Tuesday 26 November 2013

Teaser Tuesday: The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
To play along just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa.

The Iron Traitor –
Harlequin Teen

When Keirran went back into the Nevernever, I knew I hadn’t seen the last of him. Still, I had no idea how entangled my life would soon become with his, and how he would be the catalyst…for the end of everything.
— Chapter 1

A thin, pale figure stood a few yards away, perched atop the wooden privacy fence surrounding the lot, silhouetted against the night sky. He stood in profile so that he faced me from the side, and one large, pale eye peered down at me from a narrow face.
— Chapter 8


Who doesn’t love a world-dooming prophecy to set the tone for a book series? Me, that’s who. Well, not really true ... because if it weren’t for that prophecy there wouldn’t be any Call of the Forgotten books to continue the story of a certain former winter prince (and his queen, of course) even if they’re mostly pretty decoration. The new cast is quite acceptable as well and I enjoyed the first book a lot. Maybe not as much as the original series, but I’m curious enough about the fate of the Nevernever and its inhabitants to keep reading. And dang it, I hope that prophecy is just you messing with your readers, Julie Kagawa! I like mind-bending prophecies quite a bit (hence my love for anything Percy Jackson), but at the moment I don’t see how this isn’t spiralling towards said “end of everything”.

What’s your take on prophecies in books? Do you try to figure them out before you continue reading or do you let the plot come at you? Share your thoughts and teasers in the comments.

Wednesday 20 November 2013

Waiting on Wednesday: Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week’s can’t wait to read selection is
Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson
Publication Date: May 6th 2014

Since You've Been Gone –
Simon & Schuster
The Pre-Sloane Emily didn’t go to parties, she barely talked to guys, she didn’t do anything crazy. Enter Sloane, social tornado and the best kind of best friend—the one who yanks you out of your shell. But right before what should have been an epic summer, Sloane just ... disappears. No note. No calls. No texts. No Sloane. There’s just a random to-do list. On it, thirteen Sloane-selected-definitely-bizarre-tasks that Emily would never try ... unless they could lead back to her best friend. Apple Picking at Night? Ok, easy enough. Dance until Dawn? Sure. Why not? Kiss a Stranger? Wait ... what?

Getting through Sloane’s list would mean a lot of firsts. But Emily has this whole unexpected summer ahead of her, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected) to check things off. Who knows what she’ll find?

Go Skinny Dipping? Um ...
Synopsis from goodreads.com

Depending on how the book I just finished made me feel, I often turn to the opposite (even in the books I’m waiting for). My last book was absolutely teary, so this story is right up my alley with a cheeky voice and crazy tasks. Kissing a stranger, huh? I wonder how that’s going to work out for Emily.
The mystery of the missing friend gives it a bit of a sombre note, though. Could there be an innocent reason for Sloane to be gone like that? I doubt it, but I like the idea that by working through the to-do list, Emily might get closer to her friend.

Opposites attract holds true for me when choosing a book. How do you decide what to read next? Share your thoughts along with your waiting on choice.

Tuesday 19 November 2013

Teaser Tuesday: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
To play along just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

The Book Thief –
Knopf Books for Young Readers



Trust was accumulated quickly, due primarily to the brute strength of the man’s gentleness, his thereness. The girl knew from the onset that Hans Hubermann would always appear midscream, and he would not leave.
— Page 15





I don’t often re-read books, mostly only parts I enjoyed, because my reading list is already so long and the day only has so many hours. This is clearly a re-read to find out if the “it’s not you, it’s me” explanation I gave the book the first time around was true. I first read The Book Thief when it was published in Germany in 2008 and I just wasn’t impressed. At all. I’m now re-reading it in English and have to admit that I’m a little puzzled at all the German words that are liberally strewn across the text. That’s definitely something I didn’t appreciate when I read the translation. Maybe I’m also a little more receptive to the text and writing style now that I’m not attending literary criticism classes and the impression of high school history with its constant WWII this and NS that has paled a little. At least I find that I’m enjoying it more the second time around, if you can call it enjoying. Was this new interest caused by the movie? Yes, in parts. I had already thought about a re-read because I knew that I hadn’t been the best reader the first time and the movie certainly is a good enough reason.

Mandatory question: Have you read the book and/or will you go to see the movie? Let’s hear from you in the comments.

Wednesday 13 November 2013

Waiting on Wednesday: The Queen’s Choice by Cayla Kluver

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week’s can’t wait to read selection is
The Queen’s Choice by Cayla Kluver.
Publication Date: January 28th 2014.

The Queen’s Choice – Harlequin Teen
Magic was seeping out of me, black and agonizing. I could see it drifting away. The magic that would let me pass the Road to reach home again.

When sixteen-year-old Anya learns that her aunt, Queen of the Faerie Kingdom of Chrior, will soon die, her grief is equaled only by her despair for the future of the kingdom. Her young cousin, Illumina, is unfit to rule, and Anya is determined not to take up the queen’s mantle herself.
Convinced that the only solution is to find Prince Zabriel, who long ago disappeared into the human realm of Warckum, and persuade him to take up his rightful crown, Anya journeys into the Warckum Territory to bring him home. But her journey is doomed to be more harrowing than she ever could have imagined ...
Synopsis from goodreads.com

I have if I seriously think about it no idea where or when this book made its way onto my wait for publication list. But as I was scrolling through it just now this title came up as a not too distant release. But I’m not presenting this today because I couldn’t think of anything else ... that would be really sad ... but because I want know from you how many chances you give an author before you categorise them as not your cup of tea or read if available but don’t pick up specifically ... or something like that. The reason for this is for one that I read and sort of liked this author’s previous title Legacy yet I didn’t read the sequels. I felt that the book might have been better with a stronger editorial hand in tightening the story. And seeing that this new title is almost 200 pages shorter that might be the case. The writing was absolutely fine so I’ll be interested to see how the story-telling turns out in this one.

So let me know what you think about offering second/third/fourth chances along with your waiting on choice in the comments. Or just the book if you think I’m too nosy. :)

Tuesday 12 November 2013

Teaser Tuesday: The Night Itself by Zoë Marriott

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
To play along just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Night Itself by Zoë Marriott.

The Night Itself – Walker Books


Stealing the sword was a bad idea. I can’t pretend I didn’t realize that at the time.
— Chapter 1

He gave Shinobu a narrow-eyed look, as if he suspected him of somehow dragging me and Jack into a bad, nine-tailed vampire-cat-demon-hobnobbing crowd.
— Chapter 11



I finally got around to reading this first book in Mariott’s Name of the Blade series and was hooked from the first sentence. Not only is the story set in London, but there are myths and magic involved. Japanese myths and magic, which I know hardly anything about. I also cannot imagine which direction this book (or the series) will take and find that very refreshing.
From the characters I like Mio the most. She’s courageous, loyal, and witty. She keeps me on my toes, because I never know what she might do. There are so many questions I want answered. I want to know about the history of the sword, which started everything. About Mio’s father and grandfather. And naturally, about Shinobu. Who is he and why is he there?

Are you trying something new as well or making yourself comfortable with favourite authors this week? Leave us a comment and your teaser!

Wednesday 6 November 2013

Waiting on Wednesday: The Forbidden Library by Django Wexler

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week’s can’t wait to read selection is
The Forbidden Library by Django Wexler
Publication Date: April 15th 2014


The Forbidden Library - Kathy Dawson Books
Alice always thought fairy tales had happy endings. That--along with everything else--changed the day she met her first fairy. 
When Alice’s father goes down in a shipwreck, she is sent to live with her uncle Geryon--an uncle she’s never heard of and knows nothing about. He lives in an enormous manor with a massive library that is off-limits to Alice. But then she meets a talking cat. And even for a rule-follower, when a talking cat sneaks you into a forbidden library and introduces you to an arrogant boy who dares you to open a book, it’s hard to resist. Especially if you’re a reader to begin with. Soon Alice finds herself INSIDE the book, and the only way out is to defeat the creature imprisoned within. 
It seems her uncle is more than he says he is. But then so is Alice.
Synopsis from goodreads.com

Forbidden rooms are like pink elephants, you just have to think about them and in case of the room find out what’s inside. So I totally get why Alice sneaks off to see the forbidden library. I’d have done the exact same thing.
This middle grade story seems equipped to take the reader along for an adventurous ride as literally seen from between the pages. Especially considering the side effect to opening a book - falling into the story and having to fight oneself out again. (Considering the books I own, I think I’ll pass using that ability.) And who’s the arrogant boy and why is he allowed into the library? And does the talking cat start grinning manically, when asked a question? I’m definitely looking forward to The Forbidden Library turning out as magical as it sounds!

Did you ever (have to) sneak into a library like Alice? Tell us in the comments along with your waiting on choice!

Tuesday 5 November 2013

Teaser Tuesday: Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
To play along just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Sentinel – Spencer Hill Press

I really wanted to, because for him I’d do anything. Fight a horde of half-blood daimons? There. Tangle with ticked-off furies? Sign me up. Break a dozen or so rules for one forbidden kiss? Done. Open my eyes? Apparently that was asking too much.
— Chapter 1

I started to wave the scissors but decided I’d look pretty psychotic doing so. “I kind of don’t want to look like a weed whacker got hold of my head before meeting a bunch of people.”
— Chapter 6

The books of Jennifer L. Armentrout have quite a few qualities about them. One clearly is that you can open them on almost any page and find scenes that are entertaining yet also easily convey the atmosphere, characteristics of the protagonists, and overall situation. I really like her books for the lightheartedness in combination with tough action scenes and general greatness. I love nearly anything related to ancient myths so that works out neat for this series, but she makes it work with all of her books. Looking for quick fun reads that are well thought out and offer surprising takes on mythology and fun references to popular culture? You got it. Not saying much about this book since it’s the fifth and – I think – last in this series. Just this: how often do you get antagonists that you hate to hate? Even though I’m most decidedly Team Aiden.

Do you have a go-to author for fun/action books to pick you up? Let’s hear about them in the comments and share your teasers with us!