THE TAKING Cover and Synopsis!

Hi guys! Sorry it's been so quiet around here lately. One word for you to explain that: MIDTERMS. Yuck, right?

But! I can now share with you the recently revealed cover and synopsis for THE TAKING, an upcoming book from one of my favorites, Kimberly Derting.

A flash of white light . . . and then . . . nothing. 

When sixteen-year-old Kyra Agnew wakes up behind a Dumpster at the Gas ’n’ Sip, she has no memory of how she got there. With a terrible headache and a major case of déjà vu, she heads home only to discover that five years have passed . . . yet she hasn’t aged a day. 

Everything else about Kyra’s old life is different. Her parents are divorced, her boyfriend, Austin, is in college and dating her best friend, and her dad has changed from an uptight neat-freak to a drunken conspiracy theorist who blames her five-year disappearance on little green men. 

Confused and lost, Kyra isn’t sure how to move forward unless she uncovers the truth. With Austin gone, she turns to Tyler, Austin’s annoying kid brother, who is now seventeen and who she has a sudden undeniable attraction to. As Tyler and Kyra retrace her steps from the fateful night of her disappearance, they discover strange phenomena that no one can explain, and they begin to wonder if Kyra’s father is not as crazy as he seems. There are others like her who have been taken . . . and returned. Kyra races to find an explanation and reclaim the life she once had, but what if the life she wants back is not her own? 

Sounds awesome, right?! Can't wait for this one. So I guess we can call this one this week's Waiting on Wednesday (on Thursday)? Anyway, super pumped. Look for this one April 29!

Waiting on Wednesday 10/2/13

Hosted at Breaking the Spine, Waiting on Wednesday spotlights upcoming books that we bloggers can't wait to get our hands on. This week I'm waiting on THE DOLLHOUSE ASYLUM by Mary Gray.

A virus that had once been contained has returned, and soon no place will be left untouched by its destruction. But when Cheyenne wakes up in Elysian Fields--a subdivision cut off from the world and its monster-creating virus--she is thrilled to have a chance at survival.

At first, Elysian Fields,with its beautiful houses and manicured lawns, is perfect. Teo Richardson, the older man who stole Cheyenne's heart, built it so they could be together. But when Teo tells Cheyenne there are tests that she and seven other couples must pass to be worthy of salvation, Cheyenne begins to question the perfection of his world.

The people they were before are gone. Cheyenne is now "Persephone," and each couple has been re-named to reflect the most tragic romances ever told. Everyone is fighting to pass the test, to remain in Elysian Fields. Teo dresses them up, tells them when to move and how to act, and in order to pass the test, they must play along.

If they play it right, then they'll be safe.

But if they play it wrong, they'll die.

The title is actually what first drew me to this one, and the description cemented my interest: post-apocalyptic (ish) chock full of mythology references? Yes, please. I will be checking this one out. Look for it October 22!

What are you waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday, 9/25/13

Waiting on Wednesday, hosted at Breaking the Spine, is a weekly meme to feature prerelease books that we bloggers can't wait for. This week my pick is CHAMPION by Marie Lu.

CHAMPION is the conclusion to the trilogy that began with Legend and was followed by Prodigy. I read the first two books in two days over my spring break, and holy wow did I love them. I cannot WAIT to see how June and Day's story ends!

From goodreads: (beware spoilers for Legend/Prodigy)

He is a Legend.She is a Prodigy.Who will be Champion? 
June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps Elect while Day has been assigned a high level military position. But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them once again. Just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything he has. With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu’s bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion.

What are you waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday, 9/18/13

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming books we bloggers are excited for. This week I'm eagerly awaiting INTO THE DARK by Bree Despain.

From Goodreads...
Haden Lord, the disgraced prince of the Underrealm, has been sent to the mortal world to entice a girl into returning with him to the land of the dead. Posing as a student at Olympus Hills High—a haven for children of the rich and famous—Haden must single out the one girl rumored to be able to restore immortality to his race.

Daphne Raines has dreams much bigger than her tiny southern Utah town, so when her rock star dad suddenly reappears, offering her full tuition to Olympus Hills High’s prestigious music program, she sees an opportunity to catch the break she needs to make it as a singer. But upon moving into her estranged father’s mansion in California, and attending her glamorous new school, Daphne soon realizes she isn’t the only student in Olympus who doesn’t quite belong.

Haden and Daphne—destined for each other—know nothing of the true stakes their fated courtship entails. As war between the gods brews, the teenagers’ lives collide. But Daphne won’t be wooed easily and when it seems their prophesied link could happen, Haden realizes something he never intended—he’s fallen in love. Now to save themselves, Haden and Daphne must rewrite their destinies. But as their destinies change, so do the fates of both their worlds.

