Top 10 Tuesday: Books I Had To Have... That I Haven't Read Yet! (Video)

Top 10 Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish where we share top 10 lists about various bookish topics.

Okay! It's been eons since I did a Top Ten Tuesday post, but this one looked fun. I decided to do a video since I'm trying to keep the stress on my hands from typing down. Ready to see what is on my shelf ... yet unread? Enjoy!

So, which book(s) must I read immediately? And what is sitting on your shelf with a flashing neon "Read Me!" sign over it? I'd love to know, so feel free to leave a comment. :) 

Thinking On Thursday: Scared To Start Syndrome

Tell me if this has ever happened to you: you go out and buy a new book. It can be from a completely new author, or it could be from an author whose work you have previously enjoyed--perhaps it's the continuation of a series. You get the book home and put it on your shelf. And then... you sit. You wait. And that poor neglected book collects dust. It's not that you've forgotten about it. Oh, no. That would be too simple. Instead, you are actually paralyzed with an insane sense of dread or fear at the thought of picking that book up.

Welcome to what I call "Scared To Start Syndrome". All my life I've been aware of it in writing, but only since I started blogging--likely due to my much higher level of book consumption and the compulsive need to read (and buy) more did I realize it could effect me as a reader as well. As I've read and reviewed more books, my tolerance for things that don't work for me in fiction has grown lower and lower. It's like I have a little buzzer inside that goes "Nope!" if something is wrong 'enough' with a book and then I won't want to finish it.

But even after nearly two years of book blogging, I have not perfected the art of screening books to a point where this never happens. (I actually think that's almost impossible.) There are ways to minimize the risk: reading samples when possible, knowing what types of stories you like and what types tend to push your buttons. ...But that doesn't cover it all. What about those times when the book either comes highly recommended or is part of a series where you liked book one?

Today I'm going to spotlight a few books that have been collecting dust, try to explore where why I may have Scared to Start Syndrome regarding them and then leave the floor open for you guys to tell me what you think. I'd also love to know whether any of you have dealt with this and if you have any thoughts on getting past it.

Afraid Of New Authors? 

Here are a few books that have been sitting on my shelf for ages, by authors I've never read before, that I just haven't opened. You might be surprised who I haven't read--and why.

Across the Universe
by Beth Revis

Purchased: September 2011

Why I Wanted It: The premise for this sounds fascinating and with several great sounding YA sci-fi books released or releasing around this time (Obsidian and Glow both come to mind) and the fact that I was likely either playing or excited for Mass Effect 2, Sci-fi was a big thing for me.

Why It's Still Unread: It started as simple procrastination, often combined with other books getting in the way. But it may also be that Obsidian was so damn good that when it comes to sci-fi I just don't feel as drawn as I'd like to be. (Glow is also sitting here going "Read me", FYI.) This may sound unfair, but hey, at least it's honest.

Reasons To Read: I've heard so many fantastic things about this book and the series it is from. With the third book just out / coming out this seems like a fantastic time to finally sit down and get started. I don't often read series together, but I'm getting less strict about this since I actually have several reviews that I can mix with reviews for a series now.

Firelight
by Sophie Jordan

Purchased: September 2011

Why I Wanted It: Two words: Dragon Shapeshifters. C'mon, if you're a paranormal or fantasy fan those just sound plain awesome. I actually remember bugging a poor sales clerk to check the back for this one because I wanted it so bad. Yet it's sat on my shelf for over a year. That strikes me as being just the slightest bit pathetic.

Why It's Still Unread: Two words: dragon shapeshifters. This premise is so epic, yet there is a chance the execution could fail miserably and the thought of that freezes me cold. (Plus the heroine is doing something against the rules on page one and I'll confess--I'm scared for her!) Also, I love the name Cassian, but my gut tells me that even if I like him, our heroine is not going to share my opinion. (And odds are I will. I always seem to be on the wrong team.. Grr...)

Reasons To Read: Two words: (yet again...) Dragon Shapeshifters. It still sounds like a totally epic premise just as much now as it did then. Bonus: all three books for this series have released so if I like book one I can get the other two. Plus, I've already bought book one so what do I have to lose?

Cinder
by Marissa Meyer

Purchased: December 2011 (boxing day)

Why I Wanted It: I love fairy tale retellings and had requested this and not been chosen for it. When I saw it at Chapters--early, no less--I couldn't resist grabbing it. The idea of a sci-fi version of Cinderella, with our leading lady as a cyborg, sounded totally cool and original and I really wanted to read the book and share an opinion one way or another.

Why It's Still Unread: Cinderella is probably one of my least favorite fairy tales, likely because I grew up with the Disney version which I find kinda cheesy. (Although I do adore the movie Ever After, so it's a bit of a paradox?) I also think this book got kinda swept under the rug and left forgotten since I had amassed a pretty huge TBR pile and couldn't figure out how to decide anything.

Reasons To Read: Well, first and foremost a ton of friends have told me I "must" read this book, so doing that so I can discuss it seems like a really smart idea. Then there's also the fact that the sequel just came out and I need to know whether I want to pick that up when I go to Chapters for my birthday in a couple weeks. I've also heard that this is extremely original and well written, and I like supporting both of those things. If Cinder is good, I need to know so I can start telling people that too.

Scared To Start Sequels? 

Even more strange then the uncertainty that can be found in checking out a new author, is the uncertainty and anxiety that I can sometimes feel at the thought of reading a sequel to a book that I really loved. I mean, unless the first book had a totally craptacular cliffhanger ending, when I open those new pages I'm pretty much setting off a bomb. What will happen to these characters? Am I making things better or worse? Maybe I think this way because I write, too? But the point is that I *do* think this way. Anyone else do that?

Clockwork Prince
by Cassandra Clare

Purchased: December 2011

Why I Wanted It: This started out as an "Oh, pretty and 30% off!" random grab at WalMart. I went and got Clockwork Angel on boxing day and it was one of the first books I reviewed in 2012. I knew I was looking forward to Clockwork Prince after finishing Clockwork Angel, but these books are so big and I spent a lot of time last year revising my novel. So...

Why It's Still Unread: I try to read in such a way that my blog promotes a variety of authors. Cassandra Clare is *huge*. It doesn't matter if I like her stuff or not--let's be really blunt for a minute--she does NOT need my help. That doesn't mean I'm against her, or that I won't read her, but as someone working toward publication (self or otherwise) I like to try and make a difference, weird as that may sound. Oh, and I think I mentioned how BIG this book is, right? Yes, even I can get intimidated by a big book sometimes.

Reasons To Read: I liked the first one. A lot. So there is no reason not to read the next one. The last one comes out in March (?) and it would be nice to be caught up so I can complete this. Plus, it's just kinda sad that I've had it sitting here this long. That was so not my intent. Sure we all know Tessa is going to end up with Will (Do I sound bitter? I really like Jem.) but it is how and why that will actually matter, as it always does with romance.

Insurgent
by Veronica Roth

Purchased: April 2012

Why I Wanted It: Oh, come on! It's the sequel to Divergent, yo! (Yeah, I'm *really* glad I'm caught up on Riders of the Apocalypse, but talking like Death needs to go. ASAP.) Divergent was one of my favorite books read in 2011 so I figured that buying and reading Insurgent would be a total no brainer. Instant easy read I'd devour in a day or three. Wrong.

Why It's Still Unread: Well, first off, I got this along with The Fault In Our Stars and The Selection, both books that I devoured immediately. Then there's also the fact that this book is huge and it starts off immediately. I think I may actually (*groan, another big book...*) have to re-read Divergent first before I get into this, if I'm totally honest.

Reasons To Read: The first book was absolutely phenomenal, so I have little doubt this one will be anything but awesome. I really liked Tris and totally LOVED Four and this was something I intended to gobble up the day I got it. I seem to recall deciding I'd hold off reviewing this because Everyone was reading it and I had gotten so Sick of the promo done for it. But now would likely be a good time to settle down and get caught up so I'm ready when the next book releases.

The Iron Daughter
by Julie Kagawa

Purchaed: October 2011

Why I Wanted It: After reading The Iron King, which I absolutely loved, I picked up The Iron Daughter and The Iron Queen (and eventually The Iron Knight, too) thinking I would have no trouble getting to them. When I love the first in a series and find the writing effortless it makes me pretty confident in picking up the sequels. But I just never got to these, for some reason.

Why It's Still Unread: I bought way, way, WAY too much stuff in 2012 and going into 2013 my shelves are so crammed that I don't know what to do with half of what's there. I cannot read everything that comes out that I want to read. It's just flat up impossible. And then the choice comes between reading what's "new" and what's "new to me" and my brain just goes totally frozen. Plus, now there's a huge gap from when I read book one and I'll likely need to re-read it.

Reasons To Read: Well first off, I bought all of these, plus the eBooks, plus The Lost Prince. So obviously I'm interested. Second, the first book was great and I need to see these characters reach their happy ending. And third, I'm sick and tired of buying stuff and not finishing it and having it clutter my room. I swear I'm going to have a book avalanche in here some day and they'll find me buried under all of the stuff I have. O.o

So, are there any books you've struggled to start? Is there anything here that you think I must ABSOLUTELY read? I'd love to know so feel free to leave a comment! 

Waiting on Wednesday (Oct. 17th)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication can't-wait-to-read selection is:

The Lost Prince
by Julie Kagawa

Don't look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them.

That is Ethan Chase's unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he'd dare to fall for.

Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister's world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myth and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten.

The Iron Fey. Another series that I am totally guilty of starting, loving and never going back to finish. And here I am promoting the spin off / sequel / whatever you'd like to call it. *Tsk!* Still... It definitely sounds intriguing and no doubt I'll be grabbing it at launch and adding it to my shelves. (Gee, with the pause between books I might even have time to read it. :P ) I'm fairly certain this is going to be fabulous.

So, what are you looking forward to this week? Leave a link and I'll drop by and check it out. :) 

In My Mailbox (April 22nd)

In My Mailbox is a weekly feature created by Kristi at The Story Siren where bloggers get together to share the lovely books we received, bought or borrowed. Curious what I've been up to? Scroll down for a peek at some of the lovely things I've had arrive.

This week's stuff came mostly from the trip I took today with my brother Mikey, his fiancee Terrie and my niece Merissa. We went to the Oshawa Centre and I got to go to Build-a-Bear and Chapters. So yes, there are going to be some books *and* some bears here tonight. :D

For Review:

Rotters

by Daniel Klaus

Grave-robbing. What kind of monster would do such a thing? It's true that Leonardo da Vinci did it, Shakespeare wrote about it, and the resurrection men of nineteenth-century Scotland practically made it an art. But none of this matters to Joey Crouch, a sixteen-year-old straight-A student living in Chicago with his single mom. For the most part, Joey's life is about playing the trumpet and avoiding the daily humiliations of high school.

Everything changes when Joey's mother dies in a tragic accident and he is sent to rural Iowa to live with the father he has never known, a strange, solitary man with unimaginable secrets. At first, Joey's father wants nothing to do with him, but once father and son come to terms with each other, Joey's life takes a turn both macabre and exhilarating.

Daniel Kraus's masterful plotting and unforgettable characters makeRotters a moving, terrifying, and unconventional epic about fathers and sons, complex family ties, taboos, and the ever-present specter of mortality.

This was sent to me by Random House as part of Bookurius' Blog It Forward! program. Thank you.

I'm not going to lie to anyone, this book may be a challenge for me. The diversity of what we read for Blog It Forward! is part of what I love about it, though, so I'll do my best to tell you what I think. :) It definitely looks interesting. 

I Bought: (Physical Copies)

Beastly

by Alex Flinn

I am a beast.

A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright—a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.

You think I’m talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It’s no deformity, no disease. And I’ll stay this way forever—ruined—unless I can break the spell.

Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I’ll tell you. I’ll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I’ll tell you how I became perfectly . . . beastly.

Anyone else have an obsession with Beauty and the Beast? I absolutely adore fairytale retellings to begin with, but Beauty and the Beast is probably my favorite fairytale of all time and it has a very special place in my heart. I have meant to read Beastly for a very long time. It was actually on my list of books I wanted to buy when I did my first purchase batch for I Write, I Read, I Review last summer. But as I often seem to do, I chickened out because I know when a book is on a subject or theme I love it's a danger it's going to go one of two ways: sky high, or rock bottom. 

Then I saw this at the Oshawa Centre Chapters and I couldn't say no. The deluxe edition has Beastly as well as Lindy's diary, and I paid $12 for it. I figure I got a good deal and I am really excited to start reading. (If I can find the time amidst all my edits for Moon Dance!)

Graceling

by Kristin Cashore

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug. When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

With elegant, evocative prose and a cast of unforgettable characters, debut author Kristin Cashore creates a mesmerizing world, a death-defying adventure, and a heart-racing romance that will consume you, hold you captive, and leave you wanting more.

This book was recommended to me by my friend Bonnie over at A Backwards Story. It sounds really interesting and I've been meaning to check it out for a while now. Today seemed like a good time to pick it up. For someone who genuinely enjoys fantasy fiction, I don't read nearly enough of it. Urban fantasy, paranormal, dystopian and contemporary eat up a lot of my reading time. It will be nice to visit somewhere a little different here. 

The Immortal Rules

by Julie Kagawa

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

This seemed like a complete 'no thinking required' decision when I saw it at Chapters. While I haven't gotten around to the rest of Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series (they're staring at me from my bookself...) how could I possibly pass this up? Vampires + dystopian = win. It's really simple premise 'math' there for me. I've seen it done before, and done very well, and I am extremely curious to see how Julie will handle it. 

I Bought: (for my Kindle)

Even the Dead Dance To Live

by Rob Lopez

Callisto. Jupiter's second largest moon. Cold enough to suck the heat out of any pressure suit, and scoured by lethal levels of radiation every sixteen days as it orbits through Jupiter's magnetotail. Nobody in their right mind would want to live there. Work there, maybe. But live there?

But people do live there. Humanity built its first space city there. And for a while it looked like a good prospect. Mankind's stepping stone to the stars.

It's all gone wrong though. Civilization is crumbling. And the cycle of life and death is whirling faster than was ever intended. Survival is a delicate balancing act that requires soft and careful steps.

Enter Shakespeare Cruz, a man on the run from his own dark past. He doesn't do soft. And he's anything but delicate. He's got a price on his head, enemies on his tail and an ever tightening noose around his neck. He's got a warlord who wants him to keep his appointment with death and a ghost who wants him to fulfil an impossible obligation. It's not clear that either of them has picked the right man for the job.

The time has come for him to make his choice however, and he's got to make it fast. At stake is the soul of a city, the memory of a woman, and the life of one little girl.

Only one thing is certain - it's going to get ugly.

I heard about this book over on Absolute Write, where I was doing research about self publishing for Moon Dance. I've started to make a habit of seeing what others are releasing, and reading / reviewing stuff that appeals to me. The description for Even the Dead Dance To Live (love the title, by the way) immediately caught my attention, and so far the book has been fantastic. I must tell you all, this is not a typical selection for I Write, I Read, I Review. This is adult fiction (science fiction, specifically), so if you decide to check it out please keep that in mind. 

Belated Birthday Goodies: 

Okay, guys. This stuff is totally not book related -- directly, at least -- but I can't resist sharing it anyway. :)

I can't speak for any other writer out there, but for me, sound is essential when I am developing a story. It is one of the most vital tools that I have to really get to know my characters and get a feel for what their story is going to be like. Moon Dance's sound was a strange blend of country, current rock and hip hop, and Josh Groban. If I hadn't heard Josh Groban's music back in November of 2010 I am not sure if the book would be where it is now. For me, music is kind of like a set of cue cards for emotions and scenes -- I can use it to trigger things when I write, and that makes it really powerful.

The above CDs were purchased from iTunes as I turn my non-revising / blogging time (I hear you asking yourself, "What time is that?!" *laughs*) to figuring out the outline to my Merfolk story, Riptide. From upper left down, we have: Live by Natalie MacMaster, Endless Seasons by The Rankin Family, North Country by The Rankin Family, and 40 Days by The Wailin' Jennys. 

"Cuz every girl's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man..." -- ZZ Top

Well guys, here he is! I made Kyden as a build-a-bear! Moon Dance might (in the current version I'm using) have Sara and Kess on the cover, but Kyden is definitely the most spoiled of all my characters and I had an absolute riot making him today. I'm probably going to make all of them eventually, but I needed to start with someone, right? :D 

Let me tell you ... Making him was not cheap. I kinda went crazy doing this bear, actually. He has a Beating Heart (you squeeze him and you can feel / softly hear his heartbeat), he has a quote from "In these arms" by Bon Jovi in his left hand, he got a nice outfit, I paid $20 for his boots (I did not realize this until I got to the car. So glad I didn't look -- they were expensive but he wouldn't be the same without them) and yes ... I even bought him sunglasses. 

Mao (to Kyden:) "Unlike my guys -- I like 'em tall with money." -- Tata Young
Uh-oh... I think she just dissed you, Kyden! 

Not to be outdone, Mao the Shimmer Kitty I made last year got a new dress. Even though I made Kyden today, when I saw this dress my immediate thought was "Oh my God, it's the Moonbeam!" (the dress Kess buys Sara in Moon Dance) and I just couldn't leave it behind. Mao's too tall to be Kyden's girlfriend, but since we weren't able to get Terrie's passport today, we're going to split on gas sometime in the next few weeks and get that and go to Build-a-Bear and Chapters AGAIN ... So we shall see what happens then. 

Once again, a tremendous thanks to Mike, Terrie & Merissa for taking me. Today was totally awesome and I had a great time! 

Well, that's my week! How was yours? I'd love to see what you got, so feel free to leave a link and I'll come and check it out. Have a great day! 

Wicked Winter Read-a-thon! (Feb. 3rd - 5th)

I'm very excited to be taking part in this event. This will be my second time taking part in a read-a-thon and I hope to get lots of reading in since Jay is going away to visit friends this weekend. :)

Make sure that you keep an eye on this post, as this is where I will be doing updates, posting about any of the challenges that I take part in, and possibly even letting you get an early glimpse of what I think of the books I'm reading.

With that said, I bet you're curious to see what I'm hoping to pop open this weekend. As always, I make no guarantee that I will get to all of these, and if something on my shelves grabs me I will go with it. But this should at least give me a starting point.

Clockwork Prince
by Cassandra Clare

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

Thoughts Going In?: I loved Clockwork Angel, so I'm really excited to see what will happen next. I wanted to dive into this immediately upon finishing that and totally made myself wait for the right time. That could be this weekend. :) Will I remain completely obsessed with Jem or will Will finally win me over?

Delirium
by Lauren Oliver

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

Thoughts So Far?: This is actually what I'm currently reading and it will be the first book I finish for the read-a-thon. I was very nervous about reading this book, but at this point I am very glad that I decided to sit down and get it started. I think that this should be required reading for any fan of romance. Why? Because it will serve as a reminder of how precious and important that love is, and it will remind us that love is always worth holding on to and fighting for.

Die For Me
by Amy Plum

My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything.

Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent.

Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.

Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies . . . immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.

While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart--as well as my life and my family's--in jeopardy for a chance at love?

Thoughts Going In?: I've been dying to read this for ages and it's about time I quit talking about it and actually did it. The premise sounds intriguing and the cover is gorgeous. I can't wait to find out what I actually think of the book, having waited so long. 

The Iron Daughter
by Julie Kagawa

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.

Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

Thoughts Going In?: I absolutely loved The Iron King. The only thing that's been keeping me from reading this is how many books I have needed to read. Now that I am pretty much devoting a month to reading stuff I want from my TBR pile, the time to sit down and dive into the next book in the Iron Fey series seems right. :)

Lenobia's Vow
by P.C. and Kristin Cast

The second in the enthralling new mini-series of novellas from the #1 bestselling authors of the House of Night, Lenobia's Vow tells the gripping story behind the House of Night's enigmatic riding instructor – and one of Zoey’s closest allies against evil

The House of Night is an international publishing sensation; with almost 12 million books in print, and an incredible 120 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, the series has taken the world by storm. Now, the excitement continues as the Cast mother-daughter duo shares the back stories of a few of the House of Night's most important – and mysterious – characters. The second of the House of Night Novellas brings us Lenobia, the strong, beautiful horseback riding instructor, who guides Zoey through some of her darkest hours, and has a dark secret buried in her own past...

In a small southern town at the turn of the century, young Lenobia is developing into a beautiful young woman with ideas of her own. But when she is Marked as a fledgling vampyre, her world turns upside down, and she is drawn to the musical streets of New Orleans. There, she learns of the city’s dark underbelly, ruled by powerful black magic. As Lenobia experiences her first love – and loss – and discovers a passion for horses to sustain her, she must come face-to-face with Darkness itself. And she may not escape without scars.

Thoughts Going In?: Quick! What's my favorite paranormal series? If you guessed House of Night you are absolutely correct! This is the latest, a novella about the Horse Mistress, Lenobia. The House of Night books are what initially drew me to reading YA and are part of what inspired Moon Dance. They have a special place in my heart and the odds that I will read Lenobia's Vow this weekend, provided it's available for Kindle, are very high.

Tiger's Quest
by Colleen Houck

Back in Oregon, Kelsey tries to pick up the pieces of her life and push aside her feelings for Ren. But danger lurks around the corner, forcing her to return to India where she embarks on a second quest--this time with Ren's dark, bad-boy brother Kishan, who has also fallen prey to the Tiger's Curse. Fraught with danger, spellbinding dreams, and choices of the heart, Tiger's Quest brings the trio one step closer to breaking the spell that binds them. Winner of a Parent's Choice Award!

Thoughts Going In?: I absolutely loved Tiger's Curse and actually bought Tiger's Quest and Tiger's Voyage before I even had the first book done. Why have I waited to read them? Because I tend to read and review as I go, rather then having too much of an advanced schedule. My readers were asked their opinions about whether they like getting reviews for books in a series back-to-back and the answer to that was a large and unanimous "No!". But it's been a few weeks since I read Tiger's Curse so I should be safe with Tiger's Quest now.

So, that's my huge and extremely ambitious list. Truthfully? I'll be happy if I finish three of those. But we'll see how it goes. :) Look below to see all of my updates for the read-a-thon. Thanks for dropping by!

February 3rd Updates...

5:00 P.M. -- I am 307 / 441 pages through Delirium. I am 75 / 346 pages through Die For Me.

My entry for the Wintery Sentences challenge:

Kaya felt a SHIVER run down her spine as she stood, FROZEN with fear in the WINTER GARDEN, watching THE BLACK ICE prison Tristan had made with his COLD MAGIC slowly form around her. She and Kyrenne, the FROST Prince, would be like two KISSING SNOWFLAKES if he chose to free her with his COLD KISS AFTER THE SNOW Queen had all but demanded that her son forget Kaya ever existed...

Thoughts? I had a lot of fun with that!

7:30 P.M. -- I'm still at 307 / 441 for Delirium, and I'm now 128 / 346 for Die For Me. I also had chicken, bacon, mushroom pizza. :D

Current thoughts: Delirium is incredible but is also very draining because of how intense it is. Die For Me is more fun, when I'm not considering strangling Kate for occasionally doing something dumb. I think I made one slight miscalculation in the books I chose this weekend -- everything is (to varying degrees) really intense! I may need to intervene and get something more light or funny. We shall see. More thoughts as the weekend continues!

11:00 P.M. -- I am still at 307 / 441 pages for Delirium. I am now at 170 / 346 pages for Die For Me.

Current thoughts?: Glad I decided to stick with Die For Me. Kate still doesn't seem like the most well constructed heroine I've ever met, but Amy Plum did a fantastic job on building the mythology for her book and despite its flaws I am enjoying it.

Into The Unknown Challenge

Well this looks interesting. A challenge to talk about where we read, what we're reading and what our reading habits are. The host asked for pictures, but since I only have a video camera -- and have no clue how to get it to take pictures instead of video -- I did a video for you guys instead. Enjoy!








February 4th Updates...

1:00 P.M. -- So I finished Die For Me last night. I'm glad that I stayed with this, because it continued to get better and better as it went on, and it had the whole "Aw, that's so sweet!" feeling going for it that I like to feel when I close a book. I'll likely review this on Tuesday. As for Delirium, I'll likely be picking that up once I choose my dress and my date for the Wicked Winter Ball. :D

The Wicked Winter Ball

It's time to dress in the most gorgeous gown one can imagine, then step out onto the dance floor with the man of your dreams. :D I absolutely love the idea of this challenge and even though I just woke up half an hour ago, my brain was immediately scrambling over what I would wear and who I'd want to go with. I went and saw what everyone else chose, because I want my choices to be original. So, here we are...

My Dress:

There may be lots of ladies wearing this on the cover, but as of the time of this writing, I'm happy to see I'm the only one who has chosen to wear it to the ball. :D I chose this dress because I think it's gorgeous and reminds me of a dress I boutght at a music festival I attended during high school. That dress wasn't as fancy, but it was the exact same shade.

My Date:

Anyone who watched the video I made last night so had to see this coming. :D Of course, Kishan is going to need to switch to being a man because otherwise (1) dancing would be very weird, and (2) we might have some issues with security. :p Plus, I think a few people might panic if a tiger randomly entered a ballroom, and a few of our dates might try to protect us first and ask questions later. So, for anyone not familiar with the Tiger's Curse saga, here is a description:

He was very handsome, but in a darker, more swarthy way then Ren. His skin was antique-bronze, and his hair was ink black, swept away from his face and slightly curled. His eyes were gold with specks of copper.

—Kelsey's thoughts upon seeing Kishan for the first time. Tiger's Curse, page 194

Anyway, thanks so much to Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer for hosting such a fun and imaginative challenge. I had a great time with this!

11:00 P.M. -- And Delirium is finished! I'll tell you now, that book is incredible. It was incredibly hard for me to keep reading at times, but I also feel that it was incredibly worthwhile. I'm going to be very excited to get started on a review for it.

Anyway, time for a break from reading until tomorrow. (I don't want to start having my books blur.) I'm going to go play some Star Wars: The Old Republic. Talk to you later!

A Month In Preview: February 2012

Love is in the air. Or is that just the scent of chocolate birthday cake I smell? Hard to tell, since my birthday and Valentines Day both happen this month. I'm not always a huge fan of winter, but I must admit that I do love February. Why? This is the shortest month of the year, meaning it doesn't miss around. February creeps up on you from behind, it does what it came to do, and then it slips into the night like a cloaked assassin. If you blink, you'll miss it. In that way, it reminds us to be here today, not wrapped up in some longing for the past or some fantasy of the future.

I can tell you this: February should be a fun month here at I Write, I Read, I Review. January was tough -- I'm not going to lie to you. Between a bit of burn out, some insane family issues and trying to spend a bit more time with Jay I didn't have as much time for blogging as I would have liked. But it seems that Jay is going to go through a Minecraft addiction -- something I have no real interest in. So I shouldn't have so much trouble juggling Star Wars and the blog as I did for a couple weeks there. (We game very differently -- Jay likes to get on when he wakes up and log off when he goes to bed. On my own, I'm more likely to pause and do different things since I'm not keeping anyone waiting.)

Want a glimpse of the future? Here are some of the books I'm looking forward to reading and events I'm taking part in or hosting this month.

What's Going On?

The post just went up this morning, but the event will be running for the next two months. Yes, I'm talking about Project Tell Taylor! I'm really excited to be taking part in this since I absolutely love Remembrance and Vengeance by Michelle Madow. Make sure that you get involved in get your name in the giveaway draw for this event, because the prizes are really awesome and the goal of the event is really cool. I hope that we can succeed in making Taylor Swift aware of the book!

Another event that I'm thrilled to be part of is the blog tour for my friend Marie Landry's debut novel, Blue Sky Days. You can check out my review when it releases on February 10th, and make sure you drop by again on February 11th for a guest post from Marie, too.

Next up on the list of awesome, is that my stop for the Miss World blog tour will be happening on February 18th. Make sure that you drop by for my review and to find out what the top ten songs on Randi Black's iPod are. Considering that there is an iPod Shuffle with some interesting music and an original skin that you could win from this tour, I don't think you'll want to miss this. :)

What I Hope To Read This Month:

Please be aware that this could easily change. But I thought it might be fun to give you guys a glimpse at what has my interest so that you can tell me if anything here especially stands out to you. Love these? Hate these? Whatever your opinion, feel free to leave a comment!

Time to quit wussing
out about this!

I'm reading this right
now. Loving it!

How long did I go on
about wanting this?

One word will
suffice: Jem!

I know what you're
thinking: About time!

Another one word
explanation: Kishan!

Hello, launch day
purchase! :D 

It's House of Night.
Need I say more?

Original ideas. Interesting
setting. I'm excited!

Well that's it for me right now. I know that some of you may be wondering where the list of books I want to buy are (I did list two I'll be getting up there!) but I am so backlogged that I'm trying to be really careful what I get. Even if I get stuff for my Kindle, if I let it sit there I feel like I haven't completed it and it drives me insane. So bare with me. :)

So, what are you looking forward to reading this totally fabulous February? Involved in any exciting events? I'd love to know!