Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Review: This Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi Lee


This Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi LeeThis Monstrous Thing
by Mackenzi Lee
September 22, 2015
384 pages


Goodreads Summary:
In 1818 Geneva, men built with clockwork parts live hidden away from society, cared for only by illegal mechanics called Shadow Boys. Two years ago, Shadow Boy Alasdair Finch’s life shattered to bits.

His brother, Oliver—dead.

His sweetheart, Mary—gone.

His chance to break free of Geneva—lost.

Heart-broken and desperate, Alasdair does the unthinkable: He brings Oliver back from the dead.

But putting back together a broken life is more difficult than mending bones and adding clockwork pieces. Oliver returns more monster than man, and Alasdair’s horror further damages the already troubled relationship.

Then comes the publication of Frankenstein and the city intensifies its search for Shadow Boys, aiming to discover the real life doctor and his monster. Alasdair finds refuge with his idol, the brilliant Dr. Geisler, who may offer him a way to escape the dangerous present and his guilt-ridden past, but at a horrible price only Oliver can pay…


WoW #65: Signs Point to Yes by Sandy Hall

 
Waiting on Wednesday button

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted every week by Breaking the Spine which lets us showcase an upcoming release we are excited about! 


Signs Point to Yes by Sandy HallSigns Point to Yes
by Sandy Hall
October 20, 2015
288 pages

Goodreads Summary:
The author of A Little Something Different brings you the most adorkable romance ever.

Jane, a superstitious fangirl, takes an anonymous babysitting job to avoid an unpaid internship with her college-obsessed mom. The only problem? She’s babysitting the siblings of her childhood friend and new crush, Teo.

Teo doesn’t dislike Jane, but his best friend Ravi hates her, and is determined to keep them apart. So Teo’s pretty sure his plans for a peaceful summer are shot. His only hope is that his intermittent search for his birth father will finally pan out and he’ll find a new, less awkward home. Meanwhile, at Jane’s house, her sister Margo wants to come out as bisexual, but she’s terrified of how her parents will react.

In a summer filled with secrets and questions, even Jane’s Magic 8 ball can’t give them clear answers, but Signs Point to Yes.
 
I'm always looking for a cute read and this one sounds fun!

What are you guys waiting on this week?!

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Release Blitz - Excerpt & Giveaway: Get Real (Get Real #1) by Tellulah Darling


Get Real Blitz banner


Get Real by Tellulah DarlingGet Real
(Get Real #1)
by Tellulah Darling
September 26, 2015
273 pages


Goodreads Summary:
Get Real is a New Adult romantic comedy with sass, sex, and swoon, set in the world of “Cadabras"–humans with magical powers.

Francesca Bellafiore is a good Jewish girl, living up to family expectations that she use her magic to heal others. Underneath, she’s a wannabe badass with her heart set on becoming a detective and solving magical crimes. But nice girls don't disappoint their moms.

Party boy Rafael Muñoz does everything possible to publicly disappoint his high profile father. Privately, it's a different story. His carefully crafted bad boy reputation masks the fact he’s a master illusionist, forced into solo covert ops. The role is wearing thin and Rafael longs to be part of a team.

When Francesca meets Rafael at a friend's party, she's taken by the sexy stranger. Until he speaks. Beautiful plumage doesn't compensate for spectacular ego. Rafael finds Francesca's sweetness a turn-on. For about five minutes. Judgmental golden girls are more trouble than they're worth. Then a terrified girl with reality warping powers, locked and loaded on their destruction, whisks the pair to Manhattan. Francesca and Rafael are caught in a web of magic, minions, secrets, and enough sexual tension to power NYC. Desperate to prove themselves, their only chance to save the city and survive is to team up, trust each other–and maybe even fall in love.

Provided they don't kill each other first.


Sunday, September 27, 2015

Pre-order Promo for Carry On by Rainbow Rowell


Carry On releases Oct. 6


Carry On by Rainbow RowellCarry On
by Rainbow Rowell
October 6, 2015
384 pages


Goodreads Summary:
Rainbow Rowell continues to break boundaries with Carry On, an epic fantasy following the triumphs and heartaches of Simon and Baz from her beloved bestseller Fangirl.

Simon Snow just wants to relax and savor his last year at the Watford School of Magicks, but no one will let him. His girlfriend broke up with him, his best friend is a pest, and his mentor keeps trying to hide him away in the mountains where maybe he’ll be safe. Simon can’t even enjoy the fact that his roommate and longtime nemesis is missing, because he can’t stop worrying about the evil git. Plus there are ghosts. And vampires. And actual evil things trying to shut Simon down. When you’re the most powerful magician the world has ever known, you never get to relax and savor anything.

Carry On is a ghost story, a love story, a mystery and a melodrama. It has just as much kissing and talking as you’d expect from a Rainbow Rowell story — but far, far more monsters.
 

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Stacking the Shelves #63

 
Stacking the Shelves button

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that lets us share what we've added to our shelves.


I've been meaning to buy this one for awhile so when I stumbled across Michelle Meadow's giveaway, I entered. Imagine my surprise when I won! Yesssss! Thank you!
 
Air Awakens Ripple
Air Awakens by Elise Kova
 
I've been really lucky and also won Jen @ YA Romantic's giveaway! I picked this book because I've been dying to finish Lara Jean's story! Thanks so much to Jen and here's Ripple channeling his version of the book cover~ Do you guys think he'd be a good book cover model? ;)

P.S. I Still Love You from Ripple's POV
P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han
 
Thank you to Trisha Leigh for sending this to me! It's a USB with the book inside and there were some other goodies :D
 
Return Once More to Ripple!
Return Once More by Trisha Leigh
 
What did you guys add to your shelves this week?

Friday, September 25, 2015

Review: V is for Virgin (V is for Virgin #1) by Kelly Oram


V is for Virgin by Kelly OramV is for Virgin
(V is for Virgin #1)
by Kelly Oram
February 5, 2014
282 pages


Goodreads Summary:
When Val Jensen gets dumped for her decision to stay a virgin until marriage, the nasty breakup goes viral on YouTube, making her the latest internet sensation.

After days of ridicule from her peers, Val starts a school-wide campaign to rally support for her cause. She meant to make a statement, but she never dreamed the entire nation would get caught up in the controversy.

As if becoming nationally recognized as “Virgin Val” isn’t enough, Val’s already hectic life starts to spin wildly out of control when bad boy Kyle Hamilton, lead singer for the hit rock band Tralse, decides to take her abstinence as a personal challenge.

How can a girl stay true to herself when this year’s Sexiest Man Alive is doing everything in his power to win her over?


Thursday, September 24, 2015

Event Recap: Holly Black and Cassandra Clare Signing

 
On September 14, 2015 I crossed one item off my non-existent bucket list. Cassandra Clare and Holly Black came to Vancouver as part of their The Copper Gauntlet Book Tour! I was pretty thrilled when I found out 2 weeks before the event. Cassandra Clare is my all-time favourite author. Her books got me back into reading and I've really enjoyed Holly Black's writing so I had to go to the event.
 
Cassandra Clare and Holly Black signing at Chapters Metrotown

It was a first come first serve signing as long as you had either a copy of The Iron Trials or The Copper Gauntlet. We were also encouraged to bring any backlist titles since there was a high chance of them signing everything. Naturally I did that (see top right corner in the picture above). I stuffed every CC and HB book I owned into a small suitcase and a tote bag. I was so ready.

When the 14th rolled around, I got to Chapters at 4pm. The event was set to start at 7pm but I wanted to make sure I got a good spot so I went straight after work. The staff told me that there wouldn't be a line up until 5pm so I hung around the store lugging around my little luggage. It was weird but I was too excited to care lol. When 5pm came around, everyone who was there for the signing was herded into a corner where a staff member explained we would be sorted into groups after we formed a line up. This part wasn't very organized and I just have to vent a little. Because they wouldn't let us line up early (like according to the time we got there) people who arrived later than me ended up in front of me. :( The girl beside me told me she had been waiting since 1pm and we were at the end of the line. Granted our position wasn't really the end of the line since there was still two more hours to go and we were pretty sure there would be plenty of late-comers but it still felt a little unfair. Anyways so we all sat waiting. Two girls sitting close to me talked to me and asked my age. They were 16 and 14 and boy were they surprised to find out I was at least a decade older than them. I felt like a grandma haha... It was also really fascinating to see how much energy they had. They were practically chattering nonstop while I was just rubbing my eyes and yawning. Two notebooks came circulating and we all got to write messages for Cassie and Holly so that was fun. When 7pm came around, we got to enter the main event area. I didn't get a seat but I got a nice spot standing near the front ;)

Cassandra Clare and Holly Black sitting down. 
Cassandra Clare and Holly Black talking about writing with each other.
They're so cute.
Holly Black speaking during the Q&A.
 
Besides talking a little bit about The Copper Gauntlet, Cassie and Holly talked about their friendship, what it's like writing together and gave writing tips. One girl said they inspired her to write. It was so touching. Authors change lives guys. The Q and A was really fun. CC and HB are so natural at making people laugh. Some interesting things I remember them talking about:
1. There will be a wedding in TDA but we don't know who the couple will be but we will get to see Clary, Jace and the gang!
2. When Holly was writing The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, she got too excited with writing the scenes inside Coldtown and she ended up writing a lot of vampires partying it up. She had to cut most of it out but maybe we'll get a novella titled Party in Coldtown?
3. They talked about what they love about being an author - Holly said it's meeting other authors, it's so weird but so great. Cassie said it's not having to get up in the morning ;)
4. Raphael was a character that turned out differently than Cassie first imagined.
5. Hazel from The Darkest Part of the Forest had a secret but Holly didn't know what so she went around asking her friends what it was.
6. Cassandra Jean is working on the TMI graphic novels alongside Cassie. They've been given a lot of creative rights as to what goes into the novel.
7. Like The Bane Chronicles, The Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy e-novellas will be released in physical print next year! I'm super excited for this since this was the exact reason I held off reading the novellas. YAY~
Also as an Indigo exclusive, they shared the title of the third Magisterium book which will be called:
 
The Bronze Key!!
 
Now onto the actual signing. I was really nervous to talk face to face with them so I might have ended up blabbering nonstop oops. The event specified only The Copper Gauntlet will be personalized but both Cassie and Holly ended up personalizing everything. Woohoo! It was too bad Cassie only signed one book from each of her series. (I wanted to stay till the end to maybe get all my books signed but decided against it since I didn't want to seem pushy. Then I heard a few days later that someone did stay and she got every single one of her books signed. Now I'm beating myself up over why I didn't do it...). Oh well, next time! YEP! There will be a next time because Cassie herself told me so! When I thanked her for coming to Vancouver she told me she requested to come back to Vancouver next year for her TDA Tour! I was like hells ya and I told her I'd totally be there ;)

Meeting and talking to Holly Black.
That's me in plaid with two bags XD
Watching Holly sign my books.
Fangirling over Cassie.
There's me being a huge fangirl :P
Cassie's talking to me!
Cassie has my books!
Cassie's listening to me!
Cassie's laughing with me!
Cassie's looking at me!
I'm not sure what I said but she was probably scared
because I was fangirling hard XD
Cassie's signing my books!

Sorry for the excessive pictures but Cassie had so many different facial expressions I just had to share them all! I don't remember much of what we talked and I most likely didn't even make sense but it was so much fun getting to meet and talk to them!

A quick shoutout to Michelle who is the one I've been tweeting with on Twitter regarding the event. I got to meet her after the event and she's super nice. Thank you for tweeting with me! I also saw Olivia, who I met a few days before at the Raincoast TeensRead event. She introduced Cassie and Holly at the beginning of the event (see picture below). The two of them run the Chapters Metrotown YA Book Club so definitely go join if you're interested :D

Introductions for Holly and Cassie.
 
Overall I had a wonderful time! The staff at Chapters Metrotown were patient and understanding. Thank you so much for hosting the event and taking the photos for me :D

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

WoW #64: It's a Wonderful Death by Sarah J. Schmitt

 
Waiting on Wednesday button

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted every week by Breaking the Spine which lets us showcase an upcoming release we are excited about! 


It's a Wonderful Death by Sarah J. SchmittIt's a Wonderful Death
by Sarah J. Schmitt
October 6, 2015
320 pages

Goodreads Summary:
Seventeen-year-old RJ always gets what she wants. So when her soul is accidentally collected by a distracted Grim Reaper, somebody in the afterlife better figure out a way to send her back from the dead or heads will roll. But in her quest for mortality, she becomes a pawn in a power struggle between an overzealous archangel and Death Himself. The tribunal presents her with two options: she can remain in the lobby, where souls wait to be processed, until her original lifeline expires, or she can replay three moments in her life in an effort to make choices that will result in a future deemed worthy of being saved. It sounds like a no-brainer. She’ll take a walk down memory lane. How hard can changing her future be?

But with each changing moment, RJ’s life begins to unravel, until this self-proclaimed queen bee is a social pariah. She begins to wonder if walking among the living is worth it if she has to spend the next sixty years as an outcast. Too quickly, RJ finds herself back in limbo, her time on Earth once again up for debate.

RJ is a snarky, unapologetic, almost unredeemable, very real girl. Her story is funny and moving, and teens will easily connect with her plight. Prepare to meet the Grim Reaper, who’s cuter than you’d expect; Hawaiian shirt–wearing Death Himself; Saint Peter (who likes to play Cornhole); and Al, the handler for the three-headed hound that guards the gates of Hell. This cast of characters accompanies RJ through her time in the afterlife and will do their best to gently shove her in the right direction.
 
I didn't find out about this one until recently but it sounds so fun! Plus, the cover is gorgeous!

