End of Year Book Survey 2012

I participated in the End of Year Book Survey hosted by Jamie from the Perpetual Page-Turner (link will take you directly to the survey) last year and it was tons of fun. So here I am again!

And okay, yes, I am a cheater for most of these questions... you can't make me choose between my babies!

Best in Books 2012

1. Best Book You Read in 2012?

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan. And maybe there were other books I read that I thought were "better" but this book just touched me so personally. It's so, so, so many things that I want in a book and I'm so glad that I read it! <3

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn't?

I had really high hopes for Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne and it was just okay for me. I was expecting high stakes and excitement and I ended up feeling the total opposite for the most part. I still think this one had so much potential... SIGH.

 

3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2012?

I don't think I would have read Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein had it not been a Bookurious Blog It Forward novel and that would have been about the worst mistake of 2012. This book was PHENOMENAL. There are literally no words.

4. Book you recommended most to people in 2012?

Near the end of the year, that was probably Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan. Before that, Storm by Brigid Kemmerer and the Bloodlines series were popular as well. I feel I should clarify though that "recommend" is less of me calmly suggesting and more of me begging on hands and knees for people to give them a shot haha.

5. Best series you discovered in 2012?

 

This isn't really a series but I finally read Graceling by Kristin Cashore this year and I was in LOVE! I still haven't gotten to Fire and Bitterblue but I definitely plan to next year.

6. Favourite new authors you discovered in 2012?

I've only read 2 of Maggie Stiefvater's novels so far but The Scorpio Races was enough to secure her a spot on this list. Then there's also Kristin Cashore, Jennifer E. Smith and Jenny Han.

 

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

I'm so so glad that I stuck with Code Name Verity despite the fact that a good chunk of the beginning went right over my head. I don't normally read war novels or even just novels that are so technical and specific but THANK GOODNESS I did.

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2012?

Last year was Divergent and this year is Insurgent... These books are SO ADDICTING. I can't put them down for a second. Storm/Spark, Hunting Lila and The Fault in Our Stars also did very good jobs of keeping me up at night. 

9. Book You Read In 2012 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year:

 

I'm already itching for re-reads of Cinder by Marissa Meyer, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green and The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead. I can't wait.

10. Favourite cover of a book you read in 2012?

11. Most memorable character in 2012?

Can I have a tie of two characters from the same book? I thought Alina and the Darkling from Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo were both remarkable memorable for completely different reasons. With Alina, the growth and development was just so beautiful that I can't forget it and with the Darkling... I can't help but be intrigued! Ugh, he is disturbingly fascinating!

 

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2012?

I think that one goes to The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. It was just so stunning <3

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2012?

The Fault in Our Stars and Code Name Verity tie for this one. I couldn't stop thinking about either afterward and although special to me in different ways, they were both such emotional reads. My highest recommendation to you if you haven't read either of these.

14. Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2012 to finally read?

I pre-ordered and stalked my mailbox for Bloodlines by Richelle Mead and then for some mind-boggling reason, I didn't read it until May 2012. I mean, I LOVE the Vampire Academy series and so to wait this long (for Adrian!) makes no sense. At least I'm caught up now! Caught up and just as tortured in my wait for The Indigo Spell as the rest of you....

15. Favourite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2012?

"She overcame a moment of hesitation and glanced at Jared. All the lights in his crazy gray eyes were dancing. A shiver went through her, a ripple of his delight. She felt again the way she had at the Crying Pools and at her house, the thrill of sharing your secret soul and having someone think it was wonderful."
- Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan

"Oh, I wouldn't mind, Hazel Grace. It would be a privilege to have my heart broken by you."
- The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

'"We're all right, you know," he says quietly. "You and me. Okay?" My chest aches, and I nod. "Nothing else is all right." His whisper tickles my cheek. "But we are."'
- Insurgent by Veronica Roth

'"Sage," he said. "What are you wearing?"
I sighed and stared down at the dress. "I know. It's red. Don't start. I'm tired of hearing about it."
"Funny," he said. "I don't think I could ever get tired of looking at it."
- The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

"It's like being in love, discovering your best friend."
- Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein (and another one from here (you know which one) but I CAN'T. MY HEAAAAAAAAARRRRT! *endless sobbing*)

And I will stop myself now.

16. Shortest & Longest Book You Read in 2012?

Shortest: A Girl Named Digit by Annabel Monaghan (187 pages) -- tiny but packed with awesome!
Longest: The Diviners by Libba Bray (592 pages) -- you monster. But SO GOOD.

17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.)
The endings of Code Name Verity (or even the end of Part I) and Unspoken. I was DESTROYED after both of those.

18. Favourite Relationship From A Book You Read In 2012 (be it romantic, friendship, etc.)

The crazy co-dependent relationship of Kami and Jared from Unspoken is fascinating. Not always healthy... but fascinating. And I can't help but love it. And then there was the best friendship ever in Code Name Verity <3 <3 <3 (wow, have I mentioned these 2 books before somewhere??)

19. Favourite Book You Read In 2012 From An Author You Read Previously

Still Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan! (and okay, I have linked it enough times LOL)

20. Best Book That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else:

Hands down, the entrance of Brigid Kemmerer and her ridiculously fantastic novels into my life is thanks to Brodie and Sarah. They always have THE best recommendations. What would I do without you two?

Book Blogging/Reading Life in 2012

1. New favourite book blog you discovered in 2012?

Oh, there are so many good ones! I'm going to have to go with Sam from Realm of Fiction. Sam is a SUPERHUMAN! Her blog is always ready with amazing, insightful reviews for me to read and she's the sweetest. And then there's Mimi from Mimi Valentine who was like my soul sister, seriously. I miss you, Mimi! <3 OH, and Alex from Alexandra's Scribblings has some beautiful writing and I love talking to her about books... we have such similar taste, it's wonderful :)

2. Favourite review that you wrote in 2012?

Hmmmm... maybe my review of Spark by Brigid Kemmerer? I have to do more 5 Reasons to Read style reviews, I always have so much fun with them!

3. Best discussion you had on your blog?

In terms of page views, it's hands-down the post I did on Why Fantasy Rocks. I also got a bunch of e-mails over that one from people looking for some fantasy recommendations. Yay fantasy!!

4. Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else's blog?

Oh man. I KNOW that I've read some good ones but I never mark them down! I don't know if this counts or not but I thought Cassandra Clare's post on rape myths and rape culture was very well done. It's worth a read but beware of City of Lost Souls spoilers if that concerns you.

5. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

The Ontario Blogger Meet-Up was just straight-up awesome.

6. Best moment of book blogging in 2012?

I don't think I have one particular moment but just those times where I'm interacting with other bloggers and gushing about everything under the sun... those are the best :)

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog?

Again, the Why Fantasy Rocks post!

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

Hahaha, all of them? <3 I was kind of surprised that the Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side giveaway post didn't get more attention but I guess it was an older release + Canadian only giveaway.

9. Best bookish discovery?

I've been thinking about this for the past ten years and I've still got nothing. SKIP.

10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

I completed the Debut Author Challenge (yay!) but that's all. I'm still 5 books short for the YA Contemporary Challenge and I am so hopelessly behind on my GR goal that I don't really want to check.... Oh well. According to this survey, I only read like 3 books anyway, ha.

Looking Ahead...

1. One Book You Didn't Get To In 2012 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2013?

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver. OMG guys. This was my #1 most anticipated of 2011 and I FAILED. Now that Ashley has generously given me a copy of it, I have no excuse!

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2013?

Tadaaaaa!

3. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Blogging/Reading In 2013?

I want to do more book chatting with other bloggers. It's the best part of blogging for me and so why don't I do more of it? And okay, I want to read more too because this year was kind of a flop on the total number of books read. And one last thing: perhaps this is the year I will force convince my dad to read Harry Potter! It was happened for my mom and sister. FATHER, YOU ARE MINE.

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Wow, I don't remember last year's survey taking so long but I'm at the finish line! Thanks so much to Jamie for hosting this. And thank YOU for reading! I dearly hope that I have not bored you to tears.

Top Ten Books I'm Looking Forward To in 2013

 

Top 10 of 2012 is hosted by A Life Bound By Books, Confessions of a Bookaholic, Fiktshun, Magical Urban Fantasy Reads and Two Chicks on Books. Clicking on any of these links should give you more information about the event if you're interested.

