29 February 2012


Yesterday Jessica (Confessions of a Bookaholic) and I shared with you our interview with Everneath author Brodi Ashton and some of our favorite quotes from the book. Today we are doing an open discussion of the book where we share some of our thoughts and give readers a chance to join in and link up their review of Everneath.

Discussion for Everneath

I really enjoyed how Everneath starts off with the characters being directly in the action. I admit, I'm not very knowledgeable about myths but it was great to start out by getting a lot of information from the beginning
I agree with you, however it was pretty confusing to me. I mean I was 73 pages into the story and I was totally confused as to exactly what had happened. There were terms in the book surrounding the events that the main character had gone through, but I had no clue until way later on in the book as to what really had happened.
I agree, especially when Nikki came back and was attempting to get back to her new life. That's when I really had to slow down and try to soak in each detail she gave about what happened while she was away. What did you think of Cole?
Ah, that's a question I was actually going to ask  you... but you beat me to it! To be honest, he rubbed me the wrong way from the beginning. I found him more than frustrating and somewhat an ass. Most of the time, I can find something to endear me to a character that makes me feel as he did, but I have no idea why so many people are falling all over him. So, my turn, what did you think of Cole?
Very true, but I did find that by the end I did really feel bad for Cole. I think that there is a lot to his story that we will, hopefully, find out in book 2. It did take me a while to like anything about him but I think he may prove to be more than meets the eye.
As you were typing that, I was thinking about Cole and I am looking forward to more about him because I do think he has something to offer, I just don't see it yet. I wanted to feel sorry for him, but I couldn't really because I know he can't feel. Or maybe that's what the clever author is trying to make us believe?

You could be right. Sneaky, sneaky! I try to have hope and I am really excited to see what happens with him. What did you think of the way Nikki handled her situation?
She was so disconnected from the Feed, so the beginning of the book showed just how detached she really was and as the book progressed a black cloud was somewhat lifted from around her that you finally get a chance to see and feel things again just as she did.
Exactly, at first I wondered why she had fought so hard to go back to her past life. Then, as time went on, I felt I saw her more clearly and could get the emotion that had been hiding. Overall, I was really happy with this story, the story of Nikki and Jack, and the suspense Brodi brought to the plot. I will definitely be checking out the next book to see where this story goes.

Since you mentioned Jack, I think I need to say that I loved him and how he never gave up, yet he had his own scars from Nikki's disappearance he still never gave up. The ending was epic and I totally agree with you... Brodi knows how to write the suspense. I'm also looking forward to the next book to find out what happens after that cliffhanger ending.

What did you guys think? Please leave us (spoiler-free) comments and we invite others to reply and join in.


GIVEAWAY!!!

Prize: 
  • 1 winner will receive a copy of EVERNEATH and swag. 
Rules:
  • You must be at least 13 to enter. 
  • Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
  • Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
  • Contest is US Only and ends March 14th.
  • Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
  • The form must be filled out to enter. 

You will find this form on Confessions of a Bookaholic as well. PLEASE only fill it out ONCE!






We wanted to do this feature as a way to promote a new release and get people involved in discussing the book. One of the best ways to find out about a book is to read the reviews. 

Please feel free to link your review of EVERNEATH that has been posted on your blog or Goodreads.

Rules: Please post ONLY your review of EVERNEATH. 
Please provide the direct link in the linky.
You can include your rating of the book. 

Example of link: A Life Bound By Books - Everneath Review (4 stars)


We would love you to join the discussion about the book. Leave comments, tell us what you thought, or ask questions. PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE SPOILERS! We don't want to ruin it for others, but we'd love to see what everyone thought of the story.

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"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.



Title: Struck (Struck, #1)
Author: Jennifer Bosworth
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 373 Pages (May 8th, 2012)
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Mia Price is a lightning addict. She’s survived countless strikes, but her craving to connect to the energy in storms endangers her life and the lives of those around her.

Los Angeles, where lightning rarely strikes, is one of the few places Mia feels safe from her addiction. But when an earthquake devastates the city, her haven is transformed into a minefield of chaos and danger. The beaches become massive tent cities. Downtown is a crumbling wasteland, where a traveling party moves to a different empty building each night, the revelers drawn to the destruction by a force they cannot deny. Two warring cults rise to power, and both see Mia as the key to their opposing doomsday prophecies. They believe she has a connection to the freak electrical storm that caused the quake, and to the far more devastating storm that is yet to come.

