Wednesday 31 July 2013

Blog tour: Review + Aus/NZ Giveaway Zac & Mia by A.J. Betts


Hi everyone! I’m so pleased to be able to participate in the Zac & Mia by A.J. Betts blog tour through Text Publishing.

Zac & Mia was the winner of the 2012 Text Prize for Young Adult and Children’s writing.

Zac and MiaZac and Mia

Author: A.J. Betts
Pages: 272
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Text Publishing
Amazon
Release date: 24th July 2013

Synopsis.

The last person Zac expects in the room next door is a girl like Mia, angry and feisty with questionable taste in music. In the real world, he wouldn’t—couldn’t—be friends with her. In hospital different rules apply, and what begins as a knock on the wall leads to a note—then a friendship neither of them sees coming.

You need courage to be in hospital; different courage to be back in the real world. In one of these worlds Zac needs Mia. And in the other Mia needs Zac. Or maybe they both need each other, always.

Review: 4 out of 5 stars

I was quite hesitant about reading Zac & Mia, I recently found out a very close family member has cancer so I was a little wary about how the book would make me feel; although there is sadness, it also showed optimism and made me think about life and how we experience it.



Zac Meier and Mia Phillips are our main characters and meet during hospitalisation for cancer, both complete opposites in personality and the only thing really connecting them is their disease; Zac is more accepting of what he has and has researched it extensively so is aware of his odds but Mia is full of rage and is trying to hold on to what her life was.

At the beginning of the book (Part 1) we see how Zac copes with the isolation, the mundane repetitive routines and his feelings about his life and the chances he has of surviving, it was evenly paced and kept me interested; he was an easy character to like. The middle portion (Part 2) of the book showed Mia and Zac’s time together and how the illness united them and the bond they came to form, sickness is the overall subject matter but it certainly wasn't all gloom and the bulk of the story, the last portion (Part 3) of the book is more or less Mia and I feel this is where we see the most character growth for her but I still didn’t find her to have the most endearing personality. I admired both of these characters but more so Zac for his kindness, strength and understanding, he seemed to want to support and help Mia who was adamant she was broken and couldn't seem to lose the anger.

One thing I absolutely loved was Zac’s relationship with his mother who I thought was amazing! She was wonderful and so supportive, not only with him but also to Mia who didn’t have the same family life.



Zac & Mia touched very close to home, it is emotionally intense and confronting but the way in which the author wove in family, humour and a sweet friendship to romance which all began through a tap on the hospital walls gave the overall book a sense of balance. Ms. Betts writing is wonderfully engaging, she bought out the characters emotions, hopes and courage beautifully in a way which was realistic and we get both POV’s which I felt worked well in this story.

Overall, if you are after a book filled with hope and heart I recommend Zac & Mia, it doesn’t come without teary moments and sorrow but it does show that positivity and courage can get us through anything, as difficult as they may be.

Thank-you kindly to Text Publishing for the opportunity to read and review Zac & Mia.


About the author: A. J. Betts is an author, teacher, speaker and cyclist. Zac & Mia, the winner of the Text Prize for Young Adult and Children’s Writing, is her third novel for young adults. Her others are ShutterSpeed andWavelength. She lives in Perth, and writes when she’s not pedalling.


Giveaway: Text Publishing is kindly offering one (1) copy of Zac & Mia to an Australian or New Zealand resident
  • No responsibility will be taken for lost or stolen books
  • The winner will have 48 hours to respond
  • Not all rafflecopter options are mandatory
  • Australian or New Zealand residents only.
  • Ends 10th August 2013
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Text Prize Winner Blog Tour
Zac & Mia by A. J. Betts

Wednesday 24 (Pub date!)
Q&A with ALPHAReader
Thursday 25
Review at First Impressions
Friday 26
Guest Post on Kids’ Book Review
Saturday 27
Sunday 28
Monday 29
Review at YA Midnight Reads
Tuesday 30
Review at VeganYANerds
Wednesday 31
Thursday 01 August
Reviewat inkcrush

Waiting on Wednesday - Erased by Jennifer Rush & Alienated by Melissa Landers

 
Hi everyone, thank-you so much for stopping by my WoW!

