Waiting on Wednesday (28)

Oh, it's been a while, hasn't it? Since I've done a WoW, that is.

Where the Truth Lies by Jessica Warman

Release Date: September 28, 2010

Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers

Goodreads

Description:

On the surface, Emily Meckler leads the perfect life. She has three best friends, two loving parents, and the ideal setup at the Connecticut prep school where her father is the headmaster. But Emily also suffers from devastating nightmares about fire and water, and nobody knows why. Then the enigmatic Del Sugar enters her life, and Emily is immediately swept away—but her passionate relationship with Del is just the first of many things that aren't quite what they seem in Emily's life. As the lies she's been told start to unravel, Emily must set out to discover the truth regarding her nightmare; on a journey that will lead her to question everything she thought she knew about love, family, and her own idyllic past.

This companion novel to Warman's critically acclaimed Breathless proves that sometimes the biggest lies are told to the people you love the most.

I'm not too sure if this is paranormal. I haven't read Breathless but as far as I know, it isn't. The description sounds like Where the Truth Lies could be paranormal, but I don't think so. Which would make it all the better- suspense and mystery without anything normal seems like a breathe of fresh air to me.

And I love the title. Where the Truth Lies. It does sound very similar to Wherever Nina Lies and And then I Found Out the Truth, but it's a similarity I really, really like. Titles that are phrases are so... [insert perfect adjective here]. Love.

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

What are you all waiting for?

Waiting On Wednesday (27)

Perchance to Dream by Lisa Mantchev

Release Date: May 25, 2010
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Goodreads
Description:
The stuff that dreams are made on.

Act Two, Scene One

Growing up in the enchanted Thèâtre Illuminata, Beatrice Shakespeare Smith learned everything about every play ever written. She knew the Players and their parts, but she didn’t know that she, too, had magic. Now, she is the Mistress of Revels, the Teller of Tales, and determined to follow her stars. She is ready for the outside world.

Enter BERTIE AND COMPANY

But the outside world soon proves more topsy-turvy than any stage production. Bertie can make things happen by writing them, but outside the protective walls of the Thèâtre, nothing goes as planned. And her magic cannot help her make a decision between—

Nate: Her suave and swashbuckling pirate, now in mortal peril.

Ariel: A brooding, yet seductive, air spirit whose true motives remain unclear.

When Nate is kidnapped and taken prisoner by the Sea Goddess, only Bertie can free him. She and her fairy sidekicks embark on a journey aboard the Thèâtre’s caravan, using Bertie’s word magic to guide them. Along the way, they collect a sneak-thief, who has in his possession something most valuable, and meet The Mysterious Stranger, Bertie’s father—and the creator of the scrimshaw medallion. Bertie’s dreams are haunted by Nate, whose love for Bertie is keeping him alive, but in the daytime, it’s Ariel who is tantalizingly close, and the one she is falling for. Who does Bertie love the most? And will her magic be powerful enough to save her once she enters the Sea Goddess’s lair?

Once again, LISA MANTCHEV has spun a tale like no other—full of romance, magic, adventure, and fairies, too—that readers won’t want to put down, even after the curtain has closed.

I can't believe this is the first time for me learning of Perchance to Dream, the sequel to Eyes Like Stars! There isn't really much that needs to be said about Perchance to Dream. It's the sequel to Eyes Like Stars.

However, I'm a little torn on the cover. Do I like it? Yes. Though I like the cover of Eyes Like Stars more. This one seems so... New Moon poster-esque. But the artwork is beautiful. It's just the poses... And it comes out so soon! :D

So what are you all waiting on this Wednesday?

- Alex

Waiting on Wednesday (26)

Like Mandarin by Kirsten Hubbard
Release date: March 2011
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Description:
It's hard to find beauty in the badlands of Washokey, Wyoming. Fourteen-year-old Grace Carpenter knows it's not her mother's pageant obsessions, or the cowboy dances and pickup trucks adored by her small-town classmates. True beauty is wild girl Mandarin Ramey: seventeen, shameless and utterly carefree.

Grace would give ANYTHING to be like Mandarin.

When the two misfits are united for a project, they embark on an unlikely, explosive friendship, packed with nights spent skinny-dipping in the canal, liberating the town's animal-head trophies, and constantly searching for someplace magic. Grace even plays along when Mandarin suggests they make a pact to run away together. Blame it on the crazy-making wildwinds that plague their badlands town.

But all too soon, Grace discovers Mandarin's unique beauty hides a girl who's troubled, broken and even dangerous. And no matter how hard Grace fights to keep the magic, even the best friendships can't withstand betrayal.

Sadly, the release date is a long way's away, but still. I love small town settings, misfit characters, and themes that revolve around beauty, pain, and friendships. So doesn't Like Mandarin sound perfect? Except maybe for the name Mandarin... I haven't warmed up to the name yet.

What are you waiting on this week?

(meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.)

Waiting on Wednesday (25)

Raised By Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Date of release: June 8th 2010
Publisher: Egmont USA

Description:
PACK LIFE IS ABOUT ORDER, BUT BRYN IS ABOUT TO PUSH ALL THE LIMITS, WITH HAIR-RAISING RESULTS.

At the age of four, Bryn watched a rabid werewolf brutally murder her parents. Alone in the world, she was rescued and taken in by Callum, the alpha of his pack. Now fifteen, Bryn's been raised as a human among werewolves, adhering to pack rule (mostly). Little fazes her.

But the pack's been keeping a secret, and when Bryn goes exploring against Callum's orders, she finds Chase, a newly turned teen Were locked in a cage. Terrifying memories of the attack on her mom and dad come flooding back. Bryn needs answers, and she needs Chase to get them. Suddenly, all allegiances to the pack no longer matter. It's Bryn and Chase against the werewolf world, whatever the consequences.

An exciting new paranormal adventure, with a heroine who rivals Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Raised By Wolves will leave you howling for more.

I've read Tattoo and Fate, both by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, and really liked both of them. And Raised By Wolves sounds so interesting! Yes, it's another paranormal novel-wolves- but it has a unique sounding premise and the potential to be really great. Bryn seems like she is a strong heroine, which is right up my league, along with many others, I'm sure. Growing up human with a pack of werewolves sounds like it could really make you tough.

- Alex

Waiting on Wednesday (24)

Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George


Date of release: May 25, 2010
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Goodreads Amazon
Description:
The engrossing companion novel to Princess of the Midnight Ball, with a wicked twist on Cinderella.

Hoping to escape the troubles in her kingdom, Princess Poppy reluctantly agrees to take part in a royal exchange program, whereby young princes and princesses travel to each other’s countries in the name of better political alliances—and potential marriages. It’s got the makings of a fairy tale—until a hapless servant named Eleanor is tricked by a vengeful fairy godmother into competing with Poppy for the eligible prince. Ballgowns, cinders, and enchanted glass slippers fly in this romantic and action-packed happily-ever-after quest from an author with a flair for embroidering tales in her own delightful way.

Most of you probably don't remember, but I did a post on Princess at the Midnight Ball a while back (here), and this is the companion novel to it. I really enjoyed Princess at the Midnight Ball, mostly because I'm a sucker for fairy tales, so I'm really looking forward to Princess of Glass! I think Poppy may have been the second eldest sister of the 12 princesses in the first book, so that's where the companionship comes in. Cinderella is a fairy tale that's been done, and redone, over and over again, but I think Princess of Glass sounds really promising to be different.

I can't say I'm a huge fan of the cover, but the description sounds cute enough that I want to read it. And it comes out soon too!

- Alex

Waiting on Wednesday... (23)

Yeah, I did have to check what number we were up to. :/

Right, right, I know, you all must be so amazed to see a new post. It really has been way too long, and for that we apologize. Sadly, I can't say anything's going uphill from here- I really just wanted to do this becaue I just realized there was a sequel to the book I finished reading, and I didn't want to forget. And also to share an amazing book with all of you!

So without further ado... OH wait! Spoiler alert. This is a sequel actually. So read the description with warning.

Invisible Things by Jenny Davidson
Sequel to: The Explosionist (goodreads)
goodreads author's blog publisher website
release date: November 23, 2010
description:

Sixteen-year-old Sophie knows there is more to the story of her parents’ death. And she's on a mission to find the truth.

Sophie has enlisted her best friend, Mikael, whose friendship has turned into something more, and before long the two are thrust into a mystery that dates back decades. It’s soon clear that Sophie’s future is very much wrapped up in the details of her family’s past, and the key lies with information that only one elusive man can provide.

The more Sophie learns, the more she realizes that nothing—and no one—in her life is what it seems. But coming to terms with the dark secrets she uncovers means imagining a truth that she never dreamed possible. Full of gorgeous settings, thrilling adventure, and romance, Invisible Things is a novel that dares to ask, what if?

So if you didn't read that because you didn't want to ruin anything- though it doesn't spoil too much of The Explosionist- you should definitely click the link above, the one that says goodreads by The Explosionist, to learn more about this series. :D

Waiting on Wednesday (22)

Beautiful by Cindy Martinusen-Coloma
Publishing date: November 3, 2009 (soon!)
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Goodreads ][ Amazon
Description:
Her friends once thought she was perfect. Now she must face the mirror--and herself--to discover what true beauty is.

Since childhood, seventeen-year-old Ellie Summerfield has fought to overcome her grandfather's painful words that push her to be driven, determined, and successful to the detriment of those around her. Ellie has everything a girl could want--she's beautiful, she's Senior Class President, has a calendar full of social engagements, volunteer commitments, and church activities. In short, she's perfect, according to most of the students at West Redding High School. But something is bothering Ellie, like a loose string on a dress she can feel but can't see. Does she really love her boyfriend, Ryan? Who are her true friends? And is she really happy in her picture-perfect life?

Then in the course of a few minutes, the loose string in Ellie's life completely unravels. Forever changed, she must face herself as she discovers what it really means to be beautiful.

Doesn't that sound GOOD? I always love stories of the seemingly perfect girl falling back to earth aka normality and off that pedestal. Plus, that loose string? And true beauty's always so interesting and insightful to read about. :D

What's your pick of the week? WoW is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Waiting on Wednesday (21)

Happyface by Stephen Emond
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Publishing date: March 1st 2010
Goodreads ][ Amazon

Enter Happyface's journal and get a peek into the life of a shy, artistic boy who decides to reinvent himself as a happy-go-lucky guy after he moves to a new town. See the world through his hilariously self-deprecating eyes as he learns to shed his comic-book-loving, computer-game playing ways. Join him as he makes new friends, tries to hide from his past, and ultimately learns to face the world with a genuine smile. With a fresh and funny combination of text and fully integrated art, Happyface is an original storytelling experience.

Hailed to be like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, but for teens, Happy Face sounds like a fun loving, finding oneself contemporary read. I haven't read much of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, besides a couple pages, but I can see why it's so appealing to young ones. Happy Face sounds like the kind of novel that will get teens to read, but also interest those who read a lot. Like me!

Plus who can resist a cover that's bright yellow with a bold smiley face?

- Alex

Waiting on Wednesday (20)

The Beautiful Between by Alyssa B. Sheinmel
Publishing date: May 11, 2010
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Goodreads / Amazon
Description:
If high school were a fairy-tale kingdom, Connelly Sternin would be Rapunzel, locked not in a tower by a wicked witch but in a high-rise apartment building by the SATs and college applications—and by the secrets she keeps. Connelly's few friends think that her parents are divorced—but they're not. Connelly's father died when she was two, and she doesn't know how.

