By Midnight, Mia James

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co
Pages: 448
Format: Hardback
Source: Bought from Play.com

















"April Dunne is not impressed. She's had to move from Edinburgh to Highgate, London, with her parents. She's left her friends - and her entire life - behind. She has to start at a new school and, worst of all, now she's stuck in a creepy old dump of a house which doesn't even have proper mobile phone reception. Ravenwood, her new school, is a prestigious academy for gifted (financially or academically) students - and the only place her parents could find her a place, in the middle of term, in the middle of London, on incredibly short notice. So she's stuck with the super-rich, and the super-smart ...and trying to fit in is when the rest of the students seem to be more glamorous, smarter, or more talented than she is, is more than tough. It's intimidating and isolating, even when she finds a friend in the conspiracy-theorist Caro Jackson - and perhaps finds something more than friendship in the gorgeous, mysterious Gabriel Swift. But there's more going on at Ravenwood than meets the eye. Practical jokes on new students are normal, but when Gabriel saves her from ...something ...in the Highgate Cemetery, and then she discovers that a murder took place, just yards away from where she had been standing, April has to wonder if something more sinister is going on. ..and whether or not she's going to live through it ..."

Background:
"By Midnight" is written by Mia James, a pseudonym for Tasmina Perry and John Perry. Tasmina Perry lives in Great Britain and has written four books aside from "By Midnight".

Main Character:
April Dunne is a character it is easy to emphatize with. She is strong, but also vulnerable. She takes initiative and get things done. She comes across as very normal, the average teenagegirl. She is pretty and takes good care of her friends, and you wouldn't want to cross her. April will do whatever it takes to fight for her friends and loved ones, if that is necessary.

The Story:
The book opens with a well written prolog from 1887, which propels you right into the story. And the author continues to draw you in even after you have left the prolog and started reading the first chapter where April arrives in London. April's mother is annoying, but her father is a very likeable man. And then there are all the teenagers at April's new school, Ravenwood: Davina, Benjamin, Gabriel, Caro and Milo, to name a few. Milo, Benjamin and Gabriel are handsome guys and they all like April. Caro is the misfit, with goth makeup and clothes. Davina is the popular one, the girl who dresses in expensive fashion clothes. But something is not quite right at Ravenwood and in the surrounding area, soon people starts showing up dead.

By Midnight is a story with many stories in it. It is as book about family and friends, and what it is like to be a teenager. It is a romance novel, a book with some paranormal twists, and could also be described as a crime novel. It is a book about secrets, the battle between good and evil. There is a lot of things going on here.

The book:
You are easily drawn into the story when you start to read the book, but sometimes the book lacks a little thrust forwards. Every now and then you will read a very thrilling chapter, but then the suspense is gone and there is not much happening before you eventually reach a new, suspenseful chapter. It did take some time before the story really kicked off, but when it does (halfway into the book)I was hooked.

The plot is orginal, nothing is revealed to soon, and you have to keep on reading to find out the answers. The plot was one of the great things about this book. There is so many layers to it. It also takes some time before the paranormal elements gets much focus. At one point I actually forgot that I was reading a paranormal novel.

And I love April and Caro. April is not a girl one can easily manipulate. She has integrity and a very strong will. I also loved the describtions from Highgate Cemetery.

The ending leaves me wondering if there will be a sequel. I really hope so, because I want to know more about Ravenwood, the people there, April's family and other things that are revealed in this book.


You can visit the book's website here.

Other reviews:
Chicklish
My favorite Books

Booktrailer:

More books in the contest

I promised you that if i reached 100 followers in my ongoing contest, I would pick a new winner for every 25 follower and also add more books the winners can choose from. And since I am intent on keeping my word, of course, I have added one more book that is up for grabs for the winners:
This is the paperback - edition of the book. I must admit that I haven't read The Hunger Games - series yet, shame on me, but since I have heard so many great things about it I plan to do so very soon.

I actually can't believe that I have already reached 128 followers, considering all the great blogs that are out there I never thought I would reach that many. This also means that it will be more winners in this contest. At this moment four people will be winners.

Haven't entered the contest yet? You can find every detail about it here.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

Follow Friday & Blog Hop 30/7

Every week Parajunkee hosts "Follow my Book Blog Friday", a feature where you can get to know other bloggers. Last week I found so many great blogs, looking forward to do the same now.


So, welcome to my blog! I haven't been blogging that long. I started with a blog in Norwegian in January, and this month I started out with this one in English. You can read more about me here.

