Look What the Book Fairy Left Me (7)

I know I promised myself I wasn't going to buy any more new books for a while. But that what addicts do. We make promises that we have no intention of keeping. Besides, I had to celebrate the new book shelves my husband is going to be building me very soon!


Old Magic by Marianne Curley
Jarrod Thornton is mesmerizing,
but Kate Warren doesn't know why.
The moment the new guy walks into the room, Kate senses something strange and intense about him. Something supernatural. Her instincts are proven correct a few minutes later when, bullied by his classmates, Jarrod unknowingly conjures up a freak thunderstorm inside their classroom.
Jarrod doesn't believe in the paranormal. When Kate tries to convince him that he has extraordinary powers that need to be harnessed, he only puts up with her "hocus pocus" notions because he finds her captivating. However, the dangerous, uncontrolled strengthening of his gift finally convinces Jarrod that he must take Kate's theories seriously. Together, they embark on a remarkable journey -- one which will unravel the mystery that has haunted Jarrod's family for generations and pit the teens against immense forces in a battle to undo the past and reshape the future.


Scorched by Sharon Ashwood
Ex-detective Macmillan has a taste for bad girls, but his last lover really took the cake—and his humanity. Now a half-demon, Mac’s lost his friends, his family, and his job. Then a beguiling vampire asks for his help to find her son. Suddenly, Mac has a case to work—one that leads him deep into the supernatural prison where Mac learns that cracking the case will cost him his last scrap of humanity.

This is bk 2 in the Dark Forgotten series. I couldn't find bk 1 anywhere, so I will probably end up getting that online at some point...


Angel's Blood (A Guild Hunters Novel) by Nalini Singh
Nalini Singh introduces readers to a world of beauty and bloodlust, where angels hold sway over vampires.
Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux is hired by the dangerously beautiful Archangel Raphael. But this time, it’s not a wayward vamp she has to track. It’s an archangel gone bad.
The job will put Elena in the midst of a killing spree like no other—and pull her to the razor’s edge of passion. Even if the hunt doesn’t destroy her, succumbing to Raphael’s seductive touch just may. For when archangels play, mortals break.


Archangel's Kiss (A Guild Hunters Novel) by Nalini Singh
Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux wakes from a year-long coma to find that she has become an angel-and that her lover, the stunningly dangerous archangel Raphael, likes having her under his control. But almost immediately, Raphael must ready Elena for a flight to Beijing, to attend a ball thrown by the archangel Lijuan. Ancient and without conscience, Lijuan's power lies with the dead. And she has organized the most perfect and most vicious of welcomes for Elena...


Gone (Final book in the Dream Catcher series) by Lisa McMann
Janie thought she knew what her future held. And she thought she’d made her peace with it. But she can’t handle dragging Cabel down with her.
She knows he will stay with her, despite what she sees in his dreams. He’s amazing. And she’s a train wreck. Janie sees only one way to give him the life he deserves: She has to disappear. And it’s going to kill them both.
Then a stranger enters her life — and everything unravels. The future Janie once faced now has an ominous twist, and her choices are more dire than she’d ever thought possible. She alone must decide between the lesser of two evils. And time is running out. . . .

I've already finished this one (before I was able to do this post). I thought the idea behind the series was very original. There were some good points that I really enjoyed. But, overall, I was kind of left feeling...indifferent, I guess you could say. I didn't love it and I didn't hate it. All three of the books are very short, quick reads. My advice? Check them out at your local library.


The Sight by David Clement-Davies
In an epic tale of good and evil, legend and history, and the blessing and curse of an extraordinary gift of the Sight (an ability to see through others' minds and into the future), David Clement-Davies obliges the many fans of Fire Bringer with a new fantasy novel. The Sight features a Transylvanian wolf clan faced with the terrifying changes brought about by Morgra, a bitter she-wolf determined to fulfill an ancient legend in order to have supreme power over all Vargs (wolves). Young Larka, a white wolf pup born with the Sight, embarks with her brother Fell and the rest of her family on an extraordinary quest for truth and salvation, with shocking consequences that even the most astute reader may not foresee. Clement-Davies's multilayered and elaborate plot will keep young readers riveted for hours on end, drawing on Christianity, fairy tales, and mythology in a colossal allegory and cautionary tale for its human audience.

This is one of those books that I wasn't too sure about. I pick it up everytime I go to the book store and then, inevitably, I find something I think I want more and put this one back. Not this time. I'm really excited to read the next book in this series, Fell. In fact, I almost bought it before I even paid attention to the fact that it was a part 2! Gotta read part 1 first, though.


Incarceron by Catherine Fisher
Incarceron -- a futuristic prison, sealed from view, where the descendants of the original prisoners live in a dark world torn by rivalry and savagery. It is a terrifying mix of high technology -- a living building which pervades the novel as an ever-watchful, ever-vengeful character, and a typical medieval torture chamber -- chains, great halls, dungeons. A young prisoner, Finn, has haunting visions of an earlier life, and cannot believe he was born here and has always been here. In the outer world, Claudia, daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, is trapped in her own form of prison -- a futuristic world constructed beautifully to look like a past era, an imminent marriage she dreads. She knows nothing of Incarceron, except that it exists. But there comes a moment when Finn, inside Incarceron, and Claudia, outside, simultaneously find a device -- a crystal key, through which they can talk to each other. And so the plan for Finn's escape is born ...

* all of the book descriptions were taken from goodreads.com

Look What the Book Fairy Left Me (6)

A couple of weeks ago my husband and I went to visit my mother in law for her birthday. She's recently moved into this 110 yr old house that was filled with untold treasures. Below you will see some of the treasures I was allowed to keep! I can't really think of anything better...


The Scarlett Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne (1850)
My most prized find! It's seen better days, but is still in pretty good shape. The cover is embossed. Very neat!



Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (1911)
One of my most exciting finds...








Helen's Babies by John Habberton (1881)
This is one that I've never heard of and haven't yet researched (I've since googled an apparently is was intended for adults but became a children's classic!), but the cover was so pretty I couldn't pass it up. The cover page looks hand stamped, and likely is. I am just in awe...


The Works of Edgar Allen Poe
Standard Classics (1933) Vols 1-10, embossed covers
Something I couldn't capture with the camera is the beautiful drawing inside each of the covers. I wish I could share.


The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson
Standard Classics (1930) Vols 1-10, embossed covers, includes Treasure Island and Dr. Jekyl & Mr. Hyde




Little Masterpieces 6 Vols (1901)
Includes volumes by Edgar Allen Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne








World's Greatest Literature Vol 1 & 2
Spencer Press (1936) Last of the Mohicans by Thackery, Vanity Fair by Cooper



This one is a little worse for wear. It's in the worst shape.
The Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1856)
AND! It has this awesome drawing of the author...actually most of these old books have this and it is very very neat!! There's a very fine peice of tissue paper separating the picture from the title page to prevent the ink from transferring.






David Copperfield by Charles Dickens (1920)




Of course, I couldn't take pictures of ALL the books I got, but these were some of the neatest finds...There was also a book of Shakespeare's works from 1911, The Complete Poetical Works of John Milton from 1899 and many many more! And this doesn't even include any of the crazy old medical books that were left there by the man who built the home. There were books about insanity and surgery and all sorts of nifty stuff. When I went to visit my mother in law that day, I certainly wasn't expecting a treasure trove of books! It was so exciting for me being the bibliophile that I am. And yes, there were even a few tears of pure joy...I'm not ashamed to admit it! :)

Here's the old house built at the turn of the century 1900s. A doctor built the house for his growing family of 10 children! Only one of those children decided to marry and have a family of their own. One daughter remained living in the home until her death in 2008, this was the only home she'd known. She was a teacher, and these were her books. Thank you, Ms. Parker. (photo of her as a young woman below)
You can still see the old servants house out to the side. One side was for the cook, the other was for the gardner. It has been used mostly for storage for quite some time but still had the original fireplace mantels and old bedframes. There were countless other little treasures all over the place.
Next time I go I want to check out the cellar and the attic. I can only imagine what kind of coolness I may find!!

Look What the Book Fairy Left Me (5)

The Book Fairy and Santa conspired this year to bring me some good books. Unfortunately, Santa did not make me the book shelves that I wanted for above the closets in my bedroom. I've run out of floor space. Now I'm going up for storage! :) Of course, my husband/aka Santa, is thrilled by this idea.
I got a pretty good haul this Christmas! I seriously need two of me just to read all the books in my TBR pile. But I am not complaining...



