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Sunday, May 30, 2010

: Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead :


Dimitri gave Rose the ultimate choice. But she chose wrong…

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri’s birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s—and to her best friend, Lissa. It is nearly graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives beyond the Academy’s iron gates to begin. But Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri, and he's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and she knows in her heart that he is hunting her. And if Rose won't join him, he won't rest until he's silenced her...forever

RICHELLE!!!!!!!! You can't leave me hanging like that!!!
I read the last page ... and looked for another secret page hiding somewhere ... omg, what a way to end the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book ... seeing the cat and mouse game between Rose and Dimitri, and watching Lissa blossom with her spirit magic with the help of Adrian. Seeing Lissa and Christian's relationship come to a point of make or break was hard - they really let so much nonsensical stuff get in the way. Finally, to see that Lissa came to the realisation of just what her friendship with Rose really meant to her, and what she was prepared to do to help her with Dimitri was inspiring ... if only real life friendships could be that committed.

And Dimitri ... what changes he's been through in the last 2 books ... deep down, I know what he is saying about his feelings for Rose, and how guilty he feels for the things he has done, but also could tell that something would happen to prove that he still loved her as much as ever.

I felt this book had a bit of everything - friendship, loss, awakening, love, action, trials from every angle ... the only thing I am wondering is what the heck happened to Victor? I am tipping that he makes a return in LAST SACRIFICE ... seems like forever till that comes out.

RATING - 8/10

Friday, May 28, 2010

: Fantastic Friday Again :

Waving - big hello to everyone ... hope your Friday passes quickly and you can settle down to enjoying your weekend .. whatever you have planned.

I held my regular meditation class this morning ... then headed out in search of some books for my daughter-in-law ... she only has 7 weeks to go before she has her 2nd baby ... and in desperate need of some books to pass some time. Managed to pick her up 5 second hand ... hope that she enjoys them.

Just about to head out and do the grocery shopping ... but wanted to remind you all about my Giveaway that closes at 11.59pm on May 31st ... you can find the link under GIVEAWAYS.
****************************************
I am reading SPIRIT BOUND (Richelle Mead) and continuing on ... from last week ... Chapter 12 and first sentence is ....
Which was confirmed when we finally stumbled back to the Royal Court

Feel free to share the same info with me from the book you are reading


*Namaste*

: Giveaway at Shut Up! I'm Reading :

SHUT UP! I'M READING
Awesome Giveaway Contest
Click above to go there now
What can you win?


An ARC of The Ghost And The Goth by Stacey Kade
A boxed set of Crank and Glass by Ellen Hopkins
A paperback of The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
A paperback of Feed by M.T. Anderson
An ARC of Claire De Lune by Christine Johnson
An ARC of Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready
A paperback of Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer
An ARC of The Naughty List by Suzanne Young
A hardcover of Fade by Lisa McMann
A hardcover of Shadowland by Alyson Noel

How many winners will there be?

There will be 3 winners. First place winner will get the first pick of books, and they'll get 4 books. Second place winner will get the next pick of books and will get 3 books. Third place winner will get the three leftover books.

Contest ends on June 30 (just a short while after my first ever blogoversary)! The contest is only open to US and Canada.

Wait, what? My 500 follower contest and only only people from the US and Canada can enter? How cruel am I?!

That's right my international friends, I haven't forgotten about you. Although I can't afford to ship to you, The Book Depository can and does. So, one international winner will get 15 dollars to spend on books (or pre-orders if you wish!) at The Book Depository! (Please go here and make sure that the Book Depository ships to you for free.)

Thursday, May 27, 2010

; Blood Promise by Richelle Mead :


Rose Hathaway's life will never be the same.

The recent attack on St. Vladimir's Academy devastated the entire Moroi world. Many are dead. And, for the few victims carried off by Strigoi, their fates are even worse. A rare tattoo now adorns Rose's neck, a mark that says she's killed far too many Strigoi to count. But only one victim matters . . . Dimitri Belikov. Rose must now choose one of two very different paths: honoring her life's vow to protect Lissa—her best friend and the last surviving Dragomir princess—or, dropping out of the Academy to strike out on her own and hunt down the man she loves. She'll have to go to the ends of the earth to find Dimitri and keep the promise he begged her to make. But the question is, when the time comes, will he want to be saved?

Now, with everything at stake—and worlds away from St. Vladimir's and her unguarded, vulnerable, and newly rebellious best friend—can Rose find the strength to destroy Dimitri? Or, will she sacrifice herself for a chance at eternal love?

What to say about this book? I found myself still reeling from the attack and disappearance of Dimitri. The suffering and anguish that Rose was going through jumped right off the pages at me, and I totally understood her reasons for leaving the Academy. Leaving her best friend, to search for her soul mate knowing that she would fulfill the promise they had made to each other previously, was a hard decision, but one that anyone reading this book would understand.

I followed Rose's journey with anticipation of her meeting Dimitri ... after first meeting his family, telling them the news, and seeing their total acceptance of his fate, Rose then has her own internal struggle. Does she stay with them where she feels safe and loved, or does she continue searching?

From the moment she leaves the Belikov family, and travels searching for Dimitri, I just couldn't put the book down. And at the moment when they do cross paths again ... you can feel the pain, as she remembers the man she loved. Accepting his fate and knowing in her heart that she will always love him, puts Rose into a position where she struggles with herself - one that even she isn't sure of surviving.

I loved this book too ... and don't kid yourself that you have every twist and turn worked out - because you'll soon find out that you don't. For me now ... I am on to Spirit Bound ... there goes my night ... lol

RATING - 8/10

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

: TALLOW: THE CURSE OF THE BOND RIDERS 1- by Karen Brooks :

Saturday, June 19 2010 at 11am

Karen Brooks at the Noosa Long Weekend Festival. Hear Karen speak about Writing for different audiences. Fantasy from the Rainbow region and other tales.

Venue: Noosa Arts Theatre

Ticket Details: $30 Bookings: www.noosalongweekend.com P: 07 5474 9941

:YOU CAN'T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT: MY LIFE WITH THE ROLLING STONES - by Sam Cutler :

Saturday, May 29 2010 at 10am
Brisbane Guitar Amp and Vintage Show 2010 Appearing at the show from 10am each day to sign copies of his best selling book, former Tour Manager of The Rolling Stones & The Grateful Dead is Sam Cutler.

RNA Show Grounds 600 Gregory Terrace Bowen Hills QLD 4006 Upper and Lower Commerce Building

Ticket Details:For tickets and information visit: http://guitarampandvintageshow.com.au

Sunday, May 30 2010 at 10am : Brisbane Guitar Amp and Vintage Show 2010

RNA Show Grounds 600 Gregory Terrace Bowen Hills QLD 4006 Upper and Lower Commerce Building

Ticket Details: For tickets and more information visit: http://guitarampandvintageshow.com.au

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

: Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead :


It's springtime at St. Vladimir's Academy, and Rose Hathaway is this close to graduation. Since making her first Strigoi kills, Rose hasn't been feeling quite right. She's having dark thoughts, behaving erratically, and worst of all...might be seeing ghosts.

As Rose questions her sanity, new complications arise. Lissa has begun experimenting with her magic once more, their enemy Victor Dashkov might be set free, and Rose's forbidden relationship with Dimitri is starting to heat up again. But when a deadly threat no one saw coming changes their entire world, Rose must put her own life on the line--and choose between the two people she loves most.

I LOVED IT! For me, this is the best book in the series by far. Rose has come along way from the start of the series ... she is learning to control her temper and impulsive actions for the most part, and with graduation approaching, she is faced with a challenge that is totally unexpected on her part ... she always thought she knew how things would work out with her Guardian duties, but ends up having to be Guardian to Christian while Eddie has the job of looking out for Lissa.

And something strange is going on with Rose - she is seeing ghosts, and hiding this bit of information from the 2 people that she loves the most is hard. Dimitri finally gets Rose to open up and tell him.

The Academy is under attack by Strigoi on a scale totally unexpected, and by numbers the Guardians never expected. And to make matters worse, the Strigoi have human helpers.

Rose is put in a position that she never thought she would be faced with ... which of her 2 loves will win out? What will she be left to deal with? I am not going to tell you - I cried for Rose, feeling her emotions, and knowing that her life altering choice she is faced with will be something that is going to change her forever.

RATING - 9/10

Saturday, May 22, 2010

: Giveaway at Confessions of a Bookaholic :

Win My Soul to Keep (signed) and swag

Rachel Vincent has been kind enough to let Jessica host a contest for her. (Thank you so much Rachel!) This contest is to celebrate the release of her new Soul Screamers book MY SOUL TO KEEP.
http://totalbookaholic.blogspot.com/

: Pretties by Scott Westerfield Giveaway :

Ex Libris has a great giveaway happening on her blog right now
Win a copy of Pretties by Scott Westerfeld is open until May 28! (international!)

Click Here - http://www.stella-exlibris.com/2010/05/ex-libris-featured-in-welcome-wednesday.html

Friday, May 21, 2010

: Friday Ramblings :

Friday ... yippee! You can hear the screams of joy around the world ... the weekend is just around the corner! Now that has to put a smile on everyone's face.