I also have an ongoing contest, which ends August 27th. The prizes are Clockwork Angel, Torment, Halo and other highly anticipated books. The details of the contest is here.

Jennifer at Crazy for Books is hosting Book Blooger Hop on fridays.


This weeks question: Who is your favorite new-to-you author so far this year?

That was a tricky question. I have discovered so many new authors this year, it is hard to just name one. I think I will go for Laurell K. Hamilton, but had you asked me the same question next week, I might have answered differently.

Have a wonderful friday everyone.

The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith

Publisher: Hachette Children's Book
Pages: 400
Format: Paperback
Source: Bought from Play.com
















"Vampire Diaries centres on Elena (Dobrev), a tragic heroine who is the object of passion of two vampire brothers. In The Awakening, Elena Gilbert is used to getting what she wants and she wants mysterious new boy, Stefan. But Stefan is hiding a deadly secret - a secret that will change Elena's life for ever ... In The Struggle, Elena is torn between her boyfriend, Stefan, and his brother, Damon. But these brothers hide dark secrets and a tragic past that threatens them all. Damon wants to lead Elena astray - and he'd rather kill Stefan than let him possess her..."
(From Play.com)

Background:
"The Vampire Diaries" were originally published as a trilogy in 1991. The readers were not content with only three books, so L.J. Smith wrote a fourth, The Dark Reunion, which was published in 1992. I 1998, a spin-off of the series: The Vampire Diaries, the Return was released. The books re-entered the bestsellerlists after the sucess of Twilight. L.J. Smith is currently writing a new vampire trilogy, the first book will be named "Phantom".

Story:
In "The Awakening" and "The Struggle" we are introduced to Elena Gilbert, who lives at Fell's Church. Her parents are dead, so she lives with her aunt. Elena is popular at school, everybody wants to be her friend, and the boys dream about her. But Elena's life is turned upside down when a new boy, Stefan Salvatore. begins at her school.

Main character:
I had a hard time getting into the first book in this series, and the reason for this is Elena Gilbert. I thought she was spoiled, shallow and could not empathise with her. I almost started rooting for her enemies. One of Elena's friends Bonnie, on the other hand, is described as much more likeable. My impression of Elena changed during book 2, "The Struggle". As the story unfolds, Elena becomes more modest and humble. It almost felt like the author needed to write the first book, just to get under Elena's skin.

The book:
I thought book 1 was quite average, book 2 on the other hand was way better. I did not find any of them particularily thrilling or suspenseful, but perhaps that is due to the fact that I used quite some time before I liked Elena.

One thing I am curious about though: Why is is that so many of the main characters in these paranormal series have parents that for some reason are not around? In Elena's case, they are dead. Ever's parents in "The Immortals" are also dead. Luce from "Fallen" lives at a boarding school, away from her parents. Bella's parents in Twilight are divorced and Zoey in "The House of Night - series" has a troubled relationship with her parents. Ethan Wate's mother in "Beautiful Creatures" are also dead and Ethan has a hard time getting through to his dad.

Is it easier for the authors to establish a relationship between the main character and the paranormal when the parents are not around to watch out for their little one? Or is it simply because every teenager wants to distance themselves from their parents, and it is therefore easier for them to get lost in these books if the main character's parents are not around?

L.J. Smith's website is here.

Other reviews:
Love Vampires (Book 1)
Love Vampires ( Book 2)
The Story Siren

WOW: Beautiful Darkness

Waiting on Wednesday (WOW) is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, where we showcase the books we are dying to get our hands on.

My pick this week is "Beautiful Darkness" by Stohl & Garcia.

One night in the rain, Ethan Wate opened his eyes and fell in love with Lena Duchannes. His life would never be the same. Lena is a Caster and her family is locked in a supernatural civil war: full of darkness and demons. On her sixteenth birthday Lena made a terrifying choice, which now haunts her day and night. And as her seventeenth birthday approaches Lena and Ethan face even greater danger. A Caster and a Mortal can never truly be together. Every kiss is a curse. Ethan's next heartbeat could be his last. It is their curse now .
(From Play.com)




I fell completely in love with "Beautiful Creatures" and have been waiting for the next book in this series for a long time.

Which books are you eagerly waiting for?

Win Arc of Radiance

Savannah at BooksWithBite are giving away an ARC of Radiance by Alyson Noel.
And the contest is international, I think that is pretty cool :)
Be sure to enter before August 13th. I have entered already. I am so eager to read that book.

Trailer Tuesday (2)

This weeks trailer is for Lauren Kate's upcoming book "Torment", which will be on sale from September 28th.

"In "Torment", fallen angel Daniel and his mortal love Lucinda think they are safe but evil forces are massing against them. As Luce learns more about her past, and discovers that the lives she's already lived hold the key to her future happiness; she starts to wonder if Daniel has told her the whole truth. What if his version of events isn't the way things happened? What if that means that she's really meant to be with someone else?"
(From BookDepository)

It's Monday! What are you reading?

This is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila on Bookjourney. In this meme bookbloggers get together to share what they read last week, what they are are currently reading and planning to read this week. One can also post a list over last weeks reviews.

Books I read last week:
Lara Adrian: Kiss of Midnight
I had a very busy week, so I didn't get to read as much as I wanted. But I started some books. Hopefully I will get more reading time this week.

Books I reviewed last week:
I am currently posting a lot of reviews I have posted earlier on my Norwegian blog.
Glass Houses by Rachel Caine ( 5.books)
The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason (5 books)
Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton (5. books)

Books I am currently reading:
By Midnight by Mia James
Shadowland by Alyson Noel
Susan Abulhawa: Mornings in Jenin ( I am reading this one in Norwegian)
Colleen Gleason: Rises the Night

What are you planning to read this week?

Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

Publisher: Allison & Busby (United Kingdom)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 288
Source: Bought from Play
















"College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation, where the popular girls never let her forget just where she ranks in the school's social scene: somewhere less than zero. When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life, but they come out fighting when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood..."
(From Play.com)

Background:
"Glass Houses" is the first book in the series "The Morganville Vampires", written by Rachel Caine. The book was first published in 2006. Caine made her debut as an author in 1991, and has written many books under several pseudonyms. When "Glass Houses" first came out, she had a contract to write three books. Now, in July of 2010, eight books have been published and number nine is due out in October. The series have been published in thirteen countries and sold over 600.000 copies worldwide. Charles Armitage /Noel Gray Productions owns the film - and television rights to the series.

Story:
Claire Danvers is an exceptionally bright student, who graduated with a perfect 4.0 from High School. Her dream was to attend college at MIT, Yale or Caltech, but her parents didn't agree with that wish. They didn't want their daughter to live so far away from them, so Claire ends up in Morganville. Is soon becomes apparent that Morganville is not your average Texas town. Not only must Claire Danvers try to avoid the wrath of some of her fellow students, she must also try to stay alive in a town run by vampires.

Main Character:
16 year old Claire Danvers is a bright and smart girl, and I liked her instantly. She is described as the girl next door, someone every teenage girl can relate to. She has the same thoughts and problems most teenagers experience from time to time. Rachel Caine has done a great job creating her.

The Book:
"Glass Houses" was one of the first vampire books I read after I finished reading Twilight, and I was hooked right away. The books is extremely well written, it is actually so far one of the best written book I have read in the YA - genre. And I thought it was way better than Twilight. (Hope I don't provoke anyone by saying that). The book is full of suspense and mysteries. Nothing is revealed to early and the author has a lot of surprises up her sleeve. There is also a little bit of romance here. Caine has created some memorable charachters besides Claire. I can't wait to get to know Eve, Michael and Shane better. Michaels destiny is original and oh, so heartbreaking. I felt for him when the truth about his life was revealed to us.

"Glass Houses" is a very good and original read, and I highly recommend it. Teenager can relate to many of the topics in the book, but adults like myself will also enjoy it. Caine delivers a whole new take on the vampire story, that differs from a lot of the stories I have read. I am looking forward to reading more about the vampires in Morganville, and get to know the story behind this town better.

Warning: Do not read "Glass Houses" unless you have "The Dead Girls Dance", the second book in the series, within your reach. Otherwise you will be running to the bookstore to get a copy.



You can read more about the series and the author at her webpage here.

Here are some other reviews:
Love Vampires
The Book Cellar
Book Love: Teen
My Overstuffed Bookshelf

100 FOLLOWERS GIVEAWAY

I have been reading quite a few bookblogs the last year before I created my own, and they have all been so inspiring. You book bloggers are some wonderful and amazing people. I want to get to know more book bloggers, and also reach that, which many book bloggers call one of the first milestones in the book blogging universe. And of course I want to celebrate getting my own, English blog.

So I have decided to host my first, international contest!

