Waiting on Wednesday: Don't Touch by Rachel M. Wilson

Breaking the spine is a meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. It spotlights books that have not been released, but you should pre-order today! This week's book that we're excited about is Don't Touch by Rachel M. Wilson.

I picked this one because I met Ms. Wilson at a conference this spring. She read an excerpt of her work, and it was funny and sad and brilliant all at once. So I am 100% sold on reading this the day it comes out. Can't wait!

A powerful story of a girl who is afraid to touch another person’s skin, until the boy auditioning

for Hamlet opposite her Ophelia gives her a reason to overcome her fears.

Step on a crack, break your mother’s back.
Touch another person’s skin, and Dad’s gone for good.

Caddie can’t stop thinking that if she keeps from touching another person’s skin, her parents might get back together... which is why she wears full-length gloves to school and covers every inch of her skin.

It seems harmless at first, but Caddie’s obsession soon threatens her ambitions as an actress. She desperately wants to play Ophelia in her school’s production of Hamlet. But that would mean touching Peter, who’s auditioning for the title role—and kissing him. Part of Caddie would love nothing more than to kiss Peter—but the other part isn't sure she's brave enough to let herself fall.

Perfect for fans of Laurie Halse Anderson, this debut novel from Rachel M. Wilson is a moving story of a talented girl who's fighting an increasingly severe anxiety disorder, and the friends and family who stand by her.

Steadfast by Claudia Gray Blog Tour and Giveaway: Steadfast Soundtrack

STEADFAST

Author: Claudia Gray

Release Date: March 4, 2014

Pages: 352

Publisher: HarperTeen

Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble

The second book in the dazzling Spellcaster series from New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray is perfect for fans of the Beautiful Creatures and Hex Hall series.

Nadia, Mateo, and Verlaine saved Captive's Sound from the dark sorceress Elizabeth . . . or so they thought. But despite their best efforts, a crack opened and a new, greater evil seeped through. With Mateo as her Steadfast, Nadia's magic is magnified but her training is still incomplete. And a darker magic has begun to call Nadia. . . .

With her Steadfast, Mateo, and her best friend, Verlaine, Nadia must fight the black magic that tempts her and stop the One Beneath before he comes to claim what is his.

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STEADFAST Soundtrack

I love putting together soundtracks for my movies. Usually, when I write a series, I carry over a few songs throughout the soundtracks for each book – the big themes, you’d say. (Also, some instrumental music from movie scores always plays a part; it really helps set a mood. That said, the movie scores I’ve written the SPELLCASTER series to were for Danny Elfman’s score for “Alice in Wonderland” and … Daft Punk’s score for “Tron: Legacy.” No, I can’t explain that last one.)

Even with continuing music through all the series soundtracks, I always find some unique songs for each book. Here’s what I listened to while writing STEADFAST:

“White Diamonds,” by Friendly Fires

This is one that makes me think of Verlaine and spoiler spoiler I can’t tell you! during their last scene together in STEADFAST, which takes place during the first snow of wintertime in Captive’s Sound.

Stuck in a world that would pull them apart, and it cost in time

If only they knew that ahead loomed a cloud that was black as night

She'd do anything for him

She'd do anything for him

Oh they were strong, they could take on the world and put up a fight

And even the clouds couldn't stand in the way when they held on tight

He'd do anything for her

He'd do anything for her

“Velvet,” by The Big Pink

Mateo, the main male character in the story, is cursed with visions of the future. While they allow him to foresee some of the dangers they face – and are the reason he found Nadia in the first place – they also exact a painful price.  He and Nadia have some conflict in this book, which makes these lyrics ring very true for him.

She's the only one, lost the best I had


I found her in a dream, looking for me


This heart's on fire, I'll bring myself


Up to fall, and down again

“Red Right Hand,” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

Of course this is a classic! But when your villain has actually been seduced by the Lord of Hell, only a song as great as this will do.

He'll wrap you in his arms,

tell you that you've been a good boy

He'll rekindle all the dreams

it took you a lifetime to destroy

He'll reach deep into the hole,

heal your shrinking soul

Hey buddy, you know you're

never ever coming back

He's a god, he's a man,

he's a ghost, he's a guru

They're whispering his name

through this disappearing land

But hidden in his coat

is a red right hand

“Fire From Heaven,” by Sleepthief and Roberta Carter Harrison

A friend of mine, after hearing this song, said it sounded more like Katniss Everdeen than Nadia Caldani … and since then I can’t unhear it. Still, I think this song works for any heroine who’s realized the deck is stacked against her, and plans to strike back.

Somebody's stolen fire from heaven

Maybe the skies have been broken

Somebody's taken fire from heaven

How could we be so forsaken?

“Through Glass,” by Stone Sour

The lyrics of this song refer to romantic disillusionment, I think. For me, though, they come from the demon Asa, who spends a lot of STEADFAST watching our heroes, and learning all their weaknesses, one by one. 

'Cause I'm looking at you through the glass

Don't know how much time has passed

All I know is that it feels like forever

But no one ever tells you that forever feels like home

Sitting all alone inside your head

“Many Shades of Black,” the Raconteurs

Yet again I repurpose a breakup song. As you might remember from SPELLCASTER, Mateo believed he’d had a long friendship with Elizabeth Pike – which turned out to be an illusion she’d planted inside his head. Mateo’s figured out the truth now, but that doesn’t mean he’s forgiven Elizabeth.

Yeah, see if I care


And see if I stand firm or if I fall


'Cause in the back of my mind


And on the tip of my tongue


Is the answer to it all

And everybody sees


And everyone agrees


That you and I are wrong


And it's been that way too long

“Break My Soul,” by Hybrid

Verlaine is probably the single most outcast person in Captive’s Sound. All her life, she’s tried to tell herself that it’s the people around her that have the problem – that someday she’ll find friendship and love. Then, in SPELLCASTER, Verlaine learned that dark magic was responsible for setting her apart from people, maybe forever. This song captures both the loneliness she feels and her determination to keep going.

I'm not drowning in your sea

Believing in you will not be the death of me

Not waiting for the curtain drop

Or waiting for the hurt to stop

Not drowning in a teardrop for your love

“Help I’m Alive,” by Metric

Sure, there’s romance in STEADFAST – but the characters deal with a lot of deeply scary stuff. This song captures the constant tension of living in Captive’s Sound when you actually know what’s going on.

I tremble, they're gonna eat me alive

If I stumble they're gonna eat me alive

Can you hear my heart beating like a hammer?

Beating like a hammer

“Harbor,” by Vienna Teng

Despite everything they go through, Nadia and Mateo’s love remains powerful. So they deserve a beautiful love song.

Fear is the brightest of signs

The shape of boundary you leave behind

So sing all your questions to sleep

The answers are out there in the drowning deep

Sail your sea, meet your storm

All I want is to be your harbor

The light in me will guide you home

All I want is to be your harbor

You’ve got a journey to make

There’s your horizon to chase

So go far beyond where we stand

No matter the distance, I’m holding your hand

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Tour Schedule

Week One:

2/24/2014- Fiktshun- Guest Post   

 2/25/2014- Two Chicks on Books- Guest Post          

2/26/2014- Fantasy Book Addict- Interview

2/27/2014- Magical Urban Fantasy Reads- Character interview with Verlaine

2/28/2014- Jenna Does Books- Author interview

Week Two:

3/3/2014- Mundie Moms- Review and an excerpt

3/4/2014- Parajunkee- Interview

3/5/2014- Bookalicious- Guest Post         

3/6/2014- Tales of a Ravenous Reader- Guest Post

3/7/2014- YA Sisterhood- Guest Post     

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Giveaway

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Avalon by Mindee Arnett

Avalon by Mindee Arnett

eARC received from Harper Teen

Release Date:  January 21, 2014

Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn

The Sisters Say:  Great setting, but disappointing plot and characters

A ragtag group of teenage mercenaries who crew the spaceship Avalon stumble upon a conspiracy that could threaten the entire galaxy in this fascinating and fast-paced sci-fi adventure from author Mindee Arnett.

Of the various star systems that make up the Confederation, most lie thousands of light-years from First Earth-and out here, no one is free. The agencies that govern the Confederation are as corrupt as the crime bosses who patrol it, and power is held by anyone with enough greed and ruthlessness to claim it. That power is derived from one thing: metatech, the devices that allow people to travel great distances faster than the speed of light.

Jeth Seagrave and his crew of teenage mercenaries have survived in this world by stealing unsecured metatech, and they're damn good at it. Jeth doesn't care about the politics or the law; all he cares about is earning enough money to buy back his parents' ship, Avalon, from his crime-boss employer and getting himself and his sister, Lizzie, the heck out of Dodge. But when Jeth finds himself in possession of information that both the crime bosses and the government are willing to kill for, he is going to have to ask himself how far he'll go to get the freedom he's wanted for so long.

Avalon is the perfect fit for teens new to sci-fi as well as seasoned sci-fi readers looking for more books in the YA space-and a great match for fans of Joss Whedon's cult hit show Firefly.

