The Sunday Post ~8~

Elsewhere News

• This week on Elsewhere, we catch up on old times by featuring Victoria Schwab's THE ARCHIVED and talking about some of the most memorable books I've read in my absence. 
• Since we're half way through March, there isn't going to be an official reading list for this month. But the books we're celebrating this week are: THE ARCHIVED, A SPY IN THE HOUSE, and the first book in Ally Carter's most recent series, HEIST SOCIETY. Next week, we'll focus on THE STATISTICAL PROBABILITY OF LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT, THE FROG PRINCESS, and we're going to do a throwback to ONE DAY which (I can't believe) I read and reviewed here a year ago. 
• I haven't thought of a Mayhem Challenge yet, but I sorely want to start giving things away. What would really help is having people to give these things away TO! Perhaps, on Friday, I'll just do a prize pack giveaway. Stay tuned until I have more news on this. 

Reviews for Last Week's Releases

So I've been M.I.A....

...But these bloggers haven't. Let's play catch up, shall we?

REVENGE OF THE GIRL WITH THE GREAT PERSONALITY by Elizabeth Eulberg

1. Review from the ever-trusted darlings at Rather be Reading

2. A great character-driven review over at Pixie Dust Book Reviews

3. Another great review found over at Secrets and Sharing Soda

4. The Goodreads

MILA 2.0 by Debra Driza

1. A great review over in the Book Nook (but giveaway's closed. Sorry!)

2. 3.5 our of 5 stars to Mila over at A Reader of Fictions

POISON by Bridget Zinn

1. Cool response from Hobbitsies

2. The flipside and personal thoughts over at Bookshelvers Anonymous

3. Another review that hearts POISON over at Parajunkee

LET THE SKY FALL by Shannon Messenger

1. A great review from Addictive Reading

2. And another one from The Book Cellar

3. And another one from Once Upon a Twilight

REQUIEM by Lauren Oliver

1. An honest response from Two Chicks on Books who loved the series
2. A 4 star review from our beloved Mundie Moms

UNREMEMBERED by Jessica Brody
1. A great in depth sum up of the book from Popcorn Reads
2. A great review from That's What She Read
3. A "Fantastically Awesome" review from IceyBooks

New Releases March 17th-23rd

*All synopses and covers from Goodreads. Click the book to buy!

March 19th: EVERAFTER by Elizabeth Chandler

(seems like Book 6 in a series)

It seems the odds are forever against Ivy and her fallen angel. Tristan is still trapped in the body of an accused murderer, and as the two star-crossed lovers try to clear his name, they must battle the dark forces that would keep them apart and destroy them both. The danger is especially great for Tristan since, as a fallen angel, death would mean losing his soul. It’s up to Ivy to save the one she loves and, hopefully, find a way for the two of the them to be together…for all eternity.
The sweeping saga of Ivy and Tristan comes to a breathtaking conclusion in this final book of the all-new arc in the New York Times bestselling Kissed by an Angel series.


March 21st: OCD, THE DUDE, AND ME by Lauren Roedy Vaughn

(seems to be a standalone)

With frizzy orange hair, a plus-sized body, sarcastic demeanor, and "unique learning profile," Danielle Levine doesn't fit in even at her alternative high school. While navigating her doomed social life, she writes scathing, self-aware, and sometimes downright raunchy essays for English class. As a result of her unfiltered writing style, she is forced to see the school psychologist and enroll in a "social skills" class. But when she meets Daniel, another social misfit who is obsessed with the cult classic film The Big Lebowski, Danielle's resolve to keep everyone at arm's length starts to crumble.

March 19th: CLOCKWORK PRINCESS by Cassandra Clare
(Book #3 in the Infernal Devices series)


THE INFERNAL DEVICES ARE WITHOUT PITY.
THE INFERNAL DEVICES ARE WITHOUT REGRET.
THE INFERNAL DEVICES ARE WITHOUT NUMBER.
THE INFERNAL DEVICES WILL NEVER STOP COMING.

Tessa Gray should be happy — aren’t all brides happy? Yet as she prepares for her wedding to Jem Carstairs, a net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute. A new demon appears, one linked by blood and secrecy to the Magister, the man who plans to use his army of pitiless automatons, the Infernal Devices, to destroy the Shadowhunters. He needs only one last item to complete his plan of destruction.

He needs Tessa.

Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment, and the tangled threads of love and loss intertwine as the Shadowhunters are pushed to the very brink of destruction in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy.

March 19th: FOX FOREVER by Mary E. Pearson
(Book #3 in the Jenna Fox Chronicles Series)


Locke Jenkins has some catching up to do. After spending 260 years as a disembodied mind in a little black box, he has a perfect new body. But before he can move on with his unexpected new life, he’ll have to return the Favor he accepted from the shadowy resistance group known as the Network.

Locke must infiltrate the home of a government official by gaining the trust of his daughter, seventeen-year-old Raine, and he soon finds himself pulled deep into the world of the resistance—and into Raine’s life.

Mary E. Pearson brings the story she began in The Adoration of Jenna Fox and continued in The Fox Inheritance to a breathtaking conclusion as Locke discovers that being truly human requires much more than flesh and blood.





March 21st: 17 & GONE by Nova Ren Suma
(seems to be a standalone)

Seventeen-year-old Lauren is having visions of girls who have gone missing. And all these girls have just one thing in common—they are 17 and gone without a trace. As Lauren struggles to shake these waking nightmares, impossible questions demand urgent answers: Why are the girls speaking to Lauren? How can she help them? And… is she next? As Lauren searches for clues, everything begins to unravel, and when a brush with death lands her in the hospital, a shocking truth emerges, changing everything.

With complexity and richness, Nova Ren Suma serves up a beautiful, visual, fresh interpretation of what it means to be lost.

