Waiting on Wednesday: Article 5

 

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by the awesome Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating!

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

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren’t always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard for her to forget that people weren’t always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It’s hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.

Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.

That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings…the only boy Ember has ever loved.

(summary taken from Goodreads)

Release Date: February 14, 2011 

This is just one of those books that sounds so absolutely AMAZING that I want to jump up and down until it comes out! Dystopian has always been a fave of mine, but I don't think I've ever read one where the main character actually remembers what life before was like! :) 

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU WAITING FOR? 

-Mimi

Review: Deadly Cool

Book: Deadly Cool
Author: Gemma Halliday
Release Date: October 11, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 320
Source: purchased from bookstore
Stars: 3.5/5

Hartley Grace Featherstone is having a very bad day. First she finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her with the president of the Herbert Hoover High School Chastity Club. Then he's pegged as the #1 suspect in a murder. And if that weren't enough, now he's depending on Hartley to clear his name. Seriously? Not cool.

But as much as Hartley wouldn't mind seeing him squirm, she knows he's innocent, and she's the only one who can help him. Along with her best friend, Sam, and the school's resident Bad Boy, Chase, Hartley starts investigating on her own. But as the dead bodies begin to pile up, the mystery deepens, the suspects multiply, and Hartley begins to fear that she may be the killer's next victim.

(summary taken from Goodreads) 

MY THOUGHTS:  

I don't know what it was about this book, but it called to me from the first time I discovered it. Maybe it was the cover-girl's gorgeous eyes (SO BLUE!) or my desire to be just like Nancy Drew when I grow up, but I knew I wanted to read Deadly Cool.  

And it was so much lighter and fun-filled than I would've ever expected from a mystery! Even with the threat of unexpected deaths and trying to find the murderer, I found myself grinning constantly at Hartley's sarcasm and wit. Gemma Halliday's quirky writing style made it so easy to get absorbed in this mystery. 

Smart, hilarious, and every bit the horomonal teenage girl she was, Hartley was such a fun narrator! She was exactly the clever albeit a little reckless heroine needed in every mystery novel, and bad boy Chase (who was actually SO sweet) made the perfect sort-of sidekick. The only thing I wish is that it was a little longer so we could get more character depth, but other than that, it was great!

All in all, Deadly Cool was a quick and fun mystery novel that's sure to keep you entertained for a few hours. Definitely a one-sit read. Thank goodness this is a series, because you'll be craving for the next book as soon as the last page is turned!

BUY or BORROW?: Even if you're not into mysteries, you should definitely pick this one up! I promise it'll make you grin at least once! ;)

-Mimi

Review: Dearly, Departed

Book: Dearly, Departed
Author: Lia Habel
Release Date: October 18, 2011
Publisher: Del Rey
Pages: 368
Source: publisher
Stars: 4/5

Love can never die.

Love conquers all, so they say. But can Cupid’s arrow pierce the hearts of the living and the dead—or rather, the undead? Can a proper young Victorian lady find true love in the arms of a dashing zombie?

The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria—a high-tech nation modeled on the manners, mores, and fashions of an antique era. A teenager in high society, Nora Dearly is far more interested in military history and her country’s political unrest than in tea parties and debutante balls. But after her beloved parents die, Nora is left at the mercy of her domineering aunt, a social-climbing spendthrift who has squandered the family fortune and now plans to marry her niece off for money. For Nora, no fate could be more horrible—until she’s nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses.

But fate is just getting started with Nora. Catapulted from her world of drawing-room civility, she’s suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting “The Laz,” a fatal virus that raises the dead—and hell along with them. Hardly ideal circumstances. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and dead. But as is the case with the rest of his special undead unit, luck and modern science have enabled Bram to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there’s no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire.

In Dearly, Departed, romance meets walking-dead thriller, spawning a madly imaginative novel of rip-roaring adventure, spine-tingling suspense, and macabre comedy that forever redefines the concept of undying love.

(summary taken from Goodreads) 

MY THOUGHTS:  

I've actually never been the biggest fan of zombies before. But when I first found out that this wasn't just any zombie book — but one that took place in a futuristic world with Victorian era elements — I just had to check it out. And it was nothing short of awesome! :) 

The whole idea of mixing together so many cool elements was genius on Lia Habel's part! She incorporated cool futuristic technology with the walking dead and poofy dresses perfectly. There was something about how she built her world that made me want to live there but not at the same time.  

I'll admit that Dearly, Departed started off a little slow for me, but once the action picked up, I'm so glad I stuck with it! I adored Nora and Bram with all my heart, and how sweet and "awww!"-worthy their romance was. And even though five different first-person narratives seemed like too much at times, it helped to fill in the gaps and I really loved seeing Nora through Bram's eyes — so sweet!

PLUS: The zombies weren't all evil. Loved them!

Overall, Dearly, Departed was a great edition to the zombie, dystopian, and Victorian era genres! It was cool and original and had some absolutely HILARIOUS one-liners at the most surprising times. I can't wait to read the next book in the series! 

BUY or BORROW?: Gorgeous cover + original story + a kick-butt heroine with a gun = a book you totally want to have on your shelf! ;) 

-Mimi

In My Mailbox #9

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren, where we spotlight the books that we've received for review, swapped, or purchased that week. It's a really great idea and I'm excited to take part! :)

WON: 

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

(Thank you thank you thank you so much for sending me this, Cynthia!! And for the gorgeous bookmarks and inscription that made me smile, too!)

FOR REVIEW: 

Illuminate by Aimee Agresti 

(A HUGE thanks to Rachel and Harcourt Books for sending me this along with that really sweet letter! I'm reading this book right now, and I have to say that I'm loving it so far!)

BORROWED:

Blood Bound by Rachel Vincent 

 (It's an adult book, but I just HAD to get it because because it's Rachel and she's one of my favourite authors of all time!)

My mailbox may look pretty small this week, but every single book made me squeal with joy when I got it so I couldn't be happier! Reviews will be posted as soon as I write them! :)

WHAT'S IN YOUR MAILBOX? 

-Mimi

Review: The Scorpio Races

Book: The Scorpio Races
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Release Date: October 18, 2011
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 404
Source: bookstore
Stars: 5/5

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

(summary taken from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS:  

Guys. GUYS. Words will not describe how much I loved this book (because, unlike Maggie Stiefvater, I'm not a lyrical genius)! The Scorpio Races is definitely one of the most beautiful and breathtaking and original novels I've ever read, and I can't believe I ever had any doubts!

Maggie is such a talented writer, and she brings everything to life: the magical yet deadly water horses, the small yet beautiful island of Thisby, and just about everything else. The whole idea of the races was brilliant and perfectly executed. I didn't dislike one thing! 

And the characters — where do I even start?? The whole cast was awesome, but I just LOVED Kate (nicknamed Puck) with her short temper, attitude, and undeniable strength, and Sean was a man of few words but he definitely made my list of Boys I Wish Were Real! 

I also loved everything about the romance in this book. It wasn't the main focus at all — so unlike The Wolves of Mercy Falls series — but it was magical and realistic and beautiful and, in my opinion, just perfect! They didn't love each other instantaneously, and made it feel all the more real. Maggie made it so easy to see why these characters cared about each other. 

In short, The Scorpio Races is a MUST-READ book! Everything about it was brilliant and magical and beautiful. And the hopeful ending made it a perfect standalone, although I wouldn't complain at all if Maggie decided to make this a series! ;) 

BUY or BORROW?: You absolutely do not want to miss out on the opportunity to own this book! Buy it for sure! 

-Mimi

Where's Mimi????

*This post has been hijacked by a robot today while Mimi is AWOL.*

But then where is Mimi? Look over there!

Mimi is being featured over at The Unread Reader for Missie's awesome When I'm Not Reading feature today! Missie is one of Mimi's favourite bloggers out there (and if you stalk her blog like Mimi does, then you know you have to agree!) so this made her SO SO SO happy!!

It would mean A LOT to Mimi if you went over there and paid a visit! You can check out the post HERE, and hopefully you'll learn a few more things about this fifteen-year-old-girl that you didn't know before! :)

Hope you have an amazing day! ♥

~Mimi's replacement (for the day)

Waiting on Wednesday: Cinder

 

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by the awesome Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating!

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

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

(summary taken from Goodreads)

Release Date: January 3, 2012 

I don't know about you, but I think that a fairytale remake of Cinderella as a cyborg would be epically amazing! And there's nothing like a forbidden romance with androids in a cool dystopian world! ;)

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU WAITING FOR? 

-Mimi

Teaser Tuesdays: TheScorpio Races

Hi, everybody!

TUESDAYS: not as bad as Mondays, but still too early in the week to be excited for the weekend. Luckily we have awesome memes like Teaser Tuesdays, hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading, to help us pass the time! :)

The Rules: 

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

(Find it on Goodreads)

MY TEASER:

And there is the girl. When I first see her and her dun mare from my vantage point on the cliff road, I am struck first not by the fact that she is a girl, but the fact that she's in the ocean. It's the dreaded second day, the day when people start to die, and no one will get close to the surf. But there she is, trotting up to the knee in the water. Fearless. 

~Sean Kendrick about Kate/Puck Connolly on pg. 97-98

I'm almost done this book and I can't even tell you how much I'm LOVING it so far! Maggie Stiefvater is such an amazing author and this whole "killer water horses" thing is genius! :)

ARE YOU A TEASE THIS TUESDAY? 

-Mimi

Review: Fever

Book: Fever
Author: Lauren DeStefano
Release Date: February 21, 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Pages: 368
Source: publisher (thank you so much, S&S!)
Stars: 5/5

Rhine and Gabriel have escaped the mansion, but danger is never far behind.

Running away brings Rhine and Gabriel right into a trap, in the form of a twisted carnival whose ringmistress keeps watch over a menagerie of girls. Just as Rhine uncovers what plans await her, her fortune turns again. With Gabriel at her side, Rhine travels through an environment as grim as the one she left a year ago - surroundings that mirror her own feelings of fear and hopelessness.

The two are determined to get to Manhattan, to relative safety with Rhine’s twin brother, Rowan. But the road there is long and perilous - and in a world where young women only live to age twenty and young men die at twenty-five, time is precious. Worse still, they can’t seem to elude Rhine’s father-in-law, Vaughn, who is determined to bring Rhine back to the mansion...by any means necessary.

In the sequel to Lauren DeStefano’s harrowing Wither, Rhine must decide if freedom is worth the price - now that she has more to lose than ever.

(summary taken from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS:  

HOLY WOW. People say that it's hard to write reviews for books you don't like, but I honestly think it's harder to write them for books you absolutely LOVE! Wither was one of my favourite reads of all time and Fever is just as breathtaking, if not more!

Lauren DeStefano has some of the most beautiful prose I've ever read! She hooks you in from the very beginning and traps you in a dark dystopian world unlike any other. And you wouldn't think so, but the GORGEOUS cover actually has a lot to do with the story — with its old carnivals, rusty merry-go-rounds, and dying girls covered in glitter.  

Rhine is such an amazing voice for this novel! Like a poet at heart, she's strong and hopeful and resilient and caring. We get to spend more time (and fall more in love) with Gabriel too ♥, and some old characters surprise us while some new ones cling to our hearts. 

I love the dystopian world that DeStefano creates because it's so dark and gritty and scarily realistic, where a disease claims the life of ever man at age 25 and every woman at age 20. With amazing characters, writing, and story, she makes every surprising corner come to life!

Beautiful, lyrical, and dark in its enchantment, Fever is one of those books that makes me want to invent a new rating for it! Some may say that The Chemical Garden series isn't for everyone because it's so dark at times, but I would honestly recommend it to everyone! :) 

BUY or BORROW?: You need to buy this book when it comes out — I'm definitely buying my own finished copy! Lauren DeStefano is undoubtedly an author worth starting a collection for!

