Across the Universe (Across the Universe #1)
by Beth Revis

A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia

Publication Date: Jan 11th 2011

Publisher: Razorbill

Format: Hardcover, 398 pages 

Series: yes

Source: my own copy

________________________________________

My Review

I feel to need to start this review by stating that I am NOT a very big fan of Sci-Fi, and so it took me a while to pick this particular book up. And I only did so because of the slight dystopian flavor to it. 

Sure, most of the Sci-Fi aspects of it (the descriptions of the ship and its engines, the technicalities and the physics of the thing) were, well... skimmed over quite quickly, I'll admit it. LOL. I also skimmed over the parts in which Amy was asleep and kept dreaming of the past. All those things were not of my interest at all. I only cared for what happened IN the ship. And THAT was pure awesomeness.

The mysteries, the weirdness, the beliefs of the people aborad the ship Godspeed were fascinating to me. I I read the whole thing in one afternoon. And the hardcover edition is anything but light. XD

The romance was there, sure, but it wasn't the center of attention. And that was just fine. The most important thing in Across the Universe is not Amy and Elder getting together, but what they DISCOVER and decide to CHANGE together. That is what it's all about. 

I could not believe some of the things Eldest dared to do, and hid from everyone. Most of them, sure, I saw coming from a mile away (the 'Season' and 'Phydus'), but others (the false stars, the uranium)... wow. I could not have predicted those. And I so love being surprised. *-*

All in all, I am so glad to have given this baby a shot. Oh, and make sure to check my review of Glow, to be posted next week. I started it the minute I closed Across the Universe, and though they may be somewhat similar, they are, in fact, VERY DIFFERENT. And Glow was just as awesome, I assure you! But in a creepier way. ;P

Quickie Review: Anonymously Yours by Shirley McCann

Anonymously Yours by Shirley McCann

I'm not usually a big fan of mystery, but "Anonymously Yours" got my eye.

Denise was such a corageous heroine! I could really relate to her, understand her thoughts and actions (it was written in first person), even if I'd never have the guts to do some of the stuff she did.

So... you find a wallet and you return it, right? Easy peasy... not so much. At least not when a freaking body is involved (then missing), and suddenly there is someone following her, the police don't believe her... what the heck is going on? Read the book and find out!

September $229 Kindle Giveaway Hosted by I Am A Reader

September $229 Giveaway

It’s time for September’s $229 Kindle Giveaway Hosted by I Am A Reader.

We are giving away 2 great prizes both valued at $229.

Winner’s choice of a Kindle Fire HDX or $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 Paypal Cash!

The first prize is available via the rafflecopter below.

The 2nd is available only to those share this giveaway. You can find info on how to enter the 2nd giveaway in the rafflecopter.

Win a Kindle Fire HDX 7", Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)

Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)

Each of these bloggers/authors paid to help sponsor this giveaway.

Sponsor List

I Am A Reader
Feed Your Reader
A & E Kirk, Author
Inspired Kathy
Lori's Reading Corner
Talia Jager, Author
Mother Daughter Book Reviews
Krysten Lindsay Hager
Every Free Chance Books
Romance Under Fire
I Love to Read and Review Books :)
Christine's Blog
Elizabeth Isaacs
Author Kimber Leigh Wheaton
Pauline Creeden, Author
Author - Cindy A Christiansen
Mama Monkey Craftology
MoreThanaReview
My Devotional Thoughts
Author Suzy Turner
Jenn @ Bookreviewsandgiveaways
Too-Clever
Danielle @ Coffee and Characters
Author D.E. Haggerty
C Family of 6
Bella Street Weird Romance
Bonnie Blythe's Pure Romance
Sid Frost
YA Author Fabio Bueno
Read for your future
Jennifer Laurens Author
Laurie Here - Contemporary Fiction and MORE
Reviews from a Bookworm
Helen Smith (author)
Author Deb Atwood
Author Claudia Burgoa
Start Publishing
Elizabeth Isaacs
True North Publishing
Whiskey Creek Press
Deanna Lynn Sletten, Author
Luthando Coeur
Bette Lee Crosby
Against Idleness & Mischief (BOOKTUBE)
BookBunnyPR
Victoria Allred


Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Giveaway here:

http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups



Giveaway Details

1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International).

Ends 9/30/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Womb of the New World by Mira Noire

Womb of the New World 

by Mira Noire

Synopsis: In a post-nuclear future, the lush pleasure cyborgs of Earth have become powerful, fearsome mutants known as Wroks who rule the wild, desolate Fallout landscape. The Wroks and their leader, Yoevin, desperately hunt for a female capable of mothering a cyborg's child. As the years pass, they struggle while fighting to hold on to the intelligence and humanity granted by their makers centuries ago.

Hidden deep in caverns below, Imogenne and her people survive by cultivating the earth, making rare forays above ground for supplies and fresh resources. But Imogenne is not like the rest of her people. She is wild, sensual, and strangely independent -- like her mother, who disappeared years ago in a Wrok attack. On the verge of being betrothed to a man she does not love and facing the rest of her life underground without adventure or freedom, she is haunted by darkly erotic visions that promise something more beyond the world -- and biology -- she knows. 

When she is captured in a night Wrok raid, Imogenne hopes to escape her new masters and survive by her wits. But she then discovers a horrifying truth: Her body has a will of its own, one that may very well leave her no choice but to become a mother of the New World.

___________

Words: ~19,000. This title contains graphic sexual scenes: m/f, captive sexual submission, voyeurism, mutant cyborg and human intercourse. Do not read this work if you find such themes offensive.

Review

       So... just by looking at the cover you can tell this is not going to be your ordinary book. And, well, it suits different tastes. I, myself, have been known to enjoy all kinds of sick perverted weird unusual genres/characters/plots/body parts. Which is why I decided to give 'Womb of the New World' (love the title!) a try. :) At first I thought they were demons or something, but they're actually cyborgs.

       I won't get very deep into the story of the Wroks, and the post-nuclear world setting much, because it's well enpugh hinted at in the synopsis. What I can say is: this is the kind of crazy science fiction I find most interesting: when machines and humans get too close. How can something inorganic want to be, and feel, human?

      I really, really enjoyed this quick, hot read! Imogenne was a different kind of heroine (not just physiologically. LOL). She was strong, clever and confident in her sexuality.That alone is a refreshing view, when compared to the thousands of virgins in romance these days... *rolls eyes*. The scenes of her with Rolley, the guy she "had some fun with" first, were pretty hot. But the things that happened after, with Yoevin... oh, boy.

      My only problem with it was that it was too short, and the explanations were kind of vague, but I liked how it ended, even if it was a bit predictable.

      The writing was very good, very fluid, with two different POV's. I would definitely read more from this author. Hopefully it'll become a series? :)

Warning: if you're not very open-minded, you should know there are some seriously hot scenes involving forked tongues and extra appendages... (fun! LOL)

*I received a copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review*

To be or not to be? (mini shelfie)

First posted here.

So... The Giver is now a movie. Can't wait to watch it. You can read my book review here.

I recomended Jack Knife (pure awesome sauce) here.

And I never got around to writing a review for Such a Pretty Girl, but it was amazing. Really surprised me. Same goes for Article 5, Wither and Dearly Departed. XD (But there are thousands of great reviews for those in other blogs, just look it up).

I bought this skull (made from beach sand) in Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.

Okay, what else? Oh. Just FYI. I know the Hamlet "To be or not to be?" scene is separated from the one with the skull, but I still like the way it looks and sounds when put together. :P

In My Mailbox (a little late)

First posted here.

Aren't they gorgeous? L.H. Cosway is my favorite author of adult romance at the moment. I'm completely in awe/love with her work.

Now on Facebook!

Now this blog (finally) has a Facebook page of its own. Yay. :P

Check it out for international book giveaways and reviews!

Outlander fangirling moment

So, maybe I haven't made my happiness about the new Outlander TV series very clear here (this is one of my mostest favoritest book ever!). Which is why I'll post a few (handfuls) of amazing Sam Heughan, I mean, Jamie Fraser, pictures I've been collecting for personal use. I mean, personal viewing. :P

And, yes, if you think this was just an excuse to put together some images of a gorgeous man in kilts, you are ABSOLUTELY right.

Here's one more of some cuties (some!) in kilts:

Do you have any cute picture of Sam, or some other hottie, in kilt for my collection?

Done with my 2014 Goodreads Reading Challenge

"You have read 152 of 150 books in 2014." (until now). I think I might try going for 200. :D

https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/1168454

In which one of my favorite authors respond to my tweet!!

Be still my heart!!! 

I LOVE it when one of my favorite authors respond to my tweets. ;D

https://twitter.com/gailcarriger/status/504668821987135489

I tweeted this image: http://www.instagram.com/p/jQB0UoxuaF/

Thank you, Gail Carriger, you just made my day!

And if you haven't read her books yet, what are you waiting for?

