Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep

Kiss of Frost (Mythos Academy #2)
Jennifer Estep
Publisher: Kensington
Release Date: November 29, 2011
Pages: 368

Rating: 5 stars

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 …

This series is seriously about my new favorite thing ever! I was blown away by book 1, and Kiss of Frost was just as brilliant. The action builds, the characters develop more, and the story just gets better and better!

I don't think I could criticize this book one bit. With Touch of Frost, my one issue was I wish the mythology of some of the different people and the types of warriors was explained a bit more upfront. From that book and the entirety of this one, I feel like everything has been perfectly explained.

The characters are wonderful. I super love Logan. No matter what he does he is just wonderful. Kiss of Frost introduces a lot more characters, and they are all a bunch of fun. Gwen develops a lot more in this book, as she is becoming more and more comfortable at Mythos and I really liked Gwen in this book. Vic is another great character, especially since he's so unique.

I love the plot, it is not easy to peg down who is behind what. I have my suspicions, but they're constantly changing as to who I suspect so it's a ton of fun. The action in this one is intense!

The ending is so cruel. The book just builds and builds, up to this massively awesome high point, and the book ends. I turned the page, and there was nothing. I am SO excited for Dark Frost now though! I am quite literally counting down the days.

This book is a must read. The series is just marvelous, and I love all the different elements it contains. Nothing is ever the same, and I love the mythology. I really need to make a point to read the rest of Jennifer Estep's books one of these days!

Waiting on Wednesday (128) - The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges

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 Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges
Coming January 10, 2012 from Delacorte Books for Young Readers

St. Petersburg, Russia, 1888. As she attends a whirl of glittering balls, royal debutante Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, tries to hide a dark secret: she can raise the dead. No one knows. Not her family. Not the girls at her finishing school. Not the tsar or anyone in her aristocratic circle. Katerina considers her talent a curse, not a gift. But when she uses her special skill to protect a member of the Imperial Family, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue.

Nightspell Tour: Review + Giveaway

Nightspell 
Leah Cypess
Publisher: Greenwillow
Release Date: May 31, 2011
Pages: 336

Rating: 4.5 stars

Here be ghosts, the maps said, and that was all.
In this haunted kingdom, ghosts linger—not just in the deepest forests or the darkest caverns, but alongside the living, as part of a twisted palace court that revels all night and sleeps through the daylight hours. 

Darri's sister was trapped in this place of fear and shadows as a child. And now Darri has a chance to save her sister . . . if she agrees to a betrothal with the prince of the dead. But nothing is simple in this eerie kingdom—not her sister, who has changed beyond recognition; not her plan, which will be thrown off track almost at once; and not the undead prince, who seems more alive than anyone else. 

In a court seething with the desire for vengeance, Darri holds the key to the balance between life and death. Can her warrior heart withstand the most wrenching choice of all?

I really enjoyed Leah Cypess's first novel, Mistwood, but Nightspell blows that one out of the water with the brilliance this book contains! Everything about this book was just marvelous and I loved it.

Leah Cypess's writing grew so much between Mistwood and Nightspell. The world she crafts in Nightspell is just enchanting. I felt like I was right there alongside Darri and the others. It is definitely a world I would love to visit again in a future book, perhaps back in the Plains with Darri's people or whoever.

The premise of Nightspell was so unique - I never have read a book even the slightest bit like it, and I absolutely loved it. I could never really guess what was going to come next. There also was essentially a void of romance, which is something always very refreshing in books. The plot had so many layers, and I loved following all the different characters. It is told from several different point of views, which is something I always love!

The characters were quite lovely. I found all the characters to be flawed, which made is so much easier to connect with the characters. I loved the strength Darri had. She was a super strong character. Callie was a character that very much grew on me as the book went on - I definitely was not a fan of her in the beginning of the book, but by the end she was a pleasant character. The prince was another interesting character and I found myself wishing he had had an even bigger role than he already had.

Can I just say gorgeous cover? Nightspell's cover is just so beautiful. I love the castle! I would definitely recommend this one. With its unique plot and epic world, Nightspell will be an instant favorite. I cannot wait for another book from the wonderful Leah Cypess.

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Now I have one SIGNED Hardcover of Nightspell for one lucky winner. It will be open to US/Canada only and open until December 15th :)


And don't forget to follow the rest of the tour (and remember each stop you comment on gets you entered to win a super cool annotated edition of Mistwood!):

November 28: Guest post at Fiction State of Mind
November 30:  Interview at Library Mosaic
December 1: Guest post at YA Bibliophile
December 2: Review at Scattered Pages
December 4: Guest post at Haunted Orchid
December 6: Interview at A Thousand Little Pages
December 7: Review at Ashley Suzanne
December 8: Review at Hobbitsies
December 9: Review at A Backwards Story
December 10: Nightspell Excerpt at Arianne Cruz
December 11: Review at Penguin Girl
December 12: Interview at WhatchYAReading
December 14: Review at Ticket to Anywhere
December 15: Review at Word Lust
December 16: Nightspell Excerpt at A Tale of Many Reviews
December 18: Guest Post at Bodacious Bookaholic
December 19: Deleted Scene from Mistwood at A Good Addiction

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SABRINA!

So, today is SABRINA from YA BLISS's Birthday, so you all should DEFINITELY head over to her blog and wish her a Happy Birthday :) Because she is awesome and super nice and one of my best blogger friends :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SABRINA!!!

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books On My TBR List For Winter

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 On My TBR List For Winter. Most of my titles are late winter releases, in February and March

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

The Gemma Doyle Trilogy meets Cassandra Clare - that's how this one has been described, and I freakin' love the Gemma Doyle trilogy, plus it sounds cool and has a GORGEOUS cover.


A Touch Morbid by Leah Clifford

I can't wait til this one is out - A Touch Mortal ended super crazy good, so I am just dying for the sequel.


Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Allison Moulton

I have been dying for this book since I finished Angelfire last July, and just wowza I am counting down the days til I can buy this one.


Vampire's Kiss by Veronica Wolff

SHINY SEQUEL. Ya, so this one comes out in March, which I think is still technically winter. Book 1 was awesome so naturally I need this one.

Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler

This one sounds brilliant, and I really loved The Series of Unfortunate Events!

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

AH! This one sounds amazing and I've heard nothing but amazing things about it!

Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

This one just sounds cool AND I AM SO EXCITED FOR IT!


The Girl Who Could Silence the Wind by Meg Medina

This one sounds super cool AND it is a debut. I can't wait to read it!

Tempest by Julie Cross

DEBUT! EPIC PLOT! COVER LUST! < I think those 3 statements sum it up, but this one sounds so super wonderful.

What books are on YOUR TBR list?

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel
Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Release Date: August 31, 2010
Pages: 476

Rating: 4.5 stars

Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

I tried to read Clockwork Angel last summer, but I just wasn't into it. There wasn't enough action for me and I ended up putting it down. I chose to reread it now, and while I still found some of those qualities to be the same, I really enjoyed Clockwork Angel and am excited to read more of this fabulous world.

The story for the first 250 pages or so didn't have a lot action in my opinion. It was a very slow and steady book, and I found myself reading it in chunks. I was really enjoying the story, but after a bit I would find nothing happening and would put it down for a bit, then pick it up again. That was the first chunk of the book. All at once something changed and it was non stop action til the end. The story was just brilliant, and I found nothing to be predictable at all. Cassandra Clare throws twists and turns left and right, and I was so into the story that I couldn't stop reading until I got to the last page. When I then proceeded to turn the page, and go WHAT.

The ending of Clockwork Angel just builds and builds. Cassandra Clare leaves readers with the most intense ending that leaves you begging to know what happens next. Only there's nothing. I guess I am a little happy that I didn't finish this last year, as now I can sit down and dive right into the Clockwork Prince.

I am absolutely in LOVE with the world of Clockwork Angel. It was the thing that enticed me the first time I picked up Clockwork Angel, and one of the factors that just made me fall in love with it this time. Any sort of historical world is something that will make me want to read the book, but Cassandra Clare's London is different. I just loved the charm about it. I am definitely excited to spend more time in this world with the next 2 books. I attribute the world building a bit to the reason the start was slower, which makes sense as it's this completely different world.

The characters were the other huge factor of Clockwork Angel I loved. I loved everyone at the Institute. Tessa was a great main character, I loved her love of literature. She wasn't real predictable, like I thought she would be. The one thing that irked me about her is that she had to be the damsel in distress. While that worked out for her some of the time, I would have thought with all her time at the Institute someone would have taught her a bit of training or at least given her a weapon. I really liked Charlotte and Henry as well. Henry was just so endearing and really fun as well. Charlotte is so goodhearted, I don't think anyone could not like her. Sophie is another character who I super loved. She was so snarky. Everyone tells me that they are Team Jem or Team Will, but I honestly am split down the middle, though I may be leaning slightly towards Will.. I love both of them for different reasons, and I found them both to be great characters.

Despite it's shaky start, I found Clockwork Angel to be a very enjoyable read. I loved the world and the characters! I would definitely recommend it, and if you find yourself getting stuck by the slower beginning like I did, definitely press on as the story you will find will be one you'll be sorry to miss.

What YA release this week are you most excited for? (8)

Saving June was the favorite of last week!

This week is another week of not too many books coming out, but still they look great! Kiss of Frost is definitely my favorite - I am OBSESSED with the series. (Which by the way, if you haven't read book 1, you should get it, Touch of Frost, so you can read Kiss of Frost and be all caught up on the awesome happenings of Gwen!)

Which one are you most looking forward? Vote in the poll and weigh in in the comments :)

Holiday Book Guide

For all of you who haven't finished your holiday shopping yet, I have a guide of some my favorite books that I think different people would like!

If you like contemporary....

Sea by Heidi R Kling: This book is one of those striking stories that will stick with you and tells a story worth hearing. Plus there's a sizzling romance!

Amazon | Book Depository | B&N

Salvaged by Stefne Miller: Stefne Miller tells a very different kind of story, and after reading this one, you will feel so empowered. I find myself rereading them when I feel down, and I walk away after feeling so much better, about myself and about whatever was bothering me.

Amazon | Book Depository | B&N

Clarity by Kim Harrington: Are you looking for a good mystery that has romance to go along with it? A witty story told by great characters? Then Clarity is your book!

Amazon | Book Depository | B&N

Saving June by Hannah Harrington: This is a book that was all too perfect for me. It deals with music, but also  tells a heartwrenching story that is filled with growth and has beautiful characters.

Amazon | Book Depository | B&N

Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols: Jennifer Echols is one of my favorite authors, I count down the days until her new books come out. Yet this one is still my favorite. Nothing can out do its brilliance in my eyes. It is just an amazing story.

Amazon | B&N

If you like fantasy....

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken: This is hands down one of the best fantasies I have read in ages and ages. Bracken builds a distinct world, the story is great, and North is one great guy. It is high fantasy and awesome to boot.

Amazon | Book Depository | B&N

Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs: Sweet Venom takes classic mythology and twists it in such a clever way. Set in modern times, the story of Medusa is revisited and there is a lot of awesome action and a brilliant story line.

Amazon | Book Depository | B&N

Tyger, Tyger / In the Forests of the Night by Kersten Hamilton: These two books are the start to an amazing series. I love the mythology Kersten Hamilton has brought to life through Teagan's life. All the characters are just so great. I couldn't put either one of these down.

Amazon | Book Depository | B&N (Or the Kindle Version is 2.69)

Touch of Frost / Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep: This is my new favorite series. It takes in all these cool mythologies and puts them to use in a brilliant world with a kickin' story.

Amazon | Book Depository | B&N

If you like paranormal...

A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford: This book is so unique and will really take you on an emotional roller coaster. The characters go on an intense journey, and I couldn't help but to love the characters.

Amazon | Book Depository | B&N

The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa: I love this series. I have since the first book came out. It is such a unique look at faeries, which was entirely refreshing. Mix that with the adventures that go down and the brilliant cast of characters, The Iron Fey series will be sure to charm.

Amazon | Book Depository | B&N

Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton: This book was just super fabulous. It had kick ass fighting scenes, reapers, angels, sexy guys, all tied up in a fast paced story line.

Amazon | Book Depository | B&N

If you like sci-fi/dystopian....

Skyship Academy: The Pearl Wars by Nick James: This one is a super well-written sci-fi book that I just couldn't put down. It has a super cool story, that you don't want to miss.

Amazon | Book Depository | B&N

Enclave by Ann Aguirre: This one is a dystopian, and one of the best I have read to date. It was intense and action packed from start to finish.

Amazon | Book Depository | B&N

The Maze Runner by James Dashner: Another brilliant dystopian and one of the first ones that really won me over. It for sure could be a boy book too if that is something you are looking for!

Amazon | Book Depository | B&N

Now those are my suggestions, what books are y'all giving for the holidays or hoping to receive?

In My Mailbox (126)

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:

I got nothing!  I'm on Thanksgiving break so the mail room at school has been closed.

BUT I would love to hear what you guys got! Let me know in the comments! or link to your IMM and I will be sure to stop by!

Here's a bunny for your viewing pleasure:

That's Freedom, he's my baby. Credit: Cathy Haglund Photography

Please Ignore Vera Dietz by AS King (Audio Review)

Please Ignore Vera Dietz
AS King
Publisher: Listening Library
Release Date: April 26, 2011
Narrator: Lynde Houck
Source: Won from Heidi

Rating: 5 stars

Vera’s spent her whole life secretly in love with her best friend, Charlie Kahn. And over the years she’s kept a lot of his secrets. Even after he betrayed her. Even after he ruined everything. 

So when Charlie dies in dark circumstances, Vera knows a lot more than anyone—the kids at school, his family, even the police. But will she emerge to clear his name? Does she even want to?

Edgy and gripping, Please Ignore Vera Dietz is an unforgettable novel: smart, funny, dramatic, and always surprising.

I have a confession to make. This is my first A.S. King book. I had always heard her books were good, but something about them always made me think they were not for me. I absolutely and completely LOVED Please Ignore Vera Dietz.

The set up of this book is just brilliant. You have the present, told from Vera's point of view, but also history of Vera's life, words from Ken Dietz (Vera's dad), and also from Charlie (who is dead). I loved it. It wasn't consistently one person or the other, and I never knew what would come up next.

This is by far the best audio I have ever listened to. Lynde Houck and the other people who narrated Ken and Charlie were just brilliant. All the voices were very unique, and it was so easy to differentiate between all the characters. I definitely want to seek out more audios where Lynde Houck is the narrator now!

I loved the story - it was witty and just plain different. It has a serious nature at heart but AS King manages to input all these different types of stories around that. There were absolutely hilarious parts, the heart-wrenching parts, to plain sad moments, and the moments where it is just interesting. I loved hearing the past and understanding why the present is happening from that.

The characters were all really great. I loved how strong of a character Vera was. I did have a bit of a waver in my judgement of her character towards the end, but that quickly resolved itself. James played a more minor role, but I really adored him. The other characters I found to be quite interesting. Ken Dietz was a character I found a hard time connecting with him during the present times, but once I would heard his words from Ken Dietz it made me understand him so much more as a character.

This is a book I will now be shoving in the hands of all. It was brilliant and I loved it. I now need to go pick up AS King's other books, and read them ASAP. If Please Ignore Vera Dietz was any measure as to how great her books are, I will be sure to love the others.

Thankfully Reading: The Book I Am Most Thankful For

The entire Harry Potter series by JK Rowling

I started reading Harry Potter in the second grade, I had seen my older brother reading them and finally wanted to give these books a try. I had always been a reader, but I definitely can credit my reading Harry Potter to spurring me onto other books. I remember after starting to read the series, I would go to Barnes and  Noble, and look for other books like it. I still remember picking up Spellfall by Katherine Roberts since they recommended it for those who were fans of Harry Potter. Katherine Roberts is now one of my favorite authors and remains that way. Harry Potter is not only about my favorite series but has lead me onto other amazing books. I am curious if I would be the reader I am today, had I not started reading it. 

Bloomsbury's Epic Holiday eBook Deals!

I have some super awesome news I found out - from November 21 to January 6, Bloomsbury is having a deal on a ton of their popular books for 3.99 or less for any e-reader!

I was quite excited to see a ton of books I just LOVED among the list, so I thought I'd highlight some of my favorites that were rather snazzy (I'll link to my reviews). And the ones on the list I HAVEN'T read, are titles I am just dying to read.

Need by Carrie Jones - You think pixies are all nice and cute until you read this one! It's a brilliant series! This one is one of my all time favorites!

Small Town Sinners by Melissa Walker - This was another brilliant one. It's one of those awesome contemporaries that I can press into the hands of everyone I know!

Jenna and Jonah's Fauxmance by Brendan Halpin and Emily Franklin - This was one of those light, fluffy reads that are perfect for a bad day.

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale - I ADORE THIS BOOK. Like you have no idea how much. While I sat here writing this post, I had to fight the urge to go reread it for the like tenth time!

I am putting the file I got with all the information below (click it to expand!)

Bargain Books (9)

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.

I Am Thankful...

Aw, isn't he cute?

It is Thanksgiving.

There are so many people I am thankful for. My family, my mumsy most of all. I miss them tons, especially since I'm half way across the country this Thanksgiving! I am thankful for the fact my mom has been alright all these years, despite her sickness, and every year I just thank God she is alright. The list can go on all day...

But also there are so many people in the blogosphere that I am so grateful, and I just wanted to say thanks for all the days when I've been feeling down or sad, and you've been there. Or even just for all the great times we've had whether it be in New York *spirit fingers* or at an event or just hanging out. 

Cat 

Kristi

Chelsea

Mariah

Sabrina
Amber

And so many other people. You guys are just awesome! :)

Thank you also to all the amazing authors who write the most fabulous books. I honestly don't know where I'd be in my life without your books. Reading has kept me ahead and has helped me through some really hard times. It scares me a bit sometimes to think where I might be if reading hadn't been there, so thank you.

Thankfully Reading - So Happy To Have Reading Time!

Isn't the turkey adorable? How often can you say a turkey is adorable?

I am so thankful to have so much reading time this week as it's my Thanksgiving break. It is probably my last reading time until after classes end in 2 weeks as I have so much coming up so this is me being thankful to have a few days. I heard about the Thankfully Reading event from Lenore, and it's hosted by Jenn's Bookshelves.

My list I'm hoping to finish by Sunday night in between doing mounds and mounds of homework is:

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
Sharks and Boys by Kristen Tracy
Dark Mirror by MJ Putney
Dark Passage by MJ Putney
Saving June by Hannah Harrington
Revealing Eden by Victoria Foyt

Is anyone else getting some reading done over the weekend? Let me know what you're reading :)

Waiting on Wednesday (127) - The Rivals by Daisy Whitney

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 Rivals by Daisy WhitneyComing February 6, 2012 from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

When Alex Patrick was assaulted by another student last year, her elite boarding school wouldn't do anything about it. This year Alex is head of the Mockingbirds, a secret society of students who police and protect the student body. While she desperately wants to live up to the legacy that's been given to her, she's now dealing with a case unlike any the Mockingbirds have seen before.
 
It isn't rape. It isn't bullying. It isn't hate speech. A far-reaching prescription drug ring has sprung up, and students are using the drugs to cheat. But how do you try a case with no obvious victim? Especially when the facts don't add up, and each new clue drives a wedge between Alex and the people she loves most: her friends, her boyfriend, and her fellow Mockingbirds.
 
As Alex unravels the layers of deceit within the school, the administration, and even the student body the Mockingbirds protect, her struggle to navigate the murky waters of vigilante justice may reveal more about herself than she ever expected.

I am really excited for this one. I really enjoyed The Mockingbirds, so I can't wait to read this one and follow Alex's story further. Though, I'm not a super big fan of the cover.

What are you guys waiting on?

Interview with Kersten Hamilton

I am super excited to have Kersten Hamilton by the blog today for an interview! Kersten Hamilton is the author of Tyger, Tyger and in the Forests of the Night. You can find her on the web at her website.

If the characters from In the Forests of the Night 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?

Gil would fare the best. He’ll eat anything, after all! Abby wouldn’t do well at all, I’m afraid. Her constant talking would drive Finn to super human efforts—he’d swear to get them off the island, even if he had to walk on water to do it! Mamieo would keep them sane by telling stories of the peregrine, wandering Irish monks who set out in small ships to explore the world. Aiden and Lennie wouldn’t want to leave—they’d be reenacting scenes from The Swiss Family Robinson. Mr. Wylltson would need to get back to his books. Thomas and Roisin would be lost in one another’s eyes….and Teagan, when she wasn’t studying the fauna, or kissing Finn, would be thinking her way out of the situation. In the end, it would take them all to get off the island.

Do you have a favorite mythological story or tale?

I really love the Finnian Cycle – the stories of Fionn Mac Cumhaill. I like Beowulf, too. But my favorites are the stories of the Nordic heroes who fought monsters knowing at Ragnarok was coming—because fighting monsters is the right and courageous thing to do even if you know you are going to lose.

If you could be any paranormal creature, what would it be?

A phoenix. I think the ability to burn up and rise again is absolutely a must for a writer.

Is there a book that is out now that you wish you had had growing up?

No. I know that’s funny to say, but I had so many books to read as a child I couldn’t have finished any more. I’m very happy that I still read children’s books today, though. I wouldn’t want to miss a single one!

Who was your favorite character to write in In the Forests of the Night?

Teagan. This time it was Teagan. She changes and grows so much in the story. All of the stuff that I have known was inside her starts to come out where the reader can see it.

Through your many jobs you had before settling down and eventually writing, did you have a favorite?

I liked being a wilderness guide the best. I loved the wilderness, the horses and the camping. And the best time of all was when I was alone on the mountain.  


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Thanks for stopping by Kersten! You can find Kersten on the web at her website and twitter. Also, make sure to check out the awesome Trailer Contest she is hosting for In the Forests of The Night. 

In the Forests of the Night by Kersten Hamilton

In the Forests of the Night
Kersten Hamillton
Publisher: Clarion Books
Release Date: November 22, 2011
Pages: 288

Rating: 4.5 stars

The battle against goblinkind continues . . . but which side will Teagan be on?

Teagan, Finn, and Aiden have made it out of Mag Mell alive, but the Dark Man’s forces are hot on their heels. Back in Chicago, Tea’s goblin cousins show up at her school, sure she will come back to Mag Mell, as goblin blood is never passive once awoken. Soon she will belong to Fear Doirich and join them. In the meantime, they are happy to entertain themselves by trying to seduce, kidnap, or kill Tea’s family and friends. Tea knows she doesn’t have much time left, and she refuses to leave Finn or her family to be tortured and killed. A wild Stormrider, born to rule and reign, is growing stronger inside her. But as long as she can hold on, she’s still Teagan Wylltson, who plans to be a veterinarian and who heals the sick and hurting. The disease that’s destroying her—that’s destroying them all—has a name: Fear Doirich. And Teagan Wylltson is not going to let him win.

Kersten Hamilton is a genius. In the Forests of the Night was a brilliant read that picked up right where Tyger, Tyger left off and I did not want to put it down.The mythology goes deeper and the characters are just as fabulous. In the Forests of the Night will be a book that you will be sorry to miss, as it is just fabulous.

The characters of this series is just brilliant. I just love Finn - he is so dreamy. I love his accent. Aiden is such a fun character - I love the larger roles he plays in this book. He is so good-hearted and it is just great. Teagan is a great character and I love that she is a strong main character. I did have a bit of a lapse of judgement in her character for part of the book, but I felt she redeemed herself. There were so many characters who had a smaller role, but they were so memorable and I can't wait to see the role they'll play in the next book in the series.

I love the plot of In the Forests of the Night. I just love the role the mythology plays in the books. In the Forests of the Night had so many layers to it, besides the obvious play arc. The story builds and builds and at the end I was left so curious and anxious to see how the story continues. The ending was intense, and I am very antsy for the next book to come out.

In the Forests of the Night was just brilliant, I think even better than Tyger, Tyger which I absolutely adored. This is one that I would  recommend you rush out and get as soon as you can, as it is just brilliant.

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Authors I'd Invite To Thanksgiving

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 Authors I'd Love To Invite To My Thanksgiving Dinner. And hey look! I actually have a list of ten this week!


Heidi R Kling

She is just an amazing person - I met her in person and she was just as lovely as she is online, plus she is about my favorite author!

Alexandra Bracken

Alexandra Bracken is just awesome - she is one of my favorite authors and wrote high fantasy. She is seriously my idol, as she is so accomplished and still so young, so therefore definitely making this list :)

Stefne Miller


I would just absolutely love to meet Stefne Miller, because she seems absolutely lovely and wrote 2 of my absolute favorite books :)

Julie Kagawa

I'm not even going to explain this one.

Terry Goodkind

I really would love to just meet Terry Goodkind, because I'm in LOVE with his books and have read all of them wayyyy too many times. Therefore he makes this list.

JK Rowling

This woman was such a big part of my childhood since I started reading Harry Potter in the 2nd grade.

Kay Cassidy

Kay Cassidy is like wonder woman, I see her all over the webs and doing just like nice things. I would love to meet her!

Leah Clifford, Courtney Moulton, & Scott Tracey

I'm lumping these three awesome authors into one :) They are simply some of the most amazing people ever. Leah has a cool cat named Petzl and Courtney has the cutest puppy in the world, Martina and a cat named The Precious. Therefore they get to come to Thanksgiving, and bring the pets.  PLUS All three of them are super lovely and just quite awesome.

Jane Austen

She is just brilliant, I mean Pride and Prejudice? My life would not be complete without it! :)

Who would you want to invite to Thanksgiving?

2012 Debut Author Challenge

I am so happy it is that time of the year again! The Debut Author Challenge is a challenge where you try to read 12 or more YA or MG debuts throughout the year. You can find out all the details about the DAC here if you want more information and to join us in our debut reading :)

Italicized titles: Own, Not Read
Bolded titles: Read, Not Reviewed

Here is my list:

• The Selection by Kiera Cass
• Level Two by Lenore Appelhans
• Everneath by Brodi Ashton
• Tempest by Julie Cross
• Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
• Ditched by Robin Mellom
• The Catastrophic History of You & Me by Jess Rothenberg 
• Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne
• When the Sea is Rising Red by Cat Hellisen
• Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
• After the Snow by Sophie Crockett
• Slide by Jill Hathaway
• Above by Leah Bobet
• Struck by Jennifer Bosworth
• Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock
• Of Poseidon by Anna Banks
• Shadow & Bone by Leigh Burdago
• The New Normal by Trish Doller
• Innocent Darkness by Suzanne LaZear
• The Shadow Cast by Stars by Catherine Knutsson
• Auracle by Gina Rosati
• Queen of Glass by Sarah J Maas
• The Girl Who Could Silence the Wind by Meg Medina

Debuts I Read in 2011:

The Edumacation of Jay Clark by Jay Baker

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

I know I will end up with an even longer list by the end of the year, but since this one is so long as it is, I think I'll leave it at that.

So what debuts are y'all most excited for?

YA/MG Fantasy Reading Challenge: Books and Participants

*NOTE* I decided to make a page for the challenge, so the central hub for information will now be HERE. I am posting all updates and new information to the page listed in the menu bar at the top of the page :) So please sign up there.

Sign-Ups and all the other information about the challenge can be found in THIS POST.

I put together a spreadsheet of the fantasy releases I have found and sorted them by month. The spreadsheet can be viewed online here. I will keep editing this spreadsheet as well as the other 2 lists as I find other titles!



Other Resources:

Amazon Listmania
Goodreads List

Participants:

YA/MG Fantasy Reading Challenge

*NOTE* I decided to make a page for the challenge, so the central hub for information will now be HERE. I am posting all updates and new information to the page listed in the menu bar at the top of the page :) So please sign up there.

Fantasy is my favorite genre of books. I feel like the genre that there is never enough of, and I feel often gets lost in the masses of dystopians and paranormals (which don't get me wrong, I love both!). I thought it would be fun to have a YA Fantasy Reading Challenge for 2012 with the objective to be read 10 YA or MG fantasies, any type be it high, urban, epic, etc that will be released in 2012.

Every month I will have a post for participants to link their reviews and there will be monthly giveaways picked from those reviews. Reviews can be posted on a personal blog or Goodreads.

I will hopefully be featuring authors who have fantasy books coming out next year periodically over the year in "Fantasy Five" interviews and will also try to do a compilation at the beginning of each month of all the fantasy books coming out that month.

Make sure to check out the Goodread List for the challenge if you are looking for books to read! I'll do my best to keep it up to date, but do keep in mind that anyone can add books to the list. I also made a Listmania List on Amazon here.

Basically the rules of the challenge are:

- Read 10 YA or MG fantasy that are released in 2012
- Post a review on a personal blog or Goodreads
- The challenge runs from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012
- Anyone can join at any point throughout the year

Sign up by linking to your post about the challenge below! I'll make a new post with participants and other information :)

If you are an author, and have written a fantasy novel coming out in 2012 and I haven't included it in my  lists, fill out this form here and I will add it right away.

Make sure to grab a button for the challenge :)

Authors: Do you have a fantasy book coming out in 2012? Would you be interested in helping with or participating in the challenge? I will be featuring authors throughout the year in "Fantasy Five" interviews which are short 5 question interviews, as well as guest posts. I also am having monthly giveaways for participants for fun and a nice incentive. If you would be interested in donating bookmarks, pins, buttons, posters, etc that would be awesome. Contact me at thebookcellar (at) wi.rr.com if you would be interested in either!

What YA release this week are you most excited for? (7)

This past week's favorite was SHATTER ME by Tahereh Mafi. And The Pledge by Kimberly Derting came in second! I really need to read Shatter Me soon, I think this week :) I'm most excited for In the Forests of the Night by Kersten Hamilton, which was absolutely brilliant. I am convinced that there are not a lot of books coming out, the three in the poll are the only ones I could find after about an hour or so of searching.

What do you think the favorite will be this week? Vote in the poll and weigh in the comments. And as always, if I forgot a title, post it in the comments too :)

In My Mailbox (125)

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:

From Random Buzzers for Ambuzzadors:
Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

Won:
Tell Me a Secret by Holly Cupala (Audio)
Fury by Elizabeth Miles + Tshirt

What did  you guys get?

Breaking Dawn Hopes

So, when this post goes up I will be sitting in the movie theater, watching Breaking Dawn as I am one of those crazies going at midnight :) I am just so excited. I am having high hopes for this one, as I felt each movie has gotten slightly better. I still am not a huge fan of the acting for Bella or Edward, but that doesn't really matter.

So for Breaking Dawn I have several hopes:

I really hope that there is a lot more of the Cullens in this one. I feel like there is never enough Alice, Jasper, Carlisle and Emmett especially. I think this will be a given with this movie, so if it's not there I will be sad.

Kind of along those lines, I really hope they don't cut out all of Emmett's hilarious one liners from this one! I was just rereading Breaking Dawn this week, and they are absolutely hilarious.

I am super anxious to see more of Seth in this movie - he is just such a great character.

I'm super curious to see how some of the vampires that come to witness will be portrayed. I'm particularly interested in Kate, Zafrina and Benjamin. They are such interesting characters. The Romanians will be pretty interesting as well.


So those are my hopes, those of you that will be seeing Breaking Dawn what are you hopes?

The Juliet Spell by Douglas Rees

The Juliet Spell
Douglas Reese
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: September 27, 2011
Pages: 304

I wanted the role of Juliet more than anything. I studied hard. I gave a great reading for it—even with Bobby checking me out the whole time. I deserved the part.
I didn't get it. So I decided to level the playing field, though I actually might have leveled the whole play. You see, since there aren't any Success in Getting to Be Juliet in Your High School Play spells, I thought I'd cast the next best—a Fame spell. Good idea, right?
Yeah. Instead of bringing me a little fame, it brought me someone a little famous. Shakespeare. Well, Edmund Shakespeare. William's younger brother.
Good thing he's sweet and enthusiastic about helping me with the play...and—ahem—maybe a little bit hot. But he's from the past. Way past. Cars amaze him—cars! And cell phones? Ugh.
Still, there's something about him that's making my eyes go star-crossed....

Shakespeare retellings are usually among my favorite books. I love theater, so whenever I can find one, I am happy. The Juliet Spell sounded really great, but in reality just lacked some of the qualities I was hoping to find.

I loved the idea of this book. The whole idea just blew up a little bit too big for me and I had a hard time taking it seriously. The last quarter of the book is really what made me sit there in disbelief, everything just went too far.

The first red flag for me was how quickly Edmund adapted to modern day life. It was instantaneous, and I just had a bit trouble believing that. He would make a comment like "What witch craft is that", Miranda would explain it, and then he would pretty much be okay with everything.

The theater experiences in this book felt a bit off. I've been in tons of shows, and that was something that put me a bit on the edge. In addition to that, this book was a prime example of the "Love at first sight" and it drove me batty, especially since the main character had a perfectly good guy rooting for her!

The characters were an interesting.mix. Drew was hands down the best character of the book. He was SUCH a great guy, and there were so many scenes were I just sat there thinking "aw". A lot of the other characters while they had good qualities, I found the negative over powering them. No one really stood out from one another in my mind. A lot of their language felt really forced, and it wasn't natural.

The cover is absolutely gorgeous. I quite adore it. This book had some good qualities, but overall, it really just wasn't for me. While I wasn't a huge fan, make sure to check out Verb Vixen's review!

This review is cross-posted from YA Books Central

Waiting on Wednesday (126) - On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane

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!

On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane
Coming December 20, 2011 from Harlequin Teen

"The choices I had made led to the moment when fate took over. I would learn a lesson I wasn’t prepared for.
And Death would be my willing teacher."


Five years ago Abbey Chandler cheated Death. She survived a horrific car accident, but her lucky break came at the expense of her mother’s life and changed everything. After she crossed paths with Death—by taking the hand of an ethereal boy made of clouds and sky—she would never be normal again.

Now she’s the target of Death’s Ravens and an innocent boy’s life is on the line. When Nate Holden—Abbey’s secret crush—starts to climb Alaska’s Denali, the Angel of Death is with him because of her.

Abbey finds out the hard way that Death never forgets.

Doesn't that sound brilliant? I think it sounds quite snazzy and I can't wait!

What are you guys waiting on?

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books That Have Been On My Shelf For The Longest But I've Never Read

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 Have Been On My Shelf For The Longest But I've Never Read.

This is a bit of a scary week, as I have SO many books that have been on my shelves for AGES. I don't even remember some of what has been there the longest, it's bad.

Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White

This one looks so good, and I've had it for ages and ages. I simply cannot wait to read it, when I get to it.

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

This book looks simply fantabulous - I love the cover and the concept!


Valiant and Ironside by Holly Black

I have had these 2 for ages, and have been meaning to read them since I read Tithe (and LOVED it!), but haven't gotten around to it yet.


Skinned by Robin Wasserman

This book sounds SO cool. I tried to read it once and was not a fan, I hung on to it though to give it a second chance at some point because it just sounded so cool.

Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

This one looks super cool, and I've been a fan of Lauren Baratz-Logsted's other books that I've read so I really need to read this one. It's been lying around for AGES.


The Law of Nines by Terry Goodkind

I am a CRAZY Terry Goodkind fan, his Sword of Truth series was one of the series that really got me reading a lot and reading bigger books. I waited for this book for ages, and somehow never read it when it came out. It just sat on my shelf.

What is on  your list?