ARC Review: Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

Release Date: April 24/12.

Publisher: Balzar and Bray

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads:

Two days before the start of her junior year, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed—as in blinding light, scenes of her life flashing before her, and then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she's opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And even though it isn't possible, she knows—with every fiber of her being—that Ben has somehow brought her back to life. 

But her revival, and Ben's possible role in it, is only the first of the puzzles that Janelle must solve. While snooping in her FBI agent father's files for clues about her accident, she uncovers a clock that seems to be counting down to something—but to what? And when someone close to Janelle is killed, she can no longer deny what's right in front of her: Everything that's happened—the accident, the murder, the countdown clock, Ben's sudden appearance in her life—points to the end of life as she knows it. And as the clock ticks down, she realizes that if she wants to put a stop to the end of the world, she's going to need to uncover Ben's secrets—and keep from falling in love with him in the process. 

From debut author Elizabeth Norris comes this shattering novel of one girl's fight to save herself, her world, and the boy she never saw coming.


My Thoughts:
I can't believe how much I loved this book! It was flippin amazing. The short chapters allow for a consistantly quick pace. I was never bored or weary while reading this book.


Janelle is a very likeable and genuine character. I found myself easily relating to her and her sarcastic wit. She's a strong, independent character with great values- a great role model for young readers (although I wouldn't recommend this read for those under 14 as there is some questionable sexual content in this read). I loved and envied the relationships she shares with the many men in her life; her father, brother, best friend, boyfriend, potential boyfriend. Seriously, was very jealous haha!


My favourite character was Ben by far! Words cannot express how much I loved him, his love and devotion to Janelle will have many readers swooning. His feelings are never in doubt and I truly appreciated this about Unraveling. 


Don't think that this is your typical cookie-cutter YA novel. Norris has thrown many curve balls Janelle and the reader's way. Some had me gasping, others had me balling and going for the tissue box.


The ending left me in tears- good or bad, well you'll just have to read the book to find out :).


One factor that I want to point out, is that I felt there were many similarities between Unraveling and the T.V. show Roswell, especially the beginning. Not that I feel this is a bad thing, I actually happen to be a HUGE Roswell fan and a huge Max fan- I think this is why I was so receptive to Ben. 


I can't recommend this book enough, if you like a YA read with a snarky heroine, a devoted hero and an exceptionally action-driven plot than you MUST read Unraveling.


I'm so relieved that this is the first in a new series, I need book two now. I'll definitely be re-reading this book while I wait for book 2- need my Ben fix :).


Happy Reading!!!

Waiting on Wednesday: Defiance by C.J. Redwine

This is another one that I'm hoping to score at BEA in June!!!

Release Date: Aug. 28/12.

Publisher: Balzer and Bray

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads:

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.

As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making

What books are you pining for this week?

Happy Reading!!!

Teaser Tuesday: A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger

Enjoy my lovelies!

Before I knew what I was doing, I had Nathan pinned to the wall, both our hands letting go of the doorknob at once. I didn't realize I was kissing him until I felt his tongue slide between my lips. Well, at least this wasn't one-sided.

A Midsummer's Nightmare, p. 133

ARC Review: Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers

Grave Mercy by R.L LaFevers
Release Date: Apr. 3rd/12.
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Court
Source: E-galley from publisher

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads:
Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others. 

Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?


My thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed Grave Mercy, it reminded me a lot of Gabaldon's Outlander series (one of my all-time favourites) but written for a YA audience. The context was kept to a PG-13 level in my opinion. The beginning really grabbed me, as we watch Ismae forced from one physical relationship to another. Her narration was incredibly relatable and thoroughly enjoyable. My heart did go out to her through her struggles with the men in her life.


The mystery will keep you guessing to the final chapters of the book. There's enough blackmailing and intrigue in this plot to put George R.R. Martin to in his place! :) No character is two-dimensional (with the exception of Ismae's dad and husband). 


I warn you, this is not a read for the faint of heart. Grave Mercy offers non-stop action with kick-butt heroine out to serve justice to those who deserve it. I believe fans of The Hunger Games will really enjoy this series.


Ok now my FAVOURITE part of this read- Duval. O how I love you Duval. He's a gentleman but not a saint. He's got brains, brawn and will do anything to protect the women in his life, o yeah and he's quite easy on the eyes. Cue the swoon :). 


There are a few things that irked me about this series though:
1 - Each book in this trilogy will be narrated by a different heroine- this upsets me because I really want to see a continuation of Duval and Ismae. But hopefully they'll still be a large part of Book 2 and 3! :)
2 - The question between murder and justice. Ismae kills on the command of her saint, as told through the elders of her institution. I had a huge problem with this. She's basically a murderer, because she doesn't take the time to find out for herself if these victims are innocent or not, her saint says they're traitors and that's enough to end a life in her eyes. Now I should include that this is a question that Duval does pose to Ismae in Grave Mercy, so I was relieved to see this issue raised.
3 - Not enough sexy times. Ok don't get me wrong I realize this is a YA read, and I'm not asking for anything rated R, but this book had me going COME ON ALREADY a few times in scenes between Ismae and Duval. In a book of 500+ pages, I wouldn't have minded a little more romantic development. 


With all that said, I would definitely recommend this book to all those who enjoy their YA with action and mystery and a dash of romance.


Happy Reading!!!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Urban Fantasy Edition

THREE TIMES A CHARM- 3rd Title Series Release

I LOVE THESE SERIES AND SERIOUSLY CAN'T WAIT TO HAVE THESE TITLES IN MY HAND, LIKE YESTERDAY!!! haha 

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads:

Grave Memory (Alex Craft #3) by Kalayna Price

Release date: July 3rd/12

Publisher: ROC

As a Grave Witch, Alex solves murders by raising the dead.
While she’s always been on friendly terms with Death himself,
lately things have become a lot more personal. But the personal
takes a backseat to the professional when a string of suicides occur
in Nekros City. The shades have no memory of the days leading up
to their brutal endings, so despite the very apparent suicides, this is
murder. And searching for the answers might mean Alex won’t have
a life to remember at all…

The Ripple Effect (Rhiannon's Law) by J.A. Saare

Release Date: August 2012

Publisher: Mundania Press

Rhiannon Murphy visited the future, witnessed hell on earth and made choices to change things for the greater good. Unfortunately there are consequences for her actions, the penalties for her interference possibly more than she can bear. Determined to sever her debt with a fallen angel, she pushes everything aside, focusing on locating Marigold Vesta’s resting place.

Until death comes knocking at her door.

When Disco’s maker arrives in New York, he resents Rhiannon on a level she can’t begin to comprehend. Yet Marius isn’t her most dangerous adversary, not by a long shot. Marius’s sire -- a half-demon -- is determined to see the necromancer who stunned the vampire world on her knees. If she won’t bend, he’ll do everything in his power to make her break. No price is too high, meaning no one is safe -- including Disco and Paine.

Dealt a blow from which she can never recover, Rhiannon turns to the only person who can help her: the fallen angel who is relying on Rhiannon to save her soul. Bartering with a creature from Heaven is probably just as dangerous as starting a war with a demon from Hell, but with nothing to lose it’s no longer about life or death.

It’s about getting even.

What books are you pining for this week?

Happy Reading!!!

Teaser Tuesday: Once by Anna Carey

Here's a little teaser to tide you over until it's July 3rd release :)

My heart sped up as his finger dipped inside the neck of my sweater, tracing lines over my collar bone. He leaned down and I kissed his closed eyelids, that tiny scar on his cheek.

Once, p. 146

Stacia and Stacey Giveaway Hop!!!

It's time to celebrate! Why you ask? Well we're only ONE WEEK away from Stacia Kane and Stacey Jay's newest releases, Sacrificial Magic and Blood on the Bayou! Woot woot!

Urban Fantasy never looked so good, both titles will be available March 28th!!!

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads:

Sacrificial Magic (Downside Ghosts #4) by Stacia Kane
Del Rey

When Chess Putnam is ordered by an infamous crime boss—who also happens to be her drug dealer—to use her powers as a witch to solve a grisly murder involving dark magic, she knows she must rise to the challenge. Adding to the intensity: Chess’s boyfriend, Terrible, doesn’t trust her, and Lex, the son of a rival crime lord, is trying to reignite the sparks between him and Chess. 

Plus there’s the little matter of Chess’s real job as a ghost hunter for the Church of Real Truth, investigating reports of a haunting at a school in the heart of Downside. Someone seems to be taking a crash course in summoning the dead—and if Chess doesn’t watch her back, she may soon be joining their ranks. 

As Chess is drawn into a shadowy world of twisted secrets and dark violence, it soon becomes clear that she’s not going to emerge from its depths without making the ultimate sacrifice

Blood on the Bayou (Annabelle Lee #2) by Stacey Jay
Pocket Books


The second book in a new urban fantasy series featuring mosquito-sized fairies with poisonous bites that drive humans insane.

It's only been three weeks since Annabelle helped solve the murder of Grace Beauchamp, and in the process, she discovered a secret world of invisible, magic-working people who have decided she might have what it takes to join their ranks.

As best as she can determine, Annabelle’s attack by a group of fairies has infected her with paranormal ability she did not previously possess, including being able to mentally move objects and heal wounds. Her new abilities appear to have few negative side effects, aside from creepy dreams. But would that change if she stopped injecting herself with the mystery drug delivered to her by the even more mysterious Tucker, one of the Invisibles? Leery of trusting criminals with her health, Annabelle wishes she had someone she could talk to about the changes in her life. Enter Hitch, FBI agent and Annabelle's ex, who's back in Donaldsonville on an off-the-books investigation. Hitch suspects that there's a government-funded illegal lab that’s developing a controversial fairy-killing spray that could adversely affect the existence of every living thing in the delta—including humans. And Hitch and Annabelle will have to find a way to work together if they're going to find a way to shut it down.

To celebrate the upcoming release from these two spectacular authors I'm offering up giveaway. Winners choice of any one title by Stacey or Stacia! How exciting right?!

But wait!!! That's not all, there's one more contest you should enter for a chance to win a $50 Amazon card!!!

Good luck to everyone and be sure to pick up a copy of Sacrificial Magic and Blood on the Bayou March 28th!!!

Happy Reading!!!

Review: Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
Now Available!!!
Publisher: Tor Teen

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned. 

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back. 

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren't always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it's hard for her to forget that people weren't always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It's hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different. 

Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow. 

That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings—the only boy Ember has ever loved.


My Thoughts:
COMPLIANCE IS MANDATORY!!!


First off, I want to give a huge thanks to Raincoast Books for sending me a copy of Article 5 for review. I was dying to get my hands on a copy of this book! And Simmons didn't let me down in the least, in fact, Article 5 far surpassed my expectations across the board.


The world Simmons has created combines the devastation of The Hunger Games and the strength of Divergent, all in a world reminiscent of A Handmaid's Tale- truly remarkable! It had me on the edge of my seat with it's action and drama. 


I rooted for Ember from the get go. She's a strong, realistic heroine doing her best to survive in a world that's far past the brink of devastation. I cried for her loss and cheered for her victories. 


I adored Chase. Even though we're not given the privilege of delving into his mind, I still felt I could easily sympathize with him. He's not some 2-dimensional character, he has great depth, and a lot of demons to work through from his past. But he puts Ember above himself, her safety is all that matters to him at this moment. It broke my heart to see the internal struggle Chase has with himself when it comes to Ember. He clearly doesn't view himself as good enough for Ember (something I just disagree with).


Simmons throws a HUGE wrench into this blooming love though. I won't tell you what, but it forces both Ember and Chase to make some tough decisions with regards to one another.


It's because of writing like Simmons, that Dystopian has dominated YA presently. Please don't pass up this read!


Happy Reading!!!

