This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab

This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab
Release Date - July 5, 2016

Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 304 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received from publisher for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

There’s no such thing as safe in a city at war, a city overrun with monsters. In this dark urban fantasy from author Victoria Schwab, a young woman and a young man must choose whether to become heroes or villains—and friends or enemies—with the future of their home at stake. The first of two books.

Kate Harker and August Flynn are the heirs to a divided city—a city where the violence has begun to breed actual monsters. All Kate wants is to be as ruthless as her father, who lets the monsters roam free and makes the humans pay for his protection. All August wants is to be human, as good-hearted as his own father, to play a bigger role in protecting the innocent—but he’s one of the monsters. One who can steal a soul with a simple strain of music. When the chance arises to keep an eye on Kate, who’s just been kicked out of her sixth boarding school and returned home, August jumps at it. But Kate discovers August’s secret, and after a failed assassination attempt the pair must flee for their lives

This Savage Song is about monsters, and humans. What makes someone a monster, and what makes someone human? This novel dissects that exact question, and discovers that it is sometimes a thin line that separates one from the other. This is Victoria Schwab's return to writing young adult novels after releasing a few adult ones, and it is a triumphant return. She's written an achingly beautiful story of how light and dark can coexist in anyone.

Music is the heartbeat of this story. It's a driving force, particularly for August's part of it. The is a melodic, lyrical quality to the writing that beautifully highlights the use of music and the characters themselves. It's the nuanced, pitch perfect writing that fans of Victoria Schwab have come to expect, and the story overtakes you like a song. It entrances, and sweeps you along while pulling emotions out of you with the subtlest ease.

There is a duality to the characters. Kate is a human who wants to be a monster, and August is a monster who would give anything to be human. These are characters that are so beautifully flawed, and vivid. There is a natural chemistry to them, and the way the balance each other lends itself to hopes of romance. However, this novel has not one hint of romance, and is all the better for it. Victoria Schwab allows her characters to develop and grow as individuals. They compliment and contrast one another along their joint journey but it is very much one of self discovery for both. There is something tantalizing about the hope for a deeper connection in the sequel, but this installment of Kate and August's story is made all the stronger without it.

There are instantly recognizable motivations and desires within these characters. Kate's desperation for her father to see her as worthy. August's need to be who he wishes he could be. These are things that are very human at their centre. Victoria Schwab masterfully takes these very human emotions and twists them with fantasy/supernatural elements in way that blends them together seamlessly. It adds emotional resonance to all her novels, and her characters.

This is a commentary about the echo the violent acts in our world leave behind. In this case they are literal echoes that have to be faced. An actual walking reminder of the pain humans can inflict. In reality they are metaphorical echoes that haunt us long after. They way these horrific acts twist, and shape not just our world, but ourselves is something that lingers on every single page of this novel. There is a shadow that these events leave behind, and Victoria Schwab examines what it would mean for them to have a voice. It's poetic, and darkly captivating and begs to be discussed. This isn't the kind of book you forget easily after finishing, because it leaves it's own imprint on you.

Those who have fallen in love with Victoria Schwab's previous novels will be delighted to discover another brilliantly written story within these pages. A thoughtful look at what it means to be human, and the darkness that exists within us all.

New To My Book Closet

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

This week boasts an amazing package from my #otspsecretsister! She sent me a package that was London themed (which is amazing).

First up is this AMAZING Anne Boleyn scarf. I love it so much. Anne is my favourite of Henry's wives and I love the blue colour of this incredibly soft scarf. So pretty!

Keeping with the London theme I was sent a book that features multiple Londons, and (of course) tea. I have never tried blooming tea before BUT I am curious to do so. I expect many pictures will be taken and shared.

p.s. I will be posting my BEA recaps next week for those curious about what books I snagged, and my overall opinion on this year's convention.

What bookish items made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

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).

Lots of amazing books made their way into my mailbox this week.

Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld (goodreads)

Finding Fraser by KC Dyer (goodreads)

I received Eligible for review from Penguin Random House Canada, so a huge thank you to them. I also want to thank Berkley Books and Netgalley for the review copy of Finding Fraser. If you're a fan of Outlander you many want to check this one out (and the ebook is currently available).

