Spellbound ARC Review

Author: Cara Lynn Shultz

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Release date: July 2011

Life hasn’t been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Conner, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she’s irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight. But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can’t stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma’s been having the oddest dreams. Visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.

I was completely spellbounded by Spellbound. It was one of those really rare books that clicked with me right from the beginning. After having a taste of what the author's voice was like I had a feeling that I was going to love this book. The male lead Brendan is on top of my list for swoon-worthy YA chracters. He has this mix of being perfect and completely normal at the same time. And I really liked Emma who was brave, quirky, and smart throughout the story. Out of all the other books I’ve read in the past about reincarnated star-crossed lovers this one is my favorite. The characters were all intriguing, the plot was fast paced, and the authors voice was truly mesmerizing. I didn't feel like the end of the book was really the end. It didn't feel climatic enough to me. Although most people seem to think this is a stand-alone book I'm more than sure that it isn't. With that said, I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Should you read Spellbound when it comes out in July 2011? I read this book in one sitting, and I have plans to read it a second or third time.This book is a must read!


Buy from: [ Amazon ]

Spellbound ARC Review

Trends In YA

I’m sure most of you have heard of the term “trend” before. The dictionary meaning of trend is “a current style or preference”. In our case it means a certain genre is currently hot in the market.

If I remember correctly first there was the vampire trend, then the angel/demon trend, a faerie trend, and then a dystopian trend.

Lately I’ve seen a new trend of books with characters living in European countries (Scotland, France, and England) rather than the US, Steampunk, and books that involve Gods/Goddesses from Greek myth.

Do NOT write a book if your only reason is to fit the trends. The trend might be really hot at the moment but they can eventually die out. The reality is that by the time you’ve finished writing your book there may be a new one. So my advice to you is to not write for the trends, become a trendsetter. The dictionary meaning of trendsetter is “one that sets a trend”.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Trends can make a comeback.

I know Julie is working on a vampire novel that's been approved to published within the next year or so. And Tahereh is debuting with a dystopian novel this November.

If you are writing a book that is currently trendy the key is to MAKE IT ORIGINAL. Whatever makes your book different from all the others in that genre, make it stand out. So if you find that you are writing a book that was/is trendy remember that uniqueness is a very important factor.

Trends In YA

♪ Music Monday- Favorite Song ♫

This week’s Music Monday is my new favorite song—Love of My Life—by Declan Galbraith. The song was originally sung by Queen. It inspired me to write a little over 3,000 words the other day. This is one of those songs that you never want to stop listening to. In this video Declan is singing live in Germany. Enjoy!

To View Past Music Mondays go here.

Question: If you write while istening to music which song gives you the most inspiration? If you don't like listening to music while you write what is your favorite song in general?

♪ Music Monday- Favorite Song ♫

April Releases in YA

Here are some of the books I’m looking forward to reading this April. Some of these are new series and others are continuous.

Title: Through Her Eyes

Author: Jennifer Archer

Release Date: April 5th 2011

Title: Eona: The Last Dragoneye

Author: Allison Goodman

Release Date: April 19th 2011

Title: Bumped

Author: Megan McCafferty

Release Date: April 26th 2011

Title: Dark Descendant

Author: Jenna Black

Release Date: April 26th 2011



April Releases in YA

APRIL: Sites for Writers

For fantasy writers a great resource would be mythcreatures.co.uk

This website provides great information on creatures you might not have ever heard of. If you’re tired of using the same paranormal critters all the time then this is the site for you.

I also recommend these articles from Victoria Mixon’s website:

5 Ways To Make Your Novel Unforgettable

5 Ways to Make Your Novel Helplessly Addictive


For those of you who have trouble beginning your novel then I suggest these articles from the Writer’s Digest website:

From Idea to Page in 4 Simple Steps

10 Ways to Start Your Story Better


OR if you have trouble finding the right way to end your novel try this article:

Returning Characters to Life

If you are more of a visual person then I suggest you watch these ehow videos on Youtube.

*Look in the suggestions corner and find more videos by Laura Turner.

I also thought these videos by TheRobinRice were extremely helpful so check those out too. :)

How To Write a Blockbuster


Happy Writing,

Ezmirelda


*edit - I found this post on Julie's Website that I thought was really important for every writer to know: How to handle negative comments about your book.

APRIL: Sites for Writers

Die For Me Review

Release Date: May 10th, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Author: Amy Plum

My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything. Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent.

Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal...

The story starts off with Kate and her sister who moved to Paris after the death of her parents. Kate deals with the pain of loosing her parents by keeping to herself while her sister, Georgia, does the opposite. Her sister’s only way of dealing with her parent’s death is by surrounding herself with people and going to parties all the time. Kate becomes a regular at a café where she goes to read and distract herself. There she meets Vincent, a deathly handsome guy who captures her interest almost immediately. As Kate becomes more involved with Vincent and his eerily beautiful family she starts to notice strange things about them.

All in all I really enjoyed reading Die For Me. The first thought I had while reading this was “Finally something new!” I completely loved the whole concept of revenants a.k.a the undead. As for the characters I have to say that I am a big fan of Vincent. His feelings for Kate felt very sincere to me. Kate’s sister Georgia added a less serious tone to the story so I liked her a lot for that. Vincent’s ‘family’ was also pretty cool. I especially liked his brother Ambrose who really lightened up the atmosphere. I liked Kate a lot even though sometimes I couldn’t quite connect with her in the beginning of the book. The plot was paced nicely so I ended up finishing this in one sitting. I highly recommend you read Die For Me. It’s a must read this May!


Buy from: [ Amazon ]

Die For Me Review