Review: All That Glows by Ryan Graudin

Title: All That Glows by Ryan Graudin

Published by: HarperTeen

Release date: February 11^th, 2014

Source: ARC

Format: eBook

Genre: Paranormal | Fairies | Romance

Age group: Young adult

Grade rate: C+

Emrys—a fiery, red-headed Fae—always embraced her life in the Highlands, far from the city’s draining technology, until she’s sent to London to rejoin the Faery Guard. But this isn’t any normal assignment—she’s sent to guard Prince Richard: Britain’s notorious, partying bad boy and soon-to-be King. The prince’s careless ways and royal blood make him the irresistible for the dark spirits that feed on mortals. Sweet, disheveled, and alive with adventure—Richard is one charge who will put Emrys’s magic and heart to the test.When an ancient force begins preying on the monarchy, Emrys must hunt through the London’s magical underworld, facing down Banshees, Black Dogs and Green Women to find the one who threatens Richard’s life. In this chaos of dark magic, palace murders and paparazzi, Emrys finds herself facing an impossible choice. For despite all her powers, Emrys has discovered a force that burns brighter than magic: love.

My Review

What enticed me to read All That Glows is its beautiful cover and that it is a book about fairies.  I’m a sucker for both pretty covers and fairy books. 

This is a story about fairies and other things that go bump in the night that takes place in contemporary England.  It explores how modern technology has made the fairies weaker and older fairies cannot come near the city of London.  How these magical beings manage the sickness that drains them.  The guard is tasked with protecting the monarchs since the time of Arthur Pendragon; an invisible safeguard to maintain the blood magic alive.

We get to understand Emrys a lot more than Richard probably because she is our narrator.  Emrys (beautiful name, right?) is brave, loving, loyal, strong, powerful, and of course, gorgeous.  She is really old (although she looks 17, of course), and has seen a lot, she’s jaded about a lot of things, until she sees Richard.  There is a special and inexplicable connection between the two.

Richard is the prince of England, handsome, spoiled and full of vices and irresponsibility.  Emrys brings out the best of him and gives him strength to face a world that he didn’t know anything about.  Sometimes the relationship between Emrys and Richard felt too dependent on each other. I know if sound very romantic, but to me it sounds unhealthy. 

The world building was not extensive and the background information given was necessary and adequate.  The writing is easy to read and lovely, but it was full of metaphors and similes, which I found sometimes unnecessary.  The plot is simple, but I have to say that I did NOT guessed who was the “Old One” that was causing all the havoc.  I always love stories where the couple is sort of pre-destined to be together, when they have a deeper connection or prior forgotten past and I love that aspect of the story.  However, I felt like at the ending all the loose ends where tied too neatly; there seemed to be an explanation (and solution) for everything.  Is not that I was expecting an unhappy ending precisely, but that the ending felt rushed and it was disappointing and poorly executed. 

At the end All That Glows is a romantic, light read that was quite enjoyable. 

Some quotes for you:

“I blink, allowing the word to simmer for a moment. Love. A word for Fae never even think to utter.  There was duty, magic, power, honor – but never love. That was for humans, to fill the gaps in their lives. To make the shortness of their years bearable.”

“You’d be dashing no matter what you wore.”

“You think so?”

“Stop fishing for compliments. You know you’re sickeningly handsome.” I mean for these words to be teasing, but they betray me. Come out earnest.

“So you’re saying I make you sick?”

“Yes, Embers. You are my yes. You’re the one I’ll love until the day I die.”

About the cover: As you can tell from the first sentence of my review, the cover is gorgeous! Its airy, whimsical and the font is so pretty. 

Have you read this one?  Do you like books about fairies? Do you like couples that are pre-destined to be together?  Do you like the cover?

Top Ten 2014 Debuts Arianne's Excited For

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and the Bookish

2014 is definitely the year of unique debuts! My Top Ten consists of the most unusual and intriguing 2014 titles I could think of - so why not tell us about yours in the comments and see how it compares?

1. Alienated by Melissa Landers

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

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class. 

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

2. The Break Up Artist by Philip Siegel

Some sixteen-year-olds babysit for extra cash. Some work at the Gap. Becca Williamson breaks up couples. 



One night, she receives a mysterious offer to break up the homecoming king and queen, the one zombie couple to rule them all: Steve and Huxley. They are a JFK and Jackie O in training, masters of sweeping faux-mantic gestures, but if Becca can split them up, then school will be safe again for singletons. To succeed, she'll have to plan her most elaborate scheme to date and wiggle her way back into her former BFF Huxley’s life – not to mention start a few rumors, sabotage some cell phones, break into a car, and fend off the inappropriate feelings she’s having about Val’s new boyfriend. All while avoiding a past victim out to expose her true identity.

No one said being the Break-Up Artist was easy.

3. The Vigilante Poets ofSelwyn Academy by Kate Hattemer

Witty, sarcastic Ethan and his three friends decide to take down the reality TV show, For Art's Sake, that is being filmed at their high school, the esteemed Selwyn Arts Academy, where each student is more talented than the next. While studying Ezra Pound in English class, the friends are inspired to write a vigilante long poem and distribute it to the student body, detailing the evils of For Art's Sake. But then Luke—the creative force behind the poem and leader of the anti-show movement—becomes a contestant on the nefarious show. It's up to Ethan, his two remaining best friends, and a heroic gerbil named Baconnaise to save their school. Along the way, they'll discover a web of secrets and corruption involving the principal, vice principal, and even their favorite teacher.

4. Not in the Script by Amy Finnegan

Millions of people witnessed Emma Taylor’s first kiss—a single kiss that needed twelve takes and four camera angles to get right. 

After spending nearly all of her teen years performing on cue, Emma wonders how much of her own life is even real anymore. But her new co-star, Jake Elliott, couldn’t care less about how many scenes he has to fake his way through; he needs the money. Toss in a reckless heartthrob, desperate for a comeback, and a resident diva who may or may not be as evil as she seems, and the production of Coyote Hills is about to heat up in unexpected—and romantic—ways. 

5. Breakfast Served Anytime by Sarah Combs

A coming-of-age debut evokes the bittersweet joys and pangs of finding independence in one unforgettable summer away at "geek camp." 

When Gloria sets out to spend the summer before her senior year at a camp for gifted and talented students, she doesn’t know quite what to expect. Fresh from the heartache of losing her grandmother and missing her best friend, Gloria resolves to make the best of her new circumstances. But some things are proving to be more challenging than she expected. Like the series of mysterious clues left by a certain Professor X before he even shows up to teach his class, Secrets of the Written Word. Or the very sweet, but very conservative, roommate whose coal-industry family champions mountaintop removal. Not to mention the obnoxious Mason, who dresses like the Mad Hatter and immediately gets on Gloria’s nerves — but somehow won’t escape her thoughts. 

6. Banished (The Blackhart Legacy #1) by Liz de Jager 

Sworn to protect, honour and slay. Because chaos won’t banish itself…

Kit is proud to be a Blackhart, now she’s encountered her unorthodox cousins and their strange lives. And her home-schooling now includes spells, fighting enemy fae and using ancient weapons. But it’s not until she rescues a rather handsome fae prince, fighting for his life on the edge of Blackhart Manor, that her training really kicks in. With her family away on various missions, Kit must protect Prince Thorn, rely on new friends and use her own unfamiliar magic to stay ahead of Thorn’s enemies. As things go from bad to apocalyptic, fae battle fae in a war that threatens to spill into the human world. Then Kit pits herself against the Elder Gods themselves – it’s that or lose everyone she’s learnt to love.

7. 17 First Kisses by Rachael Allen

No matter how many boys Claire kisses, she can’t seem to find a decent boyfriend. Someone who wouldn’t rather date her gorgeous best friend, Megan. Someone who won’t freak out when he learns about the tragedy her family still hasn’t recovered from. Someone whose kisses can carry her away from her backwoods town for one fleeting moment.

Until Claire meets Luke.

But Megan is falling for Luke, too, and if there’s one thing Claire knows for sure, it’s that Megan’s pretty much irresistible.

With true love and best friendship on the line, Claire suddenly has everything to lose. And what she learns—about her crush, her friends, and most of all herself—makes the choices even harder.

8. Storm Chaser by Sheila Rance

Silk whispers. Clouds gather. A storm is coming.

Many years ago, a storm brought Maia to the cliffs. Now she is Sun Catcher in the land of Khandar, but when her father, Tareth, needs silk, Maia must go back to the clifftops she once fled. Danger awaits her every step of the way: assassins, thought-stealers, the Marsh Lord - all greedy for her power. And Razek, who deserted his people to follow her, must pay a high price as he tries to bend wind and rain to his will - and chase away the storms.

9. Ask Again Later by Liz Czukas 

Despite what her name might suggest, Heart has zero interest in complicated romance. So when her brilliant plan to go to prom with a group of friends is disrupted by two surprise invites, Heart knows there's only one drama-free solution: flip a coin.

Heads: The jock. He might spend all night staring at his ex or throw up in the limo, but how bad can her brother's best friend really be? 

Tails: The theater geek...with a secret. What could be better than a guy who shares all Heart's interests--even if he wants to share all his feelings?

Heart's simple coin flip has somehow given her the chance to live out both dates. But where her prom night ends up might be the most surprising thing of all...

10. Boys Like You by Juliana Stone 

For Monroe Blackwell, one small mistake has torn her family apart –leaving her empty and broken. There’s a hole in her heart that nothing can fill. That no one can fill. And a summer in Louisiana with her Grandma isn’t going to change that…

Nathan Everets knows heartache first-hand when a car accident leaves his best friend in a coma. And it’s his fault. He should be the one lying in the hospital. The one who will never play guitar again. He doesn’t deserve forgiveness, and a court-appointed job at the Blackwell B&B isn’t going to change that…

Captivating and hopeful, this achingly poignant novel brings together two lost souls struggling with grief and guilt – looking for acceptance, so they can find forgiveness.

Top Ten 2013 YA Debuts I'm Looking Forward To

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and the Bookish

This is tough one, but indeed I have a really LOOOOOOONG TRB list and these are some of the YA debut book that I'm waiting for this year. 

Undercurrent by Paul Blackwell (July 23rd | HarperTeen) - Sound like a physiological thriller and besides I love this cover.

 Dance of Shadows by Yelena Black (February 12|Bloomsbury) - Just so pretty and sounds amazing too. 

Taken by Erin Bowman (April 16th | HarperTeen) - I've had great luck with fantasy and sci-fi lately and this one sounds really interesting. 

Splintered by A.G. Howard (January 1st | Amulet Books) - This book is already available and I've only heard great things about it.

Some Quiet Place by Kelsey Sutton  (July 8th | Flux) -  I really don't even care what's it about, this cover is just so pretty. 

Chantress by Amy Butler Greenfield (May 7th | Margaret McElderry Books) - Another amazing cover and it sounds really different.

Level 2 by Lenore Appelhans (January 15th | Simon & Schuster) - It's by Lenore, that's enough for me!

 Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza (March 12 | Katherine Tegen Books) - Amazing cover and description. 

City of a Thousand Dolls by Miriam Forster (February 5th |  HarperTeen) - This one was in my WOW a while ago, I love this type of books. 

Poison by Bridget Zinn (March 12th | Disney Hyperion) - Looks like the cover for a Disney fairy tale, right?  

Do you see something in common?  I'm a sucker for pretty covers!  

What 2013 debuts are you eagerly waiting for? 

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Stitch by Samantha Durante

Hi Gorgeous people!  Today I have a great treat for you in the form of review of Stitch, but stay with me for a guest post and giveaway too!

Title: Stitch by Samantha Durante

Published:  August 1^st, 2012 by Samantha Durante

Source: Provided by the author for review

Format: Paperback

Challenge(s): Debut author

Grade Rate: B+

Her heart races, her muscles coil, and every impulse in Alessa's body screams at her to run... but yet she's powerless to move.

Still struggling to find her footing after the sudden death of her parents, the last thing college freshman Alessa has the strength to deal with is the inexplicable visceral pull drawing her to a handsome ghostly presence. In between grappling with exams and sorority soirees - and disturbing recurring dreams of being captive in a futuristic prison hell - Alessa is determined to unravel the mystery of the apparition who leaves her breathless. But the terrifying secret she uncovers will find her groping desperately through her nightmares for answers.

Because what Alessa hasn't figured out yet is that she's not really a student, the object of her obsession is no ghost, and her sneaking suspicions that something sinister is lurking behind the walls of her university's idyllic campus are only just scratching the surface...

The opening installment in a twist-laden trilogy, Stitch spans the genres of paranormal romance and dystopian sci-fi to explore the challenges of a society in transition, where morality, vision, and pragmatism collide leaving the average citizen to suffer the results.

My Review

I was very excited when Ms. Durante contacted me to be part of the blog tour for Stitch, and I’m happy to report that I was not disappointed in the least!

Stitch is a clever mix of many genres.  At the beginning I thought that this was a ghost story, but as the story progressed I found out that it is part mystery, part thriller, part sci-fi, part romance and most surprisingly a dystopian novel.   

The main character is Alessa, who is a brave, confused, smart girl that is obsessed with an apparition (aka as ghost) that she starts seeing in her sorority house.   As she searches for the truth about who her handsome ghost is, she unravels something much more sinister and harder to grasp.  We get some clues as to what might be going on in the form of nightmares that plague Alessa’s existence.   Issac is the ghost, but as we get a few chapters and sections from his point of view, we find out that Alessa is an apparition for him as well.  This is when the plot starts getting much more interesting and the story picks up the pace.  Is a little harder to identify with Isaac as he is not present on the story as much, but we do get a pretty good insight from Alessa’s point of view.  I also liked Janie, Alessa’s best friend and her sole support system. 

I am fascinated by the notion that two people are so attuned to each other, so in love with each other, that they can recognize each other on a deeper level, even if they cannot remember their past.

The story started a bit slow for me.  It is hard to build the story line and the plot, and then include all the twists and turns that appear out of nowhere.   The plot is, therefore, unique in its complexity and there is still a lot to be discovered. The writing is very descriptive and easy to read.   I wish I could tell you more (and I know this sounds very mysterious), but you need to read Stitch, my lips, as they say, are sealed :) 

Shudder is the second book in the trilogy and I will definitely read it.

About the cover:  Isn’t it beautiful?  I love the cover, both Alessa and Isaac are on it and you can see the ‘stitch’ and what’s in between them (which makes a lot of sense after you read the book). 

Where to find Stitch: Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes & noble

Samantha Durante lives in New York City with her husband, Sudeep, and her cat, Gio. Formerly an engineer at Microsoft, Samantha left the world of software in 2010 to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams and a lifelong love of writing. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology, Samantha is currently working full time for her company Medley Media Associates as a freelance business writer and communications consultant. Stitch is her first novel. Learn more about Samantha at www.samanthadurante.com.

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How Dystopia Happens by Samantha Durante, Author of Stitch

I LOVE dystopian books.  Even putting aside the awesome characters and exciting storylines found in so many great dystopian novels, just learning about the world itself could easily be enough to keep my interest.  Dystopian societies are fascinating.  So many rules, such a different way of doing things, and it always seems to just work for the people of that society (until, of course, it doesn’t – and that’s where the fun begins!).

But there’s one thing about my beloved dystopian books which has always driven me nuts, and it’s this: no one ever explains how the world came about.  There’s always some vague backstory about a war or a catastrophe a hundred-plus years ago that brought our current world to its knees, and then out of the ashes rose this wonderful new society where everything was neat and tidy and everyone accepted these crazy new rules just as they were.

But how does that really work?  At what point in history have we ever seen one civilization transition into the next without some sort of fight?  For the sake of enjoying the story, I always swallow this jagged little pill and accept that the society stands, but there’s forever a tiny voice in the back of my head saying, “Wait – how does any of this make sense?  Why would these people allow this to happen?  Why would they submit themselves to this kind of control when they knew freedom before?  And who put these crazy leaders in charge, anyway?”

When I decided to write Stitch, I vowed that I would do things differently.  I wanted to explore a society in transition – not one where the rules were in place, but one where the people in charge were still trying to figure them out.  I wanted to try to understand how we could go from the world we live in today to something totally different, and who could have made that happen and, most importantly, why they would go to the trouble.  (And before you start harping on me, I will freely admit that no, I did NOT answer most of these questions in the first book – but this is what a trilogy is for!  I promise I will answer all the questions to the best of my ability by the end of book 3.)

In Stitch, the characters are the first generation to rise from the rubble and start fresh in a new society.  They’re young – only teenagers when everything happens – and you get to watch from their eyes how our world came tumbling down, to be replaced with something different, something which was shiny on the surface but sinister underneath.  And you’ll be by their side as they try to figure out what they can do to set things right.

After all, the threat of a dystopia is very real.  With today’s volatile economic and political environment, it’s a material possibility that our grandchildren could one day live on a planet that resembles what we’ve come to call a dystopia.  And in Stitch, I explain through the eyes of people like us just how that could happen – and, hopefully, what we could do to stop it.

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