BEA 2013: You Going?

In case you haven't heard, registration is currently open for BookExpo America, or BEA it's commonly referred to!

I already registered and booked my room! 

I already know a few people who are going (I cannot wait to meet them in person or see friends I made last year), but there's always room for more.

Last year we created a Goodreads group for people to join who are going. We have everything from a twitter lost of attendees to helpful blog posts and tips.

BEA Goodreads Group

The idea is to start connecting with other bloggers going to BEA. There's also a place to post a wanted ad for a roomie or driving buddy to help offset some of the costs. So if you wanted to get, but couldn't swing an NYC hotel room by yourself, this is your chance!

Are you going?!

Review: Touch of Death by Kelly Hashway

Title: Touch of Death

Author: Kelly Hashway

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

Publication Date: 1.15.2013

Pages: 235

Genre: Mythology; Fantasy

Series: Yes (Touch of Death #1)

Source: ARC from publisher

Rating: B+

Summary (from Goodreads):

Jodi Marshall isn’t sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she’s in her junior year of high school, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she’s being stalked by some guy no one seems to know.

After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he’s not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she’s part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendants of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned blood writhing in their veins.

Jodi’s deadly to the living and even more deadly to the deceased. She has to leave her old, normal life behind before she hurts the people she loves. As if that isn’t difficult enough, Jodi discovers she’s the chosen one who has to save the rest of her kind from perishing at the hands of Hades. If she can’t figure out how to control her power, history will repeat itself, and her race will become extinct.

Review:

Bravo to Kelly Hashway for writing a winner right out of the gate. Touch of Death is a romantic and thrilling spin on Greek mythology that left me pining for more. There are just too many months between me and the sequel!

Jodi is just a likeable character. She had her dramatic moments, her awesome moments, and even her “WTF is the thinking?” moments. She was a very real character in that she reacted to most situations the way I think a lot of people would. There was no overt posturing or eye roll inducing heroic/martyr moments.  I won’t say she’s a character I fell instantly in love with, but there’s this winning quality to her that will keep me coming back to read more about her. I’m excited to see how Hashway progresses and develops Jodi in the rest of the series.

The only small negative that still kind of grates on me is the insta-love between Jodi and Alex. It sort of made my head spin, but the romance is hot and written very well. Because I love these two, I was able to pretty much set aside my inner grumblings about how fast their relationship came to be for the most part.

While it may seem that Greek mythology has become a fast-rising trend in YA, I do enjoy the 13^th zodiac spin Hashway employs here and the zombie spin. I hadn’t encountered that yet in a novel, so  that part was refreshing. This is a great start to a new series.

Buy: Amazon | The Book Depository

Stacking the Shelves #6

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews. This a new way to showcase all the books currently weighing down my shelves. This week is a compilation of books I've gotten over the last month or so since I haven't done one of these in a while.

For Review:

Salvation by Anne Osterlund

Pivot Point by Kasie West

Pulse by Patrick Carman

Impostor by Jill Hathaway

Bought:

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

The Savage Grace by Bree Despain

Dreamless by Josephine Angelini
Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Trade:

The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

NetGalley/Edelweiss:
The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter
Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza
Riptide by Lindsey Scheibe
Dualed by Elsie Chapman
Mind Games by Kiersten White
The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
Wasteland by Susan Kim
Pretty Girl-13 by Liz Coley
Nobody But Us by Kristin Halbrook

**Thank you to HarperTeen, HarlequinTeen, Anne Osterlund, and Rose from Our Book Report**

Review: Ask the Passengers by A.S. King

Title: Ask the Passengers

Author: A.S. King

Publisher: Little, Brown BFYR

Publication Date: 10.23.2012

Pages: 296

Genre: Contemporary, LGBT

Series: No

Source: Finished copy from publisher

Rating: B

Summary (from Goodreads):

Astrid Jones desperately wants to confide in someone, but her mother's pushiness and her father's lack of interest tell her they're the last people she can trust. Instead, Astrid spends hours lying on the backyard picnic table watching airplanes fly overhead. She doesn't know the passengers inside, but they're the only people who won't judge her when she asks them her most personal questions . . . like what it means that she's falling in love with a girl.

As her secret relationship becomes more intense and her friends demand answers, Astrid has nowhere left to turn. She can't share the truth with anyone except the people at thirty thousand feet, and they don't even know she's there. But little does Astrid know just how much even the tiniest connection will affect these strangers' lives--and her own--for the better.

Review:

Ask the Passengers is exactly the type of book you think you’re getting when you read the summary: It’s a book about a teenage girl who is trying to sort out her life and figure out who she is and who she wants to be. And yes, it has the added twist of the main character coming to terms with her sexual orientation.

I was a little surprised at how ordinary Astrid felt. Not that I expected her to be some dramatic, overblown character, but I felt like there was nothing spectacular that set her apart from a lot of the other teenage girls I read about in contemporary novels. Her parents don’t get her—her mom is more concerned with her sister and her dad is fairly oblivious. That just felt formulaic to me. Aside from the lesbian angle to the story, Astrid felt like any other girl dealing with feelings for that special someone, but unsure of how to express them.

This book is all about emotion. I expected that going in, and A.S. King really does a nice job of expressing those emotions. She phrases things splendidly, and I truly enjoy her writing style. The story flowed nicely. It wasn’t overly long or excessively wordy, which could have been an easy pitfall to stumble into.

Overall, this book was exactly what I expected, but that’s what disappointed me. I was hoping for something that would wow me. Something I could get really excited about and sink into. The setting is a small town where everyone knows everyone’s business, but again, that just felt so done already. I feel like I’ve read variations of this novel before, but the way King wrote it kept me engaged to the end.

Buy: Amazon

Trailer: Prophecy by Ellen Oh

Coming January 2013: The greatest warrior in all of the Seven Kingdoms... is a girl with yellow eyes.

Kira’s the only female in the king’s army, and the prince’s bodyguard. She’s a demon slayer and an outcast, hated by nearly everyone in her home city of Hansong. And, she’s their only hope...

Murdered kings and discovered traitors point to a demon invasion, sending Kira on the run with the young prince. He may be the savior predicted in the Dragon King Prophecy, but the missing treasure of myth may be the true key. With only the guidance of the cryptic prophecy, Kira must battle demon soldiers, evil shaman, and the Demon Lord himself to find what was once lost and raise a prince into a king.

Ellen Oh will be at several events on the east coast during January:

January 6, 2013 (2:30PM) – The PROPHECY book launch will be held at the Bethesda library!

January 12, 2013 (3:30) – Author event with Jessica Spotswood and Alex Lidell at Hooray for Books, Alexandria, VA.

January 25, 2013 – Book signing event with Beth Revis (ACROSS THE UNIVERSE), Victoria Schwab (THE NEAR WITCH), and Jodi Meadows (INCARNATE) at Barnes and Noble, Charlottesville, VA.

Review: The Spindlers by Lauren Oliver

Title: The Spindlers

Author: Lauren Oliver

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 10.2.2012

Pages: 256

Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy

Series: No

Source: Finished copy provided by publisher

Rating: A

Summary (from Goodreads):

One night when Liza went to bed, Patrick was her chubby, stubby, candy-grubbing and pancake-loving younger brother, who irritated and amused her both, and the next morning, when she woke up, he was not. In fact, he was quite, quite different.

When Liza's brother, Patrick, changes overnight, Liza knows exactly what has happened: The spindlers have gotten to him and stolen his soul.

She knows, too, that she is the only one who can save him.

To rescue Patrick, Liza must go Below, armed with little more than her wits and a broom. There, she uncovers a vast world populated with talking rats, music-loving moles, greedy troglods, and overexcitable nids . . . as well as terrible dangers. But she will face her greatest challenge at the spindlers' nests, where she encounters the evil queen and must pass a series of deadly tests--or else her soul, too, will remain Below forever.

Review:

I will be the first to admit that while I can appreciate middle grade novels, they’ve never really been something I was overly curious about. It wasn’t until my 11-year-old cousin started asking me for book recommendations this summer that I truly started considered reading and reviewing them. Before this, I would constantly recommend books to her older sister (who was 19), but a lot of those aren’t exactly something I wanted a kid to read. I decided to give Lauren Oliver a go because I adored her YA novels, and I am so glad I did.

The Spindlers is a magical, fantastical tale of a sister trying to save her brother. Liza is heroic and brave, but never to the point where she doesn’t have her own doubts about things. And I just love her older sister vibe. Being an older sister to a younger brother, I found myself easily relating to Liza. I know my brother drove me insane, but the day he got in a fight at school, I was immediately by his side helping in whatever way I could. Oliver nailed the complex sibling dynamic.

Below is a dark, shudder-inducing world that sparks the imagination. I loved how Oliver took the time to truly build this world and make me feel like I was in it with Liza. Even from the beginning, I was sucked into this story by the attention to detail.

 Oliver brings the same flare and elegance to her middle grade novel that made her young adult ones best sellers. She has a gift for weaving a story that I believe transcends age. Anyone can appreciate this novel, and I loved being able to hand this book off to my young cousin (who completely loved it).

Buy: Amazon | The Book Depository

Trailer: Uses for Boys by Erica Lorraine Scheidt

From Erica Lorraine Scheidt, a remarkable new talent in Young Adult literature, comes USES FOR BOYS (St. Martin’s Griffin; January 15, 2013) a hauntingly beautiful coming-of-age debut about a girl who grows up loveless and alone and, following in her mother's footsteps, begins to believe that if she gives boys what they want, they will give her what she needs.

Anna remembers a time before boys, when she was little and everything made sense. When she and her mom were a family, just the two of them against the world. But now her mom is gone most of the time, chasing the next marriage, bringing home the next stepfather. Anna is left on her own—until she discovers that she can make boys her family.

From Desmond to Joey, Todd to Sam, Anna learns that if you give boys what they want, you can get what you need.  But the price is high. 

The other kids make fun of her; the girls call her a slut. Anna's new friend, Toy, seems to have found a way around the loneliness, but Toy has her own secrets that even Anna can't know.

Then comes Sam. When Anna actually meets a boy who is more than just useful, whose family eats dinner together, laughs, and tells stories, the truth about love becomes clear. And she finally learns how it feels to have something to lose—and something to offer.

Review: The Fame Game by Lauren Conrad

Title: The Fame Game

Author: Lauren Conrad

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication Date: 4.3.2012

Pages: 313

Genre: Contemporary

Series: Yes (The Fame Game #1 & companion to L.A. Candy series)

Source: Finished copy from publisher

Rating: B+

Summary (from Goodreads):

In Hollywood, fame can be found on every corner and behind any door. You just have to know where to look for it. Nineteen-year-old Madison Parker made a name for herself as best frenemy of nice-girl-next-door Jane Roberts on the hot reality show L.A. Candy. Now Madison's ready for her turn in the spotlight and she'll stop at nothing to get it. Sure, she's the star of a new show, but with backstabbing friends and suspicious family members trying to bring her down, Madison has her work cut out for her. Plus, there's a new nice girl in "reality" town—aspiring actress Carmen Price, the daughter of Hollywood royalty—and she's a lot more experienced at playing the fame game... When the camera's start rolling, whose star will shine brighter?

Review:

I have never read Lauren Conrad’s L.A. Candy series. To be totally honest, I considered them somewhat autobiographical considering Conrad’s well-televised history and the concept matter. And, being brutally honest, I never cared much about either show she was on.

It was only after I saw my sister-in-law ravenously reading her books that I thought I would give them a try, and I feel like I owe Ms. Conrad an apology. I judged her books based on pre-conceived notions of who she was as a person, and I was wrong. The only reason I’m acknowledging this is because I have a sinking suspicion that I’m not the only person to feel this way.

While I doubt this series will win a noble prize, The Fame Game is fun. It’s very much a feel-good, don’t take things too seriously kind of book. It’s very much in the same vein as Gossip Girl, The Lying Game, and Pretty Little Liars. These are all series that have developed a strong fanbase because they are just good, guilty-pleasure fun.

I found myself genuinely enjoying Madison and following her exploits throughout the book. Yes, some of the situations were over the top and somewhat ridiculous, but it made me laugh and smile frequently. Conrad has a knack for writing amusing, vivid characters. And I’m a sucker for the exploits of a celebrity-esque world. You have to admit, if ever there was a case to me made for “Write what you know,” Conrad has that down cold.

The writing is a bit green at times, with Conrad having a habit of flat out telling a situation versus letting it unfold before the reader, but that is a thing that comes with time. I have no doubt if I went back and read her first series, I would see quite a bit of growth as a writer.

I really hope other people will set aside their preconceptions of this author (and other celebrity authors) and give this book a fair shot. I can admit that had there been an unknown author name attached to this book, I would have more than likely picked this up before now. Shame on me for that. But shame on you if you feel the same way I did and you don’t give this book a shot. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Buy: Amazon | The Book Depository

Waiting on Wednesday (33)

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event, hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly waiting to get into our hands.

This week I'm waiting on....

Some Quiet Place

by: Kelsey Sutton


Summary:I can’t weep. I can’t fear. I’ve grown talented at pretending.

Elizabeth Caldwell doesn’t feel emotions . . . she sees them. Longing, Shame, and Courage materialize around her classmates. Fury and Resentment appear in her dysfunctional home. They’ve all given up on Elizabeth because she doesn’t succumb to their touch. All, that is, save one—Fear. He’s intrigued by her, as desperate to understand the accident that changed Elizabeth’s life as she is herself.

Elizabeth and Fear both sense that the key to her past is hidden in the dream paintings she hides in the family barn. But a shadowy menace has begun to stalk her, and try as she might, Elizabeth can barely avoid the brutality of her life long enough to uncover the truth about herself. When it matters most, will she be able to rely on Fear to save her?

Why I Want It:
I love, love, love this concept. It's something I haven't seen or heard of. Anytime I can find a novel that touches on an unexplored idea, I am all for it. I can't wait to see what Kelsey Sutton does with this!

Some Quiet Place will be released July 8, 2013 by Flux

Review: Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

Title: Glitch

Author: Heather Anastasiu

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Publication Date: 8.7.12

Pages: 308

Genre: Dystopian

Series: Yes (Glitch #1)

Source: Finished copy from publisher

Rating: A-

Summary (from Goodreads):

In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.

When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.

As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

Review:

Glitch is an entertaining and thrilling debut from Heather Anastasiu. While I will admit the plot sound vaguely familiar as far as dystopians go (controlled society where people start to realize they have emotions), what sets this apart is Anastasiu’s imaginative descriptions and relatable characters.

Watching Zoe “wake up” and start to react to the world around her was fascinating and downright fun. I loved her confusion and excitement. I loved watching her newfound ability as a telekinetic come about and the way she starts to perceive and respond to situation. I was holding my breath as she struggled to maintain her façade as ‘normal’ while glitching.

I definitely preferred Adrien to Max from the jump. There was something about Max I just didn’t trust, and I found myself rooting for Zoe and Adrien almost the entire book. I’m not a huge fan of triangles and waiting to see how they play out—when introduced to two guys in a novel, I pick one and rarely jump ship throughout a series. I picked Adrien and something tells me I made a good call.

While it would be easy to overlook Glitch among shelves filled with dystopians and science fiction, I implore you not to. This gem of a novel was a fast read, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Grab this book if you want something delicious to sink into.

Buy: Amazon | The Book Depository