Book List: Bitterblue, Scarlet, and Defiance (#6)

My Ultimate Book List is a collection of books that I really, really want to read, whether they have been released or not. Some of these books might not be on the shelves yet; some of these books might have been on the shelves for ages. It doesn't matter. I just really, really want to read them.

Eight years after Graceling, Bitterblue is now queen of Monsea. But the influence of her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities, lives on. Her advisors, who have run things since Leck died, believe in a forward-thinking plan: Pardon all who committed terrible acts under Leck’s reign, and forget anything bad ever happened. But when Bitterblue begins sneaking outside the castle—disguised and alone—to walk the streets of her own city, she starts realizing that the kingdom has been under the thirty-five-year spell of a madman, and the only way to move forward is to revisit the past. 

Two thieves, who only steal what has already been stolen, change her life forever. They hold a key to the truth of Leck’s reign. And one of them, with an extreme skill called a Grace that he hasn’t yet identified, holds a key to her heart.

Yes! Bitterblue! Finally! I've been wanting to read this book ever since I finished Graceling. I have to admit, I didn't really care about Bitterblue (the character, not the book) at first in Book 1, but having read the blurb it head me head on--like a face palm, or something. New queen of  Monsea! And she's pretty much just a child! Plus, it seems like there's a new Grace in the midst. You can actually read the prologue and chapter one here.

Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance. 

Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in. 

It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.

I'm expressing some serious cover love here (although I think that the dagger is placed a little awkwardly). And also, it's Robin Hood. Which, by the way, isn't something I'm really all that familiar with. I know the basics of course, but that's pretty much it. I love spin-off books. Have I mentioned that before? There's a reason why I'm writing a spin-off book of Thumbelina. (Not to self-promote or anything...)

Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her. 

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared. 

As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.

All right, I will admit that I do have some issues with the book already--but I won't judge it too much considering I haven't even read it yet. There is a city named "Baalboden", and you might think, "All right. Baalboden. Sounds very high fantasy, very Star Wars or Eragon-esque". And then without warning you read the next few words and you get "Rachel Adams". And "Logan". And by then, you might be slightly bewildered. Because I know I was when I first read the blurb.

However with that aside, can you guess why I'm so excited for this book? It can't be that the blurb mentions something about...assassins. Out for blood. (Which as you all know is something assassins normally do). I love assassins. I love mercenaries, bounty hunters, guilds of violent, supernatural people. So there you have it.

- E

Book List: The Statistical Pandemonium of Love at First Sight (and Time) (#5)

My Ultimate Book List is a collection of books that I really, really want to read, whether they have been released or not. Some of these books might not be on the shelves yet; some of these books might have been on the shelves for ages. It doesn't matter. I just really, really want to read them.

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A. 

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

I first saw this book while watching this, and I thought, hey, if John Green loves it, that means it would be one of the most amazing YA contemporary novels I would ever read in my life. And I managed to get to that conclusion without even reading the blurb. (Which I actually don't recommend doing--assuming you'd like a book because one of your favorite authors likes it, I mean. You are not necessarily what you write.) But then I read the blurb, and I thought, "I MUST HAVE THIS BOOK." So I went to my public library database, searched it up, and put a hold on the book even when the books is actually available in the New Teens Fiction shelf right this moment, only because I know I won't be able to go to the library until some time next week, and no one else can get that book.

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I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare, 
pushing aside thoughts of Alex, 
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school, 
push, 
push, 
push, 
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.


Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.

I will admit right now that I don't remember much of what happened in Delirium. Except for that unforgettable ending with Alex. And by unforgettable, I mean 1) I totally didn't see it coming--I really didn't--and 2) How is Lauren Oliver supposed to write a sequel after that? I don't now who Raven is at all (should I know?), I think Hana was Lena's best friend, but I do remember the ending vividly. And I think I liked Alex. So with that being said, I also must have Pandemonium--once it comes out

You can read the blurb for the first book, Delirium, here.

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The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family from the Circle of Cavan--an ancient terrorist organization that has been hunting her for over a year. But when Cammie wakes up in an alpine convent and discovers months have passed, she must face the fact that her memory is now a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie’s summer vacation are the bruises on her body and the dirt under her nails, and all she wants is to go home. 

Once she returns to school, however, Cammie realizes that even the Gallagher Academy now holds more questions than answers. Cammie, her friends, and mysterious spy-guy Zach must face their most difficult challenge yet as they travel to the other side of the world, hoping to piece together the clues that Cammie left behind. It’s a race against time. The Circle is hot on their trail and willing stop at nothing to prevent Cammie from remembering what she did last summer.

Spies. Assassins. Plus, Zach. Man, I love Zach.  

Out of Sight, Out of Time is the fifth book in the Gallagher Girls series. You can read the blurbs for the previous four books in these areas: I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You, Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy, Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover, and Only the Good Spy Young. 

What's currently on your book list? :]

- E

Novels 'n' Notes [City of Bones]

Novels 'n' Notes is a weekly event hosted by Mag at Geek Chic ^-^

Music plays such a huge role in everyone's lives (unless you happen to hate music. Then...I don't really know what to say to you *). It's present everywhere--even in books! Books! Ah, books. Have you ever wished that music would start playing when you read a scene in a book? Kind of similar to having your own theme song in real life. Except in book-form.

It'd be pretty epic.

Anyway, the song below is for the book City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. The Adventure - by Angels & Airwaves. **

I wanna have the same last dream again
The one where I wake up and I'm alive
So...kind of like Clary's total surreal experience with the Shadowhunters.

Hey, oh here I am
Here we go
Life's waiting to begin
Marks Clary's "adventure" in the series...the changes she will have to face. You know, all of that good stuff.

Any type of love it will be showed
Like every single tree reach for the sky
If you're gonna fall
I'll let you know
That I will pick you up
Like you for I

Clary and Jace. Self-explanatory.

I want to know: What is your theme song? What are some songs you can connect to books?

- E

* Though, of course, you are entitled to your opinions. And I respect that!

** Also featured in my Depravity Playlist ^-^

Book List: Wings of the Wicked (#4)

My Ultimate Book List is a collection of books that I really, really want to read, whether they have been released or not. Some of these books might not be on the shelves yet; some of these books might have been on the shelves for ages. It doesn't matter. I just really, really want to read them.

 Life as the Preliator is harder than Ellie ever imagined. 
Balancing real life with the responsibility of being Heaven’s warrior is a challenge for Ellie. Her relationship with Will has become all business, though they both long for each other. And now that the secret of who she really is has come out, so have Hell’s strongest reapers. Grown bold and more vicious, the demonic threaten her in the light of day and stalk her in the night. 

She’s been warned. 
Cadan, a demonic reaper, comes to her with information about Bastian’s new plan to destroy Ellie’s soul and use an ancient relic to wake all the souls of the damned and unleash them upon humanity. As she fights to stay ahead of Bastian’s schemes , the revelations about those closest to her awaken a dark power within Ellie that threatens to destroy everything—including herself. 

She’ll be betrayed. 
Treachery comes even from those whom she loves, and Ellie is broken by the deaths of those who stood beside her in this Heavenly war. Still, she must find a way to save the world, herself, and her love for Will. If she fails, there will be hell to pay. 

Right, so there's this pretty amazing, good book called ANGELFIRE by Courtney Allison Moulton. It involves reapers and swords and angels and great characters. And a bunch of fight scenes I think you'll love (well, anyone who enjoys reading fight scenes anyway). And if you enjoyed Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instruments Series (or her Infernal Devices one) you might like this. Even though Will and Jace are pretty different. But still.

The point is, the sequel to ANGELFIRE is coming out soon (WINGS OF THE WICKED), and the first 100 pages of the book are up! Well all right, this probably means nothing to you if you haven't read the first book yet, but it means quite a bit to me. Which is why I'm posting it here. I guess o.o Even though I still haven't read it yet. *punches homework in the face*

But in case you have read the first book, here's the link to blog post that has the link (heh :P) clicketh me.

What's more, the lovely author is also hosting a contest...to see who can win the ARC of a pretty interesting book called INCARNATE by Jodi Meadows. The link to that contest is here. And the summary for INCARNATE is here.

That's it, guys! That's all I've got to say.

Actually, no. I lied. I have some other things to mention.

First, if you're a fan of Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls books (and even though it's totally out of my genre, I am a huge fan), The Gallagher Academy web site is up. If you haven't heard about this yet, this web site has some exclusive scenes, excerpts, and what not that are in the POV of many of the characters--including Zachary Goode. (Because Zach is amazing <3) Ally's next book in the series, Out of Sight, Out of Time will be out in March, so...remember that :P

Second, have you guys read the Soul Screamers series by Rachel Vincent? Because those books are pretty good too. At one glance, it might seem like another Twilight-Saga-based-series with the whole "helpless girl falls in love with mysterious guy!" thing. But it's not. Because there is another character in the series who is awesome, much more awesome than Mysterious Guy, who isn't even that mysterious. His name is Tod. And I suggest you read the books because Tod's pretty amazing. (My vocabulary's pretty bad tonight.) (Also, read the books because the word-building is quite unique and interesting--Tod isn't the only reason I've kept up with the series, though he is a main one.) Check her blog out for more info, or just read the summary here for My Soul to Take (book 1 of the Soul Screamers series).

Ahh...promoting books. Spreading the love.

What good books have you guys been seeing around lately?

- E

Book List: Insurgent (#3)

My Ultimate Book List is a collection of books that I really, really want to read, whether they have been released or not. Some of these books might not be on the shelves yet; some of these books might have been on the shelves for ages. It doesn't matter. I just really, really want to read them.

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love. 

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so. 

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

Because I loved Divergent. So, so much. And the cover for Insurgent is so pretty... o.o

- E

Edit: I just found out that the cover and synopsis for Courtney Allison Moulton's sequel to Angelfire (a book I haven't even read yet but really want to) has also been posted. So here's the Cover and Synopsis for Wings of the Wicked.

Divergent is pretty freakingamazing.

Not only is the cover amazing, but the blurb, which can be found HERE, is also freakingamazing. The freakingamazingness, of course, is mainly derived from the freakingamazing characters and the equally freakingamazing plot, and the freakingamazing prose and ideas blended into this freaking. amazing. novel.

Sorry for overusing that word. (Which, now that I think about it, really isn't a word at all.)

I honestly wish I owned this beautiful, beautiful piece of work. But I don't. I've only borrowed it from my library. Now I'm forcing my older sister to read it. She's currently struggling with City of Fallen Angels (Cassandra Clare), but honestly, I feel like Divergent might be better. Even better than City of Bones, which has been my favorite for a long time. So yup, Divergent is now my favorite book. (I actually want to say a classic, like To Kill a Mockingbird or something is my favorite read, but I can't. Sadly. The YA World has grabbed a tight hold on me and it isn't going to let go for awhile.)

(WARNING: SPOILERS BELOW)

I loved, loved LOVED Four. I mean, Tobias (I still refer to him as Four because I'm just used to reading "Four" instead of "Tobias"). Tris was a freakingamazing (<--there goes that word again :P) heroine, too, but Tobias was all the way my favorite character. The ending of Divergent was a MAJOR cliff-hanger. It was exactly like--like--well, City of Fallen Angels. But this time, the stakes are much higher, and the tension stronger. Plus the ending of City of Fallen Angels wasn't exactly that great. (Frankly, I thought COFA was kind of pointless, but I still love the overall ideas and characters of the series, so I'm still sticking with reading the rest of Cassandra Clare's books).

(END SPOILER)

So people reading this blog: if you haven't read this book (which debuted as #6 on the NYT Bestseller List), you should read it. Now.

- E

Book List: What Happened to Goodbye (#2)

My Ultimate Book List is a collection of books that I really, really want to read, whether they have been released or not. Some of these books might not be on the shelves yet; some of these books might have been on the shelves for ages. It doesn't matter. I just really, really want to read them.

Because this beautiful thing:

Who is the real McLean? 

Since her parents' bitter divorce, McLean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move-four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother's new family, McLean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, McLean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself, whoever that is. Perhaps Dave, the guy next door, can help her find out. 

Combining Sarah Dessen's trademark graceful writing, great characters, and compelling storytelling, What Happened to Goodbye is irresistible reading.



is officially out TODAY.
I've pre-ordered it and I CANNOT wait until it comes. I love, love, love Sarah Dessen and I'm pretty sure her tenth book is going to be phenomenal as well. I doubt I'll be disappointed.

Official release post can be found here.

And that is all :]

- E

Book List: The Lost Hero (#1)

My Ultimate Book List is a collection of books that I really, really want to read, whether they have been released or not. Some of these books might not be on the shelves yet; some of these books might have been on the shelves for ages. It doesn't matter. I just really, really want to read them.

I'm seriously freaking out right now. Because LOOK:

Jason has a problem. He doesn’t remember anything before waking up in a bus full of kids on a field trip. Apparently he has a girlfriend named Piper and a best friend named Leo. They’re all students at a boarding school for “bad kids.” What did Jason do to end up here? And where is here, exactly?

Piper has a secret. Her father has been missing for three days, ever since she had that terrifying nightmare. Piper doesn’t understand her dream, or why her boyfriend suddenly doesn’t recognize her. When a freak storm hits, unleashing strange creatures and whisking her, Jason, and Leo away to someplace called Camp Half-Blood, she has a feeling she’s going to find out.

Leo has a way with tools. When he sees his cabin at Camp Half-Blood, filled with power tools and machine parts, he feels right at home. But there’s weird stuff, too—like the curse everyone keeps talking about. Weirdest of all, his bunkmates insist that each of them—including Leo—is related to a god.

This is The Lost Hero, book 1 to Rick Riordan's Percy-Jackson-Sequel Series: The Heroes of Olympus. I'm not completely sure of the details yet, but it'll be released in a mere 2 days. October 12th. October 12th. October 12th.

I normally read YA novels, and I can't exactly consider Percy Jackson as really YA. But the characters of the series are amazing, the plot elements awesome so naturally I'd pick this book up as well. And I'm just freaking excited, if you know what I mean. And anyway, it has a very interesting cover.

I just hope one of those three doesn't end up being a son or daughter of Zeus.

- E