VABT: Sulan by Camille Picott Blog Tour

Synopsis:
Sixteen-year-old Sulan Hom can’t remember life before the Default—the day the United States government declared bankruptcy. As a math prodigy, she leads a protected life, kept safe from the hunger and crime plaguing the streets of America. She attends the corporate-sponsored Virtual High School, an academy in Vex (Virtual Experience) for gifted children. 

Beyond the security of Sulan’s high-tech world, the Anti-American League wages a guerrilla war against the United States. Their leader, Imugi, is dedicated to undermining the nation’s reconstruction attempts. He attacks anything considered a national resource, including corporations, food storage facilities—and schools. When Sulan witnesses the public execution of a teenage student and the bombing of a college dorm, she panics. 

Her mother, a retired mercenary, refuses to teach her how to defend herself. Sulan takes matters into her own hands. With the help of her hacker best friend, Hank, Sulan acquires Touch—an illegal Vex technology that allows her to share the physical experience of her avatar. With Touch, Sulan defies her mother and trains herself to fight. 

When Imugi unleashes a new attack on the United States, Sulan finds herself caught in his net. Will her Vex training be enough to help her survive and escape?

My Thoughts:

When I read a book. I try to figure out what happens before it happens. In this book, I predicted quite a few things right. Other things caught me completely off guard. The plot went decently smooth. Sulan is worried because the Anti-American League, a terrorist organization, keep blowing up different schools and organizations. Sulan wants her mom to teach her self defense. Her mom is adamantly against it. The whole time when I was reading, I kept thinking if they keep blowing up things, how will self defense classes help against a bomb? There were quite a few great fight scenes. The one at the auction had me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I loved all of the characters. I don't think I could pick a favorite. I felt a lot of pity for Uncle Zed. It must have been rough to go through what he went through. However, he provided great comic relief at times. Taro didn't trust Gun, but I really like him. I'm hoping the book two covers a lot more of his story. I really liked The League. I can't wait for the second book in the series, to find out what happens to Sulan next.

I give Sulan: 4/5.

Want to know more about the author?

Website: http://www.camillepicott.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/camille.picott

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pixiupress

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5029755.Camille_Picott

Blog: http://camillemulan.livejournal.com/

I received this book from the author for the blog tour. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Special thank you to Virtual Author Blog Tours for letting me participate in the blog tour.

A Pulse Returned by Kristal Shaff

Synopsis:
When Askoo kills an old woman to gain her connection to the Good Earth, he is sentenced to die in the caves of the Atkolat. Panno, his adopted brother, risks his father’s trust by freeing him. But little did Panno realize the depravity of Askoo, and how far he would go to gain back his power. Askoo’s murderous rampage threatens not only the lives of peaceful strangers, but the fate and leadership of their tribe. Panno would sacrifce anything to restore balance, but not even he dreamed of how much he’ll have to lose.

My Thoughts:
A Pulse Returned was a great short story. At first, it was a little confusing with all the different sounding names, but I figured it our easily enough after a few pages. I’m still not 100 percent sure what an Atkolat is. From how the author described them, I think they are a vampire-like creature. The story went along smoothly. Even though it was short, the plot captivated me. I was excited when The Pack found the little girl. I hoped she was going to be in the story a little longer than what she was. I thought the book had a great ending. It was really shocking. I hope that if the author ever writes a sequel about Panno's son, she includes more on the Atkolat culture. I am very excited to read her debut novel, The Emissary, coming out in December of 2013. 

I give A Pulse Returned: 3/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Webiste: http://www.kristalshaff.com/index.html
Twitter: http://twitter.com/kristalshaff
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkristalshaff
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6455786.Kristal_Shaff

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Giveaway: Hemingway's Girl by Erika Robuck

Hemingway's Girl was my favorite book that I've read so far this year. In fact, I loved it so much, that I decided to offer an extra copy for a giveaway. Thank you to the publisher for giving me an extra copy for a giveaway. You can read my review of Hemingway's Girl here.

Synopsis:

“She remembered when Hemingway had planted a banyan at his house and told her its parasitic roots were like human desire. At the time she’d thought it romantic. She hadn’t understood his warning.”

In Depression-era Key West, Mariella Bennet, the daughter of an American fisherman and a Cuban woman, knows hunger. Her struggle to support her family following her father’s death leads her to a bar and bordello, where she bets on a risky boxing match...and attracts the interest of two men: world-famous writer, Ernest Hemingway, and Gavin Murray, one of the WWI veterans who are laboring to build the Overseas Highway.

When Mariella is hired as a maid by Hemingway’s second wife, Pauline, she enters a rarified world of lavish, celebrity-filled dinner parties and elaborate off-island excursions. As she becomes caught up in the tensions and excesses of the Hemingway household, the attentions of the larger-than-life writer become a dangerous temptation...even as the reliable Gavin Murray draws her back to what matters most. Will she cross an invisible line with the volatile Hemingway, or find a way to claim her own dreams? As a massive hurricane bears down on Key West, Mariella faces some harsh truths...and the possibility of losing everything she loves.

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Want to win the book? There are a few simple rules:

1. Follow my blog by either GFC or Networked Blogs
2. Leave a comment with the name you follow by and your email address
3. Winners will be picked on October, 23 2012 at 12:01 am
4. U.S. Residents only

Good luck and have fun!

Hemingway's Girl by Erika Robuck

Synopsis:
“She remembered when Hemingway had planted a banyan at his house and told her its parasitic roots were like human desire. At the time she’d thought it romantic. She hadn’t understood his warning.”

In Depression-era Key West, Mariella Bennet, the daughter of an American fisherman and a Cuban woman, knows hunger. Her struggle to support her family following her father’s death leads her to a bar and bordello, where she bets on a risky boxing match...and attracts the interest of two men: world-famous writer, Ernest Hemingway, and Gavin Murray, one of the WWI veterans who are laboring to build the Overseas Highway.

When Mariella is hired as a maid by Hemingway’s second wife, Pauline, she enters a rarified world of lavish, celebrity-filled dinner parties and elaborate off-island excursions. As she becomes caught up in the tensions and excesses of the Hemingway household, the attentions of the larger-than-life writer become a dangerous temptation...even as the reliable Gavin Murray draws her back to what matters most. Will she cross an invisible line with the volatile Hemingway, or find a way to claim her own dreams? As a massive hurricane bears down on Key West, Mariella faces some harsh truths...and the possibility of losing everything she loves.

My Thoughts:
Wow, how to put into words what I felt about this book? I could use as many positive adjectives that I could think of and it still wouldn't come close to describing how inspiring and life changing Hemingway’s Girl was. The book made me feel something for the characters. A book hasn't made me feel this way in a long time. I wanted to be with Mariella at Sloppy Joe’s watching all the drunk men argue. Hell, I wanted to be her. I was envious of the way she was getting attention from Gavin and Hemingway. When I read the book and she was happy, I was happy for her. When she was sad, I felt pity and sympathy for her. I fell absolutely head over heels for Ernest Hemingway. He had a quirky personality that I adored. He seemed wise beyond his years. Even when he was acting like a jerk and having a temper tantrum, he was still sexy. The ending left me emotionally devastated. I cried for about ten minutes. I’m still having troubles coming to terms with it, even though it’s the day after I finished it. Thank You Erika Robuck for making reading fun again and not just something I do for a job. 

I give Hemingway’s Girl 5/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.erikarobuck.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ErikaRobuck
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ErikaRobuck
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2867287.Erika_Robuck

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

A Whole Lot of Lucky by Danette Haworth

Synopsis:
Hailee Richardson never realized how much she hated her Salvation Army life and Goodwill accessories until the night her family wins the lottery. All of a sudden she's no longer the only girl at school without a cell phone or a brand-new bike! And the newfound popularity that comes with being a lottery winner is just what she's always dreamed of. But the glow of her smartphone and fancy new clothes wears off when Hailee is transferred to Magnolia Academy, a private school. All of a sudden, her best friend and parents seem shabby compared to the beautiful Magnolia moms and the popular bad-girl Nikki, who seems to want to be her friend. Now, Hailee wants nothing more than to grow up-and away-from her old life. It'll take one very busy social networking page, a stolen first kiss, and a whole carton of eggs for Hailee to realize that not all luck is good, not all change is bad, and a best friend who's just a call away will always be more valuable than a phone.

My Thoughts:

A Whole Lot of Lucky was a good middle grade novel. The story focuses on a girl named Hailee. She becomes sick of always having second hand things. Especially when it comes to her three dollar bike. Needless to say when her parents win the lottery, she is ecstatic. However, when she tries to become as popular as the rich kids, she starts to lose who she really is. This book teaches an important lesson to it’s readers. No matter how great things get, don’t forget where you came from. The book also teaches to not forget those who were there for you when you had nothing. The plot flowed smoothly. I completed this book in about 2 hours. There are very few plot holes. I liked most of the characters. I didn’t really care for Alexis. The main character had a fun personality. Toward the middle of the book though, I thought she was a rude, snotty brat. However she made up for her actions at the end of the book. Also, this book has made me look at how much I text around my friends. I never realized it may have been considered rude. I’m hoping the author writes a sequel about Hailee’s second year at academy and how the lottery winnings continue to affect her and her family. I will definitely recommend this book to my friends who have kids in middle school. I recommend this book to girls in grades 5-8. 

I give A Whole Lot of Lucky 5/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.danettehaworth.com/#!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/danettehaworth
Twitter: http://twitter.com/danettehaworth
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1327642.Danette_Haworth

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Vampirina Ballerina by Anne Marie Pace

Synopsis:
Oh, to be a ballerina It's a challenge for any little girl, but even more so if you happen to be a vampire like Vampirina. First of all, you have to find a class that meets at night. Then you have to figure out how to perfect your form when you can't see yourself in the mirror? And then there's wearing pink (not the most flattering of colors if you happen to be undead) and that nagging urge to take a little nip out of the other dancers. And worse of all... STAGE FRIGHT.

My Thoughts:

Vampirina Ballerina reminds me of one of my favorite quotes, only reversed. The quote is, "When I was younger most girls wanted to be a ballerina, I wanted to be a vampire." Instead of that, it's about a vampire who wants to become a ballerina. Vampirina tries and tries to become a ballerina but she just can't seem to fit in. After a lot of practice, she finally makes some friends and becomes a great ballerina. This book also has a great lesson for children. If you put enough effort into it, you will achieve your dreams. I loved the glitter on the cover of the book. It drew my attention to the book right away. The illustrations were adorable. My favorite one was Vampirina dancing with the mummy in the basement. This is a great book to read to children, especially with Halloween right around the corner. I reccomend Vampirina Ballerina to girls ages 3-10. 

I give Vampirina Ballerina 5/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.annemariepace.com/Site/Home.html
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4388714.Anne_Marie_Pace
Twitter: http://twitter.com/annemariepace
Google+: https://plus.google.com/105623255557081282077/posts
Blog: http://annemariepace.livejournal.com/

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Grateful Jake by Emily Madill and Izabela Bzymek

Synopsis:
A homework assignment on gratitude leaves Jake completely stumped. After all, he's just an ordinary 8 year old boy - what's so great about that? But a weekend of adventures opens his eyes to the true meaning of gratitude, and just how lucky he is that it's always within his reach. This engagingly illustrated picture book will help introduce your young readers to the concept of gratitude, and the accompanying Grateful Jake Resource Guide (also available from Amazon) will help you expand on those ideas with activities your whole family will enjoy.

My Thoughts:

Grateful Jake is a wonderful educational children's book. It teaches children to be grateful for the things they have, instead of focusing on what they want. In the beginning of the book, Jake thinks there is no way he can do his homework. His teacher assigns a paper about ten things he is grateful for. Jake doesn't think he has anything to be grateful for. He takes everything for granted. After he has an awesome weekend taking care of his garden and playing with his brother, he realizes he has a lot to be thankful for. This a great bedtime story parents can read to their children. They can also use it as a learning experience by asking their children what they are grateful for. I recommend this book for children ages 3-9 and their parents as well. 

I give Grateful Jake : 5/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.authorsresources.ca/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/emilymadill
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EmilyMadill
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5870447.Emily_Madill

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Hearts of Darkness by Kira Brady

Synopsis:
In the first of a dazzling new romantic trilogy, one woman’s courageous search plunges her into a millennia-old supernatural war—and an irresistible passion…

Nurse Kayla Friday has dedicated her life to science and reason. But for her, Seattle is a place of eerie loss and fragmented, frightening memories. And now the only clue to her sister’s murder reveals a secret battle between two ancient mythologies…and puts Kayla in the sights of lethally-sexy werewolf mercenary Hart. He’ll do whatever it takes to obtain the key to the Gate of the Land of the Dead and free what’s left of his soul. But seducing the determined Kayla is putting them at the mercy of powerful desires neither can control. And as the clock ticks down to hellish catastrophe, the untested bond between Kayla and Hart may lead to the ultimate sacrifice.

My Thoughts:
Hearts of Darkness started off really slow for me. In fact, it was almost a DNF because the first chapter was so excruciatingly slow. However, I am glad I stuck it out and finished the book. It had me on the edge of my seat wondering about what was going to happen next. Almost all of the plot twists were a complete shock to me. I predicted none of them before they happened. The book had a couple of sex scenes but nothing overly smutty. It didn't make me uncomfortable. I liked that the final battle lasted for about 50+ pages. It didn't end in one chapter. A lot of the books I have been recently the last battle has ended in one chapter or just a few pages. Hearts of Darkness was a refreshing change of pace. I ended up liking all of the characters when I was done with it. Throughout the book I hated Norgard. I hoped that he died in a fiery inferno. However, when I was done with the book, I felt a lot of pity and sympathy for him. He was still a jerk, but he was a jerk who able to feel human emotions, such as love. Kira Brady wrote a great debut novel. I am so glad I stuck with it. I can't wait to read the next book when it is released.

I give Hearts of Darkness: 4/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://kirabrady.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kira.brady
Twitter: http://twitter.com/kirabrady
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kirabrady/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/107477312931526924312/posts
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5345162.Kira_Brady

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

The Dark Light by Sara Walsh

Synopsis:
Mia is torn between two guys—and two worlds—in this epic, romantic fantasy.Mysterious lights have flickered above Crownsville for as long as Mia can remember. And as far as she’s concerned, that’s about the only interesting thing to happen in her small town.

That is, until Sol arrives. Mia’s not one to fall for just any guy, but she can’t get Sol—or the brilliant tattoo on his back—out of her mind.

Then Mia’s brother goes missing, and Mia’s convinced that Sol knows more than he’s sharing. But getting closer to Sol means reevaluating everything Mia once believed to be true. Because Sol’s not who Mia thought he was—and neither is she.

My Thoughts:

The Dark Light was a struggle for me to finish. The first few chapters went unbelievably slow. The story finally picked up some pace around chapter 16, and stayed exciting for the rest of the book. The final battle was over way too quickly. There were a few parts of the book that I liked. It was really cool hearing about all the different people in Bordertown. The author creates a really vivid picture. Also, Sol's tattoo and what it does later in the story is interesting. You don't see much of that in YA literature. Usually it's saved for adult novels. I didn't care for most of the characters. The only one I liked was Delane. He was great friend with a good head on his shoulders. He was always there for Mia when Sol was being a jerk. He also told her things she needed to know that Sol wouldn't tell her. Mia was constantly putting her friends life and her life in danger by coming along when she was told to stay. She was only thinking of finding her brother, and not helping the Brakalands. Sol was a jerk and treated Mia horribly. He lied to her and hid important things from her that she needed to know. He rarely asked her opinion about decisions involving her well being. Instead he would walk far away from her and whisper to Delane about it. I really wanted to like this book. But sadly it just wasn't for me.

I give The Dark Light: 1/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Blog: http://sarawalshbooks.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sara-Walsh/242709655821126
Twitter: http://twitter.com/SaraLeighWalsh
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5765897.Sara_Walsh

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Glitches by Marissa Meyer

*WARNING: MY REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN'T READ CINDER!*

Synopsis:
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. In “Glitches,” a short prequel story to Cinder, we see the results of that illness play out, and the emotional toll that takes on Cinder. Something that may, or may not, be a glitch...

My Thoughts:

Cinder was one of my favorite books of 2012 (my husband was also not impartial to it). When I heard that the author wrote a prequel, I had to read it. Glitches was great. It gave readers an inside glimpse to when Cinder first got to earth. It also let us learn more about her father. He was a gentle and loving person who made Cinder feel like part of the family. Her stepmom used to be a little nicer than what she is in Cinder but she has always been a cold person. I think I finished this very short story in about ten minutes. It was definitely worth the 99 cents I paid for it. I learned a lot more details of Cinder's back story. Now I'm even more excited for Scarlet to be released. 

I give Glitches 5/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.marissameyer.com/
Blog: http://marissameyer.livejournal.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/marissa_meyer
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4684322.Marissa_Meyer
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MarissaMeyerAuthor

I bought this book on Amazon. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Playing Dead by Fred Perry and David Hutchinson

Synopsis:
Middle school is horrific enough for any 5th grader's first day. But for Bill Dookes, it's a festering, rotting, undead nightmare! Since Bill's deadbeat dad got arrested trying to burn the house down for the insurance, Mom's had to make ends meet by volunteering to various medical research companies for cash. This would be fine if she hadn't brought home a mysterious zombie virus! Now Bill has to deal with skin problems and body chemistry changes that make puberty look like a walk in the park! And then there's his ever-growing appetite for BRAINS!

My Thoughts:

Zombie Kid Diaries: Playing Dead is a decently good childrens novel. The book is classified as a middle grade novel, but I would reccomend it for fourth grade or higher. Zombie Kid Diaries: Playing Dead is about a kid named Bill who would like to be a professional video game player when he gets older. Bill's mom gets paid to take experimental drugs from various medical companies. One night she comes home and is very sluggish. Eventually she turns into a zombie. Somehow Bill turns into one as well. It's never explained how or why Bill and his mom turned into zombies. It's one of the biggest plot holes in the books, and bothers me. There were quite a few plot holes in the book. I liked all of the characters except for Bill's mom. She was a very irresponsible woman. She took these trial drugs and would be incoherent so Bill would not only have to fend for himself, but do everything for her as well. She wasn't a good role model. The book was funny and made me laugh a few times. I reccomend it to kids in grades 4-8.

I give Zombie Kid Diaries: Playing Dead: 3/5.

Want to know where to buy this book?
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Zombie-Kid-Diaries-Volume-Playing/dp/0985092548
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/zombie-kid-diaries-volume-1-fred-perry/1112652118

I received this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

What Happens Next Blog Tour

Today, we have the wonderful author, Colleen Clayton, stopping by the blog to talk about what inspired her to create her debut novel, What Happens Next.
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Hey everyone! Kayla has been kind enough to allow me to guest post today! She asked me to discuss my inspiration behind my book WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. My inspiration came from several places and I’ll try to touch upon several of them.

Themes: I wanted to write a book that deals with the theme of sexual assault and its effect on a survivor’s sense of body image. Studies have shown that survivors of sexual assault are at risk for developing eating disorders so I wanted to explore that connection. I also wanted to write about a young woman who reclaims her sexuality and sense of desire, post-assault, and does so in a healthy way.

Characterization/ Opening Scenes: I had a very distinct image in my head as to how Sid would look physically and where we would first find her. It was an image of a red-haired, curvy teen girl sitting on a ski-lift with a very charming and handsome man (Dax Windsor) who was clearly too old for her. In my mind, (and eventually on the page…) the two of them were high in the air, cut off from the world. The man was making her laugh, lowering her defenses, and getting her to trust him.

Romance, or “The Boy”:  I always knew Corey Livingston would be a brown-haired, brown-eyed, masculine boy who may not be “college material” but who is very intelligent and dreams of becoming a chef. I have a lot of working class, skilled tradespeople in my family and friend circle.  Chefs, coal miners, mechanics, hairdressers, plumbers, etc.  I wanted to showcase a character who takes that career path. I wanted to help readers understand that college is not for everyone and that that’s okay. The trades are an excellent way to go in life.

Family Relationships: I wanted to create a really, really good mom for Sid. Often, in YA  literature, parents are maligned or relegated to the roles of clueless, self-involved idiots. While I am not opposed to someday writing a parental character who fits that profile, it wasn’t right for this novel  and for this story. In regards to setting, it was always going to be a fictionalized version of Lakewood, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. I love Lakewood and Cleveland so much and am proud to set my novel there.

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Thank you Colleen for stopping by. If you would like to read my review of What Happens Next, you can find it here.