March 21st: THE ART OF WISHING by Lindsay Ribar
(appears to be the first in a series)


Margo McKenna has a plan for just about everything, from landing the lead in her high school play to getting into a good college. So when she finds herself in possession of a genie's ring and the chance to make three wishes, she doesn't know what to do. Why should she put her life into someone else's hands?

But Oliver is more than just a genie -- he's also a sophomore at Margo's high school, and he's on the run from a murderer. As he and Margo grow closer, she discovers that it will take more than three wishes to save him.

A whole lot more.

IN PAPERBACK...
Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare
The Story of Us by Deb Caletti
The Queen of Kentucky by Alecia Whitaker

In Theaters March 17th-23rd

*Synopses and posters from Moviefone

March 22nd: "Admission" 

Director: Paul Weitz
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Going to see it?: Hmm... Dunno, yet. But I do love me some Tina Fey.

Description: Straight-laced Princeton University admissions officer Portia Nathan (Fey) is caught off-guard when she makes a recruiting visit to an alternative high school overseen by her former college classmate, the free-wheeling John Pressman (Rudd). Pressman has surmised that Jeremiah (Nat Wolff), his gifted yet very unconventional student, might well be the son that Portia secretly gave up for adoption many years ago. Soon, Portia finds herself bending the rules for Jeremiah, putting at risk the life she thought she always wanted -- but in the process finding her way to a surprising and exhilarating life and romance she never dreamed of having.


March 22nd: "The Croods"

Director: Kirk De Micco and Chris Sanders
MPAA Rating: PG
Going to see it?: No.

Description: A prehistoric family are forced to flee their cave after it's destroyed by a disaster that threatens to change their lives forever in this animated adventure featuring the voices of Nicolas Cage and Emma Stone. As a protective caveman father leads his family out of harm's way, the clan crosses paths with a resourceful teen named Guy (voice of Ryan Reynolds), who offers to help them reach a distant land where they'll be safe from an impending catastrophe that will soon alter the entire world. Catherine Keener, Clark Duke, and Cloris Leachman round out the cast of vocal performers.

March 22nd: "Olympus Has Fallen"

Director: Antoine Fuqua
MPAA Rating: R
Going to see it?: No. But I will probably watch it eventually. I also love me some Morgan Freeman.

Description: When the White House (Secret Service Code: "Olympus") is captured by a terrorist mastermind and the President is kidnapped, disgraced former Presidential guard Mike Banning finds himself trapped within the building. As our national security team scrambles to respond, they are forced to rely on Banning's inside knowledge to help retake the White House, save the President and avert an even bigger disaster.


AND ALSO...
"The Sapphires" Rated PG-13
"Love and Honor" Rated PG-13
"My Brother the Devil" Not Rated (also British)
"Starbuck" Rated R

And that's it from me this weekend! Sit tight for my "official" review of Victoria Schwab's THE ARCHIVED and linkage to a not-so-official review of myself, as a reader, over at my personal blog!

Au revoir!
Deserae

The Sunday Post ~7~

Elsewhere News

• Last week on Elsewhere, we spread the word about Sang Kromah's debut novel CONCEALED. This week, we turn back the clocks and pick up one of my favorite classics of all time: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE! 
• Even though Jane Austen's no longer with us, we can still spread the word about her novel. I hope you take up this week's challenges! If you submit something, you're automatically entered to win this week's prize pack. 
• Don't forget that if you don't have the money or want to buy this classic, you can find it on Project Gutenberg without risk and absolutely free. It's perfectly legal. I checked. :)
• Also, the YouTube Mayhem videos and Liveshows have been cancelled until the summer when I have more time to deal with that technical aspect, but you can still do YouTube Vlog reviews of your own and send the link to me at myticketsomewhere@gmail.com OR put them in the comments of the Monday Mayhem post.

Reviews for Last Week's Releases

So last week this happened...

...And here's what people had to say about those titles...

THE BOOK OF BLOOD AND SHADOW by Robin Wasserman

1. Review of awesome from Electrifying Reviews

2. Grade A+ Review from Lauren's Crammed Bookshelves

3. 5 Star Review from Imaginary Reads

*KILL ME SOFTLY by Sarah Cross

1. A 4 star review from our trusted Mundie Moms

2. Another 4 star review, this time from Teen Librarian Toolbox

3. A review from The Hollow Cupboards

4. Review from Book Loving Mommy

BELLES by Jen Calonita 

1. Great review from Justin's Book Blog

2. And another great review from Book Loving Mommy

*LEXAPROS AND CONS by Aaron Karo

1. Review from Rather Be Reading that helped me decide we're reading this.

2. Review by our trusted Novel Novice

DEAR GEORGE CLOONEY, PLEASE MARRY MY MOM by Susin Nielsen

1. Review from a smaller blog like us, Screen Spinster (admittedly, we're smaller, Elsewhere, but there's a certain level of appreciation, no?)

2. Brilliant review from A&C Book Junkies

New Releases April 16th- April 22nd

*Most synopses are from Goodreads

April 17th: THE LAST ECHO by Kimberly Derting (Book #3 in The Body Finder series)

In the end, all that's left is an echo...

Violet kept her morbid ability to sense dead bodies a secret from everyone except her family and her childhood-best-friend-turned-boyfriend, Jay Heaton. That is until forensic psychologist Sara Priest discovered Violet's talent and invited her to use her gift to track down murderers. Now, as she works with an eclectic group of individuals—including mysterious and dangerously attractive Rafe—it's Violet's job to help those who have been murdered by bringing their killers to justice. When Violet discovers the body of a college girl killed by "the girlfriend collector" she is determined to solve the case. But now the serial killer is on the lookout for a new "relationship" and Violet may have caught his eye....

April 17th: MISTER DEATH'S BLUE-EYED GIRLS by Mary Downing Hahn (looks like a standalone)

Based on an actual crime in 1955, this YA novel is at once a mystery and a coming-of-age story. The brutal murder of two teenage girls on the last day of Nora Cunningham's junior year in high school throws Nora into turmoil. Her certainties, friendships, religion, her prudence, her resolve to find a boyfriend taller than she is - are shaken or cast off altogether. 

