In My Mailbox (#29)

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren.  It's a perfect way to see who's reading and review what.  Awesome!

 

 

I got some brilliant review books this week from Penguin, so thank you! :)  I didn't really go anywhere to get books - I don't feel great :(  - so I didn't get a chance to go mad on books.  Which is a shame, really.  I do like book-shopping sprees.  Instead I've got a few from Netgalley and ordered in.  :D  This is what I got...

 

For Review:

 

 

Junk by Kevin Burgess (Goodreads | Amazon)

This is one of the best-known teen books of 1990s.  It does look really good, and about a really strong topic...  I can't wait to read it!

Kill All Enemies by Kevin Burgess (Goodreads | Amazon)

Ever Felt Like You Just Don't Fit In?

Kevin Burgess has been described as "one of the best writers in contempory children's literature".  From what little of this book, I can say I agree with this.  His writing is amazing, the characters real and I can feel everything.  And I'm only something like 50 pages in!  A very, very, very big 'Thank You' to Penguin!

Defiance by G.C. Naffin (Goodreads | Amazon)

She Lost Everything To The Enemy...

This looks great: I can't wait to get started on it!  Thanks Gina!

 

 

Bought:

 

 

Century by Sarah Singleton (Goodreads | Amazon)

This one looks wonderfully creepy.  Two girls, who have never questioned why each day is exactly the same as before... 'til they meet a stranger...  I'm hooked by that!  :D

The Island by Sarah Singleton (Goodreads | Amazon)

Murder In Paradise...

Who doesn't like a good murder?  And, no, that is not meant to sound as creepy as it did.  This book just looks brilliant.  And the cover is pretty. :)

 

 

NetGalley:

 

 

 

The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees (Goodreads | Amazon | NetGalley)

Will Romeo Steal Her Heart Before Time Steals Him Away?

This looks wonderful and, loving Romeo and Juliet as I do, I just know I'll love this too!

The Butterfly Clues by Kate Ellison (Goodreads | Amazon | NetGalley)

This one looks amazing and beautiful and sad.  And isn't the cover just the most beautiful thing ever?

You Are My Only by Beth Kephart (Goodreads | Amazon | NetGalley)

This... this looks heartbreaking.  So beautiful...  I can't wait to read it!

Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (Goodreads | Amazon | NetGalley)

Now this one looks incredible!  Every other day, Kali is a normal girl.  Every day inbetween... Kali is a kick-butt demon hunter!  Awesome, right? :D

Without Tess by Marcella Pixley (Goodreads | Amazon | NetGalley)

This just looks beautiful too.  And so sad.  Can't wait to read it!

 

 

That's me.  It was a long'un, so sorry!

 

What was in your mailbox this week?

Stealing Phoenix by Joss Stirling

Series: Benedict, Book Two

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Format: ARC

Published: 7^th May 201

Number of Pages: 272

Book: For Review From OUP*

Genre: Paranormal, Dark Romance, Urban Fantasy, Magic, Action, YA

Recommended Age: 12+

Contains: Violence, Mild Swearing

No Alcohol, Drug References

Author's Blog: Joss Stirling

Yves' story.

This is about getting you out...I'm stealing you.

Phoenix belongs to the Community - a gang of thieves with paranormal powers. Yves Benedict - an American student visiting London - is her mark. But Yves turns out to be more than just a target. He is her destiny. Her soulmate. But the Community owns Phoenix's past and it wants her future too.

Review:

Phoenix is a thief, part of a secretive criminal group of Savants, known as the Community.  Life for her is difficult, and failing a job could end in death – your own.  So when a college boy seems to fight back against her powers during a run-of-the-mill theft, Phee knows how it can all end.  Not well.  Phoenix never expected the truth.  But what will she do when the leader of the Community tries to use her against her soulfinder?  And the whole of Savant Net?

Now, I read Finding Sky just a little while ago and adored it.  I loved the world, the romance, the characters: everything.  And I just couldn’t see how Stealing Phoenix was going to live up to it.  I am ever so pleased to say that the sequel completely surpassed the first!  There was more romance, more humour, more action, and more family drama.  So, if you haven’t guessed yet: I loved Stealing Phoenix!

Once again, I have to applaud Joss on her amazing characters: they’re so believable and, well, amazing!  Phoenix was a strong lead with the most incredible powers, which I won’t give away now – but let me tell you: I want them!  Phee has been damaged by previous events, stealing only because she has to.  Her life has been absolutely horrid, devoid of love, trust and normalcy.  Her gifts are the one thing she can count on, the one stable thing throughout everything.  For her, soulfinders are a myth, a pretty fairy-tale told to children to give them hope in an otherwise hopeless situation.  But that changes when she meets Yves, quite possibly the most amazing boy out there – I mean, cute and clever?  What more could a girl want in Prince Charming?  But underneath the self-consciousness, however, there’s energy, an internal fire burning within.  And, let me just add, he absolutely lives up to that “Yummy Yves” quote from Finding Sky: he’s perfect.  When Phoenix and Yves were together I laughed and “ahh”ed: they’re so cute and so wonderful together!  And, again, Joss Stirling managed to make the “soulmate” aspect completely and utterly believable. 

Plus the family side – which was my favourite aspect of Finding Sky – was just as perfect as ever, and just as realistic.  I felt the family bond, the familiar teasing which was so similar to that among my own family.  The friendship between Phee and Sky was particularly special, as it was the first one Phee had ever had, something that really got to me.  (What must it be like, to live eighteen years without a single true friend?)  Then there’s the brothers; Trace through to Zed, because, after all, A-B-C-etc. is far too boring!  Zed, in particular, absolutely kills me, though all the boys are hilarious: I love them to pieces!  While we’re on the subject, could I have a Benedict?  Please?

The plot was fast; I was dragged straight into the action.  And from then on in, it was non-stop: I didn’t – couldn’t – stop reading.  It just gripped me, and didn’t let me go until the very last word, which left me desperate for more.

Joss Stirling is fast becoming one of my favourite authors, and these two books about the Savants are definitely up there on my Top Ten list.  The moment I put down Stealing Phoenix I felt the desperation inside of me to just pick it up and read it all over again.  I am literally praying for a long, long, long series: I have to know if all of the brothers find their perfect soulfinder.  Also, I’m not sure how long I can live without my favourite characters!  An brilliant, fantastic book that is sure to have you dreaming about superpowers and telekinesis (in my dreams, I can read minds and lasso eggs). 

Star Rating:
5 Out of 5

Read this book if you liked:

Finding Sky by Joss Stirling

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

Challenges It's Taking Part In:

100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2011 (Hosted by Book Chick City)

British Book Challenge (Hosted by The Bookette)

Happy Reading

Megan

* This book was received from OUP in exchange for an honest review

Stealing Phoenix by Joss Stirling: An Extract

Today I have a special treat for you all, thanks to OUP.  I have an extract from Joss Stirling's upcoming novel Stealing Phoenix...  I hope you all enjoy it!

 

Stealing Phoenix by Joss Stirling

Published: 1st September 2011

Published By: OUP Oxford

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Yves' story.
This is about getting you out...I'm stealing you.
Phoenix belongs to the Community - a gang of thieves with paranormal powers. Yves Benedict - an American student visiting London - is her mark. But Yves turns out to be more than just a target. He is her destiny. Her soulmate. But the Community owns Phoenix's past and it wants her future too.

Enjoy the extract....

 

A tap on the door. ‘Phee, are you OK in there?’ Yves.

I banged my head softly on the wood behind me.

‘Look, sorry I came out with it like that. I tell my brothers everything—we’re really close. I should’ve thought what you might think.’

Yeah, you should’ve.

‘He won’t mind if I don’t mind—about the stealing thing.’

Well done him. God, I was so tired of all this. Yves had clearly not smoothed out his rough edges when it came to handling girls if he thought this excuse for an apology would sweeten my sour mood.  A trickle of flame poured under the door then spun to form a little ball of fi re. Was he trying to burn me out? I yelped and scurried backwards, but then saw that the carpet was not even singed.

‘For you,’ said Yves quietly.

The ball began to spin faster, then split in to three different spheres, flame-yellow, white-hot and blue like a gas ring—three little planets revolving around each other. Suddenly, they flared open, forming into the shape of flowers in bloom. They came to rest at my feet like lilies on a pool before snuffing out of existence, leaving only a faint smell of smoke behind. Nothing was damaged; not even a soot mark on the floor where they had been.

I was stunned: no one had ever given me flowers before. That had been awesome; I’d never thought to create something beautiful out of my powers but Yves must have spent a long time honing his skill to do so.

Like what you read?  The rest of the book, well, it's even better...

In My Mailbox (#28)

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren.  It's a perfect way to see who's reading and review what.  Awesome!

I got some brilliant review books this week!  And - this one shocked me too - I only bought ONE book.  ONE!  I'm a little worried about myself...  Maybe I should take my temperature? ;) 

Anyway, this is what I got...

For Review:

Marshmallow Skye (The Chocolate Box Girls, Book Two) by Cathy Cassidy (Goodreads | Amazon)

I love, love, love Cathy Cassidy, and though I haven't read the first in this series, I can't wait to give this one a go!  And isn't the cover just so cute?!  Thanks Penguin!

Time Out of Time (Chronosphere, Book One) by Alex Woolf (Goodreads | Amazon)

Malfunction (Chronosphere, Book One) by Alex Woolf (Goodreads | Amazon)
Having read something by Alex Woolf before, I'm really excited to read these two!  Thank you to Scribblers!

Dawn's End by Bonnie Ferrante (Goodreads | Amazon)

This looks wonderful too, and the cover is gorgeous.  Thanks Bonnie!

Being Human by Patricia Lynne (Goodreads | Amazon)

Lovin' the look of this one: vampires!  Yes!  ;)  Thanks Patricia!

Bought:

The Power of Six (Lorien Legacies, Book Two) by Pittacus Lore (Goodreads | Amazon)

I Am Number Seven.

And I Am Ready To Fight.

I read I Am Number Four earlier this year and loved it.  So, of course, I had to buy this.  Can't wait to read it!

 

From the Library:

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher (Goodreads | Amazon)

There Are Thirteen Reasons Why Your Friend Died.  You Are One Of Them.

I've been wanting to read this for aaages!  And now - finally - yes!  It's really good so far.

Forgive My Fins (Fins, Book One) by Tera Lynn Childs (Goodreads | Amazon)

I saw this on Sammee (I Want To Read That)'s blog, and thought: Oooh!  So when I saw it in the library... well.  How could I say no?  Plus, the covers really pretty and shiny.  :)

White Cat (Curse Workers, Book One) by Holly Black (Goodreads | Amazon)

You're Only A Fingertip Away From Another World...

Yay yay yay!  I'm super excited about this one!  I love Holly Black!

Well, that's me.  I'm really looking forward to reading them all!

What's in your mailbox this week?

Need by Carrie Jones

Series: Need, Book One

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Format: Paperback

Published: 1^st February 2010

Number of Pages: 320

Book: Bought

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Supernatural, Fantasy, Action Adventure, YA

Recommended Age: 12+

Contains: Violence

No Alcohol, Drug References

Author's Blog: Carrie Jones

“Panic shoots through my head.

Fireworks.  Explosions.  All inside my brain.

The white world goes dark and I know what’s about to happen.”

Zara White suspects a freaky guy is stalking her.  She memorises phobias and chants them when she’s nervous.  OK, she hasn’t exactly been herself since her stepfather died.  But moving to a freezing Maine town to stay with her grandmother is supposed to be the perfect fix – so her mum says.

Except, this plan of sending Zara away to help her stay sane?  Yeah, not working.  Turns out the stalker is not a figment of Zara’s imagination.  He’s still following her, leaving behind an eerie trail of gold dust.  There’s something no right – no human – in this sleepy Maine town, and all signs are pointing to Zara.

Review:

Zara’s father died, leaving her a lifeless shell.  Her mother decides to send her to Maine, to her grandmother, to try and get her back.  But once in Maine, Zara discovers that a man is following her, leaving behind a trail of golden dust.  Is he something human, like a psycho stalker?  Or should Zara believe her new friends?  That the ‘man’ is, in fact, something otherworldly.  Something that will not stop until he has Zara…

This was a really new, inventive take on the faerie-pixie-were lore, a take I loved.  The whole Shining Ones mythology was brilliant, and I really cannot wait to see more paranormal beings in future books.  The writing was wonderful, the plot brilliant and the characters real.  I can’t wait to see where the rest of the series takes me!

Zara was a great lead!  Kind, loving, brave and a pacifist, she had this habit – a quirk, really – of reciting phobias when she got nervous – something I found totally cute and really interesting.  Plus I just loved her stubbornness, though it did make it slightly hard for to accept the blatantly obvious.  She was just an overall great, quirky, cute, funny lead, and I loved being inside her head and seeing how she thought.

Nick I also loved.  He was just sweet, protective and strong; honestly, what more do you want?  Overall amazing, and I loved his strength – I really could tell what Zara saw in him (‘cause I loved him too!).

Zara’s new best-friend Issie had to be my favourite character.  She was totally hyper, loving and just plain adorable!  Basically, she was the exact kind of girl that I would love to be friends with.  And their other friend, Devyn, was super-smart.  When him and Issie were together – well, let’s just say they were so cute I could just die. 

And finally, Zara’s step-grandmother, Betty: I loved her!  She was really strong and very protective of Zara – something I loved about her: how much she cared for Zara.  For everyone.

Now, admittedly I guessed a few of the twists, but there were others that completely befuddled me.  Also, some of the characters’ reactions to certain revelations felt rather unrealistic.  As did a few of the events leading up to those in the book…  But, honestly, that didn’t matter to me.  I was just addicted.  There were great characters, the most amazing writing – writing that made me feel what was being described – plot, facts and an incredible twist on mythology.

Addictive, descriptive, thrilling, amazing.  I was left wanting – Needing – more.  Thank goodness I have Captivate!

Star Rating:
4 Out of 5

Read this book if you liked:

Wolves of Mercy Falls by Maggie Striefvater

The Iron Fey by Julie Kagawa

Faeriewalker by Jenna Black

Challenges It's Taking Part In:

100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2011 (Hosted by Book Chick City)

Happy Reading

Megan

Vampire Academy: The Graphic Novel by Richelle Mead

Adapted By: Leigh Dragoon

Illustrated By: Emma Vieceli

Series: Vampire Academy: The Graphic Novel, Book One

Publisher: Razorbill

Format: Paperback

Published: 23^rd August 2011

Number of Pages: 144

Book: For Review from Penguin*

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Dark Romance, Paranormal, Action, Magic, YA

Recommended Age: 13+

Contains: Violence, Death, Steamy Scene

No Alcohol, Drug References

Author's Blog: Richelle Mead

The international bestseller – as you’ve never seen it before…

Lissa Dragomir is a mortal vampire.  She must be protected at all times from the fiercest and most dangerous vampires of all – the ones who will never die.

Rose Hathaway is Lissa’s best friend  - and her bodyguard.

Now, after two years of illicit freedom, they’ve been dragged back inside the iron gates of St. Vladimir’s Academy.  The girls must survive a world of forbidden romances, a ruthless social scene and terrifying night-time rituals.

But above all, they must never let their guard down, lest the immortal vampires take Lissa – forever.

Review:

Rose and Lissa ran away from their school.  For two years, they remained hidden – from both the school’s guardians and the Strigoi – but now they’re being taken back.  All Rose wants to do is keep Lissa safe.  But more danger lurks inside the iron gates of St. Vladimir’s Academy...

Vampire Academy has got to be my favourite vampire series – ever.  So when I saw that there was a graphic novel coming out, I was so excited.  In my head, I saw a thing of wonders, with all my favourite characters brought to life.  I was almost certain that the real book was never going to be able to live up to my imagined one.  Boy, was I wrong.  It was even better!

The plotline was very much the same as that of the novel, although it was a lot shorter and faster – abrupt, almost.  I was just swept along, never let go.  Admittedly, a few of my favourite quotes and the odd scene were left out, but transferring them to graphic novel form would be hard, and I understand that.  Plus, all the important scenes are there, and even without reading the book, I know I would have completely understood everything and been one-hundred-per-cent hooked.  I just loved how all of Rose’s thoughts were laid out – Leigh Dragoon, the editor, did a wonderful job of picking her most important inner-musings and using them in a way that described everything.  So, let’s just say: I loved how the plot was adapted!

As for the artwork, well, it just blew me away!  All ‘my’ characters looked perfect.  Rose looked both fierce and vulnerable, which is exactly how I always saw her in the series.  Lissa is pale and strikingly beautiful.  Dimitri is hotness in a trench coat.  However, my favourite of the anime-bunch has got to be Christian.  He just looks perfect: beautiful, quiet and solitary.  And the Strigoi: really creepy and really scary.

Finally, another quick word on the characters: they were just like in the book.  And I don’t mean looks-wise.  This time, I’m talking about personalities.  Every single distinct characters’ personality from the series has been perfectly carried over into the graphic novel.  Rose was independent, snarky and protective.  Lissa was sweet, vulnerable and kind.  Dimitri was quiet, smart and God-like.  Christian was sarcastic and slightly haunted.  Even with just pictures, a few quotes and odd Rose-thoughts here and there, all these characters were alive, and just as they were in the book.  Personally, I thought that was really impressive – I’ve known graphic novel adaptations that have completely lost their characters in translation.

With beautiful illustrations, a fast pace and wonderful wording, Vampire Academy: A Graphic Novel was everything I hoped for and more.  Dark, dangerous and at the same time sweet and entrancing, the storyline was just perfection.  I just adored seeing how magic looked, how the fighting looked…  It was just amazing!  I, for one, cannot wait for the next in this series – Frostbite – to come out next April.  April cannot come soon enough!

Star Rating:
4½ Out of 5

Read this book if you liked:

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

The Drake Chronicles by Alyxandra Harvey

Challenges It's Taking Part In:

100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2011 (Hosted by Book Chick City)

Vampire Challenge 2011 (Hosted by Parajunkee's View)

Happy Reading

Megan

* This book was received from Penguin in exchange for an honest review