Tour: Guest Post & Giveaway: Descended by Blood by Angeline Kace

I am so pleased to be part of the Descended by Blood blog tour! Angeline is here today to tell us who she would cast if the book was made into a movie (Yum!) and she has offered up an amazing giveaway!

Who would I cast for my characters if Descended by Blood were made into a movie?

Brooke, main character: Lucy Hale

When I was doing my characterizations during the plotting phase, Lucy was the closest that I could find for what I saw in my mind's eye for Brooke. Brooke's eyes are blue, though, but the face shape and hair are very similar. 

Jaren: I see him as a nephew-to-Brad Pitt...look-a-like. -Alex Pettyfer

This one is really hard for me because no actor really looks like Jaren. The image from the bookmarks IS Jaren. But I would probably have to say I would like Alex Pettyfer to play Jaren. He has a young face, that's broad and sweet. Plus, he looks fit, like he could play lacrosse. I saw him in I Am Four, and I think he did a good job. He would need to get a haircut, though.

Mirko: Wentworth Miller

Wentworth has those straight, serious eyebrows, same as Mirko does. He also keeps his hair cropped short like Mirko does. Wentworth would have to train his face to smile how Mirko does. As soon as Wentworth smiles, he doesn't look like Mirko anymore. When Wentworth smiles, his face scrunches up from around his nose and out around his mouth. Mirko smiles more with his eyes and a wicked side-lip curl.

--Yummo!! (Added by Confessions of a Bookaholic)

Kaitlynn, Brooke's best friend: Amanda Seyfried

I LOVE Amanda. She is such a good actress. Have you seen in her in Dear John? She even has a song she sang on the sound track. I love her and think she would make a great Kaitlynn. She has the slender face and blonde hair. Plus, who wouldn't want her as their best friend?

Jelena, the villain: Catherine Zeta-Jones

Catherine has that sexy, high class, "I'm going to get what I want" vibe. She's tough and a great actress. I think she would make a great vampire villain. Plus, she's gorgeous and that's a requirement for vamps, right?

Thank you so much for having me! It's truly an honor to be hosted by Confessions of a Bookaholic!

Descended by Blood by Angeline Kace
Publisher: Accendo Press (August 26th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 263 pages
Series: Vampire Born #1

Brooke Keller is a high school junior who has never spent much time living in one place. She is finally in a town long enough to almost snag the boy of her dreams, until her life is threatened after killing a fanged man in his attempt to kidnap her. Brooke begins a dangerous journey in an effort to find out who is after her and how to stop them. In a world with powerful and prejudiced vampires, Brooke must tap into the side of her that she never knew existed at the risk of losing her life in order to save it.

  Giveaway

Prize: 

• 1 winner will receive a SIGNED copy of Descended by Blood, 2 signed bookmarks, and nail polish!

Rules:

• You must be at least 13 to enter. 
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US Only and ends September 1st (Midnight PST).
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

 *This giveaway only runs for 2 days!

Find Angeline Kace
Website       |        Twitter        |         Goodreads        |     Series Site

Purchase Descended by Bood
Amazon      |       Barnes & Noble       |       The Book Depository

As a special during the tour, the price of the Descended by Blood ebook is only $.99 through September.  

Amazon Kindle      |     Barnes & Noble Nook

Book Trailer

Upcoming Tour Posts (and giveaways coming up!)

Thursday, September 01, 2011 ~ A Cupcake and a Latte, Guest post with Skin 
Friday, September 02, 2011 ~ The Bookish Brunette, Guest post with Paperback 
Saturday, September 03, 2011 ~ Fiktshun, Interview with Skin 
Monday, September 05, 2011 ~ Book Passion for Life, Interview, Paperback-US & ebook-Int
Tuesday, September 06, 2011 ~ Two Chicks on Books, Guest post with Skin 

 

Review: Descended by Blood by Angeline Kace

Descended by Blood by Angeline Kace
Publisher: Accendo Press (August 26th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 263 pages
Source: Author (Thank You!)
Series: Vampire Born #1
Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brooke Keller is a high school junior who has never spent much time living in one place. She is finally in a town long enough to almost snag the boy of her dreams, until her life is threatened after killing a fanged man in his attempt to kidnap her. Brooke begins a dangerous journey in an effort to find out who is after her and how to stop them. In a world with powerful and prejudiced vampires, Brooke must tap into the side of her that she never knew existed at the risk of losing her life in order to save it.