If Connelly is the Rapunzel of her school, Jeremy Cole is the crown prince, son of a great and rich New York City family. So when he sits down next to her at lunch one day, Connelly couldn't be more surprised. But Jeremy has a tragic secret of his own, and Connelly is the only one he can turn to for help. Together they form a council of two, helping each other with their homework and sharing secrets. As the pair's friendship grows, Connelly learns that it's the truth, not the secrets, that one must guard and protect. And that between friends, the truth, however harsh, is also beautiful.

This lovely and memorable debut by Alyssa B. Sheinmel contains many of the hallmark themes found in young adult literature—friendship, coming of age, finding a place to belong, and overcoming the death of a loved one. Emotionally moving from start to finish, The Beautiful Between introduces a strong new voice to the genre, a voice with a long future ahead of it.

Now doesn't that just sound so darn sweet? I love the fairy tale reference and hope it's in the book also, because I adore fairy tales and retellings. Connelly and Jeremy's relationship sounds beautiful! And I find perfectly seeming characters who are actually lonely and secretive are one of the best possible. And yay for debuts!

Can't say I'm a fan of the cover, but the description more than makes up for it! (Actually, on my photobucket account, this cover is saved right beside the cover for Blood Promise. The Beautiful Between's cover just pales in comparison I'm afraid. Although if it's going for the old and broken look, it's working. :P)

So y'all, what say you? And what's your pick this week?

WoW hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Waiting on Wednesday (19)

Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien
goodreads [] amazon
publisher: Roaring Brook Press
publishing date: March 30, 2010


After climate change, on the north shore of Unlake Superior, a dystopian world is divided between those who live inside the wall, and those, like sixteen-year-old midwife Gaia Stone, who live outside. It’s Gaia’s job to “advance” a quota of infants from poverty into the walled Enclave, until the night one agonized mother objects, and Gaia’s parents are arrested.
Badly scarred since childhood, Gaia is a strong, resourceful loner who begins to question her society. As Gaia’s efforts to save her parents take her within the wall, she herself is arrested and imprisoned.

Gaia carries an encoded ribbon from her parents, and its secrets hold vital information about certain advanced children who were "birthmarked" by tattoos. The Protectorat, who safeguards the population within the wall, needs Gaia’s code and its genetic counterpart to offset the hemophilia that plagues the Enclave.

Sgt. Grey, a young, handsome guard of the Enclave, is used by the Protectorat to manipulate Gaia and gain her cooperation with decoding the ribbon. As Sgt. Grey faces his own complicated past and Gaia recognizes the moral ramifications of her actions, they take desperate steps to escape.

Fraught with difficult moral choices and rich with intricate layers of codes, BIRTHMARKED explores a colorful, cruel, eerily familiar world where one girl can make all the difference, and a real hero makes her own moral code.

One word: Dystopian. That's pretty much enough to sell me, because I will admit I am a big dystopian fan. They're always so interesting and different! And Gaia sounds like a wonderful character. Just her name shows power.

- Alex

Waiting on Wednesday (18)

I actually found out about this author and book from my previous WoW post! So think of this as a bit of a continuation. ;)

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
(No cover again. Gosh darnit.)
Publishing date: Fall 2010
Publisher: HarperTeen
author site / author blog / author twitter

book description:
Sixteen-year-old Evie's job is bagging and tagging paranormals. Possessing the strange ability to see through their glamours, she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency. But when someone--or something--starts taking out the vamps, werewolves, and other odd beasties she's worked hard to help become productive members of society, she's got to figure it out before they all disappear and the world becomes utterly normal.

Normal is so overrated.

Now, doesn't that sound so interesting? I do get tired of paranormal after a while, where everything seems to blend together, but Paranormalcy sounds different. I mean, there's actually and agency to contain paranormals! Sounds like there's a mystery in there too. :D No one wants a world that's normal! How boring. Gotta add a little spice and paranormals. ;)

Paranormalcy sounds just a little bit like Wake by Lisa Mann. Just a wee bit. (I think this is the influence of Coffeehouse Angel... xD) That the heroines use their powers to do something for the governement/agency/police/whatever. Society maybe? Anyway. That is a very good thing because I love the Wake series.

And I also like the name Evie. A mix between the pokemon and V for Vendetta?

2010 better come soon! :D

- Alex

Waiting on Wednesday (17)

Anna and the Boy Masterpiece by Stephanie Perkins
(no cover. D:)
tenner bio / author website / author Twitter
publisher: Dutton
publishing date: no clue. Sometime during 2010

A very short synopsis of the novel:
It's about a girl. It's about a boy. It's about Parisian boarding school, almond-scented macarons, famous cemeteries, and cinemaphiles. It's about heartache. And it's about true love.

And I found some facts about the book, taken from the author's website!

(1) It's a young adult novel.

(2) Hopefully it has some funny bits.

(3) There is kissing. Of course.

(4) Most of it takes place in Paris.

(5) There is an HBM.* (Well, more like an HBM plus.)

(6) It’s called Anna and the Boy Masterpiece.

(7) It's contemporary and realistic. In other words, no vampires or magic. Or magic vampires.
(8) It's set in a boarding school.

(9) It wasn't (originally) intentional, but several important scenes occur on stairs. Though I shouldn't have been surprised when it happened, because the inspiration for the entire story came from a dream (ack, yes) in which I saw a beautiful boy sitting . . . on the steps of a semi-famous monument.

These steps. This monument.

(10) The main character's name is Anna Oliphant.

The Boy Masterpiece himself remains — for now — a secret. But a good one, I promise! And I don't mean a secret like he's a werewolf (see #7, above). He's a secret, because I'm in love with him, and I'm still greedy and protective.

AND there's going to be a companionship novel, Lola and the Boy Next Door.

Now, there's not a lot to go on. And I believe the novel is still in revision. But but, look at the synopsis! It takes place in a boarding school. I love boarding schools! And Paris sounds so beautiful. It's a love story without any paranormal too. I am in want of a good contemporary read. And well... it just sounds great! :D

- Alex

Waiting on Wednesday (16)

And once again another WoW post is here! Already 16! (That's how old I just turned! Coincidence? I think not! ;) - it actually is, but shhhh!)

Albatross by Josie Bloss

Publishing date: February 2010

Publisher: Flux

Goodreads / Amazon

What's so cool about nice guys?

Everyone at Tess's new school warns her that Micah is bad news—a heartbreaker. But she can't ignore her attraction to this brooding, brilliant, friendless emo hottie who can turn on the charm—or heart-shredding scorn—at a moment's notice. Starting over in a new town after her parents' split isn't easy for Tess, and Micah feels like her first real connection. But what happens when their bond suddenly feels like shackles? And Micah starts to remind Tess of her freakishly controlling father?

With Albatross, Josie Bloss takes her storytelling in a new direction by exploring the dark side of relationships.

I know we ALL love our bad boys. And so of course, so does Tess. And while the relationship between Tess and Micah doesn't seem like it'll go too well from the description... it makes Albatross sound all the more interesting!

Plus I love the cover, don't you? The silhouette of the vine of flowers with the boy's face... very striking. I like the white/green colour combination too!

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

- Alex

Waiting on Wednesday (15)

Uh yeah, missed last week's. Was out most of the day with friends and was too tired to do the post. BUT now that we've discovered how to schedule posts (can you tell we're excited? XD) hopefully that will never happen again!

Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs
Publishing date: May 2010
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Goodreads | Amazon
Description:
Lily Sanderson has a secret, and it’s not that she has a huge crush on gorgeous swimming god Brody Bennett, who makes her heart beat flipper-fast. Unrequited love is hard enough when you’re a normal teenage girl, but when you’re half human, half mermaid like Lily, there’s no such thing as a simple crush.

Lily’s mermaid identity is a secret that can’t get out, since she’s not just any mermaid – she’s a Thalassinian princess. When Lily found out three years ago that her mother was actually a human, she finally realized why she didn’t feel quite at home in Thalassinia, and she’s been living on land and going to Seaview high school ever since, hoping to find where she truly belongs. Sure, land has its problems – like her obnoxious, biker boy neighbor Quince Fletcher – but it has that one major perk – Brody. The problem is, mermaids aren’t really the casual dating type – when they “bond,” it’s for life.

When Lily’s attempt to win Brody’s love leads to a tsunami-sized case of mistaken identity, she is in for a tidal wave of relationship drama, and she finds out, quick as a tailfin flick, that happily-ever-after never sails quite as smoothly as you planned.

Alright, so I've never actually read Oh. My. Gods. or Goddess Boot Camp, but I've been meaning to! Forgive My Fins sounds a little like The Little Mermaid- which I LOVE since The Little Mermaid is one of my favourite fairy tales.

Oh, and isn't the cover so pretty? I love the colours! The only thing I don't really like is the model's lips. The blue colour scares me a little. I think I would rather it be pink like the title.

Waiting on Wednesday (14) + HELP US!

Hey readers! Can you help us? We need YOUR help. Help for what you ask? Well, two things. We've started to do some new memes- Factual Fridays and ______ Tuesdays.

For Factual Fridays, we want you, dear readers, to ask us questions! They can be ANYTHING. Anything at all. Well no, not really. Ask questions we can answer, please. But they can be silly, or deep, or typical questions like "what is your favourite colour?" To make it worth your while, we'll give you extra points in our upcoming contest! So please, go here and ask us questions!

_______ Tuesdays, is a new meme hosted by Lauren (I know! Shocker right! Lauren doing a meme!) We need YOUR opinion on what to call the meme! We really are at a loss. If you comment and vote there, we'll also give you extra entries in our upcoming contest!

Wow, we'd better make this contest good. :P


And so, onto Waiting on Wednesday!

Split by Swati Avasthi
Publisher: Knopf BFYR
Publishing Date: March 9, 2010
Goodreads Amazon

Description:
Sixteen-Year-Old Jace Witherspoon arrives at the doorstep of his estranged brother Christian with a re-landscaped face (courtesy of his father’s fist), $3.84, and a secret.

He tries to move on, going for new friends, a new school, and a new job, but all his changes can’t make him forget what he left behind—his mother, who is still trapped with his dad, and his ex-girlfriend, who is keeping his secret.

At least so far.

Worst of all, Jace realizes that if he really wants to move forward, he may first have to do what scares him most: He may have to go back. First-time novelist Swati Avasthi has created a riveting and remarkably nuanced portrait of what happens after. After you’ve said enough, after you’ve run, after you’ve made the split—how do you begin to live again? Readers won’t be able to put this intense page-turner down.

Now doesn't that sound good? I've read books with abusive parents and in the end, the kid fights back, but never a book where it's after the kid does so! Veeery interesting. Plus, his name is Jace! I've falled in love with that name ever since I read The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare a few years back. :D

Waiting on Wednedsay is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine! What are all of your picks this week?

Waiting on Wednesday (13)

Vintage Veronica by Erica S. Perl

publishing date: March 9, 2010
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Goodreads | Amazon

Veronica Walsh is 15, fashion-minded, fat, and friendless. Her summer job in the Consignment Corner section (Employees Only!) of a vintage clothing store is a dream come true. There Veronica can spend her days separating the one-of-a-kind gem garments from the Dollar-a-Pound duds, without having to deal with people. But when two outrageous yet charismatic salesgirls befriend her and urge her to spy on and follow the mysterious and awkward stock boy Veronica has nicknamed the Nail, Veronica’s summer takes a turn for the weird. Suddenly, what began as a prank turns into something else entirely. Which means Veronica may have to come out of hiding and follow something even riskier for the first time: her heart.

Now does that not sound cute, or what? I actually really like the name Veronica (might be my love for Archie comics) and I LOVE that she works at a vintage fashion store. I'm very jealous- that would be such a neat job, second only to working at a bookstore. I'm curious about how bad this prank gets, and also Veronica growing up and learning.

Plus, that cover is adorable. Minus the skirt of the dress though. It reminds me too much of a sea creature or poof that you use in the shower.

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Waiting on Wednesday (12)

Voices of Dragons by Carrie Vaughn

Publishing date: March 1/16, 2010 (Goodreads says one, Amazon the other
Publisher: HarperTeen
Goodreads | Amazon

On one side of the border lies the modern world: the internet, homecoming dances, cell phones. On the other side dwell the ancient monsters who spark humanity’s deepest fears: dragons.

Seventeen-year-old Kay Wyatt knows she’s breaking the law by rock climbing near the border, but she’d rather have an adventure than follow the rules. When the dragon Artegal unexpectedly saves her life, a secret friendship grows between them—even though the fragile truce that has maintained peace between their two species is unraveling around them. As tensions mount and battles begin, Kay and Artegal are caught in the middle. Can their friendship change the course of a war?

In her young adult debut, New York Times bestselling author Carrie Vaughn presents a modern tale of myths and machines and an alliance that crosses a seemingly unbridgeable divide.

The book actually has a cover! It's partially why I picked this book actually, instead of another. I got tired of not having covers for books.

Alright, does this not sound soooo good? I admit, I'm a big fan of dragons. Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke, Eragon by Christopher Paolini, I loved them all as a child, and still do. (Granted, I'm only a couple years above child, but really, whatever.) There's something about dragons that I've always found so magical, and well, you have to admit, with all the paranormal romances and fantasies around, there haven't been any with dragons. It might have something to do that maybe humans and dragons don't really fall in love. That would be weird...

Kay sounds like an interesting, curious, and brave heroine. I can't tell if the dragon, Artegal, is female or male from the name, but I think the dragon's and Kay's relationship would definitely be good.

I also really like how the dragons live parallel to a modern world. I'm interested in seeing how mordern inventions would play a part in the book. At least, I really hope they do have a big part. For instance, Eragon's set in some fantasy world (I think?) with no modern inventions. So I think it's really great to have dragons and now everyday tools like the Internet combine.

So that's my pick for the week! What about all of you?

Waiting on Wednesday (11)

Smirnoff's Daughter by Margie Gelbwasser

Once again, no cover. D: I seem to just lately pick tenners who don't have covers yet...

Publishing date: September 1, 2010
Publisher: Flux
Goodreads |
Description:
Alyssa Bondar’s world is falling apart. She has just entered her sophomore year at Glenfair High, the only place to hang out is behind the CVS, Keith her cross-country crush keeps sending her mixed signals, and her best friend Lana has started the school year with large breasts and a sexy attitude–-attracting the attention of the most popular kids in the school, a group Alyssa clearly doesn’t fit into.

Alyssa’s Jewish, like most of Glenfair, but since she’s also Russian, Alyssa feels even more separated from other teens. How many other Jewish families have a New Year’s tree with ornaments? On top of all this, Alyssa’s once stable home environment has become chaotic.

Alyssa is used to alcohol accompanying every meal and event in the Russian culture. But when Alyssa’s mother loses her job, the usual drink or two changes into a full-time happy hour. While Alyssa's father uses news reports of war unrest in the Middle East as his escape from reality, Alyssa is left to pick up the pieces of her shattered family alone. As her mother’s alcoholism gets worse, Alyssa must decide how much she can and should handle before she crumbles as well.