Mia wants to trust the enigmatic and alluring Jeremy when he promises to protect her, but she fears he isn’t who he claims to be. In the end, the passion and power that brought them together could be their downfall. When the final disaster strikes, Mia must risk unleashing the full horror of her strength to save the people she loves, or lose everything.

Title: The List
Author: Siobhan Vivian
Publisher: Push, 332 Pages (April 1st, 2012)
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: An intense look at the rules of high school attraction -- and the price that's paid for them.It happens every year. A list is posted, and one girl from each grade is chosen as the prettiest, and another is chosen as the ugliest. Nobody knows who makes the list. It almost doesn't matter. The damage is done the minute it goes up.This is the story of eight girls, freshman to senior, "pretty" and "ugly." And it's also the story of how we see ourselves, and how other people see us, and the tangled connection of the two.

Title: The Selection (The Selection, #1)
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: HarperTeen, 327 Pages (April 24th, 2012)
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Another three titles this week. Struck, The List and The Selection. I LOVE the cover for The Selection! Such an epically amazing dress. And it's really exciting news that this title is going to be made into a CW TV show with some amazing actors already attached to it. I seriously <3 the CW! Three title so different from one another, yet all are must reads. I have Struck and the Selection to read and review a bit closer to the release dates and I can't wait! I wish I had the List here, because this one sounds like a must read contemporary title and I'd like to read more contemporary titles in 2012. So, what do you guys think of these three books this week? Have you read any of them? If so, what did you think? And if you haven't, are you looking forward to them like I am?


*covers are always subject to change.
*I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

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28 February 2012



Hello and Welcome again to our First month of Blogger Talk: Novel Exposed! Coming to you a little later in the month than we had planned... but better late than never, right? Is an interview with Brodi and some favorite quotes from the three of us - Brodi, my co-host Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic and I. Next month these posts should be a bit more spread out throughout the month. 

Title: Everneath (Everneath, #1)
Author: Brodi Ashton
Publisher: Harper Collins/Balzer + Bray, 370 Pages (January 24th, 2012)
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

Interview:

1. The cover of Everneath is beautiful! What did you think when you first saw the image?

I thought, Holy Wow! I LOVE IT!! I was also very grateful I wouldn't have to pretend to love my cover. :)

2. Can you tell us 3 words you would use to describe Nikki's personality?

Damaged, resilient, constant

3. Would you be able to share something about Nikki, Jack & Cole that we might not know?

That's a hard question! I'll give you a tidbit about Cole, since he has lived a longer life. He was born in Norway, and he used to be an apprentice.

4. If Everneath was being made into a movie and you could cast the roles for Nikki, Jack & Cole, who would you want to see play the parts?

Ack! Another hard question. I don't know, because I haven't ever researched it or anything. I'd love to hear what your readers would think and who they would cast!

5. From concept to published book, what was the easiest and hardest part of the experience for you?

Easiest part: reading every fan letter. I'll never get tired of it!

Hardest part: deadlines, deadlines, DEADLINES!!

6. Everneath is your debut novel! What has been the most surprising thing you've learned as a debut author?

The most surprising thing has been how much of it all is beyond my control. Especially watching the early buzz around EVERNEATH. I would just sit back and go, "But I'm not responsible for any of it!" The blogger community has been great.

Thanks so much for having me on the blog!

Brodi, it was really great to have you here today, on both of our blogs. And we can't say thank you enough for being part of our first month for "Blogger Talk: Novel Exposed."
Thanks for everything!


Quotes From Everneath:

A favorite quote of Brodi's -

"Heroes are made by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with." -Mrs. Stone (the English teacher)

A Couple of My Favorite Quotes -

" 'Strange, isn't it, Nik? The Connection between us now."
He grimaced and cocked his head to one side, as if he were waiting for me to close the distance between us. When I stayed perfectly still, he added, "You don't have to fight it." -- Cole to Nikki (Page 29)

" Jack shifted toward me. "So, Jules gets a smile, huh?"
I could feel his eyes on me, waiting for a response. He hadn't tried to talk to me since that first day, and his voice directed at me again did strange things to me. Made my stomach flutter. Of course, Jack had always had that power over me.
I kept my eyes down, but I couldn't stop my lips from turning upward.
'I see that," he said. Jack always saw everything. " -- Jack and Nikki (page 52)

" He shook his head and looked at me as if I were delusional. As if I didn't know what winning was all about. Then he put an arm around me and it was almost like he was mourning my life with me. "I don't understand the things you would give up for mortal relationships."
" You better hope you never do, Cole. " -- Nikki and Cole (page 100)

" 'What are the screens of? " I asked.
" Elvis Presley as a corpse. You wanna come look? " Cole Gave me a grin as if he'd just asked me if I wanted to see rainbows being made.
" You had me at 'corpse.'" -- Nikki and Cole (page 116)

A Couple of Jessica's Favorite Quotes -

" 'I can't carry the team to victory without you,' he said. 'You're my lucky rabbit's foot.'
I craned my neck around to look at him. 'I've always dreamed of some guy saying that to me.' " -- Jack and Nikki (page 19).

" 'Your cheeks turned red, and I was gone for you.' He shook his head, and his lip quirked up in a smile. ' I know you felt it too. The connection between us. It started even before the Feed.' " -- Cole (page 37).

" The next morning [after the dance], I found a note in my jacket pocket. I unfolded it and read two words, written in Jack's handwritting. Ever Yours " -- Nikki (page 64).

" 'Why do you care if I get hurt?' All he said was, 'I hate to see it. Whether you go with me or not, I don't like you getting hurt.' But his face seemed to say more. As if there was something he wasn't telling me. " -- Nikki and Cole (page 67).

*Note: These quotes, from Jessica and I were taken from ARC copies of Everneath.




Find Brodi Online: 

Website/Blog | Twitter | Facebook



Everneath Trailer:




Be sure to stop back by tomorrow for the discussion post with Jessica, where we'll be talking about all things Everneath and we hope you'll join in with us for the talk in the comments section. We might have some other things up our sleeves as well, so you won't want to miss dropping in.

 *I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

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Title: Pandemonium (Delirium, #2)
Author: Lauren Oliver
Publisher: HarperTeen, 375 Pages (February 28th, 2012)
From: the Publisher
Format: ARC

Synopsis: I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame
.

Review: 5 Stars - Pandemonium, the eagerly awaited second book in author Lauren Oliver’s Delirium trilogy is as fast paced as the first book and has another ending that’ll leave you yet again breathless!

This title starts off just about where we were left at the end of Delirium - Lena running through the woods, trying to find safety and people to help her survive on the other side of the wall. Being from a society that believes “Love” is a disease, all are forced to be cured. When Lena met Alex her whole life and all she knew began to change until the day they ran, the day they both made a choice to leave and live their lives on the other side of the wall. To live free and be able to love in the wilds as “invalids”.

At first this book was a tad confusing, with alternating chapters written in a current timeline and then in the past, a time when Lena first starts out in the wilds. Since I love getting more of a back story and I love alternating chapters such as this, it quickly became easy to follow the two timelines. The journey back and forth became something I really looked forward to.

We get a chance to see the old Lena that we met in Delirium and then we also have a chance to see her change and evolve as she’s forced to face things without Alex… things she never thought she’d have to deal with on her own. Her struggles in the wilds and her thoughts from “then” showed us just how much Lena really didn’t know. And in the current time just how drastically she had changed. However, the Lena that we’ve come to love from Delirium is still there. She’s just grown stronger and adapted to her new life and surroundings.

Some of the new characters in this title were harsh, some because of the circumstances they were born into, others due to their own personal choices and reasons why they fled over the wall. Yet they all helped change Lena into who she is now and I’d hope that they’d in turn change too with the help from Lena.

At the end of the story, I kind of wanted to scream at them all for the things that happened, but not to worry, I won’t get into it because I don’t want to give something away from the ending of the book.

With the “Now” part of the story set in New York and Lena being the part of the resistance that, she’s tasked with watching the son of the man who’s founded the DFA – Deliria-Free-America. They are looking to change things with how and when people get cured as to try to stop the spread of the “disease” sooner rather than later. The world at large are worried about the invalids living in the wilds even more so and want to put a stop to things before it really gets out of hand; to try to save their world from those out in the wilds. Lena’s job is simple. Attend a huge rally and watch Julian, when they are both kidnapped and held hostage.

Now it’s during this time that you really see the changes in Lena as a character. The story picks up even faster than it already is and you feel like you’ve blinked and you’ve found yourself at the end of the book. You reread that last page 10 times or more to make sure what you’re seeing written on the page is really what happened. You gasp out loud and wonder just how it’s possible for Oliver to do it again. To have held you utterly and completely entranced by another amazingly well written book with equally amazing characters. And finally you wonder how on earth you’ll be able to wait until the final book in the trilogy is released to know what happens next. And yes, all these things and thoughts went through my mind and still do. Seriously, how on earth are we supposed to wait for the third book? This is torture!!

All in all, these are two books… the first two books in an utterly captivating trilogy that shouldn’t be passed by. Characters will find a way into your heart and head and will stick around for awhile. And trust me, you won’t mind at all. If you haven’t read these books, head out today and pick up Delirium and Pandemonium, because once you finish Delirium, you’ll be kicking yourself if you didn’t grab the second book too. They are JUST that good! Enjoy!

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

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27 February 2012

Excerpt: Pandemonium By: Lauren Oliver

Tomorrow, we celebrate the release of Pandemonium! The long awaited sequel to Delirium By: Lauren Oliver. Both books are AMAZING! And everyone needs to read this breathtaking series. To help celebrate tomorrow's release, Harper has given readers and fans a chance to listen to a excerpt. Take a look at this fancy widget and listen to the excerpt before you are able to buy the book.

Tomorrow I'll be posting my review of Pandemonium and I can't wait to share my thoughts with everyone. If you have yet to read either book in this fantastic trilogy, you have no idea what you're missing! Hurry out tomorrow and be sure to pick up both books.


Happy Reading!

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26 February 2012

Cover Reveal: Luminosity By: Stephanie Thomas

I've said it before and I'll say it again... I LOVE a good cover reveal!! And today I'm lucky enough to bring you another amazing one. I can't wait to get a chance to read this book. 

Title: Luminosity (Luminosity, #1)
Author: Stephanie Thomas
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, September 11th, 2012
Pre-order here: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: My name is Beatrice. When I was born, I was blessed with the Sight. I was immediately removed from my parents and enrolled in the Institution. At the age of twelve, I had my first true vision, earning my raven’s wings. And when I turned seventeen, one of my visions came true. Things haven’t been the same since.

The Institution depends on me to keep the City safe from our enemy, the Dreamcatchers, but I’m finding it harder to do while keeping a secret from everyone, including my best friend Gabe. It is a secret that could put us all in danger. A secret that could kill me and everyone close to me.

But the enemy has been coming to me in my dreams, and I think I’m falling in love with him. He says they’re coming. He says they’re angry. And I think I’ve already helped them win.




Find Stephanie Online: 

 Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook





So, what do you guys think of this cover? Who else is excited to read this book?


*I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

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"Just Picked" is a feature here at A Life Bound By Books. This is a place where I'll be spotlighting new (and old) childrens book or picture books for parents and new readers. It's a place to talk about books for a younger group and to try to help create a new generation of readers.






Title: The Prince's New Pet
Author & Illustrator: Brian Anderson
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press, 40 Pages (December 6th, 2011)
Age Range: 4 - 8
From: the Publisher, Thank You!

Synopsis: The Prince's birthday was just like every other day in his father's kingdom-drab, gloomy, and completely colorless. Years ago the Prince's father had banned all color from the kingdom, so the Prince now received the same gray gifts wrapped in the same gray paper and ate the same gray birthday cake, while outside gray skies loomed. But when a special package arrives at his party, the Prince is surprised to see a very unusual creature emerge. Will his new pet bring a splash of color to the kingdom?

Review: 5 Stars - The Prince’s New Pet By Author & Illustrator Brian Anderson is one of the best picture books I’ve had the joy of looking at and reading. To me, the art is amazing to say the least. I couldn’t wait to see what would be on the next page and if I’m honest I’ve picked this book up a few times just for the art work alone. The touches of color in an otherwise grey and drab world were a perfect addition. Panels, like in comic books and graphic novels were also wonderful additions to the art and story. Even now, when I pick up the book I find something new hidden within the art. Anderson’s imagination and detail are just… I have no words. The story that accompanies the art that I can’t get enough of was a pleasure to read. I loved the names for the characters, such as Duchess of Humdrum and King Cerulean. The gist of the story is about a Prince and his father the King. The Queen was full of color and when she died the King removed all the color from the Kingdom because it only reminded him of his wife. The young prince wants color and the story goes to tell how he tries to change things, how he tries to keep some color in his life and how he wants to change the laws and rules of the Kingdom. While the copy I received was an ARC, I felt that the last page was a bit confusing and wondered if I was missing some text. In the end it didn’t bother me much because when I pick this one up, I always go right back to the beginning again for the art. I would hang this on my walls if I could!

All in all, while this title is suggested for age ranges 4 to 8, I feel that this would be better suited for 8 year olds on up. I could see some of the art being a bit scary for younger readers, so I suggest parents judge this title and how their children might take the art for themselves. Enjoy!

*Please note that this is feature here that I have created specifically for my blog. Should you wish to have a feature like this, please be sure to credit me or make it all your own. Thank You!


FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

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24 February 2012

Tour Dates: for author, Patricia Briggs!

Patricia Briggs will be out and about on tour to help celebrate the 3rd book in her Alpha & Omega series - FAIR GAME!

Title: Fair Game (Alpha & Omega, #3)
Author: Patricia Briggs
Publisher: Ace, 304 Pages (March 6th, 2012)
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Patricia Briggs, the #1 "New York Times" bestselling author of the Mercy Thompson novels, "always enchants her readers." (Lynn Viehl, "New York Times" bestselling author) Now her Alpha and Omega series-set in a world of shifting shapes, loyalty, and passion- brings werewolves out of the darkness and into a society where fear and prejudice could make the hunters prey... 

They say opposites attract. And in the case of werewolves Anna Latham and Charles Cornick, they mate. The son-and enforcer-of the leader of the North American werewolves, Charles is a dominant alpha. While Anna, an omega, has the rare ability to calm others of her kind.

Now that the werewolves have revealed themselves to humans, they can't afford any bad publicity. Infractions that could have been overlooked in the past must now be punished, and the strain of doing his father's dirty work is taking a toll on Charles. 

Nevertheless, Charles and Anna are sent to Boston, when the FBI requests the pack's help on a local serial killer case. They quickly realize that not only the last two victims were werewolves-all of them were. Someone is targeting their kind. And now Anna and Charles have put themselves right in the killer's sights...

Love this series and Patricia Briggs as much as I do? Want a chance to meet her? Well, now's your chance! Here's the dates for her tour.

Tour Dates:


Tuesday, March  6th @ 7 PM
HASTINGS
1425 GEORGE WASHINGTON WAY
Richland, WA  99354

Wednesday, March  7th @ 12 NOON
SEATTLE MYSTERY BOOKSHOP
117 Cherry Street
Seattle, WA  98104

UNIVERSITY BOOKSTORE @ 7 PM w/ Kim Harrison
4326 University Way NE
Seattle, WA  98105

Thursday, March  8th @ 7:30 PM
TATTERED COVER, LODO
1628 16th Street
Denver, CO  80202

Friday, March  9th @ 7 PM
BARNES & NOBLE
4751 West 117th Street
Leawood, KS  66211

Saturday, March 10th @ 3 PM
BARNES & NOBLE
14709 US Hwy 31 North
Carmel, IN  46032

Monday, March 12th @ 7 PM
BOOKS-A-MILLION
430 Gorham Rd.
South Portland, ME  04106

Tuesday, March 13th @ 5 PM
THE BRATTLE THEATRE
Books sold by Harvard Coop
40 Brattle Street
Harvard Square
Cambridge, MA  02138
 
Wednesday, March 14th @ 7 PM
BARNES & NOBLE
301 Main Street
Exton, PA  19341

Thursday, March 15th @ 7 PM
BARNES & NOBLE
3327 Pineville-Matthews Road
Charlotte, NC  28226

Friday, March 16th @ 5:30 PM
GARDEN DISTRICT BOOKSHOP
2727 Prytania St
New Orleans, LA  70130

Will you be attending any of these dates? I wish I could, but sadly she's not stopping close enough to me.

Keep an eye out for my review of Fair Game & more soon!

*I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

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23 February 2012

Cover Reveal: My Heart Be Damned By: Chanelle Gray

I absolutely LOVE cover reveals and today I'm thrilled to bring one to you... a pretty amazing one too! Take a look, let me know what you think.

Title: My Heart Be Damned
Author: Chanelle Gray
Publisher: Knight Romance Publishing, July 15th, 2012

Synopsis: If you're a Hunter, there are only three things you must know about the Damned. The Damned can't lie, can't live without a body, and can't leave you alone.

Amerie Carter has the blood of a Hunter, unfortunately. She is one of a rare line of women who, upon her sixteenth birthday, will come into extraordinary powers used to hunt the Damned; escaped souls from Hell who take up residence in human bodies. It's supposed to be her sweet sixteen, but Amerie has never dreaded a day more, and her worst fears are confirmed as the celebration turns tragic when her mother is killed.

Grief-stricken, Amerie vows to never hunt a day in her life. She's determined to hide behind normalcy, attending school, hanging out with her friends and working an after-school job at The Hut. All Amerie wants is to be left alone. But try telling the Damned that. The harder Amerie tries to ignore her powers, the more the Damned come looking for her.

When an attack leaves one of Amerie's friends in the hospital, and endangers the lives of her fellow students, she knows she has no choice: Hunt or Be Hunted. Thankfully, the gorgeous, secretive, and so-off-limits Marshal offers to train Amerie to take out her supernatural enemies. But training with Marshal means leading lying to her friends, her family, and confronting the mysterious circumstances surrounding her mother’s death.

Amerie soon discovers she’s not the only one with something to hide, Marshals’ secrets might kill her before the Damned get the chance.





Find Chanelle Online: 

Website | Blog | Goodreads





I LOVE the cover! The publisher did a fantastic job, it's really pretty! So, what do you guys think of the cover? 

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22 February 2012

Review: Balthazar By: Claudia Gray (Dark Days Tour)

Title: Balthazar
Author: Claudia Gray
Publisher: HarperTeen, 374 Pages (March 6th, 2012)
From: the Publisher
Format: ARC

Synopsis: Vampire heartthrob Balthazar More, first introduced to readers in the New York Times bestselling Evernight series, fights for true love in this electrifying stand-alone novel.

Haunted by memories from his first days as a vampire, Balthazar has spent hundreds of years alone—without allies, without love. When he emerges from his isolation to help Skye Tierney, a human girl who once attended Evernight Academy, Balthazar has no idea how dangerous it will be. Skye’s psychic powers have caught the attention of Redgrave, the cruel master vampire responsible for murdering Balthazar and his family four centuries ago. Having learned of Skye’s powers and the remarkable effect her blood has on vampires, he plans to use her for his own evil purposes. As they stand together to fight the evil vampire, Balthazar realizes his lonely world could finally be changed by Skye...just as Redgrave realizes that he can destroy Balthazar once and for all by taking her for his own.

Review: 4 Stars - Balthazar, is a fantastic companion novel to the Evernight series by Claudia Gray. Many fans, including myself were excited and eager to have a book devoted to a beloved character and we weren’t let down in this thrilling, action packed whirlwind of a story.

Balthazar has always been a huge fan favorite, even being the mystery that he is to readers; you just couldn’t help have this character capture a piece of your heart. He’s quiet, reserved and with a heart of gold and I seriously couldn’t read this title fast enough. Balthazar’s story had a bit of everything – strong characters, amazing background story, action from beginning to end and so much more.

When Skye runs into some trouble, Balthazar comes to her aid in trying to work out why she’s being hunted. Skye is a pretty strong character and can give as good as she gets but at the end of the day she is  just a normal teen girl, who finds out that there was so much more out there than originally thought.  I mean it would be hard to not end up knowing there are Vampires, when you used to attend a private boarding school full of them!

The two together were extremely entertaining, they danced around their emotions and feelings for each other but at the same time they had some pretty heavy issues to deal with from their pasts, not to mention the present danger looming over them. One of the main parts to the story that I loved was how amazingly well Gray incorporated Balthazar’s past with the present day. Unique and clever are two words that come to mind.

I’m one who loves, loves, loves alternating points of view for the simple reason that I get a more rounded telling of the story. When I get a chance to see things from more than one characters point of view it always adds tons of depth. So Gray did an amazing job in telling this story from both Balthazar and Skye’s views. The flash backs of Balthazars life when he was first turned into a vampire were fascinating, emotional and even heart breaking. These moments in the story really gave me such a better idea into who he was and why he felt the way he does.

All in all, Gray has taken so many of the things I love in a great story and whisked them together to bring history and more life to such a beloved character. While this book is different from the Evernight series, set in a different place and focuses on different characters, fans will be sure to gobble this one up and be ready for more! For me, as I turned that last page, I had to wonder if this will be the last we’ll see of Balthazar and Skye. I hope Gray has more up her sleeve and we’ll get a chance to read their continuing story in the future soon.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

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15 February 2012

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.



Title: In Honor
Author: Jessi Kirby
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 228 Pages (May 8th, 2012)
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Honor receives her brother's last letter from Iraq three days after learning that he died, and opens it the day his fellow Marines lay the flag over his casket. Its contents are a complete shock: concert tickets to see Kyra Kelly, her favorite pop star and Finn's celebrity crush. In his letter, he jokingly charged Honor with the task of telling Kyra Kelly that he was in love with her.

Grief-stricken and determined to grant Finn's last request, she rushes to leave immediately. But she only gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn's best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn't seen him in ages, thanks to a falling out between the two guys, but Rusty is much the same as Honor remembers him: arrogant, stubborn. . . and ruggedly good looking. Neither one is what the other would ever look for in a road trip partner, but the two of them set off together, on a voyage that makes sense only because it doesn't. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn--but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?

Title: Hemlock (Hemlock, #1)
Author: Kathleen Peacock
Publisher: HarperCollins, 400 Pages (May 8th, 2012)
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Mackenzie and Amy were best friends. Until Amy was brutally murdered.
Since then, Mac’s life has been turned upside down. She is being haunted by Amy in her dreams, and an extremist group called the Trackers has come to Mac’s hometown of Hemlock to hunt down Amy’s killer: A white werewolf.

Lupine syndrome—also known as the werewolf virus—is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control.

Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy’s murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy’s boyfriend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk.

Kathleen Peacock’s thrilling novel is the first in the Hemlock trilogy, a spellbinding urban fantasy series filled with provocative questions about prejudice, trust, lies, and love.


Title: Where it Began
Author: Ann Redisch Stampler
Publisher: Simon Pulse, 384 Pages (March 6th, 2012)
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Sometimes the end is just the beginning.

Gabby lived under the radar until her makeover. Way under. but when she started her senior year as a blonder, better-dressed version of herself, she struck gold: Billy Nash believed she was a the flawless girl she was pretending to be. The next eight months with Billy were bliss...Until the night Gabby woke up on the ground next to the remains of his BMW without a single memory of how she got there.

And Billy's nowhere to be found.

All Gabby wants is to make everything perfect again. But getting her life back isn't difficult, it's impossible. Because nothing is the same, and Gabby's beginning to realize she's missed more than a few danger signs along the way.

It's time for Gabby to face the truth, even if it means everything changes.

Especially if it means everything changes.

Three books this week that I REALLY am excited about. I mean I SERIOUSLY can't wait for these! And Saturday when I got home I had Where it Began waiting for me! Talk about making a great day even better. And then I have In Honor here, which is another I really can't wait to read.  Keep an eye out for reviews for those two sometime soon. Then, I've been hearing more and more about Hemlock. I love the cover and once I read the synopsis I knew it was a MUST read. What do you guys think of my 3 picks for this week?


*covers are always subject to change.
*I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

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12 February 2012

"Just Picked" is a feature here at A Life Bound By Books. This is a place where I'll be spotlighting new (and old) childrens book or picture books for parents and new readers. It's a place to talk about books for a younger group and to try to help create a new generation of readers.






Title: Prudence Wants a Pet
Author: Cathleen Daly
Illustrator: Stephen Michael King
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press, 32 Pages (June 21st, 2011)
Age Range: 4 - 7
From: the Publisher, Thank You!

Synopsis: Prudence wants a pet. Desperately. “No,” says Dad, “pets cost too much to keep.”
“No,” says Mom, “pets make noise.”But Prudence is determined. She finds her own pet. It is a…branch. But Branch isn't exactly the pet of her dreams, and neither are Twig, Mr. Round (a car tire), or her baby brother Milo. Poor Prudence. Will she ever find the perfect pet?


