Archive | February 2013

Freshly Published Feb 2013

It’s time for what’s going to be (or already has) been published this month! Have a look and get reading! All summaries are from Goodreads.

city of cover

City of a Thousand Dolls by Miriam Foster

An exotic treat set in an entirely original, fantastical world brimming with deadly mystery, forbidden romance, and heart-stopping adventure.

Nisha was abandoned at the gates of the City of a Thousand Dolls when she was just a child. Now sixteen, she lives on the grounds of the isolated estate, where orphan girls apprentice as musicians, healers, courtesans, and, if the rumors are true, assassins. Nisha makes her way as Matron’s assistant, her closest companions the mysterious cats that trail her shadow. Only when she begins a forbidden flirtation with the city’s handsome young courier does she let herself imagine a life outside the walls. Until one by one, girls around her start to die.

Before she becomes the next victim, Nisha decides to uncover the secrets that surround the girls’ deaths. But by getting involved, Nisha jeopardizes not only her own future in the City of a Thousand Dolls—but her own life.

Out of Nowhere

Out of Nowhere by Maria Padian

At Maquoit High School, Tom Bouchard has it made: captain and star of the soccer team, boyfriend to one of the prettiest, most popular girls, and third in his class, likely to have his pick of any college, if he ever bothers filling out his applications. But life in his idyllic small Maine town quickly gets turned upside down after the events of 9/11.

Enniston has become a “secondary migration” location for Somali refugees, who are seeking a better life after their country was destroyed by war—they can no longer go home. Tom hasn’t thought much about his Somali classmates until four of them join the soccer team, including Saeed. He comes out of nowhere on the field to make impossible shots, and suddenly the team is winning, dominating even; but when Saeed’s eligibility is questioned and Tom screws up in a big way, he’s left to grapple with a culture he doesn’t understand and take responsibility for his actions. Saeed and his family came out of nowhere and vanish just as quickly. And Tom may find himself going nowhere, too, if he doesn’t start trying to get somewhere.

scarlet

This is Book 2 in the Lunar ChroniclesCheck out Book 1

I’m a HUGE fan of Cinder! Find my review here.

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Cinder returns in the second thrilling installment of the New York Times-bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother and the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she has no choice but to trust him, though he clearly has a few dark secrets of his own.

As Scarlet and Wolf work to unravel one mystery, they find another when they cross paths with Cinder. Together, they must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen who will do anything to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner.

I’m a HUGE fan of Cinder! Find my review here.

the 39 deaths

The 39 Deaths of Adam Strand

Adam Strand isn’t depressed. He’s just bored. Disaffected. So he kills himself—39 times. No matter the method, Adam can’t seem to stay dead; he wakes after each suicide alive and physically unharmed, more determined to succeed and undeterred by others’ concerns. But when his self-contained, self-absorbed path is diverted, Adam is struck by the reality that life is an ever-expanding web of impact and forged connections, and that nothing—not even death—can sever those bonds.

In stark, arresting prose, Gregory Galloway finds hope and understanding in the blackest humor.

pivot point

Pivot Point by Kasie West

Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.

In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.

I’m hoping to get Scarlet for myself. The others I might have to wait and (hope) they come to my library. I can’t wait to see what March will bring! Happy reading everyone!

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Book Review: Entangled by Nikki Jefford

Entangled CoverAnna InfoGraylee and her identical twin sister Charlene are witches. Far from being two peas in a pod the girls are as different as night and day. Charlene is devastated that her boyfriend Blake broke up with her a week before Valentine’s Day for Stacey Morehouse. Graylee’s more concerned with perfecting her invisibility spell. Charlene is one of the hottest girls in school, dressed to the nines with full makeup. Graylee glides through the halls without a boyfriend in embroidered jeans and a tank top.

One night Graylee falls asleep and the next morning she wakes up in Charlene’s room. It’s also April 1st. Graylee’s been dead for two months and now is sharing Charlene’s body. Every other day Graylee wakes, but she has to act as Charlene in order to avoid repercussion from the coven. Their mother is on the case to fix the problem but time is running out. The more time Graylee spends in her sister’s body the more she learns her sister was more than just heartbroken. Charlene ‘s patience is also running thin and Gray is terrified to learn she’ll do anything to get her body back even if it means losing her sister a second time.

Firstly, I love the cover. Second, the first 30% of the book is a bit rough; the characters aren’t fully developed and honestly, are shallow. The writing isn’t anything new and I wasn’t interested in the story until the double occupying of the body happened. Finally some tension and conflict that’s somewhat engaging. I enjoyed the brief introduction to this world of witches and warlocks, the language and rules. Also, it’s based in Kent, Washington. KENT! If you’re a regular reader it’s not a secret that I am such a sucker for all books that have ANYTHING linked to Washington State.

There is some substance to this book but it gets lost in the romance. Romance isn’t even the main theme – its revenge. Charlene is one piece of work and although it works for the premise of the story. It’s still Graylee’s twin sister. I didn’t really buy the fact that she would act intentionally the way she does in wanting to purge her sister. The readers don’t get to know Charlene before Graylee dies and because of this I’m sceptic of her motives. Nevertheless, I think this read is great for young female readers that are looking for a love story that has drama. At the end of the day that’s all it is. Drama: High school drama. I was left wanting more and I hope the second book can accomplish this but I’m not hoping for a magic spell here. However, it’s based in Washington, I have to read this series!

