It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Dec. 19th)

It's been a while since I did this one, hasn't it? Well, for those not familiar, It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is hosted by Book Journey. It gives us a chance to share what we've read in the past week, and what we're hoping to read in the coming one. Since I actually do have some goals right now, I figure why not share?

What I Read Last Week:

Tiger's Curse
by Collen Houck
My review can be read here.

I absolutely loved this book! There were a few issues with the romance near the end, but since this is the beginning of a series I cannot completely hold that as a fault against the story. I felt that Kelsey was (for the most part) a likable heroine, that Ren was a memorable hero and that Kishan really cracked me up.

I loved the detail and care that Colleen Houck took in developing her setting and letting me feel that I was actually a part of the adventure. If the above doesn't convince you to check out Tiger's Curse, how about this? I ordered the other two books before I was finished with this one. I wanted them that bad.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth
by Carrie Ryan

My review will be available on Thursday
This was a very interesting and unique read. I felt that the writing style that Carrie Ryan chose was very different -- I felt more like I was reading what could have been someone's diary rather then traditional fiction. I think this had a lot to do with the fact that description and interior monologue were much more present then dialogue between the characters.

Don't take this to mean I disliked the book, though. I'm currently working on picking books to get when I go shopping the day after Christmas -- known as Boxing Day here in Canada -- and The Dead-Tossed Waves and The Dark and Hollow Places are both on my list.

What I'm Reading Now:

Need
by Carrie Jones

I have a whole list of books that have sequels available and I am trying to get through them. This is the one I'm reading right now, and I'm really enjoying it. I like how fresh and distinct Zara's voice is. I also think that it's interesting that this is a book about pixies that people are actually afraid of. I'm currently about 1/3 done with Need. Hopefully I will complete it today, but there are never any guarantees.

Odds are I will at least grab the next book in this series because I am really enjoying this. I am mostly getting money / gift cards for Christmas this year so I am likely buying a lot of books. Just so that no one is confused. :) 

What I Hope To Read This Week:

Right now I am on what I'm calling a "series starting" kick. I'm going on a huge shopping trip on the 26th and I am trying to complete as many book #1's on my shelf -- or at least start them so I'll know whether I like them -- as I can. This might sound somewhat absurd. Why on earth am I so worried about this? Well, I don't drive. I live in a small town. And I don't get to go to the bookstore and browse very often. Most of my shopping is done online. So my big rule about my shopping trip isn't about how many books that I buy. It's that they either have to be (1) Books I'm confident I'll love, (2) Books I've been dying to read but haven't ordered yet, or (3) Books that look interesting while I am browsing.

Here are the books I want to check out. I highly doubt I can get through all of these by the 26th, though.

The Boyfriend List
by E. Lockhart

I'm almost ashamed at how long this has been on my shelves. This was recommended to me over on Absolute Write and I ordered it after reading the sample on Amazon, which I totally loved. But I put it on my bookshelf that can be a pain to reach -- my room is small and can get kinda cramped -- so I haven't worked up the motivation to get it out and get going. Since there are three other books in this series and this doesn't look terribly long, though, I really should do my best to get to it so I can decide if I want to buy more.

Anyone know anything about this one? Any thoughts?

City of Bones
by Cassandra Clare

I can hear you back there. Yeah, you with the pity eyes or the shocked expression. "How haven't you read that yet?" Really good question, because I've had this and City of Ashes for *years*. I don't honestly know what has kept me from starting them. I always seem intrigued by the premises Cassandra Clare's storylines. I buy her books. Yet I've never actually gotten around to sitting down and getting started. Yes, I can be very, very weird at times. I admit that!

So, talk to me, people! I need to buy Clockwork Angel because I impulse-bought Clockwork Prince on sale at Walmart. Should I say to heck with it and at least grab City of Glass, too? Your opinions are welcome!

Firelight
by Sophie Jordan

Here's another book with a strange history on my shelf. I really, really wanted this one when I picked it up in September. But when I sat down to read it something pulled me back. I don't know what caused this, but my gut just told me the right time to read it had not arrived yet. I think I may have read the first sentence? Anyway, I love anything with Dragons and this has a sequel, so I really should try to get to it. Plus the idea I'm kicking around between blogging, reading and Moon Dance revisions is about dragons so reading this would be good so that I know what has already been done. I wouldn't want to copy someone unknowingly.

So, anyone have any thoughts about Firelight? Loved it? Hated it? Curious about it? I'd love to know.

Hush, Hush
by Becca Fitzpatrick

I've wanted to read this for years. Seriously. I was in Florida in 2010(?) and the only reason that I didn't buy it then was that it was this or lunch, and lunch won out. I've had lots of situations like that creep up on this book. I only got it recently, actually, which is another reason I haven't devoured it yet. Between review books backing up and a TBR pile the size of a small horse getting through things can be ... interesting.

I think by now you guys know the drill: any thoughts on Hush, Hush? Should it get a spot this week, or should I wait? Opinions. I want them. Thanks! 

Matched
by Ally Condie

I've been really itching to read this one and it will likely be one of the books that gets done this week. I've had this on my wishlist since I started my blog and I actually bought it around the start of September. It's far past time that I got a chance to read it. The choice of what to read this week actually has me under a bit of pressure. As much as I am dying to read this,  I am not sure if it's the most economical use of my reading time since it currently only has one other book available for me to pick up.

What do you think? Should Matched get read this week?

Nightshade
by Andrea Cremer

The last book vying for my attention this week. I've never come across a werewolf series that has totally captured my heart, which kind of baffles me since my favorite book *ever* is Sherrilyn Kenyon's Night Play which is about a wolf member of the were-hunters named Vane. Will this be the book that gets me to love a shifter in YA? We shall see. But will it be this week?

I really wish i'd been able to get Nightshade with this cover. I think it might be my favorite book cover ever, and that's saying something. (I love that shade of purple.) But getting back to the topic at hand... Should this be on the "menu" this week? 

Anyway, that's it (hahaha) for me this week. I am as indecisive as ever. Thanks so much for dropping by! What are you hoping to read this week? I'd love to know.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Oct. 17th, 2011)

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. It's a great way to plan your reading week. (Or to completely ignore twenty minutes after posting, in my case. :p) It also gives a chance to talk about what you've finished reading and what you thought.

So last week I made this whole lovely post about what I would be reading. And as usual all of my plans got shifted around completely. :) A lot of the time my reading schedule gets reshiffled because I am doing social activities through my blogging and I need to complete certain books in order to take part. So I suppose I don't mind if I don't stick to what I list. I do mind if I don't get the important stuff read.

What I Read Last Week...

Daughter of Smoke and Bone
by Laini Taylor

I absolutely loved this. The ending punched me in the gut, but since it is a book with a 'to be continued', I can't hold that against it. If you haven't read this yet, you really should. The characters are great, the plot grips you from page one, the writing is gorgeous, the world building and mythology are superb... I could go on and on singing the praises of this book. I'm so glad that it got selected as October's Fall Book Club selection. :)

Twilight
by Stefenie Meyer

I've had this sitting around forever and finally decided to sit down and check it out. I had tried to read Twilight before, but at the time I thought it was the first person narrative that was throwing me off. (I was use to reading third person paranormal romances with multiple POV at the time.) I now realize that for me Twilight just moves too slowly. I still love the concept behind it. I enjoyed readng Bella and Edward's romance. But I was not blown away. Don't misunderstand: I didn't *hate* it, either. Am I the only person on earth who has ever felt truly indifferent about this book? Scary.

What I Hope To Read This Week...

Mortal Obligation
by Nichole Chase

I'm excited about this one, and I've already started it. The pace so far is excellent and is keeping me interested. The characters are likable and distinct. And the mythology, which is slowly being introduced, is interesting. I'm double-excited, though, because this is going to be the first book I've ever had a blog tour stop for here on I Write, I Read, I Review. I will be posting the date for that when I have more details. For now? I need to get back to this to get more read. And I want to get back to it to see what happens next.

Carrier of the Mark
by Leigh Fallon

At last I will get to read this. I have been very excited about Carrier of the Mark for weeks. I even offered it as one of the prizes in my Follower giveaways. Now I finally have my own copy to read, and once I am finished with Mortal Obligation this will be the next book that I curl up with. I've actually had a couple opportunities to chat with Leigh, and I have high hopes for her book. We shall see, though. ;) You all know by now that I don't play favorites. :p

Dearly, Departed
by Lia Habel

Last on the list is Dearly, Departed. If I get done with Mortal Obligation and Carrier of the Mark I may grab this for my new kindle. :) If I can somehow, miraculously, read more then two books this week. (It's the weather changing; it makes me really sleepy.) A lot of my friends have gotten to read this as an eARC or ARC, but it releases Tuesday and I am really hoping that I will get to sit down with it and see what I think. It looks very promising and I am doing my best not to set my hopes too high. (I don't feel that is fair.) Hopefully I'll be sharing my thoughts on Dearly, Departed soon.

Well, there you have it. :) I wonder what will befall my precious reading list this week? A meteor? The end of the world? An alien invasion? I guess I'll soon find out. :p So, what are you reading this week? Did you enjoy the books you read in the last 7 days? I'd love to know, so feel free to comment.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Oct. 10th, 2011)

Well, well... I actually managed to get something done this week. Yay!

I didn't stick perfectly to what I listed (Do I ever?) but I did get three reviews out this week and I am almost done the book I'm reading now, so I should have a new review posted up Monday or Tuesday. But I'm rambling, so let's get to the good stuff, shall we? He's what happened last week and my hopes for the week ahead.

What I Read Last Week...

Shiver
by Maggie Stiefvater

I should have DNFed this book. Seriously. I didn't like it and I couldn't get into it. (And before you go "Whoa! What?" feel free to see my review for full details.) It's not that this particular book was so "terrible" that it shouldn't have been completed. Rather, it's that when I dislike a book reading it feels like walking through quicksand.

Better analogy: You've seen the old classic Willy Wonka film right? Remember the part where the kid falls into the chocolate river and gets stuck in the pipes? That's what happens to my reading schedule when I'm stuck on a book I'm not enjoying. I really need to figure out a way to explain books I don't want to complete so that they can quit blocking me from moving on.

Marked
by P.C. and Kristen Cast

Okay, I admit it. There really isn't anything terribly productive about going back and reading a book that I've read before. But I wanted to make sure that I gave Marked a real, proper review, so that's what I did. And while I did not rate it an extremely high number of stars, I had fun getting to see the characters go through everything knowing what awaits them in the future.

Sisters Red
by Jackson Pearce

Okay, I'm cheating a little. I have about 50 pages to go before I will be done with this book. But since the odds are in my favor that I'll finish it tonight, I'm going to list it anyway. This has been a really fun read. I think that Jackson Pearce does a fantastic job of writing a well told story, especially with the focus majorly being on only three characters (Scarlett, Rosie and Silas). I also think she did a good job at making sure that both Scarlett and Rosie had equally interesting POV so that the reader wasn't left going "Oh, no! Not (name)!" But I should really be saving that stuff for the review, huh? :D

What I Hope To Read This Week...

Kiss of Life
by Daniel Waters

Nope, I still haven't gotten to this yet. Sisters Red was demanding my attention so I had to listen to my gut and read it right away. But hopefully this week will be good for some Zombie love. :D I still ay it's my brain playing tricks on me. The moment I tell anyone I'm going to read something, my brain goes "Nope! I want you to read *this* !" So we'll see. I do really want to read this because I want to get a review out and I am curious to see what happens.

Remembrance
by Michelle Madow

I'm pretty excited about this one. Not only does it have a totally gorgeous cover and an interesting story idea, but it's also the first book that I've had an author approach me about that I have accepted for review. I'm very careful what I accept to review on my blog. Why? Because I know I'm picky. I generally know what I *might* like. As it stands, though, I think I need a change of pace from paranormal -- I know better then to read one genre if another is calling me in it's direction -- and this should be the perfect fit. I'm also looking into buying a Kindle, so this *might* wait a wee bit longer. We'll see.

City of Bones
by Cassandra Clare

It's time I saw what all the fuss is about. A lot of people seem to really love this series. I know it's gotten some nominations for The Bleeding Hearts Awards. So I suppose its time to settle in with the copy that I bought over a year ago and see what I've been missing. Yes, feel free to laugh, scream, cry or all three ... I've had City of Bones and City of Glass on my shelf that long. Gee, I know what my book for The Time Will Come is going to be this week...

Twilight
by Stephenie Meyer

Another "What?!" moment for some of you, I'm sure. I've honestly never read this and my cousin and aunt have been bugging me to for years. Okay -- I tried it and it was putting me to sleep but I'm going to try it one more time. I really do want to understand what the fuss is about here. I love romantic books and people seem to completely swoon over Bella and Edward's story, so there has to be something that I have overlooked. Either way, I'll be delighted to bring you my take on it.

Okay, I think that's enough stuff for me. Odds are I'll change my mind and read something completely different by midweek. But I suppose that's what the What I Read Last Week section is really there for, isn't it? :D

So, what did you read last week? Love it? Hate it? What do you hope to read this week? I'd love to know, so feel free to leave a comment.

In My Mailbox (Oct. 9th)

Well this week's IMM is going to be short, sweet and to the point. I only got one new book this week that is actually sitting here on my bed. Don't get me wrong -- I did a pretty big Chapters order, I sent out some prizes and I won a couple books. But only one book is getting talked about today.

And that book is...

Daughter of Smoke and Bone
by Laini Taylor

I found this last night at WalMart. Yes, you heard that right. Daughter of Smoke and Bone was just chilling at WalMart, waiting for me to come by and pick it up. I did not see that one coming.

I'm still not really sure what I think of this book. I've heard nothing but praise, but it has me nervous for some reason. But it also looks like it has a good shot at being the October selection for Tracey's Fall Book Club, so I figured I may as well scoop it up. Better safe then sorry.

Oh well. ;) It's here now, so I guess I'm gonna read it. I suppose that I should try to relax a little. This isn't the first time that I have read something that looked a little outside of my comfort zone and I'll be fine. (If anyone wants to tell me what they think of The Daughter of Smoke and Bone, feel free. I get the feeling a lot of people are going to be sitting here listening to me go on about this book while shaking their heads and going "Kat, you are so silly.")

So, what did you get this week? I hope that the book fairy has been good to you. :p Have a great day!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Oct. 3rd)

Guests are great, but man can they cut down reading time! The last couple weeks have been slow for me with regard to how many books that I have read. Why? Because my boyfriend, Jay, came to visit from Pennsylvania. That meant week #1's slow down was caused by getting my home ready, and week #2's slowdown from the fact that you just don't read so much when you have company. (Or at least I don't?) Anyway, let's get this started...

What I Read Last Week...

Chain Reaction
by Simone Elkeles

Anyone who has been following my blog for a while likely knows how much that I love the Perfect Chemistry series. So it's probably no surprise that I decided to make sure that I had something "easy" to read since I knew I would be busy.

I'm not insulting Simone's writing! When I say "easy" I am referring to how much effort it will take me to sit down and read the book (my level of focus), not the quality of the writing. Anyway, in a word Chain Reaction is "Amazing!". I reviewed it and if you are curious you can find my full thoughts here.

The Iron King
by Julie Kagawa

I have heard so much praise for the Iron Fey series. It was only a matter of time before I decided to check it out for myself. And I am so glad that I did. While the story leaves as many questions opened as it answers, there is only one thing that I can really ask myself with regard to this book: Why the heck did I wait so long to read it? You'll have to wait until tomorrow to read my full review, but he's the short version. If you have not read The Iron King yet, buy it now. It's excellent!

What I Hope To Read This Week...

Shiver 
by Maggie Stiefvater

This appears to be a love it or hate it book. I must admit that I am a teensy bit nervous to be sitting down with it considering that it evokes such strong responses from people in two such opposing directions. I hope that I like it, because while I always give an honest review (and I've been praised for that, which admittedly makes it easy to be hold...) I definitely prefer to rave about a book that I love then to rant about one that I didn't. Here's hoping, guys!

Kiss of Life 
by Daniel Waters

I absolutely adored Daniel Waters' Generation Dead, so I am hoping that I will love Kiss of Life just as much. I am excited to get going on this one, because I want to know what will happen next and because I have Passing Strange to review as well, I need to read them in order, and I must admit I am curious to learn more about Karen when I get to that one. Will it live up to the awesomeness that is Generation Dead? If all goes well I'll be letting you know soon.

Marked 
by P.C. & Kristen Cast

Okay, I have read this before. But I need to make sure that I review a few vampire books this month and the House of Night series is one of my all-time favorites. So I'm going to give Marked a review since it's the first one, just in case there is someone out there who hasn't read it yet. Plus, it's been a long time since I read Marked and it seems fitting since Destined is releasing on the 25th.

So, what did you read last week? And what do you hope to be reading soon? I'd love to hear your thoughts so please feel free to leave a comment. :)

In My Mailbox (Sept. 25th)

So I got to go to Chapters yesterday and I came home with a few new "friends". ;) Here is what I got:

You Against Me
by Jenny Downham

Why I Bought It: This looks like it should be an interesting read. The hero and heroine here are facing a total no-win situation and I am anxious to see how they will deal with it and where they will be once they have. The plot here is darker then most stuff that I read, but it has me intrigued. Hopefully these characters will get a good ending, but we shall see.

Glow

by Amy Kathleen Ryan

Why I Bought It: This sounded like the kind of book my boyfriend, Jay, would read. I was interested in it, too. I haven't had the chance to read much YA science fiction, but Glow sounded like something that might hold my interest.

Sisters Red
by Jackson Pearce

Why I Bought It: A modern re-telling of Little Red Riding Hood? I love fairytale retellings, so I couldn't resist that. I am curious to see how well Red Riding Hood will translate to our modern world and to see what kinds of characters these two sisters will be. This looks like it should be a fun read.

Passing Strange

by Daniel Waters

Why I Bought It: I loved Waters' first book, Generation Dead. I have his second book, Kiss of Life on my to-read list for October. Now I have the third book, Passing Strange. I wanted it anyway, since Generation Dead is so fabulous. I didn't expect to find it on sale for $7. I couldn't resist.

The Iron King
by Julie Kagawa

Why I Bought It: This was on my Top Ten Tuesday last week, which was about books everyone's read but me. When I had the chance to go out and grab some new books, this seemed like a good choice to pick up because of that. I have been wanting to try reading something faerie related and I've heard a lot of praise for the Iron Fey series. We'll see how it goes.

XVI

by Julia Karr

Why I Bought It: I've had requests to review this, so I thought it might be nice to respond to those. The overall plot sounds pretty interesting and I am curious to see what will happen here. This could be really good or it could be very disturbing. I guess I'll just have to read it and find out.

Incarceron
by Catherine Fisher

Why I Bought It: I noticed this on Amazon and it intrigued me. I don't normally read stuff that has science fiction and fantasy blended together this way, or at least haven't in quite a while. I am curious to see how this book will go, so I couldn't resist picking it up.

Starcrossed
by Josephine Angelini

Why I Bought It: Apparently, this book was inspired by The Illiad. It's based on Helen and Paris. So there's no way I couldn't read it after hearing that. I am extremely eager to read this book. Which is always a dangerous thing, because it does mean that I am risking disappointment. I am really hoping that this book ends up being one that I enjoy, because the idea itself is absolutely brilliant.

So, what do you think of my new books? And what fabulous things arrived in your mailbox (or at least, on your bookshelf) this week? I'd love to know. :)

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Sept. 19th, 2011)

This week did not go at all as planned. Big surprise there. ;)

I couldn't get motivated to start Firelight. Something kept holding me back. I think I'll hold on to it until next month. You'll see why. ;)

So, what did I read last week?

Graffiti Moon
by Cath Crowley

I have to say, this was absolutely fantastic! Even though I have read it, I still have every intent to add it to my collection when it releases next year. The only reason I have not released my review is because I am still not certain when I am suppose to do that. I got this through Net Galley, from Random House Children's Publishing. Trust me, though. This one is a keeper.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
by Ransom Riggs

This is moving much slower then I expected and I am finding myself pushing through it as if I am stuck in a swamp. Not my cup of tea. That's really too bad, because I was really anxious to read this book. *sigh* I am up to Chapter 6. There is still hope that this might get interesting. Things are starting to happen. But so far I would have to warn potential readers that if you aren't a fan of slow starters this might not be your book.

What I Hope To Read This Week:

First up, I need to finish Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, since it is the book we're reading for the Fall Book Club.

Once I am done with that I think my next book will be either Will Grayson, Will Grayson or I might read Love Story by Jennifer Echols. For anyone who's wondering: I'm saving a lot of the more fantasy / paranormal books on my reading list for next month. I have some (hopefully!) interesting things planned for October, but you're going to have to wait and see what they are. ;)

Anyway, thanks so much for dropping by. The list is short and sweet this week because I am already painfully behind, I'm having trouble finishing Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, and I might have company coming soon -- Jay is planning to visit. :D

So, how were your books last week? What are you hoping to read this week? I'd love to know. :)


Interesting Things I Found This Week:

Hands and Home is having a very awesome giveaway. One lucky winner is going to get their choice between one of four different prize packs. Click here to find out more.