Friday, December 31, 2010

Favorite Books of 2010

Now that 2010 is over, it is time to reflect on the year. This year there were so many wonderful books published it was impossible for me to pick just 10. I'm going to show you my top ten but then also show you my other favorites from this year as well. There was just so much AWESOME this year, it was nearly impossible to limit my list.

My Top 10 Books of 2010 (in no particular order):

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken
An amazing debut novel from the extremely talent, and extremely nice, Alexandra Bracken. I just love this book. I love the world Alexandra Bracken created. No matter how many times I read this book, I'm always blown away by it. Everything is just perfect. And of course this book has North, who I love. Read a full review from The Book Cellar.

Sea by Heidi R. Kling
Ahh Sea. Whenever I think of Sea I get all warm and fuzzy. I love this book so much. Heidi R. Kling has written such a powerful, moving book that captured my heart the moment I read the first page. I remember the day this book came out I got it on my Nook and was reading it in school when I should have been doing work. I cannot explain how much I love this book. So breath-takingly beautiful. I love its so much I even created a website for it. Without a doubt Sea is a great debut and a fabulous book from 2010. Read my full review.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
One of my favorite contemporary romances, and one of the best books without a doubt of 2010. Funny, romantic and just amazing. This book was everything and more. Another great debut novel from such a talent writer. ANNA is simply amazing. Read my full review.

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
I don't think I've ever reread a book immediately after finishing it, but I did with Hex Hall. This book was perfect. Sophie was such a great character and truly had me laughing out loud. Once again, Hex Hall is a great book from a debut author. It's got a great cast of characters, cute boys, mystery and magic. Everything I want in a book and more. Read a full review from Frenzy of Noise.

By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead by Julie Anne Peters
Wow. This was such an emotional book. I still remember reading this book and crying during parts of it. So good. This book says so much while its main character says so little. Dealing with the difficult topic of suicide and death, Julie Anne Peters capture's Daelyn's struggle perfectly. This book will definitely stay with you once you read it. Read my full review.

13 to Life by Shannon Delany
One of my new favorite series. 13 to Life was so much more than a typical  paranormal romance. I loved everything about this book, especially the wonderful characters. If you couldn't tell, I really love this series, and the next one Secrets and Shadows continues this wonderful series. Read my full review. Check out my Fragment Friday featuring 13 to Life.

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
I was awaiting this book for so long and was not disappointed at all. If anything, I think this first book in the Infernal Devices is even better than the Mortal Instrument series. I mean it's hard not to love. Victorian England, Shadow Hunters, hot boys, steampunk. What is not to love? Read a full review from Ticket to Anywhere.

Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel 
Oh Infinite Days how I love you. Such a beautifully written book. I loved that this was soooo not a typical vampire book. Rebecca Maizel was able to suck me into Lenah's world from the first page of this book. A vampire who turns human in order to feel. Lovely, truly, lovely. Read my full review.

Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl 
Not many times do I love a sequel more than the first in a series, but Beautiful Darkness surpassed Beautiful Creatures. This book was amazing. So much happened and I literally could not predict where Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl were going to take us next. And poor Ethan. I literally just wanted to give him a hug. Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl really do know how to write a kickass story. Read my full review.

The Iron King and The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
Okay, while these are two books, they both make my top ten list since they are in the same series. Wow. The Iron Fey series is definitely one of the best book series out there. I love the new take on fairies, with a whole race of Fey created of iron. And boy, does Julie Kagawa know how to write a kick ass story. And then there is Ash *sigh*. I don't know how you can not LOVE this series. Read a full review of the Iron King from The Book Cellar. Read my full review of the Iron Daughter.

Other favorite books from 2010 include:



Thursday, December 30, 2010

100 Followers Giveaway!!

Yesterday I reached over a 100 followers here! I'm extremely thrilled and grateful about this that I'm gonna give away some books. 1 winner will receive some of the swag I have around my room and copies of the following books:
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan
and Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

This contest is open to US residents only. The contest ends January 13, 2011. To enter fill out the form below! 

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday (28) - Secrets and Shadows

Secrets and Shadows
Shannon Delany
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
To be released: February 15, 2011

Summary (from Goodreads):

Nothing's simple when you run with werewolves. Jess Gillmansen thinks she's seen it all but her eyes are about to be opened to even more danger and a reality far more paranormal than she's suspected. With Jess' realization that the Rusakovas' mother is still alive and imprisoned, the group's choices become harder and trust more important. Lines are drawn and relationships change as the broken Rusakova family struggles to reunite to free their mother - and those who Jess thought to be normal people show themselves to be much, much more...

