Waiting on Wednesday (12)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine in which we showcase upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

Something Strange and Deadly 

by Susan Dennard

Release date: July 24, 2012

Goodreads Synopsis: 

The year is 1876, and there’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.

Why I want to Read it:

Zombies in Victorian Philadelphia?! Give me one reason you wouldn't want to read it and I'll give you a cookie. Okay, not really, but you get what I'm trying to say. It's ZOMBIES! IN VICTORIAN PHILADELPHIA! Awesome! Also, the whole "maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor" doesn't hurt anything either ;) 

So what are y'all waiting on this fine Wednesday? Be sure to let me know in the comments below!

P.S. I promise that review of Ordinary Magic is coming! I've just completely lost track of time (it's Wednesday?!)!! Look out for it either tomorrow or Friday :) 

All the best ♥

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Ordinary Magic Blog Tour: Interview with the author Caitlen Rubino-Bradway

So today I have an awesome interview with the amazing Caitlen Rubino-Bradway author of Ordinary Magic. I was so ecstatic when I was asked to review her book for it had been on my TBR for quite some time. Believe me when I say I wasn't disappointed in the slightest! I'll put up my gushing review tomorrow :) 

Now, on to the interview! 

Q. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

A. I’m an actual, honest-to-goodness published author, which I’m sure my friends and

family are getting sick of hearing about, but, seriously, I wrote a book and it is in stores

how cool is that? I currently live and write in New York City, and have a half-dozen

different favorite bakeries depending on what it is I’m craving. (Seriously, you should

try the pistachio cupcake at Sugar Sweet Sunshine.) I’m also a little bit of a geek, but I

do try to keep that well hidden. (By the way, if anyone knows where I can get a Death

Star bath mat, please let me know.)

Q. What were the inspirations behind Ordinary Magic?

A. I’m a huge fan of children’s books, and fantasies, and I usually approach story ideas in

terms of ‘what’s a book I would really love to read?’ I got the actual idea for the book

way back in college, on the way back from a McDonald’s run with two friends. We were

talking over fantasy tropes in the books we read, and I started to think about what I hadn’t

seen but wanted to — specifically a completely normal person, who didn’t need magic

to be able to defeat the Dread Sorcerer Whosit from unleashing the Destructive Power of

Artifact No. 7.

Q. Were there any books that helped inspire you to write this book?

A. I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I read the Harry Potter series, a lot, as I was writing this

book. I did try to read as much middle-grade fantasy as possible while I was writing —

it helps me keep my head in the game. A few I really enjoyed were Magic Below Stairs

Caroline Stevermer, Jessica Day George’s Dragon Slippers trilogy, and tons of Eva

Ibbotson.

Q. What book(s) are you reading now?

A. I just finished Winterling, by Sarah Prineas, and oh my goodness, her words. I wish

I could write like that. She weaves words like a spell. Right now I’m moving onto

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows.

Q. Name something on your bucket list.

A. I’d love to learn how to swing dance. And not just learn, but I’d like to become really

good at it. I’ve taken a few beginner’s classes and really enjoyed it, but haven’t gotten

around to learning enough where I could actually do it in public.

Q. Italian or Greek food?

A. Italian, but that’s mostly because of the cappuccinos. And there was a bombalini store

right next to my work — the little donut things filled with different kind of deliciousness.

Fortunately, my office moved, which was probably good for my health.

Q. Do you have any pets?

A. Unfortunately, my apartment building doesn’t allow pets, but my parents have two goofy

dogs, and there’s a snake in the laundry room. (He’s a python named Monty. We keep

him there because it’s the warmest room in the house.)

Q. What's your favorite color?

A. Blue — no, yellow! Er, maybe you should ask me the air-speed velocity of an unladen

swallow.

Q. Favorite movie?

A. Okay, this is honestly the most difficult question because I just love so many. I will

admit to a weakness for big dumb action movies, and for any sort of 80’s fantasy. (I have

watched Ladyhawke so many times…)

Q. What books did you like as a kid?

A. I loved the Babysitter’s Club books — especially the ones about Claudia, who was my

favorite because she was all quirky and artistic and wore awesome clothes, even though

I’m personally more of a Mary Anne. Then they got me hooked on the Babysitter’s Club

Little Sister. (It’s a slippery slope.) I also read, and re-read, Grimm’s Fairy Tales and the

Greek myths I don’t know how many times.

Pistachio cupcakes? Death Star bathmats? and Monty Python and the Holy Grail references (not to mention an actual Python named Monty)?! We could totally be best friends!! XD Thanks so much for stopping by!

So what'd y'all think of the interview? Have any of you read Ordinary Magic? If not, what are you waiting for?! 

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In My Mailbox (10) With a Birthday and a Holiday

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren in which we showcase books we borrowed/bought/won in the past week.

However, first off,

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!

To all you amazingly fantastic moms out there (looking at you mommy :D ), I think I speak for all children when I say you deserve this! We wouldn't be here without you! Literally! :P Thanks for all the wonderful advice you've given us and for always being there no matter what. Love y'all!!! ♥

On another special note,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEEEEEEEEEEE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

I'm finally an adult!!!! Woohoo!!

*looks around*

Hm...I thought it'd be a bit more interesting than this. Now I have responsibilities?! o_O

SOMEONE GET ME SOME CANDY AND POP IN A DISNEY MOVIE! I'M NOT READY TO GROW UP YET!!! 

Even though I may technically be an adult, I'll always be a kid at heart ♥

And still read young adult books XD

Alright, alright. I promise, no more rambling. Without further ado, my amazingly awesome books I got this week:

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

via Netgalley

I was kind of iffy about this book but I've heard some utterly fantastic things about this and decided to go for it. Apparently when I read this I'll need a box of tissues sitting right next to me!! 

Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

via Netgalley

I've been begging for this one ever since I read that synopsis! Computer chips that control humans?! Definitely high on the creepy scale! But this sounds fantastic! Sounds like an awesome mix of sci-fi and dystopia! 

Otherkin by Nina Berry

via Netgalley

She can turn into a TIGER! HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!?!?! 

Silver by Talia Vance

via Netgalley

Um...to be honest, I'm not super psyched about this one. I think I requested this one on one of my regular Netgalley sprees :P But I am interested. I hope it surprises me!

Blackwood by Gwenda Bond

Via Netgalley

A book that takes you on a trip to find what really happened to the Roanoke Colony? Sounds like a fun mystery adventure to me! Add in the feds and alchemists and I'm totally there! 

Shift by Kim Curran

via Netgalley

The ability to undo decisions? Sounds like this is gonna be one crazy adventure!! Looking forward to it :)

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

From my Grandma via B&N (part of my bday gift!)

OMGSAOKDFJAOGAJFGIAG!!!!!!!!!!! 'nuff said.

Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

From my mom via B&N (for my bday!)

This one sounds dark and gothicly delicious. I've heard the world building and creepy atmosphere is fantastic. I reealllllly hope to get to it soon!! 

So what'd y'all get this week? 

And don't forget to tell your mothers how awesome they are!!

All the best ♥

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Destiny's Fire (Kythan Guardians #1) by Trisha Wolfe

Destiny's Fire (Kythan Guardians #1)
by Trisha Wolfe
Pages: 224
Source: Amazon
Format: ebook


Rating: I liked it


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

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

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






Short and Sweet:


Let me first start off by saying that the idea behind this book is fascinating! So unique and engrossing. Destiny is a kick-butt and sassy girl with a huge secret. While I figured it out pretty soon, I was interested in the reasons behind the secret. This book was full of steamy, tension-filled goodness! Whew! But while I liked that, it was also a downfall. The romance of the story kind of turned me off. Bring in the cursed love triangle! At least in this one I feel as if she knows who she'll choose. I just hope she doesn't change her mind in the next book. Also, this has a slight case of insta-love. Well, not so much "insta-love" but almost (if that makes any sense?). She doesn't fall in love with him the first time she meets him, but pretty darn close. At least I understand why. They are the same and the only two people like that so she feels a connection, but still, me no likey. 


Also, a case of TTS (Typical Teenage Syndrome). This doesn't bug me a lot but sometimes I feel its unnecessary. For example, this book does cuss (kind of a lot if I remember correctly) and while sometimes it was alright, other times it was unnecessary. Also, the characters do a lot of clubbing and drinking which, again, doesn't always bug me (I'm not stuck up, I swear! :P), but it can sometimes get excessive. It's just not always my preference. While this does fit the "steampunk" type of book, just be warned. If that doesn't bother you or you like that then definitely check this book out! If you don't like that stuff then be a bit wary.  


Overall I really enjoyed it. The plot was so intriguing and I'm waiting impatiently to learn where it goes from here. While I'm on the fence about the romance, I still enjoyed the characters. I can't wait to learn what's in store next for these guys :) 

All the best ♥

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Thinking Through Thursday (2)

Welcome once again to Thinking Through Thursday!! This weeks discussion is on...


"Why I like the dystopian genre"


All right, its not exactly news that the dystopian genre has taken over the YA scene as of late. I decided to discuss this genre this week because I recently saw an interesting article on Wovenmyst talking about dystopian novels (definitely check it out!). It really is interesting how such a dark genre has really taken over. Whatever happened to all those happy ending books I liked as a kid? :P


The first dystopian book I ever read was The Hunger Games (really, is it any surprise?) and I loved every moment. It was only a matter of time before I found other dystopian books to fill that gaping hole received after The Hunger Games trilogy ended. 


So why has this genre so intrigued us? I started thinking it over and decided to compile a list of reasons (well, the reasons I can think of at the moment) why I'm so in love with this genre.


1. No shortage of action!


I like my books like I like my movies: action-packed. Honestly, the more action the better! If it's got fights, car chases, sword-play, explosions, guns, ect. then I'm bound to enjoy it! And almost all dystopian books have action in them so it's really no surprise that I like em :)
Legend by Marie Lu



2. They make you think:


There are many dystopian books where the authors blend the line between good and evil. Nothing is absolute. No, I often don't agree with the government, however, what's so interesting is that they actually think what they are doing is right. They fully believe that what they are doing is best for the people. Is this always the case? No. Some just like power. But in some books, like Birthmarked, the government thinks they are doing the right thing. 


Also, I've always found it so incredibly interesting when I can actually understand why they do what they do. Do I agree with it? No. But, their logic isn't exactly off. I don't really believe that people are born absolutely good or absolutely bad, I believe it is the persons choice on which aspect they choose to act on. While some have good intentions, the execution is wrong. 


I know some people just like to read, and I do too! But I do love to really delve into the minds of the characters. I like to understand them even if I don't agree with them. Maybe its because I like psychology too but whatever the case, I love when a books make be think and question. 




3. Rebellions abound!


Power to the people! 
I've always been interested in politics and often when I think of dystopias, it reminds me of that famous quote "Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely." A dystopia is defined as "the idea of a society in a repressive and controlled state, often under the guise of being utopian (via Wikipedia)". 


Often dystopia's come about after apocolyptic events and whoever becomes in charge says that they are doing this "for the people" and that it's "for the best" when more often than not they just want the power. However, after such a devastating event, people are more willing to go into such a totalitarian state if it means safety. But in this totalitarian state, freedoms are limited. It's more along the lines of "fake freedoms" where the citizens think they have choices but they are just cleverly disguised rules. 


Growing up in America where we have freedoms, it's hard for me to imagine what it would be like to be in such a state. Having this taste of freedom would make it very hard to live under such awful conditions. In dystopias, the main characters often get a taste of freedom or realize that their goverment is lying to them or something along those lines and they want to do something about it. To be honest, that right there is why I like them so much. Being an Army brat, I've grown up learning to really be thankful for all the freedoms that I have but I also know freedom isn't free. I definitely think freedoms are worth fighting for and that is why I enjoy dystopian novels so much. These characters are fighting for choice and standing up for what they believe in, something I've always treasured. I often fall in love with the  characters of these books because I find them incredibly honorable and love their sense of justice. 


4. Emotional


When I read, I like to feel emotions. Whether its sadness, anger, happiness, or if it just get my heart pounding and blood pumping, then I enjoy it. I like to care about the characters and what might happen to them. I like to fear for their lives or hope they can accomplish whatever it is they set out to do. Because I feel such strong opinions for their situations, strong emotions often accompany them. I want them to fight their government, I want them to fight for what they believe is right. Since I feel a connection with the characters fight for freedom I often feel these emotions and it adds to my enjoyment. 


Overall:
Are these the only reason I like this genre? No. I'm sure I could name many, many more but these are all I thought of at the moment :P But I'd love to know what y'all think about this genre. Do you love it? Hate it? Why? 
Leave answers in the comments below! I love to hear other people's opinions :)


All the best ♥

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Waiting on Wednesday (11)

 Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine in which we showcase upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

Falling Kingdoms

by Morgan Rhodes

Release Date: Decemeber 11, 2012

Goodreads Synopsis: 


In a land where magic has been forgotten but peace has reigned for centuries, a deadly unrest is simmering. Three kingdoms grapple for power--brutally transforming their subjects' lives in the process. Amidst betrayals, bargains, and battles, four young people find their fates forever intertwined:

Cleo: A princess raised in luxury must embark on a rough and treacherous journey into enemy territory in search of a magic long thought extinct.

Jonas: Enraged at injustice, a rebel lashes out against the forces of oppression that have kept his country impoverished--and finds himself the leader of a people's revolution centuries in the making.

Lucia: A girl adopted at birth into a royal family discovers the truth about her past--and the supernatural legacy she is destined to wield.

Magnus: Bred for aggression and trained to conquer, a firstborn son begins to realize that the heart can be more lethal than the sword...

The only outcome that's certain is that kingdoms will fall. Who will emerge triumphant when all they know has collapsed?


Why I'm waiting on Wednesday:


First off, that cover is about as legit as it gets. Seriously, who is the person on the cover?!?! 
Secondly, the synopsis sounds awesome. Forbidden magic? Unrest? Betrayals, bargains and battles?!?!?!?!?! YES! Me want!!! 
Ugh....why oh why does December have to be so far away?! I'm really hoping Netgalley will grant my wishes and put up a galley XD 
*fingers crossed*


So what are y'all waiting on this fine Wednesday? Let me know in the comments below! 


All the best ♥

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Shadows on the Moon

Shadows on the Moon
by Zoë Marriott
Pages: 464
Format: ebook
Source: Netgalley


Rating: Really Liked It


Goodreads Synopsis:


A powerful tale of magic, love, and revenge set in fairy-tale Japan.

Trained in the magical art of shadow-weaving, sixteen-year-old Suzume is able to re-create herself in any form - a fabulous gift for a girl desperate to escape her past. But who is she really? Is she a girl of noble birth living under the tyranny of her mother's new husband, Lord Terayama? Or a lowly drudge scraping a living in the ashes of Terayama's kitchens? Or is she Yue, the most beautiful courtesan in the Moonlit Lands? Whatever her true identity, Suzume is destined to use her skills to steal the heart of a prince in a revenge plot to destroy Terayama. And nothing will stop her, not even the one true aspect of her life- her love for a fellow shadow-weaver.


My Review:


When I read that tagline I couldn't help but be interested. While I'm not quite sure what I was expecting, it definitely wasn't what I got. But that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. Actually, quite the opposite. One reason I was so surprised I loved this book was because this is about as far from a happy book as you can possibly get. Shadows on the Moon is a hauntingly beautiful story about a young girl's journey of self-discovery and redemption. 


  
Suzume:


   This is one of those books where I both love and hate the main character. While I hated some of her decisions and wanted to yell at her, I understood why. When you first meet Suzume we get a glimpse of a young, mischievous little girl. But all to quickly her world is turned upside down. Her father and cousin are murdered before her eyes while she is lucky enough to get away. As you can imagine, this creates a huge amount of guilt in her. When he mother returns she won't let Suzume talk about what happened. Instead she just wants to move on therefore making all of this guilt build up inside of Suzume. Suzume eventually becomes a shell of her former self and keeps all of her emotions bottled up inside, causing her grief and anger to consume her. 

   Journey:

   This story takes you on Suzume's journey for revenge and self-discovery. Revenge takes over her whole life and all she sees is fighting for her family. This guilt and anger consumes her. While this book was beautifully written, it was also incredibly hard to read. How Suzume deals with her depression was so incredibly heartbreaking. I can completely understand that she wants to avenge her family and make the one who did it pay for it, but I wanted to smack her because she went about it the wrong way. All she thought about was revenge and this was all her decisions were based on, no matter who they hurt. She wouldn't even let herself be happy because she wanted revenge so badly. My heart ached for her and her loss, but I wanted to jump into the book and show her that there were other ways of dealing with her depression. 

Secondary Characters:


The secondary characters were well written, each with their own important part in this story. I actually hated her mother. She was weak, pathetic, and absolutely refused to stand up for herself. She could care less about Suzume and it was no wonder she was ruined. Her step-father was....insane. While I loved the romantic interests' faith in Suzume, I didn't love him. He truly cared about Suzume and wanted to be there for her no matter what, but for some reason I wasn't  really feeling it. Its hard to get to really know him since I don't feel like he's really in the book that much. I truly loved Akira though. However, the ugh...reveal...was...weird? and to be honest kind of turned me off. But, that's just me. However, I still really liked her. She always tried to turn Suzume in the right direction and even if she didn't agree with her she always supported her. She became the sister she never had.


Writing:


To say this book was beautifully written is an understatement. Marriott is clearly a gifted writer. While I figured I wouldn't read this book when it became to depressing and I didn't like the character's actions, her writing was so well done that I became entranced. Even though these things bugged me, her words helped me understand Suzume's feelings. 


Magic:


Shadows on the moon is a story full of magic. Suzume's abilities help her find herself and define who she is. It is a way for her to connect with others and come to terms with herself and others. 


Overall:


Shadows on the Moon is a magical story about an abandoned and heartbroken girl learning to find herself. Is her journey easy? No. It's far from. While depressing and frustrating at times, I couldn't help but root for Suzume. She didn't deserve anything that happened to her but had to learn how to deal with it. This story is wonderfully written and hauntingly beautiful. I know that I will definitely keep an eye out for more of Marriott's books. 

All the best ♥

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