WoW (43): Three books I'm dying to read

The "My gosh can 2013 hurry up and get here NOW?!" edition

Strands of Bronze and Gold

by Jane Nickerson

Release Date: March 12, 2013
Publisher: Knopf
Pages: 352
Goodreads Page

Did you already see this mentioned on Ruby's Reads? Well, I'm a book pusher, so I'm mentioning it again. But, really, with a plot like this, can you blame me?


A retelling of Bluebeard (don't know it? Think the creepier side of fairy tales...murder, rooms filled with dismembered wives, that sort of happy thing), Strands of Bronze and Gold is a Gothic (!) set in 1855 and follows 17-year old Sophia as she goes to live with her mysterious guardian in his haunted mansion, Wyndriven Abbey (it's named! Named houses = awesome times ahead).

Inhuman

by Kat Falls

Release Date: March 2013
Publisher: Scholastic

Goodreads Page

In a post-apocalyptic United States, the entire eastern part of the country is a ravaged wasteland filled with mutated creepies that could kill you...unless you begin mutating yourself! Suffice it to say, no one goes there.

Oh, wait, except a few daring people like our protagonist's father who ventures in to steal artifacts (gotta say, the little thief in me loves the idea of scavenging all those abandoned goodies. Sounds like Chernobyl.)

All is well until daddy gets himself into a pickle and his daughter Lane needs to bail him out. Which means she needs to team up with a hottie rogue of unknown loyalties from the wrong side of the tracks and venture into the mutated scaryland to go quest after some lost artifacts. YAY! I hope that giant machete in her hands is a sign of things to come, because questing + rogues + mutated beasties = SIGN ME UP!

Spellbinding

by Maya Gold

Release Date: April 2013
Publisher: Scholastic
Pages: 272
Goodreads Page

Witches! I have a weakness for witches. I even faithfully watched every single episode of The Secret Circle, and if you're at all familiar with that show, then you'll know that means my weakness for witches is pretty extreme to put up with that. 

But, moving on, I'm hoping the witches in Spellbinding are a little better and actually use their powers. Judging by the blurb, it sounds like I'll be able to get my fill of hijinks and spells gone awry through ill-advised love potions, hexes, and ancient spellbooks.

I also love the new-witch-learning-her-powers thing going on here. Maybe it's that, maybe it's the Salem connection, or maybe it's just the blond cover model and my own nostalgia kicking in, but I'm sorta getting a little Sabrina the Teenage Witch vibe, and I'm just dorky enough to cross my fingers and hope it's true!
 

What are you waiting for in 2013? 
Are you interested in reading any of these books?

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WoW (42): Patrice Kindl, Moira Moore

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where we all feature upcoming books we're eagerly anticipating.


I've altered things a little to include one book that hasn't come out yet and one that has already been published but I still haven't gotten around to reading yet.

Keeping the Castle by Patrice Kindl
(June 14, 2012)

From Goodreads:

Seventeen-year-old Althea is the sole support of her widowed mother, young half-brother, and two stepsisters—and she must maintain Crawley Hall. Althea, in short, must marry well. But there are few wealthy suitors—or suitors of any kind—in their small Yorkshire town of Lesser Hoo. Then Lord Boring comes to stay with his aunt and uncle. Althea sets her cap to become Lady Boring. There’s only one problem; his friend and business manager Mr. Fredericks keeps getting in the way. And, as it turns out, Fredericks has set his own cap.

Why I want to read it: 

A comedy of manners set in a big Named Mansion (you always know you're in for a good time if the house is named). I've heard talk that the main character is a sassy piece of work who offers up a lot of funny asides, which sounds great to me. I read Patrice Kindl's fractured fairy tale Goose Chase and I loved the snarky humor there. I am also very curious to meet this Mr. Fredericks. 

Resenting the Hero by Moira J. Moore

(February 28, 2006)

From Goodreads:

In a realm beset by natural disasters, only the bonded Pairs—Source and Shield—make the land habitable and keep the citizenry safe. But can Dunleavy Mallorough and Lord Shintaro Karish put aside their differences to defeat something even more unnatural than their reluctant affections for each other?

Why I want to read it: 

Court fantasy with a hate-turned-love romance, so this one pretty much has my name written all over it! I've even heard it recommended to fans of Sherwood Smith's Crown Duel, so I KNOW I have to get my hands on a copy. Only problem? I can't find it in any library. Not in NY, and now not in Texas. *sigh* Someday.

Have any of you read either of these books? Would you recommend them? 

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WoW (41): Abby Grahame, Cassandra Golds

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where we all feature upcoming books we're eagerly anticipating.


I've altered things a little to include one book that hasn't come out yet and one that has already been published but I still haven't gotten around to reading yet.

Wentworth Hall by Abby Grahame
(May 1, 2012)

From Goodreads:

The Darlington family is among Edwardian Britain’s most revered, but underneath this façade of respectability hides secrets that could mean their ruin. Lord and Lady Darlington’s seat at Wentworth Hall is one of England’s oldest estates, but the servants have been whispering about the lack of hands (and funds) for the upkeep of the grand manor.

Are the Darlingtons hoping to find 18-year-old Maggie a wealthy husband? Is that why newly moneyed Teddy Fitzhugh, whose father recently drowned in the sinking of the Titanic, has been invited to stay? His visit-and the complete change in Maggie’s personality since her return from a year abroad in France-gives the ever-curious staff even more reason to gossip than usual.

When scandalous satires start appearing in the newspaper with details suspiciously similar to the goings on of Wentworth Hall, the Darlingtons are determined to keep their secrets to themselves and their affairs (both private and public) in order. And the first order of business is finding the culprit. But where to start? Downstairs among the staff? Or should the Darlingtons look even closer to home . . .

Why I want to read it: 

Because I LOVE historical fiction. And gossip. And secrets. And mysteries. I can't wait!

The Three Loves of Persimmon by Cassandra Golds
(April 24, 2012)

From Goodreads:

Persimmon Polidori is a fine young lady, but within her is a rebel. She must follow her heart's desire, even if it means her family will reject her for the choices she makes. These choices bring her adventure and a world she never knew existed - they also bring her loneliness...

Along the way, Persimmon undergoes the trials of love, heartbreak, doubt and the discovery of her own true value.

And she does it with the aid of a tiny, brave creature named Epiphany.

Why I want to read it: 

Ok, so I'm not really feeling that cover, but I DO like the sound of the story. Persimmon sounds fun with best friend potential. I also like how the story sounds like it will be heartwarming with a sweet romance (but, heartbreak? Oh no!) and adventure. Plus, who--or what--is this tiny, brave creature named Epiphany? I am curious. 

Have any of you read either of these books? Would you recommend them? 

Join the fun!

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Are you an established blogger? Come share you advice with newbies, or check out Ruby's Busting the Big Blogger Blues event!

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WoW (40): Garth Nix, Doug MacLeod

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where we all feature upcoming books we're eagerly anticipating.


I've altered things a little to include one book that hasn't come out yet and one that has already been published but I still haven't gotten around to reading yet.

A Confusion of Princes by Garth Nix
(April 24, 2012)

From Goodreads:

You’d think being a privileged Prince in a vast intergalactic Empire would be about as good as it gets. But it isn’t as great as it sounds. For one thing, Princes are always in danger. Their greatest threat? Other Princes. Khemri discovers that the moment he is proclaimed a Prince.

He also discovers mysteries within the hidden workings of the Empire. Dispatched on a secret mission, Khemri comes across the ruins of a space battle. In the midst of it all he meets a young woman named Raine, who will challenge his view of the Empire, of Princes, and of himself.

Why I want to read it: 

Why would I NOT want to read it?! First off, princes. They're right up there with princesses, and you know I'll read pretty much anything with a princess, right? Next, princes who kill princes. My Roman history loving heart is all a pitter patter in anticipation! (Because, you know, those Romans were always killing each other off for power, too.) 

And then there's the romance. Ah, I am a sucker for romance. Plus, she will change his view of the empire? Of princes? Do I sense a rebellion brewing? There is SO much potential here!

The Life of a Teenage Body-Snatcher by Doug MacLeod
(January 2010)

From Goodreads:

Thomas Timewell is sixteen and a gentleman. When he meets a body-snatcher called Plenitude, his whole life changes. He is pursued by cutthroats, a tattooed gypsy with a meat cleaver, and even the Grim Reaper. More disturbing still, Thomas has to spend an evening with the worstnoelist in the world.

A black comedy set in England in 1828, The Life of a Teenage Body-Snatcher shows what terrible events can occur when you try to do the right thing. 'Never a good idea', as Thomas' mother would say.

Why I want to read it: 

Well this sounds different! It also sounds funny and exciting with a lot of unexpected events. What "right thing" did Thomas try to do, why was Plenitude stealing bodies, and how does this change Thomas's life? I want to find out!

Have any of you read either of these books? Would you recommend them? 

Join the fun!

Ever feel blue when it comes to blogging? Ever wish you could network your blog more, gain more followers, get ARCs, or learn more about the ins and outs of YA book blogging?

Check out Busting the Newbie Blues!

New bloggers ask their blogging questions, old bloggers help answer them! A casual event for the YA book blogging community.

Are you an established blogger? Come share you advice with newbies, or check out Ruby's Busting the Big Blogger Blues event!

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WoW (39: Sherwood Smith and Carolee Dean

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where we all feature upcoming books we're eagerly anticipating.


I've altered things a little to include one book that hasn't come out yet and one that has already been published but I still haven't gotten around to reading yet.

The Spy Princess by Sherwood Smith
(August 2, 2012)

When twelve-year-old Lady Lilah decides to disguise herself and sneak out of the palace one night, she has more of an adventure than she expected--for she learns very quickly that the country is on the edge of revolution. When she sneaks back in, she learns something even more surprising: her older brother Peitar is one of the forces behind it all.

The revolution happens before all of his plans are in place, and brings unexpected chaos and violence. Lilan and her friends, leaving their old lives behind, are determind to help however they can. But what can four kids do? Become spies, of course!

Why I want to read it:

It's Sherwood Smith! Sherwood Smith! The author who wrote my beloved Crown Duel!

Can you imagine the look on a five year old's face if you were to tell them they can go to the candy store and buy anything they want with no limits. That pure, unbridled joy mixed with slight disbelief at ever getting something so completely amazing? Yeah, that pretty much describes my reaction when I saw The Spy Princess in the Penguin catalog.

Take Me There by Carolee Dean
(July 20, 2010)

Dylan has a bad-boy past and a criminal record. He knows that rich, beautiful Jess is way too good for him—but she has always been the one person who sees through his tough exterior and straight to his heart, and he has been hopelessly in love with her from the first time they met. He would change his life for a chance with her.

But trouble follows Dylan wherever he goes, and a deadly mistake soon forces him to hit the road and leave his dreams behind. He’s on the run and in search of answers—answers to questions he wishes he’d never asked.

Why I want to read it:

I don’t read a lot of contemporary books, but I'm a sucker for the bad-boy/good-girl love story. Dylan sounds like a bad boy who is really a good guy, which is the best kind, right? The potential for a road trip makes Take Me There even more appealing.

Join the fun!

Ever feel blue when it comes to blogging? Ever wish you could network your blog more, gain more followers, get ARCs, or learn more about the ins and outs of YA book blogging?

Check out Busting the Newbie Blues!

New bloggers ask their blogging questions, old bloggers help answer them! A casual event for the YA book blogging community.

Are you an established blogger? Come share you advice with newbies, or check out Ruby's Busting the Big Blogger Blues event!

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Waiting on Wednesday (38)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where we all feature upcoming books we're eagerly anticipating.

I've altered things a little to include one book that hasn't come out yet and one that has already been published but I still haven't gotten around to reading yet.

But before I gush about the books I'm waiting on, I need to gush a little about my upcoming January event and Ruby from Ruby's Reads's sister event that you, yes YOU, can help with!

As part of the events, we need your blogging-related questions!

Are you a newbie blogger wondering things like how to gain followers, set up a new background on your blog, receive ARCs, etc?

Or are you an established blogger, feeling a bit of a blogger slump coming on, wondering how to manage your review pile, bust the blogging blues, etc?

Regardless of whether you're a new or established blogger, we want your questions!

Please help us help you by clicking HERE and filling out our completely anonymous form!

If you want, you can also help us spread the word by grabbing one or both of our buttons! This event goes live in January, but we don't mind if you post our buttons early :)

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Darkness Before Dawn by J. A. London
(May 29, 2012)

This electrifying new trilogy blends the best of paranormal and dystopian storytelling in a world where the war is over. And the vampires won.

Humans huddle in their walled cities, supplying blood in exchange for safety. But not even that is guaranteed. Dawn has lost her entire family and now reluctantly serves as the delegate to Lord Valentine, the most powerful vampire for miles. It isn’t until she meets Victor, Valentine’s son, that she realizes not all vampires are monsters....

Why I want to read it:

I've always wanted to read one of the books from Lauren Kate's Fallen series! Oh, wait, this book isn't from that series. Coulda fooled me with that cover. I'd bet money that's a Fernanda Brussi photo.

But, ok, I actually do want to read this book for more than just the pretty cover. I know we're supposed to be SO over vampires, but, shhh, I'm not. I like the almost dystopian sounding set up the vampires have going on here, too.

I might normally be a little wary about the sound of that romance, but I loved the romance in To Catch a Pirate (written by this author under the name Jade Parker), so I'm hoping for more of the same type of swoon.

Gladiator: Fight for Freedom by Simon Scarrow
(February 3, 2011)

It's Rome, 61 BC. Recruited as a gladiator, young Marcus Cornelius Primus faces a new life of brutal training, governed by strict rules, as he learns the skills of an elite warrior. But Marcus cannot simply forget his past. His father lies murdered by soldiers and his mother has been kidnapped and forced into slavery.

Marcus is determined to find his father's old commander, Pompeius the Great, to seek justice for his family and set his mother free. Yet, unbeknown to him, Marcus is hiding a life-threatening secret. And if the Romans discover it, there will be no escape...

Why I want to read it:

Roman history! My fiance reads the Roman history series Simon Scarrow writes for adults, but of course my interest is piqued by the YA series. I've taken a peek into the adult books and they seem fun and fast-paced, and I assume the same will hold true for his YA series.

The author is British and doesn't seem to make much effort to emulate the language customs of the ancient Romans, so it is common to see the characters call one another "wankers" and "right bastards." A little out of place, but funny. I wonder if that happens in this series.

Have any of you read either of these books? Would you recommend them?

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Waiting on Wednesday (37)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where we all feature upcoming books we're eagerly anticipating.


I've altered things a little to include one book that hasn't come out yet and one that has already been published but I still haven't gotten around to reading yet.

Melody Burning by Whitley Strieber
Ivy's Ever After by Dawn Lairamore


Goodreads description of Melody Burning (December 6, 2011):

Beresford doesn’t remember much about his past or how he came to live in the chutes and crawl spaces of the posh high-rise that shares his name. But when rock star and teen sensation Melody McGrath moves to an apartment on the fiftieth floor, he knows he has to be near her. Although she doesn’t realize it, Melody is threatened by more dangerous forces than her manipulative stage mom and the pressures of life in the spotlight. The owner of the glamorous building has been hiding a fatal secret within its walls, and Beresford puts all his plans at risk. Will Beresford and Melody be able to escape with their lives (and love) intact? Bestselling author Whitley Strieber makes his young adult debut with this pulsing romantic thriller.

Why I want to read it:

I'm not totally sold that this is the book for me, but I also can't deny that I'm intrigued. What are those dangerous forces? What is the fatal secret? How does Beresford play a part? 

Goodreads' description of Ivy's Ever After (March 16, 2010):

Full of humor and high adventure-and plenty of slightly skewed fairy-tale motifs-this frothy, fractured fairy tale will delight young readers.

Once upon a time in the kingdom of Ardendale there lived a spirited princess named Ivy, who had no interest in being rescued by Prince Charming, and an undersized dragon named Elridge, who was better at solving word puzzles than breathing fire. Sailing into this world on a ship made of whale bones came Romil, a handsome prince with dastardly designs on Princess Ivy and her kingdom. Ivy and Elridge, both disappointments to their families, join forces to try and thwart Romil's evil plot. In the process these traditional enemies become fast friends, discover hidden strengths, and earn the respect of all who know them.

Why I want to read it:

This is a lot more my speed. Frothy fractured fairy tale? TOTALLY WANT (I'm digging the alliteration, too). Give me spirited princesses and dragons (even undersized dragons) any day.

Pretty sure this one is MG.

Have any of you read either of these books? Would you recommend them?

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Waiting on Wednesday (36)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where we all feature upcoming books we're eagerly anticipating.


I've altered things a little to include one book that hasn't come out yet and one that has already been published but I still haven't gotten around to reading yet.

My Very Un-Fairy Tale Life by Anna Staniszewski
A Curse as Dark as Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce


Goodreads description of My Very Un-Fairy Tale Life (November 1, 2011):

"You know all those stories that claim fairies cry sparkle tears and elves travel by rainbow? They're lies. All lies."—Twelve-year-old Jenny has spent the last two years as an adventurer helping magical kingdoms around the universe. But it's a thankless job, leaving her no time for school or friends. She'd almost rather take a math test than rescue yet another magical creature! When Jenny is sent on yet another mission, she has a tough choice to make: quit and have her normal life back, or fulfill her promise and go into a battle she doesn't think she can win.

Why I want to read it:

This book sounds positively made of win! I've been pining over it ever since it was a tiny little blurb with no cover. We've got fairy tales, humor, adventure, battle! I'm thinking I have a pretty cool fairy godmother who cooked up this book for me and planted the idea in Anna Staniszewski's brain because it just screams READ ME, SMALL!! I'm pretty sure this is a MG book.

Goodreads' description of A Curse as Dark as Gold (March 1, 2008):

Upon the death of her father, seventeen-year-old Charlotte struggles to keep the family's woolen mill running in the face of an overwhelming mortgage and what the local villagers believe is a curse, but when a man capable of spinning straw into gold appears on the scene she must decide if his help is worth the price.

Why I want to read it:

Are you sensing a theme today? Yes, I am hopeless in the face of fairy tale books. They call out to me and I find myself ignoring basic things like feeding myself and sleeping in order to devote all my time to reading as many fairy tale retellings as I can.

This retelling is about Rumpelstiltskin and if my feelings for Elizabeth C. Bunce's fantasy book Starcrossed or my book soulmate Sierra at Yearning to Read are any indication, then I think I'm going to love A Curse as Dark as Gold.  

Have any of you read either of these books? Would you recommend them? 

Click here for a chance to win an audiobook copy of Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan.
Not sure if you're interested? Click here to read my 4 star review.

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Waiting on Wednesday (35)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where we all feature upcoming books we're eagerly anticipating.


I've altered things a little to include one book that hasn't come out yet and one that has already been published but I still haven't gotten around to reading yet.

The Glass Swallow by Julia Golding
Warrior Princess by Frewin Jones


Goodreads description of The Glass Swallow (October 28, 2011):

Rain

She designs exquisite stained glass for the windows of her city. But the law is clear — it is forbidden for girls to be part of the glassmaker's guild. To keep her secret hidden, she leaves home and travels to the strange new country of Magharna.

Peri

When he witnesses Rain's capture by a gang of bandits, both his fate and his heart becomes tied to hers. They escape the outlaws, but Peri and his family of falconers are untouchables who are scorned by all, and Rain is not allowed to be part of their lives.

Can Rain and Peri's love survive the prejudices against them? And with the city on the brink of disaster will they be able to stop their world from smashing apart?

Why I want to read it:

I like the companion novel Dragonfly enough to be interested in another book by Julia Golding. While pretty standard fare fantasy, the only real problem I had with Dragonfly was one of the main characters. The plot of The Glass Swallow sounds unique, so as long as I click with the main characters this should be great. I also loved Julia Golding's attention to detail with the two cultures she described in Dragonfly and I have high hopes for the same attention in The Glass Swallow.

Goodreads' description of Warrior Princess (February 1, 2009):

Fifteen-year-old Branwen's life is changed forever when enemy Saxon troops attack her homeland and her brother is killed. Branwen wants to jump into action and avenge her brother's death, but instead she is sent to a neighboring stronghold where she'll be safe from harm. Yet while she is surrounded by exquisite beauty and luxury in her new home—as a princess should be—she feels different from the other girls. Deep down, Branwen has the soul of a warrior.

Then a mystical woman in white foretells a daunting prophecy: Branwen will be the one to save her homeland. Suddenly forced to question everything—and everyone—around her, she realizes that the most difficult part of her journey is still to come. With no time to lose, Branwen must make a choice: continue on the path her parents intended for her . . . or step into the role of a true Warrior Princess.

Why I want to read it:

Princesses, warrior princesses, prophecies, pink cover. Yep, this one pretty much has my name written all over it. I'm pretty sure this is part one of a trilogy, and I think by now all of the books have been published.

Have any of you read either of these books? Would you recommend them? 

Don't forget, if you're participating in Waterfall Wednesdays (or doing anything else to promote this series, like, say, a Waiting on Wednesday post) you can enter your link HERE for a chance to win a signed set of the series, t-shirts, and more!

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Waiting on Wednesday (34)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where we all feature upcoming books we're eagerly anticipating.


I've altered things a little to include one book that hasn't come out yet and one that has already been published but I still haven't gotten around to reading yet.

The Fourth Stall: Part II by Chris Rylander
The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea Campbell


Goodreads description of The Fourth Stall: Part II (February 7, 2012):

The tween-noir saga continues. The life of crime is good. (spoiler) Mac has taken down legendary high school crime boss Staples, business has been booming and Mac and Vince are getting ready for middle school baseball tryouts. But this can't last. Mac has always tried to keep his friends close and his enemies closer. But what happens when you can't tell the difference?

A dilemma walks into the fourth stall in the form of Trixie Von Parkway - an eighth grader with a mean look and an even meaner predicament. Seems that the new science teacher is terrorizing her, and she needs Mac to get him off her back. Sounds simple enough, but as Mac starts to dig deeper, he finds even more trouble brewing at his school, including a new administrator bent on destroying his business and indicating that Trixie isn't who she claims to be. The worst that could have happened to Mac before was that he might lose a little money, maybe catch a beating. In THE FOURTH STALL PART II, though, the stakes are even higher than that!

Why I want to read it:

 

I was pleasantly surprised with how much I loved the first book. I closed The Fourth Stall and one of my first thoughts was, "I hope there's a sequel!" And now there is!

Goodreads' description of The Rise of Renegade X (May 11, 2010):

Sixteen-year-old Damien Locke has a plan: major in messing with people at the local supervillain university and become a professional evil genius, just like his supervillain mom. But when he discovers the shameful secret she's been hiding all these years, that the one-night stand that spawned him was actually with a superhero, everything gets messed up. His father's too moral for his own good, so when he finds out Damien exists, he actually wants him to come live with him and his goody-goody superhero family. Damien gets shipped off to stay with them in their suburban hellhole, and he has only six weeks to prove he's not a hero in any way, or else he's stuck living with them for the rest of his life, or until he turns eighteen, whichever comes first.

To get out of this mess, Damien has to survive his dad's "flying lessons" that involve throwing him off the tallest building in the city--despite his nearly debilitating fear of heights--thwarting the eccentric teen scientist who insists she's his sidekick, and keeping his supervillain girlfriend from finding out the truth. But when Damien uncovers a dastardly plot to turn all the superheroes into mindless zombie slaves, a plan hatched by his own mom, he discovers he cares about his new family more than he thought. Now he has to choose: go back to his life of villainy and let his family become zombies, or stand up to his mom and become a real hero.

Why I want to read it:

I love books that look at things from the villain's perspective. They're usually funny and more often than not the so-called villain ends up being a pretty nice guy after all. I haven't heard much about this book, but what I have heard sounds pretty good. 

Have any of you read either of these books? Would you recommend them? 
 

Have you read The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting?
Click here to learn how your review can be a part of the next Review Comparison!

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Waiting on Wednesday (33)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where we all feature upcoming books we're eagerly anticipating.


I've altered things a little to include one book that hasn't come out yet and one that has already been published but I still haven't gotten around to reading yet.

Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George
The Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh


Goodreads description of Tuesdays at the Castle (October 11, 2011):

Tuesdays at Castle Glower are Princess Celie’s favorite days. That’s because on Tuesdays the castle adds a new room, a turret, or sometimes even an entire wing. No one ever knows what the castle will do next, and no one—other than Celie, that is—takes time to map out the new additions. But when King and Queen Glower are ambushed and their fate is unknown, it’s up to Celie, with her secret knowledge of the castle’s never-ending twists and turns, to protect their home and save their kingdom. This delightful book kicks off a brand new series that is sure to become a modern classic.

Why I want to read it:

 

JESSICA DAY GEORGE!!! I don't need any more reason than that. But I do have more reasons, like a castle that is always magically adding new rooms and passages to explore. That sounds so cool! I already can't wait to explore that castle with Princess (princess!) Celie.

Product description of The Crowfield Curse (January 4, 2010):

It's 1347 and fifteen-year-old Will, an orphan boy, lives at Crowfield Abbey. Sent into the forest to gather wood, he rescues instead, a creature from a trap - a hob, who shares with Will a terrible secret. Somewhere in the forest behind the abbey where he lives, is a grave. And buried deep in the snow is an angel. But how can an angel die? What has it to do with the monks of the Abbey? When two hooded strangers arrive at Crowfield asking questions about the angel's grave. Will is drawn into a world of dangerous Old Magic. "The Crowfield Feather" was short-listed for the "Times" Chidren's Fiction Competition in 2008. This is a stunning debut novel and the first of a two part series.

Why I want to read it:

I'm already intrigued by the mystery of the buried dead angel. Add in a mysterious abbey and dangerous magic and I'm all over that! It looks like this is a middle grade book and the second book is available in the UK, but not the US.

Have any of you read either of these books? Would you recommend them? 

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Waiting on Wednesday (32)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where we all feature upcoming books we're eagerly anticipating.


I've altered things a little to include one book that hasn't come out yet and one that has already been published but I still haven't gotten around to reading yet.

Just Your Average Princess by Kristina Springer
Cindy Ella by Robin Palmer


Goodreads description of Just Your Average Princess (October 11, 2011):

Jamie Edwards has loved everything about growing up on a pumpkin patch, but ever since her cousin Milan Woods arrived, things have really stunk. Jamie can’t imagine it was easy for Milan to leave her life back in Los Angeles and move to Average, Illinois, population one thousand. But it’s kind of hard to feel sorry for her since (a) Milan’s drop-dead gorgeous; (b) she’s the daughter of two of Hollywood’s hottest film stars; (c) she’s captured the attention of everyone in town, including Danny, Jamie’s crush since forever; and (d) she’s about to steal the title of Pumpkin Princess right out from underneath Jamie!

Why I want to read it:

 

Usually stories are told from the perspective of Milan's character, so it will be fun seeing the "other side" of the story. It almost feels like a "from the perspective of the ugly step-sister" type of twist. I like plain Jamie already!

Product description of Cindy Ella (February 7, 2008):

Prom fever has infected LA, especially Cindy's two annoying stepsisters, and her overly Botoxed stepmother. Cindy seems to be the only one immune to it all. But her anti-prom letter in the school newspaper does more to turn Cindy into Queen of the Freaks than close the gap between the popular kids and the rest of the students. Everyone thinks she's committed social suicide, except for her two best friends, the yoga goddess India and John Hughes-worshipping Malcolm, and shockingly, the most popular senior at Castle Heights High and Cindy's crush, Adam Silver.

Suddenly Cindy starts to think that maybe her social life could have a happily ever after. But there's still the rest of the school to deal with. With a little bit of help from an unexpected source and a fabulous pair of heels, Cindy realizes that she still has a chance at a happily ever after.

Why I want to read it:

Cinderella retelling. It doesn't seem like Cindy's life is all that bad. She has two friends and her crush (the most popular senior) on her side already. Doesn't sound too shabby, but I'm still a sucker for a fairy tale retelling. I've heard Robin's books are funny and I can always go for a laugh.

Have any of you read either of these books? Would you recommend them? 

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Waiting on Wednesday (31)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where we all feature upcoming books we're eagerly anticipating.


I've altered things a little to include one book that hasn't come out yet and one that has already been published but I still haven't gotten around to reading yet.

The Orphan of Awkward Falls by Keith Graves
My Double Life by Janette Rallison


Goodreads description of The Orphan of Awkward Falls (September 28, 2011):

When thirteen-year-old Josephine moves to Awkward Falls she can't help but snoop around the dilapidated mansion next door. She finds a little more than she bargained for when she is captured by the strange characters who live there: an ancient automaton who serves as a butler, a cat patched together with a few odd parts, and most surprising of all, a boy named Thaddeus Hibble.

Meanwhile, the most feared patient in the Asylum for the Dangerously Insane is on the loose. Fetid Stenchley has escaped in the most dramatic fashion, and there is only one thing on his mind...revenge. Unfortunately for Thaddeus and Josephine, he's headed their way. Can these unlikely friends stop Stenchley before he destroys them all?

Full of hilariously spooky details, surprising twists, and haunting black and white illustrations, Keith Graves delivers a suspenseful and engaging first novel. Inspired by the classic tales of Frankenstein and mad scientists, with a splash of contemporary technology, the wonderfully tense action and gory descriptions will hook boys from the start, while Josephine provides a clever and unique heroine that girls will adore.

Why I want to read it:

It's a Gothic middle grade story that sounds spooky and exciting. I'm curious to see how much inspiration it draws from Frankenstein (another book I love).

Product description of My Double Life (May 13, 2010):

Her whole life, Alexia Garcia has been told that she looks just like pop star Kari Kingsley, and one day when Alexia's photo filters through the Internet, she's offered a job to be Kari's double. This would seem like the opportunity of a lifetime, but Alexia's mother has always warned her against celebrities.

Rebelliously, Alexia flies off to L.A. and gets immersed in a celebrity life. Not only does she have to get used to getting anything she wants, she romances the hottest lead singer on the charts, and finds out that her own father is a singing legend. Through it all, Alexia must stay true to herself, which is hard to do when you are pretending to be somebody else!

Why I want to read it:

I know it's not a very original story anymore, but I have a weakness for these star/normal girl swapping stories. There's just something about stepping into the life of someone else that I like. It's a fun mental exercise that always gets me wondering what would *I* do? Usually there's also some fun scenes where the MC messes up and has to cover up the fact that she isn't who everyone thinks she is. Plus, it's Janette Rallison, queen of the light and sweet romantic comedies.

Have any of you read either of these books? Would you recommend them? 

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Waiting on Wednesday (30)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where we all feature upcoming books we're eagerly anticipating.


I've altered things a little to include one book that hasn't come out yet and one that has already been published but I still haven't gotten around to reading yet.

The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges
Fortune's Folly by Deva Fagan


Goodreads description of The Gathering Storm (January 10, 2012):

St. Petersburg, Russia, 1888. As she attends a whirl of glittering balls, royal debutante Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, tries to hide a dark secret: she can raise the dead. No one knows. Not her family. Not the girls at her finishing school. Not the tsar or anyone in her aristocratic circle. Katerina considers her talent a curse, not a gift. But when she uses her special skill to protect a member of the Imperial Family, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue.

An evil presence is growing within Europe's royal bloodlines—and those aligned with the darkness threaten to topple the tsar. Suddenly Katerina's strength as a necromancer attracts attention from unwelcome sources . . . including two young men—George Alexandrovich, the tsar's standoffish middle son, who needs Katerina's help to safeguard Russia, even if he's repelled by her secret, and the dashing Prince Danilo, heir to the throne of Montenegro, to whom Katerina feels inexplicably drawn.

The time has come for Katerina to embrace her power, but which side will she choose—and to whom will she give her heart?

Why I want to read it:

HISTORICAL FANTASY!! And it's set in Russia! Usually historical fantasy is set in England, so I'm loving this change of location. I'm also getting a hint of possible hate-turned-love romance? Maybe?

Product description of Fortune's Folly (April 14, 2009):

Ever since her mother died and her father lost his shoemaking skills, Fortunata has survived by telling fake fortunes. But when she’s tricked into telling a grand fortune for a prince, she is faced with the impossible task of fulfilling her wild prophecy—or her father will be put to death.

Now Fortunata has to help Prince Leonato secure a magic sword, vanquish a wicked witch, discover a long-lost golden shoe, and rescue the princess who fits it. If only she hadn’t fallen in love with the prince herself !

Why I want to read it:

Oooh, this sounds like a fairy tale mixed with a quest with romance added in! BE STILL MY HEART! Too bad the cover looks so meh.

Have any of you read either of these books? Would you recommend them? 

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Waiting on Wednesday (29)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where we all feature upcoming books we're eagerly anticipating.


I've altered things a little to include one book that hasn't come out yet and one that has already been published but I still haven't gotten around to reading yet.

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
Thirteen Days to Midnight by Patrick Carman


Goodreads description of Born Wicked (February 7, 2012):

Cate Cahill and her sisters are considered eccentric bluestockings—a little odd, a little unfashionable, and far too educated for their own good. The truth is more complicated; they’re witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it could mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave. Before their mother died, she entrusted Cate with keeping them safe and keeping everyone, including their father, in the dark about their powers. When her father employs a governess and Cate begins to receive notes from her missing, presumed-mad godmother, her task becomes much more difficult. As Cate searches for answers in banned books and rebellious new friends, she must juggle unwanted proposals, tea parties, and an illicit attraction to the new gardener. Cate will do anything to protect her sisters, but at what cost to herself?

Why I want to read it:

Witches. Plain and simple I like books about witches. Banned books, searching for answers, rebellious new friends, and a class-crossing romance just makes Born Wicked sound even better!

Product description of Thirteen Days to Midnight (April 12, 2010):

You are indestructible. Three whispered words transfer an astonishing power to Jacob Fielding that changes everything. At first, Jacob is hesitant to use the power, unsure of its implications. But there's something addictive about testing the limits of fear.
Then Ophelia James, the beautiful and daring new girl in town, suggests that they use the power to do good, to save others. But with every heroic act, the power grows into the specter of a curse. How to decide who lives and who dies?
In this nail-biting novel of mystery and dark intrigue, Jacob must walk the razor thin line between right and wrong, good and evil, and life and death. And time is running out. Because the Grim Reaper doesn't disappear. . . . He catches up.

Why I want to read it:

 It sounds like a fast-paced adventure. The storyline also sounds original and I like that it's told from the perspective of a guy.

Have any of you read either of these books? Would you recommend them? 

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Waiting on Wednesday (28)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where we all feature upcoming books we're eagerly anticipating.


I've altered things a little to include one book that hasn't come out yet and one that has already been published but I still haven't gotten around to reading yet.

Extraordinary*: The True Story of My Fairygodparent, Who Almost Killed Me, and Certainly Never Made Me a Princess by Adam Selzer
The Amulet of Samarkand (Bartimaeus #1) by Jonathan Stroud


Goodreads description of Extraordinary (November 8, 2011):

Jennifer Van Der Berg would like you to know that the book ostensibly written about her—Born to Be Extraordinary by Eileen Codlin—is a bunch of bunk. Yes, she had a fairy godparent mess with her life, but no, she was not made into a princess or given the gift of self-confidence, and she sure as hell didn't get a hot boyfriend out of it.

Here's the REAL scoop . . .

Why I want to read it:

I love "real scoop" kind of stories. You know, where the narrator presents you with a rosy truth and then tells you the real deal, which is usually a lot less sunshine and moonbeams but is also usually filled with humor (and a happily ever after despite the snarky truth). That this disclosure story happens to deal with fairygodparents and hints at being a fractured fairy tale makes it sound awesome!

Product description of The Amulet of Samarkand (September 30, 2003):

Nathaniel is a boy magician-in-training, sold to the government by his birth parents at the age of five and sent to live as an apprentice to a master. Powerful magicians rule Britain, and its empire, and Nathaniel is told his is the "ultimate sacrifice" for a "noble destiny."

If leaving his parents and erasing his past life isn't tough enough, Nathaniel's master, Arthur Underwood, is a cold, condescending, and cruel middle-ranking magician in the Ministry of Internal Affairs...Everything changes when he is publicly humiliated by the ruthless magician Simon Lovelace and betrayed by his cowardly master who does not defend him.

Nathaniel vows revenge. In a Faustian fever, he devours magical texts and hones his magic skills, all the while trying to appear subservient to his master. When he musters the strength to summon the 5,000-year-old djinni Bartimaeus to avenge Lovelace by stealing the powerful Amulet of Samarkand, the boy magician plunges into a situation more dangerous and deadly than anything he could ever imagine.

In British author Jonathan Stroud's excellent novel, the first of The Bartimaeus Trilogy, the story switches back and forth from Bartimaeus's first-person point of view to third-person narrative about Nathaniel. Here's the best part: Bartimaeus is absolutely hilarious, with a wit that snaps, crackles, and pops. His dryly sarcastic, irreverent asides spill out into copious footnotes that no one in his or her right mind would skip over. A sophisticated, suspenseful, brilliantly crafted, dead-funny book that will leave readers anxious for more.

Why I want to read it:

I've had this series on my TBR for years. I even own all three books. It looks like one of those MG/YA action/adventure/fantasy series that appeals to both boys and girls, and I love those kinds of stories. I'm really looking forward to getting to know Bartimaeus. He sounds like he'll leave me laughing out loud. 

Have any of you read either of these books? Would you recommend them? 

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Waiting on Wednesday (27)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where we all feature upcoming books we're eagerly anticipating.


I've altered things a little to include one book that hasn't come out yet and one that has already been published but I still haven't gotten around to reading yet.

Witchlanders by Lena Coakley
Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman


Goodreads description of Witchlanders (August 30, 2011):

High in their mountain covens, red witches pray to the Goddess, protecting the Witchlands by throwing the bones and foretelling the future.

It’s all a fake.

At least, that’s what Ryder thinks. He doubts the witches really deserve their tithes—one quarter of all the crops his village can produce. And even if they can predict the future, what danger is there to foretell, now that his people’s old enemy, the Baen, has been defeated?

But when a terrifying new magic threatens both his village and the coven, Ryder must confront the beautiful and silent witch who holds all the secrets. Everything he’s ever believed about witches, the Baen, magic and about himself will change, when he discovers that the prophecies he’s always scorned—

Are about him.

Why I want to read it:

Though I'm enjoying the recent boom in paranormal books, fantasy is where my heart truly lies. Witches and tithes, prophecies and secrets! I'm already in love and so, so curious to learn all about those prophecies. I also really like that Witchlanders features a male protagonist.

Thanks to Simon and Schuster's Galley Grab, I'm actually right in the middle of Witchlanders, and I am loving it! There's a guy friendship here that I totally didn't see coming but is made of awesome. I'm putting Lena Coakley in my "I can't believe this is a debut author" category. So good! 

Product description of Radiant Darkness (April 28, 2009):

Persephone lives in the most gorgeous place in the world. But her mother's a goddess, as overprotective as she is powerful. Paradise has become a trap. Just when Persephone feels there's no chance of escaping the life that's been planned for her, a mysterious stranger arrives. A stranger who promises something more—something dangerous and exciting—something that spurs Persephone to make a daring choice. A choice that could destroy all she's come to love, even the earth itself.

In a land where a singing river can make you forget your very name, Persephone is forced to discover who—and what—she really is.

Why I want to read it:

Greek myths and especially the Hades/Persephone myth are all the rage now. Despite a few disappointments, I'm totally still riding that bandwagon. This book came out before the recent popularity and I'm curious to see how it compares. I enjoyed Emily Whitman's Wildwing about historical time travel, so I have high hopes for her take on Greek mythology retellings.

Have any of you read either of these books? Would you recommend them? 

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Waiting on Wednesday (26)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where we all feature upcoming books we're eagerly anticipating.

I've altered things a little to include one book that hasn't come out yet and one that has already been published but I still haven't gotten around to reading yet.

Fetching by Kiera Stewart
Wuthering High by Cara Lockwood


Product description of Fetching (November 8, 2011):

Olivia has just about had it with the popular kids at school. She and her friends have done nothing to deserve humiliating pranks and mean name-calling, but that doesn’t stop queen bee Brynne from tormenting them. If only Olivia’s classmates were more like the dogs she helps her grandmother train—poorly behaved, but improvable. Then Olivia hatches a brilliant plan: she and her friends will modify their tormentors’ behavior with the same kind of training that works on dogs. Using cues and responses, distractions and rewards, gets better results than anyone could have guessed. Soon, Olivia and her friends have replaced Brynne as alpha-dogs. But will popularity get Olivia what she really wants?

Why I want to read it:

Behaviorism! Buried under all my book-related work, I actually have a background in psychology. Books like this make my little psychology heart sing. Behaviorism was always a favorite topic of mine. Confession time? I use it all the time on everything from when I used to teach to keeping my own schedules to working with others. It's a subject I find endlessly interesting and I can't wait to see how it's applied in this book. 

Product description of Wuthering High (November 29, 2005):

Fifteen-year-old Mia is not exactly thrilled when she gets the news that her parents are shipping her off to boarding school. It's not like she did anything that bad — all she did was wreck her dad's car and max out her step mum's credit cards. So, off she goes, from Chicago to Bard Academy, an exclusive prep school that treats troubled teenagers with a healthy dose of higher learning and old-fashioned discipline. But all is not what it seems at this educational institute, and Mia and her classmates soon discover that the teachers are actually ghosts, stuck in limbo, some of them famous authors who died before their time, including Virginia Woolf, Ernest Hemingway, and Charlotte Bronte. And what's even more disturbing is that not all the ghosts have good intentions. Mia and her friends must stop one evil instructor's plan to bring down the school — and the entire student body with it.

Why I want to read it:

My blogger friend Alex from A Girl, Books and Other Things recommends it, plus I've heard a lot of good things about the series. I'm also always up for boarding schools and ghosts. 

Have any of you read either of these books? Would you recommend them? 

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