Out With A Bang Read-A-Thon Mini-Challenge

Time for a break?

Our mini-challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to find 3 or more books that you have laying around, and use them to make a sentence.  For example:

(Letter)

Tell me a secret you reckless, beautiful creature!

Love, Stargirl

(News Bulletin)

Monster High bruiser, scars rival legacies

(Sentence)

Hush!  Wicked lies torment the book thief!

Your turn!  Just post your picture on your blog, Twitter, Facebook, or anywhere you can leave a link from.  Or email me the picture to ReadingTeen1 at gmail.com.

What you can win:

Your choice of ONE of these 2010 debuts:

and multiple winners will win some of this swag:

2 signed Mistwood bookmarks

2 unsigned Mistwood bookmarks

1 Body Finder sticker

1 signed Body Finder bookmark

1 Body Finder button

1 Claire de Lune Sticker

1 signed Losing Faith bookmark

1 Team Gabe tattoo

1 signed Prophecy of Days bookmark

1 Freefall Bookmark

2 signed Tension of Opposites bookmarks

2 unsigned Tension of Opposites bookmark

1 Tension of Opposites postcard

1 Iron Fey Flyer

Leave a comment with your link to your picture, and the name of the book you want.  Also, pick 3 pieces of swag you would want the most!  You must be participating in the Read-a-Thon to enter.

Have fun!  Enjoy your read-a-thon!

The Lying Game by Sara Shepard

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (December 7, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061869708
• ISBN-13: 978-0061869709

I had a life anyone would kill for.

Then someone did.


The beginning of The Lying Game starts really interestingly, with Sutton narrating the story, but Emma, her long lost twin sister, living it.  Sutton has presumably been killed, and now she is somehow seeing through Emma's eyes.  Emma and Sutton have never met, but through a series of circumstances Emma finds herself living Sutton's life, pretending to be Sutton, in the hopes of learning how she was killed.


As she delves deeper into Sutton's life, though, she learns that her twin sister may not have been someone she would want to know at all.  She and her friends have been bullying people in horrible ways, as part of The Lying Game.  But Sutton's killer is threatening Emma now, and if she tells anyone that she isn't Sutton, he says he'll kill her too.

This is one of those books that it's a little difficult for me to talk about.  I thought it was an interesting idea, and the book was entertaining, but I didn't feel like I really knew much more at the end of the book, than I did when I started it.  I think this is the problem with a lot of series books.  Instead of having one "great" book, it turns into multiple "just ok" books.  This one had a definite case of Series Syndrome!  And talk about a cliffhanger....ugh!  Seriously, do not expect any kind of resolution, at all!!

I liked the idea of Sutton seeing things through her twin sister's eyes, but I'm not sure that it was really pulled off that well.  Sutton didn't remember much of her life beforehand and it ended up with her just saying, things like, "Don't do that!" or "I wish I could remember, but I don't remember anything."  It just ended up feeling like there was no point in her being there at all.  I'm assuming that it will come into play in the sequel.

I did like Emma, and the mystery behind what happened to Sutton was intriguing.  I definitely want to know who killed her, if that's what happened, and why.  I also want to know more about the other characters that were set up in this book.  I immediately liked Ethan, who was NOT Sutton's boyfriend......but there just wasn't enough of him.  So many of the scenes with him were just cut off.  I guess that was to build suspense, but I just found it frustrating.  Then I find out that he smokes.  Sorry, but that just TOTALLY grosses me out.  I mean, who wants to think about kissing a guy with cigarette breath??  YUCK!  


There were lots of things that I really did like.  The book did keep me entertained.  At one point or another I suspected every one of Sutton's friends, and some of her family of her murder(?).  I was fascinated by The Lying Game, and all of the pranks that the girls pulled on people.  Even though they were awful, they were kind of creepily clever.  The mystery kept me turning the pages, and may be enough to get me to pick up the next book too.  I just can't stand not knowing who did it.  I guess that's why they do this to us...haha!  They know us too well!  


If you're looking for another series to start, and you don't mind being left to hang with no satisfaction, I think this would be a good choice for you!  With mystery, suspense, and a sinister "Lying Game", it will keep you guessing even after it's over.

It's your move

You may want to know:  This book had a moderate amount of profanity and some sexual dialog.  

Book Review: Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Faria Stolarz

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion Book CH; First Edition edition (December 23, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1423111443
• ISBN-13: 978-1423111443

Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Faria Stolarz 

Some secrets shouldn't be kept...

Up until three months ago, everything in sixteen-year-old Camelia's life had been fairly ordinary: decent grades; an okay relationship with her parents; and a pretty cool part-time job at the art studio downtown. But when Ben, the mysterious new guy, starts junior year at her high school, Camelia's life becomes anything but ordinary.
Rumored to be somehow responsible for his ex-girlfriend's accidental death, Ben is immediately ostracized by everyone on campus. Except for Camelia. She's reluctant to believe the rumors, even when her friends try to convince her otherwise. She's inexplicably drawn to Ben...and to his touch. But soon, Camelia is receiving eerie phone calls and strange packages with threatening notes. Ben insists she is in danger, and that he can help--but can he be trusted? She knows he's hiding something... but he's not the only one with a secret.
From the best-selling author of Blue is for Nightmares comes a story of paranormal romance that's sure to be a thrilling and chilling teen favorite.

*If you would like to know the content in this book go to Parental Book Review's !

Who Should Play Jace?

WARNING: HOT GUY AHEAD

Stop drooling, you're getting it on my post!

Inspired by today's post on Mundie Moms, I'm joining their fight for a very, very important cause.  Namely, to get Alex Pettyfer (pictured above) to play the role of Jace Wayland in The Mortal Instruments movie.  Alex seems to be the go-to guy for book-to-movies lately, but still....he's just perfect for the role!  I mean just look at the two pictures!!  Umm...yes.

Alex is starring in the film adaptations of Beastly and I Am Number Four.  I haven't read Beastly yet, but it's on my list.  As for I Am Number Four, I think it will make a great movie (my book review).  But who are we kidding?  The Mortal Instruments is the important one!  

Hollywood Crush has written a post about why Alex should play the role of Jace, so head on over there and leave a comment!  FANS UNITE!  We must make this happen!  http://hollywoodcrush.mtv.com/2010/12/10/alex-pettyfer-city-of-bones/

Oh, and this is who they picked for Clary. 

Lilly Collins

I think she looks pretty good!  She's about to star with Taylor Lautner in Abduction in Sept. 2011.

What do you think?  Do you have someone else in mind for Jace? (If so....you're mad!)

Reading Clean Spotlight: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand Giveaway!

This month I'm really, really excited to spotlight UNEARTHLY by Cynthia Hand.  I seriously loved this book!  It was so original and exciting, and the romantic tension was KILLER!!  This book actually comes out January 4th, and Cynthia was kind enough to offer us a SIGNED book and some bookmarks to give away to the lucky winner!  

To enter, you must be a follower.  Giveaway is International and ends 1/31.  

For extra entries fill out this form.


I hope you love it as much as I did!

Book Review: Harry Potter, Film Wizardry

Hardcover: 160 pages

Publisher: Collins Design (October 19, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0061997811

ISBN-13: 978-0061997815

Harry Potter: Film Wizardry by The Creative Team Behind the Celebrated Movie Series

Immerse yourself in the world of the spectacular Harry Potter film series. Learn why Yule Ball ice sculptures never melt, where Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts are really "minted," how to get a Hippogriff to work with actors, the inspiration behind Hogwarts castle, and why Dementors move the way they do. Written and designed in collaboration with the cast and crew that brought J. K. Rowling's celebrated novels to the silver screen, Harry Potter: Film Wizardry delivers an enchanting interactive experience, transporting readers to the wizarding world by sharing filmmaking secrets, unpublished photography and artwork, and exclusive stories from the stars. Full of removable facsimile reproductions of props and paper ephemera from the movies, this collectible volume offers a privileged look at the Harry Potter films and the talented group of Muggles that has made true movie magic.

