Stacking the Shelves - 6.6.15

Stacking the Shelves
hosted by Tynga's Reviews (details)
Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

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For Review:

Worthy
by Catherine Ryan Hyde
-Animal, Illness, Women's Fiction
courtesy of BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge 2015
Thanks!
Amazon | Goodreads
They might’ve been a family.

Virginia finally had the chance to explore a relationship with Aaron when he asked her on a date. She had been waiting, hoping that the widower and his young son, Buddy, would welcome her into their lives. But a terrible tragedy strikes on the night of their first kiss, crushing their hopes for a future together.

Nineteen years later, Virginia is engaged, though she has not forgotten Aaron or Buddy. When her dog goes missing and it comes to light that her fiancé set him loose, a distraught Virginia breaks off the engagement and is alone once again. A shy young man has found the missing pet, and although he’s bonded with the animal, he answers his conscience and returns the dog. Before long, Virginia and the young man discover a connection from their pasts that will help them let go of painful memories and change their lives forever.

=====> I received an extra ARC copy. If you would be interested in getting it. Let me know and I will send it your way (US only).

Pieces
by Maria Kostaki
-Women's Fiction
courtesy of BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge 2015
Thanks!
Amazon | Goodreads

A Sporting Murder
by Lesley A. Diehl
-cozy mystery
courtesy of book tour by Tribute Books Tour
Thanks !
Amazon | Goodreads
FREEBIE:

Cat and Jemima J
by Jane Green
-ebook, short story, women's fiction
courtesy of BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge 2015
Thanks!
Amazon | Goodreads | GET yours here while it lasts
Library:

Winner's Crime
by Marie Rutkoski
-Fantasy, YA
Amazon | Goodreads
Following your heart can be a crime

A royal wedding is what most girls dream about. It means one celebration after another: balls, fireworks, and revelry until dawn. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement: that she agreed to marry the crown prince in exchange for Arin's freedom. But can Kestrel trust Arin? Can she even trust herself? For Kestrel is becoming very good at deception. She's working as a spy in the court. If caught, she'll be exposed as a traitor to her country. Yet she can't help searching for a way to change her ruthless world . . . and she is close to uncovering a shocking secret.

This dazzling follow-up to The Winner's Curse reveals the high price of dangerous lies and untrustworthy alliances. The truth will come out, and when it does, Kestrel and Arin will learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

=====> Listening to the audio version.

AND binge watching:

Parasyte: The Maxim
Japanese animation tv series, season one
-horror, sci-fi
Amazon | imdb
The 17-year-old Izumi Shinichi lives with his mother and father in a quiet neighborhood in Tokyo. One night, worm-like aliens called Parasytes invade Earth, taking over the brains of human hosts by entering through their ears or noses. One Parasyte attempts to crawl into Shinichi's ear while he sleeps, but fails since he is wearing headphones, and enters his body by burrowing into his arm instead, taking over his right hand and is named Migi. Because Shinichi was able to prevent Migi from traveling further up into his brain, both beings retain their separate intellect and personality. As the duo encounter other Parasytes, they capitalize on their strange situation and gradually form a strong bond, working together to survive. This gives them an edge in battling other Parasytes, who frequently attack the pair upon realization that Shinichi's human brain is still intact. Shinichi feels compelled to fight other Parasytes, who devour humans as food, while enlisting Migi's help.

=====> got drawn into this anime series from by my daughter

Based on manga series:

Parasyte
volume 1
by Hitoshi Iwaaki
-Japanese, Horror, Sci-fi, Manga
Amazon | Goodreads | wiki
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BookSparks Tour
June 10 to July 1, 2015
details here
I am looking forward to when this tour hits San Francisco!

Here are the authors coming to town:

- Leanna Lehman— Vote For Remi

- Laura Nicole Diamond— Shelter Us

- Donna Stoneham— The Thriver’s Edge

- Hollye Dexter— Fire Season

- Constance Hanstedt— Don’t Leave Yet

Check out the details to see who will be in your neighborhood.

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* comment and TELL me what you have acquired for your shelves recently

* per usual, check out the sidebar for my current giveaways offers

Waiting on Wednesday - 9.17.14

Waiting on Wednesday
sponsored by Jill at Breaking the Spine
upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating
I'm waiting for...

The Winner's Crime
by Marie Rutkoski
to be released: March 3, 2015
Amazon | Goodreads
Book two of the dazzling Winner's Trilogy is a fight to the death as Kestrel risks betrayal of country for love.

The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria’s crown prince means one celebration after another. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement…if she could only trust him. Yet can she even trust herself? For—unknown to Arin—Kestrel is becoming a skilled practitioner of deceit: an anonymous spy passing information to Herran, and close to uncovering a shocking secret.

As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country’s freedom, he can’t fight the suspicion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth. And when that happens, Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

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* the cover art has not yet been revealed

* highly recommend reading book 1, The Winner's Curse (my review), before you read this one

* per MacMillan...

Want to read the first three chapters before anyone else? Visit this page to find out how!

Want to win an ARC? Be the first to say the secret password "moth" at any of the tour stops on the September leg of the Fall 2014 Fierce Reads Tour.


* TELL me what you are waiting for in comments.

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

The Winner's Curse
by Marie Rutkoski

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
Goodreads
BookExcerpt
Website
Blog
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
Tumblr
Twitter @marierutkoski

Published: March 2014
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Genre: Dystopia, Romance, YA
Hardback: 368 pages
Rating: 5

The Winner's Trilogy:
Bridge of Snow
The Winner's Curse
The Winner's Crime - tba

Winning what you want may cost you everything you love

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

PeekAbook:



My two-bits:

LOVED it and can't wait until book 2 is released!

It was like watching a game of chess. What I found fascinating about this book was the strategic moves made by the main characters. Kestrel was cunning in her dealings within her constraints and type of world she lives in.

The second main character and love interest, Arin, was just as interesting with his honesty and flexibility with his feelings and efforts towards a better future.

~*~
* highly recommend listening to the audio version

* added this to my Bookish Bingo challenge

* part of my Dystopia Reading Challenge

Stacking the Shelves - 8.16.14

Stacking the Shelves
hosted by Tynga's Reviews (details)
Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

~*~
Bought:

Northanger Abbey
Jane Austen Marvel Adaptation
by Nancy Butler (Author), Janet Lee (Illustrator)
-graphic novel, jane austen
Amazon | Goodreads

Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart
by Beth Pattillo
-chick-lit, jane austen
Amazon | Goodreads
-----> Getting ready for the Book Rat's Austen in August read-along


For Review:

Rock Angel
by Jeanne Bogino
-music, new adult
courtesy of BookSparks
Thanks Janay!
Amazon | Goodreads

Library:

The Winner's Curse
by Marie Rutkoski
-dystopia, YA
Amazon | Goodreads
Winning what you want may cost you everything you love

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

-----> I am listening to the audio version and loving it!


Dreaming about getting soon:

Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage
by Haruki Murakami
-japanese, contemporary fiction
Amazon | Goodreads
Tsukuru Tazaki had four best friends at school. By chance all of their names contained a colour. The two boys were called Akamatsu, meaning ‘red pine', and Oumi, ‘blue sea', while the girls' names were Shirane, ‘white root', and Kurono, ‘black field'. Tazaki was the only last name with no colour in it.

One day Tsukuru Tazaki’s friends announced that they didn’t want to see him, or talk to him, ever again.

Since that day Tsukuru has been floating through life, unable to form intimate connections with anyone. But then he meets Sara, who tells him that the time has come to find out what happened all those years ago.

-----> Been meaning to read another Murakami (since reading Sputnik Sweetheart -my review) and this looks like a good one.

Also, have been impressed with the Murakami hype and midnight release for this latest novel.

I would love to know if you've read any Murakami and any thoughts on his writing.

~*~
* some of these may be offered as giveaways within the next two months

* comment and TELL me what you have acquired for your shelves recently

* per usual, check out the sidebar for my current giveaways offers

Bookish Bingo Challenge: Summer

Bookish Bingo Challenge
Summer: July to September 2014
hosted by Great Imaginations
details here
Just joined this book challenge again!

The Rules:

Sign-ups close on July 14th here

One square per book. For instance, Mockingjay starts with M and is also a series finale, but can only count for one square.

All reading must be done during the months of July, August, and September.

There will be a giveaway again!

Extra entries will be awarded for multiple bingos and a fully covered card earns +5!

Books read:

Square - magical realism
The Future for Curious People
by Gregory Sherl
my review

Square - A Middle Grade Novel
Bone by Jeff Smith
(graphic novel)
my review

Square - Asian MC
The Girl from the Well by Rin Chupeco
my review

Square - MC is LBGTIA
The Red Sheet by Mia Kerick
my review

Square - Road Trip
One Plus One by Jojo Moyes
my review

Square - Music theme
Rock Angel by Jeanne Bogino
my review

Square - Pink Cover
The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
my review

Square - Thriller
Until You're Mine by Samantha Hayes
my review

Square - Set on an Island
The Vacationers: A Novel by Emma Straub
-set in Mallorca
my review

Square - A Retelling
Ariadne by S.D. Hines
my review

Square - Set during the Summer
This One Summer
by Mariko Tamaki
my review

Square - Water on Cover
Serenade
by Emily Kiebel
my review

Square - Sky on Cover
These Broken Stars
by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
my review

Square - Set in Europe
-France
The Penny Thief
by Christophe Paul
my review

Square - Starts with M
My Last Kiss
by Bethany Neal
my review

Square - Featuring an animal companion
Hot Chocolate
by Dawn Greenfield Ireland
-Lila Mae's dog, Louie
my review

Square - Strong Sibling Relationship
Bitter Chocolate
by Dawn Greenfield Ireland
-three sisters
my review

Square - Blue Cover
I Become Shadow
by Joe Shine
my review

Square - Summer Release
Burning Bright
by E.J. Stevens
my review

Square - Stand Alone
The One and Only
by Emily Giffin
my review

Happy release: The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

The Winner’s Curse
by Marie Rutkoski
release date: March 4, 2014
As a general's daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin's eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him'with unexpected consequences. It's not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.



Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner's Curse is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

Book links:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
iTunes
IndieBound
Google Books
Books-A-Million

Goodreads
Website
Facebook

PeekAbook:

About the author:

Marie Rutkoski is the author of The Kronos Chronicles, including The Cabinet of Wonders and The Celestial Globe. The Cabinet of Wonders, her debut novel, was named an Indie Next Kids’ List Great Read and a Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year, among other honors. Rutkoski grew up in Bolingbrook, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago), as the oldest of four children.

She attended the University of Iowa, where she took Writers’ Workshop classes and studied with Pulitzer Prize-winner James Alant McPherson. After graduating, she lived in Moscow and Prague. Upon receiving her Ph.D. from Harvard University, she held dual appointments as a lecturer there in both English and American Literature and Language, and History and Literature.

Rutkoski is currently a professor at Brooklyn College, where she teaches Renaissance Drama, children’s literature and creative writing. She lives in New York City with her husband and cat.

Visit Marie:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
GoodReads
Instagram: @MarieRutkoski

~*~
* one on my want list

Dystopia Reading Challenge 2014

Dystopia
Reading Challenge 2014
hosted by Blog of Erised
details here
The premise:

Read post-apocalyptic dystopia books.

Level 1: Recruit (1 to 6 books)
Level 2: Rebel (7 to 12 books)
Level 3: Revolutionist (13 to 18 books)
Level 4: Leader (19+ books)

I will attempt the RECRUIT level and give my rating and brief comments below on the books read. So, this post will be updated throughout the year.

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My reading list:

Cinder by Marissa Meyer
(The Lunar Chronicles series book 1)
Amazon | Goodreads
-my rating: 5
Wonderful take on the Cinderella tale with a cyborg twist. Plenty of action and intrigue that kept me glued.

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
(The Lunar Chronicles series book 2)
Amazon | Goodreads
-my rating: 5
This second book includes more action and introduces a couple more classic fairy tale characters (from Little Red Riding Hood).

Felt a Star Wars vibe with this story.

Cress by Marissa Meyer
(The Lunar Chronicles series book 3)
Amazon | Goodreads
-my rating: 5
Loved getting to know the characters Cress and Thorn more. And loved how the three couples interact and join forces.

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When She Woke by Hillary Jordan
Amazon | Goodreads
-my rating: 5
Has an eerie tone. I like how things were resolved.

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Allegiant by Veronica Roth
(Divergent series book 3)
Amazon | Goodreads
-my rating: 4
This story wraps up the trilogy pretty well. Lots of layers to this story and all is revealed. Boo-hoo ending.

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The Only Boy by Jordan Locke
Amazon | Goodreads
-my rating: 5
Very engaging dystopia tale told in two voices. There are back and forth perspectives from main characters, Mary and Taylor which was effective in understanding the characters and their predicaments.

Got me thinking of the power of women and matriarchal societies.

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The Revealed by Jessica Hickam
Amazon | Goodreads
-my rating: 4
Action and touch of romance in a world of the future.

The first half of the book concentrates on the main character, Lily - heroine in the making. I liked Lily's character development of a sheltered girl striving for her independence and starting to come into her own.

The second half of the book introduces more characters and reveals The Revealed - some of whom have interesting talents and amusing personalities. I'm guessing we will learn more about them in the the next book in this series.

A tinge of a Romeo and Juliet romance occurs in that the families are rivals. So, we are kept wondering if, how, when the love will happen.

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
Amazon | Goodreads
-my rating: 5
Aliens, YA survival and romance. Tough stuff.

These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
Amazon | Goodreads
-my rating: 5
Loved how this story mixes romance, sci-fi, and YA.

The pacing and gradual transformation of the two main characters in this story is what I found appealing in this story of survival on a lonely planet. Through the eyes of each, you begin to fall in love with each.

Feed by M.T. Anderson
Amazon | Goodreads
-my rating: 4
Scary look into what it might be like to have an internet feed directly in the brain from a teen perspective.

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski
Amazon | Goodreads
-my rating: 5
LOVED it and can't wait until book 2 is released!

It was like watching a game of chess. What I found fascinating about this book was the strategic moves made by the main characters. Kestrel was cunning in her dealings within her constraints and type of world she lives in.

The second main character and love interest, Arin, was just as interesting with his honesty and flexibility with his feelings and efforts towards a better future.

Panic by Lauren Oliver
Amazon | Goodreads
-my rating: 5
Fast paced with good characters and character development.

Alienated by Melissa Landers
Amazon | Goodreads
-my rating: 5
The experience presented was like having a foreign exchange student living in your home with the added twist - he (or it) is from another planet.

I found this to be a fun read that comes with people learning about each other and from moments that spark from a budding sweet romance.

There are some serious nitty gritty issues that this book ends with. So, next book is definitely required.

Moral Order: The Rise of Luca C. Mariner by Phil Pauley
Amazon | Goodreads
-my rating: 4
I found this to be a good start to a new series that takes place in the future that includes aliens.

A big cast is introduced and established well in this story. However, there is a focus on the main character, Luca, who holds special abilities and qualities that presents him as good hero for this series.

Alliances and friendships are made and strengthened amidst action scenes.

I was tickled to encounter a kind of black smokes monster that shows up in the story that reminded me of the black smoke monster from the tv series Lost.

And, there is a spark of a budding romance.

The Bodies We Wear by Jeyn Roberts
Amazon | Goodreads
-my rating: 5
Issues about rehabilitation, revenge, death and love are masterfully intermingled and dealt with in this tale of a girl who survives an addiction.

Interesting paranormal action and activity comes into play in some scenes that help the main character come to terms with internal conflicts of the past.

Loved how things were not necessarily black and white.

The main character, Faye, is such a strong fighter and survivor. She is another one of those gals who I'm adding to my list of kick-ass fiction heroines.

~*~

Delirium by Lauren Oliver
(Delirium series book 1)
Amazon | Goodreads
-my rating: tba
coming up

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The Faustian Host
Apocalypse Signs by Dave Becker
Amazon | Goodreads
-my rating: tba
coming up

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Feel free to comment and let me know if you liked or disliked any of these books, etc.