This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab (goodreads)

A huge thank you to Harper Collins Canada (especially HCC Frenzy) for This Savage Song. I have heard nothing but great things about this so I am REALLY excited to read it. I've loved all of Victoria's other books so I am sure this one will be no exception.

I was also offered the opportunity to review a book from BookByYou.com. A huge thank you them for sending this. It sounds like it'll be REALLY fun and funny! This will be part of a summer event I have planned so be sure to check back for thoughts on putting yourself in a story!

And lastly, we had our yearly book club party for the book club that my friend Ciara hosts at Chapters Pinecrest here in Ottawa. The lovely people at Penguin Random House Canada sent over some books and I am SOOOOO excited about the one I took home with me.

Beware That Girl by Teresa Toten (goodreads)

A HUGE thank you to Ciara (for hosting an incredible event) and Penguin Random House Canada!

What bookish items made their way into your mailbox this week?

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Waiting On Wednesday ....... This Savage Song

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 This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

The city of Verity has been overrun with monsters, born from the worst of human evil. In North Verity, the Corsai and the Malchai run free. Under the rule of Callum Harker, the monsters kill any human who has not paid for protection. In the South, Henry Flynn hunts the monsters who cross the border into his territory, aided by the most dangerous and darkest monsters of them all—the Sunai, dark creatures who use music to steal their victim’s souls.

As one of only three Sunai in existence, August Flynn has always wanted to play a bigger role in the war between the north and the south. When the chance arises to keep an eye on Kate Harker, daughter of the leader of North Verity, August jumps on it.
When Kate discovers August’s secret, the pair find themselves running for their lives and battling monsters from both sides of the wall. As the city dissolves into chaos, it’s up to them to foster a peace between monsters and humans.

A unique, fast-paced adventure that looks at the monsters we face every day—including the monster within.

Everything about this novel has piqued my interest. The idea that violence breeds literal monsters, the notion of zero romance being included, and that gorgeous cover all came together to ensures that I would be ravenous to get my hands on this book!

The wait until it's June release is going to be excruciating but if Victoria's previous books are any indication, it'll be worth the wait.

Expected release date - June 7, 2016

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 This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab (goodreads)

This cover! THIS COVER! It is stunning and perfect and it makes me want to read this book immediately. It's Victoria Schwab so you know that the inside is going to be just as amazing as the outside!

Garden of Blood and Dust by K.K. Perez (goodreads)

This book deal announcement has me VERY excited. Just check out this blurb released with the announcement and tell me you don't immediately need this book in your life...

A YA fantasy inspired by the legend of Elizabeth Bathory, the world's first female serial killer, pitched as a cross between Maleficent and American Horror Story

Maleficent and American Horror Story?! YES, PLEASE! We all know I love American Horror Story and mixing it with Elizabeth Bathory is going to be AMAZING!

What are you obsessed with this week?

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
Release Date - February 24, 2015
Publisher Website - Tor Books/Raincoast Books
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 400 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Kell is one of the last Traveler - rare magicians who choose a parallel universe to visit.

Grey London is dirty, boring, lacks magic, ruled by mad King George. Red London is where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London is ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. People fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. Once there was Black London - but no one speaks of that now.

Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell smuggles for those willing to pay for even a glimpse of a world they’ll never see. This dangerous hobby sets him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs him, saves him from a dangerous enemy, then forces him to another world for her 'proper adventure'.

But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive - trickier than they hoped.

Magic, blood, adventure, action and consequences all combine to create a delicious journey through three different and distinct Londons. If Victoria Schwab is not already on your auto-buy author list this complex, page turning read will have you obsessively pre-order anything she releases next.

Creating rules and confines for any world, or magical system you create is vital. An author who recognizes this and stays within these boundaries while pushing them creates a nuanced, and believable world. Victoria Schwab plays with her world and it's rules in a very logical, thought out manner. Anything that happens has reasons and forethought behind it. Nothing is without merit, consequences or reasoning. Nothing happens strictly to advance the plot so nothing feels out of place or convenient.

In a novel steeped in magic, it is perhaps the characters who are the most magical components of this rich, layered tale. The characters are as rich and complex as the world they inhabit. Victoria balances the wonder and magic of their surrounding with satisfying character development. They manage to compliment each other rather than one taking over the story from the other. This creates a highly engrossing and satisfying experience that will only leave you wanting more.

Our choices define us and we pay for them with the consequences of those choices. Each of the characters, but Kell in particular, struggles with the fallout of his choices. In a setting where worlds are layered on top of one another, these choices send ripples throughout all of them. The biggest theme of the novel is cause and effect and Victoria uses all elements to weave this together.

Magic becomes a character in it's own right. The different Londons even represent the various relationships magic can have with those who use it. Black London is the addicts who have burned themselves out. White London is the brutal, sadistic side of magic. Red London is the more frivolous, fun side of magic. Grey London represents those who have forgotten it's existence. Each of these worlds has it's own rules, truths, and laws. They are as complex as the magic that flows through them all. Victoria adeptly balances all of this, along with the cast of unique, engaging characters which is no easy task to to, and to do well.

Those who despair cliffhanger endings or novels within a series that do not feel as if they stand on their own will be happy to hear that this feels like a complete story within one novel. You want more of this world, these characters and there is so much potential for where this story could go, but it feels complete. The story within these pages is a full, complete story with a beginning, middle and ending all it's own. It was a refreshing, welcome change from the usual. This novel excels at the unique however, so it is not surprising.

Victoria Schwab proves herself adeptly capable at moving in between writing young adult, adult and middle grade as well as writing various genres. This novel offers up a spellbinding, magical journey filled with brutal kings, a bad ass pirate in the making, a mesmerizing prince, and a charming protagonist. It'll leave you desperate for the sequel and for more magical adventures...wherever they may take you.

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).

Two amazing books made their way into my inbox this week!

First up is an eARC I received

A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwab (Goodreads)

A huge thank you to Raincoast Books for the chance to read this. I am really excited.

Next up is one that I purchased a copy of because I LOVED it.

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard (Goodreads)

The hardcover is incredibly stunning. The picture cannot and does not do it justice.

What books made their way into your mailbox this week?

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.

BOOK

Cover of Joy Preble's Finding Paris (Goodreads)

I love every single thing about this cover. Everything. I need this book in my life as soon as possible. The synopsis sounds amazing, and this cover just cemented my book love.

Cover of Joyride by Anna Banks (Goodreads)

This is such a fun cover. It's sweet and really fits the synopsis of the book. Anything described as Bonnie and Clyde meets Pretty In Pink will immediately pique my interest, so this is another one of those books that I am very excited to get my hands. It sounds like it'll be a fun read, and one that has the potential to be super adorable.

Victoria Schwab's New Series

Let the flailing begin because this series sounds AMAZING! The first book in the series is called Monster, and it's being called (by Victoria) Sin City + Romeo and Juliet + monsters. If that doesn't make you immediately want to read it, check out the amazing synopsis...

Monster tells the story of a teen boy and girl who never should have met, since their fathers are rival leaders of a divided city where violence breeds literal monsters. Conspiracies and betrayals send the teens on the run for their lives, but together, they could become each other's worst nightmare.

Given the fact that Victoria's novels are always amazing, I have REALLY high hopes for this one. I NEED IT.

Cover of Marie Rut The Winner's Crime (Goodreads)

I ADORE these covers. I really do love the second book's cover. The blue colouring of her dress, and the dagger now taking a more prominent spot on the cover. I have been hearing amazing things about the book itself, and I cannot wait to read it.

TV/MOVIE

Gone Girl movie

It's finally here! You can go see Gone Girl at your local cinema now! If you devoured the book I am happy to report that you will love this movie. It's a faithful, incredible adaptation that is filled with amazing performances. Rosamund Pike is stunning as Amy. Ben Affleck was perfectly cast as Nick. The secondary cast was just as delightful, in particular Neil Patrick Harris as Desi Collins. I intend to see it again before it leaves theaters, and urge you to do the same.

What are you obsessed with this week?

The Unbound Blog Tour

Today I am honoured to be part of the blog tour for Victoria Schwab's The Unbound. The Archived was a fantastic read, and it's follow up is publishing on January 28th.

Victoria is stopping by with a list of books that are in her personal archive! Some great titles - 

TOP 10 BOOKS IN MY PERSONAL ARCHIVE

In talking about THE ARCHIVED series I often refer to the Archive itself, this repository of the dead, a place where a person's entire life, and all their memories, would be stored. And in thinking about that, my mind drifts to a more traditional archive, one with books. I often think that books can define us as much as anything. They speak not only to our tastes, but to what inspires us, to the kind of escapism we seek.

And so I thought for this post I would share the top 10 books in my personal archive, the ones that define me most. I hope that in the comments you'll take the chance to share a few of your defining books as well.

1. THE PRINCESS BRIDE by William Goldman

Adventure. Whimsy. Magic. Westley. A book full of sword fights and six-fingered men, dungeons and danger and friendship and villainy. This is one of my favorite stories ever told.

2. NEVERWHERE by Neil Gaiman

I wavered over which specific Neil Gaiman book to choose for this list. I knew there would be at least one. In fact, there are two. The first, Neverwhere, is a strange blend of magic and reality, the urban and the fairy tale and the fantastic. And while I struggle to sum up my feelings, the fact remains that I adore this book. And the second Gaiman title?

3. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman

Set in a graveyard, dark and yet deceptively playful, this is simply one of my favorite books.

4. THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING by T.H. White

Elegant and epic.

5. GRACELING by Kristin Cashore

To me, the perfect kind of fantasy, one that is thorough without being overwhelming, with the kind of supernatural element that makes you wonder where you would fit. The way one wonders which Hogwarts house they'd be put into, I read and wondered what my grace might be. And Po remains to this day one of my favorite characters.

6. JONATHAN STRANGE AND MR. NORRELL by Susanna Clarke

This book is a tome. Those who have not read it perhaps will not understand the charm. Only those who've conquered it, committed to its strange mass and stuck with it to the final pages, tend to love it. This is the book that made me want to be a novelist...

7. WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS by Shel Silverstein

And this is the book--of poems--that made me want to be a writer. If you're a dreamer, come in...

8. HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX by J.K. Rowling

This dark, angsty, psychological installment of Harry Potter often ranks lower on people's HP lists, but it is my favorite by far. I don't know (well, I mean, I do know) what that says about me.

9. A SHORT HISTORY OF NEARLY EVERYTHING by Bill Bryson

Believe it or not, there was a time when I thought I'd be an astrophysicist. But science aside, Bill Bryson is by far my favorite voice when it comes to educational non-fiction. This book is a delight, and part of my personal canon.

10. HAMLET by William Shakespeare

I'm not an avid fan of Shakespeare, but Hamlet is without a doubt on the shelf of my personal archive. Murder, revenge, and some of the most delightful monologues. It doesn't hurt that now when I read it I picture David Tennant (thanks, Royal Shakespeare Company).

A huge thank you to Victoria for sharing (and having me be part of her tour). You can add The Unbound to your Goodreads , and pre-orders are available from Chapters, Amazon, and Barnes and Nobles (as well as your local bookstores). Be sure to visit Victoria on her website, or follow her on Twitter.

What books would make your personal archive? Let me know in the comments. 

Top 5 Most Interesting Characters from 2013

There are characters who stand out more than others while you are reading. It could be for a variety of reasons. Some you love and some you love to hate, but either way you're fascinated by them. Here is my list of the top five characters who made sure I wouldn't forget them when 2014 rolls around.

1 Anne Boleyn from Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

I would expect putting your own take on a character like Anne Boleyn would be daunting. She's been written about many times, and is probably the most well known of Henry's wives. Katherine Longshore created an Anne who was passionate, desperate to be heard, a woman who believed her voice was important. She also created an Anne who was clever, sharp tongued, and impulsive. She allowed the 'flaws' (as seen by those at court) to become the very thing that endears us to her. We also know they'll be her downfall. It results in a sympathetic, and vivid character. I've said before that Tarnish reads as extremely accurate and it's because Anne feels all too real.

2 Celeste from Tampa by Alissa Nutting (**ADULT CONTENT**)

Celeste is an enigma. You want to hate her. She's unflinchingly, unabashedly a predator. She's also very self aware, and doesn't make excuses for herself (or her behaviour). She's someone you won't soon forget, and neither is Tampa itself. She hides her true nature from everyone but herself. She's darkly funny, and there are a few moments where, as a reader, I found myself thinking she was clever. I've said that nobody in Celeste's life matters but Celeste and that is the reality. She is selfish, driven to make herself happy no matter what the consequences for others. Consequences for anyone but herself barely enter her thoughts. Alissa has created a character who leaves you conflicted, angry, and hopefully changed the way you look at predators.

3 Cress from Cress by Marissa Meyer

As this title has yet to hit shelves, I will keep this brief and spoiler free. I will say that Cress will win over your heart. She's everything I wanted out of a Rapunzel inspired character. She's adorably naive, braver than she gives herself credit for, and a hopeless romantic. She's resourceful, and eager to please. Marissa always manages to make her characters come to life, and Cress is no exception. Marissa also manages to make them use the skills and talents they do have, without denying them flaws. People are not perfect, and they certainly aren't capable at everything. Cress uses what she can do to help, and remains completely in character the whole time. This makes her character leap off the pages, and makes her easy to relate to.

4 Victor and Eli from Vicious by VE Schwab

I am including both of them, because each is intertwined with the other. Victor wouldn't be the Victor we know without Eli (and vice versa). Two incredibly intelligent, and driven young man who are both beyond competitive. Their friendship is always borderline antagonistic and that's woven in perfectly throughout the story. They are both a little skewed and while this leads them to become friends, it also allows for them to turn on each other. Two man who are obsessed with power and harness it to create superpowers ultimately show that power does corrupt. Victoria uses both of these characters to twist how you view villains and heroes. These two characters are so well written that you'll want to visit them again (and perhaps beg Victoria for a sequel).

5 Judith from All The Truth That's In Me by Julie Berry

Judith is a survivor. She's resilient, strong and brave. She is also clever, determined, and due to inability to talk she's quite perceptive. Following her story as she tries to reclaim her voice that has been ripped away from her is inspiring and that's how you end up feeling about Judith.

When I first picked up All The Truth That's In Me, I wasn't expecting to adore Judith as much as I did. She lets you in slowly, but it's worth the way. She's a remarkable character who hasn't let her spirit be crushed by the unthinkable. That makes her voice not only memorable, but engaging.

Vicious by V.E. Schwab

Vicious by V.E. Schwab
Release Date - September 24, 2013
Publisher Website - Tor
Publisher Social Media -  Twitter
Pages -  368 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**obtained for review from publisher via BEA**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

A masterful, twisted tale of ambition, jealousy, betrayal, and superpowers, set in a near-future world.

Victor and Eli started out as college roommates—brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognized the same sharpness and ambition in each other. In their senior year, a shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong.

Ten years later, Victor breaks out of prison, determined to catch up to his old friend (now foe), aided by a young girl whose reserved nature obscures a stunning ability. Meanwhile, Eli is on a mission to eradicate every other super-powered person that he can find—aside from his sidekick, an enigmatic woman with an unbreakable will. Armed with terrible power on both sides, driven by the memory of betrayal and loss, the archnemeses have set a course for revenge—but who will be left alive at the end?

In Vicious, V. E. Schwab brings to life a gritty comic-book-style world in vivid prose: a world where gaining superpowers doesn’t automatically lead to heroism, and a time when allegiances are called into question.

Does having super powers automatically make you a hero? Victor Vale, and Eli Cardale set out to become heros. What happens instead is a delicious revenge story filled with some of the most compelling characters I've read this year. No words I can write will properly do this book justice. This book is so much more than I anticipated, and left me breathless.

Flawed is this book's middle name. The characters are so flawed; brilliantly so. There are no heroes or villains in this story. It's all about perspective, and degrees of grey. What makes a villain, what makes a hero? Victoria Schwab forces us to look at our definitions for each of these and re-evaluate them. Victor and Eli are both fundamentally skewed, and they both have sociopathic tendencies. The entire time you're questioning who is the hero, and who is the villain. Does killing those with super powers make you a hero because you might be saving people from them? Does killing a killer immediately make you a hero? Does belief and faith in what you're doing automatically make it righteous? Does a crack (or two) in your cold exterior mean you're not as messed up after all? These questions are brilliantly woven throughout the novel, and there are no easy answers.

This friendship is so far beyond dysfunctional. Victor and Eli are both brilliant, both driven, and calculating. They both are capable of being ruthless, cunning, and single minded. They have a competitive nature to their friendship that leads them to constantly want to one up the other. It's not hard to see how this went from friendship to enemies, even in the early stages. 

The mood is capture effortless by Victoria. It's steeped with darkness, and gore. The scenes detailing their attempts at developing extraordinary abilities are as chilling, as gripping, and dizzying as you expect. I held my breath at points; especially with Eli's attempt. As their obsession with this grows, the reader's apprehension grows along with it. You can see the oncoming carnage, but can do little to warn the characters...even if you wanted to. Part of this novels allure is that unapologetic, unflinching descent into this world, blood and all.

Sydney's innocence is ripped from her. Her character is the most innocent of the group, and seeing it taken from her time and time again is crushing. I had a instant soft spot for her, and ached each time her faith in something was proven false. Her age masks a mind that takes in everything around her and understands more than her young years show. I felt protective of her, and nearly sobbed when she's trying to find her 'safe place'.
Serena has her own crimes to answer for, and her own demons. Eli's side-kick is persuasive and lethal. All these side characters are fleshed out. Each characters motivation is made clear, and that's why they're so compelling. As flawed as they are, you understand them. It's all too easy to get inside their heads, and it's terrifying to see that it's not such a stretch.

The narration jumps all over the place. Instead of a linear story, we get it in glimpses. Their time at college is woven along with current time. This may sound confusing, but it adds to the story. It provides a delicious build up to the midnight countdown, and what's to come. The way the story unravels also allows for a much cleaner story, and one that is paced properly. Sleep stops being important because all you want to do is get the next part of the story, regardless of what 'time stamp' you're dealing with.

A gory, dark, and engrossing look at revenge, redemption, and the age old proveb that absolute power can corrupt. This is a world that practically makes me want to beg for a sequel. The characters and their story demand it and readers will be clamoring for more.

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 small but epic mailbox this week. Only one book but one I am very happy to get my hands on.

The Archived by Victoria Schwab (goodreads)

I will be reading this immediately to review it. I can't wait as I've been hearing amazing things about it.

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!

YA2U - Bring Five YA Authors To YOUR City

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

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

The authors in the program are

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

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

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

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

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

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

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).

Lots of goodies in the mail this week! I truly felt spoiled with mail this week.

Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone (Goodreads)
The Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling (Goodreads)
Blaze by Laurie Boyle Crompton (Goodreads)
Who I Kissed by Janet Gurtler (Goodreads)
The Archived swag

The flash really doesn't do the cover of Time Between Us any justice. It's shiny and really pretty. A huge thank you to Raincoast Books Canada, Hachette Group Canada and Victoria Schwab for all the lovely books and swag this week.

I also purchased an ebook this week

Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi (Goodreads)

I had to read this and am almost done actually. Will be posting a review sometime in November.

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading! A special Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow Canadians. Hope you get to enjoy the long weekend.

Waiting on Wednesday....The Archived

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 Archived by Victoria Schwab

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books. 

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive .

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often-violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive. 

Being a Keeper isn't just dangerous-it's a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da's death was hard enough, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.

In this haunting, richly imagined novel, Victoria Schwab reveals the thin lines between past and present, love and pain, trust and deceit, unbearable loss and hard-won redemption.

I am dying to read this one. It just sound so unique and amazing. I love the whole idea of the dead being on shelves like books.

Expected release date -  January 22, 2013