Catherynne M. Valente Reading and Book Signing

So, yesterday I met Catherynne M. Valente at my local bookstore! For those of you who are unfamiliar with her work, Cat Valente wrote The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making and The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There. She also wrote a bunch of other books, but these are her recent ones.

Yes, I know, both those titles are quite the mouthful. I have yet to read these books (I just bought them recently so I could get them signed). But I'm so excited to! Look at those gorgeous covers.

Cat Valente and me

Cat Valente read from both books in the Fairyland series, but she read more from the sequel. There was also musical entertainment. Her friend S.J. sang songs that were inspired by the books and the various characters. There was even a sing-along sea shanty (well, river shanty). Valente was so nice, and I was thrilled to meet her. I will definitely be reading these books soon. 

Here's the awesome book trailer for The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making!

The singer in this video is S.J. who sang last night at the reading. She was great! Here's her site: http://www.skinnywhitechick.com/

Top Ten Books to Get Into the Halloween Spirit (9)

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted over at The Broke and the Bookish. Every week, you post a Top Ten list following a bookish theme. This week's Top Ten Tuesday is:

Top Ten Books to Get Into the Halloween Spirit

1. Pet Sematary by Stephen King - Just like almost every other King book, Pet Sematary is terrifying. I could not read this book at night. I had nightmares. I mean, what wouldn't be creepy about animals, and people, coming back to life not entirely their old selves? As in, I will kill you in your sleep or stare at you creepily. I could make this whole list Stephen King, but I'll give some variety.

2. Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill - From Stephen King's son, Heart-Shaped Box is a haunting read. Basically, a rock star buys a ghost off of an auction site. This is not just any ghost, but a vengeance seeking spirit. This book will definitely have you afraid of things that go bump in the night.

3. The Passage by Justin Cronin - Cronin's vampires do not sparkle in the daytime. They are deadly. That's why I love this book. It terrified me and thrilled me, and it was such a dark, horrific read. 

4. The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe - If I want creepy, I always turn to Poe. I'm in love with his mind. And this tale is one of my favorites. It's great to read during a thunderstorm in the dark of night. If you have a raven sitting on your chamber door, it's even better.

5. The Woman in Black by Susan Hill - While it wasn't as scary as the movie, The Woman in Black was still a frightening read. I was afraid to be alone at night. I mean, in a strange way, you could look at this book as a great example of woman's power. Don't mess with a woman or she'll go crazy and kill off the town's children. Great lesson. She definitely knows how to keep a grudge. 

6. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde - One of my favorite books. It's a psychological thriller and has some creeptastic moments. You're so vain. You probably think this song is about you. Don't you? That's Dorian's anthem.

7. The Call of Cthulhu by H.P. Lovecraft - If you're looking for some great horror, just pick up some Lovecraft. It will definitely put you in the Halloween spirit.

8. Dracula by Bram Stoker - This is near and dear to my heart. It's a classic everyone should read, even if they don't like vampires. So we can all hate Mina together.

9. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley - Another horrific classic. I'm seeing a trend here. When I go for horror, I go back to my old favorites. 

10. Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice - I have yet to read this entire series which I deeply regret. But  I definitely recommend the first book. The vampires are graceful and beautiful, but also deadly killers. The movie's a must see too! Brad Pitt, Antonio Banderas, Kirsten Dunst, and Tom Cruise all as vampires! Awesomesauce.

I could go on and on, but that would be annoying and cheating. So that's my Top Ten! I really enjoyed this one because I love Halloween and scary books! 

How about you? What scary books would you recommend?

Review: Mystic City by Theo Lawrence

Title: Mystic City 
Author: Theo Lawrence
Published: October 9, 2012
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Series: Mystic City #1
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Pages: 397
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“I always knew this story would break my heart”
― Theo Lawrence, Mystic City

Synopsis
Aria Rose, youngest scion of one of Mystic City's two ruling rival families, finds herself betrothed to Thomas Foster, the son of her parents' sworn enemies. The union of the two will end the generations-long political feud—and unite all those living in the Aeries, the privileged upper reaches of the city, against the banished mystics who dwell below in the Depths.

But Aria doesn't remember falling in love with Thomas; in fact, she wakes one day with huge gaps in her memory. And she can't conceive why her parents would have agreed to unite with the Fosters in the first place.

Only when Aria meets Hunter, a gorgeous rebel mystic from the Depths, does she start to have glimmers of recollection—and to understand that he holds the key to unlocking her past. The choices she makes can save or doom the city—including herself. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
I have been eagerly anticipating Mystic City for a long time. The premise and cover together had me very excited for its release. The world building left nothing to be desired. Manhattan is completely reimagined into a mystical world divided between the people above and the people below. The rich and famous live far above the streets in dazzling skyscrapers soaring above the ground. The Aeries remain untouched by the destruction left behind by the climate change, and the buildings are connected by bridges and lightrails. The privileged never use the PODs (points of descent) to descend below. The PODs are for the servants that live far below in the Depths. The Depths are filled with the poor and the Mystics. The Mystics are prejudiced against because they possess unnatural powers and are perceived as a threat. Every Mystic must be registered and drained twice a year, but some undrained Mystics remain in hiding, escaping the power draining. The Mystics were sort of like X-Men, as they all possess different powers and are pretty much kickass. For the most part, they can heal but they also have unique abilities such as walking through buildings or summoning storms.

Book Blog Tour: The Violet Fox by Clare C. Marshall Review & Giveaway

Hi! Thanks for stopping by The Violet Fox Book Blog Tour!

This is my first book blog tour, and I'm very excited! It was so much fun, and I loved talking with Marshall and reading The Violet Fox! Today's stop will have a book review and a chance to win The Violet Fox and other goodies in a giveaway.

Title: The Violet Fox 
Author: Clare C. Marshall
Published: October 13, 2012
Publisher: Faery Ink Press
Series: The Violet Fox #1
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: 288 pages
Source: Author (for book blog tour)
Rating: 3 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Smashwords

Synopsis
There are two kinds of people in the land of Marlenia. The Marlenians, who live on the surface, and the Freetors, who are forced to live underground. The war between them ended two hundred years ago, but the Freetors still fight for the right to live under the sun. Fifteen-year-old Kiera Driscoll embodies the Freetors’ hopes as the Violet Fox. In a violet cape and mask, she sneaks around Marlenia City stealing food and freeing her people from slavery.

Then the Elders task her with a secret mission: retrieve a stolen tome that contains the secrets of Freetor magic, something the Marlenians both fear and covet. Kiera must disguise herself as a noblewoman and infiltrate the Marlenian castle before the Freetor-hating Advisor finds out her real identity, before her brother is imprisoned because of the secrets he hides, and before she falls any more in love with the prince she’s supposed to hate.

More is happening in the castle than she realizes, and Kiera is faced with a difficult choice. Will she be loyal to her people and their fight for freedom, or will she be loyal to her heart? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

The Violet Fox was a delightful read. When I first read the premise, I knew this was my type of read. It has action, adventure, romance, and a strong heroine. Kiera is far from a weakling. She takes many risks, stealing as the Violet Fox, so that her people won't starve. Times are rough in the Undercity where the Freetors live. Food is scarce, and Fighters have to go on missions to the surface to steal food. The little food they steal is then rationed. If a Freetor is caught above, they are enslaved, left in the dungeon to rot, or killed in a public execution. Despite all of these dangers, Kiera continues to put her life on the line out of her concern for others. She may be reckless at times, but you have to admire her bravery and toughness. I certainly did. She seemed so much older than her fifteen years. 

Waiting on Wednesday (11) - Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

It is that time of the week! Wednesday! We're halfway through the week. Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. It is where bloggers can share a book they are eagerly waiting for.

Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers

Hits Shelves on April 2, 2013

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis
Sybella arrives at the convent’s doorstep half mad with grief and despair. Those that serve Death are only too happy to offer her refuge—but at a price. Naturally skilled in both the arts of death and seduction, the convent views Sybella as one of their most dangerous weapons.

But those assassin’s skills are little comfort when the convent returns her to a life that nearly drove her mad. Her father’s rage and brutality are terrifying, and her brother’s love is equally monstrous. And while Sybella is a weapon of justice wrought by the god of Death himself, He must give her a reason to live. When she discovers an unexpected ally imprisoned in the dungeons, will a daughter of Death find something other than vengeance to live for?

This heart-pounding sequel to Grave Mercy serves betrayal, treachery, and danger in equal measure, bringing readers back to fifteenth century Brittany and will keep them on the edge of their seats. (Goodreads)

Why I'm Waiting 

I loved Grave Mercy. It has been awhile since I've encountered any historical fiction. And then this series presented itself. I'm beyond excited for the sequel, Dark Triumph. The cover is stunning, and I'm a huge fan of Sybella. She's one tough cookie. Not to mention, I'm loving that the series will consist of companion novels and that the third book will star Annith. Can't wait!

What's your WoW this week?

Review: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Title: Grave Mercy 
Author: Robin LaFevers
Published: April 3, 2012
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Series: His Fair Assassin #1
Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Pages: 549
Source: Library
Rating: 4 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“When one consorts with assassins, one must expect to dance along the edge of a knife once or twice.”
― R.L. LaFevers, Grave Mercy

Synopsis
Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart? (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
It has been far too long since I've read any historical fiction. Actually, that was a lie. I read The Dark Queen, set in Brittany under the rule of Catherine de Medici, last spring. It was an enjoyable read, and I certainly recommend it. Grave Mercy was the perfect choice for revisiting this genre, especially since it is a mix of fantasy and history. Luckily, I am a fan of both. The storytelling was excellent, and as far as I could tell, LaFevers researched this time period thoroughly. The vivid detailing of clothing, courtiers, and architecture made for an authenticity I greatly admired. The political intrigue also kept me reading, and that wonderful mystery of whodunnit. With Grave Mercy, suspects were everywhere in a court full of backstabbing, and the duchess of Brittany could never feel completely safe when her barons were easily bribed and a French ambassador lurked nearby.

Review: Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier

Title: Shadowfell 
Author: Juliet Marillier
Published: September 11, 2012
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Series: Shadowfell #1
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: 410
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“She went on because there was no going back.”
― Juliet Marillier, Shadowfell

Synopsis
Sixteen-year-old Neryn is alone in the land of Alban, where the oppressive king has ordered anyone with magical strengths captured and brought before him. Eager to hide her own canny skill—a uniquely powerful ability to communicate with the fairy-like Good Folk—Neryn sets out for the legendary Shadowfell, a home and training ground for a secret rebel group determined to overthrow the evil King Keldec.

During her dangerous journey, she receives aid from the Good Folk, who tell her she must pass a series of tests in order to recognize her full potential. She also finds help from a handsome young man, Flint, who rescues her from certain death—but whose motives in doing so remain unclear. Neryn struggles to trust her only allies. They both hint that she alone may be the key to Alban’s release from Keldec’s rule.

Homeless, unsure of who to trust, and trapped in an empire determined to crush her, Neryn must make it to Shadowfell not only to save herself, but to save Alban. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
Shadowfell was fantasy at its finest. It's been far too long since I've read such a wonderful fantasy. I have yet to read any of Juliet Marillier's other books, but now I really want to read the Sevenwaters series (especially since I've heard such positive things). Shadowfell was written beautifully, and I savored every word. I fell in love with the land of Alban, despite all of the hardships the people endure in such dark times. I loved the names of the landmarks and bodies of water, from the mountains called the Three Hags to the town called Corbie's Wood. For me, it was reminiscent of Tolkien's Middle Earth.

Review: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Title: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer 
Author: Michelle Hodkin
Published: September 27, 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Series: Mara Dyer #1
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Pages: 466
Source: Purchased
Rating: 3 stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“Thinking something does not make it true. Wanting something does not make it real.”
― Michelle Hodkin, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

Synopsis
Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love.

She’s wrong. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts
With that mysterious synopsis, it was hard for me to guess what I was in for with The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. It could have been man-eating goats as far as I was concerned. It's difficult for me to reveal anything about the book without spoiling something. So, I'll just leave out anything too concrete.

In reviews I've read, everybody has mentioned how strange this book is. It is strange, but I didn't mind. I loved the darker twists and the weirdness definitely added a creepy factor. To be honest, I wouldn't have cared if it was even weirder. In The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, we're allowed to explore Mara's mind thoroughly. Mara suffers from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) after a horrible accident she can barely remember. I loved that it was a psychological thriller, and after reading this, I almost felt tempted to whip out my huge Abnormal Psychology textbook and read up on PTSD again. This book had me from the get-go. It was fast-paced, and my eyes were glued to the page, or my Ipad, as the mystery unraveled. I wanted all of my confusion cleared!

Waiting on Wednesday (10) - Let The Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. Each Wednesday, you post a book that you cannot wait for, but, alas, you have to wait for anyway.

Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger

Hits Shelves on March 5, 2013

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis
Seventeen-year-old Vane Weston has no idea how he survived the category five tornado that killed his parents. And he has no idea if the beautiful, dark-haired girl who’s swept through his dreams every night since the storm is real. But he hopes she is.

Seventeen-year-old Audra is a sylph, an air elemental. She walks on the wind, can translate its alluring songs, and can even coax it into a weapon with a simple string of commands. She’s also a guardian—Vane’s guardian—and has sworn an oath to protect Vane at all costs. Even if it means sacrificing her own life.

When a hasty mistake reveals their location to the enemy who murdered both of their families, Audra’s forced to help Vane remember who he is. He has a power to claim—the secret language of the West Wind, which only he can understand. But unlocking his heritage will also unlock the memory Audra needs him to forget. And their greatest danger is not the warriors coming to destroy them—but the forbidden romance that’s grown between them. (Goodreads)

Why I'm Waiting
Forbidden romance? Sylphs? The secret language of the West Wind? Sign me up! Let the Sky Fall offers a unique premise, and the cover is stunning. Look at those colors! Plus, the guy's name is Vane. Like a weathervane. I love puns. I just have a good feeling about this book, and I'm so excited!

What's your WoW?

Top Ten Fictional Crushes (8)

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. It's where you post a top ten list based off of a bookish theme. This week's theme was a Top Ten Tuesday rewind, where you can pick a past topic that you missed or just wanted to revisit.

Amanda and I both chose Top Ten Fictional Crushes. This is going to be fun! I'll try to keep this PG-13.

Top Ten Fictional Crushes

1. Will Herondale (The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare) - Of course, he's my numero uno. If Will Herondale existed in the real world, I would jump his Nephilim bones in a heartbeat. He is tall, dark, and dreamy. Or, at least, he is in my wild imagination.

2. Jace Lightwood (The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare) - He may score second to Will, but Jace is still swoonworthy. What can I say? I have a thing for bad boys. And, well, Jace likes to play with sharp things and kick a**. Not to mention, he is passionate and would defend his loved ones to the death. Come on, Clary, sharing is caring. 

3. Daemon Black (Lux series by Jennifer L. Armentrout) - I want to have your alien babies. I never thought I'd find extra-terrestrial hot after that little alien on a bicycle. E.T., go home. Plus, around you, I would never need a book light. You are a being of light. You literally could be the light of my life.

4. Raffe (Angelfall by Susan Ee) - I could be the wind beneath your wings, Raffe. With your witty banter and angelic face, who wouldn't fall for you? You may have some family issues, seeing as how your brethren are destroying planet Earth, but we could work it out.

5. Tobias Eaton (Divergent series by Veronica Roth) - You have only four fears and can kick butt. You would stick by me when crazy rebels and other factions are trying to tear us apart. That's devotion right there. And I can hold you in small places when you're claustrophobic.

6. Alden (Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey) - You are such a sweet, adorable Protector. I want to be a Speaker, even with all the angry spirits I would have to deal with, just so you can be my Protector.

7. Finnikin (Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta) - Be still, my beating heart. I'm so jealous of Evanjalin.

8. Sam (Incarnate by Jodi Meadows) - You are a skilled pianist and a scholar. I love men with talent and knowledge. I know it takes longer for boys to mature, but you've been alive for centuries so I don't think that's a problem.

9. Jack (Blood Red Road by Moira Young) - You may seem like bad news, but you're all heart. You don't give up on a girl when you like her. Even if she pushes you away a million times. *cough* Saba..Plus, you have a great sense of humor and a fighting spirit.

10. Jesse (Mediator series by Meg Cabot) - You can say querida to me anytime you want. You may be a ghost and a little old-fashioned, but that cannot stop our love.

What's your Top Ten Tuesday Rewind?