Happy New Year 2012 Giveaway Hop!!

Hi, everyone! :)

This giveaway hop is hosted by the awesome Kathy @ I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. This is the very first one I've participating in, so you can bet I'm really excited! I can already tell 2012 is going to be an AMAZING year, and I can't wait to share it with all of the awesome people who read my blog!

The Rules: 

1. There will be one winner. 
2. Giveaway ends on January 3, 2012 @ 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. Fill out the form.

The Prize: 

One winner will get to choose ONE book pre-order from the list of YA books I'm looking forward to most in January of 2012! You'll have to wait until the book releases before I can ship it to you, but they're all released in January so it won't take very long. :)

Everneath by Brodi Ashton
A Million Suns by Beth Revis
Hallowed by Cynthia Hand
Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Allison Moulton
Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

Fill out the form below:



Thank you so much for everything, you guys! You don't know how much it means to me that none of you have abandoned me while I'm on my blogging break. Everything's really hectic in my house right now but I have to admit that I miss you guys. A LOT. A lot a lot.

I'll still be pretty ghostly during the next week, but I'll definitely be back before the 9th with TONS of awesome things planned. Thanks again times a million! :)

To both old followers and new, I can't wait to see more of you in the new year! ♥

-Mimi

P.S. Here are all the rest of the giveaways — go ahead and check them out! :)

*LINKY REMOVED*

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah or anything else, I just wanted to wish you happy holidays! This year has been one of the craziest, funnest, most insanely smiling-inducing I've had and a lot of it has to do with all of YOU! So...

SO MUCH. I'm going to be taking a short break while I'm off school to spend some time with my family and friends, but I'm participating in my first giveaway blog hop on the 30th of December so you can see me then. And after that, I'll be back with a bang in the new year! :)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS & HAPPY NEW YEAR & I LOVE YOU ALL! ♥

-Mimi

Review: Everneath

Book: Everneath
Author: Brodi Ashton
Release Date: January 24, 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins / Balzer + Bray
Pages: 384
Source: publisher (Thanks so much, HC!!)
Stars: 5/5

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

(summary taken from Goodreads) 

MY THOUGHTS:   

In a sentence: YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!  

I'm serious! Whether you're a fan of contemporary novels or paranormal books (like me!), Everneath is a must-have on your shelf. It has the perfect mixture of a supernatural element, beautiful writing, and perfectly flawed characters that make your heart leap out of your chest!   

Everneath was so different from the Persephone and Hades re-telling I thought it would be — and I mean that in the BEST possible way! Brodi Ashton created an original and fascinating world of immortal Everlivings that fed on humans for life, with plot twists I didn't see coming and raw emotion so powerful that I couldn't believe this was a debut!  

But my absolute favourite thing had to be the characters. I connected with Nikki instantly — her mind and actions were so easy to believe and understand. And yes, there's a love triangle but it worked perfectly in this book! ♥ Both Jack and Cole were seriously two of the awesomest book boys in the history of awesome book boys (and both were also SO sweet)!  

Beautiful, heartbreaking, and completely original, Everneath was a debut that stole my breath away! I would give it a million stars if I could. There aren't many books that portray human emotions this flawlessly and Brodi Ashton has definitely made my favourites list because of it! :)  

BUY or BORROW?: I would buy this book for the cover alone, but what's inside is definitely worth every penny! Buy this book for sure! ;)   

-Mimi

Waiting on Wednesday: Fated

 

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: 

Fated by Sarah Alderson

What happens when you discover you aren't who you thought you were? And that the person you love is the person who will betray you? If your fate is already determined, can you fight it?

When Evie Tremain discovers that she’s the last in a long line of Demon slayers and that she’s being hunted by an elite band of assassins –Shapeshifters, Vampires and Mixen demons amongst them – she knows she can’t run. They’ll find her wherever she goes. Instead she must learn to stand and fight.

But when the half-human, half-Shadow Warrior Lucas Gray - is sent to spy on Evie and then ordered to kill her before she can fulfil a dangerous prophecy, their fates become inextricably linked. The war that has raged for one thousand years between humans and demons is about to reach a devastating and inevitable conclusion. Either one or both of them will die before this war ends.

If your life becomes bound to another’s, what will it take to sever it?

(summary taken from Goodreads) 

Release Date (in the UK): January 5, 2012
Release Date (in Canada): April 3, 2012 

Oh my gosh, I'm honestly too excited to read this book for words!! The Demon slayers thing sort of reminds me of Buffy in the BEST possible way — and plus, Sarah Alderson is SO sweet! If only we could switch those release dates... x) 

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU WAITING FOR? 

-Mimi

COVER LOVE: Mysterious Non-Fruit Edition!

So I was eating a platter of some of the best fruit EVER while browsing through the blogosphere, and I found some of the prettiest covers! And for some odd reason, all of them kind of remind me of fruit (in the best possible ways!)! :)

(Click on titles for links to Goodreads)

-♥-

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore
(Seven Kingdoms #3) 
Release Date: May 1, 2012

Bitterblue is a companion book to both Graceling and Fire and takes place in the seven kingdoms eight years after Graceling. This third book will tie all three books together in some way. Bitterblue is the eighteen-year-old protagonist, and Katsa, Po, Giddon, Helda, and other characters from Graceling will be part of the fabric of the book.

BLUEBERRIES. BitterBLUE; BLUEberries. Do you get it? x) 

I don't know what it is about this cover, but I just love it! The covers for the other books in the series weren't the prettiest but this is one of my favourites! :) I can't wait to have it on my shelf! 

-♥-
  

Kissing Shakespeare by Pamela Mingle
Release Date: August 14, 2012

Miranda has Shakespeare in her blood: she hopes one day to become a Shakespearean actor like her famous parents. At least, she does until her disastrous performance in her school’s staging of The Taming of the Shrew. Humiliated, Miranda skips the opening-night party. All she wants to do is hide.

Fellow cast member, Stephen Langford, has other plans for Miranda. When he steps out of the backstage shadows and asks if she’d like to meet Shakespeare, Miranda thinks he’s a total nutcase. But before she can object, Stephen whisks her back to 16th century England—the world Stephen’s really from. He wants Miranda use her acting talents and modern-day charms on the young Will Shakespeare. Without her help, Stephen claims, the world will lost its greatest playwright.

Miranda isn’t convinced she’s the girl for the job. Why would Shakespeare care about her? And just who is this infuriating time traveler, Stephen Langford? Reluctantly, she agrees to help, knowing that it’s her only chance of getting back to the present and her “real” life. What Miranda doesn’t bargain for is finding true love…with no acting required.

STRAWBERRIES. Strawberries are some of my favourite fruits out there, and this cover is one of my faves too! So simplistically pretty! And who doesn't love Shakespeare? 

-♥-

Mirage by Kristi Cook

(Winterhaven #2) 

Release Date: June 5, 2012

Seventeen-year-old Violet McKenna is back for her senior year at Winterhaven, and her visions have returned as well. With her friends in danger, a mysterious (and hot!) new teacher as her psychic coach, and her Sabbat tendencies threatening her relationship with Aidan, Violet may just be in over her head.

GRAPES. That mirror and grapes totally ring for each other!

I haven't read the first book in this series before, but I looooooove this cover! And I love it when designs for one book in a series match the rest, because it makes them feel like a cool set. :)

I'm definitely reading the first book now!

-♥-

Deity by Jennifer L. Armentrout
(Covenant #3)
Release Date: November 6, 2012

There isn't a synopsis for this book yet, but it's the third book in Jennifer L. Armentrout's Covenant series. 

APPLES. Okay, now even you can't admit that this book doesn't have anything to do with apples! There's actually one on the physical cover, and you can't blame my overactive imagination for it! x) 


I loved the first book, Half-Blood, and I can't wait to read this one too! I should be getting Pure soon and I'm so excited! :)

-♥-

Yup, I know I'm a little weird! LOL but you have to agree that these are three GORGEOUS (if not fruity!) covers!  

What do you think? Which one are you most excited for?  

I hope you have an amazing day! :)  

-Mimi

Review: Pretty Crooked

Book: Pretty Crooked
Author: Elisa Ludwig
Release Date: March 13, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 358
Source: publisher (Thanks so much, HT!!)
Stars: 5/5

Willa’s secret plan seems all too simple: take from the rich kids at Valley Prep and give to the poor ones.

Yet Willa’s turn as Robin Hood at her ultra-exclusive high school is anything but. Bilking her “friends”—known to everyone as the Glitterati—without them suspecting a thing is far from easy. Learning how to pick pockets and break into lockers is as difficult as she’d thought it’d be. Delivering care packages to the scholarship girls, who are ostracized just for being from the “wrong” side of town, is way more fun than she’d expected.

The complication Willa didn’t expect, though, is Aidan Murphy, Valley Prep’s most notorious (and gorgeous) ace-degenerate. His mere existence is distracting Willa from what matters most to her: evening the social playing field between the haves and have-nots. There’s no time for crushes and flirting with boys, especially conceited and obnoxious trust-funders like Aidan.

But when the cops start investigating the string of thefts at Valley Prep and the Glitterati begin to seek revenge, could Aidan wind up being the person that Willa trusts most?

(summary taken from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS:  

I LOVED THIS BOOK. I can't even begin to explain how much! I thought it'd just be a cute novel that would keep me highly entertained — and it was, but it was also so much more. Pretty Crooked was book that I could gush about for weeks and still have things to say! 

Robin Hood had always been one of my favourite stories, and Pretty Crooked only increased my love for it! This was more than just a modern re-telling of a classic. Elisa Ludwig created an extremely fun story that had lovable characters, a well-written voice, and the perfect REALNESS factor that made everything more believable and enjoyable. 

I adored Willa! Fifteen, bubbly, sweet, and witty, she was a character I connected with instantly and found myself rooting for with everything she did. And I expected Aiden to be just another cookie-cutter bad boy, but he was actually such a sweet, funny, and layered guy! ♥ 

Plus, I loved Willa's relationship with their mom and her friends too. A lot of books nowadays focus only on the main characters and their romance, so it was refreshing to read about a full cast of amazing characters. I loved every single one!

Hilarious, heartwarming, and 100% entertaining, Pretty Crooked has earned its place high on my favourites list! I loved everything about it. If you haven't added this to your TBR pile yet, then I highly recommend that you do because Elisa Ludwig is an author worth waiting for!  

BUY or BORROW?: Oh my gosh, buy this book for sure!! I really want to buy two copies for myself when it comes out: one to look gorgeous on my shelf, and another to carry around in my purse so I can re-read it everywhere! x) It was that amazing!

-Mimi 

In My Mailbox #12

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! :)

FOR REVIEW: 

Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig (LOVED THIS BOOK!)

Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

(Ahhhh!!! Thank you SO much to HarperCollins & HarperTeen for these three! I squealed when I got them — it made my day! I've already finished one of them and I'm reading a second right now. Reviews will be posted ASAP!)

BORROWED:

Legend by Marie Lu

Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst

Between the Sea and Sky by Jaclyn Dolamore

Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder (I saw Tiffany's 5-star review of this book and just knew I had to pick it up! And it's unlike anything I've ever read before in the best possible way — thanks so much for the recommendation, Tiffany!)

BOUGHT TO GIFT: 

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer (For my cousin Emily — She loves all things wolf-related, and I know she'll love this book!) 

The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan (For my cousin Timmy — I haven't read this series yet but I've only heard amazing things about it! And he actually wanted to read these, so how could I NOT buy them for him?)

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare (For my friend, Kay — because I love her to the moon and beyond, but she still hasn't picked up her copy of this yet! Crazy, right? Especially considering I have two copies of my own LOL!)

It's so close to Christmastime that all of these books feel like amazing early presents (and presents for other people too)! :) Thanks again times a million to HarperCollins & HarperTeen for fueling my love for their books (and covers), and to the library for existing!

Don't you just think that books make the greatest gifts? ;)

WHAT'S IN YOUR MAILBOX? 

-Mimi

ABF Giveaway #6: Fall Favourites!

Don't you just love autumn? :)

<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>

Can you believe that it's almost winter already? Just a few more days until the Winter Solstice hits, and a few more days until Christmas! It's an understatement to say I'm excited and nostalgic at the same time because I'm going to miss autumn!

(Here in Canada, it's getting closer and closer to snowy days all the time!)

But fall's not over yet, so here's another (and possibly the last) Autumn BookFest Giveaway! :)

Giveaway #5

The Rules:

1. There will be one winner. 
2. Giveaway ends on January 14, 2012 @ 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. Fill out the form.

The prize: Here's a list of some of the coolest books that were released this season! The winner can pick any one of their choice. :)

Vanish by Sophie Jordan

As I Wake by Elizabeth Scott

If I Die by Rachel Vincent

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Crossed by Ally Condie

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Legend by Marie Lu

The Space Between by Brenna Yovanoff

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Fill out the form below:



Have I ever mentioned how much I love you guys? Because I do. A LOT. ♥

Enjoy the rest of autumn while you can! ;)

-Mimi

Review: Vanish

Book: Vanish
Author: Sophie Jordan
Release Date: September 6, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 294
Source: KPL
Stars: 4/5

To save the life of the boy she loves, Jacinda did the unthinkable: She betrayed the most closely-guarded secret of her kind. Now she must return to the protection of her pride knowing she might never see Will again—and worse, that because his mind has been shaded, Will’s memories of that fateful night and why she had to flee are gone.

Back home, Jacinda is greeted with hostility and must work to prove her loyalty for both her sake and her family’s. Among the few who will even talk to her are Cassian, the pride’s heir apparent who has always wanted her, and her sister, Tamra, who has been forever changed by a twist of fate. Jacinda knows that she should forget Will and move on—that if he managed to remember and keep his promise to find her, it would only endanger them both. Yet she clings to the hope that someday they will be together again. When the chance arrives to follow her heart, will she risk everything for love?

In bestselling author Sophie Jordan’s dramatic follow-up to Firelight, forbidden love burns brighter than ever.

(summary taken from Goodreads) 

MY THOUGHTS:

A warning before you start this book: You won't be able to put it down! I made the mistake of starting it before I went to bed and ended up staying awake all night just to finish it. I've always loved dragons and this series only makes me love them more! 

Vanish picks up right where Firelight left off — the gap isn't even a day! — with Jacinda and her family going back to the pride. The plot is so fast-paced and full of twists that I stayed on the edge of my seat, and there are a bunch of revelations that made my jaw drop.

I honestly adore Jacinda! I've read so many reviews that say she's indecisive and angsty, but I think that her flaws and actions make her feel so much more real and easy to relate to. And I swear, this romance will be the end of me one day. I LOVED the (non) draki-hunter Will to the moon and beyond, but even I have to admit that Cassian had his moments! ♥

With a fast-paced plot, a quick writing style, and tons of surprises, Vanish is definitely a one-sit read! If you haven't started this series yet, then I definitely recommend that you do because this is a cool series you don't want to miss! :)   

BUY or BORROW?: Am I the only one who is IN LOVE with these covers, scales and all?? I think this series is worth being purchased (and not just for the pretty covers)!

-Mimi

Waiting on Wednesday: A Temptation of Angels

 

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: 

A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink

Even angels make mistakes in this page-turning epic romance...

When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen-year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world's past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility. Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong, because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel.

Michelle Zink masterfully weaves historical fantasy with paranormal romance to create a gripping tale of love and betrayal.

(summary taken from Goodreads)

Release Date: March 20, 2012 

I'm honestly too excited to read this one for words!! I've been on this amazing angel-book streak lately and I just adored Michelle Zink's other series (The Prophecy of the Sisters), so both of those things together are enough to make me ECSTATIC to read this! :) 

And then I re-read that synopsis and I'm excited all over again!

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU WAITING FOR? 

-Mimi

Review: Embrace

Book: Embrace
Author: Jessica Shirvington
Release Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Pages: 368
Source: Raincoast Books (Thanks so much, RCB!)
Stars: 4.5/5

Violet Eden is dreading her seventeenth birthday dinner. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. The one bright spot is that Lincoln will be there. Sexy, mature and aloof, he is Violet’s idea of perfection. But why does he seem so reluctant to be anything more than a friend?

After he gives her the world’s most incredible kiss – and then abandons her on her front doorstep – Violet is determined to get some answers. But nothing could have prepared her for Lincoln’s explanation: he is Grigori – part angel and part human – and Violet is his eternal partner.

Without warning, Violet’s world is turned upside down. She never believed in God, let alone angels. But there’s no denying the strange changes in her body ... and her feelings for Lincoln. Suddenly, she can’t stand to be around him. Luckily, Phoenix, an exiled angel, has come into her life. He’s intense and enigmatic, but at least he never lied to her.

As Violet gets caught up in an ancient battle between dark and light, she must choose her path. The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity...

(summary taken from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS:  

I honestly had to stop re-reading Embrace just to start this review! It's the kind of book that catches your attention from page one and keeps it long even after the last page is turned. Make sure that you have lots of time when you start this because you won't be able to put it down!

Embrace is about angels, but it's in no way just another angel book! There are Grigori, and angel exiles, and sacrifices needed to embrace their power. It was so easy to get sucked into the twisting plot with the awesome angel lore — it was enthralling and original to say the least!

Violet was the perfect main character for this novel! She was so strong and resilient even when things were completely messed up, and my heart broke for her several times. And Lincoln (♥) and Phoenix deserve every swoon-worthy sigh they get! The romance — sweet and sensual and a little bit dangerous — just tore me apart.  

Totally enticing and 100% entertaining, Embrace is a book you don't want to miss! It doesn't end on a cliffhanger but I still wish I had the next book with me right now. I can already tell that this series is going to be amazing! :)

BUY or BORROW?: You definitely want to own this book so you can re-read it like I already have! And I'm going to get a finished copy just so I can have that gorgeous purple cover on my shelf! ;)  

-Mimi

In My Mailbox #11

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: 

Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare 

Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1) by Tahereh Mafi

(I already had an ARC of Clockwork Prince, but I just had to by my own special edition copy! x) And I looooved Shatter Me too!)

BORROWED: 

Circle of Fire (Prophecy of the Sisters #3) by Michelle Zink

WON: 

Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1) by Richelle Mead

Carrier of the Mark (Carrier of the Mark #1) by Leigh Fallon

The Faerie Ring (The Faerie Ring #1) by Kiki Hamilton

(Thank you times a million to Neri @ In The Name of Books for Bloodlines and Carrier of the Mark, and to Jenny @ Let Them Read Books for The Faerie Ring! Both of these girls are super awesome & sweet, and you should definitely check their blogs out!)

Don't you just LOVE the feeling of getting books?? Thank you so much again to The Book Depository, the library, Neri @ In The Name of Books, Jenny @ Let Them Read Books, and Tor Teen / Macmillan for making another week full of awesomeness! :)

WHAT'S IN YOUR MAILBOX? 

-Mimi

COVER LOVE: Pretty in Purple Edition!

These are some books with covers that were revealed not too long ago and I'm so excited to read all of them! I've been swooning for a while now, so I thought I'd share! :)

(Click on titles for links to Goodreads!)

~♥~

Embrace by Jessica Shirvington
(Violet Eden Chapters #1)
Release Date: March 1, 2012

I slowly opened my eyes. The sun speared its first bright rays of golden orange into the sky and I leapt from the cliff, with the sorrowful knowledge that no matter what the outcome, at least part of me would die that day...

Violet Eden is dreading her seventeenth birthday dinner. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. The one bright spot is that Lincoln will be there. Sexy, mature and aloof, he is Violet’s idea of perfection. But why does he seem so reluctant to be anything more than a friend?

After he gives her the world’s most incredible kiss – and then abandons her on her front doorstep – Violet is determined to get some answers. But nothing could have prepared her for Lincoln’s explanation: he is Grigori – part angel and part human – and Violet is his eternal partner.

Without warning, Violet’s world is turned upside down. She never believed in God, let alone angels. But there’s no denying the strange changes in her body ... and her feelings for Lincoln. Suddenly, she can’t stand to be around him. Luckily, Phoenix, an exiled angel, has come into her life. He’s intense and enigmatic, but at least he never lied to her.

As Violet gets caught up in an ancient battle between dark and light, she must choose her path. The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity...

I just finished reading an ARC of this one and I absolutely LOVED it! But that pretty purple cover (which was just revealed yesterday!) is telling me to buy a finished copy when it comes out, and I think I'm listening! ;)

~♥~

Until I Die by Amy Plum
(Revenants #2)
Release Date: May 8, 2012

Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love.

As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy.

In Die for Me, Amy Plum created a captivating paranormal mythology with immortal revenants and a lush Paris setting. Until I Die is poised to thrill readers with more heart-pounding suspense, spellbinding romance, and a cliff-hanger ending that will leave them desperate for the third and final novel in the series.

Isn't this cover just GORGEOUS? I adored the first book and I really love the whole idea of the revenants, so I'm pretty pumped for this to come out!

~♥~

Endlessly by Kiersten White
(Paranormalcy #3)
Release Date: July 24, 2012

The third book in the Paranormalcy trilogy.

The final chapter of Evie's adventures. Old friends, new ones, all wrapped up in impossible decisions. And some ball gowns. Because what's a life of normal and paranormal drama without a ball gown or two?

I just love this series!! Evie and her pink taser are pure awesomeness, and I can't wait until Endlessly comes out! 

PLUS: I love her dress! 

~♥~

What do you think? Which book are you most excited for?

Have an amazing day! :)


-Mimi

Review: Fire

Book: Fire
Author: Kristin Cashore
Release Date: September 24, 2009
Publisher: Gollancz
Pages: 544
Source: KPL
Stars: 5/5

It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. The young King Nash clings to his throne while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves and lawless men.

This is where Fire lives. With a wild, irresistible appearance and hair the color of flame, Fire is the last remaining human monster. Equally hated and adored, she has the unique ability to control minds, but she guards her power, unwilling to steal the secrets of innocent people. Especially when she has so many of her own.

Then Prince Brigan comes to bring her to King City. The royal family needs her help to uncover the plot against the king. Far away from home, Fire begins to realize there's more to her power than she ever dreamed. Her power could save the kingdom.

If only she weren't afraid of becoming the monster her father was.

(summary taken from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS:  

Graceling was one of my favourite fantasy books ever, so when I heard that this book was a companion to it, I just had to pick it up! And even though Graceling remains on top, Fire was amazing! 

Fire was set in the same breathtaking world as Graceling yet not at the same time! Kristin Cashore is a master of creating worlds you want to live in. Fire was so different from its predecessor — with its plot, setting and characters — but not at all in a bad way! It helped us see a whole new side of the Seven Kingdoms that was equally intriguing. 

For a human monster, Fire was such a sweet and strong character! Even though she was hated by so many for being what she was, she still refused to let it get to her and I adored her for it.  

And her relationship with Brigan (♥) was exactly the kind of perfect, slow-blooming romance that every book needs. He hated monsters at first, and I LOVED watching Fire change that! They helped each other grow in the most beautiful way possible. 

Breathtaking, complicated, and totally original, Fire is a must-read book, especially if you've read Graceling (although it's not required!)! You can bet I'll be first in line to buy the third book, Bitterblue, when it comes out! 

BUY or BORROW?: Whether you like fantasy or not, you should definitely pick this book up! I'm a total Kristin Cashore fan girl — you should be too! ;) 

-Mimi

Waiting on Wednesday: Angel Fire

 

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: 

Angel Fire by L.A. Weatherly

In Book Two of L. A. Weatherly’s wildly romantic, action-packed trilogy, the angels are back with a vengeance . . . and they don’t have heaven in mind.

In the wake of the Second Wave, the angel menace has exploded, and Alex and Willow are on the lam. Willow’s prophetic dream points them to Mexico City, where they connect with a fledgling group of angel killers led by the exotically beautiful Kara, an Angel Killer from Alex’s past. But the team remains suspicious of Willow, even after the more-experienced Alex takes over as leader, training them hard for a rush attack on the Seraphic Council, or “The Twelve.” This elite group of all-powerful angels is also under the scrutiny of Willow’s angel-father, Raziel, who has his own sinister plan to defeat them.

What Willow hasn’t told Alex is that there was also a mysterious boy in her dream, one she felt overpoweringly attracted to. When brooding, gorgeous Seb shows up in the flesh, he turns out to be another—possibly the world’s only other—half angel. He’s been searching for Willow all his life, and when Alex enlists this rival to help keep Willow safe, he can’t predict what chemistry will pass between them . . . or how far Willow might go to keep Alex safe. Will their love endure or spell doomsday for the human race?

(summary taken from Goodreads) 

Release Date: January 24, 2012

This is one of those books that makes me wish I lived in the UK (because it's already released there and the people don't have to wait until January to get their hands on a copy LOL)! I loved the first book, Angel Burn (read my review here) and I really need my next fix of Alex and Willow and all of those evil angels! :)

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU WAITING FOR? 

-Mimi