"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: Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices #1)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 786 Pages (March 8th, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: Los Angeles. It’s been five years since the events of the Mortal Instruments when Nephilim stood poised on the brink of oblivion and Shadowhunter Emma Carstairs lost her parents. After the blood and violence she witnessed as a child, Emma has dedicated her life to to discovering exactly what it was that killed her parents and getting her revenge.

Raised in the Los Angeles Institute with the Blackthorn family, Emma is paired as a parabatai with her best friend, Julian Blackthorn. A series of murders in the city catch her attention — they seem to have the same characteristics as the deaths of her parents. Could the murderer be the same person? And her attention isn’t the only one caught: someone has been murdering Downworlders as well. The Fair Folk make a deal with the Institute: if the Blackthorns and Emma will investigate the killings, they’ll return Mark Blackthorn to his home. The catch: they have only two weeks to find the killers. Otherwise it’s open war between faeries and Nephilim.

The Shadowhunters of the Institute must race against time to catch the killers, even as they begin to suspect the involvement of those closest to them. At the same time, Emma is falling in love with the one person in the world she’s absolutely forbidden by Shadowhunter Law to love. Set against the glittering backdrop of present-day Los Angeles, Emma must learn to trust her head and her heart as she investigates a demonic plot that stretches from the warlock-run nightclubs of the Sunset Strip to the enchanted sea that pounds the beaches of Santa Monica.

Title: The Great Hunt
Author: Wendy Higgins
Publisher: HarperTeen, 416 Pages (March 8th, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: Kill the beast. Win the girl.

A strange beast stirs fear in the kingdom of Lochlanach, terrorizing towns with its brutality and hunger. In an act of desperation, a proclamation is sent to all of Eurona—kill the creature and win the ultimate prize: the daughter of King Lochson’s hand in marriage.

Princess Aerity understands her duty to the kingdom though it pains her to imagine marrying a stranger. It would be foolish to set her sights on any particular man in the great hunt, but when a brooding local hunter, Paxton Seabolt, catches her attention, there’s no denying the unspoken lure between them…or his mysterious resentment.

Paxton is not keen on marriage. Nor does he care much for spoiled royals and their arcane laws. He’s determined to keep his focus on the task at hand—ridding the kingdom of the beast and protecting his family—yet Princess Aerity continues to challenge his notions with her unpredictability and charm. But as past secrets collide with present desires, dire choices threaten everything Paxton holds dear.

Inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ tale, “The Singing Bone,” New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins delivers a dark fantasy filled with rugged hunters, romantic tension, outlawed magic, and a princess willing to risk all to save her people.

Title: Walk the Edge (Thunder Road #2)
Author: Katie McGarry
Publisher: Harlequin TEEN, 384 Pages (March 30th, 2016)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: Razor knows his family is haunted by secrets of the past…

High school senior Thomas "Razor" Turner knows his family has a dark history as part of the Reign of Terror motorcycle club, especially when it comes to the secrecy surrounding his mother’s death.

When Razor starts to dig deeper into his mum's case he turns to the unlikeliest source for help: classmate Breanna Miller, the shy, smart girl he's never looked twice at. But the more time they spend together, the more they realise they actually have in common, and how attracted to each other they really are.

When secrets from the past are revealed can their newfound feelings survive?

*covers are always subject to change.

Book Wars a weekly feature hosted between two book review blogs – A Life Bound By Books & Much Loved Books!

It’s a fact that book lovers know all about the covers of the books they covet. Often when a title is released here in the US, it’s sometimes vastly different across the pond in the UK. So, Michelle from Much Loved Books and I have come together to create Book Wars to talk about the difference in covers when it comes to the US vs. UK versions.

We hope from time to time authors will chime in with their thoughts as well. We welcome everyone to comment and share their thoughts too! The more the merrier!

Before we get to this weeks Book Wars, we have a winner to announce.The Book Wars winner for Firewalker (The Worldwalker Trilogy) by Josephine Angelini is...!!!!!! Thank you to everyone who voted for both books, and for picking a winner.

Also, there's a poll at the bottom of the post that we'd love to hear your input for the two covers! Tell us which one YOU love the most.

Left: US - Right: UK

Title: City of Ashes
Series: The Mortal instruments #2
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: US - Margaret K. McElderry Books, 512 Pages, (September 1st, 2015), UK - Walker Books, 416 Pages, (July 2nd, 2015)
Add to Goodreads: USA Version | UK Version
Order online here: USA: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository UK: Amazon UK, Waterstones, W H Smith, The Book Depository, Foyles

Synopsis: Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father.

To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father? In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.

About the Author:

Hello Goodreadsers. Here's my official bio:

"Cassandra Clare was born overseas and spent her early years traveling around the world with her family and several trunks of fantasy books. Cassandra worked for several years as an entertainment journalist for the Hollywood Reporter before turning her attention to fiction. She is the author of City of Bones, the first book in the Mortal Instruments trilogy and a New York Times bestseller. Cassandra lives with her fiance and their two cats in Massachusetts."

Find Cassandra Online: Website | Blog | Twitter| Facebook

Let the Wars Begin: Its now time to make our decision, let's see what we think about the covers and pick our favorite cover.

Lisa This week is an easy choice for me. The US cover. It's kind of magical and mysterious at the same time. I like the smoke and wind blown affect and look going on... and the colors chosen highlight even the darkest parts of this cover amazingly well.

Looking at it next to the US cover... it's just so blah and in so many ways doesn't fit at all. It feels more like an old tome of some short than fitting for this series.

So, the US gets my vote. Do you have a favorite? Tell us with a quick click below.

Michelle This is an easy choice for me this week. Looking at the UK cover I do prefer this colour to the first book, and while I do like the imagery in the star itself, I don't really see how the star relates to the story itself. The US copy however is easily my first choice. I am in LOVE with this new design, from the model, to the hazy smoky background. I love how the runes and the stele play a role in this cover too, especially with them being a big role in the Shadowhunters lives. It's a US win for me this week, which cover gets your vote?

VOTE for YOUR favorite cover of City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare NOW!

Book Wars a weekly feature hosted between two book review blogs – A Life Bound By Books & Much Loved Books!

It’s a fact that book lovers know all about the covers of the books they covet. Often when a title is released here in the US, it’s sometimes vastly different across the pond in the UK. So, Michelle from Much Loved Books and I have come together to create Book Wars to talk about the difference in covers when it comes to the US vs. UK versions.

We hope from time to time authors will chime in with their thoughts as well. We welcome everyone to comment and share their thoughts too! The more the merrier!

Before we get to this weeks Book Wars, we have a winner to announce.The Book Wars winner for Every DayBy: David Levithan is...!!!!!! Thank you to everyone who voted for both books, and for picking a winner.

Also, there's a poll at the bottom of the post that we'd love to hear your input for the two covers! Tell us which one YOU love the most.

Left: US - Right: UK

Title: Clockwork Angel
Series: The Infernal Devices #1
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: US - Margaret K. McElderry Books, 544 Pages, (September 1st, 2015), UK - Walker Books, 479 Pages, (September 6th, 2010)
Add to Goodreads: USA Version | UK Version
Order online here: USA: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository UK: Amazon UK, Waterstones, W H Smith, The Book Depository, Foyles

Synopsis: When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray arrives in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Friendless and hunted, Tessa weeks refuge with the Shadowhunters, a band of warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons. Drawn even deeper into their world, she finds herself fascinated by - and torn between - two best friends and quickly realizes that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

About the Author:

Hello Goodreadsers. Here's my official bio:

"Cassandra Clare was born overseas and spent her early years traveling around the world with her family and several trunks of fantasy books. Cassandra worked for several years as an entertainment journalist for the Hollywood Reporter before turning her attention to fiction. She is the author of City of Bones, the first book in the Mortal Instruments trilogy and a New York Times bestseller. Cassandra lives with her fiance and their two cats in Massachusetts."

Find Cassandra Online: Website | Blog | Twitter| Facebook

Let the Wars Begin: Its now time to make our decision, let's see what we think about the covers and pick our favorite cover.

Lisa This week is a bit different because the cover we have shown is the original US cover and the one I actually own, however the covers have since changed to the one shown above.

I really like BOTH the US and what's shown as the UK cover! I used to think that the cover shown as the UK version was so dramatic however the new US cover is pretty amazing! I like that it just so fits! I like how it's a bit brighter than the UK cover... and I also like that they've kept the images that are under the back ground to keep this in line with the original books.

So, it's without a doubt that the vote for this week, even with how much I love my original cover... is the NEW US version.

Which one do YOU like best?

Michelle This is an easy week for me this week. The UK cover has been around for a while with various stages of font design, and although it's been published for a few years, I wanted to do this today to include the newly designed US covers. The UK cover is very nice, and under any other circumstances I would have chosen this as my favorite, especially with the London background, but the new covers for the US books are AMAZING. I am so in love with the US covers for this series. I love how it focuses on an different characters for each book. I love everything about the makeover for the US book, and I really need to have these sitting on my shelf. It's a very easy US win for me this week, but which cover gets your vote?

VOTE for YOUR favorite cover of Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare NOW!

Book Wars a weekly feature hosted between two book review blogs – A Life Bound By Books & Much Loved Books!

It’s a fact that book lovers know all about the covers of the books they covet. Often when a title is released here in the UK, it’s sometimes vastly different across the pond in the US. So, Michelle from Much Loved Books and I have come together to create Book Wars to talk about the difference in covers when it comes to the US vs. UK versions.

We hope from time to time authors will chime in with their thoughts as well. We welcome everyone to comment and share their thoughts too! The more the merrier!

Before we get to this weeks Book Wars, we have a winner to announce. The Book Wars winner for Deep by Kylie Scott is... the US!!!!!! Thank you to everyone who voted for both books, and for picking a winner.

Also, there's a poll at the bottom of the post that we'd love to hear your input for the two covers! Tell us which one YOU love the most.

Left: US - Right: UK

Title: City of Bones
Series: The Mortal Instruments
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: US - Margaret K. McElderry Books, 544 Pages, (September 1st, 2015), UK - Walker Books, 512 Pages, (July 2nd, 2015)
Add to Goodreads:vUSA Version | UK Version
Order online here: USA: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository UK: Amazon UK, Waterstones, W H Smith, The Book Depository

Synopsis: When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder― much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing―not even a smear of blood―to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know...

About the Author:

Hello Goodreadsers. Here's my official bio:

"Cassandra Clare was born overseas and spent her early years traveling around the world with her family and several trunks of fantasy books. Cassandra worked for several years as an entertainment journalist for the Hollywood Reporter before turning her attention to fiction. She is the author of City of Bones, the first book in the Mortal Instruments trilogy and a New York Times bestseller. Cassandra lives with her fiance and their two cats in Massachusetts."

Find Cassandra Online:

Website | Blog | Twitter| Facebook

Let the Wars Begin: Its now time to make our decision, let's see what we think about the covers and pick our favorite cover.

Lisa When I first heard they were changing the covers I wasn't sure what to think. It seems like that's the thing to do... change covers multiple times for books and or series. I get it to a point, however it's tough on us readers who try to get sets to match or when we fall in love with new covers and have to purchase books over and over again.

It's happened to me before for certain books and I'm sure it'll continue throughout my life, yet there's only so much money and it takes away from being able to buy other books.

So for me, changing covers is a doubt edge sword.

When I look at these two, I love the new US cover. I love the feel of it, the art, the warm color pallet chosen and I love that we still have Jace on the cover.

Now, the UK cover... I'd love it just as much if not more than the US cover if they'd have chosen a different color. When I think of shadowhunters I don't see the color magenta/hot pink.

The deals in the wings from what I can see in the pictures online are beautiful. I'd love to see this one up close and person to get a better idea of it's beauty and see if the overall color changes my idea of the new look.

So, this week... my vote goes to the new UK cover. I love the original one with Jace to seeing that he's still our cover model was a huge plus in getting my vote this week.

Give us YOUR vote below! Which new cover is your favorite for this beloved series??? One quick click is all you need to cast your vote.

Michelle This is such an easy choice for me this week. When I first saw the UK covers I wasn’t too fussed on them, I enjoyed seeing how they were designed and the work that went into them, but they weren’t anything special.

However, I had already seen the USA covers, and it was instant love. I could not see any other cover to represent this book. I love how it represents Jace, I love the rune in the background...I just love the overall effect.

It’s a very easy USA vote for me this week, which cover gets your vote?

VOTE for YOUR favorite cover of City of Bones by Cassandra Clare NOW!

Book Wars a weekly feature hosted between two book review blogs – A Life Bound By Books & Much Loved Books!

It’s a fact that book lovers know all about the covers of the books they covet. Often when a title is released here in the UK, it’s sometimes vastly different across the pond in the US.  So, Michelle from Much Loved Books and I have come together to create Book Wars to talk about the difference in covers when it comes to the US vs. UK versions.

We hope from time to time authors will chime in with their thoughts as well. We welcome everyone to comment and share their thoughts too! The more the merrier!

Before we get to this weeks Book Wars, we have a winner to announce. The Book Wars winner for Allegiant by Veronica Roth is... the US COVER!!!!!! Thank you to everyone who voted for both books, and for picking a winner.

Also, there's a poll at the bottom of the post that we'd love to hear your input for the two covers! Tell us which one YOU love the most.

Left: US - Right: UK

Title: The Essence
Author: Kimberly Derting
Series:The Pledge #2
Publisher: US -Margaret K. McElderry, 352 pages, (January 1st 2013), UK - Allison & Busby, 384 pages, (January 28th 2013)
Add to Goodreads: USA Version | UK Version
Order online here: USA:Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository UK:Amazon UK, Waterstones, W H Smith, The Book Depository

Synopsis: “Danger, dread, mystery, and romance” (Booklist) continue in the second book of The Pledge trilogy, as Charlie’s reign is under siege from the most unusual of enemies.

At the luminous conclusion of The Pledge, Charlaina defeated the tyrant Sabara and took her place as Queen of Ludania. But Charlie knows that Sabara has not disappeared: The evil queen’s Essence is fused to Charlie’s psyche, ready to arise at the first sign of weakness.

Charlie is not weak, but she’s being pushed to the brink. In addition to suppressing the ever-present influence of Sabara, she’s busy being queen—and battling a growing resistance determined to return Ludania to its discriminatory caste system. Charlie wants to be the same girl Max loves, who Brook trusts, but she’s Your Majesty now, and she feels torn in two.

As Charlie journeys to an annual summit to meet with leaders of nearby Queendoms—an event where her ability to understand all languages will be the utmost asset—she is faced with the ultimate betrayal. And the only person she can turn to for help is the evil soul residing within.

About the Author:

Kimberly is the author of the BODY FINDER series (HarperCollins), THE PLEDGEtrilogy (Simon & Schuster), and THE TAKING trilogy (HarperTeen).

She lives in the Pacific Northwest, the ideal place to write anything dark or creepy...a gloomy day can set the perfect mood.

She lives with her husband and their three beautiful (and often mouthy) children who provide an endless source of inspiration.

Find Kimberly Online: Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Let the Wars Begin: Its now time to make our decision, let's see what we think about the covers and pick our favorite cover.

Lisa This week is a bit easier for me to choose. BUT first, I'll talk a bit about the covers. They both have amazing colors and a lot to offer in the looks department. The US cover feels more like a high fashion show runway model that's about to take the stage or is ready for a magazine spread. And then the UK cover has a bit warmer feel to it with colors and then the filigree adds something pretty special to it.

I'm looking forward to seeing the UK cover in person because it without a doubt wins for me this week. I can't stop looking at it.

So, I've picked the UK cover, what's YOUR choice for the favorite this week? Vote below!

Michelle Wow, both of these books have amazing covers. The colouring really makes you stop and take another look at these. I love how vibrant and bold they look. I do like the USA version and I think if I didn't own the UK one it would be a much harder choice. However my vote this week goes to UK, I own a copy of this book and the pictures do not do it justice, the book is even more spectacular in real life. Take a look and see what I thought about this book with my review here.

VOTE for YOUR favorite cover of The Essence by Kimberly Derting NOW!

QuestionPro

Book Wars a weekly feature hosted between two book review blogs – A Life Bound By Books & Much Loved Books!

It’s a fact that book lovers know all about the covers of the books they covet. Often when a title is released here in the UK, it’s sometimes vastly different across the pond in the US.  So, Michelle from Much Loved Books and I have come together to create Book Wars to talk about the difference in covers when it comes to the US vs. UK versions.

We hope from time to time authors will chime in with their thoughts as well. We welcome everyone to comment and share their thoughts too! The more the merrier!

Before we get to this weeks Book Wars, we have a winner to announce. The Book Wars winner for Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover is... the US COVER!!!!!! Thank you to everyone who voted for both books, and for picking a winner.

Also, there's a poll at the bottom of the post that we'd love to hear your input for the two covers! Tell us which one YOU love the most.

Left: US - Right: UK

Title: The Pledge
Series:The Pledge #1
Author: Kimberly Derting
Publisher: US - Margaret K. McElderry, 323 Pages, (November 15th 2011), UK - Allison & Busby, 380 Pages, (26th March 2012)
Add to Goodreads: USA Version | UK Version
Order online here: USA: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository UK: Amazon UK, Waterstones, W H Smith, The Book Depository

Synopsis: In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed.

Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime.

About the Author:

Kimberly is the author of the BODY FINDER series (HarperCollins), THE PLEDGEtrilogy (Simon & Schuster), and THE TAKING trilogy (HarperTeen).

She lives in the Pacific Northwest, the ideal place to write anything dark or creepy...a gloomy day can set the perfect mood.

She lives with her husband and their three beautiful (and often mouthy) children who provide an endless source of inspiration.

Find Kimberly Online: Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Let the Wars Begin: Its now time to make our decision, let's see what we think about the covers and pick our favorite cover.

Lisa This week Michelle has selected a book I haven't had a chance to read yet, BUT sounds pretty amazing. And when I'm looking at these covers there are things that draw me in for each.

I love how dark and somewhat simple the US cover is. And I love the filigree on the UK cover... And since I haven't read this title it's making this week a bit difficult when choosing.

So, I think I'm going to go with - the US cover. I've seen it in person and I like how it feels a bit more finished than the UK cover. If we were to have a cover that blended these two together would be pretty perfect. So, this week the US wins for me! Which one gets YOUR VOTE? Tell us below in the poll.

Michelle Look at both of these covers I am torn over which one I like the most. The UK one doesn't seem to portray the feel of the story, but I do like the prettiness of the cover. The USA one fits the story, but I don't really feel like I can pick anything about it that particularly stands out for me. My decision this week is going to go on the prettiness of the cover, so for me the UK wins this round. Want to know what I thought of the book, check out my review here.

VOTE for YOUR favourite cover of The Pledge by Kimberly Derting NOW!

QuestionPro

Book Wars a weekly feature hosted between two book review blogs – A Life Bound By Books & Much Loved Books!

It’s a fact that book lovers know all about the covers of the books they covet. Often when a title is released here in the UK, it’s sometimes vastly different across the pond in the US.  So, Michelle from Much Loved Books and I have come together to create Book Wars to talk about the difference in covers when it comes to the US vs. UK versions.

We hope from time to time authors will chime in with their thoughts as well. We welcome everyone to comment and share their thoughts too! The more the merrier!

Before we get to this weeks Book Wars, we have a winner to announce. The Book Wars winner for Insurgent by Veronica Roth is...USA!!!!!! Thank you to everyone who voted for both books, and for picking a winner.

Also, there's a poll at the bottom of the post that we'd love to hear your input for the two covers! Tell us which one YOU love the most.

Left: US - Right: UK

Title: Black Heart
Series: Curse Workers #3
Author: Holly Black
Publisher: US - Margaret K. McElderry Books , 296 Pages, (April 3rd 2012), UK - Gollancz , 296 Pages, (April 19th 2012)
Add to Goodreads: USA Version | UK Version
Order online here: USA: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository UK: Amazon UK, Waterstones, The Book Depository

Synopsis: In a world where Magic is illegal.

Cassel Sharpe has the most deadly ability of all. With one touch, he can transform any object - including a person - into something else entirely. And that makes him a wanted man. The Feds are willing to forgive all his past crimes if he'll only leave his con artist family behind and go straight. But why does going straight feel so crooked?

For one thing, it means being on the opposite side of the law from Lila, the girl he loves. She's the daughter of a mob boss and getting ready to join the family business herself. Though Cassel is pretty sure she can never love him back, he can't stop obsessing over her. Which would be bad enough, even if her father wasn't keeping Cassel's mother prisoner in a posh apartment and threatening not to let her leave until she returns the priceless diamond she scammed off him years ago. Too bad she can't remember where she put it.

The Feds say they need Cassel to get rid of a powerful man who is spinning dangerously out of control. But if they want Cassel to use his unique talent to hurt people, what separates the good guys from the bad ones? Or is everyone just out to con him?

Time is running out, and all Cassel's magic and cleverness might not be enough to save him. With no easy answers and no one he can trust, love might be the most dangerous gamble of all.

About Holly:

Holly Black is a best-selling author of contemporary fantasy novels for kids, teens, and adults. Tithe, Valiant, and Ironside), The Spiderwick Chronicles (with Tony DiTerlizzi), and The Good Neighbors graphic novels (with Ted Naifeh) The Poison Eaters and Other Stories, a collection of short fiction, and The Curse Worker series (White Cat, Red Glove, and Black Heart). She is also the co-editor of three anthologies, Geektastic (with Cecil Castellucci), Zombies vs. Unicorns (with Justine Larbalestier), and Welcome to Bordertown (with Ellen Kushner). Her most recent works are the middle grade novel, Doll Bones, and the dark fantasy stand-alone, The Coldest Girl in Coldtown. She is the author of the Modern Faerie Tale series.

She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, Theo, in a house with a secret library.

Find Holly Online: Website | Journal | Twitter | Facebook

Let the Wars Begin: Its now time to make our decision, let's see what we think about the covers and pick our favorite cover.

Lisa So, this week we have two VERY different covers. I wasn't a fan when they changed the US covers to this new style. I liked the direction the original covers were going.

The UK cover is dark and kind of twisted and I love it! I'd like to see what these look like in person.

My vote for this week goes to the UK cover in all it's dark glory.

Michelle I do like the new covers for the USA editions, but my vote goes to UK for this week. I love the effects of the UK editions, the background effects, and the black heart is perfect for this book, in a creepy kind of way. It's a UK win for me this week.

VOTE for YOUR favorite cover of Black Heart by Holly Black NOW!

QuestionPro

Book Wars a weekly feature hosted between two book review blogs – A Life Bound By Books & Much Loved Books!

It’s a fact that book lovers know all about the covers of the books they covet. Often when a title is released here in the UK, it’s sometimes vastly different across the pond in the US. So, Michelle from Much Loved Books and I have come together to create Book Wars to talk about the difference in covers when it comes to the US vs. UK versions.

We hope from time to time authors will chime in with their thoughts as well. We welcome everyone to comment and share their thoughts too! The more the merrier!

Before we get to this weeks Book Wars, we have a winner to announce. The Book Wars winner for Into the Still Blue By: Veronica Rossi is...UK!!!!!! Thank you to everyone who voted for both books, and for picking a winner.

Also, there's a poll at the bottom of the post that we'd love to hear your input for the two covers! Tell us which one YOU love the most.

Left: US - Right: UK

Title: Red Glove
Author: Holly Black
Publisher: US - Margaret K. McElderry Books , 325 Pages, (April 5th 2011), UK - Gollancz , 272 Pages, (June 14th 2011)
Add to Goodreads: USA Version | UK Version
Order online here: USA: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository UK: Amazon UK, Waterstones, W H Smith, The Book Depository

Synopsis: The cons get craftier and the stakes rise ever higher in the riveting sequel to White Cat—now in paperback!

After rescuing his brothers from Zacharov’s retribution, Cassel is trying to reestablish some kind of normalcy in his life.

That was never going to be easy for someone from a worker family that’s tied to one of the big crime families—and whose mother’s cons get more reckless by the day. But Cassel is coming to terms with what it means to be a worker, and he’s figuring out how to have friends.

Except normal doesn’t last very long. Soon Cassel is being courted by both sides of the law and is forced to confront his past—a past he remembers only in scattered fragments, and one that could destroy his family and his future. Cassel will have to decide whose side he wants to be on, because neutrality is not an option. And then he will have to pull off his biggest con ever to survive….

About Holly:

Holly Black is a best-selling author of contemporary fantasy novels for kids, teens, and adults. Tithe, Valiant, and Ironside), The Spiderwick Chronicles (with Tony DiTerlizzi), and The Good Neighbors graphic novels (with Ted Naifeh) The Poison Eaters and Other Stories, a collection of short fiction, and The Curse Worker series (White Cat, Red Glove, and Black Heart). She is also the co-editor of three anthologies, Geektastic (with Cecil Castellucci), Zombies vs. Unicorns (with Justine Larbalestier), and Welcome to Bordertown (with Ellen Kushner). Her most recent works are the middle grade novel, Doll Bones, and the dark fantasy stand-alone, The Coldest Girl in Coldtown. She is the author of the Modern Faerie Tale series ( She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, Theo, in a house with a secret library.

Find Holly Online: Website | Journal | Twitter | Facebook

Let the Wars Begin: Its now time to make our decision, let's see what we think about the covers and pick our favorite cover.

Lisa This week we have the original US cover and the creep-tastic UK cover. Since this is a series I haven't read yet (don't yell!) BUT I have them this one (this US cover) on my shelves I'm inclined to give my vote this week to the US cover. The UK cover seriously creeps me out and I'm not sure which one fits better, but I like that the US one is mysterious and the gloved hand is somewhat chilling.

So, US wins for me this week. Which cover is the winner in YOUR eyes? Cast your vote below!

Michelle Once again I have to go the with the UK cover for Red Glove. The USA version looks creepy, but in a wrong way. The red glove just doesn't look right on the models shoulder. The UK one has the great wrinkled effect on the cover and the red glove really stands out from the background. UK wins for me thins week.

VOTE for YOUR favorite cover of White Cat by Holly Black NOW!

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Book Wars a weekly feature hosted between two book review blogs – A Life Bound By Books & Much Loved Books!

It’s a fact that book lovers know all about the covers of the books they covet. Often when a title is released here in the UK, it’s sometimes vastly different across the pond in the US.  So, Michelle from Much Loved Books and I have come together to create Book Wars to talk about the difference in covers when it comes to the US vs. UK versions.

We hope from time to time authors will chime in with their thoughts as well. We welcome everyone to comment and share their thoughts too! The more the merrier!

Before we get to this weeks Book Wars, we have a winner to announce. The Book Wars winner for Through The Ever Night by Veronica Rossi is... the US cover!!! Thank you to everyone who voted for both books, and for picking a winner.

Also, there's a poll at the bottom of the post that we'd love to hear your input for the two covers! Tell us which one YOU love the most.

Left: US - Right: UK

Title: White Cat
Author: Holly Black
Publisher: US - Margaret K. McElderry Books , 320 Pages, (May 4th 2010), UK - Gollancz , 320 Pages, (June 17th 2010)
Add to Goodreads: USA Version | UK Version
Order online here: USA: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository UK: Amazon UK, Waterstones, W H Smith, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Cassel comes from a family of Curse Workers - people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they're all criminals. Many become mobsters and con artists. But not Cassel. He hasn't got magic, so he's an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail - he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.

Cassel has carefully built up a facade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his facade starts to crumble when he finds himself sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He's noticing other disturbing things too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of a huge con game, he must unravel his past and his memories. To find out the truth, Cassel will have to out-con the conmen.

About Holly:

Holly Black is a best-selling author of contemporary fantasy novels for kids, teens, and adults. Tithe, Valiant, and Ironside), The Spiderwick Chronicles (with Tony DiTerlizzi), and The Good Neighbors graphic novels (with Ted Naifeh) The Poison Eaters and Other Stories, a collection of short fiction, and The Curse Worker series (White Cat, Red Glove, and Black Heart). She is also the co-editor of three anthologies, Geektastic (with Cecil Castellucci), Zombies vs. Unicorns (with Justine Larbalestier), and Welcome to Bordertown (with Ellen Kushner). Her most recent works are the middle grade novel, Doll Bones, and the dark fantasy stand-alone, The Coldest Girl in Coldtown. She is the author of the Modern Faerie Tale series (She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, Theo, in a house with a secret library.

Find Holly Online: Website | Journal | Twitter | Facebook

Let the Wars Begin: Its now time to make our decision, let's see what we think about the covers and pick our favorite cover.

Lisa With this weeks cover we're featuring a US original cover that's since changed and a UK cover that I had never seen before. While I own and do like the US cover there's something so different about the UK cover that I can't stop looking at.

It looks simple but I have a feeling it's not. I love that it has a cardboard look to it, wrinkles and all. I love the colors or lack there of and I love the tag line at the time. This week was easy for me - UK all the way!

Michelle I first stumbled upon White Glove via audiobook, and then I knew I had to read the book. Being in the UK I got the UK version of this book, and the rest of the series. Looking at both of these covers in front of me now, I still would pick the UK cover over the USA one. I love how neutral it is, which does make it stand out among a shelf of colourful books, I also love the effect of texture on this cover. It may not be the most colourful, bright cover with no male model on the front, but it's a winner in my eyes. MY vote is UK all the way this week.

VOTE for YOUR favorite cover of White Cat by Holly Black NOW!

online survey tools

"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: Raging Star (Dust Lands Trilogy #3)
Author: Moira Young
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 448 Pages (May 13th, 2014)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: Saba is ready to seize her destiny and defeat DeMalo and the Tonton...until she meets him and he confounds all her expectations with his seductive vision of a healed earth, a New Eden. DeMalo wants Saba to join him, in life and work, to create and build a healthy, stable, sustainable world…for the chosen few. The few who can pay.

Jack’s choice is clear: to fight DeMalo and try to stop New Eden. Still uncertain, her connection with DeMalo a secret, Saba commits herself to the fight. Joined by her brother, Lugh, anxious for the land in New Eden, Saba leads an inexperienced guerilla band against the powerfully charismatic DeMalo, in command of his settlers and the Tonton militia. What chance do they have? Saba must act. And be willing to pay the price.

Title: Tease
Author: Amanda Maciel
Publisher: Balzer + Bray, 336 Pages (Balzer + Bray)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: Emma Putnam is dead, and it's all Sara Wharton's fault.

At least, that's what everyone seems to think. Sara, along with her best friend and three other classmates, has been criminally charged for the bullying and harassment that led to Emma's shocking suicide. Now Sara is the one who's ostracized, already guilty according to her peers, the community, and the media.

During the summer before her senior year, in between meetings with lawyers and a court-recommended therapist, Sara is forced to reflect on the events that brought her to this moment—and ultimately consider her role in an undeniable tragedy. And she'll have to find a way to move forward, even when it feels like her own life is over.

In this powerful debut novel inspired by real-life events, Amanda Maciel weaves a narrative of high school life as complex and heartbreaking as it is familiar: a story of everyday jealousies and resentments, misunderstandings and desires. Tease is a thought-provoking must-read that will haunt readers long after the last page.

Title: Rebel (Reboot #2)
Author: Amy Tintera
Publisher: HarperTeen, 352 Pages (May13th, 2014)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: The sequel to the action-packed Reboot is a can't-miss thrill ride, perfect for fans of James Patterson, Veronica Roth, and Marie Lu.

