Waiting on Wednesday

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

This week's pick is The Girls of No Return by Erin Saldan, coming February 28, 2012 from Arthur A. Levine Books.

Summary: CUT meets HATCHET in this lacerating debut about girls, knives, and redemption.

The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area stretches across two million acres in northern Idaho. In its heart sits the Alice Marshall School, where fifty teenage girls come to escape their histories and themselves.

Lida Wallace has tried to negate herself in every way possible. At Alice Marshall, she meets Elsa Boone, a fierce native Idahoan; Jules, who seems too healthy to belong at the school; and Gia Longchamps, whose glamour entrances the entire camp. As the girls prepare for a wilderness trek, Lida is both thrilled and terrified to be chosen as Gia's friend. But everyone has their secrets--their "Things" they try to protect; and when those come out, the knives do as well.

THE GIRLS OF NO RETURN is a bold and powerful debut.


My Thoughts: Girls, knives and redemption? Of course. And. YES PLEASE. I mean seriously. I didn't even need to read the rest of this summary, but then I did. And I want. I cannot even predict what this one will totally be about, but I want to know about the "Things" and I want to know exactly why the knives come out and, well, who dies. Or gets injured. Call me morbid but, you know you want to know too. Then there's the eerie nature of this cover, the sense of nothingness she is rowing into, and I love the font of the actual title. So. Yes. I want.

Character Tweets + Contest: Possess

Ever read a book and wanted to know what the characters would do if they had Twitter accounts? Yeah, me too. But lucky for you, I've asked Possess author Gretchen McNeil that very question and she most definitely delivered. So check it out, then stick around for your chance to win a copy of Possess which, trust me, you want.


KingHector: OMG! Had the choco cream at House of Pies. *dies* Sooooooo not on my diet. Sooooooo don’t care.

WhateverGrl: @KingHector And this is different from every other day…how?

KingHector: @WhateverGrl I haven’t been to House of Pies in like…two weeks.

WhateverGrl: @KingHector If by “two weeks” you mean “two days” then yes.

KingHector: @WhateverGrl Don’t be a h8r, Bridge. Don’t be a h8r.

WhateverGrl: @KingHector I refuse to acknowledge tweets without proper spelling and grammar…

KingHector: @WhateverGrl Then U’LL ignore this about me scoring Muse tickets for next week and I’ll take @BBallBrad instead…

WhateverGrl: @KingHector OMG MUSE! I <3 you! :D

KingHector: @WhateverGrl Oh, NOW you care.

KingHector: @WhateverGrl You prolly can’t go anyway. Aren’t you grounded? Again.

WhateverGrl: @KingHector Lies.

KingHector: @WhateverGrl Oh yeah? Didn’t I see your BOYFRIEND hanging around the library looking for you….again.

KingHector: @WhateverGrl Usually means your mom’s put a hit out on you. HAHAHAH

WhateverGrl: @KingHector *glares*

KingHector: @WhateverGrl *smiles innocently*

WhateverGrl: @KingHector HE IS NOT MY BOYFRIEND!!!

StanfordBound: @WhateverGrl @KingHector Wait, What are you talking about?

StanfordBound: @WhateverGrl @KingHector Bridge you have a boyfriend? There’s a boyfriend now? Since when? Since when do you have a boyfriend?

WhateverGrl: @StanfordBound No one, Peter. @KingHector is talking about NO ONE.

KingHector: @WhateverGrl @StanfordBound If by “no one” you mean “At-May, In-Quay” then yes, no one.

WhateverGrl: @StanfordBound @KingHector OMG I DO NOT HAVE A BOYFRIEND! STOP TALKING ABOUT THIS BEFORE MY HEAD EXPLODES!

BBallBrad: @StanfordBound @KingHector Are we talking about @WhateverGrl’s boyfriend?

WhateverGrl: @StanfordBound @KingHector @BBallBrad *BOOM*

WhateverGrl: @StanfordBound @KingHector @BBallBrad That is the sound of my head exploding with rage.

WhateverGrl: @StanfordBound @KingHector @BBallBrad Happy?

KingHector: @BBallBrad @StanfordBound High 5, guys. @WhateverGrl

WhateverGrl: @StanfordBound @KingHector @BBallBrad I hate you.

StanfordBound: @WhateverGrl Wait, who’s your boyfriend?


Now that I'm done cracking up, thank you, Gretchen, and I can see every bit of your characters in this tweets.... And congrats on the release!

To celebrate the release of Possess (Today! Yay!), Gretchen was kind enough to offer up one signed copy of the book to one lucky winner.

To enter, just fill out THIS form! 

Contest is US only and ends September 1.

No entries will be accepted through comments but you know you still want to leave a comment for Gretchen.

Book Review: Witch Eyes by Scott Tracey

SUMMARY: Braden was born with witch eyes: the ability to see the world as it truly is: a blinding explosion of memories, darkness, and magic. The power enables Braden to see through spells and lies, but at the cost of horrible pain.

After a terrifying vision reveals imminent danger for the uncle who raised and instructed him, Braden retreats to Belle Dam, an old city divided by two feuding witch dynasties. As rival family heads Catherine Lansing and Jason Thorpe desperately try to use Braden's powers to unlock Belle Dam's secrets, Braden vows never to become their sacrificial pawn. But everything changes when Braden learns that Jason is his father--and Trey, the enigmatic guy he's falling for, is Catherine's son.

To stop an insidious dark magic from consuming the town, Braden must master his gift—and risk losing the one he loves.


OPINION: 4 STARS

The Short Version:
Intriguing, creative, and enjoyable, Witch Eyes throws a curve ball into the witch stories out there. Braden is an incredibly relatable character and easy to like, from his sarcastic wit to perceptive intelligence. With beautifully done descriptions and unique story elements, and though not always completely fluid, Witch Eyes is a solid debut with big promise for future work from Tracey.

The Extended Version:
Braden's voice, mentality, and character jump off the pages from the start, cocky in a gentle way and sarcastic and filled with witty quips. Though separated from people for the most part at the opening of the book, his relationship with his uncle builds him in a way that readers will relate to and enjoy. Thrust into a completely different world once he leaves, Braden still keeps his wits about him and isn't too easy to simply trust everyone person that comes along. Suffering from the curse of the witch eyes and the sometimes horrible side effects, his internal strength is tested and expanded in a way that shines for readers.

With a rather large cast of side characters, but each one unique, vivid and memorable, the chances for betrayal and misleading are high, and Tracey includes such nefarious aspects completely fluidly and easily. From perky and shockingly lively Riley to intriguing, tempting Trey, and with a range of other great characters in between, this one has a stellar cast that make the story shine and is one of the most notable aspects of the book. Slipping in and out of the story easily, each new character progresses things in their own way, and watching Braden interact with each one gave a very real, relatable note to the book.

The plot has an overall steady pace, and though some of the transitions between things weren't completely smooth, the main concept is fantastic. A building mystery that unfolds at a good rate, and numerous twists and turns will keep readers on their toes, with the pages turning quickly. The worldbuilding was interesting in this one, with Braden finding himself in a town that knows, at least in part, about the existence of witches. Completely different from what he is used to, this created a dissonance between the reader and Braden that added slightly to the confusion at some transitions, yet also built Braden's character with his ability to handle so many different situations.

The supernatural aspect of this book, which pulls in more than simply Braden being a witch, stays the focus of things even when the romance angle is brought in. Never taking an obsession over his feelings for Trey, nor hitting on any kind of gay angst or coming out elements, Braden's sexuality is as woven into his character as the witch eyes and everything else about him. Though it's clear he does like Trey, he doesn't drop everything for the boy even when Trey returns the feelings, adding a very refreshing and great element to the book. The ways the romance adds to the overall plot and plays its own role within will pull the reader in even more.

Tracey's writing is fantastic, having some stand out descriptions particularly where the use of magic is involved. Adding in emotion at all the right times, but still keeping things witty and sarcastic in general, Tracey has definitely shown his raw talent with huge promise for an amazing second installment. Strong in voice and easily weaving in Braden's stream of consciousness with everything else, Witch Eyes will pull readers in from the start.

Tying up the main events of this book while certainly leaving hints for the next installment, Witch Eyes is a promising debut. With a fantastic and well developed cast of characters, centering on a very easy to like protagonist, and bold and descriptive writing, there is plenty to love and enjoy about this book. Full of sarcasm and wit yet also not shying away from the rougher things, and pulling in some great new elements, this one is definitely a must read for fans of the supernatural.

Details: 

Source: Received from author in exchange for an honest review

Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 336 pages

Publisher: Flux

Publication Date: September 8, 2011

Book Review: Possess by Gretchen McNeil

SUMMARY: Fifteen-year-old Bridget Liu just wants to be left alone: by her mom, by the cute son of a local police sergeant, and by the eerie voices she can suddenly and inexplicably hear. Unfortunately for Bridget, it turns out the voices are demons – and Bridget has the rare ability to banish them back to whatever hell they came from.

Terrified to tell people about her new power, Bridget confides in a local priest who enlists her help in increasingly dangerous cases of demonic possession. But just as she is starting to come to terms with her new power, Bridget receives a startling message from one of the demons. Now Bridget must unlock the secret to the demons' plan before someone close to her winds up dead – or worse, the human vessel of a demon king.


OPINION: 5 STARS

The Short Version:
Creepy, twisted and engaging, Possess puts a brilliant new spin on the Nephilim and the good vs. evil battle. With a witty and sarcastic main character, a well developed supporting cast, and some fantastically described scenes that hold nothing back, this one will grab readers from page one and not let go. Strongly paced plot and a well put together mystery make this a book for fans across many genres.

The Extended Version:
Bridget is sassy and intelligent, vivid in nature with plenty of humorous one-liners and an outward toughness that harbors a softer inside. Unafraid to show fear, and doubting herself even at seemingly important times, yet never simply giving up, Bridget is a very well developed character that readers will want to root for. She goes through tremendous character growth, not just in relationship to her new abilities but with her family and friends as well, pulling in a very realistic element to the book overall.

Matt is classically charming and attractive, yet endearingly devoted and sweet, particularly to Bridget. Perceptive about some things but very boyishly oblivious in regards to others, he adds a lot to not only Bridget’s development but the plot as well without taking the spotlight. Determined and far from self-centered, Matt makes for a perfect love interest far beyond a melting smile.

The rest of the cast is developed enough for their purpose, with the reader seeing more insight into some characters than others. One factor, however, that really makes this book stand out is the way McNeil toys with reader’s opinions of characters throughout the book. Centered on two specific characters, both readers and Bridget have to figure out who to trust. With both options, from the reader’s side, being the predictable stereotype with valid reasons against both, McNeil has smoothly weaved a potent mystery playing heavily on trust.

The plot itself has a steady pace, kicking up the action not only when Bridget is performing a banishment but in regards to the building mystery as well. With plenty of gentler moments to let not only the readers but Bridget have a break, yet never letting these last too long, McNeil will keep readers engaged and intrigued throughout. Giving enough clues to allow the reader to make some predictions, yet not being mundane and predictable overall, this one throws some new elements and twists.

McNeil’s writing has a smooth flow, written in third person but keeping a focus on Bridget and never mind jumping. From Bridget’s natural wit to her sarcastic come backs, the voice is bold and noticeable. The descriptions are fantastic, bringing alive not only the places but the events that Bridget finds herself in. Never going too far to bore readers or pull them out of the storyline, the description is just enough to be basically perfect.

Not only is this one a supernatural, wading deep into the world of demons, but it’s a mystery as well and McNeil has blended these two elements perfectly. Holding very strong roots into realism and a contemporary setting that any reader can understand, imagine, and insert themselves into, Possess is a book that a range of fans will enjoy. With the new story line, intriguing and fleshed out characters, and creeptastic scenes, Possess is a stellar debut with plenty to offer.

Details:

Source: ARC received from author/publisher in exchange for an honest review
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: August 23, 2011

In My Mailbox

I got lazy last weekend and decided to not post my IMM, so this is actually two week's worth. Or we can say I was nice and didn't torment the dog last week, rather than being lazy? There's also some other books I bought, but Toby didn't want to sit for more than one picture today so those can be done next week...

For Review:

Wherever You Go by Heather Davis (Already read- LOVE)

If I Tell by Janet Gurtler

Envy by Gregg Olsen

Sweet Venom by Tara Lynn Childs

Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink

The Accidental Hero by Matt Myklusch

Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Unnatural by Michael Griffo

Unwelcome by Michael Griffo

Aphrodite the Diva (Goddess Girls #6) by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams

(Huge thanks to Heather Davis + Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Janet Gurtler + Sourcebooks Fire, Sterling Publishing Company, HarperTeen, Little Brown, Matt Myklusch + Simon & Schuster, Harper Collins, Little Brown, Kensington Teen, and Suzanne Williams)

Bought: 

Wildefire by Karsten Knight (Had it signed to me at his launch party)

IMM is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.

Character Interview: Colleen from Now Playing- Stoner & Spaz II

Today's character guest is a little different than what you might normally see around here, but I have to say, this girl is spicy in all the right ways. And with that, I bring you Colleen from Ron Koertge's Now Playing: Stoner & Spaz II, a girl with a drug problem, a love for a spastic boy, and one of the spiciest personalities around.


What was your first thought about Ben?

What a pushover. What a freaking loser. And a cripple, too. There he was in the lobby of that run-down theatre and I just knew he haunted the place. But I needed a couple of bucks for treats and I knew he went to the same school, so I asked him. Of course he had a couple of bucks. He'd have given twenty just to sit with me.

What's your favorite thing about Ben? What frustrates you the most?

I like a lot of things about Ben. I like it that he worships me. I take off my clothes and he's all, "Holy cow. You're gorgeous!" What other guy is going to say that to me -- and mean it? I like it that he's generous without throwing money around like some homie with a new CD. I like it that he's innocent. He doesn't knowanything about anything except movies, but he knows everything about those. Which I also like. I've been around enough low-rent thick-necked mentally coagulated jackasses to last me a lifetime. And what frustrates me? We're almost history already. He doesn't know it yet, and I'm not gonna tell him. But the fact is in a year or two or three at the most he's going to blow past me like a 2008 Dodge Challenger 392 Super Stock. He won't want to, but he can't help himself. Can you see me at Princeton with him? Get serious.

If you could say one thing to Ed, now, what would it be?

I never liked you. Never. Not even a little bit.

How old were you when your drug addiction first started?

13. Just a little weed. And ain't that the way it always starts.

What kind of dinosaur would you describe yourself as?

A pterosaur, also called INCORRECTLY a pterodactyl. Also sometimes called a dinosaur, which it is not. Ask your little brother if you don't believe me. Or better yet -- look it up! Anyway I'd like to be a pterosaur because they can fly and I like to get high. Ha ha. I also like to look down on things. Get the big picture. That's how I know my time with Ben is finite, okay? But, hey, what isn't finite. Pterosaurs are also meat-eaters and anytime I want a steak all I have to do is ask Ben. Sweet, huh?

Thank you, Colleen, for stopping in, and thanks Ron for sharing her.

Now Playing: Stoner & Spaz II is out now, so be sure to pick it and the first one, Stoner & Spaz, up!

But as part of Ron's tour for this book, you can also enter for your chance to win a copy of the book. Five lucky winners will receive Ron Koertge's NOW PLAYING: STONER & SPAZ II. To enter, send an e-mail to NowPlayingGiveaway@gmail.com. In the body of the e-mail, include your name, mailing address, and e-mail address (if you're under 13, submit a parent's name and e-mail address). One entry per person; prizes will only be shipped to US or Canadian addresses. Entries must be received by midnight (PDT) on 8/25/11. Winners will be selected in a random drawing on 8/26/11 and notified via email.

You can also find Ron at his website, http://ronkoertge.com/.