Book Birthdays: Aug 30, 2011

There are a lot of awesome books being released today .... 

 

Happy Book Birthday to:

The Hour of Dust and Ashes by Kelly Gay

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Witchlanders by Lena Coakley

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima

Hades by Alexandra Adornetto

Twisted by Gena Showalter

The Fox Inheritance by Mary E. Perason

Soul Thief by Jana Oliver

One Grave at a Time by Jeaniene Frost

Are there any books that I missed? If so, leave them in the comments!

Scoot = Lazy ... and a Freebie!

It has been an I-am-a-lazy-blogger week for me. Too lazy to write reviews, Too lazy to be creative, etc, etc..

Regardless, I couldn't resist sharing a couple of things with you:

1. REMINDER: Don't forget that I still have a giveaway going on!  There is one more week to enter to win one of seven of my favorite blog-found reads!! GO HERE FOR DETAILS 


2. A FREEBIE!: Did you know that you can pre-order Bright Young Things (with Bonus Material) by Anna Godbersen for free right now on your Kindle? Not sure how long this will last so go HERE quick!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Waiting On Wednesday (45): The Rift Walker

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 Rift Walker: Vampire Empire 2
by Clay and Susan Griffith

To be Published: September 20th 2011 by Prometheus Books

Princess Adele struggles with a life of marriage and obligation as her Equatorian Empire and their American Republic allies stand on the brink of war against the vampire clans of the north. However, the alliance's horrific strategy for total victory drives Adele to abandon her duty and embark on a desperate quest to keep her nation from staining its hands with genocide. Reunited with her great love, the mysterious adventurer known to the world as the Greyfriar, Adele is pursued by her own people as well as her vengeful husband, senator Clark. With the human alliance in disarrray, Prince Cesare, lord of the British vampire clan, seizes the initiative and strikes at the very heart of Equatoria.

As Adele labors to bring order to her world, she learns more about the strange powers she exhibited in the north. Her teacher, Mamoru, leads a secret cabal of geomancers who believe Adele is the one who can touch the vast power of the Earth that surges through ley lines and wells up at the rifts where the lines meet. These energies are the key to defeating the enemy of mankind, and if Princess Adele could ever bring this power under her command, she could be death to vampires. But such a victory will also cost the life of Adele's beloved Greyfriar.

The Rift Walkeris the second book in a trilogy of high adventure and alternative history. Combining rousing pulp action with steampunk style, the Vampire Empire series brings epic politcal themes to life within a story of heartbreaking romance, sacrifice, and heroism.

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I read Greyfriar earlier this summer and really enjoyed it! I was a sucker for the mix of steampunk, vampires and the 'beauty and the beast' like tale.  I am looking forward to finding out what happens next!  Lucky for me I only have to wait about one more month.

What book are YOU waiting on?

The Gray Wolf Throne: Seven Realms 3 (ARC)

Author: Cinda Williams Chima
Genre : Young Adult – Fantasy
Publication Date : August 30th 2011
Publisher:  Hyperion Book
Age Range : Young Adult
Pages :  528
Date Scoot Read: April 2011
Source: eGalley from Netgalley and Disney Hyperion

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

Synopsis (via Goodreads):
Han Alister thought he had already lost everyone he loved. But when he finds his friend Rebecca Morley near death in the Spirit Mountains, Han knows that nothing matters more than saving her. The costs of his efforts are steep, but nothing can prepare him for what he soon discovers: the beautiful, mysterious girl he knew as Rebecca is none other than Raisa ana’Marianna, heir to the Queendom of the Fells. Han is hurt and betrayed. He knows he has no future with a blueblood. And, as far as he’s concerned, the princess’s family killed his own mother and sister. But if Han is to fulfill his end of an old bargain, he must do everything in his power to see Raisa crowned queen.

Meanwhile, some people will stop at nothing to prevent Raisa from ascending. With each attempt on her life, she wonders how long it will be before her enemies succeed. Her heart tells her that the thief-turned-wizard Han Alister can be trusted. She wants to believe it—he’s saved her life more than once. But with danger coming at her from every direction, Raisa can only rely on her wits and her iron-hard will to survive—and even that might not be enough.

The Gray Wolf Throne is an epic tale of fierce loyalty, unbearable sacrifice, and the heartless hand of fate.

Scoot’s Review:
If you have read my previous reviews on the Seven Realms series, you will know that I am a huge fan of it.  I was thrilled to have an advanced copy of The Gray Wolf Throne on hand; however, I am now cursed with an even longer wait for the next addition to the series! The Gray Wolf Throne did not disappoint.  Picking up the story soon after events in The Exiled Queen we join Raisa and Han on their different journeys; Raisa trying to find her way to safety or home, and Han trying to find Raisa - while still fulfilling his commitments to the many masters of his life.  The pace and plot of the story are fast and intriguing.  The story has quite a few heartrending moments, and it takes on you on an emotional roller coaster. This is one of those series that just hooks you in from the start and keep you anxiously turning the pages until the end.  I love it!  In The Gray Wolf Throne truths are revealed, betrayals abound and hearts are broken and strengthened.  In this story filled with tragedy and intrigue the only complaint I have is that there weren’t more times with Han and Raisa together. Or just more time with Han.  This novel is a lot more Raisa-centric, and she in some ways is a little more flimsy of a character.  Raisa continues to develop, but her waffling in the romantic areas of her life did become a frustration. Regardless, this novel was a great adventure and I can’t wait to find out what happens next! If you haven’t started this series yet, go get started on it - and if you have - make sure to pick up The Gray Wolf Throne on August 30^th! You won’t be disappointed.

Impromptu Read-A-Thon

Sure, Why not?

This weekend the husband and I are going on a 'staycation'.  We are basically just going to be staying at a hotel in town and hiding out for the weekend (a much needed escape from the drama of normal life). Usually I wouldn't get any extra time for reading on a weekend like that, but it turns out that the hubs now has to go in to work for a chunk of the day on Saturday... so it looks like I will have lots of reading time to spare.  

What better way to fill that time than joining Amber on her Impromptu Read-A-Thon?! 

Here is what I hope to read:

Witchlanders by Lena Coakley

(Only have about 40 pages left until this one will be done)

Goliath by Scott Westerfeld

(Holy crap - I am sooo excited about this book and dreading it at the same time.  Last books always scare me, but I love this series!)

Ward Against Death by Melanie Card

(I have this one from Netgalley and can't wait to get started on it. It sounds intriguing!)

 Wish me luck!

Maggie wows us again...

As usual Maggie Stiefvater has managed to make something awesome.  This something is a book trailer for her soon to be released novel, The Scorpio Races.  I loved Maggie's book trailers for the Mercy Falls trilogy, so of course I was really excited to see this one.  It is amazing as usual! I can't wait to get my hands on this book!

Also, did you know that you can pre-order a "signed, doodled in copy" of The Scorpio Races HERE??  I might just have to do that. Like right now.

Variety is the spice of life..

In case you were wondering what was up with my new look ...

I found a nifty free template today and decided to do a little blog makeover!  This is what happens when you are bored at work.  *wink*

I am not quite sure how I feel about it... so don't be too shocked if you come back here and my blog is back to it's old look.  One of these days I will either fork over the money for something custom or I will force my artistic brother to create something for me.  In the mean time, enjoy!

Waiting On Wednesday (44): The Slayer Chronicles

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 Slayer Chronicles: First Kill by Heather Brewer

To be Published: September 20th 2011 by Dutton Juvenile

You've heard Vlad's side of the story . . . now, it’s Joss’s turn.

With over a million copies already in print, The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod is still sinking its fangs into new readers every day. Now, bestselling author Heather Brewer brings us the other side of the story, from the perspective of Vlad’s former friend turned mortal enemy: vampire slayer Joss Macmillan. In five books that can be read alongside Vlad Tod or entirely on their own, Joss discovers his powers as the youngest, strongest slayer in history. And just in time, too: with all the vampires running rampant, he’s going to need all the help he can get. This action-packed series will quench the thirst of even the hungriest veteran minions.

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 It has been a long time since I read all of Vlad's stories, but I did enjoy that series.  I am looking forward to reading this companion series about Joss!  Not too much longer of a wait!

What book are YOU waiting on?

eBook Deals!

Now some of these deals have been out for a little bit, so you might have seen them already.  I am going to share all of them anyway because I don't want anyone to miss out!!

• Firelight by Sophie Jordan is on $1.99 on NOOK and KINDLE
•  Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren is FREE on NOOK and KINDLE 
• Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler is only $2.99 on NOOK and KINDLE
•  Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink is only $2.99 on NOOK and KINDLE
•  Viking Warrior by Judson Roberts is only $3.99 on NOOK and KINDLE

 

Also, I recently ran across this site and they have good ebook freebies and deals all of the time! Go check 'em out if you are interested!

Oh and don't forget the best deal of all - - my current giveaway!! *winkwink*

Cascade: River of Time 2

Author: Lisa T. Bergren
Genre : Young Adult – Historical Fiction/Fantasy
Publication Date : June 1st 2011
Publisher:  David C. Cook
Age Range : Young Adult
Pages :  399
Date Scoot Read: July 2011
Source: Nook eBook

Scoot's Rating : 9-  Great read! Couldn’t put it down.

Synopsis (via Goodreads) : Mom touched my underdress—a gown made six hundred years before—and her eyes widened as she rubbed the raw silk between thumb and forefinger. She turned and touched Lia’s gown. “Where did you get these clothes?”

Gabi knows she’s left her heart in the fourteenth century and she persuades Lia to help her to return, even though they know doing so will risk their very lives. When they arrive, weeks have passed and all of Siena longs to celebrate the heroines who turned the tide in the battle against Florence—while the Florentines will go to great lengths to see them dead.

But Marcello patiently awaits, and Gabi must decide if she’s willing to leave her family behind for good in order to give her heart to him forever.

Scoot’s Review:
In Cascade events pick up immediately at the end of Waterfall.  Gabi and Lia are safe and back in their own time again.  However, Gabi wants to return to Marcello and convinces Lia and her Mother to go back with her.  What was just a few minutes passing for them in the 21^st century was months passing in the fourteenth century, and the girls return to find their reputation has grown beyond their control and that battle lines have been drawn.  Their lives are in constant danger and the Betarrini sisters are torn between love, family, and time. Lucky for me I didn’t read Waterfall until the Cascade was already published, so I didn’t have to wait long to find out what was going to happen next. I literally put Waterfall down and picked Cascade right up.  It was the perfect way to start a fabulous read.  I enjoyed Cascade just as much as I enjoyed Waterfall.  The characters continued to be strong and I liked that they developed more over time.  Since there was a time leap in the fourteenth century some big changes had been made while the sisters were gone and just like Gabi, my feelings were mixed on the outcomes.  Gabi is still the lead as we follow the story from her perspective, which I was grateful for because she is such a great character.  I enjoyed her personality and strength.  The danger seemed to be ramped up even more in this novel and the girls were in the middle of a lot of tough situations.  This novel tugged a lot on the heartstrings, bringing extremes from heartbreak to joy.   The writing and story flowed well and was fast paced; I was not ready for this book to end!  The plot had a few twists I wasn’t expecting and I am anxiously looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Torrent, which comes out in September.  If you enjoyed Waterfall you should definitely grab Cascade, you will not be disappointed!

Waiting On Wednesday (43): Froi of the Exiles

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:

 

Froi of the Exiles (Lumatere Chronicles #2) by Melina Marchetta

To be Published: October 3rd 2011 by Viking Australia

Blood sings to blood …
Those born last will make the first …
For Charyn will be barren no more.

Three years after the curse on Lumatere was lifted, Froi has found his home... Or so he believes...

But when Queen Isaboe and her consort Finnikin send him on a secretive mission to the kingdom of Charyn, he encounters a damaged people who are not who they seem, a surreal royal court, and soon he must unravel both the dark bonds of kinship and the mysteries of a half-mad princess.

In this barren and mysterious place he will discover there is a song sleeping in his blood, and though Froi would rather not, the time has come to listen.

Gripping and intense, complex and richly imagined, Froi of the Exiles is a dazzling sequel to Finnikin of the Rock, from the internationally best-selling and multi-award-winning author of Looking for Alibrandi, Saving Francesca, On the Jellicoe Road and The Piper’s Son.

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 I just finished reading Finnikin of the Rock yesterday and I was under the impression that it was a stand alone novel.  Then I found this!  I was happy with Finnikin's ending, but I am excited to learn that there will be more to come! 

What book are YOU waiting on?

Waterfall

Author: Lisa Tawn Bergren
Genre: Young Adult – Historical Fiction/Fantasy
Publication Date: February 1st 2011
Publisher: David C. Cook
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages:  352
Date Scoot Read: July 2011
Source: Paperback

Scoot's Rating: 9-  Great read! Couldn’t put it down.

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Lisa Tawn Bergren's new YA series, River of Time, is romantic, historical fiction in which the plucky heroine doesn't have to fear a vampire's bite but must still fight for her life.

In Waterfall, American teenager Gabi Betarrini accidently finds herself in Fourteenth-Century Italy . . . Knights. Swords. Horses. Armor. And Italian hotties. Most American teens want an Italian vacation, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives there with their archaeologist parents. Stuck on yet another hot, dusty dig, they are bored out of their minds... until they place their hands atop handprints in an ancient tomb and find themselves catapulted into the Fourteenth Century and in the middle of a fierce battle between knights bent on killing one another.

Scoot’s Review:
When Gabi realizes that another summer is going to be spent on an archaeology site she isn’t too happy about it.  Looking for a little excitement before the boredom truly sets in Gabi convinces her sister to break the cardinal rule; to touch the ancient tomb walls.  Gabi’s life is severely thrown off course when she travels through time straight into fourteenth century Italy.   Standing out like a sore thumb in her skinny jeans and unsure of where her sister is, Gabi struggles to survive, find her sister and find her way back to the twenty-first century.  This was a fun and adventurous read.  I always seem to enjoy time travel element in stories.  There is something about taking a modern person and throwing them into the past that I find intriguing and Waterfall definitely did not disappoint.  The story was quickly paced with Gabi falling literally into a battle and it just kept going from there.  The historical elements of the story and world building around Castelo Forelli seemed realistic and accurate for the time that was being portrayed.  I really enjoyed getting a glimpse of how life was like in that time.  In addition, the character development throughout the story was good.  Gabi was a great lead character; I enjoyed her strong personality and her level head.  She was a person I could easily put my support behind and that makes a huge difference for me.   All of the characters were distinct and you wanted a chance to get to know them better; like Marcello with his serious personality and Luca with his lighthearted one.  The plot was solid and there were definitely a few moments where I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next.  The romantic elements were sweet, felt natural and were not in the shape of a triangle – yay!  Waterfall has plenty of adventure, suspense, romance and conflict to keep the reader absorbed and I highly recommend it.