Fateful by Claudia Gray

Title:  Fateful
Author:  Claudia Gray
Release date:  September 13, 2011
Publisher:  HarperTeen
Pages:  356
Source:  BEA
Buy:  Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

It's about a servant girl named Tess in 1912, who wants to escape from the house where she works, and most particularly the lecherous young lord of the manor. But that's not her biggest problem. While on a voyage to America, where she plans to escape and start a new life, she meets Alec, who's ruggedly handsome, fabulously wealthy, intelligent and yet so clearly troubled that she'd rather not fall for him, but she does. That also is not her biggest problem. Alec, it turns out, is a werewolf ... one cursed to change every night, unless and until he surrenders his independence and joins the Brotherhood, a pack of violently misogynistic werewolves who have been tracking him for months. You'd think that would be their biggest problem, wouldn't you?

But no. Their biggest problem -- though they don't know it yet -- is that they're aboard the RMS Titanic.

Wow! I did not think werewolves on the Titanic would be anything that appealed to me but I was so wrong.  I loved it!  This was my first ever Claudia Gray book but it will definitely not be my last.

Tess is a servant but she does not act like one.  Sure she is well mannered and polite to her betters but she doesn't really see them as better than her.  She knows how to treat people and she knows that a lot of the richer class don't.  She is smart, strong-willed, kind, brave, and funny.  Alec shares a lot of the same qualities as her and I really liked him.  I liked them together.  They were perfect for each other.  Really all the characters were great.  I thought it was a fabulous mix of personalities and stations in life and it was fun to see them interact with each other.

The story itself was really fascinating.  I'm sure you all know what happens to the Titanic so you kind of know how things will end but I was still really surprised by a lot of the stuff that happened.  And the end was so heartbreaking.  Obviously you know not every character can live in this book and I definitely cried a little for each one that died.  I really grew to love them all and it tore me up when so many died.

Overall, Fateful is a book that I have to recommend. Don't let the subject matter turn you off from this one because it may just be one of my new faves (and I kind of thought it was a joke at first).

First line: It's not too late to turn back, I tell myself.

Rating:  A++

Cover:  A-

Giveaway: Pink Smog by Francesca Lia Block

Title: Pink Smog: Becoming Weetzie
Author: Francesca Lia Block
Release date: January 24, 2012

No matter how much Louise Bat tries to change her name, no one will call her Weetzie. It's her dad's nickname for her, but it won't stay put.  Unfortunately, neither will her dad. When he leaves, Louise discovers that Los Angeles is a city full of strange angels as she embarks on a journey to sift through the smog of her heartbreak, grow her own wings, and become Weetzie.

Recently Totally Booksessed passed 500 subscribers.  To celebrate, each member is giving away one book.  Fill out the form here for one entry and comment on my video for a second entry.

Requirements:
-Must have a US or CA mailing address.
-Must be 13 or older to enter.

This giveaway will end on October 6, one week from today!

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Title:  The Night Circus

Author:  Erin Morgenstern

Release date:  September 13, 2011

Publisher:  Doubleday

Pages:  387

Source:  BEA

Buy:  Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Amazon UK

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.

True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus per­formers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.

The best possible word to describe The Night Circus (both the book and the place) is magical.  I had heard so many good things about this book that I didn't think it could live up to the hype.  I was wrong.  It was so much better than everyone said.

Every member of The Night Circus is special and unique.  Each one has a different talent that is put to use in the circus.  Celia and Marco were the reason the circus was created but they were not the reason it stayed open.  Sure they each played their part in the circus but they were, by no means, the center of it.  Everything about the circus was important.  No one tent or one person played a bigger role.  The circus was really a home for people who had nowhere else to go and a place where dreams came true.  I have to say, The Night Circus itself made this book as wonderful as it was.  

Marco and Celia didn't hold much appeal to me when they were apart but together they were fabulous.  They balanced each other and what one lacked the other made up for.  Their instructors never expected them to fall in love and they did everything they could to keep them apart.  I hated them for it.  They were the only characters that I disliked.  Tsukiko was mysterious and confusing at times but she had a good heart and always meant well.  Poppet, Widget, and Bailey were my favorite characters.  The story was not just about the circus, I felt like it was about Bailey just as much.  He was trying to find his place in the world and do what felt right to him.  He was the easiest character to relate to and to me, the most memorable.  Poppet and Widget were also my favorites because they were so funny.  They lightened the mood at the heavier parts.

Overall, The Night Circus is a tale for all ages.  This is one book that I will go back to again and again.  

First line:  The circus arrives without warning.

Rating:  A++

Cover:  A++ (US) / A++ (UK)

Waiting On Wednesday: The Academie

Title:  The Academie
Author:  Susanne Dunlap
Release date:  April 10, 2012

Eliza Monroe-daughter of the future president of the United States-is devastated when her mother decides to send her to boarding school outside of Paris. But the young American teen is quickly reconciled to the idea when-ooh, la-la!-she discovers who her fellow pupils will be: Hortense de Beauharnais, daughter of Josephine Bonaparte; and Caroline Bonaparte, youngest sister of the famous French general. It doesn't take long for Eliza to figure out that the two French girls are mortal enemies-and that she's about to get caught in the middle of their schemes.

Loosely drawn from history, Eliza Monroe's imagined coming of age provides a scintillating glimpse into the lives, loves, and hopes of three young women during one of the most volatile periods in French history.

I love historical fiction and I really enjoyed Anastasia's Secret by Susanne Dunlap so I have high hopes for this one.

What are you waiting on this week?

Blog Tour: Supernaturally IPCA Dossier

I am so excited to be a part of the Supernaturally blog tour.  Each tour stop includes a unique guest post from Kiersten White about the different creatures featured in the series.  My creature today is a gnome and these are not like other gnomes.  Read below for a dossier on the gnome and an original artist rendering.

IPCA Employee Handbook Section 3.1.17

Gnomes

Level Six

Known Entity (Human Mimicry), Ancient Origin, Parallel Evolution, Earth Elemental

Immortality: Undetermined

Breeding: No threat assumed; undetermined

Appearance: Very small (tallest gnome ever found 3 feet 2 inches tall), short, thick, fur-like brown hair covering head. Small, narrow-set, black eyes, pronounced snout-like nose. Disproportionately large and very strong hands.

Myths: The wearing of colorful hats, white hair, beards, guarding of treasure.

Facts: Little is known of gnomes due to their extreme elusiveness. When placed anywhere with proximity to earth, gnomes can immediately escape. When kept away from earth, gnomes quickly waste away and die (much like fossegrims kept from running water). Several gnome captivity studies are currently being conducted.

Dangers: Gnome-infestation of certain areas has led to unstable geological conditions. Gnomes are also known to bite and scratch when threatened.

Information contributed by Evelyn age 15 (please see Appendices Catalog, Section 7, for details on glamour-piercing abilities), transcribed from the original audio: Gnomes don’t really have a glamour that I’ve noticed. What you see is what they are. They look more like moles than anything. So ugly they’re cute, you know? Like pugs.

Artist rendering of Evelyn’s description:

If you want to know more about the creatures featured in this fabulous series, check out the next tour stop on September 29 over at The Book Cellar!

Also, don't forget to check out Kiersten White's website and a list of her book tour stops to see if she is coming to a bookstore near you.

The Adoration Of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson

Title:  The Adoration Of Jenna Fox
Author:  Mary E. Pearson
Release date:  April 29, 2008
Publisher:  Henry Holt & Co.
Pages: 270
Source:  Bookstore

Who is Jenna Fox? Seventeen-year-old Jenna has been told that is her name. She has just awoken from a coma, they tell her, and she is still recovering from a terrible accident in which she was involved a year ago. But what happened before that? Jenna doesn't remember her life. Or does she? And are the memories really hers?

The Adoration Of Jenna Fox was not at all what I expected but it was just as good as everyone says it is.  It is  a completely unique story and while I don't think the sequel is necessary, I am excited to read it.

First off, The Adoration Of Jenna Fox takes place in a futuristic society but that is not at all the focus of the story.  In fact, you don't really learn much about what is going on in this world but I didn't feel like it was necessary to know what was going on.  You are given all the information you need and not much more.  In this case it was a good thing.

My biggest complaint is about the characters.  I never felt connected to them or invested in their story.  Sure I liked Jenna and felt bad for her but that was it. I didn't find her to be all that brave or charismatic or memorable.  It was the same with the rest of the characters.  I think Dane was the most confusing for me because nothing was ever really explained about him.

The story itself was very interesting.  It was a lot more philosophical than I expected and I liked that it made me think.  I was very confused at the beginning but everything was clear by the end.  The ending did seem very abrupt though.  I would have liked to know more about what happened with Allys.

Overall, The Adoration Of Jenna Fox is a fascinating story but one that I think could have gone a little more in depth.  I would definitely still recommend it though.

First line:  I used to be someone.

Rating:  B

Cover:  A++

Birthday Wishlist!

My birthday is coming up (October 31) and I have had a few people ask what I wanted so I thought I would post a wishlist of books here on the blog!  (Feel free to buy any of them for me!  Just kidding!)

-Away (The Line #2) by Teri Hall
-The Girl Of Fire And Thorns by Rae Carson
-So Silver Bright (Theatre Illuminata #3) by Lisa Mantchev
-Ultraviolet by RJ Anderson
-Burnout by Adrienne Maria Vrettos
-Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu
-The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees
-The Iron Knight (Iron Fey #4) by Julie Kagawa
-Ripple by Mandy Hubbard
-But I Love Him by Amanda Grace
-The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson
-Invincible (Chronicles Of Nick #2) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
-Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren
-Boneshaker by Cherie Priest
-Always A Witch (Witch #2) by Carolyn MacCullough

What do you guys think?  Did I miss any really good ones?

In My Mailbox 127 (week of September 24)

In my mailbox is a meme created by Kristi at The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at 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.   

Bloggers mentioned:
-Emily from Emily's Reading Room

For review:
-The Death Cure (The Maze Runner #3) by James Dashner
-Devoted (Elixir #2) by Hilary Duff
-Everneath by Brodi Ashton
-Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts
-Daughter Of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
-Prized (Birthmarked #2) by Caragh M. O'Brien

Gifted: 
-The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Traded:
-The Probability Of Miracles by Wendy Wunder

New Releases: Week of September 22

Title:  A Monster Calls
Author:  Patrick Ness
Inspired by an idea by Siobhan Dowd

Patrick Ness wrote this based on an idea that Siobhan Dowd had before she died.  I'm not really sure what it is about but it has gotten amazing reviews.

Title:  As I Wake

Author:  Elizabeth Scott

This is about a girl who returns home from the hospital with no memory of her life.  She finally starts to remember some things but they aren't clear and they only make her more confused.  All that changes when a boy from her memories shows up and says that he will tell her everything in exchange for her trust.

Title:  Away (The Line #2)

Author:  Teri Hall

This is the sequel to the dystopian novel, The Line.  The Line had a bit of a cliffhanger at the end so if you read it I'm sure you are dying to get a copy of this one.  I know I am!

Title:  Cold Kiss

Author:  Amy Garvey

This one is a debut novel about a girl with magical powers that brings her boyfriend back from the dead only to discover that he isn't exactly who he used to be.  She must keep him a secret which is hard enough but things get harder when Gabriel moves to town.

Title:  Dark Of The Moon

Author:  Tracy Barrett

A retelling of the story of Theseus and the Minotaur where Theseus falls in love with the Minotaur's sister.  

Title:  Enthralled: Paranormal Diversions

Edited by:  Kelley Armstrong and Melissa Marr

A collection of paranormal short stories from Melissa Marr, Kelley Armstrong, Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl, Ally Condie, Mary E. Pearson, Rachel Vincent, Jeri Smith-Ready, Sarah Rees Brennan, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Claudia Gray, Jackson Pearce, Carrie Ryan, Rachel Caine, and Kimberly Derting!

Title:  First Kill (The Slayer Chronicles #1) 

Author: Heather Brewer

The story of Joss, Vladimir Todd's former best friend, now vampire slayer!  Involves a secret society of vampire slayers and betrayals!  =)

Title: Goliath (Leviathan #3)

Author:  Scott Westerfeld

The final book in the Leviathan trilogy by Scott Westerfeld.  

Title:  Pregnant Pause

Author:  Han Nolan

Story of a pregnant 16-year-old named Elly who is forced to work at a camp for overweight kids.  As she starts to connect to the kids, something tragic happens at the camp and sets in motion a series of events that force Elly to change her ways and face her future, and her baby's.

Title:  The Girl Of Fire And Thorns

Author:  Rae Carson

This one is about a princess who is said to be the chosen one, the one who can save her husband, the king's, country.  The king is not the only one who expects something from her.  Enemies with dark magic are after her, as is a young revolutionary who thinks she could save his people.  And she just might start to believe him.

Title:  Where There's A Wolf, There's A Way (Monster High #3)

Author:  Lisi Harrison

This is the third book in the Monster High series by Lisi Harrison (author of The Clique series.)  I have not read it but I have heard very good things about it.  

So what books are you most excited about?

Waiting On Wednesday: Where It Began

Title:  Where It Began
Author:  Ann Redisch Stampler
Release date:  March 5, 2012

Gabby Gardiner wakes up in a hospital bed looking like a cautionary ad for drunk driving and lacking a single memory of the accident that landed her there. What she can remember, in frank and sardonic detail, is the year leading up to the accident.

As she takes us through her transformation from invisible girl to on-trend Girl Who Dates Billy Nash (aka Most Desirable Boy Ever), she is left wondering: Why is Billy suddenly distancing himself from her? What do her classmates know that Gabby herself does not? Who exactly was in the car that night? And why is Gabby left alone to take the fall?

Putting the pieces together will take every ounce of Gabby's strength. As she peels back the layers of her life, she begins to realize that her climb up the status ladder has been as intoxicating as it has been morally complex...and that nothing about her life is what she has imagined it to be.

I first heard about this one back at the Simon & Schuster lunch at BEA and I have been dying to read it ever since.  It reminds me of the book Forget You by Jennifer Echols which is one of my all time favorites.  I really just love all books that deal with memory loss.  =)

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Patch And You Story!

Check out this cool feature for Silence, the third book in the Hush, Hush series.  I am dying to read it!

Possess by Gretchen McNeil

Title:  Possess
Author:  Gretchen McNeil
Release date:  August 23, 2011
Publisher:  Balzer & Bray
Pages:  384
Source:  Publisher

Fifteen-year-old Bridget Liu just wants to be left alone: by her mom, by the cute son of a local police sergeant, and by the eerie voices she can suddenly and inexplicably hear. Unfortunately for Bridget, it turns out the voices are demons – and Bridget has the rare ability to banish them back to whatever hell they came from.

Terrified to tell people about her new power, Bridget confides in a local priest who enlists her help in increasingly dangerous cases of demonic possession. But just as she is starting to come to terms with her new power, Bridget receives a startling message from one of the demons. Now Bridget must unlock the secret to the demons' plan before someone close to her winds up dead – or worse, the human vessel of a demon king.

Possess is an absolutely fantastic debut novel.  It's creepy, funny, suspenseful, and just plain awesome!  Gretchen McNeil is another debut author to add to your list of must read authors.

Bridget is an amazing main character.  She is snarky, sarcastic, kind of shut off from people, and possibly going insane.  That, or the voices she hears could be demons.  I'm not sure which would be worse.  I think Bridget is the main reason I liked this book so much.  She lightened the mood and she made me laugh when I normally would have wanted to scream.  She was also so sweet with her little brother, Sammy.  I loved him.  Another great guy was Matt Quinn, the possible love interest.  He was sweet, funny, and a little overprotective.  I really grew to like him throughout the book.

The plot was very gripping!  From the first page I was hooked and I had no idea how everything would play out.  I was amazed at how perfectly everything tied together in the end but left me with just enough questions to hope for a sequel.  Oh and beware, there are some seriously creepy scenes in this book.  One involves dolls (my personal worst nightmare.)

Overall, Possess is a unique story that really grabbed me and did not let go until the very last sentence.  I cna't wait for more from Gretchen McNeil.

First line:  Bridget stared at the clock on the wall and cursed its painfully slow progress towards three fifteen.

Rating:  A

Cover:  A++

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

Title:  The Near Witch
Author:  Victoria Schwab
Release date:  August 2, 2011
Publisher:  Disney Hyperion
Pages:  288
Source:  Publisher

The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.

If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.

And there are no strangers in the town of Near.

These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life.
But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.

The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.

As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

The Near Witch is one of the few books that I have nothing bad to say about.  From the very first line I was hooked and I was on the edge of my seat until the very last page.  Victoria Schwab's debut novel deserves every word of praise that it has gotten.

Lexi is one of the best main characters I have ever read about.  Her life was not easy but she never let that change her positive outlook on life and people.  She was one of the few people in the town of Near who was not afraid of witches and instead she treated them just like everyone else. She was open-minded, loving, and very brave.  I feel like teenage girls should read this book just to see how a heroine should really act.  Lexi is a role model or she should be.

The rest of the characters were wonderful as well.  Cole was very sweet and caring but he did have a troubled past.  His story was very heartbreaking.  Lexi's little sister, Wren, was fun and bubbly and she helped lighten the mood at times.  Lexi's mom was a little confusing at times, as was Lexi's uncle, Otto, but in the end I liked them both.

As for the plot, I don't want to give anything away but I will say that it was very suspenseful, unique, and creepy at times.  Victoria Schwab's lyrical writing really brought this story to life and I can't wait to see what is next from her.  

Overall, The Near Witch  is a must-read for everyone, boy or girl, young or old.  I'm sure that everyone will find a little something to fall in love with (or a lot, like me).  

First line:  It starts with a crack, a sputter, and a spark.

Rating:  A++

Cover:  A

Cover Reveal: Insurgent by Veronica Roth!

Title:  Insurgent (Divergent #2)

Author:  Veronica Roth

Release date:  May 2012

I know you guys have probably seen this a billion times today but I had to post it.  Divergent is one of my favorite books of this year and I am dying to get my hands on a copy of this book, especially after seeing this AMAZING cover.

What do you guys think?  Love it?  Hate it?

Interview with Mary Ting!

Mary Ting is the author of the young adult book, Crossroads.  Crossroads was released on July 29!

KBB:  Why did you decide to write a novel for young adults?

MT:  I LOVE reading young adult novels. They help me escape everyday stress. The Twilight series was the first young adult books I read. Afterwards, I couldn’t stop reading young adults, especially if they were about angels.  I wrote a story that I would want in a novel: romance, action, a bit of humor and of course the villain.

KBB:  How did you come up with the idea for Crossroads (the place, not the actual book!)?

MT:  The idea came from a dream I had in high school. I had a difficult time coming up with a name of this place where Claudia goes in her dream. This place is a place between life and death so Crossroads sounded like a good name. Also, there is a street name Crossroads on one of the exit sign on the freeway…lol!!! Hmmm…maybe it was a sign…lol!!!

KBB:  Do you have a favorite character from the book? (Mine might be Davin! Hehe)

MT:  I love all my characters. Many of my characters are based on my friends…hehe! Though I don’t like to admit it, Claudia is based off of me. Michael is based off my husband. Claudia’s friend who passes away in a car accident is a true story. My friend had the same first and last name as me and she passed away as I describe it in the book. Patty is also a friend of mine; she’s a social butterfly. Davin’s character is based on my friend who passed away as well. He was loved by many of his friends. Gamma is inspired by my grandmother who passed away. She was one of my inspirations to write this book. It was a way for me to heal her loss. I can go on with the other characters.

KBB:  What is the hardest part of writing, in your opinion?

MT:  The hardest part of writing is which direction I want to take this story. I want to please all my readers but as you know, that is impossible.

KBB:  What do you think makes your novel stand out in today’s market?

MT:  It has a bit of a religious tone, but it doesn’t go so much in detail that it takes away from the story. I was raised as a Catholic and I was very involved in my youth group and because this story starts off from a personal experience, I talk about religion. In some ways, the story is about my life, my first job, first car, camping experience, but too bad no Michael or the alkins…lol!!!

KBB:  For fun: What is one of your favorite YA books that you would recommend?

MT:  It’s hard to recommend books because each to his or her own, but the books I read recently that I enjoyed reading are: Immortal Embrace by Charlotte Blackwell; A Job From Hell from Jaydee Scott; Nicholas by Kathi Barton-not a young adult book; and Marked by Kim Richardson.

KBB:  Thanks so much, Mary!  Crossroads was fabulous and I can't wait for whatever comes next!

Readers, if you would like to know more about Mary Ting or Crossroads you can find her online!

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4388953

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CrossroadsBook

Blog: http://www.marytingbooks.blogspot.com/

Website: http://www.marytingcrossroads.com/

And I will leave you guys with the book trailer!

New Releases: Week of September 15

Title:  After Obsession 

Author:  Carrie Jones and Steven E. Wedel

I love this cover and the Need series by Carrie Jones is one of my favorites so I can't wait to read this one.

Title:  All The Earth, Thrown To The Sky

Author:  Joe R. Lansdale

A road-trip story set in depression-era America with gansters, hoboes, con men, and a carnival wrestler turned bank robber.  What  doesn't sound appealing about that?

Title:  Circle Nine

Author:  Anne Heltzel

This is the story of Abby who wakes up next to a burning building and has no memory of her past.  The only person who does know her story is a boy named Sam.  They decide to start a new life together and everything is good, until Abby starts to remember things.  Sounds pretty intriguing. I love stories where the MC loses their memory.

Title:  Drink, Slay, Love

Author:  Sarah Beth Durst

A story about a vampire who is stabbed through the heart by a unicorn and gains a conscience.  Need I say more?

This is the one I am most excited about!

Title: Every You, Every Me

Author:  David Levithan

David Levithan!  That is all I have to say.  =)

Title:  Fateful

Author:  Claudia Gray

Werewolves on the Titanic?  It might sound stupid but it is absolutely fabulous!

Title:  Frost

Author:  Marianna Baer

Boarding school story with mysterious things going on.  Ghosts, maybe?  Guess I'm going to have to read it to find out.

Title:  Glow

Author:  Amy Kathleen Ryan

A dystopian novel that has been compared to The Hunger Games.  Sounds good to me.  Oh and I really enjoyed Amy Kathleen Ryan's  previous book, Zen and Xander Undone.

Title:  Modelland

Author:  Tyra Banks

I'm not sure what to expect from this one.  It sounds kind of laughable.  A main character named Tookie De La Creme?  Who knows, maybe I will be pleasantly surprised.

Title:  Perfect (Impulse #2)

Author:  Ellen Hopkins

This is a companion novel to Impulse so I'm not sure what it is about but I have heard very good things about Ellen Hopkin's books.  

Title:  So Silver Bright (Theatre Illuminata #3) 

Author:  Lisa Mantchev

This is the final book in the Theatre Illuminata trilogy and I can't wait to find out what happens to Bertie, Nate, and Ariel.

This one gets my vote for best cover of the week!

Title:  Stay With Me

Author:  Paul Griffin

An urban romance about a straight A student who falls in love with a high school dropout.  They make plans for the future but everything changes when Mack makes a terrible mistake and he and Cece can no longer be together. 

Kind of reminds me of Perfect Chemistry, which I love!

Title:  Wisdom's Kiss

Author:  Catherine Gilbert Murdock

The tag line for this one says: A thrilling and romantic adventure, incorporating magic, villainy, and a cat.

Sounds fun!

Title:  You Against Me

Author:  Jenny Downham

When Mikey's sister claims a boy assaulted her, his world begins to fall apart. When Ellie's brother is charged with the offense, her world begins to unravel. When Mikey and Ellie meet, two worlds collide.

Summary straight from Amazon.  I have heard fabulous things about this one.  Can't wait to read it!

Sorry about the super long post.  This week was an amazing week for book releases.  Which one are you most excited about?

Crossroads by Mary Ting

Title:  Crossroads
Author:  Mary Ting
Release date:  July 29, 2011
Publisher:  World Castle
Pages:  315
Source:  Author

Claudia Emerson has a good friend who shares the same first name and last name. That friend unfortunately dies in a tragic accident during homecoming dance. Claudia is distraught at the loss of her friend, but is even more disturbed by her dreams, which seem to take her to another place called Crossroads. Unknown to her, Crossroads is like a second heaven, a place between heaven and earth. It is where the souls of humans in comas or near death experiences may wander. Where, Claudia meets Michael, a nephilim, a half angel, half human, whom she often meets in her dreams. It turns out that this isn’t her first visit to Crossroads, which is an enigma for no human can ever travel there until Claudia.

Now the fallen and demons are after her, suspecting she must be special and it is up to Michael and the other nephilims to protect her. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed, about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most. Can Michael fight his growing feelings for Claudia and protect her as a guardian angel should?

Crossroads is not your typical angel story.  I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I really loved it and I hope that the sequel is just as unique and captivating.

Crossroads is a place between Heaven and Earth where people who are in comas or have had near death experiences go (or at least they do when they are asleep.)  Claudia has never had an experience like that but for some reason she can visit Crossroads.  I couldn't guess why she could visit Crossroads but it was explained eventually. The idea of Crossroads was really interesting and the angels that guarded it were my favorite characters.  I loved Davin.  He was very fun and quirky.  Michael was super romantic and such a sweetheart.  Vivian was someone I would want as a friend and Caleb was shy but by the end of the book I felt like I knew him.

The story itself was the best part of the book. When Claudia crossed over into Crossroads she was marked.  That meant that fallen angels and demons could find her and they were after her.  I never knew when a demon or fallen angel was going to come after Claudia and it made the book very suspenseful.

Overall, Crossroads is a very unique story but it, of course, has its flaws.  I would have liked to see more personality from Michael and a little more bravery from Claudia.  I hope to see some improvements on those few things in the next book.

First line:  There was something different about her this time.

Rating:  B-

Cover:  B

Colorado Book Events!

I know most of you guys don't live in Colorado but I know that a few of you do so I am compiling a list of upcoming young adult book events!  I'll also list next to them whether or not I will be attending! (Click on the author's name to be taken to the signing page with more info.)

Cinda Williams Chima
September 21
7:00 PM
Colfax Avenue Tattered Cover 

Melissa de la Cruz*

September 27

7:00 PM

Highlands Ranch Tattered Cover

Lisa McMann
October 1
3:00 PM
Colfax Avenue Tattered Cover

 Laini Taylor

October 10

6:30 PM

Boulder Book Store

October 11*

7:00 PM

Highlands Ranch Tattered Cover

Claudia Gray, Kiersten White, Amy Garvey, Jocelyn Davies*
October 14
7:00 PM
Highlands Ranch Tattered Cover

Claudia Gray, Kiersten White, Amy Garvey, Jocelyn Davies
October 15
1:00 PM
Boulder Barnes & Noble

Alyson Noel, Alexandra Adornetto, Gabrielle Zevin, Jessica Brody, Mary E. Pearson*

October 6  

7:00 PM

Highlands Ranch Tattered Cover

* means I will be attending!

If you know of any others or would like to meet up at one of these events, comment below or email me!  I love meeting fellow readers!

Blood Promise (Vampire Academy #4) by Richelle Mead

Title:  Blood Promise (Vampire Academy #4)
Author:  Richelle Mead
Release date:  August 25, 2009
Publisher:  Razorbill
Pages:  503
Source:  Bookstore

Rose Hathaway's life will never be the same.

The recent attack on St. Vladimir's Academy devastated the entire Moroi world. Many are dead. And, for the few victims carried off by Strigoi, their fates are even worse. A rare tattoo now adorns Rose's neck, a mark that says she's killed far too many Strigoi to count. But only one victim matters . . . Dimitri Belikov. Rose must now choose one of two very different paths: honoring her life's vow to protect Lissa—her best friend and the last surviving Dragomir princess—or, dropping out of the Academy to strike out on her own and hunt down the man she loves. She'll have to go to the ends of the earth to find Dimitri and keep the promise he begged her to make. But the question is, when the time comes, will he want to be saved?

Now, with everything at stake—and worlds away from St. Vladimir's and her unguarded, vulnerable, and newly rebellious best friend—can Rose find the strength to destroy Dimitri? Or, will she sacrifice herself for a chance at eternal love?

SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't read the first three books in this series, do not read this review!

Okay I lied in my previous reviews.  The Vampire Academy series is a new favorite of mine.  Any series that keeps me up late four nights in a row is an automatic favorite.  I know I'm not going to get any sleep until I finish the last two books.

The ending of that last book was so shocking.  I could not believe all that had happened and I immediately dove into this one to see what was next for Rose, Dimitri, Adrian, Lissa, and Christian.  This book probably held the most surprises out of all, so far.  A lot of new characters are introduced and not all of them are good.  I really did like the new additions though I can't say they compare to the original cast.  Rose is one of my favorite heroines after everything she went through in this book. I also liked the changes in Lissa towards the end.  All the characters have really grown since the first book.

The plot for this one started off slow.  I wasn't immediately hooked like I was in the previous books but it still did not take more than 60 pages for me to be dragged back into the story.  And once again the ending stunned me.  I am so very glad I don't have to wait to start the next book.

Overall, Blood Promise is a fabulous book and like I said, the Vampire Academy series is wonderful.  Definitely check these out if my previous reviews haven't already convinced you to do so.  =)

First line:  Once when I was in ninth grade, I had to write a paper on a poem.

Rating:  A

Cover:  A

Book Buying Ban: September!

This is what my room is starting to look like.  I know most of you don't see that as a bad thing, and really, I don't either but as the piles get bigger, the amount of money in my bank account gets smaller.  Not to mention the stress from having so many books to read. 

I have a problem and I am not afraid to admit it.  I see books that I want and I feel like I have to buy them right at that moment, even though I may not get to read them for months.  (I do have books on my shelves that have been there for over a year!)  

For the month of September (and I know this is a little late) I am limiting myself to only buying books for school or at an author signing.  I am hoping that this lets me read some of the books I already own and I am also hoping that it helps me save a little money.  The holidays are coming up and I want to have enough money to get lots of gifts for everyone.  =)

The reason for this post is just to cement my commitment.  I might need a little help keeping my promise and I am hoping you guys will help me out when I start to waver.  Oh and feel free to join me in this book buying ban. I know I am not the only one out there with this problem (maybe I am but I hope not).  

In My Mailbox 126 (week of September 11)

In my mailbox is a meme created by Kristi at The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at 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:
-The Shattering by Karen Healey
-Anna Dressed In Blood by Kendare Blake
-Beyonders: A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull
-Eye Of The Moon by Dianne Hofmeyr
-Supernaturally (Paranormalcy #2) by Kiersten White
-Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Bought:
-One Grave At A Time (Night Huntress #6) by Jeaniene Frost
-The Darlings Are Forever by Melissa Kantor
-Black Hole Sun by David Macinnis Gill
-The Fallen 3: End Of Days by Thomas Sniegoski
-Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson
-The Hidden (The Hollow #3) by Jessica Verday
-Soul Thief (Demon Trappers #2) by Jana Oliver
-Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
-Isle Of Night: The Watchers by Veronica Wolff
-Department 19 by Will Hill
-Clarity by Kim Harrington
-A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young
-Last Christmas by Kate Brian
-Vengeance by Kate Brian
-Revelation by Kate Brian
-Ambition by Kate Brian
-Legacy by Kate Brian
-Confessions by Kate Brian
-Invitation Only by Kate Brian
-Untouchable by Kate Brian
-Paradise Lost by Kate Brian

First Line Friday (6)

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:  Anna Dressed In Blood
Author:  Kendare Blake
Release date:  August 30, 2011

The grease-slicked hair is a dead giveaway--no pun intended.

Title:  The Faerie Ring
Author:  Kiki Hamilton
Release date:  September 27, 2011

"You wouldn't be here pickin' pockets, would you?"

Title:  Daughter Of Smoke & Bone
Author:  Laini Taylor
Release date:  September 27, 2011

Walking to school over the snow-muffled cobbles, Karou had no sinister premonitions about the day.  It seemed like just another Monday, innocent but for its essential Mondayness, not to mention its Januaryness.  It was cold, and it was dark--in the dead of winter the sun didn't rise until eight--but it was also lovely.  The falling snow and the early hour conspired to paint Prague ghostly, like a tinytype photograph, all silver and haze.

Title:  The Unbecoming Of Mara Dyer
Author:  Michelle Hodkin
Release date:  September 27, 2011

My name is Mara Dyer, but my lawyer told me I had to choose something.  A pseudonym.  A nom de plume, for all of us studying for the SATs.  I know that having a fake name is strange, but trust me--it's the most normal thing about my life right now.  Even telling you this much probably isn't smart.  But without my big mouth, no one would know that a seventeen-year-old who likes Death Cab For Cutie was responsible for the murders.  No one would know that somewhere out there is a B student with a body count.  And it's important that you know, so you're not next.

Title: The Watchers (Isle Of Night #1)
Author:  Veronica Wolff
Release date:  September 6, 2011

I looked around my room for the last time. I was leaving.  Finally.

For good.

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