giveaway: the life o'reilly by brian cohen

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Hi everybody! Exciting news! Author Brian Cohen is gracious enough to offer a giveaway of a signed copy of The Life O'Reilly to a lucky reader of Darlyn & Books! Here's the excerpt of my review of the book;

The Life O’Reilly is a love story filled with drama and emotions. It is very well-written, compelling, beautifully told and left such a warm feeling at the end of the story which I really like. It gives me more than I what need rather than a light read because it serves everything for you to think about love, sadness, sharing, giving and most important of how to enjoy life that we have now. It some kind of a motivation for me. I was amazed reading the book, and still am. I think I have found another great author as good as Nicholas Sparks!

You can read my full review here.

Giveaway details;

(1) Giveaway open to all and the prize will be shipped from the author.

(2) Share with us 1 motto/quote/wisdom that you can even think right now in the comment. No matter it's your own or you got it from somewhere/someone else, including your email address!

(3) Check out my review here. Read the review or leave a comment if you like it or do nothing. It's not a compulsory. I just want to share what's best about the book with you =)

(4) Giveaway ends Nov. 9th and the winner will be picked randomly and announced on Nov. 10th.

p/s: I would appreciate it so much if you guys spread the words! (No extra entries though. I want to make it as simple as possible)

Good luck everyone! And have a nice day!

the life o'reilly: a novel by brian cohen

Title: The Life O'Reilly: A Novel
Author: Brian Cohen
Pages: 266
Rating: 4.5/5
Source: Provided by the author

Summary (Author website)

On the outside, Nick O’Reilly has it all: a high-flying legal career, as a partner of an elite Wall Street law firm, and financial security, with an apartment overlooking Central Park. Having grown up in a working-class family, as far back as Nick can remember this was his dream. But at the age of thirty-six, after several years of sacrificing his personal life for professional gain, Nick has started to ponder his future and consider the mark he wants to leave on society both professionally and personally—his legacy.

After being chastised in the press for turning a cold shoulder to the community, the firm calls upon Nick to help rehabilitate its image by handling its first pro bono case. Nick is asked to represent Dawn Nelson, a domestic violence victim who is fighting for custody of her young son, Jordan. A far cry from Nick’s specialty of defending the misdeeds of Corporate America, it is up to Nick to set Dawn and Jordan on a path to a better life. But Nick gets much more than he signed on for, as Dawn forces him to reassess his life choices and, ultimately, be true to himself. Only when Nick finally realizes what is truly important in life does he face his toughest—and possibly final—challenge: a battle for his own survival.

My Thought:

I've just finished reading the book few days ago and I have to admit I'm quite reluctant to write the book's review. I have a little mixed feeling about the story and I couldn't find the word to express it. It's truly is some what a different story than I expected from the beginning when the author approached me to review his book. I read a few reviews about the book from other online sources and a couple of fellow blogger friends and they really gave good praise to the author. It makes me wonder why and when some of them comparing him to Nicholas Sparks, I know that I have to read this book.

When I'm about to read the book, yes, I really have this "this is Nicholas Sparks' book aura" feeling. Little did I know, it really was nothing like Nicholas Sparks. It was way better than that. I like all the heart-gripping, tear-jerking and heartfelt feeling in Nicholas Sparks books, but Brian Cohen's is an unexpected distinct warm feeling that lingers longer not only in your heart but also in your mind. I felt like I have to be strong to face any obstacles in life and I keep cheering in silence for Nick and hoping that everything will be okay. I think it's because Nick O'Reilly's character is so real and believable. Every words about the character seems so honest and so true which makes me wonder if the story is based on a true story.

The story is all about Nick O'Reilly and his life to begin with. He has everything, promising career, big paycheck, a partner of a well-known firm, you name it. Everything seems so perfect until he realizes he misses so much of other things when he represents a pro bono, domestic violence case of Dawn Nelson and her son. Half of the books literally about the case and his feeling towards his client and half to the end is about how he makes it through to gain what he thinks he has lost before by fulfilling each day with better way to enjoy it. At first, I thought it would be like a thriller (seems like any story involved with lawyers ends up that way). However, it has a little bit of thrill, suspense and mystery about his life which keep me guessing and can't wait to keep turning the page as soon as possible. And one thing I like most; I can't even predict what would have happened, I never see it's coming!

The Life O'Reilly is very well-written, compelling, beautifully told and left such a warm feeling at the end of the story which I really like. I'm really lucky to read this as it left me thinking about my own life path that I've chosen till this day. You know, when you think you have and follow everything according to the plan, without even think in a blink about the possibilities that you might have something you've missed along the way until you're standing at where you're standing now. It gives me more than I what need rather than a light read because it serves everything for you to think about love, sadness, sharing, giving and most important of how to enjoy life that we have now. It some kind of a motivation for me. I was amazed reading the book, and still am. I think I have found another great author as good as Nicholas Sparks!

Disclaimer: I received a review copy courtesy of Author Brian Cohen in exchange for a fair review. Receiving a copy in no way will ever reflected my review and these are my honest review.

giveaway flash: halloween book giveaway

Book Give-Away October 25 – November 1: for those interested in Edith and the Mysterious Stranger, leave a comment about this interview with your e-mail at http://lindaweaverclarke.blogspot.com. U.S. and Canada.

Have you ever wondered how Halloween got started? Did you know that the Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America in the 1800s? In celebration of Halloween, I'm having a book give away for a historical romance novel. All my books are “sweet” romances for teens and adults. Listen to the video and read the sample chapter and then list one thing that grabs your attention. By the way, the excerpt doesn’t reveal who the mysterious stranger is, just in case you're wondering.

With mysterious letters, cattle rustlers, a spunky woman, the liar's fire, Halloween, and young love, there is always something happening.

sons of fortune by jeffrey archer

Title: Sons of Furtune
Author: Jeffrey Archer
Pages: 608
Rating: 5/5
Source: Personal Copy

Summary (Goodreads):

In Hartford, Connecticut, in the late 1940s, a set of twins is parted at birth-not by accident. Nat Cartwright goes home with his parents, a schoolteacher and an insurance salesman, while his twin brother begins his days as Fletcher Davenport, son of a millionaire and his society wife.

During the 1950s and 1960s, the two brothers grow up apart, following similar paths that take them in different directions. Nat leaves college at the University of Connecticut to serve in Vietnam, then finishes school, earns his MBA, and becomes a successful currency dealer. Fletcher, meanwhile, graduates from Yale University with a bachelor's and a law degree, going on to distinguish himself as a criminal defense lawyer.

At various times in their lives, both men are confronted with challenges and obstacles, tragedy and betrayal, loss and hardship, before they both decide to run for governor, unaware they are brothers.

My Thought:

It's one of his brilliant stories that I love. It has every details that you need to know but not really dragging. I was immensely absorbed with the story from the first page, as I always did whenever I read his books. It may seems boring to know a life story of two person but it certainly has an element which makes you ponder what will happen between the two of them. A separated twin- not by an accident but too many incidents involved related to them that makes you want them to meet each other and to know the whole thing that they are twins. They constantly know each others name and their family always tell them they look terribly the same and could be twins. But it wont happen until the very last minute. Until they run against each other for the governor of the state and by then, the truth will be revealed.

It is an original story and very believable. I love the twin; Nat and Fletcher, it's really a great story of two great person to achieve something good for the nation. They have fair fight and I really love the ending. Such unbelievable yet so remarkable (for me). It looks like a very predictable story but it's not. You can never think that would happen and the ending still make you wonder and think for a while who's the winner. The sensation of plot twisting will evoke such a great temptation to read it to the finish line right at that moment. I thoroughly enjoy the book and it's absolutely a page turner even though it is quite a chunkster. I finished it less in a day and I assure you Archer's spinning tale never let me down.

Note: This book review is link up to Book Review Party Wednesday at Cym Lowell Blog. Click HERE for more info.

the last song by nicholas sparks

Title: The Last Song
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Pages: 413
Rating: 4/5
Source: Borrowed

Summary (Goodreads):

Seventeen year-old Veronica “Ronnie” Miller’s life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Wilmington, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alienated from her parents, especially her father… until her mother decides it would be in everyone’s best interest if she spent the summer in Wilmington with him. Ronnie’s father, a former concert pianist and teacher, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will become the centerpiece of a local church. The tale that unfolds is an unforgettable story about love in its myriad forms – first love, the love between parents and children – that demonstrates, as only a Nicholas Sparks novel can, the many ways that deeply felt relationships can break our hearts… and heal them.

My Say:

Okay, a confession: I watch the movie first and I wish I hadn't. Well, blame Miley Cirus for that. I have nothing against her, really.

First of all, Ronnie is believable in the book but not that fake in the movie (Is it too harsh?). I can't blame her, maybe she needs a lot of more practice to be natural. I hate to confess, I hate her fake laugh in the movie. It sounds fake to me. Maybe it's real to you, but I just can't accept it. But otherwise, the movie is great. Every other character done their parts very well. I enjoyed it and I cried at the end of the movie but not as much as I cried when I read the book. That's it.

It's may be a same old same old writing style and everything seems to be predictable in any Nicholas Sparks books. Even though I know how it might turns out; crying, feeling sad, and fully enjoyed the love scenes in it, it never bores me and I have to say I pick it up to read at the right time. I don't want to be biased and dislike it because he serves the same thing over and over again. So, being rational I am, I love the book. Everything is so great and so well developed. There's joy, hate, cries, love and life, scrambled together which it never tires me at all.

Yes, it's predictable but every time I read any of his books, I learn about appreciating people, love and life. It works wonders and somehow it creates a great feeling after I finished reading his books. It sticks around longer in heart and I can still recall any of his books and feel the same way even though just to remember about it. For me, it's a must read.

giveaway flash: win 2 chapters of rosie!

I just want to share something with you guys, a-16 years old Debut Author Mariam Maarouf will publish a novel entitled Rosie in January 2011. I love the stunning cover and also blurb of the story. I think it's intriguing and it sets in Egypt! Oh I love thee!

Here's the blurb (from Goodreads);


In life, nothing is the same as it seems. People create masks –identities – to hide who they really are –some for noble reasons, or nefarious ones, but only a tiny fraction because they must. Alessandra and Damien, or Rosalie and Daniel, were once the Princess and Prince of La Pacifica until they were forced out of the beautiful island. Eight months flew by, and they finally began to settle in Alexandria, Egypt, when they found out that they didn’t leave their past behind them, and that they were both wanted urgently. Dead.


Here's the Trailer:



So, starting 10/15 and for two weeks (until 31-Oct-2010), you can enter a contest to win a digital, signed, 2 chapters (+prologue) preview of Rosie.

The contest OPEN INTERNATIONALLY. Heads up to her blog and enter. Just click HERE.

Hope you guys will put it on your BIG FAT PILE OF TBR LIST on Goodreads! (Well, who doesn't?)

the island by sarah singleton

Title: The Island
Author: Sarah Singleton
Pages: 294
Rating: 3.5/5
Source: Won from Sarah. Thanks!

Summary (from the back cover):

Otto, Jen and Charlotte are off to India for the trip of a lifetime. Arriving ahead of he others, Otto's soon enjoying the beach paradise they've all dreamed of. But when he discovers a girl dead in the shallows, he's suddenly thrust into the middle of a murder investigation. And then he disappears. As their dream holiday unravels, can Charlotte and Jen find their friend and prove his innocence-without putting themselves at risk?

My Thought:

I haven't read any young adult science fiction and thrillers before, and having a chance to read one, is a great opportunity to learn about something new in reading. When I read the blurb of the book, I think I must give a try.

Although I was looking forward to read the book, the starting point of reading from the the page one is like I'm pondering around what it is all about. Each chapter is narrated by each of them; Otto, Jen and Charlotte. They have their own distinct character by which Otto is acting like an easy-going person, love to explore some new place by himself first, but at the same time is a very loyal friend. His two best friends are Jen and Charlotte. I love Charlotte. She is sensible, attentive, reliable, and the most practical among three of them. Although sometime I think she acts like a boss, but she has to so that the three of them will make steps forward. On the other hand, Jen is a the most fragile and has a great sense of instinct. She knows that she is different and always knew that are great things upon her to find out the truth.

When Jen suggested they travel to India, Charlotte is somewhat kind of against it but accepted the idea later. However, when Otto disappeared and involved in a murder investigation, both of them started to investigate based on anything they found and also with a little help of Jen's strong instincts.

The story was not really that fast pace, quite a page turner to get the attention but need a little sometime to catch the interest. However, the author did a good job of describing Goa and it really kind of alluring and tempting, beautifully evoked. Added with great mystic and spiritual elements of mysteries about the Island which attracts Jen to be part of it. She always knew that Goa has something right for her all along, something pure that only few people in the world have the gift. It sounds unbelievable here, but believe me it quite make sense after they discover the truth. The book also has a great ordeal, action-packed wise, and a great mystery ahead and also a quest full of adventures.

Other than that, the closeness between the three of them is very open and they act like real best friends although there's might be a spark between each of them. But being friends seem a better solution to keep them together and happy. The ending is quite okay but I feel like it could be a good stand alone if it is not a series. But I can't wait to read the sequel too! Overall, it's really a worth reading and I will try to read her other books. Fully recommended to any young adult science fiction and speculative fiction.

*Credit: This review is taking part in Radiant Reviews, hosted by Crissie @ Chrissie Corner. Click HERE for more information

tag: you're it!

I was tagged by Jan @ Eating YA Books, Staci @ Novel Source and Cheryl @ CMash Loves To Read. Thanks a lot!

Rules of the game:

1) Accept the tag and link to the tagger at the beginning of your post.
2) Answer the questions honestly in your post by listing four things.
3) Pass on the love by picking four other people to tag and listing them at the bottom of your post. Notify them that you tagged them.

4 Things That Are In My Handbag:

a) a stationary case
b) my 5 years old purse from my fiancee on our anniversary
c) a notebook to scribble anything
d) my university student matric card

4 Favorite Things In My Bedroom:

a) My big pink pillow, a comfy whenever I land on the bed to sleep.
b) A weighing scale which I can weigh every time I think I eat a lot! and pray it'll be not more that 58 kgs!
c) A wardrobe which I don't really consider it my favorite but it's already fix in my room.
d) A coffee-maker which is illegal for a student to own one in a room accept the one they already facilitate at the pantry. Well, I can't live without coffee and sharing is not in my dictionary.LOL.

4 Things On My Desk:

a) My pink netbook
b) Piles of reference books, textbooks, notebooks. It's messy and I have to dig in every time I'm writing my research report.
c) My family picture and my fiancee's picture to remind me to be strong being far away from them furthering my study.
d) A big 2010 calender with a lot of crossed, reds and scribbles of due dates, meetings, and whatever I have to submit.

4 Things I've Always Wanted To Do (but haven't yet):

a) Further for PhD oversea (maybe UK or US)
b) Get married and have kids
c) Have a BIG mini library in my OWN house
d) Emm, write a book??

4 Things I Enjoy Very Much At The Moment:

a) Reading, reading, reading!
b) Studying? haha.
c) I'm anime and manga addict. I'm following Naruto and Bleach at the moment =)
d) Cooking and eating.

4 Songs I Can't Get Out Of My Head:

Err, my National Anthem??? I guess everybody wont get it out of their head even if they want too.

Like Jan, I don't really listen to music. I do listen, but not that much. Maybe when my fiancee ask me to listen to a certain song, than I will. And I'm a HUGE deaf-tone!

4 Things You Don't Know About Me:

a) I have a body weight problem a couple of years ago. I'm so scared of being fat since my friends are skinny. It was so pathetic and traumatic because I went in and out of hospital because of my crash diet. It was the stupidest thing I ever done.
b) I HATE dentist! I nearly faint when the dentist took off (is that the right term??) one of my teeth.
c) I love sports! I'm a netball player for my school and university. Also a football/soccer fan. Used to be a fan of Manchester United, then Liverpool, but now I've changed to Barcelona FC. =)
d) I don't know how to swim and I will not learn how, until I have the courage or when I have a strong motive to learn it.

4 Bloggers I am Tagging:

Shy @ The Bibliphile's Journal
CJ Alhafiz @ Coffee N Crackers
Nina @ J'dorehappyendings
Aly @ Fantasy4Eva

Tag You're It!

damaged by pamela callow

Title: Damaged (Kate Lange Series #1)
Author: Pamela Callow
Pages: 453
Rating: 4/5

Summary (Author's Website):

How far are you willing to go to forget your past?

Haunted by the death of her sister, and wounded by her ex-fiance's accusations, Kate Lange throws herself into her new career at a high-powered law firm. When the grandmother of a lonely private school student seeks her counsel, Kate thinks it's just another custody case. Until the teen is brutally murdered. And it isn't only Kate who wonders if her legal advice led to the girl's death.

How far are you willing to go to redeem yourself?

Put on notice by Randall Barrett, the firm's charismatic managing partner, Kate must fight for her career, for her reputation and for redemption. Unwilling to live with the damage she has caused, Kate pursues the case on her own and unearths some chilling facts. Facts that lead straight to the heart of a legal conspiracy. Facts that lead Kate directly into the surgically-skilled hands of the Body Butcher.

My Thought:

Damaged is book series debut of Author Pamela Callow. Since it is stated as medical thriller, in a moment, it attracts my attention because I think I never read any a medical thriller before. I can't wait to read it the moment I have it in my hands. And boy, I'm not disappointed at being that excited. Yes, it started quite flat even the author try to make it like 'the situation' and it also flipping the flashback of Kate and the present. I know Kate is like a new heroine of the series, but it turned out a little or maybe quite annoying when she feels like she has to help and do everything herself. It's not deniable that she has the enthusiasm which is good and I think it's her character to make the reader feels she is annoying.

I was quite quickly drawn in reading the book when Kate is starting the investigation to solve the case herself. The plot line is actually very engaging and locked your interest to the very end until you know who's the culprit and wondering which is which and what is what. The best part is, I tell you, is the medical part itself. It's quite challenging to understand a situation of House-like or ER-like made into a book when you have not so much knowledge on that particular matter and yes, you will be quite bore to understand or lost interest. But I like it and it's not that hard as you would learn new things from what you're reading. However, I personally think the story is quite dragging a bit when the matter of subject is not particularly interesting in certain parts. Only hope that the sequel will be better.

The author does a terrific job for her first debut. Despite of a tiny flaw, it's actually a very good read and it's really quite a page turner which for me is actually an indicator it is one of a good thriller/legal crime books. Definitely will read the sequel, Indefensible, and I would also recommend it to all thriller's fan.

Disclaimer: I received a review copy courtesy of Tricia from Meryl L. Moss Media Relations in exchange for a fair review. Receiving a copy in no way will ever reflected my review and these are my honest review.

Credit: This book review is link up to Book Review Party Wednesday at Cym Lowell Blog. Click HERE for more info.

giveaway around blogsphere #5

1) Sparkling Reviews is hosting 2 great Giveaways!

(A) Enter Win Box of Book for 220 Followers Giveaway (Ends 10/14)

(B) Kindle to Giveaway and ended when they reach 500 Followers.

2) Book Give-Away October 4 - 11: For those interested in Second Time Around by Mystery Writer Linda Faulkner, leave a comment about this interview at http://lindaweaverclarke.blogspot.com. Open to US and Canada only.

About the Book

Second Time Around was an Award Finalist for best Mystery/Suspense fiction 2010. This mystery is set in the Rocky Mountains of western
Montana. Timmie Campbell asks herself what she’s going to do when the dead body she stumbles across winds up belonging to her father, the father she thought abandoned her in infancy. Her mother has been lying for years about her father’s abandonment, about him not contacting them, about a lot of things. Unfortunately, Timmie can’t dwell on her mother’s deception because bodies begin piling up and she needs to stop the killer before he wipes out her entire family.

3) Teddyree at The Eclectic Reader is hosting October Competition to her followers.

Open Internationally and ends 10/31.
Click HERE to enter

4) Alaine at Queen of Happy Endings also hosting a great giveaway for her followers. Great books and also for a lucky commenter.

Open Internationally

Click HERE to enter

6) Debbie from Debbie World of Books is giving away for 3 great books for US entrants and $15 to shop at BookDepository for Internationals

Click on the picture to enter ;p

7) OMG...iveaway! Win signed copies of the Austen Addict books!

I love Jane Austen's books and Austen Addict book by Laurie Viera Rigler is a MUST collection.

Now is what you have to do;
heads up to Jane Austen Addict Blog to enter.
Ends October 9.

8) Favorite Five Book Giveaway 1.

Kelsey at Reading or Breathing is giving away a copy of Sea by Heidi R. Kling.
Open Internationally and ends 10/8.
Click HERE to enter

9) Extreme Reader Book Review is hosting One Year Blogoversary Giveaway!

Open to all and ends on 10/31.

Click HERE to enter

interview: Author Jennifer Laurens

A warm welcome to Author Jennifer Laurens today at Darlyn & Books. I'm thrilled to have her here for an interview and hope that you guys are too. She is the author of Heavenly, Penitence and soon-to-be published Absolution, the final book in Heavenly series.


D: What inspires you to be a writer?

JL: Wanting to provide great stories that inspire and uplift, or enlighten or make someone laugh...without excessive violence, sex or language. I have 6 kids of my own, and they were put off by much of what's published.

D: How did the concept for Heavenly evolve? And why angel?

JL: I have a child with autism, and the road to accepting her condition has been long for all of us- told with many of our actual life experiences, writing the book was purging for me in a way. I could control the outcome whereas in real life, I can only do so much.


D: I know that you write Heavenly mostly from your life experiences. How do you feel about sharing them with readers?

JL: I love sharing them with readers. It's that real element that touches people. No one can say, "This doesn't ring true " because it IS true. Yes, I believe in guardian angels. Have I seen any? Not yet - but I know they've stepped in and protected our "Abria" many times. As far as the other elements, like Luke's drug addiction and Zoe's partying and all that - those characters are based on my own teenagers who struggled in their own way to try to deal with having a severely handicapped sister. It's not easy being stared at in public because someone you are with screams, tantrums, or steals something causing a scene. When they were teens, in that most difficult time of life it was particularly hard for them.


D: What is your writing process? Do you plot everything first or do you tend to fly in the mist?

JL: I have a skeletal outline that ferments in my head over a period of months - sometimes years - before I write. I write 6-8 hours a day, every day.


D: Which character that made you hard to write? And which is the easiest?

JL: Luke was the hardest because my son's drug addiction was more terrifying than anything we've been through. There were days I wasn't sure he'd make it home alive. I'm happy to say he's married now and very far from all of that. Oddly, Matthias was the easiest.


D: Which scenes, if any, were the most challenging to write?

JL: The scenes with Zoe and Matthias because I really wanted people to believe that this - guardian angels in our lives - is real, even if we don't see them.


D: Did you plan Heavenly would be a series or trilogy from the beginning?

JL: No. One Albert came into my head, I knew I had more story to tell.


D: Personally, do you think Absolution will be a great satisfaction ending for Heavenly trilogy for readers? Why?

JL: Ab-so-lute-ly. I love the end of this series and am sure readers will close the book warm-hearted.


D: What’s next? Would there be another book series from you?

JL: Overprotected is next - in February. It's a dark, coming-of-age story about a girl fighting for independence. It's the first story I ever wrote, re-written about fifty times!


D: What do you like best and least about the publishing industry, which made you goes indie author?

JL: I've been the NYC route, had two agents who went to bat for me and decided I wanted to take an indie stab in spite of it all. I love the control, I love the creative process and love being able to publish authors like me (through Grove Creek Publishing) who have excellent work the world needs to read. * see Grove Creek Publishing, Submissions for guidelines*


D: Name three things we might be surprised to know about you.

JL: I once was Julie McCoy's stand in on Love Boat. I have a massive dollhouse and miniature collection and my favorite city is NYC - I'd live there if I could.

Thanks so much for the interview Darlyn!

About the Author

Jennifer started writing when she was in her youth, choosing to hole up in her bedroom creating stories rather than going out to play with friends. She attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where she took classes in English and Theater Arts. Later, life took her back to her home in Palos Verdes, California where she worked in the entertainment business before meeting her husband and marrying. They have been married for 25 years.

Jennifer is the mother of six children, ages 11- 23, one of whom has autism. She fell back into writing after lengthy jaunts into the fascinating hobbies of ceramics, porcelain dolls, tole painting and muffin making.

Her perfect day is spent writing from 9 until 5 while her family is at school and at work. She considers herself blessed that most every day is perfect.

Readers can find her at her BLOG and WEBSITE

More about Heavenly Books at http://www.heavenlythebook.com/


Thanks so much Jennifer! It's a pleasure to have you here today. Guys, she's a very great person, honestly. I'm also excited for Absolution, the finale of the Heavenly series and I think all you too. Well, who's going to pass a story with guardian angels. I bet Mathias did a great job being one =)

Oh, she also asked me to spread the word that any blogger interested in a copy of Heavenly can have one, just set up an interview or chat and contact her at jennlaurens@yahoo.com !

giveaway flash: shade by jeri smith ready

Splendibird is hosting a giveaway of signed UK copy of Shade by Jeri Smith Ready!

Ends 10/31. Open to International entrants. Click HERE to enter.

witch and wizard by james patterson

Title: Witch and Wizard (Witch and Wizard #1)
Author: James Patterson
Pages: 336
Rating: 3.5/5
Source: Personal copy

Summary (Goodreads):

Everything is about to change. The government has seized control of every aspect of society, and now kids are disappearing. For 15 year-old Wisty and her older brother Whit, life turns upside-down when they are hauled out of bed one night, separated from their parents, and thrown into a secret compound for no apparent reason. It's clear that the new government will stop at nothing to suppress Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Being a Normal Teenager.

For the sister and brother, the chaos started when Whit's girlfriend, Celia, was spirited away in a black van, never to be seen or heard from again. Locked inside their cells, the two fear that they have been taken to the very same complex that swallowed Celia and realize that a daring escape is their only hope of survival.

While imprisoned together, Wisty and Whit start exhibiting strange abilities and powers they never knew they possessed. Their new talents lead them to believe that maybe there is a reason they were singled out. Can this newly minted witch and a wizard master their skills in time to save themselves, their parents--and maybe the world?

My Thought:

I was very excited to read the book at the beginning as this book is like one of my most anticipated book I wanted to read so much this year. As I got it in my hands, and opened the first page, then started to read it, I said, I was going to love this. But I'm not. I love Maximum Ride Series so much that it blinded me about this one. I was over expecting about it. But, don't get me wrong. I don't love it, I just like it. I was thinking the book is a 5 but, in the end I gave it a 3.5.

The idea of witches and wizards really stunned me. I love the combination of magic and kids which Whit and Wisty are very strong characters with great powers. The only thing that buggering me is that, he tried to put a lot of mysteries in there and make it sounds like too forceful and unbelievable. It has a great potential in the story line but it still lack of something like relatable scenes with so many back and forth. It really made me hard to enjoy to read the book. James Patterson's writing style of short chapters interest me the most before, but now in this book, that really doesn't work. I found too much of scenes to gasp and hold my breath to wonder what will happen. I love it before, but like I said, it doesn't work this time. It's like a fake and not really believable.

So, I thought maybe this is not for me. And it is proven when I gave it to my sister, Tasha, aged 13, here's what she said;

"It's superb and I love it! I wish I could be like Wisty and have a brother like Whit! It's like Harry Potter, but with non-stop actions with adventurous life. I love the short chapters and I was fully absorbed with the story. Could you imagine they have the strongest power of magics and could save the world? The story is so BELIEVABLE! I can't wait to read the next sequel! 5 stars for Witch and Wizard!"

Oh dear, I'm right. Whilst I like it so-so, she LOVES it and rooting for the book like it is her best book ever. Even though I might not love it, I would love to read the sequel too. Maybe it will turn out okay and could have change my opinion about it like my sister. Well, it's not so bad after all.

Note: This book review is link up to Book Review Party Wednesday at Cym Lowell Blog. Click HERE for more info.

my monthly books recap: september 10

September has finally gone and here comes October. I wish I can say that with more cheerful and extravagant of how I enjoyed September. But really, I can't even say that. Because..? Well, lets just say that I had a blast holiday for celebrating Eid Mubarak with my family at my grandparents hometown with a very little reading. Very little.

So, here's the books I've read in September;

1) Dance While You Can by Susan Lewis
2) Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
3) Zoya by Danielle Steel
4) Witch and Wizard by James Patterson

Which by all means, I've read 83 books to date this year. I know, it sounds a lot because I say that first, when actually I only read 4 books in September. LOL. I don't really have high hope for October but I will dedicate myself to read whenever I have free time after doing my works. That will be my unofficial pledge ;p

As usual, I would always love to stalk and being jealous of what you've read for the whole September. Honestly, it inspired me to get to know about new and old published books but the main objective, it is an appreciation of your efforts of being a rocking bookworm and the unlimited contributions to the readers. So, that's why it's a bit sad for me not be able to read very much last month. But not has to fuss about it =)

Oh by the way, I've found something great that I want to share with you guys. Jennifer @ Reading With Tequila hosted an event of Harry Potter Week last week from Sept 22-29 2010. I know it's already has ended but I was on holiday at that time and just having time to browse and read a lot of reader's thought of HP characters they love and hate. It's great and I suggest you to head up to Jennifer's blog and read all the guest posts.

Secondly, Monica @ The Bibliophilic Book Blog is also hosting another Harry Potter Extravaganza for the month of October! Doesn't that superb? I just love Harry Potter and I'm looking forward to read the posts at her site. A lot of other bloggers take participation in it too so I bet it is one great event indeed, and need our support. Do you know any blog hosting anything Harry Potter too? Would love to know about them as well.

She also mentioned about Sorting Hat quiz at HERE and HERE. I took the quiz and wallah! I'm Gryffindor! (Look at my right side blog if you please...) Yeay! If you're not taking the quiz, which House you think you will get by the Sorting Hat???

Last but not least, ENJOY OCTOBER!!!