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 On My TBR List For Winter:

1. Article 5 by Kristen Simmons - Dark and gritty dystopian? Check. A world that's ravaged and falling apart? Also check. I'm a huge fan of dystopians, and it's no wonder this is at the top of my list.

2. Arcadia Awakens by Kai Meyer - First off, that cover is stunning. Snakes? Sold. Plus, that premise is highly intriguing, and it sounds completely original - a rarity in the YA market.

3. Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver - I really enjoyed book one, though it wasn't without flaws, and needless to say, I'm totally excited to continue the journey. I love me some series - especially dystopian!

4. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins - I know, I know. It's already out. I'm behind the times. Yadda, Yadda. Here's the dealio...I'm stepping way out of my comfort zone to read this one, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

5. Torn by Cat Clarke - I just love the cover, first of all, but also, the premise is so dark and raw that I'm sold on both. I love the drama. I really, really do.

6. Catch & Release by Blythe Woolston - You know what this one has that so many books really don't seem to have these days? Quirk. This one sounds so fresh and odd, that it could very well be a winner.

7. The Girls of No Return by Erin Saldin - There's something fresh about this contemporary that makes it stand out from the others. Perhaps it's the emotional layer, or the character flaws, but I'm liking the sound of it.

8. Partials by Dan Wells - Heck yes. It's like Terminator meets Contagion. I can't wait for another dark rollercoaster of doom in a dystopian. I'm messed up, eh?

9. Bewitching by Alex Flinn - Ok, you all know how much I enjoyed Beastly, right? Well, this is the story of Kendra, and let's be honest, she's even more exciting than Kyle Kingsbury.

10. When the Sea is Rising Red by Cat Hellisen - It sounds like a potent blend of magic, mystery and power that could make for an immensely intriguing read...it also doesn't hurt that the cover is phenomenal.

Title: Hushed
Author: Kelley York (Twitter, Facebook)
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publish Date: December 6, 2011
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 260
Source: Publisher

He’s saved her. He’s loved her. He’s killed for her. Eighteen-year-old Archer couldn’t protect his best friend, Vivian, from what happened when they were kids, so he’s never stopped trying to protect her from everything else. It doesn’t matter that Vivian only uses him when hopping from one toxic relationship to another—Archer is always there, waiting to be noticed.

Then along comes Evan, the only person who’s ever cared about Archer without a single string attached. The harder he falls for Evan, the more Archer sees Vivian for the manipulative hot-mess she really is.

But Viv has her hooks in deep, and when she finds out about the murders Archer’s committed and his relationship with Evan, she threatens to turn him in if she doesn’t get what she wants… And what she wants is Evan’s death, and for Archer to forfeit his last chance at redemption.

Archer would do anything for Vivian. From her tragic youth to her tangled and messy life in the present, he's stood by her side. He loves her, and his love is unwavering, but Viv is blinded by the world she's been raised in. But as Archer sinks deeper into the role of Vivian's go-to guy, he finally finds someone that might be able to prove to him that he's worth more - that he is more. Viv isn't used to not having Archer there at her beck and call though, and she won't let him go easily. Can Archer find comfort and peace, or will their toxic and destructive relationship bring them both down together?

First of all, it has to be said that I love dark, messy and twisted stories. Second, I have to say that Hushed completely floored me by not only meeting the above criteria, but also blowing it out of the water. Gritty and raw, Hushed is so painfully real and tangible that it's nearly a horror story, scoring wounds deep into your soul as you encounter the poisonous relationship Archer and Viv have for one another. Author Kelley York has written a no-holds-barred account of co-dependent relationships that deftly balances everything from addiction, to murder, to drugs, lies and sexuality. Never crass and with a remarkably honest and human approach, Hushed is one of those reads that will stay with you long past the last page.

Archer was a mess. I'm just going to throw that out there. That said though, so was Viv, and their relationship was only fueled by their inability to cope with their own inner turmoil. Archer was so hell-bent on saving Viv, that he was losing himself to her narcissistic and manipulative ways. Both these main characters fueled the other, sending each one into a downward spiral from which it seemed there would be no return. Enter Evan though, and there became a glimmer of hope in Hushed. Now, allow me to say that I don't read too many novels with GLBT themes, simply because I've yet to read a truly real and honest one. The relationship between Evan and Archer epitomizes truth. There's a clarity between the two that becomes a beacon in a story so black and morose that you can almost taste the tension. The great skill of Hushed is that this human approach allows you to access the bad guy and understand his motives, all the while feeling for him. And, at the same time, you're given a victim that is nearly as guilty of treachery as the other is of murder. Hushed is a mess of chaos spun into a hypnotizing story that will leave you breathless. Balancing serious themes with ease and featuring a steady, lyrical prose, Hushed is the best of all worlds.

I have to say that Hushed exceeded my expectations, and it's definitely one of the darkest stories I've ever read. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to an upper YA audience due to some graphic violence and sexual situations. Those who enjoy contemporary fiction and GLBT storylines will enjoy this one.

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: Brightest Kind of Darkness
Author: P.T. Michelle
Publisher: Self-Published
Publish Date: June 27, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 248
Source: Author

Nara Collins is an average sixteen-year-old, with one exception: every night she dreams the events of the following day. Due to an incident in her past, Nara avoids using her special gift to change fate…until she dreams a future she can’t ignore.

After Nara prevents a bombing at Blue Ridge High, her ability to see the future starts to fade, while people at school are suddenly being injured at an unusually high rate.

Grappling with her diminishing powers and the need to prevent another disaster, Nara meets Ethan Harris, a mysterious loner who seems to understand her better than anyone. Ethan and Nara forge an irresistible connection, but as their relationship heats up, so do her questions about his dark past.

Nara lives each and every day twice. She lives them in her dreams before she ever lives in them in real life, so she always knows what to expect. It's predictable. It's monotonous. And it can be incredibly boring. When Nara dreams about a bomb going off at school, she knows that she has to stop it, or all that death will be on her hands. So, she calls in an anonymous tip about the bomb to stop it in time. Little does she know that that one action opened an inevitable Pandora's box for herself. People begin suffering from mysterious ailments, and the dangerous and rebellious Ethan seems to be the only one she can suddenly depend on when her powers suddenly stop. What's the cause of the change, and can Nara fix it in time?

I'm incredibly selective with the self-published books I choose to review these days, and it must be said that I've been entirely certain as of late that I've heard every spin on the paranormal young adult genre that there could possibly be. Brightest Kind of Darkness proved me wrong in the best possible way. The story was solid and strong, alive with fast-paced action, heart-pounding suspense and a plot that grips you from start to finish. Author P.T. Michelle has proven her merit with an incredibly well-written novel that's rife with tension, rich with full-bodied and relatable characters and a story that is so original that it's certain to make a name for itself in the genre.

I kid you not when I say that Brightest Kind of Darkness is one of the best reads I've had thus far this year. Nara was a true heroine - honest and brave, strong and fierce and incredibly passionate about life and holding fast to her gift. She wasn't popular, but she wasn't a loner. She was resilient, and she was kind; very much the type of person you would want to be friends with. Likewise, Ethan was every bit the dangerously delicious bad-boy, however, he wasn't a cliche. There was a darkness around his character, but the same could be said for Nara, and when the two connected, there became light. Their love is power, but it's also beautiful and pure, which is a rarity in a genre overrun by insta-love. It took time to develop and grow, and the plot served to foster it throughout. Brightest Kind of Darkness used two very powerful and very tangible characters to shine through a fast-paced plot. Nara's actions set the stage for a runaway train of suspense and mystery, but the twists and turns kept the story and characters fresh and alive throughout. Brightest Kind of Darkness plays off the idea that every action must have an equal and opposite reaction, which is terrifying and utterly mesmerizing. In essence, the book proves to us that Fate is real, and it is not to be tampered with.

All in all, Brightest Kind of Darkness absolutely blew me away. Fresh and alluring, it's sure to find a place in every book lover's TBR. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I can't recommend it enough to all fans of YA fiction, especially those who enjoy paranormal and paranormal romance stories.

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.

TGIF is a new(ish) feature at one of my absolute favourite blogs, GReads!, hosted by the lovely Ginger. It's a way to celebrate the impending weekend, and answer fun questions. Most of all though, you get to know a wee bit more about all those awesome bloggers you meet. So, what are you waiting for? Do your own post and head on over to link up!

What occupies your time when your nose isn't stuck in a book?

Oh, how I wish my days could be spent merely reading books and writing reviews! I would be one very, very happy lady. Unfortunately, something has to pay the bills, so I do have a full-time job. I'm a Web Editor and Social Media Manager for a business to business marketing company. Basically, I write and edit website content and design social media strategies for large organizations looking to expand their market. Sounds boring, but I promise you, it's endlessly fun! As for what else I do...well, I sleep. Whenever and wherever possible. I think the three things below define me most though.

I swim. A lot. In oceans, in pools, in lakes...any body of water will do. And yes, that is really me.

I spend time with le bf and my pets - two adorable kitties, and my chow-chow pup (above.) We're in different cities right now. It sucks.

I write. I've written three full manuscripts, including one that I'm desperately trying to convince myself to query. We'll see. One day, perhaps.

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: This Is Not a Test
Author: Courtney Summers
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Publish Date: June 19, 2012
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Pages: Unknown

It’s the end of the world. Six students have taken cover in Cortege High but shelter is little comfort when the dead outside won’t stop pounding on the doors. One bite is all it takes to kill a person and bring them back as a monstrous version of their former self. To Sloane Price, that doesn’t sound so bad. Six months ago, her world collapsed and since then, she’s failed to find a reason to keep going. Now seems like the perfect time to give up.

As Sloane eagerly waits for the barricades to fall, she’s forced to witness the apocalypse through the eyes of five people who actually want to live. But as the days crawl by, everyone’s motivations to survive begin to change in startling ways and soon the group’s fate is determined less and less by what’s happening outside and more and more by the unpredictable and violent bids for life–and death–inside.

When everything is gone, what do you hold on to?

For those who don't really know me and my blog's penchant for the dark and twisty, I should probably inform you that A) I love zombies, B) I like dark stories and C) The more tension and life/death situations, the better. It sounds as though This Is Not a Test has the best of all of my favourites. AND it has a crazy, gorgeous cover (with blood splatters?!) Plus, the author is an incredibly powerful writer, so I'm interested to see how this plays out. I'm sensing a touch of The Walking Dead. This excites me immensely. 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 Authors I'd Love to Have at My Thanksgiving Feast:

1. Michelle Hodkin - Why, you ask? Clearly you haven't met her! Michelle is one of the nicest, sweetest and most genuine people out there, and it just so happens that she is an incredibly talented author. Picking her brain for an hour and chatting about animals wasn't nearly enough time...what better place than a Thanksgiving feast?!

2. J.K. Rowling - A girl can dream, right? If I had an hour to ask her questions or sit and eat dinner with her, one of two things could happen. 1) I drive her insane with idiotic questions for hours, or 2) I sit bug-eyed and silent...internally fangirling.

3. Rick Riordan - I don't know about you, but I want to know how in the heck he makes Greek mythology look so dang good and be so dang legible! His characters are fun, so obviously, he has to be fun, too.

4. Kirsty Eagar - Well, obviously I'd be fangirling over her books, then I'd fangirl over her accent, and then I'd tell her to get her publishers to get her books in the US, stat. Either way, I think she could teach me how to surf, so why not spend a fun Thanksgiving learning, eh?

5. Kendare Blake - She has one of the most genius and inventive minds, and I can't imagine how much fun it would be to chat horror and paranormal with her. Truly. I mean that with utter sincerity!

6. Brian Jacques - I know he recently passed, but I would still love to spend Thanksgiving with him! He always wrote about these epic feasts in his books, and my mouth would be watering for days...not that I knew what any of the food was, or anything.

7. Sara Shepard - I might not love the shows based on her books (though The Lying Game is leagues better), but I am so enthralled by her books. They're easy, fast and they are so entertained. I want more!

8. James Dashner - I think his dystopian series is one of the most underrated and underreviewed series ever. I adore it. I really need to review it and share my love for his series because it is THAT good. Plus, I'd pick his brain on the prequel. Jussayin'.

9. Richelle Mead - I've sworn up and down, time and again that I loathe vampires. I'll never like them. BUT I was convinced to read the Vampire Academy series, and I was sold. I want to know how she did that.

10. Marissa Meyer - She's a debut author, but holy hell does she have one original plot with Cinder! I'm obsessed. I want her at my Thanksgiving so I can grill her and find out more!

I can't believe it's almost that time of year again! On December 30, 2009, started my a little blog called i swim for oceans because nobody wanted to hear me babble about books anymore. In just over one month, I will be celebrating my second blogoversary! Can you believe it?!

In that time, I've learned to write better reviews, interact with publishers and authors, met some incredible bloggers and even had the opportunity to go to BookExpo America in NYC (and can't wait to go again!) In honour of this though, I'm celebrating all of YOU! Thank you for reading my blog. Thank you for making this SO much fun, and thank you for being a part of the blogosphere!

The Details:

There will be four (4) winners. Each winner will win two books. The first name drawn will choose their books. The second winner drawn will choose two books. The third winner chosen will two books. The fourth winner will win the final two books. Want to see what's up for grabs? (Bear in mind that they are all ARCs for which I have duplicates, so they are untouched.)

The Rules:

You do NOT have to be a follower to enter but, as always, it is greatly appreciated! This giveaway is open internationally, and it will end promptly at 12 AM EST on December 21, 2011.

Click HERE to enter!

Variant Review

Title: Variant
Author: Robison Wells
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: October 4, 2011
Genre: YA, Dystopian, Thriller
Pages: 356
Source: Publisher

Benson Fisher thought that a scholarship to Maxfield Academy would be the ticket out of his dead-end life. He was wrong.

Now he’s trapped in a school that’s surrounded by a razor-wire fence. A school where video cameras monitor his every move. Where there are no adults. Where the kids have split into groups in order to survive. Where breaking the rules equals death.

But when Benson stumbles upon the school’s real secret, he realizes that playing by the rules could spell a fate worse than death, and that escape—his only real hope for survival—may be impossible.

When Benson is accepted into Maxfield Academy, he's elated. This is his chance to get out. This is his opportunity to become something bigger and better than he would otherwise be. At least, that's what the academy looks like from the outside. Once inside the walls of the prep school he was so honoured to attend, Benson realizes that he now lives within a veritable petri dish. There are no adults. The school is locked tight, and the students trust no one. But Benson soon realizes that there are two choices in Maxfield Academy. Follow the rules and suffer the consequences, or break the rules and pay the ultimate price. When the choice is death or eternal suffering, which would you choose?

It's safe to say that Variant takes the dystopian genre, throws in a twisted core and makes for a tumltuous and entirely destructive novel that's a thrill ride from start to finish. Author Robison Wells has created a masterpiece in Variant that blends the best of horror, dystopian and character-driven novels into a rich, frightening and utterly original world. With a powerful cast and an equally potent premise, Variant presents a dark and terrifying world that is easy to become lost in. Trust me when I say that you want to be lost in the world of Variant, but you will be truly glad to escape it in the end. Mind-bending and haunting, it will leave you spellbound.

Before I say anything else, I have to say how refreshing it was to read a book with a male MC that is first-person narrated. In a genre dominated by female protagonists, it was such a breath of fresh air to hear how the world looked from Benson, a teenage boy's, point of view. Plus, his voice was truthful and real, lending to the carefully crafted lunacy of Variant. There's a beauty in the despair of a true dystopian novel, which Variant embodies. You're given the bleakness, you're given true darkness and you're driven towards a lack of hope that lends to desperation. Variant gave us a unique spin, however, presenting a carefully controlled environment in this dystopia, but allowing that environment to twist into utter chaos within its chains. Watching the world of youth turn in on itself was bone-chilling, and the author crafted it carefully in order to keep us riveted. The beauty of Variant is that it makes you question everyone, without fail. The tagline, "trust no one," was entirely accurate, and I could never have guessed the end, which left me reeling. The writing is solid, and the plot is phenomenal, so without giving anything away, allow me to say that Variant breaks the mold and gives us a fresh new take on the genre.

All in all, Variant blew me away. I was expecting a good read, but I got an amazing read, and that is a true pleasure. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I highly recommend this book to all fans of YA fiction, especially those who enjoy dystopian and thrillers.

I received this book free of charge 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:

Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne (ARC & Swag) - Thank you, Sara

Fracture by Megan Miranda (ARC) - Thank you, Ivy

Lightbringer by K.D. McEntire (2nd Copy - Finished) - Thank you, PYR

The Clearing by Anne Riley - Thank you, Anne

Vindicated by Keary Taylor, Thank you, Keary

Let's Talk is a pseudo-regular feature here at i swim for oceans where we create an open forum for all bloggers to discuss issues not only pertinent to the blogging world, but to simply weigh in on the little things. In this case, it's book covers. 

You all know that I'm a cover slut. Truly. I pick a book with my eyes before ever reading a single sentence. It's petty, I know, but I'm sure I'm not the only one out there that does this.

I was looking at my shelves the past few days, and I noticed a lot of really interesting (and odd) trends going on in the young adult market. The most prominent one was a phenomenon I now refer to as simply:

"The Year(s) of the Girls in Dresses"

You all ready for this?

Everneath by Brodi Ashton & Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White & Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini & Die for Me by Amy Plum

Now, don't get me wrong, I love the vast majority of these books. I also happen to think they're hella pretty. A lot of these covers don't need girls in dresses though (yes, Paranormalcy is relevant, I know), but otherwise...I'm perplexed. Love the eye-catching visuals though!

What other cover trends have you seen lately, and what do you wish you could see more of?

TGIF is a new(ish) feature at one of my absolute favourite blogs, GReads!, hosted by the lovely Ginger. It's a way to celebrate the impending weekend, and answer fun questions. Most of all though, you get to know a wee bit more about all those awesome bloggers you meet. So, what are you waiting for? Do your own post and head on over to link up!

Which books are you most thankful for receiving from other bloggers, friends, family members, or publishers?

This is one of those answers that I could ramble on repeatedly hour after hour, simply because of the sheer generosity of publishers, authors and other book bloggers. It's truly a wonderful community that shares and gives back to one another in a spirit of kindness and a genuine love of the written word. Rather than ramble on forever and ever though, I wanted to point out the two books that I received this year that utterly blew my mind in every way, shape and form.

I remember when I first highlighted this way back when as a WoW, and was miraculously entered into the incredible Michelle Hodkin's spontaneous giveaway to give back. Well, I won, and I received an art print and the first two chapters, which killed me.

Then, her incredible publicist was kind enough to send me my very own ARC, and the book was arguably the most incredible I've read this year. I'm so incredibly thankful and grateful for having received The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer through this blog for review not only because it's an amazing book, but it's given me a chance to get to know Michelle, who is an amazing, amazing person!

I've never had a thing for contemporary fiction at all. It's never been for me, and I've always found it a bit too girly-girlish for my taste. I kept hearing from various bloggers that this one was one of the best though, so when the opportunity arose for me to participate in a blog tour and read Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar, naturally, I was sold.

Well, consider me blown away. This is one of those books that creeps up on you and steals your heart before you have time to flinch away. It's utterly captivating, and it breathed new life into my take on contemps. I'm so thankful for other bloggers opening my eyes to new books like this gem.

Plus, I would like to take this moment to thank all publishers, authors and incredible book bloggers for helping spread the love for books to all of us. Thank you all for your immense generosity, and thank you for being a part of this book blogging community!

Title: The Shattering
Author: Karen Healey
Publisher: Little, Brown BYR
Publish Date: September 5, 2011
Genre: YA, Mystery
Pages: 305
Source: Publisher

Seventeen-year-old Keri likes to plan for every possibility. She knows what to do if you break an arm, or get caught in an earthquake or fire. But she wasn't prepared for her brother's suicide, and his death has left her shattered with grief. When her childhood friend Janna tells her it was murder, not suicide, Keri wants to believe her. After all, Janna's brother died under similar circumstances years ago, and Janna insists a visiting tourist, Sione, who also lost a brother to apparent suicide that year, has helped her find some answers.

As the three dig deeper, disturbing facts begin to pile up: one boy killed every year; all older brothers; all had spent New Year's Eve in the idyllic town of Summerton. But when their search for the serial killer takes an unexpected turn, suspicion is cast on those they trust the most.

As secrets shatter around them, can they save the next victim? Or will they become victims themselves?

Keri is used to being in control. She knows how to prepare, and she's ready for every twist and turn, but when her brother suddenly dies, she's thrown for a loop. Jake wasn't the type to commit suicide. He would never have simply left her, and she's so convinced of the fact that when a childhood friend suggests the possibility of murder, Keri is on board. So, she's got a goal again. Keri will find out who killed her brother, and while she's at it, she, Janna and Sione might uncover more than they were searching for.

The Shattering is an eerie book, to say the least. There's a darkness in the prose that resonates throughout, growing and expanding with each turning page and twist of the mystery. Karen Healey, author of Guardian of the Dead, has nailed down the suspense-factor, spinning riveting tales that are equal parts harrowing and mind-bending. By developing a fully-fleshed plot, relatable characters and a storyline that doesn't quit, The Shattering grips the reader in a world they can easily become lost and terrified in.

There are parts about The Shattering that I loved, while there were aspects of the book that were a bit puzzling for me, I'll admit. First of all, the author has placed The Shattering in a small New Zealand town, letting the richness of the landscape and environment sing through the pages and make the story that much more tangible. Then, she's placed a cast of characters within her dynamic backdrop and given them personalities, backgrounds and motives that make them accessible to the reader. Keri, for example, was brilliant. She had a quiet, steady strength that, while wavering at times, was powerful and a true presence. Plus, the way The Shattering combined folklore, grief, suicide and coming out was delicate and creative, ensuring that each element and theme played an equal part. That said, I will say that I felt the mystery element often overshadowed some of the others - namely the grief. It seemed as though it was meant to be a driving force, and it got lost sometimes. Furthermore, I felt that there were a few plot hiccups as the pacing slowed, then sped too fast. Like I said though, the strengths and weeknesses did balance.

Overall, The Shattering was another solid and entertaining novel from an established author. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to those who enjoy YA, especially those who like mysteries and dark 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.

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: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: April 24, 2012
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Pages: 352

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Ok, first of all, please pardon my obsessive cover lust, but have you seen that blue?!?!?! Honestly, if I weren't such a freaky reader, I would simply buy the book simply by the cover, alone. That said, we all know I'm a sucker for dystopians, and while I'm not so much a sucker for love triangles, there's something about The Selection that intrigues me. I'm always sold on class divisions and super crazy conflicts. So, I'm dying to read this one...yesterday. 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 Top Ten Books That Have Been On My Shelf For The Longest But I've Never Read:

1. Anna and the French Kiss - I know, I know, I know. Please don't tar and feather me. It's just that I've seen so many epic reviews of this one that I'm terrified I'll be (quite literally) the only one that hates it.

2. Torment - I read Fallen, and it wasn't bad. It wasn't amazing, but it certainly wasn't bad. I just couldn't bring myself to pick up book two because I don't want to tarnish the little impression that book one left in my mind as it is.

3. Spirit Bound - I cannot bring myself to finish this series! I really can't! I'm pretty sure it will devastate me, and I'm not sure I can take it. I mean, I hate finishing series, and I actually happened to love this one despite my reservations.

4. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - It was a gift to me and, for some reason, it never really struck my fancy. I don't know what it is about it, but I'm just not sure it's for me.

5. Forgive My Fins - Again, I really don't know why I haven't read this one. I love the colours of the cover. I love the premise. Perhaps it's a lack of time to sit down and enjoy a book, or perhaps I'm just in a mermaid funk.

6. Evermore - I read some less-than-raving reviews of this one, and I couldn't bring myself to read it after that. There's something about preserving that ideal in your mind that you don't always want to ruin.

7. The Duff - It's the content, guys. I'm sorry. I read her other book, and it wasn't so bad, but there's something about the content that just screams the sort of contemporary fiction that I don't love to read. She's a great writer, but just not of my type of book.

8. The It Girl - For some reason that continues to defy all reason, I loved the Gossip Girl book series (HATE the show). That said, I read two pages of the Jenny spinoff and went no further. this one sits stagnant on my shelf.

9. Birthmarked - I remember buying this and being so excited to read it. Then, my review queue was flooded, and I've yet to have time to read it since. One of these days I'll dust it off and give it a go!

10. Scars - I love a dark read, especially when it's emotional and pulls at the heartstrings. There's something about the context of this one that I'm a bit leery of, despite the positive reviews. I think I just need to be in the right mindframe...and have some time.

Title: Lightbringer
Author: K.D. McEntire
Publisher: PYR
Publish Date: November 15, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 300
Source: Publisher

The Never is a place of greys, a world a breath beyond our own, layered just past the memories of yesterday and the fleeting present moment. It is here, in this dismal limbo, that ghosts such as Piotr, Lily, and Elle must sort out an existence, both protecting the children called Lost and themselves from the walking darkness that is the army of rotting Walkers.

Caught between her duty to her calling as the Lightbringer and her concern for her new ghostly friends, Wendy must walk the line between the two worlds, aiding Piotr in his fight against the Walkers as well as searching out the wandering soul of the one who means the most to her. Time, however, is running out and in the end... who will she choose?

Wendy lives in a world that exists right within our reach, yet infinitely far, as we have never known of its actual existence. It's in this world that Wendy, a Lightbringer, follows her destiny and legacy to guide lost spirits into the light and into peace. But when the spirit of Wendy's mother goes missing, Wendy is determined to find out where she has gone and help her find peace. In the same breath, Piotr is having his own problems - his spirit children are being kidnapped, and he doesn't know why. Wendy and Piotr might need to team up to fight the dark forces at play, but there is always a choice. Do either of the two have the strength to make the right choice?

Lightbringer is one of those novels that's nearly hidden in utter obscurity due to the sheer volume of titles entering the paranormal young adult market today. It's a shame, however, because Lightbringer is a hidden gem of complexity that completely envelops the reader in a world entirely different yet wholly tangible for the reader. Debut author, K.D. McEntire has created a mesmerizing and haunting tale rich with engaging characters, tense adventures and a guiding theme of love and trust that seals the deal for the story. Lightbringer might not be a name you have heard of before, but it is one that will surely be passed forward if you give it a chance.

Lightbringer presented a dynamic and realistic protagonist in Wendy. She was strong and capable, albeit perhaps a bit abrasive at times, but then again, who doesn't have their moments. Despite the character flaw, it made Wendy accessible to me and, though she was extremely strong-willed and temperamental, it made me want to find out her motives even more. Likewise, Piotr was an engrossing character, fully-fleshed out and capbable in his own right. Though leagues different from Wendy, the connection between the two was undeniable, and their traits played off one another well. The world of Lightbringer is the true beauty of the novel though. There was such a strong theme of mythology woven throughout that it almost made me believe that the stories of these Lightbringers might very well be true. That's a skill in and of itself. There were a few minor flaws of note in the story - namely the character of Elle who, honestly, felt very false and foreign to me, and the lack of true presence of Wendy's father. Lightbringer redeems itself with a villain, however, that is repulsive, grotesque and so foul that I almost couldn't stomach reading about it. That's how creatively vile the character was.

Overally, Lightbringer was a solid, entertaining read that I'm sure I will read again. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal stories involving ghosts.

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.

TGIF is a new(ish) feature at one of my absolute favourite blogs, GReads!, hosted by the lovely Ginger. It's a way to celebrate the impending weekend, and answer fun questions. Most of all though, you get to know a wee bit more about all those awesome bloggers you meet. So, what are you waiting for? Do your own post and head on over to link up!

Which characters from a book do you love to hate?

First off, I must say that there really are FAR too many for me to name, so I'm going to have to go with my top five here. That said, I must also note that, yes, I'm aware that my list is dominated by Harry Potter characters. Sue me.

Ok...confession: I have more love for Severus Snape than hate. I love to hate him as much as I hate to love him. C'est la vie, mes cheries :)

Title: A Beautiful Dark
Author: Jocelyn Davies
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publish Date: September 27, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher

Skye never questioned the story of her life. Her Aunt Jo adopted her after the death of her parents when she was just a child, and together they flip through memories the way some people flip through photo albums. She never questioned if the stories were true.

Until the night of her 17th birthday, when the arrival of two strangers intrudes on her cozy life. Polar opposites, like fire and ice, Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair, cold, and aloof. Skye has no idea what they want—only that their presence coincides with the beginning of some shockingly strange events. Events that Skye, if she dares to think it, might be responsible for causing.

High up in the mountains of Boulder, Colorado, Skye finds herself caught in the middle of an ancient battle, one that began untold millennia ago. Torn between unpredictable Asher, whom she loves, and the infuriating Devin, who she can’t stay away from, her fate is murky as a starless night. And as the secrets of her true identity are revealed, Skye realizes that her destiny may reside in the Heavens—or somewhere darker.

Skye lives in a beautiful town under a gorgeous sky with her Aunt Jo. She's lived this way since her parents died when she was six, and she's never questioned a thing. It's life. There is loss and there is tragedy, but she overcame it. When two boys, Devin and Asher, show up in her sleepy town, mysteries begin to unfold. There's a darkness that follows one of the boys, but there's an aura of calm and peace with the other. Most of all though, she feels torn into two, and she's unsure why. The boys are a catalyst, and Skye will learn the secrets of her parents that she was never meant to know...and what they mean for her future.

Let me preface my review by saying that I've said it time and again - I hate love triangles. Good Lord. At least give me a square, or a love pentagon. Please. Rant over. A Beautiful Dark is the brainchild of debut author, Jocelyn Davies. Providing three dynamic and engaging characters, the novel thrusts the reader into a world where dark and light are as different as night and day, and the truth within oneself might be more powerful than one could ever know. Engrossing and entertaining, A Beautiful Dark takes angels and spins an entirely new story of good and evil and how the line can blur between the two.

There were elements about A Beautiful Dark that I just adored, and there were parts that left me craving for more, so bear with me while I explain. Skye, as a main character, was strong. She was well-developed and relatable. There was an energy about her that was a smidge reckless, but altogether fun and infectious, which made it an easy feat to access her motives. I will also admit that both Devin and Asher are pretty fleshed out, making them real and as clear as can be. Having a trio of completely dynamic characters is quite a feat, and the author navigated it with ease. Having said that, I also must admit that I felt the love element was a bit too forced on me. I knew going into A Beautiful Dark that there was a triangle, but I was a bit disappointed to see that it didn't break that common love triangle hook. I wanted to see a different sort of twist, and it just didn't happen. Now, that said, the idea behind good versus bad in this book was wholeheartedly refreshing. So, like I said, there was a fairly even balance, though a few of the weaknesses were a bit taxing. I must, however, make note of the awesomely brilliant ending. Seriously? A Beautiful Dark nailed that one. I was riveted and left begging for just one more page.

All in all, while I'm not entirely certain that A Beautiful Dark sets itself completely apart from the competition in the genre, it will definitely find a hearty following. I give it a very strong 3.5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to those who enjoy YA, especially stories about angels and paranormal romance.

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: Fracture
Author: Megan Miranda
Publisher: Walker & Company
Publish Date: January 17, 2012
Pages: 272
Genre: YA, Paranormal

Eleven minutes passed before Delaney Maxwell was pulled from the icy waters of a Maine lake by her best friend Decker Phillips. By then her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead. And yet she somehow defied medical precedent to come back seemingly fine - the scans that showed significant brain damage. Everyone wants Delaney to be all right, but she knows she's far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can't control or explain, Delaney finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her altered brain now predicting death, or causing it?

Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who recently emerged from a coma with similar abilities. At first she's reassured to find someone who understands the strangeness of her new existence, but Delaney soon discovers that Troy's motives aren't quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature-or something much more frightening?

There's something about Fracture that sounds just eerie enough to completely sell me on the premise. It's almost as though it has the emotional range of a powerful contemporary, creepy enough to satisfy the paranormal and dramatic enough to work both angles. It's books that cross genres that usually appeal to me, and it certainly sounds awesome. Plus, look at the cover! The blues are gorgeous! 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.

Ten Books That I Read That Were Outside Of My Comfort Zone (whether you liked them or not):

1. Raw Blue - I've never been a fan of contemps, so this one was for sure out of my comfort zone when I signed up to participate in a tour. I was sold about ten pages in. The writing is phenomenal, the story is rich and real and, frankly, it's an all-time favourite of mine.

2. Vampire Empire: The Greyfriar - I hate vampires. If you're an avid reader of my blog, you'll know it's mainly because I want my vampires to be dark and horrible, not sparkly and frou-frou. Anyhoo, this blends steampunk, action, war and some serious hunky viciousness. It's epic.

3. Amy & Roger's Epic Detour - This, too, was one of those contemps that my followers raved about consistently. So, I picked it up, I read it, and I loved it. It was so fun and sweet!

4. Dark Song - I love me some dark and twisty, but dark and twisty contemps have to be done just right to make me truly cringe. This story is brutal, and it's graphic and it is seriously wrong. That's why it pushed the envelope and, in a weird way, I loved it.

5. Boyfriends with Girlfriends - I'll be honest and say I haven't delved too deeply into the realm of LGBTQ fiction, but this one was one of my first attempts. It had a great premise and a solid plot, but I just wasn't completely sold - not the content that did that though...the writing style.

6. I Heart You, You Haunt Me - Verse novels are tricky for me. There's a subtext in the lack of excessive descriptiveness that needs to speak volumes, and this one works flawlessly. I adored how poetic it was.

7. The Long Weekend - I really don't read too much horror, or too many psychological thrillers, but when I was approached to read it, I couldn't help but be sold. The content is horrifying in and of itself. The author also is tremendously talented and paints a terrifying picture without going overboard. It's stunning.

8. Generation Dead - I love zombies in films and a lot of pop culture, but this was one of my first attempts at zombies in YA lit. Unfortunately, it fell horribly flat for me. I could barely get through it.

9. Life As We Knew It - This was one of my first dystopians (perhaps my first, actually), and I was sold on the cover. Colour me petty. It was bleak and dismal, for sure, but there was a trickle of hope that bled through the pages and sold me on the genre.

10. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - About five months after it came out, my little sister was reading this, and I teased her mercilessly. I believe I said something about a "hairy potter." Fastforward ten-odd years, and see how obsessed I am now? It convinced me there's more to YA fiction than I might have thought, and it's my favourite series of all time.

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:

Hallowed (Unearthly #2) by Cynthia Hand (ARC) - Thank you, HarperTeen

Thin Air by Lynn Seresin - Thank you, Lynn