Cover Reveal: The Transfer

Soon after the cover of Ignite Me was revealed, the cover of the short story/novella of The Transfer was revealed!! I love cover reveals! For those who don't know, The Transfer is one of the four Divergent short stories/novellas from Four's perspective. I believe The Transfer will be about him transferring to Dauntless!!

Release Date: September 3, 2013

I like it! It is very cool!!It makes me wonder what the trains/crashing trains signify!! I like how it has a "guy" feel to it since it will be about a very masculine character. (With that said, though, I do not think the covers of the actual novels are feminine at all. I believe they appeal to both sexes.)  I'm definitely going to be buying this! Four is my favorite character in this series!! I can't wait to learn even more about him!!!

Cover Reveal: Ignite Me

The title & cover of the third & final book of the Shatter Me series, Ignite Me, has been revealed just minutes ago on Hollywood Crush!

Release Date: February 2014

It looks stunning!!!! I love the flowers!! So beautiful!!! However, it does look very close to the newest cover of the first book, Shatter Me, but who cares!!! I love it regardless!!!

Tahereah Mafi also wrote a message on the website to her readers:

"Hi guys!

I'm so so thrilled to be able to share this final cover with you all. The "Shatter Me" series is swiftly coming to a close, and though it's a bittersweet feeling, I'm anxious for everyone to know how the story will end. Also I'm hoping we can still be friends after you finish reading.Ahem.

If you follow me around the internet, you know I've teased you a lot about what may or may not happen in book 3, but the truth is, most of the time I was just messing with you. What actually happens in the third book is probably almost definitely not what you think is going to happen. (Don't let the title fool you! "Ignite" is so much more than it seems.)

Of this final book I can promise you this much, though: Juliette is back. She's pissed. And she's ready to kick some ass. No regrets.

And mom, if you're reading this, I'm sorry I just said ass on the Internet. Twice.

-Tahereh Mafi"

Oh my gosh! I am so excited!!!!! It makes me nervous how she says that what happens is "probably almost definitely not what you think is going to happen" NO!!! But yay for plot twists!! I seriously cannot wait. I'm going to preorder it and everything! Ah!! So excited!!! Team Warner all the way!!!!

Book Review: Shades of Earth

Shades of Earth 

"Amy and Elder have finally left the oppressive walls of the spaceship Godspeed behind. They're ready to start life afresh--to build a home--on Centauri-Earth, the planet that Amy has traveled 25 trillion miles across the universe to experience.

But this new Earth isn't the paradise Amy had been hoping for. There are giant pterodactyl-like birds, purple flowers with mind-numbing toxins, and mysterious, unexplained ruins that hold more secrets than their stone walls first let on. The biggest secret of all? Godspeed's former passengers aren't alone on this planet. And if they're going to stay, they'll have to fight.

Amy and Elder must race to discover who--or what--else is out there if they are to have any hope of saving their struggling colony and building a future together. They will have to look inward to the very core of what makes them human on this, their most harrowing journey yet. Because if the colony collapses? Then everything they have sacrificed--friends, family, life on Earth--will have been for nothing. FUELED BY LIES. RULED BY CHAOS. ALMOST HOME."

Author: Beth Revis

Year of Release: 2013

Publisher: Razorbill
Genre: Science Fiction
Sequel(s): none, last in the series

Prequel(s): Across the Universe, A Million Suns, & As They Slip Away (a novella)

What motivated you to read this book?: Well, I had to find out what happens to my beloved Elder & Amy
Book Version: Hardback
Where did you get the book?: The library system I work in
Favorite Character: Elder 

Other noteworthy characters: Amy Martin, Emma Bledsoe, Maria Martin (Amy's mother)

Thoughts on Cover: I definitely prefer the original covers a lot more, but after reading why the publisher changed the covers on Beth Revis's website, I understand that they were trying to appeal to a wider audience. It's interesting to know that they were trying to appeal to SciFi fans considering that I thought the original covers were perfect SciFi covers. This cover reminds me of the Maze Runner series and all SciFi books in a series that all have similar covers but with a different color background. Boring! Oh, well. The story is still the same regardless.

Recommended to: Science Fiction fans & those who enjoyed Inside Out & Outside In by Maria V. Snyder
Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

Warning: There are some vague spoilers in this review

Review: Beth Revis has done it again! Shades of Earth ended this phenomenal series with a bang! She was able to keep the same characters who have grown and developed throughout the first two novels and put them in a completely new setting-Centauri-Earth. Not only that, but she has been able to create another wonderful story that ties mystery, science fiction, and my favorite, romance.

As always, I loved Elder in this novel. I liked him since the beginning of Across the Universe and I still love him. I just adore his kindness, selflessness, bravery, and ability to lead others despite being so young. I definitely felt bad for him though during certain parts of the beginning of the book. He will definitely be the character I miss the most now that I have completed the series.

