Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It lets us all gush about what soon-to-be released books we are jumping-up-and-down excited for.

Harbinger
by Sara Wilson Etienne

hitting shelves February 2nd, 2012 from Putnam Juvenile

description:
When sixteen-year-old Faye arrives at Holbrook Academy, she doesn’t expect to find herself exactly where she needs to be. After years of strange waking visions and nightmares, her only comfort the bones of dead animals, Faye is afraid she’s going crazy. Fast. But her first night at Holbrook, she feels strangely connected to the school and the island it sits on, like she’s come home. She’s even made her first real friends, but odd things keep happening to them. Every morning they wake on the floors of their dorm rooms with their hands stained red. Faye knows she’s the reason, but what does it all mean? The handsome Kel tries to help her unravel the mystery, but Faye is certain she can’t trust him; in fact, he may be trying to kill her—and the rest of the world too. Rich, compelling writing will keep the pages turning in this riveting and tautly told psychological thriller.

My thoughts: Cool synopsis, completely unique cover, blurbs from Lisa McMann and Tamara Pearce declaring their love for it---really, is there any reason NOT to be excited about this one???

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Book Trailer & Giveaway! Hades by Alexandra Adornetto

I have the chance to give one lucky reader a copy of Hades by Alexandra Adornetto. Now, I know the first book, Halo, split reviewers about 50/50, some loved it, others not so much. But me? I personally adored the first book (check out my review of it here) and I can't wait for Hades! If you haven't tried out this series, definitely give it a go!

Check out the trailer for HADES:


So, want to win a copy of Hades??
Fill out the FORM HERE!!

•US/CA residents only
• must be 13 or over
•Entry deadline: September 12, 2011

Saturday, August 27, 2011

In My Mailbox {81}

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren, where we all share what we got during the week!

I was a good girl and didn't buy any books this week (although I'm tempted to visit the Borders sale one more time tomorrow since it's supposedly in the final weeks. ) Did get some incredible goodies from publishers and authors, though! Have a look-see:

For Review:
The Game of Triumphs by Laura Powell
This one looks really unique. Sounds like it takes the whole "fate is in the cards" think to a whole new level!

Ingenue by Jillian Larkin
The first book, Vixen, was fantastic. I love reading about this era, it's one of my favorites for fashion, attitude, music...love the 20's.

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
*faints* I've been dying to get my hands on this one!!

Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay
*faints again* I almost bought this one last week! I can't wait to read it.

The Veil by Cory Putman Oaks
Not sure how I discovered this one, but its sounds amazing. Sent a request right after reading the synopsis.

For review (cont.)
Reaching through Time by Lurlene McDaniels
I've never tried this author, but this looks interesting! I've been enjoying the time travel stories lately!

The Project by Brian Falkner
Hubby and I are both planning to read this one soon! Hidden secrets, Da Vinci, and something to do with WWII---this one definitely sounds exciting!

Table Manners for Teens by Walter Hoving, illustrated by Joe Eula
This book is so cool! I'll be reviewing it, even though it's non-fiction. I love all things vintage, so this was right up my alley. Its a reprint of a book that was originally sold at Tiffany's, illustrated by a famed fashion illustrator from the early 60s. SO cool. :)

Hooked by Catherine Greenman
Sounds like a heart-wrencher!

Big thanks to HarperTeen, Random House, and Cory Putman Oakes for all these lovelies!

Friday, August 26, 2011

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
by Ransom Riggs

publisher: Quirk Books


release date: June 7, 2011


hardcover, 348 pages


intended audience: Young adult

rating:




source: received from publisher for honest review

description:
A mysterious island.

An abandoned orphanage.

A strange collection of very curious photographs.

It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.

Review: When I first received this and rifled through the pages, looking for the first time at the collection of incredibly spine-tingling vintage photographs, I thought for sure I was in for a terrifying story. Really terrifying. I was even a little nervous! But while there were some genuinely hair-raising moments, and also some very gruesome scenes that turned my stomach, the story that I found here was such a great surprise. It was full of curiosities and wonderment, sentiment, and a great adventure. While the photos were certainly eerie (especially because most of them are real and unaltered), they did a wonderful job of completely immersing the reader into the story---each one was perfectly woven into the flow of the plot.

The story itself is authentic and complex. Jacob grew up listening to the wild tales his grandfather told him about an orphanage where he lived with a group of children with strange gifts and the monsters that they were hiding from. Later on, Jacob outgrows his belief in the stories and, like the rest of his family, just thinks his grandfather is crazy. After his grandfather dies in a gruesome circumstance, he begins to realize his grandfather might not have been so crazy after all,---but in doing so, makes his family doubt his own sanity. The real adventure begins when Jacob sets off to find out the truth about his grandfather's life by traveling to the tiny village of Cairnholm.

I was completely wrapped up in the strange lives and personalities of the Peculiar children! Each character was so vivid---I especially loved Olive and Millard. Emma was a firecracker, but it was her hidden pictures that brought me to tears. Despite the awkwardness that could have been in her relationship with Jacob (you'll just have to read to find out why!), I was actually quite charmed by it. :)

Absolute favorite quote in the book:

"How many times must I tell you," she called after him, "polite persons do not take their supper in the nude!"

I'll leave it at that---don't want to give too much away. Although, I don't know how anyone could resist reading it after a quote like that!

And awesome news: a follow-up book is in the works for Spring of 2013! It's ages away, but at least its coming!

Visit Ransom Riggs on the web here.

Purchase it at: AmazonBN.comBookDepository Indiebound

Trailer:

Thursday, August 25, 2011

The Night Circus: Book Trailer & Audiobook preview!

Ok, who out there is excited about this book as I am? It's not YA, but I know a lot of my fellow YA lover's are psyched for The Night Circus. I think it's definitely going to be one of those that defies the genre boundaries! So today I have for you the lovely book trailer and a really cool sneak peek at the audio book recording session with Jim Dale---he has such an amazing storytelling voice! Enjoy!

Trailer:


Audiobook Sneak Peek with Jim Dale:

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday


"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It lets us all gush about what soon-to-be released books we are jumping-up-and-down excited for.

The Scorpio Races
by Maggie Steifvater

hitting shelves October 18, 2011 from Scholastic Press

description:
It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

My thoughts: It doesn't take more than the name at the top of this cover to make me crave this book---Maggie Steifvater. The girl knows how to write. Period.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Review: Fateful by Claudia Gray

Fateful by Claudia Gray

publisher: HarperTeen

release date: September 13, 2011

hardcover, 356 pages

intended audience: Young adult

rating:





source: from publisher for an honest review

description: It's about a servant girl named Tess in 1912, who wants to escape from the house where she works, and most particularly the lecherous young lord of the manor. But that's not her biggest problem. While on a voyage to America, where she plans to escape and start a new life, she meets Alec, who's ruggedly handsome, fabulously wealthy, intelligent and yet so clearly troubled that she'd rather not fall for him, but she does. That also is not her biggest problem. Alec, it turns out, is a werewolf ... one cursed to change every night, unless and until he surrenders his independence and joins the Brotherhood, a pack of violently misogynistic werewolves who have been tracking him for months. You'd think that would be their biggest problem, wouldn't you?

But no. Their biggest problem -- though they don't know it yet -- is that they're aboard the RMS Titanic.

Review: There are few books out there that I turn the last page and have to resist the temptation to flip back to page one and begin it again. Fateful is one of those books. This story completely blew me away. I've love stories set in this era, and am always especially drawn to stories involving the Titanic. The funny things about this one, is that at times, I would get so wrapped up in Tess's story, it would completely slip my mind that the inevitable event was coming. Then again, there were times when I would consider all of the amazing characters---Tess's fiesty roommate, Myriam, her kind mistress, Irene, the relentless Lady Regina and her cruel, spoiled son Layton, the monstrous Mikhail, and of course, charming Alec and his father---and wonder who would survive the disaster when the story led up to the night of April 14th.

I don't think there was a dull moment anywhere. From the first night when we meet Tess walking down an alley where she comes face to face with the monsters, and with Alec, to the very end---the plot just flies by. I loved Tess, her bravery and determination and kindness. I kept hoping she would make it, just to see her out from under the thumb of the awful Lisle family...she had such hopes and dreams of getting out on her one once they reached America had worked so hard and held her tongue for so long to reach them. The love story was perfect, I thought Tess and Alec had such great chemistry---and I easily imagined someone gutsy like Tess having compassion for Alec's curse and not running from him screaming.

This quote summed Tess up perfectly:
"Nobody else will ever be able to save me if I'm not fighting as hard as I can to save myself."

Fans of historical fiction, fans of werewolves, fans of fast-paced perilous adventures, fans of wonderful, sweeping, romantic tales...add this one to your reading lists. This is definitely a must-read! One of my favorites this year!

Find Claudia Gray on the web here!

Purchase Fateful at: AmazonBN.comBookDepositoryIndiebound

Sunday, August 21, 2011

In My Mailbox {80}

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren, where we all share what we got during the week!

Here's what I got this week! SO excited about all of these!
Bought:
In the Arms of Stone Angels by Jordan Dane
Bright Young Things by Anna Godberson
Got both of these at the Border's clearance. :( Sad to see it go, but I can't resist good books at a discount.

Traded:
Legend by Marie Lu
Thanks, Kelsey!! I have been excited about this one for ages!!

For Review:
The Shattering by Karen Healey
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Both of these came in the most awesome "Thank you for blogging" package from Little, Brown. With it was the cutest beach towel featuring one of their new children's book characters. So cool!

The Taker by Alma Katsu
Freaked out when I got this one! I've been wishing for this one since I saw it released in the UK,...so excited that it's finally coming the US!

So..I did get a few things new on my nook this week, but right now I'm just too tired to add them on here. Possibly a post of their own tomorrow LOL.

Thanks so much to Little, Brown & Co., Simon & Schuster, and Kelsey for the lovelies in my mailbox this week! :D

Friday, August 19, 2011

Review: Heist Society by Ally Carter

Heist Society by Ally Carter

publisher: Disney Hyperion

released: February 9th, 2010


paperback, 287 pages


intended audience: Young adult

rating:






source: from publisher for honest review

description: When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own--scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving "the life" for a normal life proves harder than she'd expected.

Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring her back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful mobster's art collection has been stolen, and he wants it returned. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat’s father isn’t just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat’s dad needs her help.

For Kat there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it’s a spectacularly impossible job? She’s got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in her family’s (very crooked) history--and, with any luck, steal her life back along the way.

Review: This was my first time reading Ally Carters work, and her reputation definitely preceded her. Luckily, I wasn't mislead by all the great word-of-mouth! Heist Society is a fun, super-fast-paced story with great, memorable characters, and a plot that has the nostalgia and class of the old original Ocean's 11-style capers.

Kat is a great character with a voice that is almost wholly formed by her family's way of life. With every thought, there is a pause to think of what her family would do in her situation, what they would say, although she is incredibly smart in her own right. She's carefully conned her way into a normal life at a normal school, but that all comes to a halt when her father is threatened. She's pulled back into the "family business" to try and save his life.

The pacing of this one is rocketed ever forward by a literal countdown that happens through the book. With every day that is counted down (3 days to Deadline, 2 days to Deadline, etc..) the tension builds as time runs out and Kat and her friends scramble to throw together a plan and pull off a heist that no one, especially not anyone their age, has dared before. I loved the progression of the characters, especially Gabrielle and Hale and their relationships with Kat. Absolutely loved the Bagshaw Brothers, I couldn't help but picture them as two of my other favorite twin mischief-makers, Fred and George Weasley. :)

This is a great story about family, trust, beauty, and bravery when things looks downright hopeless...I can't wait to see what happens next for Kat and her brilliant crew! Look for my review of Uncommon Criminals soon!

Visit Ally Carter's website here!

Purchase Heist Society at: Amazon BN.comBookDepository Indiebound

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Cover Story: Amanda Hocking's Trylle Series!!

Today USA today revealed the awesome new look for Amanda Hocking's Trylle series. Now I haven't personally read these but I hear amazing things about Amanda's work all the time. And the new series makeover?? Well, I think St. Martin's Griffin knocked this one out the ballpark. I am in love with the look of these! This one is sure to be on everyone's radar soon, if they didn't know about it already. After all, even when the series was only available in e-book format, it sold over a million copies!! Congrats to Amanda Hocking for a great book deal and some seriously gorgeous new covers!

(Titles are linked to goodreads so you can add them to your tbr!)


Switched
Available in January 2012!
The first book in the Trylle Trilogy...

When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy discovers her mother might have been right.

With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - a world both beautiful and frightening, and Wendy's not sure she wants to be a part of it.






Available in February
The second book in the Trylle Trilogy...

Wendy thought she finally understood who she was and what she wanted, but everything changes when the rival Vittra come after her.

She's caught between two worlds, torn between love and duty, and she must decide what life she is going to lead.









Ascend
Available in April 2012
The final chapter in the Trylle Trilogy.

With a war looming on the horizon, Wendy’s fate seems sealed. But everything she sacrificed might be in vain if she can’t save the ones she loves. Her whole life has been leading up to this, and it’s all coming to an end.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Book Trailer: The Apothecary by Maile Meloy

Check out the gorgeous new trailer for the Apothecary by Maile Meloy! I've been dying to read this---now this trailer has got me even more excited!



This book comes out in October from Putnam Juvenile!
Find it HERE on Goodreads.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It lets us all gush about what soon-to-be released books we are jumping-up-and-down excited for.


Dragonswood
by Janet Lee Carey

hitting shelves January 5th, 2012 from Dial Books

description:
Wilde Island is in an uproar after the recent death of its king. The uneasy pact between dragons, fairies, and humans is fraying, and a bloodthirsty witch hunter with a hidden agenda whips villages into frenzies with wild accusations. Tess, a blacksmith’s daughter from a tiny hamlet near the mysterious Dragonswood, finds herself caught in the crosshairs of fate when she is accused of witchery and has to flee for her life along with her two best friends.

Not even Tess’s power to see the future can help the girls as they set off on their desperate journey, but she keeps having visions of a man wielding a sword. And when she finally meets him, Tess has no idea how to handle the magnetic attraction she feels for him, or the elusive call she hears from the heart of the Dragonswood.

In this epic romance, an ancient prophecy comes true in a way neither dragon, fairy, nor human would have predicted.


My thoughts: Dragons, witches, fairies, and what sounds like an epic journey. This is a high fantasy that is calling my name!! And of course..that cover is outstanding!

Monday, August 15, 2011

Giveaway: Dark Souls by Paula Morris

Thanks to Scholastic THIS IS TEEN & Big Honcho Media, one lucky winner is going to get a copy of Dark Souls by Paula Morris and a cool sage candle!!

Keep your space peaceful with this Dark Souls prize pack!

One winner receives: Copy of Dark Souls + a sage candle

About the book:

Welcome to York, England: the most haunted city in the world.

Miranda Tennant arrives in York with a terrible, tragic secret. She is eager to lose herself amid the quaint shops, hoping she won’t run into the many ghosts who supposedly roam the cobblestone streets. Then she meets Nick, an intense, dark-eyed boy who knows all of York’s hidden places and histories. Miranda wonders if Nick is falling for her, but she is distracted by another boy -- one even more handsome and mysterious than Nick. He lives in the house across from Miranda and seems desperate to send her some sort of message. Could this boy be one of York’s haunted souls?

Soon, Miranda realizes that something dangerous -- and deadly -- is being planned. And she may have to face the darkest part of herself in order to unravel the mystery -- and find redemption.



About the author:
Paula Morris is the author of Ruined, and has published several
novels for adults in her native New Zealand. She has lived in a number of cities around the world, including York, England. She now lives in Glasgow, Scotland, and teaches creative writing at the University of Stirling. Visit her online at www.paula-morris.com.

Photo Credit: Robert Trathan


To Enter : FILL OUT FORM HERE!
Open to US residents, 13 and over.
Deadline: August 31st, 2011

Saturday, August 13, 2011

In My Mailbox {79}

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren, where we all share what we got during the week!

So excited for all three of these. I resisted buying anything more this week---my reading pace is snail-slow right now. Way to much going on with the end of summer and getting three kiddos ready to go back to school. But when they do, I plan to get some major reading catch-up done!! And does anyone else find it completely impossible to read while camping? I totally thought, with the quiet woods around me, I would get some reading in. Did not happen. Ah, well.
Here's what I got:
For review:
Envy by Gregg Olsen
This is such a creepy cover---I can tell you I won't be reading this one in the dark.

Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink
This is one of my favorite series, sad to see it end, but SO excited to get to this one!

Sweetly by Jackson Pearce
I LOVED Sisters Red. So this one was high on my list of anticipated books for this year.

Many thanks to Sterling and Little,Brown for sending these!

New on my Nook

The Fallen Star by Jessica Sorenson
I've heard way to many good things about this one to pass it up while it's 99 cents!

Dream Dark by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
This novella goes with another series that I absolutely love: Beautiful Creatures. Read this already and loved it. A little glimpse from Link's POV.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Review: From Bad to Cursed by Katie Alender

From Bad to Cursed by Katie Alender

publisher: Disney Hyperion

release date: June 14th, 2011

hardcover, 448 pages

intended audience: Young Adult

sequel to: Bad Girls Don't Die (2009)

rating:



source: ARC from publisher for review

Warning! The description and review may contain slight spoilers for book one in this series!

description: Alexis is the last girl you'd expect to sell her soul for beauty and popularity. After all, she already has everything she needs--an adorable boyfriend, the perfect best friend, and a family that finally seems to be healing after her sister Kasey's unfortunate possession by an evil spirit.

But then Kasey tells Alexis about the mysterious new club she has joined, and the oath she has taken to someone named Aralt. Worried that Kasey's gotten in over her head again, Alexis and her best friend Megan decide to investigate by joining the Sunshine Club, too. At first, their connection with Aralt seems harmless. Alexis tries a new -- normal-- look, and finds herself reveling in her elegance and success.

Still, despite the Sunshine Club's outward perfection, the group is crumbling from within, and soon Alexis finds herself battling her own personal demons. She can hardly even remember why she joined in the first place. Surely it wasn't to destroy Aralt...why would she hurt someone who has given her so much, and asked for so little in return?

Review: I read Bad Girls Don't Die before my blogging days, but I absolutely loved it. It was incredibly creepy, the characters were strong, eccentric, and stepped away from many of the usual stereotypes we see so much of today. It hit on two things that absolutely freak me out---hauntings involving children and creepy possessed dolls (when i was growing up, my mom collected antique porcelain dolls---my imagination got away from me a few times late at night!). I had no idea this would be a series, as Bad Girls Don't Die had a definite ending, but when I heard about From Bad to Cursed, you can bet I was pretty excited to get my hands on it!

In this second installment, Kasey has come home from the mental hospital after almost killing the entire family and destroying their former home under the command of a spirit-possessed doll. Alexis is glad to have her home, but wary of Kasey's condition and how she'll fit in to her school life. She's torn between letting her fend for herself and keeping an eye on her to make sure nothing like what happened in their past ever happens again. Meanwhile she's trying to get on with her own life, balance boyfriend, school, and a high-stakes photography competition. Then Kasey starts hanging with a group who've dubbed themselves the Sunshine Club. At first it seems innocent enough, just a group of girls who have given themselves extreme makeovers inside and out. But Alexis soon discovers there is something way more sinister guiding them...and then she gets sucked into it herself.

There are some great twists and turns here, great intense story-telling, and lots of surprises. I definitely didn't feel this one was as scary as the first book---but definitely just as compelling. With a club full of 22 girls, sometimes there were a few too many names flying around to keep track of---there was one that became such an important part in the story in the second half, but I couldn't for the life of me, remember where she came from! I loved the ideas that are presented throughout this story---the question of what success and getting everything you want is worth. The question of doing for yourself and not putting too much blind faith in things working out fine on their own. Alexis and Kasey are both complicated characters this time around, and it's interesting and unique to hear a story told from the point of view of someone who is under a spell for a good part of the book.

A great second book---will there be more? I don't know, but I'll definitely be reading it if there is! Although, there would have to be a pretty good explanation as to why these two sisters keep landing themselves in paranormal trouble!

Visit Katie Alender's site here!

Purchase From Bad to Cursed at: AmazonBN.comBookDepository Indiebound


Trailer:

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Mystery Box of Books Giveaway: WINNER!!

First off, I want to say a huge thanks to everyone who entered my 1000 Follower Mystery Box of Books Giveaway, to all who stopped by, to all who followed already, and to all the new followers---I hope you saw something you like here and will stick around for more fun on Stories & Sweeties. I do whole-heartedly appreciate all my wonderful blog visitors, readers, followers, FRIENDS!! :D

Sorry it took so long to get a winner on this one! There were 396 entrants, most of them with 2 or 3 extra entries to count---it was a process! The final winner was picked using Random.org.

So without further ado, I give you the winner of the


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*
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Nicci @ Paper Dreams!!!


Congrats, Nicci!! Thanks so much to everyone for entering, supporting, and celebrating this milestone with me at Stories & Sweeties!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday


"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It lets us all gush about what soon-to-be released books we are jumping-up-and-down excited for.

Beautiful Chaos
by Margaret Stohl & Kami Garcia

hitting shelves October 18th from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

description:
Ethan Wate thought he was getting used to the strange, impossible events happening in Gatlin, his small Southern town. But now that Ethan and Lena have returned home, strange and impossible have taken on new meanings. Swarms of locusts, record-breaking heat, and devastating storms ravage Gatlin as Ethan and Lena struggle to understand the impact of Lena's Claiming. Even Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals is affected - and their abilities begin to dangerously misfire. As time passes, one question becomes clear: What - or who - will need to be sacrificed to save Gatlin?

For Ethan, the chaos is a frightening but welcome distraction. He's being haunted in his dreams again, but this time it isn't by Lena - and whatever is haunting him is following him out of his dreams and into his everyday life. Even worse, Ethan is gradually losing pieces of himself - forgetting names, phone numbers, even memories. He doesn't know why, and most days he's too afraid to ask.

Sometimes there isn't just one answer or one choice. Sometimes there's no going back. And this time there won't be a happy ending.

My thoughts: This is one of my favorites series ever. Loved Beautiful Creatures and Beautiful Darkness...I know I'm going to love this one, too.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

In My Mailbox {78}

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren, where we all share what we got during the week!

Here's my week in books:

For Review:
Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey
Fairies and Maori Legend---I've been wanting to read this one for a long time!

Everblue by Brenda Pandos
Mermaids!! Plus its set in Lake Tahoe, where hubby & I were married. :D SO excited for this one!

Bought:
Once Every Never by Lesley Livingston
This one finally showed back up in US online stores, Yay! Love Lesley's work.

Across the Great Barrier by Patricia C. Wrede
Sequel to The Thirteenth Child, which I have yet to read, but hubby loves this series!


Scored at Library Book Sale! $1 each! :
Where I Want to Be by Adele Griffin
I just read Tighter by Adele Griffin and loved it...can't wait to try more of her work.

Click
Nick Hornsby, Gregory MaGuire, and lots more contributed to this one. Couldn't pass it up!

Hold Still by Nina LaCour
I've always heard amazing things about this one, was lucky to find it at the booksale!

The Underwood See by Michael Lawrence
This looks like an interesting series, still have to track down book 1 though!

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
I read this last year and it was AMAZING. Glad to finally have a copy of my own!

Well, that's it! Oh, and a quick update on the Mystery Box giveaway---winner will be announced sometime this week! Still processing through masses of entries! Thanks for entering, everyone! :D

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Book Trailers: Circle of Fire and The Saskatoon Balloon

A few cool new book trailers for you to enjoy!! Excited for both of these! The Prophecy of the Sisters series is one of my favorites EVER :D---Circle of Fire is the final installment. The Saskatoon Balloon is the sequel to Mieradome <--click here, seriously, the website for these books is so pretty!! I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I've wanted to for some time!

First: Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink


And The Saskatoon Balloon by Kate O'Hegarty

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It lets us all gush about what soon-to-be released books we are jumping-up-and-down excited for.

Bewitching
by Alex Finn

hitting shelves February 14th, 2011 from HarperTeen

description: Kendra Hilferty, the witch who curses Kyle Kingsbury in Beastly, tells about her immortal existence—how she discovered she was a witch and the various ways she has used her powers to help people throughout the centuries. (Unfortunately her attempts have often backfired.) As it turns out, Kendra has actually had a hand in "Hansel and Gretel," "The Princess and the Pea," and "The Little Mermaid"—but these are not the fairy tales you think you know! Kendra’s reminiscences are wrapped around a real-time version of "Cinderella," except the “ugly” stepsister is the good guy. With dark twists, hilarious turns, and unexpected endings, Bewitching is a contemporary read for fairy-tale lovers, fantasy fans, and anyone looking for more Alex Flinn.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed Beastly (the book, haven't seen the movie) and absolutely love whole twisted fairy tale concept, so this one is going to be right up my alley! Kendra was an intriguing part of Beastly, so it will be awesome to get some backstory on her. Gorgeous cover, too!

Monday, August 1, 2011

What's New: August Releases & Giveaway

August already??? Yikes. I mean, geez, where did the summer go? My little guy will be starting first grade in just a few weeks! :(

So if you're new to Stories & Sweeties, here's a little run-down of this feature: at the start of each month, I do a little thing called the "What's New List & Giveaway" where you'll find a full list of the new releases in YA for the month, and entry to the giveaway. At the end of each month, one lucky winner will get to choose any new release as their prize! There are tons of books that I am really excited about this month---two or three that I have been literally anticipating all year long. So here we gooo!

First off, the winner for July is: Agnes Pink !! Congrats Agnes! :D

August Releases:
New this month, I've put a little lve by those books that I am really anticipating. I'd like feedback on this, if you have the time---do you like this addition? Do you want to know what I'm most excited about, or would you rather see this be more of an unbiased list? Let me know in the comments! :)

{1}
Across the Great Barrier by Patricia C. Wrede
Always a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough
Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvears Shecter
Dark Souls by Paula Morris
Eyes in the Mirror by Julia Mayer
The Iron Quill by Shelena Shorts
Misfit by Jon Skovron
Populazzi by Elise Allen
Underdogs by Markus Zusak
Want to Go Private? by Sarah Littman

{2}
Between by Jessica Warman
Blood Ties by Marianne Mancusi
Death Sentence: Escape from Furnace 3 by Alexander Gordon Smith
Epic Fail by Claire LaZebnik
Eternal by Gillian Shields
The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab
Never Have I Ever by Sara Shepard
Queen of Hearts by Martha Brooks

{3}
Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink ♥♥!
Dark Parties by Sara Grant

{4}
Dark Angel by Eden Maguire
Implosion of Aggie Winchester by Lara Zielin

{8}
The Cupid War by Timothy Carter

{9}
All You Desire by Kirsten Miller
Game of Triumphs by Laura Powell
Hooked by Catherine Greenman
I'll be Watching by Pamela Porter
Ingenue by Jillian Larkin
Juliet, Immortal by Stacey Jay
A Long, Long Sleep by Anna Sheehan
The Margrave by Catherine Fisher
Michael Vey: Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans
Now Playing: Stoner & Spaz 2 by Ron Koetge
Thirst #4: The Shadow of Death by Christopher Pike

{11}
Elemental Reality by Cesya MaRae Cuono

{16}
The Auslander by Paul Dowsell
Bargains & Betrayals by Shannon Delaney
Black, White, & Other by Joan Steinau Lester
Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles
The Death Catchers by Jennifer Anne Kogler
Sketchy Behavior by Erynn Mangum
Tunnel Vision by Susan Shaw

{18}
Sign Language by Amy Ackley

{23}
Ambitious by Monica McKayhan
Beyond the Grave by Mara Purnhagen
Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
Envy by Gregg Olson
Nocturne by Christine Johnson
Possess by Gretchen McNeil
The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore
Sweetly by Jackson Pearce ♥♥!
Switch by Tish Cohen
This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein by Kenneth Oppel

{29}
The Jewel and The Key by Louise Spiegler

{30}
Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
Blood on the Moon by Jennifer Knight
Damned by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie
Dust & Decay by Jonathan Mayberry
The Fox Inheritance by Mary E. Pearson
Fury by Elizabeth Miles
The Gray Wolf Throne by Cinda Williams Chima
Hades by Alexandra Adornetto
Lie by Caroline Bock
Soul Thief by Jana Oliver
Twisted by Gena Showalter
Until the End by Christopher Pike
Vengeance by Kate Brian
Witchlanders by Lena Coakley

(links go to Goodreads)
Please feel free to email me if you notice any YA titles missing! :)

Giveaway Details: One winner will win a August Release of their choice! *see note below
• Contest ends at 11:59 PM, PST on August 31st, 2011.
• Must be 13 or older
• Open internationally. *International winners will be required to choose a book that is available through BookDepository.com.
• Please enter one time only for each monthly giveaway.

*CONTEST CLOSED*