Wednesday 30 November 2011

I am guest over at Scene of the Blog

Hi everyone,

Today I am not here! I am guesting over at Kittling Books where I let you nose around my writing space. The scene of the blog has actually changed since I wrote it, as my husband decided to give me a space in his office, so I might have to ask to write a follow up post!

If you would like to see the scene of my blog, then please click here. There will be no comments available on this post today, so do go over to Kittling Books and leave a comment there.

Tuesday 29 November 2011

Most Anticipated Books of 2012 in a Series.

This is the second part of my book drooling posts where I get all excited about books coming out next year in series that I love. Next week I will post even more book drooling over books that I can't wait for by some of my favourite authors.
Now I know there are some other fabulous series out there which I haven't read yet, so I may have to do another post about the first books in a series I would like to read too just so that I can mention the ones I have yet to start. 
Until I Die by Amy Plum 
Many of you will remember the lengths I went to in order to get my hands on an advance copy of 'Die For Me' which I loved. Well thankfully I won't have to plead and beg with Atom this year as I am now reviewing for them. 
Isn't this cover just beautiful? I can't wait to read the second instalment in the series.
Goodreads Summary

Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love. 

As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realises that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy. 
In Die for Me, Amy Plum created a captivating paranormal mythology with immortal revenants and a lush Paris setting. Until I Die is poised to thrill readers with more heart-pounding suspense, spellbinding romance, and a cliff-hanger ending that will leave them desperate for the third and final novel in the series.

Dreamless by Josephine Angelini 
Another one of my favourite authors who happens to be good friends with - Amy Plum. I absolutely adored the first book in this series - Starcrossed. I can't wait to find out what happens next to Helen.
Goodreads Summary
As the only Scion that can enter Hades at will, Helen descends to the Underworld in search of a way to overcome the Furies and end the cycle of revenge that has cursed the Scions. But she’s running out of time. Each descent weakens her both in mind and spirit. A mysterious stranger might be her only salvation, but the price may be her love for Lucas Delos. 
As an unforgettable love triangle emerges, Josephine Angelini’s compelling saga becomes ever more intricate and spellbinding. The eagerly awaited sequel to the internationally bestselling Starcrossed, Dreamless delivers with a huge emotional impact that will leave readers satisfied—and longing for more.

Legacy by Jenna Burtenshaw
I love the way Jenna writes. She has built a fascinating fantasy world in her Wintercraft series and I can't wait to see how the series ends.
Publisher's Summary
The veil which marks the division between life and death is falling. Lost souls are seeping through to roam Albion's graveyard city of Fume. 

Kate Winters' recent memory is lost. Relieved to be heading home to Albion, Kate can't shake the feeling that Dalliah Grey, the woman she's supposed to be working for, is not to be trusted. 

Disgraced warrior Silas Dane plans to rescue Kate and save Albion from the advancing armies seeking to profit from the confusion. But the veil will not be easy to repair and Silas knows sacrifices have to be made.

Kate must return to the dark secrets detailed by her ancestors in the ancient book of WINTERCRAFT and learn from their mistakes to save herself. 
Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
I don't think the UK cover has been finalised yet, so I can only show you the US version. This is the second book in the series where love is considered a disease to be cured. Very exciting.
Goodreads Summary
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.
Red Glove by Holly Black
Oh how I love Holly Black. If you haven't read any of her books then you are really missing out. This is the second of the books in the Curseworkers series and I know it has previously been published by Gollancz, but I am going to be good and wait until Indigo publish it.
Goodreads Summary
After rescuing his brothers from Zacharov's retribution and finding out that Lila, the girl he has loved his whole life, will never, ever be his now that his mother has worked her, Cassel is trying to reestablish some kind of normalcy in his life. That was never going to be easy for someone from a worker family tied to one of the big crime families and a mother whose cons get more reckless by the day. But Cassel is also coming to terms with what it means to be a transformation worker and figuring out how to have friends. But normal doesn't last very long--soon Cassel is being courted by both sides of the law and is forced to confront his past. A past he remembers only in scattered fragments and one that could destroy his family and his future. Cassel will have to decide whose side he wants to be on because neutrality is not an option. And then he will have to pull off his biggest con ever to survive.
City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare
I can't even find a summary for this one. Aarrgh!
Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Who didn't try to work out which faction they would belong to in this book? An excellent first book in the series. Can't wait for the second one coming out in May, published by Harper Collins.
Goodreads Summary
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.
Losing Lila by Sarah Alderson.
I just couldn't get enough of Hunting Lila, so I am desperate to read the continuing story in the second book of the series.  Although it seems I am going to have to wait until August to read it!
Goodreads Summary
Alex and Lila are on the run, desperately trying to stay one step ahead of the Unit, which somehow is managing to track their every move. Whilst Alex is determined to keep Lila safe and her ability secret at any cost, Lila’s only thought is of finding a way back to California so that she can rescue her brother and mother from the military base where they’re being held. Struggling to control both her growing power and her deepening feelings for Alex, Lila decides the time has finally come to stop running and start fighting. Together with Alex, Demos, and the people she’s come to think of as family, Lila plans not just to save her brother and mother, but to completely destroy the Unit and everything it stands for. But the plan requires Lila to return alone to California, make friends with the enemy, and to risk losing everything - Alex, her family, and even her life.
Rapture by Lauren Kate
I am still a book behind in this series, so I must catch up before this next one comes out in June.
Goodreads Summary
In RAPTURE, the highly anticipated fourth and final novel in the FALLEN series, Luce and Daniel are together . . . but for how long? Can history be rewritten? Or are some punishments eternal?

There are some other books that I can't wait to read  but as of yet they don't have a cover and some don't even have a title yet.

The second book in the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series by Laini Taylor.
The second book in the Graveyard Queen series by Amanda Stevens. 
The third book in the Darkness Falls series by Mia James.
The second book in the Reckless series by Conelia Funke.
The second book in the Shades of London series by Maureen Johnson
Tiger's Destiny by Colleen Houck
So some fabulous books to look forward to there. What books are you looking forward to that are in a series?

Monday 28 November 2011

One Minute To Midnight by Amy Silver


Pages - 407
Published by Arrow Books in November 2011

Boxing Day 2011
I get up in darkness, while the house sleeps, slipping from the warmth of our bed unnoticed. I dress in the bathroom so as not to wake Dom, then pad down the stairs, taking care to walk on the left side of the staircase (less creaky for some reason). The dogs are curled up in their enormous basket in the corner of the utility room: Mick, the hulking mongrel, an unholy mix of Alsatian, Rottweiler, some Pyrenean mountain dog and a host of unknowns, completely enveloping Marianne, our tiny, delicate golden lurcher. They look up at me sleepily as I open the door. 

Goodreads Summary
For many years, beginning when she was thirteen, Nicole Blake spent every new year with her three friends: Julian, her first love, Alex, her best friend, and Aidan, her obsession. Together the four had partied hard, supported each other, and fallen in love. But then tragedy and betrayal tore the friends apart, and Nicole settled down to married life with Dom in London. But in the week running up to New Year's Eve 2011, Nicole and Dom are preparing for a trip to New York to meet up with Aidan and Alex for the first time in years. But with so much left unsaid and unresolved between them all, can they really return to their old friendship? And if they do, Nicole isn't sure she'll ever want to come home again.
*********
I am beginning to think the run up to Christmas can not begin without an Amy Silver book. I really had forgotten how much I love a good chick lit book and I was definitely in need of this one. What I love most about Amy Silver's books is that the characters and situations they are in are believable and real. It isn't all marshmallows around the fire with this author, oh no, she writes a book that hits you hard and leaves you breathless and near to tears in certain parts.  Her books are about real people with real problems. 

This story unravels over the period between Boxing Day and New Years  Day, with reflections on past New Years events throughout Nicole's life. The reflections are really revealing, allowing you to judge Nicole's state of mind on the present lead up to New Year. 

 From the first few pages, you are convinced that Nicole is keeping secrets from us, which are unravelled like Christmas presents as the story progresses. Even though she is keeping secrets, you find yourself staying right by her side, hoping that everything will work itself out for her, as you find out why she  is really in the situation she is.  All the characters were believable and I felt like I had stepped into a book where I knew everyone from the start. I was the absent friend who only supported them via email as I couldn't be there physically. I was desperate for each of them to find true happiness, even though they had aired their imperfections.  I came away loving Aidan, Julian and Karl,wishing they were  in my life for real. The characters stay with you long after you finish reading the book. 

The ending took me by surprise as it wasn't the one I was convinced it would be. However, I was rather pleased with how the story turned out and I imagine in the same situation I would have made similar choices to Nicole.

I did have a little bit of a awe struck moment, when the story mentioned the Highline in New York, which has fascinated me ever since I found out about it. Highline is an elevated park that used to be a rail line, which runs all around New York.   It is definitely something I intend to visit, should I ever get the pleasure of visiting New York.  Here is a video for you to see how fabulous it is yourself - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLmiaCK0zNw&feature=related

I truly loved this book and will be keeping it as one of my permanent collection. I envisage myself reading it again and again in the future, as I move into the festive season. If you haven't read a book yet by Amy Silver then I would definitely recommend this one or All I Want For Christmas as I have really loved them both. Get your journey to Christmas off to a good start with an Amy Silver novel. 

Friday 25 November 2011

The Lost Angels Avenger's Angel by Heather Killough-Walden

Pages - 328
Published by Hodder and Stoughton in November 2011

2,000 years ago.

Michael gripped the rock in his right hand so hard that his fingers left imprints in the stone. His jaw clenched, his eyes shut fast against the pain coursing through his veins. The woods were sparse this far north and the ground beneath him grew colder and harder as the strength was sapped from his inhuman body. 
His brother Asreal, transformed as he was to a predatory creature, had his fangs embedded deep in the side of Michael's throat, and with each pull and swallow, Michael experienced a new and more intense agony. 

Goodreads Summary
When four female angels were created for the archangels Michael, Gabriel, Uriel and Azrael, a chaos spurned by jealousy erupted, and the archesses were secreted to Earth. The four favored archangels followed, prompting a search that has last millennia. But for Uriel, the former Archangel of vengeance, the search ends the moment he lays eyes on Eleanor Granger, his one true arches. Can he protect her from the danger lying in wait for her-and win her heart?

************

When I finished reading this book, my first thoughts were that Joss Stirling might have some competition when it comes to her gorgeous Benedict brothers in her books.  The brothers in this book were hot! Older, maturer and arch angels too. What more could a girl want? 

I love the way authors are now working out ways to get past this instant love syndrome which has appeared in so many books recently. Within Avenger's Angel, Uriel is on the look out for his pre destined arch angel who was pushed out from Heaven over 2000 years ago. So instantly on meeting her, he knows she is the one he loves. She also has feelings for him but can't quite work out where they are coming from. So instant love can be achieved as long as you are crafty.

I found all the characters to be believable and each interesting in their own way. Each brother stood out from the others.   My favourites were definitely Samael and Azrael. I suppose I am meant to hate Samael but I think he is fabulous. He is the Fallen One, the dark angel and yet I found him intriguing. I must be a sucker for the bad ones. The same goes for Asrael, who is quite different from the other angels, he isn't technically bad, but he does have unusual habits. 

The plot shocked me. The author cleverly hid some plot lines in the book that exploded at the end. I couldn't have guessed what was going to happen if I tried. The ending came with a feeling that the situation had been dealt with whilst someone sneakily opened another can of worms and let them loose to play havoc on the rest of the series.  A seriously amazing ending. 

My only niggle with the book was that I was surprised how easily Eleanor seemed to succumb to Uriel. I found her submission to him a little hard to take. 

Apart from that I thought this was a really good start to a series and I am intrigued how the other three angels will come across their chosen ones. I was definitely left wanting to know more and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. 

Thursday 24 November 2011

Bookangel Emma's Fantasy Thanksgiving Dinner Party


Happy Thanksgiving to my American readers. We thought we would celebrate a little with you over here in Good Old Blighty. One of my bestest blogging buddies and ace personal researcher, Emma from Bookangel Booktopia, has written me a lovely post about who she would invite to her fantasy Thanksgiving dinner party. If you haven't visited Emma's blog, then I strongly suggest that you do as she is a fabulous blogger and a good  friend.  Over to you Emma. 


It always astounds me when I get asked to do guest posts. Why you ask? Well I will tell you, it’s because I am ordinary, a run of the mill mum of 3 who happens to be a bit book obsessed. Lucky enough to get to work with that obsession daily and talk about it constantly whether in the school library or on twitter (which by the way is another obsession). So why on earth would I be asked to guest post??
Anyway, I am spamming the guest post position today and it all started with Viv. Viv came up with an amazing idea of hosting Fantasy Dinner Parties where we could invite anyone we wanted, real, fictional, alive or dead. But people we would really like to meet. See she really does come up with the most amazing ideas. So that’s where it started the guest list. Then I got asked to do a food post for The Emancipation of Pewter Wolf and me being me decided wow lets tie the 2 together, guest list on Serendipity Reviews and The Menu on The Emancipation of Pewter Wolf. Again me being me and I don’t do anything by halves, I have been meaning to do a guest post for the lovely Raimy at Readaraptor for Dream Bookish Destinations, so hey presto, a post about the venue for the Fantasy Dinner Party and why not tie it all into Thanksgiving because I am super thankful to be part of this wonderful blogging community. I did warn you I would be spamming the blogosphere today.
Onto the guest list, again not to do anything by halves – Dinner will be included but the word PARTY is where it really happened for me. I couldn’t possible pick a few people so to start I am going to invite all of the fabulous Book Bloggers that have shown me such wonderful support and been a shoulder in the small hours of the night through a very tough year. Alongside all the fabulous publishers that take the time to talk to me, send me such wonderful books and don’t mind me squeeing over books like the completely obsessed person I am.
Firstly I will be hanging out with the hostess with the mostest, Viv, reminiscing about our teens along with Keris Stainton and Luisa Plaja, they keep telling me they are the same age but pfftt I don’t believe them.
I will be hugging my blogging buddies while meandering around the room trying not to get distracted *oh a squirrel* I would have to invite Alyxandra Harvey and Joss Stirling just to be in total awe and try to get the details of what’s going to happen in The Drakes and The Benedict’s respectively. I honestly do not know how these ladies deliver such amazing books time after time. I would love to know what goes on in their heads. Speaking of Alyxandra Harvey I would love to invite Violet from Haunting Violet to give a reading at the party. How awesome would that be.
Then I got to thinking of other books I had read with amazing characters in for parties. Having just finished The Serpents Coil by Christy Raedeke the second book (and final) in The Prophecy of Days series I thought inviting Mr Papers to the party would be great fun. An origami folding monkey to make carefully crafted, individual origami pieces for the guests. I know what you are thinking SQUEEEE.

Then I got to thinking what other great stuff could be done by the guests for the other guests. I recently finished The Hollow Series by Jessica Verday (I owe Viv a review of the last book shhh it is in the *virtual* mail) but wouldn’t it be brilliant if w also invited Abbey to make individual perfumes for the guests. I know HEAVEN.
I could really go on and on but will leave the party full of fabulous Authors, Bloggers, Publishers to be entertained by the origami folding monkey, have their fortunes told by Violet and a perfume made by Abbey.

What a brilliant party even if I do say so myself. *DREAMS*

And still I see no book review! Sigh. 
Fabulous dinner party Emma, I am so glad I got invited too and got to sit with such fabulous company. If you would like to create a dinner party post too, then please either send me an email or a tweet. 
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. 

Wednesday 23 November 2011

Tiger's Voyage by Colleen Houck


Pages - 543
Published by Hodder and Stoughton in 2011

' Is he going to do it?
I stared at Ren, searching for a hint of emotion. 
A full minute ticked by. The second he made his choice, I knew it. 
Ren stretched out his hands to make his move.'

Goodreads Summary
In the third installment of the Tiger series, Kelsey Hayes pushes through the pain of lost love and strengthens her friendship with Kishan. Despite his strong feelings for her, Kishan has agreed to be her ally in helping her reunite with the man she still loves. Together, they seek to help Ren regain his memory and begin the search for the third magical gift—an object of power that will help break the curse that causes them to live part of their lives as tigers. 
They board a luxury yacht and seek Durga's aid once again, who supplies them with her golden weapons. With Nilima, Mr. Kadam, Ren, and Kishan at her side, she soon learns that the task ahead will be even more difficult than the others. Confronting a dark magician, multiple dragons, and terrifying denizens of the deep seems easy when compared to facing the daunting task of stitching up her heart. Just when she thinks she's ready to set her feet on a new path, she is yanked back with a jolt to the one she's determined to leave behind. 
The jarring tug-of-war that ensues for Kelsey's heart leaves her anxious and confused. Combined with the stress of almost being killed every other day, it would appear that saving the tigers is almost more than she can handle. Still, she presses on, knowing that a choice is looming on the horizon. One she cannot put off making for long. 
Tiger's Voyage is an irresistible romance with a barrage of action on the high seas, where a reader will find a treasure chest full of dragons, sea monsters, knights in shining armor, fabled weapons, and enduring love. The tropic waters of India create the backdrop for the latest installment in the tiger series. This novel, a multicultural take on the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, delves into the complex emotional turmoil and pressure associated with not only making the best choice for a nation but also the best choice for yourself.
***********
Before I begin my review I have to warn you that there may be spoilers from the first two books in the series. If you haven't read the first two, then stop right here and go read them. NOW!

