Book Review: The One I Want by Jennifer Echols

The One I Want
by Jennifer Echols
Release Date: December 6th, 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Content: Rated PG-13
ebook, 288 pages
Attain a Copy: 
       B&N | Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Matchmaking gets mixed up in this all-original eBook addition to The Romantic Comedies series!Gemma can’t believe her luck when the star football player starts flirting with her. Max is totally swoon-worthy, and even gets her quirky sense of humor. So when he asks out her so-called best friend Addison, Gemma’s heartbroken.

Then Addison pressures Gemma to join the date with one of Max’s friends. But the more time they all spend together, the harder Gemma falls for Max. She can’t help thinking that Max likes her back—it’s just too bad he’s already dating Addison. How can Gemma get the guy she wants without going after her best friend’s boyfriend?

Cindy's Review:

At First Glance/The Cover:

This book seemed like the typical high school romantic, fast reads that I like to read when I'm bored. When I'm feeling like a rest from deep stuff. Like a summer read, sitting under sun and feeling the breeze sort of book. And, it kind of was how I expected it. Kind of. :) 

The Characters/My Opinions:

Gemma - The main character. The one who tells us the story. About herself. About her past. Gemma is different from other girls. She used to be fat. Her best Addison, is super popular. And she is always behind Addison. Being her shadow. And listening to her. Gemma is trying out for a majorette.

*Apparently, a majorette is somewhat like a cheerleader. Except instead of pom poms, they perform with batons. Like a circus thing. I dunno. Maybe people back then had majorettes. 

Max - Max is the guy she has a crush on. The 'cute' lookin' guy. The kicker of East High School's football team. But then, Addison also has her eyes on him. And Addison, being twisted and all, told Gemma that Max asked her out. Max is Japanese. That's all I got out of the book. LOL. Which is funny, because the guy on the cover doesn't look Japanese. Oh wells.

Addison - You can say she's backstabbing. She lied to her best friend to get the guy she wants. She's controlling. She doesn't like it when Gemma gets what she wants. Or when Gemma is better at her for something. In my words, she is not worth it to be friends with. BUT, at the same time, I can kind of seem where Addison is coming from. I mean, she's a mean bully and everything, but I can sense her vulnerability. Like I would be jealous of my friend if she was better at me than something else, but judging from how popular I already am, why would I need to step on her? I dunno. I see it from Addison's POV, but at the same time, what is wrong with that girl? 

Needless to say, all the drama comes from that girl.

Overall Thoughts:

This book was a pretty fast, romance read. I found some things a little cheesy. And like the relationship between Gemma and Max didn't exactly make my heart feel anything. It didn't make it tingle, jump, or even beat faster. Yeah. The romance was kind of cheesy and wasn't very deep. 

But that's probs why it was a fast summer light read for me. Kind of what I'm looking for? On the other hand, I expected Jennifer Echols to write better romance, because I read one of her new adult ones. And they were like heart-pounding hot. Soooo, maybe this one was one of her first few ones. 

Anyways, if you're looking just for a fun, romance read with no deep feelings. Just like you're sitting there and judging a court case or something, here's one for you~

The Rating: (1-10): 7.5

Happy Reading~ 

Blog Tour: Her Dear and Loving Husband

Welcome to my stop on Her Dear and Loving Husband Blog Tour

hosted by Virtual Author Book Tours.

Blurb:

How long would you wait for the one you loved?

Her Dear & Loving Husband, the new novel from Meredith Allard, is part literary fiction, part historical fiction, part romance, and part paranormal fantasy. With elements of Twilight and The Crucible, Her Dear & Loving Husband is a story for anyone who believes that true love never dies. 

James Wentworth has a secret. He lives quietly in Salem, Massachusetts, making few ties anywhere. One night his private world is turned upside down when he meets Sarah Alexander, a dead ringer for his wife, Elizabeth. Though it has been years since Elizabeth's death, James cannot move on. 

Sarah also has a secret. She is haunted by nightmares about the Salem Witch Trials, and every night she is awakened by visions of hangings, being arrested, and dying in jail. Despite the obstacles of their secrets, James and Sarah fall in love. As James comes to terms with his feelings for Sarah, he must dodge accusations from a reporter desperate to prove that James is not who, or what, he seems to be. With the help of their friends, witches Jennifer and Olivia, James and Sarah piece their stories together and discover a mystery that may bind them in ways they never imagined. Will James make the ultimate sacrifice to protect Sarah and prevent a new hunt from bringing hysteria to Salem again?

