Waiting on Wednesday (62)

Waiting on Wednesday

Mind Games

by Kiersten White

Release Date: February 19, 2013

Published by: Harper Teen

Fia was born with flawless instincts. Her first impulse, her gut feeling, is always exactly right. Her sister, Annie, is blind to the world around her—except when her mind is gripped by strange visions of the future. 

Trapped in a school that uses girls with extraordinary powers as tools for corporate espionage, Annie and Fia are forced to choose over and over between using their abilities in twisted, unthinkable ways…or risking each other’s lives by refusing to obey.

In a stunning departure from her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy, Kiersten White delivers a slick, edgy, heartstoppingly intense psychological thriller about two sisters determined to protect each other—no matter the cost.


Ummm, it's by Kiersten White. Do I even need to explain more?!?! She's an autobuy author for me. I loved her Paranormalcy series and cannot wait to read something a bit different from her. Also, how gorgeous is that cover?!?

In My Mailbox (66)

In My Mailbox

In my Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. The idea of In My Mailbox is to bring books to the attention of blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs.

And.... AGAIN I can't get the video to load! Total fail. Still, I went through all this trouble to make this list so I'm posting it without a video or a picture. Scholastic sent me their fall preview galleys so I had an amazing book week!! Little, Brown also sent me two books I requested and am super excited for. 

Bought on Audible:

Matched by Ally Condie

Pure by Juliana Baggot

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

On Loan from Friends:

Unravel Me by Taherah Mafi, Thanks Jillian!

Miracle by Elizabeth Scott, Thanks Anna (and Ginger!)

From Little, Brown:

Ask the Passengers by A.S. King

Altered by Jennifer Rush

From Scholastic:

This is Teen books:

Skinny by Donna Cooner

The Dark Unwinding by Sharon Cameron

Magisterium by Jeff Hirsch

3 Below by Patrick Carmen

Geeks, Girls, and Secret Identities by Mike Jung

Endangered by Eliot Schrefer

Amulet, vol. five: Prince of the Elves by Kazu Kibiushi

The Bar Code Prophecy by Suzanne Weyn

Pinned by Sharon G. Flake

The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano by Sonia Manzano

Rain and Fire by Chris & Jay D'Lacey

Drama by Raina Telgemeier

The Giant and How He Humbugged America by Jim Murphy

The Savage Fortress by Sarwat Chadda

The Dogs of Winter by Bobbie Pyron

The Golden Door by Emily Rodda 

Third Grade Angels by Jerry Spinelli

Just a Dog by Michael Gerard Bauer

The Encyclopedia of Me by Karen Rivers 

Rootless by Chris Howard

Amber House by Kelly Moore, Tucker Reed, and Larkin Reed

Claws by Mike and Rachel Grinti

Undead by Kirsty McKay

Vietnam: Free-Fire Zone by Chris Lynch

Stealing Air by Trent Reedy

The Legend of the Ghost Dog by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

My Life Next Door

My Life Next Door

Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
Publisher: Dial
Publication Date: June 14, 2012
Pages: 395
Source: Netgalley


About the Book: A gorgeous debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another.

“One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over. (goodreads)



My Thoughts: Read. It. Now. Because that last sentence in the summary? "A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over." SO TRUE! I couldn't put this book down and when I finished it I couldn't stop thinking about it. I just loved everything about it so much! The setting, the characters, the relationships between siblings, the romance... sigh. So, so wonderful!


Since there are so many, many things I love I am going to focus on just two things. That way this review won't turn out to be longer than that book ;)


The first thing that I have to mention is the Garretts. I adored this family!!! They are numerous and loud and oh so very loyal to each other. Of course I am a bit partial to Jase but I loved them all... especially the li'l ones :) I wish there were more books with large families. I have two older siblings. One is 14 years older and the other is 6 years older. My sister is one of my best friends now but growing up we weren't close. I just love seeing it in books! 


I also really loved the way bits and pieces about the different characters were revealed. I was so interested in getting to know all the characters and finding out what events shaped them. As the story progressed we got to know more than just the main character on a deeper level. Seeing the characters grow and change (whether it be for good or bad) makes me feel so much more invested in the story. I just couldn't get the people I "met" in My Life Next Door out of my mind!


This is one of the very best books I've read this year. It is one I know I'll be pulling off my shelf to read again and again. The romance was everything I wanted it to be with the bonus of a stellar backstory and minor characters. I cannot wait to see what else Huntley Fitzpatrick has in store for us. 

Top Ten Tuesday - Freebie

Top Ten Books I've Enjoyed Reading So Far This Year

Top Ten Tuesday is a feature run by the lovely crew at The Broke and The Bookish

I've read so many great books already this year! I wanted to take a minute to look over what I've read and recommend my favorites. There are three books that came out this year but I read them in December so they didn't make the list! They are Bitterblue by Kristen Cashore, Black Heart by Holly Black, and Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey. You should totally check them out too! As always, these books are not in order of my favorite :) That's too hard!

1. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - My Review

2. Such A Rush by Jennifer Echols - My Review

3. Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan - Review to come

4. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo - My Review

5. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness - My Review

6. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick - Review to come

7. Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier - My Review

8. Team Human by Sarah Rees Brennan and Justine Larbalstier - My Review

9. Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood - My Review

10. Cinder by Marissa Meyer - My Review

Changeling

Changeling

Author: Philippa Gregory
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: May 24, 2012
Pages: 256
Series: Order of Darkness, book one
Source: Audiobook from the ever amazing April
Audiobook Info: Simon & Schuster Audio, read by Charlie Cox


About the Book: Italy, 1453. Seventeen-year-old Luca Vero is brilliant, gorgeous—and accused of heresy. Cast out of his religious order for using the new science to question old superstitious beliefs, Luca is recruited into a secret sect: The Order of the Dragon, commissioned by Pope Nicholas V to investigate evil and danger in its many forms, and strange occurrences across Europe, in this year—the end of days.     

Isolde is a seventeen-year-old girl shut up in a nunnery so she can’t inherit any of her father’s estate. As the nuns walk in their sleep and see strange visions, Isolde is accused of witchcraft—and Luca is sent to investigate her, but finds himself plotting her escape.     

Despite their vows, despite themselves, love grows between Luca and Isolde as they travel across Europe with their faithful companions, Freize and Ishraq. The four young people encounter werewolves, alchemists, witches, and death-dancers as they head toward a real-life historical figure who holds the boundaries of Christendom and the secrets of the Order of the Dragon.      

The first in a series, this epic and richly detailed drama is grounded in historical communities and their mythic beliefs. It includes a medieval map of Europe that will track their journey; and the interior will include relevant decorative elements as well as an interior line illustration. And look for a QR code that links to a note from the author with additional, detailed information about the setting and the history that informed the writing. With Philippa Gregory’s trademark touch, this novel deftly brings the past—and its salacious scandals—vividly and disturbingly to life.

My Thoughts: As a huge fan of historical fiction set in medieval times I was looking forward to this book. I admit to being a bit reluctant because I didn't love the only other Philippa Gregory book I've read (The Other Boleyn Girl.) However, the combination of Italy, forbidden love, and the intersection of science and religion drew me in. And, while I did not love this book I enjoyed it overall. 

I think my favorite thing about the book ended up being Luca's best friend Freize. He is loyal but doesn't hesitate to do what he thinks is right, even without consulting Luca. I really loved the humor he brought to the story. The way that he would interact with the other characters was delightful. I particularly liked the byplay between Freize and Ishraq. Not sure what the fact that my two favorite characters were the secondary ones says about the book!

Charlie Cox narrates the audiobook which may honestly be why I enjoyed it! He played Tristan in the movie version of Neil Gaiman's Stardust (one of the few movies I enjoyed almost as much as the book!) His voice fits the story and makes imaging Luca a treat (doesn't work quite as well with Isolde!) 

There were a few things that confused me and I'm not sure if it was my lack of knowledge about medieval Italy or plot issues. Also, the "mysteries" went on a bit long for me. It was clear how they would be resolved but it seemed to take forever. As a bit of an aside... I get how the title Changeling fits in to the story but I think it is a bit misleading.

Still, the story idea was interesting and I enjoyed the listening experience overall.

In My Mailbox (65)

In My Mailbox

In my Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. The idea of In My Mailbox is to bring books to the attention of blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs.

I have the best bookish friends in the world! Not only are they all around awesome people but they are totally willing to Share. My mailbox this week appreciates that ;) I don't even know where to start with the awesome!

Monstrous Beauty  by Elizabeth Fama

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Prodigy by Marie Lu

The Diviners by Libba Bray (I get to keep this one!!!)

Thanks Jillian, Farrah, and Kristi! You ladies are wonderful :)

Waiting on Wednesday (61)

Waiting on Wednesday

Days of Blood and Starlight

by Laini Taylor

Release Date: November 6, 2012

Published by: Little Brown

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed "Daughter of Smoke and Bone," Karou must come to terms with who and what she is, and how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, mysteries and secrets, new characters and old favorites, Days of Blood and Starlight brings the richness, color and intensity of the first book to a brand new canvas.

Hello, gorgeous!!! I cannot wait for this book! It is one of my top three most anticipated books of 2012 (and there were SO MANY books I was/am looking forward to!) I adored Daughter of Smoke and Bone. You can check out my review here. I still cannot express my love for it enough. Laini Taylor is wonderful and I am so excited to read more about Karou. 

Social Suicide

Social Suicide

Author: Gemma Halliday
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: April 24, 2012
Pages: 227
Series: Deadly Cool, book two
Source: ARC from publisher


About the Book: Twittercide: the killing of one human being by another while the victim is in the act of tweeting.

Call me crazy, but I figured writing for the "Herbert Hoover High Homepage" would be a pretty sweet gig. Pad the resume for college applications, get a first look at the gossip column, spend some time ogling the paper's brooding bad-boy editor, Chase Erikson. But on my first big story, things went . . . a little south. What should have been a normal interview with Sydney Sanders turned into me discovering the homecoming queen-hopeful dead in her pool. Electrocuted while Tweeting. Now, in addition to developing a reputation as HHH's resident body finder, I'm stuck trying to prove that Sydney's death wasn't suicide.

I'm starting to long for the days when my biggest worry was whether the cafeteria was serving pizza sticks or Tuesday Tacos. . . .

My Thoughts: This book is the follow up to Deadly Cool (which I reviewed yesterday.) I love books like this... where each book in the series has the same characters and what not but each story is different. The killer in Deadly Cool was found and now we have a whole new murder mystery on our hands. (Sidenote... the fatality rate at this school is not promising! Transfer and transfer NOW!)


The things I loved in Deadly Cool hold true for Social Suicide. It's fun and quirky and Hartley is awesome. What I really noticed in this one was how much I loved Sam and Chase, two of the supporting characters. They are so great and add so much to Hartley's story. I also enjoy the chemistry between Hartley and Chase :) 


A delightful and quirky read that is great for summer! Don't miss this series! 

Deadly Cool

Deadly Cool

Author: Gemma Halliday
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: October 11, 2011
Pages: 303
Series: Deadly Cool, book one
Source: ARC for blog tour


About the Book: Hartley Grace Featherstone is having a very bad day. First she finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her with the president of the Herbert Hoover High School Chastity Club. Then he’s pegged as the #1 suspect in a murder. And if that weren’t enough, now he’s depending on Hartley to clear his name. 

But as much as Hartley wouldn’t mind seeing him squirm, she knows he’s innocent, and she’s the only one who can help him. Along with her best friend, Sam, and the school’s resident Bad Boy, Chase, Hartley starts investigating on her own. But as the dead bodies begin to pile up, the mystery deepens, the suspects multiply, and Hartley begins to fear that she may be the killer’s next victim.

My Thoughts: I kind of feel bad saying this about a book that teens are murdered in but this book was just so much fun! From the "First love is a killer" tagline and the earbud's spelling the word cool you can tell that this isn't a "serious" murder mystery. Rather, it's a whodunnit with a fun and quirky twist. 


Poor, poor Hartley! Not only does she find out her boyfriend is cheating on her (with the president of the flipping Chastity Club?!?!?) but she also finds the girl's body in his bedroom closet! Awesome... or not. Talk about awkward. I loved that Hartley didn't sit down and throw herself a pity party. She kicked the cheating boy to the curb and then took matters in to her own hands when the cops were on the wrong track. It was fun to see how she and her friends (old and new) handled the situation. I loved her observations about high school and the people there.


If you're looking for something a little different Deadly Cool is a light and fun contemporary with a slightly darker side!

In My Mailbox (64)

In My Mailbox

In my Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. The idea of In My Mailbox is to bring books to the attention of blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs.

I went on a little mini vacation with a co-worker this week. It was super fun and full of literary stops. I bought one book and took a few pictures I thought I'd share :)

Bought:

Gene Stratton Porter was the main reason we took the trip. I've been wanting to visit her home and the Limberlost ever since my aunt introduced me to her books. She was a very popular writer and a woman ahead of her time! I cannot wait to read more about her!

Literary stops:

 Dude. We were in Indianapolis. OF COURSE we made a The Fault in Our Stars stop! This is me, wearing my nerdfighteria shirt, sitting on Funky Bones. I really enjoyed just walking around the 100 Acres Art and Nature Park. 

 I totally forgot to take a picture of me at the first Gene Stratton Porter house we visited in Geneva, Indiana! This one is me of me at the Rome City house. I learned a lot about the author during the tours and both houses are so beautiful! I'm holding my old and battered copy of A Girl of the Limberlost, one of the author's most popular titles. 

 Yeah. That's me wearing a Lord of the Rings shirt, holding The Hobbit and touching J.R.R. Tolkien's desk! You guys. This is the desk her wrote, typed and illustrated The Hobbit on, as well as many parts of the rest of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Totally fangirling! 

So this is the actual wardrobe that C.S. Lewis' grandfather (or some relation) built. Lewis and his brother used to play in it and his brother says it was where Lewis first thought up the idea of going through the wardrobe to another world. Also, isn't it pretty?!?! I'm holding a copy of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. 

It's so great to be a book nerd and get excited about stuff like this!!!