Friday, August 29, 2014

YA Book Trade

Hey Bookies!

Is there a YA book you really want to get your hands on? It hasn't been released yet? Or maybe it has been but your low on funds but not low on books you'd be willing to give up in trade? 

Well, you're in luck!

I am on the hunt for new YA books - as always hehe! So, I am willing to trade upcoming (as well as already released) YA books. 


INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Take a look at the Book Trade Lists

2. Check out Book List #1 which is the list of books (that includes books in the picture above) that are up for grabs

3. Pick which books you want

4. Check out Book List #2 which is the list of books that I want in return

5. Fill out the Book Trade Form

Happy Reading!


Feature Friday ARC Review : The Jewel by Amy Ewing


*Feature Friday is a meme I came up with to feature YA books that have not yet been released by reviewing them on The Tattered Page.*


*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

PublisherHarperCollins Publishers
Release Date: 9.2.2014
Pages: 368
Source: ARC

The Story:
The Jewel means wealth. The Jewel means beauty. The Jewel means royalty.
But for girls like Violet, the Jewel means servitude.
Not just any kind of servitude. Violet, born and raised in the Marsh, has been trained as a surrogate for the royalty—because in the Jewel the only thing more important than opulence is offspring.
Purchased at the surrogacy auction by the Duchess of the Lake and greeted with a slap to the face, Violet (now known only as #197) quickly learns of the brutal truths that lie beneath the Jewel's glittering facade: the cruelty, backstabbing, and hidden violence that have become the royal way of life.
Violet must accept the ugly realities of her existence . . . and try to stay alive. But then a forbidden romance erupts between Violet and a handsome gentleman hired as a companion to the Duchess's petulant niece. Though his presence makes life in the Jewel a bit brighter, the consequences of their illicit relationship will cost them both more than they bargained for.
Debut author Amy Ewing expertly crafts an enchanting story full of riches, rivalries, and riveting twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
via -- Barnes and Noble

RatingTHREE Gold Stars!!!!

My Review: One word: HYPNOTIC

The only reason why I give The Jewel three stars, instead of four, is because the beginning pace of the plot. Usually I prefer the books I read to move a bit faster. Luckily, once The Jewel hit the late 100s the pace picked up. Now, onto more exciting news . . .

Violet Lasting lives in a world where poor girls from the Marsh are taken away if they possess a special genetic quirk that will allow them to carry babies to term and without deformities for the royalty of The Jewel. After years spent in a holding facility honing her abilities, Violet -- along with hundreds of other girls just like her -- is sold to the highest bidder. The Duchess of the Lake.

Stemming from a long line of royalty -- more specially one of the four founding houses of The Jewel -- the Duchess of the Lake expects to get her way, as she usually does. And what she wants is for Violet to use her Augury abilities to grew her a child to gain more control in The Jewel. But there is more than meets the eye to the surrogacy set up. In the mist of murder, enslavement and deadly secrets, Violet must find her way. And fight for the power to make her own choices. Even if they cost her her life.

Violet is a likable character. And likable characters are never something to turn a nose up at. I appreciate that she is not a completely docile character who lets her circumstances rule her. She has a little spice to her, which makes her a bit daring and the story more interesting. Even more so, Violet has people she cares for and a passion for something. Music. I am a sap for a character with a strong passion for something that makes life sparks inside of them. And in Violet's case it is the cello.

"The memories burn inside me like a candle flame, and the bow flies across the strings, the notes climbing higher and higher and I feel free, really free, because no one can touch me in this place, no one can hurt me, and as I draw the bow across the final fifth, a chord that reverberates throughout the cavernous room, I realize that I am smiling and a tear trickles down my cheek" [page 225].

Having said all that, who doesn't love a badass best friend, good ole forbidden love and cute guys? The Jewel has all the above! Violet's best friend is the fierce Raven who was also auctioned off but who refuses to let the wicked Duchess of the Stone to break her. And when Violet discovers a devastating secret that jeopardizes not only herself but her best friend, she is forced to make a difficult decision that has the potential to ruin all that she has hoped for. A way out of The Jewel.

As for forbidden love and cute boys, I will not say much about that other than you will have to find out more on your own. But here is a taste of what you have to look forward to:

"'What is your name?'
My heart explodes into a million glittering fragments that rain down like fireworks through my chest.
'Violet,' I whisper.
He closes his eyes and breathes it in, like it's the answer to a riddle or a secret key. 'Violet,' he murmurs. Then his mouth is on mine" [page 253].

By the end of The Jewel I was disappointed the story was over. Talk about a cliffhanger! The Jewel is a hypnotic tale that smoothes you into false security then rips the carpet right from under you but all you can do is beg for more. Well done Ms. Ewing!

Also, I want to say thanks to HarperTeen for handing out copies of The Jewel at BEA 2014!

*** Check out Amy Ewing's website for more information about her and The JewelHERE

Happy Reading!
Ashley
Thursday, August 28, 2014

TGTG #17 : And the winner is . . .


My 17th Thanks-Giving Thursday Giveaway is now complete! With that said, today is the day to name to winner. May I have a drum roll please? The winner of the is . . .

Caroline F.

Congratulations, Caroline!

You are the recipient of ARCs of Get Even by Gretchen McNeil (*SIGNED*),  Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick and Ghost House by Alexandra Adornetto!


On a final note, I've already sent you an email regarding your prize. If for some reason you have not received said email contact me at TheTatteredPage@yahoo.comRemember, you have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will have to be drawn.

Thank you to all for becoming followers of The Tattered Page and for participating in my giveaway.

Hope you enjoy the books, Caroline!

Happy Reading!




P.S. For those of you who didn't win, don't fret I will be hosting a ton of giveaways over the next few months!
Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Review : Forever by Karen Ann Hopkins (Temptation Series #3)


*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Publisher: Harlequin
Publication date: 1.28.2014
Pages: 336
Source: Own 

The Story:

All I want is my happily-ever-after.

That's all I've wanted since meeting Noah Miller.

From the day we met, the world has tried to keep Noah and me from being together, but now that I'm carrying his child, no one will be able to tear us apart. Or so I hope. But Noah and I have made some mistakes along the way, and the consequences are impacting the people we love. Worse, there's a storm on the horizon, and it's sure to cause serious devastation.

If we can get through this, we'll finally be Rose and Noah—a family, forever.

But first we have to survive the road ahead. And happily-ever-after is a long way off.

- Barnes and Noble

RatingFOUR GOLD STARS!!

My Review:

So, just to recap, this is the last book in the Temptation trilogy by Karen Ann Hopkins. This first two books are Temptation and Belonging. The storyline revolves around to teenagers and a good ole forbidden love. Noah Miller is Amish and Rose Cameron is not. How cool is that? There is no surprise that I could not wait to read the triology. Alas, I am writing that review for the last book. :(

For starters, although I though Belonging was a little slow for my taste, Temptation and Forever hit the spot. In Forever, readers get to see the rest of Noah and Rose's struggle to keep their love as well as all of the little bumps on the road. Noah and Rose still face the same problems. The Amish community not entirely ready to accept Rose and Rose's family not wanting to let her simply go, Amish psycho stalkers, not to mention Rose's bun in the oven and a fatal storm thrown in the mix. But by the last page I felt satiated instead like a worm on a hook, left out to dry for no darn good reason.

What I also love about this book is that we get Sarah's (Noah's sister) and Sam's (Rose's brother) point of view as well. Instead of taking away from Noah and Rose's story they added to it. Readers got a little extra side story with Sarah and Micah as well as with Sam and Summer. Stories that I would have loved to read more of.

"...I'm going to begin courting Edwin.'
His hand shot out and grabbed my arm. The heavy feel of it made the blood drain from my face. 'What...?'
'Are you crazy, Sarah? You don't even like him.'
'Course I do. And who are you to say so?'
Micah leaned in and said with a sureness that made me believe him, ''Cause you  like me, that's why. Things will settle down soon between our families, Don't do something that we'll both regret.'" [page 15].

Well, if this review isn't convincing enough, you should find out enough. Noah and Rose's story (with a little bit of Sarah and Micah's) is definitely worth the time to read.

Happy Reading!
Monday, August 25, 2014

Review : Belonging by Karen Ann Hopkins (Temptation Series #2)



*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Publisher: Harlequin
Publication date: 4.30.2013
Pages: 416
Source: Own 

The Story:

I left everything I knew behind. But it was worth it. He was worth it. No one thought an ordinary girl like me would last two minutes living with the Amish, not even me. There are a lot more rules and a lot less freedom, and I miss my family and the life I once had. Worst of all, Noah and I aren't even allowed to see each other. Not until I've proven myself.
If I can find a way to make it work, we'll be Noah & Rose
together forever.
But not everybody believes this is where I belong.

- Barnes and Noble


RatingFOUR GOLD STARS!!

My Review:

So, in Belonging, Rose Cameron gives up everything she has ever known to be with the guy she loves. That guy being Noah Miller. Noah Miller who is Amish. Yes, I said it Amish. Rose, on the other hand, is not. Still, they manage to fall head-over-heels in love with each other. But, of course, their love is not that simple. The young couple have two choices. One, Rose converts to the Amish life or two, Noah cuts all ties from his Amish community and family and never look back. The lesser of the two evils seems to be choice number one. So, Rose dives right in ... and does considerably well, adjusting to Amish life. But it goes without saying, there are curve balls and doubts thrown a them without relent. Several people - including jealous Amish girls and sick, twisted Amish guys - that do not want to see Rose prevail in Amish life. Not to mention, the family Rose leaves behind, who fight tooth and nail to get her back.

Having said that, I was a bit peeved that Noah would not even consider the option of him leaving the Amish life to be with Rose. He simply expected her to join the community. Noah's reasoning: the Amish don't receive formal education beyond the eighth grade and he already had a good job that would provide for Rose and their family, whereas, if he joined the "English" world, there would be a real struggle for him to provide for their future family. Don't get me wrong, Noah had valid points but still ... he could have at least humored the idea. Or been torn, even a little.

And yet, how could a Rose - or any English girl for that matter - not fall hard for Noah Miller? While he is Amish and raised to live the life of the Plain, adhere to a strict set of rules, and expectant of female submission Noah is passionate, willing to fight for the girl he loves, and kind.
On that note, the road is still a long one going for Rose and Noah as they fight not one but two clashing cultures to be together. And while this part of their story focus more on Rose's transition into Amish life and less on the forbidden love between her and Noah, I will not say much except that the plot twists are worth the read!

Happy Reading!



Thursday, August 21, 2014

TGTG #16 : And the winner is . . .


My 16th Thanks-Giving Thursday Giveaway is now complete! With that said, today is the day to name to winner. May I have a drum roll please? The winner of the is . . .

Jenelle Riane

Congratulations, Jenelle!

You are the recipient of ARCs of The One by Kiera Cass, Awaken by Meg Cabot & The Jewel by Amy Ewing!



On a final note, I've already sent you an email regarding your prize. If for some reason you have not received said email contact me at TheTatteredPage@yahoo.comRemember, you have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will have to be drawn.

Thank you to all for becoming followers of The Tattered Page and for participating in my giveaway.

Hope you enjoy the books, Jenelle!

Happy Reading!




P.S. For those of you who didn't win, don't fret I will be hosting a ton of giveaways over the next few months!

TGTG #16: And the winner is . . .


My 16th Thanks-Giving Thursday Giveaway is now complete! With that said, today is the day to name to winner. May I have a drum roll please? The winner of the is . . .

Jenelle Riane

Congratulations, Jenelle!

You are the recipient of a hard copy of The One by Kiera Cass, as well as ARCs of Awaken by Meg Cabot & The Jewel by Amy Ewing!

On a final note, I've already sent you an email regarding your prize. If for some reason you have not received said email contact me at TheTatteredPage@yahoo.comRemember, you have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will have to be drawn.

Thank you to all for becoming followers of The Tattered Page and for participating in my giveaway.

Hope you enjoy the books, Jenelle!

Happy Reading!




P.S. For those of you who didn't win, don't fret I will be hosting a ton of giveaways over the next few months!
Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Review : Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games Series #2)

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc
Publication date: 6.4.2013
Pages: 400
Source: Own 

The Story:
Suzanne Collins continues the amazing story of Katniss Everdeen in the phenomenal Hunger Games trilogy.
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.
Barnes and Noble

RatingTHREE GOLD STARS!!!

My Review:

As you know, I was originally hesitant about reading The Hunger Games. I think the movies are fantastic but I know that usually film adaptations stray away from crucial parts in the novels. Simply put: I did not want to be pissed about my favorite parts of the book being left out of the film. However, much to my delight, The Hunger Games was great. The film adaptation did it justice!

Well, having said that, I recently finished reading Catching Fire. And, honestly, although I enjoyed some parts I did not get the same flutter in my stomach as I did for Hunger Games.That is not to say Catching Fire is not a good book, though.

Peeta Mellark, the boy with the bread, was still swoon-worthy and made my heartache for him. Who can resist unrequited love, right? Oh yeah, Katniss can! haha

"'Because I don't want you forgetting how different our circumstances are. If you die, and I live, there's no life for me at all back in District Twelve. You're my whole life,' he says. 'I would never be happy again." I start to object but he puts his finger to my lips. 'It's different for you. I'm not saying it wouldn't be hard. But there are other people who'd make your life worth living." [page 351].

Katniss Everdeen, the girl on fire... Although I have the feels for Peeta's plight, I have to admit that I admire Katniss. I admire her strength, her loyalty and her compassion. Even with everything that is thrown at her she manages to stay true to herself and deal with the grievous circumstances with grace. She does not allow what President Snow is throwing at her take her down. Oh, for example, let's say: The Quarter Quill when the Tributes are reaped from the existing pool of victors! That is what you call a plot twist, is it not?! But the plot twist does not simply halt there. Not only does Katniss destroys the arena but Gamemaker Heavensbee was part of the revolution all along. And, yet again, Katniss survives The Hunger Games.


And that my Bookies, is the epitome of a strong female lead!

Let's go Katniss! Absolutely mind-altering work of literature that gets under your skin.

"My choices are simple. I can die like quarry in the woods or I can die here beside Gale. 'I'm not going anywhere. I'm going to stay right here and cause all kinds of trouble.'" [page 119].

Now, I am desperately trying to wait until Mockingjay Part 1 hits theaters to get started on Mockingjay ... but my resolve is slowly disintegrating. I do not know how much longer I can last. Need to finish Katniss' story ... Failing ... Urgh! 



"'It's like you're decomposing,' says Finnick. But I guess the itching wins out, because after a minute Finnick begins to treat his own skin, too. Really, the combination of the scabs and the ointment looks hideous. I can't help enjoying his distress.
'Poor Finnick. Is this the first time in your life you haven't looked pretty?' I say." [page 316].


*** Check out Suzanne Collins website for more information about her and 
Catching FireHERE

Happy Reading!
Thursday, August 14, 2014

Thanks-Giving Thursday Giveaway #16!


Thanks-Giving Thursday is a meme I came up with to say thank you to the followers - new and old - of my blog by spreading the wealth . . . the wealth of books, that is. So every - or alternate - Thursday I will be hosting a giveaway on my blog. The prize(s) will usually include at least two books (ARCs and/or finished copies) and maybe even some sort of swag.

Enter for a chance to win The  One by Kiera Cass, Awaken by Meg Cabot & The  Jewel   by Amy Ewing  right here!


RULES:

1. To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form 
2. Provide a working email with your entry 
3. Entries point values:

        +10 for Following this blog
        +3 for Leaving a blog post comment
        +4 for Following me on Twitter
        +5 for Tweeting about giveaway on Twitter
4. All entrants must be at least 13 years old
5. Only one entry per person
6. Winners will be announced via blog post and via email
7. If you win, you must claim your prize within 48 hours or the winner will be re-drawn
8. Mailing address is only required if you win
9. 
The giveaway ends midnight on August 20th 2014 and a winner will be chosen August 21, 2014.
10.  Unfortunately, this giveaway is not open internationally.


The One by Kiera Cass:

PublisherHarperCollins Publishers
Expected Publication Date: May 6, 2014
The time has come for one winner to be crowned.
When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants.
Awaken  by Meg Cabot:

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Expected Publication Date: July 2, 2013


From #1 New York Times bestselling author Meg Cabot, the dark reimagining of the Persephone myth comes to a thrilling conclusion.
Death has her in his clutches. She doesn't want him to let go.
Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera knew by accepting the love of John Hayden, she'd be forced to live forever in the one place she's always dreaded most: the Underworld. The sacrifice seemed worth it, though, because it meant she could be with the boy she loves.
But now her happiness -- and safety -- are threatened, all because the Furies have discovered that John has broken one of their strictest rules: He revived a human soul.
If the balance between life and death isn't fixed, both the Underworld and Pierce's home back on earth will be wiped away. But there's only one way to restore order. Someone has to die.
The Jewel by Amy Ewing:

Publisher
HarperCollins Publishers
Expected Publication Date: September 14, 2014
The Jewel means wealth. The Jewel means beauty. The Jewel means royalty.
But for girls like Violet, the Jewel means servitude.
Not just any kind of servitude. Violet, born and raised in the Marsh, has been trained as a surrogate for the royalty—because in the Jewel the only thing more important than opulence is offspring.
Purchased at the surrogacy auction by the Duchess of the Lake and greeted with a slap to the face, Violet (now known only as #197) quickly learns of the brutal truths that lie beneath the Jewel's glittering facade: the cruelty, backstabbing, and hidden violence that have become the royal way of life.
Violet must accept the ugly realities of her existence . . . and try to stay alive. But then a forbidden romance erupts between Violet and a handsome gentleman hired as a companion to the Duchess's petulant niece. Though his presence makes life in the Jewel a bit brighter, the consequences of their illicit relationship will cost them both more than they bargained for.
Debut author Amy Ewing expertly crafts an enchanting story full of riches, rivalries, and riveting twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
- via Barnes and Noble

Happy Reading!

Haysel





Thursday, August 7, 2014

Thanks-Giving Thursday Giveaway #15


Thanks-Giving Thursday is a meme I came up with to say thank you to the followers - new and old - of my blog by spreading the wealth . . . the wealth of books, that is. So every - or alternate - Thursday I will be hosting a giveaway on my blog. The prize(s) will usually include at least two books (ARCs and/or finished copies) and maybe even some sort of swag.

Enter for a chance to win The Young World by Chris Weitz,  The Unfinished Life of Addison Stone by Adele Griffin & The Badger Knight by Kathryn Erskine right here!



RULES:

1. To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form
2. Provide a working email with your entry
3. Entries point values:

        +10 for Following this blog
        +4 for Leaving a blog post comment
        +5 for Following me on Twitter
        +5 for Tweeting about giveaway on Twitter

4. All entrants must be at least 13 years old
5. Only one entry per person
6. Winners will be announced via blog post and via email
7. If you win, you must claim your prize within 48 hours or the winner will be re-drawn
8. Mailing address is only required if you win
9.
The giveaway ends midnight on August 13th 2014 and a winner will be chosen August 15, 2014.
10.  Unfortunately, this giveaway is not open internationally.


The Young World by Chris Weitz:


Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Expected Publication Date: July 29, 2014

Welcome to New York, a city ruled by teens.

After a mysterious Sickness wipes out the rest of the population, the young survivors assemble into tightly run tribes. Jefferson, the reluctant leader of the Washington Square tribe, and Donna, the girl he's secretly in love with, have carved out a precarious existence among the chaos. But when another tribe member discovers a clue that may hold the cure to the Sickness, five teens set out on a life-altering road trip to save humankind.
The tribe exchanges gunfire with enemy gangs, escapes cults and militias, braves the wilds of the subway and Central Park...and discovers truths they could never have imagined.
 
- via Barnes and Noble
 
 
 
 
 

The Unfinished Life of Addison Stone by Adele Griffin:


Publisher: Soho Press, Incorporated
Expected Publication Date: August 12, 2014



For fans of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, Girl, Interrupted, and A.S. King, National Book Award-finalist Adele Griffin tells the fully illustrated story of a brilliant young artist, her mysterious death, and the fandom that won't let her go.

From the moment she stepped foot in NYC, Addison Stone’s subversive street art made her someone to watch, and her violent drowning left her fans and critics craving to know more. I conducted interviews with those who knew her best—including close friends, family, teachers, mentors, art dealers, boyfriends, and critics—and retraced the tumultuous path of Addison's life. I hope I can shed new light on what really happened the night of July 28.
—Adele Griffin
  
- via Barnes and Noble

The Badger Knight by Kathryn Erskine:

Publisher: Soho Press, Incorporated
Expected Publication Date: August 26, 2014


National Book Award winner Kathryn Erskine presents a unique novel about a sickly boy's epic journey through England and Scotland at the height of Medieval times.
 
Adrian is small for his age, even for an almost thirteen year old. It doesn't help that  he has albinism, which makes those he meets wonder if he's an angel or a devil. His father is a bowyer, and all Adrian wants to do is become apprenticed and go off to war as an archer. But that's not what his father wants for him. Since Adrian can write, his father wants him to be a scribe. That's just about the last thing Adrian wants. When the Scots invade England and Adrian's best friend Hugh runs off to find his father and fight in battles, Adrian soon follows, intent on finding Hugh and joining him in glorious warfare against the pagans invading England from the north. When Adrian finds Hugh, who is caring for a wounded Scotsman, he's horrified that Hugh would aid an enemy. But soon, as Adrian gets to know Donald, he begins to question what he's been taught about the enemy and the nature of war. In this epic journey an afflicted boy finds an inner strength he never knew belonged to him.

- via Barnes and Noble

Happy Reading!