2016 Most Anticipated - Vikki From Penguin Random House

Today I have the amazing Vikki from Penguin Random House sharing her selections for her own 2016 Most Anticipated list. I personally cannot wait to read Where Futures End! It sounds amazing.

WHERE FUTURES END (Kathy Dawson Books)

There are lots of tropes and archetypes in YA books that readers love. This book has none of them and yet it’s still one of my must-reads of 2016. WHERE FUTURES END is a collection of connected short stories chronicling the end of the world- or what COULD be the end of the world. A little bit classic fantasy, a little bit gamer-fiction, a little bit sci-fi, this book is speculative fiction at its best. WHERE FUTURES END is a hard book to describe, but imagine CLOUD ATLAS with a healthy dose of reality TV and even a touch of Margaret Atwood and you have a teensy sense of what you’re about to get into. Definitely the most original book I’ve read in a long time.

SALT TO THE SEA (Philomel, February)

Ruta Sepetys knows how to hook a reader from line one. From there you will fall in love with her evocative prose, her complicated, lovable and sometimes maddening characters, and her unforgettable renderings of forgotten history. This pulse-pounder tells the story of three teenage refugees making a dangerous trek across war-torn Europe to board a ship that promises to take them away from the horrors of WWII. Fans of BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY may recognize Joana, but this is not a direct sequel to the soon-to-be-a-major-motion-picture blockbuster novel. Steeped in history, SALT TO THE SEA is an epic story told through the eyes of ordinary teenagers in extraordinary circumstances. I dare you not to cry!

SAVING MONTGOMERY SOLE by Mariko Tamaki (Razorbill Canada, April)

Mariko Tamaki is an exciting author to watch. Even better? She’s Canadian! Her book (YOU) SET ME ON FIRE is one of RollingStone.com’s 40 Best YA Novels and it was long-listed for the 2015 Canada Reads competition- a great feat for a YA novel. THIS ONE SUMMER, illustrated by her cousin Jillian Tamaki, topped every best-of list and has the distinction of winning a Printz AND a Caldecott honour in addition to the GG for illustration. So what’s next for Mariko? A funny and moving look inside the world of odd-ball Montgomery Sole. Monty one of three members of the Jefferson High Mystery Club, a group dedicated to exploring all things weird and unexplained. It is the perfect distraction from the more uncomfortable parts of life, such as the extremely homophobic pastor that has moved in to town, targeting Monty and her two moms. The club is all in good fun until one of Monty’s projects, the mysterious Eye of Know, makes all of Monty’s wishes come true…even the nasty ones. One of Mariko’s greatest strengths is her ability to get to the bottom of teenage emotions and strife. With a great supporting cast and pitch-perfect dialogue, this is a gritty yet touching tale that will ring true with readers.

A HUGE thank you to Vikki for taking the time to send over her own list. Any of these titles make your own 2016 Must Read list? Let me know in the comments.

2015 Most Anticipated - From Vikki @ Penguin

Today I have the lovely Vikki from Penguin Canada stopping by to share some of her 2015 Most Anticipated titles. There is a little something for everyone here so I am pretty sure you'll be adding at least one of these to your wish list in the new year.

In the midst of all the 2014 best of lists, I’m already looking ahead to the next year in books and getting excited to share some of my most anticipated reads. First up is ROLLER GIRL. Remember the movie Whip It, in which Ellen Page learns all about life, love and girl power when she joins a roller derby team? Take that premise, make it age appropriate for a 10 year old, and then give it a bright, graphic novel treatment and you have one of my most anticipated middle grade reads of 2015. Middle grade graphic novels with female protagonists are having a moment, given the popularity of Raina Telgemeier’s SMILE, DRAMA, and SISTERs, the GG-award winning THIS ONE SUMMER by Jillian and Mariko Tamaki, and 2014 favourite, EL DEAFO by Cece Bell. ROLLER GIRL is about the time in your life where you realize that maybe you and your best friend have different interests, and that it’s okay to branch out. It’s also about tenacity, female empowerment, and the importance of a good roller derby name. Mine would totally be Alice Munroad-Kill.

I’m also pumped about Susan Juby’s return to contemporary YA fiction. I could not be more exited for THE TRUTH COMMISSION, the very funny, often gut-wrenching story of Nanaimo-based art student Normandy Pale. The story is presented as Norm’s final assignment for creative writing and Juby has a lot of fun with footnotes, illustration, and asides. Fans of Maria Semple’s WHERE’D YOU GO BERNADETTE and E. Lockhart’s THE DISREPUTABLE HISTORY OF FRANKIE LANDAU BANKS will appreciate Juby’s dry sense of humour, vivid characters and deft handling of moral ambiguity.

Fans of breakout fantasy hit THE GLASS SENTENCE by S.E. Grove will be happy to know that the follow-up book, THE GOLDEN SPECIFIC, is just as rich with unique maps, secrets, and adventure as the first book, and those of you who like your historical fiction steamy with a side of feminism will love MAD MISS MIMIC from debut Canadian author Sarah Henstra.

I want to thank Vikki for taking the time to write up this post for me. 

Any Penguin titles you're dying to read in 2015? Let me know in the comments.

The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

Release Date –  June 12, 2012

Publisher Website –  Penguin/Razorbill

Publisher Social Media -  Twitter

Pages -  418 pages

My Rating- 4/5

**provided  from publisher for an honest review**

**SPOILERS FOR BLOODLINES**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

The second thrilling installment in Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy spinoff series 

Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students--children of the wealthy and powerful--carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie, and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought. 

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Richelle Mead's breathtaking Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is hotter, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher.

Romance, action, beloved characters, and enthralling mythology is what readers can expect from The Golden Lily.  A new, and dangerous threat emerges and Sydney has a whole new sets of problems including Angeline, and getting asked out on a date.

The mythology is beginning to deepen and become less murky. I am really enjoying learning about the magic side of this mythology and learning more about the alchemist and their backstory. This is something Richelle Mead does really well. She manages to extend the mythology and give you just enough to answer some questions, and yet totally surprise you a few books later with new information.

I liked Sydney in this novel much more than in Bloodlines. She has begun to grow on me. Her flustered and shocked reaction to being asked out on a date was hilarious, and her nervousness while on the date endearing. She’s a young woman being pulled between what she’s been taught to believe, and what she is beginning to believe for herself. As we grow up we begin to realize our parents may not always be right. We stumble and make up our own minds about certain things and this is what is happening to Sydney. The pressures of her assignment, mixed with forbidden feelings, friendships and new relationships make her easy to root for.

Adrian, if possible, becomes even more swoon worthy and captivating. While Dimitri will always be my first love in this series, Adrian is a close second.  The burgeoning flirtation and friendship with Sydney in Bloodlines is explored and deepens in The Golden Lily. The connection he has with Jill provided some comedic moments when Jill was seeing Sydney through Adrian via the connection. Seeing his feelings grow, even as he is aware that Sydney does not care for Moroi is bittersweet. Those who grew to care about him in the Vampire Academy series will be glad he is moving on from Rose and falling for someone else, however, this seems destined for heartbreak as well. I literally sighed and swooned when Adrian tells Sydney  ‘If I were him, I would have said, 'You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen walking this earth.” after Sydney’s date tells her a gorgeous dress she is wearing is “historically inaccurate”. Seriously, I don’t know how Sydney keeps her hands off him. 

The Rose/Dimitri fan girl in me sighed with happiness whenever he mentioned her, or he received a phone call from her. I am hoping Rose eventually makes an appearance and we get to see them interact again.

The emerging triangle that involves Eddie was one I am one I am not happy to see developed. I really like the thought of Eddie pursuing Jill and wish that would have happened. Hopefully this aspect will be more of a focus in the next books.

While I am not as attached to Sydney as I was to Rose I am still enjoying this series immensely. Adrian and Sydney’s scorching tension and banter is not only well developed but I couldn’t help but become invested in them. Fans of Richelle’s other books will devour this in one sitting and immediately look for more. Her addictive writing, compelling characters and thickening plot all make The Golden Lily a sequel that makes you want more. 

Gilt by Katherine Longshore

Gilt by Katherine Longshore
Release Date –  May 15, 2012
Publisher Website –  Penguin/Viking Juvenile
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages -  398 pages
My Rating- 5/5
**obtained from the publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

When Kitty Tylney's best friend, Catherine Howard, worms her way into King Henry VIII's heart and brings Kitty to court, she's thrust into a world filled with fabulous gowns, sparkling jewels, and elegant parties. No longer stuck in Cat's shadow, Kitty's now caught between two men--the object of her affection and the object of her desire. But court is also full of secrets, lies, and sordid affairs, and as Kitty witnesses Cat's meteoric rise and fall as queen, she must figure out how to keep being a good friend when the price of telling the truth could literally be her head.

Historical Fiction has that unique aspect that most people know how the story going to end when they pick up the novel. This is even more true when reading about a historical figure, rather than just having a novel set in a particular time era. What takes a good historical fiction to a great one is the journey. It's in the process and how the author gets you to that ending. Gilt shines here. Katherine Longshore strength is the journey, taking us up to the moment we know is coming.

Catherine Howard (Cat) brought to life under Katherine Longshore’s skillful writing is exactly what I imagined her to be. History paints her as a silly, frivolous girl who was not the brightest. I see her as a young lady who made mistakes. Mistakes are part of what it means to grow up, and learn. Sadly, Catherine Howard paid the ultimate price for her mistakes. She was also much more aware and intelligent than given credit for. She became Queen. Not an easy task, and she managed it. Was Catherine fun loving, manipulative, and cunning? Absolutely. They are not crimes worthy of what happened to her.

Katherine Tylney (Kitty) is a true friend. She is someone that is supportive and understanding, even when it is undeserved. She is someone I really liked as she sticks to what she believes in.  She is loyal almost to a fault. Her connection to and willingness to do anything for Cat means their fates are intertwined and as Cat’s fortunes change, Kitty’s change as well.

The romance in the novel is almost secondary to the friendship. I did love William and his connection with Kitty. I liked that it was not overwhelming to the story, but still provided some steamy scenes. The ending is one that is honest and genuine to the story being told.

The theme of friendship and what it means is one that anyone can relate to. We have all had friendships that are pretty one sided when you look back on them. While Cat took and manipulated there are moments that shine through when you can see the genuine friendship there.

The duality of the danger in Henry’s court and the grandeur was portrayed wonderfully. We have a King that is quick tempered, makes snap decisions and changes his mind frequently. It is a little like walking on glass being part of his Court and yet the riches, wealth and splendor also exists.

The saddest part of Catherine Howard’s story is her youth and vivacious personality being silenced too soon. Katherine Longshore handles that final scene in a way that is touching, poignant and provides a different perspective in having it be from Kitty’s view point. You get to see it through someone who would be mourning her loss.

You’ll be holding your breath waiting to see what awaits Kitty and will hope she manages to escape with her head. Intrigue, secrets, romance, and a friendship that will resonate with everyone made Gilt a read that I couldn’t put down.  I am eagerly awaiting the second book in the Royal Circle series.

Immortal City by Scott Speer

Immortal City by Scott Speer
Release Date – April 3, 2012
Publisher Website – Penguin/Razorbill
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 336 pages
My Rating- 8/10
**obtained from publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Jackson Godspeed is the hottest young Angel in a city filled with them. He's days away from becoming a full Guardian, and people around the world are already competing for the chance to be watched over by him. Everyone's obsessed with the Angels and the lucky people they protect--everyone except for Madison Montgomery.

Maddy's the one girl in Angel City who doesn't breathlessly follow the Angels on TV and gossip blogs. When she meets Jackson, she doesn't recognize him. But Jackson is instantly captivated by her, and against all odds the two fall in love.

Maddy is swiftly caught up in Jackson's scene, a world of glamour, paparazzi - and murder. A serial killer is on the loose, leaving dead Angels' wings for the police to find on the Walk of Fame. Even the Guardians are powerless to protect themselves in the face of this threat … and this time it's up to Maddy to save Jackson.

The novel opens with someone driving recklessly down a sharp turning road. The guy is pushing the limits because he can; he is protected by an angel. These are not the Angels that you’re used to. These Angels are considered celebrities by the public. They protect people but do it for a price. If you lucky enough to afford this protection, and be assigned an Angel you can take the risk. For the other, less fortunate people, you won’t be as lucky. The first chapter make you aware of the glaringly unfair advantage the rich and powerful have.

Jackson is the hottest, and most talked about Angel in all of Angel City. He also happens to be one of the youngest Angels to be commissioned as a Guardian. He is followed by paparazzi, on the cover of many magazines, and the dream guardian of girls (and women) all over the world. Jackson is a little full of himself, but it doesn’t come across as annoyingly so. He has had people tell him how special, wonderful and good looking he is and it’s hard not to let that go to your head. Jackson is also very focused. His duty is very important to him. The protection he is assigned is going to be his number one priority and he takes it very seriously. He’s been training is whole life for this. It’s this part of his personality that I really liked. He’s doing what he thinks is right and is trying to not disappoint anyone. He has a huge weight of expectations on his shoulders, and the pressure might just prove to be too much for the young angel.

Madison is immediately likeable. She’s just a girl who wants to get through high school, get into a college and get out of Angel City. She doesn’t have time for boys, parties, and especially has no time to obsess over the Angels like everyone else. Her parents died when she was young and she lives with her Uncle and they are just trying to survive. Maddy wants nothing to do with Jackson when she first meets him. Something that is made even more clear when she goes on her first date with him. His world and her world do not mix, and Maddy isn’t really interested in trying to fit into it. I loved that she didn’t just fall at his feet. I can totally see why Jackson would pursue her because she offered him something he didn’t have before - a chance to be seen as Jackson instead of JACKSON GOODSPEED.

This novel is much grittier than I was expecting. It’s filled with the darker side of LA but infused with Jackson’s “celebrity” lifestyle. The author uses rain, darkness, and an overall feeling of dread to keep the flim  noir feel throughout the novel. I can picture the detectives in trench coats, and old Hollywood glamour.

The author has a background in directing. This comes through in his writing and as a result this novel practically screams to be made into a CW TV show. So many of the scenes are laid out in a way that you can not only visualize the surroundings but it leaves you with a feel of the scene. The first time we are introduced to the horror of angel wings on the Walk of Fame is chilling, and set up to be a striking image. The blood, mixing with the grittiness and rain in LA back dropped against the glamour of the Angels is almost a metaphor for the novel itself.

The twists and surprises in the novel were actual surprises. There were a few I could see coming, but plenty of things caught me by surprise. The angel serial killer part of the storyline was quite well done. The killer’s reasoning is believable, and the systematic way it was being done was chilling. The motivation behind it had turned into something darker, and that often drives people to extremes. I was happy to say that I did not figure out the killer before it was revealed but upon reflection the clues are there.

Scott Speer mixes danger, glitz, glamour, romance, and adds a huge dash of crime noir to create something really unique. This book may not be for everyone, but I fully enjoyed the atmosphere, characters and surprises the author created.

Waiting on Wednesday....Venom

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 Venom by Fiona Paul

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Cassandra Caravello is one of Renaissance Venice’s lucky elite: with elegant gowns, sparkling jewels, access to the best balls, her own lady’s maid, and a wealthy fiancé, she has everything a girl could desire. Yet ever since her parents’ death, Cassandra has felt trapped, alone in a city of water, where the dark and labyrinthine canals whisper of escape. 

But when Cass stumbles upon a murdered woman—practically in her own backyard—she’s drawn into a dangerous world of secret societies, courtesans, and killers. Soon, she finds herself falling for Falco, a mysterious artist with a mischievous grin... and a spectacular skill for trouble. Can Cassandra find the murderer, before he finds her? And will she stay true to her fiancé, or succumb to her uncontrollable feelings for Falco? 

Beauty, love, romance, and mystery weave together in a stunning novel that’s as seductive and surprising as the city of Venice itself

The cover for this is STUNNING! I love it. I was hooked with the mention of secret societies, a murder mystery and a guy so seductive he'd make Cassandra forget her fiancé. The fact that it takes place in Venice just adds to the mystery and makes me want to read it even more. I can't wait to get my hands on this one!

Expected release date - October 30, 2012

The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg

The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg
Release Date – February 21, 2012
Publisher Website – Penguin
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 400 pages
My Rating- 8/10
**purchased **

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Dying of a broken heart is just the beginning.... Welcome to forever.

BRIE'S LIFE ENDS AT SIXTEEN: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her, and the news breaks her heart—literally.

But now that she's D&G (dead and gone), Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend has been keeping a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost—and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there's Patrick, Brie's mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul . . . who just might hold the key to her forever after.

With Patrick's help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she's ready to move on. But how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?

Reading this novel took me longer than I was expecting it to. It wasn’t because I didn’t enjoy it (I totally did) or that it was not engrossing (totally was). It took me longer because I kept stopping to listen to music. Each of the chapter titles is the name of a song. Listening to the song prior to reading the chapter provided a unique reading experience, and so many of them are fantastic songs. It's a lovely touch as it provides a soundtrack for the book.

Brie, just 16 years old and dead. Cause of death? Heartbreak…literally. Her boyfriend Jacob tells her that he doesn’t love her and Brie’s poor heart snaps in two. This could have been awkward if not handled properly but Jess Rothenberg makes this seem plausible and realistic.

Jess Rothenberg’s writing style is perfect for this time of story. She mixes humour, and touching moments so wonderfully. She manages to make you relate to the characters, even when they are not at their best. She mixes the 80s with current times flawlessly and manages to make this novel seem nostalgic and fresh at the same time.

Brie’s voice immediately resonates with you. She’s this adorable, full of life teenager that loves her family, her dog and her best friends. She starts out a little young, and naïve but grows throughout the book. There are times when you want to scream at her and make her see reason but ultimately you’ll forgive her because she learns from her mistakes and takes responsibility.

Taking the journey with Brie through the different stages of grief allowed the reader to really understand her. It also helped to know she was working through something that would eventually end at acceptance. There are some stages (this means you anger) that Brie was not the like likeable person. She was vengeful, single focused and wanted to lash out. The old say of "no fury like a woman scorned" rings true in Brie's case. It makes her eventual progression feel earned.
Patrick, tour guide and 80s hottie is there to help Brie reach acceptance. He’s full of charisma, funny one liners, and seriously reminds me of someone from a John Hughes movie. He rides a motorcycle! Basically, he’s hot. The chemistry between him and Brie is fun. It’s filled with banter, genuine friendship with a tease of the romance that could be.

What I loved most about this book were the twists and surprises that you experienced along the way. Patrick has his own mysterious past that we unravel along with Brie that provides some shocking moments.

The Catastrophic History of You and Me is one of those books that will make you laugh, cry, and even have you doing both at the same time. It’s about the power of love, forgiving yourself and others, and taking responsibility for your actions.

Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer
Release Date –  Jan 3, 2012
Publisher Website –  Penguin/Philomel
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 406 pages
My Rating- 7/10
**obtained from  trading with fellow bloggers**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Calla has always welcomed war. 

But now that the final battle is upon her, there's more at stake than fighting. There's saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay's wrath. There's keeping Ansel safe, even if he's been branded a traitor. There's proving herself as the pack's alpha, facing unnameable horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers' magic once and for all. And then there's deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is

To say that I had mixed feelings at the end of this book would be an understatement. There are things I am happy with and things I have very strong feelings about. Sadly, I can’t discuss much of them without giving MAJOR spoilers so I will try to give a semi coherent review while my tears are still drying.

One of my favourite aspects of this series is how intricate and developed the world is. Andrea’s details and mythology is stunning. It makes the story rich and is much better as a result. In this novel all that world building and detail pays off, but she’s also kept some surprises that leave you reeling.

I can’t comment on Calla’s choice without giving it away, but suffice to say it was pretty obvious who held her heart, and I am not surprised it ended this way. Calla slightly annoyed me in this book though. She strung both guys along, even after she had basically made her choice. She did it because both Ren and Shay were needed to fight the war, but I think she was a little callous with their feelings. Shay and Ren fighting did provide some humorous moments, but mostly it was a sad situation for all of them.

There is a death in this book that I didn’t really feel adequate for the character. If this character was going to die I wanted it to be BIG. I wanted a blaze of glory, maybe taking out a certain other character with them, and have it mean something. Instead, it felt like a easy out to a bigger problem in the story.

Sabine ended up being one of my favourite characters in this book, whereas I wasn’t overly invested previously. She was much stronger than I thought. She was quite capable and her and Ethan provided a sweetness that I needed.

The ending of the novel was very bittersweet for me. I wasn’t expecting it at all. I am very impressed that the ending surprised me as much as it did. The last couple of chapters are filled with reveals and shocks  being hurled at you. The final chapter was especially bittersweet but quite fitting for the end of this series.

Andrea Cremer’s world building, wonderful descriptions and characters make this trilogy one I recommend. This last book would not be my favourite of the three, but is a fitting ending to Calla’s story.

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
Release Date –  August 21, 2011
Publisher Website –  Penguin
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  421 pages
My Rating- 7.5/10
**Obtained from the library**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning. 

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood

I read all the Vampire Academy novels and followed Rose’s journey to the satisfying end. I was eager to pick up Bloodlines and see where this journey would take me.

The writing in this novel was on par with what you expect from Richelle. Her novels are engrossing and she makes you care about the characters. I this novel felt a little different than the Vampire Academy novels though. The plot twists were all pretty easy to figure out, especially because we know so much Sydney doesn’t.

Sydney is likeable enough most of the time, I just found it harder to connect with her than Rose. Her demeanour is suppose to keep people at arms length however, so that may have come from her character. I found her pretty judgemental at times, and I couldn’t relate to that. I mostly just missed Rose’s voice.

Adrian broke my heart in this novel. He’s still hurting after Rose. He is really sort of lost, and pretty much a mess. I enjoyed his friendship with Jill in this novel too. He is really sweet with her, and it brings out a side of Adrian that I really like.

I do love Adrian and Sydney’s chemistry though. She does something that nobody else has done before - she showed that she has faith in him. She expects more from him when others expect nothing. They use the whole “he’s Adrian” excuse for not expecting him to live up to his potential. Sydney pushes him to live up to it, and not for her, but for himself.

I am excited to learn about Eddie, and hope he is a large part of the next books. He was a character I really liked when we met him in Rose’s story, but he was always kept on the sidelines.

Getting to know more about Sydney’s “job” and how the alchemist stuff works was the high point of the novel. They group mentality that is pretty much programmed into them from a young age is a little scary though.

The ending of this totally makes me excited for the rest of the books . A certain someone shows up in the last few pages and that really got me wanting to read the next book.

While it was fascinating to find out more about the alchemists and Adrian, it has a different feel than the Vampire Academy series, and it may take some getting used to.

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead
Release Date –  December 7, 2010
Publisher Website –  Penguin
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -   594 pages
My Rating- 8/10
**Obtained from the library**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

The astonishing final novel in Richelle Mead's epic series!

Murder. Love. Jealousy. And the ultimate sacrifice. Now, with Rose on trial for her life and Lissa first in line for the Royal Throne, nothing will ever be the same between them.

Saying goodbye to characters you love is always hard. You have come to care about them, and you want an ending that does the series you love justice. I was satisified with the ending in Last Sacrifice (for the most part).

I am sure everything I can say about Richelle’s writing has been said in my previous reviews. She draws you in, captivates you and makes you care about these characters. This novel amps up the risks and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Rose has grown and changed so much since the first book. I felt for the first time that she truly was Dimitri’s equal and was ready to be with him as such.  Her progression and transformation is one of my favourite parts of the novels. Is she perfect? Of course not, but that’s what makes her real.

I ended up feeling so sorry for Adrian. He is totally a casualty of Rose trying to fight her own feelings. I wasn’t too destroyed for him because I knew he was in the next series, so hopefully he gets his happily ever after in those.

Lissa actually surprised me in this novel. She took risks, stepped up and helped Rose. She truly became someone that I could see being Queen.

As for the ending, Rose’s story ends as perfectly as I could have hoped for. Her story seems wrapped up and I felt ok with saying goodbye. Her and Dimitri are amazing together, and I really like him.

I wish we would have had a clearer ending for a lot of the characters. Christian’s future happiness seems to not be guaranteed at the end of the book. It made me realize how much I had come to like his character because I wanted to leave his story with him in a good place.

While this may not have been my favourite out of the whole series, it was a decent ending to a fantastic series. I am looking forward to catching up with Adrian, and Sydney in the next series!

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
Release Date – May 18, 2010
Publisher Website – Penguin
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 489 pages
My Rating- 7.5/10
**purchased**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri’s birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s—and to her best friend, Lissa Dragomir. It's graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives outside of the Academy’s cold iron gates to finally begin. But even with the intrigue and excitement of court life looming, Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri. He's out there, somewhere.

She failed to kill him when she had the chance, and now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and she knows in her heart that he is hunting her. And if Rose won't join him, he won't rest until he's silenced her...forever.

But Rose can't forget what she learned on her journey—whispers of a magic too impossible and terrifying to comprehend. A magic inextricably tied to Lissa that could hold the answer to all of Rose's prayers, but not without devastating consequences. Now Rose will have to decide what—and who—matters most to her. In the end, is true love really worth the price?

*****Potential spoilers for previous books*********

I sat down to write this review knowing it would be a tricky one to talk about without giving much away. I may reference things that have happened in the previous books so if you haven’t read them, read at your own risk.

Richelle Mead has written a series that is addictive, filled with passion, friendship and complex characters.

The writing in this book was on par with the rest of the series. Fans of the others will quickly read through this instalment as well.

This book felt like saying goodbye. We’re saying goodbye to the Academy as our beloved characters gear up for graduation. We are saying goodbye to their childhood, and they are becoming adults. It gives this book (and the book before it) a much different feel than the earlier books in the series.

Rose is different is this book. She’s quite obsessed with finding out how to cure a Stigori (if it can be done). I sympathized with her longing to free Dimitri. I totally got it. She is quite reckless in her obsession. In some ways it felt like she was taking steps back from her progress, however, there are moments where she makes the more “grown up” choice. Rose really has blossomed into a fantastic guardian, and it’s been amazing got read her character progression.

If I didn’t love Dimitri so much I would feel horrible for Adrian. He’s hurt by Rose’s determination to help Dimitri. He feels the unresolved feelings lingering in Rose. You can’t help but hope he meets another girl that will distract him from Rose, as she is clearly in no position to be moving on.

Most of this book deals with Rose's journey to deal with Dimitri. The court politics I so enjoyed in the previous novels also comes into play.

The stakes are higher now than when they were in high school. It’s not just being removed from school anymore, and that makes for a more dangerous feel. You’re aware that there could be serious consequences for the actions many characters take. It leads up into our cliff hanger. There are different sorts of cliff hangers. Some leave you heartbroken, others leave you screaming, others leave you with your mouth open. This offers the kind of cliff hanger that shocks you. I am so glad I have Last Sacrifice ready to go because I don’t think I can wait very long to read it.

Waiting on Wednesday...Bloodrose

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 Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Calla has always welcomed war. But now that the final battle is upon her, there’s more at stake than fighting. There’s saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay’s wrath. There’s keeping Ansel safe, even if he’s been branded a traitor. There’s proving herself as the pack’s alpha, facing unnamable horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers’ magic once and for all. And then there’s deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is.

In the final installment of the Nightshade trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Andrea Cremer creates a novel with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat until its final pages. A dynamic end to this breathtaking trilogy.

I have read the first two books in this series, and I am dying to see how it's going to end.

Expected release date - January 3, 2012

Falling In Love With English Boys by Melissa Jensen

Falling In Love With English Boys by Melissa Jensen
Release Date – December 23, 2010
Publisher Website – Penguin/Speak
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 293 pages
My Rating- 7/10
**purchased**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Sixteen-year-old Catherine Vernon has been stranded in London for the summer-no friends, no ex-boyfriend Adam the Scum (good riddance!), and absolutely nothing to do but blog about her misery to her friends back home. Desperate for something-anything-to do in London while her (s)mother's off researching boring historical things, Cat starts reading the 1815 diary of Katherine Percival her mom gives her-and finds the similarities between their lives to be oddly close. But where Katherine has the whirls of the society, the parties and the gossip over who is engaged to who, Cat's only got some really excellent English chocolate. Then she meets William Percival-the uber-hot descendant of Katherine-and things start looking up . .

Falling in Love With English Boys has everything you could want - romance, humour, chocolate, and swoony love interests.

The telling of the story is unique in that it’s told through two different perspectives via blog and diary entries. The author uses blog entries for our modern Cat, and diary entries for Katherine. I thought this was really unique, and gave it a fun feel. The historical aspect to Katherine’s diary entries was a pleasant surprise. The mention of poets (Lord Byron), the war, and proper behaviour were fascinating.

I could see people having issues with the style of writing. Cat uses a lot of slang, and spells words differently. The text messages she puts in her blog posts are an example. It felt natural to her character though, so it worked for me. I had to laugh at her calling her Mom (S)mother.

The two main characters Cat and Katherine were both likeable enough. They both had a spark, a sense of humour and were different enough from each other that the two different narratives did not get confusing. I enjoyed the new friends Cat meets in London. They were fun, helped bring Cat out of her shell a bit, and the type of girls you would want to befriend yourself.

The parallels between Cat and Katherine’s story are often apparent. It made sense to have their journeys entwine. History and the present collide to provide a cute, sigh inducing ending to the story.

Is the plot a little predictable? Yes. Is it heavy on the romance? Yes. It’s one of those fun, make you happy books that doesn’t take it self seriously. It’s something you wish could happen. I want to go to England and meet my own cute English guy now.

You’ll want to read this one eating your favourite British chocolate (I recommend a Curly Wurly) and drinking a nice cup of tea. You’ll be wishing you had your own English boy to fall in love with.