BlogLovin

Hi All!!

I know I have been gone forever and I am still not certain what the future holds.  I do know that I am not ready to completely give up on Books Devoured yet.

I am sure that you all already know that Google Reader is going away. . . (Pause while I wipe away tears).

I have looked into the alternatives and I think that I like BlogLovin! I am putting up this post to "claim" my blog.  If you already follow me on Google Reader, you can import all the blogs you follow into bloglovin automatically.  (It gives you that option when you sign up.)

I may update this post with more information relating to BlogLovin at another time.  For now, I am just figuring it out myself.

Love you guys!!!!!!

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The End?

I can't believe it is already the end of 2012!! I know that I have been absent a lot this year but I have a good reason:

This is Addisyn, she was born in July.  I really thought that being a mother of two already I would be able to keep up with both the three kids and the blog. I was so very wrong.  It turns out that most days I am lucky to do things like take a shower or eat a meal while it is still hot.  Luckily, I have a great husband that helps me accomplish those things (most days anyway.)  I miss you guys a lot but at the same time I have realized a few things: 

• blogging used to be fun, now it feels like work.
• I have become a book hoarder. Seriously.
• Something has got to change.

I have given this a lot of thought and even as I type I feel unsure but I have decided to end Books Devoured.  At least in it's current form. Being forced to take time off from the blog helped me to realize all the things I was missing out on.  Here are things I have discovered or rediscovered this year during time off from the blog:

• Buffy the Vampire Slayer. 
• Doctor Who (I have become OBSESSED with this show)
• I remembered that I love to cook and bake!
• Spending time with my family is fun!

I am a bit of a perfectionist so when I decided to do this, I gave it everything I had.  It sort of consumed me actually. I am grateful for the experience and I do not regret even a minute of it.  At the same time though I know that it is time to move on.  I have an idea of a way to bring the blog back but it would be under a different name and be about more than just books.  I hope that you guys will like what it turns into.  At this time I don't know when I will be back but I really think I will.  I still need more time off though.  

Before I go I wanted to take this survey because I did read some great things last year! This is the survey from Jamie at The Perpetual Page Turner. 

Best In Books 2012

1. Best Book You Read In 2012? (You can break it down by genre if you want)

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (it will just be listed as "TFIOS" in the rest of the survey because you will see it a lot!) . I know this book is on a lot of lists this year but I don't think this is just a case of hype, I think it deserves all the accolades.  I loved it.

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

Tie:

Crossed (Matched #2) by Ally Condie - I am not sure why but this just did not leave me with all the feelings that the first one did.  I am still excited to read the third one though. 

Fever (The Chemical Garden #2) by Lauren DeStefano - This was the same as I felt about Crossed.  I think they both were just so different from what I expected I could not connect with them.  Perhaps if I read them again I will like them more.  I also plan to read the third in this series.  

3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2012? 

 

Wonder by RJ Palacio - This is a middle grade and I don't read them often. This book made me rethink that.  It was fabulous!!!

4. Book you recommended to people most in 2012?

TFIOS by John Green - I just want the whole world to read this book and love it as much as I do.  I actually bought this for my soon to be sister-in-law for Christmas.  I put it in a box with chocolate and a box of tissues. I hope she loves it!

5. Best series you discovered in 2012?

Liv Bergen Series by Sandra Brannan - I read the first one and fell in love with the characters and setting in equal measure.  I can't wait to read book 4! 

I also want to add the Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead series here. Even though I have only read the first one, I loved it and I have bought almost the rest of the series already.  I plan to read them soon!

6. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2012?

Sandra Brannan! I love her books. I love her. See a few of the reasons here. 

I also really enjoyed Trish Doller's book Something Like Normal.  I can't wait to read more from her!

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

I think I will go with Fat Assassins by Marita Fowler. I am not sure what genre it actually is,  but I call it contemporary comedy mystery. It was funny and I liked it!

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2012?

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa - There was a lot of action and tension.  Love it!

9. Book You Read In 2012 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year:

TFIOS by John Green

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2012?

I liked tons but these two stand out. 

 

11. Most memorable character in 2012? 

I really liked Liv Bergen from the Liv Bergen Series by Sandra Brannan.  She is tough but not unrealistic.

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2012?

TFIOS by John Green (yes, again)

Collateral by Ellen Hopkins - Her verse style is amazing.

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2012?

TFIOS by John Green - I cried ALL THE TEARS but I also laughed at times.  It just made me feel so much.

14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2012 to finally read?

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead - I can't wait to read the rest of these!

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2012?

This is a tie between 2 quotes from TFIOS

“I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, then all at once.”
― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

“Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.”
― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

16. Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2012?

