Thursday 29 March 2012

100 FOLLOWER GIVEAWAY!!!

On Twitter we finally reached 100 FOLLOWERS!  So after some thinking and much love, we decided that it was time for a GIVEAWAY! 

First Place Winner will get the chance to chose 1 out of 10 YA books we have listed below.  Plus a little sizzling gift from both of us as a means of sending our love and appreciation! 




Since we love all our followers, Second place receives a *Mystery* Prize. It could be anything from books to jewelry. Who knows! 

So Lets Get This Contest Started!!!


*Message From Calamity & Chaos*
-Best of luck! 
May the Madness Be Ever In Your Favor!
(Still a little Hunger Games absorbed)  


P.S. International Giveaway!! 
ALSO, ALL entries will be checked for legitimacy. False entries *Will* be revoked 



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday 26 March 2012

Book 2 of The Pledge Trilogy Cover Reveal

The Essence By Kimberly Derting is second in The Pledge Trilogy. Kimberly Derting had revealed the cover not too long ago, and it is set to release

January 1st, 2013!

The title seems to "hint" about what will occur in this book, but either way! Definitely Excited!


Destiny's Fire By Trisha Wolfe Review

Available at Amazon and The Book Depository 


Genre: Mixed-Fantasy/Dystopian

Description: 
   It's the year 2040, and sixteen-year-old Dez Harkly is one of the last of her kind-part of a nearly extinct race of shape-shifters descended from guardians to the Egyptian pharaohs. Her home and her secret are threatened when the Council lowers the barrier, allowing the enemy race to enter the Shythe haven. As the Narcolym airships approach, Dez and her friends rebel against their Council and secretly train for battle. Not only is Dez wary of war and her growing affection for her best friend Jace, she fears the change her birthday will bring. When Dez's newfound power rockets out of control, it's a Narcolym who could change her fate...if she can trust him. Dez's guarded world crumbles when she discovers why the Narcos have really come to Haven Falls, and she's forced to choose between the race who raised her and the enemy she's feared her whole life.




Chaos' Review:
   
    What caught my attention was the gorgeous cover and the strong title. It brings a sudden motto to mind...if you all know, Nike's motto is "just do it" yea...well that's what pops into my mind, haha. 
   The book has an awesome start, its action packed and drives my intention right into flipping the pages NON-stop. I love erupt beginnings, it's the exact moment where a writer has to provide a strong entry in order to capture a readers attention. Trisha Wolfe did exactly just that. She introduces us to the characters fluently. Which I LOVE. 
   The protagonist (Dez, short for Destiny) is strong willed (another A+) and confident, she has the perfect mixture of femininity and the pure trait of kicking-butt. She's awesome. Another plus, was that with these Dystopian books now a days, authors give their characters a BRAIN unlike *cough* Bella Swan *cough*. Dez is smart, humane, and a  down to earth girl who will do anything to protect the ones she love. It makes the story so much more real when the main character holds more depth...and shows just how much power a girl can hold. GIRL POWER! 
   The story is continuously action packed which keeps things interesting. There's also the hint of a LOOOOOVE triangle! Well, not "hint" more like BAM! Two men love her, problem is while reading this, I got so stressed since both guys were just so PERFECT, even I couldn't pick which one -I- liked better......Whatta life eh? Anyways, back to the book, the love story within this book is heart breaking, emotional, surprising, and just whoa. The antagonist can literally be anyone; you can chose between the opposing race of the Kythan or..... (leaves out spolier). This book definitely traps your intention right from the start. I could NOT put this amazing read down. Loved it. 

Sunday 25 March 2012

The Pledge By Kimberly Derting Review

 Available at Amazon and The Book Depository 

Genre: Mixed- Fantasy & Dystopia

Description: 
    In the violent country of Ludania, the language you speak determines what class you are, and there are harsh punishments if you forget your place—looking a member of a higher class in the eye can result in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina (Charlie for short) can understand all languages, a dangerous ability she’s been hiding her whole life. Her only place of release is the drug-filled underground club scene, where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. There, she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy who speaks a language she’s never heard, and her secret is almost exposed. Through a series of violent upheavals, it becomes clear that Charlie herself is the key to forcing out the oppressive power structure of her kingdom…



Chaos' Review: 
   
  The Pledge by Kimberly Derting caught my attention right away because, it was just so unique and different. Just by reading the description "the language you speak determines what class you are". It brings a sense of awe because there has yet to be a book that could hold a similar idea as this (in my case). Charlie (Charalaina...such a pretty name!) is the protagonist that tries to lead a normal life, she's cast into the shadow by her gorgeous friend that catches the eyes of all guys around her, Brooklyn, yet little does Charlie know of her TRUE historical background. Charlie is a normal girl, works at her parents restaurant, goes to school, she typically holds a pure heart. I like when the main character can be so big-hearted, and places family before -love interest- *cough* unlike Bella Swan *cough*. Just like in the Hunger Games, how Katniss would do anything for her sister, Charlie also plays that protective "I will give up my life for you" kind of girl for her little sister. I find it sweet and empowering, because then it gives the character a goal, which is to protect her sister, and from there the story grows and holds more meaning, and it glides more smoothly. Therefore, making the book hard to put down. 
   There is always a love interest in books, but Kimberly Derting made it so there would be a "forbidden love" type of story unfolded, since Charlie's love interest, Max, speaks a language above her own, meaning that he is of higher class. As always, most of us readers are suckers when it comes to the whole "Romeo & Juliet" scenario about forbidden love, and it played out perfectly in The Pledge. The antagonist in this book is the Queen, who....lucky Charlie (insert sarcasm) turns out to be Max's lovely old (psycho, power hungry) Grandmother. She's just a bucket full of poison. Well, I don't intend on revealing too much, so it's time for you to head on to your nearest book store and pick up a copy, because I literally couldn't put down my book, I just kept flipping page after page, yet once I reached the end, I felt a sudden dread........Like this feeling that Charlie's Cinderella story is yet to be over, and more is come hurtling towards her, and her love, Max..........which means SEQUEL. Which is called The Essence and releases January 1st, 2013.


4 and a half star rating.
 

Friday 23 March 2012

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand Book Review

Description:
In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .
Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.
Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.


Calamity's Review:
I had read many books about angels before this one and I am honestly not so impressed with it. I had high expectations and this book was more "highschool scene" than "heavenly angels." Maybe I'm just being biased because I'm  not a fan of angels, but this book was very...Prolonged? Continous?Annoying? (circle all three options)
The main girl (I didn't even bother remembering her name) is a very boring character that seems lost the whole book and doesn't seem to know what to do most of the time. She has somewhat of a personality but most of it just blah. The only reason I finished this book was because of Tucker, her love interedst. He is the only one that is truly himself and he seems to make the book interesting.
The storyline for the book had a good start to it but I do not think that Cynthia Hand went as far with the storyline as she should have.

Under The Never Sky By Veronica Rossi Review

Available at Amazon or The Book Depository 

Genre: Dystopian 

Description: 
     Since she’d been on the outside, she’d survived an Aether storm, she’d had a knife held to her throat, and she’d seen men murdered. This was worse.
Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland—known as The Death Shop—are slim. If the cannibals don’t get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She’s been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He’s wild—a savage—and her only hope of staying alive.
A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile—everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria’s help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.


Chaos' Review: 

     I was pretty surprised when I flipped open the book.......and I couldn't put it down after. It was unique, empowering, and just a fun ride to escape into. The world in which Aria, the female protagonist, lived in makes me shudder, since.....heck.....I wouldn't be able to survive in a world of imagination and make believe forever! I NEED to be able to run, and feel the actual exertion and strain from it; I need to be able to BUILD stamina from it. Either way, it seems pretty cool :) OH, and I have a slight adoration towards Aria in a sense because, Veronica Rossi gave her the traits of a normal girl who talks a lot, goes through "changes" and is just feminine in every way possible, and because of that, it made it easier to relate to Aria, which made the book BETTER. I love being able to relate to characters...makes things funnier in a sense. Plus she was confident in her actions and thoughts, not scared and whiny.
    Then here comes Perry trudging in, and for once, the male protagonist in this book isn't described as the hottest guy out there....his best friend is actually hotter. Which means, that Aria herself, didn't fall for his LOOKS like *cough* Bella Swan *cough* (we all know that Twilight story). Therefore, making the -love- more evident! Which is just ADORABLE! Personally....I kind of like Roar a little more than Perry...it's because he's funny. Funny guys are bumped up on my scale...its a habit. As the story progressed Aria and Perry are continuously thrown into treacherous situations, they're bond increases. I love it. I was actually surprised that the book turned out so good. Although I always enjoy Dystopian books, this is a worthy read. 
 

Calamity's Review:

     Chaos pretty much said it all but here are my 2 cents anyway:
I usually love it when the female protagonist of the book is kick-butt. Kind of like Rose Hathaway from the Vampire Academy Series. I CANNOT tolerate the annoying, whiney girls that have no depth at all. Aria, though, was the PERFECT in between of true girly-girl and a bada** girl. I loved it. She was all those traits at all the right times.
     The male protagonist, Perry, was such a typical guy for me. Like most guys I encounter, he was part mute and had the same old personality.
     I loved the way Aria and Perry's realtionship grew. It wasn't just the ridiculous love at first sight nonsense, they honestly resented each other in the beginning. They learned to care for eacthother and even became a great team. The dyanamic was awesome.
As for the concept of the book, it was pretty rad. The idea was original and had a great sense of mustery to it.
I recommend this book to EVERYONE





 

Sunday 18 March 2012

The Selection By Kiera Cass Greenlit For TV Pilot

The Selection By Kiera Cass (Release Date for April 24th, 2012) Has been Greenlit for a TV Pilot. Meaning that they're transforming the to-be released book into a SHOW! Pretty impressive since the book has yet to even release! However, if you want to get ahead of the game, grab a copy on April 24th and give it a try to get in with the excitement! 


Description:  For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon. 

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks. 

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never 
imagined 










Wednesday 14 March 2012

Our Afternoon with Tahereh Mafi author of Shatter Me....+ Some Madness :D


In Honour of Divergent (soon to be movie) and its upcoming Sequel Insurgent (May 1st, 2012) We have created our "Dream" Movie Poster. Hope You like It ;)


Divergent Book Reiew By Veronica Roth



Available at Amazon or The Book Depository


Description:
In a future Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.

In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

Quick Note:
Many of you may know that INSURGENT, the sequel to  DIVERGENT is coming out May 01, 2012! So in honor of the release, we have decided to review Divergent for those of you still contemplating reading it.


Calamity's Review:

I'm going to start by saying how the cover of this book does not do it justice at all. The book is a dystopian and I loved the whole concept of "faction before blood" because it is a very original form of dystopia.
Beatrice (Tris), the Protagonist, is born as an Abnegation, the selfless, but when time comes to chose her own faction, she betrays her family and becomes Dauntless. Tris is a character that seems to be sick of her own skin and choosing Dauntless helps her find her ownself. I loved that she was soo subtely out there. People knew of her but she didn't flaunt it. A part of her knew how incredible she is but she never really accepted it. I just honestly loved her! She might be ONE of my favourite book girl.
Four, Tris' love interest, is completely awesome! He knows what he wants and goes for it. He could be considered a typical guy with a fierce fierce, yet caring, personality. I just loved the whole thing! Just thinking about this books makes me want to read it again. And I am not one to reread. The only books I have ever reread are The Harry Potter Series (Duh) and The Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead.
All I gotta say now is that if you have not read the book, then you are cray! Okay not really, but you really need to read this book.
I rate this book a 5!  Duh


Chaos' Review:


       This book was interesting ground to tread on. The protagonist was enticing in a way, where she was confident after she began to notice how -much- she disliked her lifestyle. Tris (Beatrice) was a fun fanatical character that we got to watch evolve as the story progressed, but I felt as if there was some kind of trait, you know that extra SIZZLE, that was missing from her, but she was still...ya know....Cool. I give her props for betraying her family by choosing to join the Dauntless, instead of doing as her parents had forever instilled in her since she was born, which was to be SELFLESS, like WHOA....thats some courage! After that, she definitely went higher on my "Must Adore" scale. Now on the other hand, here comes the mysterious -sexy- boy...Four. No doubt, but this character had that extra FLAVOR to add into the story. He was that one character that helped balance out the story with all the action and secrets prowling around. This book was totally GOOD and WORTH the read.
     The cover doesn't very much do justice to the story awaiting inside as Calamity had said, but we all have that habit of "Judging a book by its cover", but don't worry, I do that all the time, its just a terrible habit that's hard to kill........but I'm getting there...hopefully. 
4 out of 5 stars 












Thursday 8 March 2012

The Night Circus By Erin Morgenstern Review

Available at Amazon or The Book Depository

Description: The circus arrives at night, without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within nocturnal black and white striped tents awaits a unique experience, a feast for the senses, where one can get lost in a maze of clouds, meander through a lush garden made of ice, stand awestruck as a tattooed contortionist folds herself into a small glass box, and gaze in wonderment at an illusionist performing impossible feats of magic.

Welcome to Le Cirque des RĂªves. Beyond the smoke and mirrors, however, a fierce competition is underway - a contest between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood to compete in "a game," in which each must use their powers of illusion to best the other. Unbeknownst to them, this game is a duel to the death, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will.


 
Chaos' Review: 

    As of late, I have been picking up a great deal of books, but for once have I picked up something that made it seem like the book was -breathing- in my hands. Each word is delicately displayed to allow the readers to marvel in the magic. LIKE WOW! I know I can be a wide spread person who loves to put my imagination to the test, but this book made me literally feel like I myself was able to watch Celia pepper out "illusions" with the lift of a single finger,  or walk through the tents and view that incredible world myself, like the ice sculptures made by the dashing Marco, or as if I too am climbing that tree with Bailey, whom'll never stop dreaming.
   Celia Bowen is remarkably confident and thinks every possible outcome through, she literally seemed like a normal classy lady from the 1900's that adorned broad dresses and beautiful hats, with just enough well-mannered skin showing, now the thing I loved about this was that she was MAGICAL, which changed the entire concept of this character into someone stronger, because she's trying to win a game she hardly knows a thing about. Simply Outstanding. Then there is Marco, what can I say...who doesn't have a weakness for guys in top hats? hahaha. He too seems like your ordinary well-mannered man, yet he as well is MAGICAL. However, the story got remarkably better when the tragedy of a love that can never be GROWS! It was heart killing, and I literally miss walking through this story page to page. 
   There is no doubt that I will most definitely pick this book up again and allow it to spring back to life, just the way Erin Morgenstern worded everything so the reader themselves, can feel part of this remarkable story of pure imagination and magic. It was filled completely with the love of the magic sense from Harry Potter, but on a different poetic scale compared to it.Erin Morgenstern is simply a gifted writer and he definitely deserved much praise for this SUPERB BOOK!!!!!!!! 
 I LOVED IT!!!!!!! And since its over.........I miss it so much. I feel so empty. *wipes away tears scrolling down my cheeks*

Sunday 4 March 2012

James Dashner The Kill Order Cover Reveal...Releasing August 14th 2012 (North America)

Before WICKED was formed, before the Glade was built, before Thomas entered the Maze, sun flares seared the earth and mankind fell to disease. THE KILL ORDER tells the story of that fall.
Who else is ultimately excited for this release? Well WE ARE!!!! After zooming through the series, one thought came to mind, and that was what happened -before- WICKED and Thomas and the entire Maze, Scorch, and just EVERYTHING in general! Now there's also that curious thought sitting at the back of our minds......who will the protagonist be? Since Thomas is obviously either not born or a baby, he can't rejoin us in this story now can he. Therefore, we are obviously in for a great surprise from James Dashner!










Saturday 3 March 2012

The Maze Runner By James Dashner


Available at Amazon or The Book Depository

Description: 

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.

Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. 

Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.

Chaos' Review: 

      The fact that the back of this book held so much mystery was what caught my attention. That and the odd title. It just makes you think....what in this world is a "Maze Runner"??? well, the title is kind of self explanatory but it still has the continuous round of "WHOA What kind of story does this book hold?". I can't even begin to describe how amazing this book was. It kept me flipping the pages to the point were I couldn't put it down even when it was 2am!
   Thomas, the protagonist, wasn't perfect nor was he kick-butt. HOWEVER, the difference was that instead of physical durability, it was the much needed sense of intelligence that was NEEDED! Whats better than smart people locked up in a maze? And a bunch of smart people equals DRAMA! Trust is also a major issue with Thomas, yet the main problem is, is that no one in the Maze can remember anything -outside- of it. I was simply anxious to know what was GOING ON!!! 
   My favourite character though, was probably Minho, no matter what the situation, no matter what the mood, he never fails to crack a joke that can bring an actual smile to your face! Another interesting thing was how the Gladers had their own "cuss" words. Pretty funny, when you say it out loud, even when you think of the reference it makes you laugh. 
   Really, just WOW. All Praise To James Dashner! His creativity went to the MAX and it was just A M A Z I N G!!! The need for each Glader to escape the Maze is just inspiring, and just the way they care for one another is just wow. Friendship like that brings a sense of being a Family to the Gladers. Plus the amount of tragedy that occurs, and the situations that come into play, are simply unpredictable. Simply astounding.
   Readers of the Hunger Games that feel a sense of emptiness, need to pick this book up and give it a try. It will CERTAINLY fill that hollowness! 
   I've come to the point where I'm contemplating on re-reading the book....and I never consider doing such things. The Next  book in the series, The Scorch Trials is bound to be double the amount of excitement ;)
   I give James Dashner much praise and adoration for writing such a remarkable book! I'm usually a naturally picky person, but this book deserves top marks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!





Calamity's Review:
Okay, let me just start by saying how incredible this book was. Chaos said it how it is, it can help help you recover from the loss of finishing The Hunger Games (which was pretty emotional for me). This isn't usually the type of book that I would pick off of a bookshelf because the cover isn't "pretty" and that usually helps me decide what book I'll read. But lets just say that Chaos is pretty good at convincing. I love reading dystopian books but its just soo hard to pick up the book for me because there will inevitably be some sort of tragedy to it.
I know that Chaos and I have mentioned the The Hunger Games, but this book is nothing like it. They might have a similar (Kind of) concept that puts the characters of this book in a situation they need to escape from or just survive, for that matter. But the similarities stop there. The story line is completely different and they are both amazing in their own different ways. Both books are a must read.
I loved that Thomas (The Protagonist) was a good in between of smart, level-headed guy and rage filled teenager. It's good to see a well rounded character in books because sometimes authors forget to do that, which results in the book being excruciatingly boring, but not The Maze Runner. The maze runner was a great read and really makes you think about how you, yourself, would react in a situation like that.
Chaos has finished the whole series and I think it has made her slightly insane, I'm still working on it and I gotta say, it's pretty darn good.
I rate this book a 4