"Just Picked" is a feature here at A Life Bound By Books. This is a place where I'll be spotlighting new (and old) childrens book or picture books for parents and new readers. It's a place to talk about books for a younger group and to try to help create a new generation of readers.

Title: The Prince's New Pet
Author & Illustrator: Brian Anderson
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press, 40 Pages (December 6th, 2011)
Age Range: 4 - 8
From: the Publisher, Thank You!

Synopsis: The Prince's birthday was just like every other day in his father's kingdom-drab, gloomy, and completely colorless. Years ago the Prince's father had banned all color from the kingdom, so the Prince now received the same gray gifts wrapped in the same gray paper and ate the same gray birthday cake, while outside gray skies loomed. But when a special package arrives at his party, the Prince is surprised to see a very unusual creature emerge. Will his new pet bring a splash of color to the kingdom?

Review: 5 Stars - The Prince’s New Pet By Author & Illustrator Brian Anderson is one of the best picture books I’ve had the joy of looking at and reading. To me, the art is amazing to say the least. I couldn’t wait to see what would be on the next page and if I’m honest I’ve picked this book up a few times just for the art work alone. The touches of color in an otherwise grey and drab world were a perfect addition. Panels, like in comic books and graphic novels were also wonderful additions to the art and story. Even now, when I pick up the book I find something new hidden within the art. Anderson’s imagination and detail are just… I have no words. The story that accompanies the art that I can’t get enough of was a pleasure to read. I loved the names for the characters, such as Duchess of Humdrum and King Cerulean. The gist of the story is about a Prince and his father the King. The Queen was full of color and when she died the King removed all the color from the Kingdom because it only reminded him of his wife. The young prince wants color and the story goes to tell how he tries to change things, how he tries to keep some color in his life and how he wants to change the laws and rules of the Kingdom. While the copy I received was an ARC, I felt that the last page was a bit confusing and wondered if I was missing some text. In the end it didn’t bother me much because when I pick this one up, I always go right back to the beginning again for the art. I would hang this on my walls if I could!

All in all, while this title is suggested for age ranges 4 to 8, I feel that this would be better suited for 8 year olds on up. I could see some of the art being a bit scary for younger readers, so I suggest parents judge this title and how their children might take the art for themselves. Enjoy!

*Please note that this is feature here that I have created specifically for my blog. Should you wish to have a feature like this, please be sure to credit me or make it all your own. Thank You!


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 HONEST review.

Title: Asulym (Casual Enchantment, #2)
Author: K.A. Tucker
Publisher: Papoti Books, (December 12th, 2011)
Check out my review: >>>HERE<<< 

Synopsis: Tucked away in Sofie's wintery asylum with no hope of release for years, Evangeline must come to terms with her situation: the curse still plagues her, she's now hunted by a two thousand-year-old vampire, and the guy she's in love with tried to kill her.
 
Plus, she's locked up with a cranky Max and the Forero kids—two people everyone seems to prefer dead over alive. Things aren't looking good.

Meanwhile, back in Manhattan, Sofie struggles to keep forty trapped and bloodthirsty Ratheus vampires at bay and a desperate Viggo from killing Evangeline's friends, all while hints stir outside the walls of the NYC vampire asylum of a war brewing between the Sentinel and the witches.

Is there any hope for Evangeline and Caden? Can Sofie control the rival powers? Is the fate of Earth predestined? 

Hello and thank you for visiting me at A Life Bound by Books today, as part of my Asylum tour!

Today, Lisa and I are going to tell you who our pick would be for Julian Forero, if the Causal Enchantment series was ever to be made into a movie!

Recall, Julian is the dark-haired, dark-eyed serious son in the ‘Colombian beard family’ - we leave Anathema with the impression of a spoiled, mean tyrant-in-the-making. Things change a little bit in Asylum… but you’ll need to read it to get any more info than that.

For the role of Julian Forero, we narrowed it down to four actors:

#1 -  Jay Hernandez

This guy has all of the physical characteristics of Julian and he looks like he could play a pompous a$$ really well.

#2 - Diego Boneta

Diego has a bit of a different look from #1. Definitely a pretty boy and Latin, with a very serious stare.

#3 - Blair Redford

While both of my pick have longer hair than I pictured Julian having, as I said to Kathleen, that can be cut. I can totally see Blair being able to pull off and play the jerk that Julian is.

#4 - Tyler Blackburn

 And then we have Tyler. To me, he'd be a great fit as Julian. I can totally picture him playing the part....... sorry, was day dreaming there for a minute.

So who did Lisa and I decide on?

Drum roll…

BLAIR REDFORD!!

What do you think about this pick? Can you see Blair as Julian?  If you don’t know who we’re talking about, go grab an ecopy of Anathema for FREE today. The sequel, Asylum, is only $2.99.

Order BOTH books online here:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Find K.A. Tucker Online:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Thanks for stopping by and thanks to Lisa for hosting me today!


K.A.Tucker

It's been such a FUN post, and I can't say thank you enough for asking me to be part of the tour for Asylum! Loved working with you too Kathleen! You're more than welcome here anytime.

As part of the tour Kathleen has been running a giveaway and during my stop, I'm announcing the winner for a Print Copy of Asylum! The winner was chosen via random by Kathleen and will be contacted by her for shipping. CONGRATS!

And the winner is......... Barbara McGowen!

 *I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

Title: Asylum (Casual Enchantment, #2)
Author: K.A. Tucker
Publisher: Papoti Books, (December 12th, 2011)
From: the Author, Thank You!
Format: eBook

Synopsis: Tucked away in Sofie's wintery asylum with no hope of release for years, Evangeline must come to terms with her situation: the curse still plagues her, she's now hunted by a two thousand-year-old vampire, and the guy she's in love with tried to kill her. Plus, she's locked up with a cranky Max and the Forero kids—two people everyone seems to prefer dead over alive. Things aren't looking good.

Meanwhile, back in Manhattan, Sofie struggles to keep forty trapped and bloodthirsty Ratheus vampires at bay and a desperate Viggo from killing Evangeline's friends, all while hints stir outside the walls of the NYC vampire asylum of a war brewing between the Sentinel and the witches.

Is there any hope for Evangeline and Caden? Can Sofie control the rival powers? Is the fate of
Earth predestined?

Review: 4 Stars - Asylum, the second installment in the Casual Enchantment series by K.A. Tucker dives right into the action where we last left the characters at the end of Anathema. It’s a thrilling fast paced story that goes by in the blink of an eye. One minute you’re with Evangeline in the cabin, safely within a vast snowy winter wonderland and the next you’re locked with Sophie and a group of psychotic Vampires who are trying to find their way out of their prison to tear through the city in search for human blood. See, I told you… fast paced!

While Anathema was such a different story from most tales about Vampires, it was a great fresh new take on the much written about villain. In Asylum we get a chance to see a different side of her Vampires, which again was a nice change to the many other blood thirsty characters. Getting a chance to get to know Sophie better, being that half of this story was written from her point of view was a pleasure. She’s smarter than even I had given her credit for in the first book. I guess you have to be when you’re a witch AND a vampire and responsible for some pretty horrible things throughout the years.

And Evangeline has grown too. She’s had to learn a lot in a short period of time and I don’t see her as the gullible girl she once was. She’s stronger now and doesn’t always think things through, but you can see how she’s grown and that makes her a fascinating character to read. When a character has that growth and you’re able to see it over the course of the book is always a HUGE plus.

And then there’s Caden. I missed him in this one. If you’ve read the first book, you’ll know what a large part of the story had become about him. I was worried right with Evangeline what might happen when he made it to Manhattan and with good reason. The trials he was looking to face in this book were huge and scary, even for me as a reader. I felt I had as much to lose as he did! Tucker, I think I might have bit off a few nails while reading some of these scenes!!

Many times a second book can stall a bit, building a bridge from one to another, and I don’t think Asylum stalled AT ALL! As a matter of fact, I think I liked Asylum better than Anathema. It’s filled with action, a dual point of view novel, which I’m a huge fan of and character growth made this a thrilling story to read. I had a chance to get to know some new and old characters and to see other characters in a different light.

All in all, I have to say that with Asylum, my over all enjoyment for these books has grown. I found new things to love about the characters and found a renewed excitement to continue on to the next book. It was a pleasure to read more from Tucker and I will be waiting on pins and needles to see what happens to her characters and thanks to Sophie, what kind of trouble might find our group next.

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 HONEST review.

"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: Vampire's Kiss (Watchers, #2)
Author: Veronica Wolff
Publisher: NAL Trade, (March 6th, 2012)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: IF YOU’RE GOING TO BE PARTNERED WITH A VAMPIRE, YOU HAVE TO WORK THE NIGHT SHIFT.

By her wits, blood, and sacrifice, so far Drew has survived the intensive training on the Isle of Night. As a second-year Acari, her ultimate goal is to become a Watcher, and now she has a shot at her first mission. Except nothing is as it seems. The vampire Alcántara is as sinister as he is sexy, Ronan is more distant than ever, and it turns out there are other vampires out there. Bad ones.

Ancient, bloodthirsty, and powerful, these undead are really old school. They’ve captured one of the Watcher vamps and are torturing him for information. The only chance to save him is to infiltrate a major summit the baddies are holding on their own island. There will be mortals there, serving as butlers, maids, and various hired help. Drew had better brush up on her skills as a serving girl, because she’s about to go undercover…

But, when their vampire prisoner turns out to be a gorgeous bad boy, Drew’s first mission quickly turns into more than she bargained for…

Title: The Boy on Cinnamon Street
Author: Phoebe Stone
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books, 240 Pages (February 28th, 2012)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: A story about a wounded girl and the boy who won't give up on her.


7th grader Louise should be the captain of her school's gymnastics team - but she isn't. She's fun and cute and should have lots of friends - but she doesn't. And there's a dreamy boy who has a crush on her - but somehow they never connect. Louise has everything going for her - so what is it that's holding her back?

Phoebe Stone tells the winning story of the spring when 7th grader Louise Terrace wakes up, finds the courage to confront the painful family secret she's hiding from - and finally get the boy.


While I haven't read the first book in the Watchers Series - I have it here, sitting on a shelf - I love the covers and I love the synopsis of both books so far. This just looks like a great series. The second book in today's WoW also has a cover I love. Both of these titles are must reads. What do you guys think of my picks for the week?


*covers are always subject to change.
*I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year! While I had many things happen in 2011, I'll be looking forward to 2012. While looking back at the year past and looking ahead to a brand new year, I wanted to take a minute to wish each and everyone a happy, healthy AND safe New Year!

New Year's has always been a bit sad for me, so I tend to stay in. Watching a few movies, reading and having some good food with family and friends is usually how we spend the day and evening - low key. The passing of a new year might be a bit sad for me, however, I always take a moment to reflect. To see all the things I've overcome and welcomed throughout the last 365 days. It's always nice to be able to think about all the amazing possibilities that are held in the new year and all the many things I have to look forward to.

For New Years, I'd love to hear your plans and what you might be looking forward to in 2012. Do you make resolutions? Would you like to share them with us?

Be SAFE Everyone!

Day Five is the last day of our Top 10 week and this time were featuring books were looking forward to in 2012. What books are you looking forward to in the new year? My picks are below, then as always be sure to check out my co-hosts picks - Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic,  Rachel from Fiktshun and Jamie & Patricia from Two Chicks on Books and then don't forget to link up yours using the linky below. Also, since this is my last true book related blog post of 2011, I thought I'd include some stats. So, when you're done checking out my list & my co-hosts lists & linking YOURS, be sure to scroll all the way down to the bottom & check out what's been going on somewhat behind the scenes.

Title: Insurgent (Divergent, #2)
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: HarperCollins, 496 Pages (May 1st, 2012)

Why I'm looking forward to this book, in a sentence - For me, Divergent was the book of 2011 - I can't WAIT for Insurgent!

Synopsis: One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

Title: Timepiece (Hourglass, #2)
Author: Myra McEntire
Publisher: Egmont, 336 Pages (May 12th, 2012)

Why I'm looking forward to this book, in a sentence - Hourglass was another favorite of mine, so when I heard there was a sequel I was all just a tad excited.

Synopsis: Sadly, there's no synopsis yet. Bummer, I know!

Title: Dreamless (Starcrossed, #2)
Author: Josephine Angelini
Publisher: HarperTeen, 400 Pages (May 19th, 2012)

Why I'm looking forward to this book, in a sentence - Many of the books in this years list are a sequel to a book I loved and this pick is no exception, can't wait to see what happens next for Helen & Lucas.

Synopsis: As the only Scion that can enter Hades at will, Helen descends to the Underworld in search of a way to overcome the Furies and end the cycle of revenge that has cursed the Scions. But she’s running out of time. Each descent weakens her both in mind and spirit. A mysterious stranger might be her only salvation, but the price may be her love for Lucas Delos.

Title: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight 

Author: Jennifer E. Smith

Publisher: Poppy, 256 Pages (January 2nd 2012) 

Why I'm looking forward to this book, in a sentence - I've been looking forward to this book since I heard about it many, many months ago - I mean, it has a British boy in it!

Synopsis: Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

Title: Pandemonium (Delirium, #2)
Author: Lauren Oliver
Publisher: HarperTeen, 375 Pages (February 28th, 2012)

Why I'm looking forward to this book, in a sentence - Another sequel to an amazing series that left us with such a HUGE cliffhanger that there was never a doubt in my mind I'd be reading the 2nd & 3rd books.

Synopsis: I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Title: Enshadowed (Nevermore, #2)
Author: Kelly Creagh
Publisher: Atheneum, 560 Pages (August 28th, 2012)

Why I'm looking forward to this book, in a sentence - Why, oh why has this book been pushed back??? I've been needing more Varen & Isobel since that ending in Nevermore, which was such an amazing book.

Synopsis: While Varen remains a prisoner in the dream-world, Isobel is haunted by his memory. He appears to her in her dreams and soon, even in her waking life. But is she just imagining it? Isobel knows she must find a way back to Varen. She makes plans to go to Baltimore. There, she confronts the figure known throughout the world as the Poe Toaster—the same dark man who once appeared to Isobel in her dreams, calling himself “Reynolds.”

Isobel succeeds in interrupting the Toaster’s ritual and, in doing so, discovers a way to return to the dream-world. Soon, she finds herself swept up in a realm which not only holds remnants of Poe’s presence, but has also now taken on the characteristics of Varen’s innermost self. It is a dark world comprised of fear, terror, and anger.

When Isobel once more encounters Varen, she finds him changed. With his mind poisoned by the dream world, he becomes a malevolent force, bent on destroying all—even himself. Now Isobel must face a new adversary, one who also happens to be her greatest love.

Title: A Million Suns (Across the Universe, #2)
Author: Beth Revis
Publisher: Razorbill,400 Pages (January 10th, 2012)

Why I'm looking forward to this book, in a sentence - I loved Across the Universe and there was no way that this book wouldn't be right at the top of my list to see what happens next and that line in the synopsis about having to get off the ship sold me even more.

Synopsis: Godspeed was fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.

It's been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to enact his vision - no more Phydus, no more lies.

But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that's growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart.

Title: Halflings(Halflings, #1)
Author: Heather Burch
Publisher: Zondervan Publishing, 288 Pages (February 1st, 2012)

Why I'm looking forward to this book, in a sentence - I'm a sucker for a love triangle and this looks like it has that and SO MUCH MORE, can't wait!

Synopsis: After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, seventeen-year-old Nikki finds herself under the watchful guardianship of three mysterious young men who call themselves halflings. Sworn to defend her, misfits Mace, Raven, and Vine battle to keep Nikki safe while hiding their deepest secret—and the wings that come with.

A growing attraction between Nikki and two of her protectors presents a whole other danger. While she risks a broken heart, Mace and Raven could lose everything, including their souls. As the mysteries behind the boys’ powers, as well as her role in a scientist’s dark plan, unfold, Nikki is faced with choices that will affect the future of an entire race of heavenly beings, as well as the precarious equilibrium of the earthly world.

Title: In Honor
Author: Jessi Kirby
Publisher:Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 288 Pages (May 8th, 2012)

Why I'm looking forward to this book, in a sentence - I really liked Moonglass and can't wait to read more from Kirby, and this sounds like a book I'd love.

Synopsis: Honor receives her brother’s last letter from Iraq three days after learning that he died, and opens it the day his fellow Marines lay the flag over his casket. Its contents are a complete shock: concert tickets to see Kyra Kelly, her favorite pop star and Finn's celebrity crush. In his letter, he jokingly charged Honor with the task of telling Kyra Kelly that he was in love with her.

Grief-stricken and determined to grant Finn's last request, she rushes to leave immediately. But she only gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn's best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn't seen him in ages, thanks to a falling out between the two guys, but Rusty is much the same as Honor remembers him: arrogant, stubborn. . . and ruggedly good looking. Neither one is what the other would ever look for in a road trip partner, but the two of them set off together, on a voyage that makes sense only because it doesn’t. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn—but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?

Title: Shine (Shade, #3) 
Author: Jeri Smith-Ready
Publisher: Simon Pulse, 384 Pages (May 1st, 2012)

Why I'm looking forward to this book, in a sentence - It's the last book in the Shade Trilogy - need I say more?

Synopsis: No other love has burned so bright

Life can change in an instant, and no one understands that better than Aura. It’s been almost a year since her boyfriend tragically died. She’s finally letting go of Logan’s violet-hued ghost, but not her search to uncover the truth about her past.As the first in a generation that can see ghosts, Aura is convinced that she has a connection to the Shift. She’s trusted Zachary, ever patient and ever by her side, with all that she knows. But when the government threatens his life in an attempt to learn Aura’s secrets, she will stop at nothing to protect herself and the one she loves...even if that means betraying her own heart. 

Honorable mentions - Fracture By: Megan Miranda, The Blood Keeper (The Blood Journals, #2) By: Tessa Gratton, Fever (The Chemical Gardens, #2) By: Lauren DeStefano, Everneath (Everneath, #1) By: Brodie Ashton, Drowning Instinct By: Ilsa J. Bick, as always to name a few... this list could easily be never ending.

Don't forget to link each day! Signing up & then linking your Top 10 posts early you EXTRA entries into the $50.00 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway. The last day to share your posts is January 8th, 2012. The winner will be picked using Random.org and announced during the week of the 9th, 2012. Good Luck!

NOTE: This is the SAME Linky on each of the Co-Hosts Blogs, so please only enter your Name, Blog Name and URL or YOUR Top 10 post of the day on one blog. Thanks!

*Titles listed are in no particular order.

A few stats from 2011

# of Books Read - 106 (might be 107 by the time this posts if I finish the book I'm reading)
# of Pages Read - 26,669 (as per goodreads.com stats)
# of Blog Posts - 340 (including this post & my last post of the year. I'm also coming up on blog post 800! It's just around the corner)
# of 5 Star books - 19
# of 4 Star books - 57
# of 3 Star books - 29
# of 2 Star books - 1


Haunted Halloween was another HUGE success for it's second year and Jessica and I are already working away on new and exciting ways for YOU to participate in 2012. We can't thank all the authors who shared their stories, everyone who donated or you, who visited both of our blogs during such an amazingly wonderful month long even.

If you loved this new event for us this year... we'll be doing another Top 10 week in 2012 during this same week, so start thinking about your lists with the first of many books that'll be read all throughout the New Year. I have to say another HUGE Thank You to my wonderful Co-Hosts - Jessica, Rachel, Jamie & Patricia. It's been so much fun working with you all on this and I hope we can do more events together in the future. How about doing this again in 2012? And I can't forget you, each of you who have been participating in this 5 day event. Thanks for sharing your lists and we hope to see you again next year!

Day Four of our Top 10 week features Characters. Who are yours for 2011? Mine, you can check out below, then as always be sure to take a look at my co-hosts - Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic,  Rachel from Fiktshun and Jamie & Patricia from Two Chicks on Books and then don't forget to link up yours using the linky below.

Title: Divergent (Divergent, #1) 
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books, 487 Pages (May 3rd, 2011)
My Review

Characters: Tris & Four

Why I love the characters, in a sentence - It's the writing and the story that make these characters more than memorable - you'll feel like your right there with them jumping on & off moving trains & off buildings.

Synopsis: In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself. During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.

Title: Hourglass (Hourglass, #1) 
Author: Myra McEntire
Publisher: Egmont, 400 Pages (June 14th, 2011)
My Review

Characters: Emerson & Michael

Why I love the characters, in a sentence - Michael knows Emerson and what's she's going through and is able to help her when no one else could - yet he's mysterious and Emerson wants nothing more than to be that normal girl her family want her to be... the two together quickly became two of my favorite characters for the year.

Synopsis: One hour to rewrite the past . . .

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past. Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

Title: Forgotten 
Author: Cat Patrick
Publisher: Little Brown, 288 Pages (June 7th, 2011)
My Review

Characters: London & Luke

Why I love the characters, in a sentence - Such a unique story once you've read the whole book and the characters are are amazing, interesting and very entertaining... I loved this book from beginning to end because of wonderful characters.

Synopsis: Each night at precisely 4:33 am, while sixteen-year-old London Lane is asleep, her memory of that day is erased. In the morning, all she can "remember" are events from her future. London is used to relying on reminder notes and a trusted friend to get through the day, but things get complicated when a new boy at school enters the picture. Luke Henry is not someone you'd easily forget, yet try as she might, London can't find him in her memories of things to come.

When London starts experiencing disturbing flashbacks, or flash-forwards, as the case may be, she realizes it's time to learn about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.

Title: Starcrossed (Starcrossed, #1) 
Author: Josephine Angelini
Publisher: HarperTeen, 487 Pages (May 31st, 2011)
My Review

Characters: Helen & Lucas

Why I love the characters, in a sentence - Helen and Lucas and their story was written in the stars, they are meant to be and getting a sneak peek into their lives and how they go about things and how they deal with the past, present and looking on into the future makes them highly note worthy.

Synopsis: How do you defy destiny?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

Title: Darkness Becomes Her (Gods & Monsters, #1) 
Author: Kelly Keaton

Publisher: Simon Pulse, 273 Pages (February 22nd, 2011)

My Review

Characters: Ari & Sebastian

Why I love the characters, in a sentence - In the end, both are looking for answers to some very life changing questions - Ari is a tough girl and Sebastian is pretty hot, and so much more for each of them - they have stuck with me that's for sure.

Synopsis: Ari can’t help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can’t be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is.

Her search for answers uncovers a message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it’s impossible to protect herself when she doesn’t know what she’s running from or why she is being pursued.

She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very...different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her.

Ari won’t stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed.

Title: The Iron Knight (The Iron Fey, #4) 
Author: Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen, 361 Pages (October 25th, 2011)
My Review

Characters: Meghan, Ash, Puck & Grim

Why I love the characters, in a sentence - These four make a great group of characters over the coarse of 4 books - how can anyone reading this series NOT find something to love about these friends?

Synopsis: Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Title: Blood Red Road (Dustlands, #1) 
Author: Moira Young
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry, 495 Pages (June 5th, 2011)
My Review

Characters: Saba & Jack

Why I love the characters, in a sentence - These two characters are so different from each other, yet they work well in such a harsh story - I loved them both for their strength and what they learned throughout the book.

Synopsis: Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.

Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization.

Title: Across the Universe (Across the Universe, #1) 
Author: Beth Revis
Publisher: Razorbill, 398 Pages (January 11th, 2011)
My Review

Characters: Amy & Elder

Why I love the characters, in a sentence - How can you not love these two with their struggles as they each come to terms with some shocking truths - I loved how they worked together and pushed each other to find the answers they needed to survive.

Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone - one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship - tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now, Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

Title: Lola and the Boy Next Door 
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Publisher: Dutton, 338 Pages (September 29th, 2011)
My Review

Characters: Lola & Cricket

Why I love the characters, in a sentence - Perkins knows how to write memorable, relate-able characters that are unforgettable - such as Lola and Cricket.

Synopsis: Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

Title: After Obsession 
Author: Carrie Jones & Steven E. Wedel
Publisher: Bloomsbury, 320 Pages (September 13th, 2011)
My Review

Characters: Aimee & Alan

Why I love the characters, in a sentence - There was no way for Aimee and Alan not to be on this list - I loved reading their story and watching the two hover around each other - very memorable characters for me.

Synopsis: Aimee and Alan have secrets. Both teens have unusual pasts and abilities they prefer to keep hidden. But when they meet each other, in a cold Maine town, they can't stop their secrets from spilling out. Strange things have been happening lately, and they both feel that something-or someone- is haunting them. They're wrong. Despite their unusual history and powers, it's neither Aimee nor Alan who is truly haunted. It's Alan's cousin Courtney who, in a desperate plea to find her missing father, has invited a demon into her life-and into her body. Only together can Aimee and Alan exorcise the ghost. And they have to move quickly, before it devours not just Courtney but everything around her.

Honorable mentions - Dana, Keane & The Erlking from The Faeriewalker Series By: Jenna Black, Jacinda, Will & Cassian from Firelight By: Sophie Jordan, Brooke & Mirka from Descended By Blood By: Angeline Kace, Silla & Nick from Blood Magic By: Tessa Gratton, The Whole Cast of Characters from Beauty Queens By: Libba Bray and so many others, this list could go on and on.

Tomorrow's Topic - Top 10 Books Looking Forward to in 2012

Don't forget to link each day! Signing up & then linking your Top 10 posts early you EXTRA entries into the $50.00 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway. The last day to share your posts is January 8th, 2012. The winner will be picked using Random.org and announced during the week of the 9th, 2012. Good Luck!

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*Titles listed are in no particular order.