Book Blast and Giveaway: VORTEX (Insignia #2) by S. J. Kincaid (YA)

http://www.booknerdtours.com/2014/nerd-blast-vortex-by-s-j-kincaid.html

VORTEX

Insignia #2

by S. J. Kincaid

Release date: July 2nd, 2014

Published by: Katherine Tegen Books

Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction

Format: Hardcover, eBook

SUMMARY

The impossible was just the beginning. Now in their second year as superhuman government weapons-in-training at the Pentagonal Spire, Tom Raines and his friends are mid-level cadets in the elite combat corps known as the Intrasolar Forces. But as training intensifies and a moment arrives that could make or break his entire career, Tom’s loyalties are again put to the test.

Encouraged to betray his ideals and friendships for the sake of his country, Tom is convinced there must be another way. And the more aware he becomes of the corruption surrounding him, the more determined he becomes to fight it, even if he sabotages his own future in the process.

Drawn into a power struggle more dramatic than he has ever faced before, Tom stays a hyperintelligent step ahead of everyone, like the exceptional gamer he is—or so he believes. But when he learns that he and his friends have unwittingly made the most grievous error imaginable, Tom must find a way to outwit an enemy so nefarious that victory seems hopeless. Will his idealism and bravado cost him everything—and everyone that matters to him?

Filled with action and intelligence, camaraderie and humor, the second book in S.J. Kincaid’s futuristic World War III Insignia trilogy continues to explore fascinating and timely questions about power, politics, technology, loyalty, and friendship.

BUY LINKS

Amazon / B&N / Book Depository 

GIVEAWAY

- Must be 13yo+ to enter. 
- Bumbles and Fairy-Tales is not responsible for unclaimed, lost prizes, etc.

Enter to win a copy of VORTEX (Insignia #2) by S. J. Kincaid!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - S. J. Kincaid

S.J. Kincaid was born in Alabama, grew up in California, and attended high school in New Hampshire, but it was while living beside a haunted graveyard in Scotland, that she realized that she wanted to be a writer. Her debut, Insignia, came out in July of 2012. The second book in the series, Vortex came out in July of 2013. The final book in the INSIGNIA trilogy will come out in Fall of 2014.

Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

Waiting On Wednesday #91: STRAY by Elissa Sussman (YA)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by  Breaking the Spine. 

This is were we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night and, quite possibly, to make our shelves look all pretty too :)

What I'm waiting for...

STRAY

by Elissa Sussman

Expected release date: October 7th, 2014

Published by: Greenwillow

Genre: Young Adult

Format: Hardcover, eBook

SUMMARY

“I am grateful for my father, who keeps me good and sweet. I am grateful for my mother, who keeps her own heart guarded and safe. I am grateful for my adviser, who keeps me protected. I am grateful for the Path, which keeps me pure. Ever after.”

Princess Aislynn has long dreamed about attending her Introduction Ball, about dancing with the handsome suitors her adviser has chosen for her, about meeting her true love and starting her happily ever after.

When the night of the ball finally arrives and Nerine Academy is awash with roses and royalty, Aislynn wants nothing more than to dance the night away, dutifully following the Path that has been laid out for her. She does not intend to stray.

But try as she might, Aislynn has never quite managed to control the magic that burns within her-magic brought on by wicked, terrible desires that threaten the Path she has vowed to take.

After all, it is wrong to want what you do not need. Isn’t it?



Why I'm waiting on STRAY...

It's said to be a mix of... 

"The Handmaid's Tale and Wicked with a dash of Grimm and Disney thrown in!"

YES to ALL!!!

SO, what are you waiting for this week???

Blog Tour (Review and Giveaway): ELEANOR (The Unseen #1) by Johnny Worthen (YA)

ELEANOR

The Unseen #1

by Johnny Worthen

Release date: July 1st, 2014

Published by: Jolly Fish Press

Genre: Young Adult - Paranormal

Format: Paperback, eBook

Format read: ARC from publisher.

SUMMARY

It was a gamble for Eleanor to rejoin humanity, but she was driven to it. She’d been too successful forgetting. The last vestiges of her family hung by a thread in her transformed brain and drove her to be reckless. Ten years later, Eleanor hides in plain sight. She is an average girl getting average grades in a small Wyoming town: poor but happy, lonely but loved. Her mother, Tabitha, is there for her and that’s all she’s ever needed. But now her mother is sick and David has returned. The only friend she’d ever had, the only other person who knows her secret, is back. And Eleanor again becomes reckless. 

Eleanor is a modest girl, unremarkable but extraordinary, young but old, malleable but fixed. She is scared and confused. She is a liar and a thief. Eleanor is not what she appears to be.

MY REVIEW

This book is definitely not what it appears to be, just like it's main character - the author has woven together a mind blowing story about a girl who is learning to cope and live with who she is and accept the good and the bad that happens along the way...

When we first meet Eleanor she is a timid, average, lonely girl who purposefully goes out of her way to remain unseen, to never draw attention to herself, to get by without being noticed. She lives alone with her sick mother, Tabitha, in a small cottage within walking distance of her school, but far away enough from the town to not be noticed. They depend on each other in more ways than one can imagine - Tabitha haves cancer and Eleanor does everything she can to take of her and manages the house, money, food, etc; Eleanor does anything that she has to do in order to keep the social worker at bay so they can live peacefully together, alone. Tabitha is the only mother figure Eleanor has really known and depends on her to help her cope with her feelings, how to handle school and social situations and to keep her calm and feel secure so she won't be the monster that she thinks she is, so she won't run away...

The beginning of Eleanor's story was a little confusing to me. I had started reading the story not knowing much than what is in the summary. There was something strange with Eleanor's demeanor and character, and not until her childhood friend, David, comes back to town triggering underlying emotions which then creates some pivotal moments in Eleanor's quiet life which then leads to her making certain decisions and slipping up and slowly revealing her secrets... Eleanor haves a paranormal ability, one that makes her think that she's a monster; an ability that her biological family had that got them killed many, many years ago. After that revelation, Eleanor's story and demeanor started to make sense and then the book became a page-turner that I read in one night! 

As Eleanor continues to struggle with what is right and wrong in order survive and to continue to hide her secret in a small town that is quick to judge and believe rumors, her life is torn apart and she has some really hard and graphic moments to get through. With the help of her mother and David, she barely remains grounded and the monster within her roars to take flight.

This is a book that is best to go into without knowing much. I will not deny that the beginning and parts of the ending are quite confusing, but after finishing and having time to reflect, it is truly one of the best written stories I have read in a long time. I will definitely be looking forward to rereading the beginning of Eleanor's story and continuing on with the trilogy. 

An ARC was sent by the publisher for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

ELEANOR's PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Johnny Worthen

JOHNNY WORTHEN grew up in the high desert snows and warm summer winds of the Wasatch Mountains. He graduated with a B.A. in English, minor in Classics and a Master's in American Studies from the University of Utah. After a series of businesses and adventures, including years abroad and running his own bakery, Johnny found himself drawn to the only thing he ever wanted to do - write. And write he does. 

Well versed in modern literary criticism and cultural studies, Johnny writes upmarket multi-genre fiction – thriller, horror, young adult, comedy and mystery so far. 

“I write what I like to read,” he says. “That guarantees me at least one fan and a hectic job for my publicist.”

When not pounding on his keyboard, attending conferences and conventions, Johnny Worthen can be found with his wife and two boys in Sandy, Utah.

Goodreads / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Indie Monday #5: FADED (The Faded Trilogy #1) by Chloe Miles (YA)

Welcome to my new meme called INDIE MONDAYS!!!

A post dedicated to independent authors and their books!

Every week, every Monday, a new author will be featured...

If you are an independent Young Adult, Middle Grade, Children's or clean Adult author that would like to be featured, check out the details here and/or please fill out this form.

FADED

The Faded Trilogy #1

by Chloe Miles

Release date: August 24th, 2012

Published by: Self-published

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance

Format: Paperback, eBook

SUMMARY

When seventeen-year-old Savannah Fraser and her three friends are killed in a car accident, they are given a second chance at life by a group of century-old earthbound spirits who need their help. 

Savannah learns she is a Chosen One, which means, she can switch between human and spirit form, heal people and control the weather - and she is also now invincible. 

The Chosen Ones are the only ones who can defeat The Forces - a trio of evil half-spirits who are slowly destroying the perfect little town of Fort Everwick with violent storms and not-s0-natural disasters - and stop them from harming everyone they care about. 

The Forces are set on destroying everything Savannah knows and loves, but they also have a more sinister plan - they want a new member to join them. They won't give up until they get the one they want - and they have Savannah firmly in their sights. 

But what Savannah didn't count on was falling in love with Hunter. She's never loved anyone the way she loves Hunter, and she knows he loves her too. But how can they be together forever if he no longer exists and she's the only one who can see him?

Will Savannah have enough belief in herself to defeat The Forces, or will they be able to lure her to the darkside and turn her against her loved ones - and tear her and Hunter apart? 

EXCERPT

It was just as stunning out there as it was inside the hall. A string of lights adorned the fancy stone railing, and little square trees formed a hedge along the inside of it. Hunter walked out into the middle and took a bow before he extended his hand to her.

"Our own private dance floor."

Savannah obligingly placed her hand in his. She couldn't hold his hand like she could have in spirit form - she couldn't take the risk in case somebody had seen her go out there - but Hunter still hold hers all the same. 

"It's bad enough that I can't be your proper date that everybody else can see you with," he said as he twirled her around and then gently pulled her in closer, "but I didn't want you to miss out on this part as well."

"What do you mean a proper date?" she asked him. "Hunter, you're still here to me. You've just faded a little, that's all."

A light dusting of snow had started falling about their heads, and Savannah lifted her eyes to see tiny romantic snowflakes falling only on them like their own little winter snow globe scene.

"I noticed their dance floor in there had a snow machine," Hunter said as he watched the snowflakes fall above their heads before he let his eyes drift back down to here. "I can do better than that."

"It's beautiful."

Savannah caught a tiny snowflake as it landed gently on her hand. It might not have been really snowing like how Madison had wanted it to, but it was still romantic. 

"This night is perfect," she whispered as she placed her arms around his transparent shoulders, "because you're here."

"I wouldn't have missed this for anything," he said. "You're the most important thing in the world to me, and I knew how important this was to you."

Savannah looked back up at the falling snow.

"You know how you said that I should forget about everything else and just be a normal girl tonight?" She shook her head to disagree before she had even said the words. "Normal is overrated. None of those other girls in there have real snow," she whispered, "or you."

Hunter gently twirled her around again before she held both her hands up to his. Their hands were barely touching, but that was good enough for her. Hunter was hers. She didn't need anybody else to be able to see him to know that. 

"Those other guys in there may be alive and have youth on their side," he whispered as his eyes drifted to her lips, "but I'm the luckiest guy here tonight." 

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Chloe Miles

Chloe Miles is a twenty-something author, dreamer, shameless chocoholic and hopeless romantic.

When she's not writing or daydreaming, she loves escaping reality with her favorite playlists, eating too much chocolate and curling up on her couch in her PJs with a good TV show and a cup of tea.

Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Review: THE NEW COLORED PENCIL by Kristy Ann Kutch (E)

THE NEW COLORED PENCIL

by Kristy Ann Kutch

Release date: May 20th, 2014

Published by: Watson-Guptill (Crown Publishing)

Genre: Everybody (ages 

Format: Paperback, eBook

Format read: A paperback from the publisher for an honest review.

SUMMARY

Learn to draw and paint using colored pencils in The New Colored Pencil: a how-to guide for creating vibrant, textured, and easy art illustrations by best-selling author and teacher Kristy KutchMaster the Latest Breakthroughs in Colored Pencil Art

If you want to create colorful, radiant works of art, colored pencil and related color media (wax pastels, watercolor pencils, and so on) provide you with limitless options for adding vibrancy to your creations.

In The New Colored Pencil, artist and instructor Kristy Ann Kutch guides you through the latest developments in color drawing media with examples of and recommendations for the newest pencil brands, drawing surfaces, and groundbreaking techniques (including using the Grid Method, grating pigments, blending with heat, and more). Supported by step-by-step demonstrations and showcasing inspiring art from some of today’s best colored pencil artists, The New Colored Pencil shows you how to use color theory to your advantage, combine color media, create and enhance textures, and experiment with surfaces to create interesting effects. Whether you use traditional wax-based, or watercolor colored pencils, The New Colored Pencil will take your art to the next level.

MY REVIEW

A beautifully illustrated book for those who are interested in expanding the artistic techniques with pencils.

I am a person who needs a lot of visuals in order to learn something new, and the author delivers with many high quality pictures on many techniques, step-by-step how-to's and finished worked.
Every material is thoroughly discussed with many details, and many tips on how to use these materials are shared.

This book is not intended for beginners, you must have some basic knowledge in using some pencil mediums and know some beginner techniques and lingo. However, it is helpful to have once you are comfortable into experimenting with the new and stepping up into the next level.

What I enjoyed most about the book is that the author uses all of her own drawings to explain her steps, tips and techniques. It is clear that she is very passionate in sharing what she has learned and loves to work with. I admire her work and will definitely be following her creativeness via social media and in her future writings.

I received a paperback from the publisher for an honest review. My thoughts are all my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Kristy Ann Kutch

Kristy Ann Kutch is a notable expert in colored pencil and a popular go-to reference for guidance and inspiration. She is the author of the popular Drawing and Painting with Colored Pencil and is a contributor to several colored pencil publications, including The Best of Colored Pencil, 1, 3, and 5; 

Creative Colored Pencil; and Colored Pencil Explorations. Her work has appeared in International Artist Magazine and Pratique des Arts. She also has a DVD called Colored Pencil Landscapes: Beyond the Basics, and her instructional videos on YouTube have garnered over 42,000 hits. 

When she is not traveling to all corners of the United States to teach sold-out workshops, she is experimenting with the newest pencils, papers, and other materials sent to her from every major art supplies manufacturer.

Goodreads 

Blog Tour (Guest Post/Review): UNCLE JOHN'S BATHROOM READER FOR KIDS ONLY! (Collectible Edition) by Gordon Javna (A/MG)

UNCLE JOHN'S BATHROOM READER FOR KIDS ONLY!

by Bathroom Readers' Institute (Gordon Javna)

Release date: April 8th, 2014

Published by: Portable Press

Genre: For all ages

Format: Hardback, eBook

Format read: Hardback from the publisher/tour host for an honest review.

SUMMARY 

Here is an exciting chance to own the very first Uncle John's Bathroom Reader For Kids Only! in a hardcover edition with all new illustrations! 

When our younger readers demanded a Bathroom Reader of their own, Uncle John put together this brain-boggling easy-to-read collection of facts, fads, quotes, history, science, origins, pop culture, mythology, humor, and more! Plus it's full of wacky and fun illustrations and Uncle John's famous "running feet" — those fun and fascinating facts on the bottom of every page. 

Curious young readers will learn about the real Dr. Seuss, baseball superstitions, the birth of The Simpsons, how carnival games are rigged, the history of dining on scorpions and tarantulas, shocking truths about thunder and lightning, and disgusting bodily functions like ear wax production and digestion (and why they're important), and much, much more!

GUEST POST by Gordon Javna

How do you narrow down what facts are important enough to go into a “Bathroom Reader?”

We're very discerning. We don't mind sharing a fact that will make {you} groan, or go, “Eww!” but we don't want to include any facts that might make you barf on the book. 

Other criteria: It should make you say, “You've GOT to be kidding me!” 

We like to include information that you haven't heard before — 

odd history, strange science, unusual origins. 

The only exception: jokes, because who doesn't want to know how to tell when an elephant’s been in the fridge? (By the footprints in the butter.) 

Or what you call a fly with no wings. (A walk.)

MY REVIEW

This book was so much fun to share with my kids! It is truly more than just a 'bathroom reader' - filled with so many wonderful facts that most people would never even think of, let alone wonder. This book kept us entertained for a very long time, and in just one sitting. It is a great book to just pick up and read randomly - just skip around and pick a page. Even more fun if you read out loud with your family and friends - quite a lot of these 'random facts' are funny and will set you all into a fit of giggles. But, and I assure you, you will also learn a lot. Some may be trivial, but a quite a lot are historical facts that is quite useful information. Definitely a fun way to learn new things.

There SO many fun and odd facts! A few of our favorite are:

- Creepy Cuisine: "People have been eating strange food since... well, since people first felt hungry. How hungry would you have to be to try some of these delicacies?" page 15.

(Ewww... who would have thought to make a meal out of these... things!)

- More Gross Stuff: "Essential (but nasty) information about your body." page 119.

(And he wasn't kidding, SO gross!)

- Travel Guide to Imaginary Lands: "Let Uncle John be your guide to some fantastic places that can only be found in books. Forget the movies - there's nothing like a great novel." page 260.

(LOVE that he tells us how to get to Narnia, Never-Never Land and a few other magical places!)

And at the bottom of every single page, throughout the entire book, there are additional miscellaneous facts! Like...

"Kid power: On average, a child laughs 400 times a day; an adult laughs about 15." page 131

"In one day, your blood will travel nearly 12,000 miles." page 136

"When dogs and humans sleep together, they dream at the same times." page 204

Over 280 pages filled with amazing knowledge - I know that my kids and I will continue to pick this book and read odd bits and will definitely share the knowledge with each other and others too! Definitely a fun book to gift, to all readers and nonreaders! To kids and adult too!
We look forward to picking up more of Uncle John's books soon!


(I received a hardback from the publisher/tour host for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.)

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, June 30th - Candace's Book Blog
Tuesday, July 1st - Cindy's Love of Books
Wednesday, July 2nd - Proud Book Nerd
Thursday, July 3rd - Bumbles and Fairy-Tales
Friday July 4th - Cassandra M's Place

 Monday, July 7th - Sweet Southern Home
Tuesday, July 8th - Confessions of a Book Addict
Wednesday, July 9th - Little Red Reads
Thursday, July 10th - Me, My Shelf and I
Friday July 11th - Bewitched Bookworms

Monday, July 14th - Kindle and Me
Tuesday, July 15th - Snowdrop Dreams of Books
Wednesday, July 16th - Hott Books
Thursday, July 17th - alwaysjoart
Friday July 18th - Captivated Reading

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Gordon Javna

The life of Gordon “Uncle John” Javna, editor-in-chief and publisher of the Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader series, reads like one of his books. There’s a lot of fun, intriguing—often odd—information lurking around every corner. He went to art school, and then went on to become a musician, real-estate developer, writer, restaurateur, president of a pre-school, brew pub owner, and editor—not all at once, mind you, but he has been all of these things.

Eventually, though, he realized that because of his love of fascinating facts (and being a bathroom reader himself), he was naturally suited, perhaps even destined, to bring the joy of trivia to the world in a fun, informative way. He assumed the pseudonym Uncle John for the Bathroom Reader series and since then, Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader has become the longest-running, most popular series of its kind in the publishing industry.  To date, there are more than 15 million Uncle John’s Bathroom Readers in print and his fanatical flock of followers span from Australia to the United Kingdom and beyond.

Guided by their obsession with unusual trivia, amazing origins, and forgotten history, Gordon “Uncle John” Javna and his staff at the Bathroom Readers’ Institute have made Uncle John’s Bathroom Readers a must-have for book and gift stores worldwide for over two decades.  Gordon continues to expand his porcelain province from his throne room in Ashland, Oregon.

