Friday, December 30, 2011

Mini Review: Hare Moon by Carrie Ryan

Title: Hare Moon
Author: Carrie Ryan
Series: The Forest of Hands and Teeth # 0.5





Tabitha can’t shake the feeling that something exists beyond the fences of her village. And when she sneaks out, past the gates and down the path into the Forest of Hands and Teeth, she meets a boy who teaches her heart things she never knew. But love in a world surrounded by so much death doesn’t come without its sacrifices, and Tabitha gradually realizes just how much she’ll have to give up to live among the Unconsecrated.

My Review 

Since this is a short story, this is just a little mini review. Hare Moon  by Carrie Ryan is a short story that takes place before the first Forest of Hands and Teeth novel. In The Forest of Hands and Teeth, one of the characters we meet is Sister Tabitha, who is the leader of the Sisterhood in Mary’s village. For those who have not read it, the Sisterhood is a group of nuns, who are in charge of the village. While I still do not like Tabitha, I did like seeing how she got to where she was in the first Forest of Hands and Teeth.

This story Tabitha starts out much like Mary in the first Forest of Hands and Teeth novel, dreaming of the world outside the safety of her village. The choices she makes in the story set the stage for understanding the first events in The Forest of Hands and Teeth better. This is a very quick, short read, but I really loved delving back into the world of created by Carrie Ryan. Any fan of The Forest of Hands and Teeth will enjoy this short story.

**Unabridged Bookshelf borrowed this short story from her local public library**

Follow Friday: New Years Edition

Q: The New Year is here — and everyone wants to know your New Years Blogging Resolution! What are you going to try to revise, revamp and redo for 2012 on your blog?

I have only been blogging for 3 months now, but it has been an amazing experience. I think the thing I am striving to improve is just overall blogging knowledge, and relationships with fellow bloggers. I am really grateful to the friends I have made so far. I am hoping to look back next year and see how far things have come in my first year of blogging. I hope to improve me review postings, I always seem to have trouble getting them out on time. Mostly, I am just want to have fun blogging about something I love!

What is your New Years Blogging resolutions?
Leave me a link so I can check them out!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Cover Revealed: Before I Wake by Rachel Vincent




I just saw the cover reveal on both Rachel Vincent's blog and Harlequin Teen's Facebook page!
I love the pink, it is brighter than the first 5, in my opinion, but I always loved the beautiful following dresses that grace the cover of the Soul Screamer series!
I am going to have to get My Soul to Steal, and If I Die read before June 22!!

What do you think of the cover to the newest Soul Screamer Installment?

Review: Iron Queen (The Iron Fey #3) by Julie Kagawa

Title: Iron Queen
Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: The Iron Fey #3

Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Harlequin
Publication Date: January 25, 2011


Buy Iron Queen


My name is Meghan Chase.
I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.
This time, there will be no turning back.


My Review


The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa is the third book in the Iron Fey series. The beginning of this one takes place after Ash and Meghan leave the world of fey behind. Meghan knows she cannot just leave the world of fey behind, with the threat of the Iron Fey growing. Meghan know she is the only one who stands the chance going up against the Iron King, because Iron is toxic to any full fey. Meghan is only half-fey, but that half comes from the Summer King, Lord Oberon. At the end of the last book, The Iron Daughter, Ash had refused to denounce his love for Meghan Chase, and as a result, both Ash and Meghan were banished.

While Meghan enjoyed the feeling of being free to do what she wants, and spend her time with Ash, Meghan is requested to battle the Iron King by both the Seelie and Unseelie Court. Meghan, Ash, and Puck travel into the land of the Iron Fey to try to stop the spread of the Iron Kingdom and save the NeverNever. The Iron Queen takes readers on an epic, emotional ride.

I have to say that with every Iron Fey novel, Julie Kagawa surprises me! I have to say the Iron Queen was far more emotional, in my opinion, that the other previous installments. I think this maybe the reason I loved The Iron Queen more than I love the previous installments. I love Meghan’s growth in this novel, and I love the growth of her relationship with Ash. Puck and Grimalkin remain my favorite characters; I really do not think that will ever change. I have a soft spot for sarcastic, secretly sensitive guys.

For those who have not picked up the Iron King, please do yourself a favor and do it. There is something for everyone in this series. I especially love stories involving the world of the fey, because I grew up being told bedtimes stories about the fairy world by my Grandmother. So anyone who grew up on these stories, this series is a must read!

**Unabridged Bookshelf borrowed this book from the public library**

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

WINNERS of the MidWinters Giveaway Hop


Thanks to everyone who entered, and followed! I had over 400 entries, that is just beyond amazing!!
Now for the WINNERS....

The Winner of Anna Dressed In Blood- Kara D. 
The Winner of Morganville Vampires Vol. 1-  Cameron Y
Winner of International eBook Prize Pack- YTO

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Waiting on Wednesday: Shadow Bound



Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we cannot wait to get our hands on.

This week my Waiting on Wednesday is


Title: Shadow Bound
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Unbound #2
Expected Publication: June 1, 2012




If you live in the dark long enough, you begin to forget the light… 
KORI DANIELS is a shadow-walker, able to travel instantly from one shadow to another. After weeks of confinement for betraying her boss, she’s ready to break free of the Tower syndicate for good. But Jake Tower has one final job for Kori, one chance to secure freedom for herself and her sister, Kenley, even if that means taking it from someone else…
The job? Recruit Ian Holt—or kill him.
Ian’s ability to manipulate the dark has drawn interest from every syndicate in the world, most notably an invitation from Jake Tower. Though he has no interest in organized crime, Ian accepts the invite, because he’s on a mission of his own. Ian has come to kill Tower’s top Binder: Kori’s little sister.
Amid the tangle of lies, an unexpected thread of truth connecting Ian and Kori comes to light. But with opposing goals, they’ll have to choose between love and liberty….(copied from Goodreads)


I am in the process of reading Blood Bound, and I love the story! I still have a ways to go before I finish it, but I have a feeling that I am going to be craving Shadow Bound when I am done!

What are you waiting on this week, leave me a link so I can come check it out! 

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Teaser Tuesday: Hollowmen (The Hollows #2) by Amanda Hocking

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly event hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
  • Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others!
Make sure to share the title and the author so other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their to be read piles.

This weeks teasers comes from:

Title: Hollowmen
Author: Amanda Hocking
Series: The Hollows #2






the sequel to Hollowland....
After six months in the quarantine, Remy finds out things are much worse than she feared. Her plans to escape come with a heavy cost, and she realizes that zombies aren't the worst of her problems.


TEASER 1
"Do you see that, Remy? You were out of commission for a few days, and the world didn't end'"
Kindle Location 2809 

 TEASER 2
I laughed, for the first time in quite a long time, but it was cut short by the sound of a zombie howling right beside us. 

I absolutely loved the first book in the Hollow series, Hollowland, and I could not wait for Amanda Hocking to finish up the second book. I already started it, and I loved it so far! For anyone who has not started the first one, it is currently free on Amazon for the Kindle

Make sure to leave me a link to your teasers so I can check them out!!

Monday, December 26, 2011

In My Mailbox: Christmas Edition


In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren
It gives readers the chance to share the books they received over the past week.
This includes books purchased, borrowed, won, or gifted.

WON
Savor (Warm Delicacy, #1)
I won a SIGNED copy of Savor from the Savor Blog Tour from Gabbi at BookBreather  and  the author, Megan Duncan
The first copy got lost in the mail, and Megan being incredibly awesome sent me a replacement!

Alexander Death (The Paranormals, #3)
I won this personalized SIGNED copy from The Slowest Bookworm stop of the Paranormals Tour!

BOUGHT
Scorpio Rising (The Scorpio Series)Unearthly (Unearthly #1)Vesper (Deviants, #1)Hereafter (Hereafter, #1)The Poison Diaries (Poison Diaries, #1)EntwinedHollowmen (The Hollows, #2)Delirium
Wiccan (Wiccan, #1)IntuitionDirty Blood (Dirty Blood #1)One Little Christmas Tree: A Children's Christmas Picture Book
I won a $50 dollar Amazon gift card from Emlyn Chand at Novel Publicity and Monique Domovitch for the Google + sharing contest and these are the Kindle books I bought with it!
For those like me who have not read Delirium yet, it is only 2.99 on Kindle right now!!


I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! 
I have a blast spending time with my entire extended family!
Now it is time to get back in the swing of things!
What did you get in you mailbox/stocking/presents this week?
Leave me a link so I can check it out!


Saturday, December 24, 2011

Happy Holidays! Small Blog Vacation

Well it is that time of the year! It is officially Christmas Eve, which means a lot of family time for me! That does mean for the blog? I means that unless plans change I will not be posting anything until at least Monday Decemember 26th. So from now until Monday Morning, I am going to try to disconnect and spend a lot of quality time with my family and my babies!

While I am away do not forget to enter my Midwinters Eve giveaway!

Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah, 
and for everyone else HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Review: The Iron Daughter ( The Iron Fey #2) by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron Daughter
Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: The Iron Fey #2

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Harlequin
Publication Date: August 1, 2010


BUY THE IRON DAUGHTER

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.
Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.(copied from Goodreads)

 My Review

The Iron Daughter is the second book in the Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa. This one picks up pretty much from the end of the Iron King. Anything missed is detailed in the first few pages. Meghan lives up to her contract with the Winter Prince, Ash, and travels to the Unseelie Court. While there Meghan discovers the she cannot access her Summer Glamor anymore, leaving her without any powers. This is not a comforting, while staying in the court of her father, King Oberon, sworn enemies. To make matters even worse, if that is possible, Ash wants nothing to do with her.

In the Iron Daughter, Meghan tries to warn Queen Mab of the dangers of the Iron Fey, but Queen Mab refuses to believe her. Since this is the Iron Fey series, one can guess that Iron Fey are going to play a part in the story. I just do not want to spoil anything for anyone. After leaving Puck in the Iron King, I was pleased to see my favorite trickster back again. Without Puck, there would be a lack of humor through the book. Grimalkin is also a big part of the journey through the novel. Of course, the whole novel there is the issue of Meghan, and her feelings for both Ash and Puck.

I really like The Iron Daughter for so many reasons. My favorite part has to be Puck, I really love his humor, and his antics. He makes sure the novel is never to dreary at any given point. I, of course, love me some Ash! I mean come on who doesn’t love that dreamy Winter Prince! I have to say I really love Meghan progression in the book, it seems like she could stand a bit more on her own.

I really like where the story is headed, and I already finished the Iron Queen! I will have a review up this weekend, maybe depending on Christmas festivities. I loved the Iron King, I love the Iron Daughter even more! Seriously, I love the way the story is headed into the Iron Queen. This is a must read for any fan of Iron King, and anyone who likes fairytales! If you have not started the Iron Fey series yet, please do, I promise it is well worth the read!


**Unabridged Bookshelf purchased this book**

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday: The Golden Lily



Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we cannot wait to get our hands on.

This week my Waiting on Wednesday is


Title: The Golden Lily
Author: Richelle Mead
Series: Bloodlines #2
Expected Publication: June 19, 2012




The second thrilling installment in Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy spinoff series.
Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students—children of the wealthy and powerful—carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought.
Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Richelle Mead’s breathtaking Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is hotter, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher.(copied from Goodreads)

I really loved the Vampire Academy series, and I did like Bloodlines except for the body image issues. I am hoping this maybe corrected in the second book, and with the ending of Bloodlines, I just have to read this one. I have to know what happens!!
What are you waiting on this week?
Leave me a link so I can come check it out!

Also, while you are here enter my giveaway on the Midwinters Eve Giveaway Hop
Ends Dec 27 at 12:01 AM EST

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Mid-winters Eve Blog Hop

This is my first Giveaway Blog Hop! 
I am really excited to participate and big thanks to I am a Reader, Not a Writer and Oasis for YA for hosting. 

I have two books to giveaway, and  one eBook prize pack, meaning there are TWO US WINNERS and ONE INTERNATIONAL winner!
The only condition for the International Winner is that you have to be able to accept gifted eBooks from Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Please make sure this applies to you, before entering. 

The only Mandatory entry is Follow this Blog. 


The first US ONLY prize is a copy of Anna Dressed In Blood
Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna, #1)
I know this does not exactly scream Midwinters, but I won an extra copy to giveaway from Tor Publishing. I thought this would be a great opportunity to give it away. 

I also have a gently used copy of the Morganville Vampires Volume 1 for US ONLY. It includes the first two books in the Morganville Vampires series. 
The Morganville Vampires: Volume 1 (The Morganville Vampires, #1-2)


eBook Prize Pack for INTERNATIONAL ONLY
Please just make sure you can except gifted books from Amazon or Barnes and Noble
Unearthly (Unearthly #1)EntwinedHereafter (Hereafter, #1)

Just enter using the Rafflecopter widget, and the proceed on through to the next stop.
Thank you for stopping by Unabridged Bookshelf!



a Rafflecopter giveaway


Teaser Tuesday: Blood Bound

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly event hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
  • Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others!
Make sure to share the title and the author so other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their to be read piles.

This weeks teasers comes from:


Title: Blood Bound
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Unbound #1




By blood, by word, by magic…
Most can't touch the power. But Liv Warren is special— a paranormal tracker who follows the scent of blood.
Liv makes her own rules, and the most important one is trust no one.
But when her friend's daughter goes missing, Liv has no choice but to find the girl. Thanks to a childhood oath, Liv can't rest until the child is home safe. But that means trusting Cam Caballero, the former lover forbidden to her.
Bound by oath and lost in desire for a man she cannot have, Liv is racing to save the child from a dark criminal underworld where secrets, lies, trauma and danger lurk around every corner…every touch…every kiss.
And more blood will be spilled before it's over…'


Teaser 1:
"They'll have to kill me to find the mark," I corrected ans she shrugged again.
"You'll be dead either way."
Page 268

Teaser 2:
So I did the math. And suddenly wished I'd never learned how to add.
Page 297

I just started this one, but I really like it!
What do you think?
 Leave me a link to your teaser, so I can check it out!

Monday, December 19, 2011

10 eBooks for UNDER $10 From Epic Reads Epic Deals







I had to share this with you guys, because it is just that awesome!
These books are only .99 from 12/20 until 1/30
These eBooks are on sale for both Kindle and Nook. 
Do not own a Kindle, no problem the software can be used on phones, computers, and even iPods. 

All these awesome books are just .99, and I included links to both the Nook version and the Kindle Version!!

Unearthly (Unearthly #1)

Hereafter (Hereafter, #1)

Vesper (Deviants, #1)

Bumped (Bumped, #1)

The Unidentified

The Poison Diaries (Poison Diaries, #1)

Entwined

Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn't Have)

Withering Tights

Lucky (Avery Sisters Trilogy, #1)

How amazing is the deal on these books!! 
I will be buying a bunch of them for myself. 
Click the picture to be taken to Goodreads and I included the links for Kindle, and Nook below each cover!!

Cover Reveal: Sleepers by Megg Jensen

To celebrate the re-launch of SLEEPERS in January of 2012, Megg is giving it a new cover with artwork from the incredible PhatPuppy.

On sale now for only 99 cents!
To celebrate the re-launch of SLEEPERS in January of 2012, Megg is giving it a new cover with artwork from the incredible PhatPuppy.
Synopsis: An adoptee raised in a foreign land, sixteen-year-old Lianne was content with her life as handmaiden to the queen, until a spell cast on her at birth activated. Now she's filled with uncontrollable rage and access to magic she thought had been bled from her people years ago. Even her years of secret training in elite hand-to-hand combat and meditation can’t calm the fires raging inside her.
Her heart is torn between two boys, the one she’s always loved and the one who always ignored her. But when the kingdom threatens to tear itself apart due to rumors surrounding the queen’s alleged affair, who will Lianne protect and who will she destroy?

Place To Follow Megg Jensen

Thank you Megg for letting partake in the new Cover Reveal!
My Review of Sleeper will be up later this week, so come back to check that out!!
Other reviews of Sleepers here

Sunday, December 18, 2011

In My Mailbox (Dec 18)


In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren
It gives readers the chance to share the books they received over the past week.
This includes books purchased, borrowed, won, or gifted.

BOUGHT
The Benson (Experiment in Terror, #2.5)
This is currently FREE on Smashwords!

WON
Cold Blood (Dirty Blood #2)

Lying Season (Experiment in Terror, #4)
I won this through a Twitter giveaway from the wonderful author, Karina Halle

The Defector
I won this at Minding Spot as part of the Book Lover's Holiday Hop.

BORROWED
The Iron Knight (Iron Fey, #4)

I am really excited for every single book I got this week, I just finished Iron Daughter and Iron Queen, I will be posting the reviews soon! I cannot wait to read The Iron Knight!
I just bought the first three Experiment in Terror last week, so I am happy to win the newest release, Lying Season, and the Novella to my collection. I also have heard a lot of good things about Dirty Blood and Cold Blood, I just need to pick up a copy of Dirty Blood!

What did you get this week? Leave me a link so I can check it out!