November 2013 ~ Jump Into Books

November 30, 2013

Stacking the Shelves November Edition

Welcome to Stacking the Shelves which is hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews. This month I decided to take a different approach and go with pictures from my Instagram.

From Netgalley for review:
White Space by Ilsa J. Bick
Endless by Amanda Gray
Plus One by Elizabeth Fama
Witch Finder by Ruth Warburton
Special Thanks: Random Buzzers, St. Martin's Press, YABE (Abigail, Jane @ Much Ado About Books and Terri), Netgalley, Michelle Madow, Katie Lynn Johnson

[Review] The Selection by Kiera Cass

By Erin N 2:08 AM // No comments

Title: The Selection (The Selection #1)
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: HarperTeen
Genre: Dystopia, Romance, Young Adult
Release Date: March 26, 2013
Source: Gifted, RAK
Purchase: Amazon | TBD | Kobo | B&N

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

So, what did I think about The Selection? About 35 girls competing for one princes affections? Well I can honestly say, I thought it was a pretty great read! I don't know why I have waited so long to crack it open and read it. (Besides the fact that I have a TBR list a mile long!)

I don't normally like "love-triangles", but this one pulled me in. You know the reason I don't like the whole triangle thing is because I always have a hard time deciding who the main character should end up with, because, let's face it, most of the time, both guys usually have the same amount of great qualities. But in this book, I can already tell you who my favorite is, and it's not Aspen.

So let's start talking about Aspen. He has gorgeous green eyes (I'm a complete and total sucker for green eyes!), dark hair and a totally caring personality. Throw in the fact that he's older and very responsible, and you have yourself a great catch. But, behind all that, you have a temper, and, coming from someone that has seen way too many tempers, it's not that attractive. There is also the fact that he doesn't see himself as good enough for America. So, he has a temper and low self-esteem. Not two of my favorite qualities. However, toward the end, he does come around to try to win back America's affections.

Now let's look at Maxon. Sure, he's the crowned prince, so who wouldn't want to marry him? But he also has a sweet side. He's caring and shy and a little unsure of himself when it comes to girls, but deep down, he knows what he wants and he is desperate to stand out and to show his father that he has what it takes to run the country.

And lastly, we have America. Whose heart was seriously broken by the boy she loved so desperately and whose mother and boyfriend pushed her to sign up for the Selection. She sacrificed her happiness for her family and her boyfriend. She is strong willed and determined. Everything I like about a heroine. Take the three of them and put them into this book and you have yourself one great story.

I just really enjoyed this book, I finished it quite fast, compared to most of the other books I have read. I will admit, I was a little confused at the beginning when it came to "castes" and the way things were, but I quickly understood what was going on and what things meant. I really enjoyed how everything came together and how Cass put a little bit of the history in the book as to how they became the new country Illea, it certainly helped me to understand a little more about it. Most of the time, with the dystopian type books I have read before, the writers leave out that detail and it leaves the readers curious about how things happened. If you are anything like me, my mind wanders and ponders over every little detail. All in all, I must say that as soon as I'm able to, I'm heading to the store to purchase the next book, The Elite.

I completely enjoyed this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone!

Waiting on Wednesday #WoW @lindsaycwrites @HarperCollins

By Erin N 11:00 PM // No comments

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It's to spotlight upcoming reads which I can't wait to get my hands on.

This week my book is:

The Murder Complex by Lindsay Cummings

Release date: June 10th 2014

Pre-order your copy today:
Amazon | TBD | B&N

An action-packed, blood-soaked, futuristic debut thriller set in a world where the murder rate is higher than the birthrate. For fans of Moira Young's Dust Lands series, La Femme Nikita, and the movie Hanna.

Meadow Woodson, a fifteen-year-old girl who has been trained by her father to fight, to kill, and to survive in any situation, lives with her family on a houseboat in Florida. The state is controlled by The Murder Complex, an organization that tracks the population with precision. The plot starts to thicken when Meadow meets Zephyr James, who is-although he doesn't know it-one of the MC's programmed assassins. Is their meeting a coincidence? Destiny? Or part of a terrifying strategy? And will Zephyr keep Meadow from discovering the haunting truth about her family? Action-packed, blood-soaked, and chilling, this is a dark and compelling debut novel by Lindsay Cummings.

Top Ten Tuesday #TTT

By Erin N 11:00 PM // 2 comments

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. Each week they will post a new Top Ten list that one of their bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join.

This week they ask:

Top ten things I'm thankful for (not in order):

1. My health - without that I wouldn't be able to wake up everyday

2. My daughter - she is my everything, she makes me happy and laugh and makes me thankful I'm alive

3. My parents - without them, I wouldn't be who I am today

4. My ex - I know, a strange one, but without him, I wouldn't have the wonderful, beautiful and intelligent 4 year old I have today

5. My grandmother - she passed on her love of reading to me

6. My friends - they help keep me sane and grounded

7. My blogger friends - I have learned so much from them over the past 2 years of blogging

8. God - I'm sorry if the mention of him offends some people but without him I definitely wouldn't be here

9. Internet - without that, being as I live in a small town, I wouldn't know what new and wonderful books come out each month :)

10. Books - they help me escape my everyday troubles and pull me into new worlds

{Review} Strands of Bronze and Gold by Jane Nickerson

By Erin N 2:06 AM // No comments

Title: Strands of Bronze and Gold
Author: Jane Nickerson
Publisher: Random House Children's
Genre: Historical, Retelling, Young Adult
Release Date: March 12, 2013
Source: Random Buzzers
Purchase: Amazon | TBD | B&N | Kobo

The Bluebeard fairy tale retold. . . .

When seventeen-year-old Sophia Petheram’s beloved father dies, she receives an unexpected letter. An invitation—on fine ivory paper, in bold black handwriting—from the mysterious Monsieur Bernard de Cressac, her godfather. With no money and fewer options, Sophie accepts, leaving her humble childhood home for the astonishingly lavish Wyndriven Abbey, in the heart of Mississippi.

Sophie has always longed for a comfortable life, and she finds herself both attracted to and shocked by the charm and easy manners of her overgenerous guardian. But as she begins to piece together the mystery of his past, it’s as if, thread by thread, a silken net is tightening around her. And as she gathers stories and catches whispers of his former wives—all with hair as red as her own—in the forgotten corners of the abbey, Sophie knows she’s trapped in the passion and danger of de Cressac’s intoxicating world.

Glowing strands of romance, mystery, and suspense are woven into this breathtaking debut—a thrilling retelling of the “Bluebeard” fairy tale.

I will admit, I have never ever read anything to do with Bluebeard but have heard talk about him. So I sort of know a few stories. So, when I went into this, I had no expectations or hopes that it would be like the actual stories, which probably made this a little easier to read.

To be honest, this actually started off slow for me. And when I say slow, I mean, I read the first chapter and put it up thinking I wouldn't come back to it, ever. But, a few months later and I found myself swiping my fingers over the spine and pulling it off the book shelf to read again. Glad I decided to try again. I found myself getting caught up in Sophia's life and rolling my eyes and hating Bernard de Cressac.

Sophia was a girl of seventeen and had moved in with her godfather due to the death of her father. At first she thought that her life was grand and couldn't imagine anything better. But she soon discovered the dark secrets that were laid to rest at Wyndriven Abbey and found herself searching for a way out.

Sophia's character was very likable, she was young and naive, which made her all the more real. She had ideals of what life should be like and missed her family very much. She grew up a lot throughout the course of the book and became a very strong individual, which I found agreeable.

Bernard was a very lustful character. He believed in riches and power and believed that his controlling behavior and tempers were for the best. He was a very jealous individual. He was everything that you love to hate. And believe me, I hated him immensely.

The story was quite interesting, however, I did anticipate the ending a little and some of the course of events. I do wish that this book had a few surprise twists so it wasn't as predictable. But it was still a really great read and I recommend it to readers who enjoy re-tellings.

Waiting on Wednesday #WoW

By Erin N 10:50 PM // 1 comment

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It's to spotlight upcoming reads which I can't wait to get my hands on.

This week my book is:

Grim by Christine Johnson & various authors

Release date: February 25th 2014

Pre-order your copy today:
Amazon | TBD | B&N

CLAIRE DE LUNE and NOCTURNE author Christine Johnson, ed.’s GRIM, an anthology of dark fairy tale retellings, featuring stories by New York Times bestselling authors Ellen Hopkins, Amanda Hocking, Claudia Gray, Rachel Hawkins, Julie Kagawa, and others, to Natashya Wilson at HarlequinTeen, in a nice deal, for publication in Winter 2014, by Caryn Wiseman at Andrea Brown Literary Agency (World).

[Chapter Sampler] The Book Thief

By Erin N 10:33 PM // No comments

This is in honor of the movie coming out. I haven't had a chance to read this or buy it yet and for those of you that haven't purchased your copy yet, I have posted below a chapter sampler of this awesome book! Thanks to our friends at Random Buzzers and Scribd.

**You can also scroll to the bottom to see the movie trailer if you have not seen it yet**

The Book Thief by Random Buzzers

**Movie Trailer**

[Review] These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

By Erin N 4:44 PM // No comments

Title: These Broken Stars
Author: Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia
Release Date: Dec 10, 2013
Source: Publisher for Review
Purchase: Amazon | TBD | B&N

It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone.

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help.

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

Ok, so this was a bit out of the norm for me. I don't really read Dystopian books. For some reason I love watching Sci-fi but I have a hard time reading it and getting pulled in. I had won Across the Universe and A Million Suns when the latter came out, started to read Across the Universe and had to put it down because it just didn't grab my attention like I had hoped it would. It's been sitting on my shelves collecting dust since last year. Now, I did read Wither and thoroughly enjoy it. So it really depends on the book.

These Broken Stars was a pretty awesome book. I kinda suspected that it would turn out the way it did but with a different ending, especially since book 2 in the series has nothing to do with the Tarver and Lilac. But I was pleasantly surprised that it ended the way it did.

The book starts off with a war hero, Tarver Merendsen, on board a luxury space ship. I pictured the Titanic but in space ship form. He encounters Lilac LaRoux and is immediately intrigued by her. Lilac also seems to be attracted to Tarver but soon squashes any emotions she might have towards him because of who she is and who her family is. Soon the Icarus is thrown out of hyperspace and everyone is left rushing to their escape pods in hopes of surviving.

The characters were pleasant enough, however, I was not a big fan of the name Lilac.While I love the flower, the name is not something I would use for a person. Maybe her name could have been Rose or something. But, other than the name, the characters were pretty amazing.

The story seemed to be lacking something. I can't quite put my finger on it though. I think I would have liked to see more out of the deserted planet then what we did see, and maybe that is where it was lacking. But even with that, this was a really great book. I'm glad that I was able to read it and I think now I'm going to try to go back and read Across the Universe.

Wishlist Wednesday #1

By Erin N 1:14 PM // 3 comments

Wishlist Wednesday is a weekly book blog hop that is hosted by Pen to Paper, it is where we will post about one book per week that has been on our wishlist for some time, or just added, that we can't wait to get off the wishlist and onto our wonderful shelves.

I'm going to start by posting a book that has been on my "Wishlist" since I joined Goodreads.

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

I have been wanting this for quite some time. I love the cover and I love anything to do with paranormal and witches. I've also heard some good reviews on this series and just can't wait to dive into this series myself!

Waiting on Wednesday #WoW @harperteen @daniellempaige

By Erin N 10:30 PM // 1 comment

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It's to spotlight upcoming reads which I can't wait to get my hands on.

This week my book is:

Dorothy Must Die (Dorothy Must Die #1) by Danielle Paige

Release date: April 1st 2014

Pre-order your copy today:
Amazon | TBD | B&N | Kobo

I didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask to be some kind of hero. But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado—taking you with it—you have no choice but to go along, you know?

Sure, I've read the books. I've seen the movies. I know the song about the rainbow and the happy little blue birds. But I never expected Oz to look like this. To be a place where Good Witches can't be trusted, Wicked Witches may just be the good guys, and winged monkeys can be executed for acts of rebellion. There's still the yellow brick road, though—but even that's crumbling.

What happened? Dorothy. They say she found a way to come back to Oz. They say she seized power and the power went to her head. And now no one is safe.

My name is Amy Gumm—and I'm the other girl from Kansas. I've been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked. I've been trained to fight. And I have a mission: Remove the Tin Woodman's heart. Steal the Scarecrow's brain. Take the Lion's courage. Then and only then—Dorothy must die!

Waiting On Wednesday #WoW @MichelleMadow

By Erin N 10:00 PM // No comments

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It's to spotlight upcoming reads which I can't wait to get my hands on.

This week my book is:

The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow

Release date: February 25th 2014

Pre-order your copy today:
Amazon | TBD | B&N

Savannah. Courtney. Peyton.

The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite. Suddenly the Strip's most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past.

Top Ten Tuesday #TTT

By Erin N 10:30 PM // 4 comments

This week they ask:

Top Ten Sequels I Can't Wait To Get My Hands On

1. Lady Thief (Scarlet #2) by A.C. Gaughen

2. A Barricade In Hell by Jaime Lee Moyer

3. Neverwas by Kelly Moore

4. Belladonna by Fiona Paul

5. Entice by Jessica Shirvington

6. Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake

7. Such Wicked Intent by Kenneth Oppel

8. Mirage by Kristi Cook

9. Fragile Spirits by Mary Lindsey

10. Until I Die by Amy Plum

{Review} Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

By Erin N 5:57 PM // 2 comments

Title: Scarlet (Scarlet #1)
Author: A.C. Gaughen
Publisher: Walker Children's
Genre: Young Adult, Retelling, Fantasy
Release Date: February 14, 2012
Source: Publisher
Purchase: Amazon | TBD | Kobo | B&N

Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance.

Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in.

It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.

Scarlet was one of those books that took me by surprise actually. I remember it was one of those books I simply couldn't wait to get my hands on just because of the cover. (Yes, I pick out books based on covers mostly.) I remember wanting to read it really badly and then the thrill was over for me. I don't know why, I guess I got consumed with all the other books that I had piling up. Then, one day this past week, it was just staring me in the face and I knew that I had to dust it off and start reading it. Very glad that I did.

I have always like the fact of Robin Hood. You know, taking from the rich and giving to the poor. He was always so valiant and brooding. I grew up watching the Disney movie and saw the movies Robin Hood: Men In Tights (one too many times) and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (absolutely loved Christian Slater in this movie). I have always wanted to read the stories about Robin Hood however.

I liked how the writer put a twist on Will Scarlet. I didn't expect Scarlet to be who she was in the end though. I also expected a different ending to the story, but was glad that the ending I had in mind didn't happen.

The characters were likable. I really enjoyed Robin's character and Scarlet's. They were both so strong in their own ways, but it was the character of Much I enjoyed so much more. He wasn't the brute strength to the band and he wasn't the mad scientist type. He was the calmer, more reserved type person. And he wanted to be so much more than what he was. I truly admired him in this book.

The story was pretty great. I especially liked how the sheriff was far more darker then the movies made him out to be. Would love to know how the original book made him out. Gisbourne was a nice twist to the tale and so was the true identity of Scarlet. Reading the dialect throughout the book made me feel like I was living it and speaking it. I imagined Sherwood Forest like this huge area with nothing but tree houses and ropes swings. But maybe that's because I watched the movies too much.

I highly recommend this book to people ages 14 and up, who loved excitement and adventure.