Review: 4 Stars - Prudence Wants a Pet By: Cathleen Daly, Illustrated By: Stephen Michael King is a fantastic story about an extremely imaginative little girl who goes out of her way to create her own pet when her parents tell her the many reasons why she can’t have one. So, Prudence finds things – a branch, twig and a tire to name a few – and turns them into a pet. I loved the names for the various “pets” she finds out of random things throughout her day. Never knowing what she might find next as a “pet” was fantastic and my nieces now have fun announcing each item Prudence finds along the way throughout the book. The only thing I found a little harsh, hence the 4 stars, were her parents. Not sure why they had to be a bit on the mean side, but they were. At least they changed in the end when Prudence’s birthday came around. All in all, this is a great book to get kids imaginations going! I loved sharing it with my nieces and it’s been a go-to book for them many times. The illustrations are brilliant and added a touch of whimsy to a seriously cute character.

*Please note that this is feature here that I have created specifically for my blog. Should you wish to have a feature like this, please be sure to credit me or make it all your own. Thank You!


FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

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09 February 2012

Title: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
Author: Jennifer E. Smith
Publisher: Poppy, 236 Pages (January 2nd, 2012)
From: the Publisher, Thank You!
Format: Hardback

Synopsis: Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

Review: 4 Stars - The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight By: Jennifer E. Smith was one of the most eagerly awaited contemporary titles to be released in 2012. I know I was one of the many that couldn’t wait to hold the book in their hands, look at the cover in the flesh… er paper and find out more about the characters and what exactly is the Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight.

Hadley is flying to London to attend her dad’s wedding when she wants nothing more but to let the day pass without mention. She ends up missing her flight by a few short minutes and has to deal with the chance of missing the wedding all together. She has issues with her parents’ divorce and her father’s move to England, issues that she doesn’t seem to want to come to terms with.

Oliver, originally from England is heading home too and befriends Hadley in the airport after she spills her bags at the gate. On the same plane, around the same age and a lot of time to occupy, the two start to form a friendship. Oliver’s just an extremely sweet guy. I mean he had a lot going for him from the start, he’s British for one and he helped Hadley for two and.. I could go on and on about him. He was just one of those characters you can easily warm too.

As the two get to know each other during the flight, it’s not until after they land that you get a better idea who they both are. It’s during the flight that they both affected each other and then during their somewhat sad departure once they landed that you see the changes, especially in Hadley. She hasn’t seen her father in over a year and she has to make some choices, all while meeting her Step Mother for the first time.

One thing I wish I would have had some closure and additional details on was Hadley’s’ dad and why he did the things he did. It was a bit frustrating to me to understand his motives and actions for the whole move other than to just do it. Did anyone else feel this way?

The ending of the story was a tad heart wrenching, on more than one story ark. I had no idea what was around the corner until it came barreling straight for me and slammed right into my heart. And I have to say that there were a few moments when I couldn’t help but notice I had a huge grin on my face or even a couple of times I think I giggled. Smith did an amazing job making sure that both characters felt real and each had some fantastic lines.

All in all I was thoroughly ecstatic, what felt like a long wait for this one was over a few weeks ago and I can say that it was a pleasure to read a contemporary title such as this one!  Smith packed a lot into her characters and I was easily sucked in, I highly recommended this title for anyone who loves contemporary YA…oh and British boys. Make sure you have time to devour this title in one sitting because you will lose time and not want to put it down.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

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In accordance with FTC Guidelines, I have not received any monetary gain for any information posted within the pages of this website/blog. Any and all information has been provided by the publisher, author and or publicist for free. Content is also based on purchases made by myself or of my guest reviewer(s). Any and all opinions expressed within the pages of this website/blog are solely my own or those of the authors of any and all guest reviewers(s) or guest bloggers.



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About Me

Hi, I’m Lisa and I'm a proud bibliophile.

I enjoy reading and reviewing a variety of different books within the Young Adult, "New Adult" & Adult genres/categories. If you have any questions or if you are an author or publisher and would be interested in promoting a book, please feel free email. You can find my email under the "mail" button or under the contact link at the top of the page.

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When I review I rate from 1 to 5 stars, 5 being the highest rating. I review based on many different things from the writing, to the story - to the characters and how I can relate to them or how they are developed. I also review based on if an author has worked their magic and was able to draw me into a story so deeply that I don't want to put the book down. If you would like me to review a book, please contact me or view my Contact Information and Review Policy for further details.

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