Welcome!

The move

2009-01-10T04:28:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone, I have some updates on me and the Readers' Sanctuary. I'm sorry that I haven't went back here, I was busy with school work and everything else that got thrown at me. I was going to try and update the Readers' Sanctuary not too long ago and deleted EVERYTHING basically. So I kind of just got fed up with it and left for a while. Then got busy again. But now I have an actual schedule written down and I'm more organized. So I plan to be reading A LOT of books and writing A LOT of reviews.

But....

Not on here. I created a new blog, I will not be transferring any of my reviews, I will just write up the review again after I've read the book again. If you would still like to follow me and have your blog on my list, go to Nocturnal Reviews. Which is my new review blog. Just email me.
My new email is mandywriter92@gmail.com
To anyone who would like to contact me and to any authors or publishers who come here and would like me to promote their book.

Happy reading!

-Mandy

Tom Tancin Interview

2008-10-18T01:16:00.002-04:00

Tom Tancin

Tom Tancin Website

Here is my interview with Mr. Tancin, I'm sorry it's so late. I haven't been on much lately due to my schedule, also I have been having e-mail issues. Finally got this through myspace, thank god!
I have read Mr. Tancin's, The Man in the Moon, which you can find my review here!, and I have Watched in my reading pile right now! So expect to see a review for that really soon. :)
He is an amazing writer and he just completely drags you into his story and makes you feel like you're really the character. I will completely recommend him as a writer! So, you should pick up some of his books!

1.) At what age did you begin writing and what made you pursue a writing career?

I started writing when I was in 7th grade (13 years old). I started because of a challenge by my English teacher in 7th grade and never stopped. However, I didn't want to publish the books and I didn't take writing seriously until I was in college, somewhere between my sophomore and junior year. I was 22 at the time so I had 9 years of writing under my belt when I started to really take it seriously. And two years later, I am even more serious about writing and becoming even more dedicated every day.

2.) If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing?

I am actually a 7th grade life science teacher and that is exactly what I wanted to do! I have two careers that I enjoy.

3.)What other hobbies do you have besides writing?

Listening to music, watching movies, reading mystery/thrillers, and just taking a moment to relax (it's not very often I have the moment).

4.) When you are writing, do you write by pen or by computer? Why?

I write on by computer for really only one reason. I can type faster than I can write with a pen so it is easier to keep up with my ideas when typing. Plus it is easier in the end because I don't have to type up the whole story.

5.) What is your ideal writing spot?

I like to write in at my computer desk with my headphones on. Sometimes, when I need a change of scenery, I take my laptop outside to work.

6.)Do you have a favorite food or snack you like to eat while writing? If so, what are they?

I don't snack or eat when I'm writing so I don't have a favorite. I am usually too involved in the story to eat!

7.) Did you have any trouble at all writing in a female's point-of-view?

This is an interesting question that comes up a lot. It was difficult at times but I think that Lindsey isn't faced with typical female specific problems or situations. I think she runs into situations that would be handled similarly by both genders. She is a very dedicated detective that doesn't have time for her teenagers. She regrets it but she loves what she does and she can't force herself to change the situation. But she does love her kids. I don't think that is something that only a female would deal with. But there were some cases where I struggled, luckily I have a lot of strong females in my life to model her after.

8.) Do you have any advice for aspiring writers out there?

Write! If you love writing, and you most likely do, keep writing. I write for myself. That means I write what I would like to read and I write it because I enjoy sitting down and creating characters and stories. If you enjoy it, then write for yourself. Then it will be a success from day one! And if other people enjoy it as well, then it is a huge plus!

9.) Who are some of your favorite authors?

Erica Spindler is #1!!! I also really enjoy books by James Patterson. I started reading a few more authors, but I don't always have the time to read that I would like. Usually I have to choose between writing and reading and since writing is my passion that usually wins. I am always in the middle of a book though, it just takes me months to finish it.

10.) Do you have any favorite books? If so, what are they?

I love Killer Takes All and Copycat by Erica Spindler. I like Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.

11.) How did you get the idea to write The Man in the Moon?

Well I got the idea for a killer obsessed with the moon a few years before I started to actually write The Man in the Moon. I came up with the idea one night while looking at the full moon and thinking "what if someone was obsessed with the moon?".

Separately, I came up with the idea for Detective Lindsey Scott. I thought "what if the number one crime solver in the country was a woman and, while being the best in her field, she had a broken personal life?". When I combined Lindsey Scott with the killer obsessed with the moon, The Man in the Moon was born and it took me only months to write the story since everything was so developed.

12.) Watched, your next novel in the Detective Lindsey series, can you tell us anything about the book?

Watched is about a group of serial killers that work cohesively to target webcammers. Lindsey Scott has to put her six months vaction with her teenagers on hold to solve the crimes before it gets out of control. And, because she gets involved, her 15 year old son Tyler becomes a target.

Watched is a lot different than The Man in the Moon. I say that in a good way! It has much more graphic violence and it details the murders and the investigations more vividly so the reader is put into the story even more than The Man in the Moon. It also, due to the topic, teaches a very important lesson on internet safety.

13.) Do you have any other upcoming projects?

I am working on preparing my YA sci-fi/thriller series Time Warriors (cowritten with Chris Wolf) for publication starting in June 2009. The series follows four friends as they become a team to regulate time travel known to the world as the Time Warriors. I am excited about the project because the first book in the series was the first book I wrote. Of course it is now in a different form than the original but it holds a special place in my life because it was the start of my writing journey.

It is also a really busy time because I am working with the illustrator on the covers for the 4 book series and I'm working with the graphic designer that will do the title text and cover blurb layouts. The series titles are as follows:

Time Warriors: Induction (June 9, 2009)
Time Warriors: Expansion (Fall 2009)
Time Warriors: Division (June 2010)
Time Warriors: Resolution (Fall 2010)

Along with that, I am working on the 3rd book in the Detective Lindsey Scott Thrillstery Series. I can't reveal plot, title, or pub. date yet but I will say it is in development.

14.) Do you have anything in common with Lindsey Scott?

My dedication to my work. I usually make work my priority. It seems I am always working. I am a full time teacher and a full time writer so I have double the work load which leaves me little time for family and hobbies. The bonus is that I love my jobs so work isn't so bad!

15.) Do you ever come up with play lists for your book? If so, what are some of the songs?

I always have music playing while I write. I usually create a playlist of songs for the books, but sometimes they overlap with more than one book. I am always using movie soundtracks to write and I am always on the lookout for a new one. My favorites are The Chronicles of Narnia (from both movies). I also usually include music from Daughtry, Within Temptation, Maroon 5, and more. But it varies, and sometimes the lists change in the middle of the book. The one thing that is certain is that there is always soundtrack music on my playlist! If anyone has some suggestions of soundtracks I might enjoy for writing please email me! tomtancin@destifire.com

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for taking the time to interview me! I appreciate all of your support and everything you do at The Reader's Sanctuary!

Thank you so much Tom Tancin for letting me interview you! It was a pleasure getting to know you better. Hope everyone enjoys this and you should REALLY check him out, like, right now!

