Turning a year older. Again.

Don't ask.  My age.

I am turning a year older yet again.  Thankful!  Dark times have passed and I am surviving!  I'm stepping out for a while to to let the aging process sink-in. lol.

I always make a sort of wishlist for my birthday (and christmas) and I guess some of them do come true.  So hopefully I get some of mine this year.  Wishful thinking and hoping heart!

So you can skip this post now if you want to.  :)

Saturday Sharing: Advice of MObama to Daughters

I would just like to share this excerpt from the article I found online* (via Yahoo) on Michelle Obama.  She gave a Q&A at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School about some interesting topics.  One of them is about her advice to her daughters:

On what she and Obama tell their daughters to help them achieve their goals: "Read, write, read, read. If the president were here--one of his greatest strengths is reading. That's one of the reasons why he's a good communicator, why he's such a good writer. He's a voracious reader. So we're trying to get our girls, no matter what, to just be--to love reading and to challenge themselves with what they read, and not just read the gossip books but to push themselves beyond and do things that maybe they wouldn't do.

"So I would encourage you all to read, read, read. Just keep reading. And writing is another skill. It's practice. It's practice. The more you write, the better you get. Drafts--our kids are learning the first draft means nothing. You're going to do seven, 10 drafts. That's writing, it's not failure, it's not the teacher not liking you because it's all marked up in red. When you get to be a good writer, you mark your own stuff in red, and you rewrite, and you rewrite, and you rewrite. That's what writing is."

I just love that she stresses the significance of reading.  With the onslaught of media and technology, most people have lost their interest with reading.  They would rather watch it than read it.  Google it than find about it themselves.

And she has a good point on writing!  Write, write, write.  The first rule in writing is just write.  Then revise it.  Rewrite it.  It's a skill that can be improved.

If I'll have children, I would surround them with books.  There's nothing like growing up well-read.  And as with writing, they say that the pen is mightier than the sword.

You can view the whole article here.  It has a part where she talks a little about what attracted her to Obama and her thoughts on US having a female president.

*article is written by Rebecca Kaplan (National Journal), accessed thru Yahoo News

Reminders:

• Splash Into Giveaway is happening until May 31st, 11:59EST only!
• My previous posts includes the Armchair BEA 2011.
• For the full list of participants in this year's Armchair BEA and their posts, head on Armchair BEA Central. You can learn a lot from the entries and their sharing.
• Reviews for Divergent (by Veronica Roth) and Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton 
• For fans of the Iron Fey by Julie Kagawa, there's a double treat for us this coming June 1.  Summer's Crossing (e-novella) will be released, as well as the unveiling of The Iron Knight (Iron Fey #4) book cover!  Watch out for that! 

Armchair BEA Day 5: The One About (Blog)ging

Although I've been blogging for a year and a half now, I still feel like a newbie.  I learn a lot as I went along blogging, hopefully my post will be a help or insightful to some of you. :)

1.  Blog for the love of books 


This became my motto in blogging.  When I look back at the start of this, it was all down to my love for books and reading.  I know most book bloggers feel the same and it will show in the way you hold your blog.

2. Be wary of Plagiarism

So far I have not encountered yet any issue regarding this one, but I have always kept this in mind.  I have trained for social science research for years and we have always been reminded of the gravity of this issue.  Especially for us bloggers, who "live" online.  Quote properly, and cite sources for information, photos, & stuffs.  The same (hopefully) will be done if you become someone else's source person. :)

3.  Do not bash books & people.

So you didn't like the book.  Don't hate it, put it down nicely in words.  We can be honest without putting down other people's works.

If I can't avoid writing "negative" aspect in a review, I don't dwell on it too much.  I also include what I deem redeemable about the book.  We have a term in psych called "kiss-kick", like good news/bad news, where you try to play down the pain by following it with something soothing.

And please don't say bad stuffs about authors if you don't like their work.  It's just plain rude and unprofessional.  Not to mention immature. 

4. There is life outside blogging.

Maybe you'll get caught up in blogging.  You have a lot of things to say, and lots of love to share! Oh my. All those books, bloggers, etc.  It can get pretty exciting especially for freshmen bloggers.  You don't have to be too serious about this.  You have a life to live, be with friends, your family, and please attend to your growing TBR pile! 

Don't feel pressured about posting *everyday*.  Post regular, quality posts and not just for the sake of posting.  As they say, quality not quantity.  It is not a crime to miss a meme or too.  But if you feel a bit of obsessive compulsive about it, you can always use the scheduled posting of blogger. :) 


Enjoy blogging.  Blogging should be fun and not a burden.  Which leads me to...

