Friday Fronts - Tangled

Carolyn Mackler was supposed to be today's Final Fridays post, but as she has yet to return the interview questions to me, I'll feature the cover for her shiny new book, Tangled, instead.

First off, thank you for following a basic rule - when in doubt, K.I.S.S.

Keep it simple, stupid.

And it works. The cover keeps well with the metaphorical title; it's a great example of what good Photoshop can do sometimes, and even though the fonts are basic, it works well with the rest of the cover.

I only wish her name wasn't emphasized quite so much. She's a good author, but her name isn't James Patterson - it's not going to sell the novel.

What says you, fellow coverwhores?

Libraries

Libraries are a huge part of my life.

They're part of where I grew up. They're where I get a good amount of books. They're where I do projects. They're where I've made friends. They're where I work.

They are a huge part of my life.

I work as a page in my local library; I got the job after months of begging my best friend (who as the head page) to put in a good word for me if a job ever became available.

For those of you who don't know, a page is basically the bottom chain of the library system. You may never see us, but without us, the library wouldn't function properly. We're the ones who put the books back on the shelves once they're returned. We're the ones who sit for hours in one room, going over every shelf that way the books are in proper order. We pull holds from the shelves so that they can be held for you or shipped to other libraries. We rearrange the library when they run out of room. We do a whole bunch of other things.

Without us, the library would fall into disarray.

So here's the thing. A lot of you are respectful library users. (You have to be; you love books!) Next time you head over to the library, be nice to the clerks. When you pull a book out, don't leave it on the table - put it back where it belongs. (It's a page's nightmare to see things on the shelves out of place.)

And most of all - ask if you can volunteer or help out somehow. I know my library can always use volunteers; just because there are five pages doesn't mean we can keep the entire library organized, especially when the entire E Room (little kids under five; see picture) have to be kept in perfect alphabetical order, or when adults are constantly shoving things in the wrong place, or when the DVD section is in disarray every day because it's the most popular section. It doesn't have to be a long volutneer period. One or two hours is enough to organize a big section - and it's rewarding to look back and see all of the shelves nice and organized.

And it'll make the pages really happy to come upstairs (or into that room) and see something organized that they don't have to worry about.

And as a page, trust me - it's the little things.

Don't forget, fellow book lovers, that the library is an amazing thing! You don't have to buy every book you want to read. The library supplies you with amazing things. And don't forget, you can request books to be ordered!

Tension Of Opposites Trailer

Normally I don't feature trailers of books that I'm not dying for - and this is one of the ones that sounds good, but I'm not tripping over to get - but the trailer was just THAT good. It had to be shown.



Don't forget to check out today's Waiting on Wednesday post as well!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Keeper's Tattoo & The Daykeeper's Grimoire

Because we all have something we're waiting for.

The Keeper's Tattoo by Gill Arbuthnott
Ten years ago, Alaric, leader of the Shadowmen, killed most of the Keepers--teachers of ancient knowledge that threatened his barbaric rule. Young Kit was captured, but his twin sister, Nyssa, escaped. Only later will she learn that both she and her lost brother bear the secret words of their people: three lines each of strange, unintelligible writing tattooed on their scalps. Now the Shadowmen are on the attack again, determined to quell a growing rebellion. Nyssa must find her brother, and together they must unlock the meaning--the power--behind the mysterious words.

Series: ---
Publisher: Scholastic
Release Date: May 01 2010

How EPIC does this sound? Revenge, twins, secret tattoo, Shadowmen...

The Daykeeper's Grimoire by Christy Raedeke
... the story of Caity Mac Fireland, a girl from San Francisco whose parents drag her to an isle off the coast of Scotland to manage some family property. Caity finds that a Mayan relic is concealed there, intentionally left centuries ago by Mayan Daykeepers in an attempt to keep their profound knowledge about the year 2012 alive into the current era.

As she delves into this world of secret knowledge, Caity is helped along by a visiting family friend and Feng Shui master, Uncle Li; a Mayan elder named Bolon; and Mr. Papers, her pet monkey that communicates through origami. A handsome Scottish lad gets pulled into the intrigue, as do several other people with questionable motives and loyalties. Caity must weave together a tapestry of information in order to make her radical discovery, a mystery protected by an elite coterie of power-brokers who influence world events. Caity’s twenty-first century mind is put to the test as she tries to uncover the answer to an ancient riddle while trying to outwit this powerful group that will stop at nothing to control the secret, and her.

Series: Prophecy of Days (#1)
Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd.
Release Date: May 01 2010

COVER LOVE. Also, how awesome does this summary sound!? Merging a modern mind with an ancient riddle, powerful groups, a pet monkey. Pet. Monkey. MONKEY.

(We all know I'm only reading the book for the monkey.)

Historical Fiction

I'm the first one to admit it:

I love historical fiction.

Whether it's time travel, or it's a take on the era from an unlikely character, or a fantasy, or a romance... I love them. (Not, of course, the badly written ones; there are some of those in every genre.)

Maybe it's the fact that you can imagine the events actually happening.
Or maybe it's just the amazing characters.
Or perhaps the covers...

So HERE are my top three novels set in the past, along with my top three favorite historical movies...

Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer

Reduced to begging and thievery in the streets of London, a thirteen-year-old orphan disguises herself as a boy and connives her way onto a British warship set for high sea adventure in search of pirates.

Soulless by Gail Carriger
See my fan made trailer here.

Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.

Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire — and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.

With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?

The Pirate Queen by Alan Gold

Grace O'Malley commanded a dozen ships and the obedience of thousands of men. Her empire stretched from Connaught on the Irish coast to the cobalt aters of Africa. Through the daring of her piracy, Grace nearly bankrupted the English treasury-and her outright defiance brought embarrassment to Elizabeth I. Yet the lives of these two amazing women were inextricably intertwined-and their eventual meeting during the most brilliant and romantic era that Europe has ever known would shock the world.

And top three movies...
(Come on, after reading the blog, you guys should expect these first two.)








This was inspired because I watched The Young Victoria yesterday. Such a good movie... for those into things like that. (If you don't like history, you really won't like it, though the romance is amazing.)



What are your thoughts of historical fiction?

Princess Ben

Princess Ben
Author: Catherine Murdock
Series: ---
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
How Received: public library

Benevolence is not your typical princess and Princess Ben is certainly not your typical fairy tale. With her parents lost to unknown assassins, Princess Ben ends up under the thumb of the conniving Queen Sophia, who is intent on marrying her off to the first available "specimen of imbecilic manhood." Starved and miserable, locked in the castle's highest tower, Ben stumbles upon a mysterious enchanted room. So begins her secret education in the magical arts: mastering an obstinate flying broomstick, furtively emptying the castle pantries, setting her hair on fire... But Ben's private adventures are soon overwhelmed by a mortal threat facing the castle and indeed the entire country. Can Princess Ben save her kingdom from annihilation and herself from permanent enslavement?

I liked it. But... that was it.

I mean, Princess Ben as a character was amazing. I could get into her brain, understand her, and then when she reflected on how selfish she was originally, I completely agreed - at that point in the story. She was a fun character to read about.

But all the plots just seemed... smooshed together. The love plot line came together super abruptly; the magic plot line started and stopped and started again; the dragon wasn't real at all! and then it suddenly was...

The principal was good, but I wish she had dropped some of the plot lines, or expanded on them - made it into a trilogy, maybe?

Overall Rating & Final Thoughts: 6/10. Good characters, but smooshed together.
Cover Thoughts: They chose the perfect model.

Happy reading!

Friday Fronts - Bloody Jack

That's the new paperback cover for Bloody Jack.

I'm the first to admit; I'm not the biggest fan of the old covers. (The old Bloody Jack cover is over there. >) But they're classic - beautifully painted covers that captured the book perfectly. This... the girl reminds me of Jacky a little, but Jacky - in the first book - is, what, ten? And she starts off hiding her identity, and had much more tomboyish features? AND WHY IS HER HAIR IN HER FACE?!

The Curse of the Blue Tattoo one isn't so bad; I don't think Jacky would wear that outfit (well, in that book), but at least they kind of captured her personality. AND got the tattoo right.



What say you, fellow cover whores?

Team Puck For The Win (Version 2)

As you guys may have noticed from my numerous tweets, button, Twitter layout, and blog post...

... I'm Team Puck.

And here are the TOP TEN REASONS I love Puck. Done nicely and quickly in my second ever vlog. (As you can see, he's the ONLY reason I would vlog multiple times, especially with my lisp. And I actually look good this time!)



I apologize. I'm abusing my newfound vlog power.

BUT. The other reasons I am posting is to:
1) Rebute a false claim made by Team Ash.
2) Post quotes from other Team Puck members.
3) Apologize for my referring to Ash as the fairy Edward Cullen. _{I'm not sorry.}

1. Just because Puck had 'plenty of time to reveal his emotions' doesn't mean he was actually able to.
Oh, Team Ash. Did you REALLY have to go so low as to using that as an excuse? But let me explain.

Puck is, first of all, a two hundred-odd year old fairy. He knows better than to fall for a human girl. (Well. Human/fairy.) And yet he fall for he does, despite orders from Oberon to make it so she'll never know about fairy life.

And as she never shows an interest in him, he does his best to protect her, from the school bullies, from cruel friends - and once she finds out about the NeverNever and the Faery world, he does his best to prove that he cares about her all while protecting her and trying to do what she wants.

And we're going to ignore the fact that 'plenty of time' meant 'while Meghan was growing up'. She's, what, sixteen? I know most people don't start dating - like, really dating - around here until fifteen, and if Meghan was interested in other guys, he would do the good thing and try to help and or protect her.

So you can squash that theory.

2. I'm not the only one that loves Puck!
"I always pick the poor looked over, yet sexy and loyal best friend!!!" - Angel

"Puck is schmexy and loyal..." - Kate

"I always fall for the sarcastic one. Maybe that's cause I'm sarcastic too?" - Katie

"As a mom, I'd rather my daughter (who loves this book), be into a guy like Puck, than a guy like Ash. So... PUCK ALL THE WAY!!" - Joy P.

"He really loves her--his love is based on YEARS of closeness and commitment, whereas Ash just met her! No--Puck = TRUE love." - Beth

"He has always been there for her even when she chooses Ash." - Raelena

"Why I love Puck: he kicks so much ass in such a short time which proves him quite efficient. He perks up every scene while Ash just chokes down his antidepressants. He knows Meghan better than anyone else, possibly even herself, and loves her for everything." - lolshelver

"He's so sweet and caring." - Okapi

"I'm Team Puck since he's so nice, and always understands her feelings. He's such a sweet person to Meghan too." - Sonia

"Puck is just plain awesome! What more can I say?" - Stamanah

"I am team Puck because he's fun, caring and love the way he plays tricks on people!" - van_pham

"I'm Team Puck because he cares & fun." - Anonymous

3. I referred to Ash as the Edward Cullen of fairies.
And it's kind of true. They're both depressive, they're both cold, they both have a majority of the fan girls following them, they're both up against somebody funnier than them, they're both sparkly. (Well, maybe not Ash; it's just the fairy thing.)

But Ash is a MUCH better character than Edward Cullen. So I apologize. (The similarities still stand, Team Dark Brooding Cold and Dangerous.)



As everybody might have noticed, Team Puck is up against INCREDIBLE odds. (He's the underdog; one of the reasons I love him!) There are quite a few Team Ash people, which is to be expected - when a main character falls for somebody, most of the fangirly population falls for them.

But Team Puck still has hope.

Don't forget to head on over to THIS POST and ENTER.

Waiting on Wednesday: My Soul To Keep

Because we all have something we're waiting for.

My Soul To Keep by Rachel Vincent
Kaylee has one addiction: her very hot, very popular boyfriend, Nash. A banshee like Kaylee, Nash understands her like no one else. Nothing can come between them.

Until something does.

Demon’s breath. No, not the toothpaste-challenged kind. The Netherworld kind. The kind that really can kill you. Somehow, the super-addictive substance has made its way to the human world. But how? Kaylee and Nash have to cut off the source and protect their friends—one of whom is already hooked.

And when the epidemic hits too close to home, Kaylee will have to risk everything to save those she loves.

Series: Soul Screamers (#3)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: June 01 2010

I read the first Soul Screamers novel and loved it and have the second one sitting in my room. (Somewhere.) I know I'm definitley going to want to read this one, despite whatever my opinion will be on the second one.

What about you lovely readers?

In My Mailbox (2)

I have a feeling I'll be doing these every other week for some strange reason, haha. My first one was two weeks ago when I got a crapload of books.

(Oh, and it's hosted by the lovely Kristi.)

From my fairy:
And by 'fairy', I mean, 'my epically awesome book loving friend Kellyn', who went on vacation this past week and knows me better than I know myself. She didn't bring me a book, or a t-shirt. She did one better.




It was my favorite thing I got this week. Also, it was scrumptious.

I checked these out of the library...

The Forest Of Hands And Teeth by Carrie Ryan
Check out my review here.

In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

The Reckoning by Kelly Armstrong
Sequel to The Summoning and The Awakening

My name is Chloe Saunders. I'm fifteen, and I would love to be normal.
But normal is one thing I'm not.

For one thing, I'm having these feelings for a certain antisocial werewolf and his sweet-tempered brother—who just happens to be a sorcerer—but, between you and me, I'm leaning toward the werewolf.

Not normal.

My friends and I are also on the run from an evil corporation that wants to get rid of us—permanently.

Definitely not normal.

And finally, I'm a genetically altered necro-mancer who can raise the dead, rotting corpses and all, without even trying.

As far away from normal as it gets.

I bought these:

Because I NEEDED my own copy.

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
Giveaway going on now.

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny—one she could never have imagined…

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school…or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth—that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face…and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

I literally got these in the mail - thank you, publishers!

Oh, HarperCollins, you treat me so well. I officially declare you my publisher fairy. (Though Egmont and Harlequin Teen also treat me well.) Not only do they please my book love, they please my cover whore love...

Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr
Sequel to Wicked Lovely and Ink Exchange

Seth never expected he would want to settle down with anyone—but that was before Aislinn. She is everything he'd ever dreamed of, and he wants to be with her forever. Forever takes on new meaning, though, when your girlfriend is an immortal faery queen.

Aislinn never expected to rule the very creatures who'd always terrified her—but that was before Keenan. He stole her mortality to make her a monarch, and now she faces challenges and enticements beyond any she'd ever imagined.

In Melissa Marr's third mesmerizing tale of Faerie, Seth and Aislinn struggle to stay true to themselves and each other in a milieu of shadowy rules and shifting allegiances, where old friends become new enemies and one wrong move could plunge the Earth into chaos.

Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr
Sequel to Wicked Lovely, Ink Exchange, and Fragile Eternity
Comes Out Today!

Hunger for nourishment. Hunger for touch. Hunger to belong.

Half-human and half-faery, Ani is driven by her hungers.
Those same appetites also attract powerful enemies and uncertain allies, including Devlin. He was created as an assassin and is brother to the faeries’ coolly logical High Queen and to her chaotic twin, the embodiment of War. Devlin wants to keep Ani safe from his sisters, knowing that if he fails, he will be the instrument of Ani’s death.

Ani isn’t one to be guarded while others fight battles for her, though. She has the courage to protect herself and the ability to alter Devlin’s plans—and his life. The two are drawn together, each with reason to fear the other and to fear for one another. But as they grow closer, a larger threat imperils the whole of Faerie. Will saving the faery realm mean losing each other?

The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell
Before Carrie Bradshaw hit the big time in the City, she was a regular girl growing up in the suburbs of Connecticut. How did she turn into one of the most-read social observers of our generation?

The Carrie Diaries opens up in Carrie's senior year of high school. She and her best friends -- Walt, Lali, Maggie, and the Mouse -- are inseparable, amid the sea of Jens, Jocks and Jets. And then Sebastian Kydd comes into the picture. Sebastian is a bad boy-older, intriguing, and unpredictable. Carrie falls into the relationship that she was always supposed to have in high school-until a friend's betrayal makes her question everything. With her high school days coming to a close, Carrie will realize it's finally time to go after everything she ever wanted.

The Pack by L.M. Preston
Comes Out August 2010

Shamira is considered an outcast by most, but little do they know that Shamira is on a mission. Kids on Mars are disappearing, but Shamira decides to use the criminals most unlikely weapons against them, the very kids of which they have captured. In order to succeed, she is forced to trust another, something she is afraid to do. However, Valens, her connection to the underworld of her enemy, proves to be a useful ally. Time is slipping, and so is her control on the power that resides within her. Yet, in order to save her brother's life she is willing to risk it all.

I have the first one in The Hourglass Door series, but haven't read it yet...

The Golden Spiral by Lisa Mangum
His eyes. His touch. His kiss. Dante was unlike anyone Abby had ever met. Now he’s gone, and Abby will do anything to get him back…

The hourglass door has closed behind Dante, sending him back in time to hunt down Zo, Tony, and V. Abby knows that Dante, as a Master of Time, is the only one who can stop them from destroying time itself. She also knows that he will need her help. But almost immediately, things start to change and Abby’s worst fears are realized when Zo begins targeting her past specifically.

With each new change that ripples into her present, Abby’s life continues to spiral out of control. Her relationships with Jason, Natalie, and even her family, are threatened to the breaking point – and beyond. Zo’s power is greater than Abby ever imagined, and as she struggles to free Dante, she receives help from an unexpected – and unlikely – ally.

As Abby’s world fractures around her, she must face a terrible truth: either Dante didn’t make it through the door, or he is lost forever. So with Dante’s blueprints in hand, she begins construction on a new door, a new time machine that will either save Dante – or doom him.

The river of time is running wild, churning up secrets and betrayals, revelations and promises. With each new turn of the river, Abby faces a new challenge. Who can she trust? And how many more changes can she survive?

The bank is eroding, the barriers are thinning. And time is running out.

What did you guys get this (two) week(s)?

Team Puck For The Win

This giveaway is over.

Team Puck For The Win.
Julie Kagawa's book The Iron King has divided it's fanbase up into two teams. (Three, if you are counting Team Grim, who has chosen to take no side.) They are Team Puck and Team Ash.

Ash, of course, is Meghan's main love interest in the story; he is the dark, mysterious Prince who wins her heart at the near expense of her own life. He's nice, I suppose.

And then there is PUCK. Bright, shining Puck, who has been there her entire life, quick with a smile and a joke and willing to do whatever it takes to protect her and make her happy.

Needless to say, I am Team Puck. The Page Turners and I are co-captains for this here team; it's why this post was created, to list the reasons I love Puck and introduce you to a SUPER SPIFFY CONTEST that Julie is having us host. (If you're wondering who the captains of Team Ash are, they're Erica and Gail. But I don't count them. They're delusional.) And as the first and original member of Team Puck, I feel a need to back up my precious prankster. So HERE is why I love Puck.

(Look. A VLOG. Albeit a sucky vlog. That's how much I love Puck.)



But in case you couldn't understand that - damn lisp - or can't access YouTube or believe, like my marine biology teacher, that cameras steal your soul and therefore refuse to have anything to do with them...

I pretty much say the same thing here. Just in better detail. Hehe.

Pardon the UBER LONG LENGTH. (But keep reading. There's a contest at the bottom.)

And these pictures are drawn pictures of the classic Puck.

"Robbie" cares even when nobody else does, even though that was never part of his job.
It's true. He defies orders from his King because he cares about - aka loves - Meghan. How adorable is that!? Love knows no boundaries.

I was always left behind, the backward hick girl nobody wanted to invite.
Except for Robbie, I amended with a small mental shrug. At least Robbie will remember.
- page 16

He gets jealous of a dumb human boy.
We all know that Scott Waldron - who has a tiny role in the first part of the book - is a stupid, typical jock. We all know that he and Meghan won't have a relationship. But Puck doesn't, and gets all jealous. And that is also adorable.

"What?" Robbie's lip curled in a grimace of disgust. "The jockstrap? Why, does he need you to teach him how to read?"
I scowled at him. "Just because he's captain of the football team doesn't mean you can be a jerk. Or are you jealous?"
"Oh, of course, that's it," Robbie said with a sneer. "I've always wanted the IQ of a rock. No, wait. That would be an insult to the rock." He snorted. "I can't believe you're going for the jockstrap. You can do so much better, princess."
......
"He's not going to ask me to the prom. Jeez."
"Right." Robbie sounded unconvinced. "He's not, but you're hoping he will. Admit it. You're drooling over him just like every empty-headed cheerleader on campus."
.....
"It's none of your business, Rob. What do you care, anyway?"
He got very quiet, muttering something unintelligible under his breath. - page 19

He knows when she's upset. And when to hug her. And when to deal with it. And when to let it go. And when to console her. And when... you get it.
Which is a MUST in every boy.

"Sounds good. Might as well go out with a bang."
He cocked his head at me. "You okay, princess?" - page 25

Robbie sighed. Dropping his bag, he sat down and put his arms around me, pulling me to his chest. I sniffled and shed a few tears into his jacket, listening to his heartbeat through his shirt.
.....
"Come on." Robbie stood, pulling me up with him. "You can do this. And I promise, no one will care what happened today. By tomorrow, everyone will have forgotten about it." - page 42/43

He grabbed my shoulders as I screamed and started hitting him, barely conscious of what I was doing. He bore the attack wordlessly, simply holding me in place, until I collapsed against him and buried my head in his chest. And he held me as I sobbed out my fear and anger. - page 60

"Don't worry, though. You have me, remember? When the time comes, we'll find the way home." - page 76

"You all right, princess?" Puck asked, green eyes bright with concern. I staggered forward and threw may arms around him, hugging him tightly,. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close. I felt his warmth and the rapid beat of his heart, his breath against my ear. - page 208

He always tries to protect her, even from the little things.
And he lets her make her own decisions at the same time. Wise is our Puck.

"Don't go." His voice was quiet, serious. Surprised, I looked up at him. The perpetual goofy grin was gone, and his jaw was set. The look in his eyes was almost frightening. "This is bad, I can feel it Jockstrap is up to something - he and his buddies were hanging around the yearbook department for a logn time after he talked to you. I don't like it. Promise me you won't go."
......
"He'll break your heart, princess. Trust me, I've seen enough of his kind to know."
......
"Quit butting in where you're not wanted."
Hurt glimmered briefly, but then it was gone. "Fine, princess." He smirked, holding up his hands. "Don't get your royal pink panties in a twist. Forget I said anything."

And take revenge on her behalf when she cannot, as well.

The nurse snorted. "If the entire cheerleading squad turns into mice, Robin, I will be very upset with you."

"I heard her mom has an unnatural obsession with pigs, if you know what I mean."
The girls broke into a chorus of shocked giggles, and I almost snapped. Robbie, however, tightened his grip and pulled me away. I heard him mutter something under his breath, and felt a shudder go through the air, like thunder with no sound.
Behind us, Angie started to scream.
.....
But for a split second, I saw Angie covering her nose with her hands, and her screams were sounding more and more like the squeals of a pig. - page 43/44

He tells her the truth about everything - the Faery world, who he is, Ethan, and the dangers that lie ahead...

