Pro-Something (A Mini Review)

In Trouble


Written by: Ellen Levine

Released: September 28, 2011 by Carolrhoda Books

Summary: Jamie and Elaine have been best friends forever, and now they’re finally juniors in high school. Elaine has a steady boyfriend, and Jamie could have one—if she'd just open her eyes and see Paul. But Jamie has a bigger problem to worry about.

Then Elaine gets "in trouble"—something they thought only happened to "other" girls. Are there any good choices for a girl in trouble?

In Trouble is a novel born of author Ellen Levine’s interviews with women who came of age in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including those who knew what it was like to be a teen facing a horrible choice.

In the decades before Roe v. Wade, a young woman "in trouble" had very few options—and all of them meant shame, isolation, and maybe much worse.

Jamie and Elaine's stories are just two among the thousands of stories of teenagers facing unplanned pregnancies.

I love reading novels with subject matter like this one because it’s so entrenched in real life that I can’t help but imagine it being true. Plus, while I’m pro-choice in matters such as these, I’m fascinated on the process that other people go through in order to make their own decision.

This novel deals with heavy subject matter and might not be for all people. Aside from pregnancy, it deals with religion and politics and while I liked the novel well enough, it just wasn’t enough. I’m giving it a 4/10.

Stay tuned for a more in-depth review closer to the publication date.



I was graciously provided this eARC though netGalley by Carolrhoda Books.

Amazing Flash Giveaway!!

Ok people! It's the last day of June (which I hope means you've entered my ARC giveaway - link above this post) and I'm feeling super generous!

You know what that means, right?

If you guessed that it means it's time for a flash giveaway, you're right!!

Since I have really recently joined up for Twitter - @TheLadyCritic - I'm going to do it there.
But Lady, what's the prize? You may be asking. Well, it's a t-shirt for the very popular book series The Castor Chronicles - Beautiful Creatures - by Kami Garcia and Margarte Stohl. It's very pretty and I'll share a picture on twitter since I'm posting from my phone.

It's an XL, so hopefully it should fit most people (that's the only size they had).

So here's the deal. You have to #BeautifulRoyalCreatures (since I'm currently in the crowd to see William and Kate) on Twitter with a comment.
Preferably you would be following me on Twitter, but it's not a requirement.
I'll make the draw at midnight on the 1st of July - which gives everyone just over 24 hours.
Oh, and if you could @ me as well just so that I know for sure that you've entered, that would be awesome!

Good luck everyone (and if I've missed something I'll add it later).

Oh, and North America only. Sorry my International followers!!

Wish List Wednesday - Number Fifty-Five

I found this novel while browsing through Simon and Schuster’s online catalogue and it caught my eye. So, of course, I immediately looked it up on Goodreads and added it to my To Read list.

Dark Inside

Written by: Jeyn Roberts

Released: November 1, 2011 by Simon and Schuster

Summary: Since mankind began, civilizations have always fallen: the Romans, the Greeks, the Aztecs…Now it’s our turn. Huge earthquakes rock the world. Cities are destroyed. But something even more awful is happening. An ancient evil has been unleashed, turning everday people into hunters, killers, crazies.

Mason's mother is dying after a terrible car accident. As he endures a last vigil at her hospital bed, his school is bombed and razed to the ground, and everyone he knows is killed. Aries survives an earthquake aftershock on a bus, and thinks the worst is over when a mysterious stranger pulls her out of the wreckage, but she’s about to discover a world changed forever. Clementine, the only survivor of an emergency town hall meeting that descends into murderous chaos, is on the run from savage strangers who used to be her friends and neighbors. And Michael witnesses a brutal road rage incident that is made much worse by the arrival of the police--who gun down the guilty party and then turn on the bystanding crowd.

Where do you go for justice when even the lawmakers have turned bad? These four teens are on the same road in a world gone mad. Struggling to survive, clinging on to love and meaning wherever it can be found, this is a journey into the heart of darkness – but also a journey to find each other and a place of safety.

Isn't that cover something? I love how dystopian novels are slowly starting to pull rank on the vampire genre. Plus, as an added bonus, the author is Canadian and it’s her debut novel!

Keep this one on your watch list!

Movie Monday - Made of Dishonour

Bridesmaids


Written by: Annie Mumolo and Kristin Wiig

Directed by: Paul Feig

Released: May 13, 2011 by Universal Pictures

Rating: R

Summary: Annie, is a maid of honour whose life unravels as she leads her best friend, Lillian, and a group of colourful bridesmaids on a wild ride down the road to matrimony. Annie's life is a mess. But when she finds out her lifetime best friend is engaged, she simply must serve as Lillian's maid of honor. Though lovelorn and broke, Annie bluffs her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals. With one chance to get it perfect, she'll show Lillian and her bridesmaids just how far you'll go for someone you love.

Oh my god I think I almost peed my pants about 27 times while watching this movie – one of the only movies that I’ve EVER watched more than once in theatres. If you haven’t seen this one yet, GO RIGHT NOW! It’s great for both guys and girls and neither will be disappointed.

Unlike a lot of R rated movie that have recently come out either on DVD or in theatres, this one doesn’t need to resort to the gross-out factor of comedy. Sure, it has its moments (like the scene in the bridal store) but even that isn’t as bad as most movies show. Plus, it’s a genuinely funny scene and the gross-out is just an added bit.

This is going to be a movie I’ll be buying as soon as it comes out on DVD just so that I can watch it whenever I want. I give it a 10/10!

In My Mailbox (57)

Ahhhh... yep, this week I was a little bad and completely cashed in on the fact that Chapters was having a Buy 3 Get the 4th free event. I went a little crazy and have now self-imposed a book-buying ban. Of course, we’ll see how that goes.




So, this week in my mailbox I got;

Bought

Prophecy of the Sisters by (on clearance!)

Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George (paperback to match my other books by her)

The Poison Diaries by Maryrose Wood (paperback to match the ARC of Nightshade that I got at BEA)

Cruel Love by Kate Brian

Mermaid by Carolyn Turgeon

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

Sweet Little Lies by Lauren Conrad (paperback to match the others)

Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers

NetGalley

Ward Against Death by Melanie Card


The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen

Ashes by Ilsa J. Black

The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle

The Dead Kid Detective Agency by Evan Munday




See, crazy.

Anyway, this is what my IMM is this week! Leave me a message and let me know what you got!





As always, IMM props and information go to Kristi at The Story Siren. Check out her amazing website!

Bishop's Second

Uncommon Criminals


Written by: Ally Carter

Released: June 21, 2011 by Hyperion

Summary: Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life: Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief. But for the last two months she’s simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world. That’s why Kat isn’t surprised when she’s asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners.

There are only three problems. First, the gem hasn’t been seen in public in thirty years. Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long — and in Kat’s world, history almost always repeats itself. But it’s the third problem that makes Kat’s crew the most nervous, and that is . . . the emerald is cursed.

Kat might be in way over her head, but she’s not going down without a fight. After all, she has her best friend — the gorgeous Hale — and the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses and realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time.

Which means, this time, Katarina Bishop is making up her own rules.

Oh I love Ally Carter’s writing and I am so happy that I was able to get a signed copy of this novel while at BEA! I could not wait to start reading and find out what happened next for Kat and Hale and everyone else. I needed to know if something was going to happen between Kat and Hale (my fingers were crossed) since after Heist Society nothing between them was really settled.

This book started off with a bang and just kept up the fantastic pace until the end. I was biting my nails at times, thinking that something would go horribly wrong and not be able to be fixed. I was so worried that things would go south and everyone would end up in jail! Of course, that would be a horrible ending, so my fears were unjustified. But still, as a reader you get so caught up in the main character’s world that you can’t help but hold your breath.

I love the characters that Carter has created. They are funny and interesting to read about; there is definitely never a dull moment. While this novel seemed like the final with these specific characters, I wouldn’t mind another one. I’m giving this book an 8.5/10. If you haven’t read these books yet, you should!

Illicit Love

Forbidden


Written by: Tabitha Suzuma

Released: June 28, 2011 by Simon Pulse

Summary: Seventeen-year-old Lochan and sixteen-year-old Maya have always felt more like friends than siblings. Together they have stepped in for their alcoholic, wayward mother to take care of their three younger siblings. As defacto parents to the little ones, Lochan and Maya have had to grow up fast. And the stress of their lives—and the way they understand each other so completely—has also also brought them closer than two siblings would ordinarily be. So close, in fact, that they have fallen in love. Their clandestine romance quickly blooms into deep, desperate love. They know their relationship is wrong and cannot possibly continue. And yet, they cannot stop what feels so incredibly right. As the novel careens toward an explosive and shocking finale, only one thing is certain: a love this devastating has no happy ending.

I’m not entirely sure what to write about this book. I read it in less than 24 hours, I was sucked into the story, and it was an incredible book to read, but I’m still speechless.

Through most of this book I pictured Lochan and Maya as more step-siblings than full-blooded brother and sister. I think that was my brain’s way of coping with the incest subject matter, but it was what also made it easier to read it pretty much in one sitting. But once the ending started to hit, it was hard to imagine anything but what was happening.

Throughout the entire novel I was torn in two completely opposite directions. I was disgusted by the fact that it was a brother and sister being sexual with each other. As it was slightly touched upon in the novel, it seems as though incest is one of the last remaining taboos out there. But at the same time I was so happy that Lochan and Maya had each other in the utter chaos of their lives. I wanted them to find happiness even if it meant finding it in each other. Then by the end I didn’t know what to think; it was like I was emotionally spent.

I know that love in a very confusing thing to define and that true love is something that so many people wait their entire lives for which may be why I wanted this novel to end differently. And after reading this, I now look at the definition of true love with more questions than anything.

This was a novel completely in a realm of its own. I do know that this isn’t going to be a book for everyone to read and I would suggest going into it (if you so choose to) with a very open mind. It’s never going to be a story that everyone agrees on and it’s definitely going to be on many “banned book” lists. It’s going to spark many discussions and shed new light on incestuous relationships and cause controversy, but it’s also going to change people’s lives (though I have no idea whether that will be for better or worse).

I’m not going to say that I recommend this book because it’s not going to be for a lot of people. It will be a book to look out for if you think you can handle it. I give it a 9/10.

Many thanks to Simon and Schuster’s Galley Grab for enabling me the opportunity to read this novel.

A Simple Ball of Yarn - a mini review

Dark of the Moon



Written by: Tracy Barrett

Released: September 19, 2011 by Harcourt Children’s Books

Summary: Ariadne is destined to become a goddess of the moon. She leads a lonely life, finding companionship only with her beloved, misshapen brother Asterion, who must be held captive below the palace for his own safety.

Then a ship arrives bearing a tribute of slaves from Athens, and Ariadne meets Theseus, the son of the king of Athens. Ariadne finds herself drawn to the newcomer, and soon they form a friendship—one that could perhaps become something more.

But Theseus is doomed to die as an offering to the minotaur, that monster beneath the palace—unless he can kill the beast first. And that "monster" is Ariadne’s brother . . .

I know that this story is base on the ancient myth about the minotaur and the labyrinth, but I have to confess that that’s about everything that I knew about the legend. Well, that and that there was a ball of string involved. So I went into reading this novel not fully knowing what was going to happen and having no clue what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome, though.

This novel alternated between Ariadne and Theseus’ perspectives, which really made it easy to follow the “love story” aspect and everything else that happens. Normally I’m not too keen on the alternating perspectives, but it really works for this novel, so I really didn’t give it a second thought. It also was interesting to read about how minor details can completely change a person’s perspective on something that happens... but I don’t want to give anything away.

I enjoyed reading this novel. It may not have been what I would normally pick up, but it was a nice change and very interesting. I’m giving it a 7/10 and stay tuned for a full review closer to the publication date.



My thanks to netGalley and Harcourt for allowing me to read an eARC of this novel.

Wish List Wednesday - Number Fifty-Four

Born Wicked


Written by: Jessica Spotswood

Released: February 7, 2012 by Putnam Juvenile

Summary: Cate Cahill and her sisters are considered eccentric bluestockings—a little odd, a little unfashionable, and far too educated for their own good. The truth is more complicated; they’re witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it could mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave. Before their mother died, she entrusted Cate with keeping them safe and keeping everyone, including their father, in the dark about their powers. When her father employs a governess and Cate begins to receive notes from her missing, presumed-mad godmother, her task becomes much more difficult. As Cate searches for answers in banned books and rebellious new friends, she must juggle unwanted proposals, tea parties, and an illicit attraction to the new gardener. Cate will do anything to protect her sisters, but at what cost to herself?

Oh my god that cover! I think that I would read this book purely based upon the cover – no summary needed. My inner cover whore is showing, I know. Luckily, I’ve wanted to read this novel from the time that I first read the summary and the cover was recently added.

Plus, this is a 2012 debut, which just makes me want to read it all the more. 2012 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for book releases!

Twitter Time

Yesterday I took the plunge and signed up for Twitter knowing full and well how addictive it could turn out to be.

So, of course, I'm hooked already and you can find me there - @TheLadyCritic.

Unfortunately, working with dial-up I can't access my profile on my computer, but hopefully later in the week I can add the link here on the blog!

Movie Monday - Starry Night

Prom


Written by: Katie Wech

Directed by: Joe Nussbaum

Released: April 29, 2011

Rating: PG

Summary: A group of teenagers get ready for their high school prom.

Well, it’s prom season again, which means that this movie review is very fitting.

My high school prom was horrible. My date was just a friend who left half-way through, the air conditioning was broken so everyone was melting, the food was sub-par, the music was country (I loathe country music), and no one stayed until the end; instead they all opted to go to the field party after-party. Also, looking back, my hair was fried and straw-like, my makeup was disgusting, and I really dislike my dress. In short, it was super bad.

I think this is why I wanted to see this movie so much. Sure, the trailer made it seem really kitschy and sickeningly adorable, but I wanted to be able to live that ideal prom experience even if it was just vicariously through a Disney movie. I also think that this is why I enjoyed it so much.

This was a very cute movie. It was incredibly stereotypical in every way of the “perfect” high school, but from the makers of High School Musical and every well-known princess movie it can only be expected. The problems were the “typical” high school problems and while I was smirking my slight disgust, I was also melting at the sweetness of it all.

Whether you’ve already had your prom or you’re still anticipating it, this is a great movie to see. I’m giving it a 6/10.

In My Mailbox (56)

I was really good this week and only bought two books! And then I received some via netGalley and Simon and Schuster’s galley grab.


Bought

Tiger’s Quest by Colleen Houck

Blood Red Road by Moira Young
I know that I received an eARC of this novel, but it expired before I was able to actually read it and I've heard nothing but good things about it!

e-ARCs

Fury by Elizabeth Miles

Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Lawson

Clean by Amy Reed



My eternal thanks to Simon and Schuster and Open Road Publishing for providing the e-galley’s. Leave me a line and let me know what you got in your mailbox this week!



For more information on IMM, check out The Story Siren and her amazing website!

Beware Their Bewitching Words

Siren


Written by: Tricia Rayburn

Released: July 13, 2010 by Egmont

Summary: Vacationing in Winter Harbor, Maine, is a tradition for Vanessa and Justine Sands, and that means spending time with the Carmichael boys. This summer, Vanessa is determined to channel some of her older sister’s boldness, get over her fear of the ocean, and maybe turn her friendship with Simon Carmichael into something much more.

But when Justine goes cliff-diving after a big family argument, and her body washes ashore the next day, Vanessa is sure that it was more than an accident. She is more certain of this, when she discovers that her sister was keeping some big secrets and Caleb Carmichael’s gone missing. Suddenly, the entire oceanfront town is abuzz when a series of grim, water-related accidents occur, with the male victims washed ashore grinning from ear to ear.

Vanessa and Simon team up to figure out if these creepy deaths have anything to do with Justine and Caleb. But will what Vanessa discovers mean the end of her summer romance, or even life as she knows it?

Yet another book to add to my mermaid pile – though sirens aren’t really mermaids, are they? But I’m not splitting hairs over that.

I’m not sure what to write about this novel. It’s weird, I really liked the story and the characters, and I was intrigued with the plot and the siren mythology, but I kept setting down the book almost every time I was really into what was going on and something big was about to happen. At times it was like I had to force myself to read even though I really wanted to.

I liked how the whole siren mythology was depicted with this novel. There weren’t scales and tails but there was the luring voice and the ultimate death of victims. I liked unravelling what was going on – though I knew what was going on – and reading about the mystery of both the deaths and the paranormal aspects.

I can’t wait to read what happens next since there were a few questions left unanswered at the end of this novel. Luckily I was able to obtain an ARC of the second in the trilogy while at BEA, so I’m going to start reading that ASAP. But as far as this book is concerned, I’m giving it a 7.5/10.

Fishy Reading

Forgive My Fins

Written by: Tera Lynn Childs

Released: May 19, 2010 by Katherine Tegen Books

Summary: Lily Sanderson has a secret, and it’s not that she has a huge crush on gorgeous swimming god Brody Bennett, who makes her heart beat flipper-fast. Unrequited love is hard enough when you’re a normal teenage girl, but when you’re half human, half mermaid like Lily, there’s no such thing as a simple crush.

Lily’s mermaid identity is a secret that can’t get out, since she’s not just any mermaid – she’s a Thalassinian princess. When Lily found out three years ago that her mother was actually a human, she finally realized why she didn’t feel quite at home in Thalassinia, and she’s been living on land and going to Seaview high school ever since, hoping to find where she truly belongs. Sure, land has its problems – like her obnoxious, biker boy neighbor Quince Fletcher – but it has that one major perk – Brody. The problem is, mermaids aren’t really the casual dating type – when they “bond,” it’s for life.

When Lily’s attempt to win Brody’s love leads to a tsunami-sized case of mistaken identity, she is in for a tidal wave of relationship drama, and she finds out, quick as a tailfin flick, that happily-ever-after never sails quite as smoothly as you planned.

I’m going through a major mermaid phase with the books I’m reading right now. I think it’s because it’s summer and summer means swimming, which means water, which means fish, which can translate to mermaids... I don’t know, but it just makes for good summer reading. This novel is no exception.

I went into reading this expecting it to be a nice fluffy summer read – which is was – but I never expected it to be as fun as it was. I was so immediately drawn into Lily’s romantic troubles and her underwater problems that it was hard to put this book down.

I liked reading about Lily and her fishy expressions, her hate for the neighbour boy, and her obsession with the guy from the swim team. At times I thought that she was a little vapid and shallow and I just wanted to slap the sense into her, but she was also such a cute and endearing character that I was forgiving. But I really loved Quince’s character and I wouldn’t mind living next to someone just like him. Sadly, that’s not to be (at least not right now), so I’ll just have to amuse me with books.

I cannot wait to read the next novel, Fins Are Forever, which thankfully comes out next month so I won’t have to wait very long. I need to know what happens next and how everything turns out. This novel, however, is a total 8/10 in my books and the perfect summer read!

NOT a "Ballerina" - a mini review

Bunheads


Written by: Sophie Flack

Released: October 10, 2011 by Poppy

Summary: As a dancer with the ultra-prestigious Manhattan Ballet Company, nineteen-year-old Hannah Ward juggles intense rehearsals, dazzling performances and complicated backstage relationships. Up until now, Hannah has happily devoted her entire life to ballet.

But when she meets a handsome musician named Jacob, Hannah's universe begins to change, and she must decide if she wants to compete against the other "bunheads" in the company for a star soloist spot or strike out on her own in the real world. Does she dare give up the gilded confines of the ballet for the freedoms of everyday life?

First off, Sophie Flack is a darling and absolutely adorable. I was lucky enough to snag a signed copy of this novel – complete with a cute drawing of toe shoes - at BEA and I started to read it almost right away (I needed a book to read at lunch and this was my choice).

I’ve been fascinated with the world of ballet and the whole ballet life in New York City never since I watched the movie Center Stage. Watching Black Swan just upped my curiosity and by reading this novel I feel as though I’ve come away with a better understanding of the ballet world and what it means to be a part of it. Flack – being an ex-professional ballet dancer for the New York City Ballet – really was able to give this amazing insight into the whole culture and world of the dancers right down to the conflicting emotions that can be felt over weight or talent or promotions. I really felt as though I was there and witnessing everything as it happened; her writing was so descriptive and detailed.

In short, this was a fantastic debut and by far the best reading experience I’ve ever had about something like this. If this isn’t on your 2011 watch list, it should be. Whether you’re a dancer or just someone who’s interested in dance, this is the novel for you. I give it an 8/10.


Stay tuned closer to the release date for a full review! And don't forget to enter here for your chance to win a copy of Bunheads (and other amazing titles)!

Cover Reveal - Dreaming Awake by Gwen Hayes

I like how it fits with the first novel (which I really need to re-borrow from my cousin and read) but i'm not completely taken with it. But it's also not slated for release until January 2012, so who knows, the cover art could change. I do like it, though. What do you think?

Wish List Wednesday - Number Fifty-Three

Goddess Interrupted

Written by: Aimee Carter

Released: February 2012 by Harlequin Teen

Summary: Kate Winters has won immortality.

But if she wants a life in the Underworld with Henry, she’ll have to fight for it.

Becoming immortal wasn’t supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she’s as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he’s becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate’s coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry’s first wife, Persephone.

 

Granted the cover isn’t final (duh, the big wording didn’t give that away or anything), but I’m positive that this was the cover that Harlequin had displayed in their booth at BEA. I just wish that I didn’t have to wait almost an entire year for this one to come out!

Movie Monday - Surfboards, Ghostface, and Polish Elephants

I’m seriously behind in my movie reviews, so I’ve decided to combine then for the next few weeks and have shorter mini-review type reviews.


I went to see these films ages ago with my mum and just couldn’t be bothered to write a review until now. I know that this completely goes against my New Year’s Resolution... but I was too excited about BEA and getting ready for it, so many things were set aside. But here they are now.

In My Mailbox (55)

Another week, another lovely batch of books! I know, I know, I already have so many on my TBR list, but I couldn’t help myself! Plus, I was able to get them all at work with my discount... so it was like saving money! So this week for IMM I have to share;

Abandon by Meg Cabot

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter (see review here)
I got this one from netGalley and just had to have my own hard copy.

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
I just finished reading this one and it's amazing. Stay tuned for a review!

Sweet Valley Confidential by Francine Pascal
I can't wait to read this. I collect the Sweet Valley Twins books and I am curious to find out what happens later in life.

Summer and the City by Candace Bushnell



I’m beyond excited for these new additions to my TBR (long though it may be). Leave me a line and let me know what was in your mailbox this week!





For any and all information on IMM, visit The Story Siren.

The Witch's Garden

The Near Witch


Written by: Victoria Schwab

Released: August 2, 2011 by Hyperion Books

Summary: The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.


If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.


And there are no strangers in the town of Near.

These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life.

But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.

The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.

As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

Part fairy tale, part love story, Victoria Schwab’s debut novel is entirely original yet achingly familiar: a song you heard long ago, a whisper carried by the wind, and a dream you won’t soon forget.

I finished reading this novel on the way to New York City for BEA 2011 and I was incredibly happy that I was able to finish it before I got there because the entire week I read absolutely nothing.

Ok, that’s a bit of a lie since I read the beginning of Bunheads by Sophie Flack while I ate lunch one day and I read a little bit of Deadline by Mira Grant at some point because I couldn’t help myself. But the point is that, other than that I had no time or will to read.

Anyway, I was able to finish reading this particular novel on my flight from Ottawa to Detroit and it made the time in the air go by so incredibly fast. This was a great novel; it really captured my attention and had me wondering what the heck was going on the entire time. Plus, I loved the old-school fairy tale aspect to it with the witches and teaching lessons. From this novel I learned not to jump to conclusions and not to piss off a really powerful witch.

Now, this isn’t a fairy tale retelling (as far as I know), but it really did capture the feeling of the original versions of fairy tales. There was magic, kidnapping, fight scenes, and a Big Bad to contend with. Actually, as I was reading it I couldn’t help but continually think of the movie The Brothers Grimm. I’m not going to spoil anything, but there were several similarities between the two. They are two very different stories, though, so don’t think that you can pass up reading this novel if you’ve seen that movie.

Lexi was one kick-ass female character. I loved how she listened to herself and stuck to her guns while everyone around her was telling her something different. I also adored how devoted she was to both her mother and her sister. She also carried around a big knife and wore men’s work boots with the toes stuffed so that they didn’t slip off. If I ever found myself living in the town of Near, I would want to definitely be on her good side.

The witches in this novel are fantastic too. Starting with the Near Witch, I could completely feel her pain and in my mind I could slightly justify what she was doing. Next are the sisters Magda and Dreska. These were two hard women who had hearts of complete gold even though people were afraid of them and mistrusted them. I loved how they were protectors of Near (even though they weren’t necessarily wanted), and how they did everything they could to make sure that children weren’t taken.

But of course, the most amazing witch was Cole. Powerful abilities aside, he was smouldering and I loved the romantic beginnings between him and Lexi. Their relationship was so sweet and even though it happened incredibly fast, it still seemed natural (to me) within the realm of the story.

In all, this was great and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good fairy tale. Also, it’s a debut YA novel for this year that should definitely be added to your list if you haven’t already. In short, ‘m giving it an 8/10.





This was a review eARC copy provided by Hyperion Books through netGalley for an honest review.

The White Mare Illustrated

The Last Unicorn


Written by: Peter S. Beagle, Peter Gillis (text adaptation), Renae De Liz and Ray Dillon (illustrators)

Released: January 25, 2011 by Idea & Design Works Inc.

Summary: Whimsical. Lyrical. Poignant. Adapted for the first time from the acclaimed and beloved novel by Peter S. Beagle, The Last Unicorn is a tale for any age about the wonders of magic, the power of love, and the tragedy of loss. The unicorn, alone in her enchanted wood, discovers that she may be the last of her kind. Reluctant at first, she sets out on a journey to find her fellow unicorns, even if it means facing the terrifying anger of the Red Bull and malignant evil of the king who wields his power.

First of all, when I requested this on netGalley it failed to come to my attention that it’s a graphic novel. Imagine my surprise when, while on my second plane to BEA, I chose this e-book and was met by amazing black and while images (my e-reader isn’t a colour one).

I absolutely loved the novel when I read it and I was really interested to see how it would translate to a graphic novel.

It’s gorgeous.

As a failed visual art minor while in university (I switched my minor to writing after first year) I know about colour and composition and what have you. With the large use of blues throughout the entire novel, there’s this amazing juxtaposition of orange hues which really just makes the entire page pop. Honestly, there were some frames that really took my breath away they were so beautifully done.

I wasn’t, however, a real fan of how the people were drawn. Maybe I’m just so attached to the old animated movie version of this novel, but the change in the appearance for all human characters just had me longing a little for what I knew. The unicorn, however, was done brilliantly.

I also wished that I had a hard-copy of this. I wasn’t able to really read the dialogue since the print was too small on both my reader and my computer with no way of zooming in. Luckily that wasn’t a problem since I know and love the story anyway. It was easy enough to follow along.

This is a great graphic novel and it opens up this amazing story to a whole new generation in this fantastic new medium. I highly recommend it to anyone who loved the original and for anyone who has never read the story before. I’m giving it a 9/10.



Many thanks to Idea & Design and netGalley for allowing me to have an eARC of this book.

Dancing Dork-a-Saurus

Nerd Girls: The Rise of the Dorkasaurus


Written by: Alan Lawrence Sitomer

Released: July 5, 2011 by Disney-Hyperion

Summary: Maureen, a thirteen-year-old self-proclaimed dork-a-saurus, is totally addicted to cupcakes and hot dogs and thinks that her body looks like a baked potato. Allergy-plagued Alice can’t touch a mango without breaking out in a rash, and if she eats wheat, her vision goes blurry. Klutzy to the extreme, Barbara is a beanpole who often embarrasses herself in front of the whole school. These outcasts don't have much in common—other than the fact that they are often targets of the ThreePees: the Pretty, Popular, Perfect girls who rule the school.

But one day Maureen discovers that the ThreePees are planning to sit next to Allergy Alice in the cafeteria and eat peanut-butter-and-banana sandwiches on whole wheat toast with mango marmalade for lunch. And Maureen decides that it's time to topple the eight-grade social regime. She joins forces with Alice and Barbara and the Nerd Girls enter the school talent show, determined to take the crown from the ThreePees. Will their routine be enough to de-throne the popular crowd? Or will their plan backfire and shake their hold on the bottom rung of the social ladder?

Maureen is a jerk and I really, really disliked her. But at the same time, she had her redeeming qualities that made me start to like her... until she made another mean remark. I found myself liking Allergy Alice (Q) and Barbara (Beanpole) a lot more and questioned why on earth they felt as though they needed Maureen as a friend.

But, while I disliked Maureen, I did like the novel. It was super cute and great for younger readers – especially girls. It has this ‘nerd-girl power’ thing going on that made me want to stand up and cheer; and made me wish that there were girls like this when I was in elementary school. It was great to see the under-dogs band together and really make a change; even if it was mostly just on the inside.

I think that this is a fantastic novel for young girls, especially those who feel different and are self-conscious for some reason or another. This is the type of novel that would really have an impact, I think, on them and allow them to see just how amazing they are even if they don’t think so. However, it just wasn’t completely for me. I’m giving it a 5/10.



Thank you to netGalley and Disney-Hyperion for allowing me to read this eARC.

Random Acts of Kindness

This is such an amazing idea for bloggers to come up with I’m speechless! I always have novels that I want to pass on to people and have no one to give them to other than my local library. But they also can’t take ARCs, so sometimes I just have them sitting on my shelf.


But now I’m going to be able to pass on amazing books to amazing bloggers! Plus, I always love sending people things in the mail... so it's like a double bonus.

For more information, click the link below.

YA Saves

For the actual article, click here.


For some amazing articles on the subject click Bites, WORD for Teen, and Steph Su Reads.



Ok, it’s time for some hard truths. I am (almost) 24 and I’ve only been reading YA since university. When I was a teen I was reading V.C. Andrews (and other smutty romances) and Thomas Harris novels. I never picked up a “teen” novel unless it was a Sweet Valley Twins book (I collect them) and I was rarely caught in the teen section at a book store.

Let’s look at that, shall we?

First off, V.C. Andrews is well known for her incest, rape, assault, abuse, bullying, sex galore, and generally horrible situations. My mother was the one who bought me my first V.C. book for Christmas one year (probably not knowing what fully lay inside) and to date I own a lot of her older works – which means that I also read them. I’m pretty sure I wasn’t in grade 9 yet, either, when I was gifted them.

Thomas Harris is famous for creating Hannibal Lector who kills people and eats their brains with fava beans and a nice Chianti. He also wrote about cannibalistic pigs and a villain who used children’s tears to keep his eves moist.

In high school I pretty much only read Katie MacAllister novels about vampires and comedy and sex (along with the V.C. and Thomas Harris). And yet when I graduated high school I was still a virgin. I read about sex all the time in my beloved romances; it didn’t make me go out and spread my legs for anyone who was a smooth talker with a British accent or a nice car. I’ve also never ate a human being... that I know of anyway.

In My Mailbox (54) - NYC and BEA Edition Part 2

Well, I’m thoroughly pleased with the US postal service. It took less than 5 business days for my packages to all come in (from the time each was sent). I was so excited (as the post office workers here can attest to) when each of my lovely book-stuffed packages came in. I even made them go through and find my package to process so that I could take it home as soon as I was told it was there waiting for pick-up. Luckily, the ladies from the post office love me just a little so they were more than happy to completely make my day and get me my books!


So, thanks to everyone from the post office I’m able to bring the final list of my BEA-NYC book haul!

In no particular order – with books ranging from the Teen Author Carnival, to The Strand, to BEA, signed or not – they are;



Twisted by Gena Showalter
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Liesel and Po by Lauren Oliver
Forever by Maggie Stiefvater
Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey
Crossed by Ally Condie
Daughter of Smoke and Bones Laini Taylor
Middle School, the Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson
The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross
Outside In by Maria V. Snyder
I’ll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan
The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants by Anne Brashares (in hardcover to match the rest that I have!)
The Princess and the Snowbird by Mette Ivie Harrison
The Princess and the Bear by Mette Ivie Harrison
Original Sin by Lisa Desrochers (because I’m an idiot and thought that I had bought Personal Demons on the firsttrip to The Strand)
Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs
Huge by Sasha Paley
Ominous by Kate Brian
The Exile of Gigi Lane by Adrienne Maria Vrettos
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
The Lying Game by Sara Shepard
Uncommon Criminals CD by Ally Carter
The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan
The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa
Darker Still by Leanna Renee Hieber
The Chronicles of Harris Burdick by Chris VanAlsburg
Wisdom’s Kiss by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Blood Bound by Rachel Vincent
Between by Jessica Warman
Fracture by Megan Miranda
The Restorer by Amanda Stevens
How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr
Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter
Jessica Rules the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey
The Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon
What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen
Spellbound by Cara Lynn Schultz
If I Die by Rachel Vincent
Trial by Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Legend by Marie Lu
Misfit by Jon Skovron
Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan
The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch
Saving June by Hannah Harrington
Pure by Julianna Baggott
Aftertime by Sophie Littlefield
The Predicteds by Christine Siefert
His Last Duchess by Gabrielle Kimm
Blood on the Moon by Jennifer Knight



And so concludes my BEA-NYC adventure. All I can say is that I can’t wait to go back next year!




As always, visit The Story Siren for more IMM info. She has an amazing website!

Starcrossed Soulmates

Spellbound


Written by: Cara Lynn Shultz

Released: June 21, 2011 by Harlequin Teen

Summary: What’s a girl to do when meeting The One means she’s cursed to die a horrible death?

Life hasn’t been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Conner, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she’s irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.

But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can’t stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma’s been having the oddest dreams. Visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.

It took me so long to finish reading this and I’m not quite sure why. I blame it partially on my busy schedule and preparing for BEA, but I know that there’s more to it than that.

It took me a while to get fully into the story. I liked the characters, but it took me so long to connect with them that I almost gave up. While I’m really glad that I didn’t, it was almost a DNF for me.

I liked the characters in the novel – after a slight mix-up with Emma’s family members I was all set – and while they were stereotypical to the constant stream of YA paranormal romances that have been pumping out recently, I liked reading about them. I liked to see a character like Emma who was so protective of her younger cousin. I also liked her friend Angelique and how she was a bit kooky but super cool. I also liked how there were moments when the characters stopped themselves and questioned why they fell so hard so fast. Granted, the answer was the cop-out of “soulmates”, but the fact that this question was raised gave the story a nod of appreciation from me.

The best part about this novel was the ending – about the last 50ish pages – and the whole legend/fate concept. That was what really hooked me and kept me reading. I wanted to know what was going to happen and once the real action started I couldn’t stop reading.

But a book can’t be judged solely on its ending, and though I ended up really enjoying this novel I have to give it only 6/10. I would like to see what else this author has to offer and if there ever were a companion novel to this one I would probably give it a look.

The New Iliad

Starcrossed


Written by: Josephine Angelini

Released: May 31, 2011 by HarperTeen

Summary: How do you defy destiny?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

Ok, I’m going to admit that the completely obvious similarities to Twilight turned me off of this book. The “pretty-ugly” girl, the obsessive ‘boyfriend’, the overprotective family, the people in charge wanting the main characters dead, the clueless single father, and the whole “I would live you, but then I would have to kill you” bit. In fact, this turned me off so much that I almost didn’t read past the first few chapters. But I hate to leave a book unread – especially one I have for review – so I battled through my distaste and tried to put all the Twilight nonsense out of my head.

About half way through I finally started to really get into the novel and the story. I think it was the loose retelling of The Iliad that got me. In my high school world history class we covered the epic throughout the year and it was just so entertaining. I loved the battles and the love and how petty the gods were. It was fun to see that all slightly mirrored in this novel. Plus (maybe this was just me) but it had the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet slightly woven in there as well and by the end of the novel I just wanted to know what was going to happen next.

Still, as curious as I am about what’s going to happen in the next instalment, the only characters who really stood out for me were Cassie and Claire aka ‘Giggles’. Cassie it was interesting to read about because of her being the Oracle and Claire was just this amazing spitfire to read. Sure, the romance between the two main characters Helen and Lucas was sweet, but they were individually kind of boring. I got really tired, really fast of Helen’s whining and Lucas was just blah. I hope that they are better in the next novel.

In all, I’m a sucker for these sorts of novels. I adored the Percy Jackson books and this is sort of on the same wave length as far as Greek mythology goes. And as much as it may sound like I didn’t, I really did enjoy this novel. By the end I couldn’t read the pages fast enough in order to find out what was happening.

This was a great debut and a great start to a trilogy (I’m pretty sure) of novels and I can’t wait to read the next novel. I’m giving it a 7/10.





Many thanks to HarperTeen and netGalley for allowing me to read this eARC version of this novel.

Things I Learned This Year While at BEA

Yes, I learned a lot while I was in New York for BEA.


1. Shoes are important and comfortable shoes are key. I wore really nice shoes and was really stupid and didn’t listen to my mother about packing running shoes. Yeah, by about half-way through Monday I was regretting that decision but I’m very stubborn so I dealt with aching, swollen feet all week.

2. People are a lot nicer than you could ever imagine. I was so worried that I would be a total fish out of water and playing on my phone the entire time as to not seem like I was completely by myself. But within the first few minutes of being in my first line I had struck up a conversation and it just kept up like that the entire week. I think that going to the Teen Author Carnival and talking to people while being incredibly self-conscious about it really helped.

3. The people at the publisher’s booths are great. I was able to find out information from them about upcoming releases (like Queen of Glass by Sarah J. Maas) and it was from them that I was able to find out about signings I would have completely missed – like Deadline by Mira Grant. They are also amazing at pimping out their books while you’re waiting in line for signings.

4. Really, shoes are important. My feet are still slightly aching from last week.

5. Wardrobe isn’t as important as I thought it would be. I mean, I read a lot about dressing as business casual, but there were a lot of people there in just jeans and a t-shirt. Granted, I loved my professional look and I never have a chance to dress up anymore, so I took full advantage to bring out my nice clothing - no uniforms for me for an entire week!.

6. Making a schedule is a really good thing to do. I printed off all the signings I would have liked to go to and put them into chronological order, but I also left room for flexibility. I also tried to keep things on a priority level... which worked for the most part. But it’s amazing the things you’ll come across that you want to add to your day and by the end of the week I had a hold of how it all worked.

7. Timing is key. With any signing you want to be in line as soon as you can. There were times when I was lining up 45 minutes before it started. This allowed me to be really close to the beginning of the line, which then allowed me to move on to other things I wanted to do. Basically, schedule everything at least a half hour before they start and you’ll be fine.

8. The first day is insane and as the week goes on it either gets easier to navigate or there are just less people. Thursday especially compared to Tuesday was like oil and water. Lines were shorter, or else they moved faster, and I was able to move through the crowd without taking them out with my backpack.

9. Wheeley suitcases are a great idea to shove in baggage check for the day just to save your back. I, unfortunately, thought that I would be fine with just my backpack. Admittedly, as the days went by, I built up my strength or something so I only had to check my bag the first day, but I would have loved to not carry around 50lbs of books for 8 hours.

10. That being said, my backpack made a kick-ass chair when I stacked the books right. It saved my feet from falling off in the middle of the exhibit floor.

11. Take advantage of not only the UPS shipping available on site, but the flat rate boxes from the post office. Also, if you’re flying, make sure that you have a bag you can check along with your suitcase. I saved money and my poor back by checking my backpack on the flight home. Thankfully my cousin thought of it, because it never would have crossed my mind.

12. The food isn’t that expensive for what you get. At least it wasn’t for me. But bring snacks just in case you’re so wrapped up in the exhibit floor that you lose all track of time. Or in case you start to feel a little light headed or queasy. And along that line, make sure that you have water or something to drink with you the entire time. I know that I didn’t drink enough purely because I was so excited about everything.

13. Stay out of the way of older ladies. Some girl got BIT by an older lady librarian. Like, bit with teeth, right on the arm while trying to reach for a book the first morning. I was appalled.

14. SHOES!



I can’t wait for next year, though, and I’m going to start saving right away. As much as I loved staying with my family in Queens, I would love to be closer to all the action for the week. I also want to attend more of the publisher events and the breakfasts, so I’ll be planning as soon as I can.

Let me know if I met you at BEA. I have everyone’s business cards that I did meet who had them, but I’m still unpacked so some of them remain at the bottom of my suitcase...

Stylish Metal Undergarments

The Girl in the Steel Corset


Written by: Kady Cross

Released: May 24, 2011 by Harlequin Teen

Summary: In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one…except the "thing" inside her.

When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch….

Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits: Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.

Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help—and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.

But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on—even if it seems no one believes her.

Months ago I had featured this in one of my Wish List Wednesdays and had fallen in love with both the cover and the summary. Imagine my supreme happiness when it was one of the novels on netGalley and I was able to read an eARC version of it.

I fell in love with this story, but it did take me a few chapters to get into the swing of it. From chapter one Finley is one bad ass lady. After all, how many chamber maids have steel boning in their corsets? Or can throw a decent punch as well as take one. But then there was the sudden change of character perspectives which threw me until I knew that there was going to be only three different ones. But, like I said, after the first few chapters I was completely immersed and hooked.

I have definitely found a new love in the steampunk genre and this one was done amazingly well. I loved the idea of the Organites and what they could fully do. I thought that they really gave an extra bit to the story and made it so that you were never sure what was going to happen next. Then there was the amazing mixture of completely futuristic machines with Victorian England and the slight science fiction bits.

This is a novel with a twisted web of plotlines. In some books it can be way too much for a reader to really enjoy the story, but with this novel they all intermingle so well together that it just adds to the experience. I especially liked how the story pulled in some of the classics; Journey to the Centre of the Earth and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde were two of them, but it also mentions in passing Jack the Ripper and other historically relevant bits. I just thought it was so smart. Plus, the science is astounding; I was floored by what I read during so many parts of the novel.

This was an amazing debut and the fact that it solidified my new found interest in steampunk was just an added bonus. Plus, it does have a little bit of everything from scifi to romance to fantasy. I honestly cannot wait until the next novel is released, especially since this one was left on such a horrible cliff-hanger.

If you can, grab a copy of this novel. If it sounds like something you will enjoy then it should be right up your alley. And if you haven’t tried steampunk yet, this is a great one to start with. I give it an 8.5/10.



Special thanks to Harlequin Teen and netGalley for enabling me to read an eARC copy of this novel.

Summer Giveaway - June

Contest is now closed

Ok, I’m sitting in my local cafe, eating a brownie and drinking an Italian soda (all so I can use their free wifi), so I’m able to bring you this full entry for June’s Summer Giveaway!




So, some rules before we get into the good stuff.

1. This is an international giveaway so all you poor dears who were unable to attend BEA this year are eligible to enter!
2. This contest will run from June 2 to June 30 – so the whole month.
3. There will be three winners. The first name will get to choose two books from the list, the second will get to choose one from the remaining list, and the final will get to choose one.
4. In order to enter you have to fill out the firm below.
5. I’ll e-mail the winners in order after the contest closes with updated lists of books.
6. Oh, and you have to be a follower to enter. Old or new, it's all good so long as you follow!

So I think that’s it, other than said list of books and for more information, visit this post here.


Sirenz by Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman (signed)
After Midnight by Lynn Viehl
Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan
The Predicteds by Christine Seifert
After Obsession by Carrie Jones and Steven E. Wedel
Forever by Maggie Stiefvater (possibly x 2 since I wasn't a fan of the second novel)
Bunheads by Sophie Flack x 2
Shut Out by Kody Keplinger (signed)
Undercurrent: A Siren Novel by Tricia Rayburn
Twisted by Gena Showalter by (signed)
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

So that's it. Good luck to everyone!

Click here to enter!

Let the Summer Giveaways Begin!

So, it’s been almost a full week since BEA ended and all my packages have come in the mail (hurray!), so I’ve been able to take stock of everything and get a solid list of what I have in doubles. And you all know what that means, right?


If you guessed that it’s time for a post-BEA giveaway, you’re right! However, dial-up being what it is, as much as I want to post it right now, I can’t. However, in the morning I’m going to go into town and sit in the cafe where there is free wifi and set up everything.

But I’m not mean enough to leave you hanging.

Nope. Here’s the list of everything I have to give away and here’s how it’s going to work. There are going to be three winners and six books won. The first name drawn will get to choose 2 books, and the second and third will each get to choose one.

Yes, I can count and I see that I have more books than that. But that’s just for the month of June. I’ll have another giveaway in July and one in August if I still have books left. So if you’re interested, stay tuned later tomorrow (or today since it’s after midnight) and I’ll post the real entry including the entry form and everything.

So, without further ado, here’s the summer giveaway list!
(and, once again, before anyone gets their panties in a twist, I ASKED about taking extra novels or I already had a copy and happened to obtain an extra copy)


Sirenz by Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman (signed)
After Midnight by Lynn Viehl
Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan
The Predicteds by Christine Seifert
After Obsession by Carrie Jones and Steven E. Wedel
Forever by Maggie Stiefvater
Bunheads by Sophie Flack x 2
Shut Out by Kody Keplinger (signed)
Undercurrent: A Siren Novel by Tricia Rayburn
Twisted by Gena Showalter by (signed)
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor