Waiting On Wednesday (#54)

You know the story. This is a meme created by Breaking the Spine and every week we pick books we're waiting for. Here are our picks for this week.

Glass' pick

Free from bonds, but not each other

It’s time to choose sides… On the surface, Sorry-in-the-Vale is a sleepy English town. But Kami Glass knows the truth. Sorry-in-the-Vale is full of magic. In the old days, the Lynburn family ruled with fear, terrifying the people into submission in order to kill for blood and power. Now the Lynburns are back, and Rob Lynburn is gathering sorcerers so that the town can return to the old ways.

But Rob and his followers aren’t the only sorcerers in town. A decision must be made: pay the blood sacrifice, or fight. For Kami, this means more than just choosing between good and evil. With her link to Jared Lynburn severed, she’s now free to love anyone she chooses. But who should that be?’

Expected publication: August 29th, 2013

Tanja's pick

Looking back, I wonder if I had an inkling that my life was about to go from ordinary to extraordinary.

When sixteen-year-old Lillie Hart meets the gorgeous and mysterious Tom Windsor-Smith for the first time, it’s like fireworks — for her, anyway. Tom looks as if he would be more interested in watching paint dry; as if he is bored by her and by her small Nebraskan town in general.

But as Lillie begins to break down the walls of his seemingly impenetrable exterior, she starts to suspect that he holds the answers to her reoccurring nightmares and to the impossible memories which keep bubbling to the surface of her mind — memories of the two of them, together and in love.

When she at last learns the truth about their connection, Lillie discovers that Tom has been hiding an earth-shattering secret; a secret that is bigger — and much more terrifying and beautiful — than the both of them. She also discovers that once you finally understand that the world is round, there is no way to make it flat again.

Expected publication: September 3rd, 2013

We'd love to see your picks so feel free to link them up.

Until the next time,

Tanja's Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Favorite Beginnings/Endings In Books

Hello. It's another Tuesday and it basically means it's time for another Top Ten Tuesday. It's a meme created by The Broke and the Bookish were we picks top ten picks on certain tasks. I missed this meme the previous past weeks but something always pops out so I'm glad to continue today.

Beginnings....


1.'My father took one hundred and thirty-two minutes to die. 


I counted.

It happened on the Jellicoe Road.'

I don't think there was any other choice to start this list but Jellicoe. I knew from the prologue that I'll love this book. Simply unusual and magical.







2. 'London, April 1878.

The demon exploded in a shower of ichor and guts.
William Herondale jerked back a dagger he was holding, but it was too late.'

First of the year. I was eager to see what happened in London at the time and then we have demon and of course bad-ass Will. Who would want for more.




3. 'Lily, 

I woke up and the last piece of my heart disappeared.
I opened my eyes and I felt it go.'

Who wouldn't want to know more about this. I actually haven't read the blurb before reading this book and though that this was a contemporary.








4. 'I should probably start with the blood.'

I actually still haven't read this book, but I have started it once and had to stop after the first chapter. The thing is this line is still in my memory and I can't wait to see what's going to happen next.





5. 'The string slices into the skin of his fingers and no matter how tough the calluses, it tears. 
But this beat is fast and even though his joints are aching, his arm's out of control like it has a mind of its own and the sweat that drenches his hair and face seems to smother him, but nothing's going to stop Tom. He's aiming for oblivion.'


I don't know for you but after this sentence I knew that Tom was someone I had to meet. I did and I was right.




Endings....(aka cry-fests)

1.'Nothing was perfect, but everything was all right. The light was never just blue. And the snow that fell onto the roof in winter... it fell softly... softly... and it covered the house, the armchair, the books, the children's voices. It covered Anna and Abel, covered their parallel worlds, and everything was, finally, very, very quiet.'

I probably had to reread this ending multiple times because I couldn't see it from my tears. I mean I have tears in my eyes now and I just looked at the end. This book is really something I'll never forget.








2. 'No, the last thing she cared about was whether people were staring
at the boy and girl kissing by the river, as London, its cities and towers and churches and bridges and streets, circled all about them like the memory of a dream. And if the Thames that run beside them. sure and silver in the afternoon light, recalled a night long ago when the moon shone so brightly as a shilling on the same boy and girl, or if the stones of ... knew the tread of their feet and thought to themselves: At last, the wheel comes the full circle, they kept their silence.'

There are no words for this epilogue. I couldn't ask for the better ending and this series is really one of the best there is. PS. Three dots there mean that I omitted some words because I don't want to spoil things.

3. 'I like to think that nothing's final, and that everyone gets to be together even when it looks like they don't, that it all works out even when all the evidence seems to say something else, that you and I are always young in the woods, and that I'll see you sometime again, even if it's not with any kind of eyes I know of or understand. I wouldn't be surprised if that is the way things go after all - that all things end happy.'

This is actually not the ending-ending but a bit before that. I couldn't post you the ending-ending because of spoilers. Anyhow these are some of the most beautiful words I have ever read. I'll just say that I managed to read them even my eyes were full of tears. That tells you something.





4. 'We are creatures of loss; we have left everything behind. I have no home, no path, and no certainty. I am no longer Tris,..., or Tris,...
I suppose that now, I must become more than either.'

Somewhere in the process I became Tris and I guess that after this moment I connected with her fully. It is a cliffhanger but every second of waiting was worth.










5.' Where they would all belong or long to be.
A place on the Jellicoe Road.'


There is no better way to end this list but with the book I started it. Like I said this was unforgettable, magical journey which I'll take again and again and again.






I'd love to see your picks so feel free to link them up in comments.

Until the next time,

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

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Author's

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Book summary:

Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.
What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane.
Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that.
What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time.

         Lemme tell you something...

because my friends I've been waiting for this book for months. I could get the ebook in English any time I wanted, but I was looking for translated copy so that mum and friends can read it too. But someone had other plans. So I finally gave up and took the ebook. Luckily the book was worth waiting.

         This doesn't fit the typical genre I read, as it's more woman's fiction, but I make exception from time to time. The reason I picked this one was because everyone said it was really emotional and I love emotional books. They were right, as this book is one of those that'll make you cry.

         Here we have a story about a girl Lou who has been stuck in every way possible. Stuck in the small town with the small life, whit the same boyfriend for years and in the same room which was getting too small for her. We also have a story about Will who was complete opposite. He lived the life everyone could admire. Being young and successful in his business, having any girl he wanted and going to any adventure he could think of. Until one day everything was taken from him after the car accident. Irony in life is when you take some much risks and then get cut by accident. Now he became stuck too, in wheelchairs and his desire not to live. But they've got a lot of things to learn from each other.

         Don't be tricked and expect some great romance novel for the beach, as it's not that. It has some romantic parts, but it's more about life and taking chances and finding yourself. Lou needed to crash the walls that were built around her life and learn how to live. This is a book that will teach you that it's never too late in life, it's never to late to live.

Rating: 5 stars

Until the next time,

PS. I know it took me while to review this, so sorry Sarika! 

Dare Me by Eric Devine Trailer Blast

Let's get straight to the point and here is the trailer for Dare Me!


Dare Me trailer from Patrick Willems on Vimeo.

Buy the book at Amazon

Book summary:

When Ben Candido and his friends, Ricky and John, decide to post a YouTube video of themselves surfing on top of a car, they finally feel like the somebodies they are meant to be instead of the social nobodies that they are. Overnight, the video becomes the talk of the school, and the boys are sure that their self-appointed senior year of dares will live in infamy. Every dare brings an increased risk of bodily harm, but Ben cannot deny the thrill and sense of swagger that come with it. The stakes become even more complex when a mysterious donor bankrolls their dares in exchange for a cut in the online revenue the videos generate. But at what point do the risk and the reward come at too high of a price? What does it take to stay true to one’s self in the face of relentless pressure.

About the author

Eric Devine is the Young Adult fiction author of Dare Me (pub. date 10/8/13), Tap Out and This Side of Normal
He is also a high school English teacher and education consultant.
Eric married his high school sweetheart, and together they are raising two daughters in Upstate, NY.
He is represented by Kate McKean of the Howard Morhaim Literary Agency.
Both Dare Me and Tap Out are edited by Lisa Cheng and published by Running Press.

Author's 

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Giveaway

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Until the next time,

Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta

Buy the book at 

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

Author's

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Book summary: 

Finnikin was only a child during the five days of the unspeakable, when the royal family of Lumatere were brutally murdered, and an imposter seized the throne. Now a curse binds all who remain inside Lumatere’s walls, and those who escaped roam the surrounding lands as exiles, persecuted and despairing, dying by the thousands in fever camps. In a narrative crackling with the tension of an imminent storm, Finnikin, now on the cusp of manhood, is compelled to join forces with an arrogant and enigmatic young novice named Evanjalin, who claims that her dark dreams will lead the exiles to a surviving royal child and a way to pierce the cursed barrier and regain the land of Lumatere. But Evanjalin’s unpredictable behavior suggests that she is not what she seems — and the startling truth will test Finnikin’s faith not only in her, but in all he knows to be true about himself and his destiny.

Tanja: We have decided to do this review together. Even though, Glass said that she had no idea how to do this review and I couldn't agree more. I say we just start and go with the flow.
First of all, I need to point out that I hardly believe Melina Marchetta can write a bad book.
Glass: There is no way you can put Melina Marchetta and bad book in the same sentence. That woman is brilliant. I thought that I couldn't love her more after her realistic novels and, shame on me, I did have doubts about her fantasy series - how delusional I was. Pft..
Tanja: I was afraid for another reason. I mean Melina is, by far, my favorite author and I really love fantasy, so I thought I had high expectations. Well, you can get them as high as you want and you won't end up disappointed here. So shall we say something about Finnikin? I mean he is already in our harem and he is going to stay there.
Glass: He is disgusting creature, girls. You do not want to meet him. (Keep it quiet, Tanja! Do you want them to steal him from us?! We barely managed to agree about sharing him between us!)
Tanja: (Oh, I'm an idiot!) I mean he is awful. How could he act like that?
Glass: He walks across whole kingdom following this weird girl who have strange dreams, he saves her sorry ass no matter how many times she makes him mad or annoys him, he is loyal and brave, and he holds her hand whenever she needs him. Yes, why would you want him? Run while you still can.
Tanja: Yes and then he is such a sweetheart cause he doesn't want to be in power as his best childhood friend was supposed to be that. I can't count how many times I wanted to hug him. But not just him, I could totally relate with Evanjalin, too. I understand her actions and supported them. Same is for Froi. I will hardly forget that scene from the book (you know which one) but now while reading the second book I can't help but cheer for him. Like you said that Melina always makes her characters somewhere in the middle. Non of them is perfect nor flawless, but for me that makes them more real and easier to love.
Glass: Oh, Froi. Well, considering that we are reading second novel in the series, I am little bit  moon-eyed when it comes to Froi, but I have to admit that I had my doubts about him in the first half of the book. Oh, the scene! And don't forget about her female characters - they are not weak girls, they do not need someone to take care of them constantly because if there are no men in their life, they could lay down and die, there is no hope. Evanjalin is one of my favorites characters in this book, well in any book I've read so far. And don't let me start fangirling about Beatrice.
Tanja: I was skeptical, because of that scene. But then again we all make mistakes and luckily Froi is fixing everything with his actions now. Of course, remember the scene when Evanjalin started to kick some guys. I was cheering for her aloud (luckily I was home alone). Yes Beatrice too. I'm still to find out what really happened, but I admire her and the way she walks with her head raised no matter what happened! It's a perfect combination here as you have great characters and an amazing story. Another thing I really like is the way the story goes. I love it that we first meet characters out of their comfort zone. Because we first meet all the people in exile and Finn too and then we got to see Lumatere, as the picture of new beginnings.
Okay, I was thinking we could share some quotes for the end?
Glass:  Do I have to? I want to quote whole book. Let me try...

Never underestimate the value of knowing another's language. It can be far more powerful than swords and arrows.

Tanja: I know honey, I'd too. I love that one and we can totally relate to it. Here is mine:

Then I choose to drown, Finnikin said. In hope. Rather than float into nothing.

Because I'd choose that too.

We, Glass and Tanja, full-heartedly agree that this book is a must read.

Rating: 5 stars is not enough, infinite is a right term.

Until the next time,

Book tour: Solstice High by Ardash Vartparonian

Buy the book at 

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

Book summary: 

It's the first day of school at prestigious Solstice High. Seniors Matt, Rochelle, Daphne and Jonas each have a big surprise waiting for them. When the four friends undergo a freak accident, they begin to develop superhuman abilities and come to realize that all is not as it seems within the bleak walls of their high school. While dealing with the day-to-day challenges of being teenagers, they must also confront their sinister principal, Mr. Devlin, who seems to have more than just education on his agenda.

       Honestly I didn't know what to expect of this book. I was afraid that I won't like it because of the age of the characters but then again this is urban fantasy, so I decided to give it a try. I'm glad for that.

       This started like some of typical stories from my childhood. Kids find something strange at school and they decide to go and see what's that without calling for help and all that leads to something bigger and more dangerous. After discovering something they weren't supposed to something strange starts to happen. They develop superhuman abilities and they don't know how to control them. They have two options or to stick together and try to find the lab or to go and ask the villain. They know that they must stop this as lives of their peers are in danger so they go into a mission. For many teenagers being one is a everyday mission but these kids have to grow up and fight for themselves.

       All our main characters Matt, Rochelle, Daphne and Jonas were different but combined together they created a great group. They were connected more than they though and they strength was when they were together. But some things were a bit confusing for me, like switching from one character to another. I think it started too early because I didn't know the characters well enough to make difference between them and to catch all the connections. It took me some time to get used to them and follow the story easier. But all in all it was an interesting read.

Rating: 3,5/4 stars

About the author

Ardash Vartparonian was born in London but raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. At the age of 18 he began his debut novel, Solstice High, and continued writing throughout his last year of school and first year of university, where he moved back to the UK to study English Literature at Edinburgh University. Now a fourth year student, Ardash enjoys going out with his friends, watching horror movies and reading fantasy book while trying to keep up with his university work. Find out more at website.

Author's 

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Until the next time,

Waiting On Wednesday (#53)

You know the story. This is a meme created by Breaking the Spine and every week we pick books we're waiting for. Here are our picks for this week.

Glass' pick

Their passion will consume everything and everyone in its path.

I'm on a train.

I don't know which stop I got on at; I only know the train is going fast and the world outside becomes a blur. I should get off, but I don't. The universe is playing a cosmic joke on me. Here I had my life—a good life with everything a woman could want—and suddenly, there is something more I didn't know I could have. A chance for me to be satisfied and content and maybe even on occasion deliriously, amazingly, exuberantly fulfilled.

So this is where I am, on a train that's out of control, and I am not just a passenger. I'm the one shoveling the furnace full of coal to keep it going fast and faster.

If I could make myself believe it all happened by chance and I couldn't help it, that I've been swept away, that it's not my fault, that it's fate...would that be easier? The truth is, I didn't know I was looking for this until I found Will, but I must've been, all this time. And now it is not random, it is not fate, it is not being swept away.

This is my choice. And I don't know how to stop.

Or even if I want to.

Expected publication: August 27th, 2013

Tanja's pick

One girl. One road. One chance to save what remains…

After a plague of vampires is unleashed in the world, Katie is kicked out of her Amish community for her refusal to adhere to the new rules of survival. Now in exile, she enters an outside world of unspeakable violence with only her two “English” friends and a horse by her side. Together they seek answers and other survivors—but each sunset brings the threat of vampire attack, and each sunrise the threat of starvation.

And yet through this darkness come the shining ones: luminescent men and women with the power to deflect vampires and survive the night. But can these new people be trusted, and are they even people at all?

In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, it’s up to one Amish girl to save her family, her community, and the boy she loves . . . but what will she be asked to leave behind in return?

Expected publication: September 3rd, 2013

We'd love to see your picks so feel free to link them up.

Until the next time,

Sizzling Summer Giveaway: Jennifer Lane's Guest Post

YA Bound is organizing the sizzling summer event! Many authors joined and provided guest posts for bloggers and there is Kindle Fire giveaway (not one but TWO)! So make sure to enter at the end of the post. I'm hosting Jennifer Lane the author of Streamline!

Buy the book at

Amazon / Barnes & Noble   

Author's 

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Book summary: 

Seems like Leo Scott has it all: looks, brains, and athletic talent. He’s captain of his high school swim team with a bright future in college and beyond. But Leo has secrets. His mother’s crippling car accident has devastated his family and left Leo to deal with his father’s abuse, battered and alone.

Leo’s girlfriend Audrey Rose is poised for her own share of success. As one of Florida’s top high school swimmers, Audrey dreams of college swimming stardom. But there’s an obstacle to her glorious rise to the top. Her number-one supporter--her father--is in prison for murder.
Part murder mystery, part tale of young love in a military family, this gripping story takes readers on a journey from Pensacola to Annapolis. Leo and Audrey must band together to rise above the adversity they encounter and find their true selves in the process. When everything’s on the line . . . streamline.

Guest Post

Ready for Streamline's Dream Cast? by Jennifer Lane

Streamline’s hero was easy to find because actor Wentworth Miller is my muse. He’s a Biracial former high school swimmer who inspired the character of Leo Scott. I think Wentworth’s a fantastic actor who portrays the perfect juxtaposition of strength and vulnerability. He evokes great emotion in me.

Leo’s girlfriend Audrey Scott is smart and loyal. He finds much of his courage from her love. Thanks to Ava from Book Nerds Anonymous for choosing this image of Audrey.

Leo’s older brother Jason is a wall of muscle with a major chip on his shoulder.

Leo’s father James has beautiful hazel eyes and a HOT temper.

Leo’s mother Mary Scott prior to her car accident:

So what do YOU think? How close are these actors to the images in your head? Visit my Streamline pinterest board to see more characters: http://pinterest.com/jenlanebooks/streamline/

Giveaway 

Enter to win a Kindle Fire! But note there will be two winners; one will win Kindle Fire with NA prize pack, and another with YA prize pack. (you can see books by zooming the pictures)

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Until the next time,

Blitz: Nomad by J.L. Bryan

Expected publication: July 26th, 2013

Author's novel Jenny Pox is currently free on Amazon /Smashwords / Barnes & Noble

Book summary: 

They took everything: her family, her home, her childhood.

By the age of nineteen, Raven has spent most of her life in the sprawling slums of America, fighting as a rebel against the dictatorship. When the rebellion steals an experimental time-travel device, she travels back five decades to the year 2013. Her plan: assassinate the future dictator when he is still young and vulnerable, long before he comes to power. She must move fast to reshape history, because agents from her own time are on her trail, ready to execute her on sight.

Guest post 

Diagnose Your Dystopia! by J.L. Bryan

Something’s not right with the world.  You know it, you can feel it, and you’re probably going to die because of it.  Congratulations, you’ve just discovered that you live in a nightmarish dystopian future!

The next question: what kind of dystopia?  If you’re going to live, you’ll need to know this stuff.  Fortunately, we’ve assembled a handy checklist to help you diagnose your dystopia.

Total Surveillance State: If they’re watching your every move, including your facial expressions and body language so they can read your thoughts, and eavesdropping on all your conversations...hey, you’re not paranoid, you just live in an Orwellian total surveillance state! Odds are, they’re trying to control all media and information, including changing past records to suit their ever-changing lies. There may be no escape, so your best bet is try and hook up with that hottie from work before the oppressors destroy your mind and soul.  Good luck!

Game Show-ocracy: If you find yourself cast into a game-show-to-the-death with a name like “The Running Man” or “The Hunger Games,” then you’ve entered a world where game shows keep the public complacent.  If you play the game right, you might just topple the evil rulers of your society, but you’ll have to break a few rules to succeed.  If you’re trapped in a game show-ocracy, my best advice is to contact Alex Trebek from Jeopardy!  That guy has all the answers.

Happy Dystopia: Hey, maybe things aren’t so bad.  Maybe in this Brave New World society, the rulers encourage sex, drugs, and other completely harmless entertainments to keep the population busy and content.  You can try to whip up a rebellion if you want, right after you take your happy pills, eat your chocolate, get a pedicure and a massage...maybe have a nap...is this really a dystopia?

The State of Weird Ideas:  Is everyone forced to wear pink bunny hats at all times?  Or perhaps the letter “Q” is forbidden by law?  Sounds like you live in a world where a completely loopy-fruits dictator has come to power!  Your best bet is to play along while it lasts, but if you really want to shake things up, try being even weirder than the law requires.

We hope that this short pamphlet has somewhat enhanced your chances of surviving through this unfortunate dystopian period, and living onto into the even more miserable dark age to come! 

In the comments below, you could tell us what kind of dystopia you would prefer, or which kind you would most want to avoid.

About the author

J.L. Bryan studied English literature at the University of Georgia and at Oxford, with a focus on English Renaissance and Romantic literature. He also studied screenwriting at UCLA. He lives in the metro Atlanta sprawl with his wife Christina, where he spends most of his day servings the toddler and animal community inside his house. He is the author of the Paranormals series and the Songs of Magic series.

Author's Website / Facebook / Twitter

Giveaway

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Until the next time,