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Saturday, March 31, 2012

In My Mailbox (16)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren (and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie) to showcase any books that I have received for review, bought, borrowed, or won to read.


For Review


Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers (From Houghton Mifflin Harcourt/NetGalley)
Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin (HarperCollins/Edelweiss)
Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris (HarperCollins/Edelweiss)
Insignia by S.J. Kincaid (HarperCollins/Edelweiss)

I have already read and reviewed Grave Mercy (I loved it!). I'm reading Masque of the Red Death currently and I'm super excited to get to Unraveling and Insignia soon. Has anyone read these books yet, and if so, what did you think of them?


Purchased


Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
Crossed by Ally Condie
Liesl and Po by Lauren Oliver

I'm so excited to read Pandemonium and Crossed, sequels to two books that I loved. I've heard mixed reviews about both of them, but I'm eager to read them for myself anyway. I read Liesl and Po when it was made available for free online, and loved it so much that I needed to own a finished copy!


Won


Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta (From The Bursting Bookshelf)

Thanks to Anna from The Bursting Bookshelf for getting this book for me! I have lost count how many times Melina Marchetta's books have been recommended to me. So now I finally plan to take the plunge and make Jellicoe Road my first ever Melina Marchetta read!


Thursday, March 29, 2012

Review: Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin #1) by Robin LaFevers

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Published: April 3, 2012
Pages: 549
Source: For Review from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt/Netgalley
Rating: 4.5 Stars


Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf? 
Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others. 
Ismae's most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

In short: With an intriguing premise and a strong heroine, Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers is sure to enchant readers.
You know that when a book features nun assassins, it has got to be a good one. Seriously, how cool is the premise for Grave Mercy? Girl, trained to be an assassin by a group of nuns and to serve Death Himself - it's creative, it's intriguing, and it's incredibly strange, but also obviously awesome. To add to that, Grave Mercy is one of those books whose first few pages are made up of a map and an index of characters to keep track of things. Automatic win. All these factors indicated that Grave Mercy would have a complex and attractive plot, and as it turns out, it most definitely did.

Ismae was the strength of Grave Mercy for me. Even coming from such a dismal upbringing, abused first by her father and then by her husband, she maintains a remarkable and admirable strength of character. Once she is taken in by the convent of Mortain, she is trained in the art of combat, poison making, and seduction, all in the aim of making her an effective killing machine. She serves as a loyal handmaiden of Death, sometimes blindly following the orders of the convent, taking people's lives without question.

It is only when she meets Duval, a Breton noble who is a lot like Ismae in his practicality and strength, that she begins to doubt what the convent has taught her. Maybe her purpose as Death's handmaiden isn't to be a killing machine after all, but instead as something much more important and meaningful. I loved seeing Ismae come to this realization and develop as a character throughout Grave Mercy. And I adored Ismae and Duval's slow-burn relationship as it developed, starting out in a place of distrust and then slowly moving to a place of mutual respect and gradual affection.

At 549 pages, Grave Mercy really flew by, except perhaps in a few sections in which discussion of the politics behind who the Duchess of Brittany should marry dragged a bit. Other than that, Grave Mercy maintains a fast pace filled with action and intrigue that will captivate the reader. Grave Mercy is my first Robin LaFevers book and I don't plan on it being my last. I'm a bit disappointed that the next two books in the His Fair Assassin series, Dark Triumph and Dark Hope, will not feature a return to Ismae and Duval's story but instead will showcase the lives of two other girls from the convent, but I am hopeful that they will make an appearance at some point.

Other Reviews:
Cozy Up With A Good Read
For What It's Worth
Musings of a YA Reader
Radiant Shadows

Author Links:
Website
Blog
Twitter
Goodreads

Monday, March 26, 2012

Review: Black Heart (Curse Workers #3) by Holly Black


Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Published: April 3, 2012
Pages: 296
Source: For Review from Simon & Schuster Canada (Thank you!)
Rating: 5 Stars


Cassel Sharpe knows he’s been used as an assassin, but he’s trying to put all that behind him. He’s trying to be good, even though he grew up in a family of con artists and cheating comes as easily as breathing to him. He’s trying to do the right thing, even though the girl he loves is inextricably connected with crime. And he’s trying to convince himself that working for the Feds is smart, even though he’s been raised to believe the government is the enemy. 
But with a mother on the lam, the girl he loves about to take her place in the Mob, and new secrets coming to light, the line between what’s right and what’s wrong becomes increasingly blurred. When the Feds ask Cassel to do the one thing he said he would never do again, he needs to sort out what’s a con and what’s truth. In a dangerous game and with his life on the line, Cassel may have to make his biggest gamble yet—this time on love.
 
In short: Holly Black raises the stakes in Black Heart, the thrilling conclusion to the brilliant and ingenious Curse Workers Trilogy.
I was so excited to return to the dark world of curse workers and con men in Black Heart, the third and final book in the Curse Workers Trilogy. White Cat and Red Glove, the previous two books in the trilogy by Holly Black, were fast-paced and terribly clever, with brilliant characters and effortless writing. I was anxious to find out what would happen to our favourite characters in Black Heart and if Holly Black could best herself to come up with the perfect conclusion to an awesome series. I am happy to say I believe she does!

I am beyond impressed by the skill and proficiency with which Holly Black writes. Black Heart has three main, separate story lines and problems that Cassel finds himself having to deal with all at once. I am amazed that at such a small number of pages - less than 300! - Black Heart never feels cluttered or rushed. Instead, the multiple plot lines makes Black Heart not only the most intense of the three books in the series, but also makes it near impossible to put down.

Cassel is officially one of my most favourite male protagonists of all time. He is the suave and arrogant bad boy on the surface, hiding his true demeanor as a compassionate and often insecure teenager. He faces more pressure and trouble than ever in Black Heart as he is seemingly pulled in multiple different directions with no ideal outcome. And just when you're wondering how is he ever going to get himself out of all these predicaments, Cassel finds a way to cleverly avoid trouble and selflessly give support to those in need.

Black Heart is the prefect conclusion to an ingenious and original fantasy trilogy. The ending is left a bit open, but all major story lines are wrapped up nicely. I am a new and vocal fan of Holly Black's after reading this series and I look forward to reading more from her in the future!

Previously, my review for White Cat and Red Glove.

Other Reviews:
Burning Impossibly Bright
The Bursting Bookshelf
Reading Teen

Author Links:
Website
Blog
Twitter
Goodreads

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Review: The Girl Who Was On Fire edited by Leah Wilson


Publisher: Smart Pop
Published: April 5, 2011
Pages: 210
Source: Won from A BookLover's Diary (Thank you!!)
Rating: 4 Stars



Katniss Everdeen's adventures may have come to an end, but her story continues to blaze in the hearts of millions worldwide. 
In The Girl Who Was on Fire, thirteen YA authors take you back to Panem with moving, dark, and funny pieces on Katniss, the Games, Gale and Peeta, reality TV, survival, and more. From the trilogy's darker themes of violence and social control to fashion and weaponry, the collection's exploration of the Hunger Games reveals exactly how rich, and how perilous, protagonist Katniss' world really is. 
The Girl Who Was On Fire covers all three books in the Hunger Games trilogy.

The Girl Who Was on Fire is an anthology featuring essays on The Hunger Games Trilogy. I was amazed at the variety of subjects of essays presented (and keep in mind that I read an ARC version - the final movie version has 3 additional essays). The essay topics ranged from the light and silly - topics about fashion and reality TV and "Teams" - to more serious and weighty - topics about the ethics of genetic mutation and politics and the importance of community.

I appreciated how thoughtful the essays were. It was evident in every essay that the authors did their research. They understood the themes and messages in The Hunger Games Trilogy and effectively and correctly referenced specific scenes and quotes of the books in their essays. Not only did it seem like they were well versed in their topics, but they are very clearly fans of the trilogy, which is even more important and crucial to the success of their essays.

The Girl Who Was On Fire is not a critical read by any means. However, if you are a super fan of The Hunger Games and like analyzing and discussing aspects of your readings, then you may find that The Girl Who Was On Fire will enrich your experience of the series.

Interesting in getting the chance to read this book? There is still time to enter my giveaway to win a copy of The Girl Who Was On Fire, as well as some Hunger Games merchandise!

In other, related news: how FREAKING EXCITED is everybody for The Hunger Games movie this Friday?! I would love to know when/if you are going to see it, if you'll be dressing up (I plan on wearing my mockingjay pin and a braid, in honour of Katniss), what scenes you're most excited for, etc. Let me know in the comments!

Other Reviews:
A Blog About Nothing
A BookLover's Diary
That Hapa Chick

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday (19): Simon & Schuster Spring 2012 Catalog

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill of Breaking The Spine in which an upcoming, eagerly anticipated release is highlighted on the blog.

It's spring! Finally! This week, I've chosen to feature a few picks from the Simon & Schuster Spring 2012 Catalog:

Black Heart by Holly Black
Date: April 3, 2012
Add to Goodreads

Cassel Sharpe knows he’s been used as an assassin, but he’s trying to put all that behind him. He’s trying to be good, even though he grew up in a family of con artists and cheating comes as easily as breathing to him. He’s trying to do the right thing, even though the girl he loves is inextricably connected with crime. And he’s trying to convince himself that working for the Feds is smart, even though he’s been raised to believe the government is the enemy. 
But with a mother on the lam, the girl he loves about to take her place in the Mob, and new secrets coming to light, the line between what’s right and what’s wrong becomes increasingly blurred. When the Feds ask Cassel to do the one thing he said he would never do again, he needs to sort out what’s a con and what’s truth. In a dangerous game and with his life on the line, Cassel may have to make his biggest gamble yet—this time on love.

I've read Black Heart already, the third and final book in the Curse Workers Trilogy, and it was awesome! The alternate universe - where magic exists and is illegal - is just so creative and fun. This series was my first Holly Black read, but it won't be my last.


The Story of Us by Deb Caletti
Date: April 24, 2012
Add to Goodreads

Cricket’s on a self-imposed break from her longtime boyfriend—but she’s picked a bad week to sort out her love life. For one thing, her mother’s romance is taking center stage: After jilting two previous fiancés, her mom is finally marrying Dan Jax, whom Cricket loves. But as wedding attendees arrive for a week of festivities at a guesthouse whose hippie owners have a sweet, sexy son—Ash—complications arise: Cricket’s future stepsisters make it clear they’re not happy about the marriage. An old friend decides this is the week to declare his love for Cricket. Grandpa chooses to reveal a big secret at a family gathering. Dan’s ex-wife shows up. And even the dogs—Cricket’s old, ill Jupiter and Dan’s young, lively Cruiser—seem to be declaring war. While Cricket fears that Dan is in danger of becoming ditched husband-to-be number three, she’s also alarmed by her own desires. Because even though her boyfriend looms large in her mind, Ash is right in front of her....

I confess that I have not yet read anything by Deb Caletti, though I have heard great things about Stay. The Story of Us sounds like a great contemporary with lots of complicated relationships and drama... fun!


City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare
Date: May 8, 2012
Add to Goodreads

The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace has been freed from her captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive to rescue him, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing–but so is the boy she hates, Sebastian, the son of her father Valentine: a son determined to succeed where their father failed, and bring the Shadowhunters to their knees. 
No magic the Clave can summon can locate either boy, but Jace cannot stay away—not from Clary. When they meet again Clary discovers the horror Lilith’s dying magic has wrought—Jace is no longer the boy she loved. He and Sebastian are now bound to each other, and Jace has become what he most feared: a true servant of Valentine’s evil. The Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. Will the Shadowhunters hesitate to kill one of their own? 

The Mortal Instruments Series is an old favourite of mine. I cannot wait to catch up with all of Cassandra Clare's marvelous characters! Where will City of Lost Souls go after that crazy cliffhanger in City of Fallen Angels?


Changeling by Philippa Gregory
Date: May 29, 2012
Add to Goodreads

Italy, 1453. Seventeen-year-old Luca Vero is brilliant, gorgeous—and accused of heresy. Cast out of his religious order for using the new science to question old superstitious beliefs, Luca is recruited into a secret sect: The Order of the Dragon, commissioned by Pope Nicholas V to investigate evil and danger in its many forms, and strange occurrences across Europe, in this year—the end of days. Isolde is a seventeen-year-old girl shut up in a nunnery so she can’t inherit any of her father’s estate. As the nuns walk in their sleep and see strange visions, Isolde is accused of witchcraft—and Luca is sent to investigate her, but finds himself plotting her escape. Despite their vows, despite themselves, love grows between Luca and Isolde as they travel across Europe with their faithful companions, Freize and Ishraq. The four young people encounter werewolves, alchemists, witches, and death-dancers as they head toward a real-life historical figure who holds the boundaries of Christendom and the secrets of the Order of the Dragon. The first in a series, this epic and richly detailed drama is grounded in historical communities and their mythic beliefs. It includes a medieval map of Europe that will track their journey; and the interior will include relevant decorative elements as well as an interior line illustration. And look for a QR code that links to a note from the author with additional, detailed information about the setting and the history that informed the writing. With Philippa Gregory’s trademark touch, this novel deftly brings the past—and its salacious scandals—vividly and disturbingly to life.

Philippa Gregory is a popular adult historical author, though I haven't read anything of hers. I'm curious to see if her writing will translate well to her first ever YA series. Changeling is historical fantasy, which is a genre that I love.


How about you? Are you waiting on any of these Simon & Schuster Spring 2012 reads? Are there any upcoming books from the Simon & Schuster Spring 2012 Catalog that I didn't include here that you feel I should add to my list?