Shadowland by Alyson Noel

At the start of this breathtaking novel, Damen and Ever travel to Summerland in search of an antidote to reverse a powerful poison. But instead of the cure they seek, they find something far more sinister: the truth about their existence and the fate lying in wait of an immortal’s soul.

Now, with Damen fighting to save them from the Shadowland, Ever turns to magick, hoping to break Damen’s curse. Along the way Ever encounters the mysterious Jude, finding herself drawn to him in a way that will test her love for Damen like never before . . (Summary taken from goodreads).

            If I were to choose my favorite out of Evermore, Blue Moon, and Shadowland, I’d have to choose Shadowland. It’s the third installment of the Immortal series and by far the one that I like the most. It wasn’t as jammed packed with action as the first two, but that’s why I enjoyed it. While action in any book is always welcome, Evermore and Blue Moon  had so much that it could be overwhelming at times. This one started off on the slow side, but quickly picked up pace as the story continued.

            As much as I love Ever, she’s starting to feel a little bit gullible, listening to what everyone tells her and making impulsive decisions before thinking things through. Damen is still amazing, but he’s still extremely hot and cold with Ever which can be bothersome. Then there’s Jude, who is this completely new character. He’s the typical surfer type, except with dreadlocks, which I can’t really picture. Anyway, I’m not sure how I feel about him yet. He was mentioned quite a bit throughout the story, but not to the point where I can really develop any feelings about him.

            The story itself was interesting, except that it hardly went into what the Shadowland was suppose to be, which I found disappointing. The first two books talked about Summerland, how great it was, and all this other stuff, but this book hardly talked about the Shadowland. Okay, okay, so it’s not a exactly a place where immortals want to be, but still, it would’ve have been interesting if it was discussed more.

            So, if you haven’t read this series yet, I recommend you check it out. There have been a lot of different views on it, but I for one love it. I definitely enjoyed Shadowland and just finished Dark Flame, which is the fourth one. I’ll probably post a review for that one later on in the week. So, check out the series and be sure to let me know what you think :)

Hush, Hush to be a Graphic Novel!



Press Release: Hush, Hush to be a Graphic Novel

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick is going to be a graphic novel! I'm actually pretty excited about this. I loved the book and so I can't wait to see it as a graphic novel. It is due to come out later this year and I'm pysched to see it! Check out more info down below.

 

The Press Release:

ATLANTA, GA – March 31, 2011 – Sea Lion Books announced today the acquisition of the comic book and graphic novel rights to Becca Fitzpatrick's New York Times bestselling Young Adult novel Hush, Hush. A romance laced with intrigue, it is the story of a young girl torn between desire and suspicion in her love for a fallen angel. A true psychological thriller, Hush, Hush was the first book in a trilogy, with the story continuing in Crescendo and concluding with the forthcoming Silence, which is scheduled for release in October 2011. The series has a worldwide following, with sales of more than 1 million books in 35 countries.

“Becca Fitzpatrick is a huge bestselling author,” said Kuo-Yu Liang VP Sales & Marketing for Diamond Book Distributors. “I think this series is a great addition to Sea Lion Books line up of projects and should be a major hit for them”.

Hush, Hush is the story of Nora Grey, a studious sixteen-year-old girl from Coldwater, Maine. It has been a year since her father's murder and she is not interested in much other than her schoolwork. Then she meets Patch, a bad boy—and fallen angel. Though unwisely attracted to him, Nora finds herself caught in a battle between the fallen and the immortal. Choosing the wrong side could cost Nora her life.

Becca Fitzpatrick is delighted to have her book brought to graphic novel form. "Hush, Hush was my first book, and it's so thrilling that it has been embraced by so many readers. I'm delighted to be working with Sea Lion to tell Patch and Nora's story through graphic novel format!"

Sea Lion Books shares the delight in working alongside the bestselling author on the adaptation, and feels that Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush series is a fantastic addition to its graphic novel line.

Hush, Hush #1 is scheduled to debut in winter 2011. The creative team on the project will be announced at a later date.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Becca Fitzpatrick was born in Utah, and raised in the Midwest. After graduating as valedictorian of her high school class, she attended Brigham Young University where she earned a degree in Community Health. After her husband surprised her with a writing class as a present she began work on Hush, Hush. Becca Fitzpatrick is a #1 New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today Best-Selling author. Her novels have been awarded the prestigious: YALSA's Teens' Top Ten pick,  included in the 2009 Association of Booksellers for Children Best Books for Children Catalog, Winter 2009 Indie Next List Top Ten pick, Spring 2011 Indie Next List pick, Barnes & Noble's Best Teen Books of 2009 selection, 2009 Barnes & Noble Dark Romance for Teens Holiday Gift Guide selection, CBC Favourite Children's Books Top Ten Pick, First YA title selected for Barnes & Noble's First Look Book Club, and Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Young Adult Series. Becca Fitzpatrick lives in Colorado with her family. You can visit Becca on the Internet at http://beccafitzpatrick.com/

ABOUT SEA LION BOOKS:

Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Sea Lion Books LLC is a newly established publishing house which specializes in all formats—hardcover, trade paperback, and mass market and in urban fantasy and young adult genres. Sea Lion Books LLC recent roster of authors include: International Bestselling author, Paulo Coelho, New York Times Bestselling authors, Richelle Mead, Richard A. Knaak and F. Paul Wilson plus more to be announced in the upcoming months.  Contact David Dabel at 770-696-3452 or David@sealionbooks.com . You can visit Sea Lion Books on the Internet at http://www.sealionbooks.com

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

As a child, Kathy—now thirty-one years old—lived at Hailsham, a private school in the scenic English countryside where the children were sheltered from the outside world, brought up to believe that they were special and that their well-being was crucial not only for themselves but for the society they would eventually enter. Kathy had long ago put this idyllic past behind her, but when two of her Hailsham friends come back into her life, she stops resisting the pull of memory.

And so, as her friendship with Ruth is rekindled, and as the feelings that long ago fueled her adolescent crush on Tommy begin to deepen into love, Kathy recalls their years at Hailsham. She describes happy scenes of boys and girls growing up together, unperturbed--even comforted--by their isolation. But she describes other scenes as well: of discord and misunderstanding that hint at a dark secret behind Hailsham's nurturing facade. With the dawning clarity of hindsight, the three friends are compelled to face the truth about their childhood—and about their lives now

A tale of deceptive simplicity, Never Let Me Go slowly reveals an extraordinary emotional depth and resonance-and takes its place among Kazuo Ishiguro's finest work (Summary taken from goodreads).

            
  Never Let Me Go had me laughing at times and crying at others. It was an extremely touching as well as moving piece. My friend had read this book, so I asked her what is was about. In response, she simply said, “It’s about special kids, who go to a special school, because in the future they do special things.” Well, it’s not the most exciting description, but in a way, it sums up the main idea of the story.

            The basic idea of this story is that the children at Hailsham are all created, mostly based off of what they call “trash” such as prostitutes, criminals, and so on. Basically, they are created because as they grow older, they will be harvested for their organs. As twisted and disgusted as that sounds, the book is really moving and quite fascinating. Broken up into three parts, the novel begins at Hailsham, the special school where Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy are currently enrolled. Kathy narrates the novel, reflecting on her memories. Following Hailsham was their life at the Cottages. This was where students of Hailsham went once they turned eighteen.  From the Cottages they would go on to become Carers for those who were already in the donation process. After their time as Carers, they too, would begin donating. The third part of this novel focuses on Kathy as a Carer, where she runs into both Ruth and Tommy.

            Never Let Me Go left me speechless when I finished it. While I didn’t really enjoy the first part about Hailsham, I did enjoy following their lives at the cottages and afterwards.  The whole story was just so meaningful that as the last pages came around, I found myself in tears. What I really like about the novel is how realistic it is. Okay, so people aren’t raised to donate their organs these days, but Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy felt so…average. There wasn’t much separating them from being normal children, teenagers, and adults, which I really enjoyed. It made it easier to connect and sympathize with them.

            The characters were all unique in their own way. Kathy was friendly and quiet, but she didn’t really have much backbone. She tended to let Ruth push her over, which bothered me because I really wished she would stand up for herself. Ruth was just a horrible person. She was nasty to Kathy and even Tommy as well. Personally, I hated Ruth, however I loved Tommy. He was a really whiny kid, but as he got older he was more tolerable. He was so kind and he cared about Ruth and Kathy greatly. Now, I know that the characters don’t seem all that spectacular, but I think that’s what made them seem so ordinary.

            I wouldn’t have enjoyed the writing style in any other novel, but in this one, it really worked. As if I hadn’t stressed this enough, the book was extremely realistic and the writing style only added to this concept. Instead of flowing elegantly, it was simple and to the point. There was nothing beautiful about it, but it was more like everyday conversations. So I give Mr. Ishiguro major props for that.

            So my advice…read this book! Seriously. I know the concept is really gross, but it’s not too present in the book and the story underneath is heartwarming. It’s a great read, so definitely check it out. If you liked the book or if you’re one of those people that don’t actually read the books and just watch the movie (shame on you! just kidding) there is a movie for Never Let Me Go with Keira Knightly and Andrew Garfield. I saw it and I actually thought it was pretty good. It stayed close to the storyline, but the book just delves in deeper. Still, if you are interested in the movie. The trailer is below! I also want to apologize for all the pictures, I just think the different covers are pretty cool :)

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

The undead can really screw up your senior year ...

Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction (Summary taken from goodreads).

There are no words to describe this book, oh, wait, I have one: AMAZING! Seriously, this was one of the best vampire books that I have ever read. I loved it so much that I actually re-read it just a little while ago! The storyline is phenomenal and the characters are hilarious. If you haven’t read this book, then what are you waiting for? Go pick it up!

            First off, if Lucius Vladescu showed up at my door claiming that I was a Romanian vampire princess and his fiancé I think I might be the happiest person on earth. Okay, maybe I’m overreacting a little, but I loved Lucius. He was pretty much the perfect guy. Sure, he didn’t really fit in with American culture, but he was proper, sweet, and well overall wonderful. However, I can’t blame Jessica for not wanting to have anything to do with him at first. I mean, all of a sudden this random guy just starts telling her all these things about how she’s suppose to marry him and that he’s a vampire and so is she. So, can you really blame her? Plus, she’s very realistic and only believes in what can be proven. Still, she was a great character.

            The story itself was not only great, but hilarious as well! I think I really enjoyed it because it wasn’t all about her being a vampire. Sure, that was mostly the focus of it, but it still had some romance and drama mixed in as well. Plus, I love Ms. Fantaskey’s writing style. She really gave the characters personalities that stood out.

            So, overall, I loved this book and would definitely recommend it. It’s a fun, fast paced read, that’s great for anyone who loves a good laugh. I also can’t wait for the sequel Jessica’s Guide to the Dark Side. It’s sure to be just as good. So check this one out and let me know what you think! :)

Cruel Summer by Alyson Noel

“This was supposed to be my best summer yet, the one I’ve been working toward since practically forever.  Now I’m being banished from everything I know and love, and it just doesn’t make any sense.”

Having recently discarded her dorky image--and the best friend that went with it--Colby Cavendish is looking forward to a long hot season of parties, beach BBQ’s, and hopefully, more hook-ups with Levi Bonham, the hottest guy in school. But her world comes crashing down when her parents send her away to spend the summer in Greece with her crazy aunt Tally.

Stranded on a boring island with no malls, no cell phone reception, and an aunt who talks to her plants, Colby worries that her new friends have forgotten all about her. But when she meets Yannis, a cute Greek local, everything changes.  She experiences something deeper and more intense than a summer fling, and it forces her to see herself, and the life she left behind, in a whole new way(Summary taken from goodreads).

Normally, I would have never given Cruel Summer a second glance, but since I really enjoy the way Alyson Noel writes and have only read her Immortal series, I figured I’d break out and give it a try. Unfortunately, I found myself rather disappointed. The writing style did not please me and the overall plot was a bit all over the place.

            First of all, I hated Colby. At first, she was tolerable, because it was understandable what she was going through. Her parents were splitting up and as they made this big decision they decided, hey! Why don’t we just ship you off to Greece for the summer! Therefore, it’s understandable that she would be upset. That be said, she complained constantly! It’s reasonable to be mad for a little while, but she was in Greece! How many opportunities are you going to get to go there? Might as well enjoy it while you can, don’t you think? Then there was Yannis, who I didn’t mind, but I felt as though he really wasn’t in the book that much. Not enough to have a huge impact on me. So for that, I was rather disappointed.

            Overall, I didn’t really like the way it was written. I still love Miss Noel’s writing style, but just not in this book. It would switch between emails, her journal, letters she was writing to her parents, and her blog. Normally in books, I don’t mind if the perspective switches from one character to another, but this just bothered me. It was probably because I disliked her so much, so the fact that everything was coming from her didn’t help. Overall, the book was okay. Nothing really stuck out and I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it, but it wasn’t too bad.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited? (Summary taken from goodreads).

Despite the ending being completely obvious from the beginning, I loved this book! It was so cute, happy, and overall amazing! Even though it was obvious like I mention before, there were still a ton of twists and turns that I never saw coming. This was another one of those books that had me hooked from the get go and one that I would definitely recommend.

            Anna’s character was easy to relate to. As amazing as being shipped off to Paris for senior year sounds (I would love that!), you can’t blame her for being upset. Everything just started falling into place for her and then surprise! She’s going to France! Still, she was seemed like an average teenager. Worried about what people will think of her, falling for an irresistible, but taken guy, and so forth. Then there’s Étienne St. Claire or just St. Claire as his friends call him in the book (though Étienne is a pretty awesome name). I loved that fact that despite how perfect he seemed to be, he was short, which was really kind of cute. I give Miss Perkins credit for creating a character that isn’t like all the others out there. Overall, he’s a total sweetheart. He’s the kind of guy that is there for you when you need him, but willing to defend your honor at a moment’s notice. That being said, I loved St. Claire.

            The storyline was crafted wonderfully and the writing style was great. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen next there was twist! It really kept me on my toes, but it was also one of the major factors that drew me in. I really enjoyed the writing. It was really light and enjoyable. She also talked about the many different historical sites Paris which was amazing! Not only was it a great story, but there was bit of history mixed in there too!

            Overall, I love, love, love Anna and the French Kiss. When I finished it, I truly wished it hadn’t ended, it was just that good! That being said, I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a good chic lit read. It’s amazing!

Quick Update

Hey everyone! I know I haven’t posted in what pretty much forever, so my apologies for that. I’ve been really busy lately and I know that sounds like the worst excuse in the world, but it is unfortunately true. Therefore, I haven’t had too much time to read (which really breaks my heart). However, the past few days I’ve been wicked sick, which isn’t any fun :( So, as I spent most of my time lying on the couch, I was also reading! I managed to get quite a number of books done, so that means a handful of posts are coming soon! Okay, well I just wanted to keep everyone in the loop and thank you everyone who has been following me :)

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life (Summary taken from goodreads)

When I started this book, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about it. I had friends that thought it was absolutely amazing, but then my best friend, well she hated it. Actually, she despises it with a passion. So, what did I think? Well, I actually really enjoyed it! I borrowed the book from a friend and she told me, “Oh, it’s really slow in the beginning, but it gets better as it goes on.” Personally, I thought it started off really strong and stayed that way throughout the book. I couldn’t find a dull moment in this one whatsoever.

            The characters were what made it interesting. Personally, I love Patch. He was a total jerk, I’ll admit to that, but for some reason, I couldn’t help but love him as a character. Sure, he teased Nora and pushed her buttons, but it seemed more playful than anything. He was also one of those dark characters with a hidden past, but it was definitely intriguing. I actually liked Nora too. Most times if I like the male main character, I usually dislike the female one. However, Nora seemed really level-headed. She didn’t complain constantly about Patch (though she did get annoyed with him) and she wasn’t a total ditz. I also really liked Nora’s friend Vee. She was hilarious! She definitely enhanced the story in many ways.

            The writing style was phenomenal! I though Fitzpatrick did a great job. It wasn’t choppy or over descriptive. The storyline itself was interesting as well. Again, I wasn’t really sure about this book. I mean fallen angels? It just seemed a bit cliché because it feels like most books nowadays are about fallen angels who fall in love with a human. Though, when I read Hush, Hush the fallen angel thing didn’t really bother me. To be honest, I hardly noticed it. So, thumbs up for the story line :) I also really like the cover! I’m not a huge fan of his hair (weird, I know), but I really, really like the wings. They look so cool!

            Overall, I am so glad my friend let me borrow Hush, Hush. I would recommend it to those who enjoy a mix of action and romance (which it certainly had the perfect balance of!) I’m also looking forward to reading the sequel, which I still have to get my hands on! Anyway, I would check this one out! If you’ve read it or not, let me know what you think! :)