Teaser Tuesday: The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa {21}

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Title: The Eternity Cure (Blood of Eden #2)
Author: Julie Kagawa
Release date: April 30, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 446

Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.

My teaser, from 22% in the egalley:

"So, yes," he finished, still smirking at me. "I call humans 'bloodbags.' I don't need to know their names or if they have a family, or what their favorite color is. Because I'm either going to outlive them, or I'm going to tear their throats open and suck them dry. And life got a lot simpler once I realized that."

Oooooh, I don't even know who is talking. I'm starting this one tomorrow, once finals are done, and I'm quite excited! :)

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Release date: February 26, 2013
Author info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pages: 325
Format: Ebook
Source: Purchased
Buy the book: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

"Bono met his wife in high school," Park says.
"So did Jerry Lee Lewis," Eleanor answers.
"I’m not kidding," he says.
"You should be," she says, "we’re sixteen."
"What about Romeo and Juliet?"
"Shallow, confused, then dead."
''I love you," Park says.
"Wherefore art thou," Eleanor answers.
"I’m not kidding," he says.
"You should be."

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under.

I'll be the first to admit I have not been the biggest fan of contemporary YA. But, interestingly, I have found myself drawn to more and more contemporary novels. I'm wondering if I've gotten a little worn out on all of the things I normally read and am just looking for something new. Anyways, I like to think I would've liked this book just as much were I not so attracted to contemporaries recently. Eleanor & Park is a truly lovely story of first love, heartbreak, and acceptance.

It's 1986, and Eleanor has just moved back in with her mom, her mom's husband Richie, and her four younger siblings in Omaha, Nebraska. Eleanor is not typical. She has curly red hair, is far from being a size two, and dresses colorfully. When she meets Park, an on the fringes half-Korean boy, they bond over comic books and music, which propels them quickly into one another's hearts. Even when they know they won't last, they dare to hope for a future together.

I fell in love with Eleanor and Park quickly and deeply. Eleanor is broken, with her insecurities and her tragic life, but she's witty and sarcastic, and wishes so badly to change her lot in life. Park has worked for so long to be accepted by his friends, but finds that he doesn't need their acceptance when Eleanor is around. To be cheesy, they complete one another. Each brings out the best in the other.

I loved seeing the slow progress of their relationship. It's filled with mutual respect, love, and a bit of lust. At times they're awkward with one another, exploring new facets of a relationship they've never experienced. It felt very true and natural to me; every word didn't seem perfect, every action wasn't the exactly right thing, but that's life.

It's hard for me to have especially high expectations for books that everyone gushes over, but Eleanor & Park definitely deserves gushing. It is the epitome of contemporary YA, keeping true to life while giving a heartfelt story.

Stacking the Shelves {13}

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where we get to share the books we've bought, been gifted, or received for review!

So it's been dead week for me! That means it's the week before exams and professors aren't allowed to give tests or make assignments due. Instead of studying for my exams, like I was supposed to, I a decent amount of reading this week! I think that's time well spent. :)

Purchased: 

Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris (It's only $1.99 for ereaders right now!!! So excited!)

The Hidden Sun by J. Lloyd Morgan (I actually have a paperback copy of this from when I reviewed it for the blog tour, but it's free for Kindle till the 30th, so I got it again. :) Most definitely worth your time, guys.)

A recap of the week here on Paper Cuts:
Monday - I reviewed In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters.
Tuesday - I teased from Zenn Scarlett by Christian Schoon.
Wednesday - I reviewed Blood and Snow by RaShelle Workman for the blog tour.
Thursday - I promoted Flight by Lindsay Leggett with a blitz and a giveaway.
Saturday - I reviewed Rise (Eve #3) by Anna Carey.

Books I read this week:
In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters
Blood and Snow: The Complete Set by RaShelle Workman
Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2) by Leigh Bardugo (OH MY GOSH SO GOOD)
Rise (Eve #3) by Anna Carey

I'm currently reading:
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

So that's been my week! I'm done with school for the semester on Wednesday, and I'll have 12 days until I start my internship, so hopefully LOTS of reading will be done! :) Anyways, I'd love to see what y'all got so leave me links! I'll be visiting about in just a little while. :) Have a lovely Sunday and a fabulous week!

Rise (Eve #3) by Anna Carey

Release date: April 2, 2013

Author info: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publisher: Harper

Pages: 320

Format: Hardcover

Source: Library

Buy the book: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

How far will you go when you have nothing left to lose?

When she lost her soul mate, Caleb, Eve felt like her world had ended. Trapped in the palace, forced to play the part of the happy, patriotic princess of The New America—and the blushing bride of her father's top adviser—Eve's whole life is a lie. The only thing that keeps her going is Caleb's memory, and the revolution he started.

Now, Eve is taking over where Caleb left off. With the help of Moss, an undercover subversive in the King's court, she plots to take down The New America, beginning with the capital, the City of Sand. Will Eve be able to bring about a new, free world when she's called upon to perform the ultimate act of rebellion—killing her father?

In Rise, Eve must choose who to leave behind, who to save, and who to fight as Anna Carey's epic tale of romance and sacrifice in the chilling dystopia of The New America comes to a stunning conclusion.

Since I read the first book in the Eve trilogy, Eve, I've never had especially strong feelings toward the series. I've enjoyed reading the books, but never felt that strong a connection to any of the characters or their plight. I was hoping with Rise, being the last book in the series and everything, that that would be different. I'm sad to report that Rise is not my least favorite book in the series but certainly still couldn't live up to its potential, though I still generally enjoyed it and I know that others have and will.

The book, in general, is a quick read, only just over 300 pages. It began quickly and ended quickly, but the middle just dragged for me. We get another extended road trip, like in the first book, and it just felt like much of the book was spent treading water instead of forwarding story. I wanted Eve to be more active in the rebellion, after all that she's gone through, and what she ends up doing is important, but she could've done more.

On a little side note, I thought Anna Carey did a good job of making the City of Sand so beautiful sounding, only to destroy it so completely and effectively in this book. We're treated to scenes of the palace and all the beautiful places the rich and powerful go in Once, only to see that very world turned into a war zone. Very effective imagery.

I did like how  the story ended (Though I wish there was a prologue! Just a little bit more! Just one teeny tine scene!) and I thought everyone was set in a hopeful, but not perfect situation, which is how it should be (At least in my humble opinion.) 

There are a couple of great twists (one I definitely expected, the other I didn't see AT ALL) and the bigger twist, to me, wouldn't work in a lot of YA dystopians. Here, it works. Really well, actually. It's the driving force behind many of Eve's hardest decisions and I think it makes her think of her choices in terms of others, rather than just herself, which makes her a more sympathetic character than she's been for most of this series. I know I felt more connected to her in this book than in the other two.

On the whole, Rise is a serviceable ending to a decent series. I never found exactly what I was hoping for in the last two books, but it was still good to see the progression of Eve and her friends into strong women. 

{Book Blitz: Excerpt + Giveaway} Flight by Lindsay Leggett

Title: Flight
Author: Lindsay Leggett
Author info: Website | Twitter | Goodreads
Release date: April 1, 2013
Buy the book: Barnes & Noble | Amazon

The first rule of survival in the Underground: When you’re outside, keep your eyes on the skies. Ace Harpy Hunter Piper Madden is used to danger, but the death of her brother slams the brakes on her high-torque lifestyle and leaves her broken and confused.

On the run from the dictating Elder Corporation, she’s eventually found in the quiet undergound city of Ichton and asked to work for the Corp on contract to quell a new and frightening Harpy threat.

Enter the discovery of horrifying Corporation secrets, Harpy attacks, and a new friendship with the strange Asher, and Piper’s days become anything but boring.

Then, a chance encounter leaves Piper privy to a dangerous secret, ad as she and Asher team up in an effort to unravel the truth, the secrets they uncover beneath the ancient walls of the dead city will spark their world into a grand-scale war.

Excerpt:

It always starts like this. My vision starts to blur and the depth of the dirty brick walls plummets into a single plane, like I’m staring into an abyss that never ends. Pins and needles prick their way over my body and I fall backward, sinking through layers of sticky black sludge. I land with a thud and David is before me speaking urgently. His eyes are lined with confusion and anger.

“Piper, I don’t like what you’re doing. Please, for the sake of our mother and our friends, put an end to it now,” he says to me. We’re at our place in the mountains, the stars peering onto us like frail paper lanterns. I look at him seriously, my hand over my mouth, mind reeling at what he’d said.

“You don’t understand, David. I love him,” I reply, feeling tears brim my eyelids.

“… … ….” David’s lips are moving, but the noise coming out of his mouth is like raw static.

“I can’t hear you. What’s going on?” I ask. He looks like I just slapped him in the face.

“I can’t believe how selfish you are! “… … … ” He shouts, then comes the static again.

“David, I think there’s something wrong right now. I haven’t done anything!” I cry frantically, grabbing his shoulders and shaking him. He brushes me off and gives me a hard stare.

“People are going to get hurt, Piper. I need you to understand that!” he shouts.

“I don’t understand, David!” I plead, “How are people going to get hurt?”

I hear more static come from his mouth, but he doesn’t seem to notice, he just keeps talking, clearly thinking he’s telling me something important. Frantically, I look around for a clue as to what is going on. When I turn back to him, David’s face starts to deteriorate and his body fades away to dust.

Now for a giveaway! :) I can give away one Kindle copy of Flight! This is international, and the winner will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond. It ends May 8th. The prize will be sent the week of May 13th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


About Lindsay:

Nearly every writer struggles to put together information about themselves, perhaps because we’re so used to detailing the lives and ways of others. For the most part I am a writer, editor, photographer, and all-around artist living in the wilds north of Toronto, Ontario. I thrive on the juxtaposition of beauty and grit, enjoy urban crawls, indie everything, and time well-spent in the woods.

{Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway} Blood and Snow: The Complete Set by RaShelle Workman

 Follow the tour!

Release date: 2013
Author info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Format: Egalley
Pages: 518
Source: Provided for review for blog tour
Buy the book: Amazon

Every thousand years the Vampire Queen selects a new body, always the fairest in the land, and this time she's chosen Snow White.

Snow isn't an ordinary girl. She doesn't know that yet.

When Snow gets bitten by a Hunter, her life is thrown into a whirlwind of change where instead of worrying about what to eat, she has to fight not to drink the blood of fellow high school students. She becomes a revenant - not quite human, not quite vampire.

With the help of an eccentric old Professor, his seven adoptive sons, and her best friend, Snow learns to control her blood craving. Sort of. She drinks a bloodlust tea, but she'd rather drink from her Hunter.

Or, a human.

She also discovers a whole other realm, one filled with fairies, dragons, and magic. And not only does the Vampire Queen want her, but there's a pendant called the Seal of Gabriel created for Snow by the Vampire Queen's twin sister. And Snow's supposed to use it to restore balance to all magical creatures. Including vampires.

I was super excited to read Blood and Snow as soon as I read the synopsis. I've always kind of loved Snow White, though I don't know why, so a retelling definitely appealed to me. I enjoyed how Rashelle Workman kept me guessing with the plot's twists and turns and how she was able to weave so many different ideas and mythologies into the story. While reading other paranormal books, I've always kind of wondered about all the other creatures not mentioned, and RaShelle Workman makes a very interesting world for Snow.

I read the complete set for the blog tour, but this series was originally published in novelettes, which I think is such a cool idea. Each ended with a great cliffhanger, and definitely made me want to keep reading. I can't imagine having to wait any period of time to read the next one!

It was fun to see how Workman took on all the characters from Snow White--the seven dwarves, the evil queen, the hunter--and added a few more interesting ones! Snow definitely moves around in love interests a lot, and I thought I was annoyed with this for most of the book, but in the end I found it to be an interesting tactic. We were able to really see how much her true love cared for her and how the others guys really weren't right.

I found the beginning book or two to be slow, but once the action got started there were so many twists and turns to keep me on my seat and very forgiving of failings. At times it felt like certain elements were set up to be important, but never really turned into anything. In the end, though, I found Blood and Snow to be a fun read, filled with lots of interesting ideas and characters. I'll definitely read more from RaShelle Workman!

About RaShelle Workman:

RaShelle Workman is the bestselling author of the Dead Roses series ("Sleeping Roses" is being translated into Turkish, and will be available in print wherever Turkish books are sold in 2014), the Immortal Essence series, and the Blood and Snow series. She's sold over two hundred thousand copies of her novels worldwide in the past year, including Japan, Canada, and Europe. You can find RaShelle all over the web, but the best place to start is on her blog: www.rashelleworkman.com.

I also am able to give away a Kindle copy of the series!! This is international, and will end on May 8th. The winner will receive their copy, gifted through Amazon, the week of May 13th. I will contact the winner through email and they will have 48 hours to respond.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Teaser Tuesday: Zenn Scarlett by Christian Schoon {20}

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Title: Zenn Scarlett
Author: Christian Schoon
Release date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: Strange Chemistry
Pages: 304

When you're studying to be exoveterinarian specializing in exotic, alien life forms, school... is a different kind of animal.

Zenn Scarlett is a resourceful, determined 17-year-old girl working hard to make it through her novice year of exovet training. That means she's learning to care for alien creatures that are mostly large, generally dangerous and profoundly fascinating. Zenn’s all-important end-of-term tests at the Ciscan Cloister Exovet Clinic on Mars are coming up, and, she's feeling confident of acing the exams. But when a series of inexplicable animal escapes and other disturbing events hit the school, Zenn finds herself being blamed for the problems. As if this isn't enough to deal with, her absent father has abruptly stopped communicating with her; Liam Tucker, a local towner boy, is acting unusually, annoyingly friendly; and, strangest of all: Zenn is worried she's started sharing the thoughts of the creatures around her. Which is impossible, of course. Nonetheless, she can't deny what she's feeling.

Now, with the help of Liam and Hamish, an eight-foot sentient insectoid also training at the clinic, Zenn must learn what's happened to her father, solve the mystery of who, if anyone, is sabotaging the cloister, and determine if she's actually sensing the consciousness of her alien patients... or just losing her mind. All without failing her novice year....

My teaser, from page 167 in the ARC:

"No? Well, that may be." He spoke quietly now, the rage drained from his voice. He sat heavily on the bench by the wall, elbows on knees. She looked up to see him rest his head in his hands. "But, it doesn't really make him any less dead, does it?"

Eek! I don't know who is dead! I'm reading this one in the next week or so, since the blog tour is stopping by May 8th, with a guest post from Christian. I am so excited! Be sure to check this one out. :)

In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters

Release date: April 2, 2013
Author info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: Amulet
Pages: 400
Format: Egalley
Source: Publisher provided through Netgalley
Buy the book: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

In 1918, the world seems on the verge of apocalypse. Americans roam the streets in gauze masks to ward off the deadly Spanish influenza, and the government ships young men to the front lines of a brutal war, creating an atmosphere of fear and confusion. Sixteen-year-old Mary Shelley Black watches as desperate mourners flock to séances and spirit photographers for comfort, but she herself has never believed in ghosts. During her bleakest moment, however, she’s forced to rethink her entire way of looking at life and death, for her first love—a boy who died in battle—returns in spirit form. But what does he want from her?

Featuring haunting archival early-twentieth-century photographs, this is a tense, romantic story set in a past that is eerily like our own time.

Beautiful but heartbreaking. If I had to describe In the Shadow of Blackbirds as succinctly as possible, that would be it. So different from pretty much everything out right now and so lovely, both in writing and its story. Cat Winters deftly explores humanity and just how far we will go to survive, even at the expense of others. It's a sad reality to face, but one that's important and not often explored in young adult literature. I don't think I can recommend this book enough.

It's 1918 and the United States is deep in the throes of World War I and the Spanish influenza. The American public is in a frenzy. If you're not dying overseas in the war, you're dying from the flu. With death's never-ending presence, people turn to  the supernatural to reach their loved ones. Mary Shelley Black, a self-proclaimed girl of science, doesn't believe in the otherworldly. But when she has a close call with death and her deceased first love begins visiting her with unsettling stories, Mary Shelley may just have to rethink her stance, and find out why his spirit is not at rest.

I just have to mention that this is definitely a book worth reading in print form. I had an egalley, but won a print copy before I began reading, so I read the physical book. I compared the two, and the digital version just can't hold a candle to the beauty of this book. There are so many details on the pages and the photographs that just look better in the book. I don't think reading a digital version ruins the story, but your experience is definitely enriched.

What works best in In the Shadow of Blackbirds is the stark description of the people's state at that time. Mary Shelley visits a Red Cross ward, where soldiers are healing after being injured in the war, and she sees men who've not only lost limbs, but they've lost their spirit. We can't help but wonder at the real cost of our liberty, and who pays that price. Each person, when they leave home, dons a flu mask to prevent germs from getting to them. They chew onion gum and put bags of moth balls around their necks. Fear makes people not human, in a way, and this is shown so well. This all adds to the feel of the book, but it works even better to make it pack a punch to the reader. Also, without this setting, Mary Shelley and Stephen's story would've lacked immediacy and felt like any other book.

This is not a feel good, happy kind of romantic book. Yes, Mary Shelley and Stephen have a beautiful, honest, sweet relationship, but if you're looking for a happy ending, don't look here. The dark world presented is not one that gave a lot of happy endings like we've come to expect. But, we can leave with hope, something even better. Even in the darkest and most trying of times, one can always see a ray of hope and take comfort in the wells of strength in characters like Mary Shelley Black.

Stacking the Shelves {12}

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where we get to share the books we've bought, been gifted, or received for review!

Yesterday was my birthday. My birthday is my favorite day of the year, and everyone I know has to hear about it for weeks before and after. :)

Purchased: 

The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges (signed!)
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

A recap of the week here on Paper Cuts:
Monday - I interviewed Tiffany Truitt, author of Chosen Ones and Naturals for the Naturals blog tour.
Tuesday - I took part in the Signed Book giveaway hop! I'm giving away a copy of Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel.
Thursday - I reviewed The Sweetest Dark by Shana Abe.
Saturday - I talked about my birthday and the events of the day.

Books I read this week:
I didn't finish a single thing. Go me.

I'm currently reading:
In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters

So that's been my week! I'm still watching Hart of Dixie in my free time, but I've only got one episode till I'm completely caught up. Maybe I'll read more then? :) Anyways, I'd love to see what y'all got so leave me links! I'll be visiting about in just a little while. :) Have a lovely Sunday and a fabulous week!

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!

Hello all!

I was planning on posting a review today, but have not been getting much reading done, so I've caught up to myself on reviews. But, I thought I'd post to give a little update.

Today is my 21st birthday!!! I'm spending the day celebrating with my family and will be going out tonight. :) My birthday is pretty much the highlight of my year, so I've been waiting for this day for quite a while. If you've seen my "About Me" page you may have some idea of what else happens on April 20th. It's a packed day. April 20th is:

• Adolf Hitler's birthday
• National Weed Day
• the day the Curies isolated radium in 1902
• anniversary of Columbine School shootings
• anniversary of Deepwater Horizon oil spill

Lots of interesting and, honestly, tragic things. And, you know, with the bombings at the Boston Marathon earlier this week I've been in a thoughtful kind of mood. I know I'm guilty of forgetting about the past, and I think we all are. Even as I'm celebrating my birthday, I try to keep in mind that not so long ago people's lives were ruined on that day. So I'll be doing much of the same today, not only remembering the families of the students at Columbine, but remembering and praying for those affected by the bombings on Monday. I'm so glad they've caught the men who did it, but I'm also saddened by them. Both seemed to have been intelligent, but so filled with hate. It breaks my heart to see people so young and full of promise with ruined lives.

I didn't mean to make this post so serious, but I can't help but think about it. Anyways, I'm going to be very disconnected over the rest of today and much of tomorrow. I'll have my Stacking the Shelves up like normal,  but won't get around to commenting and returning visits until late in the day or night.

Thank you guys for reading for almost two years now (in May!). I hope y'all have a lovely weekend! :)

The Sweetest Dark by Shana Abe

Release date: April 2, 2013
Author info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: Bantam
Pages: 352
Format: Egalley
Source: Publisher provided through Netgalley
Buy the book: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

“With every fiber of my being, I yearned to be normal. To glide through my days at Iverson without incident. But I’d have to face the fact that my life was about to unfold in a very, very different way than I’d ever envisioned. Normal would become forever out of reach.”

Lora Jones has always known that she’s different. On the outside, she appears to be an ordinary sixteen-year-old girl. Yet Lora’s been keeping a heartful of secrets: She hears songs that no one else can hear, dreams vividly of smoke and flight, and lives with a mysterious voice inside her that insists she’s far more than what she seems.

England, 1915. Raised in an orphanage in a rough corner of London, Lora quickly learns to hide her unique abilities and avoid attention. Then, much to her surprise, she is selected as the new charity student at Iverson, an elite boarding school on England’s southern coast. Iverson’s eerie, gothic castle is like nothing Lora has ever seen. And the two boys she meets there will open her eyes and forever change her destiny.

Jesse is the school’s groundskeeper—a beautiful boy who recognizes Lora for who and what she truly is. Armand is a darkly handsome and arrogant aristocrat who harbors a few closely guarded secrets of his own. Both hold the answers to her past. One is the key to her future. And both will aim to win her heart. As danger descends upon Iverson, Lora must harness the powers she’s only just begun to understand, or else lose everything she dearly loves.

Filled with lush atmosphere, thrilling romance, and ancient magic, The Sweetest Dark brilliantly captures a rich historical era while unfolding an enchanting love story that defies time.

What one first notices about The Sweetest Dark is the writing. I've not read such pretty writing in a long time. I thought the writing was so fitting for the time period and for the treatment of the story.

I didn't know this before reading, but this series is set in a world the author has previously written adult novels in, and these books seem to take place after her other books. I never felt like we got a great explanation of the drakon lore, and I'm thinking this is why.

Anyways... There's something about this book that's just so appealing. I have to say I was a little scared when I saw exactly what this book was about. The idea of a girl who turns into a dragon sounds a little horrifying, honestly, but Abe's take makes it just magical. Her descriptions of the experience made me see it in a different light than I anticipated. She also does a great job of mixing the typical idea of a poor girl pushed into a boarding school where she's an outsider with the ancient magic of the drakon.

I will warn y'all that there's a love triangle here, but the triangle is pretty resolved with the end of the book. I enjoyed reading Lora's interactions with both, though they were (both!) a little instalove... Eek.

I quite enjoyed The Sweetest Dark and am excited to read The Deepest Night, the sequel. If you like historical fiction with a twist or fantasy, this is the kind of book for you! You'll quickly be immersed in the writing and Lora's world.

Signed Books Giveaway Hop!

Hi guys! Welcome to the signed books giveaway hop, hosted by Kathy at I Am a Reader, Not a Writer and Ashley at Wholly Books! I am so excited to be taking part in my first giveaway hop. I picked this one for my first because, well, signed books are kind of the best. :)

I'm giving away a signed hardcover of Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel for this giveaway hop! I got it signed last year in New Orleans and have been saving it for something special. Like this! :)

Since international shipping is so expensive, I do have to make this US only (Sorry! Next giveaway, I promise!) Winner will be contacted by email in Rafflecopter and will have 48 hours to respond.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Naturals Blog Tour: Interview with Tiffany Truitt

I am so excited today to have Tiffany Truitt here today for an interview as part of the Naturals blog tour! If you haven't seen, I absolutely adore this series, and am so happy to be a part of the blog tour. 

If you haven't started this series yet, first, what are you waiting for???? Second, the synopsis for the book is spoilery, but the interview is not, so you should read it anyways, because Tiffany seems like such fun, and I think her answers themselves can sell you on the series. :) Definitely the English teacher I wish I could've had in high school (In addition to the great ones I had! I still love you Mrs. Rigby, Mrs. Foy, and Mrs. Sutherlin!)

About the book:

Ripped away from those she loves most, Tess is heartbroken as her small band of travelers reaches the Isolationist camp in the mysterious and barren Middlelands. Desperate to be reunited with James, the forbidden chosen one who stole her heart, she wants nothing to do with the rough Isolationists, who are without allegiance in the war between the Westerners and Easterners. But having their protection, especially for someone as powerful as Tess, may come at a cost.

When James returns, Tess’s world once again feels complete—until she discovers her sister, Louisa, has taken up her old post at Templeton, the dangerous chosen ones training center and the site of Tess’s loss of innocence. Tess will do anything to protect her loved ones—but will the price be more than she can give?

This second book in Tiffany Truitt’s dystopian series is a thought-provoking, thrilling story that asks who the true enemy really is—the chosen ones who are different, or the naturals…who are just like us.

So, I have a question that's been burning in my mind since I found out you were a high school English teacher. Obviously, you must love The Merchant of Venice and Tess of the D'Urbervilles, since they play such prominent roles in Chosen Ones and Naturals, but what are your favorite books (or plays!) of all time? And what is one book you think absolutely everyone should read at some point in their life?

Well, it's pretty safe to say that if a book or play makes it into one of my books, it's def one of my favorites. Besides YA, I mostly read 19th century British literature. This genre was my focus while studying for my masters. That being said, my favorite books change all the time depending on my mood and what's going on in my life.

Two works of literature I think everyone should read are Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and William Shakespeare's Hamlet. Not only are they great reads, but both books can be used to study the use of language and characterization at its finest.

What do your students think of having a published author as their teacher? (I know I'd absolutely flip out!)

They get really excited. It's sort of the cutest thing ever. I get pretty embarrassed when they ask me about it, but I couldn't ask for a better support system. My librarian just got copies of book 1 and 2 for the school. When she told me, I had my own flip out moment.

I find the chosen ones themselves fascinating. Where did the idea for them come from exactly?

I wish I could say the idea came to me in a dream, sent down from the heavens, like so many authors before me, but it just sort of come to me driving one day. Shortly after college, I was in a long distance relationship. Being the mega nerd that I am, I would listen to movie and television scores while driving six hours to see my boyfriend. One drive I just started thinking about what would happen if women could not long produce...what would happen to mankind...what about cloning... and the ideas just kept coming.

Tess is so different from a lot of young adult protagonists. She doesn't try to be liked and just wants to stay alive without getting hurt. She's so great and refreshing to read. Is she as great to write? Who is your favorite character to write?

Oh, I am so glad you like her! I have come across quite a few readers who fault her for this, but is it really so terrible to be a survivor? A fighter? I find it an important quality, especially for a young female MC. I love writing her. Love it. She'll be a hard character to let go of. I can't wait to see her grow as a person in book three.

That being said, I really enjoyed writing Lockwood in book two. He's so light and fun, and he's a nice break from the doom and gloom of Tess' life.

What has been your favorite scene to write in the books thus far?

That's a tough one. Looking back on book one, I really enjoyed writing the confrontation between Henry and Tess. I never really saw them as potential love interests at first, but writing it through and editing, I saw the hint of it. I like the darkness and fire between the two of them. The scene really surprised me.

In book two, I love any scene with Lockwood, but the most fun to write was probably Tess' illness/dream scene. I loved playing with the structure of that.

I know the second book has JUST come out... But can you give a little tease of what's to come in the third? (I MUST KNOW!)

There will be the return of letters from books one...just not written by Tess' father.

For the newbies, can you sell the series in 10 words or less?

Star-crossed love. Freaky science stuff. Dystopian or bust.

And for a little fun, what's one random fun fact about you?

I eat more bags of hot fries than a lunchroom full of middle school students.

Tiffany Truitt was born in Peoria, Illinois. A self-proclaimed Navy brat, Tiffany spent most of her childhood living in Virginia, but don’t call her a Southerner. She also spent a few years living in Cuba. Since her time on the island of one McDonalds and Banana Rats (don’t ask), she has been obsessed with traveling. Tiffany recently added China to her list of travels (hello inspiration for a new book).

Besides traveling, Tiffany has always been an avid reader. Tiffany spent most of her high school and college career as a literary snob. She refused to read anything considered “low brow” or outside the “classics.”

Tiffany began teaching middle school in 2006. Her students introduced her to the wide, wonderful world of Young Adult literature. Today, Tiffany embraces popular Young Adult literature and uses it in her classroom. Tiffany is proud to call herself an educator and Young Adult author.

Author info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Buy the book: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

Thank you so much to Entangled for letting me take part in the tour! There are three paperback copies of Naturals up for grabs for the entire tour, so get to entering! You won't regret reading this series.

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Stacking the Shelves {11}

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where we get to share the books we've bought, been gifted, or received for review!

This has been a great week for me on Netgalley and Edelweiss! I got one of the books I am most excited for for the entire year!! :) Also, not related to the books I got, but I received word Thursday that I got an editorial internship with Pelican Publishing Company, which is based in New Orleans. I am unbelievably excited for this summer now. One more step on the way to becoming an editor, I hope! :)

For review:

Seduction by M.J. Rose, to be published May 7, 2013 by Atria Books (via Netgalley)
Tides by Betsy Cornwell, to be published June 4, 2013 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (via Netgalley)
Scrap by Emory Sharplin, to be published May 17, 2013 by Green Leaf Book Group (via Netgalley)
The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White, to be published September 10. 2013 by HarperTeen (via Edelweiss)
The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson, to be published August 27, 2013 by Greenwillow (via Edelweiss)

Purchased: 

The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

A recap of the week here on Paper Cuts:
Monday - I reviewed Naturals (The Lost Souls #2) by Tiffany Truitt for the blog tour.
Tuesday - I teased from In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters.
Wednesday - I'm WoW for The Lord of Opium by Nancy Farmer.
Thursday - I reviewed Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter.

Books I read this week:
The Sweetest Dark by Shana Abe

I'm currently reading:
In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters

So that's been my week! I'm quite guilty of having gotten addicted to a show on Netflix. One I'm kind of ashamed of, so I did very little reading in my spare time. Anyways, I'd love to see what y'all got so leave me links! I'll be visiting about in just a little while. :) Have a lovely Sunday and a fabulous week!

Uncommon Criminals (Heist Society #2) by Ally Carter

Release date: June 21, 2011
Author info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Pages: 298
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
Buy the book: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life. Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief. But for the last two months she’s simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world. That’s why Kat isn’t surprised when she’s asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners.

There are only three problems. First, the gem hasn’t been seen in public in thirty years. Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long, and in Kat’s world, history almost always repeats itself. But it’s the third problem that makes Kat’s crew the most nervous and that is simply… the emerald is cursed.

Kat might be in way over her head, but she’s not going down without a fight. After all she has her best friend—the gorgeous Hale—and the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses, realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time.

Which means, this time, Katarina Bishop is making up her own rules.

Like Heist Society before it, Uncommon Criminals is just such a fun book! The stakes are raised and the heists are more exciting than before. I loved love loved Heist Society and just couldn't wait to get embroiled in Kat and Hale's newest venture. Because they're adorable. I mean, come on! The cutest in the world. I really can't get over it; I'm quite sorry.

After pulling off the heist of the century, Kat is set on a new path in life--one of using her special skills to steal back what has already been stolen. So when an old woman comes to her asking for help getting the world's most famous jewel, the Cleopatra emerald, back, she embraces the challenge. With a little help from her friends, she has to face not only the normal security hurdles, but a supposed ancient curse and has to face off against a woman who knows all of her tricks. Kat has to rely on herself and her friends to get this con done.

I thought Uncommon Criminals was going to follow the general plot of Heist Society, since it seems like the kind of series that would do that. Luckily for us, that is not the case! Sure, Kat has to pull off a seemingly impossible heist, but there are so many more twists and turns in the plot that keep you on your toes. I was surprised time and time again by what happened, but I looooved it!

I'm not going to be long-winded here, since it's really not necessary. This is absolutely the most fun series I've read in a very long time.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Lord of Opium {1}

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly awaiting!!

Title: The Lord of Opium (Matteo Alacran #2)
Author: Nancy Farmer
Release date: September 3, 2013

As the teenage ruler of his own country, Matt must cope with clones and cartels in this riveting sequel to the modern classic House of the Scorpion, winner of the National Book Award, a Newbery Honor, and a Printz Honor.

Matt has always been nothing but a clone—grown from a strip of old El Patron’s skin. Now, at age fourteen, he finds himself suddenly thrust into the position of ruling over his own country. The Land of Opium is the largest territory of the Dope Confederacy, which ranges on the map like an intestine from the ruins of San Diego to the ruins of Matamoros. But while Opium thrives, the rest of the world has been devastated by ecological disaster—and hidden in Opium is the cure.

And that isn’t all that awaits within the depths of Opium. Matt is haunted by the ubiquitous army of eejits, zombielike workers harnessed to the old El Patron’s sinister system of drug growing—people stripped of the very qualities that once made them human.

Matt wants to use his newfound power to help, to stop the suffering, but he can’t even find a way to smuggle his childhood love, Maria, across the border and into Opium. Instead, his every move hits a roadblock, some from the enemies that surround him…and some from a voice within himself. For who is Matt really, but the clone of an evil, murderous dictator?

First, this is my first time participating in Waiting on Wednesday! I've, of course, seen just about everybody participating since I began blogging, but for whatever reason never started until now! I'm excited to start sharing the books I am biting at the bit to read! :)

So, I'm unbelievably excited for The Lord of Opium, since it's the sequel to The House of the Scorpion, which I read some time while I was in elementary school or junior high. Most of what I remember about the book is that is kind of BLEW MY MIND. Needless to say, when I saw there was finally going to be a sequel, I just about died of anticipation. I'm going to need a reread of the first book very badly, but that's no problem. :)

So what are you guys waiting on this week?

Teaser Tuesday: In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters {19}

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Title: In the Shadow of Blackbirds
Author: Cat Winters
Release date: April 2, 2013
Publisher: Amulet
Pages: 400

In 1918, the world seems on the verge of apocalypse. Americans roam the streets in gauze masks to ward off the deadly Spanish influenza, and the government ships young men to the front lines of a brutal war, creating an atmosphere of fear and confusion. Sixteen-year-old Mary Shelley Black watches as desperate mourners flock to séances and spirit photographers for comfort, but she herself has never believed in ghosts. During her bleakest moment, however, she’s forced to rethink her entire way of looking at life and death, for her first love—a boy who died in battle—returns in spirit form. But what does he want from her?

Featuring haunting archival early-twentieth-century photographs, this is a tense, romantic story set in a past that is eerily like our own time.

My teaser, from page 117 in the ARC:

I sat upright and looked again at the compass. My mouth fell open. A shivery chill breezed down my spine.

The needle had stopped following me. For twenty-two more second, the little metal arrow directed itself with steadfast attention toward two objects across the room--two objects related to the person who had just dominated my thoughts.

The needle pointed to Stephen's photographs.

{Blog Tour} Naturals (Lost Souls #2) by Tiffany Truitt - Review

Release date: April 2, 2013
Author info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Pages: 352
Format: Egalley
Source: Publisher provided for blog tour
Buy the book: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

Ripped away from those she loves most, Tess is heartbroken as her small band of travelers reaches the Isolationist camp in the mysterious and barren Middlelands. Desperate to be reunited with James, the forbidden chosen one who stole her heart, she wants nothing to do with the rough Isolationists, who are without allegiance in the war between the Westerners and Easterners. But having their protection, especially for someone as powerful as Tess, may come at a cost.

When James returns, Tess’s world once again feels complete—until she discovers her sister, Louisa, has taken up her old post at Templeton, the dangerous chosen ones training center and the site of Tess’s loss of innocence. Tess will do anything to protect her loved ones—but will the price be more than she can give?

This second book in Tiffany Truitt’s dystopian series is a thought-provoking, thrilling story that asks who the true enemy really is—the chosen ones who are different, or the naturals…who are just like us.

After finishing Chosen Ones, I couldn't wait to get my hands on Naturals. I had quickly fallen in love with Tess and James and absolutely had to know what would happen to them next. Luckily for all of us who loved the first book, the second is even better! After escaping to the Isolationists, Tess has to find her place amongst a people predisposed to hate her and the man she loves. But for Tess, life doesn't get simpler. She struggles to make friends, and just when things begin to sort out, James reappears with bad news. The sadistic George has set his eye on her sister, Louisa, who has taken her place at the training center. Tess will do anything she can to save Louisa from facing a terrible fate, even risk her life and relative safety among the Isolationists.

First and foremost in my mind when I begin reading Naturals was a concern for Tess. In many sequels, the protagonist tends to take a nosedive from their growth in the first book. Tess absolutely did not. This is why I love her. She learned to speak for herself and fight for what she loved in Chosen Ones, instead of lowering her eyes and letting things be. We're treated to the same headstrong girl all the way through. Tess know what she wants and refuses to give up on it, even when it seems insurmountable. She watches and learns, but she also takes risks. Tess is still absolutely the highlight of this series.

As Tess sees more of the world outside the compound, so do we. I loved seeing the life of the Isolationists and just how different the lifestyle is from that of those in the compound. The Isolationists work for everything they have and are all the more grateful and protective of it. Tess has to get used to this kind of hard labor and rationed food and water, but she comes to see the validity of the way of life. She sees why the Isolationists work so hard to protect what they have. I can't wait to see more of this world and how Tess adapts to it.

I do believe Naturals is a bit more character driven than Chosen Ones. Once Tess and company get to the Isolationists, we're treated to quite a bit of day to day life. But within that life, we meet quite a few great characters (Lockwood!!) who shape Tess' view of the Isolationists and the world. But, I do have to say, the ending of this book is absolutely action packed! Everything leads up to this ending and it made me just about pass out from wanting the third book.

And oh!! Just as in the first book, much of Tess' time is spent with classic literature. I loved the tie in there and I loved it again, especially as Tess began to read and understand the book of her namesake, Tess of the D'Urbervilles. This is one detail of this series I absolutely adore.

Naturals takes the world created in Chosen Ones and raises it. There's more of everything I loved in the first--Tess and her fabulousness, James, drama, self-discovery--and new great characters, revelations, and experiences. Naturals kept me riveted to my seat and left me salivating for more.

Tiffany Truitt was born in Peoria, Illinois. A self-proclaimed Navy brat, Tiffany spent most of her childhood living in Virginia, but don’t call her a Southerner. She also spent a few years living in Cuba. Since her time on the island of one McDonalds and Banana Rats (don’t ask), she has been obsessed with traveling. Tiffany recently added China to her list of travels (hello inspiration for a new book).

Besides traveling, Tiffany has always been an avid reader. Tiffany spent most of her high school and college career as a literary snob. She refused to read anything considered “low brow” or outside the “classics.”

Tiffany began teaching middle school in 2006. Her students introduced her to the wide, wonderful world of Young Adult literature. Today, Tiffany embraces popular Young Adult literature and uses it in her classroom. Tiffany is proud to call herself an educator and Young Adult author.

Thank you so much to Entangled for letting me take part in the tour! I LOVED the book (if you couldn't tell). There are three paperback copies up for grabs for the entire tour! Also, be sure to check back here on the 15th for an interview with Tiffany and an additional ebook giveaway! :)

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Stacking the Shelves {10}

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where we get to share the books we've bought, been gifted, or received for review!

Slow week. I bought tickets to see Mumford & Sons in June, so I'm containing myself when it comes to books. My tax return was great, but it'll be better if it lasts for a while. :)

For review:

The Collector by Victoria Scott, published March 25, 2013 by Entangled Teen (via Netgalley)

Purchased:

 

Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Not a huge week, but that's fine after my busy busy week last week! I need time to catch up. :) But Barnes & Noble was having a great ebook sale this weekend! I bought both of these there. Couldn't help myself!

A recap of the week here on Paper Cuts:
Monday - I reviewed The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa.
Tuesday - I teased from Requiem by Lauren Oliver.
Wednesday - I posted a giveaway of my ARC of The Elite by Kiera Cass.
Friday - I reviewed The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.

Books I read this week:
Requiem (Delirium #3) by Lauren Oliver

I'm currently reading:
The Sweetest Dark by Shana Abe

So that's been my week! I had a lot of work to do that I'd put off during spring break, so I didn't have a ton of reading time. Anyways, I'd love to see what y'all got so leave me links! I'll be visiting about in just a little while. :) Have a lovely Sunday and a fabulous week!

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Release date: January 10, 2012
Author info: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Publisher: Dutton
Pages: 368
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Buy the book: Barnes & Noble | Amazon | The Book Depository

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

When I finished The Fault in Our Stars, I was not sure that I'd review it. At the time, I'd never read another John Green book. I only finally picked up the book because I found his YouTube channel with his brother, Hank, and loved it. I have a lot of mixed feelings about TFiOS (I honestly just HAVE to shorten the title. It's so long when you write it over and over again, as I'm wont to do in a review.), though most of them are definitely positive. A lot of my complaints were explained when I sought out interviews with John Green, but I can't quite get over them. I knew immediately after finished TFiOS that I needed to read another of his books, though, to give myself some bearings. I read Looking for Alaska and found it really helped me get a handle on how I felt about this book. Odd, right? Whatever works, though. With that done, I felt able to write this review. We'll see how coherent it turns out!

The Fault in Our Stars follows Hazel, a teenager with Stage IV thyroid cancer. She was slated to die years ago, but an experimental drug has prolonged her life, though everyone knows she'll die sooner rather than later. Hazel lives with the idea of leaving the lightest mark on the world she can; this means being a vegetarian, among other things. But when she meets Augustus Waters, a boy with a big name and big ideas, she begins to recreate her ideas on life, legacy, and--most importantly--death.

To be quite honest, I haven't had such an emotional response to a book--or, well, anything--in quite a while. TFiOS had me crying in quite an embarrassing way. But what's stuck with me are not really the parts that made me cry (except for the one at the gas station, maybe two-thirds in). In comparing TFiOS to Looking for Alaska, I see two very different methods of coping with death. Hazel's someone who has been preparing for death for quite a long time. She's at peace in a way many of us could never understand. She's living on borrowed time, so every day is a gift. Miles has to deal with death in the most sudden and jolting way; it's an abstract idea...until it isn't. Neither is prepared for death when it comes and watching each character break down in the ways John Green depicts is fascinating and heart-breaking.

In some ways I felt like TFiOS was searching for my tears, though. It got them, but at times it felt disingenuous. I don't know if that's my imagination, but when I read Looking for Alaska I didn't feel that same way. The emotions were raw and not analyzed in any way. I thought, "This could be me dealing with this." That was not the case with TFiOS. I know Hazel is supposed to be intelligent and the language of the book is heightened. I got all of that. But I also thought that, in my own grief, I would never find such realizations so quickly. It would take distance and time. This is just how I feel, but I held importance in my reading experience.

I can't say TFiOS is a bad book in any way. Like I said, I really enjoyed it. John Green has grown quite a bit as a writer since Looking for Alaska, though I do believe it to be a superior book. But I can definitely say TFiOS made me think and taught me more than I originally believed. I can definitely recommend it; I just think it should be read thoughtfully. (Was that a coherent review? I honestly couldn't tell you. Let me know?)