Most Anticipated 2015 Releases

There are quite a few good books coming out this year. My wallet is going to be extremely unhappy with me. Oh well…

Here are my top Most Anticipated Releases, in no particular order:

Carry On

Rainbow Rowell

Publication Date: October 6, 2014

Hardcover, 384pages, St. Martin’s Griffin

Genres: YA, Fantasy, LGBT

Goodreads

Simon Snow just wants to relax and savor his last year at the Watford School of Magicks, but no one will let him. His girlfriend broke up with him, his best friend is a pest, and his mentor keeps trying to hide him away in the mountains where maybe he’ll be safe. Simon can’t even enjoy the fact that his roommate and longtime nemesis is missing, because he can’t stop worrying about the evil git. Plus there are ghosts. And vampires. And actual evil things trying to shut Simon down. When you’re the most powerful magician the world has ever known, you never get to relax and savor anything.

Carry On is a ghost story, a love story, a mystery and a melodrama. It has just as much kissing and talking as you’d expect from a Rainbow Rowell story — but far, far more monsters.

My Thoughts

I can’t believe that we’re getting this book! Between this and the special editions of Fangirl, I’m on Rainbow Rowell cloud nine!

Every Last Breath

Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publication Date: July 28, 2015

Paperback, Harlequin Teen

Genres: YA, Paranormal

Goodreads

The third and final book in the Dark Elements series.

My Thoughts

That description is so helpful. *sigh* I just need this book. I forgot how much I loved the world of The Dark Elements series until Stone Cold Touch came out. JLA is an amazing writer and I wish I owned all her books! Plus, her boys are always sexy pieces of fantastic literature!

Invaded

Melissa Landers

Publication Date: February 3, 2015

Hardcover, 368 pages, Disney-Hyperion

Genres: YA, Paranormal

Goodreads

Cara always knew life on planet L’eihr would be an adjustment. With Aelyx, her L’eihr boyfriend, back on Earth, working to mend the broken alliance between their two planets, Cara is left to fend for herself at a new school, surrounded by hostile alien clones. Even the weird dorm pet hates her.

Things look up when Cara is appointed as human representative to a panel preparing for a human colony on L’eihr. A society melding their two cultures is a place where Cara and Aelyx could one day make a life together. But with L’eihr leaders balking at granting even the most basic freedoms, Cara begins to wonder if she could ever be happy on this planet, even with Aelyx by her side.

Meanwhile, on Earth, Aelyx, finds himself thrown into a full-scale PR campaign to improve human-L’eihr relations. Humans don’t know that their very survival depends on this alliance: only Aelyx’s people have the technology to fix the deadly contamination in the global water supply that human governments are hiding. Yet despite their upper hand, the leaders of his world suddenly seem desperate to get humans on their side, and hardly bat an eye at extremists’ multiple attempts on Aelyx’s life.

The Way clearly needs humans’ help . . . but with what? And what will they ask for in return?

My Thoughts

I just need some more hot aliens in my life. That is all.

Death Marked

Leah Cypess

Publication Date: March 3, 2015

Hardcover, 400 pages, Greenwillow Books

Genres: YA, Fantasy

Goodreads

A young sorceress’s entire life has been shaped to destroy the empire controlling her world. But if everything she knows is a lie, will she even want to fulfill her destiny? The sequel to Death Sworn is just as full of magic and surprising revelations, and will thrill fans of Leigh Bardugo and Robin LaFevers.

At seventeen, Ileni lost her magical power and was exiled to the hidden caves of the assassins. She never thought she would survive long. But she discovered she was always meant to end up, powerless, in the caves as part of an elder sorcerer’s plan to destroy the evil Empire they'd battled so long. Except that Ileni is not an assassin, and she doesn't want to be a weapon. And, after everything, she’s not even sure she knows the truth. Now, at the very heart of the Empire—its academy for sorcerers—the truth is what she seeks. What she finds challenges every belief she holds dear—and it threatens her fledgling romance with the young master of assassins.

Leah Cypess spins an intricate and beautiful conclusion to Ileni's story. In the end, it may not be the epic decisions that bring down an empire, but the small ones that pierce the heart.

My Thoughts

The first book left off in such a horrible place, I need to know what happens and if/how/when Ileni and Sorin get together again.

Lion Heart

A.C. Gaughen

Publication Date: May 19, 2015

Hardcover, 304 pages, Bloomsbury USA

Genres: YA, Historical

Goodreads

The eagerly-awaited conclusion to the Scarlet trilogy delivers another action-packed and romance-filled adventure.

Scarlet has captured the hearts of readers as well as the heart of Robin Hood, and after ceaseless obstacles and countless threats, readers will finally find out the fate of the Lady Thief.

Imprisoned by Prince John for months, Scarlet finds herself a long way from Nottinghamshire. After a daring escape from the Prince's clutches, she learns that King Richard’s life is in jeopardy, and Eleanor of Aquitaine demands a service Scarlet can’t refuse: spy for her and help bring Richard home safe. But fate—and her heart—won’t allow her to stay away from Nottinghamshire for long, and together, Scarlet and Rob must stop Prince John from going through with his dark plans for England. They can not rest until he’s stopped, but will their love be enough to save them once and for all?

My Thoughts

I’ve enjoyed the first two books in this series much more than I thought I would. I can’t wait to see how it all ends. Although, it seems obvious since it’s based off the legend of Robin Hood. ;)

End of Days

Susan Ee

Publication Date: May 12, 2015

Paperback, 336 pages, Hodder & Stoughton

Genres: YA, Paranormal

Goodreads

End of Days is the explosive conclusion to Susan Ee’s bestselling Penryn & the End of Days trilogy.

After a daring escape from the angels, Penryn and Raffe are on the run. They’re both desperate to find a doctor who can reverse the twisted changes inflicted by the angels on Raffe and Penryn’s sister. As they set off in search of answers, a startling revelation about Raffe’s past unleashes dark forces that threaten them all.

When the angels release an apocalyptic nightmare onto humans, both sides are set on a path toward war. As unlikely alliances form and strategies shift, who will emerge victorious? Forced to pick sides in the fight for control of the earthly realm, Raffe and Penryn must choose: Their own kind, or each other?

My Thoughts

I didn’t realize that the blurb for this book was out until I looked it up for this post. SQUEEEE! I wasn’t completely satisfied with World After, so hopefully this book ramps it up.

Which Team Are You? : The Iron Fey Edition

I basically just post a book series every week and have people vote on what team they are. I know the YA Sisterhood does the YA Crush Tournament, but I just want to find out how much you guys like one love interest over another, in one series.

Last week's poll was over Team Erik or Team Stark or Team Heath from P.C. and Kristin Cast’s House of Night series. Team Stark won! 

So for this edition of “What Team Are You?” I’m going to ask you who your pick of hunky man-flesh is from The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa. 

You can choose from:

1)      Puck

or 2) Ash 

I’m Team Ash because he’s A) the strong and silent type, B) willing to do anything for Meghan, and C) very sexy! If you had to choose one, who would it be, and why? If you haven’t read the books that are out right now (And why not!?), who do you think sounds more appealing from the The Iron King summary below.

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil, no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

Which Team Are You?

Team Puck

Team Ash

make a poll

Review: Midnight Frost by Jennifer Estep

Midnight Frost

Jennifer Estep

(Mythos Academy #5)

Publication Date: July 2013

Paperback, 372 pages, K-Teen

Genres: YA, Paranormal

Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Goodreads

Here we go again …

Just when it seems life at Mythos Academy can’t get any more dangerous, the Reapers of Chaos manage to prove me wrong. It was just a typical night at the Library of Antiquities — until a Reaper tried to poison me. The good news is I’m still alive and kicking. The bad news is the Reaper poisoned someone else instead.

As Nike’s Champion, everyone expects me to lead the charge against the Reapers, even though I’m still hurting over what happened with Spartan warrior Logan Quinn. I’ve got to get my hands on the antidote fast — otherwise, an innocent person will die. But the only known cure is hidden in some creepy ruins — and the Reapers are sure to be waiting for me there …

My Review

I finally read this book! I don’t know what took me so long to actually pick it up, because I do thoroughly enjoy this series. Maybe I just forgot about it… I’ll have to organize my to-read pile better in the future. *sigh*

So like I said, I enjoy this series. Some of the books in the Mythos Academy series are better than others however. This wasn’t one of the better books in the series, it was still good though. It starts off pretty much where book #4 leaves off. And of course that means it’s full of angst and nightmares (I can’t say why for fear of spoilers.).

I wasn’t actually a huge fan of the angst involved, basically because it revolved around a severe lack of one of my favorite characters. Logan didn’t even show up in the book until the last 60 or so pages. So not fair.

The plot wasn’t the greatest out of the stories, either. It seemed like this was a filler book, kind of a second-book-syndrome thing. The storyline wasn’t too terribly original and the actions performed by the characters were rather predictable. I also wish that the side characters would get more page-time. Daphne, Oliver, and Carson are pushed to the side in this book, and I miss their snark and wit. The new characters who were introduced, Rory and Rachel, were interesting; I just don’t see how they helped the major plotline of the series. I’ve already mentioned how much I miss me some Logan action, but even when he was in the story, he wasn’t living up to his full potential. Estep constantly says how amazing Spartans are with their warrior skills, but Logan never lives up to it. It makes me very frustrated.

Despite some of my minor issues with the series, Gwen is still as feisty as ever, and the series is still a great mythological story. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens with the gang in the last book, but I’m going to be sad to see it go.

*Note: I received a copy of this to review via Netgalley. This in no way altered my opinion/review.

Dean Winchester Friday

Dean Winchester (or sometimes Jensen Ackles) Fridays make me a very happy fangirl. You'll see why when you look at the picture.

Dean can tiger my eye anytime, if you know what I mean? I don’t even know what I mean…

Top 14 of 2014

I finally got around to making my Top 14 of 2014 list. It's simple and to-the-point because I'm having oral surgery soon (Yay, wisdom teeth!) and I have to get this thing written. So here they are (I also cheated quite a bit, but oh well...), the best of the best that I’ve read in the year 2014:

 

#14) Uninvited by Sophie Jordan

I really enjoyed the first half of this book. The last half wasn’t as great, but that’s what sequels are for. So here’s to hoping that everyone who’s written a review about Unleashed on Goodreads so far is W.R.O.N.G.

 

 

#13) The Dark World by Cara Lynn Shultz

If you would have told me that Cara Lynn Shultz would have a book on my top 14 of 2014 list back when I read her first YA book, I would probably have laughed in your face. But The Dark World was soooo good. I can just conveniently forget the mess that was that witch series she wrote way back in the day. To read more of my thoughts about The Dark World, check out my review.

 

 #12) The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White

I was beginning to lose faith in Kiersten White after I read her Mind Games book, but this book made me feel her greatness once again! I think I might have enjoyed this one more than the last two books in her Paranormalcy trilogy! It was cute and adventurous and fantastic. Plus, I’m a sucker for anything involving gods and goddesses.

 

 #11) The Unwanted by Jeffrey Ricker

This story was so cute! But at the same time, it was amazingly deep. I remember falling in love with the ending, and with the story itself. This was the first time I had read a YA LGBT paranormal-esque story, and I enjoyed it immensely. For more of my thoughts on the book, read my review.

 

#10) Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

I honestly have no idea which one of these I would consider my favorite out of the series (so far). So I had to combine them. I love the fantasy and lore in this book, but I also have come to realize that I enjoy all of the characters in this series. It’s rare that I come across a book that has me loving anyone but the love interest and MC, so thanks Sarah J. Maas!

 

#9)  Angelfall by Susan Ee

My only thought after reading this book was “Creeeeeepy” according to my Goodreads review of this book. I think that about sums it up. The only other things I would add would be “hawt, smexy, tortured angels” and “awesome world-building.” The only reason this book isn’t as high on my list is because I didn’t really enjoy World After as much as I loved Angelfall. I was a tad bit disappointed.

 

 #8) Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini

This book has only recently moved up in my eyes. I had read it back in July, and kind of forgot about it, even though it was really good. But for some reason, I can’t get it out of my mind now. All I can think about is Rowan and the scientific magic thing this world has going on. For more of my thoughts on this book, read my review.

 

 #7) Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

I’m a sucker for historical novels about Robin Hood, King Arthur, and any other noble knight out there. So when I finally read this book, I immediately fell in love. I read the second one not too soon after and I’m anxiously awaiting Lion Heart.

 

#6)  Alienated by Melissa Landers

Aliens are hot. Not the green, short, black-eyed things, or the tentacle monster things, but the Daemon Black and Aelyx aliens. I could read about their species all day long.

Here’s what I said about it on Goodreads, “4.5/5 stars. I did really love this book, there were some very minor things that I didn't like, but they were miniscule in comparison to the entirety of the book. And I can't wait for Invaded.”

 

 #5) Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Sometimes the last two books in this series get a bad rap. I don’t understand why, they’re great! Granted, I liked this one better than Ruin and Rising, but that’s just because I found some elements in the trilogy ender to be a little predictable.

Here’s what I said about it on Goodreads, “4.5/5 stars. This book took some time for me to get into, mostly because I'd forgotten what happened in book #1, but once I made myself sit down and read it, I was hooked.”

 

 #4) Queen of Zombie Hearts by Gena Showalter

I love this series. More specifically, I love the snarkiness and wit within this series. And Cole. Cole is drool-worthy. I’ve recently heard that Gena has some information to share about this series and future installments. I really hope this means more Cole. Can you tell I’m obsessed with Cole?

Here’s what I said about it on Goodreads, “I'm going with 4.5/5 stars. I enjoyed the humor and the romance, but something was missing...”

 

 #3) Deliverance by C.J. Redwine

I went through all of my ratings on Goodreads to see which books I gave 5 stars (which is never very many considering I’m a very nit-picky reader) and this was one of the few I’d given 5 stars. I don’t remember why specifically I gave it that rating, though, because I didn’t write a review. *sigh*

Rachel and Logan = awesome OTP
 

 

#2) Death Sworn by Leah Cypess

 I didn't write a review for this book. I should have. Here's what I said about it on Goodreads, " 4.5/5 stars. Umm... So... Holy cow. I read this book in less than five hours. It was good. Really good. The only reason I'm not giving it the full 5 stars is because that ending left me a tad unsatisfied. Hopefully Book #2 will fix all of that though. All in all, my first Leah Cypess read was a major success." 

 

 #1) White Hot Kiss and Stone Cold Touch by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Everything that JLA writes is covered in gold and awesome-sauce. These books were my faves of 2014. Roth is a hunk of burning love and Layla is a great character to read about! Check my review of White Hot Kiss out here and be on the lookout for a Stone Cold Touch review.

**I also want to throw in a good word for Don’t Look Back which I also loved but just didn’t have room for on this list.

What were some of your favorite reads of 2014? Sound off in the comments.