BIG $500 cash or iPad mini 64Gb giveaway!

Enter here for a chance of winning $500 cash via Paypal or an iPad mini 64gb, up to you! Shipment to the U.S., Canada, the UK and mainland Europe is included if you choose the iPad

Quickie Review: Fire by Kristin Cashore

  

 Fire by Kristin Cashore

   I enjoyed Graceling, but Fire... Fire was simply fantastic. She was the kind of character we were all supposed to hate. I mean, she's pure perfection, simply gorgeous, amazing hair, everybody wants her, the king and her super handsome best friend are crazy about her, blablahblah... but we just can't hate her. Because she's also beautiful on the inside. (YES, I know how corny it is, I can hear myself inside my head, thanks). The thing is, it's true. She too cool, too funny and too nice to be just another Mary Sue. Oh, and her love interest is a simple guy, plain in appearances, but with a huge heart. Have I mentioned he has a young daughter? So, YUP. So many non-cliche stuff in this book. I was enchanted by this world, very different from the graceling one, even if we have a terribly frightening little psycho with a red eye. (that little creep freaked me out, seriously).

    Oh, and there's a dog, a fiddle, evil fathers who can be good to their daughters, weird and fascinating monsters who know when Fire is menstruating and young people getting pregnant while others get sterile, and the royalty washing their dirty laundry twenty years after the scandals... it's so much amazeballs. And let's not forget: the cover is gorgeous, and actually has a connection to the story..

I could't put it down.

End of Summer Kindle Fire Giveaway

It's time for August's $229 Kindle Giveaway Hosted by I Am A Reader.

Enter to win 1 of 2 great prizes both valued at $229. Winner’s choice of a Kindle Fire HDX or $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 Paypal Cash!

The first prize is available via the rafflecopter below. The 2nd is available only to those share this giveaway. You can find info on how to enter the 2nd giveaway in the rafflecopter.

Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)

Kindle Fire HDX 7" Giveaway

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)

Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)

Sponsor List

I Am A Reader
Feed Your Reader
Author Kimber Leigh Wheaton
Author Inger Iversen
Candace's Book Blog
I Love to Read and Review Books :)
{A Leisure Moment} A Casual Conversation about Our Love for Literature
J.L. Weil
Kelly Walker
Talia Jager, Author
Jessabella Reads
Laurie Treacy, Author
Claudia Burgoa
When I Grow Up I Wanna Write A Kids Book
Kimber's Life
More Than a Review
Lori's Reading Corner
Author Ann Swann
Dana Masting
Bonnie Blythe Pure Romance
Bella Street Weird Romance
Morgan K Wyatt
Njkinny's World of Books & Stuff
Reviews from a Bookworm
BookBunnyPR
Jenn's Book Reviews and Giveaways
Me and Reading
Words Wit and Wisdom
Marie D. Jones
Good Choice Reading
A & E Kirk, Author
Margo Bond Collins
Christian Bookmobile
Biscuit & Books BOOKTUBE
Illusio & Baqer
Bound 4 Escape
Helen Smith (author)
Gin's Book Notes
Author FA Michaels
Author Steven Brown
Against Idleness & Mischief
Rayna Noire
Author Deb Atwood
Laurie Here
Danielle @ Coffee and Characters
Author A. Wrighton
Chelsea Author Promotions
ExtraordinaryReads
Author Lynda Raymond
LeahSay's View



Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Giveaway here:

http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups



Giveaway Details

1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International).

There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7", $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash.

Ends 8/31/14



Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: The Nature of Cruelty by L.H. Cosway

The Nature of Cruelty by L.H. Cosway 

   I started this book mentally prepared to hate it. I mean, a guy that treats a girl like crap for years then turns out to lurv her? I wasn't so sur, even though I simply ADORE this author and after Painted Faces and Still Life with Strings I have started to think she can do no wrong. Well, turns out I was right. No, not about hating it, but in saying that Cosway really can do no wrong.

   If it were any other author, I'm sure I wouldn't have been able to BELIEVE in the hero's feelings of love, regret and, well, cruelty/remorse for his actions, or to even accept his side in things. But (I might be repeating myself, and NO, I'm not being paid to say these things), in this case, with this author, things just... fit, their relationship felt true and real and palpable (it also doesn't hurt that the chemistry between them was immense), I could almost SEE them together, hear them an feel what they were feeling, it was so perfectly and realistically written. (their characters always have something that makes you feel a connection with them, be it their sexuality, their problematic backgrouds, their daddy/mommy issues, their health problems, suicide attempts, diabetes... how can you not fall in love with stories like these?).

