Waiting on Wednesday-The Darkest Part of the Forest-11/26/14

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week’s pre-publication “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is:

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black
January 13, 2015

From Goodreads:

“Children can have a cruel, absolute sense of justice. Children can kill a monster and feel quite proud of themselves. A girl can look at her brother and believe they’re destined to be a knight and a bard who battle evil. She can believe she’s found the thing she’s been made for.

Hazel lives with her brother, Ben, in the strange town of Fairfold where humans and fae exist side by side. The faeries’ seemingly harmless magic attracts tourists, but Hazel knows how dangerous they can be, and she knows how to stop them. Or she did, once.

At the center of it all, there is a glass coffin in the woods. It rests right on the ground and in it sleeps a boy with horns on his head and ears as pointed as knives. Hazel and Ben were both in love with him as children. The boy has slept there for generations, never waking.

Until one day, he does…

As the world turns upside down, Hazel tries to remember her years pretending to be a knight. But swept up in new love, shifting loyalties, and the fresh sting of betrayal, will it be enough?”

I haven’t read Holly Black’s other fae series, but I do love her Curse Workers books. I am eager to give this one a try!

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

Top Ten Tuesday-Winter 2014 TBR List-11/25/14

Like it or not, winter is coming…and with all the snow and cold comes many opportunities to snuggle up and read. I did a terrible job on my Fall 2014 TBR list, so I am hoping to step up my game and get some reading done this winter.

1. Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black. (January)

2. All Fall Down by Ally Carter. (January)
I read a galley last week. It is fantastic!

3. Fairest by Marissa Meyer. (January)

4. 100 Sideways Miles by Andrew Smith.

5. Glory O’Brien’s History of the Future by A.S. King

6. Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers

7. The Song of the Quarkbeast by Jasper Fforde.

8. City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare.

9. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. (January)

10. A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab. (February)

Non-YA TBRs:

Revival, First Frost, Grave Peril, One Plus One.

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

Mondays with Megan-I am thankful for all the reading time I had this weekend! 11/24/14

Happy Monday! I don’t know about you, but I have a short work week this week, thanks to Thanksgiving and I plan to do a bunch of reading. It’s crunch time now and I have 36 days to finish 29 books if I want to meet by 2014 reading goal. If I keep up the pace I was at last week, this should be a piece of cake. Of course, last I was unusually lazy/productive with my reading. Just look-

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is hosted by Book Journey and Teach Mentor Texts. Be sure to see what they are up to this week.

Finished:

• Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. I reread this for my high school book club. I have mixed feelings about this book, but my teen readers loved it.
• My Dirty Dumb Eyes by Lisa Hanawalt. I have recently taken over ordering adult graphic novels for my library’s collection. I picked this one up out of curiosity. What a treat! It is so weird and wonderful and I immediately handed it to my coworker.
• Morning Glory by Sarah Jio. This was another random selection. I did enjoy this dual point of view story. Readers are introduced to Penny, a young housewife in 1959 and Ada, a newly widowed young woman looking for a fresh start. Both women live in the floating community of Boat Street in Seattle.
• Bandette, Vol. 1: Presto! by Paul Tobin. This is a campy, cheeky, and clever graphic novel starring Bandette, a teenaged thief who causes trouble for both the police and the criminal underworld.
• Pawn by Aimee Carter. Yet another dystopian novel that requires readers to suspend their disbelief. I received an ARC of Captivate from the publisher, so I will read it, but it’s not something I would have chosen for myself.
• Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. I absolutely loved this one. The lives of three very different women intersect when their children attend the same kindergarten class. This clever character study is light reading with a dark center.
• All Fall Down by Ally Carter. This new series, Embassy Row, is everything I love about all of her other books, but darker and edgier. I am thrilled about this new series and promise fans will not be disappointed.

Current Audio:

Currently Reading:

On Deck:

I have no idea!

 

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

 

In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters-Review 11/20/14

In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters
April 2, 2013
Amulet Books
Hardcover, 387 pgs

What it’s about:

During the height of the 1918 Spanish Influenza pandemic, sixteen-year old Mary Shelley Black is sent to San Diego to live with her aunt after her father is arrested for helping young men dodge the draft. Despite the ever-present fear of the flu and war, Mary Shelley is eager to reunite with her childhood friend, Stephen. When she learns that Stephen’s brother has made a name for himself among the Spiritualists by claiming to photograph the spirits of the dead, she is determined to prove him a fraud. Her plans are derailed when she herself is visited by an unsettled spirit.

Why you might like it:

The terror of death, disease, and war are palpable in this chilling debut. Haunting photographs from the era make the horror come alive. This is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, the paranormal, and spooky ghost stories!

Want more like this?

Try The Diviners by Libba Bray, Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey, The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson, and The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore.

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

 

Waiting on Wednesday-Daughter of Deep Silence-11/19/14

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week’s pre-publication “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is:

From Goodreads:

“A delicious tale of revenge and identity from Carrie Ryan, the bestselling author of The Forest of Hands and Teeth

In the wake of the deadly devastation of luxury yacht Persephone, just three souls remain to tell its story—and two of them are lying. Only Frances Mace, rescued from the ocean after torturous days adrift with her dying friend Libby, knows that the Persephone wasn’t sunk by a rogue wave as survivors Senator Wells and his son are claiming—it was attacked.

To ensure her safety from the obviously dangerous and very powerful Wells family, Libby’s father helps newly orphaned Frances assume Libby’s identity. Frances has spent years in hiding, transforming herself into Libby, and she can no longer allow the people who murdered her entire family and Libby to get away with it. After years of careful plotting, she’s ready to set her revenge plans into motion—even if it means taking down the boy she’d once been in love with: the senator’s son.

The game has just begun, and Frances is not only playing dirty, she’s playing to win.”

I am so excited for a new YA book from Carrie Ryan! And a romantic thriller? How unexpected after her zombie trilogy. I can’t wait for summer 2015!

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

Top Ten Tuesday-Sequels I Can’t Wait to Read-11/18/14

This week’s Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, is all about sequels! Here are some of the sequels I am impatiently waiting on:

1. Firefight by Brandon Sanderson. I am desperate for more of The Reckoners!

2. As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust by Alan Bradley. More Flavia!

3. The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly.

4. Winter by Marissa Meyer. Why do I have to wait so long?

5. The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion. Don Tillman is so charming, I am looking forward to more.

6. Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers. I have this last book in the His Fair Assassin series, but I still need to read it.

7. Rivals in the City by Y.S. Lee. I recently caught up on The Agency series and was reminded how much I enjoyed it. I was thrilled to learn there was a fourth book. Hopefully it will be available in the U.S. soon.

8. The Shadow Cabinet by Maureen Johnson. The cliffhanger of book two?! Gah!

9. The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin. See above. Killer cliffhanger.

10. Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray. I might need a Diviners refresher before I read this one.

Runners Up:

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

 

 

Mondays with Megan-Oh, Snowy Days. Winter is Here! 11/17/14

Happy Monday! Here in Northeast Ohio the snow is falling. It’s very lovely and exciting and it marks the beginning of prime reading season! It’s a good thing because my bookcases are overflowing with unread books.

On Friday I had the opportunity to attend a Teen Symposium. The keynote speaker was the lovely Siobhan Vivian. She spoke primarily about her book The List. This book was inspired by an article she read about a real-life freshman hazing incident that included a “slut list.” The incident made the headlines a few years ago. The list itself was bad enough, but the teen’s responses were even more shocking. Vivian could not believe that some teens were happy to be on the list and others were disappointed about being excluded. From this, The List was born. It’s been a while since I read this one, but I remember it being a quick read full of issues. I am considering this one for a book club selection.

Saturday was spent in Columbus, visiting the zoo and my aunt and uncle. Sunday was spent trying to finish my book while my nephews did their best to destroy their house and injure each other. Thank goodness there was snow on the ground! They got the boot and built a snowman. I am usually much more attentive when I hang out with them, but I had 150 pages left in The Blood of Olympus. I couldn’t put it down!

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

Hosted by Book Journey and Teach Mentor Texts

 

Finished:

• In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winter was a book club reread. I loved it as much as the first time.
• The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan. The final, epic showdown between the demigods and Gaea is finally happening. I loved this series ending, though I am sad to see them all go. I particularly loved Leo, Nico, and Reyna.

Current Audio:

• Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. This is living up to all the hype. I am thoroughly enjoying the audio.
• Morning Glory by Sarah Jio. This is a duel POV in the same vein as That Summer by Lauren Willig and The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes.

Currently Reading:

On Deck:

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

Killer Instinct by Jennifer Lynn Barnes Review 11/13/14

Killer Instinct (The Naturals #2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
November 4, 2014
Disney-Hyperion
Hardcover, 386 pgs

What it’s about:

This sequel to The Naturals, which introduced readers to an elite FBI program for teams with innate crime-solving skills, picks up shortly after the end of the first book. Cassie, who is a profiler, longs for some calm and time to focus on cold cases. FBI higher-ups have the same idea, but when a serial killer hits the scene all eyes are on the teens. The reason? The killer is copying Dean’s incarcerated father. Despite being ordered to stay away, the Naturals are drawn into another dangerous active case. As they delve into the twisted mind of a killer they put not only themselves, but their entire program in jeopardy. In their minds the risks are worth it if they can help their friend.

Why you might like it:

Are you a fan of shows like Criminal Minds or Dexter? You might enjoy the FBI procedural aspects and/or the serial killer elements of this series. Do you like a story with crazy twists and turns? Killer Instinct will keep you guessing until the end (the same goes for The Naturals…I did not see that ending coming!) Do you like smart, sassy, and often tense team dynamics? The members of this elite group are so different from each other and they all work hard to keep their pasts a secret. So, plenty of intrigue in the house alone! Throw in disturbing crime scenes and you have one exciting book!

Want more like this?

You might also enjoy How to Lead a Life of Crime by Kirsten Miller, Also Known as by Robin Benway,  I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga, or The Rules for Disappearing by Ashly Elston.

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

Waiting on Wednesday-Miss Mayhem-11/12/14

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week’s pre-publication “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is:

Miss Mayhem (Rebel Belle #2) by Rachel Hawkins
April 7, 2015

From Goodreads:

“Life is almost back to normal for Harper Price. The Ephors have been silent after their deadly attack at Cotillion months ago, and best friend Bee has returned after a mysterious disappearance. Now Harper can return her focus to the important things in life: school, canoodling with David, her nemesis-turned-ward-slash-boyfie, and even competing in the Miss Pine Grove pageant.

Unfortunately, supernatural chores are never done. The Ephors have decided they’d rather train David than kill him. The catch: Harper has to come along for the ride, but she can’t stay David’s Paladin unless she undergoes an ancient trial that will either kill her . . . or connect her to David for life.”

Rebel Belle was such a fun read! I am looking forward to more of this story.

Happy Reading!

∼Megan

Top Ten Tueday-Character Who Deserve Their Own Book-11/11/14

This week’s Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by The Broke and the Bookish is all about secondary characters who are so awesome that they deserve their own book.

1. Pretty much anyone from Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Liani Taylor.

2. Roux and Jesse Oliver from Also Known As by Robin Benway.

3. Phillip and Barron Sharpe from The Curse Workers series by Holly Black.

4. Steelheart from Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson. I am a little obsessed with this book.

5. Audrey from I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak. I love Ed so much. I would be interesting to see him through her eyes.

6. Genya and Zoya from The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo. They are so different from each other, but so interesting.

7. Wolf from Cinder. Mmmmmmmmm.

8. Ezra and Lock from Firebug by Lish McBride. These two are so funny!

9. Darla from Ashfall by Mike Mullin. She is one tough cookie!

10. Donovan from Pointe by Brandy Colbert. His story has to be just as fascinating and heartbreaking as Theo’s.

Happy Reading!

∼Megan