Dead Girl Walking by Mary Beth Lee (Book Review + A Mini Interview)

Dead Girl Walking
by Mary Beth Lee

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Published by: Amazon Kindle on June 1st 2012
Genres:  Paranormal Fiction
Pages:  204
Source:  Author - eBook (in exchange for an honest review)
My Rating: 4/5


Teen scream movie queen Sharlene Gallagher was the biggest thing to happen to Primrose, Texas. Until she died. Now Sharlene's back as a guardian angel. Only her real objective is a bit more intense. Her charge: figure out the identity of her murderer before high school junior Addison Karchusky falls prey to the killer. Enlisting Addison's help without letting her know her life's in danger? No problem...she hopes. High school's never been easy. Now it just might be murder.
(c) Goodreads

This book is marvelous! As soon as I read the synopsis, I knew I would love it. If you would give thoughts about the plot, the story is quite ordinary. But with the characters, especially the ghost being a celebrity, it's really quite different. And the fact that this celebrity was brought to Addy not just to discover who murdered her but to also save Addy herself from being the next victim, WOW! And no, I'm not spoiling anything to you, it's based on the synopsis, remember?

This whole "ghosts" thing was quite different from the genre that I'm reading. Never really been a fan of ghosts, you know. So it was quite a cool experience, reading this book. I've said this in my last book review but I will say this again, I will regret not having to read this book. 

I have said a lot of times, I think, that I am not really a fan of books having romance in it all the time, but I was kinda disappointed that nothing much happens in this book. I was really a fan of the Andrew-Addy pair. Hahaha. But I was also glad that this book focused more on its main genre. Sooo yeah. I might just be confusing you guys, let's move on.

So why did I rate it 4/5?

Well, obviously, I love the book. But that does'nt mean that it doesn't have it's flaws. I would be glad to enumerate this teeny tiny things:

1. There was this one part in the book, which was like from the beginning that mentioned what will happen in the end. But it's not the ending-end , if you know what I mean. So I was kinda like, "I think I know what will happen already." which was disappointing because I wanted to be surprised by the end of the book.

2. I can't believe that the murderer's the murderer. I mean, it wasn't bad that it was surprising. But I think no one will expect that he/she's the killer. Normally, what happens in this kind of story is that they will look for clues, which leads to a person whom they all think has a motive. But this murderer, Addy's right. He was invisible in the entire story and then he suddenly pops out as the killer. Maybe I was just hoping that the author could've provided  information about the murderer. 

That's it. But I didn't really mind those, because the author's just starting. She can improve more. Keep writing Mary Beth!

Do I recommend this?

Yeah. Supeerrr.

And now for the much awaited interview .....

I've asked Mary Beth some questions related to this book and her personal life as well.

Book-related:

1. What inspired you to write this book, or generally to write books?

- I was a storyteller before I could read. I was a late reader, but I desperately wanted to be able to read. I loved them so much. Once I learned to read (THANK YOU Valley View Elementary in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, and Mrs.Tagee), the library became my favorite place, wherever we happened to live. I was a military brat, so we lived a lot of places before settling in Burkburnett, Texas when I was nine. I made it a goal to read all the books in the Burk library. I think I got close. :) When I was in junior high I fell in love with the Sweet Valley books AND Silhouette started a teen line. My friends and I inhaled those books, but there weren't enough of them, so I started writing my own spin on the fairy tale love story. I wrote them as serialized novels in spiral notebooks with Eraser Mate pens. My friends pushed me to write faster because they'd get to the end of a spiral before I finished the next part of the story. My mom bought me a subscription to Writer's Digest my senior year in high school. I quit writing fiction in college until one of my last classes. The professor made us write a play. When he handed mine back, he told me I needed to be writing fiction. That man, Dr. Thomas Hoffman, became one of my many mentors. He encouraged me to continue writing. When I started teaching, I put fiction on the back burner for a short time, but Dr. Hoffman always asked what I was writing. I'm glad he pushed me to hold on to my dream. 

As far as Dead Girl Walking and The Guardian Series in general goes, I love the YA genre. I always have. From SE Hinton's Outsiders to Sarah Dessen's romances to Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls, I love it all. I advise student media at the high school level, and I think teenagers are amazing. So often people say "this generation will be the death of us," but I see a generation of kids who are smart and tech savvy and aware of the world around them. Writing a teen-centered book appealed to me. And then one day Sharlene Gallagher just showed up in my head. I put her down on paper and the rest is history.

2. What is it about the whole concept of the story that appeals to you?

-I love that both Addison and Sharlene learn something about themselves. I love that Sharlene thinks the mission is about saving Addison, but it's as much about saving herself...even though she's dead already. And I love that Sharlene doesn't realize yet that it's really about saving the world. Peter's good like that. He knows telling Sharlene that truth too early would make her "go to the light."

3. What should we watch out for in the next books coming up? Did you use the same characters? Are there new ones popping up and more mysteries to solve?

-The Guardian series is centered on Sharlene Gallagher and her quest to become a great Guardian Angel. Every mission involves a new charge and a new mystery and a new school. Every charge will die if Sharlene doesn't succeed, and if the charge dies, Sharlene loses her place in The Guardian. There's also a darker element in the background of the stories--a war to take over the world of The Guardian. Sharlene holds a special place in that world, but she doesn't know it yet. Several characters make repeat appearances in the series, but Sharlene is the star.

4. Will we see this book in paperback soon? And if so, mind sharing the cover here some time?

-An Angel Earns Her Wings, The Guardian Book 2 is out now. And Angel Eyes, The Guardian Book 3 comes out this summer. All the books are available in paperback as well as in ebook format.

Work/Personal-related Questions:

1. Can you consider yourself a very religious person? Since this book is sort of God-related too.

-The series is definitely a good vs. evil story. There are forces of evil trying to destroy Sharlene and The Guardian and there are forces of evil trying to kill her charges. I like to write stories where the good guy wins, but they should have to fight to get that ending. I've never looked at The Guardian series as religious, but in terms of good and evil, I guess it could be seen that way. I believe writers write and readers take what they will from the stories. Books and their messages are very personal. I always hated when my teachers asked "what was the author trying to say here?" because I don't know that I could ever answer that question definitively unless I actually spoke to the author. Now as an author, I don't think I can tell my readers what my books mean. They should mean a million different things to a million different readers, and that's what makes reading and books so amazing.

2. If you are not into writing, what do you think are you doing now?

-Reading or watching an entire series of television shows on Netlfix in two days.

3. Do you have any advice for those new authors who wants to write a book in this genre?

-Read a lot and write a lot. Repeat.

Thank you so much for trusting Bittersweet Blogs, I'd love to see more of your works!

~Message to Readers~

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Bookie Tour - The Polaris Uprising (Review + EXCERPT!)

The Polaris Uprising
by Jennifer Ibarra

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Published by: Tiwala Books October 30, 2013
Genres:  Young Adult, Sci-Fi, Dystopia
Pages:  328
Source: Pinoy Book Tours
My Rating: 4/5


In less than seven years, eighteen-year-old Ryla Jensen will succeed her father as the president of Neress, a nation where all citizens are cared for from the moment they’re born. Fed, sheltered, even educated—every need of theirs is met. 

The only price they pay is their free will.

Groomed since childhood to take on a role she’s not even sure she wants, Ryla’s only escape from the pressures of duty is her sister, Alanna. But when her eyes are opened to the oppressive regime her father built, she begins to question everything she’s set to inherit—and finds herself at odds with her sister’s blind allegiance to their father.

Torn between loyalty to her family and the fight for freedom, Ryla must decide just how far she’s willing to go to make a stand and risk losing the person she loves most in the world: Alanna.

The Polaris Uprising is basically about this government wherein your life, or simply everything depends on the government. You can't pick a job of your own, you can't marry the person you love unless you genetically matched, and you can't complain. No freedom at all if you sum it up. This book is definitely Divergent-alike. Based from the movie, at least. They never really get to pick, it is based on this test that you take. (Sorry Divergent fans! Don't know what it's called!)

But Ryla sees through the glamour (Hi Shadowhunters). What I mean is, she can see the anomalies, the problems etc. her eyes are wide open to these things. Why, you might be asking. Simple. She's the president's daughter. And what's worse is, she's bound to be the next president. She will be taking over her father's position. More of her theories were proven by Tyson. The son of her tutor that is involved with the Polaris Movement who strongly disagrees with the government. She joined their group only to find out that everything that has been happening lately was sabotage. And it was his father who planned to do it in order to blame it all on the Polaris Movement.

Well enough of that, I might spoil you if I continue.

If you guys can't tell from the books that I reviewed, never in my life have I read any book related to Politics or Government. It was just difficult to uncerstand. I thought it would be hard for me to read this book 'til ts end. But I was proven wrong. Jen made the whole complicated-thing-about-the-government simple. Well, I still get confused with the terms or position in the government but that doesn't really matter. It was the story itself that got me. And the characters as well.

The characters possess different personalities that I loved, hated and was simply annoyed with. I especially love Tyson. I don't know why, but he seems too good, too handsome of a guy. I love his cheeky and straight forward personality. He's soo charming! I also like Ryla's role. She was like the climax of every chapter. I always watch out for her actions, what she will do next and what more will she discover. And lastly, I was quite annoyed with Owen. He can be a very sweet guy at times, but he can also be dumb. Sorry! I just hate it when he always tries to disagree with Ryla just because he cares too much for Alanna. I mean, C'mon! Ryla has her own life! It is Alanna who always tries to get involved with her life.

Moving on, the story itself was very nice. Though it was a bit cliche. Bad things happen in the country, they blame a rebellious group for it, but they don't know it was the President's doings. It was always like that. Government officials become the bad guys. Hahaha. But we can't help it can we? It comes with their image. The thing that I liked most about this, is that the President didn't try to hide anything from Ryla. In fact, he was encouraging her to do the same when the time comes. Which of course, Ryla strongly disagrees with. 

I enjoyed this novel from beginning to end, especially the romance and the Ryla-Alanna part. Both of these were sweet and just nice. And I loved it.

“So what happens now?”

“I can’t let him take the fall for this,” Ryla said, looking up at her. “I have to get him out, and I need your help.”

Gates’s eyes widened, blinked back at her.

“That detention center has the highest level of security—even under ordinary circumstances. And now it’s guarding the country’s most notorious prisoner… Ryla, what you’re planning is sheer insanity.”

“So you won’t help me?”

Gates was quiet for a long time. She issued no denial but offered no confirmation, either. Finally, she turned back to Ryla.

“You want my help? Here’s how I’ll help: I’m going to give you some advice, and if I were you, I’d listen very carefully. Go back. Go back to your comfortable life, where you’re safe and you’re oblivious and you can pretend you never got involved with us. Too many things have already been set into motion, and this is bigger than any rescue mission you could possibly stage.”

“You mean there’s a war coming. A genuine uprising.”

Gates didn’t look at her this time. But Ryla knew the answer was yes. It had all led to this moment, even if no one had said it out loud until now.

“You’re asking me to sacrifice him, then. He’ll be a casualty while Polaris gears up for the real battle—is that it?”

“There will always be casualties, Ryla. Remember that.”

“Maybe so. But if I have it in my power to save someone from becoming collateral damage, I’m not going to pass up the chance.”

“So you’re going through with this? Whether I help you or not?”

Up ahead, the camera ticked by.

Ten…eleven…twelve…

“Yes.”

~A Rafflecopter Giveaway!~

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Spotlights On You - The Bodies Left Behind by Jeffery Deaver

The Bodies Left Behind

by Jeffery Deaver

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Published by: Hodder & Stoughton on January 1, 2008

Genres:  Thriller, Mystery, Crime

Pages:  498

Source:  Warehouse Sale Event @ National Bookstore

My Rating: 5/5 Stars

When a night-time call to 911 from a secluded Wisconsin vacation house is cut short, offduty deputy Brynn McKenzie leaves her husband and son at the dinner table and drives up to Lake Mondac to investigate. Was it a misdial or an aborted crime report?Brynn stumbles onto a scene of true horror and narrowly escapes from two professional criminals. She and a terrified visitor to the weekend house, Michelle, flee into the woods in a race for their lives. As different as night and day, and stripped of modern-day resources, Brynn, a tough deputy with a difficult past, and Michelle, a pampered city girl, must overcome their natural reluctance to trust each other and learn to use their wits and courage to survive the relentless pursuit. The deputy's disappearance spurs both her troubled son and her new husband into action, while the incident sets in motion Brynn's loyal fellow deputies and elements from Milwaukee's underside. These various forces race along inexorably toward the novel's gritty and stunning conclusion.

"The Bodies Left Behind" is an epic cat-and-mouse chase, told nearly in real-time, and is filled with Deaver's patented twists and turns, where nothing is what it seems, and death lingers just around the next curve on a deserted path deep in the midnight forest.

(c) Goodreads

Over-all Comment:

This book is very fascinating, fast-paced, and heart pounding. I highly recommend this for all thriller lovers out there!

Appearance:

The cover was very plain if you would consider the typography/font. Even the cover photograph is actually simple. But what makes it scary-looking are the dark shades of color. The whole front cover looks very persuading and thrilling which I really liked.

Characters:

I love the fact that the protagonist in this book is a woman. Especially because the author is a guy. For him to use a female character is awesome. He showcased the abilities of women, not only as police officers, but in other jobs as well.

Deputy Brynn McKenzie was assigned to go to a vacation house where a 911 call was cut short. Next thing she knew, she was standing in the middle of a crime scene and was already the next victim by Hart and his partner- who were the killers of the Feldmans.

Even just reading the synopsis gave me goosebumps. And more when I read the book. Every chapter was action packed and full of twists. As you go on with it, a lot of questions will build up in your mind. Deaver constantly drops off clues that is useful for a certain chapter. I'm giving you a tip here: Pay attention to every single detail, even the small ones! Because in the end those details will help you decipher something. And it was so freaking surprising!

This book is almost pefect! If you're a Marvel fan, I think you will enjoy this. Why? Simple. Like all Marvel movies, The Bodies Left Behind is full of unexpected twists and turns. You will never know what happens unless you turn that page.

READ IT NOW! OKAY? OKAY.

Jeffery Deaver is the author of twenty-seven suspense novels, including the New York Times bestsellers The Vanished Man, The Stone Monkey, The Blue Nowhere, The Empty Chair, The Devil's Teardrop, and The Coffin Dancer, as well as Edge, Roadside Crosses, The Bone Collector, Speaking in Tongues and Garden of Beasts . As William Jefferies, he is the author of Shallow Graves, Bloody River Blues, and Hell's Kitchen. He is a five-time Edgar Award nominee, an Anthony Award nominee, and a three-time recipient of the Ellery Queen Reader's Award for Best Short Story of the Year. His books are sold in more than 150 countries and translated into 25 languages. Deaver was born in Chicago, attended the University of Missouri, and received a law degree                                    from Fordham University in New York.

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Book Review - Torment by Lauren Kate

Torment
by Lauren Kate

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Published by: Delacorte Press on September 28, 2010

Genres:  Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

Pages:  452

Source:  Online Store

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Hell on earth.

That’s what it’s like for Luce to be apart from her fallen angel boyfriend, Daniel.
It took them an eternity to find one another, but now he has told her he must go away. Just long enough to hunt down the Outcasts—immortals who want to kill Luce. Daniel hides Luce at Shoreline, a school on the rocky California coast with unusually gifted students: Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans.

At Shoreline, Luce learns what the Shadows are, and how she can use them as windows to her previous lives. Yet the more Luce learns, the more she suspects that Daniel hasn’t told her everything. He’s hiding something—something dangerous.
What if Daniel’s version of the past isn’t actually true? What if Luce is really meant to be with someone else?
 
The second novel in the addictive FALLEN series . . . where love never dies.

Book Review

Over-all Comment:

Another compelling work by the marvelous Lauren Kate!

I

Appearance:

Remember when I said that it's better when I don't see the faces of the girls on the cover? This gave me that! An answer to my prayers! Nah . . . just kidding. I knew way before I purchased Torment that the cover will be this one. And that is why I was eager to get my hands on this book. This had the best cover out of all the books in the series. And that gown, especially its top? I'm actually hoping I can see what it looks like on its front.

Characters:

I love the transformation of Luce in this book (but not everything)! She not only changed her hair color, even her approach towards life changed. She's still adjusting from the things she discovered and for being transferred in a different school, but if you knew Luce as this not-so-sociable, always-staying-on-the-good-side girl? Surprise, surprise! She's now a tough chick, and hard-headed too. She even had the guts to confront Shelby - her room mate that acts so mean towards her when they first met. Being tough and brave is cool, but sometimes she gets too hard-headed, and I don't like it. She also made some friends in her new school - Dawn, Jasmine and an adorable guy named Miles.

A guy named Miles, eh?

Miles was the first student at Shoreline that joined her for breakfast. Luce felt happy when she's with him, normal even. And that, aside from an angel and demon for humanities class, was her problem. As soon as Daniel sent her to Shoreline to 'keep her safe', she always felt like there's something that Daniel is trying to hide from her. They always had arguments about it, and she hates it. Now, whenever she sees Miles, she always try to compare him and Daniel. I personally did not like the idea that she compared the two. I mean, c'mon, Miles is adorable, sweet and all, but he's nothing like the angel who gave up his position in heaven to be with the girl he loves!

Overall, I love the character development in this book. It definitely gets better and better. The idea of setting aside Daniel and Cam's fight to save Luce is sweet and brilliant. At first, you would wonder why? Why is Luce so important for everyone? Even Molly helped in saving her. *laughs* But eventually, you will get answers in the end of the book. Another element that I liked. I love a series that have resolutions in the end of each book, and then another problem will be thrown at them on the continuation. 

There you have it, my Torment review. Hope you like it. Feel free to comment your own thoughts, it would mean a lot. :)

XOXO, Risse.

P.S.

Here are my links so we can talk all day err day!

Twitter - twitter.com/thesimplestme19

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9484630-ziara-zee-ya-ra

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And my latest book-related blog post: Book Review - Fallen by Lauren Kate

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