Cover Reveal! Entice by Jessica Shirvington

I'm very excited to be one of several bloggers helping to reveal the US book cover for Entice, the second novel in Jessica Shirvington's Embrace series!

Release Date: September 4, 2012

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

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Did we all just collectively gasp aloud at the amazing cover for Entice? When I first saw the cover, I'm pretty sure my jaw dropped! 

Sourcebooks Fire editor, Leah Hultenschmidt provided this quote about the Entice cover: “For Entice, we really wanted to have the cover reflect the darker edge of the story and Violet’s toughness.”

Well, I think that helps sum up my feelings about this cover! The cover for Embrace is pretty, without a doubt, but the one for Entice stands out so much more against the other YA angel books with its darker edge and an older, more urban fantasy-like vibe. I absolutely love it!

Summary (from Sourcebooks):

Seventeen-year-old Violet Eden is back! With a destiny to protect humans from the vengeance of exiled angels it becomes clear that it won’t be easy as even her partner, Lincoln, is hiding something. And now she has to learn to live with her feelings for him while they work together to stay alive and stop the exiles from discovering the key to destroy all Grigori. It isn’t easy. Especially when the electricity between her and Phoenix ignites and she discovers his hold over her has become more dangerous than ever. Violet's power will be pushed to the extreme with a race halfway across the world to find the one artifact that could tilt the balance of power between Angels and Exiles. And the ultimate betrayal will be exposed.

Want a more detailed glimpse at what's ahead for Violet in Entice? Why, of course you do!

“Two tutors and three students from the Grigori training center in New York were arriving in two days and I couldn’t be happier.  I was going to be able to learn from the experts and have people my own age to train with, something I really needed.  I was sure with their help I would be able to get over whatever it was that had been holding me back. 

Griffin had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the two senior Grigori –the intelligence, resources and backup they could provide was much needed.  The Scripture that can decipher the identity of all Grigori, even those who have not yet embraced and are therefore defenseless, was at stake. 

I would not stand by and watch it fall into the hands of exiles.  If they found they key to destroying all Grigori and gained the upper hand, the slaughter would not stop until all the humans knelt before them, worshipping them as gods.”

I can't wait to meet the new characters and see more of the angel mythology explored! It sounds like Jessica Shirvington has definitely raised the stakes higher in Entice.

And do you want to read an excerpt from the book? You can check out the first two chapters of Entice on Sourcebooks's website! Plus, more exciting news! Jessica Shirvington will be traveling to the U.S for a two-week national book tour for Entice starting September 18.  Keep an eye on www.embracetheseries.com for more details. As a Canadian reader, I sure hope she'll have an event in Toronto and not just stick to events only in the U.S!

I'd love to heard your thoughts on the cover in the comments! Do you like the direction Sourcebooks has taken by switching up the cover design to something darker for Entice?

Below, Jessica Shirvington vlogs about her favourite place to read when she's at home:
 

 

Waiting on Wednesday (99) - Romeo Redeemed by Stacey Jay

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine spotlighting upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

Release Date: October 9, 2012

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

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Summary (from Random House Canada): 

Seductive companion to the popular Juliet Immortal, in which former lovers—Romeo and Juliet—meet, not as true lovers, but truly as enemies.

Cursed to live out eternity in his rotted corpse, Romeo, known for his ruthless, cutthroat ways, is given the chance to redeem himself by traveling back in time to save the life of Ariel Dragland. Unbeknownst to her, Ariel is important to both the evil Mercenaries and the love-promoting Ambassadors and holds the fate of the world in her hands. Romeo must win her heart and make her believe in love, turning her away from her darker potential before his work is discovered by the Mercenaries. While his seduction begins as yet another lie, it soon becomes his only truth. Romeo vows to protect Ariel from harm, and do whatever it takes to win her heart and soul. But when Ariel is led to believe his love is a deception, she becomes vulnerable to Mercenary manipulation, and her own inner darkness may ultimately rip them apart.

I absolutely LOVED reading Stacey Jay's Juliet Immortal last year and I've been eagerly anticipating the companion novel since then. (You can check out my review for a refresher of what I thought about it.) And what's also super sweet is that the awesome folks at Random House have created a cover for Romeo Redeemed that is just as gorgeous as the one for Juliet Immortal!

In the first book, we saw everything from Juliet's point of view, but now it's time to see Romeo's side of the story. Will he find his redemption after so centuries of committing evil acts? Or is it already too late? I sure can't wait to find out!

Changeling by Philippa Gregory

Title: Changeling (Order of Darkness #1)
Author: Philippa Gregory
Release Date: May 29, 2012 (hardcover)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 272
Source: ARC provided by publisher

Overall: 3 Stars

Summary:

Dark myths, medieval secrets, intrigue, and romance populate the pages of the first-ever teen series from #1 bestselling author of The Other Boleyn Girl.

Italy, 1453. Seventeen-year-old Luca Vero is brilliant, gorgeous—and accused of heresy. Cast out of his religious order for using the new science to question old superstitious beliefs, Luca is recruited into a secret sect: The Order of the Dragon, commissioned by Pope Nicholas V to investigate evil and danger in its many forms, and strange occurrences across Europe, in this year—the end of days. 

Isolde is a seventeen-year-old girl shut up in a nunnery so she can’t inherit any of her father’s estate. As the nuns walk in their sleep and see strange visions, Isolde is accused of witchcraft—and Luca is sent to investigate her, but finds himself plotting her escape.

Despite their vows, despite themselves, love grows between Luca and Isolde as they travel across Europe with their faithful companions, Freize and Ishraq. The four young people encounter werewolves, alchemists, witches, and death-dancers as they head toward a real-life historical figure who holds the boundaries of Christendom and the secrets of the Order of the Dragon. 

The first in a series, this epic and richly detailed drama is grounded in historical communities and their mythic beliefs. It includes a medieval map of Europe that will track their journey; and the interior will include relevant decorative elements as well as an interior line illustration. And look for a QR code that links to a note from the author with additional, detailed information about the setting and the history that informed the writing. With Philippa Gregory’s trademark touch, this novel deftly brings the past—and its salacious scandals—vividly and disturbingly to life.  

My Thoughts:
Changeling, the first novel in the Order of Darkness series and marking Philippa Gregory's YA debut, was a historical fiction novel with a book description that instantly hooked me in. However, once I began reading the book, I couldn't shake the feeling of being disconnected in some way, despite all the mystery and suspense, sadly.

Philippa Gregory has a descriptive style of writing that makes it easy for readers to visualize the fifteenth century setting. I was very much interested in learning more about the customs of the people in Italy during this time period, curious about their simpler ways of living and their strong religious beliefs. It's an age where the Church held enormous amounts of power, and things that couldn't be explained as acts of God were immediately suspected to be the evil works of something supernatural. In fact, after reading the book, I still have no idea if something paranormal actually occurred... or if everything was just twisted by perception.

But while I absolutely enjoyed reading about the setting, I had very mixed thoughts on how the characters and the actual storyline developed. It was in these areas that it felt very obvious that Philippa Gregory had made a switch from writing adult to YA because the writing seemed too simplified and toned down. And in a way, Changeling felt oddly episodic, with two parts melding together to form one larger story arc in a way that led to slower and more exciting moments oscillating.

Isolde and Ishraq were two brave and forward-thinking young women, certainly ahead of their times. It was very sweet to see their loyalty and sisterly affections for one another, and their refusal to be docile to the whims of men was refreshing. I found it rather entertaining to see the pair put Luca and Freize in their places when they doubted their capabilities. Luca could be quick to judge, but thankfully, Freize was always right there to be a voice of reason and could stop him before he acted on impulse. While I can easily talk about their personalities though, the book didn't seem to offer very much on their personal thoughts and emotions... or if it did, it wasn't deep enough for me.

While I did feel a bit disappointed with Changeling, I am still very much curious to see how the series will continue in the next book and what challenges Luca, Isolde, Freize and Ishraq will have to face next in their quest. If you're a fan of Philippa Gregory and historical fiction, I have no doubts you'll be rushing to read Changeling right away. While my first experience of reading a novel by Philippa Gregory hasn't been the smoothest, I have hopes it will only improve from here.

Thanks so much to Simon & Schuster Canada for providing this review copy!

 

The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Title: The False Prince (The Ascendance Trilogy #1)
Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Release Date: April 1, 2012 (hardcover)
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 352
Source: Copy provided by publisher

Overall: 5 Stars

Summary:

The thrilling first book in a brand-new trilogy filled with danger, deceit, and hidden identities will keep readers clinging to the edge of their seats.

Sage, an orphaned thief with a sharp tongue and a sharper wit, is one of four boys chosen to participate in a lethal contest. After being plucked from the streets by a nobleman named Conner, Sage learns that Conner plans to choose one of the orphans to impersonate a long-lost prince in the hopes of averting a civil war. Conner's rules of play become quite clear after he murders one of the boys who will not compete. Suddenly winning matters very much.

Sage is defiant and cunning and utterly irrepressible. He knows that Conner's motives are questionable at best, yet he also realizes that his life balances on a sword's point—he must be chosen to be the prince or he will certainly be killed. But the other two boys, Sage's rivals, have their own plans as well, and are competing as though their lives depend on it—which, they do.

As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner's sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a stunning twist raises the stakes to an even deadlier level. Nothing is sacred, nothing is predictable, and nobody can be trusted.

The first book in a new trilogy, this brilliant and heart-racing tale is taut with danger and adventure, lies and deadly truths that will take the reader's breath away. 

My Thoughts:
Every once in awhile, you read a book that completely commands your attention, causing the world to disappear around you as it takes readers away to a land far, far away. The False Prince is one of those novels. I was so lost in its pages that when I reached the conclusion, I was startled to realize that so much time had passed and I'd barely noticed. Jennifer A. Nielsen has written an amazing fantasy novel filled with adventure, danger and intrigue which made it simply impossible for me to put down.

The kingdom of Carthya is teetering on the edge of civil war while its enemies surround their borders, waiting for their moment to strike. Unbeknownst to the entire land, the royal family has been murdered and Bevin Connor, a nobleman, has come up with a cunning plan to not only establish peace, but also to further his own ambitions. He has carefully chosen three orphans who resemble Prince Jaron, long believed to have been lost at sea years ago, and after two weeks of testing them, he will select one of the boys to be the false prince.

Sage, a thief and one of the orphans Connor takes back to his estate, understands the dangerous waters he's now treading. He may be a smart-mouth and impulsively speak what's on his mind in a show of bravado when it would be better to hold his tongue, but he's actually a much more clever boy than most people give him credit for. I took a shining to Sage right away and even laughed at some of his antics, all the while rooting for him to succeed against the other boys.

Jennifer A. Nielsen has a very descriptive writing style that brings her setting and characters to life, yet she still manages to withhold information and leave things unsaid until the time it needs to be crucially revealed. It was a very skillful approach which left me shaking my head in awe because she's left clues, but they're so unnoticeable at first that you don't make the connection right away. And as the story continues to build toward the climax and the stakes are raised ever higher, revelations are made that will leave you gasping in shock.

The first novel in The Ascendance Trilogy, Jennifer A. Nielsen's The False Prince is an absolute must-read for fantasy fans! Sage's unpredictable actions will keep you on your toes the entire time you're reading, and by the time you reach the exciting conclusion, you'll be wishing book two was already out in stores!

Thanks so much to Scholastic Canada for providing this review copy! Do you have what it takes to be the False Prince? You can take a fun quiz on Scholastic Canada's website and find out!

 

Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

Title: Hemlock (Hemlock #1)
Author: Kathleen Peacock
Release Date: May 8, 2012 (hardcover)
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: 416
Source: Bought

Overall: 5 Stars

Summary:

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. 

My Thoughts: 
When it comes to werewolf novels, I tend to eye them warily and take my time in bringing myself to read them. However, when I first stumbled across Hemlock, I just knew that I had to have a copy of the book... and not just so I could gaze at its absolutely gorgeous cover. Once I began reading the book, I was completely addicted to the suspenseful storyline and couldn't set it down until I was finished! Kathleen Peacock's debut Hemlock is more than just your typical werewolf novel, that's for sure.

Mackenzie's life hasn't been the same since the night she learned her best friend, Amy, had been murdered by a white werewolf. Her high-profile death has attracted an organization called the Trackers, a group whose mission is to capture anyone infected with the Lupine syndrome and send them off to rehabilitation camps where they're never heard from again. Haunted by Amy's death in her dreams, Mac decides to investigate her death, hoping for a sense of closure and wishing that the Trackers would leave her town. But with the Trackers in Hemlock, it especially isn't safe for anyone to be sympathetic towards werewolves, even if they're not all dangerous as they claim. And Mac's determination to find Amy's killer has placed herself straight in the path of danger. 

There are actually two romantic interests in Hemlock, but it's not obvious to readers until it suddenly hits you straight in the face and you're left completely torn which boy is the right match for our Mackenzie. If the love triangle had been done another way, I might have been annoyed, but I loved how Kathleen Peacock executed it in her novel. While Mac obviously cares for both Jason and Kyle as her closest friends, she doesn't allow her feelings to overshadow her main goal of discovering who killed Amy. Both of the boys are hiding secrets of their own and make mistakes, yet even though they act completely different than each other, you just know the one thing they have in common at least is Mac's best interests in their hearts.

Kathleen Peacock's Hemlock has instantly become my new favourite werewolf novel! With a perfect combination of mystery, romance and the supernatural, there's no way you won't be loving this novel. I'm absolutely looking forward to seeing what will happen to Mac, Jason and Kyle in the second novel of the planned trilogy!

Stacking the Shelves (1)

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by fellow Canadian blogger Tynga at Tynga's Reviews where we share any new books or goodies we bought, received, borrowed, etc. during the week.

You may have noticed that I've been relatively quiet this month in posting on the blog. After my exams finished at the end of April, I was kind of in a reading/blogging slump, so instead, I watched Japanese anime and dramas. They're very addictive, so whenever I started one, I found it difficult to stop until I was finished. I watched NANA (both the anime and the two movies), Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge (the live-action drama version; also known as The Wallflower), Yankee-kun to Megane-chan and the movie version of Paradise Kiss.

By the time I watched all those, my summer classes at U of T were just about to begin, so I've been busy again with school every weekday. The profs are trying to cram a lot of material into our brains in very little time. But since I'm resisting the temptation to watch any more dramas until the end of June (when my classes finish), I'm going to try using my spare time again for reading, blogging and trying to catch up on the reviews I need to write.  

So... For the past four weeks, I've gotten...

Won:

• ARC of Bitterblue (Graceling Realm #3) by Kristin Cashore

Thanks so much to RazOrbill for their great monthly giveaways on their online community! I was really surprised to see that I'd won a copy!  

Received for Review:

• Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein -> read my review of the ARC
• Enchanted by Alethea Kontis
• First Comes Love by Katie Kacvinsky -> read my review
• Lies Beneath (Lies Beneath #1) by Anne Greenwood Brown 
• Rapture (Fallen #4) by Lauren Kate 
• ARC of Soulbound (Legacy of Tril #1) by Heather Brewer
• Underworld (Abandon #2) by Meg Cabot
• ARC of The Vindico by Wesley King
• The Dark Light bookmark
• signed Kiss the Morning Star bookplates and tattoos
• signed Small Medium at Large bookmarks

Thanks so much to Penguin Canada, Random House Canada, Scholastic Canada and Thomas Allen & Son for sending these novels for review! Also, a warm thanks to Joanne Levy, Elissa Janine Hoole and Sara Walsh for sending me some book swag!

Bought:

• Ascend (Trylle Trilogy #3) by Amanda Hocking
• City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments #5) by Cassandra Clare
• Endure (Need #4) by Carrie Jones
• Hemlock (Hemlock #1) by Kathleen Peacock 
• In Honor by Jessi Kirby -> read my review
• Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth
• The Last Echo (The Body Finder #3) by Kimberly Derting
• Shadow Bound (Unbound #2) by Rachel Vincent
• Shine (Shade #3) by Jeri Smith-Ready
• Sweet Evil (The Sweet Trilogy #1) by Wendy Higgins
• This Is So Not Happening (He's So / She's So #3) Kieran Scott 

I may have been having a reading slump earlier, but that really didn't stop me from my book buying addiction this month! And this may shock you, but I still haven't actually read City of Lost Souls or Insurgent yet. *gasp* I think part of the reason for the delay is because I know as soon as I finish reading them, I'm going to be desperately wishing for the final books in both their series' to come out. But other than those two and This Is So Not Happening (it's technically my sister's book), I've already read all the other books I listed above that I bought!

What about YOU? Any new reads/finds this week?

And as always... Happy Reading!

Spotted! Cover of Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor

The book cover for the Laini Taylor's Days of Blood and Starlight, the sequel to Daughter of Smoke and Bone, was revealed earlier today on EW's Shelf Life!

Release Date: November 6, 2012

Publisher: Little, Brown & Company

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Summary (from Goodreads):

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Karou must come to terms with who and what she is, and how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, mysteries and secrets, new characters and old favorites, Days of Blood and Starlight brings the richness, color and intensity of the first book to a brand new canvas. 

Daughter of Smoke and Bone was declared a "must read" by Entertainment Weekly, was named a Best Book of the Year by Amazon.com, and The New York Times called it "a breath-catching romantic fantasy."

I love love LOVE the cover for Laini Taylor's Days of Blood and Starlight! It perfectly complements the book cover of Daughter of Smoke and Bone and the bold red will be sure to stand out on bookshelves when the novel is released later in the year. I seriously can't stop staring at it because the cover is just so gorgeous!

And if you haven't read Daughter of Smoke and Bone yet, then you're really missing out! It's wildly imaginative, and with Laini Taylor's wonderful storytelling, she has created a world that's both creepy and enchanting at the same time.

What do think about the book cover? Are you excited for Days of Blood and Starlight?   

First Comes Love by Katie Kacvinsky

Title: First Comes Love
Author: Katie Kacvinsky
Release Date: May 8, 2012 (hardcover)
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Pages: 208
Source: Copy provided by publisher

Overall: 5 Stars

Summary:

Like his name, Gray is dark and stormy. Dylan, a girl always searching for what’s next, seemingly unable to settle down, is the exact opposite: full of light and life. On the outside, they seem like an unlikely couple. But looks can be deceiving and besides, opposites attract.

What starts as friendship, turns into admiration, respect and caring, until finally these two lone souls find they are truly in love with each other.

But staying in love is not as easy as falling in love. If Dylan and Gray want their love to last, they’re going to have to work at it. And learn that sometimes love means having to say you’re sorry.  

My Thoughts:
For months and months, I have been patiently waiting for the right romantic contemporary novel to come along and take my breath away, and finally, I have found one. The summary for First Comes Love really does not serve the book any justice at all. Katie Kacvinsky has written an amazing novel that goes beyond merely watching an unlikely relationship unfold, giving a certain depth to the storyline and each of her characters in a way that made everything come alive.

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adored the romance aspects of the novel, but what I also enjoyed seeing just as much as the pair growing closer together was the way Dylan helped Gray's life change for the better. Ever since a family tragedy occurred almost a year ago, Gray has closed himself off from everyone, angry at fate and preferring to be a loner as he attends classes at his local community college in Arizona. Dylan was his exact opposite; she was free-spirited and fully embraced all the experiences life has to offer, a one-of-a-kind person you don't see very often. And immediately, she sees what no one else bothers to notice... that there is definitely more to Gray than meets the eye.

The switching perspectives of both Gray and Dylan in First Comes Love was perfectly executed, and I wouldn't have wanted the novel to be narrated in any other way. If you compare their thoughts, actions and opinions from the very beginning to the conclusion, you can see how they really developed as individuals throughout the course of the novel. As Gray and Dylan move beyond friendship into a relationship filled with much love for each other, you can't help but root for the couple to always be together... even if the future isn't always so certain.

Katie Kacvinsky's First Comes Love is a contemporary novel I'll be re-reading again and again in the future! If you enjoy character-driven novels with a healthy dose of romance on top, then I'm sure you'll be loving the book just as much I did too.

Thanks so much to Thomas Allen & Son for providing this review copy!

In Honor by Jessi Kirby

Title: In Honor
Author: Jessi Kirby
Release Date: May 8, 2012 (hardcover)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Pages: 240
Source: Bought

Overall: 4.5 Stars

Summary:

A devastating loss leads to an unexpected road trip in this novel from the author of Moonglass, whose voice Sarah Dessen says “is fresh and wise, all at once.”

Hours after her brother’s military funeral, Honor opens the last letter Finn ever sent. In her grief, she interprets his note as a final request and spontaneously decides to go to California to fulfill it.

Honor gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn’s best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn’t seen Rusty in ages, but it’s obvious he is as arrogant and stubborn as ever—not to mention drop-dead gorgeous. Despite Honor’s better judgment, the two set off together on a voyage from Texas to California. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn’s memory—but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?  

My Thoughts: 

I have always had a fondness for novels featuring road trips in them, and Jessi Kirby's In Honor was no exception. Within the very first chapter, Jessi Kirby had already reduced me to tears. The overwhelming emotions her characters feel bursts straight from the pages with Kirby's poignant writing style, instantly hooking readers. My feelings were constantly mirroring Honor's... when she laughed, I laughed and when she cried, I cried too.  

Ever since her parents died when she was a little girl, Honor has always relied on her older brother Finn, her protector, best friend and the one constant in her life who has always been there for her... until his sudden death. Devastated and feeling lost in the world, Honor opens Finn's first – and final – letter he ever sent while serving in Iraq and sets off on a road trip from Texas to California in the hopes of fulfilling his last request. Unexpectedly joining her is Rusty, Finn's estranged best friend who had gone off to college to play football while Finn suddenly decided to enlist instead.   

Rusty and Honor were grief-stricken in their own ways, but despite the initial tension, their trip together gave them a chance to learn from each other and become stronger individuals. As they reminisced and told their favourite memories of Finn, he also becomes entangled in your heart. And with Rusty's sometimes brutal honesty, he helps Honor to see a side of her brother she didn't know... one that brings a shocking revelation by the end of the novel that made my heart break all over again.     

In Honor was a heartfelt novel which truly showed the meaning of love and sacrifice. It was not only a journey of self-discovery, healing and remembering loved ones... but also showed that life can be short and it's important to be open to new experiences, to be a little spontaneous and not have everything planned out. With a touch of romance and an emotional storyline, Jessi Kirby's In Honor is a contemporary novel I'm sure you won't want to miss, one that will make you simply glad to be along for the ride.

Spotted! Cover of The Dead and Buried by Kim Harrington

Kim Harrington revealed the book cover for her upcoming YA novel, The Dead and Buried, on her blog earlier today!

 Release Date: January 2013

Publisher: Scholastic Point

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Summary (from author's website):

Jade loves the house she's just moved into with her family. She doesn't even mind being the new girl at the high school: It's a fresh start, and there's that one guy with the dreamy blue eyes. . . . But then things begin happening. Strange, otherworldly things. Jade's little brother claims to see a glimmering girl in his room. Jade's jewelry gets moved around, as if by an invisible hand. Kids at school whisper behind her back like they know something she doesn't. 

Soon, Jade must face an impossible fact: that her perfect house is haunted. Haunted by a ghost who's seeking not just vengeance, but the truth. The ghost of a girl who ruled Jade's school -- until her untimely death last year. It's up to Jade to put the pieces together before her own life is at stake. As Jade investigates the mystery, she discovers that her new friends in town have more than a few deep, dark secrets. But is one of them a murderer?

Doesn't the cover for The Dead and Buried fit the book description oh so accurately? I sure think so! I absolutely LOVE how it's dark, creepy and already has you wanting to hide under the covers with fright! I seriously can't stop staring at it because it's just too awesome.

It also doesn't hurt that I'm a huge fan of Kim Harrington's Clarity and its sequel, Perception, so I'm sure I'll be loving her latest YA novel. The Dead and Buried is most definitely a thriller I won't be missing out on reading!

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein (& Giveaway!)

Title: Code Name Verity
Author: Elizabeth Wein
Release Date: May 15, 2012 (hardcover)
Publisher: Doubleday Canada
Pages: 352
Source: ARC provided by publisher

Overall: 5 Stars

Summary:

Code Name Verity is a compelling, emotionally rich story with universal themes of friendship and loyalty, heroism and bravery.

Two young women from totally different backgrounds are thrown together during World War II: one a working-class girl from Manchester, the other a Scottish aristocrat, one a pilot, the other a wireless operator. Yet whenever their paths cross, they complement each other perfectly and before long become devoted friends. But then a vital mission goes wrong, and one of the friends has to bail out of a faulty plane over France. She is captured by the Gestapo and becomes a prisoner of war. The story begins in "Verity's" own words, as she writes her account for her captors.  

My Thoughts: 
Arrested by the Gestapo in Nazi-occupied France, "Verity" has made a deal with her Nazi interrogators. In exchange for information on everything she knows about the British War Effort, she will be given pen and paper to write down her confession and more time to live. And so begins Code Name Verity, taking place in both the present and past as "Verity" chooses to write from the perspective of her best friend Maddie, how they first met and eventually became ever the loyal to each other... and how their secret mission went so horribly wrong.

Within a few chapters, I was completely in awe of Elizabeth Wein's writing style and all the little details that completely bring the book to life. I've read several novels taking place during WWII... but I've never read anything like Code Name Verity. Most of the time, we're used to seeing the terrible battles fought on the front lines, so I was enthralled learning more about the important roles Maddie and "Verity" played in the war as they first served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force together before breaking away to become a pilot and a secret agent, respectively.

As "Verity" recounts more of her past on every scrap of paper she can get her hands onto and struggles against her captors, an ache starts in your chest which never fades away. Because while you're still not sure if her words are wholly true, you just know that as soon as "Verity" stops writing, there will be only the desperate hope that it will be enough to save her. She may have questioned her own strength, but we truly see how both she and Maddie were as courageous and talented as they come.

Elizabeth Wein's Code Name Verity is an extraordinary tale of friendship and bravery which moved me to tears. My heart still hurts just thinking about all the events which led to the conclusion... and I'm still not quite sure I've recovered. Code Name Verity is an absolute must-read not just for historical fiction fans, but also for readers who can't tear their eyes from emotionally compelling novels which take your breath away.    

Thanks so much to Random House Canada for providing this review copy! You can also check out the UK book trailer for Code Name Verity below!

   

*****

Giveaway! I have an extra ARC of Elizabeth Wein's Code Name Verity, so I'm giving it away to a lucky follower!

• please fill out the Rafflecopter form to enter
• giveaway is INTERNATIONAL
• giveaway will end at 12:00 a.m. on June 7, 2012
• winner will be contacted by email afterwards
• do not leave your email address in the comments

Giveaway is closed.

Congratulations to Alicia A.! 

 

Waiting on Wednesday (98) - The Thing About The Truth by Lauren Barnholdt

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine spotlighting upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

Release Date: July 10, 2012

Publisher: Simon Pulse

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Summary (from Goodreads):

In this humorous love story from the author of Two-Way Street, an unlikely romance is the best sort of surprise—but the wrong secret can ruin everything.

Kelsey’s not going to let one mistake ruin her life. Sure, she got kicked out of prep school and all her old friends are shutting her out. But Kelsey’s focused on her future, and she’s determined to get back on track at Concordia High.

Isaac’s been kicked out of more schools than he can count. Since his father’s a state senator, Isaac’s life is under constant scrutiny—but Concordia High’s his last stop before boarding school, so Isaac’s hoping to fly under the radar and try to stay put for a change.

When Kelsey and Isaac meet, it’s anything but love at first sight. She thinks he’s an entitled brat, and he thinks she’s a stuck-up snob. So it surprises them both when they start to fall for each other. Kelsey’s happy for the first time in months, and Isaac’s never felt this way about anyone before...But nothing’s ever completely perfect. Everyone has secrets, and Isaac and Kelsey are no exceptions. These two may have fallen hard, but there’s one thing that can ruin it all: the truth.

Whenever my sister and I learn that Lauren Barnholdt has a new novel coming out, we always get ridiculously excited and giddy with the news! Both of us still consider Two-Way Street one of our all-time favourite novels and it totally sparked our love for road-trip books. (And no matter how many times I re-read it, I can still never get enough because I just love that book SO much.)

Barnholdt's other YA novels have always been just as enjoyable to read, so it goes without saying that I've been really looking forward to reading The Thing About The Truth for awhile now! I'm always a fan of contemporary romance novels, so I sure can't wait to see how Kelsey and Isaac will meet and fall for each other. I'm also really curious to see what kind of secrets the pair are hiding from each other too...

Book Trailer! - Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

The book trailer for Throne of Glass, the first novel in a new series by debut author Sarah J. Maas was revealed on MTV's Hollywood Crush blog earlier on Monday but a YouTube version has now popped up!

I LOVE the music they've used in the book trailer! It totally builds up the excitement and is completely fitting for a fantasy novel. Are you also excited to read Throne of Glass this August?

Release Date: August 7, 2012
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's

Summary (from Goodreads):

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.

Her opponents are men—thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the kings council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she’ll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.

Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she’s bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it’s the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

Waiting on Wednesday (97) - Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine spotlighting upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

Release Date: September 18, 2012

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Young Readers

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Summary (from Simon & Schuster Canada): 

Postcard-perfect Jar Island is home to charming tourist shops, pristine beaches, amazing oceanfront homes—and three girls secretly plotting revenge.

KAT is sick and tired of being bullied by her former best friend.

LILLIA has always looked out for her little sister, so when she discovers that one of her guy friends has been secretly hooking up with her, she’s going to put a stop to it.

MARY is perpetually haunted by a traumatic event from years past, and the boy who’s responsible has yet to get what’s coming to him.

None of the girls can act on their revenge fantasies alone without being suspected. But together…anything is possible.

With an unlikely alliance in place, there will be no more “I wish I’d said…” or “If I could go back and do things differently...” These girls will show Jar Island that revenge is a dish best enjoyed together.

  
The fact that Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian have co-written this book together is enough to make this book a must-have for me, but adding in a very sweet plot featuring three girls wishing to exact some revenge certainly doesn't hurt either!

Since Jenny Han's Summer series ended last year, I've been dying to read her next book! (And if you've never read the trilogy, please know that I'm shaking my head in disappointment right now because those books are pure perfection.) I also really enjoyed reading Siobhan Vivian's Not That Kind of Girl last year, so I can't wait to read another book by her as well!

Oh September, why must you be so far away?

Book Trailer! - Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

The book trailer for Hemlock, the first novel in a new trilogy by debut Canadian author Kathleen Peacock, was revealed earlier today on HarperTeen's facebook page!

I just picked up a copy of Hemlock the other day and I'm looking forward to reading it! Everyone who has read it so far seems to be really loving it, which just has me even more excited to read it! And wouldn't you want to buy the book for its gorgeous cover alone too?

Enjoy watching the book trailer! It will make your heart pound...

Release Date: May 8, 2012
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Summary (from HarperTeen):

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.

Waiting on Wednesday (96) - Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine spotlighting upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

Release Date: August 7, 2012

Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's

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Summary (from Goodreads):  

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.

Her opponents are men—thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the kings council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she’ll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.

Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she’s bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it’s the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

One of my favourite genres to read right now is definitely high fantasy, so I'm absolutely loving how there are several YA books being released this year that fit under that category! Throne of Glass, the first in a new series by debut author Sarah J. Maas, is just one of those books I can't wait to get my hands on and learn more about the dangerous world the author has envisioned! Assassins, warriors, action and romance.... seriously, what is not to like? 

And if you read on Sarah J. Maas's website about how she first came up with the idea for the book, then I think you'll also agree with me that it's cool that Throne of Glass was also inspired by the fairy tale Cinderella! I cannot wait to read this book!

Book Trailer! - Rapture by Lauren Kate

Are you ready for Rapture, the fourth and final novel in Lauren Kate's bestselling Fallen series? The book trailer for the novel was released just a few days ago on Random House's YouTube page and has me ever so excited to see how everything will conclude! Will love conquer all so that Luce and Daniel can truly be together? I guess we'll have to wait and see...

Release Date: June 12, 2012
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Summary (from Random House Canada):

RAPTURE, the fourth & final FALLEN novel, is the Lauren Kate book the world has been waiting for.

The sky is dark with wings. . . .

Like sand through an hourglass, time is running out for Luce and Daniel. To stop Lucifer from erasing the past, they must find the place where the angels fell to earth.

Dark forces are after them, and Daniel doesn’t know if he can do this—live only to lose Luce again and again. Yet together they face an epic battle that will end with lifeless bodies . . . and angel dust. Great sacrifices are made. Hearts are destroyed.

And suddenly Luce knows what must happen. For she was meant to be with someone other than Daniel. The curse they’ve borne has always and only been about her—and the love she cast aside. The choice she makes now is the only one that truly matters. In the fight for Luce, who will win?

The astonishing conclusion to the FALLEN series. Heaven can’t wait any longer.

Waiting on Wednesday (95) - Rebel Heart by Moira Young

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine spotlighting upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

Release Date: September 25, 2012

Publisher: Doubleday Canada

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Summary (from Random House Canada): 

**Contains spoilers if you haven't read Blood Red Road!**

Saba has rescued her kidnapped brother and defeated the fanatical Tonton. But the price to be paid for her violent victory is terrible. Jack has disappeared--and can no longer be trusted. A new and formidable enemy is on the rise in the dustlands. No one is safe. And Saba must confront the terrible secret hidden in the darkest depths of her soul.

If there was a novel that well and truly took me by surprise last year, then that title would definitely go out to Moira Young's Blood Red Road. If you've read my review of the novel, then you'll know I didn't expect to love it as much as I did. The dialect writing style didn't seem like something that would interest me all too much, but I realized once I finished the book that I would have totally missed out if I'd decided to pass on reading the book. I was completely blown away by Moira Young's debut novel... and now I'm waiting with bated breath for the release of Rebel Heart, the second book in the Dustlands series. I cannot wait to see what adventure and danger await Saba after the craziness that happened in Blood Red Road. It's bound to be another exciting novel!

Also, I'm really loving the Canadian version of the Rebel Heart cover!

The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe

Title: The Way We Fall (Fallen World #1)
Author: Megan Crewe
Release Date: January 24, 2012 (hardcover)
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Pages: 304
Source: ARC provided by publisher

Overall: 5 Stars

Summary:

It starts with an itch you just can't shake. Then comes a fever and a tickle in your throat. A few days later, you'll be blabbing your secrets and chatting with strangers like they’re old friends. Three more, and the paranoid hallucinations kick in.

And then you're dead.

When a deadly virus begins to sweep through sixteen-year-old Kaelyn’s community, the government quarantines her island—no one can leave, and no one can come back. Those still healthy must fight for dwindling supplies, or lose all chance of survival.

As everything familiar comes crashing down, Kaelyn joins forces with a former rival and discovers a new love in the midst of heartbreak. When the virus starts to rob her of friends and family, she clings to the belief that there must be a way to save the people she holds dearest. Because how will she go on if there isn't?

Megan Crewe crafts a powerful and gripping exploration of self-preservation, first love, and hope. Poignant and dizzying, this heart-wrenching story of one girl’s bravery and unbeatable spirit will leave readers fervently awaiting the next book in this standout new series.  

My Thoughts: 
I've never read a novel anything like The Way We Fall. Megan Crewe has taken your worst fears and brought them to life in an incredibly compelling way. Set on a fictional island in Nova Scotia, the novel is uniquely written in journal format as Kaelyn writes to her childhood friend, Leo, and chronicles everything happening around her as a deadly epidemic spreads across the island.

As Kaelyn's life falls into chaos and her island community is cut off from the rest of the world, she tries to find solace in her home and trying to do what can to help, despite the dangers that contact with others represent. There were times when The Way We Fall could be downright heartbreaking, but even in the darkest of times, hope continued to shine as Kaelyn found a strength within herself she didn't think she could ever possess.

The pacing is neither too fast not too slow, but rather something in between which allows the story to unfold perfectly. The book tests humanity and the actions people take when fear is all that lingers in their minds: Is it every person for themselves or do they work together to find a solution? When survival is the objective, all bets are off and the ugliness hiding inside us all begins to show. Kaelyn had some difficult decisions to make in the novel, and I have no idea what I would have done in her shoes.

As the streets quiet and those still living lock themselves in their homes, the deserted and eerie feeling which overcomes Kaelyn also begins to seep right into your bones too. You can't help but wait with nervous anticipation for a cure to come, for death to take everyone... or for anything, really, that could bring an end to the desperation. I was genuinely terrified as I read the book, holding my breath for the moment I was certain would come when I'd have to say goodbye to a character.

There were so many unpredictable possibilities where Megan Crewe could take the storyline and it only left me more anxious to find out what would happen next. I am absolutely looking forward to reading The Lives We Lost, the second novel in the trilogy, and seeing how Kaelyn's story will continue in the aftermath of everything that has happened in The Way We Fall.

Thanks so much to Hachette Book Group Canada for providing this review copy! You can learn more about Megan Crewe's The Way We Fall on Disney-Hyperion's unRequired Reading teen website, and if you're not already doing so, don't forget to follow Hachette Canada on Twitter and "like" their Facebook page! And, of course, you can learn more about The Way We Fall on Megan Crewe's website.