Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine. It features eagerly anticipated up coming book releases.

Eternal Starling 

(Emblem of Eternity #1)

by Angela Corbett

Publication Date: 6 December 2011

Publisher: Pendrell Publishing

A love so strong, even eternity can’t separate them. 

Evie Starling has lived a relatively uneventful life hanging out with friends, gossiping about boys, and driving her 1966 Mustang. All of that changes when she moves to Gunnison, Colorado, to start college and meets two mysterious men. For centuries, Alex Night and Emil Stone have yearned for Evie—but they each have their own reasons for wanting to be with her. When both men claim to be her soul mate and tell her about an unbelievable past, Evie learns that she’s not the person she thought she was. Soon, Evie finds herself in the middle of an age-old battle between the Amaranthine Society—the soul protectors, and the Daevos Resistance—the soul destroyers. With a past she doesn’t understand, and a future rife with danger, Evie has to decide who she can trust. But Alex and Emil aren’t the only ones who want Evie, and her soul is about to become the rope in an eternal tug-of-war. |Goodreads|

Under The Never Sky

by Veronica Rossi

Publication Date: 3 January 2012

Publisher: HarperCollins

Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction. 

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions. 

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers a barbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY. |Goodreads|

Fated (The Soul Seekers #1)
by Alyson Noel
Publication Date: 22 May 2012
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

So here's the deal . . .

Strange things have been happening to Daire Santos. Animals follow her, crows mock her, glowing people appear from nowhere. Worried that Daire's having a breakdown, her mother sends her to stay with the grandmother she's never met, who lives on the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico. There Daire crosses paths with Dace, a gorgeous guy with unearthly blue eyes.

Her grandmother recognizes Daire's episodes for what they are - a call to her true destiny as a Soul Seeker, a person who can navigate between the living and the dead. Guided by her grandmother, Daire must be quick to learn how to harness her powers because Dace's brother is an evil shape-shifter, out to steal them.

Daire must embrace her fate as a Soul Seeker and discover if Dace is the guy she's meant to be with . . . or if he's allied with the enemy she's destined to destroy. |Goodreads|

Not only do these books have beautiful covers but their stories sound amazing! I can't wait to read them. 

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

Carrier of the Mark
By Leigh Fallon
Publication Date: 4 October 2011
Publisher: HaperTeen
Format: Review Copy from Publisher
Rating: 4/5 Stars

From the moment she sets foot at her new school in Ireland, Megan is inexplicably drawn to the darkly handsome Adam DeRis. But Megan soon discovers that her feelings for Adam are tied to a supernatural fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that unites them could be their ultimate destruction. This electrifying debut novel was first discovered on inkpop.com. the online community for aspiring writers. THE CARRIER OF THE MARK sizzles with unbridled romance, a unique supernatural hook, and a breathtaking Irish setting, and will entice fans of the Need series by Carrie Jones and the House of Night series by P. C. and Kristin Cast. |Goodreads|

I found Carrier of the Mark a little difficult to get into but, about half way through, I was really glad that I had stuck it out. The story follows Megan, an American girl who moves to Ireland with her father. The beginning of the story was slightly predictable with the whole, new girl in school is intrigued by good looking, mysterious guy who keep throwing surly glances her way...you know the drill. But soon enough the plot morphs into a more original story line and things get a little interesting. 

The parts of the story I enjoyed include the setting, which I thought suited the story and definitely helped play up the mysteriousness of certain circumstances. Ireland as a setting is rather original and I think it works to the advantage of the book as a whole. The minor characters of the story add some humor which I enjoyed and they bring a sense of reality back to the forefront of the story. I loved her friends Jennifer and Caitlin for their fun teenage banter that they bring, and her father has such a kindhearted and easy going nature that it's easy to develop a soft spot for him. The guy Megan falls for, Adam, and his family were fun to read about because of their powers and, their family history was also an aspect I enjoyed (although I got a little confused during some parts). 

The romance that blossoms between Adam and Megan is a whirlwind one to say the least, which I found made it a little less believable. If it had had more of a gradual build up I think it would have been a bit more enjoyable for me. Towards the end of the story is where the actions kicks in and it didn't disappoint me at all. It lasts long enough not be boring but also rounds off the book really well. The series of events that lead up to it are really well written and had me feeling some goosebumps for the characters. 

All in all, Carrier of the Mark was a very light, enjoyable read and I am very excited to see where the next book takes the story. If the this book is anything to go by, the next one should be really good!

2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge

Welcome to the 2012 TBR Pile Challenge hosted by Evie-Bookish!

You know that huge pile of books sitting on your bookshelf that just seems to increase in size but you never get the chance to get through them? Well this challenge is here to help you! It's time to get those books put and start reading. Here what you have to do to participate:

Challenge Guidelines:

1. This challenge will run from Jan 1, 2012 - Dec 31, 2012. 
2. As we would like to see quality reviews linked up to our monthly wrap-ups, only bloggers can enter. Sorry about that! 
3. Any genre, length or format of book counts, as long as it is a book that's been sitting on your shelf for some time now. Only books released in 2011 and earlier! NO ARCs and 2012 fresh-off-the-press releases allowed! 
4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap-up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you. 
5. When you sign up in the linky, put the direct link to your post about joining the 2012 TBR PILE Reading Challenge (You need to include the info + host list + challenge button. You can also grab the button code and add it to your sidebar!) 
6. You can move up levels, but no moving down. 
7. Sign-ups will be open until Dec 15, 2012, so feel free to join at any time throughout the year. 
8. At the end of each month one of the hosts will post a wrap-up. Every wrap-up will have it's unique theme, a mini-challenge, a giveaway and place for you to link up your reviews from this month. For each review you link up, you will get one entry in a drawing of one book of choice from Book Depository. It's open to INTERNATIONALS. For participating in the mini-challenge you will get +1 entry. 
9. If you miss a wrap-up post + giveaway, you can link up your reviews next month. Do not, however, try to link up one review twice - we will be checking ;) 
10. December is a wrap-up for the whole year. All the book reviews you linked up January-November + the ones you'll link up in December will be entered into a HUGE giveaway - 12 books, 12 winners, INTERNATIONAL. 
11. You don't have to follow all the hosts to join the challenge, but you do have to follow all of us to be entered in giveaways!

Levels:

1-10 - A Firm Handshake

11-20 - A Friendly Hug

21-30 - A Sweet Kiss

31-40 - Love At First Sight

41-50 - Married With Children

I am so excited for this challenge! Bring on 2012 and my ever increasing TBR pile! I am ready to take you on TBR pile so watch out!

Waiting On Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine. It features eagerly anticipated up coming book releases.
Once (Eve #2)
By Anna Carey

Publication Date: 3 July 2012
Sixteen years have passed since a deadly virus wiped out most of the Earth’s population. After learning of the terrifying part she and her classmates were fated to play in the rebuilding of New America, eighteen-year-old Eve fled to the wilds and Califia, a haven for women determined to live outside the oppressive rule of the king of New America. However, her freedom came at a price: she was forced to leave Caleb, the boy she loves, wounded and alone at the city gates. Eve quickly learns that Califia may not be as safe as it seems and soon finds herself in the City of Sand and the palace of the king. There she uncovers the real reason he was so intent on her capture, and the unbelievable role he intends her to fill. When she is finally reunited with Caleb, they will enact a plan as daring as it is dangerous. But will Eve once again risk everything—her freedom, her life—for love? 

Brimming with danger and star-crossed romance, and featuring a vivid dystopian landscape, this electrifying follow-up to Eve, which bestselling author Lauren Kate called “a gripping, unforgettable adventure—and a fresh look at what it means to love” is sure to appeal to fans who crave the high-stakes adventure of The Hunger Games and the irresistible love story of Romeo and Juliet.

|Goodreads|

Why am I waiting on this?

