Title: Don't Turn Around
Author: Michelle Gagnon (Twitter)
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publish Date: August 28, 2012
Genre: YA, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Pages: 309
Source: Publisher

Sixteen-year-old Noa has been a victim of the system ever since her parents died. Now living off the grid and trusting no one, she uses her hacking skills to stay anonymous and alone. But when she wakes up on a table in a warehouse with an IV in her arm and no memory of how she got there, Noa starts to wish she had someone on her side.

Enter Peter Gregory. A rich kid and the leader of a hacker alliance, Peter needs people with Noa’s talents on his team. Especially after a shady corporation threatens his life in no uncertain terms. But what Noa and Peter don’t realize is that Noa holds the key to a terrible secret, and there are those who’d stop at nothing to silence her for good.

Noa's never had a single person to trust, and it's been this way since she lost her parents. But life in the system was a far cry from fear she has when she wakes up in an unknown place with no memory of how she arrived there. What Noa doesn't know is that she's an asset, and she holds powerful information that could irreparably change the course of events. Can Peter, Noa's newfound ally, and she discover what this faceless corporation wants from them before it's too late, or will they both lose everything?

I'm a bit of a sucker for thrillers. I always have been, and I always will be, which is odd because they make me fear sleeping for days. I know. I digress. The point is, the synopsis for Don't Turn Around was immediately intriguing to me, and I definitely bought into the idea of a dark and sinister operation and a creepy, mysterious vibe. Author, Michelle Gagnon, has created a powerful heroine with whom the reader is able to go on a spine-tingling journey full of twists, turns and plenty of corruption. With a fast pace and a strong voice, Don't Turn Around is sure to whisk you away in its dark embrace.

Don't Turn Around is one of those novels that had a whole heck of a lot going for it. The writing style is fresh and clean, and we're offered a fast-paced introduction into what promises to be an exciting and tension-filled new series. The strongest suit of this book is simply that the action is non-stop. It's the type of book that I literally felt the need to read in one sitting because each page had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out exactly what would happen next. Even better, Don't Turn Around provided just enough mystery and little enough foreshadowing to keep me on my toes, so I never felt as though I was getting too much of the story too soon. Rather, I was riveted from the get-go. Unfortunately, there's a flip-side to this, as well. Because the book was so heavily plot-driven, some of the other aspects of the novel sacrificed their time in the limelight. For one, I never felt as though I could really access Noa or Peter throughout the book. While I felt as though I got their framework, and it was definitely solid, I didn't really get to see these two otherwise powerful characters transform much from start to finish. In addition, a lot of key elements to this series were introduced but not really elaborated upon, such as the virus, PEMA. I would have loved to learn more about it in the first book, but I can only assume that this was not an oversight on the author, but rather a calculated risk in furthering the series. 

All in all, Don't Turn Around might be a book you're tempted to overlook on the shelves, but it's one of those action-packed books that I'm sure I'll pick up again to see if I missed something in my haste to eat it up. I give it a really high 3.5 out of 5, simply because I would have loved more detail on the characters, and I recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy YA, sci-fi and mysteries.

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: What's Left of Me
Author: Kat Zhang
Publisher:  HarperCollins
Publish Date: September 18, 2012
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi
Pages: 343
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.

In a world where children are born with two souls, Addie and Eva somehow still stand out. One is dominant, and one is recessive, but for most children, one eventually settles while the other thrives. But in their case, for some reason, Eva hasn't settled. She's still there...living, existing, but not really thriving as Addie, the dominant soul continues to breathe and live for the both of them. Eva's existence has to remain a secret because Hybrids are dangerous, feared and threaten the balance of society. Nevertheless, Eva wants to live, and Addie will do just about anything to help her move and exist on her own.

The young adult market is overrun with dystopian novels these days - books that broach the topic of science fiction a lot - but never actually delve into the depths of it. What's Left of Me, however, is not one of those novels. Pure, raw sci-fi, this novel is a new spin on dystopia with a searing plot full of loss,  companionship and the struggle to survive. Kat Zhang has a melodic writing voice, weaving a soulful story in a heartfelt and believable way for a host of incredibly deep characters. The prose is simple and beautiful, albeit a bit repetitive at times, but altogether meaningful and creates an intense, emotional and incredible journey within the pages of What's Left of Me.

I have to say that the true beauty of What's Left of Me lies within the depth of the characters. I'm usually not too much of a fan of prologues because I feel like there is too much foreshadowing, but I actually liked this one. Eva's voice is so tragic, but rather than being cloying or overwhelming, I was actually heartbroken for her. She desperately wanted to live. She wanted to speak, and to feel, and to be able to simply do the little things that we, ourselves take for granted. But, despite her grave situation, she never wallowed. I pitied her, but not because she was pathetic. I pitied her because she had such an immense strength that emanated from her being, and I wanted to see that thrive. Likewise, Addie was such a beautiful character. Flawed but powerful and strong in her convictions, I felt like I knew her throughout, and as the story progressed, I became more and more invested in their journey together. I have to say, on the downside, I was a bit frustrated with not truly understanding why Hybrids were considered dangerous, and I think that would have heightened the intensity of the drama. Finally the ending was a bit of a letdown for me, considering the whole story had me reeling, and I guess I'd expected a more poignant conclusion to What's Left of Me.

Overall, however, I really enjoyed reading What's Left of Me. I thought it was refreshing, thorough and beautifully-done, and it was definitely a book I'll recommend to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy science fiction and dystopian novels. I give it a very solid 4 out of 5.

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.

Title: Carnival of Souls
Author: Melissa Marr
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publish Date: September 4, 2012
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher

In a city of daimons, rigid class lines separate the powerful from the power-hungry. And at the heart of The City is the Carnival of Souls, where both murder and pleasure are offered up for sale. Once in a generation, the carnival hosts a deadly competition that allows every daimon a chance to join the ruling elite. Without the competition, Aya and Kaleb would both face bleak futures--if for different reasons. For each of them, fighting to the death is the only way to try to live.

All Mallory knows of The City is that her father--and every other witch there--fled it for a life in exile in the human world. Instead of a typical teenage life full of friends and maybe even a little romance, Mallory scans quiet streets for threats, hides herself away, and trains to be lethal. She knows it's only a matter of time until a daimon finds her and her father, so she readies herself for the inevitable. While Mallory possesses little knowledge of The City, every inhabitant of The City knows of her. There are plans for Mallory, and soon she, too, will be drawn into the decadence and danger that is the Carnival of Souls.

There are two very different worlds inevitably intertwined into one. The first is the mortal world, free and normal. The second is a quick descent into fire and brimstone in a city of daimons. Mallory, however, has one foot in each world, though she doesn't understand why. Her ignorance has always been her protection, but as Kaleb tries to secure a future for himself in The City, Mallory's destiny is called into question. Where does the true balance between the two worlds lie, will there ever be peace and where does Mallory really belong?

If you're a young adult book blogger and don't yet know of Melissa Marr, you should probably hide your face in shame. I kid. Sort of. Carnival of Souls is the new epic adventure written by the veteran author, weaving the dark, searing plots she's known for into a story that is a deadly siren, luring you into a web of destruction. Full of rich adventure, deceit and malice, Carnival of Souls is as its cover implies - fiery destruction at its finest. This novel is a guessing game of dark vs. light and good vs. evil, but nothing is ever quite that simple.

Ok, I'm going to premise my thoughts on Carnival of Souls with this; I read it two times to be able to accurately detail my real thoughts on the novel. It's fast-paced, so the first time, I devoured it in nearly 4 hours. For an epic novel, it's a fairly slim amount of pages, and I'll admit that's it's definitely a page-turner. The second time, I read for the details and to truly formulate how I really feel. The verdict is, honestly, that there is a fairly equal balance of positives and negatives. Carnival of Souls does not lack adventure or drama. In fact, it's chock full of it. The writing is compelling and rich, evoking a true image of The City and the Carnival. Even more so, the drama and action leaps from the pages, making you have to read faster. That, however, is both a strength and a weakness in the case of Carnival of Souls. There was just so much going on in Carnival of Souls that the action almost outshone the characters. After two reads, I still don't have a full grasp on Mallory. I thought I understood Aya, but she's a shadow, and Kaleb just seems surface-heavy. Without those characters to become invested in, and with a host of secondary characters interjected throughout, I felt lost and confused. If the story had been 500 pages and fleshed them out further, I think it would have been perfection.

Overall, there will definitely be people that love this book, and I'll totally understand why. Unfortunately, I just expected more, and I would have hoped to see everything completely defined. I give it a 3.5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to fans of YA and adult novels, especially those who enjoy paranormal and fantasy 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 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 Lost Girl
Author: Sangu Mandanna
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publish Date: August 28, 2012
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, Dystopian
Pages: 432

Eva’s life is not her own. She is a creation, an abomination—an echo. Made by the Weavers as a copy of someone else, she is expected to replace a girl named Amarra, her “other”, if she ever died. Eva studies what Amarra does, what she eats, what it’s like to kiss her boyfriend, Ray. So when Amarra is killed in a car crash, Eva should be ready. But fifteen years of studying never prepared her for this.

Now she must abandon everything she’s ever known—the guardians who raised her, the boy she’s forbidden to love—to move to India and convince the world that Amarra is still alive.

What Eva finds is a grief-stricken family; parents unsure how to handle this echo they thought they wanted; and Ray, who knew every detail, every contour of Amarra. And when Eva is unexpectedly dealt a fatal blow that will change her existence forever, she is forced to choose: Stay and live out her years as a copy or leave and risk it all for the freedom to be an original. To be Eva.

Guys, just when I think dystopian books are on their way out and getting a bit tired, something shakes things up...just a bit. The Lost Girl is that something for me. It sounds like a riveting blend of sci-fi and dystopia, which are two of my absolute favourites. Plus, there's an exotic element, or twist, which makes me want to read it all the more so. I truly hope this one is bridging the gap into something a bit unfamiliar and completely alluring. What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Title: Slide
Author: Jill Hathaway
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Publish Date: March 27, 2012
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, Paranormal
Pages: 256
Source: Publisher

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

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

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

Vee, for all intents and purposes, is your everyday teenage girl. She deals with backstabbing teens, catty girls, boyfriend drama and life in a clique-driven high school. Vee is unlike other girls though because, when she least expects it, she is unable to prevent herself from sliding into another person's consciousness. She sees the world through their eyes, and she's come to terms with it. It might make her odd, and it might be inconvenient, but it's life. Life for Vee, however, is about to get very complicated. She slides into a killer's mind one night...her sister's friend...and she can't just let it go. Suddenly, she's involved in a murder mystery, and everyone's a suspect.

Slide has such a brilliant premise. Before I even begin to remark on the book and the writing, I just have to say that. Seriously, touching aspects of sci-fi and paranormal, as well as blending great high school drama and teenage qualms, it's got all the makings of a winner. Author, Jill Hathaway, has written an engrossing novel rich with vivid prose, great imagery and a sweeping, dramatic storyline. Her characters are solid and entertaining, the idea behind Vee's story is fantastic, and it's a page-turner, for sure. If you're looking for a fantastic who-dun-it, this is the perfect YA version. Fast-paced and action-packed, it's a fast read you'll be unable to put down.

Vee was a great character. She was multi-layered, and she had a lot of depth, making you become involved in her story. I felt for her, and I felt for her situation. I can't imagine how difficult it must have been to lose herself in another person continuously. Even more so though, I can't imagine how it must have felt for her to feel as though she was actually holding the murder weapon. Her reactions are true and genuine, which definitely made me become invested in her story. Rollins, too, was a fantastic character. He was true and honest, making him a beacon in a maze of unease. Zane was an interesting love interest - not my absolute favourite, but he definitely added another layer to Slide, which contributed to the overall plot. The makings were all there for an absolutely perfect mystery, but here is my one qualm...the clues throughout the story actually felt more like reveals than clues. I felt like I was being pointed in the absolute direction of the answer. Frankly, I like it when a story keeps me guessing, and Slide, though fun and engaging, was pretty blatantly hinting at the culprit the entire time.

Overall, Slide was a great book. Truly, it was. Despite the fact that I wished it was more mysterious, it was well-written and engaging. I give it a 3.5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy mysteries, sci-fi and paranormal stories.

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

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.

Title: Liesl & Po
Author: Lauren Oliver
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publish Date: October 4, 2011
Genre: MG, Paranormal, Fantasy
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher

Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice—until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone.

That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable.

Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.

Liesl's young, but she's already had a difficult life. Losing her father at a tender young age, she's forced by her stepmother to spend her days locked in a cramped attic alone. She wants nothing more than to see her father one last time and to tell him that she loves him, but she's all alone...until she meets Po. Po is unlike anyone she's ever met before. He's just a boy, but he's a ghost and Liesl dares to feel that glimmer of hope that she might be able to get a message to her father. But when she and Po finally dare to venture beyond the attic doors, one major mistake by the mysterious boy across the street is about to send their adventure in a whole new direction.

Honestly, I have a bit of a thing for middle grade fiction. Do I read a lot of it? Not really, but that's simply because I'm picky about those I choose to read. Liesl & Po had a premise that captivated me from the start. Reminiscent of the dark and twisting tales from the Brothers Grimm, Liesl & Po sends the reader on a fantastic journey into worlds beyond our own. Veteran author, Lauren Oliver, has tackled a new genre with ease, providing an adventurous book teeming with larger than life characters, a seriously delicious plot and an overriding theme of love, family and friends.

Have you ever read a book with divergent plot arcs that somehow slowly manage to weave together throughout the story into one utterly spellbinding conclusion? If not, Liesl & Po will truly be a treat for you. The beauty of the story was that each plot art was fleshed out, giving you access to Liesl, Po and Will from start to finish. Because there was so much action and so much happening in Liesl & Po, it would have been easy to lose the reader in mundane details, but the story balanced the issue with ease, giving you bits and pieces and stringing you along. The characters, too, were fresh and engaging. Perfectly age-appropriate, Liesl is a bundle of love and innocence. Likewise, Po complements her with his honesty and compassion, and Will balances the two with touches of heartfelt humour. Together, the companionship between the characters was pure and unadulterated - giving the reader a true middle grade experience. Furthermore, Liesl & Po features superb writing. Sweet and simple, barring superfluous details and excess prose. Liesl & Po takes a minimalist approach, heightens it with a soaring plot and gives the reader everything they wanted and more. The only things I would have changed were some elements that I found a bit too predictable, and there were a small few questions that lingered at the end, which I wish could have been resolved.

All in all though, Liesl & Po was a heartwarming and fantastic addition to the market. I give it a 4 out of 5, and I recommend it to all fans of MG fiction, especially those who enjoy paranormal and adventure stories. This book is also appropriate for both boys and girls.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As we all know, the book market (and the YA market in particular) is fast-becoming dominated by killer covers that rival the content of the books. I'm a self-professed cover slut, and I'm completely okay with that, but I think it's time we pay a little tribute to the fantastic covers on the market today. So, welcome to a brand new Friday feature at i swim for oceans!

Each week, I will feature a book with a cover that just blew my mind with its amazingness, and I invite you to join in. Simply post the cover, the author/publisher, the release date, why you love it and any other pertinent details you'd love to share with other cover-lovers out there. Want to join in? Simply link up and join the fun!

Title: Liesl & Po
Author: Lauren Oliver (Twitter...Facebook)
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publish Date: October 4, 2011

Fun Fact: Apparently the ARCs came out in adorable cutout theatre boxes - as magical as the cover itself! I got my copy at BEA, so I didn't get one, but I believe it. I saw a hint of it on Lauren's blog.

Why I Have Cover Love: It's enchanting, obviously. Remember those Grimm's fairy tales with the classic, ornate covers? This is like a throwback to that, and I'm excited to have something more artsy on my shelves.

What do you think? Are you dying of cover love over a certain book? Link up and share the love with the rest of us!

Title: The Power of Six
Author: Pittacus Lore
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: August 23, 2011
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher

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

Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We're hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we'll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I've been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together?

They caught Number One in Malaysia. Number Two in England. And Number Three in Kenya. They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed. I am Number Seven. One of six still alive. And I'm ready to fight.

John and Six are on the run. After being tracked down, hunted and brutally attacked by the Mogadorians in his latest home in Ohio, John aka Number Four has no choice but to leave the life he set up, the girl he loves and all he's come to know and find familiar for the safety of a life on the run. Six is used to life on the road. It's how she stays safe. It's how she fights so well, and with John, she knows that she and the other Garde have a fighting chance to save their world. Though they were supposed to never meet, Six has a plan and with John, she hopes to unite the remaining Garde to save her dying race from the vengeful Mogadorians. Is her plan strong enough to save them all, or is it too risky, and will they lose their lives and their last hope?

You'll probably remember that I read I Am Number Four a bit back when it first came out, and I really enjoyed its unique approach to aliens living among us. So, naturally, when I heard that the next book in the planned series was coming out, I was excited. The Power of Six is the second book in the series about nine Lorien Garde sent to Earth to harness their Legacies, mature and go back home to save their world from a vengeful and vicious breed of fighters, the Mogadorians. Pittacus Lore has created an enthralling sequel in The Power of Six that not only sends the reader on a whirlwind of epic adventure, but spins a fantastic world of hope, power and faith in one another.

The Power of Six is what a sequel should be. Rather than complacently following in its predecessor's footsteps, The Power of Six amps up the story a notch or two, introducing us to not only Six, who you might remember from the first book, but also a few of the other remaining Garde, including Seven, from whom much of the story is told. It's important to note that The Power of Six takes a slightly different approach, developing multiple story lines which, eventually, intersect for a thrilling climax for the story. Furthermore, The Power of Six takes a good bit of time to really show us more about the infamous chests in which the Lorien Garde learn what they need to harness their Legacies which, might I add, are amazing. This, in turn, really enhances the characters, especially Six and Seven. Throw in a love triangle/square (remember Sarah? yeah, she's got a little competition in Six), a nonstop pace of action and adventure and a revelation about Sam and his Dad that will blow your mind, The Power of Six doesn't disappoint. I will admit, however, that the start is a bit slow, leading into the action with some backstory and image setup, but the pace sets off running from there.

All in all, The Power of Six is a great second installment to an action-packed series that's sure to please previous fans and new readers of the series, alike. I give it a very strong 4 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy sci-fi and stories involving aliens. Fans of I Am Number Four should relax, take a deep breath and enjoy the new viewpoint of The Power of Six because you still have plenty more of John to discover and enjoy.

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.

Want to win an ARC of this book? Click HERE to find out how!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 TOUR/REVIEW

Bumped by Megan McCafferty

(ARC - Thank you, Cornucopia of Dystopia)

When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society. Girls sport fake baby bumps and the school cafeteria stocks folic-acid-infused food.


Sixteen-year-old identical twins Melody and Harmony were separated at birth and have never met until the day Harmony shows up on Melody’s doorstep. Up to now, the twins have followed completely opposite paths.

FOR REVIEW

This Life is in Your Hands by Melissa Coleman

(ARC - Thank you, HarperCollins)

In a work of power and beauty reminiscent of Jeannette Walls, Melissa Coleman delivers a luminous, evocative childhood memoir exploring the hope and struggle behind her family's search for a sustainable lifestyle. With echoes of The Liars’ Club and Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight, Coleman’s searing chronicle tells the true story of her upbringing on communes and sustainable farms along the rugged Maine coastline in the 1970’s, embedded within a moving, personal quest for truth that her experiences produced.

FOR REVIEW

My New American Life by Francine Prose

(ARC - Thank you, HarperCollins)

An Albanian living surreptitiously in New York City on an expiring tourist visa, twenty-six year old Lula hopes to make a better life for herself in America. When she lands a job as caretaker to Zach, a rebellious high school senior in suburban New Jersey, it seems that the security, comfort, and happiness of the American dream might finally be within reach. Her new boss, Mister Stanley, an idealistic college professor turned Wall Street executive, assumes that Lula is a destitute refugee of Balkan wars.

FOR REVIEW

Girls Like Us by Rachel Lloyd

(ARC - Thank you, HarperCollins)

At thirteen, Rachel Lloyd found herself caught up in a world of pain and abuse, struggling to survive as a child with no responsible adults to support her. Vulnerable yet tough, she eventually ended up a victim of commercial sexual exploitation. It took time and incredible resilience, but finally, with the help of a local church community, she broke free of her pimp and her past. Three years later, Lloyd arrived in the United States to work with adult women in the sex industry and soon founded her own nonprofit—GEMS, Girls Educational and Mentoring Services—to meet the needs of other girls with her history.

Until recently, it was all speculation and rumours, but L.J. Smith, author of the popular Vampire Diaries series has come forth and addressed the rumours on her blog, affirming that she is, in fact, no longer the author of the series.

In her words, L.J. Smith says, "Thank you, but don't boycott." Essentially, she's asking that her readers and fans don't take their judgment out on HarperCollins or the future books in the series and urges her fans to at least give the new books a try.

A refresher for those of you who didn't know - L.J. Smith originally signed a contract that said she works "for hire," which means that while she is the author of the The Vampire Diaries series, she is not the owner of the series. HarperCollins is the publisher, and Alloy Entertainment is the true owner. Creative differences involving the presence of the Elena/Damon plot line have caused differences in opinion as to the future of the series, and it was decided that L.J. Smith would not continue to author the series, essentially firing her from the The Vampire Diaries books. She will be replaced by a ghostwriter.

In full, L.J. Smith states on her blog, "First, I want to thank my readers for all their messages of support. I’ve gotten far too many emails to answer, and I really appreciate the kindness and emotional sustenance you’ve given to me at this difficult time.

Second, if you’ve asked me a question about the future books or the endgame of The Vampire Diaries and I’ve been vague about what’s in store, I’d like to take this opportunity to apologize. I really wasn’t looking forward to the day when I would have to talk about this.

Third, and most importantly, I want to ask anyone who was thinking of it, not to boycott Harper’s or anyone. It just doesn’t make sense. Although I wanted and still want more than anything to be able to continue The Vampire Diaries series myself, there’s no point in not trying the new books. (And remember, for fans of Bonnie and Damon, and strict Stefan and Elena fans, the immediate dynamics may be more to your liking.) Besides which, Midnight, which is all mine, is coming out in March, and I believe there may be some of my writing in Phantom.

Thanks again to all the fans who have shown loving and loyal kindness to me."

I, for one, won't boycott HarperCollins, but I'm still appalled by the true meaning of working "for hire," and the liberties a series owner like Alloy can take...and I'm a little disgusted, too. Also, a note to fans of the show...this will NOT directly affect the TV series, so don't fret! What do you guys think?

There are always going to be injustices in the world, whether they be in our personal lives or in the media, but I have to say I’ve been absolutely floored by the controversy surrounding the future of the Vampire Diaries series written by the one and only L.J. Smith. For those who have yet to read the series, here is a little background for you. The series begins with the premise of two vampires, Stefan and Damon (brothers), both of whom love Elena. The most powerful message in the book and television series is the feeling of love between Damon and Elena, and if you’ve missed that message, you clearly did not read the book, or you simply skimmed it.

In short, when L.J. Smith started the Vampire Diaries series, she wrote it “for hire,” meaning that while she is the author of the series and HarperCollins is her publisher, Alloy Entertainment actually owns her series. Now Alloy Entertainment no longer wants the Damon/Elena storyline (they want straight Stefan and Elena, as well as far less Bonnie) in the books, so L.J. Smith has been cut from her series. The Vampire Diaries series will now be written by a ghostwriter who has absolute liberties with the series, only barring said ghostwriter from the Damon/Elena storyline. It is Alloy Entertainment’s belief that fans of the series won’t know the difference between the ghostwriter and L.J. Smith, herself, anyway.

Now, I don’t know about you, but I find this to be horrid overstep by Alloy Entertainment and HarperCollins. Personal opinion be damned…frankly, L.J. Smith’s writing voice is now being stifled and silenced after years of hard work, love and determination on a popular series because she simply wouldn’t be meek, obedient and spineless. A quote from L.J. Smith, herself, “I am very, very sad—sadder than I have ever been since my mother passed away—but there is absolutely nothing I can do. There will be no more Delena in the series—although Elena may be fond or physically attracted to Damon.”

Bear in mind that an official statement hasn't been released, and I’m not sure we can do anything about this, guys, but I know that the book blogosphere is made of powerful voices and even stronger individuals. If you are as disgusted by this cruel turn of events on L.J. Smith, please help do something about it! Tweet it, blog it and make it known that this cannot and will not be tolerated! At the very least, please sign the petition HERE because like it says, “No L.J. Smith = No Book Sales!”