So, for my first post of the year, I'm gonna A) Outline my reading goals of the year B) Put in some teasers, 'cause it's my sister's birthday tomorrow and I'll likely be offline all day and C) Give you a preview of Wendesday, because I'm super-obsessed over this book that comes out tomorrow.
Oh, and I'm also including some 2012 wrap-up. So, here goes:
2012 wrap-up:
For perhaps the first Christmas EVER, I haven't purchased books with Christmas money. But I did get an illustrated anniversary edition of The Hobbit. It's gorgeous. And a Vampire history book that I'm still not sure about.
My cousin Aubri shamed me by powering through the first three Mortal Instruments books over break. I've yet to read City of Ashes. To be fair, I've been trying to make sure I've got all seven of the current books before I get going so I can make a straight shot of it. But still, way to go Aubri, for showing me up.
My top ten books of 2012: Crossed by Ally Condie, The Hunger Games trilogy (yes, I know that's technically three books and none of them came out last year, but they definitely made my year even though they were super hard on my emotions), The Darkest Powers trilogy by Kelley Armstrong (I know, another trilogy, but one of my goals for the year was to get through four trilogies and I'm super excited about the two I did make it through), Beautiful Creatures by Margaret Stohl & Kami Garcia (I'm not finished yet, but it's just as fantastic as my cousin Drew said), Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout (which rocks, by the way, and I was super-excited when it turned out that I'd won a signed copy from one of the numerous blog contests I entered Dec 2011), Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells (a fantastic take on the Vampire Myth and one I thoroughly enjoyed. For those of you who prefer Werewolves, I compare the mythology shift to the like of what you find in Shiver, which is another fantastic book and trilogy), Shatter Me by Tahreh Mafi(I LOVE this! It does put one in mind of Rogue, who's always been one of my favorite superheroes and definitely my fave X-Man, but I love the character arc when paired with dystopia. Eagerly awaiting the sequel Unravel Me), City of Bones by Cassandra Clare(Jace is still my current favorite hero, and he also channels the misunderstood bad boy which makes him so much more yummy), & Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout(I admit to having picked this up because the main character is a major book-aholic named Katy, which I adore, but the alien storyline in fantastic also Jenn Armentrout is one of my top authors currently).
My new book obsession to be discussed on Wendesday: Doomed by Tracy Deebs
As for current reading, I'm feeding my "Part-Apocalypse" addiction as my cousin calls it. Doomed is what I'm doing my best to get my hands on, but all my Dystopian books will be making an appearance until I can. So, for teasers: Shatter Me, City of Bones, and Doomed.
Shatter Me by Tahreh Mafi:
Couldn't I see what I'd done, is what they asked me. Couldn't I see that I'd ruined everything.
I tried so hard to fix what I'd ruined. I tried every single day to be what they wanted. I tried all the time to be be better but I never really knew how.
I only know now that the scientists are wrong.
The world is flat.
I know this because I was tossed right off the edge and I've been trying to hold on for 17 years. I've been trying to climb back up for 17 years but it's nearly impossible to beat gravity when no one is willing to give you a hand.
When no one is willing to risk touching you.
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare:
"It's a girl," Jace said, recovering his composure. "Surely you've seen girls before, Alec. Your sister Isabelle is one." He took a step closer to Clary, squinting as if he couldn't quite believe what he was seeing. "A mundie girl," he said, half to himself. "And she can see us."
"Of course I can see you," Clary said. "I'm not blind, you know."
"Oh, but you are," said Jace, bending to pick up his knife. "You just don't know it." He straightened up. "You'd better get out of here if you know what's good for you
Doomed by Tracy Deebs:
Except this time when I pull up my e-mail account, there's another message there. One that reads Happy Birthday in the subject line. Only it's not from my Mom or any of my friends.
It's from Mitchell Walker.
From my Father.
For long seconds, I don't move. Don't breathe. Which is ridiculous, I know, but I can't help it. My Dad's been the bogeyman my Mom has used to scare me for too long. There's no way I can be blase about an e-mail from him, even if it is just birthday wishes.
Alright, so the Doomed excerpt is a bit too close to the beginning to give you any real idea of what it's about. I promise a longer, more fun excerpt on Wednesday. And here's a few highlights for those like me who chomp at the bit for information: it's based in a Greek myth (Pandora, specifically), it involves an Apocalyptic/Dystopian environment, has a love triangle, and involves a spunky girl about my age with Daddy issues.
Okay, Tracy Deebs, how did you figure out all of my weaknesses and wrap them together so nicely? Seriously, I've been following the Blog Hop/Scavenger Hunt and another blog tour Giveaway and the excerpts there have driven me to a high level of obsession to read this immediately. It's like Tracy picked my brain and included everything I'd enjoy in a novel. But, more on that on Wednesday.
Happy New Year and Happy Readings!
Kate