Cindy's Review: 

At First Glance/The Cover:

Truthfully, I wanted to read this book because of the cover. It looks so haunted. Yes, I am scared of horror novels but the teaser proved that it wasn't so, I went ahead and tried for it. I don't know. I just enjoy mystery and suspense.

The Characters/My Opinions:

Sarah Alexander - The main character of our story. She recently got a divorce back in California. Since her family lived in Manhattan or was it Boston? I kinda don't remember. she moved back to near that area. Sarah didn't want to continue in the city life. She wanted to be peaceful for a while and have a clear head. But was it coincidental or was it fate that brought her to the Salem town where The One is there.

James Wentworth - If you haven't realized already, he's the other main character. We actually get to see from James POV and thoughts but throughout the book, you're just on Sarah's side more. Jame's wife had died three hundred years ago, to the Salem Witch Trials. How is that even possible? You'll see. Does he have immortality? Isn't it quite obvious?

James has also been appearing in Sarah's dreams. OR NOT. Sarah doesn't know the man who appears in her dreams. Apparently, he's only a shadow. But WE READERS know that it's definitely him. Sarah dreams that she is his dead wife. She dreams that she is Elizabeth. Getting married. Being happy. Stabilized. With another family member coming. Then the Salem Trials.

Jennifer - She is Sarah's best friend. She is a Wiccan religion. AKA a witch. Sarah just doesn't believe she is a real witch. And she is. Sarah also knows James secret. The secret that they're trying to keep from Sarah and the rest of the world.

Now can we get on with secrets? Well. yeah. Okay. Here goes. James is actually a vampire. Yep. This certainly surprised me too. I really didn't expect it. I mean, this was before the book told us his wife actually died three hundred years ago instead of like the last few years.

How I reacted to this? Hmmm... Confused maybe. I didn't exactly like it. I thought that vampires and supernatural creatures will just ruin the book. Really. My thoughts were Really? Forreal now? Vampires? How is this gonna go? Well, it turns out James immortality and vampire-ness contributes a lot to this love story.

Now that the secret's out, onto the next part.

Of course, yes. Telling all this to Sarah is a big problem. But there's another one that yet causes another brother. There's a vampire hunter/reporter on board. Fishing around for proves of vampires. And worse yet, Sarah doesn't know about James. Everything is on dangerous water. Unless James got the guts to tell her. And find a way to get that reporter to go away. 

Overall Thoughts:

Although my history with vampires were never that exciting, I really liked the 'vampire' in this book. It made the story full of hearts. And the ending was like such a soft feeling. Like Awwww~ It was cute. :) 

Even though there was supposed to be a giveaway for this post, I'm just too lazy to make it right now. Ugh. Guys, blame school. And even if I work really to make one, I'm not even sure if anyone would enter, since like it's hard to get people to enter for these things. 

But if you'd like, you can comment and I might randomly select a commenter. :) Or just follow me, ya know. 

Btw, the prize is either a paperback (US) or ebook (international). 

So like if you comment, you most likely have a chance to win it~ 

The Rating: (1-10): 7.5~

Happy Reading~ 

Book Review: A Ranger's Tale by Mysti Parker

A Ranger's Tale (Tallenmere #1) 
by Mysti Parker
Release Date: December 18th, 2010 
Publisher: Melange Books
Content: PG-13
ARC Paperback, 324 pages
Source: Author
Attain a copy:
      B&N | Amazon

Goodreads Summary: In the fantasy world of Tallenmere, an elven noblewoman longed to leave her gilded cage. A half-breed former pirate wanted nothing more than to escape his guilty past. Easier said than done...

High elf Caliphany Aranea leads an enviable life as King Leopold's niece and daughter of Sirius, Leogard's most famous wizard. Yet, being forced to follow in her father's footsteps and being betrothed to a man she doesn't even like makes her want a taste of life outside the city walls. 

As a young boy, half-elf Galadin Trudeaux witnessed his parents' death at the hands of pirates. After being raised by those same murderers and forced to do their bidding, he escaped and now lives an honest life as a sea merchant and ranger. 

When two brutes at Leogard Harbor attempt to kidnap Caliphany while she dreams of faraway lands, Galadin comes to her rescue. Impressed by his skills, she asks him to train her as a ranger. Though he is hesitant at first to train a woman of her class, Caliphany's hefty sack of gold finally persuades him. Unfortunately, her father is not amused, and the two must escape before Caliphany faces a forced marriage and Galadin faces a noose. 

From that moment on she and Galadin embark on an adventure of a lifetime. Only if they can survive the trials ahead, will they find a love that stands the test of time.

Cindy's Review:

At a Glance/The Cover:

The cover is as appealing. I mean, if I were to be at a library, and be choosing out my book just from the cover, I probably wouldn't have pick this book. I know it's the contents and what's in it that counts, but like sometimes I would definitely pick out a book just looking at its cover. 

What the cover did give us what that there are 3 main characters. And there's probably going to be a love triangle. 

Some quotes. :) This is an ARC copy, so the quotes might not be the same as in the final copy. 

I want to see the world!

Ha. Don't everyone? I totally agree. 

The Characters/My Thoughts:

Before we get to the characters, I might as well start by saying what I liked and disliked about this book. 

Okay, so for me. I'm more of a YA fan. A teenager's POV. At most, new adult. I don't usually go towards the adult and kids and actually getting married and having a family section. But sometimes, it's just really nice to include kids in it. I can get hyped over the description of babies. And really though. I like the drama. Because babies always always involve drama. I don't like the school drama though. Or the gossiping kinds.  But in general, I like to watch dramas. Like TV ones. Not the ones I get to live through.

Shut up and steer.

Ayee captain. :) 

So I just spent that whole paragraph talking about me. Ugh. Okay. I'm going to talk some more. About me. LOL. I love fantasy, but there's just somethings I don't like. I love the idea of wizards, gracelings, talents, powers, goddesses, princes etc, but then I don't really go for the faeiries, werewolves, vampires, angels, supernaturals, etc . unless they're really good. I never really read one about elves. Because every time I think about them, they remind me of Christmas. Or St. Patrick's Day. 

But before I read the book, I did consider elves in the "I don't really go for" list. 

I do enjoy the idea that the main character is royalty, but the book didn't say much palace life, soo......either way, it was an interesting concept to read. I did thoroughly enjoy the book. The drama wasn't too dramatic, yet it wasn't boring. I liked that the main character actually went to places and didn't stay at one place.

I must say, this book definitely seems like a drama. Definitely. I can just imagine it as a movie or something. I really can. ;)

...Ellawen

Omg. That's such a pretty name. 

Caliphany - The characters. Finally. Cali. That's her nickname. I don't even know how to pronounce her name, but I like some unique names. Last time I checked, I'm pretty sure Cali is a full elf. She's a beautiful, high elf, supposedly full of elegance. Her family name Aranea is known throughout her country. Her mother is sister of the king. And her father, a really famous, good wizard. Yes yyes. Wizards! And Dumbledore. Either way, I like to think Cali as a princess. Ish.

I didn't like how Cali wavered in her love for Galadin. I was so mad. But then, everything turned out well. :) 

Galadin - Elves live really long. Even as a half elf like Galadin, you'll still live long. In a way, Galadin is a unique name, but if I heard it in the supermarket, I probably won't notice it very much. As of Caliphany. I'll notice that, alright. If you ever guessed Galadin is the one to marry Cali, you guessed right. 

At first, Galadin and Cali kind of meet in a coincidental way. Then they would meet a second time, while Cali was running away. Then, they eloped. Something like that. :D

Jayden - So there's Jayden. Who isn't low in the social status himself. He likes Cali. A lot. He might have been a cause of problems, but he hasn't been behind everything. When I first met him, I really didn't like. I found him too desperate. And such a  cock blocker. I mean, your girl is taken. Get over it. Find a different girl. She isn't your soul mate if she found the love of her life. Then, near the end, Jayden got better. And I actually pitied him. For not getting the one he loves. :'(

Yeah. I really didn't get that much quotes. :*( LOL. It's aight.

Overall Thoughts:

This book was a pretty quick and adventurous reads. Those who like watching movies or dramas, I bet you can sort of visualize scenes and plots and dramatic parts in your head. :) 

Oh yeah. And explaining the title. So basically, Galadin is known as a ranger. He hunts. And sells. He's not exactly that high in the social chart, but you know, Cali still loves him. :3

Thank you so much to Mysti Parker to send me this book. And as she says " Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!" :) Although I don't drink coffee. ^^

The Rating: (1-10): 7.5

Happy Reading~ 

Book Review: The Devil's Triangle by Toni de Palma

The Devil's Triangle (The Devil's Triangle #1)
by Toni de Palma
Release Date: February 15th, 2013
Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
ebook, 172 pages
Source: Author's Agent
Attain a Copy:
      B&N | Amazon

Goodreads Summary: When 17 year old Cooper dies in an attempt to burn down his school, he finds himself in the afterlife. Lucy, the Devil's sister who has crossed party lines, decides to give Cooper another shot at heaven. The deal? Cooper returns to Earth and has to find a girl named Grace. The rest is up to him.

While Cooper figures out his mission, he's thrown into the life he's always wanted. Great parents, a spot on the Varsity football team and a real future are all within reach. But what he really wants is Grace, a feisty girl with an abusive boyfriend who can pound Cooper into pulp if he doesn't watch out.

While Lucy plays demonic-puppeteer, clues to an unknown past between Cooper and Grace start to unravel. Cooper discovers that what's keeping him and Grace apart is far more sinister than anything this bad boy could have ever imagined.

Cindy's Review:

**I received this book for my honest and actual opinion of the book. **

At First Glance/The Cover:
Before this book was actually offered to me, I was actually eyeing it. Because the plot sounded good. The characters sounded interesting. It might be something that I like. That was for me. 

The Characters/The Opinions:
Before I actually move on to the characters, I might as well tell ya'll the good and bad. I'm brimming with details. :D


I should have expected it to have angels, heaven, hell, and a devil in the book. I mean, even the summary and teaser said so. The title also. Everything points to devil, horrible devil, mean devil, evil devil. But really, I was expecting more romance from this. Because it seems like the romance is the story. I was expected more of a chemistry romance. A warm, fuzzy romance. But it was far from that. It's the scared, tittering kind. Kind of a forbidden romance. Even a forbidden romance is better.  At least in a forbidden romance, the characters try to get together and secretly meet or something. But no. In this book, they just stand there. For a long while before taking any action. 

I mean, I know Cooper's trying, but his actions didn't really affect the plot, the story much, because nothing much change. Except that we got to learn even more about the devil. The devil. And the character themselves. Yes, we learned a bit, but it all revolved around the devil. I want to know a bit more about their love, their romance. Why it was so deep. What caused the devil to stop them, interrupt them? Not just a one sentence explanation, but a full, heart-felted one. 

Although, the romance was as good as what I was expecting, the rest was a good book. Cooper was enjoyable...I expected Cooper to be more cool and jocky. But what can you get from someone whose pretending to be one. LOL.  I don't really mind reading about the devil. But we don't really get much impression of the devil. No looks, only the atmosphere around him. And reading all this also leads me to ask: What is the devil? Who is he? Ruler of Hell? But? What does he do.

Of course, writing can be very very hard. I mean, it's very hard just to satisfy your needs, much less others. I tried. I, well, stopped. I'm not really telling the author to rewrite the whole book, cuz that would just be plain mean. But when she writes her next book, maybe she'll take some of my feedback and make it even better. At more details. More chemistry to the romance. Maybe. 

Cooper - Needless to say, Cooper is the main character. He's the guy in the middle on the cover. Somehow, he just kind of reminds me of Leo from Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan. The whole 'burned down school' and fire thing. And the going back to modern life thing. Cooper? He's not funny, but he's not boring either. He's not a stoner or loner, but he's not exactly popular. So I guess you can say he's near the middle. His attitude. Well, he has a bit, not big enough to count it as an attitude problem.

What shows out the most though. His persistence. His will. To get Grace. To save her. If it was me, I'd probably not make a very good protagonist and chicken out. 

Grace - I have no problems with her, but then sometimes she gets on my nerves. I was mad. And annoyed. Like the reason the plot didn't move on was her. I mean, I get it that the devil is going to kill them. I get that it's bad. I get that it's going against everything. But what makes a good book when the characters are following all the rules? And they're gonna have to go against the rules sometime, why not make it sooner? 

Grace just kept saying no, no, and no. And that's the only tad bit that got me annoyed. Otherwise, I can't say much. If I went to their school, she'd probably be invisible. She doesn't have any bad thing that points out that she doesn't have friends or is not someone very unpopular. But I definitely won't see her in the popular crowd either. And also not being in a group of friends. 

Overall Thoughts: 
Wow! I said like super much in this review. And not all of them are kind compliments. I'm sorry for that. But saying all that out feels nice. It feels like a rant. Just ranting compliments doesn't let your whole heart out. And thanks so much to Christine for allowing me to read this book. As much as there is to be fixed, I do not hate this book at all. 

