I swear there is absolutely no shortage of amazing books this year, and just when I think I've read it and seen it all, something surprises me in the best possible way. Even more than four years into blogging, there never fails to be something new and exciting. Plus, with up-and-coming authors cropping up and staking their claim on the young adult genre, I think it's safe to say that I will be excited for years to come. For now, however, these are the best 10 books that I've read thus far this year…

The Violet Hour by Whitney A. Miller

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

Something Real by Heather Demetrios

Torn Away by Jennifer Brown

Liv, Forever by Amy Talkington

Ask Me by Kimberly Pauley

On the Fence by Kasie West

Avalon by Mindee Arnett

Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott

The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature from The Broke and the Bookish.

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. All you have to do is post according to the weekly topic, link up your blog, and add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists!

1. More male narrators. I like to try to mix up my reads these days, and while I've read a ton of great books from a female point of view, I'd really love to see the male voice heard a little bit more.

2. Different historical periods for fiction. We have so many choices with historical fiction, but I feel like there are some eras and historical periods that are so often overlooked (ummm the Dust Bowl? the Oregon Trail?)

3. More realistic romance. I've read some really great love stories, but not all of them are entirely plausible. I'd love to read more with an engaging but honest romantic storyline. Not everything is Twilight.

4. More cold settings other than Maine or Washington. I feel like all of the horror stories I read are in either of these two places. I'd love to see some more in Alaska or, hell, Antarctica. Boom.

5. More quirky reads. I love reading books that hit hard because I can actually kind of relate to them. Why not add in a novel about a bookworm that blogs? Really, I'd just like a novel that embraces whimsy.

6. More sci-fi in space. It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Star Trek. And Firefly. Heck, I was raised on them. The point is, I'd love to see more stories with such prominently different backdrops, rather than just cut and dried dystopian "we had to escape the Earth" stories.

7. More thrillers and mysteries. If you've watched The Following, you'll know that my husband and I are addicted to this show. It's psychotic, and twisted, and hellish, but I can't stop watching. I want that in a book.

8. More powerful sister stories. So often, sisters hate each other in the novels I read. I'd love to see more of a bonded sister story, or one that evolves into something a lot more beautiful.

9. More young adult in other countries. I'm not just talking about travel stories. I'm talking about novels like Raw Blue, where they actually take place in another country. 

10. A novel with many different storylines that intersect. We see it a lot in movies like PS - I Love You, or Valentine's Day. I'd love to see a book like this for the younger lot, though I know it would take great skill.

Even after four years of blogging, I'm asked this question almost routinely. Since I spend more time at my office than I do at home right now, I've had any ARCs I receive delivered here and, in all truth, this blog was a big part of why I was hired for the position I've been in (and loved) for a year and a half now. They think it's awesome that I manage to keep up a blog while working a full-time career, but I know that they wonder exactly why I read the books that I do. And, in fact, many of my friends and coworkers have actually voiced these questions.

Here's the thing...I have always been a big reader. I've loved it since I could first make out a word in a book, and I vividly remember my first night reading past my bedtime, hiding under the covers so my mother wouldn't see that I was still up and reading. I am, however, acutely aware of the fact that a lot of kids didn't have the same relationship with reading that I did, and I'm often saddened when I hear people say that they don't like reading because they think it's a chore...especially younger people.

I am of the school of thought that books, when done well, can change lives. 

They can make you think, they can make you feel and they can bring you into worlds that you might have otherwise never had an opportunity to discover.

Most of all though, they provide the purest, most beautiful and timeless form of escapism that there is.

That is why I read and review young adult books. Don't get me wrong. I read adult books for leisure. I read novels that, yes, bore me at times. I read scandalous romance that would make you blush, and I read autobiographies, biographies, documentaries and more. But there is this innate beauty to YA that makes it so wonderful...

Simply put, it captures youth in its rawest, most poignant form, and it doesn't back down.

I'm proud to be a 27-year-old married lady that's a teenager at heart. I'm proud to scan my shelves and see an overabundance of teen books that I readily share with other readers who show any bit of interest. And, most of all, I'm excited to someday pass on this love of books and reading to my children, and I hope that they'll eventually do the same.

Young adult captures a genre and an age that might otherwise not be interested in books, and turning just one or two readers onto a great book that means the world to me is, in essence, why I read and blog solely about YA books.