Deadly Little Lies (A Touch Novel) by Laurie Faria Stolarz
this is the sequel to Deadly Little Secret, which is in my TBR pile.
Last fall, sixteen-year-old Camelia fell for Ben, the mysterious new boy at school who turned out to have a very mysterious gift--pyschometry, the ability to sense the future through touch. But just as Camelia and Ben's romance began to heat up, he abruptly left town. Brokenhearted, Camelia has spent the last few months studying everything she can about psychometry, and experiencing her own strange brushes with premonition. Camelia wonders if Ben's abilities have somehow rubbed off on her. Can the power of psychometry be transferred?
Even once Ben returns to school, Camelia can't get close enough to share her secret with him. Despite the romantic tension between them, Ben remains aloof, avoiding contact. Then when an unexpected kiss leads to a frightening argument, Camelia makes the painful decision to let Ben go and move on. Adam, the hot new guy at work, seems good for her in ways Ben wasn't. Adam is easygoing, and seems to really care about her.
But when Camelia and Adam start dating, a surprising love triangle results. A chilling sequence of events upturns secrets from Ben's past--and Adam's. Someone is lying, and it's up to Camelia to figure out who-before it's too late.

Shadowland by Alyson Noel
This is the third in the Immortals series. I enjoyed the first two, so I am excited to see how this new book unfolds. From the book description, it appears there are going to be some twists. I'm a little bummed only because some of what I've read from the book description is a little similar to the book I am writing. But that's ok...hasn't stopped me yet!
Ever and Damen have traveled through countless past lives—and fought off the world’s darkest enemies—so they could be together forever. But just when their long-awaited destiny is finally within reach, a powerful curse falls upon Damen…one that could destroy everything. Now a single touch of their hands or a soft brush of their lips could mean sudden death—plunging Damen into the Shadowland. Desperate to break the curse and save Damen, Ever immerses herself in magick—and gets help from an unexpected source…a surfer named Jude.
Although she and Jude have only just met, he feels startlingly familiar. Despite her fierce loyalty to Damen, Ever is drawn to Jude, a green-eyed golden boy with magical talents and a mysterious past. She’s always believed Damen to be her soulmate and one true love—and she still believes it to be true. But as Damen pulls away to save them, Ever’s connection with Jude grows stronger—and tests her love for Damen like never before…

Fallen by Lauren Kate
I absolutely love the cover of this one! Ever since I saw it, I've wanted it. Hope the inside holds up to the outside.
There's something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.
Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price's attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He's the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.
Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce--and goes out of his way to make that very clear--she can't let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her.
Dangerously exciting and darkly romantic, Fallen is a page turning thriller and the ultimate love story.

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
I grew up in SC (although, I believe the town in this book is fictional), so I'm intrigued to read a fantasy in that setting.
There were no surprises in Gatlin County.
We were pretty much the epicenter of the middle of nowhere.
At least, that's what I thought.
Turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong.
There was a curse.
There was a girl.
And in the end, there was a grave.
Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.
Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.
In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.


Books I bought with Santa money!
First Test by Tamora Pierce


I've heard such great things about her as a writer and I am always interested in reading about strong female characters, so I am hopeful that this is a good book. The problem I have discovered, which probably isnt really much of a problem at all, is that this book is set in the world of Tortall and apparently there is another series of books Ms. Pierce has written set in this world with some of the same characters. Of course, the other series precedes this one, so I am torn on whether or not I should try to pick up that other series first. It isn't necessary, according to the book jacket, but it would be nice to be familiar with some of the characters that are mentioned in this newer series.
Ten years after the proclamation that girls are eligible for a page's training at the court of King Jonathan of Tortall, 10-year-old Keladry applies and is accepted, but on probation, a condition never forced on male applicants. Resolutely accepting the challenge, the hostility of the royal training master, and harassment by fellow pages, Kel makes her way through this difficult year. Trained from early childhood by stoic Yamani warriors, she is capable of hiding her feelings, fearless in a fight, and willing to work hard to develop the necessary physical capacity. Her sympathy and support for the underdog and her sense of chivalry earn her the admiration of a group of fellow pages. She also befriends the sparrows that live outside her window and wins over a difficult horse. Kel performs well in her first real battle and is grudgingly allowed to stay for another year of training. The medieval/magical world of Tortall has been the setting for eight of the author's titles; in First Test, the first of a new series, this fantasy world is clear and well developed, allowing the book to stand on its own. Characters who may be familiar to readers of the previous titles are reintroduced successfully or remain on the sidelines. The scrappy Kel is an appealing and believable girl whose struggles to integrate a formerly all-male world are both familiar and freshly told.

My Soul to Save (Soul Screamers series) by Rachel Vincent


The sequel to My Soul to Take, the third book is due out any day now...
I have these in my TBR pile. So many books, not enough time!
The last thing Kaylee needs right now is to be skipping school, breaking her dad’s ironclad curfew and putting her boyfriend’s loyalty to the test. But starry-eyed teens are trading their souls for a flickering lifetime of fame and fortune in exchange for eternity in the Netherworld — a consequence they can’t possibly understand. Kaylee can’t let that happen, even if trying to save their souls means putting her own at risk....

Darklight by Lesley Livingston


sequel to Wondorous Strange, both of which are in my TBR pile...are you seeing a recurring theme here? :)
Much has changed since autumn, when Kelley Winslow learned she was Faerie royalty, fell in love with changeling guard Sonny Flannery, and saved New York City from a rampaging Faerie war band. When a terrifying encounter in Central Park sends Kelley tumbling into the Otherworld, her reunion with Sonny is joyful—but cut short. For they’ve been plunged into a game of Faerie deception and wavering allegiances in which the next move could topple a kingdom...or part them forever.

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain


Bree's debut novel. I came across this one purely by accident. I can't wait to read it.
Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared--the night she found her brother Jude collapsed on the porch, covered in his own blood--but she has no idea what a truly monstrous secret that night held.
The memories her family has tried to bury resurface when Daniel returns, three years later, and enrolls in Grace and Jude's high school. Despite promising Jude she'll stay away, Grace cannot deny her attraction to Daniel's shocking artistic abilities, his way of getting her to look at the world from new angles, and the strange, hungry glint in his eyes.
The closer Grace gets to Daniel, the more she jeopardizes her life, as her actions stir resentment in Jude and drive him to embrace the ancient evil Daniel unleashed that horrific night. Grace must discover the truth behind the boy's dark secret...and the cure that can save the ones she loves. But she may have to lay down the ultimate sacrifice to do it--her soul.

And there you have it! A very long list. Can't wait to dig in!
Did you get anything good for Christmas?

*book descriptions were taken from amazon.com and goodreads.com

Look What the Book Fairy Left Me (4)

Well...I'm finally back. I took a short break from blogging. Reasons? Holidays (house guests), sad things, and, well, simply because I didn't have anything much to blog about. Where does the time go, by the way?
I don't have much to brag about for this week. I did get one new book. I've slowed down a bit on book buying. My shelves are overflowing and I am already out of room again since I got my new bookshelf in September. I have a whole crapload of borrowed books that I just got my hands on, so maybe next weeks book fairy post will show all of those books. That's going to be a long list :)
So, without further ado, this week's book is Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld.
I have yet to read any of Mr. Westerfeld's books, but have several in my TBR stack. Despite that, I really wanted this book. Steampunk stuff intrigues me. The book itself intrigues me. The cover is awesome. The book is heavy - and for some reason, I like that. It is full of cool illustrations. And on top of all of that, one of the really cool things is that the book has a girl character in disguise as a boy. I really can't wait to read it.



It is the cusp of World War I, and all the European powers are arming up. The Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their Clankers, steam-driven iron machines loaded with guns and ammunition. The British Darwinists employ fabricated animals as their weaponry. Their Leviathan is a whale airship, and the most masterful beast in the British fleet.
Aleksandar Ferdinand, prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battle-torn Stormwalker and a loyal crew of men.
Deryn Sharp is a commoner, a girl disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She's a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered.
With the Great War brewing, Alek's and Deryn's paths cross in the most unexpected way...taking them both aboard the Leviathan on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure. One that will change both their lives forever.*


*book description taken from amazon.com

Look What the Book Fairy Left Me (3)

Once again, I'm very happy to say I got a few books! Folks, I have an addiction. I can't seem to stop myself...

