Scarred Review: Sloane

Book: Scarred
Author: Joanne Macgregor
Series: Standalone
Genre: YA contemporary
Source: author (thank you, Joanne!)
Pages: 207
Release: September 29th, 2015

Goodreads

Life leaves you scarred. Love can make you beautiful. 

Sloane Munster had the perfect life, until she didn’t. Now seventeen year-old Sloane is trying to reboot her life after a serious accident left her badly scarred and emotionally traumatized. 

Starting her senior year at a different school, she recognizes Luke Naughton, a swimmer whom she once had a crush on, in her new class. But when she smiles at him, he glares back with revulsion and she’s sure he’s disgusted by her ugly scar. No matter how hard she tries to keep out of his way, life keeps bringing them together and despite misunderstandings and guilty secrets, the chemistry between them sparks. Meanwhile, tensions are mounting at their school where bullying is rife and Sloane is not the most deeply scarred person. 

Sharp with bittersweet humor, Scarred is an intense, beautiful, compelling story of life, death, damage, and fighting for love against all the odds. 

A great read for fans of Sarah Dessen, Stephanie Perkins and Abbi Glines.

Spanish Lessons Review: Vivian

Book: Spanish Lessons
Author: Jessica Peterson
Series: Study Abroad #1
Setting: Madrid, Spain
Genre: NA romance
Source: author (thank you, Jessica!)
Release: January 2016 

Goodreads

Vivian Bingley has big plans for her semester abroad in Spain…

Along with her BFF, Maddie, Vivian hopes to indulge her inner Art History nerd by visiting the best museums in the world. She also wants to tackle more practical concerns—like a less than stellar GPA in her major, Economics—with the help of a Spanish tutor.

But falling for her studly Spanish tutor definitely isn't one of them.

Madrileño Rafa Montoya is the stuff study abroad dreams are made of: super studly and super smart. He also happens to be super into Vivian. With his wicked dancing skills and his passion for the arts, he tempts her to throw caution to the wind and live out her wildest dreams.

Only problem? Maddie wants Rafa, too, and Vivian promised herself she’d never settle for second best again…not after a hookup-gone-awry last semester left her heartbroken. Is it best for Vivian to protect her heart at all costs? Or is letting Rafa in worth the risk?

This book is a New Adult contemporary romance, suitable for mature audiences.

Infinity Dreams Award!

It's been quite some time since I've been nominated for an award, but I've finally gotten to it! Thanks go to Eve from Edge of Night for nominating me!

Cover Reveal: AERIE by Maria Dahvana

Okay, this is the last cover reveal I'll do this week, I promise! This cover came out a week ago, but I haven't seen it around, so I figured I'd share it because it is GORGEOUS.

Presenting: the sequel to Maria Dahvana's Magonia, titled Aerie!

This cover is absolutely stunning for numerous reasons.

First, the colours of this book are amazing. Call me biased, but there's something about the sunset colours of orange, purple, and red that calls to me. The anchor is definitely bold, and I can't help but love the glimmers coming off it!

This cover is equally as gorgeous as the first, and for those who don't know what it looks like, I've put the two covers side by side below :)

Anyone noticing the the similarities? Like the centrepiece breaking off on a slant, or the town below?

This book comes out October 4th, 2016. Yes, it's a bit far away, but until then, if you haven't read Magnoia yet, I'd recommend you do so! You don't want to miss a beautiful story about ships in the skies and the literal magical power of singing!

Add it to your Goodreads here!

Where is home when you were born in the stars? Aza Ray is back on earth. Her boyfriend Jason is overjoyed. Her family is healed. She’s living a normal life, or as normal as it can be if you’ve spent the past year dying, waking up on a sky ship, and discovering that your song can change the world. As in, not normal. Part of Aza still yearns for the clouds, no matter how much she loves the people on the ground. When Jason’s paranoia over Aza’s safety causes him to make a terrible mistake, Aza finds herself a fugitive in Magonia, tasked with opposing her radical, bloodthirsty, recently-escaped mother, Zal Quel, and her singing partner Dai. She must travel to the edge of the world in search of a legendary weapon, The Flock, in a journey through fire and identity that will transform her forever. In this stunning sequel to the critically acclaimed Magonia, one girl must make an impossible choice between two families, two homes—and two versions of herself.

