The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan

The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan

Add it: Goodreads
Source: Purchased
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Format: Hardcover, 452 pages
Release Date: May 3, 2011

Ever since the gods of Ancient Egypt were unleashed in the modern world, Carter Kane and his sister Sadie have been in trouble. As descendants of the House of Life, the Kanes have some powers at their command, but the devious gods haven't given them much time to master their skills at Brooklyn House, which has become a training ground for young magicians.

And now their most threatening enemy yet - the chaos snake Apophis - is rising. If they don't prevent him from breaking free in a few days' time, the world will come to an end. In other words, it's a typical week for the Kane family.

To have any chance of battling the Forces of Chaos, the Kanes must revive the sun god Ra. But that would be a feat more powerful than any magician has ever accomplished.

First they have to search the world for the three sections of the Book of Ra, then they have to learn how to chant its spells. Oh, and did we mention that no one knows where Ra is exactly?

Narrated in two different wisecracking voices, featuring a large cast of new and unforgettable characters, and with adventures spanning the globe, this second installment in the Kane Chronicles is nothing short of a thrill ride.

Rick Riordan continues the long-standing trend of high-action, hilarious novels with The Throne of Fire.

In this latest installment, the stakes have been upped for Sadie and Carter as they race to save the world -- again. I mean, no pressure, right? A group of kids still growing into their powers should be more than equipped to do things that no one else has been able to do for years and years and years (and not for lack of trying). That's what I love about Rick Riordan's work though. The task always seems huge and overwhelming but the characters really rise to the challenge and turn into a force to be reckoned with.

From page one you can tell that this book is going to have the same bursts of action as the previous one. Heists, races, fights and journeys... all come together for a seriously action-packed novel. The delivery is always so relevant and creative, I love seeing how Riordan will execute certain scenes!

The characters in this novel were charismatic as usual. They all bring something different to the table, whether it's Carter's extensive knowledge of Egyptian mythology or Sadie's gutsy decision-making. Half of the fun is getting to know these characters and reading the funny dialogue. Okay, for me, more than half.

Rick Riordan has done it again. A great sequel!

Cover Comments: I love the scene they chose to capture for the cover! It's definitely an exciting one and the way they brightened it up with all of the colours is really eye-catching.

4 stars

Where I've Been (Hiding)

Hi there.

Remember me?

Sorry for the random, unannounced hiatus that I took. The unannounced part wasn't intended but Blogger clearly decided that my explanation post was subpar and ate it instead.

So instead, you get an explanation now! Yay!

Okay, so here's what's up. I just finished my exams today (HOORAY!*) and so the past couple of weeks have been incredibly stressful for me. I'll spare you all the gory details but between my four exams, multiple summative assessments and remembering to sleep/eat/breathe/etc. in the free moments, I've been a little preoccupied. Like, I have built myself a study cave which I rarely emerge from.

Before that, there was a while when I didn't even have access to the Internet (I did have one post scheduled but that was all) so obviously that was a no-go as well. 

Now that everything is over (ANOTHER HOORAY!) and I have three whole days before school starts back up again -- on a Friday -- things should be back to normal. Who's ready for some more reviews? ;) I have, I believe, SEVEN for you (that I still have to um, write). I know, exciting.

Hope you've all been having a lovely break from me! Be sure to update me on what's new because I am hopelessly out of the loop.

*When I came home today, I did a full-out happy dance. BE GRATEFUL YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO SEE IT.

I'm so happy :D So happy! It's all over! LET THE SLEEP COMMENCE!


Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver

Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver, illustrated by Kei Acedera

Add it: Goodreads
Source: Inkpop challenge
Publisher: HarperCollins

Format: Hardcover, 307 pages

Release Date: October 4, 2011

Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice—until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone.

That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable.

Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.

From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver comes a luminous and magnificent novel that glows with rare magic, ghostly wonders, and a true friendship that lights even the darkest of places.

If you have not yet read one of Lauren Oliver's books, you are doing yourself a disservice. I am not exaggerating one bit when I say that they are exceptional and mind-blowing and that my heart hurts a little every time I have to put them down.