All right, I actually kind of did pick this book for this WoW post because of the title. "Smirnoff's Daughter" makes me think of "Smurf's Daughter" which makes me think of "Smurf penis" which makes me think of How I Met Your Mother. XD Anyone else watch that show? It's hilarious.

Actually, I don't know where the title comes from. I'm trying to figure it out... But the main character's last name is Bondar, not Smirnoff. Now I want to read the book to find out. But it doesn't come out until more than a year... D:

And doesn't the description sound fabulous? Granted, I'm not into reading about religion, but I think the alcoholism negates it for me. That sounds weird. I mean to say, I want to read about alcoholism to learn about it. And she's Russian. Um, awesome much? (I'm from Canada and anything further than the US seems exotic. :P)

That little line of maybe romance has me hooked, too. "Keith her cross-country crush keeps sending her mixed signals".

Honestly, September of next year is too far away. And September of this year is too close: School. 'Nuff said. Although I want the September 09 books. Just not school... argh.

Anyway, that's mine for this week. Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

- Alex

Waiting On Wednesday (10)

Almost Perfect by Brian Katcher

Release date: October 13, 2009
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young
Goodreads | Amazon

Description:
Logan Witherspoon recently discovered that his girlfriend of three years cheated on him. But things start to look up when a new student breezes through the halls of his small-town high school. Sage Hendricks befriends Logan at a time when he no longer trusts or believes in people. Sage has been homeschooled for a number of years and her parents have forbidden her to date anyone, but she won’t tell Logan why. One day, Logan acts on his growing feelings for Sage. Moments later, he wishes he never had. Sage finally discloses her big secret: she’s actually a boy. Enraged, frightened, and feeling betrayed, Logan lashes out at Sage and disowns her. But once Logan comes to terms with what happened, he reaches out to Sage in an attempt to understand her situation. But Logan has no idea how rocky the road back to friendship will be.

I think it just sounds interesting, you know? Completely different from anything I've ever read, different from the numerous paranormal and fantasy books out. I'm assuming Sage is a transgender or something of the like. I really don't have much, or any, knowledge of such a topic, so I think it would be so great to read about.

Also, the cover is just so entrancing. I think it's really pretty. In a not so pretty way. It's an ugly pretty, let's leave it at that.

Waiting On Wednesday (9)

So this week is a tenner. I'm starting to really love tenners. I just look the site for ages. XD There's so many great sounding books, it was difficult to choose. This week, however, I chose:

Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly

Doctors have pinned 16-year-old Drea Horvath with everything from ADHD to Asperger’s Syndrome. She has an obsession with sound design, a tendency to blurt out whatever she’s thinking, and a problem making friends, but likes to think of this as following her own rhythm in a confusing world.

Drea is hesitant to befriend purple-haired Naomi Quinn, her teenage neighbor with a kamikaze personality. But Naomi is the first person to treat her like she isn’t a world class dork. Then there’s Justin Rocca, the persistent boy in her film class who has a comeback for every snide remark she makes. If she has learned anything from her mom, it’s that boys are trouble.

Still, Drea bonds with both of them when she discovers Naomi's love for drums and Justin's piano prodigy status, and the three form a trip-hop band. Fearing that her new friends will find out about her disabilities, Drea makes up stories about boyfriends she never had--all in an effort to seem 'normal'. Then Justin reveals a disturbing secret about his past, and Naomi runs away with her drug dealer ex-boyfriend--a guy she swore she'd cut out of her life. When Drea finds Naomi unconscious in an abandoned house, she questions what 'normal' really means.

Once again, no cover. :( Although there is a pretend cover that Tara Kelly made herself to look at in the mean time. To see it, just go to Tara Kelly's livejournal.

Why do I want this book? Many reasons. Drea sounds like an amazing character- different, bluntly honest with no filter, socially inadequate. Bands and music books are great too. So combine a character like Drea with music and I'm completely on board. Come on, what's not to love? It sounds so great!

And of course, Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.