-Mimi

In My Mailbox #8

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren, where we spotlight the books that we've received for review, swapped, or purchased that week. It's a really great idea and I'm excited to take part! :)

BORROWED: 

Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

Vanish by Sophie Jordan

Dark Eden by Patrick Carman

FOR REVIEW: 

Fever by Lauren DeStefano

(A gajillion THANK YOUs to the amazing people at Simon & Schuster for the Fever ARC!!! I was honestly glowing when I found this one, and I dropped everything to read it right away!) 

And that's my mailbox for this week! It's not the biggest ever, but I don't think I could've been happier with it! Reviews will be posted soon! :)

WHAT'S IN YOUR MAILBOX? 

-Mimi

Happy (Belated) Birthday, Sis!!

You might've noticed that my blog was blank yesterday, and that was because it was a P.D. Day (which meant no school! YAY!)... and it was also my big sister's 17th birthday! :)

I love you, Mel! ♥ Yesterday might not have been the craziest party you've ever been to, but it sure was comfy! And trust me, I tried to make a cake as awesome as that, but it ended up looking more like this:

Okay, so maybe that's a little exaggerated. It was more like this:

SUMMARY: Mimi is a fail cook. I like to eat cakes, but making them is not my forte.

Anyways... Mel's the only person in my family who ever checks out my blog, and I love her for that among many other things. She's honestly the best sister in the world and we NEVER fight (which most people don't believe LOL), so I don't think I could've lucked out any more than I did!

Happy belated 17th, big sis! I love you more than life & I hope you never change. :) ♥

Your baby sister,
Mimi

Review: Angelfire

Book: Angelfire
Author: Courtney Allison Moulton
Release Date: February 15, 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 453
Source: KPL
Stars: 3/5

When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul.

A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her - an assassin who has already killed her once.

While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie's soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives - including truths that may be too frightening to remember.  

(summary taken from Goodreads) 

MY THOUGHTS:

I've heard so many awesome things about this book that I knew I had to pick it up — and I enjoyed it, but didn't fall in love with it like I'd hoped I would!

I loved the world that Moulton created — it was completely original! There were creepy monsters called reapers, complicated angels, and a reincarnation plot that worked perfectly for the story, which is sometimes hard to accomplish. A lot of things were easy to predict, but there were also some things I hadn't seen coming.

And Will... oh, Will! He was such a hot, sweet, protective, and somewhat-awkward-in-the-time-period character that definitely makes my list of book boys to covet! He was the tallest mountain on this otherwise plain book landscape. I adored him!

But Ellie herself was so hard to connect with. I felt like she was several characters at once — a regular over-privileged schoolgirl who just wanted a normal life, the kick-ass warrior she suddenly turned to in the field, and others. She was all over the place as a character, and half the time I couldn't understand why she did what she did.

Other than that, Angelfire was a pretty cool edition to the angel bunch. With kick-butt characters, a fast-moving storyline, and killer fighting scenes, it's sure to be a favourite for some people (and it already is)! Maybe I'm just the exception.

BUY or BORROW?: A close friend of mine claims this book is one of her favourites, so you definitely shouldn't just take my word on it! You should still check it out. :)

-Mimi

Waiting on Wednesday: Bloodrose

 

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by the awesome Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating!

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

Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

The Ultimate Sacrifice.

Calla has always welcomed war. But now that the final battle is upon her, there’s more at stake than fighting. There’s saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay’s wrath. There’s keeping Ansel safe, even if he’s been branded a traitor. There’s proving herself as the pack’s alpha, facing unnamable horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers’ magic once and for all. And then there’s deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is.

In the final installment of the Nightshade trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Andrea Cremer creates a novel with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat until its final pages. A dynamic end to this breathtaking trilogy.

(summary taken from Goodreads)

Release Date: January 3, 2011 

I was SO happy that the release date for this one was bumped closer to January! I don't know if I could've waited any longer to read this! Nightshade and Wolfsbane were two of my favourite werewolf books ever, and I can't wait to read what happens next! :)

Although I'm having mixed feelings about that cover. Calla looks a little scary... LOL x) 

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU WAITING FOR? 

-Mimi

ABF Giveaway #4: Are you an underdog?

Guess what time it is?? It's time for another autumn celebratory giveaway! :)

<center><a href="http://diminutivemimi.blogspot.com/search/label/autumn%20bookfest" target="_blank"><img alt="Mimi Valentine" src=" http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j359/Mimi-Vee/AutumnBF3.jpg"/></a></center>

Background Info on the Underdog: About two weeks ago, I won my first book giveaway EVER and I literally squealed when it came in the mail! (It was All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin  — thanks times a million to Macmillan and Jennifer @ Book Den!) And recently, I've won a few more which (happily!) broke my unlucky streak.

But then I thought, What about those people who haven't won anything before? 

AND THUS THE UNDERDOG GIVEAWAY WAS BORN!

This is a giveaway for people who've never won a book giveaway in the past! You can still enter if you HAVE won a book; I'm just giving 5 extra entries to those who haven't! :)

(And the restriction is only if you've won a book giveaway before — if you've won anything else, like a teddy bear or a trip to Paris, then you still qualify for 5 extra brownie points!)

Giveaway #4

The Rules:

1. There will be one winner. 
2. Giveaway ends on December 21, 2011 @ 11:59 p.m.
3. Be a GFC follower (which, by default, makes you awesome). 
4. Be 13 or older.
5. Live anywhere that The Book Depository ships to (which is basically everywhere!)
6. You get 5 extra entries if you've never won a book giveaway before! :) 
7. Fill out the form.

The Prize: Any TWO books of your choice with a limit of $40 (USD)!

Fill out the form below:



Have an awesome day, you guys! ♥ 

-Mimi

P.S. Giveaway #5 will be posted sometime next week! Anyone have any ideas? You don't have to give me one, but suggestions are SO appreciated! :)

Review: Clockwork Prince

Book: Clockwork Prince
Author: Cassandra Clare
Release Date: December 6, 2011
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Pages: 497
Source: publisher (thank you, Simon & Schuster!!)
Stars: 5/5

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.  

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

(summary taken from Goodreads) 

MY THOUGHTS:

Oh my gosh, this book was PURE PERFECTION! Cassandra Clare has long since earned her place as one of my favourite authors ever (with The Mortal Instruments series and the first book for this steampunk prequel series, Clockwork Angel), but she's outdone herself with this one!

I didn't think it was possible to love Tessa even more in Clockwork Prince, but I did! She was just so strong, and intelligent, and determined, and not once did my heart differ from hers — we connected like that. Like always, Clare managed to create a cast that amazed me with their intricacy.

And Tessa, Will (who I now love even more than Jace!! ♥), and Jem (who has his own chance to shine in this book!) make up the epitome of a perfect love triangle — one where you're honestly so torn that it splits your heart in two. I wanted to cry several times!

Don't get me started on the storyline. It was complex and risky and heartbreaking and breathtaking, and it didn't resemble the middle-book-filler pattern AT ALL. It actually had a plot with so many twists and turns that it could snap a neck, and it captivated me for all near-500 pages.

Words will not do this book justice. They can't describe how beautifully vivid Clare writes, how amazing she is at world-building, and how I could want to laugh and cry so much for one book. So I'll just have to say that if you haven't picked up a Clare book yet, then you are totally missing out!

And if you have, then know that Clockwork Prince is even more amazing than everyone's high expectations. And it's even better than the first book, too! I've never read a series that makes the characters and world feel as real as Clare makes hers! :) 

BUY or BORROW?: I am sending you subliminal messages right now to BUY THIS BOOK when it comes out! It's AMAZING to say the least!!! Definitely one of my favourites!

-Mimi

In My Mailbox #7 + Winners!

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren, where we spotlight the books that we've received for review, swapped, or purchased that week. It's a really great idea and I'm excited to take part! :)

 

BOUGHT: 

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday
Crossed by Ally Condie

BORROWED: 

Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

WON: 

Sirenz by Charlotte Bernardo and Natalie Zaman (Thanks so much to the awesome authors for this book!!)

I love getting new books! ♥ I'm honestly trying to fit reading into every second when I'm not at school, doing homework, participating in clubs, blogging, or hanging out with friends and family — which basically means I haven't been sleeping very much LOL!

But if I can be fully functional at 5 hours a night, imagine what I could do at 8? ;)

WHAT'S IN YOUR MAILBOX? 

PLUS: I have some lucky people to announce! The winners, chosen by random.org, are:

Autumn BookFest: Giveaway #1

#828: katie06

ABF Giveaway #2: Happy Birthday!

#224: Allia M.

Congratulations! I've already emailed you for your addresses and such. If you want me to add your blog link to this post, just message it to me because I didn't ask for it in the form. :)

Don't worry if you didn't win! My international ABF Giveaway #3 is still running, and the fourth one should be up by Wednesday!

-Mimi

Review: Liesl & Po

Book: Liesl & Po
Author: Lauren Oliver
Release Date: October 4, 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 307
Source: KPL
Stars: 5/5

Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice—until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone. 

That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable.
Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey. 

From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver comes a luminous and magnificent novel that glows with rare magic, ghostly wonders, and a true friendship that lights even the darkest of places.

(summary taken from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS: 

This book is MAGIC. Pure, beautiful, raw magic — the kind that makes you want to be a kid again and let your imagination run wild; the kind that makes you reminisce in the times when black was black and white was white and innocence wasn't a rarity.

Liesl & Po may just be a middle grade novel, but I honestly think that anyone will enjoy this book, no matter what age! I adored everything about it: the world, the characters, the magic, the storyline. Even though it may not have been the most unpredictable, there were enough twists and turns to keep me captivated.

I don't think there's any way I can tell you just how much I adored this book! It was enchanting and magical and fascinating and pure. The gorgeous illustrations just added to the already beautiful imagery, and the charming characters are sure to always be at the back of my mind. Lauren Oliver has done it again!

Absolutely and truly one-hundred percent ineffable, Liesl & Po is a book that's sure to blow you off your feet! I recommend it to anyone who knows how to read or doesn't! :)

BUY or BORROW?: Oh my gosh, I can't stress how much you need to buy this enough! The cover and the illustrations and the story inside are all just so beautiful — this is definitely a book you want on your shelf!

-Mimi

Review: Bloodlines

Book: Bloodlines
Author: Richelle Mead
Release Date: August 23, 2011
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 421
Source: KPL
Stars: 5/5

The first book in Richelle Mead's brand-new teen fiction series - set in the same world as Vampire Academy.

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

(summary taken from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS:   

I may get jumped by hardcore Vampire Academy fans for saying this, but I actually think I liked Bloodlines better than the first book of VA! (Note the word FIRST for now!) 

Richelle Mead has just shown the world how a spin-off series should be done! There was still lots of vampire drama and action (and lots of characters we adored return even better than ever), but we also got to learn so much more about the Alchemists and new characters too.  

The pacing was perfect — there wasn't a single moment when I was bored while reading. The author did an amazing job combing an intense mystery, a twisting plot, and a complicated world together. And her writing has also improved a lot since her first book which I was so happy to find!  

I liked Sydney enough in VA, but I absolutely loved her in Bloodlines! There couldn't have been a better narrator! She was just so real and easy to connect with, being smart and witty and doing things that were incredibly easy to fathom.   

And I've always been Team Adrian (♥) so you can bet I was ecstatic with his huge role in this book! The romance wasn't the main focus, but I found that it made it so much more realistic this way. I foresee tons of romance in future installments though! 

Fast-paced, mysterious, and tons of fun, Bloodlines was a breathtaking start to a new series that's worthy of every bit of praise it gets. Even though it's highly recommended that you read the Vampire Academy series first, it's not mandatory. This book is awesome on its own! :) 

BUY or BORROW?: I borrowed this one because I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not, but now I'm going out to buy my own copy! This is definitely a book you want to have on your shelf! 

-Mimi

Waiting on Wednesday: Incarnate

 

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by the awesome Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating!

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

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

NEWSOUL
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

NOSOUL
Even Ana’s own mother thinks she’s a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she’ll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are suspicious and afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

HEART
Sam believes Ana’s new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana’s enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else’s life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?

Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life.

(summary taken from Goodreads) 

Release Date: January 31, 2011

The synopsis for this one sounds SO amazing — there's no other explanation needed (except maybe that gorgeous cover)! I just love reading books about souls, and Incarnate sounds like such an original take on reincarnation! :)

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU WAITING FOR? 

-Mimi

Teaser Tuesdays: Clockwork Prince

Hi, everybody!

TUESDAYS: not as bad as Mondays, but still too early in the week to be excited for the weekend. Luckily we have awesome memes like Teaser Tuesdays, hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading, to help us pass the time! :)

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

 (Find it on Goodreads)

My Teaser

"Trains are great dirty smoky things," said Will. "You won't like it." 

Tessa was unmoved. "I won't know if I like it until I try it, will I?" 

"I've never swum naked in the Thames before, but I know I wouldn't like it." 

"But think how entertaining for sightseers," said Tessa, and she saw Jem duck his head to hide the quick flash of his grin.

~Will, Tessa, and Jem on pg. 75 (cited from an ARC and is subject to change)

There is honestly nothing better than Shadowhunter humor (except maybe Will Herondale)! I didn't want to give any spoilers away, but I can't wait until you guys can buy this in December too  — it's SO GOOD! :)

ARE YOU A TEASE THIS TUESDAY? 

-Mimi

Review: Obsidian

Book: Obsidian
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Release Date: December 6, 2011
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Pages: 266
Source: publisher
Stars: 5/5

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don’t kill him first, that is.

(summary taken from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS: 

I am now president of the Jennifer L. Armentrout fan club! This book was SO good!

After reading and loving her first novel, Half-Blood, I was ecstatic to find out that she was starting a new series — about aliens and book bloggers too! Obsidian has everything an awesome book should have: a great cast, a twisting plot, and a supernatural element that was honestly unlike anything I've ever read before.

It's probably the biggest understatement ever when I say I adored Katy. She was hilarious, smart, strong, and a book blogger (which I'm sure a lot of us can relate to!). But she was also such a real character that it made it impossible not to connect with her.

And Daemon — well, he's definitely my newest book boy crush! He was infuriating and arrogant and snarky and holy-hot, but he also had those sweet moments that would steal your breath away. I loved his bubbly and sweet sister Dee, and everything about the aliens (or Luxen, as they call them) was so fascinating that I kept wanting more!

Hilarious, witty, and one-hundred percent entertaining, Obsidian was an fast-paced book that left me breathless and craving for more! If you haven't added this one to your To Be Read pile yet, I wholeheartedly recommend that you do because this is one original novel you don't want to miss!

BUY or BORROW?: Definitely a book you want to have on your shelf! Buy it for sure! :)

-Mimi

In My Mailbox #6

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren, where we spotlight the books that we've received for review, swapped, or purchased that week. It's a really great idea and I'm excited to take part! :)

BOUGHT: 

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins (I know I already read & loved this one, but I just had to get my own copy!)

BORROWED: 

Eve by Anna Carey

Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver

Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Fateful by Claudia Gray

WON: 

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin (This is the first book I've ever really won and it made me so happy — thanks times a million to Macmillan and Jennifer @ Book Den!)

Smokeless Fire by Samantha Young (Thank you so much to the super sweet author for sending me this, and Jena @ Shortie Says for hosting the giveaway!)

 

FOR REVIEW: 

Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

Tempest by Julie Cross

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

(A HUGE, candy-covered thanks to Random House Publishing Group, St. Martin's Griffin, and Entangled Publishing for sending me these amazing books to read! And another big YAY THANK YOU to Simon & Schuster Canada for mailing me an ARC that made my year!)

I'm still beaming with happiness from the amazingness that is my mailbox! I have a lot of reading to do! ;)

WHAT'S IN YOUR MAILBOX? 

-Mimi