My name is Katness Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead. Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss’s family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains – except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss’s willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels’ Mockingjay – no matter what the personal cost.

I had no idea what to except when picking up Mockingjay. I didn’t know where the story would go or who we would meet this time. I loved that mystery and the fact that it wasn’t predictable! It made for a better adventure and more of a roller coaster ride, but still keeping those little things we absolutely love.

Katniss’s new life consists of getting used to the ways of District 13 and being the main face of the now outspoken rebellion. A rebellion that has previously killed many people, and Katniss feels responsible. She wants to give people the freedom they wish for and to get Peeta back, but in doing so making the Capitol angrier is inevitable.

Katniss is such an awesome and dynamic heroine. She’s one of those heroines that girls look up to and that makes The Hunger Games series even more important to a lot of readers! She’s smart and strong and ready to take on challenges handed to her no matter the cost she might pay. There weren’t many new characters added, which was okay, because there was so much more to learn about the ones introduced in the previous book. I really enjoyed that.

Like I’ve stated in previous reviews, I love that this series is written in more of a live-diary style. There is dialogue, but less than most novels. For me, I can connect with Katniss on more of an emotional level, which is really important and just another reason why this series is a big favorite of mine! The writing is exceptional and the storyline is unique and action-packed. Something you should definitely not overlook!

For anyone who hasn’t read the series, start now! I can say the same for readers who haven’t picked up Mockingjay yet. Its an epic story and something you shouldn’t pass up. You will laugh, fight, and cry with Katniss throughout all of her challenges, relationships, and personal conflict. I can’t recommend it enough!

Rating:
For those who like: Dystopian, action, adventure/survival, strong heroines
Source: Won from Bewitched Bookworms

Reviews of other books in this series:

• The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1)
• Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2)

There will be 2 winners. Each will choose which book they want. First winner gets first choice. Here’s what you can win…

Giveaway Terms:

• Open to U.S. residents only – sorry!
• You must be at least 13 years old to enter.
• Giveaway ends May 12, 2012, 12:01 am EST

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Starling by Lesley Livingston
Release Date: August 15, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pre-Order: Book Depository

“Love is just the beginning… of the end.”

Mason Starling is a champion fencer for Gosforth Academy, but she’s never had to fight for her life. Until now. When a ferocious storm rips through Manhattan and unleashes terrifying creatures onto Gosforth’s campus, Mason barely escapes alive. Without help from the mysterious stranger who appeared in the midst of the storm, she might not have made it at all. But now, in the aftermath, Mason’s life begins to spin dramatically, mystically out of control, and the only one who seems able to help her is the stranger who can remember nothing but his name: Fennrys Wolf.

As Mason and Fenn uncover more about Fenn’s past and the strange events that surround them, they realize that Mason’s family — and its dark allegiance to the ancient Norse gods — is at the center of everything. A predetermined fate seems to be closing in on Mason, but is it possible to change one’s destiny?

I absolutely love mythology and this seems to focus on something other than the norm. I’m really excited for this. The synopsis definitely leaves me begging for the book! I like the idea of Mason and Fenn working together to discover his past.

New releases for April 23-29, 2012

The Temptation by Alisa Valdes (HarperTeen – 4/24)
Thumped by Megan McCafferty (Balzer + Bray – 4/24)
Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin (Greenwillow – 4/24)
Social Suicide by Gemma Halliday (HarperTeen – 4/24)

Eve of Destruction by Patrick Carman (Katherine Tegen Books – 4/24)
Unraveling by Author (Balzer + Bray – 4/24)
Whisper by Author (Square Fish – 4/24)
The Story of Us by Author (Simon Pulse – 4/24)

Spirit’s Princess by Esther M. Friesner (Random House Children’s Books – 4/24)
The Girl in the Park by Mariah Fredericks (Random House Children’s Books – 4/24)
Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf (Walker Childrens – 4/24)
Zero by Tom Leveen (Random House BFYR – 4/24)

The Selection by Kiera Cass (HarperTeen – 4/24)
Storm by Brigid Kemmerer (Kensington Teen – 4/24)
The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa (Harlequin Teen – 4/24)
Purity by Jackson Pearce (Little, Brown BFYR – 4/24)

The Right & the Real by Author (Putnam Juvenile – 4/26)
7 Clues to Winning You by Kristin Walker (Razorbill – 4/26)

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It’s gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie’s estranged father–an elusive European warlock–only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it’s her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

Who wouldn’t be excited to jump into Hex Hall which, to me, is highly reminiscent of Sabrina the Teenage Witch!? I’ve heard a ton of great things about this book, but unfortunately it missed the marked. There is no doubt that it is humorous and fun, but I was expecting so much more.

Sophie Mercer is a teen witch who doesn’t really know how to NOT use her powers. Every time she tries a spell it seems to go horribly wrong and her mom and her up and move to the next state in order to keep her powers on the low-down. Unfortunately, her father decides that she’s to attend a paranormal reform school, Hex Hall. But, when people start getting attacked, Sophie will have to jump in to clear her friend’s name and find out who’s really doing it.

Sophie is really funny and a rather normal girl, minus her powers and all that. I found it really easy to like her, because of the humor. She’s also easily influenced by cute boys in school uniforms. I mean, who wouldn’t be? I really loved Jenna, the vampire. She was really sweet and a good friend, even though everyone treated her like an outcast. I kind of had a love/hate relationship with Archer, the super cute warlock. Sometimes I just wanted to punch him in the face. Eh…it happens, right?

