New in the Den (IMM 17)

From Kristi at The Story Siren

Some of these books (Embers and Stray) I've had for a while, but I forgot to add them in the last IMM post. I don't have pictures either because I'm pretty tuckered out from school. So sad.

Won:

Embers by Laura Bickle (from Lisa Loves Books Of Course)

Bought:

Stray by Rachel Vincent

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris

The Norton Anthology of English Literature (volumes 1 and 2)

Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

Summary: Nothing has been the same since Caleb Becker left a party drunk, got behind the wheel, and hit Maggie Armstrong. Even after months of painful physical therapy, Maggie walks with a limp. Her social life is nil and a scholarship to study abroad—her chance to escape everyone and their pitying stares — has been canceled.

After a year in juvenile jail, Caleb’s free . . . if freedom means endless nagging from a transition coach and the prying eyes of the entire town. Coming home should feel good, but his family and ex-girlfriend seem like strangers.

Caleb and Maggie are outsiders, pigeon-holed as "criminal" and "freak." Then the truth emerges about what really happened the night of the accident and, once again, everything changes. It’s a bleak and tortuous journey for Caleb and Maggie, yet they end up finding comfort and strength from a surprising source: each other.

Review: Gosh this was such a good book. I loved Perfect Chemistry and I knew I was going to love this and boy was I right. My favorite character is probably Mrs. Reynolds. She is just amazing. I kinda loved Caleb too. He was such a great character. I hated his family though, and all the people at school. They annoyed me way too much. I loved the romance in this book, and I loved the convenience of Maggie and Caleb working together. It was quite amusing. Oh and the gazebo was probably the best part of the entire book. I'm quite ready to read Return to Paradise because, with an ending like that, I just have to see what happens next.

5 howls

Book Blogger Pounce

This week's question:

Do you use a rating system for your reviews and if so, what is it and why?

Yeah I do use a rating system. I use wolf howls because it goes along with the theme of my blog. I didn't want to use moons because that's associated with werewolves, whereas my blog is just wolves.

5 howls=I loved it.

4 howls=I liked it a lot.

3 howls=It was okay. Definitely has potential.

2 howls=Not really my thing.

1 howl=Why did I bother picking this up to begin with?

You Killed Wesley Payne by Sean Beaudoin

Summary: You Killed Wesley Payne is a truly original and darkly hilarious update of classic pulp-noir, in which hard-boiled seventeen year-old Dalton Rev transfers to the mean hallways of Salt River High to take on the toughest case of his life. The question isn't whether Dalton's going to get paid. He always gets paid. Or whether he's gonna get the girl. He always (sometimes) gets the girl. The real question is whether Dalton Rev can outwit crooked cops and killer cliques in time to solve the mystery of "The Body" before it solves him.

Sean Beaudoin (Going Nowhere Faster, Fade to Blue) evokes the distinctive voices of legendary crime/noir authors Dashiell Hammett and Jim Thompson with a little bit of Mean Girls and Heathers throwin in for good measure. This smart, slick, and alluring detective novel that will tease you, thrill you, and suck you in.

Review: I didn't really know what to expect reading this book. A crime novel with teenagers? What have I gotten myself into? Well fear not because this book was fabulous. The only reason why I didn't give it full marks is because I am not familiar with crime noir books, but it was still a good story with interesting characters. This book was absolutely hilarious. The lingo in the book can be a bit confusing, but there is a glossary at the back that explains what words/phrases mean. Another bit of awesomeness is that at the end you can read 2 works that Dalton (the main character) wrote. They are both mentioned in the book, and I think that was a really interesting thing that Sean did.

4.5 howls

I received this book in a contest as an ARC from Aine. It gets published in Febuary 2011 and I recommend you pick it up.

Sniffing for Books (WoW 11)

Summary: YOU WANT MY SOUL AND MY BOYFRIEND?

Trying to work things out with Nash—her maybe boyfriend—is hard enough for Kaylee Cavanaugh. She can’t just pretend nothing happened. But “complicated” doesn’t even begin to describe their relationship when his ex-girlfriend transfers to their school, determined to take Nash back.

See, Sabine isn’t just an ordinary girl. She’s a mara, the living personification of a nightmare. She can read people’s fears—and craft them into nightmares while her victims sleep. Feeding from human fear is how she survives.

And Sabine isn’t above scaring Kaylee and the entire school to death to get whatever—and whoever—she wants.

I DON’T THINK SO.

Contest Hunt 9

Sara @ Babbling Flow is giving away more amazing ARCs (ends Sept. 8).

Ondine: The Summer of Shambles is being given away at Lost for Words (ends Sept. 3).

25 Hour Books is giving away Zoe Winters' Blood Lust collection (ends August 25).

Carol @ Carol's Prints is also giving away ARCs (ends Sept. 6).

There is a Back to School Bash at Reading Teen (ends Sept. 23).

Confessions of a Bookaholic is giving away Extraordinary (ends Sept. 20).

Reviewer X is giving away Tell Me A Secret (ends August 27).

Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward (spoilers)

Summary: Fiercely loyal to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, Phury has sacrificed himself for the good of the race, becoming the male responsible for keeping the Brotherhood's bloodlines alive. As Primale of the Chosen, he is obligated to father the songs and daughters who will ensure that the traditions of the race survive, and that there are warriors to fight those who want all vampires extinguished.

As his first mater, the Chosen Cormia wants to win not only his body but his heart for herself. She is drawn to the noble responsibility behind the emotionally scarred male. But Phury has never allowed himself to know pleasure or joy. As the war with the Lessening Society grows grim, tragedy looms over the Brotherhood's mansion, and Phury must decide between duty and love....

Review: Alright this will have spoilers so be warned.

First off I absolutely loved this book. The entire story sent me on an emotional roller coaster. I was disappointed at first because of the way that Phury lost his virginity. I think if you can control the first time you have sex it should be with someone special. Not the way that he did it. But now, after having read the whole story and thinking upon it, I realized I got it wrong. He regrets how it happened, and he loved Cormia enough to stay with her. I hated reading about Phury's addiction, but I know it's a part of him so I had to get over it. Oh and fangirl moment. OMG Tohr came back!!! He's my favorite so forgive my excitement. I can't stop thinking about how much I loved this book. I think the only book that could beat this for my favorite is Lover Mine, only because JM is a close second favorite and I am excited to read his book.

5 howls

Shadow HIlls ebook!

Congrats to Anastasia Hopcus for her book Shadow Hills being released in e-book format.

I haven't read this book yet because I haven't seen it in any bookstores and I don't have an e-reader so it would be pretty silly for me to get the e-book. I'm sure it will be just like Sea though. I'll get it after searching forever and it will blow my mind. Here's the summary for those that haven't heard of this book:

His love captivated her... his secrets might kill her.

Since her sister’s mysterious death, Persephone “Phe” Archer has been plagued by a series of disturbing dreams. Determined to find out what happened to her sister, Phe enrolls at Devenish Prep in Shadow Hills, Massachusetts—the subject of her sister’s final diary entry.

After stepping on campus, Phe immediately realizes that there’s something different about this place—an unexplained epidemic that decimated the town in the 1700s, an ancient and creepy cemetery, and gorgeous boy Zach—and somehow she’s connected to it all.

But the more questions she asks and the deeper she digs, the more entangled Phe becomes in the haunting past of Shadow Hills. Finding what links her to this town…might cost her her life.

Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward

Summary: Ruthless and brilliant, Vishous, son of the Bloodletter, possesses a destructive curse and a frightening ability to see the future. As a pretrans growing up in his father's war camp he was tormented and abused. As a member of the Brotherhood, he has no interest in love or emotion, only the battle with the Lessening Society. But when a mortal injury puts him in the care of human surgeon, Dr. Jane Whitcomb compels him to reveal his inner pain and taste true pleasure for the first time-until a destiny he didn't choose takes him into a future that cannot include her..

Review: I was excited to read V's book because I wanted to know more about his visions. I was a bit disappointed that the focus was only on one vision and even that one wasn't mentioned very often. It was okay though as the vision was quite important. Especially at the end of the book. V and Jane are both very sick individuals which I guess makes them perfect for each other. I loved the end because it was different from the other books, but it was still a bit of the same. I was super shocked at the how the beginning played out. Talk about mother of all twists. I wasn't expecting that at all. I wasn't expecting the end either. This will probably end up being one of my favorite books in the series.

