The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Published by Simon & Schuster Sept 27 2011

464 Pages

Reviewed from ARC

Summary

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory

of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong.

I had no idea what I was getting into when I picked this one up. I love how vague the summary was- I usually avoid reading entire summaries especially with debut authors as I find too much is given away...not in this case.
  Suspenseful, dark and sometimes creepy I was completely hooked. It was unpredictable and though I had glimmers of where I thought the story was headed, I'd turn the page and something completely unexpected would happen. I love when that happens I want to be surprised when I read and there were a few times where I know my jaw actually dropped open.
I desperately wanted to know what happened to Mara, and her friends. I needed answers and so I found myself racing through the book (which means I'll have to read it again as I probably missed a few details). Noah Shaw was a great *love interest* for Mara, and though there were times that I had intense anger towards him I mostly sighed out loud when I read I about him.  I do have to say . .. holy cliff hanger ending. I can't wait for the next one- Michelle write fast please.

 

Forgotten By Cat Patrick

Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Published by Little Brown for Young Readers

June 2011

288 Pages Hard Cover

Reviewed from Library Copy

Summary:

Each night when 16 year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her whole world disappears. In the morning, all that's left is a note telling her about a day she can't remember. The whole scenario doesn't exactly make high school or dating that hot guy whose name she can't seem to recall any easier. But when London starts experiencing disturbing visions she can't make sense of, she realizes it's time to learn a little more about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.

Part psychological drama, part romance, and part mystery, this thought-provoking novel will inspire readers to consider the what-if's in their own lives and recognize the power they have to control their destinies.
 

Favourite Quote:

  "Funny how possibility can lift you. Funny how reality can slam you down"

 

  I have been in a reading slump for just over 2 weeks, everything I picked up, I put back down. Thank goodness for Cat Patrick and Forgotten because it was the book that pulled me from the depths of unsatisfied reading. This one is difficult to review because I don't want to give too much away. So much of the book was surprising and I'd hate to ruin it for anyone.

  London ( I love that name) forgets everything about herself every morning at 4:33am and no one knows why. Inexplicably though she's able to see the future and knows what will/ or could happen to herself and those she loves. A recurring nightmare prompts London to try and solve the mystery of her past for fear that the nightmare is actually a vision from the future. The other characters in the book were understanding and supportive of London (well those that knew of her condition) and even though she forgot him everyday Luke was there for her.

  I loved the premise of the book, I was reminded of scenes from the movie 50 First Dates with Drew Barrymore where she sits across from those who know and love her and doesn't recognize them.
  Our identities  lie in our memories, and I can't imagine knowing you'll lose that every day. A strong debut from this new author. Recommended.

Fury by Elizabeth Miles

Fury by Elizabeth Miles

Published by Simon Pulse August 30 2011

352 Pages

Reviewed from ARC provided by the publisher

Summary

The first book in a paranormal teen trilogy featuring three beautiful, mysterious girls

wreaking havoc on a small New England town.

Sometimes sorry isn't enough....
It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems...
Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.
On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.
In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.
Em and Chase have been chosen.

  Aside from the gorgeous cover, it was the stories of Em and Chase that drew me in. I loved the paced unfolding of their stories and the build up to the end. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. This was an introduction to the mythology of "The Furies" for me. I had never heard of them before, but as soon as I finished reading, I was online learning about them. Imagine having made a horrible mistake, knowing what you've done was wrong and yet having to pay a terrible price. "Eye for an Eye" is what came to mind.
   It can be difficult to relate to characters like Emily and Chase because their actions are unlikeable but that's exactly why I liked them. They were flawed and I related to them better because of it.
   We all make mistakes (some bigger than others). Em & Chase made a couple of huge ones and in the process hurt those around them. I certainly have been burned by others too, and though a part of me would love to see "what goes around come around" come true, there's a larger part of me that realizes that in the long run that doesn't fix or make anything feel better. Thank goodness the Furies are fiction though or I think we'd all be in a heap of trouble. Great Paranormal read from this Debut Author-I'm looking forward to the next. Recommended.
   
I was fortunate to be able to ask the author a few questions:


My Q&A with Elizabeth Miles

     1.    What inspired you to write about the Furies?

I always had an interest in YA literature - that, combined with a longstanding fascination with mythology and folklore, a love-hate relationship with the horror genre, and my personal interest in the questions of mistakes and forgiveness, led to the Fury series.

2.    Is there anything you believe someone could do that would be unforgivable? What does forgiveness mean to you?

What great questions. Hurting the people I love is a pretty non-negotiable in terms of things I won't forgive. As for what forgiveness means... It means really absolving or feeling absolved of feelings of guilt. If those feelings linger, true forgiveness hasn't been achieved.

3.    There is something special about attending an author's event and getting a book signed. If you could go to any author event who would it be and why? What's a question you would ask them?

I would love to meet Stephen King (a fellow Mainer) in person! I would ask him the classic question - Where do you get all your ideas!?! How do you maintain such high levels of productivity!?!

4.    Which character did you relate to most while writing?

While writing Fury, I really connected with Em. For better or for worse, I understand the pull of doing something that you know is wrong because it feels so good

5.    How did you celebrate when you found out your book was going to be published? What's the most exciting thing that has happened since?

I definitely drank some champagne! The past year has brought such a series of amazing developments that it's hard to choose one highlight. But meeting 60 YA bloggers at a Simon and Schuster event during BEA was definitely one of the most fulfilling moments

6.    Anything you'd like your readers to know? Upcoming events? Are you doing a Book tour in Canada?

 I'll be updating my blog (elizabethmilesbooks.com) with news about my upcoming appearances. I REALLY hope to get to Canada!!

I am so thrilled that  I am a part of this blog tour!

The "Playlist" for Fury:

1) "Cabaret" -- Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
2) "Slow Vein" -- Cult Maze
3) "Disturbia" -- Rihanna
4) "Walking With a Ghost" -- Tegan and Sara
5) "Crane Your Neck" -- Lady Lamb the Beekeeper
6) "The Suburbs" -- Arcade Fire
7) "I'm With You" -- Avril Lavigne
8) "Next Girl" -- The Black Keys
9) "Mary's Song (Oh My My My)" -- Taylor Swift
10) "After the Storm" -- Mumford and Sons
11) "What Goes Around Comes Around" -- Justin Timberlake

You can find out more about Elizabeth and Fury here - http://www.elizabethmilesbooks.com/ http://www.furybooks.com/

Waiting to Read -Dearly Departed

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine. Each week we feature a book that we are anxiously awaiting:

My pick this week:

Dearly Departed

(a debut) by Lia Habel

Published by Del Rey Books October 2011

Summary:

Love can never die.

Love conquers all, so they say. But can Cupid’s arrow pierce the hearts of the living and the dead—or rather, the undead? Can a proper young Victorian lady find true love in the arms of a dashing zombie?


The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria—a high-tech nation modeled on the manners, mores, and fashions of an antique era. A teenager in high society, Nora Dearly is far more interested in military history and her country’s political unrest than in tea parties and debutante balls. But after her beloved parents die, Nora is left at the mercy of her domineering aunt, a social-climbing spendthrift who has squandered the family fortune, and now plans to marry her niece off for money. For Nora, no fate could be more horrible—until she’s nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses.


But fate is just getting started with Nora. Catapulted from her world of drawing-room civility, she’s suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting “The Laz,” a fatal virus that raises the dead—and hell along with them. Hardly ideal circumstances. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and dead. But as is the case with the rest of his special undead unit, luck and modern science have enabled Bram to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there’s no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire.


In Dearly, Departed, steampunk meets romance meets walking-dead thriller, spawning a madly imaginative novel of rip-roaring adventure, spine-tingling suspense, and macabre comedy that forever redefines the concept of undying love.



Sounds sooo good and the cover is beau-ti-ful!!!

What are you waiting for?

Waiting to Read- Faerie Ring

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine! We highlight the books we are anxiously anticipating!

My Pick this Week:

The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton

Published September 27 2011 by Tor

Summary

Debut novelist Kiki Hamilton takes readers from the gritty slums and glittering ballrooms of Victorian London to the beguiling but menacing Otherworld of the Fey in this spellbinding tale of romance,

 suspense, and danger.

The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood—Tiki’s blood.
Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched—and protected—by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold, the Queen’s son, who is driven to know more about the mysterious mark that encircles her wrist.
Prince, pauper, and thief—all must work together to secure the treaty…


Debut Author, early reviews have been fab and the summary sounds amazing! All reasons this book is high on my list!
 
What are you waiting for?

Waiting to Read- Shatter Me

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Breaking the Spine. Each week we feature a book that we're really excited about reading!

My pick this week:

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Published by Harper Teen November 2011

352 pages

Summary from Goodreads

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old-girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.
Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.
In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting as The Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices, Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel.

Early buzz for this one has been amazing and I just love the premise. I'm looking forward to seeing the cover when its released too!

What are you waiting for?

Die for Me by Amy Plum

So I'm a bit behind on the challenge- today was packed full of errands etc and it's now past 24 hours later and I only have finished 1 book- but I have to say it was a really good one! I'm hoping to make up some time tonight. I've read for 5 hours in total.....

Die for Me by Amy Plum

Published May 10 2011 by HarperTeen

352 Pages

Reviewed from Arc (but it's one I'll still buy for my shelves)

Summary from GoodReads

In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them

 apart again and again for eternity.

When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile. But Vincent is full of secrets and Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.

Die for Me has had mixed reviews, but I have to say I loved this one. I loved the setting in Paris, I loved the writing style, I loved the main character Kate and I loved the love-interest Vincent-Boy did I love Vincent(swooning)
This book is escapism at it's best. I know that readers have said that it echoes many themes & elements from Stephenie Meyer's Twilight, and I saw the similarities in story line, and even character development but I'm totally ok with it. Twilight was a wonderful book to escape the world in and so is Die for Me.
It will be interesting to see where the author goes in the next book, but I for one can not wait!
Definitely recommended.
 
Next book- Across the Universe
 

Dystopian Tour

What's a girl to do when Thursday night rolls around and there is no Vampire Diaries on TV?

How about head to a book store for an amazing event and meet Lauren Oliver & Veronica Roth?

Divergent and Delirium have been the two books that have stood out this year amongst all the others I've read. Exceptional reads! I loved the q & a portion, I can't believe how eloquent, intelligent and at ease they were. It was a really wonderful night! (even if there was no Damon on TV:)

Thanks to Harper Collins and Chapters/Indigo for hosting!



Waiting on Wednesday- Die For Me

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, where we feature a book we are anxiously awaiting.

My Pick this week:

Die For Me by Amy Plum

To be Published May 2011

Harper Teen

Summary from GoodReads

My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything.

Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent.
Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.
Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies . . . immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.
While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart—as well as my life and my family's—in jeopardy for a chance at love?

What are you waiting for?

Guest Review- Vesper by Jeff Sampson

    Donna and I met when I worked at the library near the high school where she taught. She was kind enough to let me join the high school book club she began and we partnered running the meetings. I instantly felt a connection with her as she loves YA as much as I do and is such a wonderfully, kind and genuine person. She is also tons of fun to be with and we have the same sense of humour. I'm so happy that even though we no longer "work" together, she's become a very dear friend. Here's her review of Vesper.



Vesper by Jeff Sampson

Published by Harpercollins  January 2011

304 pages

Reviewed from ARC provided by publisher

Summary from GoodReads

Emily Webb is a geek. And she’s happy that way. Content hiding under hoodies and curling up to watch old horror flicks, she’s never been the kind of girl who sneaks out for midnight parties. And she’s definitely not the kind of girl who starts fights or flirts with other girls’ boyfriends. Until one night Emily finds herself doing exactly that . . . the same night one of her classmates—also named Emily—is found mysteriously murdered.

The thing is, Emily doesn’t know why she’s doing any of this. By day, she’s the same old boring Emily, but by night, she turns into a thrill seeker. With every nightfall, Emily gets wilder until it’s no longer just her personality that changes. Her body can do things it never could before: Emily is now strong, fast, and utterly fearless. And soon Emily realizes that she’s not just coming out of her shell . . . there’s something much bigger going on. Is she bewitched by the soul of the other, murdered Emily? Or is Emily Webb becoming something else entirely— something not human?
As Emily hunts for answers, she finds out that she’s not the only one this is happening to—some of her classmates are changing as well. Who is turning these teens into monsters—and how many people will they kill to get what they want?

  Let's state the obvious: there are many YA books out there that feature vampires, witches, and werewolves. Vesper is indeed one of those novels...however...Jeff Sampson manages to put several unique stamps on this one! Firstly, the main character of Emily Webb is, well...believable. When her personality changes (dorky-self-professed-nerd-turned-Lara Croft-take-no-prisoners-hotty) coincide with the murder of a girl in her neighbourhood, she cannot deny that weirdness is afoot. Her observations of both her own behaviour and the string of murders that follow evolve into compelling creepiness. This novel is peppered with awesome pop culture references and humour, along with a fascinating peek into future events with recorded interviews with a secret company that has an intense interest in Emily. I genuinely enjoyed this novel and would definitely read future installment.

Waiting on Wednesday- Wildefire

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by Breaking The Spine. We post about books we can't wait to be published (or read)

My selection this week is :

WildeFire by Karsten Knight

To be Published

Simon & Schuster

July 2011

Summary from Goodreads:

Ashline Wilde is having a rough sophomore year. She’s struggling to find her place as the only Polynesian girl in school, her boyfriend just cheated on her, and now her runaway sister, Eve, has decided to barge back into her life. When Eve’s violent behavior escalates and she does the unthinkable, Ash transfers to a remote private school nestled in California’s redwoods, hoping to put the tragedy behind her. But her fresh start at Blackwood Academy doesn’t go as planned. Just as Ash is beginning to enjoy the perks of her new school—being captain of the tennis team, a steamy romance with a hot, local park ranger—Ash discovers that a group of gods and goddesses have mysteriously enrolled at Blackwood…and she’s one of them. To make matters worse, Eve has resurfaced to haunt Ash, and she’s got some strange abilities of her own. With a war between the gods looming over campus, Ash must master the new fire smoldering within before she clashes with her sister one more time… And when warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm.

Sounds great and the cover is gorgeous!!!

What are you waiting for?

Choker by Elizabeth Woods

Choker by Elizabeth Woods
Published by Simon and Schuster Childrens Publishing
January 4th 2011
240 pages
Reviewed from finished copy provided by the publisher

Summary from Goodreads:
What if the only friend you could trust turned out to be dangerous? A new thriller from debut author Elizabeth Woods.

This one was a little disturbing as there is such a completely twisted ending. I won't include any spoilers in this review. (so keep reading :))

Cara doesn’t fit in. She’s alone. She’s tormented everyday by the girls at her high school, who take pleasure causing humiliation. It wasn’t always like this, before she moved, Cara had a best friend (Zoe) who stood by her and cared about her. Cara misses her terribly until Zoe shows up at her house one night, saying she's run away. Cara promises to keep Zoe hidden and Zoe promises to help Cara fit in. As the days go by Zoe’s behaviour becomes stranger and little scary and people around Cara are mysteriously getting hurt.
This one grabbed me right away. I felt so badly for Cara and how alone she felt and was thrilled when Zoe seemed to come to her rescue. I felt like a such a bystander reading this, helpless to do anything as I watched the situation deteriorate. Shocked by the last few chapters, I found it a little disturbing and was shaken for a while (I'm a wimp though) Overall it was a good suspense filled read.

3.5/5

Elizabeth Woods is a Debut YA Author.

Waiting to Read

Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Release Date: January 11 2011

400 pages

Good Reads Summary: A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.
Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone--one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship--tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.
Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

Doesn't this sound amazing?!!!!!! I can not wait to read it! Early reviews have been stellar!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme featuring the books we can't wait to read.

It's hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine

2011 Debut Author Challenge

I've decided to participate in the 2011 Debut Author Challenge hosted by The Story Siren.

•The objective of the DAC is to read at least twelve novels from Young Adult or Middle Grade Authors. While twelve is the minimum there is no maximum limit! I encourage readers who can read more than twelve to do so!


•Anyone can join. You don't have to be a blogger, and you don't have to live in the United States.

•You do not have to have an blog written in English to participate.

•You can join at anytime. The challenge runs from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011.

For further information please visit The Story Siren's Website.

My Debut To-Read List is the following (so far)

1. Vesper by Jeff Sampson
2. Clarity by Kim Harrington
3. Luminous by Dawn Metcalf
4. Angelfire by Courtney Moulton
5. UnEarthly by Cynthia Hand
6. Haven by Kristi Cook
7. Warped by Maurissa Guibord
8. Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney
9. Rival by Sara Whealer
10. Wither by Lauren DeStefano
11. Entwined by Heather Dixon
12. Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton
13. Posession by Elana Johnson
14. Timeless by Alexandra Monir

I'm looking really forward to partipating in the challenge!