Previously in April ...

"Previously..." is a Bloghop recapping the previous month's goals and accomplishments. It's hosted by the lovely Miss Cole on the last Wednesday of every month. For more details on how to participate visit the Previously page!

Previously in Writing

This month (and in March), spurned on by an amazing brainstorming Skype session with my agent, I ended up re-visiting my YA sci-fi WIP after a long hiatus and added two new threads to the story that I'm SUPER excited about. Squee! It's so nice to be excited about this project again after so long feeling a bit stuck with it. Now my agent's reading it and we shall see what he thinks. Eeep!

I sent out my my NaNoWriMo MG novel #IslandGirlWIP  in March to a second wave of readers to get more of my target audience's thoughts on the manuscript and am still waiting on that feedback.

In April I also participated in #CampNaNoWriMo -- like National Novel Writing Month, but where you set your own goals. I set a goal of 40K for my new WIP -- a YA Contemporary about a Teen Journalist (#TeenJournalistWIP) and *fingers crossed* I will meet that goal!! Right now I'm sitting at 32K  -- well, 54K total ... I had some written beforehand. Unfortunately, due to a new plot thread I just invented *whoops!* it looks like I won't technically "finish" the novel by the end of April. That's okay. I might actually just skip a few scenes and write the end ones I know and then go back and fill in the other ones in May. It is a SUPER research heavy MS. The most researchy I've ever attempted. May is going to be filled with non-fic books and journal articles to do some serious fact-checking and adding of technical details I glossed over!


Previously in Reading

This month, I did a LOT of critting for #DVPit entries so I haven't done quite as much novel reading as usual. Right now I am reading Sarah Jamila Stevenson's THE LATTE REBELLION ... which is super fun so far. It pairs well with #TeenJournalistWIP thematically, so that's good! I started I'LL GIVE YOU THE SUN by Jandy Nelson, which was flat out gorgeous (as I expected) but alas the library stole it back from me before I had a chance to finish :oO I also started THE BLOSSOMING UNIVERSE OF VIOLET DIAMOND, which I was loving, but set it aside because I think it will pair better for me reading at a time when I'm working on my MG book again.

(I'm so matchy-matchy like that!)


Next Time in Goals

Next month, I hope to be finished with a round of additions and first-round edits on #TeenJournalistWIP and hopefully done outlining my next book, which is going to be an MG Steampunky-Victorianesque Fantasy ... it also needs a hashtag. Hmm ... she helps solve arson cases so ... #FiregirlWIP ? Right now I have two chapters and a very loose idea, but I need the key plot points. It's actually a story that's been in my head way back from the very beginning of time { aka five years ago when I realized I wanted to be an author ;o) }

In May I hope to read A LOT for #TeenJounalistWIP research. Like  A LOT A LOT. But maybe not fiction. Which makes me kind of sad. Except I guess I will actually be reading fiction too because I have a big beta backlog!!! Whee!!!

A Word of Advice

Moral of the story? There's no better motivator for getting work done than an impending 2nd child!!!  o.O

Is that advice? No, not really. Don't try this at home. Or do. But not because you want to get a lot of projects done. Although that aspect of it HAS worked in my favor.

... I'm just sayin'

Previously ...

Previously... is a Bloghop recapping the previous month's goals and accomplishments. It's hosted by the lovely Miss Cole on the last Wednesday of every month. For more details on how to participate visit the Previously page!

Previously in Writing

This month, I've continued editing my NaNoWriMo novel #IslandGirlWIP -- an MG Contemporary reimagining of one of my favorite childhood books. I finished a round of edits at the end of January, and am now editing based on feedback from my first round of betas. My babysitter is still on summer break so I don't have much time for writing, writing, but hopefully next month!

Previously in Reading

This month, I did a lot of beta-reading so I haven't done quite as much novel reading as usual. However. I did get a chance to read BOUNDERS  -- an MG Sci-Fi by Monica Tesler, and absolutely loved it! Seriously, I can't remember the last time I had so much fun reading a book. It's like Enders Game but somehow more lighthearted without sacrificing suspense, and way funnier. Plus? It's got a neurodiverse cast! Full of win.

I'm now halfway through Fablehaven by Brandon Mull, which is something that the MC in the novel I'm editing would probably be reading! I really like trying to pair my reading with my writing/editing in that way, because it totally helps me stay in the groove even during those hours I'm not writing.

Next Time in Goals

Next month, I hope to be finished with the next round of edits on #IslandGirlWIP and hopefully 50% done with my new book #TeenJournalistWIP! Right now it's at about 30%, but it's a super research-heavy book, so we shall see! I also hope to read at least two or three new books. It will definitely help to have my babysitter back!

A Word of Advice

When in doubt, have a dance party!

It's Here!! MAGIC'S STEALING - by Stephanie Flint { + Giveaway!!! }

As you know, I don't often post book release news on this blog.

But.

I had the pleasure of being a reader for Stephanie in an earlier incarnation of Magic's Stealing, and I'm thrilled to be able to share in the excitement of its release!!

Now. Stephanie contacted me and, being the sweet person she is, offered me a free copy of the ebook in all its final glory. However, I'd already pre-ordered it, and so, because she's totally awesome, she's letting me pass on my free copy to one lucky winner!!

The Rafflecopter Entry for the Giveaway is below. 

Update: The Giveaway is over!! Stephanie has emailed the winner!

You can read more about MAGIC'S STEALING and Stephanie's other works on her website.
Or purchase it from  Amazon  || Smashwords || Barnes & Noble || Kobo

The Goodreads Summary is below:


Magic's Stealing

By Stephanie Flint

Genre: YA Fantasy
Pages: 151

Goodreads Summary:

For centuries, ribbons of magic have provided the kingdom of Cirena with light, healing, and protection. Then, in a span of minutes, those ribbons fly from their masters, stolen, save for the magic of a few chosen mages. One of these mages is Toranih, a young noblewoman who would rather have a sword in her hand than use her powers to heal or throw fireballs. As a result, her magic skills are lacking. But with former mages dying from magic withdrawal, and the looming threat of an army of shadows who are impervious to mortal weapons, she must either embrace the responsibilities of a mage or watch her home perish.

You can read more about Magic's Stealing and Stephanie's other works on her website.
Or purchase it from  Amazon  || Smashwords || Barnes & Noble || Kobo


Magic's Stealing ebook Giveaway Entry:







a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Recommendation: Salvage

I haven't posted a full-on book review in awhile, but I just had to for this one, you guys, because this:

SALVAGE was one of my favorite reads of 2014, and perhaps of all time.

by Alexandra Duncan

Pages: 528

Age: 14+

Goodreads Summary: 

Ava, a teenage girl living aboard the male-dominated, conservative deep space merchant ship Parastrata, faces betrayal, banishment, and death. Taking her fate into her own hands, she flees to the Gyre, a floating continent of garbage and scrap in the Pacific Ocean.

My Review:

Breathtakingly, achingly beautiful, this is literary science fiction at its best. I said it on twitter, but I'll say it again here: if you are a fan of FIREFLY or THE HANDMAID'S TALE, you should probably drop everything and read this book right now.

As reviewers on both Amazon and Goodreads have noted, Duncan is a master world-builder. From the close, rigid, puritan culture of the spaceship on which Ava is born; to the rag-tag jumble of community adrift on the Gyre; to the gritty, colorful streets of future Mumbai -- each setting was crafted with an attention to detail that is simply astounding. Some people had a hard time with the manner of speaking on the MC's homeship. It is a little hard to get used to, but please, please don't let that deter you from reading this book. It gets easier to understand, I promise!

The characters are complex, each deeply motivated (again, Duncan is a master at this), and endearing. Ava is a heroine to root for from page one. She's plucky despite being born to an oppressive society, and it's beautiful to watch her both grow into and rail against the freedom she suddenly finds herself in.

The book is on the long side for typical YA. The plot meanders, but this serves to leave more room for deep character development and lush worldbuilding. Some of Ava's dialect/jargon can be difficult to understand at first. But like I said, do not let this deter you!! 

SALVAGE is a stunning, thought-provoking work of literary sci-fi that will linger with you long after you finish the last page.

Perfect for Fans of:

Crewel by Gennifer Albin, The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, and Across the Universe by Beth Revis.

Other Reviews:

Check out these other reviews on Nerdist,  Strange Horizons, Nerdophiles, and Christina Reads YA 

Isla's Inheritance by Cassandra Page -- Book Blitz + Giveaway!

