In My Mailbox (129)

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:

 

 

Turned at Dark (Shadow Falls, #0.5) by C.C. Hunter

 

Turned at dark A Bonus Shadow Falls Short Story

 Independent and strong-willed Della Tsang did not believe in ghosts, until she sees her dead cousin in a dark alley. She did not believe in vampires, until she turns into one.

Should she follow her vampire cousin’s lead and walk away from everything she knows, or join Shadow Falls, a camp for special teens.

Family Magic (The Hayle Coven Novels, #1) by Patti Larsen

Sixteen-year-old Sydlynn Hayle is the daughter of a powerful witch and a demon lord of the seventh plane. The trouble is, she just wants to be ordinary.

Syd struggles to survive the minefield of her new high school while being torn between her attraction to football hero Brad Peters and the darkly mysterious Quaid Moromond. When her coven comes under attack, Syd is forced to face the fact only her power can save her family’s magic.








Embers & Ash (Cold Fury, #3) by T.M. Goeglein (Thanks to Penguin)

Sara Jane Rispoli is on the wrong side of the Russian mob, but closer to finding her family than ever. And she's willing to do whatever it takes to finally end this terrible journey even if the price is her own life.

The very cold fury that has seen her through the worst of her troubles is now killing her; she knows the cure, but she can't sacrifice the deadly electricity until she's rescued her family. But when she finally does rescue them, it's not the happy reunion she pictured. And the torment doesn't stop there, not even when she finally discovers Ultimate Power. Only destroying the Outfit completely can end this terrible nightmare.

Old enemies return to seek vengeance, double-crosses abound, and even more mysteries are uncovered as we rocket toward an end no one saw coming.


Wings (Black City, #3) by Elizabeth Richards (Thanks to Penguin)

Following the cliffhanger ending of Phoenix, Natalie finds herself separated from Ash and unexpectedly reunited with her parents, including the father she thought was dead. But she can only think of Ash. She hasn't heard a word of him since she and Elijah were brought to the underground headquarters of the Sentry Rebellion. But she vows to find him.

Ash, meanwhile is back in Black City; it's the perfect place to hide from the Sentry government. But not for long. He won't give up on Natalie or bringing an end to the terrible reign of Purian Rose.

A pulse-racing end to an exciting series.







Torn Away by Jennifer Brown (Thanks to Little Brown Books)

Born and raised in the Midwest, Jersey Cameron knows all about tornadoes. Or so she thinks. When her town is devastated by a twister, Jersey survives -- but loses her mother, her young sister, and her home. As she struggles to overcome her grief, she's sent to live with her only surviving relatives: first her biological father, then her estranged grandparents.

In an unfamiliar place, Jersey faces a reality she's never considered before -- one in which her mother wasn't perfect, and neither were her grandparents, but they all loved her just the same. Together, they create a new definition of family. And that's something no tornado can touch.

Countdown: End of the Year

It's no surprise to you guys that I'm a huge fan of countdown posts and always have been.  I realized that I hadn't put one up in a while and I'm not sure how I let so much time pass me by but I plan to rectify that right now.  So lately I've been reading some great books, but I've got to tell you that not many of them can claim to have happy endings, and it's starting to wear on me to be quite honest.  Reading is where I let myself take a break from reality and all the stress that goes with everyday life in order to enjoy the fantastical and creative worlds that my favorite authors have created.  So while I'm counting down to some continuing installments in a few series that I've become a fan of, I'm also on the lookout for some reads that end with happily ever afters, a little bit of romance or at  the very least a glimmer or two of hope for some great characters.  Know of any that fit that bill?  If you do leave a comment or email me some suggestions so I can add them to my list and bump them up to the top so I get the chance to get started right away!

Countdown Pick #1:  Everbound (Everneath, #2) by Brodi Ashton (01/22/2013)

Nikki Beckett could only watch as her boyfriend, Jack, sacrificed himself to save her, taking her place in the Tunnels of the Everneath for eternity — a debt that should’ve been hers. She’s living a borrowed life, and she doesn’t know what to do with the guilt. And every night Jack appears in her dreams, lost and confused and wasting away.

Desperate for answers, Nikki turns to Cole, the immortal bad boy who wants to make her his queen — and the one person least likely to help. But his heart has been touched by everything about Nikki, and he agrees to assist her in the only way he can: by taking her to the Everneath himself.

Nikki and Cole descend into the Everneath, only to discover that their journey will be more difficult than they’d anticipated — and more deadly. But Nikki vows to stop at nothing to save Jack — even if it means making an incredible sacrifice of her own.

In this enthralling sequel to Everneath, Brodi Ashton tests the bonds of destiny and explores the lengths we’ll go to for the ones we love.

I'll admit that I was surprised that this sequel hadn't hit the bookshelves yet because I thought I was late to the series game.  I've had the series opener on my TBR list for quite some time and when I finally got the chance to check it out I was sure that I'd be able to go right on in and start the sequel.  I'm sure you can imagine how frustrated I was to find out that I'd have to wait a whole two months before I was able to see what would happen next for Nikki, Jack and Cole.  Thank goodness I don't have to wait that much longer.

Countdown Pick #2:  The Elite (The Selection, #2) by Kiera Cass (04/23/2013)

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

This was another series that I was late to pick up and was sure that the sequel would already be available for me to grab as soon as I'd turned the last page, and yet once again I was wrong and left disappointed at the discovery.  But while I'll have to wait until April with everyone else to see what's in store next for these great characters, I'm without a doubt looking forward to it.

Countdown Pick #3:  Mind Games (Mind Games, #1) by Kiersten White (02/19/2013)

Fia was born with flawless instincts. Her first impulse, her gut feeling, is always exactly right. Her sister, Annie, is blind to the world around her—except when her mind is gripped by strange visions of the future. 

Trapped in a school that uses girls with extraordinary powers as tools for corporate espionage, Annie and Fia are forced to choose over and over between using their abilities in twisted, unthinkable ways… or risking each other’s lives by refusing to obey.

In a stunning departure from her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy, Kiersten White delivers a slick, edgy, heartstoppingly intense psychological thriller about two sisters determined to protect each other—no matter the cost.

I was a fan of her paranormal series, so I'm curious to see how this largely different genre will turn out.  But with White's writing style and quick paced plot I'm sure it'll be a page turner that I'll be reading late into the night.  Goodreads has a giveaway for this one going on right now if you're interested!

Countdown Pick #4:  Extracted (The Lost Imperials, #1) by Sherry D. Ficklin and Tyler Jolley (11/12/2013)

Welcome to the war.

The Tesla Institute is a premier academy that trains young time travelers called Rifters. Created by Nicola Tesla, the Institute seeks special individuals who can help preserve the time stream against those who try to alter it.

The Hollows is a rogue band of Rifters who tear through time with little care for the consequences. Armed with their own group of lost teens--their only desire to find Tesla and put an end to his corruption of the time stream.

Torn between them are Lex and Ember, two Rifters with no memories of their life before joining the time war.

When Lex’s girlfriend dies during a mission, the only way he can save her is to retrieve the Dox, a piece of tech which allows Rifters to re-enter their own timeline without collapsing the time stream. But the Dox is hidden deep within the Telsa Institute, which means Lex must go into the enemy camp. It’s there he meets Ember, and the past that was stolen from them both comes flooding back.

Now armed with the truth of who they are, Lex and Ember must work together to save the future before the battle for time destroys them both…again.

With next November being a long way off, I know that this will be a very long countdown, but after reading the premise behind this book I think it'll be worth the wait.  I'm anxious to see what develops out of this series and interested in checking out two new authors of course!

Countdown Pick #5:  Phoenix (Black City, #2) by Elizabeth Richards (06/14/2013)

Weeks after his crucifixion and rebirth as Phoenix, Ash Fisher believes his troubles are far behind him. He and Natalie are engaged and life seems good. But his happiness is short-lived when he receives a threatening visit from Purian Rose, who gives Ash an ultimatum: vote in favor of Rose’s Law permanently relegating Darklings to the wrong side of the wall or Natalie will be killed.

The decision seems obvious to Ash; he must save Natalie. But when Ash learns about The Tenth, a new and deadly concentration camp where the Darklings would be sent, the choice doesn’t seem so simple. Unable to ignore his conscience, Ash votes against Rose’s Law, signing Natalie’s death warrant and putting a troubled nation back into the throes of bloody battle.

I'm trying very hard not to read the book's description because I've yet to read the first installment in this series, so I don't want to spoil the plot before I've even cracked open the first pages, right?  But I know that I've had this series on my radar and have been really looking forward to checking out it at the first chance I get so I'm sure that I'll feel the same enthusiasm over the sequel, or at least I hope so.

Countdown: 2012 Releases (6)

I was on a countdown over load before 2012 came around and after taking a little break (not a huge one) I've decided that I just can't stop the countdown posts...nor do I want to. I've been lucky enough to receive quite a few books for review lately and between that and being in the process of moving to a new place, I've been crunched for time and haven't gotten around to writing up as many reviews in advance for posts as I'd normally like to. So while I might not have lots of extra time to pour out the reviews (because I don't want to rush them and just write whatever) I can't seem to stop myself from continuing to scour the web as well as make note of any recommendations I receive of new and upcoming future reads.

I know there's just no way I'll ever get to read every single book on my TBR list, but a girl can try right? There's no harm in dreaming and making note of each of the fabulous books I come across...and hey just because I might not get the chance to read them all as quickly as I like, does not mean I don't want to at least try and spread the word about the titles that caught my eye. So be patient as I post plenty of more countdowns now and in the future...but no worries, there will be plenty of reviews and other book related posts thrown in as well!

Countdown Pick #1: Crux by Julie Reece (07/09/2012)

She should have run. Now, she’ll have to fight.

Eighteen year old Birdie may be homeless, but she’s surviving, that is until a mysterious guy throws money in the air like a crazy game show host, and she grabs some with the idea she’ll be able to buy dinner that night.

In that singular moment, unassuming Birdie becomes the girl in everyone’s viewfinder. Thugs want to kill her. Money-guy wants to recruit her. The very hot, very rich, and very out of her league Grey Mathews wants to save her.

Birdie, though, wants nothing to do with any of them, until she realizes fate didn’t bring them all together.

Her heritage did.

Now, with only twenty-one days left, she’s got to decide whether to follow in the footsteps of those before her or risk her life for people she’s only just met.

I have no real idea of what this one is about? I received a recommendation for this one by a friend on goodreads and went on ahead to check it out. The cover intrigued me..but the write up confused me. Money falling from the sky thrown by some guy, and then talk of her heritage further threw me for a loop. But regardless, when I get a recommendation I check it out, and this one while it might confuse me, sounds like it could be pretty interesting at the same time, right?

Countdown Pick #2: Live Through This by Mindi Scott (10/02/2012)

Sometimes hiding the truth requires more than a lie . . .

From the outside, Coley Sterling’s life seems pretty normal . . . whatever that means. It’s not perfect—her best friend is seriously mad at her and her dance team captains keep giving her a hard time—but Coley’s adorable, sweet crush Reece helps distract her from the annoying drama. Plus, she has a great family to fall back on—with a stepdad and mom who would stop at nothing to keep her and her siblings happy and safe.

But Coley has a lot of secrets. She won’t admit—not even to herself—that her almost-perfect life is her own carefully-crafted façade. That for years she’s been burying the shame and guilt over a relationship that crossed the line. Now, Coley and Reece are getting closer, and as Coley has the chance at her first real boyfriend, a decade’s worth of lies are on the verge of unraveling.

Mindi Scott offers an absorbing, layered glimpse into the life of an everygirl living a nightmare that no one would suspect in this unforgettable powerhouse of a novel.

The mysteries seem to be appealing to me with this countdown. I'm not sure what kind of secret Coley could be keeping from everyone but I'm curious without a doubt. Having read Scott's novel, Freefall I know that I enjoy her writing and she has this crazy ability to cause you to immerse yourself in her writing to the point where readers can easily lose track of time and reality and not even realize what's going on around them because you just want to finish the book. Skipping meals...easily done....forgetting that you have errands and things to get done...piece of cake. I wish I was kidding around here, but I know that now that I've experienced reading one of her titles, I'll make sure I've got a clear schedule or at least a free weekend before I pick this one up to read.

Countdown Pick #3: Breathe (Breathe, #1) by Sarah Crossan (10/02/2012)

Inhale. Exhale. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe . . .

The world is dead.
The survivors live under the protection of Breathe, the corporation that found a way to manufacture oxygen-rich air.

ALINA
has been stealing for a long time. She’s a little jittery, but not terrified. All she knows is that she’s never been caught before. If she’s careful, it’ll be easy. If she’s careful.

QUINN
should be worried about Alina and a bit afraid for himself, too, but even though this is dangerous, it’s also the most interesting thing to happen to him in ages. It isn’t every day that the girl of your dreams asks you to rescue her.

BEA
wants to tell him that none of this is fair; they’d planned a trip together, the two of them, and she’d hoped he’d discover her out here, not another girl.

And as they walk into the Outlands with two days’ worth of oxygen in their tanks, everything they believe will be shattered. Will they be able to make it back? Will they want to?

Bring on the dystopian novels! I haven't come across any that I haven't liked yet. While the ones I've read always seem to have a few common elements, I still haven't found two that are completely alike, which means they're always a nice change of pace for me. They also sometimes scare me to no end. I hate thinking of how close to home some of these hit, but this one might be too hard to resist. After checking out the author's page and blog, I know my excitement just went up. Be sure to head over to her page to check it out and learn more about her and her future release!

Countdown Pick #4: The Lost Code (The Atlanteans, #1) by Kevin Emerson (05/22/2012)

WHAT IS OLDEST WILL BE NEW, WHAT IS LOST SHALL BE FOUND.

The ozone is ravaged, ocean levels have risen, and the sun is a daily enemy. But global climate change is not something new in the Earth’s history.

No one will know this better than less-than-ordinary Owen Parker, who is about to discover that he is the descendant of a highly advanced ancient race—a race that took their technology too far and almost destroyed the Earth in the process.

Now it is Owen’s turn to make right in his world what went wrong thousands of years ago. If Owen can unlock the lost code in his very genes, he may rediscover the forgotten knowledge of his ancestry…and that less-than-ordinary can evolve into extraordinary.

What kid didn't like learning and hearing about the lost world of Atlantis? I know I found it to be one of my favorite school topics, along with the Greek and Roman mythology classes and lessons I had to take. For whatever reason I was hooked on all this mythical and not much has changed as far as my reading habits go. Paranormal, fantasy, both of these genres continuously pull me in and their titles tend to end up high on my list of favorites time and time again. So when I came across this future release, it was a no brainer. Adding in a male point of view and voice and I'm excited for this novel to hit the shelves this summer. Goodreads currently has a giveaway for the chance to win a copy for yourself. They're offering up 25 copies for the contest and people are signing up fast...head on over and give yourself a chance!

Countdown Pick #5: Black City (Black City Chronicles, #1) by Elizabeth Richards (11/13/2012)

A dark and tender postapocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection, that causes Ash’s long dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong. When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.

Exciting and scary stuff abounds apparently in 2012. I'm not sure how the description feels to me but it's intriguing don't you think? You guys know my reading preferences well enough to know that the whole star crossed lovers and couples who fight against their attractions and love are compelling to me to no end. I don't know why I put myself through the torture of reading about couples so in love but not able to be with each other or stay with each other without huge obstacles in their way, but for whatever reason, I don't think that's going to change any time soon. So with that being said, I think Black City and this new series have a very good chance of becoming an addiction for me.