Cover Reveal: STAINED by Cheryl Rainfield

Sometimes you have to be your own hero.

Title: Stained

Author: Cheryl Rainfield 

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Publication Date: November 19, 2013

Summary: In this heart-wrenching and suspenseful teen thriller, sixteen-year-old Sarah Meadows longs for "normal." Born with a port-wine stain covering half her face, all her life she’s been plagued by stares, giggles, bullying, and disgust. But when she’s abducted on the way home from school, Sarah is forced to uncover the courage she never knew she had, become a hero rather than a victim, and learn to look beyond her face to find the beauty and strength she has inside. It’s that—or succumb to a killer.

A Word From Cheryl: Like I did with SCARS and HUNTED, I drew on some of my own experiences of bullying, abuse, and trauma to write STAINED and to give it greater emotional depth. Like Sarah in STAINED, I experienced abduction, imprisonment, periods of forced starvation, mind control, and having my life threatened. And like Sarah, I tried hard to fight against my abuser, keep my own sense of self, and escape. I hope readers will see Sarah's strength and courage, and appreciate her emotional growth as she reclaims herself.

Links to Pre-Order:

• Amazon
• The Book Depository
• Books-A-Million
• Powell's

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Teaser Tuesday (59)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following!

• Grab your current read.
• Open to a random page.
• Share a few teaser sentences from somewhere on that page.
• MAKE SURE NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (you don't want to give too much away and ruin the book for other readers)

Share the title and author too, so that other readers can add your book to their TBR list if they like your teaser!

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Sapphire Blue
by Kerstin Gier

Publication Date: October 30, 2012

          There it was again, that familiar tone of command.  "Oh, I'm sure," I said. "I'll just nod and keep my mouth shut, the way a nice girl should."
           I instinctively, definitely  crossed my arms.  Why couldn't Gideon act normal?  First he kissed me (more than once, at that!), then he was back talking like a lordly Grand Master of the Guardians' Lodge again.  What was the idea?

(Pg. 22)

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This is the second book in the The Ruby Red Trilogy  and let me just say it is as amazing as Ruby Red (Book 1).  The take on time-travel and birth gems is really very interesting.  I'm so happy that this series was translated from German so I could get to enjoy it!  I love Gwen and I can't wait to read more and find out what crazy adventures and predicaments she and Gideon find themselves in.

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Past. Present. Future. (20)

There are a a lot of these "What're you reading?" features around, so I figured, hey why not start one too? Basically, here's where I highlight the books I've read, the books I'm reading, and the books I'm going to read. Fun, right? Please join in if you want!

PAST:

Flesh & Bone by Jonathan Maberry - Holy right in the feels!  Again, picking up where Dust & Decay left off, this story blew me even more out of the water.  There is commentary of humanity, religion, war, and love all mixed up with zombies!  This is such a smart, action-packed, scary, exhilarating book.  One I hope EVERYONE gets a chance to read!  I can't wait to chomp into the next book, Fire & Ash.





PRESENT:

Hereafter by Tara Hudson - This has been on my TBR list for a while.  I've read mixed reviews, but I figured I should give it a go.  I like the premise, and so far  I like what I'm reading.  It's going kind of slow, but I'll definitely finish! 

Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier - I lovedlovedloved Ruby Red, the first book of this wonderful trilogy from a great author!  I'm so happy that this was translated from it's original German so I could enjoy it!  Such a great take on time-travel, and interesting theory using jewels and powers and just ah!  Awesome!  I think everyone should start this because it is just too good.






FUTURE:

Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig - Robin Hood mixed with Gossip Girl?  Count me in!  I want something that's really fun, and this sounds like just the ticket!  I love the story of Robin Hood, and to find it in a modern setting with a female at the helm makes me so happy.  I also have a serious addiction to Gossip Girl, so I'm all for something similar!

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman - I've heard so many amazing things about this book!  I've been in the mood for a real fantasy lately, and I think this will serve nicely.  I'm intrigued by the main character's predicament  and being torn between two sides.  I can't wait to read what happens!

If any of you've read any of these books, let me know what you thought (but NO spoilers) down below in the comments!

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Did You Miss Me?

I've been away.  I don't know if anyone noticed because I was kind of posting on and off over the last couple weeks.  I have been really busy with university and with some personal family things.

But, I'm back for the long run, and will start ramping up to full speed within the next few weeks.  I hope to have some new content and new reviews up!  That's the one thing I'm really working on; I am so behind on reviews and I feel really guilty to all the amazing authors!  So I need to do that!

Let me know what's been going on in you neck of the woods!  I try to keep up, but I've barely been online.  So let me know new books you're loving, giveaways you're having, and reviews you've written!  And as we say in my hometown, don't forget to be awesome!

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Trailer Thursday (30)

Today I'm bringing you a trailer for the last book in the amazing Unearthly Trilogy, Boundless!  Coming out on Tuesday, this looks to be an exciting conclusion to the story, and I can't wait!

Boundless

by Cynthia Hand

Published Date: January 22, 2013

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Waiting on Wednesday (69)

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we seriously can’t wait for.

 Here's my pick for the week, that I seriously can't wait for:

Crap Kingdom 

by D.C. Pierson

Publication Date: March 7, 2013

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THE CHOSEN ONE MUST BE RETRIEVED FROM EARTH

HE WILL BRING DOWN THE WALL AND RESTORE THE KINGDOM TO GLORY

HIS NAME IS TOM PARKING

With this mysterious yet oddly ordinary-looking prophecy, Tom's fate is sealed: he's been plucked from his life and whisked away to a magical kingdom to be its Chosen One.

