Stacking the Shelves - 2.20.16

Stacking the Shelves
hosted by Tynga's Reviews (details)
Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

~*~
Bought:

Bats of the Republic:
An Illuminated Novel
by Zachary Thomas Dodson
-Historical, SciFi
Powells | Goodreads
Review:

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
by Kim Barker
-Memoir, Pakistan
Amazon | Goodreads
=====> Stay tuned, I will be posting a giveaway offer for this on Tuesday.

OTHER things on my shelf: kinda book-related

Participating in the Love-A-thon this weekend (details).

UNBOXING:

From Uppercase package (details & signup):
A hand-selected young adult book & fun bookish item, delivered monthly #UppercaseBox

February Box includes:
- Starflight by Melissa Landers -signed
- Starflight themed quote poster and bookmarks
- Starflight themed nail wraps
- Anne of Green Gables infinity scarf (Uppercase exclusive)

Starflight
(Starflight #1)
by Melissa Landers
-SciFi, YA
Amazon | Goodreads
Solara Brooks needs a fresh start, someplace where nobody cares about the engine grease beneath her fingernails or the felony tattoos across her knuckles. The outer realm may be lawless, but
it's not like the law has ever been on her side.

Still, off-world travel doesn't come cheap; Solara is left with no choice but to indenture herself in exchange for passage to the outer realm. She just wishes it could have been to anyone besides Doran Spaulding, the rich, pretty-boy quarterback who made her life miserable in school.

The tables suddenly turn when Doran is framed for conspiracy on Earth, and Solara cons him into playing the role of her servant on board the Banshee, a ship manned by an eccentric crew with their own secrets. Given the price on both Doran and Solara's heads, it may just be the safest place in the universe.

It's been a long time since Solara has believed in anyone, and Doran is the last person she expected to trust. But when the Banshee's dangerous enemies catch up with them, Solara and Doran must come together to protect the ship that has become their home-and the eccentric crew that feels like family.

~*~
AND watched: on Netflix, Oscar nominee

Chau: Beyond The Lines (2015)
War Within the Walls (original title)
Director: Courtney Marsh
Story: Courtney Marsh and Marcelo Mitnik
Starring: Le Minh Chau
-Documentary Short, Biography, Vietnam | imdb | Website | my rating: 5
Chau, a 16-year-old boy living in a Vietnamese peace camp for kids disabled by Agent Orange, battles with the reality of his dream to one day become a professional clothing designer.

Chau's artwork: view more (here)

=====> Interesting to learn just how Agent Orange has affected Vietnam and the people living there.

I am finding that watching Documentary shorts are a good way to get into the genre of documentaries. The timing is just right for those not used to it.

AND watched: in theatre

Race (2016)
Director: Stephen Hopkins
Writers: Joe Shrapnel, Anna Waterhouse
Starring: Stephan James, Jason Sudeikis, Eli Goree
-Biography, Drama, Sport | imdb | my rating: 5
Jesse Owens' quest to become the greatest track and field athlete in history thrusts him onto the world stage of the 1936 Olympics, where he faces off against Adolf Hitler's vision of Aryan supremacy.

=====> Fascinating bit of history about Jesse Owens. He is finally getting a proper spotlight for his part in Olympic history.

AND watched: in theatre

Deadpool (2016)
Director: Tim Miller
Writers: Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick
Characters by: Fabian Nicieza and Rob Liefeld
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller
-Action, Adventure, Comedy, Superhero | imdb | my rating: 5
A former Special Forces operative turned mercenary is subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopting the alter ego Deadpool.

=====> Loved the pop culture references and snarky dialogue.

AND watched: in theatre, these next three are part of Mostly British Film Festival SF (details)

A Royal Night Out (2015)
Director: Julian Jarrold
Writers: Trevor De Silva, Kevin Hood
Starring: Sarah Gadon, Bel Powley, Emily Watson
-Comedy, Drama, Romance | imdb | my rating: 5
On V.E. Day in 1945, as peace extends across Europe, Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret are allowed out to join the celebrations. It is a night full of excitement, danger and the first flutters of romance.

=====> Lovely whirlwind evening of the V.E. day festivities. The soundtrack really pulls you in.

Cut Snake (2014)
Director: Tony Ayres
Screenplay: Blake Ayshford
Starring: Sullivan Stapleton, Alex Russell, Jessica De Gouw
-Thriller, Australia | imdb
An ex-convict is trying to make a new life for himself in a new city. But his new life is challenged when his foreboding and charismatic former cell mate arrives in town.