I have not long finished my meditation class ... had a couple of new ladies join us today, so that was nice. A few of the regulars couldn't make it ... damn flu :(

I left and went looking for some more new books ... and when I realised that there was way too many that I wanted to read, I settled with buying SPIRIT BOUND (5th Vampire Academy novel). And when I got home ... I realised that I am going to need another bookcase very soon ... like that's a bad thing ... hehe

Anyways, I am reading SHADOW KISS right now ... and wondered what everyone else was reading ... why not share? So ... open your book ... go to Chapter 12 ... and post the 1st complete sentence, along with the title of the book.

Here's mine ....
If you had asked me six months ago, I would have said there was no way I'd be happy to run into Mia Rinaldi at the Royal Court.


HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND...

: May 2010 Giveaway :

~ MAY 2010 GIVEAWAY ~

Time to get a Giveaway happening ... and I hope to do this every month

I have a brand new copy of NEED by Carrie Jones up for grabs.
How do you enter? Simple
  • Sign on to follow my blog
  • Tell me your favorite book
  • Leave an email addy so that I can contact you
I said it was simple ... lol
This competition is open to everyone Worldwide - post your entry by posting a comment.

Giveaway is open until May 31st 2010


The Story of NEED:

Zara collects phobias the way other high school girls collect lipsticks. Little wonder, since life’s been pretty rough so far. Her father left, her stepfather just died, and her mother’s pretty much checked out. Now Zara’s living with her grandmother in sleepy, cold Maine so that she stays “safe.” Zara doesn’t think she’s in danger; she thinks her mother can’t deal.

Wrong. Turns out that guy she sees everywhere, the one leaving trails of gold glitter, isn’t a figment of her imagination. He’s a pixie—and not the cute, lovable kind with wings. He’s the kind who has dreadful, uncontrollable needs. And he’s trailing Zara.

** Please note ... there has been a problem with adding comments ... but I think it has been fixed now **

:The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner - Launch Parties :


The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner - Launch Parties
Come along and join in the fun and excitement in the hours leading up to the launch of the highly anticipated launch of Stephenie Meyer's The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner. Your favourite Borders store will be hosting a special launch party featuring exciting activities themed around The Twilight Saga. Please contact your favourite store to secure your place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment, as spaces are limited. (See the 'Find a Store' page for store details).

Where: All Borders Stores (Australia)
Date: Saturday June 5
Time: 12:30pm

To find a store near you in Australia ... CLICK HERE

: Frostbite by Richelle Mead :


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, and she keeps getting stuck in her best friend Lissa's head while she's making out with her boyfriend, Christian. (So not cool).

Then a massive Strigoi attack puts St. Vladimir'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. Vlad's annual 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 heart--are in more danger than she ever could have imagined...

Yes, I have just finished reading Frostbite ... and I did love it! I found every spare moment, I was picking up the book, reading a few pages, and eagerly turning the pages to see what Rose was going to get up to next.

The confrontation with her mother, the longing for Dimitri, feeling like she was losing the friendship with Lissa, attracting attention from Andrew & Mason to name a few. Watching Rose begin to mature when she is faced with some tough decisions is also unexpected. I did think for awhile there she would remain a hot headed, fiery tempered teenager throughout the whole series ... but I think that side of her is still there. Maybe it will come out again in SHADOW KISSED.

I felt the sadness (nope, not letting on if you haven't read it) for the loss she experiences, and the also for her grappling with the prospect of never seeing Dimitri again.

Rating ... 7/10

And looking forward to SHADOW KISSED ....


: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead :


Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with an unbreakable bond to the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest and most dangerous vampires--the ones who never die.

The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a Dhampir; she is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making her one of them.

After two years of illicit freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir's Academy, hidden in the deep forests of Montana. Rose will continue her Dhampir education. Lissa will go back to being Queen of the elite Moroi social scene. And both girls will resume breaking hearts.

Fear made Lissa and Rose run away from St. Vladimir's--but their world is fraught with danger both inside and out of the Academy's iron gates. Here, the cutthroat ranks of the Moroi perform unspeakable rituals and their secretive nature and love of the night creates an enigmatic world full of social complexities. Rose and Lissa must navigate through this dangerous world, confront the temptation of forbidden romance, and never once let their guard down, lest the Strigoi make Lissa one of them forever...

I bought this book after seeing the ads on TV and after my niece Cassie told me about it. She told me she loved it more than Twilight ... so that really sparked my interest. So I settle down, start reading, and felt myself feeling flat ... there didn't seem to be the grab that I expected. But the further I read, I found myself wanting to know what was going to happen between Rose and Dimitri, and what was really going on with Lissa. Was she really going to hook up with Christian? I never saw the action at the end coming ... so that was a pleasant surprise.

All in all ... I would give this book a 6/10 ... maybe a little harsh ... but I must admit, all the way through I was comparing it to Twilight ... sorry

Thursday, May 20, 2010

: Australian Women Writers Book Giveaway #2 :


The Hunter's Wife by Katherine Scholes
The Family Farm by Fiona Palmer
The Cattleman's Daughter by Rachel Treasure

For your chance to win this pack of books by three of Australia's most powerful voices in literary fiction, simply tell us: What would you enjoy most about living on the land?

Entry is open to all Australian residents who are registered members of the Book Club (registration is free).

Post your answer below by no later than 11:59pm (AEST) on 31st May 2010. The winner will be announced here on 1st June 2010.

Click Here : AUSTRALIAN WOMEN ONLINE

: Australian Women Writers Book Giveaway #1 :


The Piper's Son by Melina Marchetta
The Marriage Club by Kate Legge
The Book of Emmett by Deborah Forster

For your chance to win this pack of books by three of Australia's most powerful voices in literary fiction, simply tell us: What is favourite work of Australian literary fiction and why.

Entry is open to all Australian residents who are registered members of the Book Club (registration is free).

Post your answer below by no later than 11:59pm (AEST) on 31st May 2010. The winner will be announced here on 1st June 2010.

Click Here :: AUSTRALIAN WOMEN ONLINE

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

: Our beautiful world :

Waterfall in El Yunque National Forest,Puerto Rico

Just take a moment and look at this amazing picture - the beautiful waterfall, the lush green plants ... this is a gift of beauty from our wonderful world ... we should all learn to appreciate what we have, and the simple everyday things we take for granted

: The Host by Stephenie Meyer :


The Host is a science fiction/romance novel by Stephenie Meyer. The novel introduces an alien race, called souls, who take over Earth and its inhabitants. The book describes one soul's predicament when the mind of its human host refuses to cooperate with her takeover. The Host was released on May 6, 2008[1] with an initial print run of 750,000 copies.
(taken from Wikipedia)

I don't know what I was expecting as I started to read this book ... I found that I struggled in the early stages of the book, and began to think for the first time I wouldn't get through a book that I was desperate to read after all the reviews I had read.

So ... I put the book down for a couple of weeks and then started again. OMG ... I couldn't put it down. The battle between the 'parasite' and the host was incredible ... and to finally see them both come to an understanding about each other was a very touching part of the book. The reactions from the other characters in the book about the whole 'parasite' taking over a human body was natural to me ... of course you couldn't like it.

Take the time to sit and read this book - you will fall in love with the characters and the ending will have you smiling and crying at the same time.

RATING - 9/10

: Shows I am watching :

I have to admit that I can be a TV show junkie ... and had a list as long as my arm that I just wouldn't miss .... but things have changed ...

Shows I will not miss -
  • Amazing Race
  • The Vampire Diaries
  • True Blood
  • Underbelly The Golden Mile
  • Brothers & Sisters
  • Top Gear
  • Two and a Half Men
  • AFL Games - Western Bulldogs
  • F1 Grand Prix Races
Funny about the F1 ... with my house full of men, I am the only one that sits up till all hours watching the races. I am a Mark Webber fan - *big raspberry to everyone that bagged me for following him* - he's kicking some serious butt right now on the track!

Lady Antebellum - Love Don't Live Here



I have never been a huge country music fan ... tend to pick and choose the songs I like ... and this is definately one of them! :)

:Train - Hey, Soul Sister (Unofficial Video):

My # 1 song at the moment ... it's so upbeat ... I just put it on repeat! LOL

:Close To You - John Butler Trio - Official Film Clip:

You just have to love the new song from John Butler Trio!

Inspiration - May 18th 2010

Be light unto yourselves. Rely upon yourself; do not depend on anyone else. -
Lord Buddha's last words

: Wuthering Heights :


The dark, wild gypsy orphan Heathcliff loved only one person on earth, beautiful, willful Cathy Earnshaw. But Cathy's brother Hindley - the cruel, drunken master of Wuthering Heights - hated and abused the orphan: their rich neighbours at Thrushcross Grange, Edgar Linton and Isabella Linton, reviled the boy. They all conspired to force Heathcliff and Cathy apart, first as playmates, then as lovers, and at last to drive Heathcliff away.
Years passed. Heathcliff returned a rich man - and found Cathy had married Edgar. Like a sullen demon, the gypsy vowed to rule Wuthering Heights and the Grange, to plague his tormentors, to relentlessly hound and ruin the Earnshaws, the Lintons, even their children - until he won back the woman he loved.
Which would be never - for Cathy was dead.


I first read this book many many years ago and only recently picked it up again to read ... I have to admit, sometimes the writing leaves me a little confused - and I find myself rereading certain parts .. but all said and done, it's a brilliant story!

Do remember if you are going to read this book ... it was written in 1847, proper English is used alllllllllllll the way through the book! You will become totally engrossed in Heathcliff's journey and his agony


RATING - 8/10

: The Boondock Saints :


Fraternal twins set out to rid Boston of the evil men operating there while being tracked down by an FBI agent

Okay - this is going to be short and sweet - Didn't like it ... I have tried 3 or 4 times to watch this movie now ... and never made it to the end.

RATING - 3/10

: Little Ashes :


In 1922, Madrid is wavering on the edge of change as traditional values are challenged by the dangerous new influences of Jazz, Freud and the avant-garde. Salvador Dali arrives at the university; 18 years old and determined to become a great artist. His bizarre blend of shyness and rampant exhibitionism attracts the attention of two of the university's social elite - Federico Garcia Lorca and Luis Bunel. Salvador is absorbed into their youthfully decadent group and for a time Salvador, Luis and Federico become a formidable trio, the most ultra-modern group in Madrid.
However as time passes, Salvador feels and increasingly strong pull towards the charismatic Federico - who is himself oblivious of the attentions he is getting from his beautiful writer friend, Magdalena.
In the face of his friends' preoccupations - and Federico's growing renown as a poet - Luis sets off for Paris in search of his own artistic success. Federico and Salvador spend the holiday in the sea-side town of Cadaques. Both the idyllic surroundings and the warmth of the Dali family sweep Federico off his feet. Salvador and Frederico draw closer, sharing their deepest beliefs, inspirations and secrets, convinced that they have found a kind of friendship not dreamed of by others.
It is more that a meeting of the minds; it is a fusion of souls. (Courtesy of IMDB)

For me ... what can I say - I loved it!!!!!
The tortured souls and hearts of Salvador Dali & Federico Lorca ... watching them trying to conform to what the world says they should be like, instead of following their hearts true desire. My heart felt broken watching the emotions towards the end of the movie.

RATING - 8/10

: Dorian Gray :


A corrupt young man somehow keeps his youthful beauty eternally, but a special painting gradually reveals his inner ugliness to all.

Yet again, another movie that my hubby wouldn't have liked but I did. Colin Firth played a great role in this movie. My only negative comment would have to be the reaction Dorian received from all his friends, when he returned after a long absence ... whereas all his friends had aged quite dramatically, he still looked like he did 25 years earlier ... and they all just accepted it within a couple of minutes, like it wasn't strange.

RATING - 7/10

: The Covenant :


Four young men who belong to a supernatural legacy are forced to battle a fifth power long thought to have died out. Another great force they must contend with is the jealousy and suspicion that threatens to tear them apart.

I saw this movie when it first came out ... and saw it again last night after the Vampire Diaries season final ... and I loved it. Loved the effect with the eyes - very cool!

Rating : 7/10

: Fallen by Lauren Kate :


Some Angels are Destined to Fall

There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce–and goes out of his way to make that very clear–she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.

Dangerously exciting and darkly romantic, Fallen is a page turning thriller and the ultimate love story.

“Sexy and fascinating and scary…I loved love loved it!” -P.C. Cast, New York Times bestselling author of the House of Night Series

I loved it ... from the minute I picked it up, I just wanted to keep reading. The story flowed really well, and felt a connection with Luce (haven't we all felt misunderstood/confused)

I read this book in a day ... and look forward to the next book in the series being released in September ... TWISTED

I give this an 8/10 .... the Angel version of Twilight for me!


: WELCOME :

What can I say?

I am addicted to Blogging ... actually anything with the net, and I am addicted ...hehe

You will find all sorts of bits and pieces here ... Book Reviews, Movie Reviews, TV Show Chatter, Everyday Life, Inspirations and more ... there is no set rules for what you will find here.

So sit back ... and anytime you see something posted that you like ... or feel like commenting on ... please do!

Catch you!!!!!


(Photo courtesy of StockXchange)

Don't you just love that photo ... the way the weather is here right now (cold!) I would just love to be lazing on one of those chairs with a good book!