Review: Inside Out (Insider, #1) by Maria V. Snyder

Imagine every space in this room filled with people. Constantly being jostled and pushed. In the lower levels there is no quiet place. No peace. To a scrub, this room is paradise."

I drew a deep breath. I'd spoken more in one burst to this stranger whose room I'd invaded than anyone else in weeks. And with a single word he could alert the Pop Cops and send me to the Chomper. We stared at each other for a few heartbeats.

Before I could retreat he said, "My name's Riley Narelle Ashon. Any time you need peace, you're welcome to use my hideaway."

Keep you head down.
Don't get noticed.
Or else.

I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? The only neck at risk is my own...until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution.

Maria V. Snyder always strikes gold...it's a no brainer anymore to be honest. I'm not sure why I waited so long to dive into this one, but regardless it was well worth the wait. I'm already of course anxious to get to the store so I can pick up the second installment and see what is in store for Trella and the rest of Snyder's characters next.

I'll admit I wasn't sure what to expect going into this one other than what little description readers are given with the back cover. I knew it would be a lot different than the other books Snyder has out in stores, and I wasn't quite sure that would be a good thing or a bad thing. I think I just failed to realize that whether it's completely different from her other stories or riding along the same wavelength, it doesn't matter as long as it's got Snyder's signature writing style. She's always maintained a fast paced storyline and it's also always jam packed with action and adventure.

This series seems to be no different and Snyder has made me a fan of yet another one of her main characters, in Trella, this go around. Her female leads are always strong willed, stubborn, and yet endearing to readers without even trying that hard. It's hard not to sympathize with Trella and the rest of those who live in the lower levels in the horrible conditions they have no way around. And until Trella meets Riley, I was on the "We hate the Uppers" bandwagon. But of course he changed my opinion as well as Trella's eventually. It's still touch and go throughout the whole storyline of who can she trust, what will happen next, and will the rebellion have a positive outcome or a terrible one?

Bottom line...if you're a Snyder fan, this book will only enhance that opinion you have of her writing! I'm off to grab a copy of Outside In, the second installment in her Insider series, and I can't wait!

I gave Inside Out (Insider, #1) 4 shamrocks!!!!

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books On My Spring To-Be-Read List

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.

So this week they decided to do something similar to my countdown posts and my new finds posts, so of course I couldn't resist participating in the meme. While these ten books are ones I plan to read, I've decided to take a closer look at my bookshelves and check out which ones I have up there that I've still yet to read. Shameful I know...having books up on a shelf that I haven't had the chance to read yet, but this list will hopefully (fingers crossed) help me take care of that problem. Here are ten books that I already own and am making sure that I read from cover to cover before the end of Spring.

To Be Read Spring Book #1: Inside Out (Insider, #1) by Maria V. Snyder

Keep Your Head Down. Don't Get Noticed. Or Else. I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? The only neck at risk is my own...until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to-girl to lead a revolution.

Snyder is one of my all time favorite authors, and there are no words to describe how much I truly enjoy her work. With that being said I'm ashamed to admit that I first purchased this book when it was first released and for some reason have yet to crack open it's pages. I think maybe at first it was because it seemed so different from her other books as far as the plot and idea behind it that I was afraid I'd find that despite her stellar writing that it just wasn't for me. I'm an idiot! I think I'm finally ready to take the chance on this one and I'll be crossing my fingers that while it might not turn out to be similar to her other series, that I'll end up loving it all the same. We shall see.

To Be Read Spring Book #2: The Iron Queen (Iron Fey, #3) by Julie Kagawa

My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

I'm not sure why I didn't keep up with this series, but somehow I missed out on this one. I've got my copy which I think was purchased right at the release date sitting on my shelf at home, but yet I never opened it up. This list, while it's nice to get myself back into books that I've forgotten about or should have read long ago it nice, it's also depressing. I'm sad that I let these books fall to the wayside, especially since I know there's a very good chance that each of them will become a part of my list of favorites. So hopefully I'll be able to get through this one quickly so that I can be prepared to read the fourth book in the series shortly after.

To Be Read Spring Book #3: The Faerie Path (Faerie Path, #1) by Frewin Jones

Swept away into a court of magic and beauty, she discovers she is Tania, the lost princess of Faerie: the youngest daughter of Oberon and Titania. Since Tania's mysterious disappearance on the eve of her wedding five hundred years before, Faerie has been sunk in darkness and gloom. The courtly Lord Gabriel Drake, who Tania was once to marry, has found her and brought her back.

With Tania's return, Faerie comes alive again as a land of winged children, glittering balls, and fantastic delights. But Tania can't forget Anita's world, or the boy she loved there.

Torn between two loves and between two worlds, Tania slowly comes to discover why she disappeared so long ago. She possesses a singular magical ability and she must use it to stop a sinister plan that threatens the entire world of Faerie.

I feel like I'm getting excited all over again for this read. This book was given to me as a gift and unfortunately at the time (it was during the holidays) things got in the way and somehow this copy ended up on the shelf and was somewhat forgotten about in the midst of all that was going on around me. But I'm rectifying that mistake this Spring and I'm determined to see what the series is all about and if I'll be wanting to add the rest of the installments to my TBR list.

To Be Read Spring Book #4: White Cat (Curse Workers, #1) by Holly Black

The first in a trilogy, this gritty, fast-paced fantasy is rife with the unexpected. Cassel comes from a shady, magical family of con artists and grifters. He doesn't fit in at home or at school, so he's used to feeling like an outsider. He's also used to feeling guilty - he killed his best friend, Lila, years ago.

But when Cassel begins to have strange dreams about a white cat, and people around him are losing their memories, he starts to wonder what really happened to Lila. In his search for answers, he discovers a wicked plot for power that seems certain to succeed. But Cassel has other ideas - and a plan to con the con men.

Holly Black is one of those authors that has a great reputation around readers and bloggers, or at least she does she the ones I've spoken with. I attempted to read a previous series of hers (The Modern Faerie Tale) and felt like it just wasn't my cup of tea. But it was more the storyline and not the writing, the writing I thought was smooth and paced out well. But after hearing such wonderful reviews for this series I decided to give Black's work another go, hoping that maybe this time, I could enjoy more than just her style of writing, but the characters and story as well.

To Be Read Spring Book #5: Rampant (Killer Unicorns, #1) by Diana Peterfreund

Forget everything you ever knew about unicorns... Real unicorns are venomous, man-eating monsters with huge fangs and razor-sharp horns. Fortunately they've been extinct for a hundred and fifty years. Or not. Astrid had always scoffed at her eccentric mother's stories about killer unicorns. But when one of the monsters attacks her boyfriend - thereby ruining any chance of him taking her to the prom - Astrid finds herself headed to Rome to train as a unicorn hunter at the ancient cloisters the hunters have used for centuries. However, at the cloisters all is not what it seems. Outside, the unicorns wait to attack. And within, Astrid faces other, unexpected threats: from the crumbling, bone-covered walls that vibrate with a terrible power to the hidden agendas of her fellow hunters to - perhaps most dangerously of all - her growing attraction to a handsome art student...an attraction that could jeopardize everything.

I got a gift card for my kindle last Christmas and was so excited to finally be able to buy some books that I wanted to beam to my kindle instead of having to carry around a book (this was when I was still a fairy new kindle user and the excitement was still very fresh) that I couldn't wait to order something. The problem I discovered is that I should only ever order one book at a time on my kindle because I get distracted very easily. I finished one of the three books I ordered and of course went in search of the next book I wanted to read and forgot that I still had two others waiting in my kindle library, just begging to be read. So thanks to this list I've given myself a reminder and will be getting right on that.

To Be Read Spring Book #6: Swoon At Your Own Risk by Sydney Salter

You'd think Polly Martin would have all the answers when it comes to love - after all, her grandmother is the famous syndicated advice columnist Miss Swoon. But after a junior year full of dating disasters, Polly has sworn off boys. This summer, she's going to focus on herself for once. So Polly is happy when she finds out Grandma is moving in - think of all the great advice she'll get. But Miss Swoon turns out to be a man-crazy sexagenarian! How can Polly stop herself from falling for Xander Cooper, the suddenly-hot skateboarder who keeps showing up while she's working at Wild Waves water park, when Grandma is picking up guys at the bookstore and flirting with the dishwasher repairman? No advice column can prepare Polly for what happens when she goes on a group camping trip with three too many ex-boyfriends and the tempting Xander. Polly is forced to face her feelings and figure out if she can be in love - and still be herself.

Another book that was gifted to me a while back that for some reason went on to my bookshelf instead of me cracking it open right away. So once again this sounds to me like a fun and great Summer read, don't you think? While I've never been camping myself it always sounded like a fun outing to try out. So Polly seems to be in for quite the adventure with her ex-boyfriends surrounding her while also crushing on the new guy and I for one think it sounds like a highly entertaining scenario.

To Be Read Spring Book #7: Shade (Shade, #1) by Jeri Smith Ready

Love ties them together. Death can't tear them apart.

Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.

Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.

Well, sort of.

Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan's violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. "Almost."

It doesn't help that Aura's new friend Zachary is so understanding - and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.

As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart...and clues to the secret of the Shift.

When I went to the PAYA book festival last year I had the pleasure of meeting so many great authors. And like a kid in a candy store, when I walked in and saw all the books that were there for sale and all the authors that had written them available to talk to and autograph said books, I couldn't help myself. My wallet definitely suffered the consequences that day, and I don't think I was the only one. Ready was one of the authors that was there, and while I hadn't read her book before, I picked up a copy for myself and had her sign it before I left. Because of the large volume of books I picked up that day, unfortunately hers was put off to the side. Time to fix that, don't you think?

To Be Read Spring Book #8: Rage (Riders of the Apocalypse, #2) by Jackie Morse Kessler

Missy didn't mean to cut so deep. But after the part where she was humiliated in front of practically everyone in school, who could blame her for wanting some comfort? Sure, most people don't find comfort in the touch of a razor blade, but Missy always was...different. That's why she was chosen to become one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: War. Now Missy wields a new kind of blade - a big, brutal sword that can cut down anyone and anything in her path. But it's with this weapon in her hand that Missy learns something that could help her triumph over her own pain: control. A unique approach to the topic of self-mutilation, Rage is the story of a young woman who discovers her own power and refuses to be defeated by the world.

Yet again I've only got myself to blame for having left this title unread and sitting on my shelves. The problem is, after I read Kessler's series opener, Hunger I was shaken to say the least. It was much more graphic and emotionally draining than I had anticipated and really left me somewhat a mess. It was one of those books that while I'm sure I could have easily read it time wise, in one sitting, I had to take breaks and step away from the book because it was so tumultuous. I have a friend that has experienced issues like the kind dealt with in Hunger and it really hit close to home for me. Opened my eyes so to speak. While I've got no previous knowledge or experience with the subject matter dealt with in this second installment, I know now how easy it is to become invested in Kessler's writing and I was slightly hesitant to jump back in right away.

To Be Read Spring Book #9: Small Persons With Wings by Ellen Booraem

Ever since she was teased for believing in fairies, Mellie has adopted a strictly scientific and logical approach to life. But when her parents inherit her grandfather's inn, she learns that for generations, her family members have been fair guardians. The fairies exchanged some of their powers for this protection but now they want their magic back. And evil temptress in disguise wants the magic too, and before she knows it, Mellie is turned into a frog, her grandfather is discovered alive, and her parents are trapped in an evil spell that only lets them see the truth (which can be awfully brutal). Thank goodness for Timmo - the cute boy next door - and Durindana, a fairy outcast, who help Mellie save teh day and encourage her to loosen up her views on family, fairies, and friendship.

This is a hilarious, irreverent, and highly sarcastic take on fairies - who, by the way, just hate to be called fairies.

I just think this one sounds so ridiculous in nature that it must be a hoot to read, wouldn't you think? So while I have no excuse for having skipped over this one before now, I'm looking forward to crossing this one off my list now that Spring is here. I can't wait to see what these fairies are like that are so specific and hateful of their commonly used names. I guess I'll have to learn how to adapt to the proper nomanclature, small persons with wings, if I want to be politically correct while I'm reading Booraem's title.

To Be Read Spring Book #10: The Trust (Secret Society, #2) by Tom Dolby

Who can you trust when everything is secrets and lies?

It's a new semester at the Chadwick School, and even with the ankh tattoos that brand them, Phoebe, Nick, Lauren, and Patch are hoping for a fresh start. Each day, however, they are reminded of their membersheip as new Conscripts in the Society. The secret group that promised to help them achieve their every dream has instead turned their lives into a nightmare.

Exclusive membership lost its luster as the Society revealed its agenda to them and two of their classmates were found dead. Now they can't help but wonder: Who's next? While they serrch for the elusive truth about the Society, the Conscripts are forced to face their darkest fear - that they truly can't get out.

Will Nick and Phoebe's new relationship endure this strain? Can Patch and Nick's longtime friendship survive the truth that will come to light? The deceptions of the group's leaders, once trusted friends, and family will test these four as they fight to leave the Society behind.

The Trust, Tom Dolby's sequel to Secret Society, is an alluring glimpse behind the facade of a life of entitlement, where secrets aren't merely fun - they're deadly.

Life simply got in the way of this one. I'm glad that I've included this on my list of reads for the Spring and am anxious to see how these friends fare amongst all the lies, tension and scariness that comes along with their membership in the secret society. I can't imagine where Dolby will take his characters in this sequel but I can only guess that it won't be a smooth ride for anyone.

In My Mailbox (5)

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)!

Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey (I posted my review yesterday...go check it out)

In less than a day I had been harassed, enchanted, shouted at, cried on, and clawed. I’d been cold, scared, dirty, exhausted, hungry, and miserable. And up until now, I’d been mildly impressed with my ability to cope.

At her boarding school in New Zealand, Ellie Spencer is like any ordinary teen: she hangs out with her best friend, Kevin; obsesses over her crush on a mysterious boy; and her biggest worry is her paper deadline. Then everything changes: In the foggy woods near the school, something ancient and deadly is waiting.

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.

A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker

When the principal announces that every senior must participate in a mandatory year-long Marriage Education program, Fiona Sheehan believes that her life can’t get any worse. Then she marries her “husband”: Jerky jock Todd, whose cheerleader girlfriend, Amanda, has had it in for Fiona since day one of second grade. Even worse? Amanda is paired with Fiona’s long-term crush, Gabe.

At least Fiona is doing better than her best friend, Marcie, who is paired up with the very quiet, very mysterious Johnny Mercer. Pranks, fights, misunderstandings, and reconciliations ensue in an almost Shakespearean comedy of errors about mistaken first impressions, convoluted coupling, and hidden crushes.

I'm already half way through Vintage Veroncia and loving every minute of it, can't wait to get to the others, what did you guys get this week?  I'd love to hear from ya and hopefully find some new books that I need to add to my TBR list.

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 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.

On a last and final note before the weekend...I uploaded my pics from Maria V. Snyder's book signing that I went to last weekend and coulnd't resist sharing them with all of you.  Whatcha think?

The Borders in Lancaster was great and suprisingly my first experience in a Borders, there aren't any around me, I've always been strictly a Barnes & Nobles girl....anyhoo...

                                                    

My friend Lyric was sweet enough to make the drive to the signing with me, she's not a HUGE reader, but I think I may have swayed her a little....she wants to come with me to more signings in the future....YES!

                                                    

And of course.....me and Maria!  She was just so great, her table with all of her previous books, and of course her newest release Inside Out looked great and I wanted to buy them all, all over again!  LOL!  Thanks for letting me share my excitment with you guys....have a great weekend!

                                                          

Happy Reading!

My 1st Giveaway!!!

I can't think of a better way to show my appreciation to all my followers than hosting my very 1st book giveaway!

There will be 3 lucky winners to start out -- if the number of followers increases than I'll make sure to add a few more prizes to the pile.

The 1st place winner will get a signed copy of Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder and a companion bookmark that Maria was sweet enough to throw in!

The 2nd place winner will get a copy of the recently released Numbers by Rachel Ward.  I just finished this book and I loved it, my review will be up soon!

And finally the 3rd place winner will get a copy of Vampire Kisses "The Beginning" by Ellen Schreiber.  This volume contains the first three books in her series:  Vampire Kisses, Kissing Coffins, and Vampireville.  Her next installment, the 7th book in the series Love Bites, will be out on May 18th.  So if you haven't read her Vampire Kisses series, this is the perfect chance to jump in to the series from the very beginning!

This contest is for followers only, so if you're not a follower just click on the "follow" button on the sidebar to your right (Yes, I will be checking to confirm the winners)!

**Update**

I've added another book to the pile and decided to have 4 winners instead of 3!

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken is now up for grabs...what a great read!

Now that you know what's up for grabs, just click on the link below to fill out the form and you'll be that much closer to being a winner!  This contest will end on May 21st so hurry up and enter and stay tuned for more updates!

Click HERE to fill out the contest entry form!

In My Mailbox (4)

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.

This week I tried not to burn a hole in my pocket like last week and stuck to purchasing one book for my collection:

Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder

I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? Not like it's all that dangerous - the only neck I risk is my own. Until I accidently start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution. I should have just said no...

If I was only going to purchase one book this week...why did I choose this one do you ask?  Well it's because I have some very exciting news....I'm going to my 1st book signing on Saturday, and yes it's with Maria V. Snyder!  Maria will be at the Borders store in Lancaster, PA and I can't wait to meet her and experience a signing for the 1st time!  Maria's quickly become one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to read Inside Out.  Because of my excitement over the book signing and over having 39 followers (I love you guys!) I thought it might be time to host my 1st giveaway featuring....you guessed it - Inside Out.  There may be one or two more books thrown in as well since I want the first giveaway to be as exciting for you guys as it is for me to host it.

I'll have more information on the giveaway early next week so be sure to check back in for that, and can we please cross our fingers that I can figure out how to work Google Forms by then, lol!  Also be sure to check out the rest of Maria's tour schedule for Inside Out on her site and you'll also find that you can read the 1st three chapters of Inside Out there.

Having nothing to do with Maria V. Snyder but connected to the topic of book tours, I wanted to give everyone a heads up that Alyson Noel has just posted her tour schedule for her upcoming novel, Dark Flame.  Unfortunately she's not coming anywhere that wouldn't require me to get on a plane to see her or I'd totally be making my plans and mapping out my driving course, but if she's coming near you I think it would be a great opportunity for anyone!

And on a last note before the weekend....it being Friday it's of course Blog Hop Time!!!!  So don't forget to visit the Book Blogger Hop over at Crazy-for-Books and check out some great blogs that you may not know about. Since I've joined I've found some amazing ones and I can't wait to see who joins this week!

Happy Reading!