Most people in Elmgrove, Maryland, share the comforting conviction that Buddy Novak, who had every reason to want his ex-girlfriend dead, is responsible for the killings. Nora agrees at first, then begins to doubt Buddy's guilt, and finally comes to believe him innocent - the lone dissenting voice in Elmgrove. Told from several different perspectives, including that of the murderer, Mister Death's Blue-Eyed Girls is a suspenseful page-turner with a powerful human drama at its core

April 17th: GRIMALKIN THE WITCH ASSASSIN by Joseph Delaney (Part of The Last Apprentice series, book one of which will soon be a "major motion picture" apparently)

"I'm coming for you, and nothing living or dead can stop me."

One witch is the most feared, the most ruthless, and the most deadly of all the witches in the county. If she hunts for you, she will find you. If you have crossed her, you don't stand a chance. She is the witch assassin, and her name is Grimalkin.

Grimalkin's one alliance is with Tom Ward, the Spook's apprentice. With Tom, she plans to rid the world of the most terrifying evil, the Fiend, who once did her great wrong.For the first time, fans of the Last Apprentice series will hear the story from Grimalkin's side, as she is hunted herself by creatures of darkness set on revenge.Grimalkin has never been defeated. But can she survive an enemy created for the sole purpose of destroying her?

April 17th: GLIMMER by Phoebe Kitanidis (seems like a standalone but by the way it's described, there may be series potential).

When Marshall and Elyse wake up in each other’s arms with zero memory of how they got there or who they are, it’s the start of a long journey through their separate pasts and shared future. Terrified by their amnesia, the two make a pact to work together to find the answers that could jog their missing memories. As they piece together clues, they discover they’re in the idyllic mountain resort town of Summer Falls, where everyone seems mysteriously happy, but as Marshall and Elyse quickly learn, darkness lurks beneath the town’s perfect facade. Not only is the town haunted by sinister ghosts, but none of its living inhabitants retain bad memories of anything—not the death of Marshall’s mom, not the hidden shame in Elyse’s family, not even the day-to-day anguish of high school.

Lonely in this world of happy zombies, Marsh and Elyse fall into an intense relationship...but the secrets they uncover could be the death of this growing love—and the death of everyone, and everything, they love in Summer Falls.

AND MORE...

Where She Went by Gayle Forman in Paperback

Gone, Gone, Gone by Hannah Moskowitz

The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross in Paperback

Liberator by Richard Harland

The Unidentified by Rae Mariz in Paperback

Snow White and The Huntsman adapted by Lily Blake

In Theaters April 16th- April 22nd

April 20th: "The Lucky One" 

Director: Scott Hicks

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Going to see it?: I'm tired of Nicholas Sparks adaptations. But I have to say this sounds more interesting than some of its predecessors. PLUS, Zac Efron. I mean, that should be enough for anyone, I think.

Description: U.S. Marine Sergeant Logan Thibault (Efron) returns from his third tour of duty in Iraq, with the one thing he credits with keeping him alive—a photograph he found of a woman he doesn't even know. Learning her name is Beth (Schilling) and where she lives, he shows up at her door, and ends up taking a job at her family-run local kennel. Despite her initial mistrust and the complications in her life, a romance develops between them, giving Logan hope that Beth could be much more than his good luck charm.

April 20th: "Think Like A Man"

Director: Tim Story
MPAA Rating: PG-13

Going to see it?: Yes. Yes, yes, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I need some funny in my life. THIS looks like funny. 

Description: 

Based on Steve Harvey's bestselling novel, "Think Like a Man" follow four friends who conspire to turn the tables on their women when they discover the ladies have been using Steve Harvey's relationship advice against them.

April 20th: "Goodbye First Love"

Director: Mia Hansen-Love

MPAA Rating: Not Yet Rated

Going to see it?: Sounds good. I want to!

Description: French filmmaker Mia Hansen-Løve returns to Toronto after her critically acclaimed The Father of My Children with an acutely perceptive portrait of a bright young woman in the wake of her first  romance. Fifteen-year-old Camille (Lola Créton) is a serious, intensely focused girl who has fallen in love with cheerful Sullivan (Sebastian Urzendowsky), an older boy who reciprocates her feelings, mostly, but wants to be free to explore the world. When he leaves her to travel through South America, she is devastated. But over the next eight years, she develops into a more fully formed woman, with new interests and a new love—and the possibility that she'll be less defenseless when Sullivan enters her life again. Filled with scenes that showcase her extraordinary ability to evoke moods and feelings, Hansen-Løve takes the story of a girl’s first romance and makes it into a singular experience, familiar in its broad strokes and yet so specific that it feels uniquely personal.

AND MORE

"The Moth Diaries" by Director Mary Harron

"Downtown Express" by Director David Grubin

"Jesus Henry Christ" by Director Dennis Lee

"Darling Companion" by Director Lawrence Kasdan

And documentaries like "To the Arctic," "Chimpanzees," "Fightville," and "Marley"

And that's it for this weekend, Elsewhere! I wish you the best week, and I hope you'll tune in later for my "review" of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE!

Ciao, Bellas,
Deserae

The Sunday Post ~6~

Elsewhere News

• Last week in Elsewhere, we celebrated Ally Carter's fifth book in the Gallagher Girls Series, OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF TIME. This week, we've switched gears, and have entered the quiet town of Sykesville to talk about Sang Kromah's unique debut CONCEALED. As always, in the review I post later today I'll hit on some of the things I liked and hope will be developed in the next installment, but DUDE. YES. If you're not up when I get around to posting it (around 9 or 10--- sorry! I have training!), you can check it out tomorrow or head down to your local bookstore to see what it's all about for yourself!
• I forgot to put up the reading schedule yesterday. I'll try to do it tonight so it'll provide at least four days for hardcore reading (hardcore... Yeah, right!). 
• Don't forget that there is still time to enter the Wednesday Wanderings contest and the Monday Mayhem contest for this upcoming week. Check out the April Calendar for ideas to win this week's Prize Pack.

