Waiting on Wednesday #35

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....    

Strangelets by Michelle Gagnon
Releases on: April 9th 2013.
Add it on Goodreads!

On a day like any other, six smarter-than-most teens wake up in the same hospital after having experienced a traumatic event that they can't quite remember ... other than being forcibly sucked into an abyss at the moment of their deaths. Somebody or something seems to be pulling the strings. With individual clocks ticking─and with each guarding an individual secret─they band together and conspire to piece together the whole of what happened.

Soon they discover that they've been trapped in a future that isn't of their making: a deadly, desolate world at once entirely familiar and utterly strange. Only one of them holds the key to getting them home. But which one, and why? As the truth is revealed through the eyes of its three key players, the reader is taken on a dark journey into both the hearts of teens who must do anything to survive, and into the heart of a parent who will do anything to protect his child.

Thoughts:
Am I the only one who this Strangelets sounds absolutely awesome?!? No. Good, because, how....freaking....amazing....does....this....book.....sound? Six teens waking up in a hospital with no memory of the event that led them there? Secrets, the future and teens who have to do anything to survive? Um, yes please!



What do you think of Strangelets? Are you adding it to your TBR list? And, what are YOU waiting on this week!
 

Book Shelf: Touch of Death (Touch of Death #1) by Kelly Hashway

Jodi Marshall isn’t sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she’s in her junior year of high school, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she’s being stalked by some guy no one seems to know.

After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he’s not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she’s part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendents of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned blood writhing in their veins.

Jodi’s deadly to the living and even more deadly to the deceased. She has to leave her old, normal life behind before she hurts the people she loves. As if that isn’t difficult enough, Jodi discovers she’s the chosen one who has to save the rest of her kind from perishing at the hands of Hades. If she can’t figure out how to control her power, history will repeat itself, and her race will become extinct.

Add on Goodreads......


Review:

Kelly Hashway’s debut novel Touch of Death mixes necromancy and mythology in a fun, new story that is filled with romance and action.

Racing through this quick read, I found Touch of Death to be an overall enjoyable read. While the writing is simple, it’s solid and the inclusion of Greek Mythology throughout the book was interesting. Personally, I would have liked a more driven plot and at times the story dragged in my mind but Touch of Death more than adequately kept my attention.

While the cast of characters in this book were necessary to the story, I couldn’t help but find them dull the majority of times. I found it hard to connect with them in a manner I would have liked. However, no one was as they seemed and I enjoyed this aura of mystery. The Ophi were an intriguing group of people but something that wasn’t explored enough in my mind to create any depth to the characters.

As our main character, I liked Jodi, but there was nothing about her that stood out for me. I wanted to, really wanted to find something about her that I loved but I just couldn’t. Her kindness and bravery in the middle of everything that was happening was a stand out for me, but everything else about her personality seemed to get lost within the pages.

Alex unfortunately was on par with Jodi in my mind; a nice character but a bit too cardboard cut out for my liking. I liked that little spark he had and his wickedness in the beginning, but again there was just something missing for me. Both he and Jodi obviously had a connection but their romance seemed rushed and wasn’t something I felt needed to happen so soon considering Jodi had only recently lost her boyfriend.

And yet for all it’s faults there was something about this book that kept me reading. I’ve definitely read better books and feel like the authors brilliant idea fell flat. I’d like to see Jodi and Alex’s relationship deepened and explored in the next book as well as what it means for the couple and the group of kids they’re with now that they’ve defeated their enemies (for the time being) and have made an interesting new agreement with Hades.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Spencer Hill Press. (Thanks Kate!)
Format: Paperback ARC.
Pre-order it: Amazon // The Book Depository
Recommendation: If you love Greek myth, then you'll enjoy this.
Cover: I LOVE this cover! It's stunning!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Undecided at this point--possibly.

Gratitude Giveaway Winner!

First off I'd like to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who entered by Gratitude Giveaways giveaway and for Kathy at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer for organising the whole thing. I hope you all had fun during the hop :)

The winner is.....

Martina Koleva
......Martina has been contacted and has replied and her book has been ordered!

Thanks again to everyone who entered and stay turned for lots more fun giveaways from me!


Didn't win but are from Australia or New Zealand? Well, enter my giveaway for your chance to win 1 of 5 paperback copies of The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa :)

Owl Post #8

Hi happy book lovers!

I know it's been another couple of weeks since I sported an Owl Post, but life's finally been catching up with me lately. Guess it's heading towards that Christmas month!

Inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox, Owl Post allows us bloggers to showcase the books we've bought, won or received throughout the week and is hosted by Brodie over at Eleusinian Mysteries. We all know that the Owl Post is the fastest way to send and receive mail and they certainly make me happy every time they drop a book off.   Anywhoo. Here's what I've received in the past couple of weeks.......  


For Review:  

  From Pan Macmillan Australia..... - The Skeleton Key by Tara Moss Just realised I showed this one last week, lol. Guess I'm really losing it. Haven't read any books in this series, although I may one day :)   - Wake by Amanda Hocking - Lullaby by Amanda Hocking I haven't had the chance to read any of Amanda Hocking's books although I've heard nothing but praise for them so I'm really looking forward to finally reading some. I know her Trylle series is very popular so I'll have to try to get my hands on them too :) Anyone read these books?   .....Thank you guys (And to Sarah for sending me Wake--welcome to Pan Macmillan!)  
  From Random House Australia...... -Wool by Hugh Howey I hadn't heard of this one before it turned up on my doorstep, but it sure sounds good. I'm really loving dystopians right now so I'm happy to have this.   - Hot Blooded by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguié I haven't read the first book in this series yet although I really want to. I know both these authors are supposed to be excellent writers, so I'm thinking I'm gonna have to get the first book. Anyone agree?   ......Thank you Dorothy and the team at Random House for these two!
  From HarlequinTEEN Australia..... - The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa I've already read this in ARC form, but I was super excited to receive a copy of this!! It's so lovely having a finished copy, especially seeing how much I loved this one.   .....Thank you to the ever amazing Polina for this!     I Bought:  

  - Kissing Shakespeare by Pamela Mingle This is one book I've been waiting to be released for ages! It was even my WOW a while back :) There's just something so awesome about the sound of it and I knew I had to have to ASAP. Now I just have to find the time to read it. Oh, and it's that cover just beautiful?!?!   Kindle So, not only did I finally decide what to do with some of the money I got from my birthday last month, but I finally caved and got myself a Kindle! About time I think---now I can get around to all those ebooks that have been gathering up ;)  
And that's me for the past two weeks :) Be sure to let me know what the Owls dropped off for you this week!

The Weekly Wrap-Up #6

Credit goes to Ashley of Ashley Loves Books for the picture and wrap up idea!

Hello my lovelies!

How's the week been treating you? This week has been crazy in my household--no time to really read :( But I'm managed to stay (kinda) on top on my blogging.

So let's see what happened........

__________________
  This week at The Rest Is Still Unwritten......   -I spoke about something close to my heart (and non book related) in my Give Back This Year....To Our Aussie Troops post! Check it out to find out how you can send carepackages to soldiers this Christmas!     I Reviewed: - Fated by Alyson Noel 3/5 stars! - Losing Lila by Sarah Alderson 4/5 stars!     -On Wednesday I shared to book trailer for Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout, the 3rd book in Jennifer's highly addictive Lux series. I just adore this series and urge you all to check out the trailer for yourself!   GIVEAWAYS: -My Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa giveaway is still going on! AU and NZ have the chance to win 1 of 5 paperback copies! Enter here! Ends Dec 2nd.  

-Head here to my Gratitude Giveaway post for your chance to win a $10 or under book of your choice from The Book Depository! International :) ENDS TODAY!!    Blog Tour:   -The blog tour for Touch Of Death by Kelly Hashway thanks to Spencer Hill Press stopped here yesterday and Kelly guest posted!     Coming Soon!   Next week looks to be a quiet week with not many things happening in terms of tours and such. I'll be reviewing (of course) and announcing the winners of my Gratitude Giveaway hop, so stay tunned :)   _________________   And that's everything that's been going on at The Rest Is Still Unwritten this week! Here's to another book filled one--hope you all have a good one!  

Blog Tour: Touch of Death by Kelly Hashway Guest Post

Welcome to the Touch of Death by Kelly Hashway Blog Tour presented by Spencer Hill Press!

Today author Kelly Hashway shares a short guest post about why she used the mythology she did in Touch of Death.
_____________________   Why Mythology?
By Kelly Hashway

It’s no secret I love mythology. From the very first time I studied mythology in school, I wanted to step inside the books we read and live among the gods and other mythical creatures. Titans, Cyclops, Sirens—I mean, what’s not to love?

So when I came up with the idea for Touch of Death, I knew I wanted characters who had a connection to mythological beings. Medusa and Ophiuchus are huge parts of the story. Maybe it’s my fear of snakes, but I was always intrigued by Medusa. There are so many different stories about her, which gave me a lot to choose from, but when I discovered a myth about her and the 13th sign of the zodiac, I knew I’d found what I was looking for. My own birthday falls under the sign of Ophiuchus, so this really hit home for me. In fact, my main character, Jodi Marshall, and I share the same birthday.

And what better enemy than Hades himself? I wanted characters who had abilities that angered the gods and maybe even rivaled their powers. The tricky part was making sure that my characters were also human—or at least my main character. Jodi has a lot of power while still acting very much like a typical teenage girl, and that makes her one amazing necromancer.


Touch of Death!  

Jodi Marshall isn’t sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she’s in her junior year of high school, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she’s being stalked by some guy no one seems to know.

After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he’s not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she’s part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendants of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned blood writhing in their veins.

Jodi’s deadly to the living and even more deadly to the deceased. She has to leave her old, normal life behind before she hurts the people she loves. As if that isn’t difficult enough, Jodi discovers she’s the chosen one who has to save the rest of her kind from perishing at the hands of Hades. If she can’t figure out how to control her power, history will repeat itself, and her race will become extinct.

Add Touch of Death on Goodreads or pre-order it on Amazon!


About Kelly (in her own words):

I write for children of all ages from picture books up to young adult. I am proudly represented by Lauren Hammond of ADA Management. My debut YA, TOUCH OF DEATH, releases January 15, 2013 through Spencer Hill Press. Also look for my other upcoming YA novels: STALKED BY DEATH (Spencer Hill Press, July 23, 2013), THE MONSTER WITHIN (Spencer Hill Press, April 2014), THE DARKNESS WITHIN (Spencer Hill Press, TBA), and INTO THE FIRE (Month9Books, spring 2014). My debut MG series CURSE OF THE GRANVILLE FORTUNE releases in 2016 through Month9Books.

Visit Kelley Hashway:
Website // Blog // Goodreads // Twitter // Facebook  

  ________________   Thank you to Spencer Hill Press and Kelly Hashway for allowing me to be a part of this tour and specifically to Kelly for providing this wonderful guest post!

Book Shelf: Losing Lila (Lila, #2) by Sarah Alderson

Alex and Lila are on the run, desperately trying to stay one step ahead of the Unit, which is somehow tracking their every move. While Alex is determined to keep Lila safe and her ability secret at any cost, Lila's only thought is of finding a way back to California so she can rescue her brother and mother from the military base where they're being held. Struggling to control both her growing power and her deepening feelings for Alex, Lila decides the time has finally come to stop running and start fighting.

Together with Alex, Demos, and the others she's come to think of as family, Lila plans not only to save her brother and mum, but also to completely destroy the Unit and everything it stands for. But the plan requires Lila to return to California alone, and to make friends with the enemy - and in doing so, she risks losing everything: Alex, her family… even her life.

Add on Goodreads......


Review:

Losing Lila by Sarah Alderson is a thrilling sequel that’s never lacking in action, danger and heart tingling romance!

My goodness do I love Sarah Alderson! Quickly becoming on of my favourite authors, there’s yet to be one of her books that I haven’t adored and Losing Lila is no exception. Written superbly, Losing Lila is heart pounding from the very first chapter. Continuing on with the storyline from the first book, Alderson once more expands on her world with shocking secrets and unexpected revelations.

I must admit I didn’t love this one as much as the first book, Hunting Lila but as far as sequel’s go this was a solid follow up. It didn’t read like a “filler” sequel either as so many seem to be nowadays, rather it has its own interesting storyline and purpose in the overall series that drove the book.

All the characters we loved from the first book are back together again to continue their fight against the Unit and the shady Sterling Enterprises once again. Though I won’t say what it is they join up again to do for fear of giving away spoilers, I will admit that Lila and her family are front and centre, with many revelations coming to light that I simply didn’t expect.

I thoroughly enjoy Anderson’s storytelling. Losing Lila was such a thrilling read. There’s never a dull moment in this book with so much going on and so much excitement happening. The action is heavy and the relationships between the characters form the perfect balance between non-stop action and high stakes danger with romance and emotion.

As with the first novel, Lila is still a wonderful heroine to read about; one who’s learning more about herself and who she is in Losing Lila. It was really lovely to see Lila really begin to accept herself in this book as well as embrace what she can do. As her abilities grow and she begins embrace her part in Demos little group, Lila is becoming a stronger person. Obviously past events have had an impact, but the woman she’s growing into is one I certainly love.

Alex is still his usual sexy self, stealing any scenes he’s in and winning my heart more and more. It was interesting seeing the tables turn for Alex a bit in Losing Lila and see him doubt himself. As someone always so sure and capable, it was nice seeing Alex appear vulnerable; even if he was questioning whether Lila needed him or not.

While the romance between Lila and Alex isn’t as intense this time around, nor is it as front and centre, the connection and spark between them continues to heat up the pages with their chemistry still blazing full force. One of the things that makes their relationship so strong for me is how rooted in the past it is. Having known each other since they were children, they’ve shared so many moments together and as Alex and Lila look back at these a couple of times during the book, you can’t deny the closeness between them that has always been there---I love that!

Exciting from beginning til end, I really didn’t want Losing Lilato finish. As I raced through it, unable to put it down, it became clear that Sarah Alderson had penned another winner here and I personally wait for more from this series! This is one you won’t want to miss!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Simon & Schuster Australia. (Thank you Caroline!)
Format: Paperback.
AU Release Date: Available now!
Buy it: Booktopia // The Nile // The Book Depository
Recommendation: This is one series that is a MUST READ. Love X-Men? Then you'll love this!
Cover: I don't love it as much as I did the first, but it's still an excellent cover.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: YES! Without a doubt!

Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout Book Trailer Release!

Morning book lovers!

Today, I'm thrilled to help Entangled Publishing share the book trailer for Opal, the third book in Jennifer L. Armentrout's Luz series!

Opal will be released on the 11th of December this year and I for one cannot wait until it comes out. I love this series!
_______________________  

What do you think? Isn't this a wonderful trailer?!? I love how it features the series cover models--makes it more authentic!

No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.

Add Opal on Goodreads!

Pre-order it:
Amazon // Barnes & Noble // The Book Depository

USA TODAY Bestselling author, Jennifer L. Armentrout, lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell, Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She also writes adult romance under the name J. Lynn.

Find Jennifer on:
Twitter // Facebook // Goodreads // Website // Blog   ________________   How excited are you guys for this book? Who's a fan? I'd love to know :)




 

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

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Immortals comes a breathtaking new saga brimming with magic, mystery, and an intoxicating love story that will steal your heart away. Meet The Soul Seekers.

Strange things are happening to Daire Santos. Crows mock her, glowing people stalk her, time stops without warning, and a beautiful boy with unearthly blue eyes haunts all her dreams. Fearing for her daughter’s sanity, Daire’s mother sends her to live with the grandmother she’s never met. A woman who recognizes the visions for what they truly are—the call to her destiny as a Soul Seeker—one who can navigate the worlds between the living and dead.

There on the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico, Daire sets out to harness her mystical powers. But it’s when she meets Dace, the boy from her dreams, that her whole world is shaken to its core. Now Daire is forced to discover if Dace is the one guy she's meant to be with...or if he’s allied with the enemy she's destined to destroy.

Add on Goodreads......


Review:

Fated is the first book in Alyson Noel’s new Soul Seekers series and is a delightfully enjoyable start to what looks to be a promising series!

I have to be brutally honest here and say that I wasn’t a fan of Alyson Noel’s Immortals series. I tried, I really did, reading the first two books however giving up halfway through the third as it was unfortunately not for me. Keeping that in mind, I wasn’t sure what to expect when beginning Fated so I’m happy to say that I while it didn’t exactly blow me away I did enjoy this book.

In my mind Fated started off slow and take me a while to really slip into the gist of the story but I found that Noel mixed Native American and Hispanic traditions, myths and culture with a lovely tale of danger, growth and family.

Overall the characters were alright; likable but without the real depth I prefer from my characters. As our heroines Daire is again, likable, and her voice isn’t one that’s too hard to follow. For the first novel in a series, Daire undertakes a lot of growth in Fated and at this point I’m not sure that’s a good thing or a bad thing. Either Daire will become one killer heroine in the future, or Noel has rushed the growing up process that I’m usually so fond of in YA books.

It was nice to see an author step outside of the traditional family and explore a more unique and dysfunctional one. The relationship our protagonist Daire sported with her mother was one that featured great maturity woven together with the normal mother/daughter relationship that was influenced by the young age at which Jennika gave birth to Daire. The relationship between Daire and her grandmother Paloma was another one I enjoyed seeing but felt wasn’t explored enough. This could have been such a thrilling relationship but while the love, respect and friendship developed, I didn’t really feel it like I wanted to. It seemed like one moment Daire hated and distrusted her grandmother and the next she loved her. This seemed like a plot hole to me.

As our villain Cade is fitting, however nothing about him really screams out to me. Dace, Cade’s twin and Daire’s love interest I did like, but once more I would have liked to see more of him. His relationship with Daire on the other hand seemed rushed—the theme of the day for this book and me at times. And it also seemed to story and too intimate for so early in the series. Then again, I did notice that with Even and Damen in the Immortals too, so that just may be Alyson Noels writing style. Xotichl was fabulous as Daire’s new visionary impaired friend and Paloma did shine as her grandmother.

I am quite intrigued by the prospect of Cade and Dace’s relationship. With such a torrid conception, these two have quite the interesting history. Noel leaves much to the imagination with hints towards Dace’s origin and nature coming into play. Just what is an Echo and what does it mean for him?

The setting for this book was a standout for me. Noel writes in such detail that it’s is impossible not to get lost in the town of Enchantment at times. From the great wilderness that surrounds it to the traditional reservation, there was so much culture throughout Fated that I just ate up.

While the ending comes on fast, it’s quite heart racing and with mystery surrounding Daire’s destiny as Seeker and Dace’s meaning as an Echo, I’m interested in reading the next book. Fingers crossed it lives up to the first.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Pan Macmillan Australia. (Thank you guys!)
Format: Paperback ARC.
AU Release Date: Available now!
Buy it: Booktopia // The Nile // The Book Depository
Recommendation: Fans of Alyson Noel already will adore her new series.
Cover: It's quite catching. I love the colours!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Possibly. I do have questions I'd like answered, so we'll just have to see.......

Give Back This Year...To Our Aussie Troops!

Hello booklovers!

Today, I'd like to take a moment and ask you to take a step back from reading.

I think as human beings, we often get caught up in our own lives. We get caught up in the hussle and bussle of our day to day lives and I think we're all guilty of being slightly selfish at times. I know, I myself, often get so caught up in my own world (or the ones I read about in books) that I don't take stock of the things going on around me.

And in saying that, it's so easy to forget about our soldiers, both here in Australia and around the world. Regardless of your status or your opinion regarding the war in Afghanistan and other places around the world, I think every individual should respect the men and women that help protect innocent lives by fighting for freedom and justice.

So this Christmas I'm urging you all to give back. Give to them!

It can cost so little to send a care package overseas to a sodlier serving our country. Brighten their Christmas's and show them that even though they're half way around the world and have never met you....you're thinking about them.

Right now I'm talking to my Aussie followers specifically (and the instructions below are instructions to send to Aussie troops), but those overseas can head to many different websites including http://www.thesoldiersfamily.com/ to find out how they can donate.

_____________________   How to send care packages to Australian Troops
These instructions on how to send care packages to Australian troops are for those residing in Australia.

Care packages can be sent free of charge to the Middle East, East Timor and the Solomon Islands so long as they strictly comply with Australia Post guidelines. Packages can be sent to either male or female personnel.

In order to qualify for free postage, care packages can weigh no more than 2kg (cubic weight limit) and should be packaged within a “Bx2” sized box, which are available from Australia Post for approximately $2.25. You will also be required to fill out some Customs forms and it is suggested that you use a liberal amount of packing tape to ensure that all of the contents arrive at their destination.


To send a care package to an Australian soldier, sailor, airman or airwoman in Afghanistan, address the package to the following. If you wish to send a specific package to a female, change the first line to ‘An Australian Soldier/Sailor/Airman/Airwoman – Female

An Australian Soldier
Op Slipper AFPO 13
Australian Defence Force
SYDNEY NSW 2890


To send a care package to an Australian soldier, sailor, airman or airwoman in the Middle East, address the package to the following. If you wish to send a specific package to a female, change the first line to ‘An Australian Soldier/Sailor/Airman/Airwoman – Female’

An Australian Soldier
Middle East Operations
AFPO 60
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890


To send a care package to an Australian soldier, sailor, airman or airwoman in East Timor, address the package to the following. If you wish to send a specific package to a female, change the first line to ‘An Australian Soldier/Sailor/Airman/Airwoman – Female’

An Australian Soldier Anzac Day Mail
East Timor Operations
AFPO 61
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890


To send a care package to an Australian soldier, sailor, airman or airwoman in the Solomon Islands, address the package to the following. If you wish to send a specific package to a female, change the first line to ‘An Australian Soldier/Sailor/Airman/Airwoman – Female’

An Australian Soldier
Solomon Islands Operations
AFPO 62
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890


For those of you that are animal lovers, you may wish to do the following: sending care packages to our Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD) with the following items included:

1 x box dog biscuits
1 x beef bone (not fresh)
3 x "greenies" 1x toy
1 x tennis ball
and don't forget a couple of packets of lollies for the handler.

The dogs do a magnificent job under very trying conditions and to date, four have lost their lives serving their country. The address is:

An Australian EDD Handler
Op Slipper
AFPO 13
Australian Defence Force
SYDNEY NSW 2890


Items you can send:
Toiletries:
Deodorant (non aerosol)
Shaving cream (non aerosol)
Small bottle of talcum powder
Disposable razors
Shower Gel
Lip Balm SPF+30
Perfume samples (non glass)
Baby wipes

Food: Instant Noodles/Cup a Soup
Biscuits Lollies - Mentos
Small tinned consumables
Flavored teas
Non-perishable foods

Other ideas:
Needles for sewing
Magazines
Puzzle books
DVDs
Socks
Letters of support
Stamped, self addressed envelopes – this way soldiers can thank you for the donation

What NOT to include:
Clothing (except socks)
Pornographic material
Alcoholic beverages
No Aerosol items
Pork products
Cigarettes
Chocolate (if sending to warm climates)

**People are also asked to use their imaginations. If there's anything you can think of and think soldiers might appreciate, please add it.

Find out more information here: http://www.allozcards.com.au/AU_soldiers.html

___________________   Now, my family and I are already getting our care packages together. We're hoping to get members of my church involved and I would LOVE it if you guys would considering sending something to a soldier this Christmas. You don't have to spend a lot--just a throw in a few items in your local shopping to go specifically to the solider.

Thanks guys.....just have a think about it!

Hugs,
Rach xx

The Weekly Wrap-Up #5

Credit goes to Ashley of Ashley Loves Books for the picture and wrap up idea!

Morning book lovers!

It's been a very busy week for me, both on the blog and in life. Been to engagement parties, wedding dress shopping (for a friend, not me, lol :P) and I even made time to see Breaking Dawn Part 2 on Thursday with my mum. Was a fantastic way to end an era and talk about a twist.....I swear my heart was in my throat!

Any of you guys seen Breaking Dawn Part 2 yet? What did you think?

Anywhoo. Let's see what happened this week.......

__________________
This week at The Rest Is Still Unwritten......   Discover which books I received with this week's Owl Post!     I Reviewed: -Burn Bright by Marianne de Pierres 3/5 stars! -Ember by Jessica Sorensen 3/5 stars!     GIVEAWAYS: -I shared the incredible Aussie Trailer for The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa and I also have 5 paperback copies to giveaway to Australian and New Zealand residents! Enter here!  

-Head here to my Gratitude Giveaway post for your chance to win a $10 or under book of your choice from The Book Depository! International :)   -I announced the winners of my The Diviners by Libba Bray competition.   Blog Tour: The Shine Light Blog Tour stopped here on the 14th and author Marianne de Pierres guest posted about the character Lenior and I shared and exclusive excerpt from the book!     Coming Soon! - The Touch of Death Blog Tour stops here next Saturday the 24th of November and author Kelly Hashway will be guest posting!        Around the Blogosphere!    Jo of Once Upon A Bookcase has created Book Blogger Penpals, a fantastic way to connect with other bloggers! Ever miss the written word? Think we spend too much online (don't we all?!?) and would love to become penpals with other book obsessed peeps? Well, here's your chance! And yes. I've joined myself ;)   _________________   And that's everything that's been going on at The Rest Is Still Unwritten this week! Here's to another book filled one!

The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa Aussie Book Trailer AND GIVEAWAY!

Morning booklovers!

To celebrate the release of The Lost Prince by Julie Kagaw, I'm thrilled to announce that thanks to HarlequinTEEN Australia and Morey Media I not only have the fantastic new Australia Book Trailer to share but 5 paperback copies to give away to Australian residents!

I'm a MASSIVE Julie Kagawa fan and just adore her Iron Fey books. After the brilliance of the first series, I was so thrilled to find that The Lost Prince, the first in Kagawa's The Iron Fey: Call of The Forgotten series was a brilliant new  adventure in the stunning TIF world.

Honestly, if you've never checked out The Iron Fey series you need to beacuse they are a MUST READ!


Check out the Trailer!

Isn't just awesome? This is so well done and actually really suites the book. What do you guys think? Any fans of this series digging the trailer?
 

Don’t look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them.

That is Ethan Chase’s unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he’d dare to fall for.

Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister’s world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myth and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten.

Read by 5 star review of The Lost Prince or add it on Goodreads!   Visit Julie Kagaga: Website // Twitter // Facebook // Goodreads     GIVEAWAY!
5 followers will win a paperback copy of The Lost Prince!
Details:
-You MUST be a follower to enter!
-To enter, simply fill out the form below! Extra entries are available.
-Giveaway is open to Australian and New Zealand residents ONLY. Sorry everyone else.
-Giveaway will run for 2 weeks from the 17th of November (today) until the 1st of December!
-Winners will be contacted by me and will have 48 hours to confirm their email addresses and provide their details before a new winner is chosen.
-Prizes won will be sent directly from HarlequinTEEN and The Rest Is Still Unwritten takes no responsibility for lost or damaged items . Please see my contest policy for full details.

Extra Entries:
+2 Leave a comment letting me know what you think of the Trailer :)
+3 Spreading news about the giveaway on Twitter or Facebook.
+2 Following Julie Kagawa // HarlequinTEEN Australia // Me on Twitter.


Fill Out This Form To Enter! _________   I'd like to say a BIG THANKS to HarlequinTEEN and Morey Media for allowing me to share these books with you guys! Goodluck to everyone who enters and happy reading!  

The Diviners Winners!

I want to say thank-you to everyone who entered my giveaway to win 1 of 5 copies of The Diviners by Libba Bray!

The winners are.....

jody jamieson
kookla123
kalasyn
Mary Preston
Rebecca
All winners were notified on Tuesday and have replied except for one.....

***kalasyn: If you're reading this please check your email or email me at rachybee101@live.com.au in the next 24 hours to claim your prize or I will need to draw another winner. Thank you.

19/11 UPDATE: Unfortuntaly kalasyn never got back to me, but good news for Trina who is my new winner.
Trina has been contacted and has replied and all the winners details have been sent on to Alln & Unwin and your books should be in the mail tomorrow!

Congrats to all the winners! This is a fantastic book and you're all in for a treat with The Diviners! Thank-you to Allen & Unwin once more for this giveaway and happy reading!


_______________________
Didn't win? Don't fret--tomorrow I'll be giving away 5 copies of The Lost Prince to AU and NZ residents so visit again for your chance to win :D

Book Shelf: Ember (Death Collectors #1) by Jessica Sorensen

What if you knew when someone was going to die?

For seventeen-year-old Ember, life is death. With a simple touch, she knows when someone will die. It’s her curse and the reason she secludes herself from the world. The only person who knows her secret is her best friend Raven.

Then she meets Asher Morgan. He’s gorgeous, mysterious, and is the only person Ember can't sense death from. So when he pushes into her life, she doesn’t mind.

But when unexplained deaths start to haunt her town, Ember starts questioning why she can’t sense Asher's death and what he may be hiding.

Add on Goodreads......


Review:

Overall, Ember by Jessica Sorensen, the first book in Sorensen’s new Death Collectors series is a mysterious enjoyable read full of death, danger and romance!

Even though Sorensen’s self-published Fallen Star series is quite popular this is the first book of hers I’ve had the chance to read. Featuring Grim Reapers and Angels of Death, Jessica Sorensen weaves together new mythology that I hadn’t seen before throughout Ember.

Steadily paced, Ember features danger and mystery at every turn. The plotline was interesting, though there were a few moments where things appeared to drag on and the attitudes of some of the characters grated on me.

The story was filled with endless mystery, and the suspense was heavy as Sorensen revealed the secrets of Ember’s life. I was interested to learn exactly what was happening to Ember even though some of the revelations were thoroughly predictable. Sorensen kept me intrigued as various deaths and disappearance plagued Ember’s life.

As our protagonist, Ember was likable. She had a steady voice within the story and it seemed only natural to want the best for her, even though on occasion she seemed to miss what was right in front of her eyes. Ember had very complex relationships with the other characters in the story and coming from a dysfunctional family, Ember often struggled with her trust issues and secrets.

Unfortunately, I did not like Ember’s best friend Raven. While I understood her purpose within the story and the reasons for her actions throughout the book, she still grated on me with her selfishness and her attitude. Asher and Cameron on the other hand proved to be interesting as two very different love interests for Ember, both with very different secrets. I’m definitely on Team Asher, but despite who Cameron is, I’m interested to see where Sorensen takes his relationship with Ember in the rest of the series.

Featuring a steadily revealed supernatural world and a destiny heroine Ember appears to have, Ember was an enjoyable start to this new series. I have many questions after the ending of this book and I think I’ll look into reading the rest of the series; simply to see how Ember handles her abilities and choices!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Supagurl Book Tours. (Thank you Heather!)
Format: Kindle ebook.
Buy it: Amazon
Recommendation: If you want something easy and fun, but still mysterious, this is for you.
Cover: It pretty striking and there's one moment where it does depict Ember perfecty.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Possibly. If I have the time.

Gratitude Giveaway's Hop! **CLOSED**

Welcome to my stop in the Gratitude Giveaways Blog Hop, thanks to Kathy over at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer!

This is actually one of my fave hops! I participated last year and I really like that you don't have to jump through hoops to enter. It's US thanking YOU!

Today, I'm giving away a book of your choosing AU$10 or under from The Book Depository! All you have to do is BE A GFC FOLLOWER and comment below with a way to contact you :)

Details:
~Giveaway is open internationally or anywhere the Book Depository ships! Not sure they ship to you? Check here.
~To enter, you MUST BE a GFC follower!
~Simply comment on the post with a way to contact you =) ~Giveaway runs for the duration of the hop (Nov 15th-Nov 25th), after which I'll use Random.org to pick a winner
~The winner will then have 48 hours to respond to my email or I'll pick a new winner.
~Be sure to check out my contest policy prior to entering.


**And if you wanted to, feel free to let me know what you might pick :) I always love hearing what you guys are excited about reading!**

And that's it! Be sure to check out the rest of the hop for fantastic great giveaways!

Blog Tour: Shine Light by Marianne de Pierres- Guest Post and Excerpt!

Welcome to the Aussie Blog Tour for Shine Light, the third and final book in Marianne De Pierres's Night Creatures Trilogy, presented by Random House Australia!

Even though I've only recently begun this series, I've very excited to be a part of this tour. As a proud Aussie it's wonderful to be able to showcase an incredible Aussie author! Today, I have an exclusive guest post about one of the series more poignant and darker characters, the Riper Lenior written by Marianne De Pierres, as well as running expert from Shine Light to share with you guys!
_______________   Check out my review of Burn Bright, the first novel in the Night Creatures Trilogy :) Lenoir:   Aaaaah Lenoir… creating him was like exposing a secret desire. As I said in the last blog, the Ripers are all about contradiction, and Lenoir embodies that. Outwardly he is beautiful beyond compare, inwardly he is hideous. I wanted to show beauty and the beast rolled up in one character.

It was important that Retra/Naif was able to care for him despite his bestial side, which meant he had to find something in her that made him question tradition and step outside his customs to connect with her. Often in novels, the hero is attracted to the heroine because she has some special power or attribute. To me, this then suggests that the whole relationship is based on a kind of accident of birth.

With Lenoir and Naif I wanted his desire for her to be very much about the person she is, and is becoming. Lenoir is captured by Naif’s intense loyalty and her propensity to stand by her principles and the people she cares for. This is so different to what Lenoir is used to from humans. Because of the nature of the world the Ripers have created on Ixion, he has tended to see only the hedonistic and selfish side of human nature. Because Naif’s reasons for coming the island are so different to the rest, her moral mindset and her values are, for him, like light cast into a dark corner.

At times, in the raw draft of the novels I took the level of sexuality between them too far and with some editorial advice pulled back. Often less is more and I think the tension and their intimated physical relationship is far more effective by NOT being too explicit. I hope you agree.

The end of SHINE LIGHT has left some people gasping. I can’t really discuss it in depth because it is a major spoiler, but I will stay that I tried to follow Naif and Lenoir’s relationship through to a natural conclusion (or not?). This is not a happy-ever-after story … this is a story of self-discovery, compromise, integrity, growth and survival. Lenoir and Naif are from different and incompatible species – any relationship between them must be fraught … almost like a test of character.

Their story continues long after Shine Light - at least in my mind and you should know that is it always complex and a little frightening. As the best kind of love always is…


Break each code at the end of every blog post on the tour and your name will go in the draw to win a**super mystery prize** basket. Email your answers to marianne@mariannedepierres.com




FQOY, FQOY … EGDT ZG DT …’ STFGOK

Ready for your next fix?
Meet Retra/Naif at http://badassbookie.blogspot.com/  It’s the last stop on our blog tour.
Did you miss the feature on the Ripers? See http://bookprobereviews.com/
For the full tour listing see http://www.burnbright.com.au/



Extract:   **This is a running extract from Shine Light, with a continuing extract revealed at each blog stop. Mine is stop #12 of 13. Head to the Burn Bright website to find the very first excerpt!**


‘Hurry!’ she breathed.

‘We are,’ said Emilia. ‘Markes is tired. Be patient.’

‘I’m fine,’ said Markes as he levered his body down the last length of the rope.

The six of them huddled close to Markes as he opened the sack. He handed out wooden torches soaked in fire fluid. ‘Take one each. Char, you and Jarrold will need them on the walk to the Grotto,’ he said.

‘What is the Grotto?’ asked Emilia.

‘It’s a tiered garden where the monks used to congregate to pray,’ said Charlonge. ‘There are ledges cut into the rock. Seats.’

‘And moonflowers,’ said Naif. She remembered how they’d entranced her on the night all the gangs had gathered there. She’d never seen such a thing back on Grave; a flower that bloomed only at night.

‘Where’s the flint?’ asked Charlonge.

‘Here.’ Markes reached into the bag again and brought out three strips of strike, giving one to Charlonge and the second to Naif.

‘Don’t light them yet,’ said Naif, ‘not until we’re further away from Vank.’

‘There’s something else,’ said Markes. He felt once more inside the bag and produced several roughly hilted daggers and some short lengths of rope. ‘These were all she could spare. She said we could tie them to branches to make longer swords.’

‘Why would you do that?’ asked Jarrold, snatching one eagerly.

‘If you’re close enough to a Night Creature to use a dagger by itself then you’re lost already,’ Naif explained to him.

‘We should go,’ said Charlonge, nervously glancing around. ‘We’ll meet you at the Grotto as soon as we’ve found the books.’

‘Be careful.’ Naif gave Charlonge a hug and touched Jarrold’s shoulder. ‘Listen to Char.’

Jarrod’s expression turned stubborn and she felt reluctant to leave him in that mood. He was used to doing as he wished.

Emilia hugged her brother farewell while admonishing him, and Markes punched his arm.

Liam stepped forward. While they’d been talking he’d already collected branches from the closest bushes and begun to tie the daggers onto them with the twine.

As he finished, he handed them out. Everyone took one, except Emilia, who refused.

‘You’ll have to keep mine when I go inside,’ Jarrold said to Charlonge.

‘Of course,’ she said grimly. Then the pair headed down the slope again towards the walls. The others watched until they couldn’t see them anymore.

‘Take!’ said Liam to Emilia, holding out the remaining spear. But she shrank against Markes.

Liam made a frustrated noise.

‘Leave her,’ said Naif. ‘Let’s go.’ She orientated herself between the lights streaking up the mountain side and the church. If they followed below the line of the kars, they wouldn’t get lost. ‘Char and Jarrold will have to be careful, so they could be some time. We must try to find Eve and Clash while we wait, tell them the news and get help to carry the books. My guess is that the League’ll be somewhere near Ravens. Charlonge said they always used the Lesser Paths around there to hide.’

Want to know what happens next? Visit http://badassbookie.blogspot.com/ to find out!


Shine Light!

Ixion. The island of ever-night.

If she had a choice, Naif wouldn’t go back. But her friends will die if she doesn’t find a cure for the badges that are slowly killing them, and her brother is there, fighting against the Ripers who hold everyone in thrall. And Naif has knowledge that might save them all.

First she must solve the mystery of Ixion’s eternal night. Then she must convince everyone – rebels and revellers alike – to join her cause. And all the while, she must fight the urge to go to Lenoir – her greatest love, her mortal enemy.

The secrets of Ixion must be revealed. The evils must be stopped. A new dawn will come.

Add on Goodreads!

Purchase:
Bookworld // Booktopia

Meet Marianne de Pierres!

Marianne de Pierres is the author of the acclaimed Parrish Plessis and award-winning Sentients of Orion science fiction series. The Parrish Plessis series has been translated into eight languages and adapted into a roleplaying game. She’s also the author of a teen dark fantasy series [Night Creatures Trilogy].

Marianne is an active supporter of genre fiction and has mentored many writers. She lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband, three sons and three galahs.

Visit Marianne:
Website // Goodreads // Twitter // Facebook

________________   I'd like to thank Marianne de Pierres and Random House Australia for not only putting this tour together, but for inviting me to join in. Be sure to check out the last, and final, tour stop tommorrow at Bad Ass Bookie and than you for following us as we've brought you the Shine Light Tour!