Stacking the Shelves #32

Stacking the Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews in which we feature all the book goodness that we received, borrowed or purchased during the previous week. All links are to Goodreads.

Hi there gorgeous people!  This week I went back to work after a restful few days off.  I did have a good book week, I hope you did too :)

Purchased - Physical Books

Vampire Academy: The Graphic Novel by Richelle Meade, Emma Vieceli and Leigh Dragoon - I have been waiting to get my hands on this one for a while.  I love the VA series and this one should be just as awesome.

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson - This books is one of my favorites and yet I didn't have my own copy, now I do :)

Blood-Kissed Sky by J.A. London - I enjoyed the first book in the series and I want to know what comes next.

Shades of Earth by Beth Revis - I went to BAM on Thursday and imagine my surprise when I saw this lovely there!  For some reason I thought it was coming out next week and instead I can start reading right now! 

Purchased (or Free) for Kindle

Ready or Not by Chautona Havig - This sound like so much fun!  I cannot imagine raising eight children, I think I would go bonkers is a week :)

Hopeless by Colleen Hoover - Don't shoot me, but I haven't read any books by Coleen Hoover and this one has off the charts ratings in Amazon and Goodreads, I just couldn't resist it.

Collections for Kindle Fire App - One of the things that I really missed about my Kindle 2 was the ability to put my books into collections, this app promises to do just that (for $2.99!) for Kindle Fire.  I'll let you guys know later if it works.

Library

Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulson - So pretty!  Oh, and I love mythology.

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini - Again, I love mythology and I've only heard great things about this one.

Review

Shy Town Girls by M.G. Wilson, Jennifer Yih - Thanks to Networdling Publishing for the opportunity.

Jack Templar, Monster Hunter by Jeff Gunhus - For a blog tour next month

In other news, hubby got me another bookshelf, that totals now four 'Billy' shelves (from Ikea).  The poor thing is hoping that I stop buying books (of course, not going to happen!)

What is stacking your shelves this week?

Top of 2012: Books I'm Looking Forward to in 2013

Top 10 of 2012 is a meme hosted by these wonderful blogs: Fiktshun, A Life Bound by Books, Confessions of a Bookaholic, Two Chicks of Books, andMagical Urban Fantasy Reads

Hello gorgeous people!  2013 promises to be an incredible year for YA.  My TBR list in Goodreads is overwhelming by now and I will probably never read that many books anyway, but a girl can only hope, right?

Here are some of the lovelies that I’m waiting for next year:

The Sequels:

1.  Shades of Earth (Across the Universe #3) by Beth Revis – Finally!  The conclusion to the series, I can’t wait to see if they revive everyone from Earth, what the new planet looks like and if Amy and Elder end up happy and together :)

The names change between the UK and US editions

2.  Legacy (Wintercraft #3) by Jenna Burtenshaw – The fantasy series is a jewel to me, full of magic, traitors, fear and courage.  It has already been published in the UK, but sadly, not on the States, yet.

3.  Throne of Glass #2 (untitled) by Sara J. Maas – I’m dying to see what happens next with our heroine and her suitors and I can’t wait to see the king defeated. (No book cover yet)

4.  If I Should Die (Revenants #3) by Amy Plum – After that mean cliffhanger, it’s no wonder I cannot wait for the third book.  I routing for you Vincent!

5.  Sweet Peril (The Sweet Trilogy #2) by Wendy Higgins – Book one was pure awesome!  I needed this one, like, yesterday.

The Stand Alone:

6. Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins – By the author of Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy next door, this promises to be as good. (No book cover yet)

7.  The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen – I will read anything she writes. Anything.

8.  This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith – The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, was really good, I can’t wait to see what this Smith comes up with next.

New Series:

9.  Just One Day by Gayle Forman – I’ve already heard wonderful things about the lucky souls that received an ARC of this one.  Did you read If I Stay?  Did you love it?  Thought so.

10. Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School #1) by Gail Carriger – If you’ve read Soulless (although I haven’t keept up with this adult series, it’s still amazing!), you know why I’m eagerly waiting for this one.  It should be epic!

And Because I Couldn’t Stop at Ten…

Beautiful cover, right?

Awaken (Abandon Trilogy #3) by Meg Cabot  - Underworld also ended in kind of a cliffhanger… finally we get to see John and Pierce happy (*crossing fingers*)

Divergent #3 (Untitled) by Veronica Roth – Although I haven’t read Insurgent yet, Divergent was outstanding, maybe I get to read both together next year :) (No book cover yet)

The Bitter Kingdom (Fire and Thorns #3) by Rae Carson -  I finished book two last night and Oh, my!  Just, wow! (No book cover yet)

Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin #2) by R.L. LaFavers  - I loved Grave Mercy, and these kick-ass heroines are amazing, plus, I hope that we get to see a bit of Ismae and Gavriel.

Gates of Paradise (Blue Bloods #7) by Melissa de la Cruz – Finally!  The conclusion of the Blue Bloods series!

Can I keep going?  I guess rules are rules (*pouting*)  

Top 10 of 2012: Best Couples of 2012

Top 10 of 2012 is a meme hosted by these wonderful blogs: Fiktshun, A Life Bound by Books, Confessions of a Bookaholic, Two Chicks of Books, andMagical Urban Fantasy Reads

Today's Top Ten is a 'fill-in-the-blank' from several choices and I selected couples (the romantic in me was begging me to!).  These are from books that I read this year. Here they are:

1.  Marianne and Phillip from Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson - I raved about this book in my post on Monday, I just adore the Austen-like story and its amazing characters.  

2.  Echo and Noah from Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry - What I love most about this couple is that together they become whole, a better version of themselves.  They get each other at a deeper level that it's had to understand.

3.  Elder and Amy from A Million Suns by Beth Revis - Although I wasn't sure that these two were ever going to become a couple, they went through a lot and managed to get to the other side together.  I can't wait to see what happens next!

4.  Lyla and Tripp from Guitar Notes by Mary Amato - Lyla and Tripp are not a romantic couple (although I can wish and use my imagination, right?), but they are so attuned to each other and it reflects on the music they write together. 

5.  Deryn and Alek from Behemoth by Scott Westerfield - How I waited for this moment!  Behemoth is the culmination of the Leviathan series and it was an amazing ride.  I wish with all my heart that we could continue with the adventures of Deryn and Alek now that they are a couple (even if they are undercover :)

6.  Meghan and Ash from Iron's Prophesy by Julie Kagawa - I may have cheated a little with this one, as Iron's Prophesy is a novella, but Ash and Meghan are one of my favorite couples of all time.  Love them!

7.  Ismae and Gavriel from Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers - What I like the most about this couple, is that Ismae deserved love after the type of life that she had before she met Gavriel.  He is so patient, tender, and considerate with Ismae, that it's a pleasure to see read.

8.  Kate and Henry from Goddess Interrupted by Aimée Carter - Poor Henry deserves his happy ending!  Although, this one was not my favorite in the series (The Goddess Legacy was better), I can't help but wish that this couple makes it at the end. *fingers crossed*

9.  Augustus and Hazel from The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - What can I say? I don't want to give anything away for those of you who haven't read it yet (btw, where have you been?), but I do have to say that I adore this couple's innate understanding of each other and their ability on finding the positive while still dealing with a devastating disease. 

10. Carmella and Howie from Wish I Could Have Said Goodbye by Shari A. Brady - Howie came to Carmella's life in the moment that she needed him the most and brought light to her darkness.  Even if she made some terrible mistakes, I am positive that they can make it at the end. 

What is in your Top Ten of 2012 today? 

Top Ten Most Anticipated Books of 2013

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and the Bookish

If the size of my TBR list in Goodreads is any indications 2013 is going to be a great year for YA.  I have so many books that I'm eager to get my hands (and eyes) on!  Most of them will probably turn out to be series (a lot of 'last' books coming up too!)

1.  If I Should Die by Amy Plum - This is the conclusion of the Revenants series, and after that cliffhanger, I just can't wait for this book. Oh my!  Did you see that there is going to be an 2.5 eBook?  The title is Die for Her and is due to be published in April (*swoons a little*)

2.  Divergent #3 by Veronica Roth - There is no even a title for the book yet, but I want it!

3.  The Final Descent by Rick Yancey - This is book number four and the conclusion of the Monstrumologist series. 

4.  Daughter of Smoke and Bone #3 by Laini Taylor - This is a yet-to-be title book, but I cannot get enough of this series!

5.  City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare - The conclusion (finally!) to the Mortal Instruments series.

6.  Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins - By the author of some of my favorite books, Anna and the French Kiss and Lola and the Boy Next Door, this book promises to be a favorite.

7.  Just One Day by Gayle Forman - If I Stay was an amazing read, this one should be great.

8.  The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen - I will read anything Sarah Dessen writes and I'm sure to love it.

9.  Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins - Love you Kaidan!

10. Shades of Earth by Beth Revis - Finally!  The conclusion to another great series. 

I knew I wouldn't be able to stop at ten!  Here are a few more:  The conclusion to the Body Finder series, the Darkness Rising series, the Wintercraft series, the Goddess Test series, and the Angelfire series; Etiquette and Espionage by Gail Carriger, Crash by Lisa McMann, Dare You To by Katie McGarry and many more...

What books are you eagerly waiting for next year? 

Review: A Million Suns by Beth Revis (Across the Universe #2)

Title: A Million Suns by Beth Revis

Published: January 10^th, 2012 by Razorbill

Source: Library

Format: Hardcover

Challenge(s):  Support Local Library

Grade rate:  A

Godspeed was once fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.

It’s been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. Everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed.

But there may be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to act on his vision—no more Phydus, no more lies.

But when Elder learns shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a mystery that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier. Their success—or failure—will determine the fate of the 2,298 passengers aboard Godspeed. But with each step, the journey becomes more perilous, the ship more chaotic, and the love between them more impossible to fight.

Beth Revis catapulted readers into the far reaches of space with her New York Times bestselling debut, Across the Universe. In A Million Suns, Beth deepens the mystery with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.

My Review

Wow!  I think I like A Million Suns more than Across the Universe!  It’s a book full of mystery and discovery and I loved it.

As you know, usually book two of a series is full of ‘fluff’, but not in this case.  Orion is still causing trouble, and I have to agree, albeit reluctantly, that he is a genius for some things.  The plot in this book is nothing short of amazing.  It is well planned and complicated, full of twists and turns.  As with Across the Universe, this installment is also told in alternating point s of view; I’m a big fan of this style because the reader can get a better insight of the characters and be in more than one place at a time.  I think this is extremely important, as Elder and Amy’s points of view are so different. 

Ms. Revis imagination knows no limits!  I love all the secrets that Godspeed and its inhabitants have kept for so long (some altogether forgotten).  What was done to all these people is quite infuriating to me, but after seeing how they reacted to the truth, I’m not sure that I would have made the same decisions.  I mean, why revel when you are literally ‘stuck’ inside a ship? 

Elder grew so much after he assumed a leadership role.  I which that he had more experience and that Amy would have helped him more to understand the benefits of a democracy.  I think that if some of the people had been included in the decisions, a lot of grief (and death) would have been avoided.  Overall, Elder did the best he could.  On the other hand, I don’t know what’s up with Amy.  She is so reluctant to act upon her feelings, and instead of living in the ‘now’ she insists of living in the past (comparing everything to her life on Earth) or thinking on a future when her parents are once more functional.  I think she could have been a great help to Elder, but no one gave her a chance, not even herself. However, Amy is probably as smart as Orion, since she could figure out his clues.

I didn’t see the end coming!  Seriously, this book has many controversial and some hateful characters, but I didn’t expect the ending AND it was a big cliffhanger for me.  I cannot wait to get my hands on Shades of Earth!

About the cover: So beautiful! I love the couple, the sense of being ‘trapped’ in a bubble looking out to the huge universe outside.  The colors and both mysterious and soothing. 

Have you read this book?  Do you like sci-fi?  

Feature & Follow Friday

Feature and Follow Friday is an awesome blog-hop hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read

This week's features are Jennifer @ Reading and Writing Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance and @ The Paperback Princess this week's question is:

Jumping Genres: Ever pick up a book from a genre you usually don't like and LOVE it? Tell us about it and why you picked it up in the first place.

I usually don't read Sci Fi, but some books, like the Across the Universe series by Beth Revis is pretty good.

I'm not too crazy about horror either, but I have to confess to loving two YA horror series: The Mostrumologist by Rick Yancey and the Benny Imura (Rot & Ruin) by Jonathan Mayberry.

What genres have you tried and loved? 

Feature and Follow Friday

Feature and Follow Friday is an awesome blog-hop hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read

This week's features are Underworld Loving Addiction and Charlotte and Marissa @ Charissa Books this week's question is:

Activity! Dreamcast your current read

I am terrible at this kind of challenge and since classes started last August I feel like I've been disconnected to the movie and TV universe.  I'll try my best: Right now I'm reading A Million Suns by Beth Revis.

Amy:

Jane Levy from the series Suburgatory - she has the right coloring, just needs longer hair.

Elder:

Taylor Lautner from the Twilight movies.  The population on board of the ship Godspeed is supposed to be mono-ethnic, meaning that everyone looks almost the same, dark hear and dark eyes. 

I am curious about your choices!  Please leave a comment and your link so I can visit back :)

Please come celebrate Reading with ABC's first Blogiversary with me!  Click here for the giveaways and remember to check often as I will post more giveaways throughout the month. 

Bookmark This Week #7

I don't know about you but I probably own a good number of bookmarks.  I think this might be the case of all bookish people, but the problem is that I can never find one when I need it.  I end up using whatever I can find - receipts, post-in notes, ribbon, take out menus - because I really don't like to bend the pages of my books (and I often borrow them from the library.)

I though it would be fun to share with you what exactly I am using as a bookmark every Monday.  Today I'm reading A Million Suns by Beth Revis. I'm using a Darkest Mercy (by Melissa Marr) bookmark.

Please leave a comment to share your bookmark with me! Oh, and let me know if you like to see this feature every week or even see it as a meme /hop. If you are reading an eBook, please comment about your eReader's cover or on what iinteresting things in your cover or case.

What are you using as a bookmark today?

Please come celebrate Reading with ABC's first Blogiversary with me!  Click here for the giveaways and remember to check often as I will post more giveaways throughout the month. 

In My Mailbox #40

IMM is a weekly meme inspired by Alea at the Pop Culture Junkie and hosted by the wonderful Kristi at The Story Siren.  All links are to Goodreads.

Purchased (Physical Books)

The Husband Hunt by Lindsay Sands- I felt like reading a romance this week and this book looks like it will fit the bill :)

A Breath of Eyre by Eve Marie Mont - I feature this book in my WOW a while ago and I can't wait to read it!

Corsets & Clockwork: 14 Steampunk Romances by various authors - I love Steampunk!

                       Purchased for Kindle

The Scarlet Dagger by Krustle Jones - I saw a recommendation from this book in another blog and decided to give it a try!

For Review

Kill me Softly by Sarah Cross - What a gorgeous cover! Thank you to Egmont USA and NetGalley

Library

A Million Suns by Beth Revis - Can't wait for the second book in the series.

Trapped by Michael Northrop - This book sounds so interesting. Have you read it?

 What is in your mailbox this week?

Top Ten Books I'm Excited to Read in 2012

Top 10 Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish

There are a lot of books in my to-be-read pile (just look in Goodreads!), but I think a lot of the books I want to read next year are sequels to series I already started (and there are too many to count).  Here are some of the books that I excited to read this year:

1.  Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Allison Moulton  - The sequel to Angelfire, one of my favorite books last year.

2.  Stolen Nights by Rebecca Maizel - I have been waiting for this book forever! Infinite Days was published in August of 2010 and the sequel is not due for publication until September, almost two years later!

3.  The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting - This will be book number three of the Body Finder series. Violet and Jay are one of my favorite couples ever!

4.  Insurgent by Veronica Roth - LOVED Divergent, need I say more?

5.  Jessica Rules the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey - This is another book that is taking forever to get here!  It is the sequel to Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side which I loved.

6.  The Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross - I really enjoy steampunk and specially The Girl in the Steel Corset.  I'm ready for the next American adventure!

7.  Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore - If you'd read Fire or Graceling I don't have to explain, right?

8.  My Life Next Door by Huntley Firtzpatrick - A contemporary YA romance, I love these.

9.  Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers - The cover is so cool, I like the image of a kick ass heroine.

10. A Million Suns by Beth Revis - What else can happen on board of the spaceship Godspeed? 

And many, many more! 

How about you?  What books are you most excited about in 2012?