February Purchases

Feb purchases

A few weekends back, during a particularly wet and rainy Sunday in London, I took a long stroll over to the lovely Daunt Books in Chelsea. They have an amazing teenage section, as well as an well stocked children’s book area. For those looking for a place to browse in regards to art and travel, this is the Daunt Books location! Sadly the heating in this building has a lot to be desired (which isn’t unusual for such a lovely building). Regardless of this fact the gentleman that served me was charming, polite and full of smiles even on such a dreary day!

I made my purchases:

The Neverending Story by Michael Ende

I’ve been wanting to read The Neverending Story for ages! I grew up on the film adapation – I’ve named my car Falkor – and the second I learned this was based on a book I knew I had to give a read!

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

I actually bought this book for my friend’s boyfriend for Christmas last year. I loved the sound of it so much I was thrilled to have an excuse to get a copy for myself! It was in the teenage section but I’m not too sure if it’s really YA or not. Either way I’m excited to dive back into another one of Gaiman’s worlds.

I was not disappointed with my purchases from last month and I can’t wait to get started on these! Although I originally started my journey dead set on buying Scarlet by Marissa Meyer, I was so disappointed to see it wasn’t in stock! Oh well, there’s always next month.

Happy reading!

Ashley xx

The Kim Scott Walwyn Prize and Call For Entries concerning Sherlock Holmes

Big News for the Publishing and Writing communities!

KimScott

For women who work in publishing – Don’t be shy! If you live in the UK please enter yourself for the chance to be chosen for this wonderful honour on behalf of BookTrust:

“The Prize is named in honour of Kim Scott Walwyn, a Publishing Director at Oxford University Press who died in 2002. She was widely regarded as a dynamic and exceptional publisher within her lifetime and served as a mentor to several people entering the industry. In keeping with her commitment to young publishers, the Prize Committee partnered with the Society of Young Publishers (SYP) and the Publishing Training Centre (PTC) in 2011 to strengthen the Prize’s dedication to recognising promise among women in the industry. Booktrust has managed the Prize since its inception in 2003.

The Prize is open to any woman who has worked in publishing in the UK for up to seven years.  Applicants must nominate themselves and supply two referees. Submissions are now open, with the deadline for all entries of Monday 25 February 2013.

Past winners and shortlisted candidates include women from publicity to rights, from editors to literary agents. Lynette Owen (OBE), Copyright Director of Pearson Education was the inaugural winner and Kathy Rooney, Managing Director of Bloomsbury Publishing, Annette Thomas, CEO of Macmillan, Penelope Hoare, Deputy Managing Director at Chatto & Windus, (although now semi-retired), Kay Peddle, Editor, The Bodley Head and Rukhsana Yasmin, Commissioning Editor, Westbourne Press have followed.  Shortlisted applicants are of the highest calibre and have included Eleanor Crawforth Editor/Sales and Marketing Manager, Carcanet Press, Bethan Jones Publicity Director Harvill Secker / Yellow Jersey Press and Donna Condon, who has recently been announced as the new Editorial Director of Harlequin.

Deadline for this year’s Prize has been extended to 5pm, 25 February 2013

The winner will be announced at ceremony at the Free Word Centre in Central London on Wednesday 15 May 2013 and will receive £1000, sponsored by the SYP, and a two-day training course of their choice at the PTC.  Shortlisted candidates will also receive a one-day training course courtesy of the PTC.

Find the entry guidelines here.

Now, for the Writers:

ContestLove Sherlock Holmes? Love to Write? Submit an essay for the chance to be published in a collection of fandom works about one of the greatest detectives! Deadline is March 1st.

FAQ

The Baker Street Babes

Good luck to all those who enter!

Crossed by Ally Condie

Crossed CoverCrossed Info

Cassia Reyes has been Matched, but a glitch in the Society’s perfect system has derailed her life. When Ky’s face was shown instead her Match Xander, Cassia’s heart took a leap and made her own choice. Now she is out working manual labouring, far from her family and home. In the Outlands she waits for any opportunity of where she can find Ky once again.

All her life the Society has chosen everything for Cassia, but loving Ky has opened her eyes to what else lies open in her world. Cassia will do anything she can to find Ky. In the process she’ll discover more secrets that her Grandfather was trying to clue her in on: The rising of the Rebellion. It’s tough to decide what is more dangerous – being out in the unknown or under the heavy watch of The Society. With new friends and the skill of trade Cassia must decide what she wants ultimately for her future, love or freedom.

I ate Crossed up. Four days dear readers, that is how long I was able to stretch out reading this book. Condie is fantastic at peppering the mystery of The Society within this second book. It’s interesting because there isn’t much action in this book but the lingering questions are carried through beautifully. Yes there is a Rebellion but there are so many more questions as to why it is in existence? How long has this Rebellion been growing? What exactly are the reasons and what do they hope to accomplish? The romance wasn’t the front-runner theme and I loved how every page captured my attention as to what is really going in this Big Brother world.

Cassia grows a lot during this book. She becomes her own woman-trying figure out love and what she wants for her future. She doesn’t shy away from the challenge but instead goes looking for it. She’s given a difficult task at the end of the book and I wait patiently for the third book to become available at my library.  Those who loved the first Matched won’t be disappointed with Condie’s return to Cassia’s life.