Review: Emblaze by Jessica Shirvington + Giveaway

March 5, 2013 by Leave a Comment

EmblazeTitle: Emblaze

Author: Jessica Shirvington

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Release Date: March 5th, 2013

Interest: Series continuation

Source: E-ARC received via NetGalley from the publisher

Summary (From Goodreads): Once again Violet Eden faces an impossible choice … and the consequences are unimaginable. 

Violet has come to terms with the fact that being part angel, part human, means her life will never be as it was.

Now Violet has something Phoenix – the exiled angel who betrayed her – will do anything for, and she has no intention of letting it fall into his hands. The only problem is that he has something she needs too. 

Not afraid to raise the stakes, Phoenix seemingly holds all the power, always one step ahead. And when he puts the final pieces of the prophecy together, it doesn’t take him long to realise exactly who he needs in order to open the gates of Hell.

With the help of surprising new allies, ancient prophecies are deciphered, a destination set and, after a shattering confrontation with her father, Violet leaves for the islands of Greece without knowing if she will have a home to return to…

First, if you haven’t read Embrace or the second book, Entice, do not read this review.

It’s becoming more and more difficult to write these reviews because I’m constantly worried about including a spoiler unintentionally, so I’m going to write my review as a list.  Here it goes…

  • Once again, Jessica Shirvington delivers tons of action.  It’s almost on a constant loop in Emblaze.
  • The angst!  The forbidden love!  It hasn’t died down, that’s for sure!  A plus to this is that Violet never strikes me as whiny.  In fact, that’s a major plus.
  • I love how Stef’s character is developing.  I have some predictions about her and some questions as well.  She balances Violet and keeps her grounded which I love.
  • I kind of wish Spence played a bigger role in Emblaze.  He’s in the story, but I missed the large part he played in Entice.
  • Embrace and Entice kept me hooked the entire time, but there were times during Emblaze that really dragged.  Most of those scenes are between big action scenes when the characters are sort of at a stand still and spending too much time discussing strategy or history.
  • I was hoping for more development between Lincoln and Violet.  Their relationship needs to move along more (in one way or another) considering this is the third book in the series.
  • I loved the surprise ending.  I’m really looking forward to where that takes the story in the fourth book.
  • Overall I really enjoyed Emblaze and am looking forward to passing it on to my diehard fans in class :)

Win a copy of Emblaze by Jessica Shirvington

*Open to US and Cananda only
*Giveaway provided by the publisher–Thank you, Sourcebooks Fire!
*Must be 13 years or older to enter
*Only one entry per person
*Giveaway ends 3/26/13 at 11:59 EST
*Winner will be notified via email & have 48 hours to respond

 

Filed Under: Contests and Giveaways, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

1st Hour Book Love

February 8, 2013 by 3 Comments

After reading Cindy’s blog post about the ALA awards, I came up with the idea to ask my students which books are their favorites and deserve awards.  I asked my 1st-3rd hour to list books they read and loved in 2012.  I expressed that it’s great if they’re 2012 releases, but it’s okay if they’re not.  With the help of my fabulous cadet teacher (senior class student who plans on becoming a teacher), Tristan, I have the top books listed for each class.  I’m posting the 1st hour results today, and I’ll post the next two class results over the next two days.

Top Choice: If I Lie by Corrine Jackson
**Side note–A few students cheered when I told them this was the top choice 1st hour**

If I Lie

What students said about If I Lie (Goodreads):

“I listed this book because she stayed true to her friend no matter how badly it affected her.” -Trista

“It’s touching and super cute.” -Kaelyn

Honorary Titles:

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga (Goodreads)

I Hunt Killers final

Stupid Fast by Geoff Herbach (Goodreads)
“It’s just good all-around” -Joe (a very to the point answer :) )

Stupid Fast

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin (Goodreads)
“I love how she slowly uncovers everything.” -Katie

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

Embrace by Jessica Shirvington (Goodreads)

Embrace

Divergent by Veronica Roth (Goodreads)
**Side note–This class is very excited about the third book releasing & this being made into a movie.**

Divergent

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs (Goodreads)
“It’s different and not predictable at all.” -Kara

Miss-Peregrines-Home-for-Peculiar-Children

Shut Out by Kody Keplinger (Goodreads)

Shut Out

Crank by Ellen Hopkins (Goodreads)

crank

Looking for Alaska by John Green (Goodreads)
**Side note–Announcing this title sparked a lot of debate because some loved it and others didn’t like it at all.**

“I love the Before and After because it allows us to see how Pudge handles everything **avoiding spoiler** after.” -Hannah B.

cover-of-looking-for-alaska

Filed Under: So Many Lists..., Teaching :) Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Favorite Books of 2012

December 31, 2012 by 3 Comments

To be honest, this has been kind of a tough reading year for me.  I finished my Masters, I’ve been working on feeling better and getting healthier, and I’ve been working my butt off in my classroom (new classes, new units, etc.).  I’ve still read a large amount of books, but I’m hoping 2013 will be a smoother, easier reading year.

Putting this list together wasn’t any easier this year than it was last year, but I’m happy with the group of books I’ve decided on.  This is a list of the ten books that have stayed with me this year.  They aren’t numbered in any particular order.

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood (Goodreads)–I’ve blogged about this debut quite a few times this year and it’s because it’s just that good.  I love the time period, the romance, the magic, the characters, etc.  The sequel doesn’t release until later in 2013 unfortunately, but it will be worth the wait.

Embrace by Jessica Shirvington (Goodreads)–I still enjoy reading paranormal fantasy, but it’s not as alluring as it used to be.  Jessica Shirvington’s Embrace series, however, has held my interest because it’s exciting, mysterious, and oh-so-swoonworthy.

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (Goodreads)–Maggie Stiefvater is a rock star.  I love the magical realism in this story and even though I read this over the summer, I’m still thinking about the characters and the awesome ending.

Born WickedEmbraceThe Raven Boys

Leverage by Joshua C. Cohen (Goodreads)–This actually released in 2011, but I didn’t read it until this year.  If you haven’t read it yet, and you can handle a gut-wrenching story about bullying, I highly recommend you get a copy.  It recently released in paperback which helps a book budget.  The characters in this book are sure to stay with you for a long time after you finish reading it.

Ask the Passengers by A.S. King (Goodreads)–I just read this a couple days ago, and I knew it had to go on this list.  There’s a reason A.S. King is one of my absolute favorite authors and Astrid’s story is now one of my top reasons.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio (Goodreads)–This is technically a middle grade title, and I did read it with my ears, but Auggie’s story is for everyone of all ages.  This is an incredibly touching story that begs to be read by everyone.

LeverageAsk the PassengersWonder Book Cover

Easy by Tammara Webber (Goodreads)–If you’re new to the world of New Adult like I am, I suggest starting with Easy.  This book is seriously awesome and one I could not put down.  I love the character growth, the steamy romance, the setting, everything.

Freshman Year & Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin (Goodreads)–Sometimes I need a lighthearted book that will make me smile and laugh.  This debut did all of that and more.  I love reading it to my YA Lit classes because it works well as a read aloud and it’s that much fun to read over and over again.

Boy21 by Matthew Quick (Goodreads)–I’ve praised this book over and over again and I won’t stop.  It’s a great story about friendship, loyalty, self-discovery, and family.  I hope you read it.

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller (Goodreads)–As soon as I finished this debut I knew it was going to be a 2012 favorite.  But let’s be honest, it’s an all-time favorite.  I’m still thinking about Travis and Harper and I read this back in the spring.  Trish Doller is an author to watch.

easyFreshman Year & Other Unnatural DisastersBoy21Something Like Normal

Filed Under: Awesome Authors, So Many Lists... Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Who Will You Entice? Giveaway

October 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment

My students and I absolutely love Jessica Shirvington’s Embrace series, so I’m very excited to offer a copy of both Embrace and Entice to one lucky winner!  Thank you, Sourcebooks Fire, for offering such a fantastic giveaway!

Giveaway Details:

My rave reviews for Embrace and Entice.
One lucky winner will win a copy of Embrace and Entice.
Giveaway open to residents of the US and Canada only.
One entry per person.
Must be 13 years or older to enter.
Giveaway ends Saturday, October 13th, 2012 at 11:59 EST.
No extra entries required, but spreading the word is appreciated!
Winner will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to respond.

Filed Under: Contests and Giveaways Tagged With: , , , ,

Review: Entice by Jessica Shirvington

October 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Title: Entice

Author: Jessica Shirvington

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Release Date: September 4th, 2012

Interest: Second in a series / Paranormal Fantasy

Source: ARC received from a friend (Thanks, Jillian!)

Summary (From Goodreads):

US EDITION

Violet Eden is Grigori – part angel, part human. Her destiny is to protect humans from the vengence of exiled angels.
Knowing who to trust is key but, when Grigori reinforcements arrive, it becomes clear everyone is hiding something. Even Lincoln. The only thing Violet does know: Phoenix’s hold over her is more dangerous than ever.
The race to find the one thing that could tilt the balance of power brings them all to the sacred mountains of Jordan, where Violet’s power will be pushed to the extreme. And the ultimate betrayal exposed.

Enticed is the second compelling book in The Violet Eden Chapters.

If you haven’t read Embrace yet, then I think you should probably skip reading this review because it might spoil some things from the first book.  Fair warning :)

Because I loved Entice even more than Embrace, here’s a list of love for Jessica Shirvington’s second book in the Embrace series (in no particular order).

1.  Lincoln.  He’s full of secrets again, but I’m willing to look past that because he always redeems himself.  This girl is so #TeamLincoln.

2. Spence.  He’s a new character who’s still waiting for his Grigori partner, but he’s joining Violet and the others so he can train more.  I love his character because he adds a much-needed element of snark, wittiness, and comic relief.  Violet is pretty snarky, but Spence has a different tone when he uses it.  I love how he balances out Violet and is there for her purely as a friend.

3. Steph.  It’s great that she’s still in the story and playing a much bigger role than she did in Embrace.  I hope her role continues to grow throughout the series.

4. The romance.  Entice isn’t as steamy as Embrace, but it’s still chock full of passion.  There’s plenty of kissing and angst and looks of longing, but nothing as sultry as the big Phoenix/Violet scene from Embrace.  After everything that happens in Embrace, it’s probably good that readers get a bit of a breather.  I have a feeling that might change in book three…

5. The pacing.  I simply couldn’t put this down.  There’s so much intrigue and action.  If I were Violet I’d need a serious vacation and/or series of mental health days after everything that happens in Entice.  If there isn’t someone’s life on the line or danger lurking, there’s something emotionally tolling happening.

6. Phoenix.  I’m still on the fence about him.  He’s a huge jerk to Violet in this book, but at the same time, I’m still drawn to his character.  Yep, he can draw me in, too.  He’s the typical “bad guy.”  Though there’s moments and flickers of something more in Entice.  All of that mystery is part of what makes him so much fun to read.

Obviously the characters won me over in Entice.  Jessica Shirvington really knows how to write a well-paced, action-packed love story.

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Cover Reveal: Entice by Jessica Shirvington

May 31, 2012 by 2 Comments

Angels in the paranormal romance genre have been a big hit lately, and this year I was introduced to a new angels series.  A few months ago I read and loved Embrace by Jessica Shirvington, and today I get to reveal the cover for her second book in the series Entice!  You’ll probably notice the cover for Entice has changed quite a bit from Embrace, which Sourcebooks Fire editor Leah Hultenschmidt  explains: “For Entice, we really wanted to have the cover reflect the darker edge of the story and Violet’s toughness.”

I’m excited to catch a glimpse of what lies ahead for Violet:

“Two tutors and three students from the Grigori training center in New York were arriving in two days and I couldn’t be happier.  I was going to be able to learn from the experts and have people my own age to train with, something I really needed.  I was sure with their help I would be able to get over whatever it was that had been holding me back. 

 Griffin had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the two senior Grigori –the intelligence, resources and backup they could provide was much needed.  The Scripture that can decipher the identity of all Grigori, even those who have not yet embraced and are therefore defenseless, was at stake. 

 I would not stand by and watch it fall into the hands of exiles.  If they found they key to destroying all Grigori and gained the upper hand, the slaughter would not stop until all the humans knelt before them, worshipping them as gods.”

Summary (From the Publisher): Seventeen-year-old Violet Eden’s is back! With a destiny to protect humans from the vengeance of exiled angels it becomes clear that it won’t be easy as even her partner, Lincoln, is hiding something.  And now she has to learn to live with her feelings for him while they work together to stay alive and stop the exiles from discovering the key to destroy all Grigori.  It isn’t easy. Especially when the electricity between her and  Phoenix ignites and she discovers his hold over her has become more dangerous than ever.  Violet’s power will be pushed to the extreme with a race halfway across the world to find the one artifact that could tilt the balance of power between Angels and Exiles.  And the ultimate betrayal will be exposed.

So are you ready for the cover?!  Entice by Jessica Shirvington releases from Sourcebooks Fire on September 4th, 2012.

Exciting Extras!

Check out Jessica’s brand new video blog post where she sits down with a cup of coffee and invites us into her home.  From her favorite chair to her love of befriending characters in a series, Jessica chats with us about her perfect setting for a good read!


You can read the first two chapters of Entice here!

Exciting News!!  Jessica Shirvington will be traveling to the U.S for a two-week national book tour for Entice starting September 18.  Keep an eye on www.embracetheseries.com for more details.

Filed Under: Upcoming Releases Tagged With: , , , , ,