Title: Crewel
Author: Gennifer Albin
Publisher: FSG BYR
Publish Date: October 16, 2012
Genre: YA, Dystopian, Fantasy
Pages: 368
Source: Publisher

Sixteen-year-old Adelice Lewys has always been special. When her parents discover her gift—the ability to weave the very fabric of reality—they train her to hide it. For good reason, they don’t want her to become a Spinster — one of the elite, beautiful, and deadly women who determine what people eat, where they live, how many children they have, and even when they die.

Thrust into the opulent Western Coventry, Adelice will be tried, tested and tempted as she navigates the deadly politics at play behind its walls. Now caught in a web of lies and forbidden romance, she must unravel the sinister truth behind her own unspeakable power. Her world is hanging by a thread, and Adelice, alone, can decide to save it — or destroy it.

Adelice lives a careful lie. She always had, and she's been taught that she will probably always need to. She must always fake ignorance, feign normalcy and, without a doubt, never use her powerful ability to weave, or create the fabric of reality. To do so, for many, would mean endless riches, power and wealth, but for Adelice, it means entrapment. She'll be destined forever to play the hand of a god - determining the future for all, but never having her family and those she loves for herself. But one simple slip-up sets forth a chain reaction that ignites Adelice's destiny and giving her a chance to either save or end the world as they know it.

Ok, first off...what a seriously cool concept! I mean, I'm sure that I've heard touches of this storyline in fairytales and whatnot, but wow. I really love the utter originality of the mere idea behind it. So, you can understand my apprehension to read the book. What if it didn't live up? Can you imagine the letdown? Gennifer Albin skillfully meshed together a whirlwind plot, lovable characters, a heroine worth believing in and, most of all, a beautiful combination of internal and external struggles. With a deft hand, Crewel sweeps you up in its pages, guaranteeing one heck of an adventure.

There was so much that went right with Crewel and, for the most part, I really loved this book. The storyline was fantastic. Each plot point was carefully developed, thought-out and led directly to the next piece. Foreshadowing was light, but just enough to keep me on my toes. Adelice was a great heroine, and I found it incredibly simple to become invested in her plight. She was strong and brave, and I never found her too be cloying or too much, if that makes sense. Likewise, the love interest, Jost, was sweet and simple, just whetting my appetite but never actually giving me exactly what I wanted. In a world of YA fiction where insta-love dominates, this was wholly refreshing. I will say, however, that I did have a bit of an issue with the world-building of Crewel. We're given immense details with the power-players in the book, such as the Spinsters, but I felt that sometimes the world, itself, played second-fiddle to the story, and I would have loved to see the backdrop of this eerie dystopia been pronounced and developed just a bit more.

Overall, however, I found Crewel to be an extremely engaging and unique read, despite its flaws. I love the concept, and the ending left me wanting more, so I'm definitely excited for the next installment in the series. I give it a 3.5 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy dystopian and fantasy stories.

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: Legend
Author: Marie Lu
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Publish Date: November 29, 2011
Genre: YA, Dystopian
Pages: 336
Source: Publisher

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

The differences between June and Day are vast - much like night and day. June is a prodigy, being prepared for a high life in the military. Day lives in the slums as a common criminal, barely surviving day to day. Their lives become entwined in the senseless and heinous murder of Metias, June's brother. Day is accused, and so June becomes the hunter and he, the hunted. Determined to track down the only suspect in her brother's murder, capturing Day becomes her mission, but when June and Day discover the truth, their worlds will unravel around them, and it might be all they can do to stay alive.

Dystopian novels are known for their rich and debilitated worlds. It sounds like a contradiction and, truly, it is. There is the extreme wealth, and there is extreme poverty. But to be able to spin a world of dystopian fiction that masks the extremes and hides the true sinister nature of society is a task these days. Legend does so seamlessly, engrossing the reader in a story that's equal parts action and deceit, keeping one tethered to a story that won't let go. Author Marie Lu has crafted a thrilling, heart-pounding adventure that awes and terrifies at the same time. Legend is a glimpse into a world that could quite possibly be, and giving us an insider perspective, we see through the facade into the grim underbelly of a crumbling society.

Legend utilizes some of the most powerful tools to craft a great novel. First, it must be said that Day is an absolute breath of fresh air. He's painted as a villain in the novel, but there is a lighthearted nature to him that allows us to see he's really a kind soul. Plus, he's every bit the daredevil, which is absolutely captivating. Then there's June, who's presented as this beacon of hope for the society, but she's more of a puppet than anything. Legend let's us see her character build from the ground up as she begins to discover the truth about herself and the world around her. That said, Legend also utilizes a dual narrative, which can be rather tricky. While, for the most part, the transitions were clean and crisp, there were times that their voices ever-so-slightly became similar and nearly indistinguishable. That said, Legend features heroic action and dramatically woven conspiracies that continue to make the story completely captivating. Plus, Legend is a book that burns brighter with each passing page. Starting with the dregs of society and building to show us the darker nature of the master plan surrounding the characters in Legend, the story builds momentum and becomes nearly impossible to put down.

Overall, despite a few minor hiccups, Legend was a fabulous addition to the dystopian genre, and Lord knows I'm picky. I give it a strong 4 out of 5, and I highly recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy 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.

Title: Carrier of the Mark
Author: Leigh Fallon
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: October 4, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher

Their love was meant to be.

When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRís.

But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction.

Megan is no stranger to being the new girl, but this time, she's the new girl at school, the new girl in town and the new girl in a new country. Everything's different this time, despite the fact that it's yet another fresh start for Megan and her father. This time, she feels at home. This time, Megan feels like Ireland might just be calling to her. She finds friends, and she finds a place for herself, and she finds herself oddly attracted to the attractive Adam DeRís who, despite her outgoing personality, seems to have a strange reaction to her presence in Ireland. But the more she learns about Adam, his sister Aine, and his brother Rian, the more questions she has. Is it worth getting to know Adam, or is it too dangerous? Either way, Ireland is beginning to awaken her destiny.

Carrier of the Mark is an intoxicating tale that whisks the reader away to the lush, verdant landscape of Ireland and immerses them in the warm, breathtakingly beautiful and richly historic culture. Debut author Leigh Fallon lends her considerable firsthand knowledge of Ireland to the story and presents a story that is certain to find a niche in the vast young adult market today. With an intriguing premise, a full cast of characters that help drive the story and a fresh take on the paranormal genre, Carrier of the Mark is an inviting and easily-read tale. Alive with mysterious powers and a soaring love story, it's sure to please.

That said though, my review of Carrier of the Mark is a difficult one for me to write, in part because the author is one of the sweetest women ever. That said, I had some pretty major qualms with Carrier of the Mark. First of all, I read the first two chapters, and all I could think was that the book was exactly in the same vein of Twilight. Now, I understand that plots are easily intermingled for a successful story, but it felt overly formulaic and, had I replaced just a few names in the story, I would easily have believed I was reading Twilight. Furthermore, the insta-love between Megan and Adam developed with little to no real drama, and I desperately wanted to feel some tension that was just lacking. Carrier of the Mark began to pick up a bit when the paranormal elements came into play, but they were developed in a bit of a tricky manner. The nature of the powers described in Carrier of the Mark were fascinating, to be sure, but the revelation and information regarding them felt more like an informational dumb than a developing plot arc. The characters in Carrier of the Mark were shadows of awesomeness, if that makes sense. For example, Rian could easily have stolen the show with his fiery temper and demeanor, but he was merely a two-dimensional representation of rebellion. Megan, as a protagonist, should have been able to carry the story but, unfortunately, I felt that she wasn't strong enough to carry a weighted plot that was unbalanced, though promising.

All in all, Carrier of the Mark shows a tremendous atmount of promise for the author, but I wasn't completely satisfied. Perhaps I've read too many books, but I just expect more. I will say that there weren't too many loose ends at the end, and it was nice to feel a decent conclusion. I give it a 3 out of 5 for a promising premise and the intoxicating setting, and I'd recommend it to fans of young adult novels and paranormal stories. Fans of Twilight are sure to enjoy it.

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: Clean
Author: Amy Reed
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Published: August 9, 2011
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 288
Source: Netgalley/Publisher

Olivia, Kelly, Christopher, Jason, and Eva have one thing in common: They’re addicts. Addicts who have hit rock bottom and been stuck together in rehab to face their problems, face sobriety, and face themselves. None of them wants to be there. None of them wants to confront the truths about their pasts. But they’ll all have to deal with themselves and one another if they want to learn how to live. Because when you get that high, there’s nowhere to go but down, down, down.

Olivia, Kelly, Christopher, Jason and Eva have next to nothing in common except their addictions, but even their addictions are nothing like each other's. Each facing emotional baggage, addiction and a desire to lose themselves, they're forced into rehab in Seattle to regain a handle on their lives and get back to the promising futures they once had. To change though, they must first admit their problems before they can take the necessary steps to get better. Some want to, but the others are in denial. One thing is certain - they have to learn to accept themselves, but they might just need each other to do so.

I don't read too many books about addiction. Disorders, yes. Diseases and death, yes. Addictions though...not so much, and I don't know why. Addiction is not something I'm really familiar with, but I know that it can grip one's life and never let go. Clean does a remarkable job of accurately portraying addiction, the effects it has on one's life and what might be behind a teen's addiction, as well. Amy Reed presents the reader with a no-holds-barred account of life in the grips of an addiction that's debilitating to the minds, bodies and souls of everyday teens. Filled with raw emotion, realistic situations and a powerful, resonant theme, Clean is tangible and powerful.

I think one of the most intriguing things about Clean was the style in which it was written. I have a fascination with books and authors that break the mold and dare to do something a little different. In the case of Clean, the book is told through a series of essays, narratives and sessions, lending the reader an insider perspective to the teens' lives in rehab. This could easily have been botched and felt false, but Clean presented it in a very real, believable manner, making the characters relatable and harrowing. I felt for them. I laughed for them, and I definitely teared up for them, as well. Though featuring a large cast of characters, Clean managed to fully flesh out each one, too, and each character had a specific impact on the book, which was great. The only issue I really had with Clean was the crass language that was so prominent throughout. Don't get me wrong...I know that teens swear. Hell, I swear. That said, I don't necessarily want to read it on every page to the extent that it actually makes me cringe. However, the positives did outweigh this negative for me in Clean.

All in all, Clean was a powerful and intriguing read that made me step out of my comfort zone and read about something new. I give it a strong 3.5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy contemporary fiction and issue books. I also recommend it to an upper YA audience due to graphic language.

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: Shattered Souls
Author: Mary Lindsay
Publisher: Philomel
Published: December 8, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 336

Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.

Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.

There haven't been too many paranormal books that have really struck me as original lately, but when I saw the cover for Shattered Souls and read the premise, I was completely sold. There's hints of love, a twisty darkness to it and an awesome-sounding plot. This one is a definite must-read for me! What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Title: The Near Witch
Author: Victoria Schwab
Publisher: Hyperion
Published: August 2, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal Fantasy
Pages: 288
Source: Publisher

The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children. If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company. And there are no strangers in the town of Near.

These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life. But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.

The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.

As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

Lexi lives in a Near, a town much like any small town. Nestled on the edge of the forest, it offers quaint simplicity, family values and a charm all its own. But Near has mysteries of its own. Stories of the wind and secrets of a dark presence and past linger on the lips of the town, and when they become reality and children start disappearing from their beds at night, reality sets in. The townsfolk want their children back, and when a strange new boy appears in town, it becomes easy to find an unfamiliar face to blame. Lexi isn't sure it's quite that simple though, and she won't stop at anything to find the real truth in Near.

Every so often, there is an author and a book that blows your mind with the elegance and grace in which a story is told. The Near Witch is that book. Perhaps it's not an entirely unheard of idea, and perhaps you might be tired of the same-old, same-old, but Victoria Schwab has proven with The Near Witch that even a familiar story can become something new and improved. With a stunning, lyrical and almost poetic voice, The Near Witch gives a flawless, picture-perfect image of a town lost in the clutches of an unknown force, while ultimately teaching the reader about love, truth and the true nature of fear.

I still have so many thoughts running through my head that it's going to be hard to paint an accurate portrayal of the beauty of The Near Witch. The characters, first and foremost, were probably the most eloquent aspect of the book for me. Lexi was the perfect protagonist - headstrong and honour-bound with a voice she wasn't afraid to raise. Cole, likewise, balanced her with a quiet, honest demeanor and a cross of his own to bear. The Near Witch did an interesting thing with the secondary characters though. Rather than giving us a plethora of well-defined characters, The Near Witch gave us a host of secondary characters that were more like sketches until their actions filled in the blanks and brought them to life. That, in a nutshell, is how the plot wove its way through the story. Effortlessly balancing a creepy undertone that seamlessly blends with a sweet, believable romance, as well, The Near Witch pretty much epitomizes perfection. The most important thing to mention is that The Near Witch resonates with reality despite the unrealistic elements. There is an ultimate basis of the truth of human nature in the story that is real, accessible and (at times) edge-of-your-seat creepy.

All in all, I was completely blown away by The Near Witch. I expected a good read, but this was far better than I'd anticipated, and Victoria Schwab has easily edged into my top ten favourite authors. I give it a 5 out of 5 (6, if I could), and I would highly recommend it to both fans of YA and adult books, especially those who enjoy paranormal, fantasy and contemporary fiction because there are elements of each.

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

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

Title: The Probability of Miracles
Author: Wendy Wunder
Publisher: Razorbill
Published: December 8, 2011
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 336

Dry, sarcastic, sixteen-year-old Cam Cooper has spent the last seven years in and out hospitals. The last thing she wants to do in the short life she has left is move 1,500 miles away to Promise, Maine - a place known for the miraculous events that occur there.

But it's undeniable that strange things happen in Promise: everlasting sunsets; purple dandelions; flamingoes in the frigid Atlantic; an elusive boy named Asher; and finally, a mysterious envelope containing a list of things for Cam to do before she dies. As Cam checks each item off the list, she finally learns to believe - in love, in herself, and even in miracles.

I've found myself longing for a book with depth, meaning and a bit more feeling lately than what I've been reading. That's not to say the books I've been reading aren't great, but I want something that feels real and tugs at the heartstrings. The Probability of Miracles sounds like it fits the ticket in a nutshell. Part The Bucket List, part teenage angst, part learning to appreciate each day in its pure simplicity, it sounds like an amazing, memorable read, and I can't wait to try it. What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click HERE to enter!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Book:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All About You:

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

Out of control imagination

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Title: Undercurrent
Author: Tricia Rayburn
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Published: July 12, 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher

After losing her sister and finding out who- or what- she really is, Vanessa returns home for her senior year. Everyone at Hawthorne Prep has questions about her tragic summer, but knowing who to open up to is impossible. As she walks the halls without Justine for the very first time, Vanessa has more to worry about than just making a new life for herself.

Because the sirens are out for revenge. To protect herself and the ones she loves, Vanessa must call on powers she believes she has but does not know how to use. To learn, she'll have to seek help from the only person who truly knows her. But first, she must admit the truth about her real identity.

The summer's over, and it's back to real life in Boston for Vanessa Sands, but her real life has drastically changed since her sister's death. Joined by her best friend, Paige, Vanessa has returned how to a life of hidden truths, dangerous secrets and a new sense of self that is scarier than she could ever have imagined. She's beginning to question who she really is, who she can really trust and where her place is in the world. But when mysterious deaths begin turning up again, Vanessa and Paige have an idea that it might just be the past summer coming back to haunt them, yet again. Can Vanessa find peace with who she has become, or will it destroy the life she has been clinging so desperately to?

Undercurrent is the second book in the Siren series, after the appropriately-titled first book, Siren. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, Undercurrent follows the haunting premise and story of Vanessa, your average teenager in every aspect except that she's plagued by Sirens, and yes, we're talking those Sirens from Greek mythology. Tricia Rayburn has spun a sequel filled with angst, terror and self-discovery that's sure to appeal to the fans of book one. With a steady, conversational tone, Tricia writes a steady-paced book without serious plot faults, lags or hiccups, making for an engaging read.

Now, while I enjoyed the writing style of Undercurrent, much like I enjoyed book one, I have to say that I had some issues with book two. Part of what made Siren so great was that it was riddled with mysteries and this dark, underlying issue that kept you guessing until the very last page when it just left you hanging. Undercurrent got off to a bit of a slow start with a very tell-don't-show bit about Vanessa's relationship with Simon. Simon was a great, steady guy, too, but his character building revolved entirely around Vanessa, so I never felt like I got to know him better aside from the few moments when he was with her. Her relationship with him was strained because of her newfound condition, but her endless comments and internal dialogue about having to "wear her hood up to hide her face" or "wearing beige so boys wouldn't swoon" really got to me. I think that the main issue I had with Undercurrent was the continuous hint of tension that never really built until the last 40 pages or so, when the action kicked in. Were there highlights? Of course! I loved the introduction of Parker's character, and I wanted to get to know him more. Willa, too, was a great addition. I guess the problem was that the hints of greatness took too long to swell into a great climax.

Overall, Undercurrent was a good book, and it was definitely a smooth, quick read despite my issues with it. I still really enjoy the author's writing, and I definitely want to read book three based on the ending of the book. I just wanted more from a sequel to a great series start. I give it a 3 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy paranormal stories and mythology.

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: Legacy
Author: Cayla Kluver
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Published: June 21, 2011
Genre: YA, Historical Fantasy
Pages: 304
Source: Netgalley

The first boy disappeared on the day of his birth, on a night when the pale yellow moon of the nighttime sky turned red and bathed the heavens in the ghastly color of blood, on the same night the Kingdom of Cokyri abruptly ceased its merciless attack.

Across the land of Hytanica, under the shadow of the crimson moon, infant boys continued to vanish. Not until the blood had faded from the sky did the disappearances stop and the bodies of the murdered infants were found outside the gates of the city, a final word from the greatest enemy Hytanica had ever known. For the next sixteen years, peace reigned, but one mystery remained unsolved. The Cokyrians had abducted forty-nine newborns, but returned only forty-eight bodies.

Now, as seventeen-year-old Princess Alera of Hytanica is besieged from all sides by suitors vying for the Throne, a teenage Cokyrian boy, Narian, is encountered within the walls of her Kingdom, a boy who will show Alera a world where women serve a purpose and not just a husband. As Narian helps Alera find her voice, she struggles against an arranged marriage that will shatter the life she has scarcely begun to live. And when Narian's shocking past is uncovered, and war with Cokyri looms once more, he must fight to defy a fate ordained at his birth.

Alera is the princess and heir to the throne of Hytanica, and now at age of seventeen, she has one year to find a suitable husband who meets her father's standards to rule the kingdom at her side. Unfortunately, there is only one such man that meets his standards, and Alera can't stand the mere sight of him. With her days of freedom numbered, Alera finds herself concentrating on political affairs once the Cokyrians begin infiltrating the palace. But there's a rumour floating around - there is a mole, and nobody is sure who they can trust anymore. Alera finds the one person who can tell her what she needs to know, Narian, and he's a Cokyrian. Though he's the enemy, and she's just a woman, she finds herself discovering a world that she's never known...and she was never supposed know.

I was, I must admit, first intrigued by Legacy based on the cover because I'm a huge cover slut. That said though, this book was so much more than the cover. Written by author, Cayla Kluver, when she was just fifteen years old, Legacy defies the author's age and fits well into the realm of historical fantasy - a difficult genre to write. With lyrical and poetic prose, a relatable and heartening protagonist and a world of adventure far more vast than the world we live in, Legacy has all the makings of a fantastic fictitious world. This coming-of-age tale is one filled from start to finish with mysteries, lies, intrigue and a touch of romance that blooms throughout.

Alera was a fabulous protagonist for Legacy. She was the perfect balance between snarky and tempestuous and quirky teen on the verge of adulthood. Because she was living in a world where women are inferior to men, Alera's struggle was that much more harrowing because you could sense her inner struggle to live up to her potential while trying to reconcile it with the values and beliefs under which she was raised. The introduction of Narian in Legacy was perfect to complement Alera's struggle. He was, technically, the enemy, but as a prisoner, Alera was given a unique upper hand that allowed her to sense the power she might have had if she'd been born into the Cokyrian society. Narian is making Alera grow up in the wake of the prophecy that could destroy Hytanica, and while Cokyri was supposed to be the enemy, I couldn't help but love them for what they did for women. From start to finish, the secondary characters in Legacy like Steldor, Alera's suitor, kept me guessing and longing desperately for book two. It's also important to note how thorough the world-building was. Clearly defined and illustrated, I felt like I was able to step into Alera's world, which is quite a feat.

I was a bit worried about the length of Legacy, but I didn't get bored on a single page, and it never felt tedious. All in all, I think Legacy was a beautiful read that deserves far more credit than it's received thus far. With two more books to come in the series, I'm eagerly anticipating what's next. I give this book a 5 out of 5, and I highly recommend this book to fans of YA, especially those who enjoy historical fiction and fantasy, as well as fans of books like Graceling.

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