I promise I haven't forgotten

Don't worry, I know my Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith giveaway ended yesterday. I have been super busy between finishing scholarship applications and other things. I am about to leave for the coast for the weekend so I will hold my drawing either tonight or tomorrow morning and it will be posted tomorrow. I promise!

Sorry for the delay,
Taylor

Get excited for Hunted!

So many of you out there, including myself, are highly anticipating the fifth novel in the House of Night series, Hunted.

If in some strange way you haven't heard anything about Hunted by P.C. + Kristin Cast, here is the summary:

What if the hottest guy in the world was hiding a nameless evil, and all he wanted was you?

At the start of this heart-pounding new installment of the bestselling House of Night series, Zoey’s friends have her back again and Stevie Rae and the red fledglings aren’t Neferet’s secrets any longer. But an unexpected danger has emerged. Neferet guards her powerful new consort, Kalona, and no one at the House of Night seems to understand the threat he poses. Kalona looks gorgeous, and he has the House of Night under his spell. A past life holds the key to breaking his rapidly spreading influence, but what if this past life shows Zoey secrets she doesn’t want to hear and truths she can’t face?

On the run and holed up in Tulsa’s Prohibition-era tunnels, Zoey and her gang must discover a way to deal with something that might bring them all down. Meanwhile, Zoey has a few other little problems. The red fledglings have cleaned up well – they’ve even managed to make the dark, creepy tunnels feel more like home – but are they really as friendly as they seem? On the boyfriend front, Zoey has a chance to make things right with super-hot ex-, Eric, but she can’t stop thinking about Stark, the archer who died in her arms after one unforgettable night, and she is driven to try to save him from Neferet’s sinister influence at all costs. Will anyone believe the power evil has to hide among us?

Now that you are thoroughly excited for the novel as I am, here is the book trailer!!

For those of you who haven't already you can click here to read the first chapter.

Once you have done that you can then click below to have the second chapter read to you. How freaking cool!

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Yay! I'm so excited to have found all this information about Hunted, and I haven't received an ARC :( so I will be awaiting its release eagerly!

Taylor

The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King

The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King

Publish Date: February 2009
Pages: 330
Age Group: Young Adult (Although I wouldn't recommend it to someone under 14)
Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide

In the late seventeenth century, famed teenage pirate Emer Morrisey was on the cusp of escaping the pirate life with her one true love and unfathomable riches when she was slain and cursed with "the dust of one hundred dogs," dooming her to one hundred lives as a dog before returning to a human body-with her memories intact.

Now she's a contemporary American teenager and all she needs is a shovel and a ride to Jamaica.

To be completely honest, I almost didn't read D100D because of all the hype around the blogosphere. I was scared to read it and be that one person who didn't enjoy the novel. I mean, what book could really be so good that every single reader loves it?

So instead of ditching it completely, I bought the book and forced my little brother to read it. He and I have very similar personalities so i decided that if he liked the book I would read it. Well, he loved it. In fact, he nagged at me every ten minutes until I finally agreed to read it.

Yeah, D100D is really that good. From the very first page, the book is extremely addicting. King's ability to write so many stories in one novel that are all connected blows my mind. Every time a new chapter started about something new I kept thinking I would get confused. However, the confusion never came.

My favorite story within the novel was Emer. I love learning about history and pirates are awesome! But her pirate nature is so strong in Saffron that neither story ever left me bored.

The dog facts were absolutely hilarious. Thank you King for adding that bit of humor to such a serious novel! These facts always came at the perfect time!

The ending of this book is absolutely mind blowing. Just when I thought the book couldn't take any more twists, it did!

The Dust of 100 Dogs is brilliant and if you haven't already, you need to go pick up a copy pronto!

I can't say one bad thing about D100D, it is absolutely perfect. I still can't get over the fact that it is A.S. King's first novel. WOW!

5/5

UPDATE!
Check out A.S. King's blog where she mentioned my review HERE!

I'm going to go happy dance now! WEEE!

In My Mailbox #5

Well after having a week where I didn't receive a single book and then last week where I only received one, this week certainly made up for those! Although there is no way my week can compare with Kristi from The Story Siren's because she received 35 books! Kristi is also the founder of this wonderful meme that allows all of us bloggers to brag about the new additions our ever-growing book collections.

I want to thank Em from Em's Bookshelf for most of the books I received this week. I won her Winter Contest which was full of amazing books!

Wake by Lisa McMann
For seventeen-year-old Janie, getting sucked into other people's dreams is getting old. Especially the falling dreams, the naked-but-nobody-notices dreams, and the sex-crazed dreams. Janie's seen enough fantasy booty to last her a lifetime.

She can't tell anybody about what she does — they'd never believe her, or worse, they'd think she's a freak. So Janie lives on the fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn't want and can't control.

Then she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone. For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's twisted psyche. She is a participant....

Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender (ARC)
Alexis thought she led a typically dysfunctional high school existence. Dysfunctional like her parents' marriage; her doll-crazy twelve-year-old sister, Kasey; and even her own anti-social, anti-cheerleader attitude.

When a family fight results in some tearful sisterly bonding, Alexis realizes that her life is creeping from dysfunction into danger. Kasey is acting stranger than ever: her blue eyes go green sometimes; she uses old-fashioned language; and she even loses track of chunks of time, claiming to know nothing about her strange behavior. Their old house is changing, too. Doors open and close by themselves; water boils on the unlit stove; and an unplugged air conditioner turns the house cold enough to see their breath in.

Alexis wants to think that it's all in her head, but soon, what she liked to think of as silly parlor tricks are becoming life-threatening--to her, her family, and to her budding relationship with the class president. Alexis knows she's the only person who can stop Kasey -- but what if that green-eyed girl isn't even Kasey anymore?

Undercover by Beth Kephart

Like a modern-day Cyrano de Bergerac, Elisa ghostwrites love notes for the boys in her school. But when Elisa falls for Theo Moses, things change fast. Theo asks for verses to court the lovely Lila—a girl known for her beauty, her popularity, and a cutting ability to remind Elisa that she has none of these. At home, Elisa's father, the one person she feels understands her, has left on an extended business trip. As the days grow shorter, Elisa worries that the increasingly urgent letters she sends her father won't bring him home. Like the undercover agent she feels she has become, Elisa retreats to a pond in the woods, where her talent for ice-skating gives her the confidence to come out from under cover and take center stage. But when Lila becomes jealous of Theo's friendship with Elisa, her revenge nearly destroys Elisa's ice-skating dreams and her plan to reunite her family.

Skinned by Robin Wasserman

Lia Kahn was perfect: rich, beautiful, popular — until the accident that nearly killed her. Now she has been downloaded into a new body that only looks human. Lia will never feel pain again, she will never age, and she can't ever truly die. But she is also rejected by her friends, betrayed by her boyfriend, and alienated from her old life.

Forced to the fringes of society, Lia joins others like her. But they are looked at as freaks. They are hated...and feared. They are everything but human, and according to most people, this is the ultimate crime — for which they must pay the ultimate price.

Generation Dead: Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters (ARC)
The phenomenon that's been sweeping the country seems to be here to stay. Not only are the teenagers who have come back from their graves still here, but newlydeads are being unearthed all the time. While scientists look for answers and politicians take their stands, the undead population of Oakville have banded together in a group they're calling the Sons of Romero, hoping to find solidarity in segregation.

Phoebe Kendall may be alive, but she feels just as lost and alone as her dead friends. Just when she reconciled herself to having feelings for a zombie -- her Homecoming date Tommy Williams -- her friend Adam is murdered taking a bullet that was meant for her. Things get even more confusing when Adam comes back from the grave. Now she has romantic interest in two dead boys; one who saved her life, and one she can't seem to live without.

Don't Judge a Girl By Her Cover by Ally Carter (ARC)
(No cover available)
When Cammie Morgan arrives at her friend Macey's five star hotel for the Democratic National Convention-where Macey's father is about to receive the vice presidential nomination-she thinks she's in for an exciting end to her summer break. But if you're a Gallagher Girl, "exciting" and "deadly" are never far apart.

Things quickly go south when Macey is summoned to the hotel roof to shoot a PR piece with the presidential candidate's son. But instead of cameras, attackers descend from a helicopter and swarm the girls, commanding, "Grab her." After a narrow escape, Cammie and Macey find themselves at a top secret hideout owned by the Gallagher Academy. and thus begins Cammie's junior year at spy school.

Cammie doesn't need her genius IQ to see that the kidnapping attempt has changed everything, especially now that Macey is a major celebrity, and the school has been besieged by news crews. More disturbing, Cammie can't shake the suspicion that her mom and Mr. Solomon know more about the attack than they're letting on. After all, why weren't the attackers surprised to find themselves in combat with two teenage girls who handled themselves like seasoned pros?

But these suspicions won't stop Cammie from jumping at the chance to join Bex and Liz as Macey's private security team on the campaign trail. Before long, the girls are using their espionage skills at every turn, as Cammie gets closer and closer to the shocking truth...

And then from the library:

Evermore by Alyson Noel

Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch. Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste…

Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition. He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets. Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking—and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head. She doesn’t know who he really is—or what he is. Damen equal parts light and darkness, and he belongs to an enchanted new world where no one ever dies.

What books did you get?

Today is your last day!

Hurry! If you haven't entered, do it! My February giveaway of Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith ends today! That's right, sign up by midnight! Also if you are already signed up I have a last minute way for you to receive some entries! If a person enters the contest between now and midnight and says you referred them you recieve five extra entries. THATS RIGHT, I SAID 5!! Thats more than anything else. Or if you have any ARCs that you would like to trade let me know and you will get five more as well. These rules will be implemented in my March giveaway which has yet to be announced as well so fear not if you cannot accomplish either of these today.

Anyways, I am VERY far behind in my reviewing, I'm talking four books, so I'm going to get some of that done, as well as finish six essays for my scholarship application that is due tonight at midnight. Tonight's going to be a late one!

Have a great day and good luck to everyone!

Taylor

Summary Sunday #4

Goodbye February, hello March! This week really flew by. I feel like my birthday was yesterday but in reality it was 15 days ago. WOW. Anyways, on to the good stuff.

Monday
On Monday I posted by usual In my Mailbox. It isn't very interesting, but I can assure you that this week's will be. I finally got a whole bunch of new books! Yay!

In other news, Steph Su Reads is giving away up to eight ARCs of How to Ditch Your Fairy! Hurry and sign up! Also, The Compulsive Reader got a pretty good amount of books including The Awakening which I am SOO jealous of. Grr.

Tuesday
On Tuesday I posted my very first guest blog with Beth Fantaskey, author of Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side.

Also on Tuesday, Hope's Bookshelf interviewed Jillian Cantor, author of The September Sisters. And don't forget to check out Juciliciousss Review's Currently Tuesdays.

Wednesday
As usual, on Wednesday I posted my Waiting on Wednesday.

Alea of Pop Culture Junkie also had a book that looks great on her Waiting on Wednesday. And a Happy Birthday to Liv's Book Reviews for celebrating her 1 year blog-o-versary!

Thursday
On Thursday I reviewed The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong. If anyone has an extra ARC of The Awakening PICK ME PICK ME!!! Ha!

I also found an interesting Meme between two bloggers on Reverie Media. The meme is "Discussion Thursday". Be sure to check it out! Also, Thao from Serene Hours announced a book release party we all need to attend!

Friday
On Friday I finally installed SiteMeter yay! And I also started a Vampire Poll on mt sidebar so be sure to vote!

Also on Friday Lenore from Presenting Lenore posted another segment of her and Steph (Reviewer X)'s Lets Talk About Speak idea. You HAVE to read this post. Also, Bookworm from Bookworm Readers posted a list of the books she has read so far in 2009.

Saturday
Saturday I had a snowboard competition which I WON! Woohoo. Because of this and the fact that my boyfriend came to visit me, I didn't post anything.

Carrie of Carrie's YA Bookshelf reviewed Number the Stars by Lois Lowry which I sadly admit I haven't read. Yes, shame on me. Also, Buukluver-Carol got a TON of books last week, check it out here!

Today
Today I was awarded the "I'm Fabulous" award from Bookworm! Thanks so much! I also nominated five of my favorite bloggers, so check it out!

Lenore posted her February reading in review and included stats and search terms which is always funny! And check out The Story Siren's In My Mailbox. SHE GOT 35 FREAKING BOOKS!!!


Well thats this week in the blogosphere folks. Be sure to comment me if I missed you or if you want me to add you into next week. Have a great Sunday!

Taylor

I'm Fabulous!

Thanks to Boookworm from Bookworm Readers for nominating me as "fabulous"!

Here are the rules:

List five things you are obsessed with/addicted to and then nominate five other fabulous blogs to pass on this award on to!

Addictions:
1. Books! I don't think that there is anything I would rather do than read a good book. In fact, I know there isn't.
2. Snowboarding! I have been snowboarding for about six years now and it is super fun. I compete and travel around the country for it. In fact, I had a competition yesterday and won yay!
3. Monopoly! I challenge anyone here to play my in Monopoly! Ha, it is my favorite game and I take it far too seriously... it's something I'm working on :P.
4. Halo 3! Yes I am officially a dork! I admit I love to play Halo. I'm not very good and everyone kicks my butt but its fun all the same!
5. Claussen Pickles! Yummy! They are my favorite food. I don't know what it is about Claussen brand but their so much better than any other brand but they are! Unfortunately their like $5 a jar which sucks!

Now for my nominations:
1. Aerin at In Search of Giants because she is always super nice and offering to help me out. AND she has a beautiful layout!
2. Lenore at Presenting Lenore because without her I don't think I would have ever figured out the whole blog thing. And she shares kitty stories with me!
3. Sophie at Mrs. Magoo Reads because she is happy and nice all the time and she runs a great blog!
4. Steph from Steph Su Reads because I love the personal feel to her blog and how she is just one of those people that radiates happiness!
5. Mishel from Mis(h)takes because her blog is a breathe of fresh air and if all else fails I can always look forward from a nice and motivating comment from her!

Yay, thanks again Bookworm!

Taylor