24 June 2012

Out of Commission

Hey guys!! I will be gone until Thursday so if you need to send me an email or something I won't be responding back till Thursday night. Thanks! :) I'm goin on an adventure, mateys!

16 June 2012

Follow Friday + Winners Announced!!

Hey! Today is follow friday but first I want to annouce the winners of my follow friday giveaway and my Freak giveaway.


For the Freak giveaway the 3 winners are:
Carole
Jen 
Sage

For the Follow Friday Giveaway Hop the winner is:
Ruth

Congrats to all the winners!!! :) I will be sending you emails soon :)

Now for the friday follow question:

Who is your favorite dad character in a book and why?

I would choose Charlie from Twilight! :) Because he seems laid back and not to strict or anything but you also know he cares alot! What about you?

Be sure to follow this week's feature Candace's Book Blog also be sure to follow the hosts, ParaJunkee and Alison Can Read. Have a great friday!!!


14 June 2012

Design Update: Abibliophobic

Hey guys! I just got finished designing a blog for Abibliophobic :) She has a major thing for purple but she wanted it to be sophisticated as well. She also wanted it to be bright and fresh! Here's a pic of before and after:

Before:

After:

What do you think? Check it out in real time at her blog here and be sure to show some follow love while there :) Also, if you are looking for a new blog design check me out here.




11 June 2012

Review: Freak by E.K. Henry



FreakBeing a lower-class human born into a world where vampires rule sucks. No matter how hard Juniper Rayne tries to fit in, she's labeled a freak. When her dad signs the family up to take part in a reality television show, Juniper hopes that it'll give her the edge she needs to shed her freak label. Unfortunately for Juniper, vampires aren't that accepting. She decides to take control of her life and become a vampire hunter, instead of continuing to live in her own personal hell any longer. She will regain control or die trying.

I received this book for review from the author E.K. Henry and I enjoyed it.  It is a little slow and doesn't really start to pick up until half way through the book, that's when everything starts to fall into place and get set into motion.  I really like the characters! I love that the main character isn't some whiny female character unable to protect herself. Juniper has some real spunk and attitude! She may not always win but at least she fights back.  I also loved the story line I found it to be pretty unique though there were some parts that reminded me of The Vampire Diaries. So, if you like VD *like me :)....#Team Stefan* then you'll love this book for sure :) Overall, I found this to be a pretty good read and I am eagerly waiting for book two!! 

My Rating:

Don't forget about the giveaway I have going on of Freak here! There will be 3 winners!! :)

To find out  more about the author visit her site here.

You can buy the book at: 


10 June 2012

Interview with E.K. Henry & Giveaway


Hey! I had the pleasure of interviewing E.K. Henry, author of Freak. Keep reading because I will be announcing a giveaway after the interview :)

Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?

  • There were many challenges that I faced while trying to become a published author.  First and foremost, I had to write a book that was actually publishable.  Freak is actually the third book that I’ve written.  I like to think of the other two as practice J
  • After Freak was written, edited multiple times, and sent to many beta readers, I spent months trying to find a literary agent.  I had quite a few that told me they loved Freak, but that they couldn’t sell it at the current time.  Publisher’s weren’t really buying vampire books anymore, even though there was still a huge audience for the genre.  I was devastated for a long time.  I kept thinking, “How could someone love my book and still not take me on as a client?”
  • After much consideration and encouragement from people who’ve read Freak, I decided to self-publish it.  This in its self presented its own set of challenges.
  • I am glad that I made the choice though because it has been an amazing experience so far.  I have had so many people purchase my book and then contact to tell me that they enjoyed reading it.  To me, that is the best feeling in the world.

Where do you get your ideas?

  • I am a huge people watcher.  Many times, I sit at a crowded place and start making up stories about the people in front of me.  It is really a lot of fun.
  • I am also very influenced by the movies I watch and books I read.  I get inspired and start writing.

How did you come up with the title?  

  • Freak was actually called The Secret Lives of Humans at first.  I really liked the title, because it’s the name of the show that changes Juniper’s life forever.  However, I thought Freak was more fitting.  Juniper is considered a freak by everyone she knows.  She doesn’t fit in with the vampires or the humans.

Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult

  • I have to say Stephen King has always been my inspiration.  He’s the man.  I have spent more hours than I can count lost in his twisted tales.  I’d love to do a remake of Misery one day
  • Another author who has influenced me and actually inspired me to write a book was Stephenie Meyer.  What influenced me was that she was just a normal person who woke up with a dream and decided to pursue it.  I’m not saying that she’s the only author who did this, but I discovered this about her at a point in my life when it made a big impact.  I was trying to figure out what I really wanted to do with my life.  When I read an interview she did, it got me thinking.  If she could do it, why can’t I.  I sat down that night and started writing.  I haven’t stopped since.  I owe her so much for influencing me in such a big way.

When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

  • I first started writing May 5, 2010.  I finished one book by the end of 2010 and one novella by early 2011 and trunked them.  For those of you who don’t know, that means I threw it in a desk, never to see the light of day again.  I finished Freak by mid 2011.

What do you do when you are not writing?  

  • When I’m not writing, and actually carve out free time for myself.  You can usually find me reading a book or rapping along with the radio.

Will you have a new book coming out soon?  

  • I’m hoping to have a novella, told in the leader of the revolution, Rouge’s, point of view out by December 2012 and a sequel to Freak out by the end of 2013. *crosses fingers I can crank them out that quickly*

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

  • My number one advice is to sit down and write.  Even if what you feel like you're writing is crap just keep writing.  My first two books were trunked, but I learned so much from them.  If I wouldn't have kept going, I never would have become a published author.
  • My number two advice is to find a group of writing buddies.  I cannot tell you how many times my online writing buddies have pointed out things that I would have never seen myself, pulled me off of the "I quit" ledge, and been an amazing source of encouragement.  I have been working with these amazing ladies at all stages in the publishing business for three years now, and I can honestly say that I consider them to be some of my closest friends.

Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans? 

  • I want to say, thank you so much for the reviews and kind emails that I have been receiving.  It truly makes my day each time I read that someone has enjoyed reading my book.  If you have read it, I would love to hear your thoughts or read your reviews.

Check out her book Freak, which I will be reviewing later today:

FreakBeing a lower-class human born into a world where vampires rule sucks. No matter how hard Juniper Rayne tries to fit in, she's labeled a freak. When her dad signs the family up to take part in a reality television show, Juniper hopes that it'll give her the edge she needs to shed her freak label. Unfortunately for Juniper, vampires aren't that accepting. She decides to take control of her life and become a vampire hunter, instead of continuing to live in her own personal hell any longer. She will regain control or die trying.

Now for the giveaway! The author has graciously offered to give away 2 ebook copies of the book and 5 autographed bookmarks. So, there will be 3 winners :) US Only.

The 1st Winner will receive 1 ebook copy and 2 signed bookmarks
The 2nd Winner will receive 1 ebook copy and 2 signed bookmarks
The 3rd Winner will receive 1 signed bookmark

Requirements:
Follow Books Ahoy via GFC
Follow E.K. Henry via Twitter
Follow E.K. Henry via GFC

a Rafflecopter giveaway


09 June 2012

New Feature: Taken Hostage!



Ahoy mateys!! Taken Hostage is a feature where I take an author and hold them hostage aboard me pirate ship.....really it is a feature for authors who have written a series of books...ebooks or print.  This feature consists of me reviewing all the books in your series, an author interview, a giveaway, and twitter parties and other fun stuff!!! These features will last a week. So you will be be "Taken Hostage" for a week! :)

If you are interested in being Taken Hostage then email me at booksahoy15@gmail.com and make the subject "Taken Hostage Feature Request" or anything along the lines of that.


And the winner is...


The winner of my Armchair BEA giveaway of Delirium and Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver is Lisa @ Little Tesoro!!! Congrats and I hope you enjoy the books!


08 June 2012

Day 5: Ask the Experts....

Today is the last day of Armchair BEA :( I've had alot of fun discussing different topics and meeting new bloggers. I will definitely participate next year!! :)  Now to todays topic.....ask a question or share a tip about blogging.  Ok here are some tips!
  • Participate in memes such as Follow Friday. This is a great way to meet new bloggers and gain followers
  • Comment on other peoples blogs....make them meaningful. They will most likely return the comment
  • Participate in giveaway hops! They bring a ton of traffic to your blog.
  • Get a twitter account and facebook page for you blog. This a great way to connect with other bloggers.
If you have any other questions, leave them in the comments.


07 June 2012

I've reached 500 followers!!!

Hey guys!! Today I noticed that I reached the milestone of 500 followers and I was so surprised and excited!!! :) Thanks to everyone that follows me and everyone who has stuck with me since my beginning days....It doesn't seem like I started this blog a year ago (time flies!) So, first to celebrate I gave my blog alittle makeover {Check me out at Blogovation Design}...what do you think? Secondly, I will of course celebrate with a giveaway because I really appreciate all of you guys. I have no idea what I will giveaway yet, but as soon as I figure it out I will update this post with a rafflecopter. Until then you can grab the button below :) Thanks again!!! XOXO



Follow Friday! {Giveaway Hop}

Giveaway Hop
It is follow friday time!!  This friday it is alittle different. Instead of the usual, we will be the ones featuring a blogger plus hosting a giveaway. So I chose to feature What's Beyond Forks?.  I chose to feature this blog because her reviews are really great! Also, I love her blog name....being the big Twilight fan I am :) She is also really nice and really envolved the book blogger community. So be sure to check out What's Beyond Forks? :) Now for the giveaway. Since there has been alot of hype about 50 Shades of Grey I decided to giveaway a copy!! It is International :)

Prize: 50 Shades of Grey ebook
INTERNATIONAL
Requirements: Follow Books Ahoy and What's Beyond Forks via GFC

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Day 4: Beyond Your Blog



So today's discussion is about whether your blog has opened up any other opportunities for you.  Well, for me I have really gotten any opportunities or things of that matter. I hope I do in the future though!! :) What about you guys?....sorry I didn't have much to say about this topic.

06 June 2012

Day 3: Networking

Today's discussion is about networking and how we book bloggers network and participate in the book world out side of the Blogosphere.  Well...for me I try to attend every book event we have here (which is not many...sadly). The largest book event we have is our annual Alabama Book Festival. It is kinda like the BEA of Alabama....lol :) A ton of authors come out and talk and do book signings. Also their are a bunch of publishers out there and authors with tables set up advertising their book(s).  This is a great way for me to meet authors personally and talk with them about my blog and what I do. Also, if you mention that you are a reviewer they are willing to let you have a copy for review.  I absolutely love this event! I also attend many events at out public library. One thing I recently found  out about and will definitely join is the Teen Advisory Board that we have at our library. What they do is they get together every 1st Monday of the month and they help decide the events, what books to buy for the library, and etc. This is really awesome and really goes hand in hand with blogging. us book bloggers know all the latest books and soon to be released books so this is a great opportunity for me to get the latest releases in my library. 
05 June 2012

Day 2 {Giveaway Post}: I Think I'm Becoming Delirious From All This Pandemonium Around Me ;D

So did you get my title? :) Well...I am giving away an Lauren Oliver prize pack! An ebook copy of Delirium by Lauren Oliver and a paperback copy of Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver! US Only. Enter through the rafflecopter below and may the odds be ever in your favor! ;D

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Day 2 {Discussion Post}: Best of 2012

So today's post is about some of your favorite books you've read this year. I've read so many good books this year is so hard to pick :) 2012 has been an awesome book year lol :) So, a few of my favorite reads this year have been:

Divergent by Veronica Roth
Across the Universe by Beth Revis
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter


Books that I know will become one of my favorites this year are:
Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
The Glimpse by Claire Merle
Beta by Rachel Cohn
What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang
Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia
Reached by Ally Condie

and a whole lot more... :)

What are some of your favorites? Also, if you know any other good books I might like I'd love to hear about them :)


04 June 2012

Day 1: Armchair BEA Intros!! :)

Today is the first day of Armchair BEA and its start off with introductions of us and who we are.  I can't wait to get to know all you guys as well :)

Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? How long have you been blogging? Why did you get into blogging?
My name is Cierra and I have been blogging for a little over a year now. I got into book blogging by chance really. I had always loved reading and I happened to come across a book blog one day and decided it would be fun to do! :)

What are you currently reading, or what is your favorite book you have read so far in 2012?
I am currently reading Darkness Falls by Cate Tiernan which is great so far! Hmm....I have so many favorite books from this year it would be way to hard to choose just one.

Tell us one non-book-related thing that everyone reading your blog may not know about you.
Penguins are my favorite animals!! I absolutely love them :) I think they are so cute and cuddly!

What is your favorite feature on your blog (i.e. author interviews, memes, something specific to your blog)?
My favorite feature on my blog is participating in memes such as Follow Friday because it connects you to other book bloggers and I get to find other awesome book bloggers out there :)

Where do you see your blog in five years?
Still up and running and participating in the book blogging community

Which is your favorite post that you have written that you want everyone to read?
My favorite post so far was this past Follow Friday question that I responded to here

If you could eat dinner with any author or character, who would it be and why?
Hmm.....idk I think I would choose Veronica Roth or Beth Revis because I would love to talk to them about where their ideas come from and how they came up with their amazing concept.

What literary location would you most like to visit? Why?
I would love to visit Hogwarts because it seems like an awesome place to be!

What is your favorite part about the book blogging community? 
My favorite part about the book blogging community is the people :) Everyone is so nice and helpful!! I love it!

Is there anything that you would like to see change in the coming years?
No I love everything the way it is :) Except I would love to go to BEA in a few years.

Have your reading tastes changed since you started blogging? How?
Not really. My tastes in books are really genre specific. Whatever sounds intriguing whether it be action or romance I've always been open to reading it :)
03 June 2012

Review: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter


I literally just got finished reading this and I LOVED it!!!! Find out why :)

EVERY GIRL WHO HAS TAKEN THE TEST HAS DIED.
NOW IT'S KATE'S TURN. 
It's always been just Kate and her mom--and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear that her mother won't live past the fall.
Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld--and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.
Kate is sure he's crazy--until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she suceeds, she'll become Henry's future bride and a goddess.
IF SHE FAILS...

I really loved this book! I has anything and everything you would want in a book plus more. I personally loved the two love triangles....maybe even three ^_^...kinda.  Of course you have the love factor of the book that is absolutely sweet and heart melting :).  They're were many "awww" and *smiles* as I read the book.  I love modern greek books, such as The Lightning Thief, because it comes with mystery and supernatural.  With every turn of the page you are introduced into something that makes you want to read  more.  There are so many surprises and twists in this book that there is no way you'll set it down until it is finished.  I love how the main female character wasn't some poor helpless girl...at least not the whole time....she had spunk and wasn't afraid to stand up for herself. Let's not even get started on Henry...lol :) Henry is the best guy every! I wish he was my boyfriend ;) I love how is sweet and caring yet strong and fierce when he needs to be. Aimee Carter has all the essential elements of a great book in this novel and I can't wait to get my hands on the second book, Goddess Interrupted. 

My Rating:

You can get the book from BN or Amazon.
Visit Aimee Carter here

Blogspiration (1): We're All Mad Here!


Blogspiration is a weekly meme hosted by Growing up YA and Saz101. All you do is post an inspirational quote/picture/video weekly whenever you choose and you link up your posts on Sunday! I think this is one meme I will love :)  So here is my first Blogspiration:


Lol, I do this all the time! Gotta love your friends :)

I'm Participating In....Once Upon A Read-A-Thon!!

Once Upon a Read-a-Thon


Hey! So I decided to join in the fun of the Once Upon A Read-A-Thon! A have a hugeTBR pile and so this is a great event to tackle it :) My goal this summer is to get through my TBR pile and start of with a fresh slate.  So to help out with that I have joined this event. It is from July 9 to July 11. All you have to do is set a goal of the number of books you will read during that time period and try to accomplish it. So....my goal is to read 10 books!! The 10 books I plan on reading are the whole House of Night series by P.C & Kristin Cast!

  1. Marked
  2. Betrayed
  3. Chosen
  4. Untamed
  5. Hunted
  6. Tempted
  7. Burned
  8. Awakened
  9. Destined
  10. Hidden

Review: Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

The story of Romeo and Juliet with a little twist? I think yes!

Juliet Immortal (Juliet Immortal, #1)The most tragic love story in history . . .
Juliet Capulet didn’t take her own life. She was murdered by the person she trusted most, her new husband, Romeo Montague, a sacrifice made to ensure his own immortality. But what Romeo didn’t anticipate was that Juliet would be granted eternity, as well, and would become an agent for the Ambassadors of Light. For 700 years, she’s fought Romeo for the souls of true lovers, struggling to preserve romantic love and the lives of the innocent. Until the day she meets someone she’s forbidden to love, and Romeo, oh Romeo, will do everything in his power to destroy that love.

I really enjoyed this new take on the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet. This is unlike any retelling of the story. Instead of retelling the story in modern times it actually retells the story a whole different way in general by changing the whole plot and everything. That why I like this book. It is very unique when it comes to modern retellings.  This book had alot of mystery and action making every word make you want to read more.  I also love the sort of skewed love triangle, it really makes the story just that much interesting.  Stacey Jay really gave this story a face-lift and it should definitely be your next read!! Go pick it up from BN or Amazon. You can visit Stacy Jay at her website here. Be on the look out for the sequel Romeo Redeemed!!!  I have no doubt it'll be as great as the first :)





01 June 2012

Follow Friday!!



Hey today is follow friday hosted by ParaJunkee and Alison Can Read. This week's feature is Books of Love!! Be sure to follow all three amazing blogs :) Now for the question:

You are a matchmaker - your goal, hook up two characters from two of your favorite books. Who would it be? How do you think it would go?

If I could hook up two characters from two of my favorite books I would hook up Bonnie from Vampire Diaries and Harry Potter from Harry Potter. I would hook up these two because Bonnie is a witch and Harry Potter is a wizard! :) The could teach each other spells and she could go to Hogwarts with him for a little while. I think it would go very well because she used to dealing with the danger from her town, Mystic Falls,  so she would be alot of help when dealing with the danger in Hogwarts. Perfect match!! :)


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Hey guys! My name is Cierra and I'm a southern college YA bookie. Thanks for stopping by Books Ahoy. Here you'll find reviews, giveaways, interviews, and more! Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy your stay! :)
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