Book Expo Here I Come! Weekly Obsessions!

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

Starting off my weekly obsessions with my Book Expo America info and letting you all know what will be happening on the blog during the week while I am gone.

Not only do I have BEA itself to look forward to but there are other events and signings going on in the city at the same time. Teen Author Carnival is one I am planning on going to, and possibly a signing Monday night.

I am leaving Sunday night and will be gone most of the week. I have reviews and such scheduled while I am away.

Next week on the blog looks like this:

Monday June 4 - review of From What I Remember by Stacy Kramer and Valerie Thomas
Tuesday June 5 - review of Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown
Wednesday June 6 - Waiting on Wednesday post
Thursday June 7 - review of Timepiece by Myra McEntire

Hopefully they all post as scheduled.

Now moving on to the weekly obsessions

BOOKS

Title for Masque of the Red Death sequel

Novel Novice revealed the title for the Masque of the Red Death sequel! I am super excited by this and the title is perfect

Dance of the Red Death

DYING! I want this book. Immediately would be awesome. I am hoping for dancing, and lots of kissing. Especially if it involves Will.

cover for Let The Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger

This cover is in the running for prettiest cover of 2012. It's romantic and soft, and I love it. Based on the Goodreads synopsis it seems like a perfect fit. 

OTHER

Teen Author Carnival panels


All the panels sound AMAZING! I have selected the two I am going to attend.

My first panel is going to be - "Is this the real life? Or is this just fantasy?" and my second panel is all about the boys with "Where have you been all my life? (Let's talk boys)" If you are curious about the other panels (or what fantastic authors are on the panels I am attending) visit the Teen Author Carnival Tumblr.

Have a great week everyone. I can not wait to see what I missed while away.

So what you are obsessed with this week?

Friday Hop!

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. It's a great way to meet new blogger friends. This weeks question is:

Q: You are a matchmaker -- your goal, hook up two characters from two of your favorite books. Who would it be? How do you think it would go?

Hmm....I would set up Izzy from The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare with Phoenix from Embrace by Jessica Shirvington. Izzy loves the bad boy, and Phoenix likes a strong, tough girl. I think they would have some pretty epic arguments, but their relationship would be full of fire and passion (while it lasted).



TGIF at GReads! is a weekly blog hop hosted by Ginger from GReads

This weeks question is

Issue Books: Which books have you found to be very rewarding when it comes to tackling tougher issues?

Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why is the first one that comes to mind. I love how you tackled bullying, teen suicide, and how people should consider how their words and actions impact others.

Happy Weekend!

Storm by Brigid Kemmerer

Storm by Brigid Kemmerer

Release Date –  April 24, 2012

Publisher Website –  Kensington

Publisher Social Media -  Twitter

Pages -  353 pages

My Rating- 4/5

**purchased**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Earth, Fire, Air, Water – they have more power than you dream. 

Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her, Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys—all the ones she doesn't want. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water—just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They’re powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death. 

And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca. 

Secrets are hard to keep when your life’s at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who’s hiding the most dangerous truth of all. 

The storm is coming . .

After hearing Brodie from Eleusinian Mysteries rave about this book I knew I had to read it. It promised great characters, action, and the intriguing Merrick brothers. I am happy to say it delivered.

What I love most about Brigid Kemmerer’s writing was the characters. She created these complex, realistic characters that she layers by using the story. She doesn’t tell us their characteristics, she uses the plot and actions to SHOW us. The mythology of the elements and the feeling of being connected to that element is well described and developed.

Reading a book from a guy’s point of view written by female author is sometimes a hit and sometimes it’s a miss. I felt Brigid did a fantastic job of presenting her male characters, and giving them a believable voice. 

Becca is someone that will appeal to most readers. She has had a rough school year after some rumours get spread about her and the soccer team. She carries around a lot of guilt and grief over decisions and choices she made, and you can not help by sympathize with her. I loved that she wanted to learn self defence, and was capable, but it was within reason. She felt just like the girl next door, which really worked for this story.

Chris is the misunderstood, quiet guy that Becca saves. He really keeps people at arms length for their own protection, but also because he seems happier that way. While the death of his parents has impacted him I didn't find him as bitter as some of his other brothers. He also wasn't one to last out, or make jokes like the twins. I just found him to be a little hesitant, lost, but wanting to connect.

The romance, while not overpowering, is quite sweet. I loved the push/pull between Becca and Chris. Whenever I think of Chris and Becca I think of the line “Almonds, Vanilla, Torture”. This line for me sums up how Chris feels whenever Becca is close. He’s hyper aware of her, and it’s torture because he doesn’t trust himself not to lose control around her.

Gabriel is as volatile as the element he controls. His actions and words are filled with fire, anger, and passion. He was easily the Merrick I could see going out of control. His complex feelings towards Michael showed how much everything has really impacted this boy and his whole family. While Gabriel and his twin Nick look the same, they are as different from each other as can be Nick is much more level headed and focused. Both twins seem like a lot of fun, and charming though.

Michael is a bit of a jerk. It’s warranted however. I felt so bad for this young man who suddenly finds himself the head of the household and raising three younger brothers. His own guilt serves as barrier between him and his brothers who are harbouring their own resentment and confusion. My heart broke when the consequences to the events in Elemental are revealed. It explains so much about Michael that I urge everyone to start with that novella.

The relationship between the brothers is really what shines in the novel. It’s complex, feels real and will pull at your heart. So much as gone wrong for these guys, you just want something to go right for them.  Their powers are unpredictable, and the urge to loose control is always there, but each of them fight it. You want to scream at them to talk, work it out and just admit they love each other. Sigh...boys!

Four hot brothers, intense action, a few surprises and a fun mythology made me fall in love with Storm. The storm may have passed, but it’s far from over for the Merrick brothers and Becca. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Waiting on Wednesday....Burn for Burn

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My pick this week is Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY...
THEY GET EVEN.

Lillia has never had any problems dealing with boys who like her. Not until this summer, when one went too far. No way will she let the same thing happen to her little sister.

Kat is tired of the rumours, the insults, the cruel jokes. It all goes back to one person– her ex-best friend– and she's ready to make her pay.

Four years ago, Mary left Jar Island because of a boy. But she's not the same girl anymore. And she's ready to prove it to him.

Three very different girls who want the same thing: sweet, sweet revenge. And they won't stop until they each had a taste

Intriguing premise. I am really curious about the revenge aspect and how it'll play it. I am a huge fan of the TV show Revenge, and part of it is the guilty pleasure thrill this type of entertainment provides. Very excited to find out about these girls and what leads them to join forces.

Expected release date - September 18, 2012

Dreamless by Josephine Angelini

Dreamless by Josephine Angelini

Release Date –  May 29, 2012

Publisher Website –  Harper Collins

Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader

Pages -  487 pages

My Rating- 4.5/5

**obtained from the publisher for an honest review**

**********SPOILERS FOR STARCROSSED**************

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Can true love be forgotten? 

As the only Scion who can descend into the Underworld, Helen Hamilton has been given a nearly impossible task. By night she wanders through Hades, trying to stop the endless cycle of revenge that has cursed her family. By day she struggles to overcome the fatigue that is rapidly eroding her sanity. Without Lucas by her side, Helen is not sure she has the strength to go on. 

Just as Helen is pushed to her breaking point, a mysterious new Scion comes to her rescue. Funny and brave, Orion shields her from the dangers of the Underworld. But time is running out—a ruthless foe plots against them, and the Furies’ cry for blood is growing louder. 

As the ancient Greek world collides with the mortal one, Helen’s sheltered life on Nantucket descends into chaos. But the hardest task of all will be forgetting Lucas Delos. 

Josephine Angelini’s compelling saga becomes ever more intricate and spellbinding as an unforgettable love triangle emerges and the eternal cycle of revenge intensifies. Eagerly awaited, this sequel to the internationally bestselling STARCROSSED delivers a gritty, action-packed love story that exceeds expectation.

Some books are just written to be enjoyed at the beach. Dreamless is a scorching read  that is perfect for those hot days of summer. The romance is steamier, the action more intense and the mythology dives deeper. 

The mythology is explored, revealed and developed in even greater details in this book. I felt like we got some insight into the Greek myths and how they are going to intertwine with Josephine’s story.  Josephine’s writing is as addictive as it was in Starcrossed. The paces her chapters well, and it makes you want to turn the pages quicker.

Helen showed how strong she is in this instalment. She suffered going into to Underworld night after night all to benefit the other Scions and prevent further pain for people she cares about. Her decisions may aggravate you, or you may want to shake her and say “LISTEN TO PEOPLE”, but you can understand her actions and motives. I like that she didn’t sit around and wait. She embraces her destiny and is determined to fulfill it, even it comes at the cost of her life. She took action and did what she felt she needed to. It was also refreshing to see her not being treated as weak or incapable by the people around her. They still wanted to protect her, and help, but it never felt patronizing. 

The addition of Orion is one that I am sure is going to cause people to react very strongly. Lucas fans, watch out! Orion is charming, sexy and will steal your heart. He’s there for Helen when she needs him most, and while their relationship is tricky for it’s own reasons, he is a good fit for her. I felt the bond between them was made by their experience together. Lucas is still very present and, while he and Helen know they can not be together, they can't stay away from each other either. This is a triangle that feels natural, and not overwhelming to the story.

Matt intrigued me in this novel. I couldn’t help but love how honourable, caring and what a fantastic friend he was. I think there is more than meets the eye to this character, and I hope to learn more about him in book three.

Dreamless is a much more intense novel than Starcrossed. The stakes seem  higher, the characters are in real danger, and real consequences come from actions. The action sequences are plentiful and make for a fast paced, quick read.

I enjoyed Dreamless even more than I enjoyed Starcrossed. Josephine Angelini gives a second novel that has everything you want from this series. Romance, action, and deeper mythology. She moves the plot along and actually has real consequences for the characters, which is rare for the second book in a series. At the end the characters are irrevocably changed and the impact is going to be felt in the third book. I am breathless waiting to see how this story will end.

Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowan

Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowan

Release Date –  May 29, 2012

Publisher Website –  Harlequin Teen

Publisher Social Media -  Twitter

Pages -  348 pages

My Rating- 3.5/5

**obtained from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

I don't do dangerous. Smart, über-careful, ordinary Samantha-that's me. But I just couldn't pass up a surprise kiss from my number-one unattainable crush. A kiss that did something to me...something strange. Now I feel hungry all the time, but not for food. It's like part of me is missing-and I don't know if I can get it back. Then there's Bishop. At first I thought he was just a street kid, but the secrets he's keeping are as intense as his unearthly blue eyes. If he's what I think he is, he may be the only one who can help me. But something terrifying is closing in, and the one chance Bishop and I have to stop it means losing everything I ever wanted and embracing the darkness inside me.... NIGHTWATCHERS When angels and demons must work together, something beyond evil is rising...

A kiss can change everything. In Samantha's case that isn't just a figure of speech. She is kissed by her long time crush and suddenly she can't focus on anything other than how hungry she is. Food doesn't ease the hunger and it isn't long before she realizes that it's human souls she is craving. Enter Bishop a sexy angel, and his team of angel and demons and you have a fast paced, quick read.

This novel felt like it had a lot happening all at once, especially in the beginning. It felt like information overload at first, with everything happening rapidly, and I found it too much too soon. Once things settled and the plot started to come together I appreciated the story more. There is a balance between too slow and too fast and this pacing is a little on the fast side. People who love action, and a fast moving plot will enjoy this aspect. People who prefer more character development may find that aspect a little lacking until later on in the story.

The mythology was, for me, what saved the story. I enjoyed the layers Michelle Rowan created, and having the angels and demons work together was a refreshing change from the usual for the angel genre.While the story may feel known, Michelle is able to make it her own and create something with her own spin.

Samantha was a likeable enough character. She's cautious, doesn't take risks or chances and is happy that way. The kiss with her long time crush changes everything, and watching her react to this was a enjoyable part of the story. I like that, even as Sam is changing, the author manged to stay true to her character. She is still Sam underneath it all. Too often the heroine looses herself after the "big event" happens and changes. Sam does change, but her core characteristics are still present.

Bishop is tall, dark, and brooding. Perfect drool worthy material for readers, and he is someone that Sam can't seem to stay away from. His fractured state only heightens his appeal and many readers will fall for him. I am curious about his backstory and hope to learn much more about him in future novels.

To counter balance Bishop we have Kraven - a snarky, good looking demon whose banter with Sam is amusing. I think there may be a triangle of sorts in the future books and I think quite a few readers may enjoy Kraven as well.

While I had my issues, it was still an overall enjoyable book. With the hint of the action packed sequel to come, layered mythology and romance Dark Kiss is a fast, enjoyable read. It will hit the spot for some beach goers who are looking for something other than the usual light romance fare of the season.

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews).

I did not get any new books this week. However I did get some bookish goodies!

I won a contest that Chapters was holding on Twitter. Chapters is Canada's largest bookstore chain. They held a contest for Cassandra Clare's City of Lost Souls around the release date and part of the prize arrived this week.

A t-shirt with the cover of City of Lost Souls on it. I am waiting for the second part of the prize which is a Shadowhunter family ring replica. Very excited!

I also received a bookmark for The Dark Light from Sara Walsh (Goodreads). I had entered a contest during the YAmazing Race and Sara was kind enough to send everyone who entered her contest a bookmark.

Publishers Lunch released a BEA Buzz Books. It's little excerpts of 30 books that will be at BEA this year. I have been checking them out and I am even more excited to go now!

It has a lot of information in them, and showcases a ton of amazing sounding titles. For those that use Netgalley I believe it is still available to download if you wish to check it out.

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!