I started out excited to read this one because the reviews had been great.  Plus, I loved MIndee's debut, The Nightmare Affair.  Unfortunately, I just didn’t see what everyone else saw in this book.  While I enjoyed the space setting and the macabre events that started the book, the characters and slow plot ruined it for me.

I’ll start out with what I enjoyed—the setting.  Mindee did an amazing job describing the creepy hollowness of space.  When they enter the dead zone (the part of space that seems creepily supernatural—she calls it something else, but I can’t remember what at this point), the eeriness really starts to go into overdrive.  I loved the murderous and mysterious scenes that we see in the lost spaceship, and the strange anomalies that keep occurring were fantastic.  If you are a big sci-fi fan, you might enjoy this book just because of the great details in the setting.

Still, even though I loved that part of it, I couldn’t get past the flat characters.  I tried and tried to relate to one of them, but I just couldn’t.  The dialogue seemed very young (middle grade, really), and the little romance that I did see (I stopped at 67%) was dull and really seemed to detract from the rest of the story.

I also couldn’t make it past the slow plot.  I’ve heard that it picks up in the second half, but after a month of trying to read some every day, I got to the point where I just didn’t think anything could bring me back into the story.

Overall, this wasn’t a book for me, although it might be one that big fans of sci-fi love.  I guess I shouldn't be surprised since the blurb says it's for fans of Firefly, which I hated.  If you plan to read it, I hope you are able to enjoy it more than I did.

Not A Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis

Not A Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis

eARC received from Harper Teen via Edelweiss

Release Date:  9-24-2013

Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn

The Sisters Say:  Quick and interesting read, but seemed a bit flat

Regret was for people with nothing to defend, people who had no water. Lynn knows every threat to her pond: drought, a snowless winter, coyotes, and, most importantly, people looking for a drink. She makes sure anyone who comes near the pond leaves thirsty, or doesn't leave at all.

Confident in her own abilities, Lynn has no use for the world beyond the nearby fields and forest. Having a life means dedicating it to survival, and the constant work of gathering wood and water. Having a pond requires the fortitude to protect it, something Mother taught her well during their quiet hours on the rooftop, rifles in hand.

But wisps of smoke on the horizon mean one thing: strangers. The mysterious footprints by the pond, nighttime threats, and gunshots make it all too clear Lynn has exactly what they want, and they won’t stop until they get it….

With evocative, spare language and incredible drama, danger, and romance, debut author Mindy McGinnis depicts one girl’s journey in a barren world not so different than our own.

I already know it’s going to be really hard to write this review because this is one of those books that I enjoyed, but it won’t really stay with me.  I’m feeling kind of neutral about it, and I usually have something very opinionated to say about most books I read.  So, instead of jabbering on about my inadequate ability to form words—I’m just going to try and do a quick survey of my likes and dislikes.

First off, I enjoyed the survivalist idea of the book.  It wasn’t necessarily new or different from other dystopian/apocalyptic books out there, but something about it felt different.  I don’t know if it’s because there wasn’t a big journey or anything, but it felt like I was reading something unfamiliar.  This was definitely a good thing because it kept me interested, and I ended up reading the entire book in 2 days.

I also liked the characters, though I wasn’t blown away.  Lynn was strong and had been taught from a young age to be unsympathetic; so it was nice to see her learning to use her heart as well as her head.  I also found myself enjoying the language barrier between herself and the city family she meets later.  Living in the country, not knowing any other living being besides her mother, she was limited in what technology and slang she understood.  She didn’t even know what flirting was!  So, I was in for a few smiles as she tried to transverse a new understanding.

So, what bugged me?  I am still having trouble putting my finger on it.  The book just seemed flat in its action.  There was action here and there, but there were large periods of time where all we got was the day to day tasks that Lynn had to manage.  Adding Lucy and Eli helped a bit, but there still just wasn’t much substance to the plot.  I like big romance or big action, and that just wasn’t something that happened in this book.

The book was more about Lynn’s discovery of herself more than anything.  I wish there would have been more emphasis on the world, especially how bad the cities are getting.  It would have been great for Lynn to have to travel to get something from a city so that we could see the difficulties of life in this world.

Finally, I wasn’t a huge fan of the epilogue.  It didn’t say how long had passed, and it seemed like everything was wrapped up in a nice little bow.  This just seemed a bit unbelievable to me considering the harshness of life in the rest of the book.

Please don’t take this as a negative review because it’s not.  I consider this more of a 3 star, I didn’t love it, I didn’t hate it review.  I do not regret reading it, but at the same time, I don’t think I would have been missing much had I skipped over it for another read. 

Blog Tour Review and Giveaway: Deception by CJ Redwine

Deception by C.J. Redwine

On Shelves NOW!!  (As in Today!)

ARC received from CJ, thank you!

Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn

The Sisters Say:  Gripping, Suspenseful, and Heart-breaking

Baalboden has been ravaged. The brutal Commander's whereabouts are unknown. And Rachel, grief stricken over her father's death, needs Logan more than ever. With their ragged group of survivors struggling to forge a future, it's up to Logan to become the leader they need—with Rachel by his side. Under constant threat from rival Carrington's army, who is after the device that controls the Cursed One, the group decides to abandon the ruins of their home and take their chances in the Wasteland.



But soon their problems intensify tenfold: someone—possibly inside their ranks—is sabotaging the survivors, picking them off one by one. The chaos and uncertainty of each day puts unbearable strain on Rachel and Logan, and it isn't long before they feel their love splintering. Even worse, as it becomes clear that the Commander will stop at nothing to destroy them, the band of survivors begins to question whether the price of freedom may be too great—and whether, hunted by their enemies and the murderous traitor in their midst, they can make it out of the Wasteland alive.

In this daring sequel to Defiance, with the world they once loved forever destroyed, Rachel and Logan must decide between a life on the run and standing their ground to fight

***This is a review of the first half of the book as I just got my copy!

I just love this world!!!!  I was hypnotized by Defiance—a world that seemed futuristic, yet somehow lost in the past; a Commander as evil as the sun is bright; a love that has awoken a purpose; and an unkillable beast that haunts the underground.  CJ’s dystopian world is imaginative and terrifying, and I am captivated more with every turn of the page.

This sequel starts pretty much right where the last book ends, and I like that very little time has passed.  Straight off, we see the animosity and fear that has settled in the hearts of the survivors, and I have enjoyed seeing how everyone reacts to the realization that they are no longer under the Commander’s thumb.  Some of the women are finally starting to shed their old ways, and many of the men are learning that oppression is not the norm.  While I do like seeing deeper into this newfound society, I have noticed that the plot is slower than the first book.  This is because we are getting a more involved look at the characters, but I do wish that there would be some more action to move the growing relationships along.

Rachel is just as broken as she was in the last book, and while I like that this hardens her and makes her a warrior, I do find myself missing that connection between her and Logan.  The love is there, and you can see it; but it is definitely strained.  I feel like they are disconnected, and I just keep waiting for something horrible to happen because they aren’t being straight with each other.  Still, Rachel is a kick a** character, and I am having a blast seeing her stand up to even the strongest of men.

I just love Logan, and he’s not the type I normally fall for.  I tend to like the bad, mysterious guys; and Logan is not that.  He’s sincere and sweet, and he knows nothing about playing the games that bad boys do.  He’s just that sweet guy that knows how to steal your heart.  I love him so hard!

One thing I do miss is the tension and hatred that the Commander instills when he shows up.  I’m a little over 200 pages in, and he has been seen on a horse, like twice.  I want his anger and hatred to fuel the action, and it just isn’t there.  Now, that doesn’t mean there isn’t some good action.  There is a mystery in the group of survivors that needs to be solved or people will die (or continue to die), but it just doesn’t add the suspense and malice that the Commander did in the first book.  I’m definitely ready for a stand off between him and Rachel.

Overall, I’m really liking what I’ve read so far (I’ve read over 200 pages today which is rare for me now), and I’m looking forward to finding out what happens next with the Commander, the Cursed One, and the lovers.  Here’s to hoping that the ending doesn’t crush me since we have to wait another year for the final book!!

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Waiting on Wednesday: Dance of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. It spotlights books that have not yet been released, but ones that you should pre-order today! This week's book that we are anxiously awaiting is DANCE OF THE RED DEATH by Bethany Griffin.  DANCE OF THE RED DEATH releases on April 23, 2013 from HarperTeen.

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Bethany Griffin continues the journey of Araby Worth in Dance of the Red Death—the sequel to her teen novel Masque of the Red Death.

In Dance of the Red Death, Araby’s world is in shambles—betrayal, death, disease, and evil forces surround her. She has no one to trust. But she finds herself and discovers that she will fight for the people she loves, and for her city.

Her revenge will take place at the menacing masked ball, though it could destroy her and everyone she loves…or it could turn her into a hero.

With a nod to Edgar Allan Poe, Bethany Griffin concludes her tragic and mysterious Red Death series with a heroine that young adult readers will never forget.

 

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I loved Masque of the Red Death.  It was one of my favorite of 2012, and I cannot wait for this one to be released!  The world that Bethany created was both grotesque and beautiful, and I found myself lost in the imagery and poetry of her words.  Araby is such a wonderful female lead, and my heart went out to her when she discovered a haunting truth in the first book.  I am firmly Team Elliot, and I can't wait to see what's next in the romance!!

 

What are you waiting on?  Be sure to leave me a link, and I'll go check it out!

Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

ARC borrowed from Jen from Jenuine Cupcakes!

Release Date:  January 8, 2013

Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn

The Sisters Say:  Hypnotic and Thrilling, With a dash of the sweetest romance ever!

It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.

Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?

In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and dystopian elements to create a captivating love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.

Veronica Rossi—you’re amazing!!!!  Through the Ever Night is a breath of fresh air—dazzling and heartfelt.  It will easily be one of the best of 2013!  From Chapter 1, I was catapulted right back into a world full of duplicitous loyalties, crumbling hopes, and passionate romance—a world where trust can be just as dangerous as the aether.

The story starts right where Under the Never Sky leaves off, and right away, we are rewarded with the brilliant love between Perry and Aria.  I just love how Veronica doesn’t break you by having them become victim to miscommunication or deceit right away like many others 2^nd books in a series do.  When that happens, for me, I have a hard time enjoying the book because I’m too distraught about the star-crossed lovers.  I just want to give Veronica a shout out for being able to deliver an amazing and breath-taking story without falling into that cliché.  Now, that doesn’t mean everything is all hunky-dory and doves in sky and frolicking through a field of poppies.  On the contrary, Perry and Aria do find themselves being thrust apart and challenged, but it’s done in a way that won’t leave you cursing and threatening to stop reading then and there.

What’s also great about this 2^nd book is that we get to know Perry, Aria, and Roar! even better.  You see them more clearly as individuals, instead of people who are so tied to another that they cannot go on living.  I liked seeing their strength, even in the face of distance and tribulation and death, because it made their missions and their relationships all the more meaningful.  I loved getting to know Roar more, too.  I found myself laughing out loud with him at times, and then crying for him a moment later.  He’s this big brute of a man, but there’s a softer side to him that cries out for help—and I wanted so badly to read through the pages and tell him all would be okay.

Aria is so much stronger in this book than in UTNS.  Don’t get me wrong, I think she was kick butt in the first book, but she has really grown into her own skin in this book.  She’s confident and not to be messed with, and you can see her agility in the way she moves, the way she speaks, and the way others speak about her.  She isn’t whiney like many other female main characters are when things go wrong, instead she is hopeful and nostalgic.  So we see her pain and longing in her memories of the past, but she never gives up or breaks down.  She puts on her brave face, she squares her shoulders, and she takes a step forward, knowing that she must fight if she’s to come out the other end alive.

And Perry.  I just love him so much!  He seems so different than other swoony guys, and I don’t know why this is because he shares so many attributes that my other book boyfriends do—he’s handsome and overprotective, sympathetic when he needs to be, kick butt strong with an in your face temper when its warranted, loyal and unwavering, and full of passion an love.  But there’s just something about him, maybe the way all these attributes interact, that makes him different from Aiden, Daemon, Jace, Adam, etc.  I can’t seem to put what it is into words, but just know, that this guy will sweep you off your feet.

Perhaps what I love even more about Veronica is her endings—they don’t kill you!  I am not a fan of cliffhanger endings because then I have to toss and turn for a year wondering what’s going to happen next.  Veronica knows how to end a book where there is still much to be accomplished and discovered in the next installment, but without making you want to scream.  Her endings make me smile and feel like everything is going to be okay, even if the aether is threatening to tear the world apart. 

Resolute.

Chilling.

Romantic.

Through the Ever Night is everything I look for in a dystopian novel, and it breaks my heart that I must wait an entire year (at least) for the next book.  I just don’t know if I can survive without Perry…and Aria…and Roar….Cinder….and all the new (and old) faces we see in this heart-wrenching sequel.

 

Dreamless by Josephine Angelini

Dreamless by Josephine Angelini

ARC Received from Harper Teen through Edelweiss

Release Date:  5-29-2012

Reviewed by:  Middle Sis Jenn

The Sisters Say:  Dazzling, Daring, and Dangerous

Can true love be forgotten?
As the only scion who can descend into the Underworld, Helen Hamilton has been given a nearly impossible task. By night she wanders through Hades, trying to stop the endless cycle of revenge that has cursed her family. By day she struggles to overcome the fatigue that is rapidly eroding her sanity. Without Lucas by her side, Helen is not sure she has the strength to go on.
Just as Helen is pushed to her breaking point, a mysterious new Scion comes to her rescue. Funny and brave, Orion shields her from the dangers of the Underworld. But time is running out—a ruthless foe plots against them, and the Furies' cry for blood is growing louder.
As the ancient Greek world collides with the mortal one, Helen's sheltered life on Nantucket descends into chaos. But the hardest task of all will be forgetting Lucas Delos.
Josephine Angelini's compelling saga becomes ever more intricate and spellbinding as an unforgettable love triangle emerges and the eternal cycle of revenge intensifies. Eagerly awaited, this sequel to the internationally bestselling Starcrossed delivers a gritty, action-packed love story that exceeds all expectations.

Two days ago I read Starcrossed and could not put it down! It was the book equivalent to the where-have-you-been-all-my-life? guy. After finishing it, I went straight to my ARC of Dreamless (thank you HarperTeen and Edelweiss) and stayed up most of the night reading.

Some people have a way with words---and Josephine Angelini is one of those people. I just got swept away in her descriptions! I felt like I woke up one morning and found myself in her world--looking around to see Lucas, Helen, Hector, Cassandra and the whole gang. I just love when a book can transport you to another place and time--the only true magical powers anyone can have! (I think)

I absolutely adore Angelini's characters. They are so vibrant and full of life--even the characters that are not in complete focus, like Hector. I just love Hector--strong and mighty, yet completely and utterly devoted to his family. Angelini gives him so much depth even though he's not one of the main two, Lucas and Helen, and I appreciate that she spends so much time building her characters so that every dimension of her book comes to life.  She gives each of her characters such grand gestures and personality that you just can’t help but feel your way through the book with them.  And it’s not just the good guys that she creates so well…I mean, I quite literally HATE Daphne…but Josephine intended for us to dislike her.  The writing brings Daphne to life, and you truly have an emotional response.  If only I could pull a pensieve-like move and instead of jumping into memories, jump into a book!  I’d give Daphne a taste of my fist….and Lucas...hehe, a taste of my lips?  Is that inappropriate?  I’m gonna go with no.

The Greek mythology is so....there are no words. The way she depicts the Furies is cataclysmic, and it's so new and original. I can literally see them slinking across the ground in craziness begging for murder so that for one tiny second, they can feel at peace--if that is even possible. I've always pictured the Furies as these evil hellbeasts, and I admit, I much prefer Angelini's tortured Furies over the ones I have always known.  Her imagery of the Furies melts into the page, and I have never felt more lost in tragedy, hatred, and misery.  It’s amazing.

And then....drumroll please!

Lucas! I admit, I read books for the guys--the ones that sweep you off your feet over and over again, and Lucas, being the flyer he is, can quite literally sweep you off them! If only I could stay in the air with him and never come down! He is the perfect young adult guy, and I have to say, whenever I see my ideal ya guy in a novel, I find myself never being able to put it down. He rivals Daemon, Aiden, Four, and Jace for me! He's overprotective (which I love…throwing punches is so hot—don’t judge me), strong and chiseled (oh la la), arrogant and tempermental (sigh), and completley broken and struggling (if only I could save him)!   My heart literally aches for him, and I can't wait for everything to FINALLY work out!

There were so many twists and turns that I didn't see coming in Dreamless, and I really admire Josephine Angelini for her inventiveness with mythology. I will admit that I longed for more of the love story, but after Daphne's evil treachery (in my mind its evil) of convincing Lucas and Helen that they are cousins when they are not, I knew I was in for lots of angst (grrrr).  Hopefully I will get more of my love story in book 3!

So....after much rambling about how I love this book, I will say that it is a MUST READ! I went through the gamut of emotions with this one--happiness, sadness, anger, disbelief, more anger, and a little (okay a lot) of lust :) Shame on me (hehe) or shame on Angelini for writing such a wonderfully addictive novel!

Waiting on Wednesday: Darkness Before Dawn by J.A. London

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. It spotlights books that have not yet been released, but ones that you should pre-order today! This week's book that we are anxiously awaiting is DARKNESS BEFORE DAWN by J.A. London.  DARKNESS BEFORE DAWN releases on May 29th from Harper Teen.

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This electrifying new trilogy blends the best of paranormal and dystopian storytelling in a world where the war is over. And the vampires won.

Humans huddle in their walled cities, supplying blood in exchange for safety. But not even that is guaranteed. Dawn has lost her entire family and now reluctantly serves as the delegate to Lord Valentine, the most powerful vampire for miles. It isn’t until she meets Victor, Valentine’s son, that she realizes not all vampires are monsters....

Darkness Before Dawn is a fresh new story with captivating characters, unexpected plot twists, a fascinating setting, and a compelling voice. Written under the name J. A. London by a talented mother-son team, the trilogy is perfect for fans of True Blood and the House of Night and Morganville Vampires series.

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I have to admit I wanted to read this book before I even read the synopsis because the cover is gorgeous!  After reading the synopsis, I wanted to read it even more.  I know some people are tired of vampires, and even though I am not one of those people, this book still sounds like something even those who are bored of vamps will enjoy.  I mean, what's not to enjoy?  Its got three aspects that I love:  paranormal elements , a dystopian world, and a cute maybe bad, maybe good guy!  So, don't miss out on this one!  Preorder it today!



Destined by Aprilynne Pike

Destined
(Wings #4)
By: Aprilynne Pike
Published by: HarperTeen
Reviewed by: Sis-in-law Sarah
Release date: May 1, 2012!!!

Check out my review of the first three books in the Wings series here.

Laurel now knows the truth: Yuki is a rare Winter faerie, the most powerful—and deadly—of all, and she is working with Klea to conquer and destroy Avalon. With Tamani, David, and Chelsea by her side, Laurel prepares for a fight she never thought she would have to face. 

Filled with heart-pounding action, sweeping romance, and higher stakes at every turn, Destined is the series conclusion that readers have been clamoring for—with a twist that will leave them breathless. 


What an extraordinary conclusion to this fantastic series!!! I mean, I thought...and hoped...and wished that it would be wonderful because I have really enjoyed this series, but it FAR exceeded all my expectations! Thank you Aprilynne!!!! You have definitely finished strong and proud!

Illusions (Book #3) ended on one of the biggest cliffhangers of all time.  Seriously...that was just plain mean.  Destined picks up right where the last one left off, just as if it were the next chapter.  (So definitely refamiliarize (if that's even a word...) yourself with how book three concluded.

So we last learned that Yuki is a winter fairie.  Big problem here considering winter fairies are able to open the gates into Avalon.  Laurel, Tamani, David, and Chelsea must find out who's side Yuki is actually on to figure out if she's a threat to Avalon or not...quite the dangerous task since winter faeries are extremely powerful!!! This book begins and it just takes off with crazy scary adventures and battles.  Seriously....the whole book takes place in like one day.  It's just one thing after another the whole way through! I couldn't put it down for the life of me!!!

There's so much more to this one then any of the others! You discover more about the characters and their potential.  I especially loved watching David in this book...he was incredible! You also get to rediscover human myths and legends that actually happened in the fairyworld. I loved seeing these old stories retold! And did I mention there's action?!?! There's SO MUCH action!!!  And don't forget the love story.  This book holds the conclusion to the crazy love triangle!!! And there's even an optional ending that had me in tears it was so beautiful and realistic.

This last part of the Wings series was everything I could have wished for and more!!! Definitely pre-order your copy! And if you haven't read this fantastic series, dive in quick! Get on the bandwagon! You don't want to miss being a part of what, at least I believe, is one of the greatest fairie stories ever told!!!

The Wings Series by Aprilynne Pike

Wings
(Wings #1)
By Aprilynne Pike
Published by HarperTeen
Reviewed by Sis-in-law Sarah

Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful--too beautiful for words.

Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.

I read this book almost exactly a year ago and have been aching to read the rest of the series ever since!  I'm so excited to say I'm finally accomplishing that...and thought I'd do a little reviewing while I'm at it! Especially since long awaited book four is coming out this year! And I'm super stoked to say that I have a copy of it in my hands RIGHT NOW!!!!

What captured me about Wings was the whole new kind of faeries.  Seriously, these are nothing like I've ever seen before.  I don't want to give too much away, but these faeries are incredible! Instead of being little creatures, they are actually plants....with GORGEOUS blossoms I might add! Such a genius idea! I so enjoyed getting to know this whole new world!

This was a super fast read to me. (We had one snow day last year and I spent it curled up by the fire reading this book! Such fond memories!)  But it's not the kind of fast read where you don't really feel like you know the characters.  I LOVED these characters! Seriously, I want to BE Laurel.  And the love triangle in this one....super heart wrenching!  I love Tamani. Seriously. Like....a lot.  So, great romance in this series, yet very safe content for the younger reader.

The first book very much feels like a prequel.  It's awesome, but you really get to delve into Pike's faerie world in book #2!

Spells

(Wings #2)
By Aprilynne Pike

Published by HarperTeen

Reviewed by Sis-in-law Sarah

Six months have passed since Laurel saved the gateway to the faerie realm of Avalon. Now she must spend her summer there, honing her skills as a Fall faerie. But her human family and friends are still in mortal danger--and the gateway to Avalon is more compromised than ever. 

When it comes time to protect those she loves, will she depend on David, her human boyfriend, for help? Or will she turn to Tamani, the electrifying faerie with whom her connection is undeniable?

Wings was a great introduction book, but Spells...Spells is where it gets juicier and juicier!  I absolutely adored this book!  

In the beginning Laurel actually takes a trip to Avalon...and my-oh-my is it a wonderful place!!!! I was in love with Pike's version of fairyworld!  I love how fairies blossom at different seasons and the different roles fall, winter, spring, and summer fairies play.  I love how uncomfortable Laurel is with these divisive roles and I'm hoping the author delves more into this in future books!

Also, I loved that this book gives you a chance to know Tamani more.  Wings was very much focused on David and Laurel's story.  In this one, you get to know a little more about Tamani and Laurel's history as well as Tamani himself.  David's a great human boyfriend and all, but I just stinkin' love Tamani! Team Tam all the way!!!!

There is so much more complexity in this second book!  You've got trolls and the return of Jeremiah Barnes, Jamison and all things fairyworld, Chelsea and David getting more of a play in Laurel's life, and the introduction of a new character whom we don't know whether or not is threatening to Laurel and the other faeries.  Sometimes second books can be disappointing, but I thought Spells was most definitely a step up from the first book in this series!

Illusions

(Wings #3)

By Aprilynne Pike

Published by HarperTeen

Reviewed by Sis-in-law Sarah

Laurel hasn't seen Tamani since she begged him to let her go last year. Though her heart still aches, Laurel is confident that David was the right choice. 

But just as life is returning to normal, Laurel discovers that a hidden enemy lies in wait. Once again, Laurel must turn to Tamani to protect and guide her, for the danger that now threatens Avalon is one that no faerie thought would ever be possible. And for the first time, Laurel cannot be sure that her side will prevail.

I really am so excited to say that this series just gets better and better.  I could not put this book down!!!

This one takes on a different feeling altogether.  Laurel, who has done very well keeping her two worlds completely separate, is horrified (as well as secretly delighted) to find that Tamani is now her new classmate.  Obviously, this makes things totally complicated with David, who can't help but play the jealous boyfriend, as well as within her own heart as Laurel is forced to make a choice between the two.

So obviously, guess what, for all you Team Tam fans like me, there is SO MUCH Tamani in this book! I totally was a squee-er from start to finish.  And who doesn't love it when the two guys in the love triangle finally go at it!!! 

The action in this book is so much more involved than the others.  Wild fairies, the Unseelie court, Klea and her band of hunters, and a character who's loyalties are questioned....so much great stuff in this one! And seriously, one of the most killer cliffhanger endings EVER! Needless to say, I CANNOT WAIT to read book #4!!!!

So if you were kind of on the fence about Wings, keep with the series.  They just get better and better! I'm so looking forward to see what Pike does with book #4....Destined!!! Review to come!

Celebrate Insurgent! Erudite guys get all the girls!

Preston Myers (with girlfriend Amanda Beckett), Erudite member, studies the writings of Kurt Vonnegut. He hopes to use these writings to understand human behavior.  He believes, like all Erudite, that "knowledge is the only logical solution to the problem of conflict" (Erudite Manifesto).

Ronald Miller (with a trio of ladies to choose from), Erudite member, focuses on astronomy. He seeks the knowledge of the universe, for he, like all Erudite, believes that "a lack of knowlege leads to a lack of understanding" (Erudite Manifesto). Understanding the universe will help him understand himself.

Peter Parker (with girlfriend Mary Jane), Erudite member, is considered a genius in his field of physics.  He is currently gaining the knowledge needed to redefine how we see the universe.  Like all Erudite, he believes that "Intelligence is a gift, not a right" and he is going to use that gift to help the world (Erudite Manifesto).

As you can see, Erudite members are seeking knowledge to help all the factions. AND, all that knowledge helps with the ladies!

If you want a beautiful lady at your side or you're a beautiful lady and want a smart and sophisticated guy at your side, then join TEAM ERUDITE!!!!

Choose ERUDITE by clicking here:  Choose Team Erudite
Check out ERUDITE news here:  Erudite News

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance." --Socrates, past Erudite leader