5.   Take a break. 

I always take a break!  Haha!  This is to attend my soon-to-be-monstrous TBR pile, and stuffs on work too. :)  I don't get paid to blog and read so I still need to do manpower to survive.   And this is to avoid blogging fatigue.  We ran out of ideas, writer's block, lack of interest, etc.  We go away for a while, avoid distractions, and do other stuffs.  So when we return, we are energize and are at it again.

6. Just be yourself.

I hope this includes being nice and kind.  Haha!  Let your bookish-ness shine through!

Happy Friday, everyone!  Cheers!

Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent (Divergent #1)

by Veronica Roth

May 3, 2011: Katherine Tegen Books

Buy the Book: Amazon | Book Depository

"In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her." (Goodreads)

Review

First, I would just like to say I seriously fell in-love with this book. I finished the book within a day. I was glad I read this at home and not outside because my face was making these funny contortions as I read. And I had to take a few moments breather because sometimes it just gets a little close to me. Hunger Games fans, we have a keeper here.

So what can I say that won't give away anything? As I read the book, I come to identify myself as Beatrice, who finds that one choice can change your life. She had everything and nothing to lose at the same time. I love her character because she's strong but is not afraid of showing and admitting her vulnerabilities. I simply love her.

The ordeals she will face is quite grueling. She will make friends and enemies along the way. She will learn that her perfect society may not be perfect at all. And that she's not the only one keeping secrets.

I won't even try to write down names here aside from Beatrice. Who's the guy? Who else to look out for? Ah. All part of the fun. The ending? I'm happy to say it's not the type of cliff-hanger that made me want to bang my head against the wall or scream out. I already screamed at some point while reading. I know you'll wait for the next book anyway. *wink*

So, before I thought I can be in the faction of Erutide (the intelligent). Every time I try to go into contests for this book that asks which faction I'll be most likely in that'll be my choice. But at the end of the book it's perfectly clear that I'm Dauntless! Hopefully after the book, you'll have yours too. I even took the quiz on the facebook page and it's official, I am Dauntless, baby!

Armchair BEA Day 4: Nurturing Relationships

It's the fourth day of Armchair BEA!  How are you, guys doing?  I hope everything is great. :)  So how do I nurture relationship with other book bloggers, authors, or relationship thru book blogging? 

One of my favorite part of blogging is meeting other bloggers and having a sort of online relationship with them.  I try to maintain my relationship with other bloggers by dropping by to say "hi" to them once in a while.  I am guilty of not being able to regularly comment on some of the posts due to the bulk of posts I read in reader. 

If someone drops by the blog, leaves a comment I do reply. :)  I love comments and I appreciate readers or visitors making their presence known.  If they leave their blog site, I come to visit theirs and make my mark too!  That same way I get to know about what they read, and discover stuffs.

I haven't met any authors yet.  Just one of the perks of being in between Narnia and wonderland. But thanks to technology, I get to send my love and build relationship with some authors I <3.  I just try to minimize the fangirl-iness in me because I might freak them out.  Ha!

Say thank you to authors who wants you to review their work.  Learn to say no if you think you're not up to the job, or if it's not around the genre you read.  It's better than having to deal with a crappy review.  As much as possible I don't write negative reviews and I only rate at Goodreads to prevent immediate bias or expectation build-up (sue me, I was into research too).  Drop a message to the author too if you have posted your review of their book, just so they'll know. :) 

Basically it would come down for me as courtesy, respect, and love.  Maintain courtesy in relating with other bloggers, authors, and fellow readers.  I feel the love each book blogger has for one another and for authors.  And the love we all share for reading and books are more awesome.  Remember #Speaknow?  It was moving.  

Respect.  We respect each other's opinions.  We don't bash someone else's reviews unless it's really that serious.  We bear in mind that we have different taste in books, and experience reading (books) differently.

Love.  We love books.  We love reading.  We want to show the world who authors we love.  What books moved us.  We share that love with other people who feels the same.  <3

I'm really not that reliable on nurturing relationships.  Haha!  But yeah, that's how I roll here.  And I've felt the love so far and I'm giving it back as much as I could. :)  Cheers!

Review: Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton

Darkness Becomes Her 

(Gods & Monsters #1)

by Kelly Keaton

February 22, 2011: Simon Pulse

Buy the Book: Amazon | Book Depository

"Ari can’t help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can’t be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is.

Her search for answers uncovers just one message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it’s impossible to protect herself when she doesn’t know what she’s running from or why she is being pursued.
She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very...different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her.
Ari won’t stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed." (Goodreads)

Review

Ari always felt different. She's been in foster care for as long as she can remember and looking quite different does not help her case. But she didn't expected that she is that different. After discovering what happened to her mother, Ari had to run to the last place she wanted to be. New 2 in New Orleans. Though she can't quite shake the feeling that she belong in the place, and that something lurks in the dark corners that will finally shed light to the darkness that hounds her past.

I loved the book despite the darkness that trails behind every page you turn. I had no idea what the story was all about aside from the blurb that was provided. I was not quite sure at first how the mythology aspect would come in the story since there are certainly an array of supernatural beings depicted in the story. Only later in the story would it all dawn to you and the tragedy that is the story behind Ari's history.

I love how Ari was depicted as a strong-willed character, despite her past experiences in foster care, she used it for empowering herself and not as a sad part of herself to wallow on. It is lovely to see that in a town full of people and creatures that can be looked as different, they created a home for themselves and welcome others just like them. When the government cannot do anything for them, they took it upon themselves to do something for their own.

This is a fitting modern tale of how mythology gods turn on each other and destroy themselves, battling supernatural beings for power and the latter for survival. The truth about Ari is shrouded in darkness and despair, but can she own it like she did of her past? Or will it terrify her as well as the other is terrified of her?

Cover Reveal: Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare

It's here!  The cover for Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare!  No it's not the image above. It's the beautiful cover below.  With the pretty boy on the cover.

The exclusive (online) cover reveal was done thru Mundie Moms, after the reveal at BEA. :) 

Waiting on Wednesday: Possession by Elana Johnson

Possession

by Elana Johnson

June 7, 2011:  Simon and Schuster

Buy the Book:  Amazon   |   Book Depository

Vi knows the Rule: Girls don't walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn...and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi's future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they're set on convincing Vi to become one of them...starting by brainwashing Zenn. Vi can't leave Zenn in the Thinkers' hands, but she's wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous--everything Zenn's not. Vi can't quite trust Jag and can't quite resist him, but she also can't give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

____________________________

Another dystopian book that I would love to sink my teeth in!  And the book cover is screaming simple yet gorgeous!

Armchair BEA Day 3: Work the Network - sending love to...

It's the third day of Armchair BEA and it's time to switch the spotlight to some of our fellow book bloggers.  I would love to send my love to my favorite moms, The Mundie Moms!

When I first started out blogging, they were the first one I look upon for "guidance".  :)  Because I just got into reading YA again, I look into their recommendations on what to read.  Until now, Mundie Moms remains to be a big influence in my blogging and reading life.  That and we share the same LOVE for Cassandra Clare's books.

In terms of forums, I am a happy Fallen Archangel forum member.  I just reached the angel status.  Hooraahh!  I hope I can get back on it too because the other members there are nice and I also get good book recommendations there and go fangirl with other members. :)  If you want to release your Hush, Hush excitement or Patch-related incidents, go there!  We would love it! :)

Splash Into Summer Giveaway!

Welcome to my Splash Into Summer giveaway post!  You can win a $10 Book Depository shop or $10 Amazon Kindle Giftcard.

This is open internationally and following is not required (though following gets you an extra entry :p).  Other extra entries are also available in the form.

This giveaway will run from May 25 until May 31 11:59EST.  I'm hoping I get to announce the winner by June 1!

You can fill-out the form below or go to this link (if ever the embed fails).

::::::CONTEST is now CLOSED::::::

thank you! :)

Check out the other participating blogs in the Splash Into Summer giveaway.  This is hosted by I am a Reader, Not a Writer and Page Turners Blog.  Thanks for hosting, guys!

note:  I am #192 in the super list!  Musings of a Happy Reader, or a Reader Happy (potato - potato)

Good luck to everyone!  Cheers!

Armchair BEA Day 2: My Best of 2011 so far and..where's my giveaway?

It's Day 2 of Armchair BEA and it should the time for a giveaway!  So where is my giveaway?

Well.. I'm participating in the Splash Into Summer giveaway hosted by I Am a Reader not a Writer and Pageturners Blog that will start tomorrow. I was in a bit of dilemma because the period of the giveaways (this and for Armchair BEA) are almost the same so I think it would be better if I just hit two giveaways with one stone, right? :)  That and because I am a registered late for Armchair BEA *shame*.

Tomorrow I'll be posting the contest so check back here tomorrow and I might post it earlier as well. :)  So for now, here's my Best of 2011:  my fav reads so far this year!  I listed five in no particular (no favoritism!) order.  All are enjoyed and loved equally *pats books*!

Tuesday Trailer: Passion by Lauren Kate

Passion (Fallen #3)

by Lauren Kate

June 14, 2011:  Delacorte Books
Buy the book:  Amazon   |  Book Depository 

Luce would die for Daniel. And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . . .

Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last.

Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history.

Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames . . . forever.




This book trailer is gorgeous.  Out of the book trailers for the Fallen series, this by far is my favorite.  No more of that kind-of small wings for Daniel, and I'm loving the white theme with glow in the video. There's also another book trailer from Random House Australia, which offers a darker and intriguing atmosphere for the book. 

Armchair BEA: Kick-off post!

To Armchair BEA visitors and fellow readers, welcome to my humble book blog!

It is actually my first time to participate in Armchair BEA and I'm looking forward to meeting new people who would love to attend our Disneyland, Book Expo America but alas, cannot.

Who are you, and how do you Armchair?

Ah, my icon is big.  My face, argh!

Helloooo!  My name is Len but I go by the name of Maidenveil around the blogosphere and forums.  What's with the name?  It's actually a form of homage to my favorite books, Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter.  Maiden, which is sort of a medieval sounding, and Veil which is from a chapter in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.  I just recently googled my alias (out of curiosity if it's taken) and found out that I share it with a plant/flower/fungi with a less than desirable attributes.  Kewl.

I cannot attend the BEA because I am not from the US and it will cost me an arm and a leg to travel.  I am also bound by responsibility that is why I cannot leave my homeland (No, I am not from Narnia). 

My favorite authors are Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, Becca Fitzpatrick, Holly Black, and J.K. Rowling.  It were actually Becca and Cassie's books that got me into book blogging.  I cannot contain my love for their works I had to do something!

Don't you wish your bookshelf...

Most of the books I read are YA Paranormal, (Urban) Fantasy, Paranormal/Romance, or YA in general.  Though I am open to reading other genres as well. 

I can be left alone and unattended as long as I have a book with me (which is always).  You don't want to leave me in a bookstore because I can stay in there forever!  I sometimes challenge myself to enter a bookstore and leave there empty-handed.  And it was only last year that  I barely completed my book-buying ban month.  I wanted a trophy.

Though we might be unable to attend the BEA 2011 but we can still enjoy ourselves in company of our books!  And thanks to Armchair BEA, we need not feel blue and out of the loop.

I will be participating in a  Splash into Summer giveaway this 25th so watch out for it.  Maybe next year I'll be seeing some of you there.  If I get to catch a leprechaun in year's time.  For now cheers, everyone!!

Music Monday: Freedom Fighters by The Music

Music Monday is a weekly meme here in Musings of a Reader Happy, which features all-sorts of music, soundtrack, and fan playlist for music and movies! 

Freedom Fighters - The Music
One of my favorite songs from The Music.  They are a British (English) alternative rock band that the last I heard is on their farewell tour already.  Which is sad because they are really make good music.  I just discovered them a little late after a co-worker made me watch their concert in Japan.  It was awesome!  

Passion by Lauren Kate Excerpt (Indiebound Exclusive)

Click here to read excerpt from Passion

Indiebound was given the exclusive excerpt of Passion by Lauren Kate.  This is the third book in Fallen series.  The book is due for release June 14, 2011.

(source)

Saturday Poetry #2

So I'm starting this meme, that hopefully I will be able to adhere to because I really, really love poetry and it would be wonderful to be able to share various poems (classic, modern, etc).

_______________________

image from ~BabyBusted

Beloved,

I have to adore the earth:

The wind must have heard
your voice once.
It echoes and sings like you.

The soil must have tasted
you once.

It is laden with your scent.

The trees honor you
in gold

and blush when you pass.

I know why the north country
is frozen.

It has been trying to preserve
your memory.

I know why the desert
burns with fever.

It was wept too long without you.

On hands and knees,
the ocean begs up the beach,

and falls at your feet.

I have to adore
the mirror of the earth.

You have taught her well

how to be beautiful.

—
Henry Dumas - “Love Song”
1934-1968

(credit)

Mini Review: Vacations from Hell

Vacations from Hell

by Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, Claudia Gray, Maureen Johnson, & Sarah Mlynowski

May 26, 2009:  HarperTeen

Buy the book:  Amazon   |   Book Depository

"Life's a beach . . . and then you're undead?

In this must-have collection, five of today's hottest writers—Libba Bray (A Great and Terrible Beauty), Cassandra Clare (City of Bones), Claudia Gray (Evernight), Maureen Johnson (13 Little Blue Envelopes), and Sarah Mlynowski (Bras & Broomsticks)—tell supernatural tales of vacations gone awry. Lost luggage is only mildly unpleasant compared to bunking with a witch who holds a grudge. And a sunburn might be embarrassing and painful, but it doesn't last as long as a curse. Of course, even in the most hellish of situations, love can thrive....

From light and funny to dark and creepy, these stories have something for everyone. You definitely won't want to leave this collection at home!" (Goodreads)

Mini-Review

I must say that all the stories here are truly made in hell.  Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, Claudia Gray, Maureen Johnson, and Sarah Mlynowski didn't disappoint!

Cruisin' (Mlynowski) is a surprise and is perfect as an opening story for the book.  I Don't Like Your Girlfriend (Gray) is a straightforward story of a seemingly perfect guy falling for your childhood enemy.  What a witch got to do? 

Then we have Johnson's The Law of Suspect.  A dark, twisted and almost psychological thriller that ended perfectly.  Clare's The Mirror House is a story of you-don't-mess-with-a-smart-girl story with domestic issues involved. 

Here, they saved the hellish for last.  Nowhere is Safe (Bray) is a story of a group of friends who unknowingly headed to a town where people once worshipped the demon. 

Want something to read while on vacation?  But not in the mood for a novel or something like that?  Then you should try to read this one out.  This will surely cheer you up in case your flight is delayed, your next room neighbor is noisy, or it suddenly rained on the beach.

Thoughts on TMI Movie casting and more

Heads up!  Aside from Lily Collins getting the role of Clary Fray, nothing, I repeat, NOTHING is certain yet.  Shooting was supposed to start last April but was pushed back, giving Lily time to accommodate shooting Snow White.  As of now, the studio is STILL SEARCHING for the actor that will play Jace, and the other characters as well.  Everything and anything that will surface remains a rumor unless Cassandra Clare will be the one to announce it.   Please take note the operative word is announce.  More on that later.

First look at Jennifer Laurence as Katniss (EW)

Much have been said since the casting of Jennifer Lawrence in the coveted role of Katniss Everdeen, the heroine in the dystopian bestselling trilogy, The Hunger Games.  For those who were having second thoughts about Jennifer's casting, you might want to see her in Katniss mode:

Title Reveal: Book 3 of Dark Divine novel by Bree Despain

Bree Despain just announced the title for the third book in the Dark Divine novel series, which is slated for release this December 27.  Here's the title!

*i made the image for this title reveal post*

Bree's note on the title:

"I am very excited about this title, and as with THE DARK DIVINE and THE LOST SAINT, the title references more than one thing in the story."

The cover, according to Bree has also been completed but have not yet been cleared for reveal.  She's hoping though that it will not be spoiled again. 

Bree's books have the loveliest covers I've ever seen.  Simple yet striking.  Makes you want to polish and color your toe nails too. :p

I loved The Lost Saint and I'm one of those eager beavers anxiously waiting for this third book.  If you haven't read the first two books, you can read my spoiler-free reviews here: 

The Dark Divine   |   The Lost Saint

Review: Branded by Keary Taylor

Branded (Fall of Angels #1)

by Keary Taylor

March 4, 2010:  CreateSpace

Buy the book:  Amazon   |  Book Depository

"Jessica's had the nightmares for as long as she can remember. Nightmares of being judged for people who have died, of being branded by the angels. Her friends and family think she's a crazy because of it all. Yet she carries the mark of the condemned, seared into the back of her neck, and hides it and herself away from the world.

But when two men she can't ignore enter her life everything changes, including the nightmares. The two of them couldn't be more different. She will do anything to be with one of them. Even tell him the truth about angels, why she never sleeps, and the scar on the back of her neck. But one of the two has set events into motion what will puller her toward her own judgment and turn her into the object of her greatest fear." (Goodreads)

Review

Most people find angels beautiful.  But for Jessica, they are the stuffs of her nightmare.  They are as beautiful and as they are terrifying - haunting her in her every time she sleeps.  But it seemed like her nightmares have followed her even in her waking moments. 

I'm always pulled by stories of angels.  This one tells a story of angels as judges angels of light and darkness condemning souls to heaven or hell.  It also tells a story of Jessica, a once young girl who yearned for a normal life but have accepted her fate and struggles to make things work using what she has.  She is contented with her solitary life until she met Alex, who managed to break a ray of light into her life. 

I liked the story but I still have reservations towards it.  I think that the story was a bit long and there were parts that could have been trimmed or edited like the glimpses into Jessica's backstory, and her encounters with the angelic trials.  But I guess they still helped in building the foundation of the story and stressing the critical role of Jessica's predicament in her everyday choices. 

If you like a change of scene about angels, then you might like Branded.

Waiting on Wednesday: Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa

Summer's Crossing (Iron Fey #3.5)

by Julie Kagawa

e-novella/e-book

June 1, 2011: Harlequin Teen

"A Midsummer's Nightmare? Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon's right hand, bane of many a faery queen's existence—and secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl's death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts.

Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone's come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck's help—into the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choice—betray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist.

An ebook exclusive novella from Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series." (Goodreads)

_____________________

It is no secret I love the Iron Fey series.  Loooooove. 

And as we anxiously wait for the the fourth book, The Iron Knight, Puck will give his point of view of things in the period after the third book and a sort of prelude to the fourth book.

Team Puck, you have your treat. :D

10% off everything in Book Depository

Ever since discovering Book Depository it has been a breeze in looking for and buying the books that I would love to read!  Especially the ones that are hard to find in my bookstore.




They are currently offering a 10% discount in everything, even the books that are already discounted! And have I mentioned they ship free worldwide?  :)  So go treat yourself with some books!

I guess I need to move my book buying ban period again. *wink*

Tuesday Trailer: Solstice by P.J. Hoover

Solstice

by P.J. Hoover

May 4, 2011

Buy in Kindle

My world is dying. Global warming will kill every living thing on Earth. I endure the endless summer, and do what I can to help. Until one day...

I open a box, and everything changes.

I discover a world of mythology parallel to my own. A world where gods battle for control, and monsters feed in the rivers of the Underworld. This dark world pulls me in and tells me I belong.

I meet Shayne, who keeps secrets from me. And Reese, who makes me feel alive. But I almost lose my best friend and my life. I don't want to leave this new world. But can I choose the life I want, without sacrificing the people I love?

Music Monday: Guns Gold Girls by Metric

Music Monday is a weekly meme here in Musings of a Reader Happy, which features all-sorts of music, soundtrack, and fan playlist for music and movies! 

Metric is one band I love listening too.  Their music kicks ass! :) Their song, Gold Guns Girls, is one particular song of theirs that is staple in my playlist.  It's upbeat and the vocals are just right. <3

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by the book blogging goddess, Kristi over at The Story Siren. 

And the to-be read pile just keeps on growing!  :)  

Red Glove by Holly Black

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Won: *late post*

Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver

Dead Beautiful by Yvonne Woon

From Netgalley:

Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

Happy reading, everyone!

Review: Once A Witch by Carolyn MacCullough

Once a Witch
by Carolyn MacCullough
September 14, 2009:  Clarion Books

Buy the Book:  Amazon   |  Book Depository

"Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The search—and the stranger—will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all. This is a spellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant." (Goodreads)

Review

Tamsin always felt an outcast in her own family because she never manifested any Talent.  And she was  prophesied to be the most talented among all of them.  Too much pressure for her to handle especially if her sister happens to be a very talented one.  Maybe Tamsin was fed up with the pressure and wanted to prove that she might be talentless but she can still do something.  So when the opportunity knocked, she dared to answer with a lie.  She never thought it would change their lives forever.

An intriguing and thrilling story of Tamsin, finding her true purpose and place within her family of witches.  She will learn the hard way that altering history, that maybe she was meant to do, will be with heavy consequences.  And along with it the dark history that her family of witches have been guarding.

I love the character of her grandmother, the matriarch of the family, and who's wisdom guides Tamsin in her journey.  Then there's also her quirky best friend, Agatha, who like me is mesmerized by British men.  Whereas, Tamsin is a fun, strong and an unlikely heroine.  She's stubborn but she's tough.  Maybe the prophecy was not wrong in the end. Unfortunately it never said anything about the dark road ahead.   

A fun and exciting book that I recommend for reading.  I was already on the look-out for the sequel, Always a Witch, especially after I read the sneak peek.  I can't wait!


*reposted this after Blogger's maintenance removed the post back to draft.