Leslie's Review: Earthseed by Pamela Sargent

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates
Release Date: February 28, 2012 (1st pubbed in 1983)
ISBN: 978-0765352877
Source of my copy: publisher
Series: Seed #1
Synopsis (from Goodreads)
Ship hurtles through space. Deep within its core, it carries the seed of humankind. Launched by the people of a dying Earth over a century ago, its mission is to find a habitable world for the children--fifteen-year-old Zoheret and her shipmates--whom it has created from its genetic banks. To Zoheret and her shipmates, Ship has been mother, father, and loving teacher, preparing them for their biggest challenge: to survive on their own, on an uninhabited planet, without Ship's protection. Now that day is almost upon them...but are they ready to leave Ship? Ship devises a test. And suddenly, instincts that have been latent for over a hundred years take over. Zoheret watches as friends become strangers--and enemies. Can Zoheret and her companions overcome the biggest obstacle to the survival of the human race--themselves?

Leslie's Review:
I'm not much of a sci-fi fan, but Earthseed sounded like an interesting read so I decided to give the novel and the genre a chance.

When I was reading the novel there were a few things that bothered me but after I finished it and thought about it, it was an okay read overall. I am going to break down my review into three parts to explain my thoughts:

First, let's talk plot. It was interesting and different--obviously I kept reading and finished the novel. However, I had a like/dislike relationship with it throughout. Some parts I would be excited and interested, but in other points of the book I'd be confused and restless. The pacing was uneven and there were events that happened that came out of nowhere without warning. However, there was a lot of action and unexpected plot twists.

Secondly, the characters. There was a lot of different personalities aboard Ship. I thought their actions were logical to their persona and the situations they were in. Together, the group dynamics was fascinating. But another reason why I couldn't really get into this book was because I couldn't relate to any of the characters, even the main character Zoheret. When I read I like having that character (usually the main character) I can get behind on and root for and sympathized for and I wasn't able to do that here. I think it's because there's little character development if you look at the characters individually.

Lastly, the writing. It took some getting used to and I honestly couldn't get into it for most of the book. Maybe it's because the novel was written and first published in the 1980s? Although that's not a good excuse. However, I wish it was written in the perspective of Zoheret instead of it being in third-person limited omniscient, or written in third-person but centered on Zoheret.

Overall, despite my problems with it, believe it or not but Earthseed was an admittedly okay read for me. The core story was good and fascinating and that's what kept me reading. I think those who love their science fiction novels will enjoy and appreciate this book. They'll easily get into the action-packed, twisty story with an intriguing plot line. Also, I heard Earthseed was recently Paramount and I am interested and excited to see how a movie version of this novel will turn out.

Leslie's Review: The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison

Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Egmont
Release Date: February 14, 2012
ISBN: 978-1606842633
Source of my copy: publisher
Series: none
Synopsis (from Goodreads)
Penelope (Lo) Marin has always loved to collect beautiful things. Her dad's consulting job means she's grown up moving from one rundown city to the next, and she's learned to cope by collecting (sometimes even stealing) quirky trinkets and souvenirs in each new place—possessions that allow her to feel at least some semblance of home. But in the year since her brother Oren's death, Lo's hoarding has blossomed into a full-blown, potentially dangerous obsession. She discovers a beautiful, antique butterfly pendant during a routine scour at a weekend flea market, and recognizes it as having been stolen from the home of a recently murdered girl known only as "Sapphire"—a girl just a few years older than Lo. As usual when Lo begins to obsess over something, she can't get the murder out of her mind. As she attempts to piece together the mysterious "butterfly clues," with the unlikely help of a street artist named Flynt, Lo quickly finds herself caught up in a seedy, violent underworld much closer to home than she ever imagined—a world, she'll ultimately discover, that could hold the key to her brother's tragic death.

Leslie's Review:
Unlike my sister, I'm not a huge fan of mysteries. I think they're okay and sometimes interesting but I don't really get caught in the piecing together of clues. But for this book, The Butterfly Clues, I found myself doing just that--which made this quite a thrilling mystery read and enjoyable for me despite some minor issues.

It was the sudden suspense of the beginning that really caught my attention--from the first page of the book I was thrown into Lo's complicated life and perspective. And for a while after that, Lo's exciting adventures of twists and turns had me at the edge of my seat. But when I got about halfway through the book, I was getting restless. Eventually it came down to the mystery being dragged out too long that I was getting bored and frustrated. Lo would be so close and then get thrown off yet again by another perplexing clue--and that would happen again and again and again. This might be appealing to someone like my sister who loves that kind of stuff but it drove me bonkers! Thankfully though, towards the end of the book, Lo was finally getting onto something, and when she did, I was completely surprised and got into the book again.

Another aspect of the book that grew throughout the story was Lo and Flynt's relationship. I liked how it was really sweet. I especially loved how Flynt totally understood Lo and loved and accepted her for who she was. But, I also thought Lo and Flynt's relationship was a bit too insta-love to be convincing for me. Other than that, I liked the couple overall and the ending they had together was lovely.

All in all, The Butterfly Clues is a thrilling, suspenseful read with a lot of action that I enjoyed and recommend to anyone who is craving a nice mystery YA. This book is a debut novel by Kate Ellison, and I look forward to reading more by her in the future.

Books We Covet: Beautiful Redemption and Archangel's Storm

Why Leslie covets Beautiful Redemption: The series is amazing! And I have a lot of burning questions that I want answered.

Beautiful Redemption (Caster Chronicles #4) by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
(LBYR; out October 23, 2012)

Is death the end . . . or only the beginning?

Ethan Wate has spent most of his life longing to escape the stiflingly small Southern town of Gatlin. He never thought he would meet the girl of his dreams, Lena Duchannes, who unveiled a secretive, powerful, and cursed side of Gatlin, hidden in plain sight. And he never could have expected that he would be forced to leave behind everyone and everything he cares about. So when Ethan awakes after the chilling events of the Eighteenth Moon, he has only one goal: to find a way to return to Lena and the ones he loves.

Back in Gatlin, Lena is making her own bargains for Ethan's return, vowing to do whatever it takes -- even if that means trusting old enemies or risking the lives of the family and friends Ethan left to protect.

Worlds apart, Ethan and Lena must once again work together to rewrite their fate, in this stunning finale to the Beautiful Creatures series.

Why Michelle covets Archangel's Storm: Well, first, Nalini is a hell of a writer! I'm a huge fan of both her series (Guild Hunter and Psy-Changeling). Second, I'm dying to know more about the mysterious Jason and his heroine. And, of course, I can't to delve into the Guild Hunter world again and revisit all the wonderful characters.

Archangel's Storm (Guild Hunter #5) by Nalini Singh
(Berkley Sensation; out September 4, 2012)

Enter New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s darkly beautiful world of archangels and immortal power, as a pact is sealed between two souls bound by blood, stirred by desire, and driven by vengeance…

With wings of midnight and an affinity for shadows, Jason courts darkness. But now, with the Archangel Neha’s consort lying murdered in the jewel-studded palace that was his prison and her rage threatening cataclysmic devastation, Jason steps into the light, knowing he must unearth the murderer before it is too late.

Earning Neha’s trust comes at a price—Jason must tie himself to her bloodline through the Princess Mahiya, a woman with secrets so dangerous, she trusts no one. Least of all an enemy spymaster.

With only their relentless hunt for a violent, intelligent killer to unite them, Jason and Mahiya embark on a quest that leads to a centuries-old nightmare… and to the dark storm of an unexpected passion that threatens to drench them both in blood.

For more info about Beautiful Redemption and Archangel's Storm, click on the cover to go to the book's Goodreads page.

What book(s) do you "covet" this week?

Leave a comment with a link so we can check your WoW of the week too.

"Books I Covet" is a weekly or bi-weekly blog post series I am going to be doing here. It will feature books I am very excited about reading and plan on buying/borrowing in the near future. It is similar to the "Waiting On" meme hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine. However, some of the books may already be published and others may still be in pre-order. I will include the books' blurb, cover art, and/or release date if they're available. Click on the WoW image on the left to join in!

I got NEW books!! (3)

I got two books in the mail this week for review:

Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown (for review)
Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione (unsolicited)

And I purchased two books for my Kindle: (I ❤ Kristan Higgins!!)

Too Good to be True by Kristan Higgins

Catch of the Day by Kristan Higgins

Did YOU get any new books? Let us know! We'd love to see your new additions to your bookshelf.

Fated Trailer and Giveaway

We are excited to present to you the trailer for Alyson Noel's new series called Soul Seekers. The first book is Fated and is out in stores now!

But read on for a chance to win Fated.

Fated (Soul Seekers #1) by Alyson Noel
(St. Martin's Press; out May 22, 2012)

The first book in a magnificent new series about a girl who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead by #1 New York Times bestselling author Alyson Noël.

Lately strange things have been happening to Daire Santos. Animals follow her, crows mock her, and glowing people appear out of nowhere. Worried that Daire is having a nervous breakdown, her mother packs her off to stay in the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico with a grandmother she’s never met.

There she crosses paths with Dace, a gorgeous guy with unearthly blue eyes who she’s encountered before...but only in her dreams. And she’ll get to know her grandmother—a woman who recognizes Daire’s bizarre episodes for what they are. A call to her true destiny as a Soul Seeker, one who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead. Her grandmother immediately begins teaching her to harness her powers—but it’s an art that must be mastered quickly. Because Dace’s brother is an evil shape-shifter who’s out to steal her powers. Now Daire must embrace her fate as a Soul Seeker and find out if Dace is one guy she’s meant to be with...or if he’s allied with the enemy she’s destined to destroy.

But first, the trailer: (it's a really good one too--one of the best I've seen in a while!)



Now that you've read the summary and seen the trailer you want to win the book, right?

All you gotta do to add your name to the hat (or Rafflecopter in this case) is to tell us what you thought of the trailer in the comments.

Open to US residents only. Ends June 7th. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book I Covet: Girl of Nightmares (Anna #2) by Kendare Blake

Why Michelle covets this book: Anna Dressed in Blood was my favorite paranormal read of 2011--it was one of the few paranormal YAs that truly made me excited to read paranormal YA again.

I'm counting down the days I can get my hands on Girl of Nightmares. After the ending of Anna, I am dying to know what happened to Anna... I seriously need this book NAO!!

WARNING: If you haven't read Anna Dressed in Blood and hate spoilers, don't read the summary for Girl of Nightmares below. It totally spoils Anna.

Girl of Nightmares (Anna #2) by Kendare Blake
(Tor Teen; out August 7, 2012)

It's been months since the ghost of Anna Korlov opened a door to Hell in her basement and disappeared into it, but ghost-hunter Cas Lowood can't move on.

His friends remind him that Anna sacrificed herself so that Cas could live—not walk around half dead. He knows they're right, but in Cas's eyes, no living girl he meets can compare to the dead girl he fell in love with.

Now he's seeing Anna everywhere: sometimes when he's asleep and sometimes in waking nightmares. But something is very wrong...these aren't just daydreams. Anna seems tortured, torn apart in new and ever more gruesome ways every time she appears.

Cas doesn't know what happened to Anna when she disappeared into Hell, but he knows she doesn't deserve whatever is happening to her now. Anna saved Cas more than once, and it's time for him to return the favor.

For more info about Anna Dressed in Blood and Girl of Nightmares, visit check out the author's website. Click on the cover to go to the book's Goodreads page.

What book(s) do you "covet" this week?

Leave a comment with a link so we can check your WoW of the week too.

"Books I Covet" is a weekly or bi-weekly blog post series I am going to be doing here. It will feature books I am very excited about reading and plan on buying/borrowing in the near future. It is similar to the "Waiting On" meme hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine. However, some of the books may already be published and others may still be in pre-order. I will include the books' blurb, cover art, and/or release date if they're available. Click on the WoW image on the left to join in!

Michelle's Review: Lucky in Love (Lucky Harbor #4) by Jill Shalvis

Mass market: 400 pages 
Publisher: Forever
 Release Date: May 22, 2012
ISBN: 9781455503728 
Source of my copy: publisher
Series: Lucky Harbor #4 (standalone)
Synopsis (from Goodreads) 
Mallory Quinn has had enough of playing it safe. As a nurse and devoted daughter, she takes care of everyone but herself. And as the local good girl, she's expected to date Mr. Right. But for once, she'd like to take a risk on Mr. Wrong. And who could be more wrong than Ty Garrison? The mysterious new guy in town has made it clear that he's only passing through, which suits Mallory just fine. Besides, his lean, hard body and sexy smile will give her plenty to remember once he's gone...
For the first time in his life, Ty can't bear to leave. Helping this sexy seductress-in-training walk on the wild side is making him desire things he shouldn't -- including leaving the military for good. As their just-for-fun fling becomes something more, Mallory and Ty wonder if they could really be this lucky in love. After all...anything can happen in a town called Lucky Harbor.

Michelle's Review:
Lucky in Love is my favorite book in the Lucky Harbor series so far. It has the heavier emotion I prefer in my romances but it also had its funny moments. Lucky in Love is also a bit more steamier than the previous novels in this series which is a plus.

I enjoyed both Mallory and Ty's characters. The chemistry crackles between them and it was fun watching them fall for each other despite both wanting to keep things light and commitment-free. Both were very likable. I saw a lot of myself in Mallory--it's not often I find heroines I can relate to. And Ty was just plain yummy! He was a genuinely good guy despite him starting off reclusive and pushing everyone away. Both Ty and Mallory had issues to work through and some growing up to do. It was great watching their character development throughout the book especially Mallory, who was a pushover in the beginning, gain assertiveness and self-confidence.

The town of Lucky Harbor is always fun to visit. I love reading about the close-knit community and its crazy, gossip-loving, meddling locals. Nosy, old blue-haired Lucille (the keeper of the town's Facebook page with all the latest town gossip) is back and she is as zany as ever. I seriously want to live in Lucky Harbor!

Although Lucky in Love is being labeled as the fourth book in the Lucky Harbor series, it actually starts a new Lucky Harbor trilogy that focuses on three new women--the Chocoholics group. And to go with the chocolate theme, there were fun chocolate quotes at the beginning of each chapter that made me crave chocolate the entire time I was reading this novel.

Unlike the first three, which was just good reads for me, this novel is fantastic and the new trilogy has truly caught my interest. It is just as readable as the other novels but there's an extra oomph in this one that has me turning the pages faster. I love how Mallory and Ty got together and the female friendship between the women! I am looking forward to reading the next book in the trilogy especially since we get glimpses of the simmering tension between of Amy and sexy forest ranger Matt in this book. Definitely excited to read their story and to once again visit Lucky Harbor!