Review: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Title:	Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2)
Author:	Cassandra Clare
Genre:	YA, Steampunk
Rating:	PG
Publisher:	Margaret K. McElderry Books
Release Date:	December 6, 2011
Pages:	497
Source:	ARC provided by publisher
My Rating:	4.5*

 [Goodreads | Amazon]

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

This was Jem – her friend, as steady and reliable as a heartbeat. Jem did not set her skin on fire or make the blood rush fast inside her veins until she was dizzy.

“Until death,” Jem replied gently. “Those are the words of the oath. ‘Until aught but death part thee and me.’ Someday, Will, I will go where none can follow me, and I think it will be sooner rather than later.”

Tessa did not need to touch Jessamine’s mind to know what she was thinking. Even the diamond had not been real.

     I was got an ARC of this book from the lovely Jen from Rayment's Readings, Rants & Ramblings and I am so glad that I did.  Getting the ARC actually pushed me to read book one in the Infernal Devices Series, Clockwork Angel.  After reading book one and enjoying it, I immediately picked up the ARC of Clockwork Prince and dived right in.  Seriously, I have no idea how I am supposed to wait for book three now.

     All of the things that I loved in Clockwork Angel were brought right back and doubled in Clockwork Prince.  The setting, the characters, the history and story were just developed so beautifully and at such a great pace.  The story just unfolds effortlessly and hooks you right from the very first page.  Clockwork Prince is definitely one of my favourite books of 2011.

     Remember how in my review of Clockwork Angel I said that I didn't like Will?  Well let me revise that statement to say that I didn't like Will in that book, but loved him in Clockwork Prince.  I found that learning that there was a motivation and reason behind his behaviour made him much more likable.  In fact, by the end of the book you actually begin to see him for what he really is; a seventeen year old boy trying to make the best of a bad situation to the best of his ability.

     Tessa still annoyed me, but it was nice to see her experience some personal growth.  Jess still made me want to light myself on fire every time she appeared.  There really is no other character, that comes to mind, that has ever made me giddily anticipate the moment they finally get what is coming to them quite like Jess does.  Jem finally showed some grit and determination.  There was some steel in his spine and fire in his eyes and it really made me like him that much more.  And of course Magnus Bane is still made of awesome and win.

     Clockwork Prince is a fabulous follow up in the Infernal Devices Series.  If Cassandra Clare keeps writing like this she will continue to cement her place in the hearts and imaginations of readers everywhere.

Guest Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title:	Shatter Me
Author:	Tahereh Mafi
Genre:	YA, Dystopian
Rating:	PG
Publisher:	HarperTEEN
Release Date:	November 15, 2011
Pages:	342
Source:	ARC from Publisher
My Rating:	4.5 Stars

 [Goodreads | Amazon]

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

     "Their fear will work in your favour," he whispers in my ear.
     My humanity is lying in a million pieces on this carpeted floor.  "I never wanted them to be afraid of me."
     "You should."  He stops.  His eyes are calling me an idiot.  "If they don't fear you, they will hunt you."
     "People hunt things they fear all the time."
     "At least now they know what they're up against."  He resumes walking down the hall, but my feet are stitched into the ground.

Divergent, Delirium, The Hunger Games, and The Chaos Walking Trilogy are all great dystopian YA novels and all are equalled or surpassed by this debut novel by Tahereh Mafi. Mafi’s novel is a breathtaking work of art, her description on the fall of culture on page 60 left me in awe of this 23 year old writer's talent. (If you are hesitant to buy this novel after reading this review, flip to this page and bask in the eloquence… THEN buy the book.) 

The female protagonists in YA novels are often shy, awkward, and well…sappy. While Juliette starts off with all of these traits, Mafi introduces a new way to portray this. Juliette is censored (by herself) like this. As the book progresses, Juliette doubts herself less and less, and becomes a more confident and sexy woman. I doubt I am a part of the audience that Mafi intended her book for, but when I saw the synopsis compare it to the X-Men, well I couldn’t resist. 

Guys and Girls of all ages will enjoy this book, I’ve recommended it to others, and will continue to do so. Girls, if you enjoyed the previously mentioned novels, read this. Guys, if you enjoyed watching X-men as a kid, read this. This book was great, and the sequel will be SO FREAKING INSANE!!! Oh… also… on an amazingly awesome note the book has been optioned by 20th Century Fox.

P.S. You can read the first chapter on the Shatter Me Facebook page.

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I am a 24 yr old book lover. My room is a veritable library, albeit a messy one. I owe my love of literature to The Hardy Boys, though I quickly branched off into historical fiction which led to me currently reading just about anything. I attend Ryerson University and hate writing About Me blurbs. Also Neil Pasricha writer of The Book of Awesome says I'm awesome.

Review: Triangles by Ellen Hopkins

Title: Triangles
Author: Ellen Hopkins
Genre: Fiction & Literature
Rating: PG
Publisher: Atria Books
Release Date: October 18, 2011
Pages: 544 Pages
Source: ARC provided by Publisher
My Rating: 4*

[Goodreads | Amazon]

Synopsis

THREE FEMALE FRIENDS FACE MIDLIFE CRISES IN A NO-HOLDS-BARRED EXPLORATION OF SEX, MARRIAGE, AND THE FRAGILITY OF LIFE.

Holly: Filled with regret for being a stay-at-home mom, she sheds sixty pounds and loses herself in the world of extramarital sex. Will it bring the fulfillment she is searching for?

Andrea: A single mom and avowed celibate, she watches her friend Holly’s meltdown with a mixture of concern and contempt. Holly is throwing away what Andrea has spent her whole life searching for—a committed relationship with a decent guy. So what if Andrea picks up Holly’s castaway husband?

Marissa: She has more than her fair share of challenges—a gay, rebellious teenage son, a terminally ill daughter, and a husband who buries himself in his work rather than face the facts.

As one woman’s marriage unravels, another’s rekindles. As one woman’s family comes apart at the seams, another’s reconfigures into something bigger and better. In this story of connections and disconnections, one woman’s up is another one’s down, and all of them will learn the meaning of friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness.

Unflinchingly honest, emotionally powerful, surprisingly erotic, Triangles is the ultimate page-turner. Hopkins’s gorgeous, expertly honed poetic verse perfectly captures the inner lives of her characters. Sometimes it happens like that. Sometimes you just get lost.

Get lost in the world of Triangles, where the lives of three unforgettable women intersect, and where there are no easy answers.

Quotes

’Falling to pieces. That’s how my life feels. Fractured. Crushed. Disintegrating. And the weird thing is, it’s all because of that stupid little word: love. I’ve fallen in love with ..., and it’s tinting everything normal about me with shades of insanity.’

My Thoughts

This was the first book by Ellen Hopkins that I have ever read.  It was also my first time reading a book written in verse.  When the opportunity came to participate in a blog tour for Triangles I absolutely jumped at the chance and I am glad that I did.


Triangles is an absolute roller coaster ride from beginning to end.   Told from the various point's of view, Triangles is at times emotional, erotic, raw, honest and above all real.

The stories of Holly, Marissa and Andrea are ones that are found in everyday life.  A woman unfulfilled and unhappy in her marriage, a woman struggling to hold on to her family and herself in the face of overwhelming odds, and a woman simply searching for something more.  All are stories that we hear about everyday, some of us, maybe experiencing for ourselves in some way shape or form.  That, to me, is the mark of excellent writing and storytelling.  The fact that it was done so well and in verse is a bonus.

This is not a YA book, but fans of Ellen's YA readers who have grown up and matured with each novel written by Ellen Hopkins will find Triangles to be a welcome addition to their collection.

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About the Author
Ellen Hopkins is the New York Times bestselling author of Crank, Burned, Impulse, Glass, and Identical. She lives in Carson City, Nevada, with her husband and son. Hopkin's MySpace and Facebook pages get thousands of hits from teens who claim Hopkins is the "only one who understands me".

Ellen's Website
Ellen's Facebook Page
Ellen's Twitter Page

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Be sure to visit the other stops on the Triangles blog tour!

