Movie Review - I Am Number Four

I Am Number Four
based on the book I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore. Book one in The Lorien Chronicles.

I saw this movie yesterday with my Mom and it was great. I have to admit that I haven't read the book. Honestly, after seeing the previews for the movie and reading a bunch of reviews for the book I decided I'd rather just see the movie and skip the book for now. It was written to become a movie...I'm not too sure that I'm missing anything by skipping the book. I'll probably go back and read it someday, but for now...the movie was enough.

The movie is action packed, has cool special effects, aliens that are just the right amount of CGI, etc., and romance. Loved it! It was really cool to see Diana Agron from Glee in it, too! For a fun movie...just fun...check this one out!

The Inside Story

The Inside Story
by Michael Buckley
The Sisters Grimm, book eight

After the shocking ending of The Everafter War, this book picks up with Sabrina, Daphne, and Puck stuck in the Book of Everafter, where all the fairy tales are stored and enchanted characters can change their destinies. The girls (and Puck) must chase the Master through a series of stories, where they’re willing to change what they need in order to save their baby brother. Soon, however, they are confronted by the Editor—the book’s guardian—who, along with an army of tiny monsters known as Revisers, threatens the children with dire consequences if they don’t stick to the stories. As they chase their quarry and dodge the Revisers, they meet Alice, Mowgli, Jack the Giant Killer, Hansel and Gretel, the Headless Horseman, and more. But will they find their brother in time? (description taken from Amazon.com)

This is one of my all-time favorite series. The part of me that has never really grown up revels in the idea that someone else out there...not just me!...imagined a world where fairy tale creatures were real. There is just something purely magical about the world that Sabrina and Daphne inhabit!

Each of the characters is captivating. Sabrina, Daphne, Relda, and yes, even Puck grow and change throughout the series. In this particular volume, Sabrina deals with some severe self-doubts. Surprisingly enough, Puck assists Daphne in talking her around. Puck even makes some surprising discoveries about himself, his relationship within the family, and drops some hints into his own deeper feelings.

I admire Sabrina's sheer determination and fierce family loyalty, Daphne's heart and endless optimism, but most of all I think I love Puck's well "pucktastic"-ness. He is definitely my favorite character in the series.

This is the second to last book in the series and again ends with a nice cliffhanger. I cannot wait to see how everything works out!

Scarlett Fever

Scarlett Fever
by Maureen Johnson
Scarlett Martin series, book two

Ever since Mrs. Amberson, the former-aspiring-actress-turned-agent, entered Scarlett Martin's life, nothing has been the same.

She's still in charge of the Empire Suite in her family's hotel, but she's now also Mrs. Amberson's assistant, running around town for her star client, Chelsea - a Broadway star Scarlett's age with a knack for making her feel insignificant.

Scarlett's also trying to juggle sophomore year classes, her lab partner who is being just a little TOO nice, and getting over the boy who broke her heart.

In the midst of all this, her parents drop a bombshell that threatens to change her New York life forever . (description taken from Amazon.com)

This family makes me want to pull up roots and check into a shabby-chic Manhattan hotel immediately! The Martins are warm, loving, funny, and I kinda wish they were mine! Johnson absolutely has a winner in this series. I think in terms of funny contemporary realistic fiction the only series out there that beats this one for me is The Georgia Nicholson series by Louise Rennison. They both leave me smiling like a loon!

Scarlett is an amazing character. She is smart, savvy, and sometimes unsure of herself. Just the perfect blend of getting herself into messy situations that she can perfectly maneuver her way out of... lovely. I am already anxiously awaiting the next great (and hopefully romantic) Martin saga!

Full disclosure: Audio book received to review for SLJ

Deception

Deception: A Haunting Emma Novel
by Lee Nichols

When Emma Vaile's parents leave on mysterious business trip, it gives her the perfect excuse to be a rebellious teen. Throw some parties, get a tattoo (or maybe just a piercing), and enjoy the first few weeks of her junior year. Then her best friend stops talking to her, the cops crash her party, and Emma finds herself in the hands of a new guardian—her college-age "knight in J.Crew armor," Bennett Stern—and on a plane to his museum-like mansion in New England.

After enrolling at Thatcher Academy, Emma settles in by making friends with the popular legacy crowd. But she can't shake the strange visions that are haunting her. She has memories of Thatcher she can't explain, as if she's returning home to a place she's never been. Emma doesn't trust anyone anymore—except maybe Bennett. But he's about to reveal a ghostly secret to Emma. One that will explain the visions . . . and make Emma fear for her life. (description taken from Amazon.com)

I can't believe I didn't read this book sooner. I had heard over and over that it was really great, but it sat on my TBR shelf for ages and ages...I just got the second book to review and so finally felt compelled to read Deception.

I am so sorry that it took so long for me to read this. Swimming in a sea of paranormal books, this is a stand out and it's the start of a series! *squee!* The ghostkeepers concept is really well done. Some people can summon ghosts, some can communicate with them, some can compel them, some can dispel them...but only Emma can do it all. Only just learning about her powers and abandoned by her family, Emma is totally freaking out. Now a creepy serial killer ghost is after her and Emma's not sure she can fight him off!

With an awesome creepy vibe and a compelling and potentially rocky romance, I couldn't put Deception down! I read it in one long sitting and loved every minute of it. I'm very much looking forward to reading and reviewing the next book. There are many questions that still have to be answered...

Full disclosure: ARC won from Dark Faerie Tales (...sadly about a year ago! :P)

In My Mailbox- February 20, 2011

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren, inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. Every week bloggers can share what they received in the mail or at the bookstore or at the library. The goal is that everyone can be exposed to more books this way!

From Netgalley:

Dead Is Not An Option by Marlene Perez

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Die for Me by Amy Plum

Bumped byMegan McCafferty

From the Library:

Dreamdark: Silksinger by Laini Taylor

The Sisters Club by Megan McDonald

Aphrodite the Beauty by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams

The Faceless Ones by Derek Landy

On My Nook:

A Novel Idea by Aimee Friedman

Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith

For Review:

Betrayal: A Haunting Emma Novel by Lee Nichols

*Thank you to Book It Forward ARC Tours*

The Orchid Affair

The Orchid Affair
by Lauren Willig
The Pink Carnation series, book eight

Laura Grey, a veteran governess, joins the Selwick Spy School expecting to find elaborate disguises and thrilling exploits in service to the spy known as the Pink Carnation. She hardly expects her first assignment to be serving as governess for the children of Andre Jaouen, right-hand man to Bonaparte's minister of police. Jaouen and his arch rival, Gaston Delaroche, are investigating a suspected Royalist plot to unseat Bonaparte, and Laura's mission is to report any suspicious findings.

At first the job is as lively as Latin textbooks and knitting, but Laura begins to notice strange behavior from Jaouen-secret meetings and odd comings and goings. As Laura edges herself closer to her employer, she makes a shocking discovery and is surprised to learn that she has far more in common with Jaouen than she originally thought...

As their plots begin to unravel, Laura and Jaouen are forced on the run with the children, and with the help of the Pink Carnation they escape to the countryside, traveling as husband and wife. But Delaroche will stop at nothing to take down his nemesis. With his men hot on their trail, can Laura and Jaouen seal the fate of Europe before it's too late?
(description taken from Amazon.com)

Another great addition to the Pink Carnation series. This series really has it all...romance, intrigue, danger, loyalty, humor...I love it. Though this is not my favorite in the series, I think it's going to be hard to top The Mischief of the Mistletoe for me...I just love Turnip!, this book had a lot of great things to offer.

Laura was an interesting character. I loved the juxtaposition between her artistic, loose upbringing and her many years as a staid governess. It made her uniquely qualified to become a successful secret agent...the Silver Orchid. It was fun reading about her first mission - seeing her get her feet wet, so to speak.

I really loved how Willig ties in real events to her historical fiction. Her research is meticulous. The fall of the French Monarchy and the French Revolutionary period have always fascinated me and the way that this book delves into the turbulent period was compelling. I really enjoyed getting to see Andre and other characters within the governmental structure, as well as actually getting to see the Pink Carnation, herself, in action again.

My favorite bits, though, were definitely Eloise and Colin. In each book we get to delve just a little deeper into their relationship and I always come out smiling...a love pig...I mean how can you not love that? I love getting to read these chapters interspersed into whatever spy intrigue is currently going on in history.

I will definitely be on the lookout for book nine of the series!

Full disclosure: Review copy provided by publisher

Unearthly

Unearthly
by Cynthia Hand

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny? (description taken from Amazon.com)

I have to be honest and say that I reviewed this as an audio book and it was not my favorite - in that format. This was an audio book that if I had picked it out myself, I probably would have stopped listening several chapters in and grabbed the physical book to read instead. I don't recommend the recorded version.

That being said, I really loved the storyline! Hand presents a well-researched new mythos for Nephilim, or as they are known here, Angelbloods. Clara is a Quartarius, or quarter angel, and has wings, can speak any language, and has a purpose. She also just wants to experience life as a normal girl sometimes. Balancing her angelic duties and her everyday life becomes a problem when what her heart and her head tell her conflicts. Clara suddenly has to wonder what will happen if she can't or doesn't fulfill her purpose.

I really liked Clara's family. Her mother and her brother, Jeremy, were both interesting characters with good relationships with Clara...and after the choices they all make at the end of this book, I am anxious to see what happens in Hallowed, which comes out next year.

It was also really cool that Clara got to meet another Angelblood. Someone that she could talk to, someone to compare notes with...there are a lot of books where the poor main character is just left floundering in the breeze...all alone, the sole one of their kind...I liked that she had a friend who knew exactly what she was going through.

I also have to tell you...no lie. I think I lurve Tucker Avery...just a little. I don't want to give you all the details, but there is one scene in there that plays out almost word for word, action for action like a date my husband and I had over 10 years ago when we first started dating. I teared up a little bit and my heart skipped more than one beat. *grin* I will always love Cynthia Hand for that moment. :)

Full disclosure: Audio book received to review for AudioFile magazine
2011 Shifter Challenge title

The Big Splash

The Big Splash
by Jack Ferraiolo

The treacherous, hormone-soaked hallways of Franklin Middle School are the setting for this sharp, funny noir novel about tough guys and even tougher girls. "The Frank" is in the clutches of a crime syndicate run by seventh-grader Vinny "Mr. Biggs" Biggio, who deals in forged hall passes and blackmarket candy. Double-cross him and your number is punched by one of his deadly water gun-toting assassins. One hit in the pants and you are in "the Outs" forever. Matt Stevens is a proud loner with his own code of justice. He's avoided being pulled into Vinny's organization until now: Mr. Biggs has offered him a job he can't resist, even if it means bringing down one of his oldest friends. (description taken from Amazon.com)

What a fun, sharp mystery! It is..."The Sopranos" meets middle school. I loved it.

This book reads like a noir movie...a private eye, the mob guy, the assassins, the femme fatales...ahhh...so good. There's a gritty realism here amongst the laugh out loud setting.
Matt is very much the hard-boiled detective, taking on "routine" cases...until the school's top assassin gets taken out. Now, hired by several sources, each for their own distinct reasons, this private eye must crack the case...and without getting "whacked!"

With competing leading ladies, an ex-best friend now turned mobster, and half the school out to get him, figuring out who done it might be a little harder than Matt expected. An excellent read.

OMG! Cover Craving...

Supernaturally
by Kiersten White
Paranormalcy, book two

Publication Date: Aug 30, 2011

Ummmm...OMG. This cover is GORGEOUS! *drool, drool, drool*



Love the fact that it wraps around, too!!

Cover Craving...

The Girl in the Steel Corset
by Kady Cross
The Steampunk Chronicles, book one

Publication Date: May 24, 2011

Ummm...OMG. LOVE this cover! The story sounds amazing too.

Tempestuous

Tempestuous
by Lesley Livingston
Wondrous Strange, book three

"I don't love Sonny Flannery."

That's the lie Kelley Winslow told to protect the boy she loves from a power he doesn't know he possesses. Devastated, Sonny retreats—to a haven for Lost Fae that's hidden deep underneath New York City.

But Kelley's not about to let things end in heartbreak. To get Sonny back, she's got to find out who's after his magick—and how to use her own. She's got to uncover who's recruiting Janus Guards to murderously hunt innocent Faerie. She's got to help rebuild the shattered theater company she called family. And she's got to do it all without getting dangerously distracted by the Fennrys Wolf, whose legendary heart of stone seems to melt whenever he's around Kelley. (description taken from Amazon.com)

What a great ending to the series. Besides having breathtaking covers (all three of them...I could just drool over them all day...), I love the complexities of the characters, the multilayered twists and turns of the plot, and the multitude of Shakespearean references!

It's been awhile since I read Darklight - probably the day it came out - and I had worried that I would have some issues remembering all that had happened, but Livingston does an excellent job bringing readers up to speed in a very lighthanded way. In fact, she sets up the plot so well that I was a little worried that the plot would not wrap up to my satisfaction before the end of the book and I knew that this was the end...

Livingston not only wrapped everything up...she did it well, with style, and even though I am totally satisfied as a reader, I would most definitely pick up another Wondrous Strange book if ever one appeared on the shelves!!

I don't want to give any spoilers away so I won't give too many details, but the persons who released the gates between the realms, allowing the Fae to enter the mortal world, are revealed. Their dastardly plot seems to be impossible to foil, but Kelley, Sonny, Fenn and their friends all find out exactly what they are made of and what sacrifices they are willing to make for each other and the world. Interesting, heartbreaking, and loyal decisions are made...friendships are forged and broken...love is lost, mended, and born.

Loved it!

Anxiously Awaiting...

Strings Attached
by Judy Blundell

Publication date: March 1, 2011

This book sounds so good and I love the trailer...

Sweet Venom Cover Reveal!!!

I am so excited to be participating in Tera Lynn Child's cover reveal for her newest book, Sweet Venom!!

Isn't this cover just ABSOLUTELY gorgeous?! Beyond the premise - Three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful gorgon maligned by myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in a world where monsters lurk in plain sight - having seen the cover that goes with the awesome story...I am now officially drooling in anticipation.

I think it just might kill me to have to wait until October to get my hands on this one! Until then, though, you can check out more info...details about the characters and collages that represent each of the sisters on Tera's website, check out the Sweet Venom Facebook page, or you can add Sweet Venom to your Goodreads TBR list.

Shadowfever

Shadowfever
by Karen Marie Moning
Fever series, book five

“Evil is a completely different creature, Mac. Evil is bad that believes it’s good.”

MacKayla Lane was just a child when she and her sister, Alina, were given up for adoption and banished from Ireland forever.

Twenty years later, Alina is dead and Mac has returned to the country that expelled them to hunt her sister’s murderer. But after discovering that she descends from a bloodline both gifted and cursed, Mac is plunged into a secret history: an ancient conflict between humans and immortals who have lived concealed among us for thousands of years.

What follows is a shocking chain of events with devastating consequences, and now Mac struggles to cope with grief while continuing her mission to acquire and control the Sinsar Dubh—a book of dark, forbidden magic scribed by the mythical Unseelie King, containing the power to create and destroy worlds.

In an epic battle between humans and Fae, the hunter becomes the hunted when the Sinsar Dubh turns on Mac and begins mowing a deadly path through those she loves. Who can she turn to? Who can she trust? Who is the woman haunting her dreams? More important, who is Mac herself and what is the destiny she glimpses in the black and crimson designs of an ancient tarot card?

From the luxury of the Lord Master’s penthouse to the sordid depths of an Unseelie nightclub, from the erotic bed of her lover to the terrifying bed of the Unseelie King, Mac’s journey will force her to face the truth of her exile, and to make a choice that will either save the world . . . or destroy it. (description taken from Amazon.com)

Whew. Let me first say that this was a LOT of book. I think that Moning could possibly have split this book in two with just a little tweaking...though I probably would not have wanted to wait for the final chapters!

