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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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.