And I think the wonderful, quirky idea of this story was awesome. :) 

The Rating:(1-10): 7.5

About the Author: 

Toni de Palma was born in Brooklyn, New York. As a child she spent many summers in Ischia, the Italian island where her father was brought up. Her first middle grade novel, Under the Banyan Tree, was published in 2007 and selected as a Kirkus New Voices Pick and a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age. Her second middle grade, novel, Jeremy Owl, was published in 2010. Toni holds her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College and she is a recipient of a New Jersey Arts Fellowship. She currently resides in New Jersey. 

Links: 

Website: www.tonidepalma.com

Facebook

Happy Reading~ 

Blog Tour: Arrow of the Mist by Christina Mercer + Giveaway

Welcome to my stop on the Arrow of the Mist Blog Tour

hosted by Xpresso Book Tours.

Blurb:

Terror strikes the Celtic inspired kingdom of Nemetona when barbed roots breach the veil of a forbidden land and poison woodsmen, including 15-year-old Lia’s beloved father. Lia and three others embark on a quest to the forbidden land of Brume to gather ingredients for the cure. But after her elder kinsman is attacked and poisoned, she and her cousin, Wynn, are forced to finish the quest on their own.

Lia relies on her powerful herbal wisdom and the memorized pages of her late grandmother’s Grimoire for guidance through a land of soul-hungry shades, trickster creatures, and uncovered truths about the origin of Brume and her family’s unexpected ties to it. The deeper they trek into the land, the stronger Lia’s untapped gift as a tree mage unfolds. When she discovers the enchanted root’s maker, it forces her to question everything about who she is and what is her destiny. Ultimately she must make a terrible choice: keep fighting to save her father and the people of the lands or join with the power behind the deadly roots to help nature start anew.

Cindy's Review:
At First Glance:
I don't really remember what I thought of the cover, but the synopsis sure sounded dazzling. It grabbed me in. ;D Since I'm a stickler for fantasy and medieval times. I assume the setting is medieval.....because there weren't any cars. ;D 

What I Liked:
I liked how there was many made up names, like Grimoire, Scalach, Straif, Brume, Draugyrd, and such. It gives a fantasy feeling. This whole plot about going into Brume. These dangerous quests. And wanting Lia's soul reminds me very much of 13 Treasures by Michelle Harrison.

Another thing that caught my attention was the poems from the Grimoire. I like those dark, mysterious, eerily poems. Especially when it rhymes. ;D Arrow of the Mist was definitely a haunting read that kept me sitting long hours just to finish. ;)

Things That Could Change:
Okay. Although this book was given much of my favors and compliments, there are a few things I wish could have change. For those who know me, I'm just all about the romance. I do appreciate the Kelvin scene in the beginning and the end, but I wish that, in a way,  Lia had went on the quest with Kelvin instead of Wynn. 

I know this book is a YA Fantasy one, without much romance since love isn't the main point, but it wouldn't hurt adding that factor. It might catch a reader's eye more. ;) The author though, may have her reasons for choosing Wynn and Lia for the 'quest' instead. 

Final Thoughts:
Do you like fantasy books, and eerily stories and such? And poems? Well. It wouldn't hurt to try this book out~ ;D 

I rate this a 7.5~  

Book Trailer: 



Author Bio: 
Christina Mercer writes fiction for children and young adults. She earned a degree in Accounting from California State University at Sacramento and a Certificate in Herbal Studies from Clayton College of Natural Health. She took Writer’s Best in Show at the 2012 SCBWI CA North/Central Regional Conference and was a semi-finalist in the 2010 Amazon Breakout Novel Award Contest. Christina resides in Northern California enjoying life with her husband, two sons, four dogs, and about 100,000 honeybees. 

You can find her at www.christinamercer.com
or working as Reviews Director at www.indie-visible.com

Links: 

Website: www.christinamercer.com

Author Goodreads Profile

Book Goodreads

Amazon

Barnes and Nobles
Facebook
Twitter

Giveaway: 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: Blind Sight by Ermilia

Welcome to my stop on the Blind Stop Blog Tour

hosted by Ermilia.

Blurb:

A blind girl drawing is abnormal even on the magical island of Edaion where leaves brush themselves into piles in the middle of the night. As an immigrant, Leocardo is not biased by accepted rules of magic and determines that Odette’s drawings are premonitions. Aniela grew up with magic and knows premonitions are impossible. She determines Odette is a medium channeling voiceless spirits.

