Recovering Potter Addict

Waiting On Wednesday: Simon & Schuster Summer 2012 Catalog

2012-05-22T22:00:00.000-06:00

The Unnaturalists
Date: August 14, 2012

In an alternate London where magical creatures are preserved in a museum, two teens find themselves caught in a web of intrigue, deception, and danger.
Vespa Nyx wants nothing more than to spend the rest of her life cataloging Unnatural creatures in her father’s museum, but as she gets older, the requirement to become a lady and find a husband is looming large. Syrus Reed’s Tinker family has always served and revered the Unnaturals from afar, but when his family is captured to be refinery slaves, he finds that his fate may be bound up with Vespa’s—and with the Unnaturals.
As the danger grows, Vespa and Syrus find themselves in a tightening web of deception and intrigue. At stake may be the fate of New London—and the world.

Steampunk is one of those genres that gets books automatically on to my TBR. I find that I just love the concept of steampunk so much that it often translates into a good, entertaining read and I expect The Unnaturalists will be no exception.

The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls by Claire Legrand
Date: August 28, 2012

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Victoria hates nonsense. There is no need for it when your life is perfect. The only smudge on her pristine life is her best friend Lawrence. He is a disaster—lazy and dreamy, shirt always untucked, obsessed with his silly piano. Victoria often wonders why she ever bothered being his friend. (Lawrence does, too.)
But then Lawrence goes missing. And he’s not the only one. Victoria soon discovers that Mrs. Cavendish’s children’s home is not what it appears to be. Kids go in but come out . . . different, or they don’t come out at all.
If anyone can sort this out, it’s Victoria, even if it means getting a little messy.

The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls sounds exactly like the kind of middle grade reads that I love: whimsical and fantastical, with a cute title and a good mystery. I am very excited for this one!

Vessel by Sarah Beth Durst
Date: September 11, 2012

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In a desert land where serpents made of unbreakable glass fly through the sky and wolves made of only sand hunt within storms, Liyana is destined to be a vessel, to sacrifice herself so that her clan’s goddess can inhabit her body... but her goddess never comes.

The synopsis for Vessel is - at the moment, anyway - quite short and cryptic, but that doesn't mean it isn't one of the most intriguing blurbs I've ever read for a book. Flying glass serpents and wolves made out of sand? Vessel is High Fantasy at its utmost.

Burn For Burn by Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian
Date: September 18, 2012

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BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY...
THEY GET EVEN.
Lillia has never had any problems dealing with boys who like her. Not until this summer, when one went too far. No way will she let the same thing happen to her little sister.
Kat is tired of the rumours, the insults, the cruel jokes. It all goes back to one person– her ex-best friend– and she's ready to make her pay.
Four years ago, May left Jar Island because of a boy. But she's not the same girl anymore. And she's ready to prove it to him.
Three very different girls who want the same thing: sweet, sweet revenge. And they won't stop until they each had a taste.

Okay, so I'm not always such a fan of these catty, mean girl novels, but I have to say that Burn For Burn sounds like it would be quite engrossing. Plus, I always hear great things about Jenny Han's Summer Trilogy.

How about you? Are you waiting on any of these Simon & Schuster Summer 2012 reads? Are there any upcoming books from the Simon & Schuster Summer 2012 Catalog that I didn't include here that you feel I should add to my list?

Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

2012-05-20T22:00:00.000-06:00

Publisher: Penguin/Dutton

Published: September 29, 2011

Pages: 338

Source: Bought

Rating: 5 STARS

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighbourhood.
When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

In short: Like Anna and the French Kiss, Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins is a fun contemporary with memorable characters and dialogue.

I feel like I could copy and paste my review for Anna and the French Kiss here, change a few character names, and it would work just as well for my review of Lola and the Boy Next Door. Unique, memorable, and loveable characters and fun and meaningful writing and dialogue characterize both Anna and Lola. Several story elements were also similar between the two. But instead of it bothering me that Stephanie Perkins didn't try to do anything too different with Lola, I welcomed the familiar tone, eager to get back into the plots and characters she has crafted.

It's an altogether strange feeling for me, this wanting to escape back to a non-magical, non-supernatural contemporary world. What happened to my exclusive love for bleak, well developed dystopian worlds or whimsical, fantastical ones? Well, I may be a bit dystopian and fantas-ied out. It was such a refreshing change to read about the everyday problems of life and relationships. And just because it's contemporary doesn't mean the problems faced by the characters are any less interesting than those faced by characters in dystopians or fantasies. I was completed hooked and interested in the plot and the characters from page 1.

Though I was able to relate more to Anna personally, that does not mean I liked Lola any less as a character. I loved her quirkyness, her bravery to be herself, and her growth from a relatively immature and somewhat selfish girl to a grownup. And don't ask me to choose between St. Clair and Cricket. But I will say that Cricket, in all his nerdy sweetness, is pretty much my ideal book guy. This all being said, I wouldn't say Lola and Cricket's personalities - or anyone else's in Lola, for that matter - are particularly realistic. Stephanie's characters tend to be a bit on the cartoonish side - all with slightly exaggerated character traits and passions - but for me, it works because I have a lot of fun reading about them.

(Side note: What is it about characters with four letter names beginning with L who have a propensity for bold, unapologetic strangeness? In addition to Lola, I'm thinking of course of Luna from Harry Potter and Lily from Dash and Lily's Book of Dares.)

The take home message that I got from reading Lola and the Boy Next Door is that I need to start reading more contemporaries. I know I always say that, but somehow I still never actually carry it through, even though I always enjoy the contemporaries that I do read. It's time now though. I crave more variety in my reading. And I always appreciate recommendations!

Previously, my review of Anna and the French Kiss

Other Reviews:
The Bucket List
Hughes Reviews
Stalking the Bookshelves

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Review: The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

2012-05-17T00:00:00.000-06:00

Publisher: Scholastic

Published: March 2007

Pages: 534

Source: Bought

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Caldecott Honor artist Brian Selznick's has 284 pencil drawings and actual photos (an old train engine falling from upper story to street below, Harold Lloyd in "Safety Lost", film stills) basing his story on facts. Automatons who could draw pictures, write poems, and sign the maker's name Maillardet, really existed, neglected in a museum. George Méliès, 1861 magician turned film-maker, son of shoemaker-magnate, built his own camera Kinétographe, and was rediscovered in 1926 working at his Gare Montparness railroad station toy kiosk. Fiction: orphan clock-winder 1931 Paris lad Hugo steals to eat and repair robot from father's notebook, until he meets Méliès' pretty god-daughter Isabelle accompanied by helpful film student Etienne. An unusual blend of graphic novel and history lesson results.

I was very curious about The Invention of Hugo Cabret when I first saw the trailer for the movie adaptation, Hugo, a few months ago. Though I was at first intimidated when I saw it in the bookstore due to its thickness and weight, I quickly realized that The Invention of Hugo Cabret is made up of mostly illustrations and its heaviness is due to the heftier paper used. It's these elements that make The Invention of Hugo Cabret truly a masterpiece in presentation.

It's the gorgeous illustrations by Brian Selznick that truly made The Invention of Hugo Cabret - every page was a treat to turn, every illustration perfectly plotted and drawn. I loved how the illustrations were laid out in a sort of flip book or storyboard series that seemed to mimic an old movie, lending itself perfectly to the theme of the book. I guess it doesn't technically count as reading, but it was a pleasure to follow along image by image. And to be honest, the writing was nice but not particularly special in any way - though perhaps that's because it is aimed toward a young age group.