Liesl & Po starts off with Liesl, a little girl all alone in the attic of her late father's house. Right from the beginning, Liesl's strong, compassionate personality shines through and you'll be charmed by her attitude towards life. Soon after, Po and Bundle (both ghosts -- one human, one animal) appear and the adventure begins.

Lauren Oliver effortlessly weaves together the different storylines, all of which feature endearing heroes and horrible villains. This is a story of love and friendship, magic and hope. The illustrations by Kei Acedera add to the whimsical tone of the novel, making it feel like a real fairy tale.

So, yeah. Lauren Oliver = must-read author. If you're still not convinced, maybe this quote will change your mind?

“And this, really, is the story-within-the-story, because if you do not believe that hearts can bloom suddenly bigger, and that love can open like a flower out of even the hardest places, then I am afraid that for you the world will be long and brown and barren, and you will have trouble finding the light.

But if you do believe, then you already know all about magic.”

YEAH.

Prepare to be amazed.

Cover Comments: Perfect! If you haven't already and get the chance, take off the dust jacket! It's soooo pretty underneath with all the bright colours and such.

ALL THE STARS.

Sirenz by Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman

Sirenz by Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman 

Add it: Goodreads

Source: Won

Publisher: Flux

Release Date: June 8, 2011

Format: Paperback, 280 pages

Bickering frenemies Meg and Shar are doing some serious damage at a midnight sample sale when the fashionistas find themselves arguing over a pair of shoes-with fatal consequences. One innocent bystander later, the girls are suddenly at the mercy of Hades, Lord of the Underworld himself. To make them atone for what they've done, Hades forces the teens to become special-assignment Sirens, luring to the Underworld an individual whose unholy contract is up.  

Finding that delicate balance between their fashion addiction and their new part-time job in the eternal hellfire biz turns out to be harder than Meg and Shar expected, especially when an entire pantheon of Greek deities decides to get involved. Then there's the matter of the fine print in their own contracts...

There are two main things that Sirenz made me feel. First of all, regret that I don't read more books like it. Secondly, complete and utter HAPPINESS. Charlotte and Natalie have created such a fun, eventful story. It's wonderfully playful with likeable characters and hilarious dialogue. Where's Book 2?

Meg and Shar could not be more different. While Meg likes to spice up her wardrobe with pink and sparkly items, Shar would much rather stick to her consistent black colour scheme. Their personalities match the way they dress to a certain extent but these aren't two-dimensional characters. Seeing Meg and Shar become friends (actual friends!) is authentic and really put a smile on my face. Then again, what about this book didn't make me smile?

The mythology aspect of this novel is very well-done. It's modern and up-to-date, with things like apps on an iPhone to ground it to reality. Poor Meg and Shar have their work cut out for them as they try to complete their tasks. I mean, it's a hard enough job without multiple Greek Gods and Goddesses deciding to get involved.

Sirenz isn't a particularly lengthy book but it's also not one that bored me at all. With all of the complications that Shar and Meg run into, plus the banter that's exchanged between the two, there wasn't a dull moment.

Recommended to those looking for a quick, fun read!

Cover Comments: Cute and relevant to the story! I'm 99.9% sure that it was actually one of the authors that designed the cover (I remember reading it in a Twitter chat) but I can't remember which one now! The book also came with a bunch of fun swag and it's all adorable! When I first saw the black feathers, it was a bit of a, "whaaaat?" moment but now... *snicker*

4 stars

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Add it: Goodreads 

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Mira (Harlequin)

Release Date: December 20, 2011

Format: Paperback, 394 pages

Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life...

Okay, who wasn't filled with DELIGHT when they read this summary? It can't have been just me! Touch of Power is just my kind of book and Maria V. Snyder has impressed me on multiple occassions... it's not too surprising that I loved this book!

Avry is such a strong character. She's compassionate but also smart enough to survive in a time when her kind is being rounded up and killed. She's firm in what she believes in but also not completely unmoveable. In addition to the very capable Avry, Snyder introduces us to a whole crew of charming guys.

I really think that Maria could have written an entire novel about the characters hanging out, no plot whatsoever, and I would have been fine with it. Their interactions are funny and compelling (especially those with Belen!) and I looked forward to all of them as I was reading.

Of course, among the band of rogues is their leader -- Kerrick. Talk about a rocky start! Avry and Kerrick do not exactly start off friendly... their relationship reminded me a bit of Valek and Yelena's for those that have read the Poison Study series. It is a journey to see these two come together and one that I personally thought was well worth the hassle!

The backdrop for this novel is splendrous, exactly how I like them in fantasy. The setting is beatifully described and the world is expertly crafted. A job well done! I can't wait to see how everything -- namely the Death Lilies and Peace Lilies -- is developed in the upcoming sequels.

Maria V. Snyder is a must-read author for fans of fantasy!

Cover Comments: I love all of the vibrant colours used in this cover! Seriously gorgeous.

4 stars

In My Mailbox (12)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren which gives bloggers a chance to share the books, swag, etc. that they've received each week.

It was only when I looked at my last IMM that I realized how many things I've left out of this post but I've already taken the picture and to be perfectly honest, I don't want to walk back upstairs. So! You'll have to settle for the things I got most recently.
 

(Sigh. After trying for like 20 minutes to get this picture to rotate, I've given up.)

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith (Purchased) - Already read and reviewed this one - I loved it! I am starting to get more into contemporary as a genre and this is just one of the gems I've discovered.

Fallen, Torment and Passion by Lauren Kate (Won) - All of these come (signed!) from Rachel over at Fiktshun (who is equal parts generous and awesome). I've only read Fallen so far, but I did enjoy it and hopefully the others will meet my expectations.

Not pictured:

Goddess Interrupted by Aimée Carter (Netgalley)

Spellcaster by Cara Lynn Shultz (Netgalley)

The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams (PulseIt) - Already read this! Review soon.

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler (PulseIt)

That's all for me this week. What did you get in your mailbox? 

Waiting on Wednesday (33)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine. The purpose of the event is to spotlight the upcoming releases that readers are most looking forward to.

This week, I've chosen:

Freshman Year & Other Unnatural Disasters by Meredith Zeitlin
Add it: Goodreads
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Release Date: March 1, 2012

Kelsey Finkelstein is fourteen and FRUSTRATED. Every time she tries to live up to her awesome potential, her plans are foiled – by her impossible parents, her annoying little sister, and life in general. But with her first day of high school coming up, Kelsey is positive that things are going to change. Enlisting the help of her three best friends — sweet and quiet Em, theatrical Cass, and wild JoJo — Kelsey gets ready to rebrand herself and make the kind of mark she knows is her destiny.

Things start out great - her arch-nemesis has moved across the country, giving Kelsey the perfect opportunity to stand out on the soccer team and finally catch the eye of her long-time crush. But soon enough, an evil junior’s thirst for revenge, a mysterious photographer, and a series of other catastrophes make it clear that just because KELSEY has a plan for greatness… it doesn’t mean the rest of the world is in on it.

Kelsey’s hilarious commentary throughout her disastrous freshman year will have you laughing out loud—while being thankful that you’re not in her shoes, of course…

Doesn't that sound hilarious? I can't wait to see what kinds of situations Kelsey gets herself into! The 'OTHER unnatural disasters' part in the title is getting me curious...
Have you seen the book trailer for this yet?

LIKE I SAID. What on Earth is Kelsey going to get herself into? I'm excited! :)

What are you waiting on?

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith 

Add it: Goodreads

Source: Purchased

Publisher: Poppy

Release Date: January 2, 2012

Format: Hardcover, 236 pages

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

5 Reasons Why You Should Read The Statistical
Probability of Love at First Sight

1. There are warm, fuzzy feelings to be had.

Reading this book was kind of like reading one by Stephanie Perkins - there are giggles and squeals and that desire to pick up the book and hug it to your chest. I love some feel-good romance and self-discovery.

2. The main character, Hadley? Yeah, she rocks.

I feel like Hadley could totally be someone I know. She is super relatable and there are all these little stories about her life that make her feel so real to me. I don't know about you guys, but I do not look my hottest on a long plane ride. Guess what? Neither does Hadley! She is not always super put-together and prepared! Sometimes she says the wrong thing! Huzzah!

3. It's all set in a 24-hour period. 

Cool, right? Especially since the book is about falling in love with someone you've just met, I find it really, really interesting that it all happens in a day. Yet, with all of the mentions of things like fate and destiny -- how much does 4 MINUTES change? -- it is also kind of realistic, something that I was hoping for but not necessarily expecting.

4. FAMILY <3

You guys know how I feel about that word there... I've mentioned it often enough. Family plays a huge part in this book and is the reason behind Hadley and Oliver meeting (by that, I mean being on the plane) in the first place. Stuff hasn't been easy for Hadley after her dad left and it was great to see her work through it all with the help of some others.

5. There is this adorable British boy...

(Who saw this one coming?) OLIVER. He is so cute. He makes up these fantastic things (like obviously he's doing a research project on mayo, who wouldn't?) and smiles a lot and did I mention he is British? He is seriously amusing and endearing. I love Oliver <3 

I LOVE THIS BOOK.

Cover Comments: It's cute! I can't imagine that fitting the title on there in a nice way was an easy job but they did a wonderful job :) The entire cover is great, I think.

My Beating Teenage Heart by C.K. Kelly Martin

My Beating Teenage Heart by C.K. Kelly Martin

Add it: Goodreads
Source: Bookurious
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Release Date: September 27, 2011
Format: Hardcover, 288 pages

Ashlyn Baptiste is falling. One moment she was nothing—no memories, no self—and then suddenly, she's plummeting through a sea of stars. Is she in a coma? She doesn't remember dying, and she has no memories of the life she left behind. All she knows is that she's trapped in a consciousness without a body and she's spending every moment watching a stranger.

Breckon Cody's on the edge. He's being ripped apart by grief so intense it literally hurts to breathe. On the surface, Breckon is trying to hold it together for his family and his girlfriend, but underneath he's barely hanging on.

Even though she didn't know him in life, Ashlyn sees Breckon's pain, and she's determined to find a way help him. As her own distressing memories emerge from the darkness, she struggles to communicate with the boy who can't see her, but whose life is suddenly intertwined with hers. In alternating voices of the main characters, My Beating Teenage Heart paints a devastatingly vivid picture of both the heartbreak and the promise of teenage life—a life Ashlyn would do anything to recover and Breckon seems desperate to destroy—and will appeal to fans of Sarah Dessen, John Green, and David Levithan.

Fair warning: If you decide to pick up C.K. Kelly Martin's My Beating Teenage Heart (which you totally should if you happen to be into thoughtful, emotional reads) you may be confused at the beginning. That's okay -- just stick with it and all will be revealed.

Perhaps you'll be more like me, though. I was way too preoccupied with this book's gorgeous, gorgeous prose to be curious about what the heck was going on. It is lyrical and sometimes brutal in the way that it treats sensitive issues, but so, so worth it in the end.

Breckon is struggling. He is trying to keep a hold on his life, but ever since the death of a loved family member, it has been spinning wildly out of his control. The way that Martin deals with death, as well as other issues, is heart-achingly realistic. She approaches the subjects and the consequent reactions people have to the events with unflinching honesty. I feel like I should add too that I don't really have much personal experience with death (other than my great-grandmother a few years ago) but could still feel Breckon's pain.

Although the story is very much Breckon's, Ashlyn's narrative takes up approximately half of the book. Ashlyn was essentially helpless in what she could do for the larger portion of the novel. She is forced to watch Breckon's struggles, to see the harm he is doing to himself and to his friends. I wish there had been a bit more of a look into Ashlyn's life before 'meeting' Breckon but that's one of my only complaints. We do get to see a bit of history -- which I loved! -- I just wish there was more.

Raw and powerful, My Beating Teenage Heart is an emotional look at how to live through death.

Cover Comments: Meh. A little too bland for me, I think.

4 stars out of a possible 5

The Way We Fall Trailer

After seeing this post on Megan Crewe's blog (a giveaway is included!) I just had to share the content... a book trailer!

Isn't that creepy?? I think the video said all the right things to freak me out!

The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe will be released January 24, 2012 by Hyperion Teen. You can find it on Goodreads here!

Has anyone read the book yet? What do you think of the trailer?

How to Rock Braces and Glasses by Meg Haston

How to Rock Braces and Glasses by Meg Haston

Add it: Goodreads
Source: Review from Publisher

Publisher: Hachette

Release Date: October 24, 2011

Format: Hardcover, 304 pages

Gorgeous, uber-harsh, and uber-stylish, Kacey Simon is the undisputed social dictator of Marquette Middle School. That is, until an eye infection and a visit to the dentist leave her with coke-bottle glasses, a mouth full of metal, and... a littttthsp! Dissed and dismissed by her popular friends, Kacey is forced to hang out with a boy who wears skinny jeans and jams in his own band. But as she adjusts to life as a loser, she's surprised to find that Skinny Jeans is kind of hot and his band is pretty cool. Suddenly, hitting rock-bottom feels oddly uplifting. Could rocking braces and glasses be the best thing to ever happen to her?

In this hilarious reversal of the cool crowd versus the nerd herd, a popular girl finds herself in Loserville and realizes it's about time she paid back all the bad karma she built up as Queen Bee.

Meg Haston has created an entertaining story of fitting in at the middle school level - even if you're faced with the unfortunate problem of braces and glasses.

Kacey Simon appears to have it all - her own weekly segment on the school's TV station, the lead role in the school play and all the popularity she could want - until she gets braces and glasses. Before she can blink, her friends have deserted her and the entire school is mocking her after a YouTube video of her goes viral. Kacey isn't a character I can really claim to like, but I think that was the point. She's brutally honest to the point of bullying but she really is under the impression that she's helping.

Kacey meets and re-connects with some great people in Paige (woot!) and Zander AKA Skinny Jeans. Both of them really helped to steer Kacey on the right path and I found both of them charming.

I feel like this book requires a bit of suspension of disbelief. Look, I know that years ago, having braces and glasses were a call for mockery, but I really do think things have changed. At least where I live, almost every student has/had either braces or glasses and oftentimes both. It's not such a huge deal! Overlooking that, the storyline itself is a lot of fun. In particular, I loved the scenes where Kacey was with Zander and the band. You could see her opening up and changing for the better in a way that rings true. It was in one those scenes that I found myself starting to like Kacey - I can see the potential!

Here's the thing though. In the end, it didn't really feel like the moral of the story (a very important one!) was learned because there isn't that big moment. Not that it lacked it entirely, but I expected more of an emphasis on the fact that braces and glasses don't make you a loser. What's more is that Kacey seems to regain her popularity primarily through manipulation, rendering the entire movement a little pointless. It's still fun, but kind of shallow.

On a somewhat random note, I'm glad this is being made into a TV show! The book is one I can definitely see being translated to TV for fans of say, The Clique.

Cover Comments: It reminds me of the random doodles I draw everywhere :) Nice! (I'm guessing it will get a makeover if the TV show really takes off?)

3.5 stars out of a possible 5

Waiting on Wednesday (32)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine. The purpose of the event is to spotlight the upcoming releases that readers are most looking forward to.

This week, I've chosen:

 

Fever by Lauren DeStefano

Add it: Goodreads
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Release Date: February 21, 2012

Rhine and Gabriel have escaped the mansion, but danger is never far behind.

Running away brings Rhine and Gabriel right into a trap, in the form of a twisted carnival whose ringmistress keeps watch over a menagerie of girls. Just as Rhine uncovers what plans await her, her fortune turns again. With Gabriel at her side, Rhine travels through an environment as grim as the one she left a year ago - surroundings that mirror her own feelings of fear and hopelessness.

The two are determined to get to Manhattan, to relative safety with Rhine’s twin brother, Rowan. But the road there is long and perilous - and in a world where young women only live to age twenty and young men die at twenty-five, time is precious. Worse still, they can’t seem to elude Rhine’s father-in-law, Vaughn, who is determined to bring Rhine back to the mansion...by any means necessary.

In the sequel to Lauren DeStefano’s harrowing Wither, Rhine must decide if freedom is worth the price - now that she has more to lose than ever.

 

***

 

Talk about a captivating summary! I don't know if I thought that the excitement was over for Rhine and Gabriel after Wither but I sure didn't expect this. Carnivals and looming death and Vaughn... it should be a ride.

 

And, okay, I just have to talk about this cover. I was in love with Wither's cover. The colours in this one, however, are just... bizarre. I am trying to reserve judgement for until after I've read the book though, because I have a feeling the bizarre-ness will match the tone of the book. Rhine's pose makes me think she's sick, after all.

 

(AND GUYS. Am I crazy or is that Avril Lavigne's twin up there?)

Cover Reveal: City of Lost Souls

So, while aimlessly wandering around the Internet a few minutes ago, I stumbled upon THIS pretty picture. What? COULD IT BE the cover for...

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare(Goodreads)

I mean, okay sure, we have to wait until May 8th for this one but big deal, right? I can do it! I've waited for Cassie's books before! It's not like this will be AGONIZINGLY PAINFUL. It's not like I'll spend my time going, "CAN I HAVE IT NOW PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE?"

At least we have a pretty cover to tide us over. I like how vibrant Clary appears on the cover in comparison to most of the other things. Jace looks a lot better to me on this cover than he did on City of Bones (I mean, he was fine there but a little too... mature-looking... for my tastes).

ALSO: Go here for the exclusive prologue reveal from USA Today!

What do you think of the cover? :)

2012 Reading Challenges

Last year, when I started out as a blogger, it was March and I was mostly just trying to keep up with everything and adjust. I didn't sign up for any challenges, either because the time for that was over or because I just didn't feel ready for it. This year though, I am happily participating in two challenges (so far):

The 2012 Debut Author Challenge hosted by The Story Siren

I've actually already done a post on this challenge, but here's a re-post of the books I hope to get to. Again, it's not a final list by any means but I am super excited for all of these books.

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

The Catastrophic History of You & Me by Jess Rothenberg

Tempest by Julie Cross

Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby

Illuminate by Aimee Agresti

Where It Began by Ann Redisch Stampler

Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig

Slide by Jill Hathaway

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink by Stephanie Kate Strohm

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Also, a book that wasn't on my original list but definitely is now: The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams.

The other challenge I've signed up for is:

The 2012 YA Contemporary Challenge hosted by Katie's Book Blog and Reading Angel

I've decided to go with Level 3 (15+ books) for this challenge. A challenge it shall be! I'm confident enough that I'll be able to reach my goal though.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler
The International Kissing Club by Ivy Adams
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley
The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jansen
Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby
Where It Began by Ann Redisch Stampler
Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig
Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard
Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg
The Story of Us by Deb Caletti
In Honor by Jessi Kirby
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
The Boy Recession by Flynn Meaney
Pizza, Love, and Other Stuff That Made Me Famous by Kathryn Williams

Now, THAT was a fun list to come up with! I hadn't even realized that there were so many 2012 contemporaries that I had on my list, but there you are. I actually cut a few out because it looked kind of overwhelming.

***

This whole experience should be fun! Probably nerve-wracking, too. And stressful, if I leave it all for the end like I have a habit of doing. Let's just focus on the fun part though ;)

Are you participating in any challenges this year? Any pointers for me from those that have attempted/successfully completed them in the past? Let me know!

...

WELCOME TO 2012!

I sincerely hope that this year is the best yet for you, your family and your friends :) Read lots, enjoy the happy moments and smile brightly through it all.

(Except maybe with a lower creep factor.)