Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday #82 - Spellcaster by Claudia Gray

Spellcaster
by Claudia Gray

Publication Date: March 5th, 2013
Publisher: HarperCollins

Add to Goodreads

When Nadia’s family moves to Captive’s Sound, she instantly realizes there’s more to it than meets the eye. Descended from witches, Nadia senses a dark and powerful magic at work in the town. Mateo has lived in Captive’s Sound his entire life, trying to dodge the local legend that a curse has been placed on his family that will cause him to go insane. When the strange dreams Mateo has been having of rescuing a beautiful girl—Nadia—from a car accident come true, he knows he’s doomed.

Despite the forces pulling them apart, Nadia and Mateo must work together to break the chains of his family's terrible curse, and to prevent a disaster that threatens the lives of everyone in the town. Shimmering with magic and mystery, New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray’s new novel is sure to draw fans of the Hex Hall and Caster Chronicles series, and fans of the hit CW TV show The Secret Circle. (Goodreads)

This book sounds really great, you guys! So far I have read two books by Ms. Gray, (Fateful and Evernight), and I have enjoyed them book. She is a really talented author. I am really looking forward to checking out her newest book!

What are you Waiting on this week???

**"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.**

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Review: Speechless by Hannah Harrington

Speechless
by Hannah Harrington

Publication Date: August 28th, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 288
ISBN: 9780373210527

B&N | Amazon | The Book Depository | Goodreads

Everyone knows that Chelsea Knot can't keep a secret

Until now. Because the last secret she shared turned her into a social outcast—and nearly got someone killed.

Now Chelsea has taken a vow of silence—to learn to keep her mouth shut, and to stop hurting anyone else. And if she thinks keeping secrets is hard, not speaking up when she's ignored, ridiculed and even attacked is worse.

But there's strength in silence, and in the new friends who are, shockingly, coming her way—people she never noticed before; a boy she might even fall for. If only her new friends can forgive what she's done. If only she can forgive herself. (Goodreads)
Speechless by Hannah Harrington is a novel that will leave you, in a word, Speechless. This is the first novel that I have read by Hannah Harrington, and now I’m itching to get my hands on more. It definitely did not disappoint!

Chelsea Knot is one of the popular girls at school. Or, at least she’s friends with one of the most popular girls at school. Another thing about Chelsea, she cannot keep a secret. But when one of her secrets results in someone getting severely hurt, she decides to take a vow of silence to keep the same thing from happening to anyone else, ever again. With this silence, Chelsea discovers a new side of ‘friends’ that she knew before, of new people she’s met, and of herself.

Chelsea was such an interesting character. At first, I was worried that I wasn’t going to be able to connect with her. She was the mean girl that I always avoid. But as we go through the book, it’s plain to see that she has a conscience, and that, deep down, she does care about people. The author did such a great job of conveying Chelsea’s emotions on the pages. I could feel her pain, her embarrassment, her loneliness. I envy her the journey that she travels with her vow of silence. It’s definitely a journey of self discovery, as we are shown throughout the book.

There were some really great secondary characters in this book, ones that you will really love; especially Sam and Asha, two new friends that Chelsea meets after taking her vow of silence.  I also really liked Chelsea’s father, he was such a great dad.  There are also characters that you are going to love to hate. Wow, these characters will get under your skin and make you crazy!

The storyline for the book is extremely engrossing.  It includes a lot of issues that teenagers face today, ranging from cliques to bullying and more.  I love books that deal with these subjects, because it’s good for teens to be able to relate; both as a bully, and as one that is bullied. All of the drama kept me flying through the pages, and I literally couldn’t put the book down.

Overall, this book was great. The storyline was addictive, and the characters were intriguing. It all wraps together for a novel that will leave you completely Speechless. If you haven’t already ordered a copy, you definitely should!

Happy Reading!

Monday, August 27, 2012

Noteworthy New Releases 8/27 - 9/2




New in Hardback:

Enshadowed - Kelly Creagh   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
Every Day - David Levithan   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
UnWholly - Neal Shusterman   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
Vanquished - Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
The Blood Keeper - Tessa Gratton   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
Foretold - Carrie Ryan (And more)   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )




New in Paperback:

The Iron Legends - Julie Kagawa   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
Spark - Brigid Kemmerer   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
The Eleventh Plague - Jeff Hirsch   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
Embrace - Jessica Shirvington   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
Ashes - Isla J. Bick   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
Variant - Robison Wells    (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
Vanquished - Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Weekly Book Haul #15


Bought:
Of Poseidon - Anna Banks (My Review)

Review:
Speechless - Hannah Harrington


Netgalley:
Crewel - Gennifer Alben
Eve & Adam - Michael Grant & Katherine Applegate

Hey guys!

Some awesome new books in my haul this week.
I can't wait to start them all!

What new books did you get this week???

**This post was inspired by In My Mailbox by TheStorySiren, in order to share books received each week.**


Thursday, August 23, 2012

Giveaway: Lorien Legacies Series by Pittacus Lore


Hey guys!

Today I'm having a giveaway for the awesome Lorien Legacies Series by Pittacus Lore!

The wonderful people at HarperCollins recently sent me this series to review,
and as I already have this series in hardback, I'm sharing the love with one lucky winner!

Hence, the giveaway!

So what are you waiting for? Go enter for your chance to win!

Giveaway Rules:
  • Open US Only
    (Sorry guys! International shipping is expensive!)
  • You must be 13 years or older to enter
  • ONE winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter for the above series
  • Winners will be contacted via email, and have 24 hours to respond
  • Contest ends 9/6/12
  • By entering this giveaway, you agree to the terms listed above.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday #81 - Breaking Point by Kristen Simmons

Breaking Point
(Article 5 #2)
by Kristen Simmons

Publication Date: February 5th, 2013
Publisher: Tor Teen

After faking their deaths to escape from prison, Ember Miller and Chase Jennings have only one goal: to lay low until the Federal Bureau of Reformation forgets they ever existed.

Near-celebrities now for the increasingly sensationalized tales of their struggles with the government, Ember and Chase are recognized and taken in by the Resistance—an underground organization working to systematically take down the government. At headquarters, all eyes are on the sniper, an anonymous assassin taking out FBR soldiers one by one. Rumors are flying about the sniper’s true identity, and Ember and Chase welcome the diversion….

Until the government posts its most-wanted list, and their number one suspect is Ember herself.

Orders are shoot to kill, and soldiers are cleared to fire on suspicion alone. Suddenly Ember can’t even step onto the street without fear of being recognized, and “laying low” is a joke. Even members of the Resistance are starting to look at her sideways.

With Chase urging her to run, Ember must decide: Go into hiding…or fight back? (Goodreads)


OK, I feel SOOOOOOOOO out of the loop! I had no idea that the cover for this had been released already. It's awesome! I loved Article 5 when I read it earlier this year, and I can't wait to dive into Breaking Point! It's going to be gooooooood!
What are you Waiting for this week???

**"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.**

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Review: The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa

The Lost Prince
(The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #1)
by Julie Kagawa

Publication Date: October 23rd, 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 379
ISBN: 9780373210572

B&N | Amazon | The Book Depository | Goodreads

Don’t look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them.

That is Ethan Chase’s unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he’s dare to fall for.

Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister’s world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myths and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten.

My name is Ethan Chase. And I may not live to see my eighteenth birthday. (Goodreads)
Once again, Julie Kagawa has managed to amaze me with her mad writing skills! Julie has literally blown me away with this spin-off to her popular Iron Fey series. It’s so great!

Ethan Chase knows the rules of the fey. Never let on that you can see Them. Once they know you can see them, they will make your life miserable. Ethan does everything he can to keep away from his older sister, The Iron Queen’s, world. But once he is attacked, along with a girl that he may be falling for, all the rules are changed. Ethan must do whatever he can to keep his family and those he care for the most, safe from harm and danger.

I completely fell in love with the characters in this story. Ethan was a bad-ass, through and through. At least, that’s what he wants you to believe, anyways. He has a good reason for acting the way he does. It’s to keep all those around him safe from the Fey that walk the earth. After what he went through as a child in the Iron Realm, you can’t blame him at all for the way he is. Even while he was a bad ass, he has a caring side as well. I love this about him. Kenzie is Ethan’s love interest in the story, and I found her to be a very likeable character. I thought in the beginning that she is going to be a bit maintenance, but she totally wasn’t. She great stronger throughout the story, and I enjoyed that.

A character that will really stand out for you in the story is Keirran, who we met briefly in the end of the Iron Fey series. I really, really enjoyed his character, and would LOVE to read more about him. (If Mrs. Kagawa wanted to make a series just about him, I’d buy it in a heartbeat!)

One thing I really loved about this book is that we got to revisit with some of our favorite characters from the previous novel. While we only get to visit them briefly, it’s still great to ‘see’ them again. Grimalkin is especially always fun to visit! And I’m still hopelessly in love with Ash. (Swoon!)

 I kind of expected the storyline for the book to be extremely similar to the previous series, since they are connected. However, while the book was familiar in the setting and a few characters, the plot was unique and fast paced. I adore the world-building for the book as well; everything was so well described, that I had no problem envisioning the world and characters in my mind. The ending of the book left me wanting more, more, more!

Overall, this book is a great start to the new Iron Fey series. I loved everything about it; the characters, the setting and storyline. It’s all great! And now I will sit and impatiently wait for the release of the next book in the series!

Happy Reading!

Monday, August 20, 2012

Noteworthy New Releases * 8/20 - 8/26



New in Hardback:

The Rise of Nine - Pittacus Lore   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
Lure of the Dead (The Last Apprentice #10) - Joseph Delaney   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
Heaven - Alexandra Adornetto   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
Over You - Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )



New in Paperback:

Possess - Gretchen McNeil   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
The Girl of Fire and Thorns - Rae Carson   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
Hades - Alexandra Adornetto   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
Fury - Elizabeth Miles   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Weekly Book Haul #14


Bought:
Beautiful Disaster - Jamie McGuire  (My Review)
Incarnate - Jodi Meadows  (My Review)

Review:
I am Number Four | The Power of Six | The Rise of Nine
Pittacus Lore
(Courtesy HarperCollins Publisher)


Hey guys!

A few great books in the mail for me this week.
I was pleasantly surprised to find the I am Number Four series in my mailbox this week.
I have read the first book, but still need to read the second and third.
I can't wait!

I've already read Beautiful Disaster and Incarnate,
but I'm excited to add them to my shelf!

My kids started back to school this week, which has kept me extremely busy.
I'm hoping to have the blog back to normal posting soon.
I must get in some reading time!

What new books did you get this week???

**This post was inspired by In My Mailbox by TheStorySiren, in order to share books received each week.**

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday #80 - Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick

Finale
(Hush Hush #4)
by Becca Fitzpatrick

Publication Date: October 23rd, 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Add to Goodreads

Nora is more certain than ever that she is in love with Patch. Fallen angel or no, he is the one for her. Her heritage and destiny may mean that they will always be enemies, but there is no turning her back on him. But now they face their biggest challenge. Can their love survive a seemingly insurmountable divide. And in the end, will there be enough trust left to rebuild what has been broken? The lines are drawn - but which sides are they on? (Goodreads)


The Hush Hush series was one of the first series I read when I started reading YA books, and I've always really enjoyed it. I can't wait to read the final book to see how Nora and Patch's story is going to end. (Even though I hate to see the series end!)




What are you Waiting on this week??

**"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.**

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Review: The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

The Evolution of Mara Dyer
(Mara Dyer #2)
by Michelle Hodkin

Publication Date: October 23rd, 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 544
ISBN: 9781442421790

B&N | Amazon | The Book Depository | Goodreads

Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.

She can’t.

She used to think her problems were all in her head.

They aren’t.

She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.

She’s wrong.

In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next? (Goodreads)

The Evolution of Mara Dyer is the brilliant sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. I have been dying to get my hands on this book, and was thrilled to receive an e-ARC to review. Michelle Hodkin the most insanely talented writer, I can’t get enough of her writing!

At the end of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, I was left with so many questions about Mara, Noah and, of course, Jude. In The Evolution of Mara Dyer, we get a lot of those questions answered! (Of course, in the end we are left with wanting to know more still, hopefully in the next book!).  But we do get some answers as to why these characters are the way they are.

I love Mara Dyer; she is such a complex character. She is strong, even when she has her doubts about herself. And she does doubt herself many times in this book, understandably.  But with all that she goes through, she believes in herself. Noah believes in her as well. Ah, Noah Shaw. I love Noah. I love that he loves Mara so much, and never, ever doubts her. The relationship between these two characters is one of my all time favorites. They are SO good together.

I mentioned this in my review for the previous book, but it bears repeating:  I love Mara’s family. They are so strong together, even when everything is wrong, they hang in there. Her mom reminds me so much of myself, as I am always up in my kids business, wanting to keep them safe and know what’s going on with them. Their characters are written so well also, that we can feel their emotions; their fear for what their daughter/sister is going through, the love they have for her and for each other as well. It’s amazing.

I love the mystery behind this book. I love that is makes you guess your own decisions about what you think may be going on. What is real for Mara, and what is not real. Is something really wrong with her?? I flew through the pages because I needed to find out WHAT exactly was going on! The suspense nearly killed me.  Oh, and the ending of the book definitely leaves you hanging, and wondering what the hell just happened!?

Overall, I love this book! I am so very thankful to have received a copy of this book to review, it was SO good, and I can’t wait for my finished copy to arrive so I can read it AGAIN!

Happy Reading!


Monday, August 13, 2012

Noteworthy New Releases * 8/13 - 8/19



New in Hardback:

The Treachery of Beautiful Things - Ruth Frances Long   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
The Kill Order - James Dashner   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
Rise of the Elgen - Richard Paul Evens   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
The Rising (Department 19) - Will Hill   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
Kissing Shakespeare - Pamela Mingle   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )



New in Paperback:

Dearly Departed - Lia Habel   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
Texas Gothic - Rosemary Clement Moore   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
Onyx - Jennifer L. ARmentrout   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
Forsaken - Thomas E. Sniegoski   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )
A Time of Miracles - Anne-Laure Bondoux   (  B&N | Amazon | Goodreads  )

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Weekly Book Haul #13

Bought:
Girl of Nightmares - Kendare Blake

Netgalley:
The Lost Prince - Julie Kagawa
The Mephisto Kiss - Trinity Faegen

Hey guys!

SOOOOO happy to finally have my hands on Girl of Nightmares and The Lost Prince!
I can't wait to get started on them both. :)
I'm really looking forward to starting The Mephisto Covenant series as well. :)

Again...
I apologize for not being around much lately.
I'm a horrible blogger. :/
But the kids go back to school on MONDAY, so hopefully I can get back into a routine...
Hopefully!

What new books did you get this week???

**This post was inspired by In My Mailbox by TheStorySiren, in order to share books received each week.**

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Review: Defiance by C.J. Redwine

Defiance
(Defiance #1)
by C.J. Redwine

Publication Date: August 28th, 2012
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Pages: 416
ISBN: 9780062117182

B&N | Amazon | The Book Depository | Goodreads

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.

As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making. (Goodreads)
Rachel Adam’s father has just been declared dead after not returning from a courier mission on which he was sent and never returned. As all ladies must have a Protector, the Commander of Baalboden assigns her father’s apprentice, Logan McEntire, to be Rachel’s new Protector, until she is old enough to attend a Claiming ceromony. Both Rachel and Logan believe that Rachel’s father is still alive, as does the Commander, who will stop at nothing to find the missing man.  It’s up to Rachel to track down her father, and find the missing package that he failed to deliver, before she loses all that she loves most.

Rachel’s character starts off strong when we first meet her, and she manages to become even stronger with everything she goes through in the book. I am amazed by this heroine. She is not a meek character by any means, but is loving to her family and loyal beyond a doubt.  This girl is amazing. Logan, who is Rachel’s father’s apprentice, is such a loveable character. Though he is an outcast, he takes his trade seriously. He, too, is loyal to those he cares about, and he will stop at nothing to keep Rachel safe.  I must say, I love the relationship between these two. Yes, they had known each other for a long while, but the romance between them still grew slowly over time. They were a great couple.  

The Commander is easily one of the most evil villains I have ever read. You’re really going to love to hate this man. He literally stops at nothing to get what he wants, even hurting innocent people. Reading some scenes in the novel had my hand flying to cover my mouth in dismay. He is cruel beyond belief, and has made my top 5 list of most evil villains.

The storyline and world-building for this book is absolutely brilliant. I loved all of the descriptions; from the setting to the clothing, and everything in between. The pacing was perfect as well; there was always something going on that kept me hooked to the pages. You will feel an amazing mix of emotions when you read this book; from love and hatred, bewilderment and inspiration. It has it all!

Overall; this book is amazing! I am kicking myself for waiting so long to start the book.  From the characters to the plot, you will definitely be hooked.  I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to see what adventures the author will take us on next!