Winner of Pushing the Limits Giveaway

The winner of Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry is 

Maneesha Haroon!

Thanks to all who entered. I'm won't be blogging for awhile until I get back in the groove of school, so this is just an apology in advanced.

Waiting on Wednesday (93) - Deity

Deity
(Covenant #3)
Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
To be released: November 6, 2012

Summary (from Goodreads)

"History is on repeat, and things didn't go so well the last time. "

Alexandria isn't sure she's going to make it to her eighteenth birthday--to her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she's a goner... and so is Aiden.

If that's not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time "training"--which really is just Seth's code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time--she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome.

But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she's caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed... and destroyed.

Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate...

I had the first book to this series sitting on my shelf for over a year and decided to randomly read it one day this summer and OH MY GODS why did I wait so long? I immediately went and read the sequel and am now dying to read Deity. I plan on getting around to reviewing the first two books (I'm trying, but we shall see things hav been crazy for me), but seriously, this series is a new favorite. I cannot wait for the next book. I'm super excited, especially after how book 2 finished. Everyone should read this series. Cannot wait for November to see what happens next.

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

Waiting on Wednesday (92) - The Torn Wing

The Torn Wing
(The Faerie Ring #2)
Kiki Hamilton
Publisher: Tor Teen
To be released: October 2, 2012

Summary (from Goodreads):

A bloody escape, a deadly threat, a shocking revelation...

Tiki’s greatest fear suddenly becomes all too real: the fey have returned to London seeking revenge. As war escalates in the Otherworld, Queen Victoria’s youngest son, Prince Leopold, is attacked. In order to protect her family and those she loves, Tiki needs to know the meaning of an fáinne sí, the birthmark that winds around her wrist. But will she be brave enough to face the truth?

If you haven't read the first book in this series, The Faerie Ring, I highly suggest you go do that. It was one of my favorite books of 2012 and I cannot wait to read the sequel. I'm so excited to see what is gonna happen to Tiki next and to learn more about her. I'm dying for it to be October to read this book.

While I'll wait I'll just re-read my character interview with Tiki and author interview with Kiki to tide me over.

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

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry + Q&A + Giveaway!

Pushing the Limits

Katie McGarry

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Release Date: July 31, 2012

Series or Standalone: Standalone

ISBN: 9780373210497

Pages: 384

Websites:

Katie McGarry – Website  

Katie McGarry – Facebook 

Katie McGarry – Twitter 

Purchase: 
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Indie Bound

Rating: 4 Stars

"My father is a control freak, I hate my stepmother, my brother is dead and my mother has...welll...issues.  How do you think I am doing?"  - opening line of Pushing the Limits

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that  horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude   and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. Echo and Noah couldn’t be more different, but they find themselves united by a common goal: to sneak into their court- ordered social worker’s case files in order to learn the truth about themselves and their families. What they didn’t count on is falling in love -- and now Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

Oh god, this book. This book gave me all the FEELS. I knew this book would be dealing with some serious stuff but I didn’t expect to feel such a wide range of emotions. I laughed, I bawled my eyes out, and even got angry. So many feelings that I wasn’t expecting.

Pushing the Limits was so much more than a romance story. While the romance was smoking hot, I have to say I enjoy learning more about Noah and Echo as characters and seeing them overcome their struggles more than the romance. Both Echo and Noah are very trouble characters and have dark secrets they have kept buried inside. Katie McGarry was not afraid of tackling the nitty gritty and serious issues, which I really liked. She was able to capture the emotional struggles Echo and Noah were facing so well that I was in tears for these poor, poor characters.

Normally I am not a fan of alternating points of view, one of the characters always seem to come off as weaker or it just does nothing for the plot, but in the case of Pushing the Limits the alternating point of view worked perfectly. I loved getting into both Echo and Noah’s head. The writing helped create these characters who you come to care about and get emotionally attached to. Katie McGarry wrote these fabulous characters and as a reader you were truly was able to get into each of their heads. When a chapter ended and switched characters it didn’t feel awkward, the story flowed and it didn’t feel like head jumping (thankfully!).

Now Noah and Echo, man, I just wanted to give them a hug. And boy, do they need one. Noah is the boy everyone warns their daughters against, but he’s so much more. While he has the tough, bad boy exterior, Noah is one of the most caring, motivated, strong teenagers I’ve seen. Despite all the struggles he’s had to face, like losing his parents and growing up in foster care, he’s extremely dedicated to his two brothers who have been separated from him. Noah’s devotion to his younger brothers, oh god. It was the sweetest thing. The scenes with Noah and his brothers made me tear up so much, I’m not afraid to say it. He loves them so much and will do anything for them. Noah gives everything to those he loves and will do anything to protect those he loves, such an admirable trait. I loved that aspect of his personality so much. I loved how he grew as a character over book. 

And then there is Echo. That poor poor girl. She definitely has it rough. Her father is overprotective and overbearing, she is not allowed to see her mother because of an event Echo cannot remember but left her with horrible scars over her arms. Despite everything, Echo still wants to remember the horrible event that almost killed her and still cares for her mother. Her struggle to learn the truth about that night was hard to read. All she wanted was to know. When she finally learns the truth, I was in tears with her. Like Noah, she grew so much over the story. She was willing to come to terms with what happen and open up to those around her, thanks to Noah. While they might be the two messed up character ever, they were so adorable and perfect together.

The romance in this book was electric. Noah and Echo’s chemistry jumped off the page and you couldn’t help but want them to be together. They needed to be together for each other. But the romance did not define this book. Yes, it might be how they market it, what with the cover and all but it was so much more. The emotional struggles in the book are what really made me love it. The romance was a nice bonus.

If you read one book this year, it definitely should be Pushing the Limits. Its such a great read that captivates you with its amazing characters and draws you in with their struggles. I’m super excited to see what Katie McGarry writes next because she has me next. A companion book staring a secondary character for this book is being published so I’m super excited for that! Hands down, Pushing the Limit is a must read.

P.S. I think these lines from the Broadway show Next to Normal define what Noah and Echo both are ultimately working toward in their struggles: “I don't need a life that's normal—/ That's way too far away, / But something...next to normal / Would be okay. / Yeah, something next to normal— /That's the thing I'd like to try. /Close enough to normal / To get by...”

---

Q & A with Author Katie McGarry

Q: What was your inspiration for writing Pushing the Limits?

A: I had two main inspirations: One, I knew from the beginning that I wanted to write a story in which my characters felt strong enough to leave their pasts behind and create new futures for themselves. The first scene I ever saw in my mind was Echo and Noah leaving town after graduation. Two, I wanted to write two characters who were facing over- whelming issues and who, through battling these issues, found hope at the end of their journey.

Q: How did you come up with Echo’s name?

A: Echo went through several name changes as I wrote the manuscript. For a while, she had a very normal name, but it always felt off. It wasn’t until I looked at Echo from her mother’s point of view that I found her name. Echo’s mother loved Greek mythology so it made perfect sense that she would name her children after the myths. I read several Greek myths and the moment I found Echo’s,  I fell in love. Echo,  to me, was the girl who lost her voice. Thankfully, she finds it by the end.

Q: Which character is the most “like” you?

A: All of them. I gave each character a piece of me (though some have larger slices of me than others). Overall, I’d say I’m a strange combination of Echo, Lila and Beth. Echo has my need to please, Lila has my unfailing loyalty to my friends and Beth encompasses my insecurities.

Q: Did you experience friendships with Grace types when you were in high school?

A: Yes. And the more people have read this story, the more this question comes up. Grace has struck a stronger nerve in people than I ever would have imagined. It seems most of us have un-fortunately experienced a relationship where a person wants to “like” you and wants “be your friend,” but only if it serves their needs. In case anyone is wondering, that isn’t friendship.

Q: Are there any parts of the story you feel particularly close to?

A: Yes. The relationship between Noah, Isaiah and Beth. Beyond my parents and sister, my nearest family members were over fourteen hours away. My friends became my family. The peopleI grew up with were more than people I watched movies with or talked to occasionally on the phone. These were people with whom I shared life’s most devastating moments, but also my hardest laughs. These were people who I would have willing- ly died for and I know they would have done the same for me. They shared my triumphs with smiles on their faces and con- gratulatory hugs. They held me when I cried and offered to beat up whoever hurt my feelings. These were also the same people who were more than happy to get in my face if they thought I was making a wrong decision.

Q: Did anything that happens to Echo happen to you?

A: Sort of. I was bitten by a dog when I was in second grade and repressed the memory. It felt very strange to have no memory of an incident that other people knew about. It was even strang- er to have injuries and not have an inkling where they came from. In college, I finally remembered the incident when a dog lunged at me. I relived the horrible event and sort of “woke up” a few minutes later to find myself surrounded by people I loved. Even though I “remember” the incident, I still don’t remember the whole thing. I only see still frames in my mind and there is no blood in any of the memories.

Check out the book trailer!

About author Katie McGarry:

Katie McGarry was a teenager during the age of grunge and boy bands and she remembers those years as the best and worst of her life. She is a lover of music, happy endings and reality television, and is a secret University of Kentucky basketball fan.

Writing has given Katie an excuse to pursue her passions. Research for her books has provided her with the amazing opportunity to train with baseball players, ride along in a drag car at ninety-six miles per hour and experience boxing and mixed martial arts. Katie loves to visit schools and talk to teenagers about her research, writing and the truth that no dream is out of reach.

Giveaway Information

I'm giving away one copy of Pushing the Limits. Information about the giveaway is listed below. US and Canada only.

• Fill out the form below completely!
• Open to US and Canada ONLY
• Must be 13 years or older to enter. If under 13, parental consent is required. 
• One entry per person. Multiple entries will be deleted.
• Ends September 5, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday (91) - Perfect Scoundrels

Perfect Scoundrels
(Heist Society #3)
Ally Carter
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
To be released: February 5, 2013

Summary (from Goodreads):

Katarina Bishop and W.W. Hale the fifth were born to lead completely different lives: Kat comes from a long, proud line of loveable criminal masterminds, while Hale is the scion of one of the most seemingly perfect dynasties in the world. If their families have one thing in common, it’s that they both know how to stay under the radar while getting—or stealing—whatever they want.

No matter the risk, the Bishops can always be counted on, but in Hale’s family, all bets are off when money is on the line. When Hale unexpectedly inherits his grandmother’s billion dollar corporation, he quickly learns that there’s no place for Kat and their old heists in his new role. But Kat won’t let him go that easily, especially after she gets tipped off that his grandmother’s will might have been altered in an elaborate con to steal the company’s fortune. So instead of being the heir—this time, Hale might be the mark.

Forced to keep a level head as she and her crew fight for one of their own, Kat comes up with an ambitious and far-reaching plan that only the Bishop family would dare attempt. To pull it off, Kat is prepared to do the impossible, but first, she has to decide if she’s willing to save her boyfriend’s company if it means losing the boy.

I love the Heist Society series and cannot wait for the next book in the series. I really like the summary of this book and I like that we shall see a lot of Hale since he's my favorite character (maybe we will finally find out his real name). I cannot wait to see what Kat and the gang get up to next. February seems to far away to wait!

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

Waiting on Wednesday (90) - The Archived

The Archived
Victoria Schwab
Publisher: Hyperion
To be released: January 22, 2013

 Summary (from Goodreads):

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books. 

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often-violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive.

Being a Keeper isn't just dangerous—it's a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da's death was hard enough, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.

In this haunting, richly imagined novel, Victoria Schwab reveals the thin lines between past and present, love and pain, trust and deceit, unbearable loss and hard-won redemption.

I cannot wait for Victoria Schwab's second book. Her first book, The Near Witch was amazing and so beautifully written. I loved it so much, some other bloggers and I made the The Near Witch Rap. I cannot wait to read the Archived. It sounds unique and awesome and I know the writing will be beautiful. The world can't end in December 2012 because I need to read this book first. Also, this cover is really, really cool.

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

Books!

This week I went through my bookshelf which means getting rid of books. I have a large number of books I either don't want or have multiple copies of that I am getting rid of. The list is below. If you would like any of these books please email me at overflowingshelf@gmail.com with the title of the book you would like so I can get your contact information. All I ask is that you be willing to pay for the shipping me for the shipping. If you have any question you can email me.

I'll keep this up for a while and update it as needed.