Second. Let me say that if you haven't read Moning's previous Highlander series, this book will make you want to go and check them out. The Keltar clan gets quite a bit involved in this final book and all that hot testosterone running around is definitely causing me to check my book schedule to see when I can fit some re-reads in!

Okay. On to the meaty stuff (no pun intended...ugh...unseelie flesh. *shudders*) Anyway, I'm going to try not to get all spoiler-y on you and be kind of generically pleased...
I was very happy when Mac finally faces her fears - all of them, mortal, self doubts, and yes! romantic - and a new world opens up for her. I was devastated when the partial truth came out that someone very close to Mac had been indirectly responsible for Alina's death. I was smiling at odd moments when touches of humanity were remembered...a birthday party, a special sign...My heart broke a little for everyone who had lost someone near and dear to them.

This was a book full of emotions. Good, bad, confusing, gutwrenching...
Every time I thought I had a grip on things, that I knew, finally knew what was going on, Moning threw me for another loop.

Overall I was pleased...and sad to see this series end. I'm hoping that the way this book ended, though, we'll be seeing another related series start up shortly...

2011 Shifter Challenge title

Winner! The Orchid Affair Valentine's Day Giveaway

I am pleased to announce that the winner of The Orchid Affair Valentine's Day Giveaway is (via random drawing at random.org) is...

Connie!!

Check your email...you have until Wednesday, February 16th to contact me with the address where you'd like Dutton to ship the book. Congratulations...and Happy Valentine's Day!

A Teaser...

I'm excited to share this one...

Maria V. Snyder, author of The Study Trilogy, The Glass Trilogy, Inside Out and Outside In, has just announced the title and blurb for her ninth novel... Touch of Power and it sounds good!

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life....

The publication date is tentatively in January 2012 and I will definitely be keeping my eye out...

In My Mailbox - February 13, 2011

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren, inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. Every week bloggers can share what they received in the mail or at the bookstore or at the library. The goal is that everyone can be exposed to more books this way!

From the Library:


The Alpha Bet by Stephanie Hale
Castration Celebration by Jake Wizner


Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass
Forget You by Jennifer Echols


On My Nook:


Raising the Dead by Mara Purnhagen
Beasts and BFF's by Shannon Delany

In Too Deep

In Too Deep
by Jayne Ann Krentz
The Looking Glass Trilogy, book one

Scargill Cove is the perfect place for Fallon Jones, confirmed recluse and investigator of the paranormal. It's a hot spot, a convergence point for unusually strong currents of energy, which might explain why the town attracts misfits and drifters like moths to a flame. Now someone else has been drawn to the Cove-Isabella Valdez, on the run from some very dangerous men.

When she starts work as Fallon's assistant, Isabella impresses him by organizing his pathologically chaotic office-and doesn't bat an eye at the psychic aspect of his job. She's a kindred spirit, a sanctuary from a world that considers his talents a form of madness. But after a routine case unearths an antique clock infused with dark energy, Fallon and Isabella are dragged into the secret history of Scargill Cove and forced to fight for their lives, as they unravel a cutthroat conspiracy with roots in the Jones family business . . . and Isabella's family tree.
(description taken from Amazon.com)

I was soooo excited to finally get to read Fallon Jones' story! He's been such an intriguing side character in several of the other books in the Arcane Society series that I always wondered how he would find his match.

Isabella was a great match for him, too. I loved that she was connected to a conspiracy theorist, who was in turn connected to Arizona Snow...another intriguing side character. Her unique perspective gave her insight into Fallon's character, allowing her to see past what others' had found off-putting and to connect to the real, loyal, super intelligent Fallon. *sigh*

I love the fact that this is starting another great para-weapon trilogy. I really enjoyed the Dreamlight Trilogy and this Looking Glass Trilogy has a lot of the same qualities. *Squee!*

The Orchid Affair Valentine's Day Giveaway

The lovely people at Dutton have given me not only my own copy of The Orchid Affair by Lauren Willig to review, but have also gifted me a lovely second copy to giveaway to one of you!!



In The Orchid Affair, Willig introduces her strongest heroine yet.

Laura Grey, a veteran governess, joins the Selwick Spy School expecting to find elaborate disguises and thrilling exploits in service to the spy known as the Pink Carnation. She hardly expects her first assignment to be serving as governess for the children of Andre Jaouen, right-hand man to Bonaparte's minister of police. Jaouen and his arch rival, Gaston Delaroche, are investigating a suspected Royalist plot to unseat Bonaparte, and Laura's mission is to report any suspicious findings.

At first the job is as lively as Latin textbooks and knitting, but Laura begins to notice strange behavior from Jaouen-secret meetings and odd comings and goings. As Laura edges herself closer to her employer, she makes a shocking discovery and is surprised to learn that she has far more in common with Jaouen than she originally thought...

As their plots begin to unravel, Laura and Jaouen are forced on the run with the children, and with the help of the Pink Carnation they escape to the countryside, traveling as husband and wife. But Delaroche will stop at nothing to take down his nemesis. With his men hot on their trail, can Laura and Jaouen seal the fate of Europe before it's too late?

I'll be posting my review next week...

To enter the giveaway (U.S. Residents only...sorry!), please leave me a comment with your name, email address, and what you're really hoping to get this year from your Valentine. I'll randomly pick a winner on Monday, February 14th...how appropriate for Valentine's Day, no?...and contact you for your mailing address. Good luck!

The Adjustment Bureau - Movie Review

I was very lucky to go and see a free sneak preview of "The Adjustment Burearu" starring Matt Damon and Emily Blunt tonight. It was great. It was funnier than I expected. It was realistically romantic...everything wasn't peaches, but gestures were made....The overall concept of the Adjustment Bureau was very cool.

I don't want to say much more because I'll end up ruining things, but the actors were all well chosen, the script was good, and I give it two big thumbs up! I definitely want to see it again.

Bonus - It's based on a short story by Philip Dick.

Angelfire

Angelfire
by Courtney Allison Moulton

First there are nightmares.

Every night Ellie is haunted by terrifying dreams of monstrous creatures that are hunting her, killing her.

Then come the memories.

When Ellie meets Will, she feels on the verge of remembering something just beyond her grasp. His attention is intense and romantic, and Ellie feels like her soul has known him for centuries. On her seventeenth birthday, on a dark street at midnight, Will awakens Ellie's power, and she knows that she can fight the creatures that stalk her in the grim darkness. Only Will holds the key to Ellie's memories, whole lifetimes of them, and when she looks at him, she can no longer pretend anything was just a dream.

Now she must hunt.

Ellie has power that no one can match, and her role is to hunt and kill the reapers that prey on human souls. But in order to survive the dangerous and ancient battle of the angels and the Fallen, she must also hunt for the secrets of her past lives and truths that may be too frightening to remember. (description taken from Amazon.com)

Once I started reading Ellie's story I had a hard time putting it down. Courtney Allison Moulton is a debut author to watch. She's done an excellent job with the world building...seemlessly blending reality and a world of angels and demons. A world of shadows...

Ellie has to learn to blend her life as a teenager - school, friends, boys...Parents!...and her life as the Preliator...the hunter of demonic reapers. Though you would think that this would sound unrealistic, Ellie's voice is so authentic that you can't question who she is, what her purpose is...she's very much Buffy-esque. A total bad*ss...and totally intriguing.

As Ellie delves deeper into her memories trying to figure out who she really is, I was right there with her, desperate to know and unable to guess for sure. As Will defends her, stands by her side, comforts her, I was right there with her, rooting him on in his quest to love her through devotion and protection.

The final scene left me wanting more. Just as with a good episode of Buffy or Veronica Mars, the final sassy quip has me on the edge of my seat, saying "What do you mean I have to wait for the next one? I want it now!"
There are many more questions to be answered, butts to kick, and kisses to explore!! More, please....and soon?!

Full disclosure: eARC from Netgalley
2011 Debut Author Challenge title
2011 Shape Shifter Challenge title

Bloodlines Cover Reveal

Just released! The cover for the new Vampire Academy series spin-off by Richelle Mead. I think it's gorgeous!

Here's a link to an article in EW with more info.

Publication date: August 23, 2011

Rot and Ruin

Rot and Ruin
by Jonathan Maberry

In the zombie-infested, post-apocalyptic America where Benny Imura lives, every teenager must find a job by the time they turn fifteen or get their rations cut in half. Benny doesn't want to apprentice as a zombie hunter with his boring older brother Tom, but he has no choice. He expects a tedious job whacking zoms for cash, but what he gets is a vocation that will teach him what it means to be human. (description taken from Amazon.com)

Ummm...we are perilously close to me declaring this my new favorite zombie book. I can't decide...I LOVED this book, but I also loved Carrie Ryan's The Dead-Tossed Waves just as much. It may be a cop-out, but I think they officially tie for first place.

Nevertheless... this book is officially receiving one of my coveted "Gold Star" reviews!

I was absolutely drawn in and then blown away by this book. The world is very reminiscent of Carrie Ryan's zombie apocalypse, which is great, because they are both fantastically imagined. What I thought set this book apart from hers, setting-wise, was the frontier feeling. There is a definite Western vibe to this book that I totally dug.

After the events of First Night, when zombies took over the modern world, society reverted back to more of a frontier lifestyle. Safe within the boundaries of small towns, with only bounty hunters or loners venturing out into the wild frontier...the Rot and Ruin.

The excellently drawn characters - the Imura brothers, Nix, Lilah, Charlie Pink-Eye - all force readers to really think through the morality of a lifestyle in the wild free from rules. As Benny begins to open his eyes to what the world is like, more and more questions must be asked and most of the answers are truly appalling. Even their town which seemed to be a safe haven slowly becomes a place led by fear and built on turning a blind eye.

I was transfixed throughout this book. I cried when Benny finally had to bring peace to his own memories, and I CANNOT wait to get my hands on Dust and Decay.

2011 Zombie Reading Challenge title

In My Mailbox - February 6, 2011

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren, inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. Every week bloggers can share what they received in the mail or at the bookstore or at the library. The goal is that everyone can be exposed to more books this way!

From the Library:

Foiled by Jane Yolen

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz

Oh No She Didn't by Clinton Kelly

Wildwing by Emily Whitman

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King

On My Nook:

Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble

Borrowed:

*Squee!! Special thanks to Jen from Yabooknerd for lending this hot ARC to me! Can't wait to read it!!*

The Liar Society by Lisa and Laura Roecker

Shadow Grail:Legacies

Legacies
by MercedesLackey and Rosemary Edghill
Shadow Grail, book one

Who—or what—is stalking the students at Oakhurst Academy?

In the wake of the accident that killed her family, Spirit White is spirited away to Oakhurst Academy, a combination school and orphanage in the middle of Montana. There she learns she is a legacy—not only to the school, which her parents also attended, but to magic.

All the students at Oakhurst have magical powers, and although Spirit’s hasn’t manifested itself yet, the administrators insist she has one. Spirit isn’t sure she cares. Devastated by the loss of her family, she finds comfort with a group of friends: Burke Hallows, Lachlann Spears, Muirin Shae, and Adelaide Lake.

But something strange is going on at Oakhurst. Students start disappearing under mysterious circumstances, and the school seems to be trying to cover it up. Spirit and her friends must find out what’s happening—before one of them becomes the next victim… (description taken from Amazon.com)

I think this is a good start to an interesting new series. I really loved the first half of the book. The setup, describing Oakhurst Academy, introducing the magic and the teens, was really well done and intriguing. Spirit is a good character...spunky, yet unsure of herself in the new situation and without visible magic like the others. I loved her relationships with the other teens in her group.

My only complaint about this book was that when the revelation comes about what is happening to the disappearing students, the problem is addressed and "solved" almost too quickly. I felt like that part of the book could have been slightly more fleshed out.

I am definitely looking forward to reading the second book in the series, Conspiracies, though, and trying to figure out what type of magic Spirit has...

Cover Craving...

Drink Deep
by Chloe Neill
Chicagoland Vampires, book five

Publication Date: November 2011

Love this series...and Chloe's lucky to have GREAT covers. :)