Dreamfall by Amy Plum

Dreamfall by Amy Plum
Release Date - May 2, 2017

Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 288 pages
My Rating - 3.5/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Cata Cordova suffers from such debilitating insomnia that she agreed to take part in an experimental new procedure. She thought things couldn’t get any worse...but she was terribly wrong.

Soon after the experiment begins, there’s a malfunction with the lab equipment, and Cata and six other teen patients are plunged into a shared dreamworld with no memory of how they got there. Even worse, they come to the chilling realization that they are trapped in a place where their worst nightmares have come to life. Hunted by creatures from their darkest imaginations and tormented by secrets they’d rather keep buried, Cata and the others will be forced to band together to face their biggest fears. And if they can’t find a way to defeat their dreams, they will never wake up.

The idea of being trapped inside a nightmare has always been terrifying to me. The thought of not being able to wake from one is blood curling. The fear it induces is exactly what caught my eye when the synopsis for Dreamfall was released. While this novel does provide plenty of chills, and atmosphere, but doesn't quite deliver in the character department.

The characters feel like they could be plucked from a horror movie. There isn't much growth or development to them. This works for this specific genre, especially when done via visual media (movies or television for example) but is much more noticeable when adapted into a novel. There isn't an attachment formed that makes the body count meaningful. There isn't that desire to root for the characters. Those who enjoy a more plot based read will delight in the minimal characterization, but those who need to connect with the characters may have a harder time doing so.

Each of the characters do have a little something of their background revealed. They are all dealing with insomnia for various reasons. All of them have issues of some form or another. These reveals offer a small taste of what these characters could be, it just wasn't followed through on to its fullest potential. The information we are given about a few of the characters towards the end are especially intriguing and I hope they are followed through on in the sequel.

Amy Plum is a natural at atmosphere and tone. All of her novels have such strong, vivid settings and this is no exception. Her ability to do this ensures that this premise works. It allows the reader to feel a connection to the world she has created, which anchors the reader to something. It also makes the novel incredibly readable as it has such a strong visual element to the writing. You can easily finish this novel in one sitting and that is also a testament to its fast pace.

The most vivid part of the story are the nightmares the characters find themselves trapped in. They easily get your pulse pounding, and are filled with crisp imagery that leaves them begging to be adapted into a movie. This is the most well crafted part of the story, and easily recognizable as the idea that drew the author to write this novel.

The ending packs a cliffhanger punch that will ensure you want to check out the sequel. It indicates that their dreams may not be the only danger these characters are facing, and seems to hint at a more character focused sequel. It is the type of cliffhanger that will cause much lamenting, simply because the reader will want to know what happens next.

A creepy, atmospheric read that I wish was just a little bit longer so that we could have gotten to know the characters more. I recommend this one for those looking for more than a few chills, and a book that reads like it is tailor made to be a movie or television series.

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Just a small Weekly Obsessions post this week.

BOOK

Cover of Dreamfall by Amy Plum (goodreads)

A creepy sounding premise deserves a creepy cover to go with and and Amy Plum's new book certainly delivers an unsettling cover.

It is a cover that is perfect for a novel that is described as part Flatliners, and part Nightmare On Elm Street. I cannot wait to read this but in the meantime I'll settle for enjoying this stunning cover.

OTHER

Beauty and the Beast Society6 Design 

This is found in Evie Seo's Society6 shop. Her designs are always lovely but this one is simply stunning.

You can view more of her amazing design over at Society6, but I predict many will be purchasing something with this particular design on it.

What are you obsessed with this week?

After The End by Amy Plum

After The End by Amy Plum

Release Date - May 6, 2014
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 336 pages
My Rating - 3.5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

"I have no idea what is truth and what is fiction. I'm all I've got now. I can't trust anyone."

World War III has left the world ravaged by nuclear radiation. A lucky few escaped to the Alaskan wilderness. They've survived for the last thirty years by living off the land, being one with nature, and hiding from whoever else might still be out there.

At least, this is what Juneau has been told her entire life.

When Juneau returns from a hunting trip to discover that everyone in her clan has vanished, she sets off to find them. Leaving the boundaries of their land for the very first time, she learns something horrifying: There never was a war. Cities were never destroyed. The world is intact. Everything was a lie.

Now Juneau is adrift in a modern-day world she never knew existed. But while she's trying to find a way to rescue her friends and family, someone else is looking for her. Someone who knows the extraordinary truth about the secrets of her past

Imagine someone you care about keeping a big secret from you. The kind of secret that changes the way you see the world. The kind that, when revealed, shifts the foundation you thought your world was built on. This life changing experience is exactly what happens to the resourceful, capable protagonist of Amy Plum's After The End.

Juneau is a nice blend of capable and vulnerable. Amy Plum is careful to let her strengths shine when they are presented, but also just as careful to allow for her lack of modern knowledge. Juneau has been cut off from the rest of the world, so many of the things we take for granted are new to her. She's smart, and learns quickly, but it never feels like she knows more than she should. The character is someone who knows her own strengths and doesn't apologize for them. She uses them, even when presented with a situation she is unsure in. She attempts to adapt her knowledge into something that can help her. It made her feel authentic to me, because she didn't immediately know things. She fell back on what she did know in order to survive.

The journey Juneau takes and the answers she uncovers is the main for the novel, and therefore filled with spoilers. It's a rather interesting set up for what is to come, and I feel that now that the ground work has been laid out, the remaining novels can move forward to the heart of the story. World building (or mythology building in this case) is important, and sometimes patience needs to exercised to get the pay off. I think that this novel is doing just that (of course only the next chapters in Juneau's story will prove me correct or not).

A slow building romance is typically what I love, but my only little issue with this novel was actually the romance. The 'why' of the romance is what sells it, at least for me, and I never got WHY Juneau and Miles like each other. They don't trust each other, and sometimes barely tolerate each other. The build up was something I was happy about, but I wanted to pinpoint the moment their feelings switched. Perhaps they are still building, and I will see it in the upcoming installments. Both characters are rather interesting on their own, but perhaps this romance just isn't for me. Luckily, there are other, more pressing, elements that take precedence in the story.

The 'magical' aspect of this novel is going to be a hit or miss with people. I found myself understanding where Juneau was coming from, and could grasp what it meant to her, so it felt natural to the story. It was enough that Juneau believed for me. I admit that I did want more of an explanation. I wanted answers. Answers that I don't think we're supposed to know yet. I do think it's all coming in the subsequent books (especially after something that happens later on in the book) but I am unsure if people will give it the time it needs to expand and be revealed.

After The End ultimately won me over with it's heroine, Amy Plum's storytelling, and it's potential. I see this series gaining speed as it goes along, and I am curious as to what will be revealed next. While not everything appealed to me, there is more than enough to keep me coming back. Fans of Amy's previous novels should devour this one as even though it's different from her previous works, everything you love about her writing is there.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

Another awesome mailbox this week. Pretty much feeling like one of the luckiest book nerds ever!

The Lemon Grove by Helen Walsh (goodreads) **Adult Novel**
The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes (goodreads)

A huge thank you to Random House Canada for The Lemon Grove. I was visiting my favourite gossip website Lainey Gossip and saw a mention of it, and knew I had to read it immediately.

A huge thank you Harper Collins Canada for a copy of The Art of Lainey. Jess from Read my Breath Away and I are hosting the Canadian Blog tour for this title, and if you're a Canadian blogger you should SIGN UP!

I also have some incredible e-books for review from Harper Collins as well.

The Murder Complex by Lindsay Cummings (goodreads)
After The End by Amy Plum (goodreads)
Wicked Games by Sean Olin (goodreads)

Hope you had a fantastic book haul this week too!

Happy Reading, and Happy Weekend!

2014 Most Anticipated -- After The End

The next pick on my 2014 Most Anticipated list is one that immediately grabbed me by it's synopsis. Amy Plum's After The End seems to be a little like the movie The Village, but with the twist that we know that her world is a lie before we start reading.

Not only does it have a fantastic cover, but it's got a captivating Goodreads synopsis

She’s searching for answers to her past. They’re hunting her to save their future.

World War III has left the world ravaged by nuclear radiation. A lucky few escaped to the Alaskan wilderness. They've survived for the last thirty years by living off the land, being one with nature, and hiding from whoever else might still be out there.

At least, this is what Juneau has been told her entire life.

When Juneau returns from a hunting trip to discover that everyone in her clan has vanished, she sets off to find them. Leaving the boundaries of their land for the very first time, she learns something horrifying: There never was a war. Cities were never destroyed. The world is intact. Everything was a lie.

Now Juneau is adrift in a modern-day world she never knew existed. But while she's trying to find a way to rescue her friends and family, someone else is looking for her. Someone who knows the extraordinary truth about the secrets of her past.

Amy took some time to answer a few questions about her book, and writing!

1 Describe After The End in three words: 

Earth magic adventure

2 How would you describe the main character in After The End?

Juneau has been raised in the Alaskan wilderness thinking that the world was destroyed in WWIII. When she ventures out of her territory and discovers that there was no war, and that the life she has known was founded on lies, she has to find her clan (which has been kidnapped), use her magic to navigate a modern world she doesn't know, and decide what from her past she can actually believe in.

So I would describe Juneau as tough and resourceful—a survivalist no matter what environment she's in—but completely disillusioned by her family and clan's betrayal. She doesn't trust anyone, but is forced to travel with a certain boy who may not have her best interests at heart.

3 What three things do you need while revising?

1. I like to revise at least one draft with paper and pen, so a print-out of the entire book;
2. A quiet place where I can zone out of reality and enter my made-up world;
3. Coffee...lots of coffee, preferably made in my Nespresso machine!

4 Are you able to share a secret about one of the characters, the world, something that inspired something about the world/characters?

I was dating a guy when I first started writing the book, and gave Miles (one of the protagonists) this guy's eyes. After the guy turned out to be a complete loser, I couldn't change Miles's eyes because they were now HIS. So I kind of skip over that description each time I revise that chapter, but made sure to get back at him in a certain passage later in the book.

5 What 2014 release are you most looking forward to?

It would have to be my friend Natalie Parker's upcoming book BEWARE THE WILD. (summer 2014) I'm DYING to read it!

A huge thank you to Amy for taking the time to answer these questions. This title is high up on my MUST read list, and Amy's Q and A certainly increased my desire to get my hands on this one!

If you want to learn more, check out the author's website, or the publisher's website for more information.

After The End will be in stores May 6, 2014. Pre-orders for this title are already up, and you can get your copy at the following retailers

Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Let me know in the comments what you think of the cover, the synopsis, or what twists you expect this story to take! Also, check back soon for a contest where you could win one of my featured titles (be sure to pay attention to these Question and Answers as they'll help).

Weekly Obsession

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOK

Marissa Meyer New Book Deal

Did you miss the news? Marissa Meyer has a new book in the works. Heartless, according to Goodreads, is 'a prequel to “Alice in Wonderland,” HEARTLESS will tell the tale of how a marquis’ teenage daughter became the infamous Queen of Hearts. It will be a story of whimsy and madness, passion and tragedy, ravens and writing desks'. I was sold as soon as they mentioned Alice in Wonderland. Extra excited that it's a prequel story. I am intrigued with what Marissa will do with the Queen of Hearts. 2015 can not come fast enough.

Cover of Amy Plum's After The End

It fits the novel perfectly. Read the synopsis and you'll see. I am pretty excited about this nove, and am looking forward to getting my hands on it in May.

Synopsis of Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

The full synopsis has been revealed for Dorothy Must Die. I knew it was going to be amazing, but this...OH.MY.GOD. It's jumped to the top of my Must Read in 2014 list.

I didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask to be some kind of hero.
But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado—taking you with it—you have no choice but to go along, you know?

Sure, I've read the books. I've seen the movies. I know the song about the rainbow and the happy little blue birds. But I never expected Oz to look like this. To be a place where Good Witches can't be trusted, Wicked Witches may just be the good guys, and winged monkeys can be executed for acts of rebellion. There's still the yellow brick road, though—but even that's crumbling.
What happened?
Dorothy. They say she found a way to come back to Oz. They say she seized power and the power went to her head. And now no one is safe.

My name is Amy Gumm—and I'm the other girl from Kansas.
I've been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked.
I've been trained to fight.
And I have a mission:
Remove the Tin Woodman's heart.
Steal the Scarecrow's brain.
Take the Lion's courage.
Then and only then—Dorothy must die!

Remove the Tim Woodman's Heart? Steal the Scarecrow's brain? Take the Lion's courage? YES! YES! YES! Can I have this NOW please?

Cora Carmack's New Series

I was sold as soon as they mentioned Friday Night Lights. I will read it. It sounds fun, and I've heard nothing but amazing things about her first books.

TV/MOVIE

Robbie Kay as Peter Pan on Once Upon A Time

If you have to make Peter Pan evil, at least have someone who impresses me in the role. Robbie Kay is PERFECT! He looks the part, he can act, and I am all over his version of Peter. I can't wait to see what else Once Upon A Time does with his character, and how the twists and turns will present themselves. I've been hearing rumblings that he REALLY impresses in the second episode, so I am looking forward to discussing that in my recap.

So what are you obsessed with this week?

If I Should Die by Amy Plum

If I Should Die by Amy Plum
Release Date – May 7, 2013
Publisher Website -  Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader
Pages -  405 pages
My Rating- 4.5/5
**obtained for review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

I will not lose another person I love. I will not let history repeat itself.

Vincent waited lifetimes to find me, but in an instant our future together was shattered. He was betrayed by someone we both called a friend, and I lost him. Now our enemy is determined to rule over France’s immortals, and willing to wage a war to get what they want.

It shouldn’t be possible, none of it should be, but this is my reality. I know Vincent is somewhere out there, I know he’s not completely gone, and I will do anything to save him.

After what we’ve already fought to achieve, a life without Vincent is unimaginable. He once swore to avoid dying—to go against his nature and forsake sacrificing himself for others—so that we could be together. How can I not risk everything to bring my love back to me?

After the insanely excruciating ending of Until I Die, I knew I was going to have to talk myself into diving into this one. I wanted to finish off Kate and Vincent's story, but was anxious. Needless to say, I worried needlessly. If I Should Die has Paris, romance, and an ending that is both unexpected and exactly what I wanted at the same time. Vincent and Kate's story closes out in the only way possible, even through a few tears.

Kate's story arc in this book is the most fulfilling. She really comes into her own in a way I never saw coming. She is a young woman who is beginning to feel comfortable within this new world she finds herself. She is embracing this life and reality. She's growing up, and that is the most a reader can ask of characters they love. That they change and grow over the coarse of a series.

This novel is filled with lore and mythology. Amy Plum has saved the best for last. This novel takes the revenants back story that we know and develops it further. The introduction of the 'Champion' allows for other reveals to happen. I feel we get a full picture of revenants and it really ties everything together. Things that felt unconnected are suddenly a larger part of the mythology in ways I was not expecting. Revenants have the potential to live forever, but that notion is rather daunting. The glimpse into the not so pleasant side to having immortality, and how it could make you weary and ready to give into to relief of permanent rest. It balanced out the amazing side of being a revenant with the harsh reality that living forever does have it downsides.

I would say this is the most action packed of the three novels. A battle that's been brewing between the bardia and numa comes to the forefront in this installment. The second half of this novel kept my nerves on edge the entire time because the threats kept on coming.

Jules, and his feelings, crushed me a little. I never realized the depth of his feelings for Kate until this installment. It was obvious, but like Kate, I didn't see it until confronted with it. I really like how this was handled, and that there isn't some triangle thrown in to create drama. It's a much more realistic ending to this type of situation, and it was refreshing to see it done this way.

Not everyone gets a happy ending, and sadly we do lose some of our beloved characters. The bitter sweet ending is how this story had to end though, and I think anyone who loved the first two books will agree that this ending perfectly closes out this trilogy.

A romantic, action packed ending to the revenants story. Amy Plum has left her characters on that perfect cusp of both closure and beginning. A fantastic end to a wonderful series.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews). 

My mailbox was awesome again this week! I have some borrowed books, some gifted, and a book I got for a launch event held here in Ottawa.

Borrowed

Sloppy First by Megan McCafferty (Goodreads)
Obsidian by Jennifer L Armentrout (Goodreads)
If I Should Die by Amy Plum (Goodreads)

Gifted

Tarnish by Katherine Longshore (Goodreads)

Purchased

The Oathbreaker's Shadow by Amy McCulloch (Goodreads)

I will be posting an event recap for the Oathbreaker's Shadow launch Monday so look for that. It was nice to have an event here in Ottawa for once, and I had so much fun with the other Ottawa blogettes.

A huge thank you to Katherine Longshore for sending me a copy of Tarnish that was signed. She also included a little card. I cried because of her kind words, and consider myself very lucky to work with amazing authors like her.

A big thank you to Ciara and Katie for lending me the other books. Looking forward to some summer reading.

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Waiting on Wednesday...If I Should Die

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is If I Should Die by Amy Plum

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

I will not lose another person I love.  

I will not let history repeat itself. Vincent waited lifetimes to find me, but in an instant our future together was shattered. He was betrayed by someone we both called a friend, and I lost him. Now our enemy is determined to rule over France’s immortals, and willing to wage a war to get what they want.  

It shouldn’t be possible, none of it should be, but this is my reality. I know Vincent is somewhere out there, I know he’s not completely gone, and I will do anything to save him. 

