Top Ten Tuesday

Brought to you by The Broke and the Bookish

This weeks top ten is a good one! I had lots of fun with it. - Top 10 bookish confessions (in no particular order)

1. I judge authors on twitter and facebook. I get it, you're excited that you book is published, but do you have to re-tweet and post only the reviews where people put you on a throne? What about the ones who only just liked the book. I know, it's bad that I do this, but I've unfollowed a certain author because of this (Needless to say, she didn't re-tweet my review!)

2. Sometimes I read the bottom of the page first. This is terrible and I HATE that I do it, but my eyes just skim to the bottom.

3. I love the library but I can never get books back before they charge me late fees. So I rarely borrow.

4. I don't dog ear my books. Unless it's a used one I bought somewhere that is already dog eared. (and man does it feel nice to dog ear, I feel like I'm breaking the law!)

5. I need my books to match on my shelf. This whole thing with last books in a series not matching the first ones is terrible. And I refuse to buy it if it doesn't match. Which then puts me in a pickle because I don't have the complete series. Stick with the hardcover being to same and design new (but matching) covers for paperback.

6. I love hardcover books. Sometimes I prefer them to paperback. They're heavy, big and sometimes fall on my face when I'm reading in bed, but I can't help it.

7. I enjoy books more if the authors are nice. I guess this ties in with #1, but I love nice, down-to-earth writers and your books will appeal to me more. For example, Kelley Armstrong, I've talked to her through email (and her publicist, whom is also so nice!). My hubby just met Kelley on the weekend and got a signed book for me, and he was so impressed with her kindness! Marina Cohen, author of Mind Gap is a lovely lady too!

8. I got invited to a friends house the other day, I said sorry, I've got plans. My plans? Get home and read. Enough said.

9. Someone asked me how many books were in the Harry Potter series, and I *GASP* couldn't remember if there were 7 or 8. This is embarrassing because I'm a die-hard Potter fan. Just forget I even mentioned this one.

10. I hoard books. Don't judge, we all do. I can't get rid of them, even if I didn't ever read it, or if I know I will not re-read it, I keep it.

Book Review: Enshadowed by Kelly Creagh

Publisher: Atheneum Books
Publish Date: Aug 28th, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-442-40204-1
Pages: 488
Series: Nevermore, #2
Source: ARC from publisher

Goodreads Synopsis:
True love takes a twisted turn in the second book of this modern gothic romance trilogy channeling the dark brilliance of Edgar Allan Poe.While Varen remains a prisoner in a perilous dream world where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life, Isobel travels to Baltimore to confront the dark figure known throughout the world as the Poe Toaster. This man, the same man who once appeared to Isobel in her dreams and abandoned her in Varen’s nightmare world, holds the key to saving Varen.
     But when Isobel discovers a way to return to this dream world, she finds herself swept up in a realm that not only holds remnants of Edgar Allan Poe’s presence, but has also now taken on the characteristics of Varen’s innermost self. It is a dark world of fear, terror, and anger.
     When Isobel once more encounters Varen, she finds him changed. And now Isobel must face a new adversary—one who also happens to be her greatest love.

My Review:
Enshadowed follows the journey of Isobel and Varen. Varen had yet to return from the dreamworld and people are starting to wonder where he is, including Isobel who keeps getting glimpses of him here and there. Questions are answered for us but not without leading us deeper into this unknown realm.

Throughout Enshadowed he author keeps us on our toes with mystery and keeps things rolling with the plot. Her writing is great and descriptive, with the setting clearly painted in our heads. I will admit that I enjoyed the first part of Nevermore, book #1 more than anything so far. I loved the human aspect of the book and thoroughly enjoyed Varen and Isobels relationship grow. I loved how things were as humanly simple as it could be. That's not to say that I didn't enjoy Enshadowed, but reading books about demons and such isn't always my cup of tea, though to be honest, I found myself more and more interested as the book went on. But the human interaction between Isobel and her father, brother and her friend Gwen, were great and kept things real for me. The dynamic relationships in Kelly Creagh's work is refreshing. 

