YA Bliss

Weekly Wrap-Up

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Sat, 26 May 2012 20:48:23 PDT

Weekly wrap-up post with all you need to know.

Books I got this week:

Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff
Broken Illusions by Ellie James

Bought:

Torrent by Lisa T. Bergren

Bookish News:

Covers revealed this week:

Current Giveaways:

Win a copy of Goddess Interrupted!
Challenge participants: link-up your reviews!

Great deals! (Kindle bargains)

**Disclaimer: Each image links to Amazon. If you purchase through the links, I receive a very small percentage. Thank you for supporting this blog!

Shadow and Bone - Leigh Bardugo

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Fri, 25 May 2012 08:37:25 PDT

Young Adult
Pages: 368
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Release Date: June 5, 2012

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha…and the secrets of her heart.

This year has been full of surprising books for me. This unexpected boom of high fantasies has me constantly grinning through life. We needed more books like this one in YA.

This was one of those books that pull you in and the first half is so amazing and shocking that your expectations of the second half become too elevated. While I loved the setting, the world building was rich and compelling, and Alina's character was just delightful, I wanted a bit more out of the resolution. Good thing this is only the beginning of Alina's story. I look forward to reading more of her wonderful adventures.

While the prologue is written in third person, the rest is written in first from Alina's perspective. We get to see what she sees, and that was a super wise choice when she discovers what she can do. That scene was engrossing and fantastic. i was in love with this book from there. Then we embark on this life-changing journey and deep into this dark, fascinating world of Grishas and Shadow Fold. I felt as confused and magnetized to the Darkling as Alina was, and equally torn between wanting and hating Mal.

Now, I want to address the things that this novel has that seem to be bothering some readers. This is a high fantasy novel. It does NOT take place in our world, even if some things may look or sound like they do. I think it is foolish to try to compare or demand research in a story that takes place in an invented world. You just need to accept some rules, like there's a crack in the land that was made by dark magic called the Shadow Fold just like there are dragons in Game of Thrones and gifted people with different-colored eyes in Graceling. You read the rules and accept them.

With this in mind, the novel was gorgeously atmospheric, full of gripping moments, and concepts that might or might not resonate with ours. Being Grisha means being beautiful. Beauty might not have the same standards it does in our world. Being a teenager in a different world might still mean you're insecure and facing your coming of age period.

Overall, this is a novel that sticks to its rules. A lavishly dark world we can submerge in and enjoy the ride. I surely did. And if you like this type of fantasy I'm sure you'll be more than pleased with this wonderful debut.

Goodreads / Amazon

What is OverDrive? (Audiobooks, E-books & more)

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Thu, 24 May 2012 06:27:29 PDT

Apparently we don't even need to go to the library anymore. Free audiobooks and e-books from home? Yes, please.

You know how much I love audiobooks and I was looking forward to joining Audible, when my librarian mentioned Overdrive. So, what is it? From the site:

OverDrive is a leading full-service digital distributor of eBooks, audiobooks, and other digital content. We deliver secure management, DRM protection, and download fulfillment services for publishers, libraries, schools, and retailers--serving millions of end users globally.

Our support for iPod®, iPhone®, iPad™, Android™, Sony® Reader, Kindle® (US libraries only), and thousands of other mobile devices, makes our library platform the most compatible library download service. We also offer the largest collection of premium audiobooks, eBooks, music, and video for the library – all available on a single website for browsing, checking out, and downloading.

A peek at my wishlist:

Okay, I am by no means and expert, in fact I still need to figure quite a few things out, but I have already downloaded and listened to 5 audiobooks and read some rented books on kindle. I'm not sure how similar the selection of titles is for different states or areas but if you head to the main site and enter your zip code it'll probably take you from there.