There's just one problem: The kingdom is mostly made of garbage from Earth. Okay, well, two problems: the king hates Tom. Also, the princess likes to wear fake mustaches. And being Chosen One seems to consist mainly of cleaning out rats' noses at the Royal Rat-Snottery.

So, basically, the kingdom sucks.

When Tom turns down the job of Chosen One, he thinks he's making a smart decision. But when Tom discovers he's been replaced by his best friend Kyle, who's always been cooler, more athletic, and better with girls, Tom wants Crap Kingdom back—at any cost. And the hilarity that ensues will determine the fate of the universe.

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I think this will be just a really funny fantasy.  I like the idea that this kingdom is made from the trash of Earth.  I also like that the only reason Tom wants to be the "Chosen One" again is because they pick his friend Kyle to replace him.  Just sounds really good, and lighthearted!  Can't wait to get my hands on it!

What book are you waiting for?

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Top Ten Tuesday (34)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because they are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. They'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week they will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of their bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on their post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share.  If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment.

The topic this week is: 

Top Ten 2013 Reading Goals

1. Finish my 2013 TBR Pile Reading Challenge
2. Read 100 books overall
3. Re-read 2 books I didn't finish/didn't like originally
4. Read the Matched Trilogy
5. Read at least 10 Dystopias
6. Read at least 10 Fantasies
7. Read at least 10 Contemporaries
8. Read at least 10 Supernaturals
9. Read the last two Mortal Instruments books
10. Read at least 5 stand alone books

I think I can complete these goals.  Luckily, I made sure they intermixed with each other, so that they would be manageable   What are your reading goals for 2013?  Leave me a comment below letting me know, and Happy Reading!

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Teaser Tuesday (58)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following!

• Grab your current read.
• Open to a random page.
• Share a few teaser sentences from somewhere on that page.
• MAKE SURE NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (you don't want to give too much away and ruin the book for other readers)

Share the title and author too, so that other readers can add your book to their TBR list if they like your teaser!

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Dust & Decay
by Jonathan Maberry

Publication Date: August 30, 2011

          Benny Imura thought, I'm going to die.
          The hundred zombies chasing him all seemed to agree.

(Pg. 1)

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This series just keeps getting better with each book!  I'm in love with the characters, the plot, the setting: all of it!  Jonathan Maberry does an amazing job of crafting a real zombie apocalypse; one you can sink your teeth into (Aren't I punny?)  If you haven't had a chance to read this series START NOW!  You'll fall in love with the Rot & Ruin just like I have!

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Past. Present. Future. (19)

There are a a lot of these "What're you reading?" features around, so I figured, hey why not start one too? Basically, here's where I highlight the books I've read, the books I'm reading, and the books I'm going to read. Fun, right? Please join in if you want!

PAST:

Dust & Decay by Jonathan Maberry - So much love for this series!  Picking up where Rot & Ruin left off, Dust & Decay is heart-wrenching  terrifying, and full of humanity's greatest struggles!  This is one complicated and engrossing book.  If there was one series everyone needs to read, this would be it.  I fell even more in love with Benny, Nix,  Lilah, and Chong, revving me up for the next installment Flesh & Bone!




PRESENT:

Flesh & Bone by Jonathan Maberry - Holy right in the feels!  Again, picking up where Dust & Decay left off, I'm facing a harsh new reality along with my favorite characters!  I can't give much away as I don't want to spoil anything, but the religious overtones that where slowly presenting themselves in the first two books are front and center here.  This gives such an interesting spin on the zombie apocalypse!




FUTURE:

Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig - Robin Hood mixed with Gossip Girl?  Count me in!  I want something that's really fun, and this sounds like just the ticket!  I love the story of Robin Hood, and to find it in a modern setting with a female at the helm makes me so happy.  I also have a serious addiction to Gossip Girl, so I'm all for something similar!

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman - I've heard so many amazing things about this book!  I've been in the mood for a real fantasy lately, and I think this will serve nicely.  I'm intrigued by the main character's predicament  and being torn between two sides.  I can't wait to read what happens!

If any of you've read any of these books, let me know what you thought (but NO spoilers) down below in the comments!

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2013 TBR Pile Reading Challenge!

I am changing it up this year, and instead of doing the Debut Author Challenge, I am doing the TBR Pile Reading Challenge as I have a TON of books waiting to be read!  Below I'm listing the rules and the list of books I'm hoping to read this year!  Go sign up and join the fun; there'll be prizes, mini-challenges, and wrap-up posts through the whole year!

Check out the rules overview from Evie @ Bookish!

I'm planning on reading at the "A Friendly Hug" level this year, which is 11-20 book!  I'm really hoping I make that since I've read 85 books this past year.

Here are the books I'm going to read:
(Books I've finished are highlighted in yellow; Books I'm reading are in green)

1. Zombie Queen of Newbury High by Amanda Ashby
2. The Liar Society by Lisa & Laura Roecker
3. The Lies that Bind by Lisa & Laura Roecker
4. Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig
5. Fever by Lauren Destefano
6. As You Wish by Jackson Pearce
7. Sweetly by Jackson Pearce
8. The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan
9. The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan
10. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
11. The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore
12. Always a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough 
13. Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers
14. Storm by Brigid Kemmerer
15. Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
16. Dark Passage by M.J. Putney
17. Knightly Academy by Violet Haberdasher

More may be added, some may be changed out, but hopefully at least 17 will be read!

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