Reading Rainbow: Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

I was recently tweeting with Julie Kagawa (and you know we love Julie around here!) and asked her what book she was planning on reading during her vacation. Vacation books are a big deal for me. I put so much importance on them that when Julie said she was thinking of reading Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel, I figured I would have to read it too.



From Goodreads:
Lenah Beaudonte is, in many ways, your average teen: the new girl at Wickham Boarding School, she struggles to fit in enough to survive and stand out enough to catch the eye of the golden-boy lacrosse captain. But Lenah also just happens to be a recovering five-hundred-year-old vampire queen. After centuries of terrorizing Europe, Lenah is able to realize the dream all vampires have -- to be human again. After performing a dangerous ritual to restore her humanity, Lenah entered a century-long hibernation, leaving behind the wicked coven she ruled over and the eternal love who has helped grant her deep-seated wish.

Until, that is, Lenah draws her first natural breath in centuries at Wickham and rediscovers a human life that bears little resemblance to the one she had known. As if suddenly becoming a teenager weren’t stressful enough, each passing hour brings Lenah closer to the moment when her abandoned coven will open the crypt where she should be sleeping and find her gone. As her borrowed days slip by, Lenah resolves to live her newfound life as fully as she can. But, to do so, she must answer ominous questions: Can an ex-vampire survive in an alien time and place? What can Lenah do to protect her new friends from the bloodthirsty menace about to descend upon them? And how is she ever going to pass her biology midterm?

Okay, so maybe you're thinking, "Another vampire book. Really?" But, wait! This is one of those vampire stories that turns the tables, and I loved it for that. You won't get the "Oh look! I'm a beautiful vampire with lots of money and my eternal life is so fabulous and don't you want to be me?" story here. Nope. Rebecca Maizel looks at the dark side of being a vampire. They cannot feel anything under their touch, they cannot cry without horrible pain, they feel desperate longing for human emotion, and any sort of human happiness inspires the need to inflict suffering. You won't find many friendly neighborhood vamps in this story. And, I liked that.

Now, that's not to say I liked the savage nature that Lenah had as a vampire. What I like is how this book explores the desire to be human and what exactly that means. It crosses the age-old story of a high-school crush with the story of a centuries old vampire queen. And it's wonderfully done.

The ending of this book left my jaw on the ground, but thankfully there is a chapter from the next book included, so you won't be left completely dumbstruck. And make sure you read the chapter - I almost feel like it could have been part of this book instead.

Have you read Infinite Days? Are you planning on adding it to your TBR list?

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?

Informal Lazy Book Club: Mockingjay!

***This POST contains NO SPOILERS but the COMMENTS WILL HAVE SPOILERS***






I need to discuss Mockingjay! I have finished but Leigh is just starting Catching Fire, so I'm barely speaking to her for fear of letting something slip. And I know there are people out there who have finished, but have no place to discuss without causing a riot because you've posted spoilers. I figured those of us who have finished can discuss in the comments section so we don't ruin it for anyone.

So, obviously, if you have not finished the book, DO NOT READ THE COMMENTS!! For those of you who have... I would love to hear what you thought!!

Reading Rain-bow: Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus

I was so looking forward to reading Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus. I had heard so many great things, and the good news is - I loved it!






From Goodreads:

Since her sister’s mysterious death, Persephone “Phe” Archer has been plagued by a series of disturbing dreams. Determined to find out what happened to her sister, Phe enrolls at Devenish Prep in Shadow Hills, Massachusetts—the subject of her sister’s final diary entry. After stepping on campus, Phe immediately realizes that there’s something different about this place—an unexplained epidemic that decimated the town in the 1700s, an ancient and creepy cemetery, and gorgeous boy Zach—and somehow she’s connected to it all. But the more questions she asks and the deeper she digs, the more entangled Phe becomes in the haunting past of Shadow Hills. Finding what links her to this town…might cost her her life.

You can see this book is a mystery in some respects. I was in the mood for exactly that - a book that kept me guessing and always wondering what will happen next. Shadow Hills was perfect in that respect. The setting of Devenish is great - there was a whole "creepy" element mixed in this small New England town. But, it also had plain, old normal elements - like clothing shops - which I liked. I found it refreshing that within the creepy, there were elements that I could relate to.

I also liked this in regard to the characters. Phe may have had some seriously strange things happening to her and around her, but at the same time, she was a new student at a new school, trying to make friends and fit in. She also had some serious moxie, but would readily admit she was scared. I always feel frustrated when MCs run into dangerous situations without thinking that they could get caught and then never show fear of the situation. I liked that Phe was real enough to admit how scared she was, even when she was running off to do some crazy stuff.

Also? I loved that she cared about a dress that she wore to a dance - and her cute red shoes. I think Anastasia Hopcus did an amazing job of blending real-life YA quandries (What to Wear to a Dance?) and mixing them with the Supernatural/Creepy (What is This Strange Mark Appearing on My Hip?).

Phe's friends were just as great - I adored all of them, but especially Zach. I don't want to say too much, but I found the lack of a love triangle in this book refreshing. It was a nice change - I liked the focus on the story. And that's not to say that there's no love-story going on in this book. Don't worry - there is a Hot Boy. He may not have a sword, but he's got some other fun attributes.

And the ending. Don't expect all of your questions to be answered neatly at the end of this book. In fact, you may end up with more questions as you finish. I usually like things all tied up, but the main mystery of this book was solved, so I was okay with the unanswered questions. It just left me waiting in anticipation for the next book! And I hope there will be a next book!

Follow Anastasia Hopcus on twitter here: http://twitter.com/anastasiahopcus

Read a review at Mundie Moms here: http://mundiemoms.blogspot.com/2010/07/book-review-shadow-hills.html

YA is for Lovers

I am not a romance reader. Never have been. There's nothing WRONG with romance, it's just not my thing. Until I started reading YA Fiction, that is. Now I can't stop myself from splitting up into Teams. (Team Edward, Team Ash, Team Rob... Wait, that's not a team... *wink*)

A good female heroine with a charming suitor is half of the draw for me. And it occurred to me that as an adult I long for that excitement of a first love or the fantasy of a bad boy. Grown women know better than the run after the sexy miscreant (usually), and we realize that passion doesn't always mean a lasting love. I love young love.

But then I started to wonder... while this escapism is great for those of us who've already survived high school, what about the intended readers? Does my love perpetuate the allure of the bad boy and encourage young girls? Or does it give them a chance to explore that in a safe environment? What do you think?

I agree with you on the draw of the "First Love" aspect of YA romance, because who doesn't want to relive those moments of falling in love? I think the other great thing about a lot of YA romance books is the whole Forbidden Love, Star-Crossed Lovers thing. When you're finally settle down for marriage and kids, it's usually with someone safe. Or at least someone who doesn't turn out to be a vampire or a werewolf. I think the star-crossed lovers theme is fun to read as an adult, since we've already settled into our relatively safe lives.

It's being kind of presumptuous of us oldies to think that these books will influence young girls to the point that they will run out looking for Edward. (Okay, well maybe we all have a little bit.) It's like Marilyn Manson back in the day (I'm dating myself)...People blamed his music for things that couldn't possibly be the music's fault (imo). Books can't make girls fall in love with the wrong boy. Right?

Okay, first of all, I don't know who you're calling an "oldie". Secondly, I agree that books don't MAKE people do things. I think that YA literature tends to romanticize the "bad boy" because this is the only period in life where falling in love with him seems acceptable. We all have that "but only I can see the good in him" fantasy, and YA loves to let us live that.

My only point was that I think we should be careful, as adults who can see the futility in that exercise, to not over-glorify it. I think for every Jace we put on a pedestal, there should be a Simon that we express similar love for.

Agreed. Because I think we've all dated the Potential in a Boy, rather than the actual Boy. I think that was part of the draw of Twilight. Edward was already perfect - he wasn't the Bad Boy at all, and he offered Bella complete safety. But, he offered it within the context of danger - being a vampire. So, basically, the best of both worlds. Let's face it, we all want to feel safe, but we don't want boring. A lot of YA books give us exactly that by placing them in a fantasy setting. I think the supernatural romance books are best for the "exploration" because the things that occur (falling in love with a vampire, werewolf, shadowhunter, etc.) could never truly happen. Well, so far as I know.

*stunned look* Wait, you mean Edward isn't real?

So, readers, do you agree? Are we over-thinking the whole "bad-boy" allure? Tell us what draws YOU in to a good YA Romance.

Waiting on Wednesday: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Leigh and I thought it would be fun to join other book blogs with Waiting on Wednesday posts. Now, you know us - we're whimsical (read- lazy) so we'll undoubtedly miss some weeks, but every now and then we'll be posting about books that we cannot wait to read.

This week is a gimme in a way because EVERYONE is waiting for the release of Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. Even my friends who have not started the series yet. *cough*LEIGH*cough*


Scholastic has kept Mockingjay under lock & key. I'm pretty sure no ARCs were given, so the anticipation couldn't be higher. I'm kind of excited that I haven't heard ANYTHING about this book (other than the "I can't wait until..." comments), and I'm also excited to fall right back into the world of Katniss, Peeta, and Gale.

Since I read both Hunger Games and Catching Fire in one day, I'm blocking out the 24th for reading. So, ummm, does anyone want to watch two adorable little kids that day? *wink* I've also decided to get it first on the iPad, because I think that means I can get it at midnight on the 24th. Which means I'll be up all night. So, I'll still need that babysitter (or my Manny!).

What about you all? Have you waited until now to start the series? Or have you been counting down the days like I have? (And seriously, if you haven't read and don't plan on it, CHANGE YOUR MIND. This series is AMAZING.)

Reading Rain-bow: The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

I think we've made it pretty clear that we are in love with the Iron Fae series by Julie Kagawa. Leigh and I both loved The Iron King, so we were more than happy to read advance copies of The Iron Daughter. (And when I say 'more than happy,' I mean 'we danced happy dances and squeed aloud.') We wanted to wait until the book was available to tell you all about it, so you wouldn't have to wait one minute to go order your copy.




Once again Julie Kagawa delivers an exciting, fun, and of course swoon-filled story with The Iron Daughter. I think the reason I'm so drawn to The Iron Fae series is the basic idea that the fae are conjured by our imagination. I know, that's an old tale, but the way Julie weaves it with the modern-day is just about perfect.

The fact that I'm so invested in this series is proof of Julie's talent, because (and don't hate me) I'm actually not a fan of most fairy stories. They're mean, selfish, and aloof. I usually end up just wanting to slap or squash them, depending on how large the author makes them. *grin*



Well I LOVE fairy stories, but I especially love these fairy stories. And I have really grown to love Meghan. In the first book, The Iron King, Meghan was discovering herself and growing as a character. In this book she is forced look outside of herself, and make some difficult decisions. Her relationship with both Ash and Puck are explored (#TeamPuck), and I found Meghan's inner turmoil to be spot on. Even I was a little confused (clearly since I am finding myself on the "wrong" team... maybe).


Now, I have to be honest here, I was all sorts of irritated with Meghan in the beginning of this book. I wanted to shake her because of her insecurities, but then she goes through a very obvious transformation of spirit and I loved it. It was gratifying to watch her mature. So, if you're not quite sure about her in the beginning, just trust me on this and keep reading. (I'm looking at you, Picksee77.)


I think my favorite part of this book is when Meghan is forced to confront her past. I won't give anything away, but Meghan has to return to her school (back in the human realm) and has the chance to show off a bit to her peers who think of her only as the Swamp Girl. I'm a big fan of the whole "I'll show them," thing happening in books, and although Meghan wasn't exactly thinking that way, it was quite a moment for her.

And one last thing - the characters get even better in The Iron Daughter. You learn more about the Winter Fae and Ash's family, which was fun because his mother is a perfect Ice Queen. And, my new favorite fae character, Iron Horse was fabulous. I think he stole the show, personally.

Oh, Iron Horse, how I love his character. And Julie Kagawa was nice enough during a recent chat to give us the PERFECT voice to imagine while reading his part: Michael Clarke Duncan. Can you see it??




He is Iron Horse to me now! He really is perfect!

So, if you haven't rushed out to get your copy of The Iron Daughter - GO! And if you haven't read the series, get to reading! We have it on good authority that even more amazing things are in the works for Meghan, Ash, and Puck, so you don't want to miss out!

PS - Don't forget you can get a free download of Winter's Passage - the short novella that takes place in between The Iron King and The Iron Daughter - at Julie's website!

AND, since Stacie had to throw in a #TeamPuck, I feel the need to shout out #TeamAsh. If you've read, who are you rooting for?