In My Mailbox (#55)

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 was lucky enough to be invited to the Hot Key bloggers lunch a long while ago: thank you so much to all the people at Hot Key!  Anyway, it was loads of fun and I am almost insanely excited for all the books they have coming out this year and next.  Not only did I get to meet some lovely bloggers, I also met three wonderful authors: Sarah Mussi, Sally Gardner and Lydia Syson.  We all nibbled on some yummy food and chatted before heading into the gorgeous conference room.  There, we were all walked thruogh the lauch list (check it out here!) and given a sneak-peek at some of the 2013 books...  Also, they explained their awesmoe pie-chart, theme-ring thingy (I forgot what it's actually called... oops!)  The three authors all told us a little about thier books and thten we got to Skype with S.J. Kincaid!  It was really so cool!  It was a lot of fun and it was great to see so many bloggers and authors!  Also, I got M&Ms after, which just was the perfect end to the perfect day!!

And it was also my birthday!  Which means....  books!  Yippeee!  Anyhoo, this is what I got.

And this is like a month of books, so sorry for the long post!

From Hot Key Blogger Lunch:

Insignia by S.J. Kincaid (Goodreads | Amazon)
The Impossible is Just The Beginning
This is an amazing, amazing, amazing book - my review will be going up soon, and I'll tell you now: it's a 5 Star book!  I cannot wait for the next in the series!!

Jepp, Who Defied The Stars by Katherine Marsh (Goodreads | Amazon)
This one sounds amazing, and it is amazing from what I've read.  I can't wait to really, properly read it!!

A World Between Us by Lydia Syson (Goodreads | Amazon)
This really looks amazing, like, amaing, amazing.  And Lydia was really, really nice and signed my book for me.  I can't wait to read this - my self restraint isn't gonna hold 'til October!

Maggot Moon by Sally Gardner (Goodreads | Amazon)
Sally has been one of my favourite authors for ages and I couldn't believe I was going to meet her!  It was great to put a face to a name and she even signed my book!  I can't wait to read this one either!!

For Review:

Angel Dust by Sarah Mussi (Goodreads | Amazon)
This book, from what I've read, is amazing!  And the finished cover is so gorgeous!

The Last Werewolf by Glenn Duncan (Goodreads | Amazon)
This one looks amazing and I'm super excited about reading it!

This Dark Endeavour by Kenneth Oppel (Goodreads | Amazon)
A Prequel To Mary Shelley's Gothic Classic Frankenstein
I adore the finished cover of this book - can't wait to read it!

The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder (Goodreads | Amazon)
One Summer
To Live A Lifetime
I've started this, and from what I've read: amazing.  
Silenced by Simon Packham (Goodreads | Amazon)
Speak No Evil
I've never read anything by Packham before, but this book really appeals to me - can't wait to get stuck in!

Rebel Heart (Dust Lands, Book Two) by Moira Young (Goodreads | Amazon)
Yaaayyy!  I loved Blood Red Road and am so desperate to read this it's almsot untrue!  Thank you, Scholastic!!!

Muddle and Win: The Battle For Sally Jones by John Dickinson (Goodreads | Amazon)
This one sounds like so much fun and has a really unique 

Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs (Goodreads | Amazon)

I've started this and it's amazing!  I'm loving it - so much I'm reading it ahead of schedule!!  ;)

Harvey Angel by Diana Hendry (Goodreads | Amazon)

I forgot to take a picture of this, but thanks to RandomHouse!  I won a few copies of the book and am very excited about reading them!

Crusher by Niall Leonard (Goodreads | Amazon)
To Catch A Killer, He Had To Become One
This looks ace - I do love thrillers!

Katya's World by Jonathan L. Howard (Goodreads | Amazon)
I can't wait to read this!  It sounds amazing!

The Assassin's Curse (The Assassin's Curse, Book One) by Cassandra Rose Clarke (Goodreads | Amazon)

This too looks brilliant!!

Poltergeeks by Sean Cummings (Goodreads | Amazon)
And this - I do love my witchy books!

Witch Crag by Kate Cann (Goodreads | Amazon)
What If Your Enemy Became The One Worth Saving?
I love Kate Cann and can't wait to read this!

Ocean of Secrets by Aimee Friedman (Goodreads | Amazon)
Discover The Depths Of Love
This looks brilliant!

Strange Energy (The Bad Tuesdays, Book Two) by Benjamin J. Myers (Goodreads | Amazon)

Blood Alchemy (The Bad Tuesdays, Book Three) by Benjamin J. Myers (Goodreads | Amazon)

The Nonsuch King (The Bad Tuesdays, Book Four) by Benjamin J. Myers (Goodreads | Amazon)

A Crystal Horseman (The Bad Tuesdays, Book Five) by Benjamin J. Myers (Goodreads | Amazon)

The Spiral Horizon (The Bad Tuesdays, Book Six) by Benjamin J. Myers (Goodreads | Amazon)
If you wanna win a copy of this, check out my giveaway!  I took part in the tour and Orion have given us two books to giveaway!

Dark Eyes (Dark Eyes, Book One) by William Richter (Goodreads | Amazon)
This is amazing!  I've read it all and it's stunning.  Amazing, amazing, amazing!!  I loved it!!

Maze Cheat by B.R. Collins (Goodreads | Amazon)
If You Dare, You Win.
If You Fail, You Die.
This looks so cool!!

My Brother Simple by Marie-Aude Murail (Goodreads | Amazon)
He Will Open Your Eyes, And Steal Your Heart
This one looks brilliant too and so, so sweet!

Neptune's Tears (Timedance, Book One) by Susan Waggoner (Goodreads | Amazon)
What Would You Risk For Love?
Alien-type romance - squee!!!

Circus Maximus (The History Keepers, Book Two) by Damian Dibben (Goodreads | Amazon)
It's The Race Of Their Lives
Can't wait to read this!  It looks so cool!

Breathe by Sarah Crossan (Goodreads | Amazon)

Yay, yay, yay, yay!  I've wanted to read this forever and I can't wait to read it!! :D

Things Scholastic Sent Me To Drive Me Insane With Excitement:

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater Teasers and Proof!! (Goodreads | Amazon)
If You Kiss Your True Love, He Will Die
SQQUUUEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
Ok, that super-excited squee doesn't even cover my excitement.  For the past few weeks, Scholastic have been sending little teaser packs.  The first few chapters, a key chain, a feather, a page from a diary... And then, after so much suspense and excitement, the proof landed on my doorstep.  Let's just say I was so happy there was much dancing round much of the house.  I am loving this book!!!

For My Birthday: 

The Repossession by Sam Hawksmoor (Goodreads | Amazon)
One By One, They Disappear.
I've read this one already -  amazing!  I really, really loved it!  I'm desperate for  the next one in the series!!
Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, Book One) by Robin LaFevers (Goodreads | Amazon)
Why Be The Hunted When You Can Be The Hunter?
This one looks awesome and I can't wait to read it! 
A Confusion of Princes by Garth Nix (Goodreads | Amazon)
Ten Million Princes.  Only One Can Survive.
I love Garth Nix, so I was super pleased to get this one!  It sounds amazing, too!
The One Dollar Horse by Lauren St John (Goodreads | Amazon)
You Can Never Outrun The Past
Yay!  Horsey books are the best!
Slated by Teri Terry (Goodreads | Amazon)
Can You Know The Truth If YOur Mind Has Been Wiped?
Gotta love dystopia and I have a feeling this one is gonna be a brilliant one!
Les Contes de Beedle le Barde by J.K. Rowling (Goodreads | Amazon)
Les Contes Pour Jeunes Sorciers Du Monde De Harry Potter
I loved this one!  Brilliant translation. :)

David by Mary Hoffman (Goodreads | Amazon)
Discover The Mystery Behind The Legend
This one looks ace!! :D


Bought:

Unravelling (Unravelling, Book One) by Elizabeth Norris (Goodreads | Amazon)
23:57:06
Stop The Countdown
Save The World
Heard so many good  things - can't wait to read!
The Look by Sophia Bennet (Goodreads | Amazon)
Yay!!  And it's so pink!!!!!!
Unrest by Michelle Harrison (Goodreads | Amazon)
When The Dead Don't Sleep
The Living Are Afraid To...
Squeeeee!
The Girl Who Could Silence The Wind by Meg Medina (Goodreads | Amazon)
This looks amazing.  Really amazing.
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin (Goodreads | Amazon)
Again, so many good things: can't wait!
The Killables (The Killables, Book One) by Gemma Malley (Goodreads | Amazon)
Evil Must Be Identified
Squee!  I love Malley - can't wait!! :D


Ok, I'm stopping now.  I didn't realise I'd bought so many books...  Eep.  Oh well.  ;)

Hope you've all had a great week/fortnight/month!! :)

In Darkness by Nick Lake

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Format: ARC

Published: 5^th January 2012

Number of Pages: 352

Book: For Review*

Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Magical Realism, Thriller, Suspense, Action-Adventure, Gritty Realism, YA

Recommended Age: 12+

Contains: Violence, Death, Swearing, Alcohol and Drug References

Author's Blog: Nick Lake on Simon&Schuster

In Darkness

In Darkness, I count my blessings like Manman taught me.

One: I am alive.

Two: There is no two.

In the aftermath of an earthquake, Sorty lies in the wreckage of a hospital and tries to make sense of everything that has happened.

His experiences as a small-time gangster in Haiti have given him plenty to hink about.

But when his thoughts are interrupted by someone long dead, Shorty’s battle for survival takes him to places he could never have imagined.

A bullet wound, a missing sister and a life of crime become pieces of a far bigger story, and what Shorty discovers in the darkness is just the beginning.

                                                                   Review:

"Life must be paid for with death"

Shorty is trapped in darkness, buried beneath the rubble of the hospital he was in.  He is all alone, calling for help, but no one comes.  He has already seen enough darkness, enough violence to last anyone a lifetime.  Born in Site Soley, the slums of Haiti, a place controlled by gangsters, he has done and seen terrible things.  He has killed.  He has been killed.  He has seen babies abandoned - still alive - in the rubbish.  But through it all, through the rubble, he burns with a desire, a need, to find his twin sister, who is the soul that completes his, and who was stolen from him seven years ago.  As time goes on, this desire, this flame, burns brighter and brighter - so strong it intertwines with Toussaint l'Ouverture, the slave who led the Haitian revolution, one of the most inspirational and amazing stories of freedom, hope and betrayal, two-hundred years old...

Maybe Shorty isn't as alone in darkness as he thought he was...

I love powerful books, and my God was this powerful.  I was hooked from the word go.  It was so strong - so strong that "strong" is too weak a word.  It was beautiful, heart-wrenching, emotional, horrible, breath-taking, overwhelming, beyond words.  I'm still taking it all in, even after all this time.  I haven't gotten it out of my head - it's been lodged in there from the first page and has still refused to leave.  Of all the books to have made an emotional nest in my head, I am so, so glad it's this one.  It's shocking, utterly unique.  I can't recommend it enough!

The characters were amazing.  Incredible.  Shorty… his voice just struck me from the word go.  I wondered who he was and what he had done, felt terrible that he was trapped like he was.  So many dreadful, dreadful things had happened to him - and so young as well.  And as many bad things that he'd done, as much “hate” he felt, even though he was a “chimère” (gangsta), I loved him so, so, so much.  And I couldn't hate or blame him for any of the bad things he'd done.  Toussaint was a slave and the most amazing man who wanted freedom, but through peace not violence.  He was just incredible, the most wonderful leader and the best person. 

All the minor characters were as brilliantly padded out as the main characters.  I loved getting to know them through Shorty's memories, through Toussaint's.  The ones who really stuck out for me were Shorty’s sister Marguerite, who he still idolised after all this time; and Dread Wilmé, a "big dog" gangsta, who actually made the Site better, even if it was by killing and a ruthless hand.

The writing was amazing, stunning.  I felt like I was there, trapped with Shorty - God, it was terrible, the sensation of being trapped, buried, alone, surrounded by bodies.  I loved how Shorty slipped in words of his own tongue – it made it feel Shorty.  And, god, it was so beautiful, so heart-breakingly, horribly beautiful, so emotionally overwhelming.  The plot was stunning – I loved seeing how Shorty’s and Toussaint’s stories intertwined, how their minds became one.  Incredible.  I was just hooked to every word and it was just so marvellously unpredictable.

And I loved the culture: it was so beautiful and vivid.  The way Shorty described twins – they were magic, “Marassa”, shared a soul.  All the gods were so amazing as well; I loved learning about them all.  The zombie part was so fascinating – horrible too, of course!  The culture in this book was just so amazing and complex, beautiful and horrible, so vivid and just really, really intrigued me.

I love books based on history and In Darkness was in a whole world of its own.  For one, I've never ever read a book about Haiti.  Two: this was the most insanely emotional, powerful historical I've ever read - and trust me, I've read so many.  But what made this totally unique is how the past intertwined with the present in this most amazing story.  In fact, I adored In Darkness so much that "adored" is again not strong enough.  In Darkness is just beyond words.  It is amazing, so powerful, so emotional. I will never, ever in a million years forget this book. 

Star Rating:
5 Out of 5

Read this book if you liked:

Before I Die by Jenny Downham

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Kill All Enemies by Melvin Burgess

Dark Eyes by William Richter

Challenges It's Taking Part In:

100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2012 (Hosted by Book Chick City)

YA Contemporary Challenge 2012 (Hosted by Reading Angel & Katie's Book Blog)

British Books Challenge 2012 (Hosted by The Overflowing Library)

Happy Reading

Megan

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

The Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Series: Masque of the Red Death, Book One

Publisher: Indigo

Format: ARC

Published: 2^nd August 2012

Number of Pages: 336

Book: For Review*

Genre: Dystopia, Steampunk, Romance, Historical, Mystery, Fantasy, Action-Adventure, YA

Recommended Age: 12+

Contains: Violence, Death, Alcohol and Drug References

Author's Blog: Bethany Griffin

Everything is in ruins.

A devastating plague has decimated the population.  And those who survived live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles to pieces around them.

So what does Araby Worth have to live for?

Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery make-up… and so many tantalizing ways to escape from it all.

But in the depths of the Debauchery Club – in the depths of her own despair – Araby is going to find oblivion.  He’s called Will, the handsome, secretive proprietor of the club.  And Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat.  Neither is quite what he seems.  Both have secrets.  Everyone does.

And Araby may find something not just to live for, but to fight for – no matter what it costs her.

                                                                   Review:

“You don't recover from this contagion.  You contract it, and then you die.  Quickly, if you are lucky.”

Araby Worth lives in a world where a deadly plague has wiped out most of the population and people live in fear of contracting the disease.  The city is crumbling around them, masked men gather the dead bodies before the disease can spread and danger is everywhere. 

With all of this and the fact she holds herself responsible for her twin brother’s death, Araby can barely handle living.  Nights in the Debauchery Club spent drinking and drug-taking are her only means of escaping it all.  Until she meets Will and Elliott, all she's looking for is oblivion. 

But Will makes her learn to live again, to love the experiences of life.  Elliott gives her a cause, a way to make a better world, something to fight for. 

But can she fight through a rebellion, through a whole new plague?

Can she fight for the love she's denied herself for so long..?

From the moment The Masque of the Red Death landed in my doorstep, I was desperate to read it.  It's so my kinda book.  As I began reading, I found I couldn't stop.  Everything about it was insanely addictive: the horrible world, the amazing writing, the brilliant characters...  It was just one of those you could read in one go if you could.  I fell totally in love with Araby and even more so with the two boys.  I can't pick a team!  But I can't tell you how addictive this book is!  You must read it!  I loved it to absolute pieces and am almost certainly going to go insane waiting for the next one!

I loved Griffin's characterisation: all her characters felt so real.  I loved how many weren't what they first seemed, that most grew and evolved through the book.  I just loved them all!  Araby was broken, barely alive to begin with.  She loved her brother so, so much that she vowed to do nothing he couldn’t do, cutting herself off from everyone – mentally, emotionally, physically.  I loved watching her slowly come back to life: she was tough, fearless.  And Will: oh, he was so, so sweet!  I mean, how can you not love a guy who takes care of his younger siblings and has tattoos?!  As for Elliott, he may have been harder to read, but I loved him – his rebellious side, the glimpses of the inner Elliott.  He was kinda like Adrian Ivashkov – and you all know how I love my Adrian!  Araby’s friend April was brilliant too, and Will's siblings Elise and Henry were just too cute - I loved them to pieces!

I found Araby's family intriguing.  It was kinda uncomfortable and really rather un-family-like.  They all seemed to tiptoe round each other, never confronting the elephant in the room.  Araby really misjudged it all to begin with - meaning we did too.  So much had happened to that family and I loved learning all the secrets, solving the mysteries. 

I adored Griffin's writing - it was brilliant.  I could see everything in my head.  I was hooked to every word and felt all the pain and fear and hope Araby did.  It was the kinda writing I could read forever and ever.  And even though love triangles aren't my favourite thing - maybe 'cause I just hate seeing people get hurt - yes, even fictional people, in this… the triangle worked.  It was needed.  And 'cause both guys were so amazing: I just couldn't choose!  The world, thought, was a definite winner!  It was scary real and complete genius!

With two totally irresistible guys, a girl living a decadent life and a plague on the loose, The Masque of The Red Death was an addictive, amazing book that had me hooked from the word go.  I've never read the Edgar Allen Poe story this is based on so I can't say how well or not this was remade.  Nevertheless, I'd still say this book was a million times better and kicked Poe's butt!  And it's a Must Read for all dystopia, steam punk and historical lovers - and, of course, those who love totally hot guys!  I'll be counting down the days 'til the next book!  I can't wait for it - and I've only just finished this one!  I want more Will and Elliott!

Star Rating:

4¾ Out of 5 

Read this book if you liked:

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Blood Red Road by Moira Young

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Challenges It's Taking Part In:

100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2012 (Hosted by Book Chick City)

Happy Reading

Megan

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

Gods and Warriors Audio Blog Tour: Extract 4

I don't know if any of you have read the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series, but this is the amazing new series by the brilliant author, Michelle Paver.  I can tell you all that Gods and Warriors is absolitely brilliant.  I love it!  And to prove it, check out this audio tape!  Also, pop on over to The Clan to keep up with all the goings ons - and also for the chance to win a copy of Gods and Warriors and a signed poster!!  Now, though, enjoy the extract...





Like what you hear?  Check out the brilliant book trailer too... 

Check out the previous stop on the tour: Thirst For Fiction

And the next stop on the tour: The Overflowing Library

Gods and Warriors by Michelle Paver

Synopsis from Goodreads:

An action-packed new series set in the mysterious, dangerous Bronze Age.

Young Hylas--goatherd, Outsider, thief--is hunted by powerful warriors who want him dead and have kidnapped his sister. Hylas is forced to flee his home, but not before a mysterious stranger gives him a bronze dagger. While on the run, Hylas must use his skill and wits to survive a shipwreck and a great white shark attack, befriend a dolphin, and help Pirra, the runaway daughter of a High Priestess. Together with Pirra, the dolphin, and the valuable bronze sword, Hylas fights to discover why he's being hunted and find his sister before the warriors find them.

This book is brilliant!  Keep on checking out the stops and the extracts - it just keeps getting better and better!!