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Google+

Kismet Book Touring

Review: THE VAST AND BRUTAL SEA (The Vicious Deep #3) by Zoraida Cordova (YA)

THE VAST AND BRUTAL SEA

The Vicious Deep #3
by Zoraida Cordova

Release date: July 1st, 2014

Published by: Sourcebooks Fire

Format: Hardcover, eBook

Format read: eGalley from Netgalley/Publisher

SUMMARY

This epic clash of sand and sea will pit brother against brother-and there can only be one winner

In two days, the race for the Sea Court throne will be over-but all the rules have changed. 

The sea witch, Nieve, has kidnapped Layla and is raising an army of mutant sea creatures to overthrow the crown. Kurt, the one person Tristan could depend on in the battle for the Sea King's throne, has betrayed him. Now Kurt wants the throne for himself. 

Tristan has the Scepter of the Earth, but it's not enough. He'll have to travel to the mysterious, lost Isle of Tears and unleash the magic that first created the king's powerful scepter. 

It's a brutal race to the finish, and there can only be one winner.

BOOK TRAILER

MY REVIEW

The trilogy is complete, and in the most epic way!

Tristan is at a loss. Betrayed by those he thought were closest to him and having very little to go on to continue his quest as a champion, he finds himself questioning himself over everything. But regardless of his self-doubt, he knows that he must try his best and continue on. This isn't about him, never was. He knows that he has a battle to get to soon, but how will he get to it, no one truly knows yet. Well, maybe an oracle or two might, but they're looking to gain something before they'll help... and it just feels like nothing is ever going to go right for the half-merman who thinks too much like a human to know what is best for the sea and its inhabitants.

As much as we see Tristan grow and mature, he never loses himself nor does he lose sight of his goals. Whenever something gets in his way, he looks for another. And even though this may be a battle he might lose, he knows that he'll do it while trying his best. He never lets his heart over power his mind, and vice versa. He is true to his word, even if his words are sarcastic and may be of the kind that the seafolk may not understand at times. And no matter what situation Tristan may find himself in - danger, pain, loss and more -  his sense of humor, quick wit and thoughtfulness always shines through to guide him through to get him to the next level.

The action! So many battles to get through! Mystical creatures galore - the author does not hold back on the details and I was able to picture everything clearly in my mind. The mystical beauty of each and every character, even the ugly mean ones, were fabulous - I truly do wish to see this in film one day.

I have only one small gripe - I really wish that the author would have considered giving us a better glimpse into Tristan and his friends/families future. His parents were barely mentioned, and they had quite the surprise in book 2 that was barely mentioned in this part of the story. I am curious to know if the author may have something planned in the future for some of these characters - I can totally see a spin-off happening...

The perfect ending to an amazing and well-written trilogy!
I cannot wait to see what Zoraida Cordova will give us next!!!

(I received an eARC from the publisher/tour host for my honest review. My thoughts are all my own.)

THE VICIOUS DEEP TRILOGY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Zoraida Cordova

Zoraida Córdova was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador. She made her way up north and now works in the glittering New York City nightlife. She likes shiny things like Christmas, merdudes, and the skyline at night. She loves making new friends.

Goodreads / Website/Blog / Twitter  

Waiting On Wednesday #90: BLACK ICE by Becca Fitzpatrick (YA)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by  Breaking the Spine. 

This is were we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night and, quite possibly, to make our shelves look all pretty too :)

What I'm waiting for...

BLACK ICE

by Becca Fitzpatrick

Expected release date: October 7th, 2014

Published by: Simon & Schuster

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Thriller

Format: Hardback, eBook

SUMMARY

Sometimes danger is hard to see... until it’s too late. 

Britt Pfeiffer has trained to backpack the Teton Range, but she isn't prepared when her ex-boyfriend, who still haunts her every thought, wants to join her. Before Britt can explore her feelings for Calvin, an unexpected blizzard forces her to seek shelter in a remote cabin, accepting the hospitality of its two very handsome occupants — 

but these men are fugitives, and they take her hostage. 

In exchange for her life, Britt agrees to guide the men off the mountain. As they set off, Britt knows she must stay alive long enough for Calvin to find her. The task is made even more complicated when Britt finds chilling evidence of a series of murders that have taken place there... and in uncovering this, she may become the killer’s next target. 

But nothing is as it seems in the mountains, and everyone is keeping secrets, including Mason, one of her kidnappers. His kindness is confusing Britt. 

Is he an enemy? Or an ally? 

BLACK ICE is New York Times bestselling author Becca Fitzpatrick’s riveting romantic thriller set against the treacherous backdrop of the mountains of Wyoming. Falling in love should never be this dangerous.

Why I'm waiting for BLACK ICE...

It's been two years since the end of the Hush, Hush series!!!

I've been waiting FOREVER for this author to release another book!

I am SO curious to see! Read!

It sounds amazingly intense!!!

And the cover... niiice!

SO, what are you waiting for this week?!?!

Review: THE VICIOUS DEEP and THE SAVAGE BLUE (#2) by Zoraida Cordova (YA)

THE VICIOUS DEEP

by Zoraida Cordova

Release date: May 1st, 2012

Published by: Sourcebooks Fire

Genre: Young Adult (Mermaids)

Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Format read: Hardcover I purchased.

SUMMARY

For Tristan Hart, everything changes with one crashing wave. 

He was gone for three days. Sucked out to sea in a tidal wave and spit back ashore at Coney Island with no memory of what happened. Now his dreams are haunted by a terrifying silver mermaid with razor-sharp teeth. 

His best friend Layla is convinced something is wrong. But how can he explain he can sense emotion like never before? How can he explain he's heir to a kingdom he never knew existed? That he's suddenly a pawn in a battle as ancient as the gods. 

Something happened to him in those three days. 

He was claimed by the sea...

and now it wants him back.

BOOK TRAILER

MY REVIEW

This continues to be my all-time favorite mermaid story ever!
Actually, it's my favorite merman, underwater, oracles, kingdom book ever!
There is so much to the story, and the author's writing was/is amazing - giving enough details with a strong lead male and point-of-view and the underwater world building is amazing... 

Tristan is your typical teen boy who knows who he is and what he loves - he's captain of the swim team, popular in school and with the girls, haves a wonderful family, best friends and loves his home in Coney Island.
So what happens to the guy who has it all finds out that he's a mermaid? No, no - a merman???
He freaks out!... and then embraces it and just goes with the flow... literally and figuratively.
Oh, and then throw in that the grandfather he never knew nominates him as one of the champions to compete for the throne to be the Sea King - no problem, Tristan takes it all in and cracks a joke about it, because that is Tristan's defense mechanism to take the seriousness out of everything that is happening to him. His attitude his refreshing and realistic - where many people would panic, breakdown and cave into the fear of something so huge happening to them (he has a fishtail!), Tristan took it all in stride and accepted it, because he knew that no matter what he did, he couldn't change the pass and had to face his new future. Tristan, a bit egotistical, but downright loving and loyal, has such a fun attitude and an amusing but brilliant way about looking and dealing with things that he thought were impossible. I really, really enjoyed getting to know Tristan, his old and new friends and family.
Like I mentioned, Tristan is an average teen boy, there are some crude moments and thoughts, crass language and behavior, but the author did it well and did not go overboard - sorry to say, but boys will be boys, even when they're swimming around with a fishtail.

The love story is like no other, it's not the typical storyline where they're all lovey-dovey for each other, it's the love/hate kind where she, Layla, is just as strong-minded and opinionated as Tristan. She never backs down from him, or anyone else. Surprisingly she recovers from the shock of Tristan's news and handles everything pretty well. As well as any human can. I really liked Layla and look forward to seeing how their relationship will develop with everything that is going on, which will be very difficult to keep together.

The story is fast-paced, (which I love and always seem to fall upon), with realistic scenery and characters. All the details to the Sea Kings floating island, Toliss, to the color and texture to Tristan and his merfriends scales and tails, to other creatures living in the sea, and those that have been banished from the sea to live on land - all realistic, beautiful and imaginative. I would love to see this trilogy be turned into a movie in the future - a future that would have all of the technology to truly breathe life into all of this beauty that the author created. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the beginning of Tristan's journey as champion.
I hope to see more of this author's writing soon!!! 

THE SAVAGE BLUE

The Vicious Deep #2

by Zoraida Cordova

Release date: May 7th, 2013

Published by: Sourcebooks Fire

Genre: Young Adult (Mermaids)

Format: Hardback, Paperback, eBook

Format read: Hardcover I purchased. 

SUMMARY

A storm is coming...

The ocean is a vicious place. Deeper and darker than Tristan could have imagined. Beneath its calm blue surface, an ancient battle is churning —and no one is safe.

In the quest for the Sea Throne, Tristan has already watched one good friend die. Now he must lead the rest on a dangerous voyage in search of the trident that will make him king. But while Tristan chases his destiny, the dark forces racing against him are getting stronger, and the sea witch of his nightmares is getting closer.

Battling sea dragons and savage creatures of the deep, Tristan needs his friends' support. But they each have their secrets, and a betrayal will force Tristan to choose between his crown and his best friend Layla — the only girl he's ever loved.

MY REVIEW

The author has done an amazing job with the continuation of the trilogy...
this time, she dives right into the plot of Tristan's journey without skipping any details and continuing with the fast-paced storyline with non-stop action... 

In the first book, Tristan has a lot to go through in this part of his journey - he learns all about his mermaid heritage, what being a champion is all about, history lessons galore and has made new friends, meets new family members, has made more allies and, of course, has made a handful of enemies too!
It was so interesting to see more unique characters and to get to know them and learn their histories - first we learn that everyone that lives in the sea has stories and hardly ever tells the whole truth, every answer is lyrical or vague, which makes it difficult for Tristan to trust and get the answers he needs to find the other two pieces to the trident. We meet four oracles, sisters who each have their own gifts and will only help if you help them first. We learn more about the crazy princesses and their magic, the landlocked (those that have been banished by the courts) and other mythical creatures - if mermaids exist, why can't vampires, werewolves and other unworldly creatures too? Tristan is hardly ever surprised anymore.
Tristan continues to entertain us with his sarcastic attitude, quick wit and determination. He did not ask for any of this to happen to him, or to anyone involved. But he knows that its something that he must do, and finish, whether he likes to or not. Even when those close to him betray him and he is left alone to his own devices. He steps up and does the best that he can, keeps true to himself and remains loyal to those who continue to support him. The relationships in this trilogy are strong and are major key points to the story. Without support, Tristan would have died many deaths a long time ago. And Tristan knows this, and will do whatever it takes to continue to do what is right for them and is never selfish nor does he ever back down to continue his, and their, fight.

Now, I have a confession - I am loving Nieve! Nieve, the silver mermaid, is beyond wicked and will go to great lengths to become the Queen of the Sea. She is ruthless and mean and knows exactly how to play with Tristan's mind and heart. However, in the beginning of the book, we get a glimpse to a much younger Nieve and my heart went out to her. The cruelty that was brought down on her did help in creating the crazed mermaid that we see now. There was no stopping what she would become and what she would do. However, I do hope that she doesn't succeed.

There's definitely a twist that I did not see coming! And a cliffhanger that left me on the edge of my seat... I need to get to book 3 asap!

THE VICIOUS DEEP TRILOGY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Zoraida Cordova

Zoraida Córdova was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador. She made her way up north and now works in the glittering New York City nightlife. She likes shiny things like Christmas, merdudes, and the skyline at night. She loves making new friends.

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