Savvy Girl by Lynn Messina

2008-10-17T02:10:00.002-04:00

Savvy Girl by Lynn Messina

Publisher: Harcourt Paperbacks; 1 edition (August 1, 2008)
Paperback: 272 pages
Reading Level: Young Adult

Summary [from the book]:

Seventeen-year-old Chrissy Gibbons has landed her dream job—a summer internship at her favorite magazine, Savvy. Being an intern is hard work, but the job becomes a lot more fun when Chrissy is befriended by a glamorous fashion editor who takes her to all the best parties. As the summer winds down, though, Chrissy realizes that in the whirlwind of parties and boys, she’s been neglecting what could be her big break in the magazine business: an opportunity to compete against other interns to become Savvy’s first teen columnist.

Chrissy struggles to come up with a winning subject for her column—and in the process, she discovers what is most important to her.

My review:

I think this was pretty good. When I first go the request to read this book, I was like, "Oh, lord. Basically a biography." And I was freaking out because I wasn't sure I'd like it. It took me a little while to get into, but once I did I really liked it. Magazine internships sound a little like fun and hell in the same package. I'm glad Chrissy ended up getting it in the end. This isn't really my type of book, but I really enjoyed it. I recommend it for anyone interested in this type of book and who isn't. It's not written like a biography, like I expected. You can't even tell it is one!
Mrs. Messina did a lovely job telling Chrissy's story.

My rating:

A note:

Hi everyone! I'm sorry I've been gone for so long. I've been really busy. I finished this book a few days ago, but just now had a change to update the RS. I'm almost done with my next book, so look out for my next review! :)

Just Breathe by Susan Wiggs

2008-09-03T12:30:00.003-04:00

Just Breathe by Susan Wiggs

Publisher: Mira Books (September 1, 2008)
Hardcover: 471
Reading Level: Adult

Summary[From the book.]:

Unexpected change can be like a breath of fresh air—A little brisk at first, but magic for body and soul. . .

Chicago cartoonist Sarah Moon tackles life's real issues with a healthy dose of sharp wit in her syndicated comic strip Just Breathe. As Sarah's cartoon alter ego, Shirl, undergoes artificial insemination, her situation begins to mirror Sarah's own difficult attempts to conceive. However, Sarah's dreams of her future did not unclude her husband's infidelity: snag number two in Sarah's so-called-perfect life.
With Chicago—and her marriage—in the rearview mirrow, she flees to the small Northern California coastal town where she grew up, a place she couldn't wait to leave. Now she finds herself revisiting the past—an emotinally distant father and the unanswered questions left by her mother's death. As she comes to terms with her lost marriage, Sarah encounters a man she never expected to meet again: Will Bonner, the high school heartthrob she'd skewered mercilessly in her old comics. Now a local firefighter, he's been through some changes himself. But just as her heart is about to reawaken, Sarah discovers she is pregnant. With her ex's twins.
It's hardly the most traditional of new beginnings, but who says life and love are predictable. . .or perfect? The winds of change have led Sarah here. Now all she can do is just close her eyes. . .and breathe.

My review:

Just Breathe is now another one of my favorites. I've read one of her books before, called Summer by the Sea, and I loved it. Susan Wiggs created an amazing storyline and amazing characters. It was beautifully written. I think that almost every woman can relate to Sarah in some way or another. I got through this book pretty quick even though I hardly have anytime to read. I jump at any chance I can though. I just, absolutely loved it. Everyone and everything was so real to me when I was reading it, I had really vivid images in my head of everyone and the world she created in a small town in California. I'm looking forward to reading more books by Susan Wiggs, and reading Just Breathe again one day.

My rating:

If you would like to purchase this book, please feel free to look around at the Readers' Sanctuary's Store. :)

Updates[9/2/08]

2008-09-02T16:54:00.002-04:00

Alright, for some updates. Some sad news. :( I hate sad news. But, you have to give it sometime or another. So, here I am. Giving really sad news.

My mother is starting to give me a time limit on my computer for a little while until I get caught up on my schoolwork. I have to work a certain amount of time on my schoolwork during the day. AND I have to show her what I did that day when she gets home! Which sucks! It's because I'm a bit behind due to stupid Fay!! *hisses at Fay*

So that means I won't be able to do the second edition of my weekly post.[a.k.a New Releases this week!, Spotlights, and Reader Interviews.] >> I'll only have time to put up my reviews for what I read. Which is okay, but I'm really bummed out about not having enough time to continue what I just started last week. It's infuriating!

I just finished Just Breathe by Susan Wiggs, which I had to read more a club I joined called Book Divas. Which I will be posting my review soon! By the end of the day, I promise.

I hope everyone is having a lovely week so far and I hope you won't miss the weekly posts too much. Hopefully sometime soon I will be able to start it up again.

Happy reading!

Let's recap![August 25th- August 31st]

2008-08-31T21:00:00.000-04:00

Monday
Book releases for the week of August 25th-August 31st!
Excerpt:
Hello all and greetings to wherever you may be. Here is the first post of my new ideas for the Readers' Sanctuary. Some may be Young Adult and some may be Adult. I hope everyone enjoys it and finds some great books to read in the many books that are being released this very week! Happy reading!
To read more, click here!
Tuesday
Spotlight Tuesday
Excerpt
Today is Spotlight Tuesday on the Readers' Sanctuary. So that means we are going to Spotlights for one author, one book, and one Reviewer's blog. Enjoy!
If you want to read more, click here!

Wednesday
Reader interview.
Excerpt:
Here is my very first reader interview!! I really hope you enjoy getting to know Emily through our interview! :) Have fun!
If you want to read more, click here!

Book reviews this week!

Anatomy of a boyfriend by Daria Snadowsky
here!

Severed Ties: Volume 1 by Kevin Krohn

To read my review, click here!

All right, here are things coming up this week! September 1st-September 7th.

Monday: Books coming out for the week!-You'll have to wait and see!

Tuesday: Spotlights- Not completely figured out.
Wednesday: Reader Interview with Dani!

Okay, well. I would love to know what everyone thought of my idea. Would love to know what you thought of last week. So, e-mail me or comment an tell me! Also, in the poll for last week:
Question: How do you like the Readers' Sanctuary?
I love it!=71%
I really, really like it!=28%
It's okay. . .=0%
I hate it!=0%
So, 'I love it!' won! Thanks you guys! Glad you are loving the Readers' Sanctuary!

Wednesday's Reader Interview[August 26, 2008]

2008-08-27T00:00:00.002-04:00

Here is my very first reader interview!! I really hope you enjoy getting to know Emily through our interview! :) Have fun!

Name and/or Nickname: Emily/Em
Age: 15
Website URL: The Literary Lair

1.) If you can remember, when did you first get into reading, and why?

Hm, well I guess I just gradually started reading more and more through elementary school but I started reading almost compulsively around 8th grade when I first read "Look For Me by Moonlight" by Mary Downing Hahn.

2.) How often do you read?

I read pretty regularly, usually only a few paragraphs at a time though since I'm easily distracted.

3.) Do you have a favorite spot that you like to read at, if so where?

My favorite spot to read is in my room, on my bed, in the little corner where all of my pillows are.

4.) What are your favorite books?

Definitely the 'Twilight Saga'(of course), the 'Vampire Kisses Series', Tantalize, and Nick&Norah's Infinite Playlist.

5.) What are some books that you've read that you absolutely hated?

LORD OF THE FLIES! I use it for my scrabble scores; that's how much I hate it >< 6.) Did you have a favorite book when you were younger?

Well, in elementary school my favorite book had to be 'Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret' by Judy Blume.

7.) What's your favorite genre of books to read?

Teen Fiction/Fantasy

8.) What are some of you favorite authors?

Stephenie Meyer, Ellen Schreiber, and Edgar Allan Poe.

9.) Are there any book releases that you are excited about?If so, which ones?

I'd have to say the newest book in the 'House of Night' series.

10.) What are some of your hobbies?

Writing, reading, singing, and just talking with my friends.

Severed Ties by Kevin Krohn

2008-08-26T11:46:00.003-04:00

Severed Ties by Kevin Krohn
[Volume 1]

Publisher: SpiralBound Publishing [June 9, 2008]
Paperback: 178 pages
Reading Level: Young Adult

Summary[From the book.]:

Severed Ties tells the story of Nyne Harper, a college freshman living with her widowed father. At the tender age of two, she lost her mother tragically in a house fire, believed to have been retaliation against her father for blowing the whistle on a large corporate cover-up. The two have been on the run since, trying to piece together some semblance of a normal life while constantly looking over their shoulders.
Now an adult, Nyne is ready to quench her thirst for revenge and protect the only family she has left. The question will be, is she prepared for what her life is about to become?
A hip, non-stop thrill-ride, Severed Ties is a story of family, friendship, and revenge.

Review:

Severed Ties was just...wow! I really, really liked it. It surprised me so much at the end of the volume. So much happened in such a short period of time. I feel really bad for everything that Nyne has to go through. It may be a really short volume, but it really is good. I can't wait for the next volume to come out so I can continue reading Nyne's story. I really hope she finds peace soon and that she can start living a normal life. She is a really great character and really does just want to protect her family. Even though her life is so different from mine, I can still relate to her. She is somewhat like a regular teenager, but also very different. I reccomend this to anyone who wants a good book to read. Mr. Kevin Krohn did an amazing job!

Rating:

If you would like to purchase this book, please feel free to look around at the Readers' Sanctuary's Store. :)

Today in the spotlight...[August 26th,2008]

2008-08-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

Today is Spotlight Tuesday on the Readers' Sanctuary. So that means we are going to Spotlights for one author, one book, and one Reviewer's blog. Enjoy!

Author Spotlight

Laurie Faria Stolarz
Laurie Faria Stolarz grew up in Salem, Massachusetts and attended Merrimack College. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College in Boston. She is currently working on a new series, also for young adults.
Books by Lauria Faria Stolarz:
Series
(Blue is for Nightmares Series)
Blue is for Nightmares
White is for Magic
Silver is for Secrets
Red is for Remembrance
Novels
Bleed
Project 17
Deadly Little Secret

Book Spotlight

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

Last year, Annabel was "the girl who has everything"—at least that’s the part she played in the television commercial for Kopf ’s Department Store.This year, she’s the girl who has nothing: no best friend because mean-but-exciting Sophie dropped her, no peace at home since her older sister became anorexic, and no one to sit with at lunch. Until she meets Owen Armstrong. Tall, dark, and music-obsessed, Owen is a reformed bad boy with a commitment to truth-telling.With Owen’s help,maybe Annabel can face what happened the night she and Sophie stopped being friends.

In this multi-layered, impossible-to-put-down book, Sarah Dessen tells the story of a year in the life of a family coming to terms with the imperfections beneath its perfect facade.

(Synopsis from Barnes and Nobles)

Buy Just Listen on Amazon.

Reviewer's Blog Spotlight

B is for Books is owned by a twenty-year-old young adult named Breanna. Her blog is well-designed and organized. Her reviews are well thought out and very useful if your looking for a good book to read. She mostly reviews for the young adult genre. So, if your looking for a good book to read that is Young Adult, then go over to Breanna's blog and have a look at her reviews! You can find her here!

I hope everyone has enjoyed today's Spotlight Tuesday! If anyone would like to suggest an author, book or their blog on Spotlight Tuesday. Please e-mail me!

Anatomy of a Boyfriend by Daria Snadowsky

2008-08-25T17:41:00.000-04:00

Anatomy of a Boyfriend by Daria Snadowsky

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (January 9, 2007)
Hardcover: 272 pages
Reading Level: Young Adult

Summary[From the book.]:

Before all this happened, the closest I'd ever come to getting physical with a guy was playing the board game Operation. Okay, so maybe that sounds pathetic, but it's not like there were any guys at my high school who I cared to share more than three words with, let alone my body.

Then I met Wes, a track-start senior from across town. Maybe it was his soulful blue eyes, or maybe my hormones just started raging. Either way, I was hooked. And after a while, he was too. I couldn't believe how intense my feelings became, or the fact that I was seeing—and touching—parts of the body I'd only read about in my Gray's Anatomy textbook. You could say Wes and I experienced a lot of firsts together that spring. It was scary. It was fun. It was love.
And then came the fall.

Review:

Anatomy of a boyfriend was quite interesting. At first when I got the e-mail from Mrs. Daria Snadowsky, asking me to review her book. I was really scared. The name caught me off gaurd along with the cover. After reading a few summaries and reviews on it, I felt a little better. When I finally got to it in my reading pile I was kind of excited, but also really scared for what would come. I started reading it, and I couldn't put it down! Don't let the cover and name scare you away. This book is really good and can also help you learn a lesson in the wonderful journey of teenage love. It helps show that things don't always go the way you plan. Also, to not plan your life around a guy so soon. Yes, it hurts getting heartbroken, but you have to learn to be strong and know that someone better will come your way. There aren't enough words to describe this book. It was just absolutely fabulous[Yes, I said the word fabulous, oddly.]. I reccomend this to anyone who loves a good Young Adult love story.

Rating:

If you would like to purchase this book, please feel free to look around at the Readers' Sanctuary's Store. :)

New Releases this week! [August 25th-August 31st]

2008-08-25T00:08:00.000-04:00

Hello all and greetings to wherever you may be. Here is the first post of my new ideas for the Readers' Sanctuary. Some may be Young Adult and some may be Adult. I hope everyone enjoys it and finds some great books to read in the many books that are being released this very week! Happy reading! Week (8/25/08-8/31/08) Book Releases.

Accidently Fabulous by Lisa Barham
8/26/08

Crash Test: An Upper Class Novel by Hobson Brown, Taylor Materne, and Carolina Says
8/26/08

Sucks to be Me: The All-True Confessions of Mina Hamilton, Teen Vampire(Maybe) by Kimberly Pauley
8/26/08

Identical by Ellen Hopkins
8/26/08

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
Releasing in Hardcover
8/26/08

The Gypsy Morph[The Genesis of Shannara, Book 3] by Terry Brooks
8/26/08

Devil Bones: A novel[Temperance Brennan Novels] by Kathy Reichs
8/26/08

The Screwed Up Life of Charlie the Second by Drew Ferguson
8/26/08

If you know of any books that are coming out next week[September 1st-September6th] please tell me and I'll be sure to add them to the list for next Monday's post. :)

Updates[August 24th, 2008]

2008-08-24T04:39:00.000-04:00

Okay guys, I have a lot of news, so bear with me! I have a lot of new ideas and I hope everyone will enjoy them. I have decided to try and post something every day on the Readers' Sanctuary. Not only reviews, I won't have a set date for any of my book reviews unless I know for sure I will be finished then. So...

On Mondays I will be posting the books that are supposed to be coming out that week.
Then on Tuesdays I will have a Reader's Review.
On Wednesdays I will have spotlights.[Like Author Spotlight, Book Spotlight, Blog Spotlight, etc.]
I don't really have anything from Thursday-Saturday yet. Soon I will think of what to use on those days, if you have any suggestions or ideas, please do e-mail me. I would love to hear them.

Then on Sundays I'll have a whole recap of everything that happened that week and also a preview of what's coming up the following week.

I will also be having a poll every week! Along with my usual book reviews. :)
So, I hope everyone enjoys what's going to be coming up on the Readers' Sanctuary.

Happy reading!

The Man in the Moon by Tom Tancin

2008-08-23T21:44:00.000-04:00

The Man in the Moon by Tom Tancin
[Book #1- A Detective Lindsey Scott Novel]

Publisher: Destifire Books; 1st edition [December 11, 2007]
Paperback: 288 pages
Reading Level: Young Adult

Summary[From the book.]:

A Well Known Image...
A small, college town terrorized by the murder of college couples calls on the services of Detective Lindsey Scott. Detective Scott is dubbed 'solver of the unsolvable' and is a legend in law enforcement. Following the clues, Detective Scott discovers the the serial killer is obsessed with the moon. Calling himself the 'Man in the Moon', the killer is just as mysterious as the symbol. With twenty college kids murdered, Lindsey must use all of the clues and her skills as a detective to demystify the Man in the Moon and prevent him from killing again.
Becomes a Killer's Obsession.

Review:

The Man in the Moon was absolutely unbelievable. I loved it. This book had me so drawn in and distracted me from Hurricane Fay. It was very well written, and is a favorite of mine now. It drew you in from the first page and kept you into the book until the end. It drew up very vivid images in my head and made me think I was really there. And the suspense and the mystery, it had me biting my lip through a lot of the parts. I recommend this to anyone who loves a good thriller/mystery. Even if you don't normally read the genre, it's still really good.

Rating:

If you would like to purchase this book, please feel free to look around at the Readers' Sanctuary's Store. :)

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

2008-08-23T00:18:00.001-04:00

Lord of the Flies by William Golding
[50th Anniversary Edition]

Publisher: Perigee Trade; 50 Anniversary edition (October 28, 2003)
Hardback: 336 pages
Reading Level: 11 and up.

Summary[From the book.]:

Lord of the Flies remains as provocative today as when it was first published in 1954, igniting passionate debate with its startling, brutal portrait of human nature. Though critically acclaimed, it was largely ignored upon its initial publication, yet soon became a cult favorite among both students and literary critics who compared it to J.D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye in its influence on modern thought and literature.
Stripped of all pretense, Lord of the Flies is an adventure tale, a thrilling and elegantly told account of a group of British schoolboys marooned on a tropical island who—far away from the mores of society and adult supervision—reveal the dark,base side of humanity as they descend into savagery. It presents a bleak, yet telling, look at the nature of beast known as man. In the words of Golding himself, "the theme is an attempt to trace the defect of society back to the defeat of human nature."
Labeled a parable, an allegory, a myth, a morality tale, a parody, a political treatise, even a vision of the apocalypse, Lord of the Flies has established itself as a true classic. This special fiftieth anniversary edition features the 1962 introduction by E.M. Forster, biographical and critical notes by E.L. Epstein and original drawings by Ben Gibson, specially commissioned for this work.

Review:
Lord of the Flies was an okay book. For some reason I couldn't stay completely focused on it. It was a bit creepy at times. It shows that human kind can turn really ugly when faced with hard decisions and when they need to fight for survival. It was really sad how all these small kids all got marooned on an island by themselves. I can understand why they did a lot of the stuff they did because they didn't know any better, they didn't really understand all the evil in what they were doing. But they shouldn't have reduced into such cruelty to each other. They should have been more nicer to each other since they are all they had left at the moment. And poor Ralph was chosen as leader, but hardly anyone listened to him. He was the rightful leader, he was trying to protect everyone but everyone just left him in the end to join Jack. The idea that they would be saved one day kept Ralph going and kept him strong. He was one of my favorite characters, him and Simon. I almost cried when he died :(. I'm really glad that they got saved at the end. I wish I could have known more of what happened. Like after they left the island.

Rating:

If you would like to purchase this book, please feel free to look around at the Readers' Sanctuary's Store. :)

Hurricane Fay

2008-08-19T01:27:00.000-04:00

Well, this may have nothing to do with books, but it does have something to do with the weather and what is suppose to be heading my way. In case you didn't know, I live in Florida. Jacksonville to be exact. If you have been watching the weather and keeping track of Hurricane Fay then you'll know that it has made landfall in Florida.
I am not as worried about it as I was because my friend found a good website that is a Hurricane Tracker. It really calmed me down. Hopefully it won't change.
The link is here.
So, just in case, don't forget to send lots of prayers towards Florida and hope that little damage is made.

What is your blog rating?

2008-08-14T10:09:00.000-04:00

Wow! I found this on another bloggers website, and thought it would be cool to try it out and see what the Readers' Sanctuary would get. A bit surprised it got a G. But I just looked over everything again after I found out the rating. I guess I can see why. I'm pretty happy that it's rated for All Audiences. Pretty cool! But, anyways. If you want to see what your blog is rated, just click on my blog rating and type in your URL. I would love to see everyones blog rating!

Updates[August 12th, 2008]

2008-08-12T21:44:00.000-04:00

Okay well, if you haven't noticed by now, the Readers' Sanctuary has a new layout. Thanks to The Story Siren and my friend Dave. :) I hope everyone likes it.

Also, yesterday[August 11th, 2008] I got two packages. One was from the author Tom Tancin and the other was from the author Daria Snadowsky. I was e-mailed by them a couple of weeks ago, asking for me to review their books. Tom Tancin's Man in the Moon and later on Watched [His newest book that will be released in November of this year], and Daria Snadowsky's Anatomy of a Boyfriend. So I shall be reading those soon, when I finish Lord of the Flies by William Golding [Which I haven't started yet.] for school.

If anyone would like to request a book, please e-mail me and I'll check it out and add it to my list.

They'll be some more changes to the Readers' Sanctuary coming soon. So if you would like to request something e-mail me. I'm going to be making a forum to add onto the Readers' Sanctuary and a Meebo chat room, for future author chats.

Alright, well that's all for updates right now.

Blessed be!

Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

2008-08-10T08:42:00.000-04:00

Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

Publisher: Simon Pulse (June 26, 2007)
Paperback: 304 pages
Reading Level: Young Adult

Summary[from the book]:

There are two sides to every break up.

This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They're even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation.

Then Jordan dumps Courtney -- for a girl he met on the Internet.

It's too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney's heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la -- this is Courtney pretending not to care.

But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot.

Turns out, he's got a secret or two that he's not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can't get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other.

WARNING: If you are in the Readers United book club, do NOT read this. Unless you are completely done with the book,because it holds a few spoilers. So NO peeking for you!

Review:

Two way Street was really, really good. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I read it too fast! I had only about twenty more pages left and I fully realized I was almost done. I was like, well...that sucks! I really wish that Lauren Barnholdt would make a sequel to this book. Maybe to show what happens to Courtney and Jordan after everything. I want to know what happens with Loyd and her father as well. This really has left me wondering. I'm usually not really into books that switch views, but this did that and it was really good. It gave you both sides of the story. There were some things Jordan didn't know and there were A LOT of things Courtney didn't know. They were both destined to be together, but so many obstacles were getting in their way. That all started when Jordan walked in on his mother and Courtney's father[Which he didn't know at the time, he had JUST fully met Courtney that night.] having an affair in his living room. I really, REALLY do NOT like Courtney's father. When he first walked into the kitchen on the first day of the trip I was like hm, I wonder what his problem is. After I fully found out I was like Holy crap! I would have completely disowned him after I found out all the crap he did. Pfft and he supposedly loved her. Pfft. And as for Jordan, grr to him. He should have told her, then they wouldn't be in this mess. But, I still love him! :) He was so funny and cute. I highly recommend this to ANYONE who loves a good destined to be romance/comedy novel.

Rating:

10/10

If you would like to purchase this book, please feel free to look around at the Readers' Sanctuary's Store. :)

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

2008-08-07T06:03:00.000-04:00

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
[Book #4-Twilight Saga]

Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers[August 2, 2008]
Hardcover: 768 pages
Reading Level: Young Adult

*Sorry, it's late! I kept getting headaches and couldn't read that much due to being busy. I was so mad because all I could think about was Breaking Dawn and I wanted to read so badly!

Summary[from the book]:

"Don't be afraid," I murmured. "We belong together"
I was abruptly overwhelmed by the truth of my own words.
This moment was so perfect, so right, there was no way to doubt it.
His arms wrapped around me, holding me against him... It felt like every nerve ending in my body was a live wire.
"Forever," he agreed.

Review:

I'm not going to post a full review due to not wanting to let out any spoilers. But I will say that I absolutely loved this book. It wasn't near as good as it's first three siblings, but still very good. I'm really sad now that it ended, but really happy of how it ended. It couldn't have a more perfect ending. Great job, Stephenie!

Rating:

10/10

If you would like to purchase this book or any books in the Twilight Saga, please feel free to have a look around in the Readers' Sanctuary's store. :)

The Book Vaults Contest!!!

2008-08-03T21:05:00.001-04:00

Alright guys, so The Book Vault is having a really cool contest because this month is her birthday month. All you have to do is go to the websites that are on her post and answer the riddles by sending her an e-mail about it at bookvault[at]yahoo[dot]com. With the following:
Name:
The Riddle: (copy & paste from the site you found it at)
Answer: (full book title + author)
The name of the site where you found the riddle:
Your site’s URL: (if you have one)

Send each riddle in a SEPERATE e-mail. They will each count as ONE entry, but only if you get it right. If you send her two or three or any number above one, it will only count as one entry.
Also, if you blog/post about this contest somewhere, send her a separate email telling her so and you will get 2 extra entries.
The books that will be given away are:
Here are the books that will be given away:
- A signed copy of The Debs
- A signed copy of Kandide and the Secret of the Mists (and a book mark and poster featuring Kandide)
- A signed copy of Severed Ties
- 2 signed copies of The Elite

So start getting your entries now before time runs out. It ends August 28th and the winner will be announced August 29th. So have fun, and good luck! For more information please visit her site here!

Rebel Angels by Libba Bray

2008-08-02T08:01:00.000-04:00

Rebel Angels by Libba Bray
[Book #2-Gemma Doyle Trilogy]

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (December 26, 2006)
Paperback: 592 pages
Reading Level: Young Adult

Summary[from the book]:

Ah, Christmas! Gemma Doyle is looking forward to the holiday from Spence Academy—spending time with her friends in the city, attending balls in fancy gowns with plunging necklines, and dallying with the handsome Simon Middleton. Yet amid these distractions, her visions intensify—visions of three girls dressed in white, to whom something horrific has happened that only the realms can explain.
The lure is strong, and soon Gemma, Felicity, and Ann are turning flowers into butterflies in the enchanted world to which Gemma takes them. To the girls' great joy, their beloved Pippa is there as well, eager to complete their circle of friendship.
But all is not well in the realms—or out. Kartik is back, depsperataly insisting to Gemma that she much bind the magic, lest colossal disaster befall her. Gemma is willing to comply, for this would bring her face to face with her late mother's greatest friend, now Gemma's foe—Circe. Until Circe is destroyed, Gemma cannot live out her destiny. But finding Circe proves a most perilous task...
Rebel Angels teens with the Victorian thrills and chills that play out against the backdrop of 1895 London, a place of shadows and light...where inside great beauty can lie a rebel angel.

Review:

I think this was a really good book. An excellent addition to the first book in the series: A Great and Terrible Beauty. Everything just draws you in and gives you such a vivid image of what is happening in the book. All the emotions bring you in and they become yours. It captures your imagination and doesn't let you leave until you tear yourself from the book. I certainly can't wait to read the third and final novel of the series. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good Victorian aged story with a hint of magic and fantasy in it.

Rating:
10/10

Other reviews in this series:
A Great and Terrible Beauty

If you would like to purchase this book or any of the books in the Gemma Doyle Trilogy, please feel free to look around at the Readers' Sanctuary 's Store. :)

FINALLY!!!

2008-08-02T04:31:00.000-04:00

Yes, finally Breaking Dawn is in my hands!! I went to the Breaking Dawn Release Party at ten and waited until midnight to get my book. It was really crazy in there and came out with an even bigger headache than I had due to all the screaming Twilighters; myself included. I never got a chance to take any pictures because we went in there and I totally forgot that my camera was in my bag. Which I'm really mad about. But I do have pictures of my voucher and my book!
I'm going to be reading Breaking Dawn really soon and posting the review. So watch out for that! I hope everyone that went to the Release party had fun, I know I did. I went with my best friend Megan, so yay! And I got to see a lot of my other really good friends in there too and I met a new friend. Her name is Mary.We stood in line for a long, long time. But it was all worth it. When I got my book I couldn't resist the urge to pet it. I have been doing that for a while. The book is so pretty and shiny. I can't help it.
Okay well, night everyone. Sorry I'm posting late. Have been doing a few things. I hope everyone who has gotten their Breaking Dawns are enjoying it.

Here are the few photos I have.

My voucher!

The book and I!

Hope everyone enjoys Breaking Dawn!

the Readers' Sanctuary on MySpace!

2008-07-31T09:17:00.000-04:00

I have finally made a MySpace for the Readers' Sanctuary! I have been working on it for a couple of days, okay...maybe about a week. I finally have it up the way I want it, for now. So, if you would like to add the Readers' Sanctuary. Click here! There I will post bulletins about any updates. It will also be one of the easier ways in contacting me, other than Instant Messenger and e-mail. Also, if you have any ideas on what I should add on the MySpace, please tell me and I shall do my best. And if anyone have any questions concerning this entry, then let me know.

Take care everyone!

Bookluver-Carol's contest

2008-07-26T05:43:00.000-04:00

I know I am late, but Bookluver-Carol is having an awesome contest! If you want to enter to win a lot of cool goodies, go here! The contest ends July 30th. So get to moving! And don't forget to check out her awesome reviews! You can also get entries for that! Reviews are 1 entry each and author interviews earn you two entries. So go to her site now and enter to win. :)
Here are a list of the books you can win: [The number by it shows how many copies she has.]
The Brothers Torres (signed) by Coert Voorhees(1)
Evernight by Claudia Gray (1)
Model: A Memoir by Cheryl Diamond (1)
Tantalize by Cynthia Leitich Smith (2)
Oh.My.Gods (signed) by Tera Lynn Childs (1)
The Blonde of the Joke by Bennett Madison (1)
Dream Girl by Lauren Mechling (1)

She also may add more by the time the contest ends. There will be two winners. The first place winner will get to choose two book and the second place winner will only be allowed to choose one book.

Go now! No more dawdling around on my page!

Click here to go to Bookluver-Carol's site. :)
Have fun!

Story Sirens Contest!

2008-07-25T00:27:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm not really sure how to post her banner on here, but here is the link to her awesome contest, so click here!
You definitely do NOT want to miss out on this contest. It is huge and has lots of books and other goodies to win.
Here is a list of the books she currently has on the list to win:
Wake by Lisa McMann
Debbie Harry Sings in French by Meagan Brothers
Dreamland by Sarah Dessen
Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen
The off season by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Rumors: A Luxe Novel by Anna Godbersen

It is simple to how you can win them. Just go to her contest page which is here. Just in case you didn't click the first time around! Answer her questions and send them in an e-mail with your name AND address. They will NOT be told to anyone, they will strictly be for HER eyes only, and of course to the eyes of the owner. :)
So go to her page NOW! Not later! And enter the contest. It ends July 31st. So get to moving!! There are also more information on her posts for more ways to get more entries. So if you want to learn more, go to the source! :) And don't forget to check our her awesome reviews while your visiting! And don't forget to thank her for her awesome contest.

Have a blessed day Everyone!

P.C Cast Interview

2008-07-21T16:50:00.000-04:00

P.C. Cast
New York Times Best Selling Author of:
The YA HOUSE OF NIGHT series with Kristin Cast
Book 4- Untamed[St. Martin's Press, September 23, 2008]
Book 3- Chosen [St. Martin's Press, March 2008]
Book 2- Betrayed[St. Martin's Press, October 2007]
Book 1- Marked[St. Martin's Press, May 2007]
House of night Series
The Goddess Summoning Series
WARRIOR RISING[Berkely, May 2008]
Choose your world; choose your fantasy...
P.C Cast Website

She is one of my favorite authors! And she is really nice. She has replied to many of my messages I have sent her over myspace. I saw she was online and I decided to ask her if she would let me interview her. At first I had fifteen questions to ask. She agreed to do it as long as I cut the questions down to five. I was so happy that she said yes. :) So, here is the interview with her. Enjoy!

1) At what age did you begin writing and what made you pursue a writing career?

I wrote my first book in first grade, BLUBBY THE BLUE WHALE. It didn't get published. Yet. I think my love of reading made me want to be an author. I can't remember not being able to read, and writing goes hand in hand with that for me.

2) If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing?

Well, I also teach. And I used to have a career in the United States Air Force, so if I wasn't an author I'd do either of those two things.

3) What other hobbies do you have besides writing?

Reading, of course! But I think of that as a lifestyle and not just a hobby. I'm passionate about travel and I love hanging out at cool restaurants with my friends. I also enjoy taking my Scottie dogs for long walks, and tend to get a lot of plot problems worked out while I hike/walk. My daughter and I do lots together, too. We especially love to go to opening night at the movies.

4) When you are writing, do you write by pen or by computer? Why?

I always use a computer. I'm a fast typist and there's no way handwriting something can keep up with a keyboard. I'd go nuts if I tried to write a book by hand. Plus, I do a lot of rewriting and switching around and changing as I write, and that's seriously a pain if I try to do it by hand, but not a big deal at all on a computer.

5) How does it feel to be coauthoring the House of Night series with your daughter Kristin, and how does that work?

I love coauthoring with my daughter! We just finished our fifth House of Night book together[HUNTED, March 2009 release date] and we're looking forward to writing many more. It's great that we can travel together and do signings. Writing is usually such an isolating profession that it's nice to have someone with whom to share it.

It's simple how it works: She and I brainstorm. Then I write the first draft all the way through. I leave her notes in the text while I'm writing. When I'm done I send the whole thing to her[via email] and she goes through, making changes and commenting on anything that doesn't sound right to her. She sends it back to me, and I go through it once more, checking out her changes and her questions/comments. THEN it goes to NYC and our editor at St. Martin's Press.

Thank you so much P.C Cast for letting me interview you! I hope everyone enjoys this and if anyone wants to check Ms. Cast out, just go to one of the links above. :)

Blessed be!

If you would like to purchase any of P.C Cast's books, please feel free to go to The Readers' Sanctuary store and look around. :)

A Great And Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

2008-07-21T00:41:00.000-04:00

A Great And Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
[Book #1- Gemma Doyle Trilogy]

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (March 22, 2005)
Paperback: 432 pages
Reading Level: Young Adult

Summary[from the book]:

Gemma Doyle isn't like other girls. Girls with impeccable manners, who speaks when spoken to, who remembers their station, and who will lie back and think of England when it's required of them.
No, sixteen-year-old Gemma is an island unto herself, sent to the Spence Academy in London after tragedy strikes her family in India. Lonely, guilt ridden, and prone to visions of the future that have an uncomfortable habit of coming true, Gemma finds a chilly reception.But she's not completely alone...she's been followed by a mysterious young man, who warns her to close her mind against the visions.
For it's at Spence that Gemma's power to attract the supernatural unfolds; there she becomes entangled with the school's most powerful girls and discovers her mother's connection to a shadowy group called the Order. It's there that her destiny waits...if only she can believe in it.
A Great and Terrible Beauty is a curl-up-under-the-covers kind of book...a vast canvas of rustling skirts and dancing shadows and things that go bump in the night. It's vividly drawn portrait of the Victorian age, when girls were groomed for lives as rich men's wives...and the story of a girl who saw another way.

Review:
This book was really really hard to get into. I thought I wasn't going to like it at first. I didn't really get into it until a few chapters in, truthly. I picked the moment to get into it while I was laying on a float in my pool, go figure! It's funny now that I look back on it. I was laying on a float in the pool and I was on the far side of my pool under the shade of one of the palm trees in my backyard and I had my right leg over the side of the pool on the desk, and my elbow on the side of the pool as well, holding myself there so I wouldn't float away. And a lizard[Anole] came up to me and had his little paw on my arm and I didn't even notice; I was so into the book. It was jsut sitting there, staring at me, and then it's tail hit me. I looked over and flipped out. I screamed and fell off the float, barely managing to save my book. It got a little wet and you can tell it got wet if you look close enough. But it's okay! Thank god!
I really loved this book. :) It was awesome. It's funny how some of the books that take you a very long time to get into, can become one of your top favorite books.
I'm currently reading Rebel Angels now. The second book to the trilogy. I'm a bit sad that Pip decided to stay in the other world, causing her real body to die in the regular world; human world. Even though I hated her guts at the beginning, along with Felicity's. I can't wait to see if Gemma's feelings toward Kartik grows stronger. I really really hope he likes her back! :)

Rating:
10/10

If you would like to purchase this book or any of the books in the Gemma Doyle Trilogy, please feel free to look around at the Readers' Sanctuary 's Store. :)

Extras by Scott Westerfeld

2008-07-21T00:33:00.001-04:00

Extras by Scott Westerfeld
[Book #4- Uglies Trilogy]

Warning: This book may be in the Uglies Trilogy, but you should think of it as a different book because Tally is NOT the main character nor has a point-of-view in this book. The new point-of-view is Aya. It is also, a few years later from the third book, Specials. :)

Publisher: Simon Pulse [October 2, 2007]
Hardcover: 432 pages
Reading Level: Young Adult

Summary[from the book]:

FAME. It's a few years after rebel Tally Youngblood took down the uglies/pretties/specials regime. Without those strict roles and rules, the world is in a complete cultural renaissance. "Tech-heads" flaunt their latest gadgets, "kickers" spread gossip and trends, and "surge monkeys" are hooked on extreme plastic surgery. And it's all monitored on a bazillion different cameras. The world is like a gigantic game of American Idol.Whoever is getting the most buzz gets the most votes. Popularity rules.
As if being fifteen doesn't suck enough, Aya Fuse's rank of 451,361 is so low, she's a total nobody. An extra. Her only chance to escape extra-land is to find a big story to kick—something wild and unexpected.
Then Aya meets a clique of girls who pull crazy tricks, yet are deeply secretive of it. But the Sly Girls are hiding something bigger an explosive discovery that may change the face of the brave new world forever. If Aya kicks this story, she'll be propelled into the world of fame, celebrity... and extreme danger. A world she's not prepared for.

Review:

Alright, this was really good. But, not as good as the first book. It was my absolute favorite. I'm a bit sad that this series is completely through now. No more Uglies series books. I've completed the series and I'm really sad because I don't want to let them go. But at the same time I don't want it to stray too far from the original novel. In this novel Tally[ the main character and point-of-view from the first 3 books in the series] isn't the main character in this one, Aya Fuse is. If you read the Uglies series and you read all the first three books and then go to read the fourth book, remember that it'll be a bit different. Kind-of like a different story, but with a lot of the same characters in it and the same setting, kind of.

Rating:
9/10

Other reviews in this series:
Uglies
Pretties
Specials

If you would like to purchase this book or any books in the Uglies Trilogy, please feel free to have a look around in the Readers' Sanctuary's store. :)

Specials by Scott Westerfeld

2008-07-21T00:23:00.001-04:00

Specials by Scott Westerfeld
[Book #3- Uglies Trilogy]

Publisher: Simon Pulse[September 11, 2007]
Hardcover: 384 pages
Reading Level: Young Adult

Summary[from the book]:

"Special Circumstances": The words have sent chills down Tally's spine since her days as a repellent, rebellious ugly. Back then Specials were a sinister rumor—frighteningly, beautiful, dangerously strong, breathtakingly fast. Ordinary pretties might live their whole lives without meeting a Special. But Tally's never been ordinary.
And now she's been turned into one of them: a superamped fighting machine, engineered to keep the uglies down and the pretties stupid.
The strength, the speed, and the clarity and focus of her thinking feel better than anything Tally can remember. Most of the time. One tiny corner of her heart still remembers something more.
Still, it's easy to tune that out—until Tally's offered a chance to stamp out the rebels of the New Smoke permanently. It all comes down to one last choice: listen to that tiny, faint heartbeat, or carry out the mission she's programed to complete. Either way, Tally's world will never be the same.

Review:

I think this was pretty good, not as good as the first, but still good. It made me cry at the end, when Zane died. :( It was sad, even though I kind of like David better, because it's the first guy she fell in love with. I'm a bit sad that this is the end of Tally's point-of-view. She was a great character. She made me mad a lot of times, and made me want to smack her.[But, not as mad as Shay made me and not as bad as how I wanted to smack the living day lights out of Shay, of course!]

Rating:
9/10

Other reviews in this series:
Uglies
Pretties

If you would like to purchase this book or any books in the Uglies Trilogy, please feel free to have a look around in the Readers' Sanctuary's store. :)

Pretties by Scott Westerfeld

2008-07-15T18:31:00.000-04:00

Pretties by Scott Westerfeld
[Book #2- Uglies Trilogy]

Publisher: Simon Pulse[November 1, 2005]
Paperback: 384 Pages
Reading Level: Young Adult

Summary[from the book]:

Tally has finally become pretty. Now her looks are beyond perfect, her clothes are awesome, her boyfriend is totally hot, and she's completely popular. It's everything she's ever wanted.
But beneath all the fun — the nonstop parties, the high-tech luxury, the total freedom— is a nagging sense that something's wrong. Something important. Then a message from Tally's ugly past arrives. Reading it, Tally remembers what's wrong with pretty life, and the fun stops cold.
Now she has to choose between fighting to forget what she knows and fighting for her life— because the authorities don't intend to let anyone with this information survive.

Review:

I thought it was really good, not as good as the first, but good. I felt a bit sad for David, how Tally forgot about him— not on purpose, that is. But because she became pretty-minded. I didn't like how they hooked her up with Zane, even though he was a really great guy and helped her snap out of being pretty-minded. I'm glad she finally met up with David in the end. But was really mad when they found out that there was a tracker in Zane's tooth, posing as a toothache. I really don't like Shay now, and still don't like Dr. Cable. I think I really really really hate her now. Okay, I don't think, I DO hate her. I recommend this to anyone who likes Uglies. You should read this book AFTER you read Uglies— the first book to the trilogy.

Rating:
9/10

Other reviews in this series:
Uglies

If you would like to purchase this book or any books in the Uglies Trilogy, please feel free to have a look around in the Readers' Sanctuary's store. :)

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

2008-07-13T05:30:00.001-04:00

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
[Book #1- Uglies Trilogy]

Publisher: Simon Pulse[Febuary 8,2005]
Paperback: 448 pages
Reading Level: Young Adult

Summary[from the book]:

Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. Not for her license— for turning pretty. In Tally's world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operations that turns you from a repellent ugly into a stunningly attractive pretty and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. In just a few weeks Tally will be there.

But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants be pretty. She'd rather risk life on the outside. When Shay run's away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world— and it isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally the worst choice she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. The choice is Tally makes changes her world forever.

This has been my second time reading Uglies. It's one of my favorite books and I plan on reading it again in the future. The plot is so intriguing and I love the characters. Especially David ;). Started to kind of hate Shay towards the end though. I recommend this book to anyone who would like to enjoy a good book. Scott Westerfeld did a great job on it and his fantasy world is going on my list of wishful things.

Rating:
10/10

If you would like to purchase this book or any books in the Uglies Trilogy, please feel free to have a look around in the Readers' Sanctuary's store. :)

Vampire Diaries:[#3]The Fury[#4] The Dark Reunion by L.J. Smith

2008-07-11T16:39:00.000-04:00

The Vampire Diaries:The Fury[#3] and The Dark Reunion[#4] by L.J. Smith

Publisher:HarperTeen (December 26, 2007)
Paperback: 528 pages
Reading level: Young Adult

Summary [from the book]:

Elena: transformed, the golden girl has become what she once feared and desired.
Stefan: tormented by losing Elena, he's determined to end his feud with Damon once and for all—whatever the cost. But slowly he begins to realize that his brother is not his only enemy.
Damon: at last, he possesses Elena. But will his thirst for revenge against Stefan poison his triumph? Or can they come together to face one final battle?

Review on The Vampire Diaries: The Fury:

I really liked this book. It made me cry a lot, but hey. Doesn't great books bring you through thousands of emotions while reading it? I was so drawn into the book and intrigued by the plot and characters. I loved Stefan just liked Elena did. I loved her friends and hated everyone she hated. I WAS her. I started bringing up different scenarios of something she would do, before it happened. I was really mad at her and Damon at the beginning, but then was really happy with what she does. I was really sad when she really died. For real.

Rating:
10/10

Review for The Vampire Diaries: The dark reunion:

The last book in the series. At first I was kind of hesitant because I knew it wouldn't be told in Elena's point-of-view at all, that it would mostly be in Bonnie's point-of-view[One of Elena's closest friends.]. Overall though it was a VERY good book, I cried at the end, again. Until it got to the part where she came back with a solid body. I was so happy I jumped around for joy. Seriously, I did. And fell over my fan cord making my dad ask what was wrong with me, lol.

Rating:
10/10

Other reviews in this series:
The Awakening, The Struggle

If you would like to purchase this book or any books in The Vampire Diaries series, please feel free to have a look around in the Readers' Sanctuary's store. :)

Vampire Diaries:[#1]The Awakening[#2] The Struggle by L.J. Smith

2008-07-11T08:51:00.000-04:00

The Vampire Diaries: The awakening[#1] and The Struggle[#2] by L.J. Smith

Publisher:Harper Teen[June 26, 2007]
Paperback:512 pages
Reading Level: Young Adult

Summary[from the book]:

Damon
Determined to make Elena his queen of darkness, he'd kill his own brother to possess her.
Stefan
Desperate for the power to destroy Damon, he succumbs to his thirst for human blood.
Elena
Irresistibly drawn to both brothers, her choice will decide their fate.
The terrifying story of two vampire brothers and the beautiful girl torn between them.

Review on The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening:

It was an amazing book. I had it on my shelf for a long time and finally decided to read it. After I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. It was impossible to and I didn't want to. I LOVE vampires, so this was awesome for me. I love the romance between Stefan and Elena. :)I recommend this to anyone who loves a good vampire novel :).

Rating:
10/10

Review on The Vampire Diaries: The struggle:

This was VERY good. Though, I was very mad at the end because of her "almost dying". I love Stefan and Elena as a couple. And I don't like many of the characters in here. They make me want to smack them. I highly recommend this series!

Rating:
9/10

If you would like to purchase this book or any books in the Vampire Diaries series, please feel free to have a look around in the Readers' Sanctuary's store. :)

e first.

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

2008-07-11T08:21:00.000-04:00

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Publisher:Little, brown and company[May 6, 2008]
Hardcover: 624 pages
Reading level: Adult
Release date:May 6th,2008

Summary[from the book]:

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.
When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too-vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.
Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves— Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love.

Review:
This book was a little hard to get into at first, but after a couple of pages I was completely into it. You could have probably smacked me across my face and I wouldn't have known it. Stephenie Meyer has yet again, completely amazed me. If you think the "Twilight series" is good, then you should definitely read The Host, it may be nothing like it. But it is definitely a great read. It has become one of my favorite books. Great job Stephenie!

Rating:
10/10

If you would like to purchase this book, please feel free to have a look around in the Readers' Sanctuary's store. :)

Review Archives

2008-07-10T22:06:00.003-04:00

Here is a review of everything I have reviewed in alphabetical order. Enjoy!

A

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray [Book #1 of the Gemma Doyle Trilogy]
Anatomy of a Boyfriend by Daria Snadowsky

B

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer [Book #4 of the Twilight Saga]

C

D

E

Extras by Scott Westerfeld [Book #4 of the Uglies Trilogy]

F

G

H

I

J

Just Breathe by Susan Wiggs

K

L

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

M

N

O

P

Pretties by Scott Westerfeld [Book #2 of the Uglies Trilogy]

Q

R

Rebel Angels by Libba Bray [Book #2 of the Gemma Doyle Trilogy]

S
Savvy girl by Lynn Messina
Severed Ties by Kevin Krohn [Volume 1]
Specials by Scott Westerfeld [Book #3 of the Uglies Trilogy]

T

The Host: A novel by Stephenie Meyer
The Man in the Moon by Tom Tancin [Book #1 of The Detective Lindsey Scott Novels]
Two-Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt

U

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld [Book #1 of the Uglies Trilogy]

V

Vampire Diaries, The:[#1]The Awakening, [#2] The Struggle by L.J Smith
Vampire Diaries, The:[#3]The Fury, [#4] The Dark Reunion by L.J Smith

W

X

Y

Z

Author Interviews

2008-07-10T21:59:00.001-04:00

Here are all my Author Interviews! Enjoy! :)

P.C Cast
Tom Tancin

About

2008-07-10T21:41:00.003-04:00

About the Readers' Sanctuary

The Readers' Sanctuary is a place to read book reviews, author interviews and lots more. I hope to encourage people to read! Reading is one of the most wonderful things you can do with your spare time. You pick up a book and enter a whole new world and become a whole new person.
People usually ask me why I read so much. It's because I love to read and I think of it more than just a hobby or something I do when I can; I think of it as a lifestyle. I also want to become a well known author someday.[Someday soon!]
Reading makes you smarter!
So pick up a good book, anything that interest you, and read! Read, read, and read some more! As much as you can because it is a beautiful thing to know how to do.
So do it!

About Amanda

My name is Amanda! But you may call me Mandy if you wish :).
I am sixteen-years-old, and am a huge fan of reading! I am not just a reader, but also a writer; it's my passion. I hope to one day be a well known writer. I also like music and most of the everyday teenager stuff. If there is anything that you wish to know about me, just ask. I don't bite, I promise! :)

You can e-mail me at:
MandyxMetamorphic[at]clearwire[dot]net
Or you can IM me at these three messengers:
yahoo: drunkenbutterfly92[at]yahoo[dot]com
AIM: OctoberXDusk[at]aol[dot]com
MSN: drunkenbutterfly[at]live[dot]com
Or you can even add me on my personal myspace here.
Or message me on the Readers' Sanctuary's myspace.!:)
I am usually always online or near the computer due to homeschooling and my writing. So feel free to Instant- message me, e-mail me or message me over myspace.

Add the Readers' Sanctuary on myspace!