Tag Archives: coming soon

Aug 26 2014
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Coming Soon: Ignite by Sara B. Larson

igniteTitle: Ignite

Author: Sara B. Larson

Series: Defy #2

Genre: Teen Fantasy 

Release Date: January 6, 2015

The Overview: Alexa remains by the newly crowned King Damian’s side as his guard, ever committed to helping him rebuild Antion and reclaim the hope of Antion’s people, despite continuing to harbor a secret love for him. However, when another threat to Damian and his kingdom emerges, and blame is cast on their newly forged allies from Blevon, Alexa knows things are not what they seem. With the fate of her nation hanging in the balance once again, will Alexa be able to protect her king and uncover the true enemy — before it’s too late?

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Hosted by Breaking the Spine

Having just finished Defy last week, I can say with certainty I am excited to read Ignite! What a shame I have to wait until January. I enjoyed Defy thoroughly despite the fact that there were a few elements that wouldn’t hold up the close scrutiny. It just goes to show that a novel doesn’t have to be perfect to be highly entertaining. I haven’t written a review for Defy yet, but it’s definitely getting a higher rating. It actually had a lot of similar appeal to Throne of Glass…

 As a side note, I picked up Defy because a) I wanted to read it (a given) and b) Larson is scheduled to attend the Vegas Valley Book Festival… you better believe I’ve already purchased a copy to have her sign – much love! :-)

 What book are you waiting on?

by Niki Hawkes

Aug 26 2014
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Top Ten Books I Want to Own!

top ten tuesday

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

I love buying books. And lucky for all of you, I also love talking about buying books. Being a bookseller for eleven years can really take a toll on your bank account (and shelves), and I’m sure all of you book lovers can imagine how difficult it was to show restraint (I’ve heard it compared to allowing an alcoholic to work in a bar). Because I’ve been collecting for so long, my library is pretty extensive and there are not many books I want to read that I don’t already own. That is why everything on my list are either new or upcoming releases (with the sole exception of Independent Study – I absolutely loved it, but didn’t like books 1 or 3 nearly as much… to buy, or not to buy?).

Top Ten Books I Want to Own!

 As I’ve been working really hard towards becoming a conservative book buyer (it has been really painful), I started a Read 4, Buy 1 system and it has actually been working! Not only do I feel like I get a reward every fourth book, but it keeps a steady stream of books arriving at my doorstep (happies!!!). It has also turned me into a much more careful book buyer. Before, I would buy anything and everything I thought I might want to read one day. And not just book 1, but the entire series! As you can imagine, I found myself in a lot of trouble when I figured out I didn’t like the first book as much as I thought I would. Now, unless it’s a new book from an author I already love, I make a point to read new authors before I buy them. My collection has grown so much more special now that I’m bringing home only the “best” books. To make a long story short, five of the books above are from authors I love while the other five books are ones I’ve already read… awesome! lol

What books would you like to own? Any from my list?

by Niki Hawkes

Aug 19 2014
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Coming Soon: Zodiac by Romina Russell

zodiacTitle: Zodiac

Author: Romina Russell

Series: ?

Genre: Teen Science Fiction

Release Date: December 9, 2014

The Overview: At the dawn of time, there were 13 Houses in the Zodiac Galaxy. Now only 12 remain…. Rhoma Grace is a 16-year-old student from House Cancer with an unusual way of reading the stars. While her classmates use measurements to make accurate astrological predictions, Rho can’t solve for ‘x’ to save her life—so instead, she looks up at the night sky and makes up stories. When a violent blast strikes the moons of Cancer, sending its ocean planet off-kilter and killing thousands of citizens—including its beloved Guardian—Rho is more surprised than anyone when she is named the House’s new leader. But, a true Cancrian who loves her home fiercely and will protect her people no matter what, Rho accepts.

Then, when more Houses fall victim to freak weather catastrophes, Rho starts seeing a pattern in the stars. She suspects Ophiuchus—the exiled 13th Guardian of Zodiac legend—has returned to exact his revenge across the Galaxy. Now Rho—along with Hysan Dax, a young envoy from House Libra, and Mathias, her guide and a member of her Royal Guard—must travel through the Zodiac to warn the other Guardians. But who will believe anything this young novice says? Whom can Rho trust in a universe defined by differences? And how can she convince twelve worlds to unite as one Zodiac?

zodiac

Hosted by Breaking the Spine

 I don’t feature upcoming debut books very often because I’m usually too busy waiting on books from authors I already know I’m going to love. That being said, every now and then a new book pops on my radar that I feel oddly drawn towards. Zodiac is one such book. Now, I’ve never been one for astrological readings, but I do like the idea of using its as a premise for a book. I think it has potential to be either really cool or really cheesy… We shall see. :-)

What book are you waiting on?

by Niki Hawkes

Aug 13 2014
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Coming Soon: Catalyst by Lydia Kang

catalystTitle: Catalyst

Author: Lydia Kang

Series: Control #2

Genre: Teen Dystopian 

Release Date: March 24, 2015

The Overview: In the past year Zel lost her father, the boy she loves, her safety, and any future she might have imagined for herself. Now she, her sister, and the band of genetic outcasts they’ve come to call their family are forced on the run when their safe house is attacked by men with neural guns. But on the way to a rumored haven in Chicago, Zel hears something–a whisper from Cy, the boy who traded himself for her sister’s safety. And when she veers off plan in order to search for him, what she finds is not what she expected. There’s more to their genetic mutations than they ever imagined…aspects that make them wonder if they might be accepted by the outside world after all.

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Hosted by Breaking the Spine

In my review of Control, I point out that there were a couple of things this author did brilliantly – excellent side characters and beautiful immersive writing, to name a couple. I also expressed how disappointed I was at the direction the story took. It had all the elements it needed to be brilliant, but the main character (who is really smart) decided to make a bunch of foolish decisions. I wondered for a while if I was going to continue this series, but have finally decided there are just too many great things about this author to dismiss. Especially considering the things I didn’t like were preferential and not in any way a ding against Kang’s talents. The bad news? This book doesn’t come out until March of next year. I’m going to be waiting a lot of Wednesdays to find out what happens next.

 What book are you waiting on?

by Niki Hawkes

Aug 5 2014
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Coming Soon: A Play of Shadow by Julie E Czerneda

a play of shadowTitle: A Play of Shadow

Author: Julie E. Czerneda

Series: Night’s Edge #2

Genre: Fantasy

Release Date: November 4, 2014

The Overview: What would you risk for family? The truthseer who won Jenn Nalynn’s heart, Bannan Larmensu, learns his brother-in-law was sent as a peace envoy to Channen, the capital of the mysterious domain of Mellynne, and has disappeared. When Bannan’s young nephews arrive in Marrowdell during a storm, he fears that his sister, the fiery Lila, has gone in search of her husband, leaving her sons in his care. The law forbids Bannan from leaving Marrowdell and traveling to Mellynne to help his sister. At least, in this world. As a turn-born, Jenn Nalynn has the power to cross into the magical realm of the Verge—and take Bannan with her. Once there, they could find a way into Mellynne, if they survive. The Verge is wild and deadly, alive with strange magic. Dragons roar and kruar wait in ambush, and the powerful turn-born who tend their world do not care for Jenn Nalynn. But Jenn is willing to try. Their friends Wisp and Scourge — and the house toads — offer their help. But what none of them know is that Channen is rife with magic, magic that flows from the Verge itself. And not even a turn-born will be safe there.

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Hosted by Breaking the Spine

Okay, so I haven’t actually read the first book in this series (A Turn of Light) yet, but I bought it in hardcover and totally plan on picking it up within the next couple of months. Considering that Czerneda is one of my all-time favorites, it is ultimate shame that I haven’t read this one yet. I think part of my hesitance is that I’ve known her as a science fiction author and this will be her first fantasy… Although I can’t imagine it being anything less than amazing. I think honestly I’ve just been waiting for a rainy day to give it a try. It’s a shame I’m not caught up because the first several chapters of A Play of Shadow are on her website for anybody who’s interested. :-)

 What book are you waiting on?

by Niki Hawkes

Aug 5 2014
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Top Ten YA Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic Books!

top ten tuesday

Hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

 I’ve wanted to put together a dystopian/post-apocalyptic list for a while now, mostly because I’ve read so many of them (it’s true. I lost most of 2013 to these novels… I regret nothing). I figured at the very least I’d be able to save people some time by presenting the ones I liked the most. I realize the dystopian genre did not start with the Hunger Games (or with YA in general, for that matter), but as they are my favorite representations, my list will be very YA-centric.

Top Ten YA Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic Books!

The top row represents my absolute favorites – the ones I can recommend with 100% confidence. Hunger Games is a given, but my favorite on the list is actually Partials by Dan Wells. The bottom row represents the ones that I enjoyed thoroughly, but know many readers who didn’t feel the same way. As a side note, I actually didn’t give The Testing of very high rating, but loved the second book enough to include it on this list. Also, The Selection by Kiera Cass would have made the list had the third book not been such a disappointment (I feel like it still deserves an honorary mention, though). I have I read so many mediocre dystopians that it’s nice to be able to pay homage to the ones I feel were above par.

 What’s dystopians/post-apocalyptic books would make your list?

by Niki Hawkes