Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Review: Wickedpedia by Chris Van Etten

Wickedpedia
Title: Wickedpedia

Series: Point Horror #123

Author: Chris Van Etten

Genre: YA, horror, mystery

Publication date: June 24, 2014

Published by: Scholastic Inc.

Source: e-ARC from publishers via Netgalley

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

It's the return of Point Horror for the Internet generation! Don't open the door. Don't answer your phone. And whatever you do, DON'T turn on your computer...

Cole and Gavin love playing practical jokes through Wikipedia. They edit key articles and watch their classmates crash and burn giving oral reports on historical figures like Genghis Khan, the first female astronaut on Jupiter. So after the star soccer player steals Cole's girlfriend, the boys take their revenge by creating a Wikipedia page for him, an entry full of outlandish information including details about his bizarre death on the soccer field.

It's all in good fun, until the soccer player is killed in a freak accident... just as Cole and Gavin predicted. The uneasy boys vow to leave Wikipedia alone but someone continues to edit articles about classmates dying in gruesome ways... and those entries start to come true as well.

To his horror, Cole soon discovers that someone has created a Wikipedia page for him, and included a date of death. He has one week to figure out who's behind the murders, or else he's set to meet a pretty grisly end.

My rating: ★★★★☆

R.L Stine was one of the first authors who really got me into reading when I was in middle school. Till this day I absolutely LOVE the Fear Street series! But besides his Fear Street books, I've also read some of his other books, including a couple of Point Horror ones. So this is what prompted me to request this book. I like Point Horror :) I like horror, period! The concept of Wickedpedia really intrigued me and it definitely sounded like something I might love. And I was right! It was pretty awesome!

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Showcase Sunday (#53)


Welcome to Showcase Sunday, hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea. The aim of this event is to showcase our newest books or book related swag and to see what everyone else received for review, borrowed form the libraries, bought in bookshops and downloaded onto eReaders this week. For more information about how this feature works and to join in, click here.


Saturday, July 19, 2014

Bookish Discussion: To Re-read or Not To Re-read?


Re-reading
Two weeks ago we talked about our TBR lists and choosing what to read next. I mentioned that I've become more of a mood reader, reading books I want, not just review books. And right along with reading my "just for fun" books, I've also been re-reading a lot of my favorite books. So this week we'll be talking about re-reading!

Friday, July 18, 2014

Review: The House of Hades (The Heroes of Olympus #4) by Rick Riordan

The House of Hades (The Heroes of Olympus, #4)
Title: The House of Hades

Series: The Heroes of Olympus #4

Previous books in this series: The Lost Hero (#1) | The Son of Neptune (#2) | The Mark of Athena (#3)

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Middle Grade, urban fantasy, Greek mythology, Roman mythology

Publication date: October 2013

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Own hardcover

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy’s instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through the Gaea’s forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape?

They have no choice. If the demigods don’t succeed, Gaea’s armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus.

My rating: ★★★★★

[WARNING: Major spoilers from the previous book, The Mark of Athena. Otherwise, it's spoiler free if you have not read HoH :)]

Holy Hades, this book was AMAZING! That is no surprise, of course, seeing as how much I love mythology and all of Rick Riordan's books ;) And after the crazy cliffhanger (quite literally, too) in The Mark of Athena, I was ecstatic to finally start on this book and dive into this world that I love so much! But OH MY GODS! I don't think I can review this book without fangirling all over the place! It was just so absolutely PERFECT!

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Review: Stone of Destiny (The Danaan Trilogy #2) by Laura Howard

Stone of Destiny (The Danaan Trilogy, #2)
Title: Stone of Destiny

Series: The Danaan Trilogy #2

Previous book in this series: The Forgotten Ones

Author: Laura Howard

Genre: New Adult, paranormal romance, mythology

Publication date: April 2014

Published by: Laura Howard

Source: The author via Netgalley

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

Allison thought it was crazy enough when she found out her father, Liam, wasn't entirely human. But now she has to join his magical allies to unravel his former mistress's plans. Aoife wants to keep Allison's parents apart forever.

Despite Allison's efforts to keep Ethan, the only guy she's ever cared about, out of this supernatural mess, fate keeps throwing him back into the mix.

Will Allison be able to find the amulet that holds the enchantment Aoife placed on Liam and destroy it? Are Ethan' s feelings for Allison strong enough to endure the magic of the Tuatha De Danaan?

My rating: ★★★★☆

Stone of Destiny picks up immediately after The Forgotten Ones. I was a little bit worried that there wouldn't be much of a refresher for the last book because, you know, sometimes that happens and it leaves me feeling all confused and stuff... Especially when it's been a while since I read the last book. But much to my happiness, Laura did a fantastic job highlighting the important events that lead us to book two. It made me very happy not feeling confused :)

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Review: The Staff of Serapis (Percy Jackson & Kane Chronicles Crossover #2) by Rick Riordan

The Staff of Serapis (Percy Jackson & Kane Chronicles Crossover, #2)
Title: The Staff of Serapis

Series: Percy Jackson & Kane Chronicles Crossover #2 | Percy Jackson and the Olympians | The Heroes of Olympus | The Kane Chronicles

Previous novella in this series: The Son of Sobek

Author: Rick Riordan

Genre: Middle Grade, urban fantasy, Greek mythology, Roman mythology

Publication date: May 2014

Published by: Disney Hyperion

Source: Own e-book

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon

Synopsis:

In this adventure, Annabeth encounters more oddities in the subway than usual, including a two-headed monster and a younger blond girl who reminds her a little of herself. This is the story fans have asked for, in which Annabeth Chase teams up with Sadie Kane. The demigod daughter of Athena and the young magician from Brooklyn House take on a larger-than-life foe from the ancient world. Perhaps even more disturbing than the power-hungry god they encounter is the revelation that he is being controlled by someone—someone all too familiar to Sadie. As a special bonus, the first chapter of THE BLOOD OF OLYMPUS, the final book in The Heroes of Olympus series, is included.

My rating: ★★★★★

In The Staff of Serapis, we have Annabeth who is just minding her business in downtown NY, when all of a sudden she see a monster... that ignores her? And to top it off she has never seen anything like it! So she follows said monster and runs into a feisty British girl (Sadie!) who is also hunting a devious little creature. Without giving too much away, Annabeth and Sadie team up to fight this monster and something much bigger that they did not expect... they need to stop it before it destroys the world. But then again, these seems to be their normal ;)

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Showcase Sunday (#52)


Welcome to Showcase Sunday, hosted by Books, Biscuits and Tea. The aim of this event is to showcase our newest books or book related swag and to see what everyone else received for review, borrowed form the libraries, bought in bookshops and downloaded onto eReaders this week. For more information about how this feature works and to join in, click here.


Friday, July 11, 2014

Blog Tour- Review + Giveaway: Bad Blood (Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter #3) by Nikki Jefford



Bad Blood (Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter #3)
Title: Bad Blood

Series: Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter #3

Previous books in this series: Aurora Sky (#1) | Northern Bites (#2) | Stakeout (#2.5) | Evil Red (#2.6)

Author: Nikki Jefford

Genre: New Adult, paranormal

Publication date: June 4th 2014

Published by: Nikki Jefford

Source: From author for review

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | B&N

Synopsis:

Aurora returns from boot camp to a new assignment, an unwelcome roommate, and the increasingly amorous attentions of a certain vampire hunter.

College is starting, and so is Aurora’s undercover work at a network of swanky parties known as “Tastings” for high rolling vampires who like their blood laced with fine wine. But Aurora’s not the only one on the prowl. An underground investigation is under way to find out who killed one of Anchorage’s most prominent vampires… and Aurora is a prime suspect.

***Don’t miss STAKEOUT, Vol. 2.5, a 54,000 word novella featuring Noel Harper and the entire Aurora Sky gang. Now available on Kindle, Nook, Kobo, & iTunes.***

My rating: ★★★★☆

Aurora is finally returning to Alaska after six long months in boot camp. She is properly trained and ready to kick vampire butt!

Review: Evil Red (Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter #2.6) by Nikki Jefford

Evil Red (Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter, Vol. 2.6)
Title: Evil Red

Series: Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter #2.6

Previous books in this series: Aurora Sky (#1) | Northern Bites (#2) | Stakeout (#2.5)

Author: Nikki Jefford

Genre: New Adult, paranormal

Publication date: March 2014

Published by: Nikki Jefford

Source: From author

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Smashwords

Synopsis:

L.A. is one tough city, especially when sharing a trailer with four thieving sisters.

Valerie’s plans for a better life and Hollywood grandeur are interrupted after a fateful stabbing lands her in Anchorage, Alaska where government agents expect her to play the role of a vampire hunting La Femme Nikita.

The redheaded vixen is back in her own novelette.

[Recommended after Stakeout (Vol. 2.5). Approximately 20,000 words.]

My rating: ★★★★☆

Evil Red is a short story about Valerie and how she died and was recruited to be a hunter with the agency.

Review: Stakeout (Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter #2.5) by Nikki Jefford

Stakeout (Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter #2.5)
Title: Stakeout

Series: Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter #2.5

Previous books in this series: Aurora Sky (#1) | Northern Bites (#2)

Author: Nikki Jefford

Genre: New Adult, paranormal

Publication date: January 2014

Published by: Nikki Jefford

Source: From author for review

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon

Synopsis:

Noel Harper got a second chance at life when the government recruited her as an undercover vampire informant. Since the day they brought her back from the good-as-dead, she has wanted to prove herself worthy.

When a member of her investigative unit is murdered, Noel is paired up with a vampire hunter named Dante to spy on a suspect in Fairbanks. The problem? They're not the only ones on stakeout. Taking down murderous vampires is one thing. Dealing with the past is another. But this time, Noel isn't letting fear win. She's calling in help from the other side and discovers a shocking secret along the way.

(STAKEOUT is an Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter novella told from Noel Harper’s POV. Approximately 54,000 words.)

My rating: ★★★★☆

Stakeout is a novella told in Noel's POV, and if you were like me when you read the end of Northern Bites (pissed off and shocked at what happened between Fane and Noel), well this is a must-read for you!

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Bookish Discussion: Deciding What Book To Read Next


Hey guys, and welcome to a new post I've been wanting to do for a while now! Discussion posts is something I've had in mind for about a year now (yeah, yikes!), but never really got around to them due to school. Well, school is done and over, so let's get to talkin' books!

This! And let's not forget about that virtual case on my Kindle... oh boy!
This week we're talking about our To-Be-Read lists and the question that has plagued booknerds since the beginning of time: What book should I read next?

Friday, July 4, 2014

Review: Investigating the Hottie by Juli Alexander

Investigating the Hottie
Title: Investigating the Hottie

Series: Investigating the Hottie #1

Author: Juli Alexander

Genre: YA, contmeporary romance, mystery

Publication date: December 2012

Published by: Suasponte Press

Source: Own e-book

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

Peterson. Amanda Peterson. When my life suddenly turns into the Princess Diaries meets Mission Impossible, can I do in a week what I haven’t managed to do in all my fifteen years—reel in a hottie?

Investigating the Hottie is a completed young adult romance. When Amanda spends a week with her aunt, Christie, she learns that her aunt is a spy. Christie admits that Amanda has security clearance and has already started her training. When her aunt asks her to investigate a teenage hacker, Amanda thinks that spending time with a nerd should be doable despite her social ineptitude. Unfortunately for Amanda, the hacker is a hottie.

My rating: ★★★★☆

Oh man, this book was such a fun and light read... it was just fantastic!

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Review: The Dark World by Cara Lynn Shultz

The Dark World (Dark World, #1)
Title: The Dark World

Series: The Dark World #1

Author: Cara Lynn Shultz

Genre: YA, urban fantasy

Publication date: May 2014

Published by: HarlequinTeen

Source: The publishers via Netgalley

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

Paige Kelly is used to weird--in fact, she probably corners the market on weird, considering that her best friend, Dottie, has been dead since the 1950s. But when a fire demon attacks Paige in detention, she has to admit that things have gotten out of her league. Luckily, the cute new boy in school, Logan Bradley, is a practiced demon slayer-and he isn't fazed by Paige's propensity to chat with the dead. Suddenly, Paige is smack in the middle of a centuries-old battle between warlocks and demons, learning to fight with a magic sword so that she can defend herself. And if she makes one wrong move, she'll be pulled into the Dark World, an alternate version of our world that's overrun by demons-and she might never make it home.

My rating: ★★★★★

Holy wow, you guys! This book = pure awesomeness! The concept was great and I just absolutely loved it!