Need a fantastically fun urban fantasy for your Halloween reading pleasure? Look no further! I just finished ISLA'S INHERITANCE, and it is a perfect blend of fae & spookiness, in the vein of Melissa Marr. Full review to come. In the meantime, check out the Goodreads description, a teaser excerpt, and the giveaway below!


Isla's Inheritance
by Cassandra Page
Released: October 9th, 2014,
Turquoise Morning Press

Genre: YA Urban Fantasy, Fae

Goodreads Summary

Isla was content to let her father keep his secrets, but now she can’t stand the touch of iron and her dreams are developing a life of their own. She must discover the truth — before it’s too late.

Seventeen-year-old Isla Blackman only agrees to participate in a Halloween party séance because Dominic, an old crush, wants to. She is sure nothing will happen when they try to contact the spirit of her mother. But the séance receives a chilling reply.

SHE IS NOT DEAD.

Isla doesn’t want to upset her father by prying into the family history he never discusses. When the mysterious and unearthly Jack offers to help her discover the truth, Isla must master her new abilities to protect her loved ones from enemies she never knew existed.

Isla's Inheritance is Available Now from:

Amazon | Smashwords

Giveaway

Enter to win a $50 gift card at Amazon or Barnes & Noble – winner’s choice (open internationally.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

An exerpt from the book

“I’m not sure which is worse,” I whispered to Hamish, stroking his fur, “believing I killed my mother, or believing she abandoned me…and Dad lied about it.” Hamish didn’t answer. He was already asleep. “Well, you’re no use.”

Against all odds, the steady rhythm of Hamish’s breathing lulled me into a doze. It seemed like no time had passed when I awoke to a change in light: my father’s large frame was in the doorway, blocking the light.

“Isla? Are you awake?” His voice was tentative.

“Yes.” I sat up, rubbing my eyes. Hamish grumbled a protest.

“Can I turn the light on?”

“Sure.”

I blinked and stared at my father. He looked dishevelled and his eyes were wide, like he’d seen a ghost. He was holding the gift bag he’d given me on my birthday. “You left this at the restaurant the other week, when you went out for dessert with that boy,” he said, his voice strained.

As confused and resentful as I was feeling right now, I still loved him, and his appearance worried me. “Dad, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” he said. He was an even worse liar than Sarah. He came into the room and sat on the edge of the bed. “Here.” He tried to hand me the bag. Vomit burned the back of my throat, and I flinched back.

He saw the flinch, and his face grew even more drawn. “Isla, take it.” There was an urgency in his tone that I neither understood nor liked.

“No. Dad, what’s going on? You’re freaking me out.”

He looked around the room. “Do you have any of my work in here?”

The question confused me. I felt my cheeks warm. “Um, I’m not sure.” The answer was no. Pretty much every piece of ironwork he’d given me was in the shed. The rest I’d given away to friends.

“Here.” He upended the gift bag. The heavy iron circlet tumbled into my lap.

My stomach twisted with nausea so severe I clenched my teeth, afraid I’d throw up. Where the iron touched my thighs through the denim of my jeans it felt ice-cold, and yet it burned at the same time. I gasped, shoving it away from me and onto the floor. It singed my hand.

“What the hell are you doing?” I jumped to my feet. Hamish leapt up too, yapping.

Dad said nothing but the look on his face was wild, despairing.

“You’re crazy,” I cried, fleeing the room.

“Isla, wait,” Dad yelled after me. But I ran, snatching my bag from the hallway before rushing out the front door. I ignored the bite of tiny rocks on the soles of my feet. I had to get away from him, from everything.

About the Author

Cassandra Page is a mother, author, editor and geek. She lives in Canberra, Australia’s bush capital, with her son and two Cairn Terriers. She has a serious coffee addiction and a tattoo of a cat — which is ironic, as she’s allergic to cats. When she’s not reading or writing, she engages in geekery, from Doctor Who to AD&D. Because who said you need to grow up?

Author Websites:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Pinterest | Goodreads

You can purchase Isla's Inheritance from:

Amazon | Smashwords

Review-cipes: If I Stay, The Sky is Everywhere, Sean Griswold's Head

Well dear readers, it has been far too long. But between the new baby (I'm a MOM! It's craaazy! He's 200% adorable and also does not sleep) and editing my latest MS, I just haven't been able to devote my time to the blog. However, with FARLIGHT about to launch into the world, I hope to be able to dedicate more time to it in the very near future.

Needless to say, it's high time I updated you all on some of my favorite recent reads!

(actually I read most of these during my book-a-day stint back in February when my little one wouldn't sleep unless I was walking him up and down the hall in a baby carrier. But that is another story.)

So, here come my mini review-cipes, Contemporary Edition.

    aka ... if you liked TFIOS ... read these!

If I Stay -- by Gayle Foreman

*Yes you must read this book before you see the movie.
  ... Hurry.*

Uncover:

A gifted cellist
Life, love, unravelling
A chance to stay.

She survived. But what did she lose? And will she stay?

If you Love If: The Fault in our Stars - John Green, The Sky is Everywhere - Jandy Nelson, Pivot Point - Kasie West

The Sky is Everywhere -- by Jandy Nelson

Piece together:

The ache of a little sister, left behind
Music, roses, streets littered with poetry
Love: old and new and everything inbetween.

When Lennie's sister died suddenly, she realized she'd always been the shadow. Now, she must figure out how to move on, alone.

Similar Reads: If I Stay - Gayle Foreman, The Fault in our Stars - John Green, Saving June - Hannah Harrington


Sean Griswold's Head -- Lindsay Leavitt

Combine:

Girl more-than-a-little pissed at the fam
Guy-crazy BFF
Focus objects, crushes, bikes, betrayal

Guy she's always known. But not really. That she's stalking him? That's her guidance counselor's fault. Need a focus object? Look no further than Sean Griswold's Head.

In the same vein: Catching Jordan - Miranda Kenneally, Along for the Ride - Sarah Dessen, Lola and the Boy Next Door - Stephanie Perkins

Have you read any of these? What were your thoughts? 
Any other book recommendations for fans of these great reads?

Review-cipes: Pivot Point, Transparent, Arclight

It's high time I updated you all on some of my favorite recent reads!
Like last time I did "Review-cipes," I seem to be amassing a collection of new sci-fi favorites.


Pivot Point -- by Kasie West

Splice:

1 supergirl seer
2 potential futures
A single choice

Juxtapose: a life in Normal, or one safe with the other Supers in the walls of the Compound, either way there's a chance for love, but both paths seem to lead to the same devastating end.

Parallel Pathways: Clarity by Kim Harrington, Parallel by Lauren Miller, Transparent by Natalie Whipple

Transparent -- by Natalie Whipple

Blend:

1 invisible girl, born to a life of crime
A controlling, Vegas-crook of a father
A chance for a new life

She's trying to start over as a "normal" (super-powered) high-schooler in Arizona, but what will happen when she finds out she's not as invisible as she thinks?

Similar Superbooks: Invisibility by Andrea Cremer & David Levithan, Pivot Point by Kasie West, Paranormalcy by Kiersten White


Arclight -- Josin McQuein

Entomb:

A girl with no past
The boy whose father died to save her
A dome of light

And beyond it? ... 
Everything fades to black. 


Other Post-Apoc Thrillers: In the After by Demetria Lunetta (PS: LOVE), Enclave by Ann Aguirre, Taken by Erin Bowman

Have you read any of these? What were your thoughts? 
Any other book recommendations for fans of these great reads?

Who Are You Reading for Aussie Author Month?

Did you know that April is Aussie Author month?

In celebration of the month-long party, I've been cozying up with a few great reads by Australian authors. I'm always an enormous fan of anything by Garth Nix or Markus Zusak.

Two of my new favorites this month?

• ON THE JELLICOE ROAD - by Melina Marchetta
• GRAFFITI MOON - by Cath Crowley

           ** Reviews coming soon!**

What about you? Who are your favorite Aussie Authors? 

Who are you reading for Aussie Author Month?
Who should I read next?

Review-cipes: Crewel, Glow & Scarlet

Having had zero time lately for full-on reviews, I decided to give you, dear readers, a quick reading update in the form of book recipes:



Crewel -- by Gennifer Albin

Spin:

1 thread Mad Men
2 skeins Margaret Atwood's Handmaid's Tale
A snippet of quiet determination

Weave together in a tapestry of intrigue and subversion, where young women have power over the very fabric of the world ... but not over their own lives. 

