"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.

Title: I Am Number Four
Author: Pittacus Lore
Publisher: HarperCollins, 448 Pages (August 17th 2010)
Preorder Here: Amazon, Borders, Barns and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: John Smith seems like an ordinary teenager, living an ordinary life in Paradise, Ohio.

But John is not ordinary. He’s one of nine aliens from the planet Lorien. John’s in danger and he’s always on the run, but this time he has more at stake than ever before—his girlfriend, Sarah, the only person he’s ever allowed to get close to him, is also at risk.

The evil beings who are hunting him have killed Number One in Malaysia. Number Two in England. And Number Three in Kenya. John Smith is Number Four. And he is next.

As John struggles to outrun his past, discover his future, and live a normal life on Earth, he must choose between the legacy he was destined for and the love he never thought he would have.

This book is HIGH on my wish list. I am really excited about this one. It sounds like a great read that I for one can't wait to get my hands on. Who else is with me with in my excitement? Anyone else who can't wait to read it too??

Title: Deception (Haunting Emma, #1)
Author: Lee Nichols
Publisher: Bloomsbury, 310 Pages (June 8th 2010)
From: the Publisher - Thanks!

Synopsis: When Emma Vaile's parents leave on mysterious business trip, it gives her the perfect excuse to be a rebellious teen. Throw some parties, get a tattoo (or maybe just a piercing), and enjoy the first few weeks of her junior year. Then her best friend stops talking to her, the cops crash her party, and Emma finds herself in the hands of a new guardian—her college-age "knight in J.Crew armor," Bennett Stern—and on a plane to his museum-like mansion in New England.


After enrolling at Thatcher Academy, Emma settles in by making friends with the popular legacy crowd. But she can't shake the strange visions that are haunting her. She has memories of Thatcher she can't explain, as if she's returning home to a place she's never been. Emma doesn't trust anyone anymore—except maybe Bennett. But he's about to reveal a ghostly secret to Emma. One that will explain the visions . . . and make Emma fear for her life.

Review: 4.5 Stars - Deception had me hooked from the first page right until the last and let me tell you that last is a shocker!! Please remember I go out of my way to remain spoiler free in my reviews, so don’t worry about me giving that HUGE cliffhanger away.

Nichols has a knack for writing a great ghost story full of rich likeable characters and a plot that’s so full of mystery I didn’t want this book to end. Weaving our main character Emma on a journey through the past and the present to discover just who she is and the deep and some extremely dark secrets that she finds lurking behind every turn she makes – makes this more then a thrilling tale.

When Emma finds herself stranded and alone when her parents go off to visit her brother Max, things start to happen around her. Things she can’t explain, things that remind her of something terrifying that happened to her when she was younger. She has no where to turn and ends up making friends with a new girl.

With a betrayal at a party Emma had been hosting comes to light, she finds herself stuck on the verge of going into Foster Care. Before her eyes a family friend comes to her aid on behalf of her parents. In walked Bennett with a way out and a place to stay. How did he just appear knowing she’d need help? Moving Emma to his family home in New England – giving Emma no answerers only more questions.

Living in a house that’s more like a museum, and going to an exclusive private school – Thatcher Academy, Emma has never felt more alone and more scared. I found myself wondering right along with Emma what was going on, who she could trust to tell about all the strange things happening to her and where were her parents?

When she finally gets a few answers out of Bennett she realizes many things about her past, present and family she never expected.

Emma is strong character with a good head on her shoulders and Bennett is a mysterious white Knight who ended up being the one person she could count on when she needed someone the most….

There’s just so much mystery in this first installment of a trilogy that I have no clue where Nichols will take us or her characters next, especially after that cliffhanger ending. I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next in this series and will be on pins and needles until I find out just what happens. If you haven’t read this one and are thinking about it, don’t pass it up, it was fast to become one of my favorite reads/new series this year.

FTC Disclaimer: I did not pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

Title: Glimmerglass
Author: Jenna Black
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin, 294 Pages (May 25th 2010)
From: Author/Publisher - thanks!

Synopsis: Dana Hathaway doesn’t know it yet, but she’s in big trouble. When her alcoholic mom shows up at her voice recital drunk, Dana decides she’s had it with being her mother’s keeper, so she packs her bags and heads to stay with her mysterious father in Avalon: the only place on Earth where the regular, everyday world and the magical world of Faerie intersect. But from the moment Dana sets foot in Avalon, everything goes wrong, for it turns out she isn't just an ordinary teenage girl—she's a Faeriewalker, a rare individual who can travel between both worlds, and who can bring magic into the human world and technology into Faerie.
 
Soon, she finds herself tangled up in a cutthroat game of Fae politics. Someone's trying to kill her, and everyone wants something from her, even her newfound friends and family. Suddenly, life with her alcoholic mom doesn't sound half bad, and Dana would do anything to escape Avalon and get back home. Too bad both her friends and her enemies alike are determined not to let her go . . .
 
Review: 4 Stars - Glimmerglass was the first chance I’ve had to read anything by author Jenna Black and after reading I knew it wouldn’t be my last. Black has written an exciting new world surrounding some interesting characters – both human and Fae.

Our main character – Dana has had enough with home life and her troubled mom so she takes off to find her long lost father who just happens to be a high profile Faery. Her father lives in a magically place called Avalon. Avalon – is set in the UK where the world and the land of Faerie merge. Not knowing what’s in store for her when she arrives, or really who she can trust, Dana finds herself kidnapped and held with no way to get away from those who are holding her and out of Avalon itself. Caught up in an unknown land with unknown creatures - Dana is thrust right in the middle of a political war with all sides pulling at her, or… wanting her dead. When she finally manages to get to her father what little trust she had is gone and she questions everything, even the choices that led her on the path to find her father.

Learning just what her Fae and human heritage means for her and what she’s gone through in such a short period of time - her dad makes sure she’s as protected as possible and hires a body guard named Finn – a Knight class Fae to watch after her. He’s strict with a fierce loyalty to protect, yet has a caring side that quickly made Finn one of my favorite characters. I hope we get a chance to see more of Finn in the next installments.

With all the bumps along the way we see Dana struggle on numerous occasions with everything she’s up against. She isn’t stupid, but does make some mistakes along the way and it had me questioning things within the story and the book. However all the events in the book take place of such a short period of time that it kind of explains things and gives you more of an understanding why Dana struggles and does some of the things she.. well, does.

There are two boys of interest for Dana, which makes me wonder just who she might end up with. First off we meet Ethan, who all the girls want and he knows it. However, are his intensions good or bad? He had me questioning that from the first time he’s introduced. Then we meet Keane, who’s a bad boy with an attitude, or is he? I wish he would have been in the book more to get a better idea as to just who he was. Each guy is written so differently from one another and it was easy to pick who my favorite was. I’ll let everyone be their own judge of each guy. And Kimber – Ethan’s sister is quirky, someone you can see struggle with her own choices along the way, making her seem more human then Fae.

All in all - Black has written an impressive start to a new series, having done a fantastic job introducing her characters and the world of Avalon. She knows how to write Fae in a way that’ll make any reader question just who is truly good and who is truly bad; leaving you ready for the next book. I for one can’t wait for the next in the faeriewalker series – Shadowspell released in 2011, to see just where Black takes her characters next. Happy Reading.

FTC Disclaimer: I did not pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

It's time for another week of In My Mailbox - here's a look at all the great books that arrived on my doorstep either by purchase, trade or for review. It's hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren. As always, thanks so much for hosting it Kristi! I didn't get a chance to do a IMM last week, so this one is a combo of the last two weeks.

(sorry its a little dark and yeah, blurry! I was in a hurry and just using the first pic to took)

Purchased from various booksellers:

Angel Star By: Jennifer Murgia
Caleb + Kate By: Cindy Martinusen-Coloma
Endless Summer By: Jennifer Echols
Dark Flame (The Immortals, #4) By: Alyson Noel
House of Stairs By: William Sleator
Once Dead, Twice Shy (Madison Avery, #1) By: Kim Harrison
If I Stay By: Gayle Forman
Dark Secrets - Book 1 (Legacy of Lies & Don't Tell) By: Elizabeth Chandler

Won:

The Healing Wars: Book 2: Blue Fire By: Janice Hardy (ARC)
And Then I Found Out the Truth By: Jennifer Sturman (ARC)

*Thanks to Eleni from La Femme Readers for the contest!

For Review:

The Ghosts of Ashbury High By: Jaclyn Moriarty
Dear Dylan By: Siobhan Curham
Other By: Karen Kincy

*a HUGE Thanks goes out to Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Books, Siobhan & Flux!

Not pictured are some bookmarks from Jessica of Confessions of a Bookaholic - Thanls Jessica!!!

This everything from the last two weeks for me! Some GREAT books, and I'm looking forward to reading them all!! What all did you guys this week? I hope some great titles came your way. As always, Happy Reading!

And we have a winner for a finished copy of The Iron King By: Julie Kagawa + a $25 Visa Gift Card!!!!!

The winner has been chosen via Random.org. I had 98 people who entered with over 400 total entries! Talk about a great contest!!

And the winner is..................

Melissa C.

Congrats!!! I've sent you a email, you have 72 hours to get back to me with your info or I'll have to choose another winner.

Thank you so much to all who entered and be sure to check out the other contests I have running right now. You can see the links right above this post. Good Luck to everyone and keep an eye out as I have some great other contests coming up soon, not to mention something big for the first Anniversary of my blog!

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.

 
 

Title: Wish
Author: Joseph Monninger
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 224 Pages (November 9, 2010)
Preorder here: Amazon, Borders, Barns and Noble, The Book Depository
 
Synopsis: Bee’s brother, Tommy, knows everything there is to know about sharks. He also knows that his life will be cut short by cystic fibrosis. And so does Bee.
 
That’s why she wants to make his wish-foundation-sponsored trip to swim with a great white shark an unforgettable memory.
 
But wishes don’t always come true. At least, not as expected. Only when Bee takes Tommy to meet a famous shark attack survivor and hard-core surfer does Tommy have the chance to live one day to the fullest.

And in the sun-kissed ocean off a California beach, Bee discovers that she has a few secret wishes of her own. . . .

This story sounds like it's one for me. Another one different from my usual reads. I love finding new and interesting books. Anyone else ready to read this one? Comments, questions, throughts?

Title: 13 to Life: A Werewolf's Tale
Author: Shannon Delany
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin, 320 Pages (June 22nd 2010)
From: the Publisher, Thank You!

Synopsis: Something strange is stalking the small town of Junction… when junior Jess Gillmansen gets called out of class by Guidance, she can only presume it’s for one of two reasons. Either they’ve finally figured out who wrote the scathing anti-jock editorial in the school newspaper or they’re hosting yet another intervention for her about her mom. Although far from expecting it, she’s relieved to discover Guidance just wants her to show a new student around—but he comes with issues of his own including a police escort.

The newest member of Junction High, Pietr Rusakova has secrets to hide--secrets that will bring big trouble to the small town of Junction—secrets including dramatic changes he’s undergoing that will surely end his life early.

Review: 4 Stars - 13 to Life: A Werewolf’s Tale gives us a great starting point for this new series from debut author Shannon Delany. Having written the first draft in 5 short weeks speaks volumes with what Delany was able to accomplish and convey in her characters, plot and storylines.

The main characters are Jessica and Pietr. Jessica comes from a background in training horses and living on a farm. She’s headstrong and wants nothing more to keep her mother’s love for training horses alive and to find out more about the strange killings in the next town. When she’s given the job of showing the ‘new’ guy, Pietr around school she’s not taken in with his looks or charms as all the other girls seem to be, or is she? She finds him rude in the fact that he doesn’t talk… much and is always looking at a clock. Pietr, who’s originally from Russia, is the mysterious new boy in town. He’s not much for words but anyone can tell he’s got a lot more on his mind then he would ever let on. That alone gives such a huge amount of added mystery to him then much else. Also, he just happens to be facing a huge life changing event that runs in the family. The couple things I listed about them aren’t much, but they are more alike then even they realize at the beginning of their journey.

I enjoyed the little bit of Russian heritage we learn throughout the course of the story along with the use of the Russian language. It helped to give an additional layer of that ever present mystery to Pietr and his family. The secondary characters were fun, quirky and very interesting to say the least. I hope we see more of Amy and Pietr’s siblings throughout the books to come.

I do have to say that the beginning of the book I was often confused and had to reread sentences and sometimes whole pages at a time to understand what was going on. I also felt it was a little long in some spots and not long enough in others - especially the ending. The ending felt a little rushed and I had to do a double take as to how things happened so quickly. There were many questions left unanswered that I hope we get to the answers to in the books to come. None of this took away from my over all enjoyment, hence the 4 star review. Delany’s writing, strong and interesting characters, great story and plot is what makes this book one that I believe will be a hit series for readers and fans of the Paranormal genre and for fans of Werewolves in general.

All in all, I think we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Werewolf’s Tale series and the characters. I mean those last few pages and that cliffhanger ending?? Can’t wait to read what happens next. Enjoy!

FTC Disclaimer: I did not pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

Title: the Gardener
Author: S.A. Bodeen
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends, 240 Pages (May 25th 2010)
From: the Publisher, Thank You!

Synopsis: Mason has never known his father, but longs to. All he has of him is a DVD of a man whose face is never seen, reading a children’s book. One day, on a whim, he plays the DVD for a group of comatose teens at the nursing home where his mother works. One of them, a beautiful girl, responds. Mason learns she is part of a horrible experiment intended to render teenagers into autotrophs—genetically engineered, self-sustaining life-forms who don’t need food or water to survive. And before he knows it, Mason is on the run with the girl, and wanted, dead or alive, by the mysterious mastermind of this gruesome plan, who is simply called the Gardener.

Will Mason be forced to destroy the thing he’s longed for most?

Review: 4 Stars - The Gardener is a fasted paced Sci-fi thriller that’ll keep your eyes glued to its pages while shaking your head in shock as the events unfold throughout the small town and for the characters within.

Mason, our main character is a hero of sorts. Or at least he works hard to be. He doesn’t want to be seen as the monster everyone assumes he as at first glance. His face is scared due to a horrible accident with a neighbor’s dog when he was little. It’s the scar, his over six foot frame and the unknown that keep people away. He lives with his mom; she works for a retirement home in town. He’s never known his dad except for a DVD he’s had since the dog attack of his father reading him a story from a children’s book, which strangely his face is never shown.

When a shocking event occurs leaving Mason unsure what to do, he takes his life and the life of a stranger – a girl into his own hands to try to save her. He knows nothing about what’s going on, she can’t remember anything except she’s scared and wants to get away from TroDyn and ‘The Gardener’; and with Mason not understanding just what he’s getting them all into, he does the one thing he feels he has to do – save this strange girl.

As always, without giving to much away… the story takes a darker turn, throwing our hero into a world he never expected to find just on the other side of town; or even the shocking information he finds out about his parents and the girl he’s fighting to save.

The mystery and shocking nature of the plot, characters and the writing made this book extremely hard to put down. Bodeen has created a story that’ll give you goose bumps. I’ll be looking to pick up her other book – The Compound and will be keeping an eye out for more from Bodeen in the future.

FTC Disclaimer: I did not pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

Parajunkee's hosting a Blog Hop of sorts, so I figured I'd take part. Don't be shy, comment and let me know yoru out there and don't forget to leave a link to your blog - if you have one. :)

If you'd like to take partcipiate, click on the pick above and join in. Here's how it all works:

To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

1. Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host { Parajunkee.com } and any one else you want to follow on the list

2. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.

3. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments

4. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can

5. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers

6. If you want to show the link list, just follow the link below the entries and copy and paste it within your post!

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.

Title: Crossing Over
Author: Anna Kendall
Publisher: Viking Juvenile, ? Pages (October 14, 2010)
Preorder here: Amazon, Borders, Barns and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Whether it's a curse, or a blessing, or an ability, the fact remains: whenever Roger is injured or in enough pain he crosses over to the land of the dead. Once there, there are rules: only the newly dead will talk, for example, and nothing will raise the longer dead from their tranquillity.

There are rules in the land of the living as well; rules which would have Roger hanged for witchcraft if he was ever caught. But refusing to cross over isn't an option. His uncle depends on Roger to hide under the table in their fairground act, listen to the recently bereaved asking questions of their dear departed, and then cross over to find the answers. It's a hard way of life, made all the harder as his uncle's fists usually provide the trigger for Roger to cross over.

It's not the only way of life, though, and when Roger sees a chance to escape he fights for it - little knowing that love, loss, shocking revelations and, ultimately, war lie ahead of him.

Just because Roger can cross over into the land of the dead doesn't mean he wants to.

Wow - I really can't wait to read this book! And the cover, pretty... and a little eerie at the same time. Anyone else think this one looks like a must read besides me?

Title: My Ultimate Sister Disaster
Author: Jane Mendle
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin, 224 Pages (June 8th 2010)
From: the Publisher, thank you!
Synopsis: A loveable, acerbic heroine navigates friendship, love and sibling rivalry in this young adult novel from the author of Better Off Famous?

"If there were a way to pick your family, fourteen-year old Franny might not pick her own. Her father is a hipster boutique owner, her mother is off in Kenya jumpstarting her career, and her sister Zooey is a precocious prima ballerina. Lately, Zooey’s so absorbed with her ballet career that she barely notices Franny. And since Zooey attends a top ballet conservatory, Franny’s on her own navigating the brutal hallways of her Manhattan prep school, a first-year trying to get noticed on the newspaper (and by its soulful, long-lashed editor-in-chief).

But everything changes when Zooey breaks her leg and her ballet dreams come to a grinding halt. Unable to practice, Zooey begins to hone in on Franny’s “normal” life and friends. Franny feels terrible for Zooey, but when Zooey’s encroachment starts to extend to her long-time crush, Franny begins to wonder if her sister might just be her worst competition."

Review: 4 Stars -  The Ultimate Sister Disaster was a fast read with characters many can and will be able to relate to. The story is one that I think many teens face day to day throughout their lives. I’d imagine anyone with a sibling will have experienced the type of relationship that Mendle has portrayed with our two characters – Franny and Zooey.

Franny, the main character has hit a rough spot in being a teenage girl. She feels more then invisible at home and at school, feeling as if she only lives in her perfect sisters’ shadow. If you ask me, I’d say that Mendle has written what it feels like to be a girl who’s feeling invisible and angst ridden pretty spot on.

Franny and Zooey are total opposites in everything. From the way they look and act, to how they do things day to day. Franny with her love of writing and dream of being a journalist on the school paper and Zooey’s dream to be a ballerina on the world’s stage. I enjoyed watching their relationship change throughout the course of the book. It often felt as if I were a fly on the wall during this time in their lives. When Zooey’s life takes a detour everything for both of the girl’s changes; leaving Zooey to learn how to cope and Franny just looks at this as yet another way for her to be invisible.

At first it’s a struggle for both girls in their relationship. Not to mention the wacky Dad who’s never around and the absent Mother who’s away in Africa and is hard to reach – they are more then often left alone which only adds to the stress of the whole family dynamic.

By the end of the book, I had a crush on Carter, talk about great guy. I really liked the place where Franny and Zooey’s relationship was, I could see how they each grew up over the course of the story making this even more realistic for me as a reader.