Review:  Okay, seriously, if you are a lover of paranormal YA books with a scorching romance, get this book ASAP! 

Debut author Angeline Kace delivers a action-packed paranormal story with remarkable characters, an unpredictable plot, and a steamy romance that will have your heart pounding! 

Brooke has had a difficult life and it's been hard for her to get close to anyone since she moves around so often. But she's finally found a best friend, Kaitlynn, and a boy she likes, Jaren. She finally feels like she has some routine to her life and her relationship with Jaren seems to be exactly what she needed.

Then they both have a close encounter with something not human and Brooke realizes she may not be completely human as well. From there she is taken on a wild journey to discover who she truly is. During this time Brooke and Jaren have their issues but it seems they are stuck together in order to stay safe. They are taken away from their homes in order to seek the protection from a group they didn't even know existed. 

But in this new vampire world, we meet the wonderful, dangerous, bad boy...Mirko. Ohh, how I love him! He is Brooke's new protector and he doesn't hide the fact that he knows he's hot! Maybe it's a guilty pleasure of mine, but I adore bad boys with an attitude. But not just that..they have to have that soft side that sometimes comes to the surface. Mirko was so rough and intimidating, but around Brooke he seemed to melt. Even with his flirty words, it was easy to see how much he really cared for Brooke. 

It may seem that Brooke has an easy choice (*cough* Mirko) but she loved Jaren first and it's hard to forget their times together. And this book isn't just about the total hotness that is Mirko, it had a truly fascinating plot that was full of action! Brooke was a character that you could see grow over time. She didn't back down from what needed to be done. I really enjoyed her strength and courage and seeing her shine throughout the story. 

I highly recommend this book! I can't say enough good things about it and I'm already stalking Angeline to find out when book 2 will be released. When you read it, I guarantee you will fall in love. So, who will it be with...are you Team Jaren or Team Mirko? 

Quotes

I just had to add some quotes from the book. I normally don't do this for reviews but these were too darn good to not mention!

Mirko's face hardened. "One of these days, you're going to be over that punk and realize you've wanted me all along."

(Brooke) "Well, do you have any special powers?" "You mean other than looking this good? It's voodoo on the ladies". - Mirko

He pulled away from me and cupped my head, stroking my outer ear lobe with his thumb. "Please choose me," he pleaded. -Mirko

"I'm not going to push you, but I won't back down. You wanna make out, we'll make out. If you allow me to hold you, I'm going to hold you. And don't think I'll hide my feelings for you in front of Jaren."-Mirko

Find Angeline Kace
Website       |        Twitter        |         Goodreads        |     Series Site

Purchase Descended by Bood
Amazon      |       Barnes & Noble       |       The Book Depository

As a special during the tour, the price of the Descended by Blood ebook is only $.99 through September.  

Amazon Kindle      |     Barnes & Noble Nook

Book Trailer 

Winners and a Teaser!

One of these days I will get more caught up :) I'm trying! For now I have some winners to announce and a little teaser at the bottom.

 The winner of the DAMNED ARC and bookplate is...

 Erin L.

The winner of SMALL TOWN SINNERS is...

Julie  (A Voracious Reader)

The winner of the SOUL SAVERS swag pack is....

Autum F.

Congrats everyone! I have emailed you all so please get back to me within 48 hours. 

Teaser!

I moved last month and when I put up my books I picked out some to give away. Sometime within the next few months I will be giving all of these away!

Guest Post & Giveaway: Dark Beauty by Taryn Browning

Today Taryn Browning is here to talk about her short story, Dark Beauty. She's here telling us why she created this short story to go along with her Dark Seeker novel.

Enter below for a chance to win a personalized copy!

Thank you for having me on your blog. I’m so excited to talk about Dark Beauty, a short story and prequel to my Dark Seeker novel. 

I was inspired to write this series by one of my all-time favorite TV shows, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Like Buffy, the female characters in both stories (Isabelle and Janie) are strong, independent teenagers who don’t take lightly to assistance, especially from the opposite sex. Plus, both girls battle the undead and are kick-ass heroines, a trait that I love in female characters. 

