So, we've all been waiting, and speculating for the past week about what magic J.K. Rowling had instore for us at pottermore.com. Well, the wait is over and J.K. Rowling has just announced that:

"Pottermore is a free website that builds an exciting online experience around the reading of the Harry Potter books."
- pottermore.com

"Pottermore, an online experience where you can explore the stories like never before" - @pottermore on twitter

As well as the video, screen captures of the Pottermore world have been released.

• The Gateway
• Hogwarts Express
• The Chessboard Chamber
• Christmas at Hogwarts
• and an image of J.K.Rowling herself

"Pottermore will be the exclusive place to purchase the digital audio books and, at last, eBooks of the Harry Potter series." - @leaky on twitter

While the website is not 100% active yet, one million fans will have the opportunity to access the site early on July 31st. Those of us who aren't as lucky will have to wait until October 2011 to explore this amazing new Potter related feature.

If you haven't already, visit the JKRowlingAnnounces youtube page for yourself and watch the video there, it's magical. Also, don't forget to follow @pottmore and @jk_rowling on twitter to keep up to date with the latest Harry Potter and Pottermore news.

What do you think about the new Pottmore?

Cover Crazy was created by Tawni @ The Book Worms.
I wasn't planning on participating in Cover Crazy this week, but while searching around the internet, I came across this cover. The book sounds really interesting (Goodreads). This is the Australian cover, check the Author's website for other international covers (Author Website)

(click image for larger view)

The broken glass and the girl's hand is what draws me to this cover. While only half of her face is visible, she looks sad. Almost like she is contemplating something; whether or not to touch the glass shard perhaps. She also has this 'old world' look about her too, with her lip colour, hair style and clothing.

The colours are beautiful, and I really like how the title colour is a contrast to the rest of the cover. The font almost looks like it could have been written in blood, but upon closer inspection, I think perhaps lipstick.?

I really want to know more about this book! What do you think of this cover? Leave a comment below, and don't forget to post a link to the cover your crazy about this week!

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren.
I told myself I wouldn't buy any more books until I've read the ones I already have. But alas, I gave into temptation and purchased another book. Only one, and it came highly recommended by, well, just about everyone..

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Summary (goodreads): When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . .

Phew, that was a long summary. So, what did you get in your mailbox this week? Feel free to comment on what I received, and also leave the links to your IMMs below and I'll check them out!

Evermore by Alyson Noël

Release Date: AU October 2, 2009
Series: The Immortals [Book One]
Publisher: Macmillan
Pages: 356
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3/5

Sixteen-year-old Ever Bloom is the sole survivor of a car accident that killed her family. Exiled to sunny California. Ever is haunted by her little sister and by the ability to see people's auras, hear their thoughts and know their entire life story by touching them. She wants to hide from the world, but when a stunningly handsome guy arrives at school, she can't seem to keep away. Falling in love with Damen is dangerous - he's not what he seems. But if Damen is her destiny, how can Ever walk away? - Goodreads

My Review:
Evermore is the story about a young girl named Ever. Her family was killed in car crash, and she is the only survivor. She seems pretty normal on the outside, the only visual sign of the accident is a scar on her forehead. However, Ever can now see spirits, mainly that of her little sister, see people’s auras, and hear their thoughts.

Before the accident, Ever was popular and dated one of the best looking guys in school. Now, she avoids social situations, dresses in baggy clothing and listens to loud music on her MP3 player. All of this, to drown out her new supernatural ‘gift’. It’s not all doom and gloom for Ever though. She has two friends, Haven and Miles who are also considered school misfits, and they keep each other company. But even Ever hasn't told them about her powers, she can’t tell anyone.

Then one day, a new boy arrives at school. He’s good looking, charming, talented and smart. Basically he’s too good to be true, and he’s interested in Ever. But all is not what it seems with Damen; and Ever isn't sure if she should trust him. Certain things happen (or don’t happen) when Damen’s around, and when an old friend of Damen’s shows up in town, things get interesting and dangerous. I'm not going to say any more, but Ever must decide whether she wants to stay with Damen, or if she should let him go. The consequences of her choice are great.

And even though I can think of a million good and valid reasons why we absolutely should not ditch, why the weekend should wait until three o’clock just like any other Friday, when he gazes at me, his eyes are so deep and inviting, I don’t think twice, and dive right in.

~ page176, Evermore by Alyson Noël

Rating:
I thought the idea of a girl who had a near death experience and then discovered she had these psychic abilities was interesting. She coped the best way she knew how, by withdrawing within herself, and blocking out the world as best she could. Her relationships with her friends were delicate, and at times where stretched to their limits. However, her relationship with Damen was fascinating. Damen had this magic about him, and Ever could feel it. I enjoyed reading as their relationship developed. While reading, I felt like I was on a roller coaster with them, experiencing the ups and downs of their relationship. The ending blew me away, I was not expecting what happened (but in a good kind of way). It did leave me with a few questions, about Damen and his 'friends', but I’m hopeful these will be answered in the next books in the series.

Overall, I liked the book. It was well written, and included romance, magic, comedy and suspense. I rate it 3/5.

So, now you've heard my thought on Evermore by Alyson Noël, I'd like to hear your thoughs on the book. Have you read it? What are the other books in the series like, if you've read those? Would you consider reading it now, after reading my review? Thanks.
-Alisa
P.S.
This review was a little bit differnt to the ones I've done before. I included a quote from the novel, and I structured it a little differently with more focus on the story itself, and I tried to give a more detailed rating. Also I don't like calling it a rating, any other ideas? Hope you liked it, feel free to comment below.