I just want to say I’ve already read this book but I’m still anxiously awaiting its release. I loved 13 to Life sooooo much. Like seriously, I loved it and this series is awesome. I think that people should definitely be waiting on the sequel to 13 to Life, and believe me, it’s awesome. I’m so buying a finished copy when it’s released so I cannot wait for its release.

And don't forget to check out my review of the first book, 13 to Life!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event highlighting exciting upcoming releases. It is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and an extremely happy holidays. I hope everyone has a great time today and gets everything they wanted!!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Review: The Iron Queen

The Iron Queen
Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: February 1, 2011
Pages: 384

Ratings: 5 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):
My name is Meaghan Chase.

I thought it was over.That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stay by my side. Drag me into the core of a conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

I did not think there was anyway Julie Kagawa could top the previous book in the Iron Fey series, but Iron Queen blew me away and exceeded all expectations I had. Iron Queen was, by far, the best book in the entire Iron Fey series!

I am going to start off by saying that this review is going to be spoiler free so I am going to stay away from anything plot related because I am worried any little thing I say could be spoilery and I do not want to ruin this book for anyone.

This book was beyond awesome. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would. I sat down to read Iron Queen and could not stop reading it until I had finished reading the book. I forgot the enormous pile of homework I should have been doing and was sucked completely into the story of Iron Queen.

Julie Kagawa has written a fabulous third novel. All the favorite characters are back and put through so many twists and turns. The plot was amazing. Reading this book for me was like watching an amazing movie. I could literally picture every scene playing out in my head. There was great action scene too, of some epic portions. The plot had so many twists and turns I had no idea what was going to happen next. Julie Kagawa had me constantly on my toes, unsure what was going to happen to Meaghan, Ash and Puck next.

One of my favorite things about this third book in the Iron Fey series is that you can truly see how much each of the characters has grown. Meaghan has progressed so much as a character since the frighten, naïve girl with no knowledge of the Fey realm into this knowledgeable, strong, driven character. I loved seeing her come into her own and taking control. Ash and Puck have also grown as characters and I loved their growth and its amazing to see where Julie Kagawa has taken all these characters from Iron King to now in the Iron Queen

I really do not know how to describe this book. Julie Kagawa blew me away. I though the Iron Daughter was emotional rollercoaster, but it was nothing compared to this book. I was literally all over the place with emotion. I’m just going to say, I did cry during this book. And the ending. The ending was everything I expected from Julie Kagawa, full blown, emotion packed ending that left me dying for more.

The ending left me desperately waiting for Iron Knight. I am so glad this is not the final book and that the story is going to continue because it just needs too. I do not want to leave this fabulous world that Julie Kagawa has created. Iron Knight needs to be out now because that ending, in my opinion, was so much worse than Iron Daughter, and that had me driven mad that I could read the next one immediately.

Iron Queen was a beautiful masterpiece of a book. Truly wonderful. I really have no other words to describe it. It was simply, and purely, amazing.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday (27) - City of Fallen Angels

City of Fallen Angels
Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
To be released: April 5, 2011

Summary (from Goodreads):
City of Fallen Angels is the fourth book in the bestselling series The Mortal Instruments.

“City of Fallen Angels takes place two months after the events of City of Glass. In it, a mysterious someone’s killing the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle and displaying their bodies around New York City in a manner designed to provoke hostility between Downworlders and Shadowhunters, leaving tensions running high in the city and disrupting Clary’s plan to lead as normal a life as she can — training to be a Shadowhunter, and pursuing her relationship with Jace. As Jace and Clary delve into the issue of the murdered Shadowhunters, they discover a mystery that has deeply personal consequences for them — consequences that may strengthen their relationship, or rip it apart forever. Meanwhile, internecine warfare among vampires is tearing the Downworld community apart, and only Simon — the Daylighter who everyone wants on their side — can decide the outcome; too bad he wants nothing to do with Downworld politics. Love, blood, betrayal and revenge: the stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.”

Since the cover was released last week, I thought it was an appropriate time to say how EXCITED I AM FOR THIS BOOK!!! I love the Mortal Instruments series and have been dying for this book since the Bryant Park signing two summers ago when this book was announced. I cannot wait to see what twists and a turns Cassandra Clare takes on in this next installment of the Mortal Instruments series.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event highlighting exciting upcoming releases. It is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Teaser Tuesday: Clockwork Angel

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Mizb at Should be Reading
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the books for others!)
  • Share the title and author too so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser this week comes from:
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
"'They ate it too,' Will reminisced. 'Bloodthirsty little beasts. Never trust a duck'"

Monday, December 20, 2010

Review: Across the Universe

Across the Universe
Beth Revis
Publisher: Razorbill
Release Date: January 11, 2011
Pages: 400
Source: Borrowed from Gail

Ratings: 4 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone—one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship—tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn’t do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now, Amy must race to unlock Godspeed’s hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there’s only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

Across the Universe was a refreshing read, combining sci-fi, romantic, mystery and suspense. Beth Revis has written a stunning debut novel.

I want to start out this review discussing the first chapter of this book. I have never been more in love with a first chapter as much as am with this book’s first chapter. Beth Revis has writing a fascinating beginning to a great story that captivates you literally from page one. The first chapter starts out from Amy’s point view, showing the cryogenic freezing of her parents and herself for their mission on the ship the Godspeed. I was creeped out yet fascinated by the description of the process and the emotion’s Amy was feeling and what she was thinking while the freezing was occurring. This first chapter definitely captured my attention and had me very intrigued to see where the rest of the book would go.

Beth Revis did not disappoint after the first chapter. This book is told in dual point of view between Amy and Elder. While I usually really dislike two or more points of views, I felt that it worked create in the case of Across the Universe. I really have no clue how the story would unfold without the two different perspectives. Amy is a foreigner on the Godspeed, completely isolated from the inhabitants of the ship after her early awakening. Elder is the future leader of the ship, board and bred on the ship. Their differing points of views provide different insight on life on the ship, and the secrets that are kept on the ship.

While I found the plot sometimes slow, overall, I extremely enjoyed the story. I loved the whole idea of having no where to escape, no where to go,  a lot of the feelings that Amy felt. The story was well-written and the emotions felt completely real. However, I found the some of the plot twists a bit predictable, but enjoyed the unveiling of them even if I figured them out in advance.

After reading this book, I wanted to learn more about Elder and Amy. I wanted to know what happens on the Godspeed next. Beth Revis has written a great debut. I truly loved how she was able to capture the feeling of isolation and loneliness. Across the Universe is a very good book that was something a bit different from a lot of other YA books out there, and for that I was glad. I cannot wait to read more from Beth Revis in the future since I highly enjoyed her first book.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday (26) - Enclave

Enclave
Ann Aguirre
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
To be released: April 12, 2011

Summary (from Goodreads):

WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE

In Deuce's world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed 'brat' has trained into one of three groups-Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms.

Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember. As a Huntress, her purpose is clear--to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She's worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing's going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade.

When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce's troubles are just beginning. Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn't like following orders. At first she thinks he's crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don't always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth.

Her partner confuses her; she's never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace. As Deuce's perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy... but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she's ever known.

I found this book when going through the list of debut authors for the 2011 Debut Authors Challenge and became extremely excited. This book sounds awesome. I’m so excited to read it. It’s sounds awesome and I wish it was April so that I could read it now!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event highlighting exciting upcoming releases. It is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Teaser Tuesday: Iron Queen


Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Mizb at Should be Reading
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the books for others!)
  • Share the title and author too so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser this week comes from:
The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa
"'A charming tradition, to be sure. The court love such dramatic tragedies."

Friday, December 10, 2010

2011 Debut Author Challenge

I’ve decided to participate in the Debut Author Challenge of 2011 hosted by the Story Siren. I love reading YA books from debut author’s and feel that this challenge helps expose me to more new authors I have not heard about and allows me to find some new favorite authors. I read a ton of books last year from debut authors but did not participate in the challenge,

The goal of the Debut Author Challenge is to read twelve books from debut YA or MG authors. My personal goal is to read 25 books by debut authors, but we will see how that goes throughout the course of the year.  The challenge runs from January 1, 2011 until December 31, 2011.

To learn more about the Debut Author Challenge read about it here.
To participate in the Debut Author Challenge go here.

Right now, I have a preliminarily list of books I will try to read for the challenge. I plan to update the list as the year goes on. There are lot more than 25 books on my preliminary list, I will try to read as many on my preliminary list as possible. I will keep another list on here of books I have read.

Books I’ve Read for the Debut Author Challenge:
  1. Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton
  2. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
  3. Clarity by Kim Harrington
  4. Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton
  5. The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney
  6. The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal
  7. Haven by Kristi Cook
  8. Warped by Maurissa Guibord
  9. Hourglass by Myra McEntire
  10. Divergent by Veronica Roth
  11. The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

Preliminary List of Books I Would Like to Read for Debut Author Challenge:
  • Warped by Maurissa Guibord
  • Unearthly  by Cynthia Hand
  • XVI by Julia Karr
  • Timeless by Alexandra Monir
  • The False Princess by Eilis O’Neal
  • The Water Wars by Cameron Stracher
  • Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton
  • Rival by Sara Bennett-Wealer
  • A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford
  • Haven by Kristi Cook
  • Here Lies Bridget by Paige Harbison
  • Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley
  • Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton
  • The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney
  • The Demon Trapper’s Daughter by Jana Oliver
  • Wake Unto Me by Lisa Cach
  • Wither by Lauren DeStefano
  • Entwined by Heather Dixon
  • Clarity by Kim Harrington
  • Like Mandarin by Kirsten Hubbard
  • Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter
  • Ten Miles Past Normal by Frances O’Roark Dowell
  • The Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roecker
  • Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
  • Unlocked by Ryan G. Van Cleave
  • Enclave by Ann Aguirra
  • Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton
  • The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder
  • Bumped by Megan McCafferty
  • Future Imperfect by K. Ryer Breese
  • Stargrossed by Josephine Angelini
  • Saving June by Hannah Harrington
  • Moonglass by Jessi Kirby
  • Girl Wonder by Alexa Martin
  • Hourglass by Myra McEntire
  • Die for Me by Amy Plum
  • Divergent by Veronica Roth
  • Hereafter by Tara Hudson
  • Possession by Elana Johnson
  • Luminous by Dawn Metcalf
  • Forgotten by Cat Patrick
  • Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari
  • Wildefire by Karsten Knight
  • Falling for Hamlet by Michelle Ray
  • Dark Parties by Sara Grant
  • The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
  • Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout
  • The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton
  • The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin 
  • Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey
  • The Girl of Fire and Thorns
  • A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies
  • Human .4 by Mike A. Lancaster


Thursday, December 9, 2010

Review: Falling Under

Falling Under
Gwen Hayes
Publisher: New American Library
Release Date: March 1, 2011
Pages: 256           

Ratings: 5 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):
Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, Theia knows she's seen Haden before- not around town, but in her dreams.

As the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her closer one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear.

And when she discovers what Haden truly is, Theia's not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul.

Falling Under was a GREAT book. I really loved it. I devoured it in one straight sitting, unable to go to sleep until I finished it. Now where to start…

I just want to start by saying I loved this book, so this review might be a bit long and gushy. The story was great and had me intrigued the whole way through. Gwen Hayes was able to keep the reader engaged in the mystery of Haden without making it feel old. Instead, I kept wanting to know more about Haden, who is he? What is he? I loved how Gwen unraveled his mystery. And let me tell you I did not expect anything that Gwen Hayes revealed about Haden. I was fully intrigued. The plot definitely kept me turning pages. And after the mystery of Haden was unraveled, the plot continued, stronger then ever, and I don’t want to give anything away, but it was great. The whole last section of the book I did not see coming AT ALL! I love when a book can take me on a ride and through unexpected turns at me, and this book accomplished this.

One of my favorite things about this book was the characters. Theia was a great protagonist. She was fully developed and felt like a normal teenage girl, albeit with an extremely over protective father (not something too uncommon). And one thing I loved about Theia was she wasn’t a stupid, unthinking protagonist. She realizes that Haden isn’t who he seems and realizes he is dangerous and acknowledges this. She was a complex character, confused by what is going on in her life and her own feelings. And that brings us to Haden. Wow. Haden. What a hot, mysterious, dark, complex character. I loved him. I felt the same way Theia did towards him, confused and a bit creeped out by him but undeniable attracted by his mystery. He is truly the goth Mr. Darcy, and I wouldn’t mind having one appear in my dreams like he does, even if he is not all good for me (or Theia for that matter). Theia and Haden also had great, great chemistry. While he admitted he wasn't good for Theia, you still wanted them together, no matter what. Theia and Haden definitely have some of the best chemistry I've read recently. 

Not only did I love Theia and Haden, the two main characters, but the supporting characters were great too. I really loved Theia’s two best friends Donny and Amelia. They were great characters and great friends to Theia. I loved that they were fully developed unlike in other books where the friends are just there to give advice to the main characters. Varnie and Gabe were also two very great secondary characters. The secondary characters are great and prove to be important to the plot and provide great scenes.

Gwen Hayes has written a great book. I don’t know how many times I’ve said this but, truly, it was great. The writing was beautiful and lyrical. Hayes’ descriptions were rich with beautiful details, fully establishing the scenes, characters and emotions. I loved the little bits of humor Hayes’ included in the story too. I laughed so hard at the little Twilight reference that my roommate though something was wrong. I also really loved the glimpses the reader has into Haden's mind at times. While the book is primarily told from Theia's point of view, these glimpses at Haden's thoughts enhanced his mystery and added, what I felt were little easter eggs to the action occurring. The writing fit the book so well, beautiful, haunting and lyrical. I loved it. 

Falling Under was one of those books that I desperately wanted a sequel to. Thankfully there will be a sequel because I want more, more, more of Theia and Haden and all the other characters. I cannot wait to return back to the world Gwen Hayes has created. The sequel cannot come soon enough.

While this book is not out until March, so far away, and I already read it, I will be anxiously awaiting it’s release. I was truly enchanted by this story. It was something new, fresh, clever and lovely. Gwen Hayes has written one of my new favorite books for 2011 and the year hasn’t even started yet. I will definitely be picking up a finished copy of this fabulous book come March.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday (25) - Tempestuous

Tempestuous
Lesley Livingston
Publisher: HarperTeen
To be released: December 22, 2010

Summary (from HarperTeen Site):

"I don't love Sonny Flannery."

That's the lie Kelley Winslow told to protect the boy she loves from a power he doesn't know he possesses. Devastated, Sonny retreats—to a haven for Lost Fae that's hidden deep underneath New York City.

But Kelley's not about to let things end in heartbreak. To get Sonny back, she's got to find out who's after his magick—and how to use her own. She's got to uncover who's recruiting Janus Guards to murderously hunt innocent Faerie. She's got to help rebuild the shattered theater company she called family. And she's got to do it all without getting dangerously distracted by the Fennrys Wolf, whose legendary heart of stone seems to melt whenever he's around Kelley.

The intrigue and romance that began with Wondrous strange and Darklight come to a stormy head in Tempestuous, the breathtaking conclusion to Lesley Livingston's ravishing urban Faerie trilogy.

I love this series and I’m sad for it to come to an end but I cannot wait to see how Lesley Livingston plans to conclude this wonderful series.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event highlighting exciting upcoming releases. It is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.


Thursday, December 2, 2010

Anna and the French Kiss releases TODAY!

Everyone, today is the release of Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins!!! It's officially ANNA DAY!! This book is definitely one of my favorite books of 2010 and I highly recommend everyone go out to their bookstores today and pick up a copy. Check out my 5-Star review of Anna and the French Kiss and join in on the Anna Love Train!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday (24) - The Iron Queen

Iron Queen
Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
To be released: February 1, 2011

Summary (from Goodreads):

My name is Meaghan Chase.

I thought it was over.That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stay by my side. Drag me into the core of a conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

I love the Iron Fey series and cannot wait for this next book. The Iron Daughter left me dying for the next book and February cannot come soon enough!! CANNOT WAIT!!!!!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event highlighting exciting upcoming releases. It is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Review: Anna and the French Kiss

Anna and the French Kiss
Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Dutton
Release Date: December 2, 2010
Pages: 372
Source: Borrowed from Gail

Ratings: 5 Stars

Summary (from Goodreads):

Anna was looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. So she's less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris — until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Étienne has it all . . . including a serious girlfriend.

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss? Stephanie Perkins keeps the romantic tension crackling and the attraction high in a debut guaranteed to make toes tingle and hearts melt.

Anna and the French Kiss has stolen my heart. I have no idea how to explain how awesome this book is but I will try.

Stephanie Perkins has written, in my opinion, one of the best books of 2010. Anna and the French Kiss has everything I wanted in a book and more. This book…wow. I haven’t been able to devote much time to reading in college, but when I got this book from Gail, I had to sit down and reading it. I devoured it almost immediately. This book was, beyond a doubt, wonderful. I am fully on the Anna Love Train.

One of the great things about this book was the romance and the chemistry between the characters. Anna has a great personality, spunk, and awesome. I felt like anyone I know could be Anna, even myself. And St. Clair…..I don’t even know where to begin. St. Clair was everything you want in a guy and more. It is so unfair he is not real. And the chemistry between Anna and St. Clair was electric. I was truly wishing that I could be Anna and find someone as awesome as St. Clair while reading this book.

I loved the writing in Anna and the French Kiss as much as the characters. Stephanie Perkins truly captures the essence of teenage love and is even able to make it humorous. Perkins effortlessly weaves in humor in her writing. And Perkins has written one of the best relationships ever. It seems like she effortlessly created this amazing chemistry between two amazing characters; chemistry that leaps off the pages.

After reading Anna and the French Kiss, I literally had to pass it around to all my friend on my floor to spread the love. Anna and the French Kiss is a book everyone needs to have on their shelf. There is just something about this book, something I cannot explain, that makes it amazing. For me, I think it was the relationship between Anna and St. Clair and how I felt it relates so much to my current situation. This book was just fabulous. While this may not be the best review ever, I cannot think of words to fully describe how I felt about this book besides the words “awesome” and “wonderful” which I have used many times. Everyone needs to pick up a copy of Anna and the French Kiss as soon as possible!!! I cannot wait for its two companion books because Stephanie Perkins has captured my heart with this book.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday (23) - Entice

Entice        
Carrie Jones
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
To be released: December 7, 2010

Summary (from Goodreads):
Zara and Nick are soul mates, meant to be together forever. But that's not quite how things have worked out.

For starters, well, Nick is dead. Supposedly, he's been taken to a mythic place for warriors known as Valhalla, so Zara and her friends might be able to get him back. But it's taking time, and meanwhile a group of evil pixies is devastating Bedford, with more teens going missing every day. An all-out war seems imminent, and the good guys need all the warriors they can find. But how to get to Valhalla?

And even if Zara and her friends discover the way, there's that other small problem: Zara's been pixie kissed. When she finds Nick, will he even want to go with her? Especially since she hasn't just turned. She's Astley's queen.

I love this series!  I cannot wait to read book. The last book left me desperately waiting for it’s sequel. And the cover is gorgeous.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event highlighting exciting upcoming releases. It is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Teaser Tuesday: Sea

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Mizb at Should be Reading.
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the books for others!)
  • Share the title and author too so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!
My teaser this week comes from:
Sea by Heidi R. Kling
"I didn’t want to talk about the past. I wanted to hang on to him, to this moment, the smell of sweat and exhaust and coconut—a hint of cigarette smoke still hanging on his clothes." (216)

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday (22) - Nightspell

Nightspell
Leah Cypess
Publisher: HarperCollins
To be released: May 31, 2011

Summary (from Goodreads):

A stand-alone companion novel to the much-acclaimed MISTWOOD. When Darri rides into Ghostland, a country where the living walk with the dead, she has only one goal: to rescue her younger sister Callie, who was sent to Ghostland as a hostage four years ago. But Callie has changed in those four years, and now has secrets of her own. In her quest to save her sister from herself, Darri will be forced to outmaneuver a handsome ghost prince, an ancient sorcerer, and a manipulative tribal warrior (who happens to be her brother). When Darri discovers the source of the spell that has kept the dead in Ghostland chained to this earth, she faces a decision that will force her to reexamine beliefs she has never before questioned - and lead her into the heart of a conspiracy that threatens the very balance of power between the living and the dead.

I loved Mistwood and was thrilled to discover that Leah Cypess was writing a companion novel. The cover was recently revealed and I’m super excited about this book. Mistwood was a great debut and I’m excited to read Cypess’s next work.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event highlighting exciting upcoming releases. It is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Teaser Tuesday: The Vespertine

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by Mizb at Should be Reading.
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the books for others!)
  • Share the title and author too so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!
My teaser this week comes from:
The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell
Startled, I squinted through the light again. I swore, in all the gold, I saw dancers. (35)