Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This week's pick is Luminous by Dawn Metcalf, coming July 7 from Dutton Children's Books.

Summary: When sixteen-year-old Consuela discovers she can remove her skin, revealing a lustrous mother-of-pearl skeleton, she slips into a parallel world known as the Flow, a place inhabited by archetypal teens with extraordinary abilities. Crafting skins out of anything – air, water, feathers, fire – she is compelled to save ordinary people from dying before their time. Yet now someone is murdering them, one by one, and Consuela finds herself the focus of an intricate plot to end the Flow forever when all she really wants is to get back home, alive.


My Thoughts: The only thing that can really shed it's skin to the bone and still walk around is a zombie. Yet here comes Dawn Metcalf, with her completely living teenage girl who sheds her skin, and is still pretty... then she can make skins out of whatever she wants and that gives new meaning to the girl on fire. Yep. That alone makes this one something I want to read. But then.... its a murder mystery conspiracy kind of thing! Bring it on! I love the concept of the Flow, of there been a bunch of teens with these abilities. I can't wait to see what all Metcalf is including with this, and I am so excited to see how the whole thing is going to play out. Also, I love Consuela's name. And then there's the cover. Gorgeous and bold and completely stunning. I want this book.

Book Review: Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

SUMMARY:

First there are nightmares.

Every night Ellie is haunted by terrifying dreams of monstrous creatures that are hunting her, killing her.

Then come the memories.

When Ellie meets Will, she feels on the verge of remembering something just beyond her grasp. His attention is intense and romantic, and Ellie feels like her soul has known him for centuries. On her seventeenth birthday, on a dark street at midnight, Will awakens Ellie's power, and she knows that she can fight the creatures that stalk her in the grim darkness. Only Will holds the key to Ellie's memories, whole lifetimes of them, and when she looks at him, she can no longer pretend anything was just a dream.

Now she must hunt.

Ellie has power that no one can match, and her role is to hunt and kill the reapers that prey on human souls. But in order to survive the dangerous and ancient battle of the angels and the Fallen, she must also hunt for the secrets of her past lives and truths that may be too frightening to remember.


OPINION: 5 STARS

The Short Version
Fiery, intricate, original and comical, Angelfire is a fantastic blend of battle and romance. With a very strong female protagonist, a complex male counterpart, and a winding story line, this one is a hit. In an ever expanding genre and an increasing number of things classified as ‘cliché,’ Moulton breaks through the mold with a six foot sword.

The Extended Version
Ellie is witty, funny and sprightly. She’s vivid and distinct, easily liked, and easy to understand. Even in a tense situation, she breaks the tension with a wisecrack. What makes this even better is many of them come natural and without thought—it’s simply how she is. She is the kind of character many readers will identify with: friends with some of the popular crowd but not immersed in it, and not a leper outcast. She has a great bond with her mom and several close friends. From the start, Elli is well defined. This only gets stronger as things progress and she is suddenly thrust into a new and unexpected world. She is fearful. She is unsure. She is willing to admit she’s terrified. She doesn’t know if she can do this. But she tries. Even when it’s hard. Ellie is perfectly flawed and Moulton blends her different sides beautifully.

Then there’s Will. Intimidating and creepy at first, he slips into the story with only a few bumps with his charming six foot broad sword in hand. Intense more often than not, fiercely loyal and singularly determined, his relationship with and views towards Ellie are breathtaking. He is a stunning fighter and fearless when it comes to protecting Ellie. Much of him seems closed off and cloaked but an astute reader can see the layers of depth and complexity Moulton has infused into this character. Though it’s harder to see them, despite his title as Guardian and his experience, Will is still flawed and unsure, adding empathy towards him. He has several of his own struggles, and the torment of it is clear and concise even through Ellie’s eyes.

Despite how strong of a character Will is, he doesn’t overshadow or wash out Ellie. They bring out the best in each other and their relationship and budding romance is absolutely stunning. They have all the awkwardness of teenagers, the level of embarrassment and questions, and the slap in the face moments of realization of their feelings. Ellie doesn’t see Will, an admittedly hot guy, and fall head over heels and become an airhead. She is still the same girl, snarky and funny. The way her relationship with Will evolves makes up a strong part of this book, strengthening both their characters in a tremendous way and paving things for the next installment.

Mixing in with Will and Ellie are several of Ellie’s friends as well as people Will knows. Even the beasties have their own personalities and are as strongly defined as any of the humans. The dissonance for Ellie between what her powers mean and wanting to be a regular teenager is real. The shift back and forth throughout the book between fighting life and normal life reminds even the reader of this. Ellie doesn’t jump headlong into having these powers, she doesn’t accept it at face value, and even when the proof is in front of her, she resists and questions and struggles. This entire play out is handled fantastically, giving credit to Moulton’s abilities not only as a writer but in creating her characters.

The plot is fast paced, descriptive, and intricate. Although there is a large amount of world building to do and lore to explain, Moulton doesn’t data dump in a way that is oppressive. She breaks the large explanation areas up with wit and amusement, and reveals things at a steady and well rehearsed pace. Never once did I have to reread things or stop to figure out the information she shares, nor did I feel like I was pulled out of the book because of the amount of explanation. This book hits huge on originality as well. From the new version of reapers to the battle between Heaven and Hell, Moulton has built something new and fantastic.

There are several shocking twists and turns and unexpected events thrown in. The fight scenes are easy to follow and picture and Moulton’s descriptions and imagery are unique, stunning and vivid. The voice brings Ellie even more to life, keeping with the YA mindset but still pitching it as something that is entirely Ellie. The writing is strong and concise. Despite the length of this book, everything is in there for a reason and adds to the overall air. Little things that seem innocent have relevance, and this book is great blend of action, explanation, and character development. Contrasting the fight scenes are the ones that are intimate, gentle, and tender and Moulton nails both with an easy, flawless fluidity.

Things build to a strong climax before Moulton ties the majority of things up. Ending with a scene true to Ellie’s character, the reader is in a comfortable place to wait for the next installment, though the desire for more of these great characters will be strong. Not to mention, Will’s sword should make many, many appearances of all different kinds…

Overall, Angelfire is a stunning debut. Engaging from the start, filled with humor and fight, it is a great read. Hitting on both relationships/romance and fighting/action, Moulton will draw in a range of characters. While things are set to amp up on both stages in the future books, this first installment is a perfect blend, each one muted yet defined.

Details:
Source: ARC received from author in exchange for honest review
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 464 pages
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (February 15, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062002325
ISBN-13: 978-0062002327

From the Boy Closet

From the Boy Closet is a new weekly feature here at A Good Addiction that will spotlight a different well done YA hottie each week. If you follow me on Twitter, you've probably heard me talk about the YA boys I've shoved into my "Boy Closet" and this feature is thanks to that. It takes more than just looks to make me swoon for a guy in a book, and there are plenty of boys who didn't do it for me, so for the authors who wrote the guys who could.... this post is for you.

This week's Closet Boy is Aiden from The Naughty List by Suzanne Young. He was one of the first chick lit kind of boys to really make me swoon, that was all good and no bad. He's a basketball star, always walking around in his track pants and the image of him in those pants and a T-shirt has always been pretty hot for me. But my huge crush on Aiden came from his behaviors. He's incredibly caring and just the right amount of sensitive, and loves Tessa so stinking much it would make any girl wish that attention was on them. And with his blond hair and green eyes and height, I'd let him paint my toenails anyday.

Here's a few quotes capturing some of Aiden's hotness:
[While painting Tessa's toenails] "Finished," he said, blowing on my foot before laying it in his lap. He closed the bottle and set it on my rosewood side table. Then he leaned over to kiss my ankle. When his warm mouth touched my skin, a shiver ran up my leg. --pg 17

"What?" He leaned over and picked up my feet, setting them in his lap.
"Aiden," I whined, leaning my head back into the couch arm. "I can't fool around. I'm sick."
He rubbed at my heel, pressing firmly in just the right places. "It's just that your skin is burning hot. It's kind of turning me on." -i pg 51

"Aw, baby," he said, and chuckled. "They were throwing me under the bus, not asking me out." He bent down and kissed my forehead. "Retract the claws." --pg 107

"He smiled. "Tess." He put his palms on my cheeks and drew me close to him. "I'll never not be in your life. You are my life, baby." -- pg 153

In My Mailbox + 2010 Wrap Up

Before I get to the books I got in the last 2 weeks, I figured this would be a good time to do my 2010 wrap up summary.

Total Books Read: 161

Total Reviews Posted: 147

I also read/critiqued 5 manuscripts this year.

As for my own writing... I've written three full manuscript drafts in 2010. AddictBoy got a full rewrite, and a ton of rewriting from that draft on. LoverBoy got a partial rewrite, and SlackerBoy is really just a hot mess right now.

But with that, and the random bursts of inspiration I'd give in to on new ideas to just get it out before going back to one of the WIPs, my total 2010 word count, best I could estimate (and this is probably an underestimate given all the rewriting I did): 449741 words.

So now my goals for 2011:

1. Find an agent. I plan to start querying AddictBoy by the end of January, so here's to hoping!
2. Polish LoverBoy and SlackerBoy
3. Write at least 2 more full manuscripts, if not 3.
4. Read 75 debuts, but I am including the 2011 debuts I read as ARCs in 2010.
5. Read a total of 165 books.

So that's about it for 2010 and what I want in 2011. We'll see if it all works, but I've always been one to set lofty goals for myself that I may or may not achieve, but it gives me motivation.

But enough of that, and on to this week's IMM! This is from the last two weeks, but here is your fix of Toby dog.

For Review:

Girl Wonder by Alexa Martin
The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder
The Opposite of Amber by Gillian Phillips
What Comes After by Steve Watkins
Loser/Queen by Jodi Lynn Anderson
Fallen Angel by Heather Terrell
(Huge thanks to Alexa martin, Amy Holder, Gillian Phillips, Steve Watkins + Candlewick, Simon & Schuster and HarperTeen)

Bought/Gifted/Won:
Entice by Carrie Jones
Fall For Anything by Courtney Summers (Had to have a finished copy)
All You Get Is Me by Yvonna Prinz
The Iron King by Julia Kagawa (Won for my Team Adrian post)
From Jennifer Archer: A leather bound journal (which will be filled with scribbles and thoughts and ideas for my novels)

IMM is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.

Character Interview + Contest: Luke from A Touch Mortal

I've recently had the, er, privilege, to sit down with Luke, a character from Leah Clifford's A Touch Mortal, at the club where his band often plays for an interview. After this glimpse into Luke, enter for your chance to win a copy of A Touch Mortal!


Kari: Since you aren't a central character, why don't you tell my readers a little about yourself first? *looks around club* And why you love this place so much.

Luke: Tell you about myself? And kill the mystery so early? Let's not rush things, love. *leans back, stretching nonchalantly as he takes in Aerie with a grin* I prefer to play at Aerie because the crowds are always so...eager to please, and it makes me eager to please them. I play faster here, sing better. I give them what they want.

Kari: *smirks* Mystery, huh? How much mystery can there be in a lead singer who wears leather pants? And yes, I imagine you do give them what they... want. But for those of us who don't know the history, how did your band get started?

Luke: *chuckles* I like leather. There's something phenomenal about being covered in something else's skin, wouldn't you say? The band started out of boredom. I needed a hobby. *he winks* Idle hands and all that.

Kari: *rolls eyes* You're a real charmer, let me tell you. So let's get to the good stuff. Tell me about the Siders. Surely you know some good secrets on them?

Luke: The Suiciders are a mystery to us all. Personally, I'm doing my best to find out more information but so far we only know that their Touch works like a drug. The mortals can't control themselves when they're on it, for better or worse. It's a wonderful little talent. I'd love to put it to my own uses. *stares off* I mean being able to control chaos? As long as the Bound stay out of it, things could get quite interesting.

Kari: *shrugs* But Gabe's Bound, and rumor has it, he's been protective a rogue Sider. One with special abilities. Perhaps some abilities even you can't touch? *raises a challenging eyebrow*

Luke: I'll touch anything I like. *stands and slams his chair back against the table* Gabriel has a nasty habit of hording all the fun toys. One of these days it's going to bite him in the ass. *he grabs for an electric guitar leaned against a mirrored pillar* Well, love, it's been a time, but ours has come to an end. *Luke smiles* Soundcheck.


Ah, Luke, ever the charmer. But that, my awesome followers, is a small intro to one of the great characters in A Touch Mortal.

For your chance to get to know Luke and the rest of the cast of characters, fill out THIS form.

One winner will receive a preorder of A Touch Mortal.

This contest is international wherever the Book Depository delivers and ends Sunday, January 23.

No entries will be accepted through the comments, but you most definitely should still leave a comment for Leah and Luke.

2011 Most Wanted Titles

Happy new year to everyone! Now that 2010 is over, as shocking as I still find that to be, I think it's safe to say we are all crazy excited to be *that* much closer to the awesome lineup of books coming out this year. I still plan to read the 2010s I've missed, but definitely will have a focus with the 2011s. Congrats to The Elevensies and all the other debut authors, who went through the steps and the rejection and bled across their pages in revisions to finally get there. This is your year to see it happen which is amazing, and also why one of my 2011 goals is to read 75 debuts. To any other, though, with a book coming out, congrats to you too and this post is dedicated to the books I cannot wait to read this year.

When making this series of lists, I decided not to include books I have an ARC of, since technically I don't have to wait to read it. So for books that I truly am dying to read, but have to wait for, I bring you my 2011 Most Wanted:


Contemporary: A huge chunk of my 2011 wants list is contemporary titles, but here are the top five for me.

Invincible Summer by Hannah Moskowitz: I loved Break by Hannah, and really cannot wait for more of her voice, grit, and writing. The premise of this one sounds fantastic, and add in the male perspective and this is basically the top book for 2011 right now that I cannot wait to get my hands on.

Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma: Family dynamics, hidden secrets, and a test of sisterhood. This is one looks intense and emotional and all the things I really love in contemporary books, and has been on my list since I first read the description months ago. Then the cover was released, which is gorgeous but mysterious, and I want it.

Want to Go Private? by Sarah Darer Littman: Again, one that looks like it has plenty of emotional intensity mixed with issues that is what I crave the most in contemps. I love, though, that this one clearly will have a great message while still most likely focusing on the story itself and being 'just a book'.

Saving June by Hannah Harrington: No cover yet on this one, but just based on premise, I think it is going to be amazing. Suicide and those left behind is something that while maybe does come up in books a lot, there are so many ways to present it that I tend to gravitate right towards every one. This is one that will have a family note to it as well, and add in the hinted romance and I think it will be an all around fantastic read.

The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder: The fact that I love Lisa's writing aside, there is a very grabbing element to the premise of this one. It seems like a mix of coming of age and finding yourself, with facing issues head on as well.


Fantasy/Paranormal: Despite my intense love of contemporary, 2011 has some fantastic looking fantasy/paranormal titles coming out.

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead: This one is pretty much a no brainer. Vampire Academy is my favorite series, ever, and Adrian is my favorite YA character ever. Want want want want want.

Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey: Cover lust if there ever was a case of cover lust, but then the premise of this one is just fantastic. Not to mention, I've heard very good things from reputable sources about it and seen samples of Scott's writing and basically, I cannot wait to get my hands on this one.

Hereafter by Tara Hudson: Ghosts, bonds and conflicting spirits. Yes. Please. The premise of this one alone gives hint to so many different elements and it just looks like an amazing, well put together read.

Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton: Title alone grabbed me for this one, which holds plenty of its own mystery and intrigue. I like the spell component for this one, and am really curious to find out about the dynamic between the boy and girl.

Die for Me by Amy Plum: The mythology of this one looks so original and fantastic. Add in the Parisian setting and the likely tormented love aspect, and I want it.


Series: In my debate about what books I can't wait for, I decided it wasn't quite fair to include series in there. If I love the series, of course I can't wait for the next one. So putting it into it's own category, here are the next installments I am not above begging for.

Supernaturally by Kiersten White: No cover yet, but Paranormalcy was one of my favorite books of 2010. Not to mention, a character is going to be named after me in this book and I want to meet, well, me.

Vanish by Sophie Jordan: Frankly, I just want more Sexy Man Musk Hunter Boy. But also considering the cliff hanger Sophie left us with in Firelight, and this is one that I am dying for.

Defiance by Lili St. Crow: This is one of my favorite series. Dru is spunky, sarcastic, and badass, but still has her moments of weakness. Graves is just adorable and awesome, and Christophe smells like a bakery. Also, the story itself is awesome. If you haven't gotten in on this one, do it.

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater: Probably self explanatory after the way Linger ended. Plus, Cole is hot and I'd like some more of him. Also, Maggie's writing is just amazing.

Queen of the Dead by Stacey Kade: Will is a tormented ball of adorable, and Alona is a likable jerk. Ghost and the Goth was the perfect blend of angst and fun, and I can't wait to see where Stacey is taking things next.


Books Read but They Are Awesome: I've been lucky enough to be able to read some 2011 books already and honestly, every one of these would have been on the lists above if I hadn't. I couldn't wait to start them, and launched into every single one of these the day I got it. If you haven't added them your lists, seriously, do it. They. Are. Amazing.

Where She Went by Gayle Foreman: If I Stay is one of my favorite books ever, and I could not wait for something from Adam's POV. This one delivered as big of an emotional and overall impact as If I Stay, and had the same hold your breath, wait for it kind of ending. Gutting and twisting, with a main character who is so tormented and broken, it is a complete must read.

A Need so Beautiful by Suzanne Young: I love Suzanne's writing, first and foremost. It is so smooth, so filled with distinct voice, and gives just the right amount of description but stays focused on the story and characters. And this story is amazing. It isn't really an angel book, despite what the description might make you think. It does have a goodness type component, but the Forgotten are something entirely new. Charlotte was a character I completely empathized with, and Harlin is just downright hot and sexy, and broke my heart a time or two. Add this book to your list, because it is stellar.

A Touch Mortal by Leah Clifford: This one is basically my perfect paranormal book. It had a strong contemporary element for me, mixed with the well built world of the Siders and the paranormal aspect. I devoured this book in two sittings, and am completely in love with Leah's writing and characters. It's dark and hits on some deep issues, but overall, it is just fantastic.

Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton: This one I read back in July, at a time when I was finding myself more and more unfulfilled with this genre. Then I got this book, and Courtney has made me love fantasy again. Her worldbuilding is so fantastic, and her fight scenes are easy to see without being bogged down in description. Ellie is a badass, sprightly character, and her best friend is hilarious. Oh, and there's this seriously hot guy named Will in it, with a six foot sword. But he's mine. You can't have him.

Divergent by Veronica Roth: I love dystopian, and this book is a prime example of why. It's written in a simple way, not because I think Veronica couldn't do better or more flowery, but because there was no need. It's smooth to read, perfectly described at all the right moments, while giving the focus on the world and characters. Her worldbuilding so astounding, and the overall story is just... phenomenal. This one blew my mind in so many ways all I can say is pick it up when it comes out.

Like Mandarin by Kirsten Hubbard: This one is from the perspective of a 14 year old, but it isn't childish or juvenile at all. It is intense and so deep and there is such passion in this book. Kirsten's writing is completely astounding, the pace so well done, and the characters are amazing. Mandarin is multifaceted and has so much depth she is just as strong as Grace herself. With some seriously deep truths that come out in the best of ways, and a very long lasting impression, whether you usually read contemporary or not, you need to get this book.