Holiday Book Swap, Thank You!

Okay, I know, it’s January already, but I was a terrible blogger in December. There was a big holiday in there somewhere, family visiting, and then I was on vacation for the past three weeks. So, here I am a month late. I participated in the blogger holiday swap hosted by Selena. I had an awesome Secret Santa, Maria Cari (http://cariblogs.blogspot.com/). She has a really awesome blog too. Go check it out, seriously.

I got Cindy Ella and Geek Charming by Robin Palmer, as well as some swag bookmarks and all. She even included barrettes and stickers for my two year old daughter. How sweet is that!?

So, even though this is late, I really did appreciate it. I also enjoyed getting to meet new bloggers. If you’re interested, I definitely recommend checking out the book blogger holiday swap next year :)

Debut Author Challenge 2011

Once again I’m signing up for the Debut Author Challenge hosted by The Story Siren.  If you’re interested in more information click on this link to The Story Siren’s webpage.  Basically, I’ll be reading at least twelve books published in 2011 by new young adult authors.  Here’s my to read list, thus far:

1. Across the Universe by Beth Revis

2. Timeless by Alexandra Monir

3. Warped by Maurissa Guibord

4. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

5. The False Princess by Eilis O’Neal

6. A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford

7. The Demon Tapper’s Daughter by Jana Oliver

8. Wake Unto Me by Lisa Cach

9. Wither by Lauren DeStefano

10. Entwined by Heather Dixon

11. Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

12. Kat, the Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis

13. Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell

14. Wrapped by Jennifer Bradbury

15. Divergent by Veronica Roth

16. Die for Me by Amy Plum

17. Mercy by Rebecca Lim

18. Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs

19. The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

Best of luck!

Warped by Maurissa Guibord

Released: January 11, 2011

Hardcover, 320 pages

Interest: Debut Author Challenge

Tessa doesn't believe in magic. Or Fate. But there's something weird about the dusty unicorn tapestry she discovers in a box of old books. She finds the creature woven within it compelling and frightening. After the tapestry comes into her possession, Tessa experiences dreams of the past and scenes from a brutal hunt that she herself participated in. When she accidentally pulls a thread from the tapestry, Tessa releases a terrible centuries old secret. She also meets William de Chaucy, an irresistible 16th-century nobleman. His fate is as inextricably tied to the tapestry as Tessa's own. Together, they must correct the wrongs of the past. But then the Fates step in, making a tangled mess of Tessa's life. Now everyone she loves will be destroyed unless Tessa does their bidding and defeats a cruel and crafty ancient enemy.

Summary from Goodreads.com

Can I just say I was impressed by this novel.  I preordered it several months ago and forgot what it was supposed to be about.  The cover intrigued me, but didn’t pull me in immediately.  The story, on the other hand, did.  Tessa is a fairly normal teenager with a uneventful life until she sees the unicorn tapestry at an auction.  All of a sudden she has to have it.  Strange dreams follow, along with a devastatingly handsome guy.  Sigh…

Warped is well-woven fantasy.  It took me into a vivid world that I could not wait to read more about.  The characters felt real and compelling.  While the story wrapped up, there also seems to be room for more, should Maurissa Guibord desire it.  Either way, I feel satisfied and enchanted.

Rating:

Cover 8/10

Plot 10/10

Characters 10/10

Ending 10/10

Overall approval 9/10

Total: 94% A

Reader rating: PG, a few light swears, some violence, nothing really to worry about