 

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Splintered by A.G. Howard

 

The good reviews for this book are already starting to pour in and I CAN'T WAIT! I wouldn't call myself a huge Alice in Wonderland fan but I am crazy excited to read a retelling for it. So much potential! At least I won't have to wait too long for this one... it's out the first day of 2013.

 

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The Archived by Victoria Schwab

 

I LOVED Victoria's debut novel The Near Witch and so I'm stoked to read her second novel! Just the first line of the summary has me daydreaming about more of the story: Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.

 

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The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

 

I tried reaaaaally, really hard to keep next-in-a-series books off this list (not because I'm not excited, because there are way too many!) but this one just sneaked itself in ;) I am SO excited to read more about Sydney and Adrian, so excited! If you have not yet started this series, get on it!

 

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Poison by Bridget Zinn

 

This summary sounds so unbelievably awesome... After the Poison Study series by Maria V. Snyder, I'm permanently sold on poison novels (um... why aren't there more?) and so hopefully this won't let me down! I just read a few unenthusiastic reviews which are kind of disappointing but hopefully I will be different and love it to pieces!

 

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This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

 

I am a SUCKER for this summary. I used to search up stories just like this on Fanfiction when I was younger LOL -- it's clearly made for me! I loved The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight when I read it earlier this year and so hopefully this one will wow me as well.

 

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(Not the official cover... YET)

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

 

I worship Stephanie Perkins. WORSHIP HER. And also, it's okay to be totally jealous of my Paint skillz... most people are ;)

 

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Icons by Margaret Stohl

 

I've never read anything by Margaret Stohl except for her short story from the Enthralled anthology (and I actually wasn't a fan of that particular story but let's forget that). The first time I read the summary on GR, I was ready to cry that I didn't have the book in front of me... Is it May yet?

 

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When You Were Here by Daisy Whitney

 

Gosh. This sounds emotional and hopeful and did I mention emotional? I can't wait. I haven't read any of Daisy's novels either -- although I just got her other two novels! -- but I've heard great things. And this one just sounds remarkable already :)

 

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(They just get better and better...)

The Night Itself by Zoë Marriott

 

Just in case it's not obvious... those lines coming from the cat's backside are its tails. BUT YOU KNEW THAT. Everything about this book sounds fantastic. I neeeeed to read it!

 

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Mind Games by Kiersten White

 

I love love looooove the Paranormalcy series and Kiersten White in general. I can't wait to read something fresh and exciting from her! And also, this cover is beyond gorgeous. So. Pretty.

 

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And there you are! Making this list was hands-down the most fun of the entire week (and also time-consuming!) because I got to go through so many books on my TBR shelf on Goodreads and just realize how much goodness there is to come next year in YA. For some reason, I didn't have a list like this from last year and I think it'll be interesting to go back to this at the end of next year and see which ones I actually read. 





Top Ten Villains of 2012

Top 10 of 2012 is hosted by A Life Bound By Books, Confessions of a Bookaholic, Fiktshun, Magical Urban Fantasy Reads and Two Chicks on Books. Clicking on any of these links should give you more information about the event if you're interested.

 

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Naughty John - The Diviners by Libba Bray

 

I get shivers down my spine just thinking about Naughty John. He haunted not only the entire novel but my every waking thought after reading it. I'd go into this novel expecting quite a high creep factor if I were you.

 

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The Lynburn family - Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan

 

This family is both creepy and fascinating... quite the winning combination ;) I can't WAIT to unearth more of their secrets in the coming novels.

 

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Shar - (You) Set Me on Fire by Mariko Tamaki 

 

I actually really hated Shar the entire time I was reading this novel. She's selfish, manipulative and destructive but I guess this list would be a little incomplete without some of those classic villains.

 

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SS-Hauptsturmführer von Loewe and Fräulein Anna Engel - Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

 

I suppose this could be the Gestapo in general but these two characters really started to feel personal as I was reading. I don't even know what to say about them... just... top ten villains for sure.

 

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Cole Stockton - Everneath by Brodi Ashton

 

There is clearly a lot of emotion and information hiding just under the surface with Cole and I loved the little glimpses of them, whether it was genuine affection for Nikki or something much darker. This boy was such an enigma and I'm having a blast trying to figure him out!

 

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The Darkling - Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

 

I am at such a loss for words that I'll just quote the amazingly talented Brodie here: "Whether he's on the page or not, he still leaves a lingering trace of darkness so you won't, you can't forget he is still there, waiting in the shadows. He is a fascinating character, with frighteningly delicious appeal."

 

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The Hotel Staff - Illuminate by Aimee Agresti

 

This is the kind of villain that lurks in the background. It's that evil that you know exists but don't know the ways in which it functions. The hotel staff of Illuminate were so perfect that it was kind of freaky.

 

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Leck - Graceling by Kristin Cashore

 

I'm late to the party with this one but it makes my list since I just read Graceling this year :) Ahh, LECK. So horrible. So very horrible.

 

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Queen Levana - Cinder and Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

 

Queen Levana gives me the CHILLS! She knows she's evil, everyone in the novel knows she's evil and you as the reader sure as heck know she's evil but she's so powerful that you have no choice but to wait for her next move.

 

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The Creepy Dystopian Government - Every Dystopian Novel

 

I'm still on that dystopian kick and the power systems aren't getting any nicer.

Top Ten Covers of 2012

 

Top 10 of 2012 is hosted by A Life Bound By Books, Confessions of a Bookaholic, Fiktshun, Magical Urban Fantasy Reads and Two Chicks on Books. Clicking on any of these links should give you more information about the event if you're interested.

 

Now, who's ready for some eye candy?

 

 

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

 

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Everneath by Brodi Ashton

 

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For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund

 

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Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

 

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The Last Princess by Galaxy Craze

 

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Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill

 

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Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

 

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The Unnaturalists by Tiffany Trent

 

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Vessel by Sarah Beth Durst

 

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Wake by Amanda Hocking

 

*sigh* So beautiful... my pretties... *bundles up in arms and tucks into bed*

Top Ten Books of 2012

It's that time of year again! For the next five days, I'll be participating once again in the Top Ten Week event hosted by A Life Bound By Books, Confessions of a Bookaholic, Fiktshun, Magical Urban Fantasy Reads and Two Chicks on Books.

Narrowing these lists down to ten is always tough and this time was no exception. But after long periods of pain and denial (mostly kidding), I present to you, in no particular order:

The Top Ten Books I've Read in 2012

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan
My Review

So this list is in no particular order... minus this book. I can officially say that Unspoken was my absolute favourite novel of the year. The characters and the setting and the dialogue and the humour and MY EMOTIONS CANNOT WAIT FOR MORE AWESOME. Sarah Rees Brennan is an evil mastermind and I will gladly wait as long as necessary for the next installment <3

 

 

Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

My Review 

 

This series is pretty much the best ever. The characters and relationships are so complex and realistic... I LOVE IT. I've fallen head over heels for the Merrick boys.

 



 

The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

My Review

 

Richelle Mead strikes again in her 2012 YA novel. I'm sensing a pattern here but... these characters! I love Sydney and Adrian to death <3 I love how much they've grown as individuals and can't wait to see how much more they will. Sidenote: my sister's hooked on the VA series too, YIPPEE! I can't wait for her to start on Bloodlines, she's almost there! :')

 

 

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

My Review

 

Epic fantasy with fantastic character development and mind-blowing world-building? Yes, please. If you're interested, this is the book for you. Besides, there's a Veronica Roth blurb! I mean, my taste is questionable perhaps but the woman who put together Tris and Four? Can't beat that ;)

 

 

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

My Review

 

Aaaaand speaking of Tris and Four... they're back in the sequel to Divergent with even better roles! I loved this book even more than the first which is saying quite a bit. The books are so action-packed and made even better with characters that are strong and still vulnerable.

 

 

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

My Review

 

If you read no other book on this list, please please please read this one. If your reaction is anything like mine, you'll feel like you've been knocked over the head with a hammer when you're finished but it's a million times worth it. Brutal and beautiful.

 

 

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

No review yet... but soon!

 

Ohhh, this book. My emotions were on high the entire time I was reading this and I fell in love with the characters so quickly. The novel is so raw and the characters so endearing. I was living Hazel's life as I read this.

 



 

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

My Review

 

How could you not love this unique and exciting twist on Cinderella? I mean, Cinderella is a MECHANIC CYBORG. I also read Scarlet a few days ago and it's amazing!! These books are just SO captivating, I cannot stop thinking about them.

 



 

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

My Review

 

This is the most captivating, lovely book... ahh, I loved it! The language is beautiful and the novel itself is such a quiet, atmospheric read. I'm so glad that I read it!

 

 

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

My Review

 

My favourite Cassandra Clare novel to date... JEM! <3 (+ everything else)

 

Honourable Mentions

Black Heart by Holly Black

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

2012 YA Story Scavenger Hunt Part III!

Looking for this, hunters? I have today's trivia questions from Fiction Fervor's 2012 YA Story Scavenger Hunt here for you. 2012YASSH challenges you with your knowledge of young adult books published this year, and if you enter, you might win a prize! Check it out here for more info. And be sure to read the rules!

Without further ado, today's questions come from The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima.

Easy: Whom does Averill choose as Patriarch of Demonai Camp?
Medium: What part of the clan dance Hanalea’s Triumph does Han Alister play?
Hard: What is the name of the lytling who tumbled down into a ravine during a kidnapping?

Enter your answers in the form below!



Happy hunting!

Fathomless by Jackson Pearce

Fathomless by Jackson Pearce

Add to: Goodreads

Source: eARC provided by Hachette Book Group Canada (thank you! <3)

Publisher: Little, Brown BFYR

Format: Hardcover, 291 pages

Release Date: September 4, 2012

Celia Reynolds is the youngest in a set of triplets and the one with the least valuable power. Anne can see the future, and Jane can see the present, but all Celia can see is the past. And the past seems so insignificant -- until Celia meets Lo.

Lo doesn't know who she is. Or who she was. Once a human, she is now almost entirely a creature of the sea -- a nymph, an ocean girl, a mermaid -- all terms too pretty for the soulless monster she knows she's becoming. Lo clings to shreds of her former self, fighting to remember her past, even as she's tempted to embrace her dark immortality.

When a handsome boy named Jude falls off a pier and into the ocean, Celia and Lo work together to rescue him from the waves. The two form a friendship, but soon they find themselves competing for Jude's affection. Lo wants more than that, though. According to the ocean girls, there's only one way for Lo to earn back her humanity. She must persuade a mortal to love her . . . and steal his soul.

Jackson Pearce effortlessly blends fairytale and contemporary elements in this The Little Mermaid re-telling.

There is some quality writing in this novel. The entire tale was entrancing to read through and the time flew as I was reading. There's a great mixture of light and dark elements and I thoroughly enjoyed all of them.

The main characters, Lo and Celia, felt realistic while still being likeable. Although the struggles they face are more of the fantastical variety, the story is ultimately another of two girls finding themselves in a world they're not sure they fit into.

The relationship between the triplets was probably one of my favourite elements. They have such a complicated bond but it's easy to see where they care for each other. There wasn't too much of a romantic focus which was kind of nice for a change... I'm all for focusing more on friendships and family (although obviously I like some love stories too!).

An exciting new twist on a classic tale.

Cover Comments: NOOOO! :( Why did they change the covers for this series? I haven't read the first two books but I've definitely admired those illustrated covers. There could have been SUCH a cool version of that for The Little Mermaid. Oh well. Publisher knows best?

4 Golden Crowns!

2012 YA Story Scavenger Hunt Part II!

Looking for this, hunters? I have today's trivia questions from Fiction Fervor's 2012 YA Story Scavenger Hunt here for you. 2012YASSH challenges you with your knowledge of young adult books published this year, and if you enter, you might win a prize! Check out it here for more info. And be sure to read the rules!

Without further ado, today's questions come from Endlessly by Kiersten White.

Easy: What happens every time Lend and Evie are in the same room?

Medium: What do the paranormals want Evie to make for them and why?

Hard: What does Lend give Evie for her birthday/Christmas?

Enter your answers in the form below!

Happy hunting!

The Diviners by Libba Bray

The Diviners by Libba Bray

Add to: Goodreads
Source: eARC provided by Hachette Book Group Canada (thank you! <3)
Publisher: Little, Brown BFYR
Format: Hardcover, 592 pages
Release Date: September 18, 2012

Evie O'Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City--and she is pos-i-toot-ly thrilled. New York is the city of speakeasies, shopping, and movie palaces! Soon enough, Evie is running with glamorous Ziegfield girls and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is Evie has to live with her Uncle Will, curator of The Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult--also known as "The Museum of the Creepy Crawlies."

When a rash of occult-based murders comes to light, Evie and her uncle are right in the thick of the investigation. And through it all, Evie has a secret: a mysterious power that could help catch the killer--if he doesn't catch her first.

Grab yourself a comfortable seat and prepare to read, read, read. Clocking in at just under 600 pages, Libba Bray's ambitious The Diviners is filled to the top with excitement, intrigue and wonderful 1920s atmosphere.

Wow. This book. Where do I even start? It reaches into so many ideas and ideals that are fascinating to read about. There is certainly a lot going on in these 600 pages so don't start off expecting fluff but it is definitely a rewarding read if you stick with it. The scope of it is dazzlingly impressive and although I probably should have felt a little brain-dead after reading it straight through, I was actually just bouncing up and down for the sequel.

I can remember when I first learned a bunch of 1920s slang words and couldn't stop using them... The Diviners took me right back to that. The atmosphere of the book feels so authentic. Is it possible that Libba Bray actually transported me to the Roaring Twenties? It would certainly explain the very REAL fear that I couldn't help but feel as I was reading. Gah! Now I don't claim to be normally good with horrors or anything but it's been a while since I've felt this legitimately frightened. Libba Bray is quite the storyteller!

And it's no surprise that I usually like multiple perspectives. However, I don't think I've ever read another with quite this many! It actually wasn't as difficult to keep track of as I thought it would be and while it was agonizing at points to see how close some storylines ran but never met... it was a good agonizing? It was an accepted pain!

With vivid characters and stellar storytelling, The Diviners is not one to miss.

Cover Comments: Maybe this is one I would prefer IRL but... it's just kind of weird for me.

5 Golden Crowns!

2012 YA Story Scavenger Hunt!

Looking for this, hunters? I have today's trivia questions from Fiction Fervor's 2012 YA Story Scavenger Hunt here for you. 2012YASSH challenges you with your knowledge of young adult books published this year, and if you enter, you might win a prize! Check out it here for more info. And be sure to read the rules!

Without further ado, today's questions come from Fated by Alyson Noel.

Easy: What is Daire’s spiritual animal guide?
Medium: What is Auden’s band called?
Hard: What is the artist of Jennika’s ringtone?

Enter your answers in the form below!


Good luck and happy hunting!

Wake by Amanda Hocking

Wake by Amanda Hocking

Add to: Goodreads
Source: Raincoast Books for review (thank you!)
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Format: Hardcover, 320 pages
Release Date: August 7, 2012

Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs.  She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group.

Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door.  He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back.  Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever.  She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove.  They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price.  And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.

Fun and captivating, Wake is an excellent start to this new siren tale.

If you're new here (hello!) you may not know about my obsession with family bonds in novels but if not, I think you've realized! It came as no surprise to me that one of my favourite things starting off this novel -- and still even now -- was the sibling relationship between Gemma and her older sister Harper. Harper definitely fills a strong maternal role (no matter how much Gemma might protest it) in her sister's life. I found the interactions the sisters had about this not only fascinating but also pretty spot-on. I loved the dynamic that their relationship had!

The romance in the novel is strong but not overpowering. Gemma has the classic relationship with the boy-next-door and it's a very sweet one. I enjoyed reading about it (there were some adorable moments!) but for me, it was second to the budding romance between Harper and her love interest. I was so excited to read about these two throughout the novel! A lot of the times when Gemma and Alex were hanging out, I found myself wishing that it would just jump back to Harper.

Although I found most of the novel to be fairly light-hearted, things do go to another level when Amanda Hocking really gets into the action. The lore of the sirens was kind of creepy, although not as developed and interesting as I would have hoped, and kept the events rolling. I've seen some comments about the action taking a while to get started and while this is absolutely a fair comment, it worked for me. If you're in the mood to be entertained without needing to be constantly on the edge of your seat, I think Wake will work for you.

Overall, a great start to the series!

Cover Comments: This cover is so pretty! Ahh, I love it <3

4 Golden Crowns!