tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19377908825605871342024-03-05T23:49:52.759+10:00The Novel Nooka little place on the internet for my book reviewsAlisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-77347602588749474912015-11-01T21:58:00.000+10:002017-12-19T00:16:48.740+10:00Stacking the Shelves #1 (October 2015)<center>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKm3vPTQUp028Yt8D6pZnmYmzbg67AWXuv8_IVO48f_Q4EnygQvOmGj_sMXeClLXyLM00VszSQzIPg4qWtqdo_UPN1xQt8LMj3HIZQHEzLq8xAZARHdlOzi2bGgzhQbUFk9Ihm3FG2ATc/s1600/sts.png" /><br />
Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted @ <a href="http://tyngasreviews.com/" target="_blank">Team Tynga's Reviews</a>.
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This is my monthly book haul; so please enjoy the books I have added to my library this past October.</center>
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<b>Purchased:</b><br />
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<img height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_04n8uWHotXZ9o0uiOYYlmulEBhh9MrWWqQmdTlOtFX78snPU46ycsOj4g3wCp2j-U5Rb2uTwxj7QcZY6nFLGpoffqHV7lJgnwhmFtSLMX71b20G61SXE1vkrma_WA4mQ-VDFYtggosc/s200/ZoeSugg-GIrlOnline.jpg" width="112" />
<img height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07ZVj_TS5nGtWSNOByQ93RkmesEcV0cSs-ZwXH5snpE-8r2hR8LCqufhQedQKX0HGzP3Qt9JgkOxtv2O5l0_cv1dL6ElqcX6yI2SthtpfFAoTNulhuo_OXj8RWRLqGmVLWcGR21xvX5o/s200/AimeeCarter-Captive.jpg" width="104" />
<img height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2SubcyPnhSlUmvv2d5j7jxFJiKZ0_5TS78kB7pdr1OTDE49fdHGKCMJS_HCAXfY0biZa6eQ4ArrLT90gJslpYs7sqbhCiBMRaE-jE1rsrj0MVJ8P9bPSpkpaeAnvADCWGO__GtpIsTM/s200/MariaVSnyder-FireStudy.jpg" width="104" />
<img height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymbA07YWEwf38dU1Ut-m9B-eRCIsZVws7PYsSTBOfH0xb_iirvy6fI3APhT_O3Ztruesz18KZVCYIqn0jIr0f-as4-utiZCXNvCfXej-8VtNph6kT1nlUnu8LyGpNvin3Bdz2WyJ_clI/s1600/MariaVSnyder-MagicStudy.jpg" width="104" />
<img height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnuyaTG0AwgIpe2kGZxAowdqJq445Yg8r7hOJYkEccOCsLaK7TuEbKnS9U4S4J6416Mc_1Rin4DQU6SL6G6bwGofhHQFTh83ZiPk_uNYvI0ulIXpkGPk-ctLtm5n1uFGRZ-45e-1uC5CU/s200/ChrissieKeighery-OutsideIn.jpg" width="103" />
<img height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4b_JLY1n8j59NvmPqfNCYUozby15xJeFDCq95rISR7-ODX3ZZfWwSwiBEs0pTIWCrLKqm_u-TPkYiFPxdifObSjDUOb2s8mcLZ07tFeI5LyXc2NsXR_zpixf__xRdb5xkKCCNQkUaZI/s200/CheriePriest-IAmPrincessX.jpg" width="109" />
<img height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdARmUqVjXHbrv-3ahdnHB_zToPLlxPkYNJBhw17cSLiuhGKyaTSjXRTBTvF_p_KhqTI6-hbxjs9t6uGqHFGXpZs2baLlTIvAAbrGRbwkrKOa4T8x117QAtmNlfc1vl2qUqU3FLv4Y9I/s200/JakeHalpern-Nightfall.jpg" width="105" />
<img height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCo7XbFpqTwsrc77ubNYV6PgsoVjdM2qmlF4lZa__XwDffAZ5m8q0OlmXHWnnhCT_9EMtP45_pqGRM1E6BSJL481e5N9MnSI6GLiY63mILgDpmJNIiUTLbJcz78FWWoPzosAA6kV9m2GU/s200/PatrickNess-TheRestofUsJustLiveHere.jpg" width="99" />
<img height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTvGtNjczluZO5xeiSOXE2FLxicmL4vUgR7tkHBOFZIDDUjJ7dYXnk2K_hhvRQ1eddhCpp2xplS6vZ5oziaO27udhxUmvN3Ly8eIGJKEBdzw7AVt3PPjvFehsXiwW93dD6uivNNPkzfPQ/s1600/CharlesDickens-GreatExpectations.jpg" width="106" />
<img height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZE_OkjxZbKw-aSiLkQGEAdrBLBQv8oAAcXMpNTNNBJaevpPlsyVTiden8PE_V8h8foXGirv5TJQoanimsXGY6HCQBJs_SwhZYIA7JU9bTTdZz6iH0WR6-gcE3J4FlG5t3mm-imGIft0/s200/JaneAusten-SenseandSensibility.jpg" width="106" />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22510983-girl-online"><b>Girl Online</b></a> by Zoe Sugg<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23551806-captive"><b>Captive</b></a> by Aimee Carter<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23609793-fire-study"><b>Fire Study</b></a> by Maria V. Snyder<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23609792-magic-study"><b>Magic Study</b></a> by Maria V. Snyder<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6528830-outside-in"><b>Outside In</b></a> by Chrissie Keighery<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23399273-i-am-princess-x"><b>I am Princess X</b></a> by Cherie Priest<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23846037-nightfall"><b>Nightfall</b></a> by Patrick Ness<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22910900-the-rest-of-us-just-live-here"><b>The Rest of Us Just Live Here</b></a> by Patrick Ness<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13584588-great-expectations"><b>Great Expectations</b></a> by Charles Dickens<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11242306-sense-and-sensibility"><b>Sense and Sensibility</b></a> by Jane Austen<br />
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Of course I've saved my favourite until last!! ..... *Drumroll* .....
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<img height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMZnd_VfdvEvjhs9_y0qvIl7WVnFZ_XDuKMWmQZL_vSoDqfp7R1DHde6augTdpUCn0I0VJJvJWOIzyJ5JsiodGt9dFMpKP4mdcnpcoMofL8DZK1LYLVOkJ_ZR8JWo4gizEnvKIqAK9jI/s400/JKRowling-HarryPotterPS_Illustrated.jpg" width="313" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24548235-harry-potter-and-the-philosopher-s-stone"><b>Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone: Illustrated Edition</b></a> by J.K.Rowling, & Jim Kay
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It's so beautiful! I can't wait to re-live the magic of the Harry Potter series and take a closer look at these illustrations!
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<b>The Illustrating Process:</b> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK1mAH0vXl8" target="new">[Video]</a>
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What books did you buy, borrow, or receive this month?
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Happy reading,<br />
<h7>Alisa</h7>Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-84244377454762240762015-06-08T15:47:00.000+10:002017-12-18T23:34:58.995+10:00The Story Continues...<center><i>You can take the girl away from the blog, but you can't take the blog away from the girl.
<br><b>New posts coming soon!</b></i>
<br><br><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikiafNSm3D20lPgKvZiTa8pG5tKVBsOAh8ZnEMw_v7erv_WkFMPDuVUFDRRqR-ZjT28Y68wr_hPi7h9QaSeJcELgdfv8rtmqBmKTOtZcbzrsOl7ztgafdNT6oztFErsV73FKy5WmU7lLg/s320/keep-calm-and-keep-reading.png"></center>Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-7493623623480462722013-02-04T20:44:00.000+10:002017-12-18T23:45:32.930+10:00In My Mailbox #9 (January Book Haul)<center>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZckvJtFk8p1RKyBvisuHxEzEIZLkwcldDto6YFkCXpapKOSDNTgGfrOg_bKaxCRF3L304iq3T8UCiSJGN1xR2emp8viF9fszxA5Nit9CgexzP7kMbxDNGLkg8Vcrz5aBEhR3AEhTqVg/s1600/imm.jpg" /><br />
In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ <a href="http://www.thestorysiren.com/" target="_blank">The Story Siren</a>.</center>
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I'm going to start making this a monthly book haul; so please enjoy the books I have added to my library this January. ;)<br />
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<b>Purchased:</b><br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4SPtuKi51NlFDt_53ge-sqwQCvvrN81XkFojBZPRzmcabvBOUCLM9Qc8PyYw1qrKrVfwHBlFqXw9MksY_CPiXlHWQs2Jut0aE_izJWXlxbpLr2h_b0_hydM3FKUGL9EHFLKsCsNPRV9s/s1600/LewisCarroll-Alice.jpg" height="158" width="105" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxImtKEExwRn7BoMiZB029NLQSJfS6aKSvX43ie8SlVJcf-Ffpcah2kQvAJeLIpkswwys4FNwi6K6vuGm-OD7kaG108CaSpjBUF5e2Yhq3Yl4vpxKYWfrCGskWocDfNfD7RxQ0uuBuqQ/s1600/LisaMcMann-CryersCross.jpg" height="158" width="104" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-u-DoFSkQ5dWVDRRMqkjjRDn6vmj-PkVuCCm1hTzKMy-K0bRZ3bMLTAKpGIJIx24AXTsA2640QDDFLWQOJS-BbFymzkITm3RxcfwueU8qkPCk9Uid8i-j33I2rJgyqy9GRgAqdyaHB_8/s200/AprilynnePike-Destined.jpg" height="158" width="107" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94rj3zgy5iT1_4zWbICEB9zm5MTiPtPsvHe093tofeZkWUBI15EPlEUKtn8GzC5sCbQ8IhftH9tH5MELdAe2JVuJ-uODfZWVKDfrA93MuRT9DP2TaEVibabCbj5_XtqD-MtKWBYi7laI/s1600/StevenOconner_Elemental.jpg" height="158" width="104" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiNFDSCpMevl1Bwm5CNZ6RVBJcZrt4hqDT11DHY3N1LA4GtPO_0WqgwlESsqCr04BLfV_FOfIZZx47x5dh0T3aOp073FFgbb3QTcNlDmFd6UY0uuLv9u6v1fcyoN7RqIFa6vPhWZ7Udg/s1600/VeronicaRoth-Insurgent.jpg" height="158" width="106" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2M9ieRVfEp_PYrjmfq4oShMBjYpm6iuI5p5iVUEuaKSrB47O0Cwh_OMBJMRFcFqP00Z65SJu2k805PU-7h90tVSQFgqpSPdhL2Y2xF-AWUqaaUensNirHH1y5DFdF1lJ1j8GAXIW3nM/s1600/JohnStephens-TheEmeraldAtlas.jpg" height="158" width="104" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CpKkSayqKNaZzK7rOBv79-16nznPvwzNy-MUKda_DdPatjPiGYSmUP9GpZtnkfFKxK26Y1lizI5Aa6L_mb0qiLlsi09Vl5Uq4WKd28B6ZKJWCIgV_cVQcW5GIIZY4UdQIXQpP1aIJFI/s1600/PittacusLore-TheLostFiles_TheLegacies.jpg" height="158" width="114" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhck3ldj29ANlw9wlTTale5La1h8EatQa6OGn0DN7hYI37kf9Q_Up5gUq_rfiWlMPYQXtABacOWu9E3lHJwj85jc36_osuuEjx1iJOB2ABJd_WLZwxF7Iwt3Dn90BEexxl9Kp_7J633cnw/s200/KiraCass-TheSelection.jpg" height="158" width="104" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJG_NKL4WxSAY_YGpJrC58_tgGjtcKYWLLHiUUtJbjdtynF7FCmGYwcW-8tqwrdSSFXtGI6NviE0EX83KRniiSfhoGcDwEnU-J2FjYchzOJ4C3WupS4IONHLQy69vse0BlRb0GydbGiA/s200/ScottWesterfeld-Uglies.jpg" height="158" width="104" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZ4_7_Ht50XhVFJSK7RE5IkDGfDFbN8W5BRGE4j9nA6m_be1xLBaoGb6kcYsaFDQdWVIdfcM89ogFgttqosQaunuDcpPF7CuBbIRBcQBNXv_DzL4GTmwJHGvpzWVByLSnZw8fssAZZpA/s200/JodiPicoult-LeavingHome.jpg" height="104" width="125" />
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/426803.Alice_s_Adventures_in_Wonderland_and_Through_the_Looking_Glass"><b>Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass</b></a> by Lewis Carroll<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9861245-cryer-s-cross"><b>Cryer's Cross</b></a> by Lisa McMann<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12846479-destined"><b>Destined</b></a> by Aprilynne Pike<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13229631-elemental"><b>EleMental</b></a> by Steven O'Connor<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15743060-insurgent"><b>Insurgent</b></a> by Veronica Roth <i>**COLLECTOR's EDITION</i><br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11159265-the-emerald-atlas"><b>The Emerald Atlas</b></a> by John Stephens<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17016787-i-am-number-four"><b>The Lost Files: The Legacies</b></a> by Pittacus Lore<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13564634-the-selection"><b>The Selection</b></a> by Kiera Cass<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7276904-uglies"><b>Uglies</b></a> by Scott Westerfeld<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17228497-leaving-home"><b>Leaving Home</b></a> by Jodi Picoult <i>(Audio CD)</i>
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Words can not describe how excited I am about the Collector's edition of Insurgent by Veronica Roth, I have seriously waited to long to buy it!
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What did you get in your mailbox this week?
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Happy reading,<br />
<h7>Alisa</h7>Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-79524784254057471422013-01-16T16:20:00.000+10:002017-12-18T23:49:56.851+10:00"Waiting on" Wednesday (1): Sever<center>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk78MV6rCCb_qzjFcoPzLm1YzqhlUahXM_ixFW-KHHA0XHV7aTxvNfaTNHxd-ybB9_KbyutInM9lHJGzueE8YSMLwp_hey_pVEyMspenTutXJfIEvk1n6FCgGqrzEW6P6faEr3yLPiFcQ/s1600/wow.jpg" /><br>
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ <a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com.au/" target="new">Breaking The Spine</a>.</center>
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I haven't been able to stop thinking about this book for the past week. I have been on the cusp of pre-ordering it several times. It's only fitting that it's my first book for "Waiting on" Wednesday!
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_bdQfrrdQi9u0aL4p58-zhOtvH3HsXyw3x3Qn49RIZCnGVyl2GGw8QRR9o8Cof-b7cfo0TJn0P-PAjW_D-bwAUbVn1cUKglU0gkzMUunwiQkagoH7Gds4fNFISYc28oGJfO3xti3z8_F/s1600/LaurenDestefano_Sever.jpg" height="400" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1em;" width="260" /></div><br>
<b>Title:</b> Sever by Lauren DeStefano<br>
<b>Series:</b> The Chemical Garden [Book Three] <br>
<b>Release Date:</b> February 1st, 2013 (AUS)<br>
<b>Published by:</b> HarperCollins
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17230818-sever" target="new">Want? Add it to your Goodreads!</a>
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<blockquote>
With the clock ticking until the virus takes its toll, Rhine is desperate for answers. After enduring Vaughn’s worst, Rhine finds an unlikely ally in his brother, an eccentric inventor named Reed. She takes refuge in his dilapidated house, though the people she left behind refuse to stay in the past. While Gabriel haunts Rhine’s memories, Cecily is determined to be at Rhine’s side, even if Linden’s feelings are still caught between them.<br><br>
Meanwhile, Rowan’s growing involvement in an underground resistance compels Rhine to reach him before he does something that cannot be undone. But what she discovers along the way has alarming implications for her future—and about the past her parents never had the chance to explain.<br><br>
In this breathtaking conclusion to Lauren DeStefano’s Chemical Garden trilogy, everything Rhine knows to be true will be irrevocably shattered.. - <i><a href="http://thechemicalgardenbooks.com/wither/?page_id=147">TheChemicalGardenBooks Online</a></i></blockquote>
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The cover is beautiful! I am just dying to find out who Rhine ends up with, and if there will be a cure in time.
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What are you waiting on this week?
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Yours truly,
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<h7>Alisa</h7>
Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-2803793853637311942013-01-14T00:02:00.001+10:002017-12-18T23:57:58.434+10:00Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder<img border="0" height="350" imageanchor="1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUonfF5m-syL-JHbvkwGtQ4OZiy2R5lbyv6Uw9Vo6rjRtmJBZWhKcgISfcuNfceW-hxJlgfpESo3_39kwlSxB7MheN1eqiQwBriIekVJClKBwl8Zlxj3RFDjscGusgF3OvXdkkZQgKhT8/s1600/MariaVSnyder_ScentofMagic.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;" width="233" />
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<b><u>Scent of Magic by Maria V. Snyder</u></b>
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<b>Released:</b> AU January 2013
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<b>Series:</b> the Healer Series [Book Two]
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<b>Publisher:</b> <a href="http://www.harlequinbooks.com.au/product/9781460893043" target="new">HarlequinTEEN</a>
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<b>Pages:</b> 414
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<b>Source:</b> Review
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<b>Buy it:</b> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/www.amazon.com/Scent-Magic-Healer-Maria-Snyder/dp/0778314189" target="new"> Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Scent-Magic-Maria-Snyder/9781848452046" target="new">BookDepository</a> | <a href="http://www.booktopia.com.au/ebooks/scent-of-magic-maria-v-snyder/prod9781460893043.html" target="new">Booktopia</a>
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<b>Read a Chapter Sampler <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/116348762/Scent-of-Magic-by-Maria-V-Snyder-Chapter-Sampler">HERE</a>!</b>
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<blockquote>
Hunted, killed – survived?
As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avry of Kazan is in a unique position: in the minds of friends and foes alike, she no longer exists. Despite her need to prevent the megalomaniacal King Tohon from winning control of the Realms, Avery is also determined to find her sister and repair their estrangement. And she must do it alone, as Kerrick – her partner and sole confidant – returns to Alga to summon his country into battle.
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Though she should be in hiding, Avry will do whatever she can to support Tohon’s opponent. Including infiltrating a holy army, evading magic sniffers, teaching forest skills to soldiers and figuring out how to stop Tohon’s most horrible creations yet: an army of the walking dead – human and animal alike and nearly impossible to defeat.
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War is coming and Avry is alone – unless she figures out how to do the impossible…again. - <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16129491-scent-of-magic">GoodReads</a></blockquote>
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<b>Book Trailer:</b> <a href="http://youtu.be/-EpMyuuyVxY" target="new">[Click Here]</a>
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Maria’s writing takes you to places that only exist on the page, but that make you wish they existed in real life. The Fifteen Realms are fascinating, yet can also be frightful at times. It’s the kind of place that might be nice to visit, but you wouldn’t want to live there. All of our favourite characters from Touch of Power are back, yet they are separated as we follow along with their adventures. Whilst book one in the Healer series was told through Avry’s voice, Scent of Magic alternates between her voice and Kerrick’s POV (point of view). We learn a little more about the history and people who inhabit The Fifteen Realms, and are introduced to new magic abilities. These include dead soldiers, magic sniffers, tribes’ people, and more.
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Tohon and his army of dead soldiers are on the move. Avry has gone undercover to infiltrate Estrid's army, while Kerrick has headed north to reunite with Prince Ryne and rally his troops. But another war has begun in the Northern realms and Kerrick must help defend his people. Avry is kept busy trying to find a way to slay Tohon’s dead soldiers, and discovers some vital information about the Peace and Death Lilies which could change everything. She longs to be reunited with Kerrick once more, but that solely depends on Kerrick’s success against the warring Tribes.
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<b>Rating:</b> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHU7OL40tZnAsbobGpthprYvFfC4gIwx9d3NDrxlwZny2C5ksp3qzLFo9x70NvNHH-d1rzNzhHENqLvNlbOyMYinOaFa0ItP9H59MDqbNKJvu6XwNVnI6asbqipXxk-0AEEOX-3d2IlDc/s1600/0.gif" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHU7OL40tZnAsbobGpthprYvFfC4gIwx9d3NDrxlwZny2C5ksp3qzLFo9x70NvNHH-d1rzNzhHENqLvNlbOyMYinOaFa0ItP9H59MDqbNKJvu6XwNVnI6asbqipXxk-0AEEOX-3d2IlDc/s1600/0.gif" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHU7OL40tZnAsbobGpthprYvFfC4gIwx9d3NDrxlwZny2C5ksp3qzLFo9x70NvNHH-d1rzNzhHENqLvNlbOyMYinOaFa0ItP9H59MDqbNKJvu6XwNVnI6asbqipXxk-0AEEOX-3d2IlDc/s1600/0.gif" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIXzl6zL5iyS70xrP9NtF9Y9rGarGqOp1rKVdjXKOP9sAom_tnK6pZuMxKPDvjpB1sVkp5l-XuuJw_nqxy0XIsWYPdQls0_OCAwbRkg-yooKzngKhNZRiJvTsVX1rkN0dkt8J_tRpehY/s1600/4.gif" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAjtqnyh8q1cmT8wUV3_3wwp454H3wilcefFaeEqzmwexJcckMpiHQV-_XR07jZq3UbYJ7Ii36hyyPQ8oxyLZiEkIwXfTdhfOfN6ZrC4u0sSW4IpQr8PH2HGW_SIHNFfxPB7_Gc60B4E/s1600/-.gif" /><br />
The cover is beautiful, and now matches the new re-release of Touch of Power. Scent of Magic was a great second book for the Healer series. At the conclusion of Touch of Power, Avry and Kerrick have just been reunited; and now they are being torn apart once more. Reading both stories at once can sometimes be a little confusing, but you don’t get that with this book. Avry’s perspective is written in first person, while Kerrick’s story is written in third person. Regardless of whose chapter you are reading, they are always pining over each other. Although it originally took time to develop, their relationship is strong and they are a good couple. Not that there are many to choose from in the series, but I’m definitely Team Kerrick.
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Learning more about the different abilities of other magicians was fun. While we already know that Avry is a Healer and Kerrick is a Forest magician, we don't know a lot about the abilities of the lesser magicians in the series. Scent of Magic introduces us to a few new people, and they bring more depth to the story. While some authors get caught up in the detail, it is the smaller details that Maria provides that makes her books interesting. I really want to know the secret behind the Lilies and how Avry is the key. But I guess that will have to wait until the conclusion in book 3, due out late 2013/early 2014!
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I seem to have found another favourite genre and author. If you've read any of Maria V. Snyder's other works, I'm sure you'll love Scent of Magic; or If you just love magic and fantasy, then I recommend this book.
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Happy reading,<br />
<h7>Alisa</h7>
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<i>p.s.<br />If you could have a magical power from the Healer series, what would it be?</i>Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-21762074438458014562012-12-25T20:00:00.000+10:002017-12-18T23:58:50.747+10:00Happy Holidays<center><img border="0" height="144" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaY9l6e3mwLpqdt1Cz1Dqccjf8MB28LfDToQ3wK0yiXZ0qLUpdF71p-DVhkBkSsiPnWBATi6R2jnby70EdQmNjiSzwlclWWlyT71yIZXF-fBuZswuuN0ZsHQqcv7wyy1Z3USZi2-cZXqY/s1600/merrychristmas-words.png">
<br><br><b>Seasons Greetings! What ever holiday you are celebrating this December, we wish you a safe and joyful holiday season.</b></center>
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'Tis the time for giving. Did you gift any books to your loved ones, or were you lucky enough to receive any books that were on your wish list?
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Warmest Wishes,
<br><h7>Alisa</h7>Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-38926970589560137632012-12-20T01:05:00.001+10:002017-12-19T00:00:45.783+10:00Preview: Harken by Kaleb Nation<center><img height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPMkZTIiFpnDsUhZo5bepOCm3wHn6jgq_Jo8PEgMX2V7ACLaaRqXmeeZsbtrNm1wJv85OHHlsNB4B0df5W0T4lupkqzH1RlN3YvTY-mxyNMkrurv3WlwZHxthm1GuZ_Ulmu8cIRc0_78/s1600/harken-read-preview.jpg" width="320" /></center>
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Kaleb Nation is a youtube and online personality, blogger, and author. He started writing when he was twelve years old, and at age fourteen had his first major idea for a novel. In 2009 he published his first book called Brian Hambric: The Farfield Curse; which was shortly followed in 2010 by Bran Hambric: The Specter Key. These two books form part of the Brian Hambrick series, aimed at readers of a Middle School age group.
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Coming in January 2013, Kaleb is releasing a new book called Harken. It will be his first novel for the YA genre, and is a supernatural conspiracy theory novel.
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<blockquote>“After surviving an assassination attempt, teenager Michael Asher discovers that he is at the center of a worldwide conspiracy reaching higher than any earthly power. A supernatural organization desperately wants him dead. He doesn't know why. Everyone who might have the answers has already been killed.<br><br>
Tumbling into a web of international secrets, Michael is forced to fight back and dig up the truth. He begins to question how much of the world is truly as people are led to believe it is. Are there things that humanity is not being told? Who is the puppet master? And how far into the maze can he venture before he is lost forever?” - <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16168821-harken" target="new">Goodreads</a></blockquote><br>
<b>Book Trailer:</b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F3Z6pSL4Hk" target"new"> [click here]</a>
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<b>You can get a free preview of the first 3 chapters of Harken, by clicking the banner below:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.readharken.com/" target="new"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxjXcLo9M6x-Znkc46kCU4HcWawGHH3pGCsPlHHPtK99-4ozDZzDqTNSBtW_I2uiF_4Acfgepjsd8bA_9jBEUu6tF-f79b1uAxfYrK6Eww6sszOlncWfywAx7FLk916Es7GbTrUoW9AQ/s1600/harken-3-full-chapters.jpg" width="400"></a></center>
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As a special promotion, readers who tweet their favourite quotes from the preview can win a giant HARKEN prize pack! Follow Kaleb on twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/KalebNation" target="new">@KalebNation</a>, and follow <a href="https://twitter.com/harkenseries" target="new">@harkenseries</a> for more Harken related news. Don't forget to use #HARKEN when you enter, and tell them <a href="https://twitter.com/thenovelnook" target="new">@thenovelnook</a> sent you ;).
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What do you think of the Harken preview? Leave a comment below.
<br><br>Happy reading,<br><h7>Alisa</h7>Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-59796400947604459152012-12-18T10:10:00.001+10:002017-12-19T00:14:51.566+10:00A Very Bookish Christmas<center>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNk7MLVx7-DCCmhkrQn_d0NAETgqX5bv5QsR1SMbUlrBDlxwEeseMbkxDycg-2b0ZwgrV-TRnZb46QqfT1T6XtxK1VZaTA_GMJDjPHQK_TGtVzRacV3_s1voFxSSzogKoUxAY7_YlzuwI/s1600/merrychrismas.jpg" /></center>
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Season’s Greetings! I work in retail, and with one week left until Christmas, I’ve been spending a copious amount of time amongst people buying those elusive last few presents for their loved ones. Having read several good books this year, I thought I’d share a few of my favourites, and possibly recommend some for your bibliophile friends and relatives. Most of these suggestions fall into the ‘Young Adult Fiction’ genre, but are suitable for young and old adults alike :).
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<b>For Younger Readers:</b><br />
<u><i>The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer</i></u>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11607446-the-wishing-spell" target="new"><img border="0" height="200" imageanchor="1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMYMDJn77NC2qYG33-w2iSTByT3lEbGBA58Xtkh1qBWz7NyjRDnO73uZiBoYQeDh-Gg78r7B8DftyTsU5VElfM1HdMM-tfNO0rgnG2nRqjmeTqgjgXxZMfH8ZGXNHBmc1IICngKcr_EM/s200/ChrisColfer-TheLandOfStories.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-left: 1em;" width="133" /></a>
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Some of you may recognise the name Chris Colfer. He is one of the main cast on the hit TV series Glee. Since he was a boy, he has loved writing stories, and this book was inspired by a story he started writing while in Middle School. He brings many well-known book characters together in this enchanting story. Through the mysterious powers of a cherished book of stories, twins Alex and Conner leave their world behind and find themselves in a foreign land full of wonder and magic where they come face-to-face with the fairy tale characters they grew up reading about.
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<b>For the Fantasy Teen:</b>
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<u><i>Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder</i></u>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13124584-touch-of-power" target="new"><img border="0" height="200" imageanchor="1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpD90eLXJ6cm2FI7TDgGEt85JAjNKMnQkV4QoetyAzF1XfDLrcnJxsh-bBrL5QmznMyH20HyD-OQV8QPghOLKLxB2u1PUXEyHicebwvc9IagD6I-fTHJXvHYqgbbRHyy38VsU60FlgjU/s1600/MariaVSnyder-TouchOfPower.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;" width="133" /></a>
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I love Maria V. Snyder, and Touch of Power is the first book in her latest Healer series. The book has just been re-released this month, and book two of the series comes out in January. It follows the adventures of Avry of Kazan, a healer in the Fifteen Realms. A plague decimated the Territories and healers were accused of spreading the disease. A bounty was put out on all healers, and Avry is the last one left. War has broken out, as competing leaders fight for control of all the Fifteen Realms, and Avry is stuck in the middle. Her choice: will she give her life to heal a prince, who may have started the rumour about the healers and the plague but who may also be able to reunite the realms, or try to continue avoiding bounty hunters for the rest of her life.
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<u><i>The Rise of Nine by Pittacus Lore</i></u>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15749283-the-rise-of-nine" target="new"><img border="0" height="200" imageanchor="1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6V2iKDjmheLjooUcQk2tTQYy0PP6O1U33l3LJ9NiuuOb_AqGhosIFvZhOPwYOm3Pu7y12T7jFWuwDHgmHH6ViP_gd5gNCMoe4pYcRPB5GVMyv8VZkx9n1dqIji5u8aR4SDutjt57ZQLE/s200/PittacusLore-TheRiseOfNine.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-left: 1em;" width="133" /></a>
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The third book in the Lorien Legacies series, The Rise of Nine is a fantasy/sci-fi book that leaves you hanging for more. To everyone else, they look like ordinary teenagers; but they’re not. They started as a group of nine aliens who left their home planet when it fell under attack. The original plan was for them to travel to Earth, develop their powers, and return to reclaim Lorien. But the Mogodorians found them on Earth, and want to finish what they started. These young teenagers are the only ones who can save Lorien, and now Earth. As those of the original nine that are left continue to find each other, the battle against the Mogodrians also continues.
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<b>For the Contemporary Teen:</b>
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<u><i>The Fault in our Stars by John Green</i></u>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11870085-the-fault-in-our-stars" target="new"><img border="0" height="200" imageanchor="1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzloQfgMQtAAj8MhDJrJzyFYzYiZaR0DJTxlyvZYf5x70L1-sn-TqTaajVEJVVAVgyk60itY6kskrQmFnasrQ4We-KUW-LMmUVtjgp49PMbg-8AGGeS_QP-F0g8sXowkk8uXn6ui5OMo/s200/JohnGreen-TheFaultInOurStars.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;" width="133" /></a>
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John Green’s books never fail to impress, evoke emotions and inspire those who read them. This book has received some fantastic reviews, and 11 months after its release, is back in the number #1 spot on the Penguin Teen Australia chart. The Fault in our Stars follows Hazel, a 17 year old, terminally ill Cancer patient, as she falls in love and starts to actually feel alive and live her life; regardless of how long she has been sick, and how long she has left. Speaking from experience, this is a tear-jerker of a read. So you may want to include a box of tissues along with this book.
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<u><i>Speechless by Hannah Harrington</i></u>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15769027-speechless" target="new"><img border="0" height="200" imageanchor="1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfiN1aoyZCCbKkBFpz6u7vR4jlbIUYJ4se_6wItu6WOnCyu5JsQa7BnuTRibyKHq5R8eBvYT1KQ7pNTh5oEgMoTqYEBH6jxdhwe3_iBYvDahAScPt_lriK_dviwc2FWTjARsfd-rgqvgk/s200/HannahHarrington-Speechless.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-left: 1em;" width="133" /></a>
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Everyone is a perpetrator, victim, or witness to bulling. Speechless makes you realise that all of your actions have consequences, and that sometimes actions do speak louder than words. After attending a party where she witnesses two male classmates in a bedroom together, Chelsea outs them to her friends. By the end of the night, one of the boys is in a critical condition in hospital, two other boys are left facing assault charges, and it’s all thanks to Chelsea. Deciding it is better to not say anything at all, then it is to risk getting anyone else into trouble, Chelsea takes a vow of silence. This only leads her to become further ignored, ridiculed and even attacked by her old friends and other classmates. But there is still hope, as Chelsea makes new friends and learns the real power of silence!
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<b>For Every Woman:</b>
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<u><i>The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh </i></u>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11736833-the-language-of-flowers" new="new" target="target"><img border="0" height="200" imageanchor="1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpxERvTdyeAMGSSYYz7QWQSYsXs7L2EImptJvpCx85cPlGu0ZSUPAbD9Mz-m6ZtPx7_0-QKN4btZpjDR1c0S7FJ-7Jp2hIFtjlxzyhQuBkmukA13SGH0SXXH-fLTV3GbVYDAsX8oWuno/s1600/VanessaDiffenbaugh-TheLanguageofFlowers.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;" width="133" /></a>
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"The Victorian language of flowers was used to convey what words could not. For Victoria Jones, alone after a childhood in foster care, it is her way of expressing a legacy of grief and guilt. Believing she is damaged beyond hope, she trusts nobody, connecting with the world only through message-laden bouquets. But when a mysterious man at the flower market responds in kind, Victoria is caught between fascination and fear, and must decide if she can open herself to the possibilities of happiness...and forgiveness.
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The Language of Flowers is a heartbreaking and redemptive novel about the meaning of flowers, the meaning of family, and the meaning of love." (<i>The Language of Flowers, 2011</i>)
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Whatever you decide to buy for your loved ones this December, I hope that you will consider giving the gift of reading.
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Happy Holidays,<br />
<h7>Alisa</h7>Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-31713819693774649742012-09-06T18:23:00.001+10:002017-12-19T00:23:55.938+10:00Confessions of an Angry Girl by Louise Rozett<i>*A quick thank you to HarlequinTeen for my first official ARC.</i>
<br><br><img border="0" height="350" width="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDX4LWX4IdoMIWWCu8WVlAC5tYv-sZP9S5dRi_Vz6lhaeEBg8vXFSOvKM2MrCPLl3MEg-cVEAqrV7VCyittr2FppbfEWrH1NB_RTNAb-tbWOrztZxqoR88gEI8I6Vt4e35_dNUjFok96M/s1600/LouiseRozett_ConfessionsofanAngryGirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em;">
<br><b><u>Confessions of an Angry Girl by Louise Rozett</u></b>
<br><br><b>Released:</b> AU 28th August 2012
<br><b>Series:</b> Confessions [Book One]
<br><b>Publisher:</b> HarlequinTEEN
<br><b>Pages:</b> 272
<br><b>Source:</b> Review
<br><b>Buy it:</b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Angry-Girl-Harlequin-Teen/dp/0373210485/ref=la_B007SF46GO_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1344852207&sr=1-3" target="new">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Confessions-Angry-Girl-Louise-Rozett/9780373210480" target="new">Book Depository</a> | <a href="http://www.bookworld.com.au/book/confessions-of-an-angry-girl/31849192/" target="new">Bookworld</a>
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<blockquote>
Rose Zarelli, self-proclaimed word geek and angry girl, has some confessions to make:
<br><br><b> 1.</b> I'm livid all the time. Why? My dad died. My mom barely talks. My brother abandoned us. I think I'm allowed to be irate, don't you?
<br><br><b>2.</b> I make people furious regularly. Want an example? I kissed Jamie Forta, a badass guy who might be dating a cheerleader. She is now enraged and out for blood. Mine.
<br><br><b>3.</b> High school might as well be Mars. My best friend has been replaced by an alien, and I see red all the time. (Mars is red and "seeing red" means being angry—get it?)
<br><br>Here are some other vocab words that describe my life: Inadequate. Insufferable. Intolerable.
<br><br>(Don't know what they mean? Look them up yourself.)
<br><br>(Sorry. That was rude.) - <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13515025-confessions-of-an-angry-girl">GoodReads</a></blockquote><br>
<b>Book Trailer:</b> <a href="http://youtu.be/j5yzte0zSVs" target="new">[click here]</a>
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Confessions of an Angry Girl takes you on a bit of a journey. The journey of Rose Zarelli, as she struggles with loosing her dad, starting high school, peer pressure, and having feelings for boys. After her father died while working in Afghanistan, her mother stopped talking to her and her brother moved away to college. As she struggles to deal with this feeling of desertion, her best friend Tracy won't stop talking about joining the cheerleading squad, and wanting to hook-up with her boyfriend. Rose just isn't interested, and becomes increasingly frustrated with the people around her. She tries to do the right thing, but gets shut down at every turn. Why does high school have to be so difficult?
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One night while at a party, in which alcohol is present and under age drinking is rampant, Rose discovers one of her classmates unconscious in the bathroom. Concerned for her, Rose calls 911 and as a result, the party is shut down by paramedics and police. Her classmates want to seek revenge. She tries to save Tracy from drowning in alcohol, as the cheerleading squad pours it down her throat as part of her initiation. Tracey can't believe how embarrassing Rose is being, and just wishes she'd relax. But Rose can't relax, because she's falling for the bad boy in school, Jaime Forta; and even though he has girlfriend, Rose has kissed him. Twice! All her pent-up anger comes to a head, when head cheerleader (aka. Jaime Forta's girlfriend) Regina confronts Rose about being a loser, and insults Rose's dead father.
<br><br><b>Rating:</b> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHU7OL40tZnAsbobGpthprYvFfC4gIwx9d3NDrxlwZny2C5ksp3qzLFo9x70NvNHH-d1rzNzhHENqLvNlbOyMYinOaFa0ItP9H59MDqbNKJvu6XwNVnI6asbqipXxk-0AEEOX-3d2IlDc/s1600/0.gif" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHU7OL40tZnAsbobGpthprYvFfC4gIwx9d3NDrxlwZny2C5ksp3qzLFo9x70NvNHH-d1rzNzhHENqLvNlbOyMYinOaFa0ItP9H59MDqbNKJvu6XwNVnI6asbqipXxk-0AEEOX-3d2IlDc/s1600/0.gif" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWw0IWMNEwn-Bz7jjnymP3QdUho1GSHNK-sFPdFEhBDrdwmuJ9On17KdjANC5UF0gJtprqj0mJpQhiMOvr6AOMcLGX6v-r4LXzZD2OgHpDe2XM_rG-4C5J6649clsC1-En_13CSf2OFvY/s1600/3.gif" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAjtqnyh8q1cmT8wUV3_3wwp454H3wilcefFaeEqzmwexJcckMpiHQV-_XR07jZq3UbYJ7Ii36hyyPQ8oxyLZiEkIwXfTdhfOfN6ZrC4u0sSW4IpQr8PH2HGW_SIHNFfxPB7_Gc60B4E/s1600/-.gif" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAjtqnyh8q1cmT8wUV3_3wwp454H3wilcefFaeEqzmwexJcckMpiHQV-_XR07jZq3UbYJ7Ii36hyyPQ8oxyLZiEkIwXfTdhfOfN6ZrC4u0sSW4IpQr8PH2HGW_SIHNFfxPB7_Gc60B4E/s1600/-.gif" /><br />
Even though I consider myself nothing like Rose, she still felt strangely familiar, and I found myself relating to her. As the title suggests, Rose is an angry girl. She faces a lot of challenges that most teenagers face during high school, doing what is right or trying to be popular. In her debut novel, Louise Rozett's writing brings these scenarios to life and made me feel like I was in high school again, right beside Rose. I felt like the book ended in a peculiar place. Although this could be a segue into the next book in Rozett's Confessions series. The book description had me expecting a little more in the way of language, describing Rose as a "word geek". But I did enjoy the word, definition, and synonym (often referring to Rose herself) at the beginning of each chapter. I was also expecting Rose to be an outwardly "angry girl", but found the majority of her anger built up inside, with little release.
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I've been reading a few contemporary books lately, and Confessions of an Angry Girl was definitely on par with them. It's another book that I would recommend to teens going through high school, as a learning experience and as an enjoyable read. Or to anyone who enjoys YA fiction.
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<br>Happy reading,<br>
<h7>Alisa</h7>Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-8657803852733674042012-07-24T08:30:00.000+10:002017-12-19T00:26:23.561+10:00Spy Glass by Maria V. Snyder<i>This review may contain spoilers if you have not read Storm Glass and Sea Glass by Maria V. Snyder. (I suggest you do, they are amazing! Then come back to this review).</i><br><br>
<img border="0" height="320" width="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQ1iHJZLZsx-oj_xz-ziIWmQlgk2N5M0nUcw3CJ1Lo3ovgsoj_NXQoYzdsb2h3urm6YwbnDr5YdJ7gphiGOV3z0PfptJBeX7-lvX5bII-yR5li1TjCC-gn82u8a4dOd48L9OQsUGMbdA/s1600/MariaVSnyder_SpyGlass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em;">
<br><b><u>Spy Glass by Maria V. Snyder</u></b>
<br><br><b>Released:</b> AU September 2010
<br><b>Series:</b> Glass [Book Three]
<br><b>Publisher:</b> <a href="http://www.harlequinbooks.com.au/product/9781742787800" target="new">HarlequinTEEN</a>
<br><b>Pages:</b> 424
<br><b>Source:</b> Gift
<br><b>Buy it:</b> <a href="http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Spy-Glass-Maria-Snyder/9781848451155" target="new">Book Depository</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Spy-Glass-Book-3/dp/0778328473" target="new">Amazon</a>
<br><br><blockquote>Opal Cowan had been willing to make the ultimate sacrifi ce to save her friends and rid the world of blood magic. Though she survives, she is forever changed…
<br><br>Opal has lost her powers. More than that, she is now immune to magic. Opal is an outsider looking in, spying through the glass on those with the powers she once had, powers that make a difference to the world and were her whole world…
<br><br>Until spying through the glass becomes her new power. Suddenly, the beautiful pieces she makes fl ash in the presence of magic. And then she discovers that someone has stolen some of her blood and that fi nding it might let her regain her powers. Or learn if she’s lost them forever… - <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9069955-spy-glass">GoodReads</a></blockquote>
<br>When we last left Opal Cowan, she had sacrificed her own magic in an attempt to save her friends. Unfortunately for her, but lucky for her friends, she was successful. In a twist however, Opal not only lost her powers, but is now immune to magic. Going from ‘powerful glass magician’ to losing her powers is tough for Opal, and at the start of Spy Glass we find her in her home town of Booruby, moping (although she won’t admit it). But she can’t stop thinking about her magic and about Ulrick, Tricky, and Devlin. She feels that she doesn’t have a purpose, and that if she was somehow able to restore her magic, that it would bring meaning back to her life. So, she travels all around Ixia in search of answers. In the process, she is attacked, attempts to break into a high security prison, gets caught in a mine explosion, and finds herself battling with blood magic. Poor Opal!
<br><br>We meet some old friends in this final instalment of the Glass Series, and are also introduced to some new ones. Her relationship with her family, friends, and Kade are stretched to the limit. She finds herself drifting apart from people she once held close, and is attracted to people (or more specifically a someone) that she was once repulsed by. Her new immunity to magic turns out to be rather helpful, when she helps rescues a new magician on the verge of flaming out. With or without her magic, this new magician and his sister help Opal discover herself, and help her to discover another purpose.
<br><br><b>Rating:</b> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHU7OL40tZnAsbobGpthprYvFfC4gIwx9d3NDrxlwZny2C5ksp3qzLFo9x70NvNHH-d1rzNzhHENqLvNlbOyMYinOaFa0ItP9H59MDqbNKJvu6XwNVnI6asbqipXxk-0AEEOX-3d2IlDc/s1600/0.gif" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHU7OL40tZnAsbobGpthprYvFfC4gIwx9d3NDrxlwZny2C5ksp3qzLFo9x70NvNHH-d1rzNzhHENqLvNlbOyMYinOaFa0ItP9H59MDqbNKJvu6XwNVnI6asbqipXxk-0AEEOX-3d2IlDc/s1600/0.gif" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHU7OL40tZnAsbobGpthprYvFfC4gIwx9d3NDrxlwZny2C5ksp3qzLFo9x70NvNHH-d1rzNzhHENqLvNlbOyMYinOaFa0ItP9H59MDqbNKJvu6XwNVnI6asbqipXxk-0AEEOX-3d2IlDc/s1600/0.gif" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIXzl6zL5iyS70xrP9NtF9Y9rGarGqOp1rKVdjXKOP9sAom_tnK6pZuMxKPDvjpB1sVkp5l-XuuJw_nqxy0XIsWYPdQls0_OCAwbRkg-yooKzngKhNZRiJvTsVX1rkN0dkt8J_tRpehY/s1600/4.gif" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAjtqnyh8q1cmT8wUV3_3wwp454H3wilcefFaeEqzmwexJcckMpiHQV-_XR07jZq3UbYJ7Ii36hyyPQ8oxyLZiEkIwXfTdhfOfN6ZrC4u0sSW4IpQr8PH2HGW_SIHNFfxPB7_Gc60B4E/s1600/-.gif" />
<br>Overall, Maria V. Snyder does another amazing job at keeping you connected with the characters, and on the edge of your seat (or bed, or cushion, or wherever you happen to be while reading). Each cliff-hanger/surprise/mysterious chapter ending had me wanting more, and I finished the last half of the book in 2 evenings (I generally read before bed, so I had a couple of sleepless nights because of this book). Although I don’t ‘like’ the final decision Opal makes, it is explained well enough that I accept it and am happy for her. Opal’s seeking her ‘sense of purpose’ while searching for her magic is relatable, and although set in a fictional setting, gives the book a feeling of reality.
<br><br>I really enjoyed Spy Glass, and the entire Glass Series. I truly hope that Maria continues writing about Ixia; even if Opal’s journey has ended!
<br><br>Happy reading,<br><h7>Alisa</h7>Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-13581192771707837902012-07-18T12:24:00.000+10:002017-12-19T00:27:29.577+10:00Back from Extended Hiatus<br><blockquote><i>“Hello, my name is Alisa, and it has been 10 months since my last blog post.”</i></blockquote>
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You may have noticed, but <b>The Novel Nook</b> and I have been M.I.A for almost a year. Although I wasn’t posting, I have still been doing a lot of reading and rating on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5216757-alisa" target="new">Goodreads</a>. I love Goodreads. It has kept me connected with books and other readers, and I feel a sense accomplishment being ahead of my reading challenge schedule, even if I haven’t been as proactive with my blogging.
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I feel like I owe you all an apology and an explanation on why I’ve been gone so long. The reasons are fairly simple and non-personal, so I’ll just get to it.
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When I first started <b>The Novel Nook</b>, I was in my final year at university. Looking back, probably not the best time to commit myself to a blog, but as with most things, it seemed like a good idea at the time. Unfortunately, I found myself letting my uni work slide, in favour of working on my blog. Then as the year continued, I started my internship at a school, and planning, teaching, and marking became my main priority. Soon graduation followed, as well as the task of applying for an education panel interview and job hunting. These things took up a large part of my time for several months.
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Next, things weren't going as smoothly with my family as they had in the past. Sibling ‘disagreements’, work troubles, and ill family members; It all added up and took its toll on me too.
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Now, seven months after I’ve graduated, things are looking better all-around for my family, and I think I’m ready to start blogging again. Last time when I began blogging, I feel like I took on too much at once. So this time, I’m giving myself a simple schedule which I feel I can manage along with my other commitments. You, the book bloggers community, are so friendly and accepting, and I hope you’ll join me again in sharing something we all love!
<br><br>Thank you,<br><h7>Alisa</h7>Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-23396116892251698012011-09-25T08:46:00.000+10:002017-12-19T00:51:23.142+10:00In My Mailbox #8<center>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZckvJtFk8p1RKyBvisuHxEzEIZLkwcldDto6YFkCXpapKOSDNTgGfrOg_bKaxCRF3L304iq3T8UCiSJGN1xR2emp8viF9fszxA5Nit9CgexzP7kMbxDNGLkg8Vcrz5aBEhR3AEhTqVg/s1600/imm.jpg" /><br />
In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ <a href="http://www.thestorysiren.com/" target="_blank">The Story Siren</a>.</center>
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I only purchased a couple of books this week, and one of them was a children's book. When I was a child, I used to love watching, and listening to, the Tales of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter. I saw this book, and knew it was a must buy! Wicked Lovely was on sale, and I couldn't walk past the lovely cover of Delirium.
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<b><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10128165-delirium">Delirium</a> by Lauren Oliver</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3051686-wicked-lovely">Wicked Lovely</a> by Melissa Marr</b><br />
<b><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12482740-peter-rabbit-s-bedtime-tales">Petter Rabbit Bedtime Stories</a> by Beatrix Potter</b>
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<img height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiDldtBaRiHs8QuKP2f2zIScqYERaZIcnLB19rylSWa8F4q2GM9qC9mxjClEvGVQVw7_94xMXYxL85ltIt3mYA7eOjDkv_7oYDZPA_ROkFg8NyiI2lHIF3-KCwsOE_pOg1LidFmrd6DWk/s1600/LaurenOliver-Delirium.jpg" width="103" />
<img height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIJkP33wrAyQ-JVbNv_xAhJglp3FWQgSb9irlTAh44nOp-_mAHpnhDbN2HbZZSWjeKga7bV8-4gicOGMV3M9V5zwHDxZH-kQUwNl_ShcHACBfP2QFaLibjckwmoxEsL-SeOQ6BqYa59k/s1600/MelissaMarr-WickedLovely.jpg" width="102" />
<img height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgOBt2AbiPnuGr8DfFjgb4GB-sSqhSZYDcHVG1ravM-ZZdkH4Vq_RR5pkow_tZ0AZmg0J4GJfiQIj53ree_KZBJz54xMY1Rqj2-MqcADdscM96WS0VJKyWiE7LKLVZjeXrjfnmqO9BhuQ/s320/peter-rabbit-bedtime-tales2.jpg" width="159" />
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What did you get in your mailbox this week? (feel free to leave your links below)
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<h7>-Alisa</h7>Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-60114240123763513382011-09-23T15:20:00.000+10:002017-12-19T00:51:34.811+10:00Top 100 YA List<center><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB52eA1R444ljbAFtPMIrtneOmRyRUOPptztFXqlHQtc0eeuoaXVYdv-hDAD2AVJjJmi_Cplrynmj8H8zECiY1HllgQz7f02vq3VLyqCp7fB5Yez0j8daNVdgozhrSKk6W3kEY36njwms/s1600/lists.jpg" /></center>
I assume that a lot of you that follow/read/visit my blog enjoy reading YA novels. So when <a href="http://reviews.blueteacup.com/" target="new">The Talking Teacup</a> posted a list of the current <a href="http://reviews.blueteacup.com/?p=1616" target="new">Best 100 YA novels</a>, I jumped at the chance to see which ones I had read.
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You probably would have heard of a lot of these authors and books, but there was quite a large number that I hadn't heard of. This doesn't surprise me, as I'm new to blogging, but it certainly was an interesting list!
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I have put the books I have read in <b>bold</b>, and I have <u>underlined</u> the books I own. So, without further ado:
<br /><ol>
<li>Alex Finn – Beastly</li>
<li><b><u>Alice Sebold – The Lovely Bones</u></b></li>
<li>Ally Carter – Gallagher Girls (1, 2, 3, 4)</li>
<li>Ally Condie – Matched</li>
<li><u><b>Alyson Noel – The Immortals</b></u> (<u><b>1</b>, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6</u>)</li>
<li>Anastasia Hopcus – Shadow Hills</li>
<li>Angie Sage – Septimus Heap (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)</li>
<li>Ann Brashares – The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (1, 2, 3, 4)</li>
<li>Anna Godbersen – Luxe (1, 2, 3, 4)</li>
<li>Anthony Horowitz – Alex Rider (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)</li>
<li><u>Aprilynne Pike – Wings</u> (1, <u>2</u>, 3)</li>
<li>Becca Fitzpatrick – Hush, Hush (1, 2)</li>
<li>Brandon Mull – Fablehaven (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)</li>
<li>Brian Selznick – The Invention of Hugo Cabret</li>
<li><u>Cassandra Clare – The Mortal Instruments</u> (1, 2, 3, 4)</li>
<li>Carrie Jones – Need (1, 2, 3)</li>
<li>Carrie Ryan – The Forest of Hands and Teeth (1, 2, 3, 4)</li>
<li>Christopher Paolini – Inheritance (1, 2, 3, 4)</li>
<li>Cinda Williams Chima – The Heir Chronicles (1, 2, 3)</li>
<li>Colleen Houck – Tigers Saga (1, 2)</li>
<li><u>Cornelia Funke – Inkheart</u> (1, 2, 3)</li>
<li>Ellen Hopkins – Impulse</li>
<li>Eoin Colfer – Artemis Fowl (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)</li>
<li>Faraaz Kazi – Truly, Madly, Deeply</li>
<li>Frank Beddor – The Looking Glass Wars (1, 2, 3)</li>
<li>Gabrielle Zevin – Elsewhere</li>
<li>Gail Carson Levine – Fairest</li>
<li>Holly Black – Tithe (1, 2, 3)</li>
<li><u><b>J.K. Rowling – Harry Potter</b></u> (<u>1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7</u>)</li>
<li>James Dashner – The Maze Runner (1, 2)</li>
<li>James Patterson – Maximum Ride (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)</li>
<li>Jay Asher – Thirteen Reasons Why</li>
<li>Jeanne DuPrau – Books of Ember (1, 2, 3, 4)</li>
<li>Jeff Kinney – Diary of a Wimpy Kid (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)</li>
<li>John Boyne – The Boy in the Striped Pajamas</li>
<li>John Green – An Abundance of Katherines</li>
<li>John Green – Looking for Alaska</li>
<li>John Green – Paper Towns</li>
<li>Jonathan Stroud – Bartimaeus (1, 2, 3, 4)</li>
<li>Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl – Caster Chronicles (1, 2)</li>
<li>Kelley Armstrong – Darkest Powers (1, 2, 3)</li>
<li>Kristin Cashore – The Seven Kingdoms (1, 2)</li>
<li><u>Lauren Kate – Fallen</u> (1, 2, 3)</li>
<li><b>Lemony Snicket – Series of Unfortunate Events</b> (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)</li>
<li><u>Libba Bray – Gemma Doyle</u> (1, 2, 3)</li>
<li>Lisa McMann – Dream Catcher (1, 2, 3)</li>
<li>Louise Rennison – Confessions of Georgia Nicolson (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)</li>
<li>M.T. Anderson – Feed</li>
<li>Maggie Stiefvater – The Wolves of Mercy Falls (1, 2, 3)</li>
<li>Margaret Peterson Haddix – Shadow Children (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)</li>
<li>Maria V. Snyder – Study (1, 2, 3)</li>
<li>Markus Zusak – The Book Thief</li>
<li>Markus Zusak – I am the Messenger</li>
<li>Mark Haddon – The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time</li>
<li>Mary Ting – Crossroads</li>
<li>Maureen Johnson – Little Blue Envelope (1, 2)</li>
<li>Meg Cabot – All-American Girl (1, 2)</li>
<li>Meg Cabot – The Mediator (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)</li>
<li>Meg Cabot – The Princess Diaries (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)</li>
<li>Meg Rosoff – How I live now</li>
<li>Megan McCafferty – Jessica Darling (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)</li>
<li>Megan Whalen Turner – The Queen’s Thief (1, 2, 3, 4)</li>
<li>Melina Marchetta – On the Jellicoe Road</li>
<li>Melissa de la Cruz – Blue Bloods (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)</li>
<li><u>Melissa Marr – Wicked Lovely</u> (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)</li>
<li>Michael Grant – Gone (1, 2, 3, 4)</li>
<li>Nancy Farmer – The House of the Scorpion</li>
<li>Neal Shusterman – Unwind</li>
<li>Neil Gaiman – Coraline</li>
<li>Neil Gaiman – Stardust</li>
<li>Neil Gaiman – The Graveyard Book</li>
<li>P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast – House of Night (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)</li>
<li>Philip Pullman – His Dark Materials (1, 2, 3)</li>
<li>Rachel Caine – The Morganville Vampires (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)</li>
<li>Rachel Cohn & David Levithan – Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist</li>
<li>Richelle Mead – Vampire Academy (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)</li>
<li>Rick Riordan – Percy Jackson and the Olympians (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)</li>
<li>Rom LcO’Feer – Somewhere carnal over 40 winks</li>
<li>S.L. Naeole – Grace (1, 2, 3, 4)</li>
<li>Sabrina Bryan & Julia DeVillers – Princess of Gossip</li>
<li>Sarah Dessen – Along for the Ride</li>
<li>Sarah Dessen – Lock and Key</li>
<li>Sarah Dessen – The Truth about Forever</li>
<li>Sara Shepard – Pretty Little Liars (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)</li>
<li>Scott Westerfeld – Leviathan (1, 2)</li>
<li>Scott Westerfeld – Uglies (1, 2, 3)</li>
<li>Shannon Hale – Books of a Thousand Days</li>
<li>Shannon Hale – Princess Academy</li>
<li>Shannon Hale – The Books of Bayern (1, 2, 3, 4)</li>
<li>Sherman Alexie & Ellen Forney – The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian</li>
<li>Simone Elkeles – Perfect Chemistry (1, 2, 3)</li>
<li>Stephanie Meyer – The Host</li>
<li><u><b>Stephanie Meyer – Twilight Saga</b></u> (<u>1, 2, 3</u>, 4)</li>
<li><u><b>Sue Monk Kidd – The Secret Life of Bees</b></u></li>
<li>Susan Beth Pfeffer – Last Survivors (1, 2, 3)</li>
<li><u><b>Suzanne Collins – Hunger Games</b></u> (<u>1, 2, 3</u>)</li>
<li>Suzanne Collins – Underland Chronicles (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)</li>
<li>Terry Pratchett – Tiffany Aching (1, 2, 3, 4)</li>
<li>Tonya Hurley – Ghost Girl (1, 2, 3)</li>
<li>Wendelin Van Draanen – Flipped</li>
</ol>
Looking at this list, and the number of books I've read from it (or lack there of) I really feel like a bad reader/blogger. I know everyone has different tastes, but you'd think I would have read more of them than that. In my defence, I have read a lot of other books that are not on this list :). It was definitely fun to do, and has definitely inspired me to read more!
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If you've filled out this list on your blog, I'd love to see what books you've read!
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<h7>-Alisa</h7>Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-82171132942349702822011-09-18T18:46:00.000+10:002015-10-18T00:01:05.002+10:00In My Mailbox (7)<center>
<img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/blog/imm_zpsnewnd864.jpg" /><br />
In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ <a href="http://www.thestorysiren.com/" target="_blank">The Story Siren</a>.</center>
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I haven't posted since July, which means I have a lot of books to share that I have purchased/received over the past 2 1/2 months. To save on some time (for both you and me) I will link each of the book titles to there respective Goodreads pages, and if you want to know more, then you can find the information there. So, here they are:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LheZEOWVb-iGEw9OOfRrFvMr3gNEDvE4HmnMkNlkbTuazHm01bur19Y2b_z5maoCjfSnalkL0XCUU25OJt3U7GIAGHR0UCd7DkLKQRwsDRy7CZEWqV9qjBjBZMWxBPZdBE6-N3f0LRP5/s1600/DSCN0513.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/photos/DSCN0513_zpsrk7upf2b.jpg" /></a>
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<b><u>Purchased</u></b><br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3157877-generation-dead"><b>Generation Dead</b></a> by Daniel Waters
<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8468336-trash"><b>Trash</b></a> by Andy Mulligan
<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10637825-you-against-me"><b>You Against Me</b></a> by Jenny Downham
<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6487308-fallen"><b>Fallen</b></a> by Lauren Kate
<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7740152-torment"><b>Torment</b></a> by Lauren Kate
<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9369720-passion"><b>Passion</b></a> by Lauren Kate
<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10640987-inside-out"><b>Inside Out</b></a> by Maria V. Snyder
<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10641010-outside-in"><b>Outside In</b></a> by Maria V. Snyder
<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11143604-the-girl-in-the-steel-corset"><b>The Girl in the Steel Corset</b></a> by Kady Crosst
<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6818083-blue-moon"><b>Blue Moon</b></a> by Alyson Noel
<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7936243-shadowland"><b>Shadowland</b></a> by Alyson Noel
<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7937657-dark-flame"><b>Dark Flame</b></a> by Alyson Noel
<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8706507-night-star"><b>Night Star</b></a> by Alyson Noel
<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10775407-the-immortals"><b>Everlasting</b></a> by Alyson Noel
<br /><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8709527-bloodlines"><b>Bloodlines</b></a> by Richelle Mead
</center>
<center>
and a SUPER cute owl bookmark ;)<br />
<br />
<b><u>Gift(s)</u></b><br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6080889-storm-glass"><b>Storm Glass</b></a> by Maria V. Snyder<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9069955-spy-glass"><b>Spy Glass</b></a> by Maria V. Snyder
<br /><br />
<b><u>Won</u></b>
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8709527-bloodlines"><b>Bloodlines</b></a> by Richelle Mead - <i>I won a from <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/QBDTheBookshop" target="new">@QBDTheBookshop</a> on twitter</i></center>
<br />
During August, I was lucky enough to get a few books signed by some great authors. <b>Lauren Kate</b> was in Australia, and although I wasn't able to make it to her signings, Dymocks was kind enough to hold copies of Fallen, Torment, and Passion and she signed them for me.
<br />
<center><a href="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/photos/DSCN0309_zpsj8vriel3.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/photos/DSCN0309_zpsj8vriel3.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></center>
<br />
<b>Maria V. Snyder</b> also visited Brisbane in August, and I went to her one (and only) signing in the city. She signed Inside Out and Outside In for me! I was really nervious to meet her, and barley managed a "Hi", but she was super nice, and even posed for a photo.
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/photos/DSCN0328_zps9bthzgcl.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/photos/DSCN0328_zps9bthzgcl.jpg" height ="150" width="200"></a>
<a href="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/photos/DSCN0323_zpsjzm2nusf.jpg"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/photos/DSCN0323_zpsjzm2nusf.jpg" width="200" /></a></center>
<br /><br />
What did you get in your mailbox this week?
<br /><br />
<img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/blog/sig-alisa_zpsiccylxqq.png" />Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-50907146535436154912011-09-18T13:08:00.000+10:002015-10-17T23:28:19.307+10:00Fever Giveaway: Lauren DeStefano<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/books/LaurenDeStefano_Fever_zpsv8qhfcwc.jpg" height="350" width="233" /></div>
<br />
No doubt most of you would have read <b>Wither</b> by Lauren DeStefano, and if you haven't I really suggest you do!
<br /><br />
The cover design for the second book in her <i>Chemical Garden Trilogy</i>, Lauren is hosting a giveaway over at her blog: <a href="http://www.laurendestefano.com/blog/" target="new">www.laurendestefano.com/blog</a>
<br /><br /><br />
<blockquote>
She is giving away proof jackets of <b>Fever</b>! Each jacket will have a specially selected sentence right out of the pages of Fever, hand-written by Lauren herself on the back. Each jacket will have a different sentence, making every single jacket one of a kind!!</blockquote>
<br />
<a href="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/images/Fever_LaurenDeStefano-Jacket_zpsmpls0tlo.jpg" target="new"><img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/images/Fever_LaurenDeStefano-Jacket_zpsmpls0tlo.jpg" height="212" width="550" /></a>
<br /><br />
To enter, all you have to do is visit Lauren's blog, and follow the instructions!! There are only a few days left to enter. Entries for the giveaway close on Monday, September 19th at 12:01 AM (USA Eastern time). I hope you're all as excited about Fever as I am, good luck!!
<br /><br />
<img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/blog/sig-alisa_zpsiccylxqq.png" />Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-53970962946034373562011-07-10T16:33:00.000+10:002015-10-17T23:23:03.409+10:00In My Mailbox (6)<center><img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/blog/imm_zpsnewnd864.jpg" /><br />
In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ <a href="http://www.thestorysiren.com/" target="_blank">The Story Siren</a>.</center>
<br />
I ordered these books online from a couple of different sites last week. Two arrived together, but I didn't want to post them until I had the whole set. The third arrived this week, so without further ado, my IMM for this week:
<br /><br />
<b><u>Purchased</u></b><br />
<center><img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/photos/DSCN0092b_zpsjcmak0ys.jpg"></center>
<br />
<u>Goodreads Summary Pages:</u>
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8456651-a-great-and-terrible-beauty">A Great and Terrible Beauty</a> by Libba Bray<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8618207-rebel-angels">Rebel Angels</a> by Libba Bray<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8518051-the-sweet-far-thing">The Sweet Far Thing</a> by Libba Bray
<br /><br />
I also have 1 more thing to share with you this week. I visited <a href="http://movieworld.myfun.com.au/" target="_blank">Warner Bros. Movie World</a>, a theme park in Queensland, Australia. When the movie for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (aka Sorcerer's Stone) was first released, they had a replica of the Hogwarts Express. Every movie since then, they have had a release party, and so it was only fitting they open a Harry Potter themed shop. I went there looking for clothing/accessories to wear to the Deathly Hallows midnight showing, but was very disappointed. All of the t-shirts were for children, and the only had Gryffindor & some Slytherin merchandise (I'm a proud Hufflepuff, lol). I did still purchase a plush Hedwig, and she now sites on my bedside table:
<br /><br />
<center><img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/photos/P6250001b_zpsxflhwotk.jpg"><br />
<img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/photos/DSCN0146b_zpsjlcfjncu.jpg"></center><br />
What did you get in your mailbox this week?
<br /><br />
<img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/blog/sig-alisa_zpsiccylxqq.png" />
<br />(p.s. I got a new camera, yay for IMM with photos!)Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-34728141741153999262011-07-04T16:25:00.007+10:002015-10-17T21:10:42.128+10:00Cover Crazy: The Language of Flowers<center><img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/blog/cc_zpsnknillco.jpg" />
<br />Cover Crazy was created by Tawni @ <a href="http://thebookworms.org/" target="new">The Book Worms</a>.</center><br />
The cover was the first thing that attracted me to this book. I saw it on Goodreads, and was lucky enough to receive a copy of the Australian ARC. While I enjoy arts and crafts, I wouldn't call myself an artist, but this cover has inspired me, and I really want to try and paint it!<br />
<br /><table><tbody><tr><td><center>
<a href="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/books/VanessaDiffenbaugh_TheLanguageofFlowers_zpsrmmj12ha.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/books/VanessaDiffenbaugh_TheLanguageofFlowers_zpsrmmj12ha.jpg" height="280" width="180" /></a><br />(click image for larger view)</center>
</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<blockquote>While the text is the main focus of the cover, it is the little things that I really love about this book.<br /><br />
Its use of only 3 simple colours allows you to look at the detail, without getting lost in a barrage of colour. I think the font suits the title of the book perfectly. Also, if you look closely, the pattern of the red foliage creates a profile silouette of a girl. Having only read the synopsis on Goodreads, I think it suits the storyline very well.<br /><br />
Simple, yet classic. I love it!</blockquote><br />
<br />
I’m really excited to read it. 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!<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/blog/sig-alisa_zpsiccylxqq.png" />
Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-41569518911625563072011-07-03T12:34:00.003+10:002015-10-18T12:23:27.997+10:00In My Mailbox (5)<center><img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/blog/imm_zpsnewnd864.jpg" /><br />
In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ <a href="http://www.thestorysiren.com/" target="_blank">The Story Siren</a>.</center>
<br />
This week I bought some more $5 books, and my local Angus and Robertson was closing down (aww!), so they also had some YA fiction for 50% off. I've told you before, I just can't resist a book sale!
<br /><br />
<center><img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/covers/ImaginaryGirls_NovaRenSuma_sm_zpsrcoeqrl2.jpg" height="158" width="104">
<img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/covers/VeronicaRoth-Divergent_sm_zps9n7aj57l.jpg" height="158" width="106">
<img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/covers/LaurenDeStefano-Wither_sm_zpsbvgpiawp.jpg" height="158" width="106">
<img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/covers/HilaryDuff-Elixer_sm_zpszd2xix5x.jpg" height="158" width="104">
</center>
<br />
<u>Goodreads Summary Pages:</u>
<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11453500-imaginary-girls" target="_blank">Imaginary Girls</a> by Nova Ren Suma <br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9859820-divergent" target="_blank">Divergent</a> by Veronica Roth <br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9494364-wither" target="_blank">Wither</a> by Lauren DeStefano<br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9673708-elixir" target="_blank">Elixir</a> by Hilary Duff
<br /><br />
I also entered a Goodreads giveaway a few weeks ago, and I won. I'd had a bad day, so when I arrived home and checked my email, I was super surprised to find an email from Goodreads advising me to expect my book in 4-6 weeks.. Well, it arrived 5 days later, and I'm very excited to get the opportunity to read it!
<br /><br />
<b><u>For Review:</u></b><br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/covers/VanessaDiffenbaugh-TheLanguageofFlowers_sm_zpsyyq9cp4o.jpg"></div>
<b>The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh</b> (<i>ARC</i>) - from Pan Macmillan Australia on Goodreads<br>
<blockquote>The Victorian language of flowers was used to express emotions: honeysuckle for devotion, azaleas for passion, and red roses for love. But for Victoria Jones, it has been more useful in conveying feelings like grief, mistrust and solitude. After a childhood spent in the foster care system, she is unable to get close to anybody, and her only connection to the world is through flowers and their meanings.<br><br>
Now eighteen, Victoria has nowhere to go, and sleeps in a public park, where she plants a small garden of her own. When her talent is discovered by a local florist, she discovers her gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them. But it takes meeting a mysterious vendor at the flower market for her to realise what's been missing in her own life, and as she starts to fall for him, she must decide whether it's worth risking everything for a second chance at happiness. - (<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11736833-the-language-of-flowers" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>)</blockquote>
<br />
What did you get in your mailbox this week?
<br /><br />
<img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/blog/sig-alisa_zpsiccylxqq.png" />Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-15649994110261120972011-06-23T21:55:00.002+10:002015-10-17T22:49:45.091+10:00J.K. Rowling Announces- Pottermore!!<br/>
So, we've all been waiting, and speculating for the past week about what magic J.K. Rowling had instore for us at <a href="http://www.pottermore.com/" target="_blank">pottermore.com</a>. Well, the wait is over and J.K. Rowling has just announced that:
<br /><br />
<blockquote>
"Pottermore is a free website that builds an exciting online experience around the reading of the Harry Potter books."<br />
- <a href="http://www.pottermore.com/">pottermore.com</a></blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center; height: 333px;">
<object style="height: 333px; width: 547px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/i5DOKOt7ZF4?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/i5DOKOt7ZF4?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="547" height="333"></object></div>
<br /><blockquote>
"Pottermore, an online experience where you can explore the stories like never before" - <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/pottermore/status/83852739909652480" target="_blank">@pottermore</a> on twitter</blockquote>
<br />
As well as the video, screen captures of the Pottermore world have been released.<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://press.pottermore.com/launch/pottermore_gategryffindor_230611.jpg" target="_blank">The Gateway</a></li>
<li><a href="http://press.pottermore.com/launch/Pottermore_HogwartsExpress_230611.jpg" target="_blank">Hogwarts Express</a></li>
<li><a href="http://press.pottermore.com/launch/Pottermore_ChessboardChamber_230611.jpg" target="_blank">The Chessboard Chamber</a></li>
<li><a href="http://press.pottermore.com/launch/Pottermore_XmasHogwarts_230611.jpg" target="_blank">Christmas at Hogwarts</a></li>
<li>and an image of <a href="http://press.pottermore.com/launch/Pottermore_JKImage002_230611.jpg">J.K.Rowling herself</a></li>
</ul>
<blockquote>"Pottermore will be the exclusive place to purchase the digital audio books and, at last, eBooks of the Harry Potter series." - <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/leaky/status/83853652590202881">@leaky</a> on twitter</blockquote>
<br />
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.
<br /><br />
If you haven't already, visit the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/JKRowlingAnnounces">JKRowlingAnnounces</a> youtube page for yourself and watch the video there, it's magical. Also, don't forget to follow <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/pottermore">@pottmore</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/jk_rowling">@jk_rowling</a> on twitter to keep up to date with the latest Harry Potter and Pottermore news.
<br /><br />
What do you think about the new Pottmore?
<br /><br />
<img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/blog/sig-alisa_zpsiccylxqq.png" />Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-45218714229878705092011-06-13T16:00:00.004+10:002015-10-17T21:06:39.954+10:00Cover Crazy: Beautiful Malice<center><img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/blog/cc_zpsnknillco.jpg" />
<br />Cover Crazy was created by Tawni @ <a href="http://thebookworms.org/" target="new">The Book Worms</a>.</center><br />
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 (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7034333-beautiful-malice">Goodreads</a>). This is the Australian cover, check the Author's website for other international covers (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.rebeccajamesbooks.com/">Author Website</a>)<br />
<br />
<table><tbody><tr><td><center>
<a href="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/books/RebeccaJames_BeautifulMalice_zps5vuyelhz.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/books/RebeccaJames_BeautifulMalice_zps5vuyelhz.jpg" height="280" width="180" /></a><br />(click image for larger view)</center>
</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<blockquote>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.<br /><br />
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.?<br />
</blockquote><br />
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!<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/blog/sig-alisa_zpsiccylxqq.png" />Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-41938249087682672492011-06-12T15:01:00.000+10:002015-10-17T22:40:29.226+10:00In My Mailbox (4)<center><img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/blog/imm_zpsnewnd864.jpg" /><br />
In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ <a href="http://www.thestorysiren.com/" target="_blank">The Story Siren</a>.</center>
<br />
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..
<br /><br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/covers/CassandraClare-CityofBones_sm_zps7z5olsfz.jpg" /></div>
<b>City of Bones by Cassandra Clare</b> <br />
<blockquote><b>Summary</b> (<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8902077-city-of-bones">goodreads</a>): 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?<br /><br />
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. . . .</blockquote><br />
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!
<br /><br />
<img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/blog/sig-alisa_zpsiccylxqq.png" />Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-19289629050189534472011-06-09T20:08:00.002+10:002017-12-19T01:17:42.951+10:00Evermore by Alyson Noël<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHlr2bcla4eq23a84d9kPiuEIYCMqPtJULxbbz-l6wDEoYRpTV4aJmqowwGgFNKagS__3N2Ta8XD9huW7UITeu_l23rxcezRCc-DA4wu1tf-soqG2UJ-IFfc-sra2NuznoxyqUTC_zB0/s1600/AlysonNoel_Evermore.jpg" height="350" width="233" /></div>
<br />
<b><u>Evermore by Alyson Noël</u></b><br />
<br />
<b>Release Date:</b> AU October 2, 2009<br />
<b>Series:</b> The Immortals [Book One]<br />
<b>Publisher:</b> Macmillan<br />
<b>Pages:</b> 356<br />
<b>Source:</b> Purchased<br />
<b>Rating:</b> 3/5<br />
<br />
<blockquote>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? - <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6585977-evermore" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></blockquote><br />
<b>My Review:</b><br />
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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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<blockquote><i>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.</i><br />
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~ page176, <b>Evermore</b> by Alyson Noël</blockquote><br />
<b>Rating:</b> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHU7OL40tZnAsbobGpthprYvFfC4gIwx9d3NDrxlwZny2C5ksp3qzLFo9x70NvNHH-d1rzNzhHENqLvNlbOyMYinOaFa0ItP9H59MDqbNKJvu6XwNVnI6asbqipXxk-0AEEOX-3d2IlDc/s1600/0.gif" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHU7OL40tZnAsbobGpthprYvFfC4gIwx9d3NDrxlwZny2C5ksp3qzLFo9x70NvNHH-d1rzNzhHENqLvNlbOyMYinOaFa0ItP9H59MDqbNKJvu6XwNVnI6asbqipXxk-0AEEOX-3d2IlDc/s1600/0.gif" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWw0IWMNEwn-Bz7jjnymP3QdUho1GSHNK-sFPdFEhBDrdwmuJ9On17KdjANC5UF0gJtprqj0mJpQhiMOvr6AOMcLGX6v-r4LXzZD2OgHpDe2XM_rG-4C5J6649clsC1-En_13CSf2OFvY/s1600/3.gif" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAjtqnyh8q1cmT8wUV3_3wwp454H3wilcefFaeEqzmwexJcckMpiHQV-_XR07jZq3UbYJ7Ii36hyyPQ8oxyLZiEkIwXfTdhfOfN6ZrC4u0sSW4IpQr8PH2HGW_SIHNFfxPB7_Gc60B4E/s1600/-.gif" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAjtqnyh8q1cmT8wUV3_3wwp454H3wilcefFaeEqzmwexJcckMpiHQV-_XR07jZq3UbYJ7Ii36hyyPQ8oxyLZiEkIwXfTdhfOfN6ZrC4u0sSW4IpQr8PH2HGW_SIHNFfxPB7_Gc60B4E/s1600/-.gif" /><br />
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.<br />
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Overall, I liked the book. It was well written, and included romance, magic, comedy and suspense. I rate it 3/5.<br />
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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.<br />
<h7>-Alisa</h7>
<br />P.S.<br />
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.Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-74381432808374637642011-06-07T23:59:00.003+10:002015-10-17T22:38:09.289+10:00New Layout & Questions<br/>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. <u>Do you like it?</u><br />
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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.<br />
<ol><li>Do you like the header images at the start of each of my posts? (eg. Cover Crazy, In My Mailbox, I.R.L, etc).</li>
<li>For <b>In My Mailbox</b>, do you prefer photos of the books, or internet covers?</li>
<li>What kind of <b>Teaser Tuesday</b> teasers do you like? (ie. plot hints, fun quotes, thought provoking).</li>
<li>What would you like to see more/less of here at <b>the Novel Nook</b>?</li>
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<li>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?</li>
<li>Books are expensive, where do you purchase your books from?</li>
<li>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).</li>
<li>And finally, are you a cat or a dog person?</li></ol>
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).
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Thanks,<br />
<img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/blog/sig-alisa_zpsiccylxqq.png">Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-78550925404526436452011-06-07T18:23:00.001+10:002015-10-17T22:34:32.332+10:00Teaser Tuesday #2<center><img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/blog/tt_zpsquttvjkf.jpg" /><br />
Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme, hosted by MizB @ <a href="http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Should Be Reading</a>.</center>
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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.
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<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/covers/LaurenOliver-BeforeIFall_sm_zpseewglaim.jpg" /></div><br /><br />
<blockquote>At the last second, my eight-year-old sister, Izzy, tugs at me.<br />
"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.<br /><br />
~ page 7, <b>Before I Fall</b> by Lauren Oliver</blockquote><br />
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I'd be interested to read your teasers, so feel free to leave your links below.
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<img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/blog/sig-alisa_zpsiccylxqq.png" />Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937790882560587134.post-46575718990020241892011-06-06T17:00:00.005+10:002015-10-17T20:58:52.688+10:00Cover Crazy: Christian the Hugging Lion<center>
<img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/blog/cc_zpsnknillco.jpg" /><br />
Cover Crazy was created by Tawni @ <a href="http://thebookworms.org/" target="new">The Book Worms</a>.. It allows bloggers to share which cover(s) that they are going crazy over.</center>
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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.<br />
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<table><tbody>
<tr><td><center>
<i>(sorry the image quality isn't to great, i promise it's a lot nicer in person)</i><br />
<img border="0" src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/books/christian-the-hugging-lion_zps7ti9kpbq.jpg" height="315" width="400" /></center>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The lion cub is adorable, and the title font isn't too overbearing.<br />
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I also like the use of blank space around the illustration and the title.
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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 <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS17grK5Drc" target="”new”">Here</a>).<br />
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<img src="http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y438/thenovelnook/blog/sig-alisa_zpsiccylxqq.png" />Alisa @ thenovelnookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05827438817610059636noreply@blogger.com8