Mundie Moms

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Clockwork Angel Read Along Day 15: Chapter 14 Blackfriars Bridge


It's day 15 of our Clockwork Angel Read Along! Please be sure to visit our link here for our schedule, guidelines and to fill out the form to be entered to win some fabulous prizes. Feel free to answer any number of the questions asked. You don't need to answer all of them if you don't wish to.

Today we're discussing chapter 14. I adore Jem and Tessa's moments together. We learn a bit more about Will, and we also learn a little more about the Clave. Jem and Tessa get attacked.

* I adore Jem and Tessa's scenes together. I love that he tells her she's human in all the ways that matter. Jem always seems to say the right words and he's so even tempered and nice to everyone. Do you think Jem is just being nice to Tessa or do you think he's starting to like her?

* Tessa talks to Jem about Will, specifically when he acted like he's drunk when clearly he hadn't had a drink. Jem confides in her that he has followed Will before and all he did was wonder the streets of London. Why do you think Will is 1) wondering the streets and 2) why would he lie about it? What do you think changed that would make Will all the sudden want to join the Shadowhunters?

* The Coachman comes for Tessa when she's with Jem and says she belongs to the Magister. How do you think Tessa belongs to the Magister/de Quincy? What do you make of the attack on the Shadowhunters? Do you think there's more to come?

Book Review: Eve (Eve #1) by Anna Carey


Published by: Harper Teen
Released on: October 4th, 2011
Source: ARC from Deb Shapiro & Company
4 stars: I Really Enjoyed It
Purchase from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound


Where do you go when nowhere is safe?

Sixteen years after a deadly virus wiped out most of Earth’s population, the world is a perilous place. Eighteen-year-old Eve has never been beyond the heavily guarded perimeter of her school, where she and two hundred other orphaned girls have been promised a future as the teachers and artists of the New America. But the night before graduation, Eve learns the shocking truth about her school’s real purpose—and the horrifying fate that awaits her.

Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Arden, her former rival from school, and Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust . . . and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.

In this epic new series, Anna Carey imagines a future that is both beautiful and terrifying. Readers will revel in Eve’s timeless story of forbidden love and extraordinary adventure. -quoted from Goodreads

I finally know what all the hype surrounding Eve is all about. This was such a fun, fast paced, exciting read that left me wanting more. It didn't take me long to get sucked right into Eve's world. Eve's setting is one that mixes together standard dystopian elements, as well as a few new ones. The world has lost most all of it's population from a plague caused by vaccinations, keeps it's small group of boys and girls completely separate (as in different parts of the now untamed country), has resistant groups dotted through out the country, an inhumane government controls what everyone does, as well as feeds it's citizens lies, and the country itself is ruled by an equally inhumane King, known as the King of New America. Oh wait, I left out that all kids become orphans at least in Eve's school and the school raises the kids and preps them aka "nurtures" them to how they see fit. Did I mention the school and the government work together? This story wouldn't be complete without a character journey, and Eve's journey is one that is eye opening and starts to change the way she views the world around her.

Eve herself is one of those fabulously written characters who's independent, extremely intelligent, beautiful, and I loved that she embraces her femininity, something that's rarely seen with dystopian heroines. While there's still much to learn about Eve and her world, I enjoyed taking her journey with her. She grew from someone who questioned what she was brought learning and what she was now being told by someone she didn't quite trust in the beginning of the book, to uncovering secrets and lies that were kept from her. She become someone who was able to take charge and she found the courage she needed to fall in love, trust in others, choose her own path, defend her honor and when all else felt lost, she found the strength to carry on. Above all, she made the choice to choose her freedom vs embrace the civic duty her was raised to carry out, which she learned more about right before she escaped.

This story also includes a love story that leaves me wanting more. I loved the way the relationship between Eve and Caleb is written. Eve was raised to think boys were bad. Her school taught her that all men are extremely dangerous, as they have no self control. So when Eve meets her knight and shinning armor, who rescues her from a bear attacking her, she struggles with realizing that this guy is not like the guys she was taught about. The first thing she says to him is absolutely hysterical. I won't spoil it for you guys. Their forbidden love story made the story that much more exciting for me. They're both fugitives on the run and while harboring Eve puts Caleb in more danger, he doesn't wavier on his loyalty to her and I loved that about him. I like that they both learn to trust each other.

The ending leaves me wishing I already had the sequel in my hands. I'm eager to learn more about Eve, her world, her friends and those that get left behind. Anna did a great job at introducing me to Eve and the world around her without giving me everything I wanted to know. Being the first book in the series I understand why she didn't give everything way. I think this is a world that will continue to be built upon as the series continues. Which I like, because that keeps me invested with the storyline and has me wanting to read more. I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in Eve's series. Eve for me was a really fun, engaging read and it's one I'd recommend to reads 13 years and older.
___________________________

Want to win an ARC of Eve? Thank you to Deb Shapiro & Company I have an ARC I'm giving away. Since I have this ARC in my hands, I'm going to open this giveaway up internationally. International giveaway rules do apply :)

To enter:
- Please fill out the form below
- One entry per person (duplicate entries will be result in all your entries being deleted)
- You must be 13 yrs & older to enter (or have your parent/guardian's permission to enter)
- This giveaway will end on November 18th, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday #107- Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer


Published by: Philomel
To Be Released on: January 3rd, 2011
Pre-Order from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Ultimate Sacrifice.

Calla has always welcomed war. But now that the final battle is upon her, there’s more at stake than fighting. There’s saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay’s wrath. There’s keeping Ansel safe, even if he’s been branded a traitor. There’s proving herself as the pack’s alpha, facing unnamable horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers’ magic once and for all. And then there’s deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is.

In the final installment of the Nightshade trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Andrea Cremer creates a novel with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat until its final pages. A dynamic end to this breathtaking trilogy -quoted from Goodreads

I can not wait to read this last and final installment in the Nightshade series. I've been patiently waiting to find out what's in store Calla, Ren and Shay. Plus, I HAVE TO KNOW who she picks. Part of me is hoping she doesn't pick anyone. She's a strong independent girl who can lead her pack by herself if she really wanted to. But there's that small part of me that wants to yell pick Ren! Regardless of who she picks or doesn't pick, I can't wait to find out what happens next, and thankfully I don't have much longer to wait. YAY! Be sure to go HERE to read the first chapter.

What book are you waiting on?

YA Spooktacular Story #2


Welcome to another stop for the second annual YASpooktacular, hosted by Frenzy of Noise & Wicked Awesome Books

This year, there are three stories written by some of your favorite authors that will be posted throughout the week. Each story is a choose your adventure, where you get to decide what path to send the character down. Sometimes you live, sometimes you die, and sometimes you fall into a pit of no return.

There are also some TRICKS or TREATS scattered throughout the story, where you can enter to win prizes and get bonus points toward the prize packs. The prize pack for (story #2) will be up tomorrow! On Halloween day, the grand prize pack will be posted. You can click on the links above to see a full list of the YASpooktacular prize packs!

Be sure to visit Frenzy of Noise & Wicked Awesome Books for more details about this awesome YA Spooktacular blog tour.


Leigh Fallon – Run away from the stranger

Or, that dude was one ugly mother.... Either way, you’re not going to hang around to see.


You back away from the eerie eyes that follow your movements. Your eyes flicker to the sheet and the arm that just rolled out of it. It looks real, but it just couldn’t be. This was way too messed up. Your eyes return to the freaky figure, but he’s gone. You spin around in the darkness trying to locate him, but there’s nothing. Your heart beats frantically, clogging your throat. You swallow hard, but your mouth is too dry. Too freaked out to look any further, you run for the attic hatch and practically throw yourself down the ladder. You jump off the last rung and make for the stairs. Just as you reach the third step, the ladder slowly creaks and retracts back up and locks with sharp CLICK. You hug the bannister for support. What just happened? Had you seen that person, was there a body in your attic? Were your friends up there laughing at you right now? Your eyes slide around the hall and you slither down the rest of the stairs, slumping on the last one, burying your face in your hands. You lean back to look at the hatch, but it’s still closed, and all is quiet.

You dare to breathe, then shriek as the doorbell rings. Slowly you make your way to the door and peek through the window. It’s Stace, Michael, and the gang. You can’t open the door fast enough. Relief makes you feel weak.

“What’s up, babes? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Stace says, twirling around in her generic white sheet, ghost number. “Wow, you’re looking hot to trot tonight. So who will you be using your feather duster on tonight?” She winks lavishly.

You throw your arms around her. “Ah Stace, I’m so glad you’re here.”

Stace pulls back a little and raises her eyebrows up and down wildly. “Did you see who else is here?”

Your eyes flicker to Michael. He’s looking hot, dressed all in black with a cool vampire like cape with a high collar. He winks at you and flashes his fangs.

“Nice,” you say, looking over Michael’s shoulder at the empty porch. “Is Des not coming?”

Michael takes out his plastic fangs and grins. “He said he had a little surprise for you, that he’d follow on.”

“A surprise!” A flash of anger rips through you. Des! It was Des. What a shit.”

You’re just closing the door when Des puts his boot in the frame. “Hey, don’t forget me,” he calls, pushing the door back open and making a ghoulish sound. He pulls on a zombie like mask, complete with glowing eyes. He pushes Michael out of the way, and waves a bottle. “Never fear, the vodka is here!”

You glare at him as he walks by laughing. “That wasn’t funny.”

Des pulls up short and drops his mask. “It’s just a mask, there’s no need to get all snotty.” Des squints at you and shakes his head, then follows the others into the sitting room.

“He’s an idiot,” you mutter half to yourself.

Michael laughs. “That he is. But he does bring the booze. Come on; let’s get some before it’s all gone.” He holds out his hand to you. You look at it, not believing what’s going on. Is the gorgeous stud muffin, Michael Stearne actually making a pass at you? His lips curl into a charming smile, making his skin crinkle at the sides of his eyes. Your insides melt. Feck Des! Tonight was going to be perfect. You might even bring Michael down to the pond later. The dock would be the perfect first kiss location. Your stomach flutters at the thought.

A smile creeps across your face as you take his warm hand in yours. “Actually, a drink is exactly what I need…several of them.”

Continue the story by going to Fallen Archangel


Author bio:
Leigh Fallon was born in South Africa, raised in Dublin, Ireland and moved to Cork in her 20’s. While living in beautiful Kinsale, Co Cork she discovered a love of writing. She write sfor the young adult market. Her current book, The Carrier of the Mark, prompted her to abandon my ‘riveting’ career in corporate treasury and she has been writing ever since. She has three more books in the Carrier series and a few other projects. Leigh and her family share our time between Ireland and the US.

You can follow Leigh on her Website, Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads

Purchase Carrier of the Mark from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository


Be sure to head on over to ReadingTeen to read the first part in the story and go HERE to find the list of bloggers who will also be featuring the stories today!


For a chance to win the lovely treat, which is an ARC of Dead of Winter by Chris Priestly, you'll need to uncover what each of the 12 YA book covers are. Be sure to go HERE to fill out the form once you've figured out the covers to be entered to win.

Labels