August 28, 2013

Waiting On Wednesday


Sooooo....what book are we waiting on here at RFYF? A suspenseful thriller, of course!!


Six Months Later
by Natalie Richards
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date: 1 October 2013

Chloe didn't think about it much when she nodded off in study hall on that sleepy summer day. But when she wakes up, snow is on the ground and she can't remember the last six months of her life. Before, she'd been a mediocre student. Now, she's on track for valedictorian and being recruited by Ivy League schools. Before, she never had a chance with super jock Blake. Now he's her boyfriend. Before, she and Maggie were inseparable. Now her best friend won't speak to her.


What happened to her? 

And why can't she remember?

(Goodreads Summary)


August 26, 2013

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?




This is a fun meme that allows other bloggers 
to get an idea of what everyone else is reading 
and perhaps help to find our next must-read:)

____________________

Lora is reading The Girl Next Door by Selene Castrovilla

Cindi is reading Hope's Decree (Fated, #1) by Angela McPherson

Stay Tuned for our reviews of these excellent books. And let us know what YOU'RE reading!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

August 24, 2013

Author Interview & Giveaway: Angela McPherson author of Hopes Decree


Today with have with us a new indie author Angela Mcpherson. Her book is now available on Amazon for $2.99! Angela Weclome!

1. How did you come up with the concept for this book?
I wanted to write about something I hadn't read about. Like Trinity, I knew the generic story of Pandora's Box. I researched different sites and came up with my story line.

2.How did you come up with the names for the characters? I looked up Melia and Morpheus's name, wanting to keep some sort of Greek mythology intact. Melia is a nymph and the daughter of Oceanus, which is explained in the book. Morpheus was the God of dreams. Blain name came from one of my favorite movies, Pretty and Pink, but his last name, Heros, actually means hero. Trinity, her name was Alison in the beginning. I changed it to fit an explanation, but ended up taking that explanation out after editing. Crystal is the name of one of my best friends. Keri's name just popped into my head. I've always like the name Trevor, so I went with it. 
3.How much are you and the characters alike?
I think I'm similar to all my characters, even Melia...so watch out. LOL

4.Do you read a lot and what are you reading now?
I try to read all the time. I'm reading Warrior by Joanne Wadsworth right now.

5. What made you decide to go Young adult?
I love YA! Everything from a first kiss to a first love, all of it is exciting and new, and I wanted to create all those firsts, too.

6. How did the cover come about?
Jen Wylie suggested having the cover resemble one of Trinity's dreams, and she is brilliant because it's awesome. We looked (Sean and Jen more than me) through tons of pictures until we found the perfect fit. As soon as the picture of the girl was found, Sean Hayden worked his magic and created the beautiful cover. 

7. So what is your next project and when is it due out?
I'm just now working on the second book to Hope's Decree. My plan is to have everything completed by the end of this year. 

8. Do you have a daytime job or are you a full time writer?
I'd love to be a full-time writer, but I work. In the daytime, I work as a pediatric nurse, along with taking care of my three turkeys (kids). I'm only able to write when I get home...actually when they are getting ready for bed

9. How did you get into writing novels and were you worried about peoples reactions to your books?
Yes, I worry all the time I might disappoint a reader. 

10. One last thing do you collect anything personally?
No, I don't collect anything but laundry from my kids, which seems to be never ending. 
 
Places to find the Author:
 
Places to find the book:

August 22, 2013

Review: The space between trees by Katie Williams

Summary-
Not your everyday coming-of-age novel
This story was supposed to be about Eviehow she hasn't made a friend in years, how she tends to stretch the truth (especially about her so-called relationship with college drop-out Jonah Luks), and how she finally comes into her own once she learns to just be herselfbut it isn't. Because when her classmate Elizabeth "Zabet" McCabe's murdered body is found in the woods, everything changesand Evie's life is never the same again.
 
Review-
I'm new to Read for your future.I was given this book, A Space Between Trees to read and review,the cover is gorgeous,and the synopsis is very interesting. It started a little slow,but the character Evie,and her friend Hadley are an odd match ,and make the book worth reading. Set as a death in high school this murder mystery has twist and turns you don't see coming. I really enjoyed how the characters set in modern times go through all the things we do,,shyness,feeling out of place not accepted,and thrown into an investigation. Evie is awkward and a little like all of us,i enjoyed this book alot and recommend it to everyone, you wont know the who dunnit until the last pages,,oh yeah and of course there is Jonah luks the older ,handsome love interest of Evies,,good read,,I hope i did this book justice, looking forward to more from this author.
 
Publisher-Chronicle Books
Reviewer Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by~Danella
Thank you to the publisher for the donation of this book to the Read for your Future book program in exchange of a honest review!

August 21, 2013

Waiting On Wednesday


Sooooo....what book are we waiting on here at RFYF? A post-apocalyptic story (my fave genre!), of course!!



Deception (Defiance #2)
by C.J. Redwine
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Release Date: 27 August 2013


Baalboden has been ravaged. The brutal Commander's whereabouts are unknown. And Rachel, grief stricken over her father's death, needs Logan more than ever. With their ragged group of survivors struggling to forge a future, it's up to Logan to become the leader they need—with Rachel by his side. Under constant threat from rival Carrington's army, who is after the device that controls the Cursed One, the group decides to abandon the ruins of their home and take their chances in the Wasteland.



But soon their problems intensify tenfold: someone—possibly inside their ranks—is sabotaging the survivors, picking them off one by one. The chaos and uncertainty of each day puts unbearable strain on Rachel and Logan, and it isn't long before they feel their love splintering. Even worse, as it becomes clear that the Commander will stop at nothing to destroy them, the band of survivors begins to question whether the price of freedom may be too great—and whether, hunted by their enemies and the murderous traitor in their midst, they can make it out of the Wasteland alive.

In this daring sequel to Defiance, with the world they once loved forever destroyed, Rachel and Logan must decide between a life on the run and standing their ground to fight.

August 17, 2013

Review: A Fractured Light (A Beautiful Dark #2) by Jocelyn Davies

Summary-
When she wakes up in unfamiliar surroundings, Skye knows something terrible has happened to her. It's not until she hears Asher, the dark, rebellious angel she fell in love with, that the memories come flooding back. She tries to put the past behind her, but she knows she'll be forever haunted by the ruthless betrayal that almost took her life.
Skye returns home, but with the knowledge of who she really is, nothing can ever be the same. As she tests the limits of her newfound powers, Skye discovers that she's capable of far more than anyone could have imagined. Both the Order and the Rebellion want her for their side as war between the factions looms. She can't forget the terrifying truth she now knows about the Order, but something holds her back from embracing the Rebellion.
A Fractured Light picks up right after A Beautiful Dark's shocking cliffhanger ending and is perfect for fans of Lauren Kate's Fallen and Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush saga.
 
Review-
This is a very fitting sequel to the first book. It picks up exactly where A Beautiful Dark leaves off. The storyline is a great continuation to the first. Many different elements bring this fantasy all together. The author writes with a good balance of light & dark, love & loss, chaos & harmony with some sacrifice mixed in. A top notch angel story. The main character has a way of trying to control all these elements and more. She learns to embrace her unique power and becomes the key to winning the war. Learning to trust yourself and your judgement is one of the hardest lessons to learn. If you like angel stories with a twist, then I'm sure you'll enjoy this book...Happy Readiny :)!!!
 
Publisher- Harperteen
Reviewer Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by~Mechele
Thank you to the publisher for the donation of this book to the Read for your Future book program in exchange for a honest review!

Review: Hereafter (Hereafter #1) by Tara Hudson

Summary-
Can there truly be love after death?
Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she's dead. With no recollection of her past life—or her actual death—she's trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to live. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection, she helps him survive.
Amelia and Joshua grow ever closer as they begin to uncover the strange circumstances of her death and the secrets of the dark river that held her captive for so long. But even while they struggle to keep their bond hidden from the living world, a frightening spirit named Eli is doing everything in his power to destroy their newfound happiness and drag Amelia back into the ghost world . . . forever.
Thrilling and evocative, with moments of pure pleasure, Hereafter is a sensation you won't want to miss.
 
Review-
 A powerfully mysterious paranormal fantasy! I'm happy to have had the pleasure of reading this book. I was very impressed with the style of writing. The storyline is haunting and exciting without any slow spots or dead zones. It kept my complete attention the entire time. The main character has her work cut out for her trying to figure out what is going on. She is a sad confusing creature at the beginning of the story. By the time you get to the end she is a totally changed girl. Frighteningly powerful and absolutely in love. This is definitely a thrilling way to start a trilogy. One of my new favorite trilogies! Very highly recommended! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did...Happy Reading :)!!!
 
Publisher- Harperteen
Reviewer Rating: 5 STARS!!!
Reviewed by~Mechele
Thank you to the Publisher for the donation of this book to the Read for your Future book program in exchange of a honest review!

August 16, 2013

Review: Fated (The Soul Seekers #1) by Alyson Noel

Summary-
Until now, he's existed only in her dreams -
but fate is about to bring them together.
I shove through the crowd, knocking into girls and bouncing off boys, until one in particular catches me, steadies me.
I feel so secure, so at home in his arms.
I melt against his chest-lift my gaze to meet his. Gasping when I stare into a pair of icy blue eyes banded by brilliant flecks of gold that shine like kaleidoscopes, reflecting my image thousands of times.
The boy from my dream.
The one who died in my arms.
Strange things are happening to Daire Santos. Crows mock her, glowing people stalk her, time stops without warning, and a beautiful boy with unearthly blue eyes haunts all her dreams. Fearing for her daughter’s sanity, Daire’s mother sends her to live with the grandmother she’s never met. A woman who recognizes the visions for what they truly are—the call to her destiny as a Soul Seeker—one who can navigate the worlds between the living and dead.
There on the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico, Daire sets out to harness her mystical powers. But it’s when she meets Dace, the boy from her dreams, that her whole world is shaken to its core. Now Daire is forced to discover if Dace is the one guy she's meant to be with...or if he’s allied with the enemy she's destined to destroy.
 
Review-
Once again, Alyson Noel has really WOWed me with her work. This is a wonderfully brilliant start to a new series. The storyline is strongly interconnected with several events happening all at the same time. With the intense writting style you never get lost or confused with what's really happening. The details of the people and places are amazing. When I picked up this book, I feel into that world and everything around me just feel away. I love the characters with all their mystic powers and beliefs. Fighting against evil forces is a full time job. One that the main character takes on with the help of her friends and family. Our herione has to try and fill some pretty big shoes. In the end she not only steps into her role fully but she gives it her best shot. As always evil is never conquered just diminished and weakened. They all live to fight another day. I am anxiously waiting for the continuation of this awsome journey! Highly recommened.... Happy Reading :)!!!
 
Publisher-St. Martin's Griffin
Reviewers Rating: 5 STARS!!!
Read by~Mechele
Thank you to the publisher for the donation of this book to the Read for your Future book program in exchange for a honest review!

August 14, 2013

Guest Blogger: Reading For Pleasure: Is it Really Able to get you a Better Job Later in Life? by Lisa Palatino

Reading For Pleasure: Is it Really Able to get you a Better Job Later in Life? by Lisa Palatino
 
 Reading For Pleasure: Is it Really Able to get you a Better Job Later in Life?
Sociological studies looking into teenagers who read for pleasure, have recently come to the conclusion that teens who choose to read in their free time, are much more likely to attain a desirable job later in life. It has been suggested that reading holds a huge array of benefits for teenagers, and though it may not be the sole reason that children go on to University and good careers, it definitely has many influences for gaining a successful job. Therefore, reading as a teenager acts as actually reading for your future. All young children are encouraged to read, from being read bedtime stories to elementary schools inviting children to challenge their reading abilities. At some point however, much interest in reading is lost, so maintaining that interest and realizing reading’s benefits is essential. 
What do you Actually Learn From Reading?
There are so many skills that you gain from reading for pleasure that will transfer with any career you decide on. It turns out that most importantly, reading can quite simply make you smarter. Apparently those that read have higher GPA’s, intelligence and wider general knowledge. It can also boost your analytical abilities, due to the fact that reading can help you spot patterns quicker and allowing you to analyze things quicker. 
One of the most obvious benefits of reading is an increased vocabulary and improved spelling and grammar, and reading is even more effective with improving spelling and vocabulary than direct teaching. Books force us to often come across words that we are unfamiliar with, therefore causing us to consistently learn new words. Enhanced reading skills will also cause an improvement in writing skills also. Having a wide vocabulary and good spelling are essential, no matter what job you want to go into. These skills will enable you to sound more knowledgeable, intelligent and articulate; skills that any employer will be looking for.
Reading is to the Mind, what Exercise is to the Body:
Regular reading is just the same as regular exercise, as it stimulates the mind, keeps it active and challenges it. Hence, why we are advised to take just a little time out at least every day to dedicate to reading, due to the number of benefits on the mind that will last a lifetime. Reading often will help the brain stay mentally stimulated, keeping your cognitive abilities at their best and preventing the brain from losing its power. Reading is also an excellent form of relaxation, which for teenagers is imperative. With homework and exams piling up, reading a book will enable you to relax and allow tension to escape, while working your brain at the same time. Your brain will also learn many things, such as focus as it heightens its concentration skills. This will help teenagers to focus their attention, which will inevitably help them to focus more while at school and heightening productivity. When the time comes therefore, they will be able to focus their attention on looking for jobs, writing CV’s and applications and interview techniques. These benefits will obviously be transferred into later working life, so it is obviously worth starting to take some time out with a good book. 
You Don’t Just Have to Read Novels:
It’s not just reading the lofty classics that will enable you to widen your career prospects. Simply reading around the subjects that you’re interested in will still broaden your vocabulary and knowledge. So if you love English, then obviously reading some Bronte, Dickens and Shakespeare would be enjoyable and will help you get the best head start to an academic future in literature. However, for those who want to study and specialize in 
microbiology or the human anatomy, the classics of literature may be a little limited with what they have to offer. Obviously reading literary masterpieces will still aid vocabulary, spelling and boosting memory abilities, but more subject specific textbooks for topics from science to sport to art, will still heighten intelligence but just on more specific knowledge. As Wall Street Journal’s How to Raise Boys that Read suggest, boys often find literature taught in school boring and uninteresting, so getting them to read some non-fiction could be an excellent way to get them reading and focusing their attention on the direction they want their future to take.
So, alongside sports activities and playing musical instruments, reading for entertainment is a great way to get a well-rounded education by enhancing key skills that will improve your CV and increase your chances in a desirable career. With tough competition for the best jobs, it is best to get prepared now and reading for as little as one hour a day will boost the brain activity and have many positive effects, creating numerous transferable skills for your future.

Review: The Summer King (The Chronicles of Faerie #2) by O.R. Melling

Summary-
Sequel to the critically-acclaimed "The Hunter's Moon"
This second book in a series "shimmering with magic, myth, and romance" ("Booklist"), follows sixteen-year-old Laurel as she tries to understand the cause of her twin sister's mysterious death. Honor believed in Faerie, a parallel land of mischievous immortals. Laurel doesn't. That is, until the fairies come and ask her to take up her sister's failed quest to find the Summer King, a lord who can light the midsummer fire that keeps the two worlds, human and Faerie, cleaved. Laurel must decide to help those whose cause killed her sister, and, in the process, come to believe that there is still magic and love in the world.
Lush descriptions of Ireland and Celtic lore make this a satisfying read for travelers to other lands, real and mythic.
Praise for "The Hunter's Moon"
*"A compelling blend of Irish mythology and geography." - "School Library Journal" (starred review)
..."[This] sensation-loaded celebration of Ireland and Faerie will be a powerful draw for many readers." - "The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"
 
Review-
 While this is the second book in the Chronicles of faerie, it is very much a stand alone story. The faerie characters are the same type but the main character is a new one. This storyline is completely different from the first one. It's not even a continuation. That made this book all the more interesting. The fey and their courts are wonderful & beautiful. Alot of detail and imagination went into the scenery. The main character turns out to be a brave & intelligent young lady. This is a really good faerie tale & a wonderful addition to the Chronicles. I'll be moving onto the next in the series. Hope you enjoy it...Happy Reading :)!!!
 
Publisher-Amulet Books   
Reviewer Rating:4 Stars
Reviewed by~Mechele
Thank you to the publisher for the donation of this book to the Read for your Future book program in exchange for a honest review!

Review: The Hunter's Moon (The Chronicles of Faerie #1) by O.R. Melling

Summary-
A fantasy "shimmering with magic, myth, and romance,"* now available in paperback
Gwen travels to Ireland to visit her cousin Findabhair, expecting a summer of backpacking, late nights, and the usual road trip adventures. But when Findabhair is kidnapped by the King of Faerie, Gwen must race to save her cousin before the rise of the Hunter's Moon, when the fairies need a human sacrifice.
This first novel in "The Chronicles of Faerie" was praised for "Melling's taut plotting, with its unexpected turns, [that] moves the story quickly to a climax and leaves readers wanting more." ("School Library Journal")
* from "Booklist" (starred review)
Praise for "The Hunter's Moon"
*"A compelling blend of Irish mythology and geography." - "School Library Journal" (starred review)
..."[This] sensation-loaded celebration of Ireland and Faerie will be a powerful draw for many readers." - "The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"
 
Review-
 What a fun and magical faerie tale. Probably one of the first few popular tales in that genre. The story contains all sorts of mystical creatures. A very enchanting tale. The settings in this book are beautifully described. The storyline has plenty of mysteries. It also has it's fair share of ups & downs and twists & turns. Not enough to lose the important plot points though. With all kinds of magic thrown in for good measure. There are also two main characters. Which is a slightly different way of pulling it all together. One is fun & flighty. The other is serious & steady. As different as night and day. Their opposites compliment each other. This was a really good book. Hope you like it too...Happy Reading :)!!!
 
Publisher-Amulet Books            
Reviewers Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by~Mechele
Thank you to the author for the donation of this book to the Read for your Future book program in exchange for a honest review!

Review: Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Summary-
Choose: A quick death…Or slow poison...
About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She'll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace—and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.
And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust—and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.
As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear...
 
Review-
 I really, really liked this magical fantasy! I've never read a story quite like this one. This storyline is one-of-a-kind. A unique set of circumstances make this an extraordinary adventure. The main character has so many obstacles to overcome it's a wonder she lives through her disasters. Not to mention, the poisoning. When I started this book everything around me melted away. Needless to say, I finished this book in no time flat. If you enjoy an unusual storyline, magic, fantasy, mystery & romance then you'll like this book as much as I did. I will certainly be reading the rest of the books in this series. Happy Reading :)!!!
 
Publisher-Mira
Reviewers Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by~Mechele
Thank you to the publisher for the Donation of this book to the Read for your Future book program in exchange of a honest review!