tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47440186497027136892024-03-19T00:34:26.917-04:00The AnaRissa ChroniclesWelcome to the AnaRissa Chronicles!AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-2885266098944428872011-02-03T14:48:00.003-05:002011-02-03T14:57:31.954-05:00Haven by Kristi Cook<a href="http://darkfaerietales.com/wp-content/uploads/Haven.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 276px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 420px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://darkfaerietales.com/wp-content/uploads/Haven.jpg" /></a><br /><div><strong>Source: Publisher</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><em>One month into her junior year, sixteen-year-old Violet McKenna transfers to the Winterhaven School in New York’s Hudson Valley, inexplicably drawn to the boarding school with high hopes. Leaving Atlanta behind, she’s looking forward to a fresh start--a new school, and new classmates who will not know her deepest, darkest secret, the one she’s tried to hide all her life: strange, foreboding visions of the future.<br /><br />But Winterhaven has secrets of its own, secrets that run far deeper than Violet’s. Everyone there--every student, every teacher--has psychic abilities, 'gifts and talents,' they like to call them. Once the initial shock of discovery wears off, Violet realizes that the school is a safe haven for people like her. Soon, Violet has a new circle of friends, a new life, and maybe even a boyfriend--Aidan Gray, perhaps the smartest, hottest guy at Winterhaven.<br /><br />Only there’s more to Aidan than meets the eye--much, much more. And once she learns the horrible truth, there’s no turning back from her destiny. Their destiny. Together, Violet and Aidan must face a common enemy--if only they can do so without destroying each other first.</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div>The first thing that popped out to me from this book was the amazing cover it has. It's so mysterious, yet eye-popping and it makes you want to know what this story is about. Also, the books and the butterfly lying on top made me wonder if it had some sort of meaning in the story. Then came the synopsis. Once I read that, I was sure that I was going to love this book, and I did. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Violet transfers to Winterhaven and she feels an urge - she knew it was the right place for her. And later on, she finds out what that urge meant and discovers the real meaning why she came to Winterhaven and who its students are. Then she falls for Aiden and he was always sweet to her and as the book progressed, I kept wondering what is he? I found out later in the book and I was shocked! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So many characters that I thought were good, turned out bad and the ones I thought were on the bad side, were actually on the good side and the ending is the most suprising of all. There was no cliffhanger, but I was suprised of how the story took off there. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Cook has shown her amazing ability to tell a story and I was on the edge of my seat all the time while reading his book. I just couldn't put it down and when I did, I kept thinking of it.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Overall, this was a great read and if you love the paranormal genre, this one does not disappoint and I will be reading more of Kristi Cook's books.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>♥♥♥♥♥</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>-Ana</div>AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-90804694820168960572011-01-30T15:35:00.002-05:002011-01-30T15:43:05.841-05:00A Tale of Two Pretties by Lisi Harrison<a href="http://www.renaud-bray.com/ImagesEditeurs/PG/1126/1126369-gf.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 345px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 430px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.renaud-bray.com/ImagesEditeurs/PG/1126/1126369-gf.jpg" /></a><br /><div><strong>SOURCE: Publisher</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><em>Massie Block has long led the Pretty Committee—through boy drama, clique mutinies, and jealous wannabe attacks—while always in ah-dorable outfits. Over the past thirteen novels, avid fans of Massie, Alicia, Dylan, Kristin, and Claire, have made The Clique one of the premier bestselling series in the world. After the myriad of juicy escapades, the Clique is finally ready for their curtain call.<br /><br />The Clique . . . the only thing harder than getting in is saying goodbye. </em></div><br /><p><em></em></p><br /><p>The final book in the Clique Series. Okay I'll admit, I was never really into this series, but when I saw the movie, I couldn't resist reading the first book, The Clique, but I haven't read any of the other book in the series except the last one now. But even though it was the last one, I didn't feel as though I was lost. Lisi Harrison still writes in a way that continues a series, but the book still feels as though it's a totally new book.</p><br /><p>Massie here is broke and never did I think this would ever happen to her. But that problem totally gets fixed at the end and it's something that's so amazing. Reading about these girls was so much fun since all of them had thier own personalities that made them, them and they made up the clique. </p><br /><p>Now I want to talk about the cover. All of the books in the Clique have had <em>ah-mazing</em> covers and this one did not disappoint. But if you're a big fan of the Clique series, read the final book because Lisi shows herself that not only is she a great writer, but also very talented.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>♥♥♥♥</p><br /><p>-Ana</p><br /><div><em><br /></em></div>AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-65227797384526633452011-01-30T15:25:00.002-05:002011-01-30T15:34:56.684-05:00Kiss Me, Kill Me by Lauren Henderson<a href="http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/files/original/kissme.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 316px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 491px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/files/original/kissme.jpg" /></a><br /><div><strong>Source: Publisher</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><em>When 16-year-old Scarlett Wakefield transfers from St. Tabby’s to Wakefield Hall Collegiate, she is relieved that no one knows her dark, haunting secret. A few months ago, Scarlett was invited to an elite party with a guest list full of the hottest names in British society, including Dan McAndrew. Before the party, Scarlett had only imagined what it would be like to have her first kiss with Dan, but on the penthouse terrace, Dan leaned in close and she no longer had to wonder. Their kiss was beautiful and perfect and magical, and then . . . Dan McAndrew took his last breath as she held him in her arms. No one knows how or why Dan died, and everyone at St. Tabby’s believes Scarlett had something to do with it. But now that she’s safely hidden away at Wakefield Hall, Scarlett would rather forget that it ever happened. Only she can’t. Especially when she receives an anonymous note that will set her on the path to clearing her name and finding out what really happened to the first and last boy she kissed.</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div>The synopsis was the first thing that got me all hyped up for this book. I have been looking forever for a great murder mystery and a british murder mystery was even better! Henderson starts off the book with a great hook and never did I find myself bored with it.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Scarlett kisses the guy she has always wanted to and once she does, he dies right on her arms. The entire book revolves arounf the mystery of how Dan died and Scarlett trying to figure it out herself. All Scarlett wanted was to fit in and when the most popular girl at St. Tabby's, Plum, asks Scarlett to come to a party, she says yes, leaving her friends behind. And after everything happens, and Scarlett has transfered, even her two best friends, Allison and Luce leave her. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I thought the cover of this book was okay. What sort of turned me off was the little spects of hair growing on the guy's chin, but otherwise the book totally makes up for it and I will be reading the sequal, KISSES AND LIES.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Overall, if you're looking for a great murder mystery, read this one!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>♥♥♥♥1/2</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>-Ana</div>AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-10650811611544387422011-01-17T08:26:00.003-05:002011-01-17T08:36:05.145-05:00Trapped by Michael Northrop<a href="http://www.rtbookreviews.com/public/images/trapped.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 500px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.rtbookreviews.com/public/images/trapped.jpg" /></a><br /><div><strong>SOURCE: Publisher</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><em>The day the blizzard started, no one knew that it was going to keep snowing for a week. That for those in its path, it would become not just a matter of keeping warm, but of staying alive....<br /><br />Scotty and his friends Pete and Jason are among the last seven kids at their high school waiting to get picked up that day, and they soon realize that no one is coming for them. Still, it doesn't seem so bad to spend the night at school, especially when distractingly hot Krista and Julie are sleeping just down the hall. But then the power goes out, then the heat. The pipes freeze, and the roof shudders. As the days add up, the snow piles higher, and the empty halls grow colder and darker, the mounting pressure forces a devastating decision.... </em></div><br /><p><em></em></p><br /><p>Imagine looking out your school window and seeing massive amounts of snow piling up. Most people would leave, but Scotty and his friends were trapped.</p><br /><p>All they wanted was to go home and stay warm under the blankets, but that proved wrong as no one came for them and the snow piled so high, they had never seen so much before. At first, they thought it was going to be okay, but as the heater broke and the lights went out, they them realized they wre far from okay. If I were in their situation, who knows what would be going through my mind. I would be scared, especially knowing there is no way out and no one can see me.</p><br /><p>At the beginning the book was a bit slow, but towards the end, it did pick up the pace and kept me waiting what was going to happen to Scotty and his friends. The ending was intense and I read it twice to make sure I hadn't missed anything. </p><br /><p>The cover was one of my favorite things about this book. Just the cover alone lets you know what the book is about. So if snow is on its way and you know you'll be home, pick up this book with some hot chocolate and enjoy! It's the perfect book for a cold snowy day.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>♥♥♥♥</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>-Ana</p><br /><div><em><br /></em></div>AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-30858171308432780492011-01-10T19:17:00.003-05:002011-01-10T19:24:50.309-05:00Warped by Maurissa Guibord<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjCGF8r1VQ6yhOJMlv5Vx9FqdBcaH0b5g1mI7oq4eDa979giloNmxRAVSCQJ_S6mw2ZKR0H0o6GuRq_iido3mQL21kl25saDM01EjVb_sbKqdfO8sSSXoCKmA55RkSHstLwlkcFodPN0/s1600/Warped-MaurissaGuibord.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 314px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 476px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjCGF8r1VQ6yhOJMlv5Vx9FqdBcaH0b5g1mI7oq4eDa979giloNmxRAVSCQJ_S6mw2ZKR0H0o6GuRq_iido3mQL21kl25saDM01EjVb_sbKqdfO8sSSXoCKmA55RkSHstLwlkcFodPN0/s1600/Warped-MaurissaGuibord.jpg" /></a><br /><div><strong>SOURCE: Publisher</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><em>Tessa doesn't believe in magic. Or Fate. But there's something weird about the dusty unicorn tapestry she discovers in a box of old books. She finds the creature woven within it compelling and frightening. After the tapestry comes into her possession, Tessa experiences dreams of the past and scenes from a brutal hunt that she herself participated in. When she accidentally pulls a thread from the tapestry, Tessa releases a terrible centuries old secret. She also meets William de Chaucy, an irresistible 16th-century nobleman. His fate is as inextricably tied to the tapestry as Tessa's own. Together, they must correct the wrongs of the past. But then the Fates step in, making a tangled mess of Tessa's life. Now everyone she loves will be destroyed unless Tessa does their bidding and defeats a cruel and crafty ancient enemy. </em></div><br /><p><em></em></p><br /><p><em></em></p><br /><p>The synopsis for Warped immediatly captured my interest and once I began reading this book, I fell in love. It was written so magically and the plot was so original. Never have I ever read a book about tapestry and magic in it. I loved the time travel, especially when the book went back in time to see Tessa's and Will's story. There's not many YA time travel books out there, but this one really did make me want to search for more.</p><br /><p></p><p>Tessa was a fun character. She starts off normal with no intention to bring a handsome boy from the 1500s into her world through tapestry. Will is so cute throughout the story, especially his love and car for Tessa and making sure she is safe from Gray Lily.</p><br /><p></p><p>I absolutly loved the beautiful cover on this book. It's exactly what the book talks about. When I first saw the cover, I was a bit confussed on the whole plot, but once I began reading, I understood everything.</p><br /><p></p><p>Overall this book is amazing and it does come out tomorrow, January 11, 2011 and you should go and get this one.</p><br /><p></p><p>♥♥♥♥</p><br /><p></p><p>-Ana</p><br /><div><em><br /></em></div>AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-36089376436300627102010-12-28T10:24:00.002-05:002010-12-28T10:25:48.694-05:00Vampire Crush A.M. Robinson<a href="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1278011469l/8428115.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 316px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 475px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1278011469l/8428115.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Source: Author<br /><br /><br /><br /><em>I swear, my life was always totally normal.<br /><br /><br />Normal house, normal family, normal school. My looks are average, I don't have any superpowers, no one's showing up to tell me I'm a princess—you get the picture. But when my junior year started, something not normal happened. There were new kids at school . . . new kids with a wardrobe straight out of a 19th-century romance novel, and an inexplicable desire to stay at school until sundown.<br /><br />And on top of that, James Hallowell showed up. James, who stole my sandwiches in fourth grade and teased me mercilessly through middle school. James, who now seems to have the power to make my heart race any time he comes near.<br /><br />But something weird is going on. Because James rarely goes out during the day. And he seems stronger than your typical guy. And he knows the new kids, all of whom seem to be harboring some kind of deep secret. . . .<br /><br /></em><br /><br />Before you judge this book on the synopsis, wait. Vampire Crush is nothing like Twilight and I promise you that. I loved this book. I didn't really know what to expect from it since I too was worried it was going to be another Twilight, but it's not. It's full of action, adventure, and just plain fun. I enjoyed Sophie. She was a funny character and all she was trying to do was interview the new students who were totally freaking her out. Vlad was a total mystery to me. I kept wondering what is his problem? It seemed that one thing he said happened and all the girls were swooning all after him, espeially Sophie's sister.<br /><br /><br />Another great part about this book is the cover. I love the candy bat and the red velvet color in the background. It captures the book fully, but still leaves you with a question of what this book is going to be about.<br /><br /><br />Overall, I truly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more of A.M. Robinson's work.<br /><br /><br /><br />♥♥♥ 1/2 </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>-Ana</div>AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-32055445869630934672010-12-21T23:08:00.006-05:002011-01-07T22:02:35.860-05:00The Forest of Adventures (Knight Trilogy #1) by Katie M. John - Review by Rissa<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/513Z1Mwk0sL.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 342px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 500px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/513Z1Mwk0sL.jpg" /></a><br /><em>For seventeen year old Mina Singer, falling in love with an Arthurian Knight on a white horse was never part of the plan - especially being that she's an ordinary college girl living in the twenty first century.<br />As Mina finds herself catapulted into a land she believed only existed in the bedtime stories of her childhood, she soon discovers that Fairyland is not quite as innocent as she imagined.<br /><br />The question is...who will come out alive?<br /><br />Haunting, beautiful and sexy, The Forest of Adventures, is a dark romantic quest into the land of true and forbidden love. </em><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>The Forest of Adventures</em> by Katie M. John is a beautiful story of an ordinary girl, Mina Singer, finds out that the life she once thought to be perfect is severely lacking. She realized this when she comes face to face with the handsome Blake Beldevier whose mysterious persona sweeps her off her feet, much to her dismay. What starts off as a hormonal/emotional struggle between right and wrong (can she choose this alluring new man over her faithful, loving boyfriend?), turns into a crisis in which Mina must step into a role she is totally unprepared for, and have to make choices that will break hearts, and shake up her destiny.<br /><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Originality</span></em></strong><br /><br /><br />In reading this I found that Ms. John took a fairly well known plot, and added just enough details to make it come alive once more. Let's face it, there's only so many times one can read a story about a girl who realizes that her life is not what she wants it to be, but once you throw in a knight, Arthurian legend, a life-or-death major dramatic question, and Morgan Le Fay, you've got yourself an amazing story! I especially loved how Ms. John put so much detail and depth into Mina's thoughts about her boyfriend Sammy. As I was reading I felt like I was right there with Mina, experiencing her guilt, her indecision, and her sacrifice.<br /><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Cover</span></em></strong><br /><br /><br />The cover of this book is alluring, and instantly made me wonder what it was about, and want to read more into it. The girl, who I presume to be Mina, is standing in a forest surrounded by trees, beautiful flowers, and a starry sky. It gives off a magical feeling, and sets the mood for the story. It is also a plot device for an important setting in the book.<br /><br /><br /><em><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Characters</span></strong></em><br /><br /><br />I very much enjoyed Mina's character, and especially her dedication to Sammy, her boyfriend who she obviously cares for, even when she finds herself falling for Blake. Perhaps it's due to guilt, but I found it impressive that she openly admitted that she still cared for Sammy, and was willing to risk it all to save him, even though she truly loved Blake. I sometimes find female lead characters to be complely vapid, and I am happy to report that Mina broke the mold. I also loved her ability to verbally spar with Blake, she never gave into him too quickly and many times I found myself laughing at her antics.<br /><br />Now, for Blake. Oh, dear Blake, how I love you. Handsome, honorable, romantic, brooding, how can one not be completely enchanted by him? With the character of Blake I particularly loved how Ms. John made the knight-in-shining-armor persona into the actual character of a knight. I also appreciated that he was <em>far</em> from being the perfect man, expecially given the "brooding" aspect of his character. There were several places where Mina is greatly frustrated/annoyed/<pick-your-synonym> by this, as was I, but it made him all the more alive. After all, what's a handsome guy without a tragic backstory?<br /><br />I'm grouping the last two characters together in this part, because I found that they were perfect foils to one another; these two characters would be Vivian and Morgan. I absolutely loved the character of Vivan; mysterious, selfless, motherly- and Morgan; evil, manipulative, and scheming. I really loved the author's take on these recognizable literary names, because it made them both more relatable.<br /><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Plot</span></em></strong><br /><br /><br />The mysterious prologue is the first thing the reader will encounter upon opening the book (at least, I would hope it is!). I found it to be alluring and a perfect draw in, because one cannot help but wonder, 'what in the world is going on?' Well, you won't know for a while, but you'll definitely keep reading because you <em>will </em>want to find out!<br /><br />"<em>The pain is exquisite, the pain is love.</em>"<br />See?? Aren't you <em>dying</em> to read more??<br /><br />I was so impressed by the way that Ms. John wove key plot points together, in a way that was entirely unexpected. For example, with the character of Sammy, in a million years I did not expect him to play the part he did. In the beginning he was the rather stereotypical and safe boyfriend but, in ways I can't explain for fear of ruining the surprise, his is the role that will test Mina's resolve...and her love.<br /><br />As I have said in the past, I adore stories about knights, kings, chivalry, and magic. If you find yourself in loving the same themes, <em>Forest of Adventures </em>is the book for you! And, if it's not, check it out anyway, because you may find a new genre to love!<br /><br />I found that the story had the perfect balance of Arthurian and modern themes, as well as msytery, plot twists and, as you may have guessed, adventure. Katie M. John has written into existance a world that the reader can easily get drawn into and will not want to leave.<br /><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Conclusion</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><br />Let me say this, the ending leave you absolutely breathless, in shock<em>,</em> and <em>dying </em>for more. I was stunned because the biggest plot twist in the book happens in the last few pages, so I will warn...don't get too comfortable because you <em>will </em>be blown away, and wanting more!<br /><br /><br />In conclusion, I truly enjoyed this book and I give it a rating of ♥♥♥♥AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-60734366655301548182010-12-21T22:54:00.003-05:002010-12-21T23:03:10.558-05:00Contrary to Popular Belief, I AM still alive!<span style="font-family:arial;color:#330033;">Hey everyone! </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#330033;">So, it's been a while but I'm finally back, and with good news; I've been accepted into my top choice college! That really is the story of why I haven't been around lately- for the last couple of weeks I've been swamped in school/college apps work. I only actually sent in one app, but as the Early Decision deadline was approaching I began to panic and think, "Oh no, what if I actually don't get in??" So thus, I began filling out other apps like a mad(wo)man, just in case. This proved to be unnecessary, because I was accepted but, as they say, better to be safe than sorry. All is well. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#330033;">So, anyway! I have been working on reading books and setting up interviews for the blog, and as soon as I post this I'll be typing up a book review on <em>The Forest of Adventures </em>by Katie M. John (spoiler alert, it's a definite must read!). </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#330033;">I'm going to take this opportunity to say Merry Christmas to all, and I wish you much happiness in the New Year, and God Bless!</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#330033;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#330033;">-Rissa</span>AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-46254630646781742022010-12-19T22:08:00.002-05:002010-12-19T22:14:51.009-05:00The Deadly Sister by Eliot Schrefer<a href="http://sacramentobookreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/deathly_sister.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 231px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 373px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://sacramentobookreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/deathly_sister.jpg" /></a><br /><div><strong>Source: Publisher</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><em>Abby Goodwin is sure her sister Tabitha isn't a murderer. But her parents don't agree. Her friends don't agree. And the cops definitely don't agree. Tabitha is a drop-out, a stoner, a girl who's obsessed with her tutor, Clyde Andrews...until he ends up dead. Tabitha runs away, and leaves Abby following the trail of clues. Each piece of evidence points to Tabitha, but it also appears that Clyde had secrets of his own. And enemies. Like his brother, who Abby becomes involved with...until he falls under suspicion.<br />Is Abby getting closer to finding the true murderer? Or is someone leading her down a twisted false path? </em></div><br /><p><em></em></p><br /><p>This book was an intense thriller. I don't usually read thriller, but this one blew me away. The writing was amazing and Eliot knows how to keep the reader engaged. Never did I run into a slow part in the book where I wanted to skip. </p><br /><p>Abby Goodwin is your typical nice girl who does everything right, and there's her sister Maya who's the opposite of her. Maya's now accused of the murder of Jefferson and right after that you go on a roller coster. You won't know who to believe and you will not know who to trust. And let me say this, the ending will shock you completely! You will not believe what will happen and your mind won't even go there.</p><br /><p>I loved the cover of this book and how it doesn't give away anything about the plot. It does make it seem mysterious, yet it captures the book.</p><br /><p>Overall, if you're into mysteries/thrillers, this book is for you. It's the type of book that keeps you up all night to finish so you will know who was the person behind all of this.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>♥♥♥♥1/2</p><br /><p>-Ana</p><br /><div><em><br /></em></div>AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-4727394979373151322010-12-11T12:31:00.003-05:002010-12-11T12:38:35.085-05:00Contest!<a href="http://darkfaerietales.com/wp-content/uploads/Personal-Demons.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 283px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 409px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://darkfaerietales.com/wp-content/uploads/Personal-Demons.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I have a new contest for everyone! One lucky winner will win a signed bookmark by Lisa Desrochers, author of PERSONAL DEMONS. I'm reading that book right now and it's amazing!! Also, you will win 2 temporary tattoos along with the bookmark. One tattoo says Team Luc and the other one says Team Gabe. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Okay, so now onto the rules:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>1. The deadline for the contest is Decemeber 29, 2010</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>2. To enter, all you have to do is write to me at <a href="mailto:anarissachronicles@gmail.com">anarissachronicles@gmail.com</a> with the subject "Personal Demons Bookmark" .</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>3. Just write your name in the body of the email.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Also, I will be announcing the winner on December 30, 2010 and you will receive an email from me.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Good Luck to everyone!!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>-Ana</div>AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-61557098222370473622010-12-06T15:08:00.002-05:002010-12-06T15:17:16.172-05:00The Lying Game by Sara Shepard<a href="http://cb.pbsstatic.com/xl/09/9709/9780061869709.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 314px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 475px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://cb.pbsstatic.com/xl/09/9709/9780061869709.jpg" /></a><br /><div><strong>Source: Publisher</strong><br /><br /><br /><em>I had a life anyone would kill for.<br /><br />Then someone did.<br /><br />The worst part of being dead is that there’s nothing left to live for. No more kisses. No more secrets. No more gossip. It’s enough to kill a girl all over again. But I’m about to get something no one else does—an encore performance, thanks to Emma, the long-lost twin sister I never even got to meet.<br /><br />Now Emma’s desperate to know what happened to me. And the only way to figure it out is to be me—to slip into my old life and piece it all together. But can she laugh at inside jokes with my best friends? Convince my boyfriend she’s the girl he fell in love with? Pretend to be a happy, carefree daughter when she hugs my parents good night? And can she keep up the charade, even after she realizes my murderer is watching her every move?<br /><br />From Sara Shepard, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Pretty Little Liars books, comes a riveting new series about secrets, lies, and killer consequences.<br /><br />Let the lying game begin. </em></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Never have I ever read a book from Sara Shepard. I never even have read Pretty Little Liars (I know I'm dying to read that one). But once I read this book, I fell in love with it. The beginning was a little slow for me, but once I got into the book, it was a big total mystery with drama, but mostly mystery. The narrator is Sutton's ghost, but for some reason, I didn't catch on to that for a long time in the book. Emma was a great character. Being grown up in a foster care, I felt so bad for her. But as she went in with Sutton's family, I saw the love from them and a whole new experience for Emma.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I thought the plot was amazing. Most books I've read are about paranormal creatures from vampires to werewolves to angels. Reading this book for a change was great and Sara Sheaprd really does know her stuff.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The cover of the book was absolutly beautiful. HarperTeen alaways does amazing book covers, but this one had a feel of mystery in it which I adored. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Overall, this book was a great quick read which left me guessing until the end and I can't wait to read the sequal, Never Have I Ever.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>♥♥♥♥1/2</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>-Ana </div>AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-13483729097749851712010-12-05T18:03:00.004-05:002010-12-05T18:15:30.646-05:00Happy Birthday, Ana!!! :D<span style="font-family:arial;color:#330033;">Soo, I see that she posted today, but made no mention to her 16th birthday...whattt? Unacceptable! Now, I'm rather scared to know that she now has the ability to drive, which makes me question the near proximity of our houses (kidding...kinda ;), but it is a very special birthday, and worth mentioning. Anyway, I wanted to post a Happy Birthday message to my best friend, Ana! I'm so glad to have such a wonderful friend in you-- from running around NYC in torrential rains, to seeing <em>The Phantom of the Opera</em>, to our various fictional guy obsessions (Damon Salvatore? MINE. haha), to creating this blog, to ranting about the many crazy people in our lives, I've had so much fun with you! :) I'm really going to miss you next year, but I know our friendship is will remain strong, and I look forward to many fun times in the future.<br />Happy Birthday!<br /><br />Love,<br />Rissa =)</span>AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-48045716069775099672010-12-05T16:01:00.002-05:002010-12-05T16:07:10.028-05:00Torment by Lauren Kate<a href="http://darkfaerietales.com/wp-content/uploads/Torment.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 317px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 480px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://darkfaerietales.com/wp-content/uploads/Torment.png" /></a><br /><div><strong>Source: Publisher</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><em>Hell on earth. That's what it's like for Luce to be apart from her fallen angel boyfriend, Daniel. It took them an eternity to find one another, but now he has told her he must go away. Just long enough to hunt down the Outcasts - immortals who want to kill Luce. Daniel hides Luce at Shoreline, a school on the rocky California coast with unusually gifted students -Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans.<br /><br />At Shoreline, Luce learns what the Shadows are, and how she can use them as windows to her previous lives. Yet the more Luce learns, the more she suspects that Daniel hasn't told her everything. He's hiding something - something dangerous. What if Daniel's version of the past isn't actually true? What if Luce is really meant to be with someone else? The second novel in the addictive FALLEN series . . . where love never dies.</em></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I don't know how to put my love for this book in words. I loved the first book and the second book was only better! Kate has an amazing way of writing that makes the reader get absorbed in and never want to let go. That's how I felt reading Torment. I felt so bad for Luce on how much she missed Daniel, and him being away, I missed him too.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The big fight at the end of the book was amazing. I'm not going to say much about it, but I will say the ending was a small cliffhanger and it will leave you breathless until Passion and Rapture come out.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The cover of this book was beautiful as always. Delacorte Press has done an amazing job on creating the covers of the Fallen Series.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Overall, if you loved Fallen, you will love Torment even more. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>♥♥♥♥♥</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>-Ana</div>AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-58911394078838870312010-12-05T15:50:00.002-05:002010-12-05T15:58:11.011-05:00The Julian Game by Adele Griffin<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6M8HAGUdauEtuyk4lrhO5iEOOLPKClcPP3FjxcW2rO6cMVXWxRQ6vooeYWPTx_AWz3dUvtXTrebDg4TkPv564q4y8zPbwxpFOfNqSFF9iwecMvOvgdtF1_Y_xkKsfrcTmWLuQW8j7Gj7/s1600/JulianGameCover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 449px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6M8HAGUdauEtuyk4lrhO5iEOOLPKClcPP3FjxcW2rO6cMVXWxRQ6vooeYWPTx_AWz3dUvtXTrebDg4TkPv564q4y8zPbwxpFOfNqSFF9iwecMvOvgdtF1_Y_xkKsfrcTmWLuQW8j7Gj7/s1600/JulianGameCover.jpg" /></a><br /><div><strong>Source: Author</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><em>All new girl Raye Archer wants is a way into the in crowd, so when ice-queen Ella Parker picks her to get back at her ex, the gorgeous Julian Kilgarry, Raye is more than game. Even if it means creating a fake Facebook identity so she can learn enough about Julian to sabotage him. It's a fun and dangerous thrill at first, but Raye hadn't counted on falling for Julian herself and igniting Ella's rage. As Raye works to reconcile the temptress Elizabeth with her real-life self, Ella serves up her own revenge, creating an online smear campaign of nasty rumors and trashy photographs. Suddenly notorious, Raye has to find a way out of the web of deceit that she's helped to build, and back to the relationships that matter. Adele Griffin's riveting novel explores the issues of generation Facebook: the desire to be someone else, real versus online friends, and the pitfalls and fallouts of posting your personal life online for all the world to judge.</em></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The Julian Game was a light novel that really showed the dangers of being someone else online. Raye was a sweet girl and when she got the chance to be in the popular clique, she immediately took it, leaving her best friend for that day they were going to spend together. But being with the popular kids meant to Raye that someone was going to get hurt.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I enjoyed how the book's ending came out because I felt as though everything was resolved. I LOVED the cover of this book. It's so beautiful and it's exactly blue wigged Elizabeth. Putnam couldn't have done a better job with the cover!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Overall, I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to others who want to read about what happens when you expose yourself too much on the internet.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>♥♥♥♥</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>-Ana</div>AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-3987616873973202052010-11-26T11:02:00.002-05:002010-11-26T11:09:55.690-05:00Where the Truth Lies by Jessica Warman<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOC0vpVyhbzXl9-iBuhpAoSKb4aSq31KnZ-0Yymh5sTb9ViEZ9FhmlbYyX3LIWf1rSkwdzAavjxDKma1FM8uNUsKzTbpa12-me4uQDAJtyYo6DR7YMhRvlzIvOpLs9EK1Q2xk3_Q3QXNM/s1600/where_the_truth_lies.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 310px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 353px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOC0vpVyhbzXl9-iBuhpAoSKb4aSq31KnZ-0Yymh5sTb9ViEZ9FhmlbYyX3LIWf1rSkwdzAavjxDKma1FM8uNUsKzTbpa12-me4uQDAJtyYo6DR7YMhRvlzIvOpLs9EK1Q2xk3_Q3QXNM/s1600/where_the_truth_lies.JPG" /></a><br /><div><strong>Source: Publisher</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><em>On the surface, Emily Meckler leads the perfect life. She has three best friends, two loving parents, and the ideal setup at the Connecticut prep school where her father is the headmaster. But Emily also suffers from devastating nightmares about fire and water, and nobody knows why. Then the enigmatic Del Sugar enters her life, and Emily is immediately swept away—but her passionate relationship with Del is just the first of many things that aren't quite what they seem in Emily's life. As the lies she's been told start to unravel, Emily must set out to discover the truth regarding her nightmare; on a journey that will lead her to question everything she thought she knew about love, family, and her own idyllic past</em>. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>When I finished this book, I didn't know what to think about. It had really captivated me and I waited a while before I sat down to write this review. Where the Truth Lies is a very powerful story about how one girl thought she knew everything, but she actually didn't. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Emily is a character who when you first take a glance at her, you know she has a perfect life, but underneath the surface, she's actually suffering from nightmares. She's the daughter of the headmaster, but later on in the book, you find out she's not as perfect and her life isn't the best. She suffers lies. She evern meets Del and at first she thinks he's the best person and he loves her and she loves him. Both there descriptions and dialogues were exactly how a teen would act and talk. Jessica Warman really stayed true to who her characters really were.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The book had a sort of mysterious plot which I enjoyed a lot. Also, the cover is amazing. Bloomsbury always does an amazing job with their covers and all I can give them is 5 stars every time. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Overall, I enjoyed this book and will be reading more books by Jessica Warman in the future.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>♥♥♥♥ 1/2</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>-Ana </div>AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-14950036403145420112010-11-25T11:11:00.005-05:002010-11-25T11:17:17.657-05:00Happy Thanksgiving!<a href="http://blog.sierratradingpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Happy-Thanksgiving.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 318px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://blog.sierratradingpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Happy-Thanksgiving.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I want to take this moment and wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I have a lot to be thankful for this year. First of all, my parents who have always been there for me, my best friend Rissa who is like a big sister to me and someone I can actually talk to and she'll understad me. My little sister whom I love dearly and couldn't ask for a better sister, the wonderful authors and publishers whom I've befriended. It's only been less than a year and I've become close to them all. They're all so great! And last, but not least, my wonderful readers here on the blog. Thank you for visiting me here everyday. You mean so much to me and I want to give a big thank you to all of you!</div><div></div><div>I wish everyone nothing but the best!</div><div></div><div>♥ Ana</div>AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-80235926318584675142010-11-23T18:36:00.002-05:002010-11-23T18:44:14.875-05:00The Twin's Daughter by Lauren Baratz - Logsted<a href="http://nicolepoliti.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/twins-daughter.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 331px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 500px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://nicolepoliti.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/twins-daughter.jpg" /></a><br /><div><strong>Source: Publisher</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><em>Lucy Sexton is stunned when a disheveled woman appears at the door one day... a woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to Lucy's own beautiful mother. It turns out the two women are identical twins, separated at birth, and raised in dramatically different circumstances. Lucy's mother quickly resolves to give her less fortunate sister the kind of life she has never known. And the transformation in Aunt Helen is indeed remarkable. But when Helen begins to imitate her sister in every way, even Lucy isn't sure at times which twin is which. Can Helen really be trusted, or does her sweet face mask a chilling agenda?<br />Filled with shocking twists and turns, The Twin's Daughter is an engrossing gothic novel of betrayal, jealousy, and treacherous secrets that will keep you guessing to the very end.</em></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The Twin's Daughter is a very intriguing book and mysterious. I loved the English used in this book. It made me feel as though I was living in England, which I want to do a lot. Lucy was a fun character. When the book started, I didn't know how much I was going to like her, but I was suprised to see how well developed she was. She's a very caring girl who truly cares for her mother and her Aunt Helen, but the situation makes her think twice.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The book has a lot of details. Maybe if some of the details were cut off, the book would have been not as long and much easier to read. I did find myself skipping some details because it went on for a while, but other than that, the book is exciting and you get trapped in it.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I absolutly love the cover for this book. It's so eye-catching and it resembles the plot so well. The pink and the two shadowy - dark figures do represent mother and Aunt Helen very creatively. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Overall, I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who wants to read something a bit different with a mystery involved.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>♥♥♥♥</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>-Ana</div><br /><div></div>AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-66352197375533384612010-11-21T19:33:00.002-05:002010-11-21T19:37:43.210-05:00A Visitor's Guide to Mystic Falls<a href="http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/61060000/61061019.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 340px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 453px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/61060000/61061019.JPG" /></a><br /><div><strong>Source: Publisher</strong><br /><br /><br /><em>Vampires are hot right now, especially among teens, and The Vampire Diaries in a few short episodes became the CW’s most-watched show.<br /><br />The Vampire Diaries brings together today’s best YA writers of the supernatural to talk about the show’s first season: the characters, the storyline, the magic, the town. From a history of the Salem’s witches from whom Bonnie is descended to family therapy for brothers Stefan and Damon, the anthology is guaranteed to keep Vampire Diaries viewers entertained—and make them see Mystic Falls, and the rest of the show, in a whole new way.<br /><br />And the webmasters of Vampire-Diaries.net, a popular fansite for both the books and show, also provide a primer on what viewers should know before picking up the books. </em></div><br /><p><em></em></p><br /><p>If you know me, you know that I absolutly LOVE the Vampire Diaries. And when I found about about this book, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. It's the perfect book and gift for any Vampire Diaries fan. I loved it how so many authors teamed up and expressed their love for the show and delved into it and I've been waiting for something like this for a long time. </p><br /><p>I absolutly love the cover of this. I mean it can't get better than having pages from diaries, and vervain on the cover. That to me screams out Vampire Diaries. I don't know how more I can express my love for this book! Go out and buy it if you're a fan of the show. It won't disappoint.</p><br /><p>♥♥♥♥♥</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>-Ana</p><br /><div><em><br /></em></div>AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-89022394557546082282010-11-21T13:04:00.002-05:002010-11-21T13:13:49.940-05:00Feather by Abra Ebner<a href="http://resources.smashwords.com/bookCovers/9bf66ce8c96b7eb70d9260d8935ba7789d2a4444-thumb"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 205px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 308px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://resources.smashwords.com/bookCovers/9bf66ce8c96b7eb70d9260d8935ba7789d2a4444-thumb" /></a><br /><div><strong>Source: Author</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><em>Estella's magical life as an orphan was never easy, and at eighteen, she is finally free. In her desperate attempt to leave the city behind and unravel her strange talents, she flees to a secluded college nestled deep in the forests of the North Cascades. It is here that she hopes to escape her painful life, and forgotten past.<br />As classes begin, Elle struggles to find her place, until she meets Professor Edgar. Young, handsome, yet terrifying, Elle is suddenly intrigued. Despite her fear of him, she finds the strange attraction mesmerizing, dangerous, and somehow familiar. As their acquaintance grows, she is suddenly drawn further into a life she never knew she lived, in a place that finally feels like home. As her happiness returns, so do the demons of her forgotten past. It is here that she finds herself faced with the sacrifice of her life, and the beginning of a journey deeply rooted in our existence.<br />Feather takes us into the darkest regions of our soul, into a world where we only dream to exist. Book one of the series introduces us to this new world, a place closely rooted in our dreams, and a place we ve all been. Begin the journey your soul craves, in a world where warrior's spring from the earth and magic is all around us. </em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div>FEATHER is a book I've never read before. When I first heard of Abra Ebner's books, I immediatly wanted them. They sounded so good and I kept wondering, where has she been all my life? But once I started FEATHER, I knew Abra Ebner had talent. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I loved Estella's character. She's not obnoxious and she's not the type who hides away from everything. She's strong and courageous. Being an orphan was hard for her, but she was making her way through and met her friend Scott. Scott oh Scott. He was so adorable. I thought it was so cute how much he loved being around her and the secret crush he had for her. And then we meet Edgar. At first, I hated this guy's attitiude. I thought he was just plain rude and kept saying to myself, Estella can't fall for this guy, but as Ebner delves more into this guy, you begin to like him more. Ebner has amazing character development in this books.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The plot was very mysterious. I had no clue what Edgar was. At times, I kept asking myself if he actually was anything 'paranormal'. But to not ruin the suprise, you'll have to read the book to find out about who this mysterious Edgar is. But I'll tell you, you won't be disappointed.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I loved the cover. Ebner is an amazing artist to come up with it and this cover gets 5 stars!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot and can't wait to read more of Abra Ebner's work!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>♥♥♥♥1/2</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>-Ana</div>AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-60545916494425053942010-11-17T18:14:00.002-05:002010-11-17T18:45:45.117-05:00Interview with Eilis O'NealHey everyone! So, today I have for you an interview with Ms. Eilis O'Neal, the author of <em>The False Princess</em> which will be out in bookstores on January 25, 2011. Link to the review; <a href="http://anarissachron.blogspot.com/2010/09/false-princess-by-eilis-oneal-review-by.html">http://anarissachron.blogspot.com/2010/09/false-princess-by-eilis-oneal-review-by.html</a><br /><br />So, without further ado, Ms. Eilis O'Neal!<br /><br /><span style="color:#6600cc;"><span style="color:#993399;"><strong>How long have you been writing?<br /></strong></span><br /></span>I started telling stories before I could actually write them down. Starting at about the age of three, I would tell my mother stories, and she would type them out. The first one I ever told her was about a frog who cried frozen tears because winter had come and he couldn’t swim in his pond anymore. It was all of three sentences long. But gradually, I started telling/writing longer stories on a regular basis. Then my mom would type them up, I’d illustrate them, and we’d give them out to my relatives as Christmas presents.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#993399;">Who or what was your inspiration for becoming an author?</span><br /></strong><br />In general, my desire to become an author stems from the fact that I’m a total bookworm and have been since before I could talk. I’m one of those people who can’t go anywhere without a book, because there might be five minutes where I could be reading. So it wasn’t much of a leap to realize that I wanted to be able to write books that affected people the way that many books affect me. More specifically, I read Tamora Pierce’s Song of the Lioness quartet when I was twelve, and those books cemented in me the idea that I wanted to write YA fantasy novels.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#993399;">What inspired you to write about this particular time period?<br /></span></strong><br />I’m a medieval/Renaissance nut. I would love to live somewhere where I could see castles on a daily basis, and my husband and I love to dress up and go to Ren faires. A lot of the fantasy books I read are set in that general time period. So, basically, I just like!<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#993399;">What did you have to research to properly portray the land of Thorvaldor?</span></strong><br /><br />One of the things I had to do some extra research on is the dyeing of cloth. Sinda’s Aunt Varil is a dyer, and at the beginning of the book, Sinda tries—fairly unsuccessfully—to learn this trade. I knew that I wasn’t going to be writing a handbook on dyeing, but I wanted the little snippets that I did include to be realistic. So I got books and poked around on the internet until I felt like I had enough basic knowledge that anything I said wouldn’t—hopefully—be too far from the truth.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#993399;"><strong>How long did it take you to write this book from start to finish?<br /><br /></strong></span>It’s been a few years, so it’s hard to remember exactly. But I think I started the first draft in early January of 2007 and finished it in October of that year. Then I revised for a long time. I think I was shopping it around for an agent by November of 2009. So, quite a while!<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#993399;">What was the publishing process like?<br /><br /></span></strong>I got my agent the old fashioned way—a query letter and the first five pages of the book. Once he’d decided to represent me, he said there was a new (in the US) publishing house whose first list would come out in the fall of 2009, and that he thought it would be a good place to start. And, to our shock, Egmont USA accepted it! Which is, of course, something that totally does not normally happen, though I’m certainly glad it did. And I’m so glad that Egmont will be publishing the book, because everyone there is great.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#993399;">How did you come up with the characters of Sinda and Kiernan? Were they inspired by anyone?<br /><br /></span></strong>I knew that I wanted my false princess to be someone who never quite fit into the “normal” idea of what a princess should be. Someone quiet and bookish, a little shy. And once I had that, I also knew that her best friend would be someone who was very opposite—outgoing and witty, someone who could pull her out of her shell. They weren’t inspired by anyone in particular, though Sinda is probably more like me than anyone else in the book is, so I was able to write her pretty easily.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#993399;">Who was your favorite character to write?<br /></span></strong><br />Of course, I love Sinda. Like I said, she’s the most like me. But I think that the two characters I had to the most fun writing are Kiernan and Philantha, because both of them make me laugh. Kiernan gets to be droll and witty and silly, and Philantha goes off on these weird bunny trails of conversations that are a hoot to follow. Whenever I had to write them, I ended up smiling.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#993399;">Who was the most difficult to write?<br /></span></strong><br />There are several characters in the book who have ulterior motives. I’m not going to name names, because that would give things away, but it’s always hard to write people who are giving one face to your main character, but who you know will make a shift later. You have to not tip off the reader too much, but also lay the groundwork for making that shift plausible, and it can be a dance.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#993399;">Do you have any future projects you can tell us </span><span style="color:#993399;">about?</span><br /><br /></strong>I do have some future projects, but right now they’re under wraps. Still, stay tuned!<br /><br /><br />Thank you so much to Eilis for a wonderful interview and, again, remember to look for <em>The False Princess</em> in stores 1/25/11!AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-59592293271923942862010-11-14T11:05:00.002-05:002010-11-14T11:13:31.926-05:00Jump by Ginger Rue<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEgshBT-ALRwogo8qelvp7pdVuz7TH_1UqkvwPJ7_KrIzOgbVbHQYYt1aQo5YTKGWxz79qrk2Yjkzhk2xSpDc7omtz_bN6nBucJXX0MERUNKBj6S1FWZpWQ9jwNrTTbj6Iyv4xcJIvOg/s1600/jump.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 359px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 353px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEgshBT-ALRwogo8qelvp7pdVuz7TH_1UqkvwPJ7_KrIzOgbVbHQYYt1aQo5YTKGWxz79qrk2Yjkzhk2xSpDc7omtz_bN6nBucJXX0MERUNKBj6S1FWZpWQ9jwNrTTbj6Iyv4xcJIvOg/s1600/jump.jpg" /></a><br /><div><strong>Source: Publisher</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><em>High school junior Brinkley Harper is beautiful, wealthy, admired, and powerful—until the day she wakes up in the body of a classmate she wouldn’t be caught dead hanging out with.<br /><br />Goth girl Miranda is everything Brinkley isn’t: she won't leave the house in anything but black, her family life is in tatters, she’s practically invisible at school, and she’s hiding a dark secret. As Brinkley experiences Miranda’s life from the inside out, she’s forced to consider the world from a very different point-of-view. But this won’t be Brinkley's last “jump,” and each time she lives a day in another classmate’s body, Brinkley not only begins to feel empathy for others, she also begins to glimpse the fears, vulnerabilities, and disappointments behind her own perfect façade. By experiencing the world as somebody else, Brinkley may finally learn to understand herself. </em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div>JUMP is a book that shows that if you walk in someone else's shoes, you'll see the true person and might feel more compassionate about them. Brinkely Harper was the most popular girl in school, but also the meanest and Miranda was the goth who Brinkely didn't like. But as Brinkely literally goes into Miranda's shoes and other girls', she begins to think differently about them because she's going throuhg what they are as well.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I loved the transformation of Brinkely throughout the novel. She started out snotty, but changed. Also, the characters in this book had personality. They weren't boring. They actually jumped out to you. At times, I would find myself in people's shoes as well as Brinkely was. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The cover of this book is absolutly gorgeous! It captures the entire essence of the book and even Brinkely and Miranda.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Overall, if you enjoy chick-lit and a book that shows people changing, this books for you. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>♥♥♥♥</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>-Ana</div>AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-33262229496977810132010-11-14T10:57:00.003-05:002010-11-14T11:14:06.285-05:00iDrakula by Bekka Black<a href="http://brimeetsbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/idrakula-cover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 259px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 412px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://brimeetsbooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/idrakula-cover.jpg" /></a><br /><div><strong>SOURCE: Author</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><em>The classic vampire story that started it all gets new life for a generation of connected teens<br /><br />18-year-old Jonathan Harker is diagnosed with a rare blood disorder after visiting a Romanian Count. His girlfriend Mina and a pre-med student named Van Helsing team up to investigate the source of the disease. The teenagers discover a horrifying truth: the Count is a vampire. The harrowing events unfold through emails, text messages, web pages, Twitter feeds, and instant messaging-the natural modernization of Bram Stoker's original Dracula, which was written in letters, diary entries, and news clippings.<br /></em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div>iDrakula was a book I didn't know how it was going to turn out, but I found myself finishing it very quickly. I loved how Black took the classic DRACULA and turned it into modern day. I was always waiting to see what was going to happen to Jonathan in the castle in Romania and reading this book in text and emails, made the book very fun. This is the first book I've read in sich form and I'm already liking it. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The characters were great. Even though the book was in text and emails, the characters still had personalities and I could hear them in my head talking. I loved the cover of this book. I would so pick this book up if I were at the bookstore. It's so creepy, but yet luring.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend this book to anyone who wants to try reading a new writing style and who is in love with vampires.</div><div> </div><div>♥♥♥♥</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>-Ana</div>AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-52564052991995112462010-11-06T22:25:00.002-04:002010-11-06T22:36:06.062-04:00Russian Winter by Daphne Kalotay<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2iM2V9W-c9Aovi-DQLj3131MB7gvTViJQKouRlSDDNBOjjRck02nSXZQa9deJJrDN8VGjZlYa7nS44BH6q1vDUegk9h6jPclZw_L8KilUCxerIa7nQ40HsxbCUd2hHP-JN5qPiyPod0G/s1600/RussianWinter+hi-res.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 253px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 270px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2iM2V9W-c9Aovi-DQLj3131MB7gvTViJQKouRlSDDNBOjjRck02nSXZQa9deJJrDN8VGjZlYa7nS44BH6q1vDUegk9h6jPclZw_L8KilUCxerIa7nQ40HsxbCUd2hHP-JN5qPiyPod0G/s1600/RussianWinter+hi-res.jpg" /></a><br /><div><strong>SOURCE: PUBLISHER</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><em>A mysterious jewel holds the key to a life-changing secret, in this breathtaking tale of love and art, betrayal and redemption.<br />When she decides to auction her remarkable jewelry collection, Nina Revskaya, once a great star of the Bolshoi Ballet, believes she has finally drawn a curtain on her past. Instead, the former ballerina finds herself overwhelmed by memories of her homeland and of the events, both glorious and heartbreaking, that changed the course of her life half a century ago.<br /><br />It was in Russia that she discovered the magic of the theater; that she fell in love with the poet Viktor Elsin; that she and her dearest companions—Gersh, a brilliant composer, and the exquisite Vera, Nina’s closest friend—became victims of Stalinist aggression. And it was in Russia that a terrible discovery incited a deadly act of betrayal—and an ingenious escape that led Nina to the West and eventually to Boston.<br /><br />Nina has kept her secrets for half a lifetime. But two people will not let the past rest: Drew Brooks, an inquisitive young associate at a Boston auction house, and Grigori Solodin, a professor of Russian who believes that a unique set of jewels may hold the key to his own ambiguous past. Together these unlikely partners begin to unravel a mystery surrounding a love letter, a poem, and a necklace of unknown provenance, setting in motion a series of revelations that will have life-altering consequences for them all.<br /></em></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>RUSSIAN WINTER was a book that I didn't know what to expect. I had never read anything like this before, but I was excited to delve into it. But once I began, I couldn't stop. This book was haunting, mesmerizing, and it took me into the past. Kalotay's writing flows.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Right on the second page, we begin to find out about Nina, a ballet dancer, and as the book goes along we learn about this necklace. Nina was a very different character from others I've read. First of all, she was an adult and I usually read YA books, but the pace this book had and the thrill ride it took me, I kept making time for myself to read it. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Now, I'm not going to say too much since I don't want to spoil anything, but I am going to mention how pretty thre cover is. When I first saw this cover, I immediatly thought of a ballerina and it had something to do with the necklace around her neck. And I was right. I found the cover perfect and it looks old, making the feeling of traveling to the past in Russia more real.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Overall, I enjoyed this book and recommend you to read it if you want something different and exciting.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>♥♥♥♥1/2</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>-Ana<br /></div><strong></strong>AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-56881386123399567662010-10-31T11:26:00.002-04:002010-10-31T11:33:53.369-04:00The Pace by Shelena Shorts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsON1a65erHxiLiFzBORqybVm71FGz9WeOEN-URrRRnluteoMI9shcjDTgR6NFp21sogxEHdpDcxBjMJonY1X02lf1XbS9bKdtxg0YWvxWsRttiHqLGToDNlPmHSaYdKWYA9c1jj4PTlw/s320/pace.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 212px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsON1a65erHxiLiFzBORqybVm71FGz9WeOEN-URrRRnluteoMI9shcjDTgR6NFp21sogxEHdpDcxBjMJonY1X02lf1XbS9bKdtxg0YWvxWsRttiHqLGToDNlPmHSaYdKWYA9c1jj4PTlw/s320/pace.jpg" /></a><br /><div><strong>SOURCE: AUTHOR</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><em>Weston Wilson is not immortal and he is of this world. But, aging is not part of his existence, and eighteen-year-old Sophie Slone is determined to find out why. In doing so, she could also uncover something about her own life expectancy that she may not want to know. Suddenly, immortality will mean everything and nothing all at the same time.<br />Intensely fascinating and rich with determination, The Pace brings together romance, mystery, and suspense in a compelling bond that is sure to have readers asking for more. </em></div><br /><p><em></em></p><br /><p>The Pace was a fantastic ride that never ends, and honestly I didn't want it to end. The book is never slow and I was always at the edge of my seat biting my nails waiting to see what was going to happen next. </p><br /><p>Shelena Shorts knows how to create suspence, but not only that, I was also crying as I came to the end. I love it when a book makes me cry. It shows to me that it was full of emotions and this book was one of them. I felt my fingers trembling, but I loved the characters here. Sophie was such a careing person and all she wanted was to make things better and then there's Wes. A heart of pure gold and loves Sophie no matter what. </p><br /><p>I really enjoyed all the research the book had, the letters from long ago and email exchanges between Sophie and Wes. It only made the characters more alive. The ending, I will warn you, is a cliffhanger and will leave you biting your nails off more for the second book THE BROKEN LAKE which is out now.</p><br /><p>Overall, I loved this book and am dying to read the sequal!</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>♥♥♥♥♥</p><br /><p>-Ana</p><br /><div><em><br /></em></div>AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4744018649702713689.post-30257284357698936072010-10-28T16:45:00.002-04:002010-10-28T16:53:34.325-04:00The Hourglass Door by Lisa Mangum<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NiA82MafEu8/S8IsNrZCyAI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/XcqLPYzQIE0/s1600/the+hourglass+door.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 316px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 469px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NiA82MafEu8/S8IsNrZCyAI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/XcqLPYzQIE0/s1600/the+hourglass+door.jpg" /></a><br /><div><strong>SOURCE: PUBLISHER</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><em>His past. Her future. Can love bring them together in time?<br /><br />Abby's senior year of high school is going according to plan: good friends, cute boyfriend, and college applications in the mail. But when Dante Alexander, foreign-exchange student from Italy, steps into her life, he turns it upside down. He's mysterious, and interesting, and unlike anyone she's ever met before. Abby can't deny the growing attraction she feels for him. Nor can she deny the unusual things that seem to happen when Dante is around. Soon Abby finds herself drawn into a mystery whose roots reach into sixteenth-century Florence, and she uncovers a dangerous truth that threatens not only her future but the lives of those she loves.<br /></em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div>There is only one word I can say for this book. Wow! I was mezmerized right from the beginning and I couldn't put it down. I never wanted to put it down. Abby was such a nice person and all the pain she felt, I felt as well. All the time I kepy wondering why would people even hurt her so much. But once Dante came in, I found someone else to fall for. There's so much about him and he's so mysterious and that only made me want to know more about him. His past has so much and this book was a very unique story. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Mangum has created a new plot in which fans of Alyson Noel's IMMORTAL'S Series will love. It was fresh and new and simply captivating. As you delve into the novel, you will see how much in influences the cover.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The ending made me cry and want to read the second book immediatly. It sort of is a cliff hanger, but it has a lot of emotion in it that when Abby began to cry, so did I.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Overall, this book was absolutly perfect and it has taken me on a ride I want to continue and never leave. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>♥♥♥♥♥</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>-Ana</div>AnaRissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05911000145622031404noreply@blogger.com0