Literary Exploration

Review: The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid

2017-02-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid
Publication Date: November 1st, 2016
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Page Count: 416 pages
Format: Audiobook
Source: Audible
Genre: Science Fiction
Ages: 14+
Goodreads| Amazon| Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

A Diabolic is ruthless. A Diabolic is powerful. A Diabolic has a single task: Kill in order to protect the person you’ve been created for. Nothing else.

For Nemesis, that person is Sidonia, heir to the galactic Senate. The two grew up side by side, and there’s no one Nemesis wouldn’t kill to keep her safe. But when the power-mad Emperor summons Sidonia to the Imperial Court as a hostage, there is only one way for Nemesis to protect Sidonia.

She must become her.

Now one of the galaxy’s most dangerous weapons is masquerading in a world of corrupt politicians and two-faced Senators’ children, and Nemesis must find within herself the one thing she’s been told she doesn’t have—humanity. With the Empire beginning to fracture and rebellion looming, that could be the one thing that saves her and the Empire itself.

Okay, THIS BOOK! I have to admit, I wasn't super into the first third of this book, but once things started picking up I could not stop! I got REALLY into it! The beginning is kind of difficult to grasp (and that could definitely stem from listening to the audio version), but once I started understanding the core concepts and the cultural importance of everything, I really started enjoying everything.

Nemesis is a Diabolic. From what I gathered, that means she's a humanoid creature designed to essentially sacrifice herself for her bonded human counterpart. I'm not going to lie, every time they said "humanoid" all I could think of were the Orcs from Lord of the Rings. She's supposed to protect the human who "owns" her or her master. Nemesis's master is Sidonia, the daughter of an important governmental figure (a senator) who doesn't have much interest in the courtly life she's supposed to maintain. So, when Sidonia is meant to visit the court, they send Nemesis instead.

This is where things really started getting good. I was sort of bored with the whole origin story and tailoring of Nemesis, but once she was on her own I was OBSESSED. I LOVED Nemesis around all those crazy court people. She as fierce, strong, loyal, and watching her become her own person was just fascinating.

If you haven't picked up The Diabolic yet, I highly recommend it. Just get through the beginning bits and things will start to pick up, I swear! Great pick for anyone looking for an interesting sci fi read!

Review: Still Life with Tornado by A.S. King

2017-02-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

Still Life with Tornado by A.S. King
Publication Date: October 11th, 2016
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
Page Count: 295 pages
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library (Overdrive)
Genre: Magical Realism; Contemporary Fiction; Real Issues
Ages: 14+
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

“I am sixteen years old. I am a human being.”

Actually Sarah is several human beings. At once. And only one of them is sixteen. Her parents insist she’s a gifted artist with a bright future, but now she can’t draw a thing, not even her own hand. Meanwhile, there’s a ten-year-old Sarah with a filthy mouth, a bad sunburn, and a clear memory of the family vacation in Mexico that ruined everything. She’s a ray of sunshine compared to twenty-three-year-old Sarah, who has snazzy highlights and a bad attitude. And then there’s forty-year-old Sarah (makes good queso dip, doesn’t wear a bra, really wants sixteen-year-old Sarah to tell the truth about her art teacher). They’re all wandering Philadelphia—along with a homeless artist allegedly named Earl—and they’re all worried about Sarah’s future.

But Sarah’s future isn’t the problem. The present is where she might be having an existential crisis. Or maybe all those other Sarahs are trying to wake her up before she’s lost forever in the tornado of violence and denial that is her parents’ marriage.

“I am a human being. I am sixteen years old. That should be enough.”

Every couple of years a book comes along that really alters the way I view my own realities. Books like Hate List by Jennifer Brown and Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. Books that make you realize your own problems are trivial, that there are bigger things happening in the world. That some people have it much harder than you. That maybe you should stop and think before harshly passing judgment.

Still Life with Tornado is absolutely one of those books. It’s haunting, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking. It makes you take a step back and really think about all kinds of abuse and the effects it has on the abused, the abuser, and even the bystander or family members. This is a book that deserves a spot on every required reading list.

Teaser Tuesday - Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

2016-06-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Books And A Beat.

Three Dark Crowns
by Kendare Blake
Publication Date: September 20th, 2016
Publisher: HarperTeen
Page Count: 416 pages
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound
*This quote is from the ARC and finished copies may differ*

Fans of acclaimed author Kendare Blake’s Anna Dressed in Blood will devour her latest novel, a dark and inventive fantasy about three sisters who must fight to the death to become queen.

In every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose...it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins.

The last queen standing gets the crown.

My Teaser

A young queen stands barefoot on a wooden block with her arms outstretched. She has only her scant underclothes and the long, black hair that hangs down her back to fend off the drafts. Every ounce of strength in her slight frame is needed to keep her chin high and her shoulders square. - Kindle E-ARC location 78 of 4724

Page one and I'm already hooked! I can't wait to get into this one :) Plus, that cover is AMAZE!

Review: Glitter by Aprilynne Pike

2016-06-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Glitter
by Aprilynne Pike
Expected Publication Date: October 25th, 2016
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Page Count: 384 pages
Format: E-ARC
Source: Publisher via Netgalley
Genre: Science fiction, dystopian, romance, political intrigue
Ages: 14+
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Aprilynne Pike comes a truly original new novel—Breaking Bad meets Marie Antoinette in a near-future world where the residents of Versailles live like it’s the eighteenth century and an almost-queen turns to drug dealing to save her own life.

Outside the palace of Versailles, it’s modern day. Inside, the people dress, eat, and act like it’s the eighteenth century—with the added bonus of technology to make court life lavish, privileged, and frivolous. The palace has every indulgence, but for one pretty young thing, it’s about to become a very beautiful prison.
When Danica witnesses an act of murder by the young king, her mother makes a cruel power play . . . blackmailing the king into making Dani his queen. When she turns eighteen, Dani will marry the most ruthless and dangerous man of the court. She has six months to escape her terrifying destiny. Six months to raise enough money to disappear into the real world beyond the palace gates.
Her ticket out? Glitter. A drug so powerful that a tiny pinch mixed into a pot of rouge or lip gloss can make the wearer hopelessly addicted. Addicted to a drug Dani can sell for more money than she ever dreamed.
But in Versailles, secrets are impossible to keep. And the most dangerous secret—falling for a drug dealer outside the palace walls—is one risk she has to take.

Just, wow. This book. I have no words. I think I've been telling everyone I can find that they absolutely NEED to read Glitter as soon as it comes out. Honestly, if I had to wait for October to read it for the first time, know what I already know, I'd be pissed. Because this is not a book you want to wait for. I'm sorry for all of you.

Look, if you're not already hooked by my very convincing first paragraph, I get it. I'll have to do better. This book is set in the Palace of freakin Versaille. Yes, where Marie Antoinette lived. And because this is a futuristic, dystopian story, everyone has lenses and future tech that help them live in their historic castle. It's just such a weird and creative concept, I absolutely fell in love.

Danica is an interesting character. She didn't grow up with nobility, and only recently found a place in the palace. Because of this, she isn't as familiar with court ways as others and ends up finding herself in a very dangerous predicament. After witnessing the king murder a young girl, Danica's mother blackmails the king into agreeing to a marriage neither of them want, purely to propel her family further in the court. Danica is absolutely scarred from this experience and wears a corset which she tightens regularly to remind her that she is still alive. I found this whole concept fascinating and after tweeting Aprilynne Pike, she informed me that even to this day, some use corset training to deal with their anxiety - safely.

The king is an absolutely piece of garbage, which I'm sure you've already realized purely based on the fact that he KILLED A GIRL. Straight up MURDERED HER. Yeah, that guy sucks. Occasionally he would remind me of Henry VIII, but I'm not sure if that's because of the whole murder thing, or because he was power-hungry and a man whore. Probably all of the above.

Gossip Girl meets Cinder in this futuristic thriller. They throw the Breaking Bad reference in there, but I didn't see it. This is a phenomenal story and one that really stuck with me. Highly recommended!!

Waiting on Wednesday - Scythe by Neal Shusterman

2016-06-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine! It showcases books that we can't wait on to come out!

Scythe
by Neal Shusterman
Expected Publication Date: November 22nd, 2016
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Page Count: 448 pages
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

In a world where disease has been eliminated, the only way to die is to be randomly killed (“gleaned”) by professional reapers (“scythes”). Citra and Rowan are teenagers who have been selected to be scythe’s apprentices, and—despite wanting nothing to do with the vocation—they must learn the art of killing and come to understand the necessity of what they do.

Only one of them will be chosen as a scythe’s apprentice. And when it becomes clear that the winning apprentice’s first task will be to glean the loser, Citra and Rowan are pitted against one another in a fight for their lives.

Why I Can't Wait: Hi, new Neal Shusterman, kthnxbye.

Teaser Tuesday - And I Darken by Kiersten White

2016-06-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Books And A Beat.

And I Darken
by Kiersten White
Publication Date: October 4th, 2016
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Page Count: 496 pages
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound
*This quote is from the ARC and finished copies may differ*

NO ONE EXPECTS A PRINCESS TO BE BRUTAL.

And Lada Dragwlya likes it that way. Ever since she and her gentle younger brother, Radu, were wrenched from their homeland of Wallachia and abandoned by their father to be raised in the Ottoman courts, Lada has known that being ruthless is the key to survival. She and Radu are doomed to act as pawns in a vicious game, an unseen sword hovering over their every move. For the lineage that makes them special also makes them targets.

Lada despises the Ottomans and bides her time, planning her vengeance for the day when she can return to Wallachia and claim her birthright. Radu longs only for a place where he feels safe. And when they meet Mehmed, the defiant and lonely son of the sultan, who’s expected to rule a nation, Radu feels that he’s made a true friend—and Lada wonders if she’s finally found someone worthy of her passion.

But Mehmed is heir to the very empire that Lada has sworn to fight against—and that Radu now considers home. Together, Lada, Radu, and Mehmed form a toxic triangle that strains the bonds of love and loyalty to the breaking point.

My Teaser

Vlad Dracul's heavy brow descended like a storm when the doctor informed him that his wife had given birth to a girl. His other children - one from his first wife, now full grown, and even a bastard child from his mistress, born last year - had been boys. He had not though his seed weak enough to produce a girl. - Kindle E-ARC location 79 of 5428

Page one and I'm already hooked! I can't wait to get into this one :) Plus, that cover is AMAZE!

Waiting on Wednesday - Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

2016-06-08T13:07:00.002-07:00

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine! It showcases books that we can't wait on to come out!

Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows #2) by Leigh Bardugo
Expected Publication Date: September 27th, 2016
Publisher: Henry Holt & Co.
Page Count: 560 pages
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and left crippled by the kidnapping of a valuable team member, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of magic in the Grisha world.

Why I Can't Wait: LOL! Same reason everyone can't wait, I need to know what's going to happen next!!! Obviously Six of Crows was amazing and when they asked me to blurb the ARC I had NO problem saying YES GIVE ME NOW! I can't wait to get my hands on this one, it's going to be fantastic!!!!!

Teaser Tuesday - Aerie by Maria Dahvana Headley

2016-06-07T14:19:00.001-07:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Books And A Beat.

Aerie by Maria Dahvana Headley
Expected Publication Date: October 4th, 2016
Publisher: HarperCollins
Page Count: 320 pages
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound
*This quote is from the ARC and finished copies may differ*

Where is home when you were born in the stars?

Aza Ray is back on earth. Her boyfriend Jason is overjoyed. Her family is healed. She’s living a normal life, or as normal as it can be if you’ve spent the past year dying, waking up on a sky ship, and discovering that your song can change the world.

As in, not normal. Part of Aza still yearns for the clouds, no matter how much she loves the people on the ground.

When Jason’s paranoia over Aza’s safety causes him to make a terrible mistake, Aza finds herself a fugitive in Magonia, tasked with opposing her radical, bloodthirsty, recently-escaped mother, Zal Quel, and her singing partner Dai. She must travel to the edge of the world in search of a legendary weapon, The Flock, in a journey through fire and identity that will transform her forever.

In this stunning sequel to the critically acclaimed Magonia, one girl must make an impossible choice between two families, two homes—and two versions of herself.

My Teaser

My voice is like an instrument meant to play in an orchestra, but instead it's playing solo, a repertoire of songs no one's written yet. - Kindle E-ARC location 54 of 4092

Okay, so we all know I LOVED Magonia and when I saw Aerie I pretty much FLIPPED. I cannot WAIT to dive into this one and I'm almost excited for my upcoming flight so I can just binge read it :)

Review: Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee

2016-06-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee
Publication Date: May 24th, 2016
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Page Count: 400 pages
Format: E-Arc
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss
Genre: Historical fiction
Ages: 12+
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

San Francisco, 1906: Fifteen-year-old Mercy Wong is determined to break from the poverty in Chinatown, and an education at St. Clare’s School for Girls is her best hope. Although St. Clare’s is off-limits to all but the wealthiest white girls, Mercy gains admittance through a mix of cunning and a little bribery, only to discover that getting in was the easiest part. Not to be undone by a bunch of spoiled heiresses, Mercy stands strong—until disaster strikes.

On April 18, a historic earthquake rocks San Francisco, destroying Mercy’s home and school. With martial law in effect, she is forced to wait with her classmates for their families in a temporary park encampment. Though fires might rage, and the city may be in shambles, Mercy can’t sit by while they wait for the army to bring help—she still has the “bossy” cheeks that mark her as someone who gets things done. But what can one teenage girl do to heal so many suffering in her broken city?

Let me start by saying I LOVED Stacey’s first book. Under a Painted Sky was easily top 5 for me last year. It was the year of YA Westerns and Under a Painted Sky was easily the best. The prose is beautiful, the characters are real, and the story is utterly adventurous and fantastical. When I found out Stacey was coming out with another book I immediately jumped at the chance to get my hands on it. I managed to score a copy off of Edelweiss and let it sit for a bit. I know, I’m the worst. BUT, when I finally picked it up I knew Outrun the Moon would easily be one of my Top 10 if not Top 5 books of 2016. And it absolutely is.

Outrun the Moon stole my heart and ran away with it; to be punny, I couldn't outrun it's brilliance. Stacey took every bit of emotion I have and used it. I laughed, I cried, I felt pride for Mercy, and anger toward basically everyone who was insensitive to or prejudiced against her. I won’t lie, I enjoyed Under a Painted Sky more, but I feel that’s only because it was a YA Western and I have a serious obsession with those. However, Stacey did not disappoint with another historical book, with a Chinese-American main character who's one kickass girl. How can you say no to that???

Set in San Francisco, I recognized many of the landmarks and details that were mentioned. Living in the Bay Area, Chinatown - one of the main settings - is somewhere I’ve visited plenty of times, but it was wonderful hearing about the historical intricacies of a place I’ve always felt was more of a tourist location. I know, my ignorance is absolutely showing, but that’s what I’m saying. Stacey doesn’t just write to entertain; she writes to teach. She wants you to feel so connected to the story and the characters that as soon as you finish a page you’re on Google looking up the dates and locations and people and events she’s talking about. She wants you to experience the world she creates as if it were your own. And I absolutely love that.

I can sit here and tell you all the reasons why you should read Outrun the Moon; it's heartwarming, it's heart-wrenching, it's about friendship and family and connecting with the least likely of frenemies. But I really believe you need to experience this beautiful novel for yourself. Read it one hundred times over, it will bring such marvelous feelings to your life.

And don't forget I'm hosting a fabulous giveaway for a SIGNED COPY of Outrun the Moon by the amazingly talented Stacey Lee. Go enter here!

Review: The Great Hunt by Wendy Higgins

2016-06-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Great Hunt by Wendy Higgins
Publication Date: March 8th, 2016
Publisher: HarperTeen
Page Count: 416 pages
Format: ARC
Source: Borrowed from BookaliciousPam
Genre: Fantasy, fairy-tale retellings, romance
Ages: 14+
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

“Aerity…” Her father paused as if the words he was forming pained him. “I must ask you to sacrifice the promise of love for the sake of our kingdom.”

She could only stare back, frozen.

When a strange beast terrorizes the kingdom of Lochlanach, fear stirs revolt. In an act of desperation, a proclamation is sent to all of Eurona—kill the creature and win the ultimate prize: the daughter of King Lochson’s hand in marriage.

Princess Aerity knows her duty to the kingdom but cannot bear the idea of marrying a stranger…until a brooding local hunter, Paxton Seabolt, catches her attention. There’s no denying the unspoken lure between them…or his mysterious resentment.

Paxton is not the marrying type. Nor does he care much for spoiled royals and their arcane laws. He’s determined to keep his focus on the task at hand—ridding the kingdom of the beast—but the princess continues to surprise him, and the perilous secrets he’s buried begin to surface.

Inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ tale “The Singing Bone,” New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins delivers a dark fantasy filled with rugged hunters, romantic tension, and a princess willing to risk all to save her kingdom.

Wendy Higgins’ The Great Hunt is loosely based on the Grimm Brothers’ “The Singing Bone” a tale of two brothers who set off to kill a wild boar terrorizing the kingdom in hopes of winning the hand of the princess. There are some additional similarities, but this is where the main connection ends.

The Great Hunt focuses on Princess Aerity, the eldest daughter of King Charles, King of Lochlanach. In an attempt to free his kingdom from this enigmatic creature’s violent attacks, King Charles promises Aeirty’s hand in marriage to any man who can kill the beast. Now, you may think this isn’t that big of a deal, especially for a story based off a Grimm tale, but in Lochlanach, they strongly believe in marrying for love. Aerity is not thrilled about the idea of marrying a complete stranger, but she understands that this is what is best for her kingdom.

I absolutely loved Aerity. Wendy Higgins has this way of writing female characters that are complete badasses while still maintaining their femininity. Aerity is a princess, she’s not a fighter. She can definitely handle a bow and arrow, and she is fit and strong, but this isn’t the focus of her abilities. She’s smart and kind and seeks the good in people. I absolutely loved her. The witty banter she and Paxton share is hilarious and quick.

And Paxton. Gird your loins, ladies. He’s an absolute ass, but not an asshole. He’s somehow broken and he holds people at arm’s length. He wants to kill the beast for his family, not the princess. However, he’s also willing to look at people in different lights and he’s willing to accept when he may be wrong about someone.

The story itself is fabulous. Everything about Higgins’ world is magical and well-built. The magic that the Lashed Ones use can both help and harm and this plays a huge role in the character development. I think I’ve told everyone to read this book; whether you’re a fan of the Sweet Evil series or you’ve never heard of it before, this is a great place to jump into Wendy Higgins’ writing. The Great Hunt has a drastically different premise and one I think any fan of fantasy or fairy-tale retellings will enjoy. The characters and writing style still have the same feel of Sweet Evil making this story accessible to those who are already fans of Wendy Higgins. Overall, The Great Hunt was a delightful read from beginning to end and I had a hard time putting it down!

Waiting on Wednesday - Caraval by Stephanie Garber

2016-06-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine! It showcases books that we can't wait on to come out!

Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Expected Publication Date: January 10th, 2017
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Page Count: 416 pages
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Before you enter the world of Caraval, you must remember that it’s all a game . . .

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their ruthless father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the legendary, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

Then, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation to Caraval finally arrives. So, Tella enlists a mysterious sailor’s help to whisk Scarlett away to this year’s show. But as soon as the trio arrives, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nonetheless soon becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with her sister, with Legend, and with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.

Why I Can't Wait: So Stephanie is one of our amazing local authors in the Bay Area and she's also Stacey Lee's critique partner and she's also just adorable and sweet so OBVIOUSLY her book is going to rock :) Also, mysterious carnival books are always awesome.

Teaser Tuesday - Glitter by Aprilynne Pike

2016-05-31T14:35:00.001-07:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Books And A Beat.

Glitter by Aprilynne Pike
Expected Publication Date: October 25th, 2016
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Page Count: 384 pages
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound
*This quote is from the ARC and finished copies may differ*

Outside the palace of Versailles, it’s modern day. Inside, the people dress, eat, and act like it’s the eighteenth century—with the added bonus of technology to make court life lavish, privileged, and frivolous. The palace has every indulgence, but for one pretty young thing, it’s about to become a very beautiful prison.

When Danica witnesses an act of murder by the young king, her mother makes a cruel power play . . . blackmailing the king into making Dani his queen. When she turns eighteen, Dani will marry the most ruthless and dangerous man of the court. She has six months to escape her terrifying destiny. Six months to raise enough money to disappear into the real world beyond the palace gates.

Her ticket out? Glitter. A drug so powerful that a tiny pinch mixed into a pot of rouge or lip gloss can make the wearer hopelessly addicted. Addicted to a drug Dani can sell for more money than she ever dreamed.

But in Versailles, secrets are impossible to keep. And the most dangerous secret—falling for a drug dealer outside the palace walls—is one risk she has to take.

My Teaser

He takes his time, pulling his gloves off, then running a fingertip up my arm to the stripe of skin between my own glove and sleeve. The touch of his skin against mine makes me feel ill. "You're as tangled up in this as anyone," he whispers. "Conspiracy, aiding and abetting, tampering with evidence." - Kindle E-ARC location 418 of 4402

I am LOVING this one! I got it off of Netgalley and was initially drawn to it by the cover which is GORGEOUS! I love that girl's eye makeup. It kind of reminds me of Gossip Girl meets Cinder so far and I'm really digging it. I highly recommend this one so far! Although, I'm only 10% in, but still!

Giveaway! Win a Signed Copy of Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee or a Box of Books!

2016-05-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! It's been awhile since I've hosted a giveaway so I thought, "what's a better way to kick off my blogging reboot than hosting a super fun giveaway??" Really, there isn't one.

In case you didn't know, Stacey Lee, author of Under a Painted Sky and her newest novel Outrun the Moon is local to me which means when her new books come out, I get to help celebrate at her launch parties! When I was working for Books Inc., I actually had the amazing experience of hosting Stacey's debut launch party at one of our Bay Area locations. Stacey is one of the most talented and incredibly kind authors I've had the fortune of knowing and I absolutely want to spread the word about he newest book.

For this giveaway, one lucky winner will receive a signed copy of Stacey's newest novel, Outrun the Moon. And because I want to make sure others get a chance to enjoy the fun, I'll also be giving away a couple boxes of new, hardcovers! Yes, there will be 3 lucky winners! So join in the fun, follow along, and help me celebrate my return to blogging!

*Fill out the Rafflecopter form below!

* US ONLY(sorry, shipping all of this outside the US would be too much!)

* Must be 13 or older to enter

* Winner will have 48 hours to respond so please check your email!

* I am not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items

* Giveaway will run from May 30th to June 13th

* Prizes will be shipped UPS Ground within 1 month of the giveaway end date

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Throwback Reviews - Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs

2016-05-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

*This review was originally posted on Friday, September 30th, 2011*

Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs

Publication Date: September 6th, 2011
Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books
Page Count: 352 pages
Format: Hardcover
Source: Bought
Genre: Mythology, urban fantasy
Ages: 12+
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Grace just moved to San Francisco and is excited to start over at a new school. The change is full of fresh possibilities, but it’s also a tiny bit scary. It gets scarier when a minotaur walks in the door. And even more shocking when a girl who looks just like her shows up to fight the monster.

Gretchen is tired of monsters pulling her out into the wee hours, especially on a school night, but what can she do? Sending the minotaur back to his bleak home is just another notch on her combat belt. She never expected to run into this girl who could be her double, though.

Greer has her life pretty well put together, thank you very much. But that all tilts sideways when two girls who look eerily like her appear on her doorstep and claim they're triplets, supernatural descendants of some hideous creature from Greek myth, destined to spend their lives hunting monsters.

These three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful gorgon maligned by myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in this unique paranormal world where monsters lurk in plain sight.

Holy goalie! I haven't read any of Tera Lynn Childs' books yet, but now I want to go read them all! Sweet Venom was absolutely amazing! I had heard good things about it from fellow bloggers so when it came in the mail, I started it right away! I have to say, Sweet Venom greatly exceeded all my expectations, and my expectations were REALLY high!
I was a little worried when I heard it was going to be written from 3 different POVs, but Childs really pulled it off. First we're introduced to Gretchen who is the kick-ass monster killer triplet, next is Grace the sweet soft-spoken triplet, and finally about 2/3 of the way through the book we meet Greer, the stuck up snooty triplet. I absolutely loved Gretchen's powerful attitude and her confident nature, and I loved how she was so into monster hunting. She's basically the complete opposite from Grace who is really quiet and timid, and can barely stand up for herself. It was great to see how Grace changes after meeting Gretchen and learning about her heritage. She really seems to find herself. Gretchen also tends to soften around Grace which is nice. Greer is okay, we don't see much of her in this book so I'm hoping to learn more about her in the next one.
The writing is spectacular, I could always tell which POV I was reading from whether I read the name on the chapters or not. Childs really nailed each character's voice, and each one was different from the other. Their tone, wording, sentence structure, everything was different. I especially really liked Greer's voice, she had this formal rich thought process that demonstrated her personality really well. Her voice was completely different from the others.
There isn't a lot of romance, so if that's a deal breaker then you might not like this one. There are some love interests, but they're not super focused on. I can tell that later in the series that something is going to happen between the couples, but for now there's just some slight attraction. Usually lack of romance can be a deal breaker for me, but I didn't think it really fit in with the story, but there was just enough to keep me interested in what was going to happen next.
Overall I absolutely LOVED this book! I recommend it for anyone who likes books written from multiple perspectives, books about mythology, and books about kick-ass chicks! If you don't already have this one, go pick it up right now!

Waiting on Wednesday - Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst

2016-05-25T10:47:00.001-07:00

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine! It showcases books that we can't wait on to come out!

Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst
Expected Publication Date: November 22nd, 2016
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Page Count: 400 pages
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Betrothed since childhood to the prince of Mynaria, Princess Dennaleia has always known what her future holds. Her marriage will seal the alliance between Mynaria and her homeland, protecting her people from other hostile lands. But Denna has a secret. She possesses an Affinity for fire—a dangerous gift for the future queen of a kingdom where magic is forbidden.

Now, Denna must learn the ways of her new home while trying to hide her growing magic. To make matters worse, she must learn to ride Mynaria’s formidable warhorses before her coronation—and her teacher is the person who intimidates her most, the prickly and unconventional Princess Amaranthine (called Mare), sister of her betrothed.

When a shocking assassination leaves the kingdom reeling, Mare and Denna reluctantly join forces to search for the culprit. As the two work together, each discovers there’s more to the other than she thought. Mare is surprised by Denna’s intelligence and bravery, while Denna is drawn to Mare’s independent streak. Soon their friendship is threatening to blossom into something more.

But with dangerous conflict brewing that makes the alliance more important than ever, acting on their feelings could be deadly. Forced to choose between their duty and their hearts, Mare and Denna must find a way to save their kingdoms—and each other.

Why I Can't Wait: I think the real question is why can't you wait?! Seriously, this book sounds AMAZING! Female love interests, princesses, magic, warhorses?? All of this sounds like Audrey Coulthurst climbed into my head and wrote the book of my dreams. I don't want to wait until November!

Teaser Tuesday - Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee

2016-05-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Books And A Beat.

Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee
Expected Publication Date: May 24th, 2016
Publisher: Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Page Count: 400 pages
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound
*This quote is from the ARC and finished copies may differ*

San Francisco, 1906: Fifteen-year-old Mercy Wong is determined to break from the poverty in Chinatown, and an education at St. Clare’s School for Girls is her best hope. Although St. Clare’s is off-limits to all but the wealthiest white girls, Mercy gains admittance through a mix of cunning and a little bribery, only to discover that getting in was the easiest part. Not to be undone by a bunch of spoiled heiresses, Mercy stands strong—until disaster strikes.

On April 18, an historic earthquake rocks San Francisco, destroying Mercy’s home and school. With martial law in effect, she is forced to wait with her classmates for their families in a temporary park encampment. Mercy can't sit by while they wait for the Army to bring help. Fires might rage, and the city may be in shambles, yet Mercy still has the 'bossy' cheeks that mark her as someone who gets things done. But what can one teenaged girl do to heal so many suffering in her broken city?

My Teaser

"The sun strokes a finger across my cheek. I slept poorly, not just on account of the creaking but because the bed felt too wide open, like I was sleeping on the Siberian peninsula. Plus, I've never spent a night apart from my family, and it turns out I miss them terribly, even in my sleep." - 22%

If you haven't already read Stacey's first book, Under a Painted Sky I highly recommend it. Stacey has a fantastic way with words and her historical fiction is just perfect. I'm almost done with her second book and it's just as fantastic! Plus, she's local and one of my favorite people <3

YA Review: The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury

2016-05-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Forbidden Wish by Jessica Khoury

Publication Date: February 23rd, 2016
Publisher: Razorbill
Page Count: 352 pages
Format: ARC
Source: Borrowed from Bookalicious
Genre: Fairy-tale retelling, fantasy
Ages: 14+
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

She is the most powerful Jinni of all. He is a boy from the streets. Their love will shake the world...

When Aladdin discovers Zahra’s jinni lamp, Zahra is thrust back into a world she hasn’t seen in hundreds of years—a world where magic is forbidden and Zahra’s very existence is illegal. She must disguise herself to stay alive, using ancient shape-shifting magic, until her new master has selected his three wishes.

But when the King of the Jinn offers Zahra a chance to be free of her lamp forever, she seizes the opportunity—only to discover she is falling in love with Aladdin. When saving herself means betraying him, Zahra must decide once and for all: is winning her freedom worth losing her heart?

As time unravels and her enemies close in, Zahra finds herself suspended between danger and desire in this dazzling retelling of the Aladdin story from acclaimed author Jessica Khoury.

Let me start by saying I've been absolutely OBSESSED with Aladdin and 1001 Nights re-tellings lately, so THE FORBIDDEN WISH caught my eye immediately. It's a great spin on the story of Aladdin, whether you're familiar with the original tale, or the Disney version, you'll see a lot of similarities and recognize many of the plot points.

My favorite part of Khoury's version has to be that the jinni is a woman. A kick-ass-punch-you-in-the-throat-turn-into-a-snake-and-bite-you woman. Zahra as she's named is THE BEST. Seriously, she takes shit from no one and despite being slave to the lamp has he fair share of fun with some of the wishes commanded of her. While she is technically incapable of going against her master, she knows how to manipulate wishes to her own advantage and has no shame in admitting it.

There are other amazing women in this story too - Caspida, is a hero in her own right. She's bold, fierce, and incredibly intelligent. Part of me would really love to read a short story, or novella, purely about Zahra and Caspida going on some kind of insane adventure together while leaving Aladdin at home to tend to whatever it is he has going on now.

Needless to say, I highly recommend THE FORBIDDEN WISH for anyone who enjoys fantasy, fairy-tales, strong women, and a bit of romance. A great read, I just wish there were more!

Oh how long it's been.....

2016-05-18T12:56:00.001-07:00

When it's been so freakin long since you've posted anything that you just start writing to see what ends up coming out.

Currently reading:
* Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee - Totally loving it, Stacey is a master wordsmith and story-teller and I'll read just about anything she comes up with. She's also an amazing person and such a sweetheart so that definitely helps. Outrun the Moon is different (but also similar) to Under a Painted Sky, but I think I like UaPS better because it's a western and I'm a sucker for westerns.

* The Great Hunt by Wendy Higgins - Amazing. I'm enthralled by this one. I loved her other series and this one is just as fantastic. The thing I like about Wendy's writing is how she manages to create strong, female characters who aren't badasses because they carry bows and arrows, but because they're intelligent and cunning and strong-willed. These are my kinds of women. Not that bows and arrows aren't kickass, but I can't relate to that. I would kill myself with a bow and arrow.

So I'm winging it for now. Stick with me kids. Let me know what's going on with your bad selves and let's catch up!

Blog Tour Review: Brazen by Katherine Longshore

2014-06-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

*My post was originally supposed to go up on June 2nd, but due to a family emergency I was unable to reach a computer until now. So sorry for the inconveniences this may have caused! *

Brazen by Katherine Longshore
Expected Publication Date: June 12th, 2014
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Page Count: 528 pages
Format: ARC
Genre: Historical fiction
Ages: 14+
Books Inc.

Mary Howard has always lived in the shadow of her powerful family. But when she’s married off to Henry Fitzroy, King Henry VIII’s illegitimate son, she rockets into the Tudor court’s inner circle. Mary and “Fitz” join a tight clique of rebels who test the boundaries of court’s strict rules with their games, dares, and flirtations. The more Mary gets to know Fitz, the harder she falls for him, but is forbidden from seeing him alone. The rules of court were made to be pushed…but pushing them too far means certain death. Is true love worth dying for?

About Katherine:
Katherine Longshore grew up on the northern California coast. At university, she created her own major in Cross-Cultural Studies and Communications, planning to travel and write. Forever. Four years, six continents and countless pairs of shoes later, she went to England for two weeks, stayed five years and discovered history. She now lives in California with her husband, two children and a sun-worshiping dog. Where you can find Ketherine

Website/Blog/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads

I think everyone already knows how much I love Katy's books so when Brazen showed up in my mail I seriously freaked out. Everyone at my work looked at me like I was crazy, and when it comes to Tudor fiction I usually am. Anyway, despite the fact that I knew how this book would end, I loved every minute of it and my heart melted into a million pieces. Brazen is the kind of book that will keep you awake reading until it's done and have you talking and researching for months after. In fact, I immediately pulled out every nonfiction book I own about the Tudors and scoured their pages for more information. I'm hooked and deeply crushed that it's over.

Mary Howard, wed to Henry VIII's bastard son, Henry Fitzroy, at the young age of 14 has a sad story to tell. Her life was incredibly hard. As daughter to Thomas Howard, the man who put Anne Boleyn on the throne and a notoriously rough and power-hungry man, she was constantly manipulated to serve her family. Also forbidden to maintain a romantic relationship with her husband, Mary watched him from afar, unable to know him in any real context. Katherine Longshore brings the world of these characters to life, making them identifiable in ways that one can only relate to the relationship you have with a best friend. When Mary found love, I fell in love alongside her; when she cried, I cried with her; and when she laughed, I also found the situation funny.

Katherine Longshore's ability to educate and entertain is something I'll forever love about her. Brazen is just another novel on a short list of books that capture my heart and my mind. If you're as big a fan of historical fiction as I am, then I highly recommend her books. I read all 500 pages in almost one sitting and I felt like no time had passed. Romance, frendship, and political intrigue all intertwine to create one of the best books I've ever read. Passing on Brazen will be one of the biggest mistakes you make in reading this year. Read it. Now.

Giveaway:

1 winner will receive all 3 books signed International.

2 winners will receive signed copies of Brazen US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the rest of the tour:

Week One:

6/2/2014- The Anne Boleyn Files- Guest Post

6/3/2014- Romantic Reads and Such- Interview

6/4/2014- Page Turners- Review

6/5/2014- Magical Urban Fantasy Reads- Guest Post

6/6/2014 (Updated) - Literary Exploration - Review

6/6/2014- Parajunkee's View- Interview

Week Two:

6/9/2014- Gone With The Words- Review

6/10/2014- Tales of the Ravenous Reader- Interview

6/11/2014- Bewitched Bookworms- Guest Post and Review

6/12/2014- Two Chicks on Books- Guest Post

6/13/2014- Mundie Moms- Review

6/13/2014- Fiktshun- Interview

Happy Reading!

2014-04-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

Hello, all of Miss Anna's awesome fans! I'd like to introduce myself! Most know me as Colleen, though some know me as The Stealthy Kitchen Mama (which is another long, very yummy story, involving indulgent midnight baking adventures and nearly everything chocolate.) Anna & I are bookseller friends through the same Indie Bookstore. 17 years ago (geez, do I feel old), I was re-introduced into the soul devouring world of Children's Literature through a now little known bookstore chain, Crown Books, which not only sparked an insatiable hunger for all things Children's Literature, as a 17 year old bookseller, but was also my very first job! A first job that's lasted 17 years, thus far! An obsession for fantasy, mystery and historical fiction that landed me smack dab into the same bookseller circle as Miss Anna! Who is seriously one of the most informative, passionate and quirky (because all hard core booksellers are just a wee bit quirky, right? Right!) ladies I've ever encountered! Needless to say, after surrounding ourselves with towering stacks of lovely new ARCs, and with far too much coffee coursing through our veins, we became fast book friends! Which led to this! An invitation to become her co-blogger! Here, with you! Which makes my day, every day. So if you're like me, and utterly consumed by YA fantasy, mystery and some historical fiction (though occasionally a Middle Reader title, or two, as well) then I have a sneaky suspicion that you & I will get along just fine =) So stay tuned! I might be throwing a review, or two, at you, very soon! Happy Reading, friends!

Cheers!
Colleen

YA Review: Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas

2014-02-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas
Publication Date: September 17th, 2013
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Page Count: 464 pages
Format: Finished Copy
Source: NCIBA Conference
Genre: Fantasy
Ages: 14+
Purchase

It all began with a ruined elixir and an accidental bolt of lightning…

Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she's being told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of The Realm. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the greatest mage tyrant the world has ever known. A suicide task for anyone let alone a sixteen-year-old girl with no training, facing a prophecy that foretells a fiery clash to the death.

Prince Titus of Elberon has sworn to protect Iolanthe at all costs but he's also a powerful mage committed to obliterating the Bane to avenge the death of his family—even if he must sacrifice both Iolanthe and himself to achieve his goal.

But Titus makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the Bane closing in, he must choose between his mission and her life.

After hearing everyone rave about Burning Sky and how amazing it is I knew it would be a great book club pick and I was not wrong at all. High fantasy is incredibly rare in YA these days and I'm always looking for a mystical, magical world to sink myself into so Burning Sky became a must read. Let me just tell you, if you're looking for a world like Hogwarts or Narnia but for teens, than this is the book for you. Burning Sky is a mixture of high fantasy thriller and magical realism that will keep you guessing until the last page. I'm so thrilled that this is going to be a trilogy because I still have so many questions!

Iolanthe is supposedly the greatest mage of her generation and everyone wants something from her. The enigmatic and standoffish Prince wants her love, the Bane wants her power, but Iolanthe just wants to be free. Iolanthe is a great character. She's still naive enough to make poor choices, but strong enough to stand on her own when she needs to. There are also a lot of secondary characters that I just loved and I really hope that they come back in the next novels.

If you're looking for an exciting and fast-paced fantasy story this is one for you. I know this book has been getting a lot of hype but it's for a good reason. My entire YA book club loved it and agreed that it's a great edition to the YA genre. I can't wait to see what else Sherry Thomas comes up with and I need more Prince Titus in my life! If you've been on the fence about reading this one than definitely sway toward READING IT NOW! I promise, you won't be disappointed! Burning Sky is great for fans of Graceling, Harry Potter, and Tamora Pierce!

Upcoming NYMBC Events in the Bay Area!

2014-02-06T11:11:00.000-08:00

The Bay Area has tons of great young adult events happening all the time! Check out what's coming up and mark your calendars for the awesome!!

Discussion Post - Do you reread books over and over again?

2014-02-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

Rereading Books: Why I rarely do it, but probably should.

Why I rarely reread books.
I don't have the time. Seriously, finding the time to read a book once is hard enough and finding time to read that same book again is just impossible. As much as I love some books and genuinely want to reread them, it's hard to make an argument for it. I mean, I already know how the story is going to end, and I could spend that 5 hours it will take me to reread it to read something completely new.

I guess, some of the reasoning also has to do with work and blogging. When you work as a children's specialist, people expect you to be up-to-date on the newest and best books for kids. However, they also expect you to recommend classic books that their kids may not have read yet. For example, The Phantom Tollbooth or Secret of Platform 13, which are two books I read as a kid and loved. Do I remember anything about Secret of Platform 13? Not at all. I remember I loved it, but I have no idea what it's about anymore. It's hard to recommend a book that you don't remember the plot for. I find myself regularly thinking, "I should go back and reread that book..." and then never get around to it.

I think the biggest reason I don't reread books is because I just can't commit myself to the time it will take to read something old when I have over 300 books that need to be read for the first time on my shelves. I feel like I'm missing out on the opportunity to discover a whole new world by revisiting an old one. Also, a lot of what I read is so heavily dictated by blogging and work that I feel like by rereading something I'm missing out on the opportunity to review something new that people may not have heard of yet. I know it's kind of a ridiculous notion, and something I'm really trying to get away from this year, but still. Blogging and work will constantly be in the background of my reading choices.

