Book Review: Dreamfire.

Title: Dreamfire.
Author: Kit Alloway.
Series: Yes, #1.
Pages: 368.
Source: Publisher, for Review.
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin.
Published Date: 2/24/15.
Links:
Book Depository
Goodreads

"Joshlyn Weaver has always lived with a big secret. Ordinary kids spend their free time going to the movies, hanging out with friends, and searching on the internet.  But for her, an evening at home usually means entering people's dreams.  For many generations, her family has been part of a very powerful and very secretive society of dream walkers. Tasked with the responsibility of lowering the world's general anxiety—which only leads to war and strife in the waking world—their job has always been to stop nightmares before they go too far.  By stopping nightmares while sleeping, they help to stop nightmares in real life. But when an ancient feud within the dream walker society resurfaces right when a seemingly unconnected series of very strange and very scary events start occurring during her dream walks, Josh finds herself in a race against time. The one true dream walker has never been known. Could she be the one?"

My Review:

Dreamfire is one of those books that I read based purely on the synopsis...okay, that might be a little bit of a lie, because the cover probably has something to do with it too. But I'm used to having the safety net of other reviews, or Goodreads ratings, and that just wasn't there this time. At the time I was offered Dreamfire for review, there wasn't really anything on Goodreads, and none of the blogs I follow and trust hadn't read or reviewed it yet.

Why did I ultimately pick up Dreamfire? In a strange way it reminded me of Archived by Victoria Schwab; the whole idea of someone going somewhere and helping out the dead/living. Besides that tiny comparison, if you can even call it that, Dreamfire was nothing like Archived.

Dreamfire, follows the story of a girl named Josh, who goes into peoples' nightmares, and either helps them get out, or helps them completely eliminate the dream. Even though the dream is completely up to the dreamer, it can be a lot harder than just convincing the dreamer that they can change this entire thing at any time.

Josh has been a dream walker since birth. She has seen everything and learned a lot. While many people around her congratulate her for all her hard work and amazing success, Josh still struggles to believe it entirely. Receiving her scroll for accepting another four (or so, don't quote me) years of dream walking, she isn't sure what might be hidden inside.

But as the celebration of Josh's success carried on and the party got a little bit more wild, someone spilled the contents of her scroll. Josh doesn't know for certain if or who it would be, but she would be taking in an apprentice, and train them in the ways of a dream walker. Seems like a good thing? Yes. But Josh isn't sure of herself. She doesn't want to be emotional invested in someone, and have to worry and protect someone else in a dream. Not again...

Even though, the story didn't turn out the way I hoped, I couldn't get enough. There was so much to learn and know about the dream walker "world". I absolutely loved it. Besides that, there was tension, confusion and heartache. Josh is still overcoming the loss of a boy she loved, a best friend she betrayed and the fact that she has an apprentice.

Overall, Kit Alloway built an amazing community of dream walking and cast of characters! Josh knew who she was, and accepted it. She wasn't embarrassed or ashamed of being a dream walker; she fully embraced it, and that's what I loved about her. I mean HOW annoying is it when someone can do these AWESOME things, but hates it? Or is embarrassed of it?

Will was oblivious throughout most of the story, sweet and understanding (even though he had no idea what was happening half of the time). And he brought our view into the story. He was on the same playing field as we, the readers were, and was learning everything about dream walking along side of us.

If there was one thing I wanted more of, it would have to be of Josh's dreams. What happens when she dreams? Does she have nightmares? Do other dream walkers help her out? I HAVE TO KNOW!!

What is the most upsetting about Dreamfire? That I just gulped it down within a few days, it was released a few days ago...and now I have to wait for the second book to be released....

LINK YOUR REVIEW:

This Week's YA Releases!

Welcome To Turning Pages!

Its Tuesday, which not only means I'm one day late on this post, but also that a lot of new and amazing books are hitting our book stores! Here are some of the YA books you should expect to see within the next few days. If you're interested in any of the titles listed below, just click on their link, it will take you straight to that book's Goodreads page.

Paperback:

Hollow City, by Ransom Riggs.

Exposure, by Kathy Reichs.

Unforgotten, by Jessica Brody.

Tsarina, by J. Nelle Patrick.

Skin and Bones, by Sherry Shahan.

The Summer I Found You, by Jolene Perry.

Who Needs Magic?, by Kathy McCullough.

Hardback:

Sin Eater's Daughter, by Melinda Salisbury.

Unleashed, by Sophie Jordan.

Unchanged, by Jessica Brody.

The Third Twin, by CJ Omololu.

Biggie, by Derek E. Sullivan.

When My Heart Was Wicked, by Tricia Stirling.

Disappear Home, by Laura Hurwitz.

Stone in the Sky, by Cecil Castellucci.

Dreamfire, by Kit Alloway

Down from the Mountain, by Elizabeth Fixmer.

I've already read and LOVED Dreamfire and can't wait to see it out and about! What books are you excited for?

New "The Mortal Instruments" Cover: City of Bones...

When thinking of the Mortal Instruments, I'm sure the first thing we all think about is how big, how beautiful and how shiny these covers are. Even if you've never read a single book, you know exactly what each cover looks like, because they catch your eye every single time you walk into a book store.

Just yesterday Cassandra Clare announced on her Tumblr, that a new paperback version of each book is being released here in the US and in Canada. Clare explains the reasons as to why she feels the need to go through a cover change, "my publisher has wanted to redesign the covers for a long time, but needed to finish out TMI first. They have for a long time wanted to make the Shadowhunters books overall look more unified...and also make them look more modern — the first book was designed ten years ago, and book styles change."

Sounds like good reasoning, but I'm a faithful believer in "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". The original covers are amazingly beautiful, and catch anyone's attention who walks by. But Clare becomes reassuring and continues on by explaining who is designing the covers, "these covers were designed by Cliff Nielson, who also did all the other Shadowhunters covers. He’s always been a great designer and I’ve always loved his work. I am happy that the new design carries over elements of the old design...so that it’s more of an updating that a complete change."

I'm glad to see that its the same designer from the original covers, instead of someone new. He knows what he's doing, he knows the story, and he knows the characters. I'm hoping that he also knows what the fans like and expect. I'm also glad to see that Clare doesn't want the cover to change entirely, but become more of an updated version; still carrying some of the same elements we've all come to love.

Finally, Cassandra Clare describes what we should be seeing from these covers in the future, "each cover will feature one character. The first three will be Jace, then Clary, then Simon. But this time around you’ll also get to see Alec have his own cover, and Isabelle have hers."

Looking at the new City of Bones cover, you can quickly see some of the similarities it has towards the original covers...not much...but it does. It also includes a few elements from the story itself, which I think is a positive thing.

There are some things that I like about this cover, and some that I don't. I like that the books will continue to "glow" just the original covers did, and I like that it includes elements from story, that give you a taste of what its all about. What I don't like is how the title takes over half of the cover. It basically distracts you from the photograph and completely covers the Angelic Power symbol. Why have the symbol there, if the title is just going to be thrown over the top of it?

I already own the entire series, so I probably won't be buying these new paperback versions. But if I were to buy them over again, I'm not sure if I would stick to the original covers or move onto these new ones. For me, its a toss up. I love the old covers, but there are also some things I like about the new ones.

  

What do you think? Which ones would you reach for?

Audio Book Review: A Good Marriage

Title: A Good Marriage.
Author: Stephen King.
Series: No.
Source: Publisher, for Review.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio.
Published Date: 9/30/14.
Links:
Book Depository
Goodreads

"What happens when, on a perfectly ordinary evening, all the things you believed in and took for granted are turned upside down? 

When her husband of more than 20 years is away on one of his business trips, Darcy Anderson looks for batteries in the garage. Her toe knocks up against a box under a worktable and she discovers the stranger inside her husband. It's a horrifying discovery, rendered with bristling intensity, and it definitively ends a good marriage."

My Review:

Stephen King has always been one of those authors that I've looked up to. A Good Marriage is the first of his books that I've gotten the chance to read, but he has always been one of my idols. EVERYONE seems talk about him and/or his books, and people can't get enough.

Stephen King seems like a very "adult" and professional author, that I thought was a bit too mature for me. But now that I'm twenty years old, I feel like I can handle his stories, his characters and all of what Stephen King has to throw at me.

When I first popped in this CD, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. My initial thought, after looking at this cover photo, was that a husband kills his wife, or vice versa. I was kind of expecting a "Gone Girl" theme, but was delivered with so much more than that.

I don't want to say too much, because I don't want to ruin the suspense and surprise for you, and I'm going to try and be very careful about what I do tell you.

The story revolves around a couple, Darcy and her husband, who have been happily married for many years, and who still keep that spark glowing between them. They have two successful grown children, and they spend a lot of their free time working together, buying and selling coins.

Darcy couldn't have imagined up a better life. She's as happy as she could be, and loves her children, her husband, and her life.

But after stumbling over a box in the garage, and finding something hidden under a stack of her favorite magazines, Darcy can't help but to start questioning everything. Who is she? Who is he? What has happened over the last twenty years of their marriage and life together? What its all a secret? All a lie?...could he hurt her?

Listening to A Good Marriage on my drives to school was one of the hardest things I had to do. I always found myself considering if I should take the long way to school or back home, so I can get another couple minutes of listening in. It was hard to turn off the car, when things were just getting intense.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. The ending wasn't what I expected, and if I were Darcy, I don't think I would or could have handled it like that. Yes he may not be the person you thought it was, but still, you spent the last twenty or so years with this man, you couldn't just do that to him. You couldn't do that and not feel sad, regret or guilt.

...but then again, I've never been in a situation like that.

I think A Good Marriage was a good read, but I did hope for more powerful ending, and more from their children. It would have been interesting to see what they thought about the entire situation, and if they could have talked Darcy into handling it differently.

Have you read or listened to A Good Marriage? I would love to know what you think!

LINK YOUR REVIEW:

Waiting on Wednesday

Title: Dreamfire.
Author: Kit Alloway.
Summary:

"Unlike most 17-year-olds, Joshlyn Weaver has a sacred duty.  She's the celebrated daughter of the dream walkers, a secret society whose members enter the Dream universe we all share and battle nightmares.  If they fail, the emotional turmoil in the Dream could boil over and release nightmares into the World.

Despite Josh's reputation as a dream walking prodigy, she's haunted by her mistakes. A lapse in judgment and the death of someone she loved have shaken her confidence.  Now she's been assigned an apprentice, a boy whose steady gaze sees right through her, and she's almost as afraid of getting close to him as she is of getting him killed.

But when strangers with impossible powers begin appearing in the Dream, it isn't just Will that Josh has to protect--it's the whole World."

Release Date: 2/24/15.

Why I'm Waiting:

I was actually lucky enough to be contacted by the publisher and offered this book for my honest review. I'm already a couple of chapters in and enjoying it. I can't really say too much, because I feel like I haven't gotten far enough in the story to have a real opinion on the story line, the characters, or obviously, the ending. But so far, it's different. Its new and fresh, and interesting!

It revolves around a girl named Josh who basically kicks butt in dreams. She helps people navigate and get through their nightmares.

I'm excited to see this book in my favorite book stores, and I can't wait to see how the story continues! My review will be up before the release date, so be sure to stop by then and check it out!

What are you waiting for this week?

Most Awkward/Hilarious Book Store Experience EVER!

And thank goodness it didn't happen to me.

Where should I start? Hmm..

I just came home from work, hopped into the shower, and was just taking my time getting ready to go to bed. I was all fresh and clean, feeling good and dying to lay down to read. Until I got a text message from my best friend Shawnee @ YA Fiction Review.

Before I continue, I want to tell you, that we always send each other random text messages, so this isn't weird at all.

She was basically asking me to go to Trampoline Nation, at nine o clock at night. The fact that it was this late, wasn't the problem. I LOVE going there, and would usually have said yes. But because I just got out the shower, I didn't want to go sweat up a storm, and then have to come back home to take another shower.

Instead I asked if she wanted to go to our favorite used bookstore. Its the best place ever because they're open so late! LOVE. AND of course she can't deny the offer, so we go.

With no particular book in mind, and not too much money on hand, we stroll through the store, just having a good time, being weird, commenting on ugly covers, or stories that we didn't like. We always do this, so its a completely normal night.

As I'm in one aisle searching online to see if this book is the first book in the series, Shawnee lets me know that she's going to head over to a different section. I'm still researching, and thinking "why don't people just put the book numbers on the book somewhere", when I hear this guy talking extremely loud. And Shawnee responding to everything he's saying. At first I'm trying to figure out who it might be, and why in the world is he having the loudest conversation in a book store? Rude..

Being the best friend that I am, and having no clue who this could be, I had to investigate. I didn't want to intrude, because Shawnee doesn't have a boyfriend, and I've been trying to get her to date for years now. But of course I'm nosey and at least want to see what he looks like, so I walk past and try to seem as "normal" and oblivious as possible.

But things don't turn out that way when I see the guy has Shawnee cornered, asking her weird questions like how old she is, where she attends school, and if he could have her phone number, so they could get coffee sometime. Weird? It gets worse...he asked Shawnee what me and her were doing at this bookstore; Shawnee's response was that we were hanging out....then he had the audacity to ask why we just "hangout" in a bookstore....

He may have been sixteen years old, and the look on Shawnees face was priceless. I couldn't help but to make weird eye contact with her and almost burst out laughing. There was NO WAY IN HECK I was walking into that conversation, so I just continued to the YA section, trying to act like nothing happened.

After just a few seconds Shawnee shows up, telling me how a best friend would have jumped in and helped out. I couldn't wipe the smile of my face, explaining that I didn't want to interrupt, and that she looked like she was having a good time; knowing damn well that she wasn't.

It was a good trip to the book store, even though neither one of us decided to buy anything...every single time we go to that book store now, I always tell Shawnee not get her hopes up, and that he probably won't be there this time.

P.S. Random guy, if you're reading this, I give you mad props for coming up to her and talking to Shawnee. I know I would never have the guts to do that, so you're a very brave man (boy?). We hope to run into you at the store some time soon...and YES WE DO HANGOUT AT THE BOOK STORE! GOSH!

Have you had any awkward experiences at the book store? Let me know down below I would LOVE to hear them!!

Book Review: Panic

Title: Panic.
Author: Lauren Oliver.
Series: Yes, Panic #1.
Source: Purchased.
Publisher: HarperCollins.
Published Date: 3/4/14.
Links:
Book Depository
Goodreads

"Panic began as so many things do in Carp, a dead-end town of 12,000 people in the middle of nowhere: because it was summer, and there was nothing else to do.

Heather never thought she would compete in Panic, a legendary game played by graduating seniors, where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher. She’d never thought of herself as fearless, the kind of person who would fight to stand out. But when she finds something, and someone, to fight for, she will discover that she is braver than she ever thought.

Dodge has never been afraid of Panic. His secret will fuel him, and get him all the way through the game, he’s sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that he’s not the only one with a secret. Everyone has something to play for.

For Heather and Dodge, the game will bring new alliances, unexpected revelations, and the possibility of first love for each of them—and the knowledge that sometimes the very things we fear are those we need the most."

My Review:

Panic was a very exciting book for me! When I first picked it up, I was on my way to meet Lauren Oliver, and dying to finally meet her! She was absolutely hilarious, and brilliantly sarcastic.

After coming home from the meet up, I did a little bit of background research and was sad to see how many mixed reviews Panic had. The concept sounded strange and interesting; I couldn't wait to get started. There was no way I was going to let those reviews keep me from reading this book or ruin the story for me.

Panic takes place over the three months of summer break between senior year of high school and freshman year of college. It revolves around four main characters Heather, Dodge, Natalie and Bishop. Panic is basically a game any senior, who pays the daily fee, can play and attempt to win the jack pot of money. Who doesn't want money? Sounds easy right?

WRONG!

Panic is exactly how it sounds. It takes the biggest fears people has and uses it against them. It tests people, it changes people. Some are in it for the money, and others are in it for revenge.

Besides the players who take part, and the guy who invented the game, there are judges. There are two every where, but no one knows who they are. They are the ones who decide what games are played, who continues, and finally who wins. But the judges can be anyone, your best friend, or even your worst enemy. You'll never know.

Overall, Panic was enjoyable. Would I ever take part in the games? HECK NO! I just graduated high school, twelve years of horrible schooling, to die that summer? No. No way.

My biggest fear going into Panic were the characters. I've read numerous reviews claiming that the characters are dumb and crazy for taking part in the game. I hate dumb characters, or characters who say or do something without thinking before hand. Of course I wouldn't want to play in these games, but that's because I don't have anything to play for. Heather has her younger sister and a better life to play for. Dodge has his older sister.

They have legitimate reasons to play and to win the pot of money. They aren't just playing to die or almost die.

I do have to say that there wasn't anything too shocking, or mind twisting going on in this story. There was one or two instances where I was like, what the heck? How the heck? But what kept me reading were the dangerous activities and games the players had to take part in. I was excited to see what the judges would come up with next. What weird or disgusting things the players had to endure to continue in the game. It almost reminded me of X Factor, if you remember that show.

Panic was a crazy dangerous read. I would recommend it to anyone who isn't looking for romance, who isn't looking for anything scary. But I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for something a bit more risky and something that will make you cringe. Loved it. Love Lauren Oliver!

LINK YOUR REVIEW:

Don't Be Lazy Lisa!!

I'm not, I swear!

But I will admit the posts were lacking this week. Not only am I celebrating Valentines with my crazy, but were also celebrating our four year anniversary. Besides that I also fought my way through two essays, and battled against a midterm...along with an extra day of work.

...I did get up both last month's giveaway winner, and this month's new giveaway, so that has to count for something right?

This week should slow down a bit, especially with my first day off, tomorrow, since last month.

(Thank you President's Day!)

No school AND no work? That means a day of reading, blogging and getting videos recorded, edited and posted. Meaning I'll type like a mad women, getting fun discussion posts and reviews going, in case the craziness from this week, floods into next week.

Even though I haven't had the time to sit down and blog, I did find the time to read, so I'm doing pretty good on my TBR list for this month. Surprise, surprise, I KNOW! But then again, I also made an order to the Book Outlet...so I haven't been all that good!

I can't help it, they're having an AMAZING Presidents Day Sale!

So I guess I just wanted to quickly give you all a heads up, and inform you that I'm not dead. That I'm still living and breathing...but barely because I'm drowning in homework, essays, projects and exams. (I wish I had a genius twin, that would go to school from me...)

I'm excited for tomorrow, and I'm excited to finally write my reviews on these amazing books I fell in love with!

Monthly Giveaway: February!

Welcome to Turning Pages!

I can't believe we are already two months into the new year! Doesn't it feel like 2014 just ended last week?...or am I alone on that one?

Anyways, its a new month, which means its time for a new giveaway!

After searching my bookshelves for the perfect book to giveaway, I couldn't make up my mind. I wanted to give away something that I just finished reading, not something completely and irrelevant, and that I thought a lot of people would enjoy.

So as I was finishing up Girl of Nightmares, I decided that, that was what I was going to give away this month. Not only my hardback copy of the Girl of Nightmares, but also my paperback copy of Anna Dressed In Blood!

Both of these amazing books are going to one lucky winner.

As with every other giveaway, there are a few guidelines you need to follow, to be entered:

1. You MUST live in the US (Sorry Internationals! I promise March will be your month!)

2. You MUST be 13 years of age or have parental permission!

3. You MUST be a GFC follower to Turning Pages!

4. Finally, you MUST fill out the rafflecopter below.

The Prize:

The Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you all so much stopping by and taking the time to enter!

January Giveaway Winner!

Welcome to Turning Pages!

We're already nine days into February and I have yet to announce the winner's of last month's giveaway!Can you believe it?....I know, I'm the worst.

But its finally time, and I'm here to announce the winner of my paperback copies of Bumped & Thumped by Megan McCafferty!

If you didn't win, don't worry, a new giveaway for February is going up tomorrow.

But no more lolly gagging, lets get down to business...

The winner of both Bumped AND Thumped is....

Krystianna @ Down Right Dystopian

If you're the winner, I've already sent you an email informing you of your prize and asking you for your information!

Thank you all so much for entering and for supporting Turning Pages. It means so much to me, and I can't thank you all enough! Again, don't stress if you didn't win this one, I'm posting this month's giveaway tomorrow!

Book Review: Pawn

Title: Pawn.
Author: Aimee Carter.
Series: Yes, The Blackcoat Rebellion #1.
Publisher: Harlequin Teen.
Published Date: 11/26/13.
Links:
Book Depository
Goodreads

"YOU CAN BE A VII. IF YOU GIVE UP EVERYTHING. 

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country. 

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter. 

There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand."

My Review:

Aimee Carter has been one of my favorite authors since I started blogging. Sadly, I haven't gotten the chance to meet her yet, but if the chance ever came about, I would without a doubt! I love the worlds she creates, I love her characters, and overall her writing is interesting and enjoyable.

If you haven't read any of her books I recommend picking up Pawn and her Goddess Test series, as soon as you possibly can!

GO! Right now!

Just kidding! Stay here and finish reading my review first...jeez...

When I heard that Aimee Carter was releasing a new series, I almost died of happiness and knew that I had to get my hands on a copy!

Pawn takes place in a world where citizens are divided into different classes. The higher the number tattooed on the back of your neck, the better your job is, the more money you make, and your lifestyle is much richer. The lower the number, the worse off you are. If your number is low enough, you'll even get sent a place called Elsewhere, and never come back.

When kids turn seventeen they are required to take a test, which then determines which class they belong to. Society claims that this gives each child, no matter what class they originated in, a fair chance to move up in life. After living in a group home her entire life, Kitty Doe has just completed her exam, only scoring a three. Meaning she will either spend the rest of her life working in the sewers across the country or selling her body to disgusting and richer men.

Because she doesn't want to move, and work in the sewer, Kitty decides to do the later. Scared and disgusted on her first night out, Kitty is auctioned off as a virgin, to a man in the far side of the room. She doesn't know who he is, and can't see him, but he was willing to give up a huge sum of money to win her.

After heading upstairs to the room, he approaches her, and makes her an offer, she wouldn't be able to resists. Looking closer Kitty realizes that the man is Daxton Hart, the next in line to become King. He offers to cover the three on the back of her neck with a seven. Kitty may not be able to read, but she isn't stupid. She knows there's a catch to it. He wouldn't just stop any random girl and offer this. Kitty has to be special somehow.

But catch or not, Kitty doesn't want to spend the rest of her life working in sewers or selling herself, she accepts his offer, and is taken to the car....

Waking up two weeks later, Kitty doesn't know where she is. All she knows is that she isn't herself anymore. Shes much taller...She doesn't feel like herself anymore and she doesn't look like herself anymore. Looking into the mirror, Kitty doesn't see Kitty looking back at her, but instead Lila Hart...

Of course there was a catch, but Kitty would never have imagined that she was going to be forced to pretend to be Lila Hart. Lila Hart who died just a few days ago. Lila Hart who was starting a rebellion against the class system. Lila Hart who share the same electric blue eyes that Kitty had.

Overall Pawn was AWESOME! There were a few elements in this story that reminded me of The Selection; the class system, and a poor girl becoming royalty. But other than those two facts the stories were very different.

   VS.  

As always, my favorite character is the kick butt female, Kitty. She is thrown into this completely different world, where she's expected to be this completely different person. Kitty holds herself well. She has beliefs and morals, and she holds onto those, no matter what's going on around her.

Besides Kitty, there was an amazing cast of characters! Can anyone say "perfect villain"? Aimee Carter makes you want to hate Daxton and his mother, the Queen, but I can't help but love them! They are just so strange, so mysterious and so interesting! They are the perfect villains! They can't do anything outright to harm Kitty, but they do it different ways.

Other then the amazing characters, the ending took my breath away as well! The story did take a little bit of build up, but the ending was totally worth it and totally explosive! I didn't expect it to play out the way it did! Of course I'm not going to tell you, because I want you to read it for yourself!

Link Your Review:

Video Review: The Edge of Tomorrow!

Welcome to Turning Pages!

Want to read my written review of The Edge of Tomorrow? Click HERE!