Winner of the Mieradome Giveaway!

Thanks to Diana, from The Lovely Getaway, we had a giveaway of an eBook: Mieradome by Kate O'Hegarty. 

I am proud to announce that the winner is....

Missie @ The Unread Reader

Congratulations, and thanks to Diana, again!

Fortnight of Guests: Mysteriou Books (YA Books I’m Looking Forward To In 2011)

Hello readers and bloggers!

I’m your guest blogger for today and I’m so happy to be here at The Book Addicted Girl, thank you Megan for letting me be a part of this great feature.

My name is Mette and I have the blog Mysteriousbooks, I have been blogging for about 5 months now and in that time I have learned a lot about the book blogger community, met a lot of great people and gotten a good look at great books because of you all.

There are so many incredible books coming out this year and every persons favourite list will be different but I wish to share with you some of the books I look the most forward too.

The first list is my top 5 over series I absolutely can’t wait to read, either because I have read the first book and loved it or loved other books by that author.

Top 5 (Series)

5 Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

(Hush, Hush book 3)

Expected publication: October 4th 2011

The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever.

4 Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

(The Infernal Devices book 2)

Expected publication: December 6th 2011

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends.

3 Last Breath by Rachel Caine

(The Morganville Vampires book 11)

Expected publication: November 1st 2011

With her boss preoccupied researching the Founder Houses in Morganville, student Claire Danvers is left to her own devices when she learns that three vampires have vanished without a trace. She soon discovers that the last person seen with one of the missing vampires is someone new to town—a mysterious individual named Magnus. After an uneasy encounter with Morganville's latest resident, Claire is certain Magnus isn't merely human. But is he a vampire—or something else entirely?

2 Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

(Nightshade book 2)

Expected publication: July 26th 2011

This thrilling sequel to the much-talked-about Nightshade begins just where it ended-Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and she's certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer-one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack-and the man-she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

1 Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

(Bloodlines book 1)

Expected publication: August 23rd 2011

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

Honourable mentions:

Hades by Alexandra Adornetto

Fury by Elizabeth Miles

Vanish by Sophie Jordan

Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

It’s often very difficult to choose between all the interesting books that is being released and I sometimes look at covers as well as descriptions to “help” me choose which books is going on top of my TBR pile.

Top 5 (Single Books)

5 The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

Expected publication: August 2nd 2011

The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.

If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.

And there are no strangers in the town of Near.

These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life.

But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.

The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.

As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

4 Possess by Gretchen McNeil

Expected publication: August 23rd 2011

Fifteen-year-old Bridget Liu just wants to be left alone: by her mom, by the cute son of a local police sergeant, and by the eerie voices she can suddenly and inexplicably hear. Unfortunately for Bridget, it turns out the voices are demons – and Bridget has the rare ability to banish them back to whatever hell they came from.

Terrified to tell people about her new power, Bridget confides in a local priest who enlists her help in increasingly dangerous cases of demonic possession. But just as she is starting to come to terms with her new power, Bridget receives a startling message from one of the demons. Now Bridget must unlock the secret to the demons' plan before someone close to her winds up dead – or worse, the human vessel of a demon king.

3 Witch Song by Amber Argyle

Expected publication: September 1st 2011

The world is changing. Once, Witch Song controlled everything from the winds to the shifting of the seasons-but not anymore. All the Witches are gone, taken captive by a traitor. All but Brusenna. As the echo of their songs fades, the traitor grows stronger. Now she is coming for Brusenna. Her guardian has sworn to protect her, but even he can't stop the Dark Witch. Somehow, Brusenna has to succeed where every other Witch has failed. Find the traitor. Fight her. Defeat her. Because if Brusenna doesn't, there won't be anything left to save.

2 Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday

Expected publication: October 11th 2011

Hartley Grace Featherstone is having a very bad day. First she finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her with the president of the Herbert Hoover High School Chastity Club. Then he's pegged as the #1 suspect in a murder. And if that weren't enough, now he's depending on Hartley to clear his name. Seriously? Not cool. But as much as Hartley wouldn't mind seeing him squirm, she knows he's innocent, and she's the only one who can help him. Along with her best friend, Sam, and the school's resident Bad Boy, Chase, Hartley starts investigating on her own. But as the dead bodies begin to pile up, the mystery deepens, the suspects multiply, and Hartley begins to fear that she may be the killer's next victim.

1 The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

Expected publication: November 15th 2011

Words are the most dangerous weapon of all...

In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she’s spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed.

Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can’t be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country’s only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime.

Honourable mentions:

Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

So this is my lists and I would love to hear from you, which book/books are you looking forward to in the other half of 2011?

I would also like to know, what makes you try out new authors? Is it the description, the cover, something else?

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Thanks for this post, Mette!  It's great, and there are loads of books here I'm going to be waiting for desperately now!  As for your question: it's usually fellow bloggers' book reviews for me.  I trust them, so if they like a book, I'm almost 100% I will too.  Book covers are also a big pull no matter how much I try to deny it...  Thanks again, Mette!

Fortnight of Guests: The Lovely Getaway (Autor Interview and Giveaway)

Hey guys, thanks for stopping by for the last guest post for Megan's "Fortnight of Guests". I'm Diana and I review over The Lovely Getaway, stop by and say hi :) Before we get started, I wanted to take the time to thank Megan for all her hard work in organizing this online event! Thanks, girly :)

Summary from Goodreads:

"Mieradome pulls the reader into a unique fantasy world of faeries and technology, a different take on the Alice in Wonderland concept. The story revolves around a young girl named Amavia who believes she is a human girl, but slowly comes to find she is a faery in the world of Mieradome. Slowly who Amavia was began to unravel to show the truth; the truth that she just may be the evil they need to destroy. This is the first novel in a series, and gives a glimpse of what is to come for the main character Amavia. Fans of the Harry Potter series and His Dark Materials will definitely enjoy this adventure."

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Who has inspired you as an author?

I really feel George Lucas has inspired me in the ways that you can come from a small town (we’re from the same hometown in Northern California) and yet do great wonderful creative things and be successful at it. I think that gave me liberty and license to ‘dream big.’ On the writing front, C.S. Lewis, an Irish writer like me, showed me there is a great art to leaving spots open in the text so you as the reader can fill in your ideas of what the story is and that there is no right or wrong in that, just personal inspirations from your own lives.

If you could collaborate with an author, dead or alive, who would it be? Why?

I’d love to collaborate with an animation studio. I think Mieradome would do the best as an animated film. Hayao Miyazaki would be an amazingly interesting person to work with. He runs Studio Ghinli that created the Oscar nominated Spirited Away.

Describe the feeling you had when you found out Mieradome was going to be published.

I was happy, but nervous. It’s a bit like pushy your own self out of a nest and saying, “ok, I hope we can fly and not smack the ground.” As a writer you’re constantly putting yourself out there for the world to see. I was excited at that fact, but also tentative too. You want people to enjoy the story and I know sometimes it won’t be people’s cup of tea. But that’s life, and it’s ok.

Do you have any “must haves” with you while you’re writing?

Coffee is a must and generally a notepad and pen easy accessible is always helpful. I’m always jotting down notes for other scenes and characters.


Describe Mieradome in three words.

Faeries. Death. Redemption.

Who was your favorite character to write?

I think Tai Ming Kiels was one of my favorite characters to write. He’s inspired by my Irish Grandfather John “Jack” Hegarty. I loved writing that scatterbrained, but loveable quality in the character, very much like my Grandpa.

Mieradome has some of the most creative names I have ever read! How do you pick the character’s names?

Most of the names are surnames that I saw and liked. For example: Amavia, Thewlis, Inocian, Feig….those are all surnames used by people living today! So I’ll either search for cool sounding names or just make them up. Jeiks Sly Um, I made up. I just liked the sound when his name was spoken.

Let's talk boys Caiden and Garin- did the story originally include the love triangle?

No, my story didn’t originally have a love triangle to be perfectly honest. It was when I was writing the chapter The Games of Chance when Garin came into the picture suddenly and Amavia couldn’t take her eyes away from him. I knew he had to be a part of the story somehow and it just evolved that he would be interested in her too.


The plot/story line is super creative and intriguing! How did you come up with it?

I just get a basic starting point for the story and then follow where the characters want to go. I think a lot and wonder, “if I was in this place, what would I want to do, see, taste.” That helps me wonder what the characters would do. The world around me inspires me. I took trips to the local city zoo, went ice skating so I could as accurately describe those things as possible. I like to create a visual world that you definitely see. That’s the ultimate goal, to feel like you’ve been to an amazing place.


Was Mieradome the title initially? Is there a story behind the title?

Yes. Mieradome was always the title. I knew that early on (generally that’s the hardest thing for me to write is the title.) I tend to be a word person, I like the way words sound. One day I was just playing with different sounds and came across Mieradome. This stems from the times when my sister would make up odd words for our own language when we were kids. Total gibberish, but in a way it has been helpful now as a writer to make it into something cool.

Did you come across any challenges while writing Mieradome?
Yes. It took me awhile to realize where I originally ended Mieradome would not be it’s end, rather its middle. I, at that point, felt Amavia was done for the journey then, but knew I didn’t like where she ended up. It took me a few days just thinking on it before I started writing, to let her tell me where she planned on going and what direction the story would take.

Are you working on anything now? Can you tell us anything about it?

I am working on the sequel to Mieradome, called The Saskatoon Balloon. It will begin where Mieradome left off and give more insight into Amavia’s good/evil parts and also more into Aselin’s role in Amavia’s life. You’ll get to meet many more characters and get more backstory on Walji & Sasha

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Well, I don't know about you guys, but I'm entering this giveaway! 

Alright, so I recently had the privilege to interview author Kate Hegarty. I asked her lots of fun questions about herself and a couple about her debut novel; Mieradome. Check out what she had to say. And don't forget to enter the giveaway! One lucky winner will get a copy of MIERADOME ebook (pdf format).

Fortnight of Guests: Parajunkee's View (Paranormal Creature "Best Of")

Rachel, also known as parajunkee, is the blogger behind the paranormal book blog, parajunkee.com. Parajunkee.com does not specialize in young adult books, but they make up a large portion of the reviews. Rachel is also a social media marketing specialist and web designer when she isn’t blogging. Most of the time you can find Rachel on twitter @parajunkee.

In the wide world of Paranormal Young Adult novels the creature of choice is usually what makes or breaks a particular book or series.  Like anything else, readers are a fickle bunch and an inundation with a particular type of creature can have them shying away from novels just because they are touting a pixie or a vampire as their paranormal of choice. Especially if they’ve just read three mediocre pixie or vampire books.

This is why I think this list of the best of the best of a particular creature will help you immerse yourself in that genus without being bogged down with the “not-so-good” selections in the genre.  These of course are my opinion and I urge you to chime in if you disagree or think another series would trump my selections. I haven’t read every series out there – and tomorrow I might have a new series selected as my favorite. But, for right now this is what I consider the best of the best in Young Adult Paranormal Series.

Let’s start with the illustrious vampire. Because this particular creature is usually in an author’s repertoire when penning a paranormal, the vast amount of vampire novels and series out there can be daunting for a reader, especially when vampire after vampire starts to blend together. These favorite vampire series put all others to shame. One of my favorite Young Adult series that sports a vampire as one of it’s main characters is Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy series. The main character is Rose, who is a dhampir, a child born of a vampire and a human and her sole job is the protection of a traditional vampire, who is also her best friend. The story line is comprised of six books that can only be described of as an emotional roller coaster. If you are looking for some good vamp fiction, this series is a must read. Along with the Vampire Academy series I would also recommend trying, if you haven’t already, the Twilight series and the Morganville Vampire series by Rachel Caine. Each series shows off the vampire in a different way, just as each one brings certain qualities to the table that makes them great.

Now for the ying to the vamps yang. The werewolf. There have been some really good shifter books in the paranormal genre as of late and I’m excited that I’ve had the opportunity to read them. On the top of that list would be Kelley Armstrong’s Darkest Powers series. Her series is not just limited to werewolves though, but one of the main characters is a werewolf. My favorite series though would have to be Maggie Stiefvater’s Wolves of Mercy Falls series. If you haven’t had the chance to partake in Stiefvater’s unique prose you are definitely missing out. Her wolves are so very unique they are almost in a category of their own. Her books are centered on a group of wolves that turn to wolves in the cold and stay human when the weather is warm. One girl sees the human in the eyes of a wolf that saves her life and from then on she is obsessed with the wolves of Mercy Falls. What she doesn’t know is the wolf, who is the boy Sam is just as fascinated with her…and when they find each other he knows he’ll do anything to stay human. And finally a series I’ve just recently been introduced to, with only the first in the series released, Andrea Cremer’s Wolfsbane, is highly original and refreshing in it’s take on the typical werewolf legend.

Now on to the fairer of the paranormal creatures: the fairies.  It is hard to choose a favorite in this category because there are so many good series that cover the fae. Yet, I do have to say a few stand out like beacons in my mind. Once again Maggie Stiefvater charms us with her take on the fae in her two, lesser-known books, Ballad and Lament. Then a powerhouse in the fae genre, Julie Kagawa’s Iron Fey series stands out above all. Her series is so very compelling and unique that I just can’t get enough and find myself desperately waiting for each new book in the series. Her books cover the story of Megan Chase a half fae that discovers her unique lineage when her brother is stolen from her home and taken into Fairie. To save his life, Megan embarks on an adventure that will forever change her life.  Along the way she will fall in love and discover things about herself that will compromise everything she holds dear.  This is a series that you will not be able to put down! Then for a darker and more urban look at the fae, Melissa Marr’s Wicked Lovely series tops the charts because of its gritty and industrialized feel.

Not feeling up to the top three paranormal creatures, looking for something different? There are tons of other options as far as paranormal creatures go and I could probably go on forever, so I’ll try to only list a few. Give Sophie Jordan’s Firelight a try if you are interested in dragons. Cynthia Hand’s Unearthly is a phenomenal series and its main character is an angel. The Paranormalcy series by Kiersten White is a good “everything but the kitchen sink” type of paranormal novel.  Then for super-powers I recommend Being Jamie Baker by Kelly Oram as a lighter side of paranormal reading.  And for witches or magic I would hands down go with the Harry Potter series – but who hasn’t read that one? So if you are looking for something a little different, maybe give the Curse Worker series by Holly Black a go, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Zombies? Enclave by Ann Aguirre or The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan. My list could really go on forever…but I’m going to cut it off right here. I hope my list introduced you to a few new books that you’ll try out.  Have I missed your favorite series or paranormal creature? Are you surprised by any of my choices? Let me know, I’m always looking for a good “new-to-me” paranormal young adult book.

- Rachel (Parajunkee)

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Well, personally, I wouldn't mind if you went on forever and ever!  Thanks for all these amazing paranormal books to add to my TBR list!  I especially want to give Being Jamie Baker a try!  :)

Fortnight of Guests: Recovering Potter Addict (My Top 10 Favourite Moments I Hope to See in Deathly Hallows Part 2, The Movie)

Hello, my name is Aylee and I am a Potterholic. The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. Nah, just joking, I don't want to cure my obsession with Harry Potter! I would not be the reader I am today if it wasn't for J.K. Rowling's freaking awesome series!

Here, I present the top ten moments from Deathly Hallows Part 2 that I am most looking forward to seeing in the upcoming movie. It was very difficult to condense my favourite moments into a Top 10 list; it could easily be a Top 50 list!

WARNING: Do not read the following list if you have not read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Major spoilers ahead!

1.     1. The Trio escape Gringotts on a dragon

In one of the most badass scenes of the book, the trio are looking for a way to escape from the depths of Gringotts after stealing Hufflepuff’s Cup when “inspiration, or madness, [comes] to Harry” (p. 437).

2.     2. Dumbledore’s backstory

Pieces of Dumbledore’s history were conspicuously absent from Deathly Hallows Part 1, but I assume it will all be laid out in Part 2. In one of the most eye-opening scenes of the book, we learn from Dumbledore’s brother, Aberforth, that Dumbledore wasn’t exactly the saint we all assumed him to be.

3.     3. Ron and Hermione kiss

Finally! After a buildup of tension over the course of seven books, Ron and Hermione finally give in to the feelings they’ve been feeling for each other for a long time.

4.     4. Snape’s Death Scene

Oh, how tragic to show the utmost of loyalty to someone only for them to kill you coldblooded in an effort to gain more power. In his dying moment, Snape asks Harry to look at him, to see Lily’s eyes, one last time. So sad.

5.     5. The Prince’s Tale

In this extensive chapter, we learn that not only was Snape in love with Harry’s mother and her death was the driving force behind him turning his back on Voldemort, but also that Harry is the seventh Horcrux and must sacrifice himself for Voldemort to die.

Memorable lines:

“After all this time?” (Asks Dumbledore referring to Snape’s Patronus, a doe, symbolizing Lily)

“Always.” (p. 552)

“…you’ve been raising him like a pig for slaughter-“ (p. 551) (Says Snape in response to Dumbledore telling him that Harry must sacrifice himself for Voldemort to be defeated)

6.    6.  Harry’s Walk of Sacrifice

In the most poignant scene of the book, Harry walks to his death, sacrificing himself in order to save and protect everyone at Hogwarts. Using the Resurrection Stone, he summons his parents, Sirius, and Lupin to be with him in (what Harry believes is) his final moments. 

7.     7. Hagrid carries Harry’s “dead” body

In this heartbreaking and devastating scene, Hagrid carries what he believes to be Harry’s dead body back to Hogwarts where he meets the cries of anguish of everyone who believes Harry is dead as well.

8.     8. Neville cuts off Nagini’s head with the Sword of Gryffindor

In doing so, he destroys the final Horcrux. Neville really comes into his own in this book and becomes a leader in the fight for Hogwarts’ freedom. Let us not forget that it could have just as easily have been Neville Longbottom, The Chosen One, instead of Harry Potter, according to the Prophecy.

9.    9.  “NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH!” (p. 589)

Best. Line. Ever. Molly Weasley goes after Bellatrix Lestrange after she attempts to kill Ginny. And then she kills the bitch! So satisfying.

10.10.  The Final Battle

It all comes down to Harry and Voldemort in this final, epic battle. Harry takes full control, revealing to Voldemort that it is in fact he who is the true owner of the Elder Wand. He further humiliates Voldemort but referring to him as his Muggle father’s name, Tom Riddle, multiple times.  And then he kills the bastard! Even more satisfying.

11.11.  Nineteen Years Later

Okay, I tried my best for ten but now I just have to add this last one! In the last scene of the book, we see a future in which Harry and Ginny and offspring, and Ron and Hermione and offspring, are happy and leading a normal, everyday life. How sweet. I’m worried about how they are legitimately going to age twenty-somethings into late-thirties-somethings though.

Which of your favourite scenes are you most looking forward to seeing in Deathly Hallows Part 2? Let me know in the comments!

And thanks so much to Megan for having me!

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Thank you for taking part!  I loved this list, and I agree with every single one of these Top Ten (Plus One)!  The one I want most is the Prince's Tale.  Comes out on the 15th, and I can't wait!  :D