As many of you know, it's Kirsty Eagar Appreciation Week, and this lovely feature is hosted by the all-too-awesome Linds from Bibliophile Brouhaha and Nic from Irresistible Reads. Raw Blue is a one of a kind read that transformed my opinion of contemporary fiction in a single read, and I'm still blown away by the book to this day. I jumped at the chance to share the love for the brilliant author and incredible book. Please join me in welcoming Kirsty Eagar to my little blog for a post about something we share in common...our love of the ocean and the setting of Raw Blue!

RAW BLUE - THE PLACE

Hello people! Thank you all so much for supporting Raw Blue. Writing that book affected me a lot, so it’s lovely to know that the story is travelling and some of you guys have met the characters. I know not all of you will be familiar with Sydney’s northern beaches – the setting for the story – so how do you feel about coming on a quick virtual tour with me?

1. North Narrabeen

The place where Carly is living and surfing. It’s a beachside suburb that is pretty well awash with water when you consider that it not only fronts the ocean but is also home to Narrabeen Lakes (people sometimes call it ‘the lagoon’ – pick your pony). I’ve just spent a year living directly across the road from the surf break there, and the photo on the left is what I looked out at from my writing desk – !!! (Although I should say that I usually had to cross the road to check the surf. It normally breaks further up. That photo was taken on a huge winter’s day). The photo on the right is the other extreme – that’s me on some incredibly small summer slops.

2. The Café - Manly

When people talk about the northern beaches what they’re referring to is 30 kilometres (18.5 miles) of coastline that starts at a suburb called Manly and stretches northwards to a place called Palm Beach. The café where Carly works is in Manly, which is a really lovely suburb bracketed by the beach on one side and the harbour on the other. It’s very popular with tourists because it’s a ferry ride away from the city. The café in the story is fictional, but based on real places that I worked at while I was travelling around Australia. I’d love to name them but I’d better not. I think they’d sue. Hollandaise sauce, anyone?

3. Turtlebacks at Dee Why (chapter 22)

Dee Why is the place where Ryan and Carly go to check out a huge south swell. It’s three beaches north of Manly. There really was a large Tasman Sea swell that hit Sydney during the year I wrote the first draft of the book (2006). I took these photos of it from Dee Why. Note the two guys at the edge of the tidal pool about to get smashed – they’re the turtlebacks in the story.

4. The Collaroy Services Club

At the risk of getting all Big Yellow Taxi on you, I’m surprised at how many things have changed since 2006. The Collaroy Services Club (chapter 26) is now called The Beach Club. And The Sands (a pub mentioned briefly in chapter 24) has been bulldozed for apartments. They’ve built a new Sands – I don’t like it, though; it’s not as good. But I’m getting sidetracked. This is the Collaroy Services Club where Ryan takes Carly for a drink when he first comes back from the mines. Nice location, hey?

Well, that wraps it up. Thanks for having me! I hope it’s all humming for you, wherever you are.

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Thank you so much for dropping by, Kirsty! Now for all of you, please visit the rest of the events this week - you can view the full list HERE...annnnnnndddd thanks to the lovely author and coordinators of this event, I have a signed copy of Raw Blue up for grabs for you guys! Want to enter? The rules are simple:

As always, you do NOT need to be a follower to enter, but it's always appreciated! This giveaway is open internationally and will end promptly at midnight on September 7, 2011 at 12 AM EST.

Click HERE to enter!

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 Books That Are On The Top Of My TBR List For Fall:

1. Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake - As one who has a penchant for all things creepy and macabre, allow me to tell you how very stoked I am to be reading this one VERY soon.

2. The Fox Inheritance by Mary E. Pearson - Usually, series are the death of a great first book for me (that didn't make sense, but you know what I mean). This one, however, I am just DYING to start.

3. Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey - Well, for one, it has one awesome premise. For another, the cover is to die for. For yet another...it's going to be a different read for me with the LGBT story line, and I like to read out of my comfort zone.

4. Frost by Marianna Baer - Two words - Boarding. School. Nothing good can come of it, and I'm just fascinated by both the premise and the creeptastic cover. I'm in the mood for spooks, kids!

5. As I Wake by Elizabeth Scott - If I'm not wrong (and I often am), this one sounds a bit different than her usual books, and that excites me. I love it when an author pushes the boundaries of his/her comfort zones! Plus, holy great premise!

6. Variant by Robison Wells - You know what I love more than a great premise? A premise that only hints, but that hint is enough to spark my interest. Again with the creep factor, I'm loving the touches of originality this one seems to have.

7. Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon - I have this one sitting my shelf, and while I'm a cover slut, the premise is equally incredible. Plus, Leigh is fabulous, so I can't wait to start this one.

8. Bunheads by Sophie Flack - Confession time. I was a ballet dancer once upon a time before I gave it up to swim full time. Was I good? Adequate is probably more like it. Anyway, this contemporary read is one that's been sitting on my shelf tempting me, and it sounds so good.

9. Seizure by Kathy Reichs - It's no secret I'm a huge BONES nut, and when I read Virals, I absolutely died with glee. I'm so excited to see if the second installment is better than the first.

10. The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler - Well, it's two great authors, a highly entertaining and intriguing premise and, frankly, I can't imagine a life before my facebook, so let's be honest...who doesn't want to read this?

Title: Eve
Author: Anna Carey
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publish Date: October 4, 2011
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Pages: 336
Source: Publisher

Sixteen years after a deadly virus wiped out most of Earth’s population, the world is a perilous place. Eighteen-year-old Eve has never been beyond the heavily guarded perimeter of her school, where she and two hundred other orphaned girls have been promised a future as the teachers and artists of the New America. But the night before graduation, Eve learns the shocking truth about her school’s real purpose—and the horrifying fate that awaits her.

Fleeing the only home she’s ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Arden, her former rival from school, and Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly wins her trust... and her heart. He promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.

Eve has lived through the worst of the world. With populations dwindling, the world ravaged by disease and discord and the number of orphans on the rise, Eve managed to become one of the lucky ones - or so she thought. She's taught the finer points of 19th century living - the best dances and the best novels are at her disposal, but she's destined for a life of being enslaved to men and for the sole purpose of helping restore the broken world around her. When Eve discovers the truth, she does the only thing she can think of. She escapes. But the world is a scary place, and even with her former rival becoming her friend, Eve has to contend with war, greed and someone who might just find a place in her heart for himself.

I'm a big fan of dystopian books, so I'm going to premise my review with that in an attempt to stay entirely objective. Eve is the first book in a planned trilogy, promising a world that's so desolate that mere children are forced to become the true future of the world, in every sense of the word. Anna Carey has created a fascinating premise for a new series that's equal parts heartwarming, heartbreaking and horrifying. Already a talented novelist, the author lends her skills at world-building to a bleak and dismal future world. With scene setting that's bleak and war-ridden, Eve has every opportunity in the world to find its niche in the dystopian genre with ease.

That's about where the good ends for me with Eve, however. Eve, as a heroine began fairly decent. She seemed a bit brainwashed, but in the society presented in the novel, her status fit. Suddenly though, Eve is more than willing to escape into the wild she's so terrified of, and she's more than willing to break all those rules she was brainwashed to accept. I found it exceptionally difficult to watch her switch from ardently in favour if the new regime to completely against it in a matter of pages without so much of an inkling of doubt before. The transition was jarring and made her character feel false and inaccessible. I also had a huge problem with believing the world Eve was raised in. As an orphan raised to be a breeding machine, she was privvied to the finest education when, in fact, the whole point of Eve was that Eve and her classmates would never get to use it. Then there's my issue with the fact that the King wanted Eve for himself and this bleak country suddenly mustered up an army of unfathomable proportions to capture and detain a single, plain orphan girl that jarred with the whole "there's nothing left of this world" premise. Furthermore, Eve's ridiculous naivete, the overabundance of cliches and the man-saves-girl-on-steed scenario just added to the mess. Honestly, without going into things further, I felt that Eve was merely bits and pieces of other dystopian novels merged into one without fleshing a single thing out, and it was severely disappointing.

Now, I've read some of the author's other books, and I quite enjoyed them, so while Eve didn't work for me, I'm just going to chalk this up to the fact that the genre isn't for everyone. I truly believe one must come up with an entirely new idea or make it into something new and terrifying to make a dystopian work - and that didn't happen with Eve. I give it a 2 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to fans of YA and those who can deal with a dystopian-light book.

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

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

ARC - Thank you, HarperTeen

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body.

FOR REVIEW

Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez

ARC - Thank you, Simon Pulse

Now is not the time for Carmen to fall in love. And Jeremy is hands-down the wrong guy for her to fall for. He is infuriating, arrogant, and the only person who can stand in the way of Carmen getting the one thing she wants most: to win the prestigious Guarneri competition. Carmen's whole life is violin, and until she met Jeremy, her whole focus was winning. But what if Jeremy isn't just hot...what if Jeremy is better? Carmen is sick of not feeling anything on stage and even more sick of always doing what she’s told, doing what's expected. Sometimes, being on top just means you have a long way to fall....

FOR REVIEW

Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey

ARC - Thank you, Flux

Braden was born with witch eyes: the ability to see the world as it truly is: a blinding explosion of memories, darkness, and magic. The power enables Braden to see through spells and lies, but at the cost of horrible pain. After a terrifying vision reveals imminent danger for the uncle who raised and instructed him, Braden retreats to Belle Dam, an old city divided by two feuding witch dynasties. To stop an insidious dark magic from consuming the town, Braden must master his gift—and risk losing the one he loves.

Also, be sure to enter my international giveaway for my second ARC of Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi! Click HERE to find out how!

I was lucky enough to receive one ARC of this incredible book at BEA in May, and this past week I received a second copy (with the new cover) from the lovely folks over at HarperTeen, so I have another hot-list book up for grabs, guys! Here's what you could win:

Title: Shatter Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: November 15, 2011
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Pages: 352

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

Does this one sound like it's up your alley? Read on, my friends...the rules are simple:

As always, you do NOT have to be a follower, but it is always appreciated! This giveaway is open internationally and will end promptly at midnight EST on Saturday, September 17, 2011.

Click HERE to fill out the form and enter to win!

Title: Going Underground
Author: Susan Vaught
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Publish Date: September 13, 2011
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 336
Source: Publisher

Del is a good kid who's been caught in horrible circumstances. At seventeen, he's trying to put his life together after an incident in his past that made him a social outcast-and a felon. As a result, he can't get into college; the only job he can find is digging graves; and when he finally meets a girl he might fall in love with, there's a sea of complications that threatens to bring the world crashing down around him again.

But what has Del done? In flashbacks to Del's fourteenth year, we slowly learn the truth: his girlfriend texted him a revealing photo of herself, a teacher confiscated his phone, and soon the police were involved.

Del never meant for any of it to happen. Neither did Cory. They were children, but they liked each other, and they decided that before they went too far too soon, they'd test the waters with photos of themselves. That one simple act sent Del's world spiraling into a dark abyss of beign a convicted felon and registered sex-offender. Years later, he's desperate to put the pieces back together, go to college and find a good job, but his past is still haunting him. Can he find peace with his past, make a future for himself and enjoy happiness again, or will his past haunt him forever?

You know, I've never really considered an "issue" book like this. I love me some twisty nonsense, but Going Underground was a whole new realm for me because it's something that I don't know too much about. Frankly, the only time I hear about someone releasing naked pictures of themselves, it's when I'm perusing Perez because I'm bored. Susan Vaught has cleverly crafted a story that tackles an extremely sensitive, controversial and delicate issue with ease with Going Underground. Creating heartfelt characters that display two sides to the controversy surrounding cell phones, their potential for misuse and the crimes that can be committed when using them. Rather than painting the story in black and white, the author has given us shades of gray in Going Underground, allowing the reader to see a victim in the perpetrator of a crime.

Going Underground wasn't the easiest read for me, but I'm by no means saying it was poorly done. The story was powerful and profound, and Del was an extremely likable MC. He was honest, respectful, hardworking and decent despite what happened three years ago. I felt for him and his situation, truly, I did. I think the main problem I had was that it's not an issue I know too much about, and I've always seen that one side of it. Sending inappropriate images via cell phones is wrong - that's what I believe, but Going Underground made me think because Del and Cory had no sort of malice in mind when they did so. It was curiosity - pure and simple. It was hard for me to reconcile the two. I will note that the book does jump from the present to three years in the past where we see what brought Del to his position today, and it was done well. The transitions weren't jarring, and it flowed smoothly. I also enjoyed the touches of lightness in an otherwise somber book...like the talking parrot, Fred. Trust me, she fits into the story of Going Underground seamlessly. The only other qualm I really had was that I felt the ending was a bit too convenient and too easy. Do I love ribbons and bows? Sure, but are they always realistic? Heck no.

All in all, Going Underground was a very good read, and I'm sure many a reader will get a powerful message out of it. I think my main problem was, perhaps, my lack of knowledge on the subject, but that's not to say the author didn't create a remarkable story. I give it a very strong 3.5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to all fans of YA and adult reads, as well those who enjoy contemporary and issue books.

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.

Title: Harbinger
Author: Sara Etienne
Publisher: Putnam BYR
Publish Date: February 2, 2012
Genre: YA, Mystery, Thriller
Pages: 320

When sixteen-year-old Faye arrives at Holbrook Academy, she doesn’t expect to find herself exactly where she needs to be. After years of strange waking visions and nightmares, her only comfort is the bones of dead animals, Faye is afraid she’s going crazy. Fast.

But her first night at Holbrook, she feels strangely connected to the school and the island it sits on, like she’s come home. She’s even made her first real friends, but odd things keep happening to them. Every morning they wake on the floors of their dorm rooms with their hands stained red.

Faye knows she’s the reason, but what does it all mean? The handsome Kel tries to help her unravel the mystery, but Faye is certain she can’t trust him; in fact, he may be trying to kill her—and the rest of the world too.

Ok, we all know I love me some dark books, and let's be honest - it doesn't get much better than some crazy chick loving dead animal bones. Am I right? Right. Harbinger sounds deliciously twisted in the best possible way. I love stories set in academies and remote locations, and it's my true hope that this one is as fast-paced and edgy as they say because it could very well be a great book! 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 Books You Loved But Never Wrote A Review For:

1. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling - Kids, I can review books. Trust me, I can. That said, I could never string enough perfect words together to embody the absolute incredible masterpiece that is this book. I'm just being honest. It's THAT good.

2. The Last Silk Dress by Ann Rinaldi - I don't know how the author captured the true voice and sentiment of a girl living and desperately trying to grow during the Civil War, but she did. The brother-sister bond, the struggles, the falling friendships...it's great.

3. The Book of Bright Ideas by Sandra Kring - No, it's not YA, but yes, it is an incredible and powerful book. It's the story of self-discovery and the tumultuous family ties that make it such a hard-hitting book.

4. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden - The movie most certainly did not do this one justice. It's beautiful and poetic, sad and profound. It truly makes you think and feel for the struggles of a singular woman lost in a painted world.

5. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson - I've read the book countless times. I've felt for Melinda, and I've wanted to comfort her. And yet, I can't put into words the power of this book. Nothing I could say would make it sound true.

6. Angels & Demons by Dan Brown - I don't like mysteries of thrillers. I don't. They tend to bore me with their less-than-lustrous plots and characters, but this is the one book of his that truly sings to me.

7. Pearls of Lutra by Brian Jacques - Yes, I'm aware the cast of characters is enormous. I'm also aware that they are all animals and the novel takes place in a host of different locales. That said, Jacques makes a fantasy world come alive from page one with true, heartfelt emotion.

8. The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare - I read this book so many times that the cover fell off and I had to buy another copy. I love the characters, the subtle romance, the drama...it all works together so well.

9. The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi - Maybe it isn't the most realistic plot, and maybe people think I'm stupid for listing this one, but it's one of those books that I was forced to read for honours english when I was in sixth grade, and I've loved it ever since.

10. Time Windows by Kathryn Reiss - I first read this in elementary school. (I just aged myself, I know). This book has such an intriguing concept, a lovable MC, and a mystery with a touch of supernatural, as well, that lends for a fast, engaging and entertaining read.

Title: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour
Author: Morgan Matson
Publisher: Simon & Schuster BYR
Publish Date: May 4, 2010
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 352
Source: Personal Copy

Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew--just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life.

Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn't seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she's coming to terms with her father's death and how to put her own life back together after the accident.

Amy's life is anything but upbeat. After the sudden death of her father, her mother packs up and moves to Connecticut to start fresh. Amy was left in California to finish her junior year, but has to journey across the country in the family car driven by Roger, a guy she barely knows. She's certain things are going to go from bad to worse, and her luck has officially run out. But along the way, Amy and Roger learn that know matter how hard they plan and carefully they detail the road to home and a new life, there are always unexpected twists and turns that throw one for a loop in the best possible way.

I've never been a summer-read kind of girl. I just haven't been. I like my books to be dark and issue-heavy, and while this had all the makings of being a true issue book, Amy & Roger's Epic Detour managed to feature an upbeat, bittersweet and entirely realistic tone. Morgan Matson has painted a true-to-life picture of a girl dealing with grief in her own way and her own time. Chronicling Amy's journey to peace, Amy & Roger's Epic Detour is true to its title; it's epic, it's loving and it's a story that promises to make your heart soar with hope and happiness.

There were so many good things about Amy & Roger's Epic Detour that I'm sure I'll miss a few, but I want to try to explain what made the book so great for me. First off, Amy is a brilliant character. She's well-rounded and her grief, though apparent, isn't all-consuming or overbearing. It's a subtle undertone that courses through her actions and inactions that draws the reader into her story. Likewise, Roger was solid and reassuring without being some huge rock that saves the damsel in distress. Their relationship was quirky at best, as well as very cute and unassuming. The writing of Amy & Roger's Epic Detour was spot on. Fluid and fun, sprinkled with illustrations and receipts, postcards and napkins, Amy & Roger's Epic Detour spins the reader on a cross-country journey that is engaging, mesmerizing and has you feeling like a part of the journey. Plus, if I might add, the musical playlist scattered through the book is phenomenal.

Overall, Amy & Roger's Epic Detour was a fantastic book. Well-written and featuring a great theme without ever being overwhelming or overdone, it's a beautiful and heartfelt story. I give it a 5 out of 5, and it's up there in my top contemporaries of all time. I highly recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction.

Once upon a time, I hated contemporary books, guys. You know this. I professed my hatred in many a post, and I firmly declared that I was certain no book could ever change my mind. Enter Raw Blue. That singular book opened my eyes to the beauty of a genre that had always escaped me, and the lovely Kirsty Eagar gave us a book that is honest, heartfelt and beautiful in the most tragic and truthful sense of the word.

The lovely Nic from Irresistible Reads (champion of Aussie authors) and Linds from Bibliophile Brouhaha (her personal quest is to have Raw Blue published in the US) are hosting a one-of-a-kind, week-long event featuring reviews, guest posts, giveaways and more to bring Kirsty Eagar's incredible works to light. Here's what you should know:

Kirsty Eagar Appreciation Week: August 29th - September 4th

Where: Irresistible Reads and Bibliophile Brouhaha

Also Features On: Supernatural Snark, The Unread Reader, Inkcrush and right here at I Swim for Oceans

Look Out For: Guest posts from Kirsty (and info on her new book!), reviews and GIVEAWAYS!

Please help us spread the word, and please feel free to join in the fun! Below are some buttons you're more than welcome to take and use - let's share the love for an awesome author!

Title: The Scorpio Races
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Publisher: Scholastic
Publish Date: October 18, 2011
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 416
Source: Publisher

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

Puck is not your typical racer. In fact, she's the first girl to attempt the deadly Scorpio Races, and she's doing it to bring her family back together in a last ditch attempt after her older brother abandons she and her younger brother, Finn. Puck has a battle ahead of her though. The Scorpio Races aren't about racing pretty ponies. The Capaill Uisce are fierce, mythical water horses that are as ferocious as they are powerful, and they'll turn on their rider as soon as they'll attack anyone else. Fueled by blood, they're harnessed by magic and charms to ride, but there's never a guarantee a rider will survive the Scorpio Races. Puck must battle to the finish line, challenge the four-time reigning champion and attempt to bring peace to her family once and for all...but first she has to survive the ride.

I'm probably one of the few YA book bloggers in the whole wide blogosphere that didn't fall madly in love with the Shiver series. In fact, I rather disliked it as a whole. So sue me. That said, I'm a huge fan of Maggie Stiefvater's Ballad and Lament, so I've always loved her ability to tell a story. When I read the premise of The Scorpio Races, I was captivated, and I can say with one hundred percent conviction and honesty that the book lives up to its potential. Fierce and frightening, The Scorpio Races is set in a vivid backdrop of a deadly battle but is fueled by equally colourful and magnetic characters. With rich prose, gorgeous details and an ever-spinning and flowing plot makes The Scorpio Races a truly incredible journey for readers of all ages.

I'm a huge fan of character-driven novels, and The Scorpio Races truly delivers. Puck (Kate) is a fantastic and relatable character. She's willing to lay it all on the line for her family, and she's more than willing to face the challenge of her fellow competitors. The beauty of Puck is that she's not some silly girl desperate to make a stand. She's a bit rough around the edges, she doesn't care what others think of her and she'd lay down her life to save her little brother without a second thought. Sean, the four-time champion is a worthy adversary. In a world of YA characters where men are artistic and wishy-washy, his very presence is strong and commands attention. He doesn't waver, he doesn't falter and his relationship to the races is a mystery that fuels the core of The Scorpio Races. The brilliance of the novel is that, yes, the characters drive the story, but the plot matches and surpasses the characters, as well. It's original, riveting and entirely engaging. It's dark and blood-tinged world I'd love to be lost in again and again.

I love when I read books that set themselves apart in every sense of the word, and I'm so happy to say that I found The Scorpio Races did just that. I give it a 5 out of 5, hands down, and I would highly, highly recommend it to fans of both YA and adult books, especially those who enjoy fantasy, touches of dystopian and dark stories.

I received this ARC 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: A Temptation of Angels
Author: Michelle Zink
Publisher: Dial BYR
Publish Date: March 20, 2012
Genre: YA, Paranormalm HistFic
Pages: TBA

When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world’s past, present, and future. Unbeknownst to her, she has been trained her whole life to accept this responsibility.

Now, as she finds herself torn between the angelic brothers protecting her and the devastatingly handsome childhood friend who wants to destroy her, she must prepare to be brave, to be hunted, and above all to be strong because temptation will be hard to resist, even for an angel.

First off, I'm a huge fan of Michelle Zink. She's an incredible author. Second of all, seriously? Look at that cover for A Temptation of Angels. I'm in lust with how dark and haunting it is. Plus, I really think I could love this take on angels. It sounds twisty and dark with a touch of something that's not quite right or good. Honestly, this one has all the makings for an incredible book, and I can't freaking wait to read it. 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 Tuesday Freebie (anything literary you'd like!):

I've been waiting for this one for a while. It's time I honour my all-time favourite series with a full post, and thus, I'm doing my top ten favourite characters from Harry Potter!

1. Albus Dumbledore - He will always be at the top of my list. Whether he was giving silly speeches (nitwit, blubber, oddment, tweak?), consoling and guiding Harry, or leading good wizards on a path of good magic and decency, he was a hero. I've never cried so hard about a character before in my life, but Dumbledore was it. He was the epitome of perfection for me.

2. Sirius Black - We never really got to know James Potter, so what I can figure is that Sirius is as close to a father as Harry ever really had. Despite his demons and his tragic past, Sirius loved Harry for all he was worth. His character made Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix for me.

3. Severus Snape - So sue me...his bark was far worse than his bite. Even though he was pretty much a greasy, slimy little douchebag rat for most of the book, he redeemed himself in the end. Plus, the depth of his character was fantastic.

4. Dobby - He wasn't the biggest character in stature, perhaps, but his role was more powerful than some of the biggest and baddest in the entire series. One little house elf changed Harry's life and many more, plus his heart and spirit was far bigger than he was. I want to keep him for myself.

5. Bellatrix Lestrange - Now, before you kill me or call me a Death Eater, allow me to clarify. She's one nasty b*tch, but good Lord is she a crazy good character. I mean, she's psycho, for sure, but without her, the final installments of Harry Potter would be lacking their token freak.

6. Ron Weasley - Oh, Ronald. How I love thee. Perhaps it's because he's so unsure of himself and self-deprecating, or perhaps it's because he's nearly always there for Harry, or even perhaps it's because he's just a kind, good person. Ron is faithful and true, and without him, Harry would be missing half of who he was.

7. Voldemort - No, I do not love Voldemort, but I love his characterization, for sure. Think of evil incarnate, and he's right up there with the devil, himself. It's not that his physical appearance matches how evil I would imagine him to be, but rather than he's that heinous. Just when I thought he couldn't get worse, he did.

8. Neville Longbottom - He's so cooky. I mean, c'mon. The poor guy was a blathering fool for a good bit, but he had a heart of gold. To watch him transform into the hero he so desperately wanted to be was a real treat.

9. Luna Lovegood - While we're talking about cooky characters, allow me to say how much I stinkin' love this girl! She's so strange! There was absolutely nothing normal about her which made her that much more intriguing, plus she didn't give a crap what anyone thought about her.

10. Hagrid - He's got a heart as big as he is - perhaps even bigger, if that's possible. I remember thinking he was like a big, doofus teddy-bear when I first read about him, but watching him grow from friend, to mentor, to ally to Harry was incredible, and I loved him every moment.

Title: The Fallen Star
Author: Jessica Sorenson
Publisher: Self-published
Publish Date: April 7, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 449
Source: Author

For eighteen year-old Gemma, life has never been normal. Up until recently, she has been incapable of feeling emotion. And when she's around Alex, the gorgeous new guy at school, she can feel electricity that makes her skin buzz. Not to mention the monsters that haunt her nightmares have crossed over into real-life.

But with Alex seeming to hate her and secrets popping up everywhere, Gemma's life is turning into a chaotic mess. Things that shouldn't be real suddenly seem to exist. And as her world falls apart, figuring out the secrets of her past becomes a matter of life and death.

Gemma's life has always been strange, but lately things are changing from strange to just plain alarming. She's used to feeling nothing, and yet now her emotions begin to creep up on her with a tickling, unsettling sensation every time Alex is around. But her nightmares are beginning to haunt her in daylight and her emotions are overwhelming her everywhere she turns. A part of her wants to figure things out, but the rest of her longs for the simplicity of her former invisibility. Can she figure out what's happening her before these transformations and uncovered secrets become deadly?

Let me preface my review by saying that I'm a true fan of indie authors. I love the idea that true genius doesn't have to be represented by some huge name to be amazing. The Fallen Star is a book brimming with creativity and promise, creating a intriguing and fresh world. Author Jessica Sorenson clearly did her due diligence when planning out The Fallen Star. It's a world that's interesting and accessible and will definitely find a niche for paranormal readers everywhere. Balancing a tricky plot with a host of intricate characters, The Fallen Star offers a thrill ride for those seeking a twist on the old paranormal with hints of the new.

It's tricky to review a book like The Fallen Star because I truly mean it when I say that the author and the book have potential. I really enjoyed the creativity involved in the actual premise and setup of the book, but I will say that my main issue with The Fallen Star was the execution of the novel, unfortunately. The fact of the matter is that this is a book that makes the reader work to find the action and then, ultimately, fails to give some sort of adequate resolution. While I understand it's a part of a series, I like books to stand on their own, and the ending of The Fallen Star sounded more like a chapter than that of a novel. In a novel that's precariously close to 500 pages, I would like to get into the thick of the action before nearly a third of the book is done. My other major issue with the book was the editing or lack thereof. I can overlook some spelling errors, and heck, I can overlook some grammar, but the pages were, unfortunately, littered with errors that were actually detrimental to my ability to follow the plot. My last real issue was, simply, that I often felt Gemma was talking more to the reader than to the other characters in the book, and it felt jarring.

Now, I'm by no means saying that The Fallen Star is a bad book. It shows promise for the author, and I'm sure it will find its niche and home on many a reader's shelf. However, it just didn't work as well as I'd hoped for me. I give it a 2.5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal trilogies.

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.

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

Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday

ARC - Thank you, HarperTeen

Hartley Grace Featherstone is having a very bad day. First she finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her with the president of the Herbert Hoover High School Chastity Club. Then he's pegged as the #1 suspect in a murder. And if that weren't enough, now he's depending on Hartley to clear his name. 

But as much as Hartley wouldn't mind seeing him squirm, she knows he's innocent, and she's the only one who can help him. But as the dead bodies begin to pile up, the mystery deepens, the suspects multiply, and Hartley begins to fear that she may be the killer's next victim.

FOR REVIEW

The Magic of Recluse by L.E. Modesitt Jr.

Thank you, TOR

Young Lerris is dissatisfied with his life and trade, and yearns to find a place in the world better suited to his skills and temperament. But in Recluce a change in circumstances means taking one of two options: permanent exile from Recluce or the dangergeld, a complex, rule-laden wanderjahr in the lands beyond Recluce, with the aim of learning how the world works and what his place in it might be. 

=Though it goes against all of his instincts, Lerris must learn to use his powers in an orderly way before his wanderjahr, or fall prey to Chaos.

Title: Pure
Author: Julianna Baggott
Publisher: Grand Central
Publish Date: February 8, 2012
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Pages: 448
Source: Publisher

We know you are here, our brothers and sisters . . . Pressia barely remembers the Detonations or much about life during the Before. And now, at an age when everyone is required to turn themselves over to the militia to either be trained as a soldier or, if they are too damaged and weak, to be used as live targets, Pressia can no longer pretend to be small. Pressia is on the run.

Burn a Pure and Breathe the Ash . . . There are those who escaped the apocalypse unmarked. Pures. They are tucked safely inside the Dome that protects their healthy, superior bodies. Yet Partridge, whose father is one of the most influential men in the Dome, feels isolated and lonely. Different. So when a slipped phrase suggests his mother might still be alive, Partridge risks his life to leave the Dome to find her.

When Pressia meets Partridge, their worlds shatter all over again.

Pressia's life has always been measured in days. A day alive was a day of success. A day in which she makes it through unscathed is another day she's beaten the odds. Pressia is marked and not pure. On the other hand, Partridge is a Pure. He should feel blessed. His life is superior. His days aren't numbered, and he lives in the safety of the Dome, but something's missing. He's on a quest to find that missing piece, and when he voluntarily relinquishes his life in the Dome, he realizes just how dire the world of the those outside and meeting Pressia might just change everything.

This book doesn't release until February, and I had every intention of waiting to review it, but a rave review from my brother-in-law's sister convinced me to bump it up in my queue. Pure is dystopian in every sense of the word. Picture a world that's as picturesque as possible, without war, or greed, or hatred. Now picture the exact opposite. Julianna Baggott has created an eerily real world that is terrifying, horrifying and entirely magnetic and tangible. Vivid and accessible, the world within Pure is written with a haunting prose and tone that latches onto the reader and refuses to let go.

Pure truly embodies bleakness. Gritty and action-packed, the book perfectly balances character and plot, letting the two feed off one another and fuel the fire of the story. Pressia's life was painful to read, and I'll admit that I had my doubts about the doll head being fused to her body. Partridge, likewise, could easily have come off as an arrogant, self-entitled jerk who wanted more than he had for no greater reason than to want, but his genuine desire to find his mother, hold onto hope and discover a truth within himself was endearing and engaging. The world of Pure, however, was breathtaking in the most cringe-worthy way. The wake of the nuclear holocaust was so descriptive and detailed that it was mesmerizing, painful and raw. The best par of Pure though was that it makes the reader uneasy and feel unsettled long after the final page. It makes one think "what if?" What if we go too far one day, and we can't turn back? Pure presents this war between the haves and have-nots is horrifying in the best possible way.

I'm so glad to see a dystopian book step outside of the ordinary, boring little "teen romance with a touch of dystopia" mold. Pure is a powerful first book in a planned trilogy with cross-genre appeal that is certain to make the reader feel. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to both YA and adults, especially those who enjoy dystopian fiction.

I received this ARC 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: Deadly Cool
Author: Gemma Halliday
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: October 11, 2011
Genre: YA, Mystery
Pages: 272

Hartley Grace Featherstone is having a very bad day. First she finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her with the president of the Herbert Hoover High School Chastity Club. Then he's pegged as the #1 suspect in a murder. And if that weren't enough, now he's depending on Hartley to clear his name. Seriously? Not cool.

But as much as Hartley wouldn't mind seeing him squirm, she knows he's innocent, and she's the only one who can help him. Along with her best friend, Sam, and the school's resident Bad Boy, Chase, Hartley starts investigating on her own. But as the dead bodies begin to pile up, the mystery deepens, the suspects multiply, and Hartley begins to fear that she may be the killer's next victim.

You know, normally I would skate right on over a book like this, but let's be honest. The cover alone of Deadly Cool is awesome. Then, there's a premise that promises a whole mess of dark humour, which is totally my thing in a nutshell. Do I think there will be a lot of depth to this one? Heck no, but I sure as heck think I'm in for some rip-roaring entertainment! 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 Underrated Books (those books you can't believe aren't more popular):

1. The Long Weekend by Savita Kalhan - It's marketed as a MG read because of the younger characters, but let me tell you - this is one chilling story. The author masters to delicately balance a horrific and psychological thriller with a depth of humanity. It's a must-read.

2. Griffin Rising by Darby Karchut - Perhaps it's that the cover doesn't scream "READ ME!" but this one defies the ordinary angel/paranormal mold. It's a story with heart and depth and one that will transcend the YA genre.

3. The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin - People know the author for her other works, but this one is that seems to slip through the cracks. Honestly, it's one of the best and most heartfelt contemporary stories I've read in a long time.

4. Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar - I've said it once (or a billion times), but I will sing the praises of this one until the end of time. I hated contemps before this, but this single book gave me hope for the genre. Love, love, love the theme and writing.

5. Vampire Empire: The Greyfriar by Susan & Clay Griffith - Okay, this is saying something because we all know how I feel about vampires. Honestly, this book was so refreshing though...merging steampunk with paranormal? Sheer genius, I say.

6. Time Windows by Kathryn Reiss - Maybe this is too old to still be popular, but I'm surprised it wasn't more popular when it came out, too. It's got a great plot, fabulous characters that stick with you, and an amazing premise. I highly recommend it and continue to re-read it to this day.

7. Many Waters by Madeleine L'Engle - The author, again, is so popular for the other books in the series, and this one seems to get slighted in the mix. Perhaps it's that it focuses on the twins, or the Biblical retelling, but honestly, this remains a favourite standout of mine to this day. I can't recommend it enough.

8. Dark Song by Gail Giles - I know a lot of people have read this one, but the ratings are really mixed. Yes, it was a dark book, and yes, it's not for everyone, but I loved it. It's a fabulously ravaging story - and it sticks with you.

9. The Hourglass Door by Lisa Mangum - A lot of people say that time travel stories aren't their thing. The premise, while it involves time travel, is so much more than that. It's got great characters and a highly engaging plot.

10. This Gorgeous Game by Donna Freitas - Bone-chilling is a great word to describe this one. If you enjoy reading psychological stories, I highly recommend this one because its true-to-life nature is hard-hitting and powerful.

Title: Griffin Rising
Author: Darby Karchut
Publisher: Twilight Times
Published: June 28, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 174
Source: Author

For Griffin, it’s time to angel up. Armed with the power to control the ancient elements of Earth and Fire, sixteen year old Griffin is determined to complete his apprenticeship and rise to the rank of Terra Angeli.

But first, he must overcome a brutal past if he is to survive in this world. Will the perseverance of his mentor and the love of a mortal girl give Griffin the strength he needs to triumph?

Griffin is an angel in training, and he's on his way to great things. However, no matter how far he reaches or to what new heights he reaches, Griffin can't forget the torment of his first mentor, Nicopolis. Terra Angeli have the gift of free will, and Nicopolis used his to torment and tear Griffin down. His new mentor, Basil, however is a perfect complement to Griffin and the two are finally reaching their stride when a new family moves in across the street with a girl that catches Griffin's eye. Is angel training, a haunting past, a bright future and a potential love interest too much for one young angel to handle?

There is such a predominance of paranormal stories on the market today, that finding an original idea is an increasingly scarce thing to come by. Truly, the nature of the market is dominated by different realms of paranormal beings, so finding a story that can stand a part is great. Griffin Rising definitely sets itself apart with a unique, sweet and intriguing spin on angels among us. Author Darby Karchut has created a heartwarming novel about first loves, the truth and strength that lies within all of us and the ability to overcome adversity that just happens to involve a great and unique angel plotline. Griffin Rising is definitely a book that will delight all ages and keep readers entertained.

Griffin Rising, though a slim book, contained a perfectly executed plot with a well-developed cast of characters and story arc that kept me hooked. Griffin was a lovable character with a bit of everyone in him in the sense that everyone can relate to a piece of his story. Though young, he's on the cusp of discovering his true self, and as a reader, I felt invested in his journey. Watching his interaction with Katie, the girl across the street and Basil, his mentor, it all rang true and felt genuine. What truly made Griffin Rising stand out, however, was the manner in which it was written. With each chapter written as a journal entry from either Griffin, Basil or Katie, I had the opportunity to truly get to know each character and, in a sense, gain a new insight into the other characters through their eyes. This could easily have been a downfall for Griffin Rising, but it was executed so well that the book was made all the more powerful for it.

Overall, Griffin Rising was a brilliant book. Fun, engaging and enriched with sweet sentiment and great characters, it will transcend the young adult genre. I give it a 4.5 out of 5, only because I wanted the story to be longer, and I highly recommend this for YA, MG and adult readers, especially those who enjoy paranormal stories with a lot of heart and soul.

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.