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).

This week I ended up going to Toronto to go to the Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian signing. It was a quick trip there and back in one day. I totally owe my friend for driving the 5 hours there and turning around and driving 5 hours back.

The signing was awesome, and both Jenny and Siobhan are lovely.

The signed page in my book. No clue what tinted it red when I took the photo, but I thought it worked (considering the title of the book).

The awesome Burn for Burn poster that Jenny and Siobhan were giving out at the signings. It's awesome and I am really happy to have one. I can't wait for Fire with Fire!

While at the signing I found out that the bookstore had some signed copies of The Raven Boys in stock. Since I was planning on buying a copy anyways, I figured I should get one that was signed while there.

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (goodreads)

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!

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

Katherine Longshore's book 2 news

I was VERY excited to hear that book 2 in the Royal Circle series has a title! We also have character details! The novel is titled Tarnish. The most exciting part, in my opinion, is that it features a young Anne Boleyn. *Crazy fangirl flailing*. Anne happens to not only be my favourite of Henry's wives, but she is fascinating and this sounds like it focuses on a totally different aspect from the usual - no beheadings! I think you could safely get at least 2 books out of Anne's story and hope that the last book focuses on the later part of her life, and Anne's heartbreaking fate. I am beyond excited to see what Katherine does with Anne's story! Can it just be Summer 2013 already?!

Gayle Forman's Just One Day

I read the Goodreads synopsis and immediately started pining for this book. The cover was just released and I think it fits the synopsis rather well. I am fully expecting to swoon over Willem.

TV

Sunday Night

Those two words make me oh so happy. This Sunday a lot of my favourite shows come back. Once Upon A Time, Revenge and Dexter are all premiering that night. I have heard that the Once Upon A Time and Dexter premieres are INTENSE and nothing short of awesome. Revenge never fails to satisfy so I am confident that will also be an excellent hour of television. I am SO glad it's autumn right now.

OTHER

The Burn for Burn Tour

I made the long trek to Toronto for Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian's signing. I will be showing the awesome Burn for Burn tour poster they gave out, as well as other fun stuff, tomorrow in my mailbox post. I had an amazing time at the event. Both Jenny and Siobhan are so sweet, and seemed quite touched that we all turned out. I got to my the lovely tweeter behind the Simon Pulse Canada twitter as well. I missed meeting so many bloggers, but it was a really fast trip. I came back exhausted, but SO excited that I went.

So what you are obsessed with this week?

Waiting on Wednesday....The Archived

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 Archived by Victoria Schwab

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books. 

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive .

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often-violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive. 

Being a Keeper isn't just dangerous-it's a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da's death was hard enough, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.

In this haunting, richly imagined novel, Victoria Schwab reveals the thin lines between past and present, love and pain, trust and deceit, unbearable loss and hard-won redemption.

I am dying to read this one. It just sound so unique and amazing. I love the whole idea of the dead being on shelves like books.

Expected release date -  January 22, 2013

A Fractured Light by Jocelyn Davies

A Fractured Light by Jocelyn Davies
Release Date – September 5, 2012
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader
Pages - 352 pages
My Rating- 3/5
**obtained from publisher via BEA for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

When she wakes up in unfamiliar surroundings, Skye knows something terrible has happened to her. It's not until she hears Asher, the dark, rebellious angel she fell in love with, that the memories come flooding back. She tries to put the past behind her, but she knows she'll be forever haunted by the ruthless betrayal that almost took her life.

Skye returns home, but with the knowledge of who she really is, nothing can ever be the same. As she tests the limits of her newfound powers, Skye discovers that she's capable of far more than anyone could have imagined. Both the Order and the Rebellion want her for their side as war between the factions looms. She can't forget the terrifying truth she now knows about the Order, but something holds her back from embracing the Rebellion.

"A Fractured Light" picks up right after "A Beautiful Dark"'s shocking cliffhanger ending and is perfect for fans of Lauren Kate's "Fallen" and Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush saga.

Romance, family secrets and angels. A Fractured Light continues Skye's journey into the angel world. Luckily for those of us who have read A Beautiful Dark that cliff hanger ending is taken care of immediately. The romance is steamier, and secrets are revealed in this fun second novel.

The choice between Asher and Devin for Skye is not as simple as selecting the angel of her dreams. It is also making a choice between the Rebellion and the Order. The question of whether she can date one of the angels and not belong to his faction is explored. The idea of not letting your love of someone dictate the path you take is a worthy message and is handled rather well.

I like that neither Asher or Devin is the better choice. Each is keeping secrets, each may be using her to benefit their faction. The one who holds a larger part of Skye's heart is obvious, especially after this novel, but the angels quickly find themselves on much more equal playing field at the end of the novel. I enjoy triangles that are not obvious. If you are going to have one, make it seem like either choice is a valid option. Jocelyn ends this novel doing exactly that. Having said that, Asher is the more appealing choice, in my opinion. This is mainly because I find Devin too rigid.

The Order and the Rebellion are both becoming more developed and explained. We start to have a better understanding of Skye's powers and how she will factor into the battle that is already being fought around her. The immense pressure she is under is staggering and this point was expressed rather well. I enjoy Skye for the most part. She seems like a typical teenager caught in the middle of something she's not prepared for.I enjoy that her Aunt was a much more permanent fixture in her life and was behaving like an actual parental figure. She noticed things more this time around as she was actually present.

This novel's only downside, for me, was that it felt like a middle book. A lot of it is a variation on what happens in the first novel. Skye is torn between Asher and Devin, she is learning to use her powers and learning more about this dangerous world she is now apart of. The only major difference is she knows more than she did in the first novel. The pacing is a little off with a lot of the novel's action taking place in the second half. It reads like a bridge novel between the first and second, more than an extension of the story.

Secrets are revealed, and with another shocking cliffhanger Jocelyn Davies will leave you wanting the next book immediately. While I found this book very much a "bridge" novel between the first and last  in the series it was enjoyable and really picked up the pace at the end.

Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter
Release Date – September 25, 2012
Publisher Website –  Harlequin Teen
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages - 404 pages
My Rating-2.5/5
**obtained from publisher via BEA for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

She won’t rest until she’s sent every walking corpse back to its grave. Forever. 

Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that’s all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone. 

Her father was right. The monsters are real…. 

To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn’t careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies…. 

I wish I could go back and do a thousand things differently.I'd tell my sister no.I'd never beg my mother to talk to my dad.I'd zip my lips and swallow those hateful words.Or, barring all of that, I'd hug my sister, my mom and my dad one last time.I'd tell them I love them.I wish... Yeah, I wish

Alice in Zombieland seems to have everything that I would love in a novel - Alice in Wonderland influence, zombies, romance and secrets. It all should have added up to an exciting and awesome read. Sadly, this one ended up not being the book for me.

I went into this expecting a darker twist on the Alice in Wonderland tale, however I got something much different. There were only a few references to the classic tale and I did feel that expectation impacted my enjoyment. The white rabbit, Alice herself, and a potential character that could be a reference to the Cheshire Cat are the only ties between the two that I noticed.

I did rather enjoy this new twist on zombies. We got unique and intriguing take on them that I hadn't read before. This aspect of the story was the most fully explained, from how to deal with the zombies, and how they develop. The other aspect I found intriguing was the group wanting to study the zombies rather than kill them. I felt detailing the reasons for their presence and back story would have been a welcome addition to the novel. Hardcore zombie fans may feel that Gena Showalter’s zombies are too different, but I thought it was a creative twist on something that has been done already.

The characters were what was off-putting for me. I was unable to connect with them. I enjoyed Alice and her attitude. She was very much a typical teenager dealing with a lot. Her dealing with her parents death was the most honest emotions that, I felt,  came out of her character. The shutting down and raw heartbreak rang true for me.

Once romance entered the story is where things start to fall apart. A heroine that becomes single minded and unable to see anything beyond the hot boy in her life. The romance felt forced to me. I did not feel the connection between Ali and Cole as much as I wanted to. They barely spoke in the beginning to make a true connection to build from. He, in fact, glares at Alice at their first meeting, I even seem to recall him growling at her. I found him to be a huge turn off. He is an Alpha male that typically exists in romance novels and it felt strange to have those qualities in a teenager.

I loved Alice’s friend Kat. She’s hilarious and confident in a way that didn’t feel egotistical. She is just outgoing and genuine in a refreshing way. She was the most real character in the story and I would have loved more from her perspective. The friendship that develops between the girls makes Alice more enjoyable and was the strongest part of the story. A friendship built on being there for each other and understanding.

I would recommend reading other reviews to determine if this book might be for you. I do think quite a few people will enjoy and love this novel. I believe the sequel has the potential to be much better as the set up of some interesting plot points did happen. An intriguing premise, and a kick butt main character were not enough to make this a novel for me however.

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).

Just one book this week. My cat would not stop getting into the photo so I decided to go with it.

Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian (Goodreads)

Such a pretty cover! I loved this and can't wait for the sequel to be released. I am hoping to go to the Toronto stop on the Burn for Burn tour and get this signed by Jenny and Siobhan. Expect a recap post if I do end up going.

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!

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

If I Should Die by Amy Plum cover

Lovely! I think it is just so pretty. I see a silhouette of what I believe is Vincent! The Eiffel Tower in the background and the soft colouring gives it a more romantic feel. I am super excited to see how this ends.

Cover of The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter

All these covers are amazing and so pretty. I think this one might be my favourite though. The tag line "Immortality or Love. You can't have both." scares me though. Poor Kate.

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

A novel filled with magic, wonder and fantastic characters. You won't soon forget Blue, or her Raven Boys. If you haven't already, check out my review and be sure to pick up a copy of this movie. According to online information this novel has already been optioned for a movie and I hope it ends up coming one!

MOVIE

Beautiful Creatures Trailer


I have yet to read this series, but this trailer made me want to pick it up. Very excited to start it. I might get to it in December over the Christmas holidays.

So what you are 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:

Q: What hyped up book was worth all of the fuss?

So many books! The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin.The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. Divergent by Veronica Roth. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. Those are just to name a few. I love each and every one of these books and try to get people to read them as much as I can.

Happy Weekend!

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvafter

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Release Date – September 18, 2012
Publisher Website –  Scholastic
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages - 408 pages
My Rating- 5/5
**obtained from publisher via BEA for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.” 

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive. 

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her. 

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble. 

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little. 

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore. 

From Maggie Stiefvater, the bestselling and acclaimed author of the Shiver trilogy and The Scorpio Races, comes a spellbinding new series where the inevitability of death and the nature of love lead us to a place we’ve never been before.

A unique premise, a fantastical world filled with hidden clues, and an adventure filled with love and death. The Raven Boys offers something unique in the realm of Young Adult books, and was a pleasant surprise.

The entire world is filled with magic and wonder. The setting dictates that this is a story based in fantasy, and yet, there is a realism that makes it all seem possible. Blue’s world of psychics and premonitions compliments Ganey’s world of sleeping kings, ley lines, and secrets.

Love and death are entwined for Blue. She is destined to kill her true love with a kiss. The connection of love and death to this story  is something that is woven throughout the entire book. The themes explored in the novel are deep and though provoking. There is so much going on, and so many passages that could be significant later on the series that this book almost demands a second reading. The complex plot is one of the strongest aspects of the novel, and Maggie Stiefvater's ability to connect everything is awe inspiring. Her writing is filled with beautiful descriptive passages that make even the smallest thing seem to sparkle.

Blue’s Raven Boys are damaged, crushingly heartbreaking, and filled with wonder. Each of them will grab at your heart and not let go. Adam is the scholarship student with a violent home life. He may have touched me the most. I wanted to protect him from his wretched home life. I found his stubbornness to accept help both infuriating and admirable. Noah, the quiet boy who observes everyone and everything. His secrets run deep and once revealed change everything. Ronan is hot tempered, filled with sadness, and yet there is something underneath all that bravado. His gentleness with his raven touched me.  Lastly, the unofficial leader, Gansey. A young man who is always searching for something more and he borderlines on the obsessive. He’s endearing in his awkwardness and is always trying to do what he believes is right. Each of the boys is crush worthy in their own way and Ms. Stiefvater manages to make each of them fully realized so that each feels tangible. The friendship between the boys is filled with darkness, beauty and a fierce loyalty. Blue manages to fit in, and be accepted by them and the author makes you see how she completes them.

This novel’s romance is wonderfully done.  It is understated and not the main focus of the novel, even with Blue’s curse. There is no instant love, but rather a flash that could turn into something more. It’s multiple crushes that have potential rather than multiple loves. It feels natural and refreshing. The connections that are being made could blossom into something deeper and I am invested in who ultimately works their way into Blue’s heart. Blue’s reactions to things rang true to a teenager developing crushes, and I fell right along with her.

A fantastic plot, mixed with magic and some stunning writing makes The Raven Boys one not to be missed. Maggie Stiefvater’s incredible characters will draw you in and make you invested right from the beginning. I am desperately wanting to continue this journey of energy, love, death and sleeping kings with Blue and her beautiful Raven Boys.

Waiting on Wednesday....Requiem

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 Requiem by Lauren Oliver

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Now an active member of the resistance, Lena has been transformed. The nascent rebellion that was under way in Pandemonium has ignited into an all-out revolution in Requiem, and Lena is at the center of the fight. Of Pandemonium, ALA Booklist noted that “like all successful second volumes, this expands the world and ups the stakes, setting us up for the big finale.”

After rescuing Julian from a death sentence, Lena and her friends fled to the Wilds. But the Wilds are no longer a safe haven—pockets of rebellion have opened throughout the country, and the government cannot deny the existence of Invalids. Regulators now infiltrate the borderlands to stamp out the rebels, and as Lena navigates the increasingly dangerous terrain, her best friend, Hana, lives a safe, loveless life in Portland as the fiancée of the young mayor. Requiem is told from both Lena’s and Hana’s points of view. The two girls live side by side in a world that divides them until, at last, their stories converge.

After the insane cliff-hanger ending of Pandemonium I am very excited to get my hands on Requiem. I can not wait to see how Lena's story ends and what Lauren Oliver has in store for us.

Expected release date - March 5, 2013

Burn For Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

Burn for Burn by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian
Release Date – September 18, 2012
Publisher Website –  Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages - 368 pages
My Rating- 5/5
**obtained from publisher via BEA for an honest review**

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.

Be careful what you wish for. Two wrongs do not make it right. We’ve all heard these before. The desire to avenge a wrong against us is something everyone has felt. What if you took that feeling and acted on it? Burn for Burn takes that idea and combines it with realistic characters and an engaging plot.

The narration switches perspectives between each of the three girls. Each of them are so fully developed. They have clear distinct voices, and engaging personalities. They have very little in common apart from their desire for revenge and their willingness to follow through. The unlikely, but touching friendship that grows between them was one of my favourite parts of the novel. Lillia is the wealthy, pretty, popular girl. Kat is the girl from the "other side of the tracks" so to speak. Mary is the damaged girl coming home after running away from her past. These three girls are the heart and soul of the novel and I ended up caring for each of them.

Jenny and Siobhan are best friends and know each other very well. This carries over to this novel and appears in the writing. They mirrored each other’s writing so effectively that it meshes flawlessly together. I could not tell that there were two authors, or how they might have divided up the chapters. It made the journey seamless and allowed me to be swept away.

The novel  brings to mind movies like Heathers, and The Craft. The former for it’s delicious take on revenge, and the latter for the strength and bonding these girls invoke while on their journey. The bonds of friendship is a fully explored theme within the novel. The sting of betrayal, the giddiness of spending time with friends, and feeling of support all come to mind for various friendships in the novel.

The road traveled when seeking revenge is rocky and this novel explores the darker side of it. Our anger and hurt can sometimes misguide us and make us act with considering the outcome. Consequences of your actions are very real and Lillia, Kat and Mary learn this the hard way. Each girl has their own reason for revenge, and they are as varied as the girls themselves are. I found each of their stories to be heartbreaking, but Mary tugged at my heart the most. I wanted to avenge her myself. Lillia’s story is gut wrenching, and should NEVER happen to anyone. Kat’s story is one that will most likely be familiar to a lot of people.

I like that the “villains” of the story are just as fleshed out as our main characters. Nothing in the story black and  white, and I found my sympathies changing throughout the story.

There is an element in the story. At first glance it appears to be paranormal in nature, but I hesitate to call it that. There is something  special about one of the delightful revenge seekers that is merely hinted at in the book. This tease of things to come was enough to leave me tantalized and wanting more.

Burn for Burn is a fun, and page turning read that is perfect for striving off those end of summer blues. I was left wanting to play with a little fire in the sequel Fire With Fire.

The Diviners by Libba Bray

The Diviners by Libba Bray
Release Date – September 18, 2012
Publisher Website –  Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages -  608 pages
My Rating- 5/5
**obtained from publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Evie O'Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City--and she is pos-i-toot-ly thrilled. New York is the city of speakeasies, shopping, and movie palaces! Soon enough, Evie is running with glamorous Ziegfield girls and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is Evie has to live with her Uncle Will, curator of The Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult--also known as "The Museum of the Creepy Crawlies."
When a rash of occult-based murders comes to light, Evie and her uncle are right in the thick of the investigation. And through it all, Evie has a secret: a mysterious power that could help catch the killer--if he doesn't catch her first.

Prior to The Diviners, I had not picked up a Libbra Bray novel. I can safely say it will not by my last. An atmospheric, creepy, and dark read that brings a surprising depth to it’s murder/mystery plot.

This novel is quite hefty and yet reads much quicker than it’s page length. The world building is mind blowing and each of these pages progresses either the world, or it‘s characters. Libba Bray’s writing conjures up her 1920’s setting, but it’s her occult/paranormal world building that had me begging for more. The research she did is reflected not only in the detailed accuracy of the glitzy 1920’s setting, but her research into the occult also shines. This novel is filled with elements that set up the next instalments and left me wondering how interwoven certain plot points are going to be once the series is created.

Each of the characters are developed and complex. The cast of characters is quite large, and time is taken to introduce the reader to each of them. You can not help but be drawn to them, flaws and all. Evie, the feisty, and  adventure seeking flapper. Theta, the beautiful, and damaged Ziegfield girl. Jericho, the quiet, studious assistant to Evie’s uncle. Memphis, a numbers runner and  poet with charm to spare,. Mabel the good girl daughter of hardcore activists. The characters have secrets and we slowly unravel them. Libba Bray allows the characters to show us their motivations, rather than tell us. Each character grows and changes throughout the novel in believable and organic ways.

There were a few scenes where my heart was pounding out of fear for these characters I had become attached to.  The large cast allows for a heightened level of worry and fear. Each of the characters is given a lot of attention which result in an equality that makes them feel vulnerable in the story. As a reader, having this unpredictability was refreshing.

The killer is everything you want them to be in a story like this. He is, smartly, grounded in  real evils from the time era and mixed chillingly with the occult. The religious cult aspect to the story lends a creepy feel to many scenes. Scary, formidable and relentless are just some of the words I would use to describe him. The fact that he is just as complex, and developed as the other characters makes for an intriguing character.

The ending sets up the next stage of the story and The Diviners is just getting started. Once the meaning behind the novel’s title is revealed you will be left with baited breathe waiting for the next instalment. A gripping, character driven murder mystery that will transport you back to the 1920’s effortlessly.

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 smaller mailbox for me this week.

Kissing Shakespeare by Pamela Mingle (goodreads)
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (goodreads)

Kissing Shakespeare is from the library and have heard good things about it. It sounds really cute. Gone Girl is borrowed from Meaghan from Feeling A Little Bookish. I am so beyond excited to read it. I have heard nothing but good things and that it is a super twisty read.

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!

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

Gretchen McNeil new series

Gretchen McNeil announced a new series. Being teased as Revenge meets The Breakfast Club it immediately piqued my interest. More details were released and it sounds AMAZING.

The series is titled Don't Get Mad with the novels being titled Get Even and Get Dirty. It follows a group of girls who offer anonymous revenge services for their highschool...until one of their "targets" shows up dead. Can we have this now please?!

You can find out more at Gretchen's blog if you wish. Both Get Even and Get Dirty can be added to Goodreads as well.

Divergent Movie News

I probably should have included this under movie, but meh. Divergent has a release date - March 21, 2014! Let the imaginary Four casting begin. I am very excited to see who will be Tris. This release date leaves me with hope that things will start to move along rather quickly now.

MOVIE

Sam Claflin as Finnick in Catching Fire

Run and look at these pictures of Sam from Lainey Gossip! DO IT!

Um, excuse me while I drool. I am not sure where these pictures originated from, but the one I posted here is from Lainey Gossip. Something about this screams Finnick to me. I know a lot of people do not like his casting, but I am ALL OVER THIS! #SWOON #SugarCubes #PlusHeIsBritish

TV

Once Upon A Time Season 2 trailer

**SPOILERS FOR SEASON 1 IN THE TRAILER**



September 30 needs to hurry up! So very excited to get back to Storybrooke and find out what happens next!

OTHER

Mara Dyer Week #2

Yup again! This week is really coming together with a lot of really awesome things in store. I can't wait to share my love of The Evolution of Mara Dyer with you guys!

So what you are 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:

Q: What hyped up book do you think was not worth all the talk?

Hmmm...this is a hard question for me to answer actually. The only series I can think of is the Matched series. I did not enjoy it as much as others seem to.

Happy Weekend!

What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang

What’s Left of Me by Kat Zhang
Release Date – September 18, 2012
Publisher Website –  Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader
Pages -   356 pages
My Rating- 3.5/5
**obtained from publisher via BEA for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

What's Left of Me tells the story of a fifteen-year-old girl fighting for her right to survive in a world where two souls are born into each body and one is doomed to disappear. Pitched as The Golden Compass meets Girl, Interrupted.

Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t…

For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable–hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet…for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.

I fought between a 3.5 and a four star rating for this novel. Even now I am still torn between them. There is so much I loved about this novel of two sisters, and yet there are things I felt were missing as well.

Kat Zhang’s writing talent is clearly evident. She keeps what could be a complicated narration smooth and easy to follow. The voices of both Addie and Eva are easily distinguishable. The writing style also allows the story to flow smoothly and keeps a steady pace. Her characterization is the highlight of the novel. They’re vivid, full actualized, and interesting.

Both Addie and Eva are achingly real and full of life. As a reader I couldn’t fathom one of them not being part of this story. They each want to experience life and the little pleasures it has to offer. Their story explores what it means to be alive, what it means to be human and what a precious gift life is.  These two characters are what makes What’s Left of Me shine, and Kat Zhang has developed two amazing characters.

The sisterly bond between them is believable and honest. Sibling rivalry is hard enough on it’s on, now picture it while sharing one body and feeling each other’s emotions. Pretty much torture if you ask me. The moments where Ava and Addie are interacting with nobody else around leap off the page. Each struggles with their love for the other, and is torn by wanting dominance over the body they share.

The romance is almost an after thought in the novel, but it does bring up some thought provoking issues. It relates back to the struggle Eva and Addie experience as two individuals forced to share one body. Each of them may want different things out of life, and love, yet each is reluctant to let the other go.

The stakes in the world Addie and Eva inhabit are strongly felt. There is tension felt throughout the book. The main characters never feel safe, which is not common in stories like this. The fact that there is a way to continue on the story if Eva or Addie were to cease to exist made it feel much more dangerous.

A striking, beautifully written novel that has a unique and fascinating storyline. I As developed as the characters and world are, I found myself wanting more background. There is hints at things to come, and I fully believe the second novel will be better than the first. It’s a series that benefits from having the ground work laid out so that the story can take over. I wanted to know more about the hybrids and why they are viewed as such a threat. My curiosity is piqued by the world outside the Americas that Addie and Eva live in. This is where I believe Kat Zhang is leading us, and I am excited to follow.

Waiting on Wednesday...The Casual Vacancy

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 Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

When Barry Fairbrother dies in his early forties, the town of Pagford is left in shock. 

Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war. 

Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils…Pagford is not what it first seems. 

And the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations?

I am sure everyone has this on their wishlist already and are counting down the days until this comes out. We do not have long to wait now, and I am beyond excited to start reading this.

Expected release date - September 27, 2012

Ten by Gretchen McNeil

Ten by Gretchen McNeil
Release Date – September 18, 2012
Publisher Website –  Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader
Pages -  304 pages
My Rating- 4/5
**obtained from publisher via BEA for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

And their doom comes swiftly. 

It was supposed to be the weekend of their lives—an exclusive house party on Henry Island. Best friends Meg and Minnie each have their reasons for being there (which involve T.J., the school’s most eligible bachelor) and look forward to three glorious days of boys, booze and fun-filled luxury. But what they expect is definitely not what they get, and what starts out as fun turns dark and twisted after the discovery of a DVD with a sinister message: Vengeance is mine.

Suddenly people are dying, and with a storm raging, the teens are cut off from the outside world. No electricity, no phones, no internet, and a ferry that isn’t scheduled to return for two days. As the deaths become more violent and the teens turn on each other, can Meg find the killer before more people die? Or is the killer closer to her than she could ever imagine?

10 teens, a deserted island, and 1 killer make for a spooky, atmospheric read. Ten is filled with heart pounding chills and a well thought out plot. A fun, and mysterious treat that left me rethinking island vacations.

Gretchen McNeil’s homage to the classic “And Then There Were None” benefits from her ability to create a mood. She sets the tone, and setting for this type of story perfectly. You are immersed in the cut off, isolated feeling of the characters almost immediately. The chills keep coming as the wonderfully paced plot escalates. Everything from the island, to the characters themselves add to the ambience. This is the type of book you want to curl up with close to Halloween and let it scare you.

It’s the little things that sent shivers down my spine. The more subtle scares worked better than the obvious one, and luckily Gretchen goes for this approach more often than not.  Your imagination is quite capable of conjuring up the worst images possible with the right prompting, and this novel uses this to it’s advantage.

The killer and his motivations are well defined. The clues are there but not overtly obvious. The killer’s rational makes them anything but a one dimensional villain. The story will resonate as the topic is timely and one that is a current hot topic issue.

While everything from the mood, the pacing and plotting were well done, I wished the characters had been more developed.  The novel could have been a little longer to add a bit more characterization to make the deaths resonate more. This is common of the usual horror movie narrative and I do believe that was the essence Gretchen was wanting to capture. As a character driven reader, I wanted more.

Fans of the TV show Harper's Island will especially love this one. It's a thrilling, gripping read that has a well thought out killer.It’ll keep you reading late into the night…just be sure to lock the doors.

Glass Heart by Amy Garvey

Glass Heart by Amy Garvey
Release Date – September 18, 2012
Publisher Website –  Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader
Pages -  320 pages
My Rating- 3/5
**obtained from publisher via BEA for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Wren can do things that other people can only dream of. Make it snow on a clear, crisp day. Fly through an abandoned tunnel. Bring a paper bird to life. 

Wren knows her abilities are tinged with danger—knows how easy it is to lose control—but she can't resist the intoxicating rush. And now that she has Gabriel by her side, someone who knows what she can do—what she has done—she finally feels free to be herself. 

But as Wren explores the possibilities of her simmering powers, Gabriel starts pushing her away. Telling her to be careful. Telling her to stop. The more he cautions her, the more determined Wren becomes to prove that she can handle things on her own. And by the time she realizes that Gabriel may be right, it could be too late to bring him back to her side.

It is rare that a paranormal element in a story takes a backseat to the emotional, but Amy Garvey does just that. In Cold Kiss the death of Wren’s boyfriend, and her subsequent emotions in dealing with his death were the heart and soul of the story. In Cold Kiss the paranormal aspect takes centre stage a little more, but the pains of growing into her powers are what shine. I love the ease in which Amy Garvey brings forth emotion and that she can make it feel real.

Wren’s powers are the focus of this story.  She is experimenting with them, and testing them. Gabriel is not pleased with Wren’s decision to use her magic and it is the main cause of friction between the two. Power has the capability to be dangerous because it can be addictive. We meet some new characters that quickly show the damage that powers like Wren’s can do in the hands of the wrong person (or someone without a proper support system). Wren deceives, and sneaks around to keep feeling the rush of using her magic.  Her behaviour runs between defiant and wanting to back off herself. Gabriel is wonderfully supportive, just as he was in Cold Kiss. Their relationship is filled with that wondrous first stages of falling in love. I appreciated that Gabriel was such a great example of a caring, sweet boyfriend, while still having him be a teenager.

The relationships in the story are all woven so wonderfully that they feel organic. The family relationships were especially fantastic. The relationship between Wren and her sister was a blend of love and aggravation. They love each always, but fight the way that only siblings can. Amy Garvey’s talent is bringing life to all these different relationship types - romantic, friendship and family.

The ending of the novel was the only draw back for me. It felt hurried and some things were not explored to their full potential. There is a major plot point that felt brushed aside in a couple of pages. The unexplored plot points reminded me of the storyline of Wren’s father in the first one. I am not sure if there is going to be another sequel, but there is certainly the opening for one.

A witch story that focuses on the ties in relationships rather than the paranormal. I wished some things had been explored more in depth, but still enjoyed Amy Garvey’s wonderful character development.

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).

One book for me this week, but some other goodies I wanted to include as well.

The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin (goodreads)

Simon and Schuster Canada was lovely to send me a copy of this. I have already read an eARC of this so I will letting a fellow blogger take it off my hands so that it gets reviewed by them.

I have been obsessed with tea recently and have discovered David's Tea. They have awesome flavours and their teas are amazing. I have just fallen in love with Toasted Marshmallow! It's a perfect fall tea. I can't wait to try more flavours.

I love Christmas. It's my favourite holiday. I always get a Christmas countdown chocolate calendar. Now that I am an adult (at least in age) I still get a calendar, but the chocolate is higher quality. I love these countdowns and am pouting over the fact that I can't touch this until December. My defense for buying this now? They sell out by the end of September every year.

I was BEYOND excited to find a copy of The Craft on DVD. I have been looking for this everywhere. Can not wait to watch it.

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!

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

Potential Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian signing

The Burn For Burn tour is coming to Canada! Three dates were released, but details are still being worked out for exact locations. I have the potential to go if they come to Montreal, and would obviously go if they come to Ottawa. I really hope to get to go as I would love signed hardcover of Burn For Burn. Such a fun read, and it totally surprised me!

TV

The Vampire Diaries season 4 promo

*SPOILERS FOR SEASON 3! AVERT YOUR EYES*



I love this show and the ending of season 3 is exactly why the word game changer exists. Everything is about to change for the residents of Mystic Falls and I am looking forward to seeing what the aftermath looks like. Also, jumpy claps for all the great Stefan/Elena stuff in this preview. #TeamStefanAlways #HeHasNotKilledJeremy

OTHER

Mara Dyer Week #2

Last year when The Unbecoming Of Mara Dyer came out I hosted a Mara Dyer week on my blog. I had a lot of fun with it, and since I am obsessed with this series (and Noah Shaw) I decided to make this year's release week extra special. I have some fantastic posts, and some AMAZING prizes in store. Get excited, and pre-order The Evolution of Mara Dyer...just trust me.

The Ontario Blogger Meet Up

The lovely bloggers behind this huge event happening in Toronto at the beginning of November have started to release some details about surprises at the event. I am beyond excited to meet some really amazing bloggers whom I have interacted with online! Getting to talk books with smart, fun, and insightful reviewers is always welcome and the event sounds like so much fun. If this were not enough they have arranged for some surprise guests to stop by the event. Expect a full recap when I get back, and until the event my excitement will be growing!

So what you are 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:

Q: What are you reading right now? How do you like it?.

I am currently reading What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang. I am only 2 or 3 chapters in and so far I am enjoying it quite a bit.

Happy Weekend!

Entice by Jessica Shrivington

Entice by Jessica Shrivington
Release Date – September 4, 2011
Publisher Website –  Raincoast Books/Sourebooks Fire
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages -  464 pages
My Rating- 4/5
**obtained from publisher via BEA for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Violet Eden is Grigori - part angel, part human. Her destiny is to protect humans from the vengence of exiled angels.  

Knowing who to trust is key but, when Grigori reinforcements arrive, it becomes clear everyone is hiding something. Even Lincoln. The only thing Violet does know: Phoenix's hold over her is more dangerous than ever.  

The race to find the one thing that could tilt the balance of power brings them all to the sacred mountains of Jordan, where Violet's power will be pushed to the extreme. And the ultimate betrayal exposed.  

Enticed is the second compelling book in The Violet Eden Chapters.

Angels, temptation, romance, action. All these are found in abundance in Jessica Shirvington’s engrossing series.  A betrayer will be exposed, romance heats up, and new characters are introduced in this second instalment to the Violet Eden Chapters.

The writing in this novel is just as readable as in Embrace. Simple, yet packed filled with descriptions and feelings. Jessica Shirvington’s strength is in her characterization. I was quickly invested in these characters from the beginning and those feelings only grew in this novel.

Violet is still dealing with the aftermath of the events from Embrace. She’s embraced her angel side, and is actively training to be Grigori. She is changed by her connection with Phoenix, but is trying to move on. The Violet we meet in this novel is a little less sure of herself, a little more hesitant, yet just as strong. She is not someone to sit back and let others do the heavy lifting. Her eagerness to dive in is reckless, but it makes her endearing. She isn’t perfect, but she is trying with every fibre of her being.

We get to meet a group of new characters. Spence immediately bursts on to the scene like a firework. Full of energy, anger, and charm. He makes sure you notice him. The other characters are equally wonderful, and learning more about them in subsequent novels will be a pleasure. The development of even secondary characters is substantial for this type of main character driven story.

Phoenix is once again compelling and tempting.  This novel however, cemented my Team Linc status. Phoenix is dark, dangerous and volatile. Linc, well he has his faults, has nothing but Violet’s best interest at heart. The two sides to Violet are pulled towards each guy for different reasons. She gets something unique out of each relationship. The one she’s built with Linc feels real, and based on something other than sexual attraction and chemistry. Phoenix is the exact opposite. He is all sexual chemistry and lust.

The tying in of religious elements is done in a way that will appeal to everyone. It balances perfect between the reality of angels being tied into religion without it dominating the storyline. It’s woven is as a captivating part of the story. The race to find a powerful relic relies heavily on action and the religious elements to push the story along.

Violet’s father is of the all too familiar missing parent in Young Adult variety. I have hope that he will realize something is going on with his daughter and become more involved. There are signs that he tries in this novel, but I look forward to seeing how this develops.

The ending will leave you breathless for Emblaze, the next instalment in this fast paced series. This series blends action, romance, and intrigue as well as having some fantastic characters. If you haven’t fallen under this series spell already - what are you waiting for?

Waiting on Wednesday...Paper Valentine

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 Paper Valentine

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

The city of Ludlow is gripped by the hottest July on record. The asphalt is melting, the birds are dying, petty crime is on the rise, and someone in Hannah Wagnor’s peaceful suburban community is killing girls. 

For Hannah, the summer is a complicated one. Her best friend Lillian died six months ago, and Hannah just wants her life to go back to normal. But how can things be normal when Lillian’s ghost is haunting her bedroom, pushing her to investigate the mysterious string of murders? Hannah’s just trying to understand why her friend self-destructed, and where she fits now that Lillian isn’t there to save her a place among the social elite. And she must stop thinking about Finny Boone, the big, enigmatic delinquent whose main hobbies seem to include petty larceny and surprising acts of kindness.

With the entire city in a panic, Hannah soon finds herself drawn into a world of ghost girls and horrifying secrets. She realizes that only by confronting the Valentine Killer will she be able move on with her life—and it’s up to her to put together the pieces before he strikes again.
Paper Valentine is a hauntingly poetic tale of love and death by the New York Times bestselling author of The Replacement and The Space Between.

This sounds amazing I am very excited to read it. The cover is eye catching, and I love the sound of the synopsis. A serial killer, and a girl trying to track him down - totally my kind of book.

Expected release date - January 8, 2013

Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr

Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr
Release Date – September 4, 2012
Publisher Website –  Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader
Pages -  306 pages
My Rating- 4/5
**obtained from publisher via BEA for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

In a city of daimons, rigid class lines separate the powerful from the power-hungry. And at the heart of The City is the Carnival of Souls, where both murder and pleasure are offered up for sale. Once in a generation, the carnival hosts a deadly competition that allows every daimon a chance to join the ruling elite. Without the competition, Aya and Kaleb would both face bleak futures--if for different reasons. For each of them, fighting to the death is the only way to try to live. 

All Mallory knows of The City is that her father--and every other witch there--fled it for a life in exile in the human world. Instead of a typical teenage life full of friends and maybe even a little romance, Mallory scans quiet streets for threats, hides herself away, and trains to be lethal. She knows it's only a matter of time until a daimon finds her and her father, so she readies herself for the inevitable. While Mallory possesses little knowledge of The City, every inhabitant of The City knows of her. There are plans for Mallory, and soon she, too, will be drawn into the decadence and danger that is the Carnival of Souls. 

From Melissa Marr, bestselling author of the Wicked Lovely series and "Graveminder," comes a brand-new tale of lush secrets, dark love, and the struggle to forge one's own destiny.

A darkly seductive tale filled with secrets, lies, and a dash of romance. Would love, family, freedom, or society be something you would risk everything for? How far would you go to gain what you wanted?

The dangerous and decadent world of the Carnival of Souls comes alive under Melissa Marr’s fantastic descriptions. I was drawn in by it’s seductive charms. The masks worn to advertise yourself as a body for hire either as an assassin or for sex intrigued me. This is a world that has many secrets and I think we are just beginning to unravel them.

The different classes that exist were fascinating. The various groups had social classes within them, as well as the larger caste system itself. The varying benefits given based upon the class you are in, and the treatment of the lower classes make the competition quite alluring. It was easy to see why someone would risk everything for what they believed in.

It’s rare as a reader that we know more than the main characters. This is the case with Mallory. She’s been sheltered, and kept from a lot of important things in her life. As the lies, half truths, and secrets begin to come undone she’s left wondering who to trust. This is a character I look forward to seeing grow, as her role in this first instalment is rather light.

Zevi a fiercely loyal member of Kaleb’s pack enchanted me immediately. His lack of filter, his heartbreaking willingness to do anything to help Kaleb made him some I want to see more of.

Aya, a female character that backs up everything with action. She is cunning, dangerous and fantastic. She is the type of female character I love seeing in any kind of fiction. Her unwillingness to settle into roles set out for her, and to attempt to break free from them regardless of who gets hurt make her a force to be reckoned with.  Aya’s place in society is immediately less because she is a woman, no matter how high her social standing. The way in which women are treated in this world provides a great basis for an insightful discussion. The fact that women are selected to marry certain people, and can be chosen by the ruler to breed made me quite glad I do not live in this world.

This novel felt like a prologue to the main story. The setting up of this intricate world took most of the novel, and the ending feels like the story is getting starting when it‘s ending. It leaves you wanting more.

34 Pieces of You by Carmen Rodrigues

34 Pieces of You by Carmen Rodrigues
Release Date – September 4, 2012
Publisher Website –  Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages -  336 pages
My Rating- 4/5
**obtained from publisher via BEA for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

A dark and moving novel—reminiscent of Thirteen Reasons Why—about the mystery surrounding a teenage girl’s fatal overdose.

There was something about Ellie... Something dangerous. Charismatic. Broken. Jake looked out for her. Sarah followed her lead. And Jess kept her distance, and kept watch. 

Now Ellie’s dead, and Jake, Sarah, and Jess are left to pick up the pieces. All they have are 34 clues she left behind. 34 strips of paper hidden in a box beneath her bed. 34 secrets of a brief and painful life. 

Jake, Sarah, and Jess all feel responsible for what happened to Ellie, and all three have secrets of their own. As they begin to confront the darkest truths about themselves, they will also find out what Ellie herself had been hiding all along....

Secrets can weigh you down like heavy clothes in water. They can cause you to drown. This novel shows the despair that can come from secrets and the hope that can happen when you ask for help.

Ellie is damaged. Everyone can see she is damaged and yet everyone ignores her pain. Ellie tries to act like she’s fine, but it is obvious she isn’t. The people around her don’t know how to help, and that is the heartbreaking truth of this story.

Jake, Sarah and Jess all feel partially responsible for Ellie’s death. If only they had said something, did something, anything differently. The guilt they are putting upon themselves eats away at them. As characters this was such a defining trait, and quite relatable. I think anyone would feel guilty if they feel they could have helped someone. The emotional journey each of these characters go on, while similar, were personal to that characters story. The different forms of grief, and self blame were written with achingly believability.

The writing in this novel balanced between showing us these characters at their most vulnerable and keeping us at arms length. Ellie especially reflected this. Each of these characters have walls built up, and as a reader you felt that. The writing made you feel that. It worked for this story, but in other stories it would not. I felt we didn’t really connect with the characters, but, in this case, it felt deliberate.

Each of these characters has their own secrets and their own pain. In dealing with Ellie’s death they are forced to examine themselves. They grow, learn and come to terms with some pretty heavy, emotional things. You can feel each heartache, and emotion these characters go through.  The three different narratives allowed different parts of Ellie to be shown. Each character knew and interacted with her in a different way, brought out different things in her. This helped with understanding not only Ellie better, but allowed a much more clear picture of what may have happened the night she died.

The starting of each chapter with one of Ellie’s pieces of paper made the story flow rather quickly. This novel, overall, felt like a really short read, but one that is packed full of emotion. It kept my interest and I was invested more in the story, than the characters.

A dark, gritty story of those left behind and the power of forgiving yourself when it’s sometimes the hardest thing to do.

WINNERS....and no mailbox this week

It's time to announce the winners of my 500 Follower Giveaway

Prize pack # 1 is going to Eileen
Prize pack # 2 is going to Ciara

Congratulations to you both! Emails have been sent out to the winners. Thank you everyone for entering, and I am going to be having more contests soon.

Also, since I have not received any books this week, there is no mailbox post. Hope to have something to share next Sunday.

Happy Reading!