What YA release this week are you most excited for? (4)

There are so many great books coming out this week, lots of "Dark" books, ha. I am so excited for so many of them, I think I would have to say Last Breath is the one I'm most excited for as I LOVE The Morganville Vampire Books.

So whatever poll making site I use, blogger doesn't like it. I don't know what the issue is, but until it's fixed, I'm going to start putting the poll in the sidebar and we can still have discussion in these posts as to which is our favorite :)


So what book are you most excited for? Vote in poll, or weigh in in the comments! If I forgot a book or maybe I haven't heard of it, share in the comments :)

What Book Are You Most Grateful For?

I am thankful for books in general, as books have helped me through some really hard times. They have always been there for me to turn to. But the book I am most thankful for is...

Harry Potter by JK Rowling

I have been reading this series for years, and rereading it when I was down or having a problem. I am eternally grateful for this series among so many others.

In My Mailbox (122)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.

This week I got:



For Review for YABC:
Destiny and Deception by Shannon Delany
Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

From Shanyn:
Love and Leftovers by Sarah Tregay
Variant by Robinson Wells

Won From Kody Keplinger:

Shut Out by Kody Keplinger
The DUFF by Kody Keplinger
City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare


A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger

Bought:
Ice by Sarah Beth Durst



What did you guys get this week?

Tour: Prized by Caragh M O'Brien

Prized (Birthmarked #2)
Caragh M O'Brien
Publisher: Roaring Book Press
Release Date: Novemberr 8, 2011
Pages: 368

Rating: 4 stars

Striking out into the wasteland with nothing but her baby sister, a handful of supplies, and a rumor to guide her, sixteen-year-old midwife Gaia Stone survives only to be captured by the people of Sylum, a dystopian society where women rule the men who drastically outnumber them, and a kiss is a crime. In order to see her sister again, Gaia must submit to their strict social code, but how can she deny her sense of justice, her curiosity, and everything in her heart that makes her whole?

I was very much anticipating Prized, after reading Birthmarked and absolutely loving it. While I didn't love Prized quite as much as Birthmarked, it still was a really good read. I found the plot very intriguing, but my biggest issue was with the main character, Gaia.

I wasn't as on board with the plot for the first chunk of the book. It seemed a bit rocky and I was a little uncomfortable by the happenings of some of the characters. This changed, and the plot became very intriguing. It was so different from the world of Birthmarked, and I loved discovering it!

Gaia changed a lot in this book, and I found her to be a much weaker character. Many of her choices just didn't see on board with the Gaia I had come to know in Birthmarked. That aside, I loved all the characters in Prized. Will, Peter, Norris, they were all just extremely lovely. I still can't help but to fall for Leon, I simply love him. He is probably my favorite character of the book, and he just gets more complex as a character in Prized.

Prized was an intriguing read that I didn't want to put down. Most of the characters are absolutely lovely, and the plot is one to get you hooked! I am eagerly anticipating the last book in the trilogy, I am very curious to see where Caragh M O'Brien will take readers after the unpredictable twist Prized ends with. These books are among my favorite dystopians, as I just love mostly everything about the two!

Prized Blog Tour: Interview with Caragh M O'Brien

I am so excited to be a part of the Prized blog tour.Birthmarked, book 1, was my first dystopian I ever read and remains one of my favorite today!

Caragh M. O'Brien is the author of  Birthmarked and Prized. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Ms. O'Brien was educated at Williams College and earned her MA from Johns Hopkins University. She has recently resigned from teaching high school English in order to write full-time. You can find her on the web at http://www.caraghobrien.com 

Who was your favorite character to write in Prized?

First, Erica, let me say thanks for inviting me by. I’m so happy to be stopping for a visit with you at the Book Cellar on my blog tour for Prized!

You probably won’t be surprised that Gaia is my favorite character to write. She has become very complex for me, and normally I like her intensely. She’s smart and full of integrity, but fallible, too. When she started making mistakes and taking risks in this novel, it was awful for me, and for certain scenes, it actually hurt to write what she was feeling. She has forced me to change as a person myself, if that makes sense. Injustice comes in many sizes, and she’s helped me see that I have a responsibility to be a braver person and better friend, even when that’s uncomfortable. At least, I have to try.

If you could be any mythology creature, what would you be?

Unfortunately, most mythological creatures creep me out a little because they’re part animal and part human. Have you noticed they’re usually angry, too? If I had to choose, I’d go for the Sphinx, because at least she was smart and liked riddles. She probably had a nice view from her high rock, too.

Would you say Prized had a theme song at all? If so, what is it?

Prized doesn’t have a theme song in the normal way, but there is a song I associate with writing this novel. I listened it to it frequently when I was walking to think through snags, and it reinforced the feelings I had for the characters. It’s hard to say why, exactly. Music is like that. I can say for certain that this singer’s voice is true and raw, the melody achingly full of longing. The music swells in a way that works me up and leaves me both lonely and stronger than I was before. Perhaps you know “Gravity” by Sara Bareilles (link: http://grooveshark.com/#/s/Gravity+album+Version+/W7STF?src=5).

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I would like to go to the Yukon and travel the Dawson Trail to see where Buck goes in Jack London’s The Call of the Wild.

Could you tell us 5 random facts about you?

Sure!
I attended a convent school until seventh grade.
Recently, I acquired glasses so now my world is sharp, which is a big thrill.
I love my country but I fear national pride.
When I sing in a local chorus where I’m a second soprano, I get goose bumps.
My nonna’s homemade fudge recipe is one I know by heart and I made it today.

Prized Code #5: I

These were fun questions, Erica. Thank you so much for having me here! For my blog tour tomorrow, I’m heading over to the Manga Maniac Café to talk about seminal books with Julie.

------------------------------------------------------

There will be a chat on Goodreads when the blog tour wraps up November 8th. Everyone is welcome :) The link is here. MacTeenBooks will be the central hub for all information, so make sure to visit there!

Be sure to check out my review of Prized, which will be up tomorrow :)

Interview with Chrissy Peebles

Chrissy Peebles has stopped by the blog today for an interview. Welcome Chrissy :)

Chrissy is the author of Agartha's Castaway. Here's a bit about the book, for those who haven't heard:

Dinosaurs, abduction, and a hidden civilization were never part of Casey Smith's vacation plans. That is, until a freak storm tossed her and two best friends, Mike and Jack, out to sea. When they wash up on what they presume to be a mysterious tropical island...they soon discover that being lost is the least of their troubles. In a jungle that teems with impossible creatures, UFOs, an unworldly landscape the three friends need to team up to fight danger...without letting their emotions tear them apart. Can they find a way to survive the harsh jungle...and its deadly inhabitiants?

You can buy the book on Kindle here. Book 2, Agartha's Last Hope will be out this year.

Hi Erica, thanks for having me today on your blog. I’m so thrilled to be here.

Hmm. 5 random facts? Let’s see.


1. My favorite show is The Vampire Diaries. I never miss an episode!
2. Laughter is my best medicine.
3. I love chocolate! And I’m addicted to Pepsi.
4. I can’t live without my iPod.
5. I love science but I suck at math.

If you could be any mythology creature, what would you be?

I’d be a mutant shape shifter with blue skin and yellow eyes. I’d live in the Marvel universe, home to the most kick-butt superheroes in the galaxy. Any idea who I’m talking about? *smiles* Yep! Mystique from the X-men.


Which is harder for you to write: The first line? or the last line?

That all-important first line! The first line in any novel is like the first four notes of Beethoven's Fifth—da-da-da-dum. All the ideas for that entire song are firmly grounded in the first few notes. It’s the same way for a book.

If you could have lunch with any of your characters, who would you chose?

It’d have to be with surfing star, Mike Pierce. Because afterward, he could give me some surfing lessons. I’d love to learn how to surf! There’s something so cool about the wind blowing through your hair, the smell of the ocean, and the roaring surf—all while riding a monstrous wave to shore. If I lived near the ocean, I know I’d be a surfer chick.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I’d throw on my wet suit and dive down hundreds of feet to admire the incredible aquatic life under the Galapagos Islands. Can you imagine swimming with giant mantas, turtles, dolphins, tuna, and sea lions? And let’s not forget about the 32 species of sharks! White tip reef sharks, whale sharks, bull sharks, and large schools of hammerhead sharks swim throughout the clear waters. Am I scared? : ) Nope. I think I’m more likely to be killed by lightning or a bee sting than by a shark attack. So yeah, it’d be so much fun and such a blast!

Thanks for having me on your lovely blog, Erica. It's been fun! And thanks to everyone who tuned in. I’d love to connect with you online.

http://chrissypeebles.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/chrissy.peebles1


Check out Chrissy's book trailer for Agartha’s Castaway:

Waiting on Wednesday (123) - In Honor by Jessi Kirby

Waiting on Wednesday is a topic brought to life by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. With Waiting On Wednesday you get to introduce to everyone upcoming books you're excited about!

In Honor by Jessi Kirbi
Coming May 8, 2012 from Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Honor receives her brother's last letter from Iraq thee days after learning that he died, and opens it the day his fellow Marines lay the flag over his casket. Its contents are a complete shock: concert tickets to see Kyra Kelly, her favorite pop star and Finn's celebrity crush. In his letter, he jokingly charged Honor with the task of telling Kyra Kelly that he was in love with her.

Grief-stricken and determined to grant Finn's last request, she rushes to leave immediately. But she only gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn's best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn't seen him in ages, thanks to a falling out between the two guys, but Rusty is much the same as Honor remembers him: arrogant, stubborn. . . and ruggedly good looking. Neither one is what the other would ever look for in a road trip partner, but the two of them set off together, on a voyage that makes sense only because it doesn't. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn--but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?

Oh my gosh, I read the summary for this one and my jaw dropped. I think this one will be an absolutely brilliant amazing heartwrenching emotional touching amazing read. and I can't wait for it! And I am having some major cover lust!

What are you guys waiting on?

YA Spooktacular - Party Time Continues With Heidi R Kling

Hello lovely blog readers, I am a host again on the YA Spooktacular. And this year I am hosting HEIDI R. KLING's story *cheers for Sea*. Anyways, here is her bit of Story 2!

Run downstairs into the basement

“Stace!! Stace!!!” You scream. You know she’s down there. You can hear her terrified howls,
almost animalistic in their terror.

You grab the sharpest knife in the wooden base off the marble counter top and sprint down the
stairs to rescue your friend.

But the basement door is locked.

“Open up!! Open this door you freak!!”

“Help!” Stace yells.

“Stace! Hang on I’m coming!”

You look around, and grab the fire extinguisher off the wall.

Then, you channel your most badass instincts and cradling the tank like a bag of dynamite, you
heave both it and yourself against the door. The wood is thin and old and goes flying open with
the weight and power of your super human strength adrenaline rush. The fire extinguisher blows
and shoots everywhere. You tumble down the three concrete stairs and when your eyes finally
adjust to the dim light you are face to face with the most terrifying creature you’ve ever seen.

If you attack, go to Ticket To Anywhere (http://www.tickettoanywhere.net/)

If you grab Stace and try to escape, go to Two Chicks On Books (http://twochicksonbooks1.blogspot.com/)

Make sure you visit Lisa M. Potts (http://virginsheets.blogspot.com/) tomorrow and enter to win the prize pack for story 2!

And visit http://www.wickedawesomebooks.com/ or http://www.frenzyofnoise.net/ on October 31st to enter the GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY for a ton of books and a ton of swag!!

About Heidi R Kling: Heidi R. Kling writes young adult novels and contributes to anthologies about hot vampires, theatre geeks and Firsts. She blogs here about life, lattes and all things in between. WITCH'S BREW the first of ten-books in her SPELLSPINNERS OF MELAS COUNTY series debuts October, 2011, and is about an estranged witch and warlock fighting to save their magic, and their forbidden love. Her first book, SEA (Putnam,2010), Heidi's debut novel about the aftermath of the Indonesian tsunami was an IndieNext Pick, Goodreads Mover & Shaker, an International Teachers Association Best Pick of 2010 and a finalist for Northern California Independent Booksellers Book of the Year.

You can find Heidi on Twitter, on her website, and on Goodreads:

You can order her books at the following places:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Wherever You Go Tour: Win Wherever You Go!

I posted an interview with Heather Davis earlier today, and now I have a fabulous chance for you to win a SIGNED copy of Wherever You Go! Here's a bit about the book, in case you haven't heard:

Seventeen-year-old Holly Mullen has felt lost and lonely ever since her boyfriend, Rob, died in a tragic accident. The fact that she has to spend most of her free time caring for her little sister and Alzheimer’s-stricken grandfather doesn’t help. But Holly has no idea that as she goes about her days, Rob’s ghost is watching over her. He isn’t happy when he sees his best friend, Jason, reach out to help Holly with her grandfather—but as a ghost, he can do nothing to stop it. Is his best friend really falling for his girlfriend?
As Holly wonders whether to open her heart to Jason, the past comes back to haunt her. Her grandfather claims to be communicating with the ghost of Rob. Could the messages he has for Holly be real? And if so, how can the loved ones Rob left behind help his tortured soul make it to the other side?
Told from the perspectives of Holly, Jason, and Rob,Wherever You Gois is a poignant story about making peace with the past, opening your heart to love, and finding the courage to move forward into the light.

How to enter? Simply fill out the form below. Get an extra entry if  you leave a comment on my interview with Heather Davis (Note, comments need to be legit, not "Great Interview".)  Ends November 3 and open to US Only.

Wherever You Go Tour: Interview with Heather Davis

I am very excited to have Heather Davis here for an interview on the Wherever You Go Blog Tour!

Heather Davis is the author of Never Cry Werewolf, The Clearing, and Wherever You Go. She lives in the Pacific Northwest, and you can find her on the web at her website.

If the characters from Wherever You Go got stuck on a deserted island, who would fare the best? The worst? And who would be the one to get them off the island?

In a sense, Rob is already on his own deserted island because he is a ghost who is invisible to almost everyone. He doesn’t fare well. He need people more now than he ever did when he was alive.

Who was your favorite character to write in Wherever You Go?

My favorite character to write was Rob. As I wrote the draft of the book, I really began to understand him more and more. I fell in love with him and I hope that readers will, too.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I would go to my favorite city in Europe -- Rome, Italy -- or my favorite beach, Lanakai in Hawaii.

Which do you have an easier time writing: The first line? or the last line?

I think writing a novel is difficult no matter how you approach it. I often hear the first line in my head before I even start writing the book. I hear the “voice” of the book in my mind and begin from those whisperings.

If you could go back in time for one day, where would you choose?

That’s hard to choose. Maybe it would be a day where I was relaxing on a beach or a day when I was surrounded by my good friends and troubles seemed far away.

------------------------------------------

Thanks so much for stopping by! Find Heather on the web on her website, Goodreads, and Twitter.

Buy Wherever You Go

Amazon | Book Depository | Barnes & Noble

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books To Read During Halloween

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and Bookish. Each week features a different topic, and you make a top ten list about it. This week is the Top Ten Books To Read During Halloween.

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

I haven't read this one myself yet, but from every person who I know has read it, I hear it is absolutely creeptastic, making it a stellar Halloween read.


Past Midnight by Mara Purnhagen

This book is filled with ghostly encounters, is super fun, and has great characters. It's the perfect read for after you watch that creepy movie and are freaked out!

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

This book is just too lovely and creepy, and I love it.

Major Crush by Jennifer Echols

This book has nothing to do with Halloween - BUT you need that fun, light hearted read to get your heart rate back to normal after all the scary, and Major Crush is the perfect book for that!

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

I don't know if I really need to explain this one, the title should be enough. It's so perfectly eerie and just wonderful.

The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea Campbell

At Halloween, tons of people dress up at superheroes and villains, and in this book there are both! The Rise of Renegade X is one of those all too brilliant books, and I feel would accompany Halloween nicely.

Morganville Vampire Books by Rachel Caine

These books are just tons of fun and in Morganville, it's kind of like Halloween year round with the ruling vampires.


The Light by DJ Machale

This book was so utterly creepy and I loved it. I was like actually scared for part of this one, definitely a book to read with the lights on.


What are your favorite "Halloween reads"?

What YA release this week are you most excited for? (3)

Last week didn't really have a favorite, as the poll kept malfunctioning, not matter how many sites I tried to do a poll on. I'm blaming blogger? Anyways, I'm hoping the poll works this week :) My favorite this week is definitely Amplified by Tara Kelley. *edit* AND OMG. I WAS INFORMED I FORGOT IRON KNIGHT! I am a failure as Team Ash co-captian, I will add it to the poll after classes.  *edit edit* Apparently I messed up majorly. I had read someone Don't Breathe a Word was coming out AND I was super excited so I didn't double check places, I won't be doing that again, ha.

What YA release this week are you most excited for?

Amplified by Tara Kelly

Between The Sea And Sky by Jaclyn Dolamore

Body Of Water by Sarah Dooley

You Are My Only by Beth Kephart

Phantom: Vampire Hunters by LJ Smith

Nightshade: Poison Diaries by Maryrose Wood

In My Mailbox (121)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.

This week I got:



For Review:
Amplified by Tara Kelley
So Silver Bright by Lisa Mantchev
Just Your Average Princess by Kristina Springer
Slayers by CJ Hill

Won / From Heidi:
Please Ignore Vera Dietz by AS King (Audio)
Slayers by CJ Hill

Borrowed from Gail:
Siren by Tricia Rayburn (Audio)
Eon by Alison Goodman (Audio)
The Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda (Audio)
Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson (Audio)

*Not In Vlog*

I also got a Silence Poster, Fury Poster, and Fury at Elizabeth Mile and Becca Fitzpatrick's Signing. I forgot to pull them out for my vlog.

Cover: Keep Holding On by Susane Colasanti

So I am a huge fan of Susane Colasanti, and HER COVER FOR HER NEW BOOK WAS REVEALED. Isn't it gorgeous? I think it is my second favorite of her covers.

Keep Holding On will be out in June next year, and I CANNOT WAIT.

You Know You're a Book Lover When....

So I totally stole this list from The Cheap Reader. I saw it and couldn't resist now reposting it, because I sat there going yes, yes, yes and definitely yes.


-You don’t have a bookshelf in your house. You have bookshelves.
-Said bookshelves are packed to their limits.
-You’ve stored your books anywhere you can. Under the bed, in drawers, in the closet…
-Given the choice between going out or staying in with your book, you choose the book almost every time.
-You’ve stayed up way later than you should have just to finish a book.
-You have a TBR (to be read) list (or pile) that’s almost as tall as you are.
-You have a hard time leaving the house without a book.
-You’ve passed on buying a purse because it wasn’t big enough for you to put a book in it.
-You’ve finished a book and been completely exhausted.

Bargains Books (7) - The Series Edition

Bargain Books is a feature here at The Book Cellar, on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month. I'm a huge bargain shopper, and I'm always finding tons of book deals on various sites (usually Amazon), so I decided to share them here.

This week I am featuring bargains where you can get both book 1 AND book 2 both are a bargain price :) (And one box set of the first 3 books!)

Ashfall by Mike Mullin

Ashfall
Mike Mullin
Publisher: Tanglewood Press
Release Date: September 27, 2011
Pages: 466

Rating: 1.5 stars

Under the bubbling hot springs and geysers of Yellowstone National Park is a supervolcano. Most people don't know it's there. The caldera is so large that it can only be seen from a plane or satellite. It just could be overdue for an eruption, which would change the landscape and climate of our planet. 

Ashfall is the story of Alex, a teenage boy left alone for the weekend while his parents visit relatives. When the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts unexpectedly, Alex is determined to reach his parents. He must travel over a hundred miles in a landscape transformed by a foot of ash and the destruction of every modern convenience that he has ever known, and through a new world in which disaster has brought out both the best and worst in people desperate for food, water, and warmth. With a combination of nonstop action, a little romance, and very real science, this is a story that is difficult to stop reading and even more difficult to forget.

Ashfall was a very mixed boat for me. I really did enjoy some aspects of it, but overall, I found my dislikes outweighing my likes. It did hold my attention long enough for me to finish, but that is the biggest compliment I found for it.

I have to give major props to Mike Mullin for having a kick-ass female lead character. Darla always knows what to do, saves Alex's butt way too many times, and gets them out of situations. Though, I found her logic skewed in some instances. Alex on the other hand I had a bit of an issue with. I just felt like he didn't use his head - which should be your first priority. I mean, hello? You are in a DISASTER.

The concept of this book was cool, but the execution was a bit off. I had an issue with the descriptions of killing animals. I get it, it's disaster, people need to eat, animals get sick, etc but I found myself having to skip pages because I couldn't stomach the killing of animals. I did like the fact of how scary Ashfall was, in the sense that this could really happen some day!

The first chunk of the book was iffy for me. I was turned off mainly be Alex's behavior. I had this thing with the fact that he has a limited number of bottles of water, and he kept talking about drinking a whole bottle for breakfast and another for dinner, then realizing he'd be out of water soon. Again, in a disaster! I would think you'd conserve til the last possible moment. Another thing I found a bit odd was how it almost felt like

The story changed then and I was was enjoying it a bit more. Mrs Edmunds was AWESOME. I loved her! I also found the relationship between Darla and Alex that develops a bit awkward. I mean, there were definitely moments where is was absolutely adorable, but I felt like a lot of the time I was like *awkward turtle*. As the story went on, I had no idea where some of the plot turns came from. I mean they were definitely unique, but I found myself rereading going, wait, what? I didn't feel like the end had any closure. It was just done, and I get cliffhangers, but those at least are at a height of action of something. This was just an end.

This definitely was not the book for me, but I definitely would see how some people would find it a good read - with the whole factor that it really COULD happen! I have heard brilliant things from so many people, but I had a few issues along the way, which ultimately lead to my not being crazy about the book.

While I wasn't as crazy about Ashfall, here are some reviews that simply loved it:
A Book Vacation
That Bookish Girl
Bibliotropic

Tour: Past Perfect by Leila Sales

Past Perfect
Leila Sales
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: October 4, 2011
Pages: 322
Source: Publisher

Rating:  4.5 stars

All Chelsea wants to do this summer is hang out with her best friend, hone her talents as an ice cream connoisseur, and finally get over Ezra, the boy who broke her heart. But when Chelsea shows up for her summer job at Essex Historical Colonial Village (yes, really), it turns out Ezra’s working there too. Which makes moving on and forgetting Ezra a lot more complicated…even when Chelsea starts falling for someone new. 


Maybe Chelsea should have known better than to think that a historical reenactment village could help her escape her past. But with Ezra all too present, and her new crush seeming all too off limits, all Chelsea knows is that she’s got a lot to figure out about love. Because those who don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it….

Past Perfect was a book I was highly anticipating. I LOVED Leila Sales first novel, Mostly Good Girls some crazy amount, enough to even compete with a passage from it during forensics season. While I don't think Past Perfect quite lived up to Sales's debut, Past Perfect was still a book that I absolutely loved.

I love the way Leila Sales writes. Her books are down right some of the funniest books I've ever read, they are just so charming. Her stories are also just addicting, I found myself having a hard time putting down Past Perfect once I started.

Chelsea was a really fun character, I thought she was a lot of fun. Fiona was just great - I loved how spunky she was. Bryan was always the comic relief with his crazy facts he knew about all sorts of things that you really would not think would be that useful.

The plot was great. There was a bit of a stretch near the middle where I was not quite as on board with what was going on, but it was still quite fun. I loved the whole idea of the reenactment parks, such a unique idea with so much that could go on!

I absolutely adore the cover, it is so cute! Leila Sales is an author you simply have to check out. She is totally the next big thing! Past Perfect is a marvelous read that you will not regret reading.

Waiting on Wednesday (122) - The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour

Waiting on Wednesday is a topic brought to life by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. With Waiting On Wednesday you get to introduce to everyone upcoming books you're excited about!

The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour
Coming February 16, 2012 from Dutton Juvenile

Colby and Bev have a long-standing pact: graduate, hit the road with Bev’s band, and then spend the year wandering around Europe. But moments after the tour kicks off, Bev makes a shocking announcement: she’s abandoning their plans—and Colby—to start college in the fall.

But the show must go on and The Disenchantments weave through the Pacific Northwest, playing in small towns and dingy venues, while roadie-Colby struggles to deal with Bev’s already-growing distance and the most important question of all: what’s next?

Morris Award–finalist Nina LaCour draws together the beauty and influences of music and art to brilliantly capture a group of friends on the brink of the rest of their lives.

I really loved Nina LaCour's first book, Hold Still, so I have been waiting for another books from her since I closed Hold Still. I can't wait for this one.

On the note of Hold Still, I still watch the book trailer Nina LaCour made all the time, which I am putting in this post for all y'all that haven't seen it.

So, what are you guys waiting on?

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books That Whose Titles Or Covers Made Me Buy It

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and Bookish. Each week features a different topic, and you make a top ten list about it. This week is the Top Ten Books That Whose Titles Or Covers Made Me Buy It.

Where the Truth Lies by Jessica Warman

Both the title and the cover on this one are too brilliant for words.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

The title on this one made me want to read it from the first time I heard it, and then I found out what it was actually about and was 100000% sold.

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

We can ignore the brilliance inside this one, the title and cover are enough. GORGEOUS.


Sea by Heidi R Kling

I love this book and it's cover. It is all just way too purdy.
Past Perfect by Leila Sales

This title and it's cover are too darn cute, and it could be the worst book ever and I would still buy it. That aside, I'm super excited for it and I need more amazing Leila Sales novels :)

Siren's Storm by Lisa Papademetriou

I decided I wanted this book after seeing title, I didn't care what it was about or anything, but I loved the title. While I still have yet to read it, it's on my list to get soon!

Dark Heart Forever and Dark Heart Rising by Lee Monroe

I have no idea what these books are actually about, but I saw the cover of these 2 and decided I wanted them . I still have yet to buy the though.

There are so many others, I am so bad at buying books just from covers or  titles and sometimes I'll get home and go why did I buy that? But alas, I do it for the sake of pretty books.

What about you guys? What titles or covers made you buy a book?

Cracked Tour: Interview with KM Walton

I am very excited to have KM Walton by the blog today for an interview as a part of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for Cracked! KM Walton is the author of Cracked and a book titled Teaching Numeracy. You can visit her on the web at: http://www.kmwalton.com/.

If the characters from Cracked got stuck on a deserted island, who would fare the best? 

I think they’d be separated at first--otherwise it would be ugly. I think both Victor and Bull are smart and would eventually figure out that they needed each other to get off of the island.

If you could have lunch with one of the characters from Cracked, who would it be?

 I definitely couldn’t choose between “my boys” so I’d have to have both Victor and Bull at this lunch. However, it would be quite a lively lunch and I think I’d have to hire a bodyguard just in case.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Ireland. Best and most magical place on the planet.

Could you tell us 5 random facts about you?


1. I hate walking barefoot in grass – ever since I got stung by a bee when I was seven.
2. I am not afraid of public speaking, like, not even a little bit. But I nearly puke when asked to sing in front of people.
3. I cry each year just thinking I’m one year closer to when my boys go away to college. I’m a total sentimental dork.
4. One to five fingers usually have Band-Aids on them at any given time – especially when I’m writing. I pick the skin around my cuticles. It’s a horrible habit.
5. Lightning FREAKS ME OUT. Thunder? Bring it on.

If you could go back in time for one day, where would you choose?

 When I was younger I used to play “Little House on the Prairie” in my back yard with my three younger sisters. Since I was the oldest, I was always Laura. That time in American history lives romantically in my head for some reason – the cooking, the farming, the family time – all simple and so different from today’s fast paced lifestyle.

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Thanks for stopping by :) Make sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour! Details are here.

What YA release this week are you most excited for? (2)

The majority vote on last weeks releases was: The Death Cure, followed by Audition. I wonder what it will be this week - there are SO many books coming out! I think I'm most excited for Dearly, Departed but I simply cannot decide!

-EDIT- Blogger will not publish the poll, I tried on 4 sites and it is not working. I have class all day so, vote in comments for now?

What YA release this week are you most excited for?

How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr

Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala

Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Variant by Robinson Wells

Swear by Nina Malkin

Virtusousity by Jessica Martinez

Seizure by Kathy Reichs

So vote on this week, and we'll see what the favorite is next Monday :)

In My Mailbox (120)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.

This week I got:



For Review:
Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick (Audio)

From Kristin:
Enthralled by Melissa Marr and Kelley Armstrong

From Dani:
SEA by Heidi R Kling POSTER (Made my life complete!)
The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong ( Fixed my issue of my copy being a PB and other 2 books being a HC)

Bought:
Skinny by Diana Spechler
The Raising by Laura Kasischke
Past Perfect by Leila Sales
Mostly Good Girls by Leila Sales (PB for Giveaway!)

What did you guys get?

Interview with Mike Mullin

Today Mike Mullin has stopped by The Book Cellar for an interview, welcome Mike!

Mike Mullin’s first job was scraping the gum off the undersides of desks at his high school. From there, things went steadily downhill. He almost got fired by the owner of a bookstore due to his poor taste in earrings. He worked at a place that showed slides of poopy diapers during lunch (it did cut down on the cafeteria budget). The hazing process at the next company included eating live termites raised by the resident entomologist, so that didn’t last long either. For a while Mike juggled bottles at a wine shop, sometimes to disastrous effect. Oh, and then there was the job where swarms of wasps occasionally tried to chase him off ladders. So he’s really hoping this writing thing works out.

Mike holds a black belt in Songahm Taekwondo. He lives in Indianapolis, Indiana with his wife and her three cats. ASHFALL is his first novel.

Who was your favorite character to write in Ashfall?

Wow, that’s a tough question. I feel sort of like parents must when asked which child is their favorite. I guess I’ll have to say Alex. He’s partially based on myself as a teenager and partially based on Ben Alexander. I met Ben when I enrolled in taekwondo about three years ago. He was a fairly short, slim, sixteen-year-old who could kick my much larger frame up one side of Pendleton Pike and back down the other. (He still can, but he’s nineteen now.)

I loved writing Darla, too, especially when she’s feisty with Alex. And Mr. Barslow—I met several crusty old guys like him when I was touring Iowa to research ASHFALL. And Rita Mae—she’s kind of like the librarian who used to put stars on my summer reading program card. Although as far as I know, the librarian I knew didn’t have a shotgun behind her desk. I could go on and on here—you get the idea.

Did you have a favorite site or book or anything like that that you used while doing research for Ashfall?

My most useful research was the boots on the ground variety—hiking on Mount St. Helens, cross-country skiing on Mount Hood, driving the back roads of Iowa and Illinois, and taking jahng bong (bō staff) classes at my taekwondo dojang.

But lots of books helped, too. I particularly loved Winchester’s Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded, August 27, 1883 for its beautiful writing and exhaustive coverage of the biggest modern Plinian eruption. Supervolcano: The Catastrophic Event that Changed the Course of Human History by Savino and Jones was also helpful—particularly chapter 10 which is a fictional account of an eruption of the Long Valley supervolcano in California. There are many, many more resources I found useful—I’ve listed some of them on my website.

Is there a book you've read recently and loved?

I’m reading Patrick Ness’s Chaos Walking series this week—I’m about halfway through Monsters of Men. I love these books! They’re exceptionally creative and unusual. One of the many amazing things about them is that Ness makes each book distinct, yet part of the overall story arc. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but if you enjoy science fiction, dystopian adventures, or inventive writing, you owe it to yourself to try these books. The first one in the series is The Knife of Never Letting Go.


If you could be any mythological creature, what would you be?

I’d love to be a shifter, à la Sam in Charlaine Harris’s Southern Vampire/True Blood series. The opportunities would be amazing: to turn into an eagle and soar on the warm updrafts, explore the depths of the ocean as a shark, or even just to experience the world as a dog, with a sense of smell 100 million times as acute as my own.


Would you say Ashfall had a theme song at all? If so, what is it?

Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture played in reverse. It starts with a bang, ends in a sorrowful dirge (but with a note of hope), and in between it’s chaotic, scary, and sublime.

Which is harder for you to write: The first line? or the last line?

The last line. When I got “The Call” from Tanglewood Press, it basically went like this: “Mike, I love ASHFALL, I want to buy it, but you’ve got to rewrite the ending.” So I did . . . six times. That was pretty harrowing while I was in the middle of it, but now I’m grateful that my editor had the persistence to drag the final ending out of me. She seemed to know I had something better within, struggling to find its way onto the page. I tweaked and rewrote the first line numerous times, but as best I can recall, it didn’t change at all after Tanglewood acquired ASHFALL. So the last line was definitely tougher.

Thanks so much for stopping by Mike!

You can find Mike all over the web, at his website, blog, Twitter, Facebook, Google +,  and Goodreads.

Here's a bit about Ashfall, in case you haven't heard.

Many visitors to Yellowstone National Park don’t realize that the boiling hot springs and spraying geysers are caused by an underlying supervolcano. It has erupted three times in the last 2.1 million years, and it will erupt again, changing the Earth forever.

Fifteen-year-old Alex is home alone when the supervolcano erupts. His town collapses into a nightmare of darkness, ash, and violence, forcing him to flee. He begins a harrowing trek in search of his parents and sister, who were visiting relatives 140 miles away.

Along the way, Alex struggles through a landscape transformed by more than a foot of ash. The disaster brings out the best and worst in people desperate for food, clean water, and shelter.  When an escaped convict injures Alex, he searches for a sheltered place where he can wait—to heal or to die. Instead, he finds Darla. Together, they fight to achieve a nearly impossible goal: surviving the supervolcano.

Buy the book: Amazon | Book Depository | Barnes and Noble | Autographed Copies

Waiting on Wednesday (121) - Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep

Waiting on Wednesday is a topic brought to life by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. With Waiting On Wednesday you get to introduce to everyone upcoming books you're excited about!

Kiss of Frost (Mythos Academy #2) by Jennifer Estep
Coming November 29, 2011 from Kensington

Logan Quinn was try­ing to kill me. My Spar­tan class­mate relent­lessly pur­sued me, swing­ing his sword at me over and over again, the shin­ing sil­ver blade inch­ing closer to my throat every time. A smile tugged up his lips, and his ice-blue eyes prac­ti­cally glowed with the thrill of battle...

I’m Gwen Frost, a second-year warrior-in-training at Mythos Acad­emy, and I have no idea how I’m going to sur­vive the rest of the semes­ter. One day, I’m get­ting schooled in sword­play by the guy who broke my heart — the drop-dead gor­geous Logan who slays me every time. Then, an invis­i­ble archer in the Library of Antiq­ui­ties decides to use me for tar­get prac­tice. And now, I find out that some­one at the acad­emy is really a Reaper bad guy who wants me dead. I’m afraid if I don’t learn how to live by the sword — with Logan’s help — I just might die by the sword …

I absolutely LOVED loved loved loved the first book in this series, so I totally cannot wait for book 2! I am counting down the days, til more brilliance from Jennifer Estep. If you haven't read book 1 yet, Touch of Frost, I totally suggest doing so before November 29 so you can read both of these lovelies at once :)

What are you guys waiting on?

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I Wish I Could Read Again For The First Time

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and Bookish. Each week features a different topic, and you make a top ten list about it. This week is the Top Ten Books I Wish I Could Read Again For The First Time.

I definitely don't have a complete 10 books this week, but here's what I came up with.

Top of my list would definitely be HARRY POTTER by JK Rowling. These books were my life growing up, and I reread them over and over. Rereading them today for the first time would just be brilliant.

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

So this is this book that I just love, and it also is one of the best fantasies I've read, like ever. Second only to titles like Harry Potter. I would love to be able to reread it for a first time to just be blown away by its brilliance, because people as talented as Alexandra Bracken don't come around every day, and ESPECIALLY when writing high fantasy, which is the best.

The Gemma Doyle Trilogy by Libba Bray

These books are sheer brilliance, and I would love to reread that over and over again for the first time.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

This book is LOVE and I reread it over and over, I love everything about it and rediscovering that would just be wonderful.

I also would love to be able to reread some of the books I really didn't like again for the first time, for the sole curiosity if it was just my mood at the time I was reading it to make me not like it or if it was in fact something else.

What about you guys?

What YA release this week are you most excited for? (1)

So a TON of books came out this week, and they all look really great. I thought I'd put together a little poll to see what is the favorite for the week. I would say mine would probably be The Death Cure.





How about you guys? Vote in the poll, and leave a comment!

Swords: An Artist's Devotion by Ben Boos

Swords: An Artist's Devotion
Ben Boos
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Release Date: September 9, 2008
Pages: 96

Be smitten by the sword! An extraordinary young artist brings the history of this noble weapon — and its skillful masters — into stunningly sharp relief.
Brave men and women have taken up the sword since ages of old, and a fascination with this formidable weapon grips dedicated followers to this day. Here is a celebration of swords and swordsmen that spans time and place — from ancient warriors such as Beowulf to medieval knights; from stealthy ninja and samurai to legendary maidens of war. Illustrated with breathtaking intricacy, SWORDS reflects the passion of a true devotee, offering lavish background details on design and use as well as exquisite spreads showcasing specimens in all their shining glory.

I would never have guessed there was so much to know about swords. Or rather I guess I knew there was, but it never occurred to me it would be so vast and so interesting to learn about! Swords covers this vast amount of information like Bronze Age swords and Iron Age swords, types of hilts, things about soldiers, knights, and more. It was so fascinating to read about. PLUS you get awesome pictures along side it! 

The was a whole chapter on Maidens of War. I loved this - girls who rock totally never get enough attention, in my opinion. 

I loved that this book touched on so many things, but didn't go real in depth about any of them. The things that really caught my eye, I can now go check out on my own, after I go a bit of information about about everything I can think of when it came to swords.

This was a super awesome book! I would definitely check it out if you get the time!

In My Mailbox (119)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.

This week I got:

People Mentioned in This Vlog:

Leila Sales

For Review:

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

When the Red Sea is Rising by Cat Hellisen

The Humming Room by Ellen Potter

Lexapros and Cons by Aaron Karo

Flight of Angels

Going Underground by Susan Vaught

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

Dark Passage by MJ Putney

Dark Mirror by MJ Putney

From Tirzah

The Goblin War by Hilari Bell

The Invisible Tower by Nils Johnson-Shelton

The Queen of Kentucky by Alecia Whitaker

Devoted by Hilary Duff

Bought:

Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris

Dead Reckoning (Sookie Stackhouse #11)
Charlaine Harris
Publisher: Ace
Release Date: May 3, 2011
Pages: 325
Source: Bought

Rating: 4.5 stars

"With her knack for being in trouble's way, Sookie witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte's, the bar where she works. Since Sam Merlotte is now known to be two-natured, suspicion falls immediately on the anti-shifters in the area. But Sookie suspects otherwise and she and Sam work together to uncover the culprit - and the twisted motive for the attack. But her attention is divided. Though she can't 'read' vampires, Sookie knows her lover Eric Northman and his 'child' Pam well - and she realises that they are plotting to kill the vampire who is now their master. Gradually, she is drawn into the plot -which is much more complicated than she knows. Caught up in the politics of the vampire world, Sookie will learn that she is as much of a pawn as any ordinary human - and that there is a new Queen on the board . . .

These books are absolutely addicting. I read this book straight through in like three and a half hours. This series is absolutely wonderful, and I love it!

This one had a bit of a slower start to it - it took me a good 20-30 pages to get real into this one, differentiating from prior books where it was just like go, go, go! Then the plot picked up, and per routine, it didn't slow down until the last page of the book. I am quite curious to see where things will go in the next book, after all the events that occured in this one.

There are so many characters in this series, and I was happy to see some of my favorite characters, like Pam, take more of a center stage than usual in this book. Pam just cracks me up, because she has a really unique sense of humor and always has some sort of comment. Claude and Dermot are 2 that are also really growing on me, and they definitely were in this one a ton!

I am quite depressed now that I have run out of published books to read and I will have to wait like everyone else for the next one. How saddening! That is the lovely thing about waiting to start a series, no wait to read a number of books at once.

I think this series is absolutely brilliant. It's not anything special in the writing department or anything like that, but it's super exciting and absolutely wonderful in pretty much every other way. A must read series!

Bargain Books (6)

Bargain Books is a feature here at The Book Cellar, on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month. I'm a huge bargain shopper, and I'm always finding tons of book deals on various sites (usually Amazon), so I decided to share them here.



You can get books 1 and 2 for $8!

Tour: Audition by Stasia Ward Kahoe

Audition
Stasia Ward Kahoe
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Release Date: October 13, 2011
Pages: 464
Source: Publisher

Rating: 4 stars

When high school junior Sara wins a coveted scholarship to study ballet, she must sacrifice everything for her new life as a professional dancer-in-training. Living in a strange city with a host family, she's deeply lonely-until she falls into the arms of Remington, a choreographer in his early twenties. At first, she loves being Rem's muse, but as she discovers a surprising passion for writing, she begins to question whether she's chosen the right path. Is Rem using her, or is it the other way around? And is dancing still her dream, or does she need something more? This debut novel in verse is as intense and romantic as it is eloquent.

I have grown up dancing, since I was four years old, so when I found out Audition was a story of dance, I was ecstatic. I somehow missed that it was a book in verse in my excitement over dance, and I am happy that I did, or I may have passed up this brilliant novel. 


Stasia Ward Kahoe's writing in Audition is just beautiful. It flows together, like the notes of music. Generally speaking, I'm not super crazy about verse,  but I could read Stasia Ward Kahoe's writing all day long.


I really enjoyed the characters - Sara was a great main character, I loved the complexity of her and her world. I liked the other dancers as well, but I didn't find them very distinct from one another besides Lisette and Bonnie. Julio was one of my favorite characters of the book, he was just so fun and sweet. I absolutely loved every scene he made  an appearance in.


I loved the plot, especially the scenes at the studio. Everything about dance fascinates me, so I loved this fictitious story.  I wasn't as crazy about some of Sara's choices near the end of the book, I wanted her to realize what was around her and take advantage of it. 


I would really recommend this one. If you love dance and the arts, read it. If you don't think you do, read this one anyways. Stasia Ward Kahoe is a radiant new voice in YA. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.