Desperately Wanting Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday

Desperately Wanting Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee.com. For books that you are desperately wanting, either because they haven't been released or you haven't purchased them yet.


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that are highly anticipated.

Title: Temptation of Angles
Author: Michelle Zink
Pub Date: March 20th, 2012

"When her parents are murdered before her eyes, sixteen-year-old Helen Cartwright finds herself launched into an underground London where a mysterious organization called the Dictata controls the balance of good and evil. Helen learns that she is one of three remaining angelic descendants charged with protecting the world's past, present, and future." ~goodreads


This is another of those books that I went back and forth on. The cover didn't really catch my eye at first, I'm not sure why. I do really like it but after seeing it show up on a few blogs over and over and the blurb about the hot childhood friend trying to kill her. Well it's definitely peaked my interest. I can see myself buying this right when it comes out.

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along!

Teaser:

"You don't know me, but your mother and I were once very dear friends. Now Anna is gone, and I, who ought to be here to guide you in her absence, can be of no help besides this: look for your mother's diary."

Born Wicked, Jessica Spotswood, Chapter 2

I had to work an extremely long day yesterday so I didn't get to read that much but I am loving this book so far!

Hunger Games Nail Polish....

I admit I am strangley fascinated by The Hunger Games nail polish line created by China Glaze. It is going to be released on March 1st.

Dress Me Up: District 8, Textiles
Fois Gras: District 10, Livestock
Fast Track: District 6, Transportation
Hook and Line: District 4, Fishing
Stone Cold: District 2, Masonry
Smoke and Ashes: District 12, Coal Mining
Agro: District 11, Agriculture
Mahogany Magic: District 7, Lumber
Harvest Moon: District 9, Grain
Riveting: District 3, Technology/Mechanics
Electrify: District 5, Power
Luxe and Lush: District 1/The Capitol, Luxury

What shade will you be wearing when you go to see the games on March 23rd.

Evermore by Alyson Noel

Title: Evermore
Author: Alyson Noel
Series: The Immortals #1
Published: 2-3-2009
Pages: 306

"After a horrible accident claims the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever Bloom can see people's auras, hear their thoughts, and know someone's entire life story by touching them. Going out of her way to avoid human contact and suppress her abilities, she has been branded a freak at her new high school-but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste.
Damen is gorgeous, exotic, and wealthy. He's the only one who can silence the noise and random energy in her head-wielding a magic so intense, it's as though he can peer into her soul. As Ever is drawn deeper into his enticing world of secrets and mystery, she's left with more questions than answers. And she has no idea who he really is-or what he is. The only thing she knows to be true is that she's falling deeply and helplessly in love with him." ~goodreads

This book has been sitting on my TBR shelf since it came out in paperback. I had picked it up because I liked the cover and the premise seemed good. Somehow it just kept getting pushed off the top of the pile.

The book was interesting. It kept me reading because I was quite sure what was going on, about half of the way through I was still wondering who was who. I kept checking the cover to make sure it said the Immortals and not the Vampires. Alyson Noel does have the characters joke about that a little in the book themselves. Evermore was like a mystery novel figuring out why Ever is the way she is and why Damen is the way he is. It does have a lot of similarities of some of the other popular YA novels that came out around that time.

I really liked Ever in the beginning. She was going through a lot but she still had a sense of strength about her. I liked that she didn't cave to Damon easily and would even take control of the situation at times. Towards the end of the book I felt she digressed a little bit, she seemed to get more sappy and selfish. Where was that strong girl I enjoyed in the beginning of the book. Even though she hid under a hoodie she didn't seem like she was going to take anyones crap.
Damen was mysterious and seemed totally devoted to Ever. I don't think it was ever really explained why he could silence her thoughts. There are five more books to explore just that I'm assuming.
Drina was good as the villian and when her and Damen's true relationship comes to light. I found that perspective unique. She wasn't just following Damen around for no reason. I also liked her influence on some of the supporting characters, it made her seem more clever.

The writing flowed and I actually finished the book quickly. I had to know what the mystery was! So as far as keeping me engaged it did a good job with that. I'm not going to pretend I would consider it my favorite book ever but it is definitely an interesting read. If you like paranormal romance, this definitely falls in line with that.

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren to showcase books you have recently acquired. Any can participate so check out her blog for more details.

My list is very small this week.

Harbinger by Sara Wilson Etienne  (I love this cover)

Embrace by Cherie Colyer (ebook & blog tour)

 

News From Blogland

I've been quite under the weather this week, with a very nasty cold. So I've not blog browsed as much as I normally would. I still wanted to at least post up a couple tid bits.

Cassandra Clare (ID & TMI): Cassie's husband weighs in on The Weapons Room. This gave me a good giggle or two

Erin Morgenstern (The Night Circus): She did a little revising of her This is not a FAQ, part 1

J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter): New series!!! Targeted for Adults but hey I love J.K. I'm sure I will read it.

Kiki Hamilton (The Faerie Ring): Kiki has announced when book two of the series will be released...October 2nd 2012! I loved the first book and can not wait to read The Torn Wing!

A couple cover reveals this week;

Inbetween by Tara Fuller

I liked this cover. There is something about the simplicity of it. To be honest I have long straight hair like this girl on the cover so more power to straight haired girls!! Back to seriousness this would catch my eye at the bookstore.
goodreads

There is a sneak peek of the book on Tara's site. So make sure to check it out!

My Heart be Damned by Chanelle Gray

I feel like this cover could have been so much more. The idea of it is great. I like the girl with the cementary setting but who got lazy with photoshop. The font was not only poorly choosen but it's not really even spaced properly. I think it takes away from the background picture and makes it look not quite as good as it should. Despite that I still have it on my to-read list because the synopsis looks good.  goodreads

Chanelle is having quite an awesome giveway on her blog so stop by!!

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

I love this cover! I love the onion domes and the color choices for this. There is something mysterious when you put some black, reds and grays together.
goodreads







Share your news!!!

Dylan Maximilian: Synchronicity by Chris Cusumano

Title: Dylan Maximilian: Synchronicity
Author: Chris Cusumano
Pub Date: 12-17-2011
Pages: 400

"All is one, one is all... When thirteen year old, Dylan Maximilian, encounters an enigmatic tree he inherits the legacy of the stars. Soon, Dylan discovers and ancient galactic war, the mystic force that connects all that exists and the black-hole overlord determined to destroy it. Now, Dylan must synchronize his energies with the chakra at Mount Shasta and assume the mantle of the Guardian."

I really liked the concept of this book. Maybe it's the Trekkie, Star Wars lover in me but I found this book to be truly Sci-Fi. Space pirates, intergalactic war and Guardians of planets are just a few of the elements Chris Cusumano worked in to Dylan Maximilian: Synchronicity. There was also some with the the Tree of Life as well. Which was placed well amongst all the other things going on.

The first half the book was a little slower for me, I think there were just too many perspectives. I kind of was getting slightly confused about who was who as far as bad guys. As weird as it sounds though I felt like I could feel the authors excitement to get the story out of their head in the first half. The second half really picked up and it just felt like the book clicked then. I was in a reading groove and really liked the events and some of the new characters introduced at this point. Even the bad guys made sense to me, I realized oohhh that's who that guy is. There were also a couple good plot twist that I didn't even see coming. I liked the ending as well, plenty of action that kept me sucked in.

I didn't really connect with Dylan even though he was the main character. He was important, obviously, and that's not to say I didn't like him at all. He just cried a little too much for me in the beginning but maybe that is what thirteen year old boys do. We do seem him mature a bit towards the end. I felt like he almost seemed wiser and calmer. Norm on the other hand was great. I found him endearing and strong, with some comic relief mixed in. He stole the show for me, which is maybe why I couldn't love Dylan as much. I also became fond of Beetlebee, how could you not like a little strange creature with plenty of tricks up his sleeve.
I like the villain set-up too, if you are a history buff like me you can see the similarities with real war. The main villain see a need of a group of people who are not necessarily going to start war on their own but are willing to become mercenaries if they can get something they need for their people. Which is the case with one of the groups. It doesn't make them a good guy who took a wrong turn but there is a reason behind their actions. They aren't just wrecking havoc for the heck of it because the author needed to beef up the villain side. Which can happen sometimes in books.

I enjoyed the bond between the friends and family in this book. That people are going to stand together whether time, space or life sucking monsters separates them.

I'm a Shipper, She's a Shipper...Wouldn't you like to be a Shipper too

Strangely enough I had no idea that I was a Shipper until recently. I somehow had never heard the term.

As Defined by Urban Dictionay;

"The term "shipper" comes from supporting a ship. To ship something means a person wants two characters to get together and/or shows support for two characters already together. The term "ship" came from the X-Files fandom, when fanfics were written about Mulder and Scully. The fans then called themselves shippers. It quickly spread and is now the title a person gives themself if they believe two charcters should or will be together (The characters can be from anything: Books, Movies, Television, Video Games, and even Actors/Actresses). It is not limited to the couple actually happening, a person can ship something just because they enjoy the possibility of them getting together or even just because they think they would look good together."   I saw the term when I was reading Entertainment Weekly about the Vampire Diaries and I turned to my husband and informed that I am apparently a Shipper.   Some of my favorite Couples that I am in support of.....   Harry/Ginny from Harry Potter   Meghan/Ash from The Iron Fey   Tessa/Will from The Infernal Devices   Clary/Jace from The Mortal Instruments   Zsadist/Bella from The Black Dagger Brotherhood   Those are just a few of my favorites. I'm sure I could have a ten page list.   Who are some of your favorite fictional couples??

Desperatly Wanting Wednesday

Desperately Wanting Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee.com. For books that you are desperately wanting, either because they haven't been released or you haven't purchased them yet.

Title: Embrace
Author: Jessica Shirvington
Publish Date: March 6, 2012

It starts with a whisper: “It’s time for you to know who you are…”

Violet Eden dreads her seventeenth birthday. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. As if that wasn’t enough, disturbing dreams haunt her sleep and leave her with very real injuries. There’s a dark tattoo weaving its way up her arm..."It starts with a whisper: “It’s time for you to know who you are…”

Violet Eden dreads her seventeenth birthday. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. As if that wasn’t enough, disturbing dreams haunt her sleep and leave her with very real injuries. There’s a dark tattoo weaving its way up her arms that wasn’t there before.

Violet is determined to get some answers, but nothing could have prepared her for the truth. The guy she thought she could fall in love with has been keeping his identity a secret: he’s only half-human—oh, and same goes for her.

A centuries-old battle between fallen angels and the protectors of humanity has chosen its new warrior. It’s a fight Violet doesn’t want, but she lives her life by two rules: don’t run and don’t quit. When angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden..." ~goodreads

I wasn't originally that interested in the book. I kind of felt so-so about. Recently though after reading different reviews and the cover catching my eye over and over again. I've found myself double checking to see when it's going to be released. I'm just hoping it doesn't disappoint.

Switched by Amanda Hocking

Title: Switched
Author: Amanda Hocking
Series: Trylle Trilogy #1
Pub Date: 1-3-2012 (7-12-2010)
Pages: 293

"When Wendy Everly was six-years-old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. It isn't until eleven years later that Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. With the help of Finn Holmes, Wendy finds herself in a world she never knew existed - a world both beautiful and frightening, and Wendy's not sure she wants to be a part of it." ~goodreads

This book had a lot of buzz because Amanda Hocking was a self-published author who ended up with a big book deal. A true dreams come true story and with this enticing cover I couldn't help pick it up.

Honestly not what I expected the Trylle to be at all....they are trolls. Aren't those to the little green guys that run around with clubs and drool coming out their mouth. Apparently not, Amanda Hocking creates a whole new society of trolls that quite resembles a humans existence. Except for a main different, Trylle unlike humans have special abilities and no two Trylle are created equal. It took me a little bit to get out of my head that these weren't those green men with clubs that I've been accustomed to in other stories but I did like the idea of them having this whole secret society. Although I wouldn't call them "good guys" by any means, stealing babies and all.

I was disappointed in Wendy a little bit. She's a changeling and actually a Trylle so that is supposed to explain her bad attitude and hissy fits. Which okay she doesn't really fit in, who she thought was her mother called her a monster. Okay so I can understand she might be not quite perfect. The part that disappointed me was that I didn't feel like she matured at all in the book. It ends with her doing, what I consider to be a selfish deed and not thinking about the consequences of her actions.

Finn was easy to love. I like the fact that even though his heart might say otherwise he didn't let it effect is duty. He looked at the big picture of the situation. Did I want him to throw caution to the wind sometimes. Of course but I respected him when he didn't.

I had mixed feelings about some of the other characters but I like the dynamic of them. That they were this grab bag of personalities. I think that help add to the book.

I consider this book a light read. One that you are not supposed to try to wrap your brain around every tiny detail and just read for enjoyment. I always like to read a book like this after I have read a longer book. This book had me interested from beginning to end and I did enjoy it.

A couple of the other covers. I really really like the one with the butterflies. I actually think it's my favorite although. I love the covers of the next two books and this would not match up with them.

Tuesday Teaser

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along!

I'm finally getting myself to dive into my TBR pile!

TEASER:

"I can spy on him if you want. Or haunt him." She smiles.

~ pg. 91, Evermore by Alyson Noel

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren to showcase books you have recently acquired. Any can participate so check out her blog for more details.

So In My Mailbox is kind of a mash up of the last couple weeks.....

Switched by Amanda Hocking
Last Man Standing by Cindy Gerard
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood (autographed)
Nightshade by Andrea Cremer (autographed)
An Affair with Mr. Kennedy by Jillian Stone

News from Blogland

Well it's Friday so that means that it is News From Blogland day....

Ally Condie (author of Matched series):

Unfortunately I wasn't able to make out for this tour (it was in my area Wednesday) but luckily Ally hasn't forgotten those you can't make it. She is inviting you to armchair travel with her on her blog. She will have interviews and giveaways from authors on the tour! First up Marie Lu, the author of LEGEND.
Check it out HERE


Jessica Spotswood (Born Wicked):
I think you should check out her blog because it's so pretty but besides that....More Breathless tour giveaways!! HERE

Beth Revis (Across the Universe Series): And even more Breathless Tour giveaways!!! Plus you can download the preview for Kindle or Nook. Even though I don't have either I downloaded it to my phone. I caved and thought, why not.  HERE

Julie Kagawa (author Iron Fey series):
Not only did Julie treat us to a sweet Valentine's Day story about Ash and Meghan but also is having a giveaway. The giveaway goes until the end of the month. If you want to enter, check it out HERE

Penguin USA (book publisher): The Davids....well I thought they were interesting....HERE. While you are there you can pick up your Spring 2012 sampler. Then maybe get Matched with the facebook app.

Entangled Publishing (book publisher): Cover Reveal.....Of Gravity by Melissa West

Do you have some News from Blogland you would like to share. Feel free to comment below. It's still in the infancy stages so I will be making a better graphic and be getting more organized with this.

Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa (enovella)

Title: Summer's Crossing
Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: The Iron Fey #3.5
Pub Date: 6-1-2011
Pages: 72

"A Midsummer's Nightmare? Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon's right hand, bane of many a faery queen's existence—and secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl's death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts.

Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone's come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck's help—into the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choice—betray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist." ~goodreads

Really you are supposed to read this before you read The Iron Knight but being an e-novella, I had to read it on my computer (no e-reader) and that takes a little longer for me. I really liked it, it's a nice little break from all the seriousness. Plus it was fun to read a sorry told from Puck's perspective and being so short it still has a little plot twist. So if you are a Puck lover, or not.......or if you have already read the 4th book, or not....I definitely recommend reading it.

Currently you can still get it free from theironfey.com, unfortunately Winter's Passage you can not. Which is why I haven't read that one yet. Simply because my phone is too small to read things off of.

Wallpapery

I've been kind of irritated lately with not being able to find the images that I want for graphics. Why don't I take my own? I don't know it's a thought that I haven't quite completed yet. So I've been having fun with tutorials. I had like this tutorial because it reminded me of a trod to Faery. I made some changes as I always do. Patching up the wall and changing the pictures a bit. The best part of a tutorial like this is that it leaves room for your own imagination. You can find some fun ones at drawingcloud.com.... I still want to do some other things with this one, but right now it's a trod into the Wyldwood and of course Grim is leading the way...

Desperatly Wanting Wednesday

Desperately Wanting Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee.com. For books that you are desperately wanting, either because they haven't been released or you haven't purchased them yet.

Title: Illuminate
Author: Aimee Agresti
Publish Date: March 6, 2012

"Haven Terra is a brainy, shy high school outcast. But everything begins to change when she turns sixteen. Along with her best friend Dante and their quiet and brilliant classmate Lance, she is awarded a prestigious internship in the big city— Chicago—and is sent to live and work at a swanky and stylish hotel under the watchful eyes of a group of gorgeous and shockingly young-looking strangers: powerful and alluring hotel owner Aurelia Brown; her second-in-command, the dashing Lucian Grove; and their stunning but aloof staff of glamazons called The Outfit.

As Haven begins falling for Lucian, she discovers that these beautiful people are not quite what they seem. With the help of a mysterious book, she uncovers a network of secret passageways from the hotel’s jazz-age past that leads her to the heart of the evil agenda of Aurelia and company: they’re in the business of buying souls. Will they succeed in wooing Haven to join them in their recruitment efforts, or will she be able to thwart this devilish set’s plans to take the souls of her classmates on prom night at the hotel?" ~goodreads

I love this cover, there is something that draws me to it. Especially since I like to stare at it and think, is that just a shadow behind her back on the wall or is it a wing. It wasn't just the cover that has enticed me to be excited about this book, I can pretty much be won over with the word Chicago. Yay landmarks and things I will actually know! I feel like New York has a tendency to be a hot spot for things happening in books, so I'm excited for the change of pace. Can't wait.

Be My Valentine.....Ash

News from Blogland

I love my children but sometimes they wear me out. This is one of those weeks, so I haven't gotten a lot of reading done. So since I don't have a review for you today I thought I might catch you up on some news you might have missed.

Trisha Wolfe (author Destiny's Fire): If you loved Destiny's Fire and thought you might read Trisha's short story Unveiled you might have noticed that it's missing!! Well it's not really missing, Trisha is doing some updates and adding new content to it so it matches up with her novel Fireblood (tentative name). Read about it HERE

Omnific Publishing:  Who doesn't like something free? Omnific is giving you a free ebook if you purchase the new release of Sarah Glover's Grave Refrain on Amazon. You have to make your purchase on Feb. 14th. Get details HERE

Leigh Fallon (author Carrier of the Mark):  Carrier of the Mark was actually nominated for the Teens Choice Book Awards. So if you are a fan...I know you are. Find out more about voting HERE. Make sure to hurry, you only have until Feb. 15th

Cassandra Clare (author ID and MI series): Cassandra is very good about answering questions on her blog from readers. So if you are wondering exactly what advice Jem would give Will about the Tessa situation. You can find out HERE

Young Adult Library Services Association (that mouthful is also known as the YALSA): Check out the readers choice booklist. Lots of great books are on it. HERE

Erin Morgenstern (author The Night Circus): Flax-Golden Tales: the sheep know all your secrets Just read it. You will get a good chuckle. I can not get enough of her writing. Also on the subject of Erin I found this quite interesting as well, not only do I like the picture but the idea of it.

That is all for now. If I noticed anything else I find interesting from this week, I will update the post. If you have found anything interesting from the week feel free to share in the comments. My update does not include book review bloggers simply because it would be overloaded. Hmm maybe I should make a meme out of this........

Be my Valentine.....

What's better than chocolate on Valentine's Day?? A short story about how Ash and Meghan spend their first one together of course!!

Julie Kagawa is being gracious enough to provide this special treat for all of her fans. The story will be posted on both her Blog and also at theironfey.com on Feb. 14th.

Here's the Teaser;

"Relax, Ash. Humans do this all the time. It's called a date."

"So, you're implying that this...Valentine's ritural involves courtship. Dinner, flowers, that sort of thing?"

"Also, that means no swords, knives, or ice-daggers, Ash. Leave all sharp pointy weapons at home."

Desperately Wanting Wednesday

Desperately Wanting Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee.com. For books that you are desperately wanting, either because they haven't been released or you haven't purchased them yet.

Title: Born Wicked
Author: Jessica Spotswood
Publish Date: Feb. 7, 2012

"Blessed with a gift..."cursed" with a secret."
Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship - or an early grave.
Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word . . . especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.
If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood - not even from each other." ~goodreads

The reviews have been promising for this book and I love anything about witches or gypsies. The reason I haven't purchased it yet is simply because Jessica Spotswood is coming to my local bookstore next week and I'm not sure if I can make it to the signing. If I do, I can only have her sign a copy of the book if I purchased it at their store (smart right). So this little darling is just going to have to wait until next week.

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give to much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR list if they like your teasers!

~~~~~~~~~~~
TEASER:

shmire's face twisted into a snarl as he barked and spat at Dylan. "If I want to kill you all, I will."

~ pg. 99, Dylan Maximilian: Synchronicity by Chris Cusumano

Book Tours

The local bookshop is having a Breathless tour. Which includes Marie Lu (Legend), Beth Revis (A Million Suns), Andrea Cremer (Wolfsbane and Bloodrose-both Nightshade Novels), and Jessica Spotswood (Born Wicked). I'm crossing my fingers that I might be able to make it out for it.

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron Knight
Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: The Iron Fey #4
Pub Date: 10-26-2011
Pages: 361

"Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.
Unless he can earn a soul.
To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice." ~goodreads

Thankfully there was a fourth book. I don't think I could have handled it if the The Iron Queen had really ended the series.

I was a little worried about how I would feel not having Meghan in the book but even though she was missed. It was nice to have the focus be on Ash and Puck. It was nice to have things be in the point of Ash, so we could really see what goes on in that dark little mind of his. It just made me love him more, if that's possible. I will always be Team Ash but I don't think the books would be the same without Puck. Of course how would they find anything without Grim, he's a cat, he knows everything. I liked the big bad wolf and the idea behind why he is a part of Faery. There another new character that completely annoyed me but I got over it and that is in part because of Ash. He had a normal reaction but at the end of the day he knows what he wants and were he belongs.

I loved the journey of this book. Mostly because it was more of a quest. Nobody was chasing them out of dodge, they went on the journey of their own choosing. If at any time they wanted to abandon it they could, no questions ask and nobody the wiser. That is what makes Ash shine, his dedication to what he was setting out to do. Everything that they go through in the book makes sense to me and definitely fits in with the end game. I especially like the trials, they were not what I was expecting but I understood the purpose of them. The last trial was a definite teaser because I felt like I was waiting for the bomb to explode. Every minute of this book was captivating.

I just have to say...phew.

There were some great extras at the end of the book. It reminded me of Japanese manga actually. Julie does a review with guest appearances from Ash and Puck. There is also a survival guide to the NeverNever. It emphasizes wearing clothes that you will be able to run in. It was very cute.

This series easily moved up my favorites list to at least second place if not battling it out with Harry Potter for first. I can easily say that if there are more books that involve this realm of Faery (i.e. Ethan)I wouldn't hesitate to pick them up.

The only question that still lingers on my mind....Does Meghan have a true name?

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron Queen
Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: The Iron Fey #3
Pub Date: 1-25-2011
Pages: 358

"My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back." ~goodreads

Julie Kagawa really pulled at my heart strings in The Iron Queen. There were moments when I thought that I should just stop reading because I didn't want to know what bad thing was going to happen to them next. Of course what would be the point of the book then.

Being that the ground work of the story had already been laid, we really saw the characters develop in this book. Ash and Meghan's relationship really had the chance to take off since they are no longer denying themselves and I loved every second of it. Puck of course is always the comic relief and kind of mellows out the more serious aspects. He also of course has his own issues with the relationship between Meghan and Ash. Grim makes his usual appearance so he can mock their sometimes idiot moments. I found myself relating to the cat and thinking, really it took you this long to figure that out. Some characters we had only known briefly in previous books, stepped up to fill a more supporting role to the main cast.

Although the journey itself was important, I felt this book was more about the characters themselves. I, of course, can not get enough of the realm of Faery and there is plenty of it since they don't pop into the mortal realm as much. The end was heart wrenching but I felt that it was the way it had to be. A perfect 3rd book for this series.

Wallpapery

Another wallpaper inspired by Alice in Wonderland. I had actually made this one a little while ago but I couldn't decide how I wanted to finish it off. I couldn't find the right Alice picture for it. So I ended up with no Alice at all.

From wallpapers

So it begins

So I've started my blog remodel. I made it a little bit more lively and colorful. I'm not exactly sure why I went with Alice in Wonderland but I seem to have quite an obsession with it right now. I'm still working and making changes so hopefully my blog will have a better flow.

Mike & Ike Powered

It's been a hectic week so I haven't had a whole lot time to read and blog. Long work days and sick family seem to put a kink and things. Hopefully I will be catching up. I've been thinking about reorganizing the blog a bit and I want to add some things in. Like maybe some children's and middle grade books. Probably more of a pick of the month. Where I will read and review one of each a month. These are all ideas I have as I shove my face with Mike & Ike's to keep my sugar rush going.