I'm still trying to get a copy of Eve (I know, horror of horrors that I haven't read it yet) and trust me, I really really want to because of all the amazing reviews I've read. Maybe for Christmas...if I'm lucky. Anyone got a spare copy lying around? With Lauren Kate (one of my favorite authors) saying it's a must read and it being recommend for people who loved The Hunger Games (which I did!) I just have to read both Eve and Once as soon as its released.

Everneath (Everneath #1)
By Brodi Ashton
Publication: 24 January 2012


Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...

|Goodreads|

Why am I waiting on this?

First of all, isn't this cover to die for? I'm in love with it! So pretty. The story line looks really good. It's intriguing and sounds very exciting. It also sounds a little heart breaking and I am kinda a sucker when it comes sad story lines. I'm definitely going to keep an eye out for this when it comes out.

What are you waiting on this week? Leave a link and I'll check out your Wow! 

In My Mailbox #7

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren. I was really lucky this week because I got some great books for review. and I got my first ARC's!! *Happy Dance*

For Review:

Switched by Amanda Hocking (ARC for review)

Tempest by Julie Cross 

Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts (ARC copy)Far From Home by Na'ima B Robert (African Fiction)
Thank you so much Pan Macmillan South Africa!
For Review:


I got a copy of Inheritance by Christopher Paolini and to my amazement it was signed!


Thank you so so much Random House SA!! You are awesome!!
Bought:

Uneathly by Cynthia Hand

And because I'm a huge Twilight fan, I picked these up this week and I thought I would share them with you. Sadly they didn't have a Taylor Lautner one so I'm going to have to keep a look out for one to complete the collection.

That's all I got this week. what did you get in your mailboxes? Leave a link & I'll check it out. 

Follow Friday & TGIF

It's Friday again and that means it's time for Follow Friday hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read!This week's question:

In light of 11.11.11 and Veteran's Day tell us about your favorite soldier and how he or she is saving the world. (Fictional or real life):

I don't know any real life soldiers so I'm going to go fiction on this one. My favorite solider has Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games. I consider a soldier considering everything she goes through to fight for the freedom of her family and the people around her. She exposed the corruption and greed amongst the people in power and she fought to stop it. She is brave, selfless and very admirable. I loved reading her story and I can't wait to see how the movie turns out!

TGIF is hosted by GReadsBooks. This week's question is:

Love-Hate Relationship: Which characters from a book do you love to hate?

There aren't many characters that I would say I hate but one character the recently had me really annoyed was Four aka Tobias from Divergent by Veronica Roth. I hated the way he was so mean all the time. The guy was like an impenetrable wall. He does redeem himself in the end and, when the whole truth about his past is discovered, you can understand why he is the way he is. But still he had me really annoyed all the while I was reading Divergent. I am excited to see how his character changes in Insurgent though.

So Happy Friday everyone! Don't forget to check out and enter my International Giveaway I'm hosting at the moment, and share your answers in the comments!

Have a great weekend readers!

Waiting On Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine. It features eagerly anticipated up coming book releases.

Fallen in Love (Fallen #3.5)
By Lauren Kate

Publication Date: 24 January 2012

Unexpected. Unrequited. Forbidden. Eternal. Everyone has their own love story. 

And in a twist of fate, four extraordinary love stories combine over the course of a romantic Valentine's Day in Medieval England. Miles and Shelby find love where they least expect it. Roland learns a painful lesson about finding-and losing love. Arianne pays the price for a love so fierce it burns. And for the first -and last- time, Daniel and Luce will spend a night together like none other.

Lauren Kate's FALLEN IN LOVE is filled with love stories . . . the ones everyone has been waiting for.

True love never says goodbye . . .

|Goodreads|

Rapture (Fallen #4)

By Lauren Kate
Publication Date: 12 June 2012


The sky is dark with wings. . . .

In RAPTURE, the highly anticipated fourth and final novel in the FALLEN series, Luce and Daniel are together . . . but for how long? Can history be rewritten? Or are some punishments eternal?

|Goodreads|

I'm sure these two books are featuring on many Waiting on Wednesday lists this week. I can't wait to see what happens next in the world of Luce and Daniel! 

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke and Bone
by Laini Taylor

Publication Date: 27 September 2011 (US)

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton (UK)

Format: UK Paperback; thanks to SA distributor.
Rating: 5/5

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky. In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low. And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war. Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out. When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?|Goodreads|

It is rare to come across a book that has all the elements of a fantastic Young Adult novel and that can also entertain and enthrall readers of all ages. This is one of those books. I loved Daughter of Smoke and Bone from the minute I picked it up. It is a very unique story and with its mix of paranormal with a twist of fantasy and a dash of passionate romance it will leave you not only wanting, but begging for more.

The story centers around the main character, Karou who has grown up in both the human world and the mythical world of 'Elsewhere', as her "adoptive" father calls it. When the comfort of Elsewhere is suddenly snatched away from her, Karou comes into contact with the foreboding angel Akiva, and together they piece together the mystery that surrounds her and her true identity.

Karou has to be one of my favorite main characters of the year. I loved that she was very independent and quite feisty. Although she is about 17/18 years old she never once acted like it and that makes a very welcome change in the YA genre, in my opinion. She always came across as much older and I liked reading from a point of view that was mature and sensible. 

Brimstone, her father for all intense and purposes, was also a character I enjoyed reading about. He was comical but in a serious way (if that actually makes any sense) and I loved his cryptic way of speaking. I found Akiva, the angel in the story, to be very conflicted which becomes understandable as the story progresses. He is everything a reader wants in a YA book and definitely encompasses the whole brooding, attractive, self loathing character that makes a YA book so addictive. I really enjoyed having him around in the book. Zuzana, Karou's best friend, added some rather hysterical sarcasm and I really hope to see her in the next installment.

I loved the fact that the story was set in Prague because it made a wonderful change to read about such a beautiful city. I think it also added to the story as Prague is such a mystical and timeless place, it added that extra 'wow' factor to the story. 

This story has romance verging on epic proportions and I loved every bit of it! The constant tension between Akiva and Karou is so thrilling to read about, and the the way the pieces all fit together at the end (sorry but no spoilers here) just had me sitting on the edge of my seat! I cant wait to see what happens next. 

The book was fast paced but it wasn't too rushed. Important scenes were given time to expand sufficiently and I never felt like the story was grinding to a halt. It was a relativity easy read.

I also have to mention how beautifully this book is written! It was such a pleasure to read. I wish I could get my copy signed because this book is definitely one of my prized books on my shelf.

If you haven't yet read Daughter of Smoke and Bone I highly recommend that you beg, borrow or buy a copy because it is truly one of kind. The characters are well developed, the story is amazing and the cover (both US and UK) is just so pretty! But in all seriousness, this book is a work of stunning imagination and I enjoyed every bit of it.

Waiting On Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine. It features eagerly anticipated up coming book releases.

Underworld (Abandon Trilogy #2)

By Meg Cabot

Publication date: May 2012

Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back. 

Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera isn’t dead. Not this time. But she is being held against her will in the dim, twilit world between heaven and hell, where the spirits of the deceased wait before embarking upon their final journey. 

Her captor, John Hayden, claims it’s for her own safety. Because not all the departed are dear. Some are so unhappy with where they ended up after leaving the Underworld, they’ve come back as Furies, intent on vengeance…on the one who sent them there and on the one whom he loves. 

But while Pierce might be safe from the Furies in the Underworld, far worse dangers could be lurking for her there…and they might have more to do with its ruler than with his enemies. 

And unless Pierce is careful, this time there’ll be no escape.

|Goodreads|

I love Meg Cabot books and I'm super excited to read the continuation of this story! I loved Abandon and I think Underworld is going to be just as good, if not better. 

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

*Leave links & I'll check them out*