Despite the average writing, I do still recommend reading The Invention of Hugo Cabret based on the wonderful illustrations alone. And it's a quick read! And I also highly recommend the movie adaptation, Hugo, which I actually liked more.

Other Reviews:
Alison Can Read
ComaCalm's Corner
YA Book Reads

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Stacking The Shelves (1)

2012-05-13T14:00:00.000-06:00

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews to showcase any books that I have received for review, bought, borrowed, or won to read.

I'm finally back to blogging after being without internet for a few weeks after I moved. I haven't yet conquered Google Reader (it's a little scary at the moment), but I plan on working at it this Sunday, catching up on my subscriptions, and commenting on posts that I have missed while I was away. It's nice to be back!

For Review

Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer (Thanks to Simon & Schuster)

Changeling by Philippa Gregory (Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada)

Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier (Thanks to Random House and NetGalley)

Big thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada for Between the Lines and Changeling, both from traditionally adult authors having a go at YA - I'm interested to see how they turn out. I have been meaning to read something by Juliet Marillier for a long while so I'm excited to read Shadowfell.

Bought

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Red Glove by Holly Black

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

I am absolutely dying to start Insurgent, but I need to finish my current read first. Red Glove is the last book I needed to buy to complete my Curse Worker Trilogy collection so I am pleased to have it. And I definitely needed to own Grave Mercy after reading it from NetGalley - now I can force it into other people's hands to get them to read it too!

Waiting On Wednesday: Random House Summer 2012 Catalog

2012-04-24T22:00:00.000-06:00

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Date: July 10, 2012

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Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.
Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.
In her exquisitely written fantasy debut, Rachel Hartman creates a rich, complex, and utterly original world. Seraphina's tortuous journey to self-acceptance is one readers will remember long after they've turned the final page.

Dragons! Wait - how are they able to "[fold] themselves into human shape" and "attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers"?! That sounds hella weird. And it is for that reason that I am curious about Seraphina.

Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier
Date: September 11, 2011

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Its name is spoken only in whispers, if the people of Alban dare to speak it at all: Shadowfell. The training ground for rebels seeking to free their land from the grip of the tyrannical king is so shrouded in mystery that most believe it to be a myth.
But for Neryn, Shadowfell's existence is her only hope. She is penniless, orphaned, and utterly alone - and concealing a treacherous magical power that will warrant her immediate enslavement should it be revealed. She finds hope of allies in the Good Folk, fey beings whom she must pretend she cannot see and who taunt her with chatter of prophecies and tests, and in a striking, mysterious stranger, who saves her from certain death but whose motives remain unclear. She knows she should not trust anyone with her plans, but something within her longs to confide in him.
Will Neryn be forced to make the dangerous journey alone? She must reach Shadowfell, not only to avenge her family and salvage her own life, but to rescue Alban itself.

This Juliet Marillier person seems to be a favourite author among many people - so maybe it's time I read one of her books! Shadowfell has a ton of things going for it: magic, prophecies, a mysterious stranger, and a dangerous journey. Time to get excited now!

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan
Date: September 11, 2012

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Kami Glass loves someone she’s never met . . . a boy she’s talked to in her head ever since she was born. She wasn’t silent about her imaginary friend during her childhood, and is thus a bit of an outsider in her sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale. Still, Kami hasn’t suffered too much from not fitting in. She has a best friend, runs the school newspaper, and is only occasionally caught talking to herself. Her life is in order, just the way she likes it, despite the voice in her head.
But all that changes when the Lynburns return.
The Lynburn family has owned the spectacular and sinister manor that overlooks Sorry-in-the-Vale for centuries. The mysterious twin sisters who abandoned their ancestral home a generation ago are back, along with their teenage sons, Jared and Ash, one of whom is eerily familiar to Kami. Kami is not one to shy away from the unknown—in fact, she’s determined to find answers for all the questions Sorry-in-the-Vale is suddenly posing. Who is responsible for the bloody deeds in the depths of the woods? What is her own mother hiding? And now that her imaginary friend has become a real boy, does she still love him? Does she hate him? Can she trust him?

I'm not sure why I have never read anything by Sarah Rees Brennan despite being a major fan of her Harry Potter fanfiction back in the day and despite the fact that I know her to be an incredibly humourous and talented author. I'm looking forward to finally reading her published work starting with Unspoken, which sounds like an excellent gothic mystery!

How about you? Are you waiting on any of these Random House Summer 2012 reads? Are there any upcoming books from the Random House Summer 2012 Catalog that I didn't include here that you feel I should add to my list?

Review: The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1) by Julie Kagawa

2012-04-22T22:00:00.000-06:00

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Published: April 24, 2012

Pages: 504

Source: For Review from Harlequin Teen/NetGalley (Thank you!)

Rating: 4 Stars

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.
Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.
Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die or become one of the monsters.
Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.
Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.
But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

In short: Julie Kagawa brings freshness to a tired genre in The Immortal Rules, by pairing it with an expansive dystopian world and a heroine who is a survivor before all else.

Confession: I haven't read a vampire book since Twilight. With the plethora of vampire related books, movies, and tv shows, I quickly became burnt out on vampires and have been avoiding most vampire-related media ever since. So it was with a bit of trepidation that I decided to read The Immortal Rules. But I'm so glad I did. Including the dystopian genre into this vampire book made The Immortal Rules infinitely more interesting for me to read. And in fact, the vampire element really didn't play as huge a role as I was expecting even though protagonist, Allison, is one herself.

The Immortal Rules is the first of Julie Kagawa's books I have read and she quickly won me over with her expansive world building and involved action scenes. I read a ton of dystopians and as such, many of them have a tendency to blur together and certain recurring plot elements seem unoriginal and boring. But though it is true that some of these recurring dystopian plot elements appear in The Immortal Rules, combining them with the mythology of the vampires and rabids kept The Immortal Rules fresh and interesting. It is no surprise that The Immortal Rules has already been optioned for film as the numerous and involved action scenes could make for a great action-packed blockbuster. In particular, the image of Allison battling rabids with her katana is one that sticks with you and would be good for a poster or something - just like the image of Katniss with her bow.

I liked Allison for the most part, though questioned some of her decisions and motivations at times. Still, I can't help but root for someone who remains a survivor and maintains her morals even after being dealt a pretty crummy hand in life. I'm so used to reading vampire fics where the heroine is human and being wooed by the dangerous vampire, so to turn that around and have the vampire heroine who is struggling to maintain her humanity and not lose control in front of the boy she likes made for a fascinating, unique read for me. I also liked that Allison was Asian, which is something of a rarity in YA. But I am confused as to why the model used on the cover and in the book trailer is not. How hard would it have been to have found and used an actual Asian model?

I will say that I felt it took The Immortal Rules a while to get going. A good chunk of the beginning was bogged down with exposition that I felt could have been more smoothly interwoven into the text. But the plot really does picks up about halfway through and doesn't ever slow down. If there was one thing that I was able to appreciate from the experience of reading The Immortal Rules, it is that I feel like I am finally able to embrace vampire books again. I think I'm ready. Vampire Academy - I am finally coming for you (-any other recommendations?).

Other Reviews:
The Bookish Type
Supernatural Snark
The Unread Reader

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In My Mailbox (17)

2012-04-21T12:00:00.000-06:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren (and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie) to showcase any books that I have received for review, bought, borrowed, or won to read.

For Review

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa (Thanks to Harlequin Teen and NetGalley)

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund (Thanks to HarperCollins Canada)

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (Thanks to Bloomsbury and NetGalley)

I have already read The Immortal Rules and loved it (my review should be going up on Monday!). I have not yet read anything by Diana Peterfreund, but I always hear great things so I am looking forward to her newest novel, For Darkness Shows the Stars, which sounds like a superb sci fi dystopian! Throne of Glass is described as a high fantasy retelling of Cinderella that's like Game of Thrones for teens - so what's not to like there? It sounds superb!

Review: Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

2012-04-19T18:00:00.000-06:00

Publisher: HarperCollins

Published: April 24, 2012

Pages: 445

Source: For Review from HarperCollins/Edelweiss (Thank you!)

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Two days before the start of her junior year, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed—as in blinding light, scenes of her life flashing before her, and then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she's opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And even though it isn't possible, she knows—with every fiber of her being—that Ben has somehow brought her back to life.
But her revival, and Ben's possible role in it, is only the first of the puzzles that Janelle must solve. While snooping in her FBI agent father's files for clues about her accident, she uncovers a clock that seems to be counting down to something—but to what? And when someone close to Janelle is killed, she can no longer deny what's right in front of her: Everything that's happened—the accident, the murder, the countdown clock, Ben's sudden appearance in her life—points to the end of life as she knows it. And as the clock ticks down, she realizes that if she wants to put a stop to the end of the world, she's going to need to uncover Ben's secrets—and keep from falling in love with him in the process.

In short: Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris is an intense mystery thriller with a fascinating sci fi twist and a countdown to the End of the World.

Unraveling took me by surprise. I went into it not really knowing what to expect, maybe just a nice read with a good mystery. But what I got exceeded all my expectations in every single way. Unraveling is a superb and intense mystery thriller with a super cool sci fi twist. I became so involved in the plot and characters while reading that I found it near impossible to put Unraveling down. Despite being relatively lengthy, short chapters and a plot involving a countdown clock to the End of the World ensure a fast paced read.

Unraveling's protagonist, Janelle Tenner, is what really made this book for me. It may partly be a factor of really hating the protagonist in the last book I read and thus in comparison, Janelle seems extra awesome, but I'd like to also think that I loved her for being completely independent, smart and nerdy, and snarky. She never once relied on someone else to get things done - she was a go-getter. When faced with the mystery of how she was brought back to life, why people are turning up dead with their bones liquefied from a nuclear-like blast, and how the End of the World Countdown can be stopped, she makes it her business to find out. Yikes - if it were me, I'd probably hide in a corner and hope for the best.

I also adored Janelle's love interest, Ben, and all their scenes together. And you know that if I'm mentioning the love and relationship aspect of a book in a review, then I must've really loved it because I am not one to gush over that kind of thing in my reviews. Ben has all of the intrigue and mysteriousness of the "Bad-Boy Type" without any of the dickish-ness, which was awesome. Together, Ben and Janelle make quite the cute couple. There were many a moment - most notably, Janelle's ideal proposal scene - that made me swoon.

My one quibble is one that I have with lots of YA mystery novels - namely, that the characters feel the need to play teen detective and save the world instead of turning to a professional for help. I loved Janelle, really I did, but the girl needs to learn that when the End of the World is looming over your head, it's maybe time to turn to the FBI or a Physicist and not worry about if they'll think you're crazy - ASAP.

Unraveling is author Elizabeth Norris' debut novel and I cannot wait to read more from her in the future. I am especially looking forward to seeing more of Janelle and Ben and maybe a certain other mystery that was mentioned briefly in Unraveling and will hopefully be solved in a sequel! Unraveling will be released April 24, 2012. I highly recommend it.

Other Reviews:
A Blog About Nothing
ComaCalm's Corner
Katie's Book Blog

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Waiting On Wednesday: Penguin Summer 2012 Catalog

2012-04-17T22:00:00.000-06:00

Soulbound by Heather Brewer
Date: July 5, 2012

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What's worse than being blackmailed to attend a hidden school where you're treated like a second-class citizen? How about nearly getting eaten by a monster when you arrive? Or learning that your soulmate was killed in a centuries-old secret war? And then there's the evil king who's determined to rule the world unless you can stop him...
Meet Kaya, a young woman with the power to heal and the determination to fight. But struggle as she will, she remains tied to three very different men: a hero who has forsaken glory, a tyrannical ruler who wants to use Kaya, and a warrior who's stolen her heart. Kaya learns the hard way that some ties can't be broken...and blood is the strongest bond of all.

I have not read anything by Heather Brewer, but I understand from reviews I've read of her books, and the blurb for Soulbound, that her books have a lighter and humourous tone, which I usually like. Add to that a female protagonist wielding a sword, and Soulbound should be a win.

Cold Fury by T.M. Goeglein
Date: July 24, 2012

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Sara Jane Rispoli is a normal sixteen-year-old coping with school and a budding romance--until her parents and brother are kidnapped and she discovers her family is deeply embedded in the Chicago Outfit (aka the mob).
Now on the run from a masked assassin, rogue cops and her turncoat uncle, Sara Jane is chased and attacked at every turn, fighting back with cold fury as she searches for her family. It's a quest that takes her through concealed doors and forgotten speakeasies--a city hiding in plain sight. Though armed with a .45 and 96K in cash, an old tattered notebook might be her best defense--hidden in its pages the secret to "ultimate power." It's why she's being pursued, why her family was taken, and could be the key to saving all of their lives.

Cold Fury is being billed as The Sopranos meets The Bourne Identity, which indicates that it should be a fast-paced and intelligent thriller, and that is enough to get my attention.

Dangerous Boy by Mandy Hubbard
Date: August 30, 2012

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Harper has never been worried about falling in love, something she is skeptical even exists. But everything changes when Logan moves to town, and to Harper's shock, the two tumble into an intense romance. It's everything she never thought she wanted.
Then she meets Logan's twin brother, Caleb, who was expelled from his last school. True, he's a bad boy, but Harper can't shake the feeling that there's something deeply sinister about him--something dangerous. When Logan starts pulling away, Harper is convinced that Caleb's shadowy past is the wedge being driven between them. But by the time she uncovers the truth, it may be too late.

Dangerous Boy is a retelling of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, which is an adaptation that I would be very interested in reading. I am a little nervous from reading the blurb that Dangerous Boy is perhaps too literal an adaptation, making it too predictable though.

How about you? Are you waiting on any of these Penguin Summer 2012 reads? Are there any upcoming books from the Penguin Summer 2012 Catalog that I didn't include here that you feel I should add to my list?

Muggle Monday (20): J.K. Rowling Confirms Harry Potter Encyclopaedia

2012-04-16T00:00:00.000-06:00

It's time for Muggle Monday, in which I post a quote, a video, or a significant piece of news from the Harry Potter franchise. This is somewhat inspired by the Mundane Monday posts by The Mundie Moms.

But let's be real as to why I made up this meme: I just want the opportunity to post something about Harry Potter.

Somehow in all this news surrounding the reveal of the title and blurb of Jo's strange new book and Pottermore finally opening to the public, no one is talking about what I feel was actually the most exciting HP-related news revealed this week - Jo has confirmed work on her comprehensive encyclopaedia of the Harry Potter Universe:

For a long time I have been promising an encyclopaedia of Harry’s world, and I have started work on this now – some of it forms the new content in Pottermore. It is likely to be a time-consuming job, but when finished I shall donate all royalties to charity.

Ever since Jo had strongly indicated in her announcement of Pottermore that the Potter Encyclopaedia was not going to happen and in its place, she would be using Pottermore as a means of releasing background information about the HP Universe, I was saddened. Partly because Pottermore ended up being a pretty big disappointment, but also because as cool as it is to get this information for free on the internet, I would rather have a thick and shiny hardback of the encyclopaedia on my shelf to be able to refer to easily. I would happily pay for that ability (and especially since all royalties of the encyclopaedia will be going to charity, as is Jo's way). And as excited and intrigued as I am to read her new book, The Casual Vacancy, nothing will ever get me as riled up as new HP-related writing from her does.

What do you think? Are you excited to read the Potter Encyclopaedia? Or are you not an insane Potter Addict like I am and don't feel the need to read or own an HP Encyclopaedia?

Review: Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

2012-04-12T00:00:00.000-06:00

Publisher: HarperCollins

Published: April 24, 2012

Pages: 320

Source: For Review from HarperCollins/Edelweiss (Thank you!)

Rating: 2 Stars

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.

In short: Though I really wanted to like Masque of the Red Death by Bethanny Griffin, I couldn't get past the seriously TSTL protagonist.

Though I have not read The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe - and so cannot speak to the specifics of how well this book was adapted - I think Bethany Griffin manages to replicate the dark and creepy atmosphere present in all of his stories quite well in her own adaptation. Death and horror are present in abundance in Masque of the Red Death, as is inevitable in a story where a horrific plague has decimated the population. There were also some elements of steampunk, which combined with the dystopian-horror genre, created these sort of strangely and darkly beautiful images of ladies in corsets and porcelain masques and steam carriages and hot air balloons.

Unfortunately, and though I really, really wanted to like Masque of the Red Death because it very much seemed like my kind of book, I found much more fault with it than I liked it. The plot was a bit too reminiscent of The Chemical Garden Trilogy (Wither, Fever) by Lauren DeStefano. A dystopian world with a population decimated by illness, a girl with a twin brother and a scientist parent trying to find a cure, ways of avoiding the reality of life for the rich and complete hopelessness for the poor, and an overall dark and dismal atmosphere. I read so many dystopians that admittedly, many of them start to blend together, but I was still looking for more originality in Masque of the Red Death to really make it a great read.

The worst offense of Masque of the Red Death though is protagonist, Araby, who is Too Stupid To Live in the biggest and baddest way. Some of her TSTL moments include - but are not limited to - blindly following and betraying her family for a guy she just met without questioning who he is or what his motivations are, accepting a drink from the seriously evil Prince Prospero without thought and ending up poisoned, and falling for a guy who in one moment is holding her suspended over croc-infested waters, threatening her life, and in the very next second is confessing his love for her. I wanted a heroine to root for, to take control of the situation and to independently think on her own, and though I got a few glimpses of that girl, she was sorely lacking throughout the majority of the novel.

I really dislike writing negative reviews for books where the popular opinion is overwhelmingly positive; it makes me feel like maybe I am missing something, maybe I got this wrong. Still, I stand strong in my dislike of Araby, who pretty much ruined the novel for me. If I had to recommend Masque of the Red Death to anyone, I would say it may be liked by fans of Lauren DeStefano's Chemical Garden Trilogy. And of course, I recommend reading other reviews because even though Masque of the Red Death wasn't the book for me, it clearly was for most reviewers.

Other Reviews:
Katie's Book Blog
The Midnight Garden
Supernatural Snark

Author Links:
Website
Blog
Twitter
Goodreads

Review: Cascade and Torrent (River of Time #2 and #3) by Lisa T. Bergren

2012-04-09T00:00:00.000-06:00

Publisher: David C. Cook

Published: May 24, 2011/September 1, 2011

Pages: 399/388

Source: Bought ebooks

Rating: 3 Stars

Cascade:

Gabi knows she’s left her heart in the fourteenth century and she persuades Lia to help her to return, even though they know doing so will risk their very lives. When they arrive, weeks have passed and all of Siena longs to celebrate the heroines who turned the tide in the battle against Florence—while the Florentines will go to great lengths to see them dead. But Marcello patiently awaits, and Gabi must decide if she’s willing to leave her family behind for good in order to give her heart to him forever.

Torrent:

Gabi and Lia Betarrini have learned to control their time travel, and they return from medieval Italy to save their father from his tragic death in modern times. But love calls across the centuries, and the girls are determined to return forever—even though they know the Black Plague is advancing across Europe, claiming the lives of one-third of the population. In the suspenseful conclusion of the River of Time series, every decision is about life … and death.

In short: Though I needed more depth than the River of Time series by Lisa T. Bergren was able to give me, I do actually recommend this series if you're looking for a fun, fast-paced read.

The River of Time series has received so much hype and positive reviews that I just had to jump on the bandwagon and read it too. And I can see why this series is so popular. The extremely fast pace, the non-stop action, the swoon-worthy ~~boys~~ men, the feisty and brave heroines - the River of Time series is Entertainment with a capital "E". At no point is there ever any scene that is boring and at no point is there ever any lull in the non-stop adventures of the Betarrini Family.

At times, however, I felt the series was actually a bit too fast-paced for me - and this was ultimately the major factor in every little problem I had with the series. Plot points could have been better developed, characters and character relationships could have been further explored, and the time travel aspect could have been better explained, if only the series had slowed up the pace a bit more and included these things. Action scene after action scene is really fun, but I needed some filler to fully flesh out the story. And I really needed to know why Gabi and fam thought it was okay to completely mess with world history.

Something that really bothered me about the series, which I believe stemmed from the extremely fast pacing and not enough time spent developing the characters, is that Gabi and Lia kill A LOT of people and feel no remorse for it. We see them experiencing some grief after their first human kills in Waterfall, and then NOTHING in Cascade and Torrent. I realize that they're in a war situation and killing in defense is inevitable and I'm not asking for an all out Angst Fest here, but I needed for these young girls who grew up in the 21st century to feel something about these countless people they were killing, especially in a series where there are several passages where Gabi reflects on the value of human life. And though this has nothing to do with this series being considered Christian Fiction - because if you are a GOOD person, you will feel remorse for killing someone no matter what your religion - I was kind of under the impression that God wasn't down with killing humans.

Am I taking this series too seriously? Probably. But if that isn't an indication that what is supposed to be a light, fun read isn't the type of read for me, then I don't know what is. I needed more depth than the River of Time series was able to give me. This all being said however, I do actually recommend this series. All my complaints are obviously highly subjective and I think the vast majority of people would actually really enjoy spending an action-filled time with a cast of fun characters in Lisa T. Bergren's River of Time series.

Previously, my review of Waterfall.

Other Reviews:
Alison Can Read: Cascade, Torrent
The Bookworm is Here!: Cascade, Torrent
A Girl, Books, and Other Things: Cascade, Torrent
Logan E. Turner: Cascade, Torrent
Musings of a YA Reader: Cascade, Torrent
Poetry to Prose: Cascade, Torrent
Small Review: Cascade, Torrent
Supernatural Snark (complete series)
The Unread Reader (complete series)

Author Links:
Website
Twitter
Goodreads

Waiting On Wednesday: HarperCollins Summer 2012 Catalog

2012-04-03T22:00:00.000-06:00

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill of Breaking The Spine in which an upcoming, eagerly anticipated release is highlighted on the blog.

This week, I've chosen to feature a few picks from the HarperCollins Summer 2012 Catalog (it was seriously hard narrowing my picks down to just four; there are so many great books coming out by HarperCollins this summer!):

Insignia by S.J. Kincaid
Date: July 10, 2012

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More than anything, Tom Raines wants to be important, though his shadowy life is anything but that. For years, Tom’s drifted from casino to casino with his unlucky gambler of a dad, gaming for their survival. Keeping a roof over their heads depends on a careful combination of skill, luck, con artistry, and staying invisible.
Then one day, Tom stops being invisible. Someone’s been watching his virtual-reality prowess, and he’s offered the incredible—a place at the Pentagonal Spire, an elite military academy. There, Tom’s instincts for combat will be put to the test, and if he passes, he’ll become a member of the Intrasolar Forces, helping to lead his country to victory in World War Three. Finally, he’ll be someone important: a superhuman war machine with the tech skills that every virtual-reality warrior dreams of. Life at the Spire holds everything that Tom’s always wanted—friends, the possibility of a girlfriend, and a life where his every action matters—but what will it cost him?

I picked up a review copy of Insignia from Edelweiss and I'm eager to read it! It reminds me of Holly Black's Curse Worker series with the male narrator and the con artist parent, but with a dystopian twist.

Defiance by C.J. Redwine
Date: August 28, 2012

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Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.
At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.
As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.

Defiance sounds like a seriously cool fantasy. And one where the heroine wields a sword, which is cool to the power of 10. I am dying to read this one!

The Lost Girl by Sangu Mandanna
Date: August 28, 2012

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Eva’s life is not her own. She is a creation, an abomination—an echo. Made by the Weavers as a copy of someone else, she is expected to replace a girl named Amarra, her “other”, if she ever died. Eva studies what Amarra does, what she eats, what it’s like to kiss her boyfriend, Ray. So when Amarra is killed in a car crash, Eva should be ready.
But fifteen years of studying never prepared her for this.
Now she must abandon everything she’s ever known—the guardians who raised her, the boy she’s forbidden to love—to move to India and convince the world that Amarra is still alive.

I'm not sure what to make of the premise for The Lost Girl. It is very strange, yet interesting. Why does Amarra need to be replaced at all when she dies? And I love that it's set in India!

What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang
Date: September 18, 2012

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Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t…
For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable–hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet…for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.

I love the concept of What's Left of Me. The two souls living together in one body reminds me of The Host, where Melanie and Wanderer lived together in Melanie's body while trying to find a way for Wanderer to get a new host, just like Addie and Eva are hoping to find a new body for Eva.

How about you? Are you waiting on any of these HarperCollins Summer 2012 reads? Are there any upcoming books from the HarperCollins Summer 2012 Catalog that I didn't include here that you feel I should add to my list?

Winner!

2012-04-02T20:00:00.000-06:00

It's time to announce the winner of my Hunger Games-themed giveaway (An ARC of The Girl Who Was On Fire, and a Hunger Games-themed Charm Bracelet, Slap Bracelet, and Earrings)! There were a total of 181 people who entered. And the winner, according to random.org, is:

Brooke!

Congratulations Brooke! An email has been sent to your inbox. Please respond with your full name and address within the next 48 hours.

In My Mailbox (16)

2012-03-31T13:00:00.000-06:00

For Review

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers (From Houghton Mifflin Harcourt/NetGalley)

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin (HarperCollins/Edelweiss)

Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris (HarperCollins/Edelweiss)

Insignia by S.J. Kincaid (HarperCollins/Edelweiss)

I have already read and reviewed Grave Mercy (I loved it!). I'm reading Masque of the Red Death currently and I'm super excited to get to Unraveling and Insignia soon. Has anyone read these books yet, and if so, what did you think of them?

Purchased

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Crossed by Ally Condie

Liesl and Po by Lauren Oliver

I'm so excited to read Pandemonium and Crossed, sequels to two books that I loved. I've heard mixed reviews about both of them, but I'm eager to read them for myself anyway. I read Liesl and Po when it was made available for free online, and loved it so much that I needed to own a finished copy!

Won

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta (From The Bursting Bookshelf)

Thanks to Anna from The Bursting Bookshelf for getting this book for me! I have lost count how many times Melina Marchetta's books have been recommended to me. So now I finally plan to take the plunge and make Jellicoe Road my first ever Melina Marchetta read!

Review: Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1) by Robin LaFevers

2012-03-29T20:00:00.000-06:00

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Published: April 3, 2012

Pages: 549

Source: For Review from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt/Netgalley

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?
Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.
Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

In short: With an intriguing premise and a strong heroine, Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers is sure to enchant readers.

You know that when a book features nun assassins, it has got to be a good one. Seriously, how cool is the premise for Grave Mercy? Girl, trained to be an assassin by a group of nuns and to serve Death Himself - it's creative, it's intriguing, and it's incredibly strange, but also obviously awesome. To add to that, Grave Mercy is one of those books whose first few pages are made up of a map and an index of characters to keep track of things. Automatic win. All these factors indicated that Grave Mercy would have a complex and attractive plot, and as it turns out, it most definitely did.

Ismae was the strength of Grave Mercy for me. Even coming from such a dismal upbringing, abused first by her father and then by her husband, she maintains a remarkable and admirable strength of character. Once she is taken in by the convent of Mortain, she is trained in the art of combat, poison making, and seduction, all in the aim of making her an effective killing machine. She serves as a loyal handmaiden of Death, sometimes blindly following the orders of the convent, taking people's lives without question.

It is only when she meets Duval, a Breton noble who is a lot like Ismae in his practicality and strength, that she begins to doubt what the convent has taught her. Maybe her purpose as Death's handmaiden isn't to be a killing machine after all, but instead as something much more important and meaningful. I loved seeing Ismae come to this realization and develop as a character throughout Grave Mercy. And I adored Ismae and Duval's slow-burn relationship as it developed, starting out in a place of distrust and then slowly moving to a place of mutual respect and gradual affection.

At 549 pages, Grave Mercy really flew by, except perhaps in a few sections in which discussion of the politics behind who the Duchess of Brittany should marry dragged a bit. Other than that, Grave Mercy maintains a fast pace filled with action and intrigue that will captivate the reader. Grave Mercy is my first Robin LaFevers book and I don't plan on it being my last. I'm a bit disappointed that the next two books in the His Fair Assassin series, Dark Triumph and Dark Hope, will not feature a return to Ismae and Duval's story but instead will showcase the lives of two other girls from the convent, but I am hopeful that they will make an appearance at some point.

Other Reviews:
Cozy Up With A Good Read
For What It's Worth
Musings of a YA Reader
Radiant Shadows

Author Links:
Website
Blog
Twitter
Goodreads

Review: Black Heart (Curse Workers #3) by Holly Black

2012-03-26T21:00:00.000-06:00

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Published: April 3, 2012

Pages: 296

Source: For Review from Simon & Schuster Canada (Thank you!)

Rating: 5 Stars

Cassel Sharpe knows he’s been used as an assassin, but he’s trying to put all that behind him. He’s trying to be good, even though he grew up in a family of con artists and cheating comes as easily as breathing to him. He’s trying to do the right thing, even though the girl he loves is inextricably connected with crime. And he’s trying to convince himself that working for the Feds is smart, even though he’s been raised to believe the government is the enemy.
But with a mother on the lam, the girl he loves about to take her place in the Mob, and new secrets coming to light, the line between what’s right and what’s wrong becomes increasingly blurred. When the Feds ask Cassel to do the one thing he said he would never do again, he needs to sort out what’s a con and what’s truth. In a dangerous game and with his life on the line, Cassel may have to make his biggest gamble yet—this time on love.

In short: Holly Black raises the stakes in Black Heart, the thrilling conclusion to the brilliant and ingenious Curse Workers Trilogy.

I was so excited to return to the dark world of curse workers and con men in Black Heart, the third and final book in the Curse Workers Trilogy. White Cat and Red Glove, the previous two books in the trilogy by Holly Black, were fast-paced and terribly clever, with brilliant characters and effortless writing. I was anxious to find out what would happen to our favourite characters in Black Heart and if Holly Black could best herself to come up with the perfect conclusion to an awesome series. I am happy to say I believe she does!

I am beyond impressed by the skill and proficiency with which Holly Black writes. Black Heart has three main, separate story lines and problems that Cassel finds himself having to deal with all at once. I am amazed that at such a small number of pages - less than 300! - Black Heart never feels cluttered or rushed. Instead, the multiple plot lines makes Black Heart not only the most intense of the three books in the series, but also makes it near impossible to put down.

Cassel is officially one of my most favourite male protagonists of all time. He is the suave and arrogant bad boy on the surface, hiding his true demeanor as a compassionate and often insecure teenager. He faces more pressure and trouble than ever in Black Heart as he is seemingly pulled in multiple different directions with no ideal outcome. And just when you're wondering how is he ever going to get himself out of all these predicaments, Cassel finds a way to cleverly avoid trouble and selflessly give support to those in need.

Black Heart is the prefect conclusion to an ingenious and original fantasy trilogy. The ending is left a bit open, but all major story lines are wrapped up nicely. I am a new and vocal fan of Holly Black's after reading this series and I look forward to reading more from her in the future!

Previously, my review for White Cat and Red Glove.

Other Reviews:
Burning Impossibly Bright
The Bursting Bookshelf
Reading Teen

Author Links:
Website
Blog
Twitter
Goodreads

Review: The Girl Who Was On Fire edited by Leah Wilson

2012-03-21T22:00:00.000-06:00

Publisher: Smart Pop

Published: April 5, 2011

Pages: 210

Source: Won from A BookLover's Diary (Thank you!!)

Rating: 4 Stars

Katniss Everdeen's adventures may have come to an end, but her story continues to blaze in the hearts of millions worldwide.
In The Girl Who Was on Fire, thirteen YA authors take you back to Panem with moving, dark, and funny pieces on Katniss, the Games, Gale and Peeta, reality TV, survival, and more. From the trilogy's darker themes of violence and social control to fashion and weaponry, the collection's exploration of the Hunger Games reveals exactly how rich, and how perilous, protagonist Katniss' world really is.
The Girl Who Was On Fire covers all three books in the Hunger Games trilogy.

The Girl Who Was on Fire is an anthology featuring essays on The Hunger Games Trilogy. I was amazed at the variety of subjects of essays presented (and keep in mind that I read an ARC version - the final movie version has 3 additional essays). The essay topics ranged from the light and silly - topics about fashion and reality TV and "Teams" - to more serious and weighty - topics about the ethics of genetic mutation and politics and the importance of community.

I appreciated how thoughtful the essays were. It was evident in every essay that the authors did their research. They understood the themes and messages in The Hunger Games Trilogy and effectively and correctly referenced specific scenes and quotes of the books in their essays. Not only did it seem like they were well versed in their topics, but they are very clearly fans of the trilogy, which is even more important and crucial to the success of their essays.

The Girl Who Was On Fire is not a critical read by any means. However, if you are a super fan of The Hunger Games and like analyzing and discussing aspects of your readings, then you may find that The Girl Who Was On Fire will enrich your experience of the series.

Interesting in getting the chance to read this book? There is still time to enter my giveaway to win a copy of The Girl Who Was On Fire, as well as some Hunger Games merchandise!

In other, related news: how FREAKING EXCITED is everybody for The Hunger Games movie this Friday?! I would love to know when/if you are going to see it, if you'll be dressing up (I plan on wearing my mockingjay pin and a braid, in honour of Katniss), what scenes you're most excited for, etc. Let me know in the comments!

Other Reviews:
A Blog About Nothing
A BookLover's Diary
That Hapa Chick

Waiting On Wednesday (19): Simon & Schuster Spring 2012 Catalog

2012-03-20T22:00:00.000-06:00

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill of Breaking The Spine in which an upcoming, eagerly anticipated release is highlighted on the blog.

It's spring! Finally! This week, I've chosen to feature a few picks from the Simon & Schuster Spring 2012 Catalog:

Black Heart by Holly Black
Date: April 3, 2012

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I've read Black Heart already, the third and final book in the Curse Workers Trilogy, and it was awesome! The alternate universe - where magic exists and is illegal - is just so creative and fun. This series was my first Holly Black read, but it won't be my last.

The Story of Us by Deb Caletti
Date: April 24, 2012

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Cricket’s on a self-imposed break from her longtime boyfriend—but she’s picked a bad week to sort out her love life. For one thing, her mother’s romance is taking center stage: After jilting two previous fiancés, her mom is finally marrying Dan Jax, whom Cricket loves. But as wedding attendees arrive for a week of festivities at a guesthouse whose hippie owners have a sweet, sexy son—Ash—complications arise: Cricket’s future stepsisters make it clear they’re not happy about the marriage. An old friend decides this is the week to declare his love for Cricket. Grandpa chooses to reveal a big secret at a family gathering. Dan’s ex-wife shows up. And even the dogs—Cricket’s old, ill Jupiter and Dan’s young, lively Cruiser—seem to be declaring war. While Cricket fears that Dan is in danger of becoming ditched husband-to-be number three, she’s also alarmed by her own desires. Because even though her boyfriend looms large in her mind, Ash is right in front of her....

I confess that I have not yet read anything by Deb Caletti, though I have heard great things about Stay. The Story of Us sounds like a great contemporary with lots of complicated relationships and drama... fun!

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare
Date: May 8, 2012

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The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace has been freed from her captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive to rescue him, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing–but so is the boy she hates, Sebastian, the son of her father Valentine: a son determined to succeed where their father failed, and bring the Shadowhunters to their knees.
No magic the Clave can summon can locate either boy, but Jace cannot stay away—not from Clary. When they meet again Clary discovers the horror Lilith’s dying magic has wrought—Jace is no longer the boy she loved. He and Sebastian are now bound to each other, and Jace has become what he most feared: a true servant of Valentine’s evil. The Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. Will the Shadowhunters hesitate to kill one of their own?

The Mortal Instruments Series is an old favourite of mine. I cannot wait to catch up with all of Cassandra Clare's marvelous characters! Where will City of Lost Souls go after that crazy cliffhanger in City of Fallen Angels?

Changeling by Philippa Gregory
Date: May 29, 2012

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Italy, 1453. Seventeen-year-old Luca Vero is brilliant, gorgeous—and accused of heresy. Cast out of his religious order for using the new science to question old superstitious beliefs, Luca is recruited into a secret sect: The Order of the Dragon, commissioned by Pope Nicholas V to investigate evil and danger in its many forms, and strange occurrences across Europe, in this year—the end of days. Isolde is a seventeen-year-old girl shut up in a nunnery so she can’t inherit any of her father’s estate. As the nuns walk in their sleep and see strange visions, Isolde is accused of witchcraft—and Luca is sent to investigate her, but finds himself plotting her escape. Despite their vows, despite themselves, love grows between Luca and Isolde as they travel across Europe with their faithful companions, Freize and Ishraq. The four young people encounter werewolves, alchemists, witches, and death-dancers as they head toward a real-life historical figure who holds the boundaries of Christendom and the secrets of the Order of the Dragon. The first in a series, this epic and richly detailed drama is grounded in historical communities and their mythic beliefs. It includes a medieval map of Europe that will track their journey; and the interior will include relevant decorative elements as well as an interior line illustration. And look for a QR code that links to a note from the author with additional, detailed information about the setting and the history that informed the writing. With Philippa Gregory’s trademark touch, this novel deftly brings the past—and its salacious scandals—vividly and disturbingly to life.

Philippa Gregory is a popular adult historical author, though I haven't read anything of hers. I'm curious to see if her writing will translate well to her first ever YA series. Changeling is historical fantasy, which is a genre that I love.

How about you? Are you waiting on any of these Simon & Schuster Spring 2012 reads? Are there any upcoming books from the Simon & Schuster Spring 2012 Catalog that I didn't include here that you feel I should add to my list?

Review: A Million Suns (Across the Universe #2) by Beth Revis

2012-03-18T23:00:00.000-06:00

Publisher: Penguin

Published: January 10, 2012

Pages: 386

Source: Bought

Rating: 4 Stars

Godspeed was fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.
It's been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to enact his vision - no more Phydus, no more lies.
But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that's growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart.

In short: I literally gasped out loud several times at the exciting plot and surprise reveals in A Million Suns by Beth Revis.

Across the Universe, the first in Beth Revis' series, was such an exciting and fun read. It seemed like with every chapter, there would be some sort of surprise or reveal about the deep, dark secrets of the ship, Godspeed, or the people on it. So I was a little apprehensive going into A Million Suns. I mean, with every secret seemingly revealed in Across the Universe, what's left for the characters to uncover?

Well, as it turns out, a whole heck of a lot. I literally gasped out loud a few times while reading. It occurs to me how very, very much planning Beth Revis would have had to put into creating the Across the Universe Trilogy. Every reveal and clue always seem carefully and assuredly put into place for the maximum entertainment of the reader. And I have no doubt Beth Revis will continue to bring the big surprises in the final book, Shades of Earth, even though there doesn't seem like anything more to be revealed.

I didn't quite like A Million Suns as much as Across the Universe, though. There were a few plot holes that bothered me. In A Million Suns, Amy is sent on a scavenger hunt by a certain character - who I will not name to avoid spoilers - to find an important message left to her through a series of many, many tailor-made clues. It was completely unnecessary for said character to have left so many clues for Amy, when they were already tailor-made for her. As it is, Amy spends the entire book hunting down these clues for this critical message when a few clues and less time would have sufficed, so that was pretty silly.

Still, even a few plot holes couldn't stop me from loving A Million Suns. An amazing thriller with fascinating and exciting world-building, A Million Suns is an excellent sequel and a must-read. I can't believe we have to wait so long until Shades of Earth (to be released January 2013)!

Previously, my review for Across the Universe.

Other Reviews:
The Bookworm is Here!
Cozy Up With A Good Read
YA Book Queen

Author Links:
Website
Blog
Twitter
Goodreads

Waiting On Wednesday (18): Hachette Spring 2012 Catalog

2012-03-06T22:00:00.000-07:00

172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad
Date: April 17, 2012

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Three teenagers are going on the trip of a lifetime. Only one is coming back. It's been more than forty years since NASA sent the first men to the moon, and to grab some much-needed funding and attention, they decide to launch an historic international lottery in which three lucky teenagers can win a week-long trip to moon base DARLAH 2 - a place that no one but top government officials even knew existed until now. The three winners, Antoine, Midori, and Mia, come from all over the world. But just before the scheduled launch, the teenagers each experience strange, inexplicable events. Little do they know that there was a reason NASA never sent anyone back there until now - a sinister reason. But the countdown has already begun...

What is going on with this freaky cover? It's almost as awesome as the premise of 172 Hours on the Moon. What on earth could this "sinister reason" be for sending three teenagers to the moon on vacation?

Revived by Cat Patrick
Date: May 8, 2012

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As a little girl, Daisy Appleby was killed in a school bus crash. Moments after the accident, she was brought back to life.
A secret government agency has developed a drug called Revive that can bring people back from the dead, and Daisy Appleby, a test subject, has been Revived five times in fifteen years. Daisy takes extraordinary risks, knowing that she can beat death, but each new death also means a new name, a new city, and a new life. When she meets Matt McKean, Daisy begins to question the moral implications of Revive, and as she discovers the agency’s true goals, she realizes she’s at the center of something much larger — and more sinister — than she ever imagined.

I have not gotten around to reading Forgotten by Cat Patrick, though I've heard very good things about it and its interesting premise. Revived also has quite the intriguing premise. I'd be interested in knowing how Cat Patrick explains the science behind bringing people back from the dead.

A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger
Date: June 5, 2012

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Whitley Johnsons dream summer with her divorce dad has turned into a nightmare. She’s just met his new fiancee and her kids. The fiancee’s son? Whitley’s one-night stand from graduation night. Just freakin’ great.
Worse, she totally doesn’t fit in with her dad’s perfect new country-club family. So Whitley acts out. She parties. Hard. So hard she doesn’t even notice the good things right under her nose: a sweet little future stepsister who is just about the only person she’s ever liked, a best friend (even though Whitley swears she doesn’t “do” friends), and a smoking-hot guy who isn’t her stepbrother... at least, not yet. It will take all three of them to help Whitley get through her anger and begin to put the pieces of her family together.

Kody Keplinger is another author that I have yet to read, despite hearing amazing things. Contemporaries are definitely outside my comfort zone, but I would like to break out of the box for A Midsummer's Nightmare because it sounds authentic and raw.

The Watcher in the Shadows by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Date: June 7, 2012

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A mysterious toymaker who lives as a recluse in an old mansion, surrounded by the mechanical beings he has created ...an enigma surrounding strange lights that shine through the mists that envelop the small island on which the old lighthouse stands...a shadowy creature that hides deep in the woods...these are the elements of a mystery that bind will bind 14-year-old Irene to Ismael during one magical summer spent in the Blue Bay. Her mother has taken a job as a housekeeper for the toymaker, Lazarus, but his house contains more secrets than Irene and Ishmael have bargained for.

I adore MG, but don't read nearly enough of it. The Watcher in the Shadows reminds me very much of The Invention of Hugo Cabret, with the "mysterious toymaker" who creates mechanical beings, so I am hoping it will be just as good!

How about you? Are you waiting on any of these Hachette Spring 2012 reads? Are there any upcoming books from the Hachette Spring 2012 Catalogue that I didn't include here that you feel I should add to my list?

Muggle Monday (19): The New Book

2012-03-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's time for Muggle Monday, in which I post a quote, a video, or a significant piece of news from the Harry Potter franchise. This is somewhat inspired by the Mundane Monday posts by The Mundie Moms.

But let's be real as to why I made up this meme: I just want the opportunity to post something about Harry Potter.

I haven't been keeping up with this meme because honestly, there hasn't been a whole lot going on that I want to talk about in the HP Universe. Pottermore, a site that I had initially been very excited about, ended up being a disappointment and I never visited it again beyond the first time. Thankfully, the announcement of The New Book has brought me out of this funk, at least briefly:

J.K. Rowling is finally leaving Hogwarts behind — and for decidedly more adult fare, too. Little, Brown Book Group and Little, Brown and Company announced Thursday that Rowling, author of the mega-successful Harry Potter series, is set to publish her first novel for adults.

“Although I’ve enjoyed writing it every bit as much, my next book will be very different to the Harry Potter series, which has been published so brilliantly by Bloomsbury and my other publishers around the world,” Rowling said in a statement. “The freedom to explore new territory is a gift that Harry’s success has brought me, and with that new territory it seemed a logical progression to have a new publisher. I am delighted to have a second publishing home in Little, Brown, and a publishing team that will be a great partner in this new phase of my writing life.”

The title, date and details of the new novel are set to be announced later this year.

“For me, quite simply, it is a personal and professional dream come true to be working with J.K. Rowling,” said David Shelley, publisher of Little, Brown Book Group, in a statement. “She is one of the best storytellers in the world, and I am looking forward enormously to helping bring her new novel for adults to her fans and admirers, and to introducing her writing to new readers the world over.”

A new adult book by Jo that will very different from Harry Potter and will be released later this year? Oh yes, I'm obivously excited! And though I cannot deny that I would DIE to read something else set in the Potter universe, or even something that's still related to the MG/YA fantasy genre like Harry Potter, I do mean it when I say that I would read absolutely anything written by J.K. Rowling.

And though no details about The New Book have been released as of yet, there have been some possible clues as to the genre of The New Book. Jo will be leaving her Potter UK and US publishers, Bloomsbury and Scholastic respectively, for Little, Brown and Company. Her new editor, David Shelley, specializes in crime thrillers, so that is possibly the genre of The New Book.

How about you? Do you have any interest in reading an adult book by J.K. Rowling that is likely going to be a crime thriller, or do you think you will skip it because it's not your genre? Are you like me and would read absolutely anything by J.K. Rowling, even if it was about the history of taxes, or are you a little bit more sane?

If you would like to be kept informed about any new information regarding The New Book, you can sign up for an email subscription at JKRowling.com.

Giveaway: The Girl Who Was On Fire and Hunger Games Merchandise

2012-03-01T22:00:00.000-07:00

20 days left until The Hunger Games movie release... Are you feeling the excitement yet? I know I am. The Hunger Games promo machine is in high gear, with interviews, photos, and merchandise up the wazoo, and the resulting effect is that I am absolutely DYING to see the movie! From what I've seen so far of trailers and pictures, I'm pretty impressed, though withholding judgement until I see the movie in full.

I figured now would be as good a time as any to have a Hunger Games themed giveaway! In this giveaway, one winner will win:

Apologies for the bad picture

An ARC of The Girl Who Was On Fire

A Hunger Games themed Charm Bracelet

A "Girl Who Was On Fire" Slap Bracelet

3 sets of Hunger Games themed Earrings

Rules
1. To enter, leave a comment below with your email address
2. Following is not required, but always appreciated!
3. Open Internationally
4. Ends March 31, 2012 at 11:59 PM EST
5. Entrants must be at least 13 years old
6. The winner will be sent an email and has 48 hours to respond with their address to accept their prize. Failing this, another winner will be chosen.

Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favour!

Winner!

2012-02-29T23:00:00.000-07:00

It's time to announce the winner of the The Knife of Never Letting Go (or anything else by Patrick Ness)!

Congrats, Jeanne!

I hope you'll come to fall in love with the Chaos Walking Trilogy as much as I did! Please email me with your full name and address and which Patrick Ness book you would like to receive within the next 48 hours at ayleejaine(at)gmail(dot)com.

Update: Unfortunately, the winner failed to send me an email within the given timeframe. Stay tuned for more giveaways instead!

Waiting On Wednesday (17): Raincoast Books Spring 2012 Catalogue

2012-02-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill of Breaking The Spine in which an upcoming, eagerly anticipated release is highlighted on the blog.

Is anyone else tired of winter and excited for spring to finally get here? I know I am - not just for the weather to change, but also for the great books that will be released in the springtime. This week, I've chosen a few picks from the Raincoast Books Spring 2012 Catalogue. Raincoast Books is a Canadian company that distributes books from various US publishers, mainly Macmillan Imprints. They are also the company that gave Canadians Harry Potter - and on 100% Ancient-Forest friendly paper, no less - which I obviously appreciate.

The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Date: May 8, 2012

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Don’t Sweat. Don’t Laugh. Don’t draw attention to yourself. And most of all, whatever you do, do not fall in love with one of them.
Gene is different from everyone else around him. He can’t run with lightning speed, sunlight doesn’t hurt him and he doesn’t have an unquenchable lust for blood. Gene is a human, and he knows the rules. Keep the truth a secret. It’s the only way to stay alive in a world of night—a world where humans are considered a delicacy and hunted for their blood.
When he’s chosen for a once in a lifetime opportunity to hunt the last remaining humans, Gene’s carefully constructed life begins to crumble around him. He’s thrust into the path of a girl who makes him feel things he never thought possible—and into a ruthless pack of hunters whose suspicions about his true nature are growing. Now that Gene has finally found something worth fighting for, his need to survive is stronger than ever—but is it worth the cost of his humanity?

I'm finally starting to get back into vampires again- after taking a long, much needed break - and The Hunt's post-apocalyptic vampire story sounds intense and awesome.

Monument 14 by Emily Laybourne
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Date: June 5, 2012

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Fourteen kids. One superstore. A million things that go wrong.
A huge store isn’t the worst place to be stranded. There’s food and water, bedding and books. But what if it’s not safe to leave? Emmy Laybourne had us from the get-go with her utterly fresh and fast-paced debut.
Six high school kids (some popular, some not), two eighth graders (one a tech genius), and six little kids are trapped together in a chain superstore. Together they build a refuge for themselves inside, while outside, a series of escalating disasters, beginning with a monster hailstorm and ending with a chemical weapon spill, seems to be tearing the world—as they know it—apart.

If I was living in a post-apocalyptic world, you want to bet I would be holing up in a superstore with every luxury on hand. I'll be interested to see if the kids of Monument 14 spend the entire book in the superstore or not!

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Date: June 5, 2012

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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 unlikely 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.

I adore high fantasy but in reality, I don't actually read all that much of it - I would like to change that. I am endlessly fascinated by just the blurb of Shadow and Bone alone, so I can't imagine how awesome the actually story is going to be.

This Is Not a Test by Courtney Summers
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Date: June 19, 2012

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It’s the end of the world. Six students have taken cover in Cortege High but shelter is little comfort when the dead outside won’t stop pounding on the doors. One bite is all it takes to kill a person and bring them back as a monstrous version of their former self. To Sloane Price, that doesn’t sound so bad. Six months ago, her world collapsed and since then, she’s failed to find a reason to keep going. Now seems like the perfect time to give up. As Sloane eagerly waits for the barricades to fall, she’s forced to witness the apocalypse through the eyes of five people who actually wantto live. But as the days crawl by, the motivations for survival change in startling ways and soon the group’s fate is determined less and less by what’s happening outside and more and more by the unpredictable and violent bids for life—and death—inside. When everything is gone, what doyou hold on to?

I am quite ashamed to admit that I have never read any of Courtney Summers' raved-about contemporaries. But I am very much willing to make This Is Not A Test, a zombie thriller, my first read of hers.

How about you? Are you waiting on any of these Raincoast Books Spring 2012 reads? Are there any upcoming books from the Raincoast Books Spring 2012 Catalogue that I didn't include here that you feel I should add to my list?