Quote of the Week (7)

"You can never have a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me."

--C.S. Lewis

I'm not sure about the tea...but I can go with that thought if we're talking a huge dunkin donuts coffee with extra cream and sugar...but as far as a book's length...if I'm loving it, the longer the better for me.  I can't stand it when one of my favorite books comes to an end.  I either end up re-reading it or beginning my countdown until the next book in the series comes out..and *gasp* what if it's a stand alone novel?  Grrr...I'm always a little sad that I won't get to experience the story and characters grow any more than they already have.

Here are a few of the books that I was very sad to finish...because I LOVED them so much!

The Seven Rays by Jessica Bendinger, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

All of Maria V. Snyder's books lol, (Poison Study, Magic Study, Fire Study, Storm Glass, Sea Glass, etc...)

Fire by Kristin Cashore, Blood Promise by Richelle Mead, Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken 

These are just a few of the books I could think of quickly that have become favorites for me but that ended all too quickly.  Luckily some of these are a part of a series, some a trilogy, etc...but then there are those like Brightly Woven, that according to Bracken's blog does not have a sequel at the moment, I think we should all be sending emails to her publisher requesting a sequel don't ya think?

What are some of your favorites that ended all too quickly?

**Update**

Just wanted to post these before I forgot...the 4th and 5th teaser videos for Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead have been posted.  Click here for the 4th and here for the 5th teaser!

I can't wait until Spirit Bound hits the shelves!

In My Mailbox (7)

This is a meme that I first heard about from Kristi over at The Story Siren and immediately wanted to jump on board.

Every week we’ll post about what books we have received (whether they’re bought/borrowed, etc… you get the idea). This is generally done on Sunday, but I’m told that it’s really whatever day works for you; I’m going to be posting mine on Fridays because I tend to post less on the weekends.

Everyone participating will try and visit other lists to comment and possibly pine for the new arrivals everyone’s talking about. I’ve learned that it’s a great idea to really try and stop by at least two or three lists because I’m constantly finding out about new books that I’ve later added to my TBR list.

So this week I was lucky enough to snag some of the books I've been dying to read and to cross some off my TBR list (which never really seems to get shorter, only longer)!

Angel Star by Jennifer Murgia

Seventeen-year-old Teagan McNeel falls for captivating Garreth Adams and soon discovers that her crush has an eight-point star etched into the palm of his right hand-the mark of an angel. 

But where there is light, dark follows, and she and Garreth suddenly find themselves vulnerable to a dark angel's malicious plan that could threaten not only her life, but the lives of everyone she knows, and now, she is torn between one angel's sacrifice and another angel's vicious ambition.

Mistwood by Leah Cypess

The Shifter is an immortal creature bound by an ancient spell to protect the kings of Samorna. When the realm is peaceful, she retreats to the Mistwood.  But when she is needed she always comes. 

Isabel remembers nothing. Nothing before the prince rode into her forest to take her back to the castle. Nothing about who she is supposed to be, or the powers she is supposed to have.

Prince Rokan needs Isabel to be his Shifter. He needs her ability to shift to animal form, to wind, to mist. He needs her lethal speed and superhuman strength. And he needs her loyalty--because without it, she may be his greatest threat.

Isabel knows that her prince is lying to her, but she can't help wanting to protect him from the dangers and intrigues of the court . . . until a deadly truth shatters the bond between them.

Now Isabel faces a choice that threatens her loyalty, her heart . . . and everything she thought she knew.

The Clearing by Heather Davis (thanks to NetGalley)

Amy, a sixteen-year-old recovering from an abusive relationship, moves to the country to start a new life with her aunt–all she wants is for everything to be different. In the clearing at the back of Aunt Mae’s property, she makes an amazing discovery—Henry, a boy stuck in the endless summer of 1944. Henry and his world become Amy’s refuge and she begins to learn that some moments are worth savoring. But when the past and present come crashing together, both of them must find the courage to face what is meant to be, even if it means losing each other forever.

Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton (thanks to NetGalley)

Teagan Wyllston grew up hearing about Celtic mythology, night crawlers and banshees, and how the Irish Travelers have been at war with goblin kind since before time. One of her favorite stories is the legend of Fionn Mac Cumhaill, the great hero who defended his people and was cursed by the goblin god for all eternity. It's a good one, full of powerful beings and romance, but it is just that . . . a story, and nothing more. 

That is, until eighteen-year-old Finn comes unexpectedly into her life. Then, suddenly, the stuff of Irish legend doesn't seem quite so fantastical. Could Finn be her hero, like his namesake in the stories? Or is Teagan destined to fight the forces of evil herself?

And yes, it's Friday and you know by now what that means....it's Book Blogger Hop time! I can't tell you how many great blogs I've come across and started following week after week thanks to Jennifer's weekly meme that gives everyone a chance to get their blog noticed...so head on over to Crazy-for-Books and let me know what you find.

Just another reminder...don't forget to enter the contest for your chance to win one of four great books!  Check it out here, contest ends May 21st.

Have a great weekend everybody!

Hitting the Shelves Soon!! (2)

Now that May is under way, everyone (including me) has been getting super excited to be able to go out and pick up some of the long anticipated new releases.  Last week I posted my top five June releases that I've been looking forward to, but five just isn't enough...my list is long, lol!  I thought I'd throw a few more out there, what releases are you guys counting down?  I'm always looking to add more to my TBR!

My Name Is Memory by Ann Brashares (6/1/2010)

Daniel has spent centuries falling in love with the same girl. Life after life, crossing continents and dynasties, he and Sophia (despite her changing name and form) have been drawn together-and he remembers it all. Daniel has "the memory", the ability to recall past lives and recognize souls of those he's previously known. It is a gift and a curse. For all the times that he and Sophia have been drawn together throughout history, they have also been torn painfully, fatally, apart. A love always too short.

Interwoven through Sophia and Daniel's unfolding present day relationship are glimpses of their expansive history together. From 552 Asia Minor to 1918 England and 1972 Virginia, the two souls share a long and sometimes torturous path of seeking each other time and time again. But just when young Sophia (now "Lucy" in the present) finally begins to awaken to the secret of their shared past, to understand the true reason for the strength of their attraction, the mysterious force that has always torn them apart reappears. Ultimately, they must come to understand what stands in the way of their love if they are ever to spend a lifetime together.

The Ghosts Of Ashbury High by Jaclyn Moriarty (6/1/2010)

This is the story of Amelia and Riley, bad kids from bad Brookfield High who have transferred to Ashbury High for their final year. They've been in love since they were fourteen, they go out dancing every night, and sleep through school all day. And Ashbury can't get enough of them.

Everyone's trying to get their attention; even teachers are dressing differently, trying to make their classes more interesting. Everyone wants to be cooler, tougher, funnier, hoping to be invited into their cool, self-contained world.

But they don't know that all Amelia can think about is her past -- an idyllic time before she ran away from home. Riley thinks he's losing her to the past, maybe even to a place further back in time. He turns to the students of Ashbury for help, and things get much, much worse.

Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (6/8/2010)


Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two.

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.

But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?

Dark Flame by Alyson Noel (6/22/2010)


At the start of this mesmerizing new installment of the Immortals series, Ever is helping her friend Haven transition into life as an immortal. But with Haven drunk on her new powers and carelessly putting them all at risk, their friendship becomes more and more strained. At the same time, Ever delves deeper into magick in order to get control over her enemy Roman and free Damen from his power. But when the spell she casts on Roman backfires, she’s bound to her deadliest enemy.


Frantic to reverse the spell the moment the moon enters a new phase, she finds her efforts are fruitless—there’s a strange, foreign pulse coursing through her, one that propels her toward Roman. Desperate to break free of this terrible curse before Damen or the twins can discover what she’s done, she turns to Jude and delves deeper and deeper into dark magick, ultimately risking everything she knows and loves—including Damen.



Now I know this one isn't a June release...but I've really been looking forward to this one so I figured what the heck?

Other by Karen Kincy (7/1/2010)

Seventeen-year-old Gwen hides a dangerous secret: she’s Other. Half-pooka, to be exact, thanks to the father she never met. Most Americans don’t exactly roll out the welcome mat for Others, especially not the small-town folks of Klikamuks, Washington. As if this isn’t bad enough, Gwen’s on the brink of revealing her true identity to her long-time boyfriend, Zack, but she’s scared he’ll lump her with the likes of bloodthirsty vampires and feral werewolves.

When a pack of werewolves chooses the national forest behind Gwen’s home as their new territory, the tensions in Klikamuks escalate-into murder. It soon becomes clear a serial killer is methodically slaying Others. The police turn a blind eye, leaving Gwen to find the killer before the killer finds her. As she hunts for clues, she uncovers more Others living nearby than she ever expected. Like Tavian, a sexy Japanese fox-spirit who rivals Zack and challenges her to embrace her Otherness. Gwen must struggle with her own conflicted identity, learn who she can trust, and-most importantly-stay alive.



And on a bright note for me, the mailman FINALLY delivered Angel Star to me....I must have had a run in with bad luck or something because I thought it was supposed to get to me by last weekend, but regardless I have it now and can't wait to read it!  If you guys haven't ordered your own copies go to it, this is one I'm sure no one will want to miss out on!


Happy Reading!

Review: Vintage Veronica by Erica S. Perl

Veronica Walsh is 15, fashion-minded, fat, and friendless. Her summer job in the Consignment Corner section (Employees Only!) of a vintage clothing store is a dream come true. There Veronica can spend her days separating the one-of-a-kind gem garments from the Dollar-a-Pound duds, without having to deal with people. But when two outrageous yet charismatic salesgirls befriend her and urge her to spy on and follow the mysterious and awkward stock boy Veronica has nicknamed the Nail, Veronica’s summer takes a turn for the weird. Suddenly, what began as a prank turns into something else entirely. Which means Veronica may have to come out of hiding and follow something even riskier for the first time: her heart.


Talk about a book that will put you through the gauntlet...Vintage Veronica was definitely a surprise to me to say the least. I didn't think it was possible to undergo feeling so many different emotions throughout the reading of a book and yet at the same time have the underlying tone remain so light and easy to read. As a debut YA author, Perl has impressed me with her writing and story telling ability.

Some parts of the novel had me laughing out loud, which doesn't happen often. Veronica and the Nail trying on vintage clothing is a prime example. Some parts had me cringing as Veronica's mom's talks with her inevitably almost always circled back to her weight watcher's points system. It was just so easy to feel a part of the story and the characters that all of these feelings and emotions...well it was like I was there experiencing each and every one of the situations first hand along with the characters themselves.

There were, however, times throughout the novel that I really just wanted to shake Veronica. Anything to get her to wake up to the reality of the actions of the characters she interacted with and the consequences that were inevitably going to follow. There were many points in the story when I truly had a hard time liking her at all. This was new for me, usually a female protagonist is easy to relate to and like quickly, but Veronica was constantly pushing me to the edge of my patience. It was at the same time though that I realized Perl displays an uncanny ability to portray the characters she created so realistically that you can't help but take part in their journey with them. When Veronica was disappointed at herself and her actions, I was disappointed with her as well. When she was hopeful, I was right there with her, sympathizing with her attempts to correct the wrongs she had committed. It was amazing!

And don't let me forget to mention the actual store in which Veronica works. I can only say that in the beginning I was not thinking this was a store I would ever want to find myself shopping in, but by the end I can only say that I wish I had one right down the street from me. Veronica's ability to pick out the riches among the rags had me craving a shopping trip of my own.

If you haven't picked this read up yet, go out and get it, you'll be glad you did. The way Perl weaved her story together while dealing with real life issues like self image, peer pressure, family struggles, etc...and yet still managing to have her readers leaving this story feeling good while dealing with heavy matters was extremely enjoyable. I'm definitely glad I had the opportunity to read this novel and can't wait to see what Perl produces next.

I give Vintage Veronica 4 shamrocks!

Teaser Tuesday (6)

It's that time again....

"Teaser Tuesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Mizb of Should Be Reading.  Anyone can do it, here's how:

1. Grab your current read
2. Open to a random page
3. Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.  
4. Share the title and the author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers.

• Be careful not to include SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away, you don't want to ruin the book for others.)
  

This week I took my teaser from Vintage Veronica by Erica S. Perl.  I'm really loving this book and can't wait to finish it up, the cover alone had me sold, but the actual book is turning out to be such a fun read.  Look for the review soon!

"I feel him turn and kiss me again.  My forehead this time.  Then my nose.  Then my mouth again.  And just like that, we take flight."

Admit it...you're curious...what kind of teasers are you guys floating around this week?

Quote of the Week (6)

"People can lose their lives in libraries.  They ought to be warned."

-- Saul Bellow

Ain't that the truth?  I feel the same applies to book stores of all kinds...I couldn't resist running in to B&N this weekend, thinking it would be a pop in and pop out kinda deal...much to my friend's dismay I have to browse for a little bit, lol!  I also don't think I've ever been able to walk in and out of a bookstore without buying at least one book, my wallet hates me!

Lots of good books out this week, I'm still trying to get through my stack at home to read so that I can start the others that I've been dying to read....has anyone else noticed lately that so many good books seem to be coming out all at once....I've always been a speed reader but even I can't seem to catch up, sheesh!

Cassandra Clare added another tour date/stop on her and Holly Black's schedule.  Check out the update on her site here.

Stop by Alexandra Bracken's blog to hear all about her experience this weekend at the Candace Bushnell signing for The Carrie Diaries.

And while checking in with Richelle Mead's blog (she's always updating her fans) she filled all her fans in on the RT convention, and gave us a heads up that the third teaser for Spirit Bound was released, check it out here!

The Other teasers have been interesting but this one upsets me, lol, I want Rose and Dimitri to be together and this teaser leaves me wondering if they stand a chance?

What do you guys think?

Angel Star (Angel Star, #1) by Jennifer Murgia

It's Out Early!!!

Seventeen-year-old Teagan McNeel falls for captivating Garreth Adams and soon discovers that her crush has an eight-point star etched into the palm of his right hand; the mark of an angel.

But where there is light, dark follows, and she and Garreth suddenly find themselves vulnerable to a dark angel's malicious plan that could threaten not only her life, but the lives of e

...moreSeventeen-year-old Teagan McNeel falls for captivating Garreth Adams and soon discovers that her crush has an eight-point star etched into the palm of his right hand; the mark of an angel.

But where there is light, dark follows, and she and Garreth suddenly find themselves vulnerable to a dark angel's malicious plan that could threaten not only her life, but the lives of everyone she knows.

Divinely woven together, Angel Star takes readers on a reflective journey when one angel's sacrifice collides with another angel's vicious ambition in a way that is sure to have readers searching for their own willpower.

How lucky are we?? I thought I'd have to wait 2 more weeks at least before they put this jem on the shelves...but apparently the publishing kings decided to cut us a break and start shipping this new release early! I was hoping I would have mine today (I had to pre-order this one) but sadly the mail man has come and gone and left me no shiny book package, boo! I'm just crossing my fingers that Monday is the day....please let me have a package in the mail, lol! I'm heading to the Gaithersburg Book Festival in a couple of weeks and I'm super excited because Jennifer Murgia, author of Angel Star will be there signing! She's fantastic and I can't wait to meet her. I'll be sure to tell you guys all about it and may just have a suprise for all you readers as well....stay tuned, and get out there and buy Angel Star before it sells out!