After coming back from death as Reboots and being trained by HARC as soldiers, Wren and Callum have finally escaped north, where they hope to find a life of freedom. But when they arrive at the Reboot Reservation, it isn't what they expected. Under the rule of a bloodthirsty leader, Micah, the Reboots are about to wage an all-out war on the humans. Although Wren's instincts are telling her to set off into the wilderness on their own and leave the battle far behind, Callum is unwilling to let his human family be murdered. When Micah commits the ultimate betrayal, the choice is made for them. But Micah has also made a fatal mistake . . . he's underestimated Wren and Callum.

The explosive finale to the Reboot duology is full of riveting action and steamy love scenes as Wren and Callum become rebels against their own kind.

Happy Wednesday! Another three books this week. Two from trilogies and I've LOVED prior books and then we have Tease that just sounds way too good to pass up - emotional to say the least. I can't wait for these three books!

*covers are always subject to change.

Title: Rebel Heart (Dust Lands #2)
Author: Moira Young
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry, 432 Pages (October 30th, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: It seemed so simple: Defeat the Tonton, rescue her kidnapped brother, Lugh, and then order would be restored to Saba’s world. Simplicity, however, has proved to be elusive. Now, Saba and her family travel west, headed for a better life and a longed-for reunion with Jack. But the fight for Lugh’s freedom has unleashed a new power in the dust lands, and a formidable new enemy is on the rise.

What is the truth about Jack? And how far will Saba go to get what she wants? In this much-anticipated follow-up to the riveting Blood Red Road, a fierce heroine finds herself at the crossroads of danger and destiny, betrayal and passion.

Find Moira Online: 

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Order the Rebel Heart Trilogy Books Online:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository

GIVEAWAY!!!

ENTER TO WIN ONE OF TWO DUST LANDS

PRIZE PACKS!

Two winners will each receive a copy of DUST LANDS and a water bottle

Rules and how to enter -

• Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter this giveaway.
• Name & Email Address must be provided. (Easy Entry, just click the form & it does it for you!)
• You must be at least 13 years old to enter.
• This giveaway is open to US residents only.
• Giveaway ends: December 3rd, 2012 (12:01AM EST)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for entering and good luck to everyone! Any questions, check my policy page or feel free to email.

A HUGE thank you goes out to the publisher for providing the prize packs for this giveaway.

"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: Rebel Heart (Dust Lands, #2)
Author: Moira Young
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry, 448 Pages (October 30th, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: The Tonton have been defeated. Lugh has been rescued.
The heartstone has brought Saba and Jack together.
Now, Saba and her family head west to meet him and start a new life. All should be well.
But shadows of the dead are stalking Saba.
And another kind of shadow is creeping over the dustlands.
Then a messenger shows up.
With news of Jack.

Title: Ashen Winter (Ashfall, #2)
Author: Mike Mullin
Publisher: Tanglewood Press, 400 Pages (October 14th, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: It’s been over six months since the eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano. Alex and Darla have been staying with Alex’s relatives, trying to cope with the new reality of the primitive world so vividly portrayed in Ashfall, the first book in this series. It’s also been six months of waiting for Alex’s parents to return from Iowa. Alex and Darla decide they can wait no longer and must retrace their journey into Iowa to find and bring back Alex’s parents to the tenuous safety of Illinois. But the landscape they cross is even more perilous than before, with life-and-death battles for food and power between the remaining communities. When the unthinkable happens, Alex must find new reserves of strength and determination to survive.

Title: The Diviners (Diviners, #1)
Author: Libba Bray
Publisher: Little Brown, 608 Pages (September 18th, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Evie O'Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City--and she is pos-i-toot-ly thrilled. New York is the city of speakeasies, shopping, and movie palaces! Soon enough, Evie is running with glamorous Ziegfield girls and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is Evie has to live with her Uncle Will, curator of The Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult--also known as "The Museum of the Creepy Crawlies."
When a rash of occult-based murders comes to light, Evie and her uncle are right in the thick of the investigation. And through it all, Evie has a secret: a mysterious power that could help catch the killer--if he doesn't catch her first.

Another three books this week. Two are sequels and one is the beginning of a brand new series. I LOVED the first two books in each series for both Rebel Heart and Ashen Winter. They were both some of the best books I was lucky enough to read in 2011. That made these books automatically set at the top of my must read list. And then for The Diviners.. I read my first book by Libba Bray last year - Beauty Queens, and loved it - and I am really excited to read more from her. I know she has other books out prior to Beauty Queens, but this new one sounds thrilling!!! I know I can't wait. Anyone else have these three titles on their must read lists?


*covers are always subject to change.