or worse, dead...
Have you guys read Touch yet? Well, you need to! Entangled publishing sure knows how to publish books. I leave you with some important links.
Website: http://www.jusaccardo.com/ (Follow Jus, she's awesome!)Twitter: @JusAccardo Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13097681-toxic
So, what do you think???
Much love, Valia 

Favorites of 2011 and Lots of Love!!!

Hello lovelies,
Can you believe its only a few hours before 2011 leaves us forever? I know you haven't heard that all day! While ya'll will be celebrating I'll be at work, trying to keep people from getting killed. Its going to be a long night for sure. But I wanted to share some last minute things with you here. So here are my farewells and favorite picks just for you!
   First of all, I wanted to thank you all for following and reading my blog. Sometimes I wonder why I bother and then I'll get a nice comment, or a mention and that makes my day brighter. YOU make my day brighter! I never even imagined that I would be sharing my writing with the world but here I am. So thank you for all your support!
   Second of all, I tried picking a few of my favorite reads this year but it was very hard to just narrow it all down. Yet, here is what we have (in no particular order)! 



















Well, that is all lovelies!! Enjoy your festivities!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
See ya next year,Valia 

Class of 2011: Best in Show

Best Repeat Preformance of 2011: Uncommon Criminals by Ally CarterSummary: Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life life. Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief. But for the last two months she's simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world. That's why Kat isn't surprised when she's asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners.

There are only three problems. First, the gem hasn't been seen in public in thirty years. Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long, and in Kat's world, history almost always repeats itself. But it's the third problem that makes Kat's crew the most nervous and that is simply… the emerald is cursed.

Kat might be in way over her head, but she's not going down without a fight. After all she has her best friend—the gorgeous Hale—and the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses, realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time.

Which means, this time, Katarina Bishop is making up her own rules.
Quotes: - "Hey anyone who thinks a non-military–grade rappelling cable can support the weight of two grown men and a miniature donkey deserves to fall off a cliff."
- "I mean she's Cleopatra... shouldn't she and Antony have known better? They were so different..."    "Variety is the spice of life" 
   "And from a thousand miles apart" 
  "Absence makes the heart grow fonder" 
- "Hamish smiled and rubbed his hands together. "Sure we can. What do you say? Pigs in a Blanket?" He leaned over the cool counter and raised his eyebrows at Gabrielle.
  "The only way I'll get under a blanket with you is if both of us are on fire," she told him." 
Why I love this book:I read a lot of YA Paranormal. I like me a good fantasy, just like any other read out there. But mystery has always been my first love and this series is one of those stories that just keeps getting better. I had such a blast figuring out all the little plot twists and turns. Also, the characters in this book are fabulous and got even better with book 2! If you haven't read this series, you need to!
Much love, Valia