Title: Mercy
Author: Rebecca Lim
Publisher: Hyperion
Published: May 17, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 288
Source: Publisher

Mercy has lost herself. She can’t count how many times she’s “woken up” in a new body, and assumed a new life, only to move on again and again. During the day she survives in the human world on instinct and at night her dreams are haunted by him. Mercy’s heart would know him anywhere. But her memory refuses to cooperate.

But this time is different. When Mercy wakes up she meets Ryan, an eighteen year old reeling from the loss of his twin sister who was kidnapped two years ago. Everyone else has given up hope, but Ryan believes his sister is still alive. Using a power she doesn’t fully comprehend, Mercy realizes that Ryan is right. His sister is alive and together they can find her. For the first time since she can remember, Mercy has a purpose; she can help. So she doesn’t understand why the man in her dreams cautions her not to interfere. But as Ryan and Mercy come closer to solving the dark mystery of his sister’s disappearance, danger looms just one step behind.

Mercy's new body is as unfamiliar as the world around her, but it's the same as it's always been for her. She doesn't quite remember her lives before, but in short instants, she'll have flashes of memories of a past she can't recall. Her new body is a teenage girl with a voice so gorgeous it could make grown men cry, but she's your average, awkward teenager, attempting to meddle through this thing called life while on a music exchange program. The family hosting her is struggling with their own loss - their daughter, and Ryan's sister, disappeared almost two years ago. Ryan is the only one still holding out hope that she's alive, and Mercy can sense he's right. To help him though, she must face the unknown and the dangers with it. Can they find Lauren in time, or will Mercy lose herself in the process?

I'm just going to throw this out there...I'm pretty sure there's something in the water in Australia that makes these authors such geniuses (and I'd like some of it, please). Author Rebecca Lim has created a breathtaking start to a new saga series with Mercy that is brimming with tangible characters, sweet romance and a teasing mystery that sends the reader in circles of self-discovery. Blending a powerful theme of free will and the nature of humanity, the author has seamlessly woven an intricate story that transcends the YA genre and provides both a meaning and purpose for the reader.

Mercy was a very multi-faceted character. There were so many layers to her that I felt the entire book was a maze of revelations. She began as a bit of a shadow. You saw her talent and her current "host," but you didn't really get to see who she was as a person. Part of the beauty of Mercy was that the exploration of Mercy's character was hidden in layers throughout the plot points, the mystery and the romance. Ryan was the perfect complement to her character. Too often I see whiny female protags. To see a male character with true vulnerability and purpose finding comfort and hope in a strong female protag was utterly refreshing. Another highlight of Mercy for me was the story of music that was enmeshed in the overall plot. Partially metaphorical and wholeheartedly beautiful, the music added an element of pure, unadulterated beauty to Mercy. The only issue (though not really an issue) I had with Mercy was that the romance was hinted at but never really fulfilled. In the same breath though, one might make a case for that being great for the next book.

Overall, Mercy was an outstanding paranormal read with a great new take on a pretty popular concept now. I give it a very strong 4.5 out of 5, and I'd highly recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal stories involving angels. It's also great for those who enjoy a sweet romance and a mystery.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: Everneath
Author: Brodi Ashton
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Published: Janurary 3, 2010
Genre: Paranormal
Pages: 384

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

Ok, I'm a huge fan of immortal stories...and paranormal...and stories with cute guys and twisty romances and difficulties and underworlds and...oh wait. I just described Everneath! I've been stalking Brodi's blog since, well, forever, and I'm now officially dying to read her book. It certainly doesn't hurt that the cover of this book is so dang pretty that I'm drooling, either. In all seriousness, I'm loving this twist on the paranormal. It sounds new, and that's refreshing. What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over at The Broke and the Bookish. They'd love to share their lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week they will post a new top ten list that one of our bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

Top Ten Bookish Websites/Organizations/Apps, etc. (aside from book blogs):

1. Goodreads - Seriously...can you think of a better way to compile all the books you've read, should read, want to read, must read, yadda yadda? I can't.

2. Netgalley - It's like the Netflix of books, only better. You can get eARCs of some of your favourite upcoming titles if you meet the publisher's criteria, and it's amazing with an e-reader.

3. Galley Grab - Simon & Schuster is made of genius. Providing eARCs of some amazing upcoming titles, it's another great way to snag the books you're dying to read.

4. Random Buzzers - It's a little bit like social networking with books. It's a great place to put your reviews, participate in fun quizzes and challenges, etc.

5. Shelf Awareness - This newsletter is amazing. First, you have great articles about anything bookish you could possibly want AND you could (possibly) snag a galley or two.

6. YAlit - Want a compiled list of some of the most amazing upcoming and past titles featuring links, publishers, release dates and more? This is an excellent source.

7. IndieBound - I'm a huge fan of independent book stores and those little places with tons of character that sell books in your town. Want to find a smaller retailer and encourage others to go indie? This is for you.

8. The Book Depository - If you don't know about this site, I feel really, really sorry for you. And you should check it out. Stat.

9. Book Cover Archive - Are you a cover slut like me? This is like porn candy for us. Trust me. Drool at your own risk.

10. Blippr - 160 character reviews of your favourite books (and more) PLUS you can connect it to your other social networking platforms. Win-win situation, folks!

