Waiting on Wednesday (49): Illuminated

Time for the"Waiting On Wednesday" weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Waiting on Wednesday spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating!

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

 

 Illuminated by Erica Orloff

To Be Published: December 8th 2011 by Speak 

 

An epic romance full of mysteries that transcend time—fans of Romeo and Juliet and The Time Traveler’s Wife will rejoice!

Some loves are not made to last . . . Like Romeo and Juliet, Heloise and Abelard were doomed from the start, and their romance was destined to pass into history. Yet when sixteen-year-old Callie Martin discovers a diary hidden within an antique book, their story—and hers—takes on another life. For the diary leads Callie to the brilliant and handsome August, who is just as mysterious as the secret the diary hides. Their attraction is undeniable. As the two hunt down the truth behind the diary—and that of Heloise and Abelard’s ancient romance—their romance becomes all-consuming. But Callie knows it can’t last . . . love never does. Will their love that burns as bright as a shooting star flame out, or will these star-crossed lovers be able to defy history?

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I am not going to lie - the first thing that attracted me to this book was the cover. But that is what awesome covers are supposed to do, right?! I love it - with the close up views and the shimmer! But then I read the synopsis and thought - hey I like Rome and Juliet (despite the tragedy) and I loved The Time Travelers Wife (tear-jerker much?!) so I just might love this one too!  It sounds like a good YA romance with some twists. I just can't resist star-crossed lovers

 

Also, did you know that Penguin is giving away a copy of this book right now on Goodreads?  Go here for more details! The giveaway ends on  Dec 20th.

 

Top Ten Books on Scoot's TBR List for Winter

First up - what exactly counts as winter?? Growing up in Texas has given me a sketchy idea on seasons, so I had to google it.Winter is supposedly from December 22 - March 20th this year. So let's go with any books released before or during that window of time.  Out of almost 600 books on my TBR list it is a little tough to choose a top ten... but here is my best effort (in no particular order)!

1. Inheritance by Christopher Paolini - I really need to finish off this series!! I have this book sitting on my shelves at home, but I can't remember much of the back story because it is has been so long since the last book came out. I might have to start the series over to appreciate this last novel. I just don't know if I am up for that...

2. The Savage Grace by Bree Despain (published March 13, 2012) - Cliffhanger ending much??!! I have been waiting for this one since I turned the last page on The Lost Saint. These books are just absorbing and I can't wait!

3. Forgiven by Jana Oliver (published February 28, 2012) - I REALLY want this one now, but I can be patient. Sort of. The Demon Trappers series has been such a pleasant surprise.  I really love it and can't wait for this conclusion to the trilogy. Unless it turns out to be more... *crossingfingersforafourthbook*

4. Incarnate by Jodi Meadows - I have an eArc of this one now! Wahoo! I just go it and can't wait to start.  It has been a long time since I have read any reincarnation plots and think this one sounds great. I have heard nothing but good things so far.

5. A Million Suns by Beth Revis (published January 10, 2012) - Duh! Who isn't waiting for this one. I need more Amy and Elder! I am really curious to know how they deal with all of the big reveals from the last novel.  January isn't too far off..

6. Hallowed by Cynthia Hand - I have an eArc of this one now too! TUCKER. Need I say more? I will be starting this one TONIGHT.

7. The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima (no release date - just 2012) - Ok this one might not come out during "winter", but I couldn't resist including it just in case.  I love the Seven Reals series and can't wait for this one!! I want to know how it all turns out. Here's hoping for "happily ever after" and not "death and demise".

8. Forever by Maggie Stiefvater - I know, I know. This book has been out since early summer. I own it. It is taunting me, but yet I still can't get myself to read it. I think cuddling up in front of the fireplace, on my squishy couch, with a mug of hot cocoa sounds like the perfect way to read this book. I think I will save this one for the winter break.

9. Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews (out today!) - Yes, please! I love love love Ilona Andrew's edge series. They are tough to classify in a genre, but if you like your stories to have magic, lots of action, strong family bonds, romance, and well developed characters then you will love these books.  So good!

10. The Death Cure by James Dashner - Another ending to a series I have been squatting on.  I need to read this book just so I can save Thomas from the not so pleasant ending of the last book.  I know this book will have me hooked as soon as I start it, so I better leave myself lots of reading time. Here's hoping the gladers don't all die! *crossingfingersandtoes*

Ok - I couldn't do it!! I have a bonus pick.  If I can ever manage to find a reasonably priced copy of this book (local library doesn't have it, Amazon has it for $40+ used, etc..) then I really want to read this book! I finished the first one a couple of weeks ago and really enjoyed it. So my #11 is...

11. Silksinger (Dreamdark #2) by Laini Taylor (I find myself loving all things Laini Taylor. Have you read Daughter of Smoke and Bone yet? If not, GO DO IT.)

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish where they post a weekly list of Top Tens.  Go here for more details!

11/29/11 Book Birthdays & Deals!

Book Birthdays!

Legend by Marie Lu
"What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills."

Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews
"Audrey Callahan left behind her life in the Edge, and she's determined to stay on the straight and narrow. But when her brother gets into hot water, the former thief takes on one last heist and finds herself matching wits with a jack of all trades...

Kaldar Mar-a gambler, lawyer, thief, and spy-expects his latest assignment tracking down a stolen item to be a piece of cake, until Audrey shows up. But when the item falls into the hands of a lethal criminal, Kaldar realizes that in order to finish the job, he's going to need Audrey's help..."

I haven't had a chance to read either of these books yet, but they are both at the top of my wish-list! Can't wait to get copies and start reading. Any other books coming out today that you can't wait to get your hands on?

Book Bargains!

You can get the entire River of Time trilogy by Lisa Tawn Bergren for $7 for Kindle right now?! This series is fabulous and at this price it is a steal. I am not sure how long the deal will last, so if you are interested act now!
Waterfall  for 99c on Kindle
Cascade  for $2.99 on Kindle
Torrent for $2.99 on Kindle

If you enjoyed reading Beastly by Alex Flinn you might enjoy this 144 page addition/novella (?) called Beastly: Lindy's Diary!  It is just $3.99 on your Nook or Kindle.

Winner!

We have a winner for my Halloween Flash Giveaway!

Congrats to Dizneeee!!

Diznee will get to choose from The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver, Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon or Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl.

How was everyone's Halloween?  Mine was fun as usual!

Halloween Flash Giveaway! 12 hours only!

Happy Halloween!!

If you come knocking over at my blog today you are in for a treat!

Welcome to Scoot's 12 hour Halloween Flash Giveaway!  Fill out the form below for a chance to win one of these three haunting books:

The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver

Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

 Nothing is better than spending Halloween with some fictional demons, zombies, or ghosts...

Book Birthdays & More

There are some great book birthdays today!  I have not had a chance to read any of the book below yet, but they are all on my future to-be-reading list. Yay for new books!


 

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Crave by Melissa Darnell





 Beautiful Chaos (Beautiful Creatures #3) by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

________________________

I couldn't resist sharing some good eBook deals with you!

For Kindle:

• 100 Kindle Books for $3.99 or less... go HERE

• Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost for $1.99

• The Better Part of Darkness by Kelly Gay for $3.99

• Wizard's First Rule (The Sword of Truth) by Terry Goodkind for $2.99

For Nook:

• Unwind by Neal Shusterman for $3.99

• Sojourn by Jana Oliver is only $2.99 for the Nook!

• The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver for $2.99

• I Am Number Four: The Lost Files: Six's Legacy by Pittacus Lore for $3.99

• The Dragon Heir by Cinda Williams Chima for $4.53

• Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card $3.99

• Between the Lines by Tammara Webber for $2.99

• Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer for $3.19

• Zombies vs. Unicorns by Holly Black, Justine Larbalestier for $3.99

• Shadowland by Meg Cabot for $3.99

________________________

And last but not least...
I am sure everyone has seen it by now, but just in case you missed it, The Savage Grace has a cover! I can't wait for this book.

The Savage Grace
(The Dark Divine #3)

by Bree Despain

"A troubled soul. An impossible choice. A final battle.

Wrestling with the werewolf curse pulsing deep inside of her, Grace Divine was finally able to find her brother, but it nearly cost her everything.

With her boyfriend, Daniel, stuck in wolf form and Sirhan's death approaching, time is running out for Grace to stop Caleb Kalbi and his gang of demons. If she fails, her family and hometown will perish. Everything rests on Grace's shoulders.

The final installment in The Dark Divine trilogy brings Daniel and Grace's love story to a breathtaking conclusion."

Blog Dust Bunnies

This blog is getting dusty from lack of updates!

However, I do have a few good excuses:
(Is there really such a thing as a good excuse? I mean, an excuse is an excuse.)

• Excuse #1: My work office is moving! Usually I am a day-time blogger and lately I have been way too slammed at work to have any down time for blogging.  Boo.  What? Do they expect me to work at work? Go figure.

• Excuse #2: My internet at home is broken.  BROKEN!  Eventually this will get fixed, but in the mean time we are suffering from withdrawals and are sneaking over to other people’s homes to steal their wifi.  It is tragic.

• Excuse #3: I have discovered a new hobby = Pinterest.  This website is a mixed blessing for me.  I love it because I now have millions of DIY projects to work on and recipes to try, but at the same time it has managed to steal a significant portion of my time...  and time is something I really don’t have a lot of. 

• Excuse #4: My husband just had a small break from school, which means I actually got to spend time with him! It was lovely.  We basically just shut ourselves off from the world and ignored life for a while.  I am all for doing this the rest of the year, but sadly real life keeps getting in the way. ;)

Life is all about balance.  Eventually all of the things I juggle in life will balance out again and this blog will be back up to par, but in the mean time, please don’t mind the dust!   

(Oh and I am still managing to read a bunch of books, so I have a lot of good books to share with you – as soon as I find the time to sit and write some reviews!)

In My Mailbox (26)

"In My Mailbox" is a weekly Meme hosted by The Story Siren!

This week I managed to score a handful of great book for review and from the library!
Now how do I choose what to read first?!

In My Mailbox:

 

 

For Review

The Death Cure by James Dashner

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

Touch by Jus Accardo

The Winters in Bloom by Lisa Tucker

Library

Fateful by Claudia Gray
This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel
Trial by Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes 

Vanish by Sophie Jordan

Scoot's Ramblings: Fear of the final book?

I have recently noticed myself falling into a strange unconscious reading habit.  The habit of avoiding books. Specifically the final books in a series. 


Normally I am chomping-at-the-bit, desperately-waiting-for and highly-anticipating the end of a great series. Yet when the time comes and I have the book in my hands I freak out and avoid  reading it. 

Why?! Self diagnosis has decided that I am avoiding the "final book" because I am afraid of the series ending badly! I have imagined all of my happily ever afters (or not so happily ever afters) and I don't want the authors to go and mess things up for me.  I am not a fan of being dissapointed (who is?) and with so many other great books on my plate I find it way to easy to just grab another novel and avoid those final books. 

Here are a handful of "final books" that I have avoided recently:


Forever by Maggie Stiefvater: Seriously?? I was waiting on this one for ages and I love the other two books. Why have I not read this yet?  The pre-ordered eBook has been waiting on my Nook for ages. 








Goliath by Scott Westerfeld: Another pre-ordered Nook book waiting on me, AND I even had an eARC!?  I love, love, LOVE this series and can't wait to know what happens... and yet I am avoiding. I am going to read it this weekend. No more waiting.








The Death Cure by James Dashner: Well I haven't been avoiding this one too long, the ARC just showed up in the mail this week. But still, I should have been up all night to find out what happens to Thomas and all of the gladers! 








The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa: Ok, I have had access to the eARC of this book for ages and yet it is still waiting.  At this rate the book will be published before I stop avoiding the eARC. Who could resist reading more about Ash & Puck? Apparently me. 

  

Are you ever afraid to end a great series? 

Are there certain books you find yourself unconsciously avoiding? 

Bitterblue Cover and Release Date!

Finally! We have a cover and release date for the companion novel to Graceling and Fire! Kristine Cashore announced it on her blog here.

I love both of the previous books and have been waiting ages for Bitterblue.  It is great to know the wait is not too much longer!
 
Bitterblue will be released on May 1, 2012 in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand... etc!

Publisher's weekly shared some details about the novel below...

"The novel, which has an announced first printing of 200,000 copies and clocks in at a hefty 576 pages, picks up eight years after Graceling,with Bitterblue now 18 and the reigning queen of Monsea. Cashore says the story constitutes more of a companion than a strict sequel. Graceling fans, however, will likely be thrilled to learn that the heroine of that book – the different-colored-eyed Katsa – returns in Bitterblue, as does her lover, Po.

Other characters from Graceling appear, too, most notably (and unavoidably, since he is Bitterblue’s father), the nefarious King Leck, the only character who appears in both Graceling and Fire." (source)

576 pages and it has Katsa and Po in it!! Yay! This book is at the top of my pre-order list for next year. Can't wait!

 

Waiting On Wednesday (48): The Future of Us

Time for the"Waiting On Wednesday" weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Waiting on Wednesday spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating!

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

The Future of Us

by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

To be Published:  November 21st 2011 by Razorbil

 

It's 1996, and less than half of all American high school students have ever used the Internet.

Emma just got her first computer and an America Online CD-ROM.

Josh is her best friend. They power up and log on--and discover themselves on Facebook, fifteen years in the future.

Everybody wonders what their Destiny will be. Josh and Emma are about to find out.

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I have had my eye on this book for a while.  I think the synopsis sounds intriguing and it has relatively good reviews on the advance copies.  I have never read anything by either author, but I am willing to give them a try! I remember well the first days of AOL dial up, so this should be an interesting flash back book for me. Lucky for us this book comes out in November, so the wait isn't too much longer.

What book are YOU waiting on?

 

Airborn

Author: Kenneth Oppel
Genre: Mid-grade to Young-Adult – Historical Fiction & Adventure
Publication Date: May 1st 2004
Publisher: Eos/Harper Collins
Age Range: 12+
Pages: 355
Date Scoot Read: September 2011
Source: Hardcover Library Book

Scoot's Rating: 10 – Amazing! Loved it. Read it now!

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Sailing toward dawn, and I was perched atop the crow's nest, being the ship's eyes. We were two nights out of Sydney, and there'd been no weather to speak of so far. I was keeping watch on a dark stack of nimbus clouds off to the northwest, but we were leaving it far behind, and it looked to be smooth going all the way back to Lionsgate City. Like riding a cloud. . . .

Matt Cruse is a cabin boy on the Aurora, a huge airship that sails hundreds of feet above the ocean, ferrying wealthy passengers from city to city. It is the life Matt's always wanted; convinced he's lighter than air, he imagines himself as buoyant as the hydrium gas that powers his ship. One night he meets a dying balloonist who speaks of beautiful creatures drifting through the skies. It is only after Matt meets the balloonist's granddaughter that he realizes that the man's ravings may, in fact, have been true, and that the creatures are completely real and utterly mysterious.

In a swashbuckling adventure reminiscent of Jules Verne and Robert Louis Stevenson, Kenneth Oppel, author of the best-selling Silverwing trilogy, creates an imagined world in which the air is populated by transcontinental voyagers, pirates, and beings never before dreamed of by the humans who sail the skies.

Scoot’s Review:

In Airborn we join Matt Cruse - a boy who was literally born in the air.  Becoming an airship captain someday is Matt’s ultimate dream, and sailing on the Aurora is his path to get there.  In a twist of fate Matt crosses paths with Kate de Vries and is quickly pulled into a sky-high adventure; where the risks could cost the lives of all of those aboard the Aurora. I love, love, loved this book.  Airborn had all of the right elements for me; strong characters, action, adventure, wit, humor, emotional depth, and a touch of romance.  The writing style comfortably portrayed the mannerisms of the time period and you felt pulled into history.   The alternate world filled with airships was fascinating, as were the new species portrayed.  I wouldn’t necessarily put this novel in the steampunk category but it had that feel to it, and I am a sucker for steampunk novels! The plot flowed well and the story line was absorbing; you were quick to become emotionally involved with the characters and events.  The main characters were well developed and likeable. Matt was an easy favorite and a great lead character.  He was loyal, brave and witty and I enjoyed the book being written from his point of view.  I loved his sarcastic internal dialogue!  Matt had hidden layers and as the reader you learned more about him throughout the novel.  The story was adventurous and well paced.  Yet, the novel wasn’t all fun and games, there were a few harrowing moments and some tragedy.  Airborn could easily be a stand alone novel with its well rounded conclusion. However, I was so glad to know there were more books because I was not ready to let go of the story.  Lucky for me this series isn’t brand new, so I have already had the chance to read the next two novels.  Needless to say I thoroughly enjoyed Airborn and was satisfied with the novel overall.  If you enjoy a good midgrade to early young-adult action and adventure story be sure to put this one at the top of your list! 

Ashfall (ARC)

Author: Mike Mullin
Genre: Young Adult – Apocalyptic/Adventure/Dystopian
Publication Date: October 11th 2011
Publisher: Tanglewood Press
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages:  466
Date Scoot Read: April 2011
Source: eGalley from Netgalley and Tanglewood Press

Scoot's Rating: 8- Really good!

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Under the bubbling hot springs and geysers of Yellowstone National Park is a supervolcano. Most people don't know it's there. The caldera is so large that it can only be seen from a plane or satellite. It just could be overdue for an eruption, which would change the landscape and climate of our planet.

Ashfall is the story of Alex, a teenage boy left alone for the weekend while his parents visit relatives. When the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts unexpectedly, Alex is determined to reach his parents. He must travel over a hundred miles in a landscape transformed by a foot of ash and the destruction of every modern convenience that he has ever known, and through a new world in which disaster has brought out both the best and worst in people desperate for food, water, and warmth. With a combination of nonstop action, a little romance, and very real science, this is a story that is difficult to stop reading and even more difficult to forget.

Scoot’s Review:
Alex is your average teenager – just wanting to have fun and trying to avoid spending too much time being stuck on boring family vacations.  After convincing his parents that he can stay home alone for the weekend Alex is enjoying his solitude when suddenly his world falls apart – literally.  Alex doesn’t know it, but the Yellowstone super volcano has erupted and the world is in turmoil.  Trying to survive in a world covered in Ash, Alex has to strain his mind and body in ways he never has before.  Alex is determined to find his family and his road to survival is dark and dangerous.  This was an action packed apocalyptic story and I enjoyed it.  The story never dragged, was fast paced and had an intense plot. There are a lot of elements that I really loved in this book, and at the same time there were things that just didn’t click for me. I liked Alex; he was a well developed character who managed to have a backbone of steel and a soft side you couldn’t resist.  He was a lead character that I enjoyed reading about.  There were quite a few traumatic events in the plot, and the story had a few heartrending moments.  Mike Mullin does not hold back and managed to portray a realistic and heartbreaking world.  One thing that felt a little off to me was the romance. Alex’s love interest just seemed harsh and I didn’t connect as well with their attraction for each other; yes they were thrown into tough situations where they bonded – but it just didn’t feel comfortably developed.  However, in retrospect even my feelings aren’t consistent on this - sometimes I loved their romance, and other times I was like... huh?  So it’s a tough one to peg down.  Things moved a little fast, but it was the end of the world as they knew it.  I did love that Alex’s love interest was older than him, because realistically what are the odds of Alex finding a girl exactly his age in that situation?  I enjoyed the realistic elements of the novel and how this is something that could potentially occur (not that I want it too! Scary!).  I thought Ashfall was a great read and it was hard to put down. I will definitely be checking out the sequel next year!  Another great disaster/apocalypse/dystopian novel to add to my collection.  Make sure to check out Ashfall when it is released in October!

Side Note: My Amazon widget doesn't seem to be working, but here is the link if you are interested in purchasing this novel. It looks like Amazon has copies on sale right now, no need to wait until October!

Top 5 Books for 2012!

This post has been inspired by Princess Bookie's Contest Craze! She currently has a Mini Challenge asking what the top 5 books are that we are looking forward to in 2012. 

Let me just tell you that making this list was HARD.  Choosing only five books when there are so many you want to read is pretty rough. Of course a couple of them were no-brainers, but then it got tough to narrow it down.

Here is my list:

(in no particular order and of course subject to change depending on my mood. *wink*)

#1 - Enshadowed by Kelly Creagh

Expected publication: August 28th 2012 by Atheneum

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

Isobel succeeds in interrupting the Toaster’s ritual and, in doing so, discovers a way to return to the dream-world. Soon, she finds herself swept up in a realm which not only holds remnants of Poe’s presence, but has also now taken on the characteristics of Varen’s innermost self. It is a dark world comprised of fear, terror, and anger.
When Isobel once more encounters Varen, she finds him changed. With his mind poisoned by the dream world, he becomes a malevolent force, bent on destroying all—even himself. Now Isobel must face a new adversary, one who also happens to be her greatest love."

Why this made my top 5 list: I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Nevermore. It was a great novel and it was long.  Lucky for me I didn't read it until recently, so I have not had to wait quite as long as everyone else who got their hands on it early.  Needless to say, waiting until next summer still seems like an awfully long time! I am sure it will be worth it!! I am anxious to know what happens next for Varen and Isobel.

#2 Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Expected publication: May 1st 2012 by HarperCollins Children's Books

"One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.
Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.
 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature."

Why this made my top 5 list: Ummm, have you read Divergent? If not, GO READ IT.  Divergent has quickly jumped up to one of my top reads ever, so of course I can't wait to read the next installment in the series.  At the same time I am a little leery of reading this novel because it is often tough for sequels to keep the momentum of the first amazing novel going.  But never fear, that won't be stopping me from attempting all forms of subterfuge to get my hands on this novel early.

 
#3 The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima

Expected publication: Fall 2012 by Hyperion Book CH

"In the fourth and final book in the Seven Realms series, the stakes grow ever higher as a series of murders raise tensions between the Wizard Council and Spirit Clans to a fever pitch. With treachery on every side, Han and Raisa struggle to fend off threats from ambitious neighbors while keeping the queendom from imploding from within."

Why this made my top 5 list:  I have LOVED the entire Seven Realms series.  I thoroughly enjoyed the first novel and each book since has been just as good! I REALLY want this book and am not looking forward to the long wait.  I am going to be sad when this book is over because it is the last one. Boo! Here's hoping we can convince Cinda to write a couple more for us! *ithinkicanithinkicanithinkican*

#4 The Savage Grace by Bree Despain

Expected publication: March 13th 2012 by EgmontUSA

Why this made my top 5 list:  This book doesn't have a synopsis yet, or a cover... but let's just say that with the cliffhanger ending of The Lost Saint I am highly anticipating this novel.  I can't wait to get my hands on it!!  Is it March yet?

#5 Unwholly by Neal Shusterman

Expected publication: September 2012

Sequel to "Unwind"

Why this made my top 5 list: Can I repeat; "Sequel to "Unwind."'  Holy cow I am excited about this book! I read Unwind years ago - and it instantly became of my favorite reads ever.  I also think this might have been the first real Dystopian that I read.  Maybe? Not sure, but either way I loved it and have wanted MORE ever since.  I can't wait to hear what this book will be about - let's hope that we get a little more Connor, Risa and Lev in it.  Also, did you hear they are making an Unwind movie?  I might be in my 30s before that happens, but still, yay!

Waiting On Wednesday (47): Insurgent

Time for the"Waiting On Wednesday" weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Waiting on Wednesday spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating!

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Insurgent

by Veronica Roth

To be Published: May 28th 2012 by HarperCollins

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

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

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The sequel to Divergent. Need I say more??  Holy cow -  May of NEXT YEAR is a really long time to wait. *mustbepatient*

What book are YOU waiting on?