Evermore Review & Bookmark

So, I actually read this last Saturday, but found myself unable to review it. Maybe I'm just still stuck in over-critical-analytical mode due to IB English, or maybe it's because TOK (Theory of Knowledge) is really starting to mess with my head because of all these perception, reality, bias etc. concepts. I don't even know. But to get back in the spirit of things, I guess the only way is to just jump right in and go for it. So without further ado:

Evermore (the immortals) - Alyson Noel

After the death of her family, consumed with guilt Ever Bloom's personality takes a one-eighty dive. No longer Miss Popular, she's turned into a freak. A physic freak who avoids human touch at all costs, so she won't have to hear their life stories. New school, new city, new Ever. And it sucks. Until she meets Damen Auguste, and she's drawn into a mysterious world chockful of secrets and danger. Falling illogically in love with someone who leaves an endless trail of questions but can silence the visions in her head - is that really prudent? Who - or what - is Damen really? And just what is the significance of all those red tulips that accost her everywhere?

In Evermore Alyson Noel has woven an enticing beginning to her the immortals series. The main protag's name, Ever Bloom*, is beautiful and original, and makes an interesting play-on. The relationship between Ever and Damen progressed a little too quickly in the beginning, going from I-definitely-don't-have-a-thing-for-him to BAM! I'm-irrevocably-in-love-with-him, but this doesn't stand out glaringly, due to Noel's beautiful storytelling style.

Diction choice was eloquent and flowed beautifully, especially with those descriptions coming in groups of three. The concept behind the story was intriguing, and it was a new take on common YA themes. Characterization was very well done; Ever is real and dimensional, suffering in silence and just wanting an escape from the angst of her life experience at such a tender age. The besties Haven and Miles were interesting personas, quircky but endearing. The "magical" characters were relatively good, but there were facets that were slightly shallow and uncredible. The tie-ins to history were nicely inserted, and rooted the story more firmly in realism.

Summerland was a beautiful idea. Noel has crafted quite the introduction to her immortals saga, and it's no wonder that Evermore has cracked bestseller lists. Evermore is a wonderful urban fantasy/paranormal romance read that will be enjoyed by many teenage female fans, if current trends are accurately predictive. I'm definitely going to be checking out the sequel, Blue Moon (August 2009).

*Although I actually didn't know her surname was Bloom until after I finished the book and re-read the synopsis on the back.

**Feel free to print & use the Evermore bookmark (left)

Fabulous Me (+ 5)

Recently I've been nomiated for Your Blog is Fabulous! by the super-awesome Steph of Steph Su Reads, which is really exciting as it's my first blog award. And of course, the fact that it says "I'm Awesome" doesn't hurt. Thanks muchly!

Rules: List five things you are obsessed with/addicted to and then nominate five other fabulous blogs to pass on this award on to!

I'm not very good at these things, but I guess I'll try to come up with a couple [interesting] ones.

[1] Food - It's just so good. Seriously, I'm addicted to junk food or something. I eat a lot; my metabolism works pretty fast, so I'm hungry often. Especially during badminton season. Practises (and tournaments) can be intense!

[2] Badminton - No, not backyard badminton - that's almost an insult to the sport. And yes, badminton is a real sport. Not for the weak, I assure you, despite popular belief! It's intense. It's good. It makes me feel awake, as odd as that may sound.

[3] Sticky Notes - These things are just so versatile! Scrawl down random notes and stick them wherever. Super useful, what can else can I say?

[4] Crimson Hero - (By Mitsuba Takanashi) I don't read manga, but this is the one I do read. It's great; beautiful artwork combined with a hilarious storyline! And the characters are just so lovable. (It's about volleyball, and there's love triangles and much humour!) I've actually laughed out loud numerous times while reading it. And there's this one image of Yushin where he really reminds me of Squib, from 15/Love (show), which I also really like.

[5] Okay, so about #5. I'm [pretty sure] that I had one for this... and then I forgot. And now I don't want to just randomly put in something else. So perhaps I'll come back and fill it in when I remember. Or figure out which exactly of the many I was originally intending to put in here. ;)

And I nominate...
~Reliquesce
~Oh Clementine
~The Shady Glade
~Jennifer Banash
~Thao

_______
Bookroom Reviews is currently hosting a Book Giveaway Carnival. Presently there are links to 150 various contests. Hop on over if you haven't already :)

Elizabeth Scott Party

In honour of Something, Maybe's upcoming release, Elizabeth Scott is hosting a celebration (read - giveaways!) for the 22 days leading up to it.

As it turns out, in addition to numerous other novels, she is also the author of Living Dead Girl, which I came thisclose to snagging an ARC of last year, but alas, I arrived at the meeting a little late and all the copies were gone.

You can bet this 22 - day Countdown Celebration will be tons of fun, so hop on over to for more details.

---

Same Stock Photo?

Is it just me, or is it the same stock photo on both of these covers? By golly, I've must've seen both of these covers individually so many times, but I just noticed a few minutes ago that they're the same. Pretty exciting, to discover a "lookalike", especially ones that were released so close together. Either way, both covers look original and super intriguing.

Justina Chen Headley's North of Beautiful seems to have received pretty good feedback, so I'm definitely looking forward to checking it out sometime.

On the other hand, I'm currently in the process of reading Alyson Noel's Evermore. I just got a copy in the mail a Thursday night from Steph Su (contest), which was really exciting. Unfortunately I was in the midst of huge unit tests/camping (i.o.w. no internet) but things have slowed down a bit so hopefully I'll be able to get through it this weekend. I'll keep you updated ;)

And as it's not a Leap Year, today's the last day of February already - wow! Two months into 2009 already; what have you accomplished so far?

Amanda Hosts: Zombie Blog Party

In honour of the upcoming release of Zombie Queen of Newbury High, Amanda Ashby will be hosting a series of fun events to celebrate over at her blog over the next few days. Hop on over and join the festivities!

---
In other news, I got my hair cut and dyed recently. =)

The Kevlar Moustache has officially crested 15K - pretty exciting! Although I still can't help but feel as though I'm still way behind schedule. And the working title's been "changed", although to what exactly will remain a mystery for now ;)

Also, we finally got cable installed the other day. MuchMusic, MTV, YTV, CBC, CTV, etc. oh how I hath missed thee! Unfortunately I've been exceptionally busy and haven't had much time for the telly-fision, as some would say. Has anyone else noticed the explosive amount of reality TV shows on these days?

---
Contests
`YA Book Realm's The September Sisters

Love Day

Happy Valentine's Day

or

SAD (Singles Awareness Day)

But February Fourteenth is something more than just a commercial holiday. It's a day of expressing love and affection. (& this year, it came after a "Friday the 13th") Teenage emotions can be somewhat of a roller coaster ride at times; today is one of the worst days, especially for those dealing with depression, and the consequences of this, such as self-harm, etc.

TWLOHA (To Write Love On Her Arms) - Check it out if you don't know yet what it is. Depression is a topic that's very close to me personally. So today - although you should do this all the time, but especially today - let someone you love know how you feel. It doesn't take very much time or effort; just let them know that you're there, that you care. It could make a huge difference.

Now get out there and start sharing the love.

---
On another note, I'm going watch Slumdog Millionaire tonight. Has anyone else seen it yet? What did you think of it?

Matt Nathanson's Come On, Get Higher is presently stuck in my head.

---
CONTESTS
`Laina's Across the Pond
`MacLean Space's The Season
`100K Celebration Giveaway from Random House

Interview: Jennifer Banash; Update

Jennifer Banash is author of The Elite series:

Where do your ideas for writing come from?
Many of my ideas for my novels come directly from my own experience, but, more often than not, I'l become intrigued by something I see in a magazine, or newspaper article, and the story will just take off from there.

How do you deal with a lack of inspiration (i.e. the muse has gone on vacation)?
Sometimes it feels like the muse is taking a permanent leave of absence! What i get serious writers block, I stop trying to force myself to think of ideas, or write entirely. Instead I read a lot, watch movies, and try to take the pressure off of myself any way I can. I find that when I finally relax, the ideas come flooding back.

What advice would you give to other young aspiring writers?
The same advice everyone else seems to give in interviews--just write. A lot. And don't let anyone discourage you.

If a career in writing nor teaching was possible, what would you choose instead?
If I couldn't write novels or teach, I'd love to work in film as a director or cinematographer. My first love was photography, and I am a serious movie buff.

Name three things you couldn't live without?
My boyfriend, my dog, and chocolate :)

Who is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is Julia Child, oddly enough. She didn't even really learn to cook until she was 36, and managed to make an admirable career for herself late in life. I've always been kind of a late bloomer, so I really relate to her story.

Ice cream or popsicles?
Are you kidding? Ice cream!

---
Update:

Twist Tie recently won First Place in Catsagecat's Respect Models Week Contest (on dA) in the New Models category. There weren't that many entries, so it's not really that big a deal, but it was still quite exciting! :)

Natalie Imbruglia's Torn is presently stuck in my head. It's lovely.

Contests:
`Book Binge's Kill for Me, by Karen Rose
`Shooting Stars Mag's Shrinking Violet
`The Shady Glade's My Life in Pink & Green
`Shhh I'm Reading's Winner's Choice ARC Giveaway
`S. Krishna's Books' Mistress Shakespeare
`Mrs. Magoo's Four Fab Novels

Interview: Nora Baskin; Contests

Nora Raleigh Baskin is a multiple award winning novelist, author of brilliant books such as What Every Girl (except me) Knows, The Truth About my Bat Mitzvah, All We Know of Love, and many others. WEG(em)K is a book that I read about five years ago, but it's stuck with me all this time, a memorable read. Check it out sometime! Recently, I asked her a series of questions and had the fortune of having them answered.

Where do your ideas for writing come from?
All my ideas, for the most part, come from my own life experiences..(in particular my first two novels..they are pretty much auto-biographical)but all my stories are parts of me...I make up very little, to be honest. Even my latest YA novel (ALL WE KNOW OF LOVE) although it has nothing to do with my real life in character or plot..is more true to my "story" in more symbolic and hidden ways.

Do you find certain characters harder to write than others?
No..I use memories of people I know..or myself. I can't say I find any one character harder than another.

What do you do when inspiration is lacking (i.e. the muse has gone on vacation)?
I eat. Or read a lot. I don't force myself to write. (although right now I have a deadline..and it's pretty hard)

What advice would you give to other young aspiring writers?
Read. A lot. Write as authentically and honestly as you can. Don't try to please anyone..don't. Write what is in your heart. Write what you like to read.

Words of wisdom - give a quote you live by?
Funny...I have a ton of those, unfortunately. They are so simple and silly. But one I've been taking to heart lately comes from Beverly Sills, an opera singer who recently died..and although I had no attachment to her or her work I was taken by this quote I heard attributed to her. "I'd rather look back on my life and regret the things I did, than look back and regret the things I didn't do."I just love that!

Do you plan out all your novels in great detail first, or let the characters lead you where they may?
I never plan out..I never know where I am going or how I am going to get there..But I do have an idea of the ending feeling I want to achieve, if that makes sense.

What do you think is the most rewarding aspect of writing for Young Adults?
Meeting young readers. Having readers who are real and not full of ..you know what. Readers who are honest. So when you reach someone you know it's meaningful. That's everything.

---
CONTESTS
`bookluvr-carol's Something, Maybe
`Yan's the abc's of kissing boys, What Would Emma Do?, Getting the Girl, and Saving Juliet
`Carrie's Supernatural Prize Pack
`For the Love of Books' Wintergirls
`Sharon's The Strand Birthday Contest
`Steph Su's Love for February
`The Shady Glade's Contest Monday: Lament
`Em's Winter Book Giveaway
`Lauren's Golden Girl