ARC Review: Empty by K.M. Walton

Synopsis:
Dell is used to disappointment. Ever since her dad left, it’s been one let down after another. But no one—not even her best friend—gets all the pain she’s going through. So Dell hides behind self-deprecating jokes and forced smiles.

Then the one person she trusts betrays her. Dell is beyond devastated. Without anyone to turn to for comfort, her depression and self-loathing spin out of control. But just how far will she go to make all of the heartbreak and name-calling stop?

My Thoughts:

In Empty, K.M. Walton paints a very disturbing image on what it is like to be a high school student with an eating disorder. Ever since Dell's parents split up, her life seems to be tumbling down around her. She’s losing her best friend, her dad doesn’t want to spend any time with her, and her mom is addicted to prescription drugs. Worst of all, Dell can’t seem to stop eating. Even after she is full she takes comfort in eating more. Since her parents separated, she went from a size ten to a size twenty-four. I felt quite a bit of pity for Dell. She had no self-confidence whatsoever. Not only did her classmates make fun of her, she also made fun of herself. She would moo and act like a sumo wrestler just to get the attention of the other students. She went through a lot of bullying and ridicule. Dell’s best friend Kara is an absolutely horrible person. She isn’t a friend at all. When Dell was getting picked on by the other students Kara didn’t stick up for her. In fact, Kara laughed right along with the rest of the students. She didn’t care about Dell enough to believe her when something horrible happened to her. She also didn’t care enough to get Dell the help she obviously needed. All Kara did care about was becoming popular. This book definitely made me feel sad and sympathetic. The ending was absolutely heart-breaking. However, if it was written any other way it wouldn’t have been as good. I think the author definitely sent a very powerful message with the way she ended the book. I will definitely be reading more of K.M. Walton’s work in the future. 

I give Empty: 5/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.kmwalton.com/
Blog: http://skateorbate.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cracked-fan-page/225425247511173?sk=wall
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KMWalton1
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4515355.K_M_Walton

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

Seth's review of In a Fix by Linda Grimes

Synopsis:
Snagging a marriage proposal for her client while on an all-expenses-paid vacation should be a simple job for Ciel Halligan, aura adaptor extraordinaire. A kind of human chameleon, she’s able to take on her clients’ appearances and slip seamlessly into their lives, solving any sticky problems they don’t want to deal with themselves. No fuss, no muss. Big paycheck.

This particular assignment is pretty enjoyable... that is, until Ciel’s island resort bungalow is blown to smithereens and her client’s about-to-be-fiancé is snatched by modern-day Vikings. For some reason, Ciel begins to suspect that getting the ring is going to be a tad more difficult than originally anticipated.

Going from romance to rescue requires some serious gear-shifting, as well as a little backup. Her best friend, Billy, and Mark, the CIA agent she’s been crushing on for years—both skilled adaptors—step in to help, but their priority is, annoyingly, keeping her safe. Before long, Ciel is dedicating more energy to escaping their watchful eyes than she is to saving her client’s intended.

Suddenly, facing down a horde of Vikings feels like the least of her problems.

Seth's Thoughts:

I was a bit reluctant to read this book at first. As you might know, I don’t typically read these sort. I'm more of a Dark Tower kind of guy. The premise, I have to admit was interesting. Shape shifters doing odd jobs around the world for clients ranging from a woman who doesn’t want to deal with her mother in law, to spooks working for the CIA.

The story however suffers from typical triangle romance syndrome. I really can’t begin to say exactly how much I dislike triangle romances in books. The main character seems to be a fair representation of a twenty something entrepreneur. She's struggling with a start up company and overbearing family. Her client she has to work for seems a bit on the richer not so smart side of her adaptation is accurate, though that might be her own personality coming through. Things heat up quick when her cottage explodes. Kidnappings ensue, several times in the book. Also, a trip to Sweden occurs. Nationalistic Vikings hell bent on distributing body wash to people to the point they will kill for it. It’s a bit far fetched at times, but so is the whole ‘I can touch you and then turn into you whenever I want’ thing.

On the whole I didn’t mind reading this book. It’s a fun read with just the right amount of pacing. The characters are engaging even when the story isn’t and vice versa. 

Seth gives In a Fix: 3/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.lindagrimes.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/linda_grimes
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5029662.Linda_Grimes

I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Neither Seth nor I were compensated for this review.

Blog Tour: Snow Whyte and the Queen of Mayhem by Melissa Lemon

Today on the blog, I have a review of Snow Whyte and the Queen of Mayhem by Melissa Lemon as part of the Snow Whyte and the Queen of Mayhem blog tour.

Synopsis:
Stuck in her family's apple orchards, Kat's got plenty of work to do and only pesky Jeremy to help. But when Jeremy convinces her to run away, Kat will discover that nothing---and no one---in her life is quite what it seems. Wonderfully reimagined, this is the magical tale of Snow White as you've never read it before!

My Thoughts:
I love fairy tale re-tellings, especially if they are about Snow White or Cinderella. Snow Whyte and the Queen of Mayhem has become my favorite Snow White re-telling. Out of all off the re-tellings I've read, this one is the most imaginative. While it sticks to the original tale in some aspects, such as Snow Whyte having black hair and being friends with the seven dwarves, the book also has it's own originality. The queen is Kat's (Snow Whyte's) mother, not her stepmother. Snow Whyte is just a nickname, not Kat's actual name. These are just a few of the original things the author uses. The originality adds a lot to the story. It spices up the book and keeps the story line interesting. This is definitely not your grandmother's version of Snow White. The plot was wonderful. It blew my mind at times. When I read several of the plot twists, I thought "Where the heck did that come from?!". The characters were all well written. There wasn't a single character that I didn't like. Even though the queen was a horrible, heartless wench, for some reason I didn't hate her. I think I pitied her more than anything. I loved this book. It was definitely one of my favorite books of 2012. I am excited to read Melissa Lemon's other book, Cinder and Ella. I will also read any other re-tellings she does in the future.

I give Snow Whyte and the Queen of Mayhem: 5/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.authormelissalemon.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authormelissalemon
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Melissa_Lemon
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4830336.Melissa_Lemon

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

Seth's review of The Wisdom of the Shire by Noble Smith

Synopsis:
In The Wisdom of the Shire, Noble Smith sheds a light on the life-changing ideas tucked away inside the classic works of J.R.R. Tolkien and his most beloved creation—the stouthearted Hobbits.

Drawing on The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and other tales of Middle-earth, Smith shows how a snug Hobbit-hole is actually just a state of mind and how even the smallest person can have the valor of a Rider of Rohan. He explores subjects dear to a Halfling's heart, such as beer, food, and friendship, as well as more serious concerns, such as courage, living in harmony with nature, and good versus evil.

How can simple pleasures such as gardening, taking long walks, and eating delicious meals with friends make you significantly happier? Why is the act of giving presents on your birthday instead of getting them such a revolutionary idea? And how can we carry the burden of our own "magic ring of power" without becoming devoured by it? The Wisdom of the Shire holds the answers to these and more of life's essential questions.

Seth's Thoughts:

This book was much like reading all of the Lord of the Rings books and The Hobbit in one setting, in a vague overview sort of way. The author obviously put a lot of thought and time into making this book. Most people who have read the series have probably picked up on many of the Wisdoms albeit not in as direct a way.

I have a few points that I got a little hung up on. The first is that the ARC I received seemed to not be complete based upon the table of contents. It seems to be missing approximately twenty or so pages. I understand this is something that may happen from time to time with an ARC. The second point that bugged me was the constant rehashing and reusing of the same situations to squeeze different meanings from the same event.

This book left me a bit uplifted at the end, and despite the gripes I have over it, I think I will hold onto it. It might even have earned itself a place next to my LotR series. Which if you know me, I take seriously. Very seriously. I wish I could say more about this book, but honestly I am a bit on the tired side and you can learn all you need to by flipping through the chapters and reading the wisdoms at the end of each. 

Seth gives The Wisdom of the Shire: 3.5/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.shirewisdom.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Wisdom-of-the-Shire/246886975429669
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shirewisdom
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/910909.Noble_Smith

I received this ARC in the mail from the author in exchange for an honest review. Neither Seth nor I were compensated for this review.

Blog Tour: The Tragedy of Knowledge by Rachael Wade

Synopsis:
The Battle Comes Home.

After arranging a hopeful but risky alliance during their visit to the Amaranthian realm, Camille, Gavin, and the resistance don’t have much time to recover from their failed mission. Forced to create a new strategy to achieve their goal, they embark on a different mission—one that possibly holds the missing key to their quest for victory, and their deadliest one yet.

As they attempt round two to restore peace and freedom for their kind, they must rely on help from the living, the bayous, and beyond to decipher allies from enemies, good magic from bad, and whether the source claiming to lead the way to their destiny can be trusted. Racing against the clock to solve the mystery of their fate, they find the battle has come right to their doorstep, and this time, everyone must pay a price.

My Thoughts:
Once again, Rachael Wade has written a brilliant novel. The Tragedy of Knowledge was a great conclusion to the Amaranth series. The book picks up where The Gates left off. The main characters, Camille and Gavin, along with the rest of the gang need to try to find a way to destroy Samira and Gerard and the vampire curse. This is my favorite book in the series. The plot was very intricate.It made me laugh at times, and was heartbreaking at others. I was upset when a certain character died. The character was a minor character, but their death still left a big impact on me because o the emotional way it was written. I only found one mistake in the book. The characters were all the same characters we know and love with the addition of Gerard. I don't really care for Gerard. The reader can tell he was well written because he creeped me out and left me with chills long after I finished the book. The ending of the book was heartbreaking. However, it was a wonderful ending that tied everything up at the end. Anything else wouldn't have worked as well. The Amaranth series will always hold a place in my heart, long after the series is finished. It will definitely be something I re-read many times. Thank you Rachael Wade for creating a magical world for me to get lost in time and time again.

I give The Tragedy of Knowledge: 5/5.

Make sure to keep an eye out at Kayla's Reads and Reviews facebook page, for a chance to win bookmarks autographed by Rachael Wade.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.rachaelwade.com/
Facebook: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4831558.Rachael_Wade
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachaelWade
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4831558.Rachael_Wade

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

The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

Synopsis:
Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.

Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she’s been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California–tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formerly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist.

But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age–old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and the sense of what it means to truly belong. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi—the fiercest vampires, the ones who don’t die. But it’s her fear of being just that—special, magical, powerful—that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Brayden, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else—someone forbidden to her.

When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney’s loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her.

Should she trust the Alchemists—or her heart?

My Thoughts:

The ending of The Golden Lily made me angry. Richelle Mead hinted most of the book that two characters liked each other, and were going to get together, only to have it come crashing down at the end. Needless to say, I was very upset. Otherwise, the book was fantastic. It was definitely worth the agonizing wait. The book mostly sticks to the characters we know and love from Vampire Academy and Bloodlines. However, a new character named Brayden is introduced. I thought he was a jerk. Hopefully he won’t be in the rest of the series. The plot had me guessing up until the very end what was going to happen. I didn’t see any of the plot twists happening until they did, which made the book fun to read. It’s impressive to see how much Sydney has matured from the Vampire Academy series until now. She can actually make friends with the Moroi and Dhampirs without caring much about what the alchemists think. Actually, all of the characters have matured in their own way. Even Adrian has matured, which is something I never would have thought possible before. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series, The Indigo Spell. February 2013 can’t get here quick enough for me. 

I give The Golden Lily: 5/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.richellemead.com/
Blog: http://blue-succubus.livejournal.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/137902.Richelle_Mead
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/richellemeadfanpage
Twitter: http://twitter.com/RichelleMead

I bought this book from the bookstore because I wanted to read it.. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Giveaway Winner!

GIVEAWAY WINNER!

The winner of Hemingway's Girl is.... Christine Dawson! Congrats. I sent you an email. If she doesn't respond within 48 hours, I will pick another winner. Thank you to everyone who entered, and for your continued of the blog.