“Waiting On” Wednesdays: Last Days

Waiting on Wednesdays is a weekly event hosted at Breaking the Spine. The purpose is to spotlight upcoming book releases that we are excited for.

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Last Days (Ms. Marvel, #4) by G. Willow Wilson

Paperback, 120 pages
Publication Date: Dec. 1st, 2015
Publisher: Marvel
ISBN: 9780785197362
Add it: To your TBR Pile or your “Want to Read” list on Goodreads.

When the world is about to end, do you still keep fighting? From the moment, Kamala put on her costume, she’s been challenged, but nothing has prepared her for this: the Last Days of the Marvel Universe. Fists up, let’s do this, Jersey City. Plus a VERY special guest appearance fans have been clamoring for!

COLLECTING: MS. MARVEL #16-19, MATERIAL FROM AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #7-8

I don’t know how many people who do the weekly WoW’s are comic book fans, but I have to say, I think the new Ms. Marvel is someone that all fiction readers can relate to and enjoy. Kamala Khan is the perfect heroine for our society, and I think she’s a wonderful representation of teens and Americans today. She’s got such a weight on her shoulders, yet she is written with so much grace and humor. The illustrations are phenomenal and I’m so excited to see what challenge she is going to face next. The premise gives me quite a bit of pause though… the last days of the Marvel Universe???? Noooooo, please, noooo!!! I want many more adventures with this awesome heroine! Also, that special guest… come on, it HAS to be my other girl Carol Danvers!?! Right? She’s only Kamala’s idol, and you know that’s who everyone wants it to be… You better make me happy Marvel!

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What are you waiting for this week?

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“Waiting On” Wednesdays: Cast in Honor

Waiting on Wednesdays is a weekly event hosted at Breaking the Spine. The purpose is to spotlight upcoming book releases that we are excited for.

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Cast in Honor (Chronicles of Elantra, #11) by Michelle Sagara

Paperback, 512 pages
Publication Date: Nov. 24th, 2015
Publisher: Mira
ISBN: 9780778318590
Add it: To your TBR Pile or your “Want to Read” list on Goodreads.

In the aftermath of a vicious battle between darkness and light, the city of Elantra has emerged victorious. But Shadows continue to haunt every corner of its streets…

Elantra stands strong, but countless numbers of Hawks, the city’s staunchest protectors, were lost in the brutal attack. Humans, Barrani, Aerians, Leontines—none of the races emerged unscathed from the defense of the city. Homes were lost, families were scattered…and the outcast Barrani Lord Nightshade is missing from his castle in the fiefs.

Yet as the chaos surrounding the battle begins to wane, Private Kaylin Neya’s duties must resume, despite her grief. Called in to investigate a triple murder in a quiet part of town, Kaylin and her companions are soon embroiled in a case that is anything but routine. Evidence of the deadly Shadows that still threaten the city leads to hints of ancient, forgotten magics. And a visit to the Oracular Halls points directly to Ravellon—the heart of the Shadows and the darkness they contain.

But it is there that Lord Nightshade will be found—if he still survives.

So in general there’s just a big fat “YAY!!!” that I finally get to read the next book in this series. I love Kaylin Neya, and I’m so excited to see what happens to her and her friends, especially now that she (and we) have finally seen the Emperor in action. Things seem to be gearing up in the series for a huge battle down the road (one that I hope will make the last battle look like child’s play.) I’m also really curious to find out what happened to Nightshade. And, as always, I hope something will FINALLY happen between Kaylin and Severn. Fingers crossed!

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What are you waiting for this week?

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“Waiting On” Wednesdays: The August Five

Waiting on Wednesdays is a weekly event hosted at Breaking the Spine. The purpose is to spotlight upcoming book releases that we are excited for.

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The August Five by Jenna Helland

Hardcover, 320 pages
Publication Date: Nov. 10th, 2015
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
ISBN: 9780374382643
Add it: To your TBR Pile or your “Want to Read” list on Goodreads.

In this debut novel, two worlds collide amid clashes of power, honor, and what it truly means to be brave.

Tommy Shore is the son of the most important man on Aeren—a high-ranking politician who wants nothing more than to take away all of the rights of the lower-class cottagers. Tamsin Henry is the daughter of a revolutionary man who has hopes of overthrowing the corrupt politicians, also called the Zunft, the group that holds all the power in this world.

The two sides clash when Tommy rescues Tamsin during the August Rising, a cottager attack organized by a group of rebels known as the August Five. He starts to question the motives of the Zunft and realizes that it will take all of his resolve to stand up to his father and fight for the rights of those who have none.

I’m so intrigued by this premise. All the political drama is sucking me right in, and making me want more. Plus, who doesn’t love a good revolution? And with that cover?? I’m wondering what the ship has to do with it all…

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What are you waiting for this week?

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Teaser Tuesdays: Nearly Found

It’s time for another “Teaser Tuesday!”

This feature (or meme)  is one I originally discovered on my friend Kim’s site Book Munchies, and is hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm. For those of you who would like to play along at home (or more specifically on your homepage), here is how Teaser Tuesdays work.

– Grab (one of) your current read(s) and open it to a random page
– Share a couple “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!)

—> Now on to the main event!

Nearly Found (Nearly Gone, #2) by Elle Cosimano

Hardcover, 384 pages
Publisher: Kathy Dawson Books
Release Date: June 2nd, 2015
ISBN# 9780803739277
Page: 47

“Make us proud, Boswell,” is what he said.

But in my head, all I heard was, Nearly, don’t screw this up.

“Waiting On” Wednesdays: All In

Waiting on Wednesdays is a weekly event hosted at Breaking the Spine. The purpose is to spotlight upcoming book releases that we are excited for.

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All In (The Naturals, #3) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Hardcover, 320 pages

Publication Date: Nov. 3rd, 2015
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
ISBN: 9781484716434
Add it: To your TBR Pile or your “Want to Read” list on Goodreads.

Seventeen-year-old Cassie is a natural at reading people. Piecing together the tiniest details, she can tell you who you are and what you want. But it’s not a skill that she’s ever taken seriously. That is, until the FBI come knocking: they’ve begun a classified program that uses exceptional teenagers to crack infamous cold cases, and they need Cassie.

What Cassie doesn’t realize is that there’s more at risk than a few unsolved homicides—especially when she’s sent to live with a group of teens whose gifts are as unusual as her own. Sarcastic, privileged Michael has a knack for reading emotions, which he uses to get inside Cassie’s head—and under her skin. Brooding Dean shares Cassie’s gift for profiling, but keeps her at arm’s length.

Soon, it becomes clear that no one in the Naturals program is what they seem. And when a new killer strikes, danger looms closer than Cassie could ever have imagined. Caught in a lethal game of cat and mouse with a killer, the Naturals are going to have to use all of their gifts just to survive.

So the first book in this series was quite a surprise to me, with how much I enjoyed it, and I really thought the second book was a strong follow-up that allowed the reader to get to know more about the characters besides the protagonist. Which was pretty awesome. I really can’t wait to get started on book 3, to see what exactly this new threat is to the Naturals team, and to find out more of the many secrets that these teens are guarding. And, let me not forget, following the romances is pretty fun too…

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What are you waiting for this week?

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Teaser Tuesdays: The Sword of Summer

It’s time for another “Teaser Tuesday!”

This feature (or meme)  is one I originally discovered on my friend Kim’s site Book Munchies, and is hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm. For those of you who would like to play along at home (or more specifically on your homepage), here is how Teaser Tuesdays work.

– Grab (one of) your current read(s) and open it to a random page
– Share a couple “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!)

—> Now on to the main event!

NEW RICK RIORDAN SERIES!!!!!!!!!!!!! A fantastic birthday present!!

The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, #1) by Rick Riordan

Hardcover, 528 pages
Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books
Release Date: October 6th, 2015
ISBN# 9781423160915
Page: 285

I stared into the murky clouds. After being in Freya’s realm, the world of the dwarves seemed oppressive, but it also seemed more familiar … more genuine. I guess no true Bostonian would trust a place that was sunny and pleasant all the time. But a gritty, perpetually cold and gloomy neighborhood? Throw in a couple of Dunkin’ Donuts location, and I’m right at home.

“Waiting On” Wednesdays: Signs Point to Yes

Waiting on Wednesdays is a weekly event hosted at Breaking the Spine. The purpose is to spotlight upcoming book releases that we are excited for.

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Signs Point to Yes by Sandy Hall

Paperback, 288 pages

Publication Date: Oct. 20th, 2015
Publisher: Swoon Reads
ISBN: 9781250066008
Add it: To your TBR Pile or your “Want to Read” list on Goodreads.

The author of A Little Something Different brings you the most adorkable romance ever.

Jane, a superstitious fangirl, takes an anonymous babysitting job to avoid an unpaid internship with her college-obsessed mom. The only problem? She’s babysitting the siblings of her childhood friend and new crush, Teo.

Teo doesn’t dislike Jane, but his best friend Ravi hates her, and is determined to keep them apart. So Teo’s pretty sure his plans for a peaceful summer are shot. His only hope is that his intermittent search for his birth father will finally pan out and he’ll find a new, less awkward home. Meanwhile, at Jane’s house, her sister Margo wants to come out as bisexual, but she’s terrified of how her parents will react.

In a summer filled with secrets and questions, even Jane’s Magic 8 ball can’t give them clear answers, but Signs Point to Yes.

With the plethora of fantasy stories that are filling my too read list, I like how simple and lovely this story sounds. Sandy Hall’s A Little Something Different was beautiful, poignant, and unique. I think this has the potential to be just as delightful. Hall weaves her characters’ stories so well, and I’m very intrigued by the relationships in this blurb.

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What are you waiting for this week?

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“Waiting On” Wednesdays: Ice Like Fire

Waiting on Wednesdays is a weekly event hosted at Breaking the Spine. The purpose is to spotlight upcoming book releases that we are excited for.

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Ice Like Fire (Snow Like Ashes, #2) by Sara Raasch

Hardcover, 479 pages
Publication Date: Oct. 13th, 2015
Publisher: Balzar + Bray
ISBN: 9780062286956
Add it: To your TBR Pile or your “Want to Read” list on Goodreads. 

It’s been three months since the Winterians were freed and Spring’s king, Angra, disappeared—thanks largely to the help of Cordell.

Meira just wants her people to be safe. When Cordellan debt forces the Winterians to dig their mines for payment, they unearth something powerful and possibly dangerous: Primoria’s lost chasm of magic. Theron sees this find as an opportunity—with this much magic, the world can finally stand against threats like Angra. But Meira fears the danger the chasm poses—the last time the world had access to so much magic, it spawned the Decay. So when the king of Cordell orders the two on a mission across the kingdoms of Primoria to discover the chasm’s secrets, Meira plans to use the trip to garner support to keep the chasm shut and Winter safe—even if it means clashing with Theron. But can she do so without endangering the people she loves?

Mather just wants to be free. The horrors inflicted on the Winterians hang fresh and raw in Januari—leaving Winter vulnerable to Cordell’s growing oppression. When Meira leaves to search for allies, he decides to take Winter’s security into his own hands. Can he rebuild his broken kingdom and protect them from new threats?

As the web of power and deception weaves tighter, Theron fights for magic, Mather fights for freedom—and Meira starts to wonder if she should be fighting not just for Winter, but for the world.

When I read the first book in this series, I was really worried that it wouldn’t live up to the massive hype of the blogging world and what was in my own head. But once I really got into it, I very much enjoyed the way the world was built, and the relationships between the characters. And while I do feel a little over the love-triangle of it all (I mean, really, does it always have to be a triangle? Can’t these YA characters ever just love one person, or no people?) overall I’m really pleased with where the story started and where it seems to be going. I’m really pumped to see Meira lead her people and come into her own as a ruler. Also, more world building and more gorgeous cover art…

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What are you waiting for this week?

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“Waiting On” Wednesdays: The Immortal Heights

Waiting on Wednesdays is a weekly event hosted at Breaking the Spine. The purpose is to spotlight upcoming book releases that we are excited for.

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The Immortal Heights (The Elemental Trilogy, #3) by Sherry Thomas

Hardcover, 432 pages
Publication Date: Oct. 13th, 2015
Publisher: Balzar + Bray
ISBN: 9780062207357
Add it: To your TBR Pile or your “Want to Read” list on Goodreads.

 

In a pursuit that has spanned continents, Iolanthe, Titus, and their friends have always managed to remain one step ahead of the forces of Atlantis. But now the Bane, the monstrous tyrant who bestrides the entire mage world, has issued his ultimatum: Titus must hand over Iolanthe, or watch as his entire realm is destroyed in a deadly rampage. Running out of time and options, Iolanthe and Titus must act decisively to deliver a final blow to the Bane, ending his reign of terror for good.

However, getting to the Bane means accomplishing the impossible—finding a way to infiltrate his crypt in the deepest recesses of the most ferociously guarded fortress in Atlantis. And everything is only made more difficult when new prophecies come to light, foretelling a doomed effort….

Iolanthe and Titus will put their love and their lives on the line. But will it be enough?

With The Immortal Heights, Sherry Thomas brings the acclaimed Elemental Trilogy to its breathtaking conclusion.

I’m not sure if I can properly describe how excited I am to read the final book in this trilogy. At each turn Thomas has displayed a wonderful complexity to her storytelling, and a real depth to this world that she has built. I love how it crosses over with “real” history and blends these two worlds seamlessly. And then there are the characters. I love them, especially since almost nobody has turned out to be exactly as they appeared. I’m thrilled that we’re finally going to get to see more of Atlantis and the Bane in this final story (but also terribly sad that it will be over.) Perhaps at some point in the future, Thomas will give us more stories set in these magical realms??? One can only hope!

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What are you waiting for this week?

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“Waiting On” Wednesdays: Spinning Starlight

Waiting on Wednesdays is a weekly event hosted at Breaking the Spine. The purpose is to spotlight upcoming book releases that we are excited for.

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Spinning Starlight by R.C. Lewis

Hardcover, 336 pages
Publication Date: Oct. 6th, 2015
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
ISBN: 9781423185154
Add it: To your TBR Pile or your “Want to Read” list on Goodreads.

Sixteen-year-old heiress and paparazzi darling Liddi Jantzen hates the spotlight. But as the only daughter in the most powerful tech family in the galaxy, it’s hard to escape it. So when a group of men show up at her house uninvited, she assumes it’s just the usual media-grubs. That is, until shots are fired.

Liddi escapes, only to be pulled into an interplanetary conspiracy more complex than she ever could have imagined. Her older brothers have been caught as well, trapped in the conduits between the planets. And when their captor implants a device in Liddi’s vocal cords to monitor her speech, their lives are in her hands: One word and her brothers are dead.

Desperate to save her family from a desolate future, Liddi travels to another world, where she meets the one person who might have the skills to help her bring her eight brothers home-a handsome dignitary named Tiav. But without her voice, Liddi must use every bit of her strength and wit to convince Tiav that her mission is true. With the tenuous balance of the planets deeply intertwined with her brothers’ survival, just how much is Liddi willing to sacrifice to bring them back?

Haunting and mesmerizing, this retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Wild Swans strings the heart of the classic with a stunning, imaginative world as a star-crossed family fights for survival in this companion to Stitching Snow.

The Wild Swans (and all it’s variants) has always been one of my favorite fairy tales. I’m really intrigued and excited to see how the author treats the material, and how it all gets adapted. I really enjoyed Stitching Snow and I’m excited to see whether any of those characters make an appearance, or if this is a complete stand-alone set in the same world. Either way, I think I’m going to like it. Lewis creates some really interesting characters and scenarios, and it’s been a while since I’ve read any sci-fi. I can’t wait to get my hands on this one!

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What are you waiting for this week?

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