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Dreamland Book Blog


Follow Me Friday is a weekly blog hop hosted by parajunkee.com and Alison can read. Check out their website!


Q: It’s Thanksgiving Day in the U.S. so we want to know what you are Thankful for – blogging related of course! Who has helped you out along the way? What books are you thankful for reading?

I might not celebrate Thanksgiving but I am certainly thankful for everything that happened this year. Where should I start? I am grateful to my family and friends for supporting and encouraging me throughout the year, I never imagined myself standing on a stage performing after all these years, or even entering public speaking, but this year has been adventurous for me. Because of my friends and family, I have entered numerous competitions, I had camped in the forest and endured through 3 days 2 nights of grueling battle with nature (but it was worth the fun we had!), and thanks mum and dad and of course Jarod for all the laughs and fun we shared! 

I am also very grateful that I met so many good friends on Goodreads who not only helped me with my blog (which I had abandoned for quite some time) but also shared good books and laughs with me. Although we have not met, but you guys are such awesome friends! I couldn't imagine what would I do without you guys!

As for the books, I don't even know which one to start with! And I don't want to pick favourites because I love each and every book I've read for different reasons. But I would like to recommend several books that had touched me deeply and left me such a good memory. 

1. Masquerade by Cambria Hebert
2. Hushed by Kelley York
3. The Body Finder series by Kimberly Derting
4. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
5. Last Flight Out by Carroll Bryant 


I'll settle with 5, I don't think my fingers will agree with me listing down the other 100 books I've read.

Happy Thanksgiving!


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Friday, November 25, 2011 13 comments

Expected Publication : December 16th 2011


One of the best debut novel of the year!

Before, the prequel of Masquerade had already tied me up in knots, and Masquerade didn't disappoint! Reading Masquerade was a walk down the memory lane, it has been too long since I read a story dedicated to only werewolves and shifters, and I didn't realize how much I missed it until Masquerade. And to say, Masquerade took the term Shifters to a whole new level! I never even thought that it was possible, so I have to award a good 10 points on the creativity and originality of the story. Read Masquerade, and you will understand what I mean (I don't want to give away any spoilers because it will spoil the fun, I had quite a jaw dropping moment when I discovered what sort of 'animal' Sam was.)

The story gripped me from page one, and I do mean it literally. Don't ever forget the beautiful cover as well! It was one of the reason why I adore this book so dearly.

Synopsis:

Heven was scarred, and Sam blamed himself for being the one responsible to inflict such pain in her life. Because of that scar, Heven shunned herself thinking that she was imperfect. But when Sam entered her life, she slowly accepts the imperfections she has, and they fell in love with each other. Sam was always there, his love for her was constantly professed through words and actions, but Heven never said those words, eventhough the love she has for Sam was overwhelming. In this game of love, will their love survive the horrifying truth that Sam desperately tried to hide?  Or will a crazy mom, a dangerous stalker and a strange new world be the one that take them down?  (those were just the least of their problems.)

Having being attracted to Sam Before (and it only took me 19 pages), I was excited to read about a whole lot more of Sam in Masquerade, SAM WAS THE MAN! Sam has grown to be more than just a character in an amazing story, I was deeply compelled to reveal his secrets (like Heven) and it was a rush to do so (something I haven't felt in quite a while when reading a paranormal novel). In fact, Sam reminded me of Patch from Hush Hush, dark, mysterious, protective and capable of love. Every minute with Sam puts me on such high alert, maybe his intensity rubbed off on me too, the story was that vivid.

Another character I came to adore is Heven. Before, I never really get to know Heven besides Sam was infatuated with her, she has a vibrant, happy life and it all ended when she got the scar. But one of the best part of reading Masquerade was seeing Heven change, and what is the best way than reading it through her POV? Her character was such an interesting development I just can't bring myself to hate her. And come on, she has a devilishly sexy boyfriend, a bold best friend and an awesome Gran!

The entire story was blasts of different colours! From the subtle attraction between Sam and Heven, to them discovering their ferocious feelings, and having so many mishaps happening to them (including a party catastrophe and a nightmarish prom night), they kept me at the edge of my seat. But what awed me the most was the fighting scenes, it was so vivid it made the reading experience much more adrenaline junkie! And I was so glad that Heven was not this helpless protagonist, she actually does something to defend herself.
(Note: Read the car accident and barn part towards the end of the story)

Despite how much Heven and Sam had occupied my thoughts, the addition of other characters also made Masquerade much more 'glittery'. I am fond of Cole and Kimber, I couldn't imagine a book without them, and most of all, I am in love with the badass monsters in the book (without them there wouldn't be any climax won't it?), and she has a name, China! And the brief appearance of Logan at the end of the book was a cliffhanger to the story. I was right to expect great things from Masqeurade, now.....

I CAN'T FREAKING WAIT FOR THE SEQUEL!

Reviewed by,




Thursday, November 24, 2011 2 comments

Follow me Friday is a weekly blog hop hosted by Parajunkee and Alison can read. Check out their website! 



Q: Letter to Santa: Tell Santa what books you want for Christmas!



One more month to December and I am already coming up with my Christmas Wish list and leaving it on top of my dinner table hoping certain Santa ~coughs~ would pick it up! ~hint hint~  

Okay,what books do I want for Christmas? Wait, let me rephrase that, what books do I desperately want for Christmas? 

I could only think of a certain angel and a mortal human. I want Silence and Beautiful Chaos! How more exciting it could be to have Patch (hot angel) and Ethan (cute mortal) spending Christmas with you. Well I certainly couldn't think of any! Please Santa, grant my wish?? I'm trying so hard to be a good girl this year (and you know how hard it is not to prank my brother back). 




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Friday, November 18, 2011 14 comments
Before - Cambria Hebert
             

What if your life was charmed and everything in it was perfect… 
Before. 

This is the story of my past. Of what things were like for me when everything was normal. Of what every teenager’s life is like. Clothes. Parties. Boys and summer vacation. What’s so wrong with that? I liked it. I was happy. 

Until things changed. I changed. 

I didn’t know that lies and secrets were about to take over my existence. I didn’t know there was someone out there, someone meant just for me. I didn’t know that I was about to go on a journey, a journey that would lead me to the girl I am today. 
This is the beginning of the worst year of my life. Would I go back and change things? Erase everything that has happened to go back into these moments? 

Not a chance. 

This is a story of before.


It took me 19 pages to fall in love with this book, imagine what a hundred more would do? I could never ever imagined how 19 pages could have worked me up so much, I was screaming CLIFFHANGER like a maniac in the end, no kidding. 

I love how the story was written, 19 pages to introduce us to Mr.Harbouring-Dark-Secrets-And-Crushing-On-A-Girl Sam, and bubbly-I-don't-see-it-coming Heven (I just can't get over the fact that I am crushing on a guy who I've known only for 19 pages, that must be a new record for me, what can I say? I'm easily attracted to mysterious guys LOL) 

Truth to be told, I never expected such a short story to be capable of being so adrenaline junkie and dark, but it exceeded my expectations, and so I would describe this book into two words. 

Fast and Furious!

I can't wait for what the next book, Masquerade has in store for us, Fast & Furious 2? 

Before did a great job for reminding me the joy of getting pumped up for the next book. 

Reviewed by,

Thursday, November 17, 2011 4 comments
The Sweetest Sin: Legacies of Talimura: War of the Witch GIVEAWAY!!!...:

Go to this link to enter for the giveaway.
http://emilija-thesweetestsin.blogspot.com/2011_11_01_archive.html





Synopsis:

"Debonair, a witch from the Unspoken Lands, has meddled in the forbidden practice of magic and created an army of nightmarish proportions. When sixteen-year-old Astanyx and his two best friends return from a hunting trip to find their small town of Polca reduced to smoke and ash, they find themselves thrust into a battle for which they haven't been trained.

With the help of his comrades, including an esteemed warrior, one of the last great wizards and a princess they've sworn to protect, Astanyx must fight to unite the kingdoms of the humans, dwarves and elves. He must ask forbidden questions that no one wants to answer, questions about Talimura's dark history. As Debonair's brutal warriors lay siege to the kingdoms, Astanyx is driven to pursue a fateful quest for a blade powerful enough to defeat the malevolent witch before she destroys the three kingdoms and unleashes and unspeakable ancient evil. "

Review:

The synopsis pretty much tells you everything you need to know plot-wise, so I don't think I need to go on and talk about what happens in the story.

Let's start at the beginning. From the very first page I was thrown right into the world of Talimura. Into the battle. There were no slow long intros, there were no info dumps - nothing of the sort that would piss me off personally. Everything was fast paced, straight forward and straight to the point, which is exactly what I'm looking for in a book. The author didn't treat me - the reader - as if I'm stupid. There were no excessive descriptions or anything like that because everything was vivid enough without it. I was able to picture everything in my head perfectly without having to read pages and pages of descriptions on how gruesome the deaths are in the battle - or worse, how perfectly beautiful Luccia is, or how absolutely hot Astanyx is. In fact, I don't think it was ever mentioned, Astanyx's looks I mean.

All of the characters were intelligent. Even if it was not said, you could clearly tell that they are not stupid - they're just in denial. It was so refreshing to read when everyone had at least a little bit of common sense and logic. There were no cliches, and everything that needed to be said was said. You know when you read a book and, let's say there is a meeting, and no one is doing anything about the oncoming battle, you'd think "Why the fuck is no one saying anything? They're wasting time! Why isn't anyone doing anything about it?" well in this book everything was done right. Astanyx - no matter what kind of peasant he is - he always stood up to the kings and people in charge of him in order to do what needs to be done.

The story is written in third person. Even though the majority of the story you followed Astanyx, you also get to follow the plan of Debonair (WIN!). Debonair is the villain in the story and... my, my, reading from the villains POV (sort of) was like chocolate to me (for those who don't know, I practically live on chocolate). I mean you never get to read from the villains POV. Never. It makes me want to go all fangirl and squeal in glee because that's how much I liked it.

To be honest, books with witches don't really interest me all that much - they always sound boring, but in this story everything seemed right. There was a witch, demons, dragons, goblins, dwarfs, humans and elves! How can anybody not like elves? As well as birdmen (aka Skywarriors), bears, wolfs, orcs, Dragon Knights, hellfangs, ogres, gnomes, hellhounds and the undead. Oh wow. when I listed them all now, it seems like a lot, but in the book it didn't feel like it when I was reading it.

The ending was something I expected, but didn't want to happen. I mean it was a win and a loss at the same time. Oh! Oh! And the fact that there were hints of romance in the book between Astanyx and Luccia but it didn't actually happen until the end was - WIN!!!

And look at that stunning cover!

Major thanks to the author for letting me review that book.

Giveaway:

This is my very first giveaway and to get the book all you have to do is post a comment here saying why the synopsis interest you, and leave your e-mail address. One copy will be given away and I'll choose the winner on the 14th of November. Good luck!
Thursday, November 10, 2011 1 comments
Hushed - Kelley York
         

He’s saved her. He’s loved her. He’s killed for her. 

Eighteen-year-old Archer couldn’t protect his best friend, Vivian, from what happened when they were kids, so he’s never stopped trying to protect her from everything else. It doesn’t matter that Vivian only uses him when hopping from one toxic relationship to another—Archer is always there, waiting to be noticed. 

Then along comes Evan, the only person who’s ever cared about Archer without a single string attached. The harder he falls for Evan, the more Archer sees Vivian for the manipulative hot-mess she really is. 

But Viv has her hooks in deep, and when she finds out about the murders Archer’s committed and his relationship with Evan, she threatens to turn him in if she doesn’t get what she wants… And what she wants is Evan’s death, and for Archer to forfeit his last chance at redemption.

Playlist: The Third Temptation of Paris by Alesana

I have lost my ability to write a formal review, so I'll start by saying whatever that I am feeling now (Note: I am typing this review at 3.47am, immediately after I finished the book)

Maybe it was the song that made my reading experience intensify. To be honest, this is my very first book about unhealthy obsession, mental issues, homosexual relationships and serial killing. And how did I responded? BEST THRILLER EVER READ.

I don't read much of thriller, often I would opt for paranormal romance or chick-lits, but I will be adding thriller to my pile of TBR list because of this book. It was an intense read, although I was hooked on the story from the first page, I was a bit sceptical at first because Archer was a bit too depressing for my liking. Besides the fact that he harboured this secret 'obsession' towards Vivian, the girl he loved, he had been trying to protect her by killing her demons. Not that I have any problem with it, I just thought he should have something better to do with his life.

In the first few chapters, everything about Archer centered around Vivian, which was an unhealthy obsession, and I was rather bothered. But not until when Evan entered his life and Archer started to fall for him. Evan's presence in Archer's life was significant, Evan was the one who became the muscles to his bones, I have to say, although I don't oppose homosexuality (in fact I respect them) it was sort of weird to read about it for the first time.(just like incest, but surprisingly I find myself drawn to that as well) But as I progressed through the story, Evan and Archer's relationship surpassed any other couples I've read about. Maybe it was because it was something new, or perhaps it was simply just because there was such an understanding and love between them. Evan is the kind of guy who I could completely trust and rely, who could be the one who keep me rooted, and Evan was Archer's anchor.

I loved the way Kelley narrated the story, not only did she create characters that had affected readers big time, she managed to keep me at the edge of my seat, biting on my own fist, urging myself to read faster and figthing back tears. Yeah, I was always nervous to read about how the story unfold, who was killed, who was not, who will be next? And it always fascinated me to explore deeper into Evan and Archer's relationship, I swear I was swooning every time they got together. But one of the best parts of the book, is when I read about Archer's journey of freeing himself, by freeing Vivian. It was twisted, it was intense, Archer was constantly fighting with his inner demons, it was hard to describe but those parts were the ones that broke me down. I hated Vivian, but I couldn't bring myself to loathe her, she seemed to be really nice at first, but she was the real demon that Archer had to get rid off. I remembered thinking 'GET SOME HELP!' whenever I read about Vivian.

Family, romance, murder, it's the perfect package! I was reluctant to stop reading and begging for more. I was glad that I got an ARC.

Archer is really a good man, I felt for him for what he had been through and how shitty his life was. I cried a lot in this book. ~took another tissue~ 

After a lot of typing, all I wanted to say is

KELLEY YORK YOU ARE AMAZING! You wrote one of the most amazing coming of age story that I had ever read and introduced me to a whole new genre! Bringing issues of family and society and took it up another notch. Great Job!

I LOVE THIS BOOK AND WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT TO THRILLER SEEKING YOUNG ADULTS. 

Reviewed by,


Saturday, November 05, 2011 3 comments
CloveTWO - My Pet & I Voting Gallery

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Friday, November 04, 2011 No comments

              


Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes that the dead leave behind in the world... and the imprints that attach to their killers. 

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find the dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him. 

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer... and becoming his prey herself.

The concept of a body finder is extremely unique. Since she was young, Violet has been able to sense echos (a certain aura given out by restless bodies) and to her dismay, she would be continually drawn to these callings until their bodies were finally laid to rest. She might be awkward, but she has Jay, her inseparable best friend who seemed to understand her completely and always followed her around on 'hunting-the-dead-animals' adventures. Violet also has her family, who understood that she inherited her 'gifts' from her grandmother and would go to the extreme to protect her emotionally and physically.  

I was hooked from page one, and was very much reluctant to extricate myself from the story I was so engrossed in. Having watched The Walking Dead rerun on TV a few hours before, reading The Body Finder sort of creep me out. It was one of the books that managed to raise my goose bumps! (Which I gave extra points for that)

All I have to say is this book has an impressive 'scare' factor, swoon-worthy romance and awesome plot. I love the way the story was narrated in two different points of view, one from the Violet's POV and the other from the murderer's POV, this made the story even more exciting! 

And being a teenager, a book will not be complete without romance. Best friend turn boyfriend? What else could compare? Jay and Violet shared a deep bond, and it was very romantic to read about how Jay took care of Violet. 

Pick up this book. You will not regret!