You wouldn't believe how I have waited for this book. Tiger's Quest ended with me screaming at the book - NOOOOOOO! So as you can guess I was desperate to find out what would happen next. 

I was disgusted by the way Ren treated Kelsey at the end of Book 2 and I think I may be holding a grudge against him now. Other readers have managed to forgive him, but I am one of those people who doesn't forget things easily and I won't let him off his cruel behaviour. My views of him didn't improve with this book either as his bad behaviour reached new extremes. He spent most of the book treating Kelsey like a yoyo - flickering her emotions in and out as it suited him. I just wanted to shake him and scream at him - 'What are you playing at?'

I am definitely on Team Kishan now as he has been so sweet to Kelsey all the way through. OK, he isn't as seductive and mysterious as he was in the second book but at least he doesn't boss Kelsey around and tell her what she can and can't do. He has obviously realised Kelsey is a independent woman!

So it seems as I threw away my rose tinted glasses, Kelsey seemed to do the same and although she loves Ren, she knows what  a jerk he can be. However the ending of the book ended on a huge cliff hanger again, leaving me dangling between two hot tigers!

I thought I would whip through this book really quickly, but I always seem to forget how detailed the author's writing is. Colleen Houck's books are rich with descriptions that need to be savoured, hitting all your senses in one go. This series is a like a fine wine, that cannot be rushed. I loved the detailed knowledge of Indian and Chinese traditions. You can tell the author really enjoyed researching these books and wanted to give us the full flavour of both cultures. 

This quest was totally different to the other two as it involved a voyage and I found myself thrilled by this journey. Each dragon they encounted on the way, stood out with uniqueness and quirkiness, leaving a memorable mark on me.  Although I may think twice about swimming in the sea again!

As you can guess, I loved this book as much as the first two. I just can't get enough of the Tiger series. I really don't know how I will manage to wait patiently for the next one. Not since the Twilight books has a series gripped me so intensely. 

Colleen Houck is a natural storyteller, who binds you into her web of adventure, keeping your interest locked all the way through until the end. This book is just as well paced and original as the first two in the series.  I don't think you can read this series without falling under this author's spell.

If you haven't read the first book Tiger's Curse, then I strongly suggest you do. 

Tuesday 22 November 2011

Most Anticipated Books of 2012 by Debut Authors

Christmas is nearly upon us and the New Year won't be far behind it which leads me to ponder the books coming out next year. I am extremely excited by a lot of new books coming out and I wanted to share the ones that have got me in a tizzy. As I began compiling my list I knew I would be struggling to fit them into one list, so I have decided to make three lists which I will post over the next couple of weeks.

This week - Most Anticipated Books by Debut Authors
Next week - Most Anticipated Books in a Series
The following week - Most Anticipated Books by Established Authors.

Now I have cheated a bit in this week's category as I have already read two books that are due out next year, that I would have been drooling over. So I thought I would give them a mention here and a link to my reviews so you can how wonderful they are.



I really enjoyed both of these books and I would definitely recommend them.
Now as to the other books I can't wait to read in this category, hold on to your seats as we have an exciting ride ahead of us.


Hollow Pike by James Dawson is being published on the 2nd February and never have I waited so patiently for a book before! I know I have mentioned this book a few times, but I am soooo excited by it. James described it as having similarities to Twin Peaks which I used to love. 

Goodreads Summary
Something wicked this way comes... She thought she'd be safe in the country, but you can't escape your own nightmares, and Lis London dreams repeatedly that someone is trying to kill her. Lis thinks she's being paranoid - after all who would want to murder her? She doesn't believe in the local legends of witchcraft. She doesn't believe that anything bad will really happen to her. You never do, do you? Not until you're alone in the woods, after dark - and a twig snaps... Hollow Pike - where witchcraft never sleeps.

Pure by Julianna Baggot is being published by Headline in February. How I have managed to control myself and not read this book in advance, I have no idea! Dystopian at its best. 

Amazon Summary
We know you are here, our brothers and sisters. We will, one day, emerge from the Dome to join you in peace. For now, we watch from afar.

Pressia Belze has lived outside of the Dome ever since the detonations. Struggling for survival she dreams of life inside the safety of the Dome with the 'Pure'.

Partridge, himself a Pure, knows that life inside the Dome, under the strict control of the leaders' regime, isn't as perfect as others think. 

Bound by a history that neither can clearly remember, Pressia and Partridge are destined to forge a new world. 


 

Tempest By Julie CrossThis book has been described as  a cross between Twilight and The Time Traveller's Wife. So intriguing! This book is published by Macmillan Children's Books in January.

Goodreads Summary
The year is 2009.  Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in college, has a girlfriend… and he can travel back through time. But it’s not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps, there’s no space-time continuum issues or broken flux capacitors – it’s just harmless fun.
That is… until the day strangers burst in on Jackson and his girlfriend, Holly, and during a struggle with Jackson, Holly is fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years to 2007, but this is not like his previous time jumps. Now he’s stuck in 2007 and can’t get back to the future.

Desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly but unable to return to his rightful year, Jackson settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities.

But it’s not long before the people who shot Holly in 2009 come looking for Jackson in the past, and these “Enemies of Time” will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveler.  Recruit… or kill him.
Piecing together the clues about his father, the Enemies of Time, and himself, Jackson must decide how far he’s willing to go to save Holly… and possibly the entire world.

Fracture by Megan Miranda - the cover alone should have you racing to spend your pennies!  If you loved Before I Fall, then you will love this one too. 

Goodreads Summary
Eleven minutes passed before Delaney Maxwell was pulled from the icy waters of a Maine lake by her best friend Decker Phillips. By then her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead. And yet she somehow defied medical precedent to come back seemingly fine-despite the scans that showed significant brain damage. Everyone wants Delaney to be all right, but she knows she's far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can't control or explain, Delaney finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her altered brain now predicting death, or causing it?
Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who recently emerged from a coma with similar abilities. At first she's reassured to find someone who understands the strangeness of her new existence, but Delaney soon discovers that Troy's motives aren't quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature-or something much more frightening?
 Advent by James Treadwell is the first in a trilogy that appears to take us back to good old fashioned story telling. I personally can't wait for this book. Published by Hodder & Stoughton in February.

Goodreads Summary
For centuries it has been locked away Lost beneath the sea Warded from earth, air, water, fire, spirits, thought and sight. But now magic is rising to the world once more. And a boy called Gavin, who thinks only that he is a city kid with parents who hate him, and knows only that he sees things no one else will believe, is boarding a train, alone, to Cornwall. When he arrives, there is no one there to meet him.
A Witch in Winter by Ruth Warbuton - I know a couple of people who have already read this book and loved it, so I really can't wait to read it. Witches are definitely one of my favourite topics to read about. This is published in February by Hodder and Stoughton.
Goodreads Summary
Anna Winterson doesn't know she's a witch and would probably mock you for believing in magic, but after moving to the small town of Winter with her father, she learns more than she ever wanted to about power. When Anna meets Seth, she is smitten, but when she enchants him to love her, she unwittingly amplifies a deadly conflict between two witch clans and splits her own heart in two. She wants to love Seth, to let him love her – but if it is her magic that's controlling his passion, then she is as monstrous as the witch clan who are trying to use her amazing powers for their own gain. 
Although a perfect fit for the paranormal romance genre, A WITCH IN WINTER avoids fangs, excessive body hair and submissive female leads, and tells the heart-wrenching story of a couple meant to be together, but being forced apart. Seth is utterly irresistible and Anna is an empowered, proactive young woman with unimaginable magic inside her. This is fast-paced, sensuous writing with believable incantations inspired by Warburton's research into witchcraft legend and old English
Struck by Jennifer BosworthThis is another book that I feel I have been raving about forever! I have spoken to Jennifer quite a few times on Twitter and she is lovely. This book is meant to be spookily familiar after recent events. 
Goodreads Summary
Mia Price is a lightning addict. She’s survived countless strikes, but her craving to connect to the energy in storms endangers her life and the lives of those around her.
Los Angeles, where lightning rarely strikes, is one of the few places Mia feels safe from her addiction. But when an earthquake devastates the city, her haven is transformed into a minefield of chaos and danger. The beaches become massive tent cities, populated by millions of homeless. Downtown is a wasteland, where a traveling party moves to a different empty building each night, the attendees drawn to the destruction by a magnetic force they cannot deny. Two warring cults rise to power in the wake of the disaster, and both see Mia as the key to their opposing prophecies. They know she has a connection to the freak electrical storm that caused the quake, and to the worse storm that is yet to come.
Mia wants to trust the enigmatic and alluring Jeremy when he promises to protect her, but he’s hiding a more sinister truth. When the final disaster strikes, Mia must unleash the full horror of her strength to save them all.