In this volume: While Aniela tries to escape a lifestyle where obligations take priority over friendships, she befriends Odette, a blind girl with the ability to draw. Almost immediately, concerns and questions arise as Aniela suspects that Odette’s gift is far stronger than any seen before. In the middle of family turmoil and a complicated romantic relationship with Odette’s brother, Aniela faces the realization that helping her comatose friend means disobeying her mother, something she has never done before.

Cindy's Review:

Although I was told, I think, by the authors that it's better to read Leo's point of view first, then read Aniela's, I ended up reading Aniela's first. Although I don't really know why. 

The whole plot is basically about one girl and I'm surprised she isn't the narrator. It's about Odette. She's blind, as you can tell... and Aniela? How does Aniela fit in? Aniela became Odette's friend and helped through various stages in discovering Odette's gift. Aniela, is also the Princess of Ediaion. That's a pretty name right there.

I find Aniela pretty charming. She put a lot of emotions in her narrating and we even got to learn more about the kingdom and her everyday life. I like how there was family matters added to this pov and it wasn't just solely on Odette. She was a wonderful narrator and certainly entertained me, being easy flowing and all.

Blurb:

A blind girl drawing is abnormal even on the magical island of Edaion where leaves brush themselves into piles in the middle of the night. As an immigrant, Leocardo is not biased by accepted rules of magic and determines that Odette’s drawings are premonitions. Aniela grew up with magic and knows premonitions are impossible. She determines Odette is a medium channeling voiceless spirits.

In this volume: Snatched out of their life in Spain, Leocardo and his blind sister Odette find themselves on an island with no recollection of the trip. After foiled attempts to escape, Odette’s strange behavior gets worse. Even after learning the island has bestowed magic upon them both, Leocardo faces the possibility his sister is having a mental break down. Just as he thinks he is settled in, job and romantic life stable, Odette disappears.

Cindy's Review:

As others said, reading Leocardo's pov did give more facts and was more clear than Aniela. But Leocardo's version is basically revolved around Odette. Aniela did cross his mind and all, and in this volume, we'll get to discover more of Leocardo's feelings, which Aniela never seems to really get through. 

I like how there are two different povs in this book. It gives everything a clearer meaning and the feeling of meeting two characters and knowing their inner heart is amazing.

I really love dystopian genre, magic, medieval, etc. This would be the perfect book, but Blind Sight hasn't exactly grabbed hold of my attention and held on to it really hard. For those who know me, romance is a key part in my reading that takes my attention and twist until the end so I won't ever put down the book. 

I love Aniela and Leocardo isn't that bad, but their romance. Their sparkles and their spadazzles isn't exactly my kind of romance. I like a hot fiery, yet they hate each other kind. 

But overall, it was fun reading this original concept and plot twists of this wonderful magical world where anything can happen. ;D 

I rate this a 7~

Author Bios:

Eliabeth wrote her first series in second grade when her teacher told her she was not allowed to write chapter books. She's been a rebel ever since. Now, with coauthor Ermisenda Alvarez, she is challenging the accepted practices of the literary world. She has written Aniela's perspecitive of Blind Sight #1, the first book in a series that changes depending on whose perspective you're reading. So the question is, "whose eyes will you read through?"

Along with numerous solo works, Ermisenda began writing on role play sites at fourteen and completed her first crime novel at fifteen. Driven by the desire to evoke the kaleidoscope of emotions her favorite authors are able to, she kept writing. Growing up bilingual amongst her Spanish family in Australia, she found a love and deep appreciation for language and the power it wielded. 

