New to the Shelf January 30th to February 5th

This is a huge week for awesome books that I would love to get my hands on.

 

February 1st

Evenfall by Liz Michalski

Berkley Publishing Group

In life, Frank could've had any woman he wanted.

In death, he'll try to win back the one that mattered...

Frank Wildermuth always regretted a mistake he made as a teenager: choosing Clara Murphy over her sister Gert. And like a true Murphy woman, Gert got on with her life, never admitting to heartbreak. Not even now, decades later, with Frank dead-dead, that is, but not quite gone. Now, Frank's niece, Andie Murphy, is back in town to settle his estate, and she sees that things have changed in Hartman, Connecticut. Aunt Gert still drives her crazy, but Cort, the wide-eyed farmboy she used to babysit, is all grown up-with a whole new definition for the word "sleepover." Even freakier are the whispers. Either Andie's losing her mind, or something she can't see is calling out to her-something that insists on putting right the past.

 

Haunting Jasmine by Anjali Banerjee

Penguin Group

A call from the past brings divorcee Jasmine Mistry home to Shelter Island to run her beloved aunt's bookstore, which has always been rumored to be haunted. With that knowledge, Jasmine embarks on a mystical journey, urged along by her quirky family, and guided by the highly emotional spirits of long-dead authors. Surprisingly, she finds herself moved to heal her broken heart when she falls unexpectedly in love with an enigmatic young stranger.

 

Here Lies Bridgett by Paige Harbison

Harlequin Publishing

Heroine, Bridget Duke, rules her high school, but when she crashes her car and ends up in limbo, she must confront the people she has wronged, all of whom want her to go to hell. The outcome of these meetings will decide her final destination.

 

 

Nightshade by Michelle Rowen

Berkley Books

Jillian Conrad never believed in vampires-until she was unwillingly injected with a serum that was supposed to act as a deadly poison to them. Now, tormented half-vampire Declan Reese wants her blood to destroy the undead kingdom. Unfortunately, the serum has also made her blood irresistible to all vampires-including Declan, whose desire for Jillian is more than mere hunger.

 

Pack of Lies by Laura Anne Gilman

Series: Paranormal Scene Investigations Book 2

FUNNY HOW LIFE CAN TURN YOU UPSIDE DOWN...
My name is Bonita Torres, and eight months ago I was an unemployed college graduate without a plan. Now I’m an investigator with the Private Unaffiliated Paranormal Investigations team of New York. Pretty awesome, right?
The Cosa Nostradamus, the magical community, isn’t quick to give up its secrets, though. Not even to fellow members. Not even when it’s in their best interests. So we’ve been busting our tails, perfecting our forensic skills, working to gain acceptance. The team’s tight… but we have our quirks, too. And our Big Dog, Benjamin Venec…well, he’s a special case, all right.
But we can’t give up. We’re needed, especially when a case comes along that threatens to pit human against fatae. But one wrong move could cost us everything we’ve worked for…

 

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Harlequin Teen Books

Series: The Iron Fey Series Book 3

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.

 

The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney

Flux Books

Series: The Iron Witch Saga Book 1

Freak. That's what her classmates call seventeen-year-old Donna Underwood. When she was seven, a horrific fey attack killed her father and drove her mother mad. Donna's own nearly fatal injuries from the assault were fixed by magic—the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. The child of alchemists, Donna feels cursed by the magical heritage that destroyed her parents and any chance she had for a normal life. The only thing that keeps her sane and grounded is her relationship with her best friend, Navin Sharma.

When the darkest outcasts of Faerie—the vicious wood elves—abduct Navin, Donna finally has to accept her role in the centuries old war between the humans and the fey. Assisted by Xan, a gorgeous half-fey dropout with secrets of his own, Donna races to save her friend—even if it means betraying everything her parents and the alchemist community fought to the death to protect.

 

February 3rd

The Locket by Stacey Jay

Razorbill Publishing

On her seventeenth birthday, Katie discovers a locket and decides to wear it for good luck. But when her boyfriend Isaac finds out she cheated on him— with their mutual best friend Mitch, no less—he dumps her, leaving her devastated.

And then a miracle happens. The locket burns on Katie's chest and she feels herself going back two weeks in time, to the night she cheated with Mitch. At first, Kate is delighted to be a better girlfriend to Isaac this time around. But as other aspects of her life become inexplicably altered, she realizes that changing the past may have had a dangerous effect on her present.

Can she make things right before the locket destroys everything—and everyone—she loves?

 

What are you waiting for?

New to the Shelf: January 30th through Feburary 5th

Another packed week for books. These are covers to drool over. What are you waiting for?

Tuesday Feburary 1st

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Description:
In less than twenty-four hours I'll be seventeen.
Although, technically, I won't actually be turning seventeen. I've been in the Nevernever too long. When you're in Faery, you don't age. So while a year has passed in the real world, agewise I'm probably only a few days older than when I went in.
In real life, I've changed so much I don't even recognize myself.
 
MY NAME IS MEGAN 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.

The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney
Publisher: Flux Books
Description:
Freak. That's what her classmates call seventeen-year-old Donna Underwood. When she was seven, a horrific fey attack killed her father and drove her mother mad. Donna's own nearly fatal injuries from the assault were fixed by magic—the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. The child of alchemists, Donna feels cursed by the magical heritage that destroyed her parents and any chance she had for a normal life. The only thing that keeps her sane and grounded is her relationship with her best friend, Navin Sharma.
When the darkest outcasts of Faerie—the vicious wood elves—abduct Navin, Donna finally has to accept her role in the centuries old war between the humans and the fey. Assisted by Xan, a gorgeous half-fey dropout with secrets of his own, Donna races to save her friend—even if it means betraying everything her parents and the alchemist community fought to the death to protect.

Thursday Feburary 3rd

The Locket by Stacey Jay
Publisher: Razorbill
Description:
On her seventeenth birthday, Katie discovers a locket and decides to wear it for good luck. But when her boyfriend Isaac finds out she cheated on himÑ with their mutual best friend Mitch, no lessÑhe dumps her, leaving her devastated.

And then a miracle happens. The locket burns on KatieÕs chest and she feels herself going back two weeks in time, to the night she cheated with Mitch. At first, Kate is delighted to be a better girlfriend to Isaac this time around. But as other aspects of her life become inexplicably altered, she realizes that changing the past may have had a dangerous effect on her present.

Can she make things right before the locket destroys everythingÑand everyoneÑshe loves?

Review: Choker by Elizabeth Woods

Title: Choker

By: Elizabeth Woods

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Publisher: Simon and Schuster (January 4th, 2011)

My Copy: Advanced Reading Copy via Publisher

BookWhisperer Rating:

 

About the book:

Sixteen-year-old Cara Lange has been a loner ever since she moved away from her best and only friend, Zoe, years ago. She eats lunch with the other girls from the track team, but they're not really her friends. Mostly she spends her time watching Ethan Gray from a distance, wishing he would finally notice her, and avoiding the popular girls who call her "Choker" after a humiliating incident in the cafeteria.
Then one day Cara comes home to find Zoe waiting for her. Zoe's on the run from problems at home, and Cara agrees to help her hide. With her best friend back, Cara's life changes overnight. Zoe gives her a new look and new confidence, and next thing she knows, she's getting invited to parties and flirting with Ethan. Best of all, she has her BFF there to confide in.
But just as quickly as Cara's life came together, it starts to unravel. A girl goes missing in her town, and everyone is a suspect—including Ethan. Worse still, Zoe starts behaving strangely, and Cara begins to wonder what exactly her friend does all day when she's at school. You're supposed to trust your best friend no matter what, but what if she turns into a total stranger

Choker is a truly terrifying realistic story. True horror is what you find when you read a book such as this. Cara Lange is what seems a totally ordinary child; it is incredible to experience a novel such as this. The reality of this novel will keep readers on the edge of their seat, and reflecting on the story well after the last pages. Slower pace seems to add minimal struggle through the story, but overall it is captivating and an intriguing read. The ending was so unexpected that it blew me away. Having read other books that follow the same kind of storyline it had crossed my mind that it could fall apart this way, but I had wrote it off finally believing that it was not possible. The suspense that Woods offers in Choker is incredible powerful promising for a surprise.

Review: Here Lies Bridget by Paige Harbison

Title: Here Lies Bridget

By: Paige Harbison

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

My Copy: Ebook from NetGalley

BookWhisperer Rating:

About this book:

Heroine, Bridget Duke, rules her high school, but when she crashes her car and ends up in limbo, she must confront the people she has wronged, all of whom want her to go to hell. The outcome of these meetings will decide her final destination.

Here Lies Bridget was an incredibly quick and awestruck read. Bridget is a hateful, snotty, and mean young girl. Without a particular reason for her horrible attitude; it is disgusting to see that attitude that this girl shoots at her friends, family, and peers. What for most of the book this our main character looks at as admiration; it down right pity and fear that she was turn on anyone brave enough to stand against her. When Bridget begins to see the wayward actions of herself it seems to become harder for her to hang on to what she perceives as normal. Then once she finds herself at rock bottom; one wrong decision has her in the teetering on the edge of heaven and hell. At the graces of the those judging her Bridget will learn things that she has been too occupied to notice, and will she be able to fix things before her time runs out. This story was captivating. I read on the GoodReads that is has 3.5 stars, and that is ridiculous. Bridget story is one that all readers will relate, and reflect on their own lives after reading. I was astounded by this child actions, and her ability to justify the meanness that she was so adamant on spilling on everyone she encountered. It was amazing to see where the story took her, and to follow this journey through the other characters shoes. I must say that little tidbit was a bit humorous to start, but very inventive. To see what others saw of this character and read the emotions that Bridget endures through the process was interesting to say the least. I recommend this book to young and old. It was well worth the time, and very enlightening.

Review: Wonderland by Joanna Nadin

Title: Wonderland

By: Joanna Nadin

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Publisher: Candlewick Press (February 22nd, 2011)

My Copy: Advanced Reading copy from Publisher

BookWhisperer Rating:

 

About the book:

Sixteen-year-old Jude has to get out of tiny Churchtown. She has to escape her outcast status and her pathetic dad, who hasn’t gotten past her mother’s death. The one bright light is drama, her way out, if only she can get into the Lab, a prestigious program in London. Then Stella, Jude’s childhood best friend, swaggers in after years away. With bold and magnetic Stella by her side, Jude knows she’s capable of anything. But Stella’s influence extends well beyond the theater. Soon Stella’s wild and dangerous streak begins to cause trouble for Jude -- yet Jude can’t bring herself to abandon Stella and the attention she’s always craved. And besides, now that Stella’s back, there’s no stopping her. In Jude’s dark and tangled story, British author Joanna Nadin plumbs the aftermath of loss and the consequences of becoming the person you always wished you were.
She’s back. Jude’s childhood friend -- sexy, daring Stella-- returns to their stifling hometown, and life will never be the same again.

 Wonderland is a mix of young adult romance and psychological suspense. Jude was a very innocent, and mindful young girl. Sadly, she is trying to survive in a life with the lack of a mother. Since losing her mother it seems she is completely alone; when he father falls to the dangerous grasp of alcohol. At seventeen years old Jude is on the brink of life changing decisions; as they begin to grow overwhelming she finds herself desperately craving the return of her childhood friend Stella. The wild and carefree Stella would never question major decisions such as the ones that Jude seems to be facing. As if a granted wish from her Fairy Godmother; Stella returns and life does not seem to resolve itself quite as easier as Jude at anticipated. When things begin to grow out of control Jude must find a way to separate herself from her friend, although this may prove to be impossible. 

Review: This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Title: The Side of the Grave

By: Jeaniene Frost

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Series: Night Huntress Book 5

Publisher: Avon Books (February 22nd, 2011)

My Copy: Early Review Copy from Publisher

BookWhisperer Rating:

About the book:

Danger waits on both sides of the grave.

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they've triumphed over the latest battle, Cat's new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance . . .

With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing. A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous "ally"—the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war . . . to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined.

As an avid follower of The Night Huntress series I have never had anything, but wonderful things to say about this series. Jeaniene Frost is one of the best authors I have come across in my years of reading. Her ability to create a story with an action packed storyline and a mouth water romance makes her one of the best author out there. The first of this series, Halfway to the Grave, was a book that I just happened to pick up when its cover caught my eye at the grocery store. Just pages into that first book I was astounded by the outstanding abilities of this author to create a book, so exceptional that I could not put it down finishing it within twenty four hours. After five books I can say without a doubt that this author is not losing her touch, and blows most others out of the water. Cat and Bones are characters that readers can’t get enough of. Their books promise readers lust, romance, and compassion that will keep them coming back for more. Over the books of this series have experience the wide array of supernatural characters and a magic and mysterious world; with every new book we build more knowledge and expand this fictional world. Although, don’t underestimate this authors ability to include all of the well loved characters in the prior books as well. As the friends and foes grow Cat and Bones have been tested to the limits, and back again. In the past two novel the relationship of Cat and Bones has been a major player in the suspense of the novel. This Side of the Grave seemed to offer a little release of tension for that relationship, which I found to be a relief. The storyline of this novel took more of a lead in this book which allowed the story to expand farther around these two favorite characters. Cat character is noticeably changing over the book of this series; this book take a moment to reflect on this growth of this character. This was a surreal moment to actually grasp the changes and growth of her character from the innocent young girl that previewed in Halfway in the Grave. Our journey has been enlightening, empowering, and promising; but Frost seems far from done with this tremendously intense world. As tragedy strikes in the most unlikely place in this novel I found myself sad to have seen the changes so soon,  but I believe this expanded Cat’s character further in this small edition. Due to this changes the future of The Night Huntress series will be changing, but that shows promise as well. It is always entertaining to see the appearances of characters from the Night Huntress World Series books still fighting along side Cat and Bones, and look forward to seeing  the future for this spin off series as well. The story of Cat and Bones are books that I recommend to everyone when recommending books. This fifth installment only adds fuel to my desire to spread the word about this excellent series.

Review: Sandpiper by Ellen Wittlinger

Title: Sandpiper

By: Ellen Wittlinger

Publisher: Simon Pulse (February 12th, 2010)

My Copy: Review Copy provided by Publisher

BookWhisperer:

About the Book:

When The Walker, a mysterious boy who walks constantly, intervenes in an argument between Sandpiper and a boy she used to see, their lives become entwined in ways that change them both.

This book was very difficult to find a book description to preview here with this review. The one above I felt just does not do this book justice, so here is a little more description about this story. Sandpiper is 15 years old, and found her way into a dangerous lifestyle. In attempts to replace the hole her father seems to be leaving in her life; she has become very promiscuous with many young men in her life. The charged emotions that accompanied sexual acts allowed her to feel, at least for the moment, that she was loved and adored.  While she is still a virgin; she is far from innocent. After Piper’s last break up things have begun to unravel leaving a desire for change in its wake. She soon finds that the past is a hard thing to overcome. When her last boyfriend decides that she must pay for breaking his heart; she not only finds herself in danger, but also her family and more importantly her thirteen year old sister. In the midst of the story Sandpiper finds herself drawn to one particular young boy that is known as “The Walker”; her attraction to this young boy as her caught off guard when it is nothing like what she has experienced in the past. Aidan, aka The Walker, is a loner that is only known for his constant walking of their small town. When Sandpiper drags him into an altercation with her ex boyfriend it sparks a friendship that they never knew would lead them both into a world of trouble. Aidan has his own secrets that he has struggled to leave hidden, but his friendship with Sandpiper gains him some unwanted attention. When Aidan finds that he is no longer the loner with no name he knows that it is time to go, but it seems that he has more trouble leaving than was expected. Although, what Aidan fears most just might be what he needed to save him. Wittlinger adds depth to her story by following each chapter with a poem written by Piper. This gives the readers more insight into the characters feelings and thoughts; kind of like foot notes to each section of the story. Sandpiper is a very realistic story that gives readers a shocking glimpse of today’s societies kids. This story portrays just how easy it is for a young girl to find herself in a position such as this one. The promiscuity of this story is a little hard to handle in parts, but it seems necessary in establishing the true nature of this story.

New to the Shelf January 9th through 15th

Only three books that have caught my eye. Oh Me Oh My! What are you waiting for this week?

Tueday January 11th

Timeless by Alexandra Monir
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Description:
When tragedy strikes Michele Windsor’s world, she is forced to uproot her life and move across the country to New York City, to live with the wealthy, aristocratic grandparents she’s never met. In their old Fifth Avenue mansion filled with a century’s worth of family secrets, Michele discovers a diary that hurtles her back in time to the year 1910. There, in the midst of the glamorous Gilded Age, Michele meets the young man with striking blue eyes who has haunted her dreams all her life – a man she always wished was real, but never imagined could actually exist. And she finds herself falling for him, into an otherworldly, time-crossed romance.

Michele is soon leading a double life, struggling to balance her contemporary high school world with her escapes into the past. But when she stumbles upon a terrible discovery, she is propelled on a race through history to save the boy she loves – a quest that will determine the fate of both of their lives.

Other Words for Love by Lorraine Zago Rosenthal
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Description:
When an unexpected inheritance enables Ari to transfer to an elite Manhattan prep school, she makes a wealthy new friend, Leigh. Leigh introduces Ari to the glamorous side of New York—and to her gorgeous cousin, Blake. Ari doesn't think she stands a chance, but amazingly, Blake asks her out. As their romance heats up, they find themselves involved in an intense, consuming relationship. Ari's family worries that she is losing touch with the important things in life, like family, hard work, and planning for the future.
When misfortune befalls Blake's family, he pulls away, and Ari's world drains of color. As she struggles to get over the breakup, Ari must finally ask herself: were their feelings true love . . . or something else?

Warped by Maurissa Guibord
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Description:
Tessa doesn't believe in magic. Or Fate. But there's something weird about the dusty unicorn tapestry she discovers in a box of old books. She finds the creature woven within it compelling and frightening. After the tapestry comes into her possession, Tessa experiences dreams of the past and scenes from a brutal hunt that she herself participated in. When she accidentally pulls a thread from the tapestry, Tessa releases a terrible centuries old secret. She also meets William de Chaucy, an irresistible 16th-century nobleman. His fate is as inextricably tied to the tapestry as Tessa's own. Together, they must correct the wrongs of the past. But then the Fates step in, making a tangled mess of Tessa's life. Now everyone she loves will be destroyed unless Tessa does their bidding and defeats a cruel and crafty ancient enemy.

BookWhisperer Reviews 2011

You will find listed here all the books that I have reviewed this year. If you are interested in other years I will have links below for each additional years listings. To see a review click on the book cover, and it will take you directly to that review.

Note: Favorites are all marked with a pink star following title!

Thanks The BookWhisperer

Review List 2011

  Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Vesper by Jeff Sampson

Sandpiper by Ellen Wittlinger

This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Wonderland by Joanna Nadin

Here Lies Bridget by Paige Harbison

Choker by Elizabeth Woods

Magic at the Gate by Devon Monk

Reaper by Rachel Vincent

My Soul to Steal by Rachel Vincent

Haunted by Joy Preble

Mad Love by Suzanne Selfors

Lemniscate by Jennifer Murgia

Die For Me by Amy Plum

Abandon by Meg Cabot

Betrayal by Lee Nichols

Hereafter by Tara Hudson

Born at Midnight by CC Hunter

Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

Clarity by Kim Harrington

Rivermarked by Patricia Briggs

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

My Blood Approves by Amanda Hocking

Forsaken by Keary Taylor

Magic on the Hunt by Devon Monk

Overprotected by Jennifer Laurens

Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready

Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Trail by Fire by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Brother/Sister by Sean Olin

Fallen Angel by Heather Terrell

Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggari

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Supernaturally by Kiersten White

But I Love Him by Amanda Grace

Kane Richards Must Die by Shanice Williams

Love Story by Jennifer Echols

Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

The Fallen Star by Jessica Sorensen

44 by Jools Sinclair

The Girl Next Door by Selene Castrovilla

Tempest Rising

The Thirteenth Chime by Emma Michaels

The Vampire Stalker by Allison Van Diepen

Wildefire by Karsten Knight

Passion by Lauren Kate

Drowning in the Dark by Allison Karras

Fateful by Cheri Schmidt

Stay with Me by Paul Griffin

Dead Rules by Randy Russell

Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Unlovable by Sherry Gammon

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Reason to Breathe by Rebecca Donovan

Heart on a Chain by Cindy C Bennett

Forever Mine by Elizabeth Reye

Flyaway by Helen Landalf

Summer’s Crossing by Julie Kagawa

Fractured by Cheri Smith

Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Falling from Grace by S.L. Naole

Earth by Shauna Granger

Rock and a Hard Place by Angie Stanton

Crossroads by Mary Ting

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Dark Souls by Paula Norris

Between by Jessica Warman

Brightest Kind of Darkness by PT Michelle

The Underworld by Jessica Sorensen

  Drip, Drop Teardrop

Descended by Blood by Angeline Kace

Charming by Susie Kaye Lopez

Chain Reaction by Simone Elkeles

A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies  

Heroes til Curfew by Susan Birchoff

The Bringer by Samantha Towle

Black Halo by SL Naeole

Wynter Chlesea: The Lagacy by Becca Mitchell Ritchie

Destiny Binds by Tammy Blackwell

Forever by maggie Stiefvater

Prince of Wolves by Quinn Loftis

Red by Kait Nolan

Sophie & Cater by Chelsea Fine

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Captivated by D. Apodaca

Always Been Mine by Elizabeth Reyes

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

Dirty Blood by Heather Hildenbrand

Deep Blue Secret by Christie Anderson

Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

One Grave at a Time by Jeaniene Frost

Bait by Annie Nicholas

Vampire Shift by Tim O’Rourke

Significance by Shelly Crane

Blood Rites by Quinn Loftis

Sweet Sophie by Elizbaeth Reyes

Beg for Mercy by Shannon Dermott

Yours to Keep by Shannon Stacey

Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey

Without Mercy by Belinda Boring

Awake at Dawn by CC Hunter

Love’s Road Home by Lisa Lewis

Bound by CK Bryant

Cold Blood by Heather Hildenbrand

Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Love Unscripted by Tina Reber

Pride and Popularity by Jenni James

Fate Fixed by Bonnie Wheeler

Amaranthine by Leah Crichton

Magic of the Moonlight by Ellen Schreiber

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 2010 Reviews List