Countdown: December 2013 (2)

The holidays are almost here and for me, it's always a crazy busy time of year, as it is for a lot of people. But with all the craziness also comes a lot of fun. There are family get togethers, friends celebrating left and right, the wrapping of packages (which my family has made an art form) and the giving of gifts. As much as I love to receive presents (I mean who doesn't?) I actually love giving them even more. Picking out the perfect present for someone, wrapping it up to make it even more personal, and seeing the faces of loved ones open up a great gift that they'll love is the best ever! While I do try to find perfect presents for everyone on my shopping list, I also tend to throw in a book along with whatever else I've found them. Bibliophiles or not, I enjoy helping to add or create a library/collection of great books for everyone on my list. Here are a few coming out in December that I'd love to receive and might possibly throw in for some friends and family as well.

 

Countdown Pick #1:  Control (Control, #1) by Lydia Kang (12/26/2013)

 

An un-putdownable thriller for fans of Uglies

When a crash kills their father and leaves them orphaned, Zel knows she needs to protect her sister, Dyl. But before Zel has a plan, Dyl is taken by strangers using bizarre sensory weapons, and Zel finds herself in a safe house for teens who aren’t like any she’s ever seen before—teens who shouldn't even exist. Using broken-down technology, her new friends’ peculiar gifts, and her own grit, Zel must find a way to get her sister back from the kidnappers who think a powerful secret is encoded in Dyl’s DNA.

A spiraling, intense, romantic story set in 2150—in a world of automatic cars, nightclubs with auditory ecstasy drugs, and guys with four arms—this is about the human genetic “mistakes” that society wants to forget, and the way that outcasts can turn out to be heroes.

The short description about a few of the things that the future of this book supposedly has put my curiosity into overdrive.  It's like when Back to the Future 2 came out...wasn't everyone going crazy thinking about what "could" be available and possible in the future?

Countdown Pick #2:  The Promise of Amazing by Robin Constantine (12/31/2013)

Wren Caswell is average. Ranked in the middle of her class at Sacred Heart, she’s not popular, but not a social misfit. Wren is the quiet, “good” girl who's always done what she's supposed to—only now in her junior year, this passive strategy is backfiring. She wants to change, but doesn’t know how.

Grayson Barrett was the king of St. Gabe’s. Star of the lacrosse team, top of his class, on a fast track to a brilliant future—until he was expelled for being a “term paper pimp.” Now Gray is in a downward spiral and needs to change, but doesn’t know how.

One fateful night their paths cross when Wren, working at her family’s Arthurian-themed catering hall, performs the Heimlich on Gray as he chokes on a cocktail weenie, saving his life literally and figuratively. What follows is the complicated, awkward, hilarious, and tender tale of two teens shedding their pasts, figuring out who they are—and falling in love.

Yay for the chance to read a sweet and delightfully fun sounding romance this Winter!

Countdown Pick #3:  Taste of Darkness (Healer, #3) by Maria V. Snyder (12/31/2013)

She's fought death and won. But how can she fight her fears?

Avry knows hardship and trouble. She fought the plague and survived. She took on King Tohon and defeated him. But now her heart-mate, Kerrick, is missing, and Avry fears he's gone forever.

But there's a more immediate threat. The Skeleton King plots to claim the Fifteen Realms for his own. With armies in disarray and the dead not staying down, Avry's healing powers are needed now more than ever.Torn between love and loyalty, Avry must choose her path carefully. For the future of her world depends on her decision.

My opinion stands; Maria V. Snyder can do no wrong!  Every series and book she puts on the shelves is pure magic with a capital M.  He characters are well developed and fantastic, her plot lines are fast paced and incredibly addicting.  Each and every title is an automatic purchase for me, I never have any doubts that I'll fall in love with her next story.

In My Mailbox (114)

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:

 

 

 

Blood Bound by Keshia Swaim (Thanks to Spencer Hill Press)

 

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.

 

Afterparty by Ann Reddisch Stampler (Thanks to Simon Pulse)

 

Emma is tired of being good. Always the dutiful daughter to an overprotective father, she is the antithesis of her mother -- whose name her dad won't even say out loud. That's why meeting Siobhan is the best thing that ever happened to her...and the most dangerous. Because Siobhan is fun and alluring and experienced and lives on the edge. In other words, she's everything Emma is not.

And it may be more than Emma can handle.

Because as intoxicating as her secret life may be, when Emma begins to make her own decisions, Siobhan starts to unravel. It's more than just Dylan, the boy who comes between them. Their high-stakes pacts are spinning out of control. Elaborate lies become second nature. Loyalties and boundaries are blurred. And it all comes to a head at the infamous Afterparty, where debauchery rages and an intense, inescapable confrontation ends in a plummet from the rooftop... 

Far From You by Tess Sharpe (Thanks to Disney-Hyperion)

Sophie Winters nearly died. Twice.

The first time, she's fourteen, and escapes a near-fatal car accident with scars, a bum leg, and an addiction to Oxy that'll take years to kick.

The second time, she's seventeen, and it's no accident. Sophie and her best friend Mina are confronted by a masked man in the woods. Sophie survives, but Mina is not so lucky. When the cops deem Mina's murder a drug deal gone wrong, casting partial blame on Sophie, no one will believe the truth: Sophie has been clean for months, and it was Mina who led her into the woods that night for a meeting shrouded in mystery.

After a forced stint in rehab, Sophie returns home to a chilly new reality. Mina's brother won't speak to her, her parents fear she'll relapse, old friends have become enemies, and Sophie has to learn how to live without her other half. To make matters worse, no one is looking in the right places and Sophie must search for Mina's murderer on her own. But with every step, Sophie comes closer to revealing all: about herself, about Mina and about the secret they shared.

Taste of Darkness (Healer, #3) by Maria V. Snyder (Thanks to Harlequin MIRA)

She's fought death and won. But how can she fight her fears?

Avry knows hardship and trouble. She fought the plague and survived. She took on King Tohon and defeated him. But now her heart-mate, Kerrick, is missing, and Avry fears he's gone forever.

But there's a more immediate threat. The Skeleton King plots to claim the Fifteen Realms for his own. With armies in disarray and the dead not staying down, Avry's healing powers are needed now more than ever.Torn between love and loyalty, Avry must choose her path carefully. For the future of her world depends on her decision.

Continuing On (3)

Sometimes I find myself getting so caught up counting down to new releases that I forget about some of the books and series that I'm looking forward to continuing on.  So recently I went back through and checked in with some of my favorites to see what was going on.  I'll admit I was surprised (in a good way) to find that new installments had come out within a series I'd enjoyed.  So rather than counting down in these posts, I decided to list some titles that have come out that I need to back track and read in order to catch up.  Here are just a few...

Catch Up #1:  Power (Soul Savers, #4) by Kristie Cook

As the stakes rise, can she find her true power?

As the Amadis prepare for war, Alexis returns to Florida with orders to relax, regenerate and replenish her depleted power. But her task list quickly grows—establish a new safe house, learn the art of conversion, find her AWOL protector, help a desperate fan, and protect her son. Oh, and figure out what’s going on with her husband, whose peculiar behavior just might get them killed.

But most important of all, her primary mission: recover her stolen pendant.

The stone in the pendant not only promises hope for the Amadis future, but its unknown qualities make it a possible weapon in the wrong hands. With guidance and power from an improbable source and an unlikely ally by her side, Alexis sets out to retrieve the stone before the enemy discovers its potential for mass destruction. But when she finds herself in the Daemoni’s lair fighting for her life, all hope seems lost. Will she discover the true power she holds in time? And is it enough to save herself, her family and the Amadis?

Power, the next installment of the Soul Savers Series, takes you on a hot and edgy ride with twists and turns you’ll never see coming, leaving you breathless and once again begging for more.

I was lucky enough to be able to be a part of the blog tours for the first three books in the series, but wasn't able to work the fourth into my schedule.  So while that's not a great excuse it is the reason I had to watch this title be released and not instantly start my reading.  Cook has a new adult series starting in April that I'm helping promote so I'm back on track and hoping to get a lot of quality reading time in.

Catch Up #2:  Once (Eve, #2) by Anna Carey

When you're being hunted, who can you trust?

For the first time since she escaped from her school many months ago, Eve can sleep soundly. She's living in Califia, a haven for women, protected from the terrifying fate that awaits orphaned girls in The New America.

But her safety came at a price: She was forced to abandon Caleb, the boy she loves, wounded and alone at the city gates. When Eve gets word that Caleb is in trouble, she sets out into the wild again to rescue him, only to be captured and brought to the City of Sand, the capital of The New America.

Trapped inside the City walls, Eve uncovers a shocking secret about her past--and is forced to confront the harsh reality of her future. When she discovers Caleb is alive, Eve attempts to flee her prison so they can be together--but the consequences could be deadly. She must make a desperate choice to save the ones she loves . . . or risk losing Caleb forever.

In this breathless sequel to "Eve," Anna Carey returns to her tale of romance, adventure, and sacrifice in a world that is both wonderfully strange and chillingly familiar.

Heartbreak!  I admit I was heartbroken thanks to the way the series opener ended and couldn't psych myself up to check out this sequel upon it's release.  Now that the third and final series installment, Rise is here I'm hoping to attempt a come back.  I'm always hoping for a happy ending for characters I love and that is still in effect when it comes to this series.  Here's hoping for less of the sad, and more of the happily ever afters with the last two books Carey delivers.

Catch Up #3:  Torn (Trylle, #2) by Amanda Hocking

When Wendy Everly first discovers the truth about herself—that she’s a changeling switched at birth—she knows her life will never be the same. Now she’s about to learn that there’s more to the story…

She shares a closer connection to her Vittra rivals than she ever imagined—and they’ll stop at nothing to lure her to their side. With the threat of war looming, her only hope of saving the Trylle is to master her magical powers—and marry an equally powerful royal. But that means walking away from Finn, her handsome bodyguard who’s strictly off limits…and Loki, a Vittra prince with whom she shares a growing attraction.

Torn between her heart and her people, between love and duty, Wendy must decide her fate. If she makes the wrong choice, she could lose everything, and everybody, she’s ever wanted…in both worlds.

As a special gift to readers, this book contains a new, never-before-published bonus story, “One Day, Three Ways,” set in the magical world of the Trylle.

Hocking's books basically take me out of commission for everything else when I start to read them.  2012 was a very busy year for me so unfortunately after I read her series opener, Trylle, I had to put the brakes on continuing her series, knowing that if I kept reading and making my way through I wouldn't get other things done.  But I've waiting long enough and have some ground to make up by reading the third book, Ascend as well.

Catch Up #4:  Outside In (Insider, #2) by Maria V. Snyder

Me?

A leader?

Okay, I did prove that there's more to Inside than we knew. That a whole world exists beyond this cube we live in. And finding that led to a major rebellion—between worker scrubs like me and the snobby uppers who rule our world. Make that ruled. Because of me, we're free. I thought that meant I was off the hook, and could go off on my own again—while still touching base with Riley, of course. He's the one upper I think I can trust. But then we learned that there's outside and then there is Outside. 

And something from Outside wants In.

For shame!  As one of my favorite authors ever, she's never let me down with one of her books yet.  I don't even think its possible for me to pick up one of her books and not fall instantly in love with it.  So I'm beating myself up for letting this release date come and go without buying myself a copy of this sequel.  I can't wait to see what comes next for Trella and the rest of her awesome characters!

Catch Up #5:  Charmfall (Dark Elite, #3) by Chloe Neill

High school can be a battlefield, but for Lily Parker, surviving at St. Sophia’s School for Girls is a matter of life and death...

Protecting Chicago from the dark side can be an exhausting job, especially when you’re a junior. So when the girls of St. Sophia’s start gearing up for Sneak, their fall formal, Lily decides to join in on some good, old-fashioned party prep—even if it means not giving demons, vampires and the twisted magic users known as Reapers her undivided attention.

But when a Reaper infiltrates the school, Lily doesn’t forget what she’s sworn to protect. She reaches deep into herself to draw out her magic—and finds that it’s gone. And it turns out she’s not alone. A magical blackout has slammed through paranormal Chicago, and no one knows what—or who—caused it. But Lily knows getting back her magic is worth the risk of going behind enemy lines...

With no plans for a fourth book in the series I'm wanting to see how Neill decided to wrap things up for these characters.  I've never read any of Neill's other books but did enjoy her YA titles and can only hope she'll introduce some more in the near future.

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Authors That I'd Put On My Auto-Buy List

Who doesn't have a favorite author or a couple of authors who's writing style, pacing, plot ideas and cast of characters had you falling in love with a certain book or series?  My list seems to get longer all the time and I'm certainly not complaining.  So here are ten authors who haven't steered me wrong yet and always leave me wanting more of their work!

My Auto-Buy Author Pick #1:  Maria V. Snyder

We are talking literary genius here people!  Her Study series, Glass series, Insiders series and now Healer series are all winners!  Each and every book and series starts out with high expectations on my part and yet she never lets me down.  Her fictional worlds are creative and full of imagination, her characters are all equally engaging and amazing, and her story lines are ones that I never want to end.  She's somehow always pumping out new material and I hope that never changes!

My Auto-Buy Author Pick #2:  Elizabeth Eulberg

I met her at a book festival and after hearing her speak I picked up her book to have her sign.  Convinced that her fabulousness had to cross over into her writing I dove right into The Lonely Hearts Club and found an amazing piece of fiction.  Her personality can be seen in her style and words and I was ecstatic!  Take A Bow and Prom and Prejudice were each wonderful and I can't wait to read her next release, Revenge of the Girl with the Great Personality!

My Auto-Buy Author Pick #3:  Richelle Mead

The Vampire Academy series put me through the gauntlet.  Her plot twists and turns surprised me each and every time and the action and adventure never seemed to slow down.  Her Dark Swan series may not fall into the YA category but I like that she can balance both audiences.  So no matter what my mood might be or what my reading preferences, Mead always hits the nail on the head.  Always excited to see what she'll deliver next.

My Auto-Buy Author Pick #4:  Cassandra Clare

While we're talking about two series (The Mortal Instruments & The Infernal Devices)in her repertoire  and within the same world, one has to admit she's got the touch and definitely the talent to spare.  Each and every installment gets better and better and no matter what there's always a cliffhanger that catches me off guard and dying to read on to find out what will happen next.  You can't teach that kind of thing, it's a gift plain and simple, and Clare's got it in spades!

My Auto-Buy Author Pick #5:  Jennifer Echols

If you're looking for romance and a love story, look no further.  Echols puts out books with characters who are easy to relate to, interesting story lines and addictive elements with no limits.  Page turners for sure, Love Story, Forget You and Such A Rush had me melting into puddles of mush each and every time.  She has me convinced that she can do no wrong and if there's a title with her name on it, I want it on my shelf!

My Auto-Buy Author Pick #6:  Rachel Hawthorne

Her Dark Guardian series had me addicted and neglecting everything outside of reading her work for long periods of time.  When I heard her and her son were teaming up and introducing a new trilogy, Darkness Before Dawn, I was conflicted I'll admit.  Thrilled she was producing a new paranormal series, but also worried that the dual author roles would not reflect what I'd come to expect her from previous work.  I'm not sure how they made it work, but frankly I don't care because they did and that's all that mattered to me.  This series had me just as hooked and I knew I could put her on this list with no hesitation on my part.

My Auto-Buy Author Pick #7:  Amanda Hocking

For starting out as an independent and doing in on her own so-to-speak she will always be a powerhouse in my book.  Someone a reader and anyone else for that matter can truly look up to and respect the hard road that led to their success.  You name it and her series' have won me over each and every time.  My Blood Approves and Trylle are two series that deserve infinite props and I hope Hocking continues to be praised and encouraged to produce more and more work in the future.  The amazing quality of her words will never be doubted by this reader.

My Auto-Buy Author Pick #8:  Sherrilyn Kenyon

Only recently has she branched out into the YA world but I had been reading her adult work long before that.  She's another one of these authors who's talent apparently will never run out.  No matter what the series, Dark Hunter, Dream Hunter, The League, or Chronicles of Nick, they're all golden!  Each installment is either equally good or better than the last and I hope she never stops writing and putting more work on our shelves.

My Auto-Buy Author Pick #9:  Veronica Roth

I know she's only got two books under her belt, but those two books I think will be in my top ten favorites for years to come.  She's honestly convinced me that she can do no wrong and whatever she produces from now on will be strong favorites of mine.  She's totally made me rethink the Dystopian genre and never again will I write a genre off just because it's new or foreign to me and my normal reading likes or dislikes.  Divergent was simply that powerful and amazing in my opinion.  She's definitely on my permanent radar and not going anywhere anytime soon!

My Auto-Buy Author Pick #10:  Jamie McGuire

This cannot come as a surprise to any of you out there who follow my blog because McGuire = awesome in my opinion.  I can (and do) recommend her books to my friends and family ALL the time and without fail they all come back and thank me for introducing them to her work and asking what else she has out there or will be putting out on the shelves soon!  I can't wait for her next release and every single one of them after that.

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Best Bookish Memories

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.

I had fun creating this week's list because it reminded me of a whole lot of good times and great memories that I'll cherish always!

Top Ten Best Bookish Memory #1:  My First Author Signing

My friend Lyric and I traveled all the way up to PA to visit a Borders store there where Maria V. Snyder was signing her books.  I had a copy of each that she'd written knowing she probably wouldn't be able to sign more than one.  But we were able to get there early and so was she and my wish came true.  I'm such a huge fan and getting to meet her was thrilling enough, but walking away with those souvenirs and being able to chat with her a while was the icing on the cake!

Top Ten Best Bookish Memory #2:  Meeting Elizabeth Eulberg

I traveled to a book festival near Washington, D.C. and was lucky enough to meet a few fantastic authors and pick up some wonderful new reads while I was at it.  But hearing Elizabeth speak and then meeting her afterwards definitely tops my list of all time great moments!

Top Ten Best Bookish Memory #3:  Lunching with Jennifer and Cyn

Jennifer Murgia is one of the sweetest and most down to Earth authors I've met.  She's downright awesome!  We had corresponded a bit after meeting at a book festival and she was going to be signing at an event I was going to and we decided to get some other bloggers and her friend and fellow author Cyn Balog (!) together for lunch before it started.  Getting to meet Cyn and all of those fabulous bloggers and hanging out was just so cool.  I know it's corny but everyone was just wonderful and it made for such a great day.

Top Ten Best Bookish Memory #4:  A Surprise

Earlier this year I got an email from a publicist letting me know to keep my eye out for something in the mail.  I wasn't sure what to expect, but what I got had me jumping up and down with joy.  Author Kristen Miller sent me an ARC of How To Lead A Life of Crime along with some other goodies and I was touched.  Surprises are always nice and her thoughtfulness made my week!

Top Ten Best Bookish Memory #5:  Challenge Me

A few months ago I was asked to be a part of The Silk & Paper Campaign leading up to Ally Condie's release of Reached (Matched, #3).  It was a ton of fun and super exciting to be a part of.  With read alongs, twitter talks, blogger meet and greets online, write ups, reviews, the whole deal!

Top Ten Best Bookish Memory #6:  Suzanne Collins' Stamp

I am of course one of many who are huge fans of The Hunger Games series.  Collins from what I've heard does not do many signings, but there was going to be one for Mockingjay's release and it was within driving distance for me.  Unfortunately for me I was going to be out of town for work but thanks to my wonderful friend Shelbi I was able to have her take my copy to be stamped (she wasn't physically signing books that day) and it's sitting on display on my shelf as we speak.

Top Ten Best Bookish Memory #7:  Converts

It may sound silly but not many of my good friends are big readers like myself.  I'm OK with it, mainly because I've met so many wonderful bloggers since becoming one myself.  But last year for whatever reason my friend Lyric and my sister Brooke both asked me for book recommendations and I must have picked well because they're still coming back for more and I get excited each and every time!

Top Ten Best Bookish Memory #8:  Decorating with Books

Last March I moved into a new apartment and was back to square one in the decorating department.  I was excited to start over and knew I could go a bunch of different ways, but that books would play a huge part of my new digs.  I wanted them everywhere, and I have plenty to help make that work.  I set up my bookcases in my living room for all to see, put up invisible book shelves (thanks to my sister) in my bedroom, and you will basically find every available space plastered with coffee table books everywhere else in the apartment.  I love it!  Coming home each and every day puts a smile on my face because I'm surrounded by titles I love, old friends I'm reminded of in the books that quickly became my favorites, and just looking at the shelves lined with good reads puts me in a good mood. (Now this picture might not be of my apartment but you get an good idea)

Top Ten Best Bookish Memory #9:  Last Christmas

Despite always being a big reader for just about as long as I can remember I never really got books for Christmas.  Hard to believe I know.  But it was always hard because my parents and family never knew which books to get, what I would like, what I'd already read, etc...  But last year they stepped out of the box and gave it a shot and they did a fantastic job!   Definitely some real winners to add to my library.

Top Ten Best Bookish Memory #10:  The Bookshelf Sophisticate Is Born

By far one of the best decisions I ever made!  My best friend and roommate at the time Megan, told me one day out of the blue that I should give it a shot.  I joke that she probably made the suggestion because she wanted me to have an outlet to share my thoughts and discuss the books I'd been reading so that she wouldn't have to hear about them so much anymore.  She was actually the one who picked out the blog name for me and encouraged me one hundred percent and I love her dearly for that!  I've met so many amazing people in the process, found fabulous blogs I now follow religiously, gone to wonderful book related events and had a blast throughout the whole process.  It's a lot of work and take a lot of dedication but is so rewarding and worthwhile that I don't think I'll ever want to stop.  Best decision and bookish memory ever!

In My Mailbox (73)

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:

Being Henry David by Cal Armistead (Thanks to Albert Whitman Teen)

Seventeen-year-old "Hank" has found himself at Penn Station in New York City with no memory of anything --who he is, where he came from, why he's running away. His only possession is a worn copy of Walden, by Henry David Thoreau. And so he becomes Henry David-or "Hank" and takes first to the streets, and then to the only destination he can think of--Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts. Cal Armistead's remarkable debut novel is about a teen in search of himself. Hank begins to piece together recollections from his past. The only way Hank can discover his present is to face up to the realities of his grievous memories. He must come to terms with the tragedy of his past, to stop running, and to find his way home.

Hysteria by Megan Miranda (Thanks to Walker Childrens)

Mallory killed her boyfriend, Brian. She can't remember the details of that night but everyone knows it was self-defense, so she isn't charged. But Mallory still feels Brian's presence in her life. Is it all in her head? Or is it something more? In desperate need of a fresh start, Mallory is sent to Monroe, a fancy prep school where no one knows her . . . or anything about her past.But the feeling follows her, as do her secrets. Then, one of her new classmates turns up dead. As suspicion falls on Mallory, she must find a way to remember the details of both deadly nights so she can prove her innocence-to herself and others. 

In another riveting tale of life and death, Megan Miranda's masterful storytelling brings readers along for a ride to the edge of sanity and back again.

Pantomime by Laura Lam (Thanks to Strange Chemistry)

R. H. Ragona’s Circus of Magic is the greatest circus of Ellada. Nestled among the glowing blue Penglass—remnants of a mysterious civilisation long gone—are wonders beyond the wildest imagination. It’s a place where anything seems possible, where if you close your eyes you can believe that the magic and knowledge of the vanished Chimaera is still there. It’s a place where anyone can hide.

Iphigenia Laurus, or Gene, the daughter of a noble family, is uncomfortable in corsets and crinoline, and prefers climbing trees to debutante balls. Micah Grey, a runaway living on the streets, joins the circus as an aerialist’s apprentice and soon becomes the circus’s rising star.

But Gene and Micah have balancing acts of their own to perform, and a secret in their blood that could unlock the mysteries of Ellada.

Delirium (Delirium, #1) by Lauren Oliver (Thanks to Lyric)

THEY SAY that the cure for Love will make me happy and safeforever. And I've always believed them. Until now.

Now everything has changed. Now, I'd rather be infected
with love for the tiniest sliver of a second than live a hundred years smothered by a lie.

Scent of Magic (Healer, #2) by Maria V. Snyder (Thanks to Harlequin UK)

Hunted, Killed—Survived?

As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avry of Kazan is in a unique position: in the minds of her friends and foes alike, she no longer exists. Despite her need to prevent the megalomanical King Tohon from winning control of the Realms, Avry is also determined to find her sister and repair their estrangement. And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner and sole confident, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle.

Though she should be in hiding, Avry will do whatever she can to support Tohon’s opponents. Including infiltrating a holy army, evading magic sniffers, teaching forest skills to soldiers and figuring out how to stop Tohon’s most horrible creations yet; an army of the walking dead—human and animal alike and nearly impossible to defeat.

War is coming and Avry is alone. Unless she figures out how to do the impossible ... again.

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!!!!