Thursday, January 24, 2013

Author Interview: Anne Osterlund

Dropping in today is Anne Osterlund to talk about her latest release, Salvation!

Salvation is your first contemporary novel. What was writing this one like, compared to your previously published books: Aurelia, Academy 7, and Exile?

Though all of my novels have alternating points of view, this is the first book in which the guy’s story defines the action. It required a great deal of tossing and catching of objects: footballs, oranges, keys. Ultimately, though, the challenge remained the same. Digging as deeply into the character’s head—and heart—as possible, and allowing the reader to see the world from that character’s perspective.

How has your drafting process changed, now that you've had several books out?

LOL! It hasn’t changed nearly as much as I hoped it would when writing my first novel, Aurelia. At the time I remember thinking I had learned so much that the next novel would go faster. But when I began Academy 7, I still had to get all my thoughts down and realized that if I tried to revise as I typed, the thoughts would disappear. So I still have to make all those flawed drafts. I just recognize the flaws more easily.

Which character surprised you the most while writing: Salva or Beth?

Salva. I knew he was intelligent, ethical, conflicted. But I had no idea how stubborn he was until two thirds of the way through the second draft when he flat-out refused to go home. (As you can read about here. (insert link: http://www.anneosterlund.blogspot.com/2010/07/disobedient-characters.html) Salva doesn’t like to argue or yell or throw tantrums. But he is as hard as a rock to move when he makes up his mind.

What was your reaction when you saw your cover?

Beth was totally embarrassed. She is not an exhibitionist. Salva was perfectly happy not being at the center of the photo—even though it is his story. I could never design anything half as beautiful as the covers Penguin’s artistic team creates.

What kind of cookie would you describe yourself as?

Homemade chocolate chip. In this, Salva and I agree. We’re both perfectionists.



Thank you, Anne, for stopping in and congrats on the release! I can't wait to check this one out!

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Character Interview + Contest: Sam from Flawed

I am so incredibly excited to host Sam from Kate Avelynn's Flawed today! I love this book, and this boy! So meet Sam, and then enter to win some awesome swag!

Kate's vision of Sam - Logan Lerman


Describe yourself in 4 words.

Patient. Committed. Protective. (smiles a little) Stubborn.

Though you've known Sarah for years, you don't make any moves towards her until now. What kept you away?

I’ve asked myself the same question every day for the last year and a half—pretty much since I figured out James was hiding way more than I thought. I think it comes down to me being afraid I’d lose contact completely if he shut me out. There’d be no way to keep an eye on Sarah if her brother thought he had a reason to keep me away. Though the longer I’m with her, the more I see how badly I fucked things up by keeping my distance. I should’ve done something earlier. Confronted James. Called the cops. Taken her dad out myself. Something. (shakes head)



What is the worst part of keeping your relationship with Sarah a secret from James?

I hate that I can’t be there as often as she needs me to be. I mean, it sucks that I’m lying to my best friend and it really sucks that he doesn’t trust me to do right by Sarah, but I’m more worried about what she’s dealing with when I’m not there. I see the way he looks at her, even if she doesn’t.

What's it like to kiss Sarah? 

Mmm. (smiles) It’s like drinking a gallon of spiked hot chocolate on a cold night, jumping off the tallest building you’ve ever seen and realizing everything’s going to be okay because you know how to fly, and driving crazy fast on a winding road knowing at any second something big is going to careen around the corner and take you out. Now times that by fifty. It probably doesn’t make any sense, but that’s how I feel whenever Sarah kisses me.

Describe your dream date.

That night by the river was pretty close to my idea of a dream date. I love exploring the forest, especially late at night, and who doesn’t love swimming? Add in ice-cold water, Sarah in her underwear, and nothing to keep us warm except each other… Yeah, that was a good date.

Boxers or briefs?

Sarah knows. That’s all that matters.

What kind of cookie would you describe yourself as?

Oh, hell. Um…I think I’ll go with oatmeal raisin. Not that I’d ever eat one (don’t tell my mom—she makes them all the time), but my dad always said they reminded him of coming home. I want to be that for Sarah.


And now for the prizes! Kate is giving one of today’s tour followers a FLAWED dog tag and a handful of tattoos. Very Sam-esque! All you have to do is leave a comment about the book below. Today’s giveaway is only open to US residents, but keep an eye out for International giveaways scheduled throughout the tour.

Kate is also running an Ultimate FLAWED Fan Pack contest via the Rafflecopter listing below. Enter daily for a chance to win some really cool stuff!




a Rafflecopter giveaway


About Flawed:

Sarah O’Brien is alive because of the pact she and her brother made twelve years ago—James will protect her from their violent father if she promises to never leave him. For years, she’s watched James destroy his life to save hers. If all he asks for in return is her affection, she’ll give it freely.


Until, with a tiny kiss and a broken mind, he asks for more than she can give.

Sam Donavon has been James’s best friend—and the boy Sarah’s had a crush on—for as long as she can remember. As their forbidden relationship deepens, Sarah knows she’s in trouble. Quiet, serious Sam has decided he’s going to save her. Neither of them realize James is far more unstable than her father ever was, or that he’s not about to let Sarah forget her half of the pact…

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Book Review: Me, Him, Them, and It by Caela Carter

SUMMARY: When Evelyn decided to piss off her parents with a bad reputation, she wasn't planning to ruin her valedictorian status. She also wasn't planning to fall for Todd-the guy she was just using for sex. And she definitely wasn't planning on getting pregnant. When Todd turns his back on her, Evelyn's not sure where to go. Can a distant mother, a cheating father, an angry best friend, and a (thankfully) loving aunt with adopted daughters of her own help Evelyn make the heart-wrenching decisions that follow?

With the popularity of Juno, Teen Mom, and The Secret Life of the American Teenager, this novel has a built-in audience. Gripping, heartfelt, and responsible, Me, Him, Them, and It is not to be missed!


OPINION:

Wrenching, emotional, and unflinching, Me, Him, Them, and It is a stunningly realistic look at not just teen pregnancy but feeling lost and not really knowing what to do. The events that led to Evelyn's bad girl path are easily woven into the book, garnering a huge amount of sympathy for her while not outright excusing the mistakes she makes. With some huge choices ahead of her, none of them easy and none of them glossed over, either, Evelyn's story is a memorable and poignant one.

I love Evelyn. She is fiery in her own way, yet so vulnerable as well. Despite the choices she's made, she isn't one to be a total doormat, and she isn't one to easily forgive either. There is something just so, so raw about her, and I couldn't help but root for her and ache for her. Her relationship with Todd, the way he treats her, the issues that crop up between them, and even the way everything plays out in that regard, was one of my favorite aspects of the story. I was furious with Todd, yet I also felt for him, and Carter does a remarkable job of fleshing out her characters, showing their flaws as much as their strengths. The way Evelyn grows both as a result of Todd, and in spite of him, made for a completely engaged character and story.

There is nothing easy about this book. Not the unemotional way Evelyn originally sort of views sex, not the choices she makes or almost makes after she finds out she's pregnant, and certainly not the gauntlet of emotions she goes through as a result. And yet, there is something so quietly captivating about this book, with as much between the lines as there is on the pages. This book is a stand out debut, with solid, voicey writing, and a plot that doesn't hold back in any way. Though painful at times, it is well worth the emotional torment, and definitely a must read.


Details:
Source: Netgalley
Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Publication Date: February 26, 2013

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Book Review: Every Day by David Levithan

SUMMARY:  Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl.

There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.

It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.



OPINION:

Every Day has an interesting premise, and one that I think is hard to really pull off... but Levithan does it. I was captitavted by A's story, by the almost mind-boggling way of life. All the little things that would come with waking up each day as a different person are woven in so smoothly, without taking away from the simple fact that every single day, A has to adapt to a new body, a new family, a new way of life. And nothing is off limits in this, from an abusive home to a wealthy one, A has been through it all. The effect this has had, especially the genuine appreciation for the people who have it good, where the end of the day isn't an automatic blessing, is fabulously well done.

The romance of this one was a little tricky for me, dabbling in some gray areas that I had a little bit of a hard time totally getting behind. Still, there was such a strong emotional element to this one, and I really did enjoy how with this one, "love" was very much stripped down to something far more basic than usually seen. While it's hard, in a way, to be okay with A wanting Justin's girlfriend, when Justin quite obviously would also want his gf, and it sort of feels like cheating when it's also sort of not... this one definitely made me think, and challenged me in some good ways.

Though the ending didn't have quite the impact as I hoped, I still really enjoyed this one overall. The characterizations were so well done, especially with the situation and the issues inherent to that. The writing is solid, full of voice even if A doesn't exactly have any specific sex attached, beyond whatever the body of the day is. There is something so raw and basic about all that, and it totally had me hooked.


Details:
Source: Netgalley 
Reading level: Ages 12 and up 
Hardcover: 336 pages 
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: August 28, 2012

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Author Interview: Amy Spalding

Hitting shelves February 5 (not even a month away!) is Amy Spalding's debut The Reece Malcolm List! This is a cute, fun read with a seriously great voice to it. And two hot boys. So let's get to know Amy, and the book, better!


Devan sets out with a list of things she knows about her mother, and expands on it as the story progresses. Did you know going into the book all the specifics about Reece or did you learn a lot of those as Devan did?

I actually wrote the whole first draft with only the first list elements that kick off the book. I knew I wanted to incorporate something Devan kept track of for herself, but it wasn't until I was revising that I realized the role I wanted the list to play. (That also helped me finally come up with a title for the book!) So by the time I wrote the rest of Devan's list items, I'd already written a full draft and therefore knew everything Devan would find out about her mother. But really to me the list wasn't about what was revealed about Reece, but how Devan interpreted her. So--I hope!--it's ultimately about what's revealed about both of them.

What scene surprised you the most, without spoilers of course?

Without spoilers I'll just say originally I was only going to write about one cute boy, and then another cute boy seemed to have "good chemistry" with Devan and, lo and behold, another plotline was born. I honestly have no idea how "chemistry" happens in a book you're writing so. That was weird.

Musicals play a big part in not only the book, but Devan's life and likes as well. So with that, what is your favorite musical?

I could never narrow it down to one. Some: Merrily We Roll Along (the musical that's performed in the book), Hair, Hedwig & the Angry Inch, Ragtime. I loved the movie adaptation of Les Miserables but think Little Shop of Horrors is maybe the best film adaptation of a musical.

What was your revision process for The Reece Malcolm List like, both before and after it sold?

The final draft is not THAT different from the first, really. Some scenes were shifted around, shortened, etc., and a few new scenes were added and some minor threads were snipped, but the overall story has been pretty much present. Before the book sold, the edits were mainly about polishing up the story, and after it was more focused on making the story less episodic--which I guess is one of my bad tendencies--and pushing it to become one driving story.

Besides Voldemort, which Death Eater would you want to fight?

I'm not sure I'm cut out to actually fight a Death Eater. I'd want some kind of duty where I, like, organized people and sent in snarky retorts to hurt Death Eaters' feelings. I just can't imagine I'd be that good in battle. I wouldn't mind a cool owl friend though.

What kind of sea creature would you describe yourself as?

Considering I am absolutely TERRIFIED of sea creatures, especially but not limited to when they are in aquariums, my answer would be NONE!!!!


So there you go! You can add this to your Goodreads, and find out more about Amy here.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Book Review: The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth LaBan

SUMMARY: Tim Macbeth is a 17-year-old albino and a recent transfer to the prestigious Irving School, where the motto is, “Enter here to be and find a friend.” Tim does not expect to find a friend; all he really wants to do is escape his senior year unnoticed. Despite his efforts to blend into the background, he finds himself falling for the quintessential “it” girl, Vanessa Sheller, girlfriend of Irving’s most popular boy. To Tim’s surprise, Vanessa is into him, too, and she can kiss her social status goodbye if anyone finds out. Tim and Vanessa enter into a clandestine relationship, but looming over them is the Tragedy Paper, Irving’s version of a senior year thesis, assigned by the school’s least forgiving teacher.

The story unfolds from two alternating viewpoints: Tim, the tragic, love-struck figure, and Duncan, a current senior, who uncovers the truth behind Tim and Vanessa’s story and will consequently produce the greatest Tragedy Paper in Irving’s history.



OPINION:

Most notable with this book, for me, is how seamlessly Tim's story is woven in with Duncan's, both from what happened in the past as well as Duncan's present. There is a rawness and honesty, particularly with Tim, that will hook readers. Though much of the story really is Tim's, through the narration he's left for Duncan on CD, but there are plenty of breaks with Duncan mixed in. Potent, too, is how everything effects Duncan, casting events he even had a roll in into a new light.

Tim is a fabulously done character, an outcast and a boy who has no self-esteem or confidence. Though in a way, he's accepted his lot in life in terms of being an albino, there's still a part of him that wants to break out of that, a part that just wants to be truly seen. His relationship with Vanessa is as heartbreaking as it is intriguing, a girl who in her own way wants to break out of some bounds as well. The friendship, with a clear element of wanting more, that forms between them carries a strong note throughout the book. Even with this, there is such a strong development to Tim, with hints of his own commentary thrown into his unflinching recount of everything that happened. He is a boy who will tug your heart, and challenge your mind.

Duncan is a different kind of boy, relatively popular his senior year but more so as a result of various things that have happened than anything else. A guy who, previously, seemed to be his own sort of outcast and quiet, he is in a weird place through much of the book, an element that is captured beautifully. The way he thinks, the things he feels, and his reactions to things were so well done.

Truly, there is something almost inexplicable about this one. This is a book that will fully draw you in, with a few different story lines running through.  The tragedy aspect is also smoothly built in, pitching it in a few ways without being blatant about it. This is a different sort of book, but one that is definitely intriguing and well done.

Details:
Source: ARC received from publisher in exchange for an honest review 
Reading level: Ages 12 and up 
Hardcover: 320 pages 
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: January 8, 2013

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

2013 Droolworthy Must Reads

Yesterday, I gushed over upcoming books I can't wait for, that I'd kiss a llama if it meant I got to read them right this moment. That list, however, was made a little easier by the fact I've been able to read several 2013 books already. So now let's gush about the books out of those that I've totally loved, that you guys should all be lining up at the llamas for. And let's not talk about how trying to pick favorites at the end of this year might just break me, considering how much I totally love even this small sample of 2013 books...

All links go to Goodreads, as well, so you can be sure to add these to your shelves!



17 & Gone by Nova Ren Suma: I adored Imaginary Girls, and could not wait to get my hands on Nova's next book, and trust me when I say it so did not disappoint, in any way. Sadly, though, I can't actually talk about the reasons I loved it so much without spoiling. But it's intense, it's emotional, it's so stunningly well written, and it will lure you in and refuse to let go.

Nobody but Us by Kristin Halbrook: Heartbreaking, painful, but beautiful. The characters in this one are so nuanced, there is so much between the lines, and yet so much is not hidden either. With two strong, distinct voices, and the kind of story that will more than test readers, this one utterly captivated me. And maybe broke me a little.


The Program by Suzanne Young: I'm a huge, huge fan of Suzanne's stuff. But this one? Wow. It has all the elements I adore in a book, plays on such hefty themes yet doesn't hold back with it. There is such a strong romantic element to this one, too, yet it's also so much more than that. From the actual Program itself to who Sloane and James are, both before the epidemic and during, this one left me completely stunned.

Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger: Funny, yet sweet and thrilling as well, this one is such a blend of so many great things. Solid writing, with two very different POVs. A beautifully written setting, and particularly the way Shannon brings the winds literally to life in a way beyond just wind blowing through the air. And then there's the story itself, so intricate, so well scripted. This book had me hooked, and I'm just gonna say how much I love Vane, and how very much not like other boys in YA he is, in all the best ways.


Me, Him, Them and It by Caela Carter: There are a lot of reasons this one got to me, from the writing to the emotional intensity to the way the story played out. But what really stole me away with Evelyn herself. She's such a mess, even before she finds out she's pregnant. And though she doesn't always act so great, there is such a drive to her as well. This book doesn't hold back, either, and has a rawness to it that I loved.

The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler: This is my favorite Sarah book to date, which is certainly a hefty statement, I know. But what sold me with this, was just how strong the family element was. Even before meeting any of Jude's sisters on the page, I felt like I knew them. Then there's her father, and what's going on with him, handled so realistically yet gracefully. Jude is such a stellar character, so devoted and loyal to her family, yet not totally forgetful of herself either. The romance in this one is also one that feels so in the background, and yet it's so present, too.


Hysteria by Megan Miranda: I love Megan's writing, the way she builds the tension and intensity yet lets you really get to know her characters too. Add in the murder mystery element to this one, and I was sold on premise alone, but the book totally captured me. I felt so much for Mallory, and even the twists in the book left me surprised. The entire execution of this book totally worked for me, and left me begging for more from this author.

The Rules by Stacey Kade: This is another one that is hard to fully explain my love, without spoiling. But one thing that did majorly get me was the atmosphere of this one, how so, so lonely Ariane is. The almost constant fear she lives in at being discovered, the way she's accepted how she can't have any friends yet wants them all the same. Stacey stunned me with this one, taking things to deeper and darker levels than in her previous series. Zane, too, got to me, a kind of broken boy, who is so endearing and intriguing. This book is fabulous, and a must read. Even with the alien elements, there is still such a strong contemporary, relatable note to it.


Pivot Point by Kasie West: This is a book that even if the story ended up not working for me, the writing alone sold me. The voice is fabulous, witty and spry and engaging, yet also natural rather than forced. But luckily, the story amazed me too. From the intricacies peppered throughout the two futures playing out to the building mystery, plus the fabulous characterizations, and this book is a breathtaking and thought-provoking debut. Also, Trevor is ridiculously charming and sexy and lickable.

Taken by Erin Bowman: This was THE book of 2013 for me. I've been drooling for it since 2011, and was admittedly shameless in getting a copy of it. But oh, man, it so did not disappoint me. Erin's writing is fantastic, her characters engaging and well developed and left me a bit twisted. The story got to me, brilliant in it's scope and execution. This book was not at all 'just another dystopian' for me, yet had all the elements of a dystopian that get me.


Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell: Confession: I went into this book unsure. Something about the 1986 setting was sort of a turn off to me. But I am so glad I read it, because it is just so freaking great. Even with the not quite contemporary setting, there is still so much to relate to, to love, and an honesty throughout that still rings true today. I loved the relationship between Eleanor and Park, the dislike at first that morphs into an unexpected and almost weird sort of friendship before progressing even from there. This is more than just a romance story, though, and the different elements all weave together in a way that just left me so enamored.

If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch: This is one of the 2013s I was most excited about, and even with that, it exceeded my expectations. The voice is incomparable, a girl who's not even just home-schooled, but essentially self taught from books her mom would bring to her. There is a certain drawl and dialect to Carey that is telling of this, yet doesn't knock her down to an uneducated or illiterate kind of level. Her entire growth across the course of the book is so well done, so intricate, and so natural. I adore this girl, and this book. It's gripping, it's painful, it's honest and it's hopeful.


Over You by Amy Reed: This is another auto-buy author, and one I couldn't wait to get the next book from. And though in some ways, this one wasn't quite as emotionally eviscerating as her previous works, it still left me raw. This is, truly, a coming of age and beyond kind of book. It's learning who you are, without someone else defining it for you or others. It's standing up for yourself, working through things, and figuring out what when you have to put yourself first, even if it hurts others. And even with all that, it's still an engaging read, with some strong characters and a fresh setting.

Mind Games by Kiersten White: As much as I loved the Paranormalcy series, I have to admit, I love this one more. It's darker, more twisted, and really pretty messed up. I freaking adore Fia in ways I can't even put into words, but she is such a broken mess, a product of what's she's been through in so many ways. She is intelligent and perceptive, sometimes too much for her own good, and there is such a screwed up honesty to her. Annie, too, was a fabulously done character, and not just the love between the two sisters but the back and forth between them totally got to me. Though this one switches in not only POV, but past and present, I was hooked and intrigued, held rapt not only by the writing but the story itself.


Ashes on the Waves by Mary Lindsey: I beta read this one, but it left me so many levels of stunned. The writing is so, so well done, reminiscent and influenced by Poe yet so obviously Liam as well. What got me the most, though, is the atmosphere of this one. It's creepy, mysterious, and intriguing wrapped up with touches of softness and even some humor. Then there's Liam, who is completely unlike most boys in YA, from his mindset to what he thinks and feels. This is the ultimate kind of romance, mixed with supernatural elements, a rich and luscious setting, and an overall feel that will leave you breathless.

Canary by Rachele Alpine: I will always be a sucker for a richly done coming of age story. Of figuring things out, of standing up for yourself, and this one nails that. But what I love even more, is that while Kate makes some huge strides, definitely learns a lot, I didn't walk away from this one feeling she had everything figured out. There was something so realistic to this, notable even within the realistic YA genre.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

2013 Books I'd Kiss a Llama For: The Debuts

First of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you. It kind of blows my mind it's already 2013, but at least that means there's a whole new year's worth of books to go all drooly for. And while it's always hard to spotlight just some, there are in fact some books coming out this year that, frankly, I'd kiss a llama for. Spit and drool and all. Since I for some reason always mentally classify books as debut versus not, here's thirteen 2013 debuts that have me as cracked out excited as Toby gets for a Beggin Strip.

(Please note, any covers listed on this page are as currently listed on Goodreads and are all definitely subject to change. Links also go to GR so you can add these to your shelf and not forget about them!)


13. My Life After Now – Jessica Verdi: This one sounds likes a hard hitting, make you think kind of contemp, and you guys all know how I feel about those. I fully expect this one to be painful and emotional, but probably so, so worth it.

12. Gated – Amy Christine Parker: I really do love dystopians, or ones that sort of straddle that kind of line, especially ones like this that are set in a situation I can see and get, yet which still is designed in a way that makes me totally curious. The premise of this one, too, beyond just the gated wall community, has me totally intrigued. Also, the cover above freaks me out. Her eye is so freaking blue and piercing. Clearly that means I need this book.


11. OCD Love Story – Corey Haydu: This one sounds so cute and entertaining, yet has the promise of plenty of rougher stuff and harder emotions. I love the different concepts and elements that seem to be blended in this one, at least based on the premise. And I have to admit, something about the name Beck gets me, and I can't wait to meet him.

10.  Insomnia – S.R. Johannes: Death by sleep, basically? Um. Awesome. And being pinned as a stalker when you're kind of just trying to survive? Okay well not awesome, but for a book launching point it's pretty great. Not to mention, this is male POV and since those are my favorite... well. It shouldn't surprise anyone I can't wait for this one!

9. A Point so Delicate – Brandy Colbert: As it is right now, the summary on GR for this one is so short, but holy wow does it have such an impact! I want to know all the secrets, and it doesn't even have a cover yet. But I admit it. Anytime someone has to face up to something seriously awful they've been involved with, even if it ends up being more innocent, I dive head first. This one is definitely no exception.


8. Transparent – Natalie Whipple: So as great as being invisible always seems in theory, there's been plenty of things already out there that say hey, that's maybe not true. But even just this summary shatters that notion. I mean, having it totally used against you by your own parent? Um. Rude. So the girl fights back, and heck yeah. But it's not that easy, and oh, man, I just want to know what happens!

7. Red – Alison Cherry: I actually kind of can't handle how much I love this concept. It's just... almost so obvious, yet so fresh feeling, if that makes any sense? I mean, redheads hold all the power, this girl is fake red, and has to protect that? Basically, yes. Yes please. Give me the drama and the tension and the bottles of hair dye.


6. 45 Pounds (More or Less) – K.A. Barson: I've heard from a source I trust this one is hilarious and awesome. Which just makes me want it even more than I already did. This one sounds like it'll have a great figuring things out element to it, mixed with a great family component... and I am always into family-centric stuff.

5. The Collector – Victoria Scott: I have been crazy excited for this one since last year. Again with the male POV. But also, um. A demon? Sign me up. And a cocky, sexy one at that? Just set me on a dish and call me butter. I can't wait to meet Dante, and to see all the ways Charlie throws him for a loop.


4. Reboot – Amy Tintera: This concept is just so brilliant and intriguing to me. The longer you're dead before being brought back, the more inhuman and therefore sort of powerful and useful you are? It makes sense in a not really kind of way. But take that, add some romance, some danger and the threat of elimination, and I expect a wowing and thrilling ride.

3. The Symptoms of My Insanity –Mindy Raf: Let me say, first, this one I know for a fact is getting a new cover. It's just not out, and I think this one is catching, so here it sits. Then I'll talk about how this one sounds like the perfect mix of hilarious and witty, and serious and sorrowful. I love the set up for this one, a hypochondriac all ready for something bad, only to figure out she's really not. I cannot wait to not only read about what the worst case scenario really is, but how Izzy navigates it.


2. Another Little Piece – Kate Karyus Quinn: Trapped in a body that isn't yours? Never a good thing. And a past vs. the future kind of thing, mixed with mystery? Yeah. I am so down. And then there's this cover, which just completely captivates me somehow. It's one I will probably end up petting.

1.  Charm & Strange – Stephanie Kuehn: Confession time. I would probably actually kiss two llamas if it meant I got this book today. I have been panting away for this one since sometime earlyish 2012 when I twitter stalked Stephanie. But something about this concept has just gotten so hard in my head and utterly enamored me. It helps, too, that it's male POV, but it's more than that. It's the two sides of Andrew Winston Winters described in just the summary. It's the fact it takes place over a single night, which basically guarantees me to be left freaking stunned by how someone can even pull off that kind of timeline. I expect to be put through the total array of emotions with this one, and can someone really just put me out of my misery and get it to me now please?


So there you guys have it... the debuts for this  year that are at the top of my list. I should also add the disclaimer, that this only includes books I don't yet have/haven't read yet. Which also means... check back tomorrow, because I'm posting a list of 2013 books that are beyond droolworthy and total must reads.

What debuts have you lining up with the llamas?