I'm a huge mythology geek, so this should be super fun. Plus I love the way this author played with traditional mythology in her first trilogy (The Dark Divine), so I can't wait to see how this one goes! Plus, okay, romance. Look for this one March 11!

Waiting on Wednesday, 9/11/13

Waiting on Wednesday, hosted at Breaking the Spine, features upcoming books that we bloggers are excited about. This week I'm excited for PREMEDITATED by Josin McQuein.

From goodreads...

A week ago, Dinah’s cousin Claire cut her wrists.

Five days ago, Dinah found Claire’s diary and discovered why.

Three days ago, Dinah stopped crying and came up with a plan.

Two days ago, she ditched her piercings and bleached the black dye from her hair.

Yesterday, knee socks and uniform plaid became a predator’s camouflage.

Today, she’ll find the boy who broke Claire.

By tomorrow, he’ll wish he were dead.

----

Is it just me or does this sound creepy and awesome (and emotional)? It releases October 8 and I can't wait to get my hands on it.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Waiting on Wednesday (on Saturday)

Hi guys! Due to crazy class shenanigans, I wasn't able to get my WoW post up this Wednesday, but I still want to share an exciting upcoming book. My pick this week is LAIR OF DREAMS by Libba Bray.

The sequel to THE DIVINERS (which was awesome), LAIR OF DREAMS follows Evie and friends now that her powers are known. Some people love her for what she can do... and some people don't. Meanwhile, another slew of murders has taken the city by storm, and it's going to take the Diviners' powers to solve the crime and catch the killer.

I really enjoyed the first book, which was a super-cool fantasy murder mystery set against the backdrop of the 1920s. So I can't wait to see how this one turns out!

What are you waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday, 8/28/13

Waiting on Wednesday, hosted weekly by Jill at Breaking the Spine, is a meme to feature upcoming books that we bloggers can't wait to get our hands on. This week, I can't wait for INTO THE STILL BLUE by Veronica Rossi.

I'm not going to post the goodreads description because it has spoilers for the first two books, but what you need to know is this: ITSB is the conclusion to a brilliant post-apocalyptic trilogy about a beautiful romance, survival, forgiveness, friendship, and independence. The characters are so much fun, the story and world are captivating, and, okay, I love the romance (but the story totally isn't about that).

In this final book, Perry and Aria must find the Still Blue, or the Aether may just destroy everyone.

Look for this one January 28.

What are YOU waiting on this week? :)

Waiting on Wednesday, 8/21/13

Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, is a weekly meme to spotlight upcoming books we bloggers can't wait to get our hands on. This week I'm waiting on Lauren DeStefano's PERFECT RUIN.

On Internment, the floating island in the clouds where 16-year-old Morgan Stockhour lives, getting too close to the edge can lead to madness. Even though Morgan's older brother, Lex, was a Jumper, Morgan vows never to end up like him. She tries her best not to mind that her life is orderly and boring, and if she ever wonders about the ground, and why it is forbidden, she takes solace in best friend Pen and her betrothed, Basil.

Then a murder, the first in a generation, rocks the city. With whispers swirling and fear on the wind, Morgan can no longer stop herself from investigating, especially when she meets Judas. He is the boy being blamed for the murder — betrothed to the victim — but Morgan is convinced of his innocence. Secrets lay at the heart of Internment, but nothing can prepare Morgan for what she will find — or who she will lose.

-Goodreads

This sounds right up my alley -- vaguely dystopian with some hardcore government secrets. Plus, I adored Lauren DeStefano's Chemical Garden trilogy and this cover is gorgeous. Mark October 1 on your calendars for this one!

What are YOU waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday, 8/14/13

Waiting on Wednesday, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, is a weekly feature to spotlight prerelease books that we bloggers are excited about. This week I'm waiting on ALTERED by Gennifer Albin.

I adored CREWEL so I can't wait to find out what awaits Adelice and her friends in this sequel! (Plus, okay, is that an awesome cover or what?)

This is the goodreads description, but if you haven't read CREWEL, don't read it!

Adelice always knew there’d be a price to destroying the Guild, but is she willing to pay it?

After a daring escape to Earth from Arras, sixteen-year-old Adelice Lewys thought she would finally be in control of her own destiny. She would be free to be true to herself and to her heart—to love Jost, the boy the Guild said she could not have. But Earth is not abandoned, as she’d always been taught it was. It’s inhabited with survivors waging a war against Arras. The world that was supposed to offer a new beginning is still tangled up in the past.

