New Design!

Hi All!

I know, call me the worst blogger on the planet. I haven't reviewed/posted in months and trust me, it has been a struggle not to, but I'm finally able to post again! I've missed you all and apologize for my impromptu hiatus as well as for partly dropping off the map. As I'm sure you've noticed the site looks a little different...okay, so a LOT different, in a really good way, and that has to do with the recent redesign done by Lea from Lea Christine Designs. She pretty much pimped out my blog, and if I do say so myself, did a spankin' good job! I am so in love with everything, she captured what I had in mind for the site perfectly and was just an overall delight to work with. Love you Lea, and thanks for your hard work!!



And the site is Pimpin'!

Haha I couldn't resist. Basically though, expect more posts and reviews because this summer is all about reading. I want to get back to the books I'm interested in so this might mean that a limited number of review requests will be accepted, but the whole point of my having this site was so that I could post about the books that interest me. I have so many novels on my wishlist, I'm dying to read them before anything else. So yes, my focus will be on reviews and getting through many of the books I couldn't read earlier. I will do Fiction into Fashion posts and some installments of Waiting on Wednesday, but expect the craziness of review to return in full force.

I have a new look and am taking a new direction with things, I would be delighted if you all came along with me for the ride. Talk to you later ;)


Much Love, 

Top Ten: Words/Topics That Instantly Make Me Buy/Pick Up A Book

**Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish Top Ten Tuesday is a countdown spotlighting, well, anything bookish!**

Top Ten Words That Gravitate Me Towards Any Book: 

Forbidden: This word sounds so off-limits, how on earth am I supposed to resist?

Sizzling: I love, love, LOVE good romantic chemistry! Being a fan of romance, I appreciate it when a book promises a sizzling connection between the female and male leads, so hot that the page kind of chars a little. It can be love/hate or whatever, but reading about their chemistry has to make me sit back and dig deeper into the novel.

Magic: A little magic never hurt anyone! I appreciate a touch of the supernatural.

Heartwrenching: Tissues, anyone? I love a good cry. Man, when a book has me feeling that invested, you know it's good. Needless to say, the promise of said tear-jerking feelings always has me grabbing books of this sort fast.

Stunning: This word is especially powerful when the book cover backs it up! If it's pretty on the outside AND the blurb promises goodies on the inside, I can hardly keep from picking it up.

Romance: Really, this is almost a MUST. I adore romance and can never get enough of it! Got romance? Give. Me.

Fate: I love a little mysticism in the books I read, so why not throw fate in the mix? Usually books that mention this concept have a lot to do with Starcrossed Lovers, and we all know how I feel about my romance...

Secrets: I was addicted to Pretty Little Liars (the books) for precisely this reason! I love a good secret, especially when it is of catastrophic proportions. Who doesn't love for a little chaos to go down when all is finally revealed?

Mysterious: Think with me here: my mind is going along the lines of "Mysterious" Men. Yes, please! Or just give me mystery as a theme in general, it thickens the plot and a good amount of eeriness really helps carry the story along.

Adventure: I like knowing that eventually we will go somewhere! There is nothing worse than reading a novel and feeling as though NOTHING is happening. Seriously, just shoot me now! I like that when Adventure is mentioned, people at least wander around a bit, or slay a dragon or two, I really don't ask for much ;)

I've shared the words that pique my interest. What jumps out to YOU when reading a book blurb/hearing a recommendation? Maybe we think alike, share in the comments and let me know!

XX

Mini Hiatus: Exams Are A'Coming!

Hey Loves!!

I hope you are all doing well. Miss me?! I needed to check in with you super quick because life is a crazy bowl of STUFF right now. Yes, I know, that was super eloquently put, but a lot really is going on and my finals are this month! *gasp* I don't have to tell you that Choice Reads is a blog for reviews, but then again I haven't really been reading much lately. I have books on the side that I glance through, but not anything I really let myself get lost in. As most of you wonderful people in school know, something is always due at these faculties of education. When you think you're done? There's always more cropping up. So to those readers wondering: Where have you been , you nut?! or The reviews! Why you no write any? 

I'm still here! See my hand? It is peeking out from beneath stacks of books and notes. The crazy is still here, I'm just a little swamped at present. Rest assured, reviews will come as soon as these exams are through, I promise. Until then however, and for the time being, consider me the weird Hermit Lady.   

Darn it! I never thought it would come to this :P

As always, there are courses that prove to be harder than others Ahem, Politics, but I want to give them my best shot. Even though I'd rather lick a monkey. I don't want a situation where I look back and think, 'Oh, I could have studied more.' I NEED to try my best. That means I can't be a whiz with the Review or Cover Reveals, and I probably won't be at the liberty of updating as frequently. The downside here is that my Blogoversary is in 2 DAYS!!























Naturally, I am pretty freaking excited to be turning One, it took me long enough! and my baby is a year old in 2 days! Book blogging has taught me so much and I really am so blessed to have made it this far. Choice Reads is my baby, home to all the craziness going through my mind while I read, and I never want it to be anything else. There is of course a Giveaway planned to commemorate the occasion as well as a New Design in the works! A lot is happening this month, and as I mentioned about the exams, the Giveaway will probably have to wait until post-final exams. 25th of April is when I should be done, and I really do look forward to celebrating with all of you.

I will do a massive Stacking the Shelves post at the end of the month, as well as a HUGE round-up of all the lovely new releases, and maybe Cover Reveals too. I just wanted to give you guys a heads-up, so that you knew what was going on if I neglected to post as often, say like this week. I really do just want to put the textbooks down and pick up some Laini Taylor, and forget about school for a while, but sadly this is not the way the world works. I will try my best to drop a post now and again, but please understand, and don't hate me, if I'm a little slow. Don't be shy to share what you think.

Wish me luck and know that I love you!!

XX 

Author Spotlight: Fleur Gaskin & Arabelle's Shadows

**The idea has been around for far longer than I have been blogging, but it is a great opportunity to make a banner (meme style) and share some and coming authors, as well as their books, with you. Enjoy!**

Hey Guys!!

See that banner? Well you know what this means! I know, I haven't been the most active blogger *hangs head in shame* BUT I have a special treat. Penance? Today there's a special guest on Choice Reads, and that is author of Arabelle's Shadows: Fleur Gaskin! She has been kind enough to answer a few questions as well as leave an excerpt of her book, but before we get into the actual spotlight, here's a little heads up about both Fleur and Arabelle's Shadows.

Fleur Gaskin is from New Zealand. She was an international model for six years, working in over ten countries, mainly in Asia and Europe. She has been in TV commercials, walked on runways and appeared in many magazines including Elle, Marie Claire and Vogue. She presently lives in Shanghai, China with her fiancé.

Arabelle's Shadows by Fleur Gaskin

Published: November 25th, 2012

Pages: 268

Goodreads Summary

Everything in Arabelle's life is coming together. She has confidence, great friends, she's even dating Naak, a wealthy Thai socialite. But there are too many models in Bangkok. Arabelle’s broke, she can’t find an agent in New York, and Naak isn’t as wonderful as he first appears. Slowly the Shadows creep back into Arabelle’s mind, bringing with them thoughts of hopelessness and despair. The vile Shadows know something Arabelle’s refusing to remember and, if she’s not careful, they’ll use it to destroy her. Based on a true story, Arabelle’s Shadows takes us on a journey through the struggles of growing up, not quite making it as an international model, and attempting to overcome a crushing depression.

Q: What inspired you to write, and when did you know that writing was a passion you wanted to pursue?

A: Even as a very small child I planned on becoming a writer. We were always surrounded by books in my house and I greedily gobbled them up. When I was twelve I announced to my teacher that I was going to write a novel and become the world’s youngest writer. Though the intentions were there, that book never even got started and then puberty arrived and I forgot all about writing. Then in 2002, I was modelling in Paris when I read Wuthering Heights. The book resonated with me and I thought, I want to tell stories like that, I want to make others feel all the emotions I had just felt and instantly the plots of two novels popped into my head.

Q: If there is one thing that motivates you the most, what is it?

A: Injustice. I know that people call me idealistic but I don’t care. I want the world to become a fairer, more balanced place. Seeing other people’s suffering destroys me and I will not rest until I have found a way to bring more love into the world. I am hoping that Arabelle’s Shadows will be the beginning of this journey.

Q: Why should readers be interested in reading Arabelle's Shadows?

A: Everyone knows someone with depression and everyone has their own vile Shadows, their own insecurities and fears that hold them back from truly living. Arabelle’s Shadows gives us an idea of how to control those Shadows. It also gives us an understanding of other people’s Shadows and hopefully it will help them forgive. Arabelle’s Shadows has lots of travel in it, you can experience what it’s like to live in Bangkok, Hong Kong or Milan. Go on an emotional journey with Arabelle full of highs and lows and lots of hope

Q: Which writers do you look to for inspiration and why? 

A: The writer who I am in awe of is Harper Lee. To Kill a Mockingbird hit me in the core of my soul. I am amazed by Margaret Atwood, her plot and storytelling skills are incredible. John Marsden, the writer of the Tomorrow when the War Began series, is the author who I would like to follow in the footsteps of, his novels speak teenage truth. J.K Rowling is a genius and I simply love to know that an author like that exists in the world.

Q: What role does happiness play in your life, and why is it such a key factor in Arabelle's Shadows?

Human beings spend so much of their valuable time on Earth worrying about things that really aren’t that important. Why would you spend 80 hours a week working to earn money you have no time to enjoy? In comparison with the majority of the world I was born into great fortune. I had a house, I was never hungry, I went to great schools, politically I could say whatever I wanted and yet, I was not happy.

 I have learned in my life that the only way to be happy is to choose to be happy. That happiness comes from friendship, family and love, not from wealth, beauty or skinniness. All Arabelle ever wanted was to be happy. In Arabelle’s Shadows she travels around the world, learning about different faiths, different cultures, trying to piece the puzzle together. Here’s a hint if you want to be happy – Love yourself, just the way you are.

Q: Your novel tackles issues relating to the fashion industry, can you speak of how personal experiences helped shape this book?

A: By the time I started writing Arabelle’s Shadows I was so fed up with the modelling industry. Models are lowest on the totem pole of the fashion industry. Designers, clients, photographers, stylists and often makeup artists are all above us. We are poked and prodded and analysed like a piece of merchandise, not like a person. Our agencies (the people who are supposed to have our back) see us as money making machines and are rarely honest with us.

When I first started modelling I was told I needed to move to Auckland, so I did. I was told I shouldn’t work during the day in case I had castings. I didn’t have castings and because I wasn’t working, I didn’t have money either. The agency kept on telling me to keep waiting, that things would pick up soon. Now I realise that I was one of a hundred girls they had signed, they didn’t care if I personally was working so long as some of their models were.

 In Arabelle’s Shadows I tried to give an honest account of what modelling is like for the majority of models. There are some great times and great experiences that come with modelling, but I wouldn’t recommend it to any of my friends.

Q: What message do you hope your readers leave with?

A: To fight to be happy. You can change your dreams but never give up.

Thanks Fleur! I love that this author is writing from personal experiences, she has been such an open and kind individual to work with; I wish her the best with Arabelle's Shadows and find her to be a true inspiration. For those of you still on the fence about Shadows, there is a teaser from the book below, read it and see if it's the book for you!

My day started off okay. I had a casting at Emporium, a shopping centre near Rompo. I’ve always loved being in Emporium. Outside it’s all hot, dirty and crowded but as soon as you walk through the entrance everything’s cool, spacious and sparkly. And it’s welcoming, even though it’s full of lavish designer stores. It’s not like other stuffy malls for the wealthy, which always make me feel uncomfortable like, since I don’t have a platinum credit card, I shouldn’t be there.

After the casting I saw my friend Ying Thompson walking towards the escalator. She broke off from the group she was with and came over to give me a hug. “Hey Arabelle, what are you doing? Come sit with me while I get my makeup done.”

“Are you doing a fashion show?” I asked her thinking of all the models that’d been with her. “Nope. The others are, I’m hosting the event. Come on!” Without waiting for me to reply she linked her arm through mine and led me downstairs towards a backstage area in the basement. Ying’s a very popular singer in Thailand. As we walked through the mall you could hear people saying her name and giggling. Ying paid no attention to all the turning heads. She was on the phone, in the middle of a fierce monetary negotiation with a client. They want her to become the face of their rice crackers.

The concrete room we entered was full of people bustling around getting ready for the fashion show. We found an empty space and sat down amongst everyone else’s handbags, shawls and bottles of water.

“So what’s been happening?” She asked in a strong Kiwi accent (her Dad's from New Zealand, her Mum’s Thai-Chinese). “I think I…” I was bursting to tell her about Naak but Ying’s assistant interrupted and started asking a lot of questions in Thai. “Sorry,” Ying said focusing her attention back to me, “what were you going to say?”

“I was out at Bed the other week and… well… I think I’m dating Naak!”

Ying pursed her lips together in a frown, not the look of excitement I’d been expecting. “No you’re not.” Ying said flatly, “Naak has a girlfriend. She left to study in the States a couple of weeks ago.”

Looking away from Ying I caught sight of my reflection in the makeup mirror opposite me. My face was stuck in the smile I’d worn when I was telling her I had a boyfriend. Except now the lines around my mouth were strained. With bulging eyes my smile looked more like a grimace.

“I think they’re dating because her family owns a lot of the property on Sukumvit Road,” Ying continued. “You know, she’s only eighteen!” Naak’s thirty.

“Okay,” I murmured. I searched desperately for something else to say in response. Luckily the brand new mobile on Ying’s lap began to vibrate. With her perfectly manicured fingers, a tiny crystal heart in the centre of each nail, Ying set about replying to the text message. Ying hates all unpleasantness and it appeared that, as far as she was concerned, the issue was settled.

I’ve had plenty of experience detaching myself from my wretched weeping soul and by the time Ying put her phone down I'd rearranged my face into neutral. My robot body looked at my mobile and told Ying, “Sorry, I've got to go see the agency now,” it hugged her goodbye. It smiled and acted like Arabelle didn’t care that Naak had a girlfriend.

My insides died and disintegrated the whole journey home. I paused the tears right up until I exited the elevator. When I found no one in my shared room I blinked, allowing them trickle down the sides of my face and jump to the floor.

Want more? Buy the Book

Find Fleur:

Goodreads/Blog/Twitter

That's all, Loves! Check back for updates and stay Literate :)

XX

Top Ten: Books I HAD To Buy...But Are Still Sitting On My Shelf Unread

**Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish Top Ten Tuesday is a countdown spotlighting, well, anything bookish!**

Top Ten Books I HAD To Buy...But Are Still Sitting On My Shelf Unread

Sadly, these are the books I just HAD to have...At the time. They were new releases/hyped about reads that ended up being purchased and forgotten, either due to school work or gradual disinterest. I feel so ashamed!! I really do need to read this books, please don't judge me harshly? Here's the list:

1. Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor

2. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

3. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

4 Cinder by Marissa Meyer

5. Black City by Elizabeth Richards

6. The Archived by Victoria Schwab

7. Grave Mercy by R. L. LaFevers

8. Wither by Lauren DeStefano

9. Legend by Marie Lu

10. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas 

And there we have it! I promise to get to these novels by the end of the year. Hopefully. KIDDING!! I probably will :) What books did you end up purchasing and never reading? 

Until next week, take care my Loves!

XX

Top Ten: Authors on My Auto-Buy List

**Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish Top Ten Tuesday is a countdown spotlighting, well, anything bookish!**

Top Ten Five Authors on My Auto-Buy List:

1. Laini Taylor: I am in love with Laini Taylor's masterful prose; she can whisk me away to any magical world and I wouldn't mind in the slightest. Keep in mind, I've only read Daughter of Smoke and Bone by this author, but I am absolutely in love with her dynamic characters and creative world-building skills, any and everything Laini Taylor is fine by me.

2. Wendy Higgins:  Kaidan from Sweet Evil, anyone? Thought so, enough said there. Seriously though, this author wowed me with her début, so much so that my copy of Sweet Peril is already on pre-order. Yup, you know you've made it when you aren't just "auto-buy" worthy, but pre-order auto-buy worthy! 

3. Tahereh Mafi: I'm still reeling from how good Unravel Me is, pretty sure I will buy anything this woman writes! Her style of prose is very different, what with the slashes through almost every second word and semi-free verse, but a good different to be sure. I need that last book in the series and when it releases, it'll be an immediate buy, if not pre-order. Also, Warner. I have to support Warner! 

4. Stephanie Perkins: Because she gave me Anna and the French Kiss! I somewhat devoted to her writing for life. That book was a perfect milkshake of romance, contemporary and comedy; give me writing by Stephanie Perkins and I wouldn't mind a bit!


5. Susan Ee: I am still waiting for the next book in the Penryn and the End of Days series, Angelfall #2. I loved the first book, and cannot wait for the second, so I guess that technically that makes Ee an auto-buy author since I need the next book so badly.

What books would you drop all others to buy??

Stacking The Shelves (9)

**"Stacking the Shelves" is run by Tynga @ Tynga's Book Reviews and I'm linking up with some of the great books I found this week.**

Hey Lovies,

Today I thought I would get back in the swing of things by posting quickly my latest find of the week, I've been waiting for it for months and practically swooned at the sight of this book. Drum roll, please!

Da, dum, da, dum!!

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi Like you couldn't read, right?

This book is gorgeous, and fifty pages into the read, totally worth the wait! If you've noticed that the picture isn't my usual instagram photo, that is because I have kind of given up on trying to post actual photos unto the blog. Mainly because it takes forever, and I'm working on it, but simply posting the standard image is easier. If you would rather I posted them la original anyway, then let me know in the comments below. Otherwise, I'm sticking to instagramming the actual pics and uploading basic covers here, sorry loves! 

You can find my pic of Tookie snuggling up with my copy of *Unravel Me here. 

Other Finds This Week:

Raven, Crewel, Thomas and January, and Here were all *purchased :) Make sure to follow me for more Stacking the Shelves and picture updates, stay awesome.

What books did you get this week? You know you've got to share them!

XX,

Hey Guys, Meet Tookie!

Hey Guys!

Today I thought I would introduce you - formally - to someone pretty special. I talk about her a lot and for the past year and a bit, she's been the love of my life. Sort of. If you count my fictional boyfriends, then maybe not. Meet Tookie! I got her for my 18th birthday a year back and she's been a loyal eReader ever since, the very best a girl could ask for. Now I know that she isn't fancy shiz, she doesn't glow in the dark or anything, but she's sure as hell special to me! Keep in mind, she is a hard one to keep quiet.

**Disclosure: The captions are entirely Tookie-Peregrine Fisher's doing, a.k.a. Tookie.**

Awe, Yeah! I look so GOOD.

The Introduction

**I apologize for her language!**

Me: Say Hi, Tookie.
Tookie (waving): What up, Gangsters?
Me: Ugh. I told you, you've got zero swag!
Tookie (shrugging): Yeah. I try, though.
Me (hugging Tookie): I know, hun. I know.
Tookie: What the hell? Homie, that is too close for comfort. Ain't nobody got time for that!
Me: I thought I would introduce you to everyone, since you got a new cover today. You look so pretty now!
Tookie: Lazy bum. I was naked for too long!
Me (shakes head): You had a case, dear, it was just less flashy than this one.
Tookie: Woman, I was a fashion disgrace, hence why my previous cover will not be shown. Hide your kids, hide your wife.
Me (laughs): I don't think you mean that.
Tookie (serious): Does Daemon Black make the sun look like melted ice cream? Do Warner and Akiva's level of intensity make the rest look like little Marmalade punks?
Me (shakes head): Dang. I guess someone was paying attention.
Tookie (smugly): Damn straight!
Me: Tookie-Peregrine Fisher, mind your language!
Tookie: No can't do, J-thang. Don't change me, sucka. I is how I is. Okay, just kidding, I speak English! (It's in my programming), but you still can't change me.
Me (exasperatedly): I know, trust me, I've tried.
Tookie (gasps): Oh hell no. WHAT WAS THAT?!?
Me (nervously): Nothing, hun. Oh, I guess that's all we have time for. Do you want to say anything else to the readers before you leave?
Tookie (pumps fist): Yeah. Stay real, guys, fly your pimp flags high and--
Me (quickly puts her away): I guess that's all we have time for, say bye, Tookie!
Tookie (muffled): I will get eReader protective services on your sorry--

-------FIN---------

*Sigh* I told you she could be a handful. Hopefully y'all enjoyed meeting her, I really do love my little Reader to bits. Here is the case we ended up getting for her, I love that it's a nice pretty torques green and that the lettering is engraved in gold. The Wuthering Heights cover is also an excellent touch.

It's about time I got some proper clothing!

Tookie Facts:

- She has about 681 items, and counting. I stock her up whenever I can and she's there for me when the world is not nearly as interesting. 

- She's a year old, and turned one last December.

- She loves television. Could you tell?

- She has mad crushes on Daemon and Kaidan from the YA universe and will kill me 20 different ways for telling you. Say what?

- Her favourite thing to do is to be read. Like for reals, this girl loves being held. 

- She likes long walks on the beach while sipping diet pepsi and munching on Pizza. Kidding! She'd much rather prefer coke :P

And that is basically it. I hope you guys enjoyed this post, and at least now many of you will know who I'm referring to when I say "Tookie." *Grins* Do you have an eReader of your own? Are they nearly as crazy? I would love to hear about it!

Take care Lovies,

XX

Splintered by A.G. Howard

Splintered by A.G. Howard
My rating: 2 of 5 genies
Published: January 1, 2013
Genre: Fantasy, YA, Romance
Pages: 371
Publisher: Amulet Books
Format: Hardback
Source: Purchased

Goodreads Summary

This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.
When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.

My Review

Cover: 4/5
Characters: 1/5
Plot: 1/5
Setting: 4/5
Overall: 2/5

** Technically, or according to my botched-up rating system, this book should be more around 3.25 rating-wise, but because it is a totally inaccurate representation of how I feel right now, I am going over its head.**



You mad bro? Ha.

Long story short, I could not finish this book. Regard this as a DNF Review and take my word with the customary grain of salt, but Splintered did not work for me. I think I went in expecting my mind to be blown, you know rainbow unicorn kisses and all that shiz.

*Sigh* If only life were magical...



Where's my unicorn?

I'm sorry to say, but it wasn't there for me. The magic, I mean. Ally isn't the protagonist I thought she would be, not kick-ass at all, and the love interest is compared to her FATHER so kill me now. Maybe it's because characters and romance in any book are such HUGE factors for me; if the romance is some limp dead thing the author is constantly trying to resuscitate throughout the novel, I will not finish the book. If the characters just trudge around being unspectacular, I will not finish the book. If I think that there are other books I could be enjoying instead of the book in question...well, I think you guessed where this is going.

I still feel confused, though, that I didn't like it. Most people love the book and I'm like that one weird person in all the world who doesn't like chocolate. Somebody hold me?



Damnit! This is too depressing.

What I liked

The world-building is beautiful, and A.G. Howard is absolutely brilliant in the way she twists one of my all-time favourite children's books into a place more frightening and mystical than I could have ever imagined. I think my mouth gaped WIDE at what she was doing to the already insane environment of Wonderland, its Rabid White, Octobenus...everything. This author can write, and I certainly will look at other books by her in the future. She has a gift, and I can't wait to see her write more.

The book itself is also really pretty! With a splendid cover and great typography, there isn't much not to love by way of presentation. This isn't a purchase I regret either because Splintered was a reasonable buy and makes my bookshelf look good. Although, I would recommend you lend it from a library/friend if you're short on cash and aren't 100% sold that it's for you.

All in all, Splintered gives a refreshing spin on the whole Alice in Wonderland story. The "curse" is a great touch, and Howard making Alice too young at the time to fully understand/cope with the gruesome reality of the land really adds a to my perception of Alice as a whole. This book offered a great escape, even though it didn't work for me.

But then Again...

The Jeb crap - his imposition in Ally's life, interfering with her dreams due to selfish motives - and the "skater girl" crap, which grew patronizing after a while, all annoyed me. Like I said, him being compared to her dad - and having lunch with him to discuss her future - did not help things.

Unfortunately, I couldn't connect with the main characters. I like Ally's mom, she sacrifices so much for her family, and her dad is like the best YA dad of 2013 so far, but those two and Morpheus were the only characters I saw myself warming up to. In my mind, Jeb looks like a very shaggy St. Bernard with all his overgrown hair, and I wasn't feeling his "bad-boy" vibe. I've seen better.

Overall

Splintered is a creative re-imagining of a beloved classic with fresh, gruesome twists that will enthral many readers; I'm just disappointed it didn't entertain me.

2 genies: I could have, and SHOULD have, liked this book. Unfortunately, because of reasons already covered above, I didn't.

Giveaway: The Magic Warble

Hey Guys!

I have 3 copies of Victoria Simcox's The Magic Warble up for grabs. It's INT. (International)  because the winner gets it delivered to their eReader, so as long as you have one of those consider yourself eligible to enter. The summary is below and Victoria has been generous enough to offer 3 copies of this enthralling new read. I'm excited to read this, especially because the mention of Prince Werrien has me interested ;)

The Magic Warble by Victoria Simcox

Twelve-year-old Kristina Kingsly feels like the most unpopular girl in her school. The kids all tease her, and she never seems to fit in. But when Kristina receives an unusual Christmas gift, she suddenly finds herself magically transported to the land of Bernovem, home of dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals and the evil Queen Sentiz. In Bernovem, Kristina not only fits in, she's honored as "the chosen one," the only one who can release the land from Queen Sentiz's control. But it's not as simple as it seems. To save Bernovem, she must place the gift she was given, the famous "Magic Warble," in its final resting place. She must travel through the deep forest, climb a treacherous mountain, and risk capture by the queen's "zelbocks" before she reaches her destination. Guided by her new fairy friends, Clover and Looper and by Prince Werrien, a teenage boy, and an assortment of other characters, Kristina sets off on a perilous journey that not only tests her strength but her heart.

You guys know what to do, fill in the Rafflecopter for your chance to win! Tweet, blog and text your other friends about the giveaway. Good luck, lovelies! 

XX

Victoria was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother, and a Dutch immigrant father. She now lives in Western Washington with her husband, Russ and their three children, Toby, Kristina, and William. Her other family members are a Chihuahua, named Pipsy and two cats, named Frodo and Fritz. Besides being an author, Victoria is a home-schooling mother of twelve years and an elementary school art teacher of eleven years. In her spare time, Victoria enjoys managing her two older children's Celtic band. She also loves writing, reading, painting watercolors, hiking, good movies, and just simply hanging out with her family and friends. 

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Merry Christmas XXX

Hey Guys, I know it's been a while, but...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Wishing you the very best, and many hugs for the continual support!

As many of you know, this blog is a work in progress. It began earlier this year and is still adjusting and developing into what I want it to be; so while I work out the kinks in the design, trying to figure out how to read fun books and textbooks, I thank you all for bearing with me. I appreciate everyone's kind words, and the wonderful understanding when I need to take days, weeks, and months off for school. There will be a few changes made so things are easier for both readers and I, and to better redefine things, there will be a post uploaded shortly. Until then, I'm afraid that I will be too busy eating sweets and cake to do anything but be fat.  =D 

So...

 Hey, Good-looking!

Yeah...also, be sure to check out this GIVEAWAY at Sparkles and Lightning, as well as THIS ONE from Sarah Elizabeth's Bookshelf. They are both giving away some killer prizes and I needed to share it with you guys, plus there's a bonus for sharing ;) You know I love you!! Be safe and think of me, but only in the BEST way :P  Merry Christmas! 

Love you lots,

XXX Judith :)