In My Mailbox (7)

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren where we get to post about the books we recieve each week through publishers/authors, our own purchases, contests, and libraries!

What's in my Mailbox?









    
  

For Review:

The Espressologist by Kristina Springer

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

Fall for Anything by Courtney Summers

Extras by Scott Westerfeld

Deadly Little Games by Laurie Faria Stolarz

What's in your mailbox? Share links :) 

 Thanks for reading...

Making it to the TBR List (2)

Ever read a rave review? Did it make you want to run to the nearest bookstore or library? Tell us about those books that make you say "Grab the car keys we're going on a trip!" Hosted by The Bookworm is Here!

SIDE NOTE: If you want to participate - feel free! The more the merrier, just link back here :) Thanks!

 

My Pick This Week Is...

Uncommon Criminals (The Heist Society #2)

By Ally Carter

Published by Hyperion Book CH - June 21, 2011

298 pages

"Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life: Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief. But for the last two months she’s simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world.That’s why Kat isn’t surprised when she’s asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners.There are only three problems. First, the gem hasn’t been seen in public in thirty years. Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long — and in Kat’s world, history almost always repeats itself. But it’s the third problem that makes Kat’s crew the most nervous, and that is . . . the emerald is cursed. Kat might be in way over her head, but she’s not going down without a fight. After all, she has her best friend — the gorgeous Hale — and the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses and realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time.Which means, this time, Katarina Bishop is making up her own rules."

    Why was this added to my TBR list? I haven't read the first one but BOTH sound absolutely die-worthy to read. I've heard so many fabulous reviews for this book about how great it was and I just couldn't turn away! Plus the cover is so fun looking that I can't help but want to read it! (I'm a big cover-lover). I'm going to have to get my hands on the first one and then on this one, they look like action packed books! I also happen to be a fan of Ally Carter :)


Have you ever seen or read this book? Would you be interested in it? Recently what book has made it to your To-Be-Read list?

Thanks for reading....

Want to Win Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater?

Hey readers! I want to apologize for the lack of *cough-no* reviews... I have to visit the library, planning on doing that tomorrow - just a heads up!

Also I want to apologize for my lack of comments around the blog-o-shpere and my lack of posts. I am having MAJOR internet problems. The fact that you see only three posts for this week is because I shedueled these (ncluding this one) in what I like to call "open window moments" (meaning the internet is actually loading blogger). Sigh. So, in these "open window moments" I'll try and scheduele more posts so that it doesn't look like I deserted you guys! I'd never do that!! As soon as it smartens up I'll be commenting on everyone's blogs again with a vengence *evil grin*.

Anyways.... shall I get to the actual point of this post? Ahh yes... Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater, do you want a brand new, paperback copy of it? Yes well then click on this link or click on the image of the book. It is very simple to enter and Amanda is so nice :) Good luck everyone!

Thanks for hanging around, sorry about the techinical issues....

Waiting On Wednesday (12)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine to showcase unreleased novels that we're waiting for.

What am I waiting for?

A Million Suns (Across the Universe #2)
By Beth Revis
Release Date: January 10, 2012

"It’s been three months since Elder unplugged Amy, tearing her from her family and the life she always knew. Now, Eldest is dead and Orion awaits judgment for his murder as a frozen. Elder is finally free to enact his vision for the ship’s population—no more Phydus, no more lies.
But when Elder learns harrowing news about the ship, he and Amy are sent on a race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, all the while dealing with the romance that’s growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart.
Beth Revis wows us again with a brilliantly crafted mystery filled with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all boils down to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship"- Goodreads

Why am I waiting for it?
I absolutely LOVED Across the Universe and as soon as I finished I wanted more. Well, now there is more! I'll just have to wait till the new year... yikes, that's a long time! But isn't the cover enough to wait for? I thought the first cover was fabulous and this cover definitely falls in it's footsteps! I like how the publisher/author kept with the theme of the starry backgrounds, it makes it look beautiful :)


What are you waiting on? Leave links :)

Review for Saving Juliet by Suzanne Selfors

Saving Juliet

Author Suzanne Selfors
Publisher: Walker Books
Source: Public Library
Challenges:For the Love of YA, The Library Challenge
256 pages

"Seventeen year old Mimi Wallingford, of the Broadway Wallingfords, has a life most girls can only dream of --- complete with the starring role in her family's production of Romeo and Juliet. But acting is not her dream, and she's fighting for the right to trade her script for a scalpel and become a doctor. Fourteen year old Juliet Capulet, of the Verona Capulet's, has lived a lonely life --- imprisoned by the feud that consumes her family and by her iron fist-ed mother's forcing her into an unwanted marriage. She will do anything to avoid her betrothed, even if it requires faking a boil on her bottom --- or something more dangerous. During the plays final performance, Mimi's wish to get away actually comes true when she and her heartthrob costar, Troy Summer, are magically transported into Shakespeare's Verona. Now that she knows the real Juliet, Mimi doesn't want to stand by and allow the play to reach its tragic end. But if saving her new friend means changing the ending of the greatest love story of all time, will she and Troy ever make it back to Broadway?"

  The copy I have in my hands looks like a book that has spent a lot of time on the shelf. Why? I do not know. I thoroughly enjoyed the story Suzanne Selfors wrote!

  At the beginning I didn't connect with the main character Mimi as much as I wanted to. I just went along with it. But as soon as the time travel happened, I was excited about her actions. I started to see the girl she was and her feelings were understandable. Surprisingly, Mimi didn't get on my nerves! I was kinda astonished too, to see that she didn't figure out what was going on until later in the book. But she if very funny at times. Mimi was very likable, she's just your average teenager besides the fact that she gets transported to Verona in to the story of Romeo and Juliet! The other character I want to talk about is of course the leading male character. Whenever they interacted and talked I was hanging on every word! He is famous and in the beginning, since the reader sees him through Mimi's eyes, he is a jerk. But then (of course) you learn that hey he actually isn't - he's really sweet and just acts all 'snotty' because of his agent. I really liked Troy the way he always defended Mimi (he throws a few punches for her) when she was in trouble and how much he cared about her even though she didn't realize it. All the characters, including the handsome Benvolio, Romeo and of course the sweet girl Juliet were awesome in this story!

  I really enjoyed the plot. There was never a dull moment, sometimes it was slow but for the most part it was detailed and entertaining. I have never read the story of Romeo and Juliet but I can say now that I know the main story! I absolutely enjoyed how Suzanne Selfors wrote this. Mimi is telling us of the account a year after. And it quite entertaining at some of the commentary she puts in there. I laughed quite a few times! It had very good humor and was an easy, light read. It makes you feel like you went on a trip! The writing style is easy to read and doesn't confuse you. It wraps up nicely in the end too!

  I would recommend this to people who like time/story travel and romance!  It was a light, fun and quick read that left me feeling like I had a great time. Don't let the cover fool you, it's a very delightful read!

Excerpt:

A few words beforehand.

I'm not going to begin my story with "Once upon a time," even though many of you will call it a fairy tale. Fairy tales are fantasies. Fairy tales are made up and my story is true. Every single word.
I'm going to call this a life-is-the-stuff-of-dreams tale, because that's what it felt like, at first. It felt like a dream, except I'm not the only person who was there and who remembers. Dreams simply do not happen in tandem.
My name is Mimi, and you might think I'm completely nuts after you read this. But I won't mind because it's my story and it saved my life.
Fine then. You can turn the page.

Waiting On Wednesday (11)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine to showcase unreleased novels that we're waiting for.

What am I waiting for?

The Death Cure
James Dashner
Release Date: October 11, 2011

Thomas knows that Wicked can't be trusted, but they say the time for lies is over, that they've collected all they can from the Trials and now must rely on the Gladers, with full memories restored, to help them with their ultimate mission. It's up to the Gladers to complete the blueprint for the cure to the Flare with a final voluntary test. What Wicked doesn't know is that something's happened that no Trial or Variable could have foreseen. Thomas has remembered far more than they think. And he knows that he can't believe a word of what Wicked says. The time for lies is over. But the truth is more dangerous than Thomas could ever imagine. Will anyone survive the Death Cure?

Why am I waiting for it?

Everyone knows how much I LOVE the Maze Runner series... So how could I NOT want to read the final book? The one that will decided if Thomas lives or dies? The one that will tell us what the secrets are? Ok, I'm being dramatic but I cannot wait to read about the final battle and struggle that Thomas will have to face. Doesn't the cover just scream READ ME!?

What are you waiting on? Leave links :)

Review for Deadly Little Lies by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Deadly Little Lies (Touch #2)

Author: Laurie Faria Stolarz 
Publisher: Hyperion Book
Source: Public Library
Challenges: For the Love of YA, Library Challenge
288 pages

"Last fall, sixteen-year-old Camelia fell for Ben, the mysterious new boy at school who turned out to have a very mysterious gift--pyschometry, the ability to sense the future through touch. But just as Camelia and Ben's romance began to heat up, he abruptly left town. Brokenhearted, Camelia has spent the last few months studying everything she can about psychometry, and experiencing her own strange brushes with premonition. Camelia wonders if Ben's abilities have somehow rubbed off on her. Can the power of psychometry be transferred? Even once Ben returns to school, Camelia can't get close enough to share her secret with him. Despite the romantic tension between them, Ben remains aloof, avoiding contact. Then when an unexpected kiss leads to a frightening argument, Camelia makes the painful decision to let Ben go and move on. Adam, the hot new guy at work, seems good for her in ways Ben wasn't. Adam is easygoing, and seems to really care about her.But when Camelia and Adam start dating, a surprising love triangle results. A chilling sequence of events upturns secrets from Ben's past--and Adam's. Someone is lying, and it’s up to Camelia to figure out who—before it’s too late." - Goodreads

    This is the second book in the Touch Series. The first one, Deadly Little Secrets was awesome - just like this one. We get to see more Camelia and of course more Ben!

   I've always loved Camelia as a main character. She's relatible and a strong girl who is very determined sometimes! But I find her (just a little) obessesive of Ben... does anyone else notice that? Other than that she pulled through again (and lived to tell the tale!) Ben is the same, basically. I found in this book though, first he didn't want to be near Camelia but then as soon as she tries to move on he gets all like interested in her safety again. But that being said I still love Ben. He's not my 'swoon' worthy type but he fits the bill for the romanctic side of this book. Now, entry of a new character: Adam. I was suspicious of him at first but I can't deny his charm. Really who could? He was so sweet to Camelia and hilarious! I have a feeling he will be playing a big role in the next book. Camelia's friends are also noteworthy characters. The conflict and bickering between Wes and Kimmie is so so funny! Haha those two liven up the otherwise serious book!

   Yes, Camelia is being stalked...again. Sigh. That poor poor girl, can she not get a break? Secrets, lies, games (<- Notice that those are the titles) are involved with her life and she just can't seem to get away and have a normal life. These books though, have this way of hooking the reader. Or at least me. I read this in a day. I couldn't set it down for more than an hour before I was like "What's going to happen?!" So, yes... it's addictive. One small part was really neat. In between the story there are short diary entries from an Alexia. Now who is that? Well, I do know. It makes perfect sense (you'll have to read it, I can't tell!) And I am SO interested in finding out how that person will change this whole series! I give the plot and pace of this book an A.

   I recommend this book to people who read the first book Deadly Little Secrets and liked it. Also if you enjoy mystery, suspense, romance, and action - this is a good book for all that! I hope I'll get to read Deadly Little Games and Deadly Little Voices!

Excerpt:

I've been having trouble sleeping. Most nights, I find myself lying awake in bed, unable to nod off. And unable to take my mind off him.
The strength of his hands.
The way he smelled - a mix of sugar and sweat.
And the branchlike scar that snaked up his arm.
Ever since Ben left four months ago, I've been getting fixated on these little things, trying to remember if his scar had three branches or four, if it was his left or his right thumb knuckle that always looked a little swollen, and if his sugary smell was more like powdered doughnuts or cotton candy.
Sometimes I think I'm going crazy. And I'm not just saying that to be dramatic. I really question my sanity. Things just haven't been right lately. I haven't been right.
I guess that's what scares me the most.

Review for Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott

Love You Hate You Miss You

Author: Elizabeth Scott
Publisher:HarperTeen
Source: Public Library
Challenges: For the Love of YA, Library Challenge
276 pages

"Get this, I'm supposed to be starting a journal about "my journey." Please. I can see it now: Dear Diary, As I'm set adrift on this crazy sea called "life" . . . I don't think so. It's been seventy-five days. Amy's sick of her parents suddenly taking an interest in her. And she's really sick of people asking her about Julia. Julia's gone now, and she doesn't want to talk about it. They wouldn't get it, anyway. They wouldn't understand what it feels like to have your best friend ripped away from you. They wouldn't understand what it feels like to know it's your fault. Amy's shrink thinks it would help to start a diary. Instead, Amy starts writing letters to Julia. But as she writes letter after letter, she begins to realize that the past wasn't as perfect as she thought it was—and the present deserves a chance too." -Goodreads

    Ok, so this sounds like a great book right? I thought so. I'm not saying it wasn't but it just didn't work for me.

   The main character Amy is utterly devestated at the loss of her best friend. The worst part? She blames herself and even Julia's mother blames her for her daughters death. So, Amy had to go to this rehab center for her drinking and deal with changes in her home life. I just didn't connect with her though. Sure, I felt so sorry for her but I just couldn't relate to her feelings all that well. Now, also by way of the cover you probably think "Does this have some sort of romance? With the rose petals? Or does the petals refer to her friend?" I think the rose petals do refer to Julia but yes there is a bit of romance in this book. Sort of. It's more like she has a spark with a guy and ends up hooking up because 'they know what each other is going through' blah blah... it didn't go exactly like but you get the jist. It was kinda weird. The characters were ok but they didn't become real to me that I felt feelings for them besides Amy who I felt terrible for.

   I found the plot incredibly slow moving. This is basically a book centered on Amy's thoughts and how she goes through the four month's (or so) after Julia's death and how she copes. The letters to Julia were an interesting touch but no real problems arise that are exciting. I understand that not every book can have exciting plots but it just was kinda flat for me. Also the writing was sometimes confusing. I had to re-read a few parts to make sure I got the sense of what the author was trying to convey. It was also frustrating because the author only gives you a little bit of background, actually none at the start, and you have to try and piece stuff together. That is a good technique but it just left me lost half the time, trying to guess at what might have happened or how things were. And you don't get the revelation until about three-quarters of the book. Sigh. But the story was a good one in itself. A very tragic one at that.

    Do I recommend it? Well, I don't want to say No... Don't even go there because it wasn't bad. It just wasn't my type of story. So, if you are interested and see it at your library or borrow it - give it a try. It's not as terrible as I may make it sound. If you do decided to read it and love it then I am happy! Lots of people liked it (check out goodreads) so it's up to you!

Excerpt:

Dear Julia,

Get this, I'm supposed to be starting a journal about "my journey." Please. I can see it now:

Dear Diary,
As I'm set adrift on this crazy sea called "life," I like to think of an inspirational poem I heard not long ago, one that made me weep because of its beauty. Today, I truly believe each day is a precious gift....

I don't think so.

Anyway, while Dr.Marks (mustache like you wouldn't believe, long and shaggy and made even worse by the fact that he's always got crumbs in it) babbles on about how we need a place to share our "experiences", I'm writing to you.

Review for Specials by Scott Westerfeld

Specials (The Uglies #3)
Author: Scott Westerfeld
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Source: Public Library
Challenges: For the Love of YA, Library Challenge
372 pages

"Tally thought they were a rumor, but now she's one of them. A Special. A super-amped fighting machine, engineered to keep the uglies down and the pretties stupid. But maybe being perfectly programmed with strength and focus isn't better than anything she's ever known. Tally still has memories of something else. But it's easy for her to tune that out --- until she's offered a chance to stamp out the rebels of the New Smoke permanently. It all comes down to one last choice: listen to that tiny, faint heartbeat, or carry out the mission she's programmed to complete. Either way, Tally's world will never be the same."

   This was an excellent conclusion to The Uglies series! It wrapped up the whole story nicely but still allowed the readers mind to create imaginations about what may have happened. I hear there is a fourth book for this series called Extras... Not sure if I'll read it - it might mess up my good feelings and I hate to part with Tally's story.

   Tally was alright in this book. So we all know the sequence of events right? First she is an ugly -> then a Pretty -> and yup you guessed it, a Special. It is a neat thing because we get to see our main character, Tally, in three completly different situations. And we see how she changes and how she acts. She didn't get on my nerves to often this time (yay!) and I am happy to say that she definitely made it to her goal and matured! Well at least, finding out who should should be. I still wanted to slap her sometimes though, just to try and make her see through the lesions (part of the operation when becoming a Special: it changes your attitude and mind.) Some characters certainly suprised me though! And I cryed when one event -will not mention who or what for spoiler reasons- took place. (Reviewers note: I must say though that Tally handled that pretty well, if I may say so). Oh and I am happy to announce that the love triangle does not stay a love triangle; yes, she does end up with one guy who I am very pleased with! Also, Shay - Tally's best friend, I found she changed in this book. In the beginning you kind of, well, don't like her or at least I didn't. But at the end she was a good friend. The characters really pulled it through and made it an entertaining read!

   The plot was interesting to say the least. But you probably know (or experienced) frustration when the character is thinking about events and tells you all this stuff when you really just want to yell "Go back to the scene, I want to know what happens!!" Well, I experienced that a few times in this book. The events kept it interesting though. Expect gasps along the way! It moved along nicely and the ending wrapped up the loose ends. It wasn't a picture perfect ending which I liked. In real life that just doesn't happen so if makes it more realistic.

  I would recommend this  to people who have either started this series or who like futuristic, fast paced, romantic books. I really enjoyed this series and am happy to say that I read it!

Excerpt:

   The six hoverboards slipped among the trees with the lightning grace of playing cards thrown flat and spinning. The riders ducked and weaved among ice-heavy branches, laughing, knees bent and arms outstretched. In their wake glowed a crystal rain, tiny icicles shaken from the pine needles to fall behind, aflame with moonlight.
   Tally felt everything with an icy clarity: the brittle, freezing wind across her bare hands, the shifting gravities that pressed her feet against the hoverboard. She breated in the forest, tendrils of pin coating her throat and tongue, thick as syrup.
  The cold air seemed to make sounds crisper: The loose tail of her dorm jacket cracked like a wind whipped flag, her grippy shoes squeaked against the hoverboard surface with every turn. Fausto was pumping dance music straight through her skintenna, but that was silent to the world outside. Over its frantic beat Tally heard every twitch of her new monofilament-sheathed muscles.

In My Mailbox (6)

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren where we get to post about the books we recieve each week through publishers/authors, our own purchases, contests, and libraries!

What's in my Mailbox?

For Review:

Specials by Scott Westerfeld

Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott

Deadly Little Lies by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Saving Juliet by Suzanne Selfors

What was in your mailbox this week?
Thanks for reading.....

Waiting On Wednesday (10)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine to showcase unreleased novels that we're waiting for.

What am I waiting for?

Never Have I Ever

Sara Shepard
Release date: August 2, 2011

My perfect life was a lie.
Now I’d do anything to uncover the truth. Not long ago, I had everything a girl could wish for: amazing friends, an adorable boyfriend, a loving family. But none of them know that I’m gone—that I’m dead. To solve my murder, my long-lost twin sister, Emma, has taken my place. She sleeps in my room, wears my clothes, and calls my parents Mom and Dad.

And my killer is watching her every move.

I remember little from my life, just flashes and flickers, so all I can do is follow along as Emma tries to solve the mystery of my disappearance. But the deeper she digs, the more suspects she uncovers. It turns out my friends and I played a lot of games—games that ruined people’s lives. Anyone could want revenge . . . anyone could want me—and now Emma—dead.-Goodreads

Why am I waiting for it?

I read the first one The Lying Game and was so involved with that story that I NEED to know who Sutton's murderer is! So, that means I want to read the next two books in the series so I can find out the answer to the mystery! Blogger side note: I really like this book's title: Never Have I Ever - I enjoy how that sounds one the tongue...

What are you waiting on? Leave links :)

Making it to the TBR List (1)

Ever read a rave review? Did it make you want to run to the nearest bookstore or library? Tell us about those books that make you say "Grab the car keys we're going on a trip!" Hosted by The Bookworm is Here!

  Yes, I did start a meme, pretty lame huh? It's just that I wanted to have something original on my blog... what better way than by making your own meme? It's not the greatest idea but I thought it would be fun to share the books that make it to my to-be-read list. Let's get started then! (If you want to do this meme on your own blog feel free - just make mention of my blog with a link... thanks :P)

My Pick this week is....

Ruby Red (Edelstein Trilogie #1)

By Kerstin Gier

Published by Henry Holt - May 10, 2011

325 pages

"Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era! Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon, the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust." - Goodreads  

 Why was this added to my TBR list? I LOVE time travel and I LOVE this type of romance. It has the total squeee factor. And I am interested in reading this book because it was translated into English from German. I am intigued by that. So I am really hoping that I can get my hands on this book because it looks like one that I would overly enjoy!

Have you ever seen or read this book? Would you be interested in it? Recently what book has make it to your To-Be-Read list?

Thanks for reading....