Wednesday 27 June 2012

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, originally started by Jill at Breaking the Spine , that highlights upcoming book releases everyone is waiting on...hence the title. This week's pick is Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger.  Here's the synopsis:

"Vane Weston should have died in the category five tornado that killed his parents. Instead, he woke up in a pile of rubble with no memories of his past—except one: a beautiful, dark-haired girl standing in the winds. She's swept through his dreams ever since, and he clings to the hope that she's real.

Audra is real, but she isn't human. She's a sylph, an air elemental who can walk on the wind, translate its alluring songs, even twist it into a weapon. She's also a guardian—Vane’s guardian—and has sworn an oath to protect him at all costs.

When a hasty mistake reveals their location to the enemy who murdered both of their families, Audra has just days to help Vane unlock his memories. And as the storm winds gather, they start to realize the greatest danger might not be the warriors coming to destroy them, but the forbidden romance growing between them.

Set amongst the desert airstreams of Coachella Valley in California, LET THE SKY FALL is about two teenagers broken by their pasts, divided by their futures, and bound by love."


So, you must know by now that one way to sell a book to me is to use the words FORBIDDEN ROMANCE and I'm sold.  I mean seriously, just take a look at that last paragraph above and tell me you don't want to read this?! But seriously, I like the story idea too including the idea of elementals which isn't exactly original but is still cool.  I've known about this book for a while but this is the first time I've seen the cover.  I love it.  I believe some people in the US have read an ARC and the feedback is positive so far.  I have no idea if it will come to the UK but that won't stop me.  I'm hitting pre-order as soon as I can.  Let the Sky Fall is published in March, 2013.  

Monday 25 June 2012

Letterbox Love (#8)


As always, Letterbox Love is a weekly feature that I'm hosting on the blog and basically, the idea came out of a discussion with other UK book bloggers about the need to do a weekly meme with more of a British feel to it.  Therefore, Letterbox Love was born and the logo was lovingly designed by Dark Readers.  Letterbox Love is a way for us to share the books that come through our letterbox, galleys and e books (through our electronic letterbox - see what I did there?!) and any other bookish goodies that we want to tell you about.  Letterbox Love is intended to showcase upcoming books and build up some excitement for them as well as let you know what is available out there.  It is not about competing with other bloggers or boasting of any kind (c'mon, we're British and we don't do drama!)

So, without further a do, here's what I got this week...





















Review Books

Tall, Thin and Blonde by Dyan Sheldon
I believe this is an older book, repackaged to look more modern.  I've not read any of Dyan's books before but I'm willing to give them a go. 

Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone
I'm SO, SO excited to receive this book as I'm a HUGE time travel fan and have been wanting to read this book since I first heard about it!! 

The Out of Office Girl by Nicola Doherty
I think this is an adult book and I'm not sure how I got on the list for it.  I'll probably give it to my sister although I do like the idea that it's set in Italy.  

Muddle and Win by John Dickinson
This one sounds a little young for me so I will be passing it on to someone who will appreciate it.

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carrol
I don't really think this is for review, it's more a sample of the rebranded classic.  Again, I have a little girl in mind who might just like this.

Never Fall Down by Patrica McCormick
I'm not a huge fan of issue books but we'll see if I get round to this one.

Now is Good (AKA Before I Die) by Jenny Downham
I really loved this book and this is the repackaged version as the film is coming out soon.  I think I might just have a contest for this ;)

Frostfire by Zoe Marriott
What can I say about Zoe?!  She's a great author and a lovely lady. I believe this is the sequel to Daughter of the Flames which I need to get on and read!
How to Save a Life by Sarah Zarr
VERY excited to have this book.

Thank you publishers!!!

  

Books Bought

 Something Like Normal by Trish Doller
I've had this on pre-order for FOREVER and I thought it wasn't going to be shipped until later in the year so I'm glad it got here a lot sooner!  I was so excited to get it, I've already read it and I really liked it :)

I haven't bought any e books this week and have just finished reading Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers which was published on my birthday (7th June, 2012).  Let me just say that it was phenomenal and if you're looking for a good historical with a supernatural twist (just a slight one) then this comes HIGHLY recommended from me.  So, what did you get this week? As always, leave your links and I'll take a look :)


Saturday 23 June 2012

Anew WINNER

So, you may remember that a little while ago, I posted the cover for AWRY (the sequel to ANEW) and held a contest to win a copy of Anew.  I'm pleased to announce that the winner, chosen at random is:

Michelle @ Book Briefs


Congratulations Michelle!!   The winner has been notified and if she does not respond within 48 hours then a new winner will be chosen.  Thank you to everyone who entered and if you haven't read the book, I urge you to as it's amazing and as if you needed further proof - the series just sold the TV/film rights *squee*

Wednesday 20 June 2012

Waiting on Wednesday


"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, originally started by Jill at Breaking the Spine , that highlights upcoming book releases everyone is waiting on...hence the title. This week's pick is The Archived by Victoria Schwab. Here's the synopsis:

"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
."


The first word I can think of is WOW.  I am IN LOVE WITH A CAPITAL 'L' with the plot for The Archived which sounds fresh, original and very clever.  The cover is gorgeous and by the way, hallelujah for no headless girl in a pretty, floaty dress.  Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against those covers but I like it when the cover reflects what the book is about and I think this cover looks mysterious and eerie.  I'm a big fan of Victoria's and I really enjoyed her debut novel The Near Witch which I reviewed here.  She is a beautiful writer and I have a very good feeling about The Archived. Like most people, I'm dying to get my hands on a copy and this has to be one of my most anticipated reads for 2013 at this point.  As always, it's way too early to comment on international rights but the US release is 2013 with no exact date as of yet. 

Sunday 17 June 2012

Letterbox Love (#7)

 As always, Letterbox Love is a weekly feature that I'm hosting on the blog and basically, the idea came out of a discussion with other UK book bloggers about the need to do a weekly meme with more of a British feel to it.  Therefore, Letterbox Love was born and the logo was lovingly designed by Dark Readers.  Letterbox Love is a way for us to share the books that come through our letterbox, galleys and e books (through our electronic letterbox - see what I did there?!) and any other bookish goodies that we want to tell you about.  Letterbox Love is intended to showcase upcoming books and build up some excitement for them as well as let you know what is available out there.  It is not about competing with other bloggers or boasting of any kind (c'mon, we're British and we don't do drama!)

So, without further a do, here's what I got this week...



 Review Books

Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols
 You have no idea how surprised and excited I was to receive this book as I am DYING to read it.  In fact, I'm reading it next because I just can't wait any longer.  I'm a HUGE fan of Jennifer's writing and I swear to God, I would read ANYTHING she writes.  I'm wondering actually if she has written any adult books and I'm going to try and find out. 

Everneath by Brodi Ashton
I'm not sure why this was sent to me, especially as I read and reviewed it ages ago so I'll either have a contest or give this to my sister.
Snow White & The Huntsman
I just saw this at the cinema as a treat for my birthday and I really enjoyed it!  I didn't mind looking at Chris Hemworth for 90 minutes either ;)  The best thing about this book is that there is a pull out folder and I'm going to use it for writing inspiration :)

Losing Lila by Sarah Alderson
I've not tackled this series yet but I hear it's very good so this will have to wait until I've read the first one!

Thank you publishers!!!




Books Bought

Shadows Cast by Stars by Catherine Knutsson
This book is a dystopian about a girl who is both a healer and a seer (YES PLEASE) and I've wanted to read this one for a while now.  So much so, that I pre-ordered it ages ago and this is the pretty finished hardback. It is sold as "Incorporating the traditions of the First Peoples as well as the more familiar stories of Greek mythology and Arthurian legend" which quite frankly, sounds awesome.

Arise by Tara Hudson
Arise is the sequel to Hereafter (a book I bought over a year ago but still haven't read - oops).  I know it's essentially a ghost story and I'm betting that I'm going to love it.  Am I the only person who orders sequels before reading the original?!

Timepiece by Myra McEntire
I LOVED Hourglass and so of course I pre-ordered the sequel as soon as I could.  I get the feeling that I'm going to need to skim Hourglass to remind myself of everything first though which is one of the only reasons I haven't picked this up yet but I'm so looking forward to it!

Blood Promise,  Shadow Kiss and Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
I've grouped these together as really, I just needed to finish off my collection (as I have the others).  I've had a bit of a Vampire Academy week this week actually as I read a book from the series every day.  Previously, I'd only read the first one and now I'm all caught up and have really enjoyed them!  Now I just have the spin off series to start ;)



E-Books

Awry by Chelsea Fine (for review)
I CANNOT WAIT to get started on Awry, the sequel to Anew AKA the book that blew me away this year.    

Naked Writing: The No Frills Way to Write Your Book by Glenys O'Connell (Bought)
I saw this on Twitter and as the Kindle version was only 77p, I thought why not?  I'm an aspiring writer and any help I can get is much appreciated :)

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead (Bought)
I had already ordered this in paperback but it hadn't arrived yet and I was DESPERATE to read it so I bought the kindle version to tide me over.  I couldn't help myself!

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead (Bought)
Same explanation as above, I'm afraid.


This week was a good week for books, especially as a lot of my pre-orders are now being delivered.  I'm so excited to know that Something Like Normal by Trish Doller is on its way as I've been chomping at the bit for that book for a while now! I've thoroughly enjoyed reading the Vampire Academy series this last week though and whilst I'm tempted to get started on the spin off series, I feel like I need a break so I'm picking up Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols.  What are you reading this week?  Feel free to leave me your Letterbox Love links and I'll take a look if I get time.

Wednesday 13 June 2012

Waiting on Wednesday


"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, originally started by Jill at Breaking the Spine , that highlights upcoming book releases everyone is waiting on...hence the title. This week's pick is Level 2 by Lenore Appelhans. Here's the synopsis:

"Since her untimely death the day before her eighteenth birthday, Felicia Ward has been trapped in Level 2, a stark white afterlife located between our world and the next. Along with her fellow prisoners, Felicia passes the endless hours downloading memories and mourning what she’s lost—family, friends, and the boy she loved, Neil.

Then a girl in a neighboring chamber disappears, and nobody but Felicia seems to recall she existed in the first place. Something is obviously very wrong. When Julian—a dangerously charming guy Felicia knew in life—comes to offer Felicia a way out, she learns the truth: a rebellion is brewing to overthrow the Morati, the guardians of Level 2.

Felicia is reluctant to trust Julian, but then he promises what she wants the most—to be with Neil again—if only she’ll join the rebels. Suspended between Heaven and Earth, Felicia finds herself in the center of an age-old struggle between good and evil. As memories from her life come back to haunt her, and as the Morati hunt her down, Felicia will discover it’s not just her own redemption at stake… but the salvation of all mankind."
 


Just in case you didn't know, Lenore just happens to be an awesome book blogger and I'm so proud of her for writing and publishing her very own dystopian novel.  Not only is Level 2 written by a very experienced book blogger, and it's a dystopian book but I would also classify it as an angel book - in the style of Chandler Bing from Friends - could there BE any more reasons for me to want this book?!  I'm so curious to sample Lenore's writing and I think the plot sounds really interesting.  I'm dying to see how she will keep the story fresh and entertaining, the only problem is that I don't want to wait until January, 2013 when it is published!!! There is no UK release date information available but fingers crossed that international rights are sold.

Sunday 10 June 2012

Letterbox Love (#6)




 As always, Letterbox Love is a weekly feature that I'm hosting on the blog and basically, the idea came out of a discussion with other UK book bloggers about the need to do a weekly meme with more of a British feel to it.  Therefore, Letterbox Love was born and the logo was lovingly designed by Dark Readers.  Letterbox Love is a way for us to share the books that come through our letterbox, galleys and e books (through our electronic letterbox - see what I did there?!) and any other bookish goodies that we want to tell you about.  Letterbox Love is intended to showcase upcoming books and build up some excitement for them as well as let you know what is available out there.  It is not about competing with other bloggers or boasting of any kind (c'mon, we're British and we don't do drama!)

So, without further a do, here's what I got this week...
 

Review Books

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
This is a beautiful finished hardback copy and if you're wondering about the story, it's a fantasy featuring dragons and has had some amazing reviews so far. 

Touched by Cyn Balog
I'm a HUGE fan of Cyn Balog and I've been wanting to read Touched for the longest time!  Unfortunately I was denied on Netgalley (booooo!) but Cyn was kind enough to send me a copy even though I kept telling her not to because I have it on pre-order!  I'm very grateful however and of course, she signed it for me :)
 
Storm by Brigid Kemmerer
This copy of Storm was gifted to me by Brigid as she knows I'm a massive fan of the series (I've already reviewed Storm on the blog) and I would urge you to read it.  I mean what's not to like about 4 hot brothers who can wield the elements?!  I *think* this is an Australian copy although don't quote me on that.  I just like the fact that it's signed! 



  Books Bought

Rapture by Lauren Kate
I love this series and I can't believe this is the last book! I'm almost frightened to read it!  Naturally, I had to buy myself a US hardback to go with the rest of my collection. 

Storm by Brigid Kemmerer
I bought this before I knew that Brigid was sending me a signed copy.  I'm tempted to keep it as it has a different cover to the one she sent but I might just send it to my sister who is bound to love it!



E-Books

Unfinished Business by Nora Roberts (Bought)
There was a kindle sale and I saw this for 99p so I bought it as I love Nora Roberts :)

Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter (Bought)
I already have this but as it was in the kindle sale, I thought I would get it as I also have the first one on there. 

Ride with Me by Ruthie Knox (Bought)
I heard about this book called About Last Night by an author called Ruthie Knox but I couldn't find it on Amazon (as it's not out yet) and so I bought her first book as it sounded interesting.  This is an adult romance. 

Spark by Brigid Kemmerer (Netgalley)
Do you even realise how happy I was to see this on Netgalley and be accepted for it on my birthday?! I read it in one sitting and LOVED it.  Review to come.

Try not to faint but I didn't actually buy any books or receive any books for my birthday.  I know, I was shocked too!  I'm re-reading Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead at the moment as I remember loving it but I never read any more of the series.  I want to rectify this so I'm going to get the rest of the books (in red) so don't be surprised if that pops up in one of these posts sometime soon.  Please leave me a link with your letterbox love post and I'll try to take a look if I get time :) 

Friday 8 June 2012

30 Days of Daemon Tour

Hello and welcome to my part of the 30 Days of Daemon Tour which was supposed to be yesterday but unfortunately, the information wasn't sent to me until yesterday which just so happened to be my birthday and I was otherwise engaged!  SO, I know what you're thinking - 30 days of Daemon?  That's soooo not enough and I totally agree, I wouldn't mind a lifetime of Daemon ;)  Anyway, today we have him answering some "Dear Daemon" questions and I hope you enjoy his answers.  


1. Do you sparkle?

Dear You must be like Kat,

No. I don’t freaking sparkle. I glow.


Yours truly,
Daemon



2. Why did you have to be such a douche to Katy? I know you didn't need her in your life but kissing her then saying something like that? Come on man, bad move in my opinion. So why do you want her now? Is it because you can’t have her?

Dear Bad Move,
   
I’m pretty sure I’ve answered this question a million times over. And each time I’m asked it again, I start to twitch.

Yours truly,
Daemon



3. Dear Daemon, What do you think is the most important thing in life?

Dear Good question,

Family.


Yours truly,
Daemon



4. Why are you so adorable?

Dear Aw shucks,
   
Just because I am.

Yours truly,
Daemon



5. Dear Daemon, What is your idea of a perfect first date? (I always wondered what you thought was hot and what wasn't, you know with you being a little bit more than hot) Have a great day ;) From an anonymous girl who finds you tres attractive.

Dear Anonymous girl,

Tres Attractive? I like that. My idea of a perfect first date? Depends. If it was with Kat, I’d want it to be something she enjoyed. So I’d take her to a bookstore. You might think that’s lame, but she’d love that. Maybe do dinner afterward. Maybe do some other things afterward. The perfect date really isn’t what you do but who you spend it with.


Yours truly,
Daemon


Thank you Daemon for being on the blog today, you know how much I adore you ;)

Wednesday 6 June 2012

Waiting on Wednesday




















 "Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly event, originally started by Jill at Breaking the Spine , that highlights upcoming book releases everyone is waiting on...hence the title. This week's pick is Entice by Jessica Shirvington.  Here's the synopsis:

"CONSEQUENCE HAUNTS EVERY CHOICE

Violet Eden is Grigori - part angel, part human. Her destiny is to protect humans from the vengeance of exiled angels. Knowing who to trust is key but, when Grigori reinforcements arrive, it becomes clear everyone is hiding something. Even Lincoln. The only thing Violet does know: Phoenix's hold over her is more dangerous than ever.


The race to find the one thing that could tilt the balance of power brings them all to the sacred mountains of Jordan, where Violet's power will be pushed to the extreme. And the ultimate betrayal exposed."


I LOVED Embrace, (which is the first book in the series) that I reviewed here and I've been chomping at the bit for Entice ever since.  You'll notice that in the UK the title is Enticed but I prefer the American title and cover which is more in line with the first book and is quite frankly, simply stunning.  The first two chapters have been revealed online recently but I would not recommend reading them, especially if you are a fan of the series as it will only leave you wanting more!!!  

Entice(d) is published on 6th September, 2012 in the UK and 4th September, 2012 in the US.

Monday 4 June 2012

Letterbox Love (#5)


This week, my boyfriend is moving stuff around the flat and effectively blocked the path to my office thus effectively blocking me from my bookshelves and my laptop.  Seriously. I've finally clambered over everything to get at my books and my laptop but it means that this week's post is late so apologies for that!  

As always, Letterbox Love is a weekly feature that I'm hosting on the blog and basically, the idea came out of a discussion with other UK book bloggers about the need to do a weekly meme with more of a British feel to it.  Therefore, Letterbox Love was born and the logo was lovingly designed by Dark Readers.  Letterbox Love is a way for us to share the books that come through our letterbox, galleys and e books (through our electronic letterbox - see what I did there?!) and any other bookish goodies that we want to tell you about.  Letterbox Love is intended to showcase upcoming books and build up some excitement for them as well as let you know what is available out there.  It is not about competing with other bloggers or boasting of any kind (c'mon, we're British and we don't do drama!)

So, without further a do, here's what I got this week...


Review Books

Hades by Alexandra Adornetto
This is another series that I have not started yet but I know I will probably love it and kick myself for waiting so long to read it!

Dreamless by Josephine Angelini
OMG I have been dying to read this book since I finished Starcrossed and I'm starting it TONIGHT.  No joke. 

Taken by Storm by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
This is of course the third book in the best selling series - a series I am behind with I'm afraid so this will have to go on the back burner.   

Shattered Dreams by Ellie James
This one is a new paranormal series and sounds interesting.  Whilst I'm not over enamored by the cover, I've heard some good reports about the book and so I'll probably give it a go.

Spy for the Queen of Scots by Theresa Breslin
When I first looked at this book, I assumed that it had been sent to me by mistake.  I had no idea that this was being marketed as a children's book as it looked like an adult, historical book to me.  I'm still not sure if I will read it or not but we'll see.

 

 Review Books

Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer
I can't say that I've read any books by Jodi Picoult but I definitely know her name.   Between the Lines is her first YA offering and one that was co written by her daughter.  I started this a little while ago and thought it was intriguing.  I mean, who hasn't wanted a fictional guy to be real?!

The Reckoning by Alma Katsu
I LOVED The Taker and so I'm very excited to read the sequel!  I prefer the US cover though ;)




Book Gifts 

Dreamless by Josephine Angelini
This beautiful American hardback copy of Dreamless was gifted to me by the lovely Amber Sweeney (apologies for misplacing your blog details Amber) but thank you so, so much!! 


I didn't buy any books this week but I did book my Summer holiday.  It cost a little more than I wanted to pay and so I'm not sure how many books I will be able to afford for a while!  It is my birthday next week though so we'll see what happens ;)  Leave me a comment with a link so I can check out your Letterbox Love posts and I hope you all had a good week! :)