In My Mailbox is an amazing weekly meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren that features the books we have received during the week. It's so much fun because we get to see what our fellow bloggers stumbled upon this week and add even more to our piles of books! Without further ado, this week I received the following books:

FOR REVIEW

The Beginning of After by Jennifer Castle (ARC) - Thank you, HarperTeen

Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick (ARC) - Thank you, EgmontUSA

Swimming to Chicago by David Matthew Barnes (ARC) - Thank you, Bold Strokes Books

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Now, in the spirit of having had the great fortune of meeting SO many generous publishers lately, I'm offering up another BEA goodie for one of my lucky readers! What am I offering this time, you ask? Why, an ARC of The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore, of course! Here are the rules:

You do NOT have to be a follower, but it's always appreciated!

This giveaway ends promptly at midnight EST on July 15, 2011...and it's international!

Ready to try and win a copy?!

Click HERE to enter!

As many of you know, I'm just your average reader with an insane and slightly maniacal obsession with the wonderful world of Harry Potter. Yes, I grew up with Harry. I attended midnight book launches in full costume (Luna, party of one), I cried at the midnight premieres like a colicky little baby and I watched as the books delved into the hearts of even the most adamantly un-readers. So, when I heard J.K. Rowling's unbelievable announcement of an online, interactive venue in which the Harry Potter series will come alive at our fingertips, I was stunned, awed and completely amazed. Here's what she had to say:

J.K. Rowling says that this new online adventure, Pottermore, is the series itself come to life with the opportunity for a few major additions to the story - ourselves. We, the readers will be able to have wands selected for us at Diagon Alley. We'll play Quidditch and be sorted into Houses. We'll be able to experience the world of magic we've all read about in the books. My first thought was probably something like this: "UHAIUHKJBASKJFHIJH111111!!!", but once I managed to regain my composure, my excitement was more intelligible.

Pottermore gives fans the unique ability to continue on our journey with Harry Potter and the world of magic so many have grown to know and love so well. Opening in October with a few select people testing it in July, Pottermore might just be the next huge wave in the evolution of literature. I, for one, am so excited to try it, and I'll be crossing my fingers that I get to visit Pottermore early.

With the literary world constantly changing with the introduction of audio books, then e-books and now interactive reading experiences, it seems like there's always something new. For book lovers like ourselves, this is heaven on Earth, but what happens if you weren't a book lover to begin with?

Question: Do you think Pottermore will create a new wave of interactive literature, and do you think this will enhance or detract from the desire to read the books?

P.S. I'm still squeeing with delight over Pottermore!

Title: Fury
Author: Elizabeth Miles
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Published: August 30, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher

Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.

On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.

In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay. Em and Chase have been chosen.

Emily's crush is finally spending time with her, and she's ecstatic. The catch? It's her best friend's boyfriend. Chase's love interest is finally showing interest in him, but it appears she has a secret, and it's driving him mad. With teens, rampant hormones, festivities and a group of gorgeous girls who are set to wreak havoc on those committing sins against one another, it's setting up to be one heck of a holiday. Love makes people do crazy things, and winter break in Ascension, Maine is about to get crazier than ever.

Fury is the first book in a planned trilogy loosely based upon the myth of the Greek Furies. Placed in the modern context of a high school dynamic, loaded with teenagers and rampant with hormones, Fury explores the idea of what might happen if, indeed, these mythical Furies were real and how life would continue for a group of teens. Author Elizabeth Miles has created a pulse-pounding adventure alive with detail and imagery sure to captivate teen readers. Fury features a pressure-building approach, leading up to an ultimate climax that will leave you desperate for book two.

I have to premise my review saying that if you're going into reading Fury looking for a true and accurate take on the Furies, allow me to enlighten you. This is what I like to call "mythology-lite," meaning simply that Fury takes liberties that changes much of the actual idea of the Furies, while borrowing the idea of their revenge as the fuel for the fire of the story. That said, let me focus on the characters for a moment. I'll be honest and say I didn't really like any of them, but let me clarify that my saying that I don't believe I was supposed to. The fact that I didn't like them actually made me like the story more because they felt more tangible and their acts seemed more real and reprehensible, if that makes sense. Em and Chase were pretty good characters - fleshed out and flawed, which drove the story towards the whirlwind finish. The Furies, however, were a bit too surface-only for me. I didn't get much anger, or emotion at all from them. Mostly, I just knew they were deceptively gorgeous, and a lot of time was spent on that. I wish I'd known more about them. Also important to note is the pacing of Fury. Not quite slow, but certainly steady, I found that the pace grew a bit tiring for a bit, but as you reach the end of the book, the action is fast, intense and white-knuckle worthy.

All in all, Fury was a pretty good book with a great premise and a pretty decent follow-through. While I think a lot could have been played up and played out, I do look forward to seeing book two (hopefully) exceed book one. I give it a strong 3.5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to upper YA audiences due to some graphic and foul language, as well as other lurid teenage activities. Those who enjoy paranormal stories and series will also enjoy Fury.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: Dearly, Departed
Author: Lia Habel
Publisher: Del Rey Books
Published: October 18, 2011
Genre: YA, Steampunk, PNR
Pages: 544

Love conquers all, so they say. But can Cupid’s arrow pierce the hearts of the living and the dead—or rather, the undead? Can a proper young Victorian lady find true love in the arms of a dashing zombie?

The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria—a high-tech nation modeled on the manners, mores, and fashions of an antique era. A teenager in high society, Nora Dearly is far more interested in military history and her country’s political unrest than in tea parties and debutante balls. But after her beloved parents die, Nora is left at the mercy of her domineering aunt, a social-climbing spendthrift who has squandered the family fortune, and now plans to marry her niece off for money. For Nora, no fate could be more horrible—until she’s nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses.

But fate is just getting started with Nora. Catapulted from her world of drawing-room civility, she’s suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting “The Laz,” a fatal virus that raises the dead—and hell along with them. Hardly ideal circumstances. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and dead.

Ummmm...yes. Steampunk? Zombies? Romance? Sold on all accounts! Dearly, Departed is a blend of a whole mess of my favourite things, plus it sounds so bloody original that I'd be sold on that alone. There's something about the blend of past and future in steampunk that totally speaks to me, and I haven't seen enough such books in the YA market lately. It doesn't hurt that that's one gorgeous cover, too. I'm such a cover slut. I'd apologise, but it would be entirely insincere. Anyway, despite the doozy of a page count, it sounds fabulous! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over at The Broke and the Bookish. They'd love to share their lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week they will post a new top ten list that one of our bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

BROKE AND BOOKISH 1 YEAR BLOGOVERSARY -- Top Ten Reasons I Love Being A Book Blogger/A Bookish Person:

1. The authors - How else could I have met so many fantastic authors, writing fantastic books in one fantastic group?! I know I just said fantastic 23984023894098234 times, but for real...having the opportunity to speak to authors like Michelle Hodkin and Savita Kalhan is such a treat.

2. The books - Don't get me wrong, I've always been a reader, but I didn't know about half the books I learned about once I started book blogging. Plus, I've had the chance to introduce others to the awesome books I've been reading.

3. The bloggers - It's true! I'm not even lying...meeting lovely people like Jenny from Supernatural Snark, Danny & Pushy from Bewitched Bookworms, Anna from Anna Reads, Tara from Hobbitsies and Jamie from The Perpetual Page Turner was one of the most exciting times of my life. If you have the chance to go some day, trust me, it's worth it.

4. BEA - Uhhhhh duh. Need I really say more? Books. Authors. Giant venue for all of us to geek and fangirl/boy out. Yeah, sold.

5. Goodreads - I didn't know about it until I started blogging, and now it's honestly a tool I use every single day. I always find books I need to add to my lists, and finding obscure books is SO much fun!

6. Geeks > Normal People - I finally found a forum where I can be as geeky as I want...and the bonus? Everyone else is exactly like me! Win-win situation, of course!

7. Me time - I get to spend an hour+ to myself every day focusing on what I love so much without anyone telling me to "shut up about books already" or to "go get a better hobby." Plus, I get to be as introspective and honest as I want.

8. Learning to be critical - Don't get me wrong. I still read just to read, but learning to critique books and writing has been so fun, and it gives me a reason to analyze the stories I read.

9. Learning to write better - I would LOVE to be a YA author someday! Will I be one? Probably not, but I've learned so much more about what to do and what not to do. It's like a constant writing class for me.

10. The amazing, amazing, AMAZING publishers - I knew the big names in publishing when I first started blogging, but getting to know the people that work there, as well as the smaller publishing houses and the ins and outs of indie publishing has been amazing - plus, they are so generous, and I'm endlessly grateful for them!

Title: Lost Voices
Author: Sarah Porter
Publisher: Harcourt
Published: July 4, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 304
Source: Publisher

Fourteen-year-old Luce has had a tough life, but she reaches the depths of despair when she is assaulted and left on the cliffs outside of a grim, gray Alaskan fishing village. She expects to die when she tumbles into the icy waves below, but instead undergoes an astonishing transformation and becomes a mermaid. A tribe of mermaids finds Luce and welcomes her in—all of them, like her, lost girls who surrendered their humanity in the darkest moments of their lives.

Luce is thrilled with her new life until she discovers the catch: the mermaids feel an uncontrollable desire to drown seafarers, using their enchanted voices to lure ships into the rocks. Luce possesses an extraordinary singing talent, which makes her important to the tribe—she may even have a shot at becoming their queen. However her struggle to retain her humanity puts her at odds with her new friends. Will Luce be pressured into committing mass murder?

Luce has lived a life that no child should ever live through in her fourteen years. After losing her father in a terrible accident, Luce has been living with her abusive uncle, waiting for the days to run out so she can have an inkling of peace. But when the abuse becomes too much, Luce can't take it anymore, and she decides to take her peace, no matter the cost. Dead doesn't happen though. Luce finds herself in a world of girls just like herself. Abandoned by the world, they've become powerful enough to seek their vengeance, and they never need company besides each other again. The urge to kill, however, is powerful, and Luce has to decide whether she can finally fit in, or if the cost is too much for her to bear.

Lost Voices is the first book in a planned trilogy about a world of lost girls who become beautiful, ethereal beings hell-bent on seeking revenge against the world for the sins committed against them in life. By the cover, I expected a pretty love story, a sweet touch of paranormal and an overall saccharin tone. I was wrong. Lost Voices tackles dark issues with ease, baring the depth of the human soul, the righteousness within each of us and our ability to rise up and raise our voices. Sarah Porter has skillfully woven a tale with a strong message and theme for all of today's youth while creating a haunting visual story of a girl who has lost it all, but has the chance to get it back at a cost.

I'm the worst person when it comes to judging books by their covers, so when I first saw Lost Voices, I wasn't too excited. After peeking at a few reviews though, I was excited to hear about the dark undertones of the story. Luce has been sucked into a world of beauty that is tinged with death and malice. I loved the twist on her story, and I loved that her transformation rocked straight into a terrible but hauntingly beautiful action sequence, keeping the story moving. The strongest suit about Luce was her humanity - the soul she retained even as a mermaid. That said, it bothered me at times that Luce was able to simply follow the rules of the mermaids and not speak up when she saw the wrongs being committed. I wanted more from her. I'm hoping the sequel to Lost Voices will tackle her personal growth. That said, the shifts in Luce's almost rabid desire to be loved to a pathological need for inner peace were very well-done and believable. I will admit that while he other mermaids were intriguing, they a bit forgettable for the most part. Caterina, the Queen, was the one who I remembered most. The pacing and imagery of Lost Voices was gorgeous and mesmerizing, and honestly, the only part of the story that bugged me a bit was that it was almost too thematic, if you know what I mean. I want a theme, but I don't want it to leap from every page - I want it enmeshed in the story.

All in all, despite seeing a lot of iffy reviews, I quite liked Lost Voices, and I enjoy that it's set itself apart from other such books on the market today. It's a bit darker than it looks, and it's not for the weak-hearted, which I enjoyed. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to all fans of YA, as well as Upper MG reads, especially those who enjoy strong themes of self-discovery and dark tones, as well as a blend of contemporary and paranormal fiction.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

In My Mailbox is an amazing weekly meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren that features the books we have received during the week. It's so much fun because we get to see what our fellow bloggers stumbled upon this week and add even more to our piles of books! Without further ado, this week I received the following books:

FOR REVIEW

Mercy by Rebecca Lim - Thank you, Hyperion

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab (ARC) - Thank you, Hyperion

Putting Makeup on Dead People by Jen Violi - Thank you, Hyperion

FOR REVIEW

Michael Vey by Richard Paul Evans - Thank you, Simon & Schuster Galley Grab

Clean by Amy Reed - Thank you, Simon & Schuster Galley Grab

Dust & Decay by Jonathan Mayberry - Thank you, Simon & Schuster Galley Grab

Title: Eden
Author: Keary Taylor
Publisher: Self-Published
Published: June 6, 2011
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Pages: 408
Source: Author

Eve knew the stories of the Fall, of a time before she wandered into the colony of Eden, unable to recall anything but her name. She's seen the aftermath of the technology that infused human DNA with cybernetic matter, able to grow new organs and limbs, how it evolved out of control. The machine took over and the soul vanished. A world quickly losing its humanity isn't just a story to her though. At eighteen, this world is Eve's reality.

In their Fallen world, love feels like a selfish luxury, but not understanding what it is makes it difficult to choose between West, who makes her feel alive but keeps too many secrets, and Avian, who has always been there for her, but is seven years her senior.

The technology wants to spread and it won't stop until there is no new flesh to assimilate. With only two percent of the human population left, mankind is on the brink of extinction. While fighting to keep Eden alive, Eve will discover that being human is about what you will do for those you love, not what your insides may be made of.

Eve lives in a world that's devastated and ruins since the technology began having a mind of its own. Once made to be a cure, the tech now controls most of the Fallen world, leaving just a few bands of humans still alive and Eden as their one, true sanctuary. Their world is at war between the living and the machine, and Eve is at war with herself, fighting a constant inner turmoil to survive and reconcile her forgotten past with her present. But life is even more confusing when it comes to the two men in her life who give her a focus and a center. West might very well be for her, but Avian is a rock, and she's known him half her life. Will Eve's love for all those in Eden be enough to keep them all alive, or will they soon be a part of the Fallen?

Eden is, perhaps, the epitome of dystopian fiction, creating a world that's so devastated by mankind's greed and lust for advancement that it seems like there is very little hope left at all. The brainchild of indie author, Keary Taylor, Eden is her first stab at dystopian fiction after her popular and successful Fall of Angels series, including Branded, Forsaken and the forthcoming Vindicated. Well-written in the challenging first-person POV, Eden allows you direct access to Eve's mind as she makes her way through a crippled world where love is a luxury at best.

We all know how much I love dystopian fiction, and Eden has such an amazing premise that promises a dark, haunting story that is both painful and hopeful. The world within Eden is a series of stark contrasts, portrayed almost as black and white. You have the ruined world that's been consumed by technology and cybernetics with one goal - to eliminate humanity. Then, you have the lush gardens of Eden where the remaining humans are living at the base level of humanity, surviving on love, compassion and the mere basics. That, was the highlight of Eden for me. I did, unfortunately, have a few issues with Eden though. The story starts with a bang, then settles into a lull of backstory for a few chapters that, while necessary, could probably have been interwoven later in the story to better help the flow. I also felt that it took a long time to get into Eve's head. She had this whole life before Eden, but I struggled to get a grasp on it because she was so stubborn ad shrouded in mystery. Avian and West were both strong male characters with a great impact on the plot, but I felt the romance often overshadowed the action in the book, which is a struggle for me - especially if it's a bit of a triangle. All that said, though, I still want to remark on what an amazing world there is in Eden because it's one of the best I've read of in a while.

All in all, Eden is so, so close to being a really great dystopian, but because of some flaws, it ended up just being good for me. As far as I can see, this is a stand-alone book, so make sure you read it for that. I give it a strong 3 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to all YA fans, especially those who enjoy upper YA and dystopian fiction.

I received this book free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Title: Uncommon Criminals
Author: Ally Carter
Publisher: Hyperion
Published: June 21, 2011
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 304
Source: Publisher

Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life: Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief. But for the last two months she’s simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world. That’s why Kat isn’t surprised when she’s asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners.

There are only three problems. First, the gem hasn’t been seen in public in thirty years. Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long — and in Kat’s world, history almost always repeats itself. But it’s the third problem that makes Kat’s crew the most nervous, and that is . . . the emerald is cursed.

Kat might be in way over her head, but she’s not going down without a fight. After all, she has her best friend — the gorgeous Hale — and the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses and realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time.

Kat's got a reputation to uphold since the Henley job. Now that her crew is renown as one of the best in the world, it's no wonder that she's being courted for more jobs. Kat isn't sold on any of them until one rings a bell for her. A family wants Cleopatra's emerald back, as it was once rightfully theirs. It's the heist of a lifetime, and if Kat can pull it off, she'll be a legend. But before she can steal the emerald, she must unravel the clever web of deceit surrounding the emerald that's made it such a commodity in the first place, and that might be more than she and her friends can do. Kat's not going to give up though, and she's certainly not going to be outplayed.

I don't know why I waited so long to read book one in this series, Heist Society, but when I was approached to read Uncommon Criminals, you better believe I brushed up on book one. Ally Carter has created a fun and entertaining premise of a girl living in a family of thieves that wants nothing more than to be out of the business until she finds a way to make some good of who she is. Uncommon Criminals raises the stakes with a bigger and riskier job with a reward far better than book one. Written with a distinct, energetic tone, Uncommon Criminals is pure entertainment at its best that strings you along on a whirlwind adventure from start to finish.

Uncommon Criminals was a refreshing balance between romance and action, which I find lacking in a lot of contemporary fiction, so that was the best part for me. The meticulous details, the planning and the set-up of every bit of the heist made the story that much more believable. Without it, this could very well have been an amateur sleuth book. I also loved how developed Kat, Hale, Simon and Gabrielle became in Uncommon Criminals. By fleshing out the characters, the book added a layer of depth that was missing in book one. Plus, it allows the reader to see deeper into Kat's mindset as she set up her elaborate scheme. The pacing flows well between action, planning, backstory and romance, which intermingles for a fun, flirty tone. The only real qualm I ended up having with Uncommon Criminals was the fact that it followed pretty much the same formula as book one, and I would have loved a bit more of a wrench thrown into the mix. Think Oceans Eleven with teenagers, throw in a splash of Robin Hood's "righting the wrongs" philosophy and add a snarky, likeable protag, and you have Uncommon Criminals.

All in all, Uncommon Criminals was a fun, fast-paced read that kept me guessing and reading well into the wee hours of the morning. I give it a very strong 4 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction, mysteries and crime stories.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

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Thanks to the lovely folks at Hyperion, I have a finished copy of Uncommon Criminals to give away to one of my lovely readers. The rules are simple. You do NOT have to be a follower, but it's always appreciated! This international giveaway ends promptly at midnight EST on June 22, 2011. Winners will be informed by email. Ready to enter?

Click HERE to enter!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: Frost
Author: Wendy Delsol
Publisher: Candlewick
Published: October 11, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 384

After the drama of discovering that she’s a member of the Storks, a mystical order of women endowed with powerful abilities, Katla Leblanc is finally settling into her life in chilly Minnesota. In fact, the ex-California girl even hopes for a white Christmas.

But Katla’s wintry wish unexpectedly turns into the snowstorm of the century, drawing the attention of Brigid, a gorgeous environmental researcher with an amazing array of fur coats and an unusual interest in Katla’s boyfriend, Jack.

Once upon a time, I read and reviewed the first book in an entirely original series and was completely blown away. That book was Stork, and when I discovered that the sequel, Frost, was coming out this fall, I almost died with excitement. Now, I was lucky enough to meet the amazing Wendy Delsol at BEA this year and score an ARC of this one, but I'm holding off reading it a little until the review date. I can't wait to see how Katla is growing in her role as a Stork, and I'm intrigued by this new girl that might just be more than meets the eye. I'm sensing tension, and I'm loving it! Plus, this darker cover for book two is just stunning. What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over at The Broke and the Bookish. They'd love to share their lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week they will post a new top ten list that one of our bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

Top Ten "Awww" Moments In Books (those cute lines, charming actions, or any other sentimental moment that made you say "AWWW!"):

1. When Katniss held Rue in the arena and sang to her (The Hunger Games) - I am entirely unashamed to say that I bawled like a baby, and while this was definitely an "awww" moment, it was more beautifully heartbreaking than anything else.

