Review: On A Dark Wing

Title: On a Dark Wing

Author: Jordan Dane

Series: None

Release Date: December 27^th, 2011

Number of Pages: 384

Publisher: HarlequinTeen

Source: NetGalley

"The choices I had made led to the moment when fate took over. I would learn a lesson I wasn’t prepared for.

And Death would be my willing teacher."

Five years ago Abbey Chandler cheated Death. She survived a horrific car accident, but her lucky break came at the expense of her mother’s life and changed everything. After she crossed paths with Death—by taking the hand of an ethereal boy made of clouds and sky—she would never be normal again.

Now she’s the target of Death’s Ravens and an innocent boy’s life is on the line. When Nate Holden—Abbey’s secret crush—starts to climb Alaska’s Denali, the Angel of Death is with him because of her.

Abbey finds out the hard way that Death never forgets.

If there is one thing that I really like about Jordan Dane’s books, it’s the writing.  When I first read about this book, I was quite curious. The synopsis wasn’t that clear about what would happen in the book. Well, the same thing happened with the book at first. I wasn’t too sure what was going on at first, and I was slightly confused. Still, I kept on reading because I thought it was worth it. The writing kept me reading it (even if there are sometime expression that really made me a little skeptic (Stunned male silence? Do people really use that?), but I’m really happy I kept reading.

Abbey lost her mother five years ago, and she clearly still feels guilty about it. I could understand that, because I think that when you lose someone you are really close to, you often think that there is something you could have changed so that she could have lived. Abbey felt like she should have been the one to die that day. All this complexity in the character is one of the reasons I liked Abbey. Well, it certainly wasn’t because of her huge crush on Nate Holden. When it comes to him, she was a little clueless.

Nate was also a great character. At first, I thought he would come up a little full of himself (after all, he is describe like the kind of guys that would have everything he wants, which often makes them a little full of themselves…), but I really liked the few scenes we have of him interacting with his sister. Tanner was really great with Abbey. He is everything a girl could ask in a friend, which makes me really hope that something good would happen to him.

This book was really creepier than I expected. At first, I thought it was more a mixed of love and grief story, but it was more than that. We see a version of Death that is quite creepy, and it is Death, which should already be a little creepy.

The story may be a little slow, but I believe it is worth reading. It was a great story that will keep you guessing what will happen. 


I'm part of the Book Tour for this book, so if you want to enter for the Tour Giveaway, go HERE!

In My Mailbox 36

In My Mailbox is a Meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren. It is a way to share with other bloggers what you got during the week.

Sorry I haven't posted much during the last few days. I probably won't have that much to post until the end of December, as I still have one exam on Thursday (and I don't really get the material) and after that it will Christmas, the Boxing Day (I'll be working, as I work in a retail store...) and the New Year after that. I'll try to post a little, but don't expect daily post!

Now, here is what I got this week!

Bought at Indigo:

The Girl in Steel Corset by Kady Cross

Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts

Shine by Lauren Myracle

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzama

From Publisher:
My Beating Teenage Heart by C.K. Kelly Martin

Thanks to Random House Canada!

What did you get this week?

Waiting On Wednesday (19)

 Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly Meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine. It is an opportunity for us to show books we can't wait to get our hands on.

This week, I'm waiting for:

Title: Balthazar
Author: Claudia Gray
Release Date: March 6th, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen

Vampire heartthrob Balthazar More, first introduced to readers in the New York Times bestselling Evernight series, fights for true love in this electrifying stand-alone novel. 

Haunted by memories from his first days as a vampire, Balthazar has spent hundreds of years alone—without allies, without love. When he emerges from his isolation to help Skye Tierney, a human girl who once attended Evernight Academy, Balthazar has no idea how dangerous it will be. Skye’s psychic powers have caught the attention of Redgrave, the cruel master vampire responsible for murdering Balthazar and his family four centuries ago. Having learned of Skye’s powers and the remarkable effect her blood has on vampires, he plans to use her for his own evil purposes. As they stand together to fight the evil vampire, Balthazar realizes his lonely world could finally be changed by Skye...just as Redgrave realizes that he can destroy Balthazar once and for all by taking her for his own. 

In a story filled with forbidden love and dark suspense, one of the most beloved characters in Claudia Gray’s New York Times bestselling Evernight series will captivate readers with his battle to overcome his past and follow his heart.

Balthazar was my favorite character from the Evernight series, so I'm really curious to see more from him!

What are you waiting for?

2012 Books I'm dying to read!

I tried to do a Top 20 "Can't Wait to read" books of 2012, which was extremelly hard. How could I decide! I was finally able to make my choices and here it is!

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare (May 8th 2012)

I NEED to know what will happen to Jace. After all, Cassandra Clare elft us with a mean cliffhanger. Seriously, who isn't dying to know what will happen next.

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare (November 2012)

Well, after  reading Clockwork Prince this week, how could I not be dying to read the last book  in this series. I have to know what will happen between Tessa, Will and Jem. 

Insurgent by Veronica Roth (May 28th 2012)

I absolutely loved Divergent. It was one of my favorite Debut this year. I can't wait to read what will happen to Tris, and of course Four. If you still haven't read Divergent, you need to read it before this one comes out.

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver (March 6th 2012)

Loved, loved, LOVED Delirium. The ending broke my heart and I have to say that I'm really curious to see what will happen to Lena. 

The Calling by Kelley Armstrong (April 10th 2012)

I love Kelley Armstrong's book and I can't wait to read more from her! I really enjoyed The Gathering adn I can't wait to see what will happen next.

Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins (March 13th 2012)

This series is so fun and cute! I can't wait to read what will happen to Sophie next. I really enjoyed this series so far, and I don't think this third book will disappoint me.

The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead (June 19th 2012)

I enjoyed Bloodlines, and I'm expecting a lot from this series. I do think this series will keep getting better and better, especially since we should see some interaction between Adrian and Dimitri, which should be fun to read....

A Million Suns by Beth Revis (January 10th 2012)

I really loved Across the Universe, even though I'm not that interested  in that kind of book usually. Now, I really want to know what will happen next. Fortunately, I won't have to wait so long!

Black Heart by Holly Black (April 3rd 2012)

I love this series, and of course I'm excited to see hwo everything will turn out in this series. I have to say that I don't really like the new covers, which is why I'm using the old cover. (It won't fit with my series now....)

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (January 10th, 2012)

Seriously, do I need to explain this one? I adore John Green, and I'm extremelly excited for his newest book. My copy is already pre-ordered, and my dad is pre-ordering me the audiobook  from DFTBA, which is narrated by John Green Himself!

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa (April 24th 2012)

I loved the Iron Fey, so I'm dying to read the new series by Julie Kagawa! Love her writing.

This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers (June 19th 2012)

LOVE Courtney Summers. It is that simple....

Speechless by Hannah Harrington (September 2012)

Sadly there's no cover yet. I really want to read this book simply because I really loved Saving June. That's why I can't wait to read her newest book.

A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink (March 20th 2012)

This sounds really good. I also enjoyed Prophecy of the Sisters, which is why I can't wait to read this new book from Michelle Zink.

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks (May 22nd 2012)

Love how it sounds! It sounds intriguing.

The Unquiet by Jeannine Garsee (July 17th 2012)

Love the cover. It makes me curious about the book.

The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg (February 21st 2012)

Sounds cute, and fun, and excellent!

Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers (April 3rd 2012)

This book makes me really curious. I really can't wait to get my hands on it.

Cursed by Jennifer L. Armentrout (September 18th 2012)

Loved Obsidian, and I have to say that I'm really curious about this book.

Dreamless by Josephine Angelini (May 29th 2012)

Loved Starcrossed, which is why I'm dying to read the sequel!

Here's my list! It was hard to cut it to 20 books, as there are so many books I can't wait to read. What 2012 books are you guys excited to read ?

In My Mailbox 35

In My Mailbox is a Meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren. It is a way to share with other bloggers what you got during the week.

Here is what I got this week!

Bought:
Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare (My Review)

From Publisher:
Legend by Marie Lu (My Review)

From NetGalley:

Slide by Jill Hathaway

Thanks to HarperCollins and Penguin!

What did you get?

Review: Legend

Title: Legend

Author: Marie Lu

Series: Legend #1

Release Date: November 29^th, 2011

Number of Pages: 305

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Source: Penguin Canada

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets. 

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

Wow! That book was amazing! I can’t believe I didn’t read it as soon as it came out. I was surprised with a review copy this week, courtesy of Penguin Canada. As soon as I got it, I read it. It was much more than I was expecting, and I had high expectation, after hearing so many great reviews about it.

This book follows two main characters, June and Day. They are in a way both side of a coin, so different, yet so similar. It is hard for me to say whom I preferred between those two. Day was the courageous and dedicated young man. What I liked the most about him is how he was ready to do anything for his family. I liked that he was good, even if he had been been living on the street for a while, fighting for his survival in a way. Yet, he never resorted to killing others to survive. That’s one of the thing I really liked about him. There’s also the way he acted with Tess that made me really like him as a character. It showed how good he really was.

June, on the other hand, had everything given to her. She is a prodigy for her Republic, a little troublemaker, but also ready to do anything for her brother, her only family left. I liked her evolution, the way her view changed of the Republic. It didn’t change in a day simply because of a boy, or simply because she doesn’t believe in what they are preaching. It comes slowly, and that I liked. I wasn’t sure how they would bring that at first, her being so deep in the military. Yet, the change was extremely believable.

I really enjoy the world built by Marie Lu. I found it to be captivating, believable and well written. I already can’t wait to read what will happen next to June and Day.  It was a pleasure to read, and it was a book I simply couldn’t put down once I started it. I was simply hooked from the first few pages until the end.

Follow Friday (6)

The question of the week:
Keeping with the Spirit of Giving this season, what book do you think EVERYONE should read and if you could, you would buy it for all of your family and friends?

It is hard to chose one... I would have to say the Leviathan series, as I think it would please most of my friends and family. I could buy the audiobook (which is amazing) for my dad that drives a lot, and buy a paperback for my friends and my sister. 
An other choice would be the Mortal Instruments series, or the Infernal Devices, two series I adore. I think they would please them too. 
As you can see, I really like series, though I prefer trilogies to never ending series....
What about you guys?

Review: Clockwork Prince

Title: Clockwork Prince

Author: Cassandra Clare

Series: The Infernal Devices #2

Release Date: December 6^th, 2011

Number of Pages: 497

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Source: Bought

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

Wow. Wow. Wow. I have to issue a warning for this review. It will contain some fangirl excitement, as I’m still unbelievably shaken by this book.

Seriously, Cassandra Clare, I don’t know if I should praise you or completely hate you. HOW CAN YOU TAKE ME ON THAT KIND OF EMOTIONAL ROLLER-COASTER RIDE!!! This book left me speechless at first, freaking out, begging for more… I felt everything a book could make me feel. I’m completely satisfy with what we were offered by Cassandra Clare, which means a lot considering how long I had been waiting for it.

I think this book gave us so much more from the characters. I love Tessa, as she is strong and she tries to take control of her life more than some girl in her position would. She doesn’t simply stay there, waiting for Will to show his affection. He doesn’t seem to feel anything for her. Let’s move on. I liked that. Now, Jem and Will made my heart break. I can’t decide which one I prefer. Jem is so kind, so sweet. He is so much better with Tessa than Will is. Still, we learn so much about Will, and the reasons behind why he acts the way he does. He made my heart break for all he went though. I simply adore him more now than before. Yet, I can’t decide between those two!

Of course, I can’t forget about Magnus Bane. How can one not ADORE him? He is funny and simply amazing. I want more Magnus. MORE! Now, there were also a few really cute moment with Charlotte and Henry, which made my like those characters even more. Finally, I preferred Jessamine in this book than in the first. She may have made some questionable choices in this book, but at least she did something to change her faith. I really liked that about her.

Now, the story really got me addicted. I simply couldn’t put it down. I had to know what would happen next. I did end up reading it until 3am. Cassandra Clare simply has a gift when it comes to making the reader go through every kind of emotions possible. It was amazing. I loved it. I’m already dying for the sequel. If you haven’t read this series yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!!!! Cassandra Clare never ceases to amaze me. She is an incredible author.