After what we’ve already fought to achieve, a life without Vincent is unimaginable. He once swore to avoid dying—to go against his nature and forsake sacrificing himself for others—so that we could be together. How can I not risk everything to bring my love back to me? 

I am dying to see how this ends, especially after the ending of Until I Die. Sad to see this series ending, but excited to see what Amy has in store for us!

Expected release date May 7, 2013

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOKS

Cover of Amy Plum's Die For Her

I am so excited to read something from Jules' point of view. The Goodreads synopsis makes this sound even better. Add in the gorgeous cover and this is one enovella I am dying to read.

If you haven't hear of HarperTeen Impulse yet, be sure to check them out. It's a division of Harper that will be releasing enovellas as "bridges" between books in some of our favourite series. I am especially looking forward to Bethany Griffin's Glitter and Doom, and Kiera Cass' The Prince (along with Die For Her of course).

MOVIE

Catching Fire First Look

Um...Sam Claflin. Can we just appreciate how perfect he looks in this still? AMAZING. I was a little nervous when I saw the EW cover, but this still.. I.CAN'T.EVEN. I need a trailer so I can see him in action, but so far, I am VERY happy. Also, they totally shot the sugar cube scene. This delights me. It needs to be in the trailer.

TV

Emma and Neal from Once Upon A Time

I recently read some spoilers for Once Upon A Time, and since I am not going to give anything away, all I will say is that they made me immediately watch the episode titled Tallahassee again. I LOVE this couple. They are so adorkable together, and Emma seemed so happy with him before her life got REALLY complicated. Needless to say, I am very much looking forward to when Neal returns (whenever that happens to be!).

So what are you obsessed with this week?

Amy Plum Interview - Romantic Top 5's

In honour of how romantic Vincent and Kate's relationship is, I thought I would ask Amy to tell us some of her most romantic movies, books, and couples.

1. Top 5 Couples from Literature: (besides Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy)

Beverly Penn and Peter Lake (Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin)

Lancelot and Guinevere (Arthurian legends)

Westley and Buttercup (The Princess Bride by William Goldman)

Arwen and Aragorn (The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkein)

Tita and Pedro (Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel)

 2. Top 5 romantic movies

Bridget Jones's Diary (which I've watched an embarrassing number of times)

To Catch a Thief (Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, evening gowns, jewels, French Riviera...what more could you ask for?)

Romeo + Juliet (Leo + Claire *sighs*)

Love Actually (can't stop watching this one either...oh Colin Firth! *swoons*)

Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind (the quirky romance in this stole my heart)

 3. Top 5 love triangles (literature/movies/tv/other media)

Gale/Katniss/Peeta (Hunger Games)

Bill/Sookie/Eric (Sookie Stackhouse series)

Daniel Cleaver/Bridget Jones/Mark Darcy (Bridget Jones's Diary)

Luke/Leia/Han (Star Wars)

Newland Archer/May Welland/Ellen Olenska (Age of Innocence)

 4. Top 5 literary crushes (book boyfriends in other words)

Eric Northman (Sookie Stackhouse by Charlaine Harris)

Aragorn (Tolkein)

Mark Darcy (Bridget Jones's Diary)

George Emerson (A Room with a View)

Gilbert Blythe (Anne of Green Gables)

5. Top 5 romantic cities

Paris

Rome

Florence

New York

Rio de Janeiro

6. Top 5 romantic books

Rebecca (Daphne du Maurier)

Like Water For Chocolate (Laura Esquivel)

Possession (A.S. Byatt)

A Room with a View (E.M. Forster)

The Age of Innocence (Edith Wharton) 

Until I Die by Amy Plum

Until I Die by Amy Plum
Release Date –  May 8, 2012
Publisher Website –  Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader
Pages - 352 pages
My Rating- 4.5/5
**obtained from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love. 

As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy. 

In Die for Me, Amy Plum created a captivating paranormal mythology with immortal revenants and a lush Paris setting. Until I Die is poised to thrill readers with more heart-pounding suspense, spellbinding romance, and a cliff-hanger ending that will leave them desperate for the third and final novel in the series.

At the of Die For Me we left Kate and Vincent on a romantic boat head sailing into what Kate hopes will be a blissful future for them. Not in Kate's plan? Having to see Vincent die to save others. The pull in Vincent to sacrifice himself for others is strong but out of love for Kate he agrees to find a way to resist. Secrets, lies, and betrayls await them on their journey to happily ever after.

The setting of this story is perfectly written. Amy Plum’s Paris is full of romance and beauty but with the dangerous aspect underneath. Kate and Vincent’s love story seems even more compelling because of this well crafted setting.

Kate is just as likeable a character as she was in Die For Me, but I was happy to see her become stronger. She’s training, playing detective, and not sitting back while things happen. It may have got her into trouble sometimes, but it felt authentic to the character. Kate’s relationship with not only Vincent, but all of the Revenants is such a large part of the story. The interaction between all the characters, and how strong the bonds are between them are some of my favourite parts of the novel.

Vincent is just as swoon worthy as ever. He does, however, have some competition from Jules. Vincent is desperately trying to find anything that will make his relationship with Kate easier. The path he takes, and the secrets he holds prove to test, and deepen their relationship. The romance is hotter, and the quieter moments between Kate and Vincent really highlight their chemistry.

The mythology of the Revenants is even more prevalent and detailed in this instalment. As Kate and Vincent start to look for a way to make being together a delicious reality we learn more about the Revenants backstory and how it pertains to their relationship. I really enjoyed this part of the novel because it allowed us some answers to questions in the first novel. Secrets are revealed, characters are more flushed out, and the plot ties together with the first book very nicely.

The stakes in this novel are much higher than in Die For Me. We learn early on that danger is lurking and that Kate and her beloved Revenant family are in danger. Who the threat is, and what they are willing to do in order to accomplish their goals serves up twist, turns, and betrayals.

While the first novel had a satisfactory ending, and could have held that ending if Die For Me had been a stand alone novel, this novel ends on a heart-stopping cliffhanger. My initial reaction to the ending was “REALLY? IT ENDS THERE?!”. You’ll want to scream, and perhaps throw the book. However, it is a delicious torture because it just makes you that much more eager to dive back into Amy’s wonderful world.

Romance, action and a cliffhanger that will leave you aching for more, Until I Die takes everything you loved about Die For Me and amps it up. The relationship between Kate and Vincent is steamier, Paris even more magical and the stakes are higher. The third book can not come fast enough.

Weekly Obsessions.....2 weeks worth edition!

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOKS

So Many Book Trailers

Ok so there are a WHOLE bunch of book trailers I am obsessed with this week!

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

Entertainment Weekly has the exclusive for the trailer so I can't put the actual video in here yet.

You can view this insane and awesome trailer by going to this link -

http://shelf-life.ew.com/2012/04/18/cassandra-clare-city-of-lost-souls-trailer/

Sebastian sure is evil. Also very scary with the whole world burning and everything. Yikes. I am scared for Jace now.

Immortal City by Scott Speer



THIS TRAILER! GAH! So amazing. Scott Speer is a director and you can tell he used his talents to make this. The actor they got for Jackson Godspeed - SWOON! Totally hot and exactly how I pictured him. It's got the right balance of glitz and grit that they book has. If it doesn't make you want to read the book I am not sure what will.

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins



Sexy and a little gothic this trailer has made me want to get a copy of Sweet Evil immediately. I love the southern accent they use too!

The Immortal Rules trailer



I loved this first instalment of Julie Kagawa's new series. I think the trailer give you a good picture of how ravaged and destroyed everything is. Pick this one up for sure, it's a great read.

Amy Plum's new series news

Amy announced that she will be writing a two book series set in Alaska. The premise sounds amazing. Here is the official release details:

Author of the DIE FOR ME trilogy, Amy Plum’s JUNEAU, about a seventeen-year-old girl who has been raised to believe that her family, and the rest of their village, escaped World War III by moving to a remote area in the Alaskan wilderness – but when everyone in her village mysteriously disappears, she’s forced to set off in search of them, only to discover that her life has been a lie and there never was a third World War.

These will be released Summer 2014 and 2015 and I can't wait to get my hands on them.

MOVIES

Savages



As soon as Blake Lively's character says "Just because I am telling you this story doesn't mean I am alive at the end of it" I was hooked. It looks great and it's based on a best selling book. Part gangster, part sexy and part action means I am so there opening night!

OTHER

BEA Autograph Schedule

I may have hyperventilated and screamed at this year's BEA autograph schedule. Bethany Griffin, Veronica Roth, Stephanie Perkins,and Kat Zhang are just some of the authors signing at BEA. My Wednesday is going to be pretty packed and crazy. I am looking forward to meeting so many amazing authors and getting to spend time with fellow book lovers.

So what you are obsessed with this week?

In My Mailbox....

This is a weekly meme hosted by the awesome Kristi at The Story Siren. It gives us a chance to showcase the books we got during the week.

I have a lot of books to show you this week. I had to split it up into 2 pictures for it to work. It's a little heavier due to the amazing blogger meet up I went to this week.

First I will mention the books I got from the library this week -

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi (goodreads)
The Alchemy of Forever by (goodreads)

So excited to read both of these!

As mentioned I went to a fantastic blogger meet up with some fantastic Ottawa bloggers. We were fortunate enough to have the publishers provide us with some review copies for the meeting.

I want to thank Meaghan from Feeling A Little Bookish, Emilie from Emilie’s Book World, Katherine from The Lady Critic’s Library and Katie from Bookishly Yours for the wonderful afternoon. We have to do it again soon ladies!

I received from Hachette Group Canada for review -

Belles by Jen Calonita (goodreads)
The Boy Recession by Flynn Meaney (goodreads)
All For You by Sheila O' Flanagan (goodreads)
A Private Affair by Lesley Lokko (goodreads)

I received from Harper Collins Canada

Until I Die from Amy Plum (goodreads)
Arcadia by Lauren Groff (goodreads)

I can't thank the publishers enough for being so amazing and helpful. Really, they are the best.

We also decided to swap books while there and I obtained

Fever by Lauren DeStefano (goodreads)
Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer (goodreads)
Dead To You by Lisa McMann (goodreads)
Jessica Rules the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey (goodreads)

I had gotten Bloodrose out of the library as my hold came in, but I just haven't talked myself into reading it yet, because I know it's going to break my heart. I am going to start it tonight....wish me luck.

As you can see I also have my third Vampire Diaries EW cover. So happy I have the set, and I love the Stefan and Elena one the best!

Happy reading everyone!

Waiting on Wednesday...Until I Die

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is Until I Die by Amy Plum

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love.
As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy.
In Die for Me, Amy Plum created a captivating paranormal mythology with immortal revenants and a lush Paris setting. Until I Die is poised to thrill readers with more heart-pounding suspense, spellbinding romance, and a cliff-hanger ending that will leave them desperate for the third and final novel in the series.

I LOVED Die For Me. I am super excited to continue Kate and Vincent's story. Such a romantic setting, and this sounds like it'll have some great action too.

Expected release date - May 8, 2012

Things I am Obsessed With....This Week Anyways

I decided to do a new weekly blog post. The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact I will be doing it myself every Saturday (yes, I am aware it's Sunday today).

So this week my obsessions are:

BOOKS

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

I just finished this book the other day. I LOVE both the Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices series and this book is Cassandra Clare's best one yet. I am so excited to talk about it when it's released!

The cover of Gilt by Katherine Longshore



Um, do you see the gorgeousness??! Seriously. Swoon. It's stunning. The synopsis takes my breath away too! I have been obsessed. So obsessed that it will become my icon sometime next week. See my WoW post for this week for more.

The UK cover of Until I Die by Amy Plum



The Die For Me cover was so pretty. This is even more stunning. I am hoping the North American cover is just as stunning and can't wait to see it.

TV

Jeremy and Anna from The Vampire Diaries


One of my favourite, if not my favourite, couples on Vampire Diaries. Anna got to visit Jeremy in this week's episode even though she died last season, and I got a little emotional. Ok, so maybe a lot emotional. They are adorable together, and I am so sad we can't keep Anna forever. Steven R McQueen and Malese Jow have amazing chemistry.


MOVIES

Character Posters for The Hunger Games movie



I am sure everyone has seen them. They are awesome. They give me hope that our beloved story will come alive on the big screen in a way that makes us happy. PEETA!! <3 The trailer for My Week With Marilyn



Michelle Williams has already given me goosebumps in this brief glimpse. Taking on an icon like Marilyn Monroe would not be easy, and Michelle totally nails it (at least in the trailer). So excited to see this one.

OTHER

Vacation

I am off for the next week from work and have been looking forward to it all week. I am going to Toronto on Nov 1 and will be there for a couple days. My friend Maria and I are going to relax, and maybe have dinner at Moroco Chocolat.

Until I Die by Amy Plum Cover Awesomeness

As most of you know I loved Amy Plum's first book Die For Me. LOVED. It had such a gorgeous cover too.

The cover for the second novel in this series was just released and, if possible, is even more stunning.



The colour scheme is my favourite. I love the blues and purples. So pretty.

It's going to be a long wait until May when it's release and we can see this gorgeousness in hard cover. However, if you're like me and can't wait to read it, you may want to check out Amy's website for an amazing contest.

In My Mailbox

This is a weekly meme hosted by the awesome Kristi at The Story Siren. It gives us a chance to showcase the books we got during the week.

I had a pretty crazy mailbox week....







I purchsed:

Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay (goodreads)

It FINALLY came in this week. Stacey Jay was offering to send a signed book sticker if you preordered it and that also came this week (along with a Juliet Immortal magnet).

I won:

Die For Me by Amy Plum (goodreads)

Amy was having a contest on her Twitter for a signed copy and I won. I was so happy to get a signed copy. I have an extra copy now so I will be having a contest for that soon.

For review:

Betsy Wickwire's Dirty Secret by Vicki Grant (goodreads)

I also like the actual cover MUCH better :)



Thank you HarperCollins (and Shannon). This was a really cute book. Look for the review next week.

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting (goodreads)



The S&S GalleyGrab had this in it, and it was the only one I decided to take. Thanks to Simon and Schuster for the chance to read it.

What books did you get this week? Leave me a comment and I will check it out.

Happy reading everyone!

Die For Me Winners!

I recently held my first ever contest. I should have announced the winners awhile ago but with Book Expo, visiting family and such I got distracted.

The winners -

The book and signed bookmarks winner is - The Bookish Brunette. You can see her blog here.

The other 4 winners of a set of signed bookmarks are-

Michelle - see her blog here

Nicole S - see her blog here

Lisa @ Fic Talk

Valia - see her blog here

I have emailed all the winners and they have 48 hours to send me a mailing address or I will select another winner.

Thank you to everyone that entered. The response was fantastic. I just want to thank everyone for following my little blog, and hope that you stick around!

Character Interview - Vincent from Die For Me

Today on the blog I have Vincet from Amy Plum's amazing novel Die For Me. He kindly answered a few questions for me. Meet Vincent, hopefully you get interested enough to check out his story.

Vincent, I am so glad you could stop by. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I would love to. But I’ve been warned by Amy not to talk about anything spoiler-y. So how about this: I’m currently 19. I live in Paris with my kindred, but am originally from Brittany. I have a law degree, but only got it in order to help out my kindred with practical concerns. (I would have studied history if I had chosen my degree myself.) I spend my down time reading, watching films, and working out (fight training).

What were you thinking when you first saw Kate?

I saw her around our neighborhood a long time before I actually met her. And I was immediately drawn to her. I don’t know if it was my saving instincts – that I saw a human who needed help – or something else, but I was mesmerized from the very first second I laid eyes on her. She was sad. And scared. And mourning. At that point I didn’t know about her parents. I just knew I had to be around her more...to figure her out.

Is there anything you would have changed about your first meeting with her?

There are so many things I would change in my life. I act without thinking most of the time. I shouldn’t have ever talked to Kate – for her sake. But I couldn’t help myself. In my mind, I regret it. But in my heart I will never be sorry that I did.

Describe the following people in one word-

Kate- strong
Georgia- amusing
Jules- loyal
Ambrose- full-on
Charlotte- huggable
Charles-lost
Lucien- depraved
　
What is the best part of living in Paris?

The people. Paris is all about living life to the utmost, and Parisians really know how to live.

If they were to make a movie out of your life who do you think is gorgeous enough to play you?

*laughs uncomfortably* You’re trying to embarrass me here. Well, my favorite actors are a lot older than me. But I’ve been told that this French-German actor, François Goeske, looks a lot like me, minus a few years.

What three things would you want with you if you were stuck on an island?

Kate (she’s not a “thing”, but I’m including her anyway). Some good books. And a telescope for stargazing.

What would we find beside your bed?

A photo of me and Kate. I like to see it when I’m going into dormancy. I always wake up to a vase of flowers that Jeanne has put there. She claims the fragrance makes awaking less unsettling. And then there’s always the requisite food tray. Water, figs, dates and almonds are my favorites for awakening.

What is your best trait? Your worst?

I’m really passionate about whatever I’m doing. And...I’m really passionate about whatever I’m doing.

Last question - this was actually the most requested question when I polled my female friends. Boxers or briefs?

*runs hand through hair/embarrassed smile* Wow, um...who are these friends of yours? Sounds like they would get on really well with Jules!