Leap Into Books Giveaway Hop!!

Hi, everyone! :) I couldn't help but sign up for this when I heard what it was about because I'm absolutely IN LOVE with the leap year! The whole idea of it coming from the fact that the earth revolves around the sun in 365.25 days has always been so cool (albeit a little nerdy LOL)! ♥

This giveaway hop is hosted by the awesome Kathy @ I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. Drop by her blog and say hi if you can too — I'm sure she'd really appreciate it! :)

The Rules:

1. There will be one winner. 
2. Giveaway ends on March 5, 2012 @ 11:59 p.m.
3. Be a GFC follower (or follow me through RSS if you can't with GFC!).
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 of his/her choice from the list of YA books below that I've rated 5 stars this year! But if you want to pick a different book, it can be substituted for one that's not on the list as long as it's under $20 (USD). :)

Everneath by Brodi Ashton
Hallowed by Cynthia Hand
Perception by Kim Harrington
Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolfe
Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey

OR: Any one book of your choice under $20!

Fill out the form below:



Happy Leap Day, you guys! I'm a big believer that the 29th of February is a full of good luck, so hopefully you have a luckily awesome day! :) ♥

-Mimi

P.S. You can find the list of blogs participating in this hop on the post on Kathy's post HERE. 

Review: Perception

Book: Perception
Author: Kim Harringon
Series: Clarity #1
Release Date: March 1, 2012
Publisher: Scholastic Point
Pages: 288
Source: publisher (Thank you so much, Scholastic Canada!!)
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Website
Stars: 5/5

When you can see things others can't, what do you do when someone's watching you?

Everybody knows about Clarity "Clare" Fern. She's the psychic girl in school, the one who can place her hands on something and see hidden visions from the past.

Only Clare would rather not be a celebrity. She prefers hanging back, observing. Her gift is not a game to her.

But then someone starts playing with her head . . . and heart. Messages and gifts from a secret admirer crop up everywhere Clare turns. Could they be from Gabriel, the gorgeous boy who gets Clare's pulse racing? Or from Justin, Clare's hopeful ex-boyfriend who'd do anything to win her back?

One thing is certain. Clare needs to solve this mystery, and soon. Because the messages are becoming sinister, and a girl in town has suddenly disappeared.

(summary taken from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS:  

Oh my gosh, I can't even begin to describe how absolutely AMAZING this book was! The kind of amazing that makes you stay up until 2 a.m. to finish it; the kind of amazing that doesn't leave your mind until long after the last page is turned.  

I have to admit that I wasn't the biggest fan of the first book, Clarity, but Perception makes me remember why I love YA as much as I do! ♥ It was intense and gripping, twisting and totally unexpected, and I'm not even exaggerating when I say it had a mystery that left me guessing until the very end — I didn't expect any of it at all! 

Clare has to be my newest hero. Even as a psychic, she's the kind of realistic, down-to-earth, and easy-to-relate-to girl you see everywhere you go. When she received those anonymous notes and flowers, she reacted exactly as any sane girl would have: flattered at first, but then thoroughly creeped out. She was so well-written that I couldn't tell her thoughts from mine. 

And yes, there's a love triangle, but it's one that I promise you won't mind it because of how real it is! There's no "I'll die if I don't have Boy 1, but I don't want to leave Boy 2 either!" Instead, the author crafts an insta-love free romance where the girl knows the risk of choosing her attraction for either and that whatever she chooses may not work out anyways.  

Part heart-stopping mystery, part intriguing supernatural, and 100% altogether amazing book, Perception is undoubtedly one of the best YA mysteries out there! I'll recommend it to you whether you liked Clarity or not — definitely a book you don't want to miss! :) 

BUY or BORROW?: If you have any money left in your wallet, you should go out and buy this book instead. It's guaranteed to keep you up until you finish! ;)  

-Mimi

Review: Enchanted

Book: Enchanted
Author: Alethea Kontis
Series: Enchanted #1
Release Date: May 8, 2012
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Pages: 305
Source: publisher (Thanks so much, HMH!!)
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Author
Stars: 4.5/5

It isn't easy being the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday’s only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true.

When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical. One night Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland—and a man Sunday’s family despises.

The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction for this prince she barely knows? And what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past - and hers?

(summary taken from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS:  

Absolutely ADORABLE. Magical. Smile-inducing. And so incredibly sweet! This book is one of the many reasons why I love fairytales and their re-tellings so much! 

Enchanted may mention some of my favourite fairytales — from The Princess and the Frog to Cinderella to Jack and the Beanstalk and more! — but it's much more than just a re-telling of them all. Alethea Kontis weaves them perfectly into an original and surprisingly complex story that's her own, adding in a cast of fantastic characters that will steal your heart away.  

Sweet and caring and determined and clever, I adored Sunday from start to finish! Both she and Rumbold (my new favourite frog prince) warmed my heart repeatedly. I love how the very first time she kisses him as a frog, he doesn't change back right away. It was sweetly realistic.

Some people may be turned off by the promise of insta-love (since this is a fairytale, after all), but the author managed to pull it off perfectly without making it feel like overwhelming devotion! And even if that instant spark does bother you at first, I promise that by the end of the book, you'll love them both too much to care. 

Beautiful, enchanting, and everything I could ever ask for, Enchanted is one of my favourite re-tellings of anything to date! Alethea Kontis, like Sunday, is a masterful storyteller, and you should definitely be prepared to smile when you pick up this book. :)  

BUY or BORROW?: An absolute MUST-have for anyone who likes (or just appreciates) fairytales at all, but even if you don't, I'd recommend this book anyways! 

-Mimi

In My Mailbox #19

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: 

Take a Bow Elizabeth Eulberg

Perception by Kim Harrington

Fairy Blues by J.L. Bryan

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons (read my 5-star review here)

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

Don't they all look so beautiful??? I didn't think this much awesomeness could ever exist in one mailbox before!! Thank you SO much to Scholastic Canada, J.L. Bryan, Tor Teen,  HarperCollins Canada, and Macmillian, who all make "amazing" look mediocre! Really, truly, honestly — thank you! :)

WON: 

Tempest by Julie Cross (audiobook)

I've never owned an audiobook before, so it made me really happy! Thankyouthankyouthankyou to Macmillan for sending it and to the awesome Giselle @ Xpresso Reads for hosting the contest! Go visit her blog — she's one reason why I'm proud to be Canadian! ;)

Eeeeeep!! You wouldn't believe how many times I danced because of books that arrived in my mailbox this week! My parents laughed every time they brought home a package and I squealed. It was GREAT. x)

Another gajillion THANK YOUs to Scholastic Canada, J.L. Bryan, Tor Teen, HarperCollins Canada, Macmillan, and Giselle @ Xpresso Reads for knowing how to make a book blogger's day! :)

WHAT'S IN YOUR MAILBOX? 

-Mimi

COVER LOVE: Dark and Dangerous edition!

As much as it contrasts with my very-pink, very-bright blog, I think that dark books are some of my favourites! The ones that give you chills or make you want to curl up with  blanket always manage to keep me on the edge of my seat. :) Here are some covers that do the same thing:

---

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Links: Goodreads | Amazon

Everything is in ruins.

A devastating plague has decimated the population. And those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles to pieces around them.

So what does Araby Worth have to live for?

Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery make-up . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all.

But in the depths of the club—in the depths of her own despair—Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club. And Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither boy is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.

And Araby may find something not just to live for, but to fight for—no matter what it costs her.

---

Hidden by Sophie Jordan
(Firelight #3)
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Links: Goodreads | Amazon

Jacinda was supposed to bond with Cassian, the "prince" of their pride. But she resisted long before she fell in love with Will—a human and, worse, a hunter. When she ran away with Will, it ended in disaster, with Cassian's sister, Miram, captured. Weighed down by guilt, Jacinda knows she must rescue her to set things right. Yet to do so she will have to venture deep into the heart of enemy territory.

The only way Jacinda can reach Miram is by posing as a prisoner herself, though once she assumes that disguise, things quickly spiral out of her control. As she learns more about her captors, she realizes that even if Will and Cassian can carry out their part of the plan, there's no guarantee they'll all make it out alive. But what Jacinda never could have foreseen is that escaping would be only the beginning....

Loyalties are tested and sacrifices made in the explosive conclusion to Sophie Jordan's Firelight trilogy.

---

Ironskin by Tina Connolly
(Ironskin #1)
Release Date: October 2012
Links: Goodreads | Website

Jane Eliot wears an iron mask.

It's the only way to contain the fey curse that scars her cheek. The Great War is five years gone, but its scattered victims remain -- the ironskin.

Now Jane returns to the war-torn country to help a fey-cursed child. Helping the unruly Dorie suppress her curse is hard enough -- she certainly didn't expect to fall for the girl's father, the enigmatic artist Mr. Rochart. But her blossoming crush is stifled by her own scars, and by his parade of women. Ugly women, who enter his closed studio -- and come out as beautiful as the fey.

Jane knows he cannot love her, just as she knows that she must wear iron for the rest of her life. But what if neither of these things are true? Step by step Jane must unlock the secrets of her new life -- and discover just how far she will go to become whole again.

---

Auracle by Gina Rosalti
Release Date: August 7, 2012
Links: Goodreads | Amazon

On the surface, there’s nothing remarkable about Anna Rogan: She gets average grades, she’s not especially fashionable, she spends most of her time just hanging out with her best friend Rei. 

But Anna does have a remarkable secret: she has the ability to do astral projection. She uses her out-of-body experiences to explore the universe, until one day when there’s an accident at school and her classmate Taylor gets into her body. Now Taylor’s using her new identity to accuse an innocent boy of murder and she shows no signs of leaving Anna’s body. 

The only person who knows Anna’s secret is Rei, and as her feelings for Rei grow she must face a future where they can never touch...unless they can find a way to get Taylor out of Anna’s body, stop the murder trial, and discover the true nature of Anna’s power.

---

Don't they all take your breath away?? I actually had this whole list of dark & dangerous covers that I wanted to spotlight today but I had to cut that list in half for it all to fit! They're about 4 different topics: post-apocalypse, dragons, fey, and astral projection. Cool, huh? :) 

What book are you most excited for?  

-Mimi

Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Book: Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Author: Laini Taylor
Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone #1
Release Date: September 27, 2011
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Pages: 418
Source: bookstore
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Website
Stars: 4/5

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages—not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers—beautiful, haunted Akiva—fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

(summary taken from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS:  

Multiply creativity by a million and you have this book! It's beautiful, breathtaking, and the kind of novel that makes you wonder, "How can one author be so clever?" I loved it! 

I picked this book up from the hype alone and I'm so glad I did! Daughter of Smoke and Bone takes originality to a whole new level — with its teeth-collecting devils, devious angels, and a world so beautifully twisted that I couldn't help but be entranced.  

Along with having such gorgeous prose, Laini Taylor's characters came to life like magic in a circus! They were wild and magical and enchanting to the core. It wasn't only our fantastic, artistic, and artfully clever heroine, Karou (with her peacock blue hair and sly smile), but the secondary cast too! Issa, Zuzana, Brimstone, AKIVA (♥)... Prepare to fall in love!  

I loved that the line between good and evil wasn't so clear; I loved that you could never really predict what was going to happen next. I didn't love how some parts felt dragged on, but my adoration for everything else almost completely overpowered that.  

Beautifully written and perfectly crafted, Daughter of Smoke and Bone is undoubtedly one of the best takes on the angels-versus-demons feud out there! Watch out, everyone, because Laini Taylor is going to take this world by storm! :)  

BUY or BORROW?: Once upon a time, I had money in my wallet. Then I found this book... and I didn't. x) Definitely a book I love having on my shelf! Buy it for sure! 

-Mimi

Waiting on Wednesday: Spell Bound

I think that Wednesday is my favourite day of the week! It may not be as relieving as Friday or the weekend, but it's the day when you get to decide whether your cup is half-empty or half-full! Kind of inspirational, right? ♥ :)

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: 

Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins

Hailed as “impossible to put down,” the Hex Hall series has both critics and teens cheering. With a winning combination of romance, action, magic and humor, this third volume will leave readers enchanted.

Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident.

Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late?

(summary taken from Goodreads) 

Release Date: March 13, 2012
Series: Hex Hall #3 
Links: Goodreads | Amazon 
 
I LOVE THIS SERIES! ♥ When it comes to writing snarky characters, Rachel Hawkins is the master. If Spell Bound is anywhere near as fun as Hex Hall or Demonglass, I just know it's going to be a blast! :) 

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU WAITING FOR? 

-Mimi

Review: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

Book: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
Author: Jennifer E. Smith
Series: N/A
Release Date: January 2, 2012
Publisher: Poppy
Pages: 256
Source: publisher (Thanks so much, HBG Canada!)
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Publisher
Stars: 5/5

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

(summary taken by Goodreads) 

MY THOUGHTS:  

With a title this fun and a cover this gorgeous, how could you NOT want to pick this book up? 

I'm about as big a fan of insta-love as the next person (which isn't very much) so of course I was curious as to how the author would approach writing a book called The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. And I LOVED IT. It was adorable without being overly fluffy, romantic without being unbelievable, and touching in a way that I didn't expect. 

As a girl with divorced parents too, I could connect with Hadley immediately — but I also think that people with happily married parents will fall in love with her as well! She was such a realistic character with small quirks like disliking mayo that made her so easy to connect with.  

And Oliver... Oh, Oliver! He was sweet and funny and had a British accent (and if that's not enough to make you fall in love with him, he was nice to little old ladies too!). The romance between Hadley and Oliver may be described as insta-love, but I feel it was more instant attraction than anything else. It will bring a smile to your face for sure! 

Immensely adorable and incredibly thoughtful, The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is a book that captured my heart from beginning to end! It will beg you to read it out loud and to recommend it to everyone you know (especially those who've witnessed a divorce before). I loved this book completely and I hope you do too! :) 

BUY or BORROW?: Buy it for sure! Not only to have this stunning cover on your shelf (although that might be reason enough anyways!), but because it's a short & sweet novel that you'll want to have easy access to so you can read it again. ;) 

-Mimi

Review: Pure

Book: Pure
Author: Julianna Baggott
Series: Pure #1
Release Date: February 8, 2012
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Pages: 448
Source: publisher (Thanks so much, HBG Canada!)
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Website | Publisher
Stars: 4/5

Pressia barely remembers the Detonations or much about life during the Before. In her sleeping cabinet, she thinks about what is lost--how the world went from amusement parks, movie theaters, birthday parties, fathers and mothers . . . to ash and dust, scars, permanent burns, and fused, damaged bodies.

(summary taken from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS:  

Wow. This book is a STUNNER. It's dark and disturbing and creepy-cool, but it's also so darn fascinating! I don't think I've ever read a book like it before, and I don't think I ever will again! 

Set after the Detonations (which caused mutations that merged inanimate objects to some people's bodies), Pure takes place in a post-apocalyptic world that twists the definition of "dystopian" and molds it into something darker, something terrifying, something that makes me so thankful I don't live there and captivated at the same time. 

Admittedly, Pure starts out so slowly that I had trouble getting into it at first, but as soon as I was immersed in the world, I was captured like a butterfly in a net! I empathized with Pressia more and more as the story went on — because can you imagine how awful it would be to have a doll face for a hand? — and the other layered characters took my breath away, too!

As dark and detailed as it is, Pure may not be for everybody, but I really hope you give it a shot anyways! I didn't expect to love it this much but I did. Julianna Baggot has such beautiful prose, and her imagination makes you wish you'd thought of this yourself.  

Ominous and dangerous and probably one of the most vivid books I've ever read, Pure is a novel that blew my mind continuously. I'm really excited to see what the next book will bring!

BUY or BORROW?: This is a hard question because as much as I adored this book, I know that some people will love it and some people won't. So for now, I'll say pick it up first and buy it after, if that makes sense! ;) 

-Mimi

In My Mailbox #18

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: 

Until I Die by Amy Plum

The Chaos by Nalo Hopkinson

(Do you see what I see??? The cover for Until I Die is even more gorgeous in person, if that's even possible! Thank you SO much to HarperCollins Canada and their fantastic rep for sending it to me! And I'm loving the sound of The Chaos too — I wasn't expecting it to come, so it came as a really cool surprise! Thanks a gazillion to Simon & Schuster Canada for putting it on my radar!)

BORROWED: 

A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

BOUGHT: 

The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams

It may not be the biggest mailbox out there, but it made me really happy! :) A million extra THANK YOUs to HarperCollins Canada and Simon & Schuster Canada for the review copies!

WHAT'S IN YOUR MAILBOX? 

-Mimi

EDITED TO ADD: I was just over at the ever-sweet Hilda's blog and I just found out that her blog was deleted. Blogger deleted it without warning or telling her! I would've been devastated if I was her, especially since she just had to recreate her blog and start from scratch!

It would mean a lot to me if you'd drop by her newly created blog, Catch the Lune, and follow her! She's a really great blogger & person who doesn't deserve that. We're hoping her old blog will be restored but for now, I'm sure your support would help her too.

You can read more about it on her post HERE. Thank you so much, you guys!

COVER LOVE: Out of This World Edition!

I've always wanted to go into outer space, and these covers kind of remind me why! Here are some upcoming titles that have a sort of otherworldly feel to their covers! :)

---

Gravity by Melissa West
(The Taking #1)
Release Date: October 2012

In the future, only one rule will matter: Don’t. Ever. Peek.

Seventeen-year-old Ari Alexander just broke that rule and saw the last person she expected hovering above her bed--arrogant Jackson Locke, the most popular boy in her school. She expects instant execution or some kind of freak alien punishment, but instead, Jackson issues a challenge: help him, or everyone on Earth will die.

Ari knows she should report him, but everything about Jackson makes her question what she’s been taught about his kind. And against her instincts, she’s falling for him. But Ari isn’t just any girl, and Jackson wants more than her attention. She’s a military legacy who’s been trained by her father and exposed to war strategies and societal information no one can know--especially an alien spy, like Jackson. Giving Jackson the information he needs will betray her father and her country, but keeping silent will start a war.

---

For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund
Release Date: June 12, 2012

Generations ago, a genetic experiment gone wrong—the Reduction—decimated humanity, giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.

Eighteen-year-old Luddite Elliot North has always known her place in this caste system. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family’s estate over love. But now the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress and threatening Luddite control; Elliot’s estate is floundering; and she’s forced to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth—an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliott wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she abandoned him.

But Elliot soon discovers her childhood friend carries a secret—-one that could change the society in which they live…or bring it to its knees. And again, she’s faced with a choice: cling to what she’s been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she’s ever loved, even if she has lost him forever.

Inspired by Jane Austen’s PERSUASION, FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS is a breathtaking romance about opening your mind to the future and your heart to the one person you know can break it.

---

Glitch by Heather Anastasiu
(Glitch #1)
Release Date: August 7, 2012

In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.

When Zoe starts to malfunction (or "glitch"), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.

As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.

---

Aren't all those covers STUNNING? I've never really read much of sci-fi sort of books before, but I have a feeling that these books are going to change that! ;) I found Gravity over at Sam's blog recently and fell in love with the synopsis immediately. And For Darkness Shows the Stars and Glitch are both books I've been craving for a while now! :)

What book are you most excited for?  

-Mimi

Review: Destiny's Fire

Book: Destiny's Fire
Author: Trisha Wolfe
Series: N/A
Release Date: January 10, 2012
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Pages: 224
Source: The Book Depository
Stars: 5/5

It’s the year 2040, and sixteen-year-old Dez Harkly is one of the last of her kind—part of a nearly extinct race of shape-shifters descended from guardians to the Egyptian pharaohs. Her home and her secret are threatened when the Council lowers the barrier, allowing the enemy race to enter the Shythe haven.

As the Narcolym airships approach, Dez and her friends rebel against their Council and secretly train for battle. Not only is Dez wary of war and her growing affection for her best friend Jace, but she fears the change her birthday will bring. When Dez’s newfound power rockets out of control, it’s a Narcolym who could change her fate… if she can trust him.

Dez’s guarded world crumbles when she discovers why the Narcos have really come to Haven Falls, and she's forced to choose between the race who raised her and the enemy she's feared her whole life. 

(summary taken from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS:   

If I love this book any more than I already do, I don't think it would be healthy! Destiny's Fire is one of those books you pick up not expecting much but end up loving unconditionally.  

In Destiny's Fire, Trisha Wolfe creates one of the most unique, complex, and breathtaking stories you'll ever read about. At first the world may seem a little overwhelming, but you quickly get immersed in the thrilling world of the Kythan with their crazy-cool powers. There's also a fun steampunk element, too (with cool gadgets and corsets). I couldn't get enough! 

Dez is my favourite kind of heroine: a strong, bad-ass fighter who cares deeply about those she loves, but not too strong that she's hard to connect with. She has the perfect amount of vulnerability; there isn't a single thing she does that I can't see happening in real life. 

And the romance is PERFECT. ♥ Complicated and sensual with the perfect hint of dangerousness, it will turn people who don't like love triangles into people who do! Both Reese and Jace break my heart and make it melt at the same time. The chemistry is off the charts. And you'll fall in love with the amazing secondary cast too! 

Original, action-packed, and absolutely unputdownable, Destiny's Fire is a brilliant novel that I can't recommend enough! I'm crossing my fingers that the author is planning to write a sequel so I can add that to my favourites shelf next to this one. :)  

BUY or BORROW?: If I only had a little bit of money and had to choose between saving it or buying this book, I'd purchase Destiny's Fire in a heartbeat! An absolute MUST-have!!  

-Mimi

Waiting on Wednesday: Kill Me Softly

Hi, everyone! I'm back from Toronto and I had such a blast. But I'm excited to have Wi-Fi again so I can return to the blogosphere. I have a lot of catching up to do! Thanks so much for putting up with me! :)

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: 

Kill Me Softly by Sarah Cross

True love’s kiss just may prove deadly....

Mirabelle’s past is shrouded in secrecy, from her parents’ tragic deaths to her guardians’ half-truths about why she can’t return to her birthplace, Beau Rivage. Desperate to see the town, Mira runs away a week before her sixteenth birthday—and discovers a world she never could have imagined.

In Beau Rivage, nothing is what it seems—the strangely pale girl with a morbid interest in apples, the obnoxious playboy who’s a beast to everyone he meets, and the chivalrous guy who has a thing for damsels in distress. Here, fairy tales come to life, curses are awakened, and ancient stories are played out again and again.

But fairy tales aren’t pretty things, and they don’t always end in happily ever after. Mira has a role to play, a fairy-tale destiny to embrace or resist. As she struggles to take control of her fate, Mira is drawn into the lives of two brothers with fairy-tale curses of their own ... brothers who share a dark secret. And she’ll find that love, just like fairy tales, can have sharp edges and hidden thorns.

(summary taken from Goodreads)

Release Date: April 10, 2012 

I'll admit it: I fell in love with this book because of the cover first. But I'm also a HUGE sucker for anything that has to do with fairy tales and... Well, just read that synopsis! It's worth about a million of my convincing arguments, I think! :)

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU WAITING FOR? 

-Mimi

In My Mailbox #17

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: 

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

(This book is even more gorgeous in person! Thanks a million to Hachette Book Group Canada for the squeal-worthy finished copy — I already read and loved it!)

BORROWED: 

Forbidden by Syire James and Ryan M. James

Fracture by Megan Miranda

Hourglass Myra McEntire

Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley

BOUGHT: 

Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolf

I don't think I'll ever get tired of beaming like I win the lottery when books arrive in my mailbox! ;) Thanks so much again to Hachette Book Group Canada for being part of that reason! 

WHAT'S IN YOUR MAILBOX? 

-Mimi

P.S. I'm out of town until Tuesday night for a school field trip — which I forgot all about until recently. I'm so sorry!! I hate hate hate leaving my blog unattended, but I promise this will be my last time for a long time (unless I make it to Nationals, which I doubt haha). I'm really sorry again! Be back soon!

Author Interview: Elisa Ludwig!!

Book: Pretty Crooked
Author: Elisa Ludwig
Series: Pretty Crooked #1
Release Date: March 13, 2012
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Goodreads ♥ Amazon ♥ Book Depository

I'm absolutely ecstatic to have the AMAZING author Elisa Ludwig on my blog today! Her debut novel, Pretty Crooked, was a hilarious, heartwarming, and completely entertaining book that made my favouites list immediately.You can read my 5 star review here.

Pretty Crooked revolves around a girl named Willa Fox who moves to an elite prep school and tries to even out the wealth between the rich and the poor. You can think of her as a spunky, fun, and female Robin Hood! :)

---

Let's meet Elisa!

1. What's the worst piece of advice you've ever received? The best? 

The worst piece of advice was "don't think about your readers when writing." It sounds very pure and lovely but I'm not one of those people who writes only for myself—and if I don't think about my readers how can I possibly entertain them? The best was probably "you should write YA," which the wonderful author Julia Glass told me about six years ago when I took her writing workshop. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here!

2. What gave you the idea to write a book that's inspired lightly by Robin Hood?

My editor was the one who suggested it to me but we were both also thinking a lot about the Barefoot Bandit because he was big on the news and still on the run when I started writing.

3. Would you ever do what Willa did (stealing from the rich and giving to the poor)?

Probably not. It's fun to think about, though.

4. I adored every single character in Pretty Crooked! Were any of them inspired by people you know in real life? 
You know, usually I do draw from people I know at least somewhat but in this case, these were just people in my head. I honestly wish Tre was a real person. I have to admit that he's my favorite character.

5. What do you like to do when you're not writing? 

I love to cook, do Crossfit, yoga, watch films, read (of course), travel, look at art and go flea marketing (I'm way more low-budg than Willa!).

6. What are some of your favourite books? Favourite authors? 

In the YA world, I love Sarah Dessen, John Green, Sara Zarr, E. Lockhart, A.S. King and M.T. Anderson. In the wider scheme of things I love Kurt Vonnegut, T.C. Boyle, Alice Munro, George Saunders, Junot Diaz, Tessa Hadley... I better stop before I fill the page.

7. Do you feel like being a writer has changed you at all?

I've always been a writer of *something* whether it was poetry (high school), short stories (college), or newspaper features (my twenties), so being a writer is just part of my life. But being published by HarperCollins? Yeah, that's kind of a dream come true. I don't necessarily feel like my essential self has changed, but it has taken over my daily life and my identity in a deeper way. I used to be afraid to tell people I was writing fiction because I felt like a poseur and now I really own it. I'm an author! (Still feels crazy to type it out.) And being part of this wonderful community of other authors, book lovers, and bloggers has been incredibly rewarding.

8. Can you give us a hint about the sequel, Pretty Sly? ;)

All of the original characters come back but it doesn't take place at Valley Prep. How's that??

 Now for a quickfire round!

1. Chocolate or Vanilla? 

OMG, do we even have to ask? Chocolate. 

2. Bad boys or good boys? 

Essentially good boys with a little streak of bad to keep it interesting. 

3. Best friend or soul mate? 

Soul mate. 

4. E-books or hard copies? 

Hard copies, though I am loving my NOOK. 

5. Vampires or werewolves? 

Neither. Minimally hairy, non-biting humans, please.

---

Thank you so much for dropping by, Elisa! ♥

You can find her on her website, Goodreads, Twitter, and Facebook. Pretty Crooked hits the shelves on March 13, 2012, and let me just say that if you haven't already added Elisa's book to your TBR pile, you're totally missing out! ;)

-Mimi

Review: Cinder + Event Alert for B.C.!

Book: Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: Lunar Chronicles #1
Release Date: January 3, 2012
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pages: 390
Source: KPL
Stars: 5/5

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)

MY THOUGHTS:  

Anyone can write a re-telling of Cinderella, but only Marissa Meyer can write a fantastic, original, and completely enchanting Cinderella re-telling as amazing as this one!  

To say that I loved this book would be an understatement! Cinder dodged every bullet I worried about when I picked it up. Rather than being a simple Cinderella knock-off, Meyer created a story with lovable characters, a captivating world, and a story line that was a blast to follow from beginning to end.  

For a cyborg and the best mechanic in New Beijing, Cinder surprised me with her spunk, sarcasm, and fun personality that made me adore her from start to finish! Prince Kai was so adorable, just like the sweet and fairytale-esque romance between them. It was perfectly developed and had the right amount of scenes that made your cheeks hurt from smiling.  

Another thing that made Cinder so original and captivating was the world. There are robots, cyborgs, an otherworldly plague with no cure — and there was also a really cool supernatural aspect with the Lunars (moon people), who could basically control minds and make people see things that weren't real.

A mixture of both fairytale and dystopian elements with a supernatural twist, Cinder is a mesmerizing debut that you don't want to miss! This is one of those books that I'd recommend to everybody because I honestly believe that it can be enjoyed by anyone who can read! :)  

BUY or BORROW?: I'm definitely planning on buying myself a copy of this book! If that doesn't say BUY ME like a neon sign, I don't know what would!

-Mimi

---

Plus:

Marissa Meyer has an upcoming appearance! She only has one event in Canada which is in British Columbia on February 11, 2012  — that's this Saturday! It starts at 2:00 p.m. at Chapters Metrotown (Metropolis, Metrotown 4700 Kingsway, Burnaby, B.C.)

I'm highly encouraging anyone who lives in that area to go! Marissa Meyer is an amazing author and the only reason I'm not going to be there is because there are several provinces separating us. I just know that you'll have fun! :) 

Just wanted to let you guys know!

Waiting on Wednesday: Hemlock

I think that Wednesday is my favourite day of the week! It may not be as relieving as Friday or the weekend, but it's the day when you get to decide whether your cup is half-empty or half-full! Kind of inspirational, right? ♥ :)

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: 

Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

Mackenzie and Amy were best friends. Until Amy was brutally murdered.

Since then, Mac’s life has been turned upside down. She is being haunted by Amy in her dreams, and an extremist group called the Trackers has come to Mac’s hometown of Hemlock to hunt down Amy’s killer: A white werewolf.

Lupine syndrome—also known as the werewolf virus—is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control.

Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy’s murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy’s boyfriend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk.

Kathleen Peacock’s thrilling novel is the first in the Hemlock trilogy, a spellbinding urban fantasy series filled with provocative questions about prejudice, trust, lies, and love.

(summary taken from Goodreads) 

Release Date: May 8, 2012 

If you've been reading the same synopsis as I have, can you really tell me that you aren't excited for this book too?? It's been a while since I read a werewolf book that blew me away, and I have a feeling that Hemlock is going to be that book! :) 

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU WAITING FOR? 

-Mimi

Follower Love Giveaway Hop!!

Hi, everyone! :) At first I wasn't going to participate in this giveaway hop because I'm planning a super event for my blogoversary happening in a few months as well as my monthly release giveaways, but then I saw what it was for and I just had to join in!

Because FOLLOWER LOVE? I definitely have lots of that for you guys! ♥

This giveaway hop is hosted by the awesome Kathy @ I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. Drop by her blog and say hi too if you can! She's like superwoman for all that she handles with these giveaway hops, so I'm sure that she'll appreciate every visit. :)

The Rules:

1. There will be one winner. 
2. Giveaway ends on February 14, 2012 @ 11:59 p.m.
3. Be a GFC follower (or follow me through RSS if you can't with GFC!).
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 of his/her choice from the list below of YA books released since the beginning of the year! But if you want to pick a different book, it can be substituted for one that's not on the list as long as it's under $25 (USD). :)

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
Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne

OR: Any one book of your choice under $25!

Fill out the form below:



Remember that this giveaway hop is all for YOU GUYS — the amazing followers — so you deserve to feel great! ;) ♥

-Mimi

P.S. You can find the list of blogs participating in this hop on the post on Kathy's post HERE.