Paranormal Sisters: 2013

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

2013 Reading Challenges Wrap Up!

Hey Everyone, let's see how I did! I know I didn't accomplish them all however I got most of them!! So, much better than last year!

I'm not going to list all the books, way too many to do that haha. But I'll link you guys to my bookshelves and you'll be able to see what I've read for them! :)

Okay, let's get this show on the road!

Welcome to the 2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge hosted by Megan Likes Books and Auntie Spinelli Reads!

I didn't exactly follow the rules, I just did a number of how many paranormal reads I did this year.

Total count: 58

Accomplished/Not Accomplished

Welcome to the 2013 Sequel Challenge, hosted by Auntie Spinelli Reads!

My Goal was: 10

Total Count: 14

Accomplished

Welcome to some Dystopias in 2013, hosted by Blog of Erised!

My goal was Level 2: Rebel (7 to 12 books)

Total Count: 11

Accomplished

Welcome to some retellings and I just love them, hosted by Debz Bookshelf!

My goal was Lady in Waiting: 4-6 books

Total Count: 4

Accomplished

2013 Young Adult Reading Challenge hosted by My Overstuffed Bookshelf!

My goal was The Mega size YA Reading Challenge – Read 50+ Young Adult novels

Total Count: 59

Accomplished

Welcome to the Zombie Reading Challenge 2013! Hosted by, Book Chick City!

My goal was Two Chomps: Read 12 Zombie books in 2013

Total Count: 10

Not Accomplished

And Lastly....

2013 Goodreads Reading Challenge!

My goal was 80

Total count: 90+

Accomplished!

Now onto the next Challenges! I'm going simple this year and I'm totally okay with that! Can't wait to start!

Thanks for stopping by!

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Book Spotlight: The Girl Who Could Talk to Zombies by Rusty Fischer

The Girl Who Could Talk to Zombies by Rusty Fischer

Publication Date: January 2nd 2013

Genre: Young Adult Zombies

Goodreads

~Summary~

Grace Chalmers can talk to zombies. Now, if she could only make them listen!

Some girls talk to their BFFs. Some girls talk to their boyfriends. Grace Chalmers talks to zombies. They even talk back! Thanks to her newfound talent, Grace is the key to stopping a zombie outbreak before it gets any worse. And she only has to battle the US Army, a skeevy Congressman, a top-secret military organization, a horde of hungry zombies plus a brood of even hungrier zombie chimps. Good thing she’s a fast talker.

Amazon

~About The Author~

Rusty Fischer is a full-time freelance writer and the author of nearly a dozen YA paranormal novels, including Zombies Don't Cry and Zombies Don't Forgive, the first two Books in his Living Dead Love Story Series.

Rusty is also the author of Ushers Inc., Panty Raid at Zombie High, Vamplayers, The Girl Who Could Talk to Zombies and The Reanimated Readz Series of 99-cent shorts. Visit Rusty at www.zombiesdontblog.blogspot.com to learn more!

Website / Twitter / Goodreads

Thanks for stopping by!

*Book Spotlights are mainly dedicated to books I have received for review but have yet to get to them*

Friday, December 27, 2013

Review: Zom-B Underground (Zom-B #2) by Darren Shan

Zom-B Underground (Zom-B #2) by Darren Shan

Publication Date: January 2nd 2013

Genre: Young Adult Zombie Horror

Pages: 180

Format: Hardcover

Source: Library

Goodreads

~Summary~

Waking up in a military complex, months after zombies attacked school, B has no memory of the last few months. Life in the UK has turned tough since the outbreak, and B is woven into life- and battle- in the new military regime quickly. But as B learns more about the zombies held in the complex and the scientists keeping them captive, unease settles in. Why exactly was B saved? And is there anyone left in the world to trust?

~My Thoughts~

If I loathe the main character then why did I pick up the second book? Well I’m quite curious about the zombie aspect of the book…I know, curiosity killed the cat, haha. However I still do not know where the hell this storyline is going!?!

I thought I had a twisted brain but Mr. Shan definitely takes the cake! Somehow in his mind it made sense to add in a clown dressed in human flesh and able to spit out spiders into the mix. Sorry for the small spoiler however it’s more of a forewarning. Because of this twist and again curiosity, I’m dying to read the next book which I’ve read the day after finishing this one.

I’m still not a fan of B but in this one she was a little bit more mellowed compared to the first book. So at the end, I didn’t want to throw the book like I did with the first one. She’s trying to do right which gets her into trouble as she and a bunch of other revitalized (living dead with their conscious) help out the government with experiments. B stands up because she thinks it’s cruel and that the zombies are still people, I get this but this slightly bugs me. Especially since the zombies are trying to eat you, you’d think you’d try to defend yourself.

Anyways, this was interesting and easily read in just a day. Again it’s easy to get drawn into, there’s no doubt that Mr. Shan is a great writer. I’m still wondering where this series will go, so get ready to be confused haha. The first half of the book was intriguing but nothing to really get excited about. However kind of the second half, the last few chapters were quite intense! And if you like books with happy endings, then this series isn’t your type. That kind of bugs me too but it pulls me in, making me want to read the next in the series. Ugh!!

Gives you a good haunting

Sweet Readings Everybody!

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Review: The 5th Wave

The 5th Wave (The 5th Wave #1) by Rick Yancey
Publication Date: May 7, 2013
Genre: YA Science Fiction
Pages: 457

Summary

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

I stayed away from reviews and actually picked it up because my sister said a lot of people loved it. That's when I noticed all the praise for the book. So this was a book that had high expectations. Now, I don't think it lived up to the expectations, but it's still a solid book.

The plot isn't anything too unique. The world is great and the different waves of the invasion is creative. And the ending is good and a solid lead-in to the next book. But, otherwise nothing special. Some things are easy to see coming. The romance is sometimes cheesy and obvious. And the set up for a love triangle is there from the beginning. And at the beginning, it is somewhat hard to tell the POVs apart. That gets easier as you get to know the characters more.

A few characters work while a few don't. One that doesn't is sadly Cassie, the main character. She gets better near the end, but for the most part I didn't really like her. She feels whinny and immature. Her five-year-old brother, Sammy, is more mature most of the time. I know she is supposed to be scared, but that rarely comes across. Ben, on the other hand, is a character that works. He is flawed, but strong and likable. I feel like he is the most developed and well rounded character. Evan is a character I'm just on the fence about. He is creepy most of the time and defiantly not sweet like I think Yancey was trying to do. But I like what he is when he isn't with Cassie. And I like where I see his character going, or at least where I think he's going, more than most of the characters. And Ringer is just a badass and that's about all you need to know about her.

So what do I think about the book as a whole? I like it and I do recommend it. I don't think it necessarily deserves the hype it got. And it was nowhere near perfect. But I did really like it, can't say love, and I am looking forward to the sequel.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you and your families!

I hope you have a very merry day and that you enjoy your big o' feast with the ones you love this evening!

Sweet wishes!

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

December Kindle Fire Giveaway!

Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value) This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT! Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7".

All New 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)

December Kindle Fire Giveaway #2 Sponsors

Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Fire Giveaway: 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). 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". Ends 1/1/14 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, Not A Writer and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for stopping by!

Monday, December 23, 2013

Review: Fearless by Christine Rains

Fearless by Christine Rains

Publication Date: July 31st 2012

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Pages: 49

Format: Kindle

Source: Free on Amazon

Goodreads

~Summary~

Abby White was seven years old when she killed the monster under her bed. Now she slays creatures spawned by the fertile imaginations of children, and the number of these nightmares are on the rise. Neither she nor her guide - a stuffed hippo named Tawa - know why.

When she rescues Demetrius from an iron prison, he pledges his life to protect hers until he can return the favor. She doesn't want the help. And how can she concentrate on her job when the gorgeous wild fae throws himself in front of her during every fight? No matter how tempting, she can't give in to him.

To save the children and all she loves, Abby must be truly Fearless.

~My Thoughts~

I was drawn in by this “Abby White was seven years old when she killed the monster under her bed. Now she slays creatures spawned by the fertile imaginations of children, and the number of these nightmares are on the rise. Neither she nor her guide - a stuffed hippo named Tawa - know why.” and found the talking stuffed animal completely adorable! So being intrigued and loving the idea of a person slaying the monsters that live under the beds of children, I downloaded this free short in a heartbeat!

I liked Abby from the beginning! Her character was brave throughout and seeing the transition from her being a kid to an adult was done smoothly. I was so immersed in this world I never wanted to stop reading! It’s truly a fun short and I’m definitely hooked to the writers story telling!

Now the only little down side I have, is the romance. I know it’s hard to write it, especially in a short story, however I wished that I could have seen it blossom into what the author made it out to be. At the end, they loved each other. Yes, I did enjoy Demetrius and he did put a smile on my face. However their love was something I didn’t feel like I could truly connect to. All I saw was the reason why they fell in love was because they helped fight the monsters together and Abby saw him as a protector. I wasn’t able to feel them falling in love any other way. One minute Abby is at her wits end with him and the next she’s dying to be kissed by him?! All I’m saying is, is that I wished there was a better transition between the “I hate you” to “I love you”.

Overall this was truly a cute storyline and the monsters were a nice dose of creepiness. How the bad guy came forth was a total shock and it brought chills to my spine. In the end, I actually would love it if the author continued with this set of trio, especially how it ended for Tawa, adorable!! Plus the creepy details the author writes makes me a fan!

Note: at the end Abby made me think of Elise from S.M Reine’s Descent Series…though I think I could relate better to Abby….all I know is that Fearless made me die for more Monster Ass kicking heroines!

Will disturb your being

Sweet Readings Everybody!

2014 Reading Challenges!

This year I'm not going to be doing many or at least, none that are for a specific genre/type, I'm sticking to the basics this year because I have too many books to try to do anything besides the basics haha. So here's my list of challenges! I'll also be doing the Goodreads challenge too, of course!

Welcome to 2014 TBR Pile Reading Challenge!

We all have those books. We buy them, win them, they're gifted to us.. Then we put them up on a bookshelf and there they stay, collecting dust, waiting for the time when we'll finally decide to pick them up.. Join us on a quest to dust off your TBR Pile and read all the books you've been telling yourself you'll read next time you'll get a chance.. This is your chance! And we've got PRIZES!!! :D Click the button down below to know the rules! I'm joining this challenge cause my pile is HUGE and I haven't been reading from it much, so I'm excited for this!! The level I'll be doing is: 21-30 - First Kiss

Next.......

Welcome to the 2014 Review Pile Reading Challenge, hosted by Rachel @ Fiktshun and Reanna @ Phantasmic Reads!

Let’s be honest here, we all have those books we’ve received for review (whether requested or not!), but we just haven’t gotten to them yet. Or maybe we went a little crazy with the ‘request’ buttons on NetGalley or Edelweiss, and we need to catch up. That’s what this challenge is for.

I’m thrilled and honored to be co-hosting with Rachel. I saw the button on her sidebar one day, and I reached out to see if she wanted a co-host. She gets full credit for this fantastic idea – I’m just along for the ride

I hope you’ll join us on this year-long adventure!

Click the button for the rules!

The last few months I've been doing really good at getting to my review books, so I'd like to do better! I'm so excited to see what I can accomplish!! I love keeping my word so with this challenge I'll be able to do it in a more fashionable time haha.

Next.....

2014rewind

Coffee Bean Bookshelf:

I know I can’t be the only person out there that struggles with this: I’m always watching for the next great book, but feel like I may be missing something in the ones I don’t get to in time. So, in an effort to remedy this feeling, this challenge was born!

I’m challenging myself (and you) to slow down, rewind a little bit and get to those books that we wanted to read SO badly before they were released but somehow got lost in the shuffle.

Click the name for the rules!

I've never done this one before so I'm a newbie! So we'll see how it goes! It's pretty basic and that's what I'm going for this year, so all should be good haha. Can't wait!

There's no levels, you make up your own so I'll be going for: 5-10 books

Thanks for stopping by!

Sunday, December 22, 2013

I am a Book Hoarder (33)

I've got loads to share, some even you guys will love!

So let's get this going!

~Library~

Zom-B Underground (Zom-B #2) by Darren Shan- Read, 3 stars, review Friday

Zom-B City (Zom-B #3) by Darren Shan- Reading

Girl Parts by John M. Cusick- a bit jumpy so we'll see

The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher

Raised by Wolves (Raised by Wolves #1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

~For Review~

Breaking Angelina (Paranormal Investigations, #1.5)

Infinity Unleashed (Valkyries: Soaring Raven, #2)

Breaking Angelina (Paranormal Investigations #1.5) by Rita & TJ Webb- I started reading it but I just didn't get into it, some parts just didn't go with each other so I don't know if my copy was the finish product or not *shrugs*

The Girl Who Could Talk to Zombies by Rusty Fischer- So excited!

Caged in Bone (Ascension #4) by S.M Reine- Love this girl, going to have to do a read-a-thon for her!

Infinity (Valkyries: Soaring Raven #1) by Sedona Venez- I'm intrigued, will be getting to this next month!

Infinity Unleashed (Valkyries: Soaring Raven #2) by Sedona Venez

~Netgalley~