Favorites of 2011

These are my top ten favorite books that came out in 2011! One thing that is really exciting is how many of these books are debuts! I loved each of these books and I would read each one again and again! If you haven’t read these books yet, go pick them up right now!

10. Blood Red Road by Moria Young
9. Wildefire by Karsten Knight
8. Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton
7. Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
6. Outside In by Maria V. Snyder
5. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
4. A Long, Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan
3. Divergent by Veronica Roth
2. Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep

My absolute favorite book of the year as well as my favorite debut of the year is…

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

This book is magical. The writing will draw you in and not let go until the end. There are so many other reasons why I loved this book, check out my review to see them all and then run to the store and buy this fabulous book. (And while you’re there pick up some of the other ones as well. You won’t be disappointed!)

Kick A** Saturday December

Which kick a** Saturday character do you think is the most kick a**? Vote in the sidebar before January 6th at 11:59 to have your vote count!

Contenders:

Fire from Fire by Kristin Cashore

Ai Ling from The Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon


Sophie from Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Anna from Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Click on them to learn more about why I think they are Kick A**!

Kick A** Saturday #4 Anna

Kick A** Saturday is where I spotlight a YA character that is kick ass. Now they could be kick ass for a number of reasons not just because they kick butt and take names but they could be kick ass because they are just strong independent characters. (Warning there may be slight spoilers but I will try not to spoil anything significant.)

Today my spotlight is on Anna from Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins.

Now Anna is not like the other Kick A** characters I have posted about before. She is not kick a** in the traditional sense but she is kick a** in a more approachable/real way.

1. She goes all the way to Paris to go to school. I recently went to college about 2000 miles away from my family and I cannot imagine going all the way to another country for that long.

2. She eventually gets up the nerve to go out and experience Paris for herself. Which in my opinion would be really, really hard to do.

3. She attempts to not show her feelings for a boy because he has a girlfriend. Which is REALLY hard to do.

4. She really cares about her little brother. And he is one of her concerns when she is being sent to Paris.

So Anna isn’t the typical kick a** character. But she is a type of kick a** character that I could actually aspire to be like. As opposed to the other kind.

If you haven’t read Anna and the French Kiss you NEED too! Read it for Anna, Paris, and Etienne!

If you think Anna is the most kick a** then make sure to vote for her in the poll that is going up today. Don’t forget you have until January 6th at Midnight EST to vote!

WOW: Dark Frost by Jennifer Estep

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: Dark Frost (Mythos Academy #3)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Pub Date: May 29, 2012

Publisher: Kensington

Summary:

I’ve seen so many freaky things since I started attending Mythos Academy last fall. I know I’m supposed to be a fearless warrior, but most of the time, I feel like I’m just waiting for the next Bad, Bad Thing to happen. Like someone trying to kill me — again.
Everyone at Mythos Academy knows me as Gwen Frost, the Gypsy girl who uses her psychometry magic to find lost objects — and who just may be dating Logan Quinn, the hottest guy in school. But I’m also the girl the Reapers of Chaos want dead in the worst way. The Reapers are the baddest of the bad, the people who murdered my mom. So why do they have it in for me? It turns out my mom hid a powerful artifact called the Helheim Dagger before she died. Now, the Reapers will do anything to get it back. They think I know where the dagger is hidden, but this is one thing I can’t use my magic to find. All I do know is that the Reapers are coming for me — and I’m in for the fight of my life.

Why I can’t wait!: I adored the first two books Kiss of Frost and Touch of Frost. Each book keeps getting better and better and I cannot wait for this next installment!

 

 

Kick A** Saturday #3 Sophie Mercer

Kick A** Saturday is where I spotlight a YA character that is kick ass. Now they could be kick ass for a number of reasons not just because they kick butt and take names but they could be kick ass because they are just strong independent characters. (Warning there may be slight spoilers but I will try not to spoil anything significant.)

Today my spotlight is on Sophie Mercer from the Hex Hall series (Hex Hall, Demonglass, Spell Bound (coming in March)) by Rachel Hawkins

Since Spell Bound has not come out yet, and Demonglass contains major spoilers I will be focusing on Hex Hall.

Reasons why Sophie is Kick A**:
1. She is a witch. Witches for the most part are kick a**. I mean look at all they can do! And Sophie is a VERY powerful witch which makes her just that much 
more amazing!

2. She is snarky. I’m sorry but one thing that comes to mind first when I think of kick a** characters is snarkyness. I mean really, who wants a meek, prim, and sweet all the time heroine? Not me that’s for sure!
 
3. She is powerful/kick a** enough to have a secret society that is bent on killing all magical creatures take a special notice of her! I’m sure she would rather they didn’t but I think that gives her major points!

