Waiting On Wednesday (15)

Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating. As always, the summary provided is from Goodreads.com This week I am “Waiting On” just one book, but it’s one I’ve REALLY been looking forward to for a while. I can’t wait to get my hands on it 🙂

Team Human
by Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan

Published: 3rd July 2012

Just because Mel lives in New Whitby, a city founded by vampires, doesn’t mean she knows any of the blood-drinking undead personally. They stay in their part of town; she says in hers. Until the day a vampire shows up at her high school. Worse yet, her best friend, Cathy, seems to be falling in love with him. It’s up to Mel to save Cathy from a mistake she might regret for all eternity

On top of trying to help Cathy (whether she wants it or not), Mel is investigating a mysterious disappearance for another friend and discovering the attractions of a certain vampire wannabe. Combine all this with a cranky vampire cop, a number of unlikely romantic entanglements, and the occasional zombie, and soon Mel is hip-deep in an adventure that is equal parts hilarious and touching.

Acclaimed authors Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan team up to create a witty and poignant story of cool vampires, warm friendships, and the changes that test the bonds of love.

I’ve heard good things about this book. It sounds like it’s going to be a really fun, different, book to read.

What book(s) are you “Waiting On” this week? Leave me a link in the comments and I will check them out – I’m always on the lookout for new things to read!

Waiting On Wednesday (14)

Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating. As always, the summary provided is from Goodreads.com This week I am “Waiting On” two books one the second book in a series and the other by one of my favourite authors. As always the blurbs are taken from Goodreads.com

Bloodlines #2The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2)
by Richelle Mead

Published: 19th June 2012

The second thrilling installment in Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy spinoff series

Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students–children of the wealthy and powerful–carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie, and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Richelle Mead’s breathtaking Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is hotter, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher.

Insatiable #1Insatiable (Insatiable #1)
by Meg Cabot

Published: 21st June 2012

Sick of vampires? So is Meena Harper.

But her boss is making her write about them anyway, even though Meena doesn’t believe in them.

Not that Meena isn’t familiar with the supernatural. See, Meena Harper knows how you’re going to die (not that you’re going to believe her; no one ever does).

But not even Meena’s precognition can prepare her for what happens when she meets—then makes the mistake of falling in love with—Lucien Antonescu, a modern-day prince with a bit of a dark side . . . a dark side a lot of people, like an ancient society of vampire-hunters, would prefer to see him dead for.

The problem is, he already is dead. Maybe that’s why he’s the first guy Meena’s ever met that she could see herself having a future with. See, while Meena’s always been able to see everyone else’s future, she’s never been able look into her own.

And while Lucien seems like everything Meena has ever dreamed of in a boyfriend, he might turn out to be more like a nightmare.

Now might be a good time for Meena to start learning to predict her own future . . .

If she even has one.

The Golden Lily is one of the books I am REALLY looking forward to reading, and I am looking forward to seeing Meg Cabot’s taken on the whole vampire genre.

So those are the books that I am eagerly awaiting this week, what are you looking forward to?

Top Ten Tuesday (9)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists at The Broke and the Bookish. They’d love to share their lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

This weeks Top Ten topic is:

Top Ten Books On My Summer TBR List

The list is going to be in no particular order, and the books I’m putting in this list are books which are published or going to be published between Friday 1st June 2012 and Friday 31st August 2012.

Unbound Series #21. Shadow Bound (Unbound Series #2) by Rachel Vincent [Published: 1st June 2012]

I am really looking forward to getting my hands on this. I’ve heard some good things . . .

Bloodlines #22. The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2) by Richelle Mead [Published: 19th June 2012] (YA)

I adored the first book in this series and I have been really looking forward to getting my hands on this. I’m hoping it lives up to expectations, as I haven’t really heard much about it (mostly by choice).

3. Team Human by Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan [Published: 3rd July 2012] (YA)

I’ve heard some mixed things about this book, but I’m hopeful it will be a good read.

Soul Screamers #64. Before I Wake (Soul Screamers #6) by Rachel Vincent [Published: 6th July 2012] (YA)

I’m really enjoying this series – I’m only up to book 3 – and I can’t wait until I catch up so I can read this in July. It sounds really interesting.

Women of the Otherworld #135. Thirteen (Women of the Otherworld #13) by Kelley Armstrong [Published: 24th July 2012]

I am so sad that this is going to be the last book in the series 😦 I can totally understand why Armstrong is ending it here, but I really adore the characters in  Women of the Otherworld. Still, there are the YA book . . .

6. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas [Published: 24th July 2012] (YA)

I think this sounds like it could be a really interesting book, and I’ve heard some good reviews. Can’t wait to find out for myself though.

Chicagoland Vampire Novel #67. Biting Cold (A Chicagoland Vampire Novel #6) by Chloe Neill [Published: 9th August 2012]

This is one of my favourite vampire series at the moment, and I cannot wait to see how this book turns out 🙂

8. The Cavendish Home For Boys and Girls by Claire Legrand [Published: 28th August 2012] (YA)

Don’t you just love the cover?! Or maybe that’s just me . . .

Starling #19. Starling (Starling #1) by Lesley Livingston [Published: 28th August 2012] (YA)

This I think sounds interesting. I can’t wait to see how Livingston handles the Norse Gods – it should be really interesting, me thinks.

The Lynburn Legacy #110. Unspoken (The Lynburn Legacy #1) by Sarah Rees Brennan [Published: 30th August 2012] (YA)

I am a HUGE fan of Sarah Rees Brennan’s The Demon’s Lexicon, so I am really looking forward to getting my hands on this series. The blurb sounds really interesting and the cover looks amazing. Hopefully it will be good.

So, those are my top ten summer to be read books – what are yours?

Waiting on Wednesday (13)

Just a quick note to let everyone know I am now out of hospital and am back home taking things slowly. Glad to see that the scheduled posts worked – I knew there was a reason to get ahead with reviews. If you’re awaiting an email reply from me don’t worry – I will get to you soon. Sorry that there hasn’t been a whole lot of content on here other than reviews, but hopefully things will go back to normal . . .

 

Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating. As always, the summary provided is from Goodreads.com This week I am “Waiting On” two books which I think sound like they’ve got potential.

The Elemental SeriesStorm (Elemental #1)
by Brigid Kemmerer

Published: June 13th 2012.

Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her, Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys—all the ones she doesn’t want. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water—just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They’re powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.

And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life’s at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who’s hiding the most dangerous truth of all.

The storm is coming . . .

My Life Next Door
by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Published: June 14th 2012

A gorgeous debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another

“One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase’s family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.

I think both books sound really interesting and like they could be absolutely brilliant reads! And I have to admit that I love both of the covers too.

What are you “Waiting On” this week?

Top Ten Tuesday (8)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists at The Broke and the Bookish. They’d love to share their lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

This weeks Top Ten topic is:

Top Ten FIVE Books Written In The Past 10 Years That I Hope People Are Still Reading In 30 Years

Women of the Otherworld #1

Women of the Otherworld series by Kelley Armstrong

Okay. . .  so this is a bit of a cheat, but I really love this series. Seriously, I do – you just need to look at my challenge entries to tell that. This has so many wonderful characters, and I love the world that honestly I would be a little heart-broken if people forgot it.

The Curse Workers #1

The Curse Workers trilogy by Holly Black

This too is a bit of cheat, but if you read one book of this trilogy you’ll find yourself reading them all. I’m hoping that this will still be around in 30 years because Holly Black has created such a wonderful world. The characters are brilliant. And the humour in the narrative just makes me smile.

The Demon's Lexicon #1The Demon’s Lexicon trilogy by Sarah Rees Brennan

Anyone starting to sense a theme?

But seriously, this is an awesome trilogy. It made me LOL – seriously! If you’ve not tried this trilogy then you should. Each book is narrated from a different POV, but that’s part of what makes it so awesome. Also I think everyone should meet Nick, well not meet him meet him but you know get to know him through the pages – I think meeting him in real life might be a little scary.

Abandon #1Abandon trilogy by Meg Cabot

I’m going to make a confession here – I’ve only read the first book, but I’m sure the next two will be just as awesome if Meg Cabot’s other series are anything to go by. I REALLY enjoyed this book and its take on the Persephone myth. It would be really cool to see it in 30 years time and to read some of the critical thinking on it – okay so I’m an English Lit nerd 😛

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein and Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

I’ve linked these two together because they are both about war, in particular WWII. I’m a HUGE proponent of George Santayana’s two most famous sayings:

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.
–  Reason in Common Sense (1905), volume 1 of The Life of Reason

[O]nly the dead have seen the end of war.
Soliloquies in England and Later Soliloquies (1922), number 25

I would like these books – or at least other books about this subject – to exist in 30 years time. I think they need to exist in 30 years time because if we can destroy the world now what on Earth will we be able to do 30 years in the future?!

Apart from this, I think these books deserve to be remembered in 30 years time because they are heartbreakingly beautiful.

I know this is supposed to be a Top Ten list, but I can only think of 5. I hope you enjoyed it, and I’d love to hear which books you think will still be around in 30 years.

Waiting on Wednesday (12)

First, sorry there was no post yesterday. I had to take my dog to the Emergency Vet at 4am on Monday and I only got him back Tuesday evening and he’s got LOTS of meds to take. Also I came down with a 24 hour bug on the Monday. So not a fun couple of days for me 😦

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

As always, the summary provided is from Goodreads.com This week there is just one book I am eagerly “Waiting On”…

Darkness Before Dawn
by J. A. London

Published: 29th May 2012 

This electrifying new trilogy blends the best of paranormal and dystopian storytelling in a world where the war is over. And the vampires won.

Humans huddle in their walled cities, supplying blood in exchange for safety. But not even that is guaranteed. Dawn has lost her entire family and now reluctantly serves as the delegate to Lord Valentine, the most powerful vampire for miles. It isn’t until she meets Victor, Valentine’s son, that she realizes not all vampires are monsters….

Darkness Before Dawn is a fresh new story with captivating characters, unexpected plot twists, a fascinating setting, and a compelling voice. Written under the name J. A. London by a talented mother-son team, the trilogy is perfect for fans of True Blood and the House of Night and Morganville Vampires series.

I’m “Waiting On” this because I think the blurb sounds really awesome. I also love the cover – it’s really moody. I like the fact that it’s only made up of black, white, and grey – so very different from the colourful colours of most YA books.

What are you “Waiting On” this week?

In My Mailbox (11)

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren, it is a weekly meme where people record what books they received that week. As I don’t receive books every week, I do the meme as and when I can.

This week I want to say a HUGE thank you to Mum who got me all 3 books – I’d also like to wish her a very happy birthday!

A Blood of Eden NovelThe Hunger Games #2

Angel (Angel #1) by L. A. Weatherly[Goodreads]
The Immortal Rules (A Blood of Eden Novel, #1) by Julie Kagawa [Goodreads]
Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins [Goodreads]

So that was what’s in my mailbox this week, what was in yours?

Waiting on Wednesday (11)

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week I am waiting on the final book in The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series. The summary is from Goodreads.com

The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel #6The Enchantress (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel #6)
by Michael Scott

Published: 24th May 2012

The two that are one must become the one that is all. One to save the world, one to destroy it.

San Francisco:
Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel have one day left to live, and one job left to do. They must defend San Francisco. The monsters gathered on Alcatraz Island have been released and are heading toward the city. If they are not stopped, they will destroy everyone and everything in their path.

But even with the help of two of the greatest warriors from history and myth, will the Sorceress and the legendary Alchemyst be able to defend the city? Or is it the beginning of the end of the human race?

Danu Talis:
Sophie and Josh Newman traveled ten thousand years into the past to Danu Talis when they followed Dr. John Dee and Virginia Dare. And it’s on this legendary island that the battle for the world begins and ends.

Scathach, Prometheus, Palamedes, Shakespeare, Saint-Germain, and Joan of Arc are also on the island. And no one is sure what—or who—the twins will be fighting for.

Today the battle for Danu Talis will be won or lost.
But will the twins of legend stand together?
Or will they stand apart—
one to save the world and one to destroy it?

I have been really enjoying reading this series, and I cannot wait to get my hand on this – the sixth and final book. If the first five books are anything to go by, this should be an interesting read.

So, that was the book I’m “Waiting On” this week – what are you “Waiting On”?

Top Ten Tuesday (7)

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists at The Broke and the Bookish. They’d love to share their lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

This weeks Top Ten topic is a free one (I am choosing to ignore the reality TV options as I don’t watch any reality TV), so I’m going to pick:

Top Ten Books to Take With You to a Desert Island

I’m also going to change it up a little. Coincidentally Misty from The Book Rat is holding a Book Chat where the topic is Desert Island Books (for more details click here). So I’m going to do both this week – 10 books total, but 5 of them are going to be used towards Misty’s challenge. I’m also going to cheat a little bit and assume that I can get complete series in one book.

1. A book I’ve read before but want to re-read.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

I always enjoy re-reading Pride and Prejudice. It’s like as soon as I start reading it, I forget what’s going to happen next because I become so engrossed in the story.

2. A book I’ve never read but have always meant to read.

The Annotated Brothers Grimm

I have always enjoyed reading fairy tales, and fairy tale re-tellings so I should probably at some point get around to reading the Brothers Grimm.

3. A childhood favourite.

Fleabag and the Ring Fire by Beth Webb

I have always enjoyed reading this. There is just something about Fleabag . . . My copy’s a little well-worn.

The Song of the Lioness Quartet4. A favourite series.

The Song of the Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce

This has one of my favourite heroines in it. Although truth be told, I would quite like to take all of Pierce’s Tortall books in one volume with me to this desert island but that really would be cheating. Still, it’s nice to dream 😉

5. A book that has been recommended a lot but I haven’t read it yet.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I have heard great things about this series, and the first book is currently in my TBR pile. I really enjoyed watching the film, so I would quite like to read this book. It sounds like it should be interesting.

6. The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien

How could I not take a nice thick book like this to a desert island with me? It’s a book to become absorbed in. Okay it can be a bit boring at times, but Tolkien is awesome at descriptions and the poems and riddles within the book are brilliant.

The Chronicles of Narnia #27. The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis

This is one of my favourite series from childhood, and I adore re-reading it. I just get absorbed in the world. I also like the simplicity of the world – it’s kinda nice to only have black or white, and not complex shades of grey. Besides, this book will probably remind me of home so it will probably be a really good idea to bring it with me, or a really bad one.

The Belgariad #18. The Belgariad by David Eddings

There’s just something about David Edding’s writing that I adore reading. Yes, if you’ve read one series you’ll have a pretty good idea what happens in the other ones, but . . . But he has created some of the most brilliant characters, and I really enjoy reading about them. I had a hard time choosing between this and The Redemption of Althalus which Eddings wrote with this wife. However, there are six books – plus a couple of extras – in this series so it should keep me entertained on the desert island.

Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter9. Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter by Laurell K. Hamilton

This is a LONG series and it’s an incomplete one – so could I get a self-updating edition of the book, so I can keep up to date? K, thanks. Now that that’s sorted . . . There are times when this series really frustrates me, but somehow I’ve fallen in love with Anita and her world. And with the fact that Hamilton generally writes one book a year for the series, I don’t think I would run out of anything new to read for a while so it would be great on a desert island.

Women of the Otherworld #110.  Women of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong

I adore this series, and quite honestly I can’t imagine not being able to re-read it. As long as the thirteenth and final book is included in my edition before I am cast away then I will be a very happy girl indeed.

Honourable mentions (those books I’d try to sneak with me): The Curse Workers by Holly Black, The Demon’s Lexicon Trilogy by Sarah Rees Brennan, The Hollows by Kim Harrison, Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs, and Bloodlines by Richelle Mead.

So, there are the top ten books I’d take with me to a desert island – though honestly, if I knew I was going to be stranded on one unless I could have a computer with internet access and shelter and food provided indefinitely I would be running for the hills.

What did you choose to do your top ten on this week? Leave a comment and a link and I will check them out.

In My Mailbox (10)

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren, it is a weekly meme where people record what books they received that week. As I don’t receive books every week, I do the meme as and when I can.

This week I bought two new books, but last week I forgot to add a couple of books so I will start with them.

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein [Goodreads] – Thanks to Disney-Hyperion via NetGalley.
Intangible (Intangible #1) by J. Meyers [Goodreads] – Thanks to J. Meyers for giving me an e-copy.

My Soul to Keep (Soul Screamers #3) by Rachel Vincent [Goodreads]
Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy #3) by Richelle Mead [Goodreads]

I shouldn’t have bought either MStK or SK as I haven’t started on the books I got last week, but I was having a bad day and wanted to treat myself. I’ve read Code Name Verity and really enjoyed it – look out for my review on May 15th – and I’ve just started reading Intangible.

So that was what was in my “mailbox” this week, what was in yours?