Waiting on Wednesday: Ivory & Bone

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine! And this week i am waiting on:

The only life seventeen-year-old Kol knows is hunting at the foot of the Great Ice with his brothers. But food is becoming scarce, and without another clan to align with, Kol, his family, and their entire group are facing an uncertain future.

Traveling from the south, Mya and her family arrive at Kol’s camp with a trail of hurt and loss behind them, and hope for a new beginning. When Kol meets Mya, her strength, independence, and beauty instantly captivate him, igniting a desire for much more than survival.

Then on a hunt, Kol makes a grave mistake that jeopardizes the relationship that he and Mya have only just started to build. Mya was guarded to begin with—and for good reason—but no apology or gesture is enough for her to forgive him. Soon after, another clan arrives on their shores. And when Mya spots Lo, a daughter of this new clan, her anger intensifies, adding to the already simmering tension between families. After befriending Lo, Kol learns of a dark history between Lo and Mya that is rooted in the tangle of their pasts.

When violence erupts, Kol is forced to choose between fighting alongside Mya or trusting Lo’s claims. And when things quickly turn deadly, it becomes clear that this was a war that one of them had been planning all along. Goodreads

1. MALE LEAD! My absolute FAVORITE!

2. Possible GGG triangle?! (girl-guy-girl) I think i'm already on Team Mya!

3. MALE LEAD!

I am SO excited for this one. It reminds me a bit of Under the Never Sky series--which i adored! Action packed adventure?! yeah, I’m in!

2016 Pre-Order Giveaway!

Hello Lovies! The holidays are here! That means yummy hot cocoa, warm fuzzy blankets and maybe juuust maybe some awesome gifts! (Or not so awesome...one year I received a ruler. What the what?!) So, ANYWAY to guarantee that YOU'LL love the gift you find under your tree (or in your e-mail) look no further! Well...i mean, a little bit further...like just down a little bit, yeah, down there ⇣ ⇣⇣ ⇣⇣ ⇣⇣ ⇣

The winner can choose ANY 2016 YA book. Does not have to be what is pictured above! 

(International is ok as long as book depository ships to you!)

Ends 12/24

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Holidays!

Devil and the Bluebird by Jennifer Mason-Black

Devil and the Bluebird ARC

Author: Jennifer Mason-Black

Publisher: Amulet Books

Pages:  ARC Copy 327 

“Devil-at-the-crossroads” folklore finds its way to YA via this moody, magical tale

Blue Riley has wrestled with her own demons ever since the loss of her mother to cancer. But when she encounters a beautiful devil at her town crossroads, it’s her runaway sister’s soul she fights to save. The devil steals Blue’s voice—inherited from her musically gifted mother—in exchange for a single shot at finding Cass.

Armed with her mother’s guitar, a knapsack of cherished mementos, and a pair of magical boots, Blue journeys west in search of her sister. When the devil changes the terms of their deal, Blue must reevaluate her understanding of good and evil and open herself to finding family in unexpected places.

In Devil and the Bluebird, Jennifer Mason-Black delivers a heart-wrenching depiction of loss and hope.~Goodreads

I was really excited for this one. I went into it thinking it’d be reminiscent of the Crossroads episode of Supernatural, however, it was definitely different. 

Blue’s story had potential yet her voice was basically non-existent (literally). Her feelings of loneliness and abandonment were incredibly palpable, yet she read as dull.

Blue is incredibly stubborn and not in an endearing way. While I understand the importance of items that have intrinsic value—I really do—if it comes down to that item or my life? I’d gladly give up the item.  Blue is the opposite it seemed. 

Besides Blue, there are a slew of other characters we run into along her journey. Sex traffickers, a librarian, a druggie (or two), runaways, a murderer, a ghost (or two), demons, ex-best friends, potential lovers—they’re all there. 

I get that life is a complicated mess full of many facets and full of even more erratically different people but they read as a jumble in this story. There was so much going on in terms of plot and characters and even genera. I didn’t know if I was reading a paranormal thriller, a murder mystery, a religious parable or a contemporary. As previously mentioned, it read slightly cluttered—let’s add a dash of this and a dash of that and oh! A little dash of this! Those elements did not add up.

Then there was the issue of the time frame. Blue makes a six month “deal” with the devil/demon lady yet there is barely any reference to time throughout her voyage, besides the very sporadic reference to what month it was. That bothered me immensely because she was under a time constraint, so I thought it would’ve been more prominently mentioned.  

Blue’s travels were slightly predictable and the ending was a little too convenient. Although I did have some preconceived notions, overall this one underwhelmed me. That being said, I’d definitely give Mason-Black’s future works a shot! 

Has a book you were excited about ever fell flat? 

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine! And this week i am waiting on: 

I really enjoyed the first book, Tiny Pretty Things so i can't wait to pick back up where that story left off!

June, Bette, and Gigi have given their all to dance at Manhattan’s most elite ballet school. Now they are competing one final time for a spot at the prestigious American Ballet Company. With the stakes higher than ever, these girls have everything to lose…and no one is playing nice.

June is starting to finally see herself as a prima ballerina. However, getting what she wants might cost her everything—including the only boy she’s ever loved. Legacy dancer Bette is determined to clear her name after she was suspended and accused of hurting her rival, Gigi. Even if she returns, though, will she ever regain the spotlight she craves? And Gigi is not going to let Bette—or the other dancers who bullied her—go unpunished. But as revenge consumes her, Gigi may be the one who pays the price.

After years of grueling auditions, torn ribbons, and broken hearts, it all comes down to this last dance. Who will make the cut? And who will lose her dream forever?~Goodreads

What are you waiting on? 

The Lonley Ones by Kelsey Sutton

The Lonely Ones ARC
Author: Kelsey Sutton

Publisher: Philomel

Fain hasn’t always been lonely. Her family used to be close; she used to have good friends. But as circumstances—and people—changed, Fain was left behind. That's when the monsters appeared.

While her parents argue and her peers and siblings either pick on or simply ignore her, Fain spends time in a world of her own making. During the day, she crafts stories of fantastical adventures, but in the darkness of night, these adventures come to life alongside a legion of imaginary creatures, with Fain as their queen.

In time, Fain begins to see possibilities and friendships emerge in her day-to-day, but when she is let down by the one relationship she thought she could trust, Fain must decide: remain queen of the imaginary creatures, or risk opening herself up to the fragile connections that can only be formed in the real world?

Told in lyrical free verse, The Lonely Ones reminds us of the need for imaginative play and the power of true friendship.

The Lonely Ones is a very quick read, seeing as though it is told in verse. 
I think the synopsis gives A LOT of the story away, but I enjoyed reading the finer details nonetheless. 

The family aspect of this story was incredibly realistic. The Lonely Ones showed that things aren't always sunshine and rainbows and sometimes an escape is necessary. That's a big part why Fain's imagination runs so rampant. 

I really liked her siblings. Even though they aren't the nicest at times, when it matters most, they were there for Fain. And that warmed my heart. 

I do have to say I was slightly creeped out by Fain's "monsters" and i was hesitant to start this book at night :P

If you're looking for a quick read with an interesting plot and relatabe underlying theme, then The Lonely Ones is for you!

Atlantia by Ally Condie

Atlantia

Author: Ally Condie

Publisher: Dutton Children

Pages: 298

Can you hear Atlantia breathing?

For as long as she can remember, Rio has dreamt of the sand and sky Above—of life beyond her underwater city of Atlantia. But in a single moment, all her plans for the future are thwarted when her twin sister, Bay, makes an unexpected decision, stranding Rio Below. Alone, ripped away from the last person who knew Rio’s true self—and the powerful siren voice she has long hidden—she has nothing left to lose.

Guided by a dangerous and unlikely mentor, Rio formulates a plan that leads to increasingly treacherous questions about her mother’s death, her own destiny, and the complex system constructed to govern the divide between land and sea. Her life and her city depend on Rio to listen to the voices of the past and to speak long-hidden truths.~Goodreads

There were aspects of this book that I really liked. The writing in itself was well done, the world was thoroughly desribed and the characters were all incredibly distinctive.  The choosing ceremony to stay Below or go Above was extremely reminiscent of Divergent—but I still liked the concept! 

Rio was a strong lead with at powerful voice. It’s easy to understand her hurt and frustration and anger. I feel that the chocies she made were well thought out—she thinks before she acts which was refreshing in a lead. Oh and I loved True. He was so sweet and talented and I really liked how the story didn’t focus on a romance but it was included. (I love me some fictional romance!)

The one aspect I wasn’t necessarily a fan of or didn’t find laid out exactly right, was the whole siren thing. I'm still not sure as to why being a siren was such a big deal. I personally think Condie should’ve stuck with the whole Above/Below, City in Peril/save the city type stuff. 

Atlantia is a quick read with a unique storyline. I know there was an epilogue but there could totally be a sequel and I’d for sure read it!

Teaser Tuesday: Devil and the Bluebird

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB over at A Daily Rhythm.

To participate all you have to do is:

•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 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!

            “Old stories meant nothing or everything, depending on who you asked. Her mother would have said that a story could change anything—the world, time, the future—” ARC Pg. 1

I'm enjoying this one so far! What are YOU reading this week?

Tiny Pretty Things by Sona Charaipotra & Dhonielle Clayton

Tiny Pretty Things

Author(s): Sona Charaipotra & Dhonielle Clayton

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 448

Black Swan meets Pretty Little Liars in this soapy, drama-packed novel featuring diverse characters who will do anything to be the prima at their elite ballet school.

Gigi, Bette, and June, three top students at an exclusive Manhattan ballet school, have seen their fair share of drama. Free-spirited new girl Gigi just wants to dance—but the very act might kill her. Privileged New Yorker Bette's desire to escape the shadow of her ballet star sister brings out a dangerous edge in her. And perfectionist June needs to land a lead role this year or her controlling mother will put an end to her dancing dreams forever. When every dancer is both friend and foe, the girls will sacrifice, manipulate, and backstab to be the best of the best.~Goodreads

I loved the ballet aspect of this book—the rehearsals and the performances were all described so beautifully it kind of made me want to be a ballerina. But then we also see the less glamours side of being a ballerina and I was like, "nah, I'm good." Something I picked up on while reading was that they all sweat—a lot. Which, I totally understand they are exerting tons of energy by either practicing or performing but sweat was constantly beading or dripping or collecting somewhere, even when they weren’t practicing. It was perhaps a touch over mentioned. 

I really enjoy the alternating points-of-view in this book as well. The three girls were all equally compelling, had their own unique voice and kept me intrigued.   

At first, I thought that Bette would be my favorite but then I discovered how rude/slightly crazy she was. That girl has some serious issues. There were times I sympathized with her but soon I realized she caused a lot of her own problems. 

Gigi was a touch naïve but she’s so sweet I couldn’t help but root for her. Everyone else read as more mature, older but you can tell with Gigi she’s just a sixteen-year-old girl who loves ballet, and I liked that a lot.

And June is…a puzzle. She is so back and forth I can’t tell exactly who she is. I want to learn more about her. I think I like her. Yeah. Pretty sure I do. 

The story is definitely about the drama filled life of the girls, no doubting that, but there are some key male leads in the story as well. Alec, who is Ballet’s 'It Boy' was a little too perfect for my tastes. (Super nice guy, but maybe just a titch too nice.) Will, who is Alec’s best friend felt a little like a filler character, but he was kind of adorable nonetheless. And then there’s Henri. Now, I usually don’t use these words to describe a fictional boy but…he was disgusting. He made me sick. He was overly aggressive and predatory and NOT in the sexy way. Just no.

Another aspect I didn’t necessarily like was that multiple characters were hooking up with people who were already in relationships. Which, yes, I totally get the scandal factor of that but after the second infidelity I was shaking my head a little bit.

Tiny Pretty Things is a face-paced book that doesn’t read like almost 450 pages. It kept me captivated and invested to the point where I wanted to skip ahead to find out what was going to happen a few times. Drama, gossip, secrets, deceit, blackmail, manipulation—it's all in here. It's like a ballet version of Gossip Girl, and I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel, Shiny Broken Pieces! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope y'all eat lots of yummy food and have no regrets or tummy aches!

Enjoy the day with the people you care about and love.

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine! And this week i am waiting on:

As Princess of Wonderland Palace and the future Queen of Hearts, Dinah’s days are an endless

monotony of tea, tarts, and a stream of vicious humiliations at the hands of her father, the King of Hearts. The only highlight of her days is visiting Wardley, her childhood best friend, the future Knave of Hearts — and the love of her life.

When an enchanting stranger arrives at the Palace, Dinah watches as everything she’s ever wanted threatens to crumble. As her coronation date approaches, a series of suspicious and bloody events suggests that something sinister stirs in the whimsical halls of Wonderland. It’s up to Dinah to unravel the mysteries that lurk both inside and under the Palace before she loses her own head to a clever and faceless foe.

Part epic fantasy, part twisted fairy tale, this dazzling saga will have readers shivering as Dinahs furious nature sweeps Wonderland up in the maelstrom of her wrath. 

Familiar characters such as Cheshire, the White Rabbit, and the Mad Hatter make their appearance, enchanting readers with this new, dark take on Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.~Goodreads

Yes. Just yes. Whimsical Wonderland, Wardley, the White Rabbit?! Yes. AND THAT COVER?! So insanely gorgeous. I need this book! 

What are YOU waiting on?

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Everything, Everything

Author: Nicola Yoon

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Pages: 308

My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I’m allergic to the world. I don’t leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mom and my nurse, Carla.

But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He’s tall, lean and wearing all black—black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.

Maybe we can’t predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It’s almost certainly going to be a disaster. ~Goodreads

Everything, Everything took me by total surprise. This book is funny and heartbreaking and cute and frightening and everything. Everything. 

I really enjoyed the characters in this book. You’d think Madeline would be so utterly depressed from not being able to do anything or go anywhere but she is has a strong sassy spirit. I really enjoyed seeing her checkup charts; I thought that was a unique touch. (The ways the chapters are set up make it such a fast read.) I also thought it was neat that her mom was her doctor, maybe a touch overly protective, but rightfully so. 

Then there is Olly. Oh, how there is Olly. I adored Olly. I mean the boy does parkour for crying out loud = h.o.t. He is sweet and funny and his e-mails/AIMs with Mads?! Loved. But my favorite thing they do? Window staring. Sounds super creepy, I know, but it’s actually the cutest thing and it made my heart do weird flippy floppy things.

The twist to this story?! THE TWIST! I did NOT see it coming and oh my goodness gracious. Just wowza. Perfect. A+. 

This book was so, so good. I would DEFINITELY recommend!