Cover Reveal: CROOKED KINGDOM by Leigh Bardugo

Ladies and gentlemen, be prepared to witness the cover of Leigh Bardugo's Crooked Kingdom, the last book in her Six of Crows duology!

Am I the only one who's getting shivers from the anticipation?

I'm absolutely loving the fact that there's still a crow on the cover with its wings blending into the scenery! We have tall towers, and what looks like a castle of sorts. I think this cover goes amazingly well with Six of Crows, since they share quite a lot of things. Plus the colour is different, like with Six of Crows. I don't really see much tan on YA covers these days! But I must say, the tan makes the black crow even more striking. I really hope the pages are stained black too! And for reference, here are the books side by side:

This book comes out September 22nd 2016. Yes, it's in a while, but at least it's within this year! This book is on my top 5 anticipated releases of 2016, so you can bet that I'm more than excited for its release!

Don't forget to add it to your Goodreads here!

Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and left crippled by the kidnapping of a valuable team member, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of magic in the Grisha world.

Cover Reveal: FROST LIKE NIGHT by Sara Raash

Excuse me a moment as I fangirl over the final cover to Sara Raash's Snow Like Ashes series.

OMG IT'S GLOWING. It's absolutely bold and stunning!

I honestly love the white ice on the cover. It's so pretty, and contrasts really well with the background! And the chakram, with it's 4 handles and the 4 different kingdoms in it! It's just a beauty to look at. This cover is also the darkest of the three covers...the first was white, the second was grey, and this is black. See the transition? No? Here, I'll show you the covers side by side:

Don't they look so good together? I love the progression of the covers and the chakrams! Though I will admit I was expecting the word "Night" in the title to be something more fire-related, as that's continuing the trend from the last two books, but oh well. It's still such a beautiful set. If you guys are looking for a different spin on fantasy involving seasonal magic, kingdoms struggling for more power, and chakram-wielding protagonist in the midst of it all, definitely check this series out if you haven't yet!

Frost Like Night is expected to come out September 20th, 2016, so mark your calendars!

You can add it to your Goodreads here! 

Angra is alive, his Decay is spreading—and no one is safe. Meira will do anything to save her world. With Angra trying to break through her mental defenses, she desperately needs to learn to control her own magic—so when the leader of a mysterious Order from Paisly offers to teach her, she jumps at the chance. But the true solution to stopping the Decay lies in a labyrinth deep beneath the Season Kingdoms. To defeat Angra, Meira will have to enter the labyrinth, destroy the very magic she’s learning to control—and make the biggest sacrifice of all. Mather will do anything to save his queen. He needs to rally the Children of the Thaw, find Meira—and finally tell her how he really feels. But with a plan of attack that leaves no kingdom unscathed and a major betrayal within their ranks, winning the war—and protecting Meira—slips farther and farther out of reach. Ceridwen will do anything to save her people. Angra had her brother killed, stole her kingdom, and made her a prisoner. But when she’s freed by an unexpected ally who reveals a shocking truth behind Summer’s slave trade, Ceridwen must take action to save her true love and her kingdom, even if it costs her what little she has left. As Angra unleashes the Decay on the world, Meira, Mather, and Ceridwen must bring the kingdoms of Primoria together…or lose everything.

Sweet Temptation Review: Kaiden

Book: Sweet Temptation
Author: Wendy Higgins
Series: Sweet Evil
Standing: Book 4 (final/companion novel)
POV: 1st person by Kai, present tense
Genre: YA paranormal

Source: Physical Copy
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 484
Release: September 8th, 2015

Goodreads Bad boy Kaidan Rowe has never wanted for anything—money, popularity, musical talent…hot girls—but seducing them is part of his duty as a Nephilim, slave to the demon Dukes. As the son of the Duke of Lust, Kaidan has learned his father’s ways, becoming a master of passion, a manipulator of chemistry. Disobeying his father would mean certain death. Thankfully for Kaidan, he’s good at his job. And he enjoys it.  Until he meets Anna Whitt—smart, feisty, and inexplicably good—the one girl seemingly immune to his charms. The daughter of a guardian angel and a fallen one, she makes him wish for more than he could ever deserve.  Determined to save all the Neph from their dark lives, Anna joins forces with Kaidan to overcome the Dukes’ oppressive ways. In the light of her affections, Kaidan must undergo his toughest test of all, a battle of the heart. Sensual and swoonworthy, this companion volume to the Sweet Evil series, told from the perspective of the mysterious Kaidan Rowe, gives readers revealing insights into the true emotions that drive him.

Heroes Who Don't Need a Love Interest to be Amazing (Also, Happy Single Awareness Day!)

Ah, yes. Valentine's Day is over. The time of sap is gone, and it's finally time for those who were unable to partake in that celebration to unite together. For those who didn't have a Valentine sweetheart to entertain yesterday, it's now time to celebrate being single!

I've taken advance of this unofficial/uncommon/unheard of event to composed a list of protagonists who don't need a love interest to be amazing. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love romance. For these protagonists, it's true that romance fulfils their love life, but the driver of the plot is--and always will--be themselves. They are the catalyst!

So, in no particular order, here they are!

Happy Valentine's Day & OTP Top Ten!

It's that time of the year again, where poets write about the sensation of love filling the air. Valentine's Day is a much cherished celebration, one where you let your Valentine know just how much they mean to you!

For those of you who are single, not to fear! Tomorrow happens to be Single Awareness Day. More on that tomorrow :)

Meanwhile, I've composed a list of my top ten One True Pairings of book couples I've read in the past year. Couples that are absolutely perfect for each other, and deserve all the sappy stuff that comes with spending Valentine's Day together <3

These are in no particular order!

Crystal Magic Review: Krissa

Book: Crystal Magic
Author: Madeline Freeman
Series: Clearwater Witches
Standing: Book 1
POV: 1st person by Krissa, present tense
Setting: Clearwater, Michigan
Genre: YA paranormal

Source: ebook
Pages: 217
Release: March 30th, 2014

Goodreads Nothing is safe around Kristyl Barnette. Windows break. Books rocket across the room. Lights flicker. Strange occurrences follow the sixteen-year-old everywhere.  When tragedy forces her to move to the small town of Clearwater, Michigan, with her estranged aunt Jodi, Kristyl tries to leave her past behind. But Clearwater has secrets of its own—a mystical history that intersects with Kristyl’s life and might shed light on the inexplicable events that plague her.  When a mysterious illness threatens her aunt’s life, Kristyl will do anything to cure her. Enlisting the help of witches could save Jodi, but is dealing in magic worth the consequences?

Bookish Siblings Tag!

I was tagged by Caroline from Just Another Bookish Blog eons ago, and I've finally gotten the chance to do it! And by the way, Caroline created this herself, so it's pretty amazing :)

Rules:
1. Answer all the questions. Repetition is fine.
2. You can put yourself in any of the categories.
3. Tag others!
4. Fill in the categories with bookish characters! The characters don't have to be sibling-esque. If you don't know, for example, you can say "A character that *insert description* I can't stand is ____"

Great! Let's get started! I'm really excited for this ^.^

Five Seven Five Review: White

Book: Five Seven Five
Author: C.E. Wilson
Series: The Boy With Words
Standing: Book 1 (ongoing)
POV: 1st person by White
Setting: modern day
Genre: YA fantasy, sci-fi

Source: ebook, author (thank you very much, C.E.!)
Pages: 214
Release: November 20th, 2015

Goodreads White Frost has only known the darkness.  Luckier than most, White’s cousin provides her with what seem to many as little more than scraps of paper, but they hold deep secrets. The papers he provides are cryptic collections that hint at a world beyond dusty hallways and candlelight. These words give White hope that she can be one of the great people in her colony. A Chosen One. A member of a group of the strongest people who are allowed to escape the darkness and venture out into the Unknown. At eighteen years old, White is too young to become a Chosen and decides to take her cousin's advice and wait patiently. But when a tragedy upends her life, White realizes that if she wants to truly understand what the mysterious words on paper mean, she’ll have to go beyond every boundary set by her society – including ones set by her own cousin.  When White finally decides to seek the truth, what she finds is more astonishing than anything her cousin could have prepared her for.  Blinding light.  Colors beyond black and gray.  A world where tears fall from the skies.  And an incredible being who may or may not be the Creator of it all.  Everything she’s ever wanted is right in front of her, but this information comes at a price White is not sure she can pay. She has always suspected that her hunger for knowledge is simultaneously her greatest strength and weakness, and now she must ask herself if the answers she sought are worth endangering not only her life, but the lives of everyone she’s ever known.  Five Seven Five is the first book in a two part Young Adult series entitled The Boy with Words.

A Darker Shade of Magic TV Show?!

Okay, I know this is yet another series that is being picked up as a potential television show within the last 6 months or so, so it's nothing special, BUT THIS BOOK IS SPECIAL.

If you guys haven't heard (or read) A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab yet, it's this absolutely wonderful and gorgeous story of 4 parallel Londons, each with varying systems of magic. You have Grey London (ours) where magic doesn't exist, Red London where magic lives in harmony with the people, White London where the more magic you have, the more power (and fear) you have, and Black London where magic has gone rampant and destroyed everything. There's only a specific few that can travel between these worlds, so yeah. I can't say more. Please just go read it.

Anyways. What I'm trying to get at is that this book is utterly amazing, so now the question becomes whether it possibly becoming a tv show is a good thing. One one hand, I would absolutely love a tv series, as we need more good book to adaptations. But that's the other thing: we need good adaptations. Numerous times they've failed. And I really don't want to see this book crash and burn, because it deserves to be spectacular.

The rights of the tv series has just been picked up, so even if this series is going to happen, it's still a long way off from actually going live. You can find the announcement here. And, in the meantime, you can go read A Darker Shade of Magic, either for the first time or as a re-read, in preparation for the sequel A Gathering of Darkness coming out February 23rd, 2016!

What do you guys think of this news? Do you think A Darker Shade of Magic will be a good tv show?

Goodreads Kell is one of the last Travelers—rare magicians who choose a parallel universe to visit.  Grey London is dirty, boring, lacks magic, ruled by mad King George. Red London is where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London is ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. People fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. Once there was Black London—but no one speaks of that now. Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell smuggles for those willing to pay for even a glimpse of a world they’ll never see. This dangerous hobby sets him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs him, saves him from a dangerous enemy, then forces him to another world for her 'proper adventure'. But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive—trickier than they hoped.

Library of Souls Review: Jacob

Book: Library of Souls
Author: Ransom Riggs
Series: Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children
Standing: Book 3 (final)
POV: 1st person by Jacob, past tense
Setting: London
Genre: YA paranormal, horror

Source: Physical copy
Publisher: Quirk Books
Pages: 458
Release: September 22nd, 2015

Goodreads A boy with extraordinary powers. An army of deadly monsters. An epic battle for the future of peculiardom. The adventure that began with Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children and continued in Hollow City comes to a thrilling conclusion with Library of Souls. As the story opens, sixteen-year-old Jacob discovers a powerful new ability, and soon he’s diving through history to rescue his peculiar companions from a heavily guarded fortress. Accompanying Jacob on his journey are Emma Bloom, a girl with fire at her fingertips, and Addison MacHenry, a dog with a nose for sniffing out lost children. They’ll travel from modern-day London to the labyrinthine alleys of Devil’s Acre, the most wretched slum in all of Victorian England. It’s a place where the fate of peculiar children everywhere will be decided once and for all. Like its predecessors, Library of Souls blends thrilling fantasy with never-before-published vintage photography to create a one-of-a-kind reading experience.