In My Mailbox 120 (week of July 30)

In My Mailbox is a meme created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! It is a list of what books you have received over the previous week, either for review, from the library, from the bookstore, or from trades. =]

For review:
-Witchlanders by Lena Coakley
-Envy by Gregg Olsen
-Tiger's Voyage (Tiger Series #3) by Colleen Houck

From trade:
-Once Every Never by Lesley Livingston

First Line Friday (4)

First Line Friday is a feature created by me, where I post five first lines from some books that I have on my TBR pile.  You guys then get to vote, based on the first lines, for the book that I will read next. =)

Title:  Knightley Academy (Knightley Academy #1)
Author:  Violet Haberdasher
Release date:  March 9, 2010

The Midsummer School for Boys sat on top of a steep but rather flat hill, staring down its nose at the village below.  You see, the Midsummer School for Boys was a grand place, where sons of Gentry and Quality learned how to stare down their noses at anyone beneath them. They also learned mathematics and science and history and how to steal food from the kitchens and torment the serving staff.  But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Title:  Slice Of Cherry
Author:  Dia Reeves
Release date:  January 4, 2011

FROM FANCY'S DREAM DIARY:

Daddy stood at the front door screaming for Kit and me to let him in.  Kit told me to run and get Madda, so I tried, but Madda wasn't in her room. Her bed was unmade and spits of blood stained her sheets.  I ran back to the front door, but now Kit was gone, and the door was wide open.  And Daddy was dragging her down into the storm cellar by her feet.

Title: The Near Witch
Author: Victoria Schwab
Release date:  August 2, 2011

It starts with a crack, a sputter, and a spark.  The match hisses to life.

"Please," comes the small voice behind me. 

Title:  Between
Author:  Jessica Warman
Release date:  August 2, 2011

It's a little after two a.m.  Outside the Elizabeth, things are relatively quiet.  Boats--yachts, really--are tied to the docks, clean white buoys protecting their fiberglass and porcelain exteriors from the wood. The slosh of the Long Island Sound, water beating against boats and shore, is a constant in the background.  In most of the other boats--with names like Well Deserved, Privacy, Good Life--there is peace.

Title:  Want To Go Private?
Author:  Sarah Darer Littman
Release date:  August 1, 2011

"How can you not be excited?"

Faith, my best friend since second grade, is lying on the edge of the swimming pool watching the ripples as she trails her slim fingers through the water.  "I mean, come on, Abby.  We're starting high school tomorrow.  It'll be so much better than middle school."

So based on these first lines, which book do you think I should read and review next?

Once A Witch (Witch #1) by Carolyn MacCullough

Title:  Once A Witch (Witch #1)
Author:  Carolyn MacCullough
Release date:  September 14, 2009
Publisher:  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Pages:  292
Source:  Won in contest

Tamsin Greene comes from a long line of witches, and she was supposed to be one of the most Talented among them. But Tamsin's magic never showed up. Now seventeen, Tamsin attends boarding school in Manhattan, far from her family. But when a handsome young professor mistakes her for her very Talented sister, Tamsin agrees to find a lost family heirloom for him. The search—and the stranger—will prove to be more sinister than they first appeared, ultimately sending Tamsin on a treasure hunt through time that will unlock the secret of her true identity, unearth the sins of her family, and unleash a power so vengeful that it could destroy them all.

Once A Witch is a fabulous urban fantasy novel and I am now dying to read more books like it.  The sequel, Always A Witch, is very high on my wishlist now.  =)

Tamsin Greene is the misfit of her family because she is the only witch without a Talent.  Without a Talent she isn't really a witch but that doesn't stop her from wanting to be one.  She is very easy to relate to because she just wants to fit in and belong.  It probably would have helped if she wasn't so snarky and sarcastic though the book would not have been nearly as enjoyable.  The rest of the characters are pretty fun but they definitely have their flaws.  I loved Gabriel and Agatha.  I absolutely hated Tamsin's sister, Rowena.  If I was in Tamsin's place I would have slapped her multiple times.

The plot is very fast-paced.  There is very little backstory before you are thrown into the story. I actually really liked that in this case because the backstory was interspersed throughout the book. There were also a few romantic scenes thrown in which I loved. They lightened the mood a bit.

Overall, Once AWitch is an awesome book that I definitely recommend. I will be reading the sequel very soon.

First line:  I was born on the night of Samhain, when the barriers between the worlds is whisper thin and when magic, old magic, sings its heady and sweet song to anyone who cares to hear it.

Rating:  A

Cover:  A

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (10)

It's Monday! What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.  Each week we will share what we have just finished reading, what we are currently reading, and what we plan to read next.

Just finished reading:
-Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta
-Once A Witch (Witch #1) by Carolyn MacCullough
-Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Reading now:
-Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Reading next:
-Touch Of Frost by Jennifer Estep
-Love Story by Jennifer Echols
-Misfit by Jon Skovron

What are you reading this week?

Giveaway: Forever (Wolves Of Mercy Falls #3) by Maggie Stiefvater

In Maggie Stiefvater's SHIVER, Grace and Sam found each other. In LINGER, they fought to be together. Now, in FOREVER, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in.

For more information about the Wolves Of Mercy Falls series check out the This Is Teen page.

You can also check out my review!

Details:
-Two winners will receive finished copies of Forever as well as a Forever keychain.

Requirements:
-You must have a US/CA mailing address.
-You must fill out the form to enter.

Fill out the form here!

This giveaway will end on August 7!

Forever (Wolves Of Mercy Falls #3) by Maggie Stiefvater

Title:  Forever (Wolves Of Mercy Falls #3)
Author:  Maggie Stiefvater
Release date:  July 12, 2011
Publisher:  Scholastic
Pages:  386
Source:  BEA

In Maggie Stiefvater's SHIVER, Grace and Sam found each other. In LINGER, they fought to be together. Now, in FOREVER, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in.

Forever is the perfect ending to the Wolves Of Mercy Falls trilogy. Maggie Stiefvater has earned the title of favorite author and these books have earned the title of favorite trilogy.  I give you fair warning:  this review is basically me gushing about how amazing it is.

The ending of Linger was a huge cliffhanger.  Forever picked up quite some time after that ending and it was interesting to see how things had changed.  All the characters had changed so much and while it was sad to see then lose their innocence it was very refreshing to see them grow in such a real way even if the reasons are not so real. =)

The writing was, as always, absolutely amazing.  Maggie Stiefvater is such a lyrical writer. Her books just have to be savored.  I pretty much shut myself away so I could read uninterrupted and really take it all in.

I have to say something about the relationship of Sam and Grace:  that is the way it is supposed to be!  They face so many obstacles but they know that if they have each other they can make it.  Sam is sweet, romantic, and he cherishes Grace.  And she does not take that for granted.  She is always there for him and they truly love each other.  That is how I see love and Maggie Stiefvater did it perfectly with Sam and Grace.

Overall, Forever is a bittersweet ending to the Wolves Of Mercy Falls trilogy.  I laughed and I cried and I never wanted it to end.  I think this book will greatly satisfy fans of the first two books.  I can't wait for whatever is next from Maggie Stiefvater.

First line:  I can be so, so quiet.

Rating:  A++

Cover:  A++

In My Mailbox 119 (week of July 23)

In My Mailbox is a meme created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! It is a list of what books you have received over the previous week, either for review, from the library, from the bookstore, or from trades. =]

For review:
-Here Lies Bridget by Paige Harbison
-Nocturne (Claire De Lune #2) by Christine Johnson
-And Then Things Fall Apart by Arlaina Tibensky
-Dark Territory (The Tracks #1) by J. Gabriel Gates and Charlene Keel
-Ashfall by Mike Mullin
-Without Tess by Marcella Pixley
-The Survival Kit by Donna Freitas
-Deviant by Adrian McKinty
-Misfit by Jon Skovron
-Wicked In Your Arms by Sophie Jordan

Won:
-Eona (Eon #2) by Allison Goodman

Traded:
-Wolfsbane (Nightshade #2) by Andrea Cremer
-Exposure by Therese Fowler
-Luminous by Dawn Metcalf
-Slice Of Cherry by Dia Reeves

Bought:
-The Shore by Todd Strasser and Nola Thacker
-Legacy by Cayla Kluver
-Sirensong (Faeriewalker #3) by Jenna Black
-Secrets and Shadows (13 To Life #2) by Shannon Delany
-Bras and Broomsticks (Magic In Manhattan #1) by Sarah Mlynowski
-Magic Or Madness (Magic Or Madness #1) by Justine Larbalestier
-Magic Lessons (Magic Or Madness #2) by Justine Larbalestier
-Magic's Child (Magic Or Madness #3) by Justine Larbalestier
-Knightley Academy (Knightley Academy #1) by Violet Haberdasher
-Cum Laude by Cecily Von Ziegesar
-21 Proms edited by David Levithan
-Go Figure by Jo Edwards
-Harmless by Dana Reinhardt

From The Back Of My Shelf: Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2) by Richelle Mead

Title:  Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2)
Author:  Richelle Mead
Release date:  April 10, 2008
Publisher:  Razorbill
Pages:  327
Source:  Bookstore

It's winter break at St. Vladimir's, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academy's crawling with Guardians—including Rose's hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if hand-to-hand combat with her mom wasn't bad enough, Rose's tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason's got a huge crush on her, and Rose keeps getting stuck in Lissa's head while she's making out with her boyfriend, Christian! The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy's not taking any risks… This year, St. Vlad's annual holiday ski trip is mandatory.

But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When three friends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a price…

So while I thought Vampire Academy was just okay, I loved Frostbite. I was hooked from the very beginning and I read straight through.  This series is one that you can't just stop halfway through.  You will be hooked.

In Vampire Academy Rose was my biggest issue.  I didn't like her attitude much at the beginning of this book but by the end she was a whole different girl.  She was less snarky, more serious, and finally a real badass.  She could back her words up with her fighting skills finally.  She was brave and even when she was afraid she stood up for her friends.  She was very loyal and I really like her now.

The plot in this one was definitely better and more fast-paced than the first one.  There was more about the Strigoi in this book and I liked learning about them and seeing the destruction they could cause.  It seems like this is just the beginning of their story and I am super excited to see what happens next in Shadow Kiss.  I'm sure they will be back and nastier than ever.

Overall, I think I can call myself a Vampire Academy fan for now.  I'm so glad to see that this series lives up to the hype and that it's not all the same vampire stuff as the other books.  Oh and another thing I can't wait to read more about is Dimitri!  I love him!  Well and Adrian.  Haha.  I'm torn!

First line:  Things die.

Rating:  A

Cover:  A-

If you would like to participate, go ahead and post a link to your review in the linky below.  Don't forget, both Erica and I will be doing this the second and fourth Fridays of every month!

Blog Tour: Character Interview: Kylie Collins (Stealing Bases)

Today I am so lucky (or unlucky depending on her attitude for the day) to have an interview with Kylie Collins from Stealing Bases!

KBB: So since we last saw you in Head Games, have you worked on your attitude issues at all?

KC: Honestly, I was a bit embarrassed by how I treated Taylor. Although she totally deserved it after she hooked up with Zachary. I mean, who does that? Especially with your teammate's boyfriend. *sighs*

KBB: What are your real feelings for Zachary Murphy?

KC: My real feelings? I don't think I'll ever tell ANYONE how I really feel about Zachary. Let's just say it's complicated especially since I'm living in his backyard right now.

KBB: What do you think of Missy and Hannah's new business venture?

KC: It's pretty impressive to tell you the truth. Hannah's a little eccentric, but super talented. And Missy's really into the business aspect.

KBB: How do you feel about your dad's new lifestyle of yoga and recycling?

KC: It's definitely a one-eighty from what he used to be like so it takes a little to get used to. And I could do without living in the Murphy's guest house. Actually, I really miss my mom right now.

KBB: What would your alternative be if you couldn't go to UCLA for softball?

KC: Alternative? It's been my dream to play for UCLA since I picked out my first glove. I can't imagine playing for anyone else.

KBB: These next few questions are just for fun so you can share a little more about yourself. Favorite topping at Pinkberry?

KC: Brownie bites. Yum! :)

KBB: Most embarassing moment?

KC: When Zachary cheated on me with Taylor Thomas.

KBB: Secret crush?

KC: Brett Davidson. Double Yum. :)

KBB: Well that is it! Thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions. :)

KC: Thanks so much for having me!

Readers if you would like to find out more about Kylie check out Stealing Bases! You can find more info about the book at Keri Mikulski's website!

Oh and don't forget to check out the rest of the blog tour!

Waiting On Wednesday: The Probability Of Miracles

Title:  The Probability Of Miracles
Author:  Wendy Wunder
Release date:  December 8, 2011

Dry, sarcastic, sixteen-year-old Cam Cooper has spent the last seven years in and out hospitals. The last thing she wants to do in the short life she has left is move 1,500 miles away to Promise, Maine - a place known for the miraculous events that occur there. But it's undeniable that strange things happen in Promise: everlasting sunsets; purple dandelions; flamingoes in the frigid Atlantic; an elusive boy named Asher; and finally, a mysterious envelope containing a list of things for Cam to do before she dies. As Cam checks each item off the list, she finally learns to believe - in love, in herself, and even in miracles.

I think this book sounds absolutely wonderful.  I have not read any reviews for it yet but I kind of like not knowing what to expect from it.  It is also a debut novel which I love.  I cannot wait to check this one out.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Ten Things We Did (And Probably Shouldn't Have) by Sarah Mlynowski

Book: Ten Things We Did (And Probably Shouldn't Have)
Author:  Sarah Mlynowski
Release date:  June 7, 2011
Publisher:  HarperTeen
Pages:  368
Source:  BEA

2 girls + 3 guys + 1 house – parents = 10 things April and her friends did that they (definitely, maybe, probably) shouldn't have.

If given the opportunity, what sixteen-year-old wouldn't jump at the chance to move in with a friend and live parent-free? Although maybe "opportunity" isn't the right word, since April had to tell her dad a tiny little untruth to make it happen (see #1: "Lied to Our Parents"). But she and her housemate Vi are totally responsible and able to take care of themselves. How they ended up "Skipping School" (#3), "Throwing a Crazy Party" (#8), "Buying a Hot Tub" (#4), and, um, "Harboring a Fugitive" (#7) at all is kind of a mystery to them.

I had heard good things about this book before reading it so I started it expecting to love it.  I definitely did!  It was cute, funny, wonderfully written, and full of awesome characters.  I think I may have to check out Sarah Mlynowksi's other books now.

April does not want to move to Cleveland in the middle of her junior year.  She has friends, a great boyfriend, and a good life in Westport.  She refuses to leave so she comes up with a plan.  She will live with her friend Vi and her mom.  That would be perfect if Vi's mom was going to be there.  April refuses to give up though and in the end she ends up moving in with Vi with no parents and her dad not knowing.  It seems like a perfect plan except April and Vi end up doing quite a few things that they shouldn't.  And without parents, how do they get out of the messes they make?

This book was so funny!  That was one of the main things that made me love it so much.  It definitely had some serious stuff going on but April and her friends always managed to make it hilarious. This book was seriously laugh out loud funny and it was just what I needed for a summer day!

I truly enjoyed all the characters in the book.  April was very easy to like and sympathize with.  Vi was crazy and the perfect housemate.  Marissa was very sweet and a great best friend.  Lucy was creepy and a bit stalkerish but she grew on me.  Noah was cute.  Hudson was sexy and sweet.  Dean was crazy and very funny.  I could go on and on about these guys.  They are like the ideal friend group.  Even the cat, Doughnut, had personality. =)

My one warning about Ten Things We Did is that it is not for younger teens.  There is a lot of talk about sex and STDs and doing illegal things.  I do think it was all done tastefully though so older teens can enjoy it.  It was very realistic.

Overall, Ten Things We Did came out just in time to read over the summer. If you have a day to read by the pool I recommend getting a copy of this one.  Or if it's a rainy day.  Or any day really!

First line:  I bolted awake.

Rating:  A

Cover:  A

Giveaway: Dark Parties by Sara Grant!

Sixteen-year-old Neva has been trapped since birth. She was born and raised under the Protectosphere, in an isolated nation ruled by fear, lies, and xenophobia. A shield "protects" them from the outside world, but also locks the citizens inside. But there's nothing left on the outside, ever since the world collapsed from violent warfare. Or so the government says...

Neva and her best friend Sanna believe the government is lying and stage a "dark party" to recruit members for their underground rebellion. But as Neva begins to uncover the truth, she realizes she must question everything she's ever known, including the people she loves the most.

For more information about Dark Parties check out the Facebook page and read an excerpt from the book!

You can also check out my review!

Details:
-One winner will receive a finished copy of Dark Parties and a book light.

Requirements:
-You must have a US/CA mailing address.
-You must fill out the form to enter.

Fill out the form here!

This giveaway will end on August 5.

Dark Parties by Sara Grant

Title: Dark Parties
Author:  Sara Grant
Release date:  August 3, 2011
Publisher:  Little, Brown
Pages:  320
Source:  Publisher

Sixteen-year-old Neva has been trapped since birth. She was born and raised under the Protectosphere, in an isolated nation ruled by fear, lies, and xenophobia. A shield "protects" them from the outside world, but also locks the citizens inside. But there's nothing left on the outside, ever since the world collapsed from violent warfare. Or so the government says...

Neva and her best friend Sanna believe the government is lying and stage a "dark party" to recruit members for their underground rebellion. But as Neva begins to uncover the truth, she realizes she must question everything she's ever known, including the people she loves the most.

Dark Parties is a very unusual dystopian novel.  The story is something that has not been done in previous dystopian novels and I loved that about it.  It did have its flaws and there were some things that I really did not care for but in the end I really did end up enjoying this one.

Neva Adams should be the perfect patriot.  Her dad is the Minister of Ancient History and he is very high up in the government.  Instead of making her want to be a good citizen that makes her want to rebel even more.  She knows she can't do it on her own though so she and her best friend, Sanna, host a "dark party" to recruit members for their rebellion. At first things seem to be going great but then members of the rebellion start disappearing.  What is really happening to all the people going missing?  Is there life outside the Protectosphere or is it just a crazy dream for a bunch of people who have lost almost all hope?

The story in Dark Parties is fabulous.  From the very beginning you know something is going on in the Protectosphere.  People are disappearing without a trace and resources are running out.  You get hints from the very beginning about what is really going on but it is not made clear until close to the end of the book.  It kept me guessing and it kept me on the edge of my seat.  Neva and all her friends kept getting into more and more trouble and I was sure at more than one point that they would not be able to escape.  Dark Parties is definitely a page-turner.

The biggest flaw of this book, to me, was the romance.  Neva gets involved with her best friend's boyfriend and I could not understand why.  It's clear from the beginning that they have chemistry but I didn't see that as a good enough reason to go behind her friend's back and cheat with her boyfriend.  Things were made a little more clear at the end of the book and I kind of got past the whole cheating thing.  I really did like both Neva and Braydon so I hope to see more of them in the next book as well as the rest of the characters.  Well, maybe not all.  =)

Overall, Dark Parties is a great debut from Sara Grant and a fabulous dystopian to add to the growing list.  I do have to say that this one is probably not suited for younger teens because of sexual content.  I do recommend it to older teens and adults though!

First line:  I'm standing in the dark, not the gentle gray of dusk or the soft black of a moonlit night but pitch-black.

Rating:  B

Cover:  A

The Power Of Six by Pittacus Lore Giveaway!

I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he's a mystery. But to me . . . he's one of us.

Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We're hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we'll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I've been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together?

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed.

I am Number Seven. One of six still alive.

And I'm ready to fight.

Details:
-One winner will receive an ARC of The Power Of Six by Pittacus Lore.

Requirements:
-You must have a US/CA mailing address.
-You must fill out the form to be entered.

Fill out the form here!

This giveaway ends on July 31.