In My Mailbox (2)

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.

Another large haul this week because of the gap from last time because of my hiatus status. I've been lucky to get a couple of things delivered by DHL during the postal strike but it's still delayed a few books. Fingers crossed that our mail is back next week!

So, no real picture this time because I'm at my cottage right now. I made a collage on paint for you though that only took... oh, 3.5 million years.

Review Books (both from S&S Galley Grab)

Clean by Amy Reed - I've read Amy's other book and I really liked it. This one sounds like another great emotional journey. Excited to start it!

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann - DID YOU SEE THAT BLURB?? "The Hunger Games Meets Harry Potter." I will read it and devour it and love it forever (I hope). This looks like something my sister would enjoy as well :) I love some good MG and Lisa McMann's books have been great so far.

Library Books

Across the Universe by Beth Revis - I was so excited that this one finally came in! It sounds really interesting and mostly everyone I know that's read it has loved it. It's not really my typical read but I have a good feeling nonetheless.

Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton - I've started this one and I really like it so far. Lots of fighting and Will is pretty spectacular.

Clarity by Kim Harrington - Another one I've checked out because of good recommendations.

The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima - I actually got this one before but I had to return it before I could read it. I loaned it out to a friend though (loaned a loan?) and despite how picky she normally is, she said it was good.

Red Glove by Holly Black - I neeeeed to read this one after finishing White Cat. NEED TO!

Ten Things We Did (And Probably Shouldn't Have) by Sarah Mlynowski - This book sounds cute, fun and the author is Canadian. Win.

Won (aka I enter too many contests)

So, a while back, I won an Inkpop challenge (for commenting, not writing) and I was supposed to get Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini as well as 3 other books of my choice from the Harper catalogue. Starcrossed came in a while back but the others only just arrived. I chose...

The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong - I love Kelley's other series (reviews here, here and here) and so I'm super eager to delve back into the world.

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White which I've already read and loved (review here) aaaand I'm starting to sound like a self-promotion ad. Oh well. The links are there for you to click if you want to.

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand is soooo pretty and shiny and purple <3 I've heard the story is pretty fantastic, too!    

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray was won from Irish at Ticket to Anywhere. This books looks awesome - hilarious, insightful and refreshing. I wish I didn't have so many books to read before it!

The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver (+ swag) - I believe I won this one from a giveaway hop... could be wrong though. It's from Karen at For What It's Worth and it's signed! So excited, so thank you very much to Karen :)

Free Stuff!

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater is a free audio book that's available for a limited time at Audio Book Sync until the 29th of this month. I've only listened to Part 1 of 9 so far but I'm really enjoying the experience of my first audio book so far!

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That's it. Tadaaaaaa! If you actually read through all of that, I'm amazed. Give yourself a complimentary pat on the back (uh-huh, I'm lame). I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone else has gotten over the week!

The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha

The Book of Awesome: Snow Days, Bakery Air, Finding Money in Your Pocket, and Other Simple, Brilliant Things by Neil Pasricha

Source: Borrowed from a friend
Publisher: Putnam (Penguin)
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 393

Sometimes it's easy to forget the things that make us smile. With a 24/7 news cycle reporting that the polar ice caps are melting, hurricanes are swirling in the seas, wars are heating up around the world, and the job market is in a deep freeze, it's tempting to feel that the world is falling apart. But awesome things are all around us-sometimes we just need someone to point them out. 

The Book of Awesome reminds us that the best things in life are free (yes, your grandma was right). With laugh-out-loud observations from award- winning comedy writer Neil Pasricha, The Book of Awesome is filled with smile-inducing moments on every page that make you feel like a kid looking at the world for the first time. Read it and you'll remember all the things there are to feel good about.

Ha. Hahahaha. The Book of Awesome is AWESOME! Alright, so, admittedly, that was a really lame joke but it in no way reflects the humour in the book!

Are you feeling down? Are you being bogged down with something in your life? Are you just searching for something to make you smile? Then, you need this book. I realize that I sound like an annoying informercial right now but it really was a delightful book.

It's not the typical kind of book that I read. Each item on the list has up to a few pages of explanation or back story and it really is just essentially a list of awesome things. The feeling I got when reading this book was great. It was impossible to stop a smile from forming and I found myself going "YES! That is totally awesome!" or "I love that, too!" every few pages.

I think it's remarkable for a person to notice all the little things (because really, "fixing electronics by smacking them" is nothing life-changing) in life that can just make you so happy, even if it's only for a few brief moments. So, thank you, Neil Pasricha for being so AWESOME!

Cover Comments: It's... awesome. Simple yet eye-catching. Plus, I'm a sucker for rainbow patterns.

Guess Who's Back? *insert evil laugh*

So yeah, I'm back! :) I actually just finished up my last exam about an hour ago and right now, I'm pretty much feeling like this:

Okay, so I'm not Justin Bieber. BUT my dance moves... never mind.

I actually didn't realize that I had a post scheduled for today so when I opened up my inbox to see comments, I did a bit of a double-take. I have sooooo many reviews to type up. Glad to be back! Hope I haven't missed too much :) I'm off to celebrate another finished year of high school.

Heist Society by Ally Carter

Heist Society by Ally Carter

Source: Library
Publisher: Hyperion Books
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 287

When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own—scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving "the life" for a normal life proves harder than she'd expected.  

Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring her back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful mobster's art collection has been stolen, and he wants it returned. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat’s father isn’t just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat’s dad needs her help.

For Kat there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it’s a spectacularly impossible job? She’s got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in her family’s (very crooked) history—and, with any luck, steal her life back along the way.

Heist Society was a marvellously enchanting novel. With mystery, humour and just general fun, Ally Carter wrote a story that entranced me from page one and left me eager for more.

Kat was a really interesting character. I truly never expected to sympathize with a thief (even one just born into the 'business') but I found myself really connecting with Kat. For someone skilled in stealing valuable, high-security items, Kat was remarkably normal. I actually liked the whole crew in Heist Society. I thought they worked well together and all had their unique set of quirks. I must say, Hale was my favourite (sorry, Kat!).

The plot of this book moves along quickly, making it an exciting, action-packed ride. It kept me guessing until the end and the pages that showed the days 'til deadline were wonderful. Towards the end, I was literally vibrating in my seat with excitement, shouting out at everyone that could hear me "oh my gosh, only 2 days left - WHAT NOW?"

All in all, a delightful read that kept me hooked and entertained.  

Cover Comments: What's not to love? I think it seriously represents the appeal the book had for me - the mysterious, unique, fun vibe. Pretty font as well!

Temporary Hiatus

Alright, guys, I'm sorry. I really didn't want to have to do this but...

IT'S STUDY TIME FOR THE STORY QUEEN.

So, the week after next, a little event called my long, painful, drawn-out death exams will begin. I think I'm actually more stressed out about the projects, assignments, presentations, and last-minute tests because "Oh dear! Exams are coming? Well, class, you don't look bogged down enough! Better add FIFTEEN NEW ASSIGNMENTS DUE TOMORROW for you because I'm sure your other teachers are throwing parties every class! Woot!"

So, as you can see, I'm freaking out a bit.

I should be back to normal by the end of this month but until then, I won't be posting. I'll probably still be around on Twitter (@thestoryqueen) so if you really need to talk to me about something, there's that.

Other than that, thanks for everything and I'll see you soon!

OH. I almost forgot. Do you see that follower widget? Do you see the number on that follower widget? It says 101. As in MORE THAN 100. As in you guys are the best and if I could, I would buy you all unicorns covered in sparkles. 

A huge thank you to everyone that reads, follows, subscribes and comments on my blog. You have no idea how much all of your support means to me. 

Thank you. 

Waiting on Wednesday (13)

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...

Fairy Bad Day by Amanda Ashby

Publisher: Speak
Release Date: June 9, 2011 (Tomorrow!)

While most students at Burtonwood Academy get to kill demons and goblins, fifteen-year-old Emma gets to rid the world of little annoying fairies with glittery wings and a hipster fashion sense. She was destined to be a dragon slayer, but cute and charming Curtis stole her spot. Then she sees a giant killer fairy - and it's invisible to everyone but her! If Emma has any chance of stopping this evil fairy, she's going to need help. Unfortunately, the only person who can help is Curtis. And now, not only has he stolen her dragon-slayer spot, but maybe her heart as well! Why does she think it's going to be a fairy bad day?

This book sounds like the cutest story ever. Fairy-slaying and cute boys - all in one! Plus, I love that cover. Seems like the perfect outfit for some good ol' fairy-slaying ;) Oh, and since the release date is tomorrow, there isn't even much waiting that we have to do!

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Source: Library
Publisher: Egmont
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 418

Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two.

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.

But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?

Raised by Wolves was a truly excellent novel that kept me flipping pages until the very end.

The main character, Bryn, was a wonderful protagonist. She is sassy and clever, brave and fierce. Honestly, I found myself forgetting multiple times that she was fifteen - the same age as me. Bryn, like any other person, is shaped and sculpted because of her experiences. In this case, Bryn has, as the title reveals, been raised by wolves. She is constantly surrounded by them and she fights hard not to fall into the typical hierarchy and submit to her superiors.

Raised by Wolves is a novel where I can say that I genuinely liked most, if not all, of the supporting characters a lot. Plus, since most of the characters were wolves, I loved that they actually acted like wolves. I mean, I'm all for creative license with mythical creatures but it was nice to just see the wolf dynamic shine through in this book. The characters were protective, possessive and just generally wolfish.

To be honest, the reason I liked this book isn't because of the romance. Don't get me wrong, I thought Chase was a very decent guy and I like him so far, it just didn't dominate for me. I loved that. There was enough going on with Bryn's search for independance and growth as a person, not to mention the mysterious threat looming over their heads, that I didn't want the romance to overshadow anything. I was much more interested in the relationship between Bryn and Callum, who fascinates me. The way he balanced between a father figure and a pack alpha never ceased to intrigue me.

Overall, Raised by Wolves is definitely a book I think you should read. I could go on about it a lot more but I'll leave you with the little that I have mentioned. Happy reading!

Cover Comments: I like it! It has the feel of a werewolf book with the dark tones and full moon and the font is pretty. Plus, there are trees! As you might know, I'm a little obsessed with pictures of trees.