Review: Magic Under Glass

Ever since Nimira's mother died and her father gambled away their fortune, she's been singing and dancing for tiny wages. One night, her fortune changes when a gentleman watches her performance. While he offers her a job, she looks upon it as a chance for escape. Without hesitation, she takes him up on it. They travel to his estate where he informs her of his situation. He recently purchases an automaton and wishes her to sing with it. He briefly mentions that the automaton might be haunted as other girls have fled the house. Nimira's not sure what to think. The master of the house treats her as an almost equal. Nimira's not sure if he's flirting with her or not. When she hears rumors swirling about his wife, she's more confused than ever. While practice alone with the automaton, she discovers that the machine is holding a man trapped inside - thus creating the haunting effect. She quickly finds out a way to communicate with him. With each passing day, they grow closer, but danger sparks when some very powerful comes to visit and he also has a theory of about the automaton. Could Nimira lose everything she holds dear?

A wonderful debut novel that to me reads half regency (although it's not, but it does remind me of Jane Eyre) and half fantasy. Just a beautiful story, which continues in a sequel! There's been so much talk surrounding this cover, but I do want to say, however misguided, it's a beautifully eye-catching cover.


Read an interview with Jaclyn Dolamore

Copy *from Otis Library*

Read for 10 in '10 Teen Chick Lit Challenge:

Review: Up Over Down Under

Eliza's dad works for the EPA in Washington D.C.. He's a highly respected position, which means Eliza's behavior plays a factor in his profile. As a result, she's been the perfect daughter, but when an opportunity arises for an exchange program, she's thrilled to be on her own down under. Billie, on the other hand, can't wait to become involved with the political aspect of saving the environment. She's taken a hands-on approach in the past, but now she can actually make a difference. Both girls couldn't be happier about the exchange, but things don't turn out as planned. Eliza gets herself into hot water break the rules for a boy while Billie grows frustrated with the time it takes to make anything happen in the political world. Before she knows it, she's headed for trouble. Will the time in different countries change the girls' outlook on life and jeopardize their place in the hosting home?

Up Over Down Under is part of the S.A.S.S. series (which I Love), but this is even better as it's a bonus book - two stories in one and it doesn't disappoint. I love the exploring new countries, new friendships, new families, and new boys. I loved how the stories intertwined because it deepened the story.

*book provided by authors at the ALA Midwinter Tweet up*

Where I got it signed and met Noah Harland who was really nice. Then we chatted a bit on twitter after the event where he mentioned that this is his first book and that he mostly wrote Eliza's adventure while Micol Ostow (author of the first S.A.S.S. book Westminster Abby and Crush Du Jour - awesome books btw) wrote Billie's story.

Spotted: Raised By Wolves cover

Isn't it beautiful?
I really can't wait to read it for a number of reasons

1. The Cover
2. Werewolves
3. The author, she's wicked cool and her books are clever and fun plus she likes monkeys

how can you not read her books?

Review: Stupid Cupid

Felicity scored a job - as a teen cupid. She has the power to create love matches by sending blank emails to the couple with potential. There are rule involved: each potential couple must have at least three points of common interests, don't hook up more than one person together, and above all learn from the matches that don't make it after the two week trial period. Felicity can't wait to test out her new powers. Soon she's juggling a green couple, juggling her best friend with three potential boyfriends, her arch rival with a creep, and a smart girl with a wise cracking guy. Will any of her matches survive?

A charming new trilogy filled with humor, disasters, friendship, and love that can't help but adore.

Read Chapter One

* Book Two Flirting with Disaster comes out in March *

Review: Heist Society

Kat used to lead a life of danger before she pulled her biggest con ever and walked away from a life of thievery to attend boarding school. Her enrollment last a few months before her old life comes crashing over her plans. She's framed for a prank, she didn't commit, but will nonetheless result in her expulsion from school. Quickly she realizes this dismissal is the work of an old family friend. He's here to tell her that her master thief father needs her help. Turns out her father's been set up too. Only the consequences are no where near as soft as being kicked out off boarding school. Kat secretly meets his deadly enemy and works out a deal. She has two weeks to find the paintings and steal them back. If successful, it will be the biggest job she'll ever pull off and also the most dangerous. Can she do it?

Gorgeous Cover! I fully admit that I LOVE Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls series, but this new series may be even better . It's my new favorite book. The combination of finding the art, the major art heist, saving a family member, and going against the family makes for a thrilling edge of your seat read.

The Downside: finding a new series you ADORE and then waiting for the next book to come out = painful.

Plus Ally Carter's coming to RJ Julia's in two weekends, totally going to meet her.

*copy provided by publisher at ALA Midwinter*

Also read this for 10 in '10 Challenge
because, how can you not love Hale and Kat?

HarperTeen's 28 Days of Winter

February may be the coldest month,
but Harperteen's giving away hot books all month long
Check out the calendar of goodies available

Contest: Win My Soul to Save

Rachel Vincent:

Check out her blog:

About the series:
Read the prequel My Soul to Lose

My Soul to Take: my review

My Soul to Save:
(my review)

Six weeks after Kaylee discovers her true identity, she and her boyfriend, Nash, attend a rock concert of a mega-star. Thanks to Tod, they're able to score backstage passes. While watching the performance from the wings, they view the lead singer collapse on stage. When Kaylee doesn't start singing, she believes the singer will survive. She is wrong. The singer dies without a soul. When Kaylee, Nash, and Tod talk with the oldest reaper in history, they learn she's coming back to take the opening act, Addison's, soul. Addison and Tod used to date. He convinces Kaylee and Nash to help save Addy's soul. When someone signs away their soul, there's a loophole - you can attempt to bargain with the hellions. Kaylee can't willingly let someone suffer for all eternity. Soon she's lying to her father, tricking Harmony into teaching her tricks to use in the Netherworld, and sneaking out to uncover answers. Before long, Addy's sister signs a contract. Now the problem deepens and it's a race against time to save two souls.

I adore these covers, they're flirty and soft, but show a strong female presence. My Soul to Save is the second book in the series and it's filled with danger, adventure, and romance. It's a perfect paranormal romance series.

Check out the book trailer:

Also check out the official Soul Screamer Page

* My Soul to Keep will be on the shelf June 1, 2010.*

Contest Rules:
*open to US residents Only*

contest ends Monday February 15th at Midnight
Three winners will win My Soul to Save

Leave a comment about your favorite type of paranormal books to read (witch, vampire, fairy/faerie, werewolf, or zombie)
and your email address

This contest is brought to you by Big Honcho Media