2013 TBR Pile Challenge!

Roof Beam Reader is hosting the 2013 TBR Pile Challenge!


All book bloggers know; no matter how many books you can read in a day-month-year there are always more waiting on your shelf to be read. And lets be honest, the pile of waiting books is HUGE. There are so many gems in there waiting for you, but sadly they are only collecting dust on the shelf. This challenge is to get readers to go back to their old piles and get caught up on books they have set aside to read later.

The Ultimate Goal: To finally read 12 books from your “to be read” pile in 2013.

Basic Rules: Each of these 12 books must have been on your bookshelf for AT LEAST one full year (meaning it cannot have a publication date of 1/1/2012 or later).

MY TBR PILE

(and this is just the tip of the iceberg!)

1. The Iron Thorn (Iron Codex #1) by Caitlin Kittredge

2. The Eye of the Dragon by Stephen King

3. Once (Once #1) by Morris Gleitzman

4. Ophelia by Lisa M. Klein

5. Life of Pi by Yann Martel

6. The Crow (Pellinor #3) by Alison Croggon

7. Crusade (Crusade #1) by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguié

8. Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley

9. The Gunslinger (The Dark Tower, #1) by Stephen King

10. This Dark Endeavor (The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein #1) by Kenneth Oppel

11. A Spy in the House (The Agency #1) by Y.S. Lee

12. Hush Money (Talent Chronicles #1) by Susan Bischoff

Alternates:

1. Pathfinder (Pathfinder #1) by Orson Scott Card

2. The Lost Hero (Heroes of Olympus #1) by Rick Riordan

If you have a huge back-up pile and this sounds like something you would like to do, join us HERE!

Merry Christmas!!

"Do give books – religious or otherwise – for Christmas. They’re never fattening, seldom sinful, and permanently personal.”  -Lenore Hershey

"My first copies of Treasure Island and Huckleberry Finn still have some blue-spruce needles scattered in the pages. They smell of Christmas still.”

-Charlton Heston

Mini Reviews: Evernight & Raised by Wolves

Mini Reviews are short reviews (more like opinions!) of books I have read and wanted to share with you. I will describe in a few fragmented sentences my thoughts on the book. I may or may not ever post full reviews of any of these books. So in the mean time, Enjoy!

Evernight by Claudia Gray

Genre: Young Adult - Paranormal
Publication Date: February 10th 2009
Publisher: HarperTeen

“She's been uprooted from her small hometown and enrolled at Evernight Academy, an eerie Gothic boarding school where the students are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek, and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.

Then she meets Lucas. He's not the "Evernight type" either, and he likes it that way. Lucas ignores the rules, stands up to the snobs, and warns Bianca to be careful—even when it comes to caring about him.

"I couldn't stand it if they took it out on you," he tells Bianca, "and eventually they would."

But the connection between Bianca and Lucas can't be denied. Bianca will risk anything to be with Lucas, but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart . . . and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed.”

Scoot’s Thoughts: I read this book right after reading a complex adult novel, so the writing style seemed really simple – but I still enjoyed it. The plot flowed well and had a couple of twists that I didn’t see coming AT ALL, so that was fun. It was a good start to a series, because I for sure want to read the rest to find out what happens next. This is not a stand alone novel; the overall story was not completed. And, YAY - the romance wasn’t instant and that always makes me happy.

Notable Quotable:

“Self-knowledge is better than self-control any day," Raquel said firmly. "And I know myself well enough to know how I act around cookies.”
― Claudia Gray, Evernight

Grade:

 

Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Genre: Young Adult – Fantasy/Paranormal
Publication Date: June 8th 2010
Publisher: EgmontUSA

"Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two.

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.

But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?"

Scoot’s Thoughts: This story was more complex than I expected. Bronwyn Alessia St. Vincent Clare – aka – Bryn is our lead character. She is a strong lead and not submissive, which is a huge PLUS when it comes to werewolves and their dominance issues. With strong supporting characters that were well developed and lots of fast paced action this was a great read. I loved the Chase/Bryn element – their connection was strong and basically instant, but the ‘insta-lurve’ defied my objections due to a few well placed plot elements. The writing style was a little different; a little stuttered & staccato on occasion but you get used to it. I was satisfied with ending, and it left a strong platform for future novels. Lucky for new readers the next two books are already out and ready for devouring!

Notable Quotable:

“Bryn, when you were six years old, you tried to bungee jump off a jungle gym by connecting the straps of your overalls to the bars with your shoelaces. Caution has never been your strong suit.”

― Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Raised by Wolves

Grade:

Midwinter's Eve Hop - Burn for Burn Giveaway!

Heat things up this winter with  

Burn for Burn  

by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

Enter the Rafflecopter below to win! 

(must be over 13 and have valid US mailing address)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to check out the other giveaways in the hop here:

Mini Reviews: Incarceron & Witchlanders

Mini Reviews are short reviews (more like opinions!) of books I have read and wanted to share with you. I will describe in a few frequently-fragmented sentences my thoughts on the books. I may not ever post a full length reviews of these books. So in the mean time, Enjoy!

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

Genre: Young Adult - FantasyPublication Date: May 3rd 2007Publisher: Hodder Children's Books

“Incarceron -- a futuristic prison, sealed from view, where the descendants of the original prisoners live in a dark world torn by rivalry and savagery. It is a terrifying mix of high technology -- a living building which pervades the novel as an ever-watchful, ever-vengeful character, and a typical medieval torture chamber -- chains, great halls, dungeons. A young prisoner, Finn, has haunting visions of an earlier life, and cannot believe he was born here and has always been here. In the outer world, Claudia, daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, is trapped in her own form of prison -- a futuristic world constructed beautifully to look like a past era, an imminent marriage she dreads. She knows nothing of Incarceron, except that it exists. But there comes a moment when Finn, inside Incarceron, and Claudia, outside, simultaneously find a device -- a crystal key, through which they can talk to each other. And so the plan for Finn's escape is born ...”

Scoot’s Thoughts: This story was a good read with a really twisty plot. I enjoyed it and was busy trying to solve the mystery of Incarceron (where was it???) the whole time. The story had a few unexpected twists and I really liked the character Finn. I didn’t like Claudia very much; she came off as really uncaring - but I think her actions were mostly related to her upbringing. The story is a good read that leaves you curious (but not dying) for the next book.

Notable Quotable:

“If it means my death, I don't care, because even death will be a sort of freedom.”
                    - Catherine Fisher, Incarceron

Grade: 

Check it out on Goodreads, B&N or Amazon!




Witchlanders by Lena Coakley

Genre: Young Adult - FantasyPublication Date: August 30th 2011Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

“High in their mountain covens, red witches pray to the Goddess, protecting the Witchlands by throwing the bones and foretelling the future.

It’s all a fake.

At least, that’s what Ryder thinks. He doubts the witches really deserve their tithes—one quarter of all the crops his village can produce. And even if they can predict the future, what danger is there to foretell, now that his people’s old enemy, the Baen, has been defeated?

But when a terrifying new magic threatens both his village and the coven, Ryder must confront the beautiful and silent witch who holds all the secrets. Everything he’s ever believed about witches, the Baen, magic and about himself will change, when he discovers that the prophecies he’s always scorned—

Are about him.”

Scoot’s Thoughts: This is a unique high fantasy tale in a world where war has separated Witchlanders (dark skin, light hair and eyes) and the Baen (light skin, dark hair and eyes). The story really revolves around Ryder, a young Witchland farmer trying to support his family after his dad’s early death and Falpian, a Baen mourning the loss of his twin and his lack of magical ability. The two boys are destined to meet and work magic together, which basically = a bromance. This was a good read with adventure, mysteries, and magic with an ending that leaves things open for more. However, as it stands now I don’t see anything about a sequel being written.

Notable Quotable:

“An assassin's first murder is himself. He kills the man he was.”
              - Lena Coakley, Witchlanders

Grade:

Check it out on Goodreads, B&N or Amazon!

2012's Top 12 Books on 12/12/12!!

I have read 73 books so far this year.  And I want to share with you what I feel the top twelve books are.  Now these are only twelve books chosen out of what I have read, not necessarily what has been published this year.  I might read something tomorrow that bumps one of these off the list.  But for now... here are my Top 12 Books for 2012!!

1. The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

Check it out on Goodreads!

This book was amazing and the series just continues to get better and better.  I actually read all the books in the series this year and I loved them.  If you haven't had a chance to read The Thief be sure to grab yourself a copy ASAP. So good!

2. The Grave Robber's Apprentice by Allan Stratton

Check it out on Goodreads!

This mid-grade read was fabulous.  A great story overall!

3. Ward Against Death by Melanie Card

Check it out on Goodreads!

I really enjoyed this YA/Adult crossover.  I can't wait to find out what happens next for Ward!

4. The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda

Check it out on Goodreads!

This book took me by surprise; I really enjoyed it. The plot was very action-packed and had enough twists in it to keep me on my toes.

5. A Million Suns by Beth Revis

Check it out on Goodreads!

Duh! I was really happy to read the second installment in this series... now I am just anxiously waiting for the third one.

6. The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Check it out on Goodreads!

A fabulous start to a new series by Julie! I have loved all of her books, but I think this one is her best. Go get a copy of it!

7. The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Check it out on Goodreads!

Love love loved it! Can't wait for more.

8. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Check it out on Goodreads!

A rare adult novel read for me, and I was pleasantly surprised.  A great in depth novel with plenty of plot to sink your teeth into.  I haven't had a chance to read it's sequel yet but I will surely be checking it out soon.

9. Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Check it out on Goodreads!

One of my most highly-anticipated novels to read this year and I wasn't let down!! Veronica did a great job continuing Tris' story.

10. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Check it out on Goodreads!

This one made me cry.  Enough said.

 

11. Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Check it out on Goodreads!

I loved this! Such a fun twist on the Cinderella tale and I definitely want more! I can't wait.

12. The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima

Check it out on Goodreads!

As sad as I am to see this series ending, I LOVED this book!  I was totally content with how the story wrapped up (even though I definitely wouldn't complain about a few more books! Spinnoffs??).  If you haven't started Cinda's Seven Realms series go get the first book NOW.

What are your Top 12 for 2012??

Waiting on Wednesday (61): Scent of Magic & Frost Burned

Time for "Waiting On Wednesday" weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine! Waiting on Wednesday spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating! 

 

  Coming Soon...

 

Scent of Magic (Healer #2) by Maria V. Snyder

To Be Published: December 18th 2012 by Harlequin MIRA

 

"Hunted, Killed—Survived?

As the last Healer in the Fifteen Realms, Avry of Kazan is in a unique position: in the minds of her friends and foes alike, she no longer exists. Despite her need to prevent the megalomanical King Tohon from winning control of the Realms, Avry is also determined to find her sister and repair their estrangement. And she must do it alone, as Kerrick, her partner and sole confident, returns to Alga to summon his country into battle.

Though she should be in hiding, Avry will do whatever she can to support Tohon’s opponents. Including infiltrating a holy army, evading magic sniffers, teaching forest skills to soldiers and figuring out how to stop Tohon’s most horrible creations yet; an army of the walking dead—human and animal alike and nearly impossible to defeat.

War is coming and Avry is alone. Unless she figures out how to do the impossible ... again."

 

My Ramblings on Scent of Magic: If the author is Maria V. Snyder just know that I will be reading it.  I have loved all of her books so far and I am looking forward to finding out what happens next for Avry in the Healer series! If you haven't read anything by Maria V. Snyder yet - go do it!! I recommend starting with her poison series. It is the best!

 

 

 Waiting for the long haul...

Frost Burned (Mercy Thompson #7) by Patricia Briggs

To Be Published:  March 5th 2013 by Orbit

 

"Shapeshifter Mercy Thompson's life is calming down, at least enough that she can focus on mundane matters like Black Friday sales. But on her return, Mercy is unable to contact her mate, Alpha Adam Hauptman, or the other members of their pack. All she knows is that Adam is angry and in pain. With the werewolves fighting a political battle to gain acceptance from the public, Mercy fears Adam's disappearance may be related - and that he and the pack are in serious danger. Outclassed and on her own, Mercy may be forced to seek assistance from the most unlikely of allies: the vampire seethe."

 

My Ramblings on Frost Burned: Another Mercy Thompson novel? YES PLEASE.  I love this entire series and I am always happy to soak up another novel in Mercy's world.  It's a bit of a wait until March, but I am sure it will be worth it!  

The Summer I Became A Nerd Cover Reveal!

On the outside, seventeen-year-old Madelyne Summers looks like your typical blond cheerleader—perky, popular, and dating the star quarterback. But inside, Maddie spends more time agonizing over what will happen in the next issue of her favorite comic book than planning pep rallies with her squad. That she’s a nerd hiding in a popular girl's body isn’t just unknown, it's anti-known. And she needs to keep it that way.

Summer is the only time Maddie lets her real self out to play, but when she slips up and the adorkable guy behind the local comic shop’s counter uncovers her secret, she’s busted. Before she can shake a pom-pom, Maddie’s whisked into Logan’s world of comic conventions, live-action role-playing, and first-person-shooter video games. And she loves it. But the more she denies who she really is, the deeper her lies become…and the more she risks losing Logan forever.

Check it out on Goodreads!
Pick up a copy on Amazon or Barnes & Noble!


About the Author...

Leah Rae Miller

Born and raised in northern Louisiana, Leah Rae Miller still lives there on a windy hill with her husband and kids. She loves comic books, lava lamps, fuzzy socks, and Cherry Coke. She spends most of her days reading things she likes and writing things she hopes other people will like.
Leah's Twitter
Leah's Website/Blog


Be sure to check out Leah's wesbite to participate in a Marked-to-Read contest on Goodreads in the weeks leading up to THE SUMMER I BECAME A NERD's release on May 7, 2013!

Long time no blog...

Hello Book World!  It has been so long since I have come to visit you.  Needless to say real life took over for a few months and my blogging hobby had to go on the back-burner.  However, now things are settling back down and my free time has opened up again.  So I am back!

Even though I wasn't writing reviews I still managed to read a few books while on my non-book-blogging-sabbatical and I hope to get at least mini-reviews posted of them ASAP.

I might also have a giveaway at the end of the week just to spice things up.

So what amazing reads have I missed out on in the last three months... anything I need to go buy right now?!

Forgiven

Forgiven by Jana Oliver
 

Genre: Young Adult – Urban Fantasy
Publication Date: March 27, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages: 354
Book Source: ARC from publisher for review
 

Synopsis (via Goodreads):
Jana Oliver's third spellbinding Demon Trappers novel - following The Demon Trapper's Daughter and Soul Thief - brings all new thrills, as Riley Blackthorne takes on demons, love... and the future of the human race.

The days are growing darker for 17-year-old demon trapper Riley Blackthorne. With her father’s reanimated body back safely, Beck barely speaking to her because of a certain hunky Fallen angel, and a freshly-made deal with Lucifer, she has enough on her hands to last a normal teenage lifetime. Though she bargained with Heaven to save his life, her ex-boyfriend Simon has told the Vatican’s Demon Hunters that she’s working with Hell. So now she’s in hiding, at the top of everyone’s most-wanted list.

But it’s becoming clear that this is bigger than Riley, and rapidly getting out of control:  something sinister is happening in Atlanta… or someone. The demons are working together for the first time ever and refusing to die, putting civilians in harm’s way. Riley thinks she might know who’s behind it all, but who’s going to believe her? Caught between her bargain with Heaven and her promise to Lucifer, Riley fears the final war is coming – and it may be closer than anyone thinks…

Scoot’s Review:

I love this series. Forgiven has been on my wish-list since I closed the final pages on Soul Thief.  So needless to say I was thrilled to receive a copy for review from the publisher.  Sadly I was a little disappointed with this novel in comparison to the first two, but overall I still enjoyed it.  I found myself simultaneously loving this book and being extremely frustrated with it.  I was frustrated because some characters just keep falling into the same patterns of behavior over and over. Argh.  However, I loved it because the plot continued to move forward and a lot of big things happen in this novel. We are brought straight into the action, with the novel starting right where Soul Thief left off.  We learn a lot of things in this novel, almost all of our questions are answered.  In fact there was so much going on that the story did seem a little choppy at times and I would find myself occasionally lost in the plot. The pace of the story was great – it was fast moving and never stagnant.  I don’t want to say too much to avoid spoilers but there was progress in the romance area of the novel; both exhilarating and devastating!  Of course I am really looking forward to the fourth novel and I can’t wait to find out what will happen now.  If you have read the first two books in the series you will definitely want to continue with this one and then join me in the waiting game for the last novel, Foretold! 

Notable Quotable:

“Don't start,” he warned.
“What?” she said, grinning. “I'm sure all the big, bad trappers have a bun-bun in their houses.”
                        ― Jana Oliver, Forgiven

Grade: