For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund *ARC Review* release date June 12th 2012

Synopsis from Amazon

It's been several generations since a genetic experiment gone wrong caused the Reduction, decimating humanity and giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.
Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family's estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot's estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth—an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go.
But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret—one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she's faced with a choice: cling to what she's been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she's ever loved, even if she's lost him forever.
Inspired by Jane Austen's persuasion, For Darkness Shows the Stars is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.
My Thoughts
Being a Jane Austen fan myself I was incredibly excited about reading, For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund, as this novel is inspired by Jane. But after reading the back of the book I was hoping to be able to follow along to the story line, you see this book takes place in postapocalyptic time. Sometimes those plot lines can be hard to follow. With that said, not this novel after reaching 20 pages I was completely hooked in, my mind was raging with how different everything was. Let me give you a little more history then when you read, For Darkness Shows the Stars you will become hooked in the first 3 words. Trust me, this is not a to-read but a must read. Be prepared for a fun history lesson, here it goes. As described in the synopsis to the book there are different what you may say classes to society in there present day.
Luddites- Now Luddites are the people that rejected generic engineering. They wear simple clothes, don't embrace technology and are what they think "taking" care of others that are less like them.
Reduced- These are the people that are being taken "care" of by the Luddites on Estates. Reduced are not "normal" because of past generic engineering. Reduced have become just that not of sound mind. Like the average human being.
COR (Child of Reduced) - After generations the reduced are giving birth to children that are in my opinion within the same mental/physical guidelines of the Luddites. But COR's still work and are treated as reduced.
Post- Are children of the reduced, some not all have gone away from their Luddite Estates and made a different life for themselves. Post are smart sometimes smarter than Luddites. Post technology is awesome.
Why the history lesson because in knowing a little brief history behind the book, you will love it from the start not after 20-30 pages in!

Diane Peterfreund is brilliant, so Jane Austen inspired. How did she pull it off in a book like this, I have no idea. Every word captivated me. I stayed up one night my eyes just would not let go of the pages. I could not help but feel sorry for Elliot, she was trapped in between two worlds her kindness, softness, fragile world of caring for others, loving the Reduced/Posts that she spent her whole life with on her father's Estate. Working her body to the bone to overcome a father with no hint of money smarts. To that of a world of being free, free to love, free to help herself and not be a self inflicted prisoner for the care of others. Elliot loves beauty, throughout the story. I found that Elliot feared herself, afraid of letting go, seeing what might be.
Elliot's love Kai, oh how Diane brought out the inspiration of Jane Austen Through Kai later to be Captain Wentforth. Kai drew me into the book, not really understanding were he was emotionally with Elliot gave me a mystery I craved. Wanted more love and  romance between them. At times I was screaming do you love her or not!!!!
I don't want to give to much away but I can say that Diane Peterfreund landed me on cloud nine with a lovely writing style switching back and for between Elliot's present day and her past. I give this book 5/5 Smacks. Epic vision of the future in a time that brought separation, Diane brought togetherness. A future as bright as all could see. The only question I'm posing on this book is when is the next. Please let there be a part two.
Whatever kind of genre of book you love it doesn't matter you will love this. Pick it up and you won't let go!
In a little side note I would love to add at the end of this book all Jane Austen fans must read the Acknowledgements! Love it, more please I'm begging!

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund is released June 12th 2012
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Have you had a character that disappointed you? One that you fell in love with and then “broke up” with later on in either the series or a stand-alone book? Tell us about him or her.
Oh have I!  My love, my first Vampire Crush! And then I was crushed I fell head over heels in love with Vampire Armand in Interview with a Vampire. See when Interview with a Vampire came out I was not that old, seeing how I'm only 31 years old now. You would expect that I would have a crush on Louie played by Brad Pitt but no, after reading the book Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice. Armand had such mystery such love, such a way about him I could not describe it. But then in the novel The Vampire Armand it was taken all away. For some reason, can't really explain it I fell out of my deep attraction and into a I thought he was different than that reaction.

