Review: Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

Title: Code Name Verity
Author: Elizabeth Wein
Published: February 6, 2012
Publisher: Hyperion
Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction
Pages: 343
Source: Purchased
Rating: 4 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“It's like being in love, discovering your best friend.”
―Elizabeth Wein, Code Name Verity

Synopsis
Two young women become unlikely best friends during WWII, until one is captured by the Gestapo. Only in wartime could a stalwart lass from Manchester rub shoulders with a Scottish aristocrat, one a pilot, the other a special operations executive. Yet whenever their paths cross, they complement each other perfectly and before long become devoted to each other.

But then a vital mission goes wrong, and one of the friends has to bail out of a faulty plane over France. She is captured by the Gestapo and becomes a prisoner of war. The story begins in “Verity’s” own words, as she writes her account for her captors. Truth or lies? Honour or betrayal? Everything they’ve ever believed in is put to the test…(Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Code Name Verity is a challenging book to review. By the end of the book, so much has happened, that you are left reeling in the aftermath, finding it difficult to even articulate your feelings. This book was what I expected, and, at the same time, the complete opposite. Wein tells the story of a friendship between the most unlikely pair, a Brit and a Scot from entirely different classes. Despite their differences, they become the closest of friends. Their enduring friendship is what makes Code Name Verity stand out in the young adult genre. Instead of heavily focusing on a romance, as most young adult books do, Wein centers the plot around a strong, solid friendship. There are a few hints at romance, but they fade into the background and are not significant plot points unlike Verity's and Kittyhawk's indomitable bond.

Waiting On Wednesday (17) - Truly Madly Deadly by Hannah Jayne

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Breaking the Spine. Every week, bloggers spotlight upcoming releases that they cannot wait to get their hands on.

Truly Madly Deadly by Hannah Jayne

Hits Shelves on July 1, 2013

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis
They Said It Was An Accident...

Sawyer Dodd is a star athlete, a straight-A student, and the envy of every other girl who wants to date Kevin Anderson. When Kevin dies in a tragic car crash, Sawyer is stunned. Then she opens her locker to find a note:

You're welcome.

Someone saw what he did to her. Someone knows that Sawyer and Kevin weren't the perfect couple they seemed to be. And that someone—a killer—is now shadowing Sawyer's every move...(Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Wow. That last line gives me chills every time I read it. This sounds like a suspenseful, thrilling read. Can I have it now? Pretty please.

What's your WoW this week?

Review: Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor

Title: Days of Blood & Starlight
Author: Laini Taylor
Published: November 6, 2012
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Series: Daughter of Smoke & Bone #2
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: 517
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5 stars
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*Warning: This book review contains spoilers for Daughter of Smoke & Bone*

“Once upon a time, an angel and a devil held a wishbone between them. And its snap split the world in two.”
― Laini Taylor, Days of Blood & Starlight

Synopsis
Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is—and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it.

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life.

While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For hope.

But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Days of Blood & Starlight may have been darker than its predecessor, Daughter of Smoke & Bone, but it was still just as epic. I savored every single page. Once again, we join Karou in her adventures, but this time, she is battered and bruised on the inside and out. For a character that was so alive in Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou was just a shadow of her old self in Days of Blood & Starlight. This did not decrease my love for her. As protagonists go, Karou is still on the top of my list, and the reader cannot expect that she would remain unscathed after she learns of her lover's betrayal. Despite her suffering, Karou is still an amazingly strong individual, unfaltering in her devotion to loved ones. Her unquestionable loyalty to those she cares about leaves her heartbroken when she discovers Akiva's actions. But ever after Akiva has indirectly killed her family, she still feels torn because of the deep love she feels for him and his quest for redemption.

Waiting on Wednesday (16) - Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. On Wednesdays, bloggers showcase the books they are eagerly awaiting.

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick

Hits Shelves on August 13, 2013

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Synopsis
In addition to the P-38, there are four gifts, one for each of my friends. I want to say good-bye to them properly. I want to give them each something to remember me by. To let them know I really cared about them and I'm sorry I couldn't be more than I was—that I couldn't stick around—and that what's going to happen today isn't their fault.

Today is Leonard Peacock's birthday. It is also the day he hides a gun in his backpack. Because today is the day he will kill his former best friend, and then himself, with his grandfather's P-38 pistol.

But first he must say good-bye to the four people who matter most to him: his Humphrey Bogart-obsessed next-door neighbor, Walt; his classmate Baback, a violin virtuoso; Lauren, the Christian homeschooler he has a crush on; and Herr Silverman, who teaches the high school's class on the Holocaust. Speaking to each in turn, Leonard slowly reveals his secrets as the hours tick by and the moment of truth approaches.

In this riveting book, acclaimed author Matthew Quick unflinchingly examines the impossible choices that must be made—and the light in us all that never goes out. (Goodreads)

Why I'm Waiting
Lately, I've been reading more and more YA contemporary. Or at least, I've been trying to. This book sounds like a gripping, intense read, and I'm anxious to hear the backstory. What drove Peacock to this? What demons has he been struggling with? And why is he no longer friends with his best friend? In light of recent shootings, this book is more relevant than ever. I'm eager to learn more about Leonard's psychological health and his past.

What are you waiting for this week?

Top Ten Settings I'd Like To See More Of (15)

Tuesday is here which means it's time for Top Ten Tuesday! Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Every Tuesday, bloggers post a top ten list based on a bookish theme. This week's is:

Top Ten Settings I'd Like To See More Of (Or At All)

This one took some thinking. I'm still not sure if these are my final ten. But let's just go with it.

1. Some Arabian country - Arabian nightsssss! Like Arabian daysssss! Okay, I know what you're thinking. But don't think it! I'm not asking for a genie in a bottle or a flying carpet or a Whole New World. All I want is a epic book set in the desert. Maybe some thieves with sabers. Camels. But some cool camels. There could be a kasbah and tombs and Arabian horses! And lets not do modern day. Okey doke?

2, 3, 4. England/Ireland/Scotland - Yes, I grouped these together because they're all cozy neighbors, right? Lots of differences but I'd go for some fantasy, fairytale retelling, or ghost story set in any of the above countries. Set near a loch? Maybe some Nessy action (kidding). But just picture it. The fog over the moors. Maybe some highlanders in kilts with longswords (kidding again...partially). An abandoned, dilapidated castle. Lets throw in an ancient manor with a mile long cemetery in the backyard. 

5. Asia - This means just about anywhere in Asia. Or it could take place in an Asian inspired setting. With katanas and kimonos. I don't know how anyone is going to top Eon and Eona, but if at first you don't succeed...well, then you pick another Asian country. It's a BIG continent. 

6. Wild West setting - I'm thinking some dystopian, Wild West, futuristic setting. Something like The Dark Tower series, Blood Red Road and Chaos Walking all together. I love the combination of saloons and futuristic weapons.

7. Romania - I have very good reasons for why I picked Romania: 1) Vlad Dracul 2) Creepy castles

8.  A mirror world - Imagine everything in reverse? Freaky huh? When I was younger, I used to wonder what it would be like to just step into the mirror and become my mirror self. I know. I was weird even then. But it's definitely Alice in Wonderland material. 

9. A city in the sky - I still need to read The Floating Islands and Castle in the Air, but there can always be more books with cities, kingdoms, islands, etc. in the sky. Maybe I've been playing too much The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

10. A labyrinth - I love the movies Pan's Labyrinth and Labyrinth, and I want to see a book take place in a labyrinth. Sort of like the one test in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (the book's hedge maze and not the movie's since the book's maze had actual challenges). 

I'm sure if I had put my mind to it, I could have come up with crazier settings, but alas, this is my final list. What's everyone's Top Ten this week?

Review: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Title: Thirteen Reasons Why
Author: Jay Asher
Published: October 18, 2007
Publisher: Razorbill
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Pages: 304
Source: Borrowed
Rating: 5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“You can't stop the future
You can't rewind the past
The only way to learn the secret
...is to press play.”
― Jay Asher, Thirteen Reasons Why

Synopsis
Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Stop. Just hit the Pause button on your life, and go buy this book NOW. Thirteen Reasons Why is a heartbreaking, phenomenal read, and I recommend it for EVERYONE. Come on. Would I ever steer you wrong?

When it comes to Thirteen Reasons Why, I can't even think of a single complaint. I have no criticism to offer. I was simply blown away by this book. I was even concerned that the book might be surgically attached to my hands because I could not put it down. I finished it in record timing, and just sat there, open-mouthed with shock.

In My Mailbox (10)

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren. Every week, bloggers post what books they've received. Over the last two weeks, I've drained my Barnes and Noble and Amazon gift cards. Gift cards don't last long with me. 

Bought: 

-Hate List by Jennifer Brown

-White Cat by Holly Black

-Red Glove by Holly Black 

-Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein (reading now!)

-Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

Borrowed:

-Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson (might be my Valentine's Day read!)

-Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

And I also bought a couple of books that were on sale for my Kindle app on my Ipad. 

Bought (Kindle):

-The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston

-The Woodcutter by Kate Danley

Then, I fell in love with this little guy. I could not resist buying this Vinyl Writer William Shakespeare from Barnes and Noble. There's also a Mark Twain and Edgar Allan Poe. Love these!

What did everyone get in their mailbox this week?

Review: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Title: Rebecca 
Author: Daphne du Maurier
Published: 1938
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genre: Classic Literature
Pages: 410
Source: Gift
Rating: 5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“We can never go back again, that much is certain. The past is still close to us. The things we have tried to forget and put behind us would stir again, and that sense of fear, of furtive unrest, struggling at length to blind unreasoning panic - now mercifully stilled, thank God - might in some manner unforeseen become a living companion as it had before.”
― Daphne du Maurier, Rebecca

Synopsis
"Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again..."

With these words, the reader is ushered into an isolated gray stone mansion on the windswept Cornish coast, as the second Mrs. Maxim de Winter recalls the chilling events that transpired as she began her new life as the young bride of a husband she barely knew. For in every corner of every room were phantoms of a time dead but not forgotten, a past devotedly preserved by the sinister housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers: a suite immaculate and untouched, clothing laid out and ready to be worn, but not by any of the great house's current occupants. With an eerie presentiment of evil tightening her heart, the second Mrs. de Winter walked in the shadow of her mysterious predecessor, determined to uncover the darkest secrets and shattering truths about Maxim's first wife the late and hauntingly beautiful Rebecca. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Rebecca is a book that will last throughout the ages; it's that good. In fact, when I was reading this, everyone I mentioned it to kept saying that they had read it and loved it (including my boss). So what took me so long to finally read it? I have no idea. There's just no excuse.

Review: Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Septys

Title: Between Shades of Gray 
Author: Ruta Septys
Published: March 22, 2011
Publisher: Philomel Books
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 344
Source: Library
Rating: 5 stars
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“Have you ever wondered what a human life is worth? That morning, my brother's was worth a pocket watch.”
― Ruta Sepetys, Between Shades of Gray

Synopsis
Lina is just like any other fifteen-year-old Lithuanian girl in 1941. She paints, she draws, she gets crushes on boys. Until one night when Soviet officers barge into her home, tearing her family from the comfortable life they've known. Separated from her father, forced onto a crowded and dirty train car, Lina, her mother, and her young brother slowly make their way north, crossing the Arctic Circle, to a work camp in the coldest reaches of Siberia. Here they are forced, under Stalin's orders, to dig for beets and fight for their lives under the cruelest of conditions.

Lina finds solace in her art, meticulously--and at great risk--documenting events by drawing, hoping these messages will make their way to her father's prison camp to let him know they are still alive. It is a long and harrowing journey, spanning years and covering 6,500 miles, but it is through incredible strength, love, and hope that Lina ultimately survives. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
First, let me preface this book review by clearing up any confusion with this book and the Fifty Shades series. Between Shades of Gray has nothing to do with Christian Grey and eroticism, but every time I mentioned what I was reading to someone, they immediately assumed it was part of that series. Completely different book. Completely different spelling of "gray." Thank goodness.

I knew Between Shades of Gray would be an emotional read given the topic. There were many points during the book that I had to fight back a torrent of tears. While it was often upsetting, it was still beautifully written, making it a pleasure to read even if the events written about were far from pleasant. I would never want to be in Lina's place, but the author, against my wishes, brought Lithuania and the work camp in Siberia to life with her words. I really connected with the deported Lithuanians. I felt their despair and homesickness as they longed for Lithuania's faraway comforts. I was completely ignorant of the ongoing events in Lithuania during WWII because they had been forgotten amongst other horrors. I experienced a brutal awakening when I realized what Lithuania, and the other Baltic states, had suffered through.

Top Ten 2013 Debuts I'm Looking Forward To (14)

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Every Tuesday, there's a top ten list following a bookish prompt. This week's Top Ten Tuesday is:

Top Ten 2013 Debuts I'm Looking Forward To

I had considered joining the 2013 debut author challenge, but I'm not one for reading challenges. I don't like to be held to reading certain books. I'm more of a free spirit, and once I have to read a certain number of books, I lose all enjoyment in reading. It's like having to read a book for class. When I feel like I must do something, it's just not as fun.

There are so many 2013 debuts I've already heard about so it was hard choosing just 10, but I finally selected the right number. The following ten are the ones that seem to be my type of books; something Courtney would most likely read but we'll see if I actually do read them this year or not. I'm trying to read more adult fiction, and all of these fall under the young adult category.

1. Coda by Emma Trevayne - I literally just heard about this book, and the premise is what reeled me in. "By encoding music with addictive and mind-altering elements, the Corp holds control over all citizens, particularly conduits like Anthem, whose life energy feeds the main power in the Grid." That's sick right there. What a wild idea! Music is already addictive enough, but using music as a means of controlling the population? Genius! I need to read this book.

2. An Infidel in Paradise by S.J. Laidlaw - I don't just read a great historical fiction book; I devour it. And then I can go up to my history teacher boyfriend, and say HA! I read something about history. :D An Infidel in Paradise is set in Pakistan in a diplomatic compound, and that sounds fascinating. Plus, the cover is appealing.

3. The End Games by T. Michael Martin - Zombies! Horror! Post Apocalyptic! Oh my! I don't read a lot of zombie books, but this one has caught my eye for some reason. First of all, that cover is amazing. What a vivid shade of red! It looks like just my type of book. And I love how the monsters are called Bellows. It's a very creative premise with this mysterious Game Master, sort of sounds like the Hunger Games except for the flesh-eating creatures.

4. Breaking Glass by Lisa Amowitz - In Breaking Glass, Jeremy Glass begins receiving messages from his girlfriend. The only problem with that is she's dead, and he has to solve the mystery behind her death before he's next. I'm always up for a great thriller and mystery novel, and this one sounds intense.

5. Strands of Bronze and Gold by Jane Nickerson - I've mentioned this retelling of the Bluebeard fairy tale way too many times, but that just shows how excited I am for its release. I really hope I won't be disappointed, especially with that enchanting cover.

6. Some Quiet Place by Kelsey Sutton - What all of the books on this list have in common are intriguing premises. This synopsis, in particular, is original. Elizabeth Caldwell doesn't feel emotions because she sees them. And Elizabeth and her emotion Fear are trying to unravel a mystery that has something to do with strange paintings in the family barn. Not to mention, there's a "stalking menace" after Elizabeth. With a mixture of fantasy and suspense, I think I will love this book.

7. The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd - This book had me at "gruesome experiments" and a "dark and breathless Gothic thriller." It is inspired by H.G. Wells's classic The Island of Dr. Moreau, and I usually can't resist a retelling of classic literature. I mean, as long as the retelling looks halfway decent. I'll have to read the original before reading this book.

8. Premeditated by Josin L. McQuein - Oooooh, a mystery thriller with a revenge plot. After Dinah's cousin Claire cuts her wrists, Dinah reads her diary and finds out why. Now she's out to get the boy who hurt Claire. Sounds like a hell of a ride.

9. The Murmurings by Carly Anne West - Last but not least, we have The Murmurings. I actually had this as a WoW in the past, and it has been on my Amazon wish list for too long. With people hearing voices and suicide, this book sounds positively frightening. Should be an entertaining read!

10. Another Little Piece by Kate Karyus Quinn - I love that this book is listed as horror, paranormal, and mystery. All of the above genres attracted me. Apparently, Annaliese is trapped in someone else's body with no memory of how she got there. She has to remember her past before she can move on. I can't wait to read this!

I can't wait to see what 2013 debuts everyone is looking forward to!

2013 Reading Challenges

Alright, I've finally decided on my 2013 Reading Challenges. I'm not going to be doing many because I prefer to read whatever I want, whenever I want. That's why I'm not accepting books for reviews or doing any blog tours again. At least for awhile. It frustrated me having any sort of schedule with my books because I want to read them purely for enjoyment and not because I need to read them by a certain date or need to read a certain number.

Goodreads 2013 Reading Challenge

I'm trying to be as realistic as possible so I challenged myself to 90 books this year. I hope to go over that and maybe even over 100, but we shall see. With work and such, I may not be able to read as many as I'd like. I'm already at 4!

The Stephen King Project

I'm so excited to hear that The Stephen King Project is continuing into 2013. I started blogging way too late in 2012 to participate, and I was afraid they wouldn't continue the project. Basically you spend the whole year reading Stephen King. You can include other non-bookish things, like reviews of the movies and so on. I look forward to reading even more Stephen King since he is my favorite author!

And that is all I'm participating in. It's not much, but I'm happy with it because then I am free to do whatever I want. I'm not one for challenging myself. I just sit back and read with a mug of hot tea. But I do want to participate in a Read-A-Thon sometime. Bring it on!

Review: Unwind by Neal Shusterman

Title: Unwind
Author: Neal Shusterman
Published: November 6, 2007
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Series: Unwind Dystology #1
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Pages: 335
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“In a perfect world everything would be either black or white, right or wrong, and everyone would know the difference. But this isn't a perfect world. The problem is people who think it is.”
― Neal Shusterman, Unwind

Synopsis
The Second Civil War was fought over reproductive rights. The chilling resolution: Life is inviolable from the moment of conception until age thirteen. Between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, however, parents can have their child "unwound," whereby all of the child's organs are transplanted into different donors, so life doesn't technically end. Connor is too difficult for his parents to control. Risa, a ward of the state is not enough to be kept alive. And Lev is a tithe, a child conceived and raised to be unwound. Together, they may have a chance to escape and to survive. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
It's perfect weather for reading and writing blog posts. We have an extreme case of The Fog outside. If I see zombie-like ghosts, I'll be sure to scream and grow some plants for Plants vs. Zombies time. But as of now, I'm staying in and nursing my headache with some hot tea. Onto the book review!

Unwind was not what I expected. It was not as horrific as I thought it would be from reading others' reviews. But you must remember, my dear followers, that I have different standards when it comes to horror. I watch horror flicks regularly and read Stephen King like nobody's business so I might be somewhat desensitized to what others call "disturbing." Don't get me wrong. There was a definite creepy factor throughout Unwind, but it did not give me nightmares. Did this interfere with my enjoyment? Of course not. I don't need extreme horror to make me happy, especially when a book is quality reading. Unwind explored some core issues and raised thought-provoking questions that had me thinking about reproductive rights long after I had finished the book. One of these questions is very relevant to today's society: do we have the right to choose what we do with our bodies? Basically, do we own our bodies?

Review: The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness

Title: The Ask and the Answer
Author: Patrick Ness
Published: May 4, 2009
Publisher: Candlewick
Series: Chaos Walking #2
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian, Science Fiction
Pages: 519
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

*Warning: This book review contains spoilers for The Knife of Never Letting Go*

“To live is to fight, to preserve life is to fight everything that man stands for.”
― Patrick Ness, The Ask and the Answer

Synopsis
Fleeing before a relentless army, Todd has carried a desperately wounded Viola right into the hands of their worst enemy, Mayor Prentiss. Immediately separated from Viola and imprisoned, Todd is forced to learn the ways of the Mayor's new order. But what secrets are hiding just outside of town? And where is Viola? Is she even still alive? And who are the mysterious Answer? And then, one day, the bombs begin to explode...(Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Patrick Ness, you are a genius. I'm indebted to you for writing such a fantastic series, one of my new favorites. After reading The Knife of Never Letting Go, I thought it would be near to impossible for Ness to top that. I was wrong. The Ask and the Answer was just as phenomenal as the first book, if not better. I was on the edge of my seat the entire book, rip roaring through the pages in order to find out what happened next. The Chaos Walking series is action packed, but it also carries a lot of emotion. As I was reading this, I often felt like there was a hand gripping my heart, wringing it dry. It was that heartrending and emotional.

Waiting on Wednesday (15) - Asunder by Jodi Meadows

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. Every Wednesday, bloggers post books that they are eagerly anticipating. It's been awhile since I posted a Waiting on Wednesday, but I'm really looking forward to this book's release!

Asunder by Jodi Meadows

Hits Shelves on January 29, 2013

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis
DARKSOULS
Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.


SHADOWS
Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

LOVE
Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.

In this second book in the Incarnate trilogy, Ana discovers the truth about reincarnation and will have to find a way to embrace love and make her young life meaningful. Once again, Jodi Meadows explores the extraordinary beauty and shadowed depths of the soul in a story equal parts epic romance and captivating fantasy. (Goodreads)

Why I'm Waiting
I loved, loved, LOVED the first book in the Newsoul series, Incarnate, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel. I want to learn more about newsouls and Heart and, well, Sam. I hope Asunder does not disappoint!

What are you waiting for?

In My Mailbox (9)

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren. Every week, bloggers post the books they've received and such over the past week. I had some Amazon gift cards so I bought a few more books! 

Bought:

-The Maze Runner by James Dashner

-Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Lynne Truss

-The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling

-Wild Magic (Immortals #1) by Tamora Pierce

-Wolf Speaker (Immortals #2) by Tamora Pierce

-Emperor Mage (Immortals #3) by Tamora Pierce

-The Realms of the Gods (Immortals #4) by Tamora Pierce

Borrowed:

-Red by Jack Ketchum

-Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

I can't wait to read these books! What did everyone else get this week?

Review: The Shack by WM. Paul Young

Title: The Shack
Author: WM. Paul Young
Published: June 20, 2008
Publisher: Windblown Media
Genre: Adult Fiction, Christian Fiction
Pages: 252
Source: Gift
Rating: 2 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“Each relationship between two persons is absolutely unique. That is why you cannot love two people the same. It simply is not possible. You love each person differently because of who they are and the uniqueness that they draw out of you.”
― Wm. Paul Young, The Shack

Synopsis
Mackenzie Allen Philips' youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation, and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later in the midst of his "Great Sadness," Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend. Against his better judgment he arrives at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change Mack's world forever. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
I have put off this review long enough. To be completely honest, I've been avoiding writing this book review because I had no idea what to say. How do you review The Shack negatively without offending someone of the Christian faith? I've already offended two of my family members who are very religious because I told them I was not enjoying this book. They loved The Shack so they were a little peeved.