I liked Amy as well. Of course, there were parts where I was annoyed with her. However, I assumed she would do certain things, but she proved me wrong, fortunately. I admire her determination and willingness to help those from Godspeed.

The mystery aspect of this story definitely seemed different from the mystery element of the previous two books. In the previous books, the reader knows that the bad guy is one of the passengers on the ship, but in Shades, the reader doesn't know who or what the monsters on Centauri-Earth are. I made a prediction and it was somewhat correct, but I never would have predicted the details behind my prediction!!

Like in Across the Universe and A Million Suns, Shades of Earth's plot was quite intense and made the book very hard to put down. There was seriously not a dull moment in the entire book. It jumped quickly from one scene to the next. I liked that a lot. There was also quite a surprise at the end of the book that I never thought would happen in this series, but I pretty content with how the series concluded. It could have had a few more chapters, afterwards, but then again, that would probably be unnecessary. I like how it ended focusing on Elder's and Amy's relationship. I also like how Beth concluded it in a way that makes it a satisfying ending, but also in a way that if she ever decided to write more, it wouldn't seem phony or fake.

Overall, I have been very pleased with this entire series!! I would definitely recommend it to any YA readers!! Brilliant read and if Beth Revis ever releases another book/series, I will definitely read it! Now, I'm just upset that it's all over, and that there are no more books or any opportunities to explore the universe with Elder and Amy.

Waiting on Wednesday (#14)

Waiting on Wednesday is a Book Hop  hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is: 

Wings by Elizabeth Richards 
Release Date: 2014

I really enjoyed the first two books in this series, Black City & Phoenix. They are a great combination of dystopia and fantasy. It's not what a reader would expect. Love it! Please the romance is great! Cannot wait for this one! 

Book Review: A Million Suns

A Million Suns

"Godspeed was once fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos. 

It’s been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. Everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceshipGodspeed.

But there may be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to act on his vision—no more Phydus, no more lies.

But when Elder learns shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a mystery that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier. Their success—or failure—will determine the fate of the 2,298 passengers aboard Godspeed. But with each step, the journey becomes more perilous, the ship more chaotic, and the love between them more impossible to fight.

Beth Revis catapulted readers into the far reaches of space with her New York Times bestselling debut, Across the Universe. In A Million Suns, Beth deepens the mystery with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship."

Author: Beth Revis

Year of Release: 2012
Genre: Science Fiction
Sequel(s): Shades of the Earth

Prequel(s): Across the Universe & As They Slip Away (a novella)

What motivated you to read this book?: I loved Across the Universe, and started reading this book the day I finished reading Across the Universe, because I loved it so much!
Book Version: Hardback
Where did you get the book?: The library I work at
Favorite Character: Elder or Amy

Least Favorite Character: Luther, most likely, although there were other characters I didn't like

Thoughts on Cover: I really like it. It's perfect. The coloring is great with all the stars and planets! Plus, I love how it shows Elder & Amy holding hands without showing their faces! So pretty! This is how a cover should be done!

Recommended to: Science Fiction fans & those who enjoyed Inside Out & Outside In by Maria V. Snyder
Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

Warning: There are some spoilers in this review! There are also Across The Universe spoilers in it!

Review: Stunning!! Love it just as much as Across the Universe, maybe even more! It is a fantastic sequel. I absolutely love science fiction and this book did not disappoint in that category. I also found myself loving the mystery aspect as well. I haven't read a mystery book since I was a kid, but now after reading A Million Suns and Across the Universe, I might actually consider reading it again!

The two protagonists, Elder and Amy are great! I love how they were the same people that they were in the first book, but have grown so much. I enjoyed seeing Elder in charge of Godspeed rather than Eldest, but I definitely felt horrible for him when he was having such immense problems with the protests and riots! I really admired him for not giving up and for doing what he thought was best for the ship! I also really liked Amy as well. She definitely has grown and changed a lot. I didn't like though that she kept keeping a few things from Elder that she should have told him about in the last book, but I am glad that she did in the end. I also didn't like how she seemed so stubborn about getting one thing that she wanted at the end, but I guess that's because I sided with Elder on the issue. With my complaints aside, I really do like her. I admire her determination on figuring things out and how she's so smart in doing so!

I also love the romance element in the story. It's not like romance in other novels at all, when two characters meet then they fall in love with each other almost right away. This series is not like that at all. It's much more realistic and not rushed at all. I liked that. It made me enjoy the romance even more once it finally happened. It was nice seeing the growing fondness that Amy had for Elder. Elder obviously liked her immediately, but her feelings for him gradually evolved. I like how their friendship slowly turned into something more. I also like how patient Elder was while waiting for her to figure out how she feels.

The story itself was great! It was very fast paced. I could hardly put it down! One exciting event happens and then almost immediately another exciting event happens! It was great! And although I predicted most of what would happen (no major surprises, at least not for me, but I could just be a lucky guesser. Well, there was one part that kind of surprised me.), but I still enjoyed finding out if my predictions were correct.

Overall, I thought this novel was phenomenal and I would definitely recommend it!

Best Book of the Month--July 2013

I haven't done a Best Book of the Month Feature since August 2012, but I decided to do it again!

 Many thanks to YA Highway for the idea to post the best book that I read each month.  Last year upon deciding to stop participating it Road Trip Wednesday, I decided that I still wanted to post the best book that I read each month. 

Best Book of July 2013

This is definitely a hard month to start doing this again! I read many wonderful books in July so it is quite a challenge picking my favorite that I have read, but The Fault In Our Stars by John Green triumphs above all the others. I am so glad that I took a chance on reading this book. I highly recommend everyone to read this someday in their lifetime. I seriously wouldn't doubt it if this book will be (if it's not already) on schools' required reading list. However, I was never a big fan of required reading so I hope people read this book because they want to, not because they have to.

This book was the first book to actually make me cry, really cry. Not a few tears that never spill down my checks, but full out sob, and not just once, but multiple times. But this book is so worth it. I actually ended up buying it for my nook a few weeks after I read it because it was on sale at Barnes & Noble for only $3.99. I definitely plan on re-reading it before (or maybe after) I see the movie, which, of course, I'm super excited about!!

August 2013 Reader of the Month

Reader of the Month is a monthly feature here at Emily Hearts Books. Every month I feature a reader and ask them several questions relating to books!

This is actually my first Reader of the Month that I have done since 2012. I went on a bit of a blog hiatus for several months, but now Reader of the Month is back!!

This month's Reader of the Month is Krystianna from Downright Dystopian! Read my interview with her below! 

Emily: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Krystianna: My name is Krystianna and I blog about YA books at my blog, Downright Dystopian. I'm obsessed with Captain America, Frozen Hot Chocolates, The Hunger Games, and Netflix.

E: What made you want to start book blogging?
K: I first heard about book blogging through YouTube... Or shall I say BookTube? Anyway, I saw one of HarmonyBeaufort's videos and I found that she had a blog called Harmony's Radiant Reads (now Radiant Reads, though sadly I believe she's not blogging anymore). That was the first blog that I started reading regularly. I became inspired to begin my own!

E: What is your favorite book that you have read so far this summer?
K: This one is tricky! I'd have to say either The Inmortal Rules by Julie Kagawa, which I read in the Replica by Jenna Black, which was the last book I read! If  had to pick a favorite series I've read this summer, I'd definitely have to choose the Chaos Walking Trilogy by Patrick Ness. It was unlike anything I've ever read and I love it to bits. I'm going to try to buy the new UK editions sometime soon because the UK covers are super pretty and I need to have my own copies!
beginning of the year, or

E: How do you feel about spoilers?
K: AHHHH I can't stand spoilers. It mostly bothers me if I see a spoiler for a series I'm reading, though if its a book I haven't read yet, I will usually forget by the time I start it. I also try to steer clear of reviews of books I plan on reading, because I feel as if it could affect how I feel about the book.

E: Do you have a favorite spot to sit back, relax, and read? If so, where?
K: I have a bean bag that I love sitting on because it'a right smack next to my bookshelf. I also like sitting on my bed with tons of pillows.

E: If you could meet any fictional character, who would it be?
K: This is such a difficult question! I'd probably have to say Finnick Odair from The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. He is one of my favorite characters ever. My other options would be either Tom Riddle (pre-Voldemort) or Luna Lovegood from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. I'd love to have a chat with Tom Riddle to see what he was like as a kid, and it would be fun to chat with Luna because she's so cool.

E: What do you like to do when you're not reading or blogging?
K: I like to watch Netflix and start new television series. I love television. It's probably a problem, but that's okay. I really love Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries, Gossip Girl, 90210, and Teen Wolf which are all shows I found and watched on my good friend Netflix.

E: What are you currently reading now?
K: I'm currently reading Unearthly by Cynthia Hand for the Radical Read-Along I'm hosting along with Laura at Music Plus Books and Jenna at Rather Be Reading YA. Since I have problems and am currently reading more than one book, I am also reading Shiloh by Helena Sorensen and City of Bones by Cassandra Clare, both of which I'm loving!


E: What new books are you most looking forward to?
K: This is yet another tricky question! I'm super excited for the last Mara Dyer book by Michelle Hodkin to come out because I'm the biggest fan of the series. I'm also really excited for the sequel to Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs to come out as well as Tumble & Fall by Alexandra Coutts and More Than This by Patrick Ness.

A huge thanks goes to Krystianna for taking the time to answer these questions!  Be sure to check out and follow her blog Downright Dystopian if you don't already!

Interested in being the next Reader of the Month? Send me an e-mail at emilyheartsbooksblog@gmail.com with your name & e-mail address by the 20th of the month & I will e-mail you if you are selected!