Waiting On Wednesday .... The Reckoning Of Noah Shaw

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

This week's pick is The Reckoning Of Noah Shaw by Michelle Hodkin

** Spoilers for The Becoming Of Noah Shaw and The Mara Dyer Trilogy **

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

Noah Shaw doesn’t think he needs his father’s inheritance.
He does.

Noah believes there’s something off about the suicides in his visions.
There is.

Noah is convinced that he still knows the real Mara Dyer.
He does not. 

Everyone thought the nightmare had ended with Mara Dyer’s memoirs, but it was only the beginning. As old skeletons are laid bare, alliances will be tested, hearts will be broken, and no one will be left unscarred.

I loved the first trilogy that makes up this series and was excited to jump back into this world when the first book of Noah's series was released. The ending of the first novel only made me more desperate to find out what is going on and to continue this journey with these characters I love so much.

These are not light, or happy books in any way. Noah's head space is not the most pleasant to be in. It makes them perfect reads for the Fall season. The November release date seems far away, but it gives anyone not caught up on this series a chance to read them before its release. 

Expected release date - November 13, 2018

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.

BOOKS

Cover Of Michelle Hodkin's The Reckoning Of Noah Shaw (goodreads)

Michelle Hodkin's books always get stunning covers, and the Shaw Confessions trilogy is no exception. I loved the cover for the first one and how it invoked the feeling of the Mara Dyer trilogy covers but was also something entirely its own.

The cover for the second book in the series was just released and I am in love!

It is going to look amazing on my shelf next to the other books in this expanding series. I cannot wait to continue Noah's story as the first book was everything I hoped it would be and more.

Cover of Raziel Reid's Kens (goodreads)

Lainey Gossip recently revealed the cover for Raziel Reid's next novel and I have a desperate need to read it! It is being compared to Heathers and Mean Girls which would have immediately piqued my interest even if I hadn't loved Raziel's first novel, When Everything Feels Like The Movies.

The cover is amazing. Just read the synopsis on Goodreads and tell me it is not perfect!

I am keeping my fingers crossed for ARCs of this one to be available soon and that a Canadian book signing tour might happen (as the author is Canadian).

TV/MOVIE

Love, Simon

I recently was fortunate enough to attend a screening of the upcoming movie Love, Simon. It is one of my most highly anticipated movies of 2018 so to say I was excited would be an understatement.

I am going to be posting a review closer to the movie's March 16th release date, but know that it is perfection. It's one of the best book to movie adaptations I have seen and made me so entirely happy.

What are you obsessed with this week? Let me know in the comments.

New To My Book Closet

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

I have some fun new items to share. Some are ones I got awhile ago and just did not have time share yet as things have been super busy.

The Becoming Of Noah Shaw by Michelle Hodkin (goodreads)
Renegades by Marissa Meyer (goodreads)

I love my newest Funko! Zero is adorable and I am so glad to have found him in stores.

I have read both books that are featured this week and really enjoyed both. I am looking forward to continuing both stories with the sequels.

What books/bookish items made their way into your mailbox this week? Let me know in the comments.

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

The Becoming Of Noah Shaw by Michelle Hodkin

The Becoming Of Noah Shaw by Michelle Hodkin
Release Date -  November 7, 2017

Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  384 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

In the first book of the Shaw Confessions, the companion series to the New York Times bestselling Mara Dyer novels, old skeletons are laid bare and new promises prove deadly. This is what happens after happily ever after.

Everyone thinks seventeen-year-old Noah Shaw has the world on a string.

They’re wrong.

Mara Dyer is the only one he trusts with his secrets and his future.

He shouldn’t.

And both are scared that uncovering the truth about themselves will force them apart.

They’re right.

As a huge fan of the Mara Dyer trilogy I was thrilled to find out that Michelle Hodkin was writing a trilogy from Noah's point of view. Noah was going to get this own story, and that excited me. The first chapter of Noah's story not only met the very high expectations I had, but surpassed them. It's a dark, mind twist of a read that continues to build on the plot laid out in the Mara Dyer trilogy.

Noah's story begins with a warning to the reader. A very Noah like warning. A warning that should be heeded. Being inside Noah Shaw's head is exactly what you would expect it would be like. His voice is snarky, but there is pain found in equal measure within him. This is a story, and point of view, that is hard to read at times, but one that is important. If Mara is a bad girl (like the dedication says), Noah is a lost boy and that comes with a lot of baggage and darkness. This novel deals with suicide, murder, paranoia, and trust. It unravels Noah's psyche and shows you just what kind of boy could love a girl like Mara.

