Monday, April 30, 2012

Taken at Dusk Review

Book 3 - Shadow Falls
C.C. Hunter (@cchunterbooks)
April 10th 2012 by St. Martin's Press
Step into Shadow Falls, a camp for teens with supernatural powers. Here friendship thrives, love takes you by surprise, and our hearts possess the greatest magic of all.

Kylie Galen wants the truth so badly she can taste it. The truth about who her real family is, the truth about which boy she’s meant to be with—and the truth about what her emerging powers mean. But she’s about to discover that some secrets can change your life forever…and not always for the better.

Just when she and Lucas are finally getting close, she learns that his pack has forbidden them from being together. Was it a mistake to pick him over Derek? And it’s not just romance troubling Kylie. An amnesia-stricken ghost is haunting her, delivering the frightful warning, someone lives and someone dies. As Kylie races to unravel the mystery and protect those she loves, she finally unlocks the truth about her supernatural identity, which is far different—and more astonishing—than she ever imagined.
Taken at Dusk was a great additon to the "Shadow Falls" series. Kylie is a few steps closer to discovering who or what she may be is, in supernatural terms, that is.  Life at Shadow Falls is still hard for Kylie.  She has finally connected with her real father. Yes, he is a ghost, but a girl takes what she can get.  He can't tell her exactly what she is, so she is determined to trace her family line back and hopefully find his birth parents.  Easier said than done. Let's just say mayhem ensues.

Kylie still has Red chasing after her in person and in her dreams, ghosts popping up to ask for help, friends with romance problems, her old and new life almost combust at Family Day, and then, there's Lucas and Derek. Yep. Still Lucas and Derek. Just when Kylie thinks she is over Derek and ready to commit to Lucas, she gets hit with some heartbreaking news.  Turns out werewolf packs, if they're being honest, do not like to mix. That means Kylie, with her half-human, half-unknown status, is a big, fat question mark in the pack's eyes. Kylie really doesn't think she is a werewolf, so where does that leave her and Lucas?  Then, Derek confesses...read the book to find out what he confesses. It's worth it!

With Taken at Dusk, Hunter shows Kylie growing more into her powers, yet still searching for exactly what she is and what it means. Why can she run fast like werewolves, heal people, and talk to spirits? What is she? Hopefully, Whipers at Moonries will give us more answers in October, because I really want to know, don't you?

Lagniappe

Sign up for C.C.'s newletter here.

Events with C.C. Hunter this summer:

Austin RWA, May 8th, 7 - 9 PM.

Barbara Bush Library, May 12th, 2 - 4 PM. 

Houston SCBWI chapter, June 4th

Euless, Texas Library, May 9th.

RWA National conference and Literacy Autographing in Anaheim, California, July 25th, 5- 8 PM

Sunday, April 29, 2012

In My Mailbox

In my mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren to spotlight the books received for review, swapped, purchased, or checked out from the library!

Lauren Kate
Random House Children's Books
June 12, 2012

From Goodreads: The sky is dark with wings. . . .

Like sand in an hourglass, time is running out for Luce and Daniel. To stop Lucifer from erasing the past they must find the place where the angels fell to earth. Dark forces are after them, and Daniel doesn’t know if he can do this—live only to lose Luce again and again.

Yet together they will face an epic battle that will end with lifeless bodies . . . and angel dust. Great sacrifices are made. Hearts are destroyed. And suddenly Luce knows what must happen.

For she was meant to be with someone other than Daniel. The curse they’ve borne has always and only been about her—and the love she cast aside. The choice she makes now will be the only one that truly matters.

In the fight for Luce, who will win?

The astonishing conclusion to the FALLEN series. Heaven can’t wait any longer.


Kristina McBride
Egmont
June 26, 2012

From Goodreads: This was supposed to be the best summer of Maggie’s life. Now it’s the one she’d do anything to forget.

Maggie Reynolds remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party the night before. She remembers climbing the trail hand in hand with her perfect boyfriend, Joey. She remembers that last kiss, soft, lingering, and meant to reassure her. So why can’t she remember what happened in the moment before they were supposed to dive? Why was she left cowering at the top of the cliff, while Joey floated in the water below—dead?

As Maggie’s memories return in snatches, nothing seems to make sense. Why was Joey acting so strangely at the party? Where did he go after taking her home? And if Joey was keeping these secrets, what else was he hiding?



Timepiece
Myra McEntire
(@myramcentire)
Egmont
July 14, 2012

From Goodreads: A threat from the past could destroy the future. And the clock is ticking...

Kaleb Ballard's relentless flirting is interrupted when Jack Landers, the man who tried to murder his father, timeslips in and attacks before disappearing just as quickly. But Kaleb has never before been able to see time travelers, unlike many of his friends associated with the mysterious Hourglass organization. Are Kaleb's powers expanding, or is something very wrong?

Then the Hourglass is issued an ultimatum. Either they find Jack and the research he's stolen on the time gene, or time will be altered with devastating results.

Now Kaleb, Emerson, Michael, and the other Hourglass recruits have no choice but to use their unusual powers to find Jack. But where do they even start? And when? And even if they succeed, it may not be enough...

The follow-up to Hourglass, Timepiece blends the paranormal, science fiction, mystery, and suspense genres into a nonstop thrill ride where every second counts.



Yes! The conclusion to the "Fallen" series is here.  I can't believe it, can you? I also heard McEntire's Timepiece pretty much froze NetGalley when she announced its availability.  Anyone else rush over there like me? How amazing does One Moment sound? Well, here's my IMM. Thanks to Random House Children's Books, Egmont, NetGalley, and Edelweiss for setting me up with these great books.

What did you get in your mailbox recently?

Friday, April 27, 2012

Rick Riordan Live Webcast

Who is ready for The Serpent's Shadow, the third book in the "The Kane Chronicles" series by Rick Riordan (@camphalfblood)? I know I am! Disney/Hyperion and School Library Journal are putting on a live 1 hour webcast from the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium in San Jose, California where you visit with the author!  On Tuesday, May 1st, at 1pm/10am E/P, Riordan will take those viewing on a the tour the museum, which has the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts on exhibit in western North America. He will be reading passages from the new book & will take questions from viewers, according to SLJ. YAY! 

Registration for this is free, and you must register to participate.  For those who can't participate live, be sure to sign-up to receive an email from School Library Journal to tell you when the webcast has been archived so you can watch it later. For more information, check out the School Library Journal article.

The Serpent's Shadow is the final book in "The Kane Chronicles" series which is about a brother and sister, Carter and Sadie Kane, who find out they are the descendants of two pharaohs. Each book in the series The Red Pyramid and The Throne of Fire follows their adventures and, just like "Percy Jackson" series" and Greek mythology, merges Egyptian mythology with the modern world.  If you haven't read this series yet, I highly recommed it.  I love all of Rick Riordan's books, and I can't wait to read The Serpent's Shadow and find out what's going on with Carter and Sadie!  Be sure to register today for this event and sign-up for the email if you can't make it live!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Until I Die Trailer

Book 2 - Revenants series
                Expected publication: May 8th 2012 by HarperCollins



I love it! What an awesome and unique book trailer for this second book in the Revenant series.   Probably because Amy Plum was able to film in Paris and pull people off the street to help her.  Loved the trailer, and I can't wait to read book 2.  Until I Die follows Die For Me and continues the story of Kate and Vincient in Paris.

What about you? Have you read Die for Me? Are you ready for Until I Die?

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday: Rift by Andrea Cremer

Rift by Andrea Cremer
(@andreacremer)
Expected publication: August 7th 2012 by Philomel
Chronicling the rise of the Keepers, this is the stunning prequel to Andrea Cremer's internationally bestselling Nightshade trilogy!

Sixteen-year-old Ember Morrow is promised to a group called Conatus after one of their healers saves her mother's life. Once she arrives, Ember finds joy in wielding swords, learning magic, and fighting the encroaching darkness loose in the world. She also finds herself falling in love with her mentor, the dashing, brooding, and powerful Barrow Hess. When the knights realize Eira, one of their leaders, is dabbling in dark magic, Ember and Barrow must choose whether to follow Eira into the nether realm or to pledge their lives to destroying her and her kind.

With action, adventure, magic, and tantalizing sensuality, this book is as fast-paced and breathtaking as the Nightshade novels.
Yes! A prequel series to the Nightshade series.  Count me in! According to the synopsis, this book has it all: swords, magic, "encroaching darkness," and loooove.  Oh, la, la. Yes, please.  I love it when an author continues a series, don't you?

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Teaser Tuesday: The Hunt



Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

*Grab your current read.
*Let the book fall open to a random page.
*Share with us “teaser” sentences from that page.
*You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda
(@andrewfukuda)
May 8th 2012 by St. Martin's Griffin


"Never smile or laugh or giggle, never cry or get teary-eyed. At all times, carry a bland, stoic expression; the only emotions that ever crack the surface of people's faces are herper-cravings and romantic-lust; and I am obviously having nothing to do with either. Never forget to apply butter liberally all over you body when venturying out in the daytime. Because in a world like this, it's a tough task explaining a sunburn, or even a suntan." pg. 2 (ARC)

Monday, April 23, 2012

In My Mailbox

In my mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren to spotlight the books received for review, swapped, purchased, or checked out from the library!

Mark Acosta
Tor Teen
July 3,2012

From Goodreads:  When foster teen Jane Williams is invited to attend elite Birch Grove Academy for Girls and escape her violent urban neighborhood, she thinks the offer is too good to be true[...]Something's not quite right about the school -- or is it Jane? She thinks she sees things in the birch grove at night. She's also beginning to suspect that the elegant headmistress and her sons are hiding secrets.
Sarah J. Maas
(@sjmaas)
Bloomsbury Children's Books
August 7, 2012
From Goodreads: After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.
Dan Krokos
(@DanKrokos)
Disney/Hyperion
August 14, 2012

From Goodreads:  Miranda wakes up alone on a park bench with no memory. In her panic, she releases a mysterious energy that incites pure terror in everyone around her[...]Miranda discovers she was trained to be a weapon and is part of an elite force of genetically-altered teens who possess flawless combat skills and powers strong enough to destroy a city.
Pamela Mingle
Random House Children's Books
August 14, 2012
From Goodreads: When he steps out of the backstage shadows and asks if she'd like to meet Shakespeare, Miranda thinks he's a total nutcase. But before she can object, Stephen whisks her back to 16th century England—the world Stephen's really from. He wants Miranda use her acting talents and modern-day charms on the young Will Shakespeare.
Book 1 - Skylark series
Meagan Spooner
(@MeaganSpooner)
Lerner Publishing Group
October 1, 2012
 From Goodreads:  For two hundred years the city has sustained this barrier by harvesting its children's innate magical energy when they reach adolescence. When it’s Lark’s turn to be harvested, she finds herself trapped in a nightmarish web of experiments and learns she is something out of legend itself: a Renewable, able to regenerate her own power after it’s been stripped.
How awesome do these books sound? I can't wait to get started on them.  Thanks to Bloomsbury Children's Books, Disney/Hyperion, Random House Children's Books, Lerner Publishing Group, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read these books.

What did you get in your mailbox recently?

Sunday, April 22, 2012

The Selection Review & Giveaway

Series: Book 1 - The Selection
Kiera Cass (@kieracass)
April 24th 2012 by HarperTeen
Source: Publisher
For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
I enjoyed this book so much I stayed up until 3 am reading it.  Really.  The Selection introduces readers to America Singer, our protagonist, living in a future dytopian setting.  She has been selected by a lottery to travel to the royal palace and compete with other girls from different regions for Prince Maxon's hand in marriage.  At the palace, she will have to deal with cattiness, backstabbers, and those girls who feel entitled just because they come from a higher class with in the caste system.  Can America handle the girls who have been selected, Prince Maxon's quest to find a future queen for his country, the demands from her family back home, and figure out who/what she really wants to be?

What's good about being selected?
America's family receives compensation for her being away at the palace which they dearly need, because in this world's caste system they're not doing so well, and every little bit helps.  The longer she stays in the competition, they more she will make for her family.  Just by being chosen, America is elevated to a higher class with in the caste system.  She is also able to leave heartbreak behind, and hopefully grow stronger personally, make new friends, and forge a new future for herself.  The selection, for America, is an opportunity to speak her mind, and her voice is heard by the young prince.  Could she possibly influence change for caste system and help the people?

What's bad about being selected?
For America, being selected causes her to rethink all she has thought about love and marriage.  If she married who she loved back home, Aspen, she would lose respectability, and lower herself class-wise, but if she goes on with this competition, will she lose who she everything she stands for?  Is there anyway to make everyone happy?  Her mother wants her to have a better life, her father wants her to be happy, and Aspen wants to take care of her, but his lower caste hinders this.  Will the selection help her with any of this?

So...
So, if reading about a poor girl "winning" a lottery, traveling to the royal palace, competing to marry the prince, all while braving the ins & outs and highs & lows of a future caste system that makes it hard to rise above your station, then The Selection could be the book for you. Cass writes America, Aspen, and Maxon so well you will feel connected to them. You will want America to succeed in her quest to make a better life for herself, which will be hard in this society. 

The Selection is book one in a series, which I was unaware of as I finished the book.  So, when I got to the end of the book I experienced major anxiety over not knowing what was going to happen! Seriously! How could you do this to me, Kiera Cass? Hopefully, I'll be getting my fix in another way.


Lagniappe (a little something extra)
Did you know The Selection is already in the makings for a CW TV series?  Well,  it is!  Let's take a look at who is going to be who!


Aimee Teegarden as America Singer
You may know her from Friday Night Lights (tv show) and Prom.


Ethan Peck as Prince Maxon


William Moseley as Aspen Leger
You may know him from The Chronicles of Narnia movies.
Giveaway Rules
*Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter the giveaway.
*You must be 13 years of age or older.
*This contest is open to wherever the Book Depository ships, so check to make sure your country is listed.
*The winner will be announced on this blog post at the conclusion of the contest, be notified by email, and will have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be chosen.
*Please do not put your email address in the comment section.  Please do write a comment. :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway