"To find out what a story's really about,' the Librarian said,

'you don't ask the writer. You ask the reader."


- SNOW & ROSE by Emily Winfield Martin


Showing posts with label Fierce Reads. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fierce Reads. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Blog Tour (Review) of SPILL ZONE #2: THE BROKEN VOW Written by Scott Westerfeld and Illustrated by Alex Puvilland (YA)


*A finished-hardcover copies of  SPILL ZONE and THE BROKEN VOW (Spill Zone #2) were sent to me for free by the publisher, Macmillan, for an honest review. All thoughts here are my very own. Any problems, concerns, questions, etc. please contact me via email - thebumblegirl@rocketmail.com - Thank you!

Written by Scott Westerfeld
Illustrated by Alex Puvilland
Release date: July 10th, 2018
Published by First Second (Macmillan) 
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian/Sci-Fi Mystery 
Format: Hardcover, eBook
Format read: Hardcover


SUMMARY

All hell breaks loose in the second volume of New York Times-bestselling author Scott Westerfeld's visionary graphic novel duology.

Three years ago an event destroyed the small city of Poughkeepsie, forever changing reality within its borders. Strange manifestations and lethal dangers now await anyone who enters the Spill Zone. Addison got close enough to the Spill Zone to touch it, literally. She survived the encounter but came back changed.

It turns out she's not alone. North Korea has its own Spill Zone, and a young man named Don Jae is the only one who made it out alive. Alive, but changed. Now Addison, Don Jae, and, curiously, a rag doll named Vespertine, share an unholy bond and uncanny powers.

From Scott Westerfeld, the inspired imagination behind the New York Times bestsellers UGLIES and LEVIATHAN, comes THE BROKEN VOW, the second volume of our highly anticipated new graphic novel series. 


MY REVIEW

*A finished-hardcover copies of  SPILL ZONE and THE BROKEN VOW (Spill Zone #2) were sent to me for free by the publisher, Macmillan, for an honest review. All thoughts here are my very own.


Another page-turner! So much action and the story continues to flow effortlessly!

THE BROKEN VOW picks up right where book one left off... 
Addison has sold off the last of her pictures from the zone and now has enough money to "retire" and take care of her sister, Lexi. But. It seems that Addison may have spent too much time in the zone and she is feeling a bit off... and she not only learns that her Lexi's crazed doll has a huge role in why the Spill happened; there is also another survivor from a different Spill that happened in North Korea who comes looking for Addison for help. Together, they try to understand and figure out why the Spill happened and how to either control the Zone or end it all... 

And guys - the creepy doll, named Vespertine, is still creepy as all heck!
But she's also sassy and kind of grows on you. Trust me - you'll be rooting for her halfway through the storyline! 

Again, the illustrations are so vividly bright and yet still so eerie! The colors make the "monsters" look animated enough to jump off the page. And the style is just right - realistic enough to make the story creepier than it is already, but hard to look away. You really don't want to miss a single detail.

My one and an only TINY little bit of gripe with this book - I want more! 
Although we do get some answers and things seem to end on a well enough note, there is still potential for more and I still have a few questions...

I definitely recommend this series to those who not only enjoy graphic novels and comic books but to someone who really loves to immerse themselves into a new world with an open mind and vivid imagination. There is just so much that these books have to offer!


Check out the first volume in the
SPILL ZONE series now!


Written by Scott Westerfeld
Illustrated by Alex Puvilland
Release date: May 2nd, 2017
Published by First Second (Macmillan) 
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian/Sci-Fi Mystery 
Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Format read: Hardcover

Paperback edition

SUMMARY

Nobody's ever really explained the Spill. 
Was it an angelic visitation? A nanotech accident? A porthole opening from another world?
Whatever it was, no one's allowed in the Spill Zone these days except government scientists and hazmat teams. But a few intrepid explorers know how to sneak through the patrols and steer clear of the dangers inside the Zone. 

Addison Merrick is one such explorer, dedicated to finding out what happened that night and to unraveling the events that took her parents and left her little sister mute and disconnected from the world.






ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Scott Westerfeld


Scott Westerfeld is a New York Times bestselling author of YA. He was born in Texas and now lives in Sydney and New York City. In 2001, Westerfeld married fellow author Justine Larbalestier.

He is best known for the Uglies and Leviathan series, and his next book, Afterworlds, comes out September 23, 2014.

His book Evolution's Darling was a New York Times Notable Book and won a Special Citation for the 2000 Philip K. Dick Award. So Yesterday won a Victorian Premier's Award and both Leviathan and Midnighters 1: The Secret Hour won Aurealis Awards. Peeps and Uglies were both named as Best Books for Young Adults 2006 by th
e American Library Association.



ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR - Alex Puvilland



Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Waiting On Wednesday: BLANCA & ROJA by Anna-Marie McLemore (YA)


"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme that used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. I've missed posting these on a weekly basis and have decided to start doing them again. 
Waiting On Wednesday is where I/we get to "spotlight" the books that we are most looking forward to reading soon! 

Today's pick is... 

by Anna-Marie McLemore
Expected release date: October 9th, 2018
Published by: Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan)
Genre: Young Adult Fairytale Retellings/Magical Realism
Format: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook


SUMMARY

The biggest lie of all is the story you think you already know.

The del Cisne girls have never just been sisters; they're also rivals, Blanca as obedient and graceful as Roja is vicious and manipulative. They know that, because of a generations-old spell, their family is bound to a bevy of swans deep in the woods. They know that, one day, the swans will pull them into a dangerous game that will leave one of them a girl, and trap the other in the body of a swan.

But when two local boys become drawn into the game, the swans' spell intertwines with the strange and unpredictable magic lacing the woods, and all four of their fates depend on facing truths that could either save or destroy them.

Blanca & Roja is the captivating story of sisters, friendship, love, hatred, and the price we pay to protect our hearts.


MY THOUGHTS

First of all, it's another Anna-Marie McLemore book.
Do I really need to convince you as to why I need this book ASAP?!?!?

Okay then...

It's a SNOW WHITE AND ROSE RED and SWAN LAKE retelling!!!

You all know how I feel about fairy tales, retellings, and magical realism!

Key phrases that are making me all jumpy and SO excited to read this:
- "... generations-old spell..."
- "... a dangerous game that will leave one of them a girl, and trap the other in the body of a swan."
- "... magic lacing the woods..."
- "... the price we pay to protect our hearts."

Just rip my heart out now and give me this book!!!


Is this book on your list too???
What are you currently waiting for???

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Blog Tour (My Top 10 Favorite Heroes): RENEGADES by Marissa Meyer (YA)


Renegades #1
by Marissa Meyer
Release date: November 7th, 2017
Published by: Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan)
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Format: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Format read: ARC from the publisher.


SUMMARY

Secret identities. Extraordinary powers.
She wants vengeance.
He wants justice.

The Renegades are a syndicate of prodigies - humans with extraordinary abilities - who emerged from the ruins of a crumbled society and established peace and order where chaos reigned. As champions of justice, they remain a symbol of hope and courage to everyone... 
except for the villains they once overthrew.

Nova has a reason to hate the Renegades, and she is on a mission for vengeance. As she gets closer to her target, she meets Adrian, a Renegade boy who believes in justice - and in Nova. But Nova's allegiances is to a villain who has the power to end them both.

MY TOP TEN FAVORITE SUPERHEROES

1. WONDER WOMAN - “Please take my hand. I give it to you as a gesture of friendship and love, and of faith freely given. I give you my hand and welcome you into my dream.”

2. HULK - "Hulk, SMASH!" 

3. SPIDER-MAN - "Whatever life holds for me, I will never forget these words: With great power comes great responsibility. This is my gift. This is my curse. Who am I? I'm Spider-Man."

4. SUPERMAN - "You're much stronger than you think you are. Trust me." 

5. HARLEY QUINN - "I've made so many mistakes there's no one left who believes in me." 

6. MS. MARVEL - "Good is not a thing you are, it's a thing you do."

7. BLACK WIDOW - "I do not belong. I am exceptional. I am the exception." 

I was trying to keep my list fun and light-hearted, but... 

8. MY MOM - Because she is the most loving, strongest and stubborn woman I know <3

9. ACTIVE MILITARY, VETERANS, AND THEIR FAMILIES - I have a strong respect for these people who have sacrificed so much and more to protect us and stand up for what they believe in. A job that I can never endure. 

10. FIRST RESPONDERS - I have a HUGE admiration for all of those that sacrifice their lives on a daily basis! The fire and police departments, all in the emergency response teams, doctors and nurses, etc. It takes a very strong person to witness and do what they have done, and continue to do on a daily basis. Something that I don't think I could ever have the courage, nor stomach, to do. I am so grateful for those who can! 


*Please note: An advanced reader copy was sent to me from the publisher for an honest review for this blog tour. All thoughts and opinions are my own and are not swayed by anyone/anything.
Please feel free to leave a comment or email me with any questions and/or inquiries. 
Thank you.





Are you an ANARCHIST??? OR Are you a RENEGADE???
Take the QUIZ and find out now!!!


And, in case you were wondering... 
I'm with the ANARCHISTS!!!



Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today!!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Marissa Meyer
  

Marissa Meyer is the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles series, as well as the graphic novel Wires and Nerve: Vol. 1, and The Lunar Chronicles Coloring Book.

Her first standalone novel, Heartless, was also a #1 New York Times bestseller. 

She lives in Tacoma, Washington, with her husband and their two daughters.  

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Review: SPILL ZONE (The Spill Zone #1) by Scott Westerfeld (YA)


The Spill Zone #1
by Scott Westerfeld
Illustrated by Alex Puvilland
Color by Hilary Sycamore
Release date: May 2nd, 2017
Published by First Second (Macmillan)
Genre: Young Adult Sci-Fi/Apocalyptic Graphic Novel
Format: Hardcover, eBook
Format read: Hardcover from the publisher.



SUMMARY

Nobody's ever really explained the Spill.

Was it an angelic visitation? A nanotech accident? A porthole opening from another world?
Whatever it was, no one's allowed in the Spill Zone these days except government scientists and hazmat teams. But a few intrepid explorers know how to sneak through the patrols and steer clear of the dangers inside the Zone. 

Addison Merrick is one such explorer, dedicated to finding out what happened that night, and to unraveling the events that took her parents and left her little sister mute and disconnected from the world. 

Photo courtesy of First Second Books.

MY REVIEW

An unexplained 'spill', creepy zombie-like puppet people, odd creatures and a creepy rag doll who seems to know it all... SPILL ZONE is an epic start to an intriguing and story!

Addison wasn't home when the 'spill' happened and no one knows exactly how or why it happened; and no one goes back to try to figure it out. Going into the zone is illegal and forbidden. And no one goes in. Except for Addison. She has been going back to her hometown whenever she can to take photographs of  what happened and what is there now - eerie talking cats, a form of electricity that glows and can chase after you and zombies that whisper warnings. It's how she makes a living to support herself and her little sister. However, she has quickly made rules for herself in order to get in and out of the spill zone safely - remain anonymous and unseen, never get off her motorbike, to stay on the main roads and never touch anything! Are just a few of her strict rules. But, when a collector of her pictures tracks her down and gives her an offer she can't refuse - an offer that can possibly help her sister who hasn't spoken since the incident. Can she risk her life in the spill zone to get what this "collector" wants?

The illustrations are quite amazing! Every frame supports the fast paced story, the creepiness, the danger and consequences that can happen if things go wrong while poking around. SO much world-building, all so naturally put together - realistic and memorable!

I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading suspenseful mysterious with glowing rats, intuitive rag dolls, and post-apocalyptic worlds! Whether your a graphic novel reader or not, there isn't anything that should keep you from picking up this book!

*I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.
All thoughts here are my own.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Scott Westerfeld

Scott Westerfeld is a New York Times bestselling author of YA. He was born in Texas and now lives in Sydney and New York City. 

In 2001, he married fellow author Justine Larbalestier.

He is best known for the Uglies, Leviathan and Zeroes series, and his standaone book, Afterworlds.

His book Evolution's Darling was a New York Times Notable Book, and won a Special Citation for the 2000 Philip K. Dick Award. So Yesterday won a Victorian Premier's Award and both Leviathan and Midnighters 1: The Secret Hour won Aurealis Awards. Peeps and Uglies were both named as Best Books for Young Adults 2006 by the American Library Association.  


Thursday, April 7, 2016

Blog Tour (Quote and Giveaway): FLAWED by Cecelia Ahern (YA)


Welcome to today's book blog tour for FLAWED!!! 

I am so very excited to be a part of FLAWED's global book blog tour!

Cecelia Ahern is most known for her bestselling novel, P.S. I Love You!
Which was also adapted into a movie by the same title, starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler... 

FLAWED is Cecelia's Young Adult debut, and it is amazing! I am currently in the middle of reading it and I can hardly put it down!


Flawed, Book One
by Cecelia Ahern
Release date: April 5th, 2016
Published by Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan) 
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian 
Format: Hardback, eBook


SUMMARY

You will be punished…

Celestine North lives a perfect life. She’s a model daughter and sister, she’s well-liked by her classmates and teachers, and she’s dating the impossibly charming Art Crevan.

But then Celestine encounters a situation where she makes an instinctive decision. She breaks a rule and now faces life-changing repercussions. She could be imprisoned. She could be branded. 

She could be found flawed.

In her breathtaking young adult debut, bestselling author Cecelia Ahern depicts a society where perfection is paramount and flaws lead to punishment. And where one young woman decides to take a stand that could cost her everything.


QUOTE



GIVEAWAY

- ONE winner will receive an international prize pack from the publisher: 
Swag and BOTH editions of FLAWED!
- Giveaway starts April 7th and will end on Friday, April 15th, 2016 11:59PM EST.
- U.S. and Canada only, sorry.

(Bumbles and Fairy-Tales and its owners will not be held responsible for any lost, damaged, unclaimed, etc. prizes.)


ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Cecelia Ahern


Cecelia Ahern was born on September 30, 1981 in Dublin, Ireland. She is the daughter of the former Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. On 14th December 2009 it was announced that Cecelia had given birth to her first child with partner David Keoghan, a girl named Robin. She was secretly married on 11 June 2010 in County Kildare, Ireland. Her older sister, Georgina Ahern is married to Nicky Byrne of Irish pop group Westlife. Cecelia was a member of the Irish pop group Shimma who finished third in the Irish national for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2000. She attended Griffith College Dublin and obtained a degree in Journalism and Media Communications. 

Cecelia Ahern wrote her first novel, PS. I Love You when she was twenty-one. It was published in 2004, the number 1 bestseller in Ireland for 19 weeks and sold in over forty countries. The book was adapted as a motion picture directed by Richard LaGravenese and starring Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler and released in 2007 in the United States. 

Her second book, Where Rainbows End (US title: Love, Rosie or Rosie Dunne) won the German CORINE Award in 2005. She contributed with short stories to charity books and is also the co-creator and producer of the ABC comedy Samantha Who?

Her other works include If You Could See Me Now (US title: A Silver Lining), A Place Called Here (US title: There's No Place Like HereThanks for the Memories (US title: Desire LinesThe Gift The Book of Tomorrow.




Full Blog Tour Schedule

April 5- Nite Lite Book Reviews (US)
April 5- Two Chicks on Books (US)
April 5- Green Bean Teen Queen (US)
April 5- Writing.ie (Ireland)
April 5- Overflowing Library (UK)
April 6- Icey Books (US)
April 6- Supernatural Snark (US)
April 6- Paper Cuts Blog (US)
April 6- Serendipity Reviews (UK)
April 6- Bleach House Library (Ireland)
April 6- Bart's Bookshelf (UK)
April 7- Forever Young Adult (US)
April 7- Bumbles and Fairytales (US)
April 7- Rainy Day Ramblings (US)
April 7- Swoony Boys Podcast (US)
April 7- A Daydreamer's Thoughts (UK)
April 7- The Bibliomaniac (UK)
April 7- Kirstyes (UK)
April 7- Wrath Queen's Books (UK)


Saturday, June 27, 2015

Book Haul #97: Tonight the Signs Point to SIX OF CROWS!


Good day, fellow bookworms!!!

I know that for most of you, school has been done and over with for quite a while now. But for us - our last day was this past Friday! You have no idea how excited my boys and I are for finally having some time to just hit the snooze button and stay in our pjs all day... for the next week or two, lol! This has been a really long school year! Both of my big boys excelled in their studies - we are beyond proud and blessed! It's now time to rest and have some much needed fun!!!


I am SO very lucky to have received SO many amazing books this week!!!
Starting next week, things are going to be pretty active around here - many different blog posts and a new feature will be popping up on Monday, I can't wait to share it all with you!!!
(But, if you follow on my on Instagram, you may see a sneak peek sometime this weekend!)

For now, here's my latest book haul :)


*What I received for review...
- INK AND BONE (The Great Library #1) by Rachel Caine (ARC) from the author
- JUST SAY YES by Alyssa Goodnight (Adult/eARC) from Entangled 


From Simon & Schuster (Middle Grade)
- THE WAND & THE SEA (The Key and the Flame #2) by Claire M. Carter (ARC)
- GOBLINS ON THE PROWL by Bruce Coville (ARC) 

From Bloomsbury:

HOLLYWOOD WITCH HUNTER by Valerie Tejeda (eARC)
MISTLETOE and MR. RIGHT by Lyla Payne (ARC) 
- RED GIRL, BLUE BOY (If Only #5) by Lauren Baratz-Logsted (ARC) 



From Macmillan/Fierce Reads
- FIRST & THEN by Emma Mills (ARC) 
- SIX OF CROWS by Leigh Bardugo (ARC) 
- TONIGHT THE STREETS ARE OURS by Leila Sales (ARC)
- FIREWALKER (The Worldwalker Trilogy #2) by Josephine Angelini (ARC)
- SIGNS POINT TO YES by Sandy Hall (ARC) from Swoon Reads
- THE ANATOMICAL SHAPE OF A HEART by Jenn Bennett (ARC) 
- YOUNG WIDOWS CLUB by Alexandra Coutts (ARC) 



From Macmillan/MacKids (Middle Grade):
- LITTLE ROBOT by Ben Hatke (HB) 
- CRENSHAW by Katherine Applegate (ARC)
- JAMES TO THE RESCUE by Elise Broach and Kelly Murphy (ARC)
- THE SPINNY ICKY SHOWDOWN (The Adventures of Arnie the Doughnut #3) by Laurie Keller (ARC)
- ON THE RUN by Tristan Bancks (ARC) 
- FINDING FORTUNE by Delia Ray (ARC)

*What I purchased...
- SCORCHED (Frigid #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout (NA/eBook)

* * * 

A few pics from the past few weeks... 

Baby Bee got some cool new big boy shoes :)
Boy #2 is now NINE years old!!!
Got myself a pretty new planner!
(Webster's Pages Color Crush - white)

* * * 


Thanks for stopping by!!!

Please leave a comment with your link so I can visit your hauls too!!!
xoxo
 
Imagination Designs
Images by LabyrinthofDreams