Book Shelf: Forgiven (The Demon Trappers #3) by Jana Oliver

The days are growing darker for 17-year-old demon trapper Riley Blackthorne. With her father’s reanimated body back safely, Beck barely speaking to her because of a certain hunky Fallen angel, and a freshly-made deal with Lucifer, she has enough on her hands to last a normal teenage lifetime. Though she bargained with Heaven to save his life, her ex-boyfriend Simon has told the Vatican’s Demon Hunters that she’s working with Hell. So now she’s in hiding, at the top of everyone’s most-wanted list.


But it’s becoming clear that this is bigger than Riley, and rapidly getting out of control: something sinister is happening in Atlanta… or someone. The demons are working together for the first time ever and refusing to die, putting civilians in harm’s way. Riley thinks she might know who’s behind it all, but who’s going to believe her? Caught between her bargain with Heaven and her promise to Lucifer, Riley fears the final war is coming – and it may be closer than anyone thinks…

More info: Goodreads.


Review:

Forgiven, the third book in The Demon Trappers series by Jana Oliver proves to be the best in the series so far with its blend of on your seat action, constant excitement, unparallel friendship and tantalizing romance!

If you’ve read any of my previous Demon Trapper reviews, you’ll be well aware that I love this series. I do; I really do. Jana Oliver’s dystopian world is one I love getting lost in. It’s raw and gritty and Oliver’s exceptional storytelling never fails to captivate me with each and every book. And Forgiven was no exception! This book showcases everything I love about this series and brings it to a whole new level as the stakes are raised and more than just lives are on the line. Told in dual perspectives, it’s fantastic trading back and forth between main characters Riley and Beck to get different views on the events within the book.

I was so thrilled with Riley in this book. After the events of the last book, she really embraces her mistakes and learns from them, growing throughout the course of Forgiven. Oliver writes her so easily emphasisable, that even when I want to shake some sense into her, I want to give her a cuddle too. I liked that she acknowledged her mistakes and that she took responsibility for the majority of them. There's a lot she has to make up for and I honestly felt that her actions in this book were here first steps towards that. Riley is truly growing into a strong leading lady; one that fights for the ones she loves and what she thinks is right. She’s embracing the trapper way of life, but she’s also her own person and it’s wonderful to follow her throughout the series!

As far as male leads go, Denver Beck is one of my favourites. He’s so raw and rough around the edges, but that strength and tenderness to him that we see during the series never fails to steal my heart. I love Beck; I soooo do! He’s such a sweetie, really he is. I think the fact that he has so many flaws and that he’s truly vulnerable and in no way perfect make him the fantastic character that he is. He often makes mistakes and his mouth runs off on him, especially where Riley’s concerned, and this leads to a lot of problems for him, but at his heart he’s such an incredibly good guy. You can see he wants to do right by Riley and her father and the Trappers Guild that have given him the life he leads. In Forgiven he has a lot of issues to work through and it was so endearing watching him do so; it made him so human.

I loved the relationship development between Riley and Beck throughout this book. I admit it seems like two steps forward, one step back with them, but for the most part they really grew together in Forgiven. One of the things I love about the relationship between the two of them is it feels real to me. They’re in no way perfect and they make their fair share of mistakes but when it really matters they’re there for one another. You just know there’s nothing they wouldn’t do to protect the other. Not only is that, but the sexual tension and connection between them is on fire in this book. It’s electric but tinged with so much sweetness and even though Oliver had me wanting to shout in frustration over how things end for them in this chapter of the series, I’m truly hopeful for them in the last book.

Weaving together some incredible fight sequences with magic, demons and tinges of humour, all the characters I’ve comes to love in this series are back! The demon presence in Georgia brings more of the church’s hunters to town and as they work alongside the trappers we love, the race to stop Armageddon is on in a non-stop action packed ride that will not disappoint you with its brilliance. Oliver leaves us all with unsolved questions and a cliff-hanger that has you wanting more. I’m desperate for the fourth and final book, Foretold and am anticipating one hell of an ending!


Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Pan Macmillan Australia (Thank-you so much Charlotte!)
AU Release Date: Available now!
Buy it: Booktopia // The Nile
Reccomendation: I simply adore this series! With each book better than the last it'd be a shame not to find out for yourself how amazing this series is!
Cover: Amazing as always. These covers look so awesome together.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Without a doubt--I'm counting down the days until its release!

Owl Post #1

Hello my lovelies,

I'm sure all you wonderful bloggers out there are sick and tired of hearing about the drama involving Kristi of The Story Siren fame, so I'll keep this quick.

While I’m reserving the right not to judge her—we all know what she’s done, she knows what’s she’s done; lets here the end of it—I have since decided that I will no longer be participating in In My Mailbox as such, though I will still be showcasing the books I’ve received each week. With so many fantastic new meme’s out there now replacing IMM it’s been hard to decide what will fit me but it seems very fitting that I’ve decided to go with Brodie of Eleusinian Mysteries of Reading’s Harry Potter inspired Owl Post seeing as I finally crawled out of the rock I lived under and read the books.

Now you’ll have to bear with me. I have about 3 months of books to share with you from my absence, although I tried to curb my spending during that trying time.

Here are the fabulous books the owls dropped off for me these past few months........


**Sorry for the grainy pictures **  For Review:

From HarlequinTEEN Australia.... (Thanks guys!)
-The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa Does this book need any kind of introduction? It's Julie freaking Kagawa! Author of the incredible Iron Fey books, creator of Ashallyn' darkmyr Tallyn, the greatest fey prince ever if I do say so myself. This book was epic!  -The Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross SQUEEEEEE! It's the second book in the Steampunk Chronicles! Yaaay! More Finley, more Griffen! So excited to dive into this---the first book, The Girl in the Steel Corset was incredible.  -Before I Wake by Rachel Vincent This series just get's better and better with each book and every book I love it more. One word. Tod. Tod, Tod, Tod, Tod. I'm so in love this series and I can't wait for the final book in this series.  -Allegiance by Cayla Kluver This is the sequel to Kluver's Legacy and I'm sad to say I haven't read the first book yet. Which is a shame seeing as it looks so good. Looks like I'll have to chase down a copy of Legacy so I'll finally be able to read this.  From Allen & Unwin......(Thanks guys!) -City of Lies by Lian Tanner I hadn't heard of this before it turned up on my doorstep but seeing as it's middle grade and the 2nd in The Keepers Trilogy I may not get around to it. Looks interesting though.  -Team Human by Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan This standalone novel by authors Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan looks like a barrel of laughs and while I haven't read any books by either of these authors I'm excited to sink my teeth into this one.  -Storm by Brigid Kemmerer Lately it seems like everyone is going bonkers over this book and you know what? They're absolutely right to do so! This book is fan-freaking-tastic and Brigid Kemmerer is already goy us hooked, hook, line and sinker with this awesome new series!  -The Winds of Heaven by Judith Clarke Another book not to my normal tastes but looks to be brimming with emotion. Interesting.  -Burn Mark by Laura Powell I'm reading this right now and while I was really looking forward to it, I'm finding it slow going. It has some interesting aspects though so perhaps it will spark my interest soon.  -Dead Time by Anne Cassidy Not sure about this one. Not my usual tastes but if I'm ever in need of a good thriller this is where I'll turn because it sounds intriguing.  -Drive By by Jim Carrington Hmmmm. This book is not one I'd usually pick up by choice, but rather something I'd expect to read at school. LOL. I'm having flashbacks, hehe.   

From Pan Macmillan Australia......(Thank-you Charlotte!)  -Fated by Alyson Noel Personally, I'm not really a fan of Alyson Noel's Immortals series. I tried, really I did, but I just couldn't get into this series. So it goes without saying that I'm hesitant to pick this one up, but it does sound good, so perhaps when I have a few spare hours.....*Also, I appear to have gotten a finished copy AND ARC, so I will probably be giving one away :)  -Whisper by Alyson Noel Hmmm. Yes. This is the 4th book in the Immortals spin off series featuring Ever's little sister Riley, the only character I really did like I might point out, but I haven't read the other books in this series so I doubt I'll pick this up.  -Dreamless by Josephine Angelini YAY! Angelini's debut novel Starcrossed was incredible so I really need to start this soon, but I'm a bit nervous as I've heard conflicting things.......   From Simon & Schuster Australia...... (Thank-you Caroline!)  -The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda *drool* This looks spectacular and that cover *swoon* Just incredible. I've heard nothing but incredible things about this one so I'm hoping to get to it soon.  -Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson I'm not normally one for contempory novels but I adored Morgan Matson's Amy and Roger's Epic Detour so I actually really, really want to read this. Fingers crossed I love it as much!  -The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker I hadn't heard of this one when it turned up on my doorstep, but it definitely looks like a interesting read. And really thought provoking.   From Allen & Unwin..... (Thank-you!)  -Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer Written by award-winning author Jodi Picoult and her daughter Samantha this book looks soooooo cute. Really I just want to start reading it right now. And it has all beautiful illustrated pictures throughout. Ooooh. Purdy!   From Spencer Hill Press..... (Thank-you Kate)  -Betrayed by Ednah Walters  I'm fairly certain I may have actually requested this one a while back when I was planning on purchasing the first book Awakened, but it had totally slipped my mind until I opened a package and there it was. So many people adore this Indie-ish series and I think I better get the first book stat if I  hope to ever read this one.


I Bought:  
-Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling -Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling -Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling -Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling As I'm sure you've heard me mention by now (duh, I mentioned it up the top of this blog post) I finally read the Harry Potter series from start to ending. I borrowed some of my friends books simply for convenience so I still need to get myself copies of books one, five and six but as you can see I have the others :-)   -Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout Don't hate me, but I wasn't as massive fan of Armentrout's Half-Blood. There was just something about it I'd read before, yet I'm really eager to read this--I just have to meet this green-eyed alien that has all book bloggers going gaga!  -Wake Unto Me by Lisa Cach This had been on my to-read this for a while and during a look inside my local QBD to kill time I happened across it on sale and next thing I know I'm walking out of the store with it. Wanna read soon.  -Raising Demons by Rachel Hawkins Hex Hall Hawkin's first book was a surprisingly delightful surprise and I've been meaning to get the second book (also known as Demonglass) for a while now.  -Witches of East End by Melissa de la Cruz I'm a fan of Blue Blood's series and when I saw this in the newsagent (yeah, I know. Strange place to find a book like this!) for only $4 brand new I knew I needed to have it for "one day"  -Body & Soul by Stacey Kade SQUEEEEEE! I just LOVE The Ghost and the Goth series and when I knew the last book was coming out I just had to have it. I pretty much devoured this the day after I got it and I'm so sad the series is over. I could have read about Will and Alona's adventures forever and ever......  -The Serpent's Shadow by Rick Riordan Gah! Another final book in an awesome series. Rick Riordan is a god and I love his books. Cannot wait to read the last Kane Chronicles book.  -The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead The. Golden. Lily. As in The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead. The VA spin-off? Featuring Adrian and Sydney and Jill and Eddie and..... *dies* This book needs no introduction! I literally ate up the pages (well, not really, but you know what I mean :P) and hopefully I can post my review soon. Looooooovvvvveeeeeddddd ttttthhhhiiisssss. So good--need more.
  I Won:    -Embrace by Jessica Shirvington -Enticed by Jessica Shirvington -Emblaze by Jessica Shirvington -Above by Leah Bobet -Heaven by Christoph Marzi -A Witch in Winter by Ruth Warburton -Chomp by Carl Hiaasen  -I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter -Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter -Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter -Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter -Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter    I was so very excited to win not one, but two amazing prize packs in Brodie of Eleusinian Mysteries of Reading and Lisa of Read Me Bookmark Me Love Me's incredible Valentines Day Blog Event! Both packs included some books I've been dying to actually read including Aussie author Jess Shirvington's Violet Eden Chapters and Above by Leah Bobet which is SIGNED--totally cool! I also won the entire Gallagher Girls series which I've been meaning to read for a while as well as Heaven and A Witch in Winter, books that have been on my to-read lists for a while :) And I received some awesome signed Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock swag too!       I was also lucky enough to be one of the winners of Lisa's One Year Blogoversary giveaway and scored myself a copy of The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg which looks to die for! Thank-you so much Lisa! <3     I Received:  -A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies -Legend by Marie Lu -Past Perfect by Leila Sales -Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey -Kane Richards Must Die by Shanice Williams -The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith -Drought by Pam Bachorz -Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter -The Jewel and the Key by Louise Spiegler -The Romeo And Juliet Code by Phoebe Stone -The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg -Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart   The ever awesome Jess of She Known As Jess Blogspot had me scratching my head when two mysterious packages of ARC's turned up on my doorstep. Honestly, I had no clue who they were from until I opened the second package and found her lovely card. There's quite a few books I want to read here so I was so excited to get this lovely present. Thank-you so much chicky--you are the absolute best! One of the most awesomest, coolest, smartest, funniest....basically you get the point, girls out there. Love ya girlie! <3

Author Jennifer L. Armentrout sent me some cool signed Lux and Covenant series swag which included bookmarks, stickers and guitar picks when I pre-ordered the new release copy of Obsidian which is very cool! So thank-you Jennifer!


  Plus, Charlotte the amazing publicist over at Pan Macmillan Australia sent me a SIGNED copy of Winter's Light by M.J. Hearle and a SIGNED poster to give away to two of my Aussie followers! I actually had this giveaway organised to celebrate the book's May release, but when everything fell apart I had to put a stop on that---so expect this giveaway from me soon!

Phew! Wow, that seems like a lot of books from me and I actually forgot to photograph a couple (I'll include those next week). However that's all from me for now

I'd love to know what the owls dropped on your doorstop this week!  

Book Shelf: Before I Wake (Soul Screamers #6) by Rachel Vincent

I died on a Thursday-killed by a monster intent on stealing my soul. The good news? He didn't get it. The bad news? Turns out not even death will get you out of high school... Covering up her own murder was one thing, but faking life is much harder than Kaylee Cavanaugh expected. After weeks spent "recovering," she's back in school, fighting to stay visible to the human world, struggling to fit in with her friends and planning time alone with her new reaper boyfriend. But to earn her keep in the human world, Kaylee must reclaim stolen souls, and when her first assignment brings her face-to-face with an old foe, she knows the game has changed. Her immortal status won't keep her safe. And this time Kaylee isn't just gambling with her own life....

More info: Goodreads


Review: (Warning, contains some spoilers from previous books in the series!)

Rachel Vincent’s Before I Wake kicks off the 6th instalment of her Soul Screamers series and proves once and for all that this series just gets better and better with every book!

As I was reading Before I Wake it was hard for me to believe that I ever had issues with this series. Back when I first began it I struggled to stay interested at times and there were moments when some of the characters got on my nerves. Now I wonder what I was ever thinking! Rachel Vincent had me completely captivated from start to finish and considering that the wait from Before I Die to this one was excruciating, I couldn’t devour this book fast enough. I had to keep reading, simply because I needed more--it was addicting!

It was easy to get engrossed in this book as there was so much going on, with Avari continuing to cause his normal heart-ache for Kaylee and the rest of the main characters. Rachel Vincent sure knows how to add in plenty of twists and turns while still managing to keep the suspense and mystery flowing as she weaves her tale of Kaylee’s life. There’s that perfect balance of romance, high drama, humour and danger that makes the whole novel exciting and interesting. As usual, there's an almost stand-alone plot, so very different from the previous books, but still incorporating aspects already seen throughout the rest of the series.

I admit I was really excited to see what Vincent would do with Kaylee after the events of the last book and I’m pleased to say I found Before I Wake to be as exciting, if not more so, than the last book. As always Kaylee was the great self-sacrificing character she always is, but it was nice to see her struggle adjusting to her new status as a living-non-alive being. It made it seem so much more realistic that not everything was perfect for her and that she didn’t just flow into her new state of being without some necessarily issues. It wasn’t a smooth transition and instead she struggled with her feelings and emotions and more importantly the lack there of at times.

Of course the relationship Kaylee has with all the other characters continues to remain strong and for some, Nash mainly, those relationships begin to slowly rebuild, but none are as brilliant and as intense as the one she has with Tod. After everything they went through in the previous book, they’re in a really wonderful place during Before I Wake and their relationship just continues to strengthen as the series continues to progress. The intensity and electricity is there in abundance and the desperation and power behind the way they feel about each other is enough to make a girl swoon. Tod is hot, sexy and the type of guy any girl would want to have feel about her the way Tod feels about Kaylee. He’s fiercely protective and incredibly devoted and there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for her. She’s his whole world, as he’s hers and as they look at eternity together it’s obvious that nothing will come between them, especially as Tod begins to win over her father in a very un-sarcastic Tod like manner.

However even as things look good for Kaylee and Tod, Avari continues to drive the plotline in the story and this time he’s back in a way that threatens the very world. Vincent once more sets our main characters up as the heroes and yet still throws plenty of pain and dire circumstances their way. There’s certainly a lot of surprises and as the series is set to come to a close with the next, and final book, With All My Soul, fans of the series can rest assured that Rachel Vincent will not disappoint with what I’m sure will be the most explosive and exciting book yet!


Rating:
Source: Sent for review from HarlequinTEEN Australia (Thank-you Polina)
AU Release Date: Available now!
Buy it: Booktopia // The Nile
Reccomendation: Such an incredibly unique series, this is one you don't want to miss.
Cover: So pretty. All the covers in this series is beautiful and this one is no exception.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Oh yes. Yes, yes, yes! I need to know how it all ends.

Waiting on Wednesday #27

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.








This week I'm waiting on....   Blood Storm (Lharmell #2) by Rhiannon Hart Releases on: August 1st 2012
Add it on: Goodreads.

The rain wanted to be ocean; the ice in the mountain caps wanted freedom. I never knew that water held such longing. The clouds above my head rumbled like a growling wolf, impatient to release their burden. I held the rain there a moment longer. I turned to Renata, heard her gasp and knew my eyes glowed blue.

I spoke a single word. 'Rain.'

In the Second Book of Lharmell, Zeraphina and Rodden must travel across the sea to find the elusive ingredients that will help them to win the coming battle against the Lharmellin – but shadows from Rodden’s dark past may come back to haunt him. And while she learns to harness her new abilities, Zeraphina still fights the hunger that makes her crave the north – not to mention avoiding her mother, who wants to see her wayward daughter married to a prince at all costs.


Why I want to read this:
The first book in this series, Blood Song was incredible! This kind of fantasy/paranormal tale is like the bees knees to be and it was easily a favourite of mine from last year. So to say I'm excited for this one would be an understandment. Plus, One word. Rodden. Yep. I want this book!


What do you think? Do you want to read this and have you read the first book? And what are you all waiting on this week?

Book Shelf: Storm (Elementals #1) by Brigid Kemmerer

Earth. Fire. Air. Water.


When Becca Chandler saves Chris Merrick from being beaten-up in the school car park, she has no idea how dramatically this one action will change her life. Chris is no ordinary guy and neither are his three older brothers. The Merrick boys are Elementals. Hot. Powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.


Then there's Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time. With her life at stake, Becca doesn't know who to trust or whose secrets she should keep. and with two boy vying for her affections, and pressure rising all around her, will she find out in time who's hiding the most dangerous truth of all?


Take Cover.
The storm is coming!

More info: Goodreads


Review:

Storm, the first book in Brigid Kemmerer’s new Elemental series and her debut novel is enchanting and riveting, full of action and romance and with more delicious guys than you’ll know what to do with!

Kemmerer’s writing flows effortlessly and the incredible tale she weaves blends together enough humour, romance and adventure to more than keep you eagerly turning every page; addicted and unable to put the book down. Kemmerer proves to be a talented debut novelest and is incredibly able to slip into the heads of her boys! Told in duel perspective it’s easy to get lost in the mind of either our heroine Becca or Chris, the youngest Merrick brother that will steal your heart. It was wonderful how Brigid Kemmerer manages to create such a fun, intriguing story and also manage to combine it with a real authentic edge and realness to the story. There were some aspects that really got to me, but the way in which the characters react just reinforces how well this story is written; with the depth and emotions blending with the actions of a real young adult.

With an incredibly well set out backstory involving the intriguing world of the Elementals; people I’m so eager to learn more about as the series progresses; Kemmerer has aligned a vast array of characters already so well written, but undoubtedly flawed. Now, we all know how many hot hunks there are out there that litter the YA genre, stealing our hearts and making us swoon, but there’s always room for more. Right? But how about this time we get a family of sexy, swoon-worthy male leads? Brothers to be exact. Girls, I give you…..the Merrick brothers!

In Storm, Brigid introduces us to Chris, Michael, Nick and Gabriel, four brothers with a twisted past and powers they can’t always control. These boys are hot. H.O.T! Even in this first novel, it’s clear how different they all are and the struggles they’ve faced and are facing, but as Kemmerer gives you glimpses into them the hints shown and the fierce family loyalty that mixes with pain and anguish is enough to make you want to give them all a hug. And perhaps a kiss. Or two. These brothers add so much to the series already and with each book set to feature a different alluring brother these boys are set to take the YA genre by storm!

However with all this male testosterone, let’s not forget our leading lady Becca. Becca is a truly engaging female lead, and as you read Storm it’s very easy to emphasise with her. Becca has had a lot of trouble in the past involving boys. Harsh rumours and even harsher dealings with them have left her with a reputation and a lot of issues. I thoroughly loved how Kemmerer has written Becca’s character. She was so authentic to, I believe, a lot of teenage girls out there. Which some don’t deal with this level of problems, many a tarnished by lies and other thoughts and I thought it was great to see the author portray a leading lady this way. Of course she’s made her own share of mistakes and bad choices but throughout the novel Becca is strong willed while still being human and always manages to stand up for those around her.

And it wouldn’t be right to speak about the Merrick brothers without speaking of the other boy in this book Hunter. Hunter was a really interesting character to me. With four brothers already, all full of so much personality, we’re not lacking in male leads so I felt Hunter add an interesting dynamic to the story. I did like him, even as his past still remains much of a mystery. Brigid Kemmerer yet again proves how well she writes about authentic teenagers with the “love triangle” involving Becca, Chris and Hunter. It’s there, but it isn’t. Becca is drawn to both guys and this is portrayed in a very believable way. Two gorgeous guys, each mysterious who make you feel great and yet you think about them at different times and different reasons. There’s chemistry between Becca and both guys but in the end it’s obvious who her thoughts always stray to and to whom her loyalties lie.

With a sharp, engaging plot and with quick, witty dialogue Storm catches you with its action from the very first chapter. As the story progresses it’s almost impossible to not be drawn into the story and with revelations and discovery’s catching out the characters in the end you’ll be begging for the next book before you even finish this one!



Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Allen & Unwin (Thanks guys!)
AU Release Date: Available now!
Expected AU Price: $14.99
Buy it: Booktopia // The Nile
Reccomendation: For everyone! This book is one that everyone will love--honestly, just read it!
Cover: Beautiful! Simply beautiful. I just adore our Aussie one
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes, yes, yes....I need more Merrick brothers stat!

Potterthon!

Alrightie. So. The incredibly awesome, hilariously funny and a girl I just downright love, Sarah, of  saz101 is hosting a "Potterthon" this month with her girl Laura in celebration of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone 15 years!  And to celebrate they've got one awesome month lined up for us all with a read-along, Potter related posts, character related debates, giveaways and more!

Now, normally I would have thought this was great and all but probably would have thought "meh, but do you know why I don't? BECAUSE I FINALLY READ THE HARRY POTTER SERIES!

Yep, that's right. It may have taken me 15 years but in my blog absence I finally gave in and read the entire series, one book straight to the next. Sure I've seen (and love) the movies, but it's taken me until now to sit down an actually read the series. And I'm so glad I did. Now I truly know why everyone adores this book series. I meat Harry, Hermione, Ron, Hagrid, Dumbledoor, Hedwig, Snape, Ginny, Neville, Luna, Sirius, Dobby, Fred, George, Mrs Weasly, Mr Weasly, Professor Magonagal and all the wacky teachers at Hogwarts. Even Draco, Lucius, Bella Lestrange and He Who Shall Not Be Named.....I could go on and on....they're just awesome. Honestly, I'm so thrilled I finally read the series.

But enough about me.....let's talk Potterthon. I may be a tad busy to re-read Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone but that doesn't mean you all shouldn't. Plus, this is the perfect opportunity for those who were like me and who haven't yet read the books to finally dive into the wonderful world of Hogwarts Witchcraft and Wizardry. Come on. You know you want to.

Head on over to saz101 and read the event announcement to find out just what to expect and see all the fun yourself!