First things first (cause it surely can’t be second. Not sure why, but that reminds me of Alice in Wonderland). Anyway, if you visited my blog before, you’ve probably noticed that I changed my layout. If you’re new, guess what?! I’ve changed my layout!. The previous one I had was only temporary, as I always wanted a more custom layout for the Novel Nook. After a few days of searching, I found some templates and some images and put together the layout you see now. I like it because it’s simple. I would have preferred it to be not so pink, but it’s still ok. Do you like it?

Now, onto the second point of this blog; I have a few questions I’d like to ask you all. If you have a few minutes to spare, I’d really appreciate the feedback/advice.

1. Do you like the header images at the start of each of my posts? (eg. Cover Crazy, In My Mailbox, I.R.L, etc).
2. For In My Mailbox, do you prefer photos of the books, or internet covers?
3. What kind of Teaser Tuesday teasers do you like? (ie. plot hints, fun quotes, thought provoking).
4. What would you like to see more/less of here at the Novel Nook?
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5. Most bloggers are posting a review a week. I enjoy reading, but consider myself on the slower side. How can I improve my reading speed?
6. Books are expensive, where do you purchase your books from?
7. There are a lot of big book conventions in the USA. I live in Australia, are there any big events/signings here? (I have only been able to find a couple of local signings so far this year).
8. And finally, are you a cat or a dog person?

The first set of questions were more about the blog, and the others more about reading and books in general (except for the last one, that one is just for fun :P). I’m really interested in hearing your thoughts. Feel free to leave any comments or feedback in the comments below (or email me if you'd prefer).

Thanks,

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme, hosted by MizB @ Should Be Reading.
I've only read the first chapter of this book, so it's hard for me to pick a "teaser" that doesn't have spoilers for me or you. So I'll post something from the opening chapter, that I think some people might be able to realate to. It made me giggle.

At the last second, my eight-year-old sister, Izzy, tugs at me.
"What?" I whirl around. She has little-sister radar for when I'm busy, late, or on the phone with my boyfriend. Those are always the times she chooses to bother me.

~ page 7, Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

I'd be interested to read your teasers, so feel free to leave your links below.

Cover Crazy was created by Tawni @ The Book Worms.. It allows bloggers to share which cover(s) that they are going crazy over.
Because I've spent the past four weeks in a year 2 classroom, I have been reading a book to the students every day after lunch. I fell in love with this cover, and the students fell in love with the story as well. This is the heart-warming true story of a lion cub named Christian, known through the popular YouTube video.

(sorry the image quality isn't to great, i promise it's a lot nicer in person)

The lion cub is adorable, and the title font isn't too overbearing.

I also like the use of blank space around the illustration and the title.

What do you think of this cover? Are there childrens books that you love the covers for? On a side note, have you seen the video of Christian the Hugging Lion? (if not, click Here).

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren.
Really hoping to start reading all these new books soon. In my last IMM I mentioned that my local shopping centre was having a sale on books (All Books $5 Each). When I went back a few weeks later, the sale was still going, so I picked myself up a few more deals. The first two sounded interesting, and the third was an autographed copy, so I think that's mostly why I bought it :).

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Summary (goodreads): What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all—looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12th should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it’s her last. The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. In fact, she re-lives the last day of her life seven times, until she realizes that by making even the slightest changes, she may hold more power than she had ever imagined.

Miss Invisible by Laura Jensen Walker

Summary (goodreads): A feast of romance and laughter featuring a delightful and courageous heroine that you can relate to no matter what your size.

Convinced that her larger size relegates her to wallflower status, Freddie Heinz hides behind the wedding cakes she creates as a professional baker. But life is about to change for Miss Invisible.

First of all, Freddie's found a new friend who encourages her to come out of her shell. Then Hal, the cute veternarian, starts showing interest in the woman behind the delightful cakes. And when Freddie decides to break every rule in the "big girl's" book and find out who she really is, life gets even more exciting--and hilarious.

Cinderella, look out! Miss Invisible is becoming the belle of the ball--and having a ball in the process. Because when you finally find God's call for your life, any size is the right size--and love can see what the rest of the world passes by.

Homework by Suneeta Peres da Costa (signed)

Summary (goodreads): The narrator of Suneeta Peres da Costa's Homework was born with antennae on her head, and no matter what surgery doctors attempt, they keep growing back. One doctor doesn't see much of a problem, though he does admit that Mina Pereira "might be a little sensitive, that's all, there are enough nerve endings in those things for lightning to strike them!" Over time Mina comes to think of them as her "feelers," through which she receives a heightened perception of the emotions flowing through the atmosphere around her. And what a highly charged atmosphere the Pereira house holds: Mina's mother is suffering a breakdown that leads her to become obsessed with birds--to the point of trying to become one. Her father has responded by donning a miner's helmet and retreating into the basement. Meanwhile, Mina's child-genius sister scorns her and her schoolmates consider her a freak of nature.

What did you get in your mailbox this week?

Wow, the past four weeks have flown by. I've been teaching in a grade 2 classroom as part of my university studies. When I found out what year level I would be teaching in, I was a little nervous as I prefer grade 4/5. But I came to love my mentor teacher and my class, and it would definitely be a year level I'd consider teaching once I graduate (which, with any luck, will be November 2011).

Now that I don't have hours of lesson planning, marking and resource making to do, I can hopefully get back to reading and updating my blog. Yay!!

Thanks to those of you who stuck with me while I was gone, and I hope to meet more book readers and bloggers now that I'm back. Thanks again!