Waiting on Wednesday

I hate waiting...

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blog post by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights releases we're eagerly awaiting.

Step into Shadow Falls, a camp for teens with supernatural powers.  Here friendship thrives, love takes you by surprise, and our hearts possess the greatest magic of all.

Kylie Galen wants the truth so badly she can taste it. The truth about who her real family is, the truth about which boy she’s meant to be with—and the truth about what her emerging powers mean.  But she’s about to discover that some secrets can change your life forever…and not always for the better.

Just when she and Lucas are finally getting close, she learns that his pack has forbidden them from being together.  Was it a mistake to pick him over Derek? And it’s not just romance troubling Kylie. An amnesia-stricken ghost is haunting her, delivering the frightful warning, someone lives and someone dies. As Kylie races to unravel the mystery and protect those she loves, she finally unlocks the truth about her supernatural identity, which is far different—and more astonishing—than she ever imagined.

Very excited to read this one! It was just getting good last time around!!

TITLE: Taken at Dusk
AUTHOR: C.C. Hunter
PUBLISHER: St. Martin's Press
GENRE: YA Paranormal
RELEASE DATE: April 10, 2012

He’s a fallen angel. She’s a rockabilly reporter. Together they must solve a deadly string of murders plaguing the mortal and the immortal worlds.

Griffin Shaw used to be a PI, but that was over fifty years ago when gumshoes hoofed the streets . . . and he was still alive. Now he’s a Centurion, an angel who assists other murdered souls through their journey to the afterlife. But while Shaw might be an angel … he’s no saint. Haunted by the mysterious events surrounding his own death, he seizes a chance to wreak some vengeance when he witnesses a deadly attack on journalist Katherine “Kit” Craig.

Joining forces, the unlikely avengers take to the streets, hunting a killer whose trail of bodies stretches across Las Vegas and into an immortal netherworld. It is a dangerous trek that lead them into the darkest corners of Sin City and into the heart of an evil conspiracy extending beyond the lights of the Strip that could destory them both.

But destruction isn’t the only threat Griffin faces. The closer he gets to Kit, the more he finds himself bewitched by her mortal charms. Can he resist falling under her spell? And does he want to?

Soooo looking forward to Vicki's new series! I'm always sad when one series ends, but then I get super excited for the newest one too!! This one sounds very interesting and I can't wait to read it!

Didn't really plan for my two WoWs to both have "taken" in the title! Just kind of happened really!

TITLE: The Taken
AUTHOR: Vicki Pettersson
PUBLISHER: Harper Voyage
GENRE: Urban Fantasy
RELEASE DATE: June 12, 2012

Review--Faery Tales and Nightmares by Melissa Marr

Dangerous promises and beguiling threats swirl together in a dozen stories of enchantments, dark and light, by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr. Uncanny and unexpected creatures appear from behind bushes, rise from under the seas, or manifest from seasonal storms to pursue the objects of their attention—with amorous or sinister intent—relentlessly.

From the gentle tones of a story-teller’s cadences to the terror of a blood sacrifice, tales of favorite characters from Marr’s Wicked Lovely novels mix with accounts of new characters for readers to fall in love with . . . or to fear.

Lush, seductive, and chilling, Melissa Marr’s stories revel in the unseen magic that infuses the world as we know it.

Melissa Marr's Faery Tales and Nightmares was quite the read! Filled with short stories I decided to break the review into short segments about each tale.

WHERE NIGHTMARES WALK 

This one was a little odd, it was only 2 pages long. Yet the little bit of story we had was interesting. A character is running for their life. And there's a sense of danger, but not much else in known.

Rating 3/5 stars

TRANSITION

A nice little vampire story! These vampires have a different set of rules and one vampire will go to any lengths to be able to break them. It was a little confusing at times, it felt like there was some unknown, unsaid event that is only briefly mentioned that pertains to the story. But still it was pretty darn good! The ending was killer!

Rating 4/5 stars

LOVE STRUCK

I really liked this one! It was about selkies--selchies--and it had a nice look into the mythology. Or at least Melissa's twist on it! It was great! A nice little story about love blossoming and all that!

Rating 5/5 stars

OLD HABITS

This was in the Wicked Lovely world, taking place after Ink Exchange. I have to admit that this is one that confused me quite a bit. I just couldn't really follow what was happening. What was the story part and all. It mostly dealt with Irial and his needing to let go of his kingly ways since Niall is now in charge.

Rating 2.5/5 stars

STOPPING TIME

This also takes place after Ink Exchange, and I've read it in another anthology--can't remember which one. But it deals with Leslie and Niall and Irial. They have the strangest relationship, yet it seems to work. It's really beautifully written I think. Leslie seems to have developed an enemy who threatens to expose her Fae friends if she doesn't pay up.

Rating 4/5 stars

THE ART OF WAITING

Another odd, short little tale. I can't be entirely sure what was meant to be told in this story. A man and his daughter live in this village. And they and the people of the village, are very close knit. They never seem to leave the village, then one day a stranger comes to town...

Rating 3/5 stars

FLESH FOR COMFORT

Another very short tale. This was also bizarre. Basically we see how far a girl will go to be pretty.

Rating 3/5 stars

COTTON CANDY SKIES

Set in the Wicked Lovely world as well, possibly after Radiant Shadows. This one is about Rabbit and it was quite intriguing. Rabbit is trying to adjust to his new life, but it's hard. He can't seem to find happiness. Then he meets Olivia who asks him an odd question, "what's your name?" And he can't seem to get the answer right. It has a nice little ending too!

Rating 4/5 stars

UNEXPECTED FAMILY

This takes place after Darkest Mercy. Seth comes to Niall and asks him for a favor. Seth has been summoned by his human parents. They need his help. Not knowing what he's about to get into, Seth asks for Niall to accompany him. They are not totally prepared for what they are about to encounter...and gain.

Rating 3.5/5 stars

MERELY MORTAL

This also takes place after Darkest Mercy, and I, again, read this before in another anthology. Donia and Keenan go on vacation. To get away from it all. Keenan longs to take the test so he can be Fae again and be with Donia forever, yet she's hesitant, because she knows what the test can do to a person having taken it herself. The trip is meant for them to just be together and relax. Although they encounter a problem, humans and exposure.

Rating 4/5 stars

Overall rating 4/5 stars

Teaser Tuesday

Here are the rules:

1. Grab your current read

2. Open to a page

3. Pick out 2 lines that are SPOILER FREE

4. Name the title, author, etc.

 

 

"It wasn't eyeliner that she smeared over her temple. No. The memory of Gregory's blood all over her face came back in a rush." p 35, Transition

TITLE: Faery Tales and Nightmares

AUTHOR: Melissa Marr
PUBLISHER: Harper Collins Children's Books
GENRE: YA Paranormal
RELEASE DATE: February 21, 2012

It's Monday! What are You Reading?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. It's a fun meme where we gather to share what we've read last week and our reading plans for this week.

Last Week I Read:

(e-ARC) Sacrificial Magic by Stacia Kane--Review to come at a later date

Charmfall by Chloe Neill (4 stars)

Currently Reading (or about to start):

 Faery Tales and Nightmares by Melissa Marr

What I Plan to Read this Week:

Unbroken by Rachel Caine

Other Posts of Interest:

Teaser Tuesday--Sacrificial Magic

Cover Art--Nalini Singh

Waiting on Wednesday

Cover Copy Reveal--Kiersten White

Random Thursday

Blogoversary Contest Winners

Cover Art--Rift

Friday Hops

Cover Copy Reveal--Archangel's Storm

In My Mailbox

Top 5 Sundays

Chatting with Phin--Alison Pang interview

Chatting with Phin--Allison Pang interview

Hi all! I teamed up with Bewitching Book Tours awhile back to read Allison Pang's A Sliver of Shadow early, and I also signed up for an interview! So today I bring you a short little Q&A with her most famous character from the series.

Yes, Phineas himself is here today!

JESSICA: Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, Phineas!

PHINEAS: Thank you, thank you! Please, call me Phin!

JESSICA: So, underwear. What's up with that?

PHIN: *shrugs* I like it? But only when it’s clean, mind. I’m not *that* kind of unicorn. Usually.

JESSICA: What do you think Abby will do next regarding Brystion?

PHIN: It’s not really any of my business, honestly. Although the incubus was an excellent cook. I miss that, even if he was a bit of an arrogant ass. Abby can’t cook for shit and that elf prince bodyguard isn’t much better. I mean, how can you burn the coffee...*EVERY* morning?

JESSICA: Will you be helping Abby out when the Doors between the human and faery world close?

PHIN: Yes, but probably not in the way you’re thinking. I’m more of an advisor sort than a “storm-the-castle” type of unicorn. There’s a reason I showed up when I did, though that will probably become more evident later on.

JESSICA: What's your favorite food?

PHIN: Bacon. Rum. Sometimes mixed together.

JESSICA: Where exactly did you come from, before landing in Abby's hands, if you can say?

PHIN: Let’s just say Abby’s family and I go way back and leave it at that, shall I? *winks* Can’t spoil things too much.

JESSICA: Thanks so much for taking the time to answer these questions!

PHIN: Not a problem! See you all later!

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Top 5 Sundays

op 5 Sundays is a weekly blog meme created by Larissa at Larissa's Bookish Life.

Every Sunday I will post a TOP 5 list on the blog. It can be about anything and every week I'll have a new theme {You can vote on next week’s theme on my left sidebar!} and I will ad the Mr.Linky bellow the post so you can do a list with the theme and add you link to it.

Rules:

1 - Write a post listing your TOP 5 choices within the theme I chose (or was chosen on a poll) for the week.

2 - Mention this Blog on the post and link back to it.

3 - Fell free to use the Feature's image (there is a smaller size version of it bellow)

4 - After you've finished your post, add you link (of the post, not your blog's main page) to the Mr.Linky at the end of that week's post.

5 – If you don’t have a blog to post, just leave your list in the comments =)

This week's topic is: Best Books Turned into Movies!

*in no particular order

Funny, since this was the Friday's hop topic! And I usually am not a total fan of books turned to movies since the movies don't always get it right. But I'll give it a try! Never thought 5 would be so many this week!

HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE

Harry Potter is without a doubt one of the best books turned to movies! The movies did incredible! They stayed pretty true to the novel, all though I did have a few issues with movie 4, when Dobby is replaced with Neville,but it's okay, they are still awesome!

UNDERWORLD: RISE OF THE LYCANS

All right, this one requires explaining! Greg Cox wrote Blood Enemy which was  a prequel to Underworld, his version of how the war was started with the lycans and vampires. It's a little different than what the movie did, but I still thought it was awesome! That this book that was made after the first movie--might have--inspired there to be another one years later!

JAWS

I saw the movie about a million times before I was old enough to read the book, and I thought the movie was actually better! There were a few things I didn't like in the book, but Steven really brought Peter's book to life I thought! Even if Bruce--what he nicknamed the mechanical shark--was a pain the you know what!

SECRET WINDOW, SECRET GARDEN

This was another good one! Although the endings are totally different and opposite! Think I actually liked the movie one better! But yeah, besides that and from what I can remember, the movie was pretty true to the novella!

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS

Yes, a kid's book because this was an insanely hard Top 5 to do this week! This was probably my fave Dr. Seuss movie and in honor of his birthday this past Friday, I choose this one! It's been years since I read the book, but I do remember most of the story and I thought Ron Howard totally created an awesome movie here! Jim Carrey was the best Grinch ever! It's definitely in my top 5 Xmas movies too!

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is a weekly blog post hosted by Kirsti over at The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.

I had a marvelous week! Bought a few too many books to add to the mountain that is steadily growing instead of shrinking but oh well!

For review I got:

Tempest Unleashed by Tracy Deebs

Then books I bought:

The Goddess Hunt by Aimee Carter

Soulless Manga Volume 1 by Gail Carriger and Rem

Timeless by Gail Carriger

Angels' Flight by Nalini Singh

Torn by Amanda Hocking

A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton

Review--Charmfall by Chloe Neill

HIGH SCHOOL CAN BE A BATTLEFIELD, BUT FOR LILY PARKER, SURVIVING AT ST. SOPHIA'S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS IS A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH.

Protecting Chicago from the dark side can be an exhausting job, especially when you're a sophomore. So when the girls of St. Sophia's start gearing up for Sneak, their fall formal, Lily decides to join in on some good old-fashioned party prep--even if it means not giving demons, vampires, and the twisted magic users known as Reapers her undivided attention.

But when a Reaper infiltrates the school, Lily doesn't forget what she's sworn to protect. She reaches deep inside herself to draw her magic out--and finds that it's gone. And it turns out that she's not alone. A magic blackout has slammed through paranormal Chicago, and no one knows what--or who--caused it. But for Lily, getting back her magic is worth the risk of going behind enemy lines...

Chloe Neill's Charmfall picks up around the time we left off, same school year and since it's still fall it can't have been real long. We open up to seeing Lily and her pals practicing using their magic in defensive situations, and then jumps to Lily, the ordinary teen helping make decorations for Sneak. Not much time passes in the book since by the end they go to the dance, but it's still a pretty fun read!

When Lily attempts to rescue a classmate from a Reaper, she finds she has no power. None. Then she and Scout soon realize that all the Adepts have lost their power, except Jason, who is cursed and doesn't just have power for a borrowed time. The next day she sees Sebastian and learns that Reapers too are without power, so they are not behind the blackout. So who is, that's the mystery!

One thing that was not necessarily annoying, just puzzling, was why the Adepts wanted their powers back. They are the ones who acknowledge that they will one day give it up, so why can't today be that day? Why must they get their powers back? It didn't really bug me all that much, just something that kept spiraling through my mind every now and then.

Tension is brewing even thicker between the Reapers and Adepts as they each think the other is behind it, but Lily knows that that is not the case and she's determined to find out what the problem really is. No matter what. Even if it means talking to Sebastian more and more--which becomes a noticeable problem to the Adepts when she comes back with info. Causing a rift between her and Jason.

The tension was done really well. I love how Lily is conflicted with the rules and ways of Reapers and Adepts, despite being an Adept herself. She is a wonderful character. She sees the world as it is, in greys instead of black and white like the rest of her friends.

Scout is still an amazing friend to her. Together they are there for one another as they each have their downfalls. They pick each other up and work together to try to solve the mystery.

I can't say that I truly saw it coming in all the gory details, but I did have my suspicions! The ending was good too. It doesn't necessarily give a concrete happy ending, those are only set in the finale of course, but it still leaves you satisfied and craving for more!

Charmfall was a spellbinding read! It captures you into a world that is ours, but here magic is real! I love this series and so can't wait for my next trip to Chicago!

Overall rating 4/5 stars

Cover Copy Reveal--Archangel's Storm

Enter New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s darkly beautiful world of archangels and immortal power, as a pact is sealed between two souls bound by blood, stirred by desire, and driven by vengeance…

With wings of midnight and an affinity for shadows, Jason courts darkness. But now, with the Archangel Neha’s consort lying murdered in the jewel-studded palace that was his prison and her rage threatening cataclysmic devastation, Jason steps into the light, knowing he must unearth the murderer before it is too late.

Earning Neha’s trust comes at a price—Jason must tie himself to her bloodline through the Princess Mahiya, a woman with secrets so dangerous, she trusts no one. Least of all an enemy spymaster.

With only their relentless hunt for a violent, intelligent killer to unite them, Jason and Mahiya embark on a quest that leads to a centuries-old nightmare… and to the dark storm of an unexpected passion that threatens to drench them both in blood.

Archangel's Storm releases September 5, 2012

Friday Hops

This is a weekly blog meme hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read.

Here are the general rules to Follow Friday:

1. Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts and any one else you want to follow on the list

2. Follow our Featured Bloggers

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

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

5. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can

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

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

8. If your new to the follow Friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

This week's question is: What book would you love to see made into a movie or television show and do you have actors/actresses in mind to play the main characters?

MY ANSWER: OOoh tough one! A lot of books are being made into such as we speak! Not all are my faves, but as for one I would love to see turned into film either on TV or movie, hmm...

I think Rachel Vincent's Shifter series would be good!

I'm thinking a TV show would be good. As long as it sticks to the novels more. Some of the TV shows based on books aren't doing that too well and it's a little annoying. I think this whole series could make a decent TV show, just break up each book into a season. Add a few things if needed for length or whatnot, but not to deteriorate the book!

Of course I can probably think of a ton of other stuff, but then that would lead to an uber long post!

OOooh Kelley Armstrong's Otherworld series would also make a helluva TV show!

There's already so many books and novellas, this is just ripe for TV show format!! And there could be tons of seasons or episodes....depending how they would do it!

TGIF is a weekly feature created and hosted by GReads! that re-caps the week’s posts and has different question each week.

This week's question is: Book Moments: What has been your favorite moment (scene) in a book that you've read so far in 2012? Please be kind & not include spoilers.

MY ANSWER: Oh man! That's a toughie!! I've read so much already, okay let me think a moment...

Well, I can't think of a precise moment. But basically when reading Destiny and Deception and Goddess Interrupted and The Calling...yeah I know, a lot of books, I couldn't really pick just one. If I had to, I guess The Calling because that one was awesome!

Anyway while reading these three I was insanely giddy! One being apart of my fave series--take a guess!! And the other two were ARCs, so I was giddy that I got to read them early and because they were wicked awesome!

The characters were doing some either dangerous, risky, or just heartfelt that it totally moved me in some way! Like I said, I can't remember explicit examples. But these three were GREAT!!