Review: Underworld by Meg Cabot

Title: Underworld (Abandon Trilogy #2)
Author:  Meg Cabot
Pages:  336
Publisher:  Scholastic
Genre:  Paranormal
Release:  May 8th 2012
Buy the Book at: Book Depository / Indigo Chapters

Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back. Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera isn’t dead. Not this time. But she is being held against her will in the dim, twilit world between heaven and hell, where the spirits of the deceased wait before embarking upon their final journey. Her captor, John Hayden, claims it’s for her own safety. Because not all the departed are dear. Some are so unhappy with where they ended up after leaving the Underworld, they’ve come back as Furies, intent on vengeance…on the one who sent them there and on the one whom he loves. But while Pierce might be safe from the Furies in the Underworld, far worse dangers could be lurking for her there…and they might have more to do with its ruler than with his enemies. And unless Pierce is careful, this time there’ll be no escape.

Much Better Than the First One!

I am a big fan of Greek Mythology and when I first heard that Meg Cabot was writing a new series retelling the myth of Hades and Persephone, I was totally in! Yet, Abandon, the first book in the Abandon Trilogy, was a bit disappointing for my taste, and if I hadn't received a copy of Underworld (Abandon Trilogy #2) from the publisher, I wouldn't have read this book so soon. Yet, I did and I am glad of it. Underworld is definitely much better than its precedent.

My problem with Abandon was that it didn't hooked me and I didn't get to love the characters as much as I would have like to. Fortunately, Underworld offers a more intriguing plot that kept me hooked for great part of a day and almost a whole night (I'm a slow reader).

The romance is great part of the plot and I love that! Yet, John is not really the kind of male character I can easily fall for. He is a very complex character (probably due to his own nature) but I still can't see how can a girl fall for a guy like that. Pierce has her own issues and I can justify why she loves him so badly, yet I don't think is a very healthy relationship. Unfortunately, this is the one thing that still bothers me in Underworld. In the other hand, Pierce and her cousin develop a very strong connection in this installment and I really love to see this grow so much through the course of the book. I was really surprise to find myself liking this character (which I hated before) during this installment. Underworld definitely adds some great character development between these two.

The plot this time is not full of flashbacks, which I'm glad of it since that was probably one of the things that didn't hook me when I read Abandon. This time the story is set in the present and thanks to this, I felt much more connected to the story. In addition, I really like the Furies factor that Meg Cabot added to the story. I think it is a great addition that raised the consistency of the plot. Moreover, Meg Cabot inserts a nice dose of humor in this installment that definitely made my smile (with teeth and everything) a good number of times! By the end of the book, finally some questions are answered, but at the same time, more questions pop-up (how unfair!) which makes me want to get Awaken, the final book of the trilogy, like... like now! Oh yes, I am definitely reading the final book of the trilogy! I am hooked!

I certainly enjoyed Underworld much more than Abandon. The plot is definitely more enjoyable and intriguing. Yet, it didn't blow my mind but Underworld is definitely a good read. Fans of Meg Cabot and Greek Mythology will absolutely devour this book in an instant!

❤ Big thanks to Scholastic Canada for providing me a copy of Underworld for review❤


Watch the trailer of Abandon, first book of the trilogy!

Visit the author's website at http://www.megcabot.com

Review: Changeling by Philippa Gregory

Title: Changeling (The Order of Darkness #1)

Author: Philippa Gregory

Pages: 272

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Genre: Historical

Release: May 29th 2012

Buy the Book at: Book Depository / Indigo Chapters

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.

A Highly Alluring and Promising Beginning 

From the ink of Philippa Gregory, one of the most popular historical fiction novelist, comes Changeling! A very promising beginning to what will probably become one of my favorite YA historical series.

Philippa Gregory's first YA novel was stunning from beginning to end and now I'm falling even more in love with historical YA novels. I would also love to see more of this genre on the shelves because it is not only fun or aesthetically beautiful, but it is also instructive. Changeling, the first book of The Order of Darkness series has all of this plus everything else I'd love to see in a book: very well crafted characters, an alluring setting, adventure, danger, romance (though not enough) and an captivating plot. However, I do have some issues with this book. Changeling is only 272 pages! Seriously, I wouldn't minded reading 500 pages of Luca and friends at all. I feel that 272 was too short and because of it, many question were left unanswered. I feel like this book suddenly ended when the best of it was going to start. Don't take this the wrong way, I loved Changeling and I really enjoyed reading this book, but regardless all the excellence this book sparkles with, I feel there was something missing. *cough* Pages *cough*

Believe me when I say that this book is fascinating. However, due to the shortness of the novel, there are a few things that didn't satisfy me. For example, I wished I would have learned more about Luca (the male main character) and the "changeling" topic. The book is called changeling but the "changeling" is barely mentioned and by the end of the book, many questions are still on the air. So, why is the book called Changeling? Then, the last few pages of the book were heading towards some epic-ness, but right then it suddenly ended. In addition, The Order of Darkness has very little involvement in this novel which is very regretful, after all, the series is called The Order of Darkness yet we don't see or learn much of it. Also, I wish there would have been more interaction  between Luca and Isolde (the female protagonist) since they only start to share some nice moments during the last 50 pages of the book (see? this is why I think the book was too short, it was just beginning when it suddenly ended!)

Regardless my frustration about the short length of this novel, I really, really love it and I highly recommend it! Once the whole series is out, I'm pretty sure I will rate the whole series with  4 or 5 stars. The writing is wonderful as well as the historical setting and the dialogues are very clever. Needlessly to say that the characters sparkle an stand out of the pages with their own charismatic personalities. Luca, Isolde, Freize, Ihrap are, for me, the strongest point of the novel.

Overall, the first installment in The Order of Darkness is a promising and highly alluring beginning for this new series. It didn't fulfill my expectations but I still really enjoyed this book! It kept me hooked from the very first page and it made me fall even more in love with historical settings and history itself. Changeling is highly captivating and the writing flows through the pages. But, I am not satisfied. I want more. I NEED more! So please dear Philippa Gregory, please give me a thicker second book of the Order of Darkness! I will gladly read 500 pages of Luca, Isolde, Ishraq and Freize! I'm begging you for more!

❤Big Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada for providing me an arc of Changeling for review❤

Watch the trailer!

Visit the author's website at http://www.philippagregory.com

Visit the Book website at http://www.orderofdarkness.com

Review: Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren

Title: Waterfall (River of Time #1)

Author:  Lisa T. Bergren
Pages:  369
Publisher:  David C. Cook
Genre:  Historical
Release:  February 1st 2011
Source: Purchased
Buy the Book at: Book Depository / Indigo Chapters

What do you do when your knight in shining armor lives, literally, in a different world?

Most American teenagers want a vacation in Italy, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives among the romantic hills with their archaelogist parents. Stuck among the rubble of the medieval castles in rural Tuscany, on yet another hot, dusty archaeological site, Gabi and Lia are bored out of their minds...until Gabi places her hand atop a handprint in an ancient tomb and finds herself in fourteenth-century Italy. And worse yet, in the middle of a fierce battle between knights of two opposing forces.

Suddenly Gabi's summer in Italy is much, much more interesting.

Sword Fighting, Castles and Knights in Shinning Armor

What else could You ask for? Waterfall is a MUST!

Waterfall has every necessary element to make a book shine. It has a vividly and rich described setting, well developed and extremely lovable characters, and a consistent story line filled with action, romance, danger, and a never ending list of awesomeness! Bergren has absolutely rocked my world with this marvelous time traveling/historical novel that deserves a solid five out of five bright shining stars!

This is the first YA book I read that is set in a medieval setting (Italy 1332) and I must confess that it absolutely engrossed me and fascinated me from beginning to end! Packed with tones of sword fighting, bare horseback riding, castles and super hot knights in shining armors, Waterfall is my newest addition to my top ten favorite books I have read this year! (Shame on me I didn't read it last year when it just came out) Needlessly to say that Bergren is now definitely among my favorite authors as well. Her writing is so compelling and bewitching that it feels like a kick-butt 3D movie with surround and filled with the best make-up and costume design! Yup, Waterfall is THAT gorgeous and richly described. And now I am desperately to read Cascade (River of Time #2) to know what happen with Gabrielle (the strong and smart protagonist) and her friends.

The characters are extremely well crafted! Gab, Marcello, Luca, Lia, etc! all of them have their own charismatic personality that makes them so rich and real. In addition, I have to say that the Italian setting has made me fall in love with a place that never grabbed my attention so much. Now thanks to Bergren, I am eager to read more novels set in this historically rich and wondrous place. I'd love to go over the plot but believe when I say that I am 100% sure that every YA lover will love this books and obsessed over it in a pretty hardcore way. *cough* Me *cough*.

Compelling, magical, fast-paced, rich, relevant and deliciously attractive, Waterfall is worth every shining star of the universe! This is a book I could re-read over and over and I will never get tired of it. Highly recommended to everyone! No exceptions!

Visit the author's website at http://lisatawnbergren.com

Staking the Shelves: My Book Haul 33

Staking the Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga from Tynga's reviews that features books purchased, received, borrowed, etc, during the week. 

Hi my Dears!

During the last two weeks I got some pretty awesome books plus the spring edition of Frenzy Magazine by Harper Collins! ^_^ Here are my babies! 

For review

- Enchanted by Alethea Kontis from Thomas Allen & Son (Thank you so much!)

(I already reviewed it and I LOVED it! read my review HERE!)

Purchased

- Storm by Brigid Kemmerer

Purchased

- Cascade by Lisa T. Bergren

- Torrent by Lisa T. Bergren

Dude!!! I read Waterfall (book #1 of this series) and I LOVED IT! my review is coming up today!
I totally recommend it!! what a great historical novels are this! Totally awesome!

- Frenzy magazine from Harper Collins 

(Thank you so much to Harper Collins Canada!)

That's it! 

What did you get this week? =9

Review: Enchanted by Alethea Kontis

Title: Enchanted

Author: Alethea Kontis

Pages: 305

Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books 

Genre: Fantasy / Faery Tale

Release:  May 8th 2012

Buy the Book at: Book Depository / Indigo Chapters

It isn't easy being the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday’s only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true.

When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical. One night Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland—and a man Sunday’s family despises.

The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction for this prince she barely knows? And what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past - and hers?

"My name is Sunday Woodcutter, and I am doomed to a happy life." 

(Kontis, Enchanted, 2012, p.1)

Now, Readers are "Doomed" to a Happy Reading ❤

Books like Enchanted are the reason why I started this blog. This book is such a Dazzling Read that I NEED to tell everyone about it. Enchanted is a magical and wondrous story that will make readers forget about reality and transport them far away to a fascinating kingdom to experience one of the most beautiful and spellbinding stories of the year! 

I love this book so much! It is difficult to express how wonderful Enchanted is. From the moment I turned to the first page, Kontis' beautiful and deep writing immediately captivated me. Many times I found myself marveled by it and I re-reading passages during the course of story for the only  pleasure of savoring the words again. Yes, it is that beautiful!

Enchanted is a faery tale with depth that I will forever treasure on my shelf. Kontis did such a masterful job retelling and enhancing a classic tale that, I am sure, will take readers' breath away. Oh! and I must mention that I have never met such a nice frog ever before! (not that I have ever talked to one) but I would have fell in love with it myself if I had! Believe me, my favorite moments of the story were those times that Sunday (the lovely and innocent heroine) met Grumble (the froggy and charming prince) at the well. The exquisite dialogues made me smile, laugh, sympathize with the characters and love them from the very first moment I met them both.

The name of the book itself says so much more than just a reminder of the wondrous classic faery tale. In fact, This story is highly enchanting from beginning to end. But not only because of the enchanted prince in waiting for a kiss, but for the delightful characters that vividly stand out of the pages, and a breathtaking plot that will consume readers until they reach the happy ending.

Enchanted by Alethea Kontis is a beautiful story that everyone should read. This is a tale that will make you feel like a child again. It will makes you believe that, for 305 pages, rainbows' pot of gold and leprechauns are real. That spells, faeries and magic beans are real. And that maybe somewhere, an enchanted prince is waiting for you in a well. 


❤ Thanks so much to Thomas Allen & Son for providing me a copy of Enchanted for review ❤

Visit the author's website at http://aletheakontis.com

Cover Dazzle! The Dead and Buried, City of a Thousand Dolls, The Dark Unwind and Dearly, Beloved

I Love Kim Harrington Clarity series and now she will release another mystery novel with a premise that totally rocks! I love mystery and Harrington is awesome writing this genre! Im totally IN for this one =D

The Dead And Buried 
by Kim Harrington
Scholastic Point
Release: January 2013

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?

I read the premise for this book not a very long time ago, but Oh Lord! When I read the premise I was like O_O!! OH GOD! this book will be MINE as soon as it comes out! Ciy of a Thousand Dolls is one of my MOST awaited releases for next year! SNIFF!! ENDURE! I need to endure until 2013! sniff!!

City of a Thousand Dolls 

by Miriam Forster 

Harper Children's

Release: 2013

The girl with no past, and no future, may be the only one who can save their lives.

Nisha was abandoned at the gates of the City of a Thousand Dolls when she was just a child. Now sixteen, she lives on the grounds of the isolated estate, where orphan girls apprentice as musicians, healers, courtesans, and, if the rumors are true, assassins. Nisha makes her way as Matron’s assistant, her closest companions the mysterious cats that trail her shadow. Only when she begins a forbidden flirtation with the city’s handsome young courier does she let herself imagine a life outside the walls. Until one by one, girls around her start to die.

Before she becomes the next victim, Nisha decides to uncover the secrets that surround the girls’ deaths. But by getting involved, Nisha jeopardizes not only her own future in the City of a Thousand Dolls—but her own life.

My dear Steampunk lovers! Here we have another super amazing release on this genre that has totally rocked our world!!!!! Amazing premise and a totally to-fall-in-love cover!! I want it now!

The Dark Unwinding 

by Sharon Cameron  

Scolastic Press

Release: September 1st 2012

A spine-tingling tale of steampunk and spies, intrigue and heart-racing romance!

When Katharine Tulman's inheritance is called into question by the rumor that her eccentric uncle is squandering away the family fortune, she is sent to his estate to have him committed to an asylum. But instead of a lunatic, Katharine discovers a genius inventor with his own set of rules, who employs a village of nine hundred people rescued from the workhouses of London.

Katharine is now torn between protecting her own inheritance and preserving the peculiar community she grows to care for deeply. And her choices are made even more complicated by a handsome apprentice, a secretive student, and fears for her own sanity.

As the mysteries of the estate begin to unravel, it is clear that not only is her uncle's world at stake, but also the state of England as Katharine knows it. With twists and turns at every corner, this heart-racing adventure will captivate readers with its intrigue, thrills, and romance.

I have Dearly, Departed in my shelf but I haven't read it yet T_T. Sniff! Shame on me! I've rea amazing reviews about Habel's zombies so I will definitely move it up on my pile =D Oh! and I love this cover too!! *drool*

Dearly, Beloved (Gone with Respiration #2)

by Lia Habel

Del Rey Books

Release: September 25th 2012

No summary yet

 What do you think about these totally super awesome upcoming releases? I want them all! and I want them NOW!! sniff!

Waiting on Wednesday ~ Gorgeous Edition!

This Wednesday I'm drooling over two amazing upcoming releases with super gorgeous covers!
The Dark Light just makes me drool SO much over its enticing sexiness and good Lord! The premise already hooked me =D. In the other hand, The Debutantes is SO beautiful in a very different way. It is so soft and girly and is an historical novel that sounds amazing and I cant wait for it to come out! aah!! I want them both NOW!

The Dark Light
by Sara Walsh
Coming out on August 28th 2012!!

Mysterious lights have flickered above Crownsville for as long as Mia can remember. And as far as she’s concerned, that’s about the only interesting thing to happen in her small town.

That is, until Sol arrives. Mia’s not one to fall for just any guy, but she can’t get intense Sol—or the brilliant tattoo on his back—out of her mind.

Then Mia’s brother goes missing, and Mia’s convinced that Sol knows more than he’s sharing. But getting closer to Sol means reevaluating everything she once believed to be true. Because Sol’s not who Mia thought he was—and neither is she.

The Debutantes

by Cora Harrison

Coming out on August 2nd 2012!!

MIt’s 1923 and London is a whirl of jazz, dancing and parties. Violet, Daisy, Poppy and Rose Derrington are desperate to be part of it, but stuck in an enormous crumbling house in the country, with no money and no fashionable dresses, the excitement seems a lifetime away.

Luckily the girls each have a plan for escaping their humdrum country life: Rose wants to be a novelist, Poppy a jazz musician and Daisy a famous film director. Violet, however, has only one ambition: to become the perfect Debutante, so that she can go to London and catch the eye of Prince George, the most eligible bachelor in the country.

But a house as big and old as Beech Grove Manor hides many secrets, and Daisy is about to uncover one so huge it could ruin all their plans—ruin everything—forever.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday? =9 

Reminder: Enter my YA Swag Giveaway (Intl) to win goodies from authors such as: Marissa Meyer, Michelle Zink, Amy Plum, Jessica Spotswood, etc!!

Cover Dazzle! - Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr

My Dears!!
It's been a while since many f us have been anticipating Melissa Marr's upcoming novel! And how could we not when the premise is so enthralling! Now, we can even add more excitement to the wait of  Carnival of Souls because here we have THE COVER of it!!

TAAAAADAAAAAAAAAA!!!

Carnival of Souls 
by Melissa Marr
Coming out on September 4th 2012!!

In a city of daimons, the Carnival of Souls hosts a deadly competition. Once in a generation, every citizen can fight to join the ruling elite. Without the competition, Aya and Kaleb would both face bleak futures—if for different reasons. For each of them, fighting to the death is the only way to try to live.

In our own world, Mallory knows that her father—and every other witch—fled the daimons’ city long ago. She trains to be lethal because it’s only a matter of time until the daimons catch up with them.

While Mallory possesses little knowledge of The City, every inhabitant of The City knows of her. There are plans there for Mallory, and soon she, too, will be drawn into the decadence that is the Carnival of Souls.

From Melissa Marr, bestselling author of the Wicked Lovely series, comes a brand-new tale of secrets, love, and the struggle to forge one’s own destiny.

I LOVE IT!! this cover makes me think that the aesthetic of this novel will be to-drool for! I can't wait to visit the daimon's city!! kyaaaaaaaa!!

What do you thing my Dears? are you as Dazzled as I? =)

Review: Until I Die by Amy Plum

Title: Until I Die (Revenants #2)
Author: Amy Plum
Pages: 357
Publisher: Harper Collins
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release: May 8th 2012
Buy the Book at: Book Depository / Amazon

Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love.

As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy.

In Die for Me, Amy Plum created a captivating paranormal mythology with immortal revenants and a lush Paris setting. Until I Die is poised to thrill readers with more heart-pounding suspense, spellbinding romance, and a cliff-hanger ending that will leave them desperate for the third and final novel in the series.

Fabulous and Heart-wrenching!

Last year I was greatly surprised by Die For Me (Revenants #1). The story was so original and well written, and the characters were so real and lovable that I immediately placed the book among my favorite releases of the year. This time, Until I Die (Revenants #2) absolutely blew my mind, and also, smashed my soul to a million pieces (Oh my God! what an ending!).

The story picks-up soon after the ending of Die For Me. Kate and Vincent are a lovely couple, but of course they have this big problem going on due to Vincent's compulsion to die for humans. This obviously complicates Kate and Vincent's relationship. So, Vincent starts an experiment that will help him to avoid his desire to die, but unfortunately this experiment also has its risks (which I wont give away). In the other hand, Kate researches another way to help Vincent to fight his revenant nature and help him to stay alive long enough until... until the day Kate grows old and dies.

The second installment of this invigorating paranormal romance absolutely stole my heart. If I loved Revenants before, now I love them even more! Amy Plum's marvelous story telling kept me turning pages with no stop. I love how mature and realistic Kate's character is. Specially the way she handles her presence into the paranormal world she is now part of. In addition, Vincent is as captivating as always yet, he is not the typical and perfect fictional knight in shining armor. Vincent, regardless being a supernatural being himself, feels really human and real to the reader. That is what makes Vincent so alluring. He is believable.

I love so many things about Until I Die and I could talk about the plot, the fascinating Parisian setting, the well developed characters and the enthralling Revenant concept forever. Yet, I obviously prefer you to experience this spellbinding love story by yourself. I 100% recommend it!

With a heart-wrenching ending that yet sparks with hope, Until I Die will make you feel hundreds of emotions at the same time. Amy Plum has definitely played one of her greatest cards and I cannot wait to know how she will conclude this enthralling story (and one of my favorites!) in If I Should Die, the third and last book of this fabulous trilogy. Here I have another long torture to bear until If I Should Die hits the shelves.

Watch the trailers!

Visit Amy Plum's website at http://www.amyplumbooks.com

Massive Cover Dazzle! The Program, Lies That Bind, The Stone Girl and many more!!

Here I come with many new dazzling cover for amazing upcoming releases! I can' t stop drooling =9 Now get ready, because I'm going to Dazzle you with a bunch of amazing new covers! yay!

Ready?... Go!

The Program
by Suzanne Young
Coming out on April 2013

SLOANE KNOWS BETTER THAN TO CRY IN FRONT OF ANYONE.

With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in.

AND THE PROGRAM IS COMING FOR THEM.

Lies That Bind (The Liar Society #2)

by  by Lisa Roecker and Laura Roecker

Coming out on December 1st 2012

Kate Lowry thought she’d retired her pearls for good. But that was before Taylor Wright fails to show up for school Monday after the biggest party of the year.

Kate realizes soon enough that the party and Taylor's disappearance are connected--only not in the way everyone thinks. And as if it’s not hard enough to find a missing girl, Kate is forced to team up with the one person she has worked so hard to avoid--not to mention the one person with the potential to come between her and Liam.

As usual, Kate has her hands full searching for the truth amidst many layers of lies. After all, things are never what they seem at Pemberly Brown..

The Stone Girl 

by Alyssa B. Sheinmel

Coming out on Augus 28th 2012

She feels like a creature out of a fairy tale; a girl who discovers that her bones are really made out of stone, that her skin is really as thin as glass, that her hair is brittle as straw, that her tears have dried up so that she cries only salt. Maybe that’s why it doesn’t hurt when she presses hard enough to begin bleeding: it doesn’t hurt, because she’s not real anymore.

Sethie Weiss is hungry, a mean, angry kind of hunger that feels like a piece of glass in her belly. She’s managed to get down to 111 pounds and knows that with a little more hard work—a few more meals skipped, a few more snacks vomited away—she can force the number on the scale even lower. She will work on her body the same way she worked to get her perfect grades, to finish her college applications early, to get her first kiss from Shaw, the boy she loves, the boy who isn’t quite her boyfriend.

Sethie will not allow herself one slip, not one bad day, not one break in concentration. Her body is there for her to work on when everything and everyone else—her best friend, her schoolwork, and Shaw—are gone.

 Even & Adam

by by Katherine Applegate and Michael Grant

Coming out on October 12th 2012

Sixteen-year-old Evening Spiker lives an affluent life in San Francisco with her mother, EmmaRose, a successful geneticist and owner of Spiker Biotech. Sure, Evening misses her father who died mysteriously, but she’s never really questioned it. Much like how she’s never stopped to think how off it is that she’s never been sick. That is, until she’s struck by a car and is exposed to extensive injuries. Injuries that seem to be healing faster than physically possible.

While recuperating in Spiker Biotech’s lush facilities, she meets Solo Plissken, a very attractive, if off-putting boy her age who spent his life at Spiker Biotech. Like Evening, he’s never questioned anything... until now. Solo drops hints to Evening that something isn’t right, and Emma-Rose may be behind it. Evening puts this out of her mind and begins her summer internship project: To simulate the creation of the perfect boy. With the help of Solo, Evening uncovers secrets so big they could change the world completely.

Adaptation
by Malinda Lo
Coming out on September 18th 2012

Reese and David don’t remember what happened to them after a bird flew into their headlights on the Extraterrestrial Highway--not the resulting car accident and certainly not a bit of the 21 days of care at the military hospital in Nevada. It’s a good thing, the doctors and colonels tell them, that they crashed on a military base, but they won’t tell Reese and David what the extent of their injuries were, or how they were healed. They do tell them they’re not going home, though, until they sign a confidentiality agreement.

When they get home, Reese can’t help but find everything a little weird. Worldwide bird strikes resulting in plane crashes have grounded air travel, David won’t talk to her, and she could swear she’s seen her military doctors around the neighborhood. It’s only when she meets Amber Grey that things in her life begin to really fall apart, and the mysteries of the bird strikes, the military, and her own treatment come together. Reese realizes that she must find out what they did to her in that hospital, but her search for the truth threatens to expose a vast global conspiracy that the government has worked for decades to keep secret.

What if we aren’t alone in the universe? What if the alien is inside us?

Inferno (Chronicles of Nick #3)

by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Coming out on March 4th 2013

The heat is on, and a new threat to humanity has risen…

Nick has his driver’s license and he’s not afraid to use it. But turning sixteen isn’t what he thought it would be. While other boys his age are worried about prom dates and applying for college, Nick is neck deep in enemies out to stop him from living another day. No longer sure if he can trust anyone, his only ally seems to be the one person he’s been told will ultimately kill him.

But life spent serving the undead is anything except ordinary. And those out to get him have summoned an ancient force so powerful even the gods fear it. As Nick learns to command and control the elements, the one he must master in order to combat his latest foe is the one most likely to destroy him. As the old proverb goes, fire knows nothing of mercy, and if Nick is to survive this latest round, he will have to sacrifice a part of himself. However, the best sacrifice is seldom the sanest move. Sometimes it’s the one that leaves your enemies confused, and you even more so.

And sometimes, you have to trust your enemy to save your friends. But what do you do when that enemy is you?

Perfection
by J.L. Spelbring
Coming out on May 7th 2013

The personification of Aryan purity, Ellyssa's spent her whole life under her creator's strict training and guidance; her purpose is to eradicate inferior beings. She was genetically engineered to be the perfect soldier: strong, intelligent, unemotional, and telepathic.

Only Ellyssa isn't perfect.

Ellyssa feels emotions--a fact she's spent her life concealing. Until she encounters the epitome of inferiority: a dark-haired boy raised among renegades hiding since the Nazis won the war a century ago. He speaks to her telepathically, pushing thoughts into her mind, despite the impossibility of such a substandard person having psychic abilities.

But he does.

His unspoken words and visions of a place she's never visited make Ellyssa question her creator. Confused and afraid her secret will be discovered, Ellyssa runs away, embarking on a journey where she discovers there is more to her than perfection.

Magisterium 

by Jeff Hirsch 

Coming out on October 1st 2012

On one side of the Rift is a technological paradise without famine or want. On the other side is a mystery.

Sixteen-year-old Glenn Morgan has lived next to the Rift her entire life and has no idea of what might be on the other side of it. Glenn's only friend, Kevin, insists the fence holds back a world of monsters and witchcraft, but magic isn't for Glenn. She has enough problems with reality: Glenn's mother disappeared when she was six, and soon after, she lost her scientist father to his all-consuming work on the mysterious Project. Glenn buries herself in her studies and dreams about the day she can escape. But when her father's work leads to his arrest, he gives Glenn a simple metal bracelet that will send Glenn and Kevin on the run---with only one place to go.
With MAGISTERIUM, Jeff Hirsch brings us the story of a complex, captivating world that will leave readers breathless until the very last page.

WOW!! That was quiet a lot! I hope I dazzled you with all these beautiful covers! I can't wait to have these titles in my hands >_< such a long wait! So, let's endure!! and for now, what do you think about these upcoming novels? which one are you most excited to get? =9

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by  Breaking the Spine.

Helloooooooo!

This Wednesday I am desperately waiting for two super awesome upcoming releases! One is high fantasy by debut author Sarah J. Mass and then a novel by the twice Printz award winner (WOW!!) Margo Lanagan! I seriously CAN'T wait to read these books! kyaaaaaa!! <3

Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass  #1)

by Sarah J. Maas

Coming out on August 7th 2012!!

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.

The Brides of RollRock Island

by Margo Lanagan

Coming out on September 11th 2012!!

On remote Rollrock Island, men go to sea to make their livings—and to catch their wives. The witch Misskaella knows the way of drawing a girl from the heart of a seal, of luring the beauty out of the beast. And for a price a man may buy himself a lovely sea-wife. He may have and hold and keep her. And he will tell himself that he is her master. But from his first look into those wide, questioning, liquid eyes, he will be just as transformed as she. He will be equally ensnared. And the witch will have her true payment. Margo Lanagan weaves an extraordinary tale of desire, despair, and transformation. With devastatingly beautiful prose, she reveals characters capable of unspeakable cruelty, but also unspoken love.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Don't forget to enter my Assorted YA Swag Giveaway! 

It's International =D woohooo!!

Review: Gilt by Katherine Longshore

Title: Gilt (The Royal Circle #1)
Author: Katherine Longshore
Pages: 398
Publisher: Viking Juvenile / Penguin
Genre: Historical
Release: May 15th 2012
Buy the Book at: Book Depository / Amazon

In the court of King Henry VIII, nothing is free-- and love comes at the highest price of all.

When Kitty Tylney's best friend, Catherine Howard, worms her way into King Henry VIII's heart and brings Kitty to court, she's thrust into a world filled with fabulous gowns, sparkling jewels, and elegant parties. No longer stuck in Cat's shadow, Kitty's now caught between two men--the object of her affection and the object of her desire. But court is also full of secrets, lies, and sordid affairs, and as Kitty witnesses Cat's meteoric rise and fall as queen, she must figure out how to keep being a good friend when the price of telling the truth could literally be her head.

An Impressive Historical Debut Novel!

Since I turned to the first page of Gilt, I found myself immediately immersed with a story that provides so much more than just enjoyment. In fact, this story is full of complex moral choices, and best of all, History. Now, how could I not be absolutely fascinated by British history after reading Gilt? Longshore perfectly illustrates the 16th century with jewels, gowns, gossips, castles, liaisons, lies, romance, and of course, the moral and ethics of a time period that is very different from ours, yet not that much.

It is incredible how both, the 16th century and today, are so different yet some things are still exactly the same, such as the means to and end. Knowing the right people, having the right connections, etc. It is inevitable not to see the connections to what still happens today in politics, business, etc. In the other hand, the moral and ethical differences between the 16th century and today are shocking and Longshore does a flawlessly job portraying a wicked and unhealthy friendship that, thanks to the historical, moral and ethical background the author provides, can easily be understood.

There are so many things to love about Gilt but personally, I love the fact that this book provides historical facts in an all-consuming way. Yes! it is that intriguing! I loved that the story is told from Kitty's (Katherine Kylney) point of view. Kitty narrates the story of how her best friend Cat (Katherine Howard) claws her way up to the court of Henry VIII, who later becomes the king's wife herself. I found absolutely engrossing how Longshore decided to tell this story. From the moment Kitty and Cat where at the duchess house until the the tragic culmination of the story (which I will not give away even though it is written in all history books) that yet left me with a spark of hope for the main character. In addition, there is a boy who adds the swoon-worthy romantic dose to Kitty's story. William... Oh William, I haven't read about such pure and innocent love in a very long time. Longshore, among all the lies and atrocities that happened in the court of Henry VIII, manages to insert the perfect amount of sweetness that wonderfully equilibrates the story.

Gilt by Katherine Longshore is one of the YA historical novels I will highly recommend from this moment on. Romance, lies, materialism, identity, history, etc. Many topics and themes can be found in this highly impressive debut novel that, I am sure, will hook readers from the very first to the last page. I am eager to read Katherine Longshore's future historical novels!

❤ Thanks so much to Penguin Canada for providing my an arc of Gilt for review ❤

Visit the author's website at http://www.katherinelongshore.com

Book Trailers!! Throne of Glass, Changeling, Hemlock and more Holy Cow-ness!

My Dears! <3

Here are some amazing books trailers for super awesome recent and upcoming releases! OMG!! Throne of Glass! I can't wait OMG!! Hemlock holy cow! and kyaa! Changeling by Philippa Gregory! I already devoured it and I loved it but.. why was it so short? not fair! sniff!

Now go get your pop corns and enjoy them all! =P

Changeling by Philippa Gregory

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas 

Rapture by Lauren Kate

Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock


Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne

The Drowned Cities by Paolo Bacigalupi

No Safety in Numbers by Dayna Lorentz

Staking the Shelves: My Book Haul 32

Staking the Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga from Tynga's reviews that features books purchased, received, borrowed, etc, during the week. 

 Hi my Dears! :)

This week I probbly got some of the same awesomeness as many of you! OF COURSE! City of Lost Souls and Until I Die were released!! woooohooooooooo!!! Anyways, the picture looks much better than my words so no more talking and... here are my Babies!!! kyaaaaaaa! ^.^

For review

- Underworld by Meg Cabot 

(from Scholastic Canada) ~ Thank you sooooo much! <3

Purchased

- Until I Die by Amy Plum

- City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare 

(OMG!! OMG!! OMG!! I already read it and OMG!!!)

- Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

I received an arc of Bitterblue (which I already reviewed HERE) but I NEEDED to have my own copy! plus it comes with some gorgeous illustration and good lord! how could I not buy this book for my collection? ❤

Gorgeous Spines!! kyaaa! ❤

What did you get this week my Dears? =9

Don't forget to enter my Assorted YA Swag Giveaway! and get the chance to win goodies from Amy Plum, Marissa Meyer, Jessica Spotswood, etc! 

Review: Revived by Cat Patrick

Title: Revived
Author: Cat Patrick
Pages: 336
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Genre: Sci-fi / Drama
Release: May 8th 2012
Buy the Book at: Book Depository / Amazon

As a little girl, Daisy Appleby was killed in a school bus crash. Moments after the accident, she was brought back to life. A secret government agency has developed a drug called Revive that can bring people back from the dead, and Daisy Appleby, a test subject, has been Revived five times in fifteen years. Daisy takes extraordinary risks, knowing that she can beat death, but each new death also means a new name, a new city, and a new life. When she meets Matt McKean, Daisy begins to question the moral implications of Revive, and as she discovers the agency’s true goals, she realizes she’s at the center of something much larger—and more sinister—than she ever imagined.

An Attractive Story with a Great Sci-fi Touch 

When I read Cat Patrick's first novel Forgotten, I was very impressed of the bizarre, yet highly captivating concept of a girl forgetting her past but always remembering her future. This time, Patrick's second novel, Revived, once again surprised me with an attractive new concept that grabbed immediately my attention from the moment I turned to the first page.

Daisy is not the typical teenage girl. She has died five times, and every time, she has been brought back to life by a program called Revive. After her fifth death, Daisy and her "parents" (they are actually people from the Revive program) move to Omaha to start a new life (after Daisy's last death). Here, Daisy makes a new friend (Audrey), and then falls in love with her new friend's gorgeous brother (Matt) with whom she share the truth about her past and, also, about the Revive program.

I enjoyed Revived and I loved the sci-fi touch Cat Patrick incorporated into the story. It somehow makes the story more believable. The fact that Patrick discards every paranormal element and provides scientific explanation really made me want to jump into the pages to learn more about the Revive program. Yes, I wish I would have learned more about this topic, about its organization and their objectives, the bad guys, the other revived people, etc. In other words, I would have love to have more  background history about the Revive concept in the story-line. But maybe we will have that on a sequel? hopefully! I also liked the characters but I didn't fell in love with any of them. Daisy, Audrey and Matt were definitely a lovely trio but I wish I could have felt more for them. I think that if Cat Patrick writes a sequel for Revive (which definitely has the potential for) I will probably get to know more about these characters and therefore, sympathize with them and get to love them more.

Revived is a good switch to a genre that it is not very common among YA books and, as well as Patrick's first novel Forgotten, Revived will surprise you with a nice touch of Sci-fi, romance, friendship, life and death.

❤Big Thanks to Hachette Book Group Canada for providing me an arc of Revive for review!❤

Watch the Trailer!

Visit the author's website at http://www.catpatrick.com

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by  Breaking the Spine.

My Dears <3
Today Im desperately waiting for these two books!! OMG!!

Keeping the Castle 
by Patrice Kindl
Coming out on June 14th 2012!!

Seventeen-year-old Althea is the sole support of her entire family, and she must marry well. But there are few wealthy suitors--or suitors of any kind--in their small Yorkshire town of Lesser Hoo. Then, the young and attractive (and very rich) Lord Boring arrives, and Althea sets her plans in motion. There's only one problem; his friend and business manager Mr. Fredericks keeps getting in the way. And, as it turns out, Fredericks has his own set of plans . . . This witty take on the classic Regency--Patrice Kindl's first novel in a decade--is like literary champagne!.

Keeping The Castle is SO my type of book! I never heard about this book until this week when I was randomly browsing on goodreads (God bless Goodreads!) and Oh Good Lord!! I SO want to read it now!!

Erasing Time 

by C.J. Hill

Coming out on  August 28th 2012!!

In this high-action and romantic futuristic adventure, there is no escape from the future for two contemporary girls pulled out of their own time. When twins Sheridan and Taylor wake up 400 years in the future, they find a changed world: domed cities, no animals, and a language that’s so different, it barely sounds like English. And the worst news: They can’t go back home. The twenty-fifth-century government transported the girls to their city hoping to find a famous scientist to help perfect a devastating new weapon. The moblike Dakine fights against the government, and somehow Taylor and Sheridan find themselves in the middle. The only way to elude them all is to trust Echo, a guy with secrets of his own. The trio must put their faith in the unknown to make a harrowing escape into the wilds beyond the city. Full of adrenaline-injected chases and heartbreaking confessions, Erasing Time explores the strength of the bonds between twins, the risks and rewards of trust, and the hard road to finding the courage to fight for what you believe in.

I caaaaaaaaaaaaaaan't wait to get this book. It sounds totally badass!! Don't you think?

What are you waiting on this Wednesday my Dears? <3

Don't forget to enter my Assorted YA Swag Giveaway! International =D