The important details:

1) If I reach 100 followers, I will pick 3 winners
2) If I reach more than 100 followers, I will pick a new winner for every 25 new follower and I will also add more books you can choose from. Feel free to give me suggestions on books via a comment.
3) Winner 1 wins two books, and will get to pick books first. The other winners, wins one book each. Winner 2 picks book second and winner 3 picks book third etc
4) The contest will close 27th of August 2010 at midnight CET.
5) The winners will be announced September 4th 2010.

Want to know which books you can choose from? Here they are:

* Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare ( Paperback)
* Torment by Lauren Kate ( Paperback)
* Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick (Hardback)
* By Midnight by Mia James (Hardback)
* Halo by Alexandra Adornetto ( Hardback)
* Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (Paperback)

30.7: One more book added:

Please note that some of the books are preorder and will not be shipped until they become available via BookDepository.

Rules are as follow:
* Participants must be a follower via Google Friend Connect
* Must be 13 years of age or older.
* Must fill out the entry form
* Must provide me with an email-adress and an alias/name.
* I will announce the winners on the blog and via email. You will have 48 hours to respond, or else I will pick a new winner.
* If you don't want your real name displayed in the blog post, that is fine. You can use an alias, but I will need your real name and address to ship the prize.

* Contest is INTERNATIONAL, as long as BookDepository ships to your location.

You can get extra entries:
+2: Old follower before 25.7.2010
+2: Follow me on Twitter
+10 Add me to your blogroll
+10 Mention this contest in a blogpost
+5 Mention this contest in a sidebar or on Twitter

And remember, you must be a follower to enter.

Min twitter-profile is here.

Winners will be chosen using Random.org. Please note that the prizes will, as said, be shipped by BookDepository and not me.

Follow Friday & Blog Hop 22/7

Every week Parajunkee hosts "Follow my Book Blog Friday", a great feature where you can get to know other bloggers.


Please leave a comment if you are following me, and I will follow you back.

Jennifer at Crazy for Books is hosting Book Blooger Hop


This weeks question: Tell us about the book your are currently reading.

I am currently reading "By Midnight" by Mia James, and so far I am loving it. Here is what the story is about:

April Dunne is not impressed. She's had to move from Edinburgh to Highgate, London, with her parents. She's left her friends - and her entire life - behind. She has to start at a new school and, worst of all, now she's stuck in a creepy old dump of a house which doesn't even have proper mobile phone reception. Ravenwood, her new school, is a prestigious academy for gifted (financially or academically) students - and the only place her parents could find her a place, in the middle of term, in the middle of London, on incredibly short notice. So she's stuck with the super-rich, and the super-smart ...and trying to fit in is when the rest of the students seem to be more glamorous, smarter, or more talented than she is, is more than tough. It's intimidating and isolating, even when she finds a friend in the conspiracy-theorist Caro Jackson - and perhaps finds something more than friendship in the gorgeous, mysterious Gabriel Swift. But there's more going on at Ravenwood than meets the eye. Practical jokes on new students are normal, but when Gabriel saves her from ...something ...in the Highgate Cemetery, and then she discovers that a murder took place, just yards away from where she had been standing, April has to wonder if something more sinister is going on. ..and whether or not she's going to live through it ..


Have a great friday everyone!

WOW: Blood on Silk by Marie Treanor

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by "Breaking the spine", where we showcase the books we can't wait to read.

My pick this week is "Blood on Silk" by Marie Treanor:
"Scottish academic Elizabeth Silk is spending the summer in Romania researching historical superstitions for her PhD. While she is tracing local foktales, one subject in particular sparks her imagination. His name is Saloman, legend's most powerful vampire, a seductive prince staked centuries ago. Now, in the ruins of a castle crypt, Elizabeth discovers the legends are real. Her blood has awakened him. Her innocence has aroused him. But Elizabeth unleashes more than Saloman's hunger. An army of vampire hunters has amassed to send Saloman back to hell. Sworn to help - yet fearing Saloman's deadly blood lust - Elizabeth seeks to entrap him, offering her body as bait. But something stronger than dread, more powerful than revenge, is uniting Elizabeth to her prey. Caught between desire and rage, Elizabeth must decide where her loyalties lie...and what the limits are to a yearning she can no longer control."

Publisher: New American Library
Format: Paperback
Pages: 336
Coming: 07 September 2010

I am always keen to read new vampire novels. "Blood on Silk" is the first in the trilogy "Awakened by Blood". The book is due out this September. I think this sound like a thrilling read. And don't you just love the cover?

Want to know more? You can visit the author's webpage here.

The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason

Publisher: Signet
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 368
Source: Bought from BookDepository

" Beneath the glitter of dazzling 19th-century London Society lurks a bloodthirsty evil... . Vampires have always lived among them, quietly attacking unsuspecting debutantes and dandified lords as well as hackney drivers and Bond Street milliners. If not for the vampire slayers of the Gardella family, these immortal creatures would have long taken over the world. In every generation, a Gardella is called to accept the family legacy, and this time, Victoria Gardella Grantworth is chosen, on the eve of her debut, to carry the stake. But as she moves between the crush of ballrooms and dangerous, moonlit streets, Victoria's heart is torn between London's most eligible bachelor, the Marquess of Rockley, and her enigmatic ally, Sebastian Vioget. And when she comes face to face with the most powerful vampire in history, Victoria must ultimately make the choice between duty and love."
(From the author's webpage)

Background:
"The Rest Falls Away" is the first book in the Gardella Vampire Chronicles, a series consisting of a total of 5 books. The book was actually the ninth novel Colleen Gleason wrote, but the very first to earn her a contract with a publisher. Some people have described the Gardella - series as "Buffy meets Jane Austen", and Gleason have admitted to being inspired by Buffy.
- what would it be like if Buffy had been living during the times of balls and chaperones and the ton? And thus The Gardella Legacy was born, says Gleason on her website.

Story:
Victoria Gardella Grantworth is ready for her big introduction into the upper - class society in 19th century England. But soon she is introduced to much more sinister events than worrying about who she will dance with at the balls. She is chosen to become a "venator" - a vampire hunter. Victoria is torn between responsibility and desires, between love and thrilling suspense. And not everything is entirely as it seems.

Main Character:
Colleen Gleason has done a great job bringing Victoria Gardella to life. She is both tough and vulnerable, as a heroine in a story like this ought to be. It is easy to sympathize with her and you want to get to know her better. She is full of initiative, but also a descent Victorian girl who knows her manners. In the right situations, she takes responsibility and glows.

The Book:
This was such a refreshing and joyful read. "The Rest Falls Away" literally has everything: Romance, suspense, mysteries, thrilling scenes, handsome guys and some erotic scenes. But there isn’t a lot of sex. The few erotic scenes comes as a natural part of the story.

The book differs from a lot of the other typical vampire stories that are out there. And to me it is a big incentive that the author placed the story in 19th century London , this gives the book a very special atmosphere. And I am a sucker for Victorian tales. Besides, being a female vampire hunter in a society and a time where women were chaperoned by their men and couldn’t go anywhere alone, makes for some interesting and suspenseful situations in the book.

A lot of the characters are somewhat draped in mystery. You can’t tell by first glance who’s evil and who’s good, and I like that. Maximillian and Sebastian have won my curiosity and I can’t wait to read more about them.

I had a great time reading this book and will definitely read the next installment in the series.


Want to know more about this book? You can read an excerpt on Colleen Gleason's webpage here.

Here are some other reviews:
Sara's Urban Fantasy Blog
Romance Rookie
Lesley's Book Nook
Sarah's Book Reviews
Two Motives

Trailer Tuesday (1)

This week I want to share the trailer for "Radiance", Alyson Noel's new book, with you.
I think the trailer is so sweet:


More about Radiance here:
Riley has crossed the bridge into the afterlife—a place called Here, where time is always Now. She has picked up life where she left off when she was alive, living with her parents and dog in a nice house in a nice neighborhood. When she’s summoned before The Council, she learns that the afterlife isn’t just an eternity of leisure. She’s been assigned a job, Soul Catcher, and a teacher, Bodhi, a possibly cute, seemingly nerdy boy who’s definitely hiding something. They return to earth together for Riley’s first assignment, a Radiant Boy who’s been haunting a castle in England for centuries. Many Soul Catchers have tried to get him to cross the bridge and failed. But all of that was before he met Riley . . .

If anybody knows which blogger is hosting "Trailer Tuesday", please leave a comment. I like to credit the people that are coming up with all the great features I use.

