Waiting on Wednesday: Alienated by Melissa Landers

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
Alienated by Melissa Landers
Publication Date: February 4th 2014

Alienated - Disney Hyperion

Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them.
Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.
Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.
But when Cara’s classmates get swept up by anti-L’eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn’t safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara’s locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class.
Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she’s fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

I love word plays and the title of this book seemed multi-facetted, so I’ve taken a closer look and was surprised by the synopsis. I believe that extraterrestrial beings wouldn’t come for our tea and cookies, but the cover paints a pretty peaceful picture and Alienated seems go beyond all that with anti-alien paranoia and a deeper meaning to the simple student exchange.
What is more, I’m curious about the differences and similarities between L’eihrs and humans. If the DNA is closely related, where does the difference set in? And where do they come from? Also, I’m looking forward to watch Cara and Aelyx getting to know each other, to finding out about their respective cultures firsthand.

In my opinion, the extraterrestial streak in this book makes it all the more intriguing. Would the alien topic be a bonus for you as well? Share your thoughts and the books you’re curious about this week!

Teaser Tuesday: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

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!

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas.

Crown of Midnight –
Bloomsbury Childrens

It took one look at the mostly melted candle on her nightstand to know that her encounter in the tomb hadn’t been some awful dream. Which meant that far beneath her room, there was a talking door knocker imbued with an ancient animation spell. And that Elena had yet again found a way to make her life infinitely more complicated.
— Chapter 7

She’d learned the only skills that could keep her safe. To escape death, she’d become death.
— Chapter 38

I am not currently reading this book for the very simple reason that once I sat down to read it I only stopped when I finished it ... and I can only urgently ask you, if you haven’t read Throne of Glass to get your hands on a copy and start reading this amazing series. This sequel will turn everything you thought you knew about this world right up on its head. It will open completely new vantage points, confirm a few suspicions, give you a dose of what you wanted to happen since the beginning of book one, and then it will lovingly plunge the (metaphorical) dagger into your back and twist. The writing is fast-paced and very visual (at points not for the squeamish) and the plot is definitely well-structured and not at all average. I had my suspicions about one or two things but others were surprising (yet not unreasonable if I think back on the clues that were hidden in the text). Very rewarding to read and I want more! Waiting for publication dates still isn’t my forte ... you’d think that I would get better at that, but no such luck.

Have you just breezed through a book you were anticipating for quite a while? Did it meet your expectations and are you now waiting for the next book again? Let’s hear from you in the comments!

Waiting on Wednesday: This Side of Salvation by Jeri Smith-Ready

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
This Side of Salvation by Jeri Smith-Ready.
Publication Date: April 1st 2014.

This Side of Salvation – Simon Pulse

Everyone mourns differently. When his older brother was killed, David got angry. As in, fist-meets-someone-else’s-face furious. But his parents? They got religious. David’s still figuring out his relationship with a higher power, but there’s one thing he does know for sure: The closer he gets to new-girl Bailey, the better, brighter, happier, more he feels.
Then his parents start cutting all their worldly ties in to prepare for the Rush, the divine moment when the faithful will be whisked off to Heaven…and they want David to do the same. David’s torn. There’s a big difference between living in the moment and giving up his best friend, varsity baseball, and Bailey—especially Bailey—in hope of salvation.
But when he comes home late from prom, and late for the Rush, to find that his parents have vanished, David is in more trouble than he ever could have imagined...

Synopsis from goodreads.com

Religion is probably one of the most difficult topics to tackle in literature, especially if it’s not a side-topic and not your standard big general belief thing. I can’t actually explain what makes me want to read this book so much, apart from my love for the author's character building skills (you have met Aura from Shade, right?) and I really want to see how David will present himself and how he will deal with whatever curve ball is heading his way. And I mean if you miss out on whatever salvation is supposed to happen to you and your family and it looks like it really happened that is definitely something worth thinking about. Plus, well ... if you know Jeri Smith-Ready at all ... you know what I’m talking about. Even if there will neither be Irish nor Scots in this book.

Name the book(s) you’re stoked about this week in the comments. And let us know if you’d pick up a book on a touchy subject like religion.

Teaser Tuesday: The House of Hades by Rick Riordan

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 House of Hades by Rick Riordan.

The House of Hades –
Disney Hyperion Books

They needed to get to a place called the House of Hades (or Pluto, as the Romans called him; or as Hazel liked to think of him: the World’s Worst Absent Father).
— Page 5

She laughed, and the sound sent a shock wave through the water. The wailing faded to background noise. Annabeth wondered if anyone had ever laughed in Tartarus before—just a pure, simple laugh of pleasure. She doubted it.
— Page 39

The House of Hades is the fourth in the Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan, and it won’t be the last. There’s a cliffhanger to work with from book three and the sense of foreboding that something bad will happen. Two characters trying to find a way out of Tartarus does seem to merit the thought.
The group of demigods is separated. Percy and Annabeth are trying to find the Doors of Death from the inside and the others do the same on the outside. Naturally there’s a prophecy involved and it doesn’t sound good. But as long as there’s hope and laughter – and the occasional godly help – they stand a chance of succeeding. I’m crossing my fingers and reading on.

Which series would you never turn your back on, even if you constantly feared for the characters? Sound off in the comments!

Waiting on Wednesday: After the End by Amy Plum

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
After the End by Amy Plum.
Publication Date: May 6th 2014.

After the End – Harper Children’s

World War III has left the world ravaged by nuclear radiation. A lucky few escaped to the Alaskan wilderness. They’ve survived for the last thirty years by living off the land, being one with nature, and hiding from whoever else might still be out there.
At least, this is what Juneau has been told her entire life.
When Juneau returns from a hunting trip to discover that everyone in her clan has vanished, she sets off to find them. Leaving the boundaries of their land for the very first time, she learns something horrifying: There never was a war. Cities were never destroyed. The world is intact. Everything was a lie.
Now Juneau is adrift in a modern-day world she never knew existed. But while she’s trying to find a way to rescue her friends and family, someone else is looking for her. Someone who knows the extraordinary truth about the secrets of her past.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

It’s finally got a cover! And look at that beauty. (Yeah, after involuntarily learning that beauty is not in the eye of the beholder but rather in some ways genetically pre-programmed ... or so some scientists believe ... I’m not sure if I’ll be odd for calling this beautiful or if others will agree because of our genetic mark-up.) But I digress. I think the cover is stunning and compellingly different from the majority of designs you see out there. I’ve been super excited about this book ever since Amy started talking about it. I know that the writing will at least be just as amazing as with the Revenants and I can’t wait to see her take on a supposedly post-apocalyptic scenario. Or surprisingly not-so-post-apocalyptic but still totally messed up. All very mysterious and exciting.

Any thoughts on the beauty subject? If you want, check out the TED talk that inspired that tangent. But definitely let us know about your most anticipated book of the week as we’d most assuredly want to know about those.

Teaser Tuesday: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Teaser Tuesdaysis 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!

 A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness.

A Monster Calls – Walker Books

The monster showed up just after midnight.
As they do.
— Page 11

The monster looked at him quizzically. How strange, it said. The words you say tell me, you are scared of the berries, but your actions seem to suggest otherwise.
“You’re as old as the land and you’ve never heard of sarcasm?” Conor asked.
— Page 59

Julika showed me A Monster Calls in a bookstore and I was so impressed by its story and its exceptional black and white illustrations, I had to get it for myself.
The book tells the story of a very special monster and a boy. This monster wants the truth, something that is not so easy to give for thirteen-year-old Conor. I’m not yet far enough into the story to understand why it is after the truth, or how it goes about getting what it wants. It might even take a while until I know, because I’m savouring every page and taking my time reading it.

Which books are you taking your time with? Tell us in the comments along with your teaser.

Waiting on Wednesday: To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

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
To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
Publication Date: April 22nd 2014

To All The Boys I've Loved Before -
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister's ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all.

Synopsis from goodreads.com 

If someone had sent the letters to my crushes, I'd probably go into hiding. ;) Funnily enough, when I can read about this disastrous situation, my curiosity lifts its head and sniffs around. The reactions are what truly interests me. What will the boys do? Is there one who maybe returns the feelings, but never had the nerve to speak up? Is there bad blood or will there be one who laughs at her feelings? I'd never want to step into Lara Jean's shoes, but I sure want to read about her handling this situation well.

Are there some books, where you're fascinated by the main character handling a difficult situation but wouldn't want to trade places with him or her? Leave us a comment along with your waiting on choice.

Teaser Tuesday: Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George

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!

Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George.

