Cover Craving(s)...

City of Fallen Angels
by Cassandra Clare
The Mortal Instruments, book four


Publication date: April 5, 2011



Shadowspell
by Jenna Black
Faeriewalker, book two



Publication date: Jan. 4, 2011

Circle of Fire

by Michelle Zink

Prophecy of the Sisters, book three

Publication date: Aug. 3, 2011

*Michelle Zink has stated that this is not the final cover for the book, but I do like this one, so I'll be interested to see what the final one looks like...

The Hidden

by Jessica Verday

The Hollow, book three

Publication date: Sept. 6, 2011

The End of Time - Book Trailer

The End of Time
by P. W. Catanese
Books of Umber, book three

I am SO excited for this book. This is the final book in one of the BEST middle grade fantasy series I've read in a long time. Check out my review for book two, Dragon Games.

2010 Wrap Up

Total Books Read in 2010: 234

Favorite Book Covers in 2010: (in no particular order)

Best Books of 2010: (again, in no particular order)

Museum of Thieves by Lian Tanner

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Ascendant by Diana Peterfreund

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

Mistwood by Leah Cypess

Favorite Non-Fiction Books of 2010:
Zombie Felties by Nicola Tedman
Zombies Vs. Unicorns ed. by Justine Larbaleister and Holly Black

Most Disappointing Books of 2010: (I hate to list these...)
Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
The Gardener by S.A. Bodeen

Melting Stones by Tamora Pierce

Most Surprising (In A Good Way!) Books of 2010:
The Duff by Kody Keplinger

Library Wars: Love and War: Vol. 1

Going Bovine by Libba Bray

Most Recommended-to-Others Books of 2010:

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
The Virgin Queen's Daughter by Ella March Chase

Best Series You Discovered in 2010:
The Books of Bayern by Shannon Hale
The Giver by Lois Lowry

The Confessions of Georgia Nicolson by Louise Rennison

Favorite New Authors Discovered in 2010:
Lauren Oliver

Kiersten White

Jenny Han

Gail Carriger

Most Hilarious Reads of 2010:
Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich (adult)

Most Anticipated Book of 2010:
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Books That I Could Not Stop Thinking About in 2010:

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

Slant by Laura E. Williams

Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler

Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor

Books I Can't Believe I Waited Until 2010 to Read:

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
The Giver by Lois Lowry

Book Challenges I Participated In:
2010 Debut Author Challenge, 2010 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge, 2010 Audio Book Challenge, 2010 Royals Fantasy Reading Challenge, and the 2010 Support Your Local Library Reading Challenge

The DUFF

The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend
by Kody Keplinger

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "Duffy," she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren't so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.(description taken from Amazon.com)

I initially resisted reading this book because the subject just hit home a little too hard for me. Until I was almost done with college, I wasn't really comfortable in my own skin and I always felt like the "DUFF." I heard great things about this book, though, so when AudioFile was looking for a reviewer, I figured I would give it a shot.

As a Librarian, I'm really glad I read this. It is a great book to recommend to high school girls looking for a quick, realistic read. It does have foul language, violence, and fairly graphic sex scenes, but it is also compelling and almost brutally honest at points. There are some great discussions about self worth, self confidence, societal expectations, abuse, alcoholism, family issues, birth control, and actually a ton of other issues...the best part? These issues are brought up in such a natural way the reader will not feel lectured at all.

Personally, I really related to parts of this book. Having the crush on the hot guy who's mean to you...but you just can't help but like him...I mean, come on - these were high school horomone days! Alternating between feeling good about your accomplishments and never feeling like you will be good enough...pretty enough...just...enough. Been there. Wishing my friends in high school had been as great as Bianca's (my college friends were...btw!).

Though this is not my favorite book this year, it was good. Unexpectedly good for me. I recommend it gets read...for a variety of reasons. Seriously, check it out. You can't help but both root for Bianca and alternately want to smack her around sometimes...but no matter what...you won't put the book down until you've read the last page!

Full disclosure: Audio book received for AudioFile review

In My Mailbox - December 19, 2010

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren, inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. Every week bloggers can share what they received in the mail or at the bookstore or at the library. The goal is that everyone can be exposed to more books this way!

From the Library:

Legacies by Mercedes Lackey and Rosemary Edghill
The Hunchback Assignments by Arthur Slade
Black Wings by Christina Henry

Won Online!!:

Never Cry Werewolf and The Clearing both by Heather Davis. Won directly from Heather at Books, Boys, Buzz during Thanksgiving Week. Thank you so much!!!

NEW winner - The Mischief of the Mistletoe - giveaway

Since the previous winner never responded to my email, I am picking a new winner of The Mischief of the Mistletoe giveaway!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Using a random generator (random.org), the new official winner of "The Mischief of the Mistletoe" and the matching ornament giveaway was determined to be...

Margay!!

Congrats again! I have emailed you directly, so as soon as you get back to me with an address I will get your goodies into the mail to you!

Thank you again to Dutton Books for letting me have this great giveaway!

Hollywood Ending (with a giveaway!!!)

Hollywood Ending
by Lucie Simone

Trina Stewart is desperate to find a proper Hollywood job and finally quit teaching ESL, but after ten years in Tinsel Town, things are looking grim. That is, until she sets her sights on sexy new neighbor, Matiu Wulf, a New Zealander of Maori origin who is only in Los Angeles to get some scene design experience to beef up his resume, and then he's headed back home to Auckland. He manages to thwart Trina's advances, but when she falls under the spell of toothy-grinned thespian, he's desperate to win back her heart. But when Hollywood gets in the way, these two soon discover that life in Tinsel Town isn't all red carpet, after parties and celebrity gossip. In fact, Hollywood can be a downright bitch! (description taken from Amazon.com)

This was one of those fun, guilty-pleasure type of adult reads! There were parts that made me snort out loud as I read them. :) I really enjoyed um, well, Matiu's New Zealand-y hotness...you'll see, and how loyal Trina's BFF was to her throughout the story. There was also a really interesting twist with identity theft, which though common these days, hasn't really seemed to make it into literature yet. I also loved the setting. There was the perfect mix of Hollywood glitz and glamour balanced with the day to day realities of actual life in Hollywood...it's not all parties and cocktails! This really was a fast, enjoyable read and I found myself totally routing for Trina and Matiu right from the beginning!

Check out Lucie Simone's website for more info on the author and her books!

PLUS...as part of the Hollywood Ending blog tour, I get to giveaway a copy of the book! YAY! To enter the giveaway (you must be in the continental US), leave a comment before midnight on Wed., December 22nd. I'll randomly draw one winner from the comments on Thurs., December 23rd and contact them directly for their mailing address. If the winner does not respond by Monday, Dec. 27th, a new winner will be chosen and contacted. Good luck!!

The Mischief of the Mistletoe - Winner!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Using a random generator (random.org), the official winner of "The Mischief of the Mistletoe" and the matching ornament giveaway was determined to be...

jhitomi!!

Congrats again! I have emailed you directly, so as soon as you get back to me with an address I will get your goodies into the mail to you!

*If jhitomi does not contact me with an address by Friday, Dec. 17th, I will choose a new winner.

Thank you again to Dutton Books for letting me have this great giveaway!

Low Red Moon

Low Red Moon
by Ivy Devlin

The only thing Avery Hood can remember about the night her parents died is that she saw silver—deadly silver, moving inhumanly fast. As much as she wants to remember who killed them, she can't, and there's nothing left to do but try to piece her life back together. Then Avery meets the new boy in school—Ben, mysterious and beautiful, with whom she feels a connection like nothing she's ever experienced. When Ben reveals he's a werewolf, Avery still trusts him—at first. Then she sees that sometimes his eyes flash inhuman silver. And she learns that she's not the only one who can't remember the night her parents died. (description taken from Amazon.com)

This is another book about which I can't quite decide how I feel.

Though it was compelling...I started to read it last night and did not want to put it down to sleep, then finished it this afternoon (in about two hours total reading time)...it wasn't anything new or particularly special in the paranormal romance field.

I think what kept drawing me in was the sheer horror of what happened to Avery's parents and then others in the small town, the way that Devlin very carefully never outright spells out for readers exactly what is going on, and the fact that the forest was its own entity. To be perhaps more specific...there was a lot of suspenseful mystery in this book. Too many other books in the genre right now just say, well here...he's a vampire...or, Oh look! That evil werewolf is attacking people. Then it's up to the reader to just follow along as the hero/ine figures things out, defeats the bad guy, falls in love...

Another thing I really enjoyed were the subtle nods to "Little Red Riding Hood." Going off to Grandma's House. Avery's last name being Hood. The ax. This is not really a rewrite of the fairy tale...but it is...

Some of the things I wasn't as fond of were the use of the red lettering every time the word "moon" showed up in the text (I found it really distracting) and the fact that some of the characters felt very one-dimensional...almost like place holders in the story.

