Owl Crate & Everland Review

I just wanted to take a moment to tell you lovely readers about a great bookish subscription service called OwlCrate. For those of you who have not heard of this service, its $29.99 + S&H. Thing is is you use this special code NEWMEMBER you'll be able to knock off a bit of cash. Every month there is a different theme in each box you can expect:

• Hardcover book 
• 3-5 quality bookish items.

This months OwlCrate theme is Steam Punk and out of the 3 months of using this service I have to tell you that this box is my favorite and I had use for each and every item in this box. As for the book, it was called Everland by Wendy Spinale. So here's what I got:

I wish I got a better shot of that ring but its really cute, it based of The Infernal Devices. It was designed by Sparks Emporium.

Then there's the Skeleton Key by Crystal Compass Designs. Soon as I saw that necklace I put it on straight away. It has a long chain and its super cute and I loved it.

The other key item, is from Elope. It's labeled Metal Accessories, its a broach or pin. I'm thinking I might put it on a hairclip because I don't use pins much but I'm in love with that key and it needs to be used and shown off. The details are incredible.

Some other items that came in the box was the steamp punk inspired nails wraps. I don't use them often and find them pricey in general and was glad to have gotten them in this box. Also there is like 2 weeks worth of nail wraps, so basically when I instantly ruin on while putting on or so I can go for the back ups which is handy. Also there is a link to how to put them on so that's helpful.

Temporary Flash Tattoos based off the book was also included in the box in the shapes of Cogs, Wings and such. So cute.

The last bookish item recieved was the Art Print by Creative Daffodil Studios as a tribute to J.M. Barrie. Its a Peter Pan inspired print.

Continue reading to see the review to this fantastic book I received in this book.

Anyways should any of you decide to subscribe please use this referral link I'd appreciate it! Referral Link Click Here

Everland by Wendy Spinale

Genre: Fantasy, Retelling, SteamPunk, Romance, Young Adult, Fairy Tales, Historical Fiction, Dystopia

Goodreads: Click

Purchase Link: Amazon | B&N

Pages: 320

Published May 10th 2016 by Scholastic Press

London has been destroyed in a blitz of bombs and disease. The only ones who have survived are children, among them Gwen Darling and her siblings, Joanna and Mikey. They spend their nights scavenging and their days avoiding the ruthless Marauders -- the German army led by Captain Hanz Otto Oswald Kretschmer.

Unsure if the virus has spread past England's borders but desperate to leave, Captain Hook hunts for a cure, which he thinks can be found in one of the survivors. He and his Marauders stalk the streets snatching children for experimentation. None ever return. Until the day they grab Joanna. As Gwen sets out to save her, she meets a daredevil boy named Pete. Pete offers the assistance of his gang of Lost Boys and the fierce sharpshooter Bella, who have all been living in a city hidden underground. But in a place where help has a steep price and every promise is bound by blood, it will cost Gwen. And are she, Pete, the Lost Boys, and Bella enough to outsmart Captain Hook?

Last night I refused to go to sleep until I had finished this book. It was that good.

I loved this book it was so imaginative, fun, and enjoyable. I loved when I can come across retelling, even better if its steampunk another genre I don't really come across. When I do I'm never disappointed. I loved this book. There is so much to love, the characters, the fact that you'll get different point of views from multiple characters including Hook. I thought this was a really great reimagining of a classic. There was plenty of action going on from the very start to draw the readers in. I want write more about this book on why I loved it to much but you should see for your self. Bump it to the top of your TBR list you'll be happy you did.

Review: Lumière

Lumière by Jacqueline Garlick 

(The Illumination Paradox #1)
Publication date: December 12th 2013
Genres: Steampunk, Young Adult

Goodreads: Click

Purchase: Amazon | B&N

Synopsis:

Even in a land of eternal twilight, secrets can’t stay hidden forever.

Seventeen-year-old Eyelet Elsworth is no stranger to living in the dark. She’s hidden her secret affliction all of her life—a life that would be in danger if superstitious townspeople ever guessed the truth. After her mother is accused and executed for a crime that she didn’t commit, the now-orphaned Eyelet has no choice but to track down the machine—her last hope for a cure. But Eyelet’s late father’s most prized invention, the Illuminator, has been missing since the day of the mysterious flash—a day that saw the sun wiped out over Brethren forever.

Alone and on the run, she finds the Illuminator—only to witness a young man hauling it away. Determined to follow the thief and recover the machine, she ventures into the deepest, darkest, most dangerous part of her twisted world.

Review:

This was one of those books where I had no clue what the book was about but just went off the cover of the book. Based off the cover it was easy to make assumptions on how the book like being a book based on the past which normally I don't lean towards reading. I just thought that the cover was pretty and eye catching that I knew I had to see what this book was about.

On the to the content. Now that was no way to end the book. There is so much to love about the book, so much going on that there was never a dull moment.The one thing that I didn't like about the book was Eyelets character, she was rather annoying, nosy, and immature for the first half of the book and became bearable later on. Over time through the book I found myself hooked wanting to know what would happen next. Overall it was a pretty great book and I look forwards to seeing more in the next book.

Author Bio:

I'm Jacqueline Garlick, author of young adult and new adult fiction. I love strong heroines, despise whiny sidekicks, and adore a good story about a triumphant underdog. (Don't you?)
I love to read, write, paint (walls and paper). I have a love/hate relationship with chocolate, grammar, and technology and would rather hang out with a dog, than a cat. I prefer creating things to cleaning things, and believe laughter is a one-stop-shop solution to all that ails you. You will always find a purple wall (or two) in my house (currently in my writing room), and there may or may not be a hidden passageway that leads to a mystery room. (Okay, so you won't find a hidden passageway, but a girl can dream, can't she?) Oh, and tea. There will always be tea.

My writing style has been described as edgy and rule-breaking, and by some--a touch Tim Burton-esque. Because of this, I am often referred to as the Quentin Tarantino of YA among writing friends.

In my former life, I was a teacher (both grade school and college-don't ask), but more recently I've been a graduate of Ellen Hopkin's Nevada Mentor Program and a student of James Scott Bell, Christopher Vogler and Don Maass. An excerpt from Lumière earned me the 2012 Don Maass Break Out Novel Intensive Scholarship.

Lumière--A Romantic Steampunk Fantasy--my debut novel, is the recipient of an indieBRAG Medallion!!! B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree October 15, 2014) I am so proud! (LUMIERE by Jacqueline E. Garlick is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!) Book II of the ILLUMINATION PARADOX SERIES, is out January 26th, now on pre-order.

Also, check out my young adult contemporary romantic/mystery serial, IF ONLY, where reluctant telepathic sleuth Kyla Cooper must embrace her powers and risks all to solve the mystery of what happened to her boyfriend Denver Munro, becoming his voice of truth, before he has no voice at all...

I love hearing from READERS! Please contact me, either at my Website, or catch up with me on twitter @garlick books, or on facebook.

I'm open to reviews and interview, requests for skype visits, guest blogs, pod casts and book club meetings! I LOVE TO HEAR FROM READERS!

You can also find me here: 

Pinterest | Goodreads | Blog

Masque of the Red Death

"Just because you don't want to see something doesn't mean that it will go away. Do you think Inhumanity doesn't exist if you pretend not to see it? or maybe get too drunk to understand? We've forgotten the things that make life worthwhile."

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin
Stars: 4 of 5
Format: Hardcover
Genre: YA Fiction, Steampunk, Romance, Post Apocalyptic, Fantasy
Pages: 319

Summary:

A plague has wiped out most of the population and whats left of the cities is in ruins with death all around.

Araby Worth is one of the few survivors of the plague and finds her time spent either n the safety of her home or out at The Debauchery club with her best friend. In this club she finds that she is drawn to the bounce or the club, Will, and to Elliot an aristocrat out to save what is left of his town. Rebel groups start to form over who will save everything and a new plague is starting to take out what the little people that are left.

My Thoughts:

Lately I've decided that I want to branch out from just reading modern day supernatural YA books and somehow came across this book. I think with all the bok from my goodreads.com page they recommeded this book to me.

I found this book hauntingly beautiful. I was thoroughly hooked to the book that I've managed to read this book in one day. The characters are very likeable and I liked seeing the characters progress and change and learn more about them.

Oh and another thing I noticed the rating for the book is 3 of 5 stars. It's worth 4 or 5. Such a fantastic book don't let the low ratings dissuade you from getting the book. For you Edgar Allen Poe fans you might want to read this.

Scarlet

"I think I realized that I would rather die because I betrayed them, than live because I betrayed you."

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer ( The Lunar Chronicles #2)
Stars: 5 of 5
Format: Hardcover
Genre: Young Adult, fantasy, Dystopia, Fairy Tales, Retelling, Steampunk, Romance
Pages: 464

Summary:

Cinder is locked up with the intention of breaking out, with the help of an inmate she goes on a search for a women who helped her escape. Maybe she can help her know more about herself and how to work with her powers.

Scarlets grandmother is missing and no one wants to help. Everyone knows her grandmother is crazy and she probably just ran away. Scarlet knows theres something wrong when her grandmother just leaves without a trace and not contact her. With the help of a stranger, Scarlet will go find her grandmother but will find herself in trouble.

(Anyone else find this a wee bit creepy?)

My thoughts

Of all the fairy tales Red Riding Hood was my favorite and I love how the author retells these fairy tales in a unique way. I mean I've read many remakes of many fairy tale and none come close to this Lunar Chronicles series. I love that these retelling of fairy tales have a unique twist of dystopian era and Syfi.

When I heard about this book I was a little worried because I cinders story hasn't ended. I thought that this book was just going to be Scarlets view and I was relieved to find that this story goes back and forth between Scarlet and Cinder to know whats going on. I liked how the author made this complex story that someone managed to merge into one another.

I loved how fast paced this book was, loads of action and fighting. Theres almost always something going on. I liked how pushy Scarlet was and how she stood her ground, when she wanted to find her grandmere and no one was doing anything about she did whatever it took to find her grandmere. I wish I could've seen more with the relationship between Wolf and Scarlet though like I got to see with Kai and Cinder.

With this last picture I just wanted to show off my nails, they arent anything special but because I was bored I decided to paint my nails the same color as the cloak and the sparkling silver reminds me of the Lunars. So I painted the tips of my nails the sparkling silver and on one nail painted a crescent  I'm not quite sure if you can see it from that picture tho.

Oh and I wanted to share this with you, I just figured this out its a prequel to Scarlet on Wolf its called The Queens Army.

Clockwork Princess

"'You know what feeling,' She said, 'When you are reading a book, and you know that it is going to be a tragedy; you can feel the cold and darkness coming  see the next drawing close around the characters who live and breathe on the pages. But you are tied to the story as if being dragged behind a carriage, and you cannot let go or turn the course aside.'" 

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
Stars: 5 of 5
Format: Audiobook
Genre: Young Adult, Steampunk, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy
Pages: 568

Summary

Tessa is to be married to Jem but still her heart also goes out to Will no matter how they try to distance themselves. Jem is getting sicker to the point he allows the shadowhunters to continue their search for a cure.

 When the whereabouts of Mortmain still hasn't been found and secrets are getting unsurfaced Charlotte's position as head of the institute is questioned once again. Now there will be a spy who will check on what Charlotte does and any false move can make her lose the institute

This the final book to The Infernal Devices trilogy.

"Life is a book and there are a thousand pages I have not yet read."

My Thoughts

Of all the books in the Infernal Devices I believe this book, Clockwork Princess, is my favorite. Face paced, more trouble and warning there will be a death in some of the characters but I will not say who. Packed full of moments you're going to want to keep a box of tissue near you. I liked each and every person in this book, they are really truly unique characters. I also liked the setup of each couples. I loved that I couldn't guess what happens next because I kept getting surprised, especially at the ending. I'm glad that Mortmain made an appearance, since he didn't make one in the second book but then again there would be something wrong if he did not show. I've been trying to decide who my favorite character is and its hard choice because there is many characters that I like. Of all I think Magnus Bane is the one I keep going to no matter how much I like Will, Tessa, and Jem. This book is a must read.