What are you guys waiting on this week?

Monday, September 21, 2015

Release Day Blitz with Giveaway: Walk on Earth a Stranger (The Gold Seer Trilogy #1) by Rae Carson


Walk on Earth a Stranger Release Day Blitz banner

I'm really excited to help spread the news about Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson which releases today. I had pleasure of reading an advance copy and I LOVED IT. You can read my review here :) Now check out everything about the book below and don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end!


Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae CarsonWalk on Earth a Stranger
(The Gold Seer Trilogy #1)
by Rae Carson
September 22, 2015
432 pages


Goodreads Summary:
The first book in a new trilogy from acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Rae Carson. A young woman with the magical ability to sense the presence of gold must flee her home, taking her on a sweeping and dangerous journey across Gold Rush–era America.

Lee Westfall has a secret. She can sense the presence of gold in the world around her. Veins deep beneath the earth, pebbles in the river, nuggets dug up from the forest floor. The buzz of gold means warmth and life and home—until everything is ripped away by a man who wants to control her. Left with nothing, Lee disguises herself as a boy and takes to the trail across the country. Gold was discovered in California, and where else could such a magical girl find herself, find safety? Rae Carson, author of the acclaimed Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy, dazzles with this new fantasy that subverts both our own history and familiar fantasy tropes.

Walk on Earth a Stranger, the first book in this new trilogy, introduces—as only Rae Carson can—a strong heroine, a perilous road, a fantastical twist, and a slow-burning romance. Includes a map and author’s note on historical research.


Saturday, September 19, 2015

Stacking the Shelves #62


Stacking the Shelves button

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews that lets us share what we've added to our shelves.



I attended Raincoast Books' TeensRead Winter+Spring Preview last weekend. It was super fun to hear about the new books coming out. These two ARCs were in my swag bag and I just about died when I saw Truthwitch. Needless to say, I squealed a lot at home and then proceeded to devouring the whole thing. Now I need book 2!
 
Ripple with Truthwitch and Where You'll Find Me 
Truthwitch by Susan Dennard
Where You'll Find Me by Natasha Friend

Holly Black and Cassandra Clare were in Vancouver for a signing so I had to buy these and go! Look for my event recap next week ;)

Ripple with the Magisterium series
The Iron Trial and The Copper Gauntlet by Holly Black and  Cassandra Clare

What did you guys add to your shelves this week?

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Event Recap: Raincoast Books present TeensRead Winter+Spring Preview 2016

 
TeensRead Preview Winter + Spring 2016

Last Saturday I attended the TeensRead Winter + Spring Preview hosted by Raincoast Books in Vancouver. Thank you so much for the invite Raincoast! I had a great time meeting all you ladies and hearing you talk about upcoming YA releases.
 
I was pretty nervous since this was my very first bookish event. It was a very friendly atmosphere though and all the bloggers were very enthusiastic about the titles and just books in general. I was very quiet (I usually am) but I had a very fun time! I met Olivia who blogs at We Like To Book and she works at Chapters! I've always wanted to work at Chapters! A shoutout to Olivia - thank you for talking to me :D At the end of the event, we took a very nice group picture. It's on Raincoast's Instagram right here if you want to see. I wanted to save the picture but Instagram won't let me haha. Also, I realized after that the Raincoast ladies weren't in it! Please get in the picture next time!!
 
The Toronto bloggers were also present through Google Hangout. I saw quite a few familiar face from twitter like Ri from Hiver&Café! She saw me and DMed me. It was really funny. We both wanted to wave but felt it might be too awkward so we sort of ended up just staring at each other (yep not awkward at all). Check out her recap, #RiGoesOutside with all the Toronto bloggers!
 
These are some of the titles that I'm super excited about! Click on the cover for the Goodreads link with more info ;)
 
Truthwitch by Susan DennardThese Vicious Masks by Tarun Shanker and Kelly ZekasLove, Lies & Spies by Cindy Anstey
Thief of Lies by Brenda DrakeTell the Wind and Fire by Sarah Rees Brennanhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23430471-riders
Firsts by Laurie Elizabeth FlynnNo Love Allowed by Kate EvangelistaIn Real Life by Jessica Love
 
I didn't include ones like The Winner's Kiss and The Beauty of Darkness since they're super popular already so it goes without saying I'm excited for them :D Here is a complete list of all the titles the ladies presented (click to enlarge):
 
Raincoast Books TeensRead Winter+Spring Preview 2016
 
Do you see anything you're excited for? Are there any books on this list you haven't heard about but has now made it onto your radar?
 
