October 2012 New Reads

So, September was a slow month for the blog.  I only wrote 5 posts in the whole month and not one of them was a review!  Well, it's October now and I plan on starting fresh with an October new releases post!  This isn't a complete list, just some of the ones I'm interested in. I hope this list will help feed your readers! 

October 1

League of Strays by L.B. Schulman
DAC

Why I'm Excited:  I got this book as an eARC from netgally, and the has been some drama llamas surrounding this book, so I have a bit of morbid curiosity.

Skinny by Donna Cooner
DAC

Why I'm Excited:  This sounds like a really interesting take on an eating disorder book.  I think we all have the skinny inner monologue and I'm interested to see how the author handles this idea.






October 2

Eve & Adam by Michael Grant and Katherine ApplegateWhy I'm Excited:  I was a HUGE Animorphs fan as a kid, so I'm interested to see what these authors can do together (FYI Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate are married which I find pretty dang awesome).

Ironskin by Tina Connolly
#1 in the Ironskin series
DACWhy I'm Excited:  This is a Jane Eyre adaptation, and it sounds, well, kinda weird.  It's got fey and seems to focus quite a bit on the relationship aspect of Jane Eyre, but I still think it will capture the Gothic feel of the inspiration novel.

Lucid by Adrienne Stoltz and Ron Bass
DAC

Why I'm Excited: First off, COVER! Lucid sounds like a really cool paranormal mystery.







Passenger by Andrew Smith
#2 in The Marbury Lens series

Why I'm Excited:  I read The Marbury Lens a few months ago and I am dying to find out what happens!  I really liked the uniqueness of the first book and I'm really excited for the sequel. 






Promised by Caragh M. O'Brien
#3 in the Birthmarked Series

Why I'm Excited:  This series sounds like such a cool dystopian and it's gotten a lot of good reviews.  Now that the final book is coming out maybe I'll read it!






Through to You by Emily Hainsworth
DAC

Why I'm Excited:  This sounds like a really cool paranormal romance.  I'm really interested in the idea of parallel universes and I'm curious to see how the author will pull it off.






October 8

Demon Eyes by Scott Tracey
#2 in the Witch Eyes series

Why I'm Excited:  I was introduced to Scott Tracey through old videos on the YARebels Youtube Channel and I really want to read his work!







October 9

Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone
DAC

Why I'm Excited:  This sounds a little bit like a YA version of The Time Traveler's Wife (which I reviewed a while ago).  If they're at all similar I have a feeling I will really like this book.






The Unfailing Light by Robin Bridges
#2 in the Katerina series

Why I'm Excited:   Russian fantasy series!  Maybe I'll have better luck with this series than other Russian fantasy...we'll see.







Velveteen by Daniel Marks
DAC

Why I'm Excited:  I was fortunate enough to read an ARC of Velveteen and I must say I thoroughly LOVED it!  Velvet is a fantastic character with a fantasticly sarcastic voice.  I highly recommend Velveteen for your Halloween reads!





October 16

Ashen Winter by Mike Mullin
#2 in the Ashfall series

Why I'm Excited:  I've gotten both books in this series for review from netgalley, I need to read them!  Everyone loves a good natural disaster story, right?






Beta by Rachel Cohn
#1 in the Annex series

Why I'm Excited:  Beta has a really interesting premise.  I like stories that deal with robots/clones/experiments who are supposed to not have feelings and yet start to have emotions.  I like the themes of what constitutes a soul, so I really want to pick this one up.

Hidden by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

#10 in the House of Night series

Why I'm Excited:  I really like The House of Night series, I've read the first 7 books in the series.  I really like the pagan themes that run in this series and I'm excited to see what happens!






Two and Twenty Dark Tales edited by Nina Berry
Anthology

Why I'm Excited:  This collection of short stories takes classic mother goose fairy tales and gives them a darker twist.  I want the audio book for this!







October 23

Dark Star by Bethany Frentte

Why I'm Excited:  Dark Star sounds like a really cool urban fantasy.  I expect lots of sweet action!








Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick
#4 in the Hush, Hush series

Why I'm Excited:  Hush, Hush was supposed to be a trilogy....how are they adding a 4th book?  We shall see.







The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa
#1 in the The Iron Fey:  Call of the Forgotten series

Why I'm Excited:  I loved the Iron Fey series, so I'm so excited to read a sequel starring Ethan, Meghan Chase's younger brother!  There better be Grimalkin or Imma be pissed!





The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
#2 in the Mara Dyer series

Why I'm Excited:  I felt pretty meh about The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer but I want to see where the series goes because I have NO idea. 








October 30

Rebel Heart by Moira Young
#2 in the Dust Lands series

Why I'm Excited:  I really enjoyed the first book in this series Blood Red Road and I really want to read the next book!







Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier
#2 in the Elstein Trilogie

Why I'm Excited:  This is a German series so it's taking a while to be translated into English, but I've read really great reviews of this series.  It has some really interesting time travel elements that I'm really excited to read about!

Signed Book Haul and a Giveaway!

Hey everyone!  I know I haven't been posting here this week, but that's because I was busy going to author signings all week!  To celebrate my birthday next week, I'm doing 2 giveaways!  You can enter here or on my youtube channel and here's what you can win!


James Dashner prize pack:
1.  Signed paperback copy of The Maze Runner
2.  Signed paperback copy of The Scorch Trials

Mulit-Author prize Pack: 
1.  Signed paperback of Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Maberry
2.  Signed hardcover of Hold me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride
3.  Signed hardcover of Cinder by Marissa Meyer

To enter the giveaway:

1.  Be 18 or have your parents permission!
2.  Follow my blog!
3.  Leave a comment saying which prize pack you would like to win and what book your currently reading.

Winners will be drawn September 28th!

Friday Face Off Cover Reveal: With All My Soul

Friday Face Off is a meme hosted by one of my favorite book bloggers Misty over at The Book Rat. Usually this meme focuses on different cover designs for the same book and decides which is better for the story. I wanted to take this meme and add a little twist to it today by discussing a cover reveal!

 

This week is a pretty big one. The Soul Screamers series by Rachel Vincent is wildly popular (even though I haven't started this series yet (I know, what's wrong with me!?)) and the 7th book in the series, With All My Soul, is set to release April 2013.

 

 

That cover is beautiful!  I love the gold, I think it complements the rest of the series very well and brings a little lightness to these generally dark covers.

 

As a bonus this series is also being published in bindups with two books in one, which means more lovely covers!  The second bindup (books 3 and 4) is set to release November 13, 2012.  I love the inverted black and white, it gives a great sense of continuity while still separating the bindups from the individual books.  I love these covers, I must start this series soon!

 

Butter by Erin Jade Lange

Published September 18, 2012 by Bloomsbury
egalley for review from netgalley
4 stars
DAC

Goodreads Review
A lonely obese boy everyone calls "Butter" is about to make history. He is going to eat himself to death—live on the Internet—and everyone is invited to watch. When he first makes the announcement online to his classmates, Butter expects pity, insults, and possibly sheer indifference. What he gets are morbid cheerleaders rallying around his deadly plan. Yet as their dark encouragement grows, it begins to feel a lot like popularity. And that feels good. But what happens when Butter reaches his suicide deadline? Can he live with the fallout if he doesn’t go through with his plans? With a deft hand, E.J. Lange allows readers to identify with both the bullies and the bullied in this all-consuming look at one teen’s battle with himself.

Review:  Butter is the story of an obese boy looking for acceptance and normalcy.  It's a story about how tough high school can be if you aren't perceived as one of the perfect popular crowd.

I could completely relate to Butter and his struggle with depression, self loathing, and his addiction to food.  I think that people try and self medicate in a lot of different ways, and for a lot of people food is their security blanket.  It's what they turn to when they are sad, lonely, bored, or scared.  Butter just wants acceptance, I think he's afraid to allow himself to be happy.  He eats to create a literal barrier between himself and other people because he's afraid to let people in.  His weight stops people from trying and he doesn't have to worry that they might get to know him and not like him for who he his, not just his appearance. 

I've read some reviews that say that Butter's classmate's reaction to his suicide plan as unrealistic.  Well, I disagree.  Maybe I have less faith in today's youth but it wasn't long ago that I was in high school and I could totally see my classmates egging people on.  I was an outcast too, and I could completely see someone doing anything to get the popular crowd's attention, and in turn the popular crowd taking full advantage of that. 

Butter is an extremely difficult book to read, and I think it will strike a deep chord with any person who as ever felt desperate to fit in.  It is equal parts heart warming and breaking, but handles some extremely sensitive topics with care and grace.

Friday Face Off Cover Reveal: Dark Triumph

Friday Face Off is a meme hosted by one of my favorite book bloggers Misty over at The Book Rat. Usually this meme focuses on different cover designs for the same book and decides which is better for the story. I wanted to take this meme and add a little twist to it today by discussing a cover reveal!

 

This week we'll be discussing Dark Triumph, the second book in the His Fair Assassin series by R.L. LaFevers.  Dark Triumph is set to release April 2013 and the first book in the series is Grave Mercy which came out earlier this year.

 

 

I love these covers.  I think they convey the feel of the series very well.  You look at these cover and you just know this series is historical and has something to do with tough women fighting back.  I would guess there's political intrigue and both political and physical warfare.  I've heard some awesome things about this series, but Gave Mercy is intimidatingly large (over 500 pages!).  I do want to start this series soon, but I'm kind of scared!

 

So what do you think of this series covers so far?  Have you read Gave Mercy?  Let me know in the comments below!

 

 

September 2012 New Reads

Hey everyone, here are some of the YA books and debuts set for September 2012.  This isn't a complete list, just some of the ones I'm interested in.  I hope this list will help feed your readers! 

Man September has about a million AWESOME books coming out.  AND it's my birthday month, so I know what I'm getting :)

September 4

 Fathomless by Jackson Pearce
#3 in the Fairytale Retellings

Why I'm Excited:  I read Sisters Red last year and liked it ok, but I am really interested in the re-telling of the little mermaid.  I think it will be a lot more like the original fairytale, so I think that will be really interesting to read.  Also I really support Jackson's views on gay marriage and I want to support her by buying her books too.

Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama

Why I'm Excited:  Another mermaid book!  This book has been on my radar for a while, and I love the premise.  It sounds like a mysterious and dark romance, and I really want to read it.  Plus I LOVE the title.

 Origin by Jessica Khoury
DAC

Why I'm Excited:  I've heard this described as what to read after The Hunger Games.  It sounds like an excellent adventure and I love that it's set in the Amazon rainforest.

 Rage Within by Jeyn Roberts
#2 in the Dark Inside series

Why I'm Excited:  I really like post-apocalyptic stories, and I really like the "insane disease" spin on zombies.  It sounds like a really cool series.

Tiger's Destiny by Colleen Houck
#4 in the Tiger Saga

Why I'm Excited:  I heard a lot of really good things about this series and I own the first two, so I really want to get started soon.







September 8

Silver by Talia Vance
#1 in the Bandia series
DAC

Why I'm Excited:  Irish mythology!  AWESOME!  Although it does sound a little too PNR for my taste, I'm keeping an open mind.






September 11

 Personal Effects by E.M. Kokie
DAC

Why I'm Excited:  This sounds like an interesting mystery that deals with the death of a soldier.  It's pretty appropriate that it comes out on September 11th, and I'm curious to see how this story is handled. 

Hidden by Sophie Jordan
#3 in the Firelight series

Why I'm Excited:  When I first heard about Firelight it had mixed reviews, but I've heard more and more positive ones as the series had progressed.  I'm interested in the dragon premise and the covers are just lovely.


Tilt by Ellen Hopkins

Why I'm Excited:  It's Ellen Hopkins?  Do I really need any more reason?










September 13

Nerve by Jeanne Ryan
DAC

Why I'm Excited:  I love thrillers that have an online element.  The idea of an online truth or dare sounds really awesome, and I hope it's a cool conspiracy theory mystery.






September 18

 Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian
#1 in the trilogy

Why I'm Excited:  First off the cover is beautiful AND features a minority (bravo!).  I also love that it will be told from three different perspectives, and these three girls who are in very different situations all wan the same thing.  Revenge.

Butter by Erin Jade Lange
DAC

Why I'm Excited:  I've actually already read this.  I was approved for Butter on netgalley back in the beginning of June and started and finished it that same day.  Butter is so compelling and I could relate to Butter.  It's an excellent read and I'll be posting a review soon (if I haven't already).

The Diviners by Libba Bray
#1 in the Diviners series

Why I'm Excited:  I love the 20s and I really love the fascination with the occult in the early 20th century.  Libba Bray is one of the most creative writers in the YA genre, so I know this book will be intersting and lots of fun.  Also Libba Bray is coming to my local bookstore on the 19th to do a signing!!! SOOO EXCITED!

Glass Heart by Amy Garvey
#2 in the Cold Kiss series

Why I'm Excited:  I heard initially this series was a zombie series, but actually I think it's more about a girl with powers to raise the dead.  I love the covers and I've heard really great things, but I'm not 100% sold.  Guess we'll have to wait and see!

The Lucky Ones by Anna Godbersen
#3 in the Bright Young Things series

Why I'm Excited:  I haven't started this series yet, but I really like the time period these are set in (1920s are so awesome!).  I've heard a lot of really great things about this series and I want to start it soon.

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
#1 in the Raven Cycle

Why I'm Excited:   Maggie Stiefvater's newest book, duh!  The Scorpio Races was my favorite book from 2011, so I'm chomping at the bit for The Raven Boys!

Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff
#1 in the Lotus War series
DAC

Why I'm Excited:  This sounds like a really exciting Asian fantasy and coupled with the rave reviews it's been getting, Stormdancer is high on my TBR list.

 Ten by Gretchen McNeil

Why I'm Excited:  Ten is one of my MOST anticipated books of 2012.  I cannot wait to read this book, seriously I LOVED Possess and I can't wait to read McNeil's sophomore novel.

What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang
#1 in the Hybrid Chronicles
DAC

Why I'm Excited:  This sounds like a really cool science fiction story.  The premise is pretty strange, two souls in one body, and I'm curious to see how it will be handled.  I'm excited to see where it goes!

September 25

Alice in Zombieland by Gema Showalter
#1 in the White Rabbit Chronicles
DAC

Why I'm Excited:  I love Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and I really love works that are inspired by it.  I also love zombies.  So a book that combines the two?  AWESOME.

 Covet by Melissa Darnell
#2 in the Clann series

Why I'm Exicted:  These sound like your stereotypical PNR, but some of my friends really liked the first book, Crave, so I want to give this series a go!

 A Fractured Light by Jocelyn Davies
#2 in the Beautiful Dark series

Why I'm Excited:  I got the first book in the series, A Beautiful Dark, last year for my birthday but I haven't read it yet.  I've heard some mixed reviews about these books and while they do seem like a love-triangle heavy PNR, I'm still curious.

Shadows by Ilsa J. Bick
#2 in the Ashes trilogy

Why i'm Excited:  I've heard some really good things about this series and it has a really cool premise, so I want to check these out!







September 27 (MY BIRTHDAY!)

The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling.  Yep, on my birthday.  Be jealous ;)