Stacking the Shelves #51

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 gorgeous people! Another week gone by, we have one of hubby's nephews with us for a few weeks and my sister and nice are coming next week, so I'll have a full house! Here is what I got this week:

Purchased for Kindle

The Iron Wyrn Affair by Lilith Saintcrow - Looks like steampunk awesomeness :)

Physical Books Purchased

The Distance Between Us by Kasie West - This one comes highly recommended by my blogger friend Hannah from The Irish Banana Reviews, thus I had to get it.

With All My Soul by Rachel Vincent - This is the conclusion to the Souls Screamer series, I need to read two more books to finish it!

Won

The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden by Jessica Sorensen - I won this book from Goodreads. I've heard wonderful things about it too.  Thanks to the Hatchet group.

For Review

Shadows by Paula Weston - Thank you to Orion Children and NetGalley for the opportunity.

The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson - Oh my goodness   This is one of my favorite series EVER! I already read it and and love it, review coming closer to the publishing date. Thank you to Greenwillow Books and Edelweiss for it!

What's stacking your shelves this week?

Please note that I'm looking for a reviewer (information here).  Please help me spread the word!

Top Ten Kick-Ass Heroines in YA

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

1.  Katniss from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – I don’t need to explain this one, do I?

2.  Meghan from The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa  - You know this is one of my favorite series ever!  Both Ash and Meghan are amazing.  Let me just say that I probably would have died in the Nevernever on day one.

3.  Hermione from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling – I love both Harry and Ron, but the truth is that they would have never survived without Hermione.  She is the brains of the trio.

4.  Ellie from Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton – Fighting demons and her attraction to Will can’t be easy!

5.  Kaylee from the Soul Screamers series by Rachel Vincent – This girl has spunk!  She has seen and fight a lot of weird stuff and she keeps going strong!

6.  Celaena from Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas – This is one of my favorite characters ever.  If you haven’t read this book, please give a try.

7.  Ismae from Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers – A girl that was sired by death itself and trained to be an assassin, I hope that you don’t need a further explanation.

8.  Riley from The Demon Trapper’s series by Jana Oliver – She’s a demon trapper. Really.

9.  Saba from Blood Red Road by Moira Young  - Saba turned out to be one of the most violent female characters that I’ve read (in YA) for a while.  She kicks everyone’s ass!

10. Finley from The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross - She is fearless, super strong and loyal; a great combination is you ask me :)

What's in your Top Ten this week?

Top Ten Books to Get in the Halloween Spirit

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

I really don't like horror movies or books, but here are some great books /series to get you in the mood for Halloween:

1.   The Mostrumologist by Rick Yancey - I am right now listening to The Isle of Blood, book #3 of this series, and just like wine, these books get better and better with time.  The writing is just amazing, but be warned that it is not for the weak of heart. 

2.   Rot & Ruin (Benny Imura) by Jonathan Maberry - This is a series about zombies and it is SO good.  Not for younger readers, but it's still an amazing series. 

3.   Croak by Gina Damico - This series is both creepy and funny.  

4.   Soul Screamer series by Rachel Vincent - Banshees, reapers, demons, and all sort of supernatural beings can be found in this series, another awesome reading experience. 

5.   Clarity by Kim Harrington - If you like mystery, but monsters are not for you, give this series a try.  It does have a paranormal take, but it is more about the mystery than anything else. 

6.   Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann - Creepy and fascinating... loved this one.

7.   Darkest Powers series by Kelley Armstrong - Necromancers, werewolves, witches and warlocks, this series has it all AND mad scientists as well.  Really good series, and the predecessors of Armstrong's Darkest Rising (The Gatherint) series. 

8.   Soulless by Gail Carriger - This is an amazing book!  I'm sad to say that I haven't been able to pick up the rest of the series yet, but I absolutely loved this one.  It has mad scientists too, and werewolves and vampires too. 

9.   Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce - A dark re-telling of the Red Riding Hood series.

10. Southern Vampires (Sookie Stackhouse) series by Charlaine Harris - If you follow HBO's True Blood, they you should pick up these books.  They are different (and in my opinion) better than the series, the last book (#13) will be published next May. 

Others to consider Harper Connelly series by Charlaine Harris, Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead, the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. 

What is in your top ten books for Halloween? 

Stacking the Shelves

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.

This week, on the 4th, hubby and I celebrated 20 years of marriage. This weekend we are planning a quick vacation to celebrate.  Also, look at what the dear man did for me this week:

That's right!  A Kindle Fire :)  My other Kindle is a K2 (second generation) and it was starting to show its age.  Do you have a Kindle Fire?  Do you love it? Got some tips for me?

  

Also, we got another Billy bookshelf from Ikea, because I was running out of space and my books from BEA were still in bags all over the basement floor. Hubby put it together for me and even helped me move some of the books.

Purchased (Physical Books)

Before I Wake by Rachel Vincent - I love the Soul Screamer series and I can't wait to see what happens next with Kaylee and Tod.

So Silver Bright by Lisa Mantchev - This is the conclusion of the Theater Illuminata series, if you haven't read it, please give it a try. 

This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel - This is a new series called the Appretinceship of Victor Frankestein, sounds interesting, right?

Kindle

Kindle Fire How-To Guide by Michael Gallagher - Because I need to learn all about my new gadget :)

That's it for me gorgeous people!  What is stacking your shelves this week?

My Top Ten Favorite Series

This week is kind of a freebie, so I decided to create a list of my favorite series.  The problems is that I have way more than ten, so it might turned out to be my top 20 instead.  Sorry!  I couldn't help myself :)

1.  The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
2.  The Wolves of Mercy Falls by Maggie Stiefvater
3.  Soul Screamers by Rachel Vincent
4.  Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer 
5.  The Iron Fey by Julie Kagawa
6.  Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday
7.  Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
8.  The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
9. Graceling Realm by Kristin Cashore
10. Divergent by Veronica Roth 

11. The Bridgertons by Julia Quinn
12. The Southern Vampires by Charlaine Harris
13. Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz
14. Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
15. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
16. Benny Immura by Jonathan Mayberry 
17.  Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston
18. Die for Me by Amy Plum
19. Clarity by Kim Harrington
20. Steampunk Chronicles by Kady Cross


Told you I have more than 10!


What did you pick for your Top Ten this week?  What are your favorite series?


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. 

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 Ali @ Alli's Bookcase and Lauren @ The Housework can Wait this week's question is:

What is one thing you wish you could tell your favorite author?

The problem with this question is that it assumes I know who my favorite author is and sadly this is a difficult thing to do.  One of my favorites is Julie Kagawa the author of the Iron Fey series.  This is what I would say:

Can we pretty please have more stories about Ash and Megan?  Even short stories (thank you for the Valentine’s treat!) would do.

Other of my favorites (I hate for them to be left out) authors are: Suzanne Collins, Stephanie Perkins, Julia Quinn, Sarah Dessen, J.K. Rowling, Wendy Higgins, John Green, Rachel Vincent, Cassandra Clare, and…

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 (*cough*hint, hint* check tomorrow ;)

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 Book that Thing!  and Laura @ Little Read Riding Hood this week's question is:

 

Have you had a character that disappointed you? One that you fell in love with and then "broke up" with later on in either the series or a stand-alone book? Tell us about him or her.

 

This is a hard question, let me see… I can think of a few instances in which I was disappointed with a character:

Gabriel from Wither by Lauren DeStefano (just finished it, review coming next week).  I just felt that we didn’t get to know him enough, that his character was not well developed.  

Rebekkah from Graveminder by Melissa Marr.  This is an adult book and I don’t feel like she was mature enough or that she knew her own mind half the time.

Pierce from Abandon by Meg Cabot.  She turned out to be too whiny for my test.  If I were given a second chance at life I would be thankful and try to make a difference!

Nash from the Soul Screamer series by Rachel Vincent.  Oh Nash!  I was so in love with you at the beginning, but you changed (for the worst I might say, even if not all his fault), I couldn’t help but change teams. 

That’s all I can think of right now.

What characters disappointed you?  Please leave a comment and a link so I can stop by :-)

Spring Fever: Top Ten Books I'd Play Hooky With

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

Translation: This is my list of Top Ten Books that I will drop anything to read.  As a warning, this has been known to happen in the past :)

1.  Destined by Aprilynne Pike - This is the conclusion of the Wings series, can't wait!

2.  Until I Die by Amy Plum - *sigh* for Vincent.

3.  Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready - Can't wait for the conclusion!

4.  Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore - I have been waiting for this book forever! If you haven't read Greceling and Fire, what are you waiting for?

5. Struck by Jennifer Bosworth - This book sounds truly awesome.

6.  Insurgent by Veronica Roth - Again, if you haven't read Divergent, start now!

7.  The Selection by Kiera Cass -  This book sound so interesting!

8.  Before I Wake by Rachel Vincent - I love the Soul Screamers series with a passsion!

9.  Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris - Although the past two books were a bit disappointing, I can't help but wishing I have book 12 of the the Southern Vampire series in my hand right now!

10. Exile by Rebecca Lim - This is book #2 on the Mercy series.

What books are in your Top Ten this week?

 

Top Ten YA Male Characters to Pine For

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

This week we have a Top Ten freebie and we get to choose our very own Top Ten.  This is my list of the dreamiest, handsomest, best male characters in YA:

1. Prince Ash from the Iron Fey Series by Julie Kagawa – Oh, my gosh!  I don’t even know where to start.  If you are familiar with my blog you know I absolutely adore Ash.  He is the epitome of every desirable characteristic in a man. LOVE ASH *period*

2. Jace from the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare – Jace is handsome, loyal, loving, and he knows how to fight for what he wants.

3. Zach from the Shade Series by Jeri Smith-Ready – You have to appreciate a guy with an accent that is comfortable enough to wear a kilt, right?

4. Tucker from the Unearthly series by Cynthia Hand – Tucker is so sweet, romantic, accepting, and loyal, I love him!

5. Edward Cullen from the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer – I know that a lot of you might not agree, but I happen to be a Twilight fan and I am Team Edward all the way!

6. Jax Stone from Breathe by Abbi Glines – Jax is not only handsome, rich and famous, but one of the best human beings I ever read about.  He is so caring and romantic that I have read the last part of this book many times.

7. Tod from the Soul Screamer series by Rachel Vincent – I have to confess that I was a fan of Nash until book three, after that I changes to be a Tod fan.  I think he’s the best of the brothers, what do you think?

8. Jay from the Body Finder series by Kimberly Derting -  I love Jay, he is so in love and he is not afraid to show it and put Violet first. Always.

9. Etienne St. Clair from Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins – Oh St. Clair!  Although he’s judgment was a little off for a while there, he was triumphant at the end.  He is handsome and charismatic, but not perfect.  Love you!

10. Harry Potter from the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling – Love Harry Potter (what’s not to love?) after all he is the chosen one.  Harry is loyal, a great friend, and so courageous. 

I am dying to see your Top Ten this week!

Enter my 300 Follower Giveaway  here!

Review: If I Die by Rachel Vincent (Soul Screamers #5)

Title: If I Die by Rachel Vincent
Published: September 27th 2011 by Harlequin
Source: Purchased for Kindle
Grade rate: A

The entire school's talking about the gorgeous new math teacher, Mr. Beck. Everyone except Kaylee Cavanaugh. After all, Kaylee's no ordinary high-school junior. She's a banshee—she screams when someone dies.

But the next scream might be for Kaylee.

Yeah—it's a shock to her, too. So to distract herself, Kaylee's going to save every girl in school. Because that hot new teacher is really an incubus who feeds on the desire of unsuspecting students. The only girls immune to his lure are Kaylee and Sabine, her boyfriend's needy ex-girlfriend. Now the unlikely allies have to get rid of Mr. Beck…before he discovers they aren't quite human, either.

But Kaylee's borrowed lifeline is nearing its end. And those who care about her will do anything to save her life.

My Review

If I Die is the fifth book in the Soul Screamer series, and I really enjoyed it.  Each of these books are packed of action, adventure, and very strange things (the kind that go *bump* at night ;)

The characters in this installment were, for the most part, known to us.  Kaylee receives very bad news at the very beginning of the book and made the best of it through the story (although it was a little irritating to keep repeating it over and over).   As you might have guesses since My Soul to Keep, things with Nash are not back to normal and honestly I don’t think I would have been able to accept and forgive all that he did as fast as Kaylee did.  Nash started as such a good character, but now I can’t seem to be able understand how weak he is.  Tod is one of my favorite characters of this series and he is very prominent in this book.  Emily and Sabine also make an appearance and they are as snarky as always, I enjoy the chemistry between the three unlikely allies.   I wish certain inevitable things would have happened in a less painful way for all involved, but the pages were filled with angst, physical and emotional pain, and a sense of urgency that is hard to shake off. 

I am sorry that this review is turning out to be so cryptic, but it is really hard to explain my feelings and impressions without spoiling it for you.  I am trying my best though! 

The plot was complicated, full of twists and turns as it is usual for Ms. Vincent and I loved every minute of it.   The story is fast paced and flows rather quickly; it was a little hard for me to digest everything that was happening, especially at the end.

If you love the paranormal and supernatural you should give a try to the Soul Screamer series.  I cannot wait to see what is going to happened with Kaylee (and her new job) and Tod.  I hope she made the right decision!

About the Cover:  I always find the covers beautiful; they turn out to be mysterious and whimsical at the same time and If I Die is no exception.  I hope the green is for hope!

Top Ten Books To Read During Halloween

I take it that this means scary books. I am not one to read really scary books (I don’t watch scary movies either), so my answers might be a little disappointing to some of you. Here it goes:

Cryer’s Cross by Lisa McMann – The cover itself is just creepy, isn’t it?  This book is mysterious, horrifying, and sweet, all in one.  

Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Maberry – This is the first zombie book I’ve read and it was incredible.  Really enjoyed it, it is a little disgusting, is action packed and full of mystery and secrets too.

Dreamhunter duet by Elizabeth Knox – After I finished these I couldn’t stop thinking about the story (and I still do!) The book has a really original plot, confusing at times, but with a good ending.

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson – This is another book that had me thinking for a while after I finished.  It involves serious discussions on medical ethics, but the creepy part is that you know (just as Jenna knows) that something is not quite right, and we discover what it is just as she does.

Soul Screamers series by Rachel Vincent – If demons, banshees, maras, reapers and other supernatural beings is what you are looking for, look no further that the Soul Screamers series.  These books are action packed, full of romance, conflict and much more.  I love them!

Morganville Vampire series by Rachel Caine – Although I haven’t read the last two books in the series, I really enjoy the residents of the Glass House and their adventures (or misadventures?)

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce – This book has a dark undertone to it and it is one of the few books around in which werewolves are the bad guys.  It is also action packed and has some kick-ass heroines.

The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross – Why is this book in this list you ask?  Well, it does have some weird characters, wouldn't you agree?  It also has plenty of scary things happening.  Loved it!

Harper Connelly or Southern Vampire series by Charlaine Harris – Technically this is not one book, but several and adult reading as well, but I really enjoy the Harper Connelly series and the first books about Sookie as well.  They are also full of creepy stuff!

Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows by J. K. Rowling – For some reason Halloween reminds me of Harry Potter, and what better book in the series than the last one!

What good "Halloween" books are on your list?

In My Mailbox #17

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

I didn't have an IMM last week, but I have a few books to share this week.

From the Library

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor - I have been dying to read this book (already started), I was so lucky to find it in the library.

For Review

Far from the War by Jeffrey David Payne - I received a copy of this book for review. It looks really good too.

.

Purchased for Kindle

If I Die by Rachel Vincent - This is book #5 of the Soul Screamers series, cannot wait to read it!

Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout - I read Daimon, which is the prequel to Half-Blood and I am really looking forward to reading book one.

What is in your mailbox this week?