4.5 howls

Book Blogger Pounce

Today's question:

How many blogs do you follow?

Overall? I have no clue, but if you follow me and leave a comment telling me so then I'll follow you. :)

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Summary: Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go -- especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil -- and also her father.

To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings -- and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.

Review: Another book in this series that I was very late on. Again Cassandra thrusts you into her world, but this time a new character is introduced, Imogen. Imogen made me think very much of Umbridge from Harry Potter. They both jump to conclusions and they discover what is right and what is wrong throughout the story. None of the characters stand out to me except Alec so I'm looking forward to read more with him in it. I still don't like the Clary/Jace thing, but now things between Clary and Simon are complicated so I'm not really rooting for either of them. This is just another great YA modern fantasy novel and I look forward to reading City of Glass.

4 howls

Sniffing for Books (WoW 10)

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

Yup, it's Cassandra Clare's new book. I haven't finished City of Ashes or City of Glass, but this one sounds good too. I hope to pick it up soon after it's released.

Contest Hunt 8

I'm posting this a day earlier than I normally do because I might not have time to do it tomorrow.

There is a Mega-Epic-Contest-of-Awesome (yes that's the name of it) going on (ends Aug. 21).

Reading with Tequila is having a 1000 followers contest (ends September 30).

Eating YA Books is having a 250 followers contest (ends Aug. 26).

Girls Without a Bookshelf is giving away Angel (ends Aug. 22).

Top 8 and What's Your Status are being given away over at A Life Bound by Books (ends Aug. 29).

The Book Scout is celebrating their Blogoversary (ends September 2).

The Scorch Trials is being given away at The Lateiner Gang (ends Aug. 24).

You can win Sleepless at Good Choice Reading (ends Aug. 27).

The Hiding Spot is giving away The Eternal Ones (ends Aug. 31).

Fantastic Book Review is giving away Clockwork Angel (ends Aug. 27).

25 Hour Books is giving away Infinite Days (ends Aug. 20).

Confessions of a Bookaholic has another Prize Pack up (ends Aug. 19).

Confessions of a Book Addict is having an awesome End of Summer contest (ends September 7).

Bloody Bookaholic is also giving away The Eternal Ones (ends September 1).

Halo is being given away at The Naughty Book Kitties (ends ???).

Steph Su Reads is giving away some Jeri Smith-Ready books (ends September 3).

Demon Lovers's is having a 400 followers celebration (ends September 19).

Wyvernhail by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Summary: Hai has always been an outsider. With a falcon mother and a deceased cobra father, she is considered a mongrel by most, an ally by some, and a friend by few. Hai's broken falcon wings are a painful reminder of the life she once led on the island of Ahnmik. And here in Wyvern's Court, the avian and serpiente royal family keep their distance, refusing to acknowledge her cobra bloodline. They know that Hai's magic is so volatile, she can barely control it, and images of the past and future threaten to overwhelm her.

When Hai's cousin, Oliza Shardae Cobriana, abdicates the throne of Wyvern's Court, Hai has visions only of destruction: the serpiente king Salem, dying in her arms; the dutiful guard, Nicias, unable to save a generation of children; and Wyvern's Court engulfed in flames.

Now Hai will do anything to protect her new home - even if it means betraying the very people who need her most.

Review: This book was horrible, yet beautiful. It was by far the darkest of the series. I still think Wolfcry is my favorite, but boy this one sure does come close. I'm really glad that Hai got her own book because her visions are interesting to read about. And all the internal struggles she had to deal with in this book were really sad. I loved all the twists in this book and I'm kind of sad that I've finished this series. I'm also happy that I've read yet another satisfying series by Amelia, and I look forward to read all of her other books.

5 howls for sure

Wolfcry by Amelia Atwater Rhodes

Summary: Oliza Shardae Cobriana is heir to Wyvern's Court, home of the avians and serpiente, whose war with each other ended just before Oliza was born. But hatred is slow to die, and not everyone likes the expressive way in which Urban, a serpiente dancer, is courting Oliza--especially not Marus, her reserved avian suitor. And when Urban is found beaten in avian land, Oliza is filled with despair. How can she be expected to lead a unified society if her people still cannot live peacefully together?

Before Oliza can try to mend the rift in Wyvern's Court, she is kidnapped by mercenaries, who take her deep into wolves' territory. As Wyvern princess, all Oliza has ever wanted is to see a future where she can find love and take a mate without inciting another war. The time is now. She owes it to her people--and to herself.

Review: Gosh this was such a wonderful book. In terms of conflict and romance it was by far the best one. I never realized what a strong character Oliza was until I read Wolfcry. She showed how a true queen should act and what a true queen should do in order to honor and protect her people. Even so, the ending caught me off guard. I'm excited to read Wyvernhail. It has to be beyond amazing in order to beat this one.

Without a doubt, 5 howls. Very fitting if I do say so myself. :)

Black Butler vol. 1 & 2

Summary: When a terrible fire claims his parents, Ciel Phantomhive must step up as the head of his father's company and as Earl Phantomhive. It would be a lot for the young boy to handle were it not for his faithful butler, Sebastian. Ever at Ciel's side, it seems there's little Sebastian can't do, whether it's saving a dinner party gone awry or probing the dark secrets of London's underbelly. He's almost too good to be true...or at least, too good to be human...

Summary: Sebastian Michaelis. Occupation: Butler. He makes his master's afternoon tea, polishes the silver, and ...heads up murder investigations?! As London is seized by fear when Jack the Ripper begins his killing spree in Whitechapel, Queen Victoria commands Ciel Phantomhive and his seemingly superhuman butler Sebastian to step in. What will happen when the case takes a surprising turn that shatters one of the few truths Ciel holds dear?

Review: I liked these volumes a lot, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. Sebastian is pretty wonderful. At least for the most part. I thought this was a clever idea, but the other servants in the mansion are really annoying. It's cute when one or two characters are playful and immature because that seems to be common in manga and it's expected. But it seems in this series that the only person that takes anything seriously is Sebastian. Even Ciel doesn't do very much. All of the useless characters was a bit of a turn-off for me, but I still recommend this series to anyone that is a fan of manga and I will definitely be finishing this series when I get the chance.

4 howls

Falcondance by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Summary: Nicias has never felt completely at home among the avians and serpiente in Wyvern's Court, despite his loyalty to Oliza Shardae Cobriana, the heir to both thrones. He is a falcon, the son of two exiles from Anhmik and images of this distant island have always haunted his dreams. But when Nicias's visions become more like reality, his parents have no choice but to send him back to the homeland and a royal falcon they've tried their best to forget.

If Araceli won't bind Nicias's newfound magic, it could destroy him. In a place where everyone is a pawn, only one other woman has the potential to save Nicias. But she holds the keys to a dangerous power struggle that will force Nicias to choose between his duty and his destiny.

Review: After finishing this book, a part of me wants to skip Wolfcry and go straight to Wyvernhail because I want to get to know Hai better. I can't do that though because I adore Oliza and I want to get to know her better too. I loved Nicias in this story. As of right now he's my favorite character. The story was still fantastic which is something I believe I've gotten used to. I enjoyed reading this book very much, and I hope we go back to the falcon world later because there seems to be some unfinished business there. Overall this book was absolutely splendid.

5 howls

Book Blogger Pounce

The question is:

How many books do you have on your 'to be read shelf’?

What? I'm supposed to keep track? Oh dear. I'm just kidding, but I do have a lot of books. Probably about 200. Of course some of those I'm not going to read yet. My immediate TBR shelf houses probably 50 books.

After School Nightmare vol. 1 and Blackbird vol. 5

Summary: You have just awakened to find your darkest, ugliest secret revealed to classmates who would do anything to destroy you. This is what's happened to Ichijou Mashiro, whose elite school education turns into the most horrifying experience of his life when he's enlisted by a mysterious school nurse to take an after-hours class. Only those who pass the class will graduate, and the only way for Mashiro to pass is to enter into a nightmare world... where his body and soul will be at the mercy of his worst enemies. Can Mashiro keep his life-long secret - that he is not truly a "he" nor entirely a "she" - or will he finally be "outted" in the most humiliating way possible?

Review: It's always refreshing to discover a new manga series with incredible artwork, but it's even better when the story is interesting too. I love this idea and the characters are all very dark. As far as romance goes there are 2 very different options for Mashiro. Kureha is a student who is undergoing the same special class as Mashiro. She has a very dark past, but a promising future. Sou is another student in the same program as Mashiro and Kureha, but he takes it to the extreme. I'm curious to see what is in his past, and I want to know more about his sister. Maybe I just like the darker manga, but I found this volume to be visually stunning as well as deep in the nature of the story. I believe it's only 10 volumes so if I can find the others I will be sure to pick them up.

Summary: There is a world of myth and magic that intersects ours, and only a special few can see it. Misao Harada is one such person, and she wants nothing to do with magical realms. She just wants to have a normal high school life and maybe get a boyfriend. But she is the bride of demon prophecy, and her blood grants incredible powers, her flesh immortality. Now the demon realm is fighting over the right to her hand...or her life!

Misao thinks she's come to terms with being the bride of prophecy and dating a tengu lord, but is she ready to bear her handsome demon an heir?! Kyo's grandfather is impatient to secure the power of the prophecy and the line of succession, and he doesn't care which of his grandsons fathers Misao's baby. If Kyo doesn't act fast, he'll lose Misao and the leadership of the clan. But despite his desire for Misao, Kyo is hesitant to consummate their relationship, for that will bring about catastrophe...

Review: I really like this series, and every volume I read keeps reminding me why. I'm not big on how forceful Kyo is, but he never pushes Misao further than she's willing to go. The story itself is great and the art is just stunning. I cannot wait until Volume 6 is released in America so I can get my hands on that one. I've been borrowing them from a friend, but I really need to get copies of this fantastic series for myself.

Both volumes get 5 howls from me!

Sniffing for Books (WoW 9)

This is the book after The Maze Runner, which was pretty darn amazing, so I'm excited for this one. It comes out October 12!

Snakecharm by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Summary: ZANE COBRIANA, COBRA shapeshifter, thanks the gods every day for Danica, his hawk pair bond, and the peace their union has brought to the avian and serpiente. Soon, Danica will have a child to carry on their royal line. But what should be a happy time is riddled with doubt.

Syfka, an ancient falcon, has arrived from Ahnmik claiming that one of her people is hidden in their midst. The falcons are more powerful than the avians and serpiente combined, and Syfka shows nothing but contempt for Zane and Danica’s alliance. To Zane’s horror, his own people seem just as appalled as Syfka is by the thought of a mixed-blood child becoming heir to the throne. Is Syfka’s lost falcon just a ruse to stir up controversy among them? The truth lies somewhere in their tangled pasts—and the search will redefine Zane and Danica’s fragile future.

Review: I think I liked this book more than Hawksong simply because this one goes more in depth of what struggles Danica and Zane faced now that they are mates. Their solution of what to do for the baby was creative and it sort of showed how Wyvernhail came about. I was quite interested in the falcon clan and I expect Falcondance to give more insight to them. I found the search for the falcon to be pretty predictable. It wasn't bad, but it was predictable. I'm sure my opinion of these books will only get higher as I read the rest of this series.

4 howls

Contest Hunt 7

Tiger @ All Consuming Books is giving away Infinity (ends Aug. 17).

Confessions of a Bookaholic posted more prize packs (ends Aug. 19):

Prize Pack #8: The Truth About Forever

Prize Pack #9: Dead Until Dark

Prize Pack #10: Pre-Order (Mockingjay, Clockwork Angel, or Halo)

Fiction State of Mind is hosing a Crossover Sunday giveaway (ends Aug. 15).

The Publication Follies of Alexandra Shostak is giving away your choice between Matched or Beautiful Darkness (ends Aug. 30).

Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

Summary: In a land that has been at war so long that no one remembers the reason for fighting, the shapeshifters who rule the two factions agree to marry in the hope of bringing peace, despite deep-seated fear and distrust of each other.

