Jun 2 2013

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Coming Soon: Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken

Title: Never Fade

Author: Alexandra Bracken

Series: The Darkest Minds #2

Genre: Teen Fantasy

Release Date: October 15, 2013

The Overview: Ruby never asked for the abilities that almost cost her her life. Now she must call upon them on a daily basis, leading dangerous missions to bring down a corrupt government and breaking into the minds of her enemies. Other kids in the Children’s League call Ruby “Leader”, but she knows what she really is: a monster.

When Ruby is entrusted with an explosive secret, she must embark on her most dangerous mission yet: leaving the Children’s League behind. Crucial information about the disease that killed most of America’s children—and turned Ruby and the others who lived into feared and hated outcasts—has survived every attempt to destroy it. But the truth is only saved in one place: a flashdrive in the hands of Liam Stewart, the boy Ruby once believed was her future—and who now wouldn’t recognize her.As Ruby sets out across a desperate, lawless country to find Liam—and answers about the catastrophe that has ripped both her life and America apart—she is torn between old friends and the promise she made to serve the League. Ruby will do anything to protect the people she loves. But what if winning the war means losing herself?

Nik’s Notes:

After reading The Darkest Minds, I felt highly entertained yet still a little dissatisfied. I go into great detail in my review so I won’t delve into it here, but suffice to say it was a bit of a downer. Aside from that, I quite enjoyed the writing style, the characters, and the love story. Those things were powerful enough that even though I finish the book in a bad mood, I still want to see where she takes it next. If you liked Divergent, Partials, and The 5th Wave, this might be a great author for you to try next…

Here’s my review of book #1:

May 28 2013

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Ann Aguirre is Writing a New YA!

Title: The Queen of Bright and Shiny Things

Author: Ann Aguirre

Series: N/A

Genre: Teen Fiction

Release Date: 2015

(Pictured above is my temp cover for Ann Aguirre’s new book)

Ann Aguirre is one of my favorite authors and ever since I picked up her novel, Grimspace, I have resolved to read anything this woman publishes… Including a new book out in 2015 called The Queen of Bright & Shiny Things. It is a YA love story that sounds like it’s going to be both beautiful and heart-wrenching. Here’s a little blurb from her website:

Sage Czinski is trying really hard to be perfect. If she manages it, people won’t peer beyond the surface, or ask hard questions about her past. She’s learned to substitute causes for relationships, and it’s working just fine… until Shane Cavendish strolls into her math class. He’s a little antisocial, a lot beautiful, and everything she never knew she always wanted.

Shane Cavendish just wants to be left alone to play guitar and work on his music. He’s got heartbreak and loneliness in his rearview mirror, and this new school represents his last chance. He doesn’t expect to be happy; he only wants to graduate and move on. He never counted on a girl like Sage.

But love doesn’t mend all broken things, and sometimes life has to fall apart before it can be put back together again…

It looks incredibly well conceived, and I absolutely love the way she writes about relationships. I know a lot of you out there loved her Razorland series, so now we all have something extra to look forward to! If you would like to participate in the mock-up cover design contest, here is the link to her Facebook page with all the details: https://www.facebook.com/ann.aguirre?fref=ts

Other amazing series by this author:

: Grimspace by Ann Aguirre

: Enclave by Ann Aguirre

: Blue Diablo by Ann Aguirre

: Bronze Gods by Ann Aguirre

: Perdition by Ann Aguirre

May 26 2013

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Coming Soon: The Human

Title: The Human

Author: Keary Taylor

Series: The Eden Trilogy #2

Genre: Teen Fantasy

Release Date: June 18, 2013

The Overview: The city of New Eden is cleared, but it won’t stay that way forever. The Bane continue to advance in horrific ways that will wipe humanity from the face of the Earth. A storm is coming, one none of them could have dared imagine. When a group of outsiders come to the city, everyone is on edge. They have too many questions and not enough answers about where they are from or what they want. Just because they are human doesn’t mean they can be trusted. Eve made a choice–one that could have deadly repercussions. Desperate hearts bring about desperate actions. Now she must make another decision as her world continues to crumble: come to terms with who she really is, or risk her sanity. She thought she had unlocked all the secrets from her past, but there are truths still buried that leave her questioning what is real and what is not.