The ending was strong, heart breaking, bittersweet and altogether a great. I loved it. I want to talk more about it but don't want to give it away.

"It has been the privilege and honor of my life to know you." 

Clockwork Prince Review

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Stars 5 of 5

Format: Audiobook

Genre: Steampunk, Romance, Supernatural, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Urban Fiction

Pages: 498

Summery:

The Magister and Nate managed to escape the clutches of the shadow hunters and now questions are being raised whether or not a Charlotte could manage to institution.  Now on a dead line the shadow hunters must find the where about of the Magister or at least show some progress of finding him or else the clave might allow the option of another to take over. Secrets, betrayals and love will be revealed.

My Thoughts:

My only warning is not to read this book in public, you'll seem bipolar with the who being sad one minuet then bursting out laughing at something that happened in the book. (Don't say I didn't warn you!)

I loved this second book to The Infernal Devices series (Or is it trilogy?). The book went smoothly lots of things going on to keep one interested. The characters are so well developed that its easy to care for all the characters in this book. Tessa is still my favorite characters she strong, independent, and forgiving (Mostly towards Will with his dang mood swings and her brother). I like that when there's a problem she will put herself out there to help others. I can see why others might think that even after all her brother put her through why would she even brother forgiving him and still love him after everything. Its her family member and even when things go wrong she can't help but forgive and still love her brother after everything she went through.The Clockwork Prince is full of deception, angst and suspense to want to you keep going till the end. I want to say the ending was surprising but then again it was kind of predictable to me.

As for the love triangle this book didn't help with who I would choose to have Jem or Will. Jem is still sweet and predictable, meanwhile Will is smart, loves books, his mood swings are explained in this book so it I can see him being nicer in the next book less hot and cold. Who would you go for? Jem or Will?

My only problem with this series is not being able to get the next book quick enough. I've already ordered the next book from my  local library but it'll take some time to get it. Its pretty much high demand and I guess I'll get it when I get it. Hopefully I get is soon or else I will have no choice but to camp out in the local book store and read the book till I'm through.

Clockwork Prince Review and Giveaway!

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Stars: 5 of 5
Format: Audio book and Paperback
Genre: Steampunk, Young Adult, Romance, Historical Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Supernatural
Pages: 476

Summery

After the death of her aunt, Tessa Gray, goes to London to live with her brother Nathaniel.  But little did she know it would dark sisters who would we waiting to keep her until she bends to their will and does what they want. Just when she decides to run off  in comes the Shadowhunters who help save her and let her stay with them. Tessa will learn fairly quickly about a whole new world she never knew of where pretty much everything that goes bump in the night exists. With the help of the shadow hunters Tessa will search for her brother and manage to find new trouble.

My Say

Sometimes authors will get too close to making one series like another, same people different name and place but I didn't see it in this. I almost thought it was going to be like The Mortal Instruments because of the love triangle and characters but then ditched that idea because I noticed how unique these characters were from TMI. I like that Tessa pretty much accepts what is, even when everything may seem far fetched and learns to adapt to any situation. I liked how there was never a dull moment and there was always something new to learn about the characters and something interesting going on. I liked that there was unexpected twists and turns and just when I thought I knew what that going to happen I was completely off. I also love that its in a steam punk kind of setting which lately I've been getting into.

If you love The Mortal Instruments series then you'll love this.  

When it comes to choosing a guy it would be hard. Before I would've said sweet ol' Jem would've been the one I wanted only because it would simple, he's pretty straight out. Then there's Will who is complicated, hot and cold and just plain confusing but the way everything is there must be a reason for the way he acts. Another reason I find it hard to choose it because I've read the second book so I know the reasoning behind Wills actions from what little I can remember from it. I'm pretty sure Id be team Switzerland between these two guys because I don't wanna chose either I like both of them maybe Clockwork Princess will the the tie breaker to help me choose between them.

 

(Can't figure out which trailer I like best)

I mentioned before that I was going to do a giveaway for this book. It's only for US residents (Sorry for those who are outside!) and The only thing about this book is that it has one mark. When I bought it from the store on sale they made a small marker mark on the side, other then that its brand new. Contest Starts 3/22/13 12:00 AM EST

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