2. When Harry sees Dumbledore in limbo after Voldemort casts the Killing Curse (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) - There are far too many moments in this series to list them all, and they could probably be the entire top ten, but this moment...this chapter just made the series for me. I cried like a baby. A colicky baby.

3. When Adnarel offers to save Yalith from the flood and take her to Heaven (Many Waters) - Never have I seen such a beautiful twist on the tale of Noah's Ark. The brothers desperately wanted to save her life, but she was ready to accept her fate. Adnarel gave Noah the best other option.

4. When Percy & Annabeth finally realize their feelings (The Last Olympian) - Seriously...lower YA/MG romance never got cuter. Their awkwardness kept the story going, and when they finally realized they liked each other. Cutest. Ever.

5. When Isobel turns her back on her friends's actions and helps Varen (Nevermore) - Talk about a sweet character dynamic change. Isobel found something in herself that made Varen different in her eyes, and that revelation made her actions that much more genuine and sweet.

6. When Mr. Darcy admits his love for Elizabeth...both times (Pride & Prejudice) - The back and forth of this story gets me every time, and his devotion to Elizabeth despite his outward demeanor is perfection. LOVE.

7. Jo's enduring love for her little sister, Beth (Little Women) - Talk about undying devotion. Jo loved her little sister more than anything else, and despite her loneliness and, perhaps, self-pity, all she wanted was the very best for Beth, even at her end.

8. When Carly decided to actually respond to Ryan's calls (Raw Blue) - They had a relationship despite both of their flaws, but it had a dark underbelly and when things came to a head, she retreated. When she finally gave herself the time to heal, she realized he was worth it.

9. When Caleb's secret truth about Maggie's accident is revealed (Leaving Paradise) - Holy plot twist that I never saw coming and totally made Caleb an even better character! He was finally worthy of Maggie, which made the book that much better!

10. When Tansy throws the pearls into the ocean to prevent future greed or pain (Pearls of Lutra) - The pearls are what drove the whole story. A vicious corsair killed Grath's whole family for them, and when the Redwallers found them, they realized they weren't worth all the death and bloodshed, so they got rid of them.

Book Birthday Shout Out {1}

Brought to you by the lovely ladies of Bewitched Bookworms, let's celebrate those books with birthdays this week! Here are the rules:

- Each week, pick one (or more) book that comes out that week and post the cover and short synopsis in your BBSO post. Also, we'd love to hear why you want to celebrate that book, what about it has you most excited.

- When posted, come back here and share your link in the linky tool so that others find your post and come to your blog.

- The genre doesn't matter!! YA? Romance? Paranormal? No matter what, just add the genre in your linky!

- Visit other bloggers on the list and leave some comment love.

Title: Imaginary Girls
Author: Nova Ren Suma
Publisher: Dutton BYR
Published: June 14, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 352
Buy: IndieBound

Chloe's older sister, Ruby, is the girl everyone looks to and longs for, who can't be captured or caged. When a night with Ruby's friends goes horribly wrong and Chloe discovers the dead body of her classmate London Hayes left floating in the reservoir, Chloe is sent away from town and away from Ruby.

But Ruby will do anything to get her sister back, and when Chloe returns to town two years later, deadly surprises await. As Chloe flirts with the truth that Ruby has hidden deeply away, the fragile line between life and death is redrawn by the complex bonds of sisterhood.

Nova Ren Suma is a New York native who graduated with an MFA in fiction from Columbia University and BA in writing and photography from Antioch College. Imaginary Girls is her YA debut, and she's hard at work on her next book, slated for release in 2012. You can keep with her at her blog, distraction no. 99.

Why I'm Stoked: Uhhhhh let me count the ways: 1) Cover lust, 2) Amazing premise, 3) Promise of an eerie and haunting plot, 4) Dark and twisty...yeah, I'd say that pretty much covers it in just a few words! I totally can't wait to have this in my hands! Happy book birthday to Nova Ren Suma and Imaginary Girls!

Title: Angel Burn
Author: L.A. Weatherly
Publisher: Candlewick
Published: May 24, 2011
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, Paranormal
Pages: 464
Source: Publisher

Willow knows she’s different from other girls, and not just because she loves tinkering with cars. Willow has a gift. She can look into the future and know people’s dreams and hopes, their sorrows and regrets, just by touching them. She has no idea where this power comes from. But the assassin, Alex, does. Gorgeous, mysterious Alex knows more about Willow than Willow herself. He knows that her powers link to dark and dangerous forces, and that he’s one of the few humans left who can fight them.

When Alex finds himself falling in love with his sworn enemy, he discovers that nothing is as it seems, least of all good and evil. In the first book in an action-packed, romantic trilogy, L..A. Weatherly sends readers on a thrill-ride of a road trip - and depicts the human race at the brink of a future as catastrophic as it is deceptively beautiful. They’re out for your soul . . . and they don’t have heaven in mind.

Willow is just your average tomboy except for the minor details that she's got powers she can't control, lives in a world plagued by creatures called Angels that are nothing like the heavenly beings we know and has an assassin who knows far too much about her gift. Alex has been trained his whole life to destroy the Angels, but he never knew that a tomboy like Willow could get in his way in more ways than one. Willow and Alex are on a collision course that will inevitably lead them to a decision between good and evil, right and wrong or the end of the world as they know it. But can they learn to be allies, or will their differences be too much for them to take?

First off, allow me to give Angel Burn a standing ovation when it comes to epic, original plots. When I first saw the title of this one a long time ago, I almost didn't give it a second glance because of the word "angel" in the title. We all know how I feel about trends. All that aside though, Angel Burn threw me for a loop in the best possible way. L.A. Weatherly spun the story of angels on its end, creating a race of beings that is every bit as dangerous and deadly as they are captivating. With two fabulous characters to follow and root for, Angel Burn is a thrill ride that leads you through a world that's terrifying and haunting, but also more fascinating than you could ever imagine.

Willow was a refreshing character. I liked that she wasn't your average, everyday female protag with her girly-girl issues and her swoon-worthy crushes that always land her flat on her butt crying. She had spirit and fire, all of which made her that much more likable. Alex, too, was fascinating. For me, he was this cross between John Connor and Dean Winchester - hunting supernatural beings and saving the world while maintaining this moral compass when everything else was going to hell. So, obviously, when the dynamic between the two began to heat up, Angel Burn took off. I will note, however, that there was a bit of a lull for me in the middle because of the changing nature of their relationship. I'm a firm believer that the romance in a book should elevate, rather than ease the tension in the story. Angel Burn became a bit complacent for me in a few of those moments. However, once the intense action scenes kicked in again though, the plot when spinning back out of control. Angel Burn did get off to a bit of a rocky start for me because of the POV shift, but once I got a grasp on it, the story took off. I like to call this one a cross between Terminator: Judgement Day, Supernatural and Buffy because it's got a bit of each of their best elements.

All in all, Angel Burn was a great read. I love when a book's premise is so different from the norm, and this was entirely refreshing. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I can't wait to read the second book in this planned trilogy, Angel Fire, due out in October. I highly recommend this book to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal and sci-fi stories.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Author Interview & Giveaway - Becca Ritchie of Wynter Chelsea

Becca Ritchie is the young author of the Wynter Chelsea books - a series about two families with a legacy of hunting those things that go bump in the night. After beginning Wynter Chelsea: The Legacy when she was just 14 years old, the book was published when she turned 17. Now a student at the University of Georgia, she's released the second installment in the series, Wynter Chelsea: The Sublimity, and she's actively working on book three.

I read book one a good while ago and was impressed by the dynamic cast of characters, fully-fleshed plot and intense action sequences. To view my full review of Wynter Chelsea: The Legacy, please click HERE. Otherwise, please welcome Becca Ritchie to my lovely lil' blog!

Your Book:

1. Amanda is the sole girl in a world dominated by men - supernatural hunters, if you will. How did you infuse her with the strength to match the others, and would you say you put a bit of yourself into her character?

She’s pretty much nothing like me. She’s not into pop culture, and I absolutely love everything about entertainment like television and movies. I think she even makes a reference about not understanding why people make collages of celebrities, and I’ve made my fair share. As for strength, she runs on impulse so she will do a lot of things the men won’t. She makes up in that regard. A lot of her strength does come from her family and her parents. I’m very close to my entire family as well.

2. Each character within Wynter Chelsea had a significant role and personality that balanced the others. Was it tedious creating such a dynamic cast for such a long story?

In any movies, television, or books I love, characters are the most important aspect for me. I once watched a commentary for a film and the director said that he wouldn’t hire even Leonardo DiCaprio without testing to see if he has chemistry with the cast. When I write, I almost do the same thing by making sure each character can play off each other. As the book grew, it became a natural development and the action became secondary to the character dynamic.

3. How did you balance the budding romance between Dustin and Amanda with the intense action within Wynter Chelsea: The Legacy?

I just kept telling myself to let the romance progress as naturally as possible. I really did not want to rush anything or force something for the sake of plot. During the action, I didn’t want the romance to be the entire focus, but I wanted it to be there because, well, I wrote this for myself when I was 14, so entertainment-wise, that’s what I wanted to see.

4. If you could name your three biggest inspirations for writing Wynter Chelsea: The Legacy, what/who would they be, and why?

My sister. She asked me to write a supernatural book for her, and I ended up writing Wynter Cheslea. Any bad YA books became an inspiration. I know that sounds pretty weird, but when I was 14 it was the reason why I started writing. I had a list of things I wanted in a YA book, but I picked up some pretty terrible ones that had none of those qualities from the list. These books inadvertently made me start writing in order to entertain myself. I was finally able to put that list to good use when I wrote Wynter Chelsea. Television shows like Angel, Charmed, Buffy, and Roswell also helped me understand plot as a kid. So yes, television inspired me.

5. The world of Wynter Chelsea: The Legacy is one filled with magic, lore, and creatures. Where did this world evolve from, and can readers expect the same amazing world-building in book two, Wynter Chelsea: The Sublimity?

The lore is pretty straight forward demonology that can be found in old horror movies, the internet, or even television shows right now. The demonology I pulled from did scare me at times. With each book, the world becomes bigger and bigger because Amanda Chelsea is being brought into it with the readers. Book two is a little darker than the first, and I tried to focus on the changes between the characters as well as the lore.

All About You:

1. If you had to describe yourself in just five words or less, what would they be?

Out of control imagination

2. You're going to be condemned to either live in the world of Gossip Girl or that of Supernatural (and yes, Sam & Dean are there)...which do you choose, and why?

If Sam and Dean are there, it’s a no brainer. Supernatural all the way.

3. Finish this sentence, and explain, please...If I weren't a writer, I would be_________.

 A physical therapist. My father kept pushing me to become a doctor, and by the end of my senior year of high school, we compromised with physical therapy. When my book came out, I went ahead and switched my major to television production in hopes of becoming a television staff writer.

4. What, if anything, do you need to be able to sit down and write a book?

Passion. If you have a love to create people, worlds, and an overall story then you have what it takes to write a book because you need that drive in order to complete it and push it to make it even better.

5. What are some of your favorite books and why?

All of the Harry Potter books, The Hunger Games trilogy, Uglies trilogy, Twilight series… obviously all these have something in common; they don’t end after one book. I love television for the same reason. I never want any stories to stop, and if I can fall in love with the characters then they usually top my favorite list.

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Becca has graciously offered a giveaway for all my lovely followers! ONE lucky winner will receive a signed copy of Wynter Chelsea: The Legacy, in all its glory. Here are the rules to enter: You do NOT have to be a follower, but it's always appreciated. This giveaway is US ONLY and ends promptly at midnight EST on June 20, 2011.

Still interested? Click HERE to fill out the form and enter!

In My Mailbox is an amazing weekly meme hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren that features the books we have received during the week. It's so much fun because we get to see what our fellow bloggers stumbled upon this week and add even more to our piles of books! Without further ado, this week I received the following books:

FOR REVIEW

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

ARC - Thank you, Simon & Schuster

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong.

FOR REVIEW

The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore

ARC - Thank you, HarperTeen

I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he's a mystery. But to me . . . he's one of us.

They caught Number One in Malaysia.

Number Two in England.

And Number Three in Kenya.

They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed.

I am Number Seven. One of six still alive.

And I'm ready to fight.

FOR REVIEW

Eden by Keary Taylor

Finished Copy - Thank you, Keary

Eve knew the stories of the Fall. She's seen the aftermath of the technology that infused human DNA with cybernetic matter, able to grow new organs and limbs, how it evolved out of control. The machine took over and the soul vanished. At eighteen, this world is Eve's reality.

The technology wants to spread and it won't stop until there is no new flesh to assimilate. While fighting to keep Eden alive, Eve discovers that being human is about what you will do for those you love. And even if it gets you killed, love is always what separates them from the Fallen.

Every now and again, there's an issue that comes up in the blogosphere either to me or some of my blog friends that gets me thinking, and I wanted to create an open forum of discussion for these issues. So, while this isn't a regular feature here, I wanted to open up this topic/debate for discussion to see what you all think about it.

Question: Do you think that reviewing so many books makes us too critical, or too biased to be fully objective when reviewing?

I've noticed lately that it's harder and harder for me to give five star reviews, and actually a few readers of my blog commented on my lack of five star reviews, asking why I give so few. It's not that I'm not reading good books. Trust me, I am. Here's the thing though...when I first started reviewing, I didn't really review based on the same principles that I do now. I reviewed purely on enjoyment and pacing, pretty much. Did I know what I was doing? Heck no! Do I know what I'm doing now? I like to think I'm being objective, though, as always, my reviews remain my personal opinions. I am a lot more critical now though because having read and reviewed so much, I need to separate my reads into the good, the bad and the ugly.

So, yes, I'm probably more critical these days when I review because I've seen a much broader range of writing - both good and bad. Do I think I'm too critical though? I really don't, though some might disagree. I think there is a fine line between critical and hypercritical though. I want the fundamentals of the story to shine. The extras (the excellent prose, the imagery, etc.) are the bits that make a book stand apart for me. For example - look at Raw Blue. Contemporary fiction was never my thing until this book. That gives me a five-star gauge for a book. Take the start of a great series like Siren for another example, then look at the sequel, Undercurrent, and that's why a sequel needs to exceed the first book. I don't like resting on laurels, so when I see a book exceed others and raise the bar, I long for the next book that's going to take my breath away (much like Legacy by Cayla Kluver recently did).

Yes, there are some series and books that stand in a league of their own in which none will ever really measure up for me, Harry Potter being a prime example, but for the most part, there is always something that can make want to read and re-read a book time and again. I just want to find that, which is why, yes, I think I've become a bit more critical. What do you think? Do you think book blogging has made you more critical, or do you think you've become to critical?