Win One of My Favorite Books!

Head over to Today's Adventure, where you can enter to win a copy of Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer! This is the beginning of one of my favorite series ever (as you've probably seen) and I highly recommend both the series and Today's Adventure!

Waiting on Wednesday: Dragon Spear by Jessica Day George

"Waiting on" Wednesday was created by Jill of Breaking the Spine, and is a way for bloggers to share the upcoming books that they're longing for. This week I'm waiting on...

Dragon Spear
by Jessica Day George
Released May 12th, 2009
Sequel to: Dragon Slippers and Dragon Flight

As far as Creel is concerned, all is finally right with the world. The dragon king, Shardas, and his queen, Velika, have made a home for themselves on the Far Islands, and for the first time in centuries it seems dragons and humans might be able to live together in peace. So what better time for Creel and Luka to plan their wedding. But then Velika gets kidnapped by a band of rogue dragons in need of their own queen. And Creel and Luka leap to aid Shardas and rescue her—only to discover that Luka’s father has set his sights on taking back the Far Islands from the dragons. Torn between her love for Prince Luka and her friendship with Shardas and Velika, Creel must make the most difficult decision of her life if she stands any chance of getting to the church on time.

Why I'm waiting:
I have really enjoyed the previous two books about Creel and Luka, and am very much looking forward to hearing the end of their tale. Jessica Day George's books somehow manage to be simple and complex and light and deep all at the same time.

Your Blog is Fabulous Award

I was very excited this morning to see that Em nominated me for the Your Blog is Fabulous Award! Right back at you, Em! The rules say that, "Nominated blogs must list 5 things that they are addicted to and then nominate 5 other blogs." Sooo...here are my five:

1. Maelstrom
For Aella and Medeia and their fun reviews, with a very unique rating system.

2. NineteenTeen
For the multitude of fascinating posts on teenaged life during the nineteenth century.

3. Bookwork Chrysalis
For the in-depth reviews of interesting fantasy books.

4. Look Books
Although it's been a little abandoned recently, I always look forward to reading Felicity's updates on what she's learned about the Adams family and other cool things. It's cool to see such passion for something in someone just around my age.

5. Meandering Along
For her long posts about everything, whether it's something she loves or a rant about Orlando Bloom's--in the role of Legolas--eyebrows. Even when our opinions differ (like thoughts on the Inheritance Cycle or Josh Groban), her very well-formed likes and dislikes are always interesting, and when I agree with them they make me laugh because she's so descriptive. (When I don't agree, that's fine, too.) I think she and my friend Chelsea would get along well--IF they happen to agree on most things, that is. ;-)

Waiting on Wednesday: Fire by Kristin Cashore

"Waiting on" Wednesday was created by Jill of Breaking the Spine, and is a way for bloggers to share the upcoming books that they're longing for. This week I'm waiting on...

Fire
by Kristin Cashore
Released October 6th, 2009

Fire, Graceling's "prequel-ish companion book," takes place across the mountains to the east of the seven kingdoms, in a rocky, war-torn land called the Dells.

Beautiful creatures called monsters live in the Dells. Monsters have the shape of normal animals: mountain lions, dragonflies, horses, fish. But the hair or scales or feathers of monsters are gorgeously colored--fuchsia, turquoise, sparkly bronze, iridescent green--and their minds have the power to control the minds of humans.

Seventeen-year-old Fire is the last remaining human-shaped monster in the Dells. Gorgeously monstrous in body and mind but with a human appreciation of right and wrong, she is hated and mistrusted by just about everyone, and this book is her story.

Wondering what makes it a companion book/prequel? Fire takes place 30-some years before Graceling and has one cross-over character with Graceling, a small boy with strange two-colored eyes who comes from no-one-knows-where, and who has a peculiar ability that Graceling readers will find familiar and disturbing...

Why I'm waiting:
Let's see...Graceling was amazing, and the lucky people who've read this already are all saying Fire is even better! (Which is hard for me to imagine, but if it really is then yay!) Plus the cover is beautiful, and the story sounds really unique, interesting, and exciting.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth

by Carrie Ryan

I’m pressed for time with getting ready to go up to New Jersey this weekend, but I wanted to post this review, so I’m going to do something I never do except for Waiting on Wednesdays, and that is use the official summary instead of writing my own. (I’m also using the UK cover because it's so much more intriguing and awesome.) So here it is with my review below:

In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

The Forest of Hands and Teeth drew me in right from the start with its immediate jump into Mary’s life—and also possibly in part because it began with a desire to see the ocean (always a good thing). The characters were introduced quickly but not so fast that they were hard to tell apart, and Mary’s emotions were easy to identify with. The plot moved right along; in a couple parts my palms were sweating and I could hardly read fast enough to see what came next.
But towards the end it fell apart for me—maybe because I read so fast I couldn’t process the story, I don’t know. It seemed to me that there were a lot of plot threads introduced that weren’t taken anywhere, and questions that I wanted answers to but never got. Perhaps the sequel, The Dead-Tossed Waves, will offer explanations.
Aside from that, it was a *very* good debut novel; I think Carrie Ryan has a lot of promise and I will definitely want to read anything she publishes in the future!

Waiting on Wednesday: Rapture of the Deep by L.A. Meyer

"Waiting on" Wednesday was created by Jill of Breaking the Spine, and is a way for bloggers to share the upcoming books that they're longing for. This week I'm waiting on...

Rapture of the Deep: Being the Further Adventures of Jacky Faber, Soldier, Sailor, Mermaid, Spy
by L.A. Meyer
Released September 28th, 2009
Sequel to: Bloody Jack, Curse of the Blue Tattoo, Under the Jolly Roger, In the Belly of the Bloodhound, Mississippi Jack, and My Bonny Light Horseman

On the very day that Jacky Faber is to wed her true love, she is kidnapped by British Naval Intelligence and forced to embark on yet another daring mission—this time to search for sunken Spanish gold. But when Jacky is involved, things don't always go as planned. Jacky has survived battles on the high seas, the stifling propriety of a Boston finishing school, and even confinement in a dank French prison. But no adventure has quite matched her opportunistic street-urchin desires—until now.

Why I'm waiting:
As I have said before, Jacky and her adventures are some of the best in YA and make me go squee. Enough said.

Waiting on Wednesday: A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn

"Waiting on" Wednesday was created by Jill of Breaking the Spine, and is a way for bloggers to share the upcoming books that they're longing for. This week I'm waiting on...

A Kiss in Time
by Alex Flinn
Released May 1st, 2009

Talia fell under a spell.... Jack broke the curse.

I was told to beware the accursed spindle, but it was so enchanting, so hypnotic....

I was looking for a little adventure the day I ditched my tour group. But finding a comatose town, with a hot-looking chick asleep in it, was so not what I had in mind.

I awakened in the same place but in another time—to a stranger's soft kiss.

I couldn't help kissing her. Sometimes you just have to kiss someone. I didn't know this would happen.

Now I am in dire trouble because my father, the king, says I have brought ruin upon our country. I have no choice but to run away with this commoner!

Now I'm stuck with a bratty princess and a trunk full of her jewels.... The good news: My parents will freak!

Think you have dating issues? Try locking lips with a snoozing stunner who turns out to be 316 years old. Can a kiss transcend all—even time?

Why I'm waiting:
Alex Flinn's books have been amazing so far! I can't wait to read her second venture into a new genre.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

or as my pen pal taught me to say it,

Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig!

It's pronounced something like: ban-awk-tee na fail-a por-ick (with a very harsh "awk," almost like you're coughing).

Also, happy birthday to me! Being born today (and having a Gaelic first name) is really my only claim to being Celtic, but take what you can get, right?

Celebrations all around with Scythian's "dueling siblings" act, in which they choose a "random" person to play fiddle:


And with ETH's omigosh-awesome Lancaster Gate:

Waiting on Wednesday: The Walls Have Eyes by Clare Dunkle

"Waiting on" Wednesday was created by Jill of Breaking the Spine, and is a way for bloggers to share the upcoming books that they're longing for. This week I'm waiting on...

The Walls Have Eyes
by Clare B. Dunkle
Sequel to: The Sky Inside
Released August 25th, 2009

Martin Glass may have seen his baby sister Cassie to safety at the end of The Sky Inside, but his problems are far from over. There’s a totalitarian regime in place, murderous game shows on the air, and a host of government agents on Martin’s tail. And Martin and his Alldog, Chip, get more than they bargained for when they go back to Martin’s old suburb and have to rescue Martin’s parents. But spending time in the wilderness with Mom and Dad isn’t the worst of it. Because Martin learns that Cassie is still in danger—and to keep her and the other Wonder Babies safe, he’s going to have to risk the thing he loves most. Clare Dunkle brings her signature sense of pacing an adventure to a new story of Martin, Chip, and the rest of her varied cast in a story that widens and deepens the fascinating and multifaceted world she presented in The Sky Inside.

Why I'm waiting:
All of Ms. Dunkle's previous books have been fabulous, from her Hollow Kingdom Trilogy to this book's prequel, The Sky Inside.

Lament

The Faerie Queen’s Deception
by Maggie Stiefvater

Deidre is used to puking; she does so before every public performance on her harp. But with the appearance of a mysterious man from her dreams, she finds herself calm, and able to add the most breathtaking variations to the melodies as she plays.
When she begins to find four-leafed clovers everywhere, and Luke Dillon and his friends appear at the strangest times, Dee knows something strange is going on. Presently she will discover that she is a Cloverhand; she has an energy that attracts the fey, whether she wants their company or not.

Lament is the first modern-era dark faerie novel I’ve read (and there have been several; Tithe, Ironside, Valiant, Wondrous Strange, Wicked Lovely, Ink Exchange) in which I felt connected with the characters and believed the romances. The story, too, drew me in like none of the others, and for once I was completely sure I understood the plot fully—not that it was overly explained or too simple, only that it was explained well.

Look for the sequel, coming October 1st, 2009: Ballad: The Gathering of Faerie.

Waiting on Wednesday: Dragon's Heart by Jane Yolen

"Waiting on" Wednesday was created by Jill of Breaking the Spine, and is a way for bloggers to share the upcoming books that they're longing for. This week I'm waiting on...

Dragon's Heart
The Pit Dragon Chronicles, Book 4
by Jane Yolen
Sequel to: Dragon's Blood, Heart's Blood, and A Sending of Dragons
Released May 4th 2009

Austar IV isn't the planet it once was, and when Jakkin and Akki finally return to the dragon nursery, their homecoming arouses mixed emotions. Together they've survived the insurmountable, and now they can weather the brutal conditions of Dark After and communicate with the dragons they love. But with this knowledge comes responsibility. What they've learned about survival could transform the planet--or, if entrusted to the wrong hands, bring about its destruction. Akki's insistence that she return to the Rokk to finish her training and begin new experiments drives a chasm between her and Jakkin. Suddenly she finds herself in the midst of a political battle that could claim her life. Only Jakkin can save her. If only he could reach her....

Why I'm waiting:
Because the first three books were very unusual and original and I want the ability to FINALLY read the rest of Jakkin and Akki's story! This book has been a looooong time in coming, and I'm very excited to see it being published for real instead of just rumored.

Recent Libray Loot

I haven't kept up with my Library Loot posts recently--mostly because I've only been getting one book at a time. At one time I had the maximum of 13 holds on my list, but none of them were coming in because all of them are yet to be released! So here is what I have checked out of the library recently, not just for this week:

As always, from left to right:
The Dust of 100 Dogs by A.S. King
This book got a lot of hype, but my library wasn't ordering it. So I used my Borders employee benefit of checking out books and got a chance to read it. Too bad it didn't live up to my hopes.

Two Girls of Gettysburg by Lisa Klein
I love the author's Ophelia, so I was excited to read and review her new book.

Fade by Lisa McMann
Because the idea is so original and I wanted to read this, the sequel to Wake.

Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston
The cover looked interesting.

A Stranger to Command by Sherwood Smith
I thought it would be cool to learn the back story of Vidanric (of Crown Duel), but it wasn't terribly exciting.

Daughter of the Flames by Zoë Marriott
If you saw my Waiting on Wednesday for this one, you'll understand.

Terrier by Tamora Pierce (reread)
It seemed like a good idea to have the plot and characters of Terrier fresh in my mind for the release of Bloodhound in April.

Starclimber by Kenneth Oppel
The first two books, Airborn and Skybreaker were very enjoyable.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
I'm finally going to see what all the Mortal Instruments hype is about.

Tenacious by Julian Stockwin (Kydd, book 6)
Working my way through the Kydd series, albeit slowly.

And the winner is...

Chelsea De Torres

Congratulations! I will email you so you know what to do to receive your prizes.

Thanks to everyone who entered!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Stolen One by Suzanne Crowley

"Waiting on" Wednesday was created by Jill of Breaking the Spine, and is a way for bloggers to share the upcoming books that they're longing for. This week I'm waiting on...

The Stolen One
by Suzanne Crowley
Released July 6th, 2009

When her adoptive mother dies, Katherine Bab takes the chance she has been waiting for her whole life: she moves from her country village to London, to uncover the secret of who she really is. Before long, Kat has become a favorite of Queen Elizabeth herself, and rumors are swirling - could fiery-haired Kat be the secret daughter of the Virgin Queen? Kat's got plenty of other things to figure out, as well . . . such as how to choose between her childhood love and two handsome men at court vying for her affection. This smart, sensual novel drips with intrigue, period detail, and drama and will resonate with anyone who has ever longed to find his or her place in the world.

Why I'm waiting:
The time of the Tudors is one of my favorite time periods (after the English Regency), and this is one of those books that I know I will think is wonderful (the last time that happened was with Graceling, and look how that turned out). Isn't the cover nice? I wonder what the pear signifies/references. Can't wait to see!

Books I'd Recommend to Anyone

A friend asked me to create a list of my favorite books in different genres so that she wouldn't have to wade through the 100+ posts on this blog. I thought the rest of you might enjoy seeing as well, so here they are:

Historical

Bloody Jack Adventures (series)
by L.A. Meyer

Suspenseful, funny, amazing series with a main character who simply can't keep herself out of scrapes if her life depends on it (which it often does). Read my full review/plot outline/gush.



The Forestwife
Child of the May
(and if you can get it) Path of the She Wolf
by Theresa Tomlinson

Robin Hood retellings focusing on the females of Sherwood, and with a different look on Marian's character. Really good! I've never been able to read the third book in the trilogy because the publisher finds it too "adult" for the US and I don't want to pay to have it shipped from the UK.

Ophelia
by Lisa Klein

Hamlet--from Ophelia's point of view! Although it was the same storyline, it wasn't predictable, and I love seeing Ophelia as an interesting and smart character rather than a somewhat pathetic one (why does she have to drown herself over a man?). Full summary and review here.


Annie, Between the States
by L.M. Elliot

Torn loyalties and danger that will make even a non-history lover happy. This book made the Civil War really come alive for me; the characters and the descriptions are great--and I've been to so many of the places mentioned! Full summary and review here.


Pirates!
by Celia Rees

Dashing pirates, adventure, romance...
Not everyone I've recommended this to has loved it, but I do. I'm not sure why; maybe because I somehow identify with the main character a lot.



Dystopian

The Giver
Gathering Blue
Messenger
by Lois Lowry
It's a Utopian world that practices "sameness," a way of life invented for minimal pain and suffering, and everyone equal. Or are they? If you haven't read these yet, you should. NOW. Very thought-provoking and in a way, beautiful.

The House of the Scorpion
by Nancy Farmer

Opium, a strip of land between Mexico and the United States, is a dark and frightening world run by rich drug lords...and powered by human clones.
Different than The Giver trilogy, but somehow scarier. I guess the world painted seems more likely to happen. The prologue is very weird when you first read it, but don't give up. If you can't get into the prologue, skip to the first chapter and come back later.

Fantasy

Nightpool
The Ivory Lyre
The Dragonbards
by Shirley Rousseau Murphy

Okay, I read these a LONG time ago and it's been a while, but I thought they were amazing when I originally read them. They're pretty unique, especially in the dragon-fantasy genre.
(Couldn't find a good cover for this one.)

The Hollow Kingdom
Close Kin
In the Coils of the Snake
by Clare B. Dunkle

Really amazing goblin and elf stories, anyone? Sisters Kate and Emily are sent to live with their relations, far out in the country. One night when walking home in the dark, the girls come across a band of what they think are gypsies.

The Naming
The Riddle
The Crow
The Singing
by Alison Croggon

If you like epics (Lord of the Rings, the Inheritance Cycle, etc.), you should love this. It's the story of Maarad, a girl who is the Chosen One.

Sorcery and Cecelia
by Caroline Stevermer & Patricia C. Wrede

If you like magic and High Society, this book (and its two sequels) is for you! Cousins Cecy and Kate are about to have their debut Season, but there's magic afoot, and it's not always working for them. Full summary and review here.


Flora Segunda
by Ysabeau S. Wilce
I would recommend this book to everyone, but I don't think it's for everyone. Personally I found it hilarious, despite its being slightly bizarre. I guess you'll have to see for yourself. Full summary and review here.




Guilty Pleasures

The Seer and the Sword
by Victoria Hanley

This book definitely isn't total fluff, but it's enough of a romance that I feel sort of sappy when I read it. But it makes me happy, which is good. So there.




Crown Duel
by Sherwood Smith

In my category, this is about as much of a romance as I can stand. It's not corny, and the court intrigue is delicious. If you like it, check out its prequel, A Stranger to Command (which I found quite a bit drier).



The Raging Quiet
by Sherryl Jordan

More of a historical witch-burning-sign-language story with a love story on the side than a true romance.





Fairytale Retellings

East
by Eddith Pattou

A retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon, an old Norwegian folktale. I think I loved it partly because it is a more unusual tale to retell, and partly because of the wonderful way it was told.



Birdwing
by Rafe Martin

What happened to the youngest brother in The Six Swans when his one arm remained a wing? Read his story. Full summary and review here.