Oliver Twisted by J.D Sharpe Another book that I have been raving about, especially on Twitter. I love retellings that are twisted out of shape.  Ooh who  would have thought of vampyres in Oliver Twist? This is published in February by Electric Monkey, the new imprint from Egmont.
Goodreads Summary
“FLESH, the woe-begotten moaned at Oliver, baring teeth which were ragged and black.
 “FLESH,” came another moan, and he turned to see two more woe-begottens behind. They began to shuffle towards him, barefoot – toes blue from cold, arms outstretched. 

The world according to Oliver Twisted is simple. Vampyres feed on the defenceless. Orphans are sacrificed to hungry gods. And if a woe-begotten catches your scent it will hunt you for ever. When a talking corpse reveals that Oliver will find his destiny in London, he sets out to seek the truth. Even if it means losing his soul.

Someone Else's Life by Katie DaleI have been waiting for this one since the summer, when Katie came on the blog to do an interview. Katie is one of The Edge authors who are writing hard hitting on the edge contemporary fiction. This is published by Simon and Schuster in February. 
Goodreads Summary
When seventeen-year-old Rosie’s mother, Trudie, dies from Huntington’s Disease, her pain is intensified by the knowledge that she has a fifty-per-cent chance of inheriting the crippling disease herself. Only when she tells her mum’s best friend, ‘Aunt Sarah’ that she is going to test for the disease does Sarah, a midwife, reveal that Trudie was not her biological mother after all... Devastated, Rosie decides to trace her real mother, hitching along on her ex-boyfriend’s GAP year to follow her to Los Angeles. But all does not go to plan, and as Rosie discovers yet more of her family's deeply-buried secrets and lies, she is left with an agonising decision of her own - one which will be the most heart-breaking and far-reaching of all...
Hitler's Angler by William Osborne  - I am so pleased to see a rise in books that d eal with WW2 and this one really excites me. This will be published by Chicken House in May next year. 
Goodreads Summary
Otto and Leni have escaped to England from Nazi Germany. They thought they were safe, but now the British want them to go back. Dropped behind enemy lines, they embark on a secret operation codenamed Wolfsangel. Their mission is to find and kidnap a girl who could bring down Hitler And so begins their bravest journey yet.
Freaks by Kieran Larwood really appeals to me. Not only is it set in Victorian London, it also has a host of unusually talented characters. Described as a cross between Oliver Twist and X-Men with a hint of Lemony Snickett.  This will be published by Chicken House in April. 
Goodreads Summary
The Freaks are a band of misfits, trapped in a nightly Victorian sideshow. There's Wolf-girl, Sheba, with her amazing sense of smell; Sister Moon, who can move at the speed of light; and Monkey Boy, ace climber and human stink bomb. But during the day, the Freaks decide to put their extraordinary talents to use. And in a world of child-snatchers, grave robbers and dastardly doctors, they solve the mysteries no one else cares about including why London's poorest children are being snatched from the banks of the Thames.
Wonder by R. J. Palacio -This book is fast becoming one of the most talked about books for 2012. All I know is I need to keep my hankies close by! Published by Bodley Head in March.
Goodreads Summary
WONDER is the funny, sweet and incredibly moving story of Auggie Pullman. Born with a terrible facial abnormality, this shy, bright ten-year-old has been home-schooled by his parents for his whole life, in an attempt to protect him from the stares and cruelty of the outside world. Now, for the first time, Auggie is being sent to a real school - and he's dreading it. The thing is, Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, underneath it all?
Through the voices of Auggie, his big sister Via, and his new friends Jack and Summer, WONDER follows Auggie's journey through his first year at Beecher Prep. Frank, powerful, warm and often heart-breaking, WONDER is a book you'll read in one sitting, pass on to others, and remember long after the final page.

Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey As soon as I heard about this book I wanted it. It is set in Alaska in the 1920's and given the thumbs up by Ali Shaw ( The Girl With The Glass Feet), what more do you need to know. 
Goodreads Summary
A bewitching tale of heartbreak and hope set in 1920s Alaska.
Jack and Mabel hope that a fresh start in 'Alaska, our newest homeland' will enable them to put the strain of their childless marriage behind them. But the northern wilderness proves as unforgiving as it is beautiful: Jack fears that he will collapse under the strain of creating a farm, and the lonely winter eats its way into Mabel's soul. When the first snow falls, the couple find themselves building a small figure - a snow girl. The next morning, their creation has gone, and they see a child running through the spruce trees. Gradually this child - an elusive, untameable little girl who hunts with a fox and is more at ease in the savage landscape than in the homestead - comes into their lives. But as their love for the snow child and for the land she opens up to them grows, so too does their awareness that it, and she, may break their hearts

Whilst delving through the Little Brown catalogue, I came across this one Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi being published by Atom. Described as an ideal book for fans of The Hunger Games series. 
Goodreads Summary
Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its protected space, she's never thought to dream of what lay beyond its doors. Perry and his tribe have always struggled to survive on the outside. Though their lives are simple they are increasingly under threat from an unknown - and unhuman - enemy. But when Perry saves Aria after one of these attacks she realizes that she might just be able to survive in the outside after all. And that this one sheltered girl might be the only one that can save ? or destroy ? his people.
Well I think that is it for debuts that I am going mad over. I do hope I haven't missed any out that I will kick myself when I see as I know I would have wanted them on my list. What debut books are you excited about for 2012?

Monday 21 November 2011

Dear Bully - 70 authors tell their stories.


Pages - 350
Published by Harper Teen (US)

I know bullying. Personally and through my children. In elementary school, I was smart. Sort of pretty. A talented equestrian, singer, dancer, and creative writer. I was also chubby. Not obese. Not even fat, really. But not a skinny jeans kind of girl. You know, the kid who other kids called 'Elsie the cow.' Luckily I was strong - the kid who let insults roll off because she knew in her heart she was destined to do great things.

Goodreads Summary
You are not alone.
Discover how Lauren Kate transformed the feeling of that one mean girl getting under her skin into her first novel, how Lauren Oliver learned to celebrate ambiguity in her classmates and in herself, and how R.L. Stine turned being the “funny guy” into the best defense against the bullies in his class.
Today’s top authors for teens come together to share their stories about bullying—as silent observers on the sidelines of high school, as victims, and as perpetrators—in a collection at turns moving and self-effacing, but always deeply personal.
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This is one of those books that will remind you of your past. It will bring back all the incidents that you recall that affected your enjoyment of school as a child. If you were one of the lucky few who never experienced any form of bullying at school, then I am pleased for you, because you are a rarity. According to the statistics at the front of the book,  a child is bullied every seven minutes on a school playground with 85% of those going without any intervention from an adult. That is a huge amount of suffering and is something that needs to be tackled worldwide. 
For me, this book couldn't have been read at a more apt time. Both of my daughters who recently started secondary school have experienced situations that I would define as bullying this week. Luckily my girls find they can talk to me and I have been able to guide them through the situations as well as make sure the school is fully aware and is paying attention. However, not every child is willing to talk so openly about bullying with an adult or a peer and that is where this book needs to come in. This is the type of the book that should be on every school book shelf.

The book is made up of over 70 different stories written by American Young Adult authors and deal with how either they or members of their family have dealt with bullying.  The book is separated into sections which deal with different elements of bullying. There are sections where the authors reflect; where the praise the friends who stood by them as well as a section on survival and how things got better. 

I wanted to pick out a few of the stories which really stood out for me.

Dear Samantha by Kieran Scott. - Kieran Scott writes a letter to the bully from her year who managed to control so many people's lives. She tries to work out how she managed to have so much control, but then explains how it made her stronger as a person as she grow up. I loved that this story showed how she overcame the situation and moved on. 

There's A Light by Saundra Mitchell - this brought tears to my eyes. She recalls how close she came to giving up her life because of the torment she faced over head lice. She was one of the lucky ones who was saved, as the statistics say that a child commits suicide as a result of being bullied every half an hour.

Frenemies Are Not Enemies by Michelle Zink - from this story I took inspiration and guidance on how to help my own children. Michelle talks about how her daughter's decision to change her appearance affected her friendships and became a victim. Michelle showed her out to make new friends with people who were similar to her. I really did find this story such a true inspiration. 

Finding Light In The Darkness by Lisa Shroeder - I love the way Lisa Shroeder writes as all her stories are written in verse. I find that the words seem to sink in more and affect my feelings at a greater depth. This poem shows how a bullied child finds the right pathway to lead them into the light and away from the trouble.

This book is just packed full of stories like these that not only tell a tale, but give us advice. They are there as guidance to show that there is a way to stand up to bullies and a way to overcome them. The authors in the book are all American YA authors, but many are well known in the UK too, so I don't think that affects our enjoyment at all of this book. It is one of those books that you can dip in and out of as you feel the need. 

At the back of the book there are resources for teenagers and parents to help with bullying. Alas these are organisations directed at Americans, but they have online sites which may help people in the UK.

As I mentioned before, this is a book that should be on every school's book shelf and it should definitely be one that all children should read.