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! 

In My Mailbox (Apr. 1st)

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.

So, how's everyone been? Yes, if you hadn't noticed the increased activity in the past week, you can take this as confirmation that I am still here, and I Write, I Read, I Review does still exist. I've been many things: sick, busy, half insane from editing, and very fortunate to have both received and purchased some very awesome books. For the most part, let's stick to the last one. :)

First off, what do you think of the new IMM banner? I'm not a genius with art programs, but I've noticed a lot of people have their own unique ones, so I finally sat down and gave that a shot. I think its cute and suits the (increasingly nice) spring weather. Next job: finding a background that I like as much as my winter one. That'll be tough.

But enough about me or the actual blog. Let's get to the books...

For Review:

Entangled
by Nikki Jefford

Twin witches Graylee and Charlene Perez agree on one rule: No dating warlocks.

Not so easy when a certain rogue warlock is convinced he and Graylee belong together and will use anything, including magic, to try and impress Gray. When Charlene’s boyfriend dumps her, she threatens to kill either herself or the girl who stole Blake. Somehow, Gray ends up dead.

A Resurrection Spell Gone Wrong:

Two months after dying, Gray wakes up in Charlene’s body. As a witch, can anyone blame her mother for attempting to bring her daughter back to life? Only now Gray’s stuck sharing her sister’s body 50/50 in twenty-four hour shifts.

The race is on for Gray to find a way back inside her own body before Charlene purges her from existence. Raj McKenna is rumored to meddle in the black arts, not to mention he’s after Gray’s invisibility spell and worse – her heart. But Raj might be the only one powerful enough to save Gray from fading away forever.

I got this request about a week ago and I just knew I had to read it. I haven't read anything that went quite like this before, but I know I like stories involving magic and love so hopefully it will be right up my alley. If all goes well, I should get to it and have a review out soon. 

BZRK

by Michael Grant

Time is running out for the good guys. But what happens when you don’t know who the good guys really are?

Noah and Sadie: newly initiated into an underground cell so covert they don’t even know each other’s real names. Trained for combat on the nano level, they are thrust into a war they can barely grasp.

Vincent: feels nothing and cares for no one. Fighting a personal battle with Bug Man, the greatest nano warrior alive.

The Armstrong Twins: wealthy, privileged, fanatical. Are they the saviors of humanity or authors of the darkest conspiracy in history?

On one side: Charles and Benjamin Armstrong’s Nexus Humanus. On the other: a group of teen hackers who call themselves BZRK.

Twenty-first-century warfare that takes place on the macro and nano level for the highest stakes: humanity’s free will.

It’s time to choose sides.

I reviewed this a couple weeks ago. It was the one book I zipped through for the majority of March, between being sick, editing my manuscript, being in the singing contest and probably just needing a bit of a breather. What I can tell you about BZRK is that it is totally awesome, it hooked me from start to finish, and I loved it. Once again, many thanks to the lovely people at Random House. I love being a part of Blog It Forward and this book is just another of the many reasons why. 

I Won:

I was both shocked and amazed a few weeks ago when I discovered that I had won these books from June at Writing Is A Blessing. Once again, thanks so much! :) I have wanted to read this series for ages and to have won all three books totally made my night. Even better? They are signed. :) Here's the message in the third one (the first two have signatures) :

I Bought: (Physical)

Fever

by Lauren DeStefano

Rhine and Gabriel have escaped the mansion, but danger is never far behind.

Running away brings Rhine and Gabriel right into a trap, in the form of a twisted carnival whose ringmistress keeps watch over a menagerie of girls. Just as Rhine uncovers what plans await her, her fortune turns again. With Gabriel at her side, Rhine travels through an environment as grim as the one she left a year ago - surroundings that mirror her own feelings of fear and hopelessness.

The two are determined to get to Manhattan, to relative safety with Rhine’s twin brother, Rowan. But the road there is long and perilous - and in a world where young women only live to age twenty and young men die at twenty-five, time is precious. Worse still, they can’t seem to elude Rhine’s father-in-law, Vaughn, who is determined to bring Rhine back to the mansion...by any means necessary.

In the sequel to Lauren DeStefano’s harrowing Wither, Rhine must decide if freedom is worth the price - now that she has more to lose than ever.

I really enjoyed Wither, even though I initially purchased it because the premise rubbed me the wrong way. I think Lauren has totally beautiful writing and I found the story she chose to tell extremely compelling. (Also, I am quite fond of Linden, a fact that actually made me have to re-evaluate my review because I was so impressed with the fact that I grew so strongly attached to a character I had been convinced I would despise. That's. Not. Easy.) So, am I totally dying to read Fever? Absolutely. Do I hope we get to see something compelling about Gabriel? Sure. And am I just plain curious to find out what happens next, no matter what? You bet. When I saw this, I just had to grab it.

The Way We Fall
by Megan Crewe

It starts with an itch you just can’t shake. Then comes a fever and a tickle in your throat. A few days later, you’ll be blabbing your secrets and chatting with strangers like they’re old friends. Three more, and the paranoid hallucinations kick in.

And then you’re dead.

When a deadly virus begins to sweep through sixteen-year-old Kaelyn’s community, the government quarantines her island—no one can leave, and no one can come back.

Those still healthy must fight for dwindling supplies, or lose all chance of survival. As everything familiar comes crashing down, Kaelyn joins forces with a former rival and discovers a new love in the midst of heartbreak. When the virus starts to rob her of friends and family, she clings to the belief that there must be a way to save the people she holds dearest.

Because how will she go on if there isn’t?

I remember having this as a Waiting on Wednesday post a while being and being really fanatically hyped about the premise, so when I saw it sitting next to Fever at Shoppers Drugmart, I just couldn't resist grabbing it, too. I don't tend to put something up as a Waiting on Wednesday selection unless it really does make my hair stand on end with that strong gut feeling that means, "I must read this NOW!" So I would wager I will be reading this soon. I know, I've said that a lot tonight, but I've ended up with some totally amazing books so I guess it cannot be helped.

I Bought: (for my Kindle)

Wicked As They Come
by Delilah S. Dawson

Have you ever heard of a Bludman? They’re rather like you and me—only more fabulous, immortal, and mostly indestructible. (They’re also very good kissers.)

Delilah S. Dawson’s darkly tempting debut drops her unsuspecting heroine into a strange faraway land for a romantic adventure that’s part paranormal, part steampunk . . . and completely irresistible.

When Tish Everett forces open the ruby locket she finds at an estate sale, she has no idea that a deliciously rakish Bludman has cast a spell just for her. She wakes up in a surreal world, where Criminy Stain, the dashing proprietor of a magical traveling circus, curiously awaits. At Criminy’s electric touch, Tish glimpses a tantalizing future, but she also foresees her ultimate doom. Before she can decide whether to risk her fate with the charming daredevil, the locket disappears, and with it, her only chance to return home. Tish and Criminy battle roaring sea monsters and thundering bludmares, vengeful ghosts and crooked Coppers in a treacherous race to recover the necklace from the evil Blud-hating Magistrate. But if they succeed, will Tish forsake her fanged suitor and return to her normal life, or will she take a chance on an unpredictable but dangerous destiny with the Bludman she’s coming to love?

From the moment I first saw the description, I knew I had to read this. I can tell you right now: it did not disappoint. I totally devoured this book, and I also gave it the Kat's Meow Award, which is the highest honor my blog has. If you're anxious to hear my thoughts, my review is already up on GoodReads. If you're patient, it will be over here on Thursday if you'd like to share your thoughts. If you love paranormal, fantasy, steampunk or romance you need to run to your nearest bookstore and grab Wicked As They Come *now* because it's out of this world! (To the point that I want a physical copy even though I have a Kindle one.) 

Under the Never Sky

by Veronica Rossi

Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered. This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland - known as The Death Shop - are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild - a savage - and her only hope of staying alive.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile - everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

I've wanted to read this book for ages. I was holding out to buy a physical copy the next time I went to Chapters, but after seeing the trailer (which I thought was great) I broke down last night and grabbed it for Kindle instead. I am over halfway through and I am having a great time. My review for this should be up in the near future. Current thoughts? I love the dynamic between Aria and Perry, but the world building could have been a bit richer. Overall, I'm having a good time with it.

I feel very fortunate right now. I have received (one way or another) some extremely awesome books that I am very anxious to read. Anything here catch your eye? Feel free to share your thoughts. :)

So, what did you get this week? Feel free to link your post and I'll drop by and have a look. (I'm stuck on a scene in Moon Dance right now. Can you tell? :p )

Have a great week, guys!

In My Mailbox (Feb. 25th)

In My Mailbox is a weekly feature hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren where we get to share the fabulous books and book related things that we bought, borrowed or received this week. Curious what I got? Scroll down and take a peek! And don't forget to link me so I can drop by, say hi and have a look at your new treasures. :)

For Review: 

Hope's Journey
by Stephanie Worlton

Sydney is a straight-A student heading to college on a scholarship, and Alex is a quiet jock preparing to serve an LDS mission. But their dreams are shattered on the eve of their high school graduation when they find out that Sydney is pregnant. Separated, they must both trust in God as they search for the worth they once found in each other.

I was absolutely thrilled to be contacted about reviewing Hope's Journey and being part of the tour. I read about this book a few months ago and had been curious since. I've already zipped through it, I'm working on my review and I'm preparing questions for my interview with Stephanie. The Hope's Journey blog tour will be stopping by on April 10th. 

I Bought: (Physical)

You had to see this
one coming, guys!

Not bad for the price.

I love this thing.
Worth every penny.

Anyone who's been around I Write, I Read, I Review knows that anything House of Night related is a complete insta-buy for me. So I had to pick up Lenobia's Vow when I saw it at WalMart. Why haven't I reviewed it yet? Well, I know it's gonna end sad. And even though I know it's the past and there is hope in the present, I'm actually such a sap that this is holding me back. Give me time. It'll get done.

As for the two Hunger Games movie books, they were on sale so I pretty much went "Why not?". The Tribute Guide is alright for the $6 or so it cost me. I may like it better if I spend more time with it. The Illustrated Movie Companion was more expensive (I think I paid $15 or so after the sale) but I absolutely love it and I feel it was worth every penny. Can you tell I am excited for the movie? :D

I Bought: (Kindle)

Yeah, this is new! I'm trying to highlight what I buy for my Kindle now. I finally figured out how to organize everything into categories. If you saw the video I did during the Wicked Winter Readathon you probably saw that my room looks like it is under constant attack from a tornado of books. A ten by ten space is not the place to house a library. :p Anyway, curious what I've been downloading? Well, have a look. :) 

A Hunger Like No Other is something that Darkfallen and Greta from Paranormal Wastelands talked about when they visited for a Saturday Spotlight post. I've wanted to read it ever since. When I saw how many books are in the Immortals After Dark series I figured it would be a good choice to start adding to my Kindle. I've already finished and reviewed this. I love it and gave it five hearts. 

Shadows, to my knowledge, is a prequel to Obsidian. Remember that book? It's one that I had wanted to read for ages and that I totally devoured when the opportunity to do that came up. I loved it. Downloading this for my kindle was an absolute no-brainer since I'm dying to dive in and the physical book does not appear to be available in Canada yet.

Dark Lover is something I bought out of curiosity. I've heard fantastic things about J.R. Ward for years and had not given her a chance for various reasons. Well ... I'm conflicted. I don't hate this book, but I'm not falling truly madly deeply for it either, which is really too bad. But that's the way the cookie crumbles, I suppose. It can happen just as easily with a physical book. At least if I do end up DNFing this (not sure what I'm doing yet) it won't be cluttering my floor.

Ryder is the debut novel of my friend Greta Maloney. (Yep, that's the same Greta I mentioned earlier.) I had no idea she was writing a book, but the moment I found out onto the Kindle it went. I've already read it and put up my review. In short, if you like werewolves and original fairy tale retellings you need to zip over to Amazon and grab Ryder *now*. It is gripping, original, well written and memorable. (Another easy five hearts.)

Well that's "it" for me this week. :) I think I did really great, especially considering how much of this stuff that I actually read! :) I hope that the "book fairy" was every bit as kind to you. :D Have a great day! 

In My Mailbox (Jan. 28th)

In My Mailbox is a weekly event hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren where we get to share all of the fabulous things that we bought, borrowed or received this week.

So, how has everyone been? If you didn't see my previous post here at I Write, I Read, I Review I've been a "tad" busy. I thought things were finally shifting back to normal -- I was even going to do a vlog for IMM this evening. But as they say, life gets in the way. It appears that my grandma has been having mini-strokes all day and we are going to have to take her to Kingston General Hospital tomorrow. So things are still a bit shaky here, unfortunately.

On the bright side, I have received or purchased a few fabulous new books in the last couple weeks. Care to have a look? Read on below. :)

For Review:

Telesa: The Covenant Keeper
by Lani Wendt Young

When Leila moves to her new home, all she wants is a family, a place to belong. Instead she discovers the local ancient myths of the telesa spirit women are more than just scary stories. The more she finds out about her heritage, the more sinister her new home turns out to be. Embraced by a Covenant Sisterhood of earth's elemental guardians - what will Leila choose? Her fiery birthright as a telesa? Or will she choose the boy who offers her his heart? Daniel - stamped with the distinctive tattoo markings of a noble Pacific warrior and willing to risk everything for the chance to be with her. Can their love stand against the Covenant Keeper?

A thriller-romance with a difference. If you enjoyed Twilight, then you will be enthralled by Telesa as it blends the richness of Pacific mythology into a contemporary young adult love story that will stay with you long after you have turned the final page.

This book sounds extremely interesting. I love magic systems that involve the elements, and I love discovering new places in the world that I am not familiar with. Having been very impressed with how Colleen Houck handled introducing me to India in Tiger's Curse, I could not resist checking this out after reading a sample. What I've read so far is very well written and definitely grabbed my interest.

Scary School
by Derek the Ghost

You think your school's scary?

Get a load of these teachers:

Ms. Fang, an 850-year-old vampire
Dr. Dragonbreath, who just might eat you before recess
Mr. Snakeskin—science class is so much more fun when it's taught by someone who's half zombie
Mrs. T—break the rules and spend your detention with a hungryTyrannosaurus rex!

Plus

Gargoyles, goblins, and Frankenstein's monster on the loose The world's most frighteningly delicious school lunch

And

The narrator's an eleven-year-old ghost!

Join Charles "New Kid" Nukid as he makes some very Scary friends—including Petunia, Johnny, and Peter the Wolf—and figures out that Scary School can be just as funny as it is spooky!

I have a lot going on right now, as you can well imagine from what I wrote at the beginning of my post. So when Derek contacted me about reviewing his book and I took a look at it and couldn't stop laughing, I quickly decided this is probably exactly what I need right now. I just got the file for my Kindle a few hours ago, and I am already half way through. I'm not ready to give a final rating or anything here, but I can tell you that for *me*, I was definitely right. Writing the review for this one is going to be fun. :)

I Was Given:

Cracked Up To Be
by Courtney Summers

Perfect Parker Fadley isn’t so perfect anymore. She’s quit the cheerleading squad, she’s dumped her perfect boyfriend, and she’s failing school. Her parents are on a constant suicide watch and her counselors think she’s playing games…but what they don’t know, the real reason for this whole mess, isn’t something she can say out loud. It isn’t even something she can say to herself. A horrible thing has happened and it just might be her fault. If she can just remove herself from everybody--be totally alone--then everything will be okay...The problem is, nobody will let her.

This was one of the books on my Christmas wish list and I'm pretty sure that this was sent as a My Bookworm Santa gift. Many thanks to the person who sent it. :) I have wanted to read this for ages. I'm really looking forward to it. :)

I Bought:

Shopper's Drug Mart

Shopper's Drug Mart

Shopper's Drug Mart

Value Village

The first three books were purchased at Shopper's Drug Mart when I went grocery shopping with my parents and my brother in Kingston. They had books for 25% off and I'm sure that by now you all know that I can't resist buying books that are on sale. Thoughts on each book:

Crescendo is something I have definitely taken a chance on. I own Hush, Hush but I haven't finished it yet. Hopefully this ends more happily then it did with Fallen. We shall see. If it doesn't fair well, I am sure there is a local library here that would be happy to take them.

Switched, as a writer, is something I could not pass up grabbing. I was already interested in the story, and when that is added to seeing just what Amanda Hocking came up with, this had to come home with me.

Misfit is a book I've heard good things about from friends. Most notably, I noticed that Aeicha over at Word Splunking liked it, as did Darkfallen over at Paranormal Wastelands. I've had books in common with both in the past so when I saw this on sale I basically went 'why not?'.

Lastly is a copy of City of Glass. I already own City of Bones and City of Ashes, and now that I have read and enjoyed Clockwork Angel I will be getting to those sooner rather then later, I'm sure. So for two dollars I could not resist rescuing this.

So, do you have any thoughts on the things that I received? Did you get anything totally awesome that you think I'd like to see? I hope that this week has been good to you. :) Have a great day! 

In My Mailbox (vlog #1, Jan. 1st 2012)

In My Mailbox is a weekly event created by Kristi at The Story Siren where we all get to share the fabulous things that we received, bought or borrowed. It's a fun way to see all the great things happening to others in the book blogging community.

I am very excited today because I get to share my first ever video IMM with you all!! I got a Kodak PlaySport 2x3 video camera and a tripod for Christmas (I love it!). Please bare with me -- I have a cold so I might sound kind of off.




In My Mailbox:

For Review:

Miss World
by Randi Black

It's 1993. Kim Ho wishes she were Courtney Love, instead of the chubby 16-year-old who clashes with her traditional Chinese parents. Her very own Kurt Cobain arrives in the form of Kevin, a 26-year-old failed musician. But Kevin uses Kim's rock-star dreams to exploit her, and those dreams die along with the real Kurt Cobain.Too scared to tell anyone, Kim conjures up a cross-dressing imaginary friend and dates Walter Riordan, the cute boy from special-ed. Walter helps her recover, but after a joke snowballs into a plot to murder Kevin, Kim's forced to choose between revenge or her sanity. This is a truly daring and original coming-of-age novel about one girl's quest to reclaim her power from those who've stolen it.

I am very excited to be reading this as part of the blog tour, which is being hosted by Paranormal Wastelands. While this book covers a genre of music that is not my main focus, as a musician who has traveled, competed, etc. the music 'element' of this book definitely intrigues me. I am also very curious because Randi Black seems to have a very unique writing style. I can't tell you what I think of the book yet -- but I can tell you that reading it looks like it will be interesting. 

I Bought:

from Walmart

from Zellers

from Zellers

from Zellers

from Zellers

from Zellers

Gifts:

Thanks, A. Brenda!

Thanks, Shawn!

Thanks, A. Brenda!

Thanks, A Brenda!

Thanks, Shawn!

Thanks, A. Brenda!

Thanks, Shawn!

Thanks, Shawn!

Thanks, Shawn!

Thanks, Andrea!

Thanks, Aeicha!

So, were the holidays good to you? What did you get in your mailbox this week? Have anything to say about what was in mine? I'd love to know so feel free to leave a comment! :) Happy New Year!