Nik’s Notes:

I got the first book in this trilogy from Net Galley, but it is one I would be willing to buy as a hard copy – I really liked it. Along the same lines as Divergent and Partials, this series fits right in with some of the most popular dystopian titles out there. If I’m not mistaken, these are self-published, but I feel the quality of the story and the writing were enough to warrant a book deal. The advantage for the self-publishing, however is that she can release the books whenever she wants. As the first book was only out earlier this year I am super and excited that I don’t have to wait months and months to read the second one. What’s more, she’s giving away a free copy (click here for details). Anyway, if you are as addicted to dystopians as I am, this should definitely be your next read!

Click on the cover below to read my review of book #1

The Bane by Keary Taylor

May 16 2013

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Coming Soon: Unhinged

Title: Unhinged

Author: A. G. Howard

Series: Splintered #2

Genre: Teen Fantasy

Release Date: January 7, 2104

The Overview: Alyssa Gardner has been down the rabbit hole and faced the bandersnatch. She saved the life of Jeb, the guy she loves, and escaped the machinations of the disturbingly seductive Morpheus and the vindictive Queen Red. Now all she has to do is graduate high school and make it through prom so she can attend the prestigious art school in London she’s always dreamed of.

Nik’s Notes:

I have a weakness for awesome covers, and this one is the best one I’ve seen all year. Book 1 was enticing enough, but now I’m convinced I can’t ignore this series any longer. The only reason I haven’t picked it up yet is that “Alice in Wonderland” is not exactly a personal favorite. However, I’ve been reading a lot of great reviews and hear it’s original enough to make it worth the effort. I’m putting it in the TBR pile, but probably will hold off for a few months seeing as this one isn’t released until 2014.

May 12 2013

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Coming Soon: Midnight Frost by Jennifer Estep

Title: Midnight Frost

Author: Jennifer Estep

Series: Mythos Academy #5

Genre: Teen Paranormal Romance

Release Date: July 30, 2013

The Overview: Just when it seems life at Mythos Academy can’t get any more dangerous, the Reapers of Chaos manage to prove me wrong. It was just a typical night at the Library of Antiquities — until a Reaper tried to poison me. The good news is I’m still alive and kicking. The bad news is the Reaper poisoned someone else instead.

As Nike’s Champion, everyone expects me to lead the charge against the Reapers, even though I’m still hurting over what happened with Spartan warrior Logan Quinn. I’ve got to get my hands on the antidote fast — otherwise, an innocent person will die. But the only known cure is hidden in some creepy ruins — and the Reapers are sure to be waiting for me there …

Nik’s Notes:

Fans of House of Night should definitely check this series out – it’s a neat hybrid of mythology and paranormal. While book 3 let me down a bit, I absolutely devoured books 1 and 2 (and thus far, book 4 seems to be redeeming itself). Anyway, it’s a neat concept and I’ve categorized it in my personal “beach-read” favorites list.

May 9 2013

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Coming Soon: The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead

Title: The Fiery Heart

Author: Richelle Mead

Series: Bloodlines #4

Genre: Teen Paranormal Romance

Release Date: November 19, 2013

The Overview: In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .

But the struggle isn’t over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there’s still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure—and re-education—looms larger than ever.

Nik’s Notes:

How excited is everyone else that we don’t have to wait a full year to read this one? This is about the point in the series where the arc of the story takes you on that can’t-catch-your-breath ride to the finale (at least if the VA and Succubus series are anything to go by). These highly character-driven novels are fantastic and I’m betting this is going to be the best one yet! The countdown has begun…

Also, be on the lookout for her latest series (Age of X) available June 4th:

(click the cover to read my review)