December 23, 2010

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak



Description: 

It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

Epic Wins:

This book didn’t fail, at all. OK so there was a lot of cursing and a scene where they were doing a health check when it gets awkward, nonetheless I refuse to count those as failures or oddities! I’ll start with the some of the characters.

  •           Death: He collects souls and one girl keeps popping up when he collects them. He ends up finding the girls book and telling her story.
  •            Liesel Meminger: The book thief, the young girl who sparks a curiosity within the narrator, Death. Her story is dark with vast spans of lit joy.
  •           Rudy Steiner: The lemon-haired boy who tries to charge Liesel with a kiss. Her best friend and partner in crime.
  •           Hans Huberman: Liesel’s foster father. He is the one who teaches the book thief how to read. He is my favorite character so Team Hans!!
  •          Rosa Huberman: Foul-mouthed foster mother to Liesel, but oh does she have her moments.
  •           Max Vandenberg: A Jewish fighter who lives in Liesel’s basement.
  •           The Mayor’s wife: The one with the library :)

You instantly fall in love with the characters and by the end you know them so well that they are a small part of you. This book gives you a new side, a new view. Were all the Germans actually Jew haters? Or were they like Hans, Rudy, and Liesel? Did they just go along with it because they had to?

This book (most likely the reason for my book a coma lately) broke my heart while at the same time mending it. Sweet like a single piece of candy shared between friends, sad like death, and funny as Hans himself. Even though I listened to this book, it was like I couldn’t put it down. I have learned to enjoy driving in my car due to this book. I will miss this book (Er um CD?) like none other.

I have to tell you this: I finished this book a while ago in tears and an overall mess, even now thinking about it I have tears in my eyes. This isn’t a book you take lightly, nor get over quickly like a silly,naive Ro-com. This one will stick with me forever. Along with the messages: Reading is powerful. Reading saves your life. Reading is something worth working your butt off just to fall down and have to get back up again. And life should be enjoyed as it comes, with each trial you have to find the good in the new circumstance. Just like Liesel. 


Overall:

Zusak's done it again, he has swept me into the story and won't let me go. I seriously can't wait for his next book. I know it will shock and amaze me yet again!

just sayin,
-Kare

Waiting on Wednesday: Demon Trapper's Daughter


Description:
Riley Blackthorne just needs a chance to prove herself – and that’s exactly what the demons are counting on…

Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps.  The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers’ Guild needs all the help they can get – even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.

But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley’s routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood.  And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers’ Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined. As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heart – and her life?

My Thoughts:
I really, really, really love the cover! And who doesn't love a butt kicking heroine? 

just sayin

December 21, 2010

Some Bad News

So I found out I am moving! (OK that wasn't the bad news!!) I will be moving to Georgia with my family soon. Due to this I have to put my birthday contest on hold. Once I get settled at my new house I will put the contest back in gear but as for now its on pause. Because of this inconvenience I will buy some more books for the giveaway and put some more awesomeness in it!


On the subject of moving I was wondering if any of you happen to live in Georgia near Atlanta? If you do let me know stuff like the best book stores and stuff like that! :)


I am so SORRY! I have been stressing out about this lately and I feel it best if I post pone it. I hope you understand.


just sayin,

Changes...

So the new year is coming up (FAST!) and I am going to make some changes around here come January 1st!


FIRST: I am adding A NEW BLOGGER! 


I have recruited my little brother to help contribute reviews. He, like me, is an avid book reader. There are several books that I haven't read that (from what I hear from him) are must reads! I want to add some more variety to the reviews provided here at EBN. I'll do an introductory post all about him and his reviewing style. 


SECOND: I am changing up my reviewing process.


I know I was totally against a rating system but I have figured out a way to have a scale that is comfortable to me. No numbers or stars just words, epic ones at that :P


Scale:


Infinity and beyond- for those books that took us out of this world
High five- Books that amaze and awe but are on a different level from I&B 
Literary Genius- The writer was amazing but I had some problems with the plot/characters/etc. 
Respected- I respected the book but maybe not my favorite
Um...not the book for me- I didn't finish it | it wasn't my kind of book | finished it but it wasn't one I enjoyed


I am also updating my review style with some slight changes.


This is what they will include:
Cover
Gr|Amazon description
Publisher|release date|book info
Source
Likes
Dislikes (if any)
Messege(s)
Quote
Rating




Random Side notes:
Katie from Call Me Crazy asked me a while back to do a guest post. I OF COURSE agreed! Check it out HERE! She has pretty smokin' blog so you might as well be a follower of her blog.


Also if you haven't yet sign up for My Birthday Giveaway do so soon!


just sayin

December 17, 2010

Follow Friday/Book Blog Hop

Follow Friday





Question: 

What are you currently studying?

Answer:

Hmmm I started out doing the nursing thing but midway through the semester I decided to change my mind and I am going to do the English thing. I am thinking book editor or author.

Feature:


Rabid Reads

[Want to join the following fun? Check out the rules at Parajunkee's View]




Book blogger hop

Book Blogger Hop

Question: 


What is more important: Plot or characters?


Answer:

I'm going to to take the lame way out and say they are equally important. You HAVE to be able relate to the character but there has to be something going on in the characters world. 

[Want to join the hopping fun? Check out the rules at Crazy for books]

just sayin,

Anna and the French Kiss Cover Remake

Princess bookie is hosting a remake contest of Anna and the French Kiss! Here is my remake:

Original:



Mine:


How do you like it? Be honest!

Random Magic Cover Remake

Eleni over at La Femme Readers is hosting a cover remake contest for Random Magic. Here is my entry:

Original:




Mine: I used the magic feather as my inspiration :)



This was my first remake! Do you like it?

December 16, 2010

Birthday Giveaway

**This giveaway was canceled



December 16th :
That would be my 19th day of birth (today!) and me being a lover of books would love nothing more then to offer my dear followers a chance to win one of my favorite books :) Depending on how many people sign up more books maybe added :P

What am I giving away:
The Mockingbirds by Daisy Whitney
[Check out my Author Interview with Daisy and my review of The Mockingbirds]

Rules:
*Hands down must be a follower
*You must be 13 year of age or older
*US only
*Only enter once
*Submit extra entries in the comments section of this post (please leave your email in you comment. Try and avoid spam-bots using this format : epicbooknerd[at]gmail[dot]com)
*You MUST fill out this FORM don't just leave extra entries or comment

Extra Entries: (include email address you used in the sign-up form)
Spread the word:
+1 Twitter (leave link and make sure to @reply to @epicbooknerd)
+3 Grab my button and put it in your sidebar(just leave your URL I'll find it)
+5 Blog post (leave link)
+1 @reply me saying happy birthday :P (leave link)
+1 In your comment tell me the best birthday gift you have ever gotten
+3 Tally up you points (really helps the mathematically impaired)
Stalk Me:
+1 Follow @epicbooknerd on Twitter (leave your twitter name)

just sayin,

December 15, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday: Starstruck



Starstruck by Cyn Balog



Description:

When Gwendolyn “Dough” Reilly’s boyfriend and best friend Wish moves away in seventh grade, the only consolation she can find is in her family bakery’s donuts. Now, it’s sophomore year, and Wish is coming back. But in only three years, they’ve both changed—drastically. She’s seriously overweight, and suddenly Wish is the most popular guy in school, and girls everywhere want him. Dough has doubts that appearances don’t matter and that Wish can love her as she is, so she launches into a plan designed to keep them together. That is, until she discovers that Wish’s gorgeous looks and charm might not be all they appear to be. 


My thoughts:


Um well I read Sleepless and loved the way Cyn writes! And the cover is really snazzy and it seems like a real in-depth novel and one with a good messege you know?


To be Published July 12th, 2011 by Delacorte 


just sayin,

December 14, 2010

Birthday Giveaway Announcement


So sometime this week I will be posting a giveaway for my day of birth (the 16th!!) I just wanted to give you a little heads up (mostly just because I am so stinking' excited about it!) So make sure to check back here on Thursday to see what I am giving away :P

just saying,

Demonglass (Hex Hall 2) by Rachel Hawkins





Description:


Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch. 

That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth. 

Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers. 

But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?



My Description:


So you thought Hex Hall was epic and spellbinding and all that jazz, just wait till you meet Demonglass. So Sophie, just as snarky if not more so, is still trying to get over last semesters crazy doings (you know killing demons and stuff like that) when her dad shows up. A man, whom up till now hadn’t really been around, decides to drag her snarky butt to England for the summer. He makes a deal with her that if she stays the summer with him at the Thorne mansion that she can go through the removal.
Demonglass is a window into her summer, one that will literally leave you breathless (I stopped breathing for a whole minute!) and asking for MORE!


Epic Wins:

  • Sophie: I just LOVE her snark. She always has a sarcastic comment about the situation. She, to me, is a very strong character with a crap-load of bravery. She has a heart and the last thing she wants is to hurt people, and is willing to hurt herself to protect others through the removal.
  • Cal: He isn't a new character but he moves forward from the background and joins the raging play. For the most part he hides his emotions and Sophie can’t read his mood most of the time. Just imagining his power, healing, is stimulating to my brain.
  • Jenna: she is still just as pink and spunky as ever and of course one of the best friends Sophie could ask for. Jenna is a part of the deal breaker of Sophie’s choice to go to England (well that and the rumors that Archer has been sighted there)!
  • Sophie’s dad: Ever wonder where Sophie got her lovable snark? Let’s just say it wasn’t from her mother. The mysterious man who has been absent from her life since forever, is now attempting to reach out and start that father/daughter relationship. I respect this man because of his actions towards the end, and he has some snark of his own. :)
  • Archer: You read the pages waiting for him to stab her in the back. You never get the satisfaction though. Sure there mortal enemies, destined to be set against one another, but for some reason they can’t get enough of each other. I mean come on, it’s the whole forbidden, Romeo and Juliet, love story type.
  • This book ends basically when all your questions are unanswered, makes for a huge cliff hanger.
  • The relating to Sophie: Her whole world is crashing down on her at once; this feeling is something that we all feel. Perhaps not the whole needing to find out who is raising demons dilemma but it’s similar.
  • The pace, you hit the ground running with no warm up and don’t stop till the end (which was like a car crashing into you so you are knocked unconscious- just sayin).



Epic Fails:

  • Cliffhanger: The ending, in a literary sense, is GENIUS! The hooks were so far in me that, when I finished the book, I could see the blood from where the hooks reside. Looking at it now I can tell why the author wrote it that way, but my thoughts were very different after finishing. It went along the lines of: “WHAT THE HECK?! THAT’S IT?!!!” Basically disgust was my emotion for a solid hour.



Overall:


Mmmm…LOVED IT! It was fast paced and held my attention. Hawkins did it again, she threw me for a loop and on to the wolves all while tying a neat bow over it all. Well done, a High Five is in order (say it like Dumbledore and it’s more entertaining). Check out my review of Hex Hall the first book in the series.


Just sayin,
-Kare

December 13, 2010

Blogger Giveaway: Electrifying Reviews

This is just to let you know what awesome bloggers hosting giveaways. You can always check my sidebar with the links to other giveaways also!


Where can I sign up?

Electrifying Reviews

Whats up for grabs?


The House of Tomorrow by Peter Boganni (ARC)
Cleopatra by Stacy Schiff (ARC)
The Unwritten Rule by Elizabeth Scott (Hardcover)
The Ivy by Lauren Kunze and Rina Onur (ARC)
Spells by Aprilynne Pike (Hardcover)
Girl In Translation by Jean Kwok (ARC)
Jane Slayre by Sherri Browning Erwin (Paperback)
Fused by Kari Lee Townsend (ARC)
The Frenzy by Francesca Lia Block (ARC)

When does it end?

January 1st, 2011

Giveaways still going:
*Dana @ Dana Does Read's Revolution Giveaway !  By the way that is an amazing book so get yourself over there and sign-up! (Dec 16th)
*Bree @ Bree's Books December Lovin' Giveaway! (Dec 31)

just sayin,

December 12, 2010

In My Mailbox (12/12/10)

[Lets give props to Kristi (The Story Siren) for her amazing meme that allows us to drool over what books people got in their mailbox. If you want go get in on the IMM Magic check out Kristi's blog ]
http://www.sharingmachine.com/index.php?comic=mtts
I only got one thing in the mail this week but I am A-OK with that because my pile of books I have to read is WAY too overbearing!

For Review:

Withered (!!!!) by Lauren DeStefano


Thats what I got in my mailbox this week. What did YOU get in the mail?

just sayin,

December 10, 2010

Follow Friday/Book Blog Hop

Follow Friday





Question: 

Do you have and under-noticed author that you thing we should know about?

Answer:

I'm gonna change it to somebody I think everybody should read. That being said have you read any of Markus Zusak's books? He is an AMAZING author, I have read both of his books and both have been raw and intriguing. If you haven't read his stuff I suggest you pick up one of his books! 

The Book Thief 
I am the Messenger  


Feature:

Another Book Junkie
 
[Want to join the following fun? Check out the rules at Parajunkee's View]




Book blogger hop

Book Blogger Hop

Question: 


What is the thing you like most about reading book blogs?


Answer:

I love the whole giveaway thing, but to be honest I really love book blogs in general. Its hard to pin point a specific thing I like.  

[Want to join the hopping fun? Check out the rules at Crazy for books]

just sayin,

December 09, 2010

The Secret to Lying by Todd Mitchell



Description:


James was the guy no one noticed — just another fifteen-year-old in a small town. So when he gets into an academy for gifted students, he decides to leave his boring past behind. In a boarding school full of nerds and geeks, being cool is easy. All it takes is a few harmless pranks to invent a new James: fighter, rebel, punk. Everyone’s impressed, except for the beautiful "Ice Queen" Ellie Frost and the mysterious ghost44, an IM presence who sees through his new identity. But James is riding high, playing pranks and hooking up with luscious Jessica Keen. There’s just one thing awry: he’s starting to have vivid dreams of being a demon-hunting warrior, a thrill that is spilling over into dangerous and self-destructive acts while he’s awake. As he’s drawn deeper into his real-life lies and his dream-world conquests, James begins to wonder: What’s the price for being the coolest guy around?


