Review & Blog Tour!! Elementris (The Vangeretta Curse #1) by Christina Mobley

Read in: March, 2013

Format: eBook

Source: Author

Star Rating: ★★★★

Synopsis: (From Goodreads.com) 

There are people born in this world with a powerful connection to the earth itself...

They have an unbreakable and extraordinary bond. Every seven years, five people are born on the same day, at the exact same time. The elements bind them; earth, fire, wind, water, and spirit. They call them, Elementris.
Ava Vangeretta is seventeen years old and different. Unlike most born of the element, she was born alone. She has the power of all five elements. Ava is the first True Elementris to be born in many years. As her eighteenth birthday approaches she is faced with a choice. Give up this rare gift and live the normal life she has always craved or accept it and challenge the current True Elementris in a battle to the death! 
Ava's past haunts her as she struggles to decide. In her present, the seasons are colliding together, storms are destroying lives, and love is a dangerous curse. The current True Elementris is behind it all and she will do whatever necessary to keep Ava from making it to her eighteenth birthday. Ava's decision threatens the lives of the two people she cares about most. Can you choose between love and friendship?
Get ready for the storm...

Prosecution: 

Honestly, I didn't know what to think. Some areas were a little dry and the beginning was hard to get into. I don't handle a lot of information well, especially with Ava being so wishy-washy (though it was obvious what she would choose).

Defense: 

But ohhh lawdyy, that twist! I for one, didn't see that one coming!! Usually, I pick out the twist pretty well. But Mrs. Mobley certainly crafter a great one! I loved the sucker punch that it was. The book itself was a quick read, especially for someone like myself who doesn't pick up fantasy or paranormal as a first choice. But that cover grabbed my attention, and I sure am glad she offered up this little bit of wonder! The twists and turns, the scenery, and descriptions were definitely something. Alec and Ava had chemistry, while the elements gave it a little bit of The Last Airbender vibe. 

Verdict: 

Overall, a solid four stars and worth the price. I enjoyed Ava's twists and turns through this new world while there wasn't an overabundance of out there fantasy. The author kept everything as real as it was magical while giving the novel a twist that is to die for. 

Excerpt from Book 2,Exposure: 

Ava glanced at the world map on her wall; the one matching the giant one in her office. There was work to be done. She felt the power of the elements begin to surge through her as she looked at the maps. There had been an awful drought in Georgia for weeks now and it looked as if her help was needed. She closed her eyes and instantly her throat went dry and she felt the heat rising from the parched earth. With her eyes still closed she could see the blinding sun and cloudless sky. She let the magic of the element work its way through her body as she thought of rain. She smiled as the blue sky darkened and she sent a rumble of thunder as a warning to those who might not be paying attention. She could feel the relief of the earth as it began to absorb the soothing rain. She was careful to make sure the rain would provide a slow soaking—the earth was so dry that anything heavier would cause flooding. She opened her eyes, feeling a little dizzy as her energy level returned to normal, and sighed. If only she could really be there. Element Island was amazing, but she longed to be able to visit all the places her mind took her.

Riverboat Landing: A History of the Ocklawaha River Steamboats by Michael C. Mason & Edward A. Mueller

Read in: March, 2013

Format: Paperback

Source: Provided by Author

Star Rating: ★★★★★

The Author provided me a copy of this novel. This has in no way altered or changed my opinion of the book. 

Synopsis: 

The only history of the Ocklawaha River Steamboats in color, this mastery of the history of the Ocklawaha and the Steamboats that made it famous are in vivid display along with photographs, diagrams, interesting side notes and of course, passages on the history of the owners and operators of the most famous Central Florida steamers.

Prosecution: 

During the reading, I found that when reading, the boat titles were capitalized instead of italicized. It was a little distracting. 

Defense:

This book took fifteen years to create. Do you realize that many of my readers weren't even alive 15 years ago? This piece of work is packed with information on the barges, their captains, and of course, the river that carried them. Diagrams and photos of the boats and river are in vivid color and put onto display for everyone, young and old. This is the complete history of all boats that ran the Ocklawaha and Silver Springs River. As a native Floridian, I saw the beauty in the land that I've grown up on. A native Floridian would understand the annoyance of ducking under tree limbs while on a boat ride and the Spanish moss floating on the river. I've heard stories of alligator "hunting" while on the boat rides, which was how many men made their living. The steamboats carried supplies, people, goods, and produce (not to mention mail!) up and down the Ocklawaha. These boats are truly a HUGE part of Central Floridian history. Without them, what would have happened to Marion County? 

Verdict: 

Five Stars! This book has so much history packed into 204 pages. You'll follow the river from its early boating days until even the popularity of the Silver Springs Attractions (which is still in operation today!). This book is truly a masterpiece and well worth all of those years. 

About the Author:

Michael C. Mason is a dedicated Lions member with a passion for the Ocklawaha and the riverboats that traveled it. He developed a mobile display unit on the boat and traveled throughout Central Florida displaying the unit while telling stories and showing images & memorobilia with his father. He currently resides in Central Florida. This is his first book. 

The Big Bang by Linda Joffe Hull

Read in: Not finished.

Format: eBook

Source: Netgalley.com 

Star Rating 0

I was unable to finish this novel.

Prosecution:
Slow, boring, dreary.. I'm sorry, I was just so uninterested in the entire novel. I was bored out of my mind.

Defense:
I found nothing redeeming of this novel. Maybe, I'll pick this up another day, but I doubt it.

Verdict:
I can't really give this a star rating. I didn't finish it, the novel and I just didn't click. I had a ton of high hopes for this book, I thought I was getting into this Desperate Housewives experience, but nope, fell just way too flat.

Rewrite Redemption by JH Walker

Read in: February, 2013

Format: eBook

Source: Author

Star Rating: ★★★

The Author provided me a copy of this novel. This has in no way altered or changed my opinion of the book. 

Synopsis: (from Goodreads.com)

She’s sixteen. He’s seventeen. They don’t know each other…at least not yet.

She has a secret and her whole life revolves around keeping it. Every few months and with little warning, she simply disappears, pulled into the past for hours or even days. She’s terrified it will happen in front of someone, changing her life forever. So far, the only witnesses have been her parents, and that didn’t end well. She has no control over it and no idea why it happens to her. 

She wants answers.

He has answers—at least he understands what’s going on. He has a secret, too. He’s part of an organization that goes back in time to rewrite reality. But he also has a problem. He broke the organization’s number-one rule by altering his own timeline. As punishment, he’s been blocked from time travel, which is most unfortunate. Because the changes he made to his timeline, accidentally resulted in disaster for his family. A disaster he’s now prevented from repairing. No one can travel beneath the organization’s radar except a Shadow. But they’re rare, so rare he’s never even met one.

Then he moves to her town.

Prosecution: 

Honestly, I couldn't wrap my mind around the ending, but I got the gist of it. She also got Constantine♥! But I didn't find the story to really pick up until the other end. I felt a lull for the first 50% but I continued reading, since, let's face it, I NEEDED TO KNOW! 

Defense:

Mind=Blown. That is basically what I was thinking throughout the ENTIRE book. Now, you all know I don't read that much science fiction or paranormal novels. I'm more of a non-fiction and contemporary romance kind of girl. But I really enjoyed this book! AJ's attitude was so laid back and the entire book did progress with this attitude. Lex is bomb, and seemed to be a pretty awesome friend. 

Verdict:

A solid three stars. I felt pretty confused about the story as a whole. Will I reread it? Sure, but it's not one of my favorites, as much as I wanted it to be. But that cover sure nuff is gorgeous c;!

Never Too Far (Too Far #2) by Abbi Glines

Read in: February, 2013

Format: eBook

Source: Bought From Amazon

Stars: ★★★★

Synopsis: (from Goodreads.com)

He had held a secret that destroyed her world. 

Everything she had known was no longer true. 

Blaire couldn’t stop loving him but she knew she could never forgive him.
Now, she was back home and learning to live again. Moving on with life… until something happened to send her world spinning once again. 
What do you do when the one person you can never trust again is the one that you need to trust so desperately? 

You lie, hide, avoid, and pray that your sins never find you out.

Prosecution: 

As much I love Abbi's penchant for drama in all of her novels, I was really getting tired of it in this one! I wanted to get to the part where Blaire abandons those trust issues and trusts Rush. Cane's stupidity, (I mean, c'mon! Who goes to confront the guy who has stolen his ex girlfriends heart?) Blaire's wishy washy tendencies, and Rush's constant screw ups were grating on my nerves while I waited for them both to grow up. 

Defense:

I had a serious love/hate relationship with this one. I read the book within about three hours. Did I say read? I mean devoured. Bethy is absolutely adorable and I love love love her! I would love to have a book of all her & her relationship, because honestly, that was a little cliffhanger at the end with Rush talking about how her boyfriend was getting antsy to leave. 

Now, back to Blaire and Rush's relationship. Volatile doesn't even begin to describe this. Rush, while he does truly care, needs to put Blaire first, no matter what. Considering that, ahem, bun the oven. But he does end up being alright later on. The ending was a definite happily ever after, and that was a point in my book. I'd have loved to have an epilogue, but, I digress.  

Verdict: 

A solid 4 stars. This wasn't as wow, ajhdkfjhglfg;;;; as the first book, but I for sure was not disappointed but this was an okay ending to the Blaire and Rush story. 

Guest Review by A Raven Claw Reader: Lock & Key by Sarah Dessen!

Title: Lock and Key
Author: Sarah Dessen
Pages: 422
My rating: 4 stars

"UNLOCK YOUR HEART AND THE REST WILL FOLLOW. Ruby is used to taking care of herself. But now that she's living with her sister, she's got her own room, she's going to a good school, and her future looks bright. Plus there's the adorable boy next door. Can Ruby learn to open her heart and let him in?"

This book was very sweet, as most of Dessen's other books are. I didn't enjoy it as much as Just Listen, but it taught a good lesson: Don't be afraid to love. I liked how it not only focused on Ruby's relationship with Nate, but also her relationship with her friends, and even family. She started out feeling helpless and alone, but as the story moved on, she befriended the boy next door, Nate, and a girl named Olivia. Ruby struggles to sort out her feelings for Nate, her Mom, her ex-boyfriend, her sister Cora, and some of the other characters that played major roles in the story. 

Ruby is a really interesting main character/protagonist. She feels broken, because she was raised by a single mother who abandoned her. At first, when she first arrives at her sister's mansion, she is reluctant to make a connection with anybody or anything. On her fist night staying there, she attempts to run away. Quickly, though, she gets to know Cora and Jamie, and grows used to the idea that she's going to stay there. By the end of the book, Ruby is accepted into college, she has a new bunch of friends, and she's happy.

I totally recommend this book for lovers of Contemporary YA that is deep and very thoughtful. All of Dessen's books, actually. They're all amazing. Most teenage girls can relate to the problems the female protagonists face, and their thoughts. 

Sofie is a teenage bibliophile and fangirl, who's favorite genres include Fantasy, Contemporary YA Fiction, and those yellowing Classics. She is also a self-confessed Potterhead and Ravenclaw. Check out her blog @http://www.aravenclawreader.blogspot.com

Liebster Blog Award!

So I found out that I had been nominated by Julianne at Jules Bookshelf , Emily @ Read It and Geek, The Read- a-holic, and Sab @ Sab the Book Eater!

As of March 7th, I have also been nominated by Joanne @ Fausti's Book Quest

A HUGE THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!!

RULES OF THE LIEBSTER BLOG AWARD

1. Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog and link back to the blogger who presented this award to you.

2. Answer the 11 questions from the nominator, list 11 random facts about yourself and create 11 questions for your nominees.

3. Present the Liebster Blog Award to 11 blogs of 200 followers or less who you feel deserve to be noticed and leave a comment on their blog letting them know they have been chosen. (No tag backs)

4. Copy and paste the blog award on your blog.

Julianne's Questions! 

What is your first book(first love) you've read?

My first love book would have to be The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss when I was three! My mom read it to me so much I had memorized it, so when company would come over, I'd pull out the book and "read" it to them!

In the scale of 1-10 how addicted are you to books?

On a scale of 1-10, I would have to be an 8! 

If you could describe yourself with one word what would it be?

Lol, awkward c;

Imagine the typical high school stereotype. In all of those groups where do you belong?

I feel like I belong in between a nerd and and one of the "quiet" kids.

(I had to ask) What cartoon or anime character is you all time favorite?

My all time favorite would have to be Zero off of Vampire Knight

If you had a book that you've read that you really hate, what would it be?

This one is a little controversial, but 13 Reasons Why is definitely the only book I have ever truly hated. 

Who is the best hero and heroine for you?

The best hero would be Cage York and the best heroine would be Eva Brooks! Both are off of While It Lasts by Abbi Glines!

Who is your fave author for life?

Ohhh, fangirling herrree, but Abbi Glines!

In between blogging about books. What else do you do?

I go to school! I'm a full time high school student, part time college student, and in July I'll be starting a course to get my nail tech certification! 

Which do you prefer, authors with publishers or indie authors?

They both have their pros and cons, but I'd say I have to prefer authors with publishers, even if they're small publishing houses. But I have run across more than a few fabulous indie authors! I don't look at if they have a publisher or not, I look at the quality of the book itself.

What's the one tip you could give to other new bloggers?

One tip would be getting yourself out there! Posting reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, etc is a way. Joining groups on Goodreads targeted towards connecting reviewers with authors is another great way! 

Emily's Questions!

1. Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging because I love to gush and groan about books and I love meeting new people. c: 

2. What are some things you get a little too geeked up about?

Mmmm, probably Photoshop or my blog. 

3. What are some of your favorite movies?

Some of my favorite movies is Mean Girls, Easy A, and Juno.

4. What do you like to do when you're not blogging?

When I'm not blogging I'm either in school or hanging out with my boyfriend c:

5. What's your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is rudeness.

6. What are some things you like about blogging?

Some of the things I like about blogging is that other people are reading what I wrote, meeting new people, and establishing great relationships with authors!

7. If you could gain any ability in the world, what would it be?

If I could gain any ability, it would be the ability to do math...

8. What fictional character would you like to know in real life? (doesn't have to be from a book)

A fictional character I would like to meet would beeee......more than likely Romeo from In the Band by Jean Haus. c;

9. What's the craziest dream that you've ever had?

Well, last night I dreamt that I had to give a super secret file to the president..and there were people chasing me and explosions. I totally felt like James Bond.

10. What are some of your favorite books (this is a hard one, I know!)?

Some of my favorites would be Because of Low, Chasing Nikki, Barbie Girl, Ten Tiny Breaths and Beautiful Disaster.

11. On a scale of 1-10, how nerdy and/or geeky do you feel that you are?

Mmmmm....6ish c;

Read-a-holic's Questions!

1. What's a book you decided to read by judging it's cover? A book I read by judging its cover would have to Ten Tiny Breaths..and it was well worth it!
2. Jelly or Jam? Jam!
3. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? I would go to California.
4. What's one sentence you use to define yourself? I would have to say I'm super awkward. :3
5. Do you play an instrument? Yes, the piano. c; 
6. If you have one, what is your guilty obsession?  (Mine is one of my favorite types of books to read happen to be teacher-student romances, though I know theycould never work out in real life XD) Hmmmmmmmmmm...I'd have to say... New Adult books...
7. Your favorite childhood show? Annies Big Blue Couch!
8. Do you prefer cursive or print, with pen or pencil? I prefer print, with pen. 
9. Do you sing along while listening to music whether it's out loud, ear buds, or in your head? I sing along with its loud. 
10. Favorite fruit? Pomegranates! 
11. What was the first thought to pop into your head after reading my questions? Welp, not the usual booky questions. 

Sabs Questions!

1. How old were you when you got into reading? I was five! 

2. If you were to write a book, under which genre and age group will you classify it? I would write it under New Adult and from the age group 16-100.

3. Rock, paper, scissors? Scissors!

4. If you were a character in a YA dystopia novel, what would your unique kickass name be? Lol, Sly c;

5. What got you into blogging? I had always been interested in blogging, but I couldn't quite get my niche. When I found a book reviewing blog, I knew I had found something I would love!

6. Name a book that you would want to be made into a movie and the actors you'd like to play the lead characters.

A book I'd like to be made into a movie would beee... Chasing Nikki! Chase Crawford or a more built Josh Hutchinson could play Chase and Lucy Hale could play Nikki. c;

7. Do you buy books from secondhand bookstores? ALL THE TIME! I love my books, but I'm super cheap about it! Otherwise, I'd spend all my money on books!

8. Do you let other people borrow your books? Yes, I have to shaw the love!!

9. What is your favorite series and why? My favorite series is Mob Wives and because the mob interests me.

10. What are your thoughts on Twilight? Well, I read it every December. I don't go absolutely crazy over it, but I enjoy the books a lot better than the movies.

11. What's your favorite book of all time?

My favorite of all time would be... Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire! 

11 Random Things About Me!

1. I like learning about different exercises, just not doing them. 
2. I've been with my boyfriend for a year and four months.♥
3. I'm also currently wearing his jacket. 
4. I absolutely love Salt and Vinegar Chips and pickles. 
5. My favorite drink is water, but a close second is sweet tea. 
6. I have a tumblr and a pinterest! Follow me c; sea-horses-and-sunshine.tumblr.com and http://pinterest.com/frombowstobooks/ !
7. I'm really lazy when it comes to running errands. I'd rather just read! 
8. I like taking notes and doing homework.
9. I don't trust people easily. 
10. I love comedy movies.
11. I take a cup of Red Rose tea with me to class every morning. I feel off if I don't have it. 

My Questions for the 11 Nominees! 

1. If you could have any job, what would it be? 
2. Why did you start a blog?
3. What's your favorite meal?
4. What else do you do beside blogging? 
5. What inspired you to start blogging?
6. Which is more important to you, follower count or traffic count?
7. How much time do you spend on your blog a week?
8. What's your favorite junk food?
9. What's your favorite book genre?
10. What's your favorite social networking site? 
11. Which do you prefer, PC or Mac?

Joanne's Questions: 

1.    Why do you blog

      I blog because I love it. The words flowing from my fingers and getting so much feedback from people all over the world is astounding. I enjoy meeting new people and new authors and having the chance to review oodles and oodles of books. c:
2.    What are 3 words you would use to describe yourself?

      Quiet, Sarcastic, and loving. 
3.    What advice would you give fellow bloggers?

       Be sure to get out there! There are tons and tons of bloggers, so make sure to have something that makes you different. Also, be super nice! A mean blogger is a lonely blogger.
4.    Who is your favorite fairy tale character?

       Ohhh, more than likely either Ariel from the Little Mermaid or Belle from The Beauty and the Beast!
5.    Do you have any book crushes?

       Travis Maddox (Beautiful Disaster), Jude Ryder (Clash), and Constantine (Rewrite Redemption)
6.    How many books do you want to read this year?

      I've set a goal for 150, but I'll probably have to stop it at around 130. 
7.    Where is your favorite place to read?

       In my warm bed during the winter and out in the sun during the summer. c:
8.    What is your favorite time of year?

       Summer!
9.    What are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?

     I'm reading Crush by Lacey Weatherford, I'm kind of inbetween on recommending it at this point. But the twist is absolutely terrific!
10.  Do you prefer e-books or print books?

        I prefer print books, but I have mostly ebooks, thanks to the portability.
11.  Do you have any pets?

        I have one boxer/chocolate lab mix, Boo c:

My Nominees! 

Emily @ Read it and Geek

Sab @ Sab the Book Eater 

Jules @ Jule's Bookshelf 

Read-a-Holic @ Read-a-Holic 

Laurynne @ Coffee, Books, and Lip-Gloss

Laetitia @ My Flurried Thoughts called Book Reviews

L.J. @ Cause I Say So 

Algel @ Books and Cozy Afternoon Teas 

Brianna @ Brianna Lee Book Reviews

 Lectus @ Lectus 

Emily @ Sitting With a Book