Eyes Like Stars Costume Contest!

Lisa Mantchev is hosting an Eyes Like Stars Costume Contest!

I've decided to participate, as I've recently read ELS and loved it! Read my review, here.

The Details, from Lisa's blog:

With Halloween coming up, and costuming ideas percolating through my brain, I'm going to start a blog-for-a-book contest for hardcover copies of Eyes Like Stars.

To Win:

1) Pick your favorite character from Eyes Like Stars.
2) Compose a blog entry showing how someone could dress like that character Halloween.
3) Be witty. Include pictures and links to items that are actually for sale. Points given for creativity, thriftiness/extravagance, glitter, and fun.
4) Include a link to the Théâtre Illuminata website: www.theatre-illuminata.com
5) Email me the link to your entry ( lisa at lisamantchev dot com ) with the subject line: COSTUME CONTEST
6) Goodwill points accrued for tweeting, facebooking, and other social media verb-ing this contest.
7) Triple bonus points awarded for dressing up as a character and taking a picture.

Winners will be chosen by the Management on November 1st.

UP TO TEN HARDCOVER COPIES WILL BE AWARDED.

And a Théâtre Illuminata bonus prize package will be issued to The Most Shiny: Bertie's black-and-white knee socks, green glitter hairspray, black glitter nail polish, black fishnet gloves, Jones Orange Cream Soda candy (found in the Green Room!) Backstage Pass bracelets, signed bookplates, and more.

(The Management is currently working to get the entries in the Glitter Tour Giveaway up and running on GoogleMaps and thanks you for your patience.)
____________________________________
My Entry:
I've decided to write a post with pictures and links demonstrating how to dress up like:

BERTIE:
Bertie is the star of Eyes Like Stars! She's spunky, fun, and smart!

The Hair:
Bertie is a hair diva! At the beginning of ELS, she dyes her hair a lovely shade of blue. This wig would work perfectly if one was dressing up as Bertie! I think this cat models it perfectly and the picture on the right has a lots of attitude! I think Bertie would approve!

Go here to buy a blue wig!

The Makeup:

Bertie's makeup shows her flair the the dramatic, so smokey eye makeup does the trick!

Go here to buy eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara to achieve this look! :)

The Eyewear:

When Bertie attends her fateful meeting with Management, she dons a pair of chic glasses!

Go here to buy this pair!

The attire:

Bertie is a unique, and above all, fun dresser! In my mind, she's a bit of a fashionista who sets trends as she chooses her outfits from the Theatre's custume department! There are two outfit combinations below... One that is a bit truer to the novel and one that I can imagine her wearing!

Pinstripe Corset: go here for details! Black skinny jeans: details here!

This dress screams Bertie to me! Details here!

The shoes:

Bertie has a interesting run-in with heels in ELS!

These are adorable! And they woould totally match either outfit above! And Bertie's hair! Not sure if it weird to match hair to shoes, but Bertie could pull it off! Details here!

The Accessories:

Bertie wears an amulet given to her by Nate - which I think is really the only jewelry she needs! I mean, it is from Nate, plus it is integral to the plot of ELS!

It is hard to find a pendant that fits perfectly, but this one is pretty! Details here!

_______________________________________

Well, I had way to much fun finding items that I thought would work great as a Bertie Costume! Who is your favorite character and what would you wear if you dressed up that character for Halloween? If you are participating in this contest, be sure to leave me a link in the comments so I can see what you chose! :)

Check out the Theatre Illuminata Website, here!

Amy Huntley Reading/Signing

Thursday I was lucky enough to meet Amy Huntley, author of The Everafter!

Unfortunately, all I knew about The Everafter and Amy were the following facts:

1. I loved the cover of the book.

2. Amy is from Michigan, like me.

3. The book summary sounded really good.

4. The Everafter had been getting good reviews.

I ordered a copy of the book, but I forgot about Columbus Day and I didn't get it in time! Of course, it came the next day. x_x

Amy started out by saying that this event was her very FIRST reading and signing! Which was really exciting!

She talked a bit about the road to getting her book published, then she read an excerpt of the book...

And Oh. my. gosh. I was in love. With the book, not Amy. Because that would be weird. :) The excerpt was so wonderful - I was smiling and almost laughing aloud at parts! It was at that moment that I knew that I had made the right choice buying my own copy of the book and making the trip to see her speak!

After the reading, Amy answered questions about the book and then signed copies and gave out bookmarks! I had met up with Tirzah (The Compulsive Reader) and her mum there, so we got to chat with Amy a bit more as Tirzah got her books signed and I got bookmarks signed (darn Columbus Day!). Amy was so unbelievably kind and I got the sense that she would be great to have as a teacher (she's an English teacher). We also talked about how in the first cover and story drafts, orchids were used. The cover actually had a lily on it originally! Amy originally wrote the story with a totally different kind of flower (which I can't remember the name of - since it was something I'd never heard of!) I'm so glad they chose the orchid in the end - it looks amazing! Tirzah, Amy, and I also discussed our love of the color purple. :)

I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to meet Amy and hear here talk about her inspirations and road to publication. I'm even more excited to read The Eveafter now - look for my review in the next couple of weeks! I'll also be giving away some of those bookmarks I picked up - they are so pretty and purpley! :)

Some pictures (In which I realize I'm not good at taking action shots...):

                                                                                              

Tirzah and Amy!

In My Mailbox (12)

IMM is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren!

This was a good week for books! I bought some, borrowed some, won some, and got some for review! I got so many great books this week that I want to start reading so badly, but I have a huge TBR pile of review and library books to read first... luckily all those look good too - but it is still hard!

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver (HarperTeen, 2010)
What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all—looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12th should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it’s her last. The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. In fact, she re-lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she had ever imagined.

James Patterson Books (8)
*Sometimes my camera likes to turn images on their side... sorry about that! x_x
I was lucky enough to win an 8 book prize pack of James Patterson books! Those included:
Maximum Ride: Max, The Angel Experiment, School's Out - Forever!, Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports, The Final Warning, and Manga, The Dangerous Days of Daniel X, and Daniel X: Watch the Skies!
I've been looking at these books for quite some time and am so grateful to have won them!

The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance (Candle Man Bk. 1) by Glenn Dakin (EgmontUSA, out now)
Murder, mystery, and adventure aren’t your typical birthday presents . . .

But for Theo, anything that breaks up his ordinary routine is the perfect gift.
A mysterious “illness” and Theo’s guardians force him into a life indoors, where gloves must be worn and daily medical treatments are the norm. When Theo discovers a suspicious package on his birthday, one person from the past will unlock the secret behind Theo’s “illness” and change his life forever.
Molded into an exhilarating steampunk adventure that gives birth to the next great fantasy hero, Theo Wickland, Candle Man: The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance is the first book in a trilogy by debut author Glenn Dakin.

Lips Touch: Three Times by Laini Taylor
Three tales of supernatural love, each pivoting on a kiss that is no mere kiss, but an action with profound consequences for the kissers' souls:

Goblin Fruit: In Victorian times, goblin men had only to offer young girls sumptuous fruits to tempt them to sell their souls. But what does it take to tempt today's savvy girls?
Spicy Little Curses: A demon and the ambassador to Hell tussle over the soul of a beautiful English girl in India. Matters become complicated when she falls in love and decides to test her curse.
Hatchling: Six days before Esme's fourteenth birthday, her left eye turns from brown to blue. She little suspects what the change heralds, but her small safe life begins to unravel at once. What does the beautiful, fanged man want with her, and how is her fate connected to a mysterious race of demons?

Ghost in the Machine by Patrick Carmen (Scholastic, out now)
Strange things are happening in Skeleton Creek...and Ryan and Sarah are trying to find out why. Ryan writes down everything in his journal, and Sarah records everything on her videocam. The two move deeper into the mystery they've uncovered, determined to discover the secrets buried in Skeleton Creek, in the conclusion to Patrick Carman's thrilling series.

In this groundbreaking format, the story is broken into two parts -- Ryan's text in the book, and Sarah's videos on a special website, with links and passwords given throughout the book.

Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison (Razorbill, 3/4/10)
BETH HAS ALWAYS BEEN “THE BEAST”--That’s what everyone at school calls her because of her awkward height, facial scars, and thick glasses. Who could love a beast? Beth’s only friend is geeky, golden-haired Scott. That is until she’s selected to be her choir’s soprano soloist and receives the makeover of a lifetime. Suddenly, everyone wants a piece of Beth.

Things only get better when her choir travels to Switzerland and Beth meets the mysterious Derek. They have an incredible whirlwind romance that makes Beth realize, for the first time, she too can find love. She’s no longer The Beast. In Derek’s eyes, she’s a beauty. But then Scott makes a heartbreaking confession to Beth that leaves her completely torn. Should she stand by sweet, steady Scott or follow the dangerous passionate feelings she has for Derek?
And there’s an even bigger problem: Derek’s got a secret . . . one that could shatter everything.

The Heart is Not a Size by Beth Kephart (HarperTeen, 3/30/10)
Georgia knows what it means to keep secrets. She knows how to ignore things. She knows that some things are better left unsaid... Or are they? When Georgia and her best friend, Riley, travel along with nine other suburban Pennsylvania kids to Anapra, a squatters village in the heat-flattened border city of Juarez, Mexica, secrets seem to percolate and threaten both a friendship and a life. Certainties unravel. Reality changes. And Georgia is left to figure out who she is outside of the world she's always known.

The Everafter by Amy Huntley (Balzer and Bray (HarperTeen), out now)
Madison Stanton doesn't know where she is or how she got there. But she does know this--she is dead. And alone, in a vast, dark space. The only company she has in this place are luminescent objects that turn out to be all the things Maddy lost while she was alive. And soon she discovers that with these artifacts, she can re-experience--and sometimes even change--moments from her life: Her first kiss. A trip to Disney World. Her sister's wedding. A disastrous sleepover.

In reliving these moments, Maddy learns illuminating and sometimes frightening truths about her life--and death.

Emily and The Scot by Kathryn Smith (Avon, out now)
Emily

At eighteen, Lady Emily Fitzgerald has seen her fair share of scandal. So when this Season's prime catch proposes to her on a wager, she makes a decision. Rather than face the whispers and stares of London society yet again, she picks up and departs for Scotland, full of romantic images evoked by poetry and her own imagination.
The Scot
Cousin to the laird, Jamie MacLaughlin is nonetheless a simple man, content with the honest pursuit of living in the bonny wilds of the Scottish Highlands. A simple man he may be, but one with deep emotions and a quick temper. So when an impertinent English lass crosses his path, it's no surprise that the two engage in sparring matches with words as their weapons.
First there's a misunderstanding over an item of luggage. Then there's an indecent swimming incident, followed by a muddy pigsty mishap. But what finally threatens to undo them both is a sudden -- and unexpectedly delicious -- kiss.

How to Catch and Keep a Vampire by Diana Laurence (Sellers Publishing, 1/5/10)
Discover the Secret of the Red Satin Ribbon . . .In How to Catch and Keep a Vampire: A Step-by-Step Guide to Loving the Bad and the Beautiful, author Diana Laurence explores the romantic fascination we mortals have for the undead. Why do perfectly normal people fall for such sinister beings? And more importantly, what should we do about it when we do? Diana Laurence knows. With loads of personal experience to draw upon, Laurence does everything from explaining the attraction to blood-drinkers, to sharing what red satin signifies to them. In this book, she has created a road map to show readers how a vampire relationship can be achieved and conducted in harmony with everyday existence.

Also, read about me meeting Amy Huntley, author The Everafter, here!
What did you get this week?!

Friday Finds (6)

Friday Finds is hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading! Want to share you great bookish finds each week? Simply head over to Should Be Reading and link your post!

The last two I've mentioned before, but now their covers have been semi-revealed... so be sure to click the handy links to see pretty covers! :)

Nothing Like You by Laura Strasnick (10/20/09)
“You think he’s yours but he’s not, I thought. You think he’s yours but really he’s mine.”

When Holly loses her virginity to Paul, a guy she barely knows, she assumes their encounter is a one-night stand. After all, Paul is too popular to even be speaking to Holly, and he happens to have a long-term girlfriend, Saskia. But ever since Holly’s mom died six months ago, Holly has been numb to the world, and she’s getting desperate to feel something, anything—so when Paul keeps pursuing her, Holly relents. Paul’s kisses are a welcome diversion, and it’s nice to feel like the kind of girl that a guy like Paul would choose.
But things aren’t so simple with Saskia around. Paul’s real girlfriend is willowy and perfect… and nothing like Holly. To make matters worse, she and Holly are becoming friends. Suddenly the consequences of Holly’s choices are all too real, and Holly stands to lose more than she ever realized she had."

Solace of the Road by Siobhan Dowd (10/13/09)
"Holly’s story will leave a lasting impression on all who travel with her.

Memories of mum are the only thing that make Holly Hogan happy. She hates her foster family with their too-nice ways and their false sympathy. And she hates her life, her stupid school, and the way everyone is always on at her. Then she finds the wig, and everything changes. Wearing the long, flowing blond locks she feels transformed. She’s not Holly anymore, she’s Solace: the girl with the slinkster walk and the supersharp talk. She’s older, more confident—the kind of girl who can walk right out of her humdrum life, hitch to Ireland, and find her mum. The kind of girl who can face the world head-on. So begins a bittersweet and sometimes hilarious journey as Solace swaggers and Holly tiptoes across England and through memory, discovering her true self and unlocking the secrets of her past."

Click here to see cover!
Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce (June 2010)
"Scarlett never believed in the Fenris—werewolves drawn to the delectable charms of young girls. That all changed when in one swift attack, a Fenris murdered her grandmother and left Scarlett half-blind and horrifically scarred. Only her younger sister, Rosie, escaped unharmed as Scarlett shielded her from the Fenris’s jaws.

Now eighteen, Scarlett’s life’s mission is to destroy the Fenris and save other girls from her fate—a mission she’s grown to love, despite herself. Armed with red cloaks and hatchets, Scarlett, Rosie, and a young woodsman, Silas, move to the city in search of answers—and vengeance. If they can find a Potential Fenris, tainted by the pack but not yet consumed by it, they can unlock the mystery that transforms them- but better yet, use him as bait.
But unlike Scarlett, Rosie doesn't feel the thrill of the hunt in her blood. Longing for a life away from heavy responsibility and something sweeter than steel determination, Rosie finds herself drawn to Silas. More and more often, they find themselves abandoning the search for the Potential, stealing kisses, sharing secrets.
When Scarlett discovers the romance blossoming in her midst, she abandons her sister to the woodsman, certain that her own heart has no room for love, not when it's filled with her mission, her purpose. Still, the bond between Scarlett and Rosie is too deep to truly sever, and when Scarlett discovers a way to bring her sister back to her side for good- even if it means destroying Rosie’s happiness—she is forced to make a decision that will change the course of both their lives.
A modernization of Little Red Riding Hood, SISTERS RED is told in alternating viewpoints of Scarlett and Rosie as the sisters struggle to find the Potential, destroy the Fenris, and unwind their own tangle of romantic complexities and the deeply rooted bond between them."

Click here to see the cover!
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa (2/1/10)
"Meghan Chase has never fit in at her small-town high school, and now, on the eve of her 16th birthday, she discovers why. When her half brother is kidnapped, Meghan is drawn into a fantastical world she never imagined--the world of Faery, where anything you see may try to eat you, and Meghan is the daughter of the summer faery king. Now she will journey into the depths of Faery to face an unknown enemy . . . and beg the help of a winter prince who might as soon kill her as let her touch his icy heart. The Iron King is the first book in the Iron Fey series."

And we have a winner!

The winner of a brand new hardcover copy of HOW TO SAY GOODBYE IN ROBOT by Natalie Standiford is:

pepsivanilla

Congrats! I've sent you an email, you have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen!

Didn't win? Go out and buy a copy - it is so worth it!

AND DON'T FORGET to enter my new contest to win a copy of LITTLE BLACK LIES!
Go here to enter!

Contest: Win a copy of Little Black Lies by Tish Cohen! CLOSED

I loved LITTLE BLACK LIES so much and want to share it with a lucky reader of The Hiding Spot!

A Quick Summary:
Sara Black is tiptoeing across a fraying tightrope.

As the new eleventh grader at Anton High–the most elite public school in the country–she sticks out like an old VW bus in a parking lot full of shiny BMWs. But being the new kid also brings a certain advantageous anonymity.
In Anton High’s world of privilege, intelligence, and wealth, Sara can escape her family’s tarnished past and become whomever she wants.
And what’s the harm in telling a few little black lies when it can lead to popularity? That is, until another it girl at Anton becomes jealous of Sara’s social climbing.
With her balance evaporating, one small push could bring Sara crashing down.

Contest Rules:
1. You must be a follower of The Hiding Spot! (Follower widget is in left sidebar!)
2. You must leave your email address or some type of contact info in the comments!
3. You must answer the following prompt:

Tell me about a time when you lied or were lied to. Can be something trivial or deeper...

For extra entries (optional):
+2 comment on my review of LITTLE BLACK LIES, here!
+2 for already being a follower (make sure to mention!)
+2 for linking (Twitter, Sidebar, Post, FB, etc) (Up to +8 in links)
+2 follow me on Twitter (@thehidingspot) (Icon in left sidebar to follow!)

PLEASE make sure that you fulfill the requirements/rules above! Thank you! :)

This contest is open internationally! One winner will receive (1) ARC of Little Black Lies!

 The contest will end Sunday, November 1st @ Midnight (my time). CLOSED!

Good luck!

Review: Little Black Lies by Tish Cohen

Title: Little Black Lies
Author: Tish Cohen
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Pub. Date: 10/13/2009
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Popularity, Friends, Love, OCD, Divorce, Single Parents
Pages: 320
Plot (from back of ARC):
"Boston's most elite high school is a high-wire act and Sara Black is losing her balance.
Sara Black might as well be wearing a scarlet letter on her school uniform when she walks into Anton High for the first time. Anton is no ordinary public school - you can't even get in after freshman year (unless, like Sara, your dad is the janitor). But when nobody knows your past, you can become a whole new person.
For Sara, being new is the perfect escape from everything she's avoiding - like the fact that her mother has run off with her science teacher, and that her father's OCD is only barely under control. People even think she's from London, England, instead of Lundon, Massachusetts. But when one of the most popular girls at Anton starts looking into Sara's past, her little lies could come back to haunt her..."

I absolutely loved Little Black Lies! The main character, Sara, takes lying to a whole new level, and, while I don't think I could take it as far as she did, Tish Cohen mades it easy for me to understand Sara's actions.

I really appreciate that the author incorporated OCD into the plot. OCD is one of those conditions that everyone knows about, but many people haven't experienced first hand. I could imagine how debilitating it could be for the individual with OCD, but I never really considered the impact it could have on his or her family. Reading about Sara's father having OCD and the reactions of her high school classmates really made me think about how I would react in a similar situation as a onlooker or as a family member. It was actually really emotion and a lot more serious than I'd anticipated - I came very close to crying during a couple of passages.

While reading Little Black Lies, I was often frustrated with Sara. She seems to be a great girl with a lot going for her, but her low self-esteem and focus on what her peers think of her drive her to lie and do other horrible things. However, when Sara's past and her home life was revealed as I progressed through the book, I found myself sympathizing with her - even as she hurt the people that cared about her the most, and ultimately, herself. By the end of the book, I was proud of Sara's growth, she really came into her own!

Of course, I must mention the romance! There is a minor romantic plot line that I really enjoyed. It wasn't a main theme by any means, but it tied in well. I felt like the romance could have been explored a bit more, as the boy has a bit of a history that would have been nice to explore more. His story ended up being a lot less dramatic than I felt was originally implied.

Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 9
Writing: 10
Romance: 9
Originality: 10
Total: 48/50 (A)

I highly recommend Little Black Lies! I'm looking forward to seeing what Tish Cohen will release next and will definitely check out her already released titles.

Go here for a chance to win LITTLE BLACK LIES!

Waiting on Wednesday (15)

Guardian on the Dead by Karen Healey (Little, Brown, 4/1/10)
New Zealander Ellie Spencer just wants to spend her last year of high school in peace, even if she does have to spend it at boarding school and not in her hometown. But the moment her secret crush enchants her – literally – Ellie is drawn into a supernatural crisis that threatens everything she loves.
The creatures of Māori mythology aren’t so mythological – and some of them are murderous. Once her eyes are open, there’s no peace for Ellie; only a magical war the right side must win. Ellie must do what she can with her rusty tae kwon do skills and her newfound magical abilities to save her friends, her country, and millions of lives.

From the author's website:
In less than a day I had been harassed, enchanted, shouted at, cried on, and clawed. I’d been cold, scared, dirty, exhausted, hungry, and miserable. And up until now, I’d been mildly impressed with my ability to cope.

At her boarding school in New Zealand, Ellie Spencer is like any ordinary teen: she hangs out with her best friend, Kevin; obsesses over her crush on a mysterious boy; and her biggest worry is her paper deadline. Then everything changes: In the foggy woods near the school, something ancient and deadly is waiting.

This book sounds amazing! It has everything I love: supernatural, romance, and tae kwon do! :)

WoW is hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine!

Trailer Tuesday (8): Hold Still by Nina LaCour

This trailer has been talked about a lot lately... I saw it quite some time ago and I can honestly say it was the deciding factor in my desire to pick up HOLD STILL by Nina LaCour. I really appreciate the trailers that publishers release (or whoever releases them, I don't know for sure), but this trailer is made by a fan and is so gorgeous and heartfelt. Plus, the music in the background is Tegan and Sara, one of absolute favorite bands... it fits the mood of the trailer perfectly. And the narrator is awesome... This trailer gives me shivers!

Review: Seeing Redd by Frank Beddor

Title: Seeing Redd
Author: Frank Beddor
Publisher: SPEAK
Pub. Date: 2007
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Retelling, Alice in Wonderland, Love, Family, Good vs. Evil
Pages: 371
Plot (from back):
"Wonderland under attack.
Alyss of Wonderland's rule has only just begun, and already those who prefere chaos to peace are threatening to destroy everything worth imagining. With her life now a mix of duty, love, and tough decisions, Alyss is doing her best to keep pace with the nonstop demands. And then a series of phantom sighting set fire to an urban myth. The people think Her Imperial Viciousness has returned. And everyone is seeing Redd.
But has Redd somehow freed herself and her chief assassin, The Cat, from the confines of the Heart's Crystal? If not, then who has resurrected Redd's brutal foot soldiers, the Glass Eyes, ans et them loose to attack Wonderland on all sides? Can Alyss unite her country and her people to defend White Imagination, or will Wonderland be lost?"

Seeing Redd is a wonderful continuation of the story Frank Beddor began with The Looking Glass Wars. As a little girl I was in love with Disney's Alice in Wonderland, but I've found a new love in Beddor's Alyss.

I am constantly surprised by the intricacy of Alyss' world. Beddor perfectly weaves fantasy elements with more concrete elements, like mechanical fighting machines. I can honestly say that I've never read anything like The Looking Glass Wars books.

I love the fact that Beddor claims that he is telling Alyss' true story, and proves his point by using characters and places that were present in Carrol's version of Alice in Wonderland, but with a dark twist.

There is an added character and plot line in Beddor's version of the story: Alyss has a beau. Readers saw bit of Alyss and Dodge's relationship in the first installment, but Seeing Redd allowed for further development of their story. Their love story is epic in ways, yet absolutely real at the same time. Alyss and Dodge are so absolutely perfect for one another - they just can never seem to find the right time or place to be together - life and politics always seem to get in the way. Their story is not to be missed and  one of my favorite parts of the story.

There were quite a few secondary characters in book one that were discussed much more in the second book, which made for an interesting read because you see how all the characters lives are intertwined.

Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 10
Writing: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10
Total: 50/50 (A!)

I highly recommend The Looking Glass Wars trilogy! As a fan of the original Alice in Wonderland and as a fantasy reads, Frank Beddor's books have all the elements I appreciate in a book!

Visit The Neverending Shelf to see all the great Alice in Wonderland related fun, here! Or use my button in the sidebar!

Review: Lady Macbeth's Daughter by Lisa Klein

Title: Lady Macbeth's Daughter
Author: Lisa Klein
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pub. Date: Oct. 13, 2009
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Retellings, Love, Family, Shakespeare's Macbeth
Pages: 304
Plot (from FantasticFiction):
The daughter Macbeth might have had, if Shakespeare had thought to create her.

Albia has grown up with no knowledge of her mother of her father, the powerful Macbeth. Instead she knows the dark lure of the Wychelm Wood and the moors, where she's been raised by three strange sisters. It's only when the ambitious Macbeth seeks out the sisters to foretell his fate that Albia's life becomes tangled with the man who leaves nothing but bloodshed in his wake. She even falls in love with Fleance, Macbeth's rival for the throne. Yet when Albia learns that she has the second sight, she must decide whether to ignore the terrible future she foresees - or to change it. Will she be able to save the man she loves from her murderous father? And can she forgive her parents their wrongs, or must she destroy them to save Scotland from tyranny?

Macbeth was never my favorite play by Shakespeare, but, after reading Lady Macbeth's Daughter, I have a newfound respect for the story. I really think that Albia made the story for me - Lisa Klein wrote Albia so perfectly that I can't believe Shakespeare left her out!

Albia was an amazing addition to Macbeth's original cast. Not only was is a resilient and strong female lead, she shows the perfect blend of characteristics one would expect her to have inherited through her birth parents and her adoptive family. I am astounded by how believable Albia's character is! It was interesting to see how Albia came to terms with learning that her birth father is the bloodthirsty and tyrannical Macbeth - a man that she has never personally met, nor has an desire to.

Lady Macbeth was must easier to understand and feel sympathy for in this version of the story. I like the idea that Lady Macbeth's insane behavior was motivated in part by her grief over the death of her infant daughter (Albia), rather than (only) greed and the need for power.

The romance between Albia and Fleance wasn't really a main part of the plot, but it was engaging and well-written. Most Shakespearean romances are doomed, but Klein's story had a twist and was surprisingly simple and without drama. It had some drama and complexity of course, but the love story didn't build you up and then rip out your heart - which is a good thing!

Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 10
Writing: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10
Total: 50/50 (A!!)

The idea of Macbeth and his lady having a secret daughter was a wonderfully imagined plot twist to Macbeth. I think Shakespeare would approve! I'm definitely going to read Lisa Klein's first book, Ophelia, and can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

Review: Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines

Title: Girl in the Arena
Author: Lise Haines
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pub. Date: Oct. 13, 2009
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Gladiators, Sub-Cultures, Mental Disability, Love, Family
Pages: 384
Plot (from back of ARC):

It's a fight to the death - on live TV - when a modern-day gladiator's daughter steps into the arena.

Lyn is a neo-gladiator's daughter through and through. Her mother has made a career out of marrying into the high-profile world of televised blood sport, and the rules of the Gladiator Sports Association are second nature to their family:

Always lend ineffable confidence to the gladiator.

Remind him constantly of his victories.
And most importantly:

Never leave the stadium when you father is dying.

The rules help the family survive, but rules - and the GSA - can also work against you. When a gifted young fighter kills Lyn's seventh father, he also captures Lyn's dowry bracelet, which means she must marry him. To win her freedom, Lyn will enter the arena to face her father's murderer in mortal combat. And she'll do it even though she may be falling for him."

Girl in the Arena has been compared to Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games, and parallels can be drawn between the violent cultures in both books, but the story in each book is totally unique. The world of Girl in the Arena is one very much like today, but with a neo-gladiator sub-culture. This neo-gladiator world is violent and tightly controlled - a mix of reality television, war, and violence as entertainment taken to a terrifying new level.

The world of neo-gladiators was colorfully imagined. I could some people accepting and participating in a sport as violent and crazy as this. After all, wars are waged around the constantly. Kids play violent video games as entertainment. Those in media openly acknowledge that sex and violence sells. A sub-culture of neo-gladiators seems like a far stretch at first, but is it, really?

Lise Haines did a wondeful job of explaining the motives and behavior of her characters, which is no small feat, considering the fact that she had to convince readers that her characters would willing lead the neo-gladiator lifestyle. Lyn, the protagonist, was an interesting character. She was so torn between the lifestyle in which she had been raised and her little brother, but she also wanted to flee her life and leave her violent past behind. All of the characters were well formed - I felt like I knew them, even though they were all secondary to Lyn.

Personally, I could have used a little more emphasis on Lyn's romantic relationship. I felt like I only got to see the beginning of the relationship, then was abruptly cut off, leaving me wondering what would happen next. If there is another book planned, then I don't mind the ending, otherwise I'm curious!

Ratings (out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 10
Writing: 10
Romance: 9
Originality: 10
Total: 49/50 (A)

Though like The Hunger Games in some ways, Girl in the Arena really isn't like any other novel I've read. You want necessarily like Girl in the Arena if you liked the Hunger Games, but I think fans of Dystopian YA will find a new favorite in this novel!

Girl in the Arena also has a playlist, go here to check it out!

Perfect Hiding Places: A Wishlist

So, I've decided to write a wishlist of books that I'm pumped about and sometimes daydream about like bookworms do... This list is primarily for my boyfriend and other people who buy me presents. However, if anyone has these books and either wants to trade or borrow them to me, that is also appreciated. But mostly boyfriend, I'm dedicating this to you! (I love you very much :)) This list is of books that aren't out yet...

Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marillier
The Seven Rays by Jessica Bendinge
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Fallen by Lauren Kate
The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal
Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus
Changeless by Gail Carriger
The Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride
Tangled by Carolyn Mackler
A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker
Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers
Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard
Mistwood by Leah Cypress
In a Hearbeat by Loretta Ellsworth
My Double Life by Janette Rallison
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
Swoon at Your Own Risky by Sydney Salter
Sleepless by Cyn Balog
Very LeFreak by Rachel Cohn
All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab
Heist Society by Ally Carter
Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson
Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala
Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison
Gone by Lisa McMann
You Wish by Mandy Hubbard
Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder
Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White
The Line by Teri Hall

The Heart is Not a Size by Beth Kephart

The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott

Everlasting by Angie Frazier

Other by Karen Kincy

Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis

Forget You by Jennifer Echols
Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey
The Dragon Seer by Janet McNaughton
For Keeps by Natasha Friend
Strange Fate by L.J. Smith
Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Yes, it is a long list, but I could have put many more on there!  I'll probably add this to my sidebar eventually...

What's on your wishlist??

In My Mailbox (11)

IMM is hosted by Kristi, aka The Story Siren!

Possessions by Nancy Holder

Lindsay is hoping for a fresh start, to get out of San Diego, where everyone remembers when she had her breakdown, and get away to boarding school, even if it is a boarding school as creepy as Marlwood Academy. But Lindsay is happier, and even manages to make a great new friend, Julie. Then, the school's most popular girl, Mandy starts acting super creepy. Rumors abound, but it's becoming more and more clear to Lindsay that something else is at work...something darker and more dangerous than just a houseful of mean girls.

Pretty Little Devils by Nancy Holder
Watch out! These babysitters will stab you in the back.

Everything changes for Hazel Stone when she’s noticed by Sylvia, queen bee of their high school’s popular girls, the Pretty Little Devils. Sylvia invites Hazel to one of the group’s famous soirees—held at the site of one of their babysitting jobs. Hazel couldn’t be more thrilled! But what she doesn’t know is that popularity comes with a price. Some people can become jealous of a girl’s newfound status— deadly jealous. One of these babysitting babes is a killer! Hazel has to figure out which one, before they turn their backstabbing ways on her.
Thank you, Nancy! I can't wait to read these... there will be a contest to win some books after these are reviewed, so stay tuned!

The Demon Queen and the Locksmith by Spencer Baum & bookmarks (see below)
Kevin panicked when his ears began to buzz. He couldn't be a Hearer. The Hearers were the town freaks. Worse, his dad was one of them, and Kevin's greatest fear was that one day he might turn into his father. In Turquoise, New Mexico, a small but notorious group of hippies believe that the mountain north of town emits a constant, resonant hum that is only audible to a chosen few. They call themselves the Hearers, and fourteen-year-old Kevin Brown has never trusted them. But when a carefree afternoon with his friends comes to a surprise finish at the spot where Kevin spread his mother's ashes only a year before, a place where the open air seems to resonate in Kevin's ears, he realizes he might be a Hearer too, and "The Turquoise Hum" might be much more than a sound.
I haven't heard much about this book, but every review I read was positive - so I'm intrigued by this one! Thanks for sending, Spencer!

Syren (Septimus Heap bk 5) by Angie Sage
In this fifth book in the Magykal series, Septimus ends up on a captivatingly beautiful island, one of seven set in a sparkling sea. He's stranded there with his badly injured dragon, Spit Fyre, along with Jenna and Beetle. There are some strange things about the island, including a Magykal girl named Syrah, a cat-shaped lighthouse that has lost its Light, and an eerie presence that sings to Septimus—can he escape the persistent call?

Trouble is also brewing for Lucy and Wolf Boy, who have become entangled with some nefarious sailors at sea, and for Milo Banda, Jenna's father, who is harboring a mysterious treasure chest in his ship's hold.
I've heard good things about this series, but I've got to catch up before I can review this one...

Embellish by R.L. Sloan

Revenge has never tasted so sweet...

As a young girl, Solis Burkes is raped at the hands of ruthless school bullies-an incident that haunts her into young adulthood. Then she meets Nacio, a strikingly handsome man who seems to know everything about her-including the painful past Solis hasn't told anyone about. But what Solis doesn't know is that Nacio has been with her every step of the way, protecting her ever since that fateful episode.
It's a destiny he's been working up to for the last 257 years.
Now, as Solis enters a dark world of vampires, voodoo, and passion, she'll need all the protection she can get. Unbeknownst to her, those responsible for Solis's rape have returned. Connected to the evil voodoo Priestess Aldicia, they'll stop at nothing in their plans to spew violence and mayhem throughout the city. And an old family feud dating back centuries puts Solis first on their list of targets. But not if Solis can unravel the clues fast enough, and inflict her own brand of revenge...
This is not a YA read, but it sounded interesting and I haven't reviewed an "adult" title in quite some time...

Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble
Sixteen year old Anne thinks her life is pretty ordinary – until she smacks into handsome, mysterious, and okay, annoying Ethan on her way to chemistry class. Now Anne has powers she doesn’t understand, a history altering mission she may not want, and a growing attraction to this blue-eyed stranger. And Ethan- who at eighteen made some choices he’s starting to regret – realizes that Anne is the girl for whom he’s been searching – for a very, very long time. Stir in doomed Russian Grand Duchess Anastasia – who is definitely not quite as dead as the history books say – and Baba Yaga, the legendary witch from Russian folklore, and you’ve got DREAMING ANASTASIA, a contemporary YA fantasy that alternates between the voices of Anne, Ethan, and Anastasia as Anne and Ethan join forces to battle the bad guys and save Anastasia. Only problem is – no one’s quite sure who’s really bad and who’s good. And everyone has some secrets.
This is my second copy, so when I review it I'll hold a contest as well!

Once a Witch by Carolyn McCullough
Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The search—and the stranger—will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all. This is a spellbinding display of storytelling that will exhilarate, enthrall, and thoroughly enchant.
I love the cover of this book... plus I haven't read a good witch story in a long time...

As You Wish by Jackson Pearce
Ever since Viola's boyfriend broke up with her, she has spent her days silently wishing—to have someone love her again and, more importantly, to belong again—until one day she inadvertently summons a young genie out of his world and into her own. He will remain until she makes three wishes.

Jinn is anxious to return home, but Viola is terrified of wishing, afraid she will not wish for the right thing, the thing that will make her truly happy. As the two spend time together, the lines between master and servant begin to blur, and soon Jinn can't deny that he's falling for Viola. But it's only after Viola makes her first wish that she realizes she's in love with Jinn as well . . . and that if she wishes twice more, he will disappear from her life—and her world—forever.
I've been wanting to read this one forever! Jackson Pearce has a book coming out next year, Sisters Red, which also looks AMAZING!

Breathing by Cheryl Renee Herbsman
What if the guy who took your breath away was the only one who could help you breathe?

Savannah would be happy to spend the summer in her coastal Carolina town lying in a hammock reading her beloved romance novels and working at the library. But then she meets Jackson. Once they lock eyes, she’s convinced he’s the one—her true love, her soul mate, a boy different from all the rest. And at first it looks like Savannah is right. Jackson abides by her mama’s strict rules, and stays by her side during a hospitalization for severe asthma, which Savannah becomes convinced is only improving because Jackson is there. But when he’s called away to help his family—and seems uncertain about returning—Savannah has to learn to breathe on her own, both literally and figuratively.
I'm going to try and get this one read for the Summerland Contest, but I'm not sure if I'll make it....

Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison
My name is Madison Avery, and I'm here to tell you that there's more out there than you can see, hear, or touch. Because I'm there. Seeing it. Touching it. Living it.

Madison's prom was killer -- literally. For some reason she's been targeted by a dark reaper -- yeah, that kind of reaper -- intent on getting rid of her, body and soul. But before the reaper could finish the job, Madison was able to snag his strange, glowing amulet and get away.
Now she's stuck on Earth -- dead but not gone. Somehow the amulet gives her the illusion of a body, allowing her to toe the line between life and death. She still doesn't know why the dark reaper is after her, but she's not about to just sit around and let fate take its course.
With a little ingenuity, some light-bending, and the help of a light reaper (one of the good guys! Maybe . . . ), her cute crush, and oh yeah, her guardian angel, Madison's ready to take control of her own destiny once and for all, before it takes control of her.
Well, if she believed in that stuff.
Looks really good and have been eyeing it for a long time!

Other SWAG:
Rampant (by Diana Peterfreund) Signed Bookmarks
I got these awhile ago, but forgot to mention them... I'll be holding some individual contests for them, but I'll also tuck them in books that I ship out to contest winners! :) They are so pretty! Thanks, Diana!
Shadow Hills (by Anastasia Hopcus) signed booksmarks, pins, magnets
These bookmarks are gorgeous! There were also some magnets and pins included! I love the pins... some feature the book title, others say Team Egmont, and "The Best Boys Are In Books!" So true... :) Thanks, Anastasia! I can't wait to read your book!

Review: Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

Title: Eyes Like Stars
Author: Lisa Mantchev
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Pub. Date: 2009
Genre: YA
Main Themes: Magic, Theatre, Orphans, Love, Friendship, Family
Pages: 356
Plot (from book jacket):
"All her world's a stage.
Beatrice Shakespeare Smith is not an actress, yet she lives in a theater...
She's not an orphan, but she has no parents.
She knows every part, but she has no lines of her own.
Until now.

Enter Stage Right

NATE: Dashing pirate. Will do anything to protect Bertie (as she's known at the theater).

COBWEB, MOTH, MUSTARDSEED and PEASEBLOSSOM: Four tiny and incredibly annoying fairies. Bertie's sidekicks.

ARIEL: Seductive air spirit and Bertie's weakness. The symbol of impending doom.

BERTIE: Our heroine.

Welcome to the Theatre Illuminata, where the characters of every play ever written can be found behind the curtain. They were born to play their parts, and are bound to the Theatre by The Book - an ancient and magical tome of scripts. Bertie is not one of them, but they are her family... and she is about to lose them and the only home she has ever known."

I was first drawn to Eyes Like Stars because of the cover. My first glimpse was quite some time before the book was released, and without even reading the summary blurb, I was intrigued by the character on the front cover. Blue hair, smoky eye makeup, awesome dress: how could I not think she was awesome. Once I had read the blurb I knew I would read this book, but I didn't know just how much I would love it.

Eyes Like Stars has a magical and wholly original premise. I loved seeing the characters that I loved from plays, like Ophelia from Hamlet! I have a bit of a fascination with her character, so seeing this interesting take on her personality, etc. was so fun. Also, Bertie's quest to save the theater and to find out the truth about how she came to live at the theater kept me furiously turning pages.

Bertie was an amazing character. Not only is she totally unique, stylish, and smart - she's hilarious. She is definitely in  my Top 10 for favorite heroines. Sometimes I like characters, but only love them as part of a couple, but I loved Bertie simply for being Bertie.

But wait - I loved her as part of a couple too! Yes, this book has a love plot line too! Yup, it seems to have everything... There is actually a bit of love triangle. Can you guess from the character descriptions above which characters are involved? :) I don't want to say too much, but I'm totally Team Nate; I need a Team Nate button to go along with my Team Peeta button!

All of the characters were vividly imagined, I really did fall for all of them, even the villainous ones!

I can't write a review for ELS without mentioning the fairies! They are so much fun and so cute...well mostly.

Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 10
Characters: 10
Writing: 10
Romance: 10
Originality: 10
Total: 50/50 (A!!)

READ THIS BOOK. I had a copy from the library, but I'm definitely getting one to keep at home. Even though I just finished it and have tons of books to read right now, I kind of just want to reread ELS... :)

Also, I want to mention this awesome Custome Contest that Lisa Mantchev is currently hosting for Halloween! Not only is it a fun idea, there are also chances to win prizes! I'm totally going to participate, so look for my pictures dressed up as my favorite character! Well, as long as I can find the perfect pieces for my outfit... After all, it will be my favorite character, so it can't be taken lightly... :)