The Long Good Friday (1980)
Director: John Mackenzie
Screenplay: Barrie Keeffe
Based on book by:
Starring: Bob Hoskins, Helen Mirren, Dave King
-Crime, Drama, Mystery, Noir, Thriller, UK | imdb
Harold, a prosperous English gangster, is about to close a lucrative new deal when bombs start showing up in very inconvenient places. A mysterious syndicate is trying to muscle in on his action, and Harold wants to know who they are. He finds out soon enough, and bloody mayhem ensues.

~*~
* comment and TELL me what you have acquired for your shelves recently

* per usual, check out the sidebar for my current giveaways offers

Blitz: Invaded by Melissa Landers

INVADED Launch & Giveaway!
I am so thrilled to help Melissa Landers with her release week launch party for INVADED! See a note from Melissa below and make sure to enter the giveaway!

~*~

Invaded
by Melissa Landers
Pub. Date: February 3, 2015
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Pages: 368
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads
Cara always knew life on planet L'eihr would be an adjustment. With Aelyx, her L'eihr boyfriend, back on Earth, working to mend the broken alliance between their two planets, Cara is left to fend for herself at a new school, surrounded by hostile alien clones. Even the weird dorm pet hates her.

Things look up when Cara is appointed as human representative to a panel preparing for a human colony on L'eihr. A society melding their two cultures is a place where Cara and Aelyx could one day make a life together. But with L'eihr leaders balking at granting even the most basic freedoms, Cara begins to wonder if she could ever be happy on this planet, even with Aelyx by her side.

Meanwhile, on Earth, Aelyx, finds himself thrown into a full-scale PR campaign to improve human-L'eihr relations. Humans don't know that their very survival depends on this alliance: only Aelyx's people have the technology to fix the deadly contamination in the global water supply that human governments are hiding. Yet despite their upper hand, the leaders of his world suddenly seem desperate to get humans on their side, and hardly bat an eye at extremists' multiple attempts on Aelyx's life. The Way clearly needs humans' help but with what? And what will they ask for in return?

About the author:

Melissa Landers is a former teacher who left the classroom to pursue other worlds. A proud sci-fi geek, she isn’t afraid to wear her Princess Leia costume in public—just ask her husband and three kids. She lives outside Cincinnati in the small town of Loveland, “Sweetheart of Ohio.” For more information, or just to say hello, visit www.melissa-landers.com.

Website | Twitter @Melissa_Landers | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Tumblr | Instagram
Special note from author:
Hey, fiction lovers. I’m Melissa Landers, author of the Alienated series (YA sci-fi from Disney-Hyperion), and today I’m bouncing with excitement because THE SEQUEL IS FINALLY HERE!

It’s been a year since we left Aelyx and Cara onboard the intergalactic transport, and INVADED begins with an emotional goodbye as they part ways—Aelyx returning to Earth to salvage the alliance, and Cara continuing to L’eihr to serve out her part of the student exchange. While they’re apart, our star-crossed lovers will face assassination attempts, betrayal, crippling self-doubt, and a sadistic alien Phys Ed class. (Because there’s no escaping PE, even in another galaxy.) When Aelyx and Cara finally reunite…well, let’s just say it’s combustive. ;-)

What do reviewers think? I’m glad you asked!

“Readers will love the seamless blend of suspense, humor, and romance set against an interstellar landscape. Dual narratives and a tightly plotted mystery keep the suspense running high, and the chemistry between Aelyx and Cara smolders.” –Booklist

“Excellent character development and integration between modern reality and science fiction. Teens will be rooting for the galactic couple while enjoying the action and suspense that runs through the two volumes.” –School Library Journal

“The protagonists' forced separation gives greater depth to their romance. Each learns to turn a critical eye upon the flaws of their native societies while confronting genuine obstacles to a future together. These complications only underscore the growing sense of menace that propels the narrative to an action-packed climax.” –Kirkus

I hope you’ll make tracks to the nearest bookstore and pick up a copy of INVADED! If you’re snowed in, here are some easy links to bring the sequel right to you:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble
iBooks | Book Depository (free worldwide shipping) |
Indie Bound | Indigo | Books-A-Million

To celebrate my book birthday, I’m offering one lucky winner a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble and an autographed swag pack, complete with mini posters of BOTH books! This giveaway is open internationally, and due to sweepstakes laws, entrants must be 18 years or older to participate.

Best of luck, and happy reading!

--~ Blitz Tour Giveaway ~--
a Rafflecopter giveaway


~*~
* I read the first book, Alienated, in the series and LOVED it! I definitely have book two on my want list ;-)

* book blast sponsored by RockStar Book Tours

Alienated by Melissa Landers

Alienated
by Melissa Landers

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
Goodreads
BookExcerpt
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter @Melissa_Landers
Currently on tour: schedule

Published: February 2014
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Genre: Aliens, Dystopia, YA
Hardback: 352 pages
Rating: 5

Alienated series:
Alienated
Invaded - release date: February 3, 2015

Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them.

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class.

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

PeekAbook:



My two-bits:

The experience presented was like having a foreign exchange student living in your home with the added twist - he (or it) is from another planet.

I found this to be a fun read that comes with people learning about each other and from moments that spark from a budding sweet romance.

There are some serious nitty gritty issues that this book ends with. So, next book is definitely required.

Love this cover and just had to present the flip side which is equally appealing.

~*~
* part of my Dystopia Reading Challenge

Stacking the Shelves - 8.23.14

Stacking the Shelves
hosted by Tynga's Reviews (details)
Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

~*~
Bought:

Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits
by Mary Jane Hathaway
-jane austen, chick-lit
Amazon | Goodreads
-----> sassy title, eh?
picked this up for the Book Rat's Austen in August


Review:

Elly in Love
by Colleen Oakes
-chick-lit
courtesy of BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge 2014
Thanks Janay!
Amazon | Goodreads

In Bloom
by Katie Delahanty
-new adult, romance
courtesy of BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge 2014
Thanks Janay!
Amazon | Goodreads
Library:

Alienated
by Melissa Landers
-aliens, YA
Amazon | Goodreads
Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them.

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class.

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

-----> must admit, i was taken with the cover and premise of this one

Summer House with Swimming Pool
by Herman Koch
-mystery, thriller
Amazon | Goodreads
When a medical mistake goes horribly wrong and Ralph Meier, a famous actor, winds up dead, Dr. Marc Schlosser is forced to conceal the error from his patients and family. After all, reputation is everything in this business. But the weight of carrying such a secret lies heavily on his mind, and he can't keep hiding from the truth…or the Board of Medical Examiners.

The problem is that the real truth is a bit worse than a simple slipup. Marc played a role in Ralph's death, and he's not exactly upset that the man is gone. Still haunted by his eldest daughter's rape during their stay at Ralph's extravagant Mediterranean summerhouse-one they shared with Ralph and his enticing wife, Judith, film director Stanley Forbes and his far younger girlfriend, Emmanuelle, and Judith's mother-Marc has had it on his mind that the perpetrator of the rape could be either Ralph or Stanley. Stanley's guilt seems obvious, bearing in mind his uncomfortable fixation on the prospect of Marc's daughter's fashion career, but Marc's reasons for wanting Ralph dead become increasingly compelling as events unravel. There is damning evidence against Marc, but he isn't alone in his loathing of the star-studded director.

-----> wanted one more summer-ish book for the season

Dreaming about getting soon:

The Miniaturist
by Jessie Burton
-historical, fantasy, mystery
Amazon | Goodreads
Set in seventeenth century Amsterdam-a city ruled by glittering wealth and oppressive religion-a masterful debut steeped in atmosphere and shimmering with mystery, in the tradition of Emma Donoghue, Sarah Waters, and Sarah Dunant.

"There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed…"

On a brisk autumn day in 1686, eighteen-year-old Nella Oortman arrives in Amsterdam to begin a new life as the wife of illustrious merchant trader Johannes Brandt. But her new home, while splendorous, is not welcoming. Johannes is kind yet distant, always locked in his study or at his warehouse office-leaving Nella alone with his sister, the sharp-tongued and forbidding Marin.

But Nella's world changes when Johannes presents her with an extraordinary wedding gift: a cabinet-sized replica of their home. To furnish her gift, Nella engages the services of a miniaturist-an elusive and enigmatic artist whose tiny creations mirror their real-life counterparts in eerie and unexpected ways . . .

Johannes' gift helps Nella to pierce the closed world of the Brandt household. But as she uncovers its unusual secrets, she begins to understand-and fear-the escalating dangers that await them all. In this repressively pious society where gold is worshipped second only to God, to be different is a threat to the moral fabric of society, and not even a man as rich as Johannes is safe. Only one person seems to see the fate that awaits them. Is the miniaturist the key to their salvation . . . or the architect of their destruction?

Enchanting, beautiful, and exquisitely suspenseful, The Miniaturist is a magnificent story of love and obsession, betrayal and retribution, appearance and truth.

-----> in general, miniatures are so whimsical and irresistible to me

~*~
* some of these may be offered as giveaways within the next two months

* comment and TELL me what you have acquired for your shelves recently

* per usual, check out the sidebar for my current giveaways offers