Armchair BEA 2013: Introductions

Welcome to Armchair BEA 2013! Well, I say that. But what I really mean is that I'm participating again this year! For those who don't know what Armchair BEA is; well, think Book Expo America with lots of bloggers, posts, some prizes, and from the comfort of your armchair (or desk, etc.).

As it's day one of Armchair BEA the theme is introductions. What does that mean? Prepare yourself, you might learn something new about Gianne and I. Or, well, maybe you'll re-learn some things. Who can say?

So to the people visiting the blog for the first time? Welcome! To those who are returning or are already familiar with it? Welcome back!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? How long have you been blogging? Why did you get into blogging? 

Kristin: Why hello there! My name is Kristin and I've been blogging for a little over two and a half years now. (It really doesn't feel like it's been that long though.) I got into blogging back in late 2010 when I decided that it would be an awesome way to talk about books and meet people who share my taste in books. (Spoiler alert: It worked!) I've met some really, really awesome people by blogging and I can't imagine not blogging now. (Although okay, I've been pretty quiet on the blog lately--sorry! That's changing really, really soon though. I swear.)

Gianne: Hiiiii! I'm Gianne, and I've been on-and-off blogging for about two years as well (albeit different blogs and such.) I've been on invisible mode ever since I joined over here on this blog (I'M SO BAD GOODNESS) mainly because of school. I got into blogging through social networking AKA Twitter! I was inspired to blog my own opinions on books after fangirling with my online friends about books on a daily basis. Hehe.

Where in the world are you blogging from?

Kristin: I blog--and live--in California. As in Southern California. As in five to ten minutes from the beach. Er, but that really depends on traffic. If I were to be a little more specific I'd tell you that I live in the Los Angeles area--although I'm south of Los Angeles and live in a city that has an awesome independent bookstore. 

Gianne: I could never be too far from my twin/co-blogger/best-fraaan, so obviously I live in California too~ Just an hour and a half away from Kristin!

Have you previously participated in Armchair BEA? What brought you back for another year? If you have not previously participated, what drew you to the event? 

Kristin: I have! This is actually my third year participating and I really love stopping by other blogs to see what other bloggers have to say about the theme and questions each day.

Gianne: NEEVERRRR have I participated in this! Kristin was like, "Hey person who dropped off the face of the planet because of school, you should do Armchair BEA okay or else we not friendz no more" (Just kidding, Kristin didn't go all thug on me.)

What are you currently reading, or what is your favorite book you have read so far in 2013? 

Kristin: I'm in the process of reading Resist by Sarah Crossan right now. As for my favorite book of 2013? I swear you're asking me an impossible question. I am completely expecting to stop by other blogs today and *face palm* as I quietly go, "How could I forget to add that book to my list of favorites!?" I loved The Bitter Kingdom by Rae Carson, The Archived by Victoria Schwab, and Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo.

Gianne: I feel really ashamed to say I'm not reading anything at the moment. *cries* However, there was one particular book I enjoyed reading this year but I can't remember anything about the title right now, except for the fact it was a really long title. *nods*

Tell us one non-book-related thing that everyone reading your blog may not know about you. 

Kristin: I am very good at playing stylist. (As in helping people pick out clothes.) But I have to know your personal style pretty well. Secretly, I'm very stylish. I can throw together fun outfits, chic ones, and event appropriate looks. I also really enjoy dressing that way but haven't lately. (And I can't use eyeshadow to save my life. There's that.)

Gianne: WOW, I can't think of anything off the top of my head. Um, okay, we'll just go with that I like to watch anime a lot a lot a lot a lot, and I'm a fashion/makeup junkie. <3

Name your favorite blog(s) and explain why they are your favorite(s). 

Kristin: I can't really explain why my favorite blogs are favorites. Well, okay; it's because of the bloggers behind them (and their opinions on books). There's Why Ava Reads, Katie's Book Blog, and Adventures of a Book Junkie.