11/2/2011 Reflections with Coffee
11/3/2011 Taming the Bookshelf 
11/4/2011 Oodles of Books
11/5/2011 Ravishing Reads
11/7/2011 Review from Here
11/8/2011 Proud Book Nerd
11/9/2011 The Book Swarm 
11/10/2011 Tiffany's Bookshelf
11/11/2011 Kritters Ramblings
11/13/2011 Hippies, Beauty, and Books Oh My!
11/15/2011 So Many Books, So Little Time
11/16/2011 Book Snob 
11/17/2011 Reader Girls 
11/18/2011 Colloquium

Review: Crossed by Ally Condie

Title: Crossed
Author: Ally Condie
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Rating: G
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Publication Date: November 1, 2011
Pages: 384
Source: ARC provided by Publisher
My Rating: 3*

[Goodreads | Amazon]

Synopsis

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

Quotes

     I wonder if some of that longing came through in my voice when I spoke of the painting, if Xander noticed and remembered.  Xander still plays the game in a subtle way.  This painting is one of his cards.  Now, when I see the painting or touch one of he newrose petals, I remember the way he felts so familiar and knew so much, and I ache for what I've had to let go.

My Thoughts

I really, really did not like Matched, but as a follow up Crossed was actually pretty decent.  I ended up  reading both books back to back so I was able to keep going with the story.  As a result, I really can't help but compare the two books.

I must say that I enjoyed the setting in Matched much more.  For me, having the characters leave the city for the Outer Provinces lends credibility to the whole Dystopian aspect.  I felt that it gave Crossed a sense of danger and excitement that I found was lacking in Matched.  There were so many plot twists that I found myself unable to predict what was going to happen next; something that I greatly enjoyed.

Once I got used to them, I loved the differing viewpoints.  In my opinion, it really helped keep the story from revealing itself too soon.  Plus it was really nice to get a look inside of Ky's mind.  I found his viewpoint to be very refreshing and almost pure in his feelings.  Plus, it was a bonus to have male characters, who while very different from one another, were not absolute morons.  It was so nice to just finally get some decent male love interests.  I am really tired of this whole trend in YA of girls always falling for the pining after the controlling jerk.  Kudos to Ally Condie for creating two different male characters in Xander and Ky who aren't actually jerks masquerading as the ideal choice.

I have to say, that now I am kind of bummed that I have to wait a whole year to find out just how this series ends.

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About the Author

Ally Condie is the author of the New York Times bestselling novel MATCHED. She is also a former high school English teacher who lives with her husband and three sons outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. She loves reading, running, eating, and listening to her husband play guitar.

(ARC) Review: Shelter

Title: Shelter (A Mickey Bolitar Novel)
Author: Harlan Coben
Genre: YA, Mystery/Thriller
Rating: PG
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Publication Date: September 6, 2011
Pages: 304 pages
Source: ARC Courtesy of the Publisher
My Rating: 4*


[Gooodreads | Amazon]


A young adult debut from internationally bestselling author Harlan Coben

Mickey Bolitar's year can't get much worse. After witnessing his father's death and sending his mom to rehab, he's forced to live with his estranged uncle Myron and switch high schools.

A new school comes with new friends and new enemies, and lucky for Mickey, it also comes with a great new girlfriend, Ashley. For a while, it seems like Mickey's train-wreck of a life is finally improving - until Ashley vanishes without a trace. Unwilling to let another person walk out of his life, Mickey follows Ashley's trail into a seedy underworld that reveals that this seemingly sweet, shy girl isn't who she claimed to be. And neither was Mickey's father. Soon, Mickey learns about a conspiracy so shocking that it makes high school drama seem like a luxury - and leaves him questioning everything about the life he thought he knew.

First introduced to readers in Harlan Coben's latest adult novel, Live Wire, Mickey Bolitar is as quick-witted and clever as his uncle Myron, and eager to go to any length to save the people he cares about. With this new series, Coben introduces an entirely new generation of fans to the masterful plotting and wry humor that have made him an award-winning, internationally bestselling, and beloved author.


Quotes

     "Evil remains.  Always.  You can combat it, but you can never fully defeat it.  You settle for small victories.  IF you overreach, you lose everything.  But every life matters.  There is an old saying: 'He who saves one life saves the world.'  So we pick and choose."

My Thoughts


Now I know that I am a fast reader, usually reading at least one book a day, but I absolutely devoured this book. I think in total it took me an hour and half to read it. That is fast, even by my standards. After having read the book all I have to say is why haven't I read a novel by Harlan Coben before?

I was hooked from the first page and when I finished the book, I immediately wanted to read another one. Unfortunately, Shelter is Harlan Coben's first foray into writing a YA novel. Having said that, I really hope he writes another one. The novel was the perfect blend of suspense, intrigue, humor, and sensitivity. The character's, who were all very different, came across as authentic and real in both their relationships and interactions.

The protagonist Mickey is currently living with his uncle Myron after having lost both his mother and father in some shape or form. Mickey is both a likeable character and an honourable one. He has a tremendous sense of right and wrong, and a very deep social conscience that is not usually displayed at his age. He, despite the recent trials and tribulations he has been through, remains steadfast in the belief that you should help those who are in need despite the personal cost, and displays this throughout the novel on his search for his missing girlfriend.

All in all, I found this a very enjoyable and easy read. It can get a bit suggestive at times, but it's really nothing more than you would see on TV in any prime time show. 

In My Mailbox #16: August 28 – September 3, 2011 Edition!

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

The purpose of the meme is to highlight books that you have received in your mailbox over the past week. So let’s see what I got in my mailbox this week!

So I am not even gonna lie, this week was pretty epic!  On Tuesday I went to the Chapters Indigo Fall Party 2011.  I took Evie from Bookish and met up with Gwenyth from Rants-n-Scribbles, Brenna from Esther's Ever After and Jenn from Lost In Great Book.  You can read about it and see pictures here!  As I mentioned in that post, Evie, Gwenyth and I had to leave early.  Shortly after we left, Brenna sent me a message to tell me I won a book, but because I wasn't there it went to someone else.

I was super bummed because I have been dying to get my hands on said book for months.  Well the lovely people at Chapters Indigo saw my blog post about the party and contacted me on Thursday morning and offered to send me a copy of the finished book.  I squealed like a 13 year old girl at Justin Bieber concert!  The people at Chapters Indigo (waves hi to Chandra) had the book sent over to my office that same afternoon.

What is this mysterious book you ask?  Good question!

Title: The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Publisher: Doubleday
Release Date: September 13, 2011

[Goodreads | Amazon]

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.

True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus per­formers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.

Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.

I still can't believe that I own this already.  Of course as soon as I got it, I cracked it open.  I can say this, if you haven't already pre-ordered this one, do so now!  It's amazing.  Or you could just stay tuned as I will be doing a giveaway for this book starting on Monday today!  Once again I have to give a huge, huge thank you to everyone at Chapters Indigo HQ.  I am so amazed by your customer service and humbled by your dedication to your customers and to your promotion of the love of reading!

Courtesy of the Publisher

On Wednesday, I dragged Evie over to the PenguinCanada HQ to meet with the lovely and awesome Bronwyn and Vimala.  They were both super cool and awesome.  We got a tour of the office and they were gracious and wonderful hosts.  After getting some goodies, we headed out to Starbucks with them for a some drinks and a chat about all things book related and not so book related.

Title: Born Wicked - The Cahill Witch Chronicles
Author: Jessica Spotswood
Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons
Release Date: February 7, 2012

[Goodreads | Amazon]

A Great and Terrible Beauty meets Cassandra Clare in this spellbinding fantasy

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word . . . especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other.

This is next to read in my pile, though the review won't be posted till closer to the release date.

In My Mailbox #15: August 21- 27, 2011 Edition

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

The purpose of the meme is to highlight books that you have received in your mailbox over the past week. So let’s see what I got in my mailbox this week!

So I have been slacking on the blog lately!  I am so sorry guys, but I promise that the reviews are on their way back.  Preparing for the upcoming school year the University has been so hectic this year.  No, I am not a student, but I do run to Engineering Undergrad Programs!  I think everything is sorted out now, and it's back to blogging.  So let's see what I received in my mailbox this week!

L.A. Mental by Neil McMahon [Goodreads | Amazon] ARC Copy
Drama: An Actor's Education by John Lithgow [Goodreads | Amazon] ARC Copy
Irma Voth by Miriam Towes [Goodreads | Amazon] ARC Copy
Darkhouse (Experiment in Terror Series #1) by Karina Halle [Goodreads | Amazon] Finished Copy
Red Fox (Experiment in Terror Series #2) by Karina Halle [Goodreads | Amazon] Finished Copy
The Edge of Grace by Christa Allen [Goodreads | Amazon] Finished Copy *Blog Tour coming up*

Review: The Sixes

Title: The Sixes
Author: Kate White
Genre: Fiction & Literature
Rating: PG
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: August 2, 2011
Pages: 384 pages
Source: ARC Courtesy of the Publisher
My Rating: 5*

[Goodreads | Amazon]

Kate White rises to the pinnacle of modern suspense with The Sixes, a page-turning stand-alone thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of Hush, and the editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine. With taught prose evocative of Laura Lippman’s Life Sentences and Dennis Lehane’s Moonlight Mile, White paints the sinister picture of a quiet Pennsylvania college town left shaken after a mysterious death precipitates a cascade of evil events on campus. When new teacher Phoebe Hall undertakes the dangerous quest of uncovering the truth behind the ghastly recent happenings, her investigation will send her into the clutches of a deadly secret society—the Sixes—and unearth the dark relics of her own long-buried past.


My Thoughts

This is the first book I have read written by Kate White.  I have to say, if they are all like this, then I need to read more of her work.

The Sixes, like The Twisted Thread by Charlotte Bacon, is a book about a murder and secret society of mean girls.  Actually girls aren't just mean, they are sociopath's.  Sociopath's with far, far too much time on their hands.

Phoebe Hall is a famous writer recently a part of plagiarism scandal.  As a way to lay low and recover from this scandal she is offered a place teaching a writing class at Lyle College by her long time friend who is now the head of the school.  Shortly after her arrival, a girl is found drowned in the river just off campus.  During the investigation into her death, the school administration gets wind of a secret society of girls that may be operating on campus.  Desperate to contain possible damage to the school, Phoebe is tasked with using her journalistic talents to investigate The Sixes.

Phoebe's investigation, predictably, stirs up a hornet's nest and makes her the target for this group of mean girls on crack.  It's actually scary the complete lack of respect for authority or personal safety that The Sixes show in their bid to intimidate Phoebe from finding out the truth about them.  In the course of investigating The Sixes, Phoebe unwittingly becomes involved in the investigation for the killer that appears to be haunting Lyle College, its students and Phoebe herself.

Kate White has done a phenomenal job in weaving all the different back stories together into one cohesive and dynamic thriller.  I guarantee that this is one ending that you won't see coming.

This review was done after reading an uncorrected ARC copy courtesy of HarperCollins New York. My priority is to you, and I honour that commitment by being honest! I don’t do reviews for payment, nor do I guarantee favourable reviews for any book/galley/ARC sent to me for review.  I promise to stay truthful with you and all opinions represented here are my own. If you are uncertain what this all means, I urge you to read my Review Policy for further clarification. You can also contact me at contact@nicoleabouttown.com.

In My Mailbox #14: August 7 - 13, 2011 Edition

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

The purpose of the meme is to highlight books that you have received in your mailbox over the past week.  So let’s see what I got in my mailbox this week!

So this week I had the opportunity to take part in a focus group held at Penguin Canada HQ to give them some feedback on their new YA imprint Razorbill.  I had an awesome time and met some great people.  At the end of the focus group, we had the opportunity to get our hands on some books.  Even though there was no limit to how many we could takeI honestly feel bad cause I didn't realize how many books I had!  I think I feel a giveaway coming up!

Matched by Ally Condie

Crossed (ARC Copy) by Allie Condie

The Future of Us (ARC Copy) by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

Kill All Enemies (ARC Copy) by Melvin Burgess

Glow (ARC Copy) by Amy Kathleen Ryan [Goodreads Giveaway]

Massive thanks to Bronwyn and Vimala and everyone at Penguin Canada.  They were so lovely to invite us and were amazing hosts.  *Waves* hi to my fellow focus group attendees Mel from He Followed Me Home, Jackie from My Ever Expanding Library, Brenna from Esther's Ever After, Gwenn from Rants & Scribbles, Erin and Jenn.

This was a fabulous group of women and I encourage you all to check them out if you haven't before!

What's in your mailbox this week?

In My Mailbox #13: July 31 - August 6, 2011 Edition

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

The purpose of the meme is to highlight books that you have received in your mailbox over the past week.  So let’s see what I got in my mailbox this week!

Books Received For Review

My Long Trip Home by Mark Whitaker [Courtesy of Simon & Schuster]

That is it.  I didn't purchase any books this week as I need to catch up on reading the ones I already have.

In My Mailbox # 12: July 24 - 30, 2011 Edition

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

The purpose of the meme is to highlight books that you have received in your mailbox over the past week.  So let’s see what I got in my mailbox this week!

Books Received for Review

Pig Boy by J.C. Burke (Finished Copy) [Goodreads]

Crushed Seraphim by Debra Anastasia (Finished Copy) [Goodreads | Amazon]

The Hairdresser of Harare by Tendai Huchu (Finished Copy) [Goodreads | Amazon]

Season of Darkness by Maureen Jennings (ARC Copy) [Goodreads | Amazon]

The Rafters by A.C Montgomery (ARC Copy) [Goodreads | Amazon]

The Lust Garden by Billy Jolie (Finished Copy) [Goodreads | Amazon]

The Taker by Alma Katsu (ARC Copy) [Goodreads | Amazon]

Books Purchased

 The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan [Goodreads | Amazon]

Wildefire by Karsten Knight [Goodreads | Amazon]

Stolen by Lucy Christopher [Goodreads | Amazon]

Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter [Goodreads | Amazon]

Hate List by Jennifer Brown [Goodreads | Amazon]

After by Amy Efaw [Goodreads | Amazon]

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa [Goodreads | Amazon]

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa [Goodreads | Amazon]

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa [Goodreads | Amazon]

So that is my list for this week.  It finally seems like Canada Post is getting back to normal as I have finally started receiving books in the mail again!  Yay!

What did you get in your mailbox this week?

In My Mailbox #11 - July 17 - 23, 2011 Edition

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

The purpose of the meme is to highlight books that you have received in your mailbox over the past week.  So let’s see what I got in my mailbox this week!

For Review

This Beautiful Life by Helen Schulman [Goodreads | Amazon]

Blood of the Reich by William Dietrich [Goodreads | Amazon]

The Sixes by Kate White [Goodreads | Amazon]

The Lantern by Deborah Lawrenson [Goodreads | Amazon]

While I love the cover of the ARC for The Lantern, I fell in love with the finished copy of the cover for the book as well.  I'm going to have to pick it up as well!

*All of the books listed were supplied by HarperCollins New York for review purposes*

Purchased

When You Dare by Lori Foster [Goodreads | Amazon]
Go Ask Alice by Anonymous [Goodreads | Amazon]
Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray [Goodreads | Amazon]

Island of Lost Girls by Jennifer McMahon [Goodreads | Amazon]

Numbers by Rachel Ward [Goodreads | Amazon]

XVI by Julie Karr [Goodreads | Amazon]

Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen [Goodreads | Amazon]

Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma [Goodreads | Amazon]

Shine by Lauren Myracle [Goodreads | Amazon]

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini [Goodreads | Amazon]

So this is what I received in my mailbox this week.  My mail is still trickling in as most of it is still lost in a sorting centre somewhere due to our recent postal strike.  What did you get in your mailbox this week?

In My Mailbox #10 - July 10 - 16, 2011 Edition

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

The purpose of the meme is to highlight books that you have received in your mailbox over the past week.  So let's see what I got in my mailbox this week!

Sent for Review:

All Different Kinds of Free by Jessica McCann

Purchased:

But I Love Him by Amanda Grace

Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

In My Mailbox #9: July 3 - July 9, 2011 Edition

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

The purpose of the meme is to highlight books that you have received in your mailbox over the past week. So this week I went a bit nuts and added a bunch of books that have been on my wishlist for a while to my collection.  Sad part is that I am no where near done, lol!

On to the books...

Moonlight Mile - Dennis Lehane
Dexter by Design  - Jeff Lindsay
Dexter is Delicious - Jeff Lindsay
Shut Up, I'm Talking - Gregory Levey
Long Gone - Alafair Burke (ARC Copy)
Stuff White People Like - Christian Lander
Sacred Hearts - Sarah Dunant
Smile When You're Lying - Chuck Thomspson
Special Topics in Calamity Physics - Marisha Pessel
Babycakes - Erin McKenna



What did you get in your mailbox this week?

In My Mailbox #4/Mailbox Monday: May 30 - June 4, 2011 Edition

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In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren.  Mailbox Monday is being hosted this month over at Mari Reads.

The purpose of both meme’s is pretty much the same thing.  They highlight books that you have received in your mailbox over the past week.  I must say that I keep receiving a lot of books and I really love it.  For the books that I received that have not been released yet, I will give you the synopsis of the books and not just the names.

So here is what I received this week: