Guys, this is a very sucky post to write and, to be honest, I’ve been slacking and putting it off again, and again and again just to see if I change my mind. Most unfortunately, I haven’t. This past year has been an interesting one for me, both personally and professionally. I was engaged, then we ended it, then I got a pay cut, I switched jobs, I moved to a new town and apartment, and things are finally starting to settle down.

You would think that would make far more time for blogging, but it really hasn’t. I work, I swim, I CrossFit and I repeat this 6 days a week (sometimes 7). I’ve been stressed, overwhelmed and completely exhausted and, unfortunately, this lil’ blog paid the price one too many times this year. I don’t like doing things I can’t completely commit to, and I don’t like accepting books to review if there isn’t 100% certainty that I will be able to review them properly in a timely manner.

So, without some great speechmaking and with great sadness, I’ve come to the realization that it’s time to close up shop on I Swim for Oceans. Guys, this blog has been a part of me for almost three years. I don’t intend to get rid of this site. It will stay up here and, over time, I intend to transition it over to a personal/travel site, as I’m now a writer for a travel company and I have some big plans in the making.

I hope I do sound sappy as I say this because I absolutely, truly and wholeheartedly mean it. I love you all. To those of you that started reading my posts when I had 3 followers – thank you. To those of you that found me just recently – thank you, too! To all the amazing, amazing authors, publishers, publicists and other bookish industry people –thank you so much for your incredible generosity. For reviews I still owe, I will be forwarding my ARCs on to bloggers that I know and trust to give great reviews, and I will let you know who receives them.

Seriously…I adore you all. xo

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: Paper Valentine
Author: Brenna Yovanoff
Publisher: Razorbill
Publish Date: January 8, 2013
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Horror
Pages: 368

For Hannah, the summer is a complicated one. Her best friend Lillian died six months ago, and Hannah just wants her life to go back to normal. But how can things be normal when Lillian’s ghost is haunting her bedroom, pushing her to investigate the mysterious string of murders? Hannah’s just trying to understand why her friend self-destructed, and where she fits now that Lillian isn’t there to save her a place among the social elite. And she must stop thinking about Finny Boone, the big, enigmatic delinquent whose main hobbies seem to include petty larceny and surprising acts of kindness.

With the entire city in a panic, Hannah soon finds herself drawn into a world of ghost girls and horrifying secrets. She realizes that only by confronting the Valentine Killer will she be able move on with her life—and it’s up to her to put together the pieces before he strikes again.

Title: Mind Games
Author: Kiersten White
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: February 19, 2013
Genre: YA, Dystopian, Paranormal
Pages: 256

Fia was born with flawless instincts. Her first impulse, her gut feeling, is always exactly right. Her sister, Annie, is blind to the world around her—except when her mind is gripped by strange visions of the future.

Trapped in a school that uses girls with extraordinary powers as tools for corporate espionage, Annie and Fia are forced to choose over and over between using their abilities in twisted, unthinkable ways… or risking each other’s lives by refusing to obey.

In a stunning departure from her New York Times bestselling Paranormalcy trilogy, Kiersten White delivers a slick, edgy, heartstoppingly intense psychological thriller about two sisters determined to protect each other—no matter the cost.

Guys, I am so, so, SO excited and honoured to have been given a chance to share one of my all-time favourite books (soon to be a film!) with all of you lovelies! The geniuses behind Summit Entertainment have ever-so-generously offered up an amazing prize pack for two very lucky winners from my blog. Here's what you could win:

Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (CD)

Copy of the Book (Film tie-in version)

For those who wish to know more, the soundtrack listing is below:

The Samples – Could It Be Another Change

Dexys Midnight Runners – Come On Eileen

Galaxie 500 – Tugboat

New Order – Temptation

The Innocence Mission – Evensong

The Smiths – Asleep

Cracker – Low

Sonic Youth – Teenage Riot

XTC – Dear God

Cocteau Twins – Pearly-Dewdrops' Drops

Michael Brook – Charlie’s Last Letter

David Bowie – Heroes

Screenplay by Stephen Chbosky

Based on the Best-Selling Novel by Stephen Chbosky

Produced by: Lianne Halfon, Russell Smith, John Makovich, Stephen Chbosky

Starring: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Mae Whitman, Kate Walsh, Nina Dobrev, Dylan McDermott

A funny and touching coming-of-age story based on the beloved best-selling novel by Stephen Chbosky, THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER is a modern classic that captures the dizzying highs and crushing lows of growing up. Starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller, THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER is a moving tale of love, loss, fear and hope—and the unforgettable friends that help us through life. Rated PG-13.

LINK UP 

Like The Perks of Being a Wallflower on Facebook 

Follow @WallflowerMovie on Twitter #WallflowerMovie 

Follow and Pin The Perks of Being a Wallflower on Pinterest 

Follow on Tumblr

Here are the rules: You MUST be a follower to enter. The giveaway is open to US mailing addresses only and will end promptly at midnight EST on September 25, 2012. Two winners will be randomly selected via Random.org and notified via email. Prizes will be shipped from a third party.

Click HERE to enter!

Title: Burn for Burn
Author: Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian
Publisher: Simon & Schuster BYR
Publish Date: September 18, 2012
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 368
Source: Publisher

Lillia has never had any problems dealing with boys who like her. Not until this summer, when one went too far. No way will she let the same thing happen to her little sister.

Kat is tired of the rumours, the insults, the cruel jokes. It all goes back to one person– her ex-best friend– and she's ready to make her pay.

Four years ago, Mary left Jar Island because of a boy. But she's not the same girl anymore. And she's ready to prove it to him.

Three very different girls who want the same thing: sweet, sweet revenge. And they won't stop until they each had a taste.

Lillia, Kat and Mary have been through teenage hell and back. Literally. Each, in their own way, has been wronged by those friends they thought they could trust the most. Rather than wanting to curl up in a ball and block out the world though, these girls want revenge. They want to get even, and for them, payback really is a bitch. But revenge isn’t clean. It’s messy business and there are always casualties in the process. Through all the plotting, scheming and planning the perfect revenge, they must make sure to watch their own backs because life is about to get a whole lot messier.

To be honest, I wasn’t really sure I wanted to read Burn for Burn when I first saw the synopsis. It seemed like your run of the mill, trite and oddly overplayed highschool drama and, frankly, that’s the part of contemporary fiction that makes me want to gauge my own eyeballs out. I digress. Burn for Burn pleasantly surprised me though, adding rich layers of depth to a story that could have otherwise fallen horribly flat. Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian give us three very distinct and different characters, complete with their own mess of baggage to truck around through the novel. Through thoughtful and precise storytelling, we watch as the girls spin their webs of lies and deceit – if only to achieve the perfect art of revenge. And trust me…it’s truly an art.

There is so much about Burn for Burn that I loved. The way these girls plotted and schemed was brilliant (and terrifying) to watch. They wanted revenge at pretty much any and all costs. Written through alternating perspectives, we’re allowed an inside glimpse into Lillia, Kat and Mary’s minds, and we’re given the chance to understand exactly what warped them into the girls they are today. At times, I felt like the self-discovery within their respective chapters was a bit tedious, but it also lent a very tangible air, giving them more vulnerability and likeability. Slowly but surely, we’re enveloped in the messy world of Burn for Burn where revenge really is an art form. These girls are twisty and cruel and bitterly angry, but it makes the story real, and it makes it far easier to access some semblance of emotion for them. I was surprised by a slight paranormal turn of events nearing the end of the story, which threw me for a loop for a while, but it was well-played in terms of the plotline. I definitely related to Kat and Mary’s reasoning better because I felt Lillia was a bit weak compared to the other two girls, but overall, they balanced quite well. My one real bone to pick with Burn for Burn is that it ended so dang abruptly. Guys, you know how I feel about crash-landing endings, and this is one of those. I felt like we wound all the way up, and then the story dropped off the face of the earth which, unfortunately, left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth.

Overall though, Burn for Burn was a solid, guilty-pleasure sort of read. I can’t say it was the deepest, but it was definitely fast-paced, and it was a quick read that, for the most part, I really enjoyed. I give it a very strong 3.5 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary and touches of paranormal.

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.

Let's Talk is a new weekly feature here at i swim for oceans. I think it's important that we all have our say, and there's something to be said for raising our voices. Simply put, here on the little old blog, I like to host some of my very own discussion posts because, well, I like to converse with you all.

And so, Let's Talk will feature questions or prompts, which I will answer, too. Love it or hate it, weigh in or don't, it's my hope that Let's Talk will at least get you thinking...and maybe even get you discussing with the rest of us!

Question: What are your favourite books that defied your expectations/reservations?

Ah yes, I have great questions, even if I do say so myself. Honestly, this list could be so very, very long, but I'm going to simplify and do my favourite book that blew my way in 2012 and defied my expectations. It was utterly original. Entirely convincing. I was enraptured by the characters (mostly the male MC, let's be honest), and I find myself telling people daily to pick. this book up...like yesterday because if they don't, they're sorely missing out. What book is that, you ask?

Why, it's Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins, of course! Guys, I swear to you that when I saw this cover, I had absolutely no intention of reviewing it. In fact, I was certain it was going to be yet another paranormal instalove that couple double as a coaster on my coffee table (if I had one...I digress). The point is, I was pretty much positive that this one just wasn't worth my time. At all. Yet, despite my reservations, I kept seeing good advanced reviews. And then, my friends, I saw Jenny post an excellent review, and I knew if she loved it, there had to be something to it.

So, despite my infinite reservations, I cracked open the book, and boy am I glad that I did. Anna was a soaring, empowering, brilliant female MC, matched perfectly by the pure, unadulterated hotness that is Kaiden. I swoon. Packed to the brim with action, lust, anger and betrayal, Sweet Evil is a contrast of lights and darks with simple touches of gray area where you try to find a safe haven. Yet, it takes the angel and demon story and turns it on its head every where you turn, spinning you into an alluring web. Honestly, this book took everything I hate about YA paranormal and made me love it. That's power. Pure power. I bow down to your epic prowess, Wendy.

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: Taken
Author: Erin Bowman
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: April 16, 2013
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Pages: 352

There are no men in Claysoot. There are boys—but every one of them vanishes at midnight on his eighteenth birthday. The ground shakes, the wind howls, a blinding light descends…and he’s gone. They call it the Heist.

Gray Weathersby’s eighteenth birthday is mere months away, and he’s prepared to meet his fate–until he finds a strange note from his mother and starts to question everything he’s been raised to accept: the Council leaders and their obvious secrets. The Heist itself. And what lies beyond the Wall that surrounds Claysoot–a structure that no one can cross and survive.

Climbing the Wall is suicide, but what comes after the Heist could be worse. Should he sit back and wait to be taken–or risk everything on the hope of the other side?

Title: Unremembered
Author: Jessica Brody
Publisher: FSG
Publish Date: March 5, 2013
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi
Pages: 320

When Freedom Airlines flight 121 went down over the Pacific Ocean, no one ever expected to find survivors. Which is why the sixteen-year-old girl discovered floating among the wreckage—alive—is making headlines across the globe.

Even more strange is that her body is miraculously unharmed and she has no memories of boarding the plane. She has no memories of her life before the crash. She has no memories period. No one knows how she survived. No one knows why she wasn’t on the passenger manifest. And no one can explain why her DNA and fingerprints can’t be found in a single database in the world.

Crippled by a world she doesn’t know, plagued by abilities she doesn’t understand, and haunted by a looming threat she can’t remember, Seraphina struggles to piece together her forgotten past and discover who she really is.

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 Make You Think:

1. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein – This book was tricky on a lot of different levels – including the narration. I found that I consistently had to be on my toes to uncover the little details that made this story rich, engaging and heartbreaking.

2. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury – I still remember reading this in Honours English when I was younger and being blow away by the context of censorship. If you don’t have an opinion on the matter, this book will help you develop one. Trust me.

3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – What would you do if your world was so irrevocably broken that it had to resort to a death-match of children to keep and maintain order? This book, if you can look beyond the surface has SO much going on.

4. Many Waters by Madeleine L’Engle – Whether you’re religious or not, you’ve probably heard of the story of Noah’s Ark. Add in a twist about a single family member not allowed on the Ark, and you have quite the heartbreak to come to terms with. Think about it.

5. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green – I swear this single author has the most innate ability to truly and honestly capture human emotion and put it into words on pages. This book will have you contemplating your very existence and life in general.

6. Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar – Love isn’t always pretty, and it can be messy and painful. Life and love can break you down to a point where you isolate yourself from it all, but what would you do if you had the chance to let your guard down and live again?

7. Life As We Knew it by Susan Beth Pfeffer – Truthfully, this is the only book I liked in the series, but it makes you think. The world could be on the brink of destruction at any time. How would you cope? How would you maintain a semblance of normalcy when everything turns to dust?

8. The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin – Abuse in families runs rampant in literature, but this is one of the most truthful, heartwrenching accounts. A young boy is learning to cope with his mother’s instability, attempting to raise his sister and find someone to trust. Who would you trust?

9. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson – This one is a strange choice for me. Having suffered from ED, myself, this one is dangerous because it actually makes you think about this addicting and debilitating disease. There’s a cold comfort in it, but is it really worth dying for?

10. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling – Tease me if you must, but tell me honestly…did you really NOT try to piece the outcome together only three books in? I was attempting to maze it out by the time I was merely halfway through the series, and it still blows me away.

Title: What's Left of Me
Author: Kat Zhang
Publisher: Harper
Publish Date: September 18, 2012
Genre: YA, Dystopian, Sci-Fi
Pages: 356
Source: Publisher

Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t…

For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable–hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet…for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.

Addie and Eva live in a world where all children are born with two souls, and it’s completely natural. Over time, one of the souls simple fades away, and the dominant soul takes control of the body, leaving just one soul, one body and one mind. Addie and Eva are different though. Eva doesn’t seem to want to fade away, and being a Hybrid in their world is a dangerous thing. It must be hidden because if the world realizes that Addie never really settled and Eva still exists, they might deem her a threat. There’s a chance – a miracle, even – that there could be a way for both girls to exist, but it means risking everything. Can they do it, and can it be done in time?

Before I launch into a review that doesn’t accurately portray all the feelings (yes, I have FEELINGS for this book) I have toward What’s Left of Me, let’s just take note of something. This book has, hands down, one of the most beautifully brilliant and original plotlines that I’ve read in a very, very long time. Throughout the novel, I would pause and take a moment to think about just how utterly refreshing it was to read something entirely new. That, in and of itself, is an amazing accomplishment, and Kat Zhang should be immensely proud of her creation. Incredible pacing, personable characters and a deep, imaginative plot combine to create a whirlwind of action, adventure and drama.

There was something so very poetic about What’s Left of Me that managed to break my heart, piece it back together, and then shatter it about five or six more times throughout the book. By creating two incredibly dynamic characters in Addie and Eva, I was able to fully envelop myself in the world of the novel through two unique perspectives. The torturous part was that only one of those characters could actually talk and act for herself. Eva’s desperate desire to speak, feel and move for herself clawed its way into my soul. Such small, minute actions she craved, but she wasn’t able to accomplish them without Addie. Watching her pain and feeling her struggle was beautifully unbearable. She couldn’t even lift a finger, but Eva becomes one of the most poignant and powerful female MCs for me in YA literature. Addie, too, was brilliantly crafted through her conflictions and pain, as well as her relationship with her soul sister (no pun intended). Each character, action, event and setting of What’s Left of Me was painted with an expert eye so as to draw us into a world that is flawed, broken and completely tangible. My only qualm, if you can even call it that, was that I desperately wanted more of a climax at the end. The tension built to this furious intensity then I felt like it wound down and wrapped itself all neatly for the finish. You know me. I like it to be a little messier than that!

Overall though, What’s Left of Me is one of the most poetic and powerful reads of 2012 for me, and it’s not one that I’ll soon forget. I give it a 4.5 out of 5, and highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy dystopian, sci-fi and fantasy.

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.

Let's Talk is a new weekly feature here at i swim for oceans. I think it's important that we all have our say, and there's something to be said for raising our voices. Simply put, here on the little old blog, I like to host some of my very own discussion posts because, well, I like to converse with you all.

And so, Let's Talk will feature questions or prompts, which I will answer, too. Love it or hate it, weigh in or don't, it's my hope that Let's Talk will at least get you thinking...and maybe even get you discussing with the rest of us!

Question: What are your favourite swoon-worthy literary romances?

First off, please allow me to clarify the term "romances." I am by no means talking some 50 Shades of Grey garbage - although, heck, if that floats your boat, be my guest. I'm talking those romances that leave you breathless, teary-eyed and wishing that you could have a romance just like it. You know, a love that defies obstacles, means something true and has a pure, unadulterated worth? You don't know? Let me show you what I mean.

Take, for example, the love of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy. (Hold please, I'm hung up on Mr. Darcy again.) Moving on. When we meet the two of them, they seem as different as can be. Elizabeth is carefree and exuberant with a love of writing and a free, unhindered spirit. Mr. Darcy is chained to his old-world values, straight-faced and carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. 

And yet, despite their initial reservations (read: anger/animosity), the two begin to have feelings for one another, which they must consistently battle. Morals, virtues, personalities, families, worlds and classes combine and intertwine to make their love come together, and holy hell...it is beautiful.

There is nothing quite as beautiful and painstakingly torturous than a star-crossed love. Jamie is dying of Leukemia when, unbeknownst to her, Landon is spiraling out of control. The preacher's daughter takes him under her wing despite his initial resistance, and she makes a place in her heart for him. 

His careful facade of toughness and badassery was designed to protect him though, and her purity put a chink in his armour, complicating things when she relapses. Their love blossoms from a mutual respect, and she transforms him, just as he transforms her. Honest and true, I cry every time I read this.

Guys, the point is, there are hundreds of swoon-worthy romances out there. Other ones right up there for me? Susan and Timothy from The Last Silk Dress, Carly and Ryan from Raw Blue, Katniss and Peeta from The Hunger Games (I know, seems like an odd choice), Maggie and Caleb from Leaving Paradise, Arwen and Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings...yeah, the list goes on, and on and on.

Title: Origin
Author: Jessica Khoury
Publisher: Razorbill
Publish Date: September 4, 2012
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi
Pages: 372
Source: Publisher

Pia has grown up in a secret laboratory hidden deep in the Amazon rain forest. She was raised by a team of scientists who have created her to be the start of a new immortal race. But on the night of her seventeenth birthday, Pia discovers a hole in the electric fence that surrounds her sterile home—and sneaks outside the compound for the first time in her life.

Free in the jungle, Pia meets Eio, a boy from a nearby village. Together, they embark on a race against time to discover the truth about Pia’s origin—a truth with deadly consequences that will change their lives forever.

Pia is anything but your ordinary teenage girl. She’s been raised in the heart of the Amazon rainforest in a small community where scientists were determined to find the flower capable of bestowing immortality. Pia is their first perfect immortal, and the rainforest is her one true protection – hiding her from the prying eyes of the rest of the world. Her confines are smothering though, and when a chance arises for her to get out, she does what any teenage girl would do…she leaves. But life in the wild is harder than she imagined and dangers lurk in every corner. Then she meets Eio, the one boy who might be able to help her understand her existence if they’re not too late.

Holy sci-fi lover’s dream, kiddos! Origin is pretty much a combination of everything that makes sci-fi great – dastardly science experiments, moral dilemmas and heart-wrenching decisions. I was sold on this one from the first time I read the premise. Jessica Khoury has crafted a vivid debut novel that is alive with complexities, powerful imagination and world so lush and tangible, you might very well lose yourself in the pages. From start to finish, we’re sent on a journey with Pia in which we must uncover our own hidden agendas and mental binds that keep us from buying into the perfect, flawless and immortal race.

There are so many things I loved about Origin, but I have to say the most poignant and powerful to me was how intricately the moral issues are woven into the storyline. Rather than feeling preachy, we’re just gently prodded along the way to understand the nature of Pia’s existence right along with her. By creating a truly likeable, albeit vulnerable character, we’re presented with the unique chance to step in her shoes, feel her emotions and learn to listen to both our hearts and our minds. The scientific nature of Origin is well-thought out, but the emotional side of the novel is almost more important, to be honest. We’re given a complex, sci-fi scenario, but we’re bombarded with issues of family, love, trust and the need to be oneself and have your own identity, as well. The world within Origin is probably one of the biggest highlights to me. The settings leapt from the pages, and I could actually see a true mental picture of every place Pia stepped foot due to the author’s incredibly rich writing style. I will, however, say that I felt Eio was never really fleshed out, and I couldn’t become invested in his character. Perhaps it wasn’t intended, but my lack of a connection with him made me more connected to the reality that Pia brought to the novel.

Overall, I thought the Origin was an extremely strong debut, despite a few flaws here and there. I think it was vivid and extremely refreshing, and many a YA reader will fall for it. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy sci-fi and fantasy.

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: Live Through This
Author: Mindi Scott
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publish Date: October 2, 2012
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 304

Sometimes hiding the truth requires more than a lie . . .

From the outside, Coley Sterling’s life seems pretty normal . . . whatever that means. It’s not perfect—her best friend is seriously mad at her and her dance team captains keep giving her a hard time—but Coley’s adorable, sweet crush Reece helps distract her from the annoying drama. Plus, she has a great family to fall back on—with a stepdad and mom who would stop at nothing to keep her and her siblings happy and safe.

But Coley has a lot of secrets. She won’t admit—not even to herself—that her almost-perfect life is her own carefully-crafted façade. That for years she’s been burying the shame and guilt over a relationship that crossed the line. Now, Coley and Reece are getting closer, and as Coley has the chance at her first real boyfriend, a decade’s worth of lies are on the verge of unraveling.

Guys, you know how I feel about contemporary novels, so you're probably a bit surprised to see this bad boy as my WoW. Here's my reasoning though. Live Through This, if done well, could be the shining example of what the genre could be. It has enough issue subtext and drama that it could very well break the mold of the girl that has to rely on the boy to fix her broken life. The idea of a life spun from lies intrigues me, and I really hope that it becomes a whirlwind and action-packed drama. I think that if you can take an everyday girl and make her story into something extraordinary...that's success. 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 On my 2012 Fall TBR List:

1. Crewel by Gennifer Albin - This one not only has a fantastic cover, but I love the uniqueness of the plot. A girl who really doesn't want to become a Spinster? A Spinster that's more than its name implies? Sign me up.

2. The Waiting Sky by Lara Zielin - This has been on my TBR since this summer, and I just keep pushing it off because I'm afraid it would live up to my hopes. It sounds beautiful and a bit dark...the perfect combo!

3. Eve & Adam by Katherine Applegate and Michael Grant - There has been SO much hype surrounding this one. If it sucks, I'm going to be absolutely devastated. I think the spin the Biblical, plus the sci-fi twist could very well be amazing.

4. Fathomless by Jackson Pearce - I've yet to read a bad retelling from Ms. Pearce. Seriously, and this one is a twist on The Little Mermaid! I think that it could very well be my favourite yet!

5. Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols - I received this one a while back, but my review queue made it impossible for me to actually pick it up. I have heard the most amazing things about it though, so I can't wait to give it a go!

6. Stealing Parker by Miranda Kenneally - I was late to the game with Catching Jordan. Like really late to the game...but I loved it. I heard this one doesn't disappoint either, so I'm hoping for another contemporary treat.

7. The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin - Confession. I've read it. Second confession...it's mind-blowingly awesome. Last confession? I need to read it again before I review it, but holy hell. Epic.

8. The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling - Ok, this one's a bit off the beaten path for me because I don't review adult books, but guys...it's J.K. freaking Rowling! I'm a bit scared and a bit excited to see what her first adult fiction is like.

9. Live Through This by Mindi Scott - This author has a take on contemporary that makes me actually kind of like it! It's issue-based, but not too much so...romantic, but never cloying. It's like the best of all worlds.

10. Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor - Guys, I loved Daughter of Smoke & Bone. Like LOVED it. Needless to say, I need to love the sequel, like yesterday. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Let's Talk is a new weekly feature here at i swim for oceans. I think it's important that we all have our say, and there's something to be said for raising our voices. Simply put, here on the little old blog, I like to host some of my very own discussion posts because, well, I like to converse with you all.

And so, Let's Talk will feature questions or prompts, which I will answer, too. Love it or hate it, weigh in or don't, it's my hope that Let's Talk will at least get you thinking...and maybe even get you discussing with the rest of us!

Question: Do you like issue books? Why, or why not?

When I first started blogging, I don't think I even had the first clue what a real issue-based book was. I mean, I knew that there was contemporary fiction, and I knew that I didn't enjoy it for the most part. I found it to be riddled with cliches and, frankly, lacking any true semblance of human emotion. That, in a nutshell, made it impossible for me to make any sort of connection with the characters. It wasn't until I started actually reviewing books that I began to understand the difference between straight contemps and issue-based books.

Over time, I've come to love a good issue book, and my reasons are pretty simple. If I want to read about real life, I want it to be really real. I mean, I want to feel something when I read a book. I don't want to see some glossy and pristine little image that paints a picture nobody really knows. If I decide to pick up a book about a real issue like abuse, I want to actually be able to put myself in the shoes of the character because if I can't, then the issue misses the mark.

I realize that issue books aren't for everyone. I love a good sci-fi, fantasy or paranormal novel as much as the next person, but I'll admit that I have a very big soft spot for issue books. I think, when done really well, they have the ability to reach a reader on a much deeper level, and I envy that raw, intimate writing style. It's definitely a gift. So, in the spirit of sharing, below are my top four issue books.

Bitter End by Jennifer Brown...The Right & The Real by Joelle Anthony

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson...Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar

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: Poison
Author: Bridget Zinn
Publisher: Hyperion Children's
Publish Date: March 12, 2013
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 288

Sixteen-year-old Kyra, a highly-skilled potions master, is the only one who knows her kingdom is on the verge of destruction—which means she’s the only one who can save it. Faced with no other choice, Kyra decides to do what she does best: poison the kingdom’s future ruler, who also happens to be her former best friend.

But, for the first time ever, her poisoned dart… misses.

Now a fugitive instead of a hero, Kyra is caught in a game of hide-and-seek with the king’s army and her potioner ex-boyfriend, Hal. At least she’s not alone. She’s armed with her vital potions, a too-cute pig, and Fred, the charming adventurer she can’t stop thinking about. Kyra is determined to get herself a second chance (at murder), but will she be able to find and defeat the princess before Hal and the army find her?

First of all, you guys know how much I love quick-witted heroines and fun, engaging MCs, right? Well, that should be combination enough for me to be in love with Poison before ever having read it. Kyra sounds like perfection - steadfast, strong and heroic. Plus, there's a pig on the cover, guys. A pig. Sold. Really though, I enjoy a good fantasy novel that offers action and adventure but never takes itself too seriously. This one sounds like it might just fit the bill. What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Title: Erasing Time
Author: C.J. Hill
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publish Date: August 28, 2012
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, Dystopian
Pages: 368
Source: Publisher

When twins Sheridan and Taylor wake up 400 years in the future, they find a changed world: domed cities, no animals, and a language that’s so different, it barely sounds like English. And the worst news: They can’t go back home.

The twenty-fifth-century government transported the girls to their city hoping to find a famous scientist to help perfect a devastating new weapon. The moblike Dakine fights against the government, and somehow Taylor and Sheridan find themselves in the middle. The only way to elude them all is to trust Echo, a guy with secrets of his own. The trio must put their faith in the unknown to make a harrowing escape into the wilds beyond the city.

Sheridan and Taylor didn’t just wake up on the wrong side of the bed. They woke up in the wrong time. Everything they have ever known is gone, and the world they woke up in barely resembles the world they know. Language, clothing, animals – everything is different…and drastically different, at that. Sheridan and Taylor didn’t happen upon this new world by accident though. They were brought here with the sole purpose of creating a new weapon that might just ensure the ultimate destruction. But time is running out, and the girls must find someone to trust, some way to escape or simply settle for being pawns in a brutal game forever.

I will forever be a geek. I’m not ashamed to say that I let my nerd flag fly, and I really enjoy novels that embrace the concept of time travel. Erasing Time by C.J. Hill promised me that and so much more. Giving us a world that is a broken mess of twisted lies, deceit and power-hungry villains, we’re sent on a journey with the characters, hoping only to save ourselves in time. Easily embracing the concept of an ever-unraveling and changing time scenario, Erasing Time whisks us away into a world that’s entirely foreign to us, but oddly familiar, as well, promising adventure, drama and perhaps just a touch of fear.

I have so many thoughts about Erasing Time. Seriously…so many. There is a part of me that absolutely loved this book, and there’s a part of me that is so very on the fence about my thoughts. I’ll start with what rocked. The world of Traventon, where Sheridan and Taylor are sent, is a maze of contrasts. The colours are vivid, but the world itself is utterly bleak and desolate. There is an excitement in the novelties of this strange world, such as the unique beauty expressions in which the population utilize skin dyes to create their own unique look. On the other hand, there is a twisting, gut-wrenching terror that simmers in the underbelly of the novel, weaving its way throughout the characters and the plot. The dynamic between the twins was extremely well done and utterly believable. Though only one twin gets a perspective in the novel, I never felt as though Erasing Time was one-sided. I completely understood Sheridan and Taylor, and both had extremely distinct personas. Echo, too, was a fascinating character with his blue hair and careful demeanor – though I’ll admit that the insta-love…or lust…or whatever…was a bit unsettling. My one big qualm with Erasing Time is that I wanted desperately to understand the world better. We’re painted this desolate picture of what life is today, but we never really learn why. What made them live their lives in domed cities? What created their bizarre political system? Near the end, we’re finally treated to a new world of information, but it’s rushed and happens so quickly. I almost wish the tense, action-packed ending had been filtered throughout to keep me guessing the entire time. I guess I had really just hoped that the page-turning suspense would have lasted throughout – rather than just the last third.

Overall, Erasing Time had an engaging hook, dynamic characters and a refreshing spin on sci-fi. Though I wasn’t entirely satisfied, it was definitely a good book. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I thoroughly believe others will enjoy all the twists, too. I recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy sci-fi and dystopian.

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.

Now and again, I find myself in the extremely fortunate situation of having multiple ARCs of the same novel for one reason or another. Rather than horde these bad boys like a snotty little princess, I feel the need to give them away to other bloggers who will appreciate them as much as I will! So, without further ado, here's what's up for giveaway this time!

Black City by Elizabeth Richards

Venom by Fiona Paul

Origin by Jessica Khoury

Fathomless by Jackson Pearce

Here are the Rules:

There will be FOUR winners. Using Random.org, I will select four names. In the order the winners are selected, the ARC prizes will be chosen. For example, winner #1 will choose from four books, winner #2 will choose from the three remaining books, and so on. You MUST be a follower to enter this giveaway. This giveaway is open internationally and will end promptly at midnight EST on Sunday, September 9, 2012. Please fill out the form below to enter! Good luck!

Click HERE to Enter!

Let's Talk is a new weekly feature here at i swim for oceans. I think it's important that we all have our say, and there's something to be said for raising our voices. Simply put, here on the little old blog, I like to host some of my very own discussion posts because, well, I like to converse with you all.

And so, Let's Talk will feature questions or prompts, which I will answer, too. Love it or hate it, weigh in or don't, it's my hope that Let's Talk will at least get you thinking...and maybe even get you discussing with the rest of us!

Question: What are your top three favourite series of all time, and why?

I've often said I'm not really a series person, and that's not entirely true. I do love a good series. Truly. However, I do feel that series are a bit overplayed these days. There are some series (ahem...Shiver) that don't really need to be series in my humble opinion, whereas other stand-alones would royally rule as series. That said, regardless of my differing opinions, there are some series that I just can't help but love, and I can say with the utmost certainty that they will always be favourites of mine.

1. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling - Ok, let's be honest here, guys. Is any list really complete without Harry? That's what I thought. I actually didn't start reading the series until the third book's release because, frankly, I thought I was MUCH too cool to read some dumb kids' book. I ate my words. My little sister, bless her, wore me down and convinced me to read them, and let's just say I was so obsessed with Harry that I attended many a midnight book release party...like this:

My point is that Harry Potter stays a favourite of mine because it's so much more than just sorcery and magic. It's about the magic of honour, and friends and truth. Values like that and worlds like the one in those books are simply incomparable.

2. Redwall by Brian Jacques - I don't know too many YA bloggers that understand my love of this series or have even read the series. I started it on a whim when I was about 12 years old. My older sister carried around Martin the Warrior, and it was a huge book. I wanted to look smart and carry a big book, too, so I decided I would...and I might as well try it, too. I was hooked from a few pages in. There is such incredible world-building in those books, and while they don't necessarily follow the same characters, the world and the values and morals stay the same. There is a beautiful, magical fantasy in those books that I love to lose myself in to this day.

3. Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan - I like a lot of good series, but this one managed to edge out of the competition on sheer entertainment value alone. I was convinced by a fellow blogger to give the first book a go when I was still a fledgling blogger. I did, and I read the first four books in three days...then I had to wait for the final book to come out. They're fun, they're engaging, they're a bit magical and silly, but they're mostly altogether just true entertainment at its best. I urge you to pick them up even if you think you're far too old for a MG series. You'll be pleasantly surprised, I'm sure.

Oh, and my runners up would have to be The Hunger Games, His Dark Materials, Vampire Academy and The Lying Game.

Title: Insignia
Author: S.J. Kincaid
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publish Date: July 10, 2012
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, Dystopian
Pages: 444
Source: Publisher

More than anything, Tom Raines wants to be important, though his shadowy life is anything but that. For years, Tom’s drifted from casino to casino with his unlucky gambler of a dad, gaming for their survival. Keeping a roof over their heads depends on a careful combination of skill, luck, con artistry, and staying invisible.

Then one day, Tom stops being invisible. Someone’s been watching his virtual-reality prowess, and he’s offered the incredible—a place at the Pentagonal Spire, an elite military academy. There, Tom’s instincts for combat will be put to the test, and if he passes, he’ll become a member of the Intrasolar Forces, helping to lead his country to victory in World War Three. Finally, he’ll be someone important: a superhuman war machine with the tech skills that every virtual-reality warrior dreams of. Life at the Spire holds everything that Tom’s always wanted—friends, the possibility of a girlfriend, and a life where his every action matters—but what will it cost him?

Tom’s life has never been easy…or lucky, for that matter. Frankly, he’s never been much of anything except the one destined to clean up his father’s continued messes again, and again and again. He wants more though. Tom believes he is destined for great things, and he just wishes he could find an in. Unlucky Tom catches a lucky break when someone recognizes his fantastic ability to blend, adapt and con his way to success. He is inducted into the Pentagonal Spire where he has the chance to become one of the elite – a human weapon in the third world war. But greatness always comes at a price…is Tom willing to pay it?

How many times have I said that I wish there were more YA books from the male perspective? Seriously…the answer is many. Insignia offers us the male viewpoint and so much more. Author S.J. Kincaid had her hands full with this one, to say the very least. With a world far bigger than the size of the book implies, Insignia envelops you in a tense, nearly alternate reality in which virtual reality is as real and as plain as day. With a richly fluid writing style, the novel pulls us into a world that is entirely different than our own, but also terrifyingly real and riveting.

Holy. Crazy. Geekdom. Before anything else, allow me to say that Insignia rocks the sci-fi genre, turning it on its head with an entirely new approach, fantastic wit and a host of characters that are engaging, blunt and utterly honest. I’d seen next to no hype about this book, so I definitely wasn’t expecting too much, though I’ll admit that the premise fascinated me. The concept of neural processors and having a computer inside your skull merges with concepts of gamers, which I’m entirely unfamiliar with. However, Insignia builds a plot and backstory that is so believable that it felt completely real. In fact, I could actually understand the concepts, and while it’s a fairly surreal concept, it felt disturbingly possible, which really amped up the strength of the novel. Then, there’s Tom. There are few male MCs that I can truly relate to and root for, but he is most certainly one of them. Tom was, in a nutshell, such an honest, stubborn and genuine guy, that I could actually put myself in his shoes – which is often a rather difficult task. Most importantly though, the fact that a female author wrote his story did not detract from him being a guy’s guy…and a totally believable one at that. Insignia was terse, action-packed and complicated, but at the same time simplistic, truthful and entirely refreshing. With careful humour, wit and sly intelligence, Insignia creeps up on you and steals you, heart and soul.

It’s been a while since I read such a surprising and delightfully exciting book, and Insignia really did blow me away. If you’re in the mood for something different and that breaks the mold, this is it. I give it a 5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy sci-fi, dsyopian and male MCs.

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: Throne of Glass
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Publish Date: August 7, 2012
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Pages: 416
Source: Publisher

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.

Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

Celaena hasn’t had is easy. Nor has she made her life any easier by committing the crimes she has, either. Having spent a year serving her sentence in the hard labor of the salt mines, Celaena is given an option. She can be free, but she must first serve as the Prince’s champion to become the royal assassin. She must beat some of the deadliest opponents around, all vying for the one coveted killing position that could actually grant her freedom after three years of service. Things aren’t black and white though. The Prince starts to have feelings for her, Celaena must constantly be on her toes and the contestants are being killed. Is this position really worth killing for, and can Celaena adopt the new kill or be killed mentality in time?

There has been SO much hype about this one, and you guys know how I feel about hype. I remember at BEA the line for this signing was wrapped around the exhibit hall, and trust me, I was one of those vying for a copy. Throne of Glass promises the YA crowd the trifecta – an empowering heroine, action and endless adventure and a love interest to die for. Author Sarah J. Maas had her hands full crafting a story that encompassed all of the above and still delivered the emotion we, as readers, seek. Witty, dramatic, tense and action-packed, Throne of Glass delivers heart-pounding suspense and theatrics page after page, wheeling and dealing as it spins you into its suspenseful web.

Gosh, I have so many feelings about Throne of Glass that I hardly know where to begin. Celaena was an intriguing character who drew readers in with her outward bravado and inner strength. She was a bit rough around the edges and defied expectations, demanding that people pay her the same respect that they did others. Then you have the love interests – yes, two of them Chaol has this gruff demeanor that makes me love him for his utter lack of flouncy nuances. Dorian, the Prince, however, had the prestige and honour that makes him covetable. I’ll admit, their characters were a bit riddled with clichés for my taste, but I definitely found myself able to choose a side. Honestly though, a secondary character stole the spotlight for me. Nehemia represents what is often lacking in YA fiction. She’s subtly powerful, incredibly intelligent and has cunning for days. I found myself in her corner much of the novel. The plot moved at a steady, even pace throughout then ramped it up at the end, and I found myself far more invested in the story later on. I’ll admit that Throne of Glass was a bit heavy on the “tell don’t show” factor, and that lost me a bit in the beginning. I honestly was unsure how I felt about the novel until the very end because of it. Most importantly though, I think that the actions of Celaena deterred me a bit from the start because, at times, she seemed a bit disingenuous and put on, if that makes sense.

I want to absolutely love Throne of Glass because of the parallels it draws with one of my favourite series for adults (Game of Thrones). However, I find myself a bit on the fence. It’s well-written, but it’s a bit too much at times. I give it a strong 3.5 out of 5, and I know that I’m one of the few that didn’t absolutely adore this story. I highly recommend it to all YA fans, especially those who enjoy fantasy and dystopian novels.

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: Magisterium

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: Magisterium
Author: Jeff Hirsch
Publisher: Scholastic
Publish Date: October 1, 2012
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Pages: 320

Sixteen-year-old Glenn Morgan has lived next to the Rift her entire life and has no idea of what might be on the other side of it. Glenn's only friend, Kevin, insists the fence holds back a world of monsters and witchcraft, but magic isn't for Glenn.

She has enough problems with reality: Glenn's mother disappeared when she was six, and soon after, she lost her scientist father to his all-consuming work on the mysterious Project. Glenn buries herself in her studies and dreams about the day she can escape. But when her father's work leads to his arrest, he gives Glenn a simple metal bracelet that will send Glenn and Kevin on the run---with only one place to go.

First off, let's take a moment and drool over that holy gorgeous cover, shall we? Seriously. It's fresh, it's new, it's dark (my type) and I'm in love with it. Then, it's got an interesting premise that promises a little bit of everything I love from sci-fi to fantasy. I also love that Glenn sounds like a worthy heroine, and that makes me want to read Magisterium even more. I snagged this one at BEA, and I'm so excited to start reading it soon! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?