Waiting on Wednesday: Black City by Elizabeth Richards

I've been seeing this one EVERYWHERE! 

Black City by Elizabeth Richards

Publisher: Putnam's Sons

Release Date: November 13/12.

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads:

A dark and tender postapocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection, that causes Ash’s long dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong. When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.

What book are you pining for this week?

Happy Reading!!!

Teaser Tuesday: Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

Hello all! Here's a snippet from the upcoming HarperTeen title, Hemlock, by Kathleen Peacock.

Something soft and warm slid across my skin. Fur? I held my breath and turned my head. A werewolf was sniffing the blood on my arm.

Hemlock p. 96

Happy Reading!!!

In My Mailbox #20

This was such a good week! I'm still smiling from all the goodies! :)

From Publisher for Review

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce (Random House) - July '12

Embrace by Jessica Shirvington (Sourcebooks) - NOW AVAILABLE!

Fated by Alyson Noel (St. Martin's Press) - May '12

From Trade with other bloggers- Thanks Sarah and Sasha!

Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock (HarperTeen) - May '12

Once by Anna Carey (HarperTeen) - July '12

I bought

Partials by Dan Wells (Balzar and Bray) - NOW AVAILABLE!!!

Nice Girls Don't Bite Their Neighbors by Molly Harper - NOW AVAILABLE!!!

Above by Leah Bobet - NOW AVAILABLE IN CANADA!!! (I'm so going to the launch party for this title! :) )

Stuck in the back - Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout (SpencerHill Press) - NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!!!

Just one more thing...

How cool are these covers, right? Don't they look so similar? An awesome picture of the GREATEST CITY IN THE WORLD and another of New York- haha proud Canadian right here :)

That's all for me this week, what did you get in your mailbox?

Happy Reading!!!

Online Book Blogger and Publishers Conference

Hello Everyone!

I have some great news to share, I'm attending my first Blogging conference this week. I have learned so much in the past two days. From requesting ARCs from Publishers to improving my profile and public bio on my Netgalley account!

This convention began on Wednesday, but fear not, it's not to late to register, as all the panels have been recorded to comply with many bloggers busy day schedules. It doesn't cost much to register ($45) and you receive this amount back in books and ARCs graciously donated by authors and publishers that are delivered directly to you!

Some publishers attending this conference include: Random House, Penguin Inc, Bloomsbury, Samhain (and many more)

This is an ONLINE conference so internationals join in the fun as well. You'll learn the tools and tricks of the trade from other well-established book bloggers and professionals in the industry. Plus it's a great way to interact with others who share your passion for books! :)

For more information on this conference click here. But hurry and register soon, the last day of the conference is Saturday, March 10th. I hope to see you all in the chat rooms!

Happy Reading!!!

ARC Review: Die For Me by Amy Plum

Die For Me by Amy Plum

Now Available!!!

HarperTeen

Source: ARC received for review

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads: 

In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity. 

When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent. 

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he's a revenant--an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.

My Thoughts:

I realize that this title has been out for a while now (almost a year) but I had my ARC on my TBR pile for a while and then I received a copy of Until I Die through a trade and figured "Hayley you gotta get on this!" haha.

I really enjoyed Die For Me, I found it to be a breezy read, but I also felt a little down while reading it, as the main character, Kate, seems to suffer from bouts of depression. Not that this isn't warranted however, I mean she has recently lost her parents and been up-routed across the globe, but I just felt bummed out while reading these scenes.

Vincent seems too good to be true. He's a handsome, caring, gentleman- very Edward'esq! And I really do like him, but I kind of feel like I might be leaning more towards team Jules- am I alone here with this one? Seriously he's got it all, the looks, brains and he seems more outgoing and down-to-earth than Vincent to me. I'm actually very curious to see where Amy will take this relationship, who knows, I could be reading way too much into it :)

I really enjoyed the concept behind this series, instead of Zombies we have Revenants- I'm actually ashamed to admit that I didn't even realize that this series was about Zombies until I read the synopsis for Until I Die. Shame on me, I know! 

Amy does have a fresh take on the whole Zombie/Immortal, they do die but they come back as the age they originally died (love this!)

One thing that also irked about Kate, was her treatment of her older sister, Georgia, I kind of felt that she was trying to portray Georgia as this self-absorbed partier, but it felt like Kate was the selfish sister. I mean, you know your sister is in danger but Vincent says "She's human, no one will care enough to harm her" and that's good enough for her. You just met this man and you keep ditching your sister (and leaving her in danger) to hang out with you boyfriend, it just irked me a bit. 

Ok I realize I've been complaining quite a bit about this book, but I actually did really enjoy it and do plan on reading the next installment (look for a review of Until I Die later this month :)) I'm hoping the romance will heat up a bit more in book 2.

I would recommend this book to all those who enjoy a good YA Paranormal read.

What did you think of this book? Are you team Vincent or Jules? I'm really curious if I'm the only one haha

HAPPY READING!!!

Waiting on Wednesday: Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

I'm trying very hard to get my hands on an ARC of this title- heard nothing but good things about this one!

Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

Release Date: April 24th/12

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads:

Two days before the start of her junior year, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed—as in blinding light, scenes of her life flashing before her, and then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she's opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And even though it isn't possible, she knows—with every fiber of her being—that Ben has somehow brought her back to life.

But her revival, and Ben's possible role in it, is only the first of the puzzles that Janelle must solve. While snooping in her FBI agent father's files for clues about her accident, she uncovers a clock that seems to be counting down to something—but to what? And when someone close to Janelle is killed, she can no longer deny what's right in front of her: Everything that's happened—the accident, the murder, the countdown clock, Ben's sudden appearance in her life—points to the end of life as she knows it. And as the clock ticks down, she realizes that if she wants to put a stop to the end of the world, she's going to need to uncover Ben's secrets—and keep from falling in love with him in the process.

From debut author Elizabeth Norris comes this shattering novel of one girl's fight to save herself, her world, and the boy she never saw coming.

What books are you pining for this week?

Happy Reading!!!

In My Mailbox #19

I had a great week for books, I even managed to buy a few! :)

I bought

Witchful Thinking by HP Mallory

Epic Fail by Claire LeZebnik

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

From Publisher for Review

Fallen in Love ARC(Random House) by Lauren Kate

Pregnant Pause (Macmillan) by Han Nolan

Under My Skin ARC (Razorbill) by Charles De Lint Psst!!!!! I'm going to be giving this one away- stay tuned :)

Trade with other blogger THANKS LINDSAY! :)

A Want So Wicked by Suzanne Young (Jun'12)

That's all for this week, what did you get in your mailbox?

Happy Reading!!! 

Prizes! Surprises!

Happy March!

Krisin was the winner of the Box of ARCs Giveaway and here are the titles she picked, after much thought...and discussion with her book group :)

Congrats again Kristin

and another surprise

MONTHLY COMMENTS CONTEST!!! 

I'm really excited to say that the blog has been receiving a lot more comments and visitors and I want to thank you all for stopping by to share your thoughts, it really makes it all worth it! :) You guys rock! And to show you how grateful I am for your time, I offer you some monthly prizes! :)

That's right as of February 1st/12. I will be randomly selecting one commenter, each month, to win some awesome YA swag (Book plates, postacards, bookmarks, pens, pins, posters etc.). The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. (Note: Comments left on giveaway posts will not be counted towards this drawing)

February Contest Winner: Jen R. 

March's Contest is now open, so be sure to speak up! :)

Happy Reading!!!

ARC Giveaway!!!! Quaranteen by Lex Thomas

It's March!!! Yay I love this month because it hosts St. Patrick's Day- the one day I get to wear as much green as I'd like! Haha, so to celebrate I'm hosting an ARC giveaway!

The prize:

An April 2012 Egmont USA release

Release Date: April 24th/12.

Open to Canada/U.S. residents

Winner has 48 hours to respond or I will pick a new winner :)

GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL AND HAPPY READING!!!