Epic Wins:

  • The message: That sometime we are our own worst enemy and that we have choices to make in life that are ours alone.
  • Like I said with It Started with a Dare, lying sucks! James has to lie and twist the truth till he doesn’t know who he is and has to find himself; he does this through his dreams.
  • James: When he wasn’t lying he was pretty funny, made me laugh a lot.
  • All the crazy pranks that him and his roommate (Dickie, a guy who speaks in a British accent and loves to laugh) play on people or performed for people.
  • Ghost44: I knew it was her! The whole time I knew it! To know exactly who she is you’ll have to read. She was my favorite.
  • His hair-brain parents left a few laughs. I like how he called his mother moms because of her multiple personalities. :)



Epic Fails:

  • Ellie: She had an attitude like no other but I suppose that is where she got the nick name ‘Ice Queen’.
  • Drinking, never a good thing when mixed with hypothermia.
  • Lying, not a big fan of the constant tales he comes up with but I respect it, it had to be done.
  • Sex: I’m actually really frustrated that this came up; I was on a streak of clean lit. Oh well!
  • How he treated poor Jess! She was probably mess up mentally when he was done with her. (of course she is just a character in a book so why I care is beyond me)

Overall:


Like a work of art, sometimes you don’t like the look but you respect the message (like a urinal recycled as a fountain, it's weird but you get the message.-don't ask I had an art teacher and well it came up). That makes it mean more to you. After this and It started with a Dare, I think I won’t ever lie again even little white lies! So go find out who ghost44 is already!


just sayin,
-Kare

December 08, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday: The Cupid Wars



The Cupid Wars by Timothy Carter



Description:
Dark entities known as Suicides attack the living, causing depression in people and feeding on their negative emotions. Their enemies are the Cupids, who make people fall in love. My main character, Ricky Fallon, becomes a Cupid after his death, and learns that he’d been the victim of a Suicide during his life. He is assigned to a high school, where he must bring couples together while protecting them from Suicide attacks. I wanted to suggest a supernatural cause for mood disorders, the way I suggested in EVIL? that Fallen Angels were responsible for religious fanaticism. That way, I could turn depression into an enemy that can be fought and beaten.

My thoughts: 
This idea is BLAST-TASTIC. I love the idea that are taken over by a entities  rather then just a mood disorder. If you have ever known someone who is depressed they really do become someone new. This kind of a revolutionary idea and like he said it puts it in terms of the fact that it can be beaten!

To be published August 8th, 2011 by Flux 

just sayin,

December 04, 2010

IMM (17)

InMyMailbox

[Lets give props to Kristi (The Story Siren) for her amazing meme that allows us to drool over what books people got in their mailbox. If you want go get in on the IMM Magic check out Kristi's blog ]
http://www.sharingmachine.com/index.php?comic=mtts

ARC Tour: (different area codes book tour)

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins
 ( Do you see that?! Gah! All I am saying is I have already read it and written my review. SO EXCITED!)



Library:

The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy



Bought:

Matched by Ally Condie



Won:

So I won a prize pack from the contempts a couple weeks ago and this is all the stuff I got!

Contempts Prize Pack:


Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

Losing Faith by Denise Jaden (signed)

Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers (Signed)

Swag!!




Signed books :P


All the awesome swag I got :P


All the Signed Swag




For Review:

Hope in Patience by Beth Fehlbaum


So that was my epic mailbox this week, What did you get in your mailbox?

just sayin,

Blogger Giveaway- Friendly Reader

This is just to let you know what awesome bloggers hosting giveaways. You can always check my sidebar with the links to other giveaways also! (would you call this a meme or is it more of a feature?)


Where can I sign up?

Danna @ Friendly Reader

Whats up for grabs?

Bloodthirsty by Flynn Meaney (PB)
Life, After by Sarah Darer Littman (ARC)
Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson (PB)
LA Candy by Lauren Conrad (PB)
Looking For Alaska by John Green (PB)

When does it end?

December 5th (US only)

Giveaways still going:

*Katie @ Call ME Crazy's 100 Follower giveaway! (Katie is amazing!!!) (Dec 10th)
*Dana @ Dana Does Read's Revolution Giveaway !  By the way that is an amazing book so get yourself over there and sign-up! (Dec 16th)
*Bree @ Bree's Books December Lovin' Giveaway! (Dec 31)

just sayin,