Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Waiting on Wendsday

Hiya everyone!
Hope everyone had a great Christmas and successfully channeled their inner 5-year-old for maximum enjoyment of gift-giving and family time.  I certainly did.  Hope to do so again when my cousins make an appearance and my BFF has made it through her holiday plans.
Still working on Beautiful Creatures and a bit bummed that A) Amazon is out of the hardcover collection & B) that I couldn't afford the collection even IF it was still in stock.  Sad face.  Oh well, I'll probably look into buying them individually here & there, like every series I'm working on filling in.  So, instead of a ton of new releases, I'm waiting on some books I just haven't been able to get my hands on yet:













































































Only Unravel Me isn't out yet, but that's one of the sequels I'm most eager to get ahold of.  Tahreh Mafi, Ally Condie, and Veronice Roth are some Dystopian authors I've been looking into since I first read City of Bones by Cassandra Clare and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.  L.J. Smith is an author I've been following since I first picked up The Vampire Diaries vol 1, and I'm quite excited to see what else is going to happen in The Divide.  City of Lost Souls and Clockwork Prince are the last of The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices that I don't have copies of, that I can't track down at my local library.  Jennifer Armentrout is one of my new favorite authors, and I adore Alex, Aidan, Daemon and Katy.  Kristin Cashore and Rachel Vincent are two more, with the Graceling and Soul Screamers worlds.  Tamora Pierce is a longtime favorite, but especially the Beka Cooper trilogy.  Beautiful Creatures is excellent, and I can't wait to get ahold of Beautiful Darkness and check out the movie.
Happy Reading!
Kate

Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas & Teasers

Merry Christmas, people everywhere!
I know, I know, I'm early.  But tomorrow I fully intend to be channeling my inner 5-year-old and playing with my presents, like anyone in touch with their inner 5-year-old should.  So, I'm doing Teaser Tuesday tonight.  I'm working on Beautiful Creatures today, because I've been putting it off and the movie hype has got me worked up about it...well, that and my cousin Drew, who's way into the series.  I plan to re-read Obsidian next, and then check out Fated, and then I'll have Christmas books to check out.

So, teasers.
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl:
"Can you come up with a better name?"
"There's not one word that describes all the people in my family.  Is there one word that describes everyone in yours?"
I wanted to break the tension, to pretend she was just like any other girl.  To convince myself that this could be okay.
"Yeah.  Lunatics."
"We're Casters.  That's the broadest definition.  We all have powers.  We're gifted, just like some families are smart, and others are rich, or beautiful, or athletic."
I knew what the next question was, but I didn't want to ask it.

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout:
His eyes widened suddenly.  "Kitten?"
"Would you stop calling me--?"
"Be quiet," he hissed, gaze fixed over my shoulder.  He placed his hand on my arm.  "Promise me you won't freak out."
"Why would I freak out?" I whispered.
Tugging me toward him, he caught me off guard.  I placed my hands on his chest to stop from tumbling over.  His chest seemed to...hum under my hands.  "Have you ever see a bear?"
Dread pushed through my calm and blossomed.  "What?  There's a bear--?" I pulled out of his grasp and spun around.
Oh, yeah, there was a bear.

Fated by Alyson Noel
"I won't pretend to imagine how you feel right now.  Only you know that.  And whatever feelings you're experiencing, whatever thoughts you may have, I have no doubt they're justified.  What I can say is that the drive to Albuquerque runs around seven  hours.  And then it's another three from there to Enchantment where your grandmother lives.  You and I have a long trip ahead, but we can spend it however you choose.  We can talk if you want, and if you don't, that's fine too.  If you get hungry, we'll stop.  If you need to get out and stretch your legs for a bit, we'll stop for that too.  If you just want to speed on through, aside from filling up on gas when we need it, we can manage that as well.  I have no expectations.  I ask nothing from you.  Whatever it takes to make your trip comfortable, you tell me, and I'll do my best to see that it's done.  Any questions?  Anything you'd like me to know about you?"
I pause, unsure how to respond.  The speech I'd prepared--the one where I make clear that I'm not one to be messed with--is no longer appropriate.

So, there's that.  Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy Reading!
Kate

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

NaNoWriMo

So...haven't posted in FOREVER, I know.  Real life intervened and I haven't been reading/writing/drawing/feeding my creative side in the slightest.  At least, not unil right around Halloween.  Finally finished the Hunger Games trilogy, OMG that took me way to long to get around to, but what's really got me pumped is NaNoWriMo.
But, despite my good intentions, things haven't gone quite so well on that frong either.  Had three ideas mapped out so I could just work this month...only, none of them really spoke to me as much as I thought they did.  Or maybe the characters just weren't feeling particularly chatty.  I'm a little fuzzy on that front.  All I know is I seriously thought I was gonna stay stuck.
And then my BF finished her semester, headed home for break, and invited me to my first write-in.  How awesome!  Much more condusive to writing than I expected, admittedly, I'm one of those people who holes up and misses entire albums of music when I'm in the writing zone, normally.  Got more done in one sitting than I've gotten done in months, sadly it's really been that long.  Still, I'm totally the underacheiver of the group, partly because of my late start, and partly because I refuse to start writing on my computer.  I know, I know, archaic, but I'm a handwriter.  Thankfully, my creativity has managed a resurface, and it just won't quit.  High hopes that I'll close on the 50k goal.  It's only like...4k a day for the rest of the month to get there.  I'm sure I can do it.
Another surprise, it's the fantasy storyline I was set to give up on that pulled through rather than the dystopian line that I planned to work on.  And, yet another, I made a new friend of our ML.  Not surprising that I made a friend, or even that my new friend is the ML.  No, the surprise is that we spent nearly two hours chatting and carrying on before realizing why we thought we knew each other.  Our sisters are really close!  And, silly us, we spent two hours missing the resemblances.  I'm looking forward to writing and baking days!  Oh, and can't forget the character doom, a necessary evil.
For once, my BF and I have placed my story body-count at higher than hers, as my world is very Alagaesia/Shannara/Middle Earth-eske, in that it's in the middle of a post-war apocolypse stage before the climactic war where the heroes take back the land from evil.
Anyways, back to dooming Torryn and Merewyn and the self-called outlaw 'Wolf".
Happy Readings!  And, more importantly this month, Happy Writing!  Write.  WRITE!
Kate

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Teaser Tuesday


So, so excited about the Movie! Going on Sunday, so I was going to wait until Friday to start The Hunger Games since I don't have or have access to Catching Fire just yet. That totally worked...not. Broke down and started yesterday afternoon. Then proceded to stay up all night to read it...yeah, it's that good. READ IT people! And Watch the movie! And check out the Taylor Swift video for Safe & Sound, it's AWESOME!!!
So, teasers...how 'bout some from each of the three? I think that should do it! Here goes:
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins:

"I volunteer!" I gasp. "I volunteer as tribute!"

There's some confusion on the stage. District 12 hasn't had a volunteer in decades and the protocol has become rusty. The rule is that once a tribute's name has been pulled from the ball, another eligible boy, if a boy's name has been read, or girl, if a girl's name has been read, can step forward to take his or her place. In some districts, in which winning the reaping is such a great hone, people are eager to risk their lives, the volunteering is complicated. But in District 12, where the word tribute is pretty much synonymous with the word corpse, volunteers are all but extinct.



Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins:


Every year in school, as part of our training, my class had to tour the mines. When I was little it was just unpleasant. The claustraphobic tunnels, foul air, suffocating darkness on all sides. But after my Father and several other miners were killed in an explosion, I could barely force myself onto the elevator. The annual trip became an enormous source of anxiety.




Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins:


A squad of Peacekeeps checking for returning refugees.


But no one is returning except me. And that's only for a brief visit. The authorities in District 13 were against my coming back. They viewed it as a costly and pointless venture, given that at least a dozen invisible hovercraft are circling overhead for my protection and there's no intelligance to be gained. I had to see it, though. So much so that I made it a condition of my cooperating with any of their plans.




Awesome stuff! Check it out!




Happy Readings, Kate

Friday, February 24, 2012

Teaser and Waiting-on

Okay, I know that it's teaser Tuesday and waiting-on Wendsday, but I've been super-busy this month, so I figure I'll be forgiven for throwing in a teaser and waiting-on blurb real quick!
So, Waiting-On first: Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore, City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare, Pure & Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Nevermore by James Patterson.






And now a teaser, well, four. If it weren't for my cousin, I'd be happily reading the Iron Fey series still. But, with him being a big Werewolf fan, when we saw each other last weekend, all we talked about were Werewolf books. So when I got home I couldn't continue The Iron King. I started reading Shiver, the first of Maggie Stiefvater's Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy instead. Thanks a lot Drew! (tries to look exasperated and angry but can't quite manage to). So, teasers from The Iron King, Shiver, Linger, and Forever.


The Iron King by Julie Kagawa:

"He'll break your heart, princess. Trust me, I've seen enough of his kind to know."

Anger flared, anger that he dared stick his nose into my affairs, anger that he could be right. "Again, it's none of your business, Rob!" I snapped, making his eyebrows arch. "And I can take care of myself, okay? Quit butting in where you're not wanted."

Hurt glimmered briefly, but then it was gone. "Fine, princess. He smirked, holding up his hands. "Don't get your royal pink panties in a twist. Forget I said anything."

"I will." Tossing my head, I flounced out of the room without looking back.

Guilt gnawed at me as I wove through the halls toward the cafeteria. I regretted snapping at Robbie, but sometimes his Big Brother act went too far. Still, Robbie had always been that way--jealous, overprotective, forever looking out for me, like it was his job. I couldn't remember when I first met him; it felt like he'd always been there.


Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater:

Since this book is composed of chapters that alternated between Grace and Sam's point of view, I'm going to include some of Grace and some of Sam.

Grace:

My wolf hesitated by the edge of the woods, the dim porch light catching his eyes. He was still watching my silhouette through the door.

I pressed my palm flat against the frigid glass.

The distance between us had never felt so vast.


I fell asleep to the scent of my wolf. Pine needles, cold rain, earthy perfume, coarse bristles on my face.

It was almost like he was there.


"I feel like I'm wasting our time together," I confessed.

Sam didn't answer, and I realized he hadn't heard me. I repeated my statement, and he blinked, eyes slowly focusing on me as he returned from whatever world he's been in. He said, "I'm happy just to be here with you. That's enough."

I studied his face for a long moment, trying to decide if he really meant it.


Sam:

Her gaze headed in my direction, and I looked away hurriedly, down at my book. She wouldn't recognize my face but she would recognize my eyes. I had to believe she would recognize my eyes.

The future and the past, both the same, snow and then summer and then snow again.

A shattered spider's web of many colors, cracked in ice, immeasureably sad.

"Sam," the girl said. "Sam"

She was past present future. I wanted to answer, but I was broken.




Linger by Maggie Stiefvater:

Okay, Isabel and Cole are added to Grace and Sam in Linger, so one of each:


Grace:

Signs of spring--and, more than that, signs of human occupation--in the middle of the forest. I felt like kneeling to touch the petals of the crocus, to confirm that they were real. But Isabel's watchful eyes kept me standing. "What is this place?"

Isabel stepped over a branch to stand beside me and looked down at the patch of brave little flowers. "Oh, that. Back in the glory days of our house, before we lived here, I guess the owners had a walkway down to the lake and a little garden thing here. There are benches closer to the water, and a statue."

"Can we see it?" I asked, fascinated by the idea of a hidden, overgrown world.


Sam:

I picked up the crane that I'd folded out of my napkin while I was waiting. It was lumpy and imperfect because the napkin hadn't been quite square. "Yeah."

"Why?"

I rubbed my nose, trying to rid it of the scent of wolf. "I don't know. There's a Japanese legend that if you fold one thousand paper cranes, you get a wish."

Isabel's permanently arched right eyebrow made her smile look inadvertently cruel. "You have a wish?"

"No," I said, as Grace sat back down beside me. "All of my wishes have already been granted."

"What were you wishing for?" Grace interrupted.

"To kiss you," I said to her.


Isabel:

I had my usual group of girls who sat around me, eyes painted like mine, looking unattainable--which was not the same as being unattainable.

Being popular in a town the size of Mercy Falls was ridiculously easy. You only had to believe you were a hot commodity and you were. It wasn't like San Diego, where being popular was like a full-time career. The effects of attending the assembly--an hour-long ad for the Isabel Culpeper brand--would last for a week.


Cole:

I didn't know how it made me feel.

"What are you looking at?" I snarled.

Without a sound, she slid into the mist.

My body jerked on its own accord, and my skin twisted into another form.



Forever by Maggie Stiefvater:

Now Shelby joins Sam, Grace, Isabel, and Cole.


Grace:

It was a warm, pleasant day--a great day, by spring-in-Minnesota standards. If you weren't lost and naked, that is.


Sam:

Without Grace, I lived in a hundred moments other than the one I currently occupied. Every second was filled with someone else's music or books I'd never read. Work. Making bread. Anything to fill my thoughts. I played at normalcy, at the idea that it was just one more day without her, and that tomorrow would bring her walking though my door, life going on as if it hadn't been interrupted.



Isabel:

I measured time by couting Tuesdays.

Three Tuesdays until school was out for the summer.

Seven Tuesdays since Grace had disappeared from the hospital.

Fifty-five Tuesdays until I graduated and got the hell out of Mercy Falls, Minnesota.

Six Tuesdays since I'd last seen Cole St. Clair.

Tuesdays were the worst day of the week in the Culpeper household. Fight day.



Cole:

This was who I was, now that I was a Werewolf: I was Cole St. Clair, and I used to be NARKOTIKA.

I had thought there'd be nothing left of me, once you took away the pounding bass of NARKOTIKA and the screams of a few hundred thousand fans and a calendar black with tour dats. But here it was, months later, and it turned out that there was fresh skin underneath the scab I'd picked off. Now, I was a fan of the simple pleasures in life...


Shelby:

I am trapped between her and the things that smell like her, moving in the branches and lying on the ground. The girl's eyes are on mine still, challenging me, holding me. I and her prisoner and I cannot escape.

When she screams, I kill her.


I know, a lot. But the Mercy Falls trilogy makes me smile, laugh, groan, tear up, and want more, more, more! If I'd've known how much I'd enjoy reading it, I'd wouldn't've needed a new Werewolf kick from one of my favorite cousins, because I'd've locked myself in a room for a day or two and devoured the set.
Happy readings!

Kate

Reviews: Daimon & Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout


Normally, I'd do seperate reviews, but seeing as Daimon is the Covenant Series' prequel, I'll make an exception. So excited that the Lux Prequel Shadows is out now! Can't wait for more of both series', not to mention individual novels!
Daimon:
Years ago, Alex and her Mom fled the Covenant. Alex never asked why. Now living among the humans, a Demi-god and her half Demi daughter, they're in hiding. Alex misses her life at the Covenant. There she had purpose and didn't have to hide what she was. But now, all Alex knows from both lives is threatened as the Daimons close in.
5/5 stars: fast-paced, a page-turner, and very compelling
My reaction:
I did read this before Half-Blood, and I'm glad I did. Haing done my research on the series beforehand, I already wondered what had happened before Alex came back to the Covenant. Even though this novella consists of only a few days before Alex's return, there's enough in it to make you want more right away, to let you get to know Alex without her status, without her superpowers (at least not all of them).

Half-Blood:
Alex is back, with a vengeance. Badass attitude, awesome superpowers, jerky uncle, super-hot trainer and all. She's in training on superspeed now, needing to catch up. But things are far more unsettled than she remembers. Strange things are happening. And what seems the most normal just might be by far the most dangerous.
8/5 stars: five just isn't enough! Compelling from the start, rich back-history/culture, and a kick-ass heroine with a mouth and attitude to match.
My reaction: Oh my GAWD! I love it! Demi-gods! And their kids. I'd never considered how Demi-gods, grown up (because I've read and adored Percy Jackson too), would act together, with humans, and what their kids (with humans or with each other) would be like. More please! Do I really have to wait until April? Alex reminds me of my very best friend and I adore her nearly as much (sorry, must be loyal to Sasha, no matter Alex's levels of awesomeness). Aiden is the best, though he seems cool most of the time. Not sure about Seth, being set up not to like him like that, though he's a cool character for sure.

Counting the days until Pure and Deity! Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait!!!
Happy readings!
Kate




Monday, January 23, 2012



So, just read Daimon and Half-Blood. Adore them! Haven't felt the greatest, so no reviews today, but soon! Can't wait until Pure comes out! Can't believe that that won't be until April.
Jennifer L. Armentrout is still most definately my new favorite author!

Happy Readings!

Kate







Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Teaser Tuesday



A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

"What?" He's hurting me, but the look of terror on his face has me shaken. "But she said---"
Suddenly there's a tug in my gut, but when I try to ignore it, it becomes an intense pain. I wince, pulling away from Monroe to lean back over the table. "It's the Need."
"The Need?" he whispers to himself, as if he likes the term.
"Make it stop," I growl, pushing my forehead down into the table as I continue to writhe. "Make it stop."
He's at my ear. "Don't fight it....

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

What if you had an extraordinary power in a dying world?
What if you couldn't control it because it rested in your skin?
What if you could kill with a touch?

Juliette has this power, lacks this control, and has done this.
She's been untouched by human beings for years now. Locked in an asylum alone. Until the day Adam becomes her cellmate. Something about him niggles at her buried memories and tugs at the sanity that was slowly oozing through her fingers.
But nothing is as it seems in this world that's slowly dying.
Soon Juliette finds herself central in a war for power over the world. She can be a weapon for good, or for evil. No one can touch her.
Or is that an illusion too?
Rating:5/5 sucks you in and holds tights until you don't want to let go.



My Reaction: Ohmygod! Love, love, LOVE!!! Seriously, I had to put it down...twice to do stuff and I literally itched and thought of nothing else until I got back to it. Addictive and compelling. I admit that the not-so-sane pattern to Juliette's thoughts, including the crossed out phrases, is a bit disconcerting until you get used to it. But the story is wonderful and very real. A Dystopian environment, a paranormal touch of power, a powerful love, it has it all! And leaves room for a sequel or series, which I sincerely hope that there is! Juliette and Adam are heroes to savor. I'll be watching Tahereh Mafi for more. (oh please let there be more!)
Happy Readings!
Kate

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Teaser Tuesday

Very excited! My books have come in! Had a hard time choosing which of these to read first, but whe Fury came in yesterday, I just had to go ahead and start that before Shatter Me. But since I will make sure to get through both this week, I'll include a teaser from each.


Fury by Elizabeth Miles:

She was smiling brightly. In her hand was a gleaming red orchid. Beautiful, translucent, like something blown from glass. "Hi, again," the girl chirped. Her tiny nose quivered like a rodent's and her teeth gleamed white. "Sandta never found out you were naughty. But we did."


The words crashed through Em's skull...





Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi


There must be as least a hundred soldiers following us through these streets, clustered in different groups, dispersed n different areas of the city, ready to capture and kill.


But I know they won't kill me.


It's Adam I'm worried about...

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Check out Gathering Storm! Historical, paranormal fiction. Releases the 10th. For a good blurb, try this link at RandomBuzzers. http://www.randombuzzers.com/books/the-katerina-trilogy-vol-i-the-gathering-storm/

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Review: Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis

Whisper is excellent. It centers around Joy Stefani, who comes from a long family line of women who hear the thoughts of those around them. Most of the family, like Joy, try to help those around them by answering the secret wishes that they hear from those around them. But Joy's big sister, Jessica, long labelled "Icka", delights in making other people miserable. Especially Joy. Family legends, old and new, prompt self-hating Icka to take risks with herself and torment Joy with horror story that can, and seems to be, happening to Joy on this pivotal birthday. Loyalties are tested, and not only the ones you expect.
It becomes a race to save Icka, one that could cost everything and change all that Joy knows about her family, their power, her "normal" existance, and herself.

My Rating: 4.5/5
My Reaction: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The layers to every character are so interesting to see peeled back. I admit, for a chapter or two, I was worried, it seemed to be moving slower than I expected. But I muddled through and it picked up quite nicely. Growth of characters and relationships are very real, very intense and excellent. Joy seems to start off very likeable, but as she comes to realizations about herself and develops, you realize just how likeable she's capable of being and becomes. Even Icka is shown to have redeeming qualities, when she starts seeming like the devil incarnate. None of the characters are strictly good or bad, though they can seem one way or the other viewed through Joy's perspective. But the layers are well done, revealing both sides of everyone. I must admit one of my favorite characters (besides Joy, because you can't help be adore the narrator), is Jamie. His twist is something I picked up on a little earlier than I consciously realized, and is something you could predict, but still very well done. I can't wait to see more from Phoebe, and I'd love to see a sequel to Whisper.
Happy Readings!
Kate

Friday, January 6, 2012

So...new List for TBR Pile Challenge

So, the first time I thought about this Challenge, I was all over the place, looking at my entire backlist. Think I'll pare down now, make a more oficial/accurate list.




  • Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare


  • Covenant Series by Jennifere L. Armentrout


  • Daughters of the Moon Series by Lynne Ewing


  • Iron Fey Series by Julie Kagawa


  • Darkest Powers Trilogy by Kelley Armstrong


  • Soul Screamers Series by Rachel Vincent


  • Immortals Series by Alyson Noel


  • Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi


  • Illuminated by Erica Orloff


  • A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young


  • Entwined by Heather Dixon


  • Matched and Crossed by Ally Condie


  • Unleashed by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie


  • Firelight by Sophie Jordon


  • Raised by Wolves, Golden, & Platinum by Jennifer Lynn Barnes


  • The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong


  • And of course I'm working on Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis right now.


I know that's more than I need for the highest level, but what can I say? I read a lot and I'm absolutely ready to get through all of these this year, and probably more. I'll keep you posted.



Happy Readings!



Kate

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Giveaway of http://evie-bookish.blogspot.com. Big box of sixteen books including some ARCs and a signed booklet. Open until March 1st! International. See giveavay button to the right.

Review: Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

So, Obsidian has a wonderful premise. Katy, the bookloving blogger who's been forceably re-located to West Virginia by her Mother. Daemon and Dee, the supermodel-worthy next-door neighbors. Dee, who's almost desperate for a "normal" friend. Daemon who doesn't want anything to do with "normal" people. Katy admits to Daemon's droolworthiness, even lets herself enjoy the view until Daemon opens his mouth. And procedes to complete the hot-boy trifecta: gorgeous boy, beautific face, additude of a class-A jerkwad. She can't stand him in the slightest. She knows that they're different, she catches it from time to time. But she doesn't know just how different until after she's attacked by a stranger, confronts the twins, and discovers their secret when Daemon marks her.
The two are aliens.
With Daemon's mark branding her to those who can see it, Katy has no choice but to stick close to the twins. Which makes it ever harder to deny the explosive attraction she and Daemon share. Because no matter the chemistry, a relationship between a human and a Lux just can't work, even if they wanted it to...

Rating: 5/5. Captivating, thrilling, and it draws you in without letting go.
My reaction:
I love, love, love this book. Katy is relatable. Not only does she have the classic heroine spunk, the stubborness and the temper, through the poignant first-person perspective, you see her struggle to find and keep that part of herself. Daemon is a very misunderstood bad-boy, forced into being an asshole to protect his baby sister, the only family he already has left. Both of them fight the attraction between them tooth-and-nail, convinced that they don't want the other, that they can't be. Watching their relationship deepen and grow is worth every setback sent their way, including those they themselves put there. It's a gripping tale, one that, once I got going, I couldn't put down. Literally, I stayed up all night to finish it and was still going strong the next day, looking up the teasers in Daemon's POV, for the sequel Onyx, and the prequel Shadows. I love the voice Katy and Daemon have (Daemon in a bonus chapter) and I eagerly await more, in the Lux series, the Covenant series, and Cursed. I'll be very closely following Jennifer from now on.
Happy Readings!
Kate

Waiting on Wendesday

Now, I realize that last week, like most Waiting-on-Wendsday posts I've seen, I did a handful of books I'm wait to come out. But this week, I'm so psyched about having spent my Christmas money, all I can focus on waiting for are the ones I have coming in the mail. So, here are some of my eagerly-awaited Christmas spoils! And because I love not only reading in general, but also most of these authors, and the beau-ti-ful covers, and anyone brilliant enough out there to have chosen to read and/or follow my blog, I'm including Teasers for each of these books I'm so excited to get my hands on.





1. Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout:

"I understand, but her behavior before the incident with her Mother cannot be erased. This is a school, not a daycare center. I do not have the time or the energy to keep an eye on her. I cannot have her running wild through these halls and influencing the other students."

I rolled my eyes. He made me sound like a cunning criminal about to bring down the entire Covenant...


2. A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young:

I hear an echo as sound hums its way into my ears. It's a heavy noise, reverberating as it gets louder. Louder. Louder--I'm afraid my head will burst from the vibration, and finally my eyes flutter open and it stops.

I see sky above me--blue and cloudless...


3. Illuminated by Erica Orloff:

I had another dream...-A.

Like the breath of a ghost against an icy window, the scrawl whispered to us across the centuries.

"Even a book has its secrets. Come on, then, tell us more...


4. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi:

Raindrops are my only reminder that the clouds have a heart-beat. That I have one, too.

I always wonder about raindrops....


5. Fury by Elizabeth Miles:

In a flash she realized she couldn't take it back.

Her lungs were being squeezed to pinpricks. She couldn't breathe. Ice swirled around her, terror radiating through her body.

She clawed at nothingness.

She screamed...


6. Falling Under by Gwen Hayes:

His eyes, scared and imploring, told of a darkness and agony I couldn't begin to understand.

I leaned further into the window, the glass surprisingly warm from his brush past it. Like I touched a trace of him. As he completed his unhurried, torturous descent to the lawn, he kept his gaze locked on mine. Beseeching me for something I couldn't give...



Happy Readings!

Kate

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Top Tens of 2011 post3

Now, for my favorite CHARACTERS of 2011. A mixed list. And, since I've focused on my boys, a list of my favorite females. In fact, top females first. As always, no particular order to these, and my thoughts change from day to day, if not hour to hour. But these girls are most of my consistant faves.
1. Clary, from Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series. She has that strength and stubborn streak that makes you root for a girl even when she's not at her best. The sweetness and caring help too. I can't wait to read more about her! Spunky sweet growing strong, my favorite flavor of heroine!
2. Isabelle from Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series. She may not be my favorite girl, with that instant dislike of Clary, whom I can't help but favor, but being able to kick butt while still looking fabulous isn't a feat to be taken lightly. Besides there's a quality to her...I can't remember how I described it initially, but I can't help but like her.
3. Cassia from Ally Condie's Matched trilogy. A good girl who may not have the most redeeming qualities to begin with, but an overwhealming curiosity that spurs a love that helps shape her good qualities into great one. She'll fight for what she wants, this one, even if she has to pretend to submit to get it. Loyal, stubborn, sneaky. A brilliant combonation.
4. Daenerys from George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire. Getting to watch Dany develop from a sheltered girl with no power to a strong, brave Khalissi who fights for what she wants is amazing. From what I suspect could happen further on, she may not stay my favorite Ice & Fire girl, but she certainly is for the first book!
5. Evangeline from Anya Bast's Jewelled. Again, a girl you get to watch grow. Very like Elena from the Vampire Diaries (books, not show, there's more depth to character growth in the book series), she starts as one all about appearances. One who has adapted to the point of not caring to survive where she is. But when she breaks and you watch her rebuild into a loving woman with a strong spirit, you have to root for her.
6. Katy from Jennifer L. Armentrout's Obsidian. A sweet girl who's loyal and stubborn, a great match for the secretly nice Daemon, who's also a badass who's adept at being a jerk. Her temper is as bad as his, and she doesn't back down when she wants something. No, she digs in and fights for it, though, in the first-person, you watch her struggle not to be a pushover. Made me laugh, at a couple point produced tears, and made me care all about her. Couldn't put it down and can't wait for Shadows and Onyx!
7. Alex from Jennifer L. Armentrout's Covenant series. Okay, I'll be honest, I haven't gotten my copy yet. Ordered it off Amazon yesterday. But I've entered giveaways and followed the YASisterhood tournament. She seems to be my kinda girl, based on descriptions and teasers from the wonderful Jennifer L. Armentrout. Can't wait to be proven right!
8. Cassie Blake from L.J. Smith's The Secret Circle. Cassie may be a bit of a pushover, a sweet pushover, but she's protective, loving, and believes in doing things for the right reason. Self-sacrificing and willing to think the worst of herself, she's very real and I cheered whenever she made a victory. I know her storyline's over, but I can't help but want more!
9. Meghan Chase from Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series. Haven't read her entire story, but what I have caught me and dug in deep. Go Meghan!
10. Kaylee from Rachel Vincent's Soul Screamers. Kaylee, what can I say about Kaylee? She's awesome! Confused and scared, she doesn't understand what's wrong with her. But she's loyal to family and friends, though they aren't necessarily as loyal to her (cough, cough Sophie). Stubborn and curious, spunky. Can't wait to see more of her when I get to My Soul to Save.

Now top ten overall characters. I reserve the right to list couples, as some of my favorite characters aren't their best until their significant other comes along and encourages them to be their best or better.
1. Katy & Daemon from Jennifer L. Armentrout's Obsidian.
2. Clary & Jace from Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series.
3. Cassie & Ky from Ally Condie's Matched trilogy.
4. Magnus Bane from Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series. (Didn't include him on my boyfriends or bad-boys list. I'm not yet sure if he's good, bad, or neutral. Plus I'm not exactly his type. But he's a great character, I have to include him).
5. Meghan & Ash from Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series.
6. Saphira from Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Saga.
7. Todd from Rachel Vincent's Soul Screamers.
8. Katsa from Kristin Cashore's Graceling.
9. Red Gloves from Elizabeth Vaughan's Daggerstar.
10. Romeo Marescotti from Anne Fortier's Juliet.

Yeah, yeah, I'm aware that There are a lot of couples on my characters list. But I can't help seeing how my favorite heroes and heroines make each other better, are only at their best when with or because of their significant other. So, when it comes down to it, I have such a hard time choosing my favorite between hero & heroine. Therefore, in order to be my favorite from a book and/or series, my most favorite characters are usually irrevocably paired in my head.
Happy readings!
Kate

Top Tens of 2011 post2

More top ten action! I did a top ten of my all-time favorite fictional guys in December, but this time I'm doing a 2011 top-ten book boyfriends. And top-ten bad boys, misunderstood or not (though the misunderstood ARE my fave!)
Book Boyfriends of the year:
1. Daemon from Jennifer L. Armentrout's Obsidian.
2. Jace from Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series.
3. Nash from Rachel Vincent's Soul Screamers.
4. Anatol & Gregorio from Anya Bast's Jewelled. (I know, two, but they're kinda a pair).
5. Adam from L.J. Smith's The Secret Circle.
6. Jon Snow from George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice & Fire Saga. (Those who liked the books but didn't see the show: WATCH IT. It's brilliantly done & cast. I was finishing book one through the season, and the voices matched so well!).
7. Zach from Nancy Werlin's Impossible.
8. Ky from Ally Condie's Matched.
9. Ash from Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series.
10. Po from Kristin Cashore's Graceling.

As for my favorite yummy bad boys, here they (there will of course be some overlap) are:
1. Ash from Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series.
2. Nick form L.J. Smith's The Secret Circle.
3. Julien from L.J. Smith's The Forbidden Game.
4. Ky from Ally Condie's Matched. (He's not exactly a bad-boy, but he's definately a rebel, and that's enough for me!)
5. Jace from Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments series. (Again, not exactly a bad boy, but definately a badass, and of Clary's love interests, as far as the 1st book, he IS the bad one).
6. Gabriel from L.J. Smith's Dark Visions. (One of those misunderstood bad-boys, which I love, love, love. And yes, this is the fourth L.J. Smith boy on these lists. I can't help it. Her boys, good and bad, are so cute!)
7. Nash from Rachel Vincent's Soul Screamers. (Again, misunderstood bad-boy. He sure comes off as one so far, though clearly he's not rotten through.)
8. Murtagh from Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Saga. (Clearly misunderstood and forced to be bad, but he does good and bad so well in equal measure!)
9. Romeo Marescotti from Anne Fortier's Juliet. (Mysterious. Bad-boy. Romantic. He's got it all!)
10. Tyrion Lannister from George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire. (Not exactly my type, but I love, love, love the character! Classic misunderstood bad boy, one of my favorite reads! I literally went through the 1st book check for his, Jon's, and Dany's chapters, because they were my faves!)

Again, I reserve the right to edit my decisions at any time, extend lists, and I say again, that these are in no particular order and limited to what/who I can think of just now. I'm sure I've missed one or two of my favorite boys that I'll want to work in later.
Happy Readings!
Kate

Top Tens of 2011 post1

So, I've seen a LOT of top ten lists for the past year. Thought I'd work on catching up. In no particular order whatsoever, her are my top ten books read in 2011 are:
1. Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
2. Inheritance by Christopher Paolini
3. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
4. Juliet by Anne Fortier
5. My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent
6. How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier
7. The Secret Circle Series by L.J. Smith (I know these are technically four books, but I read through them all in a little over a DAY, they were that good)
8. Jewelled by Anya Bast
9. Graceling & Fire by Kristin Cashore (I know, again multiple, but I INHALED these).
10. Impossible by Nancy Werlin

Teaser Tuesday




Since I can't seem to decide what I'm reading this week, I'll give teasers of the three I've been jumping between. All are so AWESOME!



Unleashed by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie


"They tortured me with them. And it worked. I had horrible night terrors. There was one year that I hardly ever slept."

Katelyn just listened. Cordelia looked as if she might throw up. "When Haley was killed, I went to my Dad and I asked him if he thought maybe that's what attacked her. Justin overheard. And they both laughed at me." She took a deep breath. "But I wasn't fooled, Kat. They were afraid too...



Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I swallowed and fixed a smirk on my face. "Blah. Blah. You're gonna kill me. Blah. I know."
The female's ravenous shriek cut off his response. Obviously, she was very hungry. She circled me like a vulture, ready to rip into me. My eyes narrowed on her. The hungry ones were always the stupidest--the weakest of the bunch. Legend said it was the first taste of aether--the very life force running through our blood--that possessed a pure-blood. A single taste turned one into a daimon and resulted in a lifetime of addiction. There was a good chance I could get past her. The other one...well, he was a different story.


Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis

I took a chance and moved past her.
"Fine, go plug yourself back into the Mother ship!" She screamed after me. "But get ready. You're about to turn into me."

Monday, January 2, 2012

TEAM CLARY

Vote Team Clary! Clary ROCKS! And read the Mortal Instruments so you yourself can discover how Clary rocks! And check out http://www.stuckinbooks.com for a giveaway of Cassandra Clare's books SIGNED! ALL OF THEM! Go Team Clary!