In My Mailbox 138 (week of December 31)

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:

-Willa from Willa's Ramblings

-Meredith from Mint Tea and A Good Book

-Angela from Reading Angel

-Jasmine from A Room With Books

For review:
-Initiation (Bonfire Academy #1) by Imogen Rose
-Winter's Kiss by Jennifer Echols and Catherine Hapka
-Uglies: Shay's Story by Scott Westerfeld, illustrated by Steven Cummings 
-The Edumacation Of Jay Baker by Jay Clark
-Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey
-The Statistical Probability Of Love At First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
-Fever (Wither #2) by Lauren DeStefano
-Pure (Covenant #2) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
-Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris
-Rivals (The Ivy #3) by Lauren Kunze and Rina Onur
-The Selection by Kiera Cass
-Eve Of Destruction (Dark Eden #2) by Patrick Carman
-The Temptation by Alisa Valdes
-Invisible Sun by David Macinnis Gill 
-Thumped (Bumped #2) by Megan McCafferty
-Social Suicide (Deadly Cool #2) by Gemma Halliday
-Finding Somewhere by Joseph Monninger
-Blood Sun (Danger Zone #3) by David Gilman
-Unleashed (Wolf Springs Chronicles #1) by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie
-The Sharp Time by Mary O'Connell
-Don't Expect Magic by Kathy McCullough
-Extraordinary by Adam Selzer
-The File On Angelyn Stark by Catherine Atkins

Won:
-Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Gifted:

-Private (Private #1) by Kate Brian

-Obsidian (Lux #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

-Touch (Denazen #1) by Jus Accardo

-The Daughters (The Daughters #1) by Joanna Philbin

-The House Of Dead Maids by Clare B. Dunkle

-The Patron Saint Of Butterflies by Cecilia Galante

-Slept Away by Julie Kraut

-Anna And The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins (SIGNED!)

Bloggers' Most Anticipated of 2012 (4)!

This December I am doing an end of the year feature with not only my picks as the most anticipated books of 2012 but also 20 other blogger's picks.  Today I present to you the last 5 awesome bloggers' choices!

My "most anticipated book of 2012" is...
Fever by Lauren DeStefano because I am excited to see what happens to Rhine and how the story will progress further!!

Most Anticipated Book of 2012:

This Is Not a Test by Courtney Summers

It's been a long time since I've read a really good zombie book and this one sounds amazing. Of course, it has the zombie thing going for it, but it's also a totally different zombie concept than I've ever seen. Normally, the main characters is a survivor and will do anything to survive, but that's not the case here, in fact, the main character wants to die. It's definitely one of the most intriguing things I've heard in a while.

Most anticipated of 2012:

It would have been Pure by Jennifer Armentrout but lucky for me, I have already read it and it is AMAZING!! Trust me, you ALL want this book on your wishlists!

So I will have to go with... Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins!

Since Lola was my favorite of this year, I guess it's pretty easy to guess why I would pick Isla as my most anticipated for 2012!!

Most anticipated of 2012:

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

Brightly Woven is about my favorite book out there. Alexandra Bracken managed to capture everything a good fantasy needs, and I just love it. While The Darkest Minds is going to be very different, as it is a dystopian, I am very excited for more from the wonderful Alexandra Bracken.

Mirage by Kristi Cook: Haven by Kristi Cook was one of the very first books I read in 2011, but it stuck with me throughout the rest of the year. I found myself thinking about Violet and Winterhaven long after finishing the book and I'll admit I've read it at least twice since that first reading. It's that good. I am on pins and needles waiting to see what happens in Mirage.

Bloggers' Best Of 2011 (4)!

This December I am doing an end of the year feature with not only my picks as the best books of 2011 but also 20 other blogger's picks.  Today I present to you the last 5 awesome bloggers' choices!

I think Wither by Lauren DeStefano is the "best book of 2011" because I am deeply engrossed and fascinated with polygamous marriages. I really enjoyed this dystopian novel. It also gave me a sense of a historical feeling because of the polygamous marriage between Linden and his three wives. The plot was original. The characters were interesting with unique names.

Wither is a strong, unique, and fascinating debut! Beautifully written! The characters and the story itself will blow you away! A must-read!

Favorite Book of 2011:

Divergent by Veronica Roth
I've read a pitiful amount of books this year, so the pool isn't very large, but this one easily takes the cake. Divergent has it all: kick-a** heroine (who grows into it, which is even more awesome), awesome love interest/romance, fantastic dystopian setting (which answers just enough questions to leave you both satisfied and wanting more), heart-pounding action, and tear-inducing moments.

Best of 2011: Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Such a tough choice, but I had to go with Lola!! I loved Anna and the French Kiss, but Lola went to a whole other level for me. I love her quirkyness, and Cricket is the perfect guy!

My favorite book of 2011, that is a tricky one as I loved so many books. For today, I am going to go with Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton but if you asked me tomorrow if may be A Touch Morbid or Touch of Frost or something entirely different. Angelfire was just so brilliant and it was that action packed awesome book and was completely unique. I am eager for more Courtney Allison Moulton books to come.

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout: This book was without a doubt my favorite of the year for many reasons, but let's just start with one of them: Daemon. I hated him. I loved him. I understood him. Did I mention I loved him? And Katy, well, she's so very easy to connect with. What book blogger doesn't? This book made me want to hug it and take it on a date and maybe read it over and over until the sequel comes out. That's totally normal right? Right.

Ashes (Ashes #1) by Ilsa J. Bick

Title: Ashes (Ashes #1)
Author: Ilsa J. Bick
Release date: September 6, 2011
Publisher: Egmont USA
Pages: 480
Source: Boulder Book Store

It could happen tomorrow . . .

An electromagnetic pulse flashes across the sky, destroying every electronic device, wiping out every computerized system, and killing billions.

Alex hiked into the woods to say good-bye to her dead parents and her personal demons. Now desperate to find out what happened after the pulse crushes her to the ground, Alex meets up with Tom—a young soldier—and Ellie, a girl whose grandfather was killed by the EMP.

For this improvised family and the others who are spared, it’s now a question of who can be trusted and who is no longer human.

Ashes is a dark and gritty tale of a world gone mad.  Ilsa J. Bick does not shy away from anything and while at times it seems overwhelming, in the end it all adds up to a fabulous book.

Ashes packs a punch from the very beginning.  It is full of action, suspense, and tons of terrifying revelations about what happens when there aren't enough resources for everyone.  It is full of death, destruction, and a quite a few gory surprises.  The scariest thing about Ashes is how realistic it is.  It is startling to think that this could happen sometime in the very near future.

Every character, even the ones with the smallest roles, are three-dimensional and wonderfully well-rounded.  Alex, the main character, is full of spunk, fight, and quite a few snarky comments.  Ellie, one of the first characters you meet after Alex, is a breath of fresh air in the gloomy atmosphere of post-EMP United States. Even through the toughest times she lightens the moods and brings out Alex's sweeter side.  Tom is my favorite character because I think everyone can relate to him in some way.  He is very real and steady.  No matter what, I think everyone can find someone to relate to in Ashes.

Overall, Ashes is one of the most gripping stories that I have read in a long time.  This trilogy is one to watch out for.  It holds a lot of potential.  If the following books are anything like this one, Ilsa J. Bick can expect to have a lot of engrossed fans.

Rating:  A

Most Anticipated 12 of 2012!

2012 is going to be a seriously awesome year for books, I just know it.  Today I am going to share with you 12 books that I think are going to be the most awesome.

(Click on titles to be taken to Goodreads page.)

#1 Enshadowed (Nevermore #2) by Kelly Creagh

I have been dying to read this book ever since I finished Nevermore last year.  I was so upset that they pushed the release date back.  August cannot get here fast enough!

#2 Fever (Chemical Garden #2) by Lauren DeStefano

I loved Wither and the ending wasn't a total cliffhanger but it definitely left me wanting more.  Luckily this one will be out in February so I don't have to wait much longer.

#3 Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

Divergent was another favorite of mine for 2011.  The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger so I can't wait to see what happens next.  Plus, I love Tris and Four!

#4 Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

This one is a debut novel and it sounds totally fabulous.  I love the cover and the tag line and just everything about this one.  It's a bonus that it qualifies for the 2012 YA Contemporary Challenge.

#5 If I Lie by Corrine Jackson

I seem to be really big on military themed books.  This one sounds totally unique and interesting.  I can't wait to read it.

#6 In Honor by Jessi Kirby

Like I said, I'm big on military themed books.  This one is especially my style because it involves a road trip too!  Jessi Kirby's debut novel, Moonglass, was great and in my opinion, this one looks even better!

#7 Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

I loved Morgan Matson's debut novel, Amy & Roger's Epic Detour, so I am very excited to read this one.  It sounds super cute!

#8 My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

2012 looks like it is going to be a great year for contemporary novels and this one is one of those that is very high on my wishlist.  It looks super cute and fun with a hint of some more serious stuff.

#9 Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

Article 5 looks like it is going to be an awesome dystopian.  I have already read some great reviews for it.  It seems like it will be unique enough that I won't have read something like it already.

#10 Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

ROBIN HOOD!  Need I say more?

#11 Shadows Cast By Stars by Catherine Knutsson

This is another debut novel and it sounds so totally original.  I can't help but want to read it.  The cover is also completely gorgeous!

#12 Touching The Surface by Kimberly Sabatini

This is another one that sounds very unique.  I love the books that backtrack and show things that have happened in the past.  =)

What about you guys?  What books made your most anticipated lists?

Top 11 of 2011!

2011 was an amazing book year.  I can't tell you guys how many fabulous books I read.  Sadly, I had to narrow my selections down to 11 books but I still got to include a bunch of my favorites.  =)

(Books in no order) (Titles link to my reviews)

#1: Daughter Of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

I loved everything about this book.  It is probably one of my top 5 books of all time. It really is that great!  

#2 A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

This book is unlike any other book I have read.  I loved how unique it was and I was hooked as soon as I started reading this book.  I can't wait for the sequel!

#3 Blood Red Road by Moira Young

Dystopian books are quickly becoming some of my favorites and this one is no exception.  I didn't think I would like this book at first but by the end I absolutely adored it.

#4 Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

I thought this book was a joke at first but as soon as I found out it wasn't, I had to check it out.  Futuristic steampunk zombie romance.  What else do I need to say?

#5 Divergent by Veronica Roth

Ahh!  I loved this book so much!  Definitely one of my favorite dystopian books.  It was so unique and addicting!  I don't think I set this book down once.  I have had the urge to re-read this one multiple times and I think I am going to have to cave soon and read it again.

Oh, I forgot to mention one thing: FOUR!  =)

#6 Enclave by Ann Aguirre

This is one of the creepiest, darkest, dystopians I have read.  Needless to say, I loved it!  This one is not for the easily creeped out!  =)

#7 Lola And The Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

I loved Anna And The French Kiss and I really didn't think anything else could top it but I was so wrong.  Lola And The Boy Next Door is even better!  It is one of my top 10 contemporary books of all time!  I love Cricket and Lola!

#8 Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

This seemed to be one of the love it or hate it books of 2011.  I am in the love it category!  Taherah Mafi's writing style was so unique and beautiful.  The characters completely blew me away.  Oh and there was an awesome shower scene. Enough said.  =)

#9 The Probability Of Miracles by Wendy Wunder

This book took me from laughing to crying and back again so many times.  I can't even put into words how much I loved it.

#10 The Unbecoming Of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

This one is another one of those love it or hate it books.  I obviously loved it.  It was very unique.  The story was great, the characters were fabulous, and the ending was killer!  Can't wait for the sequel!

#11 Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Now this was one unique dystopian.  Girls only living til the age of 20,girls being sold into polygamous marriages, hot servant boys, what more could you want?  Lauren DeStefano's debut novel was definitely a hit with me!

What do you guys think?  Did any of these make your fave of 2011 list?

Kiss Of Frost (Mythos Academy #2) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Kiss Of Frost
Author: Jennifer Estep
Release date: November 29, 2011
Publisher: Kensington Teen
Pages: 354
Source: Publisher

Logan Quinn was try­ing to kill me. My Spar­tan class­mate relent­lessly pur­sued me, swing­ing his sword at me over and over again, the shin­ing sil­ver blade inch­ing closer to my throat every time. A smile tugged up his lips, and his ice-blue eyes prac­ti­cally glowed with the thrill of battle...

I’m Gwen Frost, a second-year warrior-in-training at Mythos Acad­emy, and I have no idea how I’m going to sur­vive the rest of the semes­ter. One day, I’m get­ting schooled in sword­play by the guy who broke my heart—the drop-dead gor­geous Logan who slays me every time. Then, an invis­i­ble archer in the Library of Antiq­ui­ties decides to use me for tar­get prac­tice. And now, I find out that some­one at the acad­emy is really a Reaper bad guy who wants me dead. I’m afraid if I don’t learn how to live by the sword—with Logan’s help—I just might die by the sword...

SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't read the first book, Touch Of Frost, this review will contain spoilers.

A couple months ago I read Touch Of Frost and enjoyed it.  Kiss Of Frost was so much better!  I adored this book!  Everything about this book was awesome and I can tell that I am going to love this series.

Gwen has changed very little since the end of the first book.  She is still in love with Logan, still totally uncoordinated, and still very bad with weapons.  On the other hand, her magic is growing and she is learning new ways to use it.  Logan hasn't changed much either.  He is still with Savannah and still totally crushing on Gwen.  He did change a little throughout the book though and I liked him better after that. Daphne and Carson were still their fun, quirky selves.  Oliver is a new character and I liked him a lot (after I got past his BIG flaws.)

The plot was a lot more fast-paced than the first one.  Things picked up very early on and I had a hard time putting this book down.  In fact, the only time I did put it down was when I had to eat dinner.  Nothing else was important enough to pull me away from this book.  It was full of action, suspense, and some romance.  =)

Overall, Kiss Of Frost exceeded my expectations.  If you haven't picked this one up yet, do it now!  You won't regret it.

Rating: A

Wrapping Up 2011 Readathon Update #1!

So I started the readathon on Thursday and I have been doing a lot of reading.  

-Read Gone by Michael Grant

-Finished Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

-Read Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

-Read In The Forests Of The Night by Kersten Hamilton

-Read Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst

Now I am just debating on what I should read next.  How have you guys been doing?

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!  Hope your day is filled with family, fun, and food!

Bloggers' Most Anticipated of 2012 (3)!

This December I am doing an end of the year feature with not only my picks as the most anticipated books of 2012 but also 20 other blogger's picks.  Today I present to you 5 more awesome bloggers' choices!

2012 Want: Something Like Normal by Trish Doller. Not only is this one male POV, but it's got what is sure to be a broken and make Kari want to hug him and hit him and put him back together kind of character. This one sounds gritty and intense, and I absolutely cannot wait.

Most anticipated book of 2012 - Shadows Cast by Stars by Catherine Knutsson. I'm a sucker for a great adventure and the cover and synopsis of this title oozes it. I love the cover, I love dystopians and I love the concept of the novel. And did I mention that I love the cover? It's so gorgeous that it's hard to not be anxious to read this one!

2012 Release:

Fever by Lauren Destefano

Reason:

Because Wither was Amazing. Strong characters, a twisted plot and one heck of an ending. I cannot wait to start part 2 of this series. Very much anticipating this book!

Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock.  Werewolves combined with strong suspense. This one looks amazing!

Most anticipated of 2012: The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth, because by the synopsis the story deals with a very controversial topic in today's world and it looks like a good contemporary read.

Bloggers' Best Of 2011 (3)!

This December I am doing an end of the year feature with not only my picks as the best books of 2011 but also 20 other blogger's picks.  Today I present to you 5 more awesome bloggers' choices!

Favorite of 2011: Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma. This is one of those books where sure, you can predict some of what's coming, but that's because you're meant to, because it's not the focus. But this book has astounding characterization, a phenomenal story, and the writing blew me away.

Favorite book of 2011 - Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. Laini Taylor struck literary gold when she wrote this book. Not only is this my favorite book of 2011, but it is, without a doubt, one of my top three favorite books of all time. With it's dark, gritty world, imaginative characters, inventive plot, enchanting romance and a dash of oddness that rivals some of the work of Tim Burton.

2011 #1 for me is:

A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

Reason:

While reading this book I had so many emotions. With a very remarkable set of characters. Charlotte was so strong & determined. Embracing her destiny, doing what she needed to do. Harlin, was such a great male role. As Charlotte's boyfriend. He was loving. Understanding. And above anything gorgeous. His heart was made for Charlotte. Even though the ending was heartbreaking. I felt SO amazing after reading this book. It will always have a place in my heart.

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab. This book has stayed with me over the many months since I read it. It has such haunting paranormal elements and it has a strong message about fear and ignorance.

Best book of 2011: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, because the author has given the characters such a strong voice in the story.

Wrapping Up 2011 Readathon!

Today was day one of the Wrapping Up 2011 Readathon hosted by Remarkable Reads.  I do have quite a few things going on these last few days of 2011 but I am hoping to get quite a bit of reading done in between.

Day one:

-read Gone by Michael Grant

-started Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

So I'm off to a pretty good start since Gone is over 500 pages.  Hopefully it won't take me long to read Shade!  =)

The Future Of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

Title: The Future Of Us
Author: Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler
Release date: November 21, 2011
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 356
Source: BEA

It's 1996, and Josh and Emma have been neighbors their whole lives. They've been best friends almost as long - at least, up until last November, when Josh did something that changed everything. Things have been weird between them ever since, but when Josh's family gets a free AOL CD in the mail,his mom makes him bring it over so that Emma can install it on her new computer. When they sign on, they're automatically logged onto their Facebook pages. But Facebook hasn't been invented yet. And they're looking at themselves fifteen years in the future.

By refreshing their pages, they learn that making different decisions now will affect the outcome of their lives later. And as they grapple with the ups and downs of what their futures hold, they're forced to confront what they're doing right - and wrong - in the present.

The Future Of Us is a cute, fun read with a little bit of a deeper meaning. Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler are an amazing duo and I greatly enjoyed their novel.  It definitely met my expectations.

The Future Of Us is set in 1996.  At that time I was 5 years old so I was a little worried that some of the 90's references would be over my head but that certainly wasn't the case.  I grew up with a lot of the things mentioned in the book (like The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air) so I loved reading about them.  It made the book more fun and their were times when I couldn't help but laugh.

Emma and Josh are your typical teenagers no matter that they don't have cell phones, ipods, and all that.  They like to party, they worry about their futures, they have great friends, and they might be falling for each other. They were quite a pair and I really did like them both.  Emma was a little more obsessed with her future and she annoyed me at times but I also liked that she was a very take-charge kind of girl.  Josh was cute, funny, sweet, and a bit of a dork.  Definitely not your perfect guy but perfect in his own way.

Overall, The Future Of Us is a great book.  It was a quick read and very fun.  Definitely a good book to have for a rainy day!

Rating: B+

Cover Reveal: Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truit

Chosen Ones is the first book in a new dystopian series coming from Entangled Publishing in April 2012.

What if you were mankind’s last chance at survival?

Sixteen-year-old Tess lives in a compound in what was once the Western United States, now decimated after a devastating fourth World War. But long before that, life as we knew it had been irrevocably changed, as women mysteriously lost the ability to bring forth life. Faced with the extinction of the human race, the government began the Council of Creators, meant to search out alternative methods of creating life. The resulting artificial human beings, or Chosen Ones, were extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.

Life is bleak, but uncomplicated for Tess as she follows the rigid rules of her dystopian society, until the day she begins work at Templeton, the training facility for newly created Chosen Ones. There, she meets James, a Chosen One whose odd love of music and reading rivals only her own. The attraction between the two is immediate in its intensity—and overwhelming in its danger.

But there is more to the goings-on at Templeton than Tess ever knew, and as the veil is lifted from her eyes, she uncovers a dark underground movement bent not on taking down the Chosen Ones, but the Council itself. Will Tess be able to stand up to those who would oppress her, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life?

What do you think?  Personally, I love it.  It is very eye catching.  I really like the fonts used and the tag line beneath the title. I can't wait to read the book.