Book Tour Number 2; Book review 22

I was able to be part of a book tour for Xpresso Reads, for the book 'Queen and Commander' (Book 1 in the Hive Queen Saga) I was also trying to read Book 2, but have not finished it yet (My apologies!) So by tomorrow morning that review will be up. Anyway, I really loved this book, It was an easy read and it totally rocked! It is a different idea that I had not heard of before, and I loved it through and through!Just a warning there is some language, and in-case you are weary there is talk of religion, but I still loved it, And I would recommend this book to any I met (and most likely will). I was up until 2 a.m finishing it (since I was so busy before). And wanted to go right into the next one, but knew I needed some sleep so that I could think straight to put up this review. Okay, It is super short (under 200 pages) and went so quick that when I got to the last page I needed more right then! You should definitely read it. A giveaway is being hosted (look to the right of this post>). Here is some info about books one and two...

BOOK ONE:

Queen & Commander by Janine A. Southard
(Hive Queen Saga #1)
Publication date: May 2014
Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult

Synopsis:

**WINNER 2013 IPPY AWARD -- Silver Medal for Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror E-Book**

On a world where high school test scores determine your future, six students rebel. They’ll outrun society as fast as their questionably obtained spaceship will take them.

Rhiannon doesn’t technically cheat the Test. She’s smarter than the computers that administer it, and she uses that to her advantage. She emerges from Test Day with the most prestigious future career possible: Hive Queen.

Gwyn & Victor are madly in love, but their Test results will tear them apart. Good thing Rhiannon is Gwyn’s best friend. Rhiannon can fix this. Queens can do anything.

Gavin is the wild card. Raised off-planet, he can’t wait to leave again... and he’s heard of an empty ship in orbit. The Ceridwen’s Cauldron.

Both Luciano and Alan fit in the system. They don’t need to leave. Only their devotion to Rhiannon spurs them to join the Cauldron’s crew.

Spaceships. Blackmail. Anywhere but here.

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17379469-queen-commander

<Author on the left; Book 1 cover on right>

BOOK TWO:

Hive & Heist by Janine A. Southard
(Hive Queen Saga #2)
Publication date: May 2014
Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Queen Rhiannon and her Hive have found safety on John Wayne Station, but with no way to pay their docking fees or Victor’s medical bills, their debts are racking up quickly. Thankfully, Gavin gets a job with American Space Ranger M3L-15-A, who’s hot on the trail of dangerous criminals.

The teens move in with their Ranger benefactor, but when they revisit their ship to pick up personal belongings, they realize their Alcubierre tensor jet has been stolen!

If Rhiannon and her Hivemates ever hope to leave, they must find and steal back what’s theirs. But far from home and among strangers, who can they trust? Will they be stuck on John Wayne for the rest of their lives?

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21566567-hive-heist

Purchase book 1:

--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Queen-Commander-Hive-Saga/dp/0988646854/ref=la_B00BROXYKQ_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402934600&sr=1-1

--B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/queen-commander-janine-a-southard/1114792229?ean=9780988646858

Purchase book 2:

--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Hive-Heist-Queen-Saga/dp/1633270025/ref=la_B00BROXYKQ_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402934600&sr=1-2

--B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hive-heist-janine-a-southard/1119365513?ean=9781633270022

AUTHOR BIO

Janine A. Southard writes and edits speculative fiction in between working on videogame projects. She’s attended more than the average number of universities, which she claims is a FEATURE. (“Oxford educated, but Californian at heart.”) She’s also lived and traveled in Europe, the United States, and Japan. Currently, she lives in Seattle with a husband (and a cat) and sings with a Celtic band.

Author Links:

http://www.janinesouthard.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6935843.Janine_A_Southard

https://twitter.com/jani_s

Okay, giveaway details:

Open internationally

--3 x Signed copies of both books in the Hive Queen Saga

--1x ebook copies of both books in the Hive Queen Saga + an unrelated novella

So, Check out the book, and the giveaway. This was supposed to be up at 9 a.m (I'm a little late, sorry!) Anyway, just to make it clear, I love, love, loved this book, and will probably read it again.

                                                                      Thanks!

Movie review 15: The Fault In Our Stars!

Really, really amazing. I went to the, The Night Before Our Stars Movie premiere (you know, the event where there were live performances and interview)... Anyway, Ansel, Shailene, and Nat were all amazing! Shailene is awesome in every acting role she has been in, Divergent and TFIOS being my personal favs. I haven't finished the book yet(this weekend), but I loved the movie , I didn't cry this time but next I'm sure I will. My feels were going through a lot on the inside though! The actors did an amazing job of portraying the characters, and the director, producer, and John Green (author), did am amazing job (I think at least) of bringing the book to life. There is a little language in it, as in most movies now, and there is also, a extremely short for lack of a better term, "sex scene," don't worry mom and dad, it doesnt show anything. I cannot wait to see if the cast and crew all work together on another movie. I will totally see it if they do! Everyone seemed to have this, connection, you know what I mean right? Like they all just clicked and get along, like a big family. Anyway, not for younger kids, but this movie is very touching, and I do recommend it. Also look for the book, if you have not read it, and look for the book titled The Star Won't Go Out (or a title similar, can't think of it right now), about the girl who inspired John's story. Anyway, thanks for reading this and I hope that you keep coming back for more! Don't forget about my giveaway, details to come soon!

                                                          Thanks!

Movie Review 14: Godzilla

Yesterday (Monday May 26th, 2014), I saw two movies; X-Men:Days of Future Past (which I put up a review for), and Godzilla (which I didn't get a review up for yet), so here it is:
Now, I wasn't in awe of 'Godzilla,' however I wasn't utterly dissapointed either. I liked the way that they portrayed Godzilla. I do wish they would have had more of Godzilla in it and not as much of the Brody family's struggle (even though I don't mind it sometimes). Godzilla only made appearances throughout the movie, and only made a significant appearance starting halfway through the movie (then he keeps popping up). Ford Brody goes through a lot in this movie! Don't worry I'll spare you most of the details (no spoilers attached); I mean, come on! He is trying to get back to his family and he keeps getting caught up, if it's not one thing, it's another, all the while saving lives! Kudos to him! The special effects were awesome too! Most people have seen thin in one of the trailers so I'll put it in here, Godzilla's spine/spikes glow! Plus more... There was a lot in this movie, but it played out very organized, and at the end I was satisfied. This may not be one to see in theaters, but definitely check it out when it hits Netflix, Amazon instant video, Red-box or whatever you prefer to use when renting a movie. There were some funny moments in it too. Just little things, but I feel it made the movie better. Ok, so here is a small spoiler(sort of)...
Good job Godzilla! Don't worry it will all make sense when you see it. ;)

Anyway, thanks for reading this and look for some actual book reviews shortly.
               
                                                                       Thanks!

Movie Review 13: X-Men: Days of Future Past

So I really enjoyed this movie. Honestly I can't go much on the comic book to movie side of it because I haven't read the comic books, or know much of the back story (just through the movies). But, I thought it was really well done cinematic-ally(if that's how you spell that :). ). The graphics were really well done, and the story in my opinion was well written. There were several 'funny' moments in it, mainly including QuickSilver (the whole prison break). Anyway, I loved seeing some of the original cast members, and I loved seeing a more vulnerable side of Mystique.
I was hoping for an extreme, maybe even over the top, climax, but it was still really, really good. You really see the vulnerable sides of everyone from the 'past' and ' future'. I honestly can't pick it apart very well because, like I said, I don't know the original story, and know what changes were made, or what differences there were. I can safely say that I believe that almost everyone will enjoy the movie, those who have read the comics and are fans, or those who have only seen the movies (such as myself). When I watch movies I tend to look at the story line; how long it takes to get into the story and what details are there, if the story seems like it jumps around a lot, etc., and I don't think it really did that. It didn't seem like it took to long to get into the 'heart' (if that's the right word) of the story, they explained what was happening very quickly and very thoroughly. They had a great amount of detail and one of my favorite things in movies (and books), action in only a 2 hour movie and ordered it/ put it together really well. And everyone kind of finds who they are by the end. Or fixes things the made mistakes with (can't say more than that).
Anyway, I really liked it and am looking forward to the next movie X-Men: Apocalypse.
                                                                       
                                                                                Thanks!

Calling California by J.P. Grider Cover Reveal

So, I have this opportunity from Xpresso Reads (tours), to do a book cover reveal, the book is Calling California by J.P. Grider. Here is everything you might want to know...

BOOK & AUTHOR INFO:

Calling California by J.P. Grider
Publication date: June 2014
Genres: New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:

Cali Parker is poor. She has a lot on her plate – her father is dying, she’s working to help pay the rent, and she’s two-years behind in college.

Griffin Brooks is rich. He has not a care in the world – he’s acing his engineering courses, his hobby is restoring his fifty-thousand dollar classic car, and he has a different girl on his arm every week.

When Cali sees Griffin on her first day of class, she’s immediately smitten and thinks she’s found the perfect guy. When Griffin sees Cali at the bank, he immediately forgets the blonde he was with that morning. Then they meet, and their worlds collide.

Cali doesn’t belong in Griffin’s world, and he doesn’t understand hers. But just when Griffin convinces Cali that their two different worlds can blend, a secret is revealed that tears them apart.

Is their love strong enough to bring them back together, or will their worlds drift further apart?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22010375-calling-california

AUTHOR BIO:

J.P. Grider is a Young Adult and New Adult author. She is the author of six novels. Her young adult series The Honor Trilogy consists of A Touch of Honor, A Man of Honor, and A Heart of Honor, while her first two novels - Unplugged (A Portrait of a Rock Star) and Maybe This Life - are standalone adult contemporary novels. Her most recent release is the new adult romance Calling California, which is the first in her Hunter Hill University series. The next book in the series – Mending Mick – will be released in October, 2014. All the books in the Hunter Hill University series will be standalone books and can be read in any order.

You can follow J.P. on Facebook at J.P. Grider, Author, on Instagram and Twitter @JPGrider1, and on her blog at jpgrider.com.

Author links: 

http://www.jpgrider.com/

https://www.facebook.com/JPGrider

https://twitter.com/JPGRIDER1

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5321310.J_P_Grider

As soon as the book is available, then I will get them up.

And now , the moment you have been waiting for...

Like I said, more info too come!

Thanks!

Book Review 21: 'The One' by Kiera Cass

So, unfortunately I can't give you much without divulging a lot of spoilers so here is what I can give you. Out of all the books I have read (some I don't have reviews for...YET), I have only stayed up all night to finish three; 1: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins; 2: Insurgent (Book 2 in the Divergent trilogy) by Veronica Roth; And now 3: The One by Kiera Cass. Last night (I only received the book yesterday), I decided to read just the first chapter of The One, after that chapter I thought to myself, 'Well, maybe just one more chapter.' We all know how that ended, with a finished book and a girl who got less than two hours of sleep. I am usually partial to the first book a series, or trilogy, or duology, etc. But with this trilogy my favorite book is the last; The One. I cannot tell you enough how much I loved this book. There were a lot of things that I didn't expect and one that I sort of did. A friend who I got to read the first two books, guessed this one thing correctly. Anyway, I will tell you that everyone is somewhat happy at the end, although, there are sad and frustrating and worrisome moments, I loved this book. Kiera, if you happen to come across this post, I just want to say thank you for giving me, no, us, a look into America's world and the world of Illea (sorry the wrong e, :) ) Thank you for allowing us to go through things with her and cheer her on or yell in our bedrooms (or wherever you were reading these books) at things that happened. I loved the way you brought this story to an end, however I must ask, Why!? Also, can you please write more short stories for us to fill our need to know more about the characters we love(d)? Okay, sorry I'm off my little spiel, anyway, I don;t think anyone will be disappointed, however it definitely wasn't something I expected, and most likely not what you will expect too. There was a little more language that the other books, however it still wasn't anything severe, and it is a little more violent, the violence is a little more prevent and the story revolves around it more. I love the fact that the characters are human, they make mistakes and try to fix them, some the do, and some they don't just like in real life. Also, there is death and injury and bravery, and all sorts of acts of selflessness, but there is more, there is love and comfort, and just all sorts of feels! (Can you tell I am fangirling?) Anyway, I loved it and hope you will too, if you haven't started the trilogy you so should! The first book is called, The Selection. Here are the purchase links:
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-selection-kiera-cass/1106580335?ean=9780062059949
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Selection-Kiera-Cass/dp/0062059947/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399742212&sr=8-1&keywords=The+selection
And here is the Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10507293-the-selection?from_search=true

          I'm sorry I can't give you more, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone so this is all I can do.
The trilogy as a whole is amazing and a unique idea. I loved all the books, and cannot wait to see what Kiera has in store for her fans!                       Here is a picture of the trilogy:

Thanks!

I got 'The One' today! And, it is signed!

So, I pre-ordered 'The One' by Kiera Cass and received it today in the mail. I bought it from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ (Barnes and Noble's website). I pre-ordered it because they had three different hardcover copies, and I wanted to make sure I got one as soon as possible, The have a regualer edition: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-one-kiera-cass/1116996460?ean=9780062059994, a Barnes and Noble exclusive edition: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-one-kiera-cass/1116996460?ean=9780062340719, and a B&N exclusive signed edition: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-one-kiera-cass/1116996460?ean=9780062340719, which at the time I ordered mine were all the same price ($11.59 U.S), either exclusive edition has a poster of the 'The Selection' book cover and a bonus scene. I cannot tell you enough how excited I am to be able to finally have this book in my hands and be able to read it soon. So until I get it read here are the photos of my precious 'Selection' trilogy: