Saturday 6 March 2010

In My Mailbox (23)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren. Check out her awesome YA reviews.

Paper Towns by John GreenPaper Towns by John Green

Who is the real Margo? Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs into his life - dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge - he follows. After their all-nighter ends and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. She has disappeared. Q soon learns that there are clues in her disappearance ...and they are for him. Trailing Margo's disconnected path across the USA, the closer Q gets, the less sure he is of who he is looking for. From Amazon UK


The Summer that Changed Everything by Ann BrasharesThe Summer that Changed Everything by Ann Brashares

Three girls. One summer. Their friendship to salvage ...Ama, desperate to live up to her family's expectations, finds herself on an outdoor adventure summer camp. Can she stick it out or will this be the first time in her life she's ever failed anything? Tomboy, loner Polly discovers that her grandmother used to be a model and decides she's going to follow in her footsteps - even if it means starving herself to get thin. Jo's parents' are still grieving the death of her older brother and she's stuck in the middle of their messy divorce. She's got her own problems this summer too - has she made a mistake by turning her back on her old friends? Having let their friendship fade, can these three girls, with their three very different lives, struggle through the summer without each other, or will they realise they've made a mistake? From Amazon UK


Hex Hall by Rachel HawkinsHex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

In the wake of a love spell gone horribly wrong, Sophie Mercer, a sixteen-year-old witch, is shipped off to Hecate Hall, a boarding school for witches, shapeshifters and faeries. The traumas of mortal high school are nothing compared to the goings on at "Freak High." It's bad enough that she has to deal with a trio of mean girls led by the glamorous Elodie, but it's even worse when she begins to fall for Elodie's gorgeous boyfriend, Archer Cross, and frankly terrifying that the trio are an extremely powerful coven of dark witches. But when Sophie begins to learn the disturbing truth about her father, she is forced to face demons both metaphorical and real, and come to terms with her own growing power as a witch. From Amazon UK


Twisting the Truth by Judy Waite

Elsa tells herself that it was just a little white lie - all to get her mum's boyfriend off her back when she was late home. But now Amy, a girl from school, has gone missing and a man who may be innocent has been arrested. Can Elsa get herself out of this mess? And who really abducted Amy? Gripping thriller. From BarringtonStoke.co.uk


Won from Dark Faerie Tales:

Something Like Fate by Susane ColasantiSomething Like Fate by Susane Colasanti

Best friends Lani and Erin couldn’t be more different. Lani’s reserved and thoughtful; Erin’s bubbly and outgoing. Lani likes to do her own thing; Erin prefers an entourage. There’s no possible way they could be interested in the same guy.

So when Erin starts dating Jason, Lani can’t believe she feels such a deep connection with him—and it may be mutual. The more Lani fights it, the more certain she feels that it’s her fate to be with Jason. But what do you do when the love of your life is the one person you can’t have?
From Amazon US


Dirty Little Secrests by C. J. OmololuDirty Little Secrests by C. J. Omololu

Everyone has a secret. But Lucy’s is bigger and dirtier than most. It’s one she’s been hiding for years—that her mom’s out-of-control hoarding has turned their lives into a world of garbage and shame. She’s managed to keep her home life hidden from her best friend and her crush, knowing they’d be disgusted by the truth. So, when her mom dies suddenly in their home, Lucy hesitates to call 911 because revealing their way of life would make her future unbearable—and she begins her two-day plan to set her life right.

With details that are as fascinating as they are disturbing, C. J. Omololu weaves an hour-by-hour account of Lucy’s desperate attempt at normalcy. Her fear and isolation are palpable as readers are pulled down a path from which there is no return, and the impact of hoarding on one teen’s life will have readers completely hooked.
From Amazon US


Captivate by Carrie JonesCaptivate by Carrie Jones

Zara and her friends knew they hadn't solved the pixie problem for good. Far from it. The king's needs grow deeper every day he's stuck in captivity, while his control over his people becomes weaker. It's made him vulnerable. And now there's a new king in town. A turf war is imminent. The new pixie king is moving in quickly. He swears that he and Zara are destined to be together, that he's one of the good guys. Zara isn't so sure. Despite herself, she wants to trust the new king, but there's a lot more than her relationship with boyfriend Nick at stake. It's her life - and his. From Amazon UK


Falling In by France O’Roark DowellFalling In by France O’Roark Dowell

B z z z z z z z
The buzzing sound?
Do you hear that?
There it is again.
B z z z z z z z

No? Well, I really shouldn't have asked. Most people can't hear it, anyway. But, if you could, you'd think it sounds like you're teetering on the edge of the universe. That's what Isabelle Bean thinks...and she's not that far from the truth.

B z z z z z z z
You really don't hear that?
Well, it's actually not that great to have a buzzing in your ear. It's distracting for one thing. And when Isabelle starts listening to the buzz instead of, say, her boring teacher, strange things happen. She gets sent to the principal's office (that's not so strange), but then while awaiting her punishment, she tumbles into an adventure—into another world that's a little bit different, a little bit Hansel & Gretel-y, a little bit like a fairy tale, which would be great, but...did I mention that Isabelle is an unusual dresser? When she shows up in fairy-tale land wearing her favorite high, pointy boots, the fairy-tale people start thinking that Isabelle is a witch -- and not just any witch, but the witch!
From Edgar Award-winning author Frances O'Roark Dowell comes the unlikely story of Isabelle Bean—an ultimate misfit, an outsider extraordinaire, and not a witch!
From Amazon US


The Dark Devine by Bree DespainThe Dark Devine by Bree Despain

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.
From Amazon US
Plus The Dark Devine swag; lots of bookmarks, stickers, and nail varnish! Thanks Angela!

Bought:

Diary of a Crush: French Kiss by Sarra ManningDiary of a Crush: French Kiss by Sarra Manning - Not my cover, but couldn't find a big enough one.

New town, new college, new people, Edie's feeling overwhelmed. What if nobody wants to be her friend? But then something happens that turns her life upside down: Edie spots Dylan. Messy-haired, pouty, frustratingly elusive Dylan. It's love at first sight!

Fast forward to the college trip to Paris and things are really hotting up. In between the shopping, the clubbing, the kissing and the making up, something happens between Edie and Dylan that changes both their lives for ever...But do toxic boys like Dylan ever play for keeps?
From Amazon UK


Along for the Ride by Sarah DessenAlong for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Auden has always felt like the odd one out. Since her parents' divorce she's shied away, studying lots and staying out of the party scene. But now Auden's realized there must be something more and, just like that, she changes everything. Moving to her dad's house opens up a whole new world of beach parties, food fights - and simply having fun. As she gets to know herself - and a secretive boy with dark, brooding eyes - can Auden begin to let go and finally feel like she truly belongs? From Amazon UK


Stargirl by Jerry SpinelliStargirl by Jerry Spinelli

She’s as magical as the desert sky. As mysterious as her own name. Nobody knows who she is or where she’s from. But everyone loves her for being different. And she captures Leo’s heart with just one smile. STARGIRL is a classic of our time that celebrates being true to ourselves and the thrill of first love. A life-changing read that touches souls of all ages. From Amazon UK


Nicholas Dane by Melvin Burgess

His most substantial book to date, this compelling story of a teenager caught in a corrupt 1980s Care Home is a powerful study of a particularly highly-charged and distressing subject. Handled with great sensitivity and engrossing narrative drive, it is an important addition to the understanding of how childcare can go so wrong. When Nick's mother dies suddenly and unexpectedly, the 14 year old is sent straight into a boys' home, where he finds institutional intimidation and violence keep order. After countless fights and punishments, Nick thinks life can't get any worse - but the professionally respected deputy head, Mr. Creal, who has been grooming him with sweets and solace, has something much more sinister in mind. Nick has no choice but to escape. Living on the run, he falls in with a modern Fagin, a cheerful Rasta who fences stolen credit cards and car stereos. The scarring, shaming experience he suffered at the hands of Mr. Creal can never quite be suppressed, and when the old hatred surfaces, bloody murder and revenge lead to an unforgettable climax. From Amazon UK


Witch Child by Celia ReesWitch Child by Celia Rees

When Mary sees her grandmother accused of witchcraft and hanged for the crime, she is silently hurried to safety by an unknown woman. The woman gives her tools to keep the record of her days - paper and ink. Mary is taken to a boat in Plymouth and from there sails to the New World where she hopes to make a new life among the pilgrims. But old superstitions die hard and soon Mary finds that she, like her grandmother, is the victim of ignorance and stupidity, and once more she faces important choices to ensure her survival. With a vividly evoked environment and characters skilfully and patiently drawn, this is a powerful literary achievement by Celia Rees that is utterly engrossing from start to finish. From Amazon UK


A very happy girl, I am! Check out Ink and Paper for the adult fantasy novels I received this week.

27 comments:

  1. lol I'm amused by the pink UK cover of stargirl. 8D I personally really enjoyed The Dark Divine. Have fun reading~

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  2. OMG so many fabulous books!!! Someone just told me I should read Need & Captivate, so I'm adding them to my list :) The Summer That Changed Everything looks awesome. That series is fabulous.

    Happy Reading Jo!

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  3. Ah Yuan - Thank you! Why amused? What's the US cover look like? I'm looking forward to both The Dark Devine and Stargirl! :)

    Bella - Cheers! Need is awesome, so I'm glad to have won Captivate ) The Summer That Changed Everything does look good. I'm looking forward to them both! :D

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  4. Aw, Ann Brashares! I loved her first two books of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series, though I didn't read the last one, which is so expensive here, and didn't like the third so much. I am wanting to read The Summer that Changed Everything, Hex Hall & The Dark Divine. The Summer that Changed Everything's UK cover is SO MUCH MORE beautiful than the US one! Loved it! Enjoy them all!

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  5. Hex Hall!! Oh god, does that mean finished copies are in?! Must contain myself... eeeeee!

    Okay, sorry about that. Great week, and enjoy!

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  6. Raíla - I've not read any of Ann Brashares Travelling Pants series, or any of her novels, so I don't know if I'll enjoy it or not,but I do like the sound of it! As well as Hex Hall and The Dark Divine, I've been wnting to read them gar ages! I've not seen the US cover for The Summer that Changed Everything, so I'll take your word for it :

    Jenny - They are in! But I don't know when S&S are sending them out... put Kat let me nick one early! :D I am SO excited to read it! Cheers!

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  7. Oooh, Hex Hall!! How excellent. I'm really excited about the Ann Brashares one too. Haven't read any of hers before but the movie of The Travelling Pants was awesome.

    Again, I'm kind of in awe of how many books you got this week. I can barely keep up with all the books I want to read, and I get a lot less. Go you! :D

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  8. Hahaha! You should see how many books I actually have yet to read. I bought five today, and that was bad. I won 8, and received 4 for review. I'm not too brilliant at keeping up with them all but I don't sweat it.

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  9. You had a really good week this week! I still have to read The Dark Divine, but I did love Along For The Ride (and I love Sarah Dessen's UK covers). I am really jealous that you got Hex Hall though - that is one of my wishlist books, seriously.

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  10. So many wonderful books! I'm looking forward to hearing what you think of them all. (I particularly hope you enjoy Diary of a Crush!) Oh, and I really like the cover of Something Like Fate.

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  11. Wow fab selection! I got Dark Divine this week too & can't wait to read it :o) I'm also very keen to get hold of Hex Hall & I'm curious to see what you think of Dirty Little Secret. Have a great week!

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  12. *Eyes go green as I stare at the screen* Wowie! That is an absolutely gorgeous selection. I have been wanting The Dark Divine for ever and I'm not sure why I haven't bought it. Dirty Little Secrets, Hex Hall, Something Like Fate *swooooon* Hope you enjoy them all and I can't wait for your reviews!! :D

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  13. Catherine - Thank you! I am so glad to have won The Dark Devine, I've wanted to read it for ages! Along for the Ride was bought because of a review from Sophie (So Many Books, So Little Time), though I'm not entirely sure I'll enjoy it. I'm willing to give it a go, but it's good to hear someone else likes it! :) Ahh, I am so chuffed to have been allowed to take a copy of Hex Hall early, I have been so excited for this book! S&S UK are lovely people!

    Luisa - Thank you! I'll be reading Diary of a Crush next - after reading Twisting the Truth, which will only take me an hour at most, I think. I really like the cover of Something Like Fate too, it sounds brilliant as well, so I'm looking forward to reading it!

    Sarah - Cheers! Oooh, I've wanted to read The Dark Devine for ages! I'm so looking forward to it! Hex Hall sounds amazing, and I think Dirty Little Secrets sounds intriguing! I'm looking forward to them all :)

    Sasha - Same here, I've been wanting to read The Dark Devine for ages! So glad I now have it! Cheers, Sasha, hope I end up writing some positive reviews for you!

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  14. Wow! There are so many titles there that I would love to read. I really wonder if sleep is that important? LOL

    Enjoy them - cant wait to see your reviews!

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  15. Thank you! Haha! I know what you mean, there's just not enough time! I can't wait to read them all, hope I post some positive reviews for you :)

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  16. Witch Child sounds really good.

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  17. It does! I've been wanting to read it since I read this really good review of it on Misty's blog (Book Rat)

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  18. OMG Hex Hall and Captivate? Yep I'm jealous:) Hope you enjoy them all - really looking forward to your reviews:)

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  19. Thanks! I'm excited to read them both, too! I'm in for a few weeks worth of great reading! :)

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  20. What a fantastic line up of books! There are many authors here I want to explore.

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  21. Awesome list of books! I loved Captivate and Along for the Ride and a lot of your other books are on my TBR list. Have fun reading all your great books!

    Here is what's in my mailbox.

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  22. Fantastic haul this week! Paper Towns is brilliant and so are the Diary of a Crush, Stargirl and Along for the Ride. Hope you enjoy all your amazing books this week!

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  23. Stephanie - Oh, they look so good, don't they? I hope you read something by them at some point and enjoy it/them!

    Christina - Cheers! It's great to hear people have enjoyed books I'm not far off reading, makes me excited to get to them! :)

    Sophie - Thank you! Ooh, that's great to hear! I'm looking forward to reading them all!

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  24. I hope that you will enjoy your books. Here's mine.

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  25. Wow you got a lot of great books! Enjoy!

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