Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Favorite Characters In Fantasy

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created over at The Broke and the Bookish.  This feature was crated because they're particularly fond of lists at The Broke and the Bookish (and who isn't?).  They're all about creating new lists including a little bit of everything and I've been meaning to participate for so long but always seemed to get behind.  I've decided that's going to chance in the new year.  So here we are and hopefully you'll head over to their page and check out what everyone else put up for this week's Top Ten.

There are too many characters out there to possibly include all my favorites in a list limited to ten but in nor particular order I've listed a few below with the disclaimer that many have been left out.  It was even difficult to stick to just one genre but I did my best, and here they are...

Favorite Character Pick #1:  James - Cassandra Clare's The Internal Devices series

He's kind, mysterious, beautiful, and welcoming.  When Tessa was thrust into this crazy new reality she wasn't prepared for, James was there as an understanding buffer.  With the love triangle forming I couldn't help but get on his team and cross my fingers that she would end up with him.

Favorite Character Pick #2:  Yelena - Maria V. Snyder's Study series

While I love each and every one of Snyder's characters I had no choice by to choose Yelena.  She's got everything a female lead should have in my opinion.  She's strong, tenacious, witty and sharp, kind and honorable.  The list goes on and on.  She found herself in a bad situation that was not her fault but she didn't give up; in fact she prospered.

Favorite Character Pick #3:  Kaleb - Myra McEntire's Hourglass series

Here we have a truly pure heart and soul.  He might not seem like the type at first, but this was a character dealing with more than anyone should ever have to, and yet still tried not to put those burdens he was carrying onto anyone else.  He did his best to keep it hidden for purely selfless reasons and make it appear as if everything was fine.  But sometimes too much is too much.  He eventually reached out (reluctantly) and leaned on his friends.  It was a journey I enjoyed as a reader and would love to see more of his character in the future.

Favorite Character Pick #4:  Stark - P.C Cast & Kristin Cast's House of Night series

Stark was a breath of fresh air in the guy department for this series.  The love triangle had lost me quite frankly.  I wasn't rooting for either of the guys that were currently vying for Zoe's attention and then in walks Stark and I was hooked on the series all over again!  With a huge heart and a real protective streak where Zoe is concerned it was hard not to take a serious liking to his character.  He could do no wrong in my opinion even when things went horribly wrong for him.

Favorite Character Pick #5:  Sykes - Ednah Walters' The Guardian Legacy series

He's the funny guy!  He adds humor whenever he can and loves riling everyone up.  He keeps the situations light whenever possible, but also has many layers to him beyond his sense of humor.  Basically he's the guy you want to have around.  He's fiercely loyal to his friends and family and equally protective of them as well.  He's hard not to like...end of story.

Favorite Character Pick #6:  Miranda - Shelley Workinger's Solid series

The "mean" girl you can't help but kind of like.  In the beginning she was firmly in the box of characters that I didn't like.  Slowly but surely she won me over just as she did with the rest of the group in the series.  You just had to let her in and take her for what she was.  She kept an interesting dynamic in the group and never let the dialogue get too stagnant.  Miranda was always sure to keep things real.

Favorite Character Pick #7:  The Erlking - Jenna Black's Faeriewalker series

I know he was the "bad" guy in the series but there was more to him than that.  He was without a doubt complicated and had a lot of secrets.  I wanted to get to know him as a reader and was hoping Black would give her readers that opportunity.  When all was said and done I couldn't help but sympathize with him.  He may not be a knight in shining armor but he became a favorite of mine regardless.

Favorite Character Pick #8:  Four - Veronica Roth's Divergent series

He might go by the name Four in the series but he was my number one!  I loved how Roth allowed her readers to get to know his character right along with Tris.  He was so mysterious and hard to read but at the same time interesting to watch as the story progressed and the two came together.

Favorite Character Pick #9:  Anna - Wendy Higgins' Sweet Trilogy

How she handled the drastic reality shift she was dealt is beyond me.  Higgins developed her character in a way that had me as a reader sympathizing with her from the very first chapter.  By the end of the first book my heart was pretty much breaking for her and yet Higgins kept her strong and optimistic.  How could readers not want to see and learn more about her?

Favorite Character Pick #10:  Zoe - Heather Anastasiu's Glitch series

Can you say fighter?  This was one smart and fiercely brave character who refused to take things lying down.  She stood up to the authorities, fought for what she believed to be right and just and did everything she could to help others as well.  She wasn't content to get just herself out to safety, but wanted to try and help as many others as possible.  How could you not respect and like a character like that?  I couldn't resist.

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Most Frustrating Characters Ever

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created over at The Broke and the Bookish.  This feature was created because they're particularly fond of lists at The Broke and the Bookish (and who isn't?). They're all about creating new lists including a little bit of everything and I've been meaning to participate for so long but always seemed to get behind.  So here we are and hopefully you'll head over to their page and check out what everyone else put up for this week's Top Ten.

Where to begin?  Just kidding.  But I think we can all agree that from time to time we wish we could knock some sense into a character here or there, or at least be able to give them some of our opinions and advice.  Most of my frustration admittedly seems to revolve around female characters not going straight for the male characters I think they belong with, but not all.  Here are a few of mine.

Top Ten Most Frustrating Character #1:  Celaena - Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1) by Sarah J. Maas

It burns me up when female characters don't go for the male characters (see I told you) I think are perfect for them.  I know best right?  Just kidding, but the frustration is there no matter what, and Celaena was one of those female leads.

Top Ten Most Frustrating Character #2:  Drew - The Watchers series by Veronica Wolff

In Drew's case she not only gravitated towards the "wrong" guys in my opinion, but she ignored the sound advice given to her by trusted friends.  She's impulsive, aggressive and brave; all things I both love about her and what frustrates me to no end.

Top Ten Most Frustrating Character #3:  Trella - Insider series by Maria V. Snyder

No trust!  I get that her character doesn't live in Utopia and is without a lot of friends, but come on.   I realize her character adapted over time and will continue to do so (or at least I hope she will) but at times I wanted to rush the process along a bit faster for my benefit.

Top Ten Most Frustrating Character #4:  Four - Divergent series by Veronica Roth

Too passive aggressive for my nerves.  Watching and observing and a heck of a lot of waiting and the suspense was killing me.  I think it's because Roth made his character so unique.  He was mysterious, surprisingly kind at unexpected moments, complex at others, readers couldn't help but want him to break out of his concealing shell so that we could figure him out for ourselves.

Top Ten Most Frustrating Character #5:  Kylie - Shadow Falls series by C.C. Hunter

Pick Derek!  Please pick Derek!  I don't always go towards the "nice guys" but in Derek's case I do.  He's literature romantic perfection and I'm on his team all the way.  If C.C. Hunter wants to make me happy (because I'm sure that's her goal) than she'll have Kylie and Derek getting their happily ever after.

Top Ten Most Frustrating Character #6:  Clio - Solid series by Shelley Workinger

Big mistake made...almost cost her big time.  Without throwing spoilers into the mix all I can say is that when characters have a good thing going for them, why must they do something they know will screw things up  I realize I'm talking as if the characters are make the decisions for themselves and not the authors, but it's the same concept.  Workinger had me very sad a time or two with the decisions she had Clio making.

Top Ten Most Frustrating Character #7:  King Tohon - Healer series by Maria V. Snyder

Leave Avry alone!  This guy is no good and while that makes him a perfect villain, it frustrates me by leaps and bounds.  He's relentless, smart and cunning, tenacious and out for blood and domination.  He's not going to settle for less than everything so I'm waiting for someone to stop him...hopefully very soon.

Top Ten Most Frustrating Character #8:  Artemis - Artemis Lupine series by Catherine Banks

Each book in the series gave me new frustrations revolving around her character.  Her lack of acceptance, her stubborn streak, and her indecision, you name it and it bugged me at one point or another.

Top Ten Most Frustrating Character #9:  Lacey - The Crescent series by Jordan Deen

Stay away from Alex and go with Brandon.  it's very simple...in fact Deen made it her character's actual destiny by making them mates and she still dug in her heels!  It drove me up the wall and made me want to shake her repeatedly.  I'll admit that she finally came around but it sure seemed like she took her good old time getting there.

Top Ten Most Frustrating Character #10:  Katsa - Graceling series by Kristin Cashore

I get it, I really do.  She had it more than tough growing up, but when it takes characters too long to take down their emotional walls it makes me anxious.  readers end up wanting to help these characters and obviously that's not possible due to the fact that they're fictional of course.  This is where the anxiety turns into frustration.

Guest Post: Author Shelley Workinger

Books:

Solid (Solid, #1)
Settling (Solid, #2)
Sound (Solid, #3)

I always assumed that my next book after the SOLID series would be one of the two ideas that’ve been nagging at me for years now: a ghost story involving a football team or a horror piece about bugs. Yes, seriously! I know either of those would be a huge departure from the fun YA fiction route I’ve been on, but creativity is truly an untamable beast. ;)

And, of course, when the time came for me to sit down and actually flesh out my next outline, even more new ideas showed up at the party! These latecomers are a pushy bunch, so those two above-mentioned ideas are being tabled yet again in favor of one of the 3 titles below. The good thing is, I am equally excited about all of them, so I’m looking for some reader input on which to pursue first. Thanks in advance for your opinions!


1. FEEL

In the future, all sensation has been eliminated. People no longer feel pleasure or pain…or anything at all. No one knows this better than Ben, who’s passed the last several months without shedding a single tear of grief over the loss of this mother, not one of joy for graduating at the top of his class.

But all of that changes when he glimpses a wild-eyed girl in the shadows on his way to work and something stirs inside him for the very first time. Without thinking, he jumps out the back door of the subway car and follows her to an underground world where any sensation can be bought…for a price.


2. SUNBORN

Solomon was, is, and will most likely forever be the only child ever born on the sun. Or rather, in the sun. After all, the volunteers for the sun pod knew full well that, unlike with the planetary colonies, they would only be able to get in through the sun’s atmosphere, not back out.

Now 13 years old, Sol actually has a pretty great life; his parents (who never thought they could be parents) adore him, as do all of the other adults in the colony, and he has everything he needs – perhaps even more than most as everyone tries to compensate for his only-ness. But Sol’s tired of only seeing other kids through the school tran, as well as hearing their stories of vacations across the solar system that literally revolves around him but that he can’t experience. He’s determined to find a way out of the sun and into the universe, even if he’s the only who believes it’s possible.


3. SPLIT

Yes, I know I said I was closing out the SOLID series in 3 books. And I fully intended to; I really did! But as I fleshed out the third book (SOUND), I realized there was no way to organically tie up all of the loose ends and answer all of the questions and, as a reader, that kills me. So I’m beginning to formulate the idea of one more book (just one, I promise!) that both tells what happens to Clio and friends after they’ve left the compound, as well as going back and telling the backstory of Dr. Heigl and the genetic experiment. The best way I can think of to do both is to alternate chapters between past and future; splitting the stories and literally splitting the book.


So what do YOU think? Which would you most like to see on the shelves next?

Thanks so much for stopping by Shelley!  I know I got excited about each of these ideas, but most especially when I heard that there would possibly be a fourth book in the Solid series!  I can't wait to hear what happened to Clio and the rest of the gang after they left the compound.  If you guys want to find out more of Shelley and her Solid series, as well as stay up to date on what's to come, check out the links below, and once again thanks for stopping by!

Shelley:

Twitter
Facebook
Blog
Goodreads
The Solid Series

In My Mailbox (71)

This is a meme that I first heard about from Kristi over at The Story Siren and immediately wanted to jump on board. I'm always picking up new books, because I never tire of reading, but the other thing I like about this meme is that it gives everyone an opportunity to check out what other book fanatics, bloggers, etc... got for themselves. I've gotten great recommendations from this meme and hope that keeps up in the future.

Here's what I got, what did you guys get this week? 

 

For Review:

Sound (Solid, #3) by Shelley Workinger (Thanks to Shelley)

Clio Kaid's had one crazy summer.

After learning she was one of a hundred teens who were genetically modified before birth, she and the others departed for "camp" at a classified military site.

Besides discovering her own special ability, uncovering a conspiracy, and capturing a killer, she's also forged new friendships, found love, and managed to lose them both.

With no answers and the end of summer closing in, Clio's terrified of going home more lost than when she arrived.

Will she finally find everything she's been looking for?

Find out in this exciting conclusion to the Solid trilogy.

Hallowed (Unearthly, #2) by Cynthia Hand 

For months Clara Gardner trained to face the fire from her visions, but she wasn't prepared for the choice she had to make that day. And in the aftermath, she discovered that nothing about being part angel is as straightforward as she thought.

Now, torn between her love for Tucker and her complicated feelings about the roles she and Christian seem destined to play in a world that is both dangerous and beautiful, Clara struggles with a shocking revelation: Someone she loves will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

In this compelling sequel to "Unearthly," Cynthia Hand captures the joy of first love, the anguish of loss, and the confusion of becoming who you are.

