Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings by Helene Boudreau

Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings

Helene Boudreau

224 pages

Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Release Date: December 1st, 2010

Source: Publisher for review

Freak of nature takes on a whole new meaning...

If she hadn't been so clueless, she might have seen it coming. But really, who expects to get into a relaxing bathtub after a stressful day of shopping for tankinis and come out with scales and a tail?

Most. Embarrassing. Moment. Ever.

Jade soon discovers she inherited her mermaid tendencies from her mom. But if Mom was a mermaid, how did she drown?

Jade is determined to find out. So how does a plus-size, aqua-phobic mer-girl go about doing that exactly? And how will Jade ever be able to explain her secret to her best friend, Cori, and Luke?

This summer is about to get a lot more interesting...

   When I first saw this one on my twitter feed, I wasn't so sure I wanted to read it. I hadn't seen the cover yet, but the title kind of threw me off. I'm not sure why, but somehow, it just did.

   Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings starts off with Jade (the main character) shopping with her best friend for the perfect swimsuit to fit her muffin-top, plus-sized body. She finally finds one...Then everything pretty much goes haywire from there.

   She gets a mermaid's tail, while sitting in a salt water tub after a rough day in the mall. Freaky. She finds out she inherited it from her mother. Here's what's bothering her - if her mother was a mermaid, how did she drown?

   Hurricane Jade is determined to find out. But how can she keep it a secret from her best friend? And all the other questioning eyes in her small city?

   Everything about Hélène Boudreau's latest release was wonderful. The characters were likable, the plot was somewhat unique, and the outcome, although slightly predictable, was completely satisfying. I was hooked from the first page, and pleased when I flipped over the last one. My only concern about this book was that it recommends it for ages 9 and up, I have siblings around that age, and I think Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings is more suitable for ages 11 and up.

   Overall, this is one book you just can't miss. Its a fun and quick read, and even comes with Jade's recipe for scrumptious 5-Minute Chocolate Mug Cake in the end!

Be sure to watch out for my giveaway to win a signed copy of Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings :)

Waiting on Wednesday (19) -- Water Wars by Cameron Stracher

"Waiting On" Wednesday spotlights upcoming releases that everyone's excited about (created by Jill at Breaking The Spine.)

Welcome to a future where water is more precious than gold or oil - and worth killing for.
 
Vera and her brother, Will, live in the shadow of the Great Panic, in a country that has collapsed from environmental catastrophe. Water is hoarded by governments, rivers are dammed, and clouds are sucked from the sky. But then Vera befriends Kai, who seems to have limitless access to fresh water. When Kai suddenly disappears, Vera and Will set off on a dangerous journey in search of him-pursued by pirates, a paramilitary group, and greedy corporations. Timely and eerily familiar, acclaimed author Cameron Stracher makes a stunning YA debut that's impossible to forget.

I like the sound of this one. Plus its pretty unique.

Water Wars is expected to be released on January 1st 2011 by Sourcebooks Fire.
What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

The Thin Executioner by Darren Shan

The Thin Executioner

Darren Shan

496 pages

Publisher: Little Brown Books

Release Date: August 1st, 2010

Source: ARC from Library

In a kingdom of merciless tyrants, Jebel Rum's family is honored as royalty because his father is the executioner. But Rashed Rum is near retirement. And when he goes, there will be a contest to determine his successor. It is a contest that thin, puny Jebel has no chance of winning.

  Humiliated and ashamed, Jebel sets out on a quest to the faraway home of a legendary fire god to beg for inhuman powers so that he can become the most lethal of men. He must take with him a slave, named Tel Hesani, to be sacrificed to the god. It will be a dark and brutal journey filled with lynch mobs, suicide cults, terrible monsters, and worse, monstrous men. But to Jebel, the risk is worth it.

 To retrieve his honor . . .

 To wield unimaginable power . . .

 To become . . .

 The thin executioner

 Inspired by the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, international bestselling master of horror Darren Shan takes readers on a thrilling, fast-paced journey into a nightmarish world where compassion and kindness are the greatest crimes of all.

   The Thin Executioner has been sitting on my bookshelf for a while now. I decided to pick it up since I haven't seen many reviews of it. And just as the summary says, this story really was a lot like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. I liked it, but not all of it.

   Jebel Rum is the runt of his family. His father, the greatest executioner in Wadi, is about to retire and is placing his two older sons in a battle to determine the new executioner. Jebel is disgraced, his father gave a speech to everyone in Wadi, and Jebel's name wasn't even mentioned. To earn back his honor and clear his name, Jebel sets out to quest for Tubaygat, where he will petition a god, sacrifice a slave, and be granted invincibility.

   I hated Jebel Rum from the start. He was so full of himself and had no respect for his slave. It's not entirely his fault, since he was taught that slaves can never be equals. But as Jebel and Tel Hesani (his humble and caring slave) travel the treacherous eight-ten month journey, Jebel starts to think of Tel Hesani... as a friend. Jebel changes a lot - for the better. I started to like him as he realized his teachings and harsh upbringings were wrong.

   Up until about 400 or so pages, I was almost certain I would give The Thin Executioner two or three stars. There was too much blood and gore. I usually like those types of books, but this one was so extreme, in certain places I felt like puking. But the story has a beautiful ending, one that nearly brought me to tears, one that I didn't know the famed blood and gore author Darren Shan was capable of. Overall, you're in for a story that can sometimes be predictable, but will definitely leave you smiling.

   The cover is very creepy. Not so much in the image. But when you have the book in your hands, those eyes are almost lifelike. However, it does resemble an executioner's mask, so it's a cover wholly related to the story.

WINNER of the Midwinter's Eve Giveaway

The Winners of The Midwinter's Eve Giveaway on IceyBooks is....

Sarah S. from Wondrous Readings
Belle Découverte from Belle Decoverte
Babs from The World of Book Reviews

Congratulations! The three winners will receive
ebook versions of Solid by Shelley Workinger!

I have already emailed the winners, and if they doesn't respond
within 48 hours new winners will be chosen.

*The winner was chosen using random.org*

Waiting on Wednesday (18) -- Dark Parties by Sara Grant

"Waiting On" Wednesday spotlights upcoming releases that everyone's excited about (created by Jill at Breaking The Spine.)

    Dark Parties is a dystopian novel about a country that generations ago closed its borders to people and ideas. No one knows what exists outside their protected society. Neva and her best friend secretly plot to force the government to open its borders. Anyone who threatens the government seems to disappear mysteriously. Neva receives a message from her grandma who vanished without a trace 10 years ago, inviting her to escape to the outside. Now she has a choice–stay and save her country or leave and save herself.

Seems pretty... mysterious and interesting, though the blurb doesn't say much.

Dark Parties is expected to be released in April 2011 from Little Brown.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Midwinter's Eve Giveaway -- WIN Solid by Shelley Workinger



Its time for the Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop hosted by Inspired Kathy! Thanks to the generous Shelley Workinger, I have 3 Ebook versions of Solid to giveaway to my totally awesome followers (yup, you have to be a follower to enter). The Giveaway runs from today until December 22nd at 11:59 PM.

There are more blogs participating, so after you enter mine, be sure to check out the other blogs in the linky below.


To enter, simply fill out the form below :)

In My Mailbox (14)

In My Mailbox is a meme created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! It features a list of what books you have received over the previous week, either for review, from the library, or from the bookstore.

 

For Review (from NetGalley):
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

I was FINALLY accepted by HarperTeen to review their books from NetGalley!! I'm excited about both of these, and I'm saving Angelfire for 2011 for the Debut Author Challenge ;).


What was in your mailbox this week? 

Guest Post -- A Gomessy Xmas

“It's the age-old tale:      Boy meets girl.      Boy stalks girl.      Girl already has a stalker.      Boy becomes her stalker-stalker.”

“No Hope for Gomez!” is the award winning comedy novel that has already wrecked thousands of reasonably useful minds. To end the year with a twist, you get the Geeky eNovel “A Gomessy Xmas: Random acts of senseless kindness” with your copy of No Hope. Simply send your Amazon receipt to nohopeforgomez@gmail.com before January 15th.

As a bonus, and for a limited time only, reading “No Hope for Gomez!” will also make you more attractive to the opposite sex, and it will increase your random luck by about 9.5%
(These statements have not been evaluated by anyone of consequence.)

Read a free chapter here. , and get more details on this offer here.

"Extremely witty and clever writing that contains keen insights into human nature." California Chronicles "The antics in this book will leave the reader laughing. Graham Parke is a genius." Readers Favorite "A quick and unputdownable read that flies in the face of reason and smashes against the wall of detective novels. It's a Coens Brothers' film formatted in book form." BookReview.com

Blog Hop (13) & Follow Friday (14)

The Book Blogger Hop is a meme sponsored by Jennifer at Crazy For Books.
My answer to this week's Blog Hop question:

What do you consider the most important in a story:
the plot or the characters?

To me, the plot is the most important part of a story. The plot is what helps me decide whether or not to pick up a particular book and read it. Characters don't really change my thoughts on a book.

And...(of course) its Follow Friday


 

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View.

My answer to this week's Follow Friday question:

What did you study in college, or are currently studying and did it lead to your current 9 to 5 or are you doing something totally different?

I'm only 17 and still in high school. But I plan on going into web design or computer programming, but I'm not so sure right now. We'll see ;)

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

Revolution
Jennifer Donnelly
472 pages
Publisher: Delacorte Books
Release Date: October 12th, 2010
Source: ARC from Library


From Goodreads:

BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.

PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape.

Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.

Jennifer Donnelly, author of the award-winning novel A Northern Light, artfully weaves two girls’ stories into one unforgettable account of life, loss, and enduring love. Revolution spans centuries and vividly depicts the eternal struggles of the human heart.

   Let me start by saying I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction. I have read a few, but not many. In Revolution, Jennifer Donnelly tells a beautiful story that blends together the present and the past in a way that's stunningly real. Two girls, two centuries apart, become one as their stories and griefs intertwine. There are so many paranormal and supernatural stories out there, we sometimes forget that stories like this can still pull us into a new world, much like our own, and leave us feeling compelled to turn the next page.

   Andi Alpers lost her brother, and it's all her fault. At least, that's what she says. And because of it, she tries to get herself killed to end the pain. Walking in front of cars, looking off the edge of a building one step away from death, she's tried them all. She takes pills to aid her depression, and plays music to get away from it all.
 
   Her father, a Nobel prize winning scientist who's almost never home, comes home one day when he finds out Andi is about to be expelled from one of the most prestigious schools in Brooklyn. He takes her with him to Paris during her winter break to work on her thesis, which is required for her to graduate. She goes, but not without a fight.

   While she's fumbling with a case, she unknowingly stumbles upon the diary of a girl who lived over 200 years ago. Andi's obsessed with Alex's diary, she can't put it away. Alex, the girl who became the caretaker of the young prince Louis-Charles. The prince who looks exactly like her brother, a life stolen because of madmen.

   Revolution was unputdownable. Everything about Donnelly's writing is compelling - the plot, her writing style, the characters - all perfect. I say, take a break from the vampires, faeries, dragons, and werewolves and dive heart-first into this beautiful and heartfelt story - you won't regret it.

The cover is well-fitting for the story.

Even the red ribbon across the middle has a resemblance to the story ;)

WINNER of my Handmade Bottle Cap Necklace!

The Winner of my Handmade "Reading Queen" Bottle Cap Necklace is....

Jacque

Congratulations Jacque!

I have already emailed Jacque, and if the winner doesn't respond within 48 hours
a new winner will be chosen.

*The winner was chosen using random.org*

Waiting on Wednesday (17) -- Wildefire by Karsten Knight

"Waiting On" Wednesday spotlights upcoming releases that everyone's excited about (created by Jill at Breaking The Spine.)

Ashline Wilde never received an instruction manual on how to be a 16-year-old Polynesian volcano goddess. If she had, it might have contained helpful warnings such as:

• Dreaming about your (thankfully) mortal boyfriend may cause your bed to spontaneously combust
• Oven mitts should be worn at all times during heavy make-out sessions

Instead, Ash has to learn these life lessons the hard way as her dormant powers erupt at the most awkward times. In the wake of a hometown tragedy, Ash transfers to Blackwood Academy, a boarding school nestled in California’s redwoods, where a group of fellow gods-on-earth have mysteriously convened. As if sophomore year couldn’t get any worse, her storm goddess older sister, the wild and unpredictable Eve, resurfaces to haunt Ashline. With a war between the gods looming over Blackwood, Ash must master the fire smoldering within her before she clashes with her sister one final time, which leads us to life-lesson #3:

• When warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm.

I just had to keep the cover image full size, its soooo gorgeous! And the premise of the story is totally unique, plus Wildefire is a debut novel!!

Wildefire will be released on July 26th, 2011 from Simon & Shuster.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

In My Mailbox (13)

In My Mailbox is a meme created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! It features a list of what books you have received over the previous week, either for review, from the library, or from the bookstore.

For Review:
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys (Won from LibraryThing's Early Reviewer Program)

Only one book this week, but I already have a lot of books to read, so I'm not that upset, but new books in the mail are really awesome, right?? :D

What was in your mailbox this week? 

Blog Design :)

I've had a few people ask me if I can design graphics for their blogs. I said I would try, and they were really happy with the results! So... if anyone needs custom headers, buttons, and/or backgrounds, just refer them (or come) to me!!

If you want to see what I've done:

---Take a look at my blog (of course!)
---Check out the header and button at Amanda's Writings
---Check out the header, button, and rating system at The Bookworm is Here


Here are my charges:

$10.00 for a header
$15.00 for a background
  $4.50 for a button

Or, all three for $29.50 $25.00 - pretty reasonable, right?


If you want to customize your blog even further:

$8.50 for post titles with custom font
$4.00 for a rating system that matches your overall design


Just contact me at brainytex@gmail.com and we can get started :D

Blog Hop (12) and Follow Friday (13)

The Book Blogger Hop is a meme sponsored by Jennifer at Crazy For Books.
My answer to this week's Blog Hop question:

What is the thing you like most about reading book blogs?  Is it the reviews, author guest posts, articles, giveaways, or something else entirely?

I would have to say, all of the above. I also like going to blogs to see their designs, some of them are so inviting, I always tend to visit back!

And...(of course) its Follow Friday



 

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View.

My answer to this week's Follow Friday question:

Do you have an under-noticed author that you
think we should all know about?

One author, and her debut, that hardly anyone knows about would be Lesley Hauge and her interesting book - Nomansland. I've mentioned it a few times before, but many people were saying they've never heard of it.

Waiting on Wednesday (16) -- Vesper by Jeff Sampson

"Waiting On" Wednesday spotlights upcoming releases that everyone's excited about (created by Jill at Breaking The Spine.)

Emily Webb is a geek. And she’s happy that way. Content hiding under hoodies and curling up to watch old horror flicks, she’s never been the kind of girl who sneaks out for midnight parties. And she’s definitely not the kind of girl who starts fights or flirts with other girls’ boyfriends. Until one night Emily finds herself doing exactly that . . . the same night one of her classmates—also named Emily—is found mysteriously murdered.

The thing is, Emily doesn’t know why she’s doing any of this. By day, she’s the same old boring Emily, but by night, she turns into a thrill seeker. With every nightfall, Emily gets wilder until it’s no longer just her personality that changes. Her body can do things it never could before: Emily is now strong, fast, and utterly fearless. And soon Emily realizes that she’s not just coming out of her shell . . . there’s something much bigger going on. Is she bewitched by the soul of the other, murdered Emily? Or is Emily Webb becoming something else entirely—something not human?

As Emily hunts for answers, she finds out that she’s not the only one this is happening to—some of her classmates are changing as well. Who is turning these teens into monsters—and how many people will they kill to get what they want?

Hmmm, I think I know what this one's about, but it does seem like an interesting read :D

Vesper will be released on March 8th, 2011 from HarperCollins.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Interview with Shelley Workinger -- Author of Solid

I recently reviewed Solid. A super-cool science fiction novel by Shelley Workinger. You can read my review here. Solid was really unique, so I interviewed the unique author behind the book. Read on :D


IceyBooks: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Shelley Workinger: I grew up in a very small town in Maine and moved to New Orleans at my first opportunity; I wanted to experience and try everything I could from the youngest age I can remember. Needless to say, I have found myself in some strange situations and made my share of mistakes, but I'd rather look back at my life and say, "Guess that wasn't meant to be," than "I wish I'd done that!" And without that outlook, there'd certainly be no "Solid." :)

IB: Describe Solid in 7-9 words.

SW: THIS WAS HARD!
Newly discovered superteens find friendship, love, and uncover conspiracy.

IB: Where did you find the inspiration for Solid?


SW: I dreamt one scene that eventually became chapter twelve, and even though I always have vivid dreams, that one took root in my conscious as well. I couldn't stop thinking about those two people came to be in that place and where they'd go next.



IB: Do you have a hobby, besides reading and/or writing?

SW: I love cooking, especially trying new recipes, but not baking - I'm not a dessert person.

IB: If you weren't an author, what would you have become?
SW: A Magician's Assistant! I kick myself all the time for not seeking out a magician in college. That would've been way more fun than the hostessing and bookkeeping I did.

IB: Is there anything else you would like to add?

SW: Thank you so much for your interest in "Solid" and giving me the opportunity to speak with your blog followers; I know we all have dozens of books on our TBR lists and I am so appreciative for your consideration of mine! Your welcome!!

Thanks for taking the time to tell me and my readers

a little about yourself, Shelley!

In My Mailbox (12)

In My Mailbox is a meme created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! It features a list of what books you have received over the previous week, either for review, from the library, or from the bookstore.

For Review:
Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann (Simon & Shuster Galley Grab)
Lost Voices by Sarah Porter (NetGalley)
Across the Universe by Beth Revis (from publisher -- I am SOOO excited about this one!!)

What was in your mailbox this week? 

Solid by Shelley Workinger

Solid

Shelley Workinger

222 pages

Publisher: CreateSpace

Release Date: July 9th, 2010

Source: ARC from Author

From Goodreads:

Eighteen years ago, a rogue Army doctor secretly experimented with a chromosomal drug on unknowing pregnant women. When he was killed not long after the children were born, any knowledge and evidence seemed to die with him - except for the living, breathing, human products of his work.

Almost two decades later, the newly self-proclaimed "open-book" military unearths the truth about the experiment, bringing Clio Kaid and the other affected teens to a state-of-the-art, isolated campus where they soon discover that C9x did indeed alter their chromosomes, its mutations presenting as super-human abilities. The military kids, who come from across the nation and all walks of life, come into their own as lighter-than-air 'athletes'; 'indies' as solid as stone walls; teens who can make themselves invisible and others who can blind with their brilliance.

While exploring her own special ability, forging new friendships and embarking on first love, Clio also stumbles onto information indicating that the military may not have been entirely forthcoming with them and that all may not be as it seems...

   Clio Kade is a C9x-altered superhuman. But she never knew about it. Not until, she was sent, or brought, along with 99 other teens, to a state-of-the-art facility, where the military wants to find out exactly how C9x altered the teens. But maybe the military isn't telling the truth, maybe they already knew about the C9x experiment when it happened nearly 20 years ago. You have to read it yourself to find out ;)

  

   Shelley Workinger wrote a pretty interesting book. Especially noteworthy to me, would be the way Workinger expertly blended contemporary YA with supernatural YA. Though the book talks about super-powers and superhumans, most of the story is normal and readers find themselves (through Clio) making new friends, enemies, and trying to learn and figure things out.

   One thing you should know: Solid isn't a very fast-paced novel. Not until the end (about the last 25 pages), was I "dying" to turn to the next page, but at the same time, I didn't feel like putting the book down and reading something else. The plot is interesting, combining superpowers with the military is perfect science fiction for me :D And I love science fiction, though I haven't found many interesting titles in YA, or maybe I just haven't noticed...

-Would I recommend this to anyone? Probably ages 12 and up
-Is there a second book? Yes
-Will I be looking forward to book two? Definitely

WIN a Bottle Cap Necklace!

I've reached passed 500 followers!!

So... its time for another GIVEAWAY!

This time, you can win a handmade (by yours truly) bottle cap necklace made especially for us book bloggers! Not recommended for ages 9 and under.

Just fill out the form below, and remember to comment :D

The giveaway ends on Wednesday, December 15th at 11:59 PM CST.

Winner will be chosen using random.org - Good luck!

Blog Hop (11) and Follow Friday (12)

The Book Blogger Hop is a meme sponsored by Jennifer at Crazy For Books.
My answer to this week's Blog Hop question:

What very popular and hyped book in the blogosphere did you NOT enjoy and how did you feel about posting your review?

Hmmm, I don't think there was a very hyped up book that I didn't enjoy. There are some really popular books that everyone's into, but I don't really want to read them.. so I don't :D

And...(of course) its Follow Friday



 

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View.

My answer to this week's Follow Friday question:

What do you do besides reading/reviewing as a hobby?

I don't have time to do everything everyday, but some of my hobbies include jewelry-making, writing, and web designing.

Speaking of hobbies, check out the

jewelry that I made for us book bloggers!