It looks like 2014 is the year I break my snobbish book rules.

1) I will not read and/or enjoy books with assholes for heroes. CHECK

2) I don't care much for contemporary romances. CHECK (This has to be the fourth or five I've really enjoyed so far this year, and the third one by L.H. Cosway alone).

3) I don't like older heroes. CHECK (Well, in this case the age difference is only of 2 years, so... but still... well, let's keep going).

4) I don't care much for heroes with brown eyes and hair. (Okay, I know this may sound just a tad bit prejudicial to you, but in my country it is extremely rare to find people with light-colored eyes, so EXCUSE ME for fantasizing about something 'rare' in my life, okay? Besides, I have had terrible experiences with men with these characteristics, so it is possible I'm transferring stuff here. But I digress). CHECK (Robert was so hot I quickly got over his appearance.

5) ... I can't remember other examples of book snobbishness (is that a word?) and other weirdness of my part right now, but I'm sure I'll come back with something. I keep getting bitchier with my old age. XD

Anyways, this book really got me by surprise, proving to me that if it's from a good author, even stuff you expect not to like will manage to get to you and change your expectations and perspectives on things. I was afraid to start this title and then feel disappointed... now I'm sad I finished it. >.<' LOL (Good thing "Six of Hearts" is out!!). *runs and grabs a copy*

Review of Shattered by Kevin Hearne

Shattered (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #7)

by Kevin Hearne

CAUTION. Several exclamation points ahead.

#fangirling #squealing I LOOOOOOVE Atticus and Oberon!!! Kevin Hearne is definitely my favorite author in the whole bookniverse! Everytime I check my Facebook I am FORCED to go look at whatever it is he's talking about at the moment. And it always makes me laugh! :D I mean, TACO CHURCH, you guys? Need I say it? Count me in.

And seven books later (I gulped them all up like a dehydrated dog in the middle of the summer. It took me less than a week to finish them all. I need a refill here, Mr, Hearne. But no pressure. Just a bit.), things just keep getting better! I was prepared to hate his archdruid, I truly was (turns out I just sort of dislike him now, alternating with moments when I kinda do like him. It's pure insanity inside my head, so go figure.). It gave me unexpected pleasure to see him struggling in the modern world. I kept laughing out loud, to which my mom and dog kept sending me "WTF" looks. They still have no idea what they were missing. Just saying.

I do like the changing POVs, I do. And more importantly, I see how they are needed now, buuuut I sort of miss just 'listening' to Atticus and Oberon. (and I mean 'listening' to them in my head, like a normal crazy reader, thank you very much, and not like an audiobook thing, 'cause I don't care for those). So. Yeah. I miss those days. Like I still miss the Morrigan. Huh. I was so excited at the beginning of this review, now I'm getting bitter. And waaay off track. Let me get back on the horse. (speaking of which, the new chapter title designs -wolfhound, bear and horse- were amazing!).

Granuaile (Yes, I know what you're thinking. And for your info, I DID have to check my spelling. I always feel like I'm missing a couple of consonants. :P) going out into the big bad world on her own was very interesting to see. I felt super sorry for her, what with her dad and all, 'cause I like her as well (I HATE THIS BITCH, STAY AWAY FROM MY ATTICUS OR I'LL STAB YOU WITH YOUR OWN SWORD, AND I AIN'T KIDDING!) and her new irish wolfhound is so seriously adorbs as well (I WANT TO BE ABLE TO TALK TO MY DOG LIKE THAT!!!!!!). BTW, if you're not a dog lover already, after these books, you WILL BE.

It always suprises (and amuses) me to see what all the other gods are up to (usually nothing good, as it appears) in Atticus' world . Poor thing. Thankfully you weren't alone this time, huh?

Aaaand watch me digressing yet again.

Did you read all that? I know you didn't, so here's what it's all about:

KEVIN HEARNE IS A GOD , GO BUY ALL HIS BOOKS, YOU WON'T REGRET IT. Just make sure you start reading them very early in the morning, during a lazy weekend or your vacations, 'cause that's all you'll do all day. Promise.

Now, shoo. I have to go get me some Imortali-tea. Oh, and I have to scrape up enough money$$ to buy these pretties:

Atticus's Necklace

&

Granuaile's Iron Necklace

(So, if you're feeling generous... :P)

My shelves!!! (Just showing off)

So, yeah. I never had enough space OR bookshelves before, but now everythings's changed, so I clearly have to show my babies off. :P Please bear with me and my terrible camera.