9:50 PM
Chioma
So Yeah, I'm getting right on that! Need to start loading up on some good challenges for 2011, feel free to recommend some great ones!!!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Awards
Here are my awards and the awesome bloggers who felt me worthy *tear drop*. Thanks you Guys!!!
Honest Scrap Award
From Staysi at Lost in Ink.
One Lovely Blog Award
From MissAttitude at Reading in Color.
Cleverly Written Award
From Cleverly Inked.
Blog Monster Award
From Eleni at /- LA FEMME READERS -/
The Gorgeous Blog Award
From Kirthi at Pages
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Waiting On Wenesday 1
Jill over at Breaking the Spine started this. I have wanted to do a Waiting on Wenesday forever. I add a new book to my Amazon.com wishlist pretty much every hour, so now everyone gets to be updated on the new books I am dying to get.
The Mark by. Jen Nadol Sixteen-year old Cassie Renfield has seen the mark since forever: a glow around certain people as if a candle were held behind their back.
The only time she pointed it out taught her she shouldn’t do it again, so Cassie has kept quiet, considering its rare appearances odd, but insignificant. Until she watches a man die. Mining her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person’s imminent death. Not how or where, only when: today.
Cassie searches her past, her philosophy lessons, even her new boyfriend for answers, always careful to hide her secret. How does the mark work? Why her? Most importantly, if you know today is someone’s last, should you tell?
This book sounds so awesome. It reminds me of My Soul To Save by. Rachel Vincent. But not in an annoying copy cat kind of way, more in a cool new take on a new genre idea!!! Plus a purple cover!!! I cant wait!!!
The Mark by. Jen Nadol Sixteen-year old Cassie Renfield has seen the mark since forever: a glow around certain people as if a candle were held behind their back.The only time she pointed it out taught her she shouldn’t do it again, so Cassie has kept quiet, considering its rare appearances odd, but insignificant. Until she watches a man die. Mining her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person’s imminent death. Not how or where, only when: today.
Cassie searches her past, her philosophy lessons, even her new boyfriend for answers, always careful to hide her secret. How does the mark work? Why her? Most importantly, if you know today is someone’s last, should you tell?
This book sounds so awesome. It reminds me of My Soul To Save by. Rachel Vincent. But not in an annoying copy cat kind of way, more in a cool new take on a new genre idea!!! Plus a purple cover!!! I cant wait!!!
Posted in: Waiting On Wenesday
Saturday, September 26, 2009
In My Mailbox (1)
Wooooot!!! I am so excited to be doing my very own In My Mailbox! I have seen other bloggers do it for forever and I finally get to do my very own every week. I have to give my props to Kristi over at The Story Siren for creating this great feature. Here's what I got this week:
Title:Jason and Kyra
Author: Dana Davidson
Publication Date: July 2005, Hyperion
Genre: African American, Romance
Pages: 330
Jason is a basketball star and one of the most popular guys in school. Brainy Kyra isn't, but she doesn't much care what other people think. Under normal circumstances, Jason and Kyra would live in their separate worlds until graduation. But fate intervenes, and the unlikely duo is paired up for a class project. Although preconceived notions abound on both sides, Kyra soon realizes that Jason is not the dumb jock she anticipated. And Jason finds himself telling Kyra things he can't even tell his best friend. As the two become close and eventually start to fall in love, no one in school can believe it, especially Jason's ex-girlfriend, who is determined to get him back. Being together means navigating the obstacles that are coming their way-but staying apart may be impossible.
I was so excited when I got this book. There isnt many young adult books with African Americans that doesn't stereotype the characters into the generic outfit of what a black teenager is like. And its romance, added excitment!!!
Title: A Song For Summer
Author: Eva Ibbotson
Publication Date: October 2007
Genre: Historical, Romance
Pages: 376
Eighteen-year-old ellen never expected the Hallendorf school to be, well, quite so unusual. After all, her life back in england with her suffragette mother and liberated aunts certainly couldn't be called normal. but buried deep in the beautiful Austrian countryside, ellen discovers an eccentric world occupied by wild children and even wilder teachers, experimental dancers and a tortoise on wheels. And then there is the particurally intriguing, enigmatic, and very handsome Marek, part-time gardener and fencing teacher. ellen is instantly attracted to the mysterious gardener, but Hitler's reich is already threatening their peaceful world. only when she discovers Marek's true identity and his dangerous mission does ellen realize the depth of her feelings for him—and the danger their newfound love faces in the shadow of war.
I read another one of Eva's books, A Countess Below Stairs, and it was okay, but this one actually sounds better so I am willing to give historical fiction another chance!!!
Swapped Books
Author: Dana Davidson
Publication Date: July 2005, Hyperion
Genre: African American, Romance
Pages: 330
Jason is a basketball star and one of the most popular guys in school. Brainy Kyra isn't, but she doesn't much care what other people think. Under normal circumstances, Jason and Kyra would live in their separate worlds until graduation. But fate intervenes, and the unlikely duo is paired up for a class project. Although preconceived notions abound on both sides, Kyra soon realizes that Jason is not the dumb jock she anticipated. And Jason finds himself telling Kyra things he can't even tell his best friend. As the two become close and eventually start to fall in love, no one in school can believe it, especially Jason's ex-girlfriend, who is determined to get him back. Being together means navigating the obstacles that are coming their way-but staying apart may be impossible.
I was so excited when I got this book. There isnt many young adult books with African Americans that doesn't stereotype the characters into the generic outfit of what a black teenager is like. And its romance, added excitment!!!
Author: Eva Ibbotson
Publication Date: October 2007
Genre: Historical, Romance
Pages: 376
Eighteen-year-old ellen never expected the Hallendorf school to be, well, quite so unusual. After all, her life back in england with her suffragette mother and liberated aunts certainly couldn't be called normal. but buried deep in the beautiful Austrian countryside, ellen discovers an eccentric world occupied by wild children and even wilder teachers, experimental dancers and a tortoise on wheels. And then there is the particurally intriguing, enigmatic, and very handsome Marek, part-time gardener and fencing teacher. ellen is instantly attracted to the mysterious gardener, but Hitler's reich is already threatening their peaceful world. only when she discovers Marek's true identity and his dangerous mission does ellen realize the depth of her feelings for him—and the danger their newfound love faces in the shadow of war.
I read another one of Eva's books, A Countess Below Stairs, and it was okay, but this one actually sounds better so I am willing to give historical fiction another chance!!!
For Review
Title: Poison Study
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Publication Date: July 2005, Harlequin Teen
Genre: Historical
Pages: 407
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Publication Date: July 2005, Harlequin Teen
Genre: Historical
Pages: 407
She'll eat the best meals, have rooma in the palace--and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.
And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust--and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.
As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear...
And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust--and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.
As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear...
I am so excited to read this book, it sounds so cool and it has such an orginal plotline. Thank you Harlequin Teen!!!
Thats all for this week. It was a great for my first In My Mailbox. I can't wait to read and review all of them!!!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Contact Me
Have any questions, comments, or concerns that you would like to ask me about just contact me by e-mail at : blackandblueink(at)yahoo(dot)com or by filling out the form below.
If you are an author and/or publisher and would Like me to review a book, interview you, or host a contest, I would be more than glad to and I will be sure to get back to you A.S.A.P!!! Here is my review policy.
I know many of you guys are busy reading that book in your hand and may not have the time to go all the way to yahoo to email me, well here is an easy way, just fill out the form and its an instant email. Convienent!!!
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Review: Vampire Academy by. Richelle Mead
Title: Vampire Academy Author: Richelle Mead
Reading Level: 14+
Publication Date: August 2007
Pages: 332
Series: Vampire Academy, Frostbite, Shadow Kiss, Blood Promise
Rating: 8.3/10
Synopsis from richellemead.com:
Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with an unbreakable bond to the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest and most dangerous vampires--the ones who never die.
The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a Dhampir; she is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making her one of them.
After two years of illicit freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir's Academy, hidden in the deep forests of Montana. Rose will continue her Dhampir education. Lissa will go back to being Queen of the elite Moroi social scene. And both girls will resume breaking hearts.
Fear made Lissa and Rose run away from St. Vladimir's--but their world is fraught with danger both inside and out of the Academy's iron gates. Here, the cutthroat ranks of the Moroi perform unspeakable rituals and their secretive nature and love of the night creates an enigmatic world full of social complexities. Rose and Lissa must navigate through this dangerous world, confront the temptation of forbidden romance, and never once let their guard down, lest the Strigoi make Lissa one of them forever...
Review:
Richelle Mead's introduction to Vampire Academy was one of the best vampire books I have ever read. I loved how Richelled Mead combined the cliche part of what a vampire is and added new ideas to the book. And even though for some "unexplainable reason" I have become obsessed with vampires. I didnt have high hopes for this book. When I thought of it I figured it was going to be another boarding school, girly kind of book that just happened to have vampires. I was greatly proved wrong. This book was so incedible. I read it in about four hours and I was so sad when it ended. This is book is the perfect paranormal romance. With all the action packed vampire butt kicking along with all the steamy and scandalous romances developing this book was one of the best vampire novels I have ever read.
I really loved the main character in this book. Rose who is a guradian to her best friend and Moroi Princess is a very unique character. I loved Rose throughout the book. She is so devoted to Lissa as a friend and as Gurdian. She is such a strong character, she is her own person no matter what other people think she should be like. And as she discovers her feelings for Dimitri we start to see a new side of her that isnt always hard and defensive.Lissa on the other hand I found to be annoying in her reliance on Rose. I felt that she couldnt be her own person without Rose around. But she finally seems to start discover herself in a way when a forbidden romance of her own starts to bloom. Another greatly loveable character is Dimitri. In the beggining of the book when we are first meeting Dimitri he seems kind of like the boring all work no play no nonsence type. But as his and Rose's relationship starts to go deeper, we see him opening up and a deeper side to him.
The plot of this book was extremely engaging. There was so much happening at once without it being confusing. There are a multiple of romances with love triangles, and with the development of Rose and Lissa's bond, and both of them still trying to figure out whether or not they should run away from the Academy again or not. And the ending was the best part. It is so action packed with twists and turns over her and over there that you'll probably be holding your breath throughout the ending. After reading this book it took me the whole of 2 hours to go out and buy the next in the series. There was so much drama and suspence and romance in this book and to top it all off it all off all of the characters are vampires. This is the beginning kick ass paranormal romance series and I cant wait for the next in the series.
Characters: 8/10
Plot: 9/10
Originality: 8/10
Entertainment: 9/10
Ending: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Cover: 7/10
Total: 8.3/10
Review/Promotion Policy
Dear Authors and Publishers requesting book review/promotion:
Hello, thank you for considering Black and Blue Ink as a place where you would like to feature your book. I will always be more than willing to review any YA book ( unless otherwise stated, or a book that may not be considered YA if I have specified that I would be willing to review/promote the book). If you would like me to review your book and it is not YA, just send me an e-mail via my contact form and I will definitely look into it.
Preferences:
I really am not at all picky when it comes to books I review. And since it is the author who is willing to give up a copy of his/her book just to get some feedback, and that they would even consider my blog is really awesome.
1. I am in love with any and everything paranormal (urban fantasy),romance, and especially science fiction in YA. So if your book is within this genre, the chances are high that I will love to review it.
2. I am not really a horror, thriller, or intense suspense/mystery book, but usually if it has any romance in it, I would be willing to give it a try. Also chick lit as in Gossip Girl or The Clique are also not my usual and as far warning the chances of the review are slim, again I am not automatically dismissing any books because of their genre, just shoot me an e-mail me and I would see if it is something I would like to review.
3. Please be aware that this is a Young Adult blog. I will not be reviewing books in the adult genre unless previously stated. I will try to only accept books that I know I will read or that I think that I will like, as to not make a habit of negitive reviews!!
4. I don't review e-books, at all. Though I appreciate the e-mail, I will not be reviewing books in e-book format, or audio book format.
To Authors/Publishers:
When requesting a review for a book, all you would have to do is e-mail me at blackandblueink (at) yahoo (dot) com. Or fill out the contact form here. I will review a book whether it is a ARC or already released book.In the e-mail if you could please include a brief description of the book and of course the title of the book. That is all I really need. I will try to contact the requester as soon as possibly on when I would be able to review the book.
Timing:
I am pretty sure that after receiving a book to review I will be able to get the review up within 3 weeks of receiving the book if it is already released. If it has yet to be released I will put up the review withing a month of the release date. And you can rest assured that any book I have accepted to receive and review will be reviewed. It may take a little while longer depending on the circumstances, but I will not accept a book unless I am 100% sure I will review it. And unless the author would prefer otherwise, I would also like to post my review of the book on other book sites such as goodreads, teenreads, librarything, shelfari, and/or the publishing site.
Review:
The way I review all of my books is by using a 5 point star rating. This rating is based on plot, characters, ending, writing style, entertainment, originality, and the cover. My review will include a brief description of the book, usually from amazon, and then my thoughts on the book. If you would like me to include anything else in my review please specify and I would gladly include it.
Promoting:
If you would also like me to promote your book or you as an author, I would be more than happy to hear what you have in mind, whether it be an interview, or if you would like me to host a contest, again just e-mail me and I will be sure to get back to you A.S.A.P.
Thank you to all the authors and publishers who are interested in asking me to help them with a book promotion or something. It is a real honor to be asked personally by an author to review their book.
My email: blackandblueink (at) yahoo (dot) com
Hello, thank you for considering Black and Blue Ink as a place where you would like to feature your book. I will always be more than willing to review any YA book ( unless otherwise stated, or a book that may not be considered YA if I have specified that I would be willing to review/promote the book). If you would like me to review your book and it is not YA, just send me an e-mail via my contact form and I will definitely look into it.
Preferences:
I really am not at all picky when it comes to books I review. And since it is the author who is willing to give up a copy of his/her book just to get some feedback, and that they would even consider my blog is really awesome.
1. I am in love with any and everything paranormal (urban fantasy),romance, and especially science fiction in YA. So if your book is within this genre, the chances are high that I will love to review it.
2. I am not really a horror, thriller, or intense suspense/mystery book, but usually if it has any romance in it, I would be willing to give it a try. Also chick lit as in Gossip Girl or The Clique are also not my usual and as far warning the chances of the review are slim, again I am not automatically dismissing any books because of their genre, just shoot me an e-mail me and I would see if it is something I would like to review.
3. Please be aware that this is a Young Adult blog. I will not be reviewing books in the adult genre unless previously stated. I will try to only accept books that I know I will read or that I think that I will like, as to not make a habit of negitive reviews!!
4. I don't review e-books, at all. Though I appreciate the e-mail, I will not be reviewing books in e-book format, or audio book format.
To Authors/Publishers:
When requesting a review for a book, all you would have to do is e-mail me at blackandblueink (at) yahoo (dot) com. Or fill out the contact form here. I will review a book whether it is a ARC or already released book.In the e-mail if you could please include a brief description of the book and of course the title of the book. That is all I really need. I will try to contact the requester as soon as possibly on when I would be able to review the book.
Timing:
I am pretty sure that after receiving a book to review I will be able to get the review up within 3 weeks of receiving the book if it is already released. If it has yet to be released I will put up the review withing a month of the release date. And you can rest assured that any book I have accepted to receive and review will be reviewed. It may take a little while longer depending on the circumstances, but I will not accept a book unless I am 100% sure I will review it. And unless the author would prefer otherwise, I would also like to post my review of the book on other book sites such as goodreads, teenreads, librarything, shelfari, and/or the publishing site.
Review:
The way I review all of my books is by using a 5 point star rating. This rating is based on plot, characters, ending, writing style, entertainment, originality, and the cover. My review will include a brief description of the book, usually from amazon, and then my thoughts on the book. If you would like me to include anything else in my review please specify and I would gladly include it.
Promoting:
If you would also like me to promote your book or you as an author, I would be more than happy to hear what you have in mind, whether it be an interview, or if you would like me to host a contest, again just e-mail me and I will be sure to get back to you A.S.A.P.
Thank you to all the authors and publishers who are interested in asking me to help them with a book promotion or something. It is a real honor to be asked personally by an author to review their book.
My email: blackandblueink (at) yahoo (dot) com
Posted in: review policy
First Blog Post!!!
Hey fellow young adults, and young adult book lovers. Its Chioma the creator of this blog. This is yet another YA review blog. I have been viewing various young adult blogs for about forever now and it feels so awesome to finally have my very own, woot woot. So the basis of my blog is pretty much going to be like this. I would like to have at least 2 review posts per week, and at least 1 contest per month. By the way I am going to be hosting a contest with two special winners sometime this month. I really would like to strictly have YA books on my blog , but there may be times I sneak in a different variation of books to review (when I do I will be sure to warn everyone).
This is the first time I am actually hosting a blog so I am really just doing my own thing here. But if any of you fellow bloggers out there have any tips or things you think I should add or change to my blog I would be more than happen to check out your ideas. Thank all those who came to check out my blog, even though I don't have much now, and advanced thanx to those who like see the potential in my blog enough to become followers!!! Hope you all like what you see and I look forward to my future blogging!!!
~ Chioma
