Waiting on Wednesday: All That Glows (#15)

Author: Ryan Graudin

Release Date: February 11th, 2014

Pages: 480

Publisher: Harper Teen

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Emrys—a fiery, red-headed Fae—always embraced her life in the Highlands, far from the city’s draining technology, until she’s sent to London to rejoin the Faery Guard. But this isn’t any normal assignment—she’s sent to guard Prince Richard: Britain’s notorious, partying bad boy and soon-to-be King. The prince’s careless ways and royal blood make him the irresistible for the dark spirits that feed on mortals. Sweet, disheveled, and alive with adventure—Richard is one charge who will put Emrys’s magic and heart to the test.

When an ancient force begins preying on the monarchy, Emrys must hunt through the London’s magical underworld, facing down Banshees, Black Dogs and Green Women to find the one who threatens Richard’s life. In this chaos of dark magic, palace murders and paparazzi, Emrys finds herself facing an impossible choice. For despite all her powers, Emrys has discovered a force that burns brighter than magic: love.

What I find interesting is that this novel isn't going to be like other Faerie books I've read in the past.

In other Faerie books I've read (most of them the Holly Black kind), Faeries are difficult and playful creatures with an inhuman beauty. Aside from Emry being Fae, she sounds like a totally normal person about to do her duty. I really can't wait to see who this plays out, and how a Faerie will live in London. 

Happy Wednesday! 

Waiting on Wednesday: Of Metal and Wishes (#14)

Author: Sarah Fine

Release Date: August 5th, 2014

Pages: 320

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

There are whispers of a ghost in the slaughterhouse where sixteen-year-old Wen assists her father in his medical clinic—a ghost who grants wishes to those who need them most. When one of the Noor, men hired as cheap factory labor, humiliates Wen, she makes an impulsive wish of her own, and the Ghost grants it. Brutally.

Guilt-ridden, Wen befriends the Noor, including their outspoken leader, a young man named Melik. At the same time, she is lured by the mystery of the Ghost and learns he has been watching her … for a very long time.

As deadly accidents fuel tensions within the factory, Wen must confront her growing feelings for Melik, who is enraged at the sadistic factory bosses and the prejudice faced by his people at the hand of Wen’s, and her need to appease the Ghost, who is determined to protect her against any threat—real or imagined. She must decide whom she can trust, because as her heart is torn, the factory is exploding around her … and she might go down with it.

This book is my type of book! I love the mystery and all it's creepiness- even though it's long past Halloween. This is the type of book you can read anytime of the year (well, it is for me).

Happy Wednesday!

Waiting on Wednesday: My Last Kiss (#13)

Author: Bethany Neal

Release Date: June 10, 2014

Pages: 368 

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

What if your last kiss was with the wrong boy?

Cassidy Haines remembers her first kiss vividly. It was on the old covered bridge the summer before her freshman year with her boyfriend of three years, Ethan Keys. But her last kiss—the one she shared with someone at her seventeenth birthday party the night she died—is a blur. Cassidy is trapped in the living world, not only mourning the loss of her human body, but left with the grim suspicion that her untimely death wasn’t a suicide as everyone assumes. She can’t remember anything from the weeks leading up to her birthday and she’s worried that she may have betrayed her boyfriend.

If Cassidy is to uncover the truth about that fateful night and make amends with the only boy she’ll ever love, she must face her past and all the decisions she made—good and bad—that led to her last kiss.

 

**********

 

My Thoughts:

After reading this synopsis, I'm kinda happy I haven't gotten kissed yet. It kinda sucks that Cassidy (sorta) dies.

I love this cover! Seriously, along with Great by Sara Brenincasa and a couple other covers that I can't think of at the moment, this is by far one of my favourite ones! Like, can I be a book model Covergirl please?

Anyways, what do you think happened to her? I know the tagline suggests that she kissed someone that wasn't her boyfriend, but what if he set it up? You never know with these books!

 

FUN FACT: I got the chance to interview Bethany Neal recently for the Winter Scavenger Hunt I'm doing alongside a bunch of my blogger friends! Check back soon for more info!

Waiting on Wednesday: Great (#12)

Author: Sarah Brenincasa

Release Date: April 8th, 2014

Pages: 272

Publisher: Harper Teen

Synopsis (fromGoodreads):

In Sara Benincasa's contemporary retelling of The Great Gatsby, a teenage girl becomes entangled in the drama of a Hamptons social circle, only to be implicated in a tragedy that shakes the summer community.

Everyone loves a good scandal.

Naomi Rye usually dreads spending the summer with her socialite mother in East Hampton. This year is no different. She sticks out like a sore thumb among the teenagers who have been summering (a verb only the very rich use) together for years. But Naomi finds herself captivated by her mysterious next-door neighbor, Jacinta. Jacinta has her own reason for drawing close to Naomi-to meet the beautiful and untouchable Delilah Fairweather. But Jacinta's carefully constructed world is hiding something huge, a secret that could undo everything. And Naomi must decide how far she is willing to be pulled into this web of lies and deception before she is unable to escape.

Based on a beloved classic and steeped in Sara Benincasa's darkly comic voice, Great has all the drama, glitz, and romance with a terrific modern (and scandalous) twist to enthrall readers.

I really am looking forward to read this book since I just finished reading The Great Gatsby in class.

I'm really curious to see how Sara will pull off a retelling of such a classic novel. I'm REALLY curious to see what the scandal is about. I mean, they're teens right? So they can't have the same epic and tragic love affair of Gatsby and Daisy, right? I'm really curious to see how this one turns out!

And isn't the cover gorgeous? I wish I can do my makeup like that!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Promise of Amazing (#10)

Author: Robin Constantine

Release Date: December 31st, 2013

Pages: 384

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Wren Caswell is average. Ranked in the middle of her class at Sacred Heart, she’s not popular, but not a social misfit. Wren is the quiet, “good” girl who's always done what she's supposed to—only now in her junior year, this passive strategy is backfiring. She wants to change, but doesn’t know how.

Grayson Barrett was the king of St. Gabe’s. Star of the lacrosse team, top of his class, on a fast track to a brilliant future—until he was expelled for being a “term paper pimp.” Now Gray is in a downward spiral and needs to change, but doesn’t know how. 

One fateful night their paths cross when Wren, working at her family’s Arthurian-themed catering hall, performs the Heimlich on Gray as he chokes on a cocktail weenie, saving his life literally and figuratively. What follows is the complicated, awkward, hilarious, and tender tale of two teens shedding their pasts, figuring out who they are—and falling in love.

I am soooooo excited for Christmas because my mom promised to get me a Chapters gift card this year to buy books! I broke my laptop and I know I should be getting a new one, and I also need to get my license as well, but I really, really, really want books and when I get that gift card on Christmas morning, I am SOOOOOO buy this book alongside the other 294810472919 books I said was going to read!

The Promise of Amazing looks like a cute, YA contemporary novel about finish yourself and that one amazing person to help you get through that difficult part of your life. I've already read a couple reviews for it, and I'm ready for this book! 

Other than the grabbing synopsis, there's something very attractive and appealing to the cover. It's cute with the couple and all, but the overall scenic background and don't just grabs my attention. I really want to grab this book of the shelf right now. How many more days till Christmas again?

Happy Wednesday guys!

Waiting on Wednesday: Secret Diamond Sisters (#9)

This week I'm waiting on Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow!

The cover is so pretty, and I really like the makeup on the model as well. Whenever I try to recreate that cats-eye effect on my eye, it NEVER turns out well!

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Savannah. Courtney. Peyton. 

The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite. Suddenly the Strip's most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past.

Secret Diamond Sisters comes out February 25th, 2014! I seriously can't wait! :) 

Waiting on Wednesday: The Truth About Alice (#8)

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Everyone has a lot to say about Alice Franklin, and it’s stopped mattering whether it’s true. The rumors started at a party when Alice supposedly had sex with two guys in one night. When school starts everyone almost forgets about Alice until one of those guys, super-popular Brandon, dies in a car wreck that was allegedly all Alice’s fault. Now the only friend she has is a boy who may be the only other person who knows the truth, but is too afraid to admit it. Told from the perspectives of popular girl Elaine, football star Josh, former outcast Kelsie, and shy genius Kurt, we see how everyone has a motive to bring – and keep – Alice down



The Truth About Alice comes out next year but I JUST HAD TO (I really had to) have it on my blog! I mean, look how pretty the cover is...and how creepy and exciting the synopsis is as well!

First things first: YOU THINK THEY KILLED HER OR SOMETHING! The title and the synopsis screams "I killed Alice" but no, she doesn't die (although the end is quite ominous). It's a really interesting story about a girl who is the centre of attention- but not in a good way. She's the centre of the gossip because she apparently had sex with two guys in a party.

When I read that part of the synopsis, I thought of that girl from the East Coast that killed herself because she was bullied for having 'sex' with two guys. I really hope that Alice doesn't die in this story.

One thing that fascinates me is that this book isn't told from Alice's perspective, but from the people around her. I really can't wait to read this book!

Happy Wednesday guys!

Waiting On Wednesday: Wish You Were Italian (#7)

Wish You Were Italian by Kristin Rae

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

When seventeen-year-old Pippa Preston ditches her summer art program abroad, she sets out on her own in hopes of falling in love with an Italian, but the road to amore gets detoured when she's torn between a sexy local and a hunky American archaeology student. As she explores the famous cities of Rome and Pompeii, Pippa must sort out her feelings before her parents figure out where she really is, ending her short-lived dream of independence.

This book doesn't have a cover because this book actually comes out next year on May 6th, 2014 (according to Goodreads).

I decided to feature this book on this week's Waiting on Wednesday because this is a book I'm dying to read!

I follow Kristin on twitter, and when I read her bio and heard her novel would be Wish You Were Italian I immediately put it on my to-read list on Goodreads!

The title of my book is like the story of my life. I've read Stravaganza and David by Mary Hoffman, the Secrets of the Eternal Rose by Fiona Paul, and I've read Cross My Heart by Sasha Gould (I should seriously put that review up...), AND I watched the Lizzy Mcguire Movie when I was younger as well! OH, and my friend got me hooked on this Italian group called Il Volo. All of them have one similar trait: it's set in Italy (or in Stravaganza's case, an alternative Italy) and all feature swoon worthy Italian men.

Ever since I've read those books, watched that movie and listened to that band I have always dreamed of travelling to Italy for an abroad program and find myself an Italian guy. Then I've always imagined sneaking out and going on all sorts of crazy adventures. However, I always have to return back to reality and whenever I see a guy, I always think: I wish you were Italian and like the guys in my books.

Guess I don't have to dream anymore! I'll get a chance to read it soon (more like 7 months from now). But I have one question: how did Pippa ever escape from her program anyway? Don't they watch you like a hawk? And judging from the title, does she chose the American guy?!

Have a happy Wednesday guys!

Waiting on Wednesday: Unbreathable (#6)

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

One hundred and fifty years ago, Earth was destroyed, and the remaining humans fled to the dusty red planet of Jutaire, where the only oxygen is manufactured, food is scarce, and death strikes often.

When Lissa's father discovers Earth still exists, she accidentally inhales the toxic air of Jutaire, and in one breath, discovers she isn't quite human.

Her father hangs for his discovery, and Lissa knows the Chancellors will come for her, for she saw the Earth that night too. With nothing to lose, she sets out to expose the truth. It isn't long before she meets Julian, a beautiful boy who can breathe the toxic air like she can - and shows her that the Jute, the original inhabitants of the planet, are more tangled in their lives than she knows.

But the Chancellors are only pawns in a greater game - one where the Jute control everything. Worse, the Jute plan to leave Jutaire for Earth, but to get there, they need her. And they'll stop at nothing until Lissa is in their clutches, even if they kill every human in the process.

The race for Earth has begun

Unbreathable by Hafsah Laziaf comes out later this month on October 29th!

What really caught my attention for this book was the title and it's pretty font. And after reading the synopsis, I just had to put it on my to-read list!

The interesting thing about this book is that unlike most sci-fi/dystopian books, the characters don't live on Earth; they live in a different planet. According to the synopsis, Lissa is a girl who can breath the unmanufactured air of Jutaire, and that the Jute (the original inhabitants of the planet) need her to get to Earth. I don't know, may be this means that she's half-Jute, half-Earth-ling? Or maybe she's an experiment! Oh my gosh, are the Jutes humaniods or are they aliens?

So many questions and theories; I really wished the released date was today!

Waiting on Wednesday: Dollhouse Asylum (#5)

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

A virus that had once been contained has returned, and soon no place will be left untouched by its destruction. But when Cheyenne wakes up in Elysian Fields--a subdivision cut off from the world and its monster-creating virus--she is thrilled to have a chance at survival.

At first, Elysian Fields,with its beautiful houses and manicured lawns, is perfect. Teo Richardson, the older man who stole Cheyenne's heart, built it so they could be together. But when Teo tells Cheyenne there are tests that she and seven other couples must pass to be worthy of salvation, Cheyenne begins to question the perfection of his world.

The people they were before are gone. Cheyenne is now "Persephone," and each couple has been re-named to reflect the most tragic romances ever told. Everyone is fighting to pass the test, to remain in Elysian Fields. Teo dresses them up, tells them when to move and how to act, and in order to pass the test, they must play along.

If they play it right, then they'll be safe.

But if they play it wrong, they'll die

The Dollhouse Asylum by Mary Gray will be out this month on October 22nd!

This book is on my to-read list and all I have to say is that I am SUPER excited to read this! Not only is this book very sci-fi and dystopian, but there's Greek Mythology (awe, yeah!).

What really caught my eye was the cover and the title, and when I heard of this book, I thought it'd be a book about a bunch of girls that are crazy, pretend that their perfect and live in a crazy house (actually, that'd be a pretty cool story.....MY IDEA!). But when I read the synopsis, I was like "Wooooahhh. No. No. That's....oh my gosh!" Do you not know how creepy this book sounds?

Imagine, you're given a second chance to live, but are forced to play a game because this older guy you like told you to. Oh, and if you don't go along with his twisted game, you'll die!

I really can't wait for this book! I really wished I can buy this one!

Waiting on Wednesday: Where the Stars Still Shine (#4)

Wednesdays are my favourite time of the week because I can share with you the books that I am impatiently waiting for and DYING to read!

This week, I'm waiting for two books that I know will lead to days of crying and mourning: Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller (out September 24th) and All The Truth That's In Me by Julie Berry (out September 26th).

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Stolen as a child from her large and loving family, and on the run with her mom for more than ten years, Callie has only the barest idea of what normal life might be like. She's never had a home, never gone to school, and has gotten most of her meals from laundromat vending machines. Her dreams are haunted by memories she’d like to forget completely. But when Callie’s mom is finally arrested for kidnapping her, and Callie’s real dad whisks her back to what would have been her life, in a small town in Florida, Callie must find a way to leave the past behind. She must learn to be part of a family. And she must believe that love--even with someone who seems an improbable choice--is more than just a possibility.

Trish Doller writes incredibly real teens, and this searing story of love, betrayal, and how not to lose your mind will resonate with readers who want their stories gritty and utterly true

Synopsis (from Goodreads): Four years ago, Judith and her best friend disappeared from their small town of Roswell Station. Two years ago, only Judith returned, permanently mutilated, reviled and ignored by those who were once her friends and family. Unable to speak, Judith lives like a ghost in her own home, silently pouring out her thoughts to the boy who’s owned her heart as long as she can remember—even if he doesn’t know it—her childhood friend, Lucas. But when Roswell Station is attacked, long-buried secrets come to light, and Judith is forced to choose: continue to live in silence, or recover her voice, even if it means changing her world, and the lives around her, forever. This startlingly original novel will shock and disturb you; it will fill you with Judith’s passion and longing; and its mysteries will keep you feverishly turning the pages until the very last.

I am so excited, yet so scared to see how these books are just going to affect me emotionally.

 

After reading the synopsis of WTSSS, my heart broke into small little pieces. Imagine what will happen when I read it! I read a lot of non-spoliery reviews on Goodreads, and so far, the reception has been amazing! I am really curious to know why Callie's mom stole her away all those years ago.

 

As for ATTIM, no words can explain how creeped out I was when I read the synopsis for the first time. I mean, she was mutilated for the Doctor's Sake! And her friend never returned. I'm really excited to see how this story will play out...I probably will end up crying for months.

 

Well, that's it for me this Wednesday! And how did you guys think of United We Spy? Likes? Dislikes? Unpopular opinions? Tweet me at my twitter account: @missyallydums97 or leave a comment bellow!

 

Have a great day guys!

Waiting on Wednesday: This Song Will Save Your Life (#3)

It's another Wednesday in September, but as I type this, I am currently melting in my chair.

For some reason, my part of Canada just happens to have 34 degree weather-and that's without the humidity! Now I know some of you guys are probably wondering why I'm complaining about nice summer weather, but to be honest with you heat + humidity + black uniform pants and a cotton polo shirt, then factor in a nearly thirty minute walk with a bag full of homework, 'summer weather' turns into a nightmare!

But other than that, I'm super excited for today's Waiting on Wednesday books, United We Spy by Ally Carter and This Song Will Save Your Life by Lelia Sales, both coming out on September 17th, 2013!




Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Making friends has never been Elise Dembowski’s strong suit. All throughout her life, she’s been the butt of every joke and the outsider in every conversation. When a final attempt at popularity fails, Elise nearly gives up. Then she stumbles upon a warehouse party where she meets Vicky, a girl in a band who accepts her; Char, a cute, yet mysterious disc jockey; Pippa, a carefree spirit from England; and most importantly, a love for DJing.

Told in a refreshingly genuine and laugh-out-loud funny voice, THIS SONG WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE is an exuberant novel about identity, friendship, and the power of music to bring people together








Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Cammie Morgan has lost her father and her memory, but in the heart-pounding conclusion to the best-selling Gallagher Girls series, she finds her greatest mission yet. Cammie and her friends finally know why the terrorist organization called the Circle of Cavan has been hunting her. Now the spy girls and Zach must track down the Circle’s elite members to stop them before they implement a master plan that will change Cammie—and her country—forever.



I've been picking up a lot of dysutopian and contemporary books lately that all tell a coming-of-age story. I guess it's because it sort of applies to what's going on in my life right now (aside from nearly DYING from the heat).

These two novels stand out for me. TSWSYL is a story that I can relate to in some ways, and while I found that my passion is more of the English than Music department, I find that using music to figure out who you are is inspirational, because I know people who found themselves in the Arts (or in other forms of expression) and they have just flourished and became their own.

And UWS is the 6th and final book in the Gallagher Girls series. *WAILS* I have been reading the Gallagher Girls since I was in the seventh grade, and now that the final book is coming out, the reality of me growing up is slowly hitting me (but not quite yet). I know very well that our Gallagher Girls in the UK have already gotten their paws on the book (I think) last week and have read the final book. There have been mixed reviews (you can't please everyone), but I have my faith in Ally. BUT IT'S THE LAST BOOK PART THAT MAKES ME SO UPSET! But in the words of the 11th Doctor:

Have a good Wednesday guys! :)

Waiting on Wednesday: Fangirl (#1)

It's Wednesday! And today I'm (eagerly) awaiting Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell (the awesome and fabulous author of Eleanor and Park) and The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White! (Coming out September 10th, 2013)

Synopsis:

A coming-of-age tale of fan fiction, family and first love.Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan . . .

But for Cath, being a fan is her life — and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this?

Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

Synopsis:

Isadora’s family is seriously screwed up.

Of course, as the human daughter of Egyptian gods, that pretty much comes with the territory. She’s also stuck with parents who barely notice her, and a house full of relatives who can’t be bothered to remember her name. After all, they are going to be around forever—and she’s a mere mortal.

Isadora’s sick of living a life where she’s only worthy of a passing glance, and when she has the chance to move to San Diego with her brother, she jumps on it. But Isadora’s quickly finding that a “normal” life comes with plenty of its own epic complications—and that there’s no such thing as a clean break when it comes to family. Much as she wants to leave her past behind, she can’t shake the ominous dreams that foretell destruction for her entire family. When it turns out there may be truth in her nightmares, Isadora has to decide whether she can abandon her divine heritage after all

I seriously can't wait for these books to come out! I'm a huge fan of Egyptian mythology and had a whole ancient Egyptian phase back in the fifth grade! I really can't wait to see how Kiersten mixes ancient mythology with modern day San Diego...this ought to be interesting!

And Fangirl. O-M-G! When I first read the synopsis, I was like "this is almost 85% like my life" and then I thought "Rainbow is a GENIUS!". I haven't read any of her books yet, but I heard that they're amazing (my library has a LONG wait list...sighs). You don't know how bad I'm fangirling over fangirl!

Waiting on Wednesday: Hurt (#2)

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Why? is the burning question on everyone’s lips. Why would a guy like Mathéo Walsh want to die? At seventeen, he is Britain’s most promising diving champion. He is a heartthrob, a straight A student and lives in one of the wealthiest areas of London. He has great mates and is the envy of everyone around him. And most importantly of all, he is deeply in love with his girlfriend, Lola. He has always been a stable, well-adjusted guy...

Until one weekend. A weekend he cannot seem to remember. All he knows is that he has come back a changed person. One who no longer knows how to have fun, no longer wants to spend time with his friends, no longer enjoys diving. Something terrible happened that weekend – something violent and bloody and twisted. He no longer knows who he is. He no longer trusts himself around people: he only wants to hurt, wound and destroy. Slowly, he begins to piece back the buried, fragmented memories, and finds himself staring at the reflection of a monster.

Tormented, Mathéo suddenly finds himself faced with the most devastating choice of his life. Keep his secret, and put those closest to him in terrible danger. Or confess, and lose Lola forever...

Tabitha Suzuma's new YA contemporary will be out September 5th, 2013 and is at the top of my wishlist. I don't know why it is though; I know very well that this story will make me cry like a baby (Forbidden had me and my mom in mourning period for days), as well as keep me on my toes. Unlike Forbidden, I sense that there will be a bit more of the mystery vibe in this novel since Mathéo loses his memory about 'that weekend'. I'm really curious to see what really happened to be honest, and how that will tie in with his girlfriend Lola. The most logical explanation is that his distance will ruin their relationship, but I'm always up for a plot twist. Maybe whatever happened that weekend may have had ties with someone close to Lola, I don't know. With contemporary novels, I try to steer away with the norm and always come up with the weirdest scenarios (it may be due to the fact that most of the books that I read are dystopian or paranormal series). I'm super excited, yet terrified, to read Suzuma's new novel because I know very well that it will leave me in an emotional wreck like the last time!

You can read the first four chapters here at her website: http://www.tabithasuzuma.com/#/h-u-r-t/4565532969