Facts:

Unlike other audiobook/ebook rentals this is through public libraries so it is FREE, of course.
You need to download the OverDrive Media Console.
There is an OverDrive app, but many titles are not available from there. You can still use your device though, just use console and then transfer.
Many e-books can go directly to your Kindle or Kindle app and you can use your Adobe Reader.
You can place holds on popular titles.

Issues I've encountered:

There is a maximum amount of items allowed at a time. In my case it's 5 titles, no matter the format.
My main issue with it so far is that there is no way to return some titles. So, if you already borrowed 5 for 14 days, for example, and you're done listening to all in 7 days, you must still wait til they expire. (There are some exceptions).
If you place holds, you must leave room (from the X titles allowed) for when your hold is ready. Once they email you about the title's availability you only have 2 days to checkout or you lose your hold(remember: no returns)

I hope this helps some of you get access to free books in a different, modern and convenient way. They have a super updated collection, including in YA! The only thing you need is a Library Card number from a library that offers this service, which many libraries now do.

Waiting On Wednesday (143)

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Tue, 22 May 2012 21:05:07 PDT

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

Lindsey Lost by Suzanne Phillips

Even though Micah's one of the stars of a local sports team, he knows that his older sister Lindsey is the real deal ‐‐ a runner so good she has a chance of making it to the Olympics. The two of them urge each other on, and are each other's best support. Then the unthinkable happens: Lindsey is murdered, and Micah is found with her body. But Micah can't remember what happened, no matter what their parents tell him, no matter what the police say. He cannot remember what happened. Did he witness his sister's murder ‐‐ or commit it? Can he uncover the truth before his life is sentenced to end, too?

The cover seems paranormal-y but the synopsis makes me think otherwise. I love murder mysteries!

Release Date: September 13, 2012

Goodreads / Amazon

The Selection - Kiera Cass

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Mon, 21 May 2012 19:04:33 PDT

Young Adult
Pages: 336
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: April 24, 2012

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

To be completely honest, I spent a while refusing to read this book. It has been a very controversial book since Wendy Darling, a very trusted Goodreads "citizen" reviewer, posted a one-star review which made the author and agent react in a most distasteful and unprofessional way, not to mention hands-down childish. The issue was so popular that made it to PW. Then, came the CW planning to base a new show on this book as well, which apparently didn't make it after all. I had refused to grab the ARC from the conventions I've been to and from Amazon Vine when the chance arose. But when Harper offered me the audio version for review, there was my chance to satisfy my curiosity without having to actually read the thing. When books are controversial, regardless of how negative the controversy is, sadly, they spark curiosity and it ends up working in their favor. Just ask E.L James.

So I finally unwrapped the mystery of The Selection. And... uh maybe my expectations were too low, or maybe I was just so set on not enjoying it, that the total opposite happened. Funny how that works. I mean, yes, dialogue is extremely childish and not at all believable, the main character's name was outrageous (America Singer) and the too-stupid America deserved a loud slap more than half the time, BUT the story was fun! More than fun, it was creative and simply a great idea for a book. Part dystopia, part fairy tale and features a reality show where one girl becomes a Princess? How did I not think of this before!? I bet if this book gets big maybe Simon will make one for Prince Harry! *cackles*

Overall, I wont lie, I very was entertained throughout the story. The audiobook reader was very good, so I really enjoyed the situations as she told them. Dialogue became even more awkward sometimes as it was being told, but I can't deny I find the concept fascinating. I am actually sad I wont get to see this thing play out a la Gossip Girl. Pretty interesting to have a non-reality tv show based on a reality show. I did wish while reading that the cameras were on the girls at all times which would've totally complicated the plot to the point of awesome, but I guess it didn't fit in the middle-school version of romance that this has. Another fact: I don't think any book could live up to that purrfect cover!

If you like Fairy-tales and have patience with Bella-type female characters, you will enjoy this one!

Goodreads / Amazon

YA Releases

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Mon, 21 May 2012 02:00:08 PDT

This is a weekly post to spotlight some YA books that will be releasing during this week.

Weekly Wrap-Up

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Sat, 19 May 2012 14:52:53 PDT

Weekly wrap-up post with all you need to know.

Books I got this week:

Darkness Before Dawn by J.A. London
Death and the Girl Next Door by Darynda Jones
Awakened by P.C. and Kristin Cast

--> From Superb Amber! (OMG, thank you!)

Grave Mercy by Rachel LaFeveres (See my review!)
Saving June by Hannah Harrington
Take Me There by Carolee Dean

Bookish News:

Watch the AWESOME Throne of Glass trailer HERE.
Emma Watson announced on Twitter that "#PerksOfBeingAWallflower Trailer is going to show at the @mtvmovieawards pre-show! @LoganLerman and Ezra and I will be there to present."
Go HERE to enter to win a trip to the Beautiful Creatures movie set!
Ruta Sepetys spoke to NPR about the "Shades of Gray" mix-up. Listen or read it HERE.
Unraveling Isobel now has a pretty paperback cover! Look!
This week I reviewed Purity and posted Audiobook Reviews. Find this week's YA Releases HERE.
Some awesome covers revealed this week. (Images links to GR):

Current Giveaways:

Win a copy of Goddess Interrupted!
Challenge participants: link-up your reviews!

Great deals! (bargain books)

**Disclaimer: Each image links to Amazon. If you purchase through the links, I receive a very small percentage. Thank you for supporting this blog!

Goddess Interrupted Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Fri, 18 May 2012 07:44:55 PDT

Enter to win a copy of Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter.
Open to US and Canada, ends May 31st.

Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life with Henry in the Underworld, she'll have to fight for it.Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.
As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.
Henry's first wife, Persephone.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Audiobook Reviews (8)

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:14:02 PDT

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows (Narrated by Katherine Taub)

This story was definitely not for me. It's a somewhat slow-paced paranormal romance with the unbelievably good/nice love interest and the plot strictly dependent on its paranormal features. The audiobook however, was very well performed and it kept me listening for some reason. I loved Anna's voice and the way the narrator put so much emotion into reading her character. So I do suggest you if you pick this one up, try the audio.

Book: ★★
Narrator: ★★★★
Recommended audio? I wouldn't have finished the book if I'd read it, so yes.
(Audible)

Cinder by Marissa Mayer (Narrated by Rebecca Soler)

This story was so intricate and managed to involve so many different aspects that it just blew me away. The audio was also extremely well performed. I love how some narrators manage to pull you in somehow. This is a fully-enjoyable, wildly creative, feel-good retelling of the fairytale we all love. Part dystopia, part fantasy, part sci-fi, part romance, this is a book for everyone. And the audio is even better!

Book: ★★★★
Narrator: ★★★★★
Recommended audio? YES, definitely!
(Amazon / Audible)

Purity by Jackson Pierce (Narrated by Jackson Pierce)

To be honest, at first impression Jackson's narrating was flat and monotonous. As the story went on, I stopped thinking of it as Jackson's flat voice and started thinking of it as Shelby's disinterested, grieving voice and that changed my perspective. Even though the characters were a little uni-dimensional for me, being able to er, "hear Shelby" made me connect with her a bit more. It's such a short audio and the own author reads it so it was well worth listening.

Book: ★★★
Narrator: ★★★★
Recommended audio? If only to listen to Pierce, yes. I respect authors who read their own book well.
(Audible)

More:

- Audiobook Reviews (1)
- Audiobook Reviews (2)
- Audiobook Reviews (3)
- Audiobook Reviews (4)
- Audiobook Reviews (5)
- Audiobook Reviews (6)
- Audiobook Reviews (7)

Waiting On Wednesday (142)

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Wed, 16 May 2012 07:08:07 PDT

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

The Program by Suzanne Young

SLOANE KNOWS BETTER THAN TO CRY IN FRONT OF ANYONE.

With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in.

AND THE PROGRAM IS COMING FOR THEM.

Release Date: April 2013

Goodreads / No Amazon yet

Purity - Jackson Pierce

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:19:14 PDT

Young Adult
Pages: 224
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Release Date: April 24, 2012

Before her mother died, Shelby promised three things: to listen to her father, to love as much as possible, and to live without restraint. Those Promises become harder to keep when Shelby's father joins the planning committee for the Princess Ball, an annual dance that ends with a ceremonial vow to live pure lives -- in other words, no "bad behavior," no breaking the rules, and definitely no sex.

Torn between Promises One and Three, Shelby makes a decision -- to exploit a loophole and lose her virginity before taking the vow. But somewhere between failed hookup attempts and helping her dad plan the ball, Shelby starts to understand what her mother really meant, what her father really needs, and who really has the right to her purity.

This was a lot less deep and powerful than I anticipated. When I heard Jackson Pierce was writing a contemporary novel, I just had to have it. I'm not very prone to reading religious or faith books, and while I did expect this to have to do with this, obviously, I didn't expect it to be basically all about that. But, I was also not expecting that I would agree with the ending and would find the message so satisfying for myself. That was surprising and neat. I liked the ending.

This novel will undoubtedly raise questions among all kinds of readers. But besides that fact, and the wonderful writing, I don't feel it brings much more to the table. The romance is very predictable, Shelby's relationship with her father, while uncommon, was also easy to foresee, and there is not much more to the story than that.

Depth is something of great importance, in my opinion, no matter the length of the book. Purity is a short and easy read that goes by quick but is not particularly gripping. Things just sort of happen too fast or too easy to be completely believable, and there is a complete lack of flaws to the characters that made them flat for me.

Of importance: there are a lot of religious/faith questions asked, and the entire story is basically about sexual interactions: how to have them, what they mean, and how most teenage girls are not "pure".

Goodreads / Amazon

YA Releases

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Sun, 13 May 2012 21:30:12 PDT

This is a weekly post to spotlight some YA books that will be releasing during this week.

**Disclaimer: Each image links to Amazon. If you purchase through the links, I receive a very small percentage. Thank you for supporting this blog!

Weekly Wrap-Up

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Sat, 12 May 2012 16:18:42 PDT

Weekly wrap-up post with all you need to know.

Books I got this week:

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin
Because It is my Blood by Gabrielle Zevin
Blackwatch by Jenna Burtenshaw
Fated by Alyson Noel

Bookish News:

See the first look at the Beautiful Creatures movie HERE and the cover and synopsis of book 4, Beautiful Redemption HERE.
Read the first chapter and cover reveal of Legend book 2, Marie Lu's Prodigy HERE.
Listen to an excerpt of the audiobook of Maggie Stiefvater's upcoming book, The Raven Boys.
The title of Incarnate book 2 is Asunder, revealed with the cover HERE.
E.L James, author of Fifty Shades of Gray, might be publishing a YA Paranormal, read more HERE.
Courtney Summers says her next book is "a kind of psychological thriller about a girl who blackmails a rich classmate and then wakes up on a dirt road with no memory of the night before." Read the whole interview on YA Highway!
This week I reviewed Masque of the Red Death. Find this week's YA Releases HERE.

Current Giveaways:

Win an S&S Historical Fiction prize pack!
Challenge participants: link-up your reviews!

Great deals (bargain books)!

**Disclaimer: Each image links to Amazon. If you purchase through the links, I receive a very small percentage.
Thank you for supporting this blog!

Masque of the Red Death - Bethany Griffin

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:37:06 PDT

Young Adult
Pages: 336
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Release Date: April 24, 2012

Everything is in ruins.

A devastating plague has decimated the population. And those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles to pieces around them.

So what does Araby Worth have to live for?

Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery make-up . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all.

But in the depths of the club—in the depths of her own despair—Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club. And Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither boy is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.

And Araby may find something not just to live for, but to fight for—no matter what it costs her.

Oh, the rich Gothic setting! This was a weird and ambitious novel. Based on Edgar Allan Poe's The Masque of the Red Death, Griffin does an outstanding job in the world-building department. She created a lavishly dark and ominous story, so urgently fast paced that it's painful to stop reading. I has hooked right away, enveloped in her gloomy fog of decay and death.

Araby lives in a corrosive city cursed by a deadly plague. Under a tyrannic ruler, citizens live heavily divided by social classes and protected by masks, if they can afford it. Corpse-Collectors pick up bodies every morning, but Araby's privileged life allows her to lose herself at night in glitter-wearing club parties with her friend, April. She uses these parties to try to forget what goes on outside and to deal with her grief over her dead brother, Finn.

And thus, the story begins with no warning, and throws the reader in this deliciously Gothic setting with twists and unexpected turns, where not even the romance is predictable. Part dystopia, part steampunk, this is one of the weirdest books I've read, and it is definitely a good kind of weird. The writing was really good in a new way too, it attempted to be modern and old-fashioned at the same time. In my opinion, it definitely worked.

My only complaint? The ending was very unsatisfying, in the I-need-more sense. A cliffhanger that left me almost angry that I couldn't keep reading, just as things were getting good.

Overall, this is definitely a book that brings new material to YA. Weirdly imaginative and atmospheric, this one will leave you wanting more of this glorious world of shadows.

Goodreads / Amazon

Waiting On Wednesday (141)

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Tue, 08 May 2012 21:00:11 PDT

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

My Beautiful Failure by Janet R. Young

   Billy is a sophomore in high school, and twice a week, he volunteers at Listeners, a suicide hotline.
   Jenney is an “incoming,” a caller, a girl on the brink.
   As her life spirals out of control, Jenney’s calls become more desperate, more frequent. Billy, struggling with the deteriorating relationship with his depressed father, is the only one who understands. Through her pain, he sees hope. Through her tears, he feels her heart. And through her despair, he finds love. But is that enough?

Release Date: November 13, 2012

Goodreads / Amazon

Top Ten Favorite Quotes from Books

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Wed, 09 May 2012 06:21:18 PDT

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and Bookish.

Ah, quotes. Who doesn't love/memorize them? I will list ones I know by heart.

1. “The prettiest road I'd ever seen, where trees made breezy canopies like a tunnel to Shangri-La" Jellicoe Road, of course.

2. “Happy Hunger Games. And may the odds be ever in your favor."

3. “If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you.” Winnie-the-Pooh.

4. “It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.” The Alchemist.

5. “Don't think or judge, just listen.” Can you guess which Sarah Dessen book?

6. “Victory is a thousand times sweeter when you're the underdog." The Summer I Turned Pretty.

7. “Sometimes you make choices in life and sometimes choices make you.” If I Stay.

8. “What exactly was the difference? he wondered to himself. And who decided which people wore the striped pajamas and which people wore the uniforms?” The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.

9. ALL Dr. Seuss quotes. Like, “Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened”or “I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living.”

10. “From this distance everything is so bloody perfect.” Jellicoe again.

YA Releases

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Mon, 07 May 2012 02:00:04 PDT

This is a weekly post to spotlight some YA books that will be releasing during this week.

**Disclaimer: Each image links to Amazon. If you purchase through the links, I receive a very small percentage. Thank you for supporting this blog!

Weekly Wrap-Up

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Sat, 05 May 2012 18:06:15 PDT

Weekly wrap-up post with all you need to know.

Books I got this week:

For Review:

Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes
Revived by Cat Patrick
Wake by Amanda Hocking
My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick (Netgalley--not pictured)

Bookish News:

Leigh Bardugo (Shadow and Bone) announced that "The first 200 people to [pre]order will receive SIGNED copies, custom Books of Wonder pins, and a POSTER OF THE MAP created for Shadow and Bone by artist Keith Thompson (whose work you may know from Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan)." Read MORE.
Jeri Smith Ready posted the Shine soundtrack.
The title of Article 5 book 2 is Breaking Point. Kristen Simmons is hosting a giveaway to celebrate!
"Teens can get two free audiobook downloads each week this summer for ten weeks through SYNC" Read MORE.
Catching Fire's director has been confirmed! Read MORE.
Have you heard about The Scholastic Summer Challenge? It's free and aimed to keep kids reading during the summer!
"The first 3000 people to send in proof of a FATED print book, ebook or audiobook pre-order will GET a FREE pair of feather earrings!" Read MORE.
One of my favorite books this year was a middle grade novel called Wonder. Please listen to the story of how this book came about from the author, R.J. Palacio.
And finally, welcome the awesome historical fiction author of Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys to Twitter!
This week I reviewed The Probability of Miracles. Find this week's YA releases HERE.

Current Giveaways:

Win an S&S Historical Fiction prize pack!
Challenge participants: link-up your reviews!

Great deals (bargain books--MORE)!

**Disclaimer: Each image links to Amazon. If you purchase through the links, I receive a very small percentage.
Thank you for supporting this blog!

The Probability of Miracles - Wendy Wunder

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Thu, 03 May 2012 20:11:37 PDT

Young Adult
Pages: 360
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: December 8, 2011

Dry, sarcastic, sixteen-year-old Cam Cooper has spent the last seven years in and out hospitals. The last thing she wants to do in the short life she has left is move 1,500 miles away to Promise, Maine - a place known for the miraculous events that occur there. But it's undeniable that strange things happen in Promise: everlasting sunsets; purple dandelions; flamingoes in the frigid Atlantic; an elusive boy named Asher; and finally, a mysterious envelope containing a list of things for Cam to do before she dies. As Cam checks each item off the list, she finally learns to believe - in love, in herself, and even in miracles.

This one was very surprising and original. As far as contemporary fiction goes, very few books step out of a "normal" setting zone. This book blew all the standards out the window. Cameron is a girl, she's fighting cancer, she hula-dances at Disney World and is pretty much one of the coolest wittiest main characters you'll come across. The overall background including her hula dancing, coming from a Disney World performing family, her Italian grandmother, and even some of the crazy stuff like the donkey incident were just plain extraordinary, both in the awesome and the out-of-the-ordinary sense of the word.

Even though it has this Dessen feel to it, it seems less centered around the romance than it is around the other issues. I'm not sure if this pleased me or not, I just know it stood out. Then it also breaks the norm by being somewhat magical realism, which I love but we don't see a lot of in YA. Cam travels to a miracle town called Promise, a place that's been known for its strange little miracles, and where Cam's mom hopes that Cam will be happy and try to forget the fact that she's dying (if not heal).

It was just delightful to read a very thought-out story that steps out of what we're used to, and deals with so much stuff and has so many strong messages to offer. Beautiful writing, even though I did feel a little confused between characters sometimes--I always prefer first person in contemporary, and I cant help but wonder how different this would be if the author hadn't chosen third person narration.

Either way, it's one of those books you do not want to miss if you enjoy good realistic fiction, and I strongly recommend it for all Sarah Dessen fans.

Goodreads / Amazon

Waiting On Wednesday (140)

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:00:49 PDT

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

Every Day by David Levithan

Every morning, A wakes in a different person’s body, a different person’s life. There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.
It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.

With his new novel, David Levithan has pushed himself to new creative heights. He has written a captivating story that will fascinate readers as they begin to comprehend the complexities of life and love in A’s world, as A and Rhiannon seek to discover if you can truly love someone who is destined to change every day.

Release Date: August 28, 2012

Goodreads / Amazon

Wentworth Hall: Dive into the past Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Tue, 01 May 2012 02:00:04 PDT

And you thought there were secrets in the Abby . . .
The Darlington family of Wentworth Hall, an elite British family, fills their time by caring for their extensive estate, and looking over their shoulders as they struggle to keep up an elaborate charade to hide their scandalous secrets of illicit romances, and bitter betrayals.