Now she's working on a joint project with coauthor Eliabeth Hawthorne. Ermisenda has written Leocardo's perspective of Blind Sight #1, the first book in an urban fantasy series that changes depending on whose perspective you're reading. So the question is, "whose eyes will you read through?"

~~~

Writing with my lovely American, spending time with my flying Dutchman, and living with my Spanish family in the Australian culture

 

 This post is part of the Blind Sight Blog Tour. Blind Sight is an urban fantasy novel written in two volumes, each telling the story through a different character's perspective.

Book Review: The Student Sold Us Secrets by Lee Mavin

The Students Sold Us Secrets
by Lee J. Mavin
Release Date: June 27th, 2013
Publisher: ASJ Publishers
Source: Author
ebook, 191 pages
Get a Copy:
       Amazon

Goodreads Summary: No one is safe! The school has become a war-zone and the innocent are turning fast! A brave and nameless teacher has collected some awful and disturbing documents from the some ghastly students. These are their stories and they will shock and amaze both teacher and student. But they haven't been given away for free. This terrified individual has paid a hefty price to get the truth and is paying for it, with his freedom. In his report he states, 'If you are considering a career in teaching I would advise against it completely. It has become a profession far more dangerous than a police officer or even an army soldier in open war.' 'I'm risking my life giving you this information, but I feel you need to know the truth. On the surface these children appear innocent and well-mannered but it is inside where their darkness dwells.' The Students sold us secrets volume 1 is the first collection of short stories from the writer that brought you Reverse the Universe, Lee J Mavin and will take you down a path you never thought existed. It's packed with twelve short stories, all equally alarming and unsettling, as well as a secret report written by an undercover teacher. Look Inside to find out the truth!

Cindy's Review:

**I was given this book in exchange for an honest review**

This book was interesting.......

This book isn't really the kind of genre I would normally read, so I can't say it's the best book I've ever read. But it was kind of spectacular and entertaining. But those kids are just plain creepy man! I do like how it's individual short stories, so I can stop and it up again anytime, without loosing my page or not remebering what the heck I was just reading. lol. 

During the book, I just kept on repeating, Kids are not like this right? I mean, I'm in middle school myself, and I swear up and down that nothing happened. No one moved either. Okay. And even if they did, well. They said they were moving. But they ended up staying there for the rest of the year....

I know this book was written as a for fun book though. So nothing to worry about guys. These scenes in the book are fiction~ ;D So this one was a fun book to read. I wasn't too scared. :) 

The Rating: (1-10): 7~ 

Happy Reading~ 

Book Review: Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

Incarceron (Incarceron #1) 
by Catherine Fisher
Release Date: February 8th, 2011
Publisher: Firebird Fantasy
Genre: YA Fantasy
Format: Paperback, 442 pages
Source: JMMS Library
ISBN: 978-0-14-241852-9
Get a Copy: B&N | Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Incarceron is a prison so vast that it contains not only cells and corridors, but metal forests, dilapidated cities, and wilderness. It has been sealed for centuries, and only one man has ever escaped. Finn has always been a prisoner here. Although he has no memory of his childhood, he is sure he came from Outside. His link to the Outside, his chance to break free, is Claudia, the warden's daughter, herself determined to escape an arranged marriage. They are up against impossible odds, but one thing looms above all: Incarceron itself is alive . . .

Cindy's Review: I borrowed this book, I guess, for fun. Truthfully, I saw my friend's little sister reading this and she said it was good, so I decided to give it a try. This book didn't really blow my mind or grab my attention nonstop. Maybe it was because I was reading this during CST testings and I just couldn't focus. I think I flipped through pages more than reading. I got bored. So I probably skipped a lot of important stuff. But I'm pretty sure I got the basics down though. 

The key in the cover is basically the key that connected Finn's world and Claudia's world. Finn is inside the Incarceron, like a prisoner. No one had gotten out of that prison. And the prison is a one huge, scary thing too. Incarceron is like a robot. People created him. But Incarceron started getting its own brain and crontrolling itself. No one can stop Incarceron. 

Finn lives inside Incarceron. He was told that he was born in there. When he found a crystal key, he realized it was his opportunity to escape. So far, only the legendary Sapphique had ever escpaed this prison. And it's only a legend. The key can channel to Claudia.

Claudia has the same crystal key. Therefore, Claudia and Finn can talk to each other, even though he lives in a different world. Claudia is about to get married to a prince, but he isn't the original heir to the throne. It was said that the queen had killed Giles for a chance for her son to be king. And Claudia definitely doesn't want to marry him..