Longest Novel: Collateral by Ellen Hopkins 512 pages

Shortest Novel: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky - The ending of that book was like being punched in the face.  It ruined it for me.  I hated that book so much.  I know, I know. Most people loved it and I respect that.  I wanted to throw the book at the wall. 

18. Favorite Relationship From A Book You Read In 2012 (be it romantic, friendship, etc).

Belly and (I'm including both to avoid spoilers) Conrad or Jeremiah from The Summer Series by Jenny Han.

19. Favorite Book You Read in 2012 From An Author You Read Previously

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa -  I previously read and loved The Iron Fey series from her.  This Vampire tale was FABULOUS!!!

20. Best Book You Read That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else:

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead - read on the recommendation of EVERYONE. EVER. I was not feeling the cover and that was honestly keeping me from wanting to read it.  You guys all told me it was amazing and you were all right!

Looking Ahead…

1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2012 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2013?

I think Throne of Glass by Sarah Maas. I actually bought this because I saw that so many of you all loved it but it has just been sitting on my shelf!

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2013?

Divergent #3 - Whatever it will be called, I can't wait!

3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2013?

I guess I just hope to come back.  I want to find a way to make this fun again. I hope that you guys will enjoy whatever Books Devoured turns into.   

Lots of Love from me to you all! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 

Review and Excerpt ~ Whispers in Autumn

 

 

Whispers in Autumn
by Trisha Leigh

 

 

 

 

Synopsis:  (From Good Reads)

In 2015, a race of alien Others conquered Earth. They enslaved humanity not by force, but through an aggressive mind control that turned people into contented, unquestioning robots.

Except sixteen-year-old Althea isn’t content at all, and she doesn’t need the mysterious note inside her locket to tell her she’s Something Else. It also warns her to trust no one, so she hides the pieces that make her different, even though it means being alone.

Then she meets Lucas, everything changes.

Althea and Lucas are immune to the alien mind control, and together they search for the reason why. What they uncover is a stunning truth the Others never anticipated, one with the potential to free the brainwashed human race.

It’s not who they are that makes them special, but what.
And what they are is a threat. One the Others are determined to eliminate for good.

What Did I Think?  

The human race being enslaved by Aliens is scary to me and I loved reading about it.  I was worried that this would feel like something I have already read but I was so wrong.  Whispers in Autumn is completely fresh and very well thought out.  I admit that I was surprised by the story many times. 

Althea is a great main character and I liked her.  She is smart and inquisitive but she knows when to blend in and when to fight back.  Her life feels so lonely and it is easy to feel badly for her.  When she met Lucas I was excited but wary and that made the rest of the book so fun and suspenseful.

I feel like I did get an ending but there are still so many questions! I am so glad that I was introduced to this series.  I am going to order the next book in the series because I have to know what happens next! I would recommend this for readers that like a little romance with a little sci-fi.  

BOTTOM LINE: I really enjoyed this one! Can’t wait to read more.

Here is an excerpt from the book!

The thought of Lucas watching me stroll about without my knowledge makes me both embarrassed and angry. “I don’t think so. I don’t need any extra attention, and you and your fish and your hiding in the shadows is bound to get one or both of us in trouble.”

“What do you mean, any extra attention?”

One evening alone with another person and my secret’s all but painted on my forehead. Running from the Wardens, frowning at Lucas, saying out loud that I don’t want to catch the Wardens’ eyes—any one of those actions is enough to land me in a bad situation. I force a smile, cursing my loose lips and ignoring the beads of sweat breaking out on my palms. “Did I say extra? I just meant attention. With the Wardens in town and everything. Goodnight.”

Lucas grabs my wrist and holds on tight, stopping me from heading to the Morgans’. His fingers tighten and my skin chafes as I try to twist free, his frigid touch relieving the burning panic for a moment. A wild look flashes in his eyes and he leans in until our noses almost touch.

My breath catches as our eyes meet, a shocking level of anticipation mingling with fear. I push away from him, heart thrashing, but he only leans closer. I freeze, closing my eyes against whatever is coming next.

Words emerge from his pale lips in a whisper, expelling breath frostier than the fall breeze winding about us. “Think about it, Althea. There’s a good chance one or both of us is going to get into trouble anyway.”

Connect with Trisha:

http://www.trishaleigh.com

@trishaleighkc

trishaleighkc.tumblr.com

http://pinterest.com/trishaleighkc/

Facebook

Buy it Now: (Clicking the cover below takes you to Amazon)

 

Source: From CLP Blog Tours for Review

Review ~ The Door in the Sky

 

The Door in the Sky
by Sandy Klein Bernstein

5- Moms Fried Chicken and Mashed Potatoes. It doesn’t get any better!

 

 

Synopsis:  (From Good Reads)

It all started with a stolen magic spell. Throw in a powerful sorceress, a teen alchemist in desperate need of a haircut, a fearless king in love with a hot-tempered witch, a demonic shadow with a penchant for turning to mist, a cunning cellar sprite, and an army of invisible knights - all looking for a pair of bickering Earthlings...

"Come back here at midnight, Ricky"

11-year-old Ricky watches in stunned silence as those words magically appear in the stars during a show at the Chicago Space Museum. But why can't anyone else see the message? And why must he bring Jello?

His teenage sister, Allie, follows him back to the theater at midnight. They're both whisked through a door in the sky to the kingdom of Galdoren, where they quickly befriend a mischievous star and make a powerful enemy of Queen Glacidia, a witch who rules over a land of never-ending winter.

On their quest to reach a castle riddled with secrets…(MORE)

What Did I Think?  

There are so many things I liked about this book! Magic, dragons, stars, adventure and more. The most surprising thing I liked was the humor. Sometimes I think that middle grade stories can either be too serious or too silly and The Door in the Sky hit that sweet spot of funny for me. I especially liked the fact that all the humor doesn't come from one "comedic relief" type character. The humor isn't stuffed in there as a check in the box, it is sprinkled throughout each character in a way that is believable.

(As a side note, I have read the authors blog and I love it! She is very funny and I think you should go check it out! Her blog is actually what convinced me to accept the book for review.)

Lest you think this book is all about the funny let me assure you that the story telling is equally fabulous.There were many times that I was surprised by the turn of events. I liked being on the journey with Ricky and Allie. They were both good characters and I especially liked, and more importantly believed, the relationship between them as brother and sister.

The world that was built was also great. I absolutely want to visit a candy farm and will feel slighted in this life if I never get to! Fresh picked Red Hots?! Yes, please!

The best thing about discovering this book really is that I can share it. I love finding a book that I can read to/with my children and actually enjoy it with them and The Door in the Sky fits the bill perfectly.

BOTTOM LINE:I recommend it for all ages because no matter your age, you can always use a little magic, fun and adventure. 

Buy it Now: (Clicking the cover below takes you to Amazon)

 

Source: From the author for review.

The Emperor's Conspiracy Review and Giveaway

 

The Emperor’s Conspiracy
by Michelle Diener

 

 

 

Publication Date: November 27, 2012 | Gallery Books | 336p 

Synopsis:  (From Good Reads)

From nineteenth-century London’s elegant ballrooms to its darkest slums, a spirited young woman and a nobleman investigating for the Crown unmask a plot by Napoleon to bleed England of its gold.

Chance led to Charlotte Raven’s transformation from chimney sweep to wealthy, educated noblewoman, but she still walks a delicate tightrope between two worlds, unable to turn her back on the ruthless crime lord who was once her childhood protector.

When Lord Edward Durnham is tapped to solve the mystery of England’s rapidly disappearing gold, his search leads him to the stews of London, and Charlotte becomes his intriguing guide to the city’s dark, forbidding underworld. But as her involvement brings Charlotte to the attention of men who have no qualms about who they hurt, and as Edward forges a grudging alliance with the dangerous ghosts of Charlotte’s former life, she faces a choice: to continue living in limbo, or to close the door on the past and risk her heart and her happiness on an unpredictable future.

What Did I Think?  

I really thought that I was going to be reading a Historical Romance which is something that I had a lot of preconceived notions about. This is historical Romance but it is so much more than that. I was so surprised to find mystery involved as well. The plot is well thought out and executed.

I love that we get insight into both the proper way of life and into the underworld of history as well. I think this is my favorite thing about the novel, Charlotte's journey to balance between the two world's. It was interesting to see her loyalty to the people that helped her survive when she was younger and her desire to be proper and to have a better life. I do think that her desire for a better life was even rooted in her loyalty to her original friends, she knew she could enhance their lives that way as well. Charlotte herself is also a fabulous main character, I felt she was true to the time period but not a stereotype wilting flower either.

I hope that we get more about these characters, especially Luke. I felt that the ending was a bit abrupt but that might be just because I was enjoying it so much I was not ready for it to be over! I am so excited to have found a new author to read. I plan to search out more of her books because I really enjoyed this one.

BOTTOM LINE: Loved it.

Win It Now! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Buy it Now: (Clicking the cover below takes you to Amazon)

Source: Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours sent me a copy for review.