Wentworth Hall is a lush historical novel by debut author Abby Grahame, which is spot-on perfect for fans of Downton Abbey!

Want to know more? Read an excerpt HERE!

One winner receives:

An S&S YA Historical Fiction prize pack that includes:

Wentworth Hall by Abby Grahame
This Dark Endeavor by Ken Oppel
Changeling by Philippa Greogory

Prizing courtesy of Simon & Schuster.

Contest open to US residents only. Ends May 15th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

YA-MG Historical Fiction Challenge Link-up & Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Tue, 22 May 2012 09:43:25 PDT

This is the place where you link up your reviews, so your fellow participants can read them and people can find one place with a bunch of YA/MG historical fiction reviews together. Please ONLY link your reviews posted in April, May and June. Also, you might win something for doing it! Please, join our new Goodreads group to discuss YA historical fiction books.

Since I wont be making a separate post to announce the winner, I'm asking for your Twitter handle so I can announce it there. If you don't have one, include your email. First giveaway is international and ends March 31st. **You MUST be a challenge participant to enter and THE ONLY way of entering is linking a YA/MG historical fiction review read and posted in 2012.

Prize will be:

Violins of Autumn by Amy McAuley (ARC)
The Girl is Trouble by Kathryn Miller Haines (ARC)

REVIEWS:

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YA Releases

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 06:13:51 PDT

This is a weekly post to spotlight some YA and MG books that will be releasing during this week.

**Disclaimer: Each image links to Amazon. If you purchase through the links, I receive a very small percentage. Thank you for supporting this blog!

The Invention of Hugo Cabret - Brian Selznick (Book + audiobook + film review)

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:38:15 PDT

Middle Grade
Pages: 533
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Release Date: January 30, 2007

Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo's undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo's dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery.

The book:
This was a new and overall different experience altogether. I wish I would have read this as a kid. It's a story told in pictures and words. Artful and atmospheric, it opens up the world of Cinema and it's history to young readers while exploring friendship in odd circumstances. The book is full of mystery that Hugo and Isabelle try to decipher together. The setting comes alive with the pictures in a very effective way that I believe important for the age range because they still don't have the mental snapshots of the past like we do. The book is very short, even though it's very thick, because things are well spread-out throughout and images are plentiful. The illustrations were marvelous.

The audio:
I don't think they could have done a better job in the audio version for this book. I was skeptical of how they would manage to make the reader understand the illustrations while listening, but instead, it comes with the images in a separate disc and the sound effects let you know when to look for them. Not many audiobooks include sound effects, but this one did and they made the story come alive even more. On top of that, the reader was excellent!

The film:
I originally picked up the book wanting to see the movie. I'm one of those who just HAS to read it before watching or else I wont want to. The film was absolutely breathtaking. The story and characters, the setting, and even the additional stuff they added in, were simply amazing. What with it being a Scorsese film, it was slow-paced at points, a bit over the two hours, but ultimately a gorgeous film. Again, because I am a history geek. the early film images won me over big time. The camera angles and shots, the Paris that came alive, and the editing, made it one of the best book adaptations I've seen. Highly recommended.

Book: Goodreads / Amazon

Audio: Amazon

Movie: Amazon

Cover Reveal!!

noreply@blogger.com (Sab H.) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:56:03 PDT

Lisa Schroeder, one of my all time favorite writers, just revealed THIS:

GORGEOUS.

Some of you might know that Lisa's other YA is all written in verse, but this is actually a chapter book! I couldn't be more excited about this one.

Read more about the book on Goodreads.

And then there's the one and only Hannah Moskowitz and THIS:

Which is just brilliant! See what the heart is made of? and the fish skin? Eeek. Another win!

Read more on Goodreads or Hannah's blog!