So I've decided, this one's gonna be a mighty short review. Cuz I'm not exactly feeling that I know a lot of this book right now. ;/ 

It wasn't until later I realized Catherine Fisher was the author of the Snow-Walker Saga. I really really loved that book. So, let's hope this book just wan't written for me. 

Rating: (1-10): 7.5

Happy Reading~ 

Book Review: The Quantum Games by Kailin Gow

The Quantum Games (The Alchemist Academy #3)
by Kailin Gow
Format: ebook
Source: Author
Genre: Fantasy
Get a Copy:  B&N | Amazon

Goodreads Summary: Wirt, Spencer, and Roland are thrown into the dangerous Quantum Games, and only 1 can move onto the Elite class.

Cindy's Review: 

There wasn't much information provided by Goodreads on this book. Sorry ~  Thanks to Kailin Gow for sending me the third book in The Alchemist Academy! I did a blog tour for the first two books and Kailin Gow offered to send me the third one. ;D

The Cover:
Personally, I don't think the cover really matches the story. Since I kind of expect Wirt, the main character, to be younger. Kind of like Harry Potter's age in The Sorcerer's Stone.

The Characters:
Wirt- Wirt is the main character in the book. He's like Alina, but Spencer is dating her. He's an advisor to the future king, but the king seems to be better at it than him. Worst, he knows he has to win the Quantum Games. But he's going against Spencer, whose his friend and Roland, whose his enemy. What a horrible year for Wirt.

Roland - Roland is evil. If he's not evil, he's possessed. He plans to take over the school and in order to do that, a step is to be in the Elite class. To be in the Elite class, though he has to win the Quantum Games. The Quantum Game is a game that you have to roll a black spinning ball at people to disintegrate your opponents. And Roland. Roland is good at that. 

The Extras:
I really like the way Kailin Gow plots this story. It's makes it a really fast read. The Alchemist Academy kind of gives a Harry Potter's School of Wizardy and Witchcraft vibe, but exactly like it either. Although no one can beat J.K. Rowling, I must Kailin Gow is pretty good~. ;D 

The Rating: (1-10): 7.6

Happy Reading~ 

Blog Tour: Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza

Welcome to my stop on the Mila 2.0 Blog Tour 

hosted by Bookworms Avenue.

You can find the other stops HERE.

Blurb:

Mila 2.0 is the first book in an electrifying sci-fi thriller series about a teenage girl who discovers that she is an experiment in artificial intelligence.

Mila was never meant to learn the truth about her identity. She was a girl living with her mother in a small Minnesota town. She was supposed to forget her past—that she was built in a secret computer science lab and programmed to do things real people would never do.

Now she has no choice but to run—from the dangerous operatives who want her terminated because she knows too much and from a mysterious group that wants to capture her alive and unlock her advanced technology. However, what Mila’s becoming is beyond anyone’s imagination, including her own, and it just might save her life.

Mila 2.0 is Debra Driza’s bold debut and the first book in a Bourne Identity-style trilogy that combines heart-pounding action with a riveting exploration of what it really means to be human. Fans of I Am Number Four will love Mila for who she is and what she longs to be—and a cliffhanger ending will leave them breathlessly awaiting the sequel.

Cindy's Review: 

A lot of people raved about this book, so when I saw the opportunity to read it, I couldn't give it up. Mila 2.0 was quite an interesting science fiction read. I love reading about science fiction books, especially things that take place in the future. Although I'm pretty sure Mila 2.0's setting is modern, all the human android idea is probably futuristic.

Mila 2.0 is about is girl named Mila. She lives in a small countryside city that she just moved to not long ago because of her father's death. Or so she thought. Everything seemed perfect. She found a guy she likes. She have some friends. Some school drama. Typical of a teenage girl. But when she fell off a truck and should have gotten really hurt, she didn't. She didn't bleed. She didn't even scrape herself. Non-typical of a teenage girl.

Her so-called mom, Nicole, finally gave her the big news. Yeah. That Mila is an android. In fact, she's version number 2. Human androids aren't supposed to feel emotions, but Mila feels it. Apparently, her "mom" stole her out of the laboratory because she feels Mila deserves better than to just be an experiment. Before long Mila knew about her true self, she had to be on the run, away from her creator who wants her back and away from the people who wants to sell her for money. 

As much as she ran, she still ended up being caught. And in the laboratory, she either listen to them and do whatever they tell her to or to rebel and try to run away again. 

This book was a stunning read filled up with suspense. Can't wait to read the next book! If you like science fiction romance, this book is for you. ;) 

I rate this a 7.5~

Author Bio:
I'm a wife, a mom, a dog lover, a writer, a physical therapist, and the owner of the messiest purses on the planet. No, really. Sometimes I worry that I'll reach inside for my keys and lose a hand in the process. My YA thriller series debuts in Fall 2012 with Katherine Tegen Books/Harper Collins. Oh, and when I grow up, I want to be Veronica Mars.

Links:
Debra's Website
Goodreads
Amazon
B&N