Feature and Follow #21

Hello Friday! And what's with Friday? It's Feature and Follow day!

Q: What blogger would you most like to meet in real life? Tell us about him or her.

A: To name one blogger is not enough. I've met a lot of bloggers throughout my one year of blogging, from the Philippines and international. I'd love to meet these lovely people. And last December, I've got a chance to meet Pinoy book bloggers on our Christmas party!

Source. Thank you Kate for the photo!

Me, Dani @ Book Whales, Geraldine and Louisse @ The Soul Sisters, Maricar @ Black Plume, Kate @ The Bookaholic Blurbs, Leslie @ Bibliophile Kid, Lyra @ Defiantly Deviant, Nicole and Michelle @ The Twin Reads, Alyanna @ Read, Breathe, Read, Chyna @ Lite Rate Ture, Tiffany @ Read, Breathe, Read, Dianne @ Oops! I Read A Book Again, Precious @ Fragments of Life and Kai @ Amaterasu Reads.

Source. Thank you Precious for the photo!

And we meet again at Glorietta 1 for Tahereh Mafi's book signing event last March 2nd.  

They're really nice and I talk to them via Twitter. I'm looking forward in meeting them again and talk to them personally and meet other Pinoy bloggers and readers. Check out their lovely blogs too and chat with us on Twitter! :) Now I'm just wondering when will I meet the other cool bloggers from different countries. I hope soon! ;D

Do you have a blogger in mind that you want to meet? Share your thoughts with me on the comments below or paste your FF post! Happy Friday and have a wonderful weekend. xxx

P.S Since I created a new Bloglovin' account for the new blog name, The Escapist, I'd highly appreciate if you follow me there.

* * *

Don't forget to check out my blogoversary giveaways!

The Escapist: One year. New name. New look.

- 2 winners of book of choice. Ends June 18th. Open INT.

Blogoversary giveaway part 2

- 2 winners of HarperCollins YA title. Ends June 20th. Open INT.

Other giveaways:

Aberrant by Ruth Silver

- 3 winners: A character is named after you in the sequel, $25 Amazon gift card, and one signed copy of Aberrant. Ends July 7th. US only.

Enchantment by Nikki Jefford

- $25 Amazon GC (INT), Spellbound journal (INT), Paris vintage labels notebook (US), Love Who You Are dream luggage tag (US), Barcelona, Paris & I Love Magic postcards (US)

SOON:

Blogoversary giveaway part 3

Blogoversary giveaway part 4

ON THE BLOG

This Week:

Tu: The Escapist: One year. New name. New look.

W: WWW Wednesdays (35) / Waiting on Wednesday (36): Allegiant

Th: First Blogoversary Giveaway part 2 * Book Review: Reboot by Amy Tintera

F: Feature and Follow #21

Sat: First Blogoversary Giveaway part 3 * Book Review: Click to Subscribe by L.M Augustine

Sun: First Blogoversary Giveaway part 4

Last Week:

M: What's Cool? Change. (A blog announcement)

W: WWW Wednesdays (34) / Waiting on Wednesday (35): Kinslayer

Hop on the other blogs!

Book Review: Reboot by Amy Tintera

Reboot

by Amy Tintera

Series: Reboot #1

Genre: YA, dystopian, sci-fi, romance

Published May 7th 2013 by HarperTeen

Source: Publisher

Purchase: Book Depository * Barnes & Noble * Amazon

Blurb (Goodreads):

Five years ago, Wren Connolly was shot three times in the chest. After 178 minutes she came back as a Reboot: stronger, faster, able to heal, and less emotional. The longer Reboots are dead, the less human they are when they return. Wren 178 is the deadliest Reboot in the Republic of Texas. Now seventeen years old, she serves as a soldier for HARC (Human Advancement and Repopulation Corporation).

Wren’s favorite part of the job is training new Reboots, but her latest newbie is the worst she’s ever seen. As a 22, Callum Reyes is practically human. His reflexes are too slow, he’s always asking questions, and his ever-present smile is freaking her out. Yet there’s something about him she can’t ignore. When Callum refuses to follow an order, Wren is given one last chance to get him in line—or she’ll have to eliminate him. Wren has never disobeyed before and knows if she does, she’ll be eliminated, too. But she has also never felt as alive as she does around Callum.

The perfect soldier is done taking orders.

My Thoughts:

Reboot. The sound of the title. The look of the cover. I knew I have to read this book the moment I laid my eyes on it. There's something about it that made me want the book, even without reading the synopsis. I have to find out whether this book would be my next dystopian obsession.

I was impressed when I read the blurb. It sounded kick-assin' and romantic (and almost thought Callum was 22 years old. But that was his Reboot number.) When I started reading this, Wren, the female leading character and narrator of the book, already convinced me that she's a complete Reboot. A dead person who came back to life. Yes, like zombies. But with breath and everything, except they don't have feelings like normal people have. The higher your Reboot number is, the more strong, fast and robotic you are. And Wren happens to be the one who had the highest Reboot number, 178. The ultimate soldier of HARC (Human Advancement and Repopulation Corporation). The one who do all their task and doesn't question or break the rules. I'm not sure whether I'd like her because of how she doesn't care about hurting other people. But with the character building, I'd say that Amy Tintera made Wren effectively. I believed whatever she said. Likewise with how the book is told, since it's her point of view. I believed her until she met Callum.

Callum, being 22, was more human than a robot Reboot. He's clumsy, fragile, and soft. But he's good at dancing, mind you. Anyway, because the author made him a 22, he appeared exactly as what a lower Reboot-numbered would be. Unfortunately, he wasn't that hero or knight and shining armor girls would dream the male leading character to be because..well, he's clumsy. But at least he had a nice smile (according to Wren). As much as I want him to be kick-assin' as well, he wasn't because of his Reboot number and I think I'd understand that. I just hoped he went better when I reached the middle of the book, but he didn't until the end so it's a minus point for me.

I wasn't convinced with the love story--how Wren started feeling something to Callum--or felt their chemistry. Wren appeared to be rock-hearted here but she went soft after a few days. I would feel it more if her feeling were developed longer. So it'd be like true love--like her dead heart went alive, then I'd also be more convinced of her reason and how strong her feelings for him to do what she did.

The idea of Reboot-ing was new for me. It was one of the main reasons why I became interested in reading this book. I was looking for some fresh dystopian ingredient, and it succeed in making me impressed. Though plot-wise, Reboot was like any other dystopian novels. Being a rebel against the government and running away from them. There are parts that I was convinced and not convinced while reading this book. It also had more romance than I thought it'd have. Despite these flaws, this book would appeal to all dystopian fans who, like me, were looking for some new ingredient. You would also love this if you're up to romantic-dystopian. The action was good but I was searching for more to make my heart pumping hard. But I see a really good potential in this book and I have a feeling the next book would be much better. Try reading Reboot and maybe you'd meet your next favorite dystopian novel.

*Get a chance to WIN Reboot! Join my blogoversary giveaway part 1 (2 INT winners of book of choice) and/or blogoversary giveaway part 2 (2 INT winners of choice from HarperCollins YA list)!

**Super thanks to Sarah and HarperCollins for providing me a paperback review copy and for sponsoring my blogoversary giveaway part 2!

Rating:

First Blogoversary Giveaway part 2

<div align="center"> <a href="http://www.michelletheescapist.blogspot.com" title="The Escapist"><img src="http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt52/chimHEARTdanger/Untitled2-Copy_zpsc9d8f127.png?t=1369805190" alt="The Escapist" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Welcome to the giveaway part 2 of my first blogoversary + new name and layout celebration! Today is really exciting because there'd be another TWO INTERNATIONAL winners! 

Super huge thanks to Sarah and HarperCollins for making this awesome giveaway possible. I'd also like to have this opportunity to thank them for trusting me with their super awesome titles. Here's a secret: HC is the first publisher who sent me THREE review copies in one shipping. I'm so happy that time, even now, whenever they sent me these boxes (I kept one under our bed). I feel cool eveytime. :D I mean, it's HARPERCOLLINS! :O And let me also thank Christine and HarperCollins International. And Epic Reads for putting my blog (Michelle Shouts Random then) on their Epic Bloggers list. But now that I changed the blog name and address, maybe you could update your list? :D Haha! Thanks to all of you! Muaaaahh!

Anyhow, here are the books you can choose from:

I have read some of the titles here,  some are still waiting to be read and the rest, I haven't started the series yet. But to the ones I've read, I'd highly recommend Unravel Me, The Boyfriend App, Requiem and Pivot Point (click titles for my review)! Other reviewed titles: Reboot and The Madman's Daughter.

Again, this giveaway is international with two winners. Enter the Rafflecopter below and good luck!
*Enter my blogoversary giveaway part 1 (2 INT winners, book of choice), part 3 (3 INT winners, The Lunar Chronicles swag pack + interview with Marissa Meyer) and part 4 (5 US winners, books from Simon Pulse YA contemporary list)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WWW Wednesdays (35) / Waiting on Wednesday (36): Allegiant

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?






Summer class ended! Now I have two more weeks to keep up with my tbr before the June classes!


Currently Reading:

ACID by Emma Pass (ACID #1)


Finished Reading:

Click to Subscribe by L.M Augustine


Read Next:

Phoenix by Elizabeth Richards (Black City #2) [ARC]

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, originally started by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that highlights upcoming book releases everyone is waiting on.

Allegiant
(Divergent #3)
by Veronica Roth

Expected publication: October 22nd 2013 by HarperCollins Children's Books

Blurb (Goodreads):
One choice will define you.

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?


The explosive conclusion to Veronica Roth’s #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy reveals the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.


I loved this trilogy. Enough said.

* * *

What's up? Any wonderful books on your list? Share them with me below! Happy Wednesday! :)

Current Giveaways:

Aberrant by Ruth Silver

- 3 winners: A character is named after you in the sequel, $25 Amazon gift card, and one signed copy of Aberrant. Ends July 7th. US only.

Enchantment by Nikki Jefford

- $25 Amazon GC (INT), Spellbound journal (INT), Paris vintage labels notebook (US), Love Who You Are dream luggage tag (US), Barcelona, Paris & I Love Magic postcards (US)

The Escapist: One year. New name. New look.

- 2 winners of book of choice. Ends June 17th. Open INT.

SOON:

Blogoversary giveaway part 2

Blogoversary giveaway part 3

Blogoversary giveaway part 4

ON THE BLOG:

This Week:

Tu: The Escapist: One year. New name. New look.

W: WWW Wednesdays (35) / Waiting on Wednesday (36): Allegiant * Book Review: Reboot by Amy Tintera

Th: First Blogoversary Giveaway part 2

F: Feature and Follow #21 * Book Review: Transparent by Natalie Whipple

Sat: First Blogoversary Giveaway part 3

Sun: First Blogoversary Giveaway part 4

Last Week:

M: What's Cool? Change. (A blog announcement)

W: WWW Wednesdays (34) / Waiting on Wednesday (35): Kinslayer

The Escapist: One year. New name. New look.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Michelle Shouts Random is now The Escapist. And together with the new blog name and layout, I--we--are also celebrating my first ever blogoversary. COULD YOU BELIEVER THAT? I COULDN'T!

One year of blogging. If this thought would came into me more than one year ago I would laugh at the idea. Because really, I never saw myself blogging. I never dreamt to become a blogger. I didn't even knew how blogging works! Creating this blog--Michelle Shouts Random--was never planned. This is what really happened...

I liked reading. But to be honest, I was never born a bookworm. Most bookworms would say they were reading for the rest of their lives. My love for reading started on year 2008. The  Twilight year. Since then I became interested in reading and on year 2011 (year when I become really obsessed with reading), I guess, when I was searching for a good romance read, I stumbled upon a blog with a list of awesome young adult romance reads. I didn't know what happened next, I just saw myself joining giveaways. I won once in a hundred giveaways and just imagine how happy I felt that time. And then I started tweeting Kai of Amaterasu Reads (the blog I first stumbled upon) when I found out that she's a Filipino book blogger. I asked her some things about books and I found myself asking about blogging. She then asked me if I'm planning to have a blog but I said no. She said I should try and go for it! Which I...did.

Starting a blog with no background or any idea how every button in Blogger works sucks. It does. I hated myself then why did I created one when I don't know how everything works. I've posted the crappiest review ever (wait for it...) for not one, but several books. I just realized it was crappy when I re-read them months ago. But I'm not done yet. The hardest thing to do is think about a catchy blog name. Since I plan my blog to be about random stuff, I came with Michelle Shouts Random, which is lame. Okay. I admit. I'm not really a fan of my previous blog name. For me, it sounds weird, but I still launched it. Haha My goal that time was to get this blog over with. XD

But over time, I learned a lot of things, I've met cool bookworms and bloggers, read amazing books, met awesome authors (online, of course) and contact fantastic publishers. Oh! And the most amazing thing about blogging? Receiving FREE books. *sighs dreamily* Yes, one of the main reasons I jumped into blogging is to receive free books because I'm not that rich to buy all the books that I want. :P

Months ago, I realized why not re-launch this blog with a new name and even a layout? It also came into my mind that I could do it on my blogoversary so it'll be all-in-one celebration.  I weighed the consequences. What if my readers would be lost if they visited Michelle Shouts Random? I could lose them. So I decided to announce it ahead of time so all of you would know. And here we are now.

Flashback:

Michelle Shouts Random blog banner

Michelle Shouts Random blog button and favicon

Michelle Shouts Random blog post divider

Why The Escapist? I picked the name because that's what I'm feeling whenever I read books or listen to music. Escaping. I'd always be in a different world whenever I start turning the pages of the book or hearing the intro of a song. I also decided to blog about books only and a few of music. I won't be blogging random stuff since I already didn't met that goal after a few months of launching Michelle Shouts Random. And I also have a tag line--which I really loved, to be honest. :D That is.. Escaping reality through books and music.

There are a lot of people I want to thank. I don't want to name because I know I might forget someone and he/she could hate me and I could lose a friend. :( :)And I don't want for that to happen. So let me have this opportunity to thank every one of you. You. You, who had the time reading this very post. You, who reads my posts, review or not. Giveaway or not. You, for being an epic reader and/or follower. You, who contributes to my pageviews on my statistics count, for you only knew how many times. You, who tweets, retweets and favorites me. You, who comments on my posts. You, who's helping me share the word about my posts and/or giveaways. You, for helping me develop my blogging/review skills. You, for being excited for this event. You, who's just being simply awesome. YOU are part of my one year of successful blogging. THANK YOU. And did I told you I love you all? :)

Super thanks as well to the awesome publishers who's trusting me with their titles. You don't know how grateful I am to all of you. You made one of my dreams come true. I hope you will continue to trust me with your titles.

Okay, over with the talk. Heehee. Just remember: Thank you! If I could hug you all right now, I'll squeeze you tight! Now let's proceed to the fun part! Could you guess what is it? .....

GIVEAWAY! Yay! :D

This giveaways is sponsored by yours truly to thank every one of you. Two winners could get their book of choice from Book Depository or Amazon. This is open internationally. The only mandatory entry here is to click the green button of FREE entry, which you can get every day. Throughout the week, I will be posting three more giveaways sponsored by two awesome publishers and one of my fave authors. I will still also be posting regular stuff such as reviews and memes. Stay tuned for some major fun! Enjoy and good luck! :)

*Enter my blogoversary giveaway part 2 (2 INT winners, choice from HarperCollins YA 2013 titles), part 3 (3 INT winners, The Lunar Chronicles swag pack + interview with Marissa Meyer) and part 4 (5 US winners, books from Simon Pulse YA contemporary list)

The EVENT button:

<div align="center"> <a href="http://www.michelletheescapist.blogspot.com" title="The Escapist"><img src="http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt52/chimHEARTdanger/Untitled2-Copy_zpsc9d8f127.png?t=1369805190" alt="The Escapist" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

The new BLOG button:

<div align="center"> <a href="http://www.michelletheescapist.blogspot.com" title="The Escapist"><img src="http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt52/chimHEARTdanger/Untitled1-7_zps0244dd7d.png?t=1369805175" alt="The Escapist" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WWW Wednesdays (34) / Waiting on Wednesday (35): Kinslayer

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?





Hey there! Sorry if haven't been up last week to visit back to the awesome bloggers who commented. I will reach you guys today and visit more blogs! Currently Reading:

Towering by Alex Flinn

Finished Reading:

Reboot by Amy Tintera and Transparent by Natalie Whipple

Read Next:

Click to Subscribe by L.M Augustine

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, originally started by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that highlights upcoming book releases everyone is waiting on.

Kinslayer

(The Lotus War #2)

by Jay Kristoff

Expected publication: September 17th 2013 by Thomas Dunne Books

Blurb (Goodreads):

A SHATTERED EMPIRE
The mad Shōgun Yoritomo has been assassinated by the Stormdancer Yukiko, and the threat of civil war looms over the Shima Imperium. The Lotus Guild conspires to renew the nation’s broken dynasty and crush the growing rebellion simultaneously – by endorsing a new Shōgun who desires nothing more than to see Yukiko dead.

A DARK LEGACY
Yukiko and the mighty thunder tiger Buruu have been cast in the role of heroes by the Kagé rebellion. But Yukiko herself is blinded by rage over her father’s death, and her ability to hear the thoughts of beasts is swelling beyond her power to control. Along with Buruu, Yukiko’s anchor is Kin, the rebel Guildsman who helped her escape from Yoritomo’s clutches. But Kin has his own secrets, and is haunted by visions of a future he’d rather die than see realized.

A GATHERING STORM
Kagé assassins lurk within the Shōgun’s palace, plotting to end the new dynasty before it begins. A waif from Kigen’s gutters begins a friendship that could undo the entire empire. A new enemy gathers its strength, readying to push the fracturing Shima imperium into a war it cannot hope to survive. And across raging oceans, amongst islands of black glass, Yukiko and Buruu will face foes no katana or talon can defeat.

The ghosts of a blood-stained past.

Okay so this would be my weirdest WoW pick because for one, I haven't read Stormdancer (The Lotus War #1) yet. It's been on my shelf for months now and haven't got the chance to read it because I'm busy finishing my for-review tbr. Oh well. Because I know I'd love this book/series even before I read it, so yeah, I'm totally waiting for this one. :D

Has your week been weird yet? Heehee

Share your books with me! Paste the link or write them down if you don't have a blog. Remember: it is always FREE to comment. ;)

* * *

Have you checked out the blog announcement last Monday? If you haven't, read it now!

Current Giveaways:

Aberrant by Ruth Silver

- 3 winners: A character is named after you in the sequel, $25 Amazon gift card, and one signed copy of Aberrant. Ends July 7th. US only.

A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest

- 2 ecopies. Ends May 28th. Open INT.

Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland

- finished copy. Ends May 19th. US only.

Enchantment by Nikki Jefford

- $25 Amazon GC (INT), Spellbound journal (INT), Paris vintage labels notebook (US), Love Who You Are dream luggage tag (US), Barcelona, Paris & I Love Magic postcards (US)

SOON:

Blogoversary + makeover celebration giveaways!

On The Blog

This Week:

M: What's Cool? Change. (A blog announcement)

W: WWW Wednesdays (34) / Waiting on Wednesday (35)

F: Feature and Follow #21

Sat: Book Review: Reboot by Amy Tintera

Sun: Book Review: Transparent by Natalie Whipple

Last Week:

M: Music Monday (5): Worship Songs Rocks!

Th: Blog Tour + Giveaway: Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland*Book Review: The Beautiful and the Cursed by Page Morgan

Fri: Feature and Follow #20 * Blog Tour (Review + Top 10 List + Giveaway): Enchantment by Nikki Jefford

What's Cool? Change. (A blog announcement)

What's Cool is an anytime meme where I feature all Cool things that I got/happened.

Don't freak out if you are seeing What's Cool today instead of Music Monday--it is Monday. But I figured I should take this opportunity to announce the big change that is about to happen on my blog, Michelle Shouts Random.

I already announced on my last What's Cool about my upcoming blogoversary + new blog name and layout. My original plan is to change my blog name and address on May 27th, the day of my first blogoversary. But I realized on that day, you could go to michelleshoutsrandom.blogspot.com (especially my non-follower readers) and found nothing so I decided to announce my new name TODAY. I will be announcing the new name but I will officially change it on May 27th, together with the new address.

Are you ready?

OMG. I'm too excited I CAN'T EVEN. :O

HAHAHA :P

Okay, so... the new name is.....................

"The Escapist"

I'll explain why change of name and the reason for the new name on the Big Day and there will also be a giveaway. Within the week, I will also be hosting the other giveaways I'm excited to share to you all, sponsored by awesome publishers I know and one of my fave authors.

What: First blogoversary + launching of The Escapist and new layout

When: May 27th 2013, Monday

Where: michelletheescapist.blogspot.com

Ways to not get lost: Stalk me on Twitter (@michellesedeno) or Facebook for updates. If you are an email, RSS, Networked Blogs or Bloglovin follower, I don't think there will be problem about it. You can also visit the new address I included above if you want to. :D

NOTE: the new address michelletheescapist.blogspot.com will be live on May 27th. Until the day, this blog's address is michelleshoutsrandom.blogspot.com.
I'm so excited for the new chapter of my blogging life. I hope you'd all be there. Thank you so much for being Cool! I love all my friends, followers and readers. God bless you all. :)



P.S Don't forget to check out my current giveaways!

Aberrant by Ruth Silver

- 3 winners: A character is named after you in the sequel, $25 Amazon gift card, and one signed copy of Aberrant. Ends July 7th. US only.

A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest

- 2 ecopies. Ends May 28th. Open INT.

Nantucket Blue by Leila Howland

- finished copy. Ends May 19th. US only.

Enchantment by Nikki Jefford

- $25 Amazon GC (INT), Spellbound journal (INT), Paris vintage labels notebook (US), Love Who You Are dream luggage tag (US), Barcelona, Paris & I Love Magic postcards (US)