My Review

This was one of my Christmas gifts, and I spent most of Christmas day reading this book. It is full of many cool things. There are little envolopes that have a bunch of stuff from the movies. Harry's acceptance letter to

Hogwarts, the Maurader's Map, Dolores Umbridge's educational decrees. You can't understand my delight as I turned each page to find... stuff. Really cool stuff.



All of the main characters have their own page, giving you information about the actor who plays them, how that actor was chosen for the role and, in cases such as Alastor Moody and Lord Voldemort, how they were transformed into their character. To some people, I can see how this might sound a little boring. It isn't. This book, this awesome book is highly recommended to anybody who is even slightly interested in Harry Potter. Even if you still think that it's boring, get for the things that come with it. Ever wanted to read the Marauder's Map? Here's your chance. And it also has snapshots from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2. These pictures show The Room of Requirement before and after Fiendfyre is set to it and The Room of Requirment in it's Dumbledore's Army hideout form. It also has many concept art drawings of pretty much everything. Pretty much every page has concept art drawings of characters, creatures, and structures.

Seriously, any fan of Harry Potter would be practically drooling over this book if they had any sense at all. It is highly enjoyable and it points out small details that are in the movies that you never noticed before. It is a seriously awesome book.

-Austin

Hey to all you people who read for fun. U R COOL.



Reading Clean Spotlight: Sapphique Winners Announced!

Sapphique comes out TODAY!!!! So be sure and order your copy on Amazon or GO to your nearest bookstore and buy it. Request it at the library even... they usually get the book if you request it!

1ST PLACE - Lisa P. @starmetaloak

2ND PLACE - Melissa/jedisakora

I will email both of you! CONGRATULATIONS!!

I chose Incarceron and Sapphique, for our Reading Clean Spotlight during the next few weeks. These books have such an imaginative, wonderful storyline. They are both very Reading Clean. Sapphique (hardcover) comes out December 28, 2010. On release day I will announce the winner of one ARC copy of Sapphique and Incarceron/Sapphique poster to ONE VERY LUCKY person. HOWEVER, the second place winner will receive two posters... one Incarceron and one Sapphique!!! (sign up below)

This contest is where Parental Book Reviews and Reading Teen come together as one. We at Reading Teen want to give a little extra attention to authors that write their books clean. Very little, or NO cursing, sexual content or violence.

 However, we still love all the other books (maybe, not as reading clean) that we review on this site! So, no hurt feelings allowed. :)

 Reading Clean Spotlight -Info

Books We've Spotlighted

Incarceron Review

Incarceron ParentalBookReview

Sapphique Review

Sapphique ParentalBookReview

Parental Book Reviews- homepage

Sapphique

Fisher concludes her high-intensity, mind-bending duology in this sequel to Incarceron (2010). In the two months since Finn has escaped Incarceron and assumed his role as Prince Giles, he has failed to adapt to courtly life. Finn is wracked with guilt over leaving Kiero and Attia behind, and his brooding, unpolished demeanor makes him an easy target for the conniving queen. With their attempts to change the Realm stalled, even Claudia has doubts about Finn’s real identity, which are worsened when another boy appears, claiming to be the true heir. In Incarceron, Kiero and Attia search for another way out, and when they run across the mad magician Rix, who may own the fabled Glove of Sapphique, they believe they’ve found it. Meanwhile, Incarceron is maneuvering behind the scenes, and sapient Jared may factor into its all-seeing design. Fisher further explores themes of reality, illusion, and freedom without losing her intensely original world building and authentic characters. The bittersweet conclusion may frustrate readers expecting a traditional happy ending (or even just a more conclusive one), but it fits perfectly—although a glimmer of hope may be all the characters receive, it’s a real hope, and like the stars, it endures. Grades 9-12

Reading Clean +4 point Button

1st place Winner - ARC Sapphique & Poster

2nd  place Winner - Two posters ~ both Incarceron and Sapphique  

*Contest ends 12-27-10

**MUST be a follower of this blog

***International!!! 

Who Do YOU Want on the Cover of The Iron Knight?

Two polls have been created on Facebook.com/TheIronFey for fans of the Iron Fey series to vote for their favorite Ash or Puck model for the cover of The Iron Knight (November 2011)

Voting will continue from December 22, 2010 at 12pm until January 3, 2011 at 12pm EST.

Please click here for a direct link to the voting: http://tinyurl.com/336ttrm

And don't forget to enter our IRON FEY giveaway!!

Oh, and come back here and tell me what you thought of the Puck and Ash models, and who you voted for.  I picked the Ash at the top of this page.  And number one Puck, though I didn't think any of the Pucks fit what I thought of.

Love ya!

Review and Giveaway! The Iron Fey, Featuring The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

It's time to return to the Iron Realm, and Julie Kagawa has done it again.  If you haven't read The Iron Fey Series, it is definitely one you will want to check into.  I can't tell you how many times I've read reviews that say, "I don't normally like fantasy, but...."  or  "I'm not really into faery books, but....I absolutely LOVED the Iron Fey series!"  Where the Wicked Lovely series, and the Tithe series are dark, The Iron Fey series is light and often, with the help of one Robin Goodfellow (Puck), very funny.  It's also very original, and often times tense, not to mention romantic!  You can check out my reviews of The Iron King, and The Iron Daughter if you haven't yet!


Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Harlequin; Original edition (February 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373210183
ISBN-13: 978-0373210183
Source:  Netgalley and Harlequin Teen
Author's Website:  http://www.juliekagawa.com/

My name is Meaghan Chase.

I thought it was over.  That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me.  But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming.  Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stay by my side.  Drag me into the core of a conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.


Once again, our favorite characters (except for poor Ironhorse) come calling in this fourth installment of The Iron Fey series.  Meghan and Ash have left the Nevernever, banned from ever returning because of their declaration of love for each other.  But, of course, they can't stay gone for long.  They are inevitably drawn back into the world of Faery to help fight against the growing threat of the false Iron King and his army of Iron Fey.  


I won't go into too much detail here, because pretty much anything will be a spoiler, but I really loved how Meghan stepped up into her roll in this book.  She is finally tired of playing the damsel in distress and is ready to take matters into her own hands and learn how to defend herself, whether with Faery magic, or with a sword.  I love reading about Meghan in this book.  Where the other two books, I felt, left me thinking about Ash (or Puck), this one really left me thinking about Meghan, and how strong and independent she has become.  My favorite scene was when Meghan learned how to fly.  I won't explain what that means, but I could just picture the whole thing in my head, and I thought it seemed exhilarating!  


The only bad thing about Meghan becoming such a strong, independent girl, was that I felt like Ash kind of stepped into the background too much.  He just seemed to be following Meghan around all the time, not really doing or saying too much.  Their relationship was still intense, and certainly kicked up a notch, but I missed Ash's normal strength.  And, yes, even though I want my females to be strong, I still want them to be rescued sometimes, too :)  So, I was SO VERY HAPPY to find out that Ash would be getting his own book!  The epilogue gave a glimpse into what that book might be like, and I absolutely LOVED it (the epilogue)!

I also really loved Puck in this book.  I thought that he seriously proved himself as a loyal friend to Meghan, and his lighthearted jokes and witty rhetoric were a perfect balance to the harshness of the war and the sacrificial choices that Meghan had to make!   Of course, Grim was the adorably persnickety  snark that seems to have captured the hearts of everyone who has read the books, but the most surprisingly lovable characters may just come as a shock to you.  You'll just have to wait and see!

I think that this book ended on the biggest cliffhanger yet in the series, so I can not wait for The Iron Knight!

Loved it!

If you haven't read The Iron Fey series, now's your chance.  I'm giving away my advanced reader's copy of The Iron Queen along with a copy of the first two books, The Iron King and The Iron Daughter.  To enter, you must be a follower, and just fill out the form!  Giveaway is International!

Good Luck