Waiting on Wednesday: Shatter Me

There are so many great books being released this month, but one that I am most excited about is Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi.  I can't tell you how many times I've gone to Goodreads to check on it's release date.  And, FINALLY, it is only two weeks away!  Based on the many great reviews I've read, this is one book I cannot wait to read!

From Goodreads:

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting as The Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices, Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel.

What do you all think?  Are you waiting on this book as well?  Any other books that you are dying to read?

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine

Waiting on Wednesday: Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Okay, so this post is actually a cross between a Waiting-on-Wednesday and a Reading Rainbow. Why? Because I was lucky enough to win an early copy of Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer so I have already read it! (Thank you Andrea and Editor Jill!) And, I have to admit, I was super excited to be receiving a copy with the original cover.

That's me being super excited.
Okay, maybe this was taken just now and not when I received the book, but multiply this by 1000 and that's how excited I was.

Anyway, here is the actual cover of the book...

From Goodreads:

This thrilling sequel to the much-talked-about Nightshade begins just where it ended-Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and she's certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer-one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack-and the man-she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

One thing I really love about this sequel is how much detail we are given. The book is not just about Calla and her own personal struggles (I'll get to that...), but also delves more deeply into the history of the Guardians and how they came to be. It's certainly not easy-reading and that is why I really got into it. I want to hand this book to anyone who claims that YA is easy, or "fluff," because Andrea Cremer really makes you think.

And Calla. Oh, Calla. She faces many important decisions in this book, as well as much heartache, but she stays true to herself, which I liked. I have to be honest and say that I was somewhat annoyed by Shay and am now totally leaning towards #TeamRen, but that was something I liked about the book. Sometimes people, even seemingly-perfect-boyfriend-types, turn annoying and insecure. It rang true, even if I was frustrated with his character.

If you were like me and loved Nightshade, but wanted more of the history, you are going to love Wolfsbane. It's a worthy sequel in a great series so be sure to get your copy on July 26th! And I'll be honest, it does end with a slight cliff-hanger, but nowhere near as high as the cliff from Nightshade. That much I can promise you.

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine

Waiting on... Friday?

Okay, I know it is supposed to be Waiting on Wednesday, but we posted Lazy Book Club on Wednesday this week, and I am very (VERY) excited about two books being released next week. So, I'm breaking the rules. I know, wild and crazy.

The first book that I am ridiculously excited about is a no-brainer, City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare!


The idea of more Jace is almost as exciting as the video that was leaked this week! *Ahem* And, of course more of Cassandra Clare's amazing stories. She is truly a great storyteller and I can't wait to see what she has in store for Jace, Clary, Simon, and the rest of her characters. I'm sure I'll be staying up late on Monday night to download this one as soon as it is available on April 5th.

The second book I'm waiting for is Where She Went by Gayle Forman. If you all haven't read If I Stay, please go do so! It is definitely one of my favorite books. You can read my recommendation here.


Honestly, I had no idea that there would be a second book to If I Stay. It doesn't really need one, but I'm not complaining. I'm very curious to see how Gayle Forman will turn this into something worthy of following the first book. I have no doubts that it can be done, because her writing is beautiful and moving. I'm really looking forward to sinking into this book!

So there you have it. Now you all know what I'll be doing next week! April 5th is the release date for both of these books. What about you all? Are you anxiously awaiting either of these, or is another book causing you to count down the days until release?

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine

Waiting on Wednesday: The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell

Both Leigh and I are very excited about the impending release of The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell. (The release date is March 7th!) We've both been lucky enough to read this book, and we loved it!





From Goodreads:

It’s the summer of 1889, and Amelia van den Broek is new to Baltimore and eager to take in all the pleasures the city has to offer. But her gaiety is interrupted by disturbing, dreamlike visions she has only at sunset—visions that offer glimpses of the future. Soon, friends and strangers alike call on Amelia to hear her prophecies. However, a forbidden romance with Nathaniel, an artist, threatens the new life Amelia is building in Baltimore. This enigmatic young man is keeping secrets of his own—still, Amelia finds herself irrepressibly drawn to him.
When one of her darkest visions comes to pass, Amelia’s world is thrown into chaos. And those around her begin to wonder if she’s not the seer of dark portents, but the cause.
You should probably scroll back up and look at that book cover again. It is gorgeous! And the book is as well.

It is! Without being overly wordy, Mitchell describes the surroundings and the time in way that makes it seem real and natural. I have never curled my hair using an iron heated in a fire, but I could imagine doing it as I read the scenes.




I agree completely. I feel that way about the descriptions of Amelia and her friendships. I loved reading the interactions between the young women in her circle of friends, especially when they were practicing archery. Those scenes stood out to me, and were perhaps my favorites.

Another thing that stood out to me in this book was how the small element of magic was worked into the story. Truly, it was the way the 'magic' of Amelia's prophecies swirled around and into these friendships that was most intriguing to me.

Not to mention the 'magic' of Nathaniel. *swoons* I love the darkness and drama that surrounds him. As the reader, you know society and convention say Amelia shouldn't get involved with him, but oh how you want her to. I don't want to spoil anything, so go out and read The Vespertine so you can feel the magic yourself! You won't be disappointed.


Ah, yes, Nathaniel. And? He's an artist, and we all know artists are hot. *wink*

So, get your pre-order on and enjoy The Vespertine for yourself!




Follow Saundra Mitchell on Twitter here and visit her website here.


Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine (And we know WoW is normally reserved for books we haven't read, but we're breaking the rules a little bit.)

**Thank you to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing us with an ARC of The Vespertine!**

Waiting on Wednesday: The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

This week Julie Kagawa announced some very exciting news on twitter! If you follow Julie, you know she's been working on a SUPERSEKRIT project and now we finally know what it is! Ash's story! I know that I'm #TEAMPUCK and all, but this news gave me happy, excited chills. I love the Iron Fey series and the prospect of reading Ash's story is thrilling.

Normally I'd post a picture of the cover of The Iron Knight here, but since this has just been announced, the cover hasn't been revealed yet. But, we're also pretty excited about the upcoming release of The Iron Queen (February, 2011), so let's look at that cover because it's so pretty.


I've just started reading The Iron Queen (thank you NetGalley!) and am already completely hooked. The first page made me all teary, and I fear that this book might make me change my #TeamPuck status to #TeamAsh! *gasp* But, as I was reading, I was thinking that I don't want this series to end. Thank you Julie for not making me have to face the end quite yet! I still have The Iron Knight to look forward to and I can't wait!

What about you all? Are you as excited as we are for another book in The Iron Fey series?

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine

Waiting on Wednesday: Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

This week's Waiting on Wednesday is a mutual pick on our parts (and probably on yours, as well): Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins!

It was already way high on my list, but then the cover came out and made me all "OMGWTFBBQ WELLIES!"




*takes a break from entering Demonglass ARC contests* I LOVE THE NEW COVER!! And, I love even more that the cat made it on to the cover again. The elusive mystery cat!




Oh, the cat. I LOVE the cat. Rachel Hawkins apparently gets lots of emails about the cat. (I think she should do a middle-grade spin-off based on the cat's adventures.)

I was able to watch an interview with both Rachel and her agent, Holly Root last month. When asked about the cat, they both said that they LOVED it and that it was added to the first cover on purpose because they "wanted something that nodded at witchcraft without using a black pointy hat." So, if you're a cat-on-the-cover-hater, don't you feel bad now?

Wow. I'm glad I didn't say I hated the cat.






How can you hate the cat? He's mysterious and obviously magical, since Sophie is in London on the cover of Demonglass. He's a magic traveling cat.





I don't hate the cat! I love the cat!

Moving on from the magical, mysterious cat... Aside from the cover release, we also learned this week that THE RELEASE DATE HAS BEEN MOVED UP FOR DEMONGLASS! I can hardly wait until February 15, 2011!

Seriously. I really can't wait. *goes back to entering Demonglass ARC contests* *stops to remind you that you can win, too, by entering the contest here*

Pre-order Demonglass from Amazon, Powell's Books, or Indie Bound!

Are you waiting impatiently for Demonglass, too? What do you think of the cover? Let us know!

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine

Waiting on Wednesday: Matched by Ally Condie

You all know I love dystopian fiction, right? Well, if not, I do. I love it. That is why I'm very excited for Matched by Ally Condie to come out! I read the review at Mundie Moms and immediately added it to my TBR list.






From Goodreads:

In the Society, Officials decide. Who you love. Where you work. When you die.

Cassia has always trusted their choices. It’s barely any price to pay for a long life, the perfect job, the ideal mate. So when her best friend appears on the Matching screen, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is the one . . . until she sees another face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s known and a path no one else has ever dared follow—between perfection and passion.

Matched is a story for right now and storytelling with the resonance of a classic.

Sounds good, yes? I think yes. I'm excited for this one! And, be sure to head over to Mundie Moms - they're giving away a copy and the contest ends TODAY!


Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine

Waiting on Wednesday: The Near Witch

This week is a very special WoW for me, as I was fortunate enough to meet the talented, adorable, and very sweet Victoria Schwab at the Decatur Book Festival last month. At the time, I'd seen her here and there on Twitter, and had heard little bits about her upcoming book, The Near Witch, to know that both she and it warranted looking out for. Since then, we've gotten to know each other and I can honestly say that she is awesome + sauce x 1000.

Look how cute she is revealing her book cover!



Come ON, how could you NOT want to run out to Amazon.com and pre-order a copy when you know the author is so fab? Right? RIGHT? Well then, click this link and do it: The Near Witch on Amazon.com

Wait, you want to know what it's ABOUT? Fine. Here's the pitch:

"The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.
If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.
There are no strangers in the town of Near.

These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life. But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.

The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.

As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

Part fairy tale, part love story, Victoria Schwab’s debut novel is entirely original yet achingly familiar: a song you heard long ago, a whisper carried by the wind, and a dream you won’t soon forget."

*pre-orders The Near Witch* That last line in the pitch is just beautiful! I cannot wait to read this book! It sounds a little creepy (which I like), and a great story to go with. I'm in!

So, to sum up:
Victoria = awesome
The Near Witch = sounds amazing
The Cover = GORGEOUS

There's no question as to why we're waiting anxiously for it!

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Waiting on Wednesday: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

So you may have noticed the absence of Reading Rain-bow this week. Truth be told, I'm suffering from a Mockingjay hangover. (If you want to join in the discussion on Mockingjay - go here.) And you might also be aware that Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare was released this week. So, I'm a little distracted. We'll just carry on with our regular scheduled programming - Waiting on Wednesday!

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Lately I've been hearing a lot about Nightshade by Andrea Cremer. Every book blogger that has read it has been buzzing about it and the reviews on goodreads are amazing. And, the cover is beautiful and deadly all in one. I love it.

From Goodreads:
While other teenage girls daydream about boys, Calla Tor imagines ripping out her enemies’ throats. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. Calla was born a warrior and on her eighteenth-birthday she’ll become the alpha female of the next generation of Guardian wolves. But Calla’s predestined path veers off course the moment she saves the life of a wayward hiker, a boy her own age. This human boy’s secret will turn the young pack's world upside down and forever alter the outcome of the centuries-old Witches' War that surrounds them all.

Seriously? Witches War? I'm in. Also the reviews on goodreads:

This is a very sexy YA novel. Lots of insanely hot werewolves. Grrr... Suspense up to the very end. (from author Lisa Desrochers) Okay, again, "insanely hot werewolves," and I'm in.

From the reviews, I also learned that we have a Chick Who Can Kick Our Asses as a heroine (yes!) and a book that far surpasses the blurb. (I was a little judge-y of the blurb too, to be honest). So, I'm definitely going to be lined up to get Nightshade when it comes out on October 19, 2010 in the states. I just wonder if I can wait until then.

What about you? Have you heard about Nightshade? Planning on reading it? Lucky enough to have already read a copy?