Reviews for Last Week's New Releases

So last week, this happened last week...

And I forgot to tell you that TAKE A BOW by Elizabeth Eulberg came out on the first, and this YA thriller called I HUNT KILLERS has also hit the shelves.

So now that you know all of that, here are the reviews I've seen on all of the things for...

I HUNT KILLERS by Barry Lyga

1. Review and an author guest post and giveaway over at The Booksmugglers.

*TAKE A BOW by Elizabeth Eulberg

1. A bunch of goodies on Novel Novice as it's currently their featured book.

2. An author interview with a Elizabeth Eulberg and book review on Mundie Moms.

FEAR by Michael Grant

1. A review from HD at Reading Writing Breathing.

BLACK HEART by Holly Black

1. A review found through Shelf Awareness.

2. Another review from Mundie Moms.

3. A review from Reading Teen.

PURE by Jennifer L'Armentrout

1. Character interview on its Mundie Moms blog tour stop. (Click to see even more goodies!)

*GRAVE MERCY by Robin LaFevers

1. Another review via Shelf Awareness.

2. Another review from Reading Teen.

3. A five star review from Mundie Moms.

*NOTE: The asterisk indicates I've already scheduled time for that book on Elsewhere. Get a head start! 

New Releases April 9th- April 15th

*All synopses are from Goodreads

April 10th: THE BOOK OF BLOOD AND SHADOW by Robin Wasserman (as of now, a standalone.)

When the night began, Nora had two best friends and a boyfriend she adored. When it ended, she had nothing but blood on her hands. Chris was dead. Adriane couldn't speak. And Max, Nora's sweet, smart, soft-spoken Prince Charming, was gone. He was also-according to the police, according to her parents, according to everyone-a murderer. 

Desperate to prove his innocence, Nora's determined to follow the trail of blood, no matter where it leads. But Chris's murder is just one piece in a puzzle that spans continents and centuries. Solving it may be the only way she can save her own life.

*April 10th: KILL ME SOFTLY by Sarah Cross (I believe it's a standalone and yes, we'll be reading it.)

Mirabelle’s past is shrouded in secrecy, from her parents’ tragic deaths to her guardians’ half-truths about why she can’t return to her birthplace, Beau Rivage. Desperate to see the town, Mira runs away a week before her sixteenth birthday—and discovers a world she never could have imagined.

In Beau Rivage, nothing is what it seems—the strangely pale girl with a morbid interest in apples, the obnoxious playboy who’s a beast to everyone he meets, and the chivalrous guy who has a thing for damsels in distress. Here, fairy tales come to life, curses are awakened, and ancient stories are played out again and again. But fairy tales aren’t pretty things, and they don’t always end in happily ever after. Mira has a role to play, a fairy tale destiny to embrace or resist. As she struggles to take control of her fate, Mira is drawn into the lives of two brothers with fairy tale curses of their own . . . brothers who share a dark secret. And she’ll find that love, just like fairy tales, can have sharp edges and hidden thorns.

April 10th: BELLES by Jen Calonita (Standalone? I think?)

Fifteen-year-old Isabelle Scott loves her life by the boardwalk on the supposed wrong side of the tracks in North Carolina. But when tragedy strikes, a social worker sends her to live with a long-lost uncle and his preppy privileged family. Isabelle is taken away from everything she's ever known, and, unfortunately, inserting her into the glamorous lifestyle of Emerald Cove doesn't go so well. Her cousin Mirabelle Monroe isn't thrilled to share her life with an outsider, and, in addition to dealing with all the rumors and backstabbing that lurk beneath their classmates' Southern charm, a secret is unfolding that will change both girls' lives forever.

*April 10th: LEXAPROS AND CONS by Aaron Karo (looks like a standalone and sound really cute. I think we should read it.) 

Chuck Taylor’s OCD has rendered him a high school outcast. His endless routines and habitual hand washing threaten to scare away both his closest friend and the amazing new girl in town. Sure he happens to share the name of the icon behind the coolest sneakers in the world, but even Chuck knows his bizarre system of wearing different color “Cons” depending on his mood is completely crazy. 

In this hilariously candid debut novel from comedian Aaron Karo—who grew up with a few obsessions and compulsions of his own—very bad things are going to happen to Chuck. But maybe that’s a good thing. Because with graduation looming, Chuck finds himself with one last chance to face his inner demons, defend his best friend, and win over the girl of his dreams. No matter what happens, though, he’ll have to get his hands dirty.

April 10th: DEAR GEORGE CLOONEY, PLEASE MARRY MY MOM by Susin Nielsen (standalone) 

Violet's TV-director dad has traded a job in Vancouver for one in Los Angeles, their run-down house for a sleek ranch-style home complete with a pool, and, worst of all, Violet's mother for a trophy wife, a blonde actress named Jennica. Violet's younger sister reacts by bed-wetting, and her mother ping-pongs from one loser to another, searching for love. As for Violet, she gets angry in ways that are by turns infuriating, shocking, and hilarious.

When her mother takes up with the unfortunately named Dudley Wiener, Violet and her friend Phoebe decide that they need to take control. If Violet's mom can't pick a decent man herself, they will help her snag George Clooney. In Dear George Clooney, Please Marry My Mom, Susin Nielsen has created a truly original protagonist in Violet and a brilliant new novel that will delight readers into rooting for her, even when she's at her worst.

PAPERBACK RELEASES

Monster High #2: The Ghoul Next Door by Lisi Harrison

Rotters by Daniel Kraus

Viola in the Spotlight by Adriana Trigiani 

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King

7 Kinds of Ordinary Catastrophes by Amber Kizer

The Anti-Prom by Abby McDonald

Chime by Franny Billingsley

In Theaters April 9th- April 15th

April 13th: "The Cabin in the Woods" 

Director: Drew Goddard

MPAA Rating: R

Going to see it?: No. Just... no. Not only do I see absolutely no plot in the trailer, but I also cannot stomach horror. I don't care HOW CUTE the guys are!

Description: 

Five friends go for a break at a remote cabin in the woods, where they get more than they bargained for. Together, they must discover the truth behind the cabin in the woods. If you think you know this story, think again. From fan favorites Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard comes 'The Cabin in the Woods,' a mind blowing horror film that turns the genre inside out.

April 13th: "The Three Stooges"

Directors: Bobby Farrelly and Peter Farrelly

MPAA Rating: PG

Going to see it?: Probably not right away. Maybe on DVD or when it goes to the cheaper theater down the street because next week has a bunch of films I'm down for.

Description: 

While trying to save their childhood orphanage, Moe, Larry, and Curly inadvertently stumble into a murder plot and wind up starring in a reality TV show. Peter and Bobby Farrelly finally get around to doing their take on the Three Stooges with this 20th Century Fox production. From a script they penned with Mike Cerrone (Me, Myself & Irene), the brothers' comedic take on the trio will not be a iopic, but rather a sampling of new slapstick adventures set in the present day.

April 13th: "Lockout"

Directors: James Mathers and Stephen St. Ledger

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Going to see it?: When I first saw the trailer, I thought no, but now... maybe?

Description: 

Set in the near future, Lockout follows a falsely convicted ex- government agent (Guy Pearce), whose one chance at obtaining freedom lies in the dangerous mission of rescuing the President's daughter (Maggie Grace) from rioting convicts at an outer space maximum security prison.

April 13th: "Blue Like Jazz"

Director: Steve Taylor

MPAA Rating: Not Yet Rated

Going to see it?: No, but Claire Holt (aka EMMA from H2O: Just Add Water) is in it and that's the only reason I'm even mentioning this one to you guys 'cause it looks... weird...

Description: In 'Blue Like Jazz,' Don (Marshall Allman), a pious nineteen-year-old sophomore at a Texas junior college, impulsively decides to escape his evangelical upbringing for life in the Pacific Northwest at one of the most progressive campuses in America, Reed College in Portland. Upon arrival, Reed's surroundings and eccentric student body proves to be far different than he could possibly imagine from the environment from which he came, forcing him to embark on a journey of self-discovery to understand who he is and what he truly believes.

AND MORE
"Woman Thou Art Loosed: On the 7th Day" by Director Neema Barnette

"Monsieur Lazhar" by Director Philippe Falardeau

"Here" by Director Braden King

"L!fe Happens" by Director Kat Coiro

And that's it for this Sunday! I'll catch you later, Dearies! 

Love,
Deserae

The Sunday Post ~5~

Elsewhere News

• Last week in Elsewhere, Desi was absent. She knows and is very, berry sorry. But don't worry--- in my free time, I'll still do all the posts I missed for DESPEREAUX which I hope you read--- it's such a wonderful story of love and forgiveness.
• This week, we're talking about Ally Carter's OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF TIME and if you participated in last month's Gallagher Girl Challenge, you're all caught up! Even though I was personally a bit disappointed in the fifth installment of the Gallagher Girls Series, I still recommend this book and the series wholeheartedly. It's an important development to the story's overall arch, and my tastes aren't your tastes--- my mind isn't your mind--- so you might like it more than I did! I admit the things that bothered me about this one were TRIVIAL, but I can't say it was better than GG3 or GG4, even though I really, really, REALLY want to say that! In my review, I'll talk on this further, but if you haven't picked up this book yet, I still need you to. You must pick it up. You must read it. You must talk to me about it. And then you must convince me that I'm a complete nutzo or something because unfortunately, I wanted to like it a lot more than I actually did.
• This month has brought changes for Elsewhere and no! That's not an April Fool's joke! Instead of just focusing on the book of the week, I'm going to do my best to talk about all of the books we're reading more so that if one of the books I've chosen didn't suit you but another did, you won't be out of the loop--- you'll just be in a different one. :) Keep in mind, the Book of the Week is still my main focus. If I forget or neglect to post about the "challenge" books, TECHNICALLY you can't hate me for it. TECHNICALLY.
• This month, I'll be providing "reading schedules" for the books we'll be reading just to give you an idea or a goal of how you can reasonably finish a book before our Friday Livechat. Since this is the first month I'm doing it I'm going to experiment: this week, I'm giving it to you on Monday, next week on Friday. For those of you who want to try it, let me know which works best for you after the trial run is over. 

New Releases April 2nd- April 8th

*All synopses are from Goodreads

April 3rd: FEAR by Michael Grant (Book #5 in the Gone Series---has anyone read this series? Is it awesome? Should we include it as our series challenge next month?Let me know!)

Despite the hunger, despite the lies, even despite the plague, the kids of Perdido Beach are determined to survive. Creeping into the tenuous new existence they've built, though, is perhaps the worst incarnation yet of the enemy known as the Darkness: fear.

April 3rd: THE FAME GAME by Lauren Conrad (first book in a spinoff series)

In Hollywood, fame can be found on every corner and behind any door. You just have to know where to look for it. Nineteen-year-old Madison Parker made a name for herself as best frenemy of nice-girl-next-door Jane Roberts on the hot reality show L.A. Candy. Now Madison's ready for her turn in the spotlight and she'll stop at nothing to get it. Sure, she's the star of a new show, but with backstabbing friends and suspicious family members trying to bring her down, Madison has her work cut out for her. Plus, there's a new nice girl in "reality" town—aspiring actress Carmen Price, the daughter of Hollywood royalty—and she's a lot more experienced at playing the fame game... When the camera's start rolling, whose star will shine brighter?

April 3rd: BLACK HEART by Holly Black (Book #3 in the Curseworkers series--- *NOTE there are other covers for this series--- covers I love SO much! But I'm not sure if they're circulating. Sadness!)

Cassel Sharpe knows he’s been used as an assassin, but he’s trying to put all that behind him. He’s trying to be good, even though he grew up in a family of con artists and cheating comes as easily as breathing to him. He’s trying to do the right thing, even though the girl he loves is inextricably connected with crime. And he’s trying to convince himself that working for the Feds is smart, even though he’s been raised to believe the government is the enemy. 

But with a mother on the lam, the girl he loves about to take her place in the Mob, and new secrets coming to light, the line between what’s right and what’s wrong becomes increasingly blurred. When the Feds ask Cassel to do the one thing he said he would never do again, he needs to sort out what’s a con and what’s truth. In a dangerous game and with his life on the line, Cassel may have to make his biggest gamble yet—this time on love.

April 3rd: PURE by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Book #2 in the Covenant Series paperback release--- was only available as an ebook before)

There is need. And then there is Fate... Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn't exactly awesome--especially when Alexandria's "other half" is everywhere she goes. Seth's in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom--so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do--and sacrifice--for her. 

When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies--lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon... and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn't blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude... or killing her. When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone.

April 3rd: GRAVE MERCY by Robin LaFevers (Book #1 in the His Fair Assassins Series)

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others. 

Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

April 3rd: RADIATE by Marley Gibson (looks like a standalone)

Hayley Matthews has one dream: to make it onto the varsity cheerleading team her senior year of high school. Odds are against her, but she doesn't let that stop her from trying and despite the odds, she makes the squad.

In an instant, Hayley's life changes. Now she's part of the popular crowd at school, dating a football player, and going to parties. And she's working hard to be as perfect on the squad as her captain expects them all to be.

But then one day Hayley notices a lump on her left leg and the steady throb she's been feeling has gotten much worse. She can barely walk. When Hayley goes with her mom to get it checked out, the diagnosis is cancer. The doctor can't say how bad it is or what the prognosis will be. At the minimum, she'll have to have surgery. At the most it could mean loss of her leg or even her life. Now she must face the odds again and show everyone, including herself, just how strong she is. And through it all, it's cheerleading that keeps Hayley focused and positive.

All she wants to do is cheer, and nothing, including cancer, is going to stop her.

In Theaters April 2nd- April 8th

April 4th: "Titanic in 3D"

Director: James Cameron

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Going to see it?: No because it'll make me CRY and I don't want to CRY.

Description: When 102-year-old Rose (Gloria Stuart) reveals she's the person in the portrait, she is summoned to the wreckage site to tell her story of the 56-carat diamond necklace and her experiences of 84 years earlier. The scene then shifts to 1912 Southampton where passengers boarding the Titanic include penniless Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) and society girl Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet), returning to Philadelphia with her wealthy fiance Cal Hockley (Billy Zane). After the April 10th launch, Rose develops a passionate interest in Jack, and Cal's reaction is vengeful. At midpoint in the film, the Titanic slides against the iceberg and water rushes into the front compartments. Even engulfed, Cal continues to pursue Jack and Rose as the massive liner begins its descent.

April 4th: "Iron Sky"

Director: Timo Vuorensola

MPAA Rating: Not Rated

Going to see it?: Um! No.

Description: In the last moments of World War II, a secret Nazi space program evaded destruction by fleeing to the Dark Side of the Moon. During 70 years of utter secrecy, the Nazis construct a gigantic space fortress with a massive armada of flying saucers. When American astronaut James Washington (Christopher Kirby) puts down his Lunar Lander a bit too close to the secret Nazi base, the Moon Fuhrer (Udo Kier) decides the glorious moment of retaking the Earth has arrived sooner than expected. Washington claims the mission is just a publicity stunt for the President of the United States (Stephanie Paul), but what else could the man be but a scout for the imminent attack by Earth forces? The Fourth Reich must act! Two Nazi officers, ruthless Klaus Adler (Gotz Otto) and idealistic Renate Richter (Julia Dietze), travel to Earth to prepare the invasion. In the end when the Moon Nazi UFO armada darkens the skies, ready to strike at the unprepared Earth, every man, woman and nation alike, must re-evaluate their priorities.

April 6th: "American Reunion" 

Directors: Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg

MPAA Rating: R

Going to see it?: Not my thing, but I admit! The commercial made me laugh!

Description: In the comedy 'American Reunion', all the 'American Pie' characters we met a little more than a decade ago return to East Great Falls for their high-school reunion. In one long-overdue weekend, they will discover what has changed, who hasn't and that time and distance can't break the bonds of friendship.

It was summer 1999 when four small-town Michigan boys began a quest to lose their virginity. In the years that have passed, Jim and Michelle married while Kevin and Vicky said goodbye. Oz and Heather grew apart, but Finch still longs for Stifler's mom. Now these lifelong friends have come home as adults to reminisce about--and get inspired by--the hormonal teens who launched a comedy legend.

April 6th: "The Hunter"

Director: Daniel Nettheim

MPAA Rating: R

Going to see it?: I don't know! It sounds pretty good!

Description: A mercenary employed by a highly secretive biotech research company sets out into the wilds of Tasmania in search of the elusive Tasmanian tiger - an animal assumed to be extinct by scientists, yet rumored to have been spotted in the area in recent years. Adapted from the novel by author Julia Leigh, The Hunter follows Martin (Willem Dafoe) as he ventures out on his mission and arrives at the home of Lucy Armstrong (Frances O'Connor), who has been heavily sedated since her husband vanished into the surrounding wilderness months ago, and who now lives alone with her young daughter Sass (Morgana Davies) and taciturn son Bike (Finn Woodlock). Shortly thereafter, Martin is accompanied to the edge of the wilds by Jack Mindy (Sam Neill), an old friend of Lucy's who has kept watch over her family and who balks at the newcomer's decision to navigate the rough terrain unaccompanied. In the wake of a clash with hostile local loggers Martin gradually begins to learn more about Lucy's family, and begins to develop a tenuous friendship with her two young children. But later, just as Martin begins to feel as if his goal is finally within reach, an unexpected development sends his mission into a tailspin, and causes him to question the motivations behind capturing this strange and majestic creature.

April 6th: "Damsels in Distress"

Director: Whit Stillman

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Going to see it?: ...Eh! Maybe! Sounds like my cup o' tea...

Description: 'Damsels in Distress' follows a trio of beautiful girls who set out to revolutionize life at a grungy East Coast College -- the dynamic leader Violet Wister (Greta Gerwig), principled Rose (Megalyn Echikunwoke) and sexy Heather (Carrie MacLemore). They welcome transfer student Lily (Annaleigh Tipton) into their group which seeks to help severely depressed students with a program of good hygiene and musical dance numbers. The girls become romantically entangled with a series of men -- including slick Charlie ( Adam Brody), dreamboat Xavier (Hugo Becker) and the mad frat pack of Frank (Ryan Metcalf) and Thor (Billy Magnussen)-- who threaten the girls' friendship and sanity.

And that's it for this week, my dears! I'm excited to head down to the bookstore to pick up the April books and all that jazz. Oh didn't you know? The April Calendar is up! Be sure to check it out and participate in the contests going on! You know you want to. Everyone who spreads the word is entered to win! Hope you all have a blessed week. Love ya much and I'll talk to you soon!

Hasta la pasta,

Deserae

The Sunday Post ~3~

Elsewhere News

• Last week we talked about Robin Mellom's debut novel DITCHED (recap here). But this week, we're moving out of YA and into Adult Fiction by celebrating David Nicholl's #1 International Bestselling Novel, ONE DAY. Not sure what it's about? Click on the link to be taken to the Goodreads page of the edition I have in my possession. Still not sure if you want to read it? I'll be posting my review of ONE DAY a little bit later today (shooting for noon-ish... meh...). Honestly, though, I really enjoyed this book. If I had to sum it up into a one-word review, that word would be "BEAUTIFUL." I thought this was a special, and truly unique story, and I can't wait to talk to you guys more about it later. 
• The Livechat this Friday was pretty cool! Although we missed Arianna (yes I use the royal we! Shut up!), Alice and Bella and I had a great time talking about TFiOS, THE HUNGER GAMES, TWILIGHT, and other John-Green-related, and non-John-Green-related shenanigans. You can join us next time by visiting my Livestream channel on Friday at 6 PM PST. We'll be talking about ONE DAY, DON'T JUDGE A GIRL BY HER COVER, and anything else your hearts desire. Think you might forget? Follow me on Twitter to get a link sent right to your Twitter-feed! 
• Today is the last day to enter your pieces for this week's Wednesday Writes challenge! Check out the March Calendar for this week's prompts! 
• Speaking of calendars, I was supposed to post the April Calendar yesterday but was busy studying for finals. SO! I'll post it later today, pinky swear. In the meantime, I still need your book suggestions for books that fall under the category of CLASSIC, GENRE BENDER, or CLASSICAL RETELLING (follow links for examples of books I'm interested in reading with you lot). 

Reviews for Last Week's Releases

So this happened last week...

....And here's what people are saying about...

OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF TIME by Ally Carter

1. Mundie Moms Review

2. Nicole's Review

SPELLBOUND by Rachel Hawkins

1. Interview with Rachel at C.J. Redwine's blog 

2. Ticket to Anywhere Review

STARTERS by Lissa Price

1. Book Smugglers Review

2. Mundie Moms Review

3. Reading Teen Review

WANDERLOVE by Kirsten Hubbard

1. Muggleborn Review

And one I forgot to tell you came out! 

PRETTY CROOKED by Elisa Ludwig

1. Mundie Moms Review

I even linked the book title to Goodreads so you can check out what it's about. Not a bad turn-out, right, Elsewhere? Last week's book titles were a hit! Now let's see what's hitting the shelves this week, shall we?

New Releases March 19th- March 25th

*All synopses taken from Goodreads

March 20th: A TEMPTATION OF ANGELS by Michelle Zink (looks like a stand-alone with possible series potential)

When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen-year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world's past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility. Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong, because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel. 

March 20th: LOSS by Jackie Morse Kessler (Book #3 in the Riders of the Apocalypse Series)

Fifteen-year-old Billy Ballard is the kid that everyone picks on. But things change drastically when Death tells Billy he must stand in as Pestilence, the White Rider of the Apocalypse. Now armed with a Bow that allows him to strike with disease from a distance, Billy lashes out at his tormentors...and accidentally causes an outbreak of meningitis. Horrified by his actions, Billy begs Death to take back the Bow. For that to happen, says Death, Billy must track down the real White Rider—who is lost in his memories. In his search, Billy travels through White Rider’s life all the way to what may be the end of the world. When Billy finally finds the White Rider, the teen convinces the man to return to the real world. 

But now the insane White Rider plans to unleash something awful on humanity—something that could make the Black Death look like a summer cold. Billy has a choice: he can live his life and pretend he doesn’t know what’s coming, or he can challenge the White Rider for his Crown. Does one bullied teenager have the strength to stand his ground—and the courage to save the world? 

March 20th: THE DIVIDE by L.J. Smith (Book #4 in The Secret Circle Series)

For the first time since moving to New Salem, Cassie Blake feels normal.  But between the secret coven of witches she belongs to and the incredible power she holds within her, Cassie is leading a far from ordinary life. When tragedy strikes the Circle, Cassie realizes being extraordinary can be a curse. 

The Circle is being hunted by an unknown enemy and anyone could be the next victim. As they struggle to protect themselves, alliances are formed and relationships are tested. No one knows who to trust or who to fear. Will Cassie be able to save the Circle . . . and herself? Or will her choices break it apart forever? 