Reviewed by,

Friday, November 04, 2011 2 comments






Their friendship doesn't stand a chance. Their love will never die. Kavita Davidson and Lily McCourtney test the limits of society's tolerance with a forbidden romance shunned by the mainstream while breaking all the rules. With his career on the rise, Kavita risks everything to be with her. With a bleak future before her, Lily seeks desperately for someone to believe in. Together, they dare to try and defy the odds - leaving the rest of us to ask, is Kavita the monster the world tells him he is? Or is he the hero Lily has been praying for? And when it all comes crashing down, can either of them survive the aftermath? True love does exist!

Kavita and Lily was in love, but their love was not approved by the society, call it forbidden, call it pedophilic, to me age is just a number, and love certainly knows no boundaries. 

Why is it that the society is in acceptance of a relationship between 16 year old teenage girls and centenarian vampires? Wherelse a relationship between a teacher and a student is strictly forbidden, and once again, quote: pedophilic? How much different could a 16 year old think compare to an 18 year old? They still tend to make the same mistakes, make the same judgments. Thus rounding up to my previous statement, AGE is just a NUMBER, and LOVE has no RULES. 

Kavita Davidson was Lily's art teacher. Him being 28 and she just a minor, they knew the consequences of their actions, while denial was a bliss, it eventually wore them out. Kavita was still haunted by his past, and Lily was living in hell, as fate brought them together, they saved each other. Kavita found happiness in Lily's innocence, Lily found solace in Kavita's protective arms. 

Honestly, I was completely absorbed by the story, from the first time I heard of Kavita's name (which was unique and uncommon) I knew that I was hooked. I really loved the way the story was narrated, from the 'awkward first meeting' between Mary Stewart and Kavita (I have to admit, they were so awkward I laughed at their flirtations) to the intense moment both Kavita and Lily shared, it couldn't have been told more perfectly, although, I was unsatisfied with some parts and thought it could be elaborated. But all is good! And it was narrated through 'the eyes of arts', which I have to say, is something I've been wanting to read about for a long time.

Nevertheless, it was a quick and emotional read. I enjoyed the carefree chapters and felt tears brimming as I uncovered the climax. I could not get over the fact how noble Kavita was! He took the Last Flight Out in order to save Lily from having to suffer, knowing that she had suffer enough from her experience in her hell-like household. (Don't you just want to get a Kavita for yourself??) Though I did not want it to end like this, that would sort of be conflicting to the title now won't it? :P

Also, I love reading about the bonding between Nick and Kavita, it was very well narrated. I for one am glad for that, because to me, a good book will not be complete without the 'essence' of friendship. To prove my point, they did not need to verbalize their points, they finish each other's thoughts!  

I definitely enjoyed this book (and still thinking about it as I lay in bed), it brought up a lot of questions in my mind and made me reflect on today's society. I had quotes from the book flashing in my brain and wonders how Carroll could come up with such philosophies. One thing for sure, I felt very much enlightened. (I love it when books make me feel that way!)

This is the perfect romance/coming of age story and I would recommend this to anyone! 

Random coincidence: Famous Last Words happens to be one of my favourite songs!

Reviewed by,
Thursday, November 03, 2011 No comments
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Hi! I'm Natasha! A twenty-something-year-old who has way too many hobbies and passions for her own good. I'm recently into drawing (hence, artmateur), binging shows on Netflix, reading romance novels and stalking Pinterest board for my next project.

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      • Follow Me Friday #2
      • Masquerade (Heven and Hell #1) - Cambria Hebert
      • Follow Me Friday #1
      • Before (Heaven and Hell 0.5) by Cambria Hebert
      • The Sweetest Sin: Legacies of Talimura: War of the...
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Natshane's bookshelf: read

Booty Camp Dating Service
it was amazing
Booty Camp Dating Service
by Debra Anastasia
Finding Dandelion
really liked it
Finding Dandelion
by Lex Martin
Saven Disclosure
really liked it
Saven Disclosure
by Siobhan Davis
Dearest Clementine
really liked it
Dearest Clementine
by Lex Martin
Killer Potential
really liked it
Killer Potential
by Aften Brook Szymanski

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