In My Mailbox (67)

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:

Miss Fortune Cookie by Lauren Bjorkman (Thanks to Henry Hold and Co.)

Meet Erin. Smart student, great daughter, better friend. Secretly the mastermind behind the popular advice blog Miss Fortune Cookie. Totally unaware that her carefully constructed life is about to get crazy.

It all begins when her ex-best friend sends a letter to her blog—and then acts on her advice. Erin’s efforts to undo the mess will plunge her into adventure, minor felonies, and possibly her very first romance.

What’s a likely fortune for someone no longer completely in control of her fate? Hopefully nothing like: You will become a crispy noodle in the salad of life.

Aradia Awakens (Ovialell, #1) by Tish Thawer (Thanks to Amber Leaf Publishing)

To claim her destiny, Aryiah must die...but dying's just the beginning.

After waking from a dream where all she remembers is the word Wicca, Aryiah is determined to re-educate herself with this magical religion of her youth.

When a gorgeous man materializes in her living room, vampires start knocking on her door, and books literally start to glow, she soon realizes this dream was just the beginning of a nightmare. 

Aryiah has been triggered to become one of The Witches, a coven charged with protecting the citizens of Ovialell with their magick and healing abilities. The only catch? In order to take her place with The Witches, Aryiah will have to die.

Significance (Significance, #1) by Shelly Crane

Maggie is a seventeen year old girl who's had a bad year. She was smart and on track but then her mom left, her dad is depressed, she's graduating, barely, and her boyfriend of almost three years dumped her for a college football scholarship. Lately she thinks life is all about hanging on by a thread and is gripping tight with everything she has.

Then she meets Caleb. She saves his life and instantly knows there's something about him that's intriguing but she is supposed to be on her way to a date with his cousin. But things change when they touch, sparks ignite. Literally.

They imprint with each other and she sees their future life together flash before her eyes. She learns that not only is she his soul mate, and can feel his heartbeat in her chest, but there is a whole other world of people with gifts and abilities that she never knew existed. She herself is experiencing supernatural changes unlike anything she's ever felt before and she needs the touch of his skin to survive.

Now, not only has her dad come out of his depression to be a father again, and a pain as well, but Caleb's enemies know he's imprinted and are after Maggie to stop them both from gaining their abilities and take her from him.

Can Caleb save her or will they be forced to live without each other after just finding one another?

Accordance (Significance, #2) by Shelly Crane

In the sequel, Maggie learns much more about all the strange things that happened to her, and has to face new ones. She rebels against it, but ultimately, must face it for her new families sake and maybe even her life. Bish went from being her biggest supporter to her biggest pain in the butt and Kyle's intentions to attract her interest may not be so innocent. Caleb and Maggie face many new obstacles together and fight to work through them but will one that should be a good thing be too much for Maggie to handle?

Defiance (Significance, #3) by Shelly Crane

In the third installment of the Significance series, we begin with Maggie and Caleb in the clutches of a new enemy; the Virtuoso council. Not only do they have to deal with the consequences of taking the lives of the Watsons and the council attempting to take Maggie away to keep their precious Visionary safe, but they must deal with Marla as well. All are determined to undermine, control and use Caleb and Maggie's rare gifts for their own uses, some wish to destroy them entirely. Then Maggie's father and Bish are threatened but the council forbids the presence of humans. Peter and the family fight and stand beside them every step of the way to save Maggie's father, to keep Caleb and Maggie together when the corrupted council is so set on keeping them apart and to stop Marla and whatever she has up her sleeve. Then Maggie has the shock of her life when she discovers something about her real father. It may change everything for everyone. Stay tuned as the story continues.

Cover Reveal: Blood Bound by Keshia Swaim

So you guys may have noticed that there is not just one cover being revealed for this title, but two!  In the spirit of the election season, Spencer Hill Press is asking for YOU to step up and vote for your favorite!  Voting will stay open for about a week   Readers can vote as often as they like, and if you're really liking one cover over the other than I suggest you vote as many time as you can!  I haven't decided which I like better but I'm going to think on it and then head on over to vote myself.  I've attached the poll below, so take a minute to make your decision  and cast your votes....your favorite could be lining the bookshelves next year!

Which design do you prefer, the one with the hand or the one with the girl on the cover?

• Hand
• Girl

Freeblogpolls

More polls: Memira

Blood Bound will be released on September 10, 2013 and I for one cannot wait to get my hands on a copy!  

Add Blood Bound to your Goodreads List!

Blood Bound is the debut title by Keshia Swaim, whose short story, Family Ties, opened the UnCONventional anthology that came out in January, and at the request of several editors, has been expanded into this novel.  It's been compared to Morganville Vampires but with fae sitting shotgun...how cool does that sound?

For more information on Keshia Swaim please head on over and visit her Facebook page.

And here's a great teaser of a description of what readers can look forward to with this debut...

Starting college a year early is hard. Starting fae college and learning to protect the world from the Unseelie is harder.

Brielle Reed has always been an over-achiever, but this time she may have bitten off more than she can chew. Between her crash course in fae politics, struggles to control her new mind-reading ability, training sessions with the demanding Dr. Schwartz, and discoveries about the father who is still a mystery to her, Brielle finds herself longing for a chance at a normal life.

But she may not get that chance. Or chance at a life at all, for that matter.

In My Mailbox (66)

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:

Touching the Surface by Kimberly Sabatini (Thanks to Simon Pulse)

Experience the afterlife in this lyrical, paranormal debut novel that will send your heart soaring.When Elliot finds herself dead for the third time, she knows she must have messed up, big-time. She doesn’t remember how she landed in the afterlife again, but she knows this is her last chance to get things right.

     Elliot just wants to move on, but first she will be forced to face her past and delve into the painful memories she’d rather keep buried. Memories of people she’s hurt, people she’s betrayed…and people she’s killed.

     As she pieces together the secrets and mistakes of her past, Elliot must find a way to earn the forgiveness of the person she’s hurt most, and reveal the truth about herself to the two boys she loves…even if it means losing them both forever.

The Selection (The Selection, #1) by Kiera Cass

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Uses for Boys by Erica Lorraine Scheidt (Thanks to St. Martin's Press)

Anna remembers a time before boys, when she was little and everything made sense. When she and her mom were a family, just the two of them against the world. But now her mom is gone most of the time, chasing the next marriage, brining home the next stepfather. Anna is left on her own—until she discovers that she can make boys her family. From Desmond to Joey, Todd to Sam, Anna learns that if you give boys what they want, you can get what you need. But the price is high—the other kids make fun of her; the girls call her a slut. Anna's new friend, Toy, seems to have found a way around the loneliness, but Toy has her own secrets that even Anna can't know.

Then comes Sam. When Anna actually meets a boy who is more than just useful, whose family eats dinner together, laughs, and tells stories, the truth about love becomes clear. And she finally learns how it feels to have something to lose—and something to offer. Real, shocking, uplifting, and stunningly lyrical, Uses for Boys is a story of breaking down and growing up.

Stolen Nights (Vampire Queen, #2) by Rebecca Maizel (Thanks to St. Martin's Griffin)

Lenah Beaudonte should be dead. But having sacrificed herself to save another, she finds herself awakening with strange powers that are neither vampire nor human—and a new enemy on her trail. In her vampire life, Lenah had thought that being human was all she ever wanted; but the human heart suffers pain, heartbreak and loss. 

With her new powers growing and the dark force of the Nex after her soul, Lenah faces a choice: between the mortal love of gorgeous Justin, whose passion fed her human soul, and taking a different path to become the mistress of her own destiny, wherever that may lead...

Review: Prophecy's Child (Ovialell) by Tish Thawer

The end of a race...
The beginning of history...
The birth of a warrior.

Rezmona, the demon Queen of Abrinthill, has spent her life maintaining the breeding program in order to secure a future for her race. But now she faces something she's never encountered before. 

Kylie, a prisoner who's been gathered for the breeding program, is different than any other before her. Not only is she able to withstand the damaging preparations all prisoners must endure...she's actually able to fight back. The demons quickly learn she's not only a threat to the breeding program, but to their very lives as well.

Kylie is the Prophecy's Child.

I'm stating right up front that this series by Tish Thawer does not fall into the Young Adult genre.  While the series may not be considered YA literature, there was nothing in this companion title that I felt would be inappropriate to review on the blog.  So while I won't likely be posting my review of Thawer's series opener, Aradia Awakens when I get the chance to read it, I wanted to at least get the chance to tell you guys how much I enjoyed this companion title.

While short, only 38 pages in length, as it's a companion short story and not an official installment in the series, I really enjoyed every page.  It was a great teaser for what's to come for readers in the new series Thawer's bringing to the shelves.  Thawer doesn't seem to leave anything out in this one...and all with her unique spin on things as well.  Readers will glimpse demons, magic, witches, and find out how the Amazons got their start....all packed into this fun little package.

I can't wait to see what Thawer's got in store for her readers with this series, and while I won't be posting any reviews on the blog, you'll be able to check them out on Goodreads and other book seller's sites after I've had the chance to dig in!

I gave Prophecy's Child (Ovialell) 3 shamrocks!!!

Amazing 2012 Covers

I'm sure I'm not the only one with this opinion, but there have been some amazing covers in 2012 and we're only into September. I know we're always told not to judge a book by it's cover, but let's face it...it's the first impression more than anything else that readers have to go on outside of knowing the author or having been recommended to read the book by someone else. So with an unlimited number of talented authors out there, and more than enough titles that have readers excited and rushing to the bookstores, it's just a fact that there's got to be something that sets them apart from the others.

Everyone has their own way of sorting through their TBR pile, wending their way through the stacks of their libraries or bookstores, and if you're anything like me, half the time you want to pull your hair out or bite your nails because it can be incredibly overwhelming. What if I pick the wrong book? Pass up a great title and never come across it again? I get anxiety just thinking about all the decisions that come into play sometimes when you're looking for your next read. So for me, a cover sometimes is the only way I can decide between one read and another. It doesn't mean I'm not going to read a book if the cover isn't amazing or anything, but if a book has fantastic cover art I might read it sooner rather than later.

So here are a few of the amazing covers of 2012 that rank up there among my favorites...

Cover #1: The Selection (The Selection, #1) by Kiera Cass

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

This has definitely been the year of weddings! So when I first saw this cover I was drawn to it because it reminded me of a wedding gown with color. All the tulle and feminine flair to it had me squealing on the inside like a little girl. You can't help but want to know what it would be like to wear that dress? What's this character all dressed up for? And what fabulous place will she be going when she gets to wear it? It's colorful, eye catching, and pulls you in for a closer look which inevitably is impossible to turn away from.

Cover #2: Days of Blood and Starlight (Daughter of Smoke and Bone, #2) by Laini Taylor

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Karou must come to terms with who and what she is, and how far she’ll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, mysteries and secrets, new characters and old favorites, Days of Blood and Starlight brings the richness, color and intensity of the first book to a brand new canvas.

So to be honest this cover didn't have to be anything out of the ordinary to make me want to pick this sequel up. It was happening regardless after falling in love with the series opener. But when I got my first look at this cover I was spellbound all over again just like with the first book. There's something about this girl featured on the cover and the masks she wears. Her eyes draw you in and you hear that saying about them being the windows to one's soul, etc... You want to know her story, learn more about her and what she's got going on. Don't you want to get to know this girl and see what the author has in store for her readers?

Cover #3: Glitch (Glitch, #1) by Heather Anastasiu

In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.

When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.

As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.

Whether it's the colors, the depths and shadows, the fonts, or maybe the glimpse of what's going on with the female lead on the cover, regardless it's all encompassing and irresistible. I love it all! The book was fantastic too!

Cover #4: Such A Rush by Jennifer Echols

A sexy and poignant romantic tale of a young daredevil pilot caught between two brothers.

When I was fourteen, I made a decision. If I was doomed to live in a trailer park next to an airport, I could complain about the smell of the jet fuel like my mom, I could drink myself to death over the noise like everybody else, or I could learn to fly.

Heaven Beach, South Carolina, is anything but, if you live at the low-rent end of town. All her life, Leah Jones has been the grown-up in her family, while her mother moves from boyfriend to boyfriend, letting any available money slip out of her hands. At school, they may diss Leah as trash, but she’s the one who negotiates with the landlord when the rent’s not paid. At fourteen, she’s the one who gets a job at the nearby airstrip.

But there’s one way Leah can escape reality. Saving every penny she can, she begs quiet Mr. Hall, who runs an aerial banner-advertising business at the airstrip and also offers flight lessons, to take her up just once. Leaving the trailer park far beneath her and swooping out over the sea is a rush greater than anything she’s ever experienced, and when Mr. Hall offers to give her cut-rate flight lessons, she feels ready to touch the sky.

By the time she’s a high school senior, Leah has become a good enough pilot that Mr. Hall offers her a job flying a banner plane. It seems like a dream come true . . . but turns out to be just as fleeting as any dream. Mr. Hall dies suddenly, leaving everything he owned in the hands of his teenage sons: golden boy Alec and adrenaline junkie Grayson. And they’re determined to keep the banner planes flying.

Though Leah has crushed on Grayson for years, she’s leery of getting involved in what now seems like a doomed business—until Grayson betrays her by digging up her most damning secret. Holding it over her head, he forces her to fly for secret reasons of his own, reasons involving Alec. Now Leah finds herself drawn into a battle between brothers—and the consequences could be deadly.

The title of this read says it all. When you picture things you can do to get that "rush" for me it's heights, flying, perhaps falling? Either way there's a lot of wind where these things are involved and that's what struck me about this cover. I loved seeing this girl's hair blowing all over the place and covering her face so that you're left wondering what she looks like, and what she does for a rush?

Cover #5: Something Strange and Deadly (Something Strange and Deadly, #1) by Susan Dennard

The year is 1876, and there’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.

You don't know what to think about this book based on the cover. I couldn't tear my eyes away from it and wanted to know more. There's definitely something dark about the cover but there's beauty there too and that throws you for a little bit of a loop. There's just nothing about this cover that I don't just love!

Silk and Paper Campaign: Rise Up

The Rising needs new recruits.  We're trying to drive as much traffic over to the Matched Trilogy Facebook fan page as we possibly can.  If you haven't already liked the page yourself, head on over and get that out of the way, and then start encouraging others to check it out as well.  Are you guys up for the challenge?  While I know a lot of you fans and readers out there will do your best simply because we love this series as well as Ally Condie, I'm hoping I can add a little extra incentive to inspire a little bit more action on our parts and sweeten the deal for all of your hard work.  I also just want to show you guys how much I really appreciate all your help!  I couldn't have done the challenge without you and it's been so much fun and I know it can only get better!

Thanks to the Penguin Publishing I've got a few great goodies and swag that I can offer up and give away to a few lucky winners.  This time around I've got some great buttons and posters that you'll want to add to your collection.  I'll admit that I almost wanted to keep them for myself, but no worries....I've resisted the temptation.  But you guys have all been so great and helpful, not to mention supportive of this challenge and future release that I'm going to ask you to fill out the form below and enter for your chance to win!  You'll have until October 29th so hurry up and enter!

Cover Reveal: The Dollhouse Asylum by Mary Gray

Check out the cover for The Dollhouse Asylum by Mary Gray, which will be released on October 22, 2013.

Add The Dollhouse Asylum to your Goodreads list!!!!

The Dollhouse Asylum is Mary Gray's debut title and the reading community is already buzzing with excitement over this title's imminent release!

For more information on Mary and her upcoming release, please head on over and visit marygraybooks.com

Author Links:  Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads

And here's a great teaser of a description of what readers can look forward to with this debut...

A virus that had once been contained has returned, and son no place will be left untouched by its destruction.  But when seventeen-year-old Cheyenne wakes up in Elysian Fields--a subdivision cut off from the world and its monster-creating virus--she is thrilled to have a chance at survival.

At first, Elysian Fields, with its beautiful houses and manicured lawns, is perfect.  Teo Richardson, the older man who stole Cheyenne's heart, built it so they could be together.  But when Teo tells Cheyenne there are tests that she and seven other couples must pass to be worthy of salvation, Cheyenne begins to question the perfection of his world.

The people they were before are gone.  Cheyenne is now "Persephone," and each couple has been re-named to reflect the most tragic romances ever told.  Everyone is fighting to pass the test, to remain in Elysian Fields.  Teo dresses them up, tells them when to move and how to act, and in order to pass the test, they must play along.

If they play it right, they they'll be safe.

But if they play it wrong, they'll die.

In My Mailbox (65)

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:

Never Seen (Shadows, #1) by Matthew Leeth (Thanks to Matthew)

YA supernatural thriller.

How far would you go... to save the ones you love?

Kelly knows something is wrong in her house, is it a haunting? Her mother knows more than she's telling her. Jason is acting weirder than ever. Kelly investigates, she thinks it's ghosts. Or is it something much worse? They are after her family. They want them all dead. Why? What will Kelly have to do to save her family?

Prophecy's Child (Ovialell) by Tish Thawer (Thanks to Amber Leaf Publishing)

The end of a race...
The beginning of history...
The birth of a warrior.

Rezmona, the demon Queen of Abrinthill, has spent her life maintaining the breeding program in order to secure a future for her race. But now she faces something she's never encountered before. 

Kylie, a prisoner who's been gathered for the breeding program, is different than any other before her. Not only is she able to withstand the damaging preparations all prisoners must endure...she's actually able to fight back. The demons quickly learn she's not only a threat to the breeding program, but to their very lives as well.

Kylie is the Prophecy's Child.

Silk and Paper Campaign Traders (2)

As you know last Saturday I decided to introduce you to a few of the Traders that are participating alongside me throughout the Silk and Paper Campaign.  There were simply too many to highlight each of them in just one post so I had to split it into two posts.  I didn't want to just list them and send  you over to their blogs, I wanted to take a moment and mention some of my favorite aspects of their blogs, their writing, and to talk about a few of the more unique elements they've included on their sites.

So here are the rest of the Traders taking part in the campaign.....

Trader #11:  Page Turners

Two co-owners and six additional bloggers make up this blog team, and what a team they are.  I know most of you are probably familiar with this blog and the writers that make it possible, but I felt the need to gush over their site regardless.  This is actually one of the first blogs I came across after starting my own.  And what an inspiration they were.  Their character interviews are some of my favorite posts to check out.  I love the creative and unique questions they've come up with and the answers that follow.  Definitely one of my favorite sites around.

Trader #12:  Novel Thoughts

Three amazing reviewers and bloggers call this blog home and once you stop by you won't want to leave anytime soon.  One of my favorite parts of this blog is their "Praise" section and all I can say is wow!  The compliments and praise that have been given out to these individuals is without a doubt humbling.  Authors, fellow bloggers, readers, etc...they've all got something great to say about this team and they deserve every bit of credit given.  This is definitely one of those blogs and one of those teams that I look up to and enjoy visiting as often as I can.

Trader #13:  Novel Novice

14 contributors people!  Can you imagine the types of variety this site has to offer?  After reading a little bit about each of these bloggers I must say that I honestly can't think of anyone who wouldn't want to be a part of this team, can you?  Be sure to check out their feature book of the month and make sure it's on your list.  I haven't seen a bad recommendation come out of their site yet, so you've got a pretty good chance of likely what they direct you towards.  I especially enjoy the fact that a lot of their books featured or discussed aren't always just revolving around what's topping the hot list, ya know?  They seem to have the eye when it comes to sorting through the mass amounts of new releases that are hitting the shelves or counting down until their release dates and I enjoy reading about the diamond in the roughs they hit on.

Trader #14:  Mundie Moms

Yet another blog I'm sure most of you are familiar with, and also one of the first sites that I came across after starting my own blog.  And I haven't stopped visiting it yet.  It's addicting and information and sometimes there's so much to look at I find myself on overload....I don't know how they find the time to include it all.  What might have started out as a place to discuss Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series (one of my favorites) has since turned into a YA hit where just about everything is hit upon.

Trader #15:  Matched Fandom

I wish I had a picture to go along with this blog but I've used the cover from Condie's series opener as a substitute when I was unable to snag their blog banner.  Once again this site has got great elements and they all revolve around Ally Condie's Matched Trilogy.  I just can't seem to get enough.  Recently they had a post about fancasting for the upcoming Matched movie adaptation and I've got to agree with some of the choices they highlighted.  I could totally picture some of those actresses in the role of Cassia, and doing it justice.  Everyone always has a picture in their mind of what the characters they read about really look like and it's often hard to bring that to reality, but some of these picks are pretty close to what I've always imagined.

Trader #16:  Katie over at Katie's Book Blog

This girl's following speaks for itself.  Her and her blog are and have been a huge hit since she started the site in 2009 and I'm sure that won't change anytime soon.  She's like a lot of us that host our own blogs.  She'd seen and visited enough for so long and then decided it was finally time to start out on her own and share her opinions and reviews along with the rest of the blogosphere.  One of my favorite features she has on her site are the blogger interviews she conducts.  I'm always on the lookout for new blogs to follow and fellow bibliophiles to befriend and I know I'm not alone.  The interviews are a ton of fun to read and the blogs are all on my list of favorites.

Trader #17: Khy at Frenetic Reader

After taking a look at the "About Me" page when first coming across the blog I've got to say that I found it highly entertaining.  It's nothing but honestly, bluntness and the facts.  And because this blogger is a fan of lists, I instantly knew that I would be able to relate...who doesn't like lists, right?  While busy with college, reviews and posts have not completely stopped so I look forward to all Khy comes up with in the future.

Trader #18:  Emily at Emily's Reading Room

Emily along with two contributing bloggers make up this fun and interesting stop.  With such a busy and hectic life, I'm not sure where Emily finds the time to put out the posts she does for her blog, but my hat is off to her.  I do my best to make sure the blog doesn't get neglected, but having all that she's got going on deserves major props in my opinion.  She keeps her readers and fans up to date on reviews, author signings in her area, and lots of other YA lit related news!

Trader #19:  Bookshelf Banter

This blog is made up of four individual bloggers, and I love the way they've shaped this site.  While each person writes their own reviews and contributes to the blog, you might end up seeing a book reviewed by each of them or just one of them, it's all up in the air.  But I love the idea that rather than having to go to a site like Goodreads, you can get possibly four reviews all in the same place, from four different perspectives...it's not something you see on most sites.

Trader #20:  Taschima at Bloody Bookaholic

I became a fan when Taschima compared reading a book to falling in love....find her description in her "About Me" section and I'm sure you'll be laughing but also nodding your head right along with her words.  I just really like the comparison and surprisingly have not heard that one before....something new is always nice to store away, right?  There are reviews to check out, polls to participate in, giveaways to enter, and so much more...see for yourself!

Trader #21:  Anna at Anna Reads

And finally we have Anna wrapping up our trader introductions.  This girl is a major fan of literature.  But she seems to like the lighter side of it more so than most.  She's quite clear that books involving high schools and boys are going to make for the best reads, and if you don't agree with her, she's going to send you on your way...just kidding.  I like her humor and her wit, and I'm thinking I'm not the only one since her blog seems to draw lots of readers.

I just wanted to say thanks again to Penguin for including me among these fantastic bloggers, and fellow traders to be a part of this Silk and Paper Campaign and I can't wait to continue on with the challenges!

As always....Happy Reading!!!!!!!!

Countdown: February 2013 (2)

February is a short month but it seems to be packed with great new titles that will hit the shelves in that small amount of time. A few series sequels and a bunch of new titles and authors to check out and I'm excited for each one of them. For some reason outside of Valentine's Day there usually isn't much else going on with everyone in February. It's always a great time to unwind and decompress as much as possible after the holidays, and also a perfect time to get cozy at home with a few of the great books that I've gotten from friends and family.

So I'm hoping that the tradition stands this year and come February the countdown will have been worth it and I'll be able to squeeze as many books as possible into that month and to pump out as many reviews for the blog as possible. So here are just a few of the titles that come out in February that I'm looking forward to diving into.

Countdown Pick #1: How To Lead A Life of Crime by Kirsten Miller (February 2013)

A Meth Dealer. A Prostitute. A Serial Killer.

Anywhere else, they’d be vermin. At the Mandel Academy, they’re called prodigies. The most exclusive school in New York City has been training young criminals for over a century. Only the most ruthless students are allowed to graduate. The rest disappear.

Flick, a teenage pickpocket, has risen to the top of his class. But then Mandel recruits a fierce new competitor who also happens to be Flick’s old flame. They’ve been told only one of them will make it out of the Mandel Academy. Will they find a way to save each other—or will the school destroy them both?

Now this is not the official cover art for this title, but a picture of the ARC that I received in the mail this past month but it's better than nothing right? Miller is one of my favorite young adult authors and her writing never ceases to excite me. It's always full of creative worlds and scenarios, characters that you fall in love with and want to be anything but fictional, and story lines that you wish would never end. How cool does this new title sound? I don't want to spoil anything and it's too soon to post a review, but Miller won't dissapoint her readers. This is yet again another title that won't be leaving my shelf anytime soon unless it's for a reread which is likely to happen more than once. So get excited guys, because come February this is a read you won't want to miss out on.

Countdown Pick #2: Pulse (Pulse Trilogy, #1) by Patrick Carman (02/26/2013)

From New York Times bestselling author Patrick Carman, a teen fantasy-adventure of epic proportions. In 2051, some teens have a “pulse,” the power to move objects with their minds. Compulsively readable, with thrilling action scenes and a tender love story.

The year is 2051, and the world is still recognizable. With the help of her mysterious classmate Dylan Gilmore, Faith Daniels discovers that she can move objects with her mind. This telekinetic ability is called a “pulse,” and Dylan has the talent, too.

In riveting action scenes, Faith demonstrates her ability to use her pulse against a group of telekinesis masters so powerful they will flatten their enemies by uprooting street lights, moving boulders, and changing the course of a hurtling hammer so that it becomes a deadly weapon. But even with great talent, the mind—and the heart—can be difficult to control. If Faith wants to join forces with Dylan and save the world, she’ll have to harness the power of both.

Patrick Carman’s Pulse trilogy is a stunning, action-filled triumph about the power of the mind—and the power of love.

Here's the thing. While I love a good romance, and also a good action packed adventure, I like a book even better when it's got both and this read sounds like it'll fit that bill. So even though I haven't read anything by Carman before I've heard only good things and after reading this book's description I'm thinking that I've got a very good chance of liking this book. Have you guys read anything by Carman before? Are you as excited about this upcoming release as I am?

Countdown Pick #3: The Different Girl by Gordon Dahlquist (02/01/2013)

Four nearly identical girls on a desert island. An unexpected new arrival. A gently warped near future where nothing is quite as it seems.

Veronika. Caroline. Isobel. Eleanor. One blond, one brunette, one redhead, one with hair black as tar. Four otherwise identical girls who spend their days in sync, tasked to learn. But when May, a very different kind of girl—the lone survivor of a recent shipwreck—suddenly and mysteriously arrives on the island, an unsettling mirror is about to be held up to the life the girls have never before questioned.

Sly and unsettling, Gordon Dahlquist’s timeless and evocative storytelling blurs the lines between contemporary and sci-fi with a story that is sure to linger in readers’ minds long after the final page has been turned.

Ooh I cannot wait to check this one out. Deserted island and featuring five sure to be strong personality bearing females....what do you guys think? I'm thinking there will be lots of drama to go along with all of these mysteries that are going to be looked into. What the bottom line is where this plot is concerned? I haven't got a clue, but I'm really looking forward to finding out for myself just what Dahlquist has in store for readers.