I look forward to reading more from Mendle in the future. If you’re looking for a great story about two sisters and are looking for a new guy to crush on you’ve found it here. Happy reading!

FTC Disclaimer: I did not pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!!

One Lucky Winner will receive all shown in the picture above! On my recent trip to the UK I picked up these two books for my England giveaway and have included in some great candy and snacks. Some might be different and weird, but everything is yummy!! Here's a list of what's one lucky reader will win:

Sapphique (Incarceron, #2) By: Cathrine Fisher in paperback
My Love Lies Bleeding By: (Drake Chronicles #1) By: Alyxandra Harvey in paperback (our version of this book is called Hearts At Stake)

Candy:

Cadbury's Buttons, Cadbury's Carmel Nibbles, Cadbury's Fudge, Cadbury's Curley Wurley, Cadbury's Cream Egg Twister, Smarties, Toblerone, Maltesers, Daim Bar, Winegums, a Turkish Delight and Strawberry Chewits.

Snacks:

BBQ Beef Hula Hoops, McVities Mini Cheddars, and a Chicken and Mushroom Pot Noodle.

One item that's not pictured is a Liverpool book mark.

A second place winner will receive a Liverpool book mark and some surprise candy from England.

Yes, many of these things are totally random, but they are all our favorites that we love to eat and miss when we run out. And trust me, some of this stuff isn't as crazy as some of the snacks and candy they have over there lol.

Entering is easy; just follow the few simple rules and your half way there!

-You must fill out the form to enter. Please no entries in comments. Comments are welcomed and loved, just no entries there, thanks!
-You must be at least 13 years old to enter.
-This contest is open to US and Canada only - Sorry! However if you have someone who will ship this package to you, feel free to enter.
- Contest ends July 8th, 2010.
- The winner(s) will have 48 hours to get back in touch with me or I'll have to choose another winner(s). All winners are chosen via Random.org.
- If you have any questions, please feel free to email and I'll be sure to get back in touch with you as soon as possible.

ENTER HERE

Good Luck to you ALL!!

Being that it's Sunday....It's time for another week of In My Mailbox - here's a look at all the great books that arrived on my doorstep either by purchase, trade or for review. It's hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren. As always, thanks so much for hosting it Kristi!
 

From Amazon/The Book Depository:

Sea By: Heidi R. Kling
Lies (Gone, #3) By: Michael Grant
How To Build A House By: Dana Reinhardt
Shadow of the Moon (Dark Guardian, #4) By: Rachel Hawthorne
And Then Everything Unraveled By: Jennifer Sturman
The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner An Eclipse Novella By: Stephenie Meyer
Changling: Dark Moon (Book 3) By: Steve Feasey (UK version)

For Review:

Girl Parts By: John M. Cusick
Infinite Days By: Rebecca Maizel
Infinity (Chronicles of Nick, #1) By: Sherrilyn Kenyon
Middleworld (Jaguar Stones, #1) By: Jon Voelkel, Pamela Voelkel

Busy week in books for me! WOW, I have some great reads ahead of me. What all did you guys get this week? Anything here you've read and loved or are looking forward to? Here's hoping next week is another great week in books for us all!

Title: Raised By Wolves
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Publisher: EgmontUSA 432 Pages (June 8th 2010)
From: the Publisher, a HUGE thank you!!

Synopsis: Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two.

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.

But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?

Review: 4 Stars - Raised by Wolves was one of those books that I just couldn’t wait to read. From the first page I knew I’d be reading well into the wee hours of the morning and quickly found myself lost in the woods that Bryn and the pack call home. It was fast paced and in the blink of an eye turned into a thrilling story with characters that you’ll love and some that you’ll love to hate.

Our main character is Bryn who just happens to be a human… and yep you guessed it, was raised by wolves. The story explains how Bryn came to live with the wolves and throughout we learn just what that means for her and the pack around her. She’s a strong girl with a good head on her shoulders and fighting spirit - Never going with the flow, always walking the fine line between right and wrong and the rules that she has to live with for her safety and the laws of the pack. The alpha – Callum is a large figure in her life. It’s not just because he’s the alpha and that he brought her to live in his territory that these two share such a bond. Callum…. He’s a hard one to talk about without giving too much away, so I’ll just let you make up your mind about him.

When everyone around her that she’s close to start’s to act odd, she knows something is up and can’t get an honest answer out of anyone. Eventually she comes to find out that the pack has taken in a new werewolf – Chase. After their brief meeting, she goes out of her way to talk to him. However she has to do this through wolf pack permissions via Callum. Chase is quiet and magnetic. He seems to understand Bryn on a different level then anyone else. If there was one thing I’d love to have seen more in this book it would have been Chase. He’s one of those characters that’ll just melt your heart. And the connection that’s shown so vividly throughout the book between Chase and Bryn is one that’s unique that no one could content with. It’s something that I’m eager to read more of.

Werewolves Devon and Lake are Bryn’s best friends and really the only wolves from the pack that give her the time of day. They are the two that Bryn knows she can count on no matter what. Devon is quirky and theatrical and Lake is a shoot first and ask questions later kind of girl. The friendship these three have is great and I was able to fully understand the lengths that they would each go through for the other as I continued reading.

Being that this book is the beginning of a series it gives readers a great start with hints as to what’s to come in books in the future. Barnes has written characters that’ll be hard for you to forget and a story that’ll leave you wanting more. Her writing is fresh and she has done an amazing job with her own take on werewolves within the young adult genre. I’m now eagerly awaiting the sequel – Trial By Fire just to see where Bryn, Chase, Devon, Lake and all the others end up next. If you love books about werewolves, then this is one you won’t want to miss. Enjoy!

FTC Disclaimer: I did not pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!!!!!

WEREling By: Steve Feasey

Synopsis: Fourteen-year-old Trey Laporte is not a kid anymore. Not after the day he wakes up in agony—retina-splitting, vomit-inducing agony. His clothes are torn. His room is trashed.

And there is a girl—Alexa Charron—who is half vampire, half human, and insanely pretty, with powers all of her own. Trey is falling for her.

Trey is training night and day to control the newly discovered power lurking inside him. Now, demons are closing in on every side, and the most psychopathic bloodsucker to rock the Netherworld wants to destroy him. Above all, must face one terrifying question: Is he a boy . . . or is he a beast?

You can read my review: HERE

When I was in the UK I picked up the first 2 books in this series and ordered the 3rd. I knew that I wouldn't be able to wait for the next books in this series to be release here in the US, so I figured it best to pick them up while I was on vacation. That left me with my ARC copy to give away to a lucky reader.

As always - entering is easy. Please follow the few simple rules.

- All entries must be done in the form provided below. Comments are loved and welcome, just no entries in comments please. Thanks!
- You must be at least 13 years old to enter.
- This contest is open to US and Canada residents only - Sorry! (If your an international reader and have someone who will ship this book, please feel free to enter.)
-Winner will be picked via rarndom.org
- Contest ends on July 7th, 2010.

For more info about the author, please visit his website HERE.

Good luck to everyone and Happy Reading!

ENTER HERE

If you have any questions, please feel free to email and ask.

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!!!!!

Okay guys, it's time for another contest! This one is being sponsored by CSN Online Stores who... for all of us readers out there offer some great things to help keep us all reading! Such as lights, bookcases, bookends and so much more to choose from! It's all there at your finger tips with this $60 gift card!!!

Entering is as always - Easy!

Here's some simple rules:

-Please, only entries in the form provided. I love comments, so please comment away... just no entries in comment please.
-You must be at least 13 years old to enter
-This contest is open to US and Canada only. Sorry!
-Contest ends on: June 29th 2010

Any questions, please email and Good Luck to everyone who enters!!!

Enter Here

Title: WEREling
Author: Steve Feasey
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends, 288 Pages (April 27th 2010 - US. Originally released in the UK - January 2nd 2009)
From: Publisher - Feiwel & Friends, Thanks!

Synopsis: Fourteen-year-old Trey Laporte is not a kid anymore. Not after the day he wakes up in agony—retina-splitting, vomit-inducing agony. His clothes are torn. His room is trashed.

And there is a girl—Alexa Charron—who is half vampire, half human, and insanely pretty, with powers all of her own. Trey is falling for her.

Trey is training night and day to control the newly discovered power lurking inside him. Now, demons are closing in on every side, and the most psychopathic bloodsucker to rock the Netherworld wants to destroy him. Above all, must face one terrifying question: Is he a boy . . . or is he a beast?

Review: 4 Stars - Wereling was an action packed story about a fourteen year old boy who is not only an orphan but just happens to be a werewolf. Of course he doesn’t know about his werewolf second nature and as things start to go crazy in his life - in walks someone who claims to be his long lost uncle Lucien, who just happens to have a secret of his own – that he’s a vampire.

With werewolves, vampires, demons and various other worldly creatures walking secretly among humans, trouble is bound be lurking around each and every corner. With the help of Lucien, Lucien’s daughter Alexa and Lucien’s right hand man of sorts – Tom they all come together to try to help Trey understand about what his life means now and help to prepare him for what’s possibly in store for him in the future. Trey was honest and down to earth and having to deal with such a huge amount in such a short time, I think he handled him self pretty well. I can say that I really enjoyed both Alexa’s and Tom’s characters as they each seemed real and true. I found myself smiling and even laughed a couple times over their quirky come backs. And then we have Lucien and his need to protect and teach. It was clear that he took his word seriously when it came to looking after Trey and I was thankful for that not only because of what Trey was going through right then, but for what Trey had been through with the loss of his parents.

Throughout the story we learn more about Trey and his parents and just what happened to them to leave him an orphan. I enjoyed the lore that Feasey has included when it comes to his version of the werewolf.  In most series books/stories the first can be packed with some much back story that it overshadows the plot(s) and twists and was happy that for me everything fit and came together smoothly.

Steve Feasey has written a great beginning to a new-to-the-us series that takes you on a wild and thrilling ride and makes you ready for the next books. Being that I knew I wouldn’t be able to wait to see what happens next, I picked up the next 2 books while I was in the UK and will keep an eye out for the 4th book that’s released later this summer.

FTC Disclaimer: I did not pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review. HOWEVER - I did purchase a UK copy of the first 3 books in the series.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.

Title: Immortal Beloved
Author: Cate Tiernan
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 416 Pages (September 7, 2010)
Preorder here: Amazon, Borders, Barns and Noble
 
Synopsis: Nastasya has spent the last century living as a spoiled, drugged-out party girl. She feels nothing and cares for no one. But when she witnesses her best friend, a Dark Immortal, torture a human, she realizes something's got to change. She seeks refuge at a rehab for wayward immortals, where she meets the gorgeous, undeniably sexy Reyn, who seems inexplicably linked to her past.
 
Nastasya finally begins to deal with life, and even feels safe--until the night she learns that someone wants her dead.

This is the beginning of a new triology that I'm really looking forward to. From the cover - I'm sure you've all noticed by now that I tend to fall in love with a books cover just a little bit. It's part of what draws me in. The story sounds great. Anyone else looking forward to this new series? Thoughts, comments?

Title: The Sky Is Everywhere
Author: Jandy Nelson
Publisher: Walker Books, 240 Pages (June 7th 2010)
UK Hardback version
From: WH Smiths

Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life—and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey’s boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie’s own.

Joe is the new boy in town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they’re the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can’t collide without the whole wide world exploding.

Review: 5 Stars - What can one say about such a beautifully written story and characters with such realistic personalities that they leapt from the pages and found a nice little spot in my heart?

I didn’t know just what to expect but found myself in awe and wishing for the book to be longer. It’s a story about loss, love, change, understanding, family…. It’s about so much more that there are not enough words within one review to tell you about everything held within its pages. I don’t even think that this review will do the book justice. Without giving too much away…. I’ll just say a few things. Well, I’ll try to keep it at a few things without any spoilers.

Each character was a puzzle piece that fit perfectly around our main character Lennie. They all played a part in the telling of how Lennie’s grief changed not only her, but them as well.

Nelson’ debut novel is both poignant and lyrical. She knows how to write the many emotions throughout, not only the grieving process but also how to add in a little humor in along the way.

Lennie tries hard to hold on to who she was before her sister’s death that she almost misses out on some amazingly wonderful moments with her family and friends – new and old. It’s through writing poetry and notes on various pieces of paper that she leaves in the wind, under a rock in the garden…. Written high on a branch in the tree tops… well you get the point - that we hear just what she’s thinking and feeling. These notes and poems are such a huge part of the story that without them I’d feel like a massive part of Lennie was missing.

Her family- Gram and Uncle Big are quirky people that I’d be happy to call my own. They are both grieving in their own ways; and it’s their story throughout the book that shows us all that everyone handles death and loss in their own ways. Then we have Toby, Lennie’s sister’s boyfriend. He’s at a loss as well and via their grief - Toby and Lennie found themselves drawn together. Neither really understanding why there is such a confusing yet magnetic pull towards each other as they try to find their way through their loss.

We can’t forget to mention Joe, sweet and mysterious new boy fresh from Paris. He was such lightness in the story. He was the healing in the story… without him the lighter and darker side of the sadness from the loss would have blurred together into something harder to contend with. Joe was a force for Lennie and her family in their time of need. One thing I have to say that I loved about him… he was so free in all that he gave to the whole family. Everyone needs a Joe in their life.

All in all Nelson has written something beautiful with so much heart I can’t see anyone not feeling the sunshine from it pages. Poetic from the first word to the last, with so many favorite line’s and quote’s I wouldn’t know where to start. I’m already looking forward to re-reading and can’t wait to read more from her in the future.

FTC Disclaimer: I DID pay for this book and have NOT been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this review.

So, I finally had a chance to pick the winner - sorry that took so long. Winner of a finished copy of Claire de Lune was picked using random.org.

Congrats to.................

Throuthehaze

I've sent a email and you have 72 hours to get back in touch with me or I'll have to pick another winner. Don't forget to enter for your chance win a copy of The Iron King and a $25 Visa Gift Card!! There's a link at the top of the blog. More contests coming this week too.

Thanks again to all who entered and good luck in the next one.

It's time for another week of In My Mailbox - here's a look at all the great books that arrived on my doorstep either by purchase, traded or for review. This week I'll be showing you everything that's arrived here or that I purchased while I was gone on my trip. And YAY, there's a picture this week! It's hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren. As always, thanks so much for hosting it Kristi!

Purchased from Amazon, Target or Walmart:
 
Spirit Bound By: Richelle Mead
Little Vampire Women By: Louisa May Alcott and Lynn Messina
Moon Sworn By: Keri Arthur
The Darkest Passion By: Gena Showalter
Sweep - Book of Shadows, The Coven & Blood Witch By: Cate Tiernan
Spooky Little Girl By: Laurie Notaro
Night of the Wolves By: Heather Graham

Purchased while in the UK:
 
The Sky is Everywhere By: Jandy Nelson (loved this book, review coming this week. It's a hard cover that's covered in this testured fabric and then has a band to keep the book closed like a journal would. It just looked so different and pretty that I had to get the UK version.)
Changling By: Steve Feasey
Changling: Blood Wolf By: Steve Feasey
Newes from the Dead By: Mary Hooper
Drake Academy: Secret Lives (Book 1) By: Gabriella Poole
Drake Academy: Blood Ties (Book 2) By: Gabriella Poole

*Plus 2 books for a contest that will be posted soon!
 
 
For Review:
 
13 to Live: A Werewolf's Tale By: Shannon Delany
My Ultimate Sister Disaster By: Jane Mendle

*Special thanks to St. Martin's Press for both books!
 
Won:
 
Candor By: Pam Bachorz
Hearts at Stake By: Alyxandra Harvey (autographed)
The Vampire Diaries - The Return: Shadow Souls (Vol. 2) By: L.J. Smith
The Awakening By: Kelley Armstrong

*thanks to Teens Read and Write for the contest!!

So, there's what the last few weeks have looked like here and while I've been gone. Not a bad few weeks if you ask me :) I have a bunch of stuff on preorder and a few things coming in the mail yet that I hope to have this week. How has the week been for you guys? Get some good stuff?? Have a great week everyone.

Just a quick note to let everyone know... in case you didn't - that yes, I am back from the UK. We got back last Sunday night and are fighting off our jet lag. The trip was great but as always never enough time seeing the family.

As like clock work - just as it's happened the last two years when we've come back from the UK, I've ended up with a sinus infection. The meds are working and I should be back to reading and blogging normal next week. I had high hopes that this week would be good and I'd get so much caught up and done, it just didn't happen as I had planned. Sorry guys!

I posted a new contest yesterday (For a finished copy of The Iron King and a $25 Visa Gift Card), so don't miss out on that. Also, I have a couple other contests coming up next week that I think should be fun. I did end up bringing some books and goodies back from the UK for a giveaway. Can't wait to get that one and the others started.

I should be REALLY busy over the next few weeks if not longer playing catch up on all my reading. With all the reading means a busy blog. Sounds great if you ask me. So.... I'm off to see about getting some reading in and try to write that review that needs to be done before the headache strikes again lol It's good to be back, I've missed this and all you guys - old and new.

CONTEST NOW CLOSED!

The Iron King (Iron Fey, #1) By: Julie Kagawa

Synopsis: Meghan Chase has a secret destiny—one she could never have imagined…

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school…or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth—that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face…and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

To help celebrate the up coming release of both the ebook - Winters Passage on June 1st and Book two in this series, The Iron Daughter - released August 1st, 2010 I was given the opportunity to offer my readers a chance to win ONE finished copy of The Iron King and a $25 Visa Gift Card!! Great right? I wish I could enter lol

For more information about the series and author - please visit: http://www.juliekagawa.com/

The books official website: http://enterthefaeryworld.com/ironfey/

The books official Trailer:



To enter, all you have to do is fill out the form and follow my simple rules.

Rules:

-You must be at least 13 years old to enter.
-This book giveaway is open to participants with a United States mailing address only (international readers can enter if they have a friend in the States who can accept their prizes by mail).
-Please no entries in Comments - comments are ALWAYS welcome, I love comments, just any entries in comments will not count in this contest. Thanks!
-Contests ends on: June 23rd, 2010.

Any questions, please feel free to email and ask. Good luck to all who enter!!

Enter Here

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.


 
 

Title: The Ghost and the Goth
Author: Stacey Kade
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH, 288 Pages (July 6, 2010)
Preorder here: Amazon, Borders, Barns and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: After a close encounter with a bus, Alona Dare goes from homecoming queen to Queen of the Dead. She’s stuck as a ghost in the land of the living with no sign of a “big, bright light” to take her to a better place. To make matters worse, the only person who might be able to help her is Will Killian, a total loser. More than anything, Will wishes he didn’t have the rare ability to communicate with the dead, especially the former mean girl of Groundsboro High. He’s not filling out any volunteer forms to help her cross to the other side, though it would bring him some welcome peace and quiet. Can they get over their mutual distrust—and quasi attraction—to work together? Readers of this spirited paranormal comedy won’t want this odd couple ever to part.

Talk about cover love!! Sounds like a great read as well... I know many of us are looking forward to this one. Keep an eye out, I have it here to read and review - it's next on the TBR pile. Happy Reading!