The writing is beautiful and poetic. There are so many passages that I immediately wanted to underline and quote people. There is a clear difference between the style and voice in this novel, and those found in the Mara Dyer trilogy. These differences bring the two characters vividly to life, and speak to the talent Michelle Hodkin possess. Her characters are always the strongest part of her novels, and that makes you care just a little bit more.

Getting to see Mara from Noah's point of view is fascinating. As is seeing Noah from his own. It offers a different perspective on these characters that is refreshing and adds something to the larger story being told. This chapter needs to be told through Noah's point of view for reasons that quickly become evident. It just also has the bonus of allowing the characters to grow through perspective.

The world continues to widen as this story progresses and answers become more clear. We meet quite a few new characters and they are intriguing. I left the Mara Dyer trilogy wanting to know more about the experiments, and path that Mara and Noah were deemed fated to walk down. This novel begins to explore these questions, and adds a few more wild cards to the mix that have already drastically changed things.

There are plenty of sexy, and swoon worthy moments within these pages. It wouldn't be a Michelle Hodkin novel without them. There is something electric in the way that Michelle writes these scenes that ensures they leave a lasting impressing. The descriptions of not just these scenes, but everything, are so vivid and descriptive. Those who loved Mara and Noah's relationship will continue shipping them, even as the relationship continues into rougher waters, which is no surprise based on where the first trilogy leaves all the characters. This next chapter is necessary, and that is evident based on the progression of the Mara/Noah relationship.

The ending packs multiple punches and sets up the remainder of the series. If you read Mara's story, you will see the events in this novel coming. It won't make anything easier, because it is still brutal, but the hints are there. Michelle, in her own way, warned us before we even picked up the book, and warns us again before we start for good measure. It leaves me both exhilarated and terrified to continue this journey. It also leaves me with a million more questions than when I started.

There is an ache and a guttural reaction that is at the heart of this book. It's one that causes you to want to dissect and talk about it long after you've finished reading. It's a story that is a must read for fans of the original Mara Dyer trilogy as it continues the story we've fallen in love with in a very beautiful, twisted way.

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 few VERY exciting things made their way into my mailbox this week.

First up, I did some #otspsecretsister shopping recently, and ended up getting myself a few little things.

I love the "L" button so much! I couldn't resist the Yuri On Ice one, and was thrilled to find the Bucky/Steve button. I had been looking for one like that for a long time now.

I received two books for review from Simon and Schuster. A huge thank you to them for sending one of my most anticipated reads of 2017 to me!

The Becoming Of Noah Shaw by Michelle Hodkin (goodreads)

Autoboyography by Christina Lauren (goodreads)

I definitely fangirled when I opened this packaged. I cannot even express how excited I am to have The Becoming Of Noah Shaw in my hands. I am a huge fan of the Mara Dyer series and cannot wait to continue this story.

What goodies made their way into your mailbox this week? Let me know!

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Waiting On Wednesday .... The Becoming Of Noah Shaw

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

This week's pick is The Becoming Of Noah Shaw by Michelle Hodkin

Here is the Goodreads synopsis 

Everyone thinks seventeen-year-old Noah Shaw has the world on a string.

They’re wrong.

Mara Dyer is the only one he trusts with his secrets and his future.

He shouldn’t.

And both are scared that uncovering the truth about themselves will force them apart.

They’re right. 

I loved the Mara Dyer trilogy so much. I loved everything about it, but mostly how much it went against what I was expecting it to be.

When Michelle announced that there would be a follow up trilogy from Noah's point of view, I pretty much freaked out. I am not going to lie, I am a little scare thanks to the synopsis and the end of the previous series. I can see this not going well for Mara and Noah as a couple, but I am going to love every single minute of it.

I am already counting down the days until I can have this in my hands! Why does November feel so far away?!

Expected release date - November 7, 2017

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.

BOOK

Cover for The Becoming of Noah Shaw by Michelle Hodkin (goodreads)

I loved the Mara Dyer trilogy fiercely, and was very excited when Michelle announced that she would be writing a sequel trilogy from Noah Shaw's point of view.

The cover was just released and it is as beautiful as the ones for original trilogy.

Stunning, right? I love that they have a similar tone and feel to the Mara covers, but are unique as well. I am so excited for this to be released, and have pre-ordered my copy!

Cover for Marissa Meyer's Renegades

I am so excited for this new series from Marissa Meyer and the cover is super fun!

A school for superheros and supervillains? Sounds amazing! I really like the comic book feel of the cover, it fits the description perfectly.