The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima
Sixteen-year-old Jack forgets to take his medicine one morning, and by afternoon is filled with such strength he sends his rival, Garrett Lobeck, sailing into the net at soccer tryouts--without even touching him. Jack soon discovers he is no ordinary teen and his medicine is not what he thought it was. Since the secret insertion of a warrior stone in his chest at infancy, Jack has been dosed with a suppressant designed to hold his powers as a Warrior Heir in check until his wizard sponsor can retrieve him and prepare him to fight in a death tournament for supremacy. With the aid of an aunt, old and new friends, and a magical sword, Jack fights to retain his identity and choose his own path.

I'm not at all sure about this one. It sounds a bit like Harry Potter meets The Hunger Games. Both of those series' I enjoy. But I wonder if that will set me up with high expectations that won't deliver...I've heard mixed reviews, but nevertheless, I am in the mood for something different from what I've been reading.

The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima
Times are hard in the mountain city of Fellsmarch. Reformed thief Han Alister will do almost anything to eke out a living for himself, his mother, and his sister Mari. Ironically, the only thing of value he has is something he can't sell. For as long as Han can remember, he's worn thick silver cuffs engraved with runes. They're clearly magicked-as he grows, they grow, and he's never been able to get them off.
While out hunting one day, Han and his Clan friend, Dancer catch three young wizards setting fire to the sacred mountain of Hanalea. After a confrontation, Han takes an amulet from Micah Bayar, son of the High Wizard, to ensure the boy won't use it against them. Han soon learns that the amulet has an evil history-it once belonged to the Demon King, the wizard who nearly destroyed the world a millennium ago. With a magical piece that powerful at stake, Han knows that the Bayars will stop at nothing to get it back.
Meanwhile, Raisa ana'Helena, Princess Heir of the Fells, has her own battles to fight. She's just returned to court after three years of relative freedom with her father's family at Demonai camp - riding, hunting, and working the famous Clan markets. Although Raisa will become eligible for marriage after her sixteenth name-day, she isn't looking forward to trading in her common sense and new skills for etiquette tutors and stuffy parties.
Raisa wants to be more than an ornament in a glittering cage. She aspires to be like Hanalea-the legendary warrior queen who killed the Demon King and saved the world. But it seems like her mother has other plans for her--plans that include a suitor who goes against everything the Queendom stands for.

I thought the book description for this one sounded good. Then I realized it was published by a Disney subsidiary...I hope it's not too childish or lame, but I'll give it a shot anyhow.

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.
But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

I have to admit that it was the cover that initially drew my attention to this book. Plus, I've read a few good reviews. I think this is part of a series.

And last but certainly not least! The long awaited companion to Graceling, Fire by Kristin Cashore
It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. The young King Nash clings to his throne while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves and lawless men.
This is where Fire lives. With a wild, irresistible appearance and hair the color of flame, Fire is the last remaining human monster. Equally hated and adored, she has the unique ability to control minds but she guards her power, unwilling to steal the secrets of innocent people. Especially when she has so many of her own.
Then Prince Brigan comes to bring her to King City. The royal family needs her help to uncover the plot against the king. Far away from home, Fire begins to realize there's more to her power than she ever dreamed. Her power could save the kingdom.
If only she weren't afraid of becoming the monster her father was.

I absolutely adored Graceling and have been waiting for Fire for a long time! You don't have to read the first to understand this one, but if you haven't yet read it, do. This is being bumped to the top of my TBR stack. Can't wait!

Look What the Book Fairy Left Me (2)

Well, I'm pleased to say that I did get some new books this week. Once again compliments to my birthday B&N gift certificate.

The Hollow by Jessica Verday
When Abbey's best friend, Kristen, vanishes at the bridge near Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, everyone else is all too quick to accept that Kristen is dead and rumors fly that her death was no accident. Abbey goes through the motions of mourning her best friend, but privately, she refuses to believe that Kristen is really gone. Then she meets Caspian, the gorgeous and mysterious boy who shows up out of nowhere at Kristen's funeral, and keeps reappearing in Abbey's life. Caspian clearly has secrets of his own, but he's the only person who makes Abbey feel normal again...but also special.
Just when Abbey starts to feel that she might survive all this, she learns a secret that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her best friend. How could Kristen have kept silent about so much? And could this secret have led to her death? As Abbey struggles to understand Kristen's betrayal, she uncovers a frightening truth that nearly unravels her—one that will challenge her emerging love for Caspian, as well as her own sanity.

I've heard good things about this one. It's the first in a series, and the author's debut novel. Plus, she likes LJ Smith. So, of course, I can't wait to read it.




Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston
When Kelley moves to New York to pursue her dreams of theatrical success, she expects that her only encounters with mythical beings will be confined to the stage, in the Avalon Grande Theatre's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. All of that changes when she meets Sonny Flannery, who introduces Kelley to a world she never knew existed. A member of Auberon's Janus Guard, he patrols the portal (in Central Park) between the human and faerie worlds on the few dangerous nights when it opens and members of the Unseelie Court can pass into the mortal realm. He is strangely drawn to Kelley, and as he gets to know her, he begins to suspect that there is more to her history than either of them know. Through encounters with sirens, hellhounds, and kelpies, Kelley and Sonny are drawn irrevocably into a battle among the Fey. Despite the budding attraction between them, forces they can hardly understand seek to keep them apart. Set against the backdrop of present-day New York City, this enchanting first novel weaves together the worlds of theater and magic in a way that is sure to please fans of both.

Thought I'd get a few fairy books this time around. Take a little break from the werewolves and vampires. I hope I'm not dissapointed.

My Soul To Take (Soul Screamers series) by Rachel Vincent
She doesn't see dead people, but…
She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next…

I'm excited to read this one. I've never read any of Rachel's books, but I've been told that I should. I've also got to admit that I like the title and the cover caught my eye. I know I shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but sometimes I can't help myself. :)

Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception by Maggie Stiefvater (ordered online at b&n.com)
Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan, a gifted harpist who regularly plays for weddings and other events, has the kind of stage fright that makes her physically ill before a performance, which is an inauspicious way to start a romance; but while vomiting before a competition she meets a gorgeous boy who comes into the restroom to hold her hair. He is Luke Dillon, a flautist who proceeds to accompany her in a truly stellar performance. As four-leaf clovers start appearing everywhere, Deirdre develops telekinetic powers and encounters strange, unworldly people who seem to bear her ill will. Her best friend, James, also a talented musician; her beloved grandmother; and her mother all are in danger, as Deirdre is targeted by the queen of Faerie. Deirdre eventually discovers that she is a cloverhand, a person who can see the denizens of faerie, and Luke, not the only immortal who has her in his sights, is a gallowglass, an assassin assigned by the queen of Faerie to kill Deirdre but who falls in love with her instead.

Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie by Maggie Stiefvater
James Morgan has an almost unearthly gift for music. And it has attracted Nuala, a soul-snatching faerie muse who fosters and then feeds on the creative energies of exceptional humans until they die. James has plenty of reasons to fear the faeries, but as he and Nuala collaborate on an achingly beautiful musical composition, James finds his feelings towards Nuala deepening. But the rest of the fairies are not as harmless. As Halloween—the day of the dead—draws near, James will have to battle the Faerie Queen and the horned king of the dead to save Nuala's life and his soul.

I'm extremely excited to read these two. I just recently read Shiver by Maggie, as well, and absolutely loved it. I just had to read the rest of her books. Plus, I am in the mood to try out a few fairy books, so this just happens to work out! As a nifty bonus, Maggie is very artistic and musical herself. Check out her website for the book trailer's that she's created with stop motion (my absolute favorite type of movie). maggiestiefvater.com

Legacy by Cayla Kluver
In an award-winning YA fantasy debut (the first of a planned trilogy), novelist Cayla Kluver brings a magical touch to an unrelentingly suspenseful coming-of-age tale. Duty-bound to wed her father’s choice in successor to the throne, Princess Alera of Hytanica believes that she is being forced into the worst of all possible fates—a marriage to the arrogant and hot-tempered suitor, Steldor. When a mysterious boy from enemy Cokyri appears bearing secrets and an entirely different view of what's appropriate behavior for a young lady, Alera learns that her private desires threaten to destroy the kingdom. When Narian’s shocking past comes to light, Alera finds herself in a shadowy world of palace intrigue and ancient blood feuds, facing an uncertain future with dwindling options—and must learn to decide between right and wrong all alone. Marked by witty, rapid-fire dialogue and dramatic complexity that belie the writer’s age, Legacy brings a fresh, new sensibility to age-old questions of duty and inheritance and to a young heroine’s quest to find her true voice.

I couldn't find this one anywhere but online. I found out about this one by accident. To be honest, I'm not even sure how it came up! But I'm glad that it did. This book was written by teenage debut writer. I'm amazed and intrigued. The first in a planned trilogy. It sounds like an old-fashioned fairy tale. Can't wait to read it.

Also purchased online (adult):
Covet (a Fallen Angels book) by JR Ward
Redemption isn't a word Jim Heron knows much about-his specialty is revenge, and to him, sin is all relative. But everything changes when he becomes a fallen angel and is charge with saving the souls of seven people from the seven deadly sins. And failure is not an option. Vin DiPietro long ago sold his soul to his business, and he's good with that-until fate intervenes in the form of a tough- talking, Harley-riding, self-professed savior. But then he meets a woman who will make him question his destiny, his sanity, and his heart-and he has to work with a fallen angel to win her over and redeem his own soul.

JR Ward's good for a nice, quick, somewhat sleezy read. I also enjoyed The Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Her novels are a bit cheesy at times and a little over the top, but I still like 'em. :)

The real problem begins when I decide in which order I'm going to read all these great books! Not enough hours in the day. I've got a few more series books coming out soon, so I will be adding those into my already heafty TBR pile.

How 'bout you guys...did you get anything good?

Look What the Book Fairy Left Me (1)

This is my first attempt at what will hopefully be at least a bi-weekly thing. I doubt I will be lucky enough to get books every week. This past week happened to be an especially fruitful one since it was my birthday week! So, without further ado...

YA:

Moonlight: A Dark Guardian Novel by Rachel Hawthorne
Kayla is the nature lover, the all-American beauty who can't understand why she's so drawn to distant, brooding Lucas. Adopted as a young child, she has no way of knowing that she's inherited a terrifying—and thrilling—gene that will change her life forever.
Lucas is dangerous, gorgeous . . . and a werewolf. As leader of the Dark Guardians, shape-shifters who gather deep within the state park, he has sworn to protect his pack. But when Lucas finds his true soul mate, his love could put them all in harm's way.
As Lucas and Kayla struggle with their feelings for each other, a greater danger lurks: Humans have discovered the Dark Guardians and are planning their destruction. Kayla must choose between the life she knows and the love she feels certain is her destiny.

I got this as a gift from my very special writing/blog buddy. Can't wait to read it. Thanks Shauna ;)


Sacred Scars: A Resurrection of Magic (Book 2) by Kathleen Duey
Sadima, Franklin, and Somiss, driven out of Limòri by a suspicious fire, are living in a cave hidden within the cliffs that overlook the city. Somiss is convinced the dark passages of the caves were the home of ancient magicians, and his obsession with restoring magic deepens. Sadima dreams of escape -- for her, for Franklin, and for the orphaned street boys Somiss has imprisoned in a crowded cage. Somiss claims he will teach these boys magic, that they will become his first students, but Sadima knows he is lying.
Generations later, Hahp is struggling to survive the wizards' increasingly dangerous classes at the Limòri Academy of Magic. He knows the fragile pact he has forged with his secretive roommate, Gerrard, will not be enough to put an end to the evil. It will take all the students acting together to have any chance of destroying the academy. Building trust, with few chances to speak or plan, will be almost impossible, but there is no choice.

I have actually spoken to (via blog, of course) Kathleen. She is an extremely patient and kind person. She's given me some priceless writing advice. The first book in this series was very interesting and I look forward to this second installment.


The Awakening (Darkest Powers, Book 2) by Kelley Armstrong
Chloe’s a teenager who likes Simon, but maybe likes Derek, and definitely hates Tori, who crushes on Simon, who kind of cares for Chloe. Sounds pretty typical. Except that Chloe’s a necromancer, Derek’s a werewolf, and Simon and Tori are sorcerers. Following The Summoning (2008), this book in the Darkest Powers series has the teens on the run from a shady organization whose murky involvement with their manifesting powers is unclear, but definitely not for their betterment.

I havent even started book one of this series yet...but both are in my TBR stack. I've heard nothing but good things though, so I can't wait to read them.


Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink
An ancient prophecy divides two sisters-
One good...
One evil...
Who will prevail?
Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe have just become orphans. They have also become enemies. As they discover their roles in a prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other, the girls find themselves entangled in a mystery that involves a tattoo-like mark, their parents' deaths, a boy, a book, and a lifetime of secrets.
Lia and Alice don't know whom they can trust.
They just know they can't trust each other.

This is another one I heard about through the grapevine. It is the first in a trilogy.


Deadly Little Secret: A Touch Novel by Laurie Faria Stolarz
Some secrets shouldn't be kept...
Until three months ago, everything in sixteen-year-old Camelia's life had been fairly ordinary: decent grades, an okay relationship with her parents, and a pretty cool part-time job at the art studio downtown. But when a mysterious boy named Ben starts junior year at her high school, Camelia's life becomes anything but ordinary.
Rumored to be somehow responsible for his ex-girlfriend's accidental death, Ben is immediately ostracized by everyone on campus. Except for Camelia. She's reluctant to believe he's trouble, even when her friends try to convince her otherwise. Instead, she's inexplicably drawn to Ben.and to his touch. But soon, Camelia is receiving eerie phone calls and strange packages with threatening notes. Ben insists she is in danger, and that he can help-but can he be trusted? She knows he's hiding something... but he's not the only one with a secret.

Another series. I've heard mixed reviews about this one, but I look forward to reading it nonetheless.


Rampant by Diana Peterfreund
Forget everything you ever knew about unicorns . . .
Real unicorns are venomous, man-eating monsters with huge fangs and razor-sharp horns. Fortunately, they've been extinct for a hundred and fifty years.
Or not.
Astrid had always scoffed at her eccentric mother's stories about killer unicorns. But when one of the monsters attacks her boyfriend—thereby ruining any chance of him taking her to the prom—Astrid finds herself headed to Rome to train as a unicorn hunter at the ancient cloisters the hunters have used for centuries.
However, at the cloisters all is not what it seems. Outside, the unicorns wait to attack. And within, Astrid faces other, unexpected threats: from the crumbling, bone-covered walls that vibrate with a terrible power to the hidden agendas of her fellow hunters to—perhaps most dangerously of all—her growing attraction to a handsome art student . . . an attraction that could jeopardize everything.

As a kid I was obsessed with unicorns. I had unicorn stuff everywhere! This is a very unique take on unicorns, and so I was intrigued. Can't wait to read it!


Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Playing on every teen’s passionate desire to look as good as everybody else, Scott Westerfeld (Midnighters) projects a future world in which a compulsory operation at sixteen wipes out physical differences and makes everyone pretty by conforming to an ideal standard of beauty. The "New Pretties" are then free to play and party, while the younger "Uglies" look on enviously and spend the time before their own transformations in plotting mischievous tricks against their elders. Tally Youngblood is one of the most daring of the Uglies, and her imaginative tricks have gotten her in trouble with the menacing department of Special Circumstances. She has yearned to be pretty, but since her best friend Shay ran away to the rumored rebel settlement of recalcitrant Uglies called The Smoke, Tally has been troubled. The authorities give her an impossible choice: either she follows Shay’s cryptic directions to The Smoke with the purpose of betraying the rebels, or she will never be allowed to become pretty. Hoping to rescue Shay, Tally sets off on the dangerous journey as a spy. But after finally reaching The Smoke she has a change of heart when her new lover David reveals to her the sinister secret behind becoming pretty.

I was told this is a must read, and so, here it is in my TBR pile. I was hesitant in picking this one up (unsure about the plot of pretties vs uglies), but after a little prodding, I decided I would give it a shot.

Adult:

The Darkest Whisper: (Book 4) Lords of the Underworld series by Gena Showalter
Bound by the demon of Doubt, Sabin unintentionally destroys even the most confident of lovers. So the immortal warrior spends his time on the battlefield instead of the bedroom, victory his only concern…until he meets Gwendolyn the Timid. One taste of the beautiful redhead, and he craves more.
Gwen, an immortal herself, always thought she'd fall for a kind human who wouldn't rouse her darker side. But when Sabin frees her from prison, battling their enemies for the claim to Pandora's box turns out to be nothing compared to the battle Sabin and Gwen will wage against love.

I love me some paranormal romance. Gena makes writing seem effortless. She writes books left and right. Wish I could do that! Every once in a while I need a break from the YA. This series is hot and steamy. There's a "lord" for everyone - at least one that every woman will consider a personal favorite! I am still waiting for my two faves to be written, but in the meantime, I will certainly enjoy the other fellas stories.
All of the book descriptions are cited from amazon.com.