March 20th: CASTLE OF SHADOWS by Ellen Renner (appears to be a standalone middle grade debut)

Ever since the Queen mysteriously disappeared and the King went mad five years ago, eleven-year-old Princess Charlie has lived a wild and mostly unsupervised life in the country of Quale—until now. With the discovery of an unfinished letter in the Queen’s handwriting, Charlie embarks on a quest to find her mother and save the kingdom from a revolution. With Tobias, the gardener’s boy, by her side, every step closer to the Queen pulls Charlie deeper into an entangling web of lies and secrets—as twisted as the dark castle—where nothing is as it seems.

 

And I forgot one last week!

March 13th: SEEDS OF REBELLION by Brandon Mull (Book #2 in the bestselling series "The Beyonders")

After the cliffhanger ending of A World Without Heroes, Jason is back in the world he’s always known—yet for all his efforts to get home, he finds himself itching to return to Lyrian. Jason knows that the shocking truth he learned from Maldor is precious information that all of his friends in Lyrian, including Rachel, need if they have any hope of surviving and defeating the evil emperor.

Meanwhile, Rachel and the others have discovered new enemies—as well as new abilities that could turn the tide of the entire quest. And as soon as Jason succeeds in crossing over to Lyrian, he’s in more danger than ever. Once the group reunites, they strive to convince their most-needed ally to join the war and form a rebellion strong enough to triumph over Maldor. At the center of it all, Jason and Rachel realize what roles they’re meant to play—and the answers are as surprising as they are gripping.

 Anything you want to read? Let me know!

In Theaters March 19th-25th

March 23rd: "The Hunger Games"

Director: Gary Ross

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Going to see it?: Haven't read the books, so no. But I'm sure it'll be a great experience. Go for me! Support YA on the big screen!

Description: Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which "Tributes" must fight with one another until one survivor remains.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers in her younger sister's place to enter the games, and is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy when she's pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives. If she's ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

March 23rd: "The Deep Blue Sea"

Director: Terence Davies

MPAA Rating: Not Yet Rated

Going to see it?: No. But I want to see the version with Vivien Leigh. I love her!

Description: Hester Page (Rachel Weisz) is rescued in the midst of a suicide attempt by her landlady Mrs. Elton (Ann Mitchell) when she smells gas. As those around her ponder why a beautiful woman would choose such a fate, we learn that Hester is not really Hester at all -- she's actually Lady Collyer, the wife of well-known and well-respected judge Sir William Collyer (Simon Russell Beale). However, Lady Collyer has never known love or satisfaction in her marriage, and she fell into an affair with Freddie Page (Tom Hiddleston), a former RAF pilot. Lady Collyer has become hopelessly infatuated with Freddie, leaving her husband and living with Freddie under an assumed identity. But the woman who now calls herself Hester soon discovers she loves Freddie far more than he loves her, and between his drinking and his neglect, she given up her old life for one that has no future. This marks the second time The Deep Blue Sea has been brought to the screen; Vivien Leigh starred in the 1955 version directed by Anatole Litvak.

March 23rd: "October Baby"

Directors: Jon Erwin and Andrew Erwin 

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for mature thematic material)

Going to see it?: I kinda want to!

Description: As the curtain rises, Hannah hesitantly steps onto the stage for her theatrical debut in college. Yet before she can utter her first lines, Hannah—unscripted—collapses in front of the stunned audience.

After countless medical tests, all signs point to one underlying factor: Hannah's difficult birth. This revelation is nothing compared to what she then learns from her parents: she was actually adopted … after a failed abortion attempt.

Bewildered, angered, and confused, Hannah turns for support to Jason, her oldest friend. Encouraged by his adventurous spirit, Hannah joins his group of friends on a Spring Break road trip, embarking on a journey to discover her hidden past … and find hope for her unknown future. In the midst of her incredible journey, Hannah finds that life can be so much more than what you have planned.

 March 23rd: "Musical Chairs"

Director: Susan Seidelman

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Going to see it?: If and when it goes to DVD. Sounds good, though. Just don't have that kind of cash.

Description: Set against the exciting backdrop of competitive ballroom dancing, Musical Chairs is about Armando a Bronx-bred Latino who aspires to be a dancer but whose only way in is as handyman at a Manhattan dance studio, and Mia, an Upper East Side princess who is the studio's star performer. Though worlds apart, their shared passion for dance promises to bring them together until a tragic accident changes Mia's life forever, and she finds herself wheelchair-bound at a rehab facility, with her dreams of a dance career shattered. Fortunately, Armando has enough dreams for both of them and, when he hears about a wheelchair ballroom dance competition that will soon be held in NY, he sees a way to return something to Mia that she thinks is lost forever. At first she is reluctant--wheelchair dancing, though highly popular overseas, is something she never even knew existed. But, with the help of several other patients at the rehab center, Armando organizes an intense training program that will bring them all center stage and in the spotlight. The prize is irrelevant: what they really stand to win back is their zest for life.

March 23rd: US Release of "Agent Vinod"

Director: Sriram Raghavan

MPAA Rating: Not Rated

Going to see it?: It sounds cool! I mean, it was first released in India so I don't know if it's in Hindi or in English... And it's so hard to find info about it. The official site is shut down! So maybe... Maybe...

Description: The story begins with a series of seemingly unconnected events. All over the Globe. Enter Agent Vinod. Vinod (Saif Ali Khan) is the kind of Agent who first kicks the door open and then finds out whats behind it. His unconventional approach puts him in dangerous situations, But he manages to get the crucial leads.Vinod leaves for Morocco, where he meets an elderly Mafiosi Kazan and the beautiful but mysterious or Ruby.

A series of twists and turns take Vinod across the Globe Marakkesh To Riga, Karachi to Delhi and finally London where he discovers the ultimate conspiracy. Agent Vinod... you may not agree with his methods, but you sure are glad he's on your side.

And that's it for this post, Everyone! Hope you all have a lovely Sunday and enjoy an even lovelier week. Let me know what books you bought or movies you watched! This week I saw Sweeney Todd for the first time and I'm dying to discuss! 

Peace, love, and ladybugs!

Deserae