The Bone Season Giveaway

                    

 

You may have heard me mention Samantha Shannon's wonderful series a few times (okay, maybe a LOT of times). I have loved getting immersed into Paige's world so much and am eagerly anticipating sitting down with the third installment when it releases on March 7th.

You may have noticed that the series recently got a cover redesign. The new covers are brilliant and eye catching. I especially love the new cover for The Bone Season.

Thanks to the lovely people at Bloomsbury USA I have the chance to introduce TWO people to this amazing series! Two winners will win a copy of the repackaged paperback of The Bone Season. This also includes the short story prequel called The Pale Dreamer as an added bonus!

If you want to enter (and trust me you totally do) just fill out the Rafflecopter below. The contest is open to both residents of the USA and Canada only and the winners will have 48 hours to reply to my email before I select new winners.

Good luck everyone! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Song Rising Prologue Reveal

I have loved each installment of Samantha Shannon's The Bone Season series and am eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Paige's story.

This series is so vibrant, and imaginative. It is enthralling and filled with stunning world building. I am thrilled to be an advocate for the series, and even more thrilled to get to share the prologue to The Song Rising, the third book in the series, with you today.

Obviously, there are potential spoilers for the previous two books in the below prologue so read at your own risk (and if you haven't read The Bone Season, and The Mime Order DO SO IMMEDIATELY)

 

Below are my spoiler filled thoughts about the prologue, so only continue if you've read the above. 

My immediate reaction to receiving the prologue was intense excitement! I couldn't wait to read it. I am desperate for anything from the next book so I even read it on my phone on the bus ride home from work.

There was some serious fangirling happening when I began to read it. I was so happy to be back in Paige's world (even if it was just a little taste of what is to come).

Those feelings, naturally, progressed to shock when I realized what was going on. Things are already intense and this is only the prologue (although I shouldn't be surprised after the ending of The Mime Order).

my actual expression while reading

That shock quickly turned into some serious anger towards a certain former mime lord of The Seven Seals.

not amused

Seriously. REALLY, Jaxon, REALLY?! *rage* How dare you hurt Warden. How dare you!! Now that Paige figures Jaxon was the traitor I am going to need that backstory filled in because this potentially means Jaxon has plenty more surprises up his sleeve.

Once I had finished reading the prologue my feelings turned into deep sadness because I now have to wait until March 7, 2017 for the rest of the book to come out.

It really isn't fair

The prologue has definitely made me even more excited to continue this series! Be sure to add The Song Rising to your Goodreads account and check out the previous books in the series if you have not already.

You can pre-order The Song Rising at all book retailers now, or by using the links below.

Amazon // Chapters // Barnes and Noble // Kobo

Let me know what you thought of the prologue in the comments or tell me your favourite character from the series! Super excited to hear what everyone thinks!

The Bone Season Giveaway!

You may recall that I adored The Bone Season. It ended up being one of my favourite of the year and I've been looking forward to the release of The Mime Order ever since.

In order to help prep you for it's release, Bloomsbury has given me an extra paperback copy to share with someone, so I figured I would host a giveaway! I am also including a first look teaser chapter sampler of The Mime Order. I ended up with two copies, and trust me when I say you'll want to grab it immediately after finishing The Bone Season.

If you need any enticement to enter you can check out my review. The world Shannon has created is really amazing, and Paige is a compelling protagonist.

Here is what I am including in the prize pack

1 paper back copy of The Bone Season
1 chapter sampler of The Mime Order
1 Mime Order bookmark

To win simply fill out the Rafflecopter below. It is open internationally.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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 had some amazing books land in my mailbox this week.

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon (goodreads)

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart (goodreads)

Huge thank you to Bloomsbury for the copies of The Bone Season. Expect a giveaway soonish (maybe right after Book Expo America and I will see if I can get them signed). Excited to help with the promotion for The Mime Order.

We Were Liars is the type of book that broke me into a million pieces. I am so thrilled to have a hard cover edition to put on my bookshelf. Thank you to Random House Canada for the copy.

Happy weekend, and happy reading!

Best of 2013

Top Ten Books of 2013!

We're getting close to the end of the year, and I am officially taking it easy on the blog for the rest of 2013. Kicking off Christmas week I am going to put up my list of the top ten books I read in 2013. This was hard, really hard.

There is a mix of YA, and adult on here. It was a good year for both genres. I've indicated which titles are adult. Each of the books link to my review (if posted).

1 Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

Katherine Longshore brings Anne Boleyn to life effortlessly. Her voice stayed in my head long after I had finished the novel, and Katherine's brilliant writing only improves with each novel. She creates a sympathetic, yet still driven portrait of the doomed queen. Fans of Anne Boleyn will relish this one, and newcomers to the Tudor court will find much to enjoy as well. It's sexy, scandalous, and heart pulling.

2 Night Film by Marisha Pessl (adult novel)

A mind warp at it's finest. You'll feel like you're in one of Cordova's 'night films yourself as you question everything. This novel dares to question belief, perception, and reality. Does believing in something make it reality? It's thought provoking ending will make you want to read the novel again.

3 Vicious by V.E. Schwab (adult novel)

Victoria Schwab blurs the lines between good, evil and creates something in between. Vicious wants to make you question mortality, and your definition of the 'anti-hero'. Needless to say, she succeeds. Vicious is not only thrilling, taunt, and addictive, but it's brilliantly written. I, personally, was left wanting to beg her for more. You won't soon forget Victor or Eli after reading this one.

4 Dance of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

An intoxicating duology that ends with a fantastic finale. Bethany has created a world that is rich, characters that will immediately grab you, and has ended the series in the most fitting way. It's decadent, dangerous, and yet there is a little light of hope, which is exactly the message of her story. Araby grows leaps and bounds and remains one of my favourite female protagonists. 

5 Tampa by Alissa Nutting (adult novel)

After finishing Tampa I felt two things - shock and disbelief. A provocative, controversial novel whose main character, Celeste, is someone you will never forget. Alissa takes what could have been a disaster, and creates something thought provoking, and brilliantly written. It made me want to discuss it with everyone, but it also made me want to warn them (and I think that's exactly what Alissa was going for).

** Tampa is REALLY adult. It is not intended for the younger readers**

6 The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon (adult with cross-over appeal)

Another debut novelist who impressed me with her writing. The world building is fantastic, and Paige is a character I am going to love seeing evolve and change throughout the novel. An impressive set up to what appears to be an amazing series. If you're looking for the next series to get obsessed with, this just might be it.

7 Cress by Marissa Meyer

I don't want to say to much, as this one is not on shelves yet. I will say that I fell in love with Cress (both the book and the character). Marissa Meyer's third novel has set up what is going to be one spectacular finale. The writing is just as engaging as the previous novels, and the plot is tight. This is a series where you can tell the author has planned, and plotted and is weaving everything together. I am so excited to watch everyone fall in love with Cress once it's released, she's truly wonderful.

8 Just One Year by Gayle Forman

Willem may just be my favourite male voice. He's exactly what I imagined while reading Just One Day, except even more so. He's just as swoony, just as complicated, and just as infuriating as you would anticipate after reading Allyson's story. This novel completes her story in a way that you won't be able to imagine one without the other. They are two sides of the same coin, and Gayle's writing shines as she brings Willem to life.

9 Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood

I loved Born Wicked. It was everything I wanted out of a witch novel. Star Cursed only improved on an already fantastic story. Jessica Spotswood's writing is impressive, and her characters are rich. The stage is set for the installment to this series, and the stakes just keep getting higher. A heart ripping ending, mixed with delightful characters, made this one an easy choice for this life. If you haven't checked out this series - do it immediately.

10 Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

I cried my way through a large portion of this novel. Leonard Peacock's head is not a pleasant place to be, but there is no denying that Leonard's story MUST be told. Matthew Quick creates sympathy in a character who, at first, may seem undeserving. As you unravel Leonard's secret you quickly come to feel his pain. Matthew Quick has creates a timeless story that will crush your heart, and yet give you a little ray of hope as well.

Any of these titles make your top ten this year? Will you be adding any to your reading list in 2014? Let me know in the comments (link me your top ten if you've posted yours!).

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

Release Date – August 20, 2013

Publisher Website - Bloomsbury

Publisher Social Media -  Twitter

Pages -  480 pages

My Rating- 5/5

**obtained for review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

It is the year 2059. Several major world cities are under the control of a security force called Scion. Paige Mahoney works in the criminal underworld of Scion London, part of a secret cell known as the Seven Seals. The work she does is unusual: scouting for information by breaking into others’ minds. Paige is a dreamwalker, a rare kind of clairvoyant, and in this world, the voyants commit treason simply by breathing.

But when Paige is captured and arrested, she encounters a power more sinister even than Scion. The voyant prison is a separate city—Oxford, erased from the map two centuries ago and now controlled by a powerful, otherworldly race. These creatures, the Rephaim, value the voyants highly—as soldiers in their army.

Paige is assigned to a Rephaite keeper, Warden, who will be in charge of her care and training. He is her master. Her natural enemy. But if she wants to regain her freedom, Paige will have to learn something of his mind and his own mysterious motives.

The Bone Season introduces a compelling heroine—a young woman learning to harness her powers in a world where everything has been taken from her. It also introduces an extraordinary young writer, with huge ambition and a teeming imagination. Samantha Shannon has created a bold new reality in this riveting debut.

Buzz is a tricky thing. It creates interest, and gets people talking. It can also leave people disenchanted, and the author with expectations that are almost impossible to fulfill. Luckily, Samantha Shannon's The Bone Season delivers on the hype.

The world that Paige Mahoney inhabits is brought to life by Samantha Shannon effortlessly. She's created a complex, layered world that is both grounded in reality and fantastical. Paige's time in Scion London is recognizable for the most part, and the re-imagined Oxford is brimming with creativity, and intrigue.

The politics in this novel are much more complex than you first think upon diving in. Once things begin unravel you see the careful work that went into creating something that would allow for plot advancement later on in what is to be a seven book series. The little details that are expanded upon give the world a rich, full realized feel that allows the reader to become lost within the pages. These two interconnected worlds - the one of mime crime, and the world of the Rephaite - are both so developed that I couldn't help but be in awe. It's a feeling reminiscent of a few fantasy novels, namely Harry Potter, in which the world is so encompassing that it becomes a character itself.

Paige stands up for what she believes it right. She doesn't back down when she believes it is important. She risks herself to protect others, and yet she would never consider herself a hero. She's flawed, and has her own skewed moral code. It's her inner strength that I loved most about her. She's resourceful, and capable, but isn't super woman. She's can't fix everything, and not everything comes easily to her. It was a refreshing to see a character like this.

Paige's life is controlled by others from the moment we meet her. She is constantly trading one form of prison for another. I can't wait for the strength and conviction that is glimpsed to fully take over, and for her to break free from both the Rephaim and the mime-lord who seek to own her. The spark is there, and the tease of the power she holds is electric. She could become a force to be reckoned with, if she gets out of her own way. She's hesitant, and reluctant to use her talents to fight back. It's this side of Paige that makes her relatable. It contrasts her criminal side. She has limits, and won't cross them. I loved the complexities of her character, and those surrounding her, and can't wait to see her grow and emerge as the series progresses.

The relationship between Warden and Paige had the potential to be problematic. A woman who is drawn to her captor is not something that normally sits well with me. It has the potential to appear abusive, and I was thrilled to be proven wrong. This relationship is unique because of Warden, and how unique he is. The Rephaim are ruthless, and strict. They are harsh and unforgiving. His treatment of Paige endeared him to me immediately, because he is everything the Raphaim are not. He's noble, honorable, and kind. Their relationship grows as the trust between them develops. Lust, and perhaps love, don't enter the picture until much later, when walls have come down, and confessions have been made. This slow build creates tension that when finally acted on is even steamier, and the connection feels earned.

Samantha Shannon is a debut author with much promise, and as a debut, The Bone Season left me stunned. The ending leaves me excited about where the story could lead. A world that is brimming with possibilities plot wise, and a carefully crafted political structure already in place, makes me think this is one series to keep an eye on.

Best of 2013.... so far

Hard to believe it's already 6 months until 2013. It's officially the half way point to the end of the year and time to check in and see what the best books I've read this year... so far at least. I've linked to my reviews if you want to know more about what I thought of each of these novels (or have indicated when a review is forthcoming in cases where reviews are not yet posted).

The top 10 in no particular order...

1 Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

A book that reads more like an autobiography than fiction. Anne Boleyn's voice leaps off the page, and creates one of the best characters I've read this year. A different approach as this novel focuses on her life rather than her untimely death.

2 Dance of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Lush descriptions, hot romance, and flaw characters come together to create one of my favourite of the year. A perfect ending to Araby's story that leaves you with just enough light in the darkness to say goodbye to these characters who are all too easy to become attached to.

3 Night Film by Marisha Pessl

Hands down one of the most well written novels I've read. The mystery of Ashley Cordova's death will haunt you, as will Stanislas Cordova himself. The question 'Who is Cordova' haunted me as much as it plagues our main character. This novel is sovereign, deadly and almost perfect. *review to come in the Autumn*

4 Golden Boy by Abigail Tarttelin

A novel that is beautiful and heart wrenching. It questions gender, and it's relevance to who we are. It's characters are ones that you'll remember long after you've finished this brilliant debut novel. Wonderfully written, and executed, this novel is one I urge everyone to pick it. It surprised me in the best possible way.

5 Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood

Jessica Spotswood delivered a sequel that more that lives up to the first installment of the series. Filled with sibling rivalry, magic, romance, and ending in a heart crushing climax that will leave you breathless for the final novel. It's avoids the normal hindrances found in sequels and delivers something magical.

6 Before I Go To Sleep by S.J Watson

Thrilling, scary and disjointing. A novel told from the perspective of a character who is the definition of an unreliable narrator. SJ Watson has taken an already alarming premise and made it as sinister as possible. A novel that doesn't let go until all the secrets have been unraveled in the shocking ending.

7 Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

An emotional ending to a trilogy that may just be superior to the author's Mortal Instruments. Saying goodbye to beloved characters is never easy but this ending provides everything I could have wanted. Closure, emotional payoff, and brilliant connecting between the two already interconnected series.

8 Reboot by Amy Tintera

A novel that surprised me with how much I fell in love with it. It's a fascinating look at what makes us human. Sweet romance, mixed with incredible action scenes, it's a novel that is as dark as it is beautiful. If this one flew under your radar, be sure to pick it up. It'll surprise you.

9 The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

A novel filled with brilliant world building. Paige's world is complex, and so fully fleshed out that my excitement over what is to come is almost as great as my love for the first installment to this series. A captivating character in Paige, and some intriguing plot developments make me think this is a series, and writer, to watch. *review to come in the August*

10 Game by Barry Lyga

The follow up to I Hunt Killers is everything it's predecessor was, and more. Jazz remains as chilling as he is charming. The stakes are as high as ever, and Barry Lyga's twisted story unfolds at a perfect pace, making the novel impossible to put down.

I can't wait to see which of these will make it to the final list of top ten books of the year come the end of December. What is the best book you've read so far this year? 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). 

The next New To My Book Closet post won't be until after BEA! This week some fantastic titles made their way into my home. I received my advocate package for The Bone Season! I can't wait to start reading this one. The special edition ARC I received is amazing.

I won The Kissing Booth from a Chapters giveaway (a large retail book store in Canada). It sounds super cute, so a big thank you to them.

A huge thank you to Simon and Schuster for approving my request for Dangerous Girls. Super excited to dive into this one.

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon (Goodreads)
The Kissing Booth by Beth Reekles (Goodreads)  
Dangerous Girls by Abigail Haas (Goodreads)

3:59 by Gretchen McNeil (Goodreads)

Lastly, the lovely people at Harper Collins Canada sent me 3:59 to review. I can't wait to read it. A huge thank you to them.

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOKS

cover of Wild Cards by Simone Elkeles

My Friday Night Lights obsession has made this a must get for me. Totally psyched that it's going to be at Book Expo America! Loving the cover too.

TV

Emma and Baelfire (Once Upon A Time)

The first part of the Once Upon A Time finale killed me. So many amazing Emma and Baelfire scenes. So many feelings. It was pretty much everything I wanted and everything I didn't all at once. The second part airs this Sunday and I expect it to be just as excruciating with the wait for season three to be a killer. #SwanfireFeelings

MOVIE

character poster of Magnus from City of Bones

So Magnus is my favourite. I literally adore this character and fangirled over him when I met Cassandra Clare awhile back. He's the best. Godfrey Gao? PERFECT. Instrument of Chaos huh? Interesting.

OTHER

Bone Season Advocate

I've been selected as one of the advocates for Samantha Shannon's debut novel The Bone Season. I am not entirely sure what it entails, but I am super excited about this title. I will be getting my advocate package soon and can't wait to start sharing everything. It's a huge honour and am really looking forward to it.

Book Expo America

Alright, so Monday marks the 2 week mark until I leave for New York City. I excited for so much going on in the city. The Teen Author Carnival event is always one of my favourite. There are a bunch of other signings going on that week in the city. It feels like it's going to be one non-stop book filled week.

So what are you obsessed with this week?

Waiting on Wednesday....The Bone Season

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 Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

It is the year 2059. Several major world cities are under the control of a security force called Scion. Paige Mahoney works in the criminal underworld of Scion London, part of a secret cell known as the Seven Seals. The work she does is unusual: scouting for information by breaking into others’ minds. Paige is a dreamwalker, a rare kind of clairvoyant, and in this world, the voyants commit treason simply by breathing.  

But when Paige is captured and arrested, she encounters a power more sinister even than Scion. The voyant prison is a separate city—Oxford, erased from the map two centuries ago and now controlled by a powerful, otherworldly race. These creatures, the Rephaim, value the voyants highly—as soldiers in their army.  

Paige is assigned to a Rephaite keeper, Warden, who will be in charge of her care and training. He is her master. Her natural enemy. But if she wants to regain her freedom, Paige will have to learn something of his mind and his own mysterious motives.  

The Bone Season introduces a compelling heroine—a young woman learning to harness her powers in a world where everything has been taken from her. It also introduces an extraordinary young writer, with huge ambition and a teeming imagination. Samantha Shannon has created a bold new reality in this riveting debut. 

I have been wanting to read this since I first heard about it. I can not wait to get my hands on it. I love that this is just the start in what will eventually be a 7 book series. Very excited to see what all the buzz is about.

Expected release date September 2, 2013

Weekly Obsession

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOKS

Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

I was extremely lucky to get an ARC of this. I immediately had to devour it. It's everything I hoped it would be and more. Anne Boleyn is such an iconic figure, and Katherine Longshore captures her the way I invision she was - intelligent, quick witted and progressive.

It also has a shiny new cover

While I miss Anne on the cover, this is one just so pretty. There is something about it's simple elegance that stands out. I hear that Gilt's paperback is also getting a new cover to match, so I can't wait to see it! Be sure to add it to your Goodreads shelf.

ARCs for The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

The people behind the Bloomsbury twitter tweeted the following picture

Causing me to freak out! This means it is that much closer to me actually reading this. Very excited. I love the simple look of the ARCs too, but do wish they had that awesome cover that was revealed recently. If you haven't checked out the synopsis yet, be sure to check out Goodreads.

The cover of The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

Not sure what exactly draws me to this cover. It's certainly eye catching, and I love faint vein like lines that can be seen around the title. I don't know a whole lot other than the Goodreads synopsis but it sounds awesome. Very much looking forward to getting my hands on a copy.

TV

Once Upon A Time

It's back!!! I get to watch a new episode this Sunday. I am really looking forward to the following Sunday's episode titled 'Manhattan' but am just glad to have it back. Hiatus are not fun, especially when you are eagerly awaiting some EPIC reveals. Sigh...hurry up next Sunday.

OTHER

Book Expo America (Children's Author Breakfast)

I immediately purchased a ticket to this when I heard Veronica Roth would be one of the guest speakers. I am looking forward to finding out who the Master of Ceremonies is. May seems both so close and so far away. I am beyond excited.

Ottawa Book Blogger Meet Up

SUNDAY! It is this Sunday! I am pretty excited and can't wait to share my recap on Monday. Everything is almost ready and

So what are you obsessed with this week?

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

BOOKS

Cover of The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

The cover is certainly eye catching. I have been hearing so much about this debut novel already, so I have high expectations. It sounds amazing, and I love that it's set in England. Check out the Goodreads synopsis for more details. Entertainment Weekly also has a sneak peek at a few pages of the novel up too.

MOVIE

Beautiful Creatures movie

So I have advance screening passes to see this on Wednesday. I am super excited to go! I read the first two books in the series so far, and think they could be pretty awesome movies.

Warm Bodies

Yes, again. Go see it now that it's in theatres. Yes it's cheesy, and fun. It is a movie that knows exactly what it is supposed to be, and doesn't take itself seriously. It's sweet, and Nicholas Hoult will seriously charm you.

OTHER

The Lizzie Bennet Diaries

Are you a fan of Pride and Prejudice? If so you HAVE to watch the modernized web series that Hank Green is currently working on. It's funny, touching and the characters are amazing. You'll really start to care about them. The entire story can be started from the beginning at the official website.

Ottawa Book Blogger Meet Up

The more stuff comes together for this, the more and more excited I get. Almost everything is ready to go for Sunday February 10th. Expect a recap on the following Monday!

So what are you obsessed with this week?

2013 Must Reads

With 2012 coming to it's rapidly approaching end my thoughts are beginning to turn to the amazing 2013 releases. There are so many novels I am looking forward to. I decided to share my top 15, because selecting just 10 was not happening.

My Top 15 2013 Must Reads

1 The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
2 Dance of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin
3 Tarnish by Katherine Longshore
4 Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
5 The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon 
6 Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke
7 Nobody But Us by Kristin Halbrook
8 The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
9 Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
10 Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood
11 Endless Knight by Kresley Cole
12 Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
13 Night Film by Marisha Pessl
14 Just One Day by Gayle Forman
15 Fire with Fire by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

There are more, but these are my top 15 right now. 2013 is shaping up to be a fantastic reading year already!

What 2013 releases are you most looking forward to?

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

There are so many amazing books that have been announced in book deals recently. I don't have pretty covers to show this time, but I do have lots of awesome sounding future releases to share.

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

This sounds AMAZING! Slated for a 2013 release, Bloomsbury has purchased the publishing rights. The writer? She's 20 YEARS OLD! I am in awe. Oh and this is the first in a SEVEN book series. Here is the synopsis on Goodreads

The Bone Season begins in 2059. Nineteen-year-old Paige Mahoney is working in the criminal underworld of London, based at Seven Dials, employed by a man named Jaxon Hall. She works as an envoy between secret cells: she drops in an out of people's minds. For Paige is a lucid dreamer, a clairvoyant, and in her world, the world of Scion, she commits high treason simply by breathing. It is raining the day her life changes forever. Attacked, kidnapped and transported to Oxford, a city that has been kept secret for two hundred years, she meets Warden, a Rephaite with dark honey skin and heavy-lidded yellow eyes. He is the single most beautiful and frightening thing she has every laid eyes on – and he will become her "keeper".

Warden already sounds yummy and I love that the character is almost 20. A little older is nice. I want more fun, twisty, intense novels that feature 25-30 year olds.

Vicious by Victoria Schwab

The author of The Near Witch has some amazing sound novels coming out. The Archived sounds awesome. It's her other novel that has me pining though. Here is the Goodreads synopsis

About two best friends whose college experiments to create supernatural abilities wind up turning them against each other.

Amazing right? A 2013 release by Tor books. This is being called a more adult read, and the characters are college aged. I am dying to find out more about these "supernatural abilities" that they are trying to create.

Beware the Wild by Natalie C. Parker

Twin Peaks meets The Village? YES PLEASE! Harper Collins has this awesome sounding novel scheduled for a 2014 release. Check out the Goodreads synopsis

Natalie Parker's BEWARE THE WILD, pitched as Twin Peaks meets The Village, in which a claustrophobic Louisiana town is dominated by its sinister, encroaching swamp, which swallows up a boy who is instantly forgotten by everyone except his sister, and replaced by a mysterious girl from the past who is intent on taking over his family and his life.

I enjoyed Twin Peaks. It's weird, a lot quirky and it had a pretty great mystery surrounding it. The synopsis has me pining and Harper really does have awesome titles.

City of a Thousand Dolls by Miriam Forster

Once again Harper strikes with an amazing sound title coming out in 2013. The City of Thousand Dolls sounds creepy,and awesome. Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Nisha Arvi is a casteless orphan in an empire where caste and tradition are as unchanging as the roof of gray sky above her head. The only exception is the City of a Thousand Dolls, an estate where abandoned girls are trained to be anything from assassins to courtesans to nobleman’s wives.

Nisha is not so lucky. When she finds out that the City Council want to sell her as a slave, and also that they are hiding a series of mysterious deaths among the girls, Nisha makes a desperate bargain. If she can find the killer, she’ll have a chance at a caste and a future.

But it won't be easy, because in the City of a Thousand Dolls missteps are as easy as wearing the wrong robe. And when Nisha suspects an old friend of the murders, she puts both of their futures in jeopardy.

I love the mystery surrounding the storyline and the creepy feel of the estate itself. I think this one is going to be fantastic!

TV

Vampire Diaries season finale

Elena chose a Salvatore, some people left Mystic Falls, and lots of awesome, insane and crazy twists happened. The Vampire Diaries knows how to do a season finale (and season premiere). I was on the edge right until the jaw-dropping ending that will have a serious impact on all our beloved characters next fall. If you are not watching this show I just planned your summer for you. You can thank me later.

OTHER

Teen Author Carnival

Teen Author Carnival is a huge event that happens in New York around the same time as Book Expo America. It gives the chance to meet some of your favourite teen authors. This year Michelle Hodkin will be there so I am so freaking excited. I am going to bring my hardcover of The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer for her to sign. Lots of other fantastic authors will be there and I am excited to chat with so many of them. If you want to learn more check out the Teen Author Carnival website.

So what you are obsessed with this week?