Why should I even reread books?
Like I said earlier, there are a lot of books that I read when I was younger and I want to recommend them to kids now, but for the life of me I can't remember what they're about. Most of my memories come from watching the movie, if it came out later. Like Holes? I read Holes when I was in like, second grade, but what I remember the most is what happened in the (seriously awesome and hilarious) movie. I should probably reread Holes, mostly for content.

As a bookseller, it's important that I don't recommend books to kids that might be inappropriate for them. When parents ask about content, I need to know what the worst part of the book might be for specific kids. Kids who get scared easily aren't going to like Harry Potter or Wildwood. They get dark, people die, there is blood. These are things that sensitive kids won't be able to deal with. Which is fine. But, it's necessary for me to know how dark the content may get so that I don't recommend those books to kids who won't be able to handle it.

Also, sometimes I know a book will be great for someone, but my ability to talk it up is compromised when I can't remember what it's about. I have to say more than, "Yeah it's awesome! There are fairies or something like that!" Would you read that book? Probably not. I have to at least remember the basic premise. Also sex. I need to know if there's some crazy sex scene in it. I don't want to give a book to a 12 year old's grandma that has an intense sex scene in it. Usually working with kids is easier because I can ask them what they've read and how they felt about it and I can judge their interests and maturity levels better. But still. I need to know these things.

Which books do I actually reread?
There are very few books I've reread in my life, but some of them include: The Great Gatsby, which I read every summer just to remind myself why I love it so much; Chronicles of Narnia, which I also read every summer, all of them; Harry Potter, which I try to read every couple of years, but it usually takes me awhile.

Okay that's it. I've reread some books, mostly for school, but I don't revisit them regularly.

*****

So which books, if any, do you reread? Are you a repeat reader?

YA Review - More Than This by Patrick Ness

2014-01-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

More Than This by Patrick Ness
Publication Date: September 10th, 2013
Publisher: Candlewick
Page Count: 480 pages
Format: ARC
Source: NCIBA 2013
Genre: Science Fiction?
Ages: 14+
Buy It

From two-time Carnegie Medal winner Patrick Ness comes an enthralling and provocative new novel chronicling the life — or perhaps afterlife — of a teen trapped in a crumbling, abandoned world.

A boy named Seth drowns, desperate and alone in his final moments, losing his life as the pounding sea claims him. But then he wakes. He is naked, thirsty, starving. But alive. How is that possible? He remembers dying, his bones breaking, his skull dashed upon the rocks. So how is he here? And where is this place? It looks like the suburban English town where he lived as a child, before an unthinkable tragedy happened and his family moved to America. But the neighborhood around his old house is overgrown, covered in dust, and completely abandoned. What’s going on? And why is it that whenever he closes his eyes, he falls prey to vivid, agonizing memories that seem more real than the world around him? Seth begins a search for answers, hoping that he might not be alone, that this might not be the hell he fears it to be, that there might be more than just this. . . .

Let me start off by saying, I love Patrick Ness. I really do. A Monster Calls is one of my all-time favorite books. But, More Than This really just felt like a throw away novel to me. At over 500 pages with more than 20-something unfinished plot lines, More Than This is just a bogged down mess of nonsense. Don't get me wrong, the writing style maintains the same lyrical and mesmerizing lilt that Ness's other books carry, but the story is just a confusing and slow-moving science fiction wannabe. I honestly finished this book and thought, "But wait, there has to be MORE THAN THIS." Even now I still don't understand what I read.

The story starts off with an intriguing prologue, where Seth is dead and he wakes up in what can only be his own personal hell. Right? Sure looks that way to me. But is it? I still don't know. 500 pages later and I know less than I did when I began. I can't tell if Patrick Ness began this book as an attempt to write a hard science fiction novel, or a philosophical look at the afterlife, or maybe an example of the struggles that teens can face, or maybe even an idea of where our overly techie world is headed. Seriously, I have no idea. No questions were answered, but more questions were definitely raised. I will admit that after 300 pages I skipped to the end. I couldn't take the waiting anymore. It felt like nothing was ever going to happen. I did talk with a friend about what happened in between and together we were still confused. Are there some positives? Sure. The writing is great. Okay that's it. The characters are poorly developed, there are over 20 plot lines that are never finished and just fall off the face of the planet, and there are probably 200 pages too many. Patrick Ness, what are you doing to me?

Would I recommend this book to anyone? No, probably not. Instead pick up, A Monster Calls or Knife of Never Letting Go and "call" this one a throw away because you can't "let go" of the confusion you feel after reading it. Seriously, there has to be MORE THAN THIS. Ha. You see what I did there? That's why he chose the title.

Waiting on Wednesday - Brazen by Katherine Longshore

2014-01-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

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

Brazen by Katherine Longshore
Expected Publication Date: June 12th, 2014
Publisher: Viking Children's Books
Page Count: 528 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Ages: 14+
Buy Now

Mary Howard has always lived in the shadow of her powerful family. But when she’s married off to Henry Fitzroy, King Henry VIII’s illegitimate son, she rockets into the Tudor court’s inner circle. Mary and “Fitz” join a tight clique of rebels who test the boundaries of court’s strict rules with their games, dares, and flirtations. The more Mary gets to know Fitz, the harder she falls for him, but is forbidden from seeing him alone. The rules of court were made to be pushed…but pushing them too far means certain death. Is true love worth dying for?

Why I Can't Wait: I absolutely adore Katherine's books. If you've followed me for awhile you know how much I love her books. Tudor era fiction is my favorite, FAVORITE, and I've been looking forward to Brazen for a long time now. In fact, I'll let you in on a little secret. I've already read it. Yeah and it's amazing. SO BE PREPARED FOR SOME AWESOMENESS.