Maybe I shouldn't have seen the movie, maybe I should have not read the book, The Vampire Armand. I should have left it alone. I miss his way! I want the mystery, the taste of Armand! MISS YOU

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Desperately Wanting Wednesdays

Desperately Wanting Wednesdays is brought to you by Parajunkee Sharing books that I'm nail biting over, and so sad I was not able to get pre-released copy (ARC). Also this DWW I'm giving you 10 of my most favorite reads, books worth every word!

On Pins and Needles for
 of course and I can say I'm re-reading Divergent next week to get myself prepared for this! Divergent is a book you can read over and over! At least I can!
Insurgent Released May 1st

Can there truly be love after death?

Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she's dead. With no recollection of her past life—or her actual death—she's trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to live. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection, she helps him survive.

Amelia and Joshua grow ever closer as they begin to uncover the strange circumstances of her death and the secrets of the dark river that held her captive for so long. But even while they struggle to keep their bond hidden from the living world, a frightening spirit named Eli is doing everything in his power to destroy their new found happiness and drag Amelia back into the ghost world . . . forever.

I want to read this badly released date May 8th I tried to get an ARC copies of this book and was unable too. But luckily I don't have that long to wait!

My Favorites (In no particular order)



OK there were too many to pick just 10 but this is what I came up with as my favorites if I had to take 10 books with me to a desert Island this is what I would pick. What books would you take? Comment let me know do you like my picks or could I do better. All I know is I put the Twilight Saga as 1 book because I have to have it, mine for keeps.

TOP TWO TUESDAY!!!

Since this week I'm celebrating Spring into Horror Read-A-Thon with Castle Macabre the books I have picked for my Tuesdays Top Two are Scary! Gotta love it!



A zany group of characters struggle to save their home after a genetically altered creeper vine invades a small desert town.

Doc Fletcher, an eccentric biologist in the remote Mojave Desert, has finally created the ultimate drought-tolerant plant: a genetically engineered creeper vine. It’s destined to change the world, but not according to Doc’s plans. Instead, this vine has a mind of its own. Mayhem ensues as the residents of Furnace Valley (pop. 16), along with campers at the nearby hot springs, run for their lives – led by wannabe date rancher Sam Rainsford and the nerdy yet gorgeous botanist Laura Beecham, who has come to the desert for a reunion with the father she has never known.

This book is well worth the 2.99 although Prime members FREE.

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Jessica's had the nightmares for as long as she can remember. Nightmares of being judged for people who have died, of being branded by the angels. Her friends and family think she's a crazy because of it all. Yet she carries the mark of the condemned, seared into the back of her neck, and hides it and herself away from the world.

But when two men she can't ignore enter her life everything changes, including the nightmares. The two of them couldn't be more different. She will do anything to be with one of them. Even tell him the truth about angels, why she never sleeps, and the scar on the back of her neck. But one of the two has set events into motion what will pull her toward her own judgment and turn her into the object of her greatest fear.

On Amazon Books the ebook version is Free!

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These are two awesome titles! If you have a book for an awesome deal or going Free on Amazon for a period of time and want me to post on my Top Two Tuesday please comment below or email me

here! Thanks BRC

Castle Macabre Read-A-Thon *Giveaway* No Remorse by Mary Lynn Bast Signed Copy

I must say I'm beside my self with horror to be selected as a giveaway HOST to my favorite blog Castle Macabre! This giveaway is for Read-A-Thon members only so if you didn't sign up we are dying inside but there is always next year or maybe you have time!!! Check the sign up link at the bottom. Before your time runs out!  Presenting the Giveaway without any furthur delay....


Due to her unusual birth, Amber has abilities no other werewolf has ever possessed. On the run since childhood, the lone wolf avoids contact with other werewolves at all cost, continually moving, constantly looking over her shoulder and always alone.

Everything changes when Amber saves a werewolf from the mere brink of death, Blake, the only werewolf to ever protect her. Love blossoms, but not without tribulations when Amber realizes she must help her new pack rescue a member who is being held hostage by a rival pack.

Warring with emotions of going from lone wolf to the pack leader’s mate, Amber must decide if she is willing to risk Blake’s life to know true family and friendship despite the fact that the Council is hell bent on locating her and will stop at nothing until she is found. Will Amber’s special abilities be enough to keep everyone safe?

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Click on the Castle to Join and see what dark fate awaits you in HORROR. But beware this Read-A-Thon is not for the weak. No blood required THIS TIME. MY FRIENDS..............

 

If you haven't heard about the Read-A-Thon click on Castle Macabre above

I DARE YOU!!! HURRY before the sun comes up!

Please comment below with the books your reading in the Spring Into Horror Read-A-Thon!!! I'm screaming with Excitement!!! Thanks May the odds be ever in your favor!
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In My Mailbox Monday

This last week was a crazy one! So many things to do and so little time! But Saturday was nice I was able to relax because the weather in my neck of the woods was 94 degrees, making the pool a much needed thing. Of course I'm like a vampire sunglasses big floppy hat and tons of sunblock! Well back to books, here was what was in my mailbox this last week!

Books I'm Currently Reading

Release Date June 12th

Books I won

Signed Copy, super excited you can find Remembrance on Amazon Books

Kindle edition of Blake can be purchased on Amazon Books

Kindle ebook version but this one looks interesting

Amazon Books

I have wanted to read this for awhile! Paperback edition super cool

Link to purchase on Amazon Books

Books I Purchased

Purchased this box set from Barnes and Noble

Nice week altogether, got a great price at Barnes and Noble as I always shop with a hand full of coupons!!! Tell me whats in your box?

Thirst No1 by Christopher Pike *Review* The Last Vampire, Black Blood and Red Dice

Alisa and her former FBI partner, Joel, learn of a government plan to capture them in order to steal and analyze their vampire blood for the purpose of duplicating it, and when Joel is caught, Alisa risks her life to free him.

 

Edition:Paperback

590 pages

I have finished the 3rd book in Thirst No1 (Last Vampire Series) Red Dice by Christopher Pike. I have one word WOW! I loved it from start to finish, Sita a 5,000 year old kick butt vampire has to rescue her recently turned vampire lover Joel from a top secret base in Las Vegas. She risks her life to make sure that her promise to Krishna is not broken. Even though she has broke the promise already by making Joel a vampire. Sita was not to make anymore vampires, but the government has other plans. This book brought twist and turns from every corner. Red Dice gained an interesting new character that is from Sita's past. Arturo, a priest that Sita thought was burned at the stake over 1,000 years ago has returned, he's working as a mad scientist for the government.

 Just goes to show you what kind of "loons" the government hires! LOL My favorite part of this book was beginning to end. Sita gains a new power after drinking her maker's Yaksha blood. Which makes an awesome addition to the novel.

 The end left me in a bit of an uproar though so looks like I'm buying the next 3 books in the series Thirst No2 which includes Phantom, Evil Thirst, and Creatures of Forever.

I was impressed by Christopher Pike! All three books in Thirst No1 had something to love. I gave The Last Vampire 5 smacks, Black Blood 2 smacks but that's only because some parts lost my interest as a reader, I felt Pike could have combined or shortened Black Blood. But now after reading Red Dice I understand Pike's need to focus on Krishna to give the reader a better understanding of why Sita is about to do somethings she has longed to do for 5,000 years.

I give Red Dice 5 smacks as well, love the series. I will be reading the next 3 books soon!

So as a complete book Thirst No1 I would give 5 smacks as I want read the next book! Can't wait



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Q: Fight! Fight! If you could have two fictional characters battle it out (preferably from books), who would they be and who do you think would win?  I have to go with 2 books that I recently read, Sita a 5,000 year old vampire with a kick-butt character from Thirst No 1 by Christopher Pike VS Dawn a teenage vampire from Angel Creek but super kick-butt from ReVamped by Ada Adams.
Although Dawn would put up a awesome fight knowing martial arts! I think Sita would kick her butt in the end being 5,000 years old having the experience of a seasoned vamp! Sita would definitely steal Dawn's man! LOL well if they were fighting over one! But it would be one heck of a fight.

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Black Blood by Christopher Pike (Thirst No1) Review

 

The terrifying sequel to The Last Vampire. Alisa Perne is a 5,000-year-old vampire. She and her partner, Ray, thought they were the last of their breed, but suddenly they are confronted by a series of brutal murders that could only have been caused by others like them.

I really loved The Last Vampire, first book in the 5 book, Thirst Series. Sita is a 5,000 year old vampire with a kick-butt attitude that delivered action, wit, romance as well as so much more. So reading the next book Black Blood was a no-brain'er. I started the book right away as the last book (The Last Vampire) ended on a hanger so I was itching to know what happens.

 Black Blood started off so well, a promising story line of Sita and her lover Ray not being the last vampires. As these rouge vampires roamed the streets killing. Sita was hunting them,tracking them down at all cost to make sure the vampire secret was safe, great right. Well not so much the story was good but somewhere, Sita lost herself all of a sudden she becomes a depressed vampire. I mean you would think she has loved and lost for the last 5,000 years. What is so different about this time around. Besides being kind of depressed in some parts are OK but get over it!
 Krishna took a huge chuck of the book. You might be saying well who is Krishna? In the ancient world people believed Krishna too be God.

 I personally am religious but not so much when I'm reading a book that is described on the cover as a vampire with HUMAN URGES, FATAL CONSEQUENCES about a kick butt 5,000 year old vampire. Seems as though the author Pikes had to fill up space.

I can see Krishna playing a part but come on, up until the end Sita was basing every move she made on her "going toward Krishna," news flash Sita you are a killing vampire, demon if you say. Damned nation is all you have, own it girlfriend!

 Black Blood wasn't all bad it had some really good moments. We learned some interesting things about Sita's passed which is long considering her being 5,000 years old. Pike threw a few little twist in. All to say an ending that looked very similar to well, lets just say the last book!

I give Black Blood by Christopher Pike 2/5 smacks I will not be reading Black Blood again however I'm going to complete the 3rd book Red Dice. Let's see how it goes. Come on Pike don't leave us disappointed this time!!!

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Amazon Reviews

If you have read Red Dice by Christopher Pike please leave a comment let me know what you thought of the book. Thanks and Happy Reading!



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Desperately Wanting Wednesday!

Desperately Wanting Wednesday are brought to you by Parajunkee click on the link to Join in the DWW fun! Books I cannot wait to come out plus some book quotes that maybe some of you bookaholics will know. Lets see if I can stump my fellow bookies out there with a few!!!

Books I'm waiting for, swooning over!!!!

  released August 14th  and of course released May1st

I tried to get an ARC copy of Counting Backwards but have been unsuccessful, still working on it!

Book quotes that might or might not stump the bookaholic, which book are they from?

1. "We'll always be together." "In our hearts we'll always be together," I corrected in a whisper as quiet as a breath.

2. Half of bravery is perspective.

3. life is a beautiful lawn in the sunshine, that all the enchantments of heaven fill your souls

Which books are these from, hint 2 are young adult books and 1 is a book and a play (the best play on earth)

TOP TWO TUESDAY!!!

Two great deals this Tuesday!! Check them out!

Dark House is on my must reads list, right now you can download on your Kindle for free here! Hurry time is running out to download free. I also must say this is a new cover revealed back in March. I love it!

The next book is a historical fiction novel on the Titanic, this being the Titanic's 100th year anniversary. I'm fascinated by the history behind the Titanic. So recently I have been reading alot of non-fiction as well as fiction novels with Titanic's history.  I read Shadows of the Titanic, by Andrew Wilson check out the review here, amazing story! Promise Me This by Cathy Gohlke sounds excellent for Titanic seekers out there.



You can download Promise me this on your Kindle for Free! Just Click here

Two awesome books and you don't have to pay a thing! I love it when a great book comes at a great price! OK that sounds a little infomercial for me! LOL

I'm ending with a question, please comment if you know the answer to this. One of my favorite authors is Stephenie Meyer. I have heard that studios are in the "process" or "making" her book The Host into a movie. Is this true? If so does anyone know the projected date this will be out? Thanks to all, Happy Reading!