2013 Debut Author Challenge--Not Completed

2013 Debut Author Challenge

Challenge Goals

I love the Debut Author Challenge because it accomplishes two very awesome things – obviously it helps debut authors out with exposure, but it also helps readers find debut books that they might have otherwise missed, and I think that’s pretty awesome.

So, with that in mind, I’m asking that each participant come up with a list of at least twelve (12) debut books to read and review in 2013. You can read as many as you want, but in order to be eligible for the grand prize, you must have read and reviewed at least twelve (12).

Rules/Guidelines

Just a few simple rules/guidelines to help things run smoothly!

1) You must have a blog, a Goodreads account, a YouTube account, an Amazon account – any where you can post your reviews and share them with others.
2) There is no deadline to join the 2013 Debut Author Challenge, but make sure you give yourself enough time to achieve the goal!
3) ARCs of 2013 debuts read before January 01, 2013 do not count towards your challenge goal.
4) The 2013 debuts must be read between January 01, 2013 – January 31, 2014 to count for the 2013 Debut Author Challenge. The extra month is to allow participants more time to read the December releases.
4) 2013 debuts must be young adult or middle grade in order to count towards the challenge.
5) The title must be the author’s young adult or middle grade debut. If they have previously published an adult title, and this is their first young adult/middle grade title, that counts towards the challenge. If this is their second young adult/middle grade title, it does not count towards the challenge.
6) If you’re a blogger in the US, all debuts must be US debuts to count towards your challenge goal. Likewise, if you’re a UK blogger, all debuts must be UK debuts to count towards to your challenge goal, and same goes for other countries.
Note: I’m removing this rule. I was under the impression that it was easier to buy debuts in your own country, but based on feedback I’ve received in comments and e-mails, it sounds like it’s not! So if you live in Australia or India or wherever, and it’s easier for you to buy a US/UK debut on your kindle or purchase a book through the Book Depository or whatever, go for it – that will count.
7) Each review equals one entry in the monthly prize pack. If you post six review of debut titles in January, you have six entries to win the January prize pack.

Sign-Ups

That’s it! That’s all the rules for joining and participating! There is more information here regarding contests and other resources for the challenge.

Here are some buttons for challenge participants – but feel free to make your own!

If you are an author and interested in what you can do, please click here!

 

1.  Pivot Point by Kasie West
2. Dualed by Elsie Chapman 
3. The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
4.  Pretty Girl-13 by Liz Coley
5.  Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland
6.  Poison by Bridget Zinn
7.  The Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston
8.  The Year of the Great Seventh by Teresa Orts
9.  PODs by Michelle Pickett
10.  Pretty Little Dead Girls by Lizzie Friend
11.  
12.  

Book Review- Poor Little Dead Girls

I just finished reading Poor Little Dead Girls by Lizzie Friend.

From Goodreads:

Perfect people aren't just born. They're made.

The first time she is blindfolded and kidnapped, star-athlete and posh boarding school newbie Sadie is terrified. She wakes up in a dark room surrounded by hushed whispers, hooded strangers, and a mysterious voice whispering not-so-sweet nothings in her ear.

But once the robes come off, she realizes it’s just an elaborate prank designed to induct her into the group that’s been pulling the strings at Keating Hall for generations. The circle has it all--incredible connections; fabulous parties; and, of course, an in with the brother society’s gorgeous pledges.

The instant popularity is enough to make Sadie forget about the unexplained marks on her body, the creepy ceremonial rituals, and the incident that befell one of her teammates the year before. So the next time Sadie is kidnapped, she isn’t scared, but she should be. The worst of Keating Hall is yet to come.

For some reason, I have a love of boarding schools.  I'm not sure why but I love reading stories about them.  So I knew I wanted to read this one.  And it sounded a little mysterious and spooky too which made it seem even better.

Right away I liked Sadie.  She wasn't your typical boarding school kid.  She got there through hard work and a scholarship.  Part of me thought she would turn into one of the stereotypes, but I'm glad she never did.

There were lots of little twists in the books.  People that I thought were going to be bad, weren't.  And reasonings behind the secret society were pretty intriguing, in a weird way. 

All in all, the book kept me entertained and interested the whole time!

I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2013 150+ Reading Challenge: 60
2013 ARC Reading Challenge: 37
2013 Debut Author Challenge: 10
2013 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 49
2013 Standalone Reading Challenge: 11
2013 Quick Fix Challenge: 25

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Netgalley.

Book Review- PODs

Yesterday I finished reading PODs by Michelle Pickett for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

Seventeen-year-old Eva is a chosen one. Chosen to live, while others meet a swift and painful death

from an incurable virus so lethal, a person is dead within days of symptoms emerging. In the POD system, a series of underground habitats built by the government, she waits with the other chosen for the deadly virus to claim those above. Separated from family and friends, it's in the PODs she meets David. And while true love might not conquer all, it's a balm for the broken soul.

After a year, scientists believe the population has died, and without living hosts, so has the virus. That's the theory, anyway. But when the PODs are opened, survivors find the surface holds a vicious secret. The virus mutated, infecting those left top-side and creating... monsters.

Eva and David hide from the infected in the abandoned PODs. Together they try to build a life--a new beginning. But the infected follow and are relentless in their attacks. Leaving Eva and David to fight for survival, and pray for a cure.

Zombie novels.  I'm never sure whether I'm going to enjoy them are not.  This was somewhere right in the middle.  (the characters were never called zombies but that's pretty much what they were)

Liked: I really liked the characters.  I liked Eva's personality and strength.  I liked that she tried to stay positive through everything.  And I liked David and how he never gave up on Eva.