In Dark Beauty, Isabelle and Abram are Seekers, similar to vampire slayers, only they are up against a new vampire hybrid called Daychildren. A stake isn’t going to take them out. Readers will also find Isabelle and Abram in my Dark Seeker novel, only in different roles. Dark Beauty takes the reader back 20 years, when Isabelle and Abram were active Seekers. I really loved writing Isabelle’s character. She is spunky and very strong willed, making for entertaining banter between her and Abram. While writing Dark Beauty, I had to think about what Abram would have been like as a teenager, since he is much older in Dark Seeker. I wanted him to have a cocky arrogance, but also a caring and loyal side. He is quite stubborn in Dark Seeker, so I needed Abram to have specific traits and a back-story that moved him in this direction. 

I’ve received such wonderful reviews for Dark Seeker, and interest for more, that I’m writing another short story to continue Isabelle and Abram’s fight to rid the city of the new and more deadly Daychildren. This has been an amazing experience and I’m so grateful for the positive feedback. Thank you again, Jessica, for allowing me to discuss the series on your blog. I’ve had a fantastic time.

Dark Beauty by Taryn Browning (Short Story)
Publisher: Createspace (July 30, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 54 pages

For fifteen-year-old Seeker, Isabelle Crowe, ridding the Houston streets of the undead is an inherited duty, passed down from her Cherokee ancestors. During her first night without her mentor, she encounters Abram, a more experienced Seeker from Chicago looking to avenge his cousin's death. Isabelle quickly learns she must work with Abram to protect her city. With one Seeker already dead, Isabelle's love of the hunt becomes a fight to survive.

Giveaway

Prize: 

• 1 winner will receive a SIGNED (personalized) copy of Dark Beauty by Taryn Browning.

Rules:

• You must be at least 13 to enter. 
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US Only and ends September 19th.
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

Find Taryn Browning
Website       |       Goodreads       |     Twitter

Purchase Dark Beauty
Amazon      |       Barnes & Noble      |      Smashwords

Tour Review: Between by Jessica Warman

Between by Jessica Warman
Publisher: Walker & Company (August 2nd, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 320 pages
Source: Publisher
Rating:  4 of 5 stars

Elizabeth Valchar--pretty, popular, and rich--wakes up the morning after her eighteenth birthday on the yacht where she'd been celebrating with her closest friends. A persistent thumping noise has roused her. When she goes to investigate, she finds her own drowned body is hitting the side of the boat. Liz is dead.

She has no memory of what happened to her, and can only observe in horror the fallout of her death. She's also soon joined by Alex Berg, a quiet boy from her high school who was killed by a hit-and-run driver. The two keep each other company, floating in and out of memories and trying to piece together the details of what happened to each of them.

In her regular life, Liz was a runner. It wasn't abnormal for her to run 8-10 miles per day. But as memories from closer to her death begin to surface, Liz finds that she'd been running much more than normal, and that she'd all but stopped eating. Liz's mother, who died when Liz was nine, had battled with anorexia as well, and those around her worried Liz was following in her mother's footsteps. But something more sinister was consuming Liz from the inside out. . . . 

Review: I was a huge fan of Jessica Warman's book Where the Truth Lies, so I had to read this one once I heard about it. I'm new to books that explore death in this way but I was not disappointed. 

Between is from the perspective of a ghost, Liz. Liz just turned eighteen and her and her friends spent a wonderful night on her dad's boat. But then Liz wakes up and soon realizes maybe more happened that night than she can recall because somehow she ended up in the water, dead. But Liz is not alone. Alex is there with her and they soon learn that although they had a similar end, they were completely opposite in life. And, maybe something else unknown is bringing them together in death. 

One of the things I liked about this book is that I hated Liz. Yes, that sounds strange. But Liz was not a nice person, at all! She was selfish, cruel, childish, and an all-around mean girl. It's rare to read a book where a character can be hated so much, but enjoyed at the same time. Liz is taken on a journey that explores her death and her life. She soon realizes the errors she made and seems to feel for the pain she caused. 

Alex, on the other hand, was incredible! He is a character I just wanted to hug. I felt so horrible for what had happened to him but he was so mature and strong. Alex and Liz had some interesting conversations and they helped build a great foundation for friendship-- even if it was a little late. 