Everneath (Everneath, #1) by Brodi Ashton

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath. Now she's returned--to her old life, her family, her boyfriend--before she's banished back to the underworld . . . this time forever. She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these precious months forgetting the Everneath and trying to reconnect with her boyfriend, Jack, the person most devastated by her disappearance--and the one person she loves more than anything. But there's just one problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who enticed her to the Everneath in the first place, has followed Nikki home. Cole wants to take over the throne in the underworld and is convinced Nikki is the key to making it happen. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back, this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time on the Surface draws to a close and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she is forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's queen.

"Everneath" is a captivating story of love, loss, and immortality from debut author Brodi Ashton.

Review: Sound (Solid, #3) by Shelley Workinger

Clio Kaid's had one crazy summer.

After learning she was one of a hundred teens who were genetically modified before birth, she and the others departed for "camp" at a classified military site.

Besides discovering her own special ability, uncovering a conspiracy, and capturing a killer, she's also forged new friendships, found love, and managed to lose them both.

With no answers and the end of summer closing in, Clio's terrified of going home more lost than when she arrived.

Will she finally find everything she's been looking for?

Find out in this exciting conclusion to the Solid trilogy.

Attention readers looking for new titles to add to your Holiday wishlists...I can do one better....I say mark down this whole series and I promise unwrapping it will only be the beginning of the all holiday fun you'll have!

I was lucky enough to get the chance to read and review all three books in Workinger's Solid series and I have to say that each installment was better than the last, and all were super fun and exciting reads.  Workinger first drew me in with her unique and out of the ordinary plot.  I was in the mood for something different, not just another mainstream paranormal romance, or dystopian series.  Don't get me wrong, I love those as well, but every once in a while a reader needs to cleanse their reading "pallet" so to speak, and this series was exactly what I was looking for to help me do just that.

Workinger's writing style makes it easy for readers to follow her pace and fly through the pages without skipping a beat.  I found myself finishing each of the three installments in the series within a day or two tops!  Her characters are hard to resist and her storylines are suspenseful and exciting...not an easy combination to put down.  Give this book and the first two installments in the Solid series a shot and I don't see you regretting it in the slightest.  I highly recommend picking up not just the series opener, but going ahead and purchasing all three books in the trilogy because once you start reading you won't want to stop, and who wants to waste time having to go to the store, right?

All in all, Sound was a great wrap up for the series, and with everything that Workinger delivered with this series, I'm more than a little curious to see what she comes up with in the future.  I'll definitely be on the lookout for more of her work, and I know without a doubt that I'm not the only one!

I gave Sound (Solid, #3) 4 shamrocks!!!!

Review: Settling (Solid, #2) by Shelley Workinger

At the beginning of the summer, Clio Kaid was one of a hundred teens brought to a secret Army installation. But it was no ordinary camp and they weren’t ordinary kids…

Picking up where “Solid” left off, Clio and her friends realize that they aren’t ready to go home; they’re determined to stay on campus and continue their journey of self- discovery. But someone doesn’t feel the same way and will do anything to drive them away – even kill.

Friendships will be tested, abilities will evolve, and more secrets will come out as the teens race to stop the killer before he sets his sights on one of them…

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I really enjoy Workinger's writing style. Her Solid series turned me into a fan with her first installment and her second installment showed me that she's not a one hit wonder. Her series continued to excite me and keep me enjoying each and every page. Well that is, until the end.

I have to say that I didn't see the end of this installment coming. I wasn't sure how things would play out and I thoroughly enjoyed not knowing what was going to come next for Clio and her friends at camp, but I'm not sure I was ready for the twists that Workinger threw into the mix. Clio and her friends were of course doing their best after everything that happened to get into a routine and continue digging for some new information or ways to expose some new findings on their genetic mishaps. Throughout the whole adventure I was crossing my fingers for each of them and feeling very sympathetic towards what they were going through. I think it's the case in which most of the time readers find authors are ill content to let things coast for their characters. New information usually brings chaos with it, but what fun is there in reading the same old people having a perfectly easy time and just floating by. I get that it would make for a somewhat boring book. But sometimes I just want the characters to catch a break, right?

I'm not sure what Workinger has in store for her characters in her third installment for the series, but hopefully they'll have another chance to continue fixing things at camp and working hard to discover any helpful information that would lead them to answers regarding their pasts and their futures.

I gave Settling (Solid, #2) 3 shamrocks!!!!

In My Mailbox (43)

This is a meme that I first heard about from Kristi over at The Story Siren and immediately wanted to jump on board. I'm always picking up new books, because I never tire of reading, but the other thing I like about this meme is that it gives everyone an opportunity to check out what other book fanatics, bloggers, etc... got for themselves. I've gotten great recommendations from this meme and hope that keeps up in the future.

Here's what I got, what did you guys get this week?

For Review:

Take A Bow by Elizabeth Eulburg (Thanks to Point Publishing)

From the fantastic author of The Lonely Hearts Club and Prom & Prejudice comes a story of all the drama and comedy of four friends who grow into themselves at a performing arts high school.

Emme, Sophie, Ethan, and Carter are seniors at a performing arts school, getting ready for their Senior Showcase recital, where the pressure is on to appeal to colleges, dance academies, and professionals in show business. For Sophie, a singer, it's been great to be friends with Emme, who composes songs for her, and to date Carter, soap opera heartthrob who gets plenty of press coverage. Emme and Ethan have been in a band together through all four years of school, but wonder if they could be more than just friends and bandmates. Carter has been acting since he was a baby, and isn't sure how to admit that he'd rather paint than perform. The Senior Showcase is going to make or break each of the four, in a funny, touching, spectacular finale that only Elizabeth Eulberg could perform.

Settling (Solid, #2) by Shelley Workinger (Thanks to Shelley)

At the beginning of the summer, Clio Kaid was one of a hundred teens brought to a secret Army installation. But it was no ordinary camp and they weren’t ordinary kids…

Picking up where “Solid” left off, Clio and her friends realize that they aren’t ready to go home; they’re determined to stay on campus and continue their journey of self- discovery. But someone doesn’t feel the same way and will do anything to drive them away – even kill.

Friendships will be tested, abilities will evolve, and more secrets will come out as the teens race to stop the killer before he sets his sights on one of them…

Where It Began by Ann Stampler (Thanks to Simon Pulse Publishing)

Sometimes the end is just the beginning.

Gabby lived under the radar until her makeover. Way under. But when she started her senior year as a blonder, better-dressed version of herself, she struck gold: Billy Nash believed she was a the flawless girl she was pretending to be. The next eight months with Billy were bliss...Until the night Gabby woke up on the ground next to the remains of his BMW without a single memory of how she got there.

And Billy's nowhere to be found.

All Gabby wants is to make everything perfect again. But getting her life back isn't difficult, it's impossible. Because nothing is the same, and Gabby's beginning to realize she's missed more than a few danger signs along the way.

It's time for Gabby to face the truth, even if it means everything changes.

Especially if it means everything changes.

Angel Eyes (Angel Eyes Trilogy, #1) by Shannon Dittemore (Thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction)

Once you’ve seen, you can’t unsee. Everything changes when you’ve looked at the world through . . .

ANGEL EYES

Brielle’s a ballerina who went to the city to chase her dreams and found tragedy instead. She’s come home to shabby little Stratus, Oregon, to live with her grief and her guilt . . . and the incredible, numbing cold she can’t seem to shake.

Jake’s the new guy at school. The boy next door with burning hands and an unbelievable gift that targets him for corruption.

Something more than fate has brought them together. An evil bigger than both of them lurks in the shadows nearby, hiding in plain sight. Two angels stand guard, unsure what’s going to happen. And a beauty brighter than Jake or Brielle has ever seen is calling them to join the battle in a realm where all human choices start.

A realm that only angels and demons—and Brielle—can perceive.

New Finds (6)

Yep I'm back with another round of new finds. I couldn't possibly have kept it at one post this week. There were just too many that I've come across lately that I'm still shocked to have missed right when they first hit the shelves. There are always going to be fabulous books that are slated to come out in the future, but as I'm sure I'm not alone, readers are also always going to miss books as they come out because they're either too overloaded with other books on their TBR lists, or just overloaded with life in general.

So regardless of the reason, you're not alone and I'm going ot do my part to make sure these great reads aren't missed just because life keeps readers too busy to catch every detail. So whenever I come across titles that I've somehow missed the release date of, I make a note and get excited about them all over again. Sometimes it's even better than counting down to a title that will be released in the next year or so because when I get worked up over these titles I can go right to the store to pick up my own copy or download one to my kindle. No waiting or pining for the book to hit the shelves.

New Find #1: Settling (Solid, #2) by Shelley Workinger (07/04/2011)

At the beginning of the summer, Clio Kaid was one of a hundred teens brought to a secret Army installation. But it was no ordinary camp and they weren't ordinary kids...

Picking up where "Solid" left off, Clio and her friends realize that they aren't ready to go home; they're determined to stay on campus and continue their journey of self-discovery. But someone doesn't feel the same way and will do anything to drive them away - even kill.

Friendships will be tested, abilities will evolve, and more secrets will come out as the teens race to stop the killer before he sets his sights on one of them...

Solid was a great start to what I think has the potential to be a really interesting series. Workinger was an unknown when I was approached to read and review her series opener and I'm so glad I had the opportunity. It was a neat idea, and one that kept me turning the pages to find out what exactly was going on and what was to be the end result for this cast of characters. This one had already been released before I started in on the series, but I haven't yet been able to go out and pick myself up a copy so that I can find out what happens next. If you're looking for a series to get into, and one that might stear a little off course from the mainstream paranormal titles that are being picked up left and right, I'd recomend giving this one a chance. Workinger managed to turn me into a cheerleader; her characters are instantly ones that you'll want to make it out of any situation on top of, and will be crossing your fingers without even realizing you're doing it.

New Find #2: Between (Between, #1) by Cyndi Tefft (04/21/2011)

It just figures that the love of Lindsey Water's life isn't alive at all, but the grim reaper, complete with a dimpled smile and Scottish accent. After transporting souls to heaven for the last 300 years, Aiden MacRae has all but given up on finding the one whose love will redeem him and allow him entry through the pearly gates. Torn between her growing attraction to Aiden and heaven's siren song, Lindsey must learn the hard way whether love really can transcend all boundaries.

I can't say I've heard of any other book quite like this one, have you? I mean sure, you get the unrequited love stories, or even the love stories involving characters so out of each other's leagues but a grim reaper with dimples would be a first for me. I'm not sure I've even ever come across a love story of any kind involving the grim reaper, so already I'm liking the unique and new sound that Tefft has going on here. I will say that after reading this synopsis, as nice as this all sounds, I can already see myself rooting for these two to be together and I've yet to read even one page of this book. I hate that I get this way, but I'm a sucker for almost any kind of romance, and sadly the harder it is for two characters to be together, the more elated I am when they finally do get together...but they have to actually end that way or I'm devestated. So by the sounds of this one, who's to say that Aidan finds the one in Lindsey, only to have the two of them be pulled apart for some other reason, right? I'm on the edge of my seat and want to see what this book's all about!

New Find #3: First Date by Krista McGee (01/10/2012)

The last thing Addy Davidson wants is to be on a reality TV show where the prize is a prom date with the President's son.

She's focused on her schoolwork so she can get a scholarship to an Ivy League college, uncomfortable in the spotlight, never been on a date, and didn't even audition for it.

But she got selected anyway.

So she does her best to get eliminated on the very first show. Right before she realizes that the President's son is possibly the most attractive guy she has ever seen in person, surprisingly nice, and seemingly unimpressed by the 99 other girls who are throwing themselves at him.

Addy's totally out of her comfort zone but that may be right where God can show her al that she was meant to be.

This one just struck me as a such a sweet story line. Who doesn't love a little bit of good old reality TV, right? I'm a big fan, even of the bad stuff, I just seem to get stuck watching it and have to be peeled away from the couch, or have the TV shut off for me in order for me to be able to walk away. I have no idea why, and I realize that makes me a crazy person, but it is what it is I suppose. But I guess that after I read the short snippets the book provides, I tried to picture this happening in real life...didn't quite get there. I think it's a neat idea and sounds to me like the makings of a very cute and possibly romantic and heartfelt story....we shall see. And if you're interested, there are currently ten copies being given away in a contest over at Goodreads, check it out for yourselves and enter soon, because it's ends on February 6th.

New Find #4: Blood Will Tell (Warriors of Ankh, #1) by Samantha Young (07/11/2011)

Eden is a Soul Eater. While that doesn't mean much to her right now, she's pretty sure that any minute now, she's going to go all Carrie on her eleventh grade class.

Noah is an Ankh. As an immortal Warrior, his purpose in life is to hunt down and kill Soul Eaters.

Eden is Noah's next assignment. Problem is...this is an assignment with a difference. Eden's not your average run of the mill, Soul Eater. Noah's job? To test Eden for possible redemption.

It's a risky business.

Especially if Noah awakens Eden's inner monster.

It would be kind of hard for Eden to list to the angel on her shoulder when the devil's telling her, her new best friend is a lying, scheming, immortal enemy...

...betrayal is such a bitch.

So is Eden when you get on her bad side.

I think this one would be a good addition to my list in order to mix things up. While it's still got the paranormal edge that I normally tend to sway towards, I've never come across a book about Soul Eaters and Ankh warriors before. Have I missed that section at the book store? I didn't think so. This one sounds trick, but yet also maybe a nice change of pace. I normally have to force myself to go completely out of my reading comfort zone, but with something like this title, a kind of middle ground title so to speak, maybe I can ease into trying some more new genres and titles in the future. And Goodreads is also having a contest for this title, and is offering the chance to win two signed copies for two very lucky readers...I signed up, how about you?

New Finds #5: Dark Seeker (Seeker, #1) by Taryn Browning (10/04/2011)

She's the Seeker. He's the hunted. What's at stake could kill them both...

For 17-year-old Seeker, Janie Grey, ridding the Baltimore streets of the undead is an inherited duty passed down from her Cherokee ancestors. Seeker Training Lesson #1: Never trust the undead. After her father’s tragic death, Janie creates her own life lesson: Love isn’t worth the risk. Both lessons are easy to follow until she encounters the flawed Kai Sterdam. At first, she believes he is the hybrid she is trained to hunt. But, when he has human traits, she determines she doesn’t know what he is. As Janie’s intrigue over who Kai is pushes her deeper into his mysterious past, she discovers a shocking truth that is even more harrowing than the evil they are up against. It’s a secret Kai wants to keep hidden, especially from Janie.

Yet another great sounding read that's got a contest/giveaway to go with it. Goodreads has a giveaway for a reader's chance to win a copy of this recently released title for their very own. It's like extra incentive to check this book out, don't you think? I'm always up for another paranormal title and this one comes with it's very own spin on what sounds like a warrior fighting for the good side. Not sure what types of secrets will be revealed, but they don't sound like small white lies, these have the makings to be catastrophic and total game changers. I can't even believe when I've missed a title like this one that sounds like it's right up my alley, but that's why I love these posts. It really gives me the excuse to go back and look through some sites to see what I've missed out on, and quickly rectify thost mistakes.

Reivew: Solid (Solid, #1) by Shelley Workinger

Teens who discover they were secretly genetically altered before birth are brought together at a classified site where they forge new friendships, find love, develop "super-abilities," and even unearth a conspiracy.

Fantastic premise, lovable characters, and writing that will grab hold of you and refuse to let go until the very last page. And to be honest, even after I finished the very last sentence I was wishing it wasn't over. I only wanted more, to know what would happen next and to see where things would go from there. That to me is the definition of a great read. If you can close the book with the feeling of excitement and anxiety over not knowing what will happen next for the characters you've fallen in love with, than you've got yourself a winner.

Workinger surprised me to say the least. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book with such a short synopsis and no previous experience with the author to date, but all it took was the first chapter to have me hooked on her writing. Her characters had just enough depth and background to get your interested but without overwhelming you right out of the gate, and they came with an instant likability factor. You couldn't help but become invested in their future and current plight. Their situation was unique and yet not so unbelievable that I was rolling my eyes from the get go.

Clio and her friends have a lot of work ahead of them in order to find out what's really going on and how they can handle their current situation and future problems, but they're not alone. After they band together with a common goal in mind, the fun really starts. There was tension, romance, mystery and excitement. This really became one of those sleeper novels that through me for a loop. I didn't really come into this read with any expectations but ended up calling it one of my favorites. Workinger has made herself an instant fan, and I honestly don't think I'm the only one. So if you're on the lookout for a new read and haven't checked this one out yet, do yourself a favor and pick up today. It will leave you wanting more, but you're in luck, the second in her Solid series, Settling, is already on the shelves and waiting for you to continue the journey. I can't wait to see what's in store for my favorites characters next!

I gave Solid (Solid, #1) 4 shamrocks!!!!