Similar Warps & Wefts: Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, Wither by Lauren DeStefano, Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore, Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi




Glow -- by Amy Kathleen Ryan

Synthesize:

2 at-odds starships en route to a new planet
1 vial of genetically induced infertility
A questioning of religiosity and reproductive ethics

Add: A healthy dose of action, a heroine questioning her "match," and a dash of agrarian, a dot of art.



Related Flavors: Across the Universe, by Beth Revis, Divergent by Veronica Roth
Similar Themes: Bumped, by Megan McCafferty, Wither by Lauren DeStefano, Matched by Allie Condie



Scarlet -- Marissa Meyer

Pack in a Basket:

Red hooded sweatshirt
Farm goods to trade
Grandma's Lunar secrets
Brainwashing skills

Warning: This combination may attract Wolf and/or Malcolm Reynolds-esque Captain -- both of which will inevitably make life more complicated for you. 


Similarly Tasty Snacks: Cinder by Marissa Meyer ( ...you have read this already, yes??), Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce, Paranormalcy by Kiersten White, Fire by Kristin Cashore


Have you read any of these? What were your thoughts? 

Any other ingredients to toss in the review mix?

Any other book recommendations with similar flavors to these?

Book Review: A Penny's Worth

Novel: A Penny's Worth Author: A. M. Hooper Release Date: 15 Jan 2013 Publisher: Prose By Design, LLC Genre: YA Romantic Thriller Pages: 250 His kisses are passionate. His romance is flawless. The last thing 17 year old Emmaline expected was for her perfect boyfriend, Cephas, to kidnap her. Now she'll have to outsmart and outrun those closest to her in this fast- paced adventure of insubordination and torrid love.  Friends will become foes and trust will gave way to bitter lies as Emmaline tries to save innocent lives which may perish at the hand of Cephas's crooked boss. With a posse of lethal hit men hot on her trail, Emmaline must decide whether unraveling the truth is worth enduring the betrayal, destruction, and deceit that stand in her way. Cephas Bourdon is trouble, but maybe she could kiss him again . . . just one more time. It couldn't hurt.   (Goodreads)

Quick Look

In this romantic thriller, readers will hitch a ride with 17 year-old Emmaline as she goes from girlfriend of the high school basketball star to a hostage at the center of a high-speed chase. Her captor? A criminal mastermind ... and the boy she'd thought loved her.

Full Review

For the first few chapters, A Penny's Worth appears to be a contemporary romance - Emmaline is finishing up her senior year, complete with all its typical and relatable teenage drama. But after a few chapters the tone of the story shifts when she's taken hostage by her new boyfriend Cephas. From there, the latter half of the novel shifts to a complex sequence of dramatic chase scenes, tense moments at gunpoint, ever-changing loyalties, and ever-shifting uncertainty about whether to trust her head or her heart.

Throughout the story Emmaline struggles with her attraction to guys that are wrong for her (read: abusive). Initially, she stands up for herself, shutting down at least one suitor that's been physically harming her. But she   gets confused when the abuse from another guy turns psychological. I can't say I fully agreed with or understood some of the decisions Emmaline makes in this book. That said, kudos to the author, who has decided to tackle some pretty serious subject matter that so many novels leave unquestioned!!

I do wish that the protagonist had a bit more agency in her decision making. She had shining moments, but was often not privy to the plans of her allies and therefore had less agency in the latter parts of the story.

Overall, this was a thought-provoking, fast-paced read. It will certainly keep you guessing! Plus there's a scene with a fascinating discussion on U.S. agricultural policies -- a subject near and dear to my heart!!

Recommended for fans of:  Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris, or Morgan Rice's Arena One


Book Soundtrack: I Knew You Were Trouble - Taylor Swift

Favorite Quotes:

"What are you saying?" he asked, eyeing me suspiciously. I couldn't believe I'd been dating such an idiot.

"Maybe that's all you need: someone to remind you of your capabilities every now and then."

"I wasn't sure I could ever love him again. At least not out loud."


Want more book suggestions? See my other Book Recommendations.

Need some more convincing? Check out reviews of A Penny's Worth on Amazon, at Goodreads and from Wordpaintings Unlimited.




You can buy A Penny's Worth from these sites:

   

Book Recommendation: Bitterblue

Kristin Cashore
Pages: 576
Ages: 14+

Leck has been gone for eight years, but his kingdom is still suffering in the aftermath of his insane rule. Now his daughter, Bitterblue, is queen of Monsea, and the palace is determined to push the past behind them and start anew. But after years on end buried in court decisions and paperwork, Bitterblue begins to question the sanity of her advisers, and wonders if anything is really being done to heal the city. Disguising herself as a commoner, she creeps out into the city after nightfall and begins to get a glimpse of just how much her father took from those beneath him. To truly heal the city, she needs to uncover the secrets of her father's past, if she can bear to search for them. 


Bitterblue was a, yes, bittersweet conclusion to the Seven Kingdoms series.  While reading the other books might help, and many of the characters make guest-appearances, this volume was really stand-alone. I loved it just as much as the other two, though in a very different way. Where Graceling and Fire were action-packed, this book took place primarily in the castle. Cashore did a brilliant job (as always) in bringing the reader right alongside the main character. You could feel Bitterblue's frustration at how little she understood, and her and longing to be free from the confines of the castle, but all the while knowing she needs to do something to heal the wounds her father left. The book is more political and a little darker, perhaps, than the others -- of course, given that the main character is devoted to uncovering Leck's past, you couldn't expect it to be light. Bitterblue is a castle-full of intrigue, heartbreak, and deciphering, and a great cross-over for lovers of mystery who'd like to ease into high fantasy. Highly recommended!


 (and Ms. Cashore, I really hope there are more books with Bitterblue - love this heroine!)


Want more book suggestions? See my other Book Recommendations.

Need some more convincing? Check out the reviews of Bitterblue at Reading Teen,  Almost Grown Up, and Anna Reads.

Recent Reads Roundup : March-April

Well I've been on a reading frenzy it seems! That's likely to slow down as I've now gotten back into editing mode on my WIP and somewhere in there am working on my dissertation as well. But here's what I've read lately, with mini reviews below! 


Highlight of the month?
I know, I know, I'm probably the last person in the world to do it, but I finally read
The Book Thief, and just. Wow. If you have not read it, READ IT. Ahh I can't even talk about it, it's too good for words. 

                  

      

          

  

Saving June - Hannah Harrington (2011 Debut)

Harper Scott is left devastated and confused when her sister June commits suicide a week before high school graduation. Desperate for answers and closure, Harper embarks on a roadtrip to bring June's ashes to the one place she always wanted to go - California. One of my favorite reads this year!

Recommended for fans of:  Sarah Dessen    

Starters - Lissa Price (2012 Debut)

Callie was orphaned over a year ago. Desperate to keep her and her little brother alive, she signs up with Prime Destinations. Here the elderly can temporarily rent younger bodies - downloading their minds into the shells of teens. For Callie it just means good money, until she finds out her renter wants to assassinate a politician. A great, fast-paced read.

Recommended for fans of:  The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins ||  Divergent - Veronica Roth ||  Uglies - Scott Westerfeld

Shatter Me - Tahereh Mafi (2011 Debut)

Juliette's been locked up for ever 264 days. She is not insane. She's a murderer. She is not insane. No one knows why her touch is fatal, but the Re-establishment wants to use her as a weapon. Adam understands. She wants Adam to touch her. Adam can touch her. Adam can't touch her. A stream-of-conscious style love story, full of strikethroughs and repeated sentences. Quite a unique style!
Romance Ratio: 90% romance, 10% rest-of-story
Recommended for: Twilight-fandom poets

Ruby Red - Kerstin Gier

Gwyneth Shepherd's cousin Charlotte was supposed to be the time-traveler. She's the one who's been prepared for all this. But it's not Charlotte, it's Gwen. Now she'll need all the help she can get to manage her stumbles into the past. Thankfully there are ample costumes available and a somewhat-arrogant-sidekick Gideon to help her through. Full of beautiful descriptions, but a touch on the slow side.

Recommended for: Lovers of historical fiction

The Eleventh Plague - Jeff Hirsch (2011 Debut)

Fifteen year-old Stephen's lives in a North America reeling in the aftermath of a deadly plague. Other people aren't to be trusted. When he's rescued by a group from the hidden and idyllic community of Settler's Landing it almost seems too good to be true. The story focuses more on high school love/bullies than the post-apocalyptic aspects, but also has some interesting themes of racial tension.

A Wizard of Earthsea - Ursula K. Le Guin

Ged is a powerful wizard in training, but one night, after an argument with a fellow wizard, his pride gets the better of him. He summons an evil shadow creature and nearly kills himself in the process. His road to recovery will take him many places. Like most of LeGuin's books, the focus is more on a character's journey rather than a typical fantasy plot.

Partials - Dan Wells

Kira is one of the immune. Eleven years ago, a plague released by cyborgs has killed nearly everyone on the planet, and continues to kill every newborn child within three days. In their small community on Long Island, the survivors race to find a cure, but the only answers seem to lie with the enemy, the cyborg "Partials."
Recommended for: Lovers of post-apocalyptic fiction with a strong military feel.

The Book Thief - Markus Zusak

Liesel Meminger lives in Nazi Germany, but she doesn't know that yet. She is only nine years old. There are really no words to describe it. It is that good.

Recommended for:   EVERYONE.

Incarnate - Jodi Meadows (2012 Debut)

A tale of romance between an ancient reincarnated soul, and a teenage newsoul who both share a love for music.

Recent Reads Roundup: March Edition Act II

I managed to read a lot more in March than I expected! See my first set of March reads here. I really enjoyed most of these books, but my favorite was a Middle Grade book: Airborn by Kenneth Oppel. I need to read more MG!

                 

                 

              

Forgotten - Cat Patrick (2011 Debut)

Every night, London's memories are erased. All she can 'remember' are events in her future. She's never really tried to change things before, but when visions of a funeral keep recurring, she knows she has to do something. If only she knew whose funeral it was. A really fascinating premise and I can't wait to see what they do. I will note that I listened to it on audiobook and I think it would be better to read in print.

Stork - Wendy Delsol (2010 Debut)

Katla Leblanc just wants to graduate and get started on her career in fashion design. But there's a lot that's been getting in the way lately. The biggest offender? She just found out she's a Stork - a member of a super secret sect that decides who gets preggers ... joy.

Hereafter - Tara Hudson (2011 Debut)

Everything about her existence is fuzzy except one thing: Amelia is dead. She's also stuck haunting the real world. She rescues a boy from the river and they fall for one another. But will her jealous protector allow them to be together?

I Capture the Castle - Dodie Smith

Cassandra lives a not-so-fairytale life in 1930s England. The only hope of lifting their family out of poverty is for her older sister Rose to marry well. Things are going perfectly until Cassandra realizes she's fallen for her sister's betrothed.

A Long Long Sleep - Anna Sheehan (2011 Debut)

Rose is awakened from stasis to find that she's slept for nearly 100 years. Everyone she knew and loved is dead. But at least she escaped the Dark Times and the deadly plague that took so many lives. But now an elusive and deadly automaton is out to claim hers.

Airborn - Kenneth Oppel

Matt Cruse feels at home in the air. When his beloved Aurora crashes on a tropical island, all he wants is to fix her as soon as possible and head for the skies. But passenger Kate De Vries has other plans for them: find the mysterious cloud cats from her grandfather's journal.

The Magicians - Lev Grossman

Ever since he read the Fillory series as a small boy, Quentin's always played with magic. But it's all been trickery, sleight of hand, illusion. Then one day his life changes forever. Magic is real, and he is invited to participate in one of the world's few magical universities. This has Narnia/Harry Potter parallels but is written for an adult audience. 

Cinder - Marissa Meyer (2012 Debut!!)

Cinder, as you might imagine, is a re-telling of the story of Cinderella. But don't think fairy-godmothers and magic pumpkins. Cinder is a cyborg mechanic in futuristic New Beijing. There are plagues, androids and lunar rulers with telepathic powers, and an intent to overthrow earth. I enjoyed it.

The Bookman - Lavie Tidhar

The young poet Orphan goes off on a quest to find his recently (possibly) deceased girlfriend who was inadvertently exploded by the Bookman. It's a jumble of automatons, pirates, royal lizards and endless queer happenings, discoveries, and quests.  Fun and dark at the same time.