Now Adelice is being called upon to harness her phenomenal power and break Earth from the grip of the Guild. But even as she uncovers the truth about her parents and her former life, she discovers that nothing on Earth is as it seems either. Everyone has secrets, especially those she loves most. What’s more, those secrets are driving Adelice and Jost away from each other, and Adelice into his brother Erik’s waiting arms. Now torn between two brothers and two worlds, Adelice must decide what—and who--she’s fighting for, before it’s too late.

What are YOU waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday, 8/7/13

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Breaking the Spine to spotlight prerelease books we bloggers are excited about. This week I'm waiting on Smoke by Ellen Hopkins.

 Pattyn Von Stratten’s father is dead, and Pattyn is on the run. After far too many years of abuse at the hands of her father, and after the tragic loss of her beloved Ethan and their unborn child, Pattyn is desperate for peace. Only her sister Jackie knows what happened that night, but she is stuck at home with their mother, who clings to normalcy by allowing the truth to be covered up by their domineering community leaders. Her father might be finally gone, but without Pattyn, Jackie is desperately isolated. Alone and in disguise, Pattyn starts a new life, but is it even possible to rebuild a life when everything you’ve known has burned to ash and lies seem far safer than the truth? --Goodreads

I really enjoyed Burned, so I'm excited for this one to see how Pattyn's life continues even after she lost so much. (I say "enjoyed" and "excited" inasmuch as you can use those words for such a tragic story.) I love Hopkins' writing and so new books of hers pretty much always make my can't-wait list.

What are YOU waiting on this week?

(P.S. Sorry for the radio silence lately! There were some complications moving into my apartment and I ended up sort of suddenly adopting a seven-week-old kitten, so it's been a bit hectic around here lately. But we're finally settled, so reading and posting should *actually* be returning to normal now.)

Waiting on Wednesday, 7/31/13

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine to spotlight upcoming books that we bloggers are looking forward to. This week I've chosen Gated by Amy Christine Parker.

Do the gates keep the unchosen out or the chosen in?

In Mandrodage Meadows, life seems perfect. The members of this isolated suburban community have thrived under Pioneer, the charismatic leader who saved them from their sad, damaged lives. Lyla Hamilton and her parents are original members of the flock. They moved here following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, looking to escape the evil in the world. Now seventeen, Lyla knows certain facts are not to be questioned:

Pioneer is her leader.

Will is her Intended.

The end of the world is near.

Like Noah before him, Pioneer has been told of the imminent destruction of humanity. He says his chosen must arm themselves to fight off the unchosen people, who will surely seek refuge in the compound's underground fortress--the Silo.

Lyla loves her family and friends, but given the choice, she prefers painting to target practice. And lately she'd rather think about a certain boy outside the compound than plan for married life in the Silo with Will. But with the end of days drawing near, she will have to pick up a gun, take a side, and let everyone know where she stands.
-Goodreads

I picked this one because 1) I am a total sucker for anything dystopian and 2) I'm curious to see how this AU around the 9/11 attacks is handled. Gated will be out very soon -- August 6 -- and I look forward to it.

What are you waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday, 7/24/13

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and highlights not-yet-released books that we bloggers can't wait to get our hands on. This week I'm waiting on Pawn by Aimee Carter.

YOU CAN BE A VII. IF YOU GIVE UP EVERYTHING. 

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country. 

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter. 

There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.
           -Goodreads

Identity crises and what sounds like a pretty awesome dystopia -- count me in. This one hits shelves November 26, and I am super excited.

What are you waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday, 7/17/13

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and highlights upcoming books that we're excited about. This week I'm waiting on Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas.

Having read and adored Throne of Glass, the first book about teenage assassin (and demon hunter?) Celaena Sardothien, I am beyond excited for the second book, which hits shelves August 27.

What are YOU waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday, 7/10/13

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly feature hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine to highlight upcoming books that we're excited about. This week, I am excited about Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke, coming August 15.

From Goodreads...
You stop fearing the devil when you’re holding his hand…

Nothing much exciting rolls through Violet White’s sleepy, seaside town…until River West comes along. River rents the guesthouse behind Violet’s crumbling estate, and as eerie, grim things start to happen, Violet begins to wonder about the boy living in her backyard. Is River just a crooked-smiling liar with pretty eyes and a mysterious past? Or could he be something more? Violet’s grandmother always warned her about the Devil, but she never said he could be a dark-haired boy who takes naps in the sun, who likes coffee, who kisses you in a cemetery...who makes you want to kiss back. Violet’s already so knee-deep in love, she can’t see straight. And that’s just how River likes it.

Blending faded decadence and the thrilling dread of gothic horror, April Genevieve Tucholke weaves a dreamy, twisting contemporary romance, as gorgeously told as it is terrifying—a debut to watch.

What are you waiting on this week?