The characters in Enshadowed are memorable and written very well. There was something about Pinfeathers that I liked. He was mysterious and very interesting and I was always curious as to when he would show up and what he had to say. Gwen is a fun character who livens things up and is a good balance to Isobels serious demeanor.

Overall, Enshadowed was a good book, and a must read if you've read Nevermore. I was hooked and read this book everywhere and I'm sure you will too.

Waiting on Wednesday

Breaking The Spine, to show readers what we are anxiously waiting for!

The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Set to be released October 23, 2012 by Simon & Schuster

I know, I know, I have already done a WoW post with this book. But to be honest, I'm just so excited to get my hands on The Evolution of Mara Dyer. If this was the only book to come out this year, I'd be okay with that. Even if this is the last book I read all year, I wouldn't see a problem in it. Because Michelle Hodkin is one of the greatest authors and Mara Dyer is one of the best books I've read in a while. 

If you haven't already, I'd suggest reading Book #1, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer before Book #2 comes out. You can read my rave review here. You can visit Michelle Hodkin on her blog, and believe me, she has some great stuff on her blog (links to chapter 1, steamy scenes, pictures, etc from the Mara series) It's all on there.

Seriously, go read or re-read The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, I know that's what I'll be doing on the days leading up to the release date.

And if you want more, here is the book trailer for
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

I can't wait!

Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is thanks to The Broke & The Bookish

This weeks top 10 - Top Ten Favourite Books in the Lifespan of My Blog

Without further ado, in no particular order...

That's my list! What about you? Leave a link and I'll check your list.

Book Review: The Unnaturalists by Tiffany Trent

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publish Date: Aug 14, 2012
ISBN: 9781442444980
Pages: 320
Series: None
Source: ARC from publisher

Goodreads Synopsis:
In an alternate London where magical creatures are preserved in a museum, two teens find themselves caught in a web of intrigue, deception, and danger.
Vespa Nyx wants nothing more than to spend the rest of her life cataloging Unnatural creatures in her father’s museum, but as she gets older, the requirement to become a lady and find a husband is looming large. Syrus Reed’s Tinker family has always served and revered the Unnaturals from afar, but when his family is captured to be refinery slaves, he finds that his fate may be bound up with Vespa’s—and with the Unnaturals.
As the danger grows, Vespa and Syrus find themselves in a tightening web of deception and intrigue. At stake may be the fate of New London—and the world.

My Review:
I was really excited to read this book once it arrived in my mail. The cover is just so pretty and the synopsis was something different. Once I started reading it, it wasn't quite what I expected. The idea of the story is really good. It's a Steampunk novel with so much creativity and such, but I just found it lacking in character development.
Vespa, the main character had so much potential, but it just didn't cut it for me. She was a museum worker who loved all things Unnatural. She was young and loved doing what she did. And maybe seeing as she was only 15, she didn't have all this worldly character to develop though at times it was hard to believe she was that young. And if that is supposed to be Vespa on the cover, it's not at all how I picture her. Syrus on the other hand was a fun character. There was something about him that I really enjoyed reading. Syrus is a Tinker who was sent to warn Vespa and together, along with Bayne are responsible for saving the world. Bayne was another lovely character. His experience and secrets make him intriguing. I thought Nainai was wonderful. I loved her knowledge and her stories of the old ways. Though I did think she would have been a key character to the story.
While the story was lacking a few key points, it started looking up near the end and I was eager is finish it. (But never once did I want to give up on it altogether, if that makes sense) I just wish that Trent put more time in some of the characters and added a bit of background to some of the characters. Tiffany is able to paint this glorious looking world with these Unnatual creatures and all the mythwork. It was really neat and there was so much potential for the story, I think that it could have been expanded a little bit and it would have been awesome.  That being said, I would recommend The Unnaturalists because of its unique premise and amazing creativity.

Huzzah, I'm 2 today!

Well, I'm not 2 but my blog is!

On this day, 2 years ago I started Stellar Book Blog, and have had so much fum with it! I have a giveaway planned but am heading out for the weekend so festivities will have to wait until next week. Stay tuned!

Stay safe, enjoy your weekend! Happy Reading.

Spotted: Cover of Sever by Lauren DeStefano

Umm, where have I been? I've missed this cover reveal, but it's never too late to show this cover!
What do you think?

Sever (The Chemical Garden, #3) by Lauren DeStefano 

Set to be published by Simon & Schuster on February 12, 2013

 I really like this cover! It matches nicely with Books #1 and #2. (so my books will look pretty on my shelf) I'm glad they kept the theme the same. I can't wait to read this book, that's for sure.

Book Review: Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Publication Date: August 30, 2011
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 978-1-442-40201-0
Pages: Paperback, 543
Series: Nevermore, #1
Source: Bought

Goodreads Synopsis:
Cheerleader Isobel Lanley is horrified when she is paired with Varen Nethers for an English project, which is due—so unfair—on the day of the rival game. Cold and aloof, sardonic and sharp-tongued, Varen makes it clear he’d rather not have anything to do with her either. But when Isobel discovers strange writing in his journal, she can’t help but give this enigmatic boy with the piercing eyes another look.
Soon, Isobel finds herself making excuses to be with Varen. Steadily pulled away from her friends and her possessive boyfriend, Isobel ventures deeper and deeper into the dream world Varen has created through the pages of his notebook, a realm where the terrifying stories of Edgar Allan Poe come to life.
As her world begins to unravel around her, Isobel discovers that dreams, like words, hold more power than she ever imagined, and that the most frightening realities are those of the mind. Now she must find a way to reach Varen before he is consumed by the shadows of his own nightmares.

His life depends on it.

My Review:

I've never been a huge fan of poetry. Not because I don't enjoy it, but because I've never been able to decipher and find the real and intended meaning in the words. I've been intrigued by the works of Edgar Allen Poe but never took it upon myself  to read any of his works, so I guess this was my first dip into his works.

Isobel, the main character is a popular teenage, beautiful cheerleader whose life is normal as she knows it. She's dating the football star, her friends are all popular like her. This is the life that other teenagers envy until she is paired up in English class with "the freak". The Gothic looking guy who is kind of creepy and keeps to himself always. With his long black hair, black eyeliner and chains everywhere Isobel is a little worried (not only for her grade but also for her life.)

I couldn't really relate on a personal level with Isobel but I did like her. She was easy to like, just your typical teenager trying to fit in and be cool. Varen is the guy she is paired up with. He's quiet, keeps to himself. He;s never been bothered with people at school or the rumors, or anything else really. Varen has a few friends, and like him, are fully clad in black so he's said to be a vampire and Isobel's friends make jokes about that during their time spent working on their English project. I liked Varen to be honest, he had an attitude that was really fun to read. He was so straight to the point, obvious and blunt that just made him a memorable character in Nevermore.

The English project that Varen and Isobel are working on is about Edgar Allen Poe and Varen is very knowledgeable about him and his works (Isobel not so much!) Isobel is left with Varen's copy of Poe's work, and once she has that in her possession, things start to happen that she can't explain. From this point on we are no longer reading about high school projects, friendships and drama. We're reading of paranormal events, dreams and nightmares that can actually become reality.

Kelly Creagh had a talent for writing and story telling, as Nevermore is her first book and it's as well-known and popular as it is. The description that Kelly writes in the pages is great and adds to the overall picture. The characters are developed and the book flows together nicely.

I'm definitely looking forward to book two. I want to see where Isobel and Varen's relationship takes them. I want to know what separates the dream world from the real world.