Waiting on Wednesday - Holding up the Universe

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,  that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating or books that are in our TBR pile.  This week’s “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is

Summary (by Goodreads)

Everyone thinks they know Libby Strout, the girl once dubbed “America’s Fattest Teen.” But no one’s taken the time to look past her weight to get to know who she really is. Following her mom’s death, she’s been picking up the pieces in the privacy of her home, dealing with her heartbroken father and her own grief. Now, Libby’s ready: for high school, for new friends, for love, and for EVERY POSSIBILITY LIFE HAS TO OFFER. In that moment, I know the part I want to play here at MVB High. I want to be the girl who can do anything.  

Everyone thinks they know Jack Masselin, too. Yes, he’s got swagger, but he’s also mastered the impossible art of giving people what they want, of fitting in. What no one knows is that Jack has a newly acquired secret: he can’t recognize faces. Even his own brothers are strangers to him. He’s the guy who can re-engineer and rebuild anything in new and bad-ass ways, but he can’t understand what’s going on with the inner workings of his brain. So he tells himself to play it cool: Be charming. Be hilarious. Don’t get too close to anyone. 
Until he meets Libby. When the two get tangled up in a cruel high school game—which lands them in group counseling and community service—Libby and Jack are both pissed, and then surprised. Because the more time they spend together, the less alone they feel. . . . Because sometimes when you meet someone, it changes the world, theirs and yours.

Does anyone else who is over 35 feel like this could be a bit of a Breakfast Club remake? Kids from different genres, misunderstood and punished for however they are coping with life? They meet in detention, counseling, community service, some group setting where they need to make amends but in the end discover that they all understand one another and have very similar backgrounds, despite their differences?   I like the cover and I like that this could be a great book for this generation.  Why be a 2D- blueprint when you can stand out from everyone else? (Get it??)

 - Christinabean

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves allows us to share the books we have added to our collections - physical, virtual, borrowed, bought or received

Last month I noticed that book #3 had come out in this series and I have been meaning to read it for quite some time so I decided to take these two out of the library to catch up. Have you read this series? What are your opinions? 

- Christinabean

Waiting on Wedsnesday - Stealing Snow by Danielle Page

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,  that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating or books that are in our TBR pile.  This week’s “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is

Summary (by Goodreads)

Seventeen-year-old Snow has spent the majority of her life within the walls of the Whittaker Institute, a high security mental hospital in upstate New York. Deep down, she knows she's not crazy and doesn't belong there. When she meets a mysterious, handsome new orderly and dreams about a strange twisted tree she realizes she must escape and figure out who she really is.

Using her trusting friend Bale as a distraction, Snow breaks free and races into the nearby woods. Suddenly, everything isn't what it seems, the line between reality and fantasy begins to blur, and she finds herself in icy Algid--her true home--with witches, thieves, and a strangely alluring boy named Kai, none of whom she's sure she can trust. As secret after secret is revealed, Snow discovers that she is on the run from a royal lineage she's destined to inherit, a father more powerful and ruthless than she could have imagined, and choices of the heart that could change the fate of everything...including Snow's return to the world she once knew.

This breathtaking first volume begins the story of how Snow becomes a villain, a queen, and ultimately a hero. 

Well, well, well....what do we have here? ANOTHER fairytale re-telling? I really enjoy the story of Snow White. I had trouble getting into Dorothy Must Die (although I loved the premise it remains on my DNF list) but like I have said before, everyone deserves a second chance. Besides, a new series is like a whole new opportunity to get to know the author! Bring it on!

- Christinabean

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves allows us to share the books we have added to our collections - physical, virtual, borrowed, bought or received

Empire of Storms came out a couple weeks ago and I bought the book from Chapters. I wanted to purchase the online autographed copy (did you know that Chapters HAS author signed books you can order online??) but I just couldn't wait. I haven't dived in reading yet because I find the book is too heavy to cart around on the train to and from work and I haven't had enough dedicated reading time to devote to really concentrating on it but it's coming!!  SO FREAKING EXCITED ABOUT THIS ONE!!

Another cool title that I recently received on NetGalley is this one - 

What drew me to the book was the author. I had not heard that Aprilynne Pike had a new series starting yet. I will feature this again at the end of October as it nears the actual published date but here is the summary - 

Outside the palace of Versailles, it’s modern day. Inside, the people dress, eat, and act like it’s the eighteenth century—with the added bonus of technology to make court life lavish, privileged, and frivolous. The palace has every indulgence, but for one pretty young thing, it’s about to become a very beautiful prison.
When Danica witnesses an act of murder by the young king, her mother makes a cruel power play . . . blackmailing the king into making Dani his queen. When she turns eighteen, Dani will marry the most ruthless and dangerous man of the court. She has six months to escape her terrifying destiny. Six months to raise enough money to disappear into the real world beyond the palace gates.
Her ticket out? Glitter. A drug so powerful that a tiny pinch mixed into a pot of rouge or lip gloss can make the wearer hopelessly addicted. Addicted to a drug Dani can sell for more money than she ever dreamed.
But in Versailles, secrets are impossible to keep. And the most dangerous secret—falling for a drug dealer outside the palace walls—is one risk she has to take.

Murder in the court meets Breaking Bad eh?  How's that for a departure from the ordinary?

- Christinabean

Waiting on Wednesday - Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,  that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating or books that are in our TBR pile.  This week’s “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is

Summary (by Goodreads)

Every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown.

If only it was that simple. Katharine is unable to tolerate the weakest poison, and Arsinoe, no matter how hard she tries, can’t make even a weed grow. The two queens have been shamefully faking their powers, taking care to keep each other, the island, and their powerful sister Mirabella none the wiser. But with alliances being formed, betrayals taking shape, and ruthless revenge haunting the queens’ every move, one thing is certain: the last queen standing might not be the strongest…but she may be the darkest. 

Kendare Blake is a fabulous writer. I was so happy with the Anna series that I sent her a very excited reader email as soon as I was finished to tell her how much I enjoyed her series and she actually wrote me back!!  I like how she mixed YA and horror together (similar to Gretchen McNeil).  Even though I haven't started the Goddess War series, I am going to skip on to Three Dark Crowns this fall so we can get to know one another all over again. :)

- Christinabean

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves allows us to share the books we have added to our collections - physical, virtual, borrowed, bought or received

I am SO EXCITED about this title! I finished reading Scorpion Rules recently and then received the SIGNED ARC of Swan Riders in the mail! Thank you Simon & Schuster Canada!!

For a refresher - 

Summary (by Goodreads)

Greta Stuart had always known her future: die young. She was her country's crown princess, and also its hostage, destined to be the first casualty in an inevitable war. But when the war came it broke all the rules, and Greta forged a different path.

She is no longer princess. No longer hostage. No longer human. Greta Stuart has become an AI.

If she can survive the transition, Greta will earn a place alongside Talis, the AI who rules the world. Talis is a big believer in peace through superior firepower. But some problems are too personal to obliterate from orbit, and for those there are the Swan Riders: a small band of humans who serve the AIs as part army, part cult.

Now two of the Swan Riders are escorting Talis and Greta across post-apocalyptic Saskatchewan. But Greta’s fate has stirred her nation into open rebellion, and the dry grassland may hide insurgents who want to rescue her – or see her killed. Including Elian, the boy she saved—the boy who wants to change the world, with a knife if necessary. Even the infinitely loyal Swan Riders may not be everything they seem.

Greta’s fate—and the fate of her world—are balanced on the edge of a knife in this smart, sly, electrifying adventure.

- Christinabean

Goodbye Llama Llama

It's not often that I post things about children's books but I do have sad news. Anna Dewdney, writer of the Llama Llama children's series passed away of brain cancer. She did not want a funeral. Instead, she wanted people to remember her by reading a book.  This series is very dear to my heart. I have been reading these books to my daughter since she was a toddler.  

 

I think our favourite was Llama Llama Mad at Mama.  Seemed fitting during the toddler stage when my daughter was frustrated with all of Mommy's errands.  :)  For me, it was a constant reminder to stay calm and consider her feelings when she had a blow out. Talking things out, explaining the situation and including her my errand made things much better.  Llama Llama taught me patience. 

I encourage all of you to take some time this week to read one of her books with a young child. The easy rhymes, colorful pictures and great life lessons in these stories will continue to be loved for years.  Rest in Peace Anna.  Thank you for gracing us with your wonderful stories!

- Christinabean

Waiting on Wednesday - Dark Horses by Cecily Von Ziegesar

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,  that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating or books that are in our TBR pile.  This week’s “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is

Summary (by Goodreads)

Merritt Wenner has been self-destructing ever since the tragic deaths of her grandmother and her horse, and after an epic all-night bender she walks out of the SAT and disappears. Her parents, looking for a quick fix, ship her off to a residential equine therapy program.

At Good Fences, Merritt meets Red—a failed racehorse and a terror in the barn. Red has never bonded with anyone, but Merritt is not afraid of him, which makes all the difference. Soon they’re sneaking rides after curfew, which catches the attention of Red’s owner. Recognizing their potential, he funds their launch into the competitive hunter/jumper circuit.

Against the cutthroat backdrop of competitive riding, Merritt and their groom, Beatrice, develop an attraction. Merritt also finds herself drawn to Carvin, a rival rider. But in Red’s mind, Merritt belongs to him alone. Anyone else poses a threat. And Merritt can’t foresee what he’ll do to keep her to himself. 

Normally I'm not a huge horse book fan but I am drawn to this because of the author. I haven't heard from Cecily Von Ziegesar since the Gossip Girl days so I'm looking forward to a comeback. 

- Christinabean

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves allows us to share the books we have added to our collections - physical, virtual, borrowed, bought or received

I received a copy of this title recently and I wanted to do a post on it previously on Stacking the Shelves but things have been super busy in my non-blogging life. I have since finished it and am reading the 3rd book in the series. Crazy eh?  Look for reviews on Poison Princess as Endless Knight, Dead of Winter and Day Zero coming soon!

- Christinabean

Waiting on Wednesday - Triple Threat!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,  that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating or books that are in our TBR pile.  This week’s “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is

Summary (by Goodreads)

Angra is alive, his Decay is spreading—and no one is safe.

Meira will do anything to save her world. With Angra trying to break through her mental defenses, she desperately needs to learn to control her own magic—so when the leader of a mysterious Order from Paisly offers to teach her, she jumps at the chance. But the true solution to stopping the Decay lies in a labyrinth deep beneath the Season Kingdoms. To defeat Angra, Meira will have to enter the labyrinth, destroy the very magic she’s learning to control—and make the biggest sacrifice of all.

Mather will do anything to save his queen. He needs to rally the Children of the Thaw, find Meira—and finally tell her how he really feels. But with a plan of attack that leaves no kingdom unscathed and a major betrayal within their ranks, winning the war—and protecting Meira—slips farther and farther out of reach.

Ceridwen will do anything to save her people. Angra had her brother killed, stole her kingdom, and made her a prisoner. But when she’s freed by an unexpected ally who reveals a shocking truth behind Summer’s slave trade, Ceridwen must take action to save her true love and her kingdom, even if it costs her what little she has left.

As Angra unleashes the Decay on the world, Meira, Mather, and Ceridwen must bring the kingdoms of Primoria together…or lose everything. 

This is book #3 in the series. I picked up #1 at a used bookstore ages ago and sadly, I had put it on the shelve and have been reading others. Now that the author is on book #3, perhaps it is a good time for me to pick it up again!

Summary (by Goodreads)

When the mysterious fog of the Ruining crept over the world, the living died and the dead rose. Only the walled city of Viyara was left untouched.

The heirs of the city’s most powerful—and warring—families, Mahyanai Romeo and Juliet Catresou share a love deeper than duty, honor, even life itself. But the magic laid on Juliet at birth compels her to punish the enemies of her clan—and Romeo has just killed her cousin Tybalt. Which means he must die.

Paris Catresou has always wanted to serve his family by guarding Juliet. But when his ward tries to escape her fate, magic goes terribly wrong—killing her and leaving Paris bound to Romeo. If he wants to discover the truth of what happened, Paris must delve deep into the city, ally with his worst enemy . . . and perhaps turn against his own clan.

Mahyanai Runajo just wants to protect her city—but she’s the only one who believes it’s in peril. In her desperate hunt for information, she accidentally pulls Juliet from the mouth of death—and finds herself bound to the bitter, angry girl. Runajo quickly discovers Juliet might be the one person who can help her recover the secret to saving Viyara.

Both pairs will find friendship where they least expect it. Both will find that Viyara holds more secrets and dangers than anyone ever expected. And outside the walls, death is waiting. . . 

It has been a long time since I have done a fairytale re-telling. To be honest, I was so excited about Cruel Beauty (retelling of Beauty and the Beast) and after reading Rosamund's version, I wasn't thrilled. However, everyone deserves second chances so I'm willing to give a re-telling of Romeo and Juliet a go!  Positive thinking! Banish those negative book thoughts!

Summary (by Goodreads)

Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and left crippled by the kidnapping of a valuable team member, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of magic in the Grisha world. 

Ahhh...Leigh Bardugo. I really enjoyed the Grisha Series and when Six of Crows came out, it was one of the books I bought from the bookstore (I had a huge stack that day) but unfortunately, I never found the inclination to start reading it. Must add to my TBR list again!

Fall is always a fantastic time for reading. It is hard to believe how many half-finished series I have started. I'm not sure about some of you but I now seem to wait until books #2 and 3 are released before I jump into a series now. I think that it is easier for me to continue the momentum of the story if I can finish a couple in a row. It also helps me cement the storyline into my memory.  What a fantastic September we are having!

- Christinabean