Best of 2014

As the end of one year, and the beginning of another approaches, it's time to reflect. This means all those Best Of lists begin to pop up everywhere, and this blog is no exception.

Here are the top 15 books I've read this year. I couldn't stop at 10. It was impossible. I even cheated a little and included two books in the same series together.

These are in no particular order, that would have been even more impossible.

Each selection links to my review (where available) if you wanted more information.

1 We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

Beautiful writing, and a story that blends together sadness, summer, and a fantastic mystery. The "don't reveal the ending" marketing plan was buzz worthy, and in this case I happen to agree. Knowing the minimal amount about the story going in increases your enjoyment of this story as this is one to experience with the character.

2 The Winner's Curse/The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski

I cheated and included both books under this as I've read both this year. The characters will ensnare you and keep you riveted with every single twist and bump during their journey. A story full of secrets, lies, hidden truths and political intrigue, it's one that keeps you guessing and crushes your heart (in the best way).

3 Half Bad by Sally Green

This story succeeds because of Nathan. His story will stay with you long after you finish the book. The potential for the rest of the series is evident in this first installment and I am excited to continue Nathan's journey and discover more of this rich world Sally Green has created.

4 Love Letters To The Dead Ava Dellaira

Told in letter format, this story offers a unique and satisfying experience. Through letters to deceased celebrities we learn Laurel's story. It's a story that isn't always a happy one. It's a mix of hopeful and heartbreaking and looks at the long road back from grief and forgiveness.

5 Since You've Gone by Morgan Matson

This novel will immediately leave you with the Kelly Clarkson song stuck in your head, and a smile on your face. Filled with a sweet romance, and friendship that has the starring role, and characters you want to be friends with, it's a lighter read that has a lot of depth. You'll want to create your own 'to do' list for your BFF when you turn that final page.

6 Brazen by Katherine Longshore

All of Katherine's novels have an underlying message of finding your voice, and standing up for what you believe in. Something that resonates no matter what year we're in. This story is of finding your own self worth, and embracing it. It's a story that is filled with sharp writing, and the lasting desire to live life with no regrets.

7 Famous In Love by Rebecca Serle

Any fan of Hollywood gossip, CW TV shows, and love triangles will devour this novel and immediately beg for more. It's depth, and characterization however will have you utterly smitten. It's a story of falling in love while everyone watches, of finding yourself while under the spotlight, and adjusting to drastic changes. You may end up being either Team Jordan or Team Rainer, but you'll undoubtedly end up finishing the novel Team Paige.

8 The Vanishing Season by Jodi Lynn Anderson

Jodi's breathtaking writing combined with her ability to create the kind of characters that get under your skin made this one a heartbreaking, crushing read. The mystery of the missing girls is secondary to the destructive relationships between the central characters, and it's aftermath.

9 I'll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson

My first Jandy Nelson book stunned me. I expect this one will pop up on quite a few of these lists and for good reason. Two distinct and unique voices, two unforgettable narrators, and a story that is capable of breaking your heart and mending it all at once. The sibling relationship is the heart of this story, and it's beautifully done. This novel also gave me Oscar, my new book boyfriend.

10 Open Road Summer by Emery Lord

If you ever wondered what it might be like to be BFFs with Taylor Swift, this novel is for you. Underneath the lightness and fun is an insanely enjoyable story. A friendship at it's heart, and a swoon worthy romance make for a quick paced read that is a fave debut for many. There is plenty of emotion packed into this read, and you'll end it being an Emery Lord fan.

11 The Iron Trial by Cassandra Clare and Holly Black

This novel takes fantasy tropes and flips them. You think you know this story, and where it's going only for Holly Black and Cassandra Clare to show you just how wrong that assumption was. It packs a surprising punch, and is perfect for middle grade and young adult fans alike. I cannot wait to see these characters grow and progress over the coarse of this story.

12 Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

A finale that was more than worth the wait. While I may prefer Etienne to any of the other boys Stephanie Perkins has created, Isla is perhaps my favourite girl. She endeared herself to me immediately, and is perhaps the most like me. A romantic, achingly realistic, beautifully written conclusion to a stellar set of companion novels. Stephanie Perkins may just be the Queen of Contemporary novels (for me she shares the title with Gayle Forman).

13 The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

The buzz around this one started when Emma Watson signed on to be the main character in the movie adaptation. Kelsea is a protagonist that quickly makes you fall in love with her. The Fetch is an intriguing element to the story and adds an air of mystery. The world building is one of my favourite parts of this story and seeing Kelsea grow and change is the heart of the story.

14 Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

Danielle Paige takes something beloved and makes it all her own. She twists Oz in fascinating ways all while maintaining the recognizable elements of the classic. The clear and concise set up allows for a tightly woven story that begs to be turned into a CW TV show. Those who want what made The Wizard of Oz so speical will find it here, just twisted beyond belief.

15 Exquisite Captive by Heather Demetrois

Heather Demetrois' writing is often praised (and her 2015 release I'll Meet You There) is already gaining a lot of praise for it's writing). This novel is no exception. Combined with her writing is fantastic world building, and a love triangle that works because it really isn't a love triangle. This novel has magic, wonder, and a fantastic lead character that all equal up to a great read.

I could have easily made it 20, but decided to at least try to limit myself. Have you read any of these books? Did they make your Best Of list? Let me know in the comments.

Danielle Paige Q and A

Today I have Danielle Paige, author of Dorothy Must Die, stopping by with an interview! I adored Dorothy Must Die and was thrilled to be able to ask Danielle a few questions.

1. Describe Dorothy Must Die in three words. 

I think the title pretty much does it.

2. What aspects of the original Wizard of Oz story inspired your novel?  

The Oz books are just so rich in story and character. Baum did an incredible job of both world and character building.  It’s an American fairy tale and it’s just so ingrained in our culture. But what I was drawn to was the idea of these characters who had traveled through so much and fought to get the things they thought they were missing. The Lion’s courage, the Tin Woodman’s heart, and the Scarecrow’s brains. And now those very things are what’s corrupted about them. The Scarecrow is crazy smart, but he’s a mad scientist. The Lion is fearless, but he’s literally ‘roided up on it. And the Tin Man’s heart, well, he may have a bit of an obsessive crush on someone we know!

3. Are you able to share a secret about one of the characters, the world, something that inspired something about the world/characters?  

Other than the Tin Man’s crush… I’d say watch out for Pete, the first person that Amy meets in Oz. He’s gorgeous, but there’s much, much more to him.

4. What three things do you need while revising? 

Coffee, Papermate red flair pens, more coffee

5. What 2014 release are you most looking forward to? 

I am a YA junkie. I would say Leigh Bardugo’s Siege and Ruin. I am such a fan of thee Shadow and Bone series. And Kiera Cass’s The One! And I’m reading Marissa Meyer’s Cress right now!

If you've read Dorothy Must Die, do let me know what you think! I am excited to chat about it with everyone.

Thanks Danielle for stopping by, and be sure to check out my Dorothy Must Die review. You can follow Danielle on Twitter, and check out the Harper Collins website for more information about the book.

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige
Release Date - April 1, 2014
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader
Pages - 432 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

I didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask to be some kind of hero.
But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado—taking you with it—you have no choice but to go along, you know?

Sure, I've read the books. I've seen the movies. I know the song about the rainbow and the happy little blue birds. But I never expected Oz to look like this. To be a place where Good Witches can't be trusted, Wicked Witches may just be the good guys, and winged monkeys can be executed for acts of rebellion. There's still the yellow brick road, though—but even that's crumbling.

What happened?
Dorothy. They say she found a way to come back to Oz. They say she seized power and the power went to her head. And now no one is safe.

My name is Amy Gumm—and I'm the other girl from Kansas.
I've been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked.
I've been trained to fight.
And I have a mission:
Remove the Tin Woodman's heart.
Steal the Scarecrow's brain.
Take the Lion's courage.
Then and only then—Dorothy must die!

It's said that there is no place like home. For Dorothy, however, there is no place like Oz. Dorothy Must Die offers up a deliciously twisted take on Oz that has it's own share of twists, meticulous plotting, and one inspiring heroine.

As I began reading this novel (and it's prequel) I was immediately struck at the plotting and planning that appears to have gone into the series. Thing are teased, revealed, and set up to make sure the pacing remains solid throughout the story. As a reader, you're given the information at just the right time. I expect that Danielle has charts, extensive notes, and plans laid out somewhere, because it's clearly shows in this novel's execution. Danielle Paige clearly knows where she wants the story to go, and how it'll get there. It left me eager to sit back, and enjoy where ever Danielle is taking the story.

Danielle has created a dynamic power struggle between The Winged Ones, Dorothy and her clan, and of course, Amy and the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked. The tension that is building, the reluctant alliances,and those outsiders whose motivations are unknown all serve to remind Amy, and the reader, that this isn't the Oz of your childhood. Amy is unsure what is the right thing to do, or who to trust. Things are a little more morally ambiguous that perhaps the reader, and Amy, would like.

The magical, fantastical elements of Oz are still prevalent. If anything they embraced, and heightened. The spin she puts on Dorothy, The Lion, The Scarecrow, and The Tin Woodsman are authentic to the story, while being different enough to impress. Amy's mission itself, a sort of reverse from the usual, delighted me. The clear route of taking back the heart, brain, and courage sets up the story, while giving a fun nod to it's inspiration.

The characters themselves appear larger than the pages they are kept in. Dorothy's henchmen, Dorothy herself, and everyone in between are vivid and somehow more than what I was expecting. Danielle allows character progression along with plot movement. I am looking forward to more character development in the sequels now the wold they're in has been so careful laid out.

Amy is easily one of my favourite heroines in a YA novel. She's not instantly capable of saving Oz. She needs to train, and prepare. She had natural character progression that made her feel all the more real. Her conflicted nature about what she should do, and whether Dorothy should be killed serves to highlight the main theme of the book - In Oz Good and Wicked are interchangeable.

 Dorothy is easily someone I loved to hate. She's deliciously wicked, and yet that innocent, plucky farm girl is still there. She wanted, wished, and yearned for something bigger and it took control of her. Her story is one of the addiction nature of power, and how it can corrupt even the most unsuspecting of us. Her evilness is tinged with a bit of a sympathetic angle that only adds to her character (especially since you never know who is using who in Oz).

The Winged Ones and their quest for freedom touched me more than any other part of the novel. There is a horrifying, crushing scene that also invokes a feeling of rebellion. It was, for me, a scene of vividly imagery and really powerful. It was sort of a turning point for myself on how I viewed the changes in Oz, and it's tyrannical ruler.

The romance in the book is interwoven in little spurts throughout Amy's journey. Amy has way more pressing issues than romance, and as such, it's a minor background element. It doesn't control or push the plot forward, instead it just organically happens. There is a hint of a love triangle that is quickly squashed in one of the best twists I've come across recently. I didn't expect it, and I was delighted when it happened. While this may not have been the author's intention, it felt like her way of telling us that we only think we know where this story is going. For me, it read like the usual 'check marks' in a YA series are being tossed aside, or come with a twist.

An impeccably plotted and executed start to what, I am sure, will be a stunning trilogy. Filled with seductive darkness, thrilling nods to a classic, and main character who quickly became a favourite, Dorothy Must Die, is a more than impressive debut - it's wickedly addictive.

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. Short and sweet this week!

BOOKS

Cover for The Mime Order by Samantha Shannon (goodreads)

This was revealed over at Entertainment Weekly and I LOVE the cover. It compliments The Bone Season cover quite nicely, and I can't wait to get my hands on this!

The cover for Threats of Sky and Sea by Jennifer Ellision (goodreads)

So pretty right? I love the colour scheme, and the font! This book also happens to be written by an incredibly sweet fellow blogger. Excited to get my hands on this one too.

OTHER

Dorothy Must Die Book Trailer

 

I normally do not like these, but this book trailer is AMAZING! It captures the mood of the book, and teases just enough without giving away the book's secrets. Excited for everyone to meet Amy, and read this book!

Book Expo America Autographing Author List Sneak Peek

As we get close to May (and BEA itself) information is beginning to be unveiled regarding which authors will be attending BEA. We've gotten a sneak peek at some of them, and it's already AMAZING.

Off this list (you can see the full list on the BEA website) I am especially excited about -

Amy Ewing, Amy Plum, Barry Lyga, Chelsey Philpot, Christina Lauren, Danielle Paige, Gretchen McNeil, Heather Demetrios, Jenny Han, Josephine Angelini, Martina Boone, and Rebecca Serle! I am sure they are more, and I am sure that once the full schedule is out, I add many more to this list.

So what are you obsessed with this week?

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 pretty amazing week in my mailbox. I may have had a freakout when some of these arrived.

Wings by Elizabeth Richard (goodreads)
Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige (goodreads)
Second Star by Alyssa B. Sheinmel (goodreads)

A huge thank you to Elizabeth Richards for the surprise package of awesome. A huge thank you to Harper Collins Canada for the epicness that is Dorothy Must Die. Christy, from The Reader Bee, is my favourite for sending me Second Star. My Peter Pan fangirl flailed just a little (okay, maybe it flailed a lot).

Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews (goodreads)

 Thank you to Giselle from Book Nerd Canada and Lifetime Network/Shaw Media for the amazing Flowers in the Attic prize pack. I am looking forward to getting the copy of Bonnie and Clyde that is to be shipped soon!

Breaking Bad (season one)

So, if you've read my blog before, you are well aware of my Breaking Bad obsession. I NEED to own the entire series, and took steps to accomplish this by getting the first season. A re-watch is totally happening, and I expect I'll do a blog event around it.

Let me know what you got in your mailbox this week!

Happy weekend, and happy reading!

Waiting on Wednesday.... Dorothy Must Die

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 Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

I didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask to be some kind of hero.
But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado—taking you with it—you have no choice but to go along, you know?

Sure, I've read the books. I've seen the movies. I know the song about the rainbow and the happy little blue birds. But I never expected Oz to look like this. To be a place where Good Witches can't be trusted, Wicked Witches may just be the good guys, and winged monkeys can be executed for acts of rebellion. There's still the yellow brick road, though—but even that's crumbling.

What happened?
Dorothy. They say she found a way to come back to Oz. They say she seized power and the power went to her head. And now no one is safe.

My name is Amy Gumm—and I'm the other girl from Kansas.
I've been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked.
I've been trained to fight.
And I have a mission:
Remove the Tin Woodman's heart.
Steal the Scarecrow's brain.
Take the Lion's courage.
Then and only then—Dorothy must die!

Teased as Kill Bill meets Wizard of Oz and I was immediately sold. The whole remove the Tin Woodman's heart, steal the Scarecrow's brain and take the lion's courage?! HECK YES. I can't wait to see Amy do all of this. Turning Dorothy bad could either go disastrously wrong, or deliciously right. Luckily, based on the e-novella No Place Like Oz, it seems to be off to a fantastic start.

Expected release date - April 1, 2014

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. Sort one this week, but I expect that'll change in the upcoming weeks (see reason below).

BOOKS

Cover Reveals For Fall Titles

With many publishers releasing their fall catalogs in February/March the time for cover reveals is upon us. Early February is normally filled with covers being released almost daily. Fall tends to be the publishers 'biggest' season and that means a lot of amazing titles are coming out. I personally can't wait to see so many of them (and I will even be helping to reveal some of them on the blog in the upcoming week or two!).

Dorothy Must Die ARCs

I feel like I've been waiting FOREVER to see this in ARC form. I can't wait to get my hands on this one!

Picture copyright via the official Dorothy Must Die Facebook page

The official Dorothy Must Die Facebook page posted this image and I may have fangirled (just a little bit).

MOVIE/TV

Breaking Bad

Still. Always. I am not over it. I don't think I'll ever be over it. I want to both re-watch it and discover it for the first time (which is obviously not possible, but still). Seriously, one of the best shows in recent television. So thankful to Kelly (from Kellyvision) for making me watch this.

So what are you obsessed with this week?

2014 Most Anticipated - Dorothy Must Die

The next pick on my 2014 Most Anticipated list is a novel that is already gaining tons of advance buzz. Danielle Paige is twisting the yellow brick road and making Dorothy evil in Dorothy Must Die!

Just check out this Goodreads synopsis and you'll be wanting to be get your hands on this one, immediately!

I didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask to be some kind of hero.
But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado—taking you with it—you have no choice but to go along, you know?

Sure, I've read the books. I've seen the movies. I know the song about the rainbow and the happy little blue birds. But I never expected Oz to look like this. To be a place where Good Witches can't be trusted, Wicked Witches may just be the good guys, and winged monkeys can be executed for acts of rebellion. There's still the yellow brick road, though—but even that's crumbling.

What happened?
Dorothy. They say she found a way to come back to Oz. They say she seized power and the power went to her head. And now no one is safe.

My name is Amy Gumm—and I'm the other girl from Kansas.
I've been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked.
I've been trained to fight.
And I have a mission:
Remove the Tin Woodman's heart.
Steal the Scarecrow's brain.
Take the Lion's courage.
Then and only then—Dorothy must die!

I need this...like yesterday! This is exactly the kind of twist I want in my re-tellings. I've read the chapter sampler and was immediately hooked, and I can't wait to read the rest. Anyone else super excited to see The Lion, Scarecrow and Tin Man as Dorothy's henchmen? So excited.

Instead of doing a Q and A to highlight this pick, I am going to review the e-novella 'No Place Like Oz'.

****************************************************************************************************************************

No Place Like Oz by Danielle Paige
Release Date – November 12, 2013
Publisher Website –  HarperCollins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader
Pages - 196 pages
My Rating- 4.5/5
**purchased**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

In this digital original novella, Dorothy travels back to Oz to reunite with old friends, but her story may not have a happy ending. No Place Like Oz is a prequel to the forthcoming novel Dorothy Must Die.

After returning to Kansas, Dorothy Gale has realized that the dreary fields of Kansas don’t compare to the vibrant landscapes of Oz. And although she’s happy to be reunited with Aunt Em, she misses her friends from the yellow brick road. But most of all, Dorothy misses the fame and the adventure. In Kansas she’s just another prairie girl, but in Oz she was a hero. So Dorothy is willing to do anything to get back, because there really is no place like Oz. But returning to the land she left comes at a price, and after Dorothy is through with it, Oz will never be the same.

Perfect for fans of Alex Flinn, Marissa Meyer, and Gregory Maguire, No Place Like Oz is a dark reimagining of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Building off of its rich mythology, Danielle Paige creates an edgy, thrilling story for teens that chronicles the rise and fall of one of the literature’s most beloved characters. This digital original novella is a prequel that sets the stage for the forthcoming novel Dorothy Must Die.

There's no place like home, or so they say. For Dorothy, you really can't go home again. This e-novella has the task of taking a beloved heroine, and turning that idea on it's head.... and it succeeds wonderfully. No Place Like Oz shows the potential for wickedness in everyone, and that sometimes fate plays a hand in making our choices for us.

No Place Like Oz immediately sets the tone of this series. Fun. It's going to be filled with larger than life characters, fantastical places, and basically retain that magical feeling of Oz. It also creates another expectation - detailed plot. The e-novella gives us enough hints, foreshadowing, and set up to indicate a much more intricate plot that I expected.

Dorothy's narration of the book allows us to see the spiral from an uncomfortable vantage point. We see how it starts, slowly at first. She's no longer satisfied with Kansas, and her Aunt and Uncle's farm. She wants more. She becomes sullen, and quick tempered. What makes her progression more chilling is that Dorothy remains Dorothy. Everything feels in character, and she's not twisted into something unrecognizable. It makes what happens all the more compelling.

As the novel escalates to it's breathless ending it feels like a crescendo is building. You know something horrible is coming, you know something bad is going to happen. You, however, can't turn the pages fast enough. Watching Dorothy's descent is both uncomfortable and fascinating. When the end does come, and the dust has settled, Dorothy will forever be changed by what happens. Oz will forever be changed.

Adding to the delicious taunts and teases is that hint that all might not be what it appears. With Oz, you're prompted to 'ignore the man behind the curtain' and this novel let's you know that there is much more at work here than I expected. I am very much looking forward to the unraveling of events, and illumination on things that are briefly touched upon in this novella.

No Place Like Oz offers just the right amount of tease to dazzle, and provides just enough to make sure it's readers are clamoring for Dorothy Must Die come April. A magical look at wickedness in the most unexpected places, and how sometimes you just can't go home again.

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If you want to learn more, check out the publisher's website for more information.

Dorothy Must Die will be in stores April 1, 2014. Pre-orders for this title are up and here are few places you can pre-order currently.

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Chapters

You can already get the e-novella No Place Like Oz at the follow

Kobo
Barnes and Noble
Amazon

Let me know in the comments what you think of the synopsis, or let me know if you plan on taking this trip down the yellow brick road.  Also, check back soon for a contest where you could win one of my featured titles (be sure to pay attention to the Question and Answers from previous picks as they'll help).

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).

Another week of awesome books! My mailbox was packed on filled with awesome books!

Unforgotten by Jessica Brody (goodreads)

Perfect Lies by Kiersten White (goodreads)

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkosi (goodreads)
Starling by Fiona Paul (goodreads)

Huge thank you to Raincoast Books and Harper Collins Canada for the lovely books I received this week. I was beyond thrilled to see The Winner's Curse in my package. The ARC of The Winner's Curse is beautiful. I can only image how pretty the hardcover is going to be.

Huge thank you Jessica for lending me Starling! I can not wait to see how this series ends.

Cress by Marissa Meyer (goodreads) forgot to include this one before! Thanks Katherine!

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver (goodreads) 

Four Seconds To Lose by K.A. Tucker (goodreads)

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige *CHAPTER SAMPLER* (goodreads)

Huge thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada for Four Seconds To Lose! Excited to start reading it!

Cress is amazing! It's everything I wanted it to be, and I can't wait to post my review! A big thank you to Katherine for lending me her copy. The Dorothy Must Die chapter sampler was something I read almost right away and I am curious as to where this story is going to go. I like what I've read so far!

Before I Fall is signed! Lauren Oliver came to Ottawa and she is super lovely in person. I hadn't read this one yet so I purchased a copy to have her sign. It'll get read/reviewed sometime in January (hopefully).

Hope you had a fantastic book haul this week too!

Happy Reading, and Happy Weekend!

Weekly Obsession

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:

BOOK

Marissa Meyer New Book Deal

Did you miss the news? Marissa Meyer has a new book in the works. Heartless, according to Goodreads, is 'a prequel to “Alice in Wonderland,” HEARTLESS will tell the tale of how a marquis’ teenage daughter became the infamous Queen of Hearts. It will be a story of whimsy and madness, passion and tragedy, ravens and writing desks'. I was sold as soon as they mentioned Alice in Wonderland. Extra excited that it's a prequel story. I am intrigued with what Marissa will do with the Queen of Hearts. 2015 can not come fast enough.

Cover of Amy Plum's After The End

It fits the novel perfectly. Read the synopsis and you'll see. I am pretty excited about this nove, and am looking forward to getting my hands on it in May.

Synopsis of Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

The full synopsis has been revealed for Dorothy Must Die. I knew it was going to be amazing, but this...OH.MY.GOD. It's jumped to the top of my Must Read in 2014 list.

I didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask to be some kind of hero.
But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado—taking you with it—you have no choice but to go along, you know?

Sure, I've read the books. I've seen the movies. I know the song about the rainbow and the happy little blue birds. But I never expected Oz to look like this. To be a place where Good Witches can't be trusted, Wicked Witches may just be the good guys, and winged monkeys can be executed for acts of rebellion. There's still the yellow brick road, though—but even that's crumbling.
What happened?
Dorothy. They say she found a way to come back to Oz. They say she seized power and the power went to her head. And now no one is safe.

My name is Amy Gumm—and I'm the other girl from Kansas.
I've been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked.
I've been trained to fight.
And I have a mission:
Remove the Tin Woodman's heart.
Steal the Scarecrow's brain.
Take the Lion's courage.
Then and only then—Dorothy must die!

Remove the Tim Woodman's Heart? Steal the Scarecrow's brain? Take the Lion's courage? YES! YES! YES! Can I have this NOW please?

Cora Carmack's New Series

I was sold as soon as they mentioned Friday Night Lights. I will read it. It sounds fun, and I've heard nothing but amazing things about her first books.

TV/MOVIE

Robbie Kay as Peter Pan on Once Upon A Time

If you have to make Peter Pan evil, at least have someone who impresses me in the role. Robbie Kay is PERFECT! He looks the part, he can act, and I am all over his version of Peter. I can't wait to see what else Once Upon A Time does with his character, and how the twists and turns will present themselves. I've been hearing rumblings that he REALLY impresses in the second episode, so I am looking forward to discussing that in my recap.

So what are you obsessed with this week?

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:

BOOK

The cover of The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow (Goodreads)

I have been dying for a fun, sexy novel set in Las Vegas. I've read a few and they haven't lived up expectations. I think this cover is super fun, and I HOPE that it's finally a Vegas set novel that conjures up The Strip perfectly. 

The cover of Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige (Goodreads)

This novel's synopsis has left me pining for this novel in the WORST way. The cover is fun, not what I expected at all though. This one is HIGH on my wishlist, and I can't wait to get my hands on it.

The cover of The One by Kiera Cass (Goodreads)

Eeeep! So immediately I thought 'AMERICA IS IN A WEDDING DRESS'. This may not be true, but the cover certainly wants us to THINK that. I am pretty excited to find out how this story ends, and for the more intriguing aspects of this story to take centre stage.

TV/MOVIE

Once Upon A Time Season 3 Premiere

THIS SUNDAY! Peter Pan! Tinkerbell! Ariel! Neverland! I am beyond excited for this season. It's no secret that I LOVE Peter Pan. It's been a favourite since I was a kid, and I am loving the bits I've seen of THIS version.

So what are you obsessed with this week?

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

Third Book In The Royal Circle trilogy by Katherine Longshore

We have a title!! BRAZEN will be the final book in the trilogy, and I can not wait for more details. Details, and a synopsis will be coming from Penguin shortly, and I can't wait. I am curious to learn more about the main character, and what events may be woven into the story based on the timing. Be sure to add it to your Goodreads to get all the details when available.

Dangerous Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

The Castor Chronicles is getting a spin off! Ridley and Link are taking centre stage in this New York City set companion series to Beautiful Creatures. I am excited to see what's next, and this gives me an excuse to finish the first series ASAP! You can add this to your Goodreads, and check out the full synopsis.

Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

A Wizard of Oz where Dorothy is not the hero? SIGN ME UP! Deadline, who announced that the CW has optioned this for a TV Show described the  book/show this way

the magically-ever-youthful Dorothy has stayed in Oz, presiding over a now fascist fairyland with her perfectly manicured iron fist and the help of her henchmen - the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. But when another young woman from Kansas is swept up in a tornado and magically dropped into this war-torn Oz, our hero discovers a revolutionary underground of witches and enchanted beings only to learn that she is destined to lead their people in the fight to reclaim Oz from a power-hungry Dorothy's ruthless clutches.

Yup, pretty much LET ME HAVE IT NOW! I am going to be really excited when this comes out in April 2014. This one has flown under the radar a little, but I expect that is about to change. Also, keep an eye out for this in my 2014 Most Antcipated Reads event *wink* . If you haven't already, be sure to add it to your Goodreads.

Cover of Sisters' Fate by Jessica Spotswood 

I love this series, so much. The last book ripped my heart out, and left me a mess when all was said and done. I am dying to get my hands on this one. The last little bit of the synopsis? SHIVERS! *Obvious spoilers for the first two books in the series in the synopsis, so tread carefully*. I am also in love with this cover. The colours are so pretty.

TV/MOVIE

Dexter Series Finale

We're saying goodbye to Dexter. This makes me sad. Watching the following teaser for end made me anxious and terrified as to what is going to happen.


 
Dexter saying "This is all my fault" and the FBI closing in on Hannah! EEEP! Poor little Harrison better have a happy ending in all of this, that's all I am saying. 

So what are you obsessed with this week?