Waiting on Wednesday: Dreamless by Josephine Angelini

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
Dreamless by Josephine Angelini.
Publication Date: May 29th 2012

Dreamless - Harper Teen

As the only Scion that can enter Hades at will, Helen descends to the Underworld in search of a way to overcome the Furies and end the cycle of revenge that has cursed the Scions. But she’s running out of time. Each descent weakens her both in mind and spirit. A mysterious stranger might be her only salvation, but the price may be her love for Lucas Delos.

As an unforgettable love triangle emerges, Josephine Angelini’s compelling saga becomes ever more intricate and spellbinding. The eagerly awaited sequel to the internationally bestselling Starcrossed, Dreamless delivers with a huge emotional impact that will leave readers satisfied—and longing for more. 

Synopsis from goodreads.com

This second installment of Angelini's Starcrossed series seems to have it all: Greek mythology, an important mission for the main character to accomplish before time runs out, a love triangle, AND starcrossed lovers! What better reasons to wait for May? :)
For all those who can't wait, read the first chapter here.

What are you waiting on this week? Let us know!

Teaser Tuesday: Shadows 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!

Shadows byJennifer L. Armentrout

Shadows - Entangled Publishing

“You decided to come back for day two. Brave girl.”

“I’m adventurous. What can I say?”
-- Chapter 3

He knew if this went badly, it went badly for them, too. 
-- Chapter 10

Short teasers for a comparably long novella. I’m all for appetisers, even if the main course is still a couple of months away.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

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 Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa.
Publication Date: April 24th 2012

The Immortal Rules - Harlequin Teen

You will kill. The only question is when.

In the dark days since the insidious Red Lung virus decimated the human population, vampires have risen to rule the crumbling cities and suburbs. Uncontested Princes hold sway over diminished ranks of humans: their "pets." In exchange for their labor, loyalty and of course, their blood, these pets are registered, given food and shelter, permitted to survive.

Unregistered humans cling to fringes, scavenging for survival. Allison Sekemoto and her fellow Unregistereds are hunted, not only by vampires, but by rabids, the unholy result of Red Lung-infected vampires feeding on unwary humans. One night, Allie is attacked by a pack of rabids, saved by an unlikely hero...and turned vampire.

Uncomfortable in her undead skin, Allie falls in with a ragtag crew of humans seeking a cure, or cures: for Rabidism and for Vampirism. She's passing for human...for now. But the hunger is growing and will not be denied. Not for friendship—not even for love.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

Why I’m waiting: Post-apocalyptic vampire novel! And written by Julie Kagawa. I loved the Iron Fey series and admired how old folklore was incorporated and updated in a captivating story. I expect a similarly engaging tale in the author’s entertaining and well-versed style. With real vampires, just as the fey were real ... and improved. I will have to practice being patient and wait for April.

Let us know what you are waiting on this week.

Teaser Tuesday: Soul Thief by Jana Oliver

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!

Soul Thief by Jana Oliver

Sould Thief - St. Martin's Griffin

 ‘What a dumbass,’ Beck muttered. ‘No way I’d have done that.’ Like I’ll ever have a chance.

-- Chapter 23

 ‘No, I’ve been too busy trying to destroy the Guild and corrupt Simon’s soul. Being evil is a full-time job.’

-- Chapter 28

Soul Thief (also known as Forsaken) is book two in the Demon Trapper's series which started out with The Demon Trapper's Daughter. Funnily enough I only became aware of this series when I saw the German translation in my local bookstore. I'm also actually finished with this book and am now eagerly anticipating book three of the series, Forgiven, due to be released in March 2012.

Legend by Marie Lu

Legend - Putnam Juvenile

Legend by Marie Lu
Published November 2011

“What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbours. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’ death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.” Synopsis from goodreads.com

Let me start this one with a question: Do you remember your tenth birthday? I don’t want specifics, but in general I’d expect some sort of party, cake, and games ... the worst thing possible not getting the right present. Now imagine that as soon as you turn ten you are scheduled for a test and physical trial that will determine the rest of your life – if there is going to be any “rest of your life” to speak of. Failing means going to work camp. At the age of ten failing is not an option. Sounds grim? Now imagine that the country you live in is constantly at war with its neighbours, which makes working in the military the most desirable career choice. In addition to that the population is periodically befallen by a deathly plague. Protective inoculation is only given to one part – the wealthy part – of the population and the only cure is too expensive to obtain it legally if your family is not rich. This is the world of June and Day.
June has lived with her brother since she can remember. The death of her last family member upends her life, but her reaction is different from what could be expected. At fifteen she’s the Republic’s wunderkind with a perfect test score and thus on a fast track to become a high ranking military official. She easily believes that Day is responsible for Metias’ death and will do anything to get her revenge. Her training and personal connection make her the perfect agent for the Republic to get rid of a thorn in their side. June trusts the establishment, which so far has done nothing but make her life perfect – and very different from that of her opponent.
Day doesn’t exist. At least not on any official records. The reason for that is as simple as it is incredible: When Day was ten he failed the test. And anyone who fails goes into work camp, right? Wrong! Day barely escapes with his life, leaving his old identity behind for dead. He has made it his mission to sabotage the Republic whenever possible (which is often, hence the most wanted criminal warrant). When his family’s house is marked as plague infected he has to get his hands on the cure. But his break-in at the hospital doesn’t go as planned. He disables his pursuer at the last moment and disappears.
A few days later, Day and Tess, his shadow of sorts, are out for money to somehow purchase the medicine when they rescue a girl from a street fight. They take her with them to recover. What they don’t know is that this girl is June on an under-cover mission to find Day. June doesn’t realise who her companion is at first. When she does she can’t believe that this is the person who killed her brother. It actually takes some serious blows to damage her believe system, which is equally admirable and disturbing. She has a very analytic mind, possibly due to her training. Day, too, has to be very logical, but where June has learnt to keep her emotions in check, he will drop everything to protect the ones he loves. The split narrative emphasises both their similarities and differences and makes for an appealing read.

Legend is the first book in a dystopian trilogy. I find dystopias to be tricky. They have to have the right balance between things you recognise and things that seem outrageously impossible to make you believe that if all goes wrong this could actually happen. Legend manages this balance just fine. Marie Lu has created a believable scenario with an engaging plot and likeable characters. If I have to criticise one thing, it’s that apart from Day and June the minor characters were really just that. I liked Tess as a supporting character and would have enjoyed seeing a bit more of her. There is always hope for improvement in book two. The cliffhanger at the end is of a general suspense nature rather than immediate which fits well with the general tone of the story so far. A rough diamond for the collection and I’m looking forward to the shape it will hopefully turn into.