Favorites of 10'! And Giveaway!

To welcome the New Year and to honor the old one, I will be listing some of my favorite books of 2010.I had many favorites, but I tried to narrow the categories to a minimum of 2.Many books belonged into 2 categories but they each had to go into one only. All summaries from Goodreads.com. And I will also be giving away my ARC copy of MATCHED!

Most Anticipated(by me)Book Of 10':
Mockingjay By Suzanne Collins

Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy will keep young hearts pounding.

I waited for so long for this book, and when I read it it didn't disappoint! TEAM PEETA!



Favorite Fantasy Books:

Incarceron By Catherine Fisher

Incarceron -- a futuristic prison, sealed from view, where the descendants of the original prisoners live in a dark world torn by rivalry and savagery. It is a terrifying mix of high technology -- a living building which pervades the novel as an ever-watchful, ever-vengeful character, and a typical medieval torture chamber -- chains, great halls, dungeons.

A young prisoner, Finn, has haunting visions of an earlier life, and cannot believe he was born here and has always been here. In the outer world, Claudia, daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, is trapped in her own form of prison -- a futuristic world constructed beautifully to look like a past era, an imminent marriage she dreads. She knows nothing of Incarceron, except that it exists. But there comes a moment when Finn, inside Incarceron, and Claudia, outside, simultaneously find a device -- a crystal key, through which they can talk to each other. And so the plan for Finn's escape is born ...

Spy Glass (Glass # 3) By Maria V. Snyder

An undercover mission leads to danger, adventure and an impossible choice...

After siphoning her own blood magic in the showdown at Hubal, Opal Cowan has lost her powers. She can n
o longer create glass magic. More, she's immune to the effects of magic. Opal is an outsider looking in, spying through the glass on those with the powers she once had, powers that make a difference in the world.

Suddenly, the beautiful pieces she makes flash in the presence of magic. And then she discovers that someone has stolen some of her blood - and that finding it might let her regain her powers. Or know it could be they are lost forever..

Favorite Dystopian of 10':

MATCHED By Ally Condie(Debut Author)

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

LOVED LOVED IT! I would also add Deliruim into this list but it comes out in 11' . It is amazing! Don't believe me? Well, right now I can't write a review. So for now, please read this awesome review of Delituim by Lauren Oliver over at GReads! Read my review of MATCHED here.

Favorite Romance Novel:

The Sky Is Everywhere By Jandy Nelson

Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life—and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey's boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie's own. Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they're the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can't collide without the whole wide world exploding.
This remarkable debut is perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Francesca Lia Block. Just as much a celebration of love as it is a portrait of loss, Lennie's struggle to sort her own melody out of the noise around her is always honest, often hilarious, and ultimately unforgettable.

Favorite Book About Zombies:

The Dead Tossed Waves (The Forest Of Hands And Teeth #2) By Carrie Ryan

Gabry lives a quiet life. As safe a life as is possible in a town trapped between a forest and the ocean, in a world teeming with the dead, who constantly hunger for those still living. She’s content on her side of the Barrier, happy to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. But there are threats the Barrier cannot hold back. Threats like the secrets Gabry’s mother thought she left behind when she escaped from the Sisterhood and the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Like the cult of religious zealots who worship the dead. Like the stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry. And suddenly, everything is changing. One reckless moment, and half of Gabry’s generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry only knows one thing: she must face the forest of her mother’s past in order to save herself and the one she loves.

Favorite Book with Unicorns:

Rampant (Killer Unicorns #1) By Diana Peterfreund

Forget everything you ever knew about unicorns... Real unicorns are venomous, man-eating monsters with huge fangs and razor-sharp horns. Fortunately, they've been extinct for a hundred and fifty years. Or not. Astrid had always scoffed at her eccentric mother's stories about killer unicorns. But when one of the monsters attacks her boyfriend—thereby ruining any chance of him taking her to the prom—Astrid finds herself headed to Rome to train as a unicorn hunter at the ancient cloisters the hunters have used for centuries. However, at the cloisters all is not what it seems. Outside, the unicorns wait to attack. And within, Astrid faces other, unexpected threats: from the crumbling, bone-covered walls that vibrate with a terrible power to the hidden agendas of her fellow hunters to—perhaps most dangerously of all—her growing attraction to a handsome art student ... an attraction that could jeopardize everything.

Favorite Book about Zombies AND Unicorns:

Zombies Vs. Unicorns By Holly Black and all these other awesome authors.

It's a question as old as time itself: which is better, the zombie or the unicorn? In this anthology, edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier (unicorn and zombie, respectively), strong arguments are made for both sides in the form of short stories. Half of the stories portray the strengths—for good and evil—of unicorns and half show the good (and really, really bad-ass) side of zombies. Contributors include many bestselling teen authors, including Cassandra Clare, Libba Bray, Maureen Johnson, Meg Cabot, Scott Westerfeld, and Margo Lanagan. This anthology will have everyone asking: Team Zombie or Team Unicorn?

Favorite Books with Angels:

Heavenly (Heavenly #1) By Jennifer Laurens

I met someone who changed everything. Matthias. My autistic sister's guardian angel. Honest. Inspiring. Funny. Hot. And immortal. That was the problem. What could I do? I did what any other girl would do-I fell in love with him. Zoe's sister darts in front of cars. Her brother's a pothead. Her parents are so overwhelmed; they don't see Zoe lost in her broken life. Zoe escapes the only way she knows how: partying. Matthias, a guardian sent from Heaven, watches over Zoe's autistic sister. After Zoe is convinced he's legit, angel and lost girl come together in a love that changes destiny. But Heaven on Earth can't last forever.

Crescendo(Hush, Hush #2) By Becca Fitzpatrick

Nora Grey's life is still far from perfect. Surviving an attempt on her life wasn't pleasant, but atleast she got a guardian angel out of it: a mysterious, magnetic, gorgeous guardian angel. But, despite his role in her life, Patch has been acting anything but angelic. He's more elusive than ever and even worse, he's started spending time with Nora's arch-enemy, Marcie Millar.
Nora would have hardly noticed Scott Parnell, an old family friend who has moved back to town, if Path hadnt been acting so distant. Even with Scott's totally infuriating attitude Nora finds herself drawn to him - despite her lingering feeling that he's hiding something.
Haunted by images of her murdered father, and questioning whether her nephilim bloodline has anything to do with his death, Nora puts herself increasingly in dangerous situations as she desperatly searches for answers. But maybe some things are better left buried, because the truth could destroy everything - and everyone - she trusts.

Favorite Book With Wolves:

The Dark Divine(The Dark Divine #1) By Bree Despain

Grace Divine—daughter of the local pastor—always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared and her brother Jude came home covered in his own blood.

Now that Daniel's returned, Grace must choose between her growing attraction to him and her loyalty to her brother.

As Grace gets closer to Daniel, she learns the truth about that mysterious night and how to save the ones she loves, but it might cost her the one thing she cherishes most: her soul.

Favorite Cover of 10':

Nightshade(Nightshade #1) By Andrea Cremer(Debut Author)

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything— including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

The story is as beautiful as its cover! My review HERE.




Favorite Book Trailer:

Clockwork Angel By Cassandra Clare

So there you go! Some of my favorite books of 2010. I couldn't post all of them, then this list would be 5X as long, but here are some of the favorite books that have made this year unforgettable.

GIVEAWAY:

Okay I am giving away an ARC copy of MATCHED (even though it came out already). It is a little dog-eared here and there, but otherwise it is in perfect condition. I just wanted to give somebody a chance to start the 2011 year with one of 2010 best debuts. And it is a way of showing you guys how thankful I am for sticking with my through thick and thin! Thank you and have an Amazing 2011!

Rules:
-You must be a follower
-You must fill in the form HERE.
-If you want leave a FAVORITES OF 2010 list of your own on the comments section!
-Contest Ends--I'll Let you know! =D

THANKS! Lots of Love!

Friday Blog Hop (2)

To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

1. Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host { Parajunkee.com } and any one else you want to follow on the list
2. Follow our Featured Bloggers - not today.
3. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.
4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments
5. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can
6. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
7. If you want to show the link list, just follow the link below the entries and copy and paste it within your post!
8. If your new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

The question for this blog hop is: What are YOUR new years book blogging resolutions?

Okay long list:

1. Try not to get my laptop stolen (AGAIN)
2. Keep up with blog post and school grades. Because the parents say if I don't keep up with my grades, no Internet. Hence no more Bloggin! DUN DUN DUN!
3. Get more organized with posts and with the books I read.
4. Write more reviews and maybe get a journal for when I am reading to write some of my thoughts on the books.
5. Read more.
6. Participate in more blog memes, contests, giveaways ect.
7. Host giveaways.
8. Start interviewing authors.
9. Look for a partner in crime- I mean book blogger that would want to work on my blog with me. (Any takers?)
10. Maybe organize the blog itself a bit, make it easier for the followers to read and navigate through.
11. Go to more book signings because they are so fun and help with the fact that I go fangirl on all the authors I meet and almost faint!
    
12. HAVE AS MUCH FUN AS I HAVE BEEN HAVING AND MORE!

What are YOUR new year blogging/life resolutions?

Review: Matched By Allie Condie

MATCHED By Ally Condie
Publish Date: November 30, 2010
Publishers:Dutton Juvenile (Hardcover)
Age Recommendation: 12 and older, not much to look out for.
Cover Love: I loved this cover! It was simple but yet it called you attention. On my ARC copy it had this shiny cover and the letters had this cool texture that books have. Is the finished copy the same?
Summary from Goodreads:

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

Review:

The book starts with Cassia's --and her best friend Xander's--match banquet. It is where the beginning of the rest of their lives start. First they will be matched with the person they must spend the rest of their lives with and have children with them(as creepy as that sounds) when the time comes. As Cassia's name is called, the screen in which the match is revealed at is blank. That could only mean one thing: the match she was assigned to was right there in that room with her.
So yeah she gets matched with her best friend Xander, and she couldn't be more happier. But then after Xander's face is shown, it quickly disappears and another familiar face : Ky Markham's. A mysterious and quiet boy who has secrets of his own. And now Cassia is more confused than ever.

That is where the beginning of the whole dilemma starts. I love how the author uses a lot of detail and she focuses a lot on the little things. Like for example, every day or so, Cassia must put on a device that monitors her dreams, and If there is anything odd there, the Society knows. Kinda creepy but it's just to show how little privacy and freedom Cassia's world provides.
And the words exchanged between Ky and Cassia are so beautiful and it brought the characters to life . It made it hard not to fall in love with Ky .
I also found myself wanting to be Cassia's friend and the whole time I was cheering her on. She questions everything she believes in and fights for whats right! Girl power baby! She is a kick-you-know-what heroine and I cannot wait to read more about her!
If you like dystopian novels, then I highly recommend this one. READ IT, READ IT!
Ally even if you are not reading this, which would be so cool if you were, just letting you know that you just earned yourself another crazed fangirl! Thank you for writing such an amazing novel.

Though I gotta admit that t there is one thing that bothers me about this book, and that was that I also read The Giver by Lois Lowry, and I couldn't help but notice some similarities between them. Am I the only one? Just wanted to point that out, so I think it gets some minus points for originality but extra points for awesomeness! Be ready for a major cliffhanger at the end of the story. We all dislike cliffhangers but we gotta admit, secretly we all get more hyped up because of them.

My Rating(OUT OF 5):

What's Next?
CROSSED by Ally Condie
Publish Date: November 1, 2011-- ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?
Publishers: Dutton Juvenile

Thank you!

It's so nice to be back again!! I am so happy that I was able to get a new laptop and Internet access just in time for Christmas. And before I talk about anything else I would like to thank a couple of people for being patient with me when I couldn't respond to their e-mails and being there for me when I couldn't blog:

First, I would like to thank the lovely Andrea from Loud Words & Sounds for sending me encouraging e-mails and being patient with me. And also for this lovely blog design that she was kind enough to make for me. THANKS A MILLION!
Oh and I just found out that she has a new design blog, so if any of you guys like my design and would like to have a original design of you own visit her new site @ Musical Designs. She is an amazing web designer and an awesome person.
I would also like to apologize to her for not being able to participate in her blog's Thanksgiving giveaway! Sorry!

Also, many thanks to Ashley from Ashley's Bookshelf for being encouraging and telling me that God has better things for me in the future. Thanks Ashley!

And the ladies from the blog tours I participate in, for being so patient and letting me still be in their tours even though I still haven't posted up any reviews! Which I promise to post soon!

Holly from Good Golly Miss Holly ARC Tours and Cindy from The Princess Bookie and Around The World ARC tours. Many thanks to both of you!

And the rest of my blogger friends for e-mailing me and not forgetting me! Many thanks!
Also I want to thank all of the books and movies that accompanied me in my boring days without the Internet.

Last but not least, I would like to thank all of you guys! My awesome followers who surprisingly increased in numbers even though I did not post almost anything and I was AWOL for about a month. I love all 77 of you! And I promise I will make it all worthwhile.

So for now I will enjoy the holidays with my family and finish the ridiculous amount of homework I was assigned for holiday "break". Which isn't much of a break since they won't even let me breathe theses two weeks. And I hope all of you guys will have a great holiday.I am so overwhelmed at the amount of things I have to do. But I love doing them and I am so happy to be back. I hope I will be able to post something tomorrow or maybe later today!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Alex