Monday, June 30, 2014

June Wrap Up!

Hey All(:


   This month felt never ending! Exams were the main cause for that, I still get waaaay too stressed out with those. Either way, they have been done for little over a week now so I've been celebrating them being over by laying around being lazy. Oops. Now that my lazy week is over with it's time to get into some serious blogging! I've got some Blog Tours and Waiting on Wednesdays planned for you guys and a few other things, so I just know this summer's going to be awesome! 
   My favourite bookish thing this month is probably that the line up for YALLFest was announced! Ahhhh!! I've read at least half of the books from the authors on the list, I don't know how I'm going to afford to buy or take all those books to get signed! Not to mention all my fabulous blogger friends I get to meet! 
   So that's my bookish month! 

Here are all the details!


Books Read in June:



Goal: 150 books, 47 out of 150 read


July Releases I'm Excited For:



The perfect time for mermaid books to be released!


Book Haul for June:



My signed copy of Dorothy Must Die came and I get all giggly when I see it<3



                   


                               Library Book Haul:







Books Reviewed:




   That's it for this month my peeps! I hope you guys have an incredible summer and happy readings!(:







Sunday, June 29, 2014

Blog Tour: Carnelian by Kristin McMichael


Hello and Welcome!

  To the final stop on the Carnelian Blog Tour! I am one of your co-hosts for today! At this stop you'll be able to see my review for Carnelian. So let's check it out!




Carnelian by Kristin McMichael

Release Date: January 10th, 2014
Read: June 12-26th, 2014
Publisher: Lexia Press
Series: The Chalcedony Chronicles #1
Format: Ebook, 200 pages
Source: YA Bound Book Tours in exchange for an honest review/blog tour.


Description on GoodReads:

Everyone has a past, but for most it isn’t as long ago as Seth Sangre. His past is literally thousands of years ago. Seth’s life led him to the present seeking something that might help him save his country from destruction. He has been in the present for over three years now and just found exactly what he has been looking for.

Mari had dreams that college will be a fresh start, one where she would start over and not fall for the good looking player like high school. Unfortunately for her, that’s exactly what ends up falling into her lap on the first day she moves into the dorms. Now she has to hold to her promise to herself and not fall for the handsome Seth. But he doesn’t plan to make it easy for her. Seth has already marked her as his next conquest. As the semester progresses, Mari learns that Seth might just have a life of his own that’s actually from the past. Suddenly Mari finds her future along with her past put into question. She’s connected to Seth far more than she ever wanted to be and maybe the player isn’t who she thought he was. If Mari can trust her heart enough to follow him, Seth will lead Mari on an adventure of a lifetime and reveal family secrets she never knew existed.


Review:

You're always safe with me around.
  I'd first found Carnelian while looking around on GoodReads, then later to my excitement I was asked to be on the blog tour. I had to sign up immediately! My local Library didn't have it in their system so it was the perfect chance for me.
  This book involved time travel, most of the time I don't or can't enjoy those types of books. With mixing up the different times I will always get a headache. It wasn't the case for Carnelian. I was able to fully understand what was happening through out the whole book. The traveling in this book was intriguing and different, I very much enjoyed it.
   Seth and the other boys were described in such hunky details that I could definitely picture them in real life, boy were they eye candy. I was continuously jealous of Mari and Seth, I want a Seth of my own.
   Chrysoprase the sequel to Carnelian was released June 25th, 2014. Go forth and get your copy now!

Rating:




Favourite Quote:

"Do you find Seth attractive, like physically?" ~ Dee

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:

Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance, Fantasy, Time Travel


Kristin McMichael

Originally from Wisconsin, B. Kristin currently resides in Ohio with her husband, two small children, and three cats. When not doing the mom thing of chasing kids, baking cookies, and playing outside, she is using her PhD in biology as a scientist. In her free time she is currently hard at work on multiple novels. Every day is a new writing adventure. She is a fan of all YA/NA fantasy and science fiction.