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I have chosen two WoW’s for this week - Erased by Jennifer Rush, I adored the first book in the series and also Alienated by Melissa Landers which sounds amazing!

Erased (Altered, #2)
Author: Jennifer Rush
Series: Altered
Pages: 275
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Little Brown Young Readers
Release date: 7th January 2014


Synopsis. (Goodreads)

They thought they had escaped. They were wrong.

After fleeing the Branch with Sam, Cas, and Nick, Anna is trying to make sense of the memories resurfacing from her old life. At the same time, she's learning how to survive in hiding, following Sam's rules: Don't draw attention to yourself. Always carry a weapon. Know your surroundings. Watch your back.
Then a figure from Anna's childhood reappears. Is it a Branch setup, or could it be the reunion Anna has hoped for? Uncertain of where her loyalties lie, Anna must fight to learn the truth -- before she is betrayed again. Ultimately, the answers hinge on one question: What was the real reason her memories were erased?
Jennifer Rush delivers a thrilling sequel to Altered in a novel packed with mysteries, lies, and surprises that are sure to keep readers guessing until the last age is turned.

Alienated (Alienated, #1)
Author: Melissa Landers
Series: Alienated
Pages: 352
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Release date: 4th February 2014


Synopsis. (Goodreads)

Interplanetary relations have never been more exciting! The first in a funny, romantic YA sci-fi series.

Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them. 

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class. 

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.


What is your WoW this week?

Saturday 27 July 2013

Stacking the Shelves & The Sunday Post

 
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Hi everyone!! thank-you so much for stopping by my blog today.

The Sunday Post is a meme hosted by Kimba at Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer
and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews

It's a chance to share what has happened the past week, showcase books and other bookish things we have received and talk about what is coming up on our blog.

The below books are what I have received over the past few weeks, some I have already read and reviewed others I am really excited to start on.

(Clicking on the title will take you to Goodreads)

Received for Review

Unspoken (Woodlands #2) by Jen Frederick (Read - 5*)
Warrior (The Dragon Kind Chronicles #1) by Ellen Oh
Out of Play by Nyrae Dawn and Jolene Perry (Read - 5*)
The Liberator (Dante Walker #2) by Victoria Scott
These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
Heartbeat by Elizabeth Scott (Read - 3 1/2*)
Triangles by Kimberly Ann Miller

 (Thank-you kindly to Edelweiss, Netgalley, Jen Frederick, Disney Hyperion, Harper Teen, Harlequin Teen, Spencer Hill Press and Entangled Teen and YA Bound Book Tours)

Unspoken (Woodlands, #2) Warrior (The Dragon King Chronicles, #2) Out of Play The Liberator (Dante Walker, #2) 
These Broken Stars (Starbound, #1) Heartbeat Triangles
Purchased

Fair Play by Tracey A. Ward

Fair Play
Won

Forged in Steele by Maya Banks

Forged in Steele (KGI, #7)
                              (Thank-you kindly Chapter by Chapter)

This past week

Review: Frigid by J. Lynn (Jennifer L. Armentrout)
Movie trailer: Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins
ARC Review: All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill
Blog Tour - Review, Guest Post & Giveaway: Banish by Nicola Marsh
Review: Branded (Sinners #1) by Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki

Currently reading

The Liberator (Dante Walker, #2) Zac and Mia 

Thursday 25 July 2013

Review: Branded (Sinners #1) by Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki

Branded (Sinners, #1)Branded

Author: Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki
Series: Sinners
Pages: 252
Genre: Dystopian
Publisher: Self

Synopsis. (Goodreads)

Fifty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best. 
Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home. 

Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain. 

Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win.

The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me. 
I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter. 
My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.

Review: 4 out of 5 stars

Branded started out brilliantly, I found myself completely immersed in the story and flipping through the pages, I would have given the book a solid five stars based on the first portion of the book but at some point my interest tapered off and I found myself pushing through it.

The world Ketner and Kalicicki have created is unique, brutal and quite horrifying, The Commander has ordered people who commit one of the seven deadly sins be branded with a colour which matches their crime and exiled to the Hole which is more or less hell for humans, it’s his way of keeping the society pure.

Lexi Hamilton has been branded with a blue mark which means lust, a crime she doesn’t get a hearing for, she is instantly guilty and with her stunning looks she becomes a prime target in the hole. Lexi was a character that has been dealt a difficult hand, both in and out of the hole but she was resilient and had strength which was needed to survive, but there was something about her which I am struggling to pinpoint that left me conflicted about her as a character.
Branded
Lexi
 Lust - Blue
GluttonyOrange
Pride - Purple
GreedYellow
Wrath - Red
Sloth - Black
Envy - Green

Ordered to guard Lexi is smexy, hardened Cole who I really liked, he would pretty much do anything to protect her against the cruel society which I appreciated but he was also one of the Commanders guards so I was wary about his motives and the kindness he showed, he was nothing like the other guards who seemed ruthless.

Marchell's Corner
Cole
Guards and sinners are forbidden to be in a relationship; it’s a crime punishable by death but Cole and Lexi came to form a really sweet bond in a world filled with injustice and pain, there were a few eye rolling moments between them but I did find myself hoping they would get together.

Amidst the violence, filth and brutality we have some sweet moments, especially with Cole’s clumsy yet protective dog Zeus who bought some light humour to the story and also Alyssa who was a sweetheart, my heart broke for her. All secondary characters were each fleshed out well, I admired Sutton and Bruno and the villain was pure evil and I was quite shocked by who he was, I also wasn't a fan of Lexi's brother Keegan, I didn't trust him at all.

I really liked the writing style, it flowed well but the dialogue at times felt stilted, the world-building was wonderfully creative and I’m curious to see what lies ahead for the hole and the revolt, the authors have painted a dark and dreary setting that you can’t help but visualise, it was absolutely disturbing how people were having to live to survive.

Overall, Branded is an emotionally intense, action-packed read filled with pain, violence and a forbidden love with many twists and turns you don’t see coming. A great debut for Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki.

 

T2cAbout the authors: Abi and Missy met in the summer of 1999 at college orientation and have been best friends ever since. After college, they added jobs, husbands and kids to their lives, but they still found time for their friendship. Instead of hanging out on weekends, they went to dinner once a month and reviewed books. What started out as an enjoyable hobby has now become an incredible adventure.

Wednesday 24 July 2013

Blog Tour - Review, Guest Post & Giveaway: Banish by Nicola Marsh

I am so excited to be a apart of Harlequin Teen Australia's blog tour for BANISH by Australian author, Nicola Marsh.

Today I will be sharing with you my review, Ronan's character profile and playlist as well as a fantastic giveaway!

Banish Blog tour schedule

BanishAuthor: Nicola Marsh
Series: Banish
Pages: 272
Publisher: Harlequin Teen Australia
Genre: Young Adult
Australian release date: 1st August 

Synopsis (Goodreads)

Alyssa has one week to destroy her enemy, save her spirit... and save her soul. 

After her ex-boyfriend commits suicide and her mum’s alcoholism sparks yet another psychotic episode, seventeen-year-old Alyssa Wood flees her small hometown of Broadwater and heads to New York City to stay with her bohemian aunt — a Wicca High Priestess.

Alyssa revels in the anonymity of a big city and her new life. Her grades climb, she has a new best friend, and a new guy: the sexy geek Ronan — a saxophone player who prefers jazz to pop.

But her newfound peace is soon shattered when she sees a dead body in one of Ronan’s music clips — and she’s the only one who can see it. Worse still, Alyssa recognises the body that has been murdered a week forward!

Alyssa doesn’t believe in the supernatural...despite her family’s Wicca background. So how will she overcome evil when it’s closer than she thinks?

Review: 4 out of 5 stars

Banish has the most intriguing premise, I love all things witchy so right from the very onset I was curious about the world Nicola Marsh had created and I am pleased to say Banish is a wonderful start to the series.

Seventeen year-old Alyssa’s life was thrust into chaos when her boyfriend Noah commit suicide after she broke up with him, her mother is on a drinking binge and has been emotionally detached for a number of years and she has been uprooted from her life in Broadwater to move to NYC with her eccentric, wiccan high priestess aunty.

I liked Alyssa in spite of her moodiness and snark, she was self-reliant and strong considering the upheaval in her life; she has made a new friend at school, Seth and her crush Ronan is paying her a lot of attention; things seem to be going right for a change.

Twenty one year-old Ronan is an absolute sweetheart! A jazz loving, saxophone playing computer geek; he was truly wonderful with Alyssa but when a song he records for her shows some disturbing footage of a brutal murder and strange things begin to happen around her she starts to question what is going on and who is tormenting her – fingers point initially to sweet talking Ronan.

I love a good murder, mystery plot and Banish was written well, had all of the elements I enjoy in a paranormal novel and the pacing was spot on and kept me turning the pages. I must admit, from the onset I had no idea who Alyssa’s tormentor was and I was completely shocked by the culprit as well as saddened about the reasoning as to why.

My biggest gripe in this book was Alyssa’s reluctance to accept her families link to witchcraft, things happen right before her very eyes but she remains stubborn throughout not accepting help or answers; especially from her mother who explained her emotional detachment but was still treated with hostility. I am hoping after the events which occurred at the end of the book, Alyssa begins to embrace what she knows and is.

Nicola Marsh’s writing is crisp and engaging and her characters each enjoyable to read about, all of them played a pivotal part in the overall book so we get to know each of them quite well – I’d love to see more of Ronan who I really came to adore in the sequel.

Overall, a gripping start to this wonderful series; definitely recommended to everyone who loves witchcraft, intriguing mystery and supernatural thrillers with well-developed, likeable characters.

Thank-you kindly to Harlequin Teen for the opportunity to participate in the Banish blog tour.
Guest post!

Actor Ben Barnes, how I see Ronan
Ronan’s character profile:

Age: 21
Occupation: Part-time music tutor, part-time IT genius, saxophonist with The Dizzy’s
Hair: Brown, shoulder-length, shaggy, worn in a ponytail
Eyes: Hazel
Best described as…: sexy geek
Favorite outfit: low-slung skinny jeans, white T shirt, black leather jacket
Favorite musician: Dizzy Gillespie
Favorite contemporary saxophonist: Sam Bortka
Favorite food: Chocolate-covered pretzels
Favorite drink: orange soda
Lives: New York City
Embarrassing secret: channel surfs talk shows after late-night gigs
Hobbies: composing & recording songs, geek for facts, YouTube addict

Nicola MarshAbout the author:

USA TODAY bestselling Aussie author Nicola worked as a physiotherapist for thirteen years before she tired of saying "I'm going to write a book one day" and actually did it. She started writing late 2001 and found once she started she couldn't stop!


Nicola currently writes for Harlequin Mills and Boon Kiss series, has published 38 books and sold over 3 million copies worldwide.
Her first mainstream contemporary romance, 'Busted in Bollywood', ('Sex and the City' meets 'Eat, Pray, Love') released from Entangled Publishing December 2011 and released as mass market paperback in June 2012. It's a finalist for ROMANTIC BOOK of the YEAR 2012.
Her first romance for Entangled Publishing's Indulgence series, NOT THE MARRYING KIND, released July 2012.
Her first indie pubbed novel, CRAZY LOVE, released September 2012 and shot to number 1 in the kindle free store on its first day and is a 2012 ARRA finalist.

Her debut Young Adult novel, a thriller BANISH, will release with Harlequin Teen August 2013.
SCION OF THE SUN, a YA paranormal urban fantasy, will release with Month9Books November 2013.

Also a Waldenbooks and Bookscan bestseller, she has finalled in several awards including the prestigious HOLT (Honoring Outstanding Literary Talent), Booksellers' Best, Golden Quill, Laurel Wreath, More than Magic and won several CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Awards.

Nicola loves the hip, vibrant, cosmopolitan vibe of her home city, Melbourne, where she's set the bulk of her novels, highlighting fabulous cultural and food havens like Acland Street (St. Kilda), Brunswick Street (Fitzroy) and Lygon Street (Carlton).

When she's not writing she's busy raising her two little heroes, sharing fine food with family and friends, cheering on her beloved North Melbourne Kangaroos footy team or her favourite past time, curling up with a good book.




Harlequin Teen Australia are kindly offering two (2) very lucky readers an eBook copy of BANISH.
  • Open Internationally,
  • 24th July – 7th August 2013
  • Not all entry options are mandatory
  • The winners will be selected via Random.org and notified by email, they will have 48 hours to respond.
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