Rachel Hawkins must be hilarious in person, because the humor translated really well into Hex Hall. I promise you will not be let down if you are looking for a fun read! Other than that, I couldn’t get past how predictable it was. I felt like I was constantly waiting for the story to start up and get really interesting.

Overall, Hex Hall was a quick and fun read. I’d recommend checking it out if you are looking for something cute that will make you giggle like a school girl. If you are looking for something more serious or adventurous, I would skip it.

Rating: 
For those who like: Witches, light magic, funny and cute reads
Source: Bought

Ironskin by Tina Connolly
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Publisher: Tor Books
Pre-Order: Book Depository

Jane Eliot wears an iron mask.

It’s the only way to contain the fey curse that scars her cheek. The Great War is five years gone, but its scattered victims remain—the ironskin.

Now Jane returns to the war-torn country to help a fey-cursed child. Helping the unruly Dorie suppress her curse is hard enough—she certainly didn’t expect to fall for the girl’s father, the enigmatic artist Mr. Rochart. But her blossoming crush is stifled by her own scars, and by his parade of women. Ugly women, who enter his closed studio—and come out as beautiful as the fey.

Jane knows he cannot love her, just as she knows that she must wear iron for the rest of her life. But what if neither of these things are true? Step by step Jane must unlock the secrets of her new life—and discover just how far she will go to become whole again.

Well first off, check out that cover! Its ridiculous how pretty it is. I’m not entirely familiar with ‘fey’, as I don’t think I’ve read anything regarding it. I’m seriously in love with everything this book seems to offer, so I can’t wait!

New releases for April 16-22, 2012

The Wicked and the Just by J. Anderson Coats (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt – 4/17)
The Springsweet by Saundra Mitchell (Harcourt Children’s Books – 4/17)
Kill Switch by Chris Lynch (Simon & Schuster BYFR – 4/17)
Glimmer by Phoebe Kitanidis (Balzer + Bray – 4/17)

The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting (HarperCollins – 4/17)
Gone, Gone, Gone by Hannah Moskowitz (Simon Pulse – 4/17)

Sparks are igniting. Flames are spreading. And the Capitol wants revenge.

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol – a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she’s afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she’s not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol’s cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can’t prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

The Hunger Games series is epic. That about sums it up in a few words. You know how some sequels are known to not hold the power of the first? Yeah, well Catching Fire was no exception. It was just as thrilling and surprising as the first book!

After her Hunger Games victory, Katniss is back with her family and friends in District 12, but word gets around that her and Peeta unknowingly helped cause an unrest in the country of Panem. Suddenly, making people believe Peeta and her and in love is top priority, or else President Snow will step in. But, Katniss is thrown into all too familiar situations and getting Peeta out alive is her only mission, even if others have something else planned.

Katniss is so empowering. I love her thoughts and feelings. I also liked the pull towards Gale and Peeta in Catching Fire. Katniss likes them both, but is emotionally confused and I feel as though it was a bit easier to connect with her, more on an emotional level. Haymitch is still as serious, yet goofy as ever…which is awesome! I really enjoyed the new characters introduced and I couldn’t wait to learn more about them. Each district’s lifestyle is so different that it was really great learning about them, however unfortunate their circumstances were.

Suzanne Collins’s writing is so amazing. I am eternally in awe of how amazing The Hunger Games series is. Generally, I’m not a huge fan of books that don’t have a lot of dialogue, but these books are the exception. They are written more like a ‘live diary’, where its all happening right on the spot. From Katniss’s perspective it just comes off as that much more personal and I really loved that.

Overall, please read Catching Fire! It kept me on my toes and clawed at my heart. Its a well rounded and very good read. If you haven’t started the series…please do so. I promise you will not regret a single moment of it!

Rating: 
For those who like: Dystopian, action, adventure/survival, strong heroines
Source: Bought

Reviews of other books in this series:

• The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1)
  

Review:

The Unnaturalists by Tiffany Trent (ARC)
Thank you to Simon & Schuster!

What’s in your mailbox this week?
In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren.

The boy’s eyes glittered so strongly, presaging an imminent rupture of the Quietude. Lan was perfectly aware of the prohibition of touching a Star Walker, but right now there was no turning back as their fates had inevitably been sealed off.

Centuries ago a catastrophe turned Linde into a hostile place. Since then, the survivors have learned to live in isolation within the boundaries of the Safe Limits. But the planet is constantly subjected to a change in shape and people are lost, never to return. After a violent planetary transformation, Lan, a courageous girl from the Salvia clan, wakes up in the middle of the desert, only to be rescued by her worst enemy.

A young man marked by a curse.

A village hiding the biggest secret ever to be kept.

A love as dangerous as it is impossible.

A world whose surface is forever undergoing changes…
when getting lost is the equivalent of death.

Unfortunately, this book is only in Spanish right now. BUT, if you go to the book’s website, you can request it in English and read the first chapter (in English)! Do it now, because this book sounds incredible and I’m dying for the English version. Either that or I learn Spanish ASAP!

Also, watch the video of the making-of the Spanish cover here!