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). 

A nice, slow week. It's helping me feel a little more on top of my reading pile (who am I kidding though, it's totally not making a difference).

Last Night At The Viper Room by Gavin Edwards (Goodreads)

Here is where I admit that I am going to be extremely hard to please with this novel. I adore River Phoenix, and I hope this novel sticks to facts, and research. We shall see. I am almost much more curious about how his death impacted other young actors in Hollywood. Not personally, but did it impact anything else? Did it change anything for those embarking on a similar pattern? I hope the answer is yes.

Happy Reading, and Happy Weekend!

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:

BOOKS

Of Metal and Wishes cover

Totally not what I was expecting. I do like the softness, and haunting beauty of it. I hope it matches the story, because from the synopsis I was expecting something MUCH different.

TV/MOVIE

Ray Donovan

I have become obsessed with this show, and Liev Schreiber in it. He's totally mesmerizing, and compelling as Ray. Austin Nichols also has a fun, meaty role that surprised me. It's an intense, twisty show. Got to admit, I do love the Boston accent that is so prevalent throughout the show.

So what are you obsessed with this week?

Follow Friday

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:

Bookshelf Tour. Give us a tour of your bookshelf.

I do not have a bookshelf, funny enough. My cat eats books so I have a book closet. I would love to take a picture of the whole thing but it wouldn't all fit. Here is the best I could do! There are 2 other shelves, and each of these run 3 layers deep.

Happy Weekend!

Takedown by Allison van Diepen

Takedown by Allison Van Diepen
Release Date - September 3, 2013
Publisher Website -  Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages -  288 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**obtained for review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

A teen infiltrates a drug ring to settle a vendetta in this fast-paced novel from the author of Street Pharm and Snitch.Darren took the fall for Diamond Tony, the notorious head of the city’s drug cartel. Two years later, Darren’s finally out of juvie—and determined to get even.

Working as an informant for the police, Darren infiltrates Diamond Tony’s operation. But falling for sweet, innocent Jessica was not part of that plan. She’s a distraction—and a liability. She’s also everything Darren dreamed about while he was locked up, and with her, he has the promise of a fresh start.

When a deadly turf war breaks out between Diamond Tony and the Bloods, Darren gets caught in the crossfire. The cops think he’s playing both sides, and any mistake could be his last. Darren has to stay on his game if he’s going to protect Jessica—and if he’s going to stay alive.

Drugs, lies, betrayal, and grittiness. Takedown has it all. A novel that surprised me, provided something unique, and had a strong character voice.

Darren is a character who has made mistakes, paid for them, and is now trying to redeem himself. He had an eye opening experience in juvenile detention and comes out angry, and determined. He wants nothing more than payback, and is willing to go to any lengths to get it. His voice read incredibly authentic. I could picture this character clearly in my mind, and felt his motivations. He is really the only character that this happens with as the secondary ones don't come to life in the same way. His a sympathetic character whom you instantly want something more for. His desire to create a better life for his younger brother is heartwarming and provides a warmth to a character that is otherwise cold with revenge.

Due to the world Darren is inhabiting, the entire novels is read on edge. You're all too aware that at anytime Darren's true nature could be revealed, and everything could come crashing down around him. The consequences for this would be catastrophic and deadly. Allison van Diepen pulls no punches and makes it abundantly clear that these streets Darren walk are dangerous. It resulted in some unexpected developments. The novel went a few places I wasn't expecting it to (and some that I was expecting). It's those moments that made the novel stand out to me, because the predictable route was deliberately left.

Jessica, and Darren's sister serve as a sort of conscience for Darren. The old Darren, anyways. The one who would have gotten into trouble. They are often also the voice of reason. I saw potential in Jessica, and  but their role just wasn't expanded upon enough. Darren's mother is deplorable, and yet, even though you don't agree with it, you understand her motivations.

 The ending of this novel is the only way it could have ended. It shows that no matter what, this lifestyle never really lets go once it has you. Even if you claw your way out, there is always going to be someone, or something to remind you where you started.

Gritty, and intense in a way that I had not expected. Takedown is very different from most YA out there, and  unlike anything I had previous read. That is exactly why you should pick this one up.

Waiting on Wednesday... The Winner's Curse

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 The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

In the tradition of Kristin Cashore and Cassandra Clare comes this brilliant, unputdownable, star-crossed romance about the curse of winning.

Seventeen-year-old Kestrel is an aristocratic citizen of Valoria, a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers. Here, a girl like Kestrel has two choices: join the military or get married. Despite her skills in military strategy, Kestrel’s real passion is music.Which is why she feels compelled to buy Arin, a slave with a talent for singing, at auction. It’s not long before she finds herself falling in love with Arin, and he seems to feel the same for her. But Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for Arin is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a new world, The Winner’s Curse is a story of wicked rumors, dirty secrets, and games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

That pretty cover, the amazing synopsis, and that WHERE ARE THE REST OF THE WORDS inducing first chapter have made this one of my MUST READS of 2014. Can not wait to get my hands on it.

Expected release date - March 4, 2014

Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker

Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker
Release Date - September 24, 2013
Publisher Website -  Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages - 288 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**obtained for review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Kacey Cleary’s whole life imploded four years ago in a drunk-driving accident. Now she’s working hard to bury the pieces left behind—all but one. Her little sister, Livie. Kacey can swallow the constant disapproval from her born-again aunt Darla over her self-destructive lifestyle; she can stop herself from going kick-boxer crazy on Uncle Raymond when he loses the girls’ college funds at a blackjack table. She just needs to keep it together until Livie is no longer a minor, and then they can get the hell out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

But when Uncle Raymond slides into bed next to Livie one night, Kacey decides it’s time to run. Armed with two bus tickets and dreams of living near the coast, Kacey and Livie start their new lives in a Miami apartment complex, complete with a grumpy landlord, a pervert upstairs, and a neighbor with a stage name perfectly matched to her chosen “profession.” But Kacey’s not worried. She can handle all of them. What she can’t handle is Trent Emerson in apartment 1D.

Kacey doesn’t want to feel. She doesn’t. It’s safer that way. For everyone. But sexy Trent finds a way into her numb heart, reigniting her ability to love again. She starts to believe that maybe she can leave the past where it belongs and start over. Maybe she’s not beyond repair.

But Kacey isn’t the only one who’s broken. Seemingly perfect Trent has an unforgiveable past of his own; one that, when discovered, will shatter Kacey’s newly constructed life and send her back into suffocating darkness.

Broken characters that are done right can be some of the most compelling, and thought provoking characters in novels. Ten Tiny Breaths features Kacey Cleary, one such broken character.

Kacey is a mess when we meet her. She uses every single defense mechanism possible to hide from a tragic accident that took away her family, friends, and feeling of security. She spiraled quite spectacularly and is trying to hold it together for her younger sister Livie. I felt Kacey's pain. She's someone whose tough exterior hides the real damage the accident has done to her.

Kacey's sister, Livie, is the quintessential good girl. She's held it together while Kacey is falling apart. She may be the younger sister, but sometimes she acts like the older, more in control one. She's someone whose point of view I would love to have, because I expect there is more going on. I think her carefully controlled exterior is a coping mechanism.

KA Tucker takes the usual stereotypes for the people Kacey meets, and turns them on their head. This makes the characters less cliche, and more 'real'. They feel less like plot devices, and more authentic. From the strip club owner with a heart of gold, to the bouncer who becomes friendly with the girls he is to protect. Kacey ends up meeting people who, for the first time since her parent's death, want to put her well being first.

Trent is described as sexy as can be, with a slight bad boy vibe going. He's got some pretty explosive secrets of his own, and while they are easily guessed, bring out the theme of the novel - forgiveness and redemption.Can these two broken people forgive, can they find redemption? You want them to find their way to each other, but in a manner where they will be healthy for each other.

This relationship is flawed, and a little harmful. However, the author shows this perfectly. She allows the characters to be who they are. She shows that until they are healthy individually, they can not be healthy for each other together. Their flaws do not make them horrible people, but that doesn't make them good for each other in their current state either. It's a sobering look why sometimes you need to seek help because you can't always handle things on your own.

Storm, the stripper who befriends Kacey is a fantastic supporting character. All of the secondary characters are amazingly well developed and complex. She's someone whose had a rough past, but is working to better her life for herself, and her daughter. She's someone that immediately makes you want to protect and help her. She's delicate, and also possess a resilient nature.

A novel that is sexy, character focused, and a quick read all at the same time. If you're looking for a New Adult novel that has plot, and sexiness this is definitely one that you should check out.

The 100 by Kass Morgan

The 100 by Kass Morgan
Release Date - September 3, 2013
Publisher Website -  Little Brown Young Readers
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages - 277 pages
My Rating - 2.5/5
**obtained for review from publisher via BEA**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

In the future, humans live in citylike spaceships orbiting far above Earth's toxic atmosphere. No one knows when, or even if, the long-abandoned planet will be habitable again. But faced with dwindling resources and a growing populace, government leaders know they must reclaim their homeland...before it's too late.
Now, one hundred juvenile delinquents are being sent on a high-stakes mission to recolonize Earth. After a brutal crash landing, the teens arrive on a savagely beautiful planet they've only seen from space. Confronting the dangers of this rugged new world, they struggle to form a tentative community. But they're haunted by their past and uncertain about the future. To survive, they must learn to trust-and even love-again.

The 100 is a high stakes, compelling idea that fell a little from the mark for me. A novel that reads like a tv show, but lacked the character connection I needed for this type of plot to really draw me in.

The writing is quick, readable, and keeps your focus. The fact that the novel is 277 pages will also have many flying through this. The premise behind this novel, as mentioned, is very compelling. I found myself wishing more were done with it, because it could have resulted in a pulse pounding read.

The danger is real in this world. There is death, and the various threats aren't just coming from trying to recolonize Earth. The politics on the ship that are threaded throughout the narration left a lot of promise for the storyline to built upon. The story spends equal time both on Earth, and on the ship the delinquents have left behind. The threats on the ship are just as pressing as those found on Earth, so it creates maximum drama. The only issue is that while the plot is compelling, the characters left me feeling disconnected. 

The romance is the main focus, with many of the characters having story arcs that deal with the fallout of various romantic entanglements, and betrayals. Some of these pairings have some promise, and I felt the connection. However, because I didn't form a strong enough bond with them, due to lack of other development, I didn't grow attached. This series is going to thrive on killing off these characters, or at least putting them into perilous situations, and for it to work the reader has to care.

A novel whose plot holds a lot of promise, and the glimmer of intrigue is there. A little more from the characters would serve this type of plot even more. An tepid start to what might end up being a pretty engaging series, but this installment left me hoping for more in the sequel.