Spotted! Cover of Fall For Anything by Courtney Summers

Courtney Summers has revealed the cover of her upcoming novel Fall for Anything on her blog! I've read Cracked Up To Be and absolutely enjoyed it and when I heard about Fall for Anything, I knew it was a book that must be added to the 'must-have' pile.

I also got my copy signed when I met her during the Ontario Library Association's Festival of Reading where Cracked Up To Be was nominated for a White Pine Award. Cracked Up To Be didn't win but it was still one of my fave books of the nominations! I was kind of nervous/excited to meet her that day but she's a really kind and nice person! (I don't think I'll forget how cold it was either...)

Okay, so before I keep rambling on, here's the cover!

Release Date: December 21, 2010

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Summary (from Goodreads):
When Eddie Reeves’s father commits suicide her life is consumed by the nagging question of why? Why when he was a legendary photographer and a brilliant teacher? Why when he had a daughter who loved him more than anyone else in the world? When she meets Culler Evans, a former student of her father’s and a photographer himself, an instant and dangerous attraction begins. He seems to know more about her father than she does and could possibly hold the key to the mystery surrounding his death. But Eddie’s vulnerability has weakened her and Culler Evans is getting too close. Her need for the truth keeps her hanging on… but some questions should be left unanswered.

Isn't the cover pretty awesome? Dark and edgy- I think it's perfect for this contemporary book.

I'm HOME!

I'm back home in Canada again!

Alright, so if you're a new follower, you probably have a confused expression on your face right now but my older followers will know that for the past two weeks, I've been in Florida! I brought my little netbook along so I could still blog and keep up to date with stuff while I was at the hotel, enjoying the free WiFi. ^_^

I've been to Florida several times now and I had fun once again. I went to Disney for a few days but the real part I was mainly looking forward to was checking out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios! It was AWESOME!!

I'll post the pics in the upcoming days, but I may get sidetracked because there are several books out this today that I MUST READ. You may have heard of them before... Clockwork Angel, Paranormalcy, Halo... I must simply have them! (And I know I'm not alone in this regard!)


Happy reading everyone!

Beautiful World by Anastasia Hollings

Title: Beautiful World
Author: Anastasia Hollings
Release Date: May 25, 2009 (paperback)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 209
Source: Bought

Overall: 1 Star

Summary:

Amelia Warner will stop at nothing to get what she wants: everything.

Seventeen-year-old Amelia Warner is always on the outside. Moving from boarding school to boarding school with her brother and their father, the untenured professor, doesn't help. Amelia lives inches from the sons and daughters of the elite, forever looking in on the beautiful people. A natural-born charmer who doesn't lie so much as rework the truth to her advantage, Amelia is well-versed in the art of faking a high-society identity to get limited access to the luxe life, but she's never figured out how to truly belong. Then she meets Courtney Moore, the Upper East Side heiress who needs a friend as badly as Amelia wants to be that friend, and suddenly a world of opportunity opens up for her. Parties, shopping, her own wing in the Moore mansion—it's all hers for the taking, as long as she can keep her real life a secret, especially from the new acquaintance who's been asking way too many questions. Can Amelia stay one step ahead of the doubters to secure her place in the beautiful world?

My Thoughts:

I'm trying really hard to say something positive about this book right now. I debated in the first place if I should even write a review because I knew it was would be pretty negative, but I decided I should probably get this book rant out of my system. 

I picked this book up for a few dollars on sale and when I finished, I regretted it. Yes, I'm probably being harsh but hopefully you'll understand once finished reading this. 

I was attracted to this lovely cover with two models enticing you to join them in the 'Beautiful World' and even the plot sounded entertaining enough. The short prologue captured my interest with the idea of a picture never giving a complete story, but then I moved onto the first chapter... and right away, I bad feeling grew in the pit of my stomach.

Admittedly, I did not have high expectations for this book, but I was still very disappointed. Told mainly in Amelia and Courtney's point of view, these two teenage girls live very different lifestyles... and you know what? I didn't like either of them. In fact, I was borderline loathing Amelia after only a few chapters in.

Ann Warner, or Amelia as she prefers because her real name makes her out to be some sort of peasant, is a girl who believes everything in life should be hers in life for the taking because she's beautiful. She's a smart girl but she uses her intelligence for all the wrong reasons, lying to people in order to make them believe she's a high society kind of gal. So when she meets heiress Courtney Moore while on vacation in St. Bart's, she sees it as an opportunity to get closer to this world of luxury she has always craved.

Amelia spends much of the novel either whining about how she was pretty but still didn't having anything or being devious and using people for her own advantage. Courtney wasn't much better either. She's actually a nice person but she was too naive for my liking and although she's also gorgeous, she lacked self-confidence in herself. She was too trusting and accepted things without ever really thinking about it.

So now you're probably thinking if I didn't enjoy it from the start, why did I keep reading? Well, a part of me kept hoping that these girls would see the light and some sort of practical sense would be knocked into them. Amelia might actually feel bad for how shallow she was and Courtney would wake up to the 'real' world. It's the only reason I kept going... but it's too bad I was wrong. Beautiful World lacked character development and much of the details in the story are told to you, instead of being shown to you.

In the end, I was glad when I finally finished Beautiful World because it meant I could move onto other books which I knew I would definitely enjoy a whole lot more. I really did try to think positive while reading, but in the end, it was not meant to be and this book was simply not my cup of tea.

The Crazy Bookworm's Blog of the Week Award!

I'm proud to say that last week I was awarded The Crazy Bookworm's Blog of the Week Award from Cathy, The Crazy Bookworm! I've known Cathy on the Chapters/Indigo community for awhile now, before my blogging days, and she's such a great person- always quick to help or just say 'hello'!

 
Want to a chance to win Blog of the Week too? Head on over to The Crazy Bookworm here!

Thanks again Cathy!

Book Blogger Hop + Follow Friday (5)

Follow Friday and Book Blogger Hop are weekly events hosted by Rachel at Parajunkee and Jennifer at Crazy-for-Books respectively. 




This week's question is: Do you use a rating system for your reviews and if so, what is it and why?

Yep, I have a rating system! If you've somehow missed it, it's on my sidebar to the right, near the top. It's the simple, good old 5-star system but it works for me! (I should probably think about adding a little graphic for the stars but oh well, good enough for now...)

Why the stars? Well, I may have been blogging for almost two months now, but I've been reviewing novels for over two years on the Chapters/Indigo community where they use this system for rating. It's a system I'm used to so I didn't see the point in changing it once I started blogging.

What's your system? Similar or different?

Well, I'm off to do some blog hopping! *hops away*  

The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan

Title: The Lightening Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1)
Author: Rick Riordan
Release Date: April 15, 2006 (paperback)
Publisher: Miramax/Hyperion Books for Children
Pages: 400
Source: Borrowed

Overall: 5 Stars

Summary:
Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school...again. And that's the least of his troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy's Greek mythology textbook and into his life. And worse, he's angered a few of them. Zeus's master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect.

Now Percy and his friends have just ten days to find and return Zeus's stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves.   

Seriously, why did I not begin reading this book earlier? I heard the series was popular and when the movie was released in theaters, I really enjoyed it... but I still didn't give the series a try. Anyways, I'm so so glad I didn't put it off any longer because I loved the book! I want to smack myself for not beginning the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series sooner.

If I thought the movie was good, well, the book was certainly much better (as is almost always the case). Percy may be a young MC, but he narrates with a voice that feels like he's speaking directly to you with a light sarcasm that simply makes you smile.

Percy Jackson's life is about to get a lot more complicated. His best friend Grover is actually a satyr and it turns out his substitute teacher was literally from the Underworld... and Percy himself? Well, he's actually a demigod- the son of Poseidon, the God of the Sea. If that wasn't enough, Zeus's lightening bolt has been stolen and Zeus is all too ready to place the blame on our young hero Percy, suspecting Poseidon has been plotting to overthrow him. Now Percy must set out on a quest with Grover, and fellow half-blood Annabeth, the daughter of Athena, in order to clear his name and retrieve the lightening bolt. Percy only has ten days to succeed and prevent a war between the Gods. No pressure.

The Lightening Thief was one fun, wild thrill ride that I wished would never end! I loved how Riordan brings Greek mythology back to life, adding in his own modern twists to create an immensely enjoyable story. There was ever a dull moment!

I'll be stealing- I mean, borrowing- the next book in the series, The Sea of Monsters, from my cousin the first chance I get... that's for sure. 

You can check out Rick Riordan's website here.

One Lovely Blog Award x 4!

Thank you so much to Becky at Breathless Books, Bailey at IB Book Blogging, Danielle at Every Last Page, and Missy at Missy's Reads & Reviews for passing this award to me!

Here's how the award works:
1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.
2. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered.
3. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I'm now passing this 'lovely' award, in no particular order, to: 

1) Stephany from Read-a-holic
2) Alyssa, Jake and Gregory at Teens Read and Write
3) Kelly at Midnight Glance
4) Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic
5) Lea from YA Book Queen
6) Justine and Steff from A Bookful of Thoughts
7) Sabrina from YA Bliss
8) Natalie from Mindful Musings
9) Elena from Elena's Book Cafe
10) Kelsey at Reading or Breathing
11) Emily at Super Reader Girl's Book Reviews
12) Lindsey at The Book Guru
13) Steph at The Thoughts of Book Junky!
14) AnimeGirl at A Girl, Books, and Other Things
15) Kristi at The Story Siren (Okay, so this one isn't exactly recently discovered as The Story Siren was probably one of the first blogs I ever followed, but this award fits Kristi's blog perfectly!)

Thanks again Becky, Bailey, Danielle and Missy!! 

Waiting on Wednesday (8) - Fixing Delilah by Sarah Ockler

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

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 
Release Date: December 15, 2010

Summary (from Goodreads):
Things in Delilah Hannaford's life have a tendency to fall apart.

She used to be a good student, but she can't seem to keep it together anymore. Her "boyfriend" isn't much of a boyfriend. And her mother refuses to discuss the fight that divided their family eight years ago. Falling apart, it seems, is a Hannaford tradition.

Over a summer of new friendships, unexpected romance, and moments that test the complex bonds between mothers and daughters, Delilah must face her family's painful past. Can even her most shattered relationships be pieced together again?

Rich with emotion, Sarah Ockler delivers a powerful story of family, love, and self-discovery.

I really enjoyed Sarah Ockler's debut novel Twenty Boy Summer, so I'm really hoping that Fixing Delilah will be just as enjoyable too! Isn't the cover so eye-catching? I love it! And this cover seems to match the plot description so well!

Spotted! Cover of Where She Went by Gayle Forman

EW.com revealed the cover of Where She Went by Gayle Forman today! Where She Went is the sequel to If I Stay, a heartbreaking novel I loved even though I must have been crying the entire time I was reading it. If you haven't read If I Stay before, you can check out my review of the novel here.

Release Date: April 4, 2011

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

I couldn't exactly find a summary for the novel yet but according to Goodreads, the novel will take place from Adam's point of view 3 years after the events in If I Stay.

Wait, I found a very short blurb on Chapters/Indigo: 

Adam, now a rising rock star, and Mia, a successful cellist, reunite in New York and reconnect after the horrific events that tore them apart when Mia almost died in a car accident three years earlier.

Also, Gayle Forman is having a Where She Went teaser tour from August 19 to September 1. Each day on a different YA blog, she's revealing a short teaser about her upcoming novel and also giving away chances to win a signed copy of If I Stay. You can check out the details here.

So what do you think of the cover? I love how it's similar to my paperback version of the novel! It's so pretty with the soft grey blue background and the model's pose stands out in a way that's difficult to describe (at least for me...).

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Title: Catching Fire 

Author: Suzanne Collins

Release Date: September 1, 2009 (hardcover)

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Pages: 400

Source: Bought

Overall: 5 Stars

Summary:

*If you still haven't read The Hunger Games, this description and review may contain spoilers.*

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

The end is near guys! Just one more day until we can all get our hands on a much coveted copy of Mockingjay! In the meantime, here's my review of Catching Fire, the second novel in the series.

So you learned yesterday that I didn't read The Hunger Games right away... well, that certainly wasn't the case when Catching Fire hit shelves in store. There was no hesitation this time. As soon as I could, I quickly grabbed a copy and began reading. Right away, it pulled me in, leaving me on the edge as I read and flipped through pages to hurriedly continue to the next page.

The Hunger Games may be over and Katniss and Peeta may have somehow both won, but nothing has been settled. The Capital, or rather the government, is furious that they somehow both lived instead of one victor. Their defiance to the Capital has created unrest and sparked the beginnings of rebellion throughout Panem, something that would have been unspeakable before. President Snow personally comes to Katniss, threatening her that if she can't convince the public during the Victory Tour that her actions were only out of love for Peeta and not to start to some rebellion within, then her family will most likely be killed.

Katniss feels she has no options. She doesn't want to lose her family, but is submission the best option? Katniss may not realize it yet, but she is a symbol to those who are fighting for a better life- one that will never be granted by the Capital unless action is taken.

I love how these books are more than your usual YA novels- there's a message that Colllins is trying to say and bring awareness to. People have the right to speak their mind and shouldn't have to live their life in fear. Also, if you believe in something, don't give up and keep trying. There's so many themes to be found interspersed with the always eventful plot-line.

And we can't forget the romance! Team Peeta or Team Gale? I still don't know whose side to pick- both boys have their own merits and care about Katniss. How could Katniss ever choose? Peeta, the boy who stuck by her during the Games, or Gale, the friend who's always been there for her. Either way, I'm probably going to be heartbroken when we find out in Mockingjay!

You never know what to really expect in Catching Fire and each page holds something new. In fact, I didn't do something that I almost always do... I didn't read ahead. My interest was held from start to finish and by the ending, I was getting ready to scream, already dearly wishing that the last book was out already. When I finished reading the very last sentence of the novel, learning the shocking news that's revealed, I'm pretty sure I had a stupefied expression on my face!

**Out of curiousity, does changing the font to this one make this post any easier to read than my previous ones? Any less eye strain or no difference?**

The Versatile Blogger Award!

Earlier in the month, I was fortunate once again to receive The Versatile Blogger Award. Thank you Stephany from Read-a-holic for passing the award to me (and sorry it took so long to post about it)!

Here is how the award works:
1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic for whatever reason! (In no particular order...)
4. Contact the bloggers you've picked and let them know about the award.

You've already learned 7 things about me from the previous time I won, so I'll try to think of something new to share about myself.... 

1) Chocolate and candy are my kryptonite.

2) My bedroom is painted this cool shade of purple that I just love.

3) I love drinking grapefruit/orange bubble tea with tapioca... but when I can't drink that, I'll definitely settle for an Iced Cappuccino from Tim Horton's. 

4) I go to Cineplex to watch a movie almost every week, plus I own tons of DVD's. Let's just say I'm also an avid moviegoer.

5) I'm afraid of bugs/insects.

6) I enjoy 10-pin bowling with my cousins.

7) I went to my very first concert this year! I got to see Taylor Swift when she came to Toronto and it was AWESOME.



This was when Taylor left the big stage up front after a short break and suddenly made an appearance in the audience. She then performed on this smaller stage.

I'm now passing the award to:

1. Sarah from That Bookish Girl
2. Tynga at Tynga's Reviews
3. Ashley and Christie from Book Junkies
4. Lisa from Badass Bookie
5. Cathy from The Crazy Bookworm
6. Erin from Erin Explores YA
7. Danielle from Every Last Page
8. Mundie Moms
9. Caitlin from Scarrlet Reader
10. Ash from Smash Attack Reads!
11. Missie from The Unread Reader
12. Cass from Words on Paper
13. Taylor from The Library Lurker
14. Rachel from And the plot thickens...
15. Brandi from Blkosiner's Book Blog

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Title: The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Release Date: October 8, 2008 (hardcover)
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 384
Source: Bought

Overall: 5 Stars

Summary:
Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with every one out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.  

I can't believe we're just two days away from reaching the conclusion of The Hunger Games trilogy when Mockingjay is finally released! Because of this, I thought I should post my own review of The Hunger Games.

I'll admit, I didn't immediately fall on The Hunger Games bandwagon. When the book was first released, I would glance at the cool cover in the bookstore and then move one, never taking another glance at it. One quick look at the plot description had me made up my mind that it probably wasn't the kind of book I would like. But then, reviews came... really positive, raving reviews that had me second-guessing myself. If so many people were really liking it, then shouldn't I too?

I bought the book the next time I was in store, and yet, I still didn't read it right away. I let the book sit on my shelf for a month before I finally caved to the recommendations. I'm so glad I didn't put it off any longer after that because the book was so much better than I expected it to be.

I'm sure many of you have read The Hunger Games by now as well, but here's my little plot description anyways. So the book is set in the future, where North America no longer exists. It has been replaced by Panem, with the Capital in the center, controlling the twelve districts around it with force and brutality. Every year, one boy and one girl from each district is chosen to participate in the annual The Hunger Games which is broadcast throughout the nation. The districts and citizens have no choice. Everyone must obey their rules.

This year, 16-year old Katniss Everdeen from District 12 will compete in the Games after volunteering to take her sister's place. She doesn't expect to live but once the Games begin, she finds herself thinking as a competitor and that she just might have a chance of coming out of them as the winner. But how can she possibly win when it must mean having to hurt-or kill- someone? When it means having to put aside a chance for love?

That's another thing about this novel, a part that had me initially thinking I wasn't going to really like the novel. When you read the jacket, you might think it's solely a novel that's only has some violence and death in it. The Hunger Games is so much more than that. It's a novel that not only questions readers about the choices that are to be made to survive, but it is also a love story. Peeta Mellark, also from District 12, has been chosen from the Games and admits he has strong feelings for her... but Katniss still has feelings about her childhood friend Gale. What will she do?

The novel has a writing style that may have taken me a little while to get used to, but once I did, I found myself getting right into the story, unable to put the book down. Suzanne Collins creates a world that you will easily lose yourself in.

I'm so glad to say that despite my initial reservations, The Hunger Games is now one of my favourite books. 

Book Trailer! - Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers

The first of not one, not two, but THREE book trailers for Lisa Desrochers debut novel, Personal Demons, was revealed today on her blog! Each trailer will be focusing on one of the main characters in the novel, with the first trailer centering on GABE.

I'm super excited for the release of Personal Demons and every review I've read so far for the novel has been glowing and positive!

I will be posting the next trailer, featuring LUC, when it's revealed next Friday!

 Release Date: September 14, 2010

Publisher: Tor Teen

Are you excited for Personal Demons? What did you think of angelic Gabe?

Book Blogger Hop + Follow Friday (4)

Follow Friday and Book Blogger Hop are weekly events hosted by Rachel at Parajunkee and Jennifer at Crazy-for-Books respectively. 




This week's question is: How many blogs do you follow?

According to my blogger dashboard (under the 'manage' section beside the 'add' button in case you're curious to know for yourself), I follow 169 blogs.... but this number will definitely be increasing! It seems like quite a lot to me, but I'm quite sure many of you follow a lot more!

I don't usually read every entry, but I try to read as many as  I can. I like seeing what other people are reading, keeping updated with new book releases and stuff, checking out what authors have to say, etc, etc. And when I can, I try to leave a comment after reading, even if it's a really quick one. 

What about you guys? Does the number of blogs you follow surely put my number to shame?  

Well, I'm off to do some blog hopping! *hops away*

Spotted! Cover of Entice by Carrie Jones (for real this time!)

Alright, I posted earlier, near the end of July, about spotting the cover of Entice but it seems it wasn't the true cover after all. Entice is the the third book in the Need series by Carrie Jones. The official cover of Entice has been revealed and is slightly different than the earlier version that had been posted. It was exclusively released on the NeedPixies fanpage on Facebook!

 Release Date: December 7, 2010

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA

Summary (from Goodreads):

** Warning: There's potentially spoilers if you have not read the previous novels.**

Zara and Nick are soul mates, meant to be together forever. But that's not quite how things have worked out.

For starters, well, Nick is dead. Supposedly, he's been taken to a mythic place for warriors known as Valhalla, so Zara and her friends might be able to get him back. But it's taking time, and meanwhile a group of evil pixies is devastating Bedford, with more teens going missing every day. An all-out war seems imminent, and the good guys need all the warriors they can find. But how to get to Valhalla? 

And even if Zara and her friends discover the way, there's that other small problem: Zara's been pixie kissed. When she finds Nick, will he even want to go with her? Especially since she hasn't turned into just any pixie. . . She's Astley's queen. 

So what do you think? I still think it's my favourite cover of the series! The profile of the face in this angle is the most flattering thus far and the added pixie dust make this cover look so pretty.

The Contemps Challenge!

Are you up for a challenge? Do you enjoy reading YA contemporary fiction? If your answer was yes to both questions, then why not join the Contemps and take part in The Contemps Challenge! 

So just who are the Contemps you might ask? 
Well, they're a group of YA authors with contemporary novels releasing over the course of a year. In their words, they are "passionate about realistic fiction because these are the books that remind us we're not alone in this real world."

• April Henry - Girl, Stolen
• Brent Crawford - 3rd Book in Carter series
• Courtney Summers - Fall For Anything
• Daisy Whitney - The Mockingbirds
• Denise Jaden - Losing Faith
• Elizabeth Scott - Between Here and Forever
• Emily Wing Smith - Back When You Easier to Love
• Hannah Harrington - Saving June
• Jo Knowles - Pearl
• Kirsten Hubbard - Like Mandarin
• Kody Keplinger - The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend
• Kristen Tracy - Sharks & Boys
• Lindsey Leavitt - Sean Griswold's Head
• Lisa Schroeder -The Day Before
• Melissa Walker - Small Town Sinners
• Michael Northrop - Trapped
• Micol Ostow - Family
• Mindi Scott - Freefall
• Sara Bennett Wealer - Rival
• Sarah Darer Littman - Want to go Private?
• Sarah Ockler - Fixing Delilah

The Challenge? 
You must promise to read 18 of the 21 novels upcoming between now and August 15, 2011. One lucky challenger will win the grand prize: ALL 21 OF THEIR BOOKS!

Curious about how to sign up now? 
Just click the image below (or on my sidebar) to take you to the Contemps website where you can learn more information about the challenge, the authors, and how you can get involved to help spread the word!






The Contemps can also be found on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. 

I don't know about you, but I'm DEFINITELY going to take part! I really hope you do too!

Book Trailer! - Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

The book trailer for Clockwork Angel, the first novel in The Infernal Devices prequel trilogy, by Cassandra Clare was revealed earlier today on MTV Hollywood Crush!

If you still don't know this, I love love LOVE The Mortal Instruments series and I'm so excited to finally read Clockwork Angel when it's released at the end of the month. I'm already loving the cover and I have high hopes I'm going to love the novel too!

Release Date: August 31, 2010

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

So what do you think of this book trailer? I think it's pretty cool/awesome!!

Waiting on Wednesday (7) - Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

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

Publisher: Simon & Schuster's Children's Publishing 
Release Date: October 19, 2010

Summary (from Goodreads):
The sequel to the New York Times Best selling phenomenon, Hush, Hush! Nora should have know her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relatio
...more The sequel to the New York Times Best selling phenomenon, Hush, Hush!
 
Nora should have known her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described as anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy, Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.

The further Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim bloodline has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl. Since Patch isn't answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine?

The sequel to the New York Times Best selling phenomenon, Hush, Hush! Nora should have know her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relatio
...more I really enjoyed the first novel Hush, Hush and I'm mostly definitely looking forward to reading this sequel. I absolutely love the cover of Hush, Hush and Crescendo certainly has another cool cover! Patch is one bad boy who can instantly have any girl swooning. I can't wait to see some more Patch and learn more about Nora's past!

Click here to preview the prologue and first chapter of Crescendo. 

Spotted! Cover of We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han

I spotted the cover of We'll Always Have Summer, the third and final book in the Summer trilogy by Jenny Han and couldn't wait to share it!

 Release Date: April 26, 2011

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children`s Publishing

I couldn't find the plot description anywhere yet, but no matter, I still can't wait to read the novel next year. With the way the second book, It's Not Summer Without You, ended, I must simply find out what's in store for Belly's future!

What do you think of this cover? I like how they've kept the clean, white background with the beach in the background, but it's interesting to see that neither Conrad or Jeremiah are on the cover this time around.

Have you read the previous Summer novels before? If you're looking for a great summer novel to read, I highly recommend checking out the first book in the trilogy, The Summer I Turned Pretty, if you haven't done so yet. 

I'm Heading to Florida!

Like the title suggests, I'm heading to Florida for two weeks! Tomorrow morning to be exact... bright and early to try to beat the crowds at the border. I haven't been to Florida for a few years, but this year, instead of flying, we're actually going to drive down because let's face it, plane tickets are way too expensive these days. So we're having a road trip! We'll be driving through Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and then through Georgia before hitting our destination state. I've never been through these states so I can't wait to check out the scenery!

I'll definitely be bringing my portable DVD player, music, and some books for the VERY LONG car ride. (At least we're stopping at a hotel for one night and not driving all the way down at once- that would be crazy.)

Anyways, for sure, we'll be going to Disney World and Orlando Studios, where I'm so excited to check out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! From the pictures online, it looks so cool!

I'm bringing my little netbook along, so hopefully I'll be able to post a couple things while I'm away because I haven't really had the time to pre-post anything. 

I'll also have to buy some books while I'm down South... like Mockingjay. There's no way I can wait until I'm back home for it. (I had a similar reaction when Harry Potter 6 came out.. resulting in an American copy which doesn't match the rest of my books in the series, lol.)

But yeah, it will probably be a little more quiet here on the blog front. (I'll post some pics from my vacation when I return home.)

Anyways, I still haven't packed anything... yikes! So I'm off to do some very last minute packing!

In My Mailbox (6)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren where we share any new books we bought, received, borrowed, etc. during the week.

So what did I get this week?

Bought:

• The Agency 2: The Body at the Tower by Y.S. Lee
• You Wish by Mandy Hubbard (review here)

 

Borrowed (from a relative):

•  The Lightening Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1) by Rick Riordan

 

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

Happy Reading!

You Wish by Mandy Hubbard

Title: You Wish
Author: Mandy Hubbard
Release Date: August 10, 2010 (paperback)
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 284
Source: Bought

Overall: 4.5 Stars

Summary:
What if all your wishes really came true?

Kayla McHenry’s sweet sixteen sucks! Her dad left, her grades dropped, and her BFF is dating the boy Kayla’s secretly loved for years. Blowing out her candles, Kayla thinks: I wish my birthday wishes actually came true. Because they never freakin’ do.

Kayla wakes the next day to a life-sized, bright pink My Little Pony outside her window. Then a year’s supply of gumballs arrives. A boy named Ken with a disturbing resemblance to the doll of the same name stalks her. As the ghosts of Kayla’s wishes-past appear, they take her on a wild ride . . . but they MUST STOP. Because when she was fifteen? She wished Ben Mackenzie would kiss her. And Ben is her best friend’s boyfriend.

As soon as I first read the plot description for You Wish, I already knew I was going to like it... and I was so right. I mean, doesn't the idea of having all your birthday wishes come true sound so cool? 

Kayla's sweet sixteenth birthday party, which she didn't even want in the first place, isn't exactly so sweet. Her best friend doesn't even show up on time and her mother's clients from her event planner business make up most of the guest list. Angry and upset, when Kayla blows out the candles, she wishes that her birthday wishes would actually come true for once. But over the next few days, weird things keep happening to Kayla and too late, it seems her wish is actually about to come true. Not sure what to do, Kayla has to somehow find a way to stop it because her friendship with her best friend Nicole could be ruined. Why? Because last year, Kayla wished Ben would kiss her... and Ben is now Nicole's boyfriend. 

There was never a dull moment in You Wish. Each new page could bring about such an unexpected surprise and I found myself eagerly looking forward to finding out what was the next birthday wish which had come true. When you think about it, almost anything could happen... so while You Wish is predictable in some regards, in others, it definitely wasn't.

You Wish is also more than just a fluff novel too. Sure, I won't deny it's a cute story but it also reaches into deeper levels such as family and friendship. Kayla is a cynical person, perfectly fine with making fun of the popular crowd and making her own fashion statements. However, her best friend seems to be drifting away lately and her mother is too busy working to really notice her. Add on top a forbidden crush and old birthday wishes now somehow coming true... well, Kayla has a lot to deal with all of a sudden. I was cheering on Kayla as I read, hoping everything would work itself out.

You Wish is a fun, fresh novel that will have you laughing out loud as you read along.

You can check out Mandy Hubbard's website here.

Book Blogger Hop + Follow Friday (3)

Follow Friday and Book Blogger Hop are weekly events hosted by Rachel at Parajunkee and Jennifer at Crazy-for-Books respectively. 



This week's question is: How many books do you have on your 'to be read shelf'?

Well, according to my shelf on Goodreads, as of RIGHT NOW I have about 167 books... and this changes daily. There's just too many books I spot that sound really good and I make sure to add the book before I forget about them later.

If we're counting the books I actually have in possession.... hmmm... maybe a maximum of 20? I've read most of mine and it's mostly a few of my sister's books I have to read still since she doesn't always let me borrow them right away from her. 

What about you guys? Towering stacks of books to read through still or a manageable amount?

Well, I'm off to do some blog hopping! *hops away*

One Night That Changes Everything by Lauren Barnholdt

Title: One Night That Changes Everything
Author: Lauren Barnholdt
Release Date: July 6, 2010 (hardcover)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 256
Source: Bought

Overall: 4.5 Stars

Summary:
Eliza is in a full-blown panic. Her notebook has been stolen—the one that lists everything she wants but is afraid to go after. And the absolute worst person in the world has it: her ex-boyfriend, Cooper.

Like it’s not enough Cooper was lying to Eliza for their entire relationship, now he and his friends are blackmailing her. They’re giving her just one night to complete the most humiliating tasks on her list or they’ll post her secrets online—including the ones that aren’t just about her.

Eliza’s sure of only one thing: she isn’t going down without a fight. Cooper may have what’s left of her dignity, but she’s not the only one with something to hide …

A hilarious and sweet teen novel by Lauren Barnholdt, the author of two-way street. 

One Night That Changes Everything is a fast-paced novel that I read in one sitting... I couldn't put this book down once I started! I really love Barnholdt's novel Two-Way Street so I was glad to find that One Night That Changes Everything met my expectations.

Eliza is in full-panic mode when she discovers that her purple notebook has been stolen... and worse, by her ex-boyfriend Cooper and his secret society friends. The notebook contains her innermost thoughts and goals she would like to achieve one day but had been too afraid to go after them. Now, if she doesn't do everything they say and complete the tasks from her notebook, they'll post it online and soon, everyone will know her secrets. It's going to be one very long night and Eliza may just discover more about herself and her past relationship with Cooper than she ever would have thought before.

Just like Eliza, if something like that had ever happened to me, I would be totally freaking out. It's a good thing Eliza's two best friends, Clarice and Marissa, are there to help when they can, though they did tend to run off a lot in the novel- but really, Eliza's the one who grows as a person. She gains more confidence in herself as the novel progresses though the way she treated Cooper when he was only being nice and helpful to her kind of bugged me at times.

Which leads me to my next point... I was really prepared to hate Cooper, but once he was introduced in the story, I couldn't help but warm up to him. You see, his actions were at war with Eliza's descriptions about him. There's an awful reason why they broke up so my heart totally went out to her, but at the same time, I was really hoping they would reconcile and that Cooper wasn't as bad as Eliza had made him out to be.  

The writing is so easy to follow along, with Barnholdt's characters sounding just like how any teenager might speak. And if that's still not enough, the constant drama will keep you flipping through the pages to see what happens next. Just a little forewarning, there are a few mature moments and mild language, but I'm sure it's nothing that you haven't really read before. 

I still think I love Two-Way Street more, but One Night That Changes Everything did not disappoint. I'm already looking forward to reading Barnholdt's next novel, Aces Up, which is available now in stores (since August 10).

Now, I'm not sure how many of you know this but this isn't actually the original cover. The cover used to be the one below, but Lauren Barnholdt explains here in her blog why the publisher decided to change it.

I'm kind of sad that it was changed because I like the original better. It's so pretty with the different colours in the background and Eliza walking down the middle of the street in the shadows. To me, it was a lot more striking and eye-catching, but the cover that stands now also fits the book.

Check out Lauren Barnholdt's website here.

P.S. Are you a member of Pulse It? Right now, you can read One Night That Changes Everything in its entirety for free!

Waiting on Wednesday (6) - Clarity by Kim Harrington

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

Publisher: Scholastic
Release Date: March 1, 2011

Summary (from Goodreads):
Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch an object and the visions come to her. It's a gift.

And a curse.

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case — but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother — who has supernatural gifts of his own — becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most? 

The cover for Clarity was revealed recently on Kim Harrington's blog and isn't it just so gorgeous? Plus, with a plot that sounds as wicked as this one does... what's not to like? Clarity is definitely sounding like one of my must-have books for 2011!

The Agency 1: A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee

Title: The Agency 1: A Spy in the House
Author: Y.S. Lee
Release Date: March 9, 2010 (hardcover)
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Pages: 352
Source: ARC received from publisher through Bookurious

Overall: 4 Stars

Summary:
Introducing an exciting new series! Steeped in Victorian atmosphere and intrigue, this diverting mystery trails a feisty heroine as she takes on a precarious secret assignment.

Rescued from the gallows in 1850s London, young orphan (and thief) Mary Quinn is surprised to be offered a singular education, instruction in fine manners — and an unusual vocation. Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls is a cover for an all-female investigative unit called The Agency, and at seventeen, Mary is about to put her training to the test. Assuming the guise of a lady’s companion, she must infiltrate a rich merchant’s home in hopes of tracing his missing cargo ships. But the household is full of dangerous deceptions, and there is no one to trust — or is there? Packed with action and suspense, banter and romance, and evoking the gritty backstreets of Victorian London, this breezy mystery debuts a daring young detective who lives by her wits while uncovering secrets — including those of her own past.  

I'll admit, I don't read enough YA novels in the historical genre, so I was pretty excited when I set my eyes on A Spy in the House. I mean, a teenage girl living in Victorian England who works for an agency to investigate crimes... doesn't that sound just so cool?

Mary Quinn was sentenced to the gallows at the age of twelve for being the thief, but was saved and given a new chance for life as a student at Miss Scrimshaw's Academy for Girls. A few years later, Mary has come a long way and is about to undertake her first assignment for the Agency. Her goal: She will become the lady companion of Angelica Thorold in order to learn if her father's merchant business has been having illegal dealings in his shipments. Mary will have to keep her wits in order to hide her true identity... but it would seem she's not the only one hiding something. Appearances can be deceiving and there are members of the Thorold household with their own secrets. 

The setting is perfectly described in A Spy in the House, with wonderful descriptions and dialogue that make it oh so easy to lose yourself in Victorian England. And, of course, it wouldn't be a good historical novel if there weren't some scandalous events just waiting in the background to occur.

Mary Quinn is a strong heroine who definitely knows how to take care of herself. Independent, smart... she's also not too afraid to break rules of social etiquette if need be. Throughout the novel, Mary also grows as a person, learning a few things about her past that I can't wait to see explored in the next novel.

James Easten. Isn't that just a name that rolls so nicely off the tongue? James is also investigating the Thorold household, for his own reasons, when he meets Mary and immediately finds himself drawn to her. The constant bantering between him and Mary were some of my favourite parts to read in the novel!

Mystery, intrigue and a dash of romance, A Spy in the House has just the right amount of elements to keep your eyes wide as Mary tries to learn the truth about the Thorold's. 

The second novel in the series, The Body at the Tower, is released today (August 10) and I just can't wait to see what's in store for Mary Quinn next! 

You can check out Y.S. Lee's website here.