Here's the list:

• Enclave by Ann Aguirre (ARC)
• Enclave by Ann Aguirre 
• Candor by Pam Bachorz
• The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor
• What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell 
• Strings Attached by Judy Blundell
• Going Bovine by Libba Bray
• Abandon by Meg Cabot
• Airhead by Meg Cabot 
• Being Nikki by Meg Cabot 
• Jinx by Meg Cabot
• Eve by Anna Carey (ARC) 
• Dark Eden by Patrick Carman (ARC) 
• The Girl Next Door by Selene Castrovilla (ARC)
• The Fame Game by Lauren Conrad (ARC)
• The Explosionist by Jenny Davidson (Signed)
• The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa de la Cruz (Bookplate)
• The Dark Divine by Bree Despain (The Dark Divine #1) 
• The Lost Saint by Bree Despain (The Dark Divine #2)
• Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles 
• Uneartlhy by Cynthia Hand
• Incarceron by Catherine Fisher 
• Sapphique by Catherine Fisher (ARC)
• Relic Master: The Dark City by Catherine Fisher (ARC)
• Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jesicca Day George
• Evernight by Claudia Gray (Evernight #1) 
• Stargazer by Claudia Gray (Evernight #2)
• Hourglass by Claudia Gray (Evernight #3) 
• Hail Caesar by Thu-Huong Ha
• The Secret Prince by Violet Haberdasher (ARC)
• How to Rock Braces and Glasses by Meg Haston (ARC) 
• North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley 
• Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley (ARC)
• Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus 
• Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson 
• The Taker by Alma Katsu (ARC)
• The Wreckers by Iain Lawrence
• The Smugglers by Iain Lawrence
• Nice and Mean by Jessica Leader (signed to Danielle) 
• Open Wounds by Joseph Lunievicz
• Bunheads by Sophie Flack
• The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney
• Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez (ARC)
• Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer (Bloody Jack #1)
• Under the Jolly Roger by L.A. Meyer (Bloody Jack #3)
• My Bonny Light Horseman by L.A. Meyer (Bloody Jack #6)
• Rapture of the Deep by L.A. Meyer (Bloody Jack #7) 
• The Wake of the Lorelei Lee by L.A. Meyer (Bloody Jack #8)
• Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (Collector's Edition) 
• Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
• New Moon by Stephenie Meyer 
• Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
• Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
• The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer
• Fury by Elizabeth Miles (Signed)
• Dark Souls by Paula Morris 
• Evermore by Alyson Noel (The Immortals #1)
• Blue Moon by Alyson Noel (The Immortals #2)
• Shadowland by Alyson Noel (The Immortals #3)
• Saving Zoe by Alyson Noel
• To Catch a Pirate by Jade Parker
• Seeing Red by Jackson Pearce
• Peter and the Starcatchers by Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry (Peter and the Starcatchers #1) 
• Peter and the Shadow Thieves by Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry (Peter and the Starcatchers #2)
• Peter and the Secret of Rundoon by Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry (Peter and the Starcatchers #3)
• The Bridge to Never Land by Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry (ARC)
• Withering Tights by Louise Rennison
• Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan (ARC)
• The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan 
• Mostly Good Girls by Leila Sales
• The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder (ARC)
• Far From You by Lisa Schroeder (Signed) 
• A Long, Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan (ARC) 
• The Other Side of Dark by Sarah Smith
• The Vampire Diaries: The Reutrn: Nightfall by L.J. Smith
• Where It Began by Ann Redisch Stampler (ARC)
• Lament by Maggie Stiefvater 
• Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
• The Hollow by Jessica Verday
• Generation Dead by Daniel Waters (Generation Dead #1)
• Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters (Generation Dead #2)
• Passing Strange by Daniel Waters (Generation Dead #3)
• Boys, Girls and Other Hazardous Materials by Rosalind Wiseman 

A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger

A Midsummer’s Nightmare

Kody Keplinger

Publisher: Poppy

Release Date: June 5, 2012

Series or Standalone: Standalone

ISBN: 9780316084222

Pages: 304

Websites:

Kody Keplinger – Website 

Kody Keplinger – Blog 

Kody Keplinger – Twitter 

Rating: 5 Stars

Each book that Kody Keplinger releases just gets better and better. A Midsummer’s Nightmare has now replaced Shut Out as my favorite book by her.

 A Midsummer’s Nightmare really showed Keplinger’s growth as a writer. This book is not just a fluffy summer romance book, but delves into Whitley’s very messed up emotional state. Keplinger has such a great range in her writing; she can write a great romance, throw in some humor as well as deal with serious emotional issues, all in one book.

Like Keplinger’s previous books, the characters jump out off the page. Keplinger is really able to capture what it’s like to be a teenager. Almost all the characters have flaws, something I loved, making them feel like an actual person. The characters don’t feel static and their voices flow naturally off the page. Her characters, as always, feel like an actual teenagers.

When I first started this book, I though it would be just a fun contemporary romance novel. Whitley typical summer with her dad gets flipped upside down when he announces he’s getting remarried. To make matters worse, Whitley had a one night stand with her soon to be step brother. Sounds like a fun dramatic read. What A Midsummer’s Nightmare provided was all that plus more. I really loved the book wasn’t all light and fluffy. At times, the book was very serious and Keplinger really delved into the emotional pain that Whitley was feeling and has been feeling for sometime. I loved her exploration of why Whitley acts the way she does and the journey of getting Whiltey to speak up about her feelings.

Whitley was one messed up character, yet I loved her. Her flaws made her relatable and I really empathized with her. She’s an emotional wreck to begin with, and the actions of her dad and what she has to deal with over the summer just make it worse. It was nice to slowly see her open up and accept people into her life. While Whitely feels her dream summer with her dad has turned into a nightmare, but this summer offers her the opportunity to open up and reveal the hurt she keeps buried deep inside. She’s probably my favorite character of Keplinger’s to date. Her emotional pain felt so authentic and it was something many girls could relate to.

Keplinger’s boys in this novel are, of course, awesome. Nathan, as the love interest was not only a hunk, but a sweetheart. I wish every guy was as sweet and caring as he was. Nathan also has his fair share of issues as well, but he’s dealing with them. Whitley’s first best friend, Harrison, is a pretty awesome guy as well. He’s got all the characteristics of a great friend, one I like to have. He’s there for Whitley when she needs him.

The story had me hooked from beginning to end and was very easy to get caught up in. I didn’t want to put the book down until I knew how it would end. I loved how Whitley’s secrets were slowly unveiled and how we got to see the real Whitley. I couldn’t wait to see her finally open up and tell her father how she feels. The romance was cute, but not the star of the book.

A Midsummer’s Nightmare is a perfect summer read. Don’t judge this book by the cover, which I really dislike. The cover doesn’t do the book justice to the wonderful story inside. 

A Midsummer’s Nightmare is everything I wanted and more from a Kody Keplinger book and I highly recommend you pick this one up whether you have read her previous books or now. I can’t wait to see what Kody Keplinger publishes next because each book just gets better than better.

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone

Leigh Bardugo

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

Release Date: June 5, 2012

Series or Standalone: The Grisha Trilogy #1

ISBN: 9780805094596

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 368

Websites:

Leigh Bardugo – Website

Leigh Bardugo – Blog

Leigh Bardugo – Twitter
Shadow and Bone - Facebook

Rating: 3 stars

I feel like I went into this book with very high expectations that it did not meet. Everywhere I looked prior to publication of this book I saw glowing reviews of this book and was super excited to read it. Shadow and Bone seemed right up my ally, and it was a YA fantasy to boot, so I couldn’t wait to read it. However, I was a bit confused about how I felt after I finished and a bit disappointed.

I liked the first half of the book, but I felt that the second half of the book fell apart for me. The pace seemed to accelerate in the second half and everything Alina knew up to that point seemed to go out the window and we were supposed to side with her. I wish that when Alina changed her mind there was more explanation.

I feel like this book really could have benefitted from a slower pace and more world building. With fantasy, world building is key and I really wished that this book had a bit more of it, especially with it being the first book in a series. I wasn’t too sure about this society and land that Alina was from and would have liked to learn more about Ravka before diving straight into the story.

Alina felt like a very flat character to me as well. I liked her, but I didn’t understand why she made the decisions she did. She was very one-dimensional and lacked a strong personality. I really wish she was a bit more developed because it would strengthen the book as a whole.

The Darkling was definitely my favorite character. He had the most engrossing personality and definitely was one of the main reasons I kept reading the book. He was surrounded by mystery and I really enjoyed trying to figure out what he was all about. Was he good or was he bad? I still think it could be up in the air and really want to see more of him.

I really would have liked to see more character development with Mal as well as with a lot of the other secondary characters. Mal, like Alina, felt flat. I feel we didn’t know enough about him to fully appreciate him as a character or become attached to him. Alina liked him but I couldn’t fully see why.

I finished this book and the first thought I had was “huh.” I will probably be sticking around to see what happens next as I did enjoy the story and want to see what happens next, despite the issues I had with the book. Hopefully in the second book, we will learn more about Ravka, the Grisha and Alina’s world as well as see more character growth. I just wish this had been a strong fantasy. 

Waiting on Wednesday (89) - Falling Kingdoms

Falling Kingdoms

Morgan Rhodes

Publisher: Razorbill

To be released: December 11, 2012

Summary (from Goodreads):

In a land where magic has been forgotten but peace has reigned for centuries, a deadly unrest is simmering. Three kingdoms grapple for power—brutally transforming their subjects’ lives in the process. Amidst betrayals, bargains, and battles, four young people find their fates forever intertwined:

Cleo: A princess raised in luxury must embark on a rough and treacherous journey into enemy territory in search of a magic long thought extinct.

Jonas: Enraged at injustice, a rebel lashes out against the forces of oppression that have kept his country impoverished—and finds himself the leader of a people’s revolution centuries in the making.

Lucia: A girl adopted at birth into a royal family discovers the truth about her past—and the supernatural legacy she is destined to wield.

Magnus: Bred for aggression and trained to conquer, a firstborn son begins to realize that the heart can be more lethal than the sword...
The only outcome that’s certain is that kingdoms will fall. Who will emerge triumphant when all they know has collapsed?

This book sounds awesome. I’m big into fantasy right now and this sounds right up my alley. I cannot wait to read this! Too bad it comes out in December.

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

Perception by Kim Harrington

Perception

Kim Harrington

Publisher: Scholastic Point

Release Date: March 1, 2012

Series or Standalone: Clarity #2

ISBN: 9780545230537

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 288

Websites:

Kim Harrington – Website

Kim Harrington – Blog 

Kim Harrington – Twitter

Rating: 4 Stars

Reading Perception reminded me of how much I enjoyed Clarity. It was so great to be thrown back into Clare’s world in Eastport, MA.

Perception picks up after the events of Clarity. Clare and the Fern family are still dealing with the aftermath of what occurred over the summer, which means an increase in popularity for Clare and trouble for her brother Perry. Before long, trouble once again rears its head in Eastport with the disappearance of a local girl followed by Clare getting messages from a secret admirer making Clare want to use her gift to try to solve these mysterious

I really liked that Kim Harrington did not just dismiss the events of the prior book, but continued to build off what happened and continue to affect the characters. Clare wants to use her gift to help find this missing girl but her near brush with death in book one makes her mother prevent her from doing that. But Clare is still curious and manages to still try and help anyways.

I loved the mystery in this book. A simple, yet believable situation had Clare and the reader working to the end to uncover the culprit. I really liked how everything tied together in the end and how all the little mysteries popping up were all connected.

The battle of the boys, Gabriel and Jason, continues in this book more. In Clarity, I wasn’t sure who I liked more out of the two boys, but Perception allowed room for more growth with both these characters and Gabriel came out as my favorite of the two (I mean he plays hockey!). While the romance isn’t the main focus of the book, it was woven in with the main action and did not feel forced. And this was not a love triangle that was annoying either. Clare is genuinely confused about her feelings for these boys and wants both in her life, but not sure whom she would prefer to be more than friends with. In the end, I felt Clare definitely made the right choice with the guy she picked.

Perception allowed a lot of room for Clare to grow as a character. So much has happened to her between these two books and she had to have changed because of the events that occurred. Clare became a stronger person, not afraid to be who she was and let people into her life instead of staying on the fringes. She’s no longer just the freak with special powers, but an actual person and she is able to see how important she is too.

Perception is the perfect quick summer read. Kim Harrington’s style is funny and sarcastic and she knows how to write a great mystery. I really enjoyed this sequel and it reminded me why I loved the first one so much. I’m so glad I finally got around to read this. I can’t wait to see what Kim Harrington writes next!

And side-note: how perfect is this cover? I love it. Makes so much sense with the book too. And this Clare is much more how I pictured her then the one on the original Clarity cover.

A Return to Blogging

If you haven't notice, I've been very inactive for a few months. My last semester of college just didn't allow me any free time for myself so I was unable to blog. Now that it is summer, I plan to come back to blogging. I have really missed reading and blogging while I was busy slaving over school work. 

To spring back into blogging I have re-designed my blog. I designed to change up the colors and everything as my old layout I had had for forever. I really like this new design and I hope you do to. 

Check back soon for more reviews as I am slowly getting back into the groove of everything. I'm excited to be back.

Waiting on Wednesday (88) - Rivals and Retributions

Rivals and Retributions

Shannon Delany

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

To be released: August 7, 2012

Summary (from Goodreads):

Marlaena’s pack puts more pressure on the Rusakova family with the kidnapping of Jessie and the surprise that comes from triggering the wolf side of Pietr once again. Alexi realizes the impact of Pietr’s change sooner than either Jessie or Pietr and rushes to find a permanent cure for the life sentence lycanthropy brings in hopes it will squelch an unexpected side-effect. But Gabriel is still not satisfied with his role in the pack and is determined that getting rid of Pietr permanently in his new and weakened state is the best way he can grab power in the pack. Meanwhile at Junction High, the company’s meddling with the school food may have stopped but it doesn’t mean all of the kids the food triggered are suddenly without powers. With the enrollment of the rest of the pack’s pups, Counselor Harnek, Sophie and Jessie decide to try training the pups alongside the other powerful misfits. But Dmitri’s influence is far-reaching and even pacifist Gareth must make a dark decision or risk the destruction of everything he holds dear

So if you couldn’t tell by how my blog is all WoW, I’m very behind on blogging. My fault, life has gotten in the way. I read Destiny and Deceptions, the fourth book in the 13 to Life series and really need to post my review for it, but in the mean time I thought I’d share the fifth book in the series.

I really love this series, and Shannon Delany is awesome. And with the ending of the 4^th book I really cannot wait for this next book. Seriously, want now!

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

Waiting on Wednesday (87) - Sapphire Blue

Sapphire Blue

Kerstin Gier

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

To be released: October 30, 2012

Summary (from Goodreads):

Gwen’s life has been a rollercoaster since she discovered she was the Ruby, the final member of the secret time-traveling Circle of Twelve. In between searching through history for the other time-travelers and asking for a bit of their blood (gross!), she’s been trying to figure out what all the mysteries and prophecies surrounding the Circle really mean. At least Gwen has plenty of help. Her best friend Lesley follows every lead diligently on the Internet. James the ghost teaches Gwen how to fit in at an eighteenth century party. And Xemerius, the gargoyle demon who has been following Gwen since he caught her kissing Gideon in a church, offers advice on everything. Oh, yes. And of course there is Gideon, the Diamond. One minute he’s very warm indeed; the next he’s freezing cold. Gwen’s not sure what’s going on there, but she’s pretty much destined to find out.

This is one of those times I really wish I could read German so I could know how the next book in this amazing series goes! I loved Ruby Red and have been dying for the sequel. Too bad I have to wait for forever to read it! If only I could read German, the language these stories were originally published in, I’d know how the whole series ended.

Also, not sure how I feel about the cover. I know they redid the cover for Ruby Red since I read it, but this cover….hmmm….not sure if I like it or not. It’s so different from the German cover.

German cover

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

Waiting on Wednesday (86) - Hemlock

Hemlock

Kathleen Peacock

Publisher: HarperCollins

To be released: May 8, 2012

Summary (from Goodreads):

Mackenzie and Amy were best friends. Until Amy was brutally murdered.

Since then, Mac’s life has been turned upside down. She is being haunted by Amy in her dreams, and an extremist group called the Trackers has come to Mac’s hometown of Hemlock to hunt down Amy’s killer: A white werewolf.

Lupine syndrome—also known as the werewolf virus—is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control.

Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy’s murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy’s boyfriend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk.

Kathleen Peacock’s thrilling novel is the first in the Hemlock trilogy, a spellbinding urban fantasy series filled with provocative questions about prejudice, trust, lies, and love.

I see the words “urban fantasy” in this description and that makes me want to read it. I love the idea of the “werewolf virus” that people are trying to hide. Also, there seems to be a little mystery thrown in there as well. This book just sounds really interesting. And isn’t that cover gorgeous. I really like it for some reason, maybe cause it has a bit of a darker feel to it?

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

Waiting on Wednesday (85) - Girl of Nightmares

Girl of Nightmares

Kendare Blake

Publisher: Tor Teen

To be released: August 7, 2012

Summary (from Goodreads):

In this follow-up to Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas begins seeing Anna everywhere: sometimes when he’s asleep, and sometimes in waking nightmares. But something is very wrong. These aren’t just daydreams. Anna seems tortured, torn apart in new and ever more gruesome ways every time she appears.

Cas doesn’t know what happened to Anna when she disappeared into Hell, but he knows she doesn’t deserve whatever is happening to her now. Anna saved Cas more than once, and it’s time for him to return the favor.

I devoured Anna Dressed in Blood in one sitting and I just wanted to continue read about these characters. I’m super excited for the next book because the ending of Anna left me wanting more. I cannot wait for this book!

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

Waiting on Wednesday (84) - Goddess Interrupted

Goddess Interrupted       

Aimee Carter

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

To be released: March 27, 2012

Summary (from Goodreads):

Kate Winters has won immortality.

But if she wants a life in the Underworld with Henry, she’ll have to fight for it.

Becoming immortal wasn’t supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she’s as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he’s becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate’s coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry’s first wife, Persephone.

I just read the Goddess Test and I really liked and now really want to read the next book. It sounds like this one is gonna be one wild ride.

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

Waiting on Wednesday (83) - Incarnate

Incarnate

Jodi Meadows

Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books

To be released: January 31, 2012

Summary (from Goodreads):

NEWSOUL
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

NOSOUL
Even Ana’s own mother thinks she’s a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she’ll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are suspicious and afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

HEART
Sam believes Ana’s new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana’s enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else’s life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?

Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life.

This book sounds really interesting. And I really love the cover! Good thing it comes out at the end of the month!

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

Blogging Resolutions

It's a New Year. As always with a New Year you get a new start. I'm not much for coming up with New Year's resolutions, probably because not much changes year from year, but I did set some blogging resolutions for 2012.

If you couldn't tell, I've been a bit slacking on the blog since around November. The last two months of school were insane and I had little time to devote to anything besides school, sleep, and work. Personal issues have also gotten in the way as well.

My main resolution for 2012 is to blog more. I really love blogging and I'm sad that I've fallen so far behind. I have a ton of books that I need to review and I plan on getting on that ASAP. Even during the school I want to balance my school work and personal life so that I can find time to blog. I want to try to have a review a week up on the blog, but I know that might just sometimes be impossible. I will try to read as much as possible, but I have a ton of books for my classes (i'm taking 3 english class, and have 12 books for just one class!) but will try to read for fun as well. I will try to schedule posts in advanced when I have time instead of just putting it off to the last minute. I will be more active on twitter! I virtually abandoned twitter during the school year last year and will try to catch.

I want to be a better blogger and I want to actually have time to blog because I really do enjoy it. Starting tomorrow, I'm going to really start devoting more time to my blog, especially since school starts soon and I want to get ahead. But basically, I just want to BLOG more in 2012.

Winners!

So I've been behing a bit on blogging so here's the winners from the two giveaways  I have had recently.

This Is Teen Giveaway Winner
Joli @ Actin' Up with Books

Birthday Giveaway
Roxanne

Both winners have been contacted!

Waiting on Wednesday (82) - Bitterblue

Bitterblue

Kristin Cashore

Publisher: Dial

To be released: May 1, 2012

Summary (from Goodreads):

Eight years after Graceling, Bitterblue is now queen of Monsea. But the influence of her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities, lives on. Her advisors, who have run things since Leck died, believe in a forward-thinking plan: Pardon all who committed terrible acts under Leck’s reign, and forget anything bad ever happened. But when Bitterblue begins sneaking outside the castle—disguised and alone—to walk the streets of her own city, she starts realizing that the kingdom has been under the thirty-five-year spell of a madman, and the only way to move forward is to revisit the past. Two thieves, who only steal what has already been stolen, change her life forever. They hold a key to the truth of Leck’s reign. And one of them, with an extreme skill called a Grace that he hasn’t yet identified, holds a key to her heart.

I just reread Fire for the like billionth time and cannot wait for Bitterblue. Kristin Cashore is an amazing fantasy writer and I cannot wait to see what this companion has to offer.

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