Wednesday 31 October 2012

Waiting on Wednesday: Just one Day by Gayle Forman


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
Just one Day by Gayle Forman.
Publication Date: January 8th 2013

Just one Day - Dutton Books


When sheltered American good girl Allyson "LuLu" Healey first meets laid-back Dutch actor Willem De Ruiter at an underground performance of Twelfth Night in England, there’s an undeniable spark. After just one day together, that spark bursts into a flame, or so it seems to Allyson, until the following morning, when she wakes up after a whirlwind day in Paris to discover that Willem has left. Over the next year, Allyson embarks on a journey to come to terms with the narrow confines of her life, and through Shakespeare, travel, and a quest for her almost-true-love, to break free of those confines.
Synopsis from goodreads.com.


I have high expectations for this book! I read If I stay, which was heart-wrenchingly beautiful, and when I thought it couldn’t get better, there came the sequel Where she went and knocked me off my feet again. So I’m delighted to see a new series by Gayle Forman. The synopsis reads promising and I have hope that the series remains as two rather than three books. It’s refreshing.

On a different note: Happy Halloween to all those who celebrate it! :)

Which titles are you waiting on this spooky Wednesday?

Tuesday 30 October 2012

Teaser Tuesday: The Storm Begins by Damian Dibben

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 Storm Begins by Damian Dibben.


The Storm Begins - Doubleday Childrens

The night Jake Djones found out that his parents were lost somewhere in history was one of the stormiest on record.
-- Chapter 1

“So, you’re wondering what you’re doing here? Who we all are?” “That would be an understatement. How do you know my family?” “I need to check your eyes first.”
-- Chapter 3


It’s time for new heroes. At least that’s what the back cover of my version of this book says. And so far I have to say that though Jake Djones chose some pretty big shoes that he wants to fill, he seems quite capable of the task. I’m not too far along yet, so take this with a grain of salt, but I can say that I took an almost instant liking to the characters and that’s definitely not something I say about all “new heroes”.

Which book is your companion this week?

Wednesday 24 October 2012

Waiting on Wednesday: Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

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
Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers.
Publication Date: April 2nd 2013.


Dark Triumph - Houghton Mifflin
Books for Children

Sybella arrives at the convent’s doorstep half mad with grief and despair. Those that serve Death are only too happy to offer her refuge—but at a price. Naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, the convent views Sybella as one of their most dangerous weapons.

But those assassin’s skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to a life that nearly drove her mad. Her father’s rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother’s love is equally monstrous. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dungeons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for
?
Synopsis from goodreads.com

I loved, loved, loved His Fair Assassin - Grave Mercy and thought that the character of Sybella could have used a little more page time. Little did I know that she would get a whole book! Happy news indeed.

What title are you waiting for this week?

Tuesday 23 October 2012

Teaser Tuesday: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.
To play along just do the following:
  • Grab your current read
  • Open to a random page
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan.

The Mark of Athena -
Disney Hyperion Books



The meeting was like a war council with donuts.
-- Page 171

 "Hercules, huh?" Percy frowned. "That guy was like the Starbucks of Ancient Greece. Everywhere you turn - there he is."
-- Page 321




I just finished this third book in the Heroes of Olympus series and it made me laugh out loud, cry with frustration, and smile with fondness at the characters. Luckily, there’s more to come and hopefully soon.
Seven demigods get on a warship, sail to ancient Rome, try to work together (that’s especially hard on the sons of Jupiter and Poseidon), face a lot of monsters and try not to get killed on their quest to keep the giants from awakening the earth goddess Gaea. You can see that there are some problems to be solved, especially on the working together part. ;) As with the first two books, I’ll definitely read it again.

What’s on your reading pile this week? Tease us in the comments.

Wednesday 17 October 2012

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?

Tuesday 16 October 2012

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.

Wednesday 10 October 2012

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?

Tuesday 9 October 2012

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?

Wednesday 3 October 2012

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?

Tuesday 2 October 2012

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!