In My Mailbox #31

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren, where we spotlight the books that we've received for review, swapped, or purchased that week.

FOR REVIEW:

What did you guys get in your mailbox?

Link me up!! :)

Dark Promise Blog Tour Stop

Hello lovelies!  Today I am participating in the Dark Promise Blog Tour, hosted by the awesome people over at AToMR Book Blog Tours.  Today I have an awesome excerpt and giveaway so stick around!! :)

Dark Promise
by Julia Crane & Talia Jager
Release Date: July 28, 2012
by Valknut Press


Find Julia Crane----->Goodreads | Website | Facebook| Twitter
Find Talia Jager--->Goodreads | Blog | Facebook | Twitter


Add on Goodreads

Rylie has it all - great friends, dream boy, loving family. But on the eve of her sixteenth birthday, her perfect little world shatters. A stranger claiming to be her real mother appears with a secret: Rylie is a faery whose powers will be unleashed on her birthday. Captured and forced into a new life, Rylie struggles to keep everything she loves and discovers a terrifying truth: some promises cannot be broken.

EXCERPT

My mother led her into the living room. The lady’s piercing green eyes rested on me, sending a chill down my back. My father followed her gaze. “Rylie, do you know this woman?” Dad asked.

“No.” I shook my head slowly. “I’ve never seen her before.”

“Rylie, maybe you should go to your room,” Dad suggested, his gaze demanding I do as he said.

“No. If this has something to do with me, I want to hear it.” I crossed my arms and sank against the back of the couch.

Mom and Dad exchanged a worried glance, but turned back to the lady on the couch. “Please, go on.”

Without taking her eyes from me, the lady calmly stated, “My name is Azura, and I am Rylie’s birth mother.”

My father, who was always a level-headed man, was on his feet in seconds, his face hard. “What are you talking about?”

I felt like I had fallen into some kind of parallel universe. Did this woman just say she was my birth mother? How could she be my birth mother? That would mean I was adopted, but wouldn’t my parents have told me something like that?

My mother shook her head. “Birth mother? Rylie isn’t adopted.” She reached over and took my hand. “Believe me, I’ll never forget the eleven hours of labor.”

The woman sat perfectly still in the blue armchair across from us, with her hands clasped on her lap. “I know it’s hard to accept, but it’s true. Your daughter died shortly after she was born. I switched the infants. Rylie is mine.”

The wind left me as if I had been punched in the stomach. I couldn’t breathe, and the room spun. I gripped the pillow next to me with my other hand as I clung to my mother.

Silence filled the room for a moment, and then my father exploded. “You need to leave now!” He pointed to the door. “Get out of this house and don’t come back without a court order.”

The lady smiled sincerely, her face still as calm as it had been when she walked in the door. “Please, hear me out. I realize this is a lot to take in.”

“No! This is preposterous! Nobody died. Rylie is ours.” Dad’s voice was like thunder.

I studied the lady. She seemed so honest and soft-spoken. Why would she pretend something like this? Why would she ruin our family if it weren’t true? And if was true, why was she coming clean now? Something in me believed her even though I didn’t want to. I swallowed hard and rubbed my sweaty palms on my shirt.

“Let her talk,” I said hoarsely.

“Rylie, you can’t believe her.” Dad looked stricken.

“I’m curious as to why she thinks I’m her daughter. Let’s hear her out.” I crossed my arms and scooted closer to my mother, comforted when she wrapped an arm around me.

Dad turned back to the woman called Azura, and his frown deepened. “Fine.” He sat back down in his seat and glared. “Talk.”

“Thank you. I’m going to tell you something not many humans know, and I have to trust you to keep it secret for Rylie’s sake.” She addressed the statement to my parents.

Humans? Who talks like that?

GIVEAWAY

Today I will be giving away an ebook copy of Mesmerized OR an ebook copy of Dark Promise.

Giveaway ends September 27, 2012 @ 12:01 A.M. and is INT!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THANKS FOR ENTERING!

Review: What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang

What's Left of Me
by Kat Zhang
Release Date: September 18, 2012
by HarperTeen


Pre-Order / Goodreads

I should not exist. But I do.

Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t . . .

For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable-hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet . . . for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.

*A copy was provided by HarperTeen for review purposes*

Coming into this book, I was super-excited.  The summery looked really good, and the cover was intriguing (yes, I totally judge books by their cover.  I mean, who doesn’t!?)  But I have to admit that I came away a little disappointed.

While this was a really good idea, it’s not an uncommon one.  I can think of at least one recent release that is basically the same idea as this book.  There were some parts that were action, and they were great, but the rest was kind of medium-paced.

The writing was really, really good, and the staging and escapes were awesome as well.  I also liked the point of view used in this book.  Eva, the weaker soul, was the main character, and I think it really helped the book that she was, instead of, say, switching points of view, or having Addie as the main character.  I really wanted to like this book, I really did, and I did, kind of, but it just wasn’t amazing for me.

I’ve never read a book where there are two souls in a person, so I’m going to do my best with the characters.

So I’ll start off by saying that I loved Eva.  She was definitely my favorite character.  I loved how she grew so much over the course of the story.  I liked her much better than Addie.

I also really loved Ryan/Devon.  I say them both because I really loved both, where as with Eva/Addie, I only really liked Eva.  Ryan/Devon was so nice, cute, and perfect.  I really liked him/him.

I tried really hard to love this book, but for some reason it just didn’t click with me.  I don’t know why not.  I will continue this series, and cross my fingers that the books to come are really good.

3.5 pink flowers

Cover Comparisons #3: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Cover Comparisons is an awesome meme hosted by Fictional Distraction where you choose a book and feature different versions of the book cover, and people vote on which one they like best.

 __________________________________________________

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

US/UK

Even though neither one of these covers links to what happens in the book, I would have to say I like the US version better.

The UK version is just wierd.  I'm not sure where the designers got the idea, but it isn't a very good one.  At all.

__________________________________________________

Last week's winner was:

The US version of Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo.  Check it out here

__________________________________________________

Which cover do you like best?

Leave a comment to vote!

Cover Reveal: Reaping Me Softly by Kate Evangelista

Hello lovelies!  Today I am super excited to be revealing the cover of Kate Evangelista's upcoming release, Reaping Me Softly.  I've already seen the cover and it is gorgeous!  This reveal is hosted by ATOMR Book Blog Tours.

Reaping Me Softly

by Kate Evangelista
Release Date: October 30, 2012
by Omnific Publishing

Add on Goodreads

Ever since a near-death-experience on the operating table, seventeen-year-old Arianne Wilson can see dead people. Just as she’s learned to accept her new-found talents, she discovers that the boy she’s had a crush on since freshman year, Niko Clark, is a Reaper.

At last they have something in common, but that doesn’t mean life is getting any easier. All while facing merciless bullying from the most powerful girl in school, Arianne’s world is turned upside down after Niko accidentally reaps the soul of someone she loves. This sends them both into a spiral that threatens to end Arianne’s life. But will Niko break his own Reaper’s code to save her? And what would the consequences be if he did.

About Kate Evangelista-------------->Goodreads | Website | Facebook | Twitter

When Kate Evangelista was told she had a knack for writing stories, she did the next best thing: entered medical school. After realizing she wasn't going to be the next Doogie Howser, M.D., Kate wandered into the Literature department of her university and never looked back. Today, she is in possession of a piece of paper that says to the world she owns a Literature degree. To make matters worse, she took Master's courses in creative writing. In the end, she realized to be a writer, none of what she had mattered. What really mattered? Writing. Plain and simple, honest to God, sitting in front of her computer, writing.

Dark Summer Blog Tour Stop

Hello lovelies!  Today I am excited to be a part of the Dark Summer Blog Tour, hosted by the awesome tour site, AToMR Book Blog Tours.  Today I have an awesome excerpt and giveaway!

Dark Summer

by Lizzy Ford
Series: Witchling Trilogy #1
Release Date: August 16, 2012
by Guerilla Wordfare

Add on Goodreads

A girl with a broken past and a dark secret. A boy with a twisted future and no second chances. When they meet, it just might cost them their souls.

Sixteen-year-old Summer doesn’t expect the new boarding school to be any different than the rest: a temporary stay where everyone will turn against her after a few weeks. Until she meets the rest of the students at this special school and realizes she’s not the only one with magic in her blood. Accustomed to the concrete jungle of LA, she gets lost one night in the forests of the Rocky Mountains and meets Decker, the boy who will become the Master of Night and Fire on his eighteenth birthday. Their connection is instant and dangerous, for both will be forced to choose between Light and Dark, life and death, love – and their souls.

One choice. One soul. One price.

EXCERPT

“This is simple. Decker, you lead. When he steps forward, Summer you step back.”

They stumbled through the first few steps, with Decker mumbling apologies as he stepped on her toes. Summer’s body felt like it was on fire. Her breathing sounded too loud in her ears.

“Step back, Summer,” Jessie said again. “Let Decker lead!”

Decker smashed her toes, and she stumbled. He caught her as she crashed into him.

“Careful, Decker!” Jessie called.

Summer looked up, instantly caught in Decker’s gaze. His grip stayed around her, pressing their bodies together. As if something clicked, she sensed his next move before he made it. She stepped back with her right foot as he stepped forward with his left. They made it through another step, then another. Their moves grew faster as they began keeping up with the music.

“Excellent!” Jessie exclaimed. “Now you’ve found the rhythm. One, two, three. One, two, three.”

Summer couldn’t look away from him. Their bodies moved as if they belonged together. Decker’s warmth and magick made her feel like her insides were shaking. Jessie’s voice broke through Summer’s trance.

“Sorry, guys, but I can’t find any of my other music. I’ll download some for tomorrow. You want to come back in the morning, after your class, Summer?”

Summer broke eye contact with Decker. Immediately, they fell out of sync and stumbled. He released her and stepped away.

“Sure,” she managed.

“You, too, Decker. You guys are naturals together.”

Summer flushed and turned away, avoiding Decker’s gaze. She’d felt it, too, the instant connection that went too deep to be normal.

“Thanks, Jessie,” Summer said and hurried out of the room. She ran once she entered the hallway and sprinted up the stairs to her room.

Her hands shook. Her heart felt like it was doing cartwheels in her chest. She’d never felt this way for any guy, even Beck.

Decker was off limits. He was aligned to the Dark. She wouldn’t—couldn’t—be falling for him! Yet their connection was unlike anything she’d ever felt. In his arms, she hadn’t been alone.

GIVEAWAY

Today I am offering up one (1) paperback copy of Dark Summer and one (1) ebook of Dark Summer, any format.  Follow the rules below to enter!

The Rules:

~There will be one winner.

~Giveaway ends on September 20, 2012 @ 12:01 AM

~This giveaway is INT
~Must be a GFC follower

~Must be 13 years or older.

~Fill out the Rafflecopter
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THANKS FOR ENTERING AND MAY THE ODDS BE EVER IN YOUR FAVOR!!!!!! :)

Review: Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Hallowed
by Cynthia Hand
Series: Unearthly #2
Release Date: January 17, 2012
by HarperTeen

Purchase / Goodreads

For months Clara Gardner trained to face the fire from her visions, but she wasn't prepared for the choice she had to make that day. And in the aftermath, she discovered that nothing about being part angel is as straightforward as she thought.

Now, torn between her love for Tucker and her complicated feelings about the roles she and Christian seem destined to play in a world that is both dangerous and beautiful, Clara struggles with a shocking revelation: Someone she loves will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

In this compelling sequel to "Unearthly," Cynthia Hand captures the joy of first love, the anguish of loss, and the confusion of becoming who you are.

It’s been a long time (about a year) since I read the first book in this trilogy (Unearthly) so I didn’t really remember a lot from it. Hand did a really good job of re-explaining the premises and all the events and really getting me back into the story. I loved how she went right into the story and didn’t mess around. The writing was really good as well, and I loved the twists and turns in the plot; it made it very exciting. But, unfortunately, there were some not so great aspects of the book.
First off, Hand tried to make everything into a big joke, and it totally didn’t work. It was really obvious she was trying to make it funny, and it was just kind of a lame try. Also, every. Single. Time there was a page break or a new chapter, she always ended on a really dramatic and really corny line that just drove me nuts. Also, I’ve read in other reviews that the ending was really amazing and sad and that people cried their eyes out. Now, because of that, I though either Tucker or Christian died. Just letting you guys know, that’s not what happened. Yes, it was sad, yes, it was kind of heart-wrenching, but seriously guys—it really wasn’t that bad. Also, there was absolutely no climax to speak of. And that kind of sucks.

Of course, there is a love triangle in this book, between Clara, Tucker, and Christian.
Clara I find a bit annoying. She’s so “Oh I’m helpless” and it was really annoying. She can’t figure stuff out for herself and she needs Christian to do it for her.
I didn’t really like Tucker either. He was kind of annoying and sappy and “Oh Clara, I just can’t live without you.” It drove me nuts.
Really the only person I liked in this book was Christian, though, I must admit, I don’t know why he puts up with Clara. He’s so nice and sweet and sexy and mmmmmm.
I also really liked Clara’s dad and, even though he’s the bad guy, I kind of like Samjeeza. I really hope he can be turned to the bright side again, because I really feel bad for him.
Okay, so, while I’m on the topic, I’m going to rant about Samjeeza for a bit. First off, I dare you guys to say “Samjeeza” in front of your parents or your siblings because I can guarantee they are going to say “Bless you” because his name sounds like a freaking sneeze. Plus, when you hear “Samjeeza”, does that really strike fear into your heart. It definitely doesn’t scare me. Come on Hand, you’ve got to make a better villain then him. He isn’t really that evil; he hasn’t done anything overly mean. I like him better than Clara, and that should tell you something.

Even though this series has some gorgeous cover (I totally judge books by their covers) what’s inside isn’t all that great. Even though the plot is really good, the characters are a trainreck. I really hope the third book is a lot better.

3 pink flowers

Cover Reveals x 4

The Goddess Inheritance
by Aimee Carter
#3 in Goddes Test
Release Date: February 2013
by HarlequinTeen
Number of pages: 384
Format: Paperback

Pre-Order / Goodreads

No Summery Avaliable

The Goddes Test series:

*Click the covers to go to their respective Goodreads pages*

Dark Triumph

by Robin LaFevers

#2 in His Fair Assassin

Release Date: April 2, 2013

by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Number of pages: 400

Format: Hardcover

Pre-Order / Goodreads

Sybella arrives at the convent’s doorstep half mad with grief and despair. Those that serve Death are only too happy to offer her refuge—but at a price. Naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, the convent views Sybella as one of their most dangerous weapons.

But those assassin’s skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to a life that nearly drove her mad. Her father’s rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother’s love is equally monstrous. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dun geons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for?

This heart-pounding sequel to Grave Mercy serves betrayal, treachery, and danger in equal measure, bringing readers back to fifteenth century Brittany and will keep them on the edge of their seats.

The His Fair Assassin series:

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT MY REVIEW OF GRAVE MERCY!

False Sight
by Dan Krokos
#2 in False Memory
Release Date: August 2013
by Hyperion
Number of pages: TBD
Format: TBD

Add on Goodreads

No Summery Avaliable

The False Memory series:



Infatuate

by Aimee Agresti

#2 in Gilded Wings

Release Date: March 5, 2013

by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Number of pages: TBD

Format: TBD

Pre-Order / Goodreads

Haven Terra is still recovering from an internship that brought her literally to the brink of hell when a trip to New Orleans leads to more trouble. Graduating early from high school leaves the spring semester free, so Haven and her friends Dante and Lance head to the Big Easy to volunteer with community service projects. But their true mission becomes clear when they run across an enclave of devils known as the Krewe. New Orleans is a free-for-all for these shape-shifting devils, who are more reckless and vicious than any Haven, Lance, and Dante have encountered. And they soon discover their French Quarter housemates are also angels-in-training, and together they must face off with the Krewe in their quest for wings. But Haven’s resolve is tested when Lucian, the repentant devil with whom she was infatuated, resurfaces and asks her for help escaping the underworld. Can he be trusted? Or will aiding him cost Haven her angel wings—and her life? Thrilling, romantic, and full of surprises, this gripping sequel to Illuminate takes the battle of good and evil to the next level.

The Gilded Wings series:

What do you guys think of these new covers?????

The Dark Light Blog Tour Stop

Hello lovelies!  Today I have the fabulous Sara Walsh stopping by my blog today on The Dark Light Blog Tour.  This book is simply amazing, and today I have a review, guest post, and awesome giveaway!

The Dark Light
by Sara Walsh
Release Date: August 28, 2012
by Simon Pulse


Purchase / Goodreads

Mia is torn between two guys—and two worlds—in this epic, romantic fantasy.

Mysterious lights have flickered above Crownsville for as long as Mia can remember. And as far as she’s concerned, that’s about the only interesting thing to happen in her small town.

That is, until Sol arrives. Mia’s not one to fall for just any guy, but she can’t get Sol—or the brilliant tattoo on his back—out of her mind.

Then Mia’s brother goes missing, and Mia’s convinced that Sol knows more than he’s sharing. But getting closer to Sol means reevaluating everything Mia once believed to be true. Because Sol’s not who Mia thought he was—and neither is she.

*A copy was provided by Simon Pulse for review purposes*

 I didn’t read the summery before I started this book, so for some reason I though it was about angels, because the cover and title look angel-ey. But it wasn’t about angels, and I’m glad because the angel genre is so big right now, and all the books are the same. This book was actually a kind of fantasy/romance book, and I loved every minute of it.

This book reminds me a little bit of Poison Study (by Maria V. Snyder) because of the fantasy, totally hot guy, and non-stop action. However, there were some bad things. First off, I was confused almost the entire time I was reading. There were so many characters and so many places and so many little details to remember that my brain just got overloaded and I forgot some major things. Also, after a breathtaking, action-packed 400 pages, the ending was a huge disappointment. Nothing happened really.
But, the good things outweigh the bad—by a lot. Walsh went right into the story with a bang, not messing around, action from page one. The writing was superb, and the idea was even better. The staging was amazing, and the escapes were well thought out and believable. This book is truly unlike any I’ve ever read, and a huge breath of fresh air when it comes to books. The action and romance and idea were all just amazing.

I think for a female main character, Mia was pretty good. She was smart, kick-butt, and didn’t need everyone looking after her. She learned quickly so she didn’t have to have Sol and others explaining everything to her like she was a baby, and, I think, thrived.
Now we get to Sol. Unfortunately I have to admit I didn’t really like him…I FREAKING LOVED HIM! I gotcha there for a second, didn’t I? :P Anyway, Sol was amazing. OMFG. So hot, so cute, so nice, so hot, so hot, so hot, I need to stop saying he was so hot, but he was so freaking hot. Oh Sol, be mine forever!

Even though this book was super confusing, and the ending was a huge disappointment, I have to rate it one of my favorites, for the amazing idea, writing, and non-stop, thrilling action. And btw, did anyone else notice that, on the cover, the girl has her hand down the guy’s pants? Just asking,

5 pink flowers



GUEST POST

Crownsville FM: The Dark Light Set List

Welcome to the final stop on The Dark Light official blog tour! Huge thanks to Emily for letting us stop by!

As it’s the final stop, I thought it would be fun to have a sing-song and share some of the music that cropped up as I was writing The Dark Light. It was a tough list to create, mainly because I didn’t listen to that much music as I was writing The Dark Light--a first for me! But there are many songs that stuck with me during the writing process, and these are a few of them. Hope you enjoy the list!

1.      Snow Patrol--You’re All I Have

I love Snow Patrol, so I had to include them somewhere. In fact, Snow Patrol are one of the few bands that I did actually listen to as I wrote, and this track is one I remember singing along to and it really fits the story, so it had to have a place on the list.

2.      Ellie Goulding--Lights

Lights by Ellie Goulding was a huge hit back home in Britain and a friend forwarded on a link to the video, saying “Lights! Lights! It’s The Dark Light!” so I had to include it.

3.      Kelly Clarkson--Because of You

Kelly is the queen of toughness coupled with vulnerability and I think Mia would appreciate seeing her on the list. Mia’s feelings toward her parents, especially her father, are a mixed bag of anger and bitter disappointment, even if she does try to hide it. I think she’d get Because of You.

4.      Goldfrapp--Road to Somewhere

During the times when I was listening to music, the chances are that it would have been Goldfrapp. I’m a massive fan, plus I have a huge girl-crush on Alison Goldfrapp, so they have to be on the list. Plus, there is a road trip in The Dark Light, so Road to Somewhere kind of fits the story. Any excuse.

5.      Coldplay--Yellow

I’m not a huge Coldplay fan, but I love this song. It’s so upbeat and romantic, and definitely sums up Mia’s feelings for this guy she’s met, but is likely to never have. Crank it!

6.      The Cure--Wish

At some point, The Cure will appear on any set list I create. They are just amazing. Yes, I was a teen in the eighties. They have to be included. It’s the law.

7.      The Black Keys--Too Afraid to Love You

I actually heard this song long after writing The Dark Light, but I love it so much that it has to go on the list.

8.      Florence and the Machine--Cosmic Love

Like Too Afraid to Love You, Cosmic Love came after I’d finished The Dark Light, but it so fit the story for me, and I absolutely adore Florence and the Machine, so one of their tracks had to be represented.

9.      Goldfrapp--Caravan Girl

More Goldfrapp! There has to be more Goldfrapp!

10.  Daughtry--Home

My final choice is Home by Chris Daughtry. This is the song that most reminds me of The Dark Light. When I finished the first draft of the book, I switched on the radio, and this was the song that came on. It really fits the story, so whenever I hear Home, I think of The Dark Light.

GIVEAWAY

Today Sara Walsh has offered up a fabulious finished, signed copy of her novel, The Dark Light.  And, because she's awesome, she's also offered to ship international.  YAAY!

The Rules:

~There will be one winner.

~Giveaway ends on September 23, 2012 @ 12:01 AM

~This giveaway is INT
~Must be a GFC follower

~Must be 13 years or older.

~Fill out the Rafflecopter


a Rafflecopter giveaway

FOLLOW THE TOUR!

CLICK here TO GO TO THE HOME PAGE OF THE TOUR!

Monday August 20th:  Erica at The Book Cellar (Interview and Review)

Tuesday August 21st: Kai at Amaterasu Reads (The road trip that led to The Dark Light.)

Wednesday August 22nd: Danny at Bewitched Bookworms (Character Interview: Meeting Mia Stone)

Thursday August 23rd: Jenna at Making the Grade (Interview and Review)

Friday August 24th: Steph at The Fake Steph (Interview: Writing The Dark Light)

Monday August 27th: Jana at The Book Goddess (All Things British!)

Tuesday August 28th--RELEASE DAY!!!!! Lisa at A Life Bound by Books (Review)

Wednesday August 29th--HANGOVER DAY

Thursday August 30th: Natalia at Dazzling Reads (Sol and the Role of Tattoos in The Dark Light)

Friday August 31st: Jenny at Supernatural Snark (Review)

Monday September 3rd: Lisa at A Life Bound by Books (All about THAT cover!!)

Tuesday September 4th: Haley at YA-aholic (Author Interview and Review)

Wednesday September 5th: Emily at Emily's Crammed Bookshelf (Crownsville FM--set list and review)


About Sara Walsh------------------->Goodreads | Blog | Website | Twitter | Facebook

Sara Walsh is British, but happily lives in Annapolis, Maryland. She graduated college with a degree in psychology, but soon decided that telling stories was much more fun.

During a road trip to Wyoming, a local news event became the inspiration for the The Dark Light: A boy mysteriously reappeared a decade after disappearing. Thinking of all the places the boy could have been, and surrounded by the open plains, the two things came together, rapidly snowballing to become The Dark Light, the author’s first novel for young adults.

When not writing, Sara is usually reading, drowning in tea, or frolicking around town with the world's cutest St. Bernard.

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY SARA WALSH! :)

Promises Blog Tour Stop

Hello Lovelies!  Today I am super excited to be participating in the Syrenka Series Blog Tour, hosted by Bookshelf Confessions.  I will also be having a tour stop for the second book in the Syrenka series, Betrayal, on September 20, so stay tuned for that as well!!! :)

Promises
by Amber Garr
Series: Syrenka #1
Release Date: December 7, 2011
by Amber Garr

Purchase / Goodreads

Sometimes following your heart can end up destroying the ones you love.

When seventeen-year-old Eviana Dumahl is faced with the responsibility of an arranged marriage and clan leadership, she is forced to choose between the life required of a mermaid and one of a teenage girl simply infatuated with the wrong guy. Kain, her devoted fiancé would make a wonderful husband except that she’s been in love with Brendan, a shape-shifting selkie, ever since they were kids. Choosing to abandon her family, her clan, and her life with Kain will have dire consequences far beyond anything she could have imagined.

A war is brewing amongst the clans and Eviana unwittingly becomes a pawn in the intricate schemes of a twisted mastermind. With Brendan’s life on the line, she has no choice but to involve those who she once considered friends. Amidst encountering senseless tragedies and immense loss, Eviana discovers that she is more valuable as a clan leader than anyone ever suspected. Her survival is not only dependent upon the loyalty of her friends, but also on her acceptance of a life that she had so adamantly tried to escape.

Promises is the first book of The Syrenka Series trilogy following Eviana and her friends through the perils of growing up in a discrete world that inherently threatens human society.

*A copy was provided by Amber Garr for review purposes*

I haven’t read a lot of mermaid books in my life, so I’m trying to get more into the genre. Promises by Amber Garr seemed to be a great book to read, and it was okay. There were a few things that I didn’t really like, but overall it was a pretty good story.

I’ll just go right into it and rant about the things I didn’t like. The huge thing was the writing. I understand that as a self-published author you have to edit your own work and it’s hard to catch all the mistakes, but this is just inexcusable. I don’t think Garr checked her work at all. The punctuation was horrible, and the wrong words were used. And this didn’t happen only occasionally. This happened at least five times every page. Here are some examples:

“He bent down towards me placing both hands on my arms to hold me up”

~Page 11
Correct punctuation: “He bent down towards me, placing both hands on my arms to hold me up.”

“Aye…cat got yer tongue young maidens?”

~Page 145
Correct Punctuation: “Aye…cat got yer tongue, young maidens?”

Those were two out of five hundred mistakes. And, besides that, the writing was choppy and disconnected. It was sudden and didn’t flow at all.
On the bright side, I did enjoy the story. The idea was really original, and I loved the love-triangle. The story line was good too, and I loved how everything built on itself, and got explained at the end. I do think that the escapes were really easy and sudden and a little to convenient, but that’s okay. I loved the world building and the conflict, the choice between love and fame.

I will say that I am TOTALLY Team Kain! Whoop-whoop! He’s so nice; I don’t understand why Eviana doesn’t want him. But, if she doesn’t want him, I’ll take him :P
On the other hand, I don’t really like Brendan. I don’t know why, I just get a weird vibe. I don’t know for sure, but I’ve got a feeling that he might dump Eviana. That’s not a spoiler because I don’t actually know, but I think it might happen.
And, to complete the cast, I really liked Eviana. Like I said, I don’t know why she chose Brendan, but other than that, I think she was pretty kick-butt.

I really hope that Garr fixes her writing for the next book, because it was atrocious in this one. I hate to bash authors for their writing, but I just can’t ignore it this time. Please Amber, please, just fix it in the second book. :)

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About Amber Garr------------------>Goodreads | Website | Blog | Facebook
Amber Garr spends her days conducting scientific experiments and wondering if her next door neighbor is secretly a vampire. Born in Pennsylvania, she lives in Florida with her husband and their furry kids. Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain that she has a supernatural sense of smell. She writes both adult and young adult urban fantasies and when not obsessing over the unknown, she can be found dancing, reading, or enjoying a good movie.