Review: I have a soft spot for shapeshifters so I was happy when I finally decided to start reading this series. I loved Amelia's Den of Shadows series, and this series has a strong start as well. I really liked the idea of the prince and princess of two opposing sides mating because of the tension that stretches during the story. Of course it is expected that the pair put aside their differences and learn to work together to make everything work. I was a bit concerned though because halfway through this book nothing significant happened. Danica and Zane are together for some time, and everybody was pretty okay with them being together. For some characters it took some getting used to but there were no assassination attempts, and other characters kept commenting how safe Zane and Danica are. That all changed though when someone does attempt to take the life of them. Actually there are a couple attempts. This was a solid start to a series I am very much looking forward to finishing.

4 howls

New in the Den (IMM 16)

Won:

From Aine's Realm:

Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti

The Clockwork Three by Matthew Kirby

You Killed Wesley Payne by Sean Beaudoin

From Reading Angel:

The Wish List by Gabi Stevens

Bought: (I'm aware these are very out of order from how they are in the video)

Nightlight by the Harvard Lampoon

Lover Revealed by JR Ward

Lover Unbound by JR Ward

Kiss Me Deadly

M is for Magic by Neil Gaiman

Sword Quest by Nancy Yi Fan

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Seeing Redd by Frank Beddor

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Harry: A History by Melissa Anelli

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Frostbite by Richelle Mead

Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

Willow by Julia Hoban

Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports by James Patterson

Pocket Companion to Narnia by Paul F. Ford

Chalice by Robin McKinley

The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove by Lauren Kate

Luxe by Anna Godbersen

Rumors by Anna Godbersen

Envy by Anna Godbersen

Non-Book Related:

Linkin Park messenger bag

NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) bag

Kiss Me Deadly

Summary: Full of dark seduction and modern romance, this short story collection presents a variety of talented voices sure to satisfy every werewolf, ghost, fallen angel, zombie, and shape-shifter’s dark desires.

Review: The Assassin's Apprentice by Michelle Zink: I liked the story a lot. I liked that if Michelle wants to she can pick it right back up and make a whole series out of it. She can back up to before this short story took place, or she can do a follow up after the story.

Errant by Diana Peterfreund: I have so missed my unicorns. If you've read Rampant and you're waiting on Ascendent then I think you should pick this up. It isn't a whole book filled with people killing unicorns. It's more of how 2 people on opposite sides of society can become friends through a unicorn. I thought this story was very, very good.

The Spirit Jar by Karen Mahoney: I've never read anything by Karen before, but wow this story was good. I loved the main character's attitude. That's what caught me in the story before I even got into it. Any story that has "I heart Princess Leia. Sue me" in it gets major kudos from me. I really want to see if Karen uses this to make a series, or if she does a follow-up story in another antho.

Lost by Justine Musk: This was really sad. The ending was really beautiful, and I really hope Justine does more with this story in the future.

The Spy Who Never Grew Up by Sarah Rees Brennan: I really like reading new twists on familiar stories, and there is no more familiar of a story than Peter Pan. Yeah you heard me. I don't think I would want to see anything else come out of this story. It was a great story, but the attitude of the MC made me think that this was just going to be a short story in an anthology. Nothing more. I am very eager to read Sarah's other books. They sound really good, and I've heard good things. I just never picked them up. Now I want to read them very badly.

Dungeons of Langeais by Becca Fitzpatrick: A short story about Chauncey! Honestly I don't remember much of Hush, Hush and what I do remember doesn't have a lot to do with Chauncey, but I think I remember that it's his fault Patch and Nora are in the situation they're in. I was happy to read more about him just because he seemed to be a small character in Hush, Hush. The biggest thing I learned in this story is Chauncey has guts.

Behind the Red Door by Caitlin Kittredge: I'm still trying to figure out if I liked this story. I like the idea, but I don't like Jo. She annoyed me. I liked that this story had the whole love triangle thing going on. I guess Caitlin kinda cheated by skipping large periods of time, but I think it worked well. I liked the end a lot. So I guess I like this story, but it is no where near my favorite.

Hare Moon by Carrie Ryan: I was beyond excited when I found out this story was about Sister Tabitha. I didn't like the sisters in Forest, but I wanted to know more about them. This story gave me the insight I was looking for and now I pity Tabitha. I still don't like her, but now I understand. This is without a doubt one of my top stories.

Familiar by Michelle Rowen: I think this might be my favorite. It was such a cute story, and if you want a swoon worthy man then look no further than Owen. I hope there are more stories or a series coming from this so we can see more of Brenda's life as a witch. That would make me super happy.

Fearless by Rachel Vincent: This is just under Familiar for my favorite. If you haven't read the series then you'll probably be okay with Nash in this story, but personally I wanted to punch him. I'm pretty sure this is supposed to be pre-Kaylee and everything, but my opinion of Nash was never really high. I liked Sabine though. I thought she had a great attitude and I want to learn more about maras.

Vermillion by Daniel Marks: I thought the premise of this story was interesting, but overall it was too confusing for me to read and enjoy. I really wanted to like it, and I'll be checking out more of Daniel's stuff to see if it was his writing or just this particular story.

The Hounds of Ulster by Maggie Stiefvater: More faeries! I am a bigger fan of Maggie's faerie books than I am of her wolf books so when I read this I was super excited. Of course now I'm sad because who knows if she'll pick up fey again, but if I ever need a reminder of her wonderful, magical world I can always read Lament, Ballad, and this wonderful short.

Many Happy Returns by Daniel Waters: This was another really beautiful, but really sad story. I've heard of Daniel's Generation Dead books and I want to read them. Reading this story made me want to read them that much more.

Most of the stories I enjoyed greatly and for that I give it 4 howls.

Ultimate Reviewers Challenge update

I've been meaning to do an update on this challenge for a while, but I kept forgetting. I'm such a bad challenge participant. I probably spelled that wrong.

This was my original list of books I wanted to read. For the ones that I've already read I have links set up:

Nightlight by the Harvard Lampoon

Lover Revealed by JR Ward

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Frostbite by Richelle Mead

White Cat by Holly Black

School's Out Forever by James Patterson

Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports by James Patterson

That's the progress I've made so far. I'm pretty proud of myself. I hope everyone else is doing well too!

Book Blogger Pounce

This week's question:

"Do you listen to music when you read? If so, what are you favorite reading tunes?"

If I'm reading on the road then I might listen to my ipod. It depends on my mood. If I'm listening at home then I'll probably read while watching TV, or I'll put on Pandora while I'm in my room. So I'll probably be listening to something, but I don't really have any specific music I really listen to.

Frostbite by Richelle Mead

Summary: Rose Hathaway's got serious guy trouble. Her gorgeous tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason has a huge crush on her, she keeps getting stuck in her best friend Lissa's head while she's making out with her boyfriend, Christian.

Then a massive Strigoi attack puts St. Vladmir's on high alert, and the Academy crawls with Guardians-including the legendary Janine Hathaway...Rose's formidable, long-absent mother. The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy's not taking any risks. This year, St. Vladmir's holiday ski trip is mandatory.

But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only provide the illusion of safety. When three students run away to strike back against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. Only this time, Rose-and her heat-are in more danger than she ever could have imagined.

Review: I am very fond of these books right now. I love the fact that the story always keeps you going and engaged. The only thing that I really don't like about the story is Rose keeps meeting all of these guys. Granted she's only interested in one of them, but they keep trying to win her over and it gets a bit old. I really liked that this book really showed what kind of danger the Moroi are really in. I still absolutely loved Rose and Dimitri. I'm still a bit meh about Lissa and Christian. They're okay characters, but I don't really have any reason to love them. I'm very excited for Shadow Kiss so when I get it I'll have to read it immediately.

5 howls

Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward

Summary: Butch O'Neal is a fighter by nature. A hard living, ex-homicide cop, he's the only human ever to be allowed in the inner circle of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. And he wants to go even deeper into the vampire world to engage in the turf war with the lessers. He's got nothing to lose. His heart belongs to a female vampire, Marissa, an aristocratic beauty who's way out of his league. If he can't have her, then at least he can fight side by side with the Brothers...

Fate curses him with the very thing he wants. When Butch sacrifices himself to save a civilian vampire from the slayers, he falls prey to the darkest force in the war. Left for dead, he's found by a miracle, and the Brotherhood calls Marissa to bring him back. But even her love may not be enough to save him...

Review: Butch is probably still my least favorite in the group. I was dreading reading this book because I don't like Butch all that much. I never thought the book itself was going to be bad. I just didn't want to read about Butch. Lover Revealed helped to bring up my opinion of Butch. I wonder if his family will be mentioned in future books. I liked Marissa for the most part. She annoyed me at the end though. I won't say why because of spoilers, but she really started to annoy me. I am beyond ready for Lover Unbound though, and I'm really happy that we got introduced to Xhex too. I don't think I'm going to like her very much, but I really want to know why she and Rehv are the way they are.

4 howls

Contest Hunt 6

Jennifer Laurens is having a contest where you can pick one of her books to win (ends Aug. 7).

There is a 500 follower contest going on at Curling Up by the Fire (ends Aug. 20).

Like Mother, Like Daughter is having their first contest so go show some love (ends Aug. 18).

Tiger @ All Consuming Books is giving away The Second Short Life of Bree Tanner (ends Aug. 10).

Confessions of a Bookaholic are giving away Summer Prize Packs. They all end on August 19. Here's a list of the currently open ones:

Prize Pack #1: Perfect Chemistry

Prize Pack #2: Summer Fun

Prize Pack #3: Let Me Love You (adult-signed)

Prize Pack #4: Evernight

Prize Pack #5: Keeping the Moon

Prize Pack #6: Vampire Academy

Prize Pack #7: Lock and Key

Daisy Chain Book Reviews is giving away the first 2 books by Alyxandra Harvey (ends Aug. 6).

Fantastic Book Review is having a 1000 Followers contest (ends Aug. 28).

The Norwegian Book Girl is having a 100 Followers contest (ends Aug. 27).

An Addicted Book Reader is having an August Celebration contest (ends Sept. 1).

Nightlight: A Parody by The Harvard Lampoon

Summary: About three things I was absolutely certain. First, Edwart was most likely my soul mate, maybe. Second, there was a vampire part of him–which I assumed was wildly out of his control–that wanted me dead. And third, I unconditionally, irrevocably, impenetrably, heterogeneously, gynecologically, and disreputably wished he had kissed me.

And thus Belle Goose falls in love with the mysterious and sparkly Edwart Mullen in the Harvard Lampoon’s hilarious send-up of Twilight. Pale and klutzy, Belle arrives in Switchblade, Oregon looking for adventure, or at least an undead classmate. She soon discovers Edwart, a super-hot computer nerd with zero interest in girls. After witnessing a number of strange events–Edwart leaves his tater tots untouched at lunch! Edwart saves her from a flying snowball!–Belle has a dramatic revelation: Edwart is a vampire. But how can she convince Edwart to bite her and transform her into his eternal bride, especially when he seems to find girls so repulsive?

Complete with romance, danger, insufficient parental guardianship, creepy stalker-like behavior, and a vampire prom, Nightlight is the uproarious tale of a vampire-obsessed girl, looking for love in all the wrong places.

Review: This was the most bizarre book I think I have ever read. I probably would have liked it more if I had re-read Twilight before reading this, but I didn't think I'd be able to handle 2 doses of stupid in a row. Nightlight was a clever little book that took major aspects of Twilight and made them funny. If you haven't read Twilight then you would probably miss why this book is funny. If you have read Twilight then, whether you liked it or not, I think you should at least borrow this book from a friend/library because it was really funny. I really like that no only did they reference to book, but they also referenced the movie so those that haven't read the book but have seen the movie could still get into the story. The only people that might get offended by reading this book are the ones that go around saying, "Twilight is my favorite book evar!!!!!oneoneone" There was a book reference titled Full Moon in this book so I wonder if they will make books like this for the rest of the series.

3 howls

Ultimate Reviewers Challenge!

I signed up for this challenge because I really need to get on top of my reviews. Click on the button to sign up and check out more info on this challenge.

Some books I hope to have read/reviewed for this challenge are:

Nightlight

Lover Revealed by JR Ward

City of Ash by Cassandra Clare

Frostbite by Richelle Mead

White Cat by Holly Black

School's Out Forever by James Patterson

Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports by James Patterson

And any other books that I might get this month. Yeah I'm pretty stoked to start this challenge.