The Book Swarm

Waiting on...LAST RITE by Lisa Desrochers

2012-02-15T06:30:00.000-05:00

Another awesome series is coming to a conclusion this year! I wasn't all that into the whole angels and demons genre but the Personal Demons series converted me. And now, it's ending. *sigh* I like the colors on this cover--very eye-catching. Plus, with the two guys mirroring each other, you know it's going to be an epic battle between good and evil.

LAST RITE (Personal Demons #3) by Lisa Desrochers

YA Paranormal

368 pages, hardcover

Releases on: May 8, 2012

Publisher: Tor Teen

In this final installment of the thrilling, edgy Personal Demons series, the battle between Heaven and Hell has become critical, and Frannie Cavanaugh is right at the center of it.

With the help of the powerful angel Gabe and demon-turned-mortal Luc, Frannie has been able to stay one step ahead of the forces of Hell. But when the demons killed Frannie's best friend and destroyed her brother, they raised the stakes. If Frannie wants to keep her family and friends safe, she knows she has no choice but to go on the run.

Their best defense is the power Frannie has been struggling to master, but her attempts to hone her skill go horribly awry. If Frannie doesn't learn fast, the consequences could be devastating--even apocalyptic.

What happens when you can't outrun Hell...or trust the ones you love?

So, what are you waiting on?

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

"I'll Be Back": PARTIALS by Dan Wells

2012-02-14T09:40:00.001-05:00

PARTIALS (Partials #1) by Dan Wells
YA Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian
472 pages, hardcover
Available Feb. 28, 2012
Review copy provided by publisher via Amazon Vine
Publisher: HarperTEEN

The human race is all but extinct after a war with Partials--engineered organic beings identical to humans--has decimated the population. Reduced to only tens of thousands by RM, a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island while the Partials have mysteriously retreated. The threat of the Partials is still imminent, but, worse, no baby has been born immune to RM in more than a decade. Our time is running out.

Kira, a sixteen-year-old medic-in-training, is on the front lines of this battle, seeing RM ravage the community while mandatory pregnancy laws have pushed what's left of humanity to the brink of civil war, and she's not content to stand by and watch. But as she makes a desperate decision to save the last of her race, she will find that the survival of humans and Partials alike rests in her attempts to uncover the connections between them--connections that humanity has forgotten, or perhaps never even knew were there.

Holy cow, y'all. I just finished this book yesterday, and it's been a while since a book left me so satiated. I'd actually been in rather a reading funk before picking up PARTIALS, having discarded three books prior. Back on the reading wagon now, for sure!

Positive: The world-building. In this world, humans build human-like robots, called Partials, to fight their enemies, and the robots turn on them. While that part's not so unusual--think Terminator or Alien--a plague then sweeps through the human race, decimating its numbers and leaving the world with fewer than 40,000 humans who barely cling to survival. Humans believe the Partials are to blame. The government gathers its people close, trying to salvage what's left of humanity and save the future. As with most governments, they start out with good intentions that quickly sour as free will and the desire for power overcome those ideals. This world comes to life through a rich details and robust backstory, parceled out in manageable nibbles rather than huge chunks.

Positive: The pacing. It's fast and relentless. Kira and her band of merry men hardly have time to catch their breath or recover from their wounds before they've got to take actions that may save their world or may wipe the human race from the planet. The Partials, the disease RM, and the Voice (human rebels who don't agree with the government's decision to require women to get pregnant by the age of 18) are all out to destroy each other.

Positive: Kira. This is one strong-willed, brave, smart girl. Although she's only 16, she's already an adult, working in the maternity ward, watching infant after infant perish from the incurable disease of RM. She and her compatriots have grown up in incredibly difficult circumstances and, because of those, had to grow up fast. When her best friend gets pregnant, she knows that, unless they find a cure quickly, her friend's child will die within days of coming into the world. So she decides to cure RM and, to do that, she has to capture a live Partial, knowing that it's a treasonous act to do so, that a Partial could kill her as easily as she breathes, and that there's still the possibility that the Partial's blood and anatomy won't help at all. But she does it anyway.

Wish: That more books were like this one. Not necessarily of the same genre but paced the same way with full-bodied, interesting characters; and a detailed world. While I did have some lingering questions (ie, Why would the Partials leave the humans alone for eleven years when they were so close to victory? How did the Senate come to be and how did it devolve into more of a dictatorship?), any more backstory might have been overwhelming. And, while there is most definitely another book in the works, this particular chapter of the series finished its story arc with a satisfying, if a little melancholy, resolution.

Overall: PARTIALS once again proves why young adult literature rocks, fulfilling all requirements for a fantastic story: sensational characters, high-octane pacing, and a lush world to get lost in for hours.

Available on Amazon | IndieBound

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2012-02-12T09:58:00.002-05:00

Welp, another week down. We're all counting down to this weird mid-winter break our school district has starting on the 20th (only five school days left!). There's been a hideous plague going around, we had very unexpected death of a parent that rocked our school, and the kids have been acting like they ate a huge box of sugar-filled candy chased by two Monster drinks for breakfast. *sigh*

That's probably why I took the plunge--I just registered for BEA!! Yahoo!! It's my first-ever conference, and I'm a little (read: a lot) nervous, just because I don't "know" anyone (IRL, I mean). Plus, I don't really know New York--where to stay, what to do after...any of that. So, I have two main questions for you all:

Are any of you going?

And, for you BEA/NY vets, where are some good, reasonably-priced (no more than $275/night) places to stay? Is there a hotel bloggers prefer/flock to?

Okay, onto In My Mailbox! A somewhat manageable week--I'm getting pretty far behind in my reading, especially books on my Kindle, which I'm trying not to stress out about but can't help. It's just my nature. Does anyone else reach for the physical book over an ebook? I do. Even if the ebook's one I've really been looking forward to and I'm just meh about the physical book, the latter is what winds up in my hands. I need to modify my thinking a smidge.

Fiona's Pick of the Week

We're having a tired morning...

For Review:

PARTIALS by Dan Wells

VAMPIRE'S KISSES by Veronica Wolff

SHOOTING STARS by Allison Rushby

DEAD RECKONING by Mercedes Lackey and Rosemary Edgehill

TRANSCENDENCE by C.J. Ormolou

BURN MARK by Laura Powell

MAGIC UNDER STONE by Jaclyn Dolamore

Thanks, HarperTeen/B+B, Penguin/NAL Trade, Bloomsbury Children's Books, Amazon Vine, and NetGalley!

IMM is a meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren.

You must comply: ARTICLE 5 by Kristen Simmons

2012-02-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

ARTICLE 5 (Article 5 #1) by Kristen Simmons

YA Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian

384 pages, hardcover

Available now (Jan. 2012)

Review copy provided by publisher via Amazon Vine

Publisher: Tor Teen

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned. The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes. There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren’t always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard for her to forget that people weren’t always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It’s hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.

Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow. That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings…the only boy Ember has ever loved.

Positive: The dystopian society. Oh, very cool. And shiver-inducing. The leader of this shattered country has horrible ideas about the "place" of women, how people should act and think, and he's not above having his soldiers kill to prove a point or just for sport. It's a pretty bleak place, no matter how you look at it.

Positive: Ember. There were times I wanted to shake Ember and ask her what the heck she was thinking but mostly, I cheered her on. Despite all odds, she was determined to escape, find her mother, and survive. She wasn't a leader. She wasn't a patriot. She was just a girl in a terrible world and terrible circumstances who wanted to live life as normally as she possibly could.

Wish: That we were given more backstory. I know, I know. Writerly people preach about not having too much backstory but I really wanted to know how the state of this world came to be. How did all the cities fall? How did this crazy, religious zealot come to be in office and why did people fall in line with his rhetoric? How did they come up with these articles, these rules that are so archaic and harsh?

Wish: That I liked Chase more. I won't say too much because it's part of the story's twisty-ness but I had a serious like-hate relationship with Chase. Just when I started to like him, he'd do something totally prick-ish and my nod of affirmation would turn into a sneer of dislike. So, when Ember tried to get away from him, I completely understood (though her timing left something to be desired). I never really loved Chase and, many times, couldn't understand why Ember was still hung up on him but I grew to appreciate his dedication and ultimate plan.

Overall: An interesting take on a very dystopian society that emerges after a terrible apocalypse, ARTICLE 5 will keep you turning the pages to see how everything turns out. Oh, and while this is a series and there are some loose threads, there's a relatively satisfying ending to this one.

Available on Amazon | IndieBound

Don't mess with Jane: RAVEN CURSED by Faith Hunter

2012-02-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

RAVEN CURSED (Jane Yellowrock #4) by Faith Hunter

Urban Fantasy (adult)

353 pages, paperback

Available now (Jan. 2012)

Review copy purchased

Publisher: Roc

The vampires of Asheville, North Carolina, want to establish their own clan, but since they owe loyalty to the Master Vampire of New Orleans they must work out the terms with him. To come up with an equitable solution, he sends an envoy with the best bodyguard blood money can buy: Jane Yellowrock.

But when a group of local campers are attacked by something fanged, Jane goes from escort to investigator. Unless she wants to face a very angry mast vampire, she will have to work overtime to find the killer. It's a good thing she's worth every penny.

Jane Yellowrock, skinwalker extraordinaire, gets the absolute crap kicked out of her in the fourth installment of this series. It's just one thing after another that comes after her--things that have been building for a while. She's out of New Orleans but not out from under the Master of the City's thumb just yet. Instead, she's pulled guard detail for the MoC's number two scion, who's in Ashville for some delicate vampy business dealings.

But she hasn't come back just for that. She's back to repair fences with her BFF, damaged when she put Molly and Molly's powerful witch daughter in danger a while ago. She's also in town to check on her honey, Rick, who's camped out in the mountains with a werepanther who's supposed to help him, trying to deal with the possibility of turning furry--or not--every month. Bitten by a were, Rick's transformation has been...difficult due to some binding tattoos that are repressing his transformations.

And then, of course, there are people (well, werewolves) out to kill her. God, can this poor girl not catch a break? Seems not--hell, she can't even get any sleep. I think, at one point, she's up for like three days straight. And, while she's a skinwalker and pretty sturdy, she's not invincible or immortal. Something's got to give.

Filled with more action than you can shake a sharpened Aspen stake at, RAVEN CURSED wass well worth the wait. Oh, and the last couple of chapters will take your breath away. Urban fantasy kick-assed-ness at its best. Write faster, Faith Hunter! I want more Jane Yellowrock!

Available on Amazon | IndieBound

Waiting On...SHINE by Jeri Smith-Ready

2012-02-08T06:30:00.000-05:00

This has been an amazing series, and I'm interested to see where Jeri Smith Ready takes us in this next installment--and conclusion--of the Shade series. As for the cover, I like the gold dusting around the edge of the cover, with the focus on Aura. It's missing the ribbon of red, however, like on the the other two. Maybe there's a reason for it, and I'll just have to read the book to find out.

SHINE (Shade #3) by Jeri Smith-Ready

YA Paranormal

384 pages, hardcover

Releases: May 1, 2012

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Life can change in an instant, and no one understands that better than Aura.

It’s been almost a year since her boyfriend tragically died. She’s finally letting go of Logan’s violet-hued ghost, but not her search to uncover the truth about her past. As the first in a generation that can see ghosts, Aura is convinced that she has a connection to the Shift. She’s trusted Zachary, ever patient and ever by her side, with all that she knows. But when the government threatens his life in an attempt to learn Aura’s secrets, she will stop at nothing to protect herself and the one she loves...even if that means betraying her own heart.

So, what are you waiting on?

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Shivery Goodness: FAERY TALES & NIGHTMARES by Melissa Marr

2012-02-07T06:30:00.000-05:00

FAERY TALES & NIGHTMARES by Melissa Marr

YA paranormal short stories

432 pages, hardcover

Available Feb. 21, 2012

Review copy provided by author

Publisher: HarperCollins

Dangerous promises and beguiling threats swirl together in a dozen stories of enchantments dark and light by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr. Uncanny and unexpected creatures appear from behind bushes, rise from beneath the seas, or manifest from seasonal storms to pursue the objects of their attention—with amorous or sinister intent—relentlessly.

From the gentle tones of a storyteller’s cadences to the terror of a blood sacrifice, tales of favorite characters from Marr’s Wicked Lovely novels mix with accounts of new characters for readers to fall in love with...or to fear.

Table of Contents:

Where Nightmares Walk (Very short "nightmare")

Winter's Kiss (Girl with power over winter)

Transition (Gory vampire tale)

Love Struck (Selchies on the prowl for love)

Old Habits (Dark Court story that takes place right after INK EXCHANGE)

Stopping Time (Dark Court story with Niall, Irial, and Leslie)

The Art of Waiting (Odd people of the hollow)

Flesh for Comfort (Creepy tale of "helpful" creatures)

The Sleeping Girl and the Summer King (inspiration for Wicked Lovely)

Cotton Candy Skies (Shadow Court story with Rabbit and Olivia)

Unexpected Family (WL story featuring Seth)

Merely Mortal (Winter Court story with Keenan and Donia)

I didn't realize how much I missed the Wicked Lovely world until I lost myself in it again. Lucky for me, six of the stories are set in that world, including the short story that started the series. The Sleeping Girl and the Summer King has shades of Aislinn and Keenan, though set in a different place and time with a different result (Marr herself said this was the story that inspired the series). I particularly enjoyed Old Habits since it involved Niall, Irial, and Devlin, some of my favorite fae boys battling it out to prove their manliness.

One of my favorite fairy tales was Winter's Kiss. It's the story of a young girl whose very breath brings about winter and her journey to find a place and a people who can accept her for who she is. Another great story, Love Struck is a fanciful tale, with a twist upon the traditional selchie mythology, with two hot seal-men and one mortal girl.

Written in Melissa Marr's distinctively dark and haunting style, the short stories in this collection will resonate with fans of darker fairy tales and the world of Wicked Lovely.

Available on Amazon | IndieBound

Butterflies fly free: INCARNATE by Jodi Meadows

2012-02-06T06:30:00.000-05:00

INCARNATE by Jodi Meadows

YA Fantasy

384 pages

Available now (January 2012)

Review copy provided by publisher

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

New soul

Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

No soul

Even Ana's own mother thinks she's a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she'll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

Heart

Sam believes Ana's new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana's enemies--human and creature alike--let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else's life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?

Positive: The worldbuilding. This relatively small population of people is reborn over and over, for the past five thousand years. They remember their previous lives. Sometimes, they're men; sometimes, they're women. This is all made possible by an impenetrable temple in a city that predates their existence and pulses with life. Oh, and there are deadly sylphs and dragons roaming the countryside and attacking the city at random times. Most excellent.

Positive: Ana. Ana is an enigma--she replaces one of the reincarnated, something that has never happened in anyone's memory. She's a gentle soul, despite the constant abuse her mother has heaped upon her since the day she was born. A curious creature, Ana ventures out on her own, leaving her home and her mother for the city, where she hopes to find answers about her existence. I really felt for her. She didn't know anything, and people were so reluctant to talk to her or impart any useful information that she was just a babe in the woods, floundering about in the dark.

Wish: That Sam didn't feel like a five-thousand-year-old creeper. Technically in this life, he's about the same age as Ana. But he's really not. He's ancient. While I really did like his character, it's the same issue I had with Edward and Bella--he's really just a pedo in an 18-year-old's skin. I like Sam as Ana's defender and mentor rather than love interest so, for now, I think I'll just block out the "love" part.

Wish: That it didn't feel unfinished when I was done. I don't know quite how to explain it but I guess I just wanted more. I have so many questions: What about the world beyond the city? What's up with the temple and the pulse-y walls? Are there any more people in this world? What happened to Ana's dad?

Overall: Set in an amazing world, INCARNATE intrigues and tantalizes those who are hungry for something new and creative in the young adult arena.

Available on Amazon | IndieBound

IMM (27)

2012-02-05T12:06:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been a long, tough week, thus the reason for my not really posting this week (except for Jodi's Incarnate Treasure Hunt--did you enter? Go HERE, if you're interested). The plague knocked me for a loop as did the death of a good friend. However, the week did end with a bit of a shine when I got some great news about the day job and next year (it's not officially-official yet but it was a good way to end a really crappy week). Back to the regular schedule of posting and commenting this week!

This IMM is a two-week pile...

Fiona's Pick of the Week

Bought:

WINGS OF THE WICKED by Courtney Allison Moulton

Yeah, I'm just chillin' in the sunshine...surrounded by books. Life is good.

For Review:

BLISS (The Bliss Bakery #1) by Kathryn Littlewood (this one looks adorable!)
THE SECRET SISTERHOOD OF HEARTBREAKERS by Lynn Weingarten
ILLUMINATE (Guilded Wings #1) by Aimee Agresti
PARIS IN LOVE by Eloisa James
KISS CRUSH COLLIDE by Christina Meredith
DAUGHTER OF THE CENTAURS by Kate Klimo
DEAD TO YOU by Lisa McMann
Thank you, Harper Teen, Simon Pulse, Random House, Harcourt, Greenwillow Books and Amazon Vine!

Blog Tour:

THE DISENCHANTMENTS by Nina LaCoeur
SHIFTING by Bethany Wiggins

Gifted:

UNBROKEN (Outcast #4) by Rachel Caine
Thank you so much, Candace (Candace's Book Blog)!! I loved it.

INCARNATE Theater Treasure Hunt

2012-02-01T18:49:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the INCARNATE Theater Treasure Hunt!

This week, 48 bloggers are celebrating the release of INCARNATE by Jodi Meadows by participating in a treasure hunt with clues, activities, and lots of prizes including signed books and handknit fingerless mitts.

Isn't Kippy cute? She's a Knitty Kitty (hehe).

You've reached an ACTIVITY blog, which means on this page, you can gain extra entries for Jodi's grand prize drawing by completing my activity and filling out the accompanying form.

Then head to the next activity for more INCARNATE fun! There are 22 INCARNATE activities around. The more you do, the better your chances of winning the grand prize.

For more information on the INCARNATE Theater Treasure Hunt, check out Jodi's post HERE.

GUESS THE BLOGGER (activity)

Directions: Match the blogger with her picture and fill out the form.

A. Traci at The Reading Geek

B. Jamie at Two Chicks on Books
C. Patricia at Two Chicks on Books
D. BeckyinVT
E. Amber at Down the Rabbit Hole
F. Shellie at Creative Reads

G. Rachel at Rachel's Book Reviews

Blogger #1

Blogger #2

Blogger #3

Blogger #4

Blogger #5

Blogger #6

Blogger #7

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>
ACTIVITY BLOGGERS

The Book Swarm
Author's Echo
Squeaky Books
Down the Rabbit Hole

Waiting On...TRICKED by Kevin Hearne

2012-02-01T06:30:00.000-05:00

Another urban fantasy series that I adore is the Iron Druid series by Kevin Hearne. He blew me away last year by releasing his first three books in quick succession and had me drooling for more (ooh, Atticus, you hot druid, you). While the cover's a little busy, I like the coloring and the spot of power and runes coming out of Atticus's hand. Plus, it follows in the footsteps of the other three in this series, which I always appreciate (call me anal retentive--I prefer to have my covers match. It looks prettier on my bookshelves that way.).

TRICKED by Kevin Hearne

Urban Fantasy (adult)

384 pages, paperback

Releases: April 24, 2012

Publisher: Random House

Druid Atticus O’Sullivan hasn’t stayed alive for more than two millennia without a fair bit of Celtic cunning. So when vengeful thunder gods come Norse by Southwest looking for payback, Atticus, with a little help from the Navajo trickster god Coyote, lets them think that they’ve chopped up his body in the Arizona desert.

But the mischievous Coyote is not above a little sleight of paw, and Atticus soon finds that he’s been duped into battling bloodthirsty desert shapeshifters called skinwalkers. Just when the Druid thinks he’s got a handle on all the duplicity, betrayal comes from an unlikely source. If Atticus survives this time, he vows he won’t be fooled again. Famous last words.

So, what are you waiting on?

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Teen Review: BLUE MOON by Alyson Noel

2012-01-27T06:30:00.000-05:00

BLUE MOON by Alyson Noel

YA Paranormal Romance

284 pages, paperback

Available now (July 2009)

Review copy purchased

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

With Drina dead, everything is back to normal. Ever is learning everything she can about her abilities as an immortal, her relationships with Haven, Miles, and Damen are improving, and everything is more than perfect.

But when the new student from England, Roman, comes into the picture, Damen leaves Ever and goes to Stacia, the girl who used to bully Ever. He doesn’t remember anything about immortality or even Ever, and he even gets an aura. Ever, along with Ava--the physic from Ever’s Halloween party, go to Summerland and try to fix the problem. Ever goes back into Damen’s past, and finds out that Damen might be poisoned, and lots of other terrible findings. With the information they gather, Ever and Ava try to get rid of all the poisoned drinks and even to find out who did this to him.

But when Ever decides to go back to save Damen, will she be able to go back and save him in time, or will he disappear before she even gets back to him?

This series is one of the best I have read. It’s sweet and adventurous, also a little dark, and those are the kind of books I enjoy reading. Ever is an extraordinary character. I love how she copes with Riley passing over, and how she and Damen are so close. But when Miles’ play ends, and Damen leaves her there at the theatre, that’s where I was in shock and pretty upset. My mind was racing, thinking, "How could he just leave her there? He loves her, and waited SIX HUNDRED years for her! How could he just dump her on the street?" But near the end, when Roman admitted he did it, I was not taken by surprise. Truthfully, I saw it coming, he completely made me wonder how he was just toying with everyone’s minds. It had me on edge 99.9% of the whole book.

But my all-time favorite part of the whole book was the ending. It was very sweet how she would give up anything up for Damen, but when she put her blood in the antidote, I thought it would make him stronger, and they’d have a normal relationship again. But I was mad at Roman when he told Ever that if they exchange DNA, he’ll die, I was about to cry. Their relationship was so strong, and now she can’t even touch him, afraid that he might die! I’m super sad about it, but I guess you can’t always get exactly what you want.

Teen Reviewer: My name is Kaitlyn and I am 14 years old. My hobbies are drawing, singing, writing, playing softball, and spending time with friends and family. My favorite authors are Alyson Noël, Gayle Forman, Lauren Kate, and Stephenie Meyer. My favorite books include Fallen by Lauren Kate, Evermore by Alyson Noël, The Host/Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, The Help by Kathryn Stockett, and If I Stay by Gayle Forman.

Teen Review: THE BEGINNING OF AFTER by Jennifer Castle

2012-01-26T06:46:00.000-05:00

THE BEGINNING OF AFTER by Jennifer Castle

YA Contemporary

432 pages, hardcover

Available now (Sept. 2011)

Review copy donated

Publisher: Harper Teen

Anyone who’s had something truly crappy happen to them will tell you: It’s all about Before and After. What I’m talking about here is the ka-pow, shake-you-to-your-core-and-turn-your-bones-to-plastic kind of crappy.

Sixteen-year-old Laurel’s world changes instantly when her parents and brother are killed in a terrible car accident. Behind the wheel is the father of her bad-boy neighbor, David Kaufman, whose mother is also killed. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Laurel navigates a new reality in which she and her best friend grow apart, boys may or may not be approaching her out of pity, overpowering memories lurk everywhere, and Mr. Kaufman is comatose but still very much alive. Through it all there is David, who swoops in and out of Laurel’s life and to whom she finds herself attracted against her better judgment. She will forever be connected to him by their mutual loss—a connection that will change them both in unexpected ways.

What I liked about this book is you never knew what was going to happen next. Laurel was always doing some weird, unexpected thing that either made her life ten times worse, or a lot better. Laurel's love life was a big part of the story because she was caught in between two people, one guy that had tried his best to be with her, and the other, a boy that kept coming in and out of her life, but knew the real her.

In this book, I did not like Meg's character. Meg is Laurel's best friend. Meg tried to be helpful and supportive but she came off as a little selfish. She really only cared about popularity when Laurel needed her.

I liked David's character in this book. Even though he is not a good example, he really got Laurel. He knew what she was going through because his mom died too. David could be a little selfish and quick to anger sometimes, but he always meant well. Whenever Laurel needed him, he was there. He was a really good friend to her and helped her get through a lot.

My favorite part of the book was when David and Laurel went on a walk in the woods with Masher (David's dog). They had a very deep conversation about who they were. It was really deep and kind of pulled the whole meaning of the story together.

Teen Reviewer: I'm Taylor. I am 13 and live with my mom, dad, and brother. I like cheering for school and competition teams.

Waiting On...IMMORTAL RULES by Julie Kagawa

2012-01-25T06:30:00.000-05:00

Even though I'm a bit burned out by vampires, I'll read anything Julie Kagawa puts out there. I loved her Iron Fey series and, most especially, the characters she created for that world. And this one looks mighty intriguing... The cover, however, hum. Not sure about it. It's a lot creepy, what with her red eyes and all, but it doesn't jump out at me. I like the title font of "Immortal" though.

IMMORTAL RULES by Julie Kagawa

YA Paranormal

304 pages, hardcover

Releases: April 24, 2012

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

In the dark days since the insidious Red Lung virus decimated the human population, vampires have risen to rule the crumbling cities and suburbs. Uncontested Princes hold sway over diminished ranks of humans: their "pets." In exchange for their labor, loyalty and of course, their blood, these pets are registered, given food and shelter, permitted to survive.

Unregistered humans cling to fringes, scavenging for survival. Allison Sekemoto and her fellow Unregistereds are hunted, not only by vampires, but by rabids, the unholy result of Red Lung-infected vampires feeding on unwary humans. One night, Allie is attacked by a pack of rabids, saved by an unlikely hero...and turned vampire.

Uncomfortable in her undead skin, Allie falls in with a ragtag crew of humans seeking a cure, or cures: for Rabidism and for Vampirism. She's passing for human...for now. But the hunger is growing and will not be denied. Not for friendship—not even for love.

So, what are you waiting on?
Waiting On Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Teen Review Week: I AM NUMBER FOUR by Pittacus Lore

2012-01-24T06:32:00.000-05:00

I AM NUMBER FOUR by Pittacus Lore

YA Science Fiction

440 pages, hardcover

Available now (Aug. 2010)

Review copy purchased

Publisher: HarperCollins

In the beginning they were a group of nine. Nine aliens who left their home planet of Lorien when it fell under attack by the evil Mogadorian. Nine aliens who scattered on Earth. Nine aliens who look like ordinary teenagers living ordinary lives, but who have extraordinary, paranormal skills. Nine aliens who might be sitting next to you now.

The Nine had to separate and go into hiding. The Mogadorian caught Number One in Malaysia, Number Two in England, and Number Three in Kenya. All of them were killed. John Smith, of Paradise, Ohio, is Number Four. He knows that he is next.

One of the main reasons I love this book it has actually smart characters, not just molds of overused stereotypes. This is one of the books I have read where the main character uses the enemies warriors against them, instead of fighting them all at once. It is the only book where the day is not saved by the main character’s will power, or the love of his parents, but with actual intelligence and help from his friends. The characters in this book actually understand that they are in the middle of a war, and they have to be willing to kill the bad guys. The rationality in the book is a breath of fresh air.

Another thing I like about the book is the action. While the action is not quite as good as something like Star Solider, it is still enough to keep your heart pounding. Moments where the characters is on fire but keeps on fighting, where humans fight off deadly creatures with shotguns, where the Loriens fight a helpless war against the bloodthirsty Mogodarians, they all keep you excited and wanting more. The action is always there, whether it is something small from a stick exploding, to something Micheal Bay-ish like two gigantic monsters duking it out.

A great part about I Am Number Four is the story itself. While it won’t win any awards for the concept alone, the plot twists, flashbacks, and other things will keep you entertained. What I thought was originally a straight-forward chosen one story quickly grew into a complex storyline with secrets, mysteries, and loss. It truly feels like I have stepped into an brand new world, and that is something I will have to congratulate the author on. Few stories can turn a simple, straightforward plot into something worthy of Harry Potter.

My one issue with this book is the lack of detail. Often times big events, such as the turning of a major battle, are described in one to two words. Many times you want to know more about the characters, want to get to know them, but the author’s lack of detail prevents you from knowing them as anything more than just characters from a book. Many books have amazing characters that you will think about for years, like A Song of Fire and Ice, but this book is not one.

Overall, the book is a 8.75 out of 10. While the story, action, and realism of the book will keep you entertained, the characters take you out of the brilliant fantasy world of shape-shifting monsters, pale-ghostly creatures, mystery. This is the perfect read for those long-boring car rides, as the action will make you forget about everything else. Although I don’t agree with everything in the book, it is a great story, and I will be sure to get the next books as soon as they come out

Teebro likes drawing, anime, video games, Boondocks, and loves to watch TV. He lives with his parents, has no brothers or sisters (yay) and is on the school Quiz Bowl and Math Counts teams. He lives life to the fullest.

It's Teen Review Week!

2012-01-23T18:40:00.000-05:00

This week's a crazy one--I'm finishing the zero draft of my novel, scrambling to get a huge stack of papers graded, coming up with lesson plans that will keep the students busy for most of the week, and heading down to Disney World with a bus-full of 8th graders. We'll be there for three action-packed days and then, when I finally get home on Saturday, I'll face-plant into my bed for the rest of the weekend.

Seems to me like it's a perfect week for a pile of Teen Reviews! Woot!

(Oh, this also means I'll be mostly away from my computer and won't be commenting--boo! I'll catch up this weekend...)

Enjoy and, if you get a chance, leave a comment for my kids!

IMM (26)

2012-01-22T11:25:00.001-05:00

Why is it January just blows through my life like a stiff wind? School, life, illness, dogs, travel...holy cow. I feel like I need a vacation to recover from this month and I haven't even made it to Disney World yet (that's Tuesday--an overnight bus trip with 50 8th graders. Eep.) .

Because I needed some serious brain candy, I bought myself Easy A (if you haven't seen this movie, it's hilarious. A Pocket Full of Sunshine, if you will...) and, of course, Fi jumped right on it:

Fiona's Pick of the Week

Little Miss Fi: she's so easy...

NetGalley:

THE NIGHTMARE GARDEN by Caitlin Kittredge (Random House)

STARTERS by Lissa Price (Random House)

GODDESS INTERRUPTED by Aimee Carter (Harlequin)

PRETTY CROOKED by Elisa Ludwig (HarperCollins)

Purchased:

DITCHED by Robin Mellom (Disney)

DRAGONSWOOD by Janet Lee Carey (Penguin)

So, what'd you get in your mailbox?

IMM is a meme hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren.

What happens in Vegas: THE NEON GRAVEYARD by Vicki Pettersson

2012-01-21T06:30:00.000-05:00

NEON GRAVEYARD (Signs of the Zodiac #6) by Vicki Pettersson
Urban Fantasy
372 pages, mass market paperback
Available now (June 2011)
Review copy provide by publisher via NetGalley
Publisher: HarperCollins

Once she was a soldier for the Light, the prophesied savior who would decide the outcome of the eternal conflict raging in the dark corners of her glittering hometown.

Now Joanna Archer is just another mortal – still born of an impossible union of Shadow and Light … still hunted by both – and carrying the unborn child of a lover held captive by a depraved demon goddess. Joining forced with a band of rogue Shadow agents, Joanna’s ready to storm the stronghold of her demonic foe, risking everything to enter this ghastly, godforsaken realm. Because in a world that has stripped her of her power, identity, and fortune, Joanna has nothing left to lose – except her baby, her future, and the epic war poised to consume the city...

This is one of those series where you'll get more bang for your buck--and understand the intricacies of the plot--if you read at least a couple of the previous books. And, because all the books are so interconnected and this is the last book in the series, there are bound to be some spoilers for previous books in this quickie review.

Joanna's lost all her powers and her powerful weapon--she's no longer a soldier for the Light. As a mortal, she's much more vulnerable than she was but she's still determined to fight and make a difference with her troop of Grays--rogue agents who once fought against each other as agents of Light and Dark. There's so much sacrifice, passion, pain and emotion in this story--it's the end of an era.

As a mortal human, Joanna finally evolves into the capable, caring but still ass-kicking chick she was always meant to be. She's driven by her love for Hunter, she's willing to sacrifice so very much to rescue him from MidHeaven and from his crazy ex, Solange. (Solange is a super-freak and such a bad, bad girl. My hate for her and desire for Joanna to defeat her grew each time Solange waltzed her way onto the page.) But, at the same time, she risks everything for the love of her child and to protect her city from the evil that wants to overtake it.

While the resolution was somewhat anti-climactic, just about everyone gets their comeuppance (down with the Tulpa!) which is quite satisfying in itself. The Signs of the Zodiac is a seriously action-packed and creative urban fantasy series.

Available on Amazon | IndieBound

Love is a drug: EVERNEATH by Brodi Ashton

2012-01-19T06:30:00.000-05:00

EVERNEATH by Brodi Ashton
YA Paranormal
370 pages, hardcover
Available Jan. 24, 2012
Review copy provided by publisher
Publisher: HarperCollins / Balzer + Bray

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists. Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

EVERNEATH has got to be one of the most creative twists on the Hades and Persephone myth I've read yet. In fact, there's only the merest hint of the original myth in the story, that of a dark immortal creature capturing a beautiful girl and dragging her into the Underworld for his benefit. In this case, the Underworld is a place called the Everneath, Cole is that dark immortal, and Nikki is the beautiful, broken human he pulls down with him so he can Feed (yes, that's with a capital F) on her and remain immortal.

Bound together for a hundred years in the Everneath, Cole and Nikki become emotionally intertwined and, when she returns to the surface, Cole follows because he believes he is in love with her. While Nikki has a specific purpose for returning—the boy she loves, Jack—she is still emotionally connected to Cole, though she claims to hate him for what he’s done to her. They’re addicted to one another, though Cole’s an addiction Nikki wants to kick.

When Nikki returns home—for her it’s been a hundred years but on the surface, it’s only been six months—she returns as a broken shell of her former self, though she kept more of her memories than most because she held on to the idea of Jack. It’s no wonder everyone believes the story that she’s been in rehab for a drug addiction. And, like an addict, she’s rather weak and selfish, spending the six months she has not with her family but chasing after the boy who broke her heart, the reason she accepted Cole’s offer of oblivion and forgetfulness in the first place.

This is a beautifully told but rather sad story, the tale of Nikki and Cole and Jack. Nikki should never have remembered her time in the Everneath and, because of her memories, is doomed. Cole is doomed to feed on the emotions of humans, draining them so he can remain immortal and in his queen’s good graces. Jack has tried to move on after Nikki left but with her return, has been sucked back into her dark world. I’m curious as to how this story will evolve, especially after the surprising twist at the end.

Available on Amazon | IndieBound

Waiting On...BLACK HEART by Holly Black

2012-01-18T06:30:00.000-05:00

I really enjoyed the first two books in this series, WHITE CAT and BLACK GLOVE. They're creative, interesting, and very well-written. So, of course, I'm looking forward to the third installment, BLACK HEART. But what's up with the cover? I mean, I like it--kind of a 70's vibe--but it doesn't go with the other two. Although, the Kindle and Audiobook covers do match the other two. Strange...or maybe it's just wrong in GoodReads and they're planning on matching up in printing. Guess we'll see, huh?

**EDIT: Seems this design IS part of the Curse Workers series. There are new covers for the first two books as well, as revealed on Holly Black's blog (HERE). Well, alrighty then.

BLACK HEART by Holly Black

YA Paranormal

320 pages, hardcover

Releases on: April 3, 2012

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

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.

Kindle/Audiobook Cover

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.

So, what are you waiting on?
Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Adventure abounds: THE HEDGEWITCH QUEEN by Lilith Saintcrow

2012-01-17T10:51:00.000-05:00

THE HEDGEWITCH QUEEN by Lilith Saintcrow
Fantasy
E-book only
Available now (Dec. 2011)
Review copy purchased
Publisher: Orbit

Vianne di Rocancheil is a lady waiting at the Court of Arquitaine, where she studies her books, watches for intrigue, and shepherds her foolhardy Princesse through the glittering whirl. Court is a sometimes-unpleasant waltz, especially for the unwary, but Vianne treads its measured steps well.

Unfortunately, the dance has changed. Treachery is afoot in gilded and velvet halls. A sorcerous conspiracy is unleashed, with blood, death, and warfare close behind. Vianne must flee, carrying the Great Seal of Arquitaine with her. This is the one thing the conspirators need to rule, and they won’t rest until they have it. A life of dances, intrigues, and fashion has not prepared Vianne for this. Nor has it prepared her for Tristan d’Arcenne, Captain of the King’s Guard and player in the most dangerous games conspiracy can devise. Yet to save her country and avenge her Princesse, Vianne will become what she must and do whatever is required.

A Queen can do no less.

Because I am a massive Lilith Saintcrow fangirl, I just had to read her newest release, THE HEDGEWITCH QUEEN, a book that's a huge departure from her usual fare. A good, old fashioned adventure, this story takes place in a world that reminds me of France, with a King, a princess, and their court (who are killed off rather quickly in a court coup--oops). The main character, Vianne, a noble-born orphan who gets entangled in circumstances far beyond her control, winds up as the bearer of the Great Seal of Arquitaine and, since the Seal accepts her as its bearer, the new Queen of the realm.

Vianne, a hedgewitch who can do small magics, would rather be mucking about in the garden than gossiping with the other ladies at court, plays the role of overly-helpless damsel in distress extremely well. She has no real idea of how to take care of herself, especially once she's forced to flee the castle on horseback in the company of the handsome and (of course) very rakish Tristan, captain of the King's Guards. Tristan himself is a bit of an enigma--is he truly a good guy or is he a bad boy playing the role of the gallant knight? Though Vianne finds herself falling for him, the more she finds out, the more she questions his motives and character.

While I did get a bit annoyed with Vianne's helplessness at times, I really enjoyed this fairy tale-like story. Still, I wish I'd waited for THE BANDIT KING (out in June 2012) and read both stories together, as there's a cliffhanger at the end of THE HEDGEWITCH QUEEN.

Available on Amazon

Fat is beautiful: GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS by Rae Carson

2012-01-16T06:30:00.000-05:00

GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS by Rae Carson

YA Fantasy
424 pages, hardcover
Available now (Sept. 2011)
Review copy provided by publisher via NetGalley
Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.

Elisa is the chosen one. But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can't see how she ever will. Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess. And he's not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people's savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.

Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young. Most of the chosen do.

Elisa might be chosen for greatness, but she certainly doesn't see it. In fact, she's quite adept at eating her feelings, burying her unhappiness with herself and her circumstances in the bliss that can only be found in a mouthful of lemon tart. The way she sees it, the only thing she has power over is what she puts in her mouth and her faith in her deity, the one who speaks to her through the Godstone in her navel.

As a princess and a bearer of the Godstone, she's coddled and protected but not given any choice as to the path her life will take. That's all planned out for her. When she's married off to a virtual stranger--one who's quite handsome and nice but is rather weak in his own way--she moves from one feathered prison to another. It's especially harsh in her new home because her new husband, the king, is keeping her a secret from his people. So, again, she still feels powerless and turns to food for comfort in place of the love she so desperately craves and the control she truly desires.

Until she's kidnapped. At that pivotal moment, her life changes forever. She's still not in control of her circumstances, she still isn't give the love she needs (that comes later) and, because they're marching across a harsh desert land, she no longer has access to endless food so she can't use that to comfort herself. She has to find other ways to satisfy the ache in her soul. Her faith in her deity strengthens. She learns how to take care of herself and begins to realize that she can become a capable, useful human being instead of pretty, pretty princess who can't even dress herself without help. She becomes a survivor. And she likes it.

Away from her pampered, repressive world, Elisa's faith in herself becomes as solid as her body, sculpted and toned during her forced march across the desert and simple diet. The way I see it, her weight loss is more symbolic than anything else. It represents a hardening of her resolve and a strengthening of her spirit. Of course, it's fabulous she lost that weight and ended up feeling good about it but I don't think that's the main reason she becomes a confident, capable person. She learned her self-worth as she learned to take care of herself, to put herself in others' shoes, and when she realized she was more in control of her destiny than she ever dreamed. If she'd had the chance to learn these things while she was larger, she may very well have remained a larger girl (probably a little smaller, just because she wouldn't still be eating her feelings, just enjoying her food) but one filled with confidence.

I look forward to seeing how Rae Carson deals with Elisa's return to the kingdom--will she gain back some of the weight she lost in the desert, now that she has access to all the foodstuffs she loves or will she keep that newly-hardened body of hers? Will she hold on to her new-found confidence or will it take a beating, now that she's back amongst "her people"? And what of her king? And the Godstone? CROWN OF EMBERS comes out in October of this year so we'll just have to wait and see.

Available on Amazon | IndieBound

IMM (25)

2012-01-15T13:57:00.000-05:00

FIONA'S PICK OF THE WEEK

Typical. Fiona couldn't make up her mind this week, since there was so much awesome to be had.

Nor could she stay awake. I had to bribe her with a chewy in the above picture. Then she crashed. It's hard being a supermodel, after all.

PICTURED (and PURCHASED):

THE STATISTICAL PROBABILITY OF LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT by Jennifer E. Smith

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green

VERONICA MARS (Seasons 1, 2, and 3) -- Hells, yeah! Had to get 'em after they stopped streaming the series on NetFlix and Amazon. But they were pretty cheap, which rocks.

FOR REVIEW:

Eating Free: The Carb-Friendly Way to Lose Inches, Embrace Your Hunger, and Keep Weight Off for Good by Manuel Villacorta

THE NAKED FOODS COOKBOOK by Margaret Floyd and James Barry

GODDESS INTERRUPTED by Aimee Carter

PRETTY CROOKED by Elisa Ludwig

Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Teen, Katherine Tegen Books, HCI, and New Harbinger Publications!

So, what'd you get in your mailbox?

IMM is a meme hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren.

Quickie: NO ONE TO TRUST by Julie Moffett

2012-01-14T06:30:00.000-05:00

NO ONE TO TRUST by Julie Moffett

Humorous Romantic Mystery

ebook

Available now (June 2011)

Review copy provided by publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: Carina Press

SWFG: Single, White, Female, Geek.

That’s me, Lexi Carmichael, a reformed hacker who was gainfully employed by the National Security Agency. But a series of extraordinary events led me to leave government life behind for a fresh start with a brand-new company and an incredibly sexy boss, Finn Shaughnessy. It may not be kosher to have the hots for your boss, but he seems to have the hots for me, too. If only things didn’t get so complicated…

Darren Greening, a genius researcher from Flow Technologies (our first client!) is missing, and his bosses think I’m involved. And they aren’t the only ones—the man who nearly snapped my neck in the parking garage thinks so, too. Now I’m caught in the middle of a complex and dangerous case. I’ll have to use all my geek skills and a little help from my friends to solve the mystery of Darren’s disappearance before Neck-Snapping-Man makes a return visit…

Such a cute, fun read. I wasn't really sure how to categorize it (thus the humorous romantic mystery tag I stuck up there in the genre section) but it is all of those things: it's got humor, there are some great romantic teases, and quite a decent mystery.

Lexi Carmichael's such an awesomely awkward nerd--a computer hacker (supposedly ex-hacker), super-smart with a photographic memory, insecure, and abruptly honest (due to her inability to read social cues properly). Once a rising star in the NSA, Lexi left to got to work for an adorable Irish billionaire named Finn. Yes. Finn. Now, don't get your Irish up...Lexi's got a bit of a flirt going on with Finn (though it's mostly Finn doing the flirting, since Lexi's pretty clueless) but she works for him and, for the moment, it's pretty professional.

Oh, and then there's Slash. I really want to know more about him. He's kind of a James Bond/Jason Bourne character, very enigmatic and brilliant. An uber-hacker with ties to all sorts of governmental and shady places, Slash is another huge flirt that I'd like to see Lexi hook up with.

While this series is mainly character-driven, this story's a fun mystery, too. Well worth a couple of hours to lose yourself in the world of Lexi Carmichael.

Available on Amazon

HUNGER GAMES: These odds suck!

2012-01-13T07:09:00.001-05:00

Here's a little Friday Funny for you! And, hey, if you haven't entered my giveaway of the CINDER audiobook, be sure to click here and leave me a quick comment. And may the odds be ever in your favor.

When THE HUNGER GAMES trailer first came out, I watched it a ton of times, chills running up and down my arms each and every time. I even marked the release date on my calendar (seriously, I've never done this before, not even for the awesome Harry Potter).

Here it is if you've been living under a rock and missed it:

Now, Evil Iguana Productions has come up with a completely awesome spoof of that trailer. See if you don't agree:

Doesn't the fake Katniss look a lot like the "real" Katniss? And I love how they followed the same pattern as the official movie trailer. Seriously. Funny.

Death Becomes Her: DIE FOR ME by Amy Plum

2012-01-12T08:07:00.000-05:00

DIE FOR ME by Amy Plum
YA Paranormal
341 pages, hardcover
Available now (May 2011)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Review copy provided by HarperTeen via NetGalley

My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything.

Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent. Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.

Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies . . . immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind. While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart—as well as my life and my family's—in jeopardy for a chance at love?

Positive: The cover. I have to say this is one of my very favorite covers of 2011. A combination of factors play into this. First, the view of Paris from the roof. Ah, c'est la vie and tres belle! Next, the coloring. I love how the deep dark red fades into the horizon and that same red is mirrored in her dress. Finally, the swirlies around the title and dripping down onto Kate. It's so eye-catching, like they're coming down to tattoo her in all their swirliness.

Positive: The revenants. What a cool twist on your average, everyday zombie. These people who come back to life are very much alive and can die again and again, as long as they're sacrificing their lives to save someone else. So I guess they're not actually zombies. Anyway, they "die" for three days and then, on the third day, rise to live again. There are, of course, the good folks--revenants--and the bad folks--numa. The numa do their very best to drive people to suicide or kill them off. It's your typical eternal battle of good and evil, making for a great story.

Wish: That the story lives up to its dark promise. People coming back to life, sacrificing themselves, killing each other to protect innocents (or kill them, depending on what side you're on)--these are ingredients for a truly epic, dark tale. Unfortunately, it loses steam once Kate meets Vincent, and they fall in love. Not that I have anything against love but where were the killer battles? Where is the action and rescuing of innocents? Unfortunately, the somewhat frothy love story and predictable ending had me skimming the last quarter of the book.

Wish: That Kate had higher self-esteem. I understand that she's in deep mourning for her parents and isn't going to be a happy, chipper chickie. I like her taking in Paris by herself. I like her sitting in that adorable cafe, drinking coffee and reading all day. I like that she loved her parents so much, it's an effort for her to move because of their loss. I get all that. But what I don't like is Kate putting herself down all the time. Sure, Vincent and his revenant cronies are blindingly, traffic-stopping, bring-grown-women-to-their-knees hot but does she have to go on and on about how plain, uninteresting, and unattractive she was? It gets old, especially after it's quite obvious that Vincent has eyes for only her.

Overall: While there are a lot of good parts to this story, it just doesn't live up to its promise for me. I know there are a whole pile of people out there who loved it so, if you did, be sure to leave a comment! The second book in this series (UNTIL I DIE) comes out in May 2012, and I'll most likely check it out to see how things have developed.

Available on Amazon | IndieBound

Waiting On...PERCEPTION by Kim Harrington

2012-01-11T08:12:00.001-05:00

I love a good mystery. Throw in a little psychic ability and a great main character and I'm there. My Waiting On for today is the second in a series, and the first book, CLARITY, was just such a fun mystery. I'm hoping PERCEPTION follows in its predecessor's footsteps.

PERCEPTION (Clarity #2) by Kim Harrington

YA Paranormal Mystery

288 pages, hardcover

Releases: March 1, 2012

Publisher: Scholastic Point

When you can see things others can't, what do you do when someone's watching you?

Everybody knows about Clarity "Clare" Fern. She's the psychic girl in school, the one who can place her hands on something and see hidden visions from the past. Only Clare would rather not be a celebrity. She prefers hanging back, observing. Her gift is not a game to her.But then someone starts playing with her head . . . and heart. Messages and gifts from a secret admirer crop up everywhere Clare turns. Could they be from Gabriel, the gorgeous boy who gets Clare's pulse racing? Or from Justin, Clare's hopeful ex-boyfriend who'd do anything to win her back?

One thing is certain. Clare needs to solve this mystery, and soon. Because the messages are becoming sinister, and a girl in town has suddenly disappeared.

So, what are you waiting on?

Waiting On Wednesdays is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

CINDER Audiobook Giveaway! Jan 9-16, 2012

2012-01-10T06:30:00.000-05:00

Y'all. CINDER is one of those books that rocked my world. It's creative and interesting and has fabulous characters. So I'm incredibly excited to give away the audiobook version of the awesome book (Macmillan Audio--you all are fantastic!). Check out my raving review HERE (seriously, so flippin' amazing).

Giveaway runs from January 9-20, 2012

Leave a comment with your email to enter

Open to those with US mailing addresses only
Good luck!

Here's a sneek peak of the audiobook (Chapter 1):

Come on, you know you want it. You want to know what happens with Cinder and who the plague's going to kill and if Cinder's going to hook up with the prince. You know you do. So...

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment and your email. Just say hi or whatever and give me a place where I can contact you. Good luck and enjoy the clip!

Up in the Aether: UNDER THE NEVER SKY by Veronica Rossi

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

UNDER THE NEVER SKY by Veronica Rossi

YA Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic

384 pages, hardcover

Available now (Jan. 2012)

Publisher: HarperCollins

Review copy provided by publisher for honest review

Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers a barbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY.

Positive: Charismatic characters. At the beginning, Peregrine and Aria couldn't be more different if they tried. Aria's sheltered, has never known violence or hunger, and she's relatively incapable of taking care of herself. Perry's had to grow up very fast in the harsh world, can survive weeks or months on his own, and has quite literally violence bred into him. Over the course of the story, Aria learns not only how to take care of herself but she actually flourishes outside of her domed world while Perry learns tenderness and love through his contact with Aria.

Positive: Creative worldbuilding. While the idea of a protected, domed city isn't a new one, the world and people who live outside the dome are quite unusual. Many are Marked, with extra-strong senses: Audiles can hear a long way off; Scrires have fabulous senses of smell, a rare few, like Perry, can even scent emotions; and Seers who have impeccable vision. And then there's the Aether, a swirling, ever-present essence in the sky that blocks out the stars and can form into incredibly destructive storms that scorch the earth.

Positive: This will be perfect for my post-apocalyptic/dystopian unit. This year, I'm moving up this unit to next month, so I can get as many kids as possible reading and finishing THE HUNGER GAMES before the movie comes out (hells yeah! Can't wait!). But, since a lot of people have already read THG, I give them a long list of other post-apocalyptic/dystopian books to choose from and UNDER THE NEVER SKY will definitely be on that list.

Wish: I wish this was a stand-alone. It's not that I won't be very excited next year when book two comes out but here's yet another first book in a series. *sigh* Series overload!

Overall: Fast-paced and intriguing, UNDER THE NEVER SKY is a great edition to the post-apocalyptic/dystopian genre.

Available on Amazon | IndieBound

In My Mailbox (24)

2012-01-08T19:17:00.000-05:00

Better late than never, huh?

FIONA'S PICK OF THE WEEK

RAVEN CURSED (Jane Yellowrock #4) by Faith Hunter (purchased)

I've been waiting for this one for a while 'cause I love this series! Jane Yellowrock is a kick-ass character. Now, I'm not a huge fan of this cover because Jane looks a little odd to me but trust me, if you like Urban Fantasy, you've GOT to read this series.

CHARMFALL by Chloe Neill (purchased)

PARTIALS by Dan Wells (for review through Amazon Vine)

BLOODROSE by Andrea Cremer (purchased)

CLOCKWORK PRINCE by Cassandra Clare (purchased)

Thank you, HarperCollins!

Another day, another wolf: UNLEASHED by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie

2012-01-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

UNLEASHED by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie
YA Paranormal
382 pages, hardcover
Available now (Nov. 2011)
Published by Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Review copy provided by publisher via Amazon Vine for honest review

Katelyn McBride’s life changed in an instant when her mother died. Uprooted from her California home, Katelyn was shipped to the middle of nowhere, Arkansas, to her only living relative, her grandfather. And now she has to start over in Wolf Springs, a tiny village in the Ozark Mountains. Like any small town, Wolf Springs has secrets. But the secrets hidden here are more sinister than Katelyn could ever imagine. It’s a town with a history that reaches back centuries, spans continents, and conceals terrifying truths. And Katelyn McBride is about to change everything.

Broken families, ageless grudges, forced alliances, and love that blooms in the darkest night—welcome to Wolf Springs.

Positive: The dynamics of the wolf families and the world. This has such great potential. The descriptions are there, a strong structure is in place, and there's even the scary monster stalking and killing people in the forest. The wolf packs are violent and uncompromising; the people in the packs are ruled with an iron hand. And there's such darkness present, an ever-present fear of the "regular" folk that lends to the town's creepy vibe.

Wish: Less mysterious mystery. We all know there are werewolves in them thar woods. So why does it take Katelyn more than two-thirds of the book to figure it all out? I'm all for a good mystery but I just didn't see the sense in keeping the main character in the dark for the majority of the story. Instead of building tension, it just built frustration.

Wish: No "love" triangle. I'm not a fan of love triangles under the best of circumstances, viewing them as quick-and-dirty ways to build in conflict and tension. Unfortunately, this love triangle contains two rather unappealing guys. Trick is the mysterious bad boy who lurks around Katelyn's house (he's friends with her grandfather), looking all inscrutable and acting all enigmatic. Just open up already, Trick! You have so much potential. Justin, who has a girlfriend btw, is a walking, talking lust magnet. Despite her growing feelings for Trick, Katelyn feels herself inexplicably drawn to Justin, practically ripping off his clothes and jumping his bones anytime he's around. Oh, Katelyn, can't you see he's bad for you? Tisk, tisk, girl.

Wish: A main character I wanted to root for. Katelyn's got potential but she comes off as such a snob, turning her nose up at the small town her grandfather lives in and the people who inhabit it. Once she settles in a bit, she gets a bit less judge-y but the superiority complex is still present. She talks constantly about being a dancer and a gymnast good enough to join Cirque du Soleil but she never seems to train, she just dreams about it--I don't know why this irritated me but it did (character flaw on my part, I guess).

Overall: This story didn't leap off the page for me, getting a bit lost in the tide of young adult paranormals available today. I have a feeling that the next book might be stronger, however, since the revelation about werewolves is out of the way. I'm a big Nancy Holder fan (her Deadtown series is fabulous) and, despite my "wishes" above, I'll definitely be picking up the next one in this series so I can see where it goes from here.

Available on Amazon | IndieBound

Sophomore Superiority: A MILLION SUNS by Beth Revis

2012-01-06T08:35:00.001-05:00

A MILLION SUNS by Beth Revis
YA Science Fiction/Mystery
400 pages, hardcover
Available Jan. 10, 2012
Publisher: Razorbill
Review copy provided by publisher for honest review

Godspeed was fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.
It's been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to enact his vision - no more Phydus, no more lies.

But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that's growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart.

In book two of the Across the Universe trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis mesmerizes us again with a brilliantly crafted mystery filled with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.

Positive: Character growth. Reviled because she's different and unfairly named the cause of most of the problems aboard Godspeed, Amy lives each day in misery. If she goes outside, she has to do so disguised because if she isn't, the people hurl insults and worse at her. She's alone except for Elder, who's away most of the time attempting to run the ship. But she's not a sit-around-and-do-nothing kind of girl, and she's determined to root out all the secrets the ship has to offer. She really matures in this story, moving from a little girl sobbing at her frozen parents' sides into someone who is becoming a true force to be reckoned with (she's not quite there yet but almost).

Elder also sees some serious character growth. Now the leader of the ship and its people, Elder is having a hard time filling Eldest's shoes. He's not ready, even if he doesn't want to admit it; he knows the truth of it in his heart of hearts, showing it with his refusal to take the name of Eldest. He's pretty whiny about the whole thing, and it takes several catastrophic events for him to lose his poor-pitiful-me-no-one-listens-to-me attitude and step up like his people need him to. Elder isn't my favorite character but, as he matures, he's growing on me.

Positive: Mystery. The stakes in this story are so much higher than in the first installment. It's not just about the Frozens anymore; this mystery could destroy everyone aboard Godspeed. A previous leader leaves Amy clues and tells her the fate of Godspeed rests on her shoulders (nice, right?). But this mystery really motivates Amy and gives her purpose aboard the ship. I found myself reading faster, encouraging Amy to keep looking so I could find out what in the world was going on, too. Ooh, and what a twisty mystery it is!

Positive: Fast pace and story development. Without Phydus dulling their emotions, the people are rising up against Elder. The ship's falling apart, they aren't producing enough food to feed the population, and many refuse to work. People are dying and being murdered right and left. A new leader emerges, challenging Elder's position and shaking up everything everyone's ever known. This story just doesn't slow down. As we move from Amy to Elder, the multiple story lines tangle together to form a space ship-sized Gordian knot.

Wish: Fewer questions! What's out there? Who's gonna die next? What's going to happen to....and to....? How will they survive? What's going to happen between Amy and Elder--or should we call him Eldest? What will happen to Amy's parents? What about the other Frozens? (See, now you have questions, too, don't you? Heh. Join the club. Of course, this is the middle novel of a trilogy so what can you expect?) And now I'll have to wait until next

Overall: I enjoyed this one even more than the first--no sophomore slump for the fab Ms. Revis! Vacuum-packed with a universe of mystery, tension, and deadly political shenanigans, A MILLION SUNS rockets its readers into a story worth its weight in stardust. (heh--like my outer space references? I worked hard on that, man!)

Available on Amazon | IndieBound

Review: BAD BOYS DO by Victoria Dahl

2012-01-05T08:03:00.002-05:00

BAD BOYS DO by Victoria Dahl

Romance (adult)

384 pages, paperback

Available now (Sept. 2011)

Review copy provided by publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: HQN Books

Olivia Bishop is no fun. That's what her ex-husband said. And that's what her smart bob and glasses imply. So with her trademark determination, Olivia sets out to remake her life. She's going to spend time with her girlfriends and not throw it all away for some man. But when an outing with her book club leads her to a brewery taproom, the dark-haired beauty realizes that trouble—in the form of sexy Jamie Donovan—may be too tempting to avoid.

Jamie Donovan doesn't mean to be bad. Sure, the wild streak in his wicked green eyes has lured the ladies before. Now it's time to grow up. He's even ready for a serious romance. But how can that be when Olivia, the only right woman he has ever met, already has him pegged as wrong?

How can you go wrong with a romance that's set in a brewery? In my mind, you can't, especially when it's Victoria Dahl doing the story telling. If you haven't read a Dahl before and you're a fan of romance at all, you definitely need to pick up one of her books. They're filled with wit, great banter, and steamy interactions.

BAD BOYS DO is no exception to the Dahl rule. I do love a good romance where one of the characters is considered "stuffy"--it's so much fun to watch them come unstuffed, lose their cool, and fall head-over-heels for the other character. It's especially fun when the love interest is a naughty guy who wears a kilt (yeah, buddy!). Jamie Donovan is the black sheep of his family and, even though he's a reformed bad boy, his family--especially his older brother--really doesn't trust that he's on the right path.

And then there's Olivia, who's split from her crappy ex-husband. She's looking for fun and thinks she might have found it in Jamie. They're a cute couple--he's not great at taking no for an answer and she's trying to be up for anything (not doing so well with it but at least she's trying).

BAD BOYS DO is a fun romance, filled with all the froth of a good brew.

Available on Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes and Noble

Waiting on...BITTERBLUE by Kristin Cashore

2012-01-04T07:47:00.003-05:00

I'm starting to hear some buzz from people who are lucky enough to have BITTERBLUE in their hands already. I adored FIRE and GRACELING--beautifully written in an incredibly creative world--and I can't wait to read what happens to then-princess Bitterblue. It sounds awesome.

It's a pretty cool cover, too, with the three different fearsome-looking keys and what I'm going to assume is Bitterblue's eye peering through the ring. I like the font of the title, though it gets lost a little in the intricacy of the keys. Plus, it's blues and purples--my favorite colors!

YA Fantasy

576 pages (hardcover)

Releases: May 1, 2012

Publisher: Dial

Eight years after Graceling, Bitterblue is now queen of Monsea. But the influence of her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities, lives on. Her advisors, who have run things since Leck died, believe in a forward-thinking plan: Pardon all who committed terrible acts under Leck’s reign, and forget anything bad ever happened. But when Bitterblue begins sneaking outside the castle—disguised and alone—to walk the streets of her own city, she starts realizing that the kingdom has been under the thirty-five-year spell of a madman, and the only way to move forward is to revisit the past. Two thieves, who only steal what has already been stolen, change her life forever. They hold a key to the truth of Leck’s reign. And one of them, with an extreme skill called a Grace that he hasn’t yet identified, holds a key to her heart.

What are you waiting on?

Waiting On is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Review: GAME OF THRONES by George R.R. Martin

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

GAME OF THRONES by George R.R. Martin

Fantasy (adult)

674 pages (paperback)

Available now: May 2002

Review copy gifted (Thanks, bro!)

Long ago, in a time forgotten, a preternatural event threw the seasons out of balance. In a land where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime, trouble is brewing. The cold is returning, and in the frozen wastes to the north of Winterfell, sinister and supernatural forces are massing beyond the kingdom’s protective Wall. At the center of the conflict lie the Starks of Winterfell, a family as harsh and unyielding as the land they were born to. Sweeping from a land of brutal cold to a distant summertime kingdom of epicurean plenty, here is a tale of lords and ladies, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and bastards, who come together in a time of grim omens.

Here an enigmatic band of warriors bear swords of no human metal; a tribe of fierce wildlings carry men off into madness; a cruel young dragon prince barters his sister to win back his throne; and a determined woman undertakes the most treacherous of journeys. Amid plots and counterplots, tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror, the fate of the Starks, their allies, and their enemies hangs perilously in the balance, as each endeavors to win that deadliest of conflicts: the game of thrones.

I really should be reviewing other books--books that are coming out this month (there are so many fantastic ones). But I had to stop and talk about this book. I'm obsessed with this series. Have you read it? The first one came out in 2002, so I imagine a lot of people who like fantasy have already read it. Or, maybe you're like me and you watched the series on HBO, loved it, and wondered why you hadn't ever read the books, considering you love books and fantasy. Or maybe you haven't read this yet. Do it--but be sure to block out chunks of time because these books are long and detailed with many, many characters (don't worry, most of them are killed off within a chapter or two of their introduction).

It's amazing, entrancing, horrifying, and, at times, difficult to read. The worldbuilding is incredible. It's an Earth-like world, medieval in time frame and beliefs, but with a hint of magic...just a hint, since it seems all magic died when the last dragon died. Told through a variety of different viewpoints--from the bastard son of a great lord to a princess in hiding to a young tomboy--the story seamlessly moves from the great frozen Wall that protects the Seven Kingdoms from what lies beyond to the indolent Kings Landing that basks in the South, telling the tale of deceit, courage, honor, and betrayal.

This world, however, is not good to women. I've read a couple of places how the story is "true to its time". Really? Just because it's set in a medieval-style world doesn't mean women have to be chattel, sluts, whores, and pampered flowers sold to the highest bidder or richest lord. It's fantasy, which means the author could have done anything with his world.

Still, the series has completely captured my attention and, until I get through the next three books (there are five total and I just devoured the second one), I fear I won't be much good for anything. Hey, good thing I have such a backlog of reviews!

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: FLOORS by Patrick Carman

2012-01-02T06:30:00.000-05:00

FLOORS by Patrick Carman

MG Fantasy/Mystery

261 pages

Available now (Sept. 2011)

Review copy provided by publisher via Amazon Vine

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Charlie had his chocolate factory. Stanley Yelnats had his holes. Leo has the wacky, amazing Whippet Hotel.

The Whippet Hotel is a strange place full of strange and mysterious people. Each floor has its own quirks and secrets. Leo should know most of them - he is the maintenance man's son, after all. But a whole lot more mystery gets thrown his way when a series of cryptic boxes are left for him . . . boxes that lead him to hidden floors, strange puzzles, and unexpected alliances. Leo had better be quick on his feet, because the fate of the building he loves is at stake . . . and so is Leo's own future!

When I was younger, I read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory about a zillion times. There was just something so magical about it. FLOORS has the same magic touch, incorporating lots of wacky inventions and wild rooms with less sugar (well, except for the Cake Room, a place I would gladly stay until they had to roll me out of there).

There's a kooky cast of characters as well including the rich, eccentric owner (who we really only meet through Leo's eyes); the crabby witch of a manager; the paddle of ducks (yes, I looked that up); the rich, semi-permanent residents, and Leo and his sweet, maintenance man father, who live in the basement next to the huge steam vents.

The mystery of the hotel owner's disappearance permeates the story as Leo races to find the clues left to him before the witchy manager discovers them and brings an end to the quirky hotel. A loner much like Charlie, Leo does find help in the form of the maid's son, who's moonlighting as the hotel's doorman and, in turn makes a lifelong friend.

FLOORS is a great adventure, one that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

Available on Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes and Noble

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is hosted by author Shannon Messenger's blog.

Happy New Year: Blogging and Reading Challenges AKA da Plan

2012-01-01T18:24:00.002-05:00

Wow--can you believe it's 2012? That just doesn't seem possible for some reason. Time is just getting away from me. Anyway, reading through all the blogs today, I decided I'd join the fray and throw out some of my 2012 goals and personal challenges. Yanno, just to keep me honest.

Challenge #1: Grow my blog. I don't just mean GFC numbers (esp. since that might disappear even from Blogger at some point); I mean in terms of unique visitors; subscribers; comments (both giving and receiving); and strong, interesting posts.

Challenge #2: Figure out what the hell SEO is and how I can use it to improve my bloggy stats and reach. I've toyed with it a bit in the last couple of weeks but plan to get more serious this year. This goes hand-in-hand with my first challenge.

Challenge #3: Interact more with fellow bloggers, authors, and publishers. I'd like to start sharing more reviews, commenting, getting more authors and maybe some fellow bloggers to guest post, all that kind of stuff. Yet another thing to figure out.

Challenge #4: Branch out a bit more in my reading and reviewing. While I've always been a bit eclectic in my reading selections, I want to add that eclectic-ness to my blog. I started with a few in 2011 but hope to expand this year.

Challenge #5: Stay on top of TBR pile. I tend to go, "Ooh, shiny!" and reach for the newest books first rather than read the older ones that I was so excited about. Then the not-brand-new books get shoved to the bottom of the large pile and usually remain unread.

I'm stopping at five because, truthfully, I could just keep going and then I probably wouldn't get any done. But five seems doable.

So, what about you? Any challenges, goals, or resolutions?

EVERY OTHER DAY by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

2011-12-31T06:00:00.000-05:00

EVERY OTHER DAY by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
YA Urban Fantasy

336 pages

Available Dec. 27, 2011

Publisher: Egmont USA

Review copy provided by publisher for honest review (via NetGalley)

Every other day, Kali D'Angelo is a normal sixteen-year-old girl. She goes to public high school. She attends pep rallies. She's human. And then every day in between . . .She's something else entirely. Though she still looks like herself, every twenty-four hours predatory instincts take over and Kali becomes a feared demon-hunter with the undeniable urge to hunt, trap, and kill zombies, hellhounds, and other supernatural creatures. Kali has no idea why she is the way she is, but she gives in to instinct anyway. Even though the government considers it environmental terrorism.
When Kali notices a mark on the lower back of a popular girl at school, she knows instantly that the girl is marked for death by one of these creatures. Kali has twenty-four hours to save her and, unfortunately, she'll have to do it as a human. With the help of a few new friends, Kali takes a risk that her human body might not survive. . .and learns the secrets of her mysterious condition in the process.

Positive: Fantastic urban fantasy world. One of my favorite things is when an author takes our world and spins it on its head. Barnes does this exceptionally well, starting with Charles Darwin's famous voyage -- that's when the world twists. Darwin doesn't just formulate the theory of evolution, he also reveals to the world all the creatures people thought mythical. In Kali's time, many of those creatures are considered endangered and protected from killing, making her job all that much tougher.

Positive: Great female characters. Kali, Bethany, and Skylar. All unique and interesting, characters who do not stagnate but grow and develop into amazing people. Kali, despite her repetitive belief that no one would understand her issues (and, unfortunately, that bit got very repetitive), risks her own life for a girl she doesn't even like. Bethany, who starts out as the typical mean girl cheerleader, grows past that stereotype into an admirable young woman. And Skylar. Oh, Skylar. With her joie de vivre and her precognition and her cool family, Skylar is my favorite character by far. Oh, and there's a fantastically evil villainess who strides through the story, doing naughty things in click-y high heels.

Positive: Interesting premise. Kali's unsure of who she is--a seemingly human girl one day and a supernatural killing machine the next. Her father and others are neck-deep in intrigue that involves Kali. Then there's the whole Chupacabra thing which, in this case is a parasite that kills humans but can bond with others (this was a little...odd, especially since Chupacabras are generally known as blood-sucking goat killers but okay).

Wish: A better ending. Unfortunately, the end was a bit too muddled for me. There were explanations and death (one terrible, terrible death) and military types and wow. That, plus the half-baked love story with Zev, who kind of creeped me out--it was just too much. Still, I wasn't disappointed, just confused.

Overall: An excellent addition to any urban fantasy shelf, EVERY OTHER DAY packs intrigue, action, and some fabulous characters into a well-told story.

Available on Amazon | IndieBound

CINDER by Marissa Meyer

2011-12-30T14:39:00.000-05:00

CINDER (Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer

YA Science Fiction (Twisted Fairy Tale)

387 pages

Available Jan. 3, 2012

Review copy provided by publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Positive: Cinder. This girl, despite her upbringing and her stepmother's hatred and ill-treatment, has a seriously large heart. She adores her youngest stepsister, she cares for her little robot friend, and she has it in her to care for those who would rather she didn't exist. Because she's got non-human parts, she's considered a second-class citizen and property of her stepmother.

Positive: The settings. New Beijing isn't a place I'd like to live but it's very cool, incorporating new technologies with the old world, busy marketplaces and a majestic palace. Then there's the moon. Oh yes, my friends, humans colonized the moon and those who live up there are now...different. Changed. They can influence emotions, sway kings and poison minds. Their queen is terrible, a woman who killed all those who could oppose her, one who wants to rule both the sky and the earth. She's fabulously evil.

Positive: The sweet romance. Prince Kai's a bit naive but he's sweet and kind and likes Cinder, though he doesn't know what she is (a cyborg). Cinder's an enigma to him and he's intrigued--just as she's intrigued by him, though she knows she can never really have him as hers. While trying to decode the mysteries swirling around them, they connect and fall for each other.

Wish: That this was a stand-alone. It's not Cinder's fault but there's been such a glut of series started within the last year or so that I just need some stand-alones. Actually, I want a bunch of stand-alones. This wasn't a terrible cliffhanger BUT there were a lot of lines left dangling, and we have to wait a year until the next book in this series of four. Sadness.

Overall: Imaginative, intriguing, and immensely entertaining, CINDER kicks off the new year with a bang.

Read Chapters 1-5 for free!

Available on Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes and Noble

DRINK DEEP (Chicagoland Vampires #5) by Chloe Neill

2011-12-29T20:05:00.000-05:00

Urban Fantasy (adult)

Series: Chicagoland Vampires #5

Available now (Nov. 2011)
Publisher: New American Library (NAL)
Review copy purchased

Clouds are brewing over Cadogan House, and recently turned vampire Merit can't tell if this is the darkness before the dawn or the calm before the storm. With the city itself in turmoil over paranormals and the state threatening to pass a paranormal registration act, times haven't been this precarious for vampires since they came out of the closet. If only they could lay low for a bit, and let the mortals calm down.

That's when the waters of Lake Michigan suddenly turn pitch black-and things really start getting ugly.

Chicago's mayor insists it's nothing to worry about, but Merit knows only the darkest magic could have woven a spell powerful enough to change the very fabric of nature. She'll have to turn to friends old and new to find out who's behind this, and stop them before it's too late for vampires and humans alike.

When last we left Merit, terrible things had just happened. Terrible. Things that left a huge hole in Merit's life (as well as mine--sob!). While DRINK DEEP picks up where HARD BITTEN left off, it's a lot more empty with this main character's absence. Merit does her best to keep things together around Chicagoland but it's not easy.

There are a lot of politics that come into play in this story as Cadogan House is investigated for mismanagement (what, no respect for the dead? sheesh.) and put on blood rations (who in their right mind does that to vampires? I mean, really.). Without a powerful leader to gainsay these rules and rations, Cadogan House is in bad shape. Then there's the Mayor and the crazy military dude...so much trouble for the vampires of Chicago.

And yet, there's still that hole created by the poof-ing of a major character--a hole only made deeper by the absence of Merit's best friend, Mallory. Of course, technically, she's not gone but she's so distracted by her magical training, that she pretty much abandons Merit (I'm starting to get pretty darned aggravated with Mallory--where's your loyalty, girl?). I had a bit of a hard time with this story mostly because of these losses. After all, as a reader, I'd invested so much getting to know these people, liking them and then they just disappear or turn into completely different people.

Still, despite these gaping wounds, DRINK DEEP is an excellent story. Neill does a fabulous job weaving together all the threads of politics, lies, multiple characters and their plotlines, and magic to create a detailed world that makes you want to dive into it. And, after the interesting way Neill filled up that major hole (eep! Be still my heart!) and the introduction of a whole new partnership for Merit, I can't wait to see where Merit and her entourage head next!

Available on Amazon | IndieBound

Waiting On...THE GIRL IN THE CLOCKWORK COLLAR by Kady Cross

2011-12-28T06:30:00.000-05:00

This Wednesday, I'm Waiting On...

THE GIRL IN THE CLOCKWORK COLLAR by Kady Cross

Hardcover, 304 pages

Expected publication: May 22nd 2012

Publisher: Harlequin

In New York City, 1897, life has never been more thrilling - or dangerous.

Sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne and her "straynge band of mysfits" have journeyed from London to America to rescue their friend Jasper, hauled off by bounty hunters. But Jasper is in the clutches of a devious former friend demanding a trade-the dangerous device Jasper stole from him...for the life of the girl Jasper loves.

One false move from Jasper and the strange clockwork collar around Mei's neck tightens. And tightens.

I loved THE GIRL IN THE STEEL CORSET -- creative, fun and a kick-ass heroine and hero. Hope this one follows that same formula!

Waiting On is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Top Ten Books of 2011

2011-12-27T10:12:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it's the end of 2011? Next year is 2012, and we're all gonna die (kidding...I hope). I figured I'd finally join in the Top Ten Tuesday fun, hosted by The Broke and The Bookish, especially since it's a wrap-up list.

So many good books this year (though my reading experience this week has kind of sucked. I'm having a hard time finishing books lately. Boo.). Here are my Top Ten Books of 2011 in no particular order:

1) CATCHING JORDAN by Miranda Kenneally (Review here)
YA Contemporary Romance
Jordan is a fantastic character--such a tomboy and very stubborn but so vulnerable and unsure of herself as a date-able girl. A good romance but a better girl-finds-herself story.

2) SHATTER ME by Tahereh Mafi (Review here)
YA Dystopian
This book left me breathless. Amazingly creative and unexpected, I couldn't put this one down. And are you following Tahereh Mafi on Twitter? She's a hoot!

3) MAKING WAVES by Tawna Fenske (Review here)
Adult Romance
I love this woman, and I love her debut (I bought the ebook for my mom). She's hilarious and her wildly quirky writing makes this story laugh out loud funny.

4) AMPLIFIED by Tara Kelly (Review here)
YA Contemporary
Damn this book for making me cry. I got so involved with these characters, I truly felt their emotions (now that's some good writing!). A great triumph over the odds story.

5) READY PLAYER ONE by Ernest Cline (Review here)
Dystopian (billed as adult but could be YA, since MC is a teen)
As a child of the 80's, my heart belongs to that decade and, most especially, John Hughes. Though it's set far in the future, this story brings back many memories of that quirky decade.

6) LOLA AND THE BOY NEXT DOOR by Stephanie Perkins (Review here)
YA Contemporary Romance
Love Lola, love Cricket, love the reappearance of Anna and Etienne, love the two dads, love-love-love! This woman really knows her way around a romance.

7) THE NAME OF THE STAR by Maureen Johnson (Review here)
YA Paranormal Mystery
This story was not at all what I expected, which I love. When a book can surprise me, lead me down a path that's dark with an end that is shaded in mystery, I'm all in.

8) ANNA DRESSED IN BLOOD by Kendare Blake (Review here)
YA Paranormal Ghost Story
How long has it been since I've read a ghost story that kept me up late at night? Too long. But Anna hit the spot, evoking memories of burrowing under the covers with my flashlight.

9) ENCLAVE by Ann Aguirre (Review here)
YA Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian
Dark, creepy and filled with ravenous creatures who just want to eat you, this story is definitely a fave of both my students and myself. Death lurks around every corner in this world.

10) SEAN GRISWOLD'S HEAD by Lindsey Leavitt (Review here)
YA Contemporary Romance
Such a sweet romance, one that builds organically -- no insta-love here. I don't know exactly why this one hit me so hard but it squeezed my heart...in a good way.

I'm actually kind of surprised by all the contemporaries on this list, since I consider myself to be a fantasy/paranormal freak. Go figure. But I'm not so surprised by all the young adult titles on the list; I inhaled young adult books like they were going out of style this year.

What about you? Any surprises? Leave a link so we can compare lists!

Happy Holidays to all of you!

2011-12-25T08:37:00.003-05:00

Fiona and her big brother, Finnegan, wait (somewhat) patiently to open their presents.

Hope everyone has a fabulous and

restful holiday season!

Merry Christmas from my household to yours!

Guest Post: Gracie from UNTRACEABLE by S.R. Johannes

2011-12-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Today, I have a special guest: Gracie from UNTRACEABLE by S.R. Johannes (check out my review HERE). This girl is the ultimate Wilderness Girl, able to scale tall mountains with only a compass and a stick of chewing gum (okay, maybe I overstated it a bit), and the girl who you want giving you tips on how to survive in the wilderness. So, without further ado, here's Gracie!

Grace’s wilderness tips

Grace, from Untraceable, is here to share some basic tips in the wilderness.

“Don’t go.” Grace giggles. “Just kidding. If you are going hiking and camping, there are a few things you can do to be safe.”

1) Plan where you are going and tell someone where you are going. Leave a map and instructions on how long you plan to be gone and what to do if you don’t come back in time.
2) Check the weather and plan accordingly. Don’t test nature – she will always win.
3) Get the right clothing and shoes. (Converse are NOT the best hiking shoes.)
4) If you don’t have to, don’t hike alone. (Though I do not follow that rule.)
5) Pack the right gear – always take a knife, first aid kit, map, compass, water, food, matches, flashlight, batteries, and a tarp of some kind that is a bright color. (Moonpies are a great snack.)
6) Always walk loudly so animals hear you. You don’t want to surprise a bear. Trust me on that one.
7) If you come upon a wild animal, don’t run.
8) If you get lost, don’t keep walking. Sit down and don’t panic.
9) Make sure you are not allergic to trees or leaves. If you are, stay home.
10) Whatever happens, don’t freak out. That can put you in a more dangerous situation when you are not thinking straight.

Hope that helps.

See you in the woods. Then again, I’ll see you but you probably won’t know I’m there.

Unless I want you to...

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

S.R. Johannes lives in Atlanta Georgia with her dog, British-accented husband, and the huge imaginations of their little prince and princess, which she hopes- someday- will change the world. After earning an MBA and working in corporate America, S.R. Johannes traded in her expensive suits, high heels, and corporate lingo for a family, flip-flops, and her love of writing. You can find her hanging out online and visit her at srjohannes.com.

Contact information:

Email: shelli@srjohannes.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/srjohannes

Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/SRJohannes/249888602550

Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/srjohannes

Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5235537.S_R_Johannes

Book Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12731861-untraceable

Blog: http://faeriality.blogspot.com/

Waiting On...UNDEADLY by Michele Vail

2011-12-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

Oh, so many books, so little time! There are so many absolutely amazing books coming out in 2012, I'm drooling just thinking of about it. *happy sigh* And I think I've found one that hasn't gotten much play in the blogosphere but I think it looks pretty good and, from the blurb, sounds like it might be funny, too.

Sadly, I'm not amazed by the cover. It looks like a lot of others out there and doesn't really stand out. Pensive girl? Check. Swirling hair? Check. Dark background? Check. The lace is an interesting touch but it kind of blends in with the background. Maybe it could do with a shot of color somewhere?

UNDEADLY (The Reaper Diaries #1) by Michele Vail

YA Paranormal

304 pages

Releases February 28th 2012

Published by Harlequin Teen

The day I turned 16, my boyfriend-to-be died. I brought him back to life. Then things got a little weird...

Molly Bartolucci wants to blend in, date hottie Rick and keep her zombie-raising abilities on the down-low. Then the god Anubis chooses her to become a reaper—and she accidentally undoes the work of another reaper, Rath.

Within days, she’s shipped off to the Nekyia Academy, an elite school that trains the best necromancers in the world. And her personal reaping tutor? Rath. Who seems to hate her guts.

Rath will be watching closely to be sure she completes her first assignment-reaping Rick, the boy who should have died. The boy she still wants to be with.

To make matters worse, students at the academy start turning up catatonic, and accusations fly—against Molly. The only way out of this mess? To go through hell. Literally.

So, what are you waiting on?

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme run by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Hype-Worthy or Not (2)

2011-12-20T15:29:00.001-05:00

Contemporaries seem to lose out when it comes to publisher hype--it's the dystopians and paranormals that are getting all the love at the moment. So when the blogosphere buzzes and builds hype all on its own for a couple of contemporaries, we should take notice (I did!).

CATCHING JORDAN by Miranda Kenneally

YA Contemporary

288 pages

Available now (Dec. 2011)

Review copy purchased

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though - she leads them as the captain and quarterback on her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starring position on the team... and has her suddenly wishing to be seen as more than just a teammate.

Jordan, Jordan, Jordan. Why didn't you get the hype you deserved? Thank goodness for my blogger buds who read, reviewed, and raved about this fantastic book.

I'm always impressed and amazed by trailblazers, those who go after their dreams full-throttle and, in doing so, pave the way for others to follow in their path. Jordan is definitely a trailblazer, based on real-life girls who followed their dreams and played football, despite the obstacles. Jordan, the quarterback of her winning high school team, is a fabulous character: strong and stubborn, able to hang with the boys and inspire their loyalty yet vulnerable in many ways (definitely not a Mary Sue).

The love triangle is tangibly painful to read as Jordan falls for the new guy, and her best friend skips from one one-night stand to another. This triangle works for me because it's integral to the plot and because it's realistic that both guys would be interested in her, each for their own reasons. Oh, and the ending...well done. So very well done.

Hype-Worthy? Most definitely.

Available on Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes and Noble

VIRTUOSITY by Jessica Martinez

YA Contemporary

294 pages

Available now (Oct. 2011)

Review copy purchased

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Now is not the time for Carmen to fall in love. And Jeremy is hands-down the wrong guy for her to fall for. He is infuriating, arrogant, and the only person who can stand in the way of Carmen getting the one thing she wants most: to win the prestigious Guarneri competition. Carmen's whole life is violin, and until she met Jeremy, her whole focus was winning. But what if Jeremy isn't just hot...what if Jeremy is better?

Carmen knows that kissing Jeremy can't end well, but she just can't stay away. Nobody else understands her--and riles her up--like he does. Still, she can't trust him with her biggest secret: She is so desperate to win she takes anti-anxiety drugs to perform, and what started as an easy fix has become a hungry addiction. Carmen is sick of not feeling anything on stage and even more sick of always doing what she’s told, doing what's expected.

Sometimes, being on top just means you have a long way to fall....

While this book got a bit more hype from its publisher than JORDAN, it also got some seriously rave reviews from book bloggers. And it totally lived up to those reviews. I loved this book. Love, love, loved! Perhaps my adoration of this book comes from my musical background and connection to Carmen as a musician--especially one who got extremely nervous pre-performance (hey, me too! Though I certainly was no virtuoso.). The author's own love of music and musical knowledge rang clearly throughout the story, bringing it to life.

Carmen is great character--a bit damaged, a bit fragile, and quite an amazing talent. Her whole life has been focused on being the absolute best violinist and, right before the biggest performance of her life, she starts to crumble. Cutie-pie Jeremy, her competition, plays no small part in this. Does he really like her or is he just romancing her to distract her from the competition?

I thought I knew where this story was going, how it was going to end but, in a fabulous twist, it didn't end how I expected. And I loved it! VIRTUOSITY definitely ended on a high note. (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

Hype-Worthy? Holy cow, YES!

Available on Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes and Noble

UNTRACEABLE by S.R. Johannes

2011-12-19T09:56:00.000-05:00

YA Contemporary Thriller

315 pages

Available now (Nov. 2011)

Review copy provided by author for honest review

6 year old Grace has lived in the Smokies all her life, patrolling with her forest ranger father who taught her about wildlife, tracking, and wilderness survival.

When her dad goes missing on a routine patrol, Grace refuses to believe he’s dead and fights the town authorities, tribal officials, and nature to find him.

One day, while out tracking clues, Grace is rescued from danger by Mo, a hot guy with an intoxicating accent and a secret. As her feelings between him and her ex-boyfriend get muddled, Grace travels deep into the wilderness to escape and find her father.

Along the way, Grace learns terrible secrets that sever relationships and lives. Soon she’s enmeshed in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. And it’s going to take a lot more than a compass and a motorcycle (named Lucifer) for this kick-butting heroine to save everything she loves.

Positive: The worldbuilding. It's obvious this author knows her woodcraft and knows her woods well. Grace's world, filled with the lush splendor of the forest, is so beautifully wrought, I could practically smell the evergreens and hear the birdsong. I enjoyed the wood lore interspersed throughout the story, and Grace's deep love and connection with the natural world she lives in.

Positive: Grace. She's such an amazing character--brave, bullheaded and stubborn, knowledgeable, caring, smart, and unflinchingly loyal. Grace is a kick-ass forest chick I'd want by my side in the deep dark of the primordial woods.

Wish: That it was a tad bit less gory. I know, I'm usually all for the blood and gore but this involved animals. Grace runs afoul of several bear poachers who do terrible things to one of my favorite animals. I had a very hard time with the parts of this story that involved animals and the bad men who deserve the same treatment they gave the bears.

Wish: That there wasn't a love triangle. Unfortunately, it's rare I find a love triangle I can get fully behind, and, to me, Grace's entanglement with her ex, Wyn, worked better as a friendship. When he got jealous because she became involved with the mysterious Mo, I wanted to shake him and tell him to be a supportive friend. Still, both guys are cute and adorable, and I can see how it would be hard for a girl to choose between those tasty morsels. To have such a feast!

Overall: An incredibly fast-paced thriller that left me panting for breath as I chased Grace into the dark clutches of a thick, danger-filled forest.

Available on Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes and Noble

Slacker Week: Book Covers I'd Like To See

2011-12-16T08:17:00.000-05:00

While trolling around the interwebz, I came across these pictures on the CBS news website. I was thinking that some of these would make absolutely amazing book covers -- they're unusual, they're very visceral, and can be manipulated to suit any genre.

Here's the blurb from CBS with handy-dandy links, if you want to look at some of the other 68 pictures:
"Pencil Vs Camera" is an imaginative and fun series by Belgian visual artist Ben Heine that began in 2010. Blending photography and drawings, Heine brings together real photographs with fantastical sketches into a fascinating mixed medium where the artist's hand is always present in the images to represent the connection between viewer, artist and artwork. If you'd like to know more about the artist, you can go to his website by clicking here or visit his Facebook page by clicking here.

Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-504784_162-10010582-17.html#ixzz1ghbgzcZ0

Aren't they cool? Some people are so creative--it's something simple yet complex at the same time. I love how some are projections of fantasy while others could be what a person's really feeling (like the last one). So many interesting pictures, I had a hard time choosing my favorites but I could see these as possible book covers.

Slacker Week: Amazing College Libraries

2011-12-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

It's synchronicity, I tell you. Twitter knows that it's Slacker Week because a Tweep tweeted this link to "The 25 Most Beautiful College Libraries" (and it came out Tuesday! Synchronicity, I swear.). You've got to go check this article out. I don't know if I'd get much studying done in these libraries for all the staring and exploring I'd do.

Anyway, I thought I'd share a couple of my favorites from that collection--though I'd visit any of them anytime. They're awesome.

The Harper Library Reading Room, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL (Had to throw in a gorgeous library from my hometown!)

The University of Coimbra General Library, Coimbra, Portugal

Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University, New Haven, CT

The Trinity College Library, aka “The Long Room,” Dublin, Ireland

Central Library, University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands

Last but not least, Old Library, St. John’s College, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK. This one kind of reminds me of the Ghostbusters library...

Aaaannndd now I want to travel. Stupid beautiful libraries and their enchanting book collections. Anyone up for an "Awesome Libraries" tour around the world?

Waiting On...GRAVE MERCY by Robin LaFevers

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

OMG. I'm super-excited about this one. Historical in nature, a kick-ass chick, and dang if she doesn't have a crossbow in her hand (ah! Skyrim strikes again, even invading my TBR pile). Anyway, I've seen this around the blogosphere and get a little twinge of jealously each time I see it...lucky dogs.

YA Historical Paranormal

560 pages

RELEASES: April 3, 2012

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

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?

Ooh, doesn't that sound awesome?

So, what are you waiting on this lovely hump day?

WoW is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

Slacker Week: Book Shelves

2011-12-13T08:19:00.000-05:00

In honor of my slacker-ness, I'm having a slacker week (notice the Tuesday start. Yep. I'm slackin' all the way, baybee).

Today, I thought I'd share some pics of cool shelving ideas. There are so many awesome libraries and bookcases out there and some are so super-cool. (There's a blog I follow who does a "Who said shelving had to be boring" post but I can't remember who it is -- when I remember or if you're out there, let me know so I can link to you!).

Give your books a hug!

From Home Innovation Design

Wouldn't you have loved this in your bedroom when you were a kid?

From Web Urbanist

Hum...wonder what my bookshelves would look like color-coded. Of course, I'd never be able to find anything but that's the price of fashion, right?

From Web Urbanist

*happy sigh* Don't you just love books? And, though I love my Kindle and the ease of e-books, I still love REAL books (for some reason, I don't think of e-books as "real") and displaying them in cool ways. Maybe I'll have to share my bookshelves with you all...a good slacker project, since it's as easy as taking pictures and sharing them.

IMM: Slacker Edition

2011-12-11T14:50:00.001-05:00

First up, the winner of the Holiday Giveaway Hop is...

JASMYN!

Congratulations -- I've emailed you. Thank you to everyone who entered.

Second, sorry I've been such a slacker lately! Work is so crazy right now, I have to decompress when I get home (reading or playing Skyrim--though I'll have some great reviews later) and generally fall asleep way too early to get anything accomplished. Just one more week of madness, and I'll be back on track. Hopefully. This is part of the reason I haven't IMMed in a while. I think this is from the last three (four?) weeks...some awesome books I'm super-excited about.

FIONA'S PICK OF THE WEEK

Fi couldn't decide between the next Rachel Morgan book (woot!) and CROSSING JORDAN (which I've read such amazing reviews for, I just had to get it so I can read then add it to my classroom library.). She looks a little freaked out in this picture...not sure why. Maybe there were killer rabbits behind me.

FOR REVIEW:

LOSS by Jackie Morse Kessler

FLOORS by Patrick Carman

THE GATHERING STORM by Robin Bridges

VIRTUOSITY by Jessica Martinez

ARTICLE 5 by Kristin Simmons

WON (yay--I rarely win anything! Thank you Candace at Candace's Book Blog and author Anne Pfeffer):

LOVING EMILY by Anne Pfeffer

SAY ANYTHING (ah, that ubiquitous boom-box-over-the-head scene. Such a good movie.)

PURCHASED:

BLOOD BOUND by Rachel Vincent

LEGEND by Marie Lu

SHATTERED SOULS by Mary Lindsey

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART II (DVD)

EARLY/LATE PRESENTS!!

My brother's not great with remembering birthdays and such (mine was back in October) but he more than made up for it with a GAME OF THRONES box set--yay!--and a Chicago Bears hoodie--Go Bears!:

(Fi just had to get her fuzzy butt in the picture. Such a diva.)

So, what'd you get in your mailbox?

IMM is hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren.

Teen Review Week: HEAT by Mike Lupica

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

YA Contemporary (Sports)

240 pages

Available now (April 2006)

Review copy from classroom bookshelf

Publisher: Puffin

Michael Arroyo has a pitching arm that throws serious heat. But his firepower is nothing compared to the heat Michael faces in his day-to-day life. Newly orphaned after his father led the family's escape from Cuba, Michael's only family is his seventeen-year-old brother Carlos. If Social Services hears of their situation, they will be separated in the foster-care system--or worse, sent back to Cuba. Together, the boys carry on alone, dodging bills and anyone who asks too many questions. But then someone wonders how a twelve-year-old boy could possibly throw with as much power as Michael Arroyo throws. With no way to prove his age, no birth certificate, and no parent to fight for his cause, Michael's secret world is blown wide open, and he discovers that family can come from the most unexpected sources.

Have you ever been good at something? I mean REALLY good at something? Well, in this world, particularly in the sports world, a lot of people don't like it when there's someone who's simply the best. And in the world of Michael Arroyo, baseball is the key to his survival--the key to life itself. He's led his Little League team into the playoffs, and on the way up that hard road, he's beaten a lot of good players, which makes a lot of the coaches, mostly fathers of the opposing teams' players, upset and feel the need to file a complaint. They claim Michael Arroyo is too old for Little League baseball. Just goes to show some people would do anything to be number one.

Still, fighting that battle shouldn't be a problem, right? Wrong. Michael lives with his brother, Carlos, and they both hide the secret of their father's death. If any Official were to find out, the brothers would be separated. Oh, and that's not the worst part. It's not so easy to find a birth certificate when it's been left of the boat...from Cuba.

This was pretty much the perfect book for me. It hooked me right from the introduction. I mean, how can you not read a book about someone named Michael Arroyo? My love of sports and hatred of boring books came together to make this book jump off the classroom shelf. Heat further emphasizes the constant point that nothing is truly impossible and to never give up. You'll be hearing me say the same thing on camera when I'm playing in the World Cup (look for #18). I'm not actually even a baseball fan, and though this book is focused around baseball, it wasn't a problem. In fact, it made the book even better.

Okay, no beating around the bush this time -- just read this book because Daniel says so!

Teen Reviewer Daniel: aka McFlurry Murray, the coolest kid EVER, has a moustachio, and a little bit of chin hair. He kind of needs to shave that moustachio though but he doesn't want to have a baby face. He trims it every other week, and the ladies enjoy stroking the moustachio, which makes scrubs* like his friend Justin jealous. So, if you're just walking around and you see Daniel and you're like, "Wow, I wanna stroke his moustachio," don't feel weird because the person beside you wants to do it also.

*Teen slang for loosahs/losers/dorks/wannabes/haters

Teen Review Week: FIRE by Kristin Cashore

2011-12-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

YA Fantasy

461 pages

Available now

Review copy from classroom library

Publisher: Dial

It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. The young King Nash clings to his throne while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves and lawless men.

This is where Fire lives. With a wild, irresistible appearance and hair the color of flame, Fire is the last remaining human monster. Equally hated and adored, she has the unique ability to control minds, but she guards her power, unwilling to steal the secrets of innocent people. Especially when she has so many of her own.

Then Prince Brigan comes to bring her to King City. The royal family needs her help to uncover the plot against the king. Far away from home, Fire begins to realize there's more to her power than she ever dreamed. Her power could save the kingdom.

If only she weren't afraid of becoming the monster her father was.

After finishing this book, I was pleased. Fire was outstanding and exceeded my expectations. Although it is a companion book to Graceling, it still has the same essence of action but shifted more towards romance. In Graceling, you see Katsa with the unique ability of a killer/fighter. In Fire though, Fire has the sometimes dangerous power to control weak minds.

My favorite parts are with the battles with raptor monsters, and the romance scenes spread throughout the novel. Although I extremely enjoyed this book, I wish there was a bit more action and fighting parts.

When it comes to my favorite characters, hands down (and obviously), it's Fire. Between the descriptions of her and the way she just is, no other character in the novel can compare to her. I couldn't stand King Nash, on the other hand. Fire's overwhelming looks and flair is just too much for the young king to handle, and he's constantly trying to kiss and touch her.

Again, Fire shifted more towards the romantic novel, comparend to the more action/adventure story style of Graceling. All in all, the story is nothing short of amazing.

Teen Reviewer Brandon: I'm pretty much your average, everyday teen boy. I love sports, especially soccer, and I love to play video games. I'm in a military family and every couple of years or so, we move around, which allows me to see more of the United States and make new friends. Seeing that I'm constantly moving, I find it rather easy to make new friends but try to keep ties with the old ones. I've always enjoyed reading action novels (with a hint of romance) when I get the chance. For me, reading brings relaxation and peace and quiet to my rather loud and busy life.

Waiting on...TRUTH by Julia Karr

2011-12-07T06:30:00.000-05:00

Kind of blown away by Julia Karr's first novel, XVI (which quickly disappeared from my classroom bookshelf, never to return--usually the sign of a fantastic book that the student just can't part with), I've been looking forward to seeing where she goes with this series. I haven't heard a whole lot of buzz for this one (not sure why...guess it's just one of those things) but it comes out soon!

I like that the cover follows in the same vein as XVI, with the letters looking like they're cut out from the picture of the girl.

YA Dystopian

RELEASES JANUARY 19, 2012

272 pages

Publisher: Puffin

Nina Oberon’s life has changed enormously in the last few months. When her mother was killed, Nina discovered the truth about her father, the leader of the Resistance. And now she sports the same Governing Council–ordered tattoo of XVI on her wrist that all sixteen-year-old girls have. The one that announces to the world that she is easy prey to predators. But Nina won’t be anyone’s stereotype. And when she joins an organization of girls working within the Resistance, she knows that they can put an end to one of the most terrifying secret programs the GC has ever conceived. Because the truth always comes out...and the consequences can be deadly.

So, what are you waiting on? Anything I need to add to my TBR list?

Waiting On is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Teen Review Week: FORGED BY FIRE by Sharon Draper

2011-12-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

YA Contemporary

160 pages

Available now (Jan. 1997)

Review copy from library

Publisher: Simon Pulse

When Gerald was a child he was fascinated by fire. But fire is dangerous and powerful, and tragedy strikes. His substance-addicted mother is taken from him. Then he loses the loving generosity of a favorite aunt. A brutal stepfather with a flaming temper and an evil secret makes his life miserable. The one bright light in Gerald's life is his little half sister, Angel, whom he struggles to protect from her father, Jordan Sparks, who abuses her, and from their mother, whose irresponsible behavior forces Gerald to work hard to keep the family together.

As a teenager, Gerald finds success as a member of the Hazelwood Tigers basketball team, while Angel develops her talents as a dancer. Trouble still haunts them, however, and Gerald learns, painfully, that young friends can die and old enemies must be faced. In the end he must stand up to his stepfather alone in a blazing confrontation.

Where do I start? Forged By Fire is an AMAZING novel. When I first started reading, I could not put this book down. I had my eyes glued to each page, and this book had my full attention until I finished it. It has all the qualities I love in a book which are drama and real-life situations. It's also a story that many teens can relate to. I say this because the novel is mainly about a teen named Gerald and his abusive stepfather.

During the story, Gerald's family really falls apart and he's put through a lot of trials. His Aunt Queen, who he lived with, passed away and, after she dies, Gerald feels as if he has nothing left. Now he's stuck with an abusive stepfather. When he moves in with his mom and stepfather, Gerald meets his younger half-sister, Angel, who he winds up protecting from his stepfather.

I love this book because of the characters and the real-life situations a lot of young girls face. I love how Sharon Draper made a shocking ending and how surprised I was by it. I also love how loving and caring Gerald was when it came down to his little sister. His actions throughout the story were remarkable. Gerald is my favorite character not just because of all he went through but that he kept his head held high throughout. I love how this story is relatable.

Poor Angel--I hated how Angel was abused by her father and all the suffering she went through. I can't imagine this happening, even though I know it does. It's just so sad and emotional!

I think Sharon Draper is an amazing author, and I love all her novels. I recommend this novel to all teens and I guarantee you will enjoy it just like I did.

Teen Reviewer Ashley: I'm fourteen; I love God along with eating, shopping, sports, music, school, dancing, acting, my family, and etc!

Teen Review Week: THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER by Mark Twain

2011-12-05T19:41:00.001-05:00

We're kicking off Teen Review Week with a classic tale...reviewed by one of my favorite reviewers, Daniel (he's got two reviews posting this week -- he's got great voice in his reviews).

YA Classic

282 pages

Available now

Review copy from library

Publisher: Penguin Classics

On the banks of the Mississippi, Tom Sawyer and his friends seek out adventure at every turn. Then one fateful night they witness a murder. The boys swear never to reveal the secret and run away to be pirates and search for hidden treasure. But when Tom gets trapped in a cave with the murderer, can he escape unharmed?

Tomas Sawyer. A saint? No way. A perfect leader? Not a chance. But a hoodlum? I think not. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a Mark Twain original at its finest. You, the reader, have the esteemed pleasure to join Tom Sawyer in person and accompany him on all of his greatest adventures in this story. You get to unite with him, Huck Finn, Joe Harper, Aunt Polly, Mary, Becky, Sid, and many others on his remarkable adventures. Adventures that resemble those of pirates, cowboys, robbers, and even Robin Hood. The fun just never ends for this all-out adventurer; it doesn't even end in Sunday School!

With a guy like Tom, the possibilities on how to spend a simple day are endless. Don't be afraid though. As Tom says, "I'll learn ya." He'll teach you all about finding treasures, playing hooky, sneaking around way later than you should, and, of course, playing awesome pranks. Tom's got a way of having a good time.

This book kept me turning its pages. The literary dialect of the people in the story has more of a country Southern twang than where we live, and Twain did a perfect job of displaying what summer life was like way back when slavery still existed. It actually made me wish I didn't have all these electronics so I could kick back like Tom--that's how good a book it was. I can't believe how easy it was for me to feel like I was in the middle of everything. I'm picking up The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn immediately.

I'd like to recommend this book to anyone out there who likes to be taken on a great adventure with a guy like Tom, who will take you on a journey you'll never forget. Don't worry, I'll put in a good word for ya and Tom will make you holler 'nuff!

Teen Reviewer Daniel: aka McFlurry Murray, Daniel knows a good pair of boxers when he sees one, is a proud sponsor of FIFA '11, and, just so you know, when given the choice between option A or B, he'll choose D. He's waiting for you on the soccer field--how long you gonna keep him waiting?

Book Lover's Holiday Hop

2011-12-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Book Lover's Holiday Hop!

I'm giving away something special...

An ARC of EVERNEATH by Brodi Ashton!

releases Jan. 24, 2012

Are you excited? You should be -- EVERNEATH is AWESOME!!
(Sorry, this giveaway is for residents of the US/Canada only.)

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

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The Book Lover's Holiday Hop is sponsored by Kid Lit Frenzy and I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. Get hopping, y'all!

Waiting on...PRETTY CROOKED by Eliza Ludwig

2011-11-30T08:24:00.001-05:00

While I'm not a huge fan of the cover -- the purple spotted background reminds me of the early 80's and is that a furry purse or dog under her other arm? -- PRETTY CROOKED by Elisa Ludwig looks cute.

RELEASES MARCH 13, 2012
2012 Debut Author
YA Contemporary
386 pages
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins

Willa’s secret plan seems all too simple: take from the rich kids at Valley Prep and give to the poor ones.

Yet Willa’s turn as Robin Hood at her ultra-exclusive high school is anything but. Bilking her “friends”—known to everyone as the Glitterati—without them suspecting a thing is far from easy. Learning how to pick pockets and break into lockers is as difficult as she’d thought it’d be. Delivering care packages to the scholarship girls, who are ostracized just for being from the “wrong” side of town, is way more fun than she’d expected.

The complication Willa didn’t expect, though, is Aidan Murphy, Valley Prep’s most notorious (and gorgeous) ace-degenerate. His mere existence is distracting Willa from what matters most to her: evening the social playing field between the haves and have-nots. There’s no time for crushes and flirting with boys, especially conceited and obnoxious trust-funders like Aidan.

But when the cops start investigating the string of thefts at Valley Prep and the Glitterati begin to seek revenge, could Aidan wind up being the person that Willa trusts most?

Waiting On is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

My Latest Obsession: Skyrim

2011-11-29T06:00:00.001-05:00

Okay, okay. I'd planned on being a good girl and writing some lovely reviews of a couple of awesome books that I just finished (well, last week) but I just couldn't because...I was playing Skyrim.

Yes, I've joined the Geek-ery and picked up the game last week after hearing its virtues extolled ad nauseum (ooh, some highfalutin words there, huh?) on Twitter. I blame Ann Aguirre, mostly. She's the one who piqued my curiosity, and it's all been downhill from there. (She did warn me it was total game crack. Yes, yes it is. Damnit.)

For those of you who aren't up on your Game Nerd Speak, Skyrim is a role-playing game set in a Norse world filled with magic, warriors, gods, and--best of all--dragons. There's awesome mythology (and I'm going to have to re-read my Norse myths because I'm curious as to how much is actual stuff and how much is made up.), complete with ancient feuds, curses, and legends. You can be whatever you want to be and do pretty much anything you want to do (and, depending on what you do, don't be surprised if you get sent to jail. I've done some time...yeah, I'm a bad ass.).

Me, I'm a Breton who loves to pick locks; I joined the Companions (a group of relatively honorable warrior/mercenaries); and I'm working on my smithing skills. I make a wicked steel sword. Maybe in my next reincarnation, I'll be more magic focused but, right now, I like hacking the hell out of things with my Skyforged Steel Greatsword (especially cool when they slow-mo the death scene and splatter blood everywhere).

It's gorgeous. I've spent hours just wandering around the land, checking stuff out, chatting with the natives, picking up little quests here and there, and killing a dragon or two (hey, they come at you out of nowhere and try to kill you with fire and ice and crap. What's a warrior chick to do?). There's a main story/quest where you're supposed to defeat the guy who's prophesied to destroy the world but...he can wait. Explore. Get lost (just like you should do anytime you travel!).

I'm only at level 12 (having had to restart twice because I got trapped in two different dungeons that I could not get out of because I have neither the gaming skillz or level to defeat the big boss at the end. Oops.) but, wow. Even at this low level, I'm kicking butt and taking names.

So, if my posts are a bit scattered over the next little while (who knows how long this obsession will last...at least it's a great stress reducer. Students driving me nuts? Awesome. Let's go kill us a dragon!), please forgive me. I'm lost in the land of Skyrim.

HARD BITTEN (Chicagoland Vampires #4) by Chloe Neill

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Urban Fantasy (adult)

350 pages

Available now (May 2011)

Publisher: NAL

Review copy purchased

Times are hard for newly minted vampire Merit. Ever since shapeshifters announced their presence to the world, humans have been rallying against supernaturals-and they're camping outside of Cadogan House with protest signs that could turn to pitchforks at any moment. Inside its doors, things between Merit and her Master, green-eyed heartbreaker Ethan Sullivan are...tense. But then the mayor of Chicago calls Merit and Ethan to a clandestine meeting and tells them about a violent vamp attack that has left three women missing. His message is simple: get your House in order. Or else.

Merit needs to get to the bottom of this crime, but it doesn't help that she can't tell who's on her side. So she secretly calls in a favor from someone who's tall, dark, and part of underground vamp group that may have some deep intel on the attack. Merit soon finds herself in the heady, dark heart of Chicago's supernatural society-a world full of vampires who seem ready to fulfill the protesting human's worst fears, and a place where she'll learn that you can't be a vampire without getting a little blood on your hands...

I do so love this series. Maybe it's because I'm a Chicagoan (okay, ex- but I grew up in Chicagoland so I get to say that) and the way Neill incorporates the neighborhoods, the foods, and an overall love of Chicago into her novels that makes me happy. Maybe it's her fast-paced writing and snappy dialogue (always of fan of snappy dialogue between characters). Whatever it is, I look forward to these releases.

And, oh, there's such fabulous tension between Merit and Ethan, tension that's been building since he turned her in book one. So delicious. Merit snarks at him and Ethan gives it right back to her. They challenge each others' sense of self and, because of this, they make each other better people...er, vampires.

That's not the main focus (sadly) because someone's killing humans and vamps are being blamed. People are freaking out, picketing outside Merit's House, the House she, as Sentinel, is bound to protect. So she and Ethan team up to discover the truth and, hopefully change people's bad opinions. Throw in other supernaturals, sorcerers, and an underground vamp society, and you've got yourself one action-packed story. I'm enjoying the way the series arc is unfolding and the other supes showing up on the radar. I hope we get to see more of them in future novels.

But what about that ending?!?! Holy cow. I certainly didn't see that coming. I'm in shock. Complete and utter shock, I tell you. A cliffhanger that practically gave me a heart attack and had me yelling. Loudly. Thank goodness, the next in the series (DRINK DEEP) released just a couple of months later or I might have been extremely upset.

Available on Amazon | IndieBound

Quickie: WAYFINDER by C.E. Murphy

2011-11-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

Urban Fantasy

352 pages

Available now (Sept. 2011)

Publisher: Del Rey

Review copy purchased

THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE—IF IT DOESN’T KILL YOU FIRST

Lara Jansen is a truthseeker, gifted—or cursed—with the magical ability to tell honesty from lies. Once she was a tailor in Boston, but now she has crossed from Earth to the Barrow-lands, a Faerie world embroiled in a bloody civil war between Seelie and Unseelie. Armed with an enchanted and malevolent staff which seeks to bend her to its dark will, and thrust into a deadly realm where it’s hard to distinguish friend from foe, Lara is sure of one thing: her love for Dafydd ap Caerwyn, the Faerie prince who sought her help in solving a royal murder and dousing the flames of war before they consumed the Barrow-lands.

But now Dafydd is missing, perhaps dead, and the Barrow-lands are closer than ever to a final conflagration. Lara has no other choice: she must harness the potent but perilous magic of the staff and her own truthseeking talents, blazing a path to a long-forgotten truth—a truth with the power to save the Barrow-lands or destroy them.

When I picked up this book, I was thinking it was just another C.E. Murphy novel and, of course I had to read it (Love her Walker Papers series). But when I started reading, it seemed really familiar. Eerily, in fact. Well, duh. That's because it's the second novel in a duology that started with TRUTHSEEKER. I've been in this world before. I really didn't remember a lot of what happened in the first novel so it took me a while to get adjusted to the world and all the events in WAYFINDER. But, once on top of things, I fell into this world and enjoyed the story.

While the first novel takes place mainly in the human realm, this one is mostly in the Barrow-lands filled with mean Faeries, most of whom despise Lara because she's human and because of the magic she possesses. Lara takes it all in stride, kicking butt when needed, talking them to death when she's able, until she gets her way. The story itself is deeply intricate and can be confusing at times -- I wasn't able to zip through this one like I normally do.

All in all, WAYFINDER is an intriguing journey into a dangerous Faerie world by a woman determined to rescue the man she loves and help prevent a deadly war.

Available on Amazon | IndieBound

HEART OF STEEL by Meljean Brook

2011-11-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Steampunk Romance (adult)

311 pages

Available now (Nov. 2011)

Publisher: Berkley Trade

Review copy purchased

Growing up in the dangerous world of the Iron Seas, the mercenary captain of the airship Lady Corsair, Yasmeen, has learned to keep her heart hard as steel. Ruthless and cunning, her only loyalty is to her ship and her crew-until one man comes along and changes everything...Treasure hunter Archimedes Fox isn't interested in the Lady Corsair--just the captain and the valuable da Vinci sketch she stole from him. When it attracts a dangerous amount of attention, Yasmeen and Archimedes journey to Horde-occupied Morocco--and straight into enemy hands.

Holy cow, this woman can certainly create an amazing world. Whenever I read one of Meljean Brook's novels, I'm immersed in whatever world she's created. And this one? Utterly fantastical. A blend of paranormal (zombies--woot!) and steampunk, filled with floating airships, dangerous seas, pirates, and assassins, this world fully satisfies.

Yasmeen is a hard woman to like. For those of us who met her in THE IRON DUKE, she came across as a heartless air pirate and, for about the first third of this book, I felt the same way about her. I couldn't quite understand why Archimedes sees in her or why he decides from the get-go that he's going to capture her heart. But slowly, Yasmeen reveals parts of herself that endeared her to me. I grew to really like and understand her and to root for Archimedes in his quest to win her love.

I did get a bit turned around with the motivation behind the whole quest and Archimedes's problem (he's "lost" something important to someone important and now there are assassins after him). There's a lot of history and interconnectedness and politics described within these pages...much of which I skimmed (Bad reader! No cookie! And probably the reason for confusion.)

The chemistry between Yasmeen and Archimedes is fabulous -- she hates him and he'll do anything to get her into his bed and into his heart. She does everything she can to maintain distance with the annoying man but he just won't take no for an answer, though he never moves too fast or forces himself on her in any way. In fact, many times, he seems to go out of his way to allow her to be the boss.

The secondary characters are equally intriguing. I loved Archimedes sister, Zenobia, the one who pens his amazing tales. She's a firecracker and I hope that her story is one Ms. Brook will share with us soon. Then there are the characters I loved from THE IRON DUKE (*swoon* so fabulous), who add their own spice to the story.

Favorite quote: "Archimedes Fox," she mused. The corners of her tilted gently. "With balls of iron and a silver tongue. I admire both in a man."

Available on Amazon | IndieBound

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T06:15:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Thanksgiving pups from Lulu.com

Top Five Things I'm Thankful for This Year:

1) All the awesome books I've read and have yet to read

2) My family, including those of the four-legged persuasion

3) Gainful employment: I may complain but it pays the bills

4) That I got my writing groove back (and that includes with this blog)

5) Chocolate

What are you thankful for this year?

Waiting On...FLIRTING IN ITALIAN by Lauren Henderson

2011-11-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

You had me at Italian...

Releases: June 12, 2012

YA Contemporary

272 pages

Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Four girls. One magical, and possibly dangerous Italian summer. Family mysteries, ancient castles, long hot nights of dancing under the stars . . . and, of course, plenty of gorgeous Italian boys!

Yippee! A travel book, Italy, cute guys, Italy, mysteries, Italy. *sigh* I can't wait!

So, what are you waiting on?

THE SCORPIO RACES by Maggie Stiefvater

2011-11-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

YA Paranormal

404 pages

Available now (Oct. 2011)

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Review copy purchased

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

Positive: The imagery. Maggie Stiefvater certainly has a way with words. She plays with the language, a delicate instrument wielded by a master musician. As I read, I could hear the sounds of the island, of the horses pounding upon the sandy beach, and of the love growing between Puck and Sean.

Positive: The island world. Such an isolated place, it was impossible to tell when exactly this story took place. I actually envisioned it to be set back in the 50's, for some reason. There was little in the way of technology and even when the mainland was talked about, there was no mention of cell phones or computers or other modern technology. I'd love to visit its craggy beauty.

Positive: The characters. With shifting points of view, the story allowed us to see through both Sean's and Puck's eyes. I really enjoyed the spirit of both characters and seeing their love of the island, the horses, and each other. A taciturn horse whisperer, Sean truly had his world rocked by Puck and her plucky, sassy, stubborn-as-all-get-out self.

Wish: That there were truly magical water horses in our world. Gorgeous and deadly, the capaill uisce are amazing creatures.

Overall: Beautifully wrought, THE SCORPIO RACES is a story to be savored one magical note at a time.

Available on Amazon | IndieBound

RECKONING by Lili St. Crow

2011-11-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

YA Urban Fantasy

304 pages

Available now

Publisher: Razorbill

Review copy purchased

Nobody expected Dru Anderson to survive this long. Not Graves. Not Christophe. Not even Dru. She’s battled killer zombies, jealous djamphirs, and bloodthirsty suckers straight out of her worst nightmares. But now that Dru has bloomed into a full-fledged svetocha—rare, beautiful, and toxic to all vampires—the worst is yet to come. Because getting out alive is going to cost more than she’s ever imagined. And in the end, is survival really worth the sacrifice?

Dru Anderson’s not afraid of the dark.
But she should be.

Positive: Dru's kick-ass self. This girl's been through Hell and she still comes out swinging. But she's not infallible. She has a very hard time trusting people, choosing to run and hide from those who want her blood and her death with only Graves and Ash. Of course, I can imagine having trust issues when your own dad turns zombie and tries to kill you, those who are supposed to protect you turn on you, and one of the guys who you kind of like seems to have betrayed you. I think I'd duck and run, too.

Positive: The action. So much happens so fast in this story, it's hard to keep up with it all. The fight scenes are amazing. There's barely time for Dru and company to get a good night's sleep before something comes out of the dark and tries to eat them. It can get a little overwhelming but I was totally in the mood for super-fast-paced so I loved it. And the final battle scene was awesome. Kill 'em all! (Oops. Bloodlust coming through.)

Positive: Dru's world. As in all of St. Crow/Saintcrow's novels, it's dark and dangerous and oh-so-scary. Me, I'd be killed off pretty quickly unless I had Dru around to haul my butt out of trouble.

Wish: The end. I can't decide if I liked it or not. It left a lot of loose ends that will never be tied up because this is the last Strange Angels book but that doesn't really bother me so much. I don't mind some loose ends--life is messy, after all. But...but...which? Who? What? Dang. I can't really get into it without spoilers. So I won't. I'll leave it to you to decide for yourself.

Overall: This final book of the Strange Angels series will make your pulse race as you dash through the pages with Dru to the inevitable, satisfyingly bloody finale.

Available on Amazon | IndieBound