Friday, December 23, 2011

Heven and Hell BLOG TOUR: Masquerade by Cambria Hebert (Review + Giveaway)

Genre:Young Adult, Fantasy, Supernatural, Romance
Publication.Date  December 16th 2011
Pages:310
Published By:  Otherworld Publications  | 
WebsiteCambria Hebert
Masquerade - Goodreads
My review copy:Received from the author in exchange for an honest review
Where to get: Barnes and Noble | Amazon |






     Before. Everything was so much better Before. I wasn’t haunted by nightmares, my place at school was secure and my face was flawless. Now, I’m a freak and everything has changed. The worst part is that I can’t remember the night I was sentenced to the shadows. The memory has been stolen from me and I just can’t shake the feeling that someone, something is out there -watching.

Just when I think I have my life handled, Sam, with his intimidating golden stare and shiver inducing voice, makes me realize that I don’t know anything. He makes me see that my scars don’t matter. That they never mattered. I can’t help but fall for him, completely unknowing that he knows exactly how I got this way. Not knowing he was involved.

***

Heven has no idea how closely death stalks her. She has no idea what I have done to keep her alive. I fear the day she learns my secrets, finds out what I really am. But even then I cannot stop, I vow to make things right. Finally her hunter will be hunted, Heaven and Hell, faith and sin will battle, and we will be victorious. But first, Heven must learn to be what she never imagined. I know her strength is there – I feel it. If we are to overcome all odds, she must push past her flaws - her frailties - to become much more.
(goodreads.com)




I shouldn't feel safe.  I never felt safe around anyone new, but his presence was like a blanket to my shivering insides, whatever he projected reached out and wrapped around me, keeping my fear at bay.
     His eyes shone like the summer sun with a hint of surprise.
  I learned a long time ago a person's appearance is only a disguise for who they truly are.






   
     May I illustrate with a picture???


     This book could not have been more perfect. Cambria Hebert hit the jackpot, she created an unforgettable, magical, insanely gripping and astoundingly beautiful story. Fast paced plot that drips with tension and thick, mysterious atmosphere. Richly developed, swoon-worthy characters that you'll instantly connect with. Totally unpredictable twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat non-stop. All that and so much more... this book will blow your mind!
They tried not to stare, but they couldn't keep their eyes away. I was a freak now. I made people uncomfortable and not necessarily because of my scars-but because what my scars represented. Danger, fear, and the unknown. Something had had happened to me, something not even I could remember. They all probably thought that I was crazy, that I somehow did this to myself. I couldn't blame them. ow could I? They might be right.
    Heven used to be beautiful and very popular at school. A perfect teenage girl. She had it all: cheer squad membership, closet full of latest fashion items, a group of loyal followers and admirers, beaming confidence and charm - you name it. But all that was Before. Before the night of the accident, before her face was scarred and permanently disfigured, completely changing her life forever. She can't even remember what happened. Was she attacked? Was this an accident? A wild animal? Did she do it herself? It's a mystery. She's never been the same ever since. She's a freak now, everyone stares at her and whispers behind her back. She stopped caring about her wardrobe and make-up, trading her designer clothes for baggy t-shirt and hoodies that can at least partly hide her hideous face. All that's left from her "Before" life is the ever-supportive and loyal friend, Kimber, and Kimber's boyfriend, Cole. At least until a mysterious new guy shows up in town. Not to mention that he's insanely hot, steamy and gorgeous-looking (Awww, please, can I go for a Bubble-Tea with Sam?!). Heven is about to get into some serious trouble. She'll discover that what she thought to be her over-reactive imagination and silliness, was in truth her instinct trying to warn her about the evil thing lurking in the dark, observing her, waiting for the right moment to strike again. This time, though, it won't go for her face. This time it will go for the kill...
"I'll make sure she gets home safe." Sam husky voice made me shiver, and then he touched me. It was a simple, insignificant brush of his hand as he took the keys from my palm, but I would remember that one second contact with him like it was my first kiss.
Every single nerve in my arm tingled, and my skin burned. Every coherent thought I might have had completely faded away. I stared at him, entranced by his hazel stare, caught by the golden highlights that sparked through his eyes "Uh..."
      SWOON~!
      Noah Shaw, wherever you are, know that you have a formidable rival to the title of the 2011 Most Swoon-Worthy! *Deep sigh* ahhh, Sam! Where do I begin? He is so painfully hot! Mysterious, brave, tough, handsome (handsome?! he is drop-dead gorgeous!). He was so amazingly protective of Heven, so deeply in love with her and at the same time so.. wild and dangerous, and all sorts of wicked awesome! OMG! And for the most part of the book you don't even begin to suspect who (or what) he is, what's his reason for being there... Of course, me being a total sucker for mysterious, hot guys, I fell totally in love with Sam and got goose-bumps every time he worked his charms on Heven. Sparkles were flying, tension was overwhelming, and the chemistry between these two.. OMG! Dear Santa, can I have Sam wrapped (or not:P) and placed under my Christmas Tree? Please??? 


It was a clear night, and there were a million stars nestled in the sky, twinkling brightly alongside the moon. I was nearly home, my street just yards away. The night was quiet, exaggerating the sound my heels were making on the pavement. Usually, I liked the clicking sound, it made me feel womanly, and it announced my arrival. However, at this moment, it seemed I shouldn't announce my presence. I slowed slightly, gentling my steps and glanced to my right at a wooded, overgrown lot. I imagined something hiding in the bush, watching/ O laughed a little at my silliness, but quickened my pace. This time, allowing my heels to slap loudly on the pavement, hoping the sound would ward off any animals that might be around. Behind me I sensed movement and whirled around to confront it.
   OK, that was more of an excerpt than a quote, I know, guilty as charged! But can you see how wonderfully descriptive and captivating Cambria's writing is? And that's just a quote from the first page! It only gets better as you read. It's definitely one of those books that you can easily devour in one sitting. Maybe not so much "can" but "have to", cause I bet you, you won't be able to put it down until you find out what's going on! From the very beginning there are many questions and mysteries, and very little answers. The title is so adequate! It's like a big masquerade, where nothing is what it seemed, there's a thick web of lies and pretending. You will be biting your nails and wrecking your brain, begging for some answers! So intense!
The road ahead holds many tests challenging everything she ever believed. I whispered a prayer for her inner strength to guide her on her path. She was going to need it.
      Four words: Multiple Point of Views! Yeah, baby! So well done and thoroughly executed, with clear marks as to whose head you're poking around at the particular moment. I loved it. It was such a great idea, not only because it gave us precious insight about characters' thoughts and motivations, but also because it was convincing. Every character was different. You got the story from Heven's perspective (most of the time), but you also got it from Sam's. And then you also got the POVs of two, um.. creatures? The Hope and The Hate! How wicked cool is that?!
"I'm hideous"
"You could never be hideous"
"Forget it" I wanted this conversation over.
"I can't forget it," Gran said, not giving up so easily. "I don't like to hear you talk about yourself that way. Your scars do not define you, young lady. Your action do."
      I feel extremely grateful for this book. It's not only a wild thrill ride with a great, unique plot and sparkly characters, but also quite an eye-opener and profound life lesson. It's entertaining, but it also teaches you something about how the world works. How appearance is only that, an appearance. And everything that truly matters lies underneath. How easily is to forget that your face, clothes, hairstyle, and all those silly little things don't define you. How you can shape your life and change the way things are if only you give it a try. You choose who you are. No one else. It's a wonderful and deep story, and I am really glad I had the pleasure to read it.

      Cambria Hebert is a super talented author and I'm 100% sure that she will shake up the YA world with her brilliance. Her writing is expressive, graceful and insanely pleasant to read. She's a born writer, a hidden gem among the Indies. Expect to hear a lot about her in the coming years! 

Now, can I have the next part, please???





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This review is posted as part of the Heven and Hell Blog Tour!

I LOVED this book so much, I am giving away one Book Depository paperback copy to one lucky INTERNATIONAL winner.
Ends: January 15th
enter through Rafflecopter below:



a Rafflecopter giveaway


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About the Author
Evie is the Blogger behind Bookish. She enjoys reading many different genres, especially YA, Paranormal, Contemporary Fiction and Fantasy.
She loves talking to authors and is always happy to welcome them for interviews, and guest posts. She also likes spreading the love for awesome books and  chatting with fellow book-worms.
You can find Evie here: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Shelfari | The Library Thing

66 comments:

Angie said...

I've been seeing rave reviews popping up everywhere! I'm so excited for this one, especially because of the multiple-POVs! The whole premise of this book sounds awesome, and it seems like it was pulled off quite well. :D

Great review!

Angie @ Pinkindle Reads & Reviews

WildIrishRose33 said...

I haven't heard of this one before but it looks good.

Melanie S. said...

It's another new book for me I haven't heard about, but it really sounds interesting. I will definitively keep it in mind and on my wishlist :) thanks for sharing!
greetings, Melanie

Melanie S. said...

As Rafflecopter doesn't accept my GFC name and the link to my blog roll, I will post it here.
GFC: Melanie S.
Link: www.booksforalleternity.blogspot.com

Na said...

Stories with multiple points of views can really bring better insight into a characters and helps me connect with them more.

GFC: Na

Kate @ Kates Book Life said...

I would love to win this book the front cover is so pretty and I have heard quite a few great reviews for it as well.
Thanks for the giveaway and for making it international.
Happy Holidays :)
GFC: Kate @ Kate's Book Life

Yiota said...

Great review!! And omg those cats! Hahaha! XD

Yiota said...

Great review!! And omg those cats! Hahaha! XD

Farah said...

haha. The cats:D The book sounded interesting. Nice review.

Farah said...

Link: http://tumblinginbooks.blogspot.com/

Chel said...

Great review! I just finished Before and it was awesome! Sam creeped me out though. And oh, that trailer! The piercing scream totally scared me. If I'm not mistaken (which I'm probably not), it's the last scene in Before.

Ack. I never read the description for Masquerade until now. I didn't know her face would be disfigured. But that only makes me want to read this more.

Chel @ The Procrastinator's Corner
toprocrastinate at hotmail dot com

Cambria said...

Well I just got my Christmas present early. This review is so so wonderful. I LOVED reading it. I think you might be a natural vorn writer (and cat lover, lol) too!!
You honor me and my book by writing such a fantastic post. Thank you so much. I feel so honored. The time and effort you put into your post is amazing. Thank you so much.

mimz said...

I've never read anything about this book before and, to be honest, if it weren't for your review I probably never would. The cover just doesn't catch my eye, but thankfully I read your review, which is awesome btw, and now I really want to give it a chance.

Oh and some of the additional info slots in the rafflecopter form werent showing.
GFC: mimz
blogroll: http://mokolad.blogspot.com

Happy Holidays!

SJune said...

Your review made me want to read this one! Great review & thanks for the giveaway.

Tasnim said...

Thanks for the giveaway! I wasn;t able to leave my GFC name in the text box on the rafflecopter thing.

GFC - Taz

Tasnim x

Dranea said...

This is such an AMAZING book! You will never want to put it down once you open it up! This was a great review, and you picked some EXCELLENT quotes from the book!

Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings said...

Evie, you did an awesome job on your piece! Loved your pictures. Good luck with your move!

picyadri said...

Really great review! I am looking forward to reading this for sure!

kristina shields said...

Great review. this book sounds amazing and thx for the giveaway!

Proserpine said...

This book sounds really good! I follow the blog tour! Thanks for thios giveaway! I hope I can get my hand on it!

Proserpine (GFC)

Bookluvr Mindy said...

I've seen a lot of good things on this one!

Magical Urban Fantasy Reads
bookluvrmindy

RandomlyKait said...

I've been wanting to read this one for awhile!

RandomlyKait said...

GFC: Kaity Wells

Amanda Nicole said...

This book sounds so freaking good! I can't wait to read it! :D GFC: Amanda Batta

Denise Z said...

WOW you really enjoyed this book. I find it so exciting when a good story comes along that makes the enjoyment of sharing it special. thank you for sharing about it, as Masquerade is a title I might not have picked up otherwise and will now be checking out :) Thank you for the awesome giveaway opportunity.

Mary Preston said...

I'm sorry, but you can't have Sam under your Christmas Tree, he will be under mine.

This was a fabulous post. The book looks amazing.

GFC: Mary Preston

marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

Read Between the Lines said...

I have just heard about this book and with ur awesome review I am adding it to my TBR Pile fingers crossed I win this one

GFC Anna Dase

Blogroll http://amdase.blogspot.com

berrylicious_cutie(at)hotmail(.)com

In Julie's Opinion said...

I don't think I've ever read a more enthusiastic review than this! If I hadn't wanted to read this book before I read your review, I certainly would now! And thanks SO much for the awesome picks of Jared! Sam is one of my all time favorite characters and I'm always up for a bit of Sam swooning! Thanks so much for the amazing review and the awesome giveaway:)

In Julie's Opinion said...

I'm really starting to hate the new rafflecopter form! Something always needs to be filled out in the comments because the form doesn't have an extra info box! I am a GFC follower: Julie Witt

druidgirl said...

What a fantastic review just based on it I want to read the book. You did a wonderful job with the review.
Thank you for the giveaway.

GFC:Deb Novack

Unknown said...

Great review. I can't wait to read this book. It sounds very good. Tore923@aol.com

ByBy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
ByBy said...

GFC : ByBy
Thanks for the giveaway!:)

Holly said...

This is the first I've heard of this book, but it sounds fantastic! Thanks so much for the chance to win!

GFC: Holly

hollyjolly89@gmail.com

Cean said...

Argh, you make me want to read this book :(((

Ansherina said...

I love, love how you reviewed the book! We're the same when telling a story to others.. Full of giddiness and excitement, and not letting words and letters hinder it! I'm excited to read the book! I just love suspense and mystery stories! And when you said that I can't put it down.. Well, when reviewers say that, I get all-like "Challenge Accepted" and would download the book :)) (sorry, I really don't have money for a book boohoo). It was a really cute and nice review! ^__^

Almira de Villa
GFC: Number Two Lover
Blog URL: http://numbertwohere.blogspot.com
Twitter name: numbertwohere
FB name: Ansherina Santos

Thank youuu! :)

Bianca said...

GFC: Bybyutza
FB: Bybyutza Faranumedefamilie
That book it's awesome.Tanks for giveaway

Brenda Demko said...

Great review! Thank you for the giveaway! I had some trouble with the rafflecopter. There were no spaces to fill in.

Elena said...

What a beautiful post!!! ^^ I've never heard about this book before but it seems to be awesome!!! Thankyou so much for this giveaway and for making it international!!! :)

Elena Feltri

Unknown said...

Great review and Awesome giveaway!
I've been seeing this book pop up every now and then and it seems so very cool! ^^
GFC: red_tigergirl2

Pam said...

Great review. I love the witty input you add. :) The book sounds amazing and I'll take it from you that it is. LOL

I'm dying to read it for a personal reason, I guess, in that I now have two long scars over the right side of my face from skin cancer removal and facial reconstruction surgery. Strangely enough I sometimes forget they are there. That is until I notice someone starring. So I'm most curious about the book because of what Heven goes through.

Thanks for the giveaway!

Pam

Pam said...

Sorry for the double post. Some of the rafflecopter entries don't allow you to add info required so ... making second post. LOL

GFC: VanillaOrchids
Added to blog roll: http://novellynice.blogspot.com/p/blog-roll.html

Also, for some reason I'm not seeing the +1 button near the reactions. Which is odd but with my dumb computer maybe I shouldn't be surprised. LOL

Pam

vinni said...

great review
I am eager to read this book
Thanks for the giveaway!
GFC-vinni v

Unknown said...

Yet again I want to read another book because of one of your awesome reviews! Thanks for the giveaway!

Diayll
www.MotherGamerWriter.com

GFC - Diayll
Button in my Blogroll: http://empyreanedge.com/book-reviews (down on right side)


P.S.
Do you dislike the new Rafflecopter as much as I do? It won't let you put in links sometimes which is weird.

Natasha Areena said...

"can I go for a Bubble-Tea with Sam?"
"Oh yes ! yes! I allowed you!"

Oh and you got goosebumps! That's awesome. HAha

GFC : Natasha Areena

fra & fede said...

Thanks to you i'm finding so many books, my WL is endless :D
GFC: I love books
email: ilovebooksblog(at)gmail(dot)com

Sana said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sana said...

I think I have to read this book now, I am seeing this book everywhere! =D

GFC - Sana
Email - sanashams [at] hotmail [dot] com
For Blogroll - http://artsymusingsofabibliophile.blogspot.com/

Lisa Nguyen said...

It seems kinda creeper. I can't wait to read this!

Patricia said...

Thank you for this Giveaway, Evie! And generous of you, and Cambria.
I would like to win this book - very much!!

madley (AT) cogeco (DOT) ca

Thank you, Evie!
Patricia

Roxy Kade said...

Thank you so much for the giveaway! Everyone I know has read this book and they all rave about it!
I got chills watching the trailer!! and it is clear that you loved this book :) I also love multiple POVs in books. It does give more insight into the different characters, which is so important and definitely makes things more interesting :)
GFC - Roxy Kade
Blog link - http://roxykade.blogspot.com/

crybv said...

Great review!!
GFC-crybv

Tiffany said...

This book sounds like it's going to be amazing. The plot line is interesting and different. I really want to read this, and the rest of the series which are no doubt going to be as great as the first sounds. (:

Sayomay said...

I really want to read thsi!

BJ Kenney said...

I think I'm going to like this one!

A Tiny Blog said...

This book sound great! And lol to the two cat pictures.. :D

Apy said...

I'm in

A Tiny Blog said...

Oh... Rafllecopter won't accept my GFC name, so here it is: A Tiny Blog

Unknown said...

I absolutely LOVE your reviews! I am putting this book on my "to-buy" or "To win" list and will have to read ASAP

Linny said...

Glad to hear that you really enjoyed this one! I just snagged the prequel novella for free recently. So, of course I'll have to read this one as well and I was hoping that it would be good.

P.S. LOVE the picture of Jared! I happen to be a big Supernatural fan, haha!

K . R . Guidera said...

Looks good! I have a feeling my next payment will go into this little jem :) great review!

K . R . Guidera said...

Of course, I mean gem, and not Jem :P too much Cassandra Clare reading recently. It's going to my head, haha!

Bookie Bee said...

Sounds great...and the cover looks oh so amazing!
Added to my ever-growing TBR list!

Anonymous said...

Uh! This sounds simply amazing! I need to read this ASAP!

Jaime Lester said...

I followed the Blog Tour for these books, and it amazed my just how many bloggers are loving this series. It sounds amazing. And can I just say, your pic of Sam. Yep, he is a cutie patootie! Thanks for your review. I have Masquerade on my Kindle, and I think I will bump it up on the TBR list a little ways.

E_V_E said...

wow, it could be an amazing book! all of your reviews, which I read, force me all of that books get to my to-read list 8D

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