Didn't care for:  The constant making out in front of people was a little weird.  I get times of privacy might be few and far between but still.  Awkward.

Liked: The plot of the sub-PODs and being able to escape the virus.  Also the idea of starting communities over again.

Didn't care for: The actual zombie attacks.  A little gory and gruesome for my liking.

Overall, an interesting novel and I think I'll pick up the second one when it comes out.

I gave this book a rating of 3/5.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2013 150+ Reading Challenge: 59
2013 ARC Reading Challenge: 36
2013 Debut Author Challenge: 9
2013 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 48

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

2013 Debut Author Challenge-- December Update

2013 Debut Author Challenge

Challenge Goals

I love the Debut Author Challenge because it accomplishes two very awesome things – obviously it helps debut authors out with exposure, but it also helps readers find debut books that they might have otherwise missed, and I think that’s pretty awesome.

So, with that in mind, I’m asking that each participant come up with a list of at least twelve (12) debut books to read and review in 2013. You can read as many as you want, but in order to be eligible for the grand prize, you must have read and reviewed at least twelve (12).

Rules/Guidelines

Just a few simple rules/guidelines to help things run smoothly!

1) You must have a blog, a Goodreads account, a YouTube account, an Amazon account – any where you can post your reviews and share them with others.
2) There is no deadline to join the 2013 Debut Author Challenge, but make sure you give yourself enough time to achieve the goal!
3) ARCs of 2013 debuts read before January 01, 2013 do not count towards your challenge goal.
4) The 2013 debuts must be read between January 01, 2013 – January 31, 2014 to count for the 2013 Debut Author Challenge. The extra month is to allow participants more time to read the December releases.
4) 2013 debuts must be young adult or middle grade in order to count towards the challenge.
5) The title must be the author’s young adult or middle grade debut. If they have previously published an adult title, and this is their first young adult/middle grade title, that counts towards the challenge. If this is their second young adult/middle grade title, it does not count towards the challenge.
6) If you’re a blogger in the US, all debuts must be US debuts to count towards your challenge goal. Likewise, if you’re a UK blogger, all debuts must be UK debuts to count towards to your challenge goal, and same goes for other countries.
Note: I’m removing this rule. I was under the impression that it was easier to buy debuts in your own country, but based on feedback I’ve received in comments and e-mails, it sounds like it’s not! So if you live in Australia or India or wherever, and it’s easier for you to buy a US/UK debut on your kindle or purchase a book through the Book Depository or whatever, go for it – that will count.
7) Each review equals one entry in the monthly prize pack. If you post six review of debut titles in January, you have six entries to win the January prize pack.

Sign-Ups

That’s it! That’s all the rules for joining and participating! There is more information here regarding contests and other resources for the challenge.

Here are some buttons for challenge participants – but feel free to make your own!

If you are an author and interested in what you can do, please click here!

 

1.  Pivot Point by Kasie West
2. Dualed by Elsie Chapman 
3. The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
4.  Pretty Girl-13 by Liz Coley
5.  Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland
6.  Poison by Bridget Zinn
7.  The Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston
8.  The Year of the Great Seventh by Teresa Orts
9.  
10.  
11.  
12.  

2013 Debut Author Challenge-- November Update

2013 Debut Author Challenge

Challenge Goals

I love the Debut Author Challenge because it accomplishes two very awesome things – obviously it helps debut authors out with exposure, but it also helps readers find debut books that they might have otherwise missed, and I think that’s pretty awesome.

So, with that in mind, I’m asking that each participant come up with a list of at least twelve (12) debut books to read and review in 2013. You can read as many as you want, but in order to be eligible for the grand prize, you must have read and reviewed at least twelve (12).

Rules/Guidelines

Just a few simple rules/guidelines to help things run smoothly!

1) You must have a blog, a Goodreads account, a YouTube account, an Amazon account – any where you can post your reviews and share them with others.
2) There is no deadline to join the 2013 Debut Author Challenge, but make sure you give yourself enough time to achieve the goal!
3) ARCs of 2013 debuts read before January 01, 2013 do not count towards your challenge goal.
4) The 2013 debuts must be read between January 01, 2013 – January 31, 2014 to count for the 2013 Debut Author Challenge. The extra month is to allow participants more time to read the December releases.
4) 2013 debuts must be young adult or middle grade in order to count towards the challenge.
5) The title must be the author’s young adult or middle grade debut. If they have previously published an adult title, and this is their first young adult/middle grade title, that counts towards the challenge. If this is their second young adult/middle grade title, it does not count towards the challenge.
6) If you’re a blogger in the US, all debuts must be US debuts to count towards your challenge goal. Likewise, if you’re a UK blogger, all debuts must be UK debuts to count towards to your challenge goal, and same goes for other countries.
Note: I’m removing this rule. I was under the impression that it was easier to buy debuts in your own country, but based on feedback I’ve received in comments and e-mails, it sounds like it’s not! So if you live in Australia or India or wherever, and it’s easier for you to buy a US/UK debut on your kindle or purchase a book through the Book Depository or whatever, go for it – that will count.
7) Each review equals one entry in the monthly prize pack. If you post six review of debut titles in January, you have six entries to win the January prize pack.

Sign-Ups

That’s it! That’s all the rules for joining and participating! There is more information here regarding contests and other resources for the challenge.

Here are some buttons for challenge participants – but feel free to make your own!

If you are an author and interested in what you can do, please click here!

 

1.  Pivot Point by Kasie West
2. Dualed by Elsie Chapman 
3. The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
4.  Pretty Girl-13 by Liz Coley
5.  Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland
6.  Poison by Bridget Zinn
7.  The Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston
8.  The Year of the Great Seventh by Teresa Orts
9.  
10.  
11.  
12.  

2013 Debut Author Challenge- October Update

2013 Debut Author Challenge

Challenge Goals

I love the Debut Author Challenge because it accomplishes two very awesome things – obviously it helps debut authors out with exposure, but it also helps readers find debut books that they might have otherwise missed, and I think that’s pretty awesome.

So, with that in mind, I’m asking that each participant come up with a list of at least twelve (12) debut books to read and review in 2013. You can read as many as you want, but in order to be eligible for the grand prize, you must have read and reviewed at least twelve (12).

Rules/Guidelines

Just a few simple rules/guidelines to help things run smoothly!

1) You must have a blog, a Goodreads account, a YouTube account, an Amazon account – any where you can post your reviews and share them with others.
2) There is no deadline to join the 2013 Debut Author Challenge, but make sure you give yourself enough time to achieve the goal!
3) ARCs of 2013 debuts read before January 01, 2013 do not count towards your challenge goal.
4) The 2013 debuts must be read between January 01, 2013 – January 31, 2014 to count for the 2013 Debut Author Challenge. The extra month is to allow participants more time to read the December releases.
4) 2013 debuts must be young adult or middle grade in order to count towards the challenge.
5) The title must be the author’s young adult or middle grade debut. If they have previously published an adult title, and this is their first young adult/middle grade title, that counts towards the challenge. If this is their second young adult/middle grade title, it does not count towards the challenge.
6) If you’re a blogger in the US, all debuts must be US debuts to count towards your challenge goal. Likewise, if you’re a UK blogger, all debuts must be UK debuts to count towards to your challenge goal, and same goes for other countries.
Note: I’m removing this rule. I was under the impression that it was easier to buy debuts in your own country, but based on feedback I’ve received in comments and e-mails, it sounds like it’s not! So if you live in Australia or India or wherever, and it’s easier for you to buy a US/UK debut on your kindle or purchase a book through the Book Depository or whatever, go for it – that will count.
7) Each review equals one entry in the monthly prize pack. If you post six review of debut titles in January, you have six entries to win the January prize pack.

Sign-Ups

That’s it! That’s all the rules for joining and participating! There is more information here regarding contests and other resources for the challenge.

Here are some buttons for challenge participants – but feel free to make your own!

If you are an author and interested in what you can do, please click here!

 

1.  Pivot Point by Kasie West
2. Dualed by Elsie Chapman 
3. The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
4.  Pretty Girl-13 by Liz Coley
5.  Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland
6.  Poison by Bridget Zinn
7.  The Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston
8.  The Year of the Great Seventh by Teresa Orts
9.  
10.  
11.  
12.  

2013 Debut Author Challenge- September Update

2013 Debut Author Challenge

Challenge Goals

I love the Debut Author Challenge because it accomplishes two very awesome things – obviously it helps debut authors out with exposure, but it also helps readers find debut books that they might have otherwise missed, and I think that’s pretty awesome.

So, with that in mind, I’m asking that each participant come up with a list of at least twelve (12) debut books to read and review in 2013. You can read as many as you want, but in order to be eligible for the grand prize, you must have read and reviewed at least twelve (12).

Rules/Guidelines

Just a few simple rules/guidelines to help things run smoothly!

1) You must have a blog, a Goodreads account, a YouTube account, an Amazon account – any where you can post your reviews and share them with others.
2) There is no deadline to join the 2013 Debut Author Challenge, but make sure you give yourself enough time to achieve the goal!
3) ARCs of 2013 debuts read before January 01, 2013 do not count towards your challenge goal.
4) The 2013 debuts must be read between January 01, 2013 – January 31, 2014 to count for the 2013 Debut Author Challenge. The extra month is to allow participants more time to read the December releases.
4) 2013 debuts must be young adult or middle grade in order to count towards the challenge.
5) The title must be the author’s young adult or middle grade debut. If they have previously published an adult title, and this is their first young adult/middle grade title, that counts towards the challenge. If this is their second young adult/middle grade title, it does not count towards the challenge.
6) If you’re a blogger in the US, all debuts must be US debuts to count towards your challenge goal. Likewise, if you’re a UK blogger, all debuts must be UK debuts to count towards to your challenge goal, and same goes for other countries.
Note: I’m removing this rule. I was under the impression that it was easier to buy debuts in your own country, but based on feedback I’ve received in comments and e-mails, it sounds like it’s not! So if you live in Australia or India or wherever, and it’s easier for you to buy a US/UK debut on your kindle or purchase a book through the Book Depository or whatever, go for it – that will count.
7) Each review equals one entry in the monthly prize pack. If you post six review of debut titles in January, you have six entries to win the January prize pack.

Sign-Ups

That’s it! That’s all the rules for joining and participating! There is more information here regarding contests and other resources for the challenge.

Here are some buttons for challenge participants – but feel free to make your own!

If you are an author and interested in what you can do, please click here!

 

1.  Pivot Point by Kasie West
2. Dualed by Elsie Chapman 
3. The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
4.  Pretty Girl-13 by Liz Coley
5.  Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland
6.  Poison by Bridget Zinn
7.  The Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston
8.  The Year of the Great Seventh by Teresa Orts
9.  
10.  
11.  
12.  

Book Review- The Year of the Great Seventh

I just finished reading The Year of the Great Seventh by Teresa Orts for a blog tour.

From Goodreads:

Sophie has always felt out of step—an outsider, even amongst friends in her high school with all the

hype about celebrity culture. Her life in L.A. seems to have been already written for her, but when her junior year starts, it all takes a drastic turn. When she crosses paths with the school's heartthrob, Nate Werner, they fall for each other in a way neither can understand. What they don’t know is that by giving in to their desires, they are unlocking an ancient Egyptian prophecy that threatens to return Earth to the dark ages.

To undo the curse, Nate and Sophie embark on an adventure that takes them across the country. But their quest is not only to save the world as they know it. It is also a fight for their very survival. Behind the scenes, there are those that are counting on them to fail.

I think the idea for the plot of this story was fantastic.  Mythology has always fascinated me so this played right up to it.  Unfortunately, I didn't like the characters or some of the writing.

Sophie seemed strong sometimes but then weak others.  The insta-love between her and Nate didn't ring true.  And it got annoying to read about her pining for him and how beautiful he was and how she couldn't live without him.  Um, no.  Nate was more the more believable of the two.  He realized that he shouldn't be with her and tried to stay away.  He was more stoic.

Then some of the writing was off.  Things were over-described and word choices were awkward.  Also, I'm not sure any parents (who seem as with-it as Sophie's do) would just sent their 16 year old to NYC without checking any references or anything.  I'm pretty sure the parents would be chaperoning.  Also, a taxi accident with the driver being drunk being an excuse for what happens at the end?  The accident would be too easy to look up and I'm pretty sure her parents would be all over the situation and realize that there was no accident.

So yeah, I did have some issues with the book. But that didn't stop the plot from being intriguing and engrossing.  And just when you think everything's good and safe, bam!  There's a cliffhanger that makes you want the next book in your hands as soon as possible!

I gave this book a rating of 3/5.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2013 150+ Reading Challenge: 39
2013 Debut Author Challenge: 8
2013 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 32
2013 Quick Fix Challenge: 17

*FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the author for a review.

2013 Debut Author Challenge-- August Update

2013 Debut Author Challenge

Challenge Goals

I love the Debut Author Challenge because it accomplishes two very awesome things – obviously it helps debut authors out with exposure, but it also helps readers find debut books that they might have otherwise missed, and I think that’s pretty awesome.

So, with that in mind, I’m asking that each participant come up with a list of at least twelve (12) debut books to read and review in 2013. You can read as many as you want, but in order to be eligible for the grand prize, you must have read and reviewed at least twelve (12).

Rules/Guidelines

Just a few simple rules/guidelines to help things run smoothly!

1) You must have a blog, a Goodreads account, a YouTube account, an Amazon account – any where you can post your reviews and share them with others.
2) There is no deadline to join the 2013 Debut Author Challenge, but make sure you give yourself enough time to achieve the goal!
3) ARCs of 2013 debuts read before January 01, 2013 do not count towards your challenge goal.
4) The 2013 debuts must be read between January 01, 2013 – January 31, 2014 to count for the 2013 Debut Author Challenge. The extra month is to allow participants more time to read the December releases.
4) 2013 debuts must be young adult or middle grade in order to count towards the challenge.
5) The title must be the author’s young adult or middle grade debut. If they have previously published an adult title, and this is their first young adult/middle grade title, that counts towards the challenge. If this is their second young adult/middle grade title, it does not count towards the challenge.
6) If you’re a blogger in the US, all debuts must be US debuts to count towards your challenge goal. Likewise, if you’re a UK blogger, all debuts must be UK debuts to count towards to your challenge goal, and same goes for other countries.
Note: I’m removing this rule. I was under the impression that it was easier to buy debuts in your own country, but based on feedback I’ve received in comments and e-mails, it sounds like it’s not! So if you live in Australia or India or wherever, and it’s easier for you to buy a US/UK debut on your kindle or purchase a book through the Book Depository or whatever, go for it – that will count.
7) Each review equals one entry in the monthly prize pack. If you post six review of debut titles in January, you have six entries to win the January prize pack.

Sign-Ups

That’s it! That’s all the rules for joining and participating! There is more information here regarding contests and other resources for the challenge.

Here are some buttons for challenge participants – but feel free to make your own!

If you are an author and interested in what you can do, please click here!

 

1.  Pivot Point by Kasie West
2. Dualed by Elsie Chapman 
3. The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
4.  Pretty Girl-13 by Liz Coley
5.  Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland
6.  Poison by Bridget Zinn
7.  The Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston
8.  
9.  
10.  
11.  
12.  

2013 Debut Author Challenge-- July Update

2013 Debut Author Challenge

Challenge Goals

I love the Debut Author Challenge because it accomplishes two very awesome things – obviously it helps debut authors out with exposure, but it also helps readers find debut books that they might have otherwise missed, and I think that’s pretty awesome.

So, with that in mind, I’m asking that each participant come up with a list of at least twelve (12) debut books to read and review in 2013. You can read as many as you want, but in order to be eligible for the grand prize, you must have read and reviewed at least twelve (12).

Rules/Guidelines

Just a few simple rules/guidelines to help things run smoothly!

1) You must have a blog, a Goodreads account, a YouTube account, an Amazon account – any where you can post your reviews and share them with others.
2) There is no deadline to join the 2013 Debut Author Challenge, but make sure you give yourself enough time to achieve the goal!
3) ARCs of 2013 debuts read before January 01, 2013 do not count towards your challenge goal.
4) The 2013 debuts must be read between January 01, 2013 – January 31, 2014 to count for the 2013 Debut Author Challenge. The extra month is to allow participants more time to read the December releases.
4) 2013 debuts must be young adult or middle grade in order to count towards the challenge.
5) The title must be the author’s young adult or middle grade debut. If they have previously published an adult title, and this is their first young adult/middle grade title, that counts towards the challenge. If this is their second young adult/middle grade title, it does not count towards the challenge.
6) If you’re a blogger in the US, all debuts must be US debuts to count towards your challenge goal. Likewise, if you’re a UK blogger, all debuts must be UK debuts to count towards to your challenge goal, and same goes for other countries.
Note: I’m removing this rule. I was under the impression that it was easier to buy debuts in your own country, but based on feedback I’ve received in comments and e-mails, it sounds like it’s not! So if you live in Australia or India or wherever, and it’s easier for you to buy a US/UK debut on your kindle or purchase a book through the Book Depository or whatever, go for it – that will count.
7) Each review equals one entry in the monthly prize pack. If you post six review of debut titles in January, you have six entries to win the January prize pack.

Sign-Ups

That’s it! That’s all the rules for joining and participating! There is more information here regarding contests and other resources for the challenge.

Here are some buttons for challenge participants – but feel free to make your own!

If you are an author and interested in what you can do, please click here!

 

1.  Pivot Point by Kasie West
2. Dualed by Elsie Chapman 
3. The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
4.  Pretty Girl-13 by Liz Coley
5.  Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland
6.  Poison by Bridget Zinn
7.  The Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston
8.  
9.  
10.  
11.  
12.  

2013 Debut Author Challenge-- June Update

2013 Debut Author Challenge

Challenge Goals

I love the Debut Author Challenge because it accomplishes two very awesome things – obviously it helps debut authors out with exposure, but it also helps readers find debut books that they might have otherwise missed, and I think that’s pretty awesome.

So, with that in mind, I’m asking that each participant come up with a list of at least twelve (12) debut books to read and review in 2013. You can read as many as you want, but in order to be eligible for the grand prize, you must have read and reviewed at least twelve (12).

Rules/Guidelines

Just a few simple rules/guidelines to help things run smoothly!

1) You must have a blog, a Goodreads account, a YouTube account, an Amazon account – any where you can post your reviews and share them with others.
2) There is no deadline to join the 2013 Debut Author Challenge, but make sure you give yourself enough time to achieve the goal!
3) ARCs of 2013 debuts read before January 01, 2013 do not count towards your challenge goal.
4) The 2013 debuts must be read between January 01, 2013 – January 31, 2014 to count for the 2013 Debut Author Challenge. The extra month is to allow participants more time to read the December releases.
4) 2013 debuts must be young adult or middle grade in order to count towards the challenge.
5) The title must be the author’s young adult or middle grade debut. If they have previously published an adult title, and this is their first young adult/middle grade title, that counts towards the challenge. If this is their second young adult/middle grade title, it does not count towards the challenge.
6) If you’re a blogger in the US, all debuts must be US debuts to count towards your challenge goal. Likewise, if you’re a UK blogger, all debuts must be UK debuts to count towards to your challenge goal, and same goes for other countries.
Note: I’m removing this rule. I was under the impression that it was easier to buy debuts in your own country, but based on feedback I’ve received in comments and e-mails, it sounds like it’s not! So if you live in Australia or India or wherever, and it’s easier for you to buy a US/UK debut on your kindle or purchase a book through the Book Depository or whatever, go for it – that will count.
7) Each review equals one entry in the monthly prize pack. If you post six review of debut titles in January, you have six entries to win the January prize pack.

Sign-Ups

That’s it! That’s all the rules for joining and participating! There is more information here regarding contests and other resources for the challenge.

Here are some buttons for challenge participants – but feel free to make your own!

If you are an author and interested in what you can do, please click here!

 

1.  Pivot Point by Kasie West
2. Dualed by Elsie Chapman 
3. The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
4.  Pretty Girl-13 by Liz Coley
5.  Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland
6.  Poison by Bridget Zinn
7.  The Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston
8.  
9.  
10.  
11.  
12.  

2013 Debut Author Challenge--May Update

2013 Debut Author Challenge

Challenge Goals

I love the Debut Author Challenge because it accomplishes two very awesome things – obviously it helps debut authors out with exposure, but it also helps readers find debut books that they might have otherwise missed, and I think that’s pretty awesome.

So, with that in mind, I’m asking that each participant come up with a list of at least twelve (12) debut books to read and review in 2013. You can read as many as you want, but in order to be eligible for the grand prize, you must have read and reviewed at least twelve (12).

Rules/Guidelines

Just a few simple rules/guidelines to help things run smoothly!

1) You must have a blog, a Goodreads account, a YouTube account, an Amazon account – any where you can post your reviews and share them with others.
2) There is no deadline to join the 2013 Debut Author Challenge, but make sure you give yourself enough time to achieve the goal!
3) ARCs of 2013 debuts read before January 01, 2013 do not count towards your challenge goal.
4) The 2013 debuts must be read between January 01, 2013 – January 31, 2014 to count for the 2013 Debut Author Challenge. The extra month is to allow participants more time to read the December releases.
4) 2013 debuts must be young adult or middle grade in order to count towards the challenge.
5) The title must be the author’s young adult or middle grade debut. If they have previously published an adult title, and this is their first young adult/middle grade title, that counts towards the challenge. If this is their second young adult/middle grade title, it does not count towards the challenge.
6) If you’re a blogger in the US, all debuts must be US debuts to count towards your challenge goal. Likewise, if you’re a UK blogger, all debuts must be UK debuts to count towards to your challenge goal, and same goes for other countries.
Note: I’m removing this rule. I was under the impression that it was easier to buy debuts in your own country, but based on feedback I’ve received in comments and e-mails, it sounds like it’s not! So if you live in Australia or India or wherever, and it’s easier for you to buy a US/UK debut on your kindle or purchase a book through the Book Depository or whatever, go for it – that will count.
7) Each review equals one entry in the monthly prize pack. If you post six review of debut titles in January, you have six entries to win the January prize pack.

Sign-Ups

That’s it! That’s all the rules for joining and participating! There is more information here regarding contests and other resources for the challenge.

Here are some buttons for challenge participants – but feel free to make your own!

If you are an author and interested in what you can do, please click here!

 

1.  Pivot Point by Kasie West
2. Dualed by Elsie Chapman 
3. The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
4.  Pretty Girl-13 by Liz Coley
5.  Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland
6.  Poison by Bridget Zinn
7.  The Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston
8.  
9.  
10.  
11.  
12.  

Book Review- The Rules for Disappearing

I just finished reading The Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

She’s been six different people in six different places: Madeline in Ohio, Isabelle in Missouri, Olivia

in Kentucky . . . But now that she’s been transplanted to rural Louisiana, she has decided that this fake identity will be her last.

Witness Protection has taken nearly everything from her. But for now, they’ve given her a new name, Megan Rose Jones, and a horrible hair color. For the past eight months, Meg has begged her father to answer one question: What on earth did he do – or see – that landed them in this god-awful mess? Meg has just about had it with all the Suits’ rules — and her dad’s silence. If he won’t help, it’s time she got some answers for herself.

But Meg isn’t counting on Ethan Landry, an adorable Louisiana farm boy who’s too smart for his own good. He knows Meg is hiding something big. And it just might get both of them killed. As they embark on a perilous journey to free her family once and for all, Meg discovers that there’s only one rule that really matters — survival.

This book really had me hanging on.  For some reason, the idea of being in the Witness Protection Program really intrigued me.  And I've never read another book about it.  I can't imagine having to up and move your life around so quickly and so often.  I know if it were me, I would mess up and mention my old life in my new life.

I liked "Meg".  She was strong and determined to find out why her family was in the program. Yet she was still vulnerable.  And I liked Ethan.  A good ole boy.  I loved how protective he was of her so quickly (without being stalkerish) and his humor. 

One part of the mystery I kind of knew from the beginning.  But I didn't know how or why.  And the ending.   I was suspicious of him, but the note left me questioning things.  Yes, I'm not about to give everything away!

I had to check and it looks like there's an untitled second book.  Yay!  I can't wait to see just what's going to happen!

I gave this book a rating of 4.5/5.

The Rules for Disappearing will be released on May 14, 2013.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2013 150+ Reading Challenge: 22
2013 ARC Reading Challenge: 15
2013 Debut Author Challenge: 7
What's in a Name? 6 Challenge: Lost or Found
 2013 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 18

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

2013 Debut Author Challenge-- April Update

2013 Debut Author Challenge

Challenge Goals

I love the Debut Author Challenge because it accomplishes two very awesome things – obviously it helps debut authors out with exposure, but it also helps readers find debut books that they might have otherwise missed, and I think that’s pretty awesome.

So, with that in mind, I’m asking that each participant come up with a list of at least twelve (12) debut books to read and review in 2013. You can read as many as you want, but in order to be eligible for the grand prize, you must have read and reviewed at least twelve (12).

Rules/Guidelines

Just a few simple rules/guidelines to help things run smoothly!

1) You must have a blog, a Goodreads account, a YouTube account, an Amazon account – any where you can post your reviews and share them with others.
2) There is no deadline to join the 2013 Debut Author Challenge, but make sure you give yourself enough time to achieve the goal!
3) ARCs of 2013 debuts read before January 01, 2013 do not count towards your challenge goal.
4) The 2013 debuts must be read between January 01, 2013 – January 31, 2014 to count for the 2013 Debut Author Challenge. The extra month is to allow participants more time to read the December releases.
4) 2013 debuts must be young adult or middle grade in order to count towards the challenge.
5) The title must be the author’s young adult or middle grade debut. If they have previously published an adult title, and this is their first young adult/middle grade title, that counts towards the challenge. If this is their second young adult/middle grade title, it does not count towards the challenge.
6) If you’re a blogger in the US, all debuts must be US debuts to count towards your challenge goal. Likewise, if you’re a UK blogger, all debuts must be UK debuts to count towards to your challenge goal, and same goes for other countries.
Note: I’m removing this rule. I was under the impression that it was easier to buy debuts in your own country, but based on feedback I’ve received in comments and e-mails, it sounds like it’s not! So if you live in Australia or India or wherever, and it’s easier for you to buy a US/UK debut on your kindle or purchase a book through the Book Depository or whatever, go for it – that will count.
7) Each review equals one entry in the monthly prize pack. If you post six review of debut titles in January, you have six entries to win the January prize pack.

Sign-Ups

That’s it! That’s all the rules for joining and participating! There is more information here regarding contests and other resources for the challenge.

Here are some buttons for challenge participants – but feel free to make your own!

If you are an author and interested in what you can do, please click here!

 

1.  Pivot Point by Kasie West
2. Dualed by Elsie Chapman 
3. The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
4.  Pretty Girl-13 by Liz Coley
5.  Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland
6.  Poison by Bridget Zinn
7.  
8.  
9.  
10.  
11.  
12.  

Book Review-Poison

I just finished reading Poison by Bridget Zinn for an Around the World ARC tour.

From Goodreads:

Sixteen-year-old Kyra, a highly-skilled potions master, is the only one who knows her kingdom is on the verge of destruction—which means she’s the only one who can save it. Faced with no other choice, Kyra decides to do what she does best: poison the kingdom’s future ruler, who also happens to be her former best friend.

But, for the first time ever, her poisoned dart . . . misses.

Now a fugitive instead of a hero, Kyra is caught in a game of hide-and-seek with the king’s army and her potioner ex-boyfriend, Hal. At least she’s not alone. She’s armed with her vital potions, a too-cute pig, and Fred, the charming adventurer she can’t stop thinking about. Kyra is determined to get herself a second chance (at murder), but will she be able to find and defeat the princess before Hal and the army find her?

Kyra is not your typical murderer, and she’s certainly no damsel-in-distress—she’s the lovable and quick-witted hero of this romantic novel that has all the right ingredients to make teen girls swoon.

I enjoyed reading Poison.  It was an easy book to get into.  There was a little bit of everything--romance, humor, mystery, fantasy/paranormal things, and excitement.

I liked Kyra.  I liked reading about how she was the into potions.  Pretty cool.  I also liked Ariana and Fred.  I liked that Ariana wasn't all into being a princess and I didn't see the thing with Fred coming.  I also didn't see the little twist about Kyra coming, which was fun!

Sadly, I went to Goodreads to see what else she has written so I could read more by her and I learned that she passed away.  So sad.  But I'm thankful that I did get to read this wonderful novel by her.

I gave this book a rating of 4/5.

Poison will be released on March 12, 2013.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2013 150+ Reading Challenge: 15
2013 ARC Reading Challenge: 10
2013 Debut Author Challenge: 6
2013 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 12
2013 Standalone Reading Challenge: 3
2013 Quick Fix Challenge: 6

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

Book Review-Nantucket Blue

I just finished reading Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

For Cricket Thompson, a summer like this one will change everything. A summer spent on Nantucket with her best friend, Jules Clayton, and the indomitable Clayton family. A summer when she’ll make the almost unattainable Jay Logan hers. A summer to surpass all dreams.

Some of this turns out to be true. Some of it doesn’t.

When Jules and her family suffer a devastating tragedy that forces the girls apart, Jules becomes a stranger whom Cricket wonders whether she ever really knew. And instead of lying on the beach working on her caramel-colored tan, Cricket is making beds and cleaning bathrooms to support herself in paradise for the summer.

But it’s the things Cricket hadn’t counted on--most of all, falling hard for someone who should be completely off-limits--that turn her dreams into an exhilarating, bittersweet reality.

A beautiful future is within her grasp, and Cricket must find the grace to embrace it. If she does, her life could be the perfect shade of Nantucket blue.

I sometimes have a hard time with YA contemporary novels.  For some reason, I often find the main characters to be immature.  Thank goodness this wasn't the case in this book.  I tought Cricket was pretty mature for her age.

Slight spoiler--the tragedy that happens is that Jule's mom has a brain aneurysm.  This hit a little close to home because the Christmas before last I got a text that one of my good friend's mom had passed away due to the same thing.  How heartbreaking.  And Cricket so wanted to be a good friend.  Yes, Jules was cruel to her but honestly, losing your mom would change you.

The boy who was off limits I didn't really see coming.  I mean, looking back I can see the signs but I didn't see it until pretty close when it happened.  As I said above, I liked Cricket.  I thought she had a good head on her shoulders.  She was smart and strong and true to herself. 

Overall, a good YA contemporary story.  Good character and good storyline always help!

I gave this book a rating of 3.5/5.

Nantucket Blue will be released on May 7, 2013.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2013 150+ Reading Challenge: 14
2013 ARC Reading Challenge: 9
2013 Debut Author Challenge: 5
What's in a Name? 6 Challenge: Emotion
 2013 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 11
2013 Standalone Reading Challenge: 2
2013 Quick Fix Challenge: 5

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

2013 Debut Author Challenge-- March Update

2013 Debut Author Challenge

Challenge Goals

I love the Debut Author Challenge because it accomplishes two very awesome things – obviously it helps debut authors out with exposure, but it also helps readers find debut books that they might have otherwise missed, and I think that’s pretty awesome.

So, with that in mind, I’m asking that each participant come up with a list of at least twelve (12) debut books to read and review in 2013. You can read as many as you want, but in order to be eligible for the grand prize, you must have read and reviewed at least twelve (12).

Rules/Guidelines

Just a few simple rules/guidelines to help things run smoothly!

1) You must have a blog, a Goodreads account, a YouTube account, an Amazon account – any where you can post your reviews and share them with others.
2) There is no deadline to join the 2013 Debut Author Challenge, but make sure you give yourself enough time to achieve the goal!
3) ARCs of 2013 debuts read before January 01, 2013 do not count towards your challenge goal.
4) The 2013 debuts must be read between January 01, 2013 – January 31, 2014 to count for the 2013 Debut Author Challenge. The extra month is to allow participants more time to read the December releases.
4) 2013 debuts must be young adult or middle grade in order to count towards the challenge.
5) The title must be the author’s young adult or middle grade debut. If they have previously published an adult title, and this is their first young adult/middle grade title, that counts towards the challenge. If this is their second young adult/middle grade title, it does not count towards the challenge.
6) If you’re a blogger in the US, all debuts must be US debuts to count towards your challenge goal. Likewise, if you’re a UK blogger, all debuts must be UK debuts to count towards to your challenge goal, and same goes for other countries.
Note: I’m removing this rule. I was under the impression that it was easier to buy debuts in your own country, but based on feedback I’ve received in comments and e-mails, it sounds like it’s not! So if you live in Australia or India or wherever, and it’s easier for you to buy a US/UK debut on your kindle or purchase a book through the Book Depository or whatever, go for it – that will count.
7) Each review equals one entry in the monthly prize pack. If you post six review of debut titles in January, you have six entries to win the January prize pack.

Sign-Ups

That’s it! That’s all the rules for joining and participating! There is more information here regarding contests and other resources for the challenge.

Here are some buttons for challenge participants – but feel free to make your own!

If you are an author and interested in what you can do, please click here!

 

1.  Pivot Point by Kasie West
2. Dualed by Elsie Chapman 
3. The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
4.  Pretty Girl-13 by Liz Coley
5.  
6.  
7.  
8.  
9.  
10.  
11.  
12.  

Book Reivew- Pretty Girl-13

I just finished reading Pretty Girl-13 by Liz Coley for and Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

Reminiscent of the Elizabeth Smart case, Pretty Girl-13 is a disturbing and powerful psychological mystery about a girl who must piece together the story of her kidnapping and captivity.

Angie Chapman was thirteen years old when she ventured into the woods alone on a Girl Scouts camping trip. Now she's returned home…only to find that it's three years later and she's sixteen-or at least that's what everyone tells her.

What happened to the past three years of her life?

Angie doesn't know.

But there are people who do—people who could tell Angie every detail of her forgotten time, if only they weren't locked inside her mind. With a tremendous amount of courage, Angie embarks on a journey to discover the fragments of her personality, otherwise known as her "alters." As she unearths more and more about her past, she discovers a terrifying secret and must decide: When you remember things you wish you could forget, do you destroy the parts of yourself that are responsible?

Liz Coley's alarming and fascinating psychological mystery is a disturbing-and ultimately empowering-page-turner about accepting our whole selves, and the healing power of courage, hope, and love.

When I first started this book, it was just okay.  The topic interested me but I didn't really like the main character or the writing style.  I thought it would be another book I finished just because I can't stop reading books in the middle.  But the book surprised me and and I ended up enjoying it.

I thought the topic of the multiple personalities brought on by tragedy was so interesting. Dissociative Identitiy Disorder..I think I had heard of it before or read a book about it before but didn't really remember.  I found it really interesting to read about how these personalities helped to protect Angie while she was kidnapped.

There were a few twists and turns in the story but I saw them coming before they were spelled out.  I think maybe what I liked about the book was that it wasn't completely dreary.  Yes, the horrible thing happened but Angie went to therapy and was cooperative and wanted to get better.  I know in real life, some victims aren't ready to return to normal life and will never completely heal from that type of tragedy.  But I liked the idea of the hope in this story.

This book surprised me and makes me glad that I'm the type of person that won't stop reading a book even when I really want to put it down.

I gave this book a 4/5.

Pretty Girl-13 will be released on March 19, 2013.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2013 150+ Reading Challenge: 12
2013 ARC Reading Challenge: 8
2013 Debut Author Challenge: 4
2013 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 10
2013 Standalone Reading Challenge: 1

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.

Book Review- The Madman's Daughter

I finished reading The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd over the weekend for an Around the World ARC Tour.

From Goodreads:

In the darkest places, even love is deadly.

Sixteen-year-old Juliet Moreau has built a life for herself in London—working as a maid, attending church on Sundays, and trying not to think about the scandal that ruined her life. After all, no one ever proved the rumors about her father's gruesome experiments. But when she learns he is alive and continuing his work on a remote tropical island, she is determined to find out if the accusations are true.

Accompanied by her father's handsome young assistant, Montgomery, and an enigmatic castaway, Edward—both of whom she is deeply drawn to—Juliet travels to the island, only to discover the depths of her father's madness: He has experimented on animals so that they resemble, speak, and behave as humans. And worse, one of the creatures has turned violent and is killing the island's inhabitants. Torn between horror and scientific curiosity, Juliet knows she must end her father's dangerous experiments and escape her jungle prison before it's too late. Yet as the island falls into chaos, she discovers the extent of her father's genius—and madness—in her own blood.

Inspired by H. G. Wells's classic The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Madman's Daughter is a dark and breathless Gothic thriller about the secrets we'll do anything to know and the truths we'll go to any lengths to protect.

I'm really not sure how I feel about this book.  On the one hand, the creations of Juliet's father intrigued me.  I wondered about how that could have worked.  But then on the other hand, the idea that the animals were in so much pain horrified me.  I'm not really sure which side won out.

The characters were always a little distant to me.  I'm not sure if it was the topic or the time setting, but I never really connected to them.

That being said, the ending completely threw me.  I kinda figured out one tiny part of it, but not the major surprise.  And I love being surprised.  Anyways, the book was..interesting to say the least.

I gave this book a rating of 3/5.

This book fulfills items in the following challenges:
2013 150+ Reading Challenge: 10
2013 ARC Reading Challenge: 7
2013 Debut Author Challenge: 3
2013 Young Adult Reading Challenge: 8

*FTC Disclosure: I was given this book for free for an honest review as part of the Around the World Tours.