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New Girl by Paige Harbison

Thanks to HarlequinTeen and NetGalley!

Coming January 31, 2012!

They call me 'New Girl'...

Ever since I arrived at exclusive, prestigious Manderly Academy, that’s who I am. New girl. Unknown. But not unnoticed—because of her.

Becca Normandy—that’s the name on everyone’s lips. The girl whose picture I see everywhere. The girl
I can’t compare to. I mean, her going missing is the only reason a spot opened up for me at the academy.
And everyone stares at me like it’s my fault.

Except for Max Holloway—the boy whose name shouldn’t be spoken. At least, not by me. Everyone thinks of him as Becca’s boyfriend…but she’s gone, and here I am, replacing her. I wish it were that easy. Sometimes, when I think of Max, I can imagine how Becca’s life was so much better than mine could ever be.

And maybe she’s still out there, waiting to take it back.

Life Is But a Dream by Brian James

Thanks to Feiwel & Friends and NetGalley!

Coming March 27, 2012!

Alec and Sabrina are crazy in love. Problem is: Sabrina’s really crazy.

Sabrina, an artist, is diagnosed with schizophrenia, and her parents check her into the Wellness Center. There she meets Alec, who is convinced it's the world that's

8 Comments on In My Mailbox: November 21 - 27, 2011, last added: 11/27/2011

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Amanda @Stuck In YA Books said, on 11/27/2011 10:07:00 AM

Great IMM this week, New Girl looks really good!

http://lovesbooksreviews.blogspot.com/2011/11/in-my-mailbox-21.html

Angie @ Beneath the Jacket said, on 11/27/2011 10:14:00 AM

I've seen New Girl on a few IMMs this week and am intrigued. I had never heard of it before! Sounds awesome!

My IMM

Claire @ YA Bookie Monster said, on 11/27/2011 10:35:00 AM

Awesome books this week! New Girl and Life is But a Dream look awesome! I haven't read XVI yet, but I hope that you enjoy Truth!

You can check out my IMM HERE!

Claire :)

Unabridged Bookshelf said, on 11/27/2011 11:35:00 AM

New Girl looks like it is going to be a great read! I hope you enjoy it! I have not read XVI bu5 I have heard great things about it. Thanks for sharing!

My Mailbox

Sarah (The Book Life) said, on 11/27/2011 4:11:00 PM

Truth was really good! I liked it even more than XVI! I got New Girl recently, too, and Life is But a Dream is definitely on my wishlist! Great books :0)

My IMM

Amelia said, on 11/27/2011 4:18:00 PM

Cool books this week! I'm kinda iffy about picking up the XVI sequel, but I look forward to your review on that. :)

Happy reading!

-Amelia
The Authoress

~Sara @ Just Another Story said, on 11/27/2011 6:48:00 PM

The New Girl does look good. I hadn't heard of it before now, I enjoyed Harbison's debut Here Likes Bridget. I hope you enjoy!

Kara_Malinczak said, on 11/27/2011 7:58:00 PM

I got New Girl too! I can't wait to read it. It sounds amazing. Happy reading!!

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Conflict is always good.

It's good for our characters, and it's good for us as writers. Pushing ourselves through the hard scenes, the hard revisions, the tough first drafts, that's conflict. Overcoming conflict in ourselves and our writing forces us to become better at our craft the same way conflict forces our characters to become better, stronger, more interesting to our readers. And just as our characters don't always choose the right fork in the road, it often takes trial and error--and an eventual alignment of whatever planets guide our writerly feet--for us to find the right path through a story.

As writers, we learn by reacting to a set of stimuli: a book read, a scene written, feedback received, or perhaps just the right combination of all of the above. Our characters learn because we put them in conflict with an antagonist, stick their butts in moral or mortal danger, and force them to fight their way back out. Learning how to do that to our characters credibly is the greatest thing  we writers can learn.  Because, in the end, for us and our characters both, fiction comes down to the credibility of stimulus and response.

From the first page we write, our main character must want or need something specific. She either has a goal or a problem. The antagonist, on the other hand, wants something that will prevent the main character from getting what she wants. The battle between the two will wage, nearly equal, until it results in a climax that pits all the strength of one against all the intelligence and cunning of the other. How do we, as writers, get them to that point though? That's the trick. Pulling the reader by the heart from the beginning of the book to that climax, scene by scene, is the key to successful writing. Ultimately, a book isn't about beautiful descriptions or sparkling prose. It's about action and reaction, which is all a response to conflict.

I like to reread craft books. I usually try to get through one a month, even if it is one that I have read before, because I get something new out of it every time. Just forcing myself to think about craft in a new way gives me time to think about whatever story I am working on from a different perspective. This weekend, I picked up Jack M. Bickham's SCENE AND STRUCTURE, which approaches conflict from the approach of both logical and emotional stimulus and response.

Although Bickham focuses largely on scene, he also starts covers the cause and effect sequences that form the smallest elements of a story, the individual steps that begin to build the climb toward the climax. From the first scene in the book where the protagonist's journey begins with a the inciting incident, a stimulus, we writers have to provide a sound motivation for every action by every character. The more deeply motivated we can make the goals or problems, the more satisfying we can make the reader's experience, and ultimately, the more the reader will care about the outcome of the dilemma.

Even less likeable characters are readable and redeemable so long as they are striving for something they desperately care about. One of the basic tenets of creating a powerful story is that the protagonist must want something external and also need something internal one or both of which need to be in opposition to the antag's goals and/or needs. By the time the book is over, a series of setbacks devised by the antag will have forced a choice between the protag's external want and that internal need to maximize the conflict. The protagonist must react credibly to each of those setbacks, and take action based on her perception and understanding of each new situation.

Bickham points out that credibility results from understanding the stages of response. Ch

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The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

My Review

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.

My Beating Teenage Heart by C. K. Kelly Martin

Random House Books for Young Readers

Ashlyn Baptiste is falling. One moment she was nothing—no memories, no self—and then suddenly, she's plummeting through a sea of stars. Is she in a coma? She doesn't remember dying, and she has no memories of the life she left

3 Comments on New Release Roundup: September 25 - October 1, 2011, last added: 9/26/2011

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Sarah (The Book Life) said, on 9/25/2011 7:51:00 PM

So many great books coming out this week! My wallet has already taken quite a hit w/ a handful of these, but I'm thinking another trip to the bookstore is in order :0) Thanks for making the list!

Stephanie (PoetrytoProse.com) said, on 9/25/2011 9:12:00 PM

I love these posts but my bank account HATES them. Already read and loved Lola and Smoke & Bone, but I'm dying to get my hands on The Name of the Star and The Faerie Ring...we'll see how it works out, lol.

Thanks for the post!

Jan von Harz said, on 9/26/2011 1:33:00 AM

I was lucky enough to win a copy of Lola and the Boy Next Door and loved it. Now I cannot wait for both The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer and Daughter of Smoke and Bones, which I pre-ordered. I am also wnat to get The Faerie Ring and The Name of the Star. This week is definitely going to put a dent in my bank account.

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On Friday, EW.com revealed the cover art for Insurgent, the sequel to Veronica Roth's bestselling debut Divergent. Check it out:

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.

I LOVED Divergent, so I'm really excited for this sequel. I really love the cover motif they have going on -- it doesn't make sense until you read the book and then you go "OHHHH". This is really pretty -- I love the swirling tree, even if I'm not sure what it means.


Alethea Kontis recently revealed the cover for her upcoming novel Enchanted. Check it out:

It isn’t easy being the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday’s only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true.

When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical. One night Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland—and a man Sunday’s family despises.
<

8 Comments on Cover Art Revealed (3), last added: 9/19/2011

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roro said, on 9/18/2011 2:37:00 PM

great covers, book3 ver fairy talish

SweetMarie83 said, on 9/18/2011 2:42:00 PM

These covers are amazing! I think my favorite is Allegiance, too. The Springsweet comes a close second though. I won The Vespertine awhile back and haven't had time to read it yet.

Nancy Kelley said, on 9/18/2011 4:20:00 PM

I think the swirl of fire on the cover of Divergent was supposed to be the symbol for Dauntless, so maybe the tree is the symbol for Abnegation (willingness to let go of oneself...)? If this is a trilogy, it seems that part of her journey is accepting all three parts of who she is. Book 1 was about being Dauntless, so book 2 might follow one of the other factions.

SO EXCITED to see the cover! Thanks for posting, Casey. :) Now for the day I can pre-order it for my Kindle.

Carrie at In the Hammock Blog said, on 9/18/2011 4:35:00 PM

enchanted and allegiance look awesome!! off to add them to my to read list!

Melissa (My World...in words and pages) said, on 9/18/2011 4:55:00 PM

Oh I love the look of Insergent. :) I need to get to Divergent sitting here staring at me though. :) Great new covers. Thank you for sharing them.

Lindsay Cummings author said, on 9/18/2011 7:00:00 PM

dang, these covers are all freakin gorgeous!!!
stop by my blog! i have some original stock photos i found that were made into book covers!

http://www.lindsaycummingsblog.blogspot.com/

Jan von Harz said, on 9/19/2011 3:09:00 AM

Loving the Insurgent cover, cannot wait for the book!

Casey (The Bookish Type) said, on 9/19/2011 12:31:00 PM

@SweetMarie -- I haven't read The Vespertine yet either! I wasn't sure if it was my cup of tea, but everyone seemed to enjoy it, so I need to get to it! Hope you enjoy!

@Nancy -- I kind of thought that too, since book 1 was the Dauntless symbol, but I couldn't remember what the Abnegation symbol was. I was wondering where Veronica Roth would take the series after Divergent, so it'll be interesting if Insurgent takes place in Abnegation! I'd like to see one set in each faction -- so 5 in total? But I think you're right, it is a trilogy.

@Melissa -- Ahh you definitely need to read Divergent! SO GOOD!

@Jan -- Me either!! May 2012?!?!? What's that about??? Gah!

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18. New Release Roundup: September 11 - 17, 2011

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By: Casey (The Bookish Type), on 9/10/2011
Blog: The Bookish Type (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  Science Fiction, Meme, Young Adult, historical fiction, Romance, middle grade, paranormal, sequel, contemporary, post apocalyptic, thriller, dystopian, debut author, new release, New Release Roundup, Add a tag

A weekly feature I started to showcase the exciting new releases hitting shelves this week.

September 12

Blood Wounds by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Harcourt Children's Books

Willa is lucky: She has a loving blended family that gets along. Not all families are so fortunate. But when a bloody crime takes place hundreds of miles away, it has an explosive effect on Willa’s peaceful life. The estranged father she hardly remembers has murdered his new wife and children, and is headed east toward Willa and her mother.

Under police protection, Willa discovers that her mother has harbored secrets that are threatening to boil over. Has everything Willa believed about herself been a lie? As Willa sets out to untangle the mysteries of her past, she keeps her own secret—one that has the potential to tear her family apart.

Wisdom's Kiss by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

Princess Wisdom, known as Dizzy, longs for a life of adventure far beyond the staid old kingdom of Montagne.

Tips, a soldier, longs to keep his true

7 Comments on New Release Roundup: September 11 - 17, 2011, last added: 9/12/2011

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Shanyn said, on 9/10/2011 9:59:00 PM

Wow I did not realize there are so many coming out this week! I preordered the David Levithan and Elizabeth Scott books and can't wait for those to come in the mail!

Precious said, on 9/11/2011 3:37:00 AM

So many books coming out! It's a good thing I didn't go out today, otherwise I might've requested for a copy of all of those at the bookstore! Great post!

Carrie at In the Hammock Blog said, on 9/11/2011 8:04:00 AM

i want to read wisdom's kiss and fateful!

Sarah said, on 9/11/2011 8:47:00 AM

Wow! That's a lot of books coming out this week! I'm reading You Against Me right now and really enjoying it so far! I can't wait for As I Wake, love me some Elizabeth Scott :0)

Sarah @ The Book Life

chelleyreads said, on 9/11/2011 9:39:00 AM

i already read frost and it was great. i'm dying to read you against me and drink slay love.

Melissa (My World...in words and pages) said, on 9/11/2011 5:56:00 PM

You know all these are new to me. I know there are a few of series I've heard of, but didn't know the next books were coming out. Thanks for the amazing list here!

Ashley @ Book Labyrinth said, on 9/12/2011 9:39:00 AM

September is so insane for books! So, so many.

I'm looking forward to checking out Frost, You Against Me, Glow, & As I Wake.

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19. Top Ten Tuesday: Sequels I'm Dying to Read

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By: Casey (The Bookish Type), on 9/5/2011
Blog: The Bookish Type (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  Meme, Young Adult, historical fiction, Fantasy, Romance, mythology, paranormal, series, sequel, thriller, bestseller, dystopian, Top Ten Tuesday, Add a tag

This awesome button was made by Lindsi at BSAOT.

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

This week's Top Ten features all the sequels that we're dying to read -- whether because the first book was JUST THAT AMAZING or because there was a GINORMOUS CLIFFHANGER (y'all know about I feel about those). There will probably be more than 10 of these. You have been warned.


1. Mara Dyer #2 by Michelle Hodkin: 2012. If you've read Mara Dyer, you KNOW why. If you haven't, you will soon (September 27! Squee!). The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer has got to be the hugest cliffhanger OF ALL TIME. Michelle Hodkin, you are evil. (I say that with much love.)

2. Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare: December 6, 2011. The end of Clockwork Angel toyed with my feelings for one Will Herondale, and then TOTALLY left me hanging. The agony! I have to know more! Victorian London and Supernatural Things and Sexy Boys Named Will = the Triple Crown of Awesome.

3.

21 Comments on Top Ten Tuesday: Sequels I'm Dying to Read, last added: 9/8/2011

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Sophia said, on 9/5/2011 9:26:00 PM

Cliffhangers absolutely KILL ME. I completely agree with Pandemonium and Insurgent. I am dying to have them! Great list! :)

Sarah said, on 9/5/2011 9:32:00 PM

So many good books, so many evil cliffhangers! I can't wait for Spell Bound, seriously pining for that one! Hallowed and A Beautiful Evil are must haves, too! Excellent List :0)

Sarah @ The Book Life

Tiffany said, on 9/5/2011 10:20:00 PM

I second Mara Dyer #2

1girl2manybooks said, on 9/5/2011 10:30:00 PM

I had Pandemonium and Insurgent on my list too... I've heard awesome things about Daughter of Smoke and Bone so now I also have to look out for a possible sequel as well!

Anne Bennett said, on 9/5/2011 10:33:00 PM

I must read Delirium and Divergent, every one raves about them.

Book Crook Liza said, on 9/5/2011 11:16:00 PM

I really want to read the first Mara Dyer and Infernal Devices books! Still haven't gotten around to those yet. I've read Nightshade and I have Wolfsbane, just haven't read it yet. I was looking around on ebay last night and saw an arc of Bloodrose with the bid at $50. O_O Ahaha!

I'm really excited for Hallowed! It's on my list too!

Jan von Harz said, on 9/6/2011 1:05:00 AM

Spell Bound should have made my list but I totally blank on remembering it and actually did not even know that the title and the cover was out. I have not yet read The Unbecoming of Mara-Dyer, but based on Lori's review and your advice I am very excited about getting to soon. Great list!

Selina said, on 9/6/2011 3:03:00 AM

I definitely have some cliffhanger books on my list as well. And Insurgent and Pandemonium also made it in my top 10 :)

Christina T said, on 9/6/2011 3:09:00 AM

Fantastic list! I definitely agree with you about Demonglass and can't wait to get my hands on Spell Bound. I've also got Insurgent, Clockwork Prince, and Pandemonium on my list. I'm looking forward to Hallowed too.

Jessica Lawlor said, on 9/6/2011 3:41:00 AM

Completely agree about PANDEMONIUM and INSURGENT. These two sequels are DEFINITELY topping my 2012 must read list.

mermaidvision said, on 9/6/2011 5:48:00 AM

I totally agree with Shades of London and Pandemonium! Though I haven't read Name of the Star yet, and am not likely to for a while since my library isn't going to carry it :/

Michelle @ Book Briefs said, on 9/6/2011 8:07:00 AM

cliffhangers are the worst. I just wanted to stop by and let you know that I love your blog and I just added your blog button to my new blog roll page.

-Michelle @ Book Briefs

Lauren M said, on 9/6/2011 8:48:00 AM

OMG, Mara Dyer #2! It's a bummer that we'll have to wait so long! :(
I agree with all of your picks! :)

kathy said, on 9/6/2011 9:24:00 AM

I love how you put more than 10! There's a lot of really good books coming out. :) I like a good cliffhanger when all of the books are already out, but when I have to wait months for the next one it drives me crazy.
I'm excited to read Clockwork Prince and Endlessly, too.

Amber Griffiths said, on 9/6/2011 9:50:00 AM

I love the Hex Hall series! I can't wait to read Spell Bound either.

Books of Amber

lisa :) said, on 9/6/2011 11:16:00 AM

Your list makes me realize how many new series I've been meaning to check out!

Clockwork Prince was the only choice we had in common. I think I'm in the minority but I sort of wish Delirium was a standalone novel. I suppose I'm interested to read what comes next but I also really like the idea of everything ending the way it did. The tone of the book seemed overall pretty dark so the ending, to me at least, seemed appropriate.

danya said, on 9/6/2011 12:06:00 PM

Yes to Hallowed, Spell Bound and Insurgent! I have to read Supernaturally first but I'm pretty sure that after I do I will totally be anticipating Endlessly. Must read The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer sometime soon too!

LethalLovely said, on 9/6/2011 3:18:00 PM

Great picks! There are quite a few of them where the first books are on my TBR.

Aleksandra said, on 9/6/2011 3:39:00 PM

Great picks :) Also, I'm starting to hate cliffhangers, too ;)

turn-the-page.net said, on 9/7/2011 1:44:00 AM

Great picks! I love cliffhangers - but only if the next book is out soon lol :D

My Top Tenthis week

Amy @ Turn the Page

Angelica Joy said, on 9/8/2011 5:51:00 AM

OMG I didn't even know half of the titles of these books!!! For example I didn't know that the titles were already released for Nightshade and Paranormalcy 3 LOL wow pity it's not released till 2012 :(

Here's my Top Ten Tuesday 

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20. New Release Roundup: September 4 - 10, 2011

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By: Casey (The Bookish Type), on 9/3/2011
Blog: The Bookish Type (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  Fantasy, Romance, myth, paranormal, sequel, debut author, new release, New Release Roundup, Meme, Young Adult, Add a tag

A weekly feature I started to showcase the exciting new releases hitting shelves this week.

September 5

Shut Out by Kody Keplinger

Poppy

Most high school sports teams have rivalries with other schools. At Hamilton High, it's a civil war: the football team versus the soccer team. And for her part,Lissa is sick of it. Her quarterback boyfriend, Randy, is always ditching her to go pick a fight with the soccer team or to prank their locker room. And on three separate occasions Randy's car has been egged while he and Lissa were inside, making out. She is done competing with a bunch of sweaty boys for her own boyfriend's attention

Then Lissa decides to end the rivalry once and for all: She and the other players' girlfriends go on a hookup strike. The boys won't get any action from them until the football and soccer teams make peace. What they don't count on is a new sort of rivalry: an impossible girls-against-boys showdown that hinges on who will cave to their libidos first. But what Lissa never sees coming is her own sexual tension with the leader of the boys, Cash Sterling...

Velvet by Mary Hooper

4 Comments on New Release Roundup: September 4 - 10, 2011, last added: 9/5/2011

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Erica said, on 9/4/2011 7:42:00 AM

I really need to go pick up several of those. Sweet venom was super good, I hope you like it once you get it!

Bookish Brunette said, on 9/4/2011 12:23:00 PM

SO many great books this week!! I can't wait!!!

Ashley @ Book Labyrinth said, on 9/4/2011 7:44:00 PM

I'm intrigued by 'The Shattering' -- I definitely want to check it out.

Can't wait to read 'Sweet Venom' too. =)

Melissa (My World...in words and pages) said, on 9/5/2011 6:17:00 PM

Okay, there are about 2 on this list I knew about and want to get, but wow. So many more books! They all sound so great. Thank you!

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21. Cover Art Revealed (2)

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By: Casey (The Bookish Type), on 9/2/2011
Blog: The Bookish Type (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  Young Adult, Romance, Cover Art, paranormal, sequel, contemporary, caper, Ally Carter, dystopian, Lisa Desrochers, upcoming release, Cover Art Revealed, Kelly Keaton, Title Revealed, Add a tag

Ally Carter, bestselling author of the Gallagher Girls and Heist Society series, recently revealed the cover for Gallagher Girls #5: Out of Sight, Out of Time. Check it out:

Coming March 20, 2012!

The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family from the Circle of Cavan--an ancient terrorist organization that has been hunting her for over a year. But when Cammie wakes up in an alpine convent and discovers months have passed, she must face the fact that her memory is now a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie’s summer vacation are the bruises on her body and the dirt under her nails, and all she wants is to go home.

Once she returns to school, however, Cammie realizes that even the Gallagher Academy now holds more questions than answers. Cammie, her friends, and mysterious spy-guy Zach must face their most difficult challenge yet as they travel to the other side of the world, hoping to piece together the clues that Cammie left behind. It’s a race against time. The Circle is hot on their trail and willing stop at nothing to prevent Cammie from remembering what she did last summer.

I loved the Heist Society books, and I've been meaning to read this series for ages. It sounds really cute -- to match its cute cover!

The revamped cover art for A Beautiful Evil, sequel to Kelly Keaton's fabulous debut Darkness Becomes Her, was recently revealed on Novel Novice. Check it out:

Coming February 21, 2012!

A power she can’t deny. A destiny she’s determined to fight.

When Ari first arrived in the dilapidated city of New 2, all she wanted was to figure out who she was. But what she discovered was beyond her worst

2 Comments on Cover Art Revealed (2), last added: 9/3/2011

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Khadija said, on 9/2/2011 1:33:00 PM

I think I like the newer cover for A BEautiful Evil better :)

http://blackfingernailedreviews.blogspot.com/

Casey (The Bookish Type) said, on 9/3/2011 5:43:00 PM

@Khadija -- Me too!

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22. Lost Queen Latest Review

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By: Mark Miller, on 8/24/2011
Blog: From the land of Empyrean (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  Lost Queen, YA, blog, young adult, series, sequel, fairytale, thank you, Mark Miller, Empyrical Tales, Add a tag

Valentina, reviewer for Midwest Book Review, has posted a very kind review of The Lost Queen on her blog.


I have to say, I am humbled by her generous words. I always enjoy hearing and reading responses to my stories. Thanks to everyone that loves reading them too!


Valentina says, "The characters truly shine in this one. They jump off the page, with Zandria leading the way."


Click HERE to read the full review at Carabosse's Library!

1 Comments on Lost Queen Latest Review, last added: 8/24/2011

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Majid Ali said, on 8/24/2011 9:48:00 AM

Please help me for Christ sake

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23. New Release Roundup: August 14 - 20, 2011

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By: Casey (The Bookish Type), on 8/14/2011
Blog: The Bookish Type (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  Science Fiction, Meme, Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, middle grade, paranormal, series, sequel, thriller, new release, upcoming release, New Release Roundup, Add a tag

A weekly feature I started to showcase the exciting new releases hitting shelves this week.

August 15

Accused (Ganzfield #4) by Kate Kaynak

"We have ways of making you talk."

Who now has Isaiah's files?
Someone in the government knows about Ganzfield... and he has special reasons to target Maddie.

August 16

Tunnel Vision by Susan Shaw

On her way home one evening, Liza has to force her way through a group of men in a train underpass. She doesn’t think anything of it, but when her mom is shot dead moments later, Liza’s world turns upside down. Even worse, Liza was really the target. Only hours after her mother’s death, Liza is nearly killed again and she and her dad are placed in the witness protection program. Leaving everything she's ever known behind, Liza and her dad pick up and move, never staying in one place for long. It's too big of a risk—and Liza's worst fear is realized when she gets recognized. The would-be killer is still on their trail, so all Liza ad her dad can do is keep running. Unsure whom to trust and where to go, they're just trying to stay alive.

1 Comments on New Release Roundup: August 14 - 20, 2011, last added: 8/14/2011

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LoriStrongin said, on 8/14/2011 3:50:00 PM

Ooh, LOTS of good books here, looks like! I'm most looking forward to Death Catchers, Black White Other, and Mice. Looking forward to reading your reviews of those!


Smiles!
Lori

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24. In My Mailbox: July 1 - 7, 2011

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By: Casey (The Bookish Type), on 8/6/2011
Blog: The Bookish Type (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  Meme, Young Adult, Fantasy, myth, paranormal, sequel, debut author, In My Mailbox, 2011 Debut Author Challenge, upcoming release, Add a tag

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.

For Review:

Possess by Gretchen McNeil

Thanks to Allison at Balzer + Bray!

Coming August 23, 2011!

Fifteen-year-old Bridget Liu just wants to be left alone: by her mom, by the cute son of a local police sergeant, and by the eerie voices she can suddenly and inexplicably hear. Unfortunately for Bridget, it turns out the voices are demons – and Bridget has the rare ability to banish them back to whatever hell they came from.

Terrified to tell people about her new power, Bridget confides in a local priest who enlists her help in increasingly dangerous cases of demonic possession. But just as she is starting to come to terms with her new power, Bridget receives a startling message from one of the demons. Now Bridget must unlock the secret to the demons' plan before someone close to her winds up dead – or worse, the human vessel of a demon king.

In the Forests of the Night (Goblin Wars #2) by Kersten Hamilton

Thanks to Kersten Hamilton and Clarion Books!

Coming October 3, 2011!

Teagan, Finn, and Aiden have rescued Tea's and Aiden's father and have made it out of Mag Mell alive, bringing a few new friends with them. But The Dark Man's forces are hot on their heels. Back in Chicago, Teagan soon realizes that she is not the target of the goblins. In fact, the goblins call her princess, and call her to come out and play. Something is happening to her, and she suspects it’s an infection

17 Comments on In My Mailbox: July 1 - 7, 2011, last added: 8/9/2011

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Lauren M said, on 8/6/2011 8:47:00 AM

I really enjoyed Possess--hopefully you will, too! :) And I'm really interested in The Juliet Spell. It sounds cute!

Tiffany said, on 8/6/2011 8:55:00 AM

Great books! Possess sounds really good :)

Ria said, on 8/6/2011 9:03:00 AM

I talked to Kersten Hamilton a little while ago, and she said she'd be sending me a copy of "In the Forests of the Night." I'm really looking forward to it arriving; I enjoyed the first book a lot and want to know how the story will continue.

Christy @TheReaderBee said, on 8/6/2011 9:08:00 AM

Possess sounds so awesome! I hope you enjoy all your great reads!

Kat said, on 8/6/2011 3:04:00 PM

Ooh, I'd love to get my hands on the In the Forests of Night! I really enjoyed Tyger Tyger as well. Possess sounds really interesting-- I haven't read much about it. Great mailbox, and hope you enjoy. :)

Kristina said, on 8/6/2011 5:37:00 PM

I finished The Juliet Spell last week and it was adorable! I hope that you enjoy your new books!

Kristina
http://ladybugstorytime.blogspot.com/

Lisa said, on 8/6/2011 10:13:00 PM

Possess looks fantastic. Enjoy! :)

Here's my IMM

Precious said, on 8/6/2011 10:38:00 PM

I'm so curious about Possess! It looks haunting. I loved Tyger, Tyger so much. I'm really looking forward to getting my copy of In The Forests of the Night!

Happy reading!

Here's my IMM post.

Laura (The Zealous Reader) said, on 8/7/2011 7:47:00 AM

The Juliet Spell sounds awesome! Can't wait to read it when it comes out. I'll definitely check back to see if you like it.

Here's my IMM: http://bit.ly/ouffrP

Hafsah @ IceyBooks said, on 8/7/2011 9:22:00 AM

I loved Possess (reviewed it just the other day). I haven't read the Tyger, Tyger but book two sounds awesome. Enjoy!

chelleyreads said, on 8/7/2011 10:29:00 AM

possess looks really good. i really want to read that. i've heard of the goblin wars series and want to read it too. enjoy :)

My IMM this week.

-Michelle

Liz said, on 8/7/2011 1:38:00 PM

Nice IMM! I have a review copy of POSSESS in my TBR stack and it looks awesome. I can't wait to get to it.

Mel (He Followed Me Home) said, on 8/7/2011 2:58:00 PM

I'm curious about Posses it sounds great! Happy reading, hope you love them all :D

Bailey said, on 8/7/2011 4:04:00 PM

I am actually reading Possess right now! It is pretty good with a smokin' hot guy. ;) The Juliet Spell looks too cute and I am looking forward to reading In The Forests of The Night. =)

My IMM

LoriStrongin said, on 8/7/2011 4:05:00 PM

Ditto that Juliet Spell sounds fun! Sometimes it's nice to read more on the fluffy side and leave the angst behind for a bit. I'm looking forward to reading more of your impressions on it!


Smiles!
Lori

Melissa (My World...in words and pages) said, on 8/8/2011 5:36:00 PM

Oh I'm looking forward to Kersten Hamilton's book as well! :) I'm hoping to see it here soon as well. Hope you have a great week!

Erica said, on 8/9/2011 2:10:00 AM

Those all look super great - I simply cannot wait for Into the Forests of the Night! Enjoy your books :)

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25. Review: Linger (Wolves of Mercy Falls #2) by Maggie Stiefvater

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By: Casey (The Bookish Type), on 7/10/2011
Blog: The Bookish Type (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  Young Adult, Romance, bestseller, Maggie Stiefvater, Four Stars, Fantasy, paranormal, series, sequel, Wolves of Mercy Falls, Review, Add a tag

Sam and Grace have defied all odds to be together. Unfortunately, the euphoria of their triumph over fate hasn't even worn off before the universe once again conspires against them. Sam is having trouble filling his role as the pack's new caretaker, Grace's parents have suddenly decided to be a concerned presence in her life, Isabel is wracked with guilt over her brother's second death, and a new member of the pack threatens the secrecy they've so carefully cultivated. If only those were the least of their worries -- but something darker and more deadly is brewing, threatening to tear them apart from the inside out. It's just another winter in Mercy Falls.

In Linger, Maggie Stiefvater weaves another heartfelt tale of passion and desperation. Her lyrical prose and stark imagery create a magical reading experience where emotions run high and nerves are tightly wound. A constant sense of dread hangs over the novel, keeping readers in suspense from page one as they wait for the other shoe to drop on the star-crossed lovers. Stiefvater is a master at tugging on readers' heartstrings, making their hearts ache and stomachs drop as the angst and impossibility become increasingly intense. Thankfully, moments of humor provide much-needed breaks from the emotional turmoil Stiefvater so powerfully evokes.

Sam and Grace's relationship feels strained in this installment compared to their perfect fit in Shiver, as they're both in denial about the cruel twists of fate that still threaten their tenuous security. The narrative drive is less clear and the central conflict almost falls away into the background, so studiously do Grace and Sam ignore it. However, seeing them from an outsider's point-of-view brings their profound connection back into focus and assures readers that the two teens are truly meant-to-be. Though Sam and Grace are young and haven't known each other that long, Stiefvater somehow makes readers believe in their love. After everything they've been through, and the old souls that lurk inside their young bodies, it's like they've known each other a lifetime. They are complimentary opposites, bringing out the best in one another. I love the perfect balance of their dynamic -- they need each other equally, a rare and wonderful thing in modern YA relationships.

Isabel and Cole really steal the show, though. Their deeply damaged souls, hidden behind sarcastic masks, evoke sympathy in readers even as it pushes them away. They are characters of contradiction, and a perfect foil for the profound understanding between Sam and Grace. Their banter is sharp and snappy, and their rough edges feel real to anyone whose life isn't picture perfect. Stiefvater's characters are nothing if not complex, and the humanity she brings to Cole's sardonic shell is endearing, making him a fascinating character in a complicated life. Isabel also has a refreshing way of cutting right to the truth of things -- something all of the characters desperately need to hear. Despite her cold protective exterior, she is surprisingly insightful and self-aware.

One minor character demands a special mention -- Rachel. I would read an entire book about Rachel. She provided much of the comic release in this novel, and was a fabulous best girl friend for Grace. She has so much to offer, and it would really round out Grace's character to spend more time with someone not wrapped up in the pack madness.

In Mercy Falls, love is a struggle. It can never be e

15 Comments on Review: Linger (Wolves of Mercy Falls #2) by Maggie Stiefvater, last added: 7/13/2011

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LoriStrongin said, on 7/10/2011 3:25:00 PM

I LOVED Shiver, and I've got high hopes for Linger. Sounds like Maggie did a good job showing that no relationship is perfect and that there's always friction beneath that Happy Ever After.


Smiles!
Lori

Bookworm1858 said, on 7/10/2011 4:09:00 PM

As I prepare for the release of Forever, I've been thinking back about these books and I really appreciated the addition of Isabel and Cole who I did end up really liking. Can't wait to see what happens next!

ashelynn hetland said, on 7/12/2011 10:15:00 AM

I love Rachel. She is a fabulous best friend for Grace (she's the one who calls Sam "The Boy," right? I read Linger two months after it came out so my mind's a little fuzzy on the small details.)

I like Isabel and Cole, maybe because of their broken selves.

Ooh, I really can't wait for my copy of Forever to come. Great review!

Kelcie Bentley said, on 7/12/2011 12:07:00 PM

I agree with how their relationship didnt seem as real as in the first one. Hopefully forever will be as good as Shiver... Anyways, great review, as always! (:

barmybex said, on 7/12/2011 1:48:00 PM

I liked Cole, but felt he took away from Grace and Sam as a couple. Still loving the series though, cannot wait for Forever!

Novels On The Run said, on 7/12/2011 3:37:00 PM

I've got Linger but I held off reading until Forever is released. I need to recap Shiver and read them altogether. I have heard whispers of Cole being yummy???

Michelle A

[email protected]

TheGirlOnFire said, on 7/12/2011 5:48:00 PM

I am not sure why but I really love Cole. I guess his character just seems so real. Actually that is one thing that I think makes this series so unique, the characters all seem so down to earth. Thanks for the review.

Ashley Suzanne said, on 7/12/2011 6:59:00 PM

Another great review!

Karen Roth said, on 7/12/2011 8:36:00 PM

I agree with the idea of Rachel, she's funny =D and I think the same about Sam and Grace love, their love is pure, despite the fact that they are young, their love is real...

Awesome review!

blackplume said, on 7/12/2011 9:00:00 PM

I'm excited to start reading the series since the last book is already out. Can't wait to get my copies of all three books.

Krystal said, on 7/12/2011 9:12:00 PM

I loved this book, I'm glad you enjoyed it too :) I love the romance between Sam and Grace <-the selling point for me.

Vivien said, on 7/12/2011 10:22:00 PM

I was really drawn to Cole in this novel. His characterization just really spoke to me. Completely realistic.

Ronyka7 said, on 7/12/2011 11:28:00 PM

Great review. Love the way Maggie writes is like poetry. and the liryks of Sam's Songs are Great. I LOVE Cole. he is great.

this is a very good review.

Syki said, on 7/13/2011 12:31:00 PM

My favorite person in this book was Isabel. I like her more than Grace...

ElfRenee said, on 7/13/2011 8:48:00 PM

Love this series! I agree that Isabel and Cole steal the show here.

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