Radiant Shadows Giveaway and Melissa Marr On Tour!!

Melissa Marr is heading out on tour to promote Radiant Shadows, which I absolutely, positively can't wait to get my hands on. Here are the dates:


DENVER, CO April 22, 2010: Tattered Cover Book Store; 7:00 pm



LEXINGTON, KY April 23, 2010: Joseph-Beth Booksellers; 7:00 pm



ST. LOUIS, MO April 24, 2010: St. Louis County Library; 7:00 pm



BOSTON, MA April 26, 2010: Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge, MA; 7:00 pm



COLUMBUS, OH April 28 – May 2, 2010: Romantic Times Convention



CLEVELAND, OH May 12, 2010: Joseph-Beth Booksellers; 7:00 pm



PHILADELPHIA, PA May 14, 2010: Chester County Book Store, West Chester, PA; 7:00 pm



RICHMOND, VA May 15, 2010: The Fountain Bookstore; 2:00 pm


The closest stop for me is St. Louis, but that's about 3 1/2 hours away from Kansas City, so I was thinking I would have to skip it, but the more I've been thinking about it, I might just try to make it. We shall see.

As an added bonus, I've been offered one copy of Radiant Shadows to give away to one lucky reader.

To enter, simply leave a comment below with your e-mail address. Sorry but this is open to US and Canada only. I will choose a winner next Friday, April 9.

Waiting on Wednesday (58)--Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

Release Date: April 6, 2010 from Dutton Juvenile

Synopsis:

One cold night, in a most unlikely corner of Chicago, two teens—both named Will Grayson—are about to cross paths. As their worlds collide and intertwine, the Will Graysons find their lives going in new and unexpected directions, building toward romantic turns-of-heart and the epic production of history’s most fabulous high school musical.

Hilarious, poignant, and deeply insightful, John Green and David Levithan’s collaborative novel is brimming with a double helping of the heart and humor that have won both them legions of faithful fans.

John Green?! David Levithan?! Enough said!

Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda

Release Date: Available Now from Disney Hyperion

Source: Personal Collection

Synopsis:

As the youngest and only female member of the Knights Templar, Bilquis SanGreal grew up knowing she wasn't normal. Instead of hanging out at the mall or going on dates, she spends her time training as a soldier in her order's ancient battle against the Unholy.

Billi's cloistered life is blasted apart when her childhood friend, Kay, returns from Jerusalem, gorgeous and with a dangerous chip on his shoulder. He's ready to reclaim his place in Billi's life, but she's met someone new: amber-eyed Michael, who seems to understand her like no one else, effortlessly claiming a stake in her heart.

But the Templars are called to duty before Billi can enjoy the pleasant new twist to her life. One of the order's ancient enemies has resurfaced, searching for a treasure that the Templars have protected for hundreds of years -- a cursed mirror powerful enough to kill all of London's firstborn. To save her city from catastrophe, Billi will have to put her heart aside and make sacrifices greater than any of the Templars could have imagined.

This is one of the book I read over my lengthy Christmas break. We were snowed in for about a week, so I had quite a stack to review when I went back to school. It feels like I've been playing catch up ever since.

This is a fantastic book, so I wish I'd reviewed it earlier. The fact that I can still remember how awesome it was should be a testament to the book. Usually even when I enjoy a book, I forget a lot about it after I move onto the next one...that's just the way I am. This one stayed with me though. Billi is such a kickass character and life with the Templars is really fascinating.

I've always found the Templars interesting, but Chadda puts a new spin on things, while still staying true to some of the old ideas. It's hard for me to read books without comparing them to other books, movies, tv shows. I personally don't think this is a bad thing. My writing is inspired by what I see and read, so it's fun for me to pick out authors influences (or at least what influences I read into the book). To me, Billi is a little bit Buffy and a wee bit Winchester, with a little Anita Blake thrown in for good measure. What does this add up to? Just a completely badass girl who I would want on my side in any fight, supernatural or otherwise.

One of the strongest parts of this book for me was Billi's relationship with her father. Chadda's writing creates such a vivid portrait of this strained relationship that sometimes I felt like I was looking in on a real family. I felt awkward and voyeuristic at the same time. It's just beautifully written. I love to be carried away to another life and Devil's Kiss definitely did that for me. I can't recommend it highly enough.

The second book, Dark Goddess comes out in the UK in July. I'm not sure when the US date is, but I'm sure I'll be impatient and order is from Amazon UK when it hits the shelves there. Buy this book....it's amazing!!

Firespell by Chloe Neill

Release Date: Available Now from Signet

Source: From Publisher

Synopsis:

As the new girl at St. Sophia's boarding school, Lily Parker thinks her classmates are the most monstrous things she'll have to face--but oh, how wrong she is.

When Lily's parents decide to send her away to a fancy boarding school in Chicago, she is not happy. Lily's classmates are the ultrarich brat-pack type--and if that isn't enough, she's hearing and seeing bizarre things on St. Sophia's creepy campus.

The only think keeping her sane is her roommate, Scout, but even Scout's a little weird--she keeps disappearing late at night. When a prank leaves Lily trapped in the catacombs beneath the school, Lily finds Scout, who's running from a real-life monster. Scout is part of a splinter group of rebel teens who protect Chicago from demons, vamps, and the gone-to-the-dark-side magic users called Reapers. She lets Lily in on her secret, even though Lily has no powers of her own...or at least none she's discovered yet.

I read this quite awhile ago, probably before it came out. However, the stack of to be reviewed books on my desk just kept growing, and this little gem got lost in the shuffle. This isn't Chloe Neill's first book. She's written a Paranormal series for adults. This is her first YA book though, and it's a great YA debut. When I started reading it, I was afraid it was going to fall into all of those same paranormal traps that we see so often, but I was pleasantly surprised.

This is a very readable book that does put some new spins on the genre. Does it have a familiar feel to some other series? Sure, but I honestly didn't care. I just really enjoyed the ride. Also the characters, especially Lily and Scout, are just so completely likable, I'd follow them through any adventures.

I love Neill's Chicago. It's dark and full of secrets, but we still get to see that part of Chicago that anyone who visits instantly falls in love with. It's such a great setting for any book and Neill really captures it here.

I'm really looking forward to more in this series. I'm not sure when to expect one, but I'll be buying it as soon as it hits shelves. For now, Firespell is being added to my shelves as a keeper. That's a pretty high honor in my world.

Waiting on Wednesday (57) The Light (Morpheus Road, Book 1) by D.J. MacHale

Release Date: April 20, 2010 from Aladdin

Synopsis:

Marshall Seaver is being haunted. Or maybe we should say, hunted, because it was that too. Marsh is left alone to deal with demons both of his own making and those that are reaching out from beyond the grave. Follow this series to outer reaches of reality where the supernatural becomes . . . natural.

I never read MacHale's Pendragon series, but I always thought they looked like something I would like. This series also looks like it'll be right up my alley. I'm pretty excited to give it a try.

The New Brighton Archeological Society, Book 1: The Castle of Galomar by Mark Andrew Smith and Matthew Weldon

Release Date: Available Now from Image Comics

Source: From Author

Synopsis:

Out of the ashes of misfortune will rise the next generation of great adventurers! After their parents are lost on an archeological expedition, four children begin to unlock the secrets of their parents' mysterious lives, discovering a hidden world of mystical artifacts, mythical creatures, and arcane knowledge. Soon they find themselves drawn into a conflict over a great library that has kept two kingdoms at war for centuries, the children must save an enchanted forest, the birthplace of magic itself. Join us as these children become the latest members of the fabled New Brighton Archeological Society, and take their first steps towards their true destiny!

I'm getting all geared up for my visit to Planet Comicon here in Kansas City this weekend, so this is the perfect time to review a graphic novel. And what a graphic novel this is. I loved this book. When Mark Andrew Smith offered to send me a copy for review, I jumped at the chance. I love comics and I really love the fact that graphic novels and comics are jumping into the mainstream in children's and ya literature. They have so much to offer and I have no problem putting them into the hands of my students.

This is a wonderful addition to any collection. The story is fantastic. It moves lightning quick and immediately draws you into this strange and magical world where the New Brighton Society meets all kinds of adventure and danger. I love the kids and I love all the creatures especially Neal the Slug. He's adorable and completely kicks some butt.

Sometimes graphic novels rely too much on the story, or too much on the illustrations, but with this book, the two blend perfectly. I can't imagine one without the other. The illustrations are beautiful and capture the action and adventure with ease. The colors are vivid and draw the eye to the page with no problem.

I can't recommend this one highly enough. If you love graphic novels, or if you just love a good read, then you should pick it up immediately. I can't wait for book two; it can't get here soon enough.

Two...Count Them Two Beautiful New Covers!!

Release Date: August 31, 2010 from Margaret K. McElderry

Synopsis:

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.

Umm...yeah. This is gonna rock!




Release Date: October 26, 2010

Synopsis:

Some secrets are life-altering…
others are life-ENDING.

Yep, two lines is all I could find, but I'm so ready for this one, the synopsis won't even matter.

In My Mailbox (50)

As always, In My Mailbox is brought to you by Kristi, AKA The Story Siren.

I just got back from Florida about 3 or 4 hours ago. When we left Orlando yesterday is was a gorgeous, sunny 74 degrees. When we drove into Kansas City tonight is was a scary, miserable, blizzardy 30 degrees. Yep....first day of spring we have a snow storm in KC. Why does this not surprise me? I felt like turning the car immediately around and heading back to Orlando. Not that I wouldn't want to do that anyway. Well, the trip was great, except for the drive home. Can't wait to go back, but that is always the case.

While I was away, my pile of envelopes was growing, taunting me from miles and miles away. I got a lot of books this week, and I mean a lot, so let's get to it.

For Review:


Thirteen Days to Midnight by Patrick Carman


Release Date: April 12, 2010 from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Synopsis:

You are indestructible. Three whispered words transfer an astonishing power to Jacob Fielding that changes everything. At first, Jacob is hesitant to use the power, unsure of its implications. But there's something addictive about testing the limits of fear.

Then Ophelia James, the beautiful and daring new girl in town, suggests that they use the power to do good, to save others. But with every heroic act, the power grows into the specter of a curse. How to decide who lives and who dies?

In this nail-biting novel of mystery and dark intrigue, Jacob must walk the razor thin line between right and wrong, good and evil, and life and death. And time is running out. Because the Grim Reaper doesn't disappear. . . . He catches up.

I love, love, love Patrick Carman's books so I was totally pumped to get this one. Can't wait to read it!

Little Vampire Women by Louisa May Alcott and Lynn Messina


Release Date: May 4, 2010 from HarperTeen

Synopsis:

"Christmas won't be the same without any corpses."

The March sisters are back, and Marmee has told them to be good little women. Good little vampire women, that is. Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy have grown up since you last read their tale, and now they have (much) longer loves and (much) more ravenous appetites.

With a classic as beloved and close to perfection as Little Women, what better way to improve on it than be throwing vampires into the mix? Teens will be agog and aghast at the hilarity of the sisters' transformation and will crave the bloodthirsty drama on every page.

This actually looks sort of hilarious and theirs a small add on the back touting the next release in the series, Romeo & Juliet & Vampires.

The Hidden Boy by Jon Berkeley


Release Date: Available Now from Katherine Tegen Books

Synopsis:

You are the lucky winner of a Blue Moon Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure. It’ll be the trip of a lifetime! The tour leaves from the Blue Moon office at 11 p.m. sharp. Groups of seven only. No pets.

When the Flints win the trip to Bell Hoot, they board Captain Bontoc’s Blue Moon Mobile with the expectation of a grand holiday. Then something terrible happens: Bea Flint’s little brother, Theo, disappears on the journey, and the peculiar Ledbetter clan of Bell Hoot, who call Theo the Hidden Boy, is more desperate than even Bea and her family to find him. Bea will have to trust herself and the weird and wise words of an old man called Arkadi in order to find Theo. In her search, she’ll discover that Bell Hoot is more than a vacation destination, a wish is no good unless you give it legs, and Mumbo Jumbo is much more than nonsense—it’s hidden potential that she can find within herself.

Jon Berkeley sends readers on the adventure of a lifetime with this first installment of a saga about a mysterious place called Bell Hoot, where strange and wonderful things happen.


The Shadow Project by Herbie Brennan


Release Date: Available Now from Balzer & Bray

Synopsis:

Danny Lipman is a thief . . . until one night he robs the wrong house. He inadvertently breaks into the headquarters of the Shadow Project, a secret government organization where teenage spies are trained to leave their bodies, using astral projection to travel around the world on deadly missions.

Danny is captured, but the Project leaders quickly realize he has a special gift. And when a key operative—the director's daughter, Opal—goes missing, he is offered a choice: join the Shadow Project or go to jail.

Danny joins and is quickly sent to investigate the Project's current target: a worldwide terrorist organization known as the Sword of Wrath. But as he gets deeper in, he discovers both the Project and the Sword of Wrath are far more than they seem. Danny and his fellow operatives are caught up in an ancient supernatural conflict and will have to learn how to survive in a world without boundaries of space or time, where the wrong choice could be their last.


Tangled by Carolyn Mackler


Release Date: Available Now from HarperTeen

Synopsis:

Paradise wasn't supposed to suck.

Not the state of being, but a resort in the Caribbean.

Jena, Dakota, Skye, and Owen are all there for different reasons, but at Paradise their lives become tangled together in ways none of them can predict. Paradise will change them all.

It will change Jena, whose first brush with romance takes her that much closer to having a life, and not just reading about those infinitely cooler and more exciting.

It will change Dakota, who needs the devastating truth about his past to make him realize that he doesn't have to be a jerk just because people think he's one.

It will change Skye, a heartbreakingly beautiful actress, who must come to terms with the fact that for once she has to stop playing a role or face the consequences.

And it will change Owen, who has never risked anything before and who will take the leap from his online life to a real one all because of a girl he met at Paradise. . . .

From confused to confident and back again, one thing's certain: Four months after it all begins, none of them will ever be the same.


House of Dance by Beth Kephart


Release Date: In Paperback, March 30, 2010 from HarperTeen

Synopsis:

Rosie and her mother coexist in the same house as near strangers. Since Rosie's father abandoned them years ago, her mother has accomplished her own disappearing act, spending more time with her boss than with Rosie. Now faced with losing her grandfather too, Rosie begins to visit him every day, traveling across town to his house, where she helps him place the things that matter most to him "In Trust." As Rosie learns her grandfather's story, she discovers the role music and motion have played in it. But like colors, memories fade. When Rosie stumbles into the House of Dance, she finds a way at last to restore the source of her grandfather's greatest joy.

Eloquently told, National Book Award finalist Beth Kephart's House of Dance is a powerful celebration of life and the people we love who make it worthwhile.

The Heart is Not a Size by Beth Kephart


Release Date: March 30, 2010 from HarperTeen

Synopsis:

Georgia knows what it means to keep secrets. She knows how to ignore things. She knows that some things are better left unsaid. . . . Or are they?

When Georgia and her best friend, Riley, travel along with nine other suburban Pennsylvania kids to Anapra, a squatters' village in the heat-flattened border city of Juarez, Mexico, secrets seem to percolate and threaten both a friendship and a life. Certainties unravel. Reality changes. And Georgia is left to figure out who she is outside the world she's always known.

Beth Kephart paints a world filled with emotion, longing, and the hot Mexican sun.



Stargazer by Claudia Gray


Release Date: Available Now from HarperTeen

Synopsis:

The vampire in me was closer to the surface . . .

Bianca, born to two vampires, has always been told her destiny is to become one. But she has fallen in love with Lucas, a vampire hunter who infiltrated Evernight Academy, the exclusive vampire boarding school she attends. Bianca will do anything to be with Lucas, even if it means lying to the powerful vampires of Evernight.

Her deceit leads her to dig deep into the mysteries of the school, and Bianca discovers that even those she trusts the most have their own dark secrets. When a ghostly force begins attacking Evernight—and targeting Bianca—she learns a shocking truth about her past that will forever change her future.


Young Samurai: The Way of the Warrior by Chris Bradford


Release Date: Available Now from Hyperion Books CH

Synopsis:

Jack Fletcher is shipwrecked off the coast of Japan, his beloved father and the crew lie slaughtered by ninja pirates.

Rescued by a legendary master swordsman and brought under his wing, Jack begins the grueling physical and psychological training needed to become a samurai. Life at Samurai school is fraught with difficulty for Jack who is bullied and treated as an outcast.

With his friend the remarkable, beautiful Akiko at his side and all the courage he can muster, Jack has to prove himself. Will he be able to face deadly rivals and challenges that will test him to his very limits?


Young Samurai: The Way of the Sword by Chris Bradford


Release Date: Available Now from Hyperion Books CH

Synopsis:

After a vicious ninja attack left him orphaned and stranded in Japan, Jack Fletcher managed to complete his first year of samurai school. Still, his troubles are far from over. The prejudice of his Japanese classmates has gained him dangerous enemies within his school, and Dragon Eye – the ninja who killed his father – is still after him. Jack’s only hope of defeating them lies in surviving the Circle of Three: an ancient ritual that tests a samurai’s courage, skill, and spirit to the limit.

For most, gaining entry into the Circle means honor and glory, but for Jack it’s a matter of life or death. The winner will be trained in the Two Heavens—the formidable sword technique of the great samurai, Masamoto. Learning this secret is the only hope Jack has of protecting his father’s rutter -- the invaluable navigation guide of the world’s uncharted oceans -- from Dragon Eye.

Forced into a deadly battle, Jack’s going to have to master the Way of the Sword. And his time is running out.

Purchased:

The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Spring Break=Disney Trip!!

So, it's Spring Break. Spring Break from my job and Spring Break from Grad school, so I am heading to my very favorite place on Earth, Disneyworld. I will try to post from there, but it'll most likely be memes, etc. Hopefully I can post some pics, too.

Hope everyone has a fantabulous week!!

Of All the Stupid Things by Alexandra Diaz

Release Date: Available Now from EgmontUSA

Source: From Publisher

Synopsis:

When a rumor starts circulating that Tara's boyfriend Brent has been sleeping with one of the guy cheerleaders, the innuendo doesn't just hurt Tara. It marks the beginning of the end for an inseparable trio of friends. Tara's training for a marathon, but also running from her fear of abandonment after being deserted by her father. Whitney Blaire seems to have everything, but an empty mansion and absentee parents leave this beauty to look for meaning in all the wrong places. And Pinkie has a compulsive need to mother everyone to make up for the mom she's never stopped missing. This friendship that promised to last forever is starting to break under the pressure of the girls' differences.

And then new-girl Riley arrives in school with her long black hair, athletic body, and her blasé attitude, and suddenly Tara starts to feel things she's never felt before for a girl--and to reassess her feelings about Brent and what he may/may not have done. Is Tara gay--or does she just love Riley? And can her deepest friendships survive when all of the rules have changed?

I thought this was a great read. It painted the perfect picture of how one rumor can grow and grow until it literally changes everyone's life. The story felt very real to me and these characters seemed like a group that I might have hung out with in high school, although nothing near this exciting ever happened with my friends. Oh well....if I had it all to do over again, eh?

I loved the fact that the story was told from alternating viewpoints, because at times, I wanted to strangle one of the characters. It was nice at these times to be able to spend quality time with a different character. It made me not want to strangle that other girl so very much.

I continue to be impressed with the books that EgmontUSA is turning out. I think they've had such a phenomenal starting line up that I can't wait to see what they're going to turn out next. I know I'm looking forward to more from Diaz, in fact, I'd love to catch up with these characters a year or two later to see where they are in life.

Great read!!

Waiting on Wednesday (56)--The Queen's Daughter by Susan Coventry

Release Date: June 8, 2010 from Henry, Holt & Co.

Synopsis:

Joan’s mother is Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, the most beautiful woman in the world. Her father is Henry II, the king of England. She loves them both—so what can she do when she’s forced to choose between them? As her parents’ arguments grow ever more vicious, Joan begins to feel like a political pawn. When her parents marry her off to the king of Sicily, Joan finds herself with a man ten years her senior. She doesn’t love him, and she can’t quite forget her childhood crush, the handsome Lord Raymond. As Joan grows up, she begins to understand that her parents’ worldview is warped by their political ambitions, and hers, in turn, has been warped by theirs. Is it too late to figure out whom to trust? And, more important, whom to love?

I love historical fiction and it's been too long since I've read any. I haven't read a lot about Eleanor of Aquitaine, so I am very, very excited for this one...plus, it has yet another beautiful cover.

In My Mailbox (49)

As always, In My Mailbox is brought to you by Kristi, AKA The Story Siren.

I only got on book in the mail this week. It was a complete surprise and rather random, but I'm excited for it anyway.

For Review:

Mr. Monster by Dan Wells


Release Date: Available Now in the UK from Headline

Synopsis:

From the author of I AM NOT A SERIAL KILLER...

John Wayne Cleaver has always known he has a dark side but he’s fought hard to oppress it and live a normal life – separating John from Mr Monster to survive. But after confronting and destroying the vicious killer that was terrorizing his town, his inner monster is getting stronger and harder to contain.

And now more bodies are being discovered...

With the police failing to catch Clayton County’s second serial killer John is going to have to use his secret knowledge of the first demon-killer to trap the second...but will he be able to avoid suspicion falling on him, and, in the face of extreme horrors, will he be able to restrain Mr Monster?

Purchased:

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
Beautiful Dead by Eden Maguire
Anastasia's Secret by Susanne Dunlap

That's it for me this week. I can't wait to see what everyone else picked up.

The Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novels 1-4 by Ann M. Martin and Raina Telgemeier

Release Date: All available now from Scholastic

Source: Personal Collection

Synopsis (Book 1)

In this new graphic novel edition of the very first BABY-SITTERS CLUB book, Raina Telgemeier captures all the drama of the original in warm, spunky illustrations. Witness Kristy's eureka moment, when she gets the idea for a "baby-sitters club" and enlists her best friends, shy Mary Anne and artistic Claudia, in an exciting new venture. But the baby-sitting business isn't the only thing absorbing their attention: Kristy is having a hard time accepting her stepdad-to-be, and the newest member of the gang, Stacey, seems to be hiding a secret.

I grew up reading The Baby-Sitters Club books. I was just the right age when they started coming out and I was obsessed. My friends and I even started our own club, although I don't think any of us were actually babysitting at the time. Even though I was a big fan, or maybe because I was a big fan, of the original series, it took me a long time to get around to the graphic versions. I think I felt like I would just rather see the original books still on shelves.

It is pretty amazing how much staying power this series has. When I was at the bookstore, at least once a month someone would come in looking for the series, and I always had to turn them away or offer the graphic version.

Recently I read Smile by Raina Telgemeier and I loved it, so I decided it was high time I got around to this series. I'm so glad I finally picked them up. It was wonderful to get to know the club once again and in a whole new way. The stories are familiar, the characters are familiar, but when you see them brought to life before your eyes, it really is a wonderful experience.

Telgemeier does a beautiful job capturing the spirit of each of these characters. As a longtime fan, I felt that rather than take away from the books, these graphic novel versions simply add to the world and make it a much richer place to be. Her illustrations are wonderful and completely spot-on.

Luckily, the original books will soon be sharing the shelves with these. The first of the re-released books comes out on April 1st. I'm very excited, although a little weary, because I heard they were updating them. As long as they don't take away from the charm of the originals, I will be happy. If they do half as good a job as Telgemeier has done, I will be thrilled. Check these out whether you're a BSC fan or not, they will capture your heart.

The Enemy by Charlie Higson

Release Date: Available Now in the UK from Puffin Books/ Available May 18, 2010 in the US from Hyperion Book CH

Source: Personal Collection

Synopsis: (UK)


When the sickness came, every parent, police officer, politician--every adult--fell ill. The lucky ones died. The others are crazed, confused and hungry. Only children under fourteen remain, and they're fighting to survive.

Now there are rumours of a safe place to hide. And so a gang of children begin their quest across London, where all through the city--down alleyways, in deserted houses, underground--the grown-ups lie in wait.
Synopsis: (Amazon US)

In the wake of a devastating disease, everyone older than sixteen is either dead or a decomposing, brainless creature with a ravenous appetite for flesh. Teens have barricaded themselves in buildings throughout London and venture outside only when they need to scavenge for food. The group of kids living at Waitrose supermarket is beginning to run out of options. When a mysterious traveler arrives and offers them safe haven at Buckingham Palace, they begin a harrowing journey across London. But their fight is far from over— the threat from within the palace is as real as the one outside it. Full of unexpected twists and quick-thinking heroes, The Enemy is a fast-paced, whiteknuckle tale of survival in the face of unimaginable horror.

First of all, I think it's interesting that the UK version of the synopsis says that no one over 14 was affected, while the US version puts it at 16. That's the only reason I printed both. I'm just wondering if the US synopsis is wrong, or if they are really changing the age in the US version. I guess I'll have to read and find out.

This was a great read!! I love zombies--zombie movies, zombie books. zombie comics--every kind of zombie you can thing of....I love them. So, when I originally read the description for this book on Wondrous Reads, I knew I had to have it. It just took me awhile to get up the nerve to order it from the UK, because it costs so darned much. Thanks to my weakness for books, though, soon it was in my hot little hands.

If you like horror or post-apocalyptic fiction, you should definitely check this out. It's a non-stop scarefest and it's beautifully written at the same time. It shifts seamlessly between the viewpoints of different characters who are all experiencing their own terrors while trying to make their way to "safety."

It's got a lot of elements of Lord of the Flies as well, as these young people strive to rebuild some semblance of their lost past, they find themselves just grasping at the hope of normalcy in the face of utter devastation. And in their quest to survive, they start to slowly turn on one another.

It's just a great page-turner that kept me reading all night. It also made me a little afraid to turn off the lights, which is exactly what I want in a zombie book. It's the first in a series, so I'm really looking forward to book 2 although there's no date for it yet. I guess I can safely turn out the lights at least for a little while longer.

Waiting on Wednesday (55)--White Cat by Holly Black

Release Date: May 4, 2010 from Margaret K. McElderry

Synopsis:

Cassel comes from a family of curse workers -- people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they're all mobsters, or con artists. Except for Cassel. He hasn't got the magic touch, so he's an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail -- he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.

Ever since, Cassel has carefully built up a façade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his façade starts crumbling when he starts sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He's noticing other disturbing things, too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him, caught up in a mysterious plot. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of a huge con game, he also wonders what really happened to Lila. Could she still be alive? To find that out, Cassel will have to out-con the conmen.

Holly Black has created a gripping tale of mobsters and dark magic where a single touch can bring love -- or death -- and your dreams might be more real than your memories.

New Holly Black......enough said!!

The Dead-Tossed Waves Trailer!

Check this out!! I can't wait for this book. I love the first one and get this....it comes out March 9th, so we don't even have to wait too long. YAY!!