"Shit," I whispered, falling back against the wall. I stared at Robbie with new eyes. "Robbie Goodfellow. Robin... you're Robin Goodfellow."
Robbie grinned. "Call me Puck." - page 63

"Are you trying to scare me?"
"Yes," Robbie replied, unabashed. He paused at Ethan's door, one hand on the knob, and stared at me. "These are the things you're going to face, princess. I'm giving you fair warning now. Still think you want to go? My previous offer still stands." - page 67/68

He's sexy.

He had changed. Hunter-green pants and a thick brown hoodie replaced his jeans and ratty T-shirt. I couldn't see his feet very well in the mist, but it looked like he'd traded sneakers for soft leather boots. His face was leaner, harsher, with sharp angles and pointed features. Combined with his bright auburn hair and green eyes, he reminded me of a grinning fox. - page 73/74

He always tries to protects her, even from the little things. If it means giving up his freedom. For love.

He sighed and dramatically flung his arm over his eyes. "I guess the sacrifice of my dignity is the only thing that will save us now. The things I endure for love. The Fates laugh at my torment." - page 89

See? Love.

I gaped, my mouth dropping open. "Puck?"
The raven looked at me with bright green eyes, cawed softly, and seemed to shrug. I glared back at Oberon. "What are you doing to him?"
"He was commanded never to bring you to our land." Oberon's voice was calm but pitiless. "He was ordered to keep you blind to our ways, our life, our very existence. I punished him for his disobedience. Perhaps I will turn him back in a few centuries, after he has had time to think on his transgressions."
"He was trying to help me!"
Oberon smiled, but it was cold, empty. "We immortals do not think of life in the same way as humans. Puck should have no interest in rescuing a human child, especially if it conflicted with my direct orders. That he caved to your demands suggests he may be spending too much time with mortals, learning their ways and their capricious emotions. It is time to he remember how to be fey." - page 122/123

In the confusion, the bird exploded, changing shape in midair. A body dropped between me and the redcaps, shedding black feathers and giving me a familiar grin.
"Hi, princess. Sorry I'm late. Traffic was a bitch." - page 203

"Excuse me a moment, princess. I have to go play with the puppies."
He stepped toward them, grinning, and the redcaps lunged, brandishing knives and baseball bats...
They continued this deadly dance around the room, Puck leading the redcaps on with taunts, laughter, and cheers. Grumly roared and smashed his fists at the little men scurrying around his feet, but the redcaps were quick, and now wary of to the danger. This didn't stop them from launching an all-out attack on Puck, who danced, dodged, and pirouetted his way around the ogre, almost seeming to enjoy himself. My heart stayed lodged in my throat the whole time; one wrong move, one miscalculation, and Puck would be a bloody smear on the ground." - page 204/205

"You win, princess. Freedom is highly overrated, anyway." - page 210

He's just amazingly entertaining - even while fighting

"Puck, no." I clutched at his sleeve. "Don't fight him. Someone could die."
"Duels to the death tend to end that way." - page 213

"Next time, try a hideout a little more resistant to fire than an ice cave!"
...
"Oh, that looked painful," called another Puck, a little farther down. "We really need to talk about your anger management issues." - page 221

"Brilliant," Puck said. "Can you make him crow like a rooseter, too?"
Ash and I glared at him. He blinked. "What?" - page 264

Did I mention sexy?

"So," he murmured, grinning as he tilted my chin up, "before I march off to battle, how 'bout a kiss for luck?" - page 213

He does what she wants, even when he doesn't want to.

Puck threw up his hands. "Fine, princess. I'll help the son of Mab, eternal enemy of our court. Even though he'll probably stick a sword in my back the second my guard is down." - page 225

He knows he makes mistakes sometimes, and regrets them.

"That..." Puck hesitated, and I could see I'd hit a spore spot. "That was a mistake," he went on in a quiet voice. "I didn't mean for that to happen." - page 232

"Err, how're you feeling, princess?" he asked, lacing both hands behind his head, a sure sign that he was nervous. "Those summerpod fruits sure pack quite a punch, don't they? Hey, at least it wasn't bristlewort. You would've spent the rest of the evening as a hedgehog."
I sighed, knowing that was as close to an apology as I would get. - page 239/240

And he can FIGHT.
There are way too many quotes I can use for this, so I just say GO READ THE FREAKING BOOK. That is all.

And, in my favorite scene - He actually does care about Meghan. He hurts when she chooses Ash over him.

When he straightened, his green eyes blazed with anger. Not directed at Ash, but at me.
"That's what you promised him, princess?" he shouted, throwing up his hands. "That was your bargain? You would offer yourself to the Unseelie Court?" He turned around and punched a tree, sending twigs and icicles to the ground. "Of all the stupid ideas! What is wrong with you?"
I shrank back. This was the first time I had seen him angry. Not just Puck, but Robbie, too. He never got mad, viewing everything as a colossal joke. Now he looked ready to tear my head off.
"We needed help," I said, watching in horror as his eyes glowed and his hair writhed like flames atop his head. "We have to get out of Unseelie territory and into Machina's realm."
"I would have gotten you there!" Puck roared. "Me! You don't need his help! Don't you trust me to keep you safe? I would've given everything for you. Why didn't you think I'd be enough?"
I was struck speechless. Puck sounded hurt, glaring at me like I'd just stabbed in him in the back. - page 248/249

Oh, Puck. *hugs*

And we're left not knowing if he'll live or die.
After he gets shot - oh, my poor Puck! - you don't hear much about him. And that's part of the allure. He's the mystery, not Ash. He must live, or I will cry. (And thanks to one of Julie's spoilers on her blog, I know the answer, but SHH.)

And even the author's descriptions make Puck awesome-er.
In the blog announcing this epic warfare, Julie described both Puck and Ash.

Ash: "Dark, brooding, cold, dangerous."
Puck: "Playful, devilish, sarcastic, mischievous."

Ash doesn't sound like somebody I'd wanna date. Who wants somebody so cold!? Dangerous? Who sounds strangely like the fairy version of Edward Cullen in that summary? (Oh yes, Team Ash, I just went there. Though Ash is much better than Edward can ever be. To be fair, anybody is much better than Edward could ever be.)

[Note] I read Ash's description to my sister and asked who he sounded like. She said Edward Cullen. I read Puck's description and my brother chimed in that he sounded like Dr. House. We all know who wins here.

And Puck is playful. Sarcastic. Devilish. I could have fun with Puck. You can form a relationship with sarcastic remarks and pranks. I've seen it happen. And it's a warm relationship! One with emotions and /not/ a dark, brooding nature.

Of course, Team Ash people are going to flaunt around about how Ash looks like Ben Barnes. This is only slightly true. I imagine Ash much paler. Ben Barnes fits Dimitri from Vampire Academy much better, don't you think?

But see, Puck is an adorable red head. Now, those are hard to find. Rupert Grint just doesn't fit and as much as everybody loves Chuck Norris, he's far too old to play Puck. (Sorry, Chuck. It's true. You can fight and defeat everything but age.) However, the gorgeous Xavier Samuel seems to fit Puck. Look at him! Cheery, would look epic red headed, cute, but with so much more to show...







But wait! I said something about a super spiffy contest, didn't I?

Julie has offered one winner a SIGNED copy of The Iron King! It's an uber epic book, so I would totally be entering to win if I didn't already have a copy of my own. (And it's SIGNED.) And you also get an uberly epic Grimalkin rock! The contest ends on May 3, and it's super easy to enter.

Oh, and one grand prize winner - because each of the blogs mentioned above is running a similar contest - will also win an ARC of The Iron Daughter! How awesome is that!?

Quick Glance
[1] signed copy of The Iron King and a Grimalkin rock up for grabs
[1] winner in the U.S. only
[1] grand prize winner chosen by Julie from all four blogs (here, 2, 3, 4) will win an ARC of The Iron Daughter

How To Win:
[mandatory] comment on this post with your email
[mandatory] comment on this post with what team you're on and why _{Puck FTW.}
[+2] relink this giveaway (include location of link in comment)
[+2] tweet this contest (include location of link in comment)
[+2] follow Julie on Twitter (@Jkagawa)
[+2] follow me on Twitter (@wordforteens)
[+2] follow this blog
[+5] put a Team Ash or Team Puck button up on your blog
(Okay, it counts for Team Ash, too. But you know you don't want it.)

Readers, you can comment on all the blogs (here, 2, 3, 4) for multiple chances to win! In fact, Julie will have links on her blog directing them to all of these. You won't be allowed to win more then one Iron King, though.

Ready? Set? TEAM.

Team Puck consists of the following blogs: WORD for Teens, Page Turners Blog, Alley of Books, Yay Reads, Liyana Land, The Page Flipper, Bookalicious, The Optimistic Pessimist, LOL Shelver, Thinking Beyond The Wall, Through the Haze Reads, Reading Angel, as well as authors Chelsea M. Campbell, Beth Revis, Trish Doller, ...

Legal crap under the cut.

Cross My Heart And Hope To Spy

Cross My Heart And Hope To Spy
Author: Ally Carter
Series: Gallagher Girls (#2)
Publisher: Hyperion
How Received: public library

After staking out, obtaining, and then being forced to give up her first boyfriend, Josh, all Cammie Morgan wants is a peaceful semester. But that's easier said than done when you're a CIA legacy and go to the premier school in the world...for spies.

Cammie may have a genius IQ , but there are still a lot of things she doesn't know. Like, will her ex-boyfriend even remember she exists? And how much trouble is she really in after what happened last semester? And most of all, why is her mother acting so strangely?

Despite Cammie's best intentions to be a normal student, danger seems to follow her. She and her best friends learn that their school is going to play host to some mysterious guests--code name: Blackthorne. Then she's blamed for a security breach that leaves the school's top-secret status at risk.

Soon Cammie and her friends are crawling through walls and surveilling the school to learn the truth about Blackthorne and clear Cammie's name. Even though they have confidence in their spy skills, this time the targets are tougher (and hotter), and the stakes for Cammie's heart--and her beloved school--are higher than ever.

This is just a fun series.

Seriously. I LOVE reading about Cammie's escapades through the school - her thoughts on rappelling, the bra incident (you'll know what I mean if you read it), how she works with her friends to bug rooms - it's just so much fun to read. Cammie is an interesting character, her friends are interesting, and it's believable. Well, ignoring the whole spy thing.

Also - the new boy Zach is much sexier than Josh. Just saying.

It's not a difficult read, or a particularly deep one, but it's great when you just want to sit and read something good. Not moving. Not with characters that you fall in love with. Just an honest, genuinely good book.

Besides, even my sister likes them, and she's super picky on what she reads. (She's already finished the series; I'm behind her! Eek!)

Overall Rating & Final Thoughts: 10/10. Sometimes all a book needs to get a ten is to be good.
Cover Thoughts: I love these covers. That is all.

Top Ten Books Everybody Should Read At Least Once

Random Ramblings is hosting a weekly meme in which they name the Top 10 ___ Books. This week was the Top Ten Books Everybody Should Read At Least Once, and I couldn't help but decide to participate.



Honorary Mention - Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

It didn't make the real list because all book lovers should read this at least once. If you're not a real book lover, just skip straight to the movie - you wouldn't have the energy to sit and read it. (Though it is amazing. It's sequels I haven't really gotten into yet.)

10. - Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

It's my favorite classic out there; I love it even more than Pride & Prejudice - though I do prefer the movie of P&P to the books, where I love the Jane Eyre movie and book equally. Everybody should read at least one fantastic classic in their life, and this is it. (Followed by The Great Gatsby. Hehe.)

09. - The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Keep it green, or there'll be no more Truffula Trees.

08. - Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Just like the one I'm about to mention, there are just some things that people have to be made aware of - and books capture them so brilliantly that you can't help but be moved and be made aware.

07. - Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott

See above comments.

06. - The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

First of all, you need to read these books to function in every day society. (Really. You do.) Secondly, they're fantastically written. Thirdly, everybody needs a little dose of magic in their lives.

05. - The Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld

What happens if we turn into the Rusties and destroy our environment - more than we have - and become obsessed with our looks - more than we are? It's just a fantastic series.

04. - All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot

It's the book that made me remember why I loved animals so much, and re-enforced my belief that they are amazing creatures that need to be treated with more respect.

03. - The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

It's just really good. (Also, I won't link to Suzanne's website, 'cause it's really bad.)

02. - Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison

Everybody needs to read something that'll make them laugh so hard they're crying.

01. - Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer

It's based on history, so you learn a little bit; it's one of the best (and little known; NOBODY seems to have read these!) series ever written; the characters are amazing; it's bound to brighten your day and enforce your love of reading; the reasons are endless.

What are your top ten?

Friday Fronts - Crescendo

Crescendo. The sequel to Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick; a book I have yet to read, but have heard mixed reviews about.

Either way, I would buy them. Or at least posters of them. Why?

They're covers are so bloody beautiful. (Click here for the Hush, Hush cover. It's in amazing quality - aka it's huge.) First off, the rain! So few covers use rain, and those that do sometimes fail epically, but this looks GORGEOUS. And it's simple with the black and white with just the flash of red, not only maintaining this regal look but matching the first one. And the font is amazing. And the lightning is - just - fantasmagorical. Really truly a gorgeous, A+ cover.

Originally seen over at The Compulsive Reader.

I'm sure plenty of you have seen it by now, but still - what do you think?

The Forest Of Hands And Teeth

The Forest Of Hands And Teeth
Author: Carrie Ryan
Series: The Forest Of Hands And Teeth (#1)
Publisher: Random House
How Received: school library

In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

The only reason I read this book in the first place was because I had ten seconds in between classes to decide what book I wanted to check out of the school library, and this was sitting right there, and it had gotten such great reviews...

And it had gotten such great reviews...

And I don't know why...

I'll be the first to admit it: Zombie books aren't my favorite. I love dystopias, and I love the idea of zombies, but reading about them just never really interested me. But this one had gotten fantastic review, so I decided to pick it up.

I'll admit it - Carrie Ryan does a great job at creating a world I'm genuinely interested in. I want to know why this village is in the middle of the forest, how the Unconsecrated became what they were... but the rest of the story didn't interest me.

I couldn't connect to the characters. The closest I got was understanding Mary's need to have her questions answered, but I didn't connect to her in any other way. And the love plot line? "Oh, look, I'm in love with Travis but we have only a little back story and he's kind of irrelevant to my plot line but I'm going to keep mentioning how much I love him despite the fact that I'm not sure if it's real love oh and by the way I love him."

Or maybe the fact that Travis is my brother's name made it awkward. I'll never know.

Also: If Mary had a dog, why were /no/ other animals mentioned throughout the rest of the book? And why were the dogs only mentioned once when she received it? Just wondering.

Overall Rating & Final Thoughts: 6/10. I do want to read the next one - I like the world Ryan has created - but it's nothing special.

Happy reading!

~ Nicole

Waiting on Wednesday: Crossing Over

Because we all have something we're waiting for.

Whether it's a curse, or a blessing, or an ability, the fact remains: whenever Roger is injured or in enough pain he crosses over to the land of the dead. Once there, there are rules: only the newly dead will talk, for example, and nothing will raise the longer dead from their tranquillity.

There are rules in the land of the living as well; rules which would have Roger hanged for witchcraft if he was ever caught. But refusing to cross over isn't an option. His uncle depends on Roger to hide under the table in their fairground act, listen to the recently bereaved asking questions of their dear departed, and then cross over to find the answers. It's a hard way of life, made all the harder as his uncle's fists usually provide the trigger for Roger to cross over.

It's not the only way of life, though, and when Roger sees a chance to escape he fights for it - little knowing that love, loss, shocking revelations and, ultimately, war lie ahead of him.

Just because Roger can cross over into the land of the dead doesn't mean he wants to.

Series: ---
Publisher: Penguin
Release Date: October 14th 2010

I'm not sure which I love more - the plot or the cover.

Voted Top 100 YA List?

So Sharon blogged about this, and I think I need to, too - because I have too many opinions on this (voted) list NOT to speak up, haha.

The original list is over here.

100. Hate List by Jennifer Brown
Haven't read.
99. Abhorsen Trilogy by Garth Nix
I read the first one, and it was good, but I couldn't get into the rest.
98. A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly
Haven't read.
97. Among The Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Haven't read.
96. Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Claus
Good, but not good enough to be on this list, I don't think.
95. Forever by Judy Blume
Haven't read.
94. The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
Haven't read.
93. Tithe by Holly Black
Good, but deserves the place lower on the list.
92. Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott
An amazing book that deserves a much higher spot than this.
91. Wings by Aprillynne Pike
Haven't read. Though it sounds sucky. Sorry.
90. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
Haven't read.
89. Angus, Thongs And Full Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison
Deserves it's spot because it's honest and SO very funny.
88. Marked by PC And Kristin Cast
Nokthxbai.
87. Maximum Ride series by James Patterson
The first ones are EPIC. The later ones, not so much.
86. The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
SO very good; deserves a higher spot.
85. 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
I don't remember much of this book...
84. I Am The Messenger by Markus Zusak
Haven't read.
83. Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
Haven't read.
82. The Mediator series by Meg Cabot
Haven't read.
81. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
Haven't read.
80. Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin
Haven't read.
79. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
After being forced to spent over three months analyzing this, I adore it...
78. Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen
In my TBR list.
77. Evernight by Claudia Gray
Haven't read.
76. If I Stay by Gayle Foreman
It shouldn't be above Living Dead Girl.
75. Life As We Knew It series by Susan Beth Pfeffer
In my TBR pile.
74. Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston
In my TBR pile.
73. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
Right where it should be - on this list.
72. Alana: The First Adventure series by Tamora Pierce
I love Tamora Pierce... but haven't read this series.
71. Stardust by Neil Gaiman
Haven't read.
70. Unwind by Neil Shusterman
In my TBR pile.
69. Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
I remember this. Vaguely. I think.
68. Paper Towns by John Green
Want.
67. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
WANT!
66. A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith
I think I read this freshman year. I don't remember.
65. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
I read this when I was MUCH younger than YA...
64. The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time by Mark Haddon
Haven't read.
63. The Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
It was alright.
62. Blue Bloods series by Melissa De La Cruz
Vampire Academy is better.
61. Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
Haven't read.
60. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
I read it for a project. It was alright.
59. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
Lovely concept.
58. Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
Haven't read.
57. Eragon by Christopher Paoloni
Eragon whines too much.
56. Morganville Vampires series by Rachel Caine
ALWAYS ends on a bloody cliffhanger. But they're alright. VA is better.
55. The Vampire Diaries by LJ Smith
They're good; the original epic vampire series.
54. Fallen by Lauren Kate
Haven't read.
53. The Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Haven't read.
52. The Princess Diaries series by Meg Cabot
My sister loves them.
51. Inkheart series by Cornelia Funke
All booklovers should read these. *love*
50. Number The Stars by Lois Lowry
Haven't read.
49. Lord Of The Flies by William Golding
Haven't read.
48. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Haven't read.
47. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series by Ann Brashares
Concept bores me.
46. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
In my TBR pile.
45. The Summoning series by Kelley Armstrong
Good, but should be lower.
44. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Haven't read.
43. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
AMAZING. Should be MUCH higher on the list.
42. Ender's Game series by Orson Scott Card
Haven't read.
41. Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Haven't read.
40. Wake series by Lisa McMann
Take them at face value; they're not bad.
39. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Haven't read.
38. Are You There Good? It's Me Margaret by Judy Blume
Love.
37. Looking For Alaska by John Green
Haven't read.
36. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Concept love? Haha, I still haven't read it... *guilty*
35. A Great And Terrible Beauty series by Libba Bray
I didn't like them. *shrug*
34. His Dark Materials trilogy by Phillip Pullman
I read the first one three times. I kept blocking it out of my memory.
33. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
LOVE.
32. Romeo And Juliet by William Shakespeare
Two kids fall in love and die. Why does this concept sound familiar?
31. The Dark Divine by Bree Despain
Haven't read.
30. Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr
Good, but shouldn't be so high.
29. Forest of Hands And Teeth by Carrie Ryan
WANT.
28. Holes by Louis Sacher
Good.
27. The Outsiders by SE Hinton
Good.
26. The Catcher In The Rye by JD Salinger
*twitch*
25. The Princess Bride by William Goldman
I have the DVD out right now...
24. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
I prefer Wintergirls.
23. The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank
Duh.
22.Uglies series by Scott Westerfield
SOMUCHLOVE.
21. Beautiful Creatures by Margaret Stohl and Kami Garcia
Haven't read.
20. Poison Study series by Maria V. Snyder
Want.
19. Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Haven't read.
18. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carlson Levine
Love the concept.
17. Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead
LOOOOVE.
16. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Abusive angel? Kthxno.
15. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Haven't read.
14. Anne of Green Gables series by LM Montgomery
Haven't read.
13. The Giver by Lois Lowry
Duh.
12. The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare
I don't really remember the first one...
11. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Love, though not sure if it deserves this high.
10. Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis
I prefer the movies.
9. A Wrinkle In Time series by Madeline L'engle
The books that got me into fantasy.
8. Graceling series by Kristin Cashore
LOVE!
7. Percy Jackson And The Olympians by Rick Riordan
Haven't read.
6. Nick And Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Saw the movie...
5. Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austen
DARCYYYY.
4. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Duh.
3. Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer
*looks at 32* Hmm. This seems strangely familiar... *vomits at position*
2. Harry Potter series by JK Rowling
LOVE.
1. The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins
ALSO LOVE.

At least they got the top two right.

Sea & Heidi R. Kling

BEFORE I FORGOT, I just wanted to draw your attention to this uber epic awesome trailer for Heidi R. Kling's debut novel Sea, which comes out later this year - and which I'm DYING to get my hands on. You can also check out my interview with Heidi here.

Vampire Academy

So I just realized that there are a WHOLE bunch of Vampire Academy fan trailers on YouTube, including this one.

Yeah, I know; I'm slow on the uptake.

But check them out. I don't approve of Megan Fox as Rose at all, but the rest of the casting is pretty good, and some of the other videos kick butt. (Ben Barnes!Dimitri = <3)

The Looking Glass Wars

The Looking Glass Wars
Author: Frank Beddor
Series: The Looking Glass Wars (1)
Publisher: Penguin
How Received: library

The "true story" behind Alice in Wonderland! Princess Alyss Heart is brutally cast out of Wonderland by her vicious Aunt Redd, who beheads Alyss' mother (Off with her head, she cries!) and begins to rule over Wonderland with an iron fist. Alyss escapes from Wonderland and is exiled to another world entirely--Victorian London--where she is adopted into a new family, renamed Alice, and befriended by Lewis Carroll. At age 20 she returns to Wonderland to battle Redd, reclaim the throne, and lead Wonderland into its next golden age of imagination.

There's nothing I can say that Donna at Bites hasn't said.

So I shall send you to her review, and leave it at that.

Overall Rating & Final Comments: 10/10. Brilliant world, wonderful characters, and an amazing interpretation.
Favorite Character?: The Hatter! He's SO awesome.
Alice in Wonderland or The Looking Glass Wars? Read AIW before TLGW, but The Looking Glass Wars takes the cake.

Happy imagining!

~ Nicole