Guilty Pleasures, Laurell K. Hamilton

Publisher: Headline Publishing Group
Format: Paperback
Pages: 352
Source: Bought from Play

"The fantastically addicitive first Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, novel 'I don't date vampires. I kill them.' My name is Anita Blake. Vampires call me the Executioner. What I call them isn't repeatable. Ever since the Supreme Court granted the undead equal rights, most people think vampires are just ordinary folks with fangs. I know better. I've seen their victims. I carry the scars...But now a serial killer is murdering vampires -- and the most powerful bloodsucker in town wants me to find the killer."
(From BookDepository)

Background:
"Guilty Pleasures" was first released in 1993. Laurell K. Hamilton spent over two years tracking down a publisher that were willing to publish the novel. 17 years have passed, and the books about Anita Blake have become bestsellers. So far six million copies have been sold. That's quite amazing, don't you think?

Story:
Anita Blake has a very exceptional job: She makes the dead rise. She is also a vampire hunter and hates bloodsuckers more than anything in the world. But she is apparently not the only one with an aversion against vampires. A serial killers is bringing fear into the vampire community and Anita Blake is asked to find him.

Main Character:
I simply adore Anita Blake. She is strong, witty, cynical, adorable, funny, good looking, tough and vulnerable. There is so much about her, the readers can't help just loving her.

The Book:
It is not difficult to understand why this series has become so popular. I mean, it literally has everything: romance, suspense, mysteries, great characters, humour and lots of paranormal stuff. I was taken away. I can't wait to read more about Anita and all the other characters.

In My Mailbox (1)

This is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.

This week I got a lot of books in my mailbox:










I have bought all the books. I have heard so much about Kelley Armstrong's books, and can't wait to read them. I have already started on "By Midnight", since I have been anticipating this book for quite some time.

Hope all of you guys out there are having a great sunday!

Hi everyone

Welcome to my new blog, where I will post book reviews and other stuff concerning the books I read. I will also host interviews and contest. And before I say anything else, I must say a huge thanks to Daniela at Dreamy Blog Design, who designed the layout for this blog. I love it!

As my blog title suggests, I live in Norway. I consider my country one of the most beautiful places on this earth, of course, but I am also fond of the United States and the UK. Me and my friends actually have a habit of celebrating thanksgiving each year, although none of us have any bonds to the United States. I also have some great friends living in the UK.

I started blogging in Norwegian in January and it didn’t take long before I was hooked. I love to keep tabs on the books I read this way, and spread the word about all the fantastic books and authors that are out there. I also enjoy reading other book blogs, and are amazed about how many great bloggers that are out there. I have gotten a lot of tips about great books from you guys.

I learned to read on my own, before I attended school and since then I have read all the time. I have my own special reading chair, where I prefer to devour my books, but I can read almost anywhere: On the bus, the train and the subway, when I am waiting for something, before I go to sleep, when I am eating etc.

I am also a compulsive book buyer. Even though I have a lot of books I haven’t read yet, I still buy new ones if someone appeals to me. My boyfriend and I moved into a new house last year, and here I have my own library/study with bookshelves lining the walls.

I read a lot of genres, but my favorites are historical fiction, paranormal romance, young adult and mystery/thriller/crime. I also try to read some of the classics from time to time. It is impossible to pick out one favorite author, but these are among some of the authors I enjoy: Alyson Noel, Laurell K. Hamilton, Lara Adrian, Anne Rice, Tess Gerritsen, Val McDermid, J.R Ward, Lauren Kate, Rachel Caine, Philippa Gregory, Stohl & Garcia, L.J. Smith and a lot of Scandinavian authors. And I must not forget Stephen King. I even have my very own Stephen King bookshelf, where I place all his books and DVD’s based on his novels and short stories.

I prefer to read books in English, especially if that is the book's original language. So many aspects tend to get lost in the translation of a book, besides, books in English are quite cheaper than the Norwegian ones. The average prices for new, blound books here in Norway are 36,59 gpb or 56,37 usd, Paperbacks sell for 13,48 gpb or 20,77 usd. So, no wonder I try to by a lot of my books in english. My favorite places to shop for english books are Play, BookDepository and Amazon

When I am not reading books, I spend my time on interior design ( love shabby chic), photography, with friends, working out in the gym or walking my two dogs. This autumn I will also begin studies in literature.

So, that was a little about me. I will soon host my first contest, and there is quite a few reviews and interviews coming up. So exited about the last part! I will post a lot of the reviews I have done in Norwegian earlier this year on this blog. So stay tuned for more on that soon.

Hope each and everyone of you are enjoying a warm and nice summer!

Ps: I try to do my best avoiding grammar mistakes etc, but since english is not my native language it may happen. In that case, bare over with me.