There are plenty more reasons that Sophie is kick a** but some of them are pretty spoilery. But if you haven't read Hex Hall and Demonglass, what are you waiting for?! Pick them up and experience this kick a** heroine for yourself. As well as preparing you for the March release of Spell Bound!

If you think Sophie is the most kick a** character of December don’t forget to vote for her next week in the poll!

Debut Author Challenge 2012

I have participated in the Debut Author Challenge for the past three years and have enjoyed it each time, so I have decided to participate again in 2012. To find out more click here.

These are the books I have read for this challenge:

1)

Mystery and Suspense Challenge

So I have a confession. I love mystery books. They are my second favorite genre after Fantasy. So I have decided to try a mystery challenge in 2012

Basically you have to read 12 mystery books in 2012. To find out more and to sign up go here.

These are the books I’ve read.

1)

WOW: Dreamless by Josephine Angelini

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: Dreamless (Starcrossed #2)

Author: Josephine Angelini

Pub Date: May 29, 2012

Publisher: HarperTeen

Summary:
As the only Scion that can enter Hades at will, Helen descends to the Underworld in search of a way to overcome the Furies and end the cycle of revenge that has cursed the Scions. But she’s running out of time. Each descent weakens her both in mind and spirit. A mysterious stranger might be her only salvation, but the price may be her love for Lucas Delos.
As an unforgettable love triangle emerges, Josephine Angelini’s compelling saga becomes ever more intricate and spellbinding. The eagerly awaited sequel to the internationally bestselling Starcrossed, Dreamless delivers with a huge emotional impact that will leave readers satisfied—and longing for more.

Why I can’t wait!: I loved the first book Starcrossed and I cannot wait to find out what happens next. If you haven't read the first book definitely pick it up before May 29th! 

 

In My Mailbox 10

 

This is In My Mailbox Hosted by Kristi of the Story Siren!

Won:

Corsets and Clockwork (Anthology) thanks Natalie!
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter from Harlequin Teen Panel

For review;

Wicked Sweet by Mar’ce Merrell
Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama
52 Reasons to Hate My Father by Jessica Brody
Struck by Jennifer Bosworth
Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

Bought:

A Curse as Dark as Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce
Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
Heist Society by Ally Carter
The Pale Assassin by Patricia Elliott
The Musician’s Daughter by Susanne Dunlap
The Season by Sarah MacLean

Review of Timeless by Alexandra Monir

Title: Timeless

Author: Alexandra Monir

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Release Date: January 11, 2011
Received From: Borrowed from friend

Summary: 

When tragedy strikes Michele Windsor’s world, she is forced to uproot her life and move across the country to New York City, to live with the wealthy, aristocratic grandparents she’s never met. In their old Fifth Avenue mansion filled with a century’s worth of family secrets, Michele discovers a diary that hurtles her back in time to the year 1910. There, in the midst of the glamorous Gilded Age, Michele meets the young man with striking blue eyes who has haunted her dreams all her life – a man she always wished was real, but never imagined could actually exist. And she finds herself falling for him, into an otherworldly, time-crossed romance.
Michele is soon leading a double life, struggling to balance her contemporary high school world with her escapes into the past. But when she stumbles upon a terrible discovery, she is propelled on a race through history to save the boy she loves – a quest that will determine the fate of both of their lives.

Review:

Timeless is one of the best books I have read in a while. It has elements of mystery and historical. But even if you don’t like mystery (WHY and HOW?) it is so incorporated into the story that it is not the primary focus.
Michele travels through time to various parts of her ancestors lives. I really liked this because it let me explore different parts of history, and not just be stuck in the same time. I also liked getting to know Michele’s various ancestors. They were all so different and I wish they could have played a bigger part than they did.
Oh Philip… so wonderful, boys I’ve met aren’t like that anymore.  I loved their relationship, it was so sweet and beautiful, but the relationship developed a little fast in my opinion.
Oh my gosh the last 20 or so pages were AMAZING!! I never expected what comes about and that cliffhanger?! I am craving the next book! I cannot wait to see what happens next.
I recommend this book to everyone because while it has many different aspects none of them are so prevalent that it would turn anyone off. But I especially recommend it to people who love historical and romance.

Kick A** Saturday #2 Ai Ling

Kick A** Saturday is where I spotlight a YA character that is kick ass. Now they could be kick ass for a number of reasons not just because they kick butt and take names but they could be kick ass because they are just strong independent characters. (Warning there may be slight spoilers but I will try not to spoil anything significant.)

Today my pick is Ai Ling from Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon.

Now I know there is a second book called Fury of the Phoenix but I have not read it so this post will only talk about Ai Ling from the first book.

First of all you need to read this book, it is amazing! My review of it is here.

Warning I have not read this book since 2009 so my examples will not be as specific as last time, but if you have read it recently and think she is the most kick-ass, talk her up some more in the comments!

 

 

1.Even though Ai Ling is traveling with two men she NEVER expects them to fight her battles for her.

2. She doesn’t think she’s all that. It’s really annoying to me when characters who have some gift or power start to think they are special and start to act entitled. Ai Ling never acts like that.

3. Ai Ling has flaws and knows it. As I said above she doesn’t think that she is perfect and all wonderful, she doubts herself and that makes her a more believable character.

4. No matter what was thrown at her she never gave up. She kept on pushing till the end of her journey. I personally think this would be really hard and so I commend her for it.

5. She is not always a bold person, at times she is timid. While that might not seem so kick-ass, I think it is important for a character to be able to be quiet and shy as well as strong and bold.

So those are some reasons why I think Ai Ling of Silver Phoenix is kick-ass. If you agree don’t forget to vote for her at the end of the month!

(On an unrelated note, I HATE the cover redesign (2nd cover) what do you think?)

Kiss of Frost Review

Title: Kiss of Frost (Mythos Academy #2)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Publisher: Kensington

Release Date: November 29, 2011
Received From: Publisher in return for a honest review

Summary: 

Logan Quinn was try­ing to kill me. My Spar­tan class­mate relent­lessly pur­sued me, swing­ing his sword at me over and over again, the shin­ing sil­ver blade inch­ing closer to my throat every time. A smile tugged up his lips, and his ice-blue eyes prac­ti­cally glowed with the thrill of battle...
I’m Gwen Frost, a second-year warrior-in-training at Mythos Acad­emy, and I have no idea how I’m going to sur­vive the rest of the semes­ter. One day, I’m get­ting schooled in sword­play by the guy who broke my heart—the drop-dead gor­geous Logan who slays me every time. Then, an invis­i­ble archer in the Library of Antiq­ui­ties decides to use me for tar­get prac­tice. And now, I find out that some­one at the acad­emy is really a Reaper bad guy who wants me dead. I’m afraid if I don’t learn how to live by the sword—with Logan’s help—I just might die by the sword...

Review:

(Teeny, tiny spoilers for the first book, they are hardly even consequential.)

If you read my review for the first book Touch of Frost you know that I loved it and was eagerly awaiting the next book!

 

Kiss of Frost did not disappoint! In fact I liked it even more than Touch of Frost. The little things that bothered me from the first book were not issues in this next installment. Especially the explanations about the other student’s and their powers. After this book I finally understand what all their powers are.

 

Like in Touch of Frost there was an element of mystery, and while I had my suspicions it did not turn out exactly how I had imagined, and I loved trying to figure it out at the same time as Gwen! I also felt like Gwen grew a lot in this book, she became more sure of herself and discovered new (awesome) facets of her powers.

 

One of my favorite characters in this series has to be Vic, he is hilarious and adds just that little bit of humor that is needed in the story. I also liked getting to know characters that had just been mentioned in the previous book, better, and having them become an integral part of the plot.

 

I also liked getting to know more of mythology and finding out more about Loki’s plan. Mythology has always interested me and so it was cool to see this spin on it, as well as learning about some more creatures like the Fenris wolf.

 

Finally, I enjoyed the dynamic between Gwen and Logan a lot better in this book, it was still awkward and there was the whole Savannah thing but it was much better than in Touch of Frost.

 

I only had one gripe with Kiss of Frost and it is so unimportant I wasn’t sure whether to even mention it in this review. It was the fact that Carson (Daphne's boyfriend) was constantly referred to a “band geek” while the other characters were referred to by their lineage (Spartan etc..) I would have preferred if he would have been referred to as the Celt instead. It was just really jarring for me while I was reading. But that’s being really nitpicky and honestly I cannot think of anything else that I didn’t like about this book.

 

If you have not read the first book go RUN and pick it up, and while you’re at it pick up this one as well, because you will want to read it as soon as you are done! I cannot wait for Dark Frost!

 

Sorry for the longer than normal review but I just really liked this book!

 

 

Shattered Souls Review

Title: Shattered Souls

Author: Mary Lindsay

Publisher: Philomel/ Penguin

Release Date: December 8, 2011 (TODAY)
Received From: Teen {Book} Scene

Summary: 

Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.
Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.

Review:

I really liked this book! I haven’t read too many books about ghosts but I think this is my favorite of the ones I have read so far.

 

One thing that I really liked about this book was that Lenzi was a strong heroine, she didn’t just sit back and complain or wait for other to help her like many other paranormal books. If you love paranormal you will really love this book, but even if you are kind of tired of it, this book is so original and different that I think you would still like it.

 

The chemistry between Alden and Lenzi was awesome and it just wasn’t insta-love, like many other paranormal books.

 

This book while being action-packed wasn’t so overwhelming that I got tired of the action, it was also about Alden and Lenzi growing together and Lenzi growing in her abilities.

 

I would recommend this book to fans of Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton, not because they are the same by any means but because they have the similar Protector/Savior thing going on with the main characters.

 

 

 

 

 

To learn more about what books Alden would pick up see this post.

WOW: Everneath

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that I’m eagerly anticipating.

 

Title: Everneath

Author: Brodi Ashton

Pub Date: January 24, 2011

Publisher: Harper Collins/ Balzer & Bray

 

Summary:
Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.
She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.
Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.
As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

Why I can’t wait!: I have followed Brodi’s blog for a few years now and so when I found out her book was coming out I could not wait to hear what it was about. Also this story sounds very compelling and slightly Persephone and Hades based! I am really intrigued to see how this story plays out! Also that cover? Gorgeous!

 

 

Top Ten Tuesday; Childhood Faves

So I have decided to start participating in Top Ten Tuesdays hosted by the Broke and the Bookish.

This week’s topic is Top Ten Childhood Faves

1. Hope was here by Joan Bauer; This is such a great book and I think everyone needs to read it, young or old.

2. Beauty by Robin McKinley; I adored this book! The imagery is fantastic and the story is beautiful. It is still one of my favorite books of all time.

3. The Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I think most people my age grew up with these books and they were an integral part of my childhood. I can remember my dad reading The Little House in the Big Woods to me.

4. The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe series by C.S. Lewis I loved reading these books, I think they were one of the first series that I read all the way through all by myself.

5. The Wizard of Oz. This is another book that I remember my dad reading to me. He used to read a chapter a night to me before I went to sleep.

6. One Fish, Two Fish by Doctor Seuss. My parents claim to have read this book to me even before I was born and I can remember reading it to my brother when he was little as well. (My mom used to make me read to my brother when we were little because she said he needed to be read to and I needed to practice my reading.) So this book was an integral part of my childhood.

I am sure there are more but that’s all I can think of right now, basically the moral of the story for me is that you need to read to your kids because it will create memories that will last a lifetime, and get your kids hooked on reading!

If you participated this week leave a link in the comments! I would love to see your childhood faves!

YA/MG Fantasy Challenge

I adore fantasy, it is one of the most underrated genres out there and I don’t think there are enough fantasy books coming out these days.

But thankfully The Book Cellar is hosting a fantasy challenge! I am really excited to participate and I think it’s a great way to show publishers that we like fantasy and so they should publish more.

Here are the rules;

- Read 10 YA or MG fantasy that are released in 2012
- Post a review on a personal blog or Goodreads
- The challenge runs from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012
- Anyone can join at any point throughout the year

Some books I am particularly excited for;

1. Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

2. Dreamless by Josephine Angelini

3. Dark Frost by Jennifer Estep

4. Fathomless by Jackson Pearce

and many more!

Check out The Book Cellar’s post to find out more!

If you are thinking of participating let me know! I would love to see what you are excited to read!

Kick A** Saturday #1: Fire

Kick A** Saturday is where I spotlight a YA character that is kick ass. Now they could be kick ass for a number of reasons not just because they kick butt and take names but they could be kick ass because they are just strong independent characters. (Warning there may be slight spoilers but I will try not to spoil anything significant.)

My first pick is Fire from Fire by Kristen Cashore.

Fire is a kick ass character for a number of reasons.

• She is responsible; Fire makes a choice not to have children because she doesn’t want to accidentally create another Cansrel. Even though she really wants children and really struggles with this choice throughout the book, she is resolute about not bringing another human monster into the world.
• She is brave; near the beginning of the book she risks her life to save the Fifth as well as the king and the commander. And even though she knows that Archer would be furious she feels the need to prove to Brigan that she is NOT her father. There are other times where she is brave (the January Ball) but I feel that this is the best example.
• Her power; As a human monster Fire has so much power at her disposal, but she has to make a conscious decision not to be like her father. But when the kingdom needs her help she is willing to use her power (to an extent) to help the kingdom.
• Her power and people; Another thing about her power is that she draws people to her. Sometimes she inspires love and devotion and sometimes she inspires hatred. Unlike Cansrel she doesn’t bask in this ability and she tries to make herself as unattractive as possible in order to try and stifle these feelings. There are also quite a few people who a prejudiced against her because of her father but, she learns to grow beyond that and prove that she is her own person.

These are just some reasons why Fire is Kick Ass. There are more reasons but you will just have to read Fire to find them out. You should also read it for Brigan but that’s just my opinion .

(If you think Fire is the most kick ass character that I’ve featured this month make sure to vote for her in my end of the month poll; all the winners of each month will be eligible for the Kick Ass character of the year poll which will be posted next December.)