Much of this story explores the mystery surrounding Liz's death. She can't remember what happened on the boat, or many of the details of her life. As time passes she slowly puts the pieces together, but in the end, the picture is not a pretty one. I enjoyed getting to know all of the characters in this story. They did seem to represent the "typical" high school mean crowd but a few of them really learn a lot about each other after Liz dies. 

Between brings in a heartwrenching story of a boy trying to find peace, and a girl trying to find out who she is. Jessica Warman delivers a book full of twists and turns that will keep the reader guessing until the end.

Find Jessica Warman   |    Website 

Purchase Between
Amazon    |     Barnes & Noble     |      The Book Depository

Descended by Blood Blog Tour Information

 

 

Descended by Blood Book Blog Tour

I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to help Angeline Kace with her tour for Descended by Blood. The book is absolutely fabulous and I can't wait to read book 2 in the series! 

Not only will each stop include something fun about about the book, characters, or Angeline, but there will also be a MASSIVE prize pack given away on each stop. That's right. Each stop will have some pretty hard core swag to giveaway, which will include the following:

PAPERBACK prize pack includes- a SIGNED book, bookmark, and nail polish matching the cover + has a cute crown on top! (Do your nails then read the book!)
♦
SKIN prize pack includes- Kindle or Nook skin, eBook, SIGNED bookmark, and nail polish matching the cover + has a cute crown on top! (Do your nails then read the book!)

Each stop is only hosting each giveaway for 2-3 days each, so if you want to win the prizes you should follow along ;)

Tour Schedule:

Friday, August 26, 2011 ~ A Life Bound by Books, Character interview with Paperback *
Saturday, August 27, 2011 ~ Hesperia Loves Books, Interview with Skin 
Monday, August 29, 2011 ~  Magical Urban Fantasy Reads, Shorty Story with Paperback 
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 ~ Great Imaginations, Guest post with Skin 
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 ~ Confessions of a Bookaholic, Fun post with Paperback *
Thursday, September 01, 2011 ~ A Cupcake and a Latte, Guest post with Skin 
Friday, September 02, 2011 ~ The Bookish Brunette, Guest post with Paperback 
Saturday, September 03, 2011 ~ Fiktshun, Interview with Skin 
Monday, September 05, 2011 ~ Book Passion for Life, Interview, Paperback-US & ebook-Int
Tuesday, September 06, 2011 ~ Two Chicks on Books, Guest post with Skin 
Wednesday, September 07, 2011 ~ I'm a Bookshark, "This or That" with Paperback 
Thursday, September 08, 2011 ~ Seeingnight Reviews, Character Interview with Skin 
Friday, September 09, 2011 ~ My Cute Bookshelf, Interview with Paperback 
Saturday, September 10, 2011 ~ Letters Inside Out, Interview with Skin
Monday, September 12, 2011 ~ The Unread Reader, "When I'm Not Writing" with Paperback 
Tuesday, September 13, 2011 ~ Two Readers Reviews, Guest post with Skin 
Wednesday, September 14, 2011 ~ Magnet 4 Books, Guest post with Paperback
Thursday, September 15, 2011 ~ Mundie Moms, Interview with Skin *
Friday, September 16, 2011 ~ The Book Faery, Guest post with Paperback
Saturday, September 17, 2011 ~ Books with Bite, Guest post with Skin 
Monday, September 19, 2011 ~  Me, Myshelf, and I, Guest post with Paperback
Tuesday, September 20, 2011 ~ The Cait Flies, Guest post w/Skin & (Int) ebook
Wednesday, September 21, 2011 ~ Tynga Reviews, "Book's Cover Creation" with Paperback *
Thursday, September 22, 2011 ~ Electrifying Reviews, Guest post with Skin 
Friday, September 23, 2011 ~ La Femme Readers, "Vamps from Croatia" with Paperback *
Saturday, September 24, 2011 ~ The Book Swarm, Guest post with Skin*
Monday, September 26, 2011 ~ Absconditas, Fun Character post with Paperback 
Tuesday, September 27, 2011 ~ The Bookworms, Guest Post with Skin *
Wednesday, September 28, 2011 ~ Bewitched Bookworms, Skin *
Thursday, September 29, 2011 ~ Flippin' Fabulous, Guest post with Skin

NOTE: Each person is limited to only winning 1 of each prize pack (You could win 1 Paperback & 1 Skin, but no more, which is actually pretty generous, no?).

 Descended by Blood will be available August 26th!

Giveaway: Bargains & Betrayals by Shannon Delany

Bargains & Betrayals by Shannon Delany
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (August 18th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 320 pages
Series: 13 to Life #3

Locked away at Pecan Place, Jessie finds her situation to be even more dangerous than she feared. While she struggles to maintain her sanity and discover answers about the group that seems less and less like any legitimate government agency, Pietr fights to keep their relationship alive. But very aware that his mother’s time is running out, Pietr makes a deal he doesn’t dare tell Jessie about. Because the deal Pietr’s made could mean the death of far more than his tenuous relationship with the girl he loves.

Giveaway

Prize: 

• 1 winner will receive a copy of Bargains & Betrayals by Shannon Delany.

Rules:

• You must be at least 13 to enter. 
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US Only and ends September 12th.
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

Review: Crush Control by Jennifer Jabaley

Crush Control by Jennifer Jabaley
Publisher: Razorbill (June 9th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 318 pages
Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Willow has spent most of her life as her mother's sidekick in a popular Las Vegas hypnotism show. So when she and her mom move back to their sleepy southern hometown to start over, she thinks she's in for a life of quiet normalcy. Except that her new life turns out to be anything but, when she kinda sorta hypnotizes Quinton, the hottest guy on the football team, to fall madly, deeply, head over heels in love with her. But what started out as an innocent way to make her best friend, Max, jealous soon gets way out of hand, and Willow begins to wonder if the mind - and more importantly, the heart - is something you can really control.

Review: Crush Control is a really cute story with a fun twist! Willow and her mother have been in Vegas for years doing a hypnotism show. Now they are back in their small town and Willow is doing her best to adjust. It is made a little easier when her best friend Max is by her side. They have been best friends since childhood and it's nice to see a friendly face. 

But things aren't exactly turning out great when she finds out Max is dating someone else. Willow doesn't know what to do to get his undivided attention so she comes up with an idea to hypnotize hotty Quinton into falling in love with her. But hypnotism is nothing to mess with and Willow gets a little more attention than she bargained for. 

Crush Control has a ton of hilarious moments as poor Quinton turns into the world's most perfect boyfriend. But maybe he's a little too perfect. Every girl likes a little romance but it was so funny to see Quinton pull out all the stops in order to make Willow happy. And even better to see all the insane ways Willow tried to break the spell. 

Willow was a fun character and I enjoyed her quirky personality. Max was terrific and it was interesting to see his conflicting emotions when it came to Willow and his girlfriend. A lot of those interactions reminded me of typical high-school drama. 

Crush Control is a really adorable, light read that will have people cracking up. It's funny to see how mind control may not be the right answer when it comes to finding true love. 



Find Jennifer Jabaley
Website   |     Goodreads    |    Twitter    |     Facebook


Purchase Crush Control
Amazon   |    Barnes & Noble    |    The Book Depository

Tour Review: Everblue by Brenda Pandos

Everblue by Brenda Pandos
Publisher: Obsidian Mountain Publishing (July 29th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 304 pages
Source: Author (Thank You!)
Series: Mer Tales #1
Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Best friends share everything with each other. Or do they? Seventeen-year-old Ashlyn Frances Lanski is tired of her boring, single life. Spending time with her best friend Tatiana, dreaming about kissing Tatiana's twin brother Fin, and swimming competitively are her only sanctuary. The girls plan to leave their drab lakeside town far behind for college. But when Tatchi fails to return home after a family emergency, and no one knows where the family has gone, Ash chooses to do something drastic to find them.

Ashlyn is about to discover what she’d thought to be true her whole life, wasn’t, and the truth, too fantastical to imagine. Secrets lurk beneath the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe, secrets that will change Ashlyn's life forever.

Review: Something wonderful I have learned about Brenda Pandos and her writing is that she knows exactly how to create a world. It doesn't matter if it is a world full of mermaids or vampires; it's just as spellbinding. 

This is one of my first mermaid books and I have to say that I was completely mesmerized at how Brenda told this story. Everblue alternates from Ashlyn to Fin throughout the story and they have very different lives. Ashlyn is a student, dealing with boy issues, swim practice, and a pretty typical family life. Fin, on the other hand, has a life far from typical. He lives in the mer world and it is not as magical as people may think. Rules and politics get in the way of any sort of normal life for Fin and his family. He is forced to live within the world and watch his sister Tatiana deal with the same uncontrollable fate. 

During the first part of Everblue we get a chance to get to know each character. I enjoyed each point of view and it was nice to see how the characters acted independently. But I gotta say that the middle and end of the book was really what hooked me. We are able to see more of a mingling between the characters and I feel this is where they both shined. We see the passion and determination come out. Ashlyn doesn't back down and Fin just glowed with strength and courage. 

As much as we get to know the characters, we are able to truly visualize their contrasting worlds. Ashlyn sees the clear blue water while Fin lives deep below it. Everblue really allows the reader to open their imagination and accept a place full of beauty and charm. But even a place that beautiful hides some dark secrets and Fin and Tatiana must find ways to protect each other. The last thing Fin wants is to bring Ashlyn into the mix too. 

Everblue continues on with the fabulous, descriptive writing style readers have come to enjoy through Brenda's Talisman series. Readers will easily dive into this story!

Find Brenda Pandos

Blog     |     Twitter     |      Facebook      |      Goodreads

Purchase Everblue

Amazon      |       Barnes & Noble      |       The Book Depository

Tour Giveaway: Everblue by Brenda Pandos

I'm so thrilled to be part of Brenda's tour for Everblue and she has been kind enough to offer up a signed copy for one lucky reader! You can click here to add to the book to goodreads. My review of Everblue will be posted shortly but if you enjoy a fascinating tale about mermaid life, it's a must read!

Click the banner to follow the tour!

Everblue by Brenda Pandos
Publisher: Obsidian Mountain Publishing (July 29th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 304 pages
Series: Mer Tales #1

Best friends share everything with each other. Or do they? Seventeen-year-old Ashlyn Frances Lanski is tired of her boring, single life. Spending time with her best friend Tatiana, dreaming about kissing Tatiana's twin brother Fin, and swimming competitively are her only sanctuary. The girls plan to leave their drab lakeside town far behind for college. But when Tatchi fails to return home after a family emergency, and no one knows where the family has gone, Ash chooses to do something drastic to find them.

Ashlyn is about to discover what she’d thought to be true her whole life, wasn’t, and the truth, too fantastical to imagine. Secrets lurk beneath the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe, secrets that will change Ashlyn's life forever.

Giveaway

Prize: 

• 1 winner will receive a SIGNED copy of Everblue by Brenda Pandos.

Rules:

• You must be at least 13 to enter. 
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US Only and ends September 9th.
• Once contacted, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

Tour: Guest Post: Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I'm thrilled to be part of the Half-Blood tour. I just finished this book and it is incredible! One of my favorites of this year. My review can be found here. 


You can follow the rest of the tour, hosted by The {Teen} Book Scene by clicking here.

A lot of people have asked what exactly is a Hematoi and how in the holy Underworld do you pronounce it. Good question. I, myself, have a hard time pronouncing it. So let’s break out the nifty pronunciation key. 

Hematoi — HEM-a-toy 

A Hematoi, also known as a pure-blood, is a descendent of two demigods. They are not the child of a god and a mortal, which is a demigod. And don’t let their comfy, elitist sort of life fool you. They do use half-bloods, a child of a Hematoi and a mortal protect and serve them, but they are not defenseless by any means. Most, but not all, just feel that fighting is kind of below them. 

Being a child of a two demigods, they’re chalk full of aether—the essence of the gods. A Hematoi can wield control over one of the elements: air, water, fire or earth. They can be just as fast and as strong as a half-blood. Their compulsions pack a powerful punch. If a Hematoi suggested that you go play in a street? You’d happily go play in the street. 

Why are the Hematoi in such a position of power? Well, it can be summed up pretty easily: their blood is pure. Relationships of any kind with a half-blood, besides a professional kind, are absolutely forbidden. There is no ands, ifs or buts there. The half-blood usually bears the brunt of punishment if they break the big no touchie policy. And we aren’t talking a smack on a wrist or shame. We’re talking indentured servitude. 

So in the world of gods and their many offspring, Hematoi are at the top of the food chain. Well, there is one exception but that’s a story for a different day. 

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press (October 18th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 281 pages
Series: Covenant #1

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures.Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden.Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

Find Jennifer L. Armentrout
Website    |      Goodreads     |     Twitter     |     Blog


Purchase Half-Blood
Amazon    |    Barnes & Noble    |    The Book Depository


Book Trailer

Review: Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press (October 18th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 281 pages
Source: Publisher
Series: Covenant #1
Rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures.Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden.Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

Review:  Half-Blood completely blew me away! I could not put it down and stayed up till 4am just to finish it. It's one of the rare books I've added to my "must read again" list! I've even went back to certain parts already because they were just that incredible! I already know Half-Blood will be making an appearance in my top 10 of 2011 list. 

Where do I even start?! First, this book involves mythology, which some people either love or hate. I usually tried to avoid books with mythology but I have been lovin' some of the new releases! The mythology aspects of this book created the perfect background and really made me interested to see what happens next. 

Alex is a half-blood and her and her mother escaped the Covenant (a training type school) in order to live a semi-normal life. But they learn that they can't escape for long and soon Alex ends up back at the Covenant. As a half-blood, she could easily be made into a servant but Alex wants to be a Sentinel and hunt Daimons. In order to have a shot at that, she must catch up to her peers by allowing Aiden (a Pure) to train her. Ahh, Aiden. *mind wonders* Aiden is beyond swoon-worthy. He's a tough fighter with a sensitive side that it seems only Alex gets to see. But a relationship with him would be forbidden. Pures and halfs can not be together, period. 

Even with that complication, things get even crazier when a new person comes to the Covenant and Alex learns more about her own fate. I won't spoil what happens, or who shows up, but I will say that by the middle of this book I think I could have ignored a hurricane outside. I was that into this story! This new character was so captivating and alluring...and sexy.. ahhh...love it! 

What Jennifer was able to create with this story is one that you won't be able to forget. Alex is an amazingly strong heroine. Those can be rare to find in YA novels. But there is no doubt Alex could kick butt. She never lets someone take control of her life and she knows exactly what she wants. Aiden is complex. He's a little older than Alex and much more mature than other Pures his age. He has been through a lot and he doesn't see Alex as less than him just because she's a half-blood. He sees her strength and determination from the start. 

Not only did Jennifer deliver some fabulous main characters, but she has woven in multiple minor characters that help build this world. One of my favorites is Caleb. He's Alex's best friend and he was just adorable. As I read this story I felt like I was there with the characters. Jennifer flawlessly described the setting, emotions, and atmosphere in the story. I always say it's rare if a writer is able to describe a romantic moment in a few words and it makes me swoon, but that happened...often! Any time Aiden brushed up against Alex or ..well, spoke...I was blushing! 

Half-Blood exceeded my expectations on every level. I'm not sure how I will make myself wait for the next book, Pure. Jennifer L. Armentrout created a world that will easily grab readers. If you are a fan of Vampire Academy, and books that will leave you breathless, pick up Half-Blood!




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Book Trailer

Chain Reaction- Book Trailer Behind the Scenes Footage

 Some if you may have already seen the behind the scenes footage from the Chain Reaction book trailer but I wanted to post it anyway because who doesn't want to see those Fuentes boys in action??

 Part 1

Part 2

Previous books in the series.

Perfect Chemistry and Rules of Attraction

Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers (August 16th, 2011)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardback: 336 pages
Series: Perfect Chemistry #3

Luis Fuentes has always been sheltered from the gang violence that nearly destroyed his brothers’ lives. But that didn’t stop him from taking risks—whether he’s scaling a mountain in the Rockies or dreaming of a future as an astronaut, Luis can’t stop looking for the next thrill.

Nikki Cruz lives her life by three rules—boys lie to get their way, don’t trust a boy who says “I love you,” and never date a boy from the south side of Fairfield. Her parents may be from Mexico, but as a doctor’s daughter, she has more in common with her north-side neighbors than the Latino Blood at her school. Then she meets Luis at Alex’s wedding, and suddenly, she’s tempted to break all her rules.

Getting Nikki to take a chance on a southsider is Luis’s biggest challenge, until he finds himself targeted by Chuy Soto, the new head of the Latino Blood. When Chuy reveals a disturbing secret about Luis’s family, the youngest Fuentes finds himself questioning everything he’s ever believed to be true. Will his feelings for Nikki be enough to stop Luis from entering a dark and violent world and permanently living on the edge?

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