TV/MOVIE

iZombie renewed for season 4

The fact that this news caused me squeal with happiness should surprise nobody. I love this show, and feel it is so underrated. The cast is perfection and it has some of the smartest writing on television right now. It's so charming! Needless to say,  I am thrilled that Liv and the gang will be back for another season.

What are you obsessed with this week?

Saying Goodbye to Mara....

The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Release Date - November 4, 2014

Publisher Website - Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 470 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received in exchange for an honest review**

**SPOILERS FOR THE FIRST TWO BOOKS IN THE SERIES**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Mara Dyer wants to believe there's more to the lies she’s been told.
There is.

She doesn’t stop to think about where her quest for the truth might lead.
She should.

She never had to imagine how far she would go for vengeance.
She will now.

Loyalties are betrayed, guilt and innocence tangle, and fate and chance collide in this shocking conclusion to Mara Dyer’s story.
Retribution has arrived.

Dear Michelle (and Mara)...

I sat down to write this review many times, and everything I wrote felt wrong. Unworthy of your brilliant story. I realized immediately what I wanted, and that was my own way to say goodbye. Instead of a review, I am writing this letter instead.

Retribution has arrived, and with it a bittersweet ending to the story that began with an unbecoming. You put Mara through hell and back, and sent her back again during this series. I love that she always crawls out fighting though, no matter what crushing thing happened to her. It's inspiring. Speaking of inspiring, this series, especially after this installment, is incredibly inspiring. You talked a lot about owning yourself, and accepting yourself in various ways during these three novels. This message is kicked up a million notches in this final chapter in Mara's story as she embraces the bad girl within her.

This amazing internal speech she gives left me breathless...

'I'd wasted so much time wishing I could be different, wishing I could change things, change myself. If given the chance, I would've shed myself and become a different girl. Slipped on a name like Clara or Mary, docile and gentle and smiling and kind. I thought it would be easier to be someone else than to be who I was becoming...'

I wanted to highlight this passage, put stars around it, and underline it for good measure. Girls are often told to be docile and gentle. Don't be too opinionated. Don't cause a scene. Here you (and Mara) are saying CAUSE A SCENE AND ENJOY IT IF YOU WANT TO. Don't hide who you are, and don't change who you are. You're responsible for your own happiness and part of that is being happy with yourself. A million trillion thank yous for such a positive, electrifying message.

Noah. Noah. Noah. There is so much to say about him, but as I do not want to give spoilers, I'll simply say that you've raised the stakes in terms of book boyfriends. He is one of the most stunning, swoon worthy, and interesting love interests I've read, and I am pretty sure the entire YA fanbase thanks you for creating him. Now if only we could make him real and clone him. Many were, understandably, upset with the events at the end of Evolution, but I knew that whatever Noah's fate that it would make sense for the story (and it does).

I expected to be an emotional mess about one of my favourite series ending. I really did. Even knowing that I was unprepared for the amount of emotion this novel made me feel. You had me laughing at Jamie's brilliant one liners, gripping the novel in apprehension, and flat out bawling during one scene (you know which one, Michelle. You know exactly what brutally cruel scene I am referring to, and it was brilliant). As each layer of Mara's story is revealed, and we find out the whys to things that have been building since the beginning, the biggest feeling was a sense of awe. You had tied everything together perfectly and packed in a few surprises even with the clues you peppered in along the way.

Lastly I just want to say thank you. Thank you, Michelle, for writing this series. Thank you for dedicating this particular chapter to the bad girls (and the boys who love them). Thank you for the inspiring message of owing yourself, being happy with yourself (especially if that self is different), and mostly for the most perfect ending to Mara's story. It could not have ended any other way. As bittersweet and tragic as the story is, I think her story needed to end the way it does. I like to imagine what comes next in her story, and I know that even if it's horrible, she's been left where she should be. She's on the path that she should walk.

I cannot wait to read whatever comes next, and meet the new characters that will steal my heart, and captivate me.

Sincerely,

Kathy

p.s. A last thank you for this delicious piece of writing that sent shivers up my spine and left me with goosebumps...

'{Retracted for spoilers} kisses me and it is sugar on my tongue, and champagne in my blood'

Mara Dyer (Re)Read Sign Ups!

It's finally almost here! The release of The Retribution of Mara Dyer is quickly approaching and I feel like I need to read the series again. A few bloggers had expressed interest in reading the series, either again or for the first time.

I am going to be hosting a read along (sort of). Starting in September I will have a post up where you can link your reviews, and Christy from The Reader Bee and I (perhaps others, message me if interested) will be having discussions via a Google document that I will share on the blog. I want to encourage everyone to leave theories, and just general fangirling on any of the posts going up.

The month of September will be focused on The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. In October will move on to The Evolution of Mara Dyer. That will ensure that both books are finished just in time of the November release of Retribution.

If you're interested, sign up using think link below so that we all know who is involved. I am even open to a Twitter chat if enough people are interested.

Hope you'll all join in, and I can't wait to discuss this series with everyone!

Waiting On Wednesday ...... The Retribution of Mara Dyer

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 Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Mara Dyer wants to believe there’s more to the lies she’s been told.

There is.

She doesn’t stop to think about where her quest for the truth might lead.

She should.

She never had to imagine how far she would go for vengeance.

She will now.

Loyalties are betrayed, guilt and innocence tangle, and fate and chance collide in this shocking conclusion to Mara Dyer’s story. Retribution has arrived.

It's no secret that I love this series immensely. I cannot wait to get my hands on the final chapter in Mara's story, but at the same time I am terrified. I see a few ways this could end, and most of them do not include a happily ever after (which is totally fitting).

I've pre-ordered this one and it is totally making me wish that summer was already over.

Expected release date - November 4, 2014

The Retribution of Mara Dyer Cover.......Maybe

I stumbled upon this on Goodreads today. Is this the real cover? I hope so. It's STUNNING! I literally squealed while at work and had my co-workers look at me funny. It's breath taking and so so sooooo perfect.

It's my favourite out of the three. I need this REALLY big and hanging on my wall. I can't get over the sheer gorgeousness of these covers, and how well they fit the story.

I can't wait to see what Michelle Hodkin has in store for us come Fall 2013.

What do you think of the cover? Are you as in love with it as I am?

Best of 2012 - Top 5 Swoon Worthy Guys

As the end of the year comes near I thought it might be fun to do some Best of 2012 lists. These won't be every day, and so far I only have two planed.

This list is all about the guys. I am going to list my top 5 most swoon worthy guys of 2012.

1 Noah from The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Noah made my list last year, and is on it again this year. His British accent, disheveled appearance, and how much he loves Mara all make him a strong contender for most swoon worthy book guy of 2012.

2 Will from Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Tattoos can be sexy, and Will makes them work. His heart of gold, and rugged appearance, and tousled hair make him pretty swoon worthy.

3 Ash from Black City by Elizabeth Richards

Sensual, and seductive describes Ash perfectly. A little bit bad, but caring underneath make him a perfect addition to this list.

4 Wolf from Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

While I think the other new character, Carswell Thorne, will win over a majority of people and be on a lot of 2013 lists, Wolf won my heart. He's a conflicted character and those are always the most appealing.

5 Willem from Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Since this book isn't out, and I don't want to spoil anything I am going to keep this brief. He is going to be on a lot of these lists next year after this book is released! Trust me. He's very swoon worthy.

So there are my top 5 most swoon worthy guys for this year. Who would make your list? Let me know in the comments!

Mara Dyer Blogger Love

Mara Dyer Week is sadly ending today. I thought it might be fun to get some other blogger's opinions on why the Mara Dyer series is so great. I collected a few blurbs to share with you guys. Don't forget to go back and visit each stop and enter the giveaway while you're at it.

First up is the awesome Ciara at Lost At Midnight Reviews

I hate being scared. Seriously. I can’t stand horror films, I sleep with a night-light on, and I very rarely read scary books. And that’s the thing I love most about The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer: it petrifies me and I love it. It makes me love being scared, because it does frightening so well. 

Mara Dyer thinks she’s going crazy, and that’s probably one of the scariest things to go through. Reading about her heart-attack inducing hallucinations had me cowering away from the book. I am dead serious when I say I could not look in a mirror head-on for three days after finishing the book. I found myself jumping out of my seat at the scary scenes, had my jaw dropping with the shocking twists, and had my heart pounding with adrenaline. This was a scary, scary novel. But, I loved it. It was amazing to have a book scare me so much and have me happy about it! Michelle Hodkin is a master story teller, and her suspenseful, addictive novel was purely fantastic. When Kathy asked me to write this guest posts, I remember wondering what I was going to write about. There are honestly so many things I love about this book, and I was having a hard time choosing just one. But, for me, one of the signs of a powerful book is when it makes think a different way. Usually it’s in a very powerful and emotional way (for example Fall For Anything by Courtney Summers) but in this case it was something very different. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer made me enjoy something I hate the most: fear. For a book to do that is pretty fan-freakin’-tastic in my opinion. 

If you’re a fraid-y cat like me, this book will terrify you. And if you’re a fearless horror genre veteran, I think this book will scare you too. Maybe it’ll be the hallucinations or the frightening deaths. Maybe it will be the horrifying idea of slowly going insane. Whatever it is, something in this book will get you. Something is going to get your heart racing, your palms sweaty, and your eyes darting around the room. Mara Dyer is going to scare you. And you’ll love every bit of it. 

Big thanks to Kathy for giving me this opportunity to guest post about this amazing series! It was a ton of fun! (Although I’m beginning to fear looking in mirrors again…*wink*)  

Also check out Ciara's review for The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer for more reasons why she loves this series.

Next up is amazingly lovely Brodie from Eleusinian Mysteries

Every sexual fibre of my soul is screaming at me to write "NOAH SHAW" as my most favourite part of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, and I'm almost tempted too. But as I'm-drowning-in-a-puddle-on-my-own-drool sexy as he is, it's the mystery and suspense that made this novel for me. What I loved so much was having my mind twisting knots around itself. Who is the real Mara Dyer? Where did that botanica disappear to? Was the kiss real? Wait, JUDE?!Not knowing what Michelle Hodkin was going to throw at me next... knowing that I couldn't even rely on the narrator to keep my sanity grounded... that kind of uncertainty is so exhilarating to read!

Check out Brodie's review of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer for more.

Next up the fantastic Evie from Bookish shares why she loves this series

What I love the most about Michelle Hodkin's gorgeous YA series, Mara Dyer, is definitely the lead male character, Noah Shaw! British, mysterious, total sweetheart with a reputation of a heart-breaker.. ahhhh~ So swoon worthy! He's undoubtedly one of the hottest, most charming male protagonists out there. And not only because he is drop-dead gorgeous and bring-me-a-napkin drool-inducing hottie, but also because of his wonderful character, wittiness, mysteriousness, gentleness... everything! There is no other like Noah Shaw!!! 

Here's my favourite quote: 

“You want me as much as I want you. And all I want is you." Noah stood slowly, his body skimming mine as he rose. "Today. Tonight. Tomorrow. Forever.”

 Check out Evie's review of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer for more.

Next we have the amazing Meaghan from Feeling A Little Bookish with her favourite part of the Mara series

When Kathy asked me to participate in Mara Dyer week I couldn't be happier.  I have read both books in the series and I can say so many good things about them.  I think what stands out for me is Mara's character.  I love that she is an unreliable narrator and that she keeps you guessing.  You never really know what is going on in head or what is going on for real.  You can't help but feel for the girl because she lost all of her friends in a freak accident and is then transplanted into a new place.  Not only is she having to adjust to a new life but she also has to reconcile what happened in her old life.  While her life may be a little messed up, she still remains a sweet girl.  I also love the bond that she has with her brothers.  There really is a sense of family pride with her even when they frustrate her.  She is constantly trying to prove that she is okay but you can tell that she appreciates the support her family gives her.

Again, while the storyline has many wtf moments and it keeps you guessing, it's not just the story that gets to you.  It really is Mara herself that finds a little place in you and keeps the story going long after it is done.  My sister and I were talking the other day about the need to know what a character is doing long after the book is done and I think this applies well with Mara Dyer.  A few days after both novels, I found myself thinking: what is Mara doing?  This, my friends, is the sign of a well written book.

Check out Meaghan's review of The Evolution of Mara Dyer too.

Next up is the incredibly sweet Emilie from Emilie's Book World

I am a major sucker for anything that involves mystery. Whether it's in a book, TV show or movie. When I heard about The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer I knew that this would be a book that would play right in to that. And it did. The entire time I was reading, the book was messing with my mind. I never knew what was real and what wasn't. And while that normally would frustrate me to no end, with The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer it didn't phase me in the least. Of course, I was just constantly trying to figure out what was happening, but that's what made me love the story as much as I did. And the mind messing part, was my absolute favourite part of the book. Though a certain Noah Shaw wasn't so bad either…

 Be sure to check out Emilie's review of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer too.

The next to share is the delightful Kelly from KellyVision

The reason I love this series so much is because it has all the elements of a great paranormal trilogy/series: a great heroine, a compelling story, a hot love interest, twists and turns aplenty. But at the same time, Mara Dyer is completely unique and always surprises me. It's th best of both worlds: everything I know I love and wonderful surprises that still make sense, given the parameters of the story.

Be sure to stop by and check out Kelly's review of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer as well.

The last blogger I invited to share is the wonderful Katie from Bookishly Yours

I don’t know how she did it, but Michelle Hodkin managed to write an even creepier sequel filled with even more questions and more plot twists. I read all five-hundred-something pages in one sitting because it just wouldn’t let me go! (Yes, this book has PHYSICAL power, y’all) The hotness that is Noah Shaw continues and we even get a great little peek into his thoughts. 

Michelle Hodkin has an awesome (frightening) gift for drawing you in with her brilliant characters and disturbing plots and gripping secrets. This sequel does not disappoint!

You can see her review of The Evolution of Mara Dyer on Monday by visiting her blog!

Thank you to all these amazing bloggers (I love all of their blogs! Such smart, fun women) and I totally recommend following them.

Thank you to everyone who has stopped by. I am already busy planning Mara Dyer Week 3 for next year.

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 amazing week of awesome books making their way into my already cramped book closet.

The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin (goodreads)
17 & Gone by Nova Ren Suma (goodreads)
Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff (goodreads)

A huge thank you to Penguin Canada for 17 & Gone and Paper Valentine. I have been wanting to read both of these so I was very excited to find them in my mailbox.

I went to pick up my copy of Michelle Hodkin's new book on Tuesday. The hardcover is so pretty! I really love these covers. If you would like a copy of your own, be sure to enter my Mara Dyer Week contest.

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!

Mara Dyer Week Post # 6 - My Favourite Quotes

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer and The Evolution of Mara Dyer have some pretty awesome quotes. I thought I would share my top list of quotes!

 Quote Number 1.

“What would you do if I kissed you right now?"
I stared at his beautiful face and his beautiful mouth and I wanted nothing more than to taste it. "I would kiss you back."

One of my favourite scenes and in the novel. It stood out to me the second I read it and stayed with me long after I finished the book.

Quote Number 2

"No," I said, louder this time. "I mean asscrown. The crown on top of the asshat that covers the asshole of the assclown. The very zenith in the hierarchy of asses," I said, as though I was reading from a dictionary of modern profanity.

Part of what I love about Mara and Noah's relationship is their ability to keep each other on their toes. Mara matches him banter for banter (and we get hilarious gems like this as a result).

Quote Number 3

“We are far too screwed up for a goddamned love triangle.”

As this is in The Evolution I will not spoil who says it and under what circumstances. I will say that the entire scene is awesome however.

Quote Number 4

"Get a meadow"

The pop culture references are some of my favourite parts of Michelle's books. She loves so many things I enjoy as well so finding these little references is really fun. This line cracks me up right from who says it and to the situation they are in.

Quote Number 5

“You’re stronger than you believe. Don’t let your fear own you. Own yourself.”  

Something about this speaks volumes to me. The entire notion of not letting fear control you, but rather owning yourself and being in control is exhilarating. 

Quote Number 6

“I'll walk forever with stories inside me that the people I love the most can never hear.”  

This, for me, sums up Mara perfectly. Her relationship with those she cares about (namely her family) is changed and challenged by what is going on in her life. This quote reflects how she feels about having it happen, and it's quite a lovely piece of writing.

Quote Number 7

“I twisted my arm to curl him behind me and he unfolded there, the two of us snuggled like quotation marks in his room full of words.”  

This is really beautiful and so descriptive that it brings the image to mind instantly. It's also rather beautiful.

Quote Number 8

"Then you will love him to ruins...”  

There is something haunting about this quote. It made me feel so many things the first time I read it.
Quote Number 9

“My name is not Mara Dyer, but my lawyer told me I had to choose something.” 

A quote that has pretty much become symbolic of the series itself. It captures your interest right away and throws you head first into Mara's world.

Quote Number 10

"I hear her before I see her. She stands in the crowd, her curves wrapped in emerald silk, her dark hair in luscious curls, looking like a pin-up I want to unpin." 

While this is not exactly a quote from the book, it is something Michelle released. A Noah point of view quote that I fell in love with. His voice is quite different from Mara's and there is something so sexy about the entire "pin up I want to unpin" line. Totally swooning.

Leave your favourite Mara Dyer series quote in the comments. I can't wait to see what everyone else loves. I had a hard time picking just 10.

Mara Dyer Week Post # 4 - Justine Guest Post

If you have seen the awesome Mara Dyer series trailers than you are most likely familiar with the lovely lady who is guest posting today.

Justine is Mara in the trailers. I think, and I am sure many fans agree, that she is a perfect Mara. She looks like what I pictured completely.

I'll let Justine take it from here -

A word of warning: This isn’t going to be some sort of well-constructed story, with a beginning, middle, and end; if you’re looking for that – or a cliffhanger, really -- I think you know where to find it. :)

Michelle Hodkin is a big nerd. I love this about her. I love this because I’ve found in her a sort of kindred nerd spirit.

I showed up on set one rainy morning in August of 2011 knowing little more than a pseudonym that had to be chosen and something about an “asscrown.” Mara Dyer was a mystery to me. I pronounced Mara with a hard A because I’m a New Yorker, and Michelle was quick to correct me: not Mara like arrow, but Mara like armor. I don’t think those are the examples she used, but they’re the ones that come to me now. Mara is her baby.

We found ourselves in conversation about Harry Potter, mostly, Game of Thrones, fleetingly, and Cassandra Clare, of course. I knew of Cassie Clare from her “Very Secret Diaries” days (“Boromir wrote me a poem”) and my closest friends had been obsessed with “Draco Veritas.”

I quickly realized I had made a new friend, albeit one who was horrified to learn I had never read Twilight. (A little about me: I love Remus John Lupin. That may be all you really need to know.)

And then Bradley showed up.

It’s never not disconcerting to say your hellos and nice to meet yous, and then strip down to your skivvies and hop into bed with someone while a crew hovers just feet (and sometimes inches) away. I’d just like to put that out there.

Anyway. Where was I going with this?

At a certain point during the filming process, Michelle wanted to record us, as Mara and Noah, reading some excerpts from The Unbecoming ARC. This had everything to do with Bradley’s accent, I’m sure. No objection from me. So we read, and I did not do a very good job, but my goodness, Michelle writes some intriguing stuff. I found myself unable to get through lunch without grilling her about the rest of the story. Michelle, as she is wont to do, played coy. And I love a good mystery. I was one of the lucky ones; she gave me the ARC to take home, and I was done with it by the next morning. Now I can’t wait for the next one.

So here’s my lame attempt at a beginning, a middle, and an end: I auditioned for a part, I found a new awesome book series, I made a new friend.

I’m so thankful for all the opportunities my acting career has given me, and this one – this one is so different, so unexpected. Being part of such a cool project, with such a devoted fandom, brought me back to my roots and makes my heart happy. I’m proud to be Mara Dyer. I’d like to thank Michelle for inviting me into Mara’s dark and crazy world. And for being awesome.

In conclusion, yes, Bradley is that cute in person.

You can find Justine on Twitter and her website. I want to thank her for taking the time to write up this post. She's obviously a wonderful choice for Mara and finding out she adores Professor Lupin has solidified her awesomeness status.

Mara Dyer Week Post # 3 - The Evolution of Mara Dyer review

The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
Release Date – October 23, 2012
Publisher Website –  Simon and Schuster
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages - 544 pages
My Rating- All the stars
**obtained from publisher for an honest review**

**SPOILERS FOR THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past. 

She can’t. 

She used to think her problems were all in her head. 

They aren’t. 

She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets. 

She’s wrong. 

In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?

Dark. Seductive. Twisted. Intense. These words accurately sum up the sequel to my favourite read of last year. Everything is heightened in this follow up. It’s more sexy, more creepy, more twisted. I loved every delicious second spent lost in it’s pages.

After that insane cliffhanger I was desperate for answers.  Michelle manages to weave some of those answers in amongst the chills, and suspense. Her answers create more questions in Mara’s story.  The basis of Mara’s powers, and Jude’s possible sudden appearance are just the beginning. Are we experiencing a dazzling descent into madness or is something else going on? Michelle balances that tightrope masterfully keeping the reader in a state of hazy anticipation. She avoids every single “second book syndrome” you can think of. She manges to keep the story moving forward without dragging anything on too long. Her pacing will have you flying through the pages with each plot twist and reveal.

The relationship between Noah and Mara deepens and gets steamier. The lengths this boy will go through for Mara is utterly romantic. Their decadently scorching chemistry results in sparks that could start forest fires. My favourite part of their relationship though, is what Noah does for Mara. He provides an anchor when she is at the edge and believes her when nobody else will.

Michelle Hodkin’s humour is pitch perfect. It’s one of my favourite things from the first novel. Filled with pop culture references that she makes her own and with an ease that shows her talent for timing. There are some amazing zingers that will become hugely quotable lines. My personal favourite? Get a meadow.

Mara’s family, so wonderfully present in the first novel, does not change much in this one. Your heart will ache for Mara’s mother especially. A woman watching her daughter spiral and wanting nothing more than to do what’s best for her child. The love between each of the family members is palpable and each family member is tested by Mara’s current situation.

As things begin to unravel so will your sanity. I was left an incoherent mess after this book. The creepiness from the first book is surpassed in this one. Michelle creates an atmospheric, tension filled setting that results in a much scarier novel than the first. A creepy doll, mental hospitals, and a scene set in a marina that sent chills down my spine. It will leave you wanting to sleep with the lights on…and double checking that all of the doors are locked.

I was left gasping for breath and with a book hangover.  I had an immediate need to read this again as soon as I had turned the last page. If you thought The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer was amazing, the Evolution will literally leave you breathless, and begging for more. The wait for retribution is going to be a long one, and yet it’s such an exquisite torture

Mara Dyer Week Post # 2 - Mara Dyer Quiz

Today for Mara Week, I have put together a quiz. It's a way to refresh our knowledge of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer before reading The Evolution (which is in stores TODAY).

There are spoilers for The Unbecoming so if you haven't read it you may want to skip this post (and go to your nearest bookstore or library, just saying). 

Once you have taken the quiz be sure to leave a comment with your favourite part of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer.

Hope you have fun taking my little quiz! It was a lot of fun to make.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for my spoiler free review of The Evolution of Mara Dyer!


 

Mara Dyer Week Post # 1 - Interview With Michelle Hodkin

Today is the kick off of Mara Dyer Week here on the blog. I have a bunch of amazing things planned for this week to celebrate the second novel in a series that I adore.

To start things off I have a fantastic interview with Michelle, author extrodianaire. It also happens to be my stop on the Canadian blog tour for The Evolution of Mara Dyer. Thank you Simon and Schuster Canada for including me.

1 Describe The Evolution of Mara Dyer in three words.

Darker. Sexier. Twisted.

2 How do you think Noah would describe Mara at the beginning of The Evolution?

Scared.

3 Many would say Mara is an unreliable narrator. Who are some of your favourite unreliable narrators?

AWESOME question, because I adore unreliable narrators and, in fact, Mara is sort of an homage to my favorite: Humbert Humbert (of Lolita fame). Another favorite is Flannery Culp from The Basic Eight.

4 Is there a character that surprised you? Any characters that ended up having a much larger part than you expected once you started writing?

Noah surprised me the most.

5 Who is your favourite character to write dialogue for?

Jamie. When Mara and Jamie are on the page, the words just come. When I’m drafting, it tends to be 90% of dialogue, and about 80% of it consists of my characters just saying hysterical things to each other to no great narrative purpose. Oh well.

6 Now that your first book has been out for awhile, what would you say was the biggest surprise of release week for you?

God, release week was such a blur, and because I observe the Jewish holidays, a big chunk of it was taken up by Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year. I will say that I was surprised to cry at my launch. I’m not particularly emotional but being there and seeing my entire family mixed with people I don’t know, mixed with people I hadn’t seen since high school—it was a crazy moment.

7 Is there any part of the novels (either Unbecoming or Evolution) that got cut from the final draft that you really wished could have been kept in because you liked it so much?

There’s a scene that was cut from The Unbecoming that made it back into The Evolution—it’s an important scene in the context of the series, but it didn’t lead anywhere in The Unbecoming becaue there was already so much going on in the first book. So I cut it and put it back into The Evolution, where I had time deal with it. Let’s just say…it involves a doll.

8 What was the hardest scene to write in either The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer or The Evolution of Mara Dyer?

The Unbecoming just flowed for me, so none of the scenes were particularly difficult to write—what ended up being tough was figuring out what the first chapter would be. I wrote about 30 drafts at various points in the Mara timeline until I realized that the very, very beginning of Mara’s story was the Ouija board scene—and that that’s where it should begin.

I don’t want to spoil anyone so I’ll be vague; In The Evolution, the toughest scene was the one I’ll just call “the marina,” because that’s where it takes place.

9 You mentioned shooting a gun while researching The Unbecoming, so did you do any specific research for this second novel?

A ton of research; I have the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual practically memorized. I spent a lot of time interviewing psychologists and anesthesiologists. I'll…leave it at that :)

10 What are three things you need while revising?

Red bull. Red bull. Red bull.

A huge thank you to Michelle for taking the time to answer these questions. Her answer to number 9 intrigues me so. I can't wait for everyone to discover the "marina" scene, because I can only imagine it was as hard to write as Michelle says.

Tomorrow will feature a fun quiz featuring questions from The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. Test your knowledge before diving into book two (which goes on sale the same day!)

Be sure to follow Michelle on twitter, and visit her website.

The Evolution of Mara Dyer teaser trailer

Most of you who follow my blog know my love for The Mara Dyer series. It's pretty crazy how much I adore this series. They released a teaser trailer for book two, The Evolution of Mara Dyer. The sequel will be released on October 23rd!
 

I will also be hosting a Mara Dyer week that will kick off October 22nd. If you are a fan of the series you won't want to miss it.

I can not wait for the full trailer to be released!