Tuesdays at the Castle –
Bloomsbury

“No one hates you,” her sister, Lilah, said soothingly.
“But you do have a tendency to bounce.”
“There’s nothing wrong with bouncing,” Celie insisted.
— Chapter 2

“My room should be right here,” Lilah said, frowning.
“It keeps showing me this room,” Celie said, pointing
up the stairs to the Spyglass Tower. “I’m starting to wonder
if it’s important.”
— Chapter 5

When I was younger, I always wanted a house that would grow rooms and turrets just to my liking. I never really wanted to be a princess, though, so it’s possibly just available as a package deal ... I’m not that far along in the book yet, I’m currently reading what feels like six books at the same time in preparation for an event next week. However, out of the books I’m reading and which I can already talk about, this seems to be one of the sweeter and more charming ones. I’m looking forward to reading more of this, I enjoy the writing a lot and especially the younger princess as the main protagonist. I feel that there is a lot of potential in this spunky character and I hope to see her develop quite a bit in the course of the story.

What are you reading this week? Is one (or are more) of your protagonists on a major journey of personal growth? And if at all possible, take some time to bounce today, because there’s nothing wrong with bouncing at all.

Waiting on Wednesday: Being Sloane Jacobs by Lauren Morrill

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
Being Sloane Jacobs by Lauren Morrill
Publication Date: January 7th 2014

Being Sloane Jacobs - Delacorte

Meet Sloane Emily Jacobs: a seriously stressed-out figure-skater from Washington, D.C., who choked during junior nationals and isn’t sure she’s ready for a comeback. What she does know is that she’d give anything to escape the mass of misery that is her life.
Now meet Sloane Devon Jacobs, a spunky ice hockey player from Philly who’s been suspended from her team for too many aggressive hip checks. Her punishment? Hockey camp, now, when she’s playing the worst she’s ever played. If she messes up? Her life will be over.
When the two Sloanes meet by chance in Montreal and decide to trade places for the summer, each girl thinks she’s the lucky one: no strangers to judge or laugh at Sloane Emily, no scouts expecting Sloane Devon to be a hero. But it didn’t occur to Sloane E. that while avoiding sequins and axels she might meet a hockey hottie—and Sloane D. never expected to run into a familiar (and very good-looking) face from home. It’s not long before the Sloanes discover that convincing people you’re someone else might be more difficult than being yourself.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

After reading so much about monsters, mythology and magic lately, this book is a nice change for me. It sounds perfect for cold winter evenings spent reading in an armchair. It also has the added bonus to remind me of a childhood tale by Erich Kästner: "Lottie and Lisa" (only without the twin factor). I guess it is normal to wonder what it would be like to step into another's life. Will it be better and more fun than the life you leave? Both Sloane girls seem to think so at first, but naturally there are complications on the way. :) I'm looking forward to see how they master the complications and their life in the end.
Which are your winter reads? Leave us a comment with your waiting on-choice.

Teaser Tuesday: Ethan’s Voice by Rachel Carter

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!

Ethan’s Voice by Rachel Carter.

Ethan’s Voice – Scholastic

He didn’t want to think about her, but he couldn’t help it. She was trapped inside his head, like a butterfly in a jam jar.
— Chapter 3

“Ethan,” said Polly. “Do you ever get lonely?”
He shook his head. But then he thought about it. He hadn’t felt lonely before Polly arrived. He’d had Mum and Dad. But now Polly was there and he liked having a friend to explore with.
— Chapter 7

This is a quiet book. Not for the reason that the title character doesn’t speak, but because it’s not characterised by it’s action sequences and loud scenes. This book is, in fact, very much the opposite in that what makes it stand out are the carefully nuanced silences and quiet acts of bravery. Not your customary acts of bravery, but rather the ones that for the most part go unnoticed and unacknowledged because we take them for granted. For most of us, it’s easy to speak up, raise our voice, make sure that we are heard. But what if for whatever reason we lose your main means of communication? Or rather: Will others still be able to hear us when we no longer speak? I haven’t yet found out what it is that made Ethan give up talking, but I already know that this is beautifully written and quietly brilliant. It’s a book you need to be in the mood for as it’s not an easily-accessible comfort-read. But if you decide to pick it up, you’ll get a sensitive, charming, rich, and very inspiring story of friendship and bravery that is not as simple as we might think.

What kind of book have you picked up this week? Do you need to switch up the “loudness” between books to recharge? Share your views in the comments and let us know about your teasers.

Waiting on Wednesday: Half Bad by Sally Green

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
Half Bad by Sally Green.
Publication Date: March 25th 2014.

Half Bad – Viking Juvenile

In modern-day England, witches live alongside humans: White witches, who are good; Black witches, who are evil; and fifteen-year-old Nathan, who is both. Nathan’s father is the world’s most powerful and cruel Black witch, and his mother is dead. He is hunted from all sides. Trapped in a cage, beaten and handcuffed, Nathan must escape before his sixteenth birthday, at which point he will receive three gifts from his father and come into his own as a witch—or else he will die. But how can Nathan find his father when his every action is tracked, when there is no one safe to trust—not even family, not even the girl he loves?

Synopsis from goodreads.com

This book has been billed as a big book by several publishers, snatching impressive international deals and generally causing quite a bit of a commotion. And I must say the synopsis sounds amazing. Brevity is the soul of wit and in this case it’s also curiosity-inspiring. The cover in its complex simplicity is a stunning piece of art. This could have been a really gendered or generic cover and I could hug whoever is responsible for it that it isn’t. Penguin is doing amazing things with their YA titles. I have the highest of hopes for this book and can’t wait to read it.

How far in advance are you usually aware of books you want to read? Let’s hear from you in the comments.

Teaser Tuesday: Antigoddess by Kendare Blake

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!

Antigoddess by Kendare Blake.

Antigoddess – Tor Teen

Hermes sighed. “A few hours. Everything used to be so much easier. Do you remember when I could fly?”
She laughed. “Of course I remember. It isn’t easy to forget someone running all over the place like the damned Flash. It was pretty geeky, frankly.”
— Chapter 2

“What? What are you looking at?”
“I’m not sure. To be honest, you aren’t quite what I expected. I thought you’d be taller. Or that you’d be sparkling.”
— Chapter 11

This book is addictive. If life didn't demand attention, I would probably read the whole day and despair the night, because the next book doesn't come out until 2014.
Meeting all these characters however is worth it. My favorites are Athena and Odysseus, but I quite like Cassandra as well. Looking at her history, I'm torn between fear and hope for her. Maybe history doesn't have to repeat itself? Odysseus however is the cocky adventurer with a soft heart I always fall for in books. ;)
Because they are slowly dying, the gods are either more human than I've seen before, or very much the opposite. In Athena's case it's fascinating to read about her doubts and thoughts, when until now I only knew her depicted as aloof and above it all.

Have you grabbed an addictive read as well this week? Leave us a comment and your teaser!

Waiting on Wednesday: Perfect Ruin by Lauren DeStefano

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
Perfect Ruin by Lauren DeStefano
Publication Date: October 1st 2013

Perfect Ruin -
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

On Internment, the floating island in the clouds where 16-year-old Morgan Stockhour lives, getting too close to the edge can lead to madness. Even though Morgan's older brother, Lex, was a Jumper, Morgan vows never to end up like him. She tries her best not to mind that her life is orderly and boring, and if she ever wonders about the ground, and why it is forbidden, she takes solace in best friend Pen and her betrothed, Basil. 

Then a murder, the first in a generation, rocks the city. With whispers swirling and fear on the wind, Morgan can no longer stop herself from investigating, especially when she meets Judas. He is the boy being blamed for the murder — betrothed to the victim — but Morgan is convinced of his innocence. Secrets lay at the heart of Internment, but nothing can prepare Morgan for what she will find — or who she will lose.

Synopsis from goodreads.com. 

Perfect Ruin is the first book in the Internment Chronicles. Nonplussed at first by the contradictory title, I took a closer look at the synopsis: An ordinary girl in a boring world is investigating a murder on a floating island. I'd say that sounds quite life changing for the girl and exciting to me. :) Funnily enough, I took an instant liking to the names and can't help thinking that they have a special meaning. I am looking forward to see how DeStefano builds up a world in the clouds where no one knows about the ground, and wonder where the story will lead. 

Which series would you like to start reading right now? Tell us your thoughts in the comments along with your waiting on choice. 

Teaser Tuesday: Untold by Sarah Rees Brennan

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!

Untold by Sarah Rees Brennan.

Untold – Simon & Schuster UK

I thought finding a story would be like bird-watching in the Vale woods, waiting for bright eyes and a burst of wings. I thought it would be like finding gold.
It wasn’t like that at all.
— Chapter 1

“I’ve looked at the Crying Pools,” Holly told her, staring at the ground. “I won’t be useful.”
— Chapter 9

I’m still coming to terms with the cover design ... I seriously loved the original cover of Unspoken but I don’t get to decide. That and the whole don’t judge a book by its cover thing. Which I wouldn’t do in this case anyway because of the author printed on said cover, so it probably could have been plain cardboard. I have missed Kami's voice. I think she is one of the most distinctive narrators and focal characters who are out and about in YA at the moment. Starting this book so far has felt like picking up a phone call with a friend that got violently interrupted (aka end of book one) about a year ago. I still have THE FEAR, because I suspect several things that will make this a deliciously torturous read. I also broke my rule of not reading this when I have to work the next day... but I have the great advantage that my colleagues understand when I explain the slightly worse for wear appearance with “Great book, sleep is overrated, too many feels.”

Are you reading a book you have been waiting for? Or have you spontaneously picked up something? Share your teasers with us in the comments.

Waiting on Wednesday: Unbreakable by Kami Garcia

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
Unbreakable by Kami Garcia

Publication Date: October 1st 2013

Unbreakable -
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

I never believed in ghosts. Until one tried to kill me. 

When Kennedy Waters finds her mother dead, her world begins to unravel. She doesn’t know that paranormal forces in a much darker world are the ones pulling the strings. Not until identical twins Jared and Lukas Lockhart break into Kennedy’s room and destroy a dangerous spirit sent to kill her. The brothers reveal that her mother was part of an ancient secret society responsible for protecting the world from a vengeful demon — a society whose five members were all murdered on the same night. 

Now Kennedy has to take her mother’s place in the Legion if she wants to uncover the truth and stay alive. Along with new Legion members Priest and Alara, the teens race to find the only weapon that might be able to destroy the demon — battling the deadly spirits he controls every step of the way.

Synopsis from goodreads.com 

The synopsis sounds very straightforward - girl finds out about paranormal world and teams up with others to destroy a demon and probably rescue the world. Knowing Kami Garcia however, it won't be that simple. And I'm very happy about that.

I was captivated by the Beautiful Creatures series Garcia wrote with Margareth Stohl and I'm looking forward to see how she fares on her own. The synopsis doesn't tell too much and the title is intriguing, for I can't imagine how it fits the story. However, what captures me most is the cover, with its fire-illuminated face and the one eye staring at the onlooker. It's a bit creepy and quite fascinating, exactly how I would like this book to turn out.

How do you feel about authors with more than one series? Do you expect the story lines and characters to be similar or maybe not similar enough? Share your thoughts and waiting on choice in the comments.

Teaser Tuesday: The Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston

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 Rules for Disappearing by Ashley Elston.

The Rules for Disappearing –
Disney-Hyperion

I’m afraid he’s either one step from calling bullshit on my whole existence or asking me out on a date. Neither good.
— Chapter 7

I stop in the middle of the sidewalk—footsteps behind me. I turn around quickly and branches on a bush next to the sidewalk shake and there’s a snapping noise like someone stepping on dead leaves.
— Chapter 11

I’m not a hundred percent sure what to make of this one yet. And I’m already more than halfway through. Usually, this tells me that I most likely won’t find what I was looking for in the second half of the book either. But in some way, I’m still curious enough to find out what is happening to this girl and her family to keep reading ... Granted the concept isn’t the invention of the wheel, but the characters are likable enough and the writing is humorous but not overly trying to be hip. Although I sometimes wonder what a shallow person the girl must have been before everything happened to her.

Is the main character of your book a likable one? What makes you continue reading apart from a story's characters? Sound off in the comments and let us know about your teasers.

Waiting on Wednesday: Daughter of Chaos by Jen McConnel

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
Daughter of Chaos by Jen McConnel
Publication Date: March 2014

Daughter of Chaos - Month9Books

Witches must choose the path they will follow, and Darlena Agara is no exception. She’s been putting it off long enough, and in her case, ignoring it has not made it go away. In a moment of frustration, Darlena chooses to follow Red Magic, figuring she had outsmarted the powers that be, since there’s no such thing as Red Magic. But alas, Darlena’s wrong (again) and she becomes a newly declared Red Witch. 

Her friends are shocked and her parents horrified by the choice Darlena has made. As a Red Witch, she now governs one third of the world’s chaos. She is the walking personification of pandemonium, turmoil, and bedlam, just as the patrons of Red Magic would have it to be. 

But Darlena believes there must be more to Red Magic than chaos and destruction, and she sets out on a journey to achieve balance. Only doing so puts her at odds with the dark goddess Hecate, who simply will not allow Darlena to quit. She encourages Darlena to embrace who and what she is and to leave good magic to the good witches. If only Darlena could, life would be simple, and she would not be the Daughter of Chaos.

Synopsis from goodreads.com 

I've just seen an excellent display of a witches' power in Wicked and don't seem to be able to swerve off topic today. :) Daughter of Chaos sounds compelling. How do you govern chaos? And doesn't there have to be some balance in a person to be able to do so? 

Moreover I wonder what Hecate's position is in this story and which mythology she represents here. I'm fascinated by the goddess and have only seen her in a few books before. Is she good or bad here, when she encourages Darlena to embrace being a Daughter of Chaos? 

Which books are you waiting on this week? Leave us a comment.

Teaser Tuesday: The Rise of the Hotel Dumort by Cassandra Clare and Maureen Johnson

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 Rise of the Hotel Dumort by Cassandra Clare and Maureen Johnson.

The Rise of the Hotel Dumort –
Margaret K. McElderry Books

“These mundies, see, they’re trying to raise
a demon ... .”
“Mundanes do that all too frequently,” Magnus said, moving a misplaced bottle of gold rum that had been put in with the spiced. “Right now, they also enjoy sitting on the top of flagpoles and walking on the wings of airborne biplanes. This is the age of stupid hobbies.”
— Chapter 1

What are you?
The voice came from nowhere. It was in the room. It was outside. It was in Magnus’s head.
— Chapter 2

In honour of having returned from London and from watching the Mortal Instruments: City of Bones I thought I’d share some Magnus with you. Since his role is a rather small one in the book he’s also more of a minor character in the movie. But he still manages to make a lasting impression. And the Bane Chronicles are a real treat to read and thus let you get to know Magnus a little better. I also enjoy that the co-authors Maureen Johnson and Sarah Rees Brennan manage to add their own special brands of humour and style to the short stories while not straying from Cassandra Clare’s voice of the Shadowhunter universe. The monthly releases also help passing the time until City of Heavenly Fire is released ... Please be aware that this is already book five in this series of shorts. The print version with all ten stories will be published in September next year.

In case you were wondering: Diana and I liked the movie and can issue an unconditional viewing recommendation. Caveat 1: You’re a 100% book purist and think that nothing at all should be changed. Caveat 2: You’re planning on taking your 4-year-olds, who will run around screaming during the movie. In the first case you will probably be disappointed. In the second case ... well let’s just say that we had an issue with a bunch of not-quite-toddlers severely diminishing our viewing pleasure.

Have you seen the City of Bones movie? What were your thoughts? Or share your overall thoughts on turning books into movies along with your teasers.

Waiting on Wednesday: All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill

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
All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill.
Publication Date: September 3rd 2013.

All Our Yesterdays – Disney Hyperion

“You have to kill him.” Imprisoned in the heart of a secret military base, Em has nothing except the voice of the boy in the cell next door and the list of instructions she finds taped inside the drain.
Only Em can complete the final instruction. She’s tried everything to prevent the creation of a time machine that will tear the world apart. She holds the proof: a list she has never seen before, written in her own hand. Each failed attempt in the past has led her to the same terrible present—imprisoned and tortured by a sadistic man called the doctor while war rages outside.
Marina has loved her best friend James since the day he moved next door when they were children. A gorgeous, introverted science prodigy from one of America’s most famous families, James finally seems to be seeing Marina in a new way, too. But on one disastrous night, James’s life crumbles apart, and with it, Marina’s hopes for their future. Now someone is trying to kill him. Marina will protect James, no matter what. Even if it means opening her eyes to a truth so terrible that she may not survive it. At least not as the girl she once was.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

The little question of “what if”can lead to the most amazing thing. I believe that it can also drive you completely and irreparably insane. The human mind is a curious thing and will keep asking. At least I think that there are few decisions that are never called into question. Apart from the “No, thanks, I’d rather not go swimming with box jellyfish” decisions. Anyway, stories that play around with time and decisions and their outcome have always intrigued me and this one sounds complex while at the same time seeming to be quite straightforward. And yes, I’m aware that it has already been published in the UK ... I like this cover better though. Go and watch the prequel web series if you want to find out more.

Which decision have you recently called into question? Feel free to share them along with your Wednesday book of choice.

Teaser Tuesday: The Savage Blue by Zoraida Córdova

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 Savage Blue by Zoraida Córdova.

The Savage Blue –
Sourcebooks Fire

I put my hand on his chest and press him against the mast. “Don’t. Call. Me. Lord. Sea.”
He looks down at my hand and smirks.
— Chapter 2

That’s what’s important to you. In the end, the secrets are what’s going to do you in.
— Chapter 7

Show of hands, how many of you have seen or know The Little Mermaid? I always wondered what it would be like if the guy fell into the water and had to find his way around her world rather than the girl playing fish out of water ... This is a little like fulfilling that thought, but (of course but) also not quite since our hero Tristan still has very land-bound ties. I enjoyed the first book The Vicious Deep and look forward to (careful, bad pun following) diving right back into the story.

Are you picking up a new series this week or returning to one? Maybe your book is a stand-alone? Let us know in the comments.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud

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 Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud.
Publication Dates: UK August 29th 2013, US September 17th 2013.

The Screaming Staircase –
Doubleday Children's Books

Hauntings are our business ...

Ghosts crowd the streets and houses of London. Anthony Lockwood, with his slightly grumpy deputy George, and his junior field operative Lucy, make up LOCKWOOD & CO, the small, shabby yet talented ghost-hunting agency.

After a series of calamitous investigations into the supernatural go awry, the team are desperate to prove themselves. Their opportunity comes in the form of a terrifying ghost, the Red Duke. But little do they know what perils lie in store for them at the haunted Bliss Hall ...

Synopsis from goodreads.com

Ghost-hunters! in London! In a story from Jonathan Stroud! Sorry, but this warrants multiple exclamation marks. The Bartimaeus series was and still is an absolute favourite of mine since I can’t resist well-written snarky characters. And Jonathan Stroud definitely is a master of snark. I’ll admit that I’ve already had a look at an early copy (and wasn’t allowed to take it home, sadness) and from the bits I saw it’s promising to be great, Really great.

 Let us know about the books you are excited about this week in the comments.

Teaser Tuesday: Infinityglass by Myra McEntire

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!

Infinityglass by Myra McEntire

Infinityglass - EgmontUSA

He wore a huge pair of wayfarer glasses, and was so Anthony Head, circa Buffy the Vampire Slayer, that it was all I could do not to call him Giles.
-- Chapter 8

“I have a green light, then?” Because now that we were finally here, holding back might kill me.
“It's fluorescent. Blinking. Spinning.
-- Chapter 13

Part three of the Hourglass series is in my hands and I can finally find out how everything comes together. The story is told from the POVs of Hallie and Dune. Hallie's a whirlwind of a person and Dune the quiet opposite. While trying to figure out the Infinityglass' secrets before anyone else beats them to it, they get to know each other quite well. The dynamic between them is great with lots of snappy dialogue and teasing. :) Nevertheless, I miss the Hourglass crew, which has not appeared much so far, as the setting is New Orleans and not Ivy Springs this time. I hope they appear later to help.

Which book's secrets do you want to discover this week? Leave us a comment along with your teaser.

Waiting on Wednesday: Cress by Marissa Meyer

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
Cress by Marissa Meyer
Publication Date: February 4th 2014

Cress - Feiwel and Friends

Rapunzel's tower is a satellite. She can't let down her hair - or her guard. 

In this third book in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles series, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.  

Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker – unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.  

When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only ones who can.

Synopsis from goodreads.com 

I've read the first two books in the Lunar Chronicles series in February. I loved the heroines, especially Scarlet from book two and wanted to know, what would happen next. So naturally, I was thrilled to see the cover and synopsis for book three and cannot wait to get my hands on Cress.
Rapunzel has been playing a small part in Scarlet already and I want to see her freed from Levana's clutches. But who pays the price for her freedom and will the three fairy tale girls be able to thwart the queen? I'm looking forward to return to the world of cyborgs and technology, meeting old and new characters in this fairy tale retelling.

Tell us in the comments, which books you are (not so patiently) waiting on this week.

Teaser Tuesday: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

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 5th Wave by Rick Yancey.

The 5th Wave – Putnam Juvenile

It’s been a long time since humans were prey animals. A hundred thousand years or so. But buried deep in our genes the memory remains: the awareness of the gazelle, the instinct of the antelope. The wind whispers through the grass. A shadow flits between the trees. And up speaks the little voice that goes, Shhhh, it’s close now. Close.
— Chapter 3

Today a longer passage from a single scene will have to do. For one because the scene is pretty much set by this short bit. And also because I’m only a couple of pages past this part as I’m writing this. Which I plan to change soon. I’ve heard of people who skip prologues, which I can’t understand. Especially if the prologue is anything like in this book, because that page? Had me from the very first line: “There will be no awakening.” Haunting and just the right amount of scary. I’m really looking forward to the rest of it.

Which book completely hooked you from the very start? Let us know in the comments and share your teasers.

Waiting on Wednesday: Reclaimed by Sarah Guillory

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
Reclaimed by Sarah Guillory
Publication Date: October 15th 2013

Reclaimed - 

Spencer Hill Contemporary

Jenna Oliver doesn’t have time to get involved with one boy, let alone two.

All Jenna wants is to escape her evaporating small town and her alcoholic mother. She's determined she'll go to college and find a life that is wholly hers—one that isn't tainted by her family's past. But when the McAlister twins move to town and Jenna gets involved with both of them, she learns the life she planned may not be the one she gets.

Ian McAlister doesn't want to start over; he wants to remember.

Ian can’t recall a single thing from the last three months—and he seems to be losing more memories every day. His family knows the truth, but no one will tell him what really happened before he lost his memory. When he meets Jenna, Ian believes that he can be normal again because she makes not remembering something he can handle.

The secret Ian can’t remember is the one Luke McAlister can’t forget.

Luke has always lived in the shadow of his twin brother until Jenna stumbles into his life. She sees past who he’s supposed to be, and her kiss brings back the spark that life stole. Even though Luke feels like his brother deserves her more, Luke can’t resist Jenna—which is the trigger that makes Ian's memory return.

Jenna, Ian, & Luke are about to learn there are only so many secrets you can keep before the truth comes to reclaim you.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

Normally I go for more fairy and magic in a book, but this one woke my curiosity. I'm intrigued by how the lives of Jenna, Ian and Luke become intertwined trough a love triangle. Will they be able to help each other to confront their pasts? Also, what happened to Ian and why would Luke not tell him, when he himself is burdened with that particular secret? This story does not sound like a typical triangle drama and that makes it so appealing to me.

Which books are you currently waiting on? Tell us in the comments.

Teaser Tuesday: Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

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!

Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers.

Dark Triumph – Houghton Mifflin
Books for Children

Would it hurt? I wonder, staring down at the jagged rocks below. Would I feel the moment of my landing? I close my eyes and imagine hurtling through space, rushing down, down, down, to my death.
— Chapter 1

That is when I realize I am still holding my knife, and it is all I can do not to plunge it into his gut. Instead, I move my hand as if to return the knife to its sheath, but I do not pull the blade back quite far enough.
— Chapter 6

Grave Mercy was another one of my lucky finds of 2012 and its sequel has quite a bit to live up to. However, as much as I liked Ismae I was really intrigued by Sybella and absolutely had to know more about her. So far, I’m getting my wish and also don’t get it. This is one of the many things that the author is really (and I mean really) good at: giving you what you want but making you realise that you probably want something else ... not knowing what that is exactly. The writing is just as spectacular as in the first book so I’m happily back in the historic world of those amazing assassin nuns.

Are you returning to a beloved fictional world this week? Share your teasers in the comments.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

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 Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black.
Publication Dates: UK September 1st 2013, US September 3rd 2013.

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown –
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Tana lives in a world where walled cities called Coldtowns exist. In them, quarantined monsters and humans mingle in a decadently bloody mix of predator and prey. The only problem is, once you pass through Coldtown’s gates, you can never leave.
One morning, after a perfectly ordinary party, Tana wakes up surrounded by corpses. The only other survivors of this massacre are her exasperatingly endearing ex-boyfriend, infected and on the edge, and a mysterious boy burdened with a terrible secret. Shaken and determined, Tana enters a race against the clock to save the three of them the only way she knows how: by going straight to the wicked, opulent heart of Coldtown itself.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

The cover is so creepily awesome that I could stare at it for a considerable time ... not that I haven’t done so already. Just look at the detail of the veins being part of the title. Yes, I’m easy to please, but then again it’s neither a headless girl nor feet nor person from behind. Furthermore, it’s a Holly Black book and from what I’ve heard it will be vampires. I’m certain that Holly Black will give the whole thing her very own twist, which will either make people love it or say that they couldn’t get into the story. I absolutely loved The Curse Workers series, but I know enough people who didn’t and I can sort of understand them (even though I still think it’s a pity).

Do you have favourite authors who aren’t everyone’s cup of tea? Let us know about them in the comments and please share your waiting on choice of the week.