Young Adult Books

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where bloggers feature upcoming book releases that they're looking forward to. This week I'm eagerly anticipating... Leap of Faithby Jamie Blair Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Release Date: September 3, 2013 Synopsis (from Goodreads): Can true love be built on lies? A teen on the run seeks relief and redemption in this gripping, romantic read. Leah Kurtz has finally found a place to call home, a town where she and baby Addy can live in peace, far from the drug-infested place she grew up. Chris is one of the best parts of her new life, the only person who’s ever made her feel safe. And now that she’s found him, there’s no way she can tell the truth: Her real name is Faith, not Leah. She’s seventeen, not nineteen. And the baby isn’t hers—Faith kidnapped her. Faith’s history catches up with her when a cop starts asking questions and Chris’s aunt spots her picture in the newspaper. She knows it’s time to run again, but if Faith leaves, she’ll lose Chris. If Chris is in love with a lie, though, did Faith ever really have him in the first place? I love a good contemporary, and this one sounds incredibly intriguing!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine spotlighting upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating. Release Date: December 3, 2013Publisher: RazorbillAdd to GoodreadsSummary (from Goodreads): Love, power, and magic collide with war in the second book of the Falling Kingdoms seriesAuranos has fallen and the three kingdoms—Auranos, Limeros, and Paelsia—are now united as one country called Mytica. But still, magic beckons, and with it the chance to rule not just Mytica, but the world...When the evil King Gaius announces that a road is to be built into the Forbidden Mountains, formally linking all of Mytica together, he sets off a chain of events that will forever change the face of this land, forcing Cleo the dethroned princess, Magnus the reluctant heir, Lucia the haunted sorceress, and Jonas the desperate rebel to take steps they never could have imagined.As soon as I finished reading Falling Kingdoms, I was already desperately awaiting the release of the second book in the series. It was an awesome, fast-paced introduction to a fantastical world filled with magic and dark forces, and I couldn't wait to delve right back into it with Rebel Spring. I'm sure Morgan Rhodes will push the central characters—Cleo, Jonas, Magnus, and Lucia—further than they've ever been pushed before, and more pain and heartache will be in their futures before anything can get better. Everyone will be struggling to place themselves in a position of power in Rebel Spring, but who will succeed?

"Never underestimate Nerds." "I wouldn't dream of it, nerd Kittscher, Kristen. Wig in the Window, The. HarperCollins Children's Books, 2013. 368p. $16.99, 9780062110503. Affiliate Links: Amazon | Shop Indie Genre:Mystery (real and not real) Cover Appeal: A good representation of the girl's personalities. Youngish with the character's drawn more cartoonish than graphic. Will appeal to 4th and 5th and some early 6th graders. Immediately After"I'm like...Mr. Miyagi and Yoda rolled into one." Michael Scott, The Office (substitute this book is for I'm) Right BeforeGrace is all about the spy business. She's got the clothes and the lingo down. Sophie considers herself more of a shy-retiring type who needs Grace to bring a little action into her life. The girls have upped their spying game by sneaking out of the house at night and investigating FBI bulletins, pretending that the people in the neighborhood represent wanted criminals and are just hiding out in their town. Things take a turn towards the serious when they accuse someone of murder and then find themselves being watched. To Sophie's horror, she also now has to spend MORE time with the suspect. Resentment starts eating away her and Grace's friendship. Were they ever true friends or was she just someone Grace used and pitied? DuringI was drawn in by Sophie and Grace's quick banter. They seemed to know and love each other. There was lots of eye-rolling and compromise. Just like a normal friendship. Using the Walkie Talkies gave them an additional sense of being connected even though Grace was homeschooled, so didn't share in Sophie's daytime world. The friendship gets strained when Sophie finds a new friend in Trista. Even though Grace has friends from Chinese school and piano lessons, she's never had to compete for Sophie's attention. Soon Trista has Sophie questioning herself and Grace's relationship. Not as a way to get Sophie to herself though. She just calls it as she sees it. Sometime AfterThe mystery, a little gruesome and over the top, was well-developed but didn't seem like the heart of the story. That was the girl's friendship. As such, I was baffled by how much the parent's trusted Dr. Agford, the school counselor. I understand that they were stressed at work, but the strong girl characters we were getting to know, should have stemmed from loving, concerned, and involved parents. Sophie's parents didn't even pretend to listen to her side of the story and they never confiscated her spy equipment, not even the rope she'd used to climb out the window. While Grace's homeschool teacher conveniently leaves the picture, meaning Grace could be at home alone during the day. On the mystery-side, I was able to follow along with Sophie and Grace's spy work and uncover the culprit but I liked that Kittscher threw in a couple of red herrings. Though I guessed the identity of the white truck owner, it took some doing to figure out rest. Fun Quotes "At one point she went after the school librarian. The librarian! Could there be a more noble soul?" "...on the bright side, our school counselor is not a fugitive." "If I'd known dropping teeth into drinks could so effectively remove Jake from my presence, I would have made it a more regular practice." OverallIt was refreshing to read a book about two twelve-year-old girls who sounded like two twelve-year-olds. Many middle grade novels make the characters sound too young while the young adult books cast them as precocious. When Grace joked that Sophie and her should trade families, I laughed because my daughter has a friend who's similar to me and they joke about trading all the time. I give this 4 out of 5 stars for the mystery and the realistic portrayal. It lost a star due to the lack of parenting. Though the SMILE organization almost brings it back to the top, the confusing love interest struck me as unneeded and brings it back down to 4. Tune in tomorrow when Kris

BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY... THEY GET EVEN. Lillia has never had any problems dealing with boys who like her. Not until this summer, when one went too far. No way will she let the same thing happen to her little sister. Kat is tired of the rumours, the insults, the cruel jokes. It all goes back to one person– her ex-best friend– and she's ready to make her pay. Four years ago, Mary left Jar Island because of a boy. But she's not the same girl anymore. And she's ready to prove it to him. Three very different girls who want the same thing: sweet, sweet revenge. And they won't stop until they each had a taste. I'm not sure what took me so long to pick up this book, especially since I've always been a fan of Siobhan Vivian, but I am definitely glad that I finally did. Burn for Burn is a book that could have been another one of those beachy, summer dramas with all of the glamour, guys, and gossip, and while all of those elements are present—and done well, I should note—Han and Vivian go beyond all of that to create a story that is suspenseful and full of surprises. With its sharp, quick plot and a great cast of characters, Burn for Burn is a fantastic read to satisfy anyone's guilty pleasure cravings. Rating: 4.5 Review copy from BEA

Basically “Books to Pine For” are books not yet released, that I can’t wait to get my hands on (or books I’ve recently gotten my hands on… but are still pine-worthy)! These books are ones that should be on your radar, because I know they are on mine! If this is your first visit to the blog, I do “Books to Pine For” sporadically, it’s a regular feature but it doesn’t have a set date I post every month or what not. You can check out all the books to pine for posts, they start chronologically from the most recent. In case you want to check out some earlier ones I’ve done. Okay I’ve rambled enough, on to the goods! Just a note.. all the links in the titles go to their Goodreads page… easier to add to your wish list! *ALL SUMMARIES ARE FROM GOODREADS OR AMAZON! Asylum by Susan Vaught Release Date: February 18, 2014 Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens Never, Kentucky is not your average scenic small town. It is a crossways, a place where the dead and the living can find no peace. Not that Forest, an 18-year-old foster kid who works the graveyard shift at Lincoln Hospital, knew this when she applied for the job. Lincoln is a huge state mental institution, a good place for Forest to make some money to pay for college. But along with hundreds of very unstable patients, it also has underground tunnels, bell towers that ring unexpectedly, and a closet that holds more than just donated clothing….When the dead husband of one of Forest’s patients makes an appearance late one night, seemingly accompanied by an agent of the Devil, Forest loses all sense of reality and all sense of time. Terrified, she knows she has a part to play, and when she does so, she finds a heritage that she never expected. With her deep knowledge of mental illness and mental institutions, Susan Vaught brings readers a fascinating and completely creepy new book intertwining the stories of three young people who find themselves haunted beyond imagining in the depths of Lincoln Hospital. Uninvited by Sophie Jordan Release Date: March 2014 Publisher: HarperTeen You can’t change your DNA…even when it says you’re a murderer. When Davy tests positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome, aka “the kill gene,” she loses everything. Once the perfect high school senior, she is uninvited from her prep school and abandoned by her friends and boyfriend. Even her parents are now afraid of her—although she’s never hurt a fly. Davy doesn’t feel any differently, but genes don’t lie. One day she will kill someone. Without any say in the matter, Davy is thrown into a special class for HTS carriers. She has no doubt the predictions are right about them, especially Sean, who already bears the “H” tattoo as proof of his violence. Yet when the world turns on the carriers, Sean is the only one she can trust. Maybe he’s not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly. Waterfell by Amalie Howard Release Date: October 29, 2013 Publisher: Harlequin Teen THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE QUEEN Nerissa Marin hides among teens in her human form, waiting for the day she can claim her birthright-the undersea kingdom stolen from her the day her father was murdered. Blending in is her best weapon-until her father’s betrayer confronts Nerissa and challenges her to a battle to the death on Nerissa’s upcoming birthday-the day she comes of age. Amid danger and the heartbreak of her missing mother, falling for a human boy is the last thing Nerissa should do. But Lo Seavon breaches her defenses and somehow becomes the only person she can count on to help her desperate search for her mother, a prisoner of Nerissa’s mortal enemy. Is Lo the linchpin that might win Nerissa back her crown? Or will this mortal boy become the weakness that destroys her? Alienated by Melissa Landers Release Date: February 4, 2014 Publisher: Disney-Hyperion Interplanetary relations have never been more exciting! The first in a funny, romantic YA sci-fi series. Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Ca

Future Favorites is a weekly feature on Electrifying Reviews. Its purpose is to highlight six different books that look great, and will hopefully be favorites of mine when I get the chance to read them.?The Liberator (Dante Walker, #2) by Victoria Scott (Entangled Teen: August 27, 2013)??Reality Boy by A.S. King (Little, Brown: October 22, 2013)??Endless Knight (The Arcana Chronicles, #2) by Kresley Cole (Simon & Schuster: October 1, 2013)??Vicious by V.E. Schwab (Tor: September 24, 2013)??The Wicked Within (Gods & Monsters, #3) by Kelly Keaton (Simon Pulse: September 17, 2013)??Demon Derby by Carrie Harris (Random House: March 1, 2014)?Which of these looks the best to you? What are some books you're looking forward to? Comment below and let me know!

Waiting on Wednesday idea from Jill at Breaking the Spine.-----Haze by Paula Weston* Published by: Indigo (UK)* Format: Paperback (UK)* Release Date: October 3rd, 2013 (UK)* On Amazon: hereSummary from Amazon.co.uk:WARNING: Spoilers for book one, Shadows!Gaby Winters' life used to be pretty normal. She lived with her best friend. She worked in a library. She was slowly getting over the death of her twin brother, Jude. Until Rafa arrived. Now Gaby has discovered she is one of the Rephaim - descended from fallen angels. She knows demons exist. That they are coming for her. And that Jude might be alive. What she does next could change everything. Shadows was a huge surprise - I didn't expect to love it but I absolutely did and it's now my favourite angel novel. It was a five-star read for me, and the first paranormal book I've read for ages that truly captured my imagination and attention. I was quite sad when I heard Haze had been delayed until later in the year, but I suppose it's something to look forward to. It's one I'll be reading as soon as it arrives, that's for sure. Also: just look at that cover!

A flashback to what I was reviewing in June 2008: Day of the Scarab by Catherine Fisher. Sequel to The Sphere of Secrets. From my review: “A world with gods, where those in control stopped believing. But it turns out the gods and the myths are real; and a handful of people, including a young priestess, a scribe, and a thief, are chosen by the god to fix things. . . . It’s a bit weird writing up something for a third book; on the one hand, if you’ve read the other 2, you are breathless and eager to read this one. On the other hand, if you haven’t, what I want to say is this: Here is a brilliantly plotted fantasy, tightly told, over three volumes. It is worth your investment to go, read the first, and continue thru all three. This final book has a wonderful conclusion; it addresses the main issues raised in the trilogy (restoration of the Oracle, threats of rebellion, the preservation of religions) yet does not answer every question.” Whales on Stilts by M.T. Anderson. Series: M.T. Anderson’s Thrilling Tales. From my review: “The Thrilling Tale of Katie Mulligan (you remember her from the Horror Hollow Books), Jasper Dash (Boy Technonaut) and Lily Gefelty as they encounter Whales — on — Stilts. (I’m saying that in my Pigs In Space voice.) . . . To begin with: “On Career Day Lily visited her dad’s work with him and discovered he worked for a mad scientist who wanted to rule the earth through destruction and desolation.” Could there be a better opening line? Or summation of a plot? Lily herself is quietly observant: “Lily believed that the world was a wonderful and magical place. She believed that if watched carefully enough, you could find miracles anywhere.” . . . But, as I said, you don’t need to know that Katie is RL Stine come to life or Jasper a throwback to the 20s/30s to enjoy the humor. Dad works in an abandoned warehouse on edge of town. With a receptionist. That, my friends, is the type of humor I adore. An abandoned warehouse where the father doesn’t realize something is up, is just plain crazy; add in a receptionist for the evil people? And chums, it is brilliant.” King Of Shadows by Susan Cooper. From my review: “Present-day Nat is a teenager and actor who is in a staging of one of Shakespeare’s Plays. Then, boom! Time slip happens and he’s back in the day, meeting the real Bard.” Gray Horses by Hope Larson. From my review: “This graphic novel looks at the experiences of a French exchange student in America; the art and text is deceptively simple. Noemie struggles with loneliness, fitting in, finding friends; and is also having odd dreams about horses.”

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.   While Morganville, Texas, is often a troubled town, Claire Danvers and her friends are looking forward to coming home. But the Morganville they return to isn’t the one they know; it’s become [...]

I want to let everyone know that I'm leaving on vacation TODAY and will be gone through July 8th or so. I'll still be posting every day, my posts are all scheduled up, but I won't be commenting as much and won't be checking my email as much. I likely won't be around at all until Monday when I get to my moms and will have wi-fi. My phone is smart, but my service sucks, so I doubt I'll have 3G over there. So if you attempt to contact me, I'll answer when I'm able! Hello everyone! Confident Reads is a feature I have here each week once in awhile and is a way to open communication between readers and Indie authors. This is to help readers feel confident in the books they spend their money on, and for authors to feel confident in the book they publish. I've been so busy with My Favorite Things that I've slacked on Confident Reads this month. And poor Kellie, she's been waiting WEEKS for me to post this. So here you all go! Let's welcome Indie author Kellie Bellamy Tayer to the blog! When, and how, did you come to being an indie/self published author? I self-published "The Gypsy Thief" last November after receiving too many rejections of my query! Did you attempt to publish traditionally? What were your experiences? Yes, I did. I had one publisher who loved it and wanted to publish it but they were in the process of switching to electronic publication only and I wanted both electronic and paperback options so I declined their offer. Another publisher asked for the entire manuscript but then declined to publish (they were the group for responsible for self-pubbing "Fifty Shades of Grey" for E.L. James before it was taken over by one of the Big Six). If you were offered a deal with a traditional publisher, would you take it? Yes, if the offer is fair. What is the best part of being indie/self published, for you? I get all the control--from content to lay-out to cover design and interior elements. The indie/self published scene is constantly changing. Even quite a few traditionally published authors have ventured into the world of self publishing. What do you predict for the future? How do you think the indie scene is changing and where do you think it will go? Self-publishing used to be considered literary prostitution but now it's respectable and often a writer's first choice. I predict it will be get bigger and more big-time authors will use self-publishing to keep their readers happy and to keep the market saturated with their work (traditional publishing is very slow and this will enable authors to be more prolific). As an indie/self published author, what has been your biggest obstacle? Marketing! It's time-consuming, complicated, mentally-draining and takes away from my writing time, but it's necessary if I want people to find my books. In the world of indie/self published not everyone goes about things the same way. Many make mistakes (and hopefully learn from them). What are the biggest mistakes that you think authors are making and how do you suggest they improve? One mistake is not publishing a clean manuscript free of typos, spelling and grammatical errors. Also not marketing enough through all channels possible is a mistake. How do you approach reviewers? And what has worked best when doing so? I've contacted dozens and dozens of bloggers and asked them if they would be willing to review my book or at least give it a mention on their blogs. I've had some feedback from this so that's good. It's time-consuming but worth it. When it comes to sales, what do you think has worked the best for you and had the biggest impact? Word of mouth from readers, family and friends and exposure from bloggers. If someone tells you they are thinking of publishing a novel themselves and they would like some advice on where to get started or some tips for success, what advice would you give? I would suggest CreateSpace--they're publishing my trilogy.