A Million Suns by Beth Revis

A Million Suns (ATU #2)
Beth Revis
January 10th, 2012
400 (hardcover) 
Publisher: Razorbill
Source: Publisher & Bought

Godspeed was fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.
It's been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to enact his vision - no more Phydus, no more lies.
But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that's growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart....read more at Goodreads. 

"Follow the leader."¹

Some secrets are not meant to be shared. Three months after the end of Across the Universe, Elder has become the leader of Godspeed, and each of his subsequent choices as its newest ruler have come with consequences. While Elder struggles with being the leader, Amy battles with her outsider status on Godspeed. But when she receives a mysterious clue hinting at a secret revolving around Godspeed, she readily embarks on a scavenger hunt to find answers that will change everything. 

Thank you, Beth Revis, for a sequel that is just as great if not better than the first novel. A Million Suns ramps up the energy and pandemonium. Revis takes everything - mystery, relationships, fear - to another level. Life on Godspeed is as claustrophobic as ever, with so many people and nowhere to run. A Million Suns is a magnetic mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat, excited and breathless, until you arrive at the final page. 
Highlights: So many surprises. Even if you guess one, there are plenty of others that will amaze you. The hunt for the clues was interesting. Amy and Elder's relationship was intriguing - things are pretty strained between them, and I liked that they still have some issues to work out. 
Lowlights: It took a few chapters to get back into the characters voices and to remember their personalities. And Revis killed off a character I liked (again). 
Rating: 
1 pg. 147 - A simple phrase, and yet it gives me chills. 

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Purchased (Kindle)The Lightning Thief by Rick RiordanThe Assassin and the Pirate Lord by Sarah J. Maas------------------------------------------------------------------Maas's novella was so, so good. Seriously. It was amazing. 
What books did you get this week? 

Cover Reveals: Touch of Death & PODs

Touch of DeathKelly HashwaySpencer Hill Press Release: January 2013

Jodi Marshall isn't sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she's in her junior year of high school, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she's being stalked by some guy no one seems to know.
After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he's not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she's part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendents of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned blood writhing in their veins.
Jodi's deadly to the living and even more deadly to the deceased. She has to leave her old, normal life behind before she hurts the people she loves. As if that isn't difficult enough, Jodi discovers she's the chosen one who has to save the rest of her kind from perishing at the hands of Hades. If she can't figure out how to control her power, history will repeat itself, and her race will become extinct.

PODsMichelle PickettSpencer Hill PressRelease: June 2013

Seventeen-year-old Eva is a chosen one. Chosen to live, while others meet a swift and painful death from an incurable virus so lethal, a person is dead within days of symptoms emerging. In the POD system, a series of underground habitats built by the government, she waits with the other chosen for the deadly virus to claim those above. Separated from family and friends, it's in the PODs she meets David. And while true love might not conquer all, it's a balm for the broken soul. 
After a year, scientists believe the population has died, and without living hosts, so has the virus. That's the theory, anyway. But when the PODs are opened, survivors find the surface holds a vicious secret. The virus mutated, infecting those left top-side and creating... monsters. 
Eva and David hide from the infected in the abandoned PODs. Together they try to build a life--a new beginning. But the infected follow and are relentless in their attacks. Leaving Eva and David to fight for survival, and pray for a cure.

I think they both sound fascinating and have great covers! 
What do you think?

Waiting on Wednesday (65)

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Of Poseidon

Anna Banks

May 22nd, 2012

Emma and her friend Chloe are spending vacation in Florida. When Emma (literally) runs into a hot guy named Galen on the beach, little does she know he’s a prince of the Syrena. Galen and Emma both feel something strange – is it attraction? – and Galen suspects that Emma might well be the girl he’s heard of – a human who can communicate with fish. 

What follows is a deadly scene with a shark in which Galen witnesses Emma’s gifts. He must know more about her, and follows her back to New Jersey, and high school, to find out for sure if she’s the key to saving his kingdom. Soon, Emma can’t deny her feelings for him, but can’t explain them, either – and both she and Galen must learn more about where she comes from and what her powers are before they can trust one another and their feelings.

I'm a sucker for mermaid / siren / mythical ocean creatures stories. It's a weakness. But, it sounds like there's some instalove (hopefully, there's not). Regardless, I'll definitely be checking this out. 
What novel are you waiting on?

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

Graffiti Moon
Cath Crowley
Release: February 14th, 2012
Pages: 272 (hardcover)
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Source: Netgalley

It’s the end of Year 12. Lucy’s looking for Shadow, the graffiti artist everyone talks about.

His work is all over the city, but he is nowhere.

Ed, the last guy she wants to see at the moment, says he knows where to find him. He takes Lucy on an all-night search to places where Shadow’s thoughts about heartbreak and escape echo around the city walls.

But the one thing Lucy can’t see is the one thing that’s right before her eyes.

Mini-Thoughts: In one night, everything can change. It begins innocently enough, with Lucy and friends searching for Lucy's favorite street artist, and Ed's stuck as an unwilling guide. Both Ed and Lucy have their own distinct voices, personalities, and hobbies¹. I found Lucy's odd, melodious voice to be slightly more fascinating than Ed's, but they both were intriguing and unique narrators. The story itself is interesting - filled with adventure and fresh outlooks on life. Graffiti Moon is simply a story that everyone should read.

Highlights: Graffiti Moon is filled with beautiful, breathtaking prose. There's a sense of realism and authenticity that makes it easy to relate with the characters and enjoy the story. Everything is described using vivid words. Poet's few pieces of poetry mixed in with the narrative was wonderful - each piece was lyrical, memorable.

Lowlights: Mostly predictable, like many realistic fiction novels. I wish Poet's limited and brief interruptions in the POV had happened more often.

Rating: 

1 Lucy's hobby is so cool!

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Purchased

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

V for Vendetta by Alan Moore & David Lloyd

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Purchased (Kindle)

Angelfall by Susan EeAngel Burn by L.A. WeatherlyPrincess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George
Freebies (Kindle)Clockwise by Elle StraussHaunted Destiny by Ellie JamesTomorrow is Today by Julie CrossDangerous Angels by Francesca Lia Block
I'm really looking forward to reading Angel Burn and V for Vendetta (loved the movie), I've heard great things about both. 
What did you get in your mailbox?

Waiting on Wednesday (64)

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Kill Me Softly

Sarah Cross

April 10th, 2012

True love’s kiss just may prove deadly....

Mirabelle’s past is shrouded in secrecy, from her parents’ tragic deaths to her guardians’ half-truths about why she can’t return to her birthplace, Beau Rivage. Desperate to see the town, Mira runs away a week before her sixteenth birthday—and discovers a world she never could have imagined.

In Beau Rivage, nothing is what it seems—the strangely pale girl with a morbid interest in apples, the obnoxious playboy who’s a beast to everyone he meets, and the chivalrous guy who has a thing for damsels in distress. Here, fairy tales come to life, curses are awakened, and ancient stories are played out again and again.

But fairy tales aren’t pretty things, and they don’t always end in happily ever after. Mira has a role to play, a fairy-tale destiny to embrace or resist. As she struggles to take control of her fate, Mira is drawn into the lives of two brothers with fairy-tale curses of their own ... brothers who share a dark secret. And she’ll find that love, just like fairy tales, can have sharp edges and hidden thorns.

Secrets, fairy tales, cool cover...I'm curious.
What are you waiting on this week?

Demons at Deadnight by A & E Kirk

Demons at DeadnightA & E KirkReleased: January 7th, 2012Pages: 404 (paperback)Publisher: CreateSpaceSource: Authors + Bought

For seventeen-year-old Aurora Lahey, survival is a lifestyle.
DEMONIC DESTINYAurora has the crappiest superpower on the planet. And it’s just unleashed a hit squad from hell. Demons are on the hunt, salivating to carve her carcass into confetti.
CHARISMATIC KILLERSThe Hex Boys—mysterious, hunky, and notorious for their trails of destruction—have the answers Aurora needs to survive. But their overload of deadly secrets and suspicious motives makes trusting them a potentially fatal move.
LETHAL ALLIESThe battle to save her family, herself, and stop demonic domination may cost Aurora everything worth living for, and force her to reveal her own dark secrets. But no worries. She needs the Hex Boys to pull this off, and, chances are, teaming up with these guys will get her killed anyway.

Aurora Lahey's problems seem to always begin with a demon. And unfortunately, once she moves back to Gossamer Falls with her family, the local demons start showing an above average interest in killing her. Luckily, Aurora has an upbeat, mysterious woman and a secretive group of guys known as the Hex Boys to look out for her and the Lahey's. But, the closer Aurora becomes to Hex Boys, the more secrets she unveils – and Aurora might be closer to danger than she anticipated. 
It was so easy to love this story. Aurora's humorous yet genuine personality jumps off the pages. She's smart, caring, and relatable. The plot itself never ceases to keep building suspense and excitement. At each concluding chapter, I found myself unable to stop reading and instead compelled to continue on. A & E Kirk's debut novel went above and beyond my expectations. Demons at Deadnight will captivate you with its humorous quality, nonstop action, and authentic characters. This story is a must-read. 
Highlights: Great characters, and plenty of fun banter¹. Aurora's family actually acts like a family (caring & embarrassing). The Hex Boys have more than just good looks - they have layered personalities. Any scene involving Aurora and the Hex Boys was usually hilariously awesome. I even enjoyed the budding romance, which is high on attraction and annoyance. Despite some lingering questions, I felt satisfied with what was learned in this novel. 
Lowlights: A cliffhanger ending, but it's not too bad. Some clichés². A few times, the pacing became a bit too fast, and I had to backtrack. 
Rating:  
1. Seriously, it's so fun. I was constantly grinning. ~> 2. But, there's some joking about it. Team Blake, anyone? ;) ~>


Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes and Nobles

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Purchased + FreebiesA Million Suns by Beth Revis (signed & personalized)ATU poster (a little beat up, but cool) Koi and Lotus print (so pretty!) ATU rubber braceletATU bookmarksATU pin
Purchased - Kindle BooksBecome by Ali CrossCatching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally Demons at Deadnight by A & E Kirk (2nd copy)
Thanks to Fireside Bookstore + Beth Revis for the opportunity to buy a signed and personalized copy of A Million Suns (and for mailing it so quickly!), as well as for all of the amazing swag. 
What did you get this week?

Awesome Book Trailers

Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne

Holbrook Academy's website

When sixteen-year-old Faye arrives at Holbrook Academy, she doesn't expect to find herself exactly where she needs to be. After years of strange waking visions and nightmares, her only comfort the bones of dead animals, Faye is afraid she's going crazy. Fast.
But her first night at Holbrook, she feels strangely connected to the school and the island it sits on, like she's come home. She's even made her first real friends, but odd things keep happening to them. Every morning they wake on the floors of their dorm rooms with their hands stained red.
Faye knows she's the reason, but what does it all mean? The handsome Kel tries to help her unravel the mystery, but Faye is certain she can't trust him; in fact, he may be trying to kill her - and the rest of the world too.

I love how true to the story this trailer is. 
***

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave. 
Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word . . . especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra. 
If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other.

Book trailers are so amazing lately...
Both books are going to be released by Putnam Juvenile on Februrary 2nd and February 7th, respectively.

Waiting on Wednesday (63)

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GlitchHeather AnastasiuAugust 7th, 2012

In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.
When Zoe starts to malfunction (or "glitch"), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.
As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

Sounds interesting! I like the colors in the cover, & the title font rocks.
What are you waiting on?

Tune in Tuesday (1)

Tune in Tuesday is hosted each Tuesday by Ginger at GReads. The idea is to share a song that you love, whether it's new or old, in order to spread some music around the blogosphere.

My choice is...

 The Hanging Tree (Hunger Games Arrangment) by adrisaurus

So normally, I wouldn't choose a fan arranged song/cover, but come on. I may barely remember anything about The Hanging Tree in Mockingjay (page 123), but this rendition is so eerie and amazing.
Gotta love bookish music ;)

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

The Scorpio Races
Maggie StiefvaterReleased: October 18th, 2011Pages: 409 (hardcover)Publisher: Scholastic PressSource: Bought

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die. 
At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them. 
Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

"I am so, so alive."¹
From the beginning, Stiefvater draws you in with the calm and impressive voice of Sean Kendrick. He's won the Scorpio Races four times, and as far as the people of Thisby are concerned, he's a sure winner this year. But when our second narrator – the fiery and determined Kate "Puck" Connolly – enters the races as a last chance to save her unraveling life, the always uncertain races become even more chaotic than usual. 
The capaill uisce are not anything like horses you've seen before, and neither is Stiefvater's latest novel. Water horses from the sea, the capaill uisce are bloodthirsty and willing to attack anyone who comes close enough. Stiefvater brings these deadly water horses to life (as well as Puck's normal and oh so lovely horse, Dove), along with the island of Thisby, the characters of Puck and Sean, and even the side characters. The Scorpio Races may move slowly, but every moment is magic. 
Highlights: Everything is so alive in The Scorpio Races - the island, the characters, the races, the writing. After adjusting to the pacing, I became utterly enraptured by it all. The characters are layered, and the romance is slow and sincere. The fear, action, and excitement are almost tangible, it's so well written.  
Lowlights: Very slow pacing to begin with. I adjusted to it by 97 pages in, and promptly became absorbed in the story. 
Note: Don't expect the actual races to take place until the very end (I thought they were going to be earlier, so naturally, I was surprised). 
Rating: 

1 (Pg. 1) I just like this quote. Kind of sums up the overall feeling of the book nicely, too. 

 

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes and Nobles / The Book Depository

In My Mailbox (67)

IMM is hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren

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PurchasedBittersweet by Sarah OcklerBlackbringer by Laini TaylorPride and Prejudice by Jane AustenDelirium by Lauren Oliver (2nd copy)The Key to the Golden Firebird by Maureen Johnson

For ReviewDemons at Deadnight by A & E Kirk (signed!)A very awesome swag package (I'd share some pictures, but I don't want to ruin the surprise for everyone else who might be receiving one)
Many thanks to Alyssa & Eileen! :)
So, what did you get this week? Feel free to leave a link!

Release Day and 3 eBooks Giveaway: Demons at Deadnight

For seventeen-year-old Aurora Lahey, survival is a lifestyle. 
DEMONIC DESTINY Aurora has the crappiest superpower on the planet. And it’s just unleashed a hit squad from hell. Demons are on the hunt, salivating to carve her carcass into confetti. 
CHARISMATIC KILLERS The Hex Boys—mysterious, hunky, and notorious for their trails of destruction—have the answers Aurora needs to survive. But their overload of deadly secrets and suspicious motives makes trusting them a potentially fatal move. 
LETHAL ALLIES The battle to save her family, herself, and stop demonic domination may cost Aurora everything worth living for, and force her to reveal her own dark secrets. But no worries. She needs the Hex Boys to pull this off, and, chances are, teaming up with these guys will get her killed anyway.

Congrats to Alyssa (Teens Read and Write) and Eileen!
I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to read this one a couple days early, and it was amazing! It's so funny and extremely exciting – this is a book to add to your TBR lists :)
And now, let's have a Kindle ebook giveaway to celebrate!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I'll gift 3 winners a Kindle ebook of Demons at Deadnight. 
Winner #1 is Alex BennettWinner #2 is ShelbyWinner #3 is Julie
Contest is now over
Contest policy US entrants only*Fill out the form below------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Author Linkswww.aekirk.com/ Alyssa's TwitterEileen's TwitterA & E Kirk's Facebook Page
More Chances to WinThe authors are holding their own international giveaway for a very cool swag package + a paperback copy of Demons at Deadnight, with a second place winner who can have either an eBook or a paperback. 
Jake and Gregory, awesome bloggers at Teens Read and Write, are also hosting an international giveaway for a swag package + a paperback copy of Demons at Deadnight, plus two runners up can get their pick of an eBook or a paperback.



* Sorry! I've had issues gifting Kindle books internationally - sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, so this one's US only. 

Waiting on Wednesday (62)

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Seraphina

Rachel Hartman

May 8th, 2012

Random House Books for Young Readers

Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high. 
Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

I love the fact that the cover is a drawing (artwork + literature is always a win), but I'm iffy regarding the title's font and color. Perhaps they'll make it look all fancy and use gold foil or something interesting like that when they print it...I like how it looks like an old storybook that holds an amazing tale. It's unique from other books on the shelves. I'm definitely excited for this one :)

UK cover to the left...

What book are you waiting on this week?

Top Ten Tuesday (7)

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

Top Ten Books I'm Excited To Read in 2012

 

1. Insurgent by Veronica Roth - Is it May yet??? *glares at calendar*
2. Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore - I am so crazy excited for this book. I can't wait until a more detailed summary comes out. But, until then, I'll settle for the cool cover with those awesome keys. 

3. Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver - No explanation necessary when it comes to a Lauren Oliver book. 
4. Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins - The ending to Demonglass still has me extremely curious to know what happens next for Sophie. Plus, this series is always fun to read. Awesome humor, great mystery. 

5. Enshadowed by Kelly Creagh - Edgar Allan Poe, mystery, intrigue...I'm hoping it's as good as the last book! 
6. The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour - The buzz has been insanely positive for this novel. Plus, it's supposed to be a great book for music fans :)

7. Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard - I've been stalking following Susan's blog for quite a long time, so I'm very excited for her debut! It sounds like it's going to be an exciting read. 

8. Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake - The first book rocked, so I'm curious to see if the sequel will be just as great. And how awesome is that cover?
9. Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler - Take Sarah Ockler's writing + hockey boys + romance + plenty of cupcakes. Sounds like a winning combination to me. 
10. The Selection by Kiera Cass - Yes, I picked this one mostly because the cover is so eye-catching. The plot is intriguing too...