In My Mailbox 47

I think this week was my best book week ever, because I received a novel to review that happens to be written by one of my favorite authors (so, naturally, I was really really excited when I opened the package). 

For Review:

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen 

(Eeeeeeek!!!!!!! I can't believe I got it!! I grew up on Dessen's novels, so I'm thrilled to be reviewing this one!*)

Where She Went by Gayle Forman (!!!!)

Betrayal by Lee Nichols (Haunting Emma #2)

Bought (Kindle e-books):

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen 

(I'm loving Water for Elephants so much right now)

Eye Candy by Tera Lynn Childs

Bought (Printed Books):

Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon 

(Adore this book - so glad I finally got a copy, & with the pretty cover)

From Elana Johnson:

Two bookmarks (one signed) + bottlecap w/ the cover of Possession on it! 

Thank you so much to the wonderful people at Penguin, Elana Johnson, and Kate from Bloomsbury!

What did you get this week? 

*Please excuse my total fangirl-ness when it comes to Sarah Dessen and her novels ;)

Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon Review

Book: Silver Phoenix

Author: Cindy Pon

Source: Library

Summary:

No one wanted Ai Ling. And deep down she is relieved--despite the dishonor she has brought upon her family--to be unbetrothed and free, not some stranger's subservient bride banished to the inner quarters.

But now, something is after her. Something terrifying--a force she cannot comprehend. And as pieces of the puzzle start to fit together, Ai Ling begins to understand that her journey to the Palace of Fragrant Dreams isn't only a quest to find her beloved father but a venture with stakes larger than she could have imagined.

Bravery, intelligence, the will to fight and fight hard...she will need all of these things. Just as she will need the new and mysterious power growing within her. She will also need help.

It is Chen Yong who finds her partly submerged and barely breathing at the edge of a deep lake. There is something of unspeakable evil trying to drag her under. On a quest of his own, Chen Yong offers that help...and perhaps more.

Review: Amazing. I'll really have to go out and buy this sometime, because this is a book I want on my shelf.

Ai Ling is strong, brave, and different. She wasn't wanted at her first betrothal, and was relieved. Then when her father must go away to the Palace, and doesn't come back, trouble starts. Ai Ling begins a journey to find him, while trying to understand what is happening to her, and why evil is chasing her. The story is a little slow at first, but gets going quickly and keeps a good pace.

I don't really know what to say, because I would hate to spoil such a great book. If you haven't read this, go check it out.

Highlights: The world in which Ai Ling lived in seemed so real, as were the other worlds and characters. The description was perfect. I loved the culture, and learning about it.

And that cover rocks. I totally want a necklace like Ai Ling's (because hers is definitely special).

Lowlights: I wanted more romance between Chen Yong and Ai Ling. I also wish the villain would have been revealed a bit earlier, because I spent a long time going "WHO IS DOING THIS?!?"

But that's probably a good sign, because I was invested in the novel.

Rating:     

-Lea