{Cover Wars} Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

Come one come all, welcome to Cover Wars, where covers go all in and expect us to decide who wore it best, and yes it's that time again let's see which cover got more loving in the Beta smack down. The winner for the Beta cover wars is....

Hardcover Cover

After basking on the glory of the winning cover I thinks it's time to move aside and make time for this week's competitors, so join us as we move from laboratory born girls to a steampunk zombie novel.

The world descended to madness, between wars and natural disasters, we must count ourselves lucky that humans still exist. In the year 2195 people have settled near the Ecuador, the nation of New Victoria has risen taking in the good of technology with the values of the Victorian era.

After school ends Nora and Pamela find themselves packing and getting ready to go back home to enjoy the holidays. Nora returns home only to find out that her only living relative her aunt Gene has spent all the family money and plans to marry her off to the highest bidder. Nora's anger towards her aunt is tossed away when she is being kidnapped by the walking dead. 

Now Nora is brought into the middle of the war, what at first seemed like a fight between Punks and the people of New Victoria turns out to be one of the biggest government cover ups, there is a virus called "Laz" that turns humans into zombies. Nora starts to turn for answers to Captain Griswold, also known as Bram, a soldier with the patience of a saint, a good sense of humor, a noble man, some would called him handsome but most would call him dead. 

In the middle of all the chaos Bram and Nora's relationship soon evolves from trust to something else, they know that their path is not one with out obstacles and that someday the "Laz" will win and their love will end. In spite of it all they will try to stay together until the very end.

Now that we all have a sort of sense about the story maybe we might feel a little better picking a cover that fits it best.

First we have the american edition of "Dearly, Departed" a lone girl who confuses me, is she looking down on her past or is she taking one last glance before moving on?

Then we have the UK version of the cover, the one with our dear Miss Dearly and the man that showed her that there is more than meets the eye.

Let me guess you thought we where done well... it's from the UK Random House and this is how they decided to move things around by giving Bram a cover to call his and his alone.

So tell me guys which one do you like best? Did any of our contestants made you just want to pick them up and give them a place in your beloved bookshelves? Yes? No? please share the why's and remember to vote on the poll below.

{Trailer Sunday}The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

Series: Darkness Rising #1

Publication date: April 12th 2011

Publisher: Harper

ISBN-13: 9780061797026

Sixteen-year-old Maya is just an ordinary teen in an ordinary town. Sure, she doesn't know much about her background - the only thing she really has to cling to is an odd paw-print birthmark on her hip - but she never really put much thought into who her parents were or how she ended up with her adopted parents in this tiny medical-research community on Vancouver Island.

Until now.

Strange things have been happening in this claustrophobic town - from the mountain lions that have been approaching Maya to her best friend's hidden talent for "feeling" out people and situations, to the sexy new bad boy who makes Maya feel . . . . different. Combine that with a few unexplained deaths and a mystery involving Maya's biological parents and it's easy to suspect that this town might have more than its share of skeletons in its closet.

If you like Underworld, then read The Grey Wolf Series or The Alexandra Jones Series

Hello everyone!

Lil Berry here at this wonderful blog has kindly asked me to write a guest post for you all with some book recommendations based on some of my favourite films (you’ll see what I mean in a minute).

This was a tricky one for me as most of my favourite films involve vampires, werewolves, magic etc. and I highly doubt you all need any recommendations for books in that kind of genre! But the more I did a little research, the more I found that some of my favourite series of 2012 haven’t actually been mentioned too much, so I’ve stuck with the werewolf theme.

Here goes... Some of my all time favourite films are the Underworld series which involves vampires and werewolves as well as entertaining the hybrid notion which seems to be getting more popular lately. So if you liked (or loved) these films, I have a couple of different recommendations for you which cover all of these themes.

The Grey Wolf Series (currently on 5 books) by Quinn Loftis

This was hand down my favourite series of 2012. I adored everything about it; the characters, the storyline, the writing, the romances, simply everything. And Loftis actually does something pretty interesting with her narration and switches it up with each book. I wasn't sure I’d like this too much but her crossovers were just flawless, couldn't fault it at all.

Anyway, if you liked the Underworld films then you’ll like this series. It revolves around werewolves (sorry, no vampires!) and is quite YA in that it’s also very relationship oriented, following the challenges of the canis lupus finding their mates. Its not too soppy though and is one of the only series of books that actually had me laughing out loud. Definitely check these out.

The Grey Wolf Series onGoodReads

Alexandra Jones Series (currently on 3 books) by Samantha Towle

This was another of my favourites this year and involves more of the hybrid theme with Varcolacs, half vampire half werewolf creatures. I think I liked the storyline most about this series, it was pretty original (check out the GoodReads link below for more) and the characters were really likable. Its maybe slightly darker than typical YA books which I also loved and each book has you craving the next one.

The Alexandra JonesSeries on GoodReads

If you've got any other recommendations along this theme then let me know!

RobynLeanne @ Fairytales andFolklore

{Cover Wars} Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

This week we are connecting more with our wild side to decide who is the winner of this weeks Cover Wars, as you can see by the title today's contestant is Andrea Cremer's very own Nightshade. Shall we take a pick at the book blurb??

Since Calla was a child she knew her destiny, she is expected to become Ren's mate, follow the orders of the Keepers, be an exemplary female alpha and follow the rules that her people have for several years. That is until one night she decides to save a boys life and starts to breake her masters rules.

Problems start to grow when the mysterious boy appears at her school and starts to look for answers, answers she cannot give him. After failing to avoid him Calla is asked by a Keeper to protect this boy who's thirst for knowledge will take Calla down the dangerous path of truth.

If you want to know more about this book check out My Nightshade Review

Now that we are all acquainted to some extent with the book, lets take a look at our contestants:
First we have the wild woman, the girl with the catch me if you can look:

On the other corner waiting for us is the girl that isn't afraid to show us she is both sides of the coin:

From the first cover we see this secure girl, the one that is almost smirking at us, hiding from us something we can't quiet understand, I guess that what she really is smirking about is that this girl in the cover may not make a lot of sense until you get to a certain part of the book and suddenly it all adds up.
Her lovely rival is more how I picture Calla, there is a confidence in her eyes and it feels like we are looking at a girl that feels comfortable in her own skin. By the blurb you can see that this is a girl that her world is about to be shaken around somewhere around an 8.0 in the Richter Scale.
What do you think guys? Which one has your heart and which one should just hit the bench?

Movie Trailer: Beautiful Creatures Second Trailer

I am getting more excited about the Beautiful Creatures premiere even if it's until February!! It is so nice to finally get to see all of Kami Garcia's and Margater Stohl's work come to life in the book screen. You may say hey how do you know if you haven't read the book, you would be right, but I have seen them push for it at San Diego Comic-Con where even if they didn't have a date and they kept fighting for it to be a major production and it is nice to see one of their dreams come true. 

Enjoy the trailer, I know I did.

Birthright by Willow Cross

Series: The Dark Gifts #1

Publication Date: March 2nd, 2011

Publisher: Dutton Children's Book
ISBN-13: 2940011283611

Synopsis

When Liz and Michael met there was an instant attraction, but where it would all lead to they could have never guessed.

A little time alone with a boy in beach should be safe enough right? Well not so much when that cute boy turns out to be a vampire and you his dinner. Now Liz must be brought into judgement by the council to see if she the victim of a vamp-meal gone wrong is worthy of joining the vampire society,.

The consequences that Michael actions unravel will lead the vampire nation to both its downfall and rebirth, but as they say the journey is the best part of every story.

Beautiful Creatures Movie Trailer

I don't know if you guys heard but the official movie trailer for beautiful creatures is out! This is a book I've been wanting to read for a while but sadly I've never done it. I consider this a sign that I should hurry up and read it before the movie comes out. Now without further ado guys here is the trailer!!! Enjoy!

Persephone by Kaitlin Bevis

Series: Daughters of Zeus

Publication Date: July 6th, 2012

Publisher: Musa Publishing
ISBN-13: 981619372436

Synopsis
The “talk” was bad enough, but how many teens get told that they’re a goddess? When her mom tells her, Persephone is sure her mother has lost her mind. It isn’t until Boreas, the god of winter, tries to abduct her that she realizes her mother was telling the truth. Hades rescues her, and in order to safely bring Persephone to the Underworld he marks her as his bride. But Boreas will stop at nothing to get Persephone. Despite her growing feelings for Hades, Persephone wants to return to the living realm. Persephone must find a way to defeat Boreas and reclaim her life.

Review
I liked the way this story takes you to explore the possiblity of life after death and how a living person how has to adapt to a lot of changes in a small time frames coups with it. Persephone is great at adapting under all the pressure that is giving to her during the book but also we see her grow and mature around this story.
The thing that really bothered me was that the author over exploited the cuts in scenes where somethings was going to be revealed by putting and accident or someone interrupting the scene, it just didn't feel natural that all those interruptions took place.

Another part that I liked was that I could really geek off with the mythology, while growing up I spent a lot of time reading myths and legends and it's books like this that make me feel like all the time I invested on reading those types as story's as a kid really pays off.

The chemistry between Persephone and Hades was good, but with characters with the personality's those two have makes me feel there was still some unexplored territory and that is really a shame.

Rating:

A Touch of Greek by Tina Folsom

Series: Out of Olympus #1

Publication Date: September 30th, 2010

Publisher: Tina Folsom

ISBN-13: 9780983612940

Synopsis

When Sophia lost her aunt she felt the void of loosing the woman that took her in and raised her when her parents died, when she starts to build a life of her own in the house she inherited she finds more problems then a cheating contractor and a cousin that is trying to cheat his way into her inheritance, after a freak accident Sophia losses her leaves her blind, now she must deal with opening her B&B  before the bank loans eat her up and she must keep the fears of becoming insane like her mother at bay.
After many chances the son of Triton has finally crossed the line and now he must fufill a quest before he is able to have his powers back and be able to return to Olympus, but things aren't as easy as he first believes, specially after meeting a girl how not only rejected him but also called him a male bimbo. Now he has set his sight on her, so that he can prove her wrong, but is it really why he is doing it?

Taste by Kate Evangelista [Excerpt & Trailer]

 Taste Blurb:

At Barinkoff Academy, there's only one rule: no students on campus after curfew. Phoenix McKay soon finds out why when she is left behind at sunset. A group calling themselves night students threaten to taste her flesh until she is saved by a mysterious, alluring boy. With his pale skin, dark eyes, and mesmerizing voice, Demitri is both irresistible and impenetrable. He warns her to stay away from his dangerous world of flesh eaters. Unfortunately, the gorgeous and playful Luka has other plans.

When Phoenix is caught between her physical and her emotional attraction, she becomes the keeper of a deadly secret that will rock the foundations of an ancient civilization living beneath Barinkoff Academy. Phoenix doesn’t realize until it is too late that the closer she gets to both Demitri and Luka the more she is plunging them all into a centuries old feud.

{Review} A Bites Tale ( A Furry Fable ) by Veronica Blade [Book Tour]

Publication Date: January 7th, 2012

Publisher: Crush Publishing Ink. 

ISBN-13: 9780979886973

Synopsis

Ile de la Paix is where Cinderella and Jack (yes, the one with the bean stock) spend their summers together, one as a tourist the other one just escaping from everyday life. When they meet they leave the real world behind, along with their true names and identity's.
After a horrible accident Cinderella is forced to leave the Ile de la Paix with out saying good bye to Jack. Years later our little Cinderella is brought back into the island, will she be able to forgive herself from what happened that faithful day she last saw Jack? Will she be able to trust herself again? and why is a certain vamp so into her going into the prince's ball?

{Review} Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Series: Nightshade #1

Publication Date: June 28th, 2011

Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group

ISBN-13: 9780399254826

Synopsis

Since Calla was a child she knew her destiny, she is expected to become Ren's mate, follow the orders of the Keepers, be an exemplary female alpha and follow the rules that her people have for several years. That is until one night she decides to save a boys life and starts to breake her masters rules.

Problems start to grow when the mysterious boy appears at her school and starts to look for answers, answers she cannot give him. After failing to avoid him Calla is asked by a Keeper to protect this boy who's thirst for knowledge will take Calla down the dangerous path of truth.

{Review} Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

Series: Gone With Respiration #1

Publication Date: October 18th, 2011

Publisher: Del Rey

ISBN-13: 9780345523310


Synopsis
The world descended to madness, between wars and natural disasters, we must count ourselves lucky that humans still exist. In the year 2195 people have settled near the Ecuador, the nation of New Victoria has risen taking in the good of technology with the values of the victorian era.
After school ends Nora and Pamela find themselves packing and getting ready to go back home to enjoy the holidays. Nora returns home only to find out that her only living relative her aunt Gene has spent all the family money and plans to marry her off to the highest bidder. Nora's anger towards her aunt is tossed away when she is being kidnapped by the walking dead.
Now Nora is brought into the middle of the war, what at first seemed like a fight between Punks and the people of New Victoria turns out to be one of the biggest government cover ups, there is a virus called "Laz" that turns humans into zombies. Nora starts to turn for answers to Captain Griswold, also known as Bram, a soldier with the patience of a saint, a good sense of humor, a noble man, some would called him handsome but most would call him dead. 
In the middle of all the chaos Bram and Nora's relationship soon evolves from trust to something else, they know that their path is not one with out obstacles and that someday the "Laz" will win and their love will end. In spite of it all they will try to stay together until the very end.

Blog Tour Notes

THE BOOK:  Alex Kosmitoras may be blind, but he can still “see” things others can’t.  When his unwanted visions of the future begin to suggest that the girl he likes could be in danger, he has no choice but to take on destiny and demand it reconsider. Get your copy today by visiting Amazon.com’s Kindle store or the eBook retailer of your choice. The paperback edition will be available on November 24 (for the author’s birthday).

{Early Review} Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Publication Date: September 27, 2011

Publisher: Little, Brown & Company

ISBN-13: 9780316134026

Synopsis

Kaoru is an art student who is famous in her school for her bizarre art work, she paints creatures that seem out of this world, but are they? Kaoru is known for her quirkiness and for disappearing on mysterious "errands". The strangest thing is that she has never had the need to lie, her reality is so out of this world that no one would believe her anyway. Sometimes Kaoru feels like there is something missing about her, something else she should be doing or somewhere else she should be at and as much as she has tried she has never been able to shake away that feeling.

But everything changes once strange marks start appearing on doorways, and then meeting and being attaked by an angel. But there is something about that angel, Akiva, that she just can't put her finger on it. Could Akiva have answers about Kaorus strange feeling of being? and is it something she is ready to face? 

{Early Review} The Taker by Alma Katsu

Publication date: September 6, 2001

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

ISBN-13: 9781439197059

Synopsis

Life in St. Andrews has no more to offer to Dr. Luke Findley, that is until a spark of exitment comes his way as he meets murder suspect Lanore McIlvrae one night in the hospital. It was supposed to be an easy and fast check up before she was taken to the police station but the moment she grabs the scalpel and slices herself and the wound starts to heal before Luke's eyes. His fascination for this strange women and the promise to know her story are enough to make Luke help her escape.
Lanore story begins in the 1800's where she takes us in her life as a mortal and how she comes to be what she is now and how she ended up a murder suspect.