Gianne: UM UM UM, I have way too many, but the ones that stand out in my head right now are Reut Reads and Novel Sounds. I've actually subscribed to them through my email, and I always enjoy reading whatever they post because it's just...compelling omg words cannot explain.

Which is your favorite post that you have written that you want everyone to read?

Kristin: I honestly can't think of one and I feel horrible for saying that. What sort of blogger am I!? Actually I'm always really proud of The List which is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. It's a huge list of books that sound like they're right up my alley--from the latest book catalogs.

Gianne: Back up on my old blog, there was this one post I LOVED because I thought it was so clever at the time (I STILL think it's pretty clever today) and it was the post where I stated the "seven deadly reasons" why y'all should read Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins.

If you could eat dinner with any author or character, who would it be and why? 

Kristin: I love that what immediately sprung to mind was dinner with John Green and Neil Gaiman; because let's be honest, how awesome would that be!?

Gianne: AHHH, Kristin, same, I literally thought of those two authors too. Since you already said them though, if I could eat dinner with any CHARACTER, it would have to be one of my book hubbies. I'm a strong supporter of polygamy in regards to book husbands so I CAN'T just pick one! (Though honestly, I would SO want to go on a dinner date with Bones from the Night Huntress Series. He's so perf.)

What literary location would you most like to visit? Why?

Kristin: BEA. Wait, I feel like you knew I was going to say that. Shakespeare and Company (the bookstore) in Paris would be amazing to visit because it looks like the best sort of bookstore. You know, the ones where you're constantly discovering something new even though you've been there time and time again. As for BEA, well, who wouldn't want to go? Hanging out with bookish people is the best thing ever.

Gianne: BEA BEA BEA BEA, hands down.

What is your favorite part about the book blogging community? 

Kristin: The friendships that you make with other bloggers and blog readers. And if I'm being completely honest, the fact that everyone knows what it's like to not have enough room on their bookshelves.

Gianne: Without a doubt, the interactions with other fellow bloggers and readers one would make through social networking. I have met so many amazing people here <3 <3 <3 ... like Kristin. <3 <3 <3

Is there anything that you would like to see change in the coming years?

Kristin: Nothing I can think of!

Gianne: Downloadable food, actually that doesn't make sense, but yeah, disregard me.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Celaena is a master assassin, one who was sentenced to Endovier and the salt mines for life--or rather, as long as she could survive there. When the Crown Prince of Adarlan pays her a visit and offers her an opportunity to win her freedom, Celaena agrees. Now she'll fight to become the King's Champion and win her freedom; however, someone (or something) has been killing off candidates and there's something dark behind the murders.

Read this if: you like female characters who seriously kick butt (and can hold their own), a well balanced love triangle, and a story set in a world where magic is outlawed (in the kingdom).

It's hard not to like Celaena. I mean, she's a master assassin and really not to be messed with. If I were to get into a fight, she's definitely someone I'd want to have at my back. Asides from that, you do learn about (some of) her past and I really think it adds to her character (as it should). But she's not the only girl in Throne of Glass who is capable of kicking butt. I'm pretty sure that Princess Nehemia could more than hold her own. As for who she is, well, you'll have to read Throne of Glass to find that out.

Then there's the boys. Let's be clear here, it's hard to pick one but I certainly wouldn't mind taking whatever boy Celaena doesn't choose off of her hands. Although now that I think about it, that might be a problem if she doesn't choose either of them which is certainly a possibility. Having said that, if I'm playing favorites then I'd definitely--personally--pick Prince Dorian. Yes, you heard me, I'd choose the Crown Prince of Adarlan and no, it's not because he's the prince. Okay, maybe a little. But he's charming, witty, and it certainly doesn't hurt that he's handsome. On the other hand you've got Chaol, Captain of the Royal Guard, who is the more serious of the two. He's a bit more rugged looking and secretly, I swear he's a teddy bear. Don't get me wrong, a teddy bear who would follows the rules. He's softhearted at times, but more than capable of doing his job.

As for the plot? I was quite happy with it! There was always enough to keep my interest and I loved how the fantasy element was worked in--yet did not overwhelm any other aspect of the story. In short, if you still haven't read Throne of Glass yet but have been looking for someone to encourage you a little, this is me encouraging you. I'm definitely looking forward to reading Crown of Midnight in August.

P.S. Did I mention that the paperback version of Throne of Glass came out two days ago? Yes, that's right, it came out on May 7th. Thoughts on the new cover?

★★★★ and a half.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Release Date: August 7, 2012

Edition: Hardcover

* Won via Throne of Glass Facebook page.

The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

This is the second book in a series. If you haven't read The Immortal Rules yet and want to avoid spoilers, this would be the time to stop reading.

Allison's hunt for her maker, Kanin, and the crazed vampire, Sarren (who kidnapped him) will lead her back home and unearth something terrible, a new strain of Red Lung.

Alright, I feel like I should mention this and get it out of the way: there is not a ton of romantic action in The Eternity Cure. I'm assuming that we're aware of the fact that the action (and adventure) aspects of this series are what makes it so fun to read, but I'm tossing that out there just in case.

There's a lot going on in The Eternity Cure despite the deceptively simple sounding plot. There's Sarren seeking the labs for some reason, Kanin who Allison is trying to find (and save), Zeke who has been quite busy, and I'm going to stop myself right there. Definitely not the extent of The Eternity Cure, but enough to give you an idea of what's going on. You can expect to meet two different vampire Princes, see more of the group of humans living in the sewers, run into a ton of familiar faces, and the ending? Well, expect to flail (at least a little).

Honestly, that's probably my favorite part of The Eternity Cure, getting to see more of Allison's world. You'll also learn more about certain character relationships and character motivations. Also, while Allison does develop (as a character) somewhat, I feel like it took quite a while. We won't get me started on Stick (who I would like to beat over the head with a stick). Trust me, you'll see.

Overall, if you've read The Immortal Rules and need the extra push to pick up The Eternity Cure, I'm giving you that push right now. It didn't really feel--to me--like it suffered from middle book syndrome.

★★★★ and a half.

The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Release Date: April 30, 2013

Edition: e-ARC

* Received for review via publisher and NetGalley.

The Collector by Victoria Scott

Dante is good at collecting souls. So good, in fact, that the Boss Man sends him to collect Charlie Cooper's soul. The catch? He only has ten days to do it and getting Charlie to sin isn't going to be easy.

Dante is definitely a bad boy. He has no qualms about doing his job and tagging souls. Honestly? That's a part of what makes The Collector so fun to read. Because he's just so unprepared for Charlie despite being so confident in his abilities. Why? Well, she's just so innocent that he really has his work cut out for him! In that sense, she really rattles him--which is ultimately what initiates his inner turmoil (regarding taking her soul).

But the best part of The Collector? It's how Dante evolves as a character. I won't say anymore than that about the plot though. There's demons, angels, soul collectors and their counterpart (soul liberators), and the possibility of war looming--as it does. Plus Charlie's friends, Blue and Annabelle? They're pretty awesome too. I mean, they stick by Charlie's side, stick up for her, and they're sort of adorably protective of her. I feel like I don't know enough about Max and Valery yet to really talk about them; so I'll save that for when I've read the next book. 

So there you have it. If you've been thinking about giving The Collector a go, I'd definitely recommend it. And really? It was definitely refreshingly different. It's not like he's instantly taken with Charlie.

Read this if: You like bad boys. You like romances. You like stories involving souls, angels, and demons. You enjoy watching the main character grow (as a person).

★★★★

The Collector by Victoria Scott

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Release Date: April 2, 2013

Edition: e-ARC

Received for review via publisher and NetGalley.

The List: Fall 2013

It's that time again!

For those of you who have never seen me do this before, The List is comprised of YA titles coming out (next season) that have caught my eye. You can consider this a way to see what's coming out--if you'd rather not go through the catalogs yourself--and to add books to your TBR lists.

Please note: All release dates and covers are accurate as of the day this post goes live. Not all releases are listed--only those that have caught my eye. Also, not all the books on the list have covers at this time.

Finally, Simon & Schuster titles are missing from the list. When their fall catalog goes up, I will add in their titles at the bottom of the list.

* denotes a book that I'm particularly excited about.

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

I feel like I've been waiting for a reason to pick up--and finally read--I Hunt Killers. It's been on my radar since its release last year; but for some reason, it just didn't jump out at me at the time. However, now that I've seen so many rave reviews? Well, I decided to give it a go.

By now, I'm sure you know the plot. Jazz is the son of Billy Dent, a serial killer, and when a dead body ends up in a field in his town, he wants to help catch the killer. But G William, the local sheriff, doesn't want his help. After all, Jazz is just a teenager, even if he is the son of the infamous Billy Dent.

I'm pretty neutral about I Hunt Killers, to be honest. I definitely liked it, but I feel like I expected more from the killer. The plot does definitely pick up in the second half of the book and the ending definitely sets things up for Game; but I feel like it was missing that extra oomph I needed to really make me devour the book.

However, it did do a great job of introducing the characters. There's Howie, the hemophiliac, who is Jazz's best friend and tries to be as useful as he can be. Connie, on the other hand, is definitely a force to be reckoned with. She's Jazz's girlfriend and I couldn't help but like her. But the character that stood out the most for me? Well, that would be Billy Dent. Why? It has more to do with his personality and his voice in the book really. Sure, he's a serial killer, but that's not what makes his voice stand out. If you've already read I Hunt Killers, I imagine you know what I mean. On the other hand, if you haven't read the book yet, you'll see what I mean.

In all, I liked I Hunt Killers, but I wasn't as madly in love with it as I thought I'd be. However, that ending sealed the deal for me, I'm definitely reading Game. If you're on the fence about reading I Hunt Killers, I'd definitely suggest that you give it a go.

★★★★

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga 

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Release Date: April 3, 2012

Edition: e-copy

* Purchased on my own.

When We Wake by Karen Healey

When Tegan wakes up, she has no idea where she is or how she's gotten there. But she's been informed--by a doctor--that over a century has passed and that she's been brought back to life after being cryogenically frozen. But the future isn't all it's cracked up to be and more importantly, the military is hiding something big. How big? Massive.

It's awkward being the girl from the past. Just ask Tegan. Most everyone is on a vegetarian diet, computers are flexible and flat, EarRings work as phones, and oh, there's a boy in her class who happens to bear a strong resemblance to her boyfriend (from before her freeze), Dalmar. Granted, of course, the boy--Abdi--is definitely not Dalmar; nor is he very happy about Tegan calling him Dalmar. There's also a religious group that thinks Tegan should kill herself because her being brought back to life couldn't possibly be a part of God's will. Oh, and another group who thinks that she should be deported because she couldn't possibly still be considered to be an Australian citizen. You know, having been dead.

There's also Bethani, the first friend that Tegan makes in the future, who is an aspiring journalist. And my personal favorite secondary character, Joph, who has a bright future as a chemist and although she takes naps during class, actually has a lot going on. There's more to Joph than that, but I'll leave that for you to learn about when you read When We Wake. But trust me, there are many reasons to like Joph. I mean, honestly, I just really liked the entire cast of characters.

But at the same time, I feel like When We Wake is one of those books that I want to gently shake in the hopes that more pages will magically appear. I have no idea if there's going to be a second book; but with an ending like that, I really hope that there will be one. It just feels like there's more left to tell and I really hope that there is--mostly because I really want to spend more time with When We Wake's cast of characters.

Would I recommend When We Wake to you? If the idea of a cyrogenically frozen girl waking up in the future--in Australia--sounds appealing to you, definitely! When We Wake was a fun read featuring a unique future that I can see other readers enjoying.

Overall Rating: ★★★★

When We Wake by Karen Healey

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Release Date: March 5, 2013

Edition: e-copy

* Received for review via publisher and NetGalley.