Welcome everyone :) Things may be a little slow at the moment as I am in my last few months of school so I am swamped with work and exams but if you had time to leave a comment it would make my day!

Wednesday 18 January 2012

Waiting on Wednesday {10}



 Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #1
Pages: 327
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: April 24th 2012


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 the palace and compete for the heart of the 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.



I love dystopians.  I love the idea of almost a pageant to complete for the crown and the Prince's affections. It is always nice to see a protagonist that isn't just following the crowd and has her own ideas. Not sure how I will like the  love triangle but I am interested to find out!

Monday 16 January 2012

Touch of Power Blog Tour

Touch of Power (Avry of Kazan, #1)Today I am taking part in the Touch of Power blog tour. Touch of Power, written by Maria V. Snyder, the first book in the Healer series. Maria was kind enough to answer some questions for me about the book and herself in general.


  What inspired you to write fantasy novels?


    I enjoy reading fantasy so when I first started and had an idea for a novel, I automatically went to where I was most comfortable.  Plus I love all things magical as well as swords, action, adventure, and horses.  It's  harder to find them in the other genres.  :)

If you couldn't be an author what would you like to do?

        Before I would have said I'd like to work in a library or book store, but recently I've been fascinated with the criminal mind.  I'd like to work as a criminal psychologist.

What character are you most like from any of your novels?

        I'd like to say I'm most like Yelena, but she's braver, stronger and more of a risk taker than I am (or ever will be!). I'm more like Opal.  We both have an artist flare, and are logical.  I also struggled with self-esteem issues when I was in school so I know what Opal was feeling in Storm Glass.

 If you could be any fictional character ever written, who would you be?

        Wow – I don't think I've ever been asked this question before!  Hmmm.... this is a tough one!  I would like to be Lessa from the Dragonriders of Pern series by Anne McCaffery.  She gets to ride and communicate with a dragon – how cool is that?

 Can you share a little bit about “Touch of Power” and what it is about?

        Touch of Power is a fantasy novel about a healer set in a world that is recovering from a deadly plague. Avry’s world has blamed the plague on the healers and has hunted them down.  She is finally caught only to be rescued by a group who wants her to heal their Prince.  The group's leader, Kerrick, knows the healers aren't to blame for the plague and that she could do some good for a change instead of hiding. Unfortunately, she believes this Prince is the one who started blaming the plague on the healers so she isn't risking her life for some pampered Prince. As they travel to the Prince's hidden location, they're pursued by others who have realized having a healer around might just be a good thing for them, but not necessarily for her.  

Thank you Maria for your wonderful answers. You can read the first chapter of Touch of Power here.         

Sunday 15 January 2012

In My Mailbox {31}




For Review:


Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Raising Demons by Rachel Hawkins
Pure by Julianna Baggott
Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate
172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad


What did you get in your mailbox?

Friday 13 January 2012

Short Stories

A lot of 2012 releases have short stories or prequels to go with their novels. I thought I would share these with you, even if you haven't read them, so you can have a taster.Three releases that have short stories are:

Tempest by Julie Cross -
Today is Tomorrow (amazon)
Cinder by Marissa Meyer - Glitches
Fracture by Megan Miranda -  Decker's Story

Thursday 12 January 2012

Review: Supernaturally by Kiersten White

     Supernaturally (Paranormalcy #2)

Title: Supernaturally
Author: Kiersten White
Series: Paranormalcy #2
Pages: 336
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: January 5th 2012 (UK)
Source: For Review
Rating: 4 stars
100 Book challenge: #1


A lot has changed in the six months since Evie escaped from the International Paranormal Containment Agency with her shape-shifter boyfriend, Lend. She finally has the blissfully normal life she’s always dreamed of including: 
1) A real live high school 
2) A perfectly ordinary after-school job 
3) Her very own locker (and by the way, rusted metal is every bit as awesome as she imagined) 

But Evie’s not-so-normal past keeps creeping up on her...and things get pretty complicated when you factor in: 
1) A centuries-old, seriously decaying vampire stalker 
2) A crazy faerie ex-boyfriend who is the perpetual bearer of really bad news 
3) A major battle brewing between the faerie courts where the prize in question happens to be...Evie herself. 

So much for normal.



Paranormalcy spoilers but spoiler free for Supernaturally

I adored Paranormalcy. Evie is such a fun character and I couldn't wait to catch up with her. Evie is living out the normal life she wanted but it has become slightly monotonous and has lost the appeal it once had. Raquel offers Evie a job at IPCA with the freedom she lacked the last time. With Evie wanting to reconnect with her other life whilst not hurting Lent, her life is anything but simple. It also seems that she is being targeted but why and who are a complete mystery.


Evie had the same spunk she did in Paranormalcy. She is a flawed character but that is what makes her so relatable. Her need to keep secrets to not hurt Lend's feelings is wrong but understandable. The relationship between the two is so nice to read about, despite that there are a few problems. 


The thing I love most about this series is that it is so unique. It isn't a typical  paranormal. This book also didn't have second book syndrome. It has the same fun as the first and White did not get Lend and Evie to do the big, predictable, break up because, you know, what else is there to do? It wasn't a romance, it has so many other elements.


The ending was a complete shock to me. I was kept in suspense the whole novel and I love it when that happens. I am really interested to see how the trilogy is going to the end. The ending wasn't a cliffhanger which was nice. I am just excited to see more Evie and Lend :)


Tuesday 10 January 2012

Waiting on Wednesday {9}


 Title: Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
Author: Jesse Andrews
Series: Standalone
Pages: 288
Publisher: Abrams
Release Date: March 1st 2012



Up until senior year, Greg has maintained total social invisibility. He only has one friend, Earl, and together they spend their time—when not playing video games and avoiding Earl’s terrifying brothers— making movies, their own versions of Coppola and Herzog cult classics. Greg would be the first one to tell you his movies are f*@$ing terrible, but he and Earl don’t make them for other people. Until Rachel.


Rachel has leukemia, and Greg’s mom gets the genius idea that Greg should befriend her. Against his better judgment and despite his extreme awkwardness, he does. When Rachel decides to stop treatment, Greg and Earl make her a movie, and Greg must abandon invisibility and make a stand. It’s a hilarious, outrageous, and truthful look at death and high school by a prodigiously talented debut author.



This novel looks like a perfect mixture of sadness and humour, of light and dark. The cover is incredible, with the three dimensional feel and the colours. It looks like a book about life, death and growth. I'm expecting some life lessons and a heartbreaking novel with light moments woven in. I'm interested to see if my predictions are correct.

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Authors I Wish Would Write Another Book


Top Ten Authors I Wish Would Write Another Book

1. JK Rowling 

I'm sure this will be on so many lists. I would love to see her write some more books though I am doubtful.

2. Sarah Dessen

I love her writing and can't wait to see more from here

3. Suzanne Collins

I loved The Hunger Games so I'm really hoping she writes some other stuff

4. Megan Miranda

I loved her first novel Fracture and I can't wait to see what she does next

5. Jenny Han

I know she has some books being written but I can't wait for more!

I can't think of any more but if you have any suggestions please comment below :)

Monday 9 January 2012

Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer


     Cinder (Lunar Chronicles, #1)

Title: Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: Lunar Chronicles #1
Pages: 384
Publisher: Puffin
Release Date: January 5th 2012 (UK)
Source: For Review
Rating: 5 stars
100 Book challenge: #2



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. 

In this thrilling debut young adult novel, the first of a quartet, Marissa Meyer introduces readers to an unforgettable heroine and a masterfully crafted new world that’s enthralling.


I was so excited to get this book for review but for some reason when I did have it, I was a little hesitant to start it. I am kicking myself for holding off as this book was INCREDIBLE. The concept is so unique and the writing and plot was 
phenomenal. I don't quite know what genre to describe it as because it fits in to so many different categories. It is a bit of dystopia, steampunk, romance, fantasy. It just wowed me.

Cinder is a cyborg, left to live with her guardian Adri, after the man who brought her home died. Cyborgs are of a lower class in society and when Peony, Cinder's stepsister, catches the plague, Cinder is seen as responsible. Whilst this is going on, Cinder becomes acquainted with the prince and an unusual relationship surfaces.

I loved Cinder as a character. She was loyal, strong and hotheaded. I would rather read about this 'Cinderella' any day. Prince Kai was lovely. He was just so normal and real and I loved that about him. I also adored how their relationship didn't start with "OMG HE IS SO HOT. I WANT TO RIP HIS CLOTHES OFF". There was a development of feelings, just like in real life.

The plot was amazing. I did suspect the major twist from early on but this didn't bother me at all. Watching it unfold provided so much satisfaction that I couldn't care less that I knew what may happen. Despite knowing what the twist was, there were still mysteries and the ending provided me with plenty of surprise. 

I could gush and gush but I shall stop. I loved everything. The ending was left fairly open and a lot was left unresolved. The next book in the series is about Little Red Riding Hood so I am not sure if any of the loose ends in Cinder will ever be tied up. I will be rather disappointed if this is the case though.

All in all, Cinder is an incredible debut. The standard of 2012 debuts are incredibly high and if this is any judge of what to expect for the year I am so in! Go buy it. No, really. Like, right now. GO!

Saturday 7 January 2012

New Release: January 2012

Saving DaisyThese are UK releases in January. Some may has already been released in the US.
The Book of Blood and Shadow

  • The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler (5th Jan)
  • Fated by Sarah Alderson (5th Jan)
  • Smoulder by Brenna Yovanoff (5th Jan)
  • Cinder by Marrisa Meyer (5th Jan)
  • Seizure by Kathy Reichs (5th Jan)
  • In Darkness by Nick Lake (5th Jan)
  • The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith (5th Jan)
  • Supernaturally by Kiersten White  (5th Jan)
  • Fracture by Megan Miranda  (5th Jan)
  • Tempest by Julie Cross  (5th Jan)
  • The Book of Blood and Shadow by robin Wasserman  (19th Jan)
  • The Weight of Water by Sarah Crossan (5th Jan)
  • Saving Daisy by Phil Earle (5th Jan)
  • Night School by CJ Daugherty (5th Jan)

If I have missed any, please let me know :)



Friday 6 January 2012

Cover Reveals

Some new covers have been released recently and I thought I'd share them with you. 



The insurgent cover matches the new cover the for the UK paperback. I do these but I prefer the US covers. I like how I always see something new when I look at these though.

City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments, #5)

I haven't read of the books in the Mortal Instruments series (I know, sue me) so I don't know who is on there (Clary, perhaps) or how it portrays the book. I think it is really pretty though.

What do you think of these covers?

Thursday 5 January 2012

The Statistical Probability Blog Tour

 Today I am taking part in the blog tour for The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. If you haven't read my review you can read it here. The book is fantastic! If you haven't seen the other posts Jennifer has been doing, you should check them out!


Jennifer was kind enough to do a question and answer with me!


What is the most interesting thing that has happened to you, or that you have witnessed, on a flight?

One of my favorite flying experiences actually made it into the book.  I lent it to Oliver.  A few years ago, I was on a flight from Chicago to New York on the Fourth of July.  I was sitting next to the window, and soon after takeoff, I realized I could see fireworks displays going off down below.  They looked really tiny from above, nothing more than the smallest flares of light, but they were everywhere, just dotting the landscape.  I couldn’t believe how many there were, probably hundreds of local displays that we followed across the country all the way back to New York.  It was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen.  So, of course, I had to put it in the book.

Where in the world would you most like to visit?

I’ve been lucky enough to check off my top three places in the past few years: South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.  But there are so many more countries I’d love to visit.  For some reason, Iceland is really high on my list at the moment.  So is South America.  I’ve been to Argentina, but I’d love to go back and see some other places down there as well.  Hopefully soon!

If you could sit next to anyone on the plane, real or fictional, who would it be?
I’m sure I should be choosing someone clever or important here like Charles Dickens or Abraham Lincoln, but the truth is, there’s nobody I’d rather be next to on a plane than my sister.  We’ve traveled a lot together, and it’s really nice to sit beside someone who doesn’t mind when you get antsy or bored or grumpy, or who doesn’t care that you get up forty-two times or talk through the movie or ask if we’re there yet.  Plus she always lets me trade her for the good parts of her airline meal.  I bet Abraham Lincoln wouldn’t do that.

What inspired you to write The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight?

I’d been reading a lot of books that were really dark and depressing – beautiful and poignant, but still dark and depressing – and I wanted to write something that was sweet and deeply hopeful without being overly light and fluffy.  I’d been thinking a lot about the idea of fate, and how the smallest things can so easily send everything onto a different course, and I just kept coming back to the idea of this girl missing her flight, and how something like that might change everything.

Did you always plan to write The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight over a short time period and if so, why?
I did, yes.  I like the idea of a fixed time period, and I think putting parentheses around the timeframe of a story can really notch up the tension.  But when I was first thinking through the book, I imagined it would be set over a long weekend.  I wasn’t sure twenty-four hours was enough to show two people falling for each other in a convincing enough way.  It wasn’t until I was pretty far into the airplane section that I realized it could work.  That flight was only seven hours, and by the time they got off that plane, they already had this deep connection and had shared so much.  At that point, there were still seventeen hours left in the day, and it started to seem like more than enough to tell their story.

Are you writing anything at the moment? If so, could you share a little bit about it?

My first middle grade novel, The Storm Makers, will actually be out in April.  But at the moment, I’m working on another YA love story called This is What Happy Looks Like, which has been a lot of fun. 


How did you choose the names for Hadley and Oliver?

They’re both names I’ve always loved.  I actually knew a man named Hadley when I was growing up, but I’d just read A Moveable Feast when I started this book, and that was the name of Hemingway’s first wife, so I think it sort of stuck with me.  As for Oliver, I met more than a few guys with that name when I was living in the UK, and what’s not to love?

I would just like to thank Jennifer for answering all my questions and giving such fascinating answers. Make sure you stop my Anna Reads and Heaven, Hell and Purgatory Book Reviews for tomorrow's posts.

Wednesday 4 January 2012

Waiting on Wednesday {8}


      Getting Over Garrett Delaney

Title: Getting Over Garrett Delaney
Author: Abby McDonald
Series: Standalone
Pages: 336
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Release Date: January 24th 2012


Can a twelve-step program help Sadie kick her unrequited crush for good? Abby McDonald serves up 
her trademark wit and wisdom in a hilarious new novel.

Seventeen-year-old Sadie is in love: epic, heartfelt, and utterly onesided. The object of her obsession - ahem, affection - is her best friend, Garrett Delaney, who has been oblivious to Sadie's feelings ever since he sauntered into her life and wowed her with his passion for Proust (not to mention his deep-blue eyes). 
For two long, painful years, Sadie has been Garrett's constant companion, sharing his taste in everything from tragic Russian literature to art films to '80s indie rock- all to no avail. 

But when Garrett leaves for a summer literary retreat, Sadie is sure that the absence will make his heart grow fonder - until he calls to say he's fallen in love. With some other girl! A 
heartbroken Sadie realizes that she's finally had enough. It's time for total Garrett detox! Aided by a barista job, an eclectic crew of new friends (including the hunky chef, Josh), and a customized selfhelp guide, Sadie embarks on a summer of personal reinvention full of laughter, mortifying meltdowns, and a double shot of love.


I'm in love. No, really. These are my kind of books. Things don't begin perfect. There is a growth in the book as the character either learns to accept that she cannot be with who she wants, find someone else or somehow convince the boy she loves that he loves her too. So many possibilities. I am so excited to read this one!

Tuesday 3 January 2012

End of Year Survery 2011



1. Best Book You Read In 2011? 

Divergent by Veronica Roth
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

2. Most Disappointing Book/Book You Wish You Loved More Than You Did?

Bumped by Megan McCafferty and There Is No Dog by Meg Rosoff



I literally adored the premise of both of these books, mainly from an ethical point of view and they both fell short unfortunately.  

3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2011?

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles 



I bought this book and it sat on my shelf for ages. I didn't expect much but it blew me away!

4. Book you recommended to people most in 2011?
Divergent by Veronica Roth


I have lent this book to 3 or 4 of my friends and they all loved it. I felt accomplished in book recommendations this year!

5. Best series you discovered in 2011?

I don't think I've read any series (other than the first book) that really stood out but some series I am DYING to continue are:



Divergent by Veronica Roth
The Lying Game by Sara Shepard

Across The Universe by Beth Revis
Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

6. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2011?

Kody Keplinger



If her name is on it, I'll buy it!

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

I haven't really read historical fiction before but Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys melted my heart. I also read a lot more paranormal that is out of my comfort zone - Die for Me by Amy Plum was a great read in that genre.

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2011?
Divergent by Veronica Roth (a pattern, no?)
The DUFF by Kody Keplinger
Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles  


9. Book you most anticipated in 2011?

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

A little disappointing but still enjoyable

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2011?

Past Perfect

Past Perfect by Leila Sales - The book is amazing too!



11. Most memorable character in 2011? 

 Evie from Paranormalcy I think (I'm terrible at these questions)

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2011?

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2011? 

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

14. Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2011 to finally read? 



The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2011? 


16. Book That You Read In 2011 That Would Be Most Likely To Reread In 2012? 
Divergent by Veronica Roth

17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers! 

Divergent (FOUR!), Perfect Chemistry (THE STEAMINESS), Across The Universe (THE ENDING!)

 Book Blogging/Reading Life in 2011 (optional)

1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2011? 

Hmm, this is so tough. I don't think I could choose. Cicely Loves Books and Cheezyfeet Books are wonderful blogs and are run by wonderful people :)

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2011? 
It ties between The DUFF by Kody Keplinger and Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles. I really enjoyed writing both of these as I loved the books so much.

3. Best discussion you had on your blog? 

I love doing discussion posts and earlier in the year I did a lot and they seemed really popular. The one I most enjoyed was discussions about book hype but I got 42 comments on hardback vs paperback.

4. Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else's blog? 


I totally suck but I can't think of any at the moment! If you have any recommendations for this please let me know!!!

5. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

The Daughter of Smoke and Bone blogger event was great. I met Bella from Cheezyfeet Books and saw Casey and Hayley from Dark Readers and many other great bloggers. It was so much fun!

6. Best moment of book blogging in 2011?

Wow, this is tough. There have been so many great moments. My 1st blogoversary was an amazing accomplishment. Getting to know other bloggers was great.

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?
My Pretty Little Liars review got the most page views. As for comments I think it is my 
hardback vs paperback discussion post.

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

 I think I would like any post to get more love. So much hard work is put into the blog that it is nice for everything to be appreciated. I'd probably like some more love on the reviews that have no comments.

9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

Audiobooks are fabulous. I have never listened to them before but I am definitely on the bandwagon now!

10.  Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

Probably the debut author challenge. To be honest I didn't focus on challenges, I just read. 
1. One Book You Didn't Get To In 2011 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2012?

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2012?

A Million Suns by Beth Revis
Insurgent by Veronica Roth

3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2012?

Reading some of my own books. I buy many great ones and they seem to get forgotten as review copies take priority. I also want to read some adult books too.

Monday 2 January 2012

TBR Pile - January 2012


Supernaturally (Paranormalcy #2)
Saving DaisyHere is a list of all the books I hope to read this month.

  1. Supernaturally by Kiersten White
  2. Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
  3. Cinder by Marissa Meyer
  4. Touch of Power by Maria V. Synder
  5. Saving Daisy by Phil Earle
  6. The Book of Blood and Shadow by Robin Wasserman
  7. Fated by Sarah Alderson
  8. Seizure by Kathy Reichs
  9. In Darkness by Nick Lake
  10. Smoulder by Brenna Yovanoff
  11. New Beginnings by Rebecca Emin
I also hope to read some of Harry Potter: Page to Screen. What books do you hope to read this month?

Sunday 1 January 2012

Review: The Weight of Water by Sarah Crossan


    The Weight of Water

Title: The Weight of Water
Author: Sarah Crossan
Series: Standalone
Pages: 230
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: January 5th 2012 (UK)
Source: For Review
Rating: 4 stars


Armed with a suitcase and an old laundry bag filled with clothes, Kasienka and her mother leave Poland and head for the UK to find her father. Life is lonely for Kasienka. At home her mother's heart is breaking and at school Kasienka finds it impossible to make new friends. While the search continues, Kasienka is kept afloat by William, a boy she meets at the local pool who understands what it means to lose someone and who swims with Kasienka towards her new life.


The Weight of Water is a beautifully written book about a girl moving to a new place and feeling like she doesn't fit in. It is my first verse novel and if I'm honest, I was a little scared of it. I had no need to be though as it flowed smoothly and was so easy to read.


Kasienka and her mother moved to England, attempting to find Kasienka's father who left them. Kasienka would rather be in Poland, where she has friends, her grandmother and a place she can truly call home. Being different makes Kasienka a target at school and she becomes the victim of bullies.


Kasienka was an incredibly strong girl. She has to hold her mother together as well as try and fit in to this strange place she has no desire to be in. I really empathised with her, feeling how she felt. It was painful to read at times.


If you haven't read a verse book, this is a great one to start with. It isn't complicated or confusing; the plot flows easily and you get immersed in the novel. I read it in a mere few hours and I enjoyed every moment of it.


The book is a fabulous portrayal of a girl moving to a strange place and unable to find where she belongs. It deals with bullying, family, romance and many other aspects. It also addresses ways to deal with bullying and how to try and overcome it. Ultimately, this book was wonderful. I'm very glad I tried it.
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