Stacking the Shelves #1 + I'm Back!

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Hey guys! Wow, its been a long time since I last posted on a regular basis! I just recently got back from vacation, and things were a little bit hectic, so I wasn't able to properly start blogging yet. But anyway, thanks so much for those who stopped by during the last two months inspite of my sporadic posting. And a special shout out to Patricia from Book Exhibitionism, for this post of awesome! She's totally awesome, and you should check her blog out! (She's currently on a hiatus, but I believe she's returning this July, and when she does, watch out! She's coming back with her snarky Patricia-ness full blast! :D)

But anyway, I still got some reviews saved, so hopefully, I'll be able to post stuff regularly soon. 

So anyway, a bookworm like me take a 2 month long vacation and not buy any books? Yeah right! In fact, I found the best little bookstore- Basement Books! They sell remainder books, so they were all pretty cheap! But I'll show those books next week. For now, I got two month's worth of books to show off! :D 

Okay, so first (or was it second?) week of vacation. I won the most awesome prize pack from Hachette Australia! 

I know, right? I was one happy camper as I opened the box! And because the books have such pretty covers, here they are:

Embrace (The Violet Eden Chapters, #1) by Jessica Shirvington

Enticed (The Violet Eden Chapters, #2) by Jessica Shirvington

Emblaze (The Violet Eden Chapters, #3) by Jessica Shirvington

In my opinion, the Australian covers are way better than the US ones, but that's just me. :) 

Skins: Summer Holiday (Skins, #2) by Jess Britain

Heaven by Christoph Marzi

A Witch in Winter (Winter Trilogy, #1) by Ruth Warburton

I'm pretty excited to read Heaven, because it has the best summary. And A Witch in Winter looks pretty cool too! Skins though... I didn't even know it was included in the box, and the cover is mildly creepy. :/

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Gallagher Girls, #1) by Ally Carter

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy (Gallagher Girls, #2) by Ally Carter

Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover (Gallagher Girls, #3) by Ally Carter

Only the Good Spy Young (Gallagher Girls, #4) by Ally Carter

Out of Sight, Out of Time (Gallagher Girls, #5) by Ally Carter

Now this one I really wanna read! I had actually read the first two books about two years ago, so now I want to read the whole series once again using my shiny new copies! :D

So... that's all I got for now. Check back next week, to see the large haul I got from Basement Books!

Jen @ Midnight Book Thief

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Soul Screamers #5- If I Die by Rachel Vincent: Review

The entire school's talking about the gorgeous new math teacher, Mr. Beck. Everyone except Kaylee Cavanaugh. After all, Kaylee's no ordinary high-school junior. She's a banshee—she screams when someone dies.

But the next scream might be for Kaylee.

Yeah—it's a shock to her, too. So to distract herself, Kaylee's going to save every girl in school. Because that hot new teacher is really an incubus who feeds on the desire of unsuspecting students. The only girls immune to his lure are Kaylee and Sabine, her boyfriend's needy ex-girlfriend. Now the unlikely allies have to get rid of Mr. Beck…before he discovers they aren't quite human, either.

But Kaylee's borrowed lifeline is nearing its end. And those who care about her will do anything to save her life.

Anything.

Aww, it's the last month of the SSRC! How time flies... And before we know it, Before I Wake's gonna be released! Now, I don't know about you, but this book is a freakin' must have... Now on to my thoughts on If I Die, the latest Soul Screamers book.

If I Die was the best reread. Ever. The first time I read this book, I fell in love with it. Now, it's twice as much. The whole time I was reading the series, If I Die was the only book I had in mind, and I just could not wait to finally read it!

Seeing as how I've already reviewed it (Fun fact: If I Die was my first ever review here!), I don't know what else to say. But yeah, I enjoyed it right from the start, and there wasn't a single dull moment. 

And Tod, well... Let's just say he was one of the best things that ever happened to this book. So yeah, I loved it so much I can't even begin to express how much.

And... ahh, I don't know what to say anymore! I guess writing a second review is way harder, since this is the only book I've already reviewed. But rest assured, this is one of my most favorite series, and I totally recommend it to all fans of paranormal romance. 

Now I'm totally excited for Before I Wake! Time to start the countdown! :)

Jen @ Midnight Book Thief

Spectral Blog Tour: Guest Post by Shannon Duffy

(Click the image to go to its Goodreads page)

  Convinced she’s a part of the witness protection program, sixteen-year-old Jewel Rose is shuffled around the globe with her family like a pack of traveling gypsies. After arriving at lucky home twenty-seven, she stumbles upon a mysterious boy with magical powers claiming to be her guardian . . . and warning of imminent danger. Despite the obvious sparks between them, Jewel discovers a relationship is forbidden, and the more she learns about dark, brooding Roman, she begins to question who she can even believe—the family who raised her, or the supposed sworn protector who claims they’ve been lying to her all along.

As she struggles to uncover who her family has really been running from, she is forced to hide her birthmark that reveals who she is. With new realities surfacing, unexplained powers appearing, and two tempting boys vying for her heart, Jewel battles to learn who she can trust in an ever growing sea of lies, hoping she’ll make it through her seventeenth birthday alive.

Sounds great, right? And the author, Shannon Duffy, has written a special post today, all about...

The love triangle in Spectral

I do think writing a love triangle can be tricky because I never wanted anyone to think that Jewel is fickle or whatever. But, in reality, love triangles happen—emotions get mixed up, hearts are unsure, and different circumstances come into play that can make you second guess everything. Add to that, being a teenager and it can be even harder. I remember my teen years very well, and well, romance can be so all consuming and emotional. 

It was important for me to make it so that Jewel had a reason to doubt one of the guy’s true intentions, and therefore, second guess her heart and her ability to make the right choice. As a reader, we are in her head, so therefore we’re supposed to doubt one of the guys too. So, I’m hoping that people can relate to her decisions and confusion. But, it’s not long before Jewel realizes where her heart truly belongs, and in the end, she figures things out.

Thanks for inviting me to your blog today.

~Shannon

This does help you understand the nature of love triangles better, right? I know I do kinda hate the sometimes, but now I know why. Thank you so much Shannon, for sharing this with us!

Jen @ Midnight Book Thief

Soul Screamers #4.5- Reaper by Rachel Vincent: Review

Tod Hudson was a typical teenager. He liked girls, sports, food and tolerated his younger brother, Nash. In fact, he had his whole life in front of him--and due to his bean sidhe heritage, it was going to be a very long life indeed. And then the car accident occurred.

Suddenly Tod's future wasn't so sure, and he had to make a choice. Life... Death... or something Between....

Of all the Soul Screamers novella, this is my favorite one, and always will be. Reaper was amazing, and I enjoyed every second of it. It not only gave us a glimpse into Tod's mind, but it answered so many questions I had about the Hudsons' past. 

While I enjoyed Reaper, this novella was painful to read. Why? It screamed "sacrifice", and it was heartbreaking. You're sure to see Tod in a new way after reading this. I just couldn't believe Tod gave up everything for Nash- it was just so unbelieveably sweet and selfless.

On a brighter side, this novella was full of Tod's sarcasm, and they often made crack up. Come on, who else makes jokes about Death? And in this case, I'm talking about it literally. Reaper was full of laugh out loud moments which never failed to lighten the mood. 

Here's my favorite passage from the novella:

The reaper shifted in his seat, but made no move to stand. “That’s what you were buried in.” His careless gesture took in my stiff shirt and the pressed black pants I’d never seen in my life.

I looked like a waiter.

So yeah, I'm giving this 6 stars. It was the perfect quick read, and the fact that it was Tod narrating it probably helped. ;) It was the perfect blend of heartbreak and humor, and I couldn't help but wish this novella would turn into a full length novel. 

Jen @ Midnight Book Thief

Maximum Ride #1- The Angel Experiment by James Patterson: Review

Fourteen-year-old Maximum Ride, better known as Max, knows what it's like to soar above the world. She and all the members of the "Flock"--Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman and Angel--are just like ordinary kids--only they have wings and can fly. It may seem like a dream come true to some, but their lives can morph into a living nightmare at any time--like when Angel, the youngest member of the "Flock," is kidnapped and taken back to the "School" where she and the others were genetically engineered by sinister scientists. Her friends brave a journey to Death Valley, CA, to save Angel, but soon enough, they find themselves in yet another nightmare--this one involving fighting off the half-human, half-wolf "Erasers" in New York City. Whether in the treetops of Central Park or in the bowels of the Manhattan subway system, Max and her adopted family take the ride of their lives. Along the way Max discovers from her old friend and father-figure Jeb--now her betrayed and greatest enemy--that her purpose is save the world--but can she?

By the time I had read this book years ago, I was pretty sure I already loved reading by then- this just made me love it a lot more. I'm thinking this is a YA book, but inspite of that, I think the Maximum Ride series is perfect for all ages. 

This book had it all. First, there's adventure. TONS of it. You want a good fighting scene? There's loads of it. And suspense. You gotta love all the suspense that Max and her flock brings. And speaking of flock- James Patterson's imagination in this book was way cool. I've never read a book before about bird kids- children with avian DNA in them. And yes, I know that that's pretty impossible, but that's what makes the story all the more fun!

But what I really enjoyed about this book were the characters in it. From Max, to Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Angel and Gazzy, the way Patterson wrote the novel just made them so alive, so connection was pretty easy. Max is our awesome kickbutt heroine, and Fang, her broody sidekick, is pretty much her love interest/ resident snarky guy. And there's Iggy, the blind guy; Nudge, the chatterbox; Gazzy, the um, Gasman; and Angel... The creepy/adorable girl. And they all have awesome powers other than the ability to fly- mind reading, breathing underwater, speaking to machines, and the like. 

So yeah, I pretty much recommend this to just about everyone, especially kids who are just learning to love reading. I speak from experience, since it was this book that made my little sister love reading! 

I give this book 5 stars. It was a good introduction to the series, and really good for Patterson's first attempt at a children's/YA book. The plot is fast paced, and won't disappoint. (Though I'm not sure I can say the same for the later books, like Angel. It kinda felt like the series was being dragged out. I mean, I loved Fang- talking about the book here, but this applies to the character too, I guess- and all, but Angel- again, talking about the book- wasn't just that good anymore. But since I'm only reviewing the first book, that's a topic for another day.) 

So to conclude, this is a good adventure book. Go read it! :)

Soul Screamers #0.5- My Soul to Lose by Rachel Vincent: Review

It was supposed to be a fun day, shopping at the mall with her best friend. Then the panic attack started and Kaylee Cavanaugh finds herself screaming, unable to stop. Her secret fears are exposed and it's the worst day of her life.

Until she wakes up in the psychiatric unit.

She tries to convince everyone she's fine--despite the shadows she sees forming around another patient and the urge to scream which comes burbling up again and again. Everyone thinks she's crazy. Everyone except Lydia, that is. Another patient with some special abilities....

My Soul to Lose is the prequel novella to the Soul Screamers series, and I must say, it had the whole novella thing down! It was a quick fun read, and it did a perfect job introducing us to the Soul Screamers world. It revealed just enough hints to get the readers curious, but it managed to do so without revealing anything major. After reading this novella, readers are sure to pick up the next book!

What I loved the most about this novella was its mysterious air towards it. Kaylee, upon freaking out in the mall when someone dies- and forced to sing for his soul- is placed in a mental institute. I loved how Rachel Vincent just gave a glimpse into the series- we most definitely know that Kaylee isn't your average teenager- but what is she, exactly?

Kaylee goes though a hard time in the hospital- because she knows she not crazy. She proves her strength to us, that she's not just some TSTL heroine, but one kick ass one, as she proves repeatedly over the course of the series. She's able to hang on to her sanity, despite being locked up with the crazies, and make it through the whole ordeal.

And that ending! I've got to say, that was one eerie ending. Mildly disturbing, but nothing too serious... In a good way. :) Lydia, I have got to say, is one of the most freaky characters out there! But for those who haven't read the series yet, watch out for her reappearance. She's more important that Rachel lets on. ;)

5 stars to this novella! When I first finished reading My Soul to Lose, some of my questions were answered. But so many new ones emerged. I was hooked, right from the very start. And two novellas and five full length novels after, I still am. So, totally hooked. And I'm loving every second of it! :D

Jen @ Midnight Book Thief

Soul Screamers #4- My Soul to Steal by Rachel Vincent: Review

Trying to work things out with Nash—her maybe boyfriend—is hard enough for Kaylee Cavanaugh. She can't just pretend nothing happened. But "complicated" doesn't even begin to describe their relationship when his ex-girlfriend transfers to their school, determined to take Nash back.

See, Sabine isn't just an ordinary girl. She's a mara, the living personification of a nightmare. She can read people's fears—and craft them into nightmares while her victims sleep. Feeding from human fear is how she survives.

And Sabine isn't above scaring Kaylee and the entire school to death to get whatever—and whoever—she wants.

This is the fourth book in the Soul Screamers series- one that involves a fresh new character, Sabine Campbell. To be honest, this is the book I like the least in the series. This review is gonna be a mix of positive and negative points- but to get it off my chest, here's the negative part first:

Sabine and Kaylee and Nash's love triangle made want to strangle them. Yes, blunt I know, but I am not a fan of love triangles. But it didn't help that I was no longer Team Nash- kinda hated him a lot by that time- so the fact that Kaylee wouldn't let him go just frustrated me to no end. I just wanted to scream at her, "For God's sake, give it up! Nash does not deserve the both of you fighting over him! Let Sabine have him, and go grab Tod before I do!" Yup, by then, I was already Team Tod, and I already wanted them to end up together. 

But otherwise, it was okay. Sabine was an interesting character, and Rachel Vincent wrote her part so nicely I couldn't help but hate her. Funny way of saying it, I know, but it's true! Seriously, I despised that mara and her big mouth. Though I have to say, I did enjoy reading her and Kaylee's not-so-tame banterings. Err, wrong word. More of cat fights. ;)

So yeah, it was an okay read. While it honestly kinda disappointed me, I still enjoyed it. The climatic ending was unexpected, and really surprising too! Though I do believe that it's Rachel's fault for making the series so amazing that my standards got raised really high though. :) However, I believe this book in vital for the next books to come, and a really important plot turner.

Jen @ Midnight Book Thief