Waiting On Wednesday (18)

 Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly Meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine. It is an opportunity for us to show books we can't wait to get our hands on.

This week, I'm waiting for:

Title: Slide
Author: Jill Hathaway
Release Date: March 27th, 2012
Publisher: Balzar & Bray

Vee Bell is certain of one irrefutable truth—her sister’s friend Sophie didn’t kill herself. She was murdered. 

Vee knows this because she was there. Everyone believes Vee is narcoleptic, but she doesn’t actually fall asleep during these episodes: When she passes out, she slides into somebody else’s mind and experiences the world through that person’s eyes. She’s slid into her sister as she cheated on a math test, into a teacher sneaking a drink before class. She learned the worst about a supposed “friend” when she slid into her during a school dance. But nothing could have prepared Vee for what happens one October night when she slides into the mind of someone holding a bloody knife, standing over Sophie’s slashed body. 

Vee desperately wishes she could share her secret, but who would believe her? It sounds so crazy that she can’t bring herself to tell her best friend, Rollins, let alone the police. Even if she could confide in Rollins, he has been acting off lately, more distant, especially now that she’s been spending more time with Zane. 

Enmeshed in a terrifying web of secrets, lies, and danger and with no one to turn to, Vee must find a way to unmask the killer before he or she strikes again.

What are you guys waiting for?

Coming Out This Week! December 5th-December 11th

Coming Out This Week is a weekly feature presenting you some of the books coming out this week. Please remember that this is a non-exhaustive list. Still, feel free to leave other books coming out this week in the comments. I would be Happy to add them!

Clockwork Prince  by Cassandra Clare ( TBD - Amazon - Amazon.ca)

Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey ( TBD - Amazon - Amazon.ca)

Ruthless by Sara Shepard  ( TBD - Amazon - Amazon.ca)

Deadly Little Voices by Laurie Fauria Stolarz (Amazon - Amazon.ca)

Fire by James Patterson ( TBD - Amazon - Amazon.ca)

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout ( TBD - Amazon)

Hushed by Kelley York ( TBD - Amazon )

Struck by Rhonda Stapleton ( TBD - Amazon - Amazon.ca)

Illuminated by Erica Orloff ( TBD - Amazon - Amazon.ca)

Melody Burning by Whitley Streiber ( TBD - Amazon - Amazon.ca)

Fix Me by Rune Michaels (Amazon - Amazon.ca)

The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder ( TBD - Amazon - Amazon.ca) 

Wintertown by Stephen Emond (Amazon)

Paperback and more!

The One That I Want by Jennifer Echols (ebook)

Lying Game by Sara Shepard ( Amazon - Amazon.ca)

Sweep Volume 5  by Cate Tiernan ( TBD - Amazon - Amazon.ca)

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins ( TBD - Amazon - Amazon.ca)

Grace by Elizabeth Scott ( TBD - Amazon.ca)

Which book are you the most excited for?

Cover Reveal: Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I'm really happy to be able to show you the new cover for Onyx, the sequel to the amazing Obsidian.

First, a little more about Obsidian:

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don’t kill him first, that is.

To buy it:

Amazon

Barnes And Noble

Book Depository

 Now the cover for Onyx:

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…

What do you think of the cover? 

Have you read Obsidian yet?

In My Mailbox 34

In My Mailbox is a Meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren. It is a way to share with other bloggers what you got during the week.

Here is what I got this week!

I went to Indigo today, as they have 30% off Hardcover. I ended up buying 4 books I had already read, but I didn't own a copy yet.

Hereafter by Tara Hudson

A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

The Mephisto Covenant by Trinity Faegen

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini


This is all I got this week! What did you get?

Review: Obsidian

Title: Obsidian
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Lux #1
Release Date: December 6th, 2011
Number of Pages: 266
Publisher: Entangled
Source: NetGalley

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don’t kill him first, that is.

When I first saw this book on NetGalley, I hadn’t really heard anything about it. I had read a little about the author and her other series, but not about the Lux series. I requested it, and didn’t really touch it for a while. I ended up starting it one afternoon, only to get caugh in the amazingness that it is. I devoured it. I read it on my computer, and I don’t think I left my computer once while I was reading it. It was THAT addicting.

At first, I wasn’t sure. The main character, Katy, is a book blogger. That kind of threw me off. I don’t know why, it just really bugged me. Too close to home? After a while, I forgot she was, except for the few reference to it we can see though the novel, which I kind of didn’t care for. I love the way she reacted to everything that was thrown her way. She had the kind of reaction a normal human being would have. She doesn’t just want to believe the unbelievable simply because she is told. She has personality, which made her even more interesting.

I love the interaction between Dee and Katy. Dee is fun and full of life. She simply looking for a friend, even if her brother doesn’t want her to. They were both there for each other in a way even though they haven’t known each other that long. That was nice to see.

Of course, I can’t forget about Daemon. He can be conceite he can be an ass, but don’t we all love him. He is so protective of his sister, she really is his priority, which is nice to see. I love how both he and Katy intereacted together. He knew how to push her buttons. You never knew what to expect from him.

Jennifer L. Armentrout wrote an amazing novel, the beginning of an addicting series that will keep you wanting more. I’m already dying to learn what will happen in the next installment, Onyx.

Audiobook Review: Some Girls Are

Title: Some Girls Are
Author: Courtney Summers
Narrator: Katie Schorr
Release Date: October 15th, 2010 (Book: January 5th, 2010)
Series: None
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Length: 6 hours 44 minutes
Number of Pages:
Source: Bought

Climbing to the top of the social ladder is hard--falling from it is even harder. Regina Afton used to be a member of the Fearsome Fivesome, an all-girl clique both feared and revered by the students at Hallowell High... until vicious rumors about her and her best friend's boyfriend start going around. Now Regina's been "frozen out" and her ex-best friends are out for revenge. If Regina was guilty, it would be one thing, but the rumors are far from the terrifying truth and the bullying is getting more intense by the day. She takes solace in the company of Michael Hayden, a misfit with a tragic past who she herself used to bully. Friendship doesn't come easily for these onetime enemies, and as Regina works hard to make amends for her past, she realizes Michael could be more than just a friend... if threats from the Fearsome Foursome don't break them both first.

Tensions grow and the abuse worsens as the final days of senior year march toward an explosive conclusion in this dark new tale from the author of Cracked Up To Be

Wow. If I compare the meanest girls I know to the mean girls of this book, those I know would look like baby kitten next to Anna and the Fearsome Foursome. One thing though I need to say to those thinking of reading this book: there is a lot of swearing, and some contain that main not be suitable for a younger audience. If you don’t mind that, you’ll probably love it.

I ended up buying this audiobook on Audible, as it was never available at my bookstore. At first, I wasn’t sure about the narrator. She wasn’t as expressive as I had hoped. The more I listened to her, the more I ended up liking her. She just felt right for Regina. I loved this audiobook as it was short enough for me not to feel like I’m never going to hear the end. This one made me want to keep on listening, every second I could. The narrator became Regina and my mind, and it made her seem a little more human to me. Did the narrator add anything to the book? Not really. Did she take anything away from it? No.

Courtney Summers has a talent for writing amazing stories that will keep you captivated. She also knows how to write complex and believable main characters. Regina is a bitch. That’s really clear. Yet there’s more to her than that. She did horrible things in the past. Still, even after being on the other end of these cruel actions, she can stop herself from seeking her revenge through the same means. She’s treated as a traitor for a lie, because she trusted the wrong person. I really enjoy following her as she realized the impact of what she had done. I loved how she didn’t just change from cruel and vicious to sweet and innocent, She also realized that herself. She can’t just forget and be forgiven just because she realized that what she did was kind of wrong. She knows it isn’t that easy. The other thing I really enjoyed is following the interaction between Regina and Michael. There was so much tension between both of them, it was crazy!

The book gives readers a great view of the extant of bullying in high school. No, I don’t think there’s one Anna as mean as this one in every school, but there are some like her. Courtney Summers touches some really hard and difficult subject in this book. She knows how to treat those realistically, and in a beautifully constructed novel.

I absolutely adore Courtney Summers. She simply knows how to write amazing and complex characters. I’m already dying for her next novel.