The Gauntlet by Megan Shepherd

The Gauntlet by Megan Shepherd
Release Date - May 23, 2017

Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 352 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

** SPOILERS FOR PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

The Maze Runner meets Scott Westerfeld in the final novel in the gripping and romantic Cage series, about teens abducted from Earth by an otherworldly race.

Cora and her friends have escaped the Kindred station and landed at Armstrong—a supposed safe haven on a small moon—where they plan to regroup and figure out how to win the Gauntlet, the challenging competition to prove humanity’s intelligence and set them free. But Armstrong is no paradise; ruled by a power-hungry sheriff, it’s a violent world where the teens are enslaved and put to work in mines. As Nok’s due date grows closer, and Mali and Leon journey across space to rescue Cassian, the former inhabitants of the cage are up against impossible odds.

With the whole universe at stake, Cora will do whatever it takes, including pushing her body and mind to the breaking point, to escape Armstrong and run the Gauntlet. But it isn’t just a deranged sheriff she has to overcome: the other intelligent species—the Axion, Kindred, Gatherers, and Mosca—all have their own reasons to stop her. Not knowing who to trust, Cora must rely on her own instincts to win the competition, which could change the world—though it might destroy her in the process.

The Cage series started out as a story of an alien species experimenting on humans and has evolved into one of survival and destiny. It has become deeper and more complex that I imagined when I picked up the first novel, and manged to surpass any expectations I had of it going in. The finale offers a thought provoking, satisfying conclusion to a series that always manged to surprise, and shock me.

I always forget how dark these novel are. Megan Shepherd is not afraid to let the darkest parts of humans (and other otherwordly species) be enough to send a chill through you. Everything from the initial premise of caging people for scientific experimentation, to allowing humans to be hunted for sport, to forcing people to be 'wives' is looked at and used to increase the feeling of unease. It is a thought provoking read because it challenges you to examine your own feelings about some complex issues and is used to highlight some of the very real issues that plague humans today (albeit just in very heightened, sci-fi lite way). This is all done using the 'less is more' approach which makes it even more impressive. It never gets too graphic but still manages to be unsettling. Your brain is more than capable of coming up with the worst possible scenarios with what is presented to you which, I find, is more effective.

I was afraid that Lucky would be a footnote in the story since his death in the second novel. I was much more curious about the potential between Cora and Lucky than I was about any possible romance between Cassian and Cora. I was pleasantly surprised to find he was still very much part of Cora's story. It was in a very bittersweet way, but he is on her mind and still gives her strength. I loved how the author managed to include him, even after his death, in such a vital way. Cora's journey this time is all about having a support system to see you through the tough times, and having him still be part of that was the perfect way to close out his story.

The biggest twists and surprises were saved for this finale installment of Cora's story. Plenty of them make you view the events of previous novels in a new light. One of the reveals, however, didn't quite work as it made the characters look less intelligent than they are presented as. Once a piece of information is revealed it takes far too long for the other characters to realize what is going on. Someone should have suspected something much earlier, even if they couldn't put the entire thing together. Funnily, this reveal also provides a twist I didn't see coming so they really end up canceling each other out. There are plenty of surprises left in this story and they show how well plotted this series actually was.

The ending Megan Shepherd offers fans is one that is a perfect mix of hope and sadness. This is an ending that had to be earned with its body count, and sacrifice. There was never going to be some perfect scenario where everyone lived happily ever after. There is so much hope at the end of this story that even just that little sliver is enough compared with the darkness that preceded it.

The Hunt by Megan Shepherd

The Hunt by Megan Shepherd
Release Date - May 24, 2016

Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 368 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received from publisher for an honest review**

**spoilers for The Cage**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

They’ve left the cage—but they’re not free yet.

After their failed escape attempt, Cora, Lucky, and Mali have been demoted to the lowest level of human captives and placed in a safari-themed environment called the Hunt, along with wild animals and other human outcasts. They must serve new Kindred masters—Cora as a lounge singer, Lucky as an animal wrangler, and Mali as a safari guide—and follow new rules or face dangerous consequences. Meanwhile, Nok and Rolf have been moved into an enormous dollhouse, observed around the clock by Kindred scientists interested in Nok’s pregnancy. And Leon, the only one who successfully escaped, has teamed up with villainous Mosca black-market traders.

The former inhabitants of the Cage are threatened on all fronts—and maybe worst of all, one of the Hunt’s Kindred safari guests begins to play a twisted game of cat and mouse with Cora. Separated and constantly under watch, she and the others must struggle to stay alive, never mind find a way back to each other. When Cassian secretly offers to train Cora to develop her psychic abilities—to prove the worthiness of humanity in a series of tests called the Gauntlet—she’ll have to decide fast if she dares to trust the Kindred who betrayed her, or if she can forge her own way to freedom.

Rarely does a book surprise me as much as Megan Shepherd's The Cage did. Human prisoners meant to live their life while being studied by an alien race like inhabitants in a zoo. This series sequel proved to be just as  surprising, just as dark, and  showcases exactly why this a series you should be reading.

This is the type of book that demands to be discussed. Its themes of humanity, morality, and what those mean are begging to be dissected at length. The entire premise of humans in captivity like animals is enough of a conversation piece without tossing in the other complex elements Megan has skillfully woven in. Its complexity is perhaps one of the most surprising parts of this series. It is unpredictable and that makes for captivating read.

Just when I thought Megan Shepherd could not make this series any darker than she has I am proven wrong. This sequel amps up the risks, and the horrors that the characters are faced with. The realities of what happens in this psedo-safari are just the tip of the brutal truth that awaits within these pages, and I am impressed that Megan Shepherd did not hold back in any way. She makes sure we feel as uncomfortable, as afraid, and as horrified as the characters.

Trust is not a word that belongs within these pages, and as readers we are not any more sure of who to trust than the characters are. Shaky alliances, and desperate moves are the only chance at survival all the while knowing the consequences of getting caught will be severe. It is a pulse pounding, thrilling read that easily has you invested in the outcome because of the characters.

The characters have more growth in this novel than in the previous. If the first novel was about world building and laying the foundation of the series, the second is about allowing the characters to exist within the world that has been built. We get a clearer picture of who they are and what they all stand to lose. This allows the romance to resonate a little more. There are a few couples I came to care about in this sequel. The algorithm that matched up the humans in the first book does seem to work because all of the couples seem compatible, and a few of those relationships progress in this sequel.

My only issue is the sort of love triangle that is created in the first novel. Cora's attraction to Cassian always came with a side of unease for me. He is part of the group that is holding her captive after all and I don't trust him. She is drawn to him like a moth to a flame despite her own misgivings. This novel resolves the love triangle issue in pretty much my least favourite way. I will be interested to see how the events of this novel impact the last part of this trilogy and I hope Megan has a few more surprises in store when it comes to Cora's heart.

The ending of this novel, once again, ends on a cliff hanger ensuring that the reader will be desperate to get their hands on the finale. It spins the story into a new and unexpected direction that has me really excited to see where the story goes next.

A thought provoking series that has a surprising darkness at its heart. Megan Shepherd has created a intriguing series off an even more intriguing premise. If you enjoy fast paced books with plenty of surprise you'll want to give this series a try. 

The Cage by Megan Shepherd

The Cage by Megan Shepherd
Release Date - May 26, 2015
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 400 pages
My Rating - 3/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

The Maze Runner meets Scott Westerfeld in this gripping new series about teens held captive in a human zoo by an otherworldly race. From Megan Shepherd, the acclaimed author of The Madman's Daughter trilogy.

When Cora Mason wakes in a desert, she doesn't know where she is or who put her there. As she explores, she finds an impossible mix of environments—tundra next to desert, farm next to jungle, and a strangely empty town cobbled together from different cultures—all watched over by eerie black windows. And she isn't alone.

Four other teenagers have also been taken: a beautiful model, a tattooed smuggler, a secretive genius, and an army brat who seems to know too much about Cora's past. None of them have a clue as to what happened, and all of them have secrets. As the unlikely group struggles for leadership, they slowly start to trust each other. But when their mysterious jailer—a handsome young guard called Cassian—appears, they realize that their captivity is more terrifying than they could ever imagine: Their captors aren't from Earth. And they have taken the five teenagers for an otherworldly zoo—where the exhibits are humans.

As a forbidden attraction develops between Cora and Cassian, she realizes that her best chance of escape might be in the arms of her own jailer—though that would mean leaving the others behind. Can Cora manage to save herself and her companions? And if so . . . what world lies beyond the walls of their cage?

Unpredictable would be the word I'd use to describe The Cage. From it's characters, to the love triangle, and right up until it's ending this is a book that keeps you guessing. This is a novel that surpassed what I anticipated in a really good way.

Megan's talent as a writer was evident in her previous works. Her strength is in creating a setting and atmosphere and she once again does that here. The world building is stunning, and engrossing. Megan Shepherd's detailed and lush descriptions of the enclosure and everything that surrounds it are breathtaking. It brings the setting to life vividly, and compliments her characters who are just as captivating. The novel is easily pictured as a movie or television show and that is in large part due to Megan's writing.

There is a feeling of desperation that surrounds the entire novel. The desperation that the characters feel, and the paranoia that seeps into their interactions is not only believable, but cloying. It's a force thing that feels suffocating. Each of the characters reacts in different ways to the stress they are put under and this feel authentic because each of them is so different. It might be the world that overshadows everything in this novel, but there is something compelling about the characters nonetheless.

The love triangle is going to garner some strong reactions. Cassian is part of the race imprisoning humans in this zoo like habit, and that aspect is never far from the reader's mind. The other part of this triangle is one of the teens put into the enclosure with Cora. Nothing in this triangle is straight forward, and there is more than one twist that complicates every angle of these connections. Ultimately, it's going to be one that people react strongly to, as there is a touch of 'falling for your captor' going on, even if he seems different from the rest of the 'aliens'.

This is perhaps a minor spoiler so I will tag accordingly. This may have worked better if written for the new adult market. The 'aliens' have rules, three of them, that they expect the humans in captivity to follow. One of which is to engage in sexual relations in order to procreate. The idea of repopulating earth, forced procreation, and everything else that entrails is thought provoking. I do not think this novel went as deep or as dark as it could have, and perhaps should have, gone. We are given little insight to how it makes each of the characters feel. We see Cora explain what forcing someone to kiss you means to humans. Kissing is not something the 'aliens' are familiar with. The emotional attachment and connection is not there the same way it is for humans, so to have a deeper conversation about consent, force, and how it was impacting the characters would have only enriched the story. It is there, but lightly, and I think that is mainly due to the target market.

A highly imaginative, unique, thought provoking concept that was executed well. The Cage sets up what is sure to be an addicting, thrill ride of a series. 

A Cold Legacy by Megan Shepherd

A Cold Legacy by Megan Shepherd
Release Date - January 27, 2015
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 400 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received in exchange for an honest review**

**SPOILERS FOR PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

After killing the men who tried to steal her father’s research, Juliet—along with Montgomery, Lucy, Balthazar, and a deathly ill Edward—has escaped to a remote estate on the Scottish moors. Owned by the enigmatic Elizabeth von Stein, the mansion is full of mysteries and unexplained oddities: dead bodies in the basement, secret passages, and fortune-tellers who seem to know Juliet’s secrets. Though it appears to be a safe haven, Juliet fears new dangers may be present within the manor’s own walls.

Then Juliet uncovers the truth about the manor’s long history of scientific experimentation—and her own intended role in it—forcing her to determine where the line falls between right and wrong, life and death, magic and science, and promises and secrets. And she must decide if she’ll follow her father’s dark footsteps or her mother’s tragic ones, or whether she’ll make her own.

With inspiration from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, this breathless conclusion to the Madman’s Daughter trilogy is about the things we’ll sacrifice to save those we love—even our own humanity.

Megan Shepherd offers up a spine-tingling, and chilling close to her Madman's Daughter trilogy. A novel that asks how much fate dictates our choices and plays with the haunting notion that just because you can do something doesn't mean that you should.

The classic tale of Frankenstein is woven into Megan Shepherd's plot seamlessly. Her characters blend into the iconic roles perfectly without being out of character for what Megan has created. Megan's talent as a writer is her ability to create mood and atmosphere. Frankenstein naturally lends itself to this style of writing. The foggy moors, the creaks and bumps in the night, the apprehension and tension that builds are all captured within the pages of this story.

The nature vs nurture aspect of Frankenstein's story was already a huge theme in this trilogy and choosing to inspire the last novel off of Frankenstein was brilliant decision. Juliet has struggled from the beginning with becoming her father. She is convinced that her DNA makes it inevitable. She believes her 'creation' leaves her no choice but to follow in his footsteps. Ultimately her fate is revealed and offers up plenty of twists and surprises along the way. There is one particular reveal that I am unsure how I feel about. It feels like an easy way out based on the character, and story. I predict strong reactions to this reveal either way.

The idea that having the power to do something and the morality of doing it has also been a theme woven into all three novels. Doctor Moreau could create those creatures. Juliet could give into her darker impulses. In Frankenstein we know that Victor has power over life and death. A Cold Legacy examines the fallout of that ability, and the morality of doing it. It all comes back to choices. We all have choices, and what plagues every step of Juliet's journey is choices and which one she should make. It asks the reader to examine their own choices, at the same time asking how much outside forces factor into making those choices.

Juliet is a polarizing character for a lot of people. For me, every action, reaction, decision that she has or makes feels authentic to her character. Her actions and choices are not always what I would choose for myself. She is not perfect. She's haunted, and flawed. She slips and makes mistakes. The important thing is that she never acts out of character. She remains Juliet always, and that is the mark of an author who knows her characters.

The secondary characters, for me, were the heart of the story. Kind, gentle Balthazar who is the most humane out of everyone despite his monstrous beginnings. The compelling, dangerous, and fascinating Edward whose demons haunt him still. Lucy who is caring, and exudes an inner strength. Montgomery who is steadfast in his love for Juliet, but keeping secrets of his own. They all are engaging, and bring an extra element to the story. They allow you to form attachments as the main character is someone so polarizing. Balthazar, in particular, will win your heart by the end of this series (if he hasn't already).

A bittersweet, if fitting, ending to Juliet's journey allowed for closure that will satisfy fans of this trilogy. Megan Shepherd as adeptly paid homage to three different classic literary tales, while weaving in something entirely her own. 

Her Dark Curiosity by Megan Shepherd

Her Dark Curiosity by Megan Shepherd  
Release Date - January 28, 2014
Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader
Pages - 368 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received in exchange for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

To defeat the darkness, she must first embrace it.

Months have passed since Juliet Moreau returned to civilization after escaping her father's island—and the secrets she left behind. Now, back in London once more, she is rebuilding the life she once knew and trying to forget Dr. Moreau’s horrific legacy—though someone, or something, hasn’t forgotten her.

As people close to Juliet fall victim one by one to a murderer who leaves a macabre calling card of three clawlike slashes, Juliet fears one of her father’s creations may have also escaped the island. She is determined to find the killer before Scotland Yard does, though it means awakening sides of herself she had thought long banished, and facing loves from her past she never expected to see again.

As Juliet strives to stop a killer while searching for a serum to cure her own worsening illness, she finds herself once more in the midst of a world of scandal and danger. Her heart torn in two, past bubbling to the surface, life threatened by an obsessive killer—Juliet will be lucky to escape alive.

With inspiration from Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, this is a tantalizing mystery about the hidden natures of those we love and how far we’ll go to save them from themselves.

Darkness. Seduction. Madness. Her Dark Curiosity questions whether there is darkness in us all. It's an atmospheric read filled with engaging writing. It's one that offers a polarizing protagonist and plenty of romance.

Megan Shepherd's imagery invoking writing is once again breathtakingly present. She captures the tone, mood, and feel easily. It's perhaps the strongest part of the novel, and showcases the writing talent Megan has. It manages to enthrall, and captive. The creepy, unsettled feeling of this particular London is only achieved because of Megan's atmospheric writing.

Juliet makes mistakes. Some of these mistakes are tied directly into her character growth, others felt like they were servicing a love triangle (which might be more of a love square) that didn't really need it. The flawed, conflicted, seduced by darkness Juliet that I was fascinated with in The Madman's Daughter is equally compelling here. She makes a mistakes, but admits it. She's the girl who regrets their actions just a little too late to take them back. She also very naive. When she should be questioning, and demanding answers, she's backing off and letting her judgement be clouded. The madness that plagued her thoughts continues to eat away at her, almost driving her mad by default.

The romance is a huge focus of this novel. It may even take over the novel in some places. This will either delight or frustrate depending on your opinion of triangles and romance driven novels. Juliet's affliction seems to be romance and it's ability to make her lose rational thought. She's a perfectly capable young woman when it comes to everything else, but once romance enters the picture she allows herself to be taken advantage of, and manipulated (see the not asking questions, demanding answers, etc above). I could look past this, but it's only the romance that turns her into this. I hope to see her character develop, and become a little more decisive in the last novel.

The nod to Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is much more quiet than I anticipated. Juliet's fear that perhaps she is turning into a monster, and the delicious question that perhaps we have a little darkness inside us, plays with the themes in a subtle, yet compelling way. Of course, the larger nod of someone turning from a mild mannered man into a beast is there, but it's the more quiet inspiration that haunted me as I turned the pages. These inspirations are done really well, and I feel that this inspiration was woven in even more beautifully than in the first novel.

The ending offers up some large hints as to what literary classic will be the inspiration for the last novel. The set up, and reveal has me optimistic that it'll be a compelling end to Juliet's story. The back half is much more action filled than the quieter, more introspective first half, and it will certainly catch reader's attention.

How you feel about Her Dark Curiosity will largely depend on how you felt about The Madman's Daughter. Megan Shepherd's writing captures the mood, and essence of a stalked London, along with a descent into madness. This certainly won't be a novel for everyone but I, however, relished in a character who is drawn to the darkness, makes mistakes, and questions everything about herself.

2014 Most Anticipated -- Her Dark Curiosity

It's time to begin unveiling which titles I am REALLY looking forward to in 2014. Today's title is a sequel that has been on my wishlist since I read the first book!

Her Dark Curiosity by Megan Shepherd

Here is the awesome sounding synopsis (spoilers for The Madman's Daughter)

To defeat the darkness, she must first embrace it.

Months have passed since Juliet Moreau returned to civilization after escaping her father's island—and the secrets she left behind. Now, back in London once more, she is rebuilding the life she once knew and trying to forget Dr. Moreau’s horrific legacy—though someone, or something, hasn’t forgotten her.

As people close to Juliet fall victim one by one to a murderer who leaves a macabre calling card of three clawlike slashes, Juliet fears one of her father’s creations may have also escaped the island. She is determined to find the killer before Scotland Yard does, though it means awakening sides of herself she had thought long banished, and facing loves from her past she never expected to see again.

As Juliet strives to stop a killer while searching for a serum to cure her own worsening illness, she finds herself once more in the midst of a world of scandal and danger. Her heart torn in two, past bubbling to the surface, life threatened by an obsessive killer—Juliet will be lucky to escape alive.

With inspiration from Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, this is a tantalizing mystery about the hidden natures of those we love and how far we’ll go to save them from themselves.

Megan has stopped by to do a Question and Answer about the book, and her own pick for a 2014 release that is not be missed! I want to thank her for taking part and hope you guys are just as excited for this Frankenstein inspired novel.

1 Describe Her Dark Curiosity in 3 words

MYSTERIOUS, DEADLY, ROMANTIC

2 What originally drew you to The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and inspired you to incorporate it's themes into your trilogy?

It happened quite organically, luckily. At the end of THE MADMAN'S DAUGHTER, one character already has a sort of split personality situation going on that reminded me of Jekyll & Hyde, so it was very natural for the story to continue using that inspiration. I also liked that Jekyll & Hyde dealt with similar ideas and themes as the first book: dark science, the dangers of scientific exploration, and dual natures.

3 Now that you've published one book, what did you find different about the process of getting the second one ready for publication?

It's so much easier the second time around! The first time, I didn't know what to expect. I had no idea what lots of publishing terms meant. Reading reviews was an emotional roller coaster. I had no idea how much marketing and publicity I should be doing. But for the second book, I feel so much calmer, and I can really sit back and enjoy interacting with readers.

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

One of the characters in HER DARK CURIOSITY is named after my best friend. I asked her permission beforehand. She was very excited, even when I told her the character was probably going to die horrifically, but that it was nothing personal :)

5 What 2014 release are you most excited for?

I'm very excited for Alexa Duncan's SALVAGE. It's a YA feminist scifi that explores big themes and is beautifully written.

Stayed tuned for a giveaway to go up for your chance to win one of the books on my list.

Her Dark Curiosity will be in stores January 28, 2014. In the meantime if you want to find out more about Her Dark Curiosity you can visit the author's website, the publisher website, or Goodreads.

Here are some pre-order links if this title has caught your eye!

Chapters
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

In My Mailbox

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 egalleys! A huge thank you to HarperTeen, Raincoast Books, Netgalley, and Edelweiss for the chance to review these amazing titles.

Racing Savannah by Miranda Kenneally (Goodreads)
Great by Sara Benincasa (Goodreads)
Her Dark Curiosity by Megan Shepherd (Goodreads)

Happy Reading, and Happy Weekend!

Waiting On Wednesday.... Her Dark Curiosity

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

My Waiting on Wednesday pick this week is Her Dark Curiosity by Megan Shepherd

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

To defeat the darkness, she must first embrace it.

Months have passed since Juliet Moreau returned to civilization after escaping her father's island—and the secrets she left behind. Now, back in London once more, she is rebuilding the life she once knew and trying to forget Dr. Moreau’s horrific legacy—though someone, or something, hasn’t forgotten her.

As people close to Juliet fall victim one by one to a murderer who leaves a macabre calling card of three clawlike slashes, Juliet fears one of her father’s creations may have also escaped the island. She is determined to find the killer before Scotland Yard does, though it means awakening sides of herself she had thought long banished, and facing loves from her past she never expected to see again.

As Juliet strives to stop a killer while searching for a serum to cure her own worsening illness, she finds herself once more in the midst of a world of scandal and danger. Her heart torn in two, past bubbling to the surface, life threatened by an obsessive killer—Juliet will be lucky to escape alive.

With inspiration from Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, this is a tantalizing mystery about the hidden natures of those we love and how far we’ll go to save them from themselves.

I liked The Madman's Daughter A LOT and can't wait to read this Jekyll/Hyde inspired tale. The cover is also one of my favourites so far! So pretty.

Expected release date - January 28, 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:

BOOKS

Night Film by Marisha Pessl

Just finished this late last night, and words cannot even describe how good it is. The writing, the plot, the way everything unfolds. I will not say too much (want to save it for my review) but this book is going to be on a lot of beaches come it's August release date. 

Cover of Her Dark Curiosity by Megan Shepherd

I thought The Madman's Daughter had a pretty cover, but Her Dark Curiosity has outdone even that. It's the dress, the London backdrop, and the way the model stands out against everything. It automatically catches your eye. Needless to say after reading the INTRIGUING synopsis I am dying to get my hands on this book.

Cover of Perfect Lies by Kiersten White

 The sequel to Mind Games has a cover that matches, and is also awesome. I loved the Mind Games cover, and this one is equally eye catching. The synopsis was also released, and it sounds like it'll be an exciting conclusion to this duology.

Cover of Defy by Sara B Larson

The premise of this one caught my attention. Just read the synopsis and you'll be pining too! I love that she disguises herself as a boy to be part of the Prince's guard. The love triangle mention has me a little leery, but if done well they can be a fantastic plot point. I love the mixture of rose with the sword imagery this title uses. It's a nod to the main character, and it's genre.

Cover of Manor of Secrets by Katherine Longshore

I have loved all of Katherine's previous novels, and I can't wait to get my hands on this one. It's been compared to Downton Abbey and I do love historical fiction, especially with a fantastic sounding synopsis. I think this is going to be a fun read.

TV


Primetime Emmy Awards pre-nomination voting

 The ballots to determine who will be nominated at this year's Emmy Awards were made available this past week. I become obsessed with the actual nomination themselves, but this year the pre-nomination voting has caught my attention. There are so many amazing performances that deserved to be recognized. High up on that list for me is Freddie Highmore for his performance as Norman Bates in Bates Motel. He, surprisingly, was put forward in the supporting category. I do think this helps his chances of getting a nomination, but it's a weird choice as his role is pretty much the lead in the series. I can't wait until the official nominations are announced in July.


So what are you obsessed with this week?

Megan Shepherd Interview and Giveaway!

As you could have guessed from my review yesterday I really loved The Madman's Daughter. The lovely Megan Shepherd was kind enough to do an interview for me. Her answers have made me quite curious about the sequel, and I am thrilled to discover she loves tea as much as I do!

I am also giving away a copy, so be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter at the end of the interview

1 Describe The Madman's Daughter in three words.

Madness, mystery, monsters

2 Describe Juliet Moreau in three words.

Complicated, haunted, lonely

3 How would Juliet describe Montgomery and Edward?

Ooh, good question! Montgomery is her father's assistant who she knew as a child. I think in the book Juliet describes him as a "workhorse" because he's a diligent, honest worker and loyal to a fault. And she might add that he's gorgeous :) Edward, a castaway, is literally scarred by his past. Juliet isn't quite sure what to make of Edward, but she's intrigued...

4 Was there a character that surprised you? One that maybe ended up with a larger role than expected?

I found myself surprisingly wrapped up in the lives of two of Doctor Moreau's beast-men. Balthazar is a half-dog, half-bear hybrid who has more humanity than most of the people in the book. And another beast-man, Jaguar, embraces his animal nature while the others strive to act human. For creations from Moreau's laboratory, these were some of the characters that touched me most.

5 What is the strangest thing you did for research?

When I was sixteen, which is the age of the protagonist in the book, I spend a year in Costa Rica. So when I started writing this book I pulled out all my old photos and journals from that time, and tried to remember my early impressions of the jungles and beaches and tropics. Since Moreau's island could be anywhere, I based the jungle atmosphere on my own young experiences.

6 Is there any part of the novel that got cut from the final draft that you really wished could have been kept in because you liked it so much?

I can't answer this question, because there IS a scene I really loved that I cut, but I moved it to the sequel. So it would be a spoiler to tell you :)

7 What is the last novel you read that you enjoyed and would recommend?

I recently went to the San Juan Islands in the Pacific Northwest with my sister, and we missed the ferry and had a few hours to kill, so we checked out Griffin Bay Bookstore in Friday Harbor (our parents are booksellers, so we always visit bookstores on trips.) I'm a big fan of PBS's Downton Abbey, so when I found Natasha Solomon's The House at Tyneford, I knew I'd like it. It's a novel for adults, but it should appeal to YA fans too. Gorgeous setting, great historical detail, and a sweeping romance.

8 If you could go back in time to any time period and any place, where and when would you travel to?

I LOVE this question. It's one of those questions I ask friends all the time when we're sitting around. I'm torn between ancient Egypt, the pre-Columbus Americas, and the roaring 1920s. I'd love to write books set in all those time periods, just so I could do the research!

9 Do you stick to a strict writing schedule (eg, so many words a day, etc?)

I tend to write in very intense bursts that last a few days. So I'll write for 12-14 hours for four or five days, and then burn myself out and take a few days off. I worked at a 9-to-5 job for several years, so my goal is to go back to that schedule, so I can have my evenings and weekends back!

10 What are three things you need while revising?

The great Carrie Ryan showed me a wonderful plot chart that I turned into a big board I carry around with me and stick post-it notes on (see attached) to help with plotting and structure, since I'm a very visual person. I carry that around with me everywhere I write, as well as a second monitor, so I can look between my notes and my draft. And lastly, tea! Lots of tea!

I want to thank Megan for stopping by! I bet you're wanting a copy of The Madman's Daughter for yourself. I am giving away one copy to be shipped via Book Depository. It's open international, just fill out the Rafflecopter below.

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The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd

The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd

Release Date – January 29, 2013

Publisher Website - Harper Collins

Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader

Pages -   432 pages

My Rating- 4.5/5

**Received from publisher for review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

In the darkest places, even love is deadly.  

Sixteen-year-old Juliet Moreau has built a life for herself in London—working as a maid, attending church on Sundays, and trying not to think about the scandal that ruined her life. After all, no one ever proved the rumors about her father's gruesome experiments. But when she learns he is alive and continuing his work on a remote tropical island, she is determined to find out if the accusations are true. 

Accompanied by her father's handsome young assistant, Montgomery, and an enigmatic castaway, Edward—both of whom she is deeply drawn to—Juliet travels to the island, only to discover the depths of her father's madness: He has experimented on animals so that they resemble, speak, and behave as humans. And worse, one of the creatures has turned violent and is killing the island's inhabitants. Torn between horror and scientific curiosity, Juliet knows she must end her father's dangerous experiments and escape her jungle prison before it's too late. Yet as the island falls into chaos, she discovers the extent of her father's genius—and madness—in her own blood. 

Inspired by H. G. Wells's classic The Island of Dr. Moreau, The Madman's Daughter is a dark and breathless Gothic thriller about the secrets we'll do anything to know and the truths we'll go to any lengths to protect.

This twist on the classic tale of Dr Moreau is dark, lushly descriptive, and chilling. It asks the question of  blood, and if the blood running in your veins can determine who you are. I was engrossed with the story, and it's characters immediately.

The entire novel is atmospheric. The lush, humid island filled with vegetation seems to come to life. The descriptions are so vivid that you can almost feel the humidity pressing on you, and sweat rolling down your own back. The novel is creepy and tension filled throughout. Megan Shepherd infuses the entire novel with a sense of foreboding.

This novel also includes one of the creepiest and stomach turning elements I have encountered in a long time - vivisection. The scene in which we are introduced to this incredibly gruesome technique is only a prelude to dark things to come, but sets the tone masterfully.

Juliet is drawn to the macabre. Operating, blood and experiments excite, rather than repel her. She lives in a constant fear that her father's madness runs through her veins and tries to prove to herself and others that she is nothing like him. I found myself drawn to her, and her inner struggle. She walks a fine line, and the tantalizing descent into perceived madness is always present.

Dr Moreau casts a larger than life presence in Juliet's life. The man we learn about seems charming, driven, and capable of anything in the name of science. His secrets reach all the way from the island to Juliet's life, turning her entire world upside down.

Balthazar, a fascinating character, intrigued me. I wanted to know more about him. His mannerisms, and nature make him startlingly human. His gentle and quiet manner made him easily more humane than some of the completely human characters.

The love triangle is written in such a way that presents each potential love interest with equal standing. It may not be unique, but each of them is engaging in their own right, each is holding back their own secrets, and both are darker than first appearances would indicate. I love that each choice leads to potential issues, and neither guy is what I could consider a "safe" choice. There is more going on with the characters than the romance, and it felt secondary to the plot rather than the main focus of the plot.

A novel that shows blood runs deep, what's inside us can terrify us the most, and some secrets can never stay hidden. A wonderfully written, tension filled read that has left me anticipating the sequel and where Megan Shepherd will take these characters next.

Winter Book Buzz...

The new season is upon us, and I was fortunate to read some of this season's hottest upcoming titles in advance. I have selected a few to highlight as ones that I think everyone is going to be buzzing about once they hit shelves.


The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd - release date of January 29

Atmospheric, brilliantly woven, and characters that resonate. This story is going to blow people away, and it's just getting started. A captivating main character who fears her own darkness, and two potential love interests with dark secrets of their own make for a deliciously intense, and thrilling read.

Just One Day by Gayle Forman - release date of January 8

This novel is so lushly descriptive and beautifully written that you'll immediately want to read it again once you've finished. Willem is sure to be on many swoon worthy lists at the end of 2013, and we haven't even had his narration yet (Just One Year being released fall 2013 is from his view point). This story deeply resonated with me, particularly the main character Allyson. You'll fall in love with Willem and Allyson's love story, and be swept away in the brilliant locations, and vividly real characters.

Be sure to check out both of these titles, as they are must reads. What books are on your Winter 2012 must read list?

YA2U - Bring Five YA Authors To YOUR City

Have you ever wished that a big YA book tour would make a stop in your hometown? Well, here's your chance for that wish to come true! YA2U is a program that features five award-winning and best-selling authors who are holding a contest to see what city they should visit in an exclusive tour stop!

The authors are collecting votes from January 1 to February 15, and any city in the continental US or any Canadian city that has an international airport can win an exclusive visit from all five authors, including an author panel and book signing! Entering is super easy--and if you help spread the word about the contest, you can also enter win a signed copy of all of their books (TEN signed books in total!)--and the book contest is open internationally!

The authors in the program are

• Marie Lu, the New York Times best-selling author of Legend and the upcoming Prodigy
• Marissa Meyer, the New York Times best-selling author of Cinder and the upcoming Scarlet
• Beth Revis, the New York Times best-selling author of Across the Universe, A Million Suns, and the upcoming Shades of Earth
• Victoria Schwab, author of The Near Witch and the highly-anticipated upcoming The Archived
• Megan Shepherd, author of the debut novel The Madman's Daughter

And they want to have an event in your home town! To participate, just got to the YA2U website and let them know what city you want them to come to. And while you're there, help spread the word about the contest and you can be entered to win all of their books--TEN signed books in total! 

Here's why the YA2U Team should come to MY hometown! 

Not only does Ottawa have a lot of fantastic YA book bloggers and fans, but we also rarely get events like this. It would also be my pleasure to introduce the lovely authors to the Canadian treasure known as poutine. 

Why should the YA2U Team come to your hometown? Why not join in the fun today and share with others about this program and your hometown. The more votes your town gets, the closer you are to having your very own personal tour stop! Vote for YOUR town here!

And if you help spread the word, you can also participate in the book giveaway. Tell them that you learned about YA2U from me and we both get extra entries in the contest!

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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's mailbox is beyond awesome. There was squealing and freaking out at the mailbox.

The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd (goodreads)
Just One Day by Gayle Forman (goodreads)

A BIG thank you to Harper Collins Canada and Penguin Canada for these amazing sounding reads. I am having a hard time not starting them both right away.

I want to say thank you to Megan Shepherd for sending me some swag. The tea was a pleasant surprise, and I LOVE tea so I will be trying this out when I read the book.

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!

Waiting on Wednesday...The Madman's Daughter

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 Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

London, 1894. Juliet Moreau has built a life for herself—working as a maid, attending church on Sundays, and trying not to think about the scandal that ruined her life. After all, no one ever proved the rumors about her father’s gruesome experiments. But when she learns her father is alive and continuing his work on a remote tropical island, she is determined to find out if the accusations were true.

Juliet is accompanied by the doctor’s handsome young assistant and an enigmatic castaway, who both attract Juliet for very different reasons. They travel to the island only to discover the depths of her father’s madness: he has created animals that have been vivisected to resemble, speak, and behave as humans. Worse, one of the creatures has turned violent and is killing the island’s inhabitants. Juliet knows she must end her father’s dangerous experiments and escape the island, even though her horror is mixed with her own scientific curiosity. As the island falls into chaos, she discovers the extent of her father’s genius—and madness—in her own blood.

This sounds amazing! There is a Gothic creepy vibe, but it also sounds romantic as well. The cover is great too! I love the dress.

Expected release date - January 29, 2013

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

Cover for Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor.This picture may not be the best quality as the original image is so tiny. I LOVE this cover. It matches Cinder beautifully and sets the tone of Scarlet's story. I am DYING to get my hands on a copy of this!

The Cage by Megan Shepherd

Megan has a trilogy starting soon called The Madman's Daughter (which sounds awesome), but has already sold a new series that intrigues me as well. Here is the brief description

THE CAGE is a TWILIGHT ZONE-esque sci-fi which follows six teens who are put in an elaborate "human zoo" by a powerful and psychic otherworldly race known as The Kindred, and one girl's attempts to escape without falling for her terrifyingly beautiful captor. 

AMAZING right? Seriously, I say it every year but 2014 looks to be even more amazing than previous years. I can't wait.

MOVIES

Magic Mike

Yes again! Still obsessed. The guys are hot, the moves are slick, and the storyline didn't suck. This movie was much darker than I was expecting it to be. The second half especially got pretty dark. It takes you into this world, and the temptations are plentiful.

Channing Tatum can dance his butt off. Seriously, I knew he could dance, but WHOA! His second solo especially was pretty mind blowing. He is great at the whole "movie flirt" thing. Alex Pettyfer played his role really well too. It also doesn't hurt that he's totally hot.

It is one of those movies I would see again for sure!

So what you are obsessed with this week?