Book Blogger Spotlight: Book Revels

Hi! I'm Ellie and I'm from outside Philly. I'm an aspiring writer and librarian. I like to eat potatoes, swim in the ocean, and take pictures of flowers. I would live in Disney World if I could and I'm pretty much addicted to television.

When and why did you become a book blogger?

I came back from ALA last June with a bunch of ARCs and other books. I'd been considering starting a book blog for a while, and it just seemed like the perfect time to start. The why was easy: I love books. I talk about reading all the time and am constantly trying to convince all of my friends to read my favorites (I've been surprisingly successful!).

How did you come up with the name of your blog?

I got the word "revels" when I read The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There. I loved the word and came up with Book Revels as a blog name!

What is your favorite thing about blogging?

Talking with other bloggers! It was just kind of like, these are my people.

What do you find the hardest about blogging?

The hardest part is trying to form a unique voice. I'm still pretty new, so I'm still working on it. Also, the time commitment. I spend hours writing reviews and posts plus all the time spent reading!

Does your blog participate in any weekly features and if so which is your favorite?

I do Top Ten Tuesday by The Broke and Bookish. I think I ended up sticking with this one because I'm a list-minded person. I make lists for absolutely everything.

What has been your favorite moment since you became a book blogger? Which review, interview or giveaway have you been most proud of?

My favorite moment so far has been joining my book club. We clicked instantly, which was such a relief because none of us had talked in person before and it can be really nerve-racking meeting people you've only known online. Our book club has been a huge success and I love chatting with those girls.

What kind of genres do you enjoy reading and reviewing the most?

YA is my main thing, but I also love fantasy and science fiction.

What is your favorite individual book or series? What makes you love it so much?

Harry Potter. No question. It's my lifelong love. Other series favorites include Divergent, Percy Jackson, and The Hunger Games.

Who is your favorite fictional male character, why and from what book or series are they from?

My favorite fictional male character is Eugenides from The Queen's Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner. Besides the series being one of the best written fantasy I've read, Eugenides is the most complex character ever.

Who is your favorite fictional female character, why and from what book or series are they from?

My favorite fictional female character…I have so many! I guess I'll choose Sophie from Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones. Sophie is stubborn and kind and the best sort of heroine.

Who are your favorite three authors and why?

Diana Wynne Jones is my favorite author of all time because I've fallen in love with every single one of her books and characters. She writes so cleverly and perfectly and creates unique fantasy worlds in every book.

Sarah Dessen's books teach me about life…and about cute boys.

I've actually only read Pride and Prejudice, but I still consider Jane Austen to be one of my favorite authors because of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth's love story.

If you could turn one book or series into films, what would you pick and who would you cast as the main characters?

I would have to pick The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen. I would cast Caroline Accola as Macy, mainly because she's awesome on The Vampire Diaries and I think it would be interesting to see her play a more reserved character. Wes is so much harder…I don't think there's any actor who can match the perfection of Wes in my head.

What books are you most looking forward to in 2013?

Divergent #3 is the big one, but also The House of Hades, The Dream Thieves, The Bitter Kingdom, Requiem, Siege and Storm…so many series! 

Paper books or ebooks?

Paper definitely. I have a Kindle, but nothing compares to holding a book and turning actual pages.

Where is your favorite place to read?

The beach. I could spend hours just lying in the sun on the sand with a good book.

Milk chocolate, white chocolate or dark chocolate?

White chocolate 4eva!

Coffee, hot tea or hot chocolate?

Always hot chocolate. I can't refuse anything chocolate.

Would you like to give any other details about yourself? How can others find you around the web? Such as Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, etc...

Blog: http://bookrevels.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bookrevels
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/elliefitzgerald
Tumblr: http://bookrevels.tumblr.com
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/elliefitzgerald

Review: The Host

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, didn't expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

As Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she's never met.

Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love.

Title: The Host
Author: Stephenie Meyer | Goodreads | Website
Publication Date: January 01 2009
Publisher: Back Bay Books
ISBN: 0316128651
Length: 567 Pages
Add it to your TBR Pile: Goodreads
Buy It: Amazon US / Amazon UK

Source: Purchased (Kindle Edition)
Cover Love: Interesting, but I think I like the movie tie-in cover a little better.
Point of View: 1st person, following Wanderer (Wanda) and Melanie

My Rating: 5 Stars

I would like to start off with with the obvious.  Yes this book was written by Stephanie Meyer, yes she is the author of the Twilight series... just a few little books about a human and a vampire that you may have heard of before.  Yes I loved the Twilight books when I read them.  Yes I have read much better books since Twilight but that doesn't take away from the fact that Stephanie Meyer, when all is said and done, can write very compelling characters.  It seems that every single review for The Host mentions Twilight and I can't see why.  People either loved them or hated them but I want to make sure before I start my review that you put aside your feelings for Twilight and your feelings for Meyer as an author.  Don't pre-judge this novel based on the feelings you have for her other work, either good or bad.

“You never know how much time you'll have.”

Because honestly, The Host deserves better than the preconceived notions that some people have about it.  A see so many reviewers who say they won't read it and it makes me sad.  This was an amazingly good story with some of the most loveable and real characters.  A few of my friends had previously read it and I was just holding out until closer to the adapted film's release for me to start it.  My only regret is that I didn't read it sooner.  It really is something special.

“And he was my friend. Not that he wouldn't kill me if things turned out that way, but he wouldn't like doing it. With humans, what more could you ask for a friend?”

The uniqueness behind the plot is what I immediately became fascinated with.  The idea that these aliens, or rather Souls, are implanted into human bodies... they then control the body as their own however they retain the memories of the Host.  When Wanderer was implanted into Melanie it was because she was deemed to be strong enough to handle the memories and resistance that they believed would be forced upon the new Soul.  They, the Seekers, wanted answers.  Their job is to track down the pockets of humans who are still out there, refusing to give themselves over.  And so, we meet our characters....

“You are the noblest, purest creature I've ever met. The universe will be a darker place without you," he whispered.”

Wanderer is the Soul, later in the story she is called Wanda.  You go in with the mindset that you will dislike Wanderer, I mean she is after all a part of the alien race that has all but wiped out humanity on earth.  But you quickly learn that these Souls are gentle and kind.  They have been to many planets before and I am sure they will continue to visit/take over many planets in the future.  But they are not hostile.  They saw what humans were doing to Earth, the wasting of resources, letting their people die in the street when there was so much that could be done to stop it and so much violence.  They never stop to think about the mind they are removing from the body, just that they know they can make it a better place.

“I'd never lived on a planet where such atrocities could happen, even before the souls came. This place was truly the highest and the lowest of all worlds- the most beautiful senses, the most exquisite emotions...the most malevolent desires, the darkest deeds. Perhaps it was meant to be so. Perhaps without the lows, the highs could not be reached.”

Wanderer is implanted into Melanie but she is a fighter.  She refuses to drift off into nothingness like so many other minds.  She starts giving Wanderer her memories, of her brother Jamie and her boyfriend, Jared.  She slowly lets the walls down and when she knows Wanderer is feeling the same emotions toward the people that Melanie loves she talks Wanderer into going to where she believes them to be.  She sets off in search of Jamie and Jared.

“Uncle Jeb," we croaked in surprise. "You found us."

"Well, now," he said, and his gruff voice brought back a hundred memories. "Well, now, here's a pickle.”

Obviously the reunion is not a tender one.  Melanie's eyes are now reflective in light, the sure sign that the body has been invaded by a new Soul.  The Seekers have previously in the past tried to lead a newly inhabited Host back to their group in order to give away their location.  There are not many people who approve of Melanie's Uncle Jeb allowing her to stay in their new home in the caves.

However, slowly people start to realize that Melanie is still there, deep inside Wanda's thoughts.  I know it sounds a lot to wrap your head around but really I was never confused with the dialogue back and forth.  It is very clear when it is Mel speaking or when it is Wanda speaking.  You also never really think of them as one person.  Even though they share the one body there is no doubt ever that there are two separate beings.

“If I was given the choice between having the world back and having you, I wouldn't be able to give you up. Not to save five billion lives.”

The most unique part of this entire story, as if it wasn't unique enough, is the love square.  Yes, you read that correctly... a love square.  Melanie of course loves Jared, and even when Jared finally comes around and believes that Melanie is still alive inside Wanda's head, every time he touches her Wanda feels the heat of it because of the emotions she carries from Melanie.  But Melanie feels jealously toward the act because she thinks Jared should not be touching Wanda like that.  As much as Melanie yearns for Jared, Wanda starts to get close to someone else...

“You don't really feel that way about me you know. It's this body... she's pretty isn't she?”

“She is. Melanie is a very pretty girl. Even beautiful. But pretty as she is, she is a stranger to me. She's not the one I... care about.”

“It's this body.”

“That's not true at all. It's not the face, but the expressions on it. It's not the voice, but what you say. It's not how you look in that body, but the things you do with it. You are beautiful.”

And that would be Ian.  *sigh*  I love Ian.  I love Jared also, don't get me wrong, but Ian was so sweet and gentle with Wanda.  Ian loves Wanda.  Not Melanie.  But nothing of course can come of this because each time they get closer her body reacts so negativity because of Melanie.  So as you can see, a love square. 

The emotions between the characters is amazing and honestly there isn't a single person you don't love.  Even the ones you believe to be villains will have you turned around by the end of the book.  Uncle Jeb is hilarious and Melanie's little brother Jamie... he broke me.  I love him so much and I shed quite a few tears where Jamie was involved.  Love him.

“This place was truly the highest and the lowest of all worlds - the most beautiful senses, the most exquisite emotions.. the most malevolent desires, the darkest deeds. Perhaps it was meant to be so. Perhaps without the lows, the highs could not be reached.”

And even though I don't like spoilers I will just add that you know me and happily ever afters... I crave them!  I was so scared all throughout the book because I didn't see how this would have a happy ending.  But I am glad to report that it does in fact end perfectly.

There is however so much more that Meyer could do with this series.  It has always been rumored that this would be turned into a trilogy but there was never any confirmation... that was until very recently.  I am very happy that Meyer has finally admitted that she is in the process of writing a sequel, The Seeker.  There is no release date as of yet but the fact it is being written is enough for me.  Loved this book and the world it created and I will be very excited to continue in it.

“Happy and sad, elated and miserable, secure and afraid, loved and denied, patient and angry, peaceful and wild, complete and empty...all of it. I would feel everything. It would all be mine.”

MORE QUOTES FROM THE HOST

Swoon Thursday #19

Who doesn't love a good swoon?
The ladies over at YA Bound have created this hot and fun meme!
If you want to join in here's all you need to do.
From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling and your stomach fluttering?

Then pick a smaller portion of your swoon and tweet it, just don't forget to add the #YABOUND Hashtag to your tweet!

My Swoon this week is again dedicated to the one and only Jem (James) Carstairs.  He is one of the most swoonworthy characters I have ever read.  He is so gentle, funny, kind, sweet... oooOOOooohhh I could go on and on.  I love Jem.

Slowly Jem put the violin back into its case and laid the bow beside it.  He straightened and turned to her.  His expression was shy, though his white shirt was soaked through with sweat and the pulse in his neck was pounding.

Tessa was speechless.

"Did you like it?" he said.  "I could have given you... jewelry, but I wanted it to be something that was wholly yours.  That no one else would hear or own.  And I am not good with words, so I wrote how I felt about you in music."  He paused.  "Did you like it?" he said again, and the soft dropping-off of his voice at the end oft he question indicated that he expected to recieve an answer in the negative.

Tessa raised her face so that he could see the tears on it.  "Jem."

He dropped to his knees before her, his face all contrition.  "Ni jue de tong man, qin ai de?"

"No - no," she said, half-crying, half laughing.  "I am not hurt.  Not unhappy.  Not at all."

A smile broke across his face, lighting his eyes with delight.  "Then you did like it."

"It was like I saw your soul in the notes of the music.  And it was beautiful."

What is your swoon worthy moment this week?

Feel free to leave your links below so that I can check them out and if you are a new follower be sure to let me know so that I can come and check out your blog in return!

Waiting on Wednesday #21

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is a perfect way to highlight books that we are waiting patiently to be released... it is also a sure-fire way to watch your TBR pile grow!

Mackenzie “Max” Miller has a problem. Her parents have arrived in town for a surprise visit, and if they see her dyed hair, tattoos, and piercings, they just might disown her. Even worse, they’re expecting to meet a nice, wholesome boyfriend, not a guy named Mace who has a neck tattoo and plays in a band. All her lies are about to come crashing down around her, but then she meets Cade.

Cade moved to Philadelphia to act and to leave his problems behind in Texas. So far though, he’s kept the problems and had very little opportunity to take the stage. When Max approaches him in a coffee shop with a crazy request to pretend to be her boyfriend, he agrees to play the part. But when Cade plays the role a little too well, they’re forced to keep the ruse going. And the more they fake the relationship, the more real it begins to feel.

Expected Publication: June 4 2013
Add it to your TBR Pile: Goodreads

Why am I so eagerly awaiting this release you ask?

I have heard such good things about Losing It and even though I haven't read it yet I am very excited for the release of Faking it.  I am also loving this cover....

What is your Waiting on Wednesday?

Feel free to leave your links below so that I can check them out and if you are a new follower be sure to let me know!

Cover Reveal: Frigid by Jennifer L. Armentrout

For twenty-one-year-old Sydney, being in love with Kyler isn't anything new. They'd been best friends ever since he pushed her down on the playground and she made him eat a mud pie. Somewhere over the years, she fell for him and fell hard. The big problem with that? Kyler puts the 'man' in man-whore. He's never stayed with a girl longer than a few nights, and with it being their last year in college, Syd doesn't want to risk their friendship by declaring her love.

Kyler has always put Syd on a pedestal that was too high for him to reach. To him, she's perfect and she's everything. But the feelings he has for her, he's always hidden away or focused on any other female. After all, Kyler will always be the poor boy from the wrong side of tracks, and Syd will always be the one girl he can never have.

But when they're stranded together at a posh ski resort due to a massive Nor'easter, there's nothing stopping their red-hot feelings for each other from coming to the surface. Can their friendship survive the attraction? Better yet, can they survive at all? Because as the snow falls, someone is stalking them, and this ski trip may be a life-changer in more ways than one.

Add Frigid to your Goodreads TBR

Frigid will be available in digital formats on July 30th 2013   Print release of Frigid will be November 5th 2013

Jennifer L. Armentrout, is a # 1 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author. She lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russel Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Find Jennifer L Armentrout on: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website

Top Ten Tuesday #7

Hosted by Broke and The Bookish

This Week's Topic is:

Top Ten Books I Recommend The Most

Thoughtless ~ Thoughtless Series

There are no words to describe how much I love this series.  I pretty much knew going in that I was going to enjoy it but the amount of love that I ended up having for it, shocked even me.  A large reason for that love can be directed at Kellan Kyle.  Holy swoon alert!  He is simply perfect.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer ~ Mara Dyer Series

This series had me from page one.  The intrigue, mystery, romance... the questions it raises.  We are inside Mara's head and all throughout you are still unsure as to what is real and what isn't.  It is amazing and I am eagerly awaiting the final book in the series later this year.

Obsidian ~ Lux Series

Obsidian was my first Jennifer L. Armentrout book and I fell in love.  I fell in love with her writing, I fell in love Katy and oooOOOooohhh holy alien babies everywhere... I fell in love with Daemon Black.  Jennifer writes good boys!

Hopeless

Colleen Hoover is simply amazing.  I could just leave it at that but it would not be fair to her.  If you haven't read Hopeless then I must ask, why the heck not?  Please move it to the top of your TBR list if you haven't already.  Hopeless is spectacular and filled me with surprise after surprise and left me breathless.

Beautiful Disaster

This book seems to have one of two reactions.  You either love it or you hate it, there really is no in between.  As this is on my list of most recommended then I am sure you can tell that I am in the I LOVE IT camp.  This was one of my favorite books of 2012.

The Sea of Tranquility

This book completely took me by surprise.  I didn't really know what to expect going in and WOW did it blow me away.  It is written in dual POV which I absolutely adore.  The love you have for these characters and the emotions you experience as their story unfolds will leave you in awe.

Easy

Love. Love. Love this book.  Not only do I recommend this book to every single person I know... I would also recommend this book to every single girl who is heading off to college.  The story is both powerful and touching.  Oh and Lucas is quite the swoonworthy guy!

Pushing the Limits ~ Pushing The Limits Series

Man can Katie McGarry write a great story! I was blown away when I read Pushing the Limits and was touched by Noah and Echo's story.  I cried so many tears while reading... yes I do tend to cry quite often when I read but this story really stayed with me.  The second book in the series, Dare You To, is also completely awesome and I was very happy to have received an early copy to read.

Slammed ~ Slammed Series

Another of Colleen Hoover's amazing books.  The second in the series, Point of Retreat is just as good as Slammed if not better.  I loved the story, I loved the characters... I laughed, I cried.  I completely fell in love with every single character in the series.

Wait For You

Even though this is a fairly new book it is already one of my top recommended.  This is another Jennifer L. Armentrout book, although she wrote it under the name J. Lynn.  The story is serious, sweet, sexy and spectacular.  Yes those are a lot of words that begin with the letter S but trust me when I say they are all true.  READ. THIS. BOOK.

So there you go... this weeks Top Ten! What is yours?

Feel free to leave your links below so that I can check them out and if you are a new follower be sure to let me know so that I can come and check out your blog in return!

Review: The Clockwork Princess

If the only way to save the world was to destroy what you loved most, would you do it?

The clock is ticking. Everyone must choose.

Passion. Power. Secrets. Enchantment.

Danger closes in around the Shadowhunters in the final installment of the bestselling Infernal Devices trilogy.

Title: The Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices ~ Book 3)
Author: Cassandra Clare | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website
Publication Date: March 19 2013
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry 
Length: 592 Pages 
Add it to your TBR Pile: Goodreads
Buy It: Amazon US / Amazon UK

Source: Purchased (Kindle Edition)
Cover Love: Jem's cover is still my favorite but this is almost as beautiful.
Point of View: 3rd person, following multiple characters

My Rating: 5 Stars

By the Angel... how am I ever going to write a review that can get across how breathtakingly amazing I found Clockwork Princess to be?  It would be easy for me to simply gush and gush about how great it is and I could find hundreds of quotes and passages that I wanted to share.  But I do not want to spoil a single moment for anybody who plans to read it so I must refrain from going into a lot of detail so that I don't give too much information away.... oooOOOooohhh this is going to be difficult.

“Some secrets, she thought, were better told; some were better left the burden of the carrier, that they might not cause pain to others.”

I am a lover of Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instrument series but for whatever reason I wanted to hold off on starting The Infernal Devices until closer to The Clockwork Princess' release.  I am so very glad that I did this.  Not because I think those that did not wait will have loved this final instalment any less but for me it was all brand new and the feelings that I experienced during The Clockwork Angel and Prince were still very much at the surface.  I think this helped to enhance the emotions I was going through.

Tessa craned her head back to look at Will.

“You know that 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 net drawing tight 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.”

And man were there some emotions...  I laughed, cried, cheered, yelled, gasped and bawled my eyes out like a little baby.  I found myself in bed reading at 1:30am, ignoring the fact I had work the next morning, then I had to move back down to the living room because I was crying so hard.  I was up until 3:00am finishing, dead tired at work the next day, and I regret nothing.  I loved every single minuscule moment of The Clockwork Princess and the ending... *sigh*  The ending was beyond amazing.

“And maybe you should stop pitying yourself,” he said. “Most people are lucky to have even one great love in their life.  You have found two.”

There is no hiding away from the fact that this trilogy has always focused on the love triangle between Tessa, Jem and Will.  There are die hard supporters on Team Will and there are die hard supporters on Team Jem.  I am a proud member of Team Jem, this has not changed and at this stage I could probably even call myself the Team President.  I am head over heels in love with him.  This is not to say that I do not love Will, I do.  But he just doesn't touch my heart the way that Jem does.

“His eyes went soft and silver as she spoke. “Zhe shi jie shang, wo shi zui ai ne de,” he whispered.

She understood it.  In all the world, you are what I love the most.”

This in no way shape or form gives anything away about the book but I repeat that the ending is perfect and I could not have imagined it being any better.  This doesn't mean that as a card carrying Team Jem member that Tessa ends up with Jem.... this also doesn't mean that the Team Will members should be jumping up and down for joy.  I am giving away NOTHING, trust me.  I just think that both camps will be happy with the outcome of the ending and I would be hard pressed to change anything about it.

“If Jem dies, I cannot be with Tessa,” said Will. “Because it will be as if I were waiting for him to die, or took some joy in his death, if it let me have her.  And I will not be that person.  I will not profit from his death.  So he must live.”  He lowered his arm, his sleeve bloody.  “It is the only way any of this can ever mean anything. Otherwise it is only —”

“Pointless, needless suffering and pain?  I don’t suppose it would help if I told you that was the way life is.  The good suffer, the evil flourish, and all that is mortal passes away,” Magnus said.

I am quite sad that this series is over as I have come to love each and every character that graced the pages.  However, as much as I love them all I must give a special shout out to Magnus.  I absolutely loved him in The Mortal Instruments but that love grew ten fold in this series.  I really felt like we learned so much more about the man that Magnus is and the love he has for Tessa, Will and Jem is so very touching to witness.  Really the love he shows to all of the shadowhunters was a joy to read and made me love him even more.  If that was even possible...

“A very magnanimous statement, Gideon,” said Magnus.

“I’m Gabriel.”

Magnus waved a hand. “All Lightwoods look the same to me.”

So... I must end this review here. I do not want to get into specifics or carry on gushing because I am frightened to give away too much of what happens and it would be a shame for a single moment to be ruined for those of you who still have this spectacular book to finish.  I can only beg those of you that haven't read this series to please at least give it chance because it is truly something special.  And if you have started the series and haven't yet picked up The Clockwork Princess then please do not hesitate any longer.  Grab a box of tissues, curl up and enjoy the delightful journey that you are about to go on.

“And now I need you to do for me what I cannot do for myself.  For you to be my eyes when I do not have them.  For you to be my hands when I cannot use my own.  For you to be my heart when mine is done beating.”

...and don't be too sad that the series is over.  We always have The City of Heavenly Fire and The Dark Artifices series to look forward to and who knows who may show up in those...

“Atque in pepetuum, frater, ave atque vale,” he whispered. The words of the poem had never seemed so fitting: Forever and ever, my brother, hail and farewell.”

MORE QUOTES FROM THE CLOCKWORK PRINCESS

Book Blogger Spotlight: Paperback Princess

My name’s Angelica, the data-typer behind Paperback Princess. I’m a Filipina blogger living in Sydney, Australia. I’m no longer “young adult” but love YA books. Whilst my blog is predominantly YA it’s not exclusively so. Thank you Christine for having me at Rainy Day Reads, Blogger Spotlight.

When and why did you become a book blogger?

My blog was born in 2008. Initially it was a personal blog with all things that interested me and all the happenings in my life. However, 3/4 of my posts were all book related so I decided to make it solely a book blog.

How did you come up with the name of your blog?

My husband is really good with names and stuff like that and he thought of Paperback Princess. I thought it was fantastic and all my friends thought it was the perfect name as it suited me, they thought it captured the essence of who I am.

What is your favorite thing about blogging?

Interaction with Authors! To me they're like celebrities so when they reply to my emails and communicate with me I feel so special.

What do you find the hardest about blogging?

Scheduling posts. I just didn't think it'd be that hard to keep up with the demand of posts but it is. You really need to be organized to ensure you have your posts up and also have time for the other activities in your life.

Does your blog participate in any weekly features and if so which is your favorite?

My blog has participated in a few features in the past. I'm still in the process of elimination so you may see a meme added or removed here and there until I find the perfect combination for my blog. However, at the moment, I participate in the following weekly features regularly:

Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish
Feature & Follow Friday hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read
Sunday Post by Kimba the Caffeinated, I also link this post to Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews and In My Mailbox by The Story Siren.

Last but certainly not least is Know Me Better by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. Weekly, Kathy selects 5 questions (taken from Author Interview Questions) that she personally answers. To participate you answer the same 5 questions on the comments section or a blog post.

I think this meme is fantastic because other participating bloggers and your readers can get to know you a bit better through your answers.

Know Me Better and Top Ten Tuesday are currently my two favorites.

What has been your favorite moment since you became a book blogger? Which review, interview or giveaway have you been most proud of?

My most proudest ones are yet to be published but it's my Author Interviews with Isobelle Carmody, Wendy Higgins and Jessica Spotswood.

Ones that have been published are:-

- My first giveaway here, I gave away a signed copy of Passion by Lauren Kate.

- Rhiannon Hart 2 part interview, part 1 and part 2; and her Australia Day Fun Quiz

- Marianne de Pierres Australia Day Fun Quiz and Author Interview

What kind of genres do you enjoy reading and reviewing the most?

Young Adult (YA) but if I was to be specific within the YA genre I love dystopian and paranormal.

What is your favorite individual book or series? What makes you love it so much?

I don’t really do favorites because there are just so many!!! However, if I must choose, my favorite series would have to be the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer and The Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld. My favorite standalone book would have to be On the Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta.

Who is your favorite fictional male character, why and from what book or series are they from?

James from Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater. I just loved his sarcastic remarks and his overall demeanor. I found myself wishing I had a best friend like him. Another favorite is Edward Cullen from Twilight, just because I wish I had a hubby like him LOL

Who is your favorite fictional female character, why and from what book or series are they from?

Tally Youngblood from the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld - I loved her strength, courage dedication and how she didn’t loose her focus.

Libby from The Cat’s Meow by Stacey Kennedy - I loved how she’s so real, funny and sarcastic and I love her “inner bitch”.

Who are your favorite three authors and why?

Maggie Stiefvater ~ I love her poetical writing, she’s got such a way with words!!!

Melina Marchetta ~ Her stories are always multi-dimensional.

JK Rowling ~ For the creative ingenuity that’s Harry Potter.

If you could turn one book or series into films, what would you pick and who would you cast as the main characters?

I don’t really watch much TV/movies so I’m not really in the know when it comes to actors/actresses so I won’t know who to cast, but if I was to choose a book/series to turn into a movie it’d definitely be The Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld. It’s got all the makings of a great movie/series...awesome plot, twists and turns and the concept is fresh.

What books are you most looking forward to in 2013?

Divergent 3 by Veronica Roth
Sever by Lauren De Stefano
Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
Perfect Scoundrels by Ally Carter
Splintered by AG Howard

Paper books or ebooks?

Paperbooks - preferably hard back.

Where is your favorite place to read?

At a quiet secluded beach.

Milk chocolate, white chocolate or dark chocolate?

Milk chocolate

Coffee, hot tea or hot chocolate?

Hot chocolate

Would you like to give any other details about yourself? How can others find you around the web? Such as Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, etc...

Blog: http://princess-paperback.blogspot.com.au
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PBack_Princess
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Paperback.Princess?ref=hl
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/PaperbackPrincess
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/PbackPrincess

I have also recently become the sole organizer of YA Blogosphere, a directory listing for all YA-related blogs, if your interested in listing your blog at YA Blogosphere, pls email me on yablogosphere@gmail.com.

Swoon Thursday #18

Who doesn't love a good swoon?
The ladies over at YA Bound have created this hot and fun meme!
If you want to join in here's all you need to do.
From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling and your stomach fluttering?

Then pick a smaller portion of your swoon and tweet it, just don't forget to add the #YABOUND Hashtag to your tweet!

oooOOOooohhh Jem how I love you.  Don't get me wrong, I like Will but honestly... Jem is just something special.  I have a feeling that The Clockwork Princess is going to break my heart.

“You speak of sacrifice, but it is not my sacrifice I offer.  It is yours I ask of you," he went on.  "I can offer you my life, but it is a short life; I can offer you my heart, though I have no idea how many more beats it shall sustain.  But I love you enough to hope that you will not care that I am being selfish in trying to make the rest of my life - whatever length - happy, by spending it with you.

I want to be married to you, Tessa. I want it more than I have ever wanted anything else in my life."  He looked up at her through the veil of silvery hair that fell over his eyes.  "That is," he said shyly, "if you love me, too.”

What is your swoon worthy moment this week?

Feel free to leave your links below so that I can check them out and if you are a new follower be sure to let me know so that I can come and check out your blog in return!

Waiting on Wednesday #20

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is a perfect way to highlight books that we are waiting patiently to be released... it is also a sure-fire way to watch your TBR pile grow!

Life outside of her house was a new experience for Della Sloane. The dark secrets of her past weren’t something she ever intended to share with anyone. They would never understand. No one would ever get close enough to find out. Besides there was always a chance she’d go crazy sooner than they expected…

Woods Kerrington had never been one to be attracted to fragile females. They seemed like too much work. He wasn’t in it for the work just the pleasure. A night full of naughty fun had been exactly what was on his mind when he’d laid eyes on the hot little number that didn’t know how to pump gas and needed some help.

What he didn’t know was she was as fragile as they came.

The carefree girl who spoke her mind and didn’t care what the world thought of her was more breakable than he could ever imagine…

Expected Publication: April 23 2013
Add it to your TBR Pile: Goodreads

Why am I so eagerly awaiting this release you ask?

I love Abbi Glines.  She has so very quickly moved to the top of my must read author list.  And Woods getting his own story is completely awesome.  I loved him so much in Fallen Too Far and Never Too Far and it will be great to get into his head.  I really like the sound of Della Stone as well, she will be an intriguing character.

What is your Waiting on Wednesday?

Feel free to leave your links below so that I can check them out and if you are a new follower be sure to let me know!

Review: The Clockwork Prince

Love and lies can corrupt even the purest heart...

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, while her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will - the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers to who she is and what she was born to do?

As their search for the truth leads the three friends into peril, Tessa's heart is increasingly torn, especially when one of their own betrays them...

Title: The Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices ~ Book 2)
Author: Cassandra Clare | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website
Publication Date: December 6 2011
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry 
Length: 502 Pages 
Add it to your TBR Pile: Goodreads
Buy It: Amazon US / Amazon UK

Source: Purchased (Kindle Edition)
Cover Love: Love it.  Love Jem.  Absolutely beautiful...
Point of View: 3rd person, following multiple characters 

My Rating: 5 Stars

As much as I truly enjoyed The Clockwork Angel, I can easily say that I absolutely loved The Clockwork Prince.  This book was amazing from start to finish and I managed to read it in one sitting, only pausing long enough to eat a quick dinner.  I could not put it down and now I am so very much looking forward to The Clockwork Princess being released.  The ending is on a bit of a cliffhanger [which Clare is quite known to do] and I am glad I waited to read this series closer to the final book's release date.

“His beauty did not blaze like Will's did in fierce colors and repressed fire, but it had its own muted perfection, the loveliness of snow falling against a silver gray sky.”

You may remember from my review of The Clockwork Angel that I was unsure as to who I wanted Tessa to end up with, Will or Jem.  Nothing has changed in the fact that I have fallen more in love with both of them, each have something different about them that makes them both wonderful.  However I have now made a choice.  Will, I love you... but I love Jem so much more.

“Your place is with me. It always will be.”

Unfortunately I have a feeling that my heart is going to be broken into a million little pieces.  I know Tessa still loves Will, this is obvious so either she could break Jem's heart and go with Will still.  Or, and this would shatter me completely, Jem could die.  Even writing that makes my heart speed up faster and I feel sick to my stomach.  I don't know if I will be able to recover if Cassandra Clare kills Jem.  I will be broken.

But at the end of the day I know that either Will or Jem are going to be broken hearted and either way it is going to be so very sad.  I do really love Will and I can see why Tessa still has feelings for him.  Because in this book we have finally found out why Will always kept people at a distance and why outwardly he appeared to be so mean to them.  Then when he was finally able to open his heart to Tessa, to tell her how he really feels, it all appears to be too late.  The previous damage of being cruel and pushing her away has been done...  Honestly in any other story he would be the most swoonworthy guy and please don't think I don't love him because I do.  It is just for me, next to Jem, he is second best.

“Yes, she doesn't really look like either of us, does she?  Perhaps she's a girl who's fallen madly in love with me and persists in following me wherever I go."

"My talent is shape-shifting, Will, not acting," said Tessa, and at that Jem laughed out loud.”

The story itself has continued on seamlessly from The Clockwork Angel.  The shadowhunters are still trying to locate The Magister and to put a stop to the clockwork army they know he is creating.  This book actually only covers a span of around two to three weeks which when you think about it, a lot happens in that short span of time.  As mentioned above the ending is complete cliffhanger and I sat there for a minute just staring at the final page.  I must say that it was difficult to refrain from starting this series earlier but I am so glad I did. It has been wonderful being able to go right into the next book once I am finished with the one prior.  I am only having to wait a day before Clockwork Princess is due to be released.

“She had never imagined she had the power to make someone else so happy.  And not a magical power, either--a purely human one.”

Tessa continued to impress me, as she did in book one.  There are of course a few times where I questioned her thought process but overall I find her to be a strong character. She is never one to back down from a challenge and she is always putting herself and her ability out there to help when needed, thinking very little of the dangers involved.  She simply wants to help her new found family and however she can do that she does, no questions asked.

“I feel myself dissolving, vanishing into nothingness, for if there is no one in the world who cares for you, do you really exist at all?”

Thankfully we are able to see even more of Magnus Bane. He is such a dynamic character and has been and always will be one of my favorites.  He cares so deeply and wholeheartedly for those he calls his friends.  He puts up a good show of trying to act indifferent but we all know what a softy he is.  He also keeps the laughs coming... 

“Did you just kiss me?" Will inquired. 

Magnus made a slip-second decision. "No." 

"I thought-"

"On occasion the aftereffects of the painkilling spells can result in hallucinations of the most bizarre sort." 

"Oh," Will said. "How peculiar.”

Now, back to Jem (James Carstairs).  Of course you already know I love him but I feel I need to expand just a bit about why that love runs so deep.  Jem is probably the most caring, kind hearted and sweet character I have ever read.   I honestly do not believe there to be a bad bone in his body.  He stands up for his new family, he is devoted, he loves with all his heart, he is a great friend and dear God I really am going to never forgive Cassandra Clare if he ends up with a broken heart or worse... *sigh*

“I know," he said, looking down at himself self-consciously. "I am not-I mean, I look-"

"Beautiful," she said, and she meant it. "You look beautiful, James Carstairs.”

Okay, you probably understand my feelings now.  I love this series, I love this book, I love Tessa, I love Will and I LOVE LOVE LOVE Jem.   Please if you haven’t read this series do not hesitate to start it.  I am on countdown now to The Clockwork Princess and hopefully I will not need too many tissues to dry my tears.  Please let there be a happy ending....

“He dropped his voice, so low that Tessa wasn’t sure if what he said next was real or part of the dream darkness rising to claim her, though she fought against it.

“I’ve never minded it,” he went on.  “Being lost, that is.  I had always thought one could not be truly lost if one knew one’s own heart.  But I fear I may be lost without knowing yours.”  He closed his eyes as if he were bone-weary, and she saw how thin his eyelids were, like parchment paper, and how tired he looked.

“Wo ai ni, Tessa,” he whispered.
“Wo bu xiang shi qu ni.”

She knew, without knowing how she knew, what the words meant.

I love you, Tessa.
And I don’t want to lose you.”

MORE QUOTES FROM THE CLOCKWORK PRINCE

Top Ten Tuesday #6

Hosted by Broke and The Bookish

This Week's Topic is:

Top Ten Books I HAD To Buy...But Are Still Sitting On My Kindle Unread

Taking Chances

*sigh* ... I am dying to read this book.  I always go back to it when I am starting something new.  I see it on my Kindle looking back at me, pleading with me to read it.  But I can never seem to force myself to start it.  Why the reluctance? 

A little birdie has told me it doesn't have a happy ending.  I am a sucker for the happily every after and if the girl doesn't pick the guy I want her to pick then I will be a very unhappy bunny.  Maybe one day I will get the courage...

The Fault in Our Stars

Another that I know has a sad ending so I just can't seem to start it.  Of course I bought it but it just sits there... unread.  If I go into a book I can handle all the angst and heartbreak because I have hope it will end happy.  But it is SO very difficult for me to start a book when I know it will end in tears.

Angelfall

I loved the synopsis of this book.  I saw it on sale at Amazon and had to grab it.  I had every intention to start it right away but for whatever reason I didn't.  And now it just keeps getting pushed back...

From Notting Hill to New York... Actually

I absolutely loved From Nothing Hill with Love... Actually.  I was so excited when there was a second book coming out.  I pre-ordered it and then... I never read it.  I don't know why.  I loved the first one and it was such a happy ending.  Maybe deep down I just don't want to see the characters go through heartbreak.  Although I'm sure it will still be a happily ever after.

The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden

With this book I think I have held off just because I know it has a cliffhanger.  Book two will be out later this year so I know I will be reading it closer to that release.  But I know I will really enjoy it because I love Jessica Sorensen.

The Assassin's Curse

 Love the synopsis of this book.  Bought it as soon as I read the blurb and then.... nothing.  Again, I am unsure as to why I haven't started it.  Too many books keep getting released that I just can't wait to start.

Defiance

 This falls under me being a cover whore.  I fell in love with this cover!  I didn't even have to read the synopsis before I knew I wanted to buy it.  Sadly... it is still unread.

Born Wicked

Again, loved the cover, love witches... knew I had to read it.  I will admit I didn't immediately buy it because it was far too expensive at first.  I have a problem with Kindle versions being more than the paper versions.  But then I saw it on sale one day and swooped in to get it.  Just haven't started it...

Gravity

 Love. Love. Love the sound of this!  I wasn't sure about the whole alien thing but then I fell in love with the Lux series so I knew I wanted to give it a go.  The beautiful cover helps.... now I just need to rad it.

Seduction and Snacks

 I have heard so many great thing about this series.  I know it is going to be hilarious.  I think I have held off because I want to use it as a rebound book.  Maybe I can find the courage to start Taking Chances or The Fault in Our Stars and read this after?  Now that is an idea...

  So there you go... this weeks Top Ten! What is yours?

Feel free to leave your links below so that I can check them out and if you are a new follower be sure to let me know so that I can come and check out your blog in return!