Follow her at:

    


Monday June 23rd, 2014

The Book Lover's Report - http://thebookloversreport.blogspot.com - Review
My Book Filled Life - http://mybookfilledlife.blogspot.com - Review
Mom With A Kindle - http://momwithakindle.blogspot.com – Promo Post
Kelly P's Blog - http://kellyatx.blogspot.com/ - Review
Drunken Reads - http://drunkenreads.blogspot.com/ - Promo Post
Musings In Fiction Alley - http://musingsinficitonalley.blogspot.com/ - Promo Post
Mind Reading? - http://monaliz-mindreading.blogspot.com – Promo Post



Tuesday June 24th, 2014

Dragon Blog - http://www.melissapetreshock.com/dragon-blog.html - Review
My Book Filled Life - http://mybookfilledlife.blogspot.com - Review
The Girl Bookaholic - Http://www.thegirlbookaholic.blogspot.com – Review
Sassy Savvy Fabulous  - http://sassysavvyfabulous.com/ - Review
Rcethan - http://rcethan.com – Review
Follow the Yellow Book Road - http://followtheyellowbookrd.blogspot.com/ - Promo Post
Victoria Simcox's Blog - http://victoriasimcox.blogspot.com/ - Promo Post
Read more-sleep less - http://readmore-sleepless.blogspot.gr/ - Promo Post



Wednesday June 25th, 2014

Meredith & Jennifer's Musings - http://meredithraemusings.blogspot.com/ - Review
The Cover Contessa - http://www.thecovercontessa.com – Promo Post
A Bookish Life - http://www.bookishlife.com - Review
Captivated Reading - http://www.captivatedreadingreviews.com - Review



Thursday June 26th, 2014

Seeing Night Reviews - http://seeingnight.blogspot.ca/ - Review
Monica Pulliam - http://monicapulliam.blogspot.com/ - Review
the Blacksheep Project - http://theblacksheeproject.blogspot.com/ - Review
The Shadow Realm – www.xtheshadowrealmx.blogspot.ie – Review
My Love for Reading Keeps Growing - http://readingisoneofmypassions.blogspot.com/ - Review
YA Review - http://www.yareview.com – Review
Escaping Reality Within Pages - http://escapingrealitywithinpages.blogspot.com – Promo Post
Bookwyrming Thoughts - http://bookwyrming-thoughts.blogspot.com – Promo Post




Friday June 27th, 2014

Dalene's Book Reviews - http://dalenesbookreviews.blogspot.com - Review
Curling Up With A Good Book - http://curling-up-with-a-good-book.blogspot.com/ - Review
Booksniffer Book Reviews - http://booksnifferbookreviews.blogspot.com/ - Review
books are love – www.hello-booklover.tumblr.com - Review
The Bookwhore Diaries – www.thebookwhorediaries.blogspot.com – Review
Andi's Young Adult Books - http://andisyoungadult.blogspot.com – Promo Post
A Book Addict's Bookshelves - http://www.jesswatkinsauthor.blogspot.co.uk - Review







1 grand prize of signed copies of both Carnelian and Chrysoprase
2 runners-up can get signed copies of Carnelian




   Thanks for participating in the Carnelian blog tour! I hope you guys had a blast!












Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Blog Tour: Rain by Amanda Sun


Domo Tomodachi!


  Happy release day to Rain! It's finally out in the world and I couldn't be more excited! Welcome to the first stop on the Rain Blog Tour! Ohana Reads will be your host for today! We have a some fun things planned for you today! First off, I have for you Ohana Reads Review of Rain!




Rain by Amanda Sun


Released: June 24th, 2014
Read: June 19-22nd, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Series: The Paper Gods #2
Format: Paperback, 304 pages
Source: Bought


Description from GoodReads:


   American Katie Green has decided to stay in Japan. She's started to build a life in the city of Shizuoka, and she can't imagine leaving behind her friends, her aunt and especially Tomohiro, the guy she's fallen in love with. But her return is not as simple as she thought. She's flunking out of Japanese school and committing cultural faux pas wherever she goes. Tomohiro is also struggling—as a Kami, his connection to the ancient gods of Japan and his power to bring drawings to life have begun to spiral out of control.



   When Tomo decides to stop drawing, the ink finds other ways to seep into his life—blackouts, threatening messages and the appearance of unexplained sketches. Unsure how to help Tomo, Katie turns to an unexpected source for help—Jun, her former friend and a Kami with an agenda of his own. But is Jun really the ally he claims to be? In order to save themselves, Katie and Tomohiro must unravel the truth about Tomo's dark ancestry, as well as Katie's, and confront one of the darkest gods in Japanese legend.


Review:

I will make the world cry.
    About two weeks before the official release of Rain, I had heard on Twitter that there was early released copies at my local bookstore. Hearing the news I immediately started bugging my mom to drive me down. My Twitter people were right, there were copies. I was so excited to pick up my copy early, It's safe to say that Rain is the first book I've ever bolted to the store for.

   Like the first book, the cover is extraordinary! The designer once again used watercolour, creating blossoms along with a picture of Tomo. Tomo and Katie are both on the cover with an sensational mixed of blues and purples. I do not think I've ever seen a male from a different culture on a book cover, I'm happy to say Rain will be my first. With the mix of the two colours, and both Tomo and Katie on the cover I think this cover is my favourite so far between the two covers.

   Rain continues on from where Ink left off, not missing a beat or leaving anything out. In Rain we learned a lot more about the power of the Kami. We learnt about more Amaterasu, her siblings, and her lover. Visiting more sanctuaries and temples, but we've only just touched the surface on the topic that is the Kami and It's driving me crazy with wanting to learn more about them. Amanda definitely has me captivated with wanting more.

   The Ink was more frequent in Rain, the same goes with the action. The Yakuza were as always causing trouble for our main characters in Rain, but they weren't the only villians this time. Sometimes even your closest friends can turn on you.

   Tomo and Katie uncovered so much more about the world they live in Rain,  I hope to discover more in the third Paper Gods book along with them.  Amanda has gone easy on us cliff hanger wise in Rain, but that doesn't mean I won't be counting down the days until the last book in the series is released. The final book will be a must have for 2015, and I gladly look forward to it.


Rating:




Favourite Quote:

"I stared at Tomohiro's dark eyes.... They were warm, surprised, deep. I couldn't look away, like prey." ~ Katie


Recommend to People Who Enjoy:

Young Adult, Fantasy, Mythology, Paranormal, Romance, Cultural, Mystery, Diversity 


Haven't read the first book in the Paper Gods series yet? Check it out! 



 Ink by Amanda Sun


Released: June 25th, 2013
Publishing: Harlequin Teen
Series: The Paper Gods


Description from GoodReads:


   On the heels of a family tragedy, the last thing Katie Greene wants to do is move halfway across the world. Stuck with her aunt in Shizuoka, Japan, Katie feels lost. Alone. She doesn’t know the language, she can barely hold a pair of chopsticks, and she can’t seem to get the hang of taking her shoes off whenever she enters a building.



   Then there’s gorgeous but aloof Tomohiro, star of the school’s kendo team. How did he really get the scar on his arm? Katie isn’t prepared for the answer. But when she sees the things he draws start moving, there’s no denying the truth: Tomo has a connection to the ancient gods of Japan, and being near Katie is causing his abilities to spiral out of control. If the wrong people notice, they'll both be targets.



Katie never wanted to move to Japan—now she may not make it out of the country alive.

Ohana Reads review of Ink.







What was the book that got you into reading? 


Amanda:
   I started reading picture books by myself at two, but I don't remember it too well. :) But when I was four, I took out Ozma of Oz from the library. I still remember the feeling of being swept away by the language and the story, and how I felt to reach the last illustration at the end of the book.When I finished Ozma of Oz, I returned home from the library with armfuls of Oz books and every fairytale collection I could find. I always knew I wanted to write, after that.


What are your favourite YA books that you've read this year so far? 


Amanda:
   I really enjoyed MORE THAN THIS by Patrick Ness, which I finally had a chance to read this year. I'm a huge Chaos Walking fan. I feel like Ness is happy to drop his story off a cliff and just keep going. He doesn't take the safe paths when he writes. I also enjoyed RELAX, I'M A NINJA by the fantastic Natalie Whipple, and RADIANT by Karina Sumner-Smith, which is a gritty magical dystopian coming out this fall. 


What made you go from an archaeologist to a writer?


Amanda:
   Fear of spiders. ^_^ Haha, well, sort of. Honestly, I always wanted to be a writer, and I've also always been fascinated by how cultures grow and change depending on their geography, beliefs, and interactions with other cultures. So I actually majored in Archaeology with the intention of putting all that knowledge to use in my writing. I wanted to know a bit of everything that would help with world building and character development. Good thing this writing thing worked out! I really am scared of spiders. O_O


What made you decide to write Young Adult rather then New Adult or Adult?


Amanda:
   I've always said that Young Adult chose me (like a sorting hat!). When I was seven, I'd write stories about characters who were the mature age of 10, and when I was 10, I'd write about 12 or 13-year-olds. But a strange thing happened when I was a teenager--my characters stopped aging. I'm glad, though, because I love YA so much. I think teens have so much passion about what they love and what they fight for, and they have an energy to them as characters that adult characters just don't have for me. You can't tell a teen she can't do it, because she can. Also, I think I never quite grew up. I still play video games and make costumes for anime conventions. It's way more fun than being an "adult." ^_^


How does it feel to finally have Rain on shelves? 


Amanda:
   It's completely surreal! Especially when I see the spine of it next to INK. I'm still in disbelief that I have two books on the shelf. They look so pretty together with their watercolour, pettable covers. I'm really humbled that my dream has come true twice, and that I get to interact with the most amazing readers because of it. I hope you all enjoy RAIN as much as I enjoyed it writing it for you. ♥






   I’m a YA author and proud Nerdfighter. I was born in Deep River, Canada, a very small town without traffic lights or buses, and where stranger safety is comprised of what to do if you see a bear—or skunk. I started reading fantasy novels at 4 and writing as soon as I could hold a pencil. Hopefully my work’s improved since then.
   ​In university I took English, Linguistics, and Asian History, before settling into Archaeology, because I loved learning about the cultures and stories of ancient people. Of course, I didn’t actually become an archaeologist—I have an intense fear of spiders. I prefer unearthing fascinating stories in the safety of my living room.
​   The Paper Gods is inspired by my time living in Osaka and travelling throughout Japan. That and watching far too many J-Dramas. I currently live in Toronto with my husband and daughter. When I’m not writing, I’m devouring YA books, knitting nerdy things like Companion Cubes and Triforce mitts, and making elaborate cosplays for anime cons.


Follow Amanda:


       




    We are lucky to have 2 giveaways on the tour today! One from Amanda Sun, our lovely author! and the other from me(:


 Amanda's Giveaway

Rules:
~ US/CA only
~Starts June 24th, ends July 2nd 11:59pm


Ohana Reads Giveaway

Rules:
~ Ohana Reads Giveaway Policies apply
~ Open to US/ CA
~ Runs from June 24th to July 4th 11:59pm
~ For examples, check the book jewellery tab at the top of the page.


Amanda Sun's Guveaway


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ohana Reads Giveaway


a Rafflecopter giveaway



Thanks for joining me at todays Rain tour stop! Check out the schedule to see where to go for tomorrow and for the rest of the tour! Don't forget about the Rain Twitter Matsuri (Party) happening tonight at 9pm EST/8pm CST!







June 24


June 25 


June 26 


June 27 


June 28 


June 30


July 1 



July 2




Thursday, June 19, 2014

SEAMONSTER Cover Reveal by Amalie Howard



Hello my Lovelies! 


     Today I have for you the cover for the Aquarathi novella, Seamonster by Amalie Howard! I read the first book in the series, Waterfell in the beginning of last March and totally adored it! Oceanborn was instantly on my must have list! But alas, I had to wait till the end of July to get my hands on it. So when I first heard of Seamonster, I knew it was just the thing I needed to make the wait that much shorter. It's a awesome series, so I hope you guys check it out!





  Now for the cover....










Novella
Available TODAY!

        

         Description:

They say that love is the death of duty …

Speio Marin is land-bound, tied to the side of the Waterfell queen-to-be, Nerissa. There's only one problem--she wants nothing to do with any of the Aquarathi or her undersea kingdom, preferring instead the freedom of pretending to be human. Torn between his own desires and his duty to serve his future queen, he spirals into an abyss of malcontent. Speio’s mistrust of humans is no secret, and he sees them only as a threat to the existence of his people.

Until he meets Anya Delmonico--a mysterious and enigmatic girl, teetering on the edge of survival. Anya is sedate and secretive, yet reckless enough to brave a hundred-foot cliff jump. Caught between a dark past and an ex-boyfriend who refuses to let her go, Anya knows that getting involved with anyone new is the last thing she should do. But when her past catches up to her, Speio turns out to be the only one she can trust, refusing to let her face her demons alone.

When Anya discovers the truth about Speio, putting her life in mortal danger from the Aquarathi as well as her own sinister pursuers, will he risk everything to protect her? Or will he choose duty above all?


Available on:

AMAZON



Check out the first book that started it all.


Waterfell by Amalie Howard


Released: October 29th, 2014
Publishing: Harlequin Teen
Series: The Aquarathi


Description from GoodReads:


THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE QUEEN

Nerissa Marin hides among teens in her human form, waiting for the day she can claim her birthright—the undersea kingdom stolen from her the day her father was murdered. Blending in is her best weapon—until her father's betrayer confronts Nerissa and challenges her to a battle to the death on Nerissa's upcoming birthday—the day she comes of age. 

Amid danger and the heartbreak of her missing mother, falling for a human boy is the last thing Nerissa should do. But Lo Seavon breaches her defenses and somehow becomes the only person she can count on to help her desperate search for her mother, a prisoner of Nerissa's mortal enemy. Is Lo the linchpin that might win Nerissa back her crown? Or will this mortal boy become the weakness that destroys her?

Find it at:

Indigo  B&N  iBooks




Pre-order book 2, OCEANBORN today! 


Oceanborn by Amalie Howard


Release Date: July 29th, 2014
Publishing: Harlequin Teen
Series: The Aquarathi


Description from GoodReads:


THE CORONATION IS OVER.

But the battle has just begun. 

Nerissa Marin has won her crown. But can she keep it? Already, her ties to the human realm are driving a wedge between Nerissa and her people. When word arrives that her part-human prince consort, Lo, has been poisoned, she makes the difficult choice to leave Waterfell and return landside. As the royal courts debate her decision, even more disturbing rumors surface: a plot is rising against her, led by someone she least expects. 

On land, Nerissa learns another shocking truth: Lo does not remember who she is. As her choice to try to save him threatens her hold on her crown, changing loyalties and uncertainty test her courage in ways she could never have imagined. Nerissa will have one last chance to prove herself as a queen …and save the undersea kingdom she loves.




Pre-order on:

Indigo   B&N   iBooks


                                  
                                       


AMALIE HOWARD grew up on a small Caribbean island where she spent most of her childhood with her nose buried in a book or being a tomboy running around barefoot, shimmying up mango trees and dreaming of adventure. 22 countries, surfing with sharks and several tattoos later, she has traded in bungee jumping in China for writing the adventures she imagines instead. She isn’t entirely convinced which takes more guts.

She is the author of several young adult novels critically acclaimed by Kirkus, PW, and Booklist, including Waterfell, The Almost Girl, and Alpha Goddess,

a Spring 2014 Kid’s INDIE NEXT title. Her debut novel, Bloodspell, was an Amazon bestseller and a Seventeen Magazine Summer Read. As an author of color and a proud supporter of diversity in fiction, her articles on multicultural fiction have appeared in The Portland Book Review and on the popular Diversity in YA blog. She currently resides in New York with her husband and three children. Visit her at www.amaliehoward.com.

That is all for today my lovelies,

    Make sure to check out the fantastic giveaway at the end of the post, and we'll see you soon!









a Rafflecopter giveaway





Friday, June 13, 2014

Book Review: If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Release Date: April 6th, 2010
Read: June 3-8th, 2014
Publisher: Speak
Series: If I Stay #1
Format: Paperback, 262 pages
Source: Bought


Description from GoodReads:


On a day that started like any other,

Mia had everything: a loving family, a gorgeous, admiring boyfriend, and a bright future full of music and full of choices. In an instant, almost all of that is taken from her. Caught between life and death, between a happy past and an unknowable future, Mia spends one critical day contemplating the only decision she has left. It is the most important decision she'll ever make.


Review:


Contains Spoilers:

Now I'm leaving. Any moment I'll be gone.
  I had picked up If I Stay maybe 3 years ago, and returned it to the library because I couldn't get into it. For the longest time It was on my "gave up" shelf, but this year I had finally gotten into Contemporary and Realistic Fiction so I decided to give it another chance. I'm not going to lie, the movie trailer also had a big impact on deciding to reread it as well. 
  Life is short, time flies and days go by before we even realize it. Because it's so short, we take things for granted. What happened to Mia, is what every family dreads on happening. In tough situations like those that we forget everything we have and just hope for the worst to be over. Throughout the book Mia recollects on what has happened in her life. Most of it, the happy times. But along with the tough situation and forgetting what we have, she had chosen to focus on the negative in the situation. Her parents, and brother are gone, with two of the biggest parts of her life gone why should she continue to live? What's left to live for? That's it though, she still has so much to live for. It's not until Mia's best friend says "You still have a family." that you truly understand what you still have that's important in your life. If my parents and siblings were to die today, I would still be able to go on. I would still have my friends, my family, everyone that loves me would still be there. I wouldn't have to be alone. Which is exactly what Mia still has. She could still make the most out of what life still has to offer.
   Gayle has you pulled into many different directions with this book, from happy memories of a past life to the seriousness of real life. It'll have you remembering all the good and the bad in your life as well as questioning where your life will lead you for the future. I am truly happy to have given this book another chance, and I look forward to seeing the movie in August 2014. Maybe I'll even read it's sequel Where She Went along the way.


Rating:




Favourite Quote:


" I realize that now that dying is easy. Living is hard." ~ Mia

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:


Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Death, Music