Waiting on Wednesday: Rebel Heart by Moira Young

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
Rebel Heart by Moira Young.
Publication Date: October 30th 2012

Rebel Heart - Margaret K. McElderry

  

It seemed so simple: Defeat the Tonton, rescue her kidnapped brother, Lugh, and then order would be restored to Saba’s world. Simplicity, however, has proved to be elusive. Now, Saba and her family travel west, headed for a better life and a longed-for reunion with Jack. But the fight for Lugh’s freedom has unleashed a new power in the dust lands, and a formidable new enemy is on the rise.

What is the truth about Jack? And how far will Saba go to get what she wants? In this much-anticipated follow-up to the riveting Blood Red Road, a fierce heroine finds herself at the crossroads of danger and destiny, betrayal and passion.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

I read Blood Red Road in July and liked it quite well. Saba's power was what drew me to her the most and I adored Jack. Funny, sweet, dangerous Jack with all his secrets. I'm so looking forward to this release. The truth about Jack? Some mysteries uncovered? What will happen to him and Saba in the sequel? And who's that enemy rising to power anyway?

Luckily it's not such a long wait anymore! :)

What have you set your eyes on this Wednesday?

Teaser Tuesday: The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

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 Paris Wife by Paula McLain.

The Paris Wife - Ballantine Books

I wanted to go with him. I was dying to go, but he was wrong about no one noticing. As we ducked out the door together, I felt Kate’s green eyes moving hotly over my back and heard her silent shout, Hadley, be sensible!
I was tired of being sensible. I didn’t turn around.
-- Chapter 3

Ernest Hemingway wrote one of my favourite classics, The Old Man and the Sea. So I couldn’t overlook a novel dealing with his life in Paris during Jazz Age told by his first wife, Hadley Richardson. It being fiction made it even more attractive, as I for whatever reason don’t like biographies. So I know it’s not going to end happily, as anybody with a knowledge of Hemingway’s life will possibly know, but it might still let me glimpse at the idea of the writer before he became famous.

Which is your latest read? Share it in the comments.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

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 Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin.
Publication Date: October 23rd 2012.

The Evolution of Mara Dyer -
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.

She can’t.

She used to think her problems were all in her head.

They aren’t.

She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.

She’s wrong.

In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?

Synopsis from goodreads.com

That is indeed a good question: What will become of Mara Dyer next? This is one of the books that keeps slipping off my radar and then I’m all happy again that it comes out quite soon. I know that there have been mixed reviews of the first book, but I fall firmly on the side of people who enjoyed it. The end of book one threw me for a loop and it will be interesting to see how that development will influence Mara’s sanity.

Which future release are your fingers itching for today?

Teaser Tuesday: Timepiece 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!  

Timepiece by Myra McEntire.

Timepiece - EgmontUSA

The first rule of Hourglass is that you don’t talk about Hourglass. Like Fight Club, but without the merciless beatings.
-- Chapter 3

“Em said that the only emotions you take from people are the painful ones.” She looked at the book on her bedside table.Grimm’s fairy tales. “I’m guessing there are consequences when you do. Magic always has a price.”
-- Chapter 30

I suppose I have already broken the rule mentioned in the first quote. In my defence, I’m not a member of Hourglass and actually have no time-related ability whatsoever. If I did, I would certainly spend less time travelling from place A to place B. Or something to that effect. Providing that it was such an ability. Anyway. I really liked Hourglass and Emerson and Michael and I was a little worried about the change in perspective for this second book ... and I’m rarely this happy to be shown that my worries have been entirely in vain. Kaleb is a great narrator and I enjoyed being able to peek into his head. I think I can understand his actions in Hourglass better now that I know him better. Also: Southern Drawl!

What are y’all reading this weekend?

Waiting on Wednesday: Reached by Ally Condie

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
Reached by Ally Condie.
Publication Date: November13th 2012.

Reached - Dutton Childrens' Books

After leaving Society and desperately searching for the Rising—and each other—Cassia and Ky have found what they were looking for, but at the cost of losing each other yet again: Cassia has been assigned to work for the Rising from within Society, while Ky has been stationed outside its borders. But nothing is as predicted, and all too soon the veil lifts and things shift once again.

In this gripping conclusion to the #1 New York Times bestselling Matched Trilogy, Cassia will reconcile the difficulties of challenging a life too confining, seeking a freedom she never dreamed possible, and honoring a love she cannot live without.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

After Crossed I will admit that I’m not beside myself to get my hands on the final book in the series, but I loved the first book and I really hope that I’ll be able to connect to these feelings rather than the sort of indifference I felt at times during book two. Ideally, the love triangle won’t be exploited too much, but that’s almost a certainty. Still, I thin kit will be interesting to see how/if Condie resolves not only the character arcs but also the the political background.

What do you think about the series and which book is on top of your waiting list this week?

Teaser Tuesday: The Diviners by Libba Bray

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 Diviners by Libba Bray.

The Diviners -
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

"The book of my bethren, Hobbes said - not the same at all," Will corrected her. "Semantics." "Gesundheit," Evie said.
-- Page 332

"There are times when one friend requires the blind faith of another, darling girl. This is such a time," Evie said after a long pause. "Besides, when have I ever steered you wrong?"
"Would you like a list?"
-- Page 378

After finally getting my hands on this book, I would have read it in one sitting, it's such a gripping read. But life got in the way. ;) The Diviners pairs murder mystery with the supernatural. It's greatly written, fast paced and full of suspense. I still have 150 pages to uncover the history of my favourite characters Theta and Jericho and to find out if and how the murder mystery will be solved. Can't wait to get on reading!

What is your current read? Tease us in the comments!

Waiting on Wednesday: Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

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
Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi.
Publication Date: February 5th 2013

Unravel Me - HarperCollins

tick, tick, tick, tick, tick
it's almost
time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

A comment on goodreads about this book got my attention: The Dreaded Love Triangle of Doom. Oh boy, am I dreading it. Firstly, I'm not happy with love triangles in general. And secondly, I'm not a fan of Warner (though I'd give him a chance to explain his obsession with Juliette). Still, I want to read this book so very much. Shatter Me was brilliant. I loved the style of writing and Juliette's constant correction of her thoughts. Even the repetitions. I never read a book like this before and I hope the unique style continues on.  

Which book are you waiting on this week? Tell us in the comments. 

Teaser Tuesday: Easy by Tammara Webber

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!  

Easy by Tammara Webber.

Easy - CreateSpace

“Oh, for Pete’s sake--as I told my daughter, there’s not a boy on the planet worth this amount of angst. I know; I used to be one.”
-- Chapter 2

“You’re full of contradictions, Ms. Wallace.” I looked up at him and arched a brow. “I’m a girl. That’s part of the job description, Mr. Maxfield.”
-- Chapter 22

I wasn’t sure about reading this book. At all. It deals with two topics that easily can get overly simplified or cheesy or just be portrayed badly. These topics being break-ups and (attempted) rape. Now this book isn’t the big revelation (it doesn’t have to be), but it’s honest and doesn’t gloss over anything. Maybe the twist is a bit obvious and maybe the end is a bit too neat, but the story this book tells to get there is well worth reading. -- Oh, and one thing: The industry insists on labelling this one as a “New Adult” book (for ages 14-35) so I suppose we’ll have to cast off our old skins or something before reading books from this category.

Waiting on Wednesday: Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor

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
Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor.
Publication Date: November 6th 2012

Days of Blood and Starlight -
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Karou must come to terms with who and what she is, and how far she’ll go to avenge her people.

Filled with heartbreak and beauty, mysteries and secrets, new characters and old favorites, Days of Blood and Starlight brings the richness, color and intensity of the first book to a brand new canvas.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

Is it already nine months since I devoured Daughter of Smoke and Bone? I loved it because of the unique world Laini Taylor built for her exceptional characters. I want to meet Akiva and Karou again - and might there be hope for Brimstone? What happens to Zuzana? The synopsis is not much to go by. But if you have read Daughter of Smoke and Bone, you'll probably have your own idea already on what could happen in the next book. If you haven't read it, then it's high time you start this amazing book before the sequel hits the shelves!

Teaser Tuesday: Unspoken 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!  

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan.

Unspoken - Random House
Books for Young Readers

Every town in England has a story. One day I am going to find out Sorry-in-the-Vale’s.
-- Chapter 1

“And I teach Cambridge because she feeds me and because she’ll need these skills to get out of situations she will inevitably throw herself into. It’s all very equitable. Which reminds me, Angela, I’m a crazed drug dealer, desperate for the change in your jeans pockets. What do you do?”
-- Chapter 5

Maybe you remember that Unspoken was our Waiting on Wednesday at some point. And I can definitely say that this is one of the books that belongs to the category “worth the wait”. I like a book with witty banter and good humour and this one has plenty of it. Not pointless or forced either. I won’t say more since I think you should discover this cast of characters and the clever story yourself.

What are you reading at the moment?

Waiting on Wednesday: Trapped by Kevin Hearne

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
Trapped by Kevin Hearne.
Publication Date: November 27th 2012

Trapped - Del Rey

After twelve years of secret training, Atticus O’Sullivan is finally ready to bind his apprentice, Granuaile, to the earth and double the number of Druids in the world. But on the eve of the ritual, the world that thought he was dead abruptly discovers that he’s still alive, and they would much rather he return to the grave.

Having no other choice, Atticus, his trusted Irish wolfhound, Oberon, and Granuaile travel to the base of Mount Olympus, where the Roman god Bacchus is anxious to take his sworn revenge—but he’ll have to get in line behind an ancient vampire, a band of dark elves, and an old god of mischief, who all seem to have KILL THE DRUID at the top of their to-do lists.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

 Trapped is the fifth book in The Iron Druid Chronicles series and the first I had to wait for so far. I don't remember how I got acquainted with this urban fantasy series, but once hooked, I couldn't stop. I love the characters, especially Atticus and his hound Oberon, who distracts Atticus with his own demands: mainly sausages, movies (yeah, I know, weird right?) and French poodles. Granuaile, Atticus' apprentice, (I really don't know how to pronounce her name. There's a glossary for Irish pronunciation at the beginning of each book, but who reads glossaries anyway?) is a smart and witty character as well. I hope to read more about her in book five.
I never ask for November to come quickly - much too cold and wet for my taste - but this is an exception. I want to continue reading about Atticus and how he's going to pull his head out of the noose this time -- what with all the gods trying to take him down. Add some wit and cultural references and I guess it's going to be a very good read indeed. ;)

So, what are you waiting on this Wednesday? Let us know in the comments!

Teaser Tuesday: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

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!  

A Discovery Of Witches by Deborah Harkness.

A Discovery of Witches -
Headline

Oxford is quintessentially normal in the morning, with the delivery trucks pulled up to college kitchens, the aromas of burned coffee and damp pavement, and fresh rays of sunlight slanting through the mist. It was not a place that seemed likely to harbor vampires.
-- Chapter 4

I’d assured Sarah and Em that no vampire would meddle with my life. Gillian Chamberlain and Peter Knox had changed my mind. With shaking hands I lowered the shades and locked the door, wishing I’d never heard of Ashmole 782.
-- Chapter 10

This is a re-read for me in the sense that I actually read the German translation, which is surprisingly well done (I’m horribly picky at that). The second book, Shadow of Night, has just been released in English and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. But in the meantime I’ll get reacquainted with Matthew and Diana. How often do you get a witch, who knows she's a witch, but doesn’t want to use her power and keeps track of how often she uses it in the course of a year? I’d constantly get things out of my bag without having to almost dive into it to find anything ... or use it for doing the dishes. Final selling point: If you’ve ever been to Oxford, you’ll recognise a good deal of the places mentioned and if you haven’t, the writing will make you think that you have been there.

Have you read A Discovery of Witches? Would you rather be a witch, a vampire, a daemon, or a human? And what are you reading this week?

Waiting on Wednesday: Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

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
Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare.
Publication Date: March 19th 2013

Clockwork Princess - Margaret K. McElderry Books

If the only way to save the world was to destroy what you loved most, would you do it?

The clock is ticking. Everyone must choose.

Passion. Power. Secrets. Enchantment.

Danger closes in around the Shadowhunters in the final installment of the bestselling Infernal Devices trilogy.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

In case there were any doubts: Yes, this book is a high ranking entry on my “desperately waiting for and can’t it be out yet please?” list. I usually characterise this series as the delicate dagger that will stab you from behind and lovingly twist the blade before you realise what happened. At least that is how this series sneaked up on me ... and now I’m up to my ears in theories and dark premonitions. I love how Cassie keeps us guessing while offering bits and pieces here and there, but at the same time the possibilities are sometimes hard to think about. (I have a bookmark for these books, too: Don’t hope for anything until the book is over.) A few things in this book in particular that I look forward to are the promised family tree chart, finding out what exactly Tessa is, finding out whom she chooses (heartbreak either way, but I dare Cassie to make Will unhappy), how the heck did Church end up in New York, and anything else, really ...

Are you excited for Clockwork Princess? And which other book are you waiting for this week?

Teaser Tuesday: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

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 Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

The Graveyard Book - Bloomsbury

“Does it work? Are they happier dead?”
“Sometimes. Mostly, no. It’s like the people who believe they’ll be happy if they go and live somewhere else, but who learn it doesn’t work that way. Wherever you go, you take yourself with you. If you see what I mean.”
 -- Chapter 4

There were people you could hug, and then there was Silas.
-- Chapter 5

I'm about halfway through The Graveyard Book and I'm enjoying it immensely. It's got illustrations as well - even in my ebook edition - of important scenes accompanying the text. The reader follows the story of the boy Nobody Owens: from escaping a murder to his life on the graveyard, were he lives with his adopted ghost parents and his guardian Silas. I especially like Silas' silent, clipped nature and wonder what kind of creature he is. And then there's still the threat of the man Jack who wants to finish what he started at the beginning of the book ...

I think I'll indulge my curious nature and go find out what happens next. :)
What's your current read? Tease us in the comments.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth LaBan

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 Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth LaBan.
Publication Date:  January 8th 2013

The Tragedy Paper - Knopf Books for Young Readers

Tim Macbeth is a 17-year-old albino and a recent transfer to the prestigious Irving School, where the motto is, “Enter here to be and find a friend.” Tim does not expect to find a friend; all he really wants to do is escape his senior year unnoticed. Despite his efforts to blend into the background, he finds himself falling for the quintessential “it” girl, Vanessa Sheller, girlfriend of Irving’s most popular boy. To Tim’s surprise, Vanessa is into him, too, and she can kiss her social status goodbye if anyone finds out. Tim and Vanessa enter into a clandestine relationship, but looming over them is the Tragedy Paper, Irving’s version of a senior year thesis, assigned by the school’s least forgiving teacher.

The story unfolds from two alternating viewpoints: Tim, the tragic, love-struck figure, and Duncan, a current senior, who uncovers the truth behind Tim and Vanessa’s story and will consequently produce the greatest Tragedy Paper in Irving’s history.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

So you start at a new school and fall in love with the most popular girl there, who moreover is in a relationship with the most popular guy in school? Not good. Definitely the worst idea ever for "escaping unnoticed".
I'm curious how that will work out, especially when Tim and Vanessa try to date secretly.
What I'm even more curious about - and what caught my eye at first reading - are the alternating viewpoints from which the story is told. Both are guys and it seems only one of them is a major character. I'm rather fond of some male voices, I read lately, so let January come fast and hand me some tragedy (on paper, please)! ;)

Which book are you waiting on this week? Tell us in the comments.

Teaser Tuesday: Endlessly by Kiersten White

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!  

Endlessly by Kiersten White.

Endlessly - HarperTeen

You never seem to realize how hard it is to keep you alive, especially with you so constantly trying to achieve the opposite goal.
-- Chapter 13

“There’s a problem,” he said. People needed to stop saying that.
-- Chapter 34

There is hardly a heroine in YA, or in fiction, quite like Evie. And even if I don’t count myself as a big fan of the colour pink, I can appreciate a sparkly pink Taser. As this is the final book in a trilogy I won’t say anything about the content. Evil potential *bleep* spoilers. But it’s good to see Evie again and I believe that this is a good close to the series.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Archived by Victoria Schwab

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 Archived by Victoria Schwab.
Publication Date: January 22nd 2013

The Archived - Hyperion

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often-violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive.

Being a Keeper isn't just dangerous—it's a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da's death was hard enough, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

This sounds absolutely amazing in my opinion. The dead telling their stories like books? And altering histories and a general sense of mystery? Right up my alley, I can’t wait to get my hands on this. What do you think of that cover? I’m quite partial to it for some reason.

Let me know what’s on your waiting list. I’m about to need a major round of "books to look forward to" after I hand in that thesis. :)

Teaser Tuesday: Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

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!  

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder.

Touch of Power - Mira Books

I grew up with two brothers. I can handle harmless teasing. Besides, laughter heals the soul. You should try it sometime.
-- Chapter 10

The bull’s eye hovered right above the Healer’s Guild.
-- Chapter 16

I only wanted to read a couple of pages yesterday. I only have time for a couple of pages ... that’s what I told myself. Suffice to say I’m on page 310 as of this moment and only stopping to make this post. This is so good! Seriously, I know I’m late to the party, but if you haven’t had a look at this yet, you should consider it. Nothing mushy so far, clean and engaging writing, and a really great story.

What are you reading that you can hardly put down?

Waiting on Wednesday: The Nightmare Affair by Mindee Arnett

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 Nightmare Affair by Mindee Arnett.
Publication Date: March 5th 2013

16-year-old Dusty Everhart breaks into houses late at night, but not because she’s a criminal. No, she’s a Nightmare. Literally. Dusty is a magical being who feeds on human dreams.

Being the only Nightmare at Arkwell Academy, a boarding school for magickind, and living in the shadow of her mother’s infamy is hard enough. But when Dusty sneaks into Eli Booker’s house, things get a whole lot more complicated. He’s hot, which means sitting on his chest and invading his dreams couldn’t get much more embarrassing. But it does. Eli is dreaming of a murder. The setting is Arkwell.

And then it comes true.

Now the Dusty has to follow the clues—both within Eli’s dreams and out of them—to stop the killer before more people turn up dead. And before the killer learns what she’s up to and marks her as the next target.

Synopsis from goodreads.com 

Seriously, this book sounds like a lot of fun! I think I've never heard of the concept before: a nightmare being personalized and all. Also "He’s hot, which means sitting on his chest and invading his dreams couldn’t get much more embarrassing." made me laugh out loud, and it's only the synopsis. Topped up with some murder mystery, that's a can't wait for sure!

What has you on tenterhooks for release this week? Tell us in the comments!

Teaser Tuesday: Finding Sky by Joss Stirling

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!   

Finding Sky by Joss Stirling.

Sinding Sky - Oxford University Press

‘[...] Expecting me to be good at football is like expecting all Welsh people to be able to sing.‘ My team looked blank. OK, so they hadn’t heard of Wales.
-- Page 61


‘Yeah, as if that’s going to happen. Sky, you’re my soulfinder, my partner—you can’t just walk away from me.’
‘I can’t?’
-- Page 77

I really like Sky's voice. She tells the story in such a funny and sarcastic way. Also she's strong and realistic and not at all happy with being someone's "other" without choosing to, even if he is this hot, dark rocker-guy. I'm not too happy myself about this meant-to-be business, but Joss Stirling pulled it off quite well (and I got attached to the characters, especially the Benedict boys ;) ), so I'm highly tempted to read the sequel.

What are you reading this week? Tease us in the comments.

Waiting on Wednesday: Lucid by Adrienne Stoltz and Ron Bass

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
Lucid by Adrienne Stoltz and Ron Bass
Publication Date: October 2nd 2012

Lucid - Razorbill

What if you could dream your way into a different life? What if you could choose to live that life forever?

Sloane and Maggie have never met. Sloane is a straight-A student with a big and loving family. Maggie lives a glamorously independent life as an up-and-coming actress in New York. The two girls couldn't be more different--except for one thing. They share a secret that they can't tell a soul. At night, they dream that they're each other.

The deeper they're pulled into the promise of their own lives, the more their worlds begin to blur dangerously together. Before long, Sloane and Maggie can no longer tell which life is real and which is just a dream. They realize that eventually they will have to choose one life to wake up to, or risk spiraling into insanity. But that means giving up one world, one love, and one self, forever.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

Who didn't dream of being someone else before? I did, for sure. So I was hooked from the first two sentences of the synopsis. Also, I like it, when lines get blurred and mixed up like in a surrealist painting. In the end, Sloane and Maggie can make the choice to entangle them, if they want. Only, what if both choose the same life to wake up to?

Which book can't you wait to get your hands on this week?

Teaser Tuesday: Illuminate by Aimee Agresti

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!  

Illuminate by Aimee Agresti.

Illuminate - Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

When I got to the door of my room, I was just relieved to see nothing on fire. It took so little to make me happy these days.
-- Chapter 19

There is no one more shocked than me that someone like that showed an interest in me. And really, I had no clue he was a 'bad boy' until I found out he was trying to steal my soul for Satan.
-- Chapter 23

Usually, I have a severe dislike for books with paranormal spiritual backgrounds. Possibly because I’ve had too many not so happy encounters with them. This one is a fun departure from that and I enjoyed reading it because it’s not too openly "up there" and "that other place downstairs". I think there are a few passages that could have been a little more concise, which would have helped to keep the tension even more together. Overall, a really enjoyable and fun read with an interesting idea and lots of things going on. Sequel please.

Which book have you buried your nose in this week?

Waiting on Wednesday: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

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
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas.
Publication Date UK: August 2nd, US: August 7th 2012

 

Throne of Glass - Bloomsbury

Meet Celaena Sardothien.
Beautiful. Deadly. Destined for greatness.

In the dark, filthy salt mines of Endovier, an eighteen-year-old girl is serving a life sentence. She is a trained assassin, the best of her kind, but she made a fatal mistake: she got caught.

Young Captain Westfall offers her a deal: her freedom in return for one huge sacrifice. Celaena must represent the prince in a to-the-death tournament—fighting the most gifted thieves and assassins in the land. Live or die, Celaena will be free. Win or lose, she is about to discover her true destiny. But will her assassin’s heart be melted?

Synopsis from goodreads.com

I read the four prequels to this, which might not be high quality literature or innovative, but solid entertainment and this is what won me over to give this book a try. I’m actually not quite over what happened in the last novella, The Assassin and the Empire. I suspect you don’t have to read this backstory to understand the actual book - and I’m also a little miffed that they had the backstory in four parts you have to pay for (if you aren’t lucky and find them as a free one day promotion) - but it’s a nice little story in itself as well. And in this case I’m all in favour of the UK cover, no questions asked.

Which book are you waiting for this week?

Teaser Tuesday: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

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 Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer -
Simon & Schuster BFYR

One little joke involving hemorrhagic fever and they brand you 'unstable'.
-- Chapter 7

I decided not to tell her about my little adventure today; if she watched me any closer, she’d turn into the Eye of Sauron.
-- Chapter 15

If you asked why it took me so long to start this book, I couldn’t for the life of me give you a plausible reason. I’ll also tell you that the book confuses me at times and not in an entirely mystery pleasing way. But! I want to know what really happened. And yes, I want more Noah. And Jamie, I like the crazy best friend. Sue me. Actually, please don’t. I’d rather you join me in waiting for the sequel ... and share your teasers.

Waiting on Wednesday: Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

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
Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake.
Publication Date UK: September 26th, US: October 23rd 2012

 

Beautiful Redemption - Razorbill

Is death the end . . . or only the beginning?
Ethan Wate always dreamed of leaving the stifling Southern town of Gatlin.
But he never dreamt that finding love with Lena Duchannes would drive him away. Lena is a Caster girl whose supernatural powers unveiled a secretive and cursed side of Gatlin, so powerful it forced him to make a terrible sacrifice.
Now Ethan must find a way to return to Lena - and Gatlin - as she vows to do whatever it takes to get him back. Even if it means trusting old enemies or risking their loved ones' lives.
Can Ethan and Lena rewrite their fate and their spellbinding love story in this stunning finale to the Beautiful Creatures series?

Synopsis from goodreads.com

As the synopsis say, this is the last of four books in the Caster Chronicles. And I am so glad that there is a fourth book since the series was originally announced as a trilogy. That end would otherwise have been devastating. Nothing against series without happy-endings but I hope there is one for Ethan and Lena.

Which book are you excited about this week?

Teaser Tuesday: Blood Red Road by Moira Young

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!  

Blood Red Road by Moira Young.

Blood Red Road -
Margaret K. McElderry Books

I cain't speak. Cain't breathe. Lugh's gone. Gone. My golden heart is gone.
I kneel in the dust. The tears roll down my face. An a hard red rain starts to fall.
-- page 32

Jack, I says.
He stands there, his arms crossed over his chest, his hat down low over his eyes. He smiles his lopsided smile. My stupid stummick does a flip.
-- page 243

Actually, I bought this book for somebody else. But then it stood there, waiting and waiting, so I just had to start. :)  And the story got me hooked, even if the writing style is a bit difficult as Saba is using her dialect all throughout the book. But you get used to it.
Then there's Jack. I liked that cheeky daredevil from the start and hope he stays for a while. ;)
Unfortunately until now I didn't fully understand the world, Saba is living in. It's all a bit hazy. Luckily Blood Red Road is just the beginning of the Dust Lands Trilogy with much to explore in the next books.

What's it that you're reading this week? Tease us in the comments!

Waiting on Wednesday: Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake

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
Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake.
Publication Date: August 7th 2012

 

Girl of Nightmares - Tor Teen

It's been months since the ghost of Anna Korlov opened a door to Hell in her basement and disappeared into it, but ghost-hunter Cas Lowood can't move on.
His friends remind him that Anna sacrificed herself so that Cas could live--not walk around half dead. He knows they're right, but in Cas's eyes, no living girl he meets can compare to the dead girl he fell in love with.
Now he's seeing Anna everywhere: sometimes when he's asleep and sometimes in waking nightmares. But something is very wrong...these aren't just daydreams. Anna seems tortured, torn apart in new and ever more gruesome ways every time she appears.
Cas doesn't know what happened to Anna when she disappeared into Hell, but he knows she doesn't deserve whatever is happening to her now. Anna saved Cas more than once, and it's time for him to return the favor.

Synopsis from goodreads.com

Confession: I was absolutely afraid of reading the first book, Anna Dressed in Blood. I mean, a title like that doesn’t exactly promise rainbows and fluffy kittens. In retrospect I’m so glad that I read it. Sure, there are parts that I wouldn’t like to see in movies (because images are way more scary than words--and now that I said this the next book will probably eat me alive) but the story and the idea are both fascinating and I love the writing and just about everything else. So I’m not so patiently awaiting the sequel ... and I’ll heed the author’s advice and read it with the oven gloves on (fingernails, if you know what I mean).

Anything you can hardly wait to get your hands on this week?

Teaser Tuesday: The Last Guardian by Eoin Colfer

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 Last Guardian by Eoin Colfer.

The Last Guardian - Disney Hyperion

Artemis Fowl, once self-proclaimed teenage criminal mastermind, now prefers the term juvenile genius. Apparently he has changed. (Note to self: harrumph.)
- Chapter 1

'Have you heard of the theory of relativity?'
Artemis blinked. 'Is this a joke? I have travelled through time, Doctor. I think I know a little something about relativity.'
'No. Not that theory [...]'
- Chapter 1

Eoin Colfer's eighth - and final - book in the Artemis Fowl series, The Last Guardian, arrived only yesterday in audio book format. Like all other books of this series, I own both the paperback and audio book, but this time, I started listening first and will read it later. It's a great experience listening to Nathaniel Parker reading the book, even if it takes much longer. If you can get your hands on the audio version, try it! Parker is a genius in giving the characters their own distinct voices, much like the German Rufus Beck.
I won't say much concerning the content, only that I hope the dwarf Mulch Diggums is going to make an appearance soon. He's my favourite character - and very funny. ;)
For those of you, who are not familiar with the series, you can find out more here.

What are your current reads? Tease us in the comments!

Waiting on Wednesday: Hidden by Sophie Jordan

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
Hidden by Sophie Jordan.
Publication Date: September 11th 2012

Hidden - HarperTEEN

Jacinda was supposed to bond with Cassian, the "prince" of their pride. But she resisted long before she fell in love with Will—a human and, worse, a hunter. When she ran away with Will, it ended in disaster, with Cassian's sister, Miram, captured. Weighed down by guilt, Jacinda knows she must rescue her to set things right. Yet to do so she will have to venture deep into the heart of enemy territory.

The only way Jacinda can reach Miram is by posing as a prisoner herself, though once she assumes that disguise, things quickly spiral out of her control. As she learns more about her captors, she realizes that even if Will and Cassian can carry out their part of the plan, there's no guarantee they'll all make it out alive. But what Jacinda never could have foreseen is that escaping would be only the beginning....

Synopsis from goodreads.com

Hidden is the third book in Sophie Jordan's Firelight Trilogy.

Jacinda, shape-shifting descendant of dragons, meets Will, a hunter out to kill her kind. They fall in love and thus the trouble begins.

I read and re-read the first book several times and loved the strong main characters Jacinda and Will. Who I didn't get along with well were her sister Tamra and her supposed bond Cassian. That was a problem for me in book two, where both play more important roles. At the end, I had to admit that I liked them more and more and I am now curious how they're going to pull off the rescue of Cassian's sister, Miram, in book three since Jacinda feels responsible for her being captured. What will happen if they don't succeed?

As the synopsis suggests there are questions to be answered in this book and I'm not sure if I'll like the answers. Still, I can't wait for September to plunge into the story again!

Have you started Firelight yet? What are you waiting on this week?

Teaser Tuesday: Dreamless by Josephine Angelini

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!  

Dreamless by Josephine Angelini.

Dreamless - Macmillan

Don’t waste a perfectly good act of heroism with a bad one of your own!
-- Chapter 8

Demigods don’t get the flu or the sniffles. They go mad.
-- Chapter 9

As far as sequels go this one is delivering on its promises. I liked Starcrossed well enough and Dreamless improves on most of the things that I criticised in the first book. Well, apart from the fact that everyone is too busy suffering to do some maths, but I suppose that would defeat the purpose of one of the major plot points. Ancient mythology with a modern twist? Sign me up anytime.

In case you were wondering: The cover in this post is the UK edition. If you know the US cover, tell me which one you like better. I’m still undecided.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Diviners by Libba Bray

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 Diviners by Libba Bray.
Publication Date: September 18th 2012

The Diviners - Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Evie O'Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City--and she is pos-i-toot-ly thrilled. New York is the city of speakeasies, shopping, and movie palaces! Soon enough, Evie is running with glamorous Ziegfield girls and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is Evie has to live with her Uncle Will, curator of The Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult--also known as "The Museum of the Creepy Crawlies."
When a rash of occult-based murders comes to light, Evie and her uncle are right in the thick of the investigation. And through it all, Evie has a secret: a mysterious power that could help catch the killer--if he doesn't catch her first.

Synopsis from Goodreads.com
 

I will admit that not only had the cover much to do with me choosing this book for WoW this week, but the use of language had me laughing already while reading the synospis. So how could I not choose it? ;) A murder mystery, combined with a witty, secret power whielding main character. How intriguing!

Let's hear what you are waiting on this week.