Follow That Mouse

Author: Henry Melton

Summary: Dot Comal loved her home, although the Utah ranching community of Ranch Exit was too small to call a 'town'. She had her horse, Pokey, and her father to care for, and Ned from the next ranch over was comfortable to be around when he showed up on his motorcycle. But things were changing. The animals, and even her father, were showing signs of a growing irrational rage. Only Watson Winekia, the old Paiute shaman, claimed any knowledge of what was happening, but he was too old and he expected Dot to heal the valley. She was at a loss, until a strange mouse led her to bigger secrets than she'd ever imagined, hidden below her feet. She had to wield mysteries hidden for decades, quickly, before her home town and everything she loved was wiped off the map!

Review: It was a science-fiction novel that I was reluctant to try out at first since I'm not too much into sci-fi, but I was surprised.

The plot was very unique and mind-boggling. This is kind of refreshing since there are so many mainstream books being pumped out right out that just regurgitate storylines. Although it is sci-fi, it didn't feel extremely fantastical or out there because it had a realistic set up. Dot's world didn't change overnight, but there were signs and clues which foreshadowed a bigger-than-her conflict.

I really liked the characters becuase I felt that they weren't stereotypical. Dot isn't some amazing superhero with unknown powers who is arrogant about her abilities. She works together with Ned Kelso and Carl to fix Ranch Exit's problems.

The conflict starts out seeming supernatural, but then it is rationally explained making it believable. The human mind is toyed with throughout the story and there is plenty of confusion in the characters about the truth and what they are being forced to believe.

Although the plot was great, the characters were unique and likable, and the writing was engaging from the very first page, there were a few rough spots. The "magic" being worked in the valley causes amnesia in the main characters several times and then they regain their memories. It is part of the plot, but it can get very hard to follow the story. Breaks could be easily missed, confusing the reader and the organization lacked a little something. As long as you pay attention and read it without putting it down long periods of time, it should be fairly easy to enjoy the book.

I would recommend it to Sci-Fi fans as well as those who love down-to-earth characters.

Rating: 1 2 3 3.5 4 5

Author Blog: http://henrymelton.blogspot.com/

Buy the Book: http://www.amazon.com/Follow-That-Mouse-Henry-Melton/dp/098022537X/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_8

http://www.amazon.com/Henry-Melton/e/B001KE850M/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Don't Forget to Enter My Contest :)

Thanks to the publisher for allowing me to host a giveaway for Gemini Night by Bonnie Hearn Hill. The contest ends November 5th and I hope you will enter! Just leave a comment on the giveaway post. Thanks!

Winner of the Twin's Daughter

Hello everyone! My contest concluded on the 22nd of this month and I used random.org to choose the winner. It was #18 which was

Lauren @laurencrammedbookshelf

Congratulations and thank you for entering! I have already e-mailed the publisher, so you should be getting your prize soon. :)

Thanks to all the other participants and you can still enter my other contest for Gemini Night. I'm going to extend it until the 5th of November.

Also stay tuned because I'm thinking of holding another contest some time soon! :)

Song: Man Man Ha Ni

Before we get to the song, I want to remind you that I have two giveaways up so join, join, join! Thanks :)

Artist: U-Kiss

Language: Korean

About: This is one of U-Kiss's more recent songs and another one which I've fallen in love with. The beat is addicting and all that Pop just keeps getting better and better. I do wish that their dance was a bit more complicated, but their synchronization isn't too bad. Hope you guys enjoy this one too!

MV:

Secondhand Charm by Julie Berry

Author: Julie Berry

Release Day:October 12th. You can get it now!!!

Summary: (goodreads) In a secluded village, magic sparkles on the edges of the forest. There, a young girl named Evie possesses unusually strong powers as a healer. A gypsy's charms—no more than trinkets when worn by others—are remarkably potent when Evie ties them around her neck. Her talents, and charms, have not escaped the notice of the shy stonemason's apprentice. But Evie wants more than a quiet village and the boy next-door. When the young king's carriage arrives one day, and his footman has fallen ill, Evie might just get her chance after all . . .

Review: A very charming tale indeed. My favorite character was definately the leviathan belonging to Evie. It was super cute and adorable and lovable and I really felt its emotions and feelings for Evie. I absolutely loved it!

The plot itself was kind of predictable, but I think the reader expects that. There were a couple of surprising twists on the usual fairytale, but the classic feel that they usually give off was completely preserved. The setting was very detailed, neat and perfect for the storyline as well as the characters.

The heroine of the book is a well-rounded person and is the one who ultimately saves the day. A refreshing touch to the usual "boy saves fair maiden" story. I hope you enjoy the books wittiness and peppy feel as much as I did. It really was a cleverly crafter, adventurously surreal fairytale!

Rating: 1 2 3 4 5

Giveway: Gemini Night

A STAR CROSSED Novel

Author: Bonnie Hearn Hill

Summary: STAR CROSSED: GEMINI NIGHT finds Logan McRae home from Writers Camp with a new mentor, a new boyfriend, a possible internship with the brand-new and highly anticipated CRUSH magazine, and an even stronger belief in the authority of astrology. As usual, trouble catches up with Logan fast. With the help of her two best friends, Paige and Chili, Logan hopes to get a handle on everything before disaster strikes. Weighed down by a troubled heart and nasty rumors at school, it won’t be easy, but Logan’s has the stars on her side. Not only is Hill’s plot fast-paced and intriguing, but there are also interesting facts about astrology, excerpts from Logan’s “Fearless Astrology” handbook, and personality traits of each Sun sign. In addition, Logan writes a column that she hopes to be included in CRUSH, and the reader can enjoy her “CRUSHES” series, which includes information on how to catch the attention of each guy’s Sun sign.

Rules: Only US entries. The publisher will mail out the book to the winner. You MUST leave your e-mail, so that I can contact you if you win. To enter just leave a comment. :)

Extra Entries:

+1 for following

+5 for adding me to your blogroll

You can place all your entries in a single comment.

Contest Ends November 5th

Waiting On Wednesday 12

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. To participate post the logo and your own WoW then leave the link at the host's WoW. :)

Here's what I'm waiting for:

Title: In The Arms of Stone Angels

Author: Jordan Dane

Release Date: April 2011 by Harlequin Teen

Summary: (author's site) Two years ago, Brenna did the unthinkable. She witnessed the aftermath of a murder and accused her only true friend—the first boy she ever loved—of being a killer.

Now sixteen, Brenna returns to Oklahoma only to discover that Isaac "White Bird" Henry isn't in juvie. The half-breed outcast is in a mental hospital, frozen in time, locked in his mind at the worst moment of his life. And when Brenna touches him, she's pulled into his hellish vision quest, seeing terrifying demons and illusions she doesn't understand.

Feeling isolated and alone, she's up against the whole town, targeted by bullying former classmates, a bigoted small town sheriff, and a tribe who refuses to help one of their own. But when Brenna realizes she's as trapped by the past as White Bird is, this time she won't turn her back on him. She's the only one who can free them both.

Even if she has to expose her secret—a "gift" she's kept hidden her whole life.

Thoughts: Lately I've been reading darker YA novels filled with emotions, so this book looks like it'll be good to add to my to-read list. I just like the sound of it. :)

What Are You Waiting For?

The Season

Author: Sarah MacLean

Summary: (back cover) "Seventeen-year-old Lady Alexandra Stafford doesn't fit into te world of Regency London--she's strong-willed, sharp-tongued, and she absolutely loathes dress fittings. Unfortunately, her mother has been waiting for years for Alex to be old enough to take part in the social whirlwind of a London season so she can be married off to someone safe, respectable, wealthy, and almost certainly boring. But Alex is far more fascinated by adcenture than romance.

Somehow between ball gown fittings, dances, and dinner parties, Alex, along with her two best friends, Ella and Vivi, manages to get entangled in her biggest scrape yet. It's a mystery brimming with espionage, murder, suspicion, and love...."

Review: A lovely book that I recommend to anyone who loves a stubborn heroine, hot gentlemen, mystery and London most of all. This book was a pretty good read because of that and the writing was engaging. A lovely adventure and a nice book to read if you want to take a break from the paranormal that's taken over our shelves. :)

Rating: 1 2 3 4 5

-If I rated covers, this one would probably fail- :)

Song: Beautiful Hangover

Artist: Big Bang sings this catchy tune mixing the Japanese language with English. The best part of the song, in my opinion, is when T.O.P begins rapping. He has a truly amazing voice! :) Did I mention that all five members are Korean, but they are talented enough to sing in Japanese and English! This is absolutely my favorite band of all time, even though I'm not even Asian.

Language: Japanese/English





MV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMNblKdYUZg

I really like this song and its to get me, and you, in the giving mood for an upcoming contest. Heeheehee. :)

Review and Giveaway: the Twin's Daughter

Author: Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Publisher: BLOOMSBURY

Summary: (goodreads) Lucy Sexton is stunned when a disheveled woman appears at the door one day... a woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to Lucy's own beautiful mother. It turns out the two women are identical twins, separated at birth, and raised in dramatically different circumstances. Lucy's mother quickly resolves to give her less fortunate sister the kind of life she has never known. And the transformation in Aunt Helen is indeed remarkable. But when Helen begins to imitate her sister in every way, even Lucy isn't sure at times which twin is which. Can Helen really be trusted, or does her sweet face mask a chilling agenda? Filled with shocking twists and turns, The Twin's Daughter is an engrossing gothic novel of betrayal, jealousy, and treacherous secrets that will keep you guessing to the very end.

Review: I'm participating in a blog tour for bloomsbury and I hope you will be happy to hear that they have offered to give away a copy of this book to one of you! You just need to fill out the following document.

The summary is right about the twists and turns. Even I was confused by who was who and it was thrilling to find out that the ending wasn't what I had expected. I was surprised and usually I can predict the endings of most books. It is a perfect Holloween read with its dark atmosphere and intense murder plot.

At first, it was hard to get into because the setting felt a little forced. It takes place back in time where people wear ball gowns and go to dances. I love this type of setting! After the first two chapters, the story started to flow smoothly. Plot-wise, it was an excellent story. A murder mystery with a female heroine!

Another very important detail that the summary failed to mention was the romance. I think that for most girls, that is what we look for in our YA. At least, it makes the book that much more interesting. There was romance and a very believable one at that. Even though this book's main idea are the twins, it weaved in murder, romance, betrayal, and deportment classes in a very seamless format ending with a shocking climax. I suggest that you read it if you like books about mind games and such.

Rating: 1 2 3 4 5

For the GIVEAWAY: It ends the 22nd of October.

The publisher will send the book to the winner, so I can't accept international entries. :(

Don't forget to leave your e-mail.