Saturday, August 25, 2012

Enclave by Ann Aguirre Sale! Don't miss it!

Have you read Enclave by Ann Aguirre, yet? If not, this book is YA dystopia (which I love) and is full of action, suspense, and romance! It's a really great read and I personaly loved it! And the best part is--it's on sale RIGHT NOW for only $2.99!!! How awesome is Ann Aguirre for doing that?

Don't pass up this amazing oppurtunity and go get it now, because I'm not sure how long this promotion is going to last. Here is the blurb from Goodreads:
 
In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first Deuce thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known.



Here are the links:
 
Follow Ann Aguirre here:
 
Also,  if you loved this book, like I did, the second book Outpost, is going to be out in stores September 4th, 2012! Here is the blurb from Goodreads:
 
Deuce’s whole world has changed. Down below, she was considered an adult. Now, topside in a town called Salvation, she’s a brat in need of training in the eyes of the townsfolk. She doesn’t fit in with the other girls: Deuce only knows how to fight.

To make matters worse, her Hunter partner, Fade, keeps Deuce at a distance. Her feelings for Fade haven’t changed, but he seems not to want her around anymore. Confused and lonely, she starts looking for a way out.

Deuce signs up to serve in the summer patrols—those who make sure the planters can work the fields without danger. It should be routine, but things have been changing on the surface, just as they did below ground. The Freaks have grown smarter. They’re watching. Waiting. Planning. The monsters don’t intend to let Salvation survive, and it may take a girl like Deuce to turn back the tide.
 
 
 
 
*Don't forget to add these books to your TBR pile on Goodreads!*



Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Review: Night of the Purple Moon by Scott Cramer

Night of the Purple Moon
by Scott Cramer
 

 
Goodreads Description:
Space germs wipe out virtually everyone who has passed through puberty.

Abby Leigh is looking forward to watching the moon turn purple. For months, astronomers have been predicting that Earth will pass through the tail of a comet. They say that people will see colorful sunsets and, best of all, a purple moon.

But nobody has predicted the lightning-fast epidemic that sweeps across the planet on the night of the purple moon. The comet brings space dust with it that contains germs that attack human hormones. Older teens and adults die within hours of exposure.

On a small island off the coast of Maine, Abby must help her brother and baby sister survive in this new world, but all the while she has a ticking time bomb inside of her -- adolescence.
 
My Review:
 Night of the Purple Moon is a great read for dystopia and YA fans! Being a huge fan myself, I have to say that this book is one of my top favorites, and I have read TONS of dystopia books. I was offered this book from the author himself and I’m glad that I got the chance to review It because this one was a real page turner.

It’s the night of the purple moon—when Earth enters the comet’s tail, and astronomers predict weeks of colorful sunsets and sunrises, and best of all—a purple moon. The whole world has a front view seat and is excited for the event. Little did they know, this ‘purple moon’ was going to do more than just provide a colorful scene, the space dust is going to [unknowingly] kill anyone that has hormones of puberty. So, who does that leave? You guessed it—the children. The world as they know it is in chaos with children trying to survive on their own.

In a small foggy island, away from the main cities, thirteen-year-old Abby must do all she can in order to protect her living family members—her little brother Jordan and baby sister Toucan. As they work together to find a plan, they end up gathering all the kids from their island and developing a small community to take care of themselves. Suddenly, children start dying once they hit puberty, and Abby (and the other elders) must find another way to save them before it’s too late, even for them.

This incredible story will take you on a rollercoaster ride as you engage in the adventure and journey these children have to go through in order to survive. They experience death and survival that a great apocalypse story will bring.

The characters were amazing, especially Abby, who is a true female heroine in this story. She goes through so many obstacles to survive and her commitment to protect these children is astonishing. Her brother Jordan is a typical young boy who tries his best in helping, and he does a great job. We meet other characters like the potential love interest, Kevin, who is into technology and a true leader—so that helps with the survival. And Emily, who is Kevin’s sister, is sweet and helps a lot with the younger children and farming. There are many more survivors that are equally good and bad, and each of these characters play through well.

The plot is amazing and unpredictable, which will have you flipping through these pages as fast as you can to see what’s next! The story is well-developed and well-written, so you won’t have any trouble seeing this story unfold before your eyes. I love how there is so much action and suspense throughout the story--there were plenty of twists and turns that will capture you in.

Overall, we experience death, loss, survival, courage, action, suspense and just enough romance to keep you on your toes. I highly recommend this book to children 13 or older, young adults that love a good dystopian story, or even adults—like me—who just love YA and Dystopia!



Five Beautiful Butterflies*****
 
Night of the Purple Moon
 
Print Price: $9.95
Pages: 188 (kindle)
 
Follow Scott Cramer on:
 

Review: Souled by Diana Murdock

Souled by Diana Murdock

Goodreads Discription:
Power and Control…

What 17-year-old boy wouldn’t be tempted by the promise of power and control - no matter what form that promise came in?

Seth knew exactly what he would do with power and control. He’d be well on his way to a wrestling scholarship, his dad could stop working so hard to make ends meet, and he’d forever have the heart of his girlfriend, Sandpoint High’s most beautiful girl.

For Seth, the temptation was much too strong to resist. And why should he? The way he saw it, he had everything to gain.

But when he unknowingly invites another soul to share his body, Seth discovers that not all power is good – especially when it was never his to wield. And when the soul reveals its true intentions, will Seth have the strength to fight it or would death be less painful
 
My Review:

Seth is captivated by an online ad on eSouled, which offers power and control. Unknowingly, he offers another soul into his body that gives him magical powers and control. Once Seth finds out what the soul really wants, he does everything to make it stop, but it isn’t easy. The soul—Maksim—is there on a mission and now he will make Seth fall through with is will.

His girlfriend, Dani, must find a way to save the boy she loves; she must take risks in order to regain their relationship, and most importantly, to save Seth’s life. With the help of some friends, together, they go on a remarkable adventure to find out what this particular soul is, what it really wants, and how to get rid of it. Once they find out Maskim's true intentions, they must fight together to save Seth’s humanity, but it might be too late.

The story itself is well-written with an unforgettable plot that will leave you wanting more! I fell in love with the story from the very beginning and couldn't put it down. The characters are amazingly well-developed and likeable—they have their own unique agenda that stands out from the norm. I just love them all, even Maksim, who is the poltergeist in this story.

Seth is the first POV in this story and he is easily likeable. All he wants is for everything to be normal and to give more to the people he loves most in his life.

Dani, Seth’s girlfriend, is another POV in this story. She is smart, kind hearted, and loves animals but she also stands up for what’s right, and not afraid to kick some soul butt! I was in awe of her courage and commitment to save Seth.

Alyx was my most favorite character. She is a Goth girl, who ‘knows’ something is wrong with Seth. Her character was funny and unpredictable. She was quick to help Dani in her adventure, but there is something about her that lies underneath, and I hoping to hear more about her.

The plot provides twist and turns that will keep you on the edge. Once you start on the first page, it is hard to stop—which makes this story fast and exciting to read. We’re left with a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Overall, we experience love, courage, commitment, suspense, and action. I am a fan of YA and I must say that this book hit the main points. I would definitely recommend this book for young readers and adults that would love to read this amazing story—believe me, you won’t regret it.

Diana is a remarkable author and I love her work. It is so easy to get into her books because they are well written and captivating at the same time! I’m sure you’ll love her also. Her other book Again is out now, which is an adult novel about reincarnation—you can read my review here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/119423021


Five Beautiful Butterflies*****

Souled
 
Print Price: $12.99
Number of Pages: 314 (print)


Find Diana Murdock on: 
 
 

Review: Shadows and Voices by Jason Ellis

Shadows and Voices by Jason Ellis
Holly Silverstone Avdenture
Part 1

Goodreads Description:

Meet young Holly Silverstone, the girl who sees daisies turn to butterflies ... who dreams of places that she has never been to ... who is invited to study at the elusive and enchanting Highlands Academy of truth and excellence.
 
My Review:

 *may contain spoilers*

Holly Silverstone: Shadows and Voices is an exceptional read that will leave you wanting more. I received this e-book from the author and I am glad I did because I really enjoyed diving into Holly's exciting adventure as she discovers an unseen seen world surrounded by magic, in hopes of helping her newly found teacher uncover the mystery of ` The Beast of the South-East.'

*After being accepted into The Highlands Academy, Holly learns of a new world--Obscura--that can only be seen by those with special abilities. As she favors a particular geography teacher--Ovissa--who was once an Embassy Officer, Holly gets inspired to play detective in the search of the mysterious beast.

*The tables turn for the worst when Ovissa get kidnapped, and now Holly must do all she can to rescue her teacher. She goes on an secretive journey in investigating, researching, and finding clues [within this new magical world] that will lead her to her teacher's whereabouts.

*Holly is goes through Obscura in attempt to find her kidnapped teacher, unprotected, not knowing the risks or what awaits her in this new world. What she finds is not what she expected--it's far worse.

The story itself is well written and intriguing as we dive deeper into the world of Obscura. Though the introduction is a bit confusing, once the story starts to unfold, it is extremely hard to put down. Holly's character is easily likable and the twists and turns throughout the story are captivating until the end.

I would definitely recommend this story to children ages 13 and older that are in search for a mysterious magical adventure.


                                   Four Beautiful Butterflies ****

                                
Shadows & Voices (Holly Silverstone, #1)


Print Price: $11.99
Number of Pages: 262 (Kindle)