Videos

In case you're wondering where I've been... I've been on YouTube! Check out my channel here:


http://www.youtube.com/user/BooksInChains?feature=mhee


I have a few videos up now, so go check them out! feel free to support me by subscribing too!


-Amber

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Blood Promise

by Richelle Mead

series: Vampire Academy

April 2010
Penguin
Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Action


Why I read it: It's the 4th installment of the Vampire Academy Series.

Synopsis from Barnesandnoble[dot]com.

*******SPOILER FOR BOOKS 1, 2 & 3!!!***********

The recent Strigoi attack at St. Vladimir's Academy was the deadliest ever in the school's history, claiming the lives of Moroi students, teachers, and guardians alike. Even worse, the Strigoi took some of their victims with them . . . including Dimitri.

He'd rather die than be one of them, and now Rose must abandon her best friend, Lissa - the one she has sworn to protect no matter what - and keep the promise Dimitri begged her to make long ago. But with everything at stake, how can she possibly destroy the person she loves most?

*******SPOILER FOR BOOKS 1, 2 & 3!!!***********

So from book 3, we know that Rose has quit school to find Dimitri... And kill him. Lissa finally realizes what Dimitri means to Rose: more than just a mentor/teacher. This is a different turning point book. Book 2 was a turning point for Rose's personality. She calmed down after the aftermath of Mason. Book 3 was a turning point for the strigoi vs. moroi and dhampir races and Dimitri. Book 4 (this one) is a turning point for the story and the entire world.

Rose goes to Russia. She figures that's where he would go. Though I don't understand why it's so "obvious" he'd go there. His family is still where he grew up, in Siberia, but as strigoi, you don't think he'd go there to be with his family. I think he once said his mom would let him come back home for any reason, but I don't think that carries on over to him being strigoi.

Regardless, that's where Rose goes. Which leads to a whole different way of life. Not because she's American in Russia, but because she's a dhampir (with no guardian mark but a molnija -pronounced: molnia - mark that represents her killing lots of strigoi in a battle) where strigoi are roaming around through the human night life in major cities.

She meets a lot of new people, one of which is a new type of "species" that we didn't know before. Because Rose quit school before she was told :D. She keeps in touch with Lissa via their connection. Adrian visits her dreams a lot, trying to figure out where she is, she disconnects it when he gets too close to finding out.

Dimitri's in the story.... Richelle Mead did a really good job on him. It made me like Adrian even more than I did before. I don't want to give away anything. But since you know she's hunting him, that's the whole point of the book, it would be cruel and unusual punishment if Mrs Mead didn't have him in it. You really see more in to the psyche of the strigoi and their world. Things are drastically different than what they thought, while other stay the same. I wouldn't have been able to guess the things that Richelle gets in to.

Rose still does a lot of ass kicking. Beautiful ass kicking. The only kind she knows how to do ;p.

The ending of the book is soooo long and painful in so many ways (all good, I promise... and by "good" I mean in the writing.... I definitely am not referring to the way the story ends in this one. That would be rude). I don't know where I would rank this in the whole series, it's not the best, but the good thing about this series is that there isn't a worst. 

Anyway! Action packed, twists and turns, she keeps you on your feet, non-stoppable, etc. Great addition to the series. Richelle's writing is fabulous, as always.

Ratings: 
1.Cover: +1
2. Hooked: +1
3. Finished the book: +1
4. Overall Feeling: Pos +2
5. Re-Readability: +1
6. Suggest to others: +2
7. Lost time: Nope +18. Readability:+1

10 out of 10. A well deserved 10. love this series


****check out my YouTube review! And don't forget to subscribe!*****

Other's in series (in order):

Vampire Academy

Frostbite

Shadow Kiss

Blood Promise

Spirit Bound

Last Sacrifice

Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning

Beyond the Highland Mist

by Karen Marie Moning

March 1999
Random House
Historical/Time Travel Romance
Audio from Audible $20.97
Read by Phil Gigante


Why I read it: I wanted an audio book to listen to at work. The male reader (Phil Gigante) sold me on the audio.

Synopsis from Barnesandnoble[dot]com.


An alluring laird


He was known throughout the kingdom as Hawk, legendary predator of the battlefield and the boudoir. No woman could refuse his touch, but no woman ever stirred his heart - until a vengeful fairy tumbled Adrienne de Simone out of modern-day Seattle and into medieval Scotland. Captive in a century not her own, entirely too bold, too outspoken, she was an irresistible challenge to the sixteenth-century rogue. Coerced into a marriage with Hawk, Adrienne vowed to keep him at arm's length - but his sweet seduction played havoc with her resolve.

A prisoner in time

She had a perfect "no" on her perfect lips for the notorious laird, but Hawk swore she would whisper his name with desire, begging for the passion he longed to ignite within her. Not even the barriers of time and space would keep him from winning her love. Despite her uncertainty about following the promptings of her own passionate heart, Adrienne's reservations were no match for Hawk's determination to keep her by his side....

*************************************************************************************

Let me start this out by saying, "holy crap". Yep, that's how I wanted to start this! ;). I absolutely, 100% loved this book (love the whole series if I was disclosing everything). I think one of the reasons I love this so much is because I listened to the audio version. And Phil Gigante (who narrated) is PERFECT! I love it love it love it. I can never know what Mr. Gigante looks like because it will shatter the feeling I get from these books forever. Then I couldn't listen to them anymore (I listen to each of them at least once a month, in order).


I also would like to point out that this is a romance, so a big, strong, sexy, brooding highlander will get really... well not big, strong, sexy and brooding in one moment of the book. Which is a moment that I don't like because of it. He turns into a needy man. Not the usual big, strong, sexy and brooding needy, but an emo type dude. You'll understand when you read/listen (probably more listen since his voice inflection is done for you) that pivotal moment when the "s" starts hitting the fan. I don't mind what he does afterwards, because that makes sense and is what I would expect of that type of alpha character. I just felt really embarrassed for him during that one little part.


That's the only complaint I have about the book.


The cover gets a 1, because, well... there's a ripped chest and torso on it (duh!), and I'm a sucker for those kinds of books (not those kinds of men unfortunately. I like mine more slender, I don't want to feel like they can snap me in two. I know that's kinda the point with men like that, to feel like they could but know they never would... I just can't get into it, it seems too freaky. I will definitely love reading about them though!).


The beginning is pretty funny. The Scottish accent that Mr. Gigante has is really intoxicating. I envy his wife/gf/bf/husband (whatever), because I would do absolutely anything if my husband were to ask me to do it in a Scottish accent. Well, I'd probably do it anyway, but I would love doing it even more! :p. Hook for this book gets a great big 1! (Plus, the chick starts out in Seattle, so I'm totally in love with that immediately)


This book left me wanting to "read" the next, and the next, and the next. I listen to it over and over. I believe I listened to it 3 times in a row before I finally broke down and bought the second (it took even less time to buy the rest after I listened to that one). The writing is great, you really get the sense that they're in that century. That the man is really Scottish. I give it 1pt for Getting Through It and Re-Readability, 2 points for the Overall Feeling.


I suggest others to read this if you like Scotland, Highlanders, Tough guys who love really really well ;p, and if you like a little time travel. BUT! I ask only one thing, if you do decide to read this book, buy the audio. I know it's (a lot) more expensive than the book in any format, it's just such a different experience, and I've really begun to like male narrators more than I do females.


**sigh** I love this series. I love the alpha male take charge, do what I need to make other's thrive attitude/mentality/way of life.


I give this book a 10 out of 10. My one complaint about the part I felt embarrassed for him is really pale in consideration to the way the rest of the book makes me feel. It's funny though, at first I felt bad for Mr. Gigante for having to read dirty parts, then I was so thankful that he could get through them without giggling... or throwing the book at the wall and saying "this is really what women like to read?". Then I thought, wow, lucky wife/gf/bf/husband, he know's what women really like to read and in turn, he knows what women really like to have men do for them, to them, etc. Or really, just any human being wants to feel special, but now he has the tools to make it happen. 

Ratings:
1.Cover: +1
2. Hooked: +1
3. Finished the book: +1
4. Overall Feeling: Pos +2
5. Re-Readability: +1
6. Suggest to others: +2
7. Lost time: Nope +1
8. Readability:+1

Other's in series (in order):
Beyond the Highland Mist
To Tame A Highland Warrior
Highlander's Touch
Kiss of the Highlander
Dark Highlander
Immortal Highlander
Spell of the Highlander

100+ Reading Challenge [2011]

2011 100+ Reading Challenge

Message from MyOverstuffedbookshelf.blogspot.com

*This challenge is usually hosted over at J. Kaye's Book Blog, but I haven't heard anything from her about hosting it.

As of today, I have read and reviewed 278 books for 2010.  I have many more to post before the finish date of December 31, 2010.  I know that I will be able to finish this challenge next year, but I am challenging you to beat your 2010 record this year! Can you read over 100 books this year?

DETAILS:

1. The goal is to read 100 or more books. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate. Posting on GoodReads or wherever you post your reviews is good enough.

2. Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Manga, Graphic Novels, Library books, Novellas, Young Reader, Nonfiction – as long as the book has an ISBN or equivalent or can be purchased as such, the book counts.

What doesn't count: Individual short stories or individual books in the Bible.

3. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.

4. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2011. Books started before the 1st do not count. You can join at anytime.

6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to your post where your books will be listed. Include the URL to this post so that other viewers can find this fun challenge. If you’d prefer to put your list in the sidebar of your blog, please leave your viewers the link to the sign up page. Again, so viewers can join the challenge too.

This is the second time I had to do this because somehow it got replaced... uggggggggh.. so here we go:


1. Just a Hint Clint [Visitation Series #1] by Lori Foster
2. Jamie [Visitation Series] by Lori Foster
3. Pretty Little Liars [Pretty Little Liars #1] by Sara Shepard
4. Beyond the Highland Mist [Highlander Series #1] by Karen Marie Moning (review)
5. To Tame a Highland Warrior [Highlander Series #2] by Karen Marie Moning (review to come)
6. Highlander's Touch [Highlander Series #3] by Karen Marie Moning (review to come)
7. Kiss of the Highlander [Highlander Series #4] by Karen Marie Moning (review to come)
8. Dark Highlander[Highlander Series #5] by Karen Marie Moning (review to come). 
9. Immortal Highlander [Highlander Series #6] by Karen Marie Moning (review to come)
10. Spell of the Highlander [Highlander Series #7] by Karen Marie Moning (review to come)
11. Darkfever [Fever Series #1] by Karen Marie Moning
12. Prince Joe [Tall Dark and Dangerous Series #1] by Suzanne Brockmann (review)
13. Forever Blue [Tall Dark and Dangerous Series #2] by Suzanne Brockmann (review)
14. Frisco's Kid [Tall Dark and Dangerous Series #3] by Suzanne Brockmann (revew to come)
15. Everyday, Average Jones [Tall Dark and Dangerous Series #4] by Suzanne Brockmann (revew to come)
16. Harvard's Education [Tall Dark and Dangerous Series #5] by Suzanne Brockmann (revew to come)
17. Hawken's Heart [Tall Dark and Dangerous Series #6] by Suzanne Brockmann (revew to come)
18. The Admiral's Bride [Tall Dark and Dangerous Series #7] by Suzanne Brockmann (revew to come)
19. Identity: Unknown [Tall Dark and Dangerous Series #8] by Suzanne Brockmann (revew to come)
20. Get Lucky [Tall Dark and Dangerous Series #9] by Suzanne Brockmann (revew to come)
21. Taylor's Temptation [Tall Dark and Dangerous Series #10] by Suzanne Brockmann (revew to come)
22. Night Watch [Tall Dark and Dangerous Series #11] by Suzanne Brockmann (revew to come)
23. A Hunger Like No Other [Immortals After Dark Series #1] by Kresley Cole
24. No Rest for the Wicked [Immortals After Dark Series #2] by Kresley Cole
25. Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night [Immortals After Dark Series #3] by Kresley Cole
26. Dark Needs at Night's Edge [Immortals After Dark Series #4] by Kresley Cole
27. Dark Desires after Dusk [Immortals After Dark Series #5] by Kresley Cole
28. Kiss of a Demon King [Immortals After Dark Series #6] by Kresley Cole
29. Matched [Matched Trilogy #1] by Allie Condie
30. 
31. 
32. 
33. 
34. 
35. 
(I'll add more when I need to)

2011 Urban Fantasy Challenge

2011 Urban Fantasy Challenge

The Rules:

1. Create a post for the challenge using the image above and link back to this post.
--Non-Bloggers: You are welcome to join too. Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post.


2. Sign up with the Mr. Linky.
--Link to your challenge post when you sign up please.
[go to: Jamie's Bookshelf to post the link every month in the comments]

3. There are 4 levels:
-- Newbie ~ read 5 Urban Fantasy titles
-- Intermediate ~ read 15 Urban Fantasy titles
-- Moderate ~ read 25 Urban Fantasy titles
-- Professional ~ read 40 Urban Fantasy titles

**An "up the anty" Challenge**
-- Rockstar ~ Read 60 Urban Fantasy titles
-- AWESOME SAUCE ~ Read 80 Urban Fantasy Titles

The goal of this challenge is to try your chosen level of Urban Fantasy novels between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011. Books read before January 1, 2011 do NOT count towards the challenge.


4. Audio, eBooks, paper all count. Re-reads are ok but try to keep them to a minimum. Cross overs from other challenges are ok.


5. There is no need to create your list now. Please feel free to use your challenge post to keep track of your titles if you so desire.

If you are looking for idea's I found this list on Goodreads. It has close to 600 Urban Fantasy titles on it and it maybe a good place to start if this is a "new to you" genre.

I love Urban Fantasy, so I will try for: Professional (eeeek!)\


1. Beyond the Highland Mist [Highlander Series #1] by Karen Marie Moning (review)
2.To Tame a Highland Warrior [Highlander Series #2] by Karen Marie Moning (review to come)
3. Highlander's Touch [Highlander Series #3] by Karen Marie Moning (review to come)
4. Kiss of the Highlander [Highlander Series #4] by Karen Marie Moning (review to come)
5. Dark Highlander[Highlander Series #5] by Karen Marie Moning (review to come)
6. Immortal Highlander [Highlander Series #6] by Karen Marie Moning (review to come)
7. Spell of the Highlander [Highlander Series #7] by Karen Marie Moning (review to come)
8. Darkfever [Fever Series #1] by Karen Marie Moning
9. A Hunger Like No Other [Immortals After Dark Series #1] by Kresley Cole
10. No Rest for the Wicked [Immortals After Dark Series #2] by Kresley Cole
11. Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night [Immortals After Dark Series #3] by Kresley Cole
12. Dark Needs at Night's Edge [Immortals After Dark Series #4] by Kresley Cole
13. Dark Desires after Dusk [Immortals After Dark Series #5] by Kresley Cole
14. Kiss of a Demon King [Immortals After Dark Series #6] by Kresley Cole
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
(I'll add more when I need to)

2011 E-Book Reading Challenge

2011 E-Book Reading Challenge

Ladies and gentlemen! Start your engines e-readers!

This challenge is being hosted by Lady Bug Reads

Challenge Guidelines:
1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
--Non-bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are seven levels:
-- Curious – Read 3 e-books.
-- Fascinated – Read 6 e-books.
-- Addicted – Read 12 e-books.
-- Obsessed – Read 20 e-books.
-- Possessed – Read 50 e-books.
-- Fanatical – Read 75 e-books.
-- Monomaniacal – Read 100 e-books.

3. Any genre counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap-up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1, 2011 and lasts until December 31, 2011.

6. When you sign up under Mr. Linky, put the direct link to your post about the E-Book Reading Challenge. Include the URL so that other participants can join in and read your reviews and post. (click here to go sign up)


I'm going for Possessed!!!


My books:


1. When Bruce Met Cyn by Lori Foster (review to come) [I also have the mass market so I'm counting it for "Off the Shelf" challenge too!]
2. A Hunger Like No Other [Immortals after Dark Series #1] by Kresley Cole
3. No Rest for the Wicked [IAD #2] by Kresley Cole
4. Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night [IAD #3] by Kresley Cole
5. Dark Needs at Night's Edge [IAD #4] by Kresley Cole
6. Dark Desires after Dusk [IAD #5] by Kresley Cole
7. Kiss of a Demon King [IAD #6] by Kresley Cole
8. 
9. 
10. 
11. 
12. 
13. 
14. 
15. 
(I'll ad more when needed)

Strong Heroine Challenge

2011 Strong Heroine Reading Challenge

The Rules:

1. Create a post for the challenge using the image above and link back to this post.

--Non-Bloggers: You are welcome to join too. Post your list of books in the comment section of the wrap-up post.

2. Sign up with the Mr. Linky.
--Link to your challenge post when you sign up please.

3. The goal of this challenge is to read AT LEAST 12 novels that have "Strong Heroine's" between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011. Books read before January 1, 2011 do NOT count towards the challenge.

4. Audio, eBooks, paper all count. Re-reads are ok but try to keep them to a minimum. Cross overs from other challenges are ok.

5. There is no need to create your list now. Please feel free to use your challenge post to keep track of your titles if you so desire.


Here are a couple of lists that I found on Goodreads if you are looking for ideas: Strong Heroine Series, Best Heroine in a Fantasy Book, The Heroine Book Lists.

Click here for Book Junkie's original post.


I will post links to the 12 reviews below!
1. Playing With Fire by Gena Showalter (review to come) [re-read/listen]
2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
6. 
7.
8. 
9. 
10. 
11. 
12.