Posts Tagged: Harper Teen

Pandemonium ARC Tour

06 Jan, 2012 by in pandemonium 4 comments

Pandemonium (Delirium #2)
by Lauren Oliver
Hardcover, 375 pages
Expected publication: February 28th 2012
by HarperTeen
ISBN 006197806X
Book source: publisher

I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

We are accepting seven readers in the U.S. for this blog tour. Must be 18 or older. First come first serve. For a full list of Fire and Ice ARC tour rules and to sign up click here and fill out the form.

1) Lizz N.
2) Tara T.
3) Jenna D.
4) Nina L.
5) Reaganstar M.
6) Kate T.
7)

Book Review- Under The Never Sky

03 Jan, 2012 by in under the never sky, Veronica Rossi 9 comments

Under the Never Sky
by Veronica Rossi
Hardcover, US, 400 pages
Expected publication: January 3rd 2012
by Harper Collins
ISBN 006207203X
Book Source: Netgalley
3.5 stars

Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers a barbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love – one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY.

I had a rocky start with Under the Never Sky mostly because I spent the opening chapters scratching my head wondering what was going on.The first scenes really reminded me of Lord of The Flies as we are introduced to a  group of friends who leave their main pod for an outing and things turn violent.  Without any character building or back story or explanation why, you see teen boys gone savage. It isn’t until much much later that we understand part of why things happen the way they did. It took a good half of the book  for me to start enjoying myself since I felt lost as a reader to the world Rossi was building. When I finished  the book a month ago there weren’t many reviews posted on Goodreads to help fill in the blanks of what I couldn’t put together. Now there are a ton, and it seems many readers caught on and loved the setting much more than I did.

The world is based on two societies, one in pods or realms where the inhabitants are protected from the other harsh and dangerous outside world full of savages and cannibals. Members of pod society wear eyepieces that give an receive transmissions, only experiencing things as a simulated reality. Aria, one of the main characters is discharged from her pod into the outside Death Shop to fend for herself after the skirmish of the first chapters involving a top officials son. There she encounters Peregrine, or Perry for a second time. The two are forced together by circumstance though they hate and mistrust one another. Their relationship takes a long time to build and develop which I enjoyed but I wish I felt more of a connection to Aria. We don’t know much about her except for that Perry thinks she smells wonderful and she can really sing. I found myself wanting to more more of her history and her relationship with her mother whom she is fervently seeking contact with. I liked Perry and the idea of genetically evolved humans made a lot of sense. My only turn off was the pointy teeth and lion-like predator aspect of him which I know was part of the adaptation to his world, but threw me for a loop. My favorite scene between both narrators involved Aria’s training to face a coven of cannibals on the roof of their allies’s protected community. If you know which one I am talking about it is awesome!

Under the Never Sky will appeal to fans of dystopian post apocalyptic fiction and it is unique int hat it has supernatural and fantasy elements. Already, those who got an advanced read are calling it amazing. I don’t know why it didn’t quite click with me but am hoping book two will fill in some of the world building and character connection gaps. I would recommend it for older teens and adults as there is heavy violence and two characters have a sexual relationship, though I appreciated that it was not described in detail and the author often left much of the romance to the readers imagination. Thanks so much to Harper Teen and Netgalley for the early peek.

About the author:

Veronica Rossi’s debut novel, UNDER THE NEVER SKY, will be published in over twenty international markets, starting on January 3rd 2012 in the United States. Film rights to the trilogy have been optioned by Warner Bros.

When not writing, she chases after her boys, who make her laugh every day, and who teach her about love that’s “a million gazillion times bigger than the ocean.”

Learn More on Veronica’s Goodreads/ Blog/ Website/ Twitter/ Facebook

Book Review- Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

06 Dec, 2011 by in paranormal YA fiction 1 comment

Hallowed (Unearthly #2)
by Cynthia Hand

Hardcover, 416 pages

Expected publication: January 17th 2012
by HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN 0061996181
Source: Netgalley
5 stars
For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought. Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

Described by Richelle Mead as “utterly captivating,” Unearthly received outstanding reviews, garnered accolades from New York Times bestselling authors, and was named an Indie Next Pick. In this heart-wrenching sequel, Cynthia Hand expertly captures the all-consuming joy of first love—and the agony of loss. This beautifully woven tale will appeal to fans of Lauren Kate, Becca Fitzpatrick, and Aprilynne Pike.

Cynthia Hand’s debut novel Unearthly made my best of 2011 list this year and it looks like Hallowed will be on the my BIR list for 2012. I love this series! Hallowed picks up right where Unearthly left off, and had I a chance to do it over, I would re-read book one before picking up book two. I remembered the plot and characters well, but there are so many little nuances in this installment that you will miss if it’s been awhile. Clara’s vision has come to a close and now she is having dreams as well as an overwhelming sense of sorrow. She’s made her choice clear between Tucker and Christian but that choice may be putting those she loves in danger.


Hallowed is a much more emotionally driven novel with less action than book one, but I soaked up every minute. So much so that I couldn’t pick up another read for a while.  I wanted to fill in the blanks on some things so I actually went back and re-read most of Unearthly when I was finished. We see all the same people in book two, but much less of Tucker’s sister Wendy and her boyfriend Jason. Also, Clara’s brother Jeffrey is a mystery. The one character I have not been able to connect with at all is Angela. So I’m gearing up for more of her in book three.


I had many questions answered about who and what the angel bloods are, about Clara’s upbringing and why her mother has held so many secrets. But the best part of Hallowed by far are the two boys Tucker and Christan. Cynthia Hand knows how to write realistic, amazingly supportive, perfect heroes each in their own way. They are completely different, but each brings out a good side in Clara. So many noteworthy scenes with them both in Hallowed- including a ski trip, fishing, and learning to use glory. Both boys grew on me more than they had in book one. I really didn’t think that would be possible!


Readers will be thrown for a loop with some of the plot twists and will laugh out loud as Hand pokes fun at Twilight stalkerish behaviors and love triangles (though they are used in this book.) The pace of Hallowed is slower but never drags and the tone a little more heavy as Clara is dealing with so many swirling emotions she is picking up from other people and non-people. Some of the content is better suited for an older teens since there are a few heavy make out, a partially undressed scene in a bedroom, and mild violence. No sex or swearing.


I highly recommend both Unearthly and Hallowed. If you are a fan of all things paranormal including angel mythology and the perfect swoon worthy male characters this is the series for you! I’m having a hard time moving on to another book because they influenced me so much. So, if you haven’t read them yet, run and pick up Unearthly today!

About the author– Cynthia Hand grew up in southeast Idaho (very near the Wyoming border). Currently she lives in southern California with her husband and two small children. She teaches courses in creative writing at Pepperdine University. Unearthly, her debut YA novel, was published by HarperTeen in January 2011, out in paperback on 11-1-11. The sequel, Hallowed, will be released on January 17.

Check her out on Goodreads/ her website/ blog/ twitter

Book Review- A Beautiful Dark

16 Nov, 2011 by in book review, paranormal YA fiction 2 comments

by Jocelyn Davies
Hardcover, 390 pages
Published September 27th 2011
by HarperTeen
ISBN0061990655
Book Source: BEA
4 stars

On the night of Skye’s seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites;like fire and ice; Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye’s life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.

In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can’t help falling for, and Devin, who she can’t stay away from, the consequences of Skye’s choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine.

This was one of the smoothest reading YA books I’ve picked up this year. I really enjoyed Jocelyn Davies style and the setting of a ski town in Colorado was perfect for this time of year. Skye is 17 years old and living with her “aunt” a friend of her mother’s since both of her parents were killed when she was young. She has faint memories of lullabies and a rescue but not much else to ground her to her past. A Beautiful Dark opens on her birthday as her three best friends throw a surprise party for her at the local coffee shop where Ian, one of them works. The action heats up fast when two mysterious teenage boys show up and start a fight. One of them is dark but inviting- Skye, the other holds the peace of calm ans serenity but is standoffish- Devin. When both boys show up to Skye’s school and start vying for her attention, Skye finds herself more confused and torn than ever before. Will this straight -A ski champion be able to handle the pressure when not only these two, but also her best friend Ian turns on the heat in the competition for her affection?

With paranormal elements and a new take on angel lore, A Beautiful Dark kept me flipping pages. I was a little disappointed that there was so much emphasis on teenage drinking, the opening scene with a flask and an unchaperoned arty with a keg. There was also a heavy hit of swearing about 3/4 of the way through that caught me off guard. What I found wonderful was the cast of secondary characters. My favorite scene of the book actually involved Skye’s best friends Cassie and Dan. As for Ian…he is amazing. I found myself pulling for him and was sad when he dropped into the periphery as Skye begins to get to know Asher and Devin. It’s kind of fun to have a book with a love square, and it would have added some action to see a little more conflict in between each of the contenders. I am sad when the good angel comes off as aloof or distant because of “rules” or extenuating circumstances- Devin reminded me a bit of Gabe in Original Sin by Lisa DesRochers. I wanted to know more about him and see he and Skye spend more time together without the interference of evil angel chick.

Overall, I truly enjoyed this first in theseries and will read book two, A Fractured Light, when it hits the shelves. But the ending…what?! GAH! It’s a cliffhanger.

Trailer Thursday- Everneath by Brodi Ashton

03 Nov, 2011 by in Uncategorized 2 comments

Oh my heavens! Could a book trailer get any more perfect than this?! So so excited to get this book and be a part of the ARC tour. Brodi and I went to Junior High and High School together and now that we’re all grown up, she just rocks as an author. Not to mention she is awesome sauce. Put this one on your MUST HAVE list…

Book Review- Carrier of The Mark

06 Oct, 2011 by in book review, ya paranormal 4 comments

Carrier of the Mark
Carrier Trilogy #1
by Leigh Fallon
Paperback, 352 pages
Published October 4th 2011
by HarperTeen
ISBN 0062027875
Book Source: BEA
4.5 stars

Their love was meant to be.

When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she’s surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRís.

But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction.

With as many books as a I read and review, I usually pick up another book right after finishing one and often the book I’ve just finished is forgotten and swept away in the midst of a whole new plot line. What I love is when an author leaves an impression that is lasting. Carrier of the Mark was still with me today and left a fog of longing. I’m glad this is a series!

The first quarter of the book was pure heaven, everything I love about reading YA. A dreamy setting- Ireland, sparks between the two main characters that are unresolved and just the right amount of action to keep the pages flipping. Megan and her father have led a bit of a nomadic lifestyle since losing Megan’s mother in a tragic car crash and she has learned to keep her guard up. But a new job lands them in Kinsdale at a private high school. Things turn a little Twilighty as Megan is instantly drawn to the standoffish DeRis family who have rumors of magic and curses surrounding them. Adam DeRis is constantly staring and Megan can’t ignore the zing of electricity that passes between them whenever they are near each other. As the tension heats up Megan starts seeing and hearing things that she can’t explain.

Here’s the point in the book where I get a little lost. As the lore and mythology surrounding Adam and Megan begins to unfold there is a whole lot of information to take in and I found it confusing and overwhelming. The concept of a sidh/ monk and the genetic selection of a carrier was totally over my head. But soon after the info download it was smooth sailing for me until the end. I was left wanting more.
With a determined passionate man and a magical world built on Druids and Celtic myth you will fall in love with Carrier of the Mark. I hope we see more character development in the future books and I can’t wait to see what Leigh has up her sleeve! The cover for Carrier is mystical. The page embellishments at the beginning of each chapter top off the design beautifully. Thank you Harper Teen for the perfect rainy day read.

You might also like: Shades of Atlantis by Carole Oates, Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini, Spellbound by Carolyn Schultz.

Content: moderate swearing, mild violence, steamy kissing scenes, sleeping over in each others beds, no sex. Recommended for 16 and older.

Teaser Tuesday Supernaturally Inspired Jewelry Giveaway

12 Jul, 2011 by in etsy, supernatrually 42 comments

It’s been a while since we’ve done an Etsy shop giveaway here at Fire and Ice so I thought it would be fun to combine our Teaser Tuesday with some Evie inspired bling! Our teaser comes from

Supernaturally

by Kiersten White

Hardcover, 352 pages

Expected publication: July 26th 2011

by HarperTeen

ISBN0061985864

series Paranormalcy #2

Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be . . . kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees.

But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself.

So much for normal.

“..the box Lend took out of his pocket defitnitely didn’t have socks in it. “Is is Sparkly?” I bounced impatiently on my heels as he opened it.” He laughed and pulled out a delicate silver chain, threaded through an open heart-shaped pendant.“ -p 44 Supernaturally




EvelynMaeCreations has generously donated one of her handmade necklaces similar to what I envision Lend giving Evie in Supernaturally.



She says…”Jewelry to me is about the experience you have or can have because of how you feel when you wear a favorite piece. I want the wearer of my creations to be transformed by the pieces they choose to wear on a daily basis or even for that special occasion. When you add a little sparkle to an outfit, it says more about the person and who they are and want to be than just that they’re wearing jewelry. Every single piece is meant to be special and beloved by the future owner. That is what Evelyn Mae Creations is about.”

To enter to win an inspired by Evie necklace simply leave a comment below.

Optional additional entries

+1 for favoriting her etsy shop

+1 for picking your favorite item from Evelyn Mae Creations shop

+1 if you follow Fire and Ice on twitter, facebook, tumblr or networked blogs

+1 for following author @kierstenwhite on twitter

+1 for each retweet of the giveaway @fireicephotos

+1 for posting this giveaway on your blog or FB profile

Add up your entries and leave the total with the links in your comment. Contest ends August 2, 2011 and is open internationally.

Book Giveaway- Starcrossed

09 Jun, 2011 by in starcrossed 15 comments

Starcrossed
by Josephine Angelini
Hardcover, 496 pages
Published May 31st 2011
by HarperTeen
ISBN 0062011995

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it’s getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she’s haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they’re destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

Fire and Ice is giving away our paperback advanced reading copy of Starcrossed. To enter to win, fill out this form. Giveaway ends July 9, 2011

Book Review- Die For Me

28 Apr, 2011 by in Uncategorized 1 comment

Die For Me
by Amy Plum
Hardcover, 341 pages
Expected publication: May 10th 2011
by HarperTeen
ISBN 0062004018
5 stars
My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything.

Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent.

Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.

Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies . . . immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.

While I’m fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart—as well as my life and my family’s—in jeopardy for a chance at love?

Kate is a recently orphaned teen who has moved with her sister Georgia to Paris from the United States. The death of both her parents turns her inward, cutting off socially and finding relief in books, museums and hidden cafes. Kate is so completely immersed in grieving and going through the motions of life, which all changes the day she spots a handsome dark boy watching her intensely and she returns the stare. Vincent is kind and wise, handsome and chivalrous, but a little rusty on his people skills. So the two of them have many waters to navigate before they decide to get to know each other and trust one another. Their attachment, while seemingly immediate, takes trials and time to come into fruition.

Die for Me captured my attention so fully that from the moment I picked it up yesterday morning to the completion of the book at the very end of the day, I fell into the story and could not come out. Amy Plum paints a lush beautiful portrait of Paris from a native eye and sketches each character out fully and realistically. Harperteen does not disappoint with the quality of books they are releasing in the paranormal YA genre. Everything about this book felt new and untouched. The concept of revenant, the mythology and plot are spot on and achingly romantic. Besides falling in love with the main characters, I found a place in my heart for each member of the cast. Especially for funny, flirty Jules and Kate’s older sister Georgia. I hope book two will flesh out full roles for them. I also have my fingers crossed that the publisher chooses to stick with the cover on the advanced reader’s edition. It is breathtaking with Kate in a red boat on the Seine.

What can I say other than I won’t forget this book. I’m literally speechless. Die For Me leaves a mark in my mind as fresh as a stoke of a paintbrush and as lasting as a masterpiece. There are a few gruesome scenes that make it for readers who can stomach violence. Otherwise it is refreshingly clean and absolutely amazing. I love that it highlights the arts and history of France as well as close family relationships. Will I be picking up book two? As soon as I can get my hands on it! In the mean time…you… hurry and run over to Goodreads to enter to win your own copy!

You might also like: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand and Hereafter by Tara Hudson.

The Last Little Blue Envelope

23 Mar, 2011 by in book review, maureen johnson, the last little blue envelope 1 comment

by Maureen Johnson
Hardcover, 304 pages
Expected publication: April 26th 2011
by HarperTeen
ISBN 0061976792
series: Little Blue Envelope #2
4.5 stars

Ginny Blackstone thought that the biggest adventure of her life was behind her. She spent last summer traveling around Europe, following the tasks her aunt Peg laid out in a series of letters before she died. When someone stole Ginny’s backpack—and the last little blue envelope inside—she resigned herself to never knowing how it was supposed to end.

Months later, a mysterious boy contacts Ginny from London, saying he’s found her bag. Finally, Ginny can finish what she started. But instead of ending her journey, the last letter starts a new adventure—one filled with old friends, new loves, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Ginny finds she must hold on to her wits . . . and her heart. This time, there are no instructions.

A couple of weeks ago when author Maureen Johnson announced on twitter that her newest book in the Little Blue Envelope series was up on NetGalley I put in my request for the e-galley and found the first book 13LBE to start reading. 13 Little Blue Envelopes was this random collection of letters from Ginny’s dying aunt Peg that lead Ginny all across Europe in search of clues and tasks. I finished the book having enjoyed the ride but feeling there was so much left undone, random like a wild goose chase.

Book 2, The Last Little Blue Envelope completely stole my heart and tied things up in a beautiful package similar to a Christmas gift from Harrod’s. I loved the sense of purpose and growth book two brings. Maureen Johnson’s writing is brilliant and funny, witty and adventurous. The Last Litle Blue Envelope picks up where book one left off. The 13th letter that was stolen from Ginny on a beach in Greece has been found by a man in London named Oliver. Oliver contacts Ginny via email in America offering her the last letter, but for a steep price.

Oliver was a welcome addition to the cast; I absolutely loved him! He’s brooding and a loner, but deep down you have to know something serious is going on for him to act the way he does. By the end I found myself wishing we knew even more about him. But the New Year’s scene in Dublin and the stop at the train station are enough to keep me tied over until book three. Please Maureen tell us there is one!?

Keith is back as immature and quirky as ever, plus he has a new “friend” Elle. The four teens take on a quest spanning Paris to Ireland to find the last dying wish of Ginny’s aunt that is simply magical. You’ll feel you are traveling right along with them because of all the small intricate details Maureen paints in to the picture. Plus, in the process there are life lessons that make each character stretch beyond who they were when it all started. Ginny especially has become more of a woman than she was in the beginning. The Last Little Blue Envelope was a treat to read and I would recommend it to all readers as a clean travel adventure with coming of age lessons that are vital for teens. Well done Maureen! And thanks to NetGalley/ Harper Teen for making TLBE available to us online.

Click here to enter to win a copy on Goodreads courtesy of HarperTeen