Each blogger also got an awesome swag bag full of goodies. I was super lucky to discover an ARC of Truthwitch in mine! I was really calm when I saw it but the moment I got home I freaked out lol. Then I pretty much devoured the book. I LOVED IT!!! Now I'm dying for book 2. The waiting is going to be pure torture but I'll definitely be re-reading Truthwitch again and again!
 
Raincoast swag bag
 
Thank you again to the ladies at Raincoast Books for hosting such an awesome event. I can't wait for all the new releases! Now back to the waiting ;)

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

WoW #63: A Mad Zombie Party (White Rabbit Chronicles #4) by Gena Showalter

 
Waiting on Wednesday button

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted every week by Breaking the Spine which lets us showcase an upcoming release we are excited about! 


A Mad Zombie PartyA Mad Zombie Party
(White Rabbit Chronicles #4)
by Gena Showalter
September 29, 2015
448 pages

Goodreads Summary:
The battle rages on.

Ali Bell and Cole Holland's crew of zombie slayers thought they'd won the war against Anima Industries, the evil company responsible for capturing and experimenting on zombies in an effort to discover the secret to immortality. In the last epic clash, the slayers lost many of their crew and closest friends. But Frosty, the ice man himself, has not recovered from one casualty in particular—the love of his life, Kat Parker.

On the path to self-annihilation, Frosty receives a message from beyond—Kat's spirit returns, insisting he partner with rogue slayer Camilla Marks. Frosty will do anything for Kat. Except that. Camilla is the one who betrayed them all, leading to Kat's death.

But when Anima rises from the grave to become a force the slayers may not have the strength to overcome, Frosty, Camilla and all the slayers will have to work together to survive. And one broken slayer will learn that sometimes, the line between hate and attraction is blurred…and the road to redemption isn't through revenge, but in letting go of the past and grabbing hold of the future.
 
I received the first three books in this series last Christmas and I need to get reading! I think this was only suppose to be a trilogy but it got extended? There's also a pretty neat pre-order deal you need to check out if you're a fan of the series!

What are you guys waiting on this week?

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Release Day Blitz - Excerpt & Giveaway: Queen of Always (Stolen Empire #3) by Sherry D. Ficklin

 
Queen of Always Book Blitz banner
 
 
Queen of Always by Sherry D. FicklinQueen of Always
(Stolen Empire #3)
by Sherry D. Ficklin
September 15, 2015
161 pages

Goodreads Summary:
LONG LIVE THE QUEEN

If her time at court has taught Catherine anything, it’s that there is no room for weakness in Imperial Russia. With the Empress’ health failing and rumors of a change in the line of succession, her place in the royal line is once more in jeopardy. Tormented by her sadistic husband and his venomous mistress, Catherine must once more walk the fine line between pleasure and politics—between scandal and survival.

When her young son becomes the target of those rebelling against Peter’s reign, Catherine will have to rise up to protect herself, her child, and her nation from his unstable and potentially catastrophic rule. This means putting herself at odds with the most dangerous man she’s ever known, trusting those who once proved to be her enemies, and turning a nation against its sovereign. In the ultimate battle for the crown, new alliances will be forged, loyalties will be tested, and blood will be shed.

Don’t miss this breathtaking conclusion to the Stolen Empire series!

Queen of Tomorrow is a YA historical fiction based on the life of young Catherine the Great. Fans of the hit TV show REIGN will devour this scandalous glimpse into the life of one of the most dynamic women in history.

Monday, September 14, 2015

Review: Walk on Earth a Stranger (The Gold Seer Trilogy #1) by Rae Carson


Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae CarsonWalk on Earth a Stranger
(The Gold Seer Trilogy #1)
by Rae Carson
September 22, 2015
432 pages


Goodreads Summary:
The first book in a new trilogy from acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Rae Carson. A young woman with the magical ability to sense the presence of gold must flee her home, taking her on a sweeping and dangerous journey across Gold Rush–era America.

Lee Westfall has a secret. She can sense the presence of gold in the world around her. Veins deep beneath the earth, pebbles in the river, nuggets dug up from the forest floor. The buzz of gold means warmth and life and home—until everything is ripped away by a man who wants to control her. Left with nothing, Lee disguises herself as a boy and takes to the trail across the country. Gold was discovered in California, and where else could such a magical girl find herself, find safety? Rae Carson, author of the acclaimed Girl of Fire and Thorns trilogy, dazzles with this new fantasy that subverts both our own history and familiar fantasy tropes.

Walk on Earth a Stranger, the first book in this new trilogy, introduces—as only Rae Carson can—a strong heroine, a perilous road, a fantastical twist, and a slow-burning romance. Includes a map and author’s note on historical research.


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