Overall, though, I think I liked this book more than disliked it, but it has not earned the right to be called a new favorite.

The Mischief of the Mistletoe

The Mischief of the Mistletoe: A Pink Carnation Christmas
by Lauren Willig

Arabella Dempsey's dear friend Jane Austen warned her against teaching. But Miss Climpson's Select Seminary for Young Ladies seems the perfect place for Arabella to claim her independence while keeping an eye on her younger sisters nearby. Just before Christmas, she accepts a position at the quiet girls' school in Bath, expecting to face nothing more exciting than conducting the annual Christmas recital. She hardly imagines coming face to face with French aristocrats and international spies...

Reginald "Turnip"Fitzhugh-often mistaken for the elusive spy known as the Pink Carnation- has blundered into danger before. But when he blunders into Miss Arabella Dempsey, it never occurs to him that she might be trouble. When Turnip and Arabella stumble upon a beautifully wrapped Christmas pudding with a cryptic message written in French, "Meet me at Farley Castle," the unlikely vehicle for intrigue launches the pair on a Yuletide adventure that ranges from the Austens'modest drawing room to the awe-inspiring estate of the Dukes of Dovedale, where the Dowager Duchess is hosting the most anticipated event of the year: an elaborate twelve-day Christmas celebration. Will they find poinsettias or peril, dancing or danger? Is it possible that the fate of the British Empire rests in Arabella's and Turnip's hands, in the form of a festive Christmas pudding?
(description from Amazon.com)

I believe this is now officially my favorite book in the Pink Carnation series! Since the earliest part of the series, I have been one of those readers that loved Turnip Fitzhugh's bumblingness and I was so happy when I found he was featured in this Christmas book.

This book was funny, charming, heartwarming, and my perfect idea of a holiday read. I finished with a giant grin on my face. Arabella is used to being ignored...Turnip is literally struck somewhat stupid when he starts to fall in love. What happens when the two come together? Foiling of a scheme to sell goverment secrets, regaining face after being rejected by a fortune hunter, inspiring one of Jane Austen's books, a riotous Christmas play...oh, yes, and true love!

I really, truly loved this book and would highly recommend it!
This would make a great Christmas/holiday gift... *wink, wink*...and don't forget that someone will win a copy!

Full disclosure: Review copy sent by Dutton.

(Belated) In My Mailbox - December 12, 2010

My internet was down yesterday, so here is my belated In My Mailbox:



In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren, inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. Every week bloggers can share what they received in the mail or at the bookstore or at the library. The goal is that everyone can be exposed to more books this way!

For Review:

Shadowspell by Jenna Black
The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

From the Library:

Sent by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Kiss Me Deadly edited by Trisha Telep

Won Online:

Faithful by Janet Fox
*Thank you to Number One Novels!!!*

The Dark Deeps

The Dark Deeps
by Arthur Slade
The Hunchback Assignments, book two

A fantastic Steampunk adventure in the deeps

Transforming his appearance and stealing secret documents from the French is all in a day’s work for fourteen-year-old Modo, a British secret agent. But his latest mission—to uncover the underwater mystery of something called the Ictíneo—seems impossible. There are rumors of a sea monster and a fish as big as a ship. French spies are after it, and Mr. Socrates, Modo’s master, wants to find it first. Modo and his fellow secret agent, Octavia, begin their mission in New York City, then take a steamship across the North Atlantic. During the voyage, Modo uncovers an astounding secret. (description from Amazon.com)

This was a very cool and exciting middle grade steampunk adventure. I loved "Modo" as a character. He is well-intentioned, brave, kind, and fiercely loyal. His shape-shifting ability, which makes for some fantastic disguises btw..., is really well considered and written out. I also loved how Modo was not the only classic horror character in the series. There are appearances by Dr. Hyde which made me smile, even as what he was doing made me squirm.

I loved the fact that this was an underwater adventure. I love submarines (ummm... in books - I don't think I could handle actually being IN one) and the early imagined versions here were just, well...COOL! The scientific advances were awesome.

I definitely plan to read the next book in this series! I love the spies, friendships, secrets, and adventure! Plus, the audio version is great.

Full disclosure: Audio book received for SLJ review

Library Wars: Love and War Vol. 1

Library Wars: Love and War - volume 1
by Kiiro Yumi
illustrated by Hiro Arikawa

Fight for your right to read!

In the near future, the federal government creates a committee to rid society of books it deems unsuitable. The libraries vow to protect their collections, and with the help of local governments, form a military group to defend themselves---the Library Forces! Iku Kasahara has dreamed of joining the Library Defense Force ever since one of its soldiers stepped in to protect her favorite book from being confiscated in a bookstore when she was younger. But now that she’s finally a recruit, she’s finding her dream job to be a bit of a nightmare. Especially since her hard-hearted drill instructor seems to have it out for her! (description taken from Amazon.com)

I am not much of a graphic novel reader. I find that I am just not interested in a lot of the story lines OR when there is a lot going on I sometimes have trouble following the order of the panels and I get confused. So, I tend to shy away from reading them personally, though I order a ton for the Library based on reviews and requests from the teens.

When I saw the plot for this new series, though, I was immediately intrigued enough to pick it up. The idea that the whole story is based around the Freedom of Information act that Libraries uphold...that Librarians have gone militant to fight for peoples' right to read...AWESOME! This is what I fantasize about sometimes when I get asked questions like "What kind of superhero would you want to be?" (HUGE GRIN)

Bonus - the characters are cool and their interactions are downright funny. The drawing was good and the panels were pretty easy to follow. (There were a few spots where I started to go the wrong way, but I figured it out quickly.)

Now, I really just want to go out and read volumes 2-4, but I have to wait until we get them into the Library, since no one else owns them... :(

Yay! I found a manga series that I like. :)

It Came! It Came! (My Book Blogger Holiday Swap package!!!)

It Came! It Came!
Last night, I got home from work to find a package waiting for me...
It was my Book Blogger Holiday Swap gift from a "secret latke." :)

When I ripped open the wrapping paper (because though I try to save wrapping paper sometimes, I was way too excited to wait this time! :P) I found plenty of awesome stuff!

I got a beautiful hardcover copy of Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, an ARC of Once in a Full Moon by Ellen Schreiber, some really funny dog notecards, and a really scrumptious looking French Vanilla hot chocolate packet. (yum!)



My "secret latke" also left me this cryptic note...which I know is a clue to their identity, but for the life of me, I can't figure it out...



Well. To whoever you are, my "secret latke," you are awesome! I love my gifts and I hope that your swap package is just as awesome. What a great way to share the book love this holiday season!

My little Christmas Tree

Just wanted to share...

Behemoth

Behemoth
by Scott Westerfeld
Leviathan, book two

The behemoth is the fiercest creature in the British navy. It can swallow enemy battleships with one bite. The Darwinists will need it, now that they are at war with the Clanker powers.

Deryn is a girl posing as a boy in the British Air Service, and Alek is the heir to an empire posing as a commoner. Finally together aboard the airship Leviathan, they hope to bring the war to a halt. But when disaster strikes the Leviathan's peacekeeping mission, they find themselves alone and hunted in enemy territory.

Alek and Deryn will need great skill, new allies, and brave hearts to face what's ahead. (description taken from Amazon.com)

Is it sad to admit that my favorite character in this book was the creature that (finally!) hatched out of the Lady Boffin's eggs? Bovril was absolutely charming and brought some levity to their harrowing situation.

As in Leviathan, I was very impressed with how well Westerfeld was able to incorporate historical detail into the storyline to bring it to life. This is not anything like a textbook and yet, I found myself remembering history classes...

Adventure, danger, and intrigue abound. The clanker machines are fascinating and in the Ottoman empire, surprisingly diverse! I love, love, love the illustrations in this book. You can really see what Westerfeld describes...and they are fantastic sites!

Other than Reeves' Larklight series, which is beyond cheeky, I think this is my favorite steampunk series.

The Mischief of the Mistletoe - Giveaway!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

The lovely people at Dutton have given me not only my own copy of The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig to review, but have also gifted me a lovely second copy, plus a beautiful, matching custom ornament, to giveaway to one of you!!



The Mischief of the Mistletoe: A Pink Carnation Christmas by Lauren Willig

'Tis the season to get Pink! Lauren Willig's beloved Pink Carnation series gets into the holiday spirit with this irresistible Regency Christmas caper.

Arabella Dempsey's dear friend Jane Austen warned her against teaching. But Miss Climpson's Select Seminary for Young Ladies seems the perfect place for Arabella to claim her independence while keeping an eye on her younger sisters nearby. Just before Christmas, she accepts a position at the quiet girls' school in Bath, expecting to face nothing more exciting than conducting the annual Christmas recital. She hardly imagines coming face to face with French aristocrats and international spies...

Reginald "Turnip"Fitzhugh-often mistaken for the elusive spy known as the Pink Carnation- has blundered into danger before. But when he blunders into Miss Arabella Dempsey, it never occurs to him that she might be trouble. When Turnip and Arabella stumble upon a beautifully wrapped Christmas pudding with a cryptic message written in French, "Meet me at Farley Castle," the unlikely vehicle for intrigue launches the pair on a Yuletide adventure that ranges from the Austens'modest drawing room to the awe-inspiring estate of the Dukes of Dovedale, where the Dowager Duchess is hosting the most anticipated event of the year: an elaborate twelve-day Christmas celebration. Will they find poinsettias or peril, dancing or danger? Is it possible that the fate of the British Empire rests in Arabella's and Turnip's hands, in the form of a festive Christmas pudding?
(description taken from Amazon.com)

I am currently reading my own copy and it is so good!! My review can be found here. I absolutely adore this series. If you are a historical fiction fan, if you love light romances, if you love spy stories, if you love funny, if you love...well, I could just go on forever. Basically, if you haven't yet read The Secret History of the Pink Carnation, I highly recommend you go out, get it, and READ it!

:)

This is an amazing series! Though you should start with the first book, you do not absolutely have to, and if for instance you wanted to try and start with this Christmas book... you could! Plus you'd have an adorable matching ornament to go on your tree this year!

If you would like to enter the giveaway (US only. Sorry!), please leave me a comment with your favorite type of holiday decoration and your email address. The giveaway will be open until Midnight on Monday, December 13th, and I will contact the winner on Tuesday, December 14th. Hopefully, I can then get your book and ornament out to you before Christmas!!

OOOh! Check out the grand prize in this contest!

I am a follower of Beth Revis' blog, Writing It Out. She is a member of the League of Extraordinary Writers (cool name, right??!) and they are hosting an awesome contest this week.

Five days = Five prizes.

PLUS...

One awesome grand prize!! I want...oh, do I want.

Anyway, check it out here.

If You Give Them Pizza, They Will Come...

Today was the December meeting for my Library's Teen Advisory Board. I am pleased to say that I had twelve boys in attendance. Twelve!!

I finally learned my lesson this school year and decided to serve pizza at my TAB meetings. It has made a huge difference! If they smell the pizza, they will come...then I just have to keep them there.

Today, I got twelve boys in the door. (Yes!) I told them they could have the pizza if they stayed for at least twenty minutes. They all reluctantly agreed...

To make it more exciting, I then whipped out

and started asking them questions like:

Would you rather fight off zombies or aliens?

Would you rather be frozen to death or burn to death?

What one superpower would you most like to have?

They went wild. It was funny. They debated, they screamed, they cut each other off...and they promised to come back next month!

Ghost Town

Ghost Town
by Rachel Caine
Morganville Vampires, book nine

While developing a new system to maintain Morganville's defenses, student Claire Danvers discovers a way to amplify vampire mental powers. Through this, she's able to re-establish the field around this vampire-infested Texas college town that protects it from outsiders.

But the new upgrades have an unexpected consequence: people inside the town begin to slowly forget who they are-even the vampires. Soon, the town's little memory problem has turned into a full-on epidemic. Now Claire needs to figure out a way to pull the plug on her experiment- before she forgets how to save Morganville...
(description taken from Amazon.com)

This is a series that I devour. Every time a new book is coming out, I am practically foaming at the mouth to get my hands on it! The best part...every book in the series just seems to get better.

I cannot figure out how Rachel Caine does it. This is one of the best vampire series out there. Period. Claire is one of my favorite heroines ever. She's smart, she's resourceful, she's cute, and she's just...Claire.

For example (as a fellow "smart girl" and a secret zombie lover, I LOVE this quote):
"Well, there are good points about zombie movies. There're usually smart girls in them, for some reason. And the smart girls hardly ever get killed."

Awesome.

Anyway, I could not put Ghost Town down. There were points when I literally considered whether some of the main characters might have to die. I cannot believe how Rachel Caine managed to pull Claire and her friends out of their new(est) dangerous situation. Talk about the suspense...this book is overflowing with it!

If you already read this series, pick Ghost Town up ASAP. If you haven't tried the Morganville Vampires yet, what on Earth are you waiting for? You won't be sorry!

In My Mailbox - December 5, 2010

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren, inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. Every week bloggers can share what they received in the mail or at the bookstore or at the library. The goal is that everyone can be exposed to more books this way!

For Review:

Sabotaged by Margaret Peterson Haddix

From the Library:

Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Maberry

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters by Natalie Standiford

On My Nook:

Spiral X by J.J. Westendarp