http://www.lushbudgetproduction.com/2010/10/contest-beautiful-darkness-and-swag.html
A Beautiful Darkness giveaway by Tales of A Ravenous Reader
http://www.thestorysiren.com/2010/10/nancy-werlin.html
An Extrordinary giveaway by The Story Siren
http://mundiemoms.blogspot.com/2010/09/book-review-giveaway-matched.html
A Matched giveaway by Mundie Moms
http://theundercoverbooklover.blogspot.com/2010/09/hungry-for-harperteen-contest.html
Hunger for Harperteen contest by The Undercover Book Lover
http://missyreadsreviews.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-27th-birthday-celebration.html
In honor of her 27th birthday, Miss Reads Reviews is having a big book giveaway
http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com/2010/09/bloggiversary-game.html
A bloggiversary giveaway by Bibliophilic Book Blog
I'll put up more, when I come across them :P
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Some Contests That would be so awesome to enter :]
Posted by Ming Ming at 5:42 PM 0 comments
Saturday, October 9, 2010
In my Mailbox(2)
I really have to keep these up. I'm a very bad book blogger :[.
Ranger's Apprentice:Book2 The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan
Dark Reflections trilogy by Kai Meyer
Parnomalcy by Kiersten White
Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr
and
Bloodthirsty by Flinn Meaney
I'll probably write a review on all of them except Dark Reflections by Kair Meyer, because it's a trilogy and I'm really lazy :].
I hardly buy books, because my mom doesn't want me to buy anything that isn't having to do with prep for school. *sigh*
These are all from the public library :3
In My Mailbox* is a weekly meme hosted by TheStorySiren
<3 Ming
Posted by Ming Ming at 3:48 PM 0 comments
Friday, October 8, 2010
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa Review
Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: The Iron Fey #1
Publisher: HARLEQUIN TEEN
Where obtained: Library :P
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 had never quite in at school...or at home.
When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan sense that everything she's known is about to change.
But she could never have guessed the truth-that she is the daughter of the 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 want her dead.
I think I was extremely lucky to borrow both the Iron King and the Iron Daughter at the same time. The second book in the series, I will review in another post. First off, I absolutely loved it. I have read many faery books, Wicked Lovely, Tithe, Valiant and a short of satisfying list after those three which I can't recall right now. Julie Kagawa really know how to capture a reader's interest. I found the beginning a bit similar to Carrie Jones's Need. I'm not saying they are the same, but the feeling is sorta similar. When the book first came out, i saw a bunch of blogs with a review on it and even picking Team Puck or Team Ash. I didn't understand until I finally picked up the book. And I just love Ash. Team Ash all the way, not that I don't love Puck though.
The book was many things, gripping, suspenseful and just downright captivating. I liked all the characters mentioned and the faery creatures and the faery world. I think Julie Kagawa really got it all down in her book. Meghan was a good heroine. She could be weak and needing of support at times, but she can be strong and daring at others. I really liked her character. I always enjoy reading books about faeries because after a while all the books come together in my mind and kind of really piece together for me what the faery world is like. And who agrees with me when I say the Iron King's cover is totally delicious to look at.
I'm not going to give anything away to ruin the book for those who haven't read it but this book deserves an overall 9.5/10. I adored it and if I ever get a chance to own my own copies of the series, I'm taking it.
This is a MUST read. You really need to go out and get this book like right away.
<3 Ming
Posted by Ming Ming at 6:43 PM 0 comments
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Book Review: Almost to Die For by Tate Hallaway Review
Author: Tate Hallaway
Series: Vampire Princess of St. Paul #1
Publisher:New American Library
Where obtained: Public Library
On her sixteenth birthday, Anastasija Parker's present winds up being the shock of a lifetime. When her mom referred to her absentee dad as a deadbeat it was actually half true -- he's a vampire. And a king, no less. A king who wants his daughter to assume her rightful position at his side. But, thanks to Ana's mother, the blood of a witch also runs through her veins....
Too bad vampires and witches are mortal enemies.
With her parents gearing up for an all out brawl over her destiny, Ana's about ready to scream. But things get even crazier when a male witch and a brooding bad boy vampire start vying for her affection. Then the barely leashed tension between the vampires and the witches starts to boil over, and Ana has to figure out once and for all if she wants to become heir to her dad's throne. And deciding your eternal destiny is a pretty big deal for a girl who just wants to get through high school.
I think it has become a habit, that once a week a attack the new releases shelf. I admit, that the cover was the first thing to pull me. A girl wth raven dark hair and two different colored eyes. Picking it up I realized this book had both vampires and witches, which are probably my favorite two things to read about. Recently books with the mox of both witches and vampires have come up and I'm most than estatic to read them. Almost to Die For by Tate Hallaway was a really short book for my taste, but she was descriptive and I liked Anastasija Ramses Parker, right away.
But this was one of those books, i had moments, where I wanted her to do this, or to not do that. It was fast read, but it held on tight to my concentration and overall I liked it. Another reason why i picked up the book was because of review on the cover, by Rachel Caine. I love Rachel Caine's Morganville Vampire Series, and since she said a nice thing about Almost to Die For, i just had to pick it up. The book didn't disappoint me.
I give this book a 7/10. It was good and quick read, and i liked the story. If you see it, don't hesitate to pick it up. :]
Ming~<3
Posted by Ming Ming at 3:22 PM 0 comments
Labels: Almost to die for tate hallaway library review witches vampires
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Waiting on Wednesday (2)
Waiting On Wednesday was created by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly post for you to share what upcoming books you can't wait for!
Author:Rachel Vincent
Publisher:Harlequin Teen
YOU WANT MY SOUL AND MY BOYFRIEND?
Trying to work things out with Nash—her maybe boyfriend—is hard enough for Kaylee Cavanaugh. She can’t just pretend nothing happened. But “complicated” doesn’t even begin to describe their relationship when his ex-girlfriend transfers to their school, determined to take Nash back.
See, Sabine isn’t just an ordinary girl. She’s a mara, the living personification of a nightmare. She can read people’s fears—and craft them into nightmares while her victims sleep. Feeding from human fear is how she survives.
And Sabine isn’t above scaring Kaylee and the entire school to death to get whatever—and whoever—she wants.
I DON’T THINK SO
Love the series so far and i was already itching to read this right after i finished My soul to Keep. I adore the story and world Rachel Vincent has created about Banshees :]
My Soul to Steal by Rachel Vincent is coming out on January 1 2011. Stay tuned for it <3
Posted by Ming Ming at 8:20 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Waiting on Wednesday (1)
Waiting On Wednesday was created by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly post for you to share what upcoming books you can't wait for!
Author:Rachel Caine
Series:The Morganville Vampire #9
Publisher:The Penguin Group
The fragile peace between humans and vampires in Morganville is in trouble, and when Claire takes drastic action, she's put under serious pressure to re-establish the barriers that keep the town residents inside, and wipe the memories of those who leave. But working with her half-crazy vampire boss Myrnin means that things don't always turn out as planned ... and as the people of Morganville begin acting strangely, Claire and her friends must solve the mystery and try to put things right. But one by one, her allies are turning on her ... even the ones she trusts most.
I love The Morganville Vampire series. Claire, Shane, Eve and Michael really catch my attention. And who wouldn't love a good vampire book. Can't wait until it's finally here. Must get my hands on it :3
Ghost Town by Rachel Caine comes out in hardcover on the 26th of October 2010.
Posted by Ming Ming at 6:23 PM 0 comments
Book Review: Sapphique by Catherine Fisher Review
Author:Catherine Fisher
Series: Incarceron #2
Publisher: The Penguin Group
Where obtained: BEA (ARC, This review is based on uncorrected text)
In this stunning sequel to the critically acclaimed Incarceron, seventeen-year-old Finn has escaped from the sentinent prison only to find that things Outside are not at all what he expected. Claudia, the daughter of the prison's warden, has declared Finn the lost heir to the throne. But another claimant emerges, and soon, both Finn's and Claudia's very lives hang on Finn convincing the Court of something that even he doesn't fully believe.
Still trapped within Incarceron, Finn's friends Keiro and Attia hunt for the magical glove, which legend says Sapphique used to escape. In order to find it, they must battle the prison itself. Incarceron has built itself a body and it wants to go outside-just like Sapphique, the only prisoner Incarceron ever loved.
I won't lie, Incarceron was extremely hard for me to settle into. Maybe it was because the plot didn't move fast enough for me, or for whatever bizarre reason. So technically, I didn't really finish Incarceron but Sapphique was definitely enough to help me fill up the holes i had from the previous book and surprisingly, I read Sapphique much faster. There was a lot of action. I was really dying to uncover the secrets, especially about Sapphique and his glove. It was confusing at some parts, reading it in the train might of made me lose some of my concentration but I finished :].
It was definitely suprising in some parts and i honestly just wanted to keep reading till the end, which is what I call a good book. If you read Incarceron you know Finn is tormented for leaving Keiro and Attia. His memory is already lost, and the Queen sure doesn't make it easy for either Claudia or Finn. In this book, we get more of a feel on Incarceron's personality and how alive the prison seems. I love all the details, it really helps put a picture in your head and the quotes at the beginning of the chapter are also fun to read.
Overall I rate this book a 8/10. This means it's definitely worth reading and if you read Incarceron, you just can't miss Sapphique when if finally comes out in December, or if you obtained the ARC. Always have fun reading, and read up a storm.
~Ming <3
Posted by Ming Ming at 5:54 PM 0 comments
Monday, September 20, 2010
Book Review: MockingJay by Suzanne Collins Review
Author:Suzanne Collins
Series: The Hunger Games #3
Publisher:Scholastic
How Obtained:Borrowed from school library
"My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead."
Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.
It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans -- except Katniss.
The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay -- no matter what the personal cost.
(Well I have been away for the whole summer :3 and i haven't been keeping with my reading and I feel so bad. So when i got back, I read a few books already. Probably nothing that just recently came out except mockingjay. I know it came out for a while already but I really needed to write a review)
Believe me when I say I loved the Hunger Games. I don't know what got me first. The idea of the hunger games or the future society of Panem thing. Getting through all three books The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay was easy for me. I was so sad when I found out Mockingjay was going to be the last book in the series, but all good things must come to end an end, even if you don't want it to. Anyway, enough of my babbling. Mockingjay certainly tied together the plot and ended it nicely but when reading it, there were some part that just made me grimace. I'm not going to mention any, so I don't ruin it for those who haven't read it. Katniss is one of my favorite characters, she has a fire that noone else possesses and her determination to do things really moved me.
I liked how it ended, with the happy ending an all, but Mockingjay lacked some of the fire that was in the other two books. If you read the first two books in the series, you seriously can't miss out on Mockingjay, though. The last book brought on many feelings. Anger, Sadness, Surprise and more. It was more emotional than the other two and always going to be worth the read. :]
I rate this book a 8.5/10. <3 Loved the series and can't believe it ended. Everyone needs to pick up The Hunger Games to read, because it's worth it ;]
~Ming :P
Posted by Ming Ming at 6:09 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Sorry :3
I haven't posted in a while and I feel so bad. Just to make clear, i wasn't slacking(maybe a teeny bit), i was busy with regents, which are over thankfully and...lets just say it's been real hectic!
My gosh. Well anyway ^-^ I'm telling you guys I'll be back on track very soon. Working on a few book reviews. Yes, even in the choas I read xD
Talk to you guys soon :]
Posted by Ming Ming at 7:46 PM 0 comments
Sunday, June 13, 2010
In My Mailbox(1) My first one!
This is the first IMM, I'm going to do :3 I hope this makes for a really good habit and keeps me organized to a certain extent ^-^
This week:
The Gift by James Patterson & Ned Rust
Captivate by Carrie Jones (You can see my '"blook" bookmark :3)
Firelight by Sophie Jordan (i finished :])
Sapphique by Catherine Fisher
Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
Matched by Ally Condie
There all going to be reviewed, after I'm done ^-^ Can't wait *jumps up and down* I have to read fast, because I'm going away for the summer and hopefully I still can update my blog. I'm stuffing atleast six books into my luggage. I need to read xD haha.
In My Mailbox* is a weekly meme hosted by TheStorySiren
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Book Review: Firelight by Sophie Jordan (currently only out in ARC)
Title:Firelight
Author:Sophie Jordan
Publisher:HarperCollins
ARC :]
Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet of her kind, she nearly pays with her life, only to be spared by a beautiful stranger sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki--a descendant of dragons whose ability to shift into human form is her best defense.
Forced to flee into the mortal world, Jacinda struggles to adapt. The one bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irrestibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away - if it dies she will be left a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.
I know the book is an ARC so I won't give away anything. I absolutely just loved the cover. This is one of those books, that even till the last page, made me thirsting for more. The actual Firelight isn't out yet and I'm already excited for the sequel. If there is one that is :3 I just loved the characters. *sigh* Will. Totally a swoon worthy hottie :]. The book had me captivated from the beginning. This world is different, but just as captivating as vampires. A question popped into my mind. Why hadn't Sophie Jordan wrote YA fiction sooner? This book was yummy, I enjoyed it a lot. The funny thing is I try my best to get away from vampires. Yet I always stumble upon vampire books.(haha vampire book magnet.) I know its a craze and I'm deep within it too :3.
Firelight was definitely different from any dragon stories I read. And plus her characters weren't dragons. They were draki. A whole new race of mythical creatures to dive into. If the ARC was mine, I would totally give it away, as a giveaway for others to read because I bet you would enjoy it just as much as I did.
Firelight deserves overall a 9/10. If you can get a hold it it, read it! I'm going to see if it's possible to get myself, my own copy to keep. Because I have to return the one I read to my school library T_T.
_<3ming br="br">3ming>
Posted by Ming Ming at 4:56 PM 2 comments
Friday, June 11, 2010
My trip to the BEA and mai books :3
First pic:The pile on the left are the books I got from the expo :]
I wanted a few more, but I was a one girl team, while my friend walked around on their own T^T
And the pile on the right are the books I borrowed from the library. Working on reading both piles now :
Second pic:3Waiting for the bus to go. Me all tired out.
Third Pic:Group pic and our stuff
Fourth Pic: Richelle Mead *heart* I'm the only asian girl in the picture 0-03
I admit, it was the first book expo, i ever went to and wow was I amazed. It was so fun meeting authors. I met Richelle Mead and Holly Black. I wish I could've went back Thursday, but sadly, i couldn't. The BEA this year was another reason I decided to start my blog. There are so many books out there I want to read. And I can't wait!
I'm into reading YA fiction, as you can tell. And if any authors want me to read their books, welcome to send me an email :3 It's MingOng94@gmail.com
Posted by Ming Ming at 5:29 PM 0 comments
Labels: BEA books bookexpo javitscenter
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Book Review: Jekel Loves Hyde by Beth Fantaskey Review
Title:Jekel Loves Hyde
Author:Beth Fantaskey
Publisher:Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Borrowed it from library :3
Jill Jekelhas always obeyed her parent's rules-especially the one about never opening the mysterious old box in her father's office. But when her dad is murdered and her college savings disappear, this good girl is tempted to peek inside, because the contents just might be the key to winning a lucrative chemistry scholarship.
To better her odds, Jill enlists the help of gorgeous, brooding Tristen Hyde, who has his own dark secrets locked away. As the team of Jekel and Hyde, they recreate experiments based on the classic novel, hoping not only to win a prize but to save Tristen's sanity. Maybe his life. As things heat up in the lab, though, Jill's accidental taste of a formula unleashes her darkest nature and will compel her to risk everything-even Tristen's love-just for the thrill of being...bad.
I loved the cover. It was really cool. I haven't actually read the classic version of the story, even though I own it :3. but this book really had me captivated. The story was dark, and I liked the hint of chemistry, just because I'm a science nerd. Even though I haven't read the classic, I know Jekyll and Hyde were the same person. But here Beth Fantaskey seperated them. Not into brother and sister, but two families that bloodlines are entertwined. It was an exciting read, and the ending was bittersweet. I enjoyed it <3 I overall give this book a rating of 9/10. I throughly enjoyed it and I hope anyone who picks up the book, does as well. _Ming~<3
Posted by Ming Ming at 9:42 PM 0 comments
Book Review: Witch and Wizard by James Patterson
Witch and Wizard
Author:James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet
Series:Witch and Wizard
Publisher:Little, Brown and Company
Own it :3 From BEA
It's overwhelming. A city's worth of angry faces staring up at me like I'm a wicked criminal. The stadium is filled past capacity. Hundred of thousands of curious, uncaring, or at leats indifferent, faces...
And there are no moist eyes, much less tears.
No words of protest.
No stomping feet.
No fists raised in solidarity.
In fact, as the countdown timer flashes onto the giant video screens, it's looking to be my family's last day.
I see my brother, Whit, wondering if there's some last-minute way out of this. I see my mother crying quietly for Whit and me. I see my father, stopped with resignation, but smiling at me and my brother- trying to remind us that there's no point being miserable in our last moments on this planet.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. There's a lot to cover before we get to the details of our public execution.
So let's go back a bit...
I love James Patterson's books. I read most of the ones he wrote for young adult and they are pretty enjoyable. I'm sure lots of people agree. Witch and Wizard is new. In the sense that, he never wrote about magic like this before and incorporated a lot of imagination. I started out not really understanding, but I caught on quickly. The story starts with a current situation, but the narrators, both the witch, Wisty and wizard, Whit, tell the story from the beginning. It's a easy read, i finished in a few hours. I liked it, short and sweet, the characters were down to earth. And I liked the idea of kids being the saviors to the world. I also found "The One" stuff pretty hilarious.
Overall I give this book and 6.5/10. Its a pretty enjoyable read. Between Witch and Wizard and Maximum Ride. I'll definitely pick Max though, just because I love the flock so darn much ^-^
~Ming_<3 img="img" src="http://i521.photobucket.com/albums/w340/Anime_lvr_forever/ppp.jpg">3>
Posted by Ming Ming at 6:49 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Book Review: My Soul To Keep by Rache Vincent Review
My Soul to Keep
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Soul Screamers (#3)
Publisher: HARLEQUIN TEEN
I have it because I borrowed it from my school library :3
When Kaylee Cavanaugh screams.
Someone dies. And Kaylee is about to scream her head off…
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 Breath. No, not the toothpaste-challenged kind. The Ntherwolr 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 so is someone else…
This is Rachel Vincent’s third book in the “Soul Screamers” series, and she has me hooked, like a caffeine addict to um…well caffeine! Picking up the first book “My Soul to Take” was pure coincidence. I was just walking in the YA section and was picking my weeks’ worth of reading. The first thing that caught my eye was the screaming and death. Banshees. Bean Sidhes. Now this is an otherworld that I never read about before. Now I’m itching for the next one already. Jan 2011 seems so far away right now. The plot is otherworldly but it’s easy to understand and I just love the characters. They are down to earth and you can relate, all except the banshee business though.
My rating is 9.5/10
Definitely worth the read. Pick it up if you see it <3 Enjoy ^-^_Ming
Posted by Ming Ming at 6:22 PM 0 comments
Hullo! :3
So I'm still figuring out, how blogger works, bare with me here :3
I put up a review! LOL that it's just oone, but you get it what I mean right? I'm trying to get more up, but i gotta find the books and get the blurbs and then write a review. I want to make each one special, so I'm not rushing, no matter how much I want to.
I need to really get a book on HTML for dummies. So I'm trying to get everything into links and as you can see, I'm having trouble. I'm so stupid T^T
I'm getting pictures of books and stuff to make my blog look more like, the purpose I made it for.
Stay tuned! <3~
_Ming_
Posted by Ming Ming at 9:02 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Welcome to my blog :3!
Hai! :]
I'm really new at all this blog stuff, but I hope it's easy like everyone says. It may not look it, but I'm using the blog for books. I love to read, it's not a torturous activity, it's fun and I get to escape into a world away from stress. (okay I'm not crazy) Anyway, I've been searching a long time for a blog template, and I guess I might just need to learn how to make one myself. It's going to be a lot of work, but I really want my blog to do well.
Let me tell you a bit about maiself.
My name is Ming Ming but I'm in high school so just call me Ming. :3
I love to read, I'm pretty sure I mentioned that and...I mostly read YA fiction. I'm not into non-fiction, but I'll read it for school. ^-^
I needa find a layout thats not so dark looking. For something personal it's good, but I want everyone to see whats going on and all that stuff.
I'm horrendously new at this, so bare with me here :]
I wanted to make a blod, because my friends call me a book worm. Not that I've read more books than some of the other great, awesome book bloggers out there, but I read more than them.
I got so engrossed in a book once, I almost missed my train stop. (Well...Technically I missed it, and had to get off to get back on the other side T^T)
I read almost everyday xD
~~~~~~
Making this blog was not really out of the blue. I thought A LOT about this, trust me, i know. I wanted to get at least the basis down and then edit like a madman, or in my case madwoman.
I'm sure by this time, you notice, i like to use smilies :P
I want to thank a few people for helping me with my decision.
First off Nicole, from WORDforteens. Her blog is WORDforteens.com (you have to go see it!)
I met her at a book expo and she's really great :] I saw how much fun it was to read her blog, and I'm pretty sure she has fun writing it. (plus, i'm asking her for help when I need it, so she definitely first on my to thank list)
My friends. They didn't go and shout at me to start a blog, but I just love talking about the books after I read them. Sometimes when theres enough time, i basically relay the entire book. Gosh, I feel like a book worm. But reading in a good thing. Improved my vocabulary, tons!
And I thank my mom <3 book="book" br="br" from="from" gene="gene" got="got" her="her" hobby="hobby" i="i" reading="reading" the="the" think="think">
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Anyways xD I'm really looking forward to reviewing books and giving away any books I get to people who want them. I don't own too many, but I'm really hoping that will change.
3>
Posted by Ming Ming at 5:20 PM 0 comments