Review of Fields of Elysium

Disclaimer: I received this ebook from a book blog tour to read to give it an honest opinion!



Fields of Elysium
Fields of Elysium #1
Author: A.B. Whelan
Pages: 436
Format: eBook
Published: December 12, 2012
Publisher: InMotion Captiol

Overview:
Small town girl, Molly Bennett, moves to Los Angeles where she becomes an outsider while attending Beverly Hills High School. It seems life cannot be any more dreadful. Then one day after school, something magical happens. On a secluded hike in the Hollywood Hills, Molly chases her disobedient mutt and only friend into a hidden cavern. She stumbles upon a strange glimmering gateway that transports her to Arkana, a planet that is the cradle of an advanced human race. There, teenagers navigate amazing flying vehicles, compete in perilous games for glory, and possess supernatural powers. While Molly tries to wrap her mind around this unbelievable discovery, she meets the alluring and mysterious Victor Sorren. He is a Sentinel Apprentice, whose hatred toward people from Earth is beyond understanding. Yet every time Victor unpredictably saves Molly's life, his heart draws closer to hers, no matter how much he tries to fight against it. It further complicates things that their growing friendship is strictly forbidden. Earth people are prohibited in Arkana, yet Molly continues to cross through the portal to Arkana to see Victor. Torn between their double lives, they go down a dangerous path, from where there is no return and multiple endings.

My Take
The cover is breathtaking! Sadly I had the ebook but I wish I had a paperback copy of this book. So pretty! The cover caught my eye and then I read the description of what the book was about as my brain told me to read it. So I did!

As I began this book, I was on an adventure with Molly as she goes hiking and finds a gateway that takes her to a new world! As she explores this new world, she meets some of the people that live there. Molly meets Victor and Weston. Weston is nice to her as Victor is not so nice and wants her gone. Molly likes them both but the attraction is stronger to Victor than Weston. Drama and action is shown throughout the book as well as emotions riding high here and there for some. Will sparks fly between Victor and Molly? You need to read to find out!

The world that Molly explores is amazing. The people, the history and creatures are just fascinating. The time on Arkana moves quicker than it does on Earth. Molly gets used to the time change and all. It's a magical and fascinating world. I would love to visit it with a nice tour guide. Since the technology was unique, I'm going to post a line from page 83 "As I mentioned it is a special crystal. It collects solar energy that is subjected to pressure within the crystal and our people utilize the power." I thought this was neat! In this world they seem to use the resources very well. There's a few other fun, clean technology aspects in this book that I enjoyed as well. It was very cool!

I think Molly grows a bit in this book. She learns to keep Arkana a secret from her parents and everyone else which is a tough thing to do. Molly also is the type of girl who stands up for what she believes in as you will see in this story. She treats everyone nicely and does not pass judgement either. I also thing Molly is a strong character. She deals with drama at high school and learns to deal with it as best as she can.

What about Victor? He goes through a change as well. He is the tough guy in the book as he then meets Molly something changes. He learns to open up and let go of hate. His story is told in this book as well. What you learn about Victor makes you want to root for him and Molly to be together. I love how Victor is protective of Molly at times but runs hot and cold with her too.

I look forward to book 2 when it comes! If you are looking for a new adventure to go on, then this book is for you! Check it out. You will gasp and squeal when you read it! I know I did. Thanks for AB Whelan for writing this book and I look forward to more!

Cover: A
Story: B

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Blog Tour: Field of Elysium

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Fields of Elysium by A.B. Whelan How can love mend a heart full of hate? Small town girl, Molly Bennett, moves to Los Angeles where she becomes an outsider while attending Beverly Hills High School. It seems life cannot be any more dreadful. Then one day after school, something magical happens. On a secluded hike in the Hollywood Hills, Molly chases her disobedient mutt and only friend into a hidden cavern. She stumbles upon a strange glimmering gateway that transports her to Arkana, a planet that is the cradle of an advanced human race. There, teenagers navigate amazing flying vehicles, compete in perilous games for glory, and possess supernatural powers. While Molly tries to wrap her mind around this unbelievable discovery, she meets the alluring and mysterious Victor Sorren. He is a Sentinel Apprentice, whose hatred toward people from Earth is beyond understanding. Yet every time Victor unpredictably saves Molly's life, his heart draws closer to hers, no matter how much he tries to fight against it. It further complicates things that their growing friendship is strictly forbidden. Earth people are prohibited in Arkana, yet Molly continues to cross through the portal to Arkana to see Victor. Torn between their double lives, they go down a dangerous path, from where there is no return and multiple endings. Fields of Elysium is a suspenseful, romantic tale full of forbidden secrets, unimaginable danger, deception, and the never-ending fight for true love.

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PRAISE "The novel's take on otherworldly travel is a compelling one, and the romantic plot will likely appeal to Twilight fans." - Kirkus Reviews "I expected a good love story with a paranormal twist. I got so much more. I think you should take the chance and read it. Let this book take you on the adventure, fall in love." - Young Adult and Teen Readers "Fields of Elysium is a fabulous read. ... Whelan paints her faith into the fabric of her story with deft, light brushstrokes, making her work accessible to all, no matter their spiritual beliefs or background." - Readers Favorite "I escaped into this fantasy world, author, A.B.Whelan, created and I didn’t want Molly to go. From detailed descriptions, to sweet romance, and to all the twist and turns in the story, it had me captivated from page one." - Mary Ting, author of the Crossroads Saga "Whelan's writing is very vivid and descriptive. It's more formal than the average YA novel, but I enjoyed the lyrical and mesmerizing quality to it. I thought the overall story read like a fairy tale--very sweet." - Megan Thomason, author of Daynight

Author A.B. Whelan A.B.Whelan is a Hungarian born, American writer. She currently lives with her husband and two children in Southern California. While growing up in a wealthy Eastern European family, she had a chance to travel Europe. Later as an adult, she visited Africa and the Middle East and lived in Ecuador and in Crete.

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  $25 Tour Giveaway Ends 5/15/13 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://www.iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tell Me Who Review

Disclaimer: I checked this book out from the library to read to give it an honest opinion!



Tell Me Who

Author: Jessica Wollman
Hardcover
Pages: 224
Published January 22, 2009
Dutton Juvenille


Want to know the name of your future spouse? Try tarot cards, Ouija boards, or . . . the Who-Meter! When Molly and her best friend, Tanna, discover an antique machine that reveals their future husbands, news spreads fast! Now every kid in their class is lining up for an appointment. Knowing the future is fun at fi rst, but when things get sticky, Molly wonders if the unknown is preferable to discovering too much too soon. This fast and fun novel is perfect for Valentine's Day and everyone who has ever wished for a glimpse into the future?

My Take
I saw this book at the library and figured to give it a go. It's geared towards tweens! The cover caught my attention while browsing about at the library.

Anyways, a girl named Molly is a 6th grader and her life isn't so great. Her father is remarrying to someone who she is not fond of at all. Molly tells her friend Tanna and they try to come up with a plan to stop her from marrying Molly's dad.

Somehow Molly and Tanna ends up finding a antique machine that reveals future partners in marriage! Tanna sees it as a way to make some money and let others know who they'd marry. Molly on the other hand does not really agree with Tanna's ideas but goes along with it for a bit. Then drama breaks loose. People change and think a bit differently. Molly seems to stay true to who she is!

This book was cute, fun and quick to read. There were some unexpected surprises in the book as well. I think this book was geared mostly towards friendship, drama, family and that communication is important! If this book was around when I was a tween I'd be reading it! So go to your local library or bookstore to see if this book is around!


Story: B
Cover:B

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Sarah Dessen Book Signing Event

Last night was a book signing event at Anderson's Bookstore in Naperville, IL for the author Sarah Dessen. I'm such a fan of her books! She writes so beautifully and tells such amazing stories! I got into my car and set up the GPS to go there. Well the lovely GPS took me the back roads which was fine and I did not come across any flooding! While I was on my drive, I saw some beautiful gorgeous huge houses on my way.

Once I hit the town Naperville, IL - downtown area - they had some amazing historic homes there! I just drooled at that. So I went down the street and found the bookstore. My next thing was to get a parking spot. I kept my eyes out and did not find anything close of yet. I circled liked a hawk twice and presto!! I found a spot. Of course I had to walk about half a block which was fine with me. People were out and about anyways. I spied a Starbucks and an Mac Apple Store as well. I took photos of those and sent them to my husband since he's a fan of those.

I entered the store and took my bearings for a moment. I then went up to the counter to get my books that I pre ordered and got my ticket number. There was a line and also had to wait a bit which was not bad. When I arrived it was around 7:15 pm or so. I could not get there in time although I did my best! They were on number #40 when I arrived and my number was #51. So after waiting for about 15-20 or so, I was next in line to go. A lovely mom there with her daughter told me the number since I could not hear it. Thanks to that mom! There were tons of people there..some were teens and some were not! It was a great experience!

Once in line, the person up there asked what name I would like in the book. Well I had two books! One is for me and the other is for my blog for a giveaway! So my book has my name in as the giveaway book just has Sarah Dessen's signature in it! So when it was my turn, I got there and had her sign the books, got a photo take with my iPhone and then thanked the author. I also gave Sarah Dessen some pendants that I made for her and her daughter. I hope she liked them!

After I got my books signed, I used the restrooms and took note of all the people that were there! It was awesome to see. Then I browsed around in the bookshop! I did not buy anything else but was very very tempted to!

Then I headed back to the car and thought I need to get gas. I checked with the lovely GPS and got gas and then headed back out. Well I took the expressway home and it began to snow! What the heck? Snow in April??? So I drove thinking if it was that bad I could stop at my mom's! So I drove and then all the sudden it stopped snowing. So I headed home. While driving I had to go onto ramp to get to another expressway, well luckily I saw this stupid truck driver who was on my left hand side cutting me off to get on the ramp! If I did not see him, I think there would have been an accident. I was pissed at the truck driver. After that I headed home nicely!

Here is a photograph of me with Sarah Dessen and then the book that I'm giving away! Thanks again to Sarah Dessen for coming out to Illinois battling the strange weather we had! I am also looking forward to her new book coming out June 2013 "The Moon and More!"

Boyfriend App Countdown

A New Want

I want to read this! Isn't the cover stunning??

1. Never trust anyone.
2. Remember they are always searching.
3. Don’t get involved.
4. Keep your head down.
5. Don’t fall in love.
Five simple rules. Ariane Tucker has followed them since the night she escaped from the genetics lab where she was created, the result of combining human and extraterrestrial DNA. Ariane’s survival—and that of her adoptive father—depends on her ability to blend in among the full-blooded humans in a small Wisconsin town, to hide in plain sight at her high school from those who seek to recover their lost (and expensive) “project.”

But when a cruel prank at school goes awry, it puts her in the path of Zane Bradshaw, the police chief’s son and someone who sees too much. Someone who really sees her. After years of trying to be invisible, Ariane finds the attention frightening—and utterly intoxicating. Suddenly, nothing is simple anymore, especially not the rules…

The Name of the Star Review

Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!




The Name of the Star
Shades of London #1

Author: Maureen Johnson
Paperback
Pages:400
Published: October 2, 2012
Publisher: Speak


Overview:
The day that Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London to start a new life at boarding school is also the day a series of brutal murders breaks out over the city, killings mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper spree of more than a century ago. Soon "Rippermania" takes hold of modern-day London, and the police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man police believe to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him--the only one who can see him. And now Rory has become his next target. In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of suspense, humor, and romance, Rory will learn the truth about the secret ghost police of London and discover her own shocking abilities.


My Take:
I finally got around to this book! The entire book was quite an interesting read. The way the images just flew off the page was very vivid and great. I could see and feel what was going on. The story kept on going at a great pace. It was interesting to get to know the characters a bit here! A few reasons I grabbed this book was it was a young adult paranormal, takes place in England, Jack the Ripper, and ghosts! Who could not resist those reasons?

The main character is Rory who goes off to school to London. It takes her a while to adjust to the school and roommate. Once all settled in, the The Ripper mania continues to explode. The Cops are on the lookout of what is going to happen next? Can they solve this mystery?

Rory thinks she saw something related to the "Ripper" mania and reports it to the cops. Somehow the cops who get involved with Rory are rather unique cops and the next you know Rory is thrown into the world of ghosts! This was a lot for her to take in. Will Rory be the next victim? Will Rory figure out who it is? What will happen?

There were a few lines in the book that I enjoyed such as: "You told him I had period fever" I replied. "There's no such thing as period fever." This made me laugh. I loved it!

Another line is: "Fear can't hurt you," she said. "When it washes over you, give it no power. It's a snake with no venom. Remember that. That knowledge can save you." This made me think